In Brief
INTERNAL
Bill Gates terms Pakistan efforts to eradicate polio as inspiring
On 17 February, billionaire philanthropist arrived on a day long visit and met PM, President and others. He expressed his commitment to support Pakistan in eradicating polio. Gates said “Pakistan has made considerable progress, and to achieve desirable results, it is pertinent to continue with the strategic and targeted approach in the coming months,”. In response to Bill Gates lauding the country in its fight against polio, SAPM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said “We are focused on building the capacity of district government-led teams, especially in high-risk areas of South KP [Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa] to provide leadership in identifying challenges, designing, and implementing corrective actions to reach the goal of polio-free Pakistan,”. (“Bill Gates pleased with polio eradication efforts,” The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022)
Bilawal Bhutto warns of democracy backsliding in Pakistan
On 17 February, while addressing a gathering hosted by Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), PPP President said that Pakistan has had a mixed path to achieving democracy and in the current regime Pakistan was sliding towards authoritarianism. Pointing to the need for a fair, non-discriminatory, transparent and efficient accountability system, he confessed that “Unfortunately, very often the judiciary has failed to do so,”. (“Bilawal warns of slide towards authoritarianism, dictatorship,” Dawn, 18 February, 2022)
Government confirms ex SC Judge as arbitrator in IPPs case
On February 8, a notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice had nominated Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed has been nominated as arbitrator in dispute over alleged excess payments done to independent power producers (IPP). The IPPs payment mechanism and establishment was done under the Policy for Power Generation 2002. The former judge was a member of five judge bench which has disqualified former PM Nawaz Sharif. Mr Saeed also served in the Punjab Commission on Irregular Housing Societies by the Punjab government as a chairman, the commission is to regularize more than 6,000 illegal housing societies in the province. (Nasir Iqbal, “Govt names ex-SC judge Azmat Saeed as arbitrator in IPPs case,” Dawn, 18 February, 2022)
Senate witnesses defeat of opposition in passing of bills relating to OGRA
On 17 February, the opposition allowed unanimous passage of three bills namely: OGRA (Amendment) Bill 2022, OGRA (Second Amendment) Bill 2022 and Allied Health Professionals Council Bill 2022. The was fierce resistance during discussion on drafts, JI senator Mushtaq Ahmed pointed that approval from Council of Common Interest had not been sought, hinting at the IMF role in such motivations. There was a tie in the initial voting for passage but there was no opposition in the second round of voting. The bills relating to OGRA would make the pricing of the gas and oil based upon revenue requirements. (Sardar Sikander Shaheen, “Health council, 2 Ogra bills sail thru Senate,” Business Recorder, 18 February 2022)
AG confirms filing complaint against IHC Judge
On 17 February, Attorney General of Pakistan Niazullah Niazi confirmed to a national daily that as a representative of the government, he had been given a go ahead against filing complaint against a judge who gave his observation in the court when police produced Mohsin Baig in Islamabad High Court (IHC). The complaint would be submitted to chief justice of IHC. (Saqib Bashir, “Govt to file complaint against Islamabad judge,” The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022)
PROVINCE
Punjab: Government rejects demand for restoring Municipal Bodies
On 17 February, while holding the fifth sitting for the Local Government Bill 2019, the standing committee chairman outrightly rejected the idea of restoring municipal committees. The government also conveyed its intention to hold forthcoming local polls and the use of EVMs henceforth. The opposition opposed the use of EVM for local polls as it would increase the waiting time for ECP to procure more machines and hence more delay in holing local government elections. (“Govt rejects suggestion to restore municipal bodies,” Dawn, 18 February, 2022)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Work on for legislation on women welfare in KP
On 17 February, Chairperson Women Parliamentary Caucus Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly MPA Dr Sumera Shams shared about laws for women on zero hunger, good health, quality of education, peace and justice, reduction of poverty, inequality and reduction of human rights violations have been in their final draft stage. She said there will be more funds to provide additional budgets to improve conditions of Darul Amans’. She added that working women hostels would be set up in every district of KP. (“Laws on the anvil for women welfare in K-P,” The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Senate standing committee informed of allocated Rs129.7 billion for merged districts of FATA
On 17 February, Senate Standing Committee on Frontier Regions met Islamabad to discuss non implementation of commitments made under twenty fifth constitutional amendment and growing problems for women in the region. The finance ministry officials informed the committee that 3 per cent of national finance commission (NFC) would be allocated for implementing twenty fifth amendment in KP province. The committee was also apprised about recruitment of Khasadars in the police. (Naveed Butt, “Rs129.7bn allocated for merged districts of FATA,” Business Recorder, 18 February 2022)
ECONOMY
Urea importing approved by Economic coordination committee
On 17 February, the economic coordination committee approved PKR 12.345 billion for importing urea on equal cost sharing basis between provinces and federal governments. Tax exemptions on oxygen gas, oxygen cylinders and oxygen tanks were also approved up to June 2022 to cope with the fifth wave of Covid in the country. ECC also agreed in principle to extend the Defence Credit Line Facility of US$ 50 million to Sri Lanka to enhance bilateral defence and security cooperation. The ECC in the same meeting approved expansion of Kamyab Pakistan Programme (KPP) to other provinces. (Zaheer Abbasi, “ECC approves urea import cost estimates,” Business Recorder, 18 February 2022)
PKR 403 billion approved for two motorway projects
On 17 February, the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) cleared the amount for two road projects. Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M6) is the link connecting north and south corridor of motorways in Pakistan. The P3A awarded the contract to M/s Techno Engineering Services Pvt Ltd., the company was embroiled in a controversy over holding benami assets in different cities of Pakistan as per an enquiry of FBR last year. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Two road projects worth Rs403bn approved,” Dawn, 18 February 2022)
