Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced plans to privatize all state-owned enterprises, including the struggling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as part of efforts to tackle the country’s financial challenges. This move expands the government’s previous intention to privatize only loss-making enterprises. The decision comes amid Pakistan’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new loan agreement.
In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the BJP government is surreptitiously eliminating reservations for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes through rampant privatization and reduction in government jobs. Gandhi asserts that Modi’s electoral campaign mantra of removing reservations signifies the end of government employment and affirmative action programs. Prime Minister Modi, addressing a rally in Gujarat, retaliated by labeling the Congress party as a ‘disciple’ of Pakistan and claiming that Pakistani leaders are rooting for Congress’s success in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Modi also dared Congress to provide a written commitment that it will not alter the Constitution to introduce religion-based reservations.
Pakistan plans to privatize three major airports, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, as part of its efforts to secure an IMF bailout package. The government is also aiming to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by July 2024. This privatization push is a condition set by the IMF to address the country’s loss-making public-sector entities. Economic initiatives taken by the government, such as measures to reduce the current account deficit, are showing positive results, with foreign exchange reserves expected to increase by June.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s suggestion to shift responsibility for issuing fit notes from GPs to specialist work and health professionals has sparked controversy. Retired GP Dr. Brian Fisher argues that this move not only implies a harsher regime that forces people back to work unnecessarily but also undermines the comprehensive care provided by GPs. Fisher highlights the role of GPs in balancing illness, personality, and work demands in their fit note decisions, emphasizing that the vast majority of people on fit notes are genuinely unable to work. He also raises concerns about the potential impact of privatizing this process, citing the case of Stephen Carré, who died by suicide after being denied a ‘fit to work’ appeal by private company ATOS. Fisher calls for a focus on properly funding the NHS, transforming social care, and addressing poverty and deprivation as more effective ways to improve health outcomes.
