PTI wants the "bat" symbol to be assigned; Short-term inflation at 35.4 per cent
In Brief
EXTERNAL
US imposes sanctions on three Chinese companies selling Pakistan ballistic missile parts
On 20 October, in a significant move, the US imposed sanctions on three Chinese businesses for giving Pakistan ballistic missile components and technology. The US State Department stated in the designation that the restrictions were being implemented as a part of the international nonproliferation framework. According to a statement from the US State Department, "Today, we are designating three entities in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targets those who spread WMDs and their delivery systems. The three organizations, according to the US, are based in China and worked to provide Pakistan with things that could be used as missiles. General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd., and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd. are among the organizations that have received sanctions. ( “US Sanctions 3 Chinese Firms That Provided Ballistic Missile Components To Pakistan,” The Friday Times, 20 October 2023)
POLITICS
100 protesting teachers and female healthcare workers arrest in Lahore
On 19 October, during a protest demanding the reinstatement of leave encashment, reversal of revisions to pension regulations, and cancellation of privatization plans for public schools, police arrested over 100 more teachers, lady health workers (LHWs), and other government employees. Aiwan-i-Adl to PMG Chowk was the route of a rally organized by the All-Government Employees Grand Alliance (Agega). A coalition of 34 organizations, including those from the health, education, and higher education ministries of government, continued to demonstrate against the Punjab government and the district administration over the detention of more than 200 teachers who were already in jail. ( “Lahore police baton-charge protesting teachers and lady health workers,” Dawn, 21 October 2023)
PTI wants the "bat" symbol to be assigned
On 20 October, PTI requested ECP to allot the "bat" as its electoral symbol for the upcoming general elections. The party, which has complained about the absence of fair competition, called the delay in the release of the election symbol "unjustifiable" and "intolerable." The excessive delay and non-issuance of the oral decision announced on 30 August raised many eyebrows, hence the ECP should soon issue its full written ruling pertaining to the party election symbol, according to a PTI spokeswoman in a press release. The watchdog had no legitimate reason under the law or the constitution to withhold the party's election symbol, the spokesman encouraged the watchdog to issue a comprehensive decision as soon as possible in accordance with the verbal order issued on 30 August. A farce, according to the spokesman, would be free, fair, and transparent elections "without the largest and most formidable political force of the country." He continued by saying that the "conspiracy to keep PTI out of the electoral arena on the state-mandated and unknown technical grounds" amounted to an assault on the nation's political system and constitution. ( “PTI wants ‘bat’ symbol allotted to it without delay,” Dawn 21 October 2023)
SC to hear petitions opposing civilian military trials
On 20 October, a five-member Supreme Court bench will hear approximately a dozen petitions contesting the prosecutions of civilians in military courts on 23 October (Monday). Following the unrest on 9 May, the National Assembly issued a resolution calling for the rioters to be tried under the Army Act. Days later, the army had disclosed that military proceedings against "102 miscreants" were in progress. The bench is presided over by Justice Ijazul Ahsan and is composed of Justices Munib Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Ayesha Malik. The hearing is slated to start on 23 October at 11:30 a.m., according to the cause list released by the Supreme Court. The PTI, former Pakistani leader Imran Khan, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), PPP politician Aitzaz Ahsan, former Pakistani Chief Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, five members of the civil society, Junaid Razzaq, and Zaman Khan Vardag are among the parties who have filed arguments. (Haseeb Bhatti, “SC to take up pleas challenging military trials of civilians on Oct 23,” Dawn 20 October 2023)
ECONOMY
Short-term inflation at 35.4 per cent
On 20 October, according to newly disclosed government data, short-term inflation jumped to 35.4 per cent on an annual basis. The benchmark measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), increased significantly, primarily as a result of rising prices for power and staple foods. For six weeks running, the SPI has been above 30 per cent. Last week, the interim administration significantly reduced the cost of fuel items. In the next few weeks, the effects of these drop-in prices will be felt. Petroleum prices are expected to drop in the review scheduled for the end of the current month, according to analysts. Despite this, decreases in fuel prices do not consistently have an impact on transportation costs because there is no regulatory system. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Short-term inflation clocks in at 35.4pc,” Dawn 20 October 2023)
To preserve flight operations, PIA opts for plan B
