Army Chief satisfied by economic recovery I Government to deploy security personnel ahead of PTI protest
In Brief
POLITICS
The government and PTI may initiate bilateral dialogue
On 21 November, according to The News International the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf held two meetings to start a dialogue. The success of these interactions can be gauged after PTI Founder Imran Khan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif or the establishment agree to a dialogue process. If both sides agree, it would stimulate the PTI to call off its protests scheduled for 24 November. If the dialogue process were to be initiated then there may neither be direct interaction between the PTI and the establishment, nor an immediate acceptance of the PTI’s demands. However, there are also PTI leaders who deny this development, including Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur and Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. (Ansar Abbassi, “Two meetings held between govt, PTI for initiation of dialogue,” The News International, 21 November 2024)
Government approves deployment of security personnel ahead of PTI protest
On 20 November, a letter issued by the interior ministry outlined the government's decision to deploy Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel in Islamabad from 22 November. Responding to a letter from the Islamabad police chief’s office, the letter stated that as a particular political party has announced a procession on 24 November, “Islamabad Capital Police have to make comprehensive and flawless security arrangements in Islamabad Capital during the upcoming law and order [situation] to avert any untoward incident,” This development comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf announced a ‘final call’ for protests on 24 November. The protests are against the implementation of the 26th constitutional amendment, the “unjust arrests” of his party workers, and the “stolen mandate.” Additionally, the central and Punjab government have ordered police to be on high alert across the province and Section 144 has further been extended for two months. (Tahir Sherani, “Govt okays Rangers, FC in Islamabad from Friday ahead of PTI Nov 24 power show,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
Imran Khan receives bail in Toshakhana 2.0; release uncertain
On 20 November, PTI founder Imran Khan was granted bail in the second Toshakhana case. He was accused of retaining highly priced jewelry gifted by the Saudi King. In the case, the Federal Investigation Agency blamed Imran Khan for understating the price of the jewelry that had led to huge monetary losses to the government. Though Bushra Bibi was granted bail for the same case, Khan will not be released because about 24 more pending cases against him have to be addressed. On the same day, the Rawalpindi police arrested Khan, accusing him of stimulating “arson and property damage” during the party's protest on 27 September. The case will be presented before an anti-terrorism court on 21 November in Adiala jail. Other PTI leaders such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur, Seemabia Tahir, Amur Mughar, and Aliya Hamza were also implicated in the FIR. (Malik Asad, “Imran granted bail in Toshakhana case but release unlikely,” Dawn, 21 November 2024; Shabbir Dar, “Imran Khan faces new case: Trial to begin at Adiala Jail today,” The News International, 21 November 2024)
PPP constitutes committee to present its concerns with the federal government
On 20 November, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) constituted a committee to project its concerns, of the government’s failure to fulfill its promises as outlined in the agreement ratified by both parties. The formation of the committee was preceded by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto expressing disappointment regarding the government’s sidelining of his party. It is anticipated that Bilawal Bhutto might reconsider the support given to the ruling coalition in the upcoming CEC meeting. This has given a signal to PM Sharif that it can no longer take the PPP support to the government for granted. The committee has several senior PPP leaders such as Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti. The committee would be looking towards having discussions with the federal government where they will present their issues, and a report would be forwarded to the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, scheduled to take place sometime in December. (Imran Ayub, “High-powered PPP body to raise ‘unresolved’ issues,” Dawn, 21 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
“The judiciary must recognize that allowing such deals is tantamount to licensing state violence,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 21 November, an editorial titled “Dubious pardon,” in Dawn discussed the issue of extrajudicial killings of those in custody, lack of accountability and the judiciary’s ineffectiveness. The editorial cited the recent death of Moiz Nadeem held at the Karachi police station and the involvement of four policemen in the murder. Instead of being held responsible, the officials were pardoned by the victim’s kin. In this regard, the editorial observed how the “very institution tasked with protecting citizens stands accused of taking a life under its watch.” It also brings to picture of the police institution’s ability to influence judicial processes, as Nadeem’s sons claimed that they were under no pressure to call for a settlement. Consequently, such conduct of state institutions further erodes public trust and even encourages those in power to function without any charge. (“Dubious pardon,” Dawn, 21 November 2024)
