Federal Cabinet approves privatization programme
POLITICS
Imran Khan hails ‘internal accountability’ within the military
On 15 August, speaking with journalists, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan welcomed the implementation of the “internal accountability” undertaken by the military establishment. Khan was also observed distancing himself from the former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Faiz Hameed. Referring to claims that Hameed was involved in the 9 May events, Khan commented: “If Faiz Hameed was involved, it should be investigated.” He added that the political upheaval that took place following his arrest from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) may have been a part of the” London Plan”. He claimed that the ‘London Plan’ was formed to overthrow his regime and alluded to the involvement of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice, and the Chief Election Commissioner in the plot leading to his ouster. He also highlighted the Rawalpindi commissioner’s claim of irregularities in the February elections. Additionally, Khan accused Former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa of plotting against the PTI government in order to extend his tenure. He said that General Faiz Hameed was removed from his ISI post on the order of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. This eventually led to a cleft between the Prime Minister’s office and the army chief. Khan emphasized that General Faiz would have been of service because of his contacts with the Taliban regime. (Malik Asad & Mohammad Asghar, “Imran welcomes army's 'internal accountability',” Dawn, 16 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Federal Cabinet approves privatization programme
On 16 August, The News International reported that a privatization programme had been approved by the federal cabinet. The programme is for a period of five years beginning from 2024-2029. Under the programme, 24 institutions will be privatized in three phases. After a review, more institutions will be included in the programme. Sources say that nine Power Distribution Companies (Discos) will be privatized in the cities of Islamabad, Gujranwala and Faisalabad will be privatized in the first phase. Electric supply companies in Peshawar, Hazara, Sukkur, Multan, Lahore and Hyderabad will be privatized in the second phase. Sources revealed that State Life Insurance Corporation Utility Stores Corporation and Pakistan Reinsurance Company may also be privatized. The cabinet has ordered an extensive and comprehensive schedule to be reviewed by the federal cabinet on the institutions approved for privatization. The schedule includes a list of financial advisers to be appointed, including other requirements. (Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Cabinet approves 5-year privatisation programme ,” The News International, 16 August 2024)
IMF contingency plan to be implemented, if Federal Board of Revenue misses tax collection target
On 16 August, The News International reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), that if it is unable to collect a tax target of PKR 60 billion in the first fiscal quarter then it may have to implement a mini-budget or contingency plan. Further, the newly appointed FBR chairman and member of the IR Policy, Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, will be in charge of all FBR negotiations with the IMF on tax-related issues. The FBR has been able to collect PKR 660 billion in July, which is PKR 4 billion more than its original July tax target of PKR 656 billion. However, the board still has to collect a total of PKR 2,652 within the first quarter. Otherwise, it will be compelled to implement IMF’s mini-budget demand. Earlier, the overall tax collection target by the IMF was revised from PKR 12,970 billion to PKR 12,913 billion even though the first figure had received parliamentary approval. Soon after the 2024-2025 budget was approved, the FBR implemented the Tajir Dost Special Procedure 2024 which is set to impose monthly taxes ranging from PKR 100 to PKR 60,000 across the country. The FBR had assured the IMF that it would collect PKR 50 billion from retailers. Despite 150,000 registrations under the scheme, the FBR has been unable to achieve this target. (Mehta Haider, “IMF warns of ‘contingency plan’ if quarter tax target missed by Rs60bn ,” The News International, 16 August 2024)
HEALTH
Alerts sent to KP hospitals after detection of monkeypox case
On 14 August, Public Health Director, Dr Irshad Ali Roghani told Dawn that a 34-year-old man from the Lower Dir district had been detected with monkeypox/mpox. The patient is said to have a history of frequenting the Middle East. After visiting the Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar, he was prescribed to be tested for mpox. The Public Health Reference Laboratory (PHRL) confirmed the test positive. The PHRL has issued notices to hospitals outlining that mpox is a “zoonotic infection” and is transmitted from animals to humans. Border Health Services and provinces have been alerted. They have been instructed to organize isolation wards, stock up on antiviral medicines and ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are available for healthcare workers. The symptoms start showing after an incubation period of 3-17 days on those affected. Dr Irshad informed that a specimen was sent to the National Institute of Health Islamabad for genetic sequencing and that a “strict surveillance network” has been initiated by the department. He added “Efforts are afoot to screen people among close contacts of the infected person.” An advisory about the communicable disease was sent to district health officers and hospital superintendents on how the samples ought to be collected, stored and transported to the PHRL. In the last two years, this is the eleventh case of monkeypox detected in Pakistan and the first of this year. (Ashfaq Yusufzai, “KP hospitals put on alert after detection of mpox case ,” Dawn, 16 August 2024; M Waqar Bhatti, “Pakistan on high alert after first case of Mpox,” The News International, 16 August 2024)
SECURITY
Seven TTP militants eliminated in Kurram, reveals ISPR
