Terroristan - October 8, 2018

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 10 Oct 2018 12:43

abhijitm wrote:Where is Shiv these days? Don't see him posting here any more.

Departed for greener pastures.

If anyone knows where else he is active, pliss to inform onlee.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 15:50

IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China

Dawn
Reuters
Oct 10, 2018

NUSA DUA: Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday.Addressing a news conference at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bali, the IMF’s Maurice Obstfeld cautioned that increased Chinese involvement in Pakistan’s economy could bring both benefits and risks.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier sought alternatives to a second bailout programme in five years from the IMF as it impose austerity and limit his vision of an Islamic ~~welfare~~ Farewell state. ( on the lines of Kaffir Sweden or Norway !)

“The government has expressed its desires to enact deep structural reforms ( military is exempted !) that might break the cycle of Pakistan needing financial support from the Fund,” he said.

Pakistan needs more infrastructure development, Obstfeld added, and the country could benefit from China’s role in supporting its project financing.But China’s involvement could also bring potential risks, he said. ( A polite way of saying that the Pakis have been "taken for a ride by the "shrewd" Chinis !) “It is important that the design of the projects... be solid and excessive debts which cannot be repaid are avoided,” the IMF chief economist said.

How dare the IMF "interfere" in the sover virginity of Pakiland !

Islamabad has cut the size of the biggest Chinese “Silk Road” project in Pakistan, a reconstruction of the main rail line between the port city of Karachi and Peshawar in the northwest by $2 billion, citing government concerns about the country’s debt levels.The changes are part of Islamabad’s efforts to rethink key Belt and Road Initiative projects in Pakistan, to which China has pledged about $60bn in financing.

In July, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said there was “no rationale” for an IMF bailout of Pakistan that pays off Chinese loans to Pakistan.Chinese officials have rejected criticism that the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects have burdened Pakistan with unsustainable debts. Instead, the Chinese maintain, they have boosted the country’s economic growth and provided 70,000 jobs.

On the other hand, the Dawood, The Economic Advisor "complained" that the Chinese import everything - even chairs and tables- for the CPEC projects !!

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 16:01

A Sigh Of Relief For The "Fun Seeking" Young Abduls And Ayeshas Of Krachi

Karachi police chief forbids cops from asking couples for proof of marriage
Dawn
Oct 10, 2018

The Karachi police chief has discouraged cops from harassing couples and asking them to prove that they are married.In a notification dated Oct 9 newly appointed Additional Inspector General of Police Amir Sheikh noted: "There is a general complaint that policemen in mobiles and motorcycles harass and humiliate couples by asking them to show 'nikahnama' to prove their credentials as husband and wife."

Thank Allah that at least the concept of religious police aka vice squad aka muṭawwi has not been implemented in Pakiland like in Iran, Saudia and Qatar !

"You are hereby directed to issue strict instructions to the subordinate staff not to demand 'nikahnama' from any person. In future, such complaints shall not be tolerated and action against supervising officers will also be initiated," the notification added.

The Police have to tread carefully. Recently in LaWhore someone was stopped off for same reason - young Abdul and an Ayesha .Turned out that the young Abdul was powerful and politically connected . The Policeman had to eat crow. The sifarish factor is very very important in Pakistan . One law for sifarish people, another for the Aam Abduls without sifarish

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 16:19

"Stern Orders" From The FATF !

FATF recommendations: Pakistan told to track transactions of $3,000 and above
The News International
Mehtab Haider
Oct 10, 2018

ISLAMABAD: The Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has asked Pakistan for tracking down all financial transaction ranging from 3000 to 15,000 US dollars/Euro in cash through real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, lawyers, notaries, other independent legal professional and accountants as well as trust and companies services in a bid to curb money laundering and terror financing. In the basic recommendations of FATF, it made it binding to comply with condition related to Casino where customers engage in financial transactions equal or above USD/Euro 3,000, however, Pakistani team informed the visiting team it was not applicable in case of Pakistan as Casino/gambling is prohibited by law to operate in the country.

But even sharab is prohibited by law, but that does not stop the momeens from imbibing . Same goes for gambling . And hawala transactions of course are hard to trace. They disappear in the air

Official sources told The News on Tuesday that now it was made mandatory for other service providers to report Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) to Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) so that the money laundering and terror financing could be tracked effectively.

The Deep State transactions and the D gang transactions will of course be "untouchable" as are the defense expenditure when it comes to IMF Loans !

The visiting APG team of FATF here in Islamabad is currently evaluating Pakistan’s progress on many issues from Oct 8 to 19 including Designated Non- Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) customers in terms of due diligence mechanism under which the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was basically assigned to prepare rules for DNFBPs for covering FATF requirements including conducting cusomers due diligence, record keeping, internal controls, higher risk countries and reporting of suspicious transactions.

Black List looming in the horizon

The FBR is in the process of finalisation of rules for implementing regulation made by Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU). For Real Estate Agents, when they are engaged in transaction for client concerning the buying and selling of real estate. The dealers in precious metals and stones who are engaged in any cash transactions with a customer equal or above to USD/Euro 15,000.

The lawyers, notaries, other independent legal professionals and accountants when they prepare for or carry out transactions for their clients related to buying and selling of real estate; managing of client money, securities or other assets; management of bank, savings or securities accounts; organization of contribution for creation, operation or management of companies and creation, operation or management of legal persons or organizations buying and selling of business entities. Trust and company service providers when they prepare for carry out transactions related to acting as a formation agent of legal persons, acting as director or Secretary of a company, a partner of partnership or a similar position in relation to other legal persons; acting as trustee of an express trust or performing the equivalent for another person as a nominee shareholder for another person.

Doubt that the infrastructure exists in Pakiland for implementing these stringent measures, prescribed by FATF !

The Anti-Money Laundering (AML) ACT 2010 defined NFBPs in section 2(m) of AML Act 2010 that includes real estate agents, jewelers, dealers in precious metals, lawyers, notaries and other professionals such as accountants, trust and company service providers while 2(u) makes NFBP as reporting entity for reporting of Suspicious Transaction Reporters (STRs) and Currency Transaction Reporters (CTRs) to FMU.

Then there is the sifarish factor. If you are important enough, the rules can be bent in your favour !

Under section 7(7) of AML Act 2010 makes it mandatory that every reporting entity shall in accordance with the regulation issued by relevant regulatory authority will conduct customers due diligence and maintain record of transactions, account files and documents obtained through such diligence. The Institute of Chartered Accountants Pakistan (ICAP) issued a circular in February 2018 specifying the obligation upon professional accountants for combating money laundering and terror financing. The DNFBP should be required to comply with the reliance on third party requirements set out in recommendations given by FATF.

