Second case of mob lynching in two months over blasphemy allegations; Opposition leader Omar Ayub terms FY25 budget “economic terrorism” against the people
In Brief
POLITICS
Opposition leader Omar Ayub terms FY25 budget “economic terrorism” against the people
On 20 June, Opposition leader Omar Ayub opposed the budget for FY25 during the financial debate in the National Assembly and termed it “economic terrorism” against the people Ayub opened the debate with loud criticisms. He stated: “The budget is a fraud with the people. This is a highway robbery against the people of Pakistan. This budget in actuality is economic terrorism against the people and the future of the country.” He also alleged that the budget was prepared using the aid of “economic hit men who want to shake the foundation of this country” and who were also involved in the PTI’s ouster from power in April 2022. He stressed that where there was “no rule of law,” there would not be trust for the investors. Further, he alleged that the Finance Minister’s “wings were clipped” adding that “The Ecnec chairmanship was taken away by the prime minister and his wingman […] entered and his name is Senator Ishaq Dar.” He also questioned the PPP’s consultation in the budget as only a few people from PPP participated in the budget presentation. He argued that budget which is “illegal and anti-people” will not pass. He criticizedthe government for not imposing tax on the elite as promisedearlier. Ayub also claimed that only Imran Khan could save the economy and that the nation stood behind him. (“NA opposition leader assails budget’s ‘economic terrorism’ as debate opens on finance bill,” Dawn, 20 June 2024)
PPP announces its support for the FY25 budget
On 20 June, the differences between PML-N and PPP dissolved after PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s to confirm PPP’s support for the budget. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar revealed that some “minor” reservations were posed by the PPP and that it would be resolved through negotiations. To take the dialogue between PML-N and PPP further, a committee has been established to resolve the differences and will be led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. PPP claimed that the PM agreed to most of the issues posed as the PPP chairperson expressed “annoyance” at the PML-N for not complying with the agreement signed while forming the government. Zardari also alleged that the PML-N government was “creating difficulties” for the PPP in Punjab. In Punjab, the PPP has expressed concerns regarding the privatization plan and the development budget. (Syed Irfan Raza, “‘All’s well’ after PPP, PML-N settle differences,” Dawn, 21 June 2024)
New political party “Awaam Pakistan” announced on X
On 20 June, a new political party named “Awaam Pakistan” was announced on X after months of speculation. Ex-Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi both earlier affiliated with the PML-N along with former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar had been working on the project since they left their respective parties over differences. Following their exit, they conducted a series of nationwide seminars in 2023 on ‘Reimagining Pakistan’. Mr Abbasi is the convener and Mr Ismail is his deputy of the Awaam Pakistan’s organizing committee. Due to the launch date differences, however, Mr Khokhar is no longer part of the group. Ismail stated: “It’s not [a decree] from heaven that only traditional politicians like Nawaz Sharif or Asif Zardari or Fazlur Rehman can do politics. We, the non-traditional, can also do that. The people of Pakistan can do that.” Mr Abbasi announced the formal launch will take place on 6 or 7 July with their 17 founding members. He stated: “We have not actually pursued anybody. These are people who want to work and think it’s a good platform. They are people who are worried about the country.” (Atika Rehman and Imran Ayub, “Miftah Ismail, Khaqan Abbasi launch ‘Awaam Pakistan’ party,” Dawn, 21 June 2024)
ECONOMY
NEPRA announces new electricity tariff design
On 21 June, Nepra introduced a new electricity tariff design which will be implemented from 1 July 2024. It proposed fixed charges of PKR 200 to PKR1000 per month in the electricity bill for five residential consumers’ categories dependent on the consumption of units a month. In addition, Nepra increased the same by up to 300 per cent for commercial consumers and 355 per cent for industrial consumers. This decision is anticipated to help Discos to increase its earnings. It is detailed that the domestic users who use 301 to 400 units of electricity will pay PKR 200 per month and 400 to 500 will pay PKR 400 and consumers using 500 to 600 will be charged PKR 600. Likewise, for residential users, it is charged that PKR 800 (600 to 700 units), and for those who use above 700 units and Time of Use (ToU) meter users have to pay a fixed charge of PKR 1000 per month. In addition, commercial users having load less than five kilo Watt will be charged PKR 1000 a month and who have load of five Kilo Watt and above will be charged PKR 2000 (300 per cent increase). Industrial users of B1 category have to pay PKR 1000 (up to 25 Kilo Watt). The B2 category using 500 Kilo Watt have to pay PKJR 2000. Same as this, the B3 and B4 category will be charged with PKR 2,000. The total cost of electricity charges includes 78 per cent fixed charges and 28 per cent variable charges. but on the revenue side, the fixed charges stood at two per cent and 98 per cent variable charges. This figure shows an imbalance between cost and revenue structure. However, the government has decided to submit the petition with Nepra looking for a uniform tariff in the FY25.(Khalid Mustafa, “Nepra imposes fixed charges of Rs200-1,000 a month on domestic consumers from July 1,” The News International, 1 June 2024)
SECURITY
Second case of mob lynching in two months over blasphemy allegations
