PM calls on Chinese firms to establish their industry in Pakistan; More polio samples found in five months of 2024 compared to the whole of 2023
In Brief
POLITICS
Imran Khan willing to hold talks only with individuals “who could offer something”
On 28 May, PTI leader Arif Alvi confirmed Imran Khan’s readiness to talk only to quarters “who could offer something,” as talking to those who had come into power through ‘Form 47’ would be futile. While speaking at a PTI protest camp outside the Karachi Press Club, he criticized the military’s role in politics and stated: “We never invited the military to intervene in politics.” He added that talks “should only be held with those who can offer something and bring something credible to the table,” stressing the need to act quickly as the prevailing situation was “pushing everyone towards a dead-end.” Alvi opined that talking to those who have nothing to offer would weaken the “broken political system,” and that the PTI wants to “fix the same broken political system.” (Imran Ayub, “Imran only wants talks with the empowered, says Alvi,” Dawn, 29 May 2024)
EXTERNAL
PM calls on Chinese firms to establish their industry in Pakistan
On 29 May, The Express Tribune reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to discuss the promotion of Pakistan-China cooperation, where he invited Chinese companies, especially the textile sector, to establish their industry in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by several ministers, special assistants to the PM, the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, and other senior officers. Sharif stated: “China is a key partner in Pakistan’s development. Pakistan desires to enhance cooperation with China in agriculture, information technology, and energy besides enhancing its exports to China.” He also reaffirmed that the government would provide fool-proof security to Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, and went on to announce that Pakistan is preparing for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He noted the CPEC two is devised to incorporate Agricultural Demonstration Zones and urged all the ministries to be prepared for the launch of new projects with Chinese cooperation. (“PM invites Chinese textile firms to Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 29 May 2024)
Pakistan and Saint Lucia formalize diplomatic ties by signing a joint communiqué
On 28 May, envoys from Pakistan and the Caribbean Island country Saint Lucia met at the Pakistan Mission to the UN and finalized the diplomatic ties by signing the joint communiqué. It was signed by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, and his Saint Lucian counterpart, Ambassador Menissa Rambally. During their address, both appreciated the start of the new chapter. Akram expressed his belief that the new formalization of ties with St Lucia would open up new factions for mutually beneficial relationships in the realms of trade, commerce, political cooperation, and tourism. He stated: “We look forward to the stronger people-to-people bond. There is immense tourism potential in both the countries that can be explored through visits by the tourists.” Rambally thanked him and stated that she personally “learnt a lot from him.” (“Diplomatic ties between Pakistan, St Lucia formalised,” The News International, 29 May 2024)
SECURITY
Pakistan’s nuclear tests created credible minimum deterrence, says ISPR
On 28 May, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also issued a statement on the occasion, highlighting that the nuclear tests successfully restored the balance of power in the region and created credible minimum deterrence. It stated: “The armed forces and the nation pay tribute to the unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifices of all those who contributed to this remarkable feat, achieved against overwhelming odds. The scientists, engineers, and officials who devoted their lives to realizing this dream rightly deserve the gratitude and admiration of the nation and its armed forces.”
Separately, the Foreign Office (FO) issued a statement highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to “global and regional peace and stability” as the country celebrated its 26th anniversary of nuclear profiles. The FO took to X and wrote: “Pakistan is committed to global and regional peace and stability and reaffirms its resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.” The country’s nuclear programme “enjoys the unanimous support of all sections of the Pakistani society including political parties, the armed forces, scientific community, academia and the public at large.” The statement also expressed commitment towards safeguarding Pakistan’s “territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.” (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan committed to global peace: Foreign Office,” Dawn, 29 May 2024)
SOCIETY
More polio samples found in five months of 2024 compared to the whole of 2023
On 29 May, Dawn reported that the efforts taken by the government were not effective in eradicating polio as they failed to achieve the desired results. The environmental samples have tested positive for the polio virus increased in the first five months of 2024 than the record of the entire previous year. This year’s tally of tested-positive environmental samples reached 148 across 38 districts when compared to the previous year’s record of 126 positive cases across 28 districts. The National Institute of Health Islamabad confirmed the detection of Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) in eight sites in six previously infected districts. The recent polio program held in Qatar also noted the situation in Pakistan is worse than in Afghanistan. It stated the samples were genetically linked to the imported YB3A WPV1 genetic cluster which disappeared from Pakistan in 2021 and remained in Afghanistan. A statement from the Polio program noted: “The Pakistan Polio Programme is implementing an intense vaccination schedule this year to curb the spread of the virus.” (Ikram Junaidi, “More positive polio samples in five months of 2024 than whole of previous year,” Dawn, 29 May 2024)
University federation rejects budget reduction of HEC, announces black day
On 28 May, the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) announced it would observe a black day on 30 May at all universities across the country, to oppose the huge cut in the budget of the federal Higher Education Commission (HEC). This comes after the notification issued by the federal government, which informed of a reduction of the HEC’s budget for FY25. The reduction will be from PKR 65 billion to PKR 25 billion and will include only the federal universities. The FAPUASA rejected the federal government’s decision due to its impact on the higher education sector which is already suffering. The academic staff associations (ASAs) were also directed to hold meetings to bring all the stakeholders to raise their voices against the decision. It also decided to hold sit-ins next week in Islamabad. FAPUASA President Magsi and General Secretary Uzair condemned the decision and argued any decision regarding the HEC must be placed before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) as per the constitution. The FAPUASA demanded the government to withdraw the decision immediately. The executive council demanded the government increase the budget up to PKR 500 billion and warned that failure to increase the budget would result in the closure of universities. (“Varsity teachers to observe black day to protest cut in HEC budget,” Dawn, 29 May 2024)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: PM directs authorities to improve load management and provide relief to those without electricity
On 29 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure better load management and provide load relief following the Centre’s decision to help Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in reducing power load shedding in KP. He also warned that the government would take action against the power thieves. Sharif promised to conduct a review of the power theft situation every month and urged the provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, and other departments to extend their support in the anti-power theft drive. The areas that are highly vulnerable to power theft, line losses, and low recovery ratios are the places subjected to load-shedding. The meeting also devised a task force at the provincial and divisional level to resolve the issue which would undergo weekly review. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM seeks better handling of power outages in KP,” Dawn, 29 May 2024)
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The barbaric attacks in Rafah, where women and children are being burned alive, are deliberate acts against Palestinians, not tragic mishaps. Complicity through silence is unacceptable. The international community must unite and act now to enforce international law, stop the massacre, and hold Israel accountable for these atrocities. We strongly condemn Israel's crimes against humanity and demand an immediate end to the violence and justice for Palestine.