As V.S. Naipaul the Noble Prize Winner said about (the state of ) Pakistan in his first book - It is a vast criminal enterprise. If that is so, then the above FATF rules will be hard to apply !

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 16:22

Lt Gen Asim Munir appointed DG ISI
Dawn
Oct 10, 2018

The army's media wing on Wednesday announced that Lt Gen Asim Munir has been appointed the new director general (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).Following reports that former DG ISI Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar would be retiring, various sections of the media speculated that Lt Gen Munir was next in line for the post.The Pakistan Army had in September approved the promotion of Munir and five other major generals to the rank of Lt Gen.
Lt Gen Munir's previous appointment was as DG Military Intelligence. He received a Hilal-i-Imtiaz in March 2018.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 16:30

Paki Supreme Court Becomes A Mental Torture Chamber For A Protege Of Ganja Sharif As The Chief Justice Of Pakistan Mocks Him

Call Nawaz so he could throw judges out of court, CJP to Talal
The News International
Oct 10, 2018

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday rejected an intra-court appeal of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader and former state minister for interior affairs, Talal Chaudhry, against his conviction in a contempt case for making contemptuous speeches last year.

The CJP recalled that Talal kept on addressing former premier Nawaz Sharif in his speech and even he did not stop him from the contempt of court. The CJP, while admonishing Talal, said: “Should I summon Mian Sahib whom you kept addressing in your speech. Call Mian Sahib, so he can throw out the PCO judges. Can he throw us? "Which idol had you talked about throwing out of court?” the CJP further questioned.

The decorum of the Paki Supreme Court has "gone to the dogs" ever since Niqab has been appointed CJP . He has been "insulting" people left and right !

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 16:58

Teacher arrested for sexually abusing teenage student in Toba Tek Singh
Oct 10, 2018

JHANG – Police have arrested a teacher for sexually harassing a student and making her video in Toba Tek Singh. According to the police, Anwar-ul-Qamar, a school teacher, sexually harassed a 13-year-old girl and shot a video two months ago. Following the incident, Qamar lost his mobile phone and the person who got hold of the device uploaded the video on social media.Minister of Human Rights Shireen Mazari took to Twitter, after the video went viral on social media, stating that the accused has been arrested by Jhang police.The incident happened in Toba Tek Singh and that Qamar has confessed to his crime before the Jhang police, Mazari added.Qamar was handed over to the police in Punjab’s central district where an FIR in the case was registered at Pir Mahal police station and further investigations are underway.

Sexual assault/ harassment plus honour killings have almost become an epidemic in Islamic Pakistan !

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 17:09

Phone Smuggling A Thriving Business !

Customs nab woman with 20 smuggled iPhones at Islamabad Airport
Oct 10, 2018

ISLAMABAD – Customs officials at Islamabad International Airport on Tuesday night caught a woman smuggling 20 smartphones worth more than Rs3 million in Pakistan

According to customs officials, the woman was traveling from a foreign airline and attempted to leave the green channel without having her luggage checked upon landing.Suspecting the behaviour of the woman, customs officials searched the luggage of the woman and confiscated at least 20 iPhone XS and XS Max.

Stopping a single woman to get her luggage checked is a "delicate" matter in Islamic Pakistan

According to the customs official, the Sindh House protocol officer Abdul Rehman had come to the airport to receive the woman. “A letter has been written to the department concerned regarding cancellation of Mr. Rahman’s protocol card,” the official added.

So, this was not "random". It was organized smuggling !

Islamabad Airport made headlines yesterday when a passenger boarding bridge collapsed; the incident happened when passengers were boarding an airplane of a foreign airline, using the bridge. However, the plane parked near the bridge remained safe.

The shoddy constructed Isloo Airport has been a butt of jokes recently. Due to heavy downpour a few months ago, the main terminal assumed the look of an indoor swimming pool. And when the spanking new airport opened, the new luggage carousel did not function. Social media showed Abduls descending in the "hole" to retrieve their luggage

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 10 Oct 2018 17:10

Saudi's oil refinery in Gwadar threatens Iran, China – ANI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's latest announcement about Saudi Arabia's investment in an oil refinery at the port city of Gwadar has set alarm bells ringing in the international arena.

A Zerohedge article claims that Pakistan's move comes from a "desperate" need for funding to ward off a financial crisis stoked by growing debt to China.

The column, written by James Dorsey on Mid East Soccer blog, claims that Saudi's oil refinery in Gwadar Port could threaten Iran's India-backed Chabahar Port, making China (and Pakistan) a part of an "all but open war" between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis may invest up to $10 billion dollars in the region. The deal could additionally involve deferred payments on Saudi oil supplies which will firstly, create a strategic oil reserve close to Iran, and secondly, help cash-strapped Pakistan in payments.

The Zerohedge article further stated that Pakistan will be forced to seek a $12 billion bailout from International Monetary Fund (IMF) if government expenditure is not brought under control -- a fact that Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan has taken note of.

Islamabad's first step to curb the spending spree came in September, as funds for road projects, which are a part of CPEC's Western route that connects Balochistan with China's troubled region of Xinjiang, were not sanctioned in time. The very same road project was already grappling with delays in approval from China, with Pakistan's move bringing progress to a standstill.

Furthermore, Pakistan's Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid cut $2 billion dollars from a $8.2 billion project that aims to upgrade and expand Pakistan's railway network, a significant part of CPEC.

The article quoted Rashid who said, "Pakistan is a poor country that cannot afford huge burden of the loans. CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open."

Islamabad's latest move was inviting the oil-rich Saudi for investments in the Gwadar refinery and mines in Balochistan. The fact that Pakistan officials denied suggestions that the Gulf country would join the CPEC was an indication to China's apprehensions with the deal.

During campaigning for the General Elections in the country, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had likened the CPEC to "a modern-day equivalent of the British "East-India-Company" " which eventually led to colonisation in the South-Asian subcontinent and drained the economies of the countries colonised.

The PTI also denounced Chinese-funded transit projects in Punjab and claimed that funds, which could be used for social spending, were being squandered, while "suggesting" that the projects involved "corrupt practises".

Therefore, while the Saudi engagement eases Pakistan's financial woes, it also enables Saudi Arabia to prevent Chabahar from emerging as a powerful Arabian Sea hub.

