General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, committed to continue combating a "spectrum of illegal activities" with "full force" with the aim to save Pakistan from "substantial economic losses."
In Brief
SECURITY
Suicide blast near a procession in Balochistan’s Mastung district
On 29 September, a suspected suicide bomber detonated himself near a procession honoring Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) in Balochistan's Mastung province, killing at least 52 individuals, among them a senior police official. District Health Officer (DHO) Abdul Rasheed Shahi and City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri both told Dawn that there had been casualties, and Lehri added that a police official was among the deceased. Dr. Saeed Mirwani, the president and CEO of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, had earlier informed Dawn that 34 people had died and more than 130 had been injured. Following the bombing in Mastung, the Karachi Police announced that they will continue to be "completely on high alert" per the orders of Additional Inspector General Khadim Husain Rind. To protect Eid Miladun Nabi festivities and processions throughout the city, the senior police officer directed the force to tighten security measures. Following the explosion, condolences flooded in quickly. Murtaza Solangi, the interim minister of information, declared that "cowardly acts of terror cannot lower the morale of the country." (Abdullah Zehri, “At least 52 killed, scores injured in suicide blast near 12th Rabiul Awwal procession in Mastung: official,” Dawn, 29 September 2023; Syed Ali Shah “At least 50 killed, scores injured in blast near Eid Miladun Nabi procession in Mastung,” The Express Tribune, 23 September 2023)
Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee decided to further up the campaign against militants
On 28 September, the Interim Information Minister Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel told Dawn that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee, a forum of civil and military officials, has decided that the offensive against militants in the province will be expedited. According to the minister, the apex committee agreed to prohibit the sale of night vision devices in order to stop militants from using them in assaults on law enforcement. Mr. Kakakhel responded that no nation permitted unregistered individuals on its territory when asked about Afghan nationals residing there without documentation in general and KP in particular. He declared that the federal government would never let illegal immigrants live in the country. As stated by him, there were 13 organizations involved in extortion cases, and law enforcement agencies reported 145 such crimes and detained 174 suspects. (Umer Farooq, “Apex body decides to expedite offensive against militants in KP,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
COAS on actions against "spectrum of illegal activities”
On 28 September, General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, committed to continue combating a "spectrum of illegal activities" with "full force" with the aim to save Pakistan from "substantial economic losses." These remarks were made by the army chief during a meeting of the Punjab Provincial Apex Committee. He emphasized the necessity of collaboration amongst all pertinent departments for the successful outcomes of the historic efforts. The COAS was briefed about the overall security situation, including actions against electricity and gas theft, hoarding, and foreign currency smuggling, according to a statement released by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). (Iftikhar Shirazi, “Actions against ‘spectrum of illegal activities’ to continue to rid Pakistan of economic losses: COAS,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
EXTERNAL
Government seeks USD 11 billion in aid from China and Saudi Arabia
On 28 September, caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar preceding the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla in Islamabad, expressed that Pakistan is looking for about USD11 billion in bilateral support from China and Saudi Arabia as the caretakers push for effectively extending the tax net to retail, agricultural, and real estate sectors while continuing a crackdown on illegal currency movements to fill external and domestic resource shortages. Akhtar also discussed the IMF need that the Benazir Income Support Programme be partially transferred to the provinces. She bemoaned the fact that exporters continued to ask for subsidies despite the economic downturn and categorically rejected the idea of such handouts. ( Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt eyes $11bn aid from China, Saudi Arabia amid crunch,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
Pakistan and Iran engage to further border trade and safety
On 28 September, the Pakistan- Iran Joint Border Trade Committee engaged in discussions over border tensions, trade and immigration policy. The meeting was held in Mirjaveh close to the Iranian border where the meeting was headed by Chief Collector of Customs of Balochistan Abdul Qadir Memon with their Iranian counterpart the Director General of Transit and International Transport. They discussed the issue of cross-border movement, transportation of commodities and the need to further promote bilateral trade. There was a unanimous agreement to impose strict measures to curb illegal crossing or smuggling activities. (Saleem Shahid, “Pakistan, Iran advance border trade talks,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
UN Secretary-General on delayed aid for the flood victims in Pakistan
