Terroristan - July 27, 2018

[Falijee]

The Incompetent Paki Foreign Office And The Incompetent Politicians Who Manage The Affairs Of State !

When breaches of diplomatic protocol become norm, trouble beckons
The News International
Sept 1, 2018
Umer Cheema

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the subsequent controversy over their talking points has highlighted a chronic malpractice of our ruling elite: They don’t follow diplomatic protocols.

Does the "Oxford educated" Immy know about diplomatic protocol

Imran is not the first to breach the protocol by deciding to take a call of an official who does not share his status as the executive head of government. In fact, such meetings are often held and the details of these interactions kept secret from official stakeholders. Even the Foreign Office remains foreign, according to former and serving officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

There are few countries where the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of foreign relations are disregarded as much as in Pakistan. This breach of protocol became common during the rule of Gen. Ziaul Haq, because he wore so many official hats. Zia became the chief martial law administrator in 1977 and then had himself appointed president in 1978. He worked without a prime minister until 1985 and thus was comfortable with meeting foreign dignitaries of lower protocol ranking, according to a former diplomat.

Islamic brotherhood and saving or losing face are more important than diplomatic protocol

Compliance with SOPs improved somewhat during democratic governments, only to be reversed after Gen. Pervez Musharraf seized power in 1999. As a “frank and candid” soldier, he preferred to personally conduct meetings with foreign partners. In Musharraf’s own words, he was playing golf when received a call from the then US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, seeking his cooperation in the war on terror. He responded with a straightforward "yes" without consulting any officials and resumed his round of golf.

And then he addressed the awaam and gave a BS story, about India taking advantage if Pakistan did not say "yes" .

According to diplomatic SOPs, a foreign dignitary should not make a direct call. A request must be conveyed to the Foreign Office. It would inquire about the subject of requested conversation and a call would be scheduled at a mutually agreed time. The protocol level of the caller is also taken into account.

In case the US secretary of state wishes to speak with the prime minister of Pakistan, he would usually be referred to his opposite number, the foreign minister. “Maintaining the protocol level is very important. If the secretary of state is allowed to speak with the prime minister, he will prefer to maintain that link instead of interacting with his counterpart,” said a Pakistani diplomat.

The transcript of such a conversation would be prepared and shared with the Foreign Office for addition to the official record, according to the SOPs. What is to be made public is decided by mutual consent. In case a disagreement on content arises, the conversation is kept confidential.

In Pakiland, it is practiced more in the breach !

Thus arises the question: Why did Imran decide to take Pompeo's call? A report by Geo’s Mona Khan revealed that the foreign ministry had advised him not to accept a call from a US official other than President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence.

Was the transcript of their conversation shared with the Foreign Office? No. It is equally unclear who asked the Foreign Office spokesperson to tweet that the US State Department press release about the call was inaccurate, particularly the portion which claimed Imran and Pompeo had discussed terrorists based in Pakistan.

Another diplomatic faux pas occurred on Friday when PM Imran Khan interacted with senior journalists. It was reported that the French President, Emmanuel Macron, wanted to speak with the prime minister, but he twice refused to take the call because he was busy with the media. He later received the call on the advice of Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Had the SOPs been followed, the foreign dignitaries would know that their request to talk to Imran should have been routed through the Foreign Office and a call scheduled accordingly.

Another breach of SOPs takes place when foreign dignitaries bypass Pakistan's diplomats to meet with political and military leaders. Protocol requires the presence of a Foreign Office note-taker, who would record the minutes of the meeting and circulate it to all the stakeholders. Doing so is important so as to ensure all state institutions are on the same page. Mistrust among institutions is the inevitable consequence of such breaches of protocol. For example: An American dignitary holds separate one-on-one meetings in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Neither side knows what has been discussed during the meetings because they were not recorded by a Foreign Office note-taker and no other diplomatic representative was allowed to attend.

Similar scenes are evident when Pakistan's decision makers visit Saudi Arabia, raising questions as to whether the bilateral relationship is country-to-country in nature, or person-to-person in practice. When Musharraf was questioned about the sources of the wealth he used to buy properties in Dubai and London, he admitted to receiving millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah and termed it as his “private affair”, although the money was received in his capacity as the head of state.

Likewise, Gen. Raheel Sharif would meet the visiting US officials holding the rank of deputy secretary of state, whereas their protocol level is equivalent only to a director general of the Foreign Office.

[Peregrine]

Was Jinnah wrong? - Zubeida Mustafa YES : IN SPADES!

MANY who listened to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s maiden speech on Aug 19 would not have failed to note the striking similarities in his address and the Quaid-i-Azam’s oft-quoted speech of Aug 11, 1947. That’s not really surprising, given that Khan described Jinnah as his role model, one who practised politics with a mission. Both speeches expressed deep concern at the prevalence of corruption and the absence of justice for the poor. They also spoke of the need to address the welfare of the common man.

But on one vital issue they differed: the status of religious minorities. Imran Khan touched on this in passing, in the context of the rule of law and everyone, including the minorities, being equal before it.

The Quaid, on the other hand, was more emphatic regarding the role of religious minorities and dwelt on the subject in a substantial way. He categorically declared, “You are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other place of worship … You may belong to any religion … that has nothing to do with the business of the state”. He hoped that ultimately this equality would lead to “Hindus [ceasing] to be Hindus” and “Muslims [ceasing] to be Muslims, not in the religious sense, because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the state”. JINNAH PROMISED SHARIA at the Lahore Resolution meeting - as such Terroristan became an Islamic State - Thus "NO RIGHTS for the Minority Religion Population!

