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Highs and lows of 2024 Like every year, 2024 brought along challenges and opportunities A vendor holds a Pakistani flag as he waits for customers beside his stall alongside a street in Islamabad. — AFP/File The Gregorian calendar is not the most ideal litmus test of progress. However, it does provide a meaningful scale to analyse the highs and lows of a state’s journey. As we wrap up 2024, we need to look back and reflect on the events that have shaped the passing year. Like every year, 2024 brought along challenges and opportunities. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); On the economic front, the concluding months of 2023 showed improvements in overall economic indicators. This trend continued in 2024. Inflation figures witnessed a relative decline, dropping to 4.9 per cent, signalling a slight relief after grappling with towering statistics last year. The Pakistani rupee has also remained stable against the US dollar, leading to consumer confidence in the market. Fiscal surplus for the first time in 24 years also marked a milestone. Similarly, in April, the inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) increased by 172 per cent on a year-on-year basis – the highest monthly FDI inflow in 51 months. In the defence, aerospace and technology realms, there were noteworthy advancements. The early part of the year witnessed the induction of the J-10C series, accompanied by indications of potential acquisitions of J-31 and J-35 aircraft. Pakistan achieved a milestone in space exploration by launching its first lunar satellite, i-Cube-Qamar, and the multi-mission communication satellite, PakSAT-MM1, in collaboration with China. Moreover, Pakistan also emerged as the ‘Tech Destination of the Year’ at GITEX Global 2024, Dubai, highlighting its advancements in digital services and innovation. This year’s International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) showcased its advancements in land, sea, and air defence equipment, highlighting the country’s self-sufficiency in various defence sectors. On the diplomatic front, Pakistan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in October, a diplomatic success for the state. Earlier this year, border tensions with Iran made headlines but thankfully eased over time. The de-escalation paved the way for the Iranian president’s visit in April, marking a positive step forward in bilateral relations. In the sports arena, 2024 brought notable moments of celebration. Arshad Nadeem secured Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics, setting a new record of 92.97 metres in the javelin throw. In cricket, Pakistan secured a historic win in the test series against England after nine years and in the One-Day International series against Australia after 22 years. What’s more, our blind cricket team emerged victorious at the Blind T20 Cricket World Cup beating Bangladesh in the finals. The year brought plenty of achievements for the country, but some issues still linger. The political landscape continues to face challenges. Likewise, on the security front, the number of terrorist attacks saw a massive surge, becoming a critical national security threat. The majority of the attacks were concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions that remain hotspots for insurgency. Despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the numbers remain alarmingly high. According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), by November, the country experienced 785 terrorist attacks, resulting in 951 deaths and 966 injuries. Notably, November was the deadliest month, with 68 security personnel embracing martyrdom. The country also encountered several environmental catastrophes due to climate change. In the initial months, a severe flood led to the loss of 35 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and extensive damage to infrastructure in Balochistan. With summer came the heatwave, which impacted Sindh, leading to more than 500 deaths – with 141 deaths on June 25 alone. While floods and heatwaves had a profound impact, winter came with its own difficulties. Smog impacted several parts of the country, disrupting daily life and becoming a critical health hazard with the Air Quality Index crossing 1000 and 2000 multiple times. This year brought moments of triumph but was a test for us in many ways. As the saying goes, ‘Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong’. If nothing else, it is a reminder to stay ahead of the curve - anticipate risks, learn from setbacks and focus on what truly matters. Pareto’s Principle teaches us that a small fraction of causes often drive the majority of outcomes. For Pakistan, identifying these critical factors behind our struggles is key. By honing in on these, we can make smarter decisions and set meaningful priorities for 2025, moving from merely reacting to shaping our future. In 2025, Pakistan must focus on steady progress in the areas that matter most. Tackling terrorism, in particular, calls for fresh thinking with full technology-embedded solutions that not only address the immediate threats but also dig deep into the root causes of extremism. Innovation and adaptability will also be key to overcoming this persistent challenge. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Pakistan must take a proactive stance on the political, economic and diplomatic fronts in 2025, ensuring it remains engaged with key partners and forums in an ever-evolving global landscape. The pace of technological developments and breakthroughs around the world should also serve as a motivation for the state to accelerate advancements in AI, quantum computing, and cyber security. The impact of climate change too is already evident, making it crucial for Pakistan to embrace sustainable, environment-friendly solutions in 2025. Equally important is tapping into the immense talent and potential within the country. Achieving this will require a combined top-down and bottom-up effort to ensure meaningful and lasting results. As we gear up for the New Year, it is time to show gratitude for the blessings this year bestowed upon us – individually and collectively. In parallel, we must remain steadfast against potential challenges that we are confronted with, drawing inspiration from the Quranic verse: ‘So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief.’ (94:5-6) The writer is a researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad. She can be reached at: cass.thinkers@gmail.comA 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says
