KP formulates action plan to restore normalcy in Kurram I Balochistan: Multiparty conference expresses concern over forced disappearances
In Brief
POLITICS
Cases registered against PTI leaders following the 24 November protests
On 3 December, Dawn reported that Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leaders have been booked under Section 302 for murder, Section 324 for attempt to murder , Section 120B for criminal conspiracy and various other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. This development comes a week after the PTI protests in Islamabad. The case registered by Ramanna police station alleged that the ex-PM was involved in the murder of security personnel, who were attacked by a speeding vehicle on the Srinagar Highway, resulting in three deaths and injuries to two. . However, based on anonymity, lawyers and sources from the prosecution department claimed that it was an accident and not a murder attempt. They added that the murder charges against the PTI should have been filed after procuring substantial evidence of pertaining to the driver’s intention, whether they really intended to murder the personnel. A statement from the driver revealed that he was unable to see the personnel as they appeared before the vehicle without a warning. The article also noted how Khan has become the second former prime minister in Pakistan’s history, after Pakistan People’s Party founder, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to be incarcerated in the Adiala Jail.
Additionally, the Anti-Terrorism Court filed non-bailable arrest warrants against 96 individuals affiliated to the PTI, namely, Khan, his wife, Bushra Bibi as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur in cases linked to the previous week’s protests. Since then, there have been conflicting claims from the government and the PTI about what happened at the protests and the death toll following violent confrontation between the security personnel and the protestors. Amid these claims and counter claims, about six security personnel were declared dead while several PTI workers were detained after the government ordered a crackdown on the protests.
Separately, during a press conference, the District Police Officer (DPO) revealed that they were unable to identify 89 individuals detained from the protests as there were not in thr local database. In this regard, the DPO expressed concern over the entry of such elements into Pakistan and even blamed the protestors for allowing such elements to enter the country. He further claimed that these entities were highly trained and armed enough to confront police commandos. (Malik Asad & Munawer Azeem, “Imran booked over Rangers’ deaths in Islamabad,” Dawn, 3 December 2024; Tahir Naseer, “PTI protest: Islamabad ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran, Bushra, 94 others,” Dawn, 2 December 2024; Mohammad Asghar, “Police unable to identify 89 ‘highly trained’ protesters in Islamabad,” Dawn, 3 December 2024)
Federal cabinet okays National Prevention of Violent Extremism Policy 2024
On 2 December, the federal government cabinet gave its consent to the National Prevention of Violent Extremism Policy 2024. In the cabinet meeting, PM Sharif highlighted how the PTI protests led to instability which ultimately resulted in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) shrinking by 3000 points. However, subsequently, the PSX again saw an upturn, when peace was restored in Islamabad. Additionally, PM Sharif urged that work be done rigorously in multiple sectors so as to enhance the “economy,” surge “exports,” “remittances” and “production,” reinforce “local industry,” create job opportunities and establish “special economic zones.” PM Sharif confirmed that the revenue collection has gone up in comparison to 2023 due to reinforced measures. He further highlighted how the government took extra precaution when it permitted exporting of sugar to make sure prices didn’t go up in the domestic market. He applauded the Army’s contribution in cracking down on illegal trade from Afghanistan which played a vital part in keeping the sugar prices affordable in the domestic market. He praised Aviation Minister Khwaja for his contribution in the lifting the ban on Pakistan International Airlines flights to and from Europe. (Muhammad Anis, “Cabinet approves national policy to prevent violent extremism,” The News International, 3 December 2024)
“Rapid rise in pension liabilities demands an urgent fix,”: Dawn editorial
On 3 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Early retirement” discussed the federal government’s recent proposition of decreasing the age of superannuation to 55 years. The editorial highlighted the government’s reasoning behind the measure which is to ease the financial burden of the pension bills in the long-term. The editorial, however, expressed skepticism over the measure proposed by the government and questioned whether the same has been formulated through substantial amounts of research. The editorial pointed out how reducing the age of retirement in the army had resulted in an increase of pension bills. One of the shortcomings of the proposition highlighted by the editorial is the expected surge that would occur in “severance costs” when a large number of people would retire due to a reduction in retirement age. The editorial also suggested that the government must also come up with an immediate solution that would decrease the pension bills immediately and not only focus on long-term solutions. The editorial further argued that federal and provincial governments do not have a roadmap to combat the problem of fiscal deficit sustainability. (“Early retirement,” Dawn, 3 December 2024)
Some Standard Operating Procedures “need to be hammered out and agreed to by all parties so that future demonstrations do not end in bloodshed,”: Dawn editorial
