( MENAFN - Gulf Times) The Tobacco Cessation Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), an accredited centre by the World health Organisation, conducted a number of educational and health activities and events in the last quarter of 2024. Aimed at enhancing community awareness and informing the public about the risks of tobacco product consumption, especially new products such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, the centre aimed to help users quit smoking and overcome the harmful habit. The Tobacco Cessation Centre intensified awareness campaigns in educational institutions by launching a campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education across several schools in Qatar. The campaign aimed to raise awareness, provide accurate information, and correct misconceptions about tobacco and its products, while also reducing tobacco use among youths. The campaign covered more than 15 secondary and high schools and engaged over 1,000 students through educational and interactive sessions. These sessions emphasised the importance of awareness and highlighted promotional tricks used by some tobacco producers. Discussions were held with students about new tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches to correct misconceptions associated with them. The centre also participated in various vocational and health exhibitions held at public high schools to encourage students and teachers to adopt a healthy, nicotine-free lifestyle. At a community level, the centre participated in several events alongside other institutions across Qatar to prevent tobacco use. These events included Doha Week for Healthcare, sponsored by WISH 2024, as well as activities with the Qatar Diabetes Society, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Aspire Academy, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and various departments within HMC. MENAFN18122024000067011011ID1109009829 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.The Poundland buy that stops carrots going mouldy & keeps the veg fresh for months

According to Professor Jorma Ryhänen , head of hand surgery at HUS, the operation involved three stages: removal of the donor hand, preparation of the recipient, and attachment of the hand. In the final stage, surgeons connected bones and blood vessels first, followed by tendons, nerves, and other structures — a process requiring the attachment of dozens of individual components. Careful preparation preceded the surgery. The patient underwent extensive evaluations to determine suitability for the procedure. After surgery, the patient spent about a week in intensive care and several weeks in hospital care. Recovery will continue for over a year, with regular follow-ups to monitor the transplant's functionality and sensation. Achieving success in a hand transplant depends on nerve and muscle recovery. In wrist-level transplants, patients typically regain basic finger movement and sensation in the fingertips. Fine motor skills and grip strength, however, remain below the level of a natural hand. Though it is too early to fully evaluate the results of this transplant, Professor Ryhänen noted that initial signs are promising. The loss of hands often results from severe infections or injuries, such as burns or war wounds. While prosthetics have advanced significantly, they lack the sensation and dexterity of a natural hand. Hand transplants offer an alternative for patients who have lost both hands and aim to improve quality of life rather than provide a life-saving measure. Compatibility between the donor and recipient is crucial, considering factors such as tissue type, gender, skin tone, and age. The world’s first successful hand transplant took place in France in 1998. Since then, around 120 hand transplants have been performed globally, with the best outcomes seen in wrist-level procedures where the patient’s own forearm muscles can quickly regain control of the fingers. The success of this procedure follows years of preparation by a multidisciplinary team at HUS, including specialists in hand surgery, plastic surgery, organ transplantation, pathology, anesthesiology, and nursing. The team practiced the surgery on cadavers and studied hand transplantation techniques abroad. Two surgical teams were required for the operation. According to Chief Medical Officer Markku Mäkijärvi , establishing hand transplantation services at HUS demands substantial resources and expertise across multiple medical fields. With the first successful transplant now complete, HUS aims to integrate this procedure into its regular services, building on its well-established organ transplantation and hand surgery units. HTOn Wednesday, Apple sharply criticized Meta Platforms over its frequent requests to access Apple's software tools, citing potential impacts on user privacy and security. This move highlights the fierce rivalry between these tech giants, especially under the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which mandates Apple to enable interoperability with rivals or face substantial fines. According to a report by Apple, Meta has submitted 15 interoperability requests—more than any other company—aiming for extensive access to Apple's technology stack. Apple expressed concerns about altered functionalities that could jeopardize user privacy and security, particularly unrelated to Meta's external devices like its VR gear. The European Commission, in its role as the competition enforcer for the EU, is currently evaluating Apple's adherence to the DMA's interoperability standards. The Commission has called for feedback on Apple's proposals, with a final compliance decision expected in March next year. (With inputs from agencies.)SANTA CLARA, Calif. — At this point the past two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers were fighting for playoff