Privatisation
of SOEs
Reports are circulating in the media about division of cabinet members over the issue of privatization of state-owned enterprises. One could somewhat understand the government’s desire to privatize big subsidy-guzzlers. However, if the losses were mainly due to corruption, theft and mismanagement, one could possibly hope that with the removal of these adverse factors by the government of Mr. Clean, Imran Khan, these companies could be made profitable, in which case there would be no need to privatize them. However, some people suggest that even the profitable companies should be privatized since it is not the business of the government to run commercial organizations. But then, they could say it loudly only if the government was successfully doing what ‘it was its business to do’, which is to provide at least basic civic and other services to the citizens.
Another thing that needs to be watched is that in some countries, privatization of state-owned enterprises has been used to benefit its favourites through a simple mechanism. The total price of the enterprise is determined by valuing its assets – especially land and buildings – at prices well below their current market values. And then the buyer gets his total outlay back by selling off one or a few of the properties, thus getting the rest for free. The State Life, which would have invested a large proportion of its receipts in properties is a classical example of this. Those who manage to buy State Life or other state-owned enterprises in similar situation are sure to hit a jackpot.
Envying Chinese President Xi, Imran Khan has expressed a desire to be able to put 500 people in Jail. I would suggest to Imran Khan to consider the possibility that some of these 500 people could be within his own fold. In any case, there is no harm checking.
S R H HASHMI
Karachi
Azadi march!
History is full of examples that fall of Muslims always appeared due to their own clashes – except a few. The Ummah in general and Pakistanis – especially – in case of Kashmir crises are passing through their highest grief. Instead of strengthening unity some of us are planning for managing ‘Azadi March’. Irrespective of any loyalty with any party at present we should give priority to stand-up against our combined foes especially (who) is sitting upon our ‘main-vein i.e. Kashmir’!
It is now more than two months that the people of IoK are under siege of – 9, 00,000+ Indian security forces and the world is ‘mum’ except a few. The despicable move is meant to prevent people from coming out and protest against the revocation of Article 370 by terrorist-Modi’s government, for containing freedom movement which is going on since establishment of Pakistan and recognized by UNSC!!
The atrocities and blatant human rights abuses in IoK are going on since partition. The rattle effect created by revelations by the human rights organizations including UNHCR; harrowing stories carried out by international media and diplomatic offensive launched by Pakistan seems to have created a ripple-effect on ‘Hinduphobia’. Day in and day out a number of countries, their legislators and international organizations are coming forth to express their concern over the situation in occupied territory created by Modi (an International-terrorist!!).
In the latest development, reportedly, the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations while considering (her) report on Annual Foreign Appropriations Act for 2020 added an appeal to end humanitarian crises in IoK!! So; it is humbly requested to the managers of Azadi March (or any March) to please stop it for the time being.
Let us manage Kashmir Azadi March atn D-Chowk at this stage of grief – united we stand; divided we fall!!
M AZAM MINHAS
Tatrinote, AK
Syria’s war solution
Syria is continued to be pushing onto the geopolitical chessboard and the players continue trying their moves ever since the civil war has erupted there. US President Donald Trump has announced to pull out US troops from the northern Syria in order to what he called end to the endless wars and get US troops back home.
Machiavellian Trump’s move apparently seems like a positive step towards restoration of peace in war-torn country, but the timing of his decision—when the US presidential elections are just around the corner—smacks of a blatant political manoeuvring of fulfilling his promises made during previous election campaigns with people of America to garner his vote bank. By this decision of him, US abandoned the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alone what SDF called ‘a stab in the back’, that were earlier backed by US to fight against IS. What could be alarming, top of it all, is the resurgence of evil of IS post his decision. This decision is abruptly followed by Turkey’s invasion and offensive against Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which can even complicate the already chaotic situation of Syria.
Among all stakeholders—Syrian government, rebel groups, US, Russia, Iran, Saudi-led coalition, Turkey—those are mere the Gulf states that can and must work collectively for lasting peace and maintaining the security of the region, especially the KSA and Iran—arch-rivals who have been locked in several proxy wars in the region. While the entire region is on the brink of conflagration which may engulf all, it is time the olive branch extended and diplomacy, conciliation and dialogue prevailed over intransigency and enmity.
ZAHID ALI ZOHRI
Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan
Let others speak
Federal and Provincial Ministers and Advisors are duty bound and supposed to project and promote the federal and provincial governments points of views on national and international issues and highlight the measures which are being taken quite sincerely and earnestly for good of the people and for ensuring economic stability at the earliest possible besides giving practical shape of promises made in the PTI election manifesto. This is quite appreciable and commendable indeed.
Only the other day, about half a dozen federal ministers and advisors highlighted the federal and provincial governments’ point of view on some political matters. Very little of their statements found place in the newspapers though they got live coverage mostly on the electronic media. All this served no or little purpose as such as for as print media is concerned which somehow is getting low priority treatment by those presently in power.
This brings into mind a burning question as to what the Press Information Department (PID) of the Federal Information Ministry and the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) of the Punjab Government are doing? If the federal and provincial governments performance is highlighted by others like the freelance journalists, columns and writers as a follow up then these would certainly and surely carry more weight and create good and positive impression that the federal and provincial ministers news conferences every now and then.
But both the federal and provincial PR departments are doing absolutely nothing in this regard to say the least. They should secure cooperation and assistance of the freelance journalists, columnists, writers and other opinion-making leaders either on payment or out of goodwill gesture voluntarily and get the federal and provincial governments activities highlighted. If they are not performing their main duty in this manner then what else are they doing and getting heavily paid.
MUHAMMAD MURTAZA
Lahore
Your money
is safe?
RBI (Reserve Bank of India) issuing statements like your money is safe with the PMC banks is ridiculous. It is like the monkey who took away my banana, ate it, and then says “Your banana is safe in my stomach”.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Bravo, Inzar!
Appreciation and kudos is immensely deserved by a youth of Gilgit-Baltistan named as Inzar Ahmad who, along with his fellows, rescued an infant baby Markhor, one of the rarely found and endangered species of GB, from the savagery of dogs’ attack at the eleventh hour. The courageous Inzar and his fellows of Kunodas area GB swiftly climbed up on the steep rocky mountain upon finding fussy barking of hounds which had attacked a poor baby Markhor and were about to shatter it, and made them run off the scene and got it free. Later, Inzar handed it over to GB Wildlife Department which estimated its cost to be more than 100 million. While being a responsible citizen, Inzar put his part in preserving wildlife; it is lamentable that GB Wildlife Department has been granting the auction permits to amateur foreign hunters to hunt down Markhors and other species that are at the verge of extinction. Courageous deed of Inzar should be appreciated and rewarded, so that, every citizen may play his role in wildlife protection. We proud such citizens…!
ZAHID ALI ZOHRI
Gilgit-Baltistan