A study published last year by the International Institute for Iranian Studies claims that Iran's Chabahar port posed “a direct threat to the Arab Gulf states” that called for “immediate countermeasures.”

India-backed port could raise foreign investment in Iran, increase government revenues and "enable Iran to increase its oil market share in India at the expense of Saudi Arabia."

Husseinbor also suggested Saudi support for a low-level Baloch insurgency in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, which would "be a formidable challenge, if not impossible, for the Iranian government to protect such long distances and secure Chabahar in the face of widespread Baluch opposition, particularly if this Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf opposition is supported by Iran’s regional adversaries and world powers.”

US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton had drafted a plan last year that "envisioned US support 'for the democratic Iranian opposition' including in Balochistan and Iran's Sistan and Balochistan province."

The Saudi-Pakistan deal may potentially bear ominous implications for China, who may well be able to manage Pakistan by addressing their CPEC-related reservations, however, a Saudi-Iranian conflict will be much more complicated to deal with.

Cheers

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 17:11

Orwellian Headline !

Pure water among nine bottled water declared unsafe for drinking
Oct 10, 2018

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 10 Oct 2018 17:11

Falijee wrote:Lt Gen Asim Munir appointed DG ISI

Is he a muhajir? His name sounds like one (from the Ganga-Jamuna region). Although with the pakis it is hard to tell....

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 10 Oct 2018 17:15

Falijee wrote:"Stern Orders" From The FATF !

FATF recommendations: Pakistan told to track transactions of $3,000 and above

$3000 eh? That's four lakh paki rupees. What was the suggested amount that I'm the Dim each overseas baki to contribute to the damn squib fund? Is there any way that terror financing could be routed through this fund? I am working on a thesis.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 17:18

CJP Nisar Gets A Break From His "Heavy Workload" . Immy's Friend "Invites" Him To Bartania . All Expense Paid . Wonder What Is The Quid Pro Quo

PM Imran’s close-aide Aneel Musarrat meets CJP Nisar
Oct 10, 2018

ISLAMABAD – British-Pakistani businessman Aneel Musarrat, who is advising Prime Minister Imran Khan on his project of providing five million homes to the public, has met Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar.During the meeting, Musarrat also invited the country’s top judge to an event going to be held in the United Kingdom on November 23 to raise funds for the dams.

Some Pakis have speculated that "Dam building" also helps the CJP in his retirement fund

The dam fund was initiated by the Supreme Court (SC) to construct Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams to fight water scarcity in the country.Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar had said that construction of new dams is critical for its survival, promising that he would continue his efforts for the purpose even after his retirement.

Other media reports have speculated that Nisar wants a Chief Legal Officer job in the Islamic Coalition ! ( like fellow LaWhori Raheel )

The fund witnessed a boost after the recent speech of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who urged the nation to donate generously for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams. In a televised address to the nation on September 7, Prime Minister Imran Khan made an impassioned appeal to all Pakistanis, particularly overseas diaspora to generously donate funds to help the Country build dams.So far, the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fundhas received just nearly Rs4.693 billion.

menon s · Post by **menon s** » 10 Oct 2018 17:25

donkey king is an animated movie getting released in Pakistan. #donkeykingimran

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 17:36

Pakistan Stock Exchange ( PSX) Takes Action Against Disgraced Paki National Carrier - PIA

PIA placed on PSX defaulter segment
Dawn
Oct 10, 2018

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) issued a notice on Wednesday announcing that it had placed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on its defaulters' segment.

According to the notice, the national flag carrier was placed on the list for failure to hold an annual meeting and submit a statement of audited accounts for the year ending Dec 2017.According to the notice, if a company fails to hold an annual general meeting or submit a statement of audited accounts for two consecutive years, "trading in shares of the company shall be suspended immediately by the Exchange".
It added that the company could be given 90-days to resolve "non-compliance" after which further action could be taken.

Speaking to DawnNews TV, PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar said that the company had not provided the account details for one year, not two years, and they were attempting to rectify the matter as soon possible.He added that an annual general meeting would be called very soon.

Seems that the spokesman is on the defensive ! It would surely be a nightmare for the auditor to certify- and express an opinion on the Financial Statement of this "business"

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 17:41

Imran : Not To Worry The Match Is Still Not Lost . I Will Lead You To Victory

'I will steer you out of this difficult time,' PM Khan assures nation about economy
Dawn
Oct 10, 2018

He said the previous governments had taken loans recklessly, which has resulted in the country's debt ballooning from Rs6 trillion to Rs30 trillion in the past 10 years alone.

He said the previous PML-N government had started its term with a $3 billion current account deficit, but the 40-day-old Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government inherited an $18bn current account deficit.

He reiterated that the government is seeking funds from external sources only for the short term, ( Bullshit !) as the economic reforms and austerity measures initiated by his government "will take six months to show results".

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 10 Oct 2018 17:45

Further to my Post of 10 Oct 2018 17:10, Here is the Article from Zerohedge :

Cheers

Vips · Post by **Vips** » 10 Oct 2018 17:51

Datapoint: Total number of credit card holders in Pakistan is 1.3 Million.

We are cash based currently, as that is a choice dictated by our target demographic. There are only about 1.3 million credit card users throughout Pakistan and they do not form our core market. We are planning to introduce debit card support, which should be functional by the end of this year.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 17:52

Jahil - Ham- Eid Has "Inside Knowledge" Of Deep State !!! Here Is The Proof

Zaid Hamid
‏Verified account @ZaidZamanHamid
5h5 hours ago

This is a fake account. You can expect many such fakes. DG ISI do not keep Twitter accounts.
Gen Asim has been appointed as the new DG ISI.
May his sword remains shining and sharp against the enemies of Pakistan. He lands in a hot battlefield.
InshAllah Khair for Pakistan.

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 10 Oct 2018 17:55

Falijee wrote:Pakistan Stock Exchange ( PSX) Takes Action Against Disgraced Paki National Carrier - PIA

PIA placed on PSX defaulter segment
Dawn - Oct 10, 2018

Falijee Ji :

As pel stlong instluction flom Chinese Mastels!

Cheers

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 18:36

Peregrine wrote:
Falijee wrote:Pakistan Stock Exchange ( PSX) Takes Action Against Disgraced Paki National Carrier - PIA
PIA placed on PSX defaulter segment
Dawn - Oct 10, 2018
Falijee Ji :

As pel stlong instluction flom Chinese Mastels!

