Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the distribution of 100,000 free laptops among talented students across the country on merit, during an International Youth Day event in Islamabad on Tuesday. Premier stated that the distribution of these laptops will cover all four provinces, the federal capital Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, and will be based purely on merit, without any nepotism. He added that these laptops would be separate from the scheme for laptops through interest-based loans. Referring to Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the prime minister mentioned that Pakistan’s victory on May 10 against a numerically larger and more boastful enemy had instilled a new vigour in the entire nation. He urged the youth to build on the spirit of this achievement and work hard to bring honour to the country. Earlier, during the ceremony, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashhood, said the government’s merit-based programs for youth had enabled talented and des...
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to factor in Pakistan's ongoing political instability in any future negotiations regarding an economic bailout package. According to sources within PTI who spoke to Reuters, the party has sent a letter to the IMF outlining its position on the matter. While details of the letter have not yet been publicly disclosed, PTI indicates more information will be shared in due course. The IMF has confirmed receiving no such communication as yet. A Fund spokesperson noted last week that the current priority is completion of the existing $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement agreed upon last summer. However, the IMF stated it stands ready to support Pakistan's incoming government through a new program if requested. This comes after PTI Chairman Imran Khan urged the IMF to conduct an independent audit of Pakistan's disputed February general elections prior to approving additional funds. Khan has qu...