In Brief
POLITICS
Pakistan Election Commission issues production orders for Imran Khan
On 19 October, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued production orders for Imran Khan to appear in contempt cases scheduled for a hearing on 24 October. The written order stated: “Since the respondent is in jail and his personal appearance is mandatory to proceed further with the matter. ln such view of the matter, there is no alternative except to issue production order of respondent namely Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi.” The production order directs that he be produced before the Election Commission of Pakistan on the specified date, after which he will be returned to jail. The cases involve charges of contempt of the Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner. Additionally, bailable warrants have been issued for former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry for his non-appearance. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Imran’s production order issued in contempt cases,” Dawn, 20 October 2023)
Pakistan Supreme Court may hear cases on trial of civilians by military courts and general elections
On 20 October, Dawn reported that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has hinted that the Supreme Court (SC) may take up important constitutional matters in the coming weeks. These matters include the trial of civilians by military courts and issues related to the holding of general elections. The court has been urged to fix the military court case as early as possible, as concerns have been raised about the trial of civilians commencing in violation of previous SC directions. The court is also considering a petition by PTI, seeking a direction for the announcement of a date for elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. (Nasir Iqbal, “CJP Isa may take up military court trial cases soon,” Dawn, 20 October 2023)
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticises Nawaz Sharif, urges Election Commission to announce polls date
On 18 October, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticised PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for his return to Pakistan, stating that “the Constitution, election, and democracy were halted due to one person’s return.” Despite being partners in the previous government and demanding Nawaz Sharif’s return, the PPP has raised concerns about special treatment for him. Zardari called for an end to the politics of division and abuse, stating that the delaying of elections, which had been a “bitter pill” for PPP to swallow, is a “disrespect” to the Constitution. He urged political parties to support the PPP’s demand for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to “immediately announce the date for the polls.” He also emphasised the need for “new politics and new thinking” in Pakistan. (“‘Election halted for one person,’ Bilawal slams Nawaz,” The News International, 18 October 2023)
SECURITY
Six terrorists, including a “high-value target,” killed in a security operation in North Waziristan
On 19 October, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that two “fierce encounters” between troops and militants in North and South Waziristan killed six terrorists. Of these, one was a “high-value target,” namely terrorist ringleader Hazrat Zaman. As per the ISPR, Zaman was “actively involved in multiple terrorist activities in the area,” making him a target of “law enforcement agencies.” Three soldiers were also killed during the operation. “Sanitisation” is currently underway “to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.” (Iftikhar Shirazi, “6 militants, including ‘high-value target’, killed in North Waziristan operation: ISPR,” Dawn, 19 October 2023)
Pakistan Army Chief Visits PAF’s “Indus Shield” Aerial Exercise 2023
On 19 October, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir visited an operational air base of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to witness the “Indus Shield” 2023 aerial exercise. The exercise, featuring participation from 14 allied countries, aims to consolidate modern concepts of aerial warfare, foster cooperation, and enhance interoperability among participating air forces. The Air Chief Marshal praised the Pakistan Army’s support for PAF’s modernisation efforts, stating: “The successful execution of an aerial mission requires the effective utilisation of all components of combat efficiency, including electronic warfare operations, force multipliers and support elements.” The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also commended the exercise, saying that it is “a testament to the unwavering commitment of Pakistan Air Force in bolstering regional security and fostering cooperation among allied nations.” (“COAS visits PAF airbase to witness ‘Indus Shield 2023’ exercise,” The Express Tribune, 19 October 2023)
ECONOMY
CPPA requests additional fuel cost adjustment amid record domestic fuel usage
On 19 October, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) in Pakistan filed a request for an additional fuel cost adjustment (FCA) of approximately 55 paise per unit for ex-Wapda distribution companies. This comes despite a record 77 per cent of electricity generation in September originating from cheaper domestic fuels. The proposed FCA would seek to generate an extra PKR seven billion from consumers. This request raises concerns about the potential impact on consumer electricity bills. Nepra has scheduled public hearings to assess the proposed increase in line with monthly FCA mechanisms and the economic merit order. (“Central Power Purchasing Agency seeks 55-paise FCA for Discos,” Dawn, 20 October 2023)
Private airlines increase fares amid PIA fuel crisis, charging up to 30 per cent more on domestic flights
On 19 October, The Express Tribune reported that in light of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) fuel crisis, private air carriers have raised their fares by up to 30 per cent on domestic flights. With PIA’s domestic flight schedule disrupted, passengers are now paying significantly higher prices for one-way and return tickets on private airlines. This comes as PIA faces serious financial challenges, including payment issues with the Pakistan State Oil (PSO), leading to flight cancellations and delays. Private airlines have been quick to adjust their fares, affecting domestic travellers in Pakistan. (“Private airlines up fares as PIA in a fix,” The Express Tribune, 19 October 2023)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan confirms deadline for illegal immigrants to leave, repatriation plan to proceed as planned