Cheers

Because the mastels own PSX

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 18:58

This Pre Election Article (July 24, 2018 ) About Imran Khan By A British Journo Has Come True !

Prime Minister Imran Khan is the last thing Pakistan needs
By Jon Boone - Cap X
24 July 2018

Pity Pakistan. In recent weeks it has suffered one of its worst ever terrorist attacks, with 149 people blown to bits. The rupee is crashing as the economy teeters on the brink of a debt crisis. And the country has been put on an international financial watchlist because of its failure to take action against terrorists.

Worst of all, Imran Khan is about to become the country’s next prime minister.For readers with only a passing interest in this turbulent country, Khan’s likely victory in Wednesday’s general elections may seem like no bad thing. In the UK he is presumed to be a good’un: a glamorous, anglophile cricket-star playboy who talks a good game about fighting corruption. His politics are presumed to be as liberal as his private life.

So, Prime Minister Imran could come as quite a shock for many people.For one thing, he’s no liberal. In fact, he spits out the word “liberal” as an insult, often combining it with the word “fascist” to describe those Pakistanis who think there should be a zero-tolerance policy towards the Pakistani Taliban, one of the most indiscriminately lethal terrorist groups in the world. Khan is the group’s highest profile apologist. At the peak of the Taliban’s terror campaign in 2014 Khan was pleading for them, saying they were “confused”. He thought the Taliban should be given an office in Peshawar from where they could parlay with the government. He bitterly opposed a military confrontation with the group, saying it would only fuel more violence.

In order to maintain his so -called Islamic credentials , he refused to invite his two sons to his inauguration ceremony !

As things turned out, Khan was wrong and the liberal fascists were right. After much foot dragging, largely caused by Khan’s noisy opposition, the army finally assaulted North Waziristan. The rate of Taliban violence fell precipitously.He is still sucking up to extremists. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa controlled by his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has funnelled taxpayer cash to the madrassa run by Sami-ul-Huq, an infamous extremist cleric known as the “father of the Taliban” because he taught so many militant leaders. Khan describes the insurgency against the elected, internationally-recognised government in Kabul as a legitimate “resistance”.

More recently Khan has been pandering to the country’s Barelvis, the community once regarded as benign Sufis but which have become murderously radicalised in recent years over the subject of “blasphemy”. A particular Barelvi obsession is the Muslim Ahmadiyya Community, a tiny sect they regard as heretics. But anti-Ahmadi bigotry is popular. Khan has gone out of his way to emphasise his support for the laws that criminalise Ahmadis for following their religion as they wish.

His new wife is a Barelvi Pir !

If Khan’s thoughts on extremism and militancy are dangerous, his solutions for Pakistan’s economic problems are childish: elect better leaders (ie, Khan), put corrupt politicians in prison and recover their “looted” wealth.It will not make much difference because Pakistan’s undoubted corruption problem is a symptom, not a cause, of its malaise. The real problems are systemic: a broken bureaucracy little changed from the colonial-era, a failing judiciary drowning in a backlog of cases and an economy captured by rent-seeking vested interests.

To pick one example, Khan has had nothing of substance to say about how to fix the country’s awful automobile sector. The entire market has been carved up by just three companies. No competition means terrible cars at high prices, low production, fewer jobs than there might be and big profits for the owners. The cheapest car in the country is something called a Suzuki Mehran, a dismal contraption that according to 2011 research was 32 per cent more expensive than the same model in India (where it has now been phased out).

Pakiland does not "manufacture" automobile. It assembles and paints them . Almost every component is imported . Ditto for the military equipment from higher than mountain fliend !

The army has gone to extraordinary lengths to neutralise Sharif, who was until recently the odds-on favourite to win. Media deemed favourable to Sharif have had their distribution choked. Non-compliant journalists and bloggers have been threatened and kidnapped. The media’s coverage of the election has been so one-sided that at times it has seemed as if only the PTI is running.Army intelligence officers have compelled some PML-N candidates to jump ship to Khan. They have used crude threats and, astonishingly, the promise of positions in Khan’s government. Dozens have indeed defected. International election monitors have been prevented from entering the country in time to do their work properly. Sharif himself has been knocked out of running after Pakistan’s increasingly wild judiciary disqualified him from office for a minor breach of electoral law based on evidence provided by the army’s intelligence wing. Crucial indirect elections to the upper house of parliament were manipulated to prevent Sharif’s party from gaining a majority.

Imran Khan, the great hope for a “Naya (New) Pakistan”, has not called out any of this. Not the bashing of the media, not the kidnapping and torture of dissident bloggers, not the dodgy legal rulings, not the menacing of politicians by the deep state. He has stood by whilst the elections have become the “dirtiest, most micromanaged in the country’s history”, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.So, if Khan does win on Wednesday it will be a hollow victory. His power will be heavily constrained, both by the coalition partners he will likely need to govern, and by the deep state whose electoral engineering he has embraced.

He has become PM, thanks to the fauj !

Worse, millions of Sharif’s supporters will not accept Khan as a legitimate prime minister. By failing to stand up to Pakistan’s deep state, Khan has been complicit in damaging the country’s most important institutions: the government, the judiciary, the media. Also, ironically, the army: recent days have seen unprecedented demonstrations outside the headquarters of the ISI in Islamabad and scattered anti-army protests in normally pro-military Punjab.It all amounts to a remarkable deterioration in the fortunes of a country that is once again at risk of sliding into chaos.Even before he has taken power, Imran Khan has set his country back decades.

Now he has been forced to go to IMF, begging bowl in hand

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2018 19:15

n Pakistan's once-vibrant media, some journalists view intimidation as the new normal
Reuters
Saad Sayeed
Oct 9, 2018

KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan’s media was widely seen as among the region’s most vibrant after military rule ended in 2008, but a dozen newspaper and TV journalists say the industry is now in disarray because of intimidation and army pressure.

In separate interviews with Reuters, they said a media crackdown that began in the run-up to the July election of new Prime Minister Imran Khan had morphed into widespread self-censorship by journalists fearful of repercussions if they criticize Khan, the military or courts.

A number of political commentators and opposition politicians say Khan is backed by the establishment, a term used in Pakistan to mean the military and intelligence top brass, along with some senior civil servants and judges. His main rival, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was at loggerheads with the military.

Anyone, who does not toe the military line is toppled . Will eventually happen to Imran also !