Seventy-one years have passed since these words were uttered and we have still to reach that goal. It is unlikely that we ever will, because at one stage — under Gen Zia — we changed direction. Only if naya Pakistan had held out hope for these eight million citizens, they would have been reassured of a better future. This reminder came on Aug 11, which has been observed as the National Minorities Day since 2009. A convention held in Lahore demanded that the oft-quoted speech of the Quaid be incorporated in the Constitution. Weren’t the minorities supposed to be, in equal measure, a pillar of the political structure of Jinnah’s Pakistan?

We started on the right track as was Quaid-i-Azam’s vision and mission. Chaudhri Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, an Ahmadi — a community later ostracised because of its faith — was the foreign minister. No one questioned his beliefs. Justice Cornelius, a Christian, was a highly celebrated chief justice. There were numerous other non-Muslims who held important positions in the judiciary, administration and even the armed forces. They were all trusted and have left their footprint in their respective fields.

But suddenly the tide turned.

It is strange that the attempt at ‘Islamisation’ should have brought with it discrimination. It should not have been so, as Islam exhorts us to treat non-Muslims on an equal footing.

Yet the religious minorities are gradually being marginalised. Take the present set-up. In the first cabinet named by Prime Minister Imran Khan, not a single non-Muslim has been given a slot. This may be an oversight, but it sends a negative message to the people.

Peter Jacob, executive director of the Centre for Social Justice, recalls how the minorities have suffered over the years. He tells me that since 1997, the religious minorities have been subject to over 100 attacks. These include acts of violence against 45 churches and 11 residential settlements. Then there is the suffering inflicted on them on account of often baseless blasphemy allegations.

Shantinagar and All Saints Church in Peshawar are names that have been carved in blood on the collective memories of all those who stand for social justice.

I wish the government would take a firm stand supporting religious diversity and condemn intolerance vis-à-vis the minorities. Many practices are so ingrained in our system that they are not even questioned. The most widely affected is the education sector which in turn makes an impact on the minorities’ prospects in professional life. Take, for instance, the practice of giving extra marks to those memorising the Quran. Non-Muslim students find themselves in a dilemma as no alternative option has been announced for them.

The state’s indifference has encouraged extremists to take matters into their own hands. A number of young Hindu and Christian girls are reportedly abducted and forced to convert to Islam. One can understand how many among the minorities live in fear and trepidation for their daughters’ security. It is shocking that at times even the courts have failed to provide redress on one ground or another.

Hence one can understand the demand by the convention held two weeks ago to rectify the numerous contradictions in the Constitution which go against the principles of equality spelt out in the chapter on fundamental rights. In this context one would strongly support the demand for a law defining grounds for prosecution and punishment for acts of religious discrimination. Chance would be a Fine Thing!

Cheers

[Ashokk]

Pentagon cancels aid to Pakistan over record on terrorists

WASHINGTON: The US military said it has made a final decision to cancel $300 million in aid to Pakistan that had been suspended over Islamabad's perceived failure to take decisive action against terrorists, in a new blow to deteriorating ties.

The so-called Coalition Support Funds were part of a broader suspension in aid to Pakistan announced by President Donald Trump at the start of the year, when he accused Pakistan of rewarding past assistance with "nothing but lies & deceit."

The Trump administration says Islamabad is granting safe haven to insurgents who are waging a 17-year-old war in neighboring Afghanistan, a charge Pakistan denies.

But US officials had held out the possibility that Pakistan could win back that support if it changed its behavior.

US defense secretary Jim Mattis, in particular, had an opportunity to authorize $300 million in CSF funds through this summer - if he saw concrete Pakistani actions to go after insurgents. Mattis chose not to, a US official told Reuters.

"Due to lack of Pakistani decisive actions in support of the South Asia Strategy the remaining $300 (million) was reprogrammed," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Kone Faulkner said.

Faulkner said the Pentagon aimed to spend the $300 million on "other urgent priorities" if approved by Congress. He said another $500 million in CSF was stripped by Congress from Pakistan earlier this year, to bring the total withheld to $800 million.

The disclosure came ahead of an expected visit by US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the top US military officer, General Joseph Dunford, to Islamabad. Mattis told reporters on Tuesday that combating militants would be a "primary part of the discussion."

Experts on the Afghan conflict, America's longest war, argue that militant safe havens in Pakistan have allowed Taliban-linked insurgents in Afghanistan a place to plot deadly strikes and regroup after ground offensives.

Increasing pressure

The Pentagon's decision showed that the United States, which has sought to change Pakistani behavior, is still increasing pressure on Pakistan's security apparatus.

It also underscored that Islamabad has yet to deliver the kind of change sought by Washington.

"It is a calibrated, incremental ratcheting up of pressure on Pakistan," said Sameer Lalwani, co-director of the South Asia program at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington.

Reuters reported in August that the Trump administration has quietly started cutting scores of Pakistani officers from coveted training and educational programs that have been a hallmark of bilateral military relations for more than a decade.

The Pentagon made similar determinations on CSF in the past but this year's move could get more attention from Islamabad, and its new prime minister, Imran Khan, at a time when its economy is struggling.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have plummeted over the past year and it will soon decide on whether to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or friendly nations such as China.

