PTI call for “Grand National Reconciliation Dialogueâ€; UK firm interested in procuring Shell Pakistan
In Brief
BRI
Anwaarul Haq Kakar invites Chinese investment in Pakistan’s energy sector
On 17 October, at the 3rd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation conference, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar invited Chinese investment in solar parts to “support Pakistan’s endeavours for climate action and also help reduce the energy import bill.” He highlighted Pakistan’s “steadfast” friendship with China, expressing interest to learn from Chinses models for building industrial parks and special economic zones. Kakar appreciated CPEC, describing it as “a catalyst for job creation, poverty alleviation, and rural revitalisation.” He additionally announced Pakistan’s willingness towards “drawing new partners” to join them in benefitting from CPEC. (“Pakistan seeks investment in solar parks to cut energy bill,” Dawn, 18 October 2023)
Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar meets Putin President at BRI forum
On 17 October, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar met Russian President Vladimir Putin during the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation in Beijing. Both leaders discussed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, and regional peace and security. Kakar illustrated the mutual interest both countries had in terrorism, calling for cooperation in the areas of intelligence, defence, and counter-terrorism. He also invited Russian investment in Pakistan’s energy sector, after a “fruitful and constructive engagement with the Russian team” during a Russian Energy Week event he attended recently. Putin, highlighting 75 years of bilateral relations between both countries, cited the potential for boosting economic and trade relations. (“PM Kakar, Russian President Putin review defence, trade ties during meeting in Beijing,” Dawn, 17 October 2023)
POLITICS
PTI call for “Grand National Reconciliation Dialogue”
On 17 October, PTI called for a “Grand National Reconciliation Dialogue” in a bid to revive the scattered PTI leadership. The statement came from the president’s house where PTI leaders Raoof Hassan and Barrister Umair urged President Arif Alvi and the Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi to participate. The meeting aims to bring all stakeholders and leaders to discuss and reignite the party. The PTI leader Shafqat Mahmood met with the Murtaz and proposed the reconciliation dialogue and stated: “This dialogue is a must ahead of the upcoming polls to move forward in the right direction. Let’s sit together and set a target for the next 10 years. Mr Solangi has agreed to the proposal.” (Syed Irfan Raza, Zulqernain Tahir, “‘Grand dialogue’ floated to revive PTI’s fortunes,” Dawn, 18 October 2023)
Nawaz Sharif’s legal team sets protective bail precedent for his return
On 17 October, Dawn reported on the measures taken by the legal team for the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return. The team has completed the procedures to sort protective bail from the Islamabad High Court over three cases of Avenfeild, Al-Azizia and Toshkhana vehicle case. The confirmed date for his return is set to be 21 October where upon his return he will address a gathering of his supporters. One exception has been made by the IHC where procedurally one has to surrender to be granted protective bail, while for Nawaz the court has set a precedent before surrendering. The court will have two hearings one before his return and one after he has surrendered himself. (Malik Asad,“ Nawaz’s legal team all set to move IHC for relief,” Dawn, 17 October 2023)
ECONOMY
12.3 per cent dip in petrol prices
On 17 October, an editorial in Dawn, ‘Decrease in oil prices’ reported that there has been of 12.3 per cent 4.7 per cent decline in the prices of petrol and diesel. This comes as a sigh of relief for the inflation-stricken population of Pakistan, but it is unlikely that this would lead to any massive change in the inflation of the country. Within this month the government has cut the cost of fuel prices twice but as reported by the Sensitive Price Index it did not bring any significant change in curbing surging inflation. However, it is understood that stable fuel prices bring larger stability to the market and can aid in slowing down the surging costs. (“Decrease in oil prices,” Dawn, 17 October 2023)
Fourteen PIA domestic flights were cancelled over halted fuel supply by PSO
On 17 October, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled 14 domestic and international flights and delayed 12 flights owing to the restricted fuel supply. The loss incurred by airlines have over the years accumulated sizeable dues and due to the non-payments, the flights had to be cancelled. The PIA spokesperson stated that due to the limited fuel supply to PIA owing to operational reasons. Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has halted its supply of fuel to the public entity over non-payment of dues. (Mohammad Asghar, “ Fuel payment dispute disrupts PIA flights,” Dawn, 17 October 2023)