Adding to the atmosphere of fear is a treason case filed against a prominent newspaper columnist, Cyril Almeida, following an interview he conducted with Sharif that mentioned the role of Pakistani militants in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

It is an open secret !

“There is a culture of silence. People are reluctant to talk about who is behind this,” Islamabad bureau chief of independent Capital TV Murtaza Solangi told Reuters.

“Self-censorship has hit new highs.”The Pakistani military’s public relations wing, the Inter Services Public Relations agency (ISPR), denied intimidating the media and said it doesn’t pressure journalists to alter coverage. “Our media is independent. ISPR has no role in controlling media expression,” the military agency said in a written response to several questions from Reuters on what the journalists described as intimidation and harassment by security forces.The agency declined to elaborate further.

Khan’s office did not respond to a request for comment, but during the election campaign he dismissed reports of press intimidation.Pakistan’s ~~information~~ propaganda minister Fawad Chaudhry told Reuters no media outlet has brought any complaints to his office.“I think Pakistani media freedom can be compared to any first world country,” Chaudhry said.

“There is more of a talk than substance ... I have not received a single application or request or evidence of such censorship.”A report released by the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) last month alleged that Pakistan’s military was using fear and intimidation to stifle the media and undermine press freedom.

“The military has quietly, but effectively, set restrictions on reporting: from barring access to regions ... to encouraging self-censorship through direct and indirect methods of intimidation, including ... allegedly instigating violence against reporters,” the CPJ said in the report, written after interviews with journalists, editors and media groups in five Pakistani cities in February this year.The military has not responded to requests for comment on the CPJ report.

“There are debates within organizations about what can lead the organization into a problem and these discussions essentially influence your editorial judgment,” Talat Hussain, a journalist with Geo TV, Pakistan’s leading television news channel, told Reuters.

The accusation of treason against the columnist Almeida is based on a May interview he conducted with Sharif in which the former prime minister indirectly suggested that Pakistan allowed militants based on its soil to carry out the 2008 militant attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai that killed 166 people.Pakistan has long denied any state involvement but the incident has been at the center of deteriorating ties with India.

Sharif and Almeida both appeared before a court on Monday that will decide whether to formally charge them. Neither entered any plea and the case was adjourned until Oct. 22.A representative for Sharif did not respond to request for comment on this story. Almeida and senior editors at the Dawn newspaper he works for declined to be interviewed, saying they had been advised by lawyers to avoid comment on an ongoing case.

While journalists have rarely been jailed in Pakistan, several instances of abductions of reporters have created a culture of self-censorship, journalists interviewed said.
“In general the media is being very careful in what not to report or discuss. If they do, they can face disruptions to circulation or to the placement of their channel on cable or at times a ... blackout,” said Omar R Quraishi, former web editor at Samaa TV.In June, Pakistani commentator, activist and frequent military critic Gul Bukhari was abducted by gunmen as she was on her way to a TV interview. A driver reported to the TV channel that men in military uniform stood by while plainclothes men took her away.Bukhari, a dual Pakistani-British citizen, was returned home the next day after a social media and international media outcry. She declined to go into details of her ordeal, but told Reuters her abduction could be “viewed within that context” of intimidation ahead of the general election.

Her British Passport "saved" her !

The military denied playing any role in her abduction.
In January, Taha Siddiqui, a journalist known for critical reporting on the military, told reporters he narrowly avoided abduction after his taxi was stopped by armed men. He said he shouted for help when a military vehicle passed by but one of the armed men gestured to the vehicle to move on.
Siddiqui also filed a police complaint about the incident. The military denied it was involved.

And the journo has exiled himself to France ! Saleem Shahzad was not so lucky. Deep State killed him and dumped his body near Mandi Bahauddin . Journo Hamid Mir luckily did not die after suffering severe injuries in an attack . He has now "toned down" his criticism of Deep State and now has become an enthusiastic supporter of Immy !

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 10 Oct 2018 19:18

Pakistan’s debt sustainability indicators in disarray - Shahbaz Rana

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s all debt sustainability indicators have turned topsy-turvy in the last fiscal year, suggesting that the country faces serious challenges to foreign debt repayment and is also exposed to high refinancing risks due to a short debt maturity period.

The Public Debt Management Risk Report of June 2018, released by the Ministry of Finance, showed that most of the indicators moved further towards dangerous levels while three breached the red line, set in the medium-term debt strategy.

The report covers public debt up to June 2018 when the federal government’s gross public debt stood at Rs24.95 trillion, accounting for 72.5% of the total national output.

The results showed that the last Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government did not implement the Medium Term Debt Management Strategy 2016-19, which was aimed at striking a balance between risks and the cost of acquiring new debt.

The debt management strategy that Pakistan adopted under the last International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme sets target ranges for foreign currency, refinancing and interest rate risks.

Foreign exchange risks

In what appears to be an alarming change, the finance ministry report showed that Pakistan’s short and long-term debt maturing in the current fiscal year 2018-19 increased to 80.6% of the total liquid foreign currency reserves by June 2018. This ratio was only 27.7% just a year ago, which indicated the danger of default.

The main reason for the high ratio is repayment of Eurobonds and SAFE deposits of China, the sources said.

In June 2018, the country’s official liquid foreign currency reserves stood at $9.8 billion, which slid to $8.4 billion by the end of September.

After wasting about one and a half month, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has decided to approach the IMF to avoid default on international payments.

The foreign currency debt as a percentage of total debt increased from 28.4% to 32.2% by June 2018. The debt strategy gives the safe range at 20% and the maximum range at 35%.

Refinancing risks

The report showed that both the refinancing indicators are pointing towards high risks. Average time-to-maturity of the public debt came down from three years and eight months to three years and six months by June this year.

The deterioration was on account of both domestic and external debts. The average time-to-maturity of external debt decreased from eight years and four months to just seven years and six months.

In 2013, when the PML-N government came to power, the maturity period of external debt was 10 years.

Domestic debt’s average time-to-maturity fell from two years to just one year and six months by the end of last fiscal year, according to the report. The results show that the last government deviated from the path of prudent debt management.

The indicator of debt maturing in one year has also deteriorated. In June 2017, the public debt maturing in one year was 42.1% of the total debt, which has now increased to 48.9%. This will massively increase the government’s debt servicing cost as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to further increase interest rate to win over an IMF bailout programme.

The deterioration was on account of both domestic and external debt. The ratio of domestic debt maturing in one year increased from 55.6% to 66.3% – which is above the danger level of 65%. The ratio of external debt maturing within one year increased from improved from 8% to 12.4% of the total debt.