On 19 October, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) reaffirmed that the deadline for the voluntary return of illegal foreigners to their home countries remains 31 October. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch stated that “the government’s position is very clear,” and that from 1 November, the repatriation plan would “kick in as per Pakistani laws.” Pakistan has taken steps to address the repatriation process, with a mechanism in place to address any incidents of harassment or maltreatment during implementation. The government is committed to implementing the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in a phased and orderly manner. Baloch stated that “every country has similar laws to regulate the movement of foreign nationals,” and thus the “administrative and legal” matter of repatriation would be done in a “phased and orderly manner.” (“Plan to repatriate illegal aliens to stay unchanged, says FO,” Dawn, 20 October 2023)
PROVINCE
Sindh/ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Pakistan proposes a significant gas price increase for all consumers
On 20 October, The Express Tribune reported that in a summary prepared for review by the Economic Coordination Committee, the Petroleum Division of Pakistan proposed an increase in gas prices for all categories of consumers, with the change set to take effect from 1 October 2023. The proposal also suggests mixing 25 per cent locally produced gas and imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) for supply to export-focused industries. As a result, gas prices are expected to become more expensive for provinces such as Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), both major gas-producing regions, while export sectors will benefit from cheaper gas prices. There are concerns that this approach may lead to litigation between provinces and the federal government, particularly given the existing opposition to subsidised gas supplies to certain areas. (Zafar Bhutta, “Sindh, K-P to pay more for gas,” The Express Tribune, 20 October 2023)
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“Pakistan official calls for nuclear strike on Israel: “Pakistani nuclear weapons are not an exhibition. I demand that the government use our nuclear missiles to warn the Israelis that if they do not stop bombing Gaza, they will be wiped off the face of the earth.”
-Dane
“Let's work towards a Pakistan where the justice system is fair, transparent, and impartial for all citizens.”
-Muhammad Hanif
“Post-rejection, Pakistan has the opportunity to navigate its constitutional journey with a renewed focus on shared values and pluralism.”
-Faisal Ansari
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Zubeida Mustafa, ‘Reach the masses’
Dawn, 20 October 2023
“There are a number of other similar groups working to educate people and create public awareness. Such bodies are rendering a useful service in a society where the free dissemination of information on sensitive and controversial issues is not encouraged. The establishment is on the defensive if it is criticised and its knee-jerk reaction is to clamp down on the free expression of opinion. The media has always been in chains in Pakistan even in the days when the country supposedly was democratic. As for the academia and the publishing industry, who hasn’t heard of teachers and writers meeting a sorry end because of their liberal views? The banning of books is still a phenomenon not unheard of in Pakistan.”
Nazir A Jogezai, ‘Not worth it?’
Dawn, 20 October 2023
“This wealth of national resources can be termed a ‘natural resource curse’, where countries and regions have performed more poorly than those without such wealth. Technically, it is high costs upfront, lengthy production timelines, site-specificity, scale (sometimes referred to as high rents), price and production volatility, non-renewable resources, and industry opacity. Regions afflicted with this ‘curse’ are more susceptible to exploitation and are mostly politically, financially and culturally managed, leaving little room for real leadership to emerge and for regional prosperity.”
Editorial, ‘CPEC’s potential’
Dawn, 20 October 2023
“While physical infrastructure is crucial to trade development and economic growth, it is vital for Pakistan to increase productivity and exports through foreign investment and technology transfer for tackling its perpetual balance-of-payments and debt crises.”
Amna Ejaz Rafi, ‘Balancing and rebalancing acts’
The Express Tribune, 20 October 2023
“However, the absence of China from Quad raises the question as to why the region’s powerful navy is not part of maritime security arrangement. It fortifies the claim that a sense of insecurity exists from China’s naval posture. In order to deter the threat and to ensure that they do not become subservient to the powerful, the regional countries are trying to strengthen their military muscle, with the net outcome being the military alliances, defence buildup and perpetual security competition. In this entire struggle, the aim is to outmanoeuvre the strong player and in the process, military cum economic and security tools are being employed.”
Syed Mohammad Ali, ‘Climate-caused ‘loss and damage’: securing compensation’
The Express Tribune, 20 October 2023
“Even if rich countries do agree to allocate some money to the loss and damage fund, their allocation may be little more than a creative accounting exercise. It is quite possible that mainstream development funding for a host of other goals, ranging from health and education to water and sanitation, may be repackaged as climate financing.”
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“Fundamental shifts are needed in our economic and development policies,”
-An opinion in Dawn, “Waste not the crises”
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