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In Brief
PROVINCE
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Terrorist attack in Chitral kills sixteen
On 6 September, a cross-border attack by militants in Chitral, along the Pakistan- Afghanistan border, resulted in the death of four soldiers and the killing of twelve attackers. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that there were “heavily armed terrorists” in the Kalesh valley, despite heightened security. Forces have been on alert due to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s claiming the area recently. Despite heightened security, the terrorists launched their attack. The ISPR also emphasized that they are determined to “eliminate the menace of terrorism,” and called on the Interim Afghan Government to deny terrorists the use of Afghan soil. This incident led to the closure of the main crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan. (“Defence Day Cross-Border Attacks By TTP In Chitral Martyrs Four Soldiers,” The Friday Times, 6 September 2023; Kamran Yousaf, “12 terrorists killed as army repels TTP attack in Chitral,” The Express Tribune, 6 September 2023; Iftikhar Shirazi & Murad Ali Khan)
POLITICS
Sindh bar council challenges supreme court
On 6 September, the Sindh Bar Council (SBC) challenged the Supreme Court over the trial of civilians in military courts also contested the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023. This move follows President Dr Arif Alvi's recent controversial claim on social media, where he stated that he had not signed these bills, accusing his staff of tricking him. The SBC’s argument centres around the alleged unconstitutionality and wrongful exercise of power of charging the accused for the 9 and 10 May attacks, under the aforementioned Acts. They requested the court to declare these amendments null and void or ultra vires, as they expand the reach of military laws over civilians, including retired military personnel. (“Official Secrets Act, Army Act challenged in SC,” The Express Tribune, 06 September 2023)
Caretaker government takes concrete steps to combat inflated bills
On 6 September, members of Pakistan’s caretaker government announced an ordinance to tackle the electricity bill issue in a press conference. The ordinance serves to make significant amendments to the Electricity Theft Control Act aiming to tackle power sector losses. The year 2023 has had a PKR 343 billion increase in circular debt compared to 2022, primarily due to inefficiencies of the previous government. The energy minister emphasized that “consumers who pay their bills are effectively subsidising those who steal electricity.” In order to address this, the government plans to use technology in low-theft areas and enforcement measures in high-theft areas, including raids and prosecution. Additionally, it will privatize or provincialize distribution companies, allowing for a more focused approach to policy and regulation. Aside from this, special courts will be set up in provinces to address electricity theft and power pilferage. (Zafar Bhutta, "Special courts to try electricity thieves," The Express Tribune, 6 September 2023)
Thirty-six PTI activists are detained again
On 6 September, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activists were rearrested by the police after the Lahore High Court granted them bail. They were detained under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). The arrest is said to be in connection with a similar case of 9 May incident. Currently, they are detained in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. (“36 PTI activists arrested again in Rawalpindi despite getting bail,” Dawn, 7 September 2023)
SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY
Interim prime minister approves plans to bring Starlink and Paypal to Pakistan
On 7 September, the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar approved the plans put forth by the Ministry of Information and Technology (IT) and Telecommunications. It is anticipated that Starlink and PayPal are to be launched in Pakistan. Dr. Umar Saif, the interim minister of IT, lauded the ministry for its comprehensive programs aimed at maximizing the IT industry's boundless potential. He explained how the country's new IT strategy, which institutionalized dollar retention accounts and makes it easy for money to flow through IT corporate debit cards, aims to enhance the volume of the nation's digital exports. (“Caretaker PM Kakar Approves Plan To Bring PayPal, Starlink To Pakistan,” The Friday Times, 07 September 2023)
ECONOMY
Prime minister on tax reforms
On 6 September, As improving tax collection is the government's top objective, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar advised all pertinent organizations to collaborate on tax changes. He underlined the necessity of strengthening ties between the federation and the provinces about tax reforms while serving as the meeting's chair at a high-level discussion about the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Privatization Division. He continued by saying that the process of privatizing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that are losing money should be sped up by complying with all legal criteria, and all federal ministries should work closely with the Privatization Division. (“PM lays focus on tax reforms, sell-off process,” Business Recorder, 7 September 2023)
ECC boosts margins for fuel retailers and marketing companies
On 6 September, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved per-liter increases of PKR 1.87 and PKR 1.64 for oil marketing companies (OMCs) and petroleum dealers, respectively, on sales of gasoline and diesel and permitted PKR 40 billion in supplemental funds to the armed forces. A technical supplementary grant worth PKR 40 billion was also approved by the committee to support a number of Defense Services-approved projects as well as allowances, subsidies, and other expenses related to foreign security for the current fiscal year. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Caretakers announce plan to tackle power theft, low recoveries,” Dawn, 7 September 2023)
EXTERNAL
Afghanistan: Torkham crossing closed after exchange of gun fire
On 6 September, a gun battle broke out between Pakistani and Afghan border authorities, closing the busiest commerce crossing between the two nations at Torkham, injuring at least two individuals, among them a Frontier Corps (FC) official. Pakistani authorities claimed responsibility for starting the two-hour-long noon gunfight, which broke out after the Afghan government began constructing a roadblock on their side in a restricted area close to the main border crossing. (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Torkham crossing shut as border forces exchange fire,” Dawn, 7 September 2023)
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