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In Brief
POLITICS
Torkham border reopens after eight- day closure
On 15 September, the Torkham border crossing reopened after an eight-day closure due to clashes between border forces. Hundreds of travellers and trucks were stranded during this period. Pakistani authorities conditioned the reopening on assurances from Kabul that Afghan territory would not be used for attacks on Pakistan. This development brings relief to stranded individuals and boosts trade prospects between the two nations. Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan Asif Ali Khan Durrani, emphasised the importance of expanding trade ties and improving law and order for increased bilateral trade. (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Torkham border reopens after eight days,” Dawn, 16 September 2023)
ECP to frame contempt charges against Imran Khan, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry
On 16 September, Dawn reported on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to schedule a hearing for 26 September to frame contempt charges against PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry. The charges relate to contempt of the ECP and the chief election commissioner. Notably, all three individuals have been asked to appear in person for the hearing. Additionally, on the same day, the ECP will resume a hearing related to the confiscation of PTI's “prohibited funding.” (“ECP to frame charges against PTI leaders in contempt case,” Dawn, 16 September 2023)
Supreme Court to hear review petition on SC Practice and Procedure Bill, 2023
On September 16, The Express Tribune reported that the Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to hold a hearing on 18 September regarding a review petition against the SC (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023. This bill, passed by the outgoing government, aimed to limit the powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to take suo motu notice in an individual capacity. The bill has several purposes, including laying down the provisions for the Supreme Court’s exercise of power, constituting a bench of senior judges, delegating suo motu notice-taking authority to a three-member committee of senior judges, and safeguarding the right to appeal. Chief Justice-designate Qazi Faez Isa will preside over the bench during the hearing. (“SC to hear review plea against bill on CJ’s powers,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2023)
SECURITY
Two people got killed in an operation in Khuzdar
On 15 September, during an operation in Khuzdar, the CTD purportedly killed two Baloch Liberation Army terrorists. According to a CTD spokesman, Siraj Bhattar's close associates Amir Bakhsh alias Mazar Baloch and Ejaz Ahmed alias Aftab have been given the responsibility of carrying out terrorist actions in Khuzdar. He added that after receiving information that the terrorists had left the Shore-Parody camp on a motorcycle, a CTD team had put up a temporary blockage in the Jaffarabad area to monitor the movement of the suspected motorcycle. (“Two killed in operation in Khuzdar,” Dawn, 16 September 2023)
Residents request that the army chief visit Chitral
On 15 September, following the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan terrorist’s attack on security force positions on 06 September, a number of notable residents of southern Chitral's border regions have urged that the army chief visit the district to soothe public concerns. A group led by former district council member Abdul Majeed Qureshi, Amir Gulab Khan, Abdul Wali Khan, Sarawat Kalash, Imranul Mulk, Khalilur Rehman, Wajeehuddin, and others said at a press conference that there was widespread unrest and discontent throughout the district, while the situation in the border villages was extremely tense. They stated that although the people of Chitral had unwavering faith and confidence in the capability of their security forces to protect the nation from any invasion, the recent intrusions in Astoi, Jinjiret Koh, and Arsoon had also filled them with anxiety and apprehension. The elders indicated that border region people had always supported the security forces and would do so in the event of any invasion against their homeland. (“Residents ask army chief to visit Chitral,” Dawn, 16 September 2023)
ECONOMY
Huge price increases for diesel and petrol
On 15 September, following the interim set-up's assumption of power in August, the price of gasoline was increased by PKR 26.02 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by PKR 17.34 per litre. This represents yet another significant increase in the cost of petroleum goods. On September 14, there was widespread speculation that the price of kerosene oil will increase by roughly PKR 10 per litre and that the price of gasoline and HSD may increase by PKR 14 and PKR 16 per litre, respectively, for the upcoming two weeks. But the rise was much higher than anticipated. According to a statement from the finance ministry, “Owing to the increasing trend of petroleum prices in the international market, the government has decided to revise the existing consumer prices.” ( “Petrol, diesel witness massive price hikes,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2023)
ENERGY/ENVIORNMENT
Protest by environmentalists demanding an end to fossil fuels
On 15 September, a significant gathering of environmental, human rights, and fisherfolk activists was held in support of the 'March to End Fossil Fuels' that will take place on 17 September in New York. The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) organized the protest, called the Climate Justice March. The Karachi Press Club (KPC) served as the finish line for the participants' march, which began at the Governor House. Saeed Baloch, general secretary of the PFF, emphasized the need for wealthy countries to fulfill their climate finance obligations while also stressing that the success of a rapid and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels depends primarily on the leaders of developed nations with significant historical responsibility for the climate crisis. Developing nations, who bear the brunt of the climate crisis despite being the least responsible, must transition quickly to efficient and equitable alternative energy sources, Baloch said. Fatima Majeed, senior vice chair of PFF, underlined the significance of fishermen's participation in these mobilizations to call for an end to the fossil fuel era, which has harmed the environment, polluted the air and water, and exploited people for profit. (“Climate activists stage rally in Karachi to demand end to fossil fuels,” Dawn, 16 September 2023)
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