- BilawalBhuttoZardari
Happy Takbeer Day! The journey started by Leader of the People Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to make Pakistan's defense invincible was continued by Bibi Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in the form of acquiring missile technology for Pakistan and the leader of Muslim League-N Nawaz Sharif took a difficult decision. Decided the explosions. The credit of our deterrence today is due to the decisions of these political leaders and the eternal sacrifices of the armed forces and we Balochistan have this honor Pakistan's first nuclear test was conducted on our soil in Chagai.
- Sarfraz Bugti
Deeply concerned by the disturbing developments in Rafah. Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s indiscriminate bombardment that has led to heavy casualties. It is deplorable that international law is being repeatedly violated, despite ICJ’s recent clear verdict against Israel. The international community, particularly the UN, must play its part in protecting civilians from such brutal aggression.
- Shehbaz Sharif
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Rafia Zakaria, ‘The approaching verdict’
Dawn, 29 May 2024
“However, at the end of the day, a felon is a felon, and a felon is what Donald Trump will be if the jury of 12 New Yorkers decides that the prosecution has met its burden of proof and shown beyond reasonable doubt that the former president did, in fact, order his attorney to pay hush money to Daniels and then lied about it on his business records. The prosecution’s main witnesses, Stormy Daniels herself and the attorney Michael Cohen, performed well on the witness stand. While the defence was able to poke some holes into the credibility of attorney Michael Cohen, it is unclear if this helped, because the fact that a shady character like Cohen would be Trump’s attorney boosts the perception that Trump was doing shady things. Similarly, Daniels was able to hold her own on the stand despite protracted efforts by Trump’s attorneys to highlight her work in the sex industry as the basis for her lack of credibility.”
Abdul Rafay Siddiqui, ‘It’s a seth’s world’
The News International, 29 May 2024
“The employee is at the mercy of the ‘seth’ – the supreme leader who not only controls the working hours of the employee but may also control the personal time of the employee. WhatsApp messages, phone calls and emails after working hours have been normalized and considered accepted practice to fulfil company goals and objectives. Every matter has become urgent. We may recall from our childhood that when our parents came home from work, they would spend time with their children, watch television, have dinner and help with our homework. However, today’s children will grow up watching their parents work on laptops, even after their parents have arrived home. This is not a healthy work-life balance.”
Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, ‘Do we need a Charter for Change?’
The News International, 29 May 2024
“First things first, let’s recognize that Pakistan is not lacking in policies. On the contrary, there is an abundance of policies and counter-policies across various sectors, each designed with specific objectives in mind. However, the implementation of these policies often occurs within isolated departmental boundaries, leading to missed opportunities for synergy and collaboration. This lack of an integrated approach results in policies that do not complement or support one another, ultimately undermining their effectiveness. This fragmentation is particularly problematic for a country like Pakistan, where interrelated challenges require cohesive and coordinated responses.”
Editorial, ‘First steps’
Dawn, 29 May 2024
“On Saturday, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur finally attended the SIFC meeting to which he had previously not been invited, and it seems to have gone well. The federal information minister later issued a glowing appraisal of the development, stating, “I think today’s meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere with great positivity […] I think the good thing is that a message of unity was sent after today’s SIFC meeting that the centre and the provinces are on one page.” Mr Gandapur, too, described it as “a very good meeting”, while iterating that his province’s resources should benefit both its residents and the larger country. He promptly apprised his party chief, Imran Khan, of the discussion in a visit to Adiala Jail. Then, on Monday, the KP chief minister also managed to reach an understanding with the ministers of interior and power over his province’s power issues, signalling a shift away from his government’s confrontational stance.”
Editorial, ‘Hostage to the mob’
The News International, 29 May 2024
“Pakistan has decided to ignore the ever-evolving problem of intolerance that has been eating away the country’s social fabric. Last week, mob violence in Sargodha once again reminded authorities of their failure to protect minority communities in the country. According to reports, on Saturday (May 25), a Christian family was targeted by a mob when the family’s neighbours alleged they were guilty of blasphemy. Other members of the Christian community were also attacked. Thankfully, the situation was brought under control after the police rescued the two Christian families and thwarted the lynching attempt. The incident was dangerously similar to the Jaranwala mob attack last year that left scores of homes and buildings belonging to Christians burnt and severely damaged.”
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“The ‘right’ to anything is only derived from the law.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Termination limits’
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