On 15 August, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed that about seven terrorists of the Fitna Al Khawarij or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been eliminated in an intelligence operation in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. ISPR stated that five other terrorists were injured and captured and that their hideout was discovered and destroyed. The wing found a large collection of arms and ammunition. Currently, a sanitation operation is going on to get rid of the remainder terrorists in the area with the objective of wiping out terrorism within the country. The ISPR also informed that the dead were involved in many attacks against civilians and security personnel. As a response, a statement was issued by the Prime Minister's Office where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the army for their successful operation in Kurram. The statement said: “The armed forces of Pakistan are tirelessly working day and night to cleanse our homeland of the menace of Fitna Al Khawarij.” Even the Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated the force's efforts for their determination and commitment towards “eradicating” the “menace.” (“Seven terrorists killed, five injured in Kurram operation: ISPR ,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2024)
Three more retired officers taken into custody in connection with General Faiz Hameed’s case
On 15 August, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed that in relation to the Field General Court Martial proceedings against former Inter-Services Investigation Chief, Lt General Faiz Hameed, three other retired officers have been taken into custody “for their actions prejudicial to military discipline.” As per a Geo News report, two officers were brigadiers and the other was of colonel rank. They were allegedly working as messengers between the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) government and General Faiz. The report added that till now about eight individuals have been convicted along with the three officers, in connection with the proceedings mentioned above. In a media address, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alluded that more arrests are likely to be made. He warned that “No one can be allowed to put the country’s security at stake.” Further, Tarar claimed that General Faiz was following Imran Khan’s orders and was “leading them all” while sitting in jail. (Ali Raza & Muhammad Anis, “In connection with Gen Faiz’s court martial: Military says three more retired officers in custody,” The News International, 16 August 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab: Provincial Disaster Management Authority issues high alert to districts across Punjab
On 15 August, Dawn reported that according to a high-level alert issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the river Chenab may have a floodwater level between 200,000 to 250,000 cusecs. The PDMA warned that due to heavy rainfall experienced on 14 August night, the water level in the upper catchment of Chenab was recorded to be approximately 100-130 mm. No inundation is expected in the Sialkot district and the Jammu Tawi flow is expected to rise 40-50mm because of rainfall in the upper catchment. As Marala, Khanki and other adjacent rivers may flood the PDMA has sent an alert to Commissioners of south, northeastern and central Punjab. PDMA Director General Iran Ali Kathia informed that all arrangements should be made. Teams of Rescue 1122 should be on high alert, stocks of resources should be made and the public should be informed of the weather conditions and evacuations of people and livestock should be ensured, he added. At the same time, a Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management meeting was held at the PDMA head office. They discussed the prevention measures, monsoon preparedness and attenuation of soil erosion near riverbanks in districts across Punjab. Some of the outcomes of the meeting were approval of the contraction and repair of the Walley Wala embankment in Kasur and a programme to initiate the prevention of soil erosion along the river Chenab, particularly Bhun Fazil. The meeting also approved a grant for establishing an early warning system in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan as they are prone to severe flooding by hill torrents. An additional PKR 11 million has been authorized to repair, strengthen, and construct embankments and bunds. (Imran Gabol, “Punjab PDMA warns of high-level flood in Chenab,” Dawn, 16 August 2024)
AF-PAK
Trade at halt despite border reopening at Torkham
On 15 August, the Torkham border was reopened for the resumption of trade and movement. It was temporarily closed due to clashes between border security guards after Afghanistan hurled mortar shells in response to Pakistan’s request asking them to stop construction of a post on the Afghan side. As a result, several loaded vehicles and pedestrians from both sides were stranded. However, bilateral trade was halted for most of the drivers as they failed to present proof of the Temporary Admission Document (TAD). This document is a mandatory certificate for people from both countries as most of them are yet to receive a visa and a passport. Customs clearing agents, local transporters and daily wage workers staged protests on 12 August, against the introduction of the TAD. This was the same day when the borders were closed due to clashes between the border securities of both countries. (“Trade, pedestrian movement resume at Torkham ,” Dawn, 16 August 2024)
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It cannot be disputed that weakening the army of any state is like weakening the state, but is the state affected only by weakening the army? Who is weak when the Parliament is placed before the Supreme Court and the decisions of the Supreme Court are not implemented?
- Hamid Mir
Despite the 4 bomb blasts in Quetta, on the call of Imran Khan, the brave founder of Tehreek-e-Insaf, a real freedom rally was held in Quetta under the leadership of his soldier Provincial President Dawood Shah Kakar, in which thousands of people participated. And proved that they are real soldiers of Khan...!
- PTI
Freedom is the greatest blessing in the world. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
- PMLN Digital
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