PSO receivables amount to PKR 755 billion
On 16 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan State Oil has a record PKR 775 billion receivables if affecting its business. The financial report submitted to the government states that Pakistan’s largest fuel supplier has 90 per cent of its funds stuck with government bodies and entities. The largest share of receivables is held up with Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Ltd estimating the due to be PKR 478 billion. PSO is the largest fuel supplier in the market owning 50 per cent of shares in petroleum products and 49 per cent is shared by oil marketing companies. The report highlighted that last year PKR 40 billion in profits were lost to keep the operations running owing to non-payment by the government enterprises. (Khaleeq Kiani, “PSO receivables cross Rs755bn,” Dawn, 17 October 2023)
UK firm interested in procuring Shell Pakistan
On 16 October, Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) announced that a UK-based firm Prax Overseas Holdings Ltd has expressed their interest in buying shares of the company. The firm proposed to buy 77.42 per cent shares of Shell. In June SPL announced its plans to disinvest of 77.42 per cent stake in the company aiming to “simplify” its global portfolio. The Shell Petroleum Company Ltd is the only biggest shareholder in the Pakistan firm and the public owns 15.2 per cent. It is assumed that the parent company Shell Petroleum Company wanted to halt the local operation and sell its stake over the incurring loss acquired during 2022 owing to the dip in exchange rates, devaluation of the currency and overdue debts. (“UK firm shows interest in buying Shell Pakistan,” Dawn, 17 October 2023)
Iesco fines PKR 1.9 million against electricity thieves
On 15 October, The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco’s) fined 43 electricity defaulters and thieves of PKR 1.9 million. The anti-electricity pilferage campaign of 2023 kickstarted under the Ministry of Energy has found the usage of 2,000 illegal meters either tampered with or slowed down. The FIR issued stated that “Fines of more than Rs137 million were imposed on the consumers by charging for more than 2.8 million units. As many as 434 FIRs were also registered and 336 electricity thieves were arrested by the police.” The Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammad Amjad Khan reaffirmed their conviction to make the campaign a 100 per cent success and urged the citizens to inform of the defaulters through the Iesco helpline. (“Prs1.9m fine imposed on power pilferers,” Dawn, 18 October 2023)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan shelves long-term oil import deal with Russia
On 18 October, The Express Tribune reported on the Pakistani government’s decision to abandon plans for a long-term oil import deal with Russia under a government-to-government arrangement (G2G). In place of this, it has allowed refineries to engage in direct commercial agreements with Russian companies. Delays in establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for crude oil imports were among the reasons for this change. An official of the Pakistan Refinery Limited stated that “The import of Russian crude via SPV involves high risks.” Private-sector refineries have already imported Russian oil, prompting the government to pursue commercial agreements without G2G involvement. This decision aims to diversify energy sources and reduce risks associated with G2G deals, as experts believe that oil imports from Russia were a gable due to the absence of diligence being conducted by the previous government. (Zafar Bhutta, “Plan for G2G oil deal with Russia shelved,” The Express Tribune, 18 October 2023)
Pakistan and Turkey aim to boost bilateral trade to USD five billion in one-two years
On 18 October, The Express Tribune reported on a statement by Turkey’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Mehmet Pacaci, who said that Pakistan and Turkey can increase bilateral trade to USD 5 billion within one to two years and eventually reach USD 20-25 billion in the long term. Pacaci highlighted the importance of making “full use of mutually shared multilateral platforms like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).” He also discussed introducing “two more visa categories including tourist visa and business tourism visa.” FPCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh emphasised the potential for Pakistan to export IT services to Turkey, stating that they “should capitalise on opportunities made available by Pakistan’s inclusion into the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) convention.” Sheikh stated that this could help reduce Pakistan’s ongoing trade deficit. (Gohar Ali Khan, “Turkiye eyes $5b trade in next two years,” The Express Tribune, 18 October 2023)