SECURITY
“Balochistan has been experiencing a steady wave of terrorist violence and it is no surprise state has decided to use armed force to quell the insurgency” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 21 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Military Option” discusses the reasons behind the federal government taking a firm stance to counter the threat of terrorism in Balochistan and what else government needs to focus upon other than the proposed military operation. It mentions that in the recently concluded Apex body meeting, the civil and military leaders indicated their intention to launch an operation that would aim at combating rising violence in Balochistan. The editorial took note of the assaults carried out by the militants in various parts of Balochistan such as the October attack on the miners in Dukki and blasts in Mastung and Quetta Railway station in early November. The editorial opines that the blast at Quetta Railway station that resulted in death of a number of civilians and security officials compelled the government to take stringent military action. The editorial also mentions that recent assaults upon Chinese citizens played a role in the government's decision. The editorial also reminds about the previous operations carried out in Balochistan which have not been successful. It also cautioned that military operations must not target the families of the militants. The editorial suggests that the government should work upon improving the socio-economic status of the inhabitants of Balochistan so that they don’t fall in the trap of terrorist organizations. It further highlighted India wanting to pursue cordial ties with the Afghan Taliban and suggested that Pakistan should be wary of it and not cut its own ties with Afghanistan. (“Military Option,” Dawn, 21 November 2024)
ECONOMY
Army Chief satisfied by economic recovery
On 20 November, according to The Express Tribune, General Asim Munir expressed contentment over Pakistan’s economic recovery. While addressing the business community, he inquired who claimed Pakistan was on the brink of a default. He stressed that those who made such allegations must “be held accountable.” He emphasized how it was important to prioritize the country’s well-being and not personal or political gains. In his speech, he called upon the business community to invest in the country’s stability. He also stressed the importance of unity and stated: “You can bring your money to Pakistan, and the people will earn, and the country will prosper.” (“COAS calls for accountability of those who made claims about Pakistan's default,” The Express Tribune, 20 November 2024)
Nepra hints of a cut in electricity rates
On 21 November, Dawn reported that according to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), there would be a decrease in the electricity rates of PKR 1.6 per unit in comparison to rates during the first quarter of 2024. The Central Power Purchasing Agency pointed out discrepancies in the claims of a few of the Distribution Companies as the latter attempted to seek PKR 6.4 billion as the Quarterly Tariff Adjustment in for the quarter from July to September 2024, while the real amount turned out to be PKR 1.63 billion. Few of the entrepreneurs in the country are predicting that Government is likely to examine “base national tariff” in the month of January that might lead to a reduction in electricity prices by PKR 8 to 12 per unit because of inflation rates going down, stability observed in foreign exchange rates and a decrease seen in “interest rates”. An affiliate of Nepra advised to conduct a study to analyze how the use of solar impacts the consumption from the electricity companies, so that the latter can prepare accordingly. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Nepra estimates Rs 1.6 fall in average tariff,” Dawn, 21 November 2024)
Federal government launches “New Energy Vehicle” policy to promote EV industry
On 21 November, Dawn reported that the federal government has formulated a “New Energy Vehicle policy” which aims at producing integrating electric power in 30 per cent of the vehicles produced domestically and imported from outside by 2030. The government will facilitate this by providing subsidies worth PKR 50,000 for purchasing electric motorcycles and PKR 200,000 for the purchase of rickshaws. Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain has also confirmed that the International Monetary Fund has no reservations regarding the waving of tax and subsidies. At present, the BYD group of China has secured the license to produce vehicles in the country. However, the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) expressed its discontent with the decision of the government. PAMA is apprehensive about the import of Completely Built Units (CBU) which according to it can incur damage to the domestic industry. The director of the association Abdul Waheed Khan has argued that the import of CBU should only be permitted for those firms which have a certain level of domestic “manufacturing facilities.” (Kalbe Ali, “Fresh policy to transition 30 pc vehicles to electric by 2030,” Dawn, 21 November 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
Climate change professionals suggest ways to protect disaster susceptible communities
