Punjab CM lands in Beijing to commence her eight-day long visit I PTI leader hints at civil disobedience movement
In Brief
POLITICS
PML-N to meet PPP to address grievances
On 8 December, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan People’s Party are set to meet on 9 December to address intra-coalition tensions. This development comes as the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto expressed discontent over the government’s non-inclusive attitude towards his party in decision-making processes, and the Punjab government’s treatment of the party. This development comes after a meeting was held between the foreign minister and the PPP Chairman on the government’s instruction to address the latter’s grievances. Separately, a PPP Punjab leader Syed Hasan Murtaza called upon the federal government to share “the burden” with his party. He warned: “If decisions are made unilaterally, the burden will also have to be borne alone.” (Syed Irfan Raza, “Coalition partners meet today to bridge rift,” Dawn, 9 December 2024)
Nawaz Sharif urges PM Shehbaz to consider Fazlur Rehman’s demands
On 9 December, The News International reported that PML-N head Nawaz Sharif has urged his brother and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to look into the demands of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. PM Sharif had a discussion with his brother where the former agreed to look into concerns raised by Rehman. PM Sharif has also put forward a report to Nawaz Sharif regarding his visit to Saudi Arabia. Both the stalwarts of PML-N discussed the overall political and economic situation in the country. They also discussed Imran Khan’s threats to “call for civil disobedience” and the events that unfolded during PTI’s 26 November protest. Both brothers showed respect towards the armed and civilian forces that died while serving their country. Separately, PM Sharif and also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. PM Sharif praised the stance taken by Naqvi who is also the PCB Chairman on ICC Champions Trophy. (Ali Raza, “Nawaz asks Shehbaz to address Fazl’s concerns on madrassa bill,” The News International, 9 December 2024)
JUI-F chief reiterates his stand against Israel; alleges current government working in the interest of establishment
On 8 December, The Express Tribune reported on Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s criticism against Israel and his allegation that the current government is being run according to the wishes of the establishment. . He attended the “Israel Murdaabad Conference” in Peshawar where he reiterated JUI-F’s support to Palestine and accused the west for the present state of the region. He said “We stand firmly on our principled position. The West, which committed massacres during World Wars 1 and 2, continue to kill Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine.” He further asked the reasons for not holding Netanyahu responsible for the atrocities committed in the region. He condemned the previous and current policy stands of Pakistan, especially those taken under General Musharraf regime, in which Pakistan gave military bases to the US for launching military operations in Afghanistan. He criticized the establishment for not listening to the voices of common people and asked why Pakistani leadership is unable to stand with Palestine whereas Indian leadership is clearly supporting Israel. Criticizing the government he alleged that the present government belongs to the establishment and not to people. (“Fazlur Rehman rejects establishment’s rule, calls for unity against injustice,” The Express Tribune, 8 December 2024)
Government mulls another criminal case against Imran Khan
On 9 December, The News International reported on the federal government’s resolve to take “major action” against Imran Khan. It is anticipated that a criminal case will be lodged against Khan for instigating people on social media to act against the state and its institutions. As per the sources of The News, consent for prosecuting Khan will be taken by the cabinet of the federal government. The Ministry of Interior has been assigned the responsibility of briefing the cabinet about the situation. This decision was taken following an investigation by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency. As per sources, Khan will be be booked under Chapters 6 and 9A of Pakistan Penal Code and tried in a special anti-terrorism court (Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Imran likely to be booked for inciting people against state,” The News International, 9 December 2024)
PTI leader Omar Ayub hints at a civil disobedience movement if demands remain unmet
On 8 December, during a press conference in Peshawar, PTI opposition leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan cautioned that if the party’s demands remain unmet, then it will launch a civil disobedience movement inside and outside Pakistan. Separately, Imran Khan on X, announced that a five-member negotiation committee has been constituted to negotiate with the federation. Ayub Khan confirmed this announcement. He added that the team would consist of him, Asad Qaiser, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and Sunni Ittehad Council’s Sahibzada Hamid Raza. Khan stated that if demands pertaining to the creation of a judicial commission to investigate the 9 May and 26 November events and the release of PTI supporters are unmet, then the consequences will be “felt by the present government.” (“PTI to pursue civil disobedience campaign at home and abroad if demands not met: Omar Ayub,” Dawn, 8 December 2024)
There is an urgent “need to ensure that the thousands of madressahs in Pakistan are not teaching extremism and sectarianism”: Dawn editorial
On 9 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Madressah bill” discussed the recent call for the amendment to the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024 by the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islami leader, Maulana Fazlur Rahman and the need to regulate religious institutions. It argued that the law in question is aimed at regulating the internal activities of seminaries. However, despite achieving legislative consensus, the JUI-F has accused the coalition of delaying the bill’s passage via presidential assent. It is worth noting that the president did not grant his assent as he deemed it a provincial matter. The editorial projected that it is highly likely that the JUI-F may display its discontent by taking to the streets and leading demonstrations. While generalizations cannot be drawn, there has been a trend where madressahs have been gateways to extremism, sectarianism, and even militancy. Hence, instead of resorting to such actions, the editorial suggested that the government and religious parties review the policy draft and determine a “technically sound and feasible law” to regulate madressahs. (“Madressah bill,” Dawn, 9 December 2024)
ECONOMY
Government to direct shutting down of gas supply to Captive Power Plants as part of the IMF deal
