Here’s what’s happening across the border: Imran Khan seeks advice from friend on housing, and Maryam Nawaz says Shehbaz has a different way of dealing with politics.
Can cheese help Pakistan improve its economy?
In the last few days, Pakistan Economic Advisory Council has garnered a lot of attention across the world, but all for wrong reasons. First, it was the resignation of economist Atif Mian’s, followed by two other economists quitting the council.
And now, the advisory council has again become a topic of discussion on social media. This time it is because of ‘cheese’.
A report surfaced Tuesday stating that the economic advisers are thinking to ban imports of cheese, smartphones, and luxury cars to avoid seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The discussion had taken place in EAC first session last week, chaired by Finance Minister Asad Umar.
According to a senior government adviser, the council has not come to a final decision. However, they are keen on adopting radical measures in order to tackle the booming current account deficit.
Meanwhile, even the discussion on banning cheese has received flak on social media.
Journalist Omar. R. Quraishi took a dig at Imran Khan’s helicopter rides to work. Quraishi wrote, “Cheese imports annually amount to less than $4 million dollars.”
After the Rs 55 km per km helicopter use fiasco, now we have economists advising the government to ban the import of cheese to stem the outflow of foreign currency — cheese imports annually amount to less than $4 million dollars
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) September 10, 2018
Columnist Raza Ahmad Rumi also had a laugh.
Pakistani economic advisors discussed banning imports of luxury cars, smartphones and cheese in a wide-ranging strategy session on how to avoid seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
???https://t.co/jTA2qYDh9s
— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) September 9, 2018
Another user named Haseeb went on to say that there will be no good pizza in Naya Pakistan.
The government is going to ban cheese imports. This does not make sense at all. This means no good pizza ever in Pakistan. Is this what Naya Pakistan is about?
— Haseeb (@HaseebTheShah) September 10, 2018
In a sarcastic tone, researcher Ammar Rashid called it a “groundbreaking proposal”.
So after shedding its most competent members, the Prime Minister's EAC has come up with a truly groundbreaking proposal to revive the economy in its first meeting – ban imports of cheese.
The economy's in good hands folks. #NotTheOnionhttps://t.co/lPq2HLIB7L
— Ammar Rashid ☭? #RedistributionNow (@AmmarRashidT) September 9, 2018
Close friend of Imran to help in successfully implement his five million houses
Aneel Musarrat, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s close friend and real estate tycoon in United Kingdom, arrived in Islamabad to help the PM in building five million cost-effective houses, reported ARY news.
Musarrat arrived Monday with Sahibzada Amir Jehangir, foreign trade adviser to Khan.
He is expected to provide consultation to Khan on building cost-effective houses and also on new policies for overseas Pakistanis. The report didn’t mention Musarrat receiving any investment or contracts. Reportedly, he will only help with advice at the moment.
Imran Khan’s sons are in Pakistan for a four-day trip
The arrival of Imran Khan’s two sons, Qasim and Suleiman Isa, in Pakistan Saturday has put the prime minister’s austerity measures under scrutiny.
Claims were made on social media that massive security measures were taken for the arrival of the two. 13 bulletproof cars of PM’s house were used even as 150 police officers were on duty, stated claims.
Route was made for Suleman and Qasim, sons of Imran Khan, from Islamabad airport to Bani Gala for 5 hours. 150 police officers were on duty, convoy of 13 bullet proofs cars from PM House used, a helicopter flew above on route. 350 Rangers in Bani Gala. Is this Madinah ki Riyasat? pic.twitter.com/6mgQIEYN0c
— PMLN 4 Life (@JanisareNawaz) September 9, 2018
Over 350 rangers were reportedly allotted to Khan’s official residence in Bani Gala.
The duo are visiting their father for a day-day trip for the first time after he became the prime minister, reported The Express Tribune. Kasim and Suleiman are Khan’s sons from his first wife Jemima Goldsmith.
Interesting tweets of the day
Basis a Bloomberg report, watchdog Pakistan Media Watch alleged that all media organisations in Pakistan have wrongfully accused Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) of making a ‘commission’ in the 2016 liquefied natural gas deal with Qatar.
A big lie, slander by Pakistani media & TV anchors exposed. Will anchors/analysts apologise & promise not 2 repeat slander? Hundreds of shows done on TV alleging PMLN made commission in LNG deal but Bloomberg now says PMLN saved more than $600 million https://t.co/7840n6256W
— Pakistan Media Watch (@PakPressWatch) September 10, 2018
Activist, and researcher Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi claimed a Hindu family in Islamabad was asked to empty a house by the landlord “on account of religious differences”.
Another case surfaces in which a Hindu family was asked to vacate premises by landlord on account of "religious differences." This, in the capital, Islamabad. Sawai is a peace-activist who advocates for cohesion in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/L9IEdgYQL7
— Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi (@Ali_Abbas_Zaidi) September 9, 2018
Maryam Nawaz says PML-N going through a tough time
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz told Samaa TV last week that Sharif’s brother Shehbaz Sharif’s politics is different from her father’s.
She said PML-N is going through a difficult time and may be that was the reason behind Shehbaz’s inability to organise a massive rally when Maryam returned to Pakistan on 13 July along with Sharif.
She said they knew that they’d have to go to the jail and appeal to the superior court. She dismissed claims that she is teaching inside the jail, adding that they are not allowed to interact within the jail premises. Maryam also said that she is allowed to meet her father once a week every Sunday.
Along with Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar Awan, Sharif was jailed in the Avenfield Luxury flats case.
Brick Kilns in South Punjab to be closed during winters
To curb smog during winters, the environment protection department (EPD) has decided to shut down all brick kilns in South Punjab from 20 October to 31 December, reported The News. It also decided that FIRs will be filed against violators.
EPD Multan deputy director Zafar Iqbal said, “Smog can continue for indefinite period causing reduced visibility. The south Punjab agriculture areas usually witnessed smog during winter when air pollution emitting from vehicles and solid waste burn contributes to promotion of thick smog and traditional brick kilns are the major source of spread in this regard.”
There are 2,500 traditional brick kilns situated in Multan while 2,000 are operational across south Punjab, added Iqbal.