Detailed SUMMARY of “Privatising Discos,” Dawn Editorial, October 8th, 2023

The caretaker government’s decision to transfer loss-making power distribution companies (Discos) to the private sector through long-term concessions lacks clarity. This proposal was one of three options presented by the energy ministry at a recent meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council. The decision to choose this option is unclear, and details about the mechanism for transferring the companies to the private sector and the concessions are shrouded in secrecy. The power minister did not provide any clarifications during a recent news conference. Discos have been a persistent concern for successive governments due to distribution losses, revenue leaks, low bill recovery, electricity theft, and supply constraints. Past discussions on solutions like privatization and provincialization have faced » Read More…

SUMMARY of “Is Pakistan unusual?” by Pervez Hoodbhoy, Dawn, October 7th, 2023

In this article, Pervez Hoodbhoy explores Pakistan’s unique position among Muslim-majority countries. While some aspects differentiate Pakistan from others, it shares similarities, especially regarding authoritarianism, underdevelopment, and ongoing conflicts. Turkish author Ahmet Kuru’s research highlights that Muslim-majority countries tend to experience higher levels of violence. Pakistan’s history reflects this with recurrent Muslim-Muslim violence, such as recent suicide bombings during a religious celebration. Hoodbhoy emphasizes that non-Muslims often face discrimination, citing incidents of church burnings and desecration of non-Muslim places » Read More…

 SUMMARY of "Targeting Afghans," Editorial, Dawn, October 5th, 2023 The Pakistani government has given a deadline for all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million undocumented Afghans, to return to their homelands…

SUMMARY of Life on the brink, Rafia Zakaria, Dawn, October 4th, 2023

Pakistan is facing severe economic challenges with rising inflation, a devaluing currency, and a lack of foreign exchange. The government’s attempts to purchase LNG (liquefied natural gas) on the international market have been unsuccessful, indicating the country’s risk profile. However, in July, commodities trader Trafigura submitted a bid, offering a glimmer of hope. The government has recently issued new tenders for LNG and expects better results due to improvements following an IMF agreement. High inflation remains a concern, reaching an all-time high of 31.4%. Still, a reduction in petrol and diesel prices provides some relief, suggesting a slightly less grim future. However, economic challenges persist, impacting housing prices, » Read More…

SUMMARY of “Open-ended conflict,” Mahir Ali, Dawn, October 4th, 2023

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg revealed that in 2021, Russian President Putin sent a draft treaty to Nato, requesting a promise of no further Nato enlargement as a precondition to avoid invading Ukraine. This revelation sheds light on the provocation behind Russia’s military actions. Despite knowing that Nato’s eastward expansion was a red line for Moscow, Western diplomats, including those at the US State Department, allowed Nato membership offers to Georgia and Ukraine, leading to heightened tensions. While Russia’s aggression in 2022 is not justified, Nato’s rejection of diplomatic solutions adds complexity to the » Read More…

SUMMARY of “De-risking climate,” Aisha Khan, Dawn, October 4th, 2023

The IPCC’s A6 Synthesis Report warns that even with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, global warming is likely to surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius this century, leading to increased risks such as food insecurity, extreme weather events, and conflicts. Communities are already facing climate change-induced challenges, including landslides, floods, wildfires, and droughts. Despite discussions leading up to COP28, there is a lack of concrete action to rapidly reduce emissions and decarbonize the economy. Environmental ministers from G20 nations failed to agree on emission reduction strategies. The midpoint review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 shows a gap between actions and climate crisis mitigation. The global stocktake synthesis report calls for phasing out fossil fuels and investing in innovative technologies. Dubai will play a crucial role in course correction, focusing on finance, emission cuts, adaptation, and global financial reform. Climate reports emphasize the need for timely solutions rather than statements. New elements like the war in Ukraine and changing geopolitics add urgency. Inaction may lead to poverty and inequality. De-risking climate security requires global cooperation, putting differences aside, » Read More…