AB Khan

Salt and Pepper hairdo, pierced ears and eyebrows, leaned body and honey dew tone and tenor may confuse oneself for a heavy rock band star ready to hit the notes. However, the gentleman sitting comfortably on a sofa is in fact, Jose Luis Piexoto, the Portuguese most acclaimed and bestselling novelist, a literature Wizkid when introduced. His resume is more than impressive. The list of his accomplishments in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children’s literature far surpasses many of his peers and even contemporaries. Recipient of Jose Saramago Literary award, Libro d Europa and Oceanos prize, his journey in the world of literature started at a very young age. “I was in my teens when I started writing poetry and that was my very first experience. However, as a teenager one goes through a lot of changes and a lot of discoveries and so it helped me organize myself in certain way because poetry is such a condensed form of literature which helps you to reach new horizons” explains the literati.

His first book, Morreste-me (You Died on Me) was published when he was 25 years old. The book is a very detailed account of relationship between the writer and his father.  As one flips through the pages of this short story, one finds itself present at the scene along with the author himself.  The description of the hospital room, the bedroom of the house, the fireplace, narration of the buildings in the neighborhood is so intricately sketched that one can see visuals while going through the texts. Although the book is not an exciting read as it narrates the harsh reality of a dying father and the helplessness of a son whose deep love for his father comes to light in every sentence.

Jose’s second publication was a novel titled Nenhum Olhar (Blank Gaze) which won him the prestigious Jose Saramago award named after the Portuguese noble laurate at the age of 27. Blank Gaze which has been translated in more than 20 languages is all fictional. The character in the story, the Devil, Siamese twins, the giant and the shepherd are all are all connected with one common threat, the fate.

 Your travelogues like Inside the secret, Book and The Imperfect Path do not excite readers to visit these countries as a tourist whereas Travelodge’s meant to do the very same. Your comment?

“To answer your question, out of the three, Livro (Book) is not a Travelodge. It’s a novel and it describes experience that I did not live myself.  Having said that, it was lived by hundreds and thousands of Portuguese in 60’s and 70’s and among them my parents included. They were immigrants also, who migrated to the suburbs of Paris, France and that was the exodus of Portuguese people. One and a half million Portuguese went to France in that period and the journey was painful. There was censorship, dictatorship, war and poverty. It was a very difficult period in Portuguese history.

Now on the other two books, Inside the secret on North Korea and The Imperfect Path on Thailand, I have not tried to impose my opinion on the places, but tried to describe my experience as a Portuguese tourist. I feel that sometimes the touristic narrative, gives a portrait of a country that is very shallow and superficial. So, I made an effort to dig deeper and write on the unchartered territories of these two countries.

Jose Luis’s novel Galveias is named after his birth place, Galveias, a small village in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. “Yes, I have deliberately named the novel Galveias to give my village a tribute. However, your take on the novel reading from far away will be very different from a reader who is an inhabitant of Galveias and knows the streets, café, schools and the roads that I had mention in the novel” answer the writer.

The two children book A Mae que Chovia  (The Mother who Rain)published in 2012 and Todos os Escritores do Mundo Tem a Cabeca Chela de Piolhos (All the writers of the World have their heads full of Lice) in 2016 were written after birth of his own children. “The idea to write children’s book   grew after I had my children. I had to tell them stories to make them sleep”, informs the father of two boys.  He accepts that children literature is very specific. It has different layers and different tones, and sometimes as grownups we forgot to see the world from their perspective which is sad, he adds.

q-Was the success of your first book at the age of 25 the reason for your inspiration to write more and more an expand your horizons trying your luck in other mediums?

a-After my teenage years, I had always been dreaming of writing books.  l used to look up to writers and poets at that time and it was my wildest dream to become one of them.  It was the Jose Saramago award which encouraged me to write professionally as it brought me to limelight. Secondly when I was a teacher as well, I had always though to continue writing books while teaching. Professional writing also provides livelihood an di was always very open to ideas not confining to one medium only”, he informs

Although the writer confessed that he never tried his vocals for singing or held a paint brush in his hand, but his pursuit for working with musicians, with visual artists, painters kept pulling him towards the performing art and that it provided a great impetus in his writing.

Jose Luis Piexoto termed his visit to Pakistan as an eye opener. He attended the Literature Festival in Lahore and spent two days in Islamabad. “My perception of this country was totally opposite before coming here. It is very unfortunate that the west has portrayed Pakistan with a lot of fallacies, misleading narratives. I started to get an insight about Pakistan when I planned to visit Lahore to attend the Literature festival and it started to change   right then. The  literati  promises to write a Travelodge on Pakistan someday but looks forward for a lot of input from his  Pakistani fraternity.  

