سعودی ڈالر اور غیرت برگیڈ

جب سے سعودی ڈالر پاکستان کے اسٹیٹ بنک کے اکاؤنٹ میں آیا ہے کہ گویہ بھونچال ہی آگیا ہے الیکٹرانک اور سوشل میڈیا افواہوں اور قیاس آرائیوں کی آماجگاہ بن گیا ہے اوپر سے ملکہ برطانی کی وفاداری کا حلف اٹھائے "الطاف بھائ" نے لندن میں بیٹھے بے غیرت پاکستانی قوم کی غیرت جگانے کا بیڑا اٹھا لیا ہے اور تو اور کینڈا کی سرزمین پر ملکہ برطانیہ کے حلف تلے بیٹھے پروفیسر "طاہر القادری" نے بھی حکمرانوں کو خبردار کر دیا ہے کہ سعودی ڈالر کی خاطر قومی غیرت نا بیچی جائے جب سب قومی غیرت جگا رہے ہیں تو "شیخ رشید" کیوں پیچھے رہتے شیخ صاحب نے بھی حکمرانوں کو صاف صاف کہہ دیا کہ خود ہی ڈالروں کا بتا دو ورنہ میں سارے روز کھول دوں گا کاش شیخ صاحب اس وقت کچھ غیرت دکھاتے جب مشرف پانچ پانچ ہزار ڈالر میں پاکستانیوں کا سودا کررہا تھا یا پھر تھوڑی غیرت اپنے کئے ہوئے ونعدے کو پورا کر کر دکھا دیتے جب شیخ صاحب نے ڈالر 98 روپے آنے کی صورت میں قوم سے استعفٰی کا وعدہ کر ڈالا تھا

اپوزیش لیڈر خورشید شاہ نے بھی ڈالروں کا حساب مانگا ہے اور خبردار کیا ہے کہ وہ اور ان کی جماعت سعودی غلامی قبول نہیں کرے گی ویسے شاہ جی اس سے آدھا بھی اس وقت بولتے جب قوم کو کیری لوگر بل کے ذریعے 'امریکی' غلامی میں دے دیا گیا یا پھر جب جنرل نصیر الله بابر افغانستان فتح کرنے کے لئے طالبان کی بنیاد رکھ رہے تھے یا پھر جب ذوالفقار علی بھٹو صاحب برگیڈیئر ضیاء کو Jordan روانہ کررہے تھے یا پھر جب 2011 میں Jordan فوجی پاکستان کے ریٹائیرڈ آرمی افسران کو اپنی فوج میں بھرتی کرنے پاکستان پہنچے تھے یا پھر جب بھٹو صاحب نے شاہ فیصل اور قذافی کے کیمپ کو جوائن کرکے شاہ ایران کی ناراضگی مول لی تھی چلیں چھوڑیں ساری باتوں کو کم از کم قوم کو یہ ہی بتا دیں کہ IMF سے لئے گئے قرض کے پیسوں کا کیا کیا چلو چھڈو کم از کم ایران پاکستان گیس پائپ لائن ہی دکھا دیں جو پیچھلے پانچ سال سے بن رہی ہے یا پھر قوم کو اس بات پر ہی اعتماد میں لے لیں جب پی پی پی Friends Of Democratic Pakistan کے نام سے ایک فورم بنایا تھا  بہت سارے شادیانے بجائے گئے تھے کہ 5.5 ارب ڈالر قوم کو ملنے جارہے ہیں لیکن سوائے سعودی عرب کے کسی نے ایک دھیلا بھی اس میں نا دیا یا پھر اس سعودی دورے کی ہی کہانی سنا دیں جب زرادری صاحب دو جہاز بھر کر گئے تھے سعودی امداد لینے .. ؟؟
اب آجائیں روشن خیال ٹی وی اور اخباری نمائندوں کے جنہوں نے الیکٹرانک، پرنٹ اور سوشل میڈیا پر ایک بھرپور کمپین لانچ کی ہوئی ہے کہ یہ سعودی امداد پاکستان کی فوج کو مڈل ایسٹ کی جنگ میں جھونکنے کے لئے ہے اور کسی بھی وقت پاکستانی فوجی شام پر چڑھائی کردیں گے اور یہ بات کرتے ہوئے ایسی ایسی  تاویلیں باندھتے اور کہانیاں سناتیں ہیں کہ آپ اپنا سر پکڑ لیتے ہیں حالانکہ جتنا سعودی عرب قصوروار ہے اتنا ہی ایران بھی ہے شام کی خانہ جنگی کو ہی دیکھ لیں ایران اور روس شامی حکمران کی کھل کر حمائت کرتے ہیں اسی طرح سعودی عرب اور ویسٹرن ممالک اپنے اپنے گروپس کو سپورٹ کرتے ہیں  یہ ایک ایسی کھچڑی ہے کہ جس میں سب ہی اپنی اپنی بساط کے مطابق حصہ ڈال رہے ہیں لیکن یہ روشن خیال طبقہ ہمیں باور کرانے کی کوشش کرتا ہے کہ سارا قصور سعودی حکمرانوں کا ہے ایران تو ایک مظلوم ملک ہے حالانکہ سعودی عرب اور ایران پاکستان کے Sectarian گروپس کو سپورٹ کرتے ہیں اور پاکستان میں انتشار کی بڑی وجہ ہیں لیکن روشن خیال صرف سعودی حکومت  مودرالزام ٹہراتے ہیں الغرض افغانستان کا مسلہ ہو مڈل ایسٹ کی خانہ جنگی ہو ایران اور ویسٹ کو دودھ میں مکھی کی طرح نکال باہر کرتے ہیں اور سارا ملبہ سعودی حکومت پر ڈال دیا جاتا ہے بات یہاں ہی ختم نہیں ہوتی جب جب سعودی حکومت روشن خیال حکومتوں کو سپورٹ کرے تو سب ٹھیک مثلاﹰ جب مشرف حکومت کو ڈھائی سے پانچ ارب ڈالر کا تیل دیا تو چپ سادھ لی جب بے نظیر حکومت کے ساتھ مل طالبان بنائی اور افغانستان فتح کیا تو آواز نا نکلی وہی طالبان آج پاکستان existential threat بن کر سامنے آئے ہیں اور انہیں کے خلاف آپریشن کا مطالبہ دن رات یہ لوگ سوشل اور الیکٹرانک میڈیم پر کرتے ہیں پھر یہی ڈالر اگر امریکہ سے آئیں کیری لوگر کی مد میں تو غیرت گھاس چرنے چلی جاتی ہے جب پاکستانی فوج collision support fund کے پیسے reimburse کرنے کے لئے امریکہ کو بل بھیجتی ہے تو ان کی آواز نہیں نکلتی کیا اس وقت یہ کرائے کی فوج نہیں ہوتی؟
وزیراعظم کا یہ دوٹوک اعلان کہ پاکستان کی فوج نا تو کہیں جارہی ہے نا ہی کسی ملک نے ہم سے فوج مانگی ہے ایک خوش آئند پیش رفت ہے اسی طرح وزیراعظم کا اگلے ماہ ایران کا دورہ بھی ایک سنگ میل کی حثیت اختیار کر گیا ہے جہاں پاکستان کو ایران کا موقف سننے کا موقع ملے گا اور ایران کو اپنا موقف سمجھانے کا.. ساری بحث کو سمیٹتے ہوئے پاکستان کے میڈیا اینکر کو غیرذمہ داری کا مظاہرہ نہیں کرنا چائیے بغیر وجہ کے پرائی جنگ اپنے ملک میں لانے کی کوئی وجہ نہیں اگے ہی جس ملک میں لسانی بنیادوں پر قتل و غارت کا بازار گرم ہے پورے ملک میں شعیہ برادری کے علماء اور اکابرین کو چن چن کر مارا جارہا ہے پورا معاشرہ religious extremism اور radicalization کی طرف بڑھ رہا ہے مذہبی اقلیتیوں کی زندگی اجیرن ہوگئی ہے وہاں اس جیسا غیر ذمہ درانہ رویہ سمجھ سے بالاتر ہے کہیں ایسا تو نہیں مسلہ ڈالروں کا نہیں مسلہ سعودی ڈالروں کا ہے؟ 

