Long March by BNP Due to Worsening Balochistan Situation; PIA cancels flights amid fuel shortage
In Brief
POLITICS
Chaman border protest intensifies over visa and passport rules
On 22 October, for the second day in a row, protesters in Chaman, including workers, supporters, and members of the all-party traders' alliance, participated in sit-in protest against the government's decision to require valid passports and visas for entry into Pakistan from Afghanistan. On the highway, protesters-built camps, preventing traffic from moving in the direction of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The movement of trucks and other vehicles carrying import and export commodities was severely hampered as a result. Beginning on 1 November, the Pakistani government will only permit persons with legitimate passports and visas to cross the border. No one will be permitted to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after 31 October while using a Pakistani ID card or an Afghan permit (Tazkira). Nevertheless, the combination of party leaders, trade associations, and industry leaders rejected the government's choice. (Saleem Shahid, “Chaman border protest escalates over passport, visa policy,” Dawn, 23 October 2023)
Supreme Court pressed for the military trials to end quickly
On 23 October, at least nine defendants facing trials under the Army Act petitioned the top court for an early resolution of their cases by the military courts as the Supreme Court resumes hearing on a series of challenges to trials of civilians in the military courts. A five-member bench led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan will start debating objections to the military courts' use of civilian defendants in trials. Judges Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Yayha Afridi, Munib Akhtar, and Ayesha A. Malik are on the bench. Thirteen distinct petitions against military courts will be considered. Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Jawwad S. Khawaja is one of the petitioners, along with senior attorney Aitzaz Ahsan, Karamat Ali, Zaman Khan Vardag, Junaid Razzaq, the Supreme Court Bar Association, Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI, Hafeezullah Khan Niazi, retired Lt Col Inamul Rahim, and Naeemullah Qureshi. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC moved for swift conclusion of military trials,” Dawn, 23 October 2023)
EXTERNAL
The Khunjerab Pass will remain open all year for trade and travel
On 23 October, the Khunjerab Pass route will remain open all year for trade and other operations involving international transit between Pakistan and China. In this regard, Naseem Khattak, a member of Engineering Coordination, wrote to the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to request the required procedures for facilitating international transit trade and general travel. The letter made note of the likelihood that the Karakoram Highway (KKH) will be open throughout the winter. The letter stated that from December to April, traffic is restricted on the KKH between Sost and Khunjerab (86km) because of the unusually high altitude and significant snowfall. According to the letter, it has been agreed to keep this route open all year long in light of the trade activity associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to the report, the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) workforce has been assigned to the KKH for normal maintenance tasks under the term- and length-based annual maintenance contract. (Jamil Nagri, “Preparations in full swing to keep Khunjerab Pass open for trade, travel all year round,” Dawn, 23 October 2023)
Long March by BNP Due to Worsening Balochistan Situation
On 22 October, the Balochistan National Party (BNP) began a lengthy march against pressing problems the province is dealing with, such as the rise in terrorism and the ongoing problem of Baloch missing people. However, the party rejected the state's threats of arrests and other measures. BNP leader Akhtar Mengal claimed that the march was a protest against those armed organizations that operate in the area with impunity to kidnap people, demand ransom, and leave their desecrated bodies on the roadways in an interview with local media in Watt before the march. The lines get hazy, he continued, "when the state either creates or supports groups harming the people," adding that "the state is responsible for protecting the lives and property of its people." (“BNP Launches Long March Over Worsening Situation In Balochistan,” The Friday Times, 23 October 2023)
ECONOMY
The government is prepared to approve rising gas prices before the IMF assessment
On 23 October, the government called a special meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to discuss and approve an unprecedented increase of 3,900 per cent in fixed monthly charges and a 194 per cent hike in consumer rates for natural gas before seeking final dates for the second review of the ongoing IMF loan programme. These pricing hikes are expected to take effect backwards from October 1 and are scheduled for approval by the cabinet on 24 October. This is in addition to the petroleum division's request to switch to a new gas pricing mechanism based on the weighted average cost of domestic and imported gas (WACOG) to ensure the actual cost of gas supply and eliminate the flow of the gas sector's circular debt, which, according to a summary provided to the ECC, stands at PKR 2.1 trillion as of this June. There is, however, a discrepancy in the stated numbers. In news conferences, interim petroleum minister Muhammad Ali, a former chairman of the corporate watchdog Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), has referenced the circular debt for the gas sector, which is higher at PKR 2.9 trillion. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt set to ratify soaring gas charges before IMF review,” Dawn, 23 October 2023)