Dr. Fadila Melhag

The first literary work, an Algerian novel published in the Urdu language in Pakistan (When Life Desires You) by the great Algerian writer Dr. Fadila Melhaq, is a historical precedent and a pioneering step in establishing a bridge of cultural communication between two great brotherly countries, Algeria in North Africa and Pakistan in South Asia, and the entire Indian subcontinent.

The novel was published by the Karachi Editor’s Club, in Urdu language, translated by Dr. Lubna Farah, Head of the Translation Department at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad (NUML), and in the English language by Professor Siham Hamouda from the Republic of Tunisia, after it was published in Arabic in Egypt in 2021 and French and Spanish in 2022.

The Karachi Editor’s Club also issued for the first time in Pakistan two collections of short stories from Algeria in Urdu language by Dr. Fadila Melhaq (Outside the Field of Literacy) and (For display…Unpaintable) translated by Dr. Lubna Farah.

-Fadila Melhaq, a brilliant academic career and abundant diverse literary production:

A distinguished literary talent, a brilliant academic researcher, excellent academic career, and a rich and diverse literary and scientific production. Melhaq holds many certificates: a certificate from the Higher School of the Judiciary – Algeria, a doctorate in law – specializing in human rights and international humanitarian law, a certificate of professional competence as a lawyer, a diploma in postgraduate studies specializing in diplomacy, a European university certificate from France in the field of cyberspace, international certificates. In training experts in the fields of international humanitarian law and cybercrime, and certificates in various fields, including foreign languages.

Fadila Melhaq published several literary works in Algeria, Lebanon, Egypt, and France: three novels, eight books of poetry, three short story collections, and several books on law: “Protecting human rights during armed conflicts – reality and stakes”, “Protecting the Algerian banking system from money laundering.” “International Negotiation and Crisis Management,” “Problems of Criminalization and Punishment in the Statute of the International Criminal Court,” “Restrictions on Follow-up and Investigation Before the International Criminal Court,” “Obstacles to Implementing the Rules of International Protection of Human Rights.”

– The novel “When Life Desires You”, the experience of secret migration from the south to the north:

The novel dealt with issues of clandestine immigration, through the experience of a long journey between the south and the north, from a miserable neighborhood in the cities of the southern bank of the Mediterranean.

Young people migrated across the sea on a simple boat carrying big dreams. They found themselves in a strange world. They arrived in Europe, where they embarked on a journey that reveals the suffering of African and Asian people and the third world in general, due to the complicity of major interests in the West, who run the world from behind the curtain.

The novel dealt with the problems of the four corners of the world, and in part it concerned the Indian subcontinent, through the character of the Bengali man (Talukder), who was exposed to plots planned in the Western world, was exploited, and changed the course of his quiet life into a painful and violent context.

Suspense, excitement, and strangeness are distinctive features in Fadela Melhaq’s novel, in which realistic romance is accompanied in an attractive manner. It addresses the topic of clandestine immigration from a perspective that goes beyond the stereotype of a secret boat. It interrogates the intrigues of distant history and the aspirations of the geography of the present. It is a beautiful, exciting novel worthy of discovery, reading and study.

By  Qamar Bashir

Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, known as “Shahbaz Speed” for his dynamic leadership, is poised to assume the top executive role in Pakistan, bringing relief to the establishment and coalition partners but concern to the bureaucracy due to his assertive governance style. Taking charge in April 2022 amidst a looming default, he navigated through IMF negotiations after Ishaq Dar’s approach failed, securing crucial funding that averted a financial crisis and provided a lifeline for economic stabilization. Subsequently, the establishment implemented key administrative measures, including enhanced border control and anti-smuggling initiatives, which bolstered the stock market, stabilized the currency, and satisfied IMF conditions, maintaining economic stability through the interim government period.

As Shahbaz Sharif prepares to lead Pakistan’s next government, he faces critical decisions to drive investment, enhance exports, foster trade substitution, improve agricultural productivity, and advance research, innovation, and education. However, financial constraints, significant debt, and investment hesitancy from both domestic and foreign private sectors, compounded by challenges in real estate and manufacturing due to low demand and high taxes, present formidable obstacles.

For Pakistan, attracting investment and boosting trade with affluent Western nations like Europe and the USA would be ideal for addressing its economic challenges. However, these countries’ private sectors, which drive their economies, view Pakistan with caution due to political instability, security concerns, and economic issues such as inconsistent policies and regulatory barriers. Additionally, transparency, governance, and legal system concerns deter Western investors. Geopolitical factors and strategic interests, particularly Pakistan’s close relationship with China, further complicate engagement from the West. With these hurdles and competition from other emerging markets, it’s tough for Pakistan to draw significant Western investment. Thus, Pakistan’s most viable option is to deepen its ties with China, which has shown a consistent willingness to support Pakistan through its economic difficulties in the current geopolitical landscape.