Interest rate risks

Another critical indicator – the average time to re-fixing of public debt – has also worsened. The period has dropped from three years and five months to three years and two months, heightening the interest rate risks.

The external debt’s average time to re-fixing also reduced from seven years and five months to just six and half years.

The domestic debt re-fixing reduced from two years to one and half years. The average time to re-fixing is a measure of weighted average time until all the principal payments in the debt portfolio become subject to a new interest rate.

Due to growing dependence of floating interest rate debts, the ratio of fixed rate public debt – debt issued at a fixed rate as opposed to the one pegged with Kibor -has come down from 61.2% in 2017 to 53.4% by June this year.

The external fixed rate debt came down from 77.7% to 72.5%. The domestic fixed rate also reduced from 54.6% to 44.3%.

Similarly, the weighted average time of public debt – that has to be re-fixed in one year – has increased from 47.8% to 55.5% -breaching the danger level threshold. The external debt that requires to be readjusted in one year to new interest rates increased from 26% to 32.2%. The ratio for domestic debt increased from 56.4% to 66.4% -above the maximum threshold of 65%.

Contingent liabilities

During the past one year, the finance ministry’s contingent liabilities also increased significantly, which showed deterioration in public sector enterprises and more borrowings by the state-owned companies for various purposes.

By June this year, the federal government’s contingent liabilities stood at Rs1.236 trillion as against Rs936.6 billion in June 2017 – an increase of 32% in just one year.

Cheers

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 10 Oct 2018 19:57

Falijee wrote:Lt Gen Asim Munir appointed DG ISI

Is that a donkey (the one on the top right) on the Eye Yes Eye crest?

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 10 Oct 2018 20:12

Pakistan navy quits anti-piracy task force amid worsening US ties

Decision to leave the task force taken after US-led coalition limits fuel supplies, military sources tell Al Jazeera.

Pakistan's navy is no longer part of the counterpiracy Combined Task Force (CTF) that operates in the western Indian Ocean, officials told Al Jazeera.

The decision to leave the task force was taken after the US-led operation refused to pay for fuel for the patrolling warships as part of a previous agreement, two highly-placed military officials told Al Jazeera on the condition of anonymity.

In a statement to Al Jazeera, the Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) - the over-arching organisation of which the CTF is a part - confirmed that Pakistan is no longer participating with ships in the task force.

Distancing itself from CTF gives Pakistan a chance to carry out an independent Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) from the Gulf of Aden to the Gulf of Oman, and from the Strait of Hormuz to the Maldivian waters, a Pakistani military official said.

Responding to the end of Pakistani participation in the anti-piracy task force, Pakistani military officials said the country has to guard its own interests in the western India Ocean.

Pakistani security analysts believe Islamabad's warming relations with Iran's military, as well as security agreements with China could be cause for concern in Washington and Riyadh.

The maritime coalition has not commented on why Pakistan left and whether the decision to limit fuel supplies was linked to recent military cuts initiated by Washington.

But the relationship between the two allies in the so-called "war on terror" has been strained.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/ ... 45464.html

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 10 Oct 2018 20:15

IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China

Addressing a news conference at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bali, the IMF’s Maurice Obstfeld cautioned that increased Chinese involvement in Pakistan’s economy could bring both benefits and risks.

Pakistan needs more infrastructure development, Obstfeld added, and the country could benefit from China’s role in supporting its project financing. But China’s involvement could also bring potential risks, he said.

“It is important that the design of the projects... be solid and excessive debts which cannot be repaid are avoided”

Chinese officials have rejected criticism that the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects have burdened Pakistan with unsustainable debts. Instead, the Chinese maintain, they have boosted the country’s economic growth and provided 70,000 jobs.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1438023/imf-w ... from-china

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 11 Oct 2018 00:12

JUI-F Senator Haidri says will block 'any amendment' to blasphemy law

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) secretary general Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri on Wednesday opposed any amendments to the blasphemy law, which was under discussion in a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee for Information and Technology.

He also dropped a threat, saying that the blasphemy law had previously "taken a lot of lives, and if anyone tries to touch it, they will be the ones held responsible for any damage caused."

He also said that if any step to amend the law is taken, his party will show "complete resistance" and even block it in the National Assembly and Senate.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1438122/jui-f ... sphemy-law

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 11 Oct 2018 00:17

Old story from pure land but soon to be re-enacted.
January 16, 2016

Our hero of the day: A boy presenting his chopped hand on a plate

Here's a hypothetical situation: You have a 15-year-old son, and he hacks off his own hand after believing he has committed blasphemy. How would you react?

How about pride, joy, and celebration instead?

In Pakistan, where all sorts of bizarre reports make headlines, it isn’t often that we sit up and take notice of news stories. Yet, this is exactly what happened recently, when a 15-year-old boy in a village close to Lahore in the Hujra Shah Muqeem district, cut off his own hand believing he had committed blasphemy.

As reports claim, the youngster was at a mosque when the imam asked the worshipers who among them wasn’t offering prayers regularly. This was after he had stated that those who love the Prophet (PBUH) don’t miss out on their prayers.

When the boy raised his hand after mishearing the question, the imam, alongside the attendees around him, shamed the 15-year-old for committing blasphemy. Some reports even state that the boy was beaten by the cleric for his 'sin'.

The psychological impact of the public disgrace propelled the child. He wanted to prove beyond doubt that he was not a blasphemer.

So much so that to punish himself, using a fodder cutting machine, he sliced off the very hand he had raised at the mosque.

Then, the child presented his appendage to the preacher on a plate.

Rather than be appalled at the sight of a child's bloody hand, the neighbourhood cheered the youngster, hailing him a hero. His parents, too, beamed with pride.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1233374/our-h ... on-a-plate

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 11 Oct 2018 01:20

anupmisra wrote:Pakistan navy quits anti-piracy task force amid worsening US ties

Decision to leave the task force taken after US-led coalition limits fuel supplies, military sources tell Al Jazeera.
Pakistan's navy is no longer part of the counterpiracy Combined Task Force (CTF) that operates in the western Indian Ocean, officials told Al Jazeera.
The decision to leave the task force was taken after the US-led operation refused to pay for fuel for the patrolling warships as part of a previous agreement, two highly-placed military officials told Al Jazeera on the condition of anonymity.