"They are squeezing them when they know that they're vulnerable and it is probably a signal about what to expect should Pakistan come to the IMF for a loan," Lalwani said. The United States has the largest share of votes at the IMF.

Khan, who once suggested he might order the shooting down of US drones if they entered Pakistani airspace, has opposed the United States' open-ended presence in Afghanistan. In his victory speech, he said he wanted "mutually beneficial" relations with Washington.

A Pakistani official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said he was unaware of a formal notification of the US decision on assistance but said one was expected by the end of September.

Pakistan has received more than $33 billion in US assistance since 2002, including more than $14 billion in CSF, a US Defense Department program to reimburse allies that have incurred costs in supporting counter-insurgency operations.

Pakistan could again be eligible next year for CSF.

[Falijee]

Zardari Ridicules CJP Nisar Over Hospital Raids !

Asif Zardari hits out at CJP Nisar’s ‘raids’ in Karachi
Sept 1, 2018

KARACHI – Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed on Saturday concerns over Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar’s surprise visits to private hospitals. The comments of the former president came after the chief justice recovered bottles of liquor, drugs and cigarettes from the room of the Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, where incarcerated PPP leader Sharjeel Memon was under treatment.

Talking to reports during his appearance before a banking court in money laundering case, Zardari said: “What can we say in a country where the chief justice conducts raids.”

Look busy no thing syndrome

[Peregrine]

Could China replace the IMF? - Waqas Aslam Rana

In his first address to the nation as Prime Minister, Imran Khan singled out growing debt as one of Pakistan’s fundamental economic challenges and reiterated his personal aversion to the proverbial ‘begging bowl’. This was a thinly veiled reference to Pakistan’s historic reliance on, some would say addiction to, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a source of borrowing.

Employing such rhetoric is a rite of passage for every new government, blaming the previous one for handing over a struggling economy. In doing so, newly-elected leaders hope to limit the political fallout from tough decisions they know are unavoidable. And the toughest decision facing Prime Minister Khan and his economic team right now is how to avert a looming balance-of-payments crisis.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the current account deficit for fiscal year 2017-18 ballooned to $18 billion, 44% higher than last year. Put simply, this means that exports and remittances fell far short of covering much higher levels of imports. Net FDI and the SBP’s reserves are not enough to make up this shortfall. Factoring in interest payments on foreign debt coming due this fiscal year, the macroeconomic accounting is clear. Pakistan simply does not have enough foreign currency to meet its short-term financial liabilities and trade needs. And since our central bank cannot print dollars, we must borrow them from someone.

And this brings us back to the IMF. The Fund has played the role of the ‘lender of last resort’ for developing countries across Latin America, Africa and Asia for decades. But its emergency loans come with standard neoliberal policy prescriptions of austerity, forcing governments to cut social spending, drastically, hike interest rates and slap additional taxes. Successive IMF programmes in Pakistan and elsewhere have shown that they provide short-term macroeconomic stability at the cost of growth, while systemic economic problems persist. Is history doomed to repeat itself in 2018?

Enter the dragon. China’s $1 trillion multi-continent Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that seeks to reshape global trade and commerce has given new options to countries in the Global South. Since the beginning of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2016 — a flagship BRI project — political and economic ties between Beijing and Islamabad have intensified rapidly. China has a vested interest in preventing an economic meltdown in Pakistan, which would endanger its existing and planned investments. Already, it has lent $7.4 billion outside of CPEC over the last 13 months to support the external sector. This is more than the $6.4 billion IMF programme Pakistan underwent during 2013-16. So in a sense, China has already given us a mini-bailout.

Apart from protecting its investments, China has larger strategic reasons for replacing the IMF as Pakistan’s chief source of foreign funding. As it competes with the US for global influence, its strategy hinges on expanding alliances through trade and investment, with the BRI as the linchpin in this grand scheme. In this context, CPEC is an important node in the BRI chain. Special economic zones (SEZs) to be set up in Pakistan will serve as bases for export-oriented Chinese industries, helping them remain competitive as labour costs inside China rise. Another critical factor is energy security. Currently, about 80% of Chinese energy imports pass through the narrow Straits of Malacca linking the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea, which Beijing believes could be blockaded by the US navy in a major geopolitical standoff. A planned pipeline in Pakistan allowing China to directly transport oil from the Persian Gulf via Gwadar port, along with similar projects in Thailand and Myanmar, seeks to establish alternative energy supply routes. Letting CPEC fail would entail financial losses, but more importantly, it would be seen as a foreign policy mistake of the Chinese leadership.

The possibility of Chinese financial assistance expands Pakistan’s menu of choices, in comparison with the past when the IMF was the only option. By leveraging China’s CPEC-related strategic imperatives, the new government has an opportunity to secure a bailout with less odious terms than in the past. Together with funds raised from global capital markets through bond issuances, this can simultaneously help avert a balance-of-payments crisis and US political pressure that comes with IMF money. The question then becomes, what are the trade-offs from a potential Chinese bailout?

A general trend observed in China’s engagement with numerous developing countries is that it does not like to micro-manage. Therefore, any fresh loans to stabilise Pakistan’s economy are likely to come with few, if any, formal constraints on fiscal and monetary policymaking. This would allow the government to maintain a degree of autonomy and give it a better chance of implementing its agenda.

