In Brief
SECURITY
'Twin bombings' targeting a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 29 September, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Interim Information Minister Feroze Jamal informed that, two suicide bombers struck a mosque inside the walls of the Doaba police station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu, causing at least five deaths and twelve injuries. He said one of the assailants was killed in a gunfight with the police outside the mosque, while the other one was able to enter the place of worship. Jamal continued by mentioning that during gun fire exchange, two police officers were also injured. He also said that because of the police's quick response, worshipers were able to flee the area when they heard gunfire. Lieutenant General Hassan Azhar Hayat, commander of the Peshawar Corps, lauded the officers for their efforts and acknowledged that they had helped to prevent serious damage. Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his condolences over the deaths caused, stating that such attacks on the holy day demonstrated "the malign intentions of terrorists."(Javid Hussain and Arif Hayat, “At least 5 killed, 12 wounded in ‘twin blasts’ targeting mosque inside police station in KP’s Hangu,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
Related (PREB: 29 September 2023, Friday | Vol 4, No.204)
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)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa military operation: One soldier and terrorist ringleader dead
On 29 September, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces engaged in gunfire with a terrorist reported by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). According to the press release, separate military operations in the Kurram and Mardan districts of KP resulted in the death of a soldier and of a wanted terrorist. A "high-value target, terrorist ringleader Faisal" was killed as a result of an intelligence-based operation that was carried out in the Katlang general area of the Mardan district. He was "highly wanted by law enforcement agencies," according to the ISPR, and he was actively involved in several terrorist actions. It said that he had also had guns and explosives found on him. (Iftikhar Shirazi, “Soldier martyred, terrorist ringleader killed in 2 KP military engagements: ISPR,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 15
Voting information can be changed by citizens until 25 October
On 28 September, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared that voters over 18 can amend their voter information until 25 October. To allow registered voters to amend or correct their information, the commission has decided to "unfreeze" the electoral rolls, which are a formal list of eligible voters who reside in a specific constituency. The Elections Act of 2017 Section 39 caused the electoral records to be frozen on 20 July, according to ECP's Media Outreach and Coordination Wing. In the interest of data accuracy, the commission has now permitted residents to make corrections in the rolls. In Pakistan, there are now 127 million registered voters, up from 106 million at the time of the 2018 general elections, according to data released by the ECP last week. Statistics revealed that in the nation, where women make up 49 per cent of the population, the gap between men and women of voting age was almost 10 million. Since the 2018 elections, 11.74 million more female voters have been registered, reducing the difference. In contrast, 9.28 million more male voters have been registered to vote during the same time period. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Citizens allowed to amend voting information till Oct 25,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
ECONOMY
Pakistan and GCC sign a tentative trade agreement
On 29 September, Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan reported that Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed a preliminary free trade agreement (FTA) after concluding the final round of discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The joint statement was signed between the GCC Secretary General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi and Interim Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz. In the statement, "Both parties looked forward to the swift execution, ratification, and implementation of the agreement, which will mark a new chapter in the economic relations between our parties." According to the Saudi Press Agency, the GCC secretary general stated that the preliminary agreement was a "recognition of the importance of strengthening trade relations and economic cooperation with countries and international blocs". He stated, that the "historic economic agreement" marked an "important transforming point" in the two parties’ collaboration and would advance advancement and prosperity while serving the common interests of both parties, as it emphasizes the vital significance of close partnership between countries to strengthen economic performance relations. ( “Pakistan inks preliminary deal on free trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council,” Dawn, 29 September 2023)
POLITICS
Kakar stress the law “to take its course” for Nawaz’s return
On 29 September, Pakistan’s Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq, stated that he wanted the law "to take its course" when PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. He also added that the interim administration has gotten in touch with the law ministry to decide for the Nawaz Sharif’s arrival. The interim prime minister stated in a recent interview with BBC Urdu that "we have asked the law ministry as to what should be the caretaker government's position in terms of administrative measure on Nawaz's return as soon as I reach the country, we will call a meeting in that regard." The PML-N leader was granted a reprieve by the judiciary, allowing him to leave the country, therefore PM Kakar added that the courts would decide whether to arrest the former prime minister. "The courts, not the executive, had granted permission for a guilty person to leave. This is a matter for the courts, not the executive branch, he concluded. (“PM Kakar wants ‘law to take its course’ on Nawaz’s return to Pakistan,” Dawn, 29 September 2023; “Will not be in govt’s control if Imran legally barred from polls: PM Kakar,” Business Recorder, 29 September 2023)
Interim CM of Sindh Issues Order for Sakrand Killings Probe
On 29 September, Sindh’s Interim Chief Minister Maqbool Baqir, ordered a thorough investigation into an alleged event that occurred in Sakrand Taluka of Nawabshah district that led to the death of four villagers in a gunfight with a security personnel. The incident happened on 28 September when strong contingents of Sindh Police, joined by the paramilitary Rangers, attacked the Mari Jalbani village near Sakrand town in pursuit of militants affiliated with the illegal Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army. According to the local police, they were informed about a college student who was reportedly involved in some illicit activities and had taken refuge there. (Kamran Khamiso Khowaja, “Sindh Caretaker CM Orders Probe Into Sakrand Killings,” The Friday Times, 29 September 2023)
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"Legitimacy of an elected leader is superior to legitimacy of an army chief of staff. This was made clear when Umar Ibn Khattab(RA) dismissed "Sword of Allah" Khalid Ibn Walid(RA). Khalid did not revolt, nor organise a vote of no confidence, nor open court at midnight"
-Sami Hamdi
“Saudi Arabia and China want to see Nawaz Sharif as the PM of Pakistan. Not just these two countries, but those Pakistanis who believe in “Development & Infrastructure”, want to see Nawaz Sharif as the PM as well. Mark my words, Pakistan will the best country in 10 years!”
- Saad Kaiser
“A Jail trial for Chairman Imran Khan is absolutely shameful and illegal. A fair and open court trial must be held in this case, as the Nation deserves to know those who are behind the conspiracy against Pakistan!”
- sajeda rashid
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Aneela Shahzad, 'Liberalism — darkness cloaked in modernity'
The Express Tribune, 29 September 2023
"Interestingly, Feminism emerged at the exact same time and has evolved through merging with different liberal ideas, specifically applying them to women, like the right to vote, own property, enter the workplace, protection from sexual assault, sexual harassment and domestic violence. The 2nd wave brought liberal (political/legal integration, equal opportunity), socialist (anti-patriarchy) and radical (lesbianism) feminism."
Inam Ul Haque, 'Engaging with Afghanistan — regional perspective'
The Express Tribune, 29 September 2023
"A lot of diplomatic activity about Afghanistan — internationally and at regional level — has been underway. After the re-ascent of IEA to power in Afghanistan, Iran hosted a Regional Conference on Afghanistan in Tehran on October 27, 2021, to develop a “road map” for improved security and economic conditions in Afghanistan."
Qasim A. Moini, 'Justice for all'
Dawn, 30 September 2023
"One of the central messages of the Holy Quran is the establishment of justice and resistance to oppression. These two themes also recur frequently in hadith literature. The Holy Book has chastised oppressors in clear terms on numerous occasions, one of which is Ayat 44 of Surah Aa’raf, where it is stated that “the curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers”. The Arabic word used for wrongdoers is ‘zalimeen’, which some exegetes have also translated as ‘the unjust’."
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