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In Brief
China and CPEC
Consulate General of China donates essential ration to Gwadar citizens
On 6 October, Dawn reported that the Consulate General of China established in Karachi donates ration bags consisting of rice, flour, sugar, oil and other necessities to Gwadar residents. It is estimated that they were 4,000 in portions and weighed over 80 tons. The endeavor was supported by two companies Linyi Trade City Overseas Investment (Pakistan) Co. Ltd and China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan Pvt. Ltd. They aided logistical requirements to distribute the bags in batches. (Behram Baloch, “China provides essential aid to Gwadar citizens,” Dawn, 6 October 2023)
PROVINCE
Balochistan: Thousands lose their Jobs amid closure of mine factories and coalfields
On 6 October, Dawn reported on the loss of employment for thousands of workers owing to the closure of hundreds of coal mines in Balochistan. The mine owners were facing recurring debt and were burdened by billions worth of loans. Chairman of Mines Owners Emergency Committee Balochistan Mir Nusrat Hussain Unqa blamed the poor law and order situation in the province as the culprit for the dwindling mining factories. They complained that the mine owners were not able to confront the terrorists who were disrupting the work. He stressed that it was the government's and the security forces' responsibility to provide them with a stable and safe environment. (Saleem Shahid, “Closure of coal mines in Balochistan triggers job losses,” Dawn, 6 October 2023)
Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
Religious leaders in Gilgit Baltistan issued a joint declaration to aid peace in the region
On 6 October, Delegation from both Shia and Sunn sects came together and issued a joint declaration assuring the regional government to maintain law and order in Gilgit Baltistan to Chief Minister Gulbar Khan. During the early month of September in Gilgit Baltistan internet services were shut down owing to the insensitive comments made by the religious clerks of both sides. Gulbar Khan said: “A peaceful environment is the need of every citizen, and without peace, we cannot bring development to the region.” (Jamil Nagri, “GB clerics agree to put sectarian strife behind them,” Dawn, 6 October 2023)
ECONOMY
Delegation to get back two PIA aircraft stranded in Jakarta
On 6 October, The Express Tribune reported that a four-team delegation would leave for Indonesia to get back two Pakistan International Airline’s Airbus 320 aircraft that have been stored in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta for the last two years. PIA returned the airbuses in 2021 owing to a massive loss of payments on the parking of planes. The negligence of the PIA management is responsible for the plane’s prolonged parking in Jakarta. PIA spokesperson stressed that the negotiations are on the way and that” hey will be purchased and added back to the fleet. Soon both the planes will come to Pakistan.” (Aftab Khan, “Team to leave for Jakarta to repatriate two PIA planes,” The Express Tribune, 6 October 2023)
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