ISPR reports the killing of 29 terrorists along the Af-Pak border; IMF will approve the next bailout package after an aligned budget receives go ahead from Parliament
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Turkmenistan to fund TAPI pipeline project
On 22 May, Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Dr Musadik Malik disclosed that both Pakistan and Turkmenistan would provide funding for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline project due to the unavailability of foreign funding. The lack of foreign funding is due to the refusal to recognize the government in Afghanistan. Through this project, the gas from Turkmenistan will be transported to Europe via LNG train. Malik stated: “Turkmenistan is a landlocked country with substantial gas reserves, but currently China is its only buyer,” and “the gas will flow through the pipeline to Pakistan, and it will be transported to Europe by train.” He highlighted the plan to purchase gas from Iran and said that there were hindrances like international sanctions. When speaking about the country’s renewable energy, he mentioned the 2018 strategy and stated: “Pakistan can produce energy using a hybrid system. Battery technology is improving, and we can generate electricity from the sun, wind, and water.” (Zafar Bhutta, “TAPI pipeline project will be funded bilaterally,” The Express Tribune, 23 May 2024)
PM Shehbaz Shariff arrives in UAE for a one day visit
On 23 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached the United Arab Emirates for his first one-day-long visit to UAE since his re-election. During the visit, he is expected to discuss issues related to trade and investment with the Gulf nation’s president. UAE Vice President and Deputy PM Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the premier. PM Sharif described the visit on X as “short but important” and stated: “Looking forward to a fruitful exchange of views with the UAE leadership to deepen the historic and brotherly PAK-UAE ties.” Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi have accompanied the PM on this visit. The Foreign Office in its statement said that the PM is likely to meet the UAE President, Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and other Emirati dignitaries. It also stated that both countries have “long-standing fraternal relations deep-rooted in religio-cultural affinity.” This development has come after a high-level exchange between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. (“PM Shehbaz arrives in UAE on day-long visit to talk trade and investment,” Dawn, 23 May 2024)
SECURITY
ISPR reports the killing of 29 terrorists along the Af-Pak border
On 22 May, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement revealing that over the past month, in a series of operations conducted along the Af-Pak border, almost 29 terrorists have been killed. The operations conducted were part of a widened effort to curb the terrorist infiltrations targeting both civilians and the military. ISPR stated: “In addition to other areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, security forces have been conducting operations in the general area Sambaza in Zhob district of Balochistan, since April 21, 2024. As a result of effective engagements, 29 terrorists have been successfully neutralized by the security forces in the past month.” Further, it highlighted the increasing infiltration attempts by Afghanistan-based terrorists in order to carry out attacks on Pakistani territory ISPR in its statement reiterated that Pakistan has urged the Taliban to manage its border, saying: “Interim Afghan government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.” (“29 terrorists killed along Afghan border: ISPR,” Dawn, 23 May 2024)
POLITICS
Special Investigation Team (SIT) commissioned to look into the attack on PTI leader Raoof Hasan
On 22 May, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was commissioned to investigate the attack on PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the police department revealed that IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi notified the team. The police gathered seven to eight video clips of the attack from different sources which were sent to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Additionally, the police informed that the faces of the attackers were not clear in the footage. This was the second such incident over the past few days and the FIR stated that two to three transgenders tried to attack Hasan outside a news channel in the Blue area two days ago. The FIR underscored that besides protection, legal action should be taken. However, PTI Secretary General and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub rejected the FIR and demanded the formation of a judicial commission to bring the actual perpetrators to justice. He claimed that the attackers were not transgender but well-trained assassins. He also claimed that the police rejected Mr. Hasan’s statement. He mentioned: “We categorically reject and condemn the forged FIR that was lodged by the Islamabad police. It is an attempt to sabotage the integrity of the case.” (Ikram Junaidi and Munawer Azeem, “Special team to probe attempt on PTI leader Raoof Hasan’s life,” Dawn, 23 May 2024)
