In a recent discussion hosted by Raza Rumi, renowned commentator and host, Dr. Manish Dabhade, an academic at Jawaharlal Nehru University, and an expert in diplomacy and international relations, shed light on the factors driving Narendra Modi's popularity and potential return as Prime Minister of India. Narendra Modi's popularity is driven by his track record and promises outlined in the BJP manifesto, focusing on issues like agriculture, infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Modi's governance is perceived as free of corruption, which resonates with voters. Additionally, his proactive approach against corruption garners support. Some experts believe identity politics is gradually losing significance as governance and development take center stage. In terms of foreign policy, Modi aims to position India as a global leader while balancing partnerships with the US and Russia. However, issues with Pakistan remain unresolved due to entrenched positions on both sides, despite occasional diplomatic gestures. #Indianelection2024 #india #narendramodi #bjp #newwaveglobal

Host Nauraiz Rana is in conversation with Steve Hanke, an American economist and professor of applied economics at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. The U.S. economy is experiencing a slowdown, raising concerns about a potential recession. Since March 2022, the money supply has dropped by 3.2%, an unusual decline for the U.S. The Federal Reserve's tightening measures could impact the money supply and the path toward recession. As the U.S. approaches an election year, government spending typically increases. However, the Federal Reserve may hold back on aggressive monetary actions despite the growing fiscal deficit. U.S. support for wars in Ukraine and Gaza is focal aspect. Inflation has risen since President Biden took office, affecting voters' views. The administration may increase antitrust policies and protectionism ahead of the elections. Bitcoin is seen as a high-risk, speculative asset, while gold remains a stable, longstanding currency. Pakistan faces political and economic instability following recent elections and the imprisonment of Imran Khan. Economist Professor Hanke supports Khan's economic reform ideas, which could improve Pakistan's economy if enacted. #newwaveglobal #economy #usa #pakistan #pti #imrankhan #stevehanke #appliedeconomics

Host Nauraiz Rana, an economist at the World Bank, talks with Ubair Javed, an expert in technology and an award-winning avionics engineer passionate about cryptocurrency. They delve into Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, tackling key questions: What exactly is Bitcoin? How does its technology work? What determines its value? And perhaps most importantly, is it here to stay? Ubair expands on the broader concept of blockchain technology, focusing on how governments, especially the US government, view Bitcoin and Ethereum. He explains their classification as commodities and discusses the regulatory challenges they face. The conversation also shifts to the role of institutional investors, particularly BlackRock. Ubair highlights how their involvement impacts the prices of Bitcoin and shares predictions on potential target prices. Additionally, Nauraiz and Ubair explore concepts like Bitcoin dominance and the fair market value of cryptocurrencies. They stress the importance of understanding market dynamics and adopting a diversified investment approach to navigate the cryptocurrency market successfully. #newwaveglobal #bitcoin #technology #ethereum #blackrock #usa #bitcoinnews

Host Misbah Azam is joined by Muneeb Qadir: a lawyer, a human rights activist, women's rights advocate, and author. His latest book, "Paying the Price," focuses on how marginalized groups in Pakistani society suffer due to laws and policies made without their say. The book is divided into four parts, covering topics like religious extremism, women's rights, transgender rights, and class inequality in Pakistan. Muneeb also discusses the recent convictions of individuals linked to PTI for allegedly attacking state institutions. He shares insights into the uncertain future of the current government, considering potential influences from figures like former US President Trump. #newwaveglobal #pakistan #women #pti #trump #humanrights

Host Rabia Mehmood is in conversation with Professor Francis Boyle, an American human rights lawyer and expert in international law. Professor Boyle's extensive experience includes representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and working on the rights of Palestinians. Professor Boyle appreciates Francesca Albanese's report on the genocide in Gaza while condemning accusations of anti-Semitism against her. He emphasizes his long-standing support for Palestinians and criticizes the US for backing Israel despite its violations of international law. The conversation highlights frustrations in global civil society over slow progress on the Palestinian issue, exacerbated by recent non-binding UN Security Council resolutions for a ceasefire. Professor Boyle asserts these resolutions are legally binding and criticizes the US for misinterpreting them. Additionally, he proposed Pakistan's backing for the establishment of an International Criminal Tribunal for Israel, mirroring past tribunals for conflicts like the former Yugoslavia, to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Palestine. Finally, Professor Boyle highlighted the significance of Pakistan supporting Palestine's full membership in the UN. This move could grant Palestine further diplomatic recognition and protection despite past obstacles at the UN Security Council. #newwaveglobal #unitednations #UN #securitycouncil #generalassembly #usa #israel #palestine #icj