On 20 October, International Airlines (PIA), which is currently experiencing a fuel shortage, continued with its backup plan of limited operations. The majority of the two-way flights operated by the state-run airline from Karachi to other cities were delayed in addition to continuing to be cancelled. Due to unpaid debts, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has refused to supply jet fuel to the cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), further aggravating the national flag carrier's dire financial situation. Two PIA flights, PK 308 and PK 368, from Karachi to Islamabad, were cancelled. Also, unable to take off were the national airline's flights from Karachi to Dammam, Muscat, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Quetta. ( “PIA switches to plan B to maintain flight operation,” The Express Tribune, 21 October 2023)
Various initiatives and programs: World Bank for upholding established deadlines
On 21 October, Business Recorder reported on The World Bank urging the implementing agencies to carefully follow the agreed timetables set for completion of various tasks after expressing worry over the delays in various projects. Pakistan’s World Bank, Country Director Najy Binhassine, raised these issues during a recent meeting of the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to discuss ongoing projects and initiatives in several industries. The Financial Inclusion and Infrastructure Project faced lengthy implementation delays due to budgetary allocation, slow decision-making, and delay in finalizing procurement as, despite approval of revised PC1, the signing of the Subsidiary Grant Agreement (SGA) is still pending. To support the service delivery program, public financial management and accountability were discussed. During the meeting, it was announced that the Finance Division had confirmed the accomplishment of DLRs totaling USD16 million.(Mushtaq Ghumman, “Different projects/programmes: World Bank for adhering to agreed timelines,” Business Recorder, 21 October 2023)
SECURITY
In the Lakki Marwat operation, four terrorists killed
On 20 October, the military reported that during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) that was conducted in response to reports of the presence of terrorists in the general area of Semu Wanda of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district last night, security forces killed at least four terrorists injured another, and captured another. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement saying, "During the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and the terrorists, ultimately resulting in four terrorists being sent to hell, while one terrorist got injured and was apprehended by security forces." ( “Four terrorists killed in Lakki Marwat operation,” The Express Tribune, 21 October 2023)
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“My leader Nawaz Sharif will be among you today, InshaAllah. He is coming back to unite this nation, not to divide it further. He is coming back to spread love among his people, not hatred. He is coming back to help you become a productive citizen, not ammunition for any party or group. He is coming back to put Pakistan back on track.”
-Shehbaz Sharif
“NAB tells court it endorses bail to convict after remaining fugitive for 4 years
Court obliges, orders relief, Nawaz returns
Relief as comical as was the punishment farcical
State becomes a farce when de jure organs are conquered by de facto organs.”
- Frahatullah Babar
“Good Bye, China! Thank you for your hospitality, love and care during this memorable and very successful visit. For Pakistan to prosper and develop, there's a lot that we can learn from our IronBrother.”
- Anwaarul Haq Kakar
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Farrukh Khan Pitafi, ‘Decay in political societies’
The Express Tribune, 21 October 2023
“In Pakistan, too, the ruling elite is refusing to learn its lesson. As I type these lines, news channels are absorbed in covering Nawaz’s homecoming as if it is Eid of some sort. Go back five spaces to the year 2018 and look at the same enthusiasm for another man — he who must not be named. Our national discourse is like a smart car that remains under your control throughout the term, but come election season, the autopilot locks you out of the system and takes you to the destination of its choice.”
Basil Nabi Malik, ‘Great expectations’
Dawn, 21 October 2023
“UPON assuming his new position as the top judge of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa has set out at a rapid pace to execute his judicial vision. He called for a full-court meeting, constituted a full court to hear a contentious matter, and with the support of his fellow judges, had its proceedings telecast live.”
Asghar Soomro, ‘Broken promises’
Dawn, 21 October 2023
“A LACK of political stability and policy continuity has always been attributed as the primary reasons for the failure of education in Sindh and other parts of the country. However, it is bewildering to witness continuous poor progress, stagnation, or even decline, despite the PPP being in power consecutively for the past 15 years.”
Kanza Mehmood, ‘Public health and consumer trust’
The Express Tribune, 21 October 2023
“Food safety holds significant importance when it comes to public health; and in Pakistan, there’s a substantial concern lurking in the shadows — grey channel trade. Also known as parallel trade or informal trade, it’s a practice that involves the unauthorised importation and distribution of food items through unofficial and often illicit channels like smuggling, counterfeiting and repackaging. This clandestine trade undermines established regulatory mechanisms and can result in the circulation of unsafe and substandard food products in the market, posing serious risks to consumers.”
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