Privatization Or Personalisation ?

                 

                                    Privatization Or Personalisation ?

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari trying to ignite a new hope and vigour in PPP with his lively speeches after recent dismal performance in general elections. His stance on terrorism getting him raving reviews and appreciations from his supporters or even his stern critique. But at the same time his hard-line stance and relentless criticism of Privatisation is uncalled for rather without much substance and logic.

May be Bilawal positioning against Privatisation doesn't come as a surprise looking at PPP history where his Grand Father Late "ZAB" Nationalised the Pakistan Industry at a time when Pakistan was galloping ahead in industrialisation and modernisation of economy, which is even more baffling to see Bilawal still not come up with a solid reasoning against Privatisation rather a mere rhetoric "Privatisation or Personalisation" slogan which seems attractive rather lucrative as far as attracting the masses but hardly gives any solution to our long standing problems in Public Sector entities marred by corruption and nepotism.

As far as Government is concerned, plan is very simple and straight forward, get rid of these loss making public entities and save 500 billion rupees a year that will lead to decrease pressure on budget deficit and ample funds for development projects like health, education etc, privatise 26% shares of profitable organisations as well to raise close to 5-6 billion dollars that will ease pressure on foreign exchange reserve and will create conducive environment for future FDI in different sectors, As Government is working hard to kick start 225 billion dollar economic engine. In total 68 organizations Government is planning to privatise, A small stake to Private partners with management control in next 3-4 years.

Now let us give Bilawal a history lesson where his Father Zardari Sahib and his party ruled this country for full five years which happened after decades when a democratic party completed its tenure, ironically enough that last happened when Bilawal's grand father completed his tenure in seventies. We have seen Gillani Sahib repeating on countless times revamping Public Sector entities, appointing honest heads of these organisations but unfortunately not a single promise have seen the day light in last five years of PPP rule, in fact both Prime Ministers of previous PPP rule facing charges of corruption and making illegal appointments are under NAB radar and facing courts.

PIA  has accumulated losses of more than 250 billion rupees and piling on these losses by 3 billion rupees a month. Pakistan Steel  has almost come to an halt, running to 10% of its capacity, has accumulated losses of more than 100 billion rupees while it was handed over to PPP regime in profit. According to Opposition Leader PPP paid close to 1400 billion in Power Sector subsidy not to forget the 480 billion which this Government paid after assuming power, which in fact was left over by PPP and Care Taker set up, so the Grand total comes out to be roughly 1900 billion rupees paid in last five. SNGPL and SSGPL with highest line losses in the region crossing 12% in last five years, way beyond International Standards, Similar is the case with WAPDA Line losses which are in high twenties. So if we compile the grand total it comes out to be 500 billion rupees, drained every year of National Exchequer on these Public entities if you add on  the corruption in these Public Sector entities the figure becomes humongous ( According to Transparency Pakistan looses five billion to corruption while Previous NAB chief inflated the figures to 8 billion a day ).

