In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan satellite to be carried in China’s ‘Change-6’ Lunar mission
On 2 October, The Friday Times reported that China’s “Change-6” Lunar mission will take Pakistan’s satellite to the moon with other countries like the European Space Agency, France and Italy. The mission is set to launch by the early half of 2024. French testing tools investigating radioactive gas, Italy’s Valle Brett Radar System, ESA’s Negative Ion Detector and Pakistan’s CubeSat satellite will be sent to lunar orbit. The Chang’e-6 mission aims to reach the dark side of the moon and gather samples for earth. (“China’s ‘Change-6’ Lunar Mission To Carry Pakistani Satellite To Moon In 2024,” The Friday Times, 2 October 2023)
World Bank report ranks Pakistan as the top borrower in 2023
On 2 October, a World Bank Report titled “World Bank Annual Report 2023-A New Era in Development,” found that Pakistan was the top borrower of the International Development Association (IDA) with the estimated funded reckoned to be USD 2.3 billion. The project aided with rehabilitation efforts of USD 1.7 billion in the worst-hit areas of Sindh, they funded the restoration of crops, health services and local response capacity. IDA is a major multilateral source of financing, offering development loans, grants and grantees to the poorest countries. Furthermore, they provided expert advice on debt management, measures for job creation and climate change. (Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan emerges as top International Development Association borrower in 2023,” Dawn, 2 October 2023)
Bill to halt US defence funding to Pakistan voted out
On 2 October, Dawn reported on the “Move against fund to Pakistan foiled in US Congress,” where the previous month Tennessee Republican Andy Ogles submitted a proposal suggesting an amendment to the US Appropriation bill, by halting defence assistance to Pakistan. The proposal was voted out with a clear majority of 298 voting against it and 132 in favour. The congresswomen against the bill argued that the move was “misguided” and that the two countries have a multifaceted relationship rooted in shared democratic values, said Sheila Jackson Lee. Congresswoman Barbara Lee said: “essential to maintain stability in the region, address extremism and promote peace and security.” (Anwar Iqbal, “Move against fund to Pakistan foiled in US Congress,” Dawn, 2 October 2023)
Pakistan congratulate China on their 74th National Day
On 1 October, Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on China’s 74th National Day. He felicitated their friendship as “Iron Brotherhood” and called Beijing: “In today’s world, an anchor of peace & stability as well as the engine of development & progress. Long live Pak-China friendship.” Interim Chief Minister of Balochistan Murtaza Solangi also wished China and called the economic success of Beijing an example for all developing nations. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Pakistan takes great pride in China’s progress, says PM Kakar,” Dawn, 2 October 2023)
POLITICS
FIA advises against public hearing of Imran Khan
On 2 October, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) expressed its concerns and advised the Islamabad High Court (IHC) not to hold a public hearing of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Stating their worry that it might sever ties with other countries. FIA Special Prosecutor Shah Khawar said that they cannot have a public hearing under the Official Secrets Act and that it will affect their diplomatic ties. PTI lawyer Salman Safdar opposed the plea by FIA and that they contended before to have an in-camera hearing. (Awais Yousafzai,“ Cipher case: Open court trial may harm Pakistan’s ties with other states, FIA tell IHC,” The News International, 2 October 2023)
JI on the hiked gas rates
On 1 October, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Sirajul Haq pointed out that while the current interim government reduced the prices of petroleum they also hiked prices for gas. He added: “From the president and prime minister to police, everyone is admitting that the situation is terrible, but no one is accepting the responsibility for it.” He highlighted that domestic LPG will cost PKR 3,080 and commercial LPG will cost PKR 11,849. He proclaimed that only his party could break the beggar bowl situation of Pakistan and put the country towards the path of development. (“Govt cut fuel prices, but upped gas rate: Siraj,” The Express Tribune, 2 October 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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