COAS expresses concern over Gaza-Israel conflict during 260th Corps Commanders’ Conference
On 17 October, the Pakistani military leadership expressed deep concern about the Gaza-Israel conflict during the 260th Corps Commanders’ Conference. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir extended “diplomatic, moral and political support of the Pakistani nation” to Palestine, amid apprehension over adverse developments and the significant human cost being imposed on innocent civilians. The forum also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by security forces and law enforcement agencies, affirming that the Pakistani Army would continue to “provide all-out support to the government and LEAs in taking strict lawful actions against illegal economic activities across the country.” After a briefing on how this conflict could affect national security, participants reinstated the Pakistani Army’s commitment to defending the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against all kinds of direct and indirect threats.” (“Army backs Palestinians in Israel-Gaza conflict,” The Express Tribune, 17 October 2023)
Pakistan shifts to commercial imports of Russian crude oil, scrapping SPV plan
On 17 October, Pakistan decided to abandon plans for a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for importing Russian crude oil, choosing instead to have refineries import Russian crude on a commercial basis. The SPV plan, which would have involved depositing gains from discounted Russian crude to benefit consumers, was shelved due to a lack of substantial reduction in consumer prices. Under the new approach, refineries will import Russian crude and the government will benefit from the 46 per cent tax deposited by the refineries in the national exchequer. Pakistan plans to import more Russian crude oil in the future. (Tanveer Malik, “Pakistan drops plan for SPV to import Russian oil,” The News International, 18 October 2023)
Pakistan to dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza amid Israeli aggression
On October 16, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) announced that the government would “immediately dispatch humanitarian relief assistance to Gaza, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian brothers and sisters.” Pakistan is collaborating with organizations such as the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, relevant United Nations agencies, and the government of Egypt to deliver aid to the Palestinians. US President Joe Biden has also expressed support for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to flee the war-hit area and deliver essential aid. (“Pakistan to send humanitarian aid to Gaza amid Israeli aggression,” The News International, 16 October 2023)
PROVINCE
Balochistan: Public gatherings banned and highway blockades in the Red Zone
On 15 October, the Balochistan Home and tribal affairs department-imposed restrictions on public gatherings, rallies, and road blockades in the Red Zone of the province under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The ban includes gatherings of more than five individuals on national highways, other roads, and within the Red Zone areas. In Quetta, no approvals will be given for public meetings and processions along specific routes. This move is aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring the free flow of traffic in these areas. (Saleem Shahid, “Govt bans rallies in Balochistan,” Dawn, 16 October 2023)
Sindh: The Karachi Circular Railway project advances
On 17 October, the interim Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice Maqbool Baqar, discussed the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project with Vice President Li Samaa of the China Railway Construction Company (CRCC) during the “Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” in Beijing. They have agreed to resolve issues related to Right of Way (RoW) and the issuance of a sovereignty guarantee to facilitate the commencement of the long-awaited KCR project. The updated feasibility study for the KCR project has been submitted to the China Railway Authority, and it involves a 43.2-kilometre circular route aimed at reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in Karachi. The project will have 24 stations and is a key infrastructure project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). (Tahir Siddiqui, “Sindh govt, Chinese firm agree on Karachi Circular Railway operation,” Dawn, 18 October 2023)
SOCIETY
The number of out-of-school children in Pakistan surged past 28 million
