IGP KP online lecture on Erstwhile FATA merger and combating COVID-19

Inspector General of Police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (IGP -KP) Dr. Sanaullah Abbasi delivered an online lecture on the role of police in fight against Covid-19 and policing in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The online seminar was attended by entire faculty of Abdul Wali Khan University (AWKUM). Deans and few selected Chairpersons were invited to the conference room while majority of the faculty attended the lecture online due to COVID-19 SOPs.

Inspector General Sanaullah Abbasi highlighted the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in serving the people during Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring law and order and mainstreaming FATA, fight against terrorism and controlling other crimes in the province. “KP police has been in the line of fire since last two decades and is actively involved in helping people during these challenging times”, he further said.

He also talked about various other issues including implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during coronavirus pandemic, actions against drug-traffickers, miscreants & terrorists and police development plans in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. IGP answered numerous questions of faculty members after the lecture. Responding to a question of a participant regarding the viral video of police torture in Peshawar, IGP commented that abuse of power and physical torture by any officer and institution is condemnable and the police department will give exemplary punishment to officials involved in such incidents.

Vice Chancellor, AWKUM, Porf. Dr. Zahoorulhaq thanked IGP for visiting university and speaking to the faculty members on the role of police. He also highlighted the progress, achievements and various projects of the university. Porf. Dr. Zahoorulhaq further said that university is using all available resources to help the provincial government during this pandemic and has given its building and infrastructure for this purpose. The participants of the seminar thanked Vice Chancellor for arranging this seminar and paid tribute to the sacrifices of police officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Such lectures and visits in universities by various heads of the departments should continue as it not only gives opportunity to young generation to interact with senior hierarchy of government but will also help in bridging the gap between young generation and government. Today IGP visit will leave a longterm impression on youths’ mind who stands more aware about various police efforts in the province and their overall sacrifices in ensuring peace in KP.

How Will Pakistan Economy Recover?

The past few months had a catastrophic impact on the global economy as many countries have remained completely locked down. The coronavirus crisis has also hit Pakistan very badly as its economy was already quite fragile and was just emerging from a macroeconomic crisis with the help of an IMF bailout package.

Pakistan observed only two months lockdown from march to May but still was badly affected by the overall corona virus situation triggering a balance of payment crisis. The reserves have further plummeted due to economic meltdown forcing the government to borrow heavily.

Economists predict V, U, W and L-shaped recovery patterns for different countries to balance their GDP with wealth preservation within its boundaries. V and U-shaped recovery are most likely expected in developed countries of the world, W-shape recovery is expected for developing countries, however, the under-developed countries may struggle between L and W shape patterns.

‘V’ is the most optimistic scenario, a sort of trampoline effect. Economic recession and recovery follow a V-shaped pattern when GDP falls steeply for a period and then sharply turns back upwards recovering at a faster pace. ‘U’ shape would imply a more prolonged period of stagnation. GDP falls steeply and gradually bottoms out and then more gradually begins to recover ultimately climbing back to previous levels. This recovery is more likely when the damage of the economic contraction is more severe and disruptive.

‘W’ type recovery is worrying as the former implies a short-lived recovery followed by a further downturn, which might occur due to a second wave of economic setback. ‘L’ is the most alarming type of recovery where economic capacity is permanently wiped out instead of just suspending it.

Hence, a question arises how economy of Pakistan will recover and what pattern it will follow in post pandemic period.

Real GDP Growth data in Pakistan is updated yearly, witnessing an average rate of 4.7 %. The rate reached an all-time high of 7.5 % in Jun 2004 and a record low of 1.6 % in Jun 2010. The rate followed a gradual increase in subsequent years and reach a maximum of 5.8% in 2018. It witnessed a drastic drop to 3.3% in 2019.

Analyzing the whole data, the economy of Pakistan seems to be following the W-shape economic pattern. But it should also be taken into account that we are still in COVID-19 response phase. The lockdown ended with the objective of economic recovery but the outburst of coronavirus with an increased number of reported cases leads to smart lockdown in different parts of the country. Moreover, Pakistan’s COVID-19 emergency cash program disbursed over $440 million to almost 6 million citizens.

