Nawaz Shariff to be re-elected as the President of PML-N after six years; President Gilani signs two ordinances
In Brief
POLITICS
President Gilani signs two ordinances (Elections Act (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024)
On 27 May, Acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani signed two ordinances on the recommendation of PM Shehbaz Sharif. After the approval from the federal cabinet the ordinances were promulgated. The two ordinances signed were the Elections Act (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 into law. The NAB ordinance extends the remand period of the accused from 14 to 40 days and the sentence period of an officer convicted of framing cases based on ill will is reduced to two years from five years. On the other hand, under the Elections Act Ordinance 2024, retired judges will become members of the election tribunals alongside those serving Earlie, he previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and caretaker administration had amended the legislation to prevent the NAB from investigating instances involving less than PKR 500 million. Similarly, the earlier amendment had shortened from the remand duration from 90 to 14 days. (Syed Irfan Raza, “President signs NAB, election ordinances,” Dawn, 28 May 2024)
IHC overrules objection raised on PTI’s petition against the CDA act
On 27 May, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz overruled the objection raised by the IHC registrar’s office to a petition filed by the PTI against the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) raid on its central secretariat. The registrar’s office had objected on the grounds that the petition was filed without due authorization. The hearing was scheduled for 28 May, however, on account of a public holiday, the case will be rescheduled accordingly. The PTI in its petition termed the attack on its secretariat as “without having lawful authority, mala fide, political victimization, without adopting a due process of law and contrary to the provisions as enunciated under the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.” The petition further mentioned that members of the PTI Central Finance Board Arshad Dad and Naseem ur Rehman bought the plot as per the agreement signed on 17 July 2020 from Sartaj Ali. The PTI in its petition condemned the acts of CDA and the police for unlawfully demolishing the Central Secretariat and requested the court to announce CDA illegal. (Malik Asad, “IHC overrules office objection to PTI petition on office razing,” Dawn, 28 May 2024)
Nawaz Shariff to be re-elected as the President of PML-N after six years
On 28 May, Dawn reported that Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is set to be re-elected as the PML-N president in a general council meeting of the ruling party at Lahore. He is all set to contest the election after six years of losing his President’s office due to a Supreme Court decision in the Panama Papers case in 2018. He is likely to be re-elected unopposed even though 11 party members have received nomination papers. PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah also hinted at his re-election in a press conference. Sanaullah highlighted that after Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, it was Nawaz Sharif who “made the party vibrant.” The announcement of his re-election came when the members of the PML-N Punjab passed a resolution which said “Nawaz Sharif was disqualified in 2017 by the Supreme Court through a conspiracy. Now it’s time that he assumes the office of the party president and leads the party to new heights of popularity.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Nawaz set to retake PML-N reins after six-year hiatus,” Dawn, 28 May 2024)
ECONOMY
Government mulls removing tax exemptions for high-income individuals
On 28 May, Dawn reported that the government is likely to “revoke” tax concessions given to high-income individuals. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had advised the Pakistan government to treat both salaried individuals and non-salaried individuals’ income as personal income which will increase the tax burden on the salaried class. However, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) disagrees as both cannot be treated equally. Until now, the “revenue measures” devised for the budget 2024-25 are PKR 500 billion and are likely to change after the IMF’s final projections. FBR estimates the autonomous revenue will surpass PKR 1,150 trillion in the Fiscal Year 2025. It also suggested raising the tax exemption for the salaried class to PKR 1.2 million in 2024-25. Later, the decision was changed downward to PKR 900,000 from the existing exemption limit of PKR 600,000. FBR has discussed pension tax changes with the IMF, which aims to match salary slabs to pensioner income. The FBR has objected to a salary slab for pensioner income and proposed an alternative mechanism for taxing richer pensioners. The FBR has calculated no revenue impact of tax on pensions. The IMF has asked the FBR to collect taxes from traders and wholesalers. No agreement has been reached to increase regulatory tariffs on imports, and the government plans to raise existing withholding tax rates and introduce new ones. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Budget 2024-25: Govt considers proposal to withdraw tax waivers for the rich,” Dawn, 28 May 2024)
EXTERNAL
China supports Pakistan’s Bisham attack inquiry findings
On 27 May, the Xinhua news agency stated that Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has backed Pakistan’s probe into the 26 March suicide attack which had killed Chinese engineers in Bisham and emphasized that eliminating terrorism is in the “interest of all countries.” The development came after Pakistan claimed that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), based in Afghanistan, and hostile foreign intelligence agencies were responsible for the Bisham attack. However, China’s remarks have no specific mention of Kabul. Mao Ning stated: “China supports Pakistan in continuing to get to the full bottom of what happened, and hunting down and bringing to justice all the perpetrators.” She further showed China’s unwavering support for the two nations to strengthen security cooperation and ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. Mao Ning urged all the countries in the region to boost counter-terrorism operations by referring to terrorism as a “common enemy of humanity and a scourge against regional development and stability.”
