Tensions spark in Kurram with death tally reaching 43 I PM plans to increase IT exports in the next five years
In Brief
POLITICS
Coalition partners form committees to address mutual grievances
On 22 November, The Express Tribune reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to address the grievances voiced by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Recently, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed disappointment over the government’s elusive behavior towards its coalition partner. In a public statement, he had criticized the PML-N for not consulting the PPP on matters related to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) shutdown, internet restrictions, the 26th Amendment bill, and the canals agreement. Zardari had claimed that the government has failed to uphold its end of the agreement with the PPP. In response to Zardari’s grievances, PM Sharif has now formed an 11-member committee with the aim of “political cooperation and conflict resolution.” In a similar move, even the PPP has formed a 9-member committee to address its grievances with the federation. (“PM Shehbaz forms 11-member committee to address PPP's grievances,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2024)
PTI refuses to back down on 24 November protest despite government backlash
On 22 November, Dawn reported that PTI leaders have refued to change the date of the protest scheduled for 24 November. The administration has banned holding protests in Islamabad for another two months, while in Rawalpindi, the ban is to stay until 26 November. The administration in Punjab has also enforced section 144 which proscribes gatherings of more than three people. National Highways and Motorway Police conveyed the complete closure of six motorways from 22 November for maintenance purpose. The local officials have also closed down bridges on Chenab and Jhelum to prevent PTI demonstrators from reaching the capital. Islamabad police have positioned more than 6000 police officials in addition to more than 21000 security personnel from other agencies to maintain law and order in the city. Separately, PTI leaders have rejected the reports of them being in consultation with the government. PTI leader Sher Afzal informed that discussions with the government are not underway since the latter has dismissed the party’s insistence on Imran Khan’s release. (Nadir Guramani and Imran Gabol, “PTI adamant on holding Nov 24 protest despite IHC order, section 144 enforced in Punjab,” Dawn, 22 November 2024; Mohammad Asghar and Mansoor Malik, “Showdown looms as govt vows to resist PTI march” Dawn, 23 November 2024)
Government condemns Bushra Bibi’s recent comments on Saudi Arabia
On 22 November, Dawn reported that the federal government is determined to act stringently against Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi for allegedly passing unpleasant comments against Saudi Arabia. On 21 November, Bushra Bibi had addressed the public through a “video message” where she asserted that “foreign powers” were disappointed with Imran Khan who walked unshod in Madina. She further claimed that after Imran Khan returned to Pakistan, the former Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa received phone calls expressing their anger over Imran Khan’s gesture in Madina. She, however, did not mention who was behind the other line of the phone call. The video message came as a shock to PTI leaders who were expecting a settlement with the government. In response, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude towards Saudi Arabia for its continual assistance and targeted Bushra Bibi for her statement by saying “I think there can be no greater enmity against Pakistan than this that you spew venom against the country that has never demanded anything in return.” PTI leaders in response clarified that her statement did not indict any government or leadership. Imran Khan also came in defence of his wife and stated that her message was “taken out of context.” In a post on X, he stressed upon the fact that she never “mentioned” Saudi Arabia in her message. (“Govt vows strict action on ‘venom against Saudi Arabia’ as PTI clarifies Bushra’s remarks,” Dawn, 22 November 2024; “Imran Khan defends Bushra Bibi’s remarks, dismisses claims of Saudi involvement in his ouster,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2024)
“Ms Bushra’s outburst has compounded the party’s struggles,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 23 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Political misstep” termed Bushra Bibi’s recent remarks on Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the ouster of Imran Khan as a case of “political naivety.” Even though she did not name the country explicitly, the damage has been done. The editorial pointed out that these remarks have been made at the worst time possible given that the PTI is getting to stage “its self-proclaimed last stand protest in Islamabad tomorrow.” This is because the focus has now shifted from the protest to Bibi’s comments and thus the PTI has to do some damage control. The party has emphasized that the remarks were “taken out of context” and that she was only referring to ex-COAS Qamar Bajwa. However, the government has seized the opportunity and is trying to control the narrative. While the defence minister termed the comments “vile and disgusting,” the finance minister called it remarks a “desperate mindset.” The editorial also suggested that Pakistan needs its allies more than ever and thus the PTI should refrain from attacking an ally like Saudi Arabia which has supported the country both in “economic and diplomatic crisis.” The editorial concluded that PTI’s “faux pas” will neither be beneficial for itself and nor the country. (“Political misstep,” Dawn, 23 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
Non-bailable warrant against Bushra Bibi in GBP 190 million graft case