  

                                                           Government run Ind offer consumers

                                                                               few products, reasons why Soviet Ind          

                                                                               fell behind American Counterparts

The soul aim of institutions is to provide quality and efficient service to its consumers, which I can safely say there not a single Public sector entity which is doing that in our land of pures due to decades of loot and plunder, even the most profitable of Government organizations can not make this claim. Secondly a rhetoric, to revamp these organizations seems a farce as well because when this Government took over Pakistan total debt were at historic levels, crossed 14 trillion rupees from 6.5 trillion rupees when Bilawal's PPP took over. Similarly foreign exchange reserves dipped below 10 billion dollars from 17-18 billion dollars despite entering into IMF program and leaving all the payments to the incoming Government. Another argument built against privatising profit making organisations doesn't merit any substance.. Point is fair, Government has no role in running businesses and even after privatisation Government still remain the major share holder of these organizations. Finally just imagine the efficiency and innovation which private buyers bring with them, their profitability surges, netting Government  huge profits and increase in tax revenue as well. Just look at the most debatable and controversial privatisations of recent times KESC and PTCL, their efficiency has improved dramatically appreciated by their strong critiques.

Pakistan need billions and billions of dollars to revamp its ailing and decaying infrastructure and institutions, now question arises where are the resources to build these institutions ? Trillions of rupees are required to build power infrastructure only, where is the money ?

Summing it up I do not agree with Bilawal's Privatisation part but yes I do agree with Personalisation part. Privatisation must be transparent and country's interest must be watched at any cost while at the same time must find ways to protect organisations like Railway's where poor is the most beneficiary, all over World Public transport is subsidised and commuters interest watched. "Asad Umar" PTI raised some solid points if privatisation is inevitable how to get maximum out of it and how to learn from our previous blunders. He talked about Independent Investment Company to look after these transactions though Government tried to address the issue through independent BOG formation, headed by a IBM Chief Financial officer "Zubair Sahib" a man of great integrity but yes Government and opposition must work on this and come up with clean names in BOG. Secondly special attention must be paid to all those workers in these organisations, who fulfil merit, an unfortunate part of history, PPP previous regimes violated all rules of merits and recruited 'jiyalas' in Public sector organisations, for example in Steel Mill alone at least four to five times recruitment's were made than actually required, similar is the case of PIA and rest of the organisations. Finally a regulatory frame work of highest order must be put in place before privatising these institutions.

Government has no role in running businesses, it is a failed practise all over the World, what Bilawal and other major opposition parties like PTI need to come up with some solid reasoning and plan of privatisation, must hold accountable all those involved in loot and plunder in  previous regime, mere rhetoric's wouldn't serve the purpose because the audience both PTI and PPP are trying to lure, seems to have become very smart and have  learned  a lot over a period of time, their political wisdom and acumen has improved many folds as we witnessed in previous GE.

Social Media Turned Into A Rumour Factory

                        Social Media Turned Into A Rumour Factory

I find it hilarious and amusing when different set of people on Social and Electronic medium criticise the recently launched Youth Business Loan Scheme, different set of people are coming up with different logic's and interpretation of the scheme without knowing the benefits and drawbacks of the scheme. Few days back wrote a blog on the loan scheme, must admit received a thunderous response but at the same time had to deal with unprecedented criticism from different quarters on Social Medium which actually surprised me and left me hurt. When I dug deep and checked the profiles of few criticizing, found  that most of them were sitting in cosy lounges of their homes in London, Dubai. Baltimore, Manchester, Abu Dhabi and list goes on but very few from Pakistan. Strangely enough those sitting in Pakistan were very reasonable in their argument and very polite as well but some how those sitting abroad were annoyed and very aggressive. ( May be unhappy because they couldn't get such an opportunity?? ).

Strange Questions are being raised regarding this scheme in Social and Electronic media, for Example 1) A Leading TV anchor asked how on earth Government shall arrange 100 billion rupees while country is going through economic crisis ??. Government planning to print new notes giving rise to already inflated inflation figures ??. 2)  A seasoned TV anchor declared it a violation of provincial autonomy ? 3) A leading news channel ran the story how come Government shall distribute 100 billion loans while allocating just five billion for the scheme ??. 4) Social Media became a rumour factory declaring it a political scheme? a scheme to oblige politically associated aides?, the ruling party trying to get political benefit?, why on earth "Maryam Nawaz Sharif" is heading the Loan Scheme?. 5) A Very mature writer and anchor raised the question who can  start a business with few lacs ?? Similarly Imran Khan called it a pre-poll rigging before the local bodies election ?? 6) Social Media was bombarded with rumours that Government is going to waste 500 billion rupees in coming 5 years, the youth has been made hostage  by giving them loans with 8% interest ??. What if business failed ?? What guarantees are there that people getting the Loans will utilise the loans for business purposes ??.