Rest snipped...
Anupmisra-ji:
I do not "blame" Massa one bit for this drastic action !
On the Afghan front, Paki military was billing USA ( under coalition fund support ) for cost of building roads. Like "ghost schools" these were non existent roads billed to US
So, in this case, the US does not want to be taken for a ride again . Patrolling warships were probably following Indian warships instead of anti piracy duties, hence amount of bill submitted REJECTED . Case closed . No appeal procedures

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 11 Oct 2018 01:26

Pakiland "Trying" To Punch Above Its Weight " ?. Join The Big Leagues?

We will get through tough times

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 11 Oct 2018 01:36

"Forbes" Says That China Is Going To "Own" Pakistan Pretty Soon !
To Solve Its Debt Problem, Pakistan Should Either Follow Malaysia Or Turn Into The Next Sri Lanka
Forbes
Panos Mourdoukoutas
Oct 8, 2018

The IMF won’t solve Pakistan’s debt problem. In dealing with a soaring foreign debt, Pakistan has a couple of choices. One of them is to cancel Chinese projects, as Malaysia did back in August. The other choice is to allow China to turn debt into equity, as Sri Lanka did back in July.

Pakistan’s new leader Imran Khan inherited several problems from the previous leadership. One of them is the soaring foreign debt, fueled by loans from China to finance the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It’s a collection of infrastructure projects built by Chinese construction companies throughout Pakistan.Pakistan’s external debt soared to 95097 USD Million in the second quarter of 2018 from 91761 USD Million in the first quarter of 2018.

That’s an all-time high, and well above the average of 54065.23 USD Million for the period 2002-2018. Pakistan’s soaring foreign debt comes at a time when the country is living well beyond its means. Pakistan recorded a Current Account deficit of 8.20% of its Gross Domestic Product in 2018. That’s an all-time high and well above the -2.60% average for the period 1980-2018.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Exchange Reserves dropped to 16369.70 USD Million in August, down from 16891.10 USD Million in July of 2018.That’s slightly below the average of 16032.54 USD Million for the period 1998-2018.A soaring foreign debt in the face of rising current account deficits and falling foreign currency reserves have made Pakistan dependent on foreign capital flows. And left Kahn with no choice but to knock on the door of the Washington-controlled IMF again.

But while the IMF may ease Pakistan’s problem, it won’t solve it as long as it keep on building the CPEC.That leaves Imran Khan with two choices. One is to cancel Chinese projects to save funds, as Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad did back in August. He canceled two major infrastructure projects by Chinese companies for adding to the country’s heavy foreign debt burden.

The other choice for Khan is to reschedule the country’s debt to China. Perhaps, by swapping debt with equity, which in essence will transfer CPEC ownership to Beijing.That’s the model China applied in rescheduling Sri Lanka’s debt, turning the country’s Hambantota port officially into China’s own port, for 99 years. This was done in accordance with a landmark agreement signed early last year. It gives China Merchants Ports Holdings—an arm of the Chinese government—70% stake in the Indian Ocean’s key outpost.

As was the case with CPEC, the Hambantota port expansion began with loans from China. But when Shri Lanka could not pay back the loans, Beijing converted these loans to equity, in essence turning Sri Lanka into a “semi-colony,” though in a subtle way.That’s what will eventually happen to Pakistan when China takes over CPEC, and end up collecting tolls from every vehicle that passes through.

Most of the Govt real estate ( airport, dams, govt buildings, railway assets etc etc ) is mortgaged to the hilt Arbi, Chini or European interests, which the Aam Abduls are blissfully unaware of

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 11 Oct 2018 01:39

Jahil Ham-Eid With His Deep Connections To The Deep State Was Right When He Said ISI Head Has No Official Account On Social Media !

Pakistan army officers has no official account on any social media outlet: DG ISPR

RCase · Post by **RCase** » 11 Oct 2018 02:15

anupmisra wrote:Pakistan navy quits anti-piracy task force amid worsening US ties

I guess it is hard to run with the hares and hunt with the hounds. So will Pakistan navy now be openly playing pirates?

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 11 Oct 2018 02:55

Falijee wrote:"Forbes" Says That China Is Going To "Own" Pakistan Pretty Soon !
To Solve Its Debt Problem, Pakistan Should Either Follow Malaysia Or Turn Into The Next Sri Lanka
Forbes
Panos Mourdoukoutas - Oct 8, 2018

Falijee Ji :

Saheb Ji : You missed the Punch Line at the End :

Apparently, Imran Khan has a difficult choice to make.

Cheers

Peregrine · Post by **Peregrine** » 11 Oct 2018 03:09

Difficult equation - Moeed Yusuf

ANOTHER opportunity to talk has been squandered. In the wake of India’s decision to pull out of foreign minister-level talks at the UNGA, I was struck by the unanimity of views among Pakistani analysts trying to decode India’s move. Virtually all of them linked it to next year’s Indian elections.

In a recent conversation on India-Pakistan issues, I found a group of Pakistani opinion-makers challenging this conventional wisdom. They argued that India is approaching the relationship with Pakistan with a longer time horizon in mind. They pointed out that in Pakistan-India policy fora, they have noticed a shift in the body language of Indian interlocutors. It is far more confident, if not arrogant, and fixated on the country’s upward trajectory. There are regular references to the growing economic and military differential between India and Pakistan and to comparisons with Nepal and Bangladesh when Pakistan is referenced. The mindset doesn’t reflect an India that feels a need to compromise with Pakistan anymore.

While I do not subscribe to this presentation of facts, I accept the bottom line about India’s focus on the growing power imbalance in the region. I have previously explained what the longer game may be premised on : if India can continue growing economically and diverting significant resources to defence while forcing Pakistan to remain wedded to a paradigm that prizes hard security over economic well-being, in a decade or two, the power differential will be so large that the only negotiation possible would be on the stronger party’s terms.

They argued that India gains by ignoring Pakistan while blaming Pakistan every time the Kashmir issue goes south. New Delhi agrees to talks every now and then to present itself as the magnanimous big brother but then backtracks by pointing to some incident or the other regarding Kashmir. This is seen as hubris that must be responded to by staying steadfast.

Using their very logic, India’s approach must be construed as one that is designed to force Pakistan to dig in, in turn allowing India to further cement its narrative in the world. When I pointed this out, I was told that India is delusional if it feels it can widen the gap with Pakistan — the conversation quickly shifted to poverty, deprivation, and communal problems in India as reasons why India’s rise is artificial.