positioning rather than their playoff lives. After snapping a three-game losing streak with a lopsided win last week against Chicago, the Niners head into a Thursday night division showdown against the Los Angeles Rams hoping to play with the same kind of desperation in a game they almost certainly need to win to get to the postseason. "I think just across the board as a team, everybody had just a bit more of sense of urgency and I think we executed and played together as a team, and we didn't let off," quarterback Brock Purdy said. "Really liked that. But, that was last week so now it's on to this week and how can we do that again?" After getting outscored by 53 points in losses at Green Bay and Buffalo, the 49ers (6-7) played their most complete game of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. While some credited a feeling of desperation or speeches from players such as Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir for the turnaround, linebacker Fred Warner said it was more about execution than anything else. "We didn't go out there in Green Bay, we didn't go out there in Buffalo saying, 'Let's just hope that we win.' Trust me, I felt desperate as hell going into both those games," he said. "It just didn't work out. ... It didn't happen because last week we decided we wanted to. This was weeks in the making." Whatever the reason, the results were obvious to anyone watching, including the Rams (7-6), who had their own signature performance to boost their playoff chances. Los Angeles held off Buffalo 44-42 to remain one game behind Seattle in the NFC West race and a game ahead of the 49ers and Arizona in the tightly packed division. Coach Sean McVay knows his team will need a similar performance to beat San Francisco and earn a season sweep. "I saw they certainly had a very dominant performance," he said. "If there's anything that you do know, it's a week-to-week league. Humility is only a week away. They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel and really good schemes. No matter what's really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they're going to be ready to go." Puka Nacua is in dominant form with 33 catches for 458 yards and three TDs in the Rams' past four games, highlighted by a 162-yard performance last week against Buffalo in which he also scored his first rushing TD. Nacua was injured for these clubs' first meeting this season — but last year, he broke the NFL's single-game rookie receptions record with 15 in his first game against San Francisco, and he set the NFL rookie season records for catches and yards receiving during his visit to Santa Clara last January. "He's a tough football player," 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said. "Some guys are just competitive. He's got size, he doesn't go down easy. Some things you can't measure and he's just got it." The least productive four-game stretch of Deebo Samuel's career sent the frustrated wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers to social media. In a now-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Samuel said the reason he gained only 97 yards from scrimmage the past four games was not that he was struggling but that he wasn't getting the ball. His teammates and coaches believe he will get back to his All-Pro form soon. "I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could," Purdy said. "I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things." The Rams defense got shredded twice in the past three weeks by Saquon Barkley's Eagles and Josh Allen's Bills, dropping the unit to 27th in total defense. LA's vaunted young pass rush led by rookie Jared Verse has no sacks in its past two games and just three in the past four games. Considering Purdy drove the Niners to 425 yards in the teams' first meeting this season without Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle or Samuel, the Rams' offense might need yet another prolific game to overcome its defense's weaknesses. With Nick Bosa sidelined the past three games, the 49ers have had to generate pass rushes from different sources. They had a season-high seven sacks last week with Yetur Gross-Matos getting three and Leonard Floyd two. The 32-year-old Floyd has 5 1/2 sacks in his past four games. "Leonard's just an Energizer bunny," Shanahan said. "It's crazy with him being one of the older guys and stuff and how many different teams he's been to, but I've played against him enough and felt that." Bosa has a chance to return this week and is listed as questionable. AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Coeptis Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. Announces Reverse Stock SplitWEXFORD, PA., Dec. 27, 2024 – Coeptis Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: COEP) disclosed its plans to undergo a 1-for-40 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Split”) for its common stock

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — At this point the past two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers were fighting for playoff positioning rather than their playoff lives. After snapping a three-game losing streak with a lopsided win last week against Chicago, the Niners head into a Thursday night division showdown against the Los Angeles Rams hoping to play with the same kind of desperation in a game they almost certainly need to win to get to the postseason. "I think just across the board as a team, everybody had just a bit more of sense of urgency and I think we executed and played together as a team, and we didn't let off," quarterback Brock Purdy said. "Really liked that. But, that was last week so now it's on to this week and how can we do that again?" After getting outscored by 53 points in losses at Green Bay and Buffalo, the 49ers (6-7) played their most complete game of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. While