On 3 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Competing narratives,” discussed the claims and counter-claims made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf and the government in the aftermath of the latter’s crackdown on the former’s protests. After the protests came to a halt, the government denied the PTI’s allegations of the death of 12 supporters. It also blamed the opposition for killing four security personnel after violent clashes ensued during the demonstrations. However, the editorial observed that the administration sees the PTI narrative as a threat, especially on social media. It is for this reason that the joint task force was formed, to identify those behind the “massive malicious campaign.” Instead of focusing “its energies” on carrying out such measures, the editorial suggested that the government should focus on promoting a transparent investigation into how many people died during the event. It said: “While countering fake news is essential, it is more important to ascertain if there were actual deaths during the confrontation.” Furthermore, it called for the formation of a judicial commission to carry out a non-biased inquiry in order to debunk all rumors. It editorial maintained how protests were a “part and parcel of democratic process.” In this regard, the government is obligated to “agree to some rules of engagement regarding future protests.” (“Competing narratives,” Dawn, 3 December 2024)
JUDICIARY
SC issues notice to Attorney General on petitions linked to power supply
On 2 December, the constitutional bench led by Justice Aminuddin instructed the removal of objections outlined by the registrar’s office to petitions related to expensive power tariffs and issued a notification to the Attorney General. Among the petitions, some of them were moved by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Lahore High Court Bar Association through Advocate Feisal Hussain Naqvi. In the petition, Naqvi argued that access to power supply was a basic right of the citizens and pointed out that not a single contract since 1994 has been subjected to competitive bidding and has only been repeated or extended. The petitions called for the court to instruct the government to share its implementation and power purchase agreements. In this regard, the court was also asked to declare the agreements of 1994, 2002, and 2015 null and void as the government allegedly did not disburse state resources on competitive bidding or rationality basis. It also called upon the court to declare that the government and its agencies cannot benefit from the provision of basic facilities, especially in domains monopolized by the state. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC urged to declare govt is bound to ensure cheap power supply,” Dawn, 3 December 2024)
ECONOMY
PM Sharif expresses contentment over decline in inflation rate
On 3 December, The News International reported that inflation in the country has reduced to 4.9 per cent. This is the lowest rate of inflation in the last six and a half years. PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his contentment with the development and anticipated that it could lead to further reduction in the policy rate of the country. In a cabinet meeting, PM Sharif stated that a reduction in rates of inflation would lessen the economic stress on people and ease Pakistan’s financial burdens. He remembered how in Nawaz Sharif’s prime ministerial tenure, the rate of inflation was a mere 3.5 per cent. PM Sharif further highlighted the importance of a stable security situation which is essential for the country to grow economically. It is to be noted that the rate of inflation was 7.2 per cent in October and in November 2023 it was 29.2 per cent. The Adviser to Finance Minister, Khurram Shehzad stated that low rates of inflation will lead to lessening of the financial burden, requirement of finances for businesses and industries and enhancement of the “fiscal balance.” This downfall in the rate of inflation is partly due to reduction in prices of chicken, fresh vegetables and sugar.(Aimen Siddiqui, “PM ecstatic as inflation cools to lowest in more than six years,” The News International, 3 December 2024)
Three targets under IMF deal unachieved: Finance Ministry
On 3 December, The News International reported that the Finance Ministry has informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that it has been unable to achieve three targets under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Among them is the target related to the amendment of agricultural income tax. The ministry explained how the government missed the October 2024 deadline of amending the income tax legislation on agriculture for each province. The ministry explained that the provinces were supposed to amend said tax legislation in a manner that conformed to the federation’s legislations linked to the personal income of small farmers and commercial agriculture. By making such amends in October 2024, it was planned that the implementation would commence from 1 January 2025. While Punjab has enacted the law, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa law is awaiting approval by the cabinet and presentation in the assembly. (Mehtab Haider, “3 IMF targets under $7bn package not achieved, NA panel told,” The News International, 3 December 2024)
SOCIETY
Government mulls new authority to oversee illegal online content
On 3 December, Dawn reported that the federal government is considering amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016. As per the sources of Dawn, the amendment would seek to establish a new authority called Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) which would oversee matters such as deletion of “online content,” charging people for circulating or consuming illegal content and action against social media sites which display illegal content. Prime Minister’s Adviser Barrister Aqeel stated that the amendments would seek to tackle the problem of misinformation and “negative propaganda.” One of the most noticeable changes which the amendment would bring is the inclusion of tools and software, which are used to retrieve social media, in the “definition of Social media platform.” Further, the definition of social media platform would now also include “website, application, communication channel” which are used by internet users to retrieve “social media and post content.” Thus, this amendment could result in banning of Virtual Private Networks(VPNs) as these are utilized to gain access to blocked social media platforms such as X. (Nadir Guramani, “Changes to cybercrime law to tighten noose on social media,” Dawn, 3 December 2024)
“Disinformation must be combated, but through democratic, lawful and transparent means”: The News International editorial