PIA cancels flights amid fuel shortage
On 22 October, Pakistan International Airlines grounded 43 international flights and 29 domestic flights. The aviation company is regularly cancelling fights owing to fuel supply shortages by the Pakistan State Oil. PSO refuses to provide fuel to PIA due to overdue payments pending. In just one day the airline incurred a PKR 700 million loss. The Federal Board of Revenue mediated that an advance would be paid by PIA to procure oil from PSO, the difference rose again as PIA surpassed its daily limit. (Aftab Khan,“ Shortage of fuel clips PIA wings,” The Express Tribune, 22 October 2023)
EXTERNAL
Iranian envoys suggest Pakistan-Iran economic corridor
On 22 October, the Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan Reza Amiri Mughaddam suggested that the 950-kilometre border sharing between Pakistan and Iran can become a vibrant economic corridor. Reza said the absence of a banking sector between the two countries poses a hurdle for bilateral trade. He also talked of the common friendship they had in the region with China and Russia and that by engaging in trade they can increase their revenues by 10 times. He iterated that Iran has always given primacy in enhancing ties with its neighboring countries and Pakistan has always been on top. Both countries have recently opened three border markets and are looking to open more. (Hassan Abbas,“ Pak-Iranian border can be turned into ‘economic border’: envoy” Business Recorder, 23 October 2023)
West concerned over Pakistan deportation plans
On 22 October, The Express Tribune reported on concerns expressed against Pakistan's “illegal aliens” deportation plans. US diplomats urged Pakistan to not deport Afghani migrants who are awaiting US visas. This was signed by 80 former US officials and was significant. United Nations warned Pakistan that forced deportation is a Human Rights violation, Pakistan said they are not targeting any particular group but aim at lawful removal of illegal migrants. (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan allays West's concerns on deportation plan,” The Express Tribune, 22 October 2023)
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“Instead of spoiling the name & prestige of the country PIA should first close all its operations & surrender routes & planes to Pakistani airlines.Then sell the properties & assets of PIA at market value.Then give a handshake to employees.Close the chapter once for all.”
-SyedShabbarZaidi
“Whisking away politicians, then lying about them in courts, then magically making them appear on TV screens is further increasing distruct between state & people. Only free & fair elections can provide a decisive answer as to what people really want”
- Farhatullah 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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Imtiaz Gul, ‘The black hole that Balochistan is’
The Express Tribune, 23 October 2023
“A round trip of nearly 1600 km between Quetta, Panjgur and Turbat leaves you with mind-blowing impressions. While the current talk at the highest political level revolves around smuggling in Balochistan, the situation on ground betrays a different kind of “smuggling and theft” — broken, cratered, half paved or incomplete roads; under-construction, abandoned government projects; and poorly-constructed public sector buildings. Isn’t this a far more serious concern than the so-called smuggling that serves as the only source of livelihood for thousands, most of them jobless youth?”
Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, ‘Census and election’
Dawni, 22 October 2023
“An overall high number, such as 13m, of unregistered voters would have been truly a source of great concern but thankfully it is not the case. The discrepancy between population and registered voters in districts is, however, possible as the persons are not necessarily registered as voters at the same place as they normally reside and get counted in a population census. Karachi and Sindh-based political parties had been complaining for long that there is a wide divergence between the number of voters and the population reported in the census.”
Saira Samo, ‘Four global threats to humanity’
The Express Tribune, 23 October 2023
“Chomsky’s lecture at a private university in Karachi painted a sobering picture of the grave challenges confronting humanity. His insights into the perils of nuclear conflict, environmental degradation, erosion of democratic values and the Covid-19 pandemic served as a clarion call for global awareness and immediate action. Chomsky’s words emphasised the vital role of intellectuals and leaders who prioritise the preservation of humanity above all else. In a world fraught with complex challenges, his message serves as a potent reminder that the trajectory of our shared future rests in the hands of those who choose to prioritise the welfare of all.”
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.”
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