In Brief
POLITICS
Government to work on multi-party consensus on constitutional package
On 15 October, Dawn reported that the Awami National Party (ANP) has recorded its opposition to many of the propositions in the constitutional package. Its first opposition is to the fixing of a three-year term for the head of the Federal Constitutional Court for being person specific. Its second opposition is to the provision of constitutional courts in the provinces as it would add an unnecessary fiscal burden. Further, it addred and High Courts were already being aided by quite a few tribunals. The ANP also seeks changes to Article 176 arguing that the Supreme Court must have an equal representation of judges from all the provinces.Additionally, it has demanded equal representation in the management administration of the federal and provincial government and that the term ‘Khyber’ be dropped from from the provinces name Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Separately, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has assured ANP President Aimal Wali Khan that proposed changes in Article 8 would not be included in the final draft. Meanwhile, PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf argued that it was not possible to give any more time to the PTI. ANP President also accused the PTI of just wasting time claiming that they would eventually not agree to anything. On another front, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman claimed that proposals rejected by the party would not be included in the final draft and that there was harmony in the drafts of PML-N, PPP and JUI-F. Separately, it was reported that PPP and MQM-P have reached consensus on moving forward with the constitutional amendments. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Government claims ‘broader consensus’ on amendments,” Dawn, 15 October 2024)
PTI postpones D-Chowk protest in Islamabad on government assurance
On 14 October, the PTI issued a message on X, where it announced the postponement of its planned D-Chowk strike in Islamabad. This development comes after the PTI received guarantees from the government where the latter assured of restoration of Imran Khan’s right to access doctors in the jail. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan had earlier voiced his concern over Imran Khan’s health as he was not allowed by the jail authorities to meet party members, doctors or family members. The Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi communicated with the PTI and assured them that Imran Khan would have access to a doctor on 15 October. (Nadir Guramani, “PTI postpones D-Chowk protest on SCO summit eve after govt assures Imran’s medical checkup,” Dawn, 15 October 2024)
ECONOMY
FBR goes after suspected tax dodgers
On 15 October, The News International reported that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated a clampdown against suspected tax dodgers who are involved in tax frauds worth multi-billion rupees. Five suspects have been arrested by FBR’s Regional Directorates of Intelligence and Investigation of Inland Revenues, including one who had engaged in making chains of dummy businesses. Four members of top management of end users involved in tax frauds and who were responsible for causing sales tax losses worth billions to the national exchequer have also been arrested. Chief Financial Officers (CFO) and purchase officer of a top battery manufacturer from Lahore were arrested by Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Inland Revenue, Hyderabad for being involved in massive tax frauds. Another arrest took place in Faisalabad where CFOs of two sister concerns and a top textile unit in the city were charged of tax fraud and claiming false input tax on coal. (Mehtab Haider, “FBR tightens noose around potential tax dodgers,” The News International, 15 October 2024)
SOCIETY
“Child trafficking remains a pressing issue in Pakistan,” highlights an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 15 October, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Innocence lost” termed child trafficking in Pakistan as “a pressing issue.” The editorial also pointed out that annually, “thousands” of children fall into the trap. Referring to the recent recovery of 29 children from the Kotli district, the editorial emphasized the need to have “more effective measures to combat this scourge.” It pointed out that trafficking and traffickers operate in a particular socio-economic context: a society rife with “poverty, lack of education and inadequate law enforcement.” It also pointed out how impoverished families are often tricked by traffickers and “unknowingly” sell their children into exploitation. Further, attempts at prevention are complicated by a general lack of awareness. On the strategy front, the editorial suggested a “multi-pronged” approach, including raising public awareness about the matter, recognizing and reporting of suspicious activity (schools can play a focal role), adequate training and awareness of law enforcement personnel, specialized taskforces, and using the knowledge base and support of NGOs and international bodies who are domain experts. Additionally, there is a need to address the “root causes of poverty and education disparities, creating an environment where children are less susceptible to trafficking.” (“Innocence lost,” The Express Tribune, 15 October 2024)
HEALTH
Polio cases in Pakistan reach 33 in 2024
On 14 October, The Express Tribune reported that another case of polio has been detected in Quetta, Balochistan taking the total number of cases in the country this year to 33. Among provinces, Balochistan remains the worst affected having reported 17 polio cases, followed by Sindh which reported 10 cases. KP has reported four cases and one each has been reported from Punjab and Islamabad. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has informed that Pakistan had witnessed 45 polio cases in the last four years with only one case being reported in 2021 and 20 cases being reported in2022. Further, the Ministry of Health has revealed that it has spent around USD 447 million since January 2022 towards eradicating polio. (“Pakistan’s polio crisis deepens as 33rd case reported from Quetta,” The Express Tribune, 14 October, 2024)