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PHILADELPHIA, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro this week signed Executive Order 2024-04 , establishing the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expedite the permitting process for major economic development and infrastructure projects. By streamlining project approvals, increasing government transparency, and fostering interagency collaboration, the program aims to make Pennsylvania more competitive as a destination for businesses seeking to invest and grow. The PA Permit Fast Track Program, overseen by the Office of Transformation & Opportunity (OTO), focuses on fast-tracking permits for high-impact projects without compromising the rigorous standards normally applied in the review process. It builds upon the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize permitting, licensing, and certification systems across the Commonwealth. With this new structure in place, Pennsylvania aims to demonstrate that government can operate effectively at the speed of business while driving economic development and job creation. The Fast Track Program is aimed at coordinating activities for complex projects that are central to Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy. Eligible projects include large-scale efforts in infrastructure and economic innovation that require assistance navigating the permitting process across multiple state agencies. This involves scheduling interagency meetings, managing timelines, addressing project milestones, and promoting accountability through a publicly accessible online dashboard. The program draws inspiration from the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s FAST-41 Program and features a similar transparent dashboard, which allows stakeholders to track the progress of permits, view timelines, and monitor feedback from agencies and project sponsors alike. By fostering open communication and accountability, the program aims to reduce costly delays and instill confidence in project sponsors. “When I became Governor, I promised to make state government work efficiently and effectively for Pennsylvanians, breaking down barriers and creating real opportunity for the good people of our Commonwealth,” said Governor Shapiro. “By streamlining permitting processes and focusing on results, we’re not just creating jobs and driving economic growth — we’re getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and putting points on the board. The PA Permit Fast Track Program is a game-changer that enhances coordination and communication between the project sponsor and state agencies to cut through red tape, streamline critical projects, and give businesses the confidence to invest and create jobs here in Pennsylvania.” The PA Permit Fast Track Program was piloted earlier this year with three ambitious projects. One of the projects, the Bellwether District in Philadelphia, served as the backdrop for the signing of Executive Order 2024-04. This 1,300-acre logistics and innovation campus is currently undergoing significant redevelopment, including environmental remediation at the site of the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery. Upon completion, the Bellwether District is anticipated to create 19,000 direct permanent jobs and establish itself as a centerpiece of economic revitalization in the Philadelphia area. Roberto Perez, CEO of the HRP Group, developer for the Bellwether District, highlighted the significance of the partnership between business and government. “Transforming a site of this scale and creating thousands of new jobs requires business, government, labor, and institutions to work together — along with a little imagination and a lot of grit. I firmly believe that together, we will show that in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we can innovate and accomplish big things,” Perez remarked. Two other pilot projects showcase the program’s versatility. Project Hazelnut in Luzerne County is set to develop a 1,300-acre technology campus, which will feature state-of-the-art server rooms, power distribution infrastructure, and connectivity solutions. Additionally, Blair County’s Martinsburg Community Digester project will involve the installation of an anaerobic digester to convert manure from local dairy farms into biogas, aligning agricultural innovation with environmental sustainability. State officials and private-sector leaders alike emphasized the importance of the program in fostering Pennsylvania’s competitive edge. Ben Kirshner, Chief Transformation Officer for OTO, underscored this objective, stating, “Governor Shapiro knows that to win the competition to attract and retain companies and jobs, we need a government that moves at the speed of business. That’s why he made responsive government a core goal of his economic development strategy. The PA Permit Fast Track program is in line with the Governor’s vision and gives us a new tool to deliver coordination, accountability, and transparency for permitting big, complex projects here in the Commonwealth, increasing Pennsylvania’s competitiveness.” Brian Stahl, Vice President of Development at NorthPoint Development, praised the collaborative framework that Fast Track enables. “This Executive Order strengthens the critical partnership between economic development projects and permitting agencies, fostering a streamlined, transparent, and effective process. This collaboration accelerates investments, creates meaningful jobs, generates vital tax revenue, and further strengthens the economy for all Pennsylvanians,” Stahl said. Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia President and CEO Chellie Cameron echoed this sentiment, noting that the program offers businesses the predictability they need to make sound decisions. “When business leaders can rely on accurate forecasting, they can confidently pursue opportunities that create jobs and drive greater economic growth for Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia region,” Cameron explained. The program not only benefits businesses and project sponsors but also supports workers and local economies by expediting projects that promise high-quality job creation. Ryan Boyer, Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, lauded the Governor’s efforts to ensure Pennsylvania remains a top choice for large-scale investments. “Governor Shapiro knows that to create jobs and put the men and women of the Philadelphia building trades to work, we must make Pennsylvania a place where businesses want to invest. Meaningful permitting reform is long overdue, and Governor Shapiro is making it a reality—building on his track record of moving government at the speed of business and supporting an economy that provides good, family-sustaining jobs here in the Philadelphia region and beyond.” With the establishment of the PA Permit Fast Track Program, Pennsylvania becomes the first state to implement a project-based permitting initiative of this scale. The program’s focus on efficiency, transparency, and collaboration demonstrates the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to removing bureaucratic obstacles and fostering an economic environment where businesses, workers, and communities can flourish. By delivering results through innovation and proactive governance, the initiative lays the groundwork for a stronger, more dynamic Commonwealth prepared to compete on a national and global scale. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .Cardinals’ sudden 3-game tailspin has turned their once solid playoff hopes into a long shot