On 22 November, Dawn reported that a non-bailable warrant has been issued against former first lady of Pakistan, Bushra Bibi, by the Rawalpindi accountability court in the GBP 190 million graft case. In December 2023, the National Accountability Bureau lodged corruption charges against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi for their links with Al-Qadir University. The case accused PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife of illegally acquiring funds valuing billions and acres of land belonging to Bahria Town Ltd in exchange for legitimizing PKR 50 billion which was sent back by the UK government to the then PTI government. Islamabad High Court had returned the case to the accountability court for giving a decision upon petitions filed by the couple. Thereafter, the accountability court rejected the couple’s petition, however, the order of the court was put on stay by the Islamabad High Court. With the recent ruling, it has nullified the previous stay order. (Tahir Naseer, “Rawalpindi court issues non-bailable arrest warrant for Bushra Bibi in £190m case,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
ECONOMY
PM plans to increase IT exports in the next five years
On 23 November, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to achieve a USD 25 billion export target in the Information Technology sector in the next five years. He conveyed this during a review meeting with the IT sector. A notice from the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the IT ministry had presented a five-year action plan, where an export estimate of USD 15 billion has been set up for IT, USD 1 billion for the telecom industry, and USD 10 billion for digitization. In this regard, the PM stated that he would personally overlook the implementation of the reforms within the IT sector. He even instructed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to prepare a plan that disseminates education, training, and skills in line with international standards. The PM also called for the constitution of a committee for the IT sector reforms. He commented: “There is a demand for Pakistani IT experts in the Gulf countries, and suggestions should also be implemented soon.” (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “PM Shehbaz eyes $25bn IT exports in five years,” Dawn, 23 November 2024)
Government wants Nepra’s approval for Bijli Sahulat Package
On 23 November, The News International reported that the government has sought the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (Nepra) approval for the proposed Bijli Sahulat Package. The initiative is aimed at providing relief to domestic, industrial, and commercial consumers between December 2024 and February 2025. The relief package proposes a PKR 26 discount for the consumption of each kilo-watt hour for domestic consumers, industrial and commercial. Entities will be allowed to save up to PKR 15.05 and PKR 22.7, respectively. In statistical terms while domestic users will witness a 30-50 per cent drop in costs, commercial and industrial consumers will experience savings of 34-47 per cent and 18-37 per cent, respectively. (Israr Khan, “Govt seeks Nepra nod for Bijli Sahulat Package,” The News International, 23 November 2024)
Federation approves expressway and rail facility to improve Karachi port access
On 22 November, a meeting was presided over by the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and attended by an inter-ministerial body. At the meeting, it was briefed that there are issues linked to the Karachi port facilities and infrastructure. In this regard, Member of the Planning Commission, Waqas Anwar provided a set of solutions to overcome the identified issues. He noted how between 2015 and 2020, the Karachi Port handled two-thirds of the container traffic and the underutilization of the rail facility to the Karachi Port. However, these facilities have a limited capacity thereby restricting the efficient transfer of goods. As a result, most of the cargo has been transported via road, causing road congestion around the port area. To address this issue, the Planning Commission has identified a set of solutions, namely, the scheduling of freight truck movements, developing an expressway, and investing in rail infrastructure to improve efficiency in cargo transport. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Centre okays dedicated road, rail access to Karachi Port,” The Express Tribune, 23 November 2024)
Report on solar expansion reveals risk for grid-dependent consumers
On 23 November, The News International article discussed a recent report called “The Distributed Divide – How Solar Expansion Affects Non-Adopting Consumers and Utility Economics.” In light of the growing electricity tariff burdens on the citizens, the report revealed how consumers bear PKR 200 million in costs. The study states that due to a five per cent decrease in grid demand, it will push an additional PKR 131 billion one those consumers solely relying on the grid. This shift in cost burden may perpetuate more people to shift to solar energy sources to escape the further increase in tariffs. In this regard, the report provided a set of solutions including the introduction of a set grid access fees, a shift to net billing systems from net metering systems, incentivizing battery energy storage systems (BESS), and so on. It also suggests carrying out a Distributional Equity Assessment (DEA) to reduce the disproportionate tariff burden on non-solar users and even establish an equitable cost allocation. (Khalid Mustafa, “Rooftop solarisation, net-metering: Non-solar consumers bear Rs200bn additional burden in FY2023-24,” The News International, 22 November 2024)
