[Current Affairs] August 31,2020 Top Pakistan Current Affairs for PPSC Test Preparation

What’s going on? There is reportedly “simmering tension” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, two countries that are ordinarily on good terms, with a history of economic, political, and military ties.

The details: On August 4, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, said Saudi Arabia should “show leadership” on the Kashmir issue. In other words, Pakistan doesn’t think Saudi Arabia is taking a strong enough stance against India. It’s also important to note that India is one of Saudi Arabia’s main trading partners.

Tell me more: During a televised interview, Qureshi said Pakistan expects the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to hold a special meeting on Kashmir, otherwise, Pakistan would organize its own meeting with Islamic countries (e.g. Malaysia, Turkey, and Iran) that are concerned about Kashmir and ready to stand with Pakistan. Even though Qureshi didn’t spell this out, it sounds like Pakistan might create a new bloc that could rival the Saudi-led OIC.

The context: Qureshi brought up the Kashmir issue a day before the one-year anniversary of India’s decision to abruptly revoke India-controlled Kashmir’s statehood and semi-autonomy. Pakistan and India both claim the divided Kashmir territory in full, but only control parts of it.

Looking ahead: Saudi Arabia said ‘oh really?’ and recalled a $1 billion loan, which was part of a $3 billion loan package it extended to Pakistan in November 2018. Ouch. Saudi Arabia also refused to renew a $3.2 billion oil credit facility, which expired in May this year. Double ouch. Pakistan’s Army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, went to Saudi Arabia to do some damage control, but Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), didn’t meet him, even though they have met during Bajwa’s previous visits. Triple ouch.

The bottom line: What we have here is a diplomatic spat between two long-time allies. Now that the tiff with Saudi Arabia is putting pressure on Pakistan’s weak finances, Pakistan will likely lean on its other ally, China, even more. In fact, China already swooped in to loan Pakistan $1 billion after Saudi Arabia pulled back its loan.

• Flooding: Areas such as  Defence, Clifton, Orangi, Surjani Town, Naya Nazimabad and the old city were still inundated with water.

• Power outages: K-Electric (i.e. power utility) only restored power in some areas since water was still accumulated around substations and inside residential buildings (i.e. this is a safety hazard).

• Protests: On Friday, residents came out on the streets to protest against K-Electric for delays in restoring power in several parts of the city, even after 40 hours. Residents are planning a protest against the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) management on Monday to demand proper drainage systems, accountability, and a review of the CBC’s tax collection.