As we commemorate Women's History Month, host Amina Saqib sits down with Zebu Jilani, founder of Swat Relief Initiative (SRI), which aims to address the complex challenges faced by the Swat Valley community in Pakistan. Zebu's involvement was spurred by the dire situation in the valley, with millions displaced due to Taliban occupation and subsequent military actions. She emphasizes SRI's unique volunteer-driven model, with all operational costs covered by her family to ensure that every donation directly aids relief efforts. SRI's comprehensive approach spans education, healthcare, women's empowerment, environmental initiatives, and access to clean water. Concrete outcomes include school construction, significant reductions in mortality rates, and empowering women through vocational training. Moreover, SRI fosters community mobilization and participation, ensuring programs align with local needs. Zeu Jalani's hands-on approach ensures financial transparency and accountability, boosting trust among donors. Despite challenges such as patriarchal norms, Jilani remains optimistic about education's transformative impact. SRI's work epitomizes a legacy of service and education in the Swat Valley. #newwaveglobal #pakistan #swat #valley #education #women #womenempowerment #history

Raza Rumi discusses a story reported by CBC, focusing on foreign interference in Canadian elections by Pakistan and India. According to documents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), both countries targeted the 2019 and 2021 elections. In 2019, Pakistani officials in Canada attempted to influence Canadian politics, while in 2021, the Indian government allegedly conducted interference activities in specific electoral districts. These allegations include providing illegal financing support to pro-Indian candidates. The reports caution that the information may be uncorroborated or incomplete, and further investigation is required. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the issue, stating that Canada has taken significant measures to counter foreign interference. While Pakistan's interference aims to promote its interests and counter India's influence, India's alleged actions targeted writings with Indo-Canadian voters sympathetic to the Khalistani movement. The Khalistan movement advocates for an independent Sikh nation in Punjab, India, and is viewed differently by India and Pakistan. CSIS suggests that India used a network of contacts, including politicians and media personalities, to monitor individuals of interest in Canada. Despite concerns raised by CSIS, none of the activities met the threshold for criminal investigations. #newwaveglobal #pakistan #india #canada #politics #modi #justintrudeau

Host Rabia Mehmood talks with Shaista Aziz, a journalist, human rights advocate, and former Labour Party member. With her experience in international aid and understanding of challenges faced by British Pakistanis, South Asians, and Muslims in the UK, Shaista offers valuable insights. Shaista discusses her decision to leave the Labour Party, citing issues with the party leader's response to recent events in the Middle East. She emphasizes the diminishing trust between British Pakistanis and the Labour Party, traditionally seen as allies. Shaista notes a growing disillusionment within the community and mentions alternative political movements gaining traction. She also critiques the UK government's handling of certain crises, noting public sentiment and the failure of major parties to adequately represent these views. Shaista urges British Pakistanis to reassess their political affiliations and support parties aligned with their values. The conversation delves into the role of the British media in shaping perceptions of various issues. Shaista criticizes the lack of nuanced reporting and the media's failure to address certain historical contexts. She highlights a need for more balanced coverage and representation. Finally, Shaista reflects on her future plans and the implications of Labour Party resignations. She expresses relief at leaving the party and suggests a growing movement of independent candidates challenging mainstream politics. Shaista stresses the importance of political engagement despite widespread disillusionment with the current system. #newwaveglobal #politics #uk #unitedkingdom #labourparty

Host Misbah Azam is in conversation with Awais Saleem and Fauzia Yazdani to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, its potential global implications, and its impact on oil prices and Pakistan's economy. After years of making aggressive statements, Israel has finally taken action against Iran, as they had always threatened to do. Iran, in turn, has vowed to respond with whatever means available. The situation could escalate beyond Iranian and Israeli borders, potentially involving the United States and other allies. The ongoing conflict could have global ramifications, impacting oil prices and economies, including Pakistan's. The recent secret meeting of the SIFC, if it indeed occurred, might aim to address such issues, including potential oil price hikes. However, reliance on a single partner like China may not be a sustainable solution for Pakistan's economic challenges. The conversation also touches upon the potential for trade with India, with differing opinions on its impact on local industries. #newwaveglobal #iran #israel #china #pakistan #irannews #global

