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In Brief
ECONOMY
“PIA is Exhibit A for why the government has no business to be in business,” an editorial in The News International
On 21 September, an editorial in The News International “Privatizing PIA,” sounded the ongoing debate over the privatization of Pakistan International Airline (PIA). PIA in a mammoth amount of debt sought to gather a bailout package of PKR25 billion, denied as the authorities were working towards the privatization plans. The op-ed stated that several believed that it was not the time for privatization with the author extrapolating that the best time was decades ago. Furthermore, the writer stresses that PIA is the best example as to why “government has no business in Business.” The competitive nature and the fear of failure in corporate kept the companies in check, and with the government's support, PIA became immune to the pressure. The airline became an agency of personal interest with overpaid salaries and perks disregarding aviation’s revenue. The mismanagement and the lethargic state of improvement brought PIA to where it is now with the interim government establishing a timeline for privatizing. (“Privatizing PIA,” The News International, 21 September 2023)
Pakistan anticipates high inflation, report by Asian Development Bank
On 21 September, The Asia Development Outlook, a flagship publication of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released a report stating that Pakistan’s economy stands out as an outlier in Asia and the country will have the highest inflation rate. The report pointed out that Pakistan has the lowest economic growth rate and has gradually increased the inflation estimation to 25 per cent for the current fiscal year. The report predicts further increases in interest rates and urges for a fiscal consolidation plan that encompasses restricted spending on defence and energy subsidies. The report also states that the currencies of developing economies in Asia have marginally depreciated, and Pakistan’s currency has seen a steep devaluation of 30 per cent. (Shahbaz Rana, “Pakistan to face highest inflation,” The Express Tribune, 21 September 2023)
UAE bans meat imports from Pakistan
On 21 September, UAE banned meat import from Pakistan via sea as fungus was found in a consignment of meat. The whole shipment of the meat consignment which was sent by a Karachi-based company was destroyed by the UAE authorities. The ban was imposed on all the upcoming imports of frozen meat from Pakistan through sea till 10 October. Despite the ban, meat exports by air will progress without any break. It is to be noted that Pakistan exports about USD 144 million worth of meat per year to the UAE. The Pakistani meat exporters stated that it is not a ban but rather an embargo laid by the UAE, and will adhere to the protocol henceforth. ( “UAE bans meat imports from Pakistan via sea,” Dawn, 21 September 2023)
POLITICS
Imran Khan and the 9 May accused charged with “criminal conspiracy”
On 20 September, Punjab Police filed “criminal conspiracy” against PTI chairman Imran Khan and other accused for the 9 May violence. It is estimated that 50 cases have been registered under anti-terrorism law in various police stations. Lahore SSP Dr Anoosh Masood Chaudhry reported that police added offences like the 34 and 120b which state that any crime done by several individuals with a common intention will hold each person liable individually and that anyone accessory to the conspiracy will be probed in line with the punishment of the actual offence. Chaudhry informed that they are waiting for the final report from the Federal Investigation Agency and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority regarding the 9 May incident. (Asif Chaudhry, “Imran charged with criminal conspiracy over May 9 attacks,” Dawn, 21 September 2023)
Shehbaz Sharif returns to the UK urgently
On 21 September, Dawn reported that Shehbaz Sharif urgently returned to the UK only after landing in Pakistan for 48 hours. Shehbaz was in the UK for several weeks on the pretext of a health check where he frequented meetings with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for his return to Pakistan. His visits will coincide with Maryam Nawaz's visit to the UK and it is assumed that there will be a party huddle to discuss the smooth arrival of the supremo. In light of the reopening of his cases and the Supreme Court striking the amendments, Nawaz Sharif needs protective bail in the Chaudhry Sugar mill case and for that, he would need to surrender before the court in the Al-Azizia case. (Zulqernain Tahir and Atika Rehman, “ Shehbaz rushes back to London within 48 hours,” Dawn, 21 September 2023)
SECURITY
ISPR: Operation in Dera Ismail Khan kills one militant
On 20 September, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) informed that during an operation in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan, one militant was killed and another was injured. They found ammunition and weaponry from the militant’s base. The statement said: “Locals of the area appreciated the operation. Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area.” (Irfan Mughal, “ One militant killed in D.I. Khan operation: ISPR,” Dawn, 21 September 2023)
SOCIETY
Polio samples from Pishin and Peshawar traced back to Afghanistan
On 20 September, the Pakistan Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health (NIH) informed that the two wild poliovirus samples taken from the Pishin and Peshawar have been traced back to the Afghan strain of the virus. The sample from the Nangarhar, Pishin was traced back to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Federal Minister of Health Dr Nadeem Jan stated that the presence of the poliovirus on any side of the border is threatening to all children everywhere and that all parents should make sure that their kids are vaccinated. (Ikram Junaidi,“ Samples from Pishin, Peshawar test positive for poliovirus,” Dawn, 21 September)
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