Pakistan has announced its annual budget for financial year 2020-21, setting ambitious targets of 2.1% GDP growth, a 7% fiscal deficit and an increase in tax revenues, even as it reels from a surge in novel coronavirus cases. The GDP target is much higher than a recent World Bank projection that Pakistan will have another year of negative growth at -0.2%, while the fiscal deficit will remain 9.4%.

Economy of Pakistan is likely to remain volatile and is expected to stabilize after conclusion of coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, innovative ideas of technological development and productive business can help in saving economy decline. It can create new opportunities for growth of startups across the country and job creation which will serve as a supply chain to the new economy, post-COVID-19.

Some companies may even see opportunities in this crisis, for instance, online games are faring much better in current situation than pre-COVID-19. Companies will need to visualize the shape of their recovery and plan accordingly. It may follow V, U, W, or L pattern depending on market trend and various other reasons.

To maintain economic stability, Pakistan will likely need additional international assistance going forward, by getting increased FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) or development assistance. The assistance will likely be in the form of continued loans from international donors such as IMF and World Bank. It will take years to recover from the current slump due to COVID-19. However, Pakistan needs to carefully craft its future economic policy in order to ensure long term stability and quick recovery.

Tourism potential of Swat

Tourism potential of Swat

There is no doubt that Swat is unique in terms of culture, heritage, history and natural beauty. There are many parts of Swat that already attract tourists such as White Palace, Malam Jabba Hills, Kalam, Bahrain, Swat river and many famous lakes. However, there are various facets which have hitherto remained untapped such as development of archeological sites and improvement of infrastructure that can give a much-needed boost to tourism in the valley. The government has already pledged funds to boost tourism in Swat but unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has stalled much needed work to develop tourism industry.

The White Palace, built in 1940 by the King of Swat, usually experience a steady influx of tourists especially in summers. However, due to Covid-19 pandemic, the shutdown of hotels has caused a slump in tourism. The White Palace is said to be cut from the same stone as Taj Mahal. It is so splendid that even Queen Elizabeth has stayed in the White Palace for three days. It is said that the king paid special attention toward roof construction. It has many layers which includes; bronze layer, deodar wood layer, lime layer, mud layer, again deodar wood layer and finally top layer of iron. The multilayers of the roof give extra strength and keep the heat at bay. It is pertinent to mention that previously there was a mini-zoo which contained pheasant, partridge, love bird, peacock, monkey etc. However, during the flood of 2010, it was moved to Islamabad. Till this day the mini-zoo has not yet returned to White Palace. The outlook of White Palace has deteriorated and requires much needed maintenance. If the White Palace is refurbished and updated, it will become an even better tourist attraction. The zoo should also be re-established in order to increase overall attraction of the spot.

“Swat has got something more unique in shape of archaeological monuments and history which makes it comparatively more attractive tourist spot in the world. Swat valley offers a unique combination of beautiful landscape with rich cultural heritage and history to the visitors. The excellent combination of all these makes Swat valley different and attractive for international tourism,” said Thomas Kolly, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan.

The Swat Museum is a testament to the rich history and is filled with archaeological pieces dating from 3500 BC to 1100 AD. It is located in Saidu Shareef and is one of the main tourist attraction.

Other than museum, various historical testaments exist in different parts of the valley depicting its rich culture and history. There is an image of the Buddha carved on the rock at Jehanabad which is probably dated to the 7-8th century A.D. A large number of other rock-carvings of comparable workmanship in Swat are dated to the centuries of the 1st millennium A.D. It is quite unfortunate, that a vast number of Buddhist images in ancient Udyana were destroyed by people in their ignorance and there now remains a small number of similar rock carvings which can still be seen. Very few figures have survived in the valley over the centuries. However, it would be prudent to make these carvings into tourist attraction spots by setting up picture booths and other tourist attracting services i.e. shops, eateries, souvenirs centered around these sites of historical significance. For instance, steps leading to the base of Buddha in Jehanabad can be constructed in order to enable people to get more nearer to the site.

