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In Brief
POLITICS
Supreme Court Bar Association resolution on civilian supremacy
On 8 September, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) organized a convention, calling for a nationwide strike on 9 September to support the rule of law. They demanded the release of political prisoners, an end to the military's political role, and solutions for the economic crisis. There was also emphasis on civilian supremacy and an opposition to civilian trials in military courts. The lawyers condemned arrests and harassment of women, demanded general elections, and insisted on enforcing judicial verdicts. A significant portion of the SCBA’s resolution urged government officials and employees to abide by the constitution. Additionally, they called on the chief justice to decide on military court cases. (Nasir Iqbal, “Lawyers call for strike over state of affairs in the country,” Dawn, 8 September 2023)
ECONOMY
Kakar calls for a five-year economic plan for Pakistan’s economic future
On 8 September, The News International reported on caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar tasking the Ministry of Planning with the responsibility of designing a five-year economic plan. This is to give the country an economic agenda which would guide related actions, to revitalise the economy. Aside from this, it has also been directed to eliminate obstacles in making Gwadar Port’s connectivity efficient. Highlighting the importance of the business community in economic strengthening, Kakar stated that plans for digitalising this sector were being implemented. Furthermore, having already launched a crackdown on drug smuggling across the borders, Kakar now intends to address power pilferage, consult with stakeholders, bring an “increase in tax collections,” and improve the performance of commercial attachés. (Mehtab Haider & Muhammad Anis, “Kakar wants five year economic plan drawn up,” The News International, 8 September 2023)
Crackdown on gas theft: Over 30 arrested in Islamabad
On 8 September, in response to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's (SNGPL) announcement of a crackdown against gas theft in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities arrested over 30 people in Islamabad for illegal gas usage. SNGPL Managing Director Amir Tufail stated that there is zero tolerance for gas pilferage, and the company has already reduced gas losses by 66 per cent in some areas. Over the past three years, field teams have recovered PKR 2.4 billion in cases related to gas theft. The government aims to reduce theft and recovery losses further through enforcement measures and public support. (Khalid Hasnain & Mohammad Asghar, “‘Massive action’ kicks off against gas theft in Punjab, KP,” Dawn, 8 September 2023; Editorial, “Waking up,” Dawn, 8 September 2023; “Crackdown on power thieves begins,” The News International, 8 September 2023)
SECURITY
Balochistan police's counter-terrorism operation results in five TTP suspects being killed
On 7 September, five suspected members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in a successful operation conducted by the Balochistan police's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). The operation was based on intelligence provided by TTP militant Naseebullah, who was previously arrested. Naseebullah revealed the presence of militants in the Aghberg area near Quetta, who were planning an attack in the city. During the operation, CTD personnel engaged in a firefight with the suspects, resulting in four of them being killed and one captured but later succumbing to injuries. The operation has also been hailed a success due to the recovery of a notable quantity of arms and explosives. This marks the third such operation in less than a week in the region. (Saleem Shahid, “Five TTP militants killed in Quetta, claims CTD,” Dawn, 8 September 2023)
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