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Talks among political parties
PTI leader Shibli Faraz has disclosed that party chief Imran Khan has given the go-ahead for talks with the COAS and DG ISI on one hand, and the government parties on the other. A problem in principle is that the military are not supposed to become involved in politics. Dragging again the Establishment into politics, it would not be in the interest of the political system. It is difficult to see how the military can engage in talks separately from the government and remain within the ambit of the Constitution. While the idea of talks among the political parties has been long on the table, there seems to be more movement than if this was merely in the background.
While Senator Irfan Siddiqui made a talks offer on behalf of the PML(N), another leader of PTI Shahid Afridi included the military in the talk’s panel. The PTI reaction is yet to be gauged, because the idea of talks with the other parties has been rejected time and again by Imran Khan, who has called them ‘thieves and dacoits’. His being behind bars is another obstacle, and his hint that the right scene for negotiations must be set (that he be released) will give the impression that imprisonment has finally forced him to talk. That would run counter to the narrative that he is reconciled to jail life.
The timing of the agreement and the by-elections should not be ignored. The PTI and the ruling coalition have apparently reached a stalemate. The only way out is for the two (not three) sides to hold talks. And for once, those talks must focus on what is good for the country, not on what is good for the parties.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Raiwind: A forgotten city
While cities are often celebrated for their modern amenities and cleanliness, Raiwind, despite being the residence of our three-time Premier, Mian Nawaz Sharif, falls short in essential facilities. The city lacks hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, presenting a stark contrast to the usual urban standards. Raiwind’s streets are perpetually dirty, often filled with stagnant water and its unpaved roads lack proper lighting. Families in our city find no suitable parks for spending quality time during holidays, painting a disheartening picture.
It’s imperative for the government not only to enhance existing facilities but also to designate areas for new parks. Initiatives addressing street cleanliness and road paving are equally vital.
Additionally, minimizing electricity load-shedding can significantly improve the summer experience for residents. Achieving these goals would undoubtedly elevate the standard of living in Raiwind. Authorities must not only acknowledge these issues but also devise effective solutions for the betterment of our community.
AHMAD SAJID
Raiwind
IMF programme
The recent statements by Federal Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb expressed optimism regarding the acquisition of a new loan by the end of June in the current year, which includes a staff-level agreement with the IMF.
Emphasizing the indispensability of a long-term program with the IMF, the Finance Minister’s recent visit to Washington included meetings with officials from both the IMF and World Bank.
While the specifics of the new IMF loan program, such as its size and duration, remain unclear, high-ranking officials have assured that discussions for obtaining a new loan are underway, with progress expected in the coming month.
Analysis of the ongoing economic crisis suggests that the IMF program could mitigate the risk of economic instability and bolster foreign exchange reserves, potentially improving credit ratings and easing access to new loans.
Considering other economic indicators, Pakistan’s stock market is at its highest level to date, with agriculture showing a growth rate of five percent.
Additionally, the current account deficit is decreasing, with March recording a surplus of $619 million, marking the third occasion in the country’s history where the account was in surplus rather than deficit.
While Pakistan has been part of 23 IMF programs since 1958, each program aims to agree on economic reforms, yet past mistakes are often repeated after a challenging period.
Economic experts stress the necessity of a long-term IMF program tailored to the country’s economic needs which can only be effective when coupled with attention to other aspects of economic stability.
GULAB UMID
Turbat
Box letter
Climate change
I am writing today to highlight a pressing concern that has inflicted significant hardships on people worldwide: climate change. This issue is of paramount importance as it affects human infrastructure and living organisms such as trees and animals. Climate change is primarily caused by extreme pollution, particularly through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These activities contribute to the proliferation of various diseases. Unfortunately, authorities have not adequately addressed this matter. Therefore, I urgently implore the government to take serious action to address climate change.
PALWASHA JABBAR
Karachi