                                                         Hilarious Rumour's on SM

Now lets us dissect the queries one by one. 1) The answer to first Question is very simple that National Bank and Women Bank are going to give these loans (100 billion) with Government providing the additional mark up which is 5 billion rupees for the year 2013-14, already has been allocated in this fiscal year budget.  Government is neither going to borrow any money from banks either Government is going to print new notes for this purpose. 2)  This question literally laughed me off my chair, how can a loan scheme  endanger the Provincial Autonomy particularly after the 18th amendment where Provinces have been given the additional resources. If any of the province want to start it's loan scheme they can easily use their funds because after 18th amendment ample funds are at their disposal. In fact Punjab is already running many such schemes own their own, like Laptop , Ujala, Student Endowment Fund, Internship Program etc. Similarly KPK has recently introduced such kind of schemes in their province. 3)  As I have already mentioned that 5 billion is the additional markup that Government is going to pay while the rest 8%  shall be paid by the recipient of the Loan. 4) Now this is a very legitimate concern, scheme should be free from corruption and nepotism, loans should be dispersed across the board. Let me tell you with continuous surveillance of Independent Media its look highly impossible that we shall witness any major scandal or corruption charges. Secondly Banks are already enforcing stringent measures to implement this scheme, some very tough lines have been drawn if you closely monitor the criteria involved to get the loan. Finally State Bank will be acting as a watchdog to whole process of awarding the Loans. 5) Very Legitimate Question regarding Maryam Nawaz Sharif heading the whole scheme ?. I think the answer to this is very simple that it will take time for our political culture to grow, when we will be educated and cultured enough to trust the system and get out of this personality cult. Politicians do try to take the credit of Public welfare schemes as Obama took the credit of much trumpeted "Obama Health Care", Gandhi Family tried to take advantage of "Food Stamp Scheme"  launched recently. Still I do feel it would have served PMLN better if an independent head would have been appointed while Maryam Bibi still being the Co Chairman of the scheme. Having said all this, the way Maryam Nawaz Sharif working on this scheme is unprecedented I must admit, going through thousands of queries every day, visiting banks, responding to queries on Social Medium. This scheme may prove beginning of a new era for MaryamNS. Finally she publicly declared she wouldn't be taking any perks and privileges attached to the job, so it must be carefully monitored if she stick to her stance. 6) "Grameen Bank" a brain child of Dr Younis who went on to win the Nobel Peace Award and later awarded  USA  Congressional Gold Medal. Dr Younis started the idea by lending 27 US Dollar to a group of villagers in 1974 which went very well. Later he initiated a research program and started the Bengali Micro finance revolution. Similarly Dr Amjad Saqib started a micro finance scheme in southern Punjab with small loans of 25,000 rupees which received an unprecedented success, people now quote Dr Amjad Saqib wisdom and honesty at different forums. Punjab Government was so  impressed by Dr's wizardry that they asked him to run their schemes. The interesting fact about the above mentioned schemes is that there are hardly any defaulters. Similarly UK student Loan Scheme, US student and micro finance schemes, in fact these small loan scheme are beginning to become the backbone of economies. 7) For politicians criticising these schemes must be very  careful indeed as  we have already seen in May GE that people don't like criticism of Public welfare schemes, in fact appreciate that rulers are spending their money on their welfare as we  have witnessed in case of Metro Bus, Dannish Schools, Laptop Scheme etc. Intense criticism and opposition to these schemes backfired and resulted in their defeat . 8) Finally the rumours that 500 billion rupees is going to be lost in this scheme are unfounded and amateurish, as I have explained earlier the recovery of these loans runs in high 90's Worldwide. Secondly even if Government distributes 500 billion of Loans in next 5 years that hardly equals to 10% of banks lending. Government protecting the banks risk as well ( 5% ), those who think that this scheme is a joy ride they can easily get the loans and can do anything with the money without being asked many question should revisit their thoughts. Serious thought process has been involved in awarding of these loans, even more stringent measures are being involved to make proper utilisation of this money, finally the involvement of guarantor almost neutralises the banks risk.

Lets not politicise this scheme as already 3 million youth have acquired the forms, I am sure they know the stringent criteria attached to the scheme, I am damn sure all will not belong to the ruling party but what we can do is act as a watchdog, point out the smallest of the mistake committed by the Government, held them accountable if anything goes wrong. Big bulge of youth population is being given a  hope for their future, million families are pinning their hopes on this scheme, lets not criticise or politicise the future of millions on unfounded doubts.

PM Youth Progam: A Game Changer May Be?

                           PM Youth Program: May Be A Game Changer ?

Pakistan is going through worst ever economic crisis in it's 65 years of existence which infact is becoming an existential threat for the country, lawlessness, rampage corruption and job drought is making the lives of middle class families in particular, a living hell. I remain a strong critic of Benazir Income Support Fund which has actually turned this country into a bunch of beggars, with zero job creation and easy money pouring into families, infact not helping them in the long run rather is making them susceptible and vulnerable in an environment of cut throat competition.

PMLN as promised by their leader in his pre-election rallies has come up with a comprehensive plan for the skilled youth, low income groups, students education, Youth training program's etc. But I am more interested in "Business Loans", Qarz-e-Hasna Scheme", "Reimbursement Of Fee For Students".

In a country where hundreds of thousand  people  have become jobless in last 5-6 years, skilled youth with degrees have got no job opportunities it scares the hell out of me that in a country with huge bulk of young population ( 65% ), regrettably have nothing to do, it terrorise me even further when I see my country in chaos and in grip of repeated terrorist strikes. In this  era of mayhem and disarray this scheme seems to be breath of fresh air if you analyse it closely, more importantly if implemented honestly without political interference and merit is the kingpin while awarding these loans. 

