Not for the love of cinema

Pakistan has one of the lowest screen-to-population ratios in the world. Over the last two decades, the number of multiplexes has increased which primarily target the educated class. Unfortunately, Cineplex have reversed the increasing footfall to cinemas as they charge a large admission fee ranging from Rs400 to Rs800. While they are technologically superior and have 3D facility, the number of single screen cinemas have decreased in the face of competition while contending problems such as power shortages, electricity bills, projection carbons, diesel for generators and staff salaries. In 2018, there were 95 cinema halls in Pakistan with a seating capacity of 44,100 which dropped to 72 in 2019 with a seating capacity of 35,532.

In the old days when single screen

cinemas were the only viable and affordable option, theatre entertainment was not meant for the elite alone who can also afford to spend an extra amount on popcorn, nachos and drinks.

(Adapted from “Cinema in Pakistan: Economics, Institutions and Way Forward,” by Zulfiqar Ali and Fahd Zulfiqar, published by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in 2020)

The ultimate gateway drug

Envision a year from now when people arrive at an airport or line up for a concert. They tap an app that proves that they have taken the Covid-19 vaccine, or perhaps a test, and breeze through. With the world gearing up towards the biggest mass-vaccination programme in history, government and corporations have to navigate tangled logistical, technological and legal challenges in the months or years ahead. In the immediate future, the world will be divided between the haves and the have-nots who will still be waiting for the shot. There is increasing talk about using immunity passports to get economies moving again. Given the hits major powers have taken this year, the US and the UK are moving ahead with low-tech solutions such as paper vaccination cards. While there is no international system for verifying whether someone has had a jab, the World Health Organisation is working on an e-vaccination certificate. However, with scientists unsure for how long the vaccines can provide protection or whether they can stop transmission at all, there is a lot of unchartered territory to navigate.

(Adapted from “The Coronavirus Vaccine Could Be the Ultimate Gateway Drug,” published by Bloomberg Businessweek in December 2020)

Preferring to hold hard cash

In the last five years, people in Pakistan are opting to hold cash in hand rather than keep money in bank accounts, which is a conundrum given the monetary tightening phase. One reason is inflation, especially because of exchange rate depreciation that pushes up the price of inputs hence the general price level and therefore the demand for currency. It also creates expectations of higher prices in the future leading to people holding more hard cash. Another interesting factor is the trend of filing complaints with the National Accountability Bureau. There appears to be an association between the crackdown by the corruption watch dog and rising demand for cash as the public resorts to hiding cash under their mattresses. The rise in demand for cash may also be an unintended consequence of the documentation drive and taxations reforms.

(Adapted from “The Conundrum of Rising Demand for Currency in Pakistan,” published by the State Bank of Pakistan in February 2020)

Too religious or too secular

Globally, religious restrictions target women who face censure because their clothing is considered too religious — or not religious enough. While these restrictions often take the form of social harassment by individuals or groups, at times they also involve government actions. Out of 198 nations, women in 56 countries experienced social hostilities ranging from verbal abuse to physical violence to the point of killings motivated at least in part by the target’s religious identity. Females in 61 countries faced government restrictions on dress — specifically regulations on heads coverings. In 19 countries, women were harassed for not adhering to religious dress codes while in five countries — Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel and Russia —they experienced both types of harassment.

(Adapted from “Women in many countries face harassment for clothing deemed too religious — or too secular,” published by the Pew Research Centre in December 2020)

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, December 21st, 2020