As we step into the New Year, a series of encouraging events have unfolded, bringing hope and optimism on multiple fronts. On 20 January 2025, President Trump made a historic return to the White House. In his inaugural address, he emphasised a commitment to unity and global cooperation. Pakistan’s leadership extended heartfelt congratulations, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing a desire to strengthen the enduring Pakistan-US partnership. This renewed leadership in the US presents an opportunity to bolster bilateral ties on shared goals of peace and prosperity.
In a significant move, a ceasefire has been declared in Gaza, which followed immense human suffering — including tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties, displacement, and infrastructure destruction. The PML-N calls for an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The economy, a cornerstone of PML-N’s agenda, has shown promising signs of stability. Overseas Pakistanis contributed 3.5 billion remittances in December 2024, culminating in a record annual total of 35 billion remittances -– a reflection of renewed confidence in the PML-N government. The State Bank’s decision to reduce the key policy rate to 12 per cent from 13 per cent, paired with inflation dropping to single digits, will alleviate pressures on households and businesses alike. In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives, such as the Livestock Card and Kissan Agriculture Card, have digitised subsidies to ensure farmers receive direct support for seeds and machinery. Her Dhee Rani Programme provides resources to underprivileged couples to start a new life, empowering rural women through vocational training, and innovative prawn farming projects in South Punjab are unlocking new social and economic opportunities.
In a heartening development, Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken steps to improve bilateral relations — a shift from years of frosty ties. In December 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. In November 2024, Pakistan and Bangladesh reestablished direct maritime trade after more than five decades — a significant step toward enhancing bilateral trade and regional integration. This aligns with PML-N’s broader vision of regional stability and brings hope that the two countries will resolve historical grievances.
Sincerely,
Saira Bano
Editor-in-Chief