some credited a feeling of desperation or speeches from players such as Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir for the turnaround, linebacker Fred Warner said it was more about execution than anything else. "We didn't go out there in Green Bay, we didn't go out there in Buffalo saying, 'Let's just hope that we win.' Trust me, I felt desperate as hell going into both those games," he said. "It just didn't work out. ... It didn't happen because last week we decided we wanted to. This was weeks in the making." Whatever the reason, the results were obvious to anyone watching, including the Rams (7-6), who had their own signature performance to boost their playoff chances. Los Angeles held off Buffalo 44-42 to remain one game behind Seattle in the NFC West race and a game ahead of the 49ers and Arizona in the tightly packed division. Coach Sean McVay knows his team will need a similar performance to beat San Francisco and earn a season sweep. "I saw they certainly had a very dominant performance," he said. "If there's anything that you do know, it's a week-to-week league. Humility is only a week away. They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel and really good schemes. No matter what's really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they're going to be ready to go." Puka Nacua is in dominant form with 33 catches for 458 yards and three TDs in the Rams' past four games, highlighted by a 162-yard performance last week against Buffalo in which he also scored his first rushing TD. Nacua was injured for these clubs' first meeting this season — but last year, he broke the NFL's single-game rookie receptions record with 15 in his first game against San Francisco, and he set the NFL rookie season records for catches and yards receiving during his visit to Santa Clara last January. "He's a tough football player," 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said. "Some guys are just competitive. He's got size, he doesn't go down easy. Some things you can't measure and he's just got it." The least productive four-game stretch of Deebo Samuel's career sent the frustrated wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers to social media. In a now-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Samuel said the reason he gained only 97 yards from scrimmage the past four games was not that he was struggling but that he wasn't getting the ball. His teammates and coaches believe he will get back to his All-Pro form soon. "I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could," Purdy said. "I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things." The Rams defense got shredded twice in the past three weeks by Saquon Barkley's Eagles and Josh Allen's Bills, dropping the unit to 27th in total defense. LA's vaunted young pass rush led by rookie Jared Verse has no sacks in its past two games and just three in the past four games. Considering Purdy drove the Niners to 425 yards in the teams' first meeting this season without Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle or Samuel, the Rams' offense might need yet another prolific game to overcome its defense's weaknesses. With Nick Bosa sidelined the past three games, the 49ers have had to generate pass rushes from different sources. They had a season-high seven sacks last week with Yetur Gross-Matos getting three and Leonard Floyd two. The 32-year-old Floyd has 5 1/2 sacks in his past four games. "Leonard's just an Energizer bunny," Shanahan said. "It's crazy with him being one of the older guys and stuff and how many different teams he's been to, but I've played against him enough and felt that." Bosa has a chance to return this week and is listed as questionable. AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report

Nebraska auditor questions Secretary of State Foundation that is 'beholden to no one'

WATCH: Michigan's Sherrone Moore jabs Ohio State again by planting imaginary flag during basketball gameKansas once required voters to prove citizenship. That didn't work out so wellOnly about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, poll findsChina has expanded its nuclear force and strengthened ties to Russia, the Pentagon says

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US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Bitcoin ticks closer to $100,000 in extended surge following US elections NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, setting another new high above $99,000. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. Supreme Court steps into fight over FCC's $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stepped into a major legal fight over the $8 billion a year the federal government spends to subsidize phone and internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas, in a new test of federal regulatory power. The justices on Friday agreed to review an appellate ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund. The Federal Communications Commission collects money from telecommunications providers, who then pass the cost on to their customers. The Biden administration appealed the lower court ruling, but the case probably won’t be argued until late March. At that point, the Trump administration will be in place and it is not clear whether it will take a different view of the issue. Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it notches a winning week and another Dow record Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts' estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. Australia rejects Elon Musk's claim that it plans to control access to the internet MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An Australian Cabinet minister has rejected X Corp. owner Elon Musk’s allegation that the government intends to control all Australians' access to the internet through legislation that would ban young children from social media. