Islamabad High Court (IHC) provided the federal government with a one-month extension to submit its reply in a case related to audio leaks.
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan defends deadline for expelling illegal immigrants as compliant with domestic and international laws
On 30 October, the Pakistani Foreign Office (FO) defended the government’s deadline for expelling illegal immigrants from the country, asserting that the decision is in accordance with Pakistan’s domestic laws and “compliant with applicable international norms and principles.” The statement came in response to concerns raised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which urged Pakistan to “suspend forcible returns of Afghan nationals before it is too late to avoid a human rights catastrophe.” Pakistan has emphasised that the repatriation plan applies to all illegal foreigners residing in the country, regardless of their nationality and country of origin, and is not aimed at any specific ethnic group. Pakistan’s FO spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch highlighted that all legal foreign nationals in Pakistan were “beyond the purview of this plan.” She also asserted that Pakistan would “continue to work” with its “international partners” in prioritising the advancement of “durable solutions” for “protracted refugee situations.” (Abdullah Momand, “Decision to expel illegal aliens compliant with global norms, principles: FO,” Dawn, 30 October 2023)
POLITICS
Islamabad High Court grants federal government one-month extension to reply in audio leaks case
On 30 October, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) provided the federal government with a one-month extension to submit its reply in a case related to audio leaks. The case was brought by Najamus Saqib, the son of former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar. During the course of the proceedings, Justice Babar Sattar raised multiple questions and stated “leaking such audios without taking the state into confidence is a grave decision.” The judge inquired about the competent authority regarding the audio tapes and asked for clarification on the legal framework for audio taping. The Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) ,Mansoor Awan, said that “it is not clear yet whether these audios were recorded by state agencies,” requesting for time to determine who recorded the audios. The court has scheduled further hearings to address these questions. (“Centre given one more month to submit reply in audio leaks case,” The Express Tribune, 30 October 2023)
Pakistan cracks down on over 150 surrogate betting companies, citing billions in economic losses
On 31 October, The News International stated that the Pakistani government has initiated a crackdown on more than 150 surrogate betting companies operating in the country, which are accused of causing substantial economic losses by normalising gambling and betting activities. These companies operate primarily online, facilitating bets on sports, especially cricket. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting warned against any association with such companies and stressed the need to terminate any existing agreements. It is alleged that untaxed money from these operations is transferred abroad, with indications that much of it flows to India. The government is cooperating with various institutions, including the military, to eliminate these companies. (Kasim Abbasi, “Crackdown launched on 150 betting companies,” The News International, 31 October 2023)
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah dissents on NAB Amendments verdict, asserts accountability for armed forces and judges
On 30 October, in a dissenting note on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments verdict, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah of Pakistan’s Supreme Court (SC) stated that members of the armed forces and judges should be accountable under the accountability laws. The SC had earlier annulled certain amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance, which sparked controversy. Justice Shah emphasised the importance of the “trichotomy of power,” saying no state organ should claim superiority over the others. He stated that none of them could “usurp” each other in “the exercise of each other’s functions.” Further, Justice Shah dismissed Imran Khan’s objections to the amendments, asserting that they relate to procedural matters and “in no way take away or abridge any of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution to the people of Pakistan.” (Maryam Nawaz, “Military officers, judges ‘fully liable’ under NAB law: Justice Shah,” The News International, 31 October 2023)
ECONOMY
Oil prices drop over three per cent as fears ease about Israel-Gaza conflict