SECURITY
Attack on Bannu Police lines by militants kills four police officials
On 14 October, five militants armed with modern weaponry, rocket launchers and hand grenades and covered in burqa and suicide vests attacked Iqbal Shaheed Police lines in Bannu. Four police officials were killed in the shooting that lasted for around six hours. Police personnel were, however, successful in thwarting their attempt to enter the main building of the Police Lines. They also successfully neutralized all ofthe attackers. KP CM Ali Amin Ganadapur expressed appreciation for the bravery of the police personnel and condemned the attack by militants. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “Four cops martyred in Bannu police attack,” Dawn, 15 October, 2024)
“Pakistan can only move forward when disillusioned segments of society…are brought into the mainstream,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 15 September, an editorial in Dawn titled “Conciliatory approach” discussed the state’s response to terrorist attacks and genuine people’s movements throughout the country. Referencing the Balochistan government’s recent response to the Duki massacre, the editorial lamented that the state continues to use its old handbook: counter-terror intelligence based operations to neutralize the terrorists. While acknowledging that eliminating terrorists is important, the editorial also pointed out that “militarized responses to terrorism and insurgency” has not yielded desired results in Balochistan. The editorial added that in such events there is also a need to “investigate the intelligence lapses.” Further, the editorial lamented that the state has taken a confrontational and repressive stance against people and movements peacefully trying to communicate their grievances. For instance, the treatment of rights activist Dr Mahrang Baloch who has been accused of carrying out an “anti-state campaign.” Surprisingly, a case of sedition has been filed against her by a Karachi businessman. However, the editorial pointed out that such state tactics are not a recent phenomenon. Often such cases have been filed in “far-flung” areas by allegedly aggrieved parties. The editorial also highlighted that when voices of dissent are muzzled in this manner, people take to “radicalization and confrontation with the state.” The editorial suggested that in order to deal with this long-term disaffection, “political initiatives” are also required. Thus, the editorial argues that only when “disillusioned segments of society — particularly in Balochistan and KP” are mainstreamed is when Pakistan will be able to “move forward.” Further, in the long-run this can turnout be “amongst the most effective counterterrorism measures.” (“Conciliatory approach,” Dawn, 15 October 2024)
PROVINCES
Sindh: Benazir Hari Card launched by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto to benefit farmers
On 15 October, Benazir Hari Card was launched by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari promising that farmers would be the main beneficiaries. He launched the card on behalf of the PPP Sindh government. He claimed that President Zardari’s decisions have brought an agricultural revolution within a year and the economy is again stable. He acknowledged that it was the responsibility of the government to look after people’s problems and criticized mafias, large business groups, industrialists and international forces for attempting to deregulate the agricultural sector. He had also put a demand in front of the Government that instead of giving subsidies worth billions of rupees to fertilizer manufacturers, it should rather go to the growers and claimed that agriculture was the only way to national development. (“Bilawal launches Benazir Hari Card,” The News International, 15 October, 2024)
INDIA VIEW
Nawaz expresses intent to meet Modi soon in an interview with Barkha Dutt
On 15 October, The News International reported that in an interview with Indian journalist Barkha Dutt, Nawaz Sharif has expressed his intention to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improving relations between the two countries. Relations between the two countries have not been cordial since the Indian government’s decision to revoke Article 370. The PML-N Chief had earlier congratulated Modi on getting re-elected and had called for replacing hate with hope. Modi had responded that while he appreciates the former’s message, India would always prioritize the well-being and security of its people. Separately, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has ruled out any bilateral talks with Pakistan at the SCO summit. (“Nawaz hopes to meet Modi in ‘not too distant future’,” The News International, 15 October, 2024) (“Indian Journalist Barkha Dutt meets Nawaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz,” The Express Tribune, 14 October, 2024)
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On our request to the Federal Minister for Interior , we were assured the well being of IK as well as a visit by a competent Doctor of PIMS today, therefore Protest on 15/10/24 was called off after unanimous decision by the political committee.
- Barrister Gohar Khan
Historic consensus within reach, win-win amendment on its way says Ahsan Iqbal!
- PML-N Digital
The puppets selected from Form 47 are trembling before the election audit and more than one tout is trying to threaten, intimidate and pressure the judges. The only question is that if the election was not rigged, then what is the fear of audit?
It should be remembered that due to the joint efforts of Qazi Faiz Isa and the puppet regime, the election tribunals which were supposed to give a decision on election excuses in 4 to 6 months could not be functional for almost 8 months.
- PTI
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"Did anybody suggest that India should consider talking to Pakistan during the fraught international meeting in Islamabad?"
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘World is not about Indo-Pak ties'
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