THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Delayed funds’ (Aug 26). The present position is that Pakistan is hopeful of getting $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan package spread over 37 months. However, Pakistan is not on the IMF list to be discussed during September till the time of writing these lines.

On a paraller track, Pakistan is trying to get $12 billion loans/deposits from China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rescheduled for another year. It is looking for additional $1.5 billion from Saudi Arabia while seeking another half-a-billion dollars from Middle Eastern banks to bridge the $2 billion external financing gap. There are other Chinese commercial loans due for payment as well.

Elsewhere, it has been reported in recent days that the federal government is now planning to dish out one million laptops. Besides, the government in Punjab, apart from starting other welfare projects, is planning to give scooties to girls and motorcycles to boys, instead of improving public transport.

Also, apparently as a price for bailing out the lame-duck coalition government in Islamabad, the junior partner is said to have negotiated for some slots in Punjab, coupled with the promise that its lawmakers will receive Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds on a par with the assembly members of the senior coalition partner. I wonder what would be the newspaper headlines a few years from now. Any suggestions?

S.R.H. Hashmi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024