On 30 October, oil prices fell more than three per cent as concerns about the Israel-Gaza conflict disrupting oil supply eased, with Brent crude futures down 3.21 per cent to USD 87.58 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude dropping 3.67 per cent to USD 82.40. The initial boost in oil prices from the conflict subsided as analysts noted no disruptions to supply. An analyst at Price Futures Group, Phil Flynn, described the situation saying that “the war premium has come out of the market.” The World Bank has also expected global oil prices to spike as a result of the conflict, highlighting three risk scenarios based on previous conflicts, and how a bigger disruption means a larger reduction in supply. (“Oil falls over 3pc as supply concerns ease,” Dawn, 31 October 2023)
State Bank of Pakistan keeps key interest rate unchanged at 22 per cent
On 30 October, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) decided to maintain the key interest rate at 22 per cent, anticipating a significant decline in inflation in October due to reduced fuel prices and easing rates of some major food commodities. The SBP cited improved crop output and a substantial reduction in the current account deficit as factors supporting its decision, while emphasising the need to continue with a tight monetary policy stance to achieve its medium-term inflation target. However, it noted that “global oil prices remain quite volatile and the conflict in the Middle East makes its outlook even more uncertain.” (Shahid Iqbal, “SBP maintains key interest rate at 22pc,” Dawn, 31 October 2023)
Pakistan International Airlines to resume more flights as Pakistan State Oil company extends credit facility
On 30 October, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) stated that is set to restore more flight operations as Pakistan State Oil (PSO) company has extended a credit facility for fuel purchases. The PIA had faced disruptions due to fuel supply issues, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights. However, the airline has now said that “flight operations are expected to come back to normal routine in next few days with more improvement in the fuel supply.” In a statement, PSO said that the credit had been extended “to further support the national carrier.” (“PIA set to run more flights after credit line extended,” The Express Tribune, 31 October 2023)
World Bank forecasts modest 1.7 per cent growth for Pakistan in FY 2023-24
On 31 October, Business Recorder reported that in its latest report titled “South Asia Development Update Toward faster, cleaner growth,” the World Bank predicted a modest growth rate of 1.7 per cent for Pakistan in FY 2023-24. The bank’s report highlights the fragility of Pakistan’s economic situation, with a shrinking economy and significant challenges, including ongoing inflation pressures, fiscal policy constraints, and extensive flood damage. Import controls intended to narrow the trade deficit have also affected the supply of industrial raw materials. While economic conditions are challenging, Pakistan remains dependent on capital inflows to finance fiscal and current account deficits, and foreign exchange reserves are limited. The report also notes that Pakistan is one of three South Asian countries in a crisis, along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. (Tahir Amin, “World Bank projects 1.7pc growth rate,” Business Recorder, 31 October 2023)
Punjab allocates PKR 83 billion for wheat loan in upcoming four-month budget
On 31 October, Business Recorder reported that the Punjab province in Pakistan has allocated PKR 83 billion for a wheat loan in its upcoming four-month budget, out of an estimated budget of PKR 2,076.2 billion. Additionally, the budget includes provisions for services (PKR 218.5 billion), debt repayment to federal institutions (PKR 80 billion), and funds for the evacuation of foreigners residing illegally in Punjab after 31 October (PKR 0.4 billion). The caretaker government assured that elections in Punjab will be held on time, with additional security measures at sensitive polling stations, involving over 260,000 police personnel and more than 145,000 rangers and army personnel. The budget also includes allocations for various development projects, social protection initiatives, and addressing the smog situation. (“Federal institutions: Rs80bn set aside for debt repayment,” Business Recorder, 31 October 2023)
PROVINCE
Punjab: Caretaker cabinet approves surplus budget of PKR 2.07 trillion for four months
On 30 October, the Caretaker Punjab Cabinet has approved a surplus budget of PKR 2.07 trillion for the next four months, including an allocation of PKR 351 billion for development expenditures. This budget aims to cover ongoing expenses and allocate funds to critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. Additionally, a minimum wage of PKR 32,000 for workers has been approved, and anti-smog measures and regulations on essential commodities have been emphasized. The government is committed to ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections, with the delimitation phase set to conclude by 30 November. (Imran Adnan, “Punjab approves Rs2.07 trillion budget for next four months,” The Express Tribune, 30 October 2023)
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“The Fact of pmln role on Atomic nuclear Explosions, Dr. Abdul Qadir said in clear words that Nawaz Sharif tried hard to stop him before the nuclear explosion, saying that aid from the United States is yet to be received, so the explosion should not be carried out.”
