Shameful that outsiders are instructing the country on how to fix its issues: Faisal Vawda

Express Tribune

26-02-2025

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Senator Faisal Vawda has expressed his frustration over foreign nations telling Pakistan how to manage its affairs, calling it "shameful" that outsiders are instructing the country on how to fix its issues.
During a meeting of the Senate finance committee, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, the Ministry of Finance officials provided a briefing on electricity subsidies. The ministry proposed limiting electricity subsidies to BISP beneficiaries, with ongoing efforts from the Finance Ministry, Power Division, and related companies to implement this policy.
Senator Faisal Vawda, in his remarks, condemned the foreign criticism, calling it "extremely shameful" that foreign diplomats were telling Pakistan how to fix its problems. He also added that Pakistan is losing $2.2 million daily due to these issues. Vawda called for an end to the "drama" in the committee and demanded that those responsible for creating these policies be held accountable.
Senator Anusha Rahman commented that there should be no electricity subsidies, stating that such policies would turn the entire country into beggars, affecting not only poor women but men as well. She suggested that those who can afford electricity bills should pay them, and called for the resolution of the Rs 33 billion outstanding dues related to electricity subsidies for industries in Karachi.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance responded, stating that the matter is currently in court, with K-Electric having obtained a stay order from the judiciary.
Senator Farooq H. Naik expressed his belief that no one truly cares about Pakistan, citing the Iranian diplomat's comments as "shocking" and "embarrassing" for the nation. He also mentioned that these statements were eye-opening for Pakistan and that they should be taken seriously.
The committee also discussed the issue of 600 trucks being blocked at the Pakistan-Iran border, with the Iranian diplomat explaining that Pakistan had imposed a bank guarantee requirement, which had led to a daily loss of $2.2 million. The diplomat explained that due to this, the number of Iranian trucks crossing the border had dropped significantly, from 600 to 400. These trucks have been stuck at the border for six months.
The Iranian diplomat stressed the importance of free movement between Pakistan and Iran, in line with bilateral agreements, and encouraged Pakistan to focus on developing the Gwadar Port.
Senator Saleem Mandviwala noted that bartered trade between Pakistan and Iran had come to a halt due to complex customs regulations and the imposition of the bank guarantee requirement.
Customs officials confirmed that there is no bank guarantee requirement for bartered trade, but for bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran, the condition is in place. They also clarified that goods from third countries cannot enter Pakistan through bartered trade.
Earlier, Senator Faisal Vawda said that anchor Arshad Sharif was murdered and that a lot of "big people" will face trial if his case is opened.