On the other hand, some concessions will almost certainly be demanded in return. These may include higher equity stakes in ongoing CPEC projects, a larger role in deciding future ones, and greater market access for Chinese firms. Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port is a case in point, in which China acquired a controlling stake and a 99-year lease in 2017 after the former’s failure to repay loans. And reflecting growing unease about the BRI, re-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad this month cancelled $22 billion worth of Chinese projects, questioning their economic rationale and citing debt concerns. These examples, at the very least, show that the terms for any further Chinese loans need to be carefully considered.

Prime Minister Khan and his cabinet must seriously assess the broader impact on Pakistan’s economy of closer integration with China, and devise a policy to balance the potential risks and benefits. In particular, effects on the competitiveness of local industries, fiscal sustainability in the wake of increased CPEC-related infrastructure spending, and the potential for local job creation from Chinese investment all need to be critically evaluated. Keeping true to his pre-election rhetoric, Asad Umar should initiate a debate on these issues in parliament, and build an informed consensus before embarking on the next phase in our economic history.

Cheers

[Falijee]

Pakistan Will Become Like Saudi Arabia ( without oil !)

Pakistan’s average temperature to go up by 5°C by century’s end

High temperature also impacts food production and is one of the leading causes of draughts. Other than that, the electricity demand also skyrockets in hot weather.

So, paani, bijli and roti problems are likely to worsen

[Peregrine]

Pakistan needs $9b for running domestic economy: Umar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan needs $9 billion to run the country’s economic affairs, Finance Minister Asad Umar told the Senate on Friday

Cheers

[Peregrine]

US should worry about paying off their debt to China, says Asad Umar - News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader (PTI) Asad Umar on Saturday said the US should pay heed towards paying off their own loans to China instead of worrying about Pakistan, reported Express News.

Umar, while talking to a foreign news outlet, categorically rejected US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s statement pertaining to International Monetary Fund (IMF) funds being used to pay off Pakistan’s debt to China.

He asserted that the PTI government will bring all China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreements to the fore.

A sad Umar!

Umar also expressed how the country is facing a conundrum in the guise of foreign loans and the nation needs to decide from where to conjure up $10 to $12 billion dollars from within the next six weeks.

‘Either the nation can go to the IMF or friendly countries or sell bonds to overseas Pakistanis and raise the amount,’ Umar added.

Cheers

[saip]

^^^That is dated Aug 4th.

[Vips]

US slaps sanctions on two Pak firms for nuke, missile-related activities.

The EAR determined that Technology Links Pvt. Ltd., located in Pakistan, be added to the Entity List based on the company's involvement in the supply of items subject to the EAR to nuclear and missile-related Entity List parties in Pakistan without the required license, the federal notification said.

In a federal notification, the US Department of Commerce said that the entities added to the EAR list have been determined by the US government to be acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the US.

The move comes days ahead of the visit of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Pakistan.

In addition, the EAR determined that Techcare Services FZ LLC, located in the UAE, and UEC (Pvt) Ltd, located in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, made multiple attempts to acquire US-origin commodities ultimately destined for Pakistan's unsafeguarded nuclear programme and have provided false and misleading information during an end-use check, the federal notification said.

[SSridhar]

Pentagon cancels aid to Pakistan over record on terrorists

WASHINGTON: The US military said it has made a final decision to cancel $300 million in aid to Pakistan that had been suspended over Islamabad's perceived failure to take decisive action against terrorists, in a new blow to deteriorating ties. . . . "Due to lack of Pakistani decisive actions in support of the South Asia Strategy the remaining $300 (million) was reprogrammed," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Kone Faulkner said.

The US had done similar things before but every time a situation developed that needed Pakistan for the US goals and the US reversed its position. Either that, or Pakistan would throw some crumbs and the US would fall for that hoping to 'influence its behaviour', but really end up making it worse.

So, which one is it going to be this time around?

[Peregrine]

Fully Posted on Neutering & Defanging Chinese Threat, OBOR, Chinese Strategy and Implications & Analyzing CPEC Yhreads

China's 'Silk Road' project runs into debt jam

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, raised concerns about potential debt problems in April and advocated greater transparency

"It's not a free lunch, it's something where everybody chips in," she said.

Cheers

[Falijee]

Ex Pat Paki Ahmedi Prof And A "Friend" Of Asad Umer, Diagnoses Paki Economic Problems And Prescribes The Solution. From Abroad !

Why Pakistan is still far from economic independence? - Atif Mian - Pakistan's Economy Advisory council explains

Insightful tweet storm by Atif Mian - Part of Naya Pakistan Economy Advisor council.

"Why is the country still far from economic independence? (e.g. seeking its largest bail out ever this year)I'll focus on last 5 years as an example ... it will get a bit technical but i'll try to be clear.