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Friday that Musk’s criticism was “unsurprising” after the government introduced legislation to Parliament that would fine platforms including X up to $133 million for allowing children under 16 to hold social media accounts. The spat continues months of open hostility between the Australian government and the tech billionaire over regulators’ efforts to reduce public harm from social media. Parliament could pass the legislation as soon as next week. Oil company Phillips 66 faces federal charges related to alleged Clean Water Act violations LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oil company Phillips 66 has been federally indicted in connection with alleged violations of the Clean Water Act in California. The Texas-based company is accused of discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of industrial wastewater containing excessive amounts of oil and grease. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment on Thursday. Phillips is charged with two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act and four counts of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act. An arraignment date has not been set. A spokesperson for the company said it was cooperating with prosecutors. US regulators seek to break up Google, forcing Chrome sale as part of monopoly punishment U.S. regulators want a federal judge to break up Google to prevent the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine after a court found it had maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade. The proposed breakup floated in a 23-page document filed late Wednesday by the U.S. Justice Department calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent Android from favoring its search engine. Regulators also want to ban Google from forging multibillion-dollar deals to lock in its dominant search engine as the default option on Apple’s iPhone and other devices. New York judge rejects state efforts to shutter bitcoin mine over climate concerns NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge has rejected an effort by state regulators to shutter a bitcoin mine over concerns about its greenhouse gas emissions. The decision will allow the Greenidge power plant to continue operating in the Finger Lakes region of the state. The state had previously found the gas-powered crypto mine ran afoul of a climate law intended to limit greenhouse gas emissions. But on Thursday, a state Supreme Court judge found Greenidge was entitled to a process to defend its continued operation. Environmental groups have protested the facility, which they allege is pumping emissions into the air while contaminating the nearby Seneca Lake. What you need to know about the proposed measures designed to curb Google's search monopoly U.S. regulators are proposing aggressive measures to restore competition to the online search market after a federal judge ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly. The sweeping set of recommendations filed late Wednesday could radically alter Google’s business. Regulators want Google to sell off its industry-leading Chrome web browser. They outlined a range of behavioral measures such as prohibiting Google from using search results to favor its own services such as YouTube, and forcing it to license search index data to its rivals. They're not going as far as to demand Google spin off Android, but are leaving that door open if the remedies don't work. Apple and Google face UK investigation into mobile browser dominance LONDON (AP) — A British watchdog says Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers. The watchdog's report Friday recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year. The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker’s tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. The CMA’s report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers “the clearest or easiest option.” Apple said it disagreed with the findings.CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBAT) recently disclosed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it has received a notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC regarding its non-compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. The notice, received on December 26, 2024, highlighted that CBAK Energy Technology is currently below the minimum bid price of $1.00 per share, as mandated by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). According to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), a failure to meet this requirement over a consecutive 30-business-day period triggers non-compliance. If by June 24, 2025, CBAK Energy Technology fails to meet the minimum bid price requirement, they may qualify for an additional 180-day grace period. However, should the company not qualify for this extension or still not achieve compliance, Nasdaq will initiate the delisting process. In such a scenario, the company will have the opportunity to appeal the delisting determination before a Hearings Panel. The report was duly signed by Jiewei Li, the Chief Financial Officer of CBAK Energy Technology, Inc., on December 27, 2024. Investors and stakeholders will be keen to monitor CBAK Energy Technology’s progress in meeting Nasdaq’s bid price requirement over the coming months. