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Pandora Papers!
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) makes 11.9 million secret documents available to the public after Panama Papers.
These papers are based upon the most expansive leak of tax haven files in history; the investigation reveals the secret deals and hidden assets of more than 330 politicians and high-level public officials in more than 90 countries and territories, including 35 country leaders.
Ambassadors, mayors and ministers, presidential advisers, retired Generals, etc, to create offshore companies and trusts in tax havens such as Panama, Dubai, Monaco, Switzerland, and the Cayman Islands.
The few important names of Pakistan that exposed in Pandora Papers are Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Senator Faisal Vawda, PML-Q leader Chaudhry Moonis Elahi, Ishaq Dar’s son, Ali Dar, PPP’s Sharjeel Memon, the family of Minister for Industries and Production Khusro Bakhtiar, PTI leader Abdul Aleem Khan, Axact CEO Shoaib Sheikh, among others, among those with alleged links to offshore companies.
Now it’s the time for Imran Khan government to take strong action against the big fishes and hold accountable all for this misdoings that happens under his nose in his leadership because Pandora papers are considered a stark reminder of laws that allow so-called safe havens which facilitate loot and plunder in developing countries and hiding looted wealth in a web of secrecy.
It is better that Prime Minister Imran Khan to seek resignation from them if their offshore companies are not declared. The PTI government should need to examine information relating to the involvement of Pakistani citizens, persons of Pakistan origin and legal entities in off-shore companies in Pandora Papers.
KHUSHAL KHAN
Hayatabad, Peshawar
YDA protest against privatisation
Young Doctors Association (YDA) voiced against privatisation of government hospitals. They rightfully pointed towards the fact that the government is neglecting its duty to provide free and subsidized healthcare to the citizenry.
Instead, a deplorable business-like model is being adopted that prioritises revenue and expansion rather than high-quality medical services.
Public amenities have become exorbitantly expensive after the introduction of the medical teaching institution ordinance (MTI) which focuses on revamping the structure in such a way that a Board of Governors will sit to make decisions, a reward and punishment system will be introduced for employees and equipment will be leased out every now and then.
There are multiple problems in the midst of a pandemic and a spike in dengue cases, securing public health should be a priority of the government.
If access to medical help becomes too expensive, major portions of the population will be left immensely vulnerable. Secondly, public facilities are created to absorb losses because of the acknowledgement that authorities have certain duties towards the public that override the need for revenue. This restructuring completely changes this concept and is a gross violation of the social contract between the state and people.
Lastly, we cannot afford to lease out equipment for the sake of marginal profits because the life of countless may depend on it. Shortage is common and hospitals are already working at full capacity; leasing will only make matters more stressful.
It seems as though there is a serious need to rethink the route the government is taking towards improving public healthcare. It is prime responsibility of a State to provide basic health facilities to its citizens besides education and shelter to homeless persons.
AZFAR SIDDIQUI Karachi
Taliban’s Afghan
Taliban administering Kabul within 22 days announced their formal government formation information. Reporters from Al-Jazeera reported that the Taliban have sent out invitations to Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Russia, China and Qatar for the selection of new government.
Zabihullah Mujahid, Chief Spokesman of Afghan Taliban, announced a list of 33 members of the new Islamic government.
Mullah Mohammad Hasan is nominated as the Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Abdul Ghani Baradar as the Vice Prime Minister or Taliban’s political office head, Sirajuddin Haqqani, son of Jalaluddin Haqqani, founder of the Haqqani Network as Interior Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqook, son of Mullah Omar as Defence Minister, Hidayatullah Badri as the new Finance Minister, Ameer Khan Muttaqi as Foreign Minister and Sheikh Molvi Nurullah Munir as the Education Minister.
The Taliban have finally defeated Panjsher after 40 years Taliban. This is the very first time that the Taliban are completely rulling the country.
However, Biden reacted on the new administration of Taliban for not involving women in the new government. Let us now watch and see how the Taliban will succeed in changing the entire map.
MUNA KALATUKI
Turbat
Pakistan
ki Kamyabi
Earlier this week, the England Cricket Board cancelled the tour to play against Pakistan. Now the England Cricket Board has apologized to Pakistan for the sudden change not to play on the soil of Pakistan.
The ECB Chairman said the decision taken by them was difficult but it was all because the English players were tired and for their mental health the ECB was compelled to take this tough (unwelcome) step.
The entire English cricket team has said “sorry” to Pakistani players who were hurt by cancellation of the tour.
However, the Veteran cricket journalist George Dobell has already criticized the ECB for their nonsense decision and said that if they continue this strange attitude further, English people will lose their friends.
It took not much time for the England Cricket Board to regret their cheap decision. It is a successful point to stabilize Pakistan’s reputation. Pakistan can put its best to protect its guests and is able to provide the best sense of security.
MUNA MANZOOR
Turbat