1.Economic growth is almost entirely a function of *domestic* productivity growth. What matters is investment in building your institutions and people. Instead pak govts have increasingly looked *outside* in what i'd call an attempt at "import-led" growth ... it doesn't work

Eg. After 71 years of existence, a fully 100% locally made bicycle is still not available in the market !
2. The idea is to borrow from outside, and task another country with building your infrastructure or institutions, and hope some magic others . The latest example starts in 2013, when PML-N comes to power and decides to outsource growth to China. I'd explain why it doesn't work.
Right from inception, Pakistan latched itself to USA and Britain for economic survival . DJinnah offered his nation for sale to USA for dollars ! (CENTO, SEATO, U-2 Flight from Badabar Base in Peshawar are some of the examples . Mush "selling" Pakistan after 9/11 !)
3.Gov funds large infrastructure projects through China's Belt and Road Initiative (CPEC in pakistan), external debt rises from 62 to 90 billion $. The borrowing raises domestic demand "artificially", making Pakistan more expensive and less competitive globally.
Now it is "asking" IMF to pay off Chini loan !
4. This is a variant of the famous "dutch disease" and Pak suffered an extreme version of it. Poof?
5. The idea is to borrow from outside, and task another country with building your infrastructure or institutions, and hope some magic others . The latest example starts in 2013, when PML-N comes to power and decides to outsource growth to China. I'd explain why it doesn't work. Real effective exchange rate (pak prices relative to trading partners) increased by 20+ % and total exports DID NOT INCREASE over past 5 years
It has "outsourced" every sector to NGO's and Foreign Govts for lack of expertise, for lack of funds, and just "sheer laziness" not to be self sufficient !
6.To make matters worse, Pakistan's "in-law" finance minister strips away independence of the central bank and sets the terrible policy of keeping the exchange rate appreciated. Now Pakistan has the dutch disease, on steroids.
Fraudster Dar is firmly ensconced in Bartania . He cannot be "brought" back
7. Meanwhile there is a blanket ban on any objective assessment of CPEC. Ask a question, and you'd be accused of conspiring against national interest. Media feeds the frenzy that its a "game changer" & a big bubble develops in the port city (currently largely sand) of Gawadar.
And the Chinis are going ahead and building a city exclusively for their own nationals, bringing their own security and what not . And the locals are suffering !
8.Real estate bubbles further artificially raise domestic demand, & given the senseless exchange rate policy, it makes the dutch disease sclerotic.Notice we haven't even gotten into whether the $$ borrowing is "sustainable", the damage is being done before any repayment is due
Pakis borrowing like there is no tomorrow
9.So lets talk about debt sustainability now.The first thing to remember is, you are borrowing in dollars, while most revenue from the projects are in rupees (think domestic transportation use and local energy consumption)This is a big problem for two reasons
10. First, the whole enterprise is exposed to exchange rate (ER) risk. A future depreciation of the currency, which is almost certain to happen given the inane ER policy, will jeopardize profitability.
11.Second, the country must generate sufficient additional exports to pay back, or else it will be forced to become poorer in order to generate an export surplus to pay back. This, again, makes things more difficult given the dutch disease in the first place.
12.Another big ? on sustainability is that the borrowing and spending deals are highly opaque. No one really knows what's going on. For example, what is the cost of capital in CPEC? A loan contract may report a "concessional" rate of 2%. But is it really 2%? Consider this .
The various CPEC Agreements were "deemed secret" and not presented to the Paki National Assembly . IMF will want to know before they part with Dollars
13. There is no open bidding and Chinese companies decide everything. They charge 100$ for equipment, but put in place lower quality equipment worth only $80. Guess what, the "true" cost of capital just went up to (2+20)/80=27.5%!
The second hand Chini maal syndrome !
14. There is a lot China and Pakistan can gain from each other. But deals have to be structured properly, with proper macro-prudential framework. Unfortunately, none of that was done.

The govt wanted a shiny new road real bad before the next election, which they lost anyways. Let's hope for better economic sense this time. "

A good Macro- Economics 101 Primer From The "Good" Ahmedi Professor Of Economics At Princeton !

[SSridhar]

Why Pakistan is still far from economic independence? - Atif Mian - Pakistan's Economy Advisory council explains

The govt wanted a shiny new road real bad before the next election, which they lost anyways. Let's hope for better economic sense this time. "

Pakistan only believes in image-making. Solution to every problem boils down to management of image.

[Falijee]

^^^.O. I .W Style over Substance !

[anupmisra]

After 71 years of existence, a fully 100% locally made bicycle is still not available in the market !

I did some fact checks on the above. You are technically right. Apparently, there is a cooperative called Sohrab that has been assembling (manufacturing?) bicycles since the '50s which still look like the Atlas cycles of my era. The highest level of locally manufactured (assembled?) components they have managed to achieve since then (according to their website, which is also doubtful) is 98%!! I mean, which 2% are they unable to make? The tires? The reflector?

Pathetic.



http://www.sohrab-cycles.com/

[Falijee]

^^^
Anupmisra-ji :
Difference between assemble and manufacture probably "blurred" by the Pakis ! ( Like their "famous" missiles, which they claim to be indigenous ). Not sure they have the technical capability of manufacturing all the components of a "simple" pedal cycle !

[anupmisra]

Prof. Atif Mian's expertise is evident from his published papers (and a jointly authored book) in the last ten years. His focus has mainly been "Speculative Housing" and the excessive supply of credit leading to overly optimistic leveraging in the secondary and tertiary markets (viz., collateralization and bundling by CMBS and other hedging strategies). I have read his most recent paper which does not conclude anything new. He predicts the next collapse in the US economy to be similar to the one in 2008 (DUH!). That's his "macro" level engagement in our nation's economy. Not sure if he can be of any help to I'm the Dimmy's farewell state goals of a malsic utopia.

Prof. Mian's talents will be wasted in the utopia.