Now let me explain, why I think this Youth Program can turn out to be a "game changer" if implemented honestly?. A   grace period of one year , 8% mark up on the loan, 6-7 years of payback period, if you count in inflation numbers, this loan scheme becomes a joy ride for the skilled youth, may turn them into a successful entrepreneurs in coming years. Now the real catch in these scheme is Government shell pay the additional mark up for the approved loan while the Banks first time in history of Pakistan shall invest on skilled youth rather on businessmen, politicians, feudal, Army backed ventures, real state tycoon's etc., meaning if we multiply the real numbers that runs into hundreds of billions. "Now this is totally unprecedented, never witnessed in history of Pakistan, only thing Government must be careful because State Bank shell be protecting the Banks investment so Government must make this scheme transparent and merit must be the driving force while awarding these loans".

Business Loans  will start with Rs. 5 billion this year, an  average of 1.25 million loan for the successful candidate. A staggering amount of Rs. 125 billion  has been allocated this year alone for the adept youth with Government paying  Rs. 5 billion in mark up to the banks, while 8% mark up will be borne by the youth, first year 100k skilled youth will get the Loans while if we go by these standards 500k in next five years, mind boggling 625 billion rupees shall be pumped into the economy, more importantly on efficient and able part of our society. Even if a eligible loan candidate hires two persons on average to run his business that becomes 200k new jobs a year and stupendous one million numbers in five years. Now even if we go by average size of a Pakistani family, a usual Pakistani household consists of 5 members, now you pick up your calculators, start multiplying  these numbers.

 Imagine a young doctor, pharmacist, engineer, a software genius, young entrepreneur with out of the world idea etc getting this loan at the very start of his carrier, establishes a small business in the beginning, we may witness a big change in coming years and decades, may revitalise the small to medium businesses in the country, importantly will pump hundreds of billion rupees into the ailing economy. 

Similarly Qarz-e- Husna Scheme for the poorest of the poor in the society, in fact this idea has already been successfully implemented by "Akhuat Foundation" by amazing "Dr Amjad Saqib" and carried forward by Punjab Government under the guidance of Dr Sahib under the banner of "Punjab Education Endowment Fund", you people will be astonished to know that the recovery of loans is close to 99% . This scheme shall cover startling 2.5 to 5 million people in the coming five years, 3.5 billion have been allocated for the scheme, multiply  with the households you will be amazed to see the number. 

Finally, the reimbursement scheme of student fee, for those students studying in HEC recognised public institutions doing their Masters and PhD, will cover 30,000 students yearly, Rs. 1.2 billion have been allocated annually. Deserving students studying in Public Universities and belonging to backward areas of the country given the priority. 

Hope Sanity Prevails

                                               Hope Sanity Prevails? 

 Last few days, Pakistan is going through a turmoil after TTP head has been killed by a US Drone strike, from the very onset let me be very categorical I am a stern opposer of the Drone strikes, but that doesn't change factual ground realities. Since this Government has taken over, they were very candid and clear headed that they want to give peace a chance, very openly stated their policy of Peace talks with the Banned Outfit TTP. Both KPK Government and Federal Government announced to live in peace and negotiate with TTP. APC was called, all parties gave a  mandate to Government to negotiate with the banned outfit, Ch Nisar took the most difficult job, it looks he did his home work and worked tirelessly to bring TTP to the table, until that Drone strike killing TTP head and few other senior TTP commanders, leading to unprecedented outrage and mourning among different political forces, terming this as the murder of peace talks, few called the mass murderer TTP head a Martyr, few asked to block the NATO supplies and if necessary shoot down the drone. For Heavens sake, stop calling these mass murderers as martyrs, stop treating them a hero, you have no idea how the friends and closed ones of those martyrs will be feeling who lost their life's in this War waged on us by these Sons Of The Soil!!

Ch Nisar was very conclusive in his press talks and NA session speech that USA is the one who sabotaged these peace efforts for which he worked tirelessly. He went on to disclose that he requested US authorities for no Drone strikes during these peace talks, he further elaborated that in return US answer was that only key targets shall be taken out if we get the chance, ironically Hakim Ullah was included in that list. Now Question arises why Ch Nisar did not convey this to TTP head ??. Secondly a man with a head money of five Cores from Pakistan authorities and fifty million US dollars from Americans, why on earth Ch Nisar didn't remove that bounty from Hakim's head? Did he honestly believed that US authorities will spare the man involved in many strikes against US forces, the famous one,  where he masterminded the attack on CIA compound in Afghanistan and failed "Times Square" bombing. Now lets admit and give credit to Ch Nisar, he was making an honest effort to restore peace in Pakistan, there is no denying the fact we are in a deep shit hole, without any comprehensive policy for last decade or so, a dictator blindly jumped into this War on Terror to legitimise his ill-legitimate rule without comprehending the repercussion's on Pakistan, ignoring the fact this battlefield would be fought in our backyard. 