On 9 December, The News International reported that as per the obligations of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) loan scheme, notices would be issued to Captive Power Plants (CPPs) for shutting down supply of gas. The notices would be issued by the Petroleum division. Industries of Pakistan which depend upon CPPs are at present buying blended gas at PKR 3200 to PKR 3400. This has led to cross-subsidization of other consumers of gas. When the CPPs are directed to shut down, the government would have to give PKR 103 billion assistance against the cross-subsidization which is currently provided by industries or increase the prices of “protected consumers.” Shutting down of CPPs would also lead to reduction in exports and the losses are estimated to be USD 13 billion. As per an official working in the Energy ministry, this will lead to international customers losing faith in the exporters of Pakistan. He pointed to the possible threat of incurring losses during generation due to unsteady supply of electricity. The government will convey to the IMF about hiking the price of gas for CPPs from the start of 2025. (Khalid Mustafa, “Under IMF programme: PD will soon start issuing notices to CPPs for disconnecting gas supply,” The News International, 9 December 2024)
“Social media platforms are succeeding in creating economic value”: The News International editorial
On 9 December, an editorial in The News International titled “Content economy” discussed how in the recent years Pakistanis are increasingly turning to social media platforms for generating income and what the government could do to further encourage them. The editorial mentioned content creators of Pakistan in 2024 have generated incomes exceeding PKR 10 million. This number has surged by 25 per cent. The editorial also states that the duration of the content which is being synced by content creators of Pakistan have increased by 60 per cent in 2023. 65 per cent of the viewership on the content generated in Pakistan comes from international audience. The editorial highlighted that with an increase in unemployment in the country, a number of Pakistanis have moved to video sharing platforms such as YouTube and social media channels for generating their income. The editorial suggested that the government must support the local content creators and make sure that they do not have to deal with disruption of internet services. Further, the government must ensure that the prices of smartphones remain affordable to the general public. (“Content economy,” The News International, 9 December 2024)
SOCIETY
“The government’s intent to diversify leadership is commendable, but it must not come at the cost of academic standards”: Dawn editorial
On 9 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Protecting varsities” highlighted the recent proposal made by the Sindh cabinet for appointing bureaucrats who not necessarily hold a PhD as vice-chancellors. The editorial observed how it has “sparked concern within the academic communities as a vice chancellor’s job description is not just limited to administrative tasks but also requires cognizance of the trends and culture in academia and “research dynamics.” In this regard, the editorial emphasized that including non-academic entities in the education field may not just compromise on the quality of education but also have implications on merit. Hence, it suggested that the Sindh government engage with relevant stakeholders for the appointment of the VC to determine criteria that balance administrative experience with academic calibre. (“Protecting varsities,” Dawn, 9 December 2024)
SECURITY
13 terrorists neutralized by security forces in North Waziristan
On 8 December, about 13 terrorists were supposedly killed by security forces, while many others sustained injuries near the Afghan border in North Waziristan in two separate incidents. Local sources claim that militant hideouts were targeted by the forces. Among the dead was a ringleader of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who has allegedly engineered many suicide bomb blast attacks. (Pazir Gul, “13 terrorists killed in North Waziristan operation,” Dawn, 9 December 2024)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Office affirms safety of Pakistani citizens in Syria
On 8 December, The Express Tribune reported on the safety of Pakistani citizens residing in Syria which is undergoing a political turmoil. Foreign Office (FO) has informed that all citizens of Pakistan currently residing in Syria are safe. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that the Government is closely looking at the events unfolding in Syria and that Damascus Airport has been shut down. Regarding provision of assistance to Pakistani citizens in Syria, she said “The Embassy of Pakistan in Syria is open for necessary support and advice.” With the beginning of political turmoil in Syria, the Government of Pakistan reinforced the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) to help Pakistani nationals in Syria. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Pakistani citizens in Syria to reach out to CMU for help. (“Pakistani citizens safe in Syria, advised to take caution: FO,” The Express Tribune, 8 December 2024)
Punjab CM lands in Beijing to commence her eight-day long visit
On 8 November, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz landed in Beijing to begin her eight day visit to China. This makes her the first female chief minister of Punjab to visit China. On her visit to China, she is also accompanied by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bokhari, Ministers from Provinces Bilal Akbar and Ashiq Kirmani. The Pakistani team was received by Pakistan’s ambassador to China and six other senior officials from the communist party. Maryam Nawaz on increasing bilateral cooperation between Punjab and China stated “We want to take Punjab to economic and financial heights with the cooperation of China.” (“CM Maryam reaches Beijing on 8-day visit,” The Express Tribune, 9 December 2024; “Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz embarks on 8-day visit to China,” The Express Tribune, 8 December 2024)
China, “Pakistan’s biggest creditor, is worried about regular requests from Islamabad for more loans”: Dawn editorial
On 9 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “CPEC slowdown,” discussed the slow progression in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project completion. It highlighted the following reasons behind this slowdown, namely, China is concerned for the security of its nationals working in these projects the lack of return on its investments from the first phase, and its implications on Pakistan’s debt volume. Additionally, the editorial also observed that the former is likely to seek more financial help despite existing unpaid loans and roll-overs. China also has to deal with growing trade tensions with the US, thereby disallowing it from making fresh investments in the CPEC project. In this regard, the editorial suggested that Pakistan deal with its internal issues rather than wait for China to finance its problems. It also recommended the dissolution of the CPEC Authority to overcome the “dichotomy of power in CPEC-related decision-making, making it easier for the planning ministry to fast-track the implementation of its decisions.” (“CPEC slowdown,” Dawn, 9 December 2024)
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"Azad pays tribute to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the way they came out peacefully and met their demands and rejected this black law. In democracy, the people win in the end."
Shibli Faraz
- PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
"PTI is in a state of disintegration, in no position to launch a movement."
- PMLN Digital
Everyone will ask this question again and again.
- PTI
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"The roots of our instability lie in fairly consistent institutional and economic problems."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Beyond personality disorders.'
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