On 20 June, a mob killed an individual and eight people injured during the unrest over alleged desecration of the Holy Quran in the Madyan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district. According to Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Zahidullah Khan, a suspect was taken to the police station on allegations of desecration of the Holy Quran. However, a charged mob attacked the police station and took the man away. The DPO stated: “People set fire to the police station and a mobile vehicle,” and the suspect was “torched.” He also noted that a heavy police force was deployed in Madyan to ease the situation. PTI said KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur noted the incident and contacted the provincial police chief on the matter. He directed the chief to take effective measures on an “emergency basis.” Former information Minister Fawad Chaudhry stated: “And the madness continues … We are hell bent on committing suicide as a society.”Violence against non-Muslims in Pakistan has risen rapidly since blasphemy was made punishable by death. Between 1987 and 2022, at least 2,120 persons were accused of blasphemy. In May, a Christian man was saved by police from enraged people in Sargodha. (Fazal Khaliq, “Man killed by mob in Swat’s Madyan over alleged Quran desecration: DPO,” Dawn, 20 June 2024)
Armed men abduct at least ten from Zarghoon area based on ethnicity
On 20 June, at least ten people including a customs officer were abducted by unknown armed men from a recreation resort at Shaban in the Zarghoon area near Quetta after their ethnicity was ascertainedThe Armed men surrounded the resort and checked the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) of picnickers and held 14 of them. Later, they released four and took ten people with them. The Express Tribune stated that all the ten abducted were from Punjab. In a similar incident in 2023, armed miscreants had abducted natives of Punjab from Zarghoon. (“Brazen abduction: 10 taken from Quetta resort,” The Express Tribune, 21 June 2024)
Gujranwala police force arrest several Ahmadiyya community members for violation of the constitution
On 20 June, Gujranwala City Police Officer (CPO) Rana Ayyaz Saleem revealed that several people from the Ahmadiyya community were detained for violation of the constitution. Earlier this week, a member of the community had been charged for sacrificing a goat on Eidul Azha. The people of the community reportedly held a meeting and decided not to celebrate the event publicly, however, it was violated. Amir Mehmood, a spokesperson for the Jamaat Ahmadiyya in Pakistan confirmed that at least nine FIRs were registered across Punjab and were asked not to celebrate any rituals similar to Muslims. The district administration has issued a six-day detention order for some Ahmadi members. Similarly, earlier this month, two of the Ahmadiyya were shot dead in Mandi Bahauddin. An FIR was filed under Section 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) which details the penalty for a person of the Ahmadiyya group who refers to them as “Muslim or preaching or propagating their faith.” Supreme Court’s judgment in 2022 also detailed that any non-Muslims if obstructed from practicing their religion within the confines of their worship place, will fall under violation of the constitution. (Imran Gabol, “Several Ahmadis detained by police for violating Constitution: Gujranwala CPO,” Dawn, 21 June 2024)
PROVINCE
Balochistan: President Zardari chairs a meeting on law and order, stressing “political dialogue” as a way to peace
On 20 June, President Asif Ali Zardari chaired a meeting on the law-and-order situation in Balochistan where he stressed the importance of countering “terrorist elements.” He highlighted the need for enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), posting competent officers in Balochistan, and improving the prosecution mechanism to achieve these goals. He was informed about the overall security situation in the province and the LEA’s role in successfully neutralizing the terrorist attacks. The president emphasized on political dialogue to bring “prosperity, development, and peace to Balochistan.” Further, he lauded the initiatives and sacrifices made by the LEAs as those have resulted in a positive improvement of the security situation. He was also informed of the provincial government's efforts to provide fool-proof security to Chinese and foreign nationals. He observed the need for upgradation of the prosecution system to avoid terrorist’s escape from justice and also argued that compensation for deceased personnel be increased at par with other provinces. In addition, he highlighted the need to improve the socio-economic situation and called for a focus on skill development and the need for completion of the Kachchi Canal project. In response, Chief Minister of Balochistan thanked the President’s visit and stated that it would provide a “sense of ownership” to the people. (“Zardari stresses dialogue for Balochistan peace,” The Express Tribune, 21 June 2024)
EXTERNAL
US backs “direct discussions” between India and Pakistan
On 20 June, the United States reiterated its support for any possible dialogue between Pakistan and India and asserted that the details were to be determined by the two countries among themselves. The US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller stated: “we support direct discussions between India and Pakistan but the pace, scope, and character should be determined by those two countries, not by us.” He also highlighted US and Pakistan’s shared interest in combating regional threats and its partnership with Islamabad on security through high-level counterterrorism dialogue. He also assured: “we support a series of US-Pakistan military-to-military engagements. We are in regular communication with Pakistani leaders as part of our partnership on CT issues and we will continue to discuss regional security in detail including through our annual counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations.” (Wajid Ali Syed, “US backs talks between Pakistan, India: official,” The News International, 21 June 2024)
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The dung left by Faiz, Bajwa and Ghafore on social media was blocked and ran away. He has been declared 'mentally unstable' by the PTI core committee itself. Wet partridge.