On 20 November, while addressing a crowd at an event themed “Pakistan and Global Shield,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coordinator on Climate Change, Khurshid Alam, stated the urgent need for developing countries susceptible to climate change effects to build an all-round strategy for “loss and damage.” In light of Pakistan ranking 31st on the Climate Change Performance Index, she suggested using disaster risk funds to compensate the rising expenses, required to combat climate change. She said: “Collaborative action today will safeguard communities and ecosystems for a more secure and equitable future”. In a separate statement, Climate Change Secretary, Aisha Moriani, shed light upon the unavailability of insurance that can cover the loss incurred by massive natural disasters. Additionally, the director of Climate Vulnerable Forum Vulnerable 20 South Asia, highlighted the significance of “disaster insurance” in the protection of communities vulnerable to the effects of climate change. He also confirmed that the government is serious about devising policies that would protect the communities which are most susceptible to disasters through “climate insurance products.” (Zakir Abbas, “Pakistan aims to counter climate change with disaster risk finance,” Dawn, 21 November 2024)
SOCIETY
“Pakistan ranks second among nations with the sharpest rise in HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region” points out an editorial in Dawn
On 21 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “HIV/AIDS disaster” discusses the problem of rising cases of HIV in Pakistan. It mentions a recent case that took place in Multan where 30 patients became infected with HIV/AIDS when the hospital authorities used the same dialysis machine that was supposed to be only used for people with HIV/AIDS. It has been claimed that the dialysis machine was not properly “sterilized.” In this regard, the editorial highlights to the problems associated with reporting HIV/AIDS as people are often fearful of the reactions from society. When HIV is not treated, it develops into AIDS, which leads to the failure of the immune system. Another cause of the spread of HIV in the country as pointed out by the editorial, is the use of unsterilized medical instruments by people who have not received proper medical training. In order to contain the problem of HIV/AIDS, the editorial suggests efforts to be directed at reducing social “stigma,” convicting health agencies that are found to be negligent, and embracing the advancements that are taking place around the world to fight the problem. (“HIV/AIDS disaster,” Dawn, 21 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
“It is time to erase any distinction between Israel and its Western enablers,” argues an editorial in The Nation
On 21 November, an editorial titled “United in Genocide,” highlighted how the US is not the only enabler of the violence being carried out in Gaza. While the US overtly displays support to Israel by using its veto power in the UN Security Council, states such as the UK, France, Germany and the US itself extend material support to Israel to be utilized within Gaza. News outlets of these countries have maintained that Israel is a “victim” while Hamas and Hezbollah are the violators and the state heads also join in the bandwagon by insisting that no genocide is taking place in Gaza. Given this, it is quite obvious that Israel is not the only one involved in the killing of Palestinians as the US, UK, France, and Germany’s complacence has made them enablers of violence. In its conclusion, the editorial claimed that these countries stood on the wrong side of history and their leaders would be framed as “violators of humanity and war criminals.” (“United in Genocide,” The Nation, 21 November 2024)
China continue supporting Pakistan
On 20 November, during a press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeperson, Lin Jian, announced that China was committed to supporting Pakistan in its war against terrorism. He said: "Let me say broadly that China firmly supports Pakistan’s effort of fighting terrorism.” In the backdrop, the National Action Plan Apex Committee of Pakistan announced a military operation was launched in Balochistan. The main objective of the operation is aimed at dismantling active militant groups in the region as well as terrorist networks. Lin also expressed China’s readiness to deepen its ties with Pakistan across different sectors, to benefit its people and both countries. (Ansar Abbassi, “China reaffirms strong support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism,” The Express Tribune, 20 November 2024)
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Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is working day and night for the development and prosperity of the province.
~ Leader Muslim League (N) Salma Butt
- PMLN Digital
Instead of starting controversial projects, take all stakeholders into confidence, forceful implementation of your opinion will have a negative impact, Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's important video statement regarding the federal project of more canals on the Indus River.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- PPP
In criminal appeals and civil appeals, the authority of the judiciary is still established, but where constitutional matters or cases challenging human rights come, the powers of the judiciary have been taken away by the 26th constitutional amendment
Abuzar Salman Niazi
- PTI
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"Having found fragile stability, the govt now faces the real challenge of transitioning from stability to growth.
Khurram Husain."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘Is the economy improving?.’
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