“There appears to be a bizarre disconnect between Pakistan’s surging stock market and the sad state of both the nation’s economy and politics,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 23 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Bullish stock market” discussed the bullish momentum in the stock market in recent months. The editorial highlighted how the market has “soared to one record high after another” with it crossing the 99000 mark on 22 November. The editorial also pointed out that usually there is a link between the performance of the market and the health of the economy, however, in Pakistan there seems to be a disconnect between the two. The editorial cited some of the reasons for this bullish momentum despite the political and economic situation prevailing in the country. First, despite repeated protests by the PTI, investors do not see a “do not see credible threat to the present dispensation.” Second, the passing of the 26th Amendment has further secured the government’s position vis-à-vis the superior judiciary’s interference. Third, on the economic front, IMF deal has been approving, and macroeconomic indicators have stabilized. Some roadblocks that can impede this momentum are the IMF’s constant pressure on the government for structural reforms, unexpected “political uncertainty,” issues in the IMF deal and if there is an increase in oil prices due to instability in the Middle East. The editorial, thus, concluded that the momentum could go either way: “may likely continue into the next year as expected by many. Or it may be just another bubble waiting to pop.” (“Bullish stock market,” Dawn, 23 November 2024)
SECURITY
Tensions spark in Kurram with death tally reaching 43
On 23 November, Dawn reported that the death toll in the Kurram attack on 21 November had reached 43. Economic activities, schools, and colleges in Parachinar and in the neighboring towns remained shut. More than a thousand people came out in the streets to demonstrate against the attack. The demonstrators who went for a sit-in protest in Parachinar blamed the government for not being able to ensure the security of the residents, A member affiliated to Maklis-i-Wahdat-Muslimeeen, a Shia-based political outfit, Sajid Kazmi held the concerned security agencies responsible for not able to maintain law and order in the area. Javedullah Mehsud, the deputy commissioner of Kurram informed that a “grand jirga” will be organized to find a resolution to the chaos in the area. Administration of the region conveyed that the mobile services in the district have been suspended and a curfew has been enforced on the roadway which links Lower and Upper Kurram. It was further confirmed that the attack had resulted in a confrontation between different sectarian groups in Kurram. (Javed Hussain, “Protests sweep the country as Kurram till rises to 43,” Dawn, 23 November 2024)
Seven terrorists neutralized in separate operations: ISPR
On 22 November, a notification from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the security forces have neutralized seven terrorists in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Four terrorists were killed in three separate operations launched in Balochistan between 20 November and 22 November. Among them were two “high-value” targets who were shot dead in an operation carried out in Awaran district. The other two died in operations carried out in Dera Bugti and Kech districts. Separately, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three militants were neutralized during a fire exchange with security personnel in Bannu, while two others sustained injuries. (Umer Farooq & Saleem Shahid, “Seven terrorists killed in Balochistan, KP: ISPR,” Dawn, 23 November 2024)
Army chief firm upon destroying “terror networks”
On 22 November, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir yet again expressed his firm stance regarding destroying “terrorist networks” and eliminating the “illegal spectrum” which threatens the security of the country. It was not clear what all did come under the “illegal spectrum.” It is to be noted that Pakistan is witnessing a spike in the number of terror attacks against security personnel and security agencies especially in two provinces Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Roughly 55 security officials have been killed from 1 to 21 November. Assaults by the militant groups have seen an uptick ever since the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan repudiated the ceasefire agreement in 2022. The Chief of Army Staff in his visit to Peshawar commemorated the security officials who died in terror attacks and said: “through synchronized and robust operations, Pakistan Army in collaboration with law enforcement agencies will relentlessly hunt down the enemies of peace to ensure lasting stability and security.” (“Army chief resolute in dismantling terrorist networks, eradicating ‘illegal spectrum,’” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
Chinese firm issues exit letter to PM Sharif
On 23 November, according to The News International, Chinese giant, Century Steel Group issued a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating that they have planned to cease operations in Pakistan and even pull out their investment. Due to many issues going unaddressed by government entities in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Rashakai Special Economic Zone (RSEZ) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the firm decided to dismantle its plant. In response, the PM formed a committee to pay heed to the company’s grievances. The company stated that it had planned to set up a steel mill in KP, in three phases. USD 82 million was allocated for the first phase, with USD 30 million already on the ground. Subsequent investments worth USD 200 million were planned for the next two phases to establish a 1.5 million tons capacity within five years. In its letter, the firm stated that it had waited for the last five years for the government to address unresolved issues; however, they have “finally decided to exit from Pakistan and report this matter to the Chinese government/embassy and the international press as a last resort.” (Mehtab Haider, “Chinese steel giant threatens to withdraw investment,” The News International, 23 November 2024)
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"On November 24, the entire nation must leave, Imran Khan is not asking for anything for himself"
- Zartaj Gul Wazir
The statement against Saudi Arabia is the worst example of anti-Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- PMLN Digital
"Imran Khan has the power to make calls while sitting in jail and shut down all of Pakistan."
Imran Riaz Khan
- PTI
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"Quetta’s natural land assets must be protected."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘Municipal affairs.’
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