-Saad Kaiser
I deeply appreciate Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman CDA / Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Islamabad Capital territory administration for effectively executing a commendable cleanliness drive during Eid-ul-Azha.
- Shehbaz Sharif
How big a liar Sheikh Rashid is, Hasan Ayub says that before the interview and during the interview, Sheikh Rashid folded his hands ten times in front of Muneeb Farooq and begged that my politics is in your hands, save my politics, don't ask difficult questions, that is, Sheikho himself gave the interview and now retracted.
- Pervaiz Sandhila
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Shahid Mehmood, ‘Pakistan’s Hobbesian nightmare’
Dawn, 21 June 2024
“But if the affairs of men were to be governed by practical considerations, what ought to be the justification of having a set-up (government) that is a substitute for one based on divine law? Scholars and philosophers of the later mediaeval period remained seized with this question for some time. Of the earliest attempts to furnish an answer, two came from Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679). The Florentine diplomat and political adviser, Machiavelli, was crystal clear on the raison d’être of the existence of a government (or sovereign). In his celebrated book, The Prince, he stated: “He ought accordingly to encourage his subjects by enabling them to pursue their callings, whether mercantile, agricultural, or any other, in security so that this man shall not be deterred from beautifying his possessions from the apprehension that they may be taken from him, or that other refrain from opening a trade through fear of taxes; and he should provide rewards for those who desire so to employ themselves, and for all who are disposed in any way to add to the greatness of his City or State.”
Inam Ul Haque, ‘Myths about Afghanistan and the Islamic Emirate’
The Express Tribune, 20 June 2024
“Myth no 1. Afghans are better left alone; Afghanistan being sovereign, hand-off policy suggested. Easier said than done in the real world, when vital interests and massive investments are at stake. In a research paper on Pak-Afghan bilateralism, while pursuing a Master’s degree in IR in 2003-2004 at the NDU Islamabad, the line of argument by this scribe was that “despite short and mid-term animosity, Afghan state and society would be friendlier towards Pakistan in the long-term (2030) because of the inescapable multidirectional interdependence, where Afghan dependence on Pakistan is substantially more than other way round.” This interdependence creates problems as well as leverages for Pakistan. As half of Pakistan… KPK, Balochistan and the NMDs are co-joined twins with eastern Afghanistan, with situation on either side affecting the other. TTP as a sticking no 1 variable is a case in point. So, in the prevailing milieu, how can Pakistan remain indifferent to the situation in Kabul…geostrategically, politically, in the security realms and economically? It should not!”
Dr Taimur Shamil, ‘Navigating Washington’
The News International, 21 June 2024
Pakistan and US relations are generally underrated and often understated in many ways. A closer look at the areas of cooperation like the economy, people-to-people interaction, and regional peace and security brings out several occasions where Pakistan and the US were exceptionally cooperative. However, there are issues where we see strategic divergence and political pragmatism. As the world prepares for new political mechanisms and the US prepares for general elections this year, Pakistan must formulate a comprehensive and renewed foreign policy approach to navigate Washington to tap into opportunities and avoid pitfalls in bilateral relations.”
Editorial, ‘Journalist’s murder’
Dawn, 21 June 2024
“There is a wide variety of actors who do not want journalists reporting on what they do. They range from militants, criminal gangs and local ‘influentials’ to elements within the state apparatus that are not happy with those who ask too many questions, even if this is in the public and national interest. Along with threats and deadly violence, members of the media fraternity also face ‘lawfare’, as cases are instituted against them on flimsy grounds. Calls to create a safer environment for journalists have failed to move the state into taking substantive action in this regard. For example, the CPJ has called upon the prime minister to “stop this alarming rise in attacks against journalists, and end this cycle of impunity”. The fact is that malevolent actors — both state and non-state — know that they can get away with violence against journalists. This is what must change.”
Editorial, ‘Diplomatic fact check’
The News International, 21 June 2024
“Political fights, propaganda, a bit of exaggeration – this is all part and parcel of politics. But misstatements or false attributions that tend to affect a country’s diplomacy are a territory that should ideally be avoided. It is in this context that Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has accused “a political party” of spreading misinformation about Pakistan-China relations over the past few days, claiming that a smear campaign is underway to sabotage ties between the two friendly countries. The planning minister’s comments came after reports surfaced that Beijing had downgraded its relations with Islamabad, something Iqbal has termed as enemy propaganda. Pakistan and China have a strong multifaceted and multi-dimensional relationship. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a project that both sides have invested in heavily and are committed to complete. CPEC’s stated aim is socio-economic development, employment opportunities and improvement in livelihoods in Pakistan.”
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“The situation is dire, and likely to get worse.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Tick tock’
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