President Arif Alvi dissolved the 15th National Assembly on August 9, 2023, just three days before the completion of its five-year constitutional term. This strategic early dissolution was intended to allow the Election Commission 90 days (rather than 60) to conduct general elections, paving the way for a caretaker setup.
562
In June 2023, Pakistan secured a 9-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the IMF worth how much?
After months of negotiations and the expiration of the previous Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the PDM government signed a $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the IMF in late June 2023. This short-term bridge loan was critical in preventing a sovereign default and stabilizing the country's foreign exchange reserves before the upcoming elections.
563
Which major investment-focused body was established in June 2023 under the PDM government to attract foreign investment?
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was established in June 2023 as a 'one-window' platform to facilitate foreign investment, particularly from Gulf countries. It is a civil-military collaborative body designed to streamline projects in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, IT, and energy, aimed at stabilizing the economy without bureaucratic hurdles.
564
Who served as the President of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) during the coalition government's tenure?
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), served as the President of the PDM alliance. The alliance was a multi-party coalition that included the PML-N, PPP (initially), ANP, and other smaller parties, though the core leadership during the 2022-2023 governance period remained centered around the PML-N and the PDM head.
565
Which bilateral donor provided $3 billion in deposits to the State Bank of Pakistan in 2023 to help secure an IMF deal?
Saudi Arabia and the UAE played a critical role in 2023 by providing financial assurances and deposits to the SBP. The IMF requires 'financing assurances' from friendly countries before it approves a program for a country with low reserves like Pakistan.
566
What is the 'Consolidated Global Action Plan' of the World Bank for Pakistan's 2022 flood recovery called?
Following the 2022 floods, the Government of Pakistan, with support from the World Bank, UN, and ADB, developed the 4RF. This framework guided the international community's pledges of over $9 billion during the Geneva Conference in 2023.
567
The 9-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) approved in July 2023 was worth how much?
Following the expiration of a previous EFF, Pakistan signed a $3 billion SBA in July 2023. This short-term program was crucial for preventing a default and provided a bridge until the 2024 general elections and the subsequent long-term EFF.
568
Which year did Pakistan experience its highest-ever inflation rate, exceeding 35%?
In 2023, Pakistan witnessed record-high inflation, peaking at over 37% in some months. This was driven by a combination of factors including the 2022 floods, the massive devaluation of the rupee, the withdrawal of subsidies under the IMF program, and high global energy prices.
569
What is the 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) established in 2023?
The SIFC was established in 2023 as a high-level body involving both civilian and military leadership to fast-track foreign investment. It focuses on sectors like agriculture, mining, IT, and energy, providing a 'single-window' to bypass bureaucratic hurdles for international investors, especially from the Gulf.
570
The 'Digital Census' of 2023, the results of which were officially approved in August 2023, put Pakistan's population at approximately:
The 7th Population and Housing Census (the first-ever digital census) was completed under the first Shahbaz Sharif government. The Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved the results in August 2023, showing a population of 241.49 million with a growth rate of 2.55%.