Separately, on 27 May, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had demanded the arrest of three alleged terrorists and the entire leadership of the banned TTP for their involvement in the Bisham attack by the Afghan interim government. (“Beijing ‘supports’ Bisham attack probe findings,” Dawn, 28 May 2024)
SECURITY
Pakistan observes 26th anniversary of its nuclear tests
On 27 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a public holiday on 28 May cross Pakistan to observe Youm-i-Takbeer, the day when Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests in the year 1998. The tests were conducted at the Ras Koh hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan. Today is the 26th anniversary of the historic day when Pakistan became an “atomic power.” On the occasion, the Prime Minister Sharif in a statement reminisced about the event and stated “Youm-i-Takbeer reminds how the entire Pakistani nation got united on that day to make the country’s defence invincible.” Further, he reiterated that commemorating this day was about renewing the vow that “we will always remain ready to thwart the nefarious designs of external and internal enemies, who want to endanger the country.” He emphasized that this day was also about paying tribute to then- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani Army for the role they played in making Pakistan an atomic power. He also paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for starting the atomic programme and the scientists for their contribution. In a post on X, the prime minister stressed the importance of the event for Pakistan stating that “May 28 signifies more than just a mere commemoration of a day; it encapsulates the narrative of our nation’s arduous yet remarkable path towards establishing a credible minimum deterrence.” Referring to the future, he stated that “Let’s make a pledge on this day that by following the principles of unity, faith and discipline, we will foil all the nefarious designs of not only the external enemies but also the local elements who are out to create chaos and anarchy in the country through their malicious actions like the incidents of May 9.”
Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani also commemorated the day and posted a statement on X: “On this day, we successfully demonstrated our nuclear capabilities and joined the ranks of nuclear powers. Youm-e-Takbeer serves as a testament to our nation's resilience, unwavering determination, and commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.” He described Pakistan as a “responsible nuclear state” and one which believes in “peaceful resolution of conflicts” and a country which strictly adheres to “international standards, and have implemented stringent controls and comprehensive safety measures to safeguard our nuclear assets.” He pledged to continue working for “a peaceful and stable world” while also stating that “Pakistan remains committed to maintaining Credible Minimum Deterrence, preserving the balance of power and deterring aggression. Pakistan's strategic capability serves as a powerful deterrent and a weapon for peace. Nuclear deterrence stands as a cornerstone of stability in South Asia, and we remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold this principle.”
Separately, on behalf of the armed forces, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and services chiefs also extended their warm greetings to the nation on this occasion. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) also released a statement remembering and paying tribute to the “unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifices of all those who contributed to this remarkable feat, achieved against overwhelming odds.” The statement reiterated that the armed forces “reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland, protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure the nation’s security at all times and any cost.”
References
“On Youm-i-Takbeer, Pakistani leaders hail nation’s ‘unwavering determination’ under ‘bold leadership’,” Dawn, 28 May 2024
“'Momentous occasion': Pakistan celebrates 26th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer today,” The News International, 28 May 2024
Abdullah Momand, “PM Shehbaz declares public holiday on May 28 to observe Youm-i-Takbeer,” Dawn, 27 May 2024
The President of Pakistan on X: "Message from the Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani on occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer. https://t.co/UAT8SlkAoF" / X
23 terrorists killed and seven troops martyred in KP, reveals ISPR
On 28 May, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed that 23 terrorists and five soldiers had been killed in three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). On 26 May, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Hassan Khel area of Peshawar, during which Captain Hussain Jehangir and Havildar Shafiq lost their lives. Further, six terrorists were neutralized and several hideouts were discovered. On 27 May, in an operation carried out in the Tank district, security forces attacked the terrorists’ location and killed ten of them. Another operation was carried out in the general area of Bagh, Khyber District, wherein, the security forces killed seven terrorists, while two terrorists were injured. Additionally, due to intense fire exchange, five soldiers died. The funeral was held at Peshawar Garrison, which was attended by General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and a large number of military and civil officials. (Muhammad Anis, “In 24 hours: 23 terrorists killed, 7 troops embrace martyrdom in KP,” The News International, 28 May 2024)
PROVINCES
KP: CM and Interior minister discuss and devise a plan to resolve the electricity issue
On 27 May, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi discussed the electricity issue and devised a mechanism to resolve it. Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and the federal interior secretary also participated in the meeting. During the discussion, CM Gandapur expressed concern over the 18hour daily load shedding plaguing the province and stated: “We have come together to ensure that losses in the system will be addressed and mechanisms will be put in place to prevent them.” CM highlighted the several meetings held between Naqvi and Leghari and said until the mechanism is fully developed, the Centre will provide relief for the province. He also promised the implementation of solar energy for the public’s benefit. Leghari commented that despite partisanship, the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have “recognized the damages done to this country” and come together for a solution. Leghari also confirmed the devised plan will be announced on 28 May. (Usama Iqbal, “Centre, K-P bury the hatchet to tackle power woes,” Dawn, 27 May 2024)
Balochistan: Assembly adopts resolution for the establishment of a committee on CPEC and on ‘Youm-i-Takbeer’
On 27 May, the Balochistan Assembly passed a resolution to establish a special committee to monitor issues related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib presented the resolution in the assembly and was adopted by the house. Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti stated that even though Balochistan is an important player in the CPEC, the “effects” of CPEC though apparent in other provinces are “not visible” in Balochsitan. Separately, Provincial Minister Abdul Rahman Khetran passed another resolution on ‘Youm-i-Takbeer’ to felicitate the day Pakistan became the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first in the Islamic world on 28 May 1998. Further, he praised the country’s scientists, military leadership, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for conducting nuclear explosions. (“Balochistan to set up panel on CPEC,” Dawn, 28 May 2024)
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When in the government of Imran Khan
When Dr. Abdul Qadir Sahib died, he did not get the official protocol and neither did Imran Khan attend his funeral.
