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In Brief
POLITICS
Cabinet report hints at the possible abolishment of Ministry of Health and downsizing of administration
On 12 August, The News International reported that the Cabinet Committee has issued a report recommending the “abolition” of the Ministry of National Health among other propositions. It has recommended the creation of a new department, named Social Sector Affairs and even the downsizing of the administrative bloc to a “single wing” under a Grade-20 officer. About 692 civil servants will be affected by this. Among them, about sixty will be affected by the merger of National Education Health Survey (NEHS) and the Right to Information (RTI) and 106 by the National Trust for Population (NAPTOW) merger. Besides, the rest will either be transferred to autonomous or semi-autonomous institutions through legislation or be sent to a surplus pool. The report emphasizes the need to “rationalize” the ratio of officers and subordinate staff. It also calls for the government to enter a Private Public Partnership (PPP) in order to reduce financial burden on itself, for instance all hospitals, health centres and dispensaries besides Pims Hospital and Polyclinic Hospital will be run by the PPP model. Additionally, it has also stated that a common directorate will be formulated for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria either by “abolishing or transferring the Directorate of Malaria.”(Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Cabinet panel proposes abolition of Ministry of Health ,”The News International, 11 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Government deliberates introducing equalization levy on gas
On 12 August, Dawn revealed that the government is planning to introduce “price equalization levy or surcharge” on gas from wellheads to cross subsidize beneficiaries and the industrial sector as a part of the Integrated Energy Plan. This is an initiative to promote sectoral reforms to help gas companies become efficient and self-reliant, ultimately leading to privatization and reducing financial burden on the sector, of PKR 10-15 billion worth of subsidies to the sector. This is a model which separates pipeline businesses from distribution companies, consequently, creating a wholesale gas sector. As the population has been forecasted to rise above 250 million by 2050, the lowest level of energy consumption was projected at 0.33 tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE). However, even if the country continued to industrialize, its energy needs would double by 2045 despite a 3.5 per cent economic growth. While domestic gas supply is expected to fall “from around 3 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) to around 1 bcfd by 2035,” the needs will increase to 6.2 bcfd to around 5 bcfd. Hence, to carry out damage control, the government has decided to hire specialists for “expert advice,” for instance, McKinsey and the Three Crowns LLP “are being hired” to help with the “Iran-Pakistan pipeline project and process mapping and functional reorganization of the Ministry of Petroleum, respectively.” According to sources, the government has set a deadline for 16 August to introduce at least six technical analysts and legal and financial consultants in upstream, mid and downstream sectors in Special Professional Pay Scales (SPPS-II). However, an official revealed that this might not be met. It is believed that the restructuring and privatization of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) may garner attention from foreign investors, including the Middle East, given that they are run professionally. Additionally, this venture may receive support from the Exploration and Production sector (E&P). (Khaleeq Kiani, “Government mulls imposing price equalisation levy to sustain gas sector,” Dawn, 12 August 2024)
“What’s needed is a paradigm shift with the envisaged transition and implementation of the power sector reforms,” suggests an analysis in Dawn
On 12 August, in an analysis titled “The spiralling impact of electricity price hikes” in Dawn, Mustafa Kamal highlighted the ramifications of the increased electricity price tariffs which are set to create a ripple effect in unexpected domains. He listed potential outcomes with the first being a jump in power theft a households have to deal with expensive bills. It also pointed out that non-functioning revenue utilities further drive them to resort to “illegal connections and meter tampering.” Secondly, there is a fall in the sale of electricity and “bill recovery rates.” Disconnections and capacity payments further erode the financial health of the administration. Followed by this is the likelihood of institutional integrity being at risk as utility companies may succumb to corruption. It so happens that those in the lower levels of the organization may either pocket bribes for “overlooking theft or manipulating bills.” Lastly, the switch to solar power among residents may lead to a decline in demand. The costs of power generation will eventually have to be spread across a smaller consumer base and this will force a surge in tariff rates to meet the sector’s requirements. In addition to this, taxes that add 20-25 per cent of consumer bills and the rupee devaluation as a consequence of inflation and the cost of borrowing further exacerbate the current state of affairs. The author recommended adopting a holistic approach that takes note of the relationship between policy, “consumer behaviour, utility operations, and contractual performance of assets and macroeconomic stability.” He called for a shift from the reforms that aligned with the 1992 plan to help corporations run smoothly and promote healthy competition and efficiency in the market. (Mustafa Kamal, “The spiralling impact of electricity price hikes,” Dawn, 12 August 2024)
SOCIETY
“Since polio is now regaining ground in Pakistan and the state appears to be on the back foot,” observes an article in The News International
On 12 August, an editorial titled “Polio clawback” in The News International discussed the potential of polio cases to increase by the end of the year. The editorial noted that the reason why polio has gained a “resurgence” is because parents refuse to get their children vaccinated in June. Despite a large vaccination drive in July, the “virus has gained ground.” The editorial highlighted the need to first overcome misinformation and hesitancy behind vaccine administration. Parents must be informed of the consequences of non-vaccination by debunking “anti-vaccine misinformation and propaganda.” Additionally, entities that have influence in society such as local communities, religious leaders and so on may help support this cause. The editorial also invoked the political aspect of this problem by noting the rise in polio cases during the rule of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) as the number of cases crossed 100 in 2019. It is reflective of how relevant institutions are “sensitive to who happens to be in power and appear to require greater independence.” It concluded that despite the character of the ruling government, objectives such as elimination of polio should not be “compromised.” (“Polio clawback,” The News International, 12 August 2024)