Smart policy must be predicated on improving oneself, not on hoping for the opponent’s failure. But in this case, does the view hold up against evidence? There is no denying that India has myriad internal problems that aren’t easily fixable. It’s also true that under the current government there, societal intolerance has come to the fore and an objective analyst cannot but worry about the consequences of the callous way in which New Delhi is handling it. And yet, in country after country, the neo-liberal economic model has proven to have unlimited patience with the plight of the downtrodden as the macroeconomic picture is fixed to register the country on the map of global powerhouses. The model is sustainable.

Pakistan must proactively figure out how it can re-jig the deteriorating equation vis-à-vis India. I have been highlighting two aspects of this overhaul.

First, Pakistan needs to continue offering India dialogue and be prepared for serious negotiations on all issues regardless of India’s responses. Precisely because India wants to remain on the good side of the global narrative, it will sooner or later have to acquiesce to talking — which would be good for Pakistan-India relations — or its constant refusal will automatically begin to project Pakistan in a more positive light.

Second, Pakistan needs to reorient its thinking from geo-security to geo-economics. About the only way to develop a genuine Indian stake in Pakistan’s stability while gaining economically is to position Pakistan as a regional trade and transit hub. CPEC is the perfect start. Adding on east-west connectivity by allowing India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia (ideally in return for its acceptance of CPEC) and championing fast tracking of already-agreed upon energy projects that flow from Central Asia to India will offer Pakistan significant transit fees and local economic benefits, remove India’s opposition to CPEC, and force genuine economic interdependence. The outcome will also align with the US interest in offering Afghanistan greater economic opportunity and incidentally, China’s ultimate goal of doing the same. With the Port of Chabahar on stream India does not need a "Land Route through Enemy Territory"!

Admittedly, this is easier said than done — and unpopular. But even initiating a serious internal debate on this vision will force a rethink of our own dated take on geo-strategy, begin shifting the global view of Pakistan as the impediment to regional integration in South Asia, and prompt India to question the utility of its policy of seeking to isolate Pakistan globally. Terroristan's isolation is being nurtured by its own stupidity!

Cheers

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 11 Oct 2018 03:37

Pakis See Deterioration In Dubious Ranking

Pakistan drops one position in Henley Passport 2018 rankings
Oct 9, 2018

LAHORE – Henley Passport Index has recently revealed the list of most powerful passports in last quarter of 2018.According to the passport index, published in October 2018, Pakistan is ranked as the third worst passport in the world.

The South-Asian country has moved down a rank from the bottom fourth to the third last in the 2018 Henley Passport Index.

IOW, it has moved from being the fourth "useless" passport in the world last year , to third "useless" passport in 2018 . For Echendee purposes, the Headline is not in plain language !

The Index has placed the country’s passport on the 104th position among the 106 nations of the world. The Pakistani passport holders have visa-free access to only 33 countries of the world.

Can one imagine, that the one and only Islami Atomi Takat has been "beaten" by Somalia . ie the Somali Passport "carries more weight" than the Green Passport

The countries to lie below in ranks than Pakistan are ~~Somalia~~, ( Wrong !) Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq as per the index.

Japan is among the nations that have got the most powerful passports as per the data assembled by the global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley and Partners. The passport holders of Asian country enjoy visa-free access to 190 destinations throughout the world.

However, Singapore drops its position and placed on second in the ranking list with visa-free access to 189 destinations.France, Germany and South Korea placed third with visa-free access to 188 destinations.

The United States of America and the United Kingdom are ranked on the 5th place in the index, allowing visa-free access to 186 destinations.

List of visa-free destinations for Pakistani Passport Holders

Like the proverbial plague, not a single European or North American nation is ready to risk Pakis with a visa free entry . Could be Pakistaniyat or could be a sazish. Pick your choice

PS : India ranks 81 with 60 countries visa less travel ! No equal equal and not even mentioned in the above write up for H&D

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 11 Oct 2018 03:59

Flight Capital ! US Dollars Fleeing Pakiland , The Old Fashioned Way

Massive smuggling of US dollar through land routes from Pakistan: Report
Oct 10, 2018

*ISLAMABAD - Massive smuggling of t*he US dollar and several foreign currencies through Iran land route has been reported.

The federal government after obtaining data of the people travelling abroad via the land route has initiated the investigation, Tribune has reported.
Federal government has obtained particulars along with the record of travellers who have paid several visits to Iran within a span of four months.

Locking the stable door, AFTER the horse has fled

The Integrated Border Management System of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has sent a detailed list of 100 people travelling to Iran through the Taftan border crossing to the finance ministry and the FBR .

Professional smugglers

Coupled With The Below "Bad News" , It Does NOT Bode Well For The Besieged Paki Economy

Gold Prices in Pakistan register drastic rise overnight

Oct 10, 2018

KARACHI – The price of gold in Pakistan registered a drastic increase of near Rs 2,000 per tola.

Gold prices crossed the Rs 62,000 per tola mark in the local market.For 10g gold, the price surged by Rs1457, and it is available at R53,155 in the market

Wedding season coming up. Gold prices going up ! IMF Danda on Devaluation being inserted . Gold Prices Going Up

Unlike the local market, the gold price observed a decline of $7 in the international market where the price for per ounce yellow metal stood at $1187.The US dollar hit Rs.134 against Pakistani rupee in the interbank market on Tuesday, a day after the government announced that it was going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.

According to local media reports, the US dollar gained Rs9.75 against Pakistani rupee. On Monday, the US dollar was being offered at the rate of Rs124.25 in the interbank market.However, with a sharp Rs 9.55 rise within a few hours, the rupee devalued considerably against the dollar.

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 11 Oct 2018 05:14

Falijee wrote:I do not "blame" Massa one bit for this drastic action ! On the Afghan front, Paki military was billing USA ( under coalition fund support ) for cost of building roads. Like "ghost schools" these were non existent roads billed to US. So, in this case, the US does not want to be taken for a ride again

Note the dysfunctional, disjointed, dorky argument laid out by the pakis - "We did not get reimbursed for the fuel costs!

So, we are leaving!". Then they announce that they will carry out their our patrols! Well, shiver me timbers! Who's going to pay for that fuel? The somalians?

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 11 Oct 2018 05:17

Falijee wrote: Massive smuggling of US dollar through land routes from Pakistan: Report

This news is quite troubling. US $ will find their way into Eyeran and eventually to Gaza which is a hotbed of terror activity and under trade sanctions. Now they will have valuable foreign exchange to dole out to every jihadi in the middle east.