Lockdown and Financial Issues
A partially country-wide lock down was imposed by both Federal & Provincial governments. At this stage 459 people have gone into valley of deaths from the Covid-19 virus, whilst 20,000+ are infected due to coronavirus.
However, on 27 April 2020, the governor of Sindh also had a positive test for the Coronavirus, whilst on 22 April 202, Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister’s test has been negative for this virus! Speaker National assembly and his family members also got affected by this vicious virus in Current Affairs of Pakistan
Pakistan’s State Bank reduced their policy rate from 11% to 9%, effective as from 16 April 2020. However, Pakistan is expected to receive a $1.4 billion loan from the IMF under Pakistan’s RFI (Rapid Financing Instrument), which is an emergency facility.
Different financial institutions are going to grant Pakistan, paramount relief where it’s debt payments are concerned for 1 year. These institutions include the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Currently the US dollar rate is $1 – Rs 159.31 within Pakistan, whilst Pakistan had pledged a relief or $3 m going towards the Corona Relief Fund – SAARC.
The Jang group’s chief editor, Mir Shakilur Rahman was arrested by NAB (National Accountability Bureau), due to an old case of 30 years, the first time it’s being used for controlling the media.
The GSP Plus Status of Pakistan was extended on 6th March 2020, by the European Union, until 2022.
The GSP Plus-status was granted on 11 December 2014 by the European Parliament. This allowed Pakistan, the exporting of products to 27 European countries, without having to pay duties. And no doubt these are crucial current affairs of Pakistan 2020.
Pakistan PSL (Super League) 2020
The PSL (Pakistan Super League, comprises of a Twenty20 cricket-league. During 2015 the first PSL matches took place, whilst the league was organized by the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board). This will mark the first time when all matches of the Pakistan Cricket Board are actually being played within Pakistan! No one could believe that Pakistan will succeed in attaining the attention of world due to revival of cricket activities with international players in Pakistan.
The PSL consisted of six teams, including: Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators & Multan Sultans.
In 2020 the Kabaddi World Cup was won by Pakistan. Pakistan’s arch rival India, was defeated by 43 to 41 points, which was an absolutely electrifying final which took place in the Punjab Stadium located in Lahore, on 16 February 2020.
This poses to be Pakistan’s first world cup. The following countries also participated: Canada, Azerbaijan, Germany and England. These matches were played within Faisalabad, Gujrat and Lahore inside Pakistan.
Citizen Protection Act, 2020
Some more news about current affairs of Pakistan are discussed here. The Citizen Protection Act, 2020 (Against Online Harm) was introduced on 12 February 202 in Pakistan and it’s in force already.
Under this act, social media networks will be compelled to index its offices within Pakistan, whilst it will be required to act instantly against any complaint arising from the Pakistani government.
BISP Program 2020
On the 31st January 2020, Imran Khan renamed the BISP (Benazir Income Support Program) of the Ehsas Kafalat Program.
This program was started during 2009 and nowadays approximately 5.8 million families receive Rs 2000 financial help on a monthly basis.
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister also launched the BISP, which is now known as the Ehsas Kafalat Program within the Mohmand Agency KPK. The main purpose for this program is to take care of country’s less privileged citizens.
Inauguration of Nowshera Dry Port
Nowshera’s Dry Port located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district was inaugurated on 10 January 2020, by Imran Khan, the Pakistani Prime Minister, which is spreading over 28 acres.
The initial phase, costing Rs 510 million is completed now, whilst developing will take place over time. Construction work on this dry port commenced during June 2016.
Amendment Act, 2020 – Pakistani Army
On 7 January 2020 Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the 2020 Pakistan Army’s amendment Act. This act had taken effect as from the 27th November 2019.
According to this amendment act, the Army chief as well as the Chairman Joint Chiefs-of-Staff-Committee may be reappointed for holding office up to the period of 3 years. No court can question this reappointment. Obviously, it can be categorized as one of the most important current affairs of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s 2020 Policy Rate
It is expected that a recession will be experienced in Pakistan due to the 9% policy rate during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Pakistan’s Stock Exchange: The Rise & Fall
This 5-year graph of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, demonstrates its rise & fall. Between 2013 & 2018 the Pakistani economy flourished due to the CPEC as well as better economic policies.
However, Pakistan’s economy suffered because of the conspiracy conducted against the current government as well as the 2018 controversial general elections. And now due to this virus the condition of stock market is really pathetic.
The FATF & Pakistan: Current Affairs of Pakistan
The FATF (Financial Action Task Force), placed Pakistan on a ‘jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies” list, which is also called the grey list, on 28 February 2008.
However, it stayed on this grey list up to 27 February 2015, after which Pakistan was placed on the so called white list. And on the 29th of June 2018 the country was again placed on the grey-list. The FATF’s aim is combating both money laundering as well as terrorism financing. Till June Pakistan will still be in Grey list and a new analysis will be conducted by FATF to change the status.
The CPEC 2020 (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)
The ceremony of signing MoU between Pakistan & china regarding the CPEC, took place in Beijing on 5 July 2013. It comprises of a sequence of projects under construction throughout Pakistan. It includes a substantial network of railways, roads, pipelines and more, whilst it is connecting large Pakistani regions with China.
The Public Debt of Pakistan
The Government’s debt or public debt, is the actual debt which is owed by the Federal Pakistani government. However, the Debt-to-GDP rate increased in 2013 from 60.2% to 2017’s 61.4%. Overall public credit debt as well as entire financial debt from the federal government as proportion of GDP was at 84.8 % in addition to 76.6 percent correspondingly at ending on June 2019.
Pakistan became a member of the SCO
The SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), poses to be an international organization. On 9 June 2019, both Pakistan & India became full members of the SCO.
Digital Pakistan Vision: Launched by the Prime Minister
On 5 December 2019, PM Imran Khan, from his office in Islamabad, launched the “Vision Digital Pakistan”. Tania Aidrus, an ex-senior Google executive will be heading this vision, whilst its HQ will be in the Islamabad Office of the Prime Minister.
This digital initiative is based on 5 suggested strategic pillars, including: Digital Infrastructure, Access & Connectivity, Digital Skill and Literacy, E-Government as well as Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Other Interesting Current Affairs of Pakistan
Some other affairs which we want to mention and which you can Google, include:
- Pakistan Corruption Index
- Laying of the Foundation Stone – Baba Guru Nanak-University by the Prime Minister
- The 2018 Pakistan Elections
- The Kamyab Jawan Scheme launched by the Prime Minister
- The Balloki Power Plant
- The Bhikki Power Plant in Sheikhupura
- Tarbela 4th Extension
- The Coal-fired Sahiwal Power Plant which became operational
- Patient Transfer Service – in Punjab
