Pakistan’s three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned from a four-year self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom on October 21. His return and indication of intent to participate in the upcoming general elections in Pakistan in January 2024 have largely been favoured by the media.
Dawn (October 22) says, “It was clear that Mr Sharif seeks a narrative reset. His speech was heavy on nostalgia for 2017… However, if the PML-N’s economic policy hasn’t budged from the Dar days, as it seemed, Mr Sharif will find it difficult to deliver on his promises. Keeping all of this aside, it was good to see him back in action.” Daily Times (October 22) says, “By shifting his focus to development and prosperity, Mr Sharif has taken a gutsy move because he no longer enjoys the rosy picture of the past to woo audiences… The party support took an incredible hit due to its dismal performance during their 16-month stint in Islamabad and henceforth, some new rabbits need to be pulled for the magic wand to work.”
On October 14, India played its World Cup match against Pakistan at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. Pakistan was all-out with a total of 191 runs in 42.5 overs and was overtaken by India in 30.3 overs. Pakistan captain Babar Azam was booed by Indian fans during the toss and chants of “Jai Shri Ram” were heard in the the stands as cricketer Mohammad Rizwan walked back to the dressing room. In view of this, the Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a formal complaint on October 17 over “inappropriate conduct” towards the Pakistan cricket team.
Speaking of the performance by the Pakistan team, Express Tribune (October 16) wrote, “The jinx persists. Pakistan yet again failed to beat archrival India in a World Cup encounter. The Babar Azam men were not defeated, but rather demolished… Batting collapse on a wicket that offers no support to the bowlers speaks of the mental collapse that Team Pakistan is prone to when playing India in World Cups.” The Nation (October 18) talked about the behaviour of the crowd saying, “Chanting slogans, derogatory remarks, and fights among the crowd were a reflection of the intolerance that has seeped deeper into Indian society.” Seeking action against the offenders, the editorial says, “Both ICC and the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) must take notice of what happened in Ahmedabad. Such incidents should not be brushed under the carpet because they threaten to steal away the spirit of cricket.”
US President Joe Biden flew in for a visit to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 18. The media in Pakistan commented on President Biden’s silence over the strike on the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza that killed nearly 500 people.
Dawn (October 19) says, “While offering lukewarm condolences over the hospital outrage, Mr Biden warmly embraced the Israeli prime minister while observing that the ‘other team’ was likely responsible for this odious crime… It is highly unlikely the West will muzzle Israel. And the Muslim world must take a stand that goes beyond rhetoric, and stops the slaughter in Palestine.” Express Tribune (October 19) says, “Millions in Gaza are running out of water and food, and international assistance is perishing on the borders owing to Israeli intransigence. As Amnesty International has pointed out, it’s time for President Biden to ‘cease unreserved support for Israel’s actions in Gaza’ and look at the broader picture of leadership.”
The Pakistan Stock Exchange reached the 50,000 mark on the KSE-100 index for the first time in six years. PML-N supporters believe the decline was due to the removal of PM Nawaz Sharif in 2017. Some seem optimistic at this feat while others are sceptical.
The Nation (October 21) believes that “it represents growing investor confidence and optimism”. The editorial says, “the market anticipates a period of stability and, potentially, a decrease in interest rates. This development has far-reaching implications for the broader economy, impacting everything from business investments to consumer spending.” In the long run, “maintaining this momentum and potentially achieving new heights should be the immediate focus.” Express Tribune (October 19) mentions the positives first saying, “Among optimists, key focus was placed on the rupee’s recovery, reduction of petrol and diesel prices, and the prime minister’s tour of China, which is expected to bring new investment.” But the challenge here is the stability of the market as “there is concern that the new investment may be temporary — foreign investors are far more likely to withdraw if market conditions begin to look unfavourable.”
Pakistan achieved its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualifier victory this past week by defeating Cambodia with a score of 1-0 in Islamabad. There is jubilation among the public as football could now be provided a much needed boost in the country.
Dawn (October 19) expresses this emotion saying, “For a sport that is popular among the masses but has struggled to gain a foothold due to continuous turmoil, poor governance and political interference at the Pakistan Football Federation, this is a watershed moment.”
News International (October 19) speaks to the challenges for the sport in the country saying, “A long-drawn power struggle has hampered the progress of football in Pakistan but things need to change… Pakistan football needs to put its house in order if it wants the national team to continue with more success on the field.” But this victory has rejuvenated hope for football fans who “have long dreamt of their team featuring in the World Cup Finals. That goal is still a long way to go but as they say ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’.”
adya.goyal@expressindia.com