Besides, the prof has no intentions of returning to the land of the pure, by the pure and for the pure. I mean, the dimwit is on record on the finality of his role model. Hiring Atif Mian would be counter to his stated position and likely to cause friction with his fundamentalist supporters.

[Falijee]

The Khan Shows His "Independence" . Says That He Will Refuse Any "Unjust Demand" From US. This Was In That Press Meet When He Declined To Take French PM ( Macron's) Phone Call.

Won’t accept any unjust US demand: Imran

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday said his government will not accept any unjust demand by the United States.

Speaking to television anchorpersons here, the prime minister said Pakistan cannot fight with the US and wanted good ties with the superpower. He, however, added this did not mean that Pakistan will accept any unjust demand by Washington.

What is "unjust" and "just" is a subjective thing !

The premier’s comments came as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Joseph Dunford are preparing to visit Islamabad for talks with the new government. The duo is expected in Islamabad on September 5. US Defence Secretary James Mattis said Pompeo and General Dunford will meet PM Imran Khan and other Pakistani leaders and discuss relations between the two countries.

Pompeo ( Ex CIA) will be able to judge Imran Khan first hand .Body language, words and clarity of communication and, of course, any recent signs of drug usage, if Reham's gossipy book, is to be believed !

Imran Khan is known for his criticism of US military policy in Afghanistan but after taking over as the prime minister, he has advocated better ties with the US. The prime minister said that his government wanted to promote peace in the region and the world. Imran said Pakistan also desired peaceful relations with India, Afghanistan and Iran.

Remains to be seen if he is "mouthing" Fauji policy when he says that he wants peace !

During the marathon session, the prime minister turned down French President Emmanuel Macron’s call twice. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua wanted the prime minister to attend the call but Imran remarked, “Tell him to call in 30 minutes. I am busy here.” The premier hinted at launching a campaign to collect money ( The "famous" $200 BILLION "stolen money" !) from the expatriates to boost the country’s economy.

To a question, he said the purpose of using helicopter for travel to and from his private Banigala residence was aimed at saving citizens from the trouble of traffic holdups.

Makes sense . But where does the so-called austerity BS fit in here !

Imran Khan alleged the previous rulers had spent billions of rupees from the national exchequer on their foreign visits and used bulletproof vehicles in the past. He said he would only make a foreign visit if it benefitted Pakistan. Some foreign visits are made on the basis of reciprocity as well . And what about visits to see his family from Jemima, and Peerni childrens studying in Londonistan

[anupmisra]

Difference between assemble and manufacture probably "blurred" by the Pakis ! ... Not sure they have the technical capability of manufacturing all the components of a "simple" pedal cycle !

I believe (and I will fact check on it) that paki manufacturers get all sorts of tax breaks on imported components of key goods which can then be extended to the entire product. This way their margins get fatter and this tactic keeps the competition out. Not being able to manufacture a simple component is just a ruse to fool their tax regimen. One can buy small bicycle manufacturing plants in the US for a song these days.

[Amber G.]

Sorry if already posted but let me post positive news again..
US military confirms $300m cut in aid to Pakistan (due to failure of Pak's to stop being terrorists)

[Falijee]

Immy On The Hit List For Possible Assassination ! A Paki Religious Leader Invites Tenders From TTP For Eliminating The Kaptaan

A Political leader contacts TTP terrorists for assassination of PM Imran Khan: Sources
Leaks Day
Sept 2, 2018

Sources have disclosed that severe security threat to PM Imran Khan . The head of a prominent religious political parties alliance has contacted the TTP terrorists for assassination of PM Khan. May Allah protect him, Ameen. Journalist and TV anchor Sadia Afzaal on Friday night claimed that a renowned religio-political personality of Pakistan has contacted the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to assassinate Prime Minister.

At the risk of "jumping to conclusion", Maulana Fazl's name to my immediate mind ! ( There is no love lost between the two. Additionally the Maulana has now become homeless, car- less, and taken a drastic cut in his lifestyle )

“I cannot reveal the name of that person but it has been stated in a Military Intelligence (MI) report,” she said, adding that this news has been confirmed by “very reliable sources”.

On Friday, Manzoor tweeted: “High placed sources have disclosed that severe security threat to PM Imran Khan . I will also disclose who contacted TTP local groups for planning to assassinate him. May Allah always protect him, Ameen.”
The law enforcement agencies have already increased the prime minister’s security after at least 9 suspicion terrorists were picked up during search operations in the Banigala (Islambad area) where Imran’s personal residence is living.

OTOH, it could be FAKE NEWS as well ( to "blacken" the Maulana's "good name" , and "tarnish" his candidacy for the Presidentship Of Pakiland !)

[Bart S]

[url=https://leaksday.
OTOH, it could be FAKE NEWS as well ( to "blacken" the Maulana's "good name" , and "tarnish" his candidacy for the Presidentship Of Pakiland !)

This is totally fake news and an attempt by ISI to present some threats by Terrorists to Imran Khan ahead of the Pompeo visit. The 'narrative' would be how can America ask us to 'do more' when we have done so much that our own PM is threatened by them. Also implicates Fazl ur Rehman who has been a Nawaz supporter and not beholden to the ISI so kills two birds with one stone.