If Ch Nisar was not enough, Imran Khan came up with his presser, asking Federal Government to block NATO supplies, shoot down the drones if necessary. To Imran's credit he too is sticking to his narrative of War On Terror for almost a decade. Let me bring Khan Sahib a reality check and deep hole we are stuck in. If you all remember we had similar sort of APC just before Swat Operation, literally bowed down to every demand the TTP Swat chapter made. Now Question is, did they stop or gained more time to strengthen themselves and even went on to plan an assault on "Islamabad The Capitol" for further glory, then the Government realised that they have made a mistake. Do Khan Sahib realise that after this APC how many life's have been lost ??. Many groups have taken credit, videos are being released, attacks have been declared according to "Sharia" ??. Now Question arises why they are not stopping while Government of Pakistan is all out for peace talks or let me rephrase begging for peace talks, even knowing the fact that these Drones are controlled by USA not by Pakistani Agencies, recent reports clearly suggest Hakim's Drone strike may have been tipped by insider not by Pakistani Intel, why they are so upset when we are not after losing hundreds of life's, even martyrdom of a 'General' couldn't shake our resolve in peace talks ??.

By asking to stop NATO supply, Imran Khan equating Hakim Ullah Mehsud death with Salala Check post martyrs which is completely unfair and uncalled for. Secondly why you want to stop NATO supply while US and ally forces already have announced withdrawal ??. Let them go then we have all the time in the World for peace negotiations. 

While stopping NATO supplies we are inviting huge economic crises, our economy is already in worst shape of our  65 years existence, dependent on International Donor Organisations. It's very simple to say that we should reject 1.5 billion dollar US Aid, completely ignoring the fact that our major trade partner is US and NATO countries ??. Just recently EU has given Pakistan textile a preferential status, moving ahead with giving GPS + status meaning zero rated textile exports, few countries including Bangladesh have got that status and they have almost knocked out Pakistan and Chinese textiles. US is involved in many energy projects, ready to assist in big dams, just recently Pakistan PM went there with hand full of economic demands, asked Trade not Aid from the Americans. We must not forget that our foreign loans were rescheduled after entering into this war on terror, 20 plus billion dollars were given by US alone, allowed preferential environment for trade, billions of dollars FDI poured in, 6-7% growth rate achieved, its not US fault we wasted the opportunity, didn't construct infrastructure like China or India are doing, didn't built water reservoirs, big energy projects, wasted all the money on consumer economy. Then came Zardari sahib, got 17-18 billion dollar foreign reserves and just 6-7 trillion rupees debt, wasted everything in corruption and nepotism !!! 

To be fair to Pakistan Government they got a bankrupted economy, left with few choices, USA wouldn't stop its drone strikes as they didn't stop after Salala stand off unless we convince the TTP to disown the foreign elements, stop meddling in Afghan affairs, stop harbouring foreign elements attacking US armed forces in Afghanistan or we ourselves eliminate these groups. Just recently "Amnesty International" report on one hand condemns US Drone strike while in the same breath exposes our weakness by declaring that Pakistan was unable to stop cross border terrorist activities, our land becoming safe heaven for major terrorist groups and individuals. "Hope Sanity Prevails", we will burn every option, do not make hasty decisions, Imran Khan and Ch Nisar's recent NA speeches have given hope that  everything is not lost we may convince USA and TTP on some basic fundamentals, hope these peace efforts will bring peace but we must prepare ourselves for all adversaries as Imran Khan said "What If Operation Fails", My Question is "What if Peace Talks fail" As these Failed In Swat"??. Similar goes for Mian Nawaz Sharif, very rightly diagnosed the problem when he said "We Need To Clean Our House First Before Pointing Finger's At Other's". Pakistan been the victim of this terrorism but failed to sell its innocence and barbaric assault we faced, unfortunately most wanted terrorist arrested, killed or Droned in our backyard!

Finally some serious Question's must be asked from our Agencies, why on earth they stopped after carrying out successful Swat operation, why didn't they eliminated these Banned Out-Fits when they had the chance??, Are they ready to accept Afghanistan a separate state?, Are we ready to quit our deep state doctrine?, they must be asked whether these drone strikes happening with their consent, Are we providing Intel to US for these Drone strikes as after "Raymond Davis" saga US hardly left with any ground Intel ??. "Hope Sanity Prevails" at their end as well, if they get a chance they will eliminate every one leaving their strategic depth doctrine, "Good Taliban and Bad Taliban".

Power Hikes Were Inevitable But Is There Any Hope ?

                                        Power Hikes Were Inevitable But Is There Any Hope?

Pakistan suffered unprecedented Power Shut Downs in last 6-7 years, ironically the shut downs worsened over the period, with each passing day brought more misery and distress. It did not happen over night neither it can be rectified over night, it needs a consistent and honest effort which unfortunately was missing in dictator Musharraf Era followed by more misery in democratic regime of PPP. Both made devastating decisions, both followed the same policy of 'Rental Power Plants', marred by corruption and nepotism, billions of dollars  were looted. Zardari regime came into Power with 6-8 hours of Power outages, which unfortunately worsened as days and years passed, peaked to 15-18 hours when Zardari Sahib left. Three biggest mistakes made by Zardari regime. 1) Blindly followed the Musharraf Policy of Rental Power Plants. 2) Not giving a comprehensive Power Policy. 3) Corruption was rampage and broke all records, nepotism and favouritism was promoted without realising the fall out on country's economy above all on people's life's.

Now came the PMLN with a promise of Roshan Pakistan, with a commitment to get rid of this darkness hampering growth, making life of a common citizen, a living hell, bringing the economy to a near stand still, in fact a net negative growth in last PPP tenure, almost zero job creation in five year rule, leaving a historic debt of 14.5 trillion rupees.