Given the constraints, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif’s pragmatic approach should be to leverage CPEC-1 and CPEC-2.0 for maximum benefit. In this discussion, we focus on CPEC-1’s potential to catalyze economic recovery. To date, projects totaling $19 billion have been completed, with some estimates suggesting up to $25 billion; however, we’ll consider $19 billion for our analysis. Currently, 27 projects valued at $13.7 billion are in progress, slated for completion by 2025. Furthermore, 36 projects, estimated at $26.3 billion, are planned, aiming for a 2030 finish. In the energy sector specifically, 11 projects totaling $12 billion have been finalized, and four projects worth $6 billion are ongoing, with a completion target of 2025.

By fully accelerating CPEC-1 efforts, Shahbaz Sharif could secure an investment exceeding $46 billion in the coming five years, contingent upon eliminating bureaucratic, administrative, and political barriers. His strategy should prioritize the completion of both ongoing and planned projects, with a special focus on capital-intensive initiatives. Key among these are the development of industrial zones through Sino-Pakistani collaboration and the construction of a 2600 km rail track, the largest single CPEC project at nearly $7 billion, along with the timely completion of infrastructure and energy projects.

Activating and fully operationalizing the various Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework will be pivotal for the new government’s success in revitalizing Pakistan’s economy. The Gwadar Special Economic Zone, sprawling over 1,000 acres, aims to diversify the industrial base with focuses on processing, manufacturing, home appliances, pharmaceuticals, building materials, automobiles, agriculture, and more. The Allama Iqbal Industrial City, covering 3,217 acres, is set to bolster textiles, engineering, electronics, chemicals, food processing, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, packaging, and building materials industries. The Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, extending over 1,530 acres, plans to enhance light engineering, automotive parts, chemicals, electronics, textiles, steel, and building materials sectors. The Bostan Special Economic Zone, with 1,000 acres, is geared towards fruit processing, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, motorbike assembly, and various other industries. Additionally, pipeline projects like the ICT Model Industrial Zone Islamabad, Industrial Park on Pakistan Steel Mill Land, Mirpur Industrial Zone, Mohmand Marble City, and Moqpondass Special Economic Zone are anticipated to further amplify industrial capabilities. The successful activation of these zones is crucial for stimulating economic growth, attracting investment, and generating employment, thereby playing a central role in the government’s economic revival strategy.

The new government should also prioritize the diverse range of infrastructure projects under the CPEC to catalyze economic revitalization, enhance trade and investment, generate employment opportunities, and alleviate the challenges faced by the populace. The completion of four road projects at a cost of Rs. 126,385 million, the Orange Line Metro Train costing Rs. 1926 million, the Cross-Border Optical Fiber Cable at $44 million, and the Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast at $4 million, which collectively created 46,000 jobs, sets a solid foundation. With five road projects totaling Rs. 71,733 million and 813 km currently underway, and significant future endeavors like the ML-1 railway upgrade spanning 1733 km at $6806 million promising 24,000 jobs, alongside other road developments and digital infrastructure initiatives, the focus on these infrastructure projects is imperative. The government’s commitment to these initiatives can significantly boost economic performance, attract investments, and substantially improve the quality of life for the citizens, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable development and prosperity.

In the energy sector, 11 projects worth $12 billion have been concluded including coal-fired power plants, solar parks, wind farms, and hydroelectric projects, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s energy sector by enhancing capacity and diversifying energy sources. while four projects valued at $6 billion are underway, aiming for a 2025 completion. The  completion of under construction projects aimed at addressing Pakistan’s energy needs, thereby expected to bolster economic growth, reduce energy shortages, and contribute to sustainable development​​.

The CPEC has already created tens of thousands of jobs in Pakistan through its various projects, ranging from infrastructure to energy and industrial zones whereas, CPEC is estimated to create over a million jobs in Pakistan by the end of the project in 2030. These figures include direct employment opportunities in construction, engineering, and project management, as well as indirect jobs through the stimulation of local businesses, manufacturing, and services related to CPEC projects.

The direct and indirect employment opportunities generated through CPEC projects would significantly reduce unemployment rates and elevate household incomes, directly impacting living standards. Economic growth and stability brought about by these investments could lead to better control of inflation, contributing to price stability and providing considerable relief to the common people. Improved public services, increased job opportunities, and enhanced infrastructure would directly benefit the common man, elevating their quality of life and overall economic well-being.

The key to success of the new government rests with efficiently advancing CPEC-1 by overcoming bureaucratic and administrative hurdles and securing the remaining $40 billion investment over the next five years significantly propelling Pakistan’s economic growth. This strategic move would not only accelerate infrastructure and energy projects but also boost industrialization, leading to a substantial increase in GDP and stabilizing the economy. Moreover, the successful execution of CPEC projects would enhance Pakistan’s attractiveness to international investors, potentially leading to increased foreign direct investment in various sectors and improving financial stability.