[Falijee]

Straight Talk From World Bank Director For Pakistan ( He Is A Sri-Lankan And Not An Indian Taking Into Consideration Paki Sensitivities About Such Matters )

Pak needs to take more steps to curb terror financing, says World bank country director
Pakistan Today
Aug 31, 2018

ISLAMABAD: World Bank (WB) Country Director (CD) Patchamuthu Illangovan said that Pakistan needs to take further steps to curb terror financing and stop money laundering in order to get itself removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) greylist.

The WB CD also said that Pakistan was added back to the list because it had failed to take necessary action pertaining to anti-terror financing measures. He said, “Pakistan went back into the greylist because its progress slowed down.”

“Everyone understood that Pakistan’s new government under Prime Minister Imran Khan, too, has acknowledged the necessity of quick measures to stabilise the economy,” he added.“It is not advisable for me to speculate on the FATF and the Asia Pacific Group [on Money Laundering], how they intend to start their work in Pakistan or what their strategy would be,” he explained.

World Bank and FATF are two separate entities !

He stressed, “I believe further measures are required as is the need to take a decisive action in the upcoming months.”

New Finance Minister Umer has told Paki Senate that currency smuggling, financing of terrorist outfits and hawala transactions all need to stop, echoing the Sri Lankan gentleman's subtle advice to Pakiland !
It would have been the height of "folly" if an Indian would have been appointed as World Bank Director for Pakistan . He would immediately be suspected of being a RAA Agent

[Gyan]

Pakistan receives aid & reimbursement under various heads. Wonder how much is cut and how much given? Anyone has detailed data?

[Falijee]

Aussie "Falls In Love" With Pakiland . Not Sure Of Motive ( Subsidized "charas", plethora of fine Paki male friends , love for Pakiland "scenery" etc etc )

A love letter to Pakistan - Tom Blight, an Australian tourist who decided to make Pakistan his home

Mr. Blight with his fine Paki "male" friends !

[Falijee]

If This Farticle Is To Be Believed , The Russians Are "Behind Imran" In His "Fight" Against The Americans !

America's pressure policy towards Pakistan will not work with PM Imran Khan: Russian media report
Times Of Islamabad
Sept 2, 2018


Another one in a series of farticles to woo the Russians and make them stand besides the Pakis against "Amreeki bullying"


PS: IMO, the litmus test will be Putin's visit to Pakiland . Paki invite has been "standing" for the last 5-8 years at least !

[Falijee]

Confirmed ! The Kaptaan Is "Too Busy" To Attend UN General Assembly

Imran Khan to skip UN General Assembly to focus on Pakistan economy
Aug 29, 2018
Reuters

Islamabad: Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan will skip next month’s United Nations General Assembly session to focus his attention on the country’s economy, said his foreign minister.Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will head the Pakistani delegation at the 73rd UN General Assembly session set to open on September 18.“No, the prime minister is not going. I will lead Pakistani delegation,” Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters on Tuesday evening.There was a debate in Pakistan whether the new prime minister would attend the UN session or stay home as part of his austerity drive and focus on economic issues.“The prime minister of Pakistan thinks that the present situation in country needs attention,” Qureshi told the media.

Qureshi, as FM, will of course lead the delegation . Not sure if his son, Zain Qureshi ( who "studied" in USA and worked in John Kerry's office ) who is also now a PTI MNA like "dad" ( shades of nepotism ) is going to tag along . And will Madame Jalebi get a berth on The Team as HR Minister and because of Foreign Policy Experience ! And in keeping with "austerity", will all of them be lodged at a Manhattan airbnb or Dr Maleeha Lodhi's one bedroom Apartment near by !

[Falijee]

KAPTAAN AND PEERNI BOTH IN LA-WHORE COINCIDENTALLY. CONJUGAL VISIT IN THE WORKS

Massive Traffic jam on Lahore’s Canal Road owing to PM Imran’s visit

LAHORE – The people of Lahore suffered huge traffic jam as a major road of the city was closed for traffic owing to the movement of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s carcade on Friday night.

First Lady visits shelter house, Data Darbar

LAHORE: On her maiden visit to Lahore after her husband Imran Khan took oath as prime minister, the First Lady Bushra Imran on Saturday spent time with orphans at the Darul Shafqat and visited Data Darbar, the shrine of Ali Hajveri.

Later, she also visited Data Darbar and offered fateha there.

Press and Media "cautioned" to "respect the Kaptaan's privacy" in this matter

[anupmisra]

Mecca-medina state in the making.

Police team set up to probe liquor case against Sharjeel Memon

A special police team was constituted on Saturday to probe a case registered against PPP leader Sharjeel Memon and three others for the alleged possession of liquor, it was learnt on Sunday.

"Whoever owns, possesses or keeps in his custody any intoxicant shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term, which may extend to two years, or with whipping not exceeding thirty "stripes", and shall also be liable to fine."

The case was registered after Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar paid a surprise visit to Ziauddin Hospital in Clifton on Saturday, during which he found three bottles of liquor in the room of the ex-minister, who told the CJP that the bottles did not belong to him.

Jan Mohammad, Memon's driver, told reporters while being taken away that the bottles spotted by the CJP did not contain liquor. One of the bottles contained honey while the other contained cooking oil, he claimed.

Apologies in advance for benis talk but, since this is all for the ignorant paki public anyway, this could be the ex-minister's line of defense.