 

PMLN after assuming power, promised to get rid of this years long "circular debt" in 60 days, which they actually paid within promised period, a sum of 480 billion paid to Power companies. Secondly, they did give a "Power Policy" within months of assuming Power.  These two steps have done wonders, immediately reviving the image of the Pakistan among International Power Companies, opening up new horizons of Foreign Direct Investment plus bridging that trust deficit developed among these Power Producers, who threatened to invoke sovereign guarantees in fact took the Government Of Pakistan to court. International Organisations have agreed to pour in funds in different Hydro Projects, Independent Power Producers  have also agreed to shift their Thermal Power Plants to Coal Based Low Cost Plants, Coal Projects with the help of Multinational companies at Godani and Port Qasim are beginning to look like a reality, many other avenues have opened up like Solar Park in Behawalpur, Wind Projects in Sindh etc. Paying this circular debt has immediately subsided Power Crisis, Load Shedding has been brought down to 6-7 hours in fact on Eid Holidays there was almost no Load Shedding or Minimum in few areas. Experts believe that Power crisis has cost this country 1-1.5% of GDP growth yearly, that is equivalent to 1000 billion rupees annually, Now just imagine the impact of reduced power shortages. Adding to this tally, imagine the number of jobs that will be created once medium to small industry are switched on after years of shut down, just on this EID we witnessed a historic Economic activity, 228 billion worth Animals slaughtered across Pakistan, 31% increase from previous year, 10 billion rupees hides bought by leather industry alone.

Now there is a huge resentment, anger among different political parties and masses on recent Power Hikes by PMLN Government. Raising rates for different slabs, but not touching the 68% of population that is using below 200 units, raising minimum rates for next slabs using 20% of electricity that is 200-300 units, yes the most effected ones are the rest 12%. These power hikes increased strategically in winter to minimise the backlash of public, which seemingly working and people adjusting to new reality. Now Question arises, Is There Any Hope After Recent Power Hikes?

 1) PMLN paid the circular debt of 480 billion rupees, if you wouldn't hike the rate this will accumulate in a year and half, because in last decade or so we have made mess of our energy mix, from 70-30 mix in hydro favour we have reversed the trend in last decade, now average cost of a unit is 16-17 rupees. 12 rupee cost, 2 rupee administrative cost add 2-3 rupees line losses to it. PPP made a grave mistake by not rationalising the tariff, secondly not bringing down the line losses that led to their down fall. PMLN doing both the things, a country wide crack down on Power Thief's, putting pressure on respective Provincial Government's with highest line losses like Pesco, Hesco, Qesco, KESC etc. That doesn't mean there is no theft in Punjab, only difference, in Punjab consumer has to pay for the theft while in other Provinces the State bear the brunt. 2) PMLN making head ways in changing that energy mix initiating work on many low cost energy projects, focusing on alternate energy projects like Godani Power Corridor, Solar Parks, Basha and Dhaso Dams, Wind Energy, Terbela Extension, expediting work on Nelum Jehlam and Nandi Pur Power projects, Chasma 3 & 4,  2100 MW Nuclear Power Plants in Karachi, revamping Jamshoro Power Projects, Guddu Power plant 765 MW, Independent Power Producers converting 3000 MW Power houses to Coal etc. 3) PMLN paid this circular debt by printing new notes which already have crossed 550 billion rupees in PMLN 120 days in office bringing a tsunami of inflation,  it will be catastrophic to print such an amount in 1.5  year down the line. Just imagine PPP government giving staggering 1400 billion rupees in subsidy during their tenure without discriminating between elite, powerful, poor and crushed ones,  it's not a rocket science to assume who benefited the most. On top of that a 200 billion theft yearly, highest line losses in Pakistan's 65 year history, Grand total is 2400 billion rupees, imagine with this much money two large dams can be built, can make all our miseries go away in a blink of an eye if this money would have been utilised sensibly. 4) Nawaz Regime has formulated a comprehensive Power Policy to tackle this menace, may prove a game changer, this needs to be implemented in letter and spirit, Provincial Government's are to be held accountable as proposed in this Policy, stringent anti-theft laws, prioritising the Gas allocation to efficient plants, eliminating unjust subsidies given to different Industries while allocating gas quota's are the salient features of this power policy.

Next 2-3 years will define the path set by this Government, solving this puzzle of power crisis can actually lead to make or break of this Government, if Nawaz Regime is able to change the energy mix in next 36-48 months hence brings the tariff down, if Nawaz Regime is able to curtail the depressingly high Line Losses which ironically are highest in the region, if Nawaz Regime is able to revamp the ailing and decaying Power Infrastructure, placing honest and able Chief Executive assisted by truthful BOG, only then the people of Pakistan will be satisfied. I think next election will be fought on two points, "Energy and Terrorism", merciless and heartless accountability awaits this regime in 2018 so they better be ready for it.

Malala Yousaf Zai: The Heroine

   

                                               Malala Yousaf Zai: The Heroine

The whole Nation went into shock and mourning on hearing the heart wrenching news of 15 year old Malala YousafZai being shot by TTP at point blank range. According to eye witnesses two young boys stopped the school vain, one talked to the driver while the other rushed into back of the vain, asked one Question, "WHO IS Malala", shot the young lady from point blank range, three bullets were fired, one hitting Malala while two hit her friends. She and her friends were rushed to nearby Mingora Hospital. The news spread like wild fire in the country, everyone felt the pain of the horrifying event. Early reports suggested that there was little hope that brave girl will survive the trauma.