ECONOMY
IMF will approve the next bailout package after an aligned budget receives go ahead from Parliament
On 23 May, the visiting IMF team told the Pakistan authorities that only after “an aligned upcoming budget” is agreed to by the parliament the next bailout package under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) will be approved. The team’s visit led by Nathan Porter could pave the way for further discussions leading to the signing of a staff-level agreement for afresh bailout package. There is also a possibility of upgrading the amount from USD 6 to USD 8 billion through climate finance Some of the requirements posed by the IMF are increasing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) revenue, attaining primary surplus through reducing expenditures, and undertaking structural reforms to limit the losses of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The IMF has also demanded that the country increase electricity and gas tariffs to clinch a deal. The IMF team has gathered all the data related to major economic indicators and conveyed the kind of budget they would like to see in 2024-25. A carbon tax is also under consideration.as the non-tax revenue target is likely to go up. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan authorities told: Bailout deal to come after approval of IMF-dictated budget,” Dawn, 23 May 2024)
Pakistan’s investment ratio falls despite SIFC efforts, reveals NAC estimation
On 23 May, The Express Tribune reported on the National Accounts Committee (NAC) approved figures which shows that Pakistan’s investment ratio has declined to just 13.1 per cent in the outgoing fiscal year. This ratio is lower than the stated target of a 15.1per cent investment-to-GDP ratio and is also the lowest recorded in 50 years despite efforts taken by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The country’s fixed investment-to-GDP ratio also declined to 11.4 per cent from the previous year’s 12.4 per cent. This low GDP investment ratio signifies that the SIFC alone cannot boost investments and improve Pakistan’s economy, political stability is also crucial. The committee also pointed out a discrepancy in the population figure used by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) which was used to calculate per capita income. As per the 2023 population census results, the population stands at241.5 million. However, the PBS used an outdated population figure of 236 million which has led to inflated per capita income figures. The committee’s estimation highlights the investments and savings percentage falls below the targets due to the external sector crisis. The SIFC was established by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to boost the country’s low investment. However, it has only succeeded in addressing coordination issues and no foreign or domestic investments. Additionally, the country is expected to receive a USD five billion investment from Saudi Arabia. The government’s inability to increase its investment demonstrates significant economic failure. (Shahbaz Rana, “Investment plummets to 50-year low,” The Express Tribune, 23 May 2024)
SOCIETY
KP reports one case of Congo fever, NIH’s Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) notifies advisories for several others
On 22 May, the National Institute of Health (NIH)’s Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) notified advisories for the prevention and control of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), heatstroke, sunstroke, and typhoid fever following a case of CCHF reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. NIH’s CDC revealed that 101 CCHF cases were reported in 2023. The disease CCHF is caused by tick-borne Nairo virus. The carriers of this virus are animals like cattle, goats, sheep, and hares. It is transmitted to people by tick bites or when in contact with infected blood. It is also a contagious disease that can spread from infected person to another person through contact with blood, secretions, or body fluids. Separately, due to the severe climatic changes, the vulnerability and impact of heat waves are also heightening with the possibility of morbidity and mortality due to heat stroke, says Pakistan’s advisory for prevention of heatstroke and sunstroke cases. It advised people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, increase water intake, consumption of salty foods, wearing hats and light-colored and loose clothes. (“NIH issues advisories for Congo fever, typhoid and heatstroke prevention,” Dawn, 23 May 2024)
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What is the simple and clearest ruling of the Book and Sunnah on this matter, the essential explanation has been given by these credible personalities in their brief package.
- Sibghatullah Virk
Satellite rescue stations were handed over to the provincial government to provide immediate and better medical aid in case of road accidents under the reconstruction program of USAID.
- Tehreek-e-Insaf
Child protection program will be started soon under the legislation and positive policy of the government of Sindh, which will be effective in stopping the traditional exploitation of children and will provide a better and safer environment for children.