"My Laard, pleaj to note the Grey Gooje baatal with yellow likker which ij allegedly a Bodka" fraam my haspataal bedroom:



My Laard, hiyar ij real Grey Gooje Bodka fraam the ishtore, bhere the likker is kilear:



Case kilosed! No stribes for me.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1430537/polic ... jeel-memon

[Falijee]

Imran's Pet Project - Green Pakistan - Gets A Boost At Haripur !

VIDEO: PM Imran Khan formally kicks off ‘Plant for Pakistan’ drive in Haripur

PM Imran Khan formally launches "Ten Billion Tree Tsunami" in Pakistan

Ten Billion Trees is much less than the $ 200 Billion "Stolen Money"

1.5 million trees are being planted under “Plant for Pakistan” campaign in major cities all over the country today.

OTOH The Timber Mafia is also working "overtime" in PTI run KP Province Of Pakiland to counter the "Green Pakistan" Plan of PTI

[Falijee]

First It Was ( Haram ) "Sherbet" From Sharjeel's Room, Now It Is Bags Of "Cold Hard Cash" Recovered, According To Paki News Reports

Exclusive Breaking: Bags of cash recovered from Sharjeel Memon’s room during CJ’s raid, eyewitness reveals

What's Next On The List ? Charas And Cocaine

PS: Sharjeel is a "close buddy" of Dus Percenti !

[Falijee]

Pakistani soldier embraces martyrdom killed in firing near Afghan border

[Falijee]

One More Confirmation That A Personality Cult Is Being Built Around The "Dynamic Personality" Of Imran Khan

PM Imran Khan only gave 25 seconds to photographer for his official photo shoot: Report
Sept 2, 2018


Not sure if the above is the result

According to his post, the prime minister only gave him 25 seconds to get the perfect shot. He also remarked that Khan's team were ecstatic with the results.

One user, Shaheen Fatima Khan said:"Awesome!" she then added compared Ahson's portrait of Khan to that of former White House photographer Pete Souza. Naz Ali meanwhile said: "I love it! Amazing picture, of course he is our prime minister, but great work done by you."

[anupmisra]

What's Next On The List ? Charas And Cocaine.

Transgender hookers.

[Falijee]

PIA DARES To Disobey The Prime Minister Of Pakistan

PIA defies PM Imran Khan's orders
Sept 2, 2018
Times Of Islamabad

*ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) defies the orders of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.*

Where is CJP Nisar !!!

*PIA took the orders of Prime Minister Imran Khan very lightly as it provided complete protocol to President Mamnoon Hussain and his relatives by accommodating them in business class, despite they had economy class tickets, media has reported.*

It turned out to be PIA’s own officer who was involved in facilitating all protocols and allowing business class services to the relatives of the President in spite of them having economy class tickets of a round-trip to London.

Few days back, President Mamnoon along with his five associates traveled to London from Islamabad in PK-785 and after a five-day long stay, they came back via PK-786.

On the directives of manager secretariat of PIA Chief Executive, the president were given complete protocol at the airport. Moreover, the alleged PIA officer contacted the PIA’s London administration to upgrade the economy class seats of President Mamnoon and his family.

Nothing can be done about it ( Sorry ! deduction from his pay and pension can still be made, if the Kaptaan is petty minded !) . Mamnoon is "outgoing" . His days are numbered !

[Falijee]

"Disgraced Politico" Ch. Nisar Packing His Bags And Departing For Londonistan And Massaland On The Pretext Of Medical Check- Up

Why Chaudhry Nisar is leaving for UK and US?
Times Of Islamabad
Sept 2, 2018

ISLAMABAD - Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan is likely to leave for the US and UK.

As per the sources he will leave for abroad for medical check-up.Nisar has not submitted his nomination papers for he upcoming by-elections.

At one time, The Kaptaan himself generously offered him a "High Seat" at the PTI Power Table , but the so-called "security czar" of Nawaz, refused to take the offer. Now, he is in the political wilderness and has decided to "cash his insurance policy" ( British Residency/ Passport and/or Green Card of USA ) to escape Pakiland like Ishaq Dar and others before him . So, much so for his allegiance to Pakistan

He has also not yet taken oath as Punjab Member Provincial Assembly (MPA).

He must be "depressed" and "fed up" with the new situation!

He failed to emerge victorious in any National Assembly constituency during the recently conducted general elections.

Unless the Kaptaan, offers him an olive branch , which may change his mind !

[Falijee]

Water scarcity in Pakistan: A doomsday scenario approaching

Times Of Islamabad
Sept 2, 2018

Unnecessary alarmist report, IMO. Bhasha - Daimer Dam coming on nicely thanks to CJP Nisar . Kalabagh Dam is in the works - Again . Ten Billion Trees are to be planted. Glacier melting will ensure more water flow from the mountains . So, why PEW ( not the famous "Massa PEW" , but a "new kid" on The Paki Think Tank block !) is unnecessarily spreading false rumours. PEMRA should take "due note"

[RCase]

Shahi Bikhari...!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiJFu7fpx_k
Watch these Bakis fretting about how to get $9 B. Making the list of all the sources of where to beg.
Hillali - dekhbal, dekhbal, dekhbal .... (Yup, it all started with Ekbal and Hillali has Nobal).

[Falijee]

Pakis At Last Enter "Disable Friendly" Age

In Pakistan for wheelchair


Sample Comments !
Isn't that a bit steep for wheelchair??
Is this a joke?

( Assuming that this was "discovered" in Imran's NAYA PAKISTAN )