- Imran Bilal
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif congratulated the Acting President on his son Ali Qasim Gilani's historic victory in the by-elections from Constituency 148.
- PPP
The patriotism and hard work of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan late and deceased made Pakistan a nuclear power country today.
We thank Allah, and pay tribute to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.
We seek forgiveness from Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.
- Sharjeel Inam Memon
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Dr Niaz Murtaza, ‘More difficult now’
Dawn, 28 May 2024
“As US aid ebbed, it courted politicians to quell dissent and ruled covertly. The elected eras kept growing given the growing internal and external binds against autocracy. The first was from 1972 to 1977 with one (free) election. The second was from 1985 to 1999 with only one of five elections deemed fair (1988) and each assembly nixed early. The third is from 2002 to now, with two free elections (2008 and 2013) out of five. Four assemblies reached term but not the prime ministers, reflecting minor democratic gains. The early dismissals were due to civilian forays into what the establishment considered its own affairs, policy tiffs and claimed misrule. They were carried out via coups, no-trust votes, presidential powers, and forced exits. The mode and strength of covert rule varied, focusing on security and external policy from 2008-18 but more intrusively politics and economics as well after 2018, erasing all democratic gains. Both eras saw big tiffs with out-of-sync civilians, with Nawaz Sharif to the establishment’s left and Imran Khan to its right on the US, India, Taliban, etc.”
Jamil Ahmad, ‘Methane moment’
Dawn, 28 May 2024
“Carbon dioxide historically received greater attention as the major contributor to global warming. This approach hindered policymakers from paying heed to controlling non-CO2 greenhouse gases, particularly methane. This is now changing. Having remained feeble for long, international efforts to lessen methane emissions have gained momentum. Some of the key reasons why policymaking has been handicapped — such as lack of financial resources, scientific knowledge, and credible data — are finally being prioritised internationally and in national policies. Methane receives merely two per cent of the global climate finance.”
Mosharraf Zaidi, ‘Radical economic transformation’
The News International, 28 May 2024
“Now the theory: after everything that has happened in Pakistan over the last two years, the way forward cannot be the same as the way forward in previous iterations of the political crises that emerge after a poisoning of the relationship between ‘the chosen one’ politician and those that choose politicians for such exalted roles. The reason for this is not the differences between Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1977, Nawaz Sharif in 1999, and Imran Khan in 2022. The reason for this is that the economic foundation of previous ‘recoveries’ no longer exists. External powers are preoccupied with different priorities, and the new generation of elites in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and even Afghanistan have not grown up in awe of the idea of Pakistan (as their parents may have in the 1950s and 1960s).”
Shahid Javed Burki, ‘ISIS is back with new tools’
The Express Tribune, 27 May 2024
“The March 2024 attack on a concert hall in a Moscow neighborhood signaled the reemergence of the Islamic State (IS) as a lethal force. The Moscow operation killed at least 133 people and injured many more. But Russia is not the country in which the group has a presence; it is active around the globe. That it had not lost its potency has been demonstrated by the revival of activity on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Operations carried out by those who are aligned with the extremist groups have claimed the lives of dozens of military personnel. The group continues to find recruits from the areas where the citizens believe that the Western powers along with the Jewish state of Israel are working hard to destroy Islam.”
Editorial, ‘Attacking minorities’
Dawn, 28 May 2024
“Our past patterns do not offer assurances. The cycle of banal condemnations, arrests for appeasement and token flag marches reeks of the state’s inability to confront this psychosis. Sadly, mobs turn into executioners due to the authorities’ helplessness before these elements. Thus, accountability for instigators is just as important as making corrupt officers answerable. Perpetrating atrocities in the name of religion is unpardonable and allegations without concrete evidence and due process are crimes of power and greed.”
Editorial, ‘Fighting terror’
The News International, 28 May 2024
“It has been a busy two days for the country’s security and intelligence apparatus, the challenge of terrorism at the front and centre of efforts by Pakistan's armed forces. With the terror threat looming like an ever-present haunting, 23 terrorists were killed by security forces in three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 26-27. An intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted in Peshawar district’s Hassan Khel where six terrorists were successfully neutralised and multiple hideouts were busted. Two soldiers, including a captain of the Pakistan Army, embraced martyrdom during this IBO. In another operation conducted in Tank district on May 27, troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, as a result of which 10 terrorists were killed. In another engagement in Bagh, seven terrorists were killed and two injured. Five brave soldiers embraced martyrdom during this operation. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the terrorists that were killed.”
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“State elements now face a unique challenge in sustaining their hegemony.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘More difficult now’
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