On 17 October, Dawn reported that despite promises by successive governments to enrol out-of-school children, the number of such children in Pakistan continues to increase significantly, surpassing 28 million. An official document from the education ministry reveals the alarming figure, which has raised concerns about the country’s education policies. In 2021, the government reported 18.7 million out-of-school children, but the number has continued to rise. The then Federal Education Minister, Shafqat Mehmood, said that there was “very slow progress on education participation, completion and closing of the gender gap.” Factors such as poverty and lack of awareness contribute to this issue. A schoolteacher in Islamabad said that “kids do labour work to help their families,” meaning that they will continue dropping out after enrolling until the issue is resolved. (Kashif Abbasi, “Despite lofty claims, out-of-school children soar to over 28 million,” Dawn, 17 October 2023)
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“13 Days Left
Millions of illegal immigrants living in #Pakistan have been ordered by the government of Pakistan to voluntarily evacuate by November 1. After November 1, legal action will be taken against such immigrants. Taking advantage of this respite, millions of illegally residing Afghans are returning to Afghanistan rapidly.” – Amna Aman
“Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Acting Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. Putin noted that trade turnover between Russia & Pakistan has increased. The partnership between Russia & Pakistan is friendly and the focus is on ensuring regional security, the head of Russia emphasized.” – Maria
“On 18th October we are reminded of martyrs who lost their lives to the devastating bombings during a historic rally led by the courageous SMBB. We are also reminded of the courage &commitment with which she continued her mission for restoration of democracy in Pakistan.” – Shazia Atta Marri
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Zahid Hussain, “Western media and the war”
Dawn, 18 October 2023
“Israel’s war crimes are being justified on the pretext of the ‘right to self-defence’. There is no word of protest on the killing of a dozen Arab journalists in the relentless bombing that has turned Gaza into rubble. The double standards of those who claim to be the champions of freedom and democracy is appalling.”
Mahir Ali, “The dispossessed”
Dawn, 18 October 2023
“Given this state of the world, it’s no surprise that Australia’s retrogressive own goal barely registered as a blip on the international radar. But the dispossession that underlies this saga is not completely at variance with the settler-colonialism that relegates Palestinians to the status of a people who are, just about, to be tolerated provided they obediently behave themselves and turn the other cheek to every blow.”
Editorial, “Out of school”
Dawn, 18 October 2023
“Lower-income families simply cannot afford to send their children to school when they are labouring — quite literally — to keep their families afloat. Even if the state manages to enrol them, they drop out for the same reason. Children forced into such situations are deprived of their basic right to an education and remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. Therefore, simply enrolling these children is not the solution.”
Sher Ali Kakar, “India’s aspiration for H-Bomb”
The Express Tribune, 18 October 2023
“What would be the response of the world community, especially the US, which is treating India as a key partner in its efforts to contain China? In the past two decades, India has received extraordinary support from the US which has provided India access to cutting-edge technologies and granted an NSG waiver under which India is enhancing its nuclear weapons production capability, ignoring the facts about India’s record as an aggressor state. The US CAASTA sanctions never happened against India after the purchase of S-400 missile defence technology from Russia. America’s immense defence and political support for India can increase the risk of nuclear escalation in the conflict-prone South Asian region.”
Talat Masood, “The plight of the Muslim world”
The Express Tribune, 18 October 2023
“There are of course a number of Muslim countries that are democratic and many amongst them are secular democracies, but they will take a few more years to develop a strong democratic culture. Although it is fact, as aptly described by an author, that “Islam as a religion and the traditional Islamic notions such as ‘shura’ (consultation), ‘maslaha’ (public interest) and ‘adl’ (justice) justify representative government institutions which are similar to western democracy, but reflect Islamic rather than Western liberal values.” There are others who have advanced liberal democratic models of Islamic politics based on pluralism and freedom of thought. So, similar parallels have been drawn with other major religions of Abraham lineage.”
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“The world is quite literally turning into a hot and messy hellscape and those who could stop it have utterly failed to do so,”
-An opinion in Dawn, “The heat is on”
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