There is also a need to conduct more awareness campaign to better inform world regarding the uniqueness of Swat to attract tourists. Not many people know that Swat is where Alexander of Macedonia fought major battles to cross into the plains of Pakistan. It is also not well known that Swat was the cradle of Buddhism where approximately 1400 monasteries flourished. The Great Gandhara School of Sculpture was also located here; imagine the number of artists that would flock to this spot to view a refurnished ancient depiction of the once great institute where an expression of Graeco-Roman expression art was taught in the context of local Buddhist traditions.

Ruins of great Stupas and Buddhist sculptures should be preserved and rehabilitated to attract maximum number of tourists. It would also be helpful to place information boards around various sites explaining their historical significance and background. However, it is not only the archeological and historical sites which need improvement. The true beauty of Swat lies in the natural geography of the region which should also be improved to promote tourism to its full potential.

Madyan is one of the most popular hill stations in Swat due to breath-taking panoramic views and Swat River. It’s pleasant atmosphere and surrounding views make it a priority for tourists. The tourists also enjoy restaurants located near the river where fresh trout is served to the customers.

There are other places such as Bahrain and Malam Jabba which offer similar views and amenities to tourists. However, one of the main issues especially in terms of reaching Malam Jabba is accessibility. Malam Jabba is the largest ski resort in Pakistan known as “The Malam Jabba Ski Resort” which is owned by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. It has a ski slope of about 800m with highest point of the slope 2804 m (9200 ft.) above sea level. This Ski Resort came to fruition due to the collaborated efforts of Pakistan Government and Austrian counterpart. This resort is equipped with modern facilities including roller/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms and snow clearing equipment. However, after the initial equipping and furnishing of the Ski Resort, the facility needs constant maintenance to attract steady flow of tourists.

Bumpy, ill-maintained roads and lack of metal roads are another major factor which frustrate tourists. There are so many breath-taking sites in Swat which are not accessible due to lack of road. A family that may have gone to eat an early lunch at White Palace and then decide to visit Jarogo waterfall in Chatekal Valley of Matta Tehsil, which is about 55 kilometres from Mingora, would be sorely disappointed to discover that there is currently no road that leads to Jarogo Waterfall.

“This is one of the best waterfalls in the world. I have never seen such a big waterfall in this part of the world. I invite all Pakistanis and foreigners to visit this particular place,” said Amjad Ali, a professional trekker and tourist. The water cascading down the waterfall covers more than 120 metres of area and gives the visitors a heavenly experience. Many people aware of this mostly hidden gem have implored the government to make this area more accessible for tourists so that it can be developed into a tourist spot.

Many tourists also urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government to properly market the tourist site for national and international tourists. Zahid Khan, president of the All Swat Hotel Association, said his district had hundreds of sites worth seeing but lack of interest on part of the government left them unknown to the world.

Provincial minister KPK for Tourism, Culture, Sports, Archaeology and Youth Affairs has said that the PTI government is taking steps for the promotion of international tourism in Pakistan. The government has allocated Rs. 500 million for approximately 20 archeological and scenic sites to be developed as per international standards for the promotion of international as well as national level tourism. The first phase was development of five ski resorts in KP, including Gabin Jabba in Swat. The minister further said that the government had already formed a tourism authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which would work for the promotion of tourism.

The important archaeological, religious, and scenic sites of Swat need to be developed to correctly tap into the tourism potential of the region. This will not only bring financial benefits to Swat, but also create job opportunities for locals. Tourism in one region ultimately benefits Pakistan on a national level as well. No doubt the coronavirus pandemic is a setback to the tourism plans of the government, however, tourism industry in Swat needs infrastructural improvement to attract steady flow of international tourists. Swat has immense tourism potential which is unique due to its geographic location and it should definitely be tapped into and taken advantage of.