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In Brief
CPEC
US Envoy’s visit to Gwadar Port
On 12 September, United States Ambassador Donald Blome visited the port city of Gwadar in the country's southwest which is said to be the major node for the China-backed economic corridor and a cornerstone of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The "Green Alliance" framework, which covers Pakistan's pressing demands for energy, water, and the economy, was also on display during his visit. Blome underlined America's steadfast commitment to Balochistan during the tour, according to a statement issued following his visit. Blome spoke with officials of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, as well as other leaders from the public and commercial sectors and local political figures. In terms of economic expansion, disaster relief, security, commerce, and investment, he reiterated US support for Balochistan's development. (Javed Baloch, “US Envoy Undertakes Rare Visit To CPEC Hub Gwadar, Port,” The Friday Times, 13 September 2023)
POLITICS
Pakistan's Supreme Court allows conviction on alternative charges under Army Act
On 12 September, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that suspects tried under the Pakistan Army Act can be convicted for an alternative offense if the main charges are not proven. The judgement stated that if the suspect “appears to have committed a different offence for which he might have been charged under the said provisions of law, he may be convicted for the offence if he is found to have committed it, although he was not charged with the same.” In a significant 27-year-old case involving two army officers, Muhammad Azad Minhas and Inayatullah Khan, who were dismissed from service for failing to report a conspiracy against former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's government, the court upheld their conviction under alternative charges. The court emphasized that the concept of alternative charges is not alien under the Pakistan Army Act and stated that an accused can be convicted for an alternative offense if the evidence supports it. Additionally, the judgment added that “the appellant/ petitioner cannot claim any benefit.” (Sabih Ul Hussnain, “Suspects Can Be Convicted Of Alternative Offence Under Army Act Even If Primary Charge Is,” The Friday Times, 12 September 2023)
Nawaz Sharif to end exile and return to Pakistan on 21 October
On 12 September, Pakistan's former Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif's return from his four-year exile in the UK was announced by his younger brother and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif in London. Shehbaz confirmed that the decision for Nawaz's return on 21 October had been carefully deliberated upon by the party leadership. The eagerly anticipated return follows a series of announcements and postponements. He stated that his brother was convicted in a “false case through conspiracy,” emphasising the nation’s expectation that Pakistan's progress would resume from where it left off in 2017. However, there is still uncertainty over Nawaz’s potential arrest upon landing as he continues to face legal hurdles. (Rizwan Shehzad, “Nawaz decides to end London exile,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2023)
Anti-Terrorism Court initiates proceedings against PTI leaders
On 12 September, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) commenced proceedings to declare four Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders as proclaimed offenders (POs) in the Askari Tower attack case. The Gulberg police had requested this action as the accused had not cooperated with the investigation despite non-bailable warrants. The case pertains to the attack and burning of a commercial tower during the 9 May riots following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by the National Accountability Bureau. (Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “Lahore ATC to declare four PTI leaders ‘proclaimed offenders’,” Dawn, 13 September 2023)
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Pakistan government fears oil crisis amidst reports of dry retail outlets
On 12 September, The Express Tribune reported concerns about a potential oil crisis as retail outlets of some oil marketing companies (OMCs) were found to be empty at various locations across the country. In response to this situation, the Petroleum Division has called upon the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairman to take regulatory action against these OMCs. The government is particularly worried about the possibility of hoarding petroleum products, as prices have reached record highs and further increases are anticipated. The government's crackdown on OMCs aims to ensure stability in the petroleum product market and protect consumers from escalating oil prices. Currently, the country has sufficient stocks of petrol and high-speed diesel, but OMCs failing to maintain the mandatory inventory may face regulatory action. (Zafar Bhutta, “Oil crisis brews as depots run dry,” The Express Tribune, 13 September 2023)
PROVINCE
Balochistan: A grenade attack in Quetta injured four people, including two policemen
On 12 September, two hand grenade attacks on police cars resulted in four injuries. According to officials, unidentified criminals on motorcycles threw grenade at a police car that was on patrol near Sariab Road. The police officers inside the car were unharmed, but two bystanders, Niazullah and Karim Nawaz, were hurt by the grenade attack and sent to the Public Hospital. One hour after the first incident, in which motorcyclists tossed hand grenades at a police vehicle that exploded a few yards away, another hand grenade attack occurred in the Hazar Ganji region, a community on the outskirts of the province capital. The explosion aggravated two policemen to sustain injuries. (“Two policemen among four injured in grenade attacks in Quetta,” Dawn, 13 September 2023)
Balochistan: A clash between two tribes in Kachhi left six people dead
On 12 September, Abro and Lehri tribesmen engaged in an armed conflict in the Kachhi region, which resulted in six deaths and three injuries. According to officials, the two tribes' armed men took positions opposite one another and began fire, which lasted for a while and resulted in six deaths on both sides. A large unit of the Levies Force and Kachhi Deputy Commissioner Jahandad Khan Mandokhail sped to the region to clear the trenches of the two factions' armed men. The Levies Force officials stated that “The cause of the armed clash is stated to be a land dispute between the two tribes which caused a bloody clash which claimed six lives,”.(Ali Jan Mangi, “Six killed in armed clash between two tribes in Balochistan’s Kachhi” Dawn, 13 September 2023)
EXTERNAL
Azerbaijan is keen to explore other possibilities
On 13 September, Interim Minister for planning Muhammad Sami Saeed, met with Khazar Farhadov, the envoy of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, to go over the progress of their bilateral relations. Reiterating their commitment to advancing their cooperation in commerce, connectivity, energy, tourism, and information technology. According to Ambassador Farhadov, since 2022, there have been direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, and in that year, about 50,000 Pakistani tourists have travelled to Azerbaijan. (“Azerbaijan eager to explore more opportunities,” The Express Tribune, 13 September 2023)
ECONOMY
Torkham shutdown affects commerce and people
On 12 September, a week after the busiest border crossing between the two countries was shut down due to a gunfight that broke out on the other side, hundreds of trucks and travelers were still stuck there. Additionally, all forms of movement were prohibited at the crossing. As neither party made any progress in their negotiations to reopen the crucial border crossing that has been closed since 6 September, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan continued to be high. An official source told The Express Tribune that “The status quo persists. No progress so far in talks. In fact, both sides are no longer holding talks for now,”. (Kamrani Yousaf, “Torkham closure hurts trade, people,” The Express Tribune, 13 September 2023)
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