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read CBAK Energy Technology’s 8K filing here . CBAK Energy Technology Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) CBAK Energy Technology, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufacture, commercialization, and distribution of lithium ion high power rechargeable batteries in Mainland China, the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, CBAK and Hitrans. Its lithium batteries are used in various applications, including electric vehicles, such as electric cars, electric buses, and hybrid electric cars and buses; light electric vehicles, such as electric bicycles, electric motors, electric tricycles, and smaller-sized electric cars; and electric tools, energy storage, uninterruptible power supply, and other high power applications, as well as cordless power tools. See AlsoBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Aneesah Morrow had 20 points and 18 rebounds as No. 6 LSU rallied to an 83-61 victory over Albany on Sunday. Mikaylah Williams added 18 points, Flau’Jae Johnson had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers (15-0), who tied their second-best start in school history. Morrow had a double-double – 10 points and 10 rebounds – in LSU’s 25-2 game-closing run. Albany missed its last 11 shots, failing to hit a field goal in the game’s final 8:42. Kaci Donovan scored 15 of her team-high 17 points for UAlbany (10-3). Lilly Phillips and Kayla Cooper had 14 each. Albany: The Great Danes, concerned that almost 30 of LSU’s 93.3 points per game came off fast breaks, conceded getting offensive rebounds in favor of quickly dropping back on defense. In the first half when Albany led 38-34 at the break, it had just one offensive rebound, but only allowed seven fast break points. LSU: Against the three best teams the Tigers have faced so far – a one-loss Washington and Stanford and a two-loss Albany – they have trailed at the end of the first quarter and halftime. LSU had six turnovers in its first 12 possessions against Albany followed by the Great Danes hitting their last 5 of 7 field goals in the first quarter for a 25-16 lead. Williams and Morrow produced steals that turned into their assists to Johnson for a pair of fastbreak layups to start a 25-2 run in the game’s final 7:41 that took the Tigers from a 1-point deficit to the 22-point victory. LSU won despite hitting just 1 of its 13 3-point attempts. Albany opens America East Conference play at home on Thursday vs. Vermont. LSU’s SEC opener is Thursday at Arkansas. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

Qualcomm's $1.4 Billion Bet on Nuvia: A Strategic Move to Cut Costs on Arm PaymentsThis year’s economic scorecard Government implements key policy decisions aimed at stabilising the economy Representational image of people buy pulses and grains at a wholesale market. — AFP/File The year 2024 represents a critical juncture for Pakistan’s economy, characterised by a confluence of significant challenges and emerging opportunities. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Throughout this period, Pakistan encountered a range of obstacles arising from a complex global economic environment, including fluctuations in commodity prices, alterations in trade dynamics, and geopolitical tensions with extensive implications. Domestically, the government implemented key policy decisions aimed at stabilising the economy. Reforms in taxation and monetary policy were enacted to mitigate inflation and foster foreign investment. Infrastructure development initiatives were prioritised to stimulate economic growth and generate employment, notwithstanding the varying pace of implementation across different regions. Geopolitical developments, both regionally and globally, have considerably influenced Pakistan’s economic trajectory. Shifting alliances and trade relationships have impacted access to markets and the flow of foreign investment. Natural occurrences, such as seasonal monsoons, have introduced further complexity to the economic landscape, affecting agricultural output, which remains a vital component of Pakistan’s economy. Looking ahead, forecasts for 2025 evoke a sense of cautious optimism. Analysts predict a gradual recovery, contingent upon the continuation of reforms, stable political conditions, and improvements in global economic circumstances. A concerted effort to enhance trade relationships and attract foreign direct investment will be essential for sustaining economic growth. In 2024, Pakistan’s economy exhibited a moderate recovery, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth estimated at 3.5 per cent, reflecting a slight improvement from the previous year’s sluggish performance. This recovery was predominantly fueled by the agriculture and services sectors, which rebounded following favourable weather conditions and the alleviation of disruptions related to the pandemic. Nevertheless, industrial output continued to face constraints due to energy shortages and inflationary pressures. Inflation remained a significant challenge, averaging approximately 22 per cent throughout the year. Although global energy prices showed some stabilisation, domestic inflation was exacerbated by inefficiencies in supply chains, currency depreciation, and rising utility tariffs. By the end of the year, the Pakistani rupee exhibited volatility and stabilised at approximately Rs305 to the US dollar, following intervention measures implemented by the central bank. Projections for 2025 suggest a gradual reduction in inflation, contingent upon the stability of global commodity prices and the maintenance of fiscal discipline. GDP growth is anticipated to rise to 4.0 per cent as energy projects become operational and investments in infrastructure increase. However, the realisation of these targets will depend significantly on political stability and the consistency of policy measures. The government has adopted a cautious fiscal strategy to reduce the budget deficit, which currently stands at 7.2 per cent of GDP. Key measures implemented include the reduction of non-essential expenditures and the enhancement of tax collection efforts. The introduction of targeted subsidies for low-income households has played a vital role in alleviating the impact of inflation on the most vulnerable