World Bank economist Nauraiz Rana sits down with Ahmad Faruqi, an economist, defense analyst, and political columnist who regularly contributes to the Friday Times. Faruqi vividly portrays the grim reality of Gaza's dire situation during the ongoing conflict. Israel's continuous assaults have caused widespread destruction, demolishing buildings, and flooding tunnels with salt water. This has worsened the suffering of civilians, who now face hunger, thirst, and disease amidst the devastation. Despite condemnation from the international community, particularly within the UN, the US unwavering support for Israel draws criticism. This is evident through its repeated vetoing of resolutions in the UN Security Council and abstention from others. The political fallout of the conflict, particularly within the Democratic Party in the United States, is closely examined. President Biden's handling of the crisis could significantly affect his electoral prospects, especially among younger voters who prioritize humanitarian concerns and criticize US support for Israel. Recent UN Security Council resolutions aimed at addressing the conflict have been disregarded by both the US and Israel. Faruqi also points out the imbalance in military power between Israel and Palestine and questions Palestine's statehood without adequate defense mechanisms. There are calls to disarm Israel to achieve a fair solution, but acknowledgment is made of powerful lobbying groups, like the pro-Israel lobby in the US, which pose significant obstacles to such measures. In the US political landscape, concerns arise about the limited options for voters beyond Biden and Trump, especially considering Trump's pro-Israel stance and anti-Muslim rhetoric. This prompts contemplation among Muslim Americans about their electoral choices amidst the crisis. #newwaveglobal #gaza #israel #palestine #usa #trump #biden #elections

Host Amina Saqib sits down with Nusrat Sohail, an educator, social worker, and champion of women's empowerment. Nusrat's journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Karachi, Pakistan, where she was instilled with feminist ideals from her family, particularly influenced by her grandfather's novel, "Shehzori", which advocated for women's empowerment in pre-partition India. Nusrat's commitment to empowering women led her to establish various initiatives, including a transitional home and empowerment center called Shahzore House. This shelter provides refuge and support for displaced South Asian Muslim women, addressing critical issues such as domestic violence, language barriers, and immigration challenges. Moreover, Nusrat's dedication to education is evident in her efforts to preserve and promote Urdu language and culture among Pakistani-American youth. Despite facing initial resistance and skepticism, she successfully initiated Urdu language programs in public schools, fostering cultural understanding and identity among younger generations. Furthermore, Nusrat's emphasis on collaboration and collective action underscores the importance of unity and solidarity in addressing societal challenges. Through her Women to Women Forum and partnerships with local organizations and allies, she mobilizes resources and support to uplift vulnerable individuals and create a more inclusive and equitable society. #newwaveglobal #women #womenempowerment #partition #india #pakistan #books #novel #culture #history #southasia

"We need to give women a place around the table. We need to listen to their voices because when we are there, we don't need to win each other; we have to find a way of living together. Women know how to do it. We are better in this duty in life." - Yael Admi Host Faryal Shahzad conducts an impactful interview dedicated to celebrating womanhood and highlighting the remarkable resilience and courage of women in Palestine amidst unimaginable adversity. The conversation sheds light on the enduring spirit of women who persist despite physical and mental pain, grief, and the challenges of war-ravaged Palestine. She is joined by representatives from two women-led organizations: Women Wage Peace, based in Israel, and Women of the Sun, based in Palestine. These organizations exemplify the power of collaboration between Palestinian and Israeli women toward a peaceful resolution to the Palestine crisis. The co-founders of Women Wage Peace, Reem Soud, and the representative of Women of the Sun, Yael Admi, share insights into their partnership and the challenges they face in fostering peace amid the harsh realities of the conflict. They express solidarity and emphasize the shared vision of mothers on both sides who aspire to raise their children in peace, rather than as victims of war. #newwaveglobal #gaza #women #palestine #solidarity #humanity #humanrights #war