PM Sharif announces plans for youth empowerment on International Youth Day
On 12 August, on account of International Youth Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, guaranteed that his government would work towards “creating a supportive environment” for them and provide “ample opportunities” to them. Speaking on this year’s theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” he emphasized the need to integrate youth in the convergence of opportunity and technology. Making a reference to the Youth Business Loan Scheme introduced in 2013, he said that about PKR 186 billion has been handed out to 280,000 young entrepreneurs, which has created numerous jobs. Later, it was restructured to include agricultural loans to allow affiliated micro finance institutions to lend interest-free loans. He also announced the government’s plan to “expand” this programme through an allocation of PKR 100 billion in fiscal 2024-25, to empower about 300,000 entrepreneurs across the country. The Youth Programme is set to enhance skills of young individuals through a Skill Development Programme through the Youth Laptop Scheme and provide support via Youth Loan Schemes. (“ Shehbaz Sharif highlights youth empowerment on International Youth Day ,” The Express Tribune, 12 August 2024)
Madressah leaders “listen to the long lectures of the top security brass, bureaucrats, and security officials, agree with them, but never allow the state institutions to influence their system” claims an opinion in Dawn
On 11 August, in an opinion titled “The question of reform” in Dawn, Muhammad Amir Rana, discussed the strained relations between the State and the madressah system. The author highlighted that over the past 30 years, madressahs have been allowed to function autonomously as the state has been unsuccessful in regulating or reforming the former’s operations or curriculum. In contrast, the state had agreed to the madressah’s terms with regard to audits, registration and reforms. The author notes that the Ittehad-i-Tanzeemat-i-Madaris (ITM), an entity which umbrellas five organizations that register madressahs and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training engaged in a dialogue where they decided that madressah registration would be done through the education department. For this, the Directorate General of Religious Education was formed but the ITM overturned its decision and rejected the idea of registering under the Directorate. This has not been the only incident where the madressah leadership has “backtracked” from its promises and displayed “determination and resistance to state intervention.” They are now being supported by Civil Society Organizations (CSO) that provide them access to the world beyond Pakistan, a chance to initiate dialogue with Western academics, diplomats and so on. Interestingly, some madressah graduates have established their own CSOs which have now become a channel from which it sources their funds but don’t fulfill their end of the deal. This highlights their wider, international interests. The author criticized them for encouraging a narrative that goes against the constitution but commended the implementation of the “Paigham-i-Pakistan,” an order against religious intolerance and extremism. The author lambasted political analysts and madressah leaders for acting akin to mafias in Pakistan as madressahs are no-entry zones for police unless child molestation or student torture cases come to the surface. Hence, this makes the entire domain mysterious, an “enigma” as the local community only finances them but cannot put them under practice vigilance. He concluded that Madressahs are typically the source of radicalization and extremism within the country and that the state “has no plan other than to act according to the madressah leaders’ template.” (Muhammad Amir Rana, “The question of reform,” Dawn, 11 August 2024)
SECURITY
Two security officials reported dead in North Waziristan
On 11 August, security personnel, Lt Uzair Mehmood Malik died at the Combined Military Hospital. An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement revealed he had led troops at Bagh in the Tirah Valley and ended up sustaining wounds from an “intense” gunfight with militants. , Furthermore, clashes between militants and security forces first took place in North Waziristan which led to the death of one official and the second was in Kaiser Road in Mir Ali tehsil which resulted in the injury of four personnel. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the “fallen officer.” PM Sharif said: “Our martyrs and their families are the pride of the whole nation.” In other news, bodies of two missing personnel who were abducted by unidentified men from Tiarh in Upper South Waziristan were found in Kot Konr mountains. (“Security man martyred in North Waziristan, injured officer passes away,” Dawn, 12 August 2024)
EXTERNAL
Strict surveillance for potential beggars heading to Gulf
On 12 August, Dawn reported that according to a Federal Investigation Agency official, the airport immigration staff has “off-loaded several passengers from flights” to stop Pakistanis travelling to Gulf countries for the purpose of begging. Many “potential beggars” travel to these countries, namely, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Oman and Turkey as tourists. FIA sources have stated that they mostly operate from south Punjab district and travel from the Multan airport in disguise. Additionally, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was informed that around 90 per cent of beggars arrested abroad are of Pakistani origin. The UAE authorities have intensified its scrutiny by actively rejecting visas of people who don’t have proof of sufficient money in their accounts. Many foreign embassies function in the UAE to provide visas to Pakistan. However, this may affect the people who intend to travel to these countries, as they have to go through an interview in the UAE. As a solution, an FIA officer asserts that it is not enough if Pakistani authorities work to stop illegal immigrants, beggars or criminals and that even Middle Eastern countries must enhance their visa processing system. They must adopt a system similar to Western countries where they ask for tax and property documents and bank statements to ensure the traveller can support themselves in their country. (Waseem Ashraf Butt, “‘Beggars’ heading to Gulf under strict scrutiny at airports ,” Dawn, 12 August 2024)
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