On 3 December, an editorial in The News International titled “How not to fight fake news” discusses the cons of the government's recent measures to contain the spread of false information. The editorial mentions the establishment of a “task force” initiated by PM Sharif which would hunt down people responsible for the propagation of false information and recommend policy changes. The editorial points out how other countries as opposed to Pakistan combat the spread of fake news through “transparent civil legal systems.” The editorial argues that initiatives like Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) showcases the government as being more punitive than reparatory. The editorial argues that the Pakistani state must not depend upon “criminal law” instead of “civil law” for combating the spread of fake news as it could potentially create a bridge of “distrust” between government and people. It further argues that not only false information but also state’s repressive measures leads to a decline in the trustworthiness of the government. The editorial highlights how sometimes even the mainstream media spreads false information. It argues that media agencies found guilty of spreading false information must be penalized, however, fair proceedings should lead to their conviction. The editorial suggests that the government must put efforts to increase “media literacy,” and promote “ethical journalism.” The editorial states that participation from “government, media and civil society” can only ensure the containment of false information while also preserving “democratic values.” (“How not to fight fake news,” The News International, 3 December 2024)
HEALTH
Polio tally climbs up to 59
On 3 December, Dawn reported that three more cases of poliovirus have been detected. This has taken the total number of cases in 2024 to 59. The three cases have been reported from Dera Ismail Khan, Karachi and Kashmore. This is the eighth case of polio to be reported from Dera Ismail Khan. Province-wise, 26 cases have been detected in Balochistan followed by 16 in KP, 15 in Sindh and one each reported from Punjab and Islamabad. In December, a “mass vaccination campaign” would be conducted whose objective would be to inoculate 44 million children. (“Three more polio cases take tally to 59,” Dawn, 3 December 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Multiparty conference expresses concern over forced disappearances
On 2 December, a joint press conference was held by political figures of various parties in Balochistan, including, Jamaat-i-Islami leader, Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, Awami National Party’s Rasheed Khan Nasar, Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party’s Yusuf Khan Kakar and many others. At the conference, Rehman presented a 17-point declaration that had been adopted by the multiparty group two weeks ago. The leaders expressed concern over the forced disappearances and demanded the recovery of missing persons. They called for an end to the raids carried out on religious institutions, cancellation of charges against political leaders and the discontinuation of the one-document regime implemented at the Chaman border. They demanded that the previous system at the border should be restored to enable easier entry and exit for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Besides, it highlighted how Balochistan’s people have been denied their rights and that this is the core issue. It denounced the abduction of people affiliated to politics, forced disappearances, and unauthorized killings. It called for the announcement of “actual elected public representatives” and the removal of unelected representatives. Further, it was also against the implementation of the 26th Amendment as it entails extrajudicial detention for three months. (Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan politicians demand recovery of missing persons,” Dawn, 3 December 2024)
KP formulates action plan to restore normalcy in Kurram
On 3 December, The News International reported that the cabinet of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has given its consent to an “action plan” for combating the violence in Kurram and to bring back peace in the region. The action plan was deliberated upon in the cabinet meeting which saw the presence of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, chief secretary, additional chief secretary and administrative secretaries along with the members of the cabinet. As per an official handout that enumerated the discussions that took place in the meeting, “a grand jirga” would be formed to ease the tensions in the region. It is expected that the jirga which consists of elders from the local region would stay in the area until the region returns to normalcy. During the meeting, it was agreed upon that individuals who are found propagating hate messages would be declared as terrorists and stringent “legal action” would be taken against those individuals. Also, 65 check posts would be set up at main sites, especially on Kurram Highway to make sure that there is no security breach. Further, the cabinet has agreed to provide the Counter-Terrorism Department with “bulletproof and bomb proof vehicles.” It has instructed the concerned authorities to make sure that the supply of medicines is restored through use of helicopter. (“KP cabinet approves plan to resolve Kurram dispute,” The News International, 3 December 2024)
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Alhamdulillah, after almost 70 months, inflation has come to its lowest level in the month of November. Inshallah, this will further reduce the burden of the poor man in Pakistan. Accelerated
- Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif
Imran Khan won the election but it was stolen
Imran Khan is also in jail because of the "confrontation" policy, the cases are false. Imran Khan can be released if he becomes a subject
Sabir Shakir
- PTI
The traffic towards Adiala is flowing but the police has stopped the car of Aleema Khan Sahiba two kilometers back from Adiala, Imran Khan's family is being prevented from meeting Imran Khan once.
Siddique Jan
- PTI
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"Despite the differences between the BYC, PTM and PTI, the events show a pattern."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Fear of the people.’
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