In this interview, host Misbah Azam sits down with Sajid Tarar, founder of American Muslims for Trump and a Republican Party member. Mr. Tarar emphasizes differences in foreign policy between Trump and Biden, highlighting Trump's tenure as relatively conflict-free compared to Biden's. Tarer critiques Biden's handling of international conflicts such as those in the Red Sea and Gaza, expressing concerns about immigration issues and crime rates under Biden's administration. He also discusses Trump's priorities, including a focus on strengthening the military, advocating for peace through strength, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He contrasts these with what he perceives as Democratic priorities, such as social welfare programs. The conversation briefly touches upon Trump's intentions regarding troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlighting differences in approach compared to Biden's strategy. Regarding recent protests in Pakistan, particularly in front of the IMF building, Mr. Tarar criticizes the tactics used and questions their effectiveness in addressing internal issues. There's also a discussion about the fairness of the 2018 elections in Pakistan, with Mr. Tarar expressing reservations and implying potential interference. He emphasizes the importance of domestic resolution for internal matters, cautioning against foreign interference. He cites examples of US policy regarding other countries' elections as a basis for this stance. Additionally, Tarar encourages political education among Pakistanis and advises against damaging the country's reputation through public displays of internal political strife. #newwaveglobal #trump #republican #sajidtarar #elections2024 #usa #america #american #muslim

Host Raza Rumi engages in conversation with Munir Akram, a highly esteemed diplomat with a wealth of experience across various roles, presently serving as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In light of the ongoing crisis gripping the world, there is a deep-seated concern among compassionate individuals regarding the severe hardships endured by the Palestinian people at the hands of the Israeli state. The pivotal question arises: why has the Security Council failed to intervene in this egregious violation of human rights? The existing veto power wielded by the Council's permanent members renders it ineffective and unrepresentative of the broader UN membership. Is it time to expand the Council's membership? And should the veto power, which often leads to paralysis, be reconsidered? The current Israeli government comprises cabinet members who are staunch advocates of the displacement of Palestinians and the expansion of Israel's territory. Even if a resolution were to be passed by the Security Council, compelling the Israeli government to comply would pose a formidable challenge, presenting a dual dilemma. #newwaveglobal #gaza #palestine #israel #munirakram #unitednations #securitycouncil #unitedstates #usa #russia #israel #china #france #uk #unitedkingdom

In this interview, Nauraiz Rana, an economist at the World Bank, engages in a discussion with Miftah Ismail, a distinguished political economist and former Finance Minister of Pakistan. Ismail provides deep insights into the economic hurdles confronting Pakistan and proposes compelling remedies. Drawing from his extensive experience in public finance and policymaking, Ismail offers an expert perspective on Pakistan's economic landscape. Amidst Pakistan's persistent fiscal deficits, Ismail sheds light on the underlying factors contributing to this economic dilemma. He identifies a lack of revenue generation and inefficient resource allocation, particularly within state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as primary culprits. He also underscores the urgent need for privatization as a mechanism to enhance efficiency and curtail losses, despite anticipated resistance from vested interests. In addressing Pakistan's reliance on International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs, Ismail advocates for strong leadership capable of implementing necessary economic reforms. He critiques the prevalent demonization of the IMF, emphasizing the importance of understanding and confronting economic challenges head-on. Furthermore, Ismail articulates a visionary outlook on long-term economic solutions, emphasizing the pivotal role of education and population control. He advocates for substantial investments in education to nurture human capital and propel economic development. Additionally, he highlights the urgency of population control measures to mitigate poverty and enhance productivity, laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. Through his expert analysis and strategic recommendations, Miftah Ismail offers a roadmap for Pakistan's economic resurgence. His call for decisive leadership, structural reforms, and long-term investments underscores the imperative for transformative change. #newwaveglobal #miftahismail #financeminister #pakistan #politics #economy #inflation #population #worldbank

Host Rabia Mehmood and lawyer Yasser Latif Hamdani discuss the disturbing online smear campaign targeting Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The genesis of this campaign lies in a recent judgment where the Chief Justice granted bail to a member of the persecuted Ahmadiyya community. This decision has sparked political maneuvering and the spread of misinformation, highlighting broader issues surrounding religious freedom and the judiciary's role in upholding fundamental rights. Hamdani provides valuable insights into the case, emphasizing the constitutional right to religious freedom that has long been denied to the Ahmadiyya community. Despite the judgment falling short of fully restoring their rights, Chief Justice Isa's steadfast commitment to upholding fundamental principles remains evident. Throughout the discussion, they explore the implications of such attacks on the judiciary and the complicity of various political parties, YouTubers, and mainstream media outlets in perpetuating this dangerous narrative. Yasser underscored the urgent need for state intervention to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. #newwaveglobal #qazifaezisa #ahmadiyya #politics #society #socialmedia #judiciary #justice