 Question must be asked what on earth happened in last one year that  Malala from a Pakistani Sweat Heart turned into a villain for many Pakistanis, what  had she  done to earn such an hatred among different sections of life. I still remember before that incident she used to appear in many talk shows, was treated as a celebrity and role model for the youth, a voice that had the courage to stand against mighty Taliban. Was very vocal for Women rights and their education, remained on Media Fore front during the successful Swat operation,  she appeared in many talk shows and celebrated the victory with armed forces and every citizen of Pakistan. She was passionate and hopeful that finally her home would get rid of terrorist, she and other girls could move freely and get education.

She was made controversial even before she was shot but nobody cared because everyone considered her the voice against oppressive regime of Taliban. Her pictures with Foreign Ambassadors floated in Social Media, she was termed as the conspirator and tool in foreign hands (NGOs) working against her own Nation. The day she was shot the whole Nation was in mourning, the day she was transported to England for specialised treatment, Rehabilitation and Cranial Reconstructive Surgery, the conspirator started spilling the beans, terming Malala a foreign agent, even few declared her injury as fake, the Social Media was flooded with different kind of pictures and conspiracy theories regarding her injury.

Now let us weave the whole story thread by thread and different stories sold in the market by conspirators. Without wasting any time let me assure that Malala Yousaf Zai was shot at point blank range, with entry wound just on top of left eye, grazing the brain, damaging the left ear and reaching left shoulder. So all that saved Malala Yousaf Zai was a miracle ( God's Help ) plus bullet sparing the brain by one-two inches. Below is the image from Malala Skull showing the entry point and exit point.

Now credit must be given to the Team of Doctors in Pakistan, who carried out the initial surgery, skillfully  restructuring the severely damaged facial nerve, removing the bullet, which  proved life saving in the end, in fact Malala's Doctor in UK was very categorical  about  the initial handling of Malala in Pakistan as the main reason of her survival, from Mingora to Swat to Peshawar to Rawalpindi, everything was done methodically, professionally and skillfully. We all can see the visible tilt to her facial gesture because of that damaged facial nerve which was  very masterly reconstructed even UK Doctors were very impressed by the skill and technique of Pakistani Neuro Surgeons. She was send to UK because Pakistan lacked the facility for the rehabilitation and Cranial Reconstructive Surgery. She remained in Birmingham hospital for three months, where a "Titanium Skull"  and "Ear Implant" was placed. She lost her hearing  but fortunately she will be able to hear from her left ear within a year or so Inshallah. Below is the 3D image of the Titanium  and Ear Implant. Hopefully this debate will end here and all the pictures circulating in the Social Media will be removed immediately.

Secondly, argument raised against the child that she is a foreign agent playing in their Master's hands to fulfil their hidden agenda and malign her own country. For God Sake she was  fifteen year old when she was shot, she is now sixteen, how on earth, a girl so young,  can hatch such plots against her own country, yes her handler's may have their motives but how on earth this makes the little Doll the Traitor ??. All  she  talks, is Education for Children and  women, Even during her address in Untied Nations she begged  to stop this War, give books and pen in the hands of Young Children instead of Guns and Bombs.  Many of us have raised objections, why Malala has been given so much coverage in international Media why she was given such importance and hype ??. Let me tell you, a girl surviving a point blank range bullet shot, a girl daring a mindset,  automatically becomes important and special for Western countries, which nobody could imagine in those areas, on top of that  their help saved the girl's life what's the big issue  ? does that equate her to a traitor. Finally, many question, why she has been given so many awards, she never deserved , Abdul Sattar Eidi and Arfa Karim deserve more. The answer is simple, who is stopping you people, give them as many awards as you want, Eidi Sahib has done amazing service to this Nation, Arfa was a childhood genius, but they were Pakistani Hero's as Malala  but Malala has got International dimension attached to her that is "War On Terror" plus she was fortunate enough to have a second life and flown to UK for specialised treatment.

Having said all, let me put some Question's to you people, 1) why can't we accept the fact that a fifteen year old girl defying all the odds had challenged the Mindset while we all in our domains failed to do that, she  was living in Swat,  area captured by Taliban but  she resisted and raised her voice for women education, stayed there despite numerous threats to her life ??. 2) She stayed back, once Operation was complete in Swat Vally despite having easy option to study in any school in the country, in fact the best one but she preferred her hometown ??. 3) Is this Malala's fault that she was shot from a point blank range while she was threatened several time's, is this Malala's fault that our Law Enforcement Agencies failed to protect her ??. 4) Is this Malala's fault that she couldn't be treated in Pakistan because we lack the facility of  specialised treatment ??. 5) Is this Malala's fault that we can't protect her  if she decides to come home, we all know what happened to Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto, two time Prime Minister when she came ????.

Yes her only fault was that she dared a particular mindset, she fought for her rights, she raised her voice for other women's rights. Let's accept it gracefully we were sitting in our cosy lounges when that brave girl dared the Taliban, when nobody else in their wildest dreams could have thought so. Let's accept, she has given hope, not only to thousands of women and children in her area but she is a phenomenon around the Globe. Tell me how many of us would have thought a Young Pakistani addressing the United Nation's and the World Leaders listening to her, the Whole World coming to a stand still while she was addressing, Let's be honest how many of us would have thought that her book "I AM Malala" on her release will immediately become a best seller, How many of us thought that a Young Pakistani will be nominated for "Nobel's" a  very strong contender. Malala has only brought joy and laurels to this Nation, I don't care who is handling her what are their motive's and  what they are trying to achieve, all I care is, that Malala has given me a hope, an ambition that anything is possible and can be achieved , if you believe in yourself.