- Dr Farooq Noohpoto
“Nawaz Sharif's economic policies made significant strides in strengthening Pakistan's economy, focusing on infrastructure development and job creation. #NawazSharif #PakistanEconomy.”
- Kashif Qureshi
“Pakistan’s Active Taxpayers List (ATL) has achieved a historic milestone, with 32,000 new tax return filers, Pakistan reached a record high of 4.98 million individuals & businesses taxpayers as of 30 October 2023.”
- Danish Khemani
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Arifa Noor, ‘The other war’
Dawn, 31 October 2023
“The visuals of destroyed buildings, the rescues as people are pulled out from beneath the rubble, men, women and children mourning their killed loved ones dominate timelines. The moment a journalist learns of his family being killed in a bombing or doctors holding a press conference in the middle of bodies or a child screaming in fear are being shared on platform after platform. And the impact this will have on Muslim societies, the world over, may be worth keeping an eye on. This includes not just Muslim-majority countries but also those settled in the West. The huge protests in many Western cities are simply one indication of this, as are the small stories about Muslims being attacked or Jewish people being taken hostage.”
Mosharraf Zaidi,’ ‘The implications of depopulating Gaza’
The News International, 31 October 2023
“Elites in Muslim societies know this all too well – and their instinct, quite rightly, is to want to maintain order close to home, rather than become entangled with a losing proposition in Gaza, so far away. This will create societal and political pressures so profound that many orders will be tested severely. The only orders that will survive are those that are able to enact the kind of reforms and transformations they need at home – that materially improve the lives of their people. Pakistani military and civilian leaders need to ask themselves if they realistically see themselves as being able to enact such changes or reforms. The rage of the people is real – and though Gaza is and will remain the ignition point, the fuel is much closer to home.”
Faateh Nasir, ‘Fallacious utopia’
The News International, 31 October 2023
“The abrupt divorce between Islamabad and Rawalpindi towards the end of Mr Khan’s premiership signalled his amnesia of how his coronation was arranged. It seemed that pride, vainglory, and hastiness trumped the pursuit of justice. Slogans were thrown around, claims were made, members of the opposition eliminated; what started as a programme of accountability, remained just that – a programme. To what end, no one knows, nor did anyone care. As long as petrol prices remained low, the thieves in their cells, and inflated figures of GDP growth were provided, we stood at the cusp of greatness. The wheel continued to rotate, rather than being re-imagined. One may approach the subject of Mr Nawaz Sharif’s return with similar scepticism due to his turbulent tenures as prime minister: an inevitable tussle with the not-so smooth operators leading to his court trial and subsequent dismissal. At Minar-e-Pakistan we witnessed a somewhat emotional Nawaz Sharif, a father returning to his children after a journey through time. However, Mr Sharif may not have noticed that the younger of the bunch may no longer be willing to welcome him with open arms as long as their treasured chief remains in Adiala Jail.”
Kim Hor TOH, ‘Building Back Better in Pakistan’
The Express Tribune, 31 October 2023
“Pakistan is also experiencing one of the highest rates of urbanization in South Asia with around 37.7% of its population residing in urban areas. Urbanization will continue to grow rapidly and is already causing a lot of stress to the city’s existing infrastructure. One way to ameliorate this is through embracing Smart City Solutions. By providing Punjab Information and Technology Board with a Feasibility Study to transform Lahore into a Smart City, we envisage that Lahore can once again reclaim its glory as a “Garden City” where its residents can live, work and play in a sustainably built environment enhanced with Smart City Solutions. Apart from collaborating with the public sector, we also invest our expertise and resources with promising entrepreneurs to develop high social impact projects in Pakistan. We are currently co-creating a 10 acre Life Healthcare City in Islamabad which provides cutting edge regenerative medicine such as stem cell technology to Pakistan. This high social impact project can also promote medical tourism in Pakistan to its neighboring countries.”
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“The process of selection should be transparent and public.”
- An opinion in Dawn, 'All hail the king'
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