Cheese to rescue Pakistan’s economy?

Twitterati took to the social media site to express derision at the idea proposed by economic advisers that authorities ban cheese imports in order to manage the country’s rising current account deficit.

The country’s economic advisors had discussed banning imports of luxury cars, smartphones and cheese to avoid seeking yet another bail-out from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“If Pakistan army has indeed reached out to India as they claim & NDA/ BJP Govt does not confirm or deny it we can consider reciprocating with Cheese ( Paneer) across the Wagah,” said Manish Tiwari, a leader from India’s Congress party.

If Pakistan army has indeed reached out to India as they claim & NDA/ BJP Govt does not confirm or deny it we can consider reciprocating with Cheese ( Paneer) across the Wagah ? @ambkcsingh , @HappymonJacob @jomalhotra , @suhasinih , @IndraniBagchi @Nidhi https://t.co/SHne8MvJqG

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) September 9, 2018

“The government is going to ban cheese imports. This does not make sense at all. This means no good pizza ever in Pakistan. Is this what Naya Pakistan is about?” wrote one user.

The government is going to ban cheese imports. This does not make sense at all. This means no good pizza ever in Pakistan. Is this what Naya Pakistan is about?

— Haseeb (@HaseebTheShah) September 10, 2018

“For the record, Pakistan imports a grand total of $3.34 million worth of cheese per annum. Roughly about 0.01% of our current account deficit of $18 billion,” wrote another.

“Path-breaking stuff by the EAC here,” he added.

For the record, Pakistan imports a grand total of $3.34 million worth of cheese per annum. Roughly about 0.01% of our current account deficit of $18 billion. Path-breaking stuff by the EAC here. pic.twitter.com/vbC4qgIC7c

— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) September 9, 2018

“Clearly, only cheese can save Pakistan from an IMF bailout.”

Clearly, only cheese can save Pakistan from an IMF bailout. https://t.co/4R8qTXvSVX

— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) September 10, 2018

“I was thinking to introduce raclette in Pakistan but our prime minister has better ideas, Ban the imported cheese ehh? The logics our prime minister is giving makes satirists like Nadeem Farooq Paracha goose bumps even while sleeping.”

I was thinking to introduce raclette in Pakistan but our prime minister has better ideas, Ban the imported cheese ehh? The logics our prime minister is giving makes satirists like Nadeem Farooq Paracha goose bumps even while sleeping. @NadeemfParacha https://t.co/o9WciaFoTv

— Muzamil N. Panezai (@muzamilpanezai) September 10, 2018

“Pakistan’s trade deficit in the 12 months of Fiscal 2017-18: $37.7 billion. Pakistan’s annual imports of cheese are the region of $13 million or 0.0344% of the deficit,” wrote one user.

Pakistan’s trade deficit in the 12 months of Fiscal 2017-18: $37.7 billion
Pakistan’s annual imports of cheese are the region of $13 million or 0.0344% of the deficit

— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) September 10, 2018

“Aziz humwatno! Ban on import of cheese will solve all our economic woes,” wrote another with biting sarcasm.

Aziz humwatno! Ban on import of cheese will solve all our economic woes. #PakistanZindabad #Pakistan #PMIK pic.twitter.com/7pJjuunKmK

— Shahid Husseini (@Shahid360) September 10, 2018

Other users, however, supported the move.

“Its such a shame that people are opposing ban on cheese, cars, smartphone and other luxury goods. This is a good measure because it can promote domestic growth and jobs. Look at Russia for an example. Pakistan needs to take radical economic measures.”

Its such a shame that people are opposing ban on cheese, cars, smartphone and other luxury goods. This is a good measure because it can promote domestic growth and jobs. Look at Russia for an example. #Pakistan needs to take radical economic measures.

— Aneel Amdani (@AneelAmdani) September 10, 2018