SUMMARY of the Article “Rising Rape,” Dawn, October 13th, 2024

The article critically examines the rampant issue of rape and sexual violence against women and girls, both globally and in Pakistan, highlighting the significant role misogyny plays in this widespread problem. It references recent UNICEF estimates revealing that over 370 million women and girls experienced rape or sexual violence before turning 18, with the highest numbers in sub-Saharan Africa and *eastern/south-eastern Asia, at 79 million and 75 million, respectively. In Pakistan, sexual abuse is alarmingly common, as evidenced by the **2023 report from the Sustainable Social Development Organisation, which documented **10,201 cases of violence against women* in Punjab alone—though most cases go unreported. The root cause of this violence lies in *patriarchal social systems* that objectify women, but the state’s failure to uphold and enforce protective laws exacerbates the issue. Despite *progressive laws* and international commitments, the state’s inconsistent approach—where it passes pro-women policies but hesitates to fully implement them—allows sexual abuse to rise unchecked. The editorial stresses the urgency of investing in resources to implement laws, cleanse law enforcement of impunity, and ensure due process. It emphasizes that without reforming police practices and prioritizing women’s development, especially through access to *education* and *mental health support*, the scars of sexual violence will continue to plague survivors, leaving them unable to lead productive lives or form » Read More…

Post category:Current Affairs MCQs
Post author:Maxter ʚïɞ

SUMMARY of the Article “A Close Watch,” Dawn, October 13th, 2024

This editorial discusses the challenging demands placed on Pakistan by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of its $7bn rescue package. Although tough, these demands were anticipated as necessary for stabilizing the country’s economy. The program aims to rebuild Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, improve its tax-to-GDP ratio, and ensure debt sustainability. The IMF’s roadmap for reform includes overhauling the tax system, implementing energy sector reforms, and privatizing and deregulating key sectors. Additionally, the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Sovereign Wealth Fund, and Special Economic Zones will be scaled back to promote investment neutrality. The government has committed to not providing any special tax or regulatory incentives that could distort the investment landscape. If tax collection falls short by 1% on a three-month rolling basis, the government will introduce additional indirect taxes. Other commitments include cutting gas supplies to captive power plants owned by textile millers and provincial reforms to boost tax collection and end market interventions. While the IMF has acknowledged Pakistan’s recent macroeconomic stability, it cautions that this stability is unlikely to lead to growth unless the country can attract significant investment, which seems unlikely in the short term. The elimination of incentives for foreign companies, especially from China, could hinder plans to attract Chinese investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The IMF will closely monitor Pakistan’s adherence to its reform targets, and there is little margin for error as Pakistan must demonstrate every six » Read More…