In this insightful interview, host Asad Ejaz leads a conversation with Sanval Nasim, an esteemed expert in economics focusing on environmental issues, climate change, and water management. Sanval Nasim currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Colby College, where he conducts research and teaches on topics related to environmental economics and policy. They explore different perceptions of air pollution, distinguishing between particulate emissions and greenhouse gas emissions. Nasim elucidates the localized effects of particulate emissions, emphasizing the critical distinction between local air pollution and global warming. The interview progresses to discuss the specific characteristics of air pollutants, with a particular emphasis on PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5), considered one of the most egregious pollutants. Nasim elucidates the short-term and long-term health effects of PM 2.5 exposure, including cognitive impacts and respiratory illnesses. As the conversation unfolds, Asad and Sandoval delve into the factors contributing to smog formation, examining the role of vehicular emissions, agricultural practices such as crop burning, and meteorological phenomena like temperature inversion. They explore the uneven distribution of smog across different regions, attributing it to a combination of emission sources and local geography. The interview further explores the policy implications of smog and air pollution, with Sam Nim offering insights into potential government strategies and the economic impacts of environmental degradation. Asad poses probing questions about the feasibility of mitigating smog and the role of public policy in addressing this pressing issue. #newwaveglobal #pollution #smog #energy #environment #climatechange

In this political economy program, Nauraiz Rana (Economist, World Bank) and Muhammad Usman Awaisi (Member National Assembly of Pakistan) sit down to deliberate upon the way out of the poly-crisis that Pakistan faces, post the General Elections of 2024. They highlight key reforms that should be implemented by the soon to be formed PMLN - PPP coalition government, and evaluate past (policy) mistakes that should be avoided as the country aims to recover from the ensuing political and economic instability. Moreso, Awaisi, who has recently been elected to the National Parliament from NA-167 (Bahawalpur) talks about the issues that his region, South Punjab, grapples with, and how to best address the problems that people there tend to suffer from. Usman presents the case for South Punjab as a separate province, with autonomy over how it is administratively governed having its own share of resource allocation. Usman is an Economics graduate from the University of Waterloo, and has worked with the Investment Banking and Capital Markets division at one of North America's largest Financial Institutions. He represents the new and younger generation of Politicians looking to make their mark on the country's political stage. #Pakistan #pakistanelection2024 #PaksitanElection #PMLN #PPP #PTI #nawazsharif #imrankhan #bilawalbhutto #asifalizardari #southpunjab #newwaveglobal

Host Ailia Zehra engages in a conversation with author Tahira Naqvi, delving into the profound personal connection she maintains with her novel, "The History Teacher of Lahore." Naqvi articulates how her own life experiences, relationships, and observations over the years have significantly influenced the narrative, infusing it with an additional layer of authenticity and emotional depth. Naqvi further explains how the novel is inspired by real-life events and characters she encountered or learned about. However, she emphasizes that while rooted in reality, the narrative is a work of fiction. This fusion of real-world elements with imaginative storytelling empowers her to craft a captivating narrative that remains faithful to the historical and social context of the story. Central to the conversation are the novel's themes of religious intolerance, extremism, and the persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. Naqvi sheds light on the ongoing struggles endured by individuals who challenge societal norms and advocate for tolerance and human rights, offering a vivid portrayal of the societal challenges prevalent in Pakistan and beyond. Moreover, Naqvi explores the contemporary relevance of the novel's themes, both domestically and internationally. Drawing parallels between the depicted struggles and similar challenges encountered in other countries, she underscores the universal nature of these issues and the urgent need for collective action to effectively address them. #newwaveglobal #books #pakistan #history #lahore #novel #reading #minority #religion

In a recent interview, Host Asad Ejaz engaged with former Finance Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shahid Javed Burki, and insights were shared regarding Pakistan's economic outlook post-election. Critical policy priorities emerged, including reforming the fiscal system to enforce tax laws rigorously, increasing investment in productive sectors, empowering women economically, and investing in education and training for the youth. Challenges such as debt servicing, twin deficits, and tackling corruption were highlighted, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms. Reflecting on Pakistan's economic history, particularly the prosperous 1960s, emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and investment in human capital for long-term prosperity. #newwaveglobal #economy #elections #politics #corruption #reforms #investment