- PPP
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Shahzad Sharjeel, ‘In hot & sour soup’
Dawn, 23 May 2024
“On June 24, 2007, the Lal Masjid brigade attacked a Chinese massage parlour in the heart of Islamabad and bundled off seven Chinese nationals to the mosque complex. Tomes have been written in favour and against the ensuing military operation. There is never a single reason that dictates policy decisions in such matters. However, one of them could have been the packets of calcium tablets sent by concerned Chinese citizens to its foreign ministry. Among its interpretations was that this was a test of the Communist Party’s backbone in the face of threats to its citizens abroad.”
F.S. Aijazuddin, ‘Deniable truths’
Dawn, 23 May 2024
“Fallaci, a consummate professional, taped every interview. Often though, these precautions were not enough. The tapes of her sessions with Israeli leader Golda Meir mysteriously disappeared from a locked hotel room in Rome. Col Qadhafi’s detailed mention of their contents made Fallaci suspect him of masterminding the theft. She transcribed her notes faithfully but found that some of her interviewees like Gen Giap wanted her to print only their version. She humoured Giap, and then printed her own report with it. (Her interview with Giap so impressed Dr Kissinger, he agreed to be interviewed by her.) Others regretted their remarks afterwards and demanded that their indiscretions should be excised. Dr Kissinger did not share her humour when she quoted his admission that he saw himself as “an amazing, romantic character [,] the cowboy who rides alone into the town with his horse”.”
I Hussain, ‘Against the tide’
The News International, 23 May 2024
“Corruption seems woven into the nation’s political fabric, evidenced by rumors of a costly and unnecessary wheat deal that sapped $1 billion from Pakistan’s already scanty foreign currency reserves. This mismanagement has impacted Punjab’s farmers, who face reluctance from local procurement centers to buy their wheat due to lack of funds and storage facilities, pushing some to consider burning their unsold harvest. The alleged financial bungling leads to questions about the utility of caretaker governments. They add on layers of cost to the exchequer without delivering significant policy changes, and often exacerbate issues, as seen in the wheat import fiasco. A constitutional review of the necessity of caretaker governments may be warranted.”
Editorial, ‘Energy inflation’
Dawn, 23 May 2024
“Energy inflation has been a major cause of the surging cost of living over the last couple of years. Even though headline inflation came down to just above 17pc last month from its peak of over 38pc last May, the planned hike in energy rates could again push up prices during FY25. With the government trying to secure yet another loan from the IMF to preserve the country’s new-found economic ‘stability’ and improve its credit rating, the authorities have also shared with the Fund their plans to raise gas prices from August and the base electricity tariff from July. In addition, the government would be required to increase taxes to boost its revenues by 1.5pc of GDP. These measures will again drive up inflation, burdening the people with even more costs. The household budgets of the majority, especially those in the low- to moderate-income bracket, are already stretched thin; further erosion in their purchasing power and reductions in real wages will thrust them far beyond breaking point.”
Editorial, ‘Flooding threats’
Dawn, 23 May 2024
“In the long term, a comprehensive disaster management strategy is essential. The Scaling-up Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF-II) in Northern Pakistan project by UNDP and the Green Climate Fund is a laudable initiative. It includes constructing protective infrastructure, slope stabilisation measures, and early warning systems. However, more is needed. As has been described in these pages, continued investment in infrastructure is crucial. Building flood barriers, improving drainage systems, and regularly monitoring glacial lakes with satellite technology can mitigate the impact of GLOFs. Pakistan should collaborate with international climate bodies for technical expertise. Sustained community involvement is equally vital. Local groups and leaders must foster awareness and preparedness through campaigns, drills, and forming disaster risk reduction committees. Establishing emergency response teams within villages can ensure swift action. By fostering a culture of preparedness, we can protect lives from the mounting threats posed by climate change.”
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“The real estate sector can play a crucial role in reducing national climate vulnerability.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Climate action as equity’ |
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