Imran Khan, head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, will be the country's next prime minister. Anjum Naveed / AP
Imran Khan, head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, will be the country's next prime minister. Anjum Naveed / AP
Imran Khan, head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, will be the country's next prime minister. Anjum Naveed / AP
Imran Khan, head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, will be the country's next prime minister. Anjum Naveed / AP

With the powerful military, Khan can only do so much


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I refer to your thought-provoking editorial Imran Khan has a real opportunity to end India-Pakistan conflict (July 30): it is true that Mr Khan will have a tough job managing the military in Pakistan after he assumes the office of prime minister, if he leans towards friendship with India. You are right that it will be a "baptism by fire" if he tries to control the military on foreign policy. The fact is that if Mr Khan gets into a conflict with the military in Pakistan, he will be eased out.

The military is the most powerful group in Pakistan. It will continue to be so. In 70 years of Pakistan’s history, whenever any prime minister has confronted the military, he or she has been ousted or exiled.

The military will always be dominant in Pakistan because it has ensured that the country shares its paranoia about India. In my opinion, Indians would love to live in peace with Pakistan. But if Indians and Pakistanis embrace each other, then the supremacy of the military in Pakistan would be diluted. The raison d’etre of Pakistan’s military is an unfounded phobia of India. It might not have a large say or role in the country if India and Pakistan co-operate. The best that we can hope for is continuing efforts towards peace between the two countries, without another armed conflict. Mr Khan might have to accept this bitter truth and foster friendship between the people of both nations.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Youngsters need experience in the UAE’s private sector

I write in reference to your editorial Helping youngsters to enter private sector is crucial (July 30): this was an interesting read. The proposal to allow students over the age of 15 to take up part-time private sector jobs is a good and welcome gesture. It will pave the way for them to enter high-level jobs and this part-time experience will help. In the West, many students are being encouraged to do part-time jobs and internships to gain experience and meet their study expenses.

K Ragavan, Denver

Abandoned Gussy’s plight tugs at our heartstrings

In reference to your story Abandoned Abu Dhabi cat Gussy receives 'overwhelming' response from readers (July 23), Gussy is but one of thousands of stray and abandoned cats and dogs in the UAE. This is a huge problem, which anyone involved in any way with stray and abandoned animals would know. Why shouldn't this receive attention? Humans throw their unwanted pets away like garbage and it takes others with a heart to pick up the pieces. If a cat sitting at a bus stop loyally for weeks, waiting for a cold, heartless owner to return, doesn't tug at the heartstrings, I don't know what will.

Elize van Wyk, Dubai

I gave a home to an abandoned cat tossed into the street. It cost me a fortune in vet bills because he needed an operation but I’m so glad he is part of our family now. He is very special. I just feel heartbroken for all the other cats and dogs out there on the streets.

Michelle Grissa, Dubai

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Yabi%20by%20Souqalmal%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMay%202022%2C%20launched%20June%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmbareen%20Musa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20but%20soon%20to%20be%20announced%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseed%C2%A0%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EShuaa%20Capital%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
If%20you%20go
%3Cp%3E%0DThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Addis%20Ababa%20with%20Ethiopian%20Airlines%20with%20return%20fares%20from%20Dh1%2C700.%20Nashulai%20Journeys%20offers%20tailormade%20and%20ready%20made%20trips%20in%20Africa%20while%20Tesfa%20Tours%20has%20a%20number%20of%20different%20community%20trekking%20tours%20throughout%20northern%20Ethiopia.%20%20The%20Ben%20Abeba%20Lodge%20has%20rooms%20from%20Dh228%2C%20and%20champions%20a%20programme%20of%20re-forestation%20in%20the%20surrounding%20area.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
 

The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sav%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Purvi%20Munot%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24750%2C000%20as%20of%20March%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

THE SIXTH SENSE

Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Rating: 5/5

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

Match info:

Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5