Large scale manufacturing paces down to 7.4 per cent in first half of fiscal year
On 17 February, PBS released figures of growth in large scale manufacturing (LSM) on the basis of new method. The country posted a n average growth of LSM at 7.4 per cent which stood at 11.1 per cent in August 2021. As per the old methodology, PBS calculated the LSM growth at 3.4 per cent only. As per the new methodology 123 items with a cumulative weightage are counted by PBS to calculate LSM growth trends. Only sector which posted growth first six months was textile sector. (Shahbaz Rana, “LSM growth slows down to 7.4%,” The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022)
EXTERNAL
Israel Navy participated in US led Naval exercise “International Maritime Exercise”
On 17 February, Israel Navy confirmed it had participated in the naval exercise led by USA and its allies in the Gulf. Pakistan and many other countries which do not have diplomatic relation with Israel were also participants in the naval exercise. The statement by Navy chief said “ Israel Navy is working together with our American partners to prevent terror in the maritime arena and to strengthen the security of the region’s waters”. (Anwar Iqbal, “Israeli navy joins US-led exercise with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan,” Dawn, 18 February 2022)
COAS visit to Belgium brings confidence and appreciation for Pakistan in Afghanistan
On 17 February, COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Secretary-General of the European External Action Services (EEAS) Stefano Sannino and Chairman of the EU Military Committee General Claudio Graziano during his official visit to Belgium. A statement from the media wing “Pakistan values its relations with EU countries and earnestly look forward to enhance mutual cooperation based on common interests,”. The COAS conveyed risks associated with unstable Afghanistan for the region. (“Gen Qamar discusses Afghan situation with EU officials in Belgium,” The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022)
“Crushing oil prices”
Dawn, 18 February 2022
The popular outrage against the soaring fuel costs is so cogent that even allies of the ruling PTI have been forced to demand the immediate withdrawal of the increase.
“High-handed tactics”
Dawn, 18 February 2022
Even for an administration known to be exceedingly thin-skinned, the PTI government’s contempt for the freedom of speech has perhaps never been more obvious. And its over-the-top reactions make for bad optics and even poorer strategy.
“Yemen toll”
Dawn, 18 February 2022
The aim of the Saudi-led, Western-backed coalition was to restore the Yemeni government. Seven years down the line, this goal seems very difficult to attain in the present circumstances, with the Houthis firmly ensconced in their strongholds as well as the capital.
“Envisioning a digital future”
The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022
The initiation of Raast, a person-to-person digital payment system for instant digital transactions, is an important initiative that will help boost the incumbent government’s vision of a digital future.
“Farmers and far-off markets”
The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022
In a country that has to import large quantities of food grains to feed its burgeoning population, the government needs to pay urgent attention towards providing farmers with improved means of access to markets, and at the same time take other necessary measures to encourage farmers by offering them incentives.
“Dispensing timely justice”
The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022
The cabinet has come up with a novel idea to install a parallel structure of justice dispensation to overseas Pakistanis. How far it is tenable under the law, and what would be its softies is yet to be ascertained.
Also read
“Rising storm”
The News International, 18 February 2022
The animosity and use of force against those who oppose the PTI government, and notably Prime Minister Imran Khan, appears to be gaining greater force.
“Recognising abilities”
The News International, 18 February 2022
The Punjab government’s ‘Empowerment of Persons with Different Abilities Act, 2021’ is obviously a law that is badly needed in a country that, according to the Pakistan Housing Survey of 2017, has about 31 million people living with disabilities of various kinds.
Faisal Bari, “Improving learning”
Dawn, 18 February 2022
Learning should not be a process that sets up children for unhealthy trials and, for many, even failure.
Shamshad Akhtar, “Decarbonised future for Pakistan”
Dawn, 18 February 2022
Since ratifying the Paris Agreement, Pakistan has adopted a strong agenda on climate change and environmental issues.
Syed Mohammad Ali, “Implications of the resumed IMF deal”
The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022
In elite-dominated countries like our own, tax reforms do not include progressively taxing the rich or making sufficient efforts to take tax absconders to the task.
Shahzad Chaudhry, “Politics of fear”
The Express Tribune, 18 February 2022
After three years of unreserved support of one and all, retired, serving, former, present, to turn from a non-functional, half-hearted, lethargic governance and administrative machinery into a vibrant, progressive, and rapidly developing nation it finds itself seemingly dumped and for the most part on its own.
Pakistan Twitter
“It was a pleasure to welcome Bill Gates who came to Pakistan on my invitation. Apart from his many achievements, he is admired globally for his philanthropy. On behalf of our nation, I thank him for his immense contribution towards polio eradication & poverty alleviation initiatives.”
- Imran Khan, Prime Minister
“Following a 166% increase in international petroleum prices since November 2020, the government continues to lose revenue from sales taxes and levies to protect the public from rising prices. In FY 2022 alone, the government lost an average of Rs 70 billion per month and Rs 840 billion for the whole year.”
- Shaukat Tarin, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue
“The Senate today passed the WACOG bill (Weighted Average Cost of Gas). Approval of this historic and long-awaited reform is an important step towards energy security in Pakistan. Now we will be able to reform gas pricing, remove any ambiguity and increase the supply of imported gas.”
- Hammad Azhar, Minister of Energy Resources
Quote of the Day
“The situation is difficult not only for consumers but also for the government since the surging prices in the international market and increasing oil imports are putting more pressure on our meagre foreign exchange reserves.”
- An editorial in Dawn on “Crushing oil prices”