On 27 September, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concerns over the delayed pledged aid for Pakistan he stated that billions were promised mostly in loans but the country still awaits much of the funding. These delays are detrimental to the common who are unable to build their lives and the rehabilitation efforts. Guterres also proclaimed the idea of creating a “loss and damage” fund for developing countries that are severely affected by the risk of climate change. (“2022 Pakistan floods: Reconstruction aid lagging: UN chief,” Business Recorder, 29 September 2023)
POLITICS
JIT found over 900 accused of 9 May violence as guilty
On 28 September, the Joint Investing Team established to investigate the 9 May violence following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan have found over 900 leaders and party activities guilty of the serious offence. The DIG said: “We have declared them prime accused in 12 out of the total 14 cases registered under the anti-terrorism act and other charges at Lahore’s various police stations… [and] challans have been submitted in the ATC.” They further claimed that they have enough evidence to probe against Imran Khan and other PTI significant. (Asif Chaudhry, Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “JITs find Imran, over 900 others ‘guilty of serious offences’,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
Interim Government to secure USD 700 million for standby agreement of the IMF
On 29 September, the Business Recorder reported on the Interim government's plans to deliver the International Monetary Funds, USD700 million standby agreement. Saleem Mandviwalla presiding over the Senate Standing Committee on Finance assured that they are working to secure funding for multilateral organizations like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and others. She stated that they are here for the short term and that they want to ensure continuity. (Zaheer Abbasi “IMF programme: Govt will deliver to secure $700m under SBA: Shamshad,” Business Recorder, 29 September 2023)
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“Pakistan At least four people were died and more than 50 others were wounded in an explosion near a masjid in #Mastung area of #Balochistan during the main procession of Eid Milad-ul-Nabi.”
-Ghulam Abbas Shah
“do not forget the armed forces are the servants of the people of Pakistan and you do not make national policy; it is we the civilians who decide these issues and it is your duty to carry out the tasks with which you are entrusted the defence of Pakistan”
- HamidMirPAK
“The PPP opposes such laws which were introduced during Zia's dark rule. We can't allow more the brutalisation of our society. Instead, the State should serve the people that would make us free from such penalties like the death.”
- Sikandar Ali Hullio
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Faisal Bari, Who to vote for?
Dawn, 29 September 2023
Elections should happen, and happen on time. There is no excuse for delays. And there is no reason not to give a ‘level playing field’ to all contesting political parties and political leaders. But we know that there’s been no level playing field in the past and it is unlikely there will be one this time. Elections have always been ‘managed’ one way or the other; it is not likely to be any different this time.
Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, Justice Qazi Faez Isa and the expectations
The Express Tribune, 29 September 2023
Amid mounting expectations of the very many disenchanted with the prevailing social and political system, Justice Qazi Faez Isa starts off his stint as Chief Justice of Pakistan. The actions taken so far by the top judge a 1300cc car in personal use, reduced security staff, live telecast of a high-profile case are a good beginning. But much remains to be seen. Hopes make sense as Justice Isa is known by his bold judgments like in the Memogate Commission; Quetta Bombing Commission; Audio Leaks Commission; suo motu case on Hazara killings; Faizabad dharna case; NAB vs Hudaibiya Paper Mills case, etc.
Dr Sharmila Faruqi, Our big opportunity
The News International, 29 September 2023
Pakistan currently finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with a severe economic crisis that has dominated headlines both within and outside its borders. However, amidst the economic turmoil, there is another noteworthy development stirring within the nation – general elections. Data from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) indicates a notable increase in the registered voter count over a four-year period, with the total rising from approximately 106 million in 2018 to about 127 million as of July 25 this year.
Raoof Hasan, State against people
The News International, 29 September 2023
Viewed from whatever angle one may, the existent distance that separates the state from its people is unprecedented and constitutes the biggest challenge it faces. Worse still, instead of taking measures to address the issue, steps have been initiated to enhance the estrangement and create doubts whether the state cares about its people. The brutal and indiscriminate use of power since the unfortunate happenings of May 9 has further aggravated the existing trust gap between them which can potentially lead to a violent upsurge. Ever since the creation of Pakistan, its rulers in uniform and those masquerading as democratic free wheelers, never took up the cause of the people as a principal consideration.
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“Even if there was a level playing field, many dilemmas would still remain.”
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Who to vote for?'
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