segments of the population. On the monetary front, the State Bank of Pakistan has maintained a stringent monetary policy stance by keeping interest rates at historically high levels to mitigate inflation. Although this approach has resulted in a deceleration of credit growth and private-sector borrowing, it is considered a necessary measure to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence. For the year 2025, policymakers aim to achieve a balance between economic growth and stabilisation. It is anticipated that interest rates will gradually decrease if inflationary pressures subside, potentially stimulating private-sector activities. The government is also exploring innovative avenues for revenue generation, including the broadening of the tax base and the utilisation of digital technologies to enhance compliance. In 2024, Pakistan’s trade deficit exhibited a modest contraction, driven by enhanced exports in textiles, information technology services, and agricultural products. Nevertheless, the nation’s dependence on imported energy and machinery continued to exert upward pressure on the import bill. The government's initiatives promoting renewable energy projects yielded positive outcomes, contributing to a reduction in dependence on high-cost oil imports. Remittances from expatriate Pakistanis were a crucial support to the economy, totalling $28 billion. However, the current account deficit persisted as a significant concern, highlighting the imperative for structural reforms aimed at bolstering export competitiveness and diversifying the economic framework. Looking forward, it is anticipated that the trade deficit will further decrease in 2025 as new export-oriented policies are implemented. Efforts to diminish reliance on energy imports and to enhance domestic production of machinery and industrial inputs will be vital. Remittances are also expected to stabilise, bolstered by strengthened relationships with the diaspora and incentives promoting formal remittance channels. The agriculture sector demonstrated a recovery with a growth rate of 4.1 per cent, supported by favourable monsoon conditions and governmental assistance programs. Key agricultural outputs, including wheat, rice, and cotton, performed well, thereby improving rural livelihoods and food security. In 2025, advancements in mechanisation and the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties are anticipated to further bolster productivity, aided by government subsidies and international partnerships. Continued energy shortages have posed challenges to industrial productivity; however, renewable energy initiatives have gained traction. Investments in solar and wind energy projects have intensified, establishing a foundation for a more sustainable energy future. With major renewable energy projects scheduled for completion in 2025, the sector is poised for considerable growth, which is expected to decrease the reliance on fossil fuels and reduce production costs for various industries. The information technology and tech sector has emerged as a notable success, with software exports surpassing $3.5 billion. Conditional to the government's commitment to digital transformation and skill development can significantly contribute to this growth. Provided that government policies are effectively implemented to support the information technology and service sectors, alongside ensuring timely and reliable access to the internet for these industries, it is anticipated that they will play a vital role in significantly enhancing the national treasury. By cultivating an environment that promotes growth, these sectors have the potential to make considerable contributions to the overall economic development of the country, thereby benefiting the national exchequer. Forecasting for 2025 indicates further expansion within the sector, with tech exports potentially reaching $4 billion, driven by escalating global demand for IT services and an expanding talent pool fostered through targeted training initiatives. Pakistan has made progress in various areas, but significant challenges remain. Political instability, elevated public debt, and climate-related vulnerabilities continue to hinder economic advancement. The severe floods that occurred in 2022 and 2023 have left enduring effects, necessitating substantial resources for rehabilitation and the reconstruction of infrastructure in 2024. In 2025, the primary challenges will include sustaining fiscal discipline in the face of rising global interest rates and navigating geopolitical tensions that may adversely affect trade and foreign investment. Enhancing climate resilience will remain a paramount concern, with anticipated increases in funding directed towards infrastructure improvements and disaster management systems. The collaboration of the government with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international entities will be crucial in ensuring financial stability. Structural reforms, particularly within the energy and tax sectors, will be essential for sustaining growth and mitigating vulnerabilities. The economic landscape for Pakistan in 2024 reflects a narrative of cautious recovery amidst persistent challenges. While growth prospects have marginally improved, the nation's economic resilience will depend on the effective execution of policies, targeted investments in critical sectors, and the cultivation of an environment conducive to sustainable development. Forecasts for 2025 present a cautiously optimistic outlook, subject to the conditions of political stability and the successful execution of reforms. With the appropriate blend of policies and strategic investments, Pakistan can address its challenges and achieve sustained economic growth in the years ahead. The writer is a trade facilitation expert, working with the federal government of Pakistan.