Imran Khan arrested in Al-Qadir Trust and Toshakhana case; PkMAP sets conditions to ally with Nawaz Sharif
In Brief
POLITICS
Bilawal Bhutto rejects “selected government” and targets PML-N “Pakistan Mehngai League”
On 13 November, PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto, addressing rallies in Mithi and Tharparker, declared the public’s refusal to accept any “selected government,” emphasising the demand for true democratic leadership. In a veiled attack on the PML-N, he coined the term “Pakistan Mehngai League,” attributing economic challenges to the rival party. He said that people would give a “surprise” in the next elections by defeating the “Mahengai-League on February 8.” Bilawal outlined PPP’s plans, including the Haari Card initiative for farmers, and expressed confidence in the party’s commitment to addressing issues like poverty and unemployment. He vowed that the people would no longer tolerate what he termed “selected rule” over the past five years and that the “people’s government” would “provide relief to the people, not to the elite.” (“No selected govt acceptable this time: Bilawal,” The Nation, 14 November 2023)
Parliament adopts resolution in favour of 9 May rioters' military trials
On 13 November, a resolution supporting the military trials of the accused following violent protests throughout the nation on 9 May was approved by the upper house of Parliament. Justice Ijazul Ahsan headed the five-member Supreme Court (SC) bench. All members of the bench emphasized that criminal courts would hear the cases of those accused of being involved in the May 9 riots. However, the resolution was rejected by Senators Raza Rabbani of the PPP and Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-i-Islami. Additionally, the court ruled that the Army Act's Section 2(1)(d), which provides further details on those covered by the Act, violates the Constitution and is "of no legal effect." In addition, the court ruled that Section 59(4) of the Act, which deals with civil offenses, is invalid. The resolution also showed support for the martyrