Reuters Ridicules Paki Idea Of Banning Cheese Imports !
Ban cheese imports? Pakistan discusses outside-the-box ideas to avoid IMF bailout
Reuters
Asif Shahzad
Sept 9, 2018
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani economic advisors discussed banning imports of luxury cars, smartphones and cheese in a wide-ranging strategy session on how to avoid seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a senior government advisor said.
While no decisions were made, the floating of radical measures to tackle Pakistan’s ballooning current account deficit by the newly formed Economic Advisory Council (EAC) underscores the new government’s determination to avoid another IMF bailout
. Such "outside the box" brainstorming sessions should be held in camera at a secret (ISI) location to avoid public ridiculing
The EAC held its first session last week, chaired by Finance Minister Asad Umar, who took office last month. A lull in Pakistani exports and a relative spike in imports has led to a shortage of dollars in the economy, putting pressure on the local currency and dwindling foreign currency reserves.
The way it is mentioned here ( a lull ...) ( putting pressure...) gives a misleading impression that the Paki economy is just having a "small hiccup" and that things will sort itself out !
That has prompted most financial analysts to predict Pakistan will turn to the IMF for its 15th bailout since the early 1980s. But new Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticized a culture of dependency and his party’s officials have expressed concerns that the reforms and austerity the IMF might demand would strangle promised government spending.
. Imran should not bury his head in the sand . You cannot have butter and guns at the same time . Economics 101. The Fauj is appropriating all the "butter money" for guns !
Ashfaque Hasan Khan, a university professor who is one of more than a dozen EAC members, told Reuters that during Thursday’s meeting, the focus was on outside-the-box ideas that would help curb imports.“I didn’t find any member (who) suggested that Pakistan should go to the IMF because there is no other alternative,” he said. “We need to take some actions. ‘Do nothing’ scenario is unacceptable.”
Cosmetic measures like banning import of cheese, smart phones and luxury cars will make a "small dent", will alienate the RAPE class, will increase smuggling !
Umar could not be reached for comment on the EAC meeting. He recently told the Senate that while Pakistan needs to meet a $9 billion financing requirement, the IMF should only be a fallback option.
Whether they like it or not , the Pakis will have no option but to take the "bitter medicine" prescribed by the IMF Doctor . Islamic Farewell State should be put in cold storage, at least for a couple of decades
Last year, the previous government hiked tariffs by up to 50 percent on 240 imported items, including cheese and high-horsepower cars, and imposed regulatory duties on dozens of new imports. But no outright import bans were issued.
Attack the White Elephant in the room, bloated military expenditures. ! Make peace with India !. Stop Terrorism Activities in the region.! Do not suppress the Non Pakjabi minorities ! Leave the Ahmedis alone !
Umar recently said Pakistan would not rule out asking “friendly nations” - usually code for historic allies China and Saudi Arabia - for assistance to avoid going to the IMF, as well as raising money on international debt markets.
The country is "almost mortgaged' to the hilt !
To ease current account pressures, Pakistan’s central bank has devalued the rupee four times since December, while interest rates have been hiked three times this year.
And the Fauj has sent peace feelers to the Indian Govt because of this . India should not bite !
) The Iranis were first in courting The Khan . Their Foreign Minister made the Pilgrimage To Bani Gala first ! And the Khan has gracefully accepted their invite . According to the rules of diplomatic etiquette ( if I am correct !) the Saudis will now to have to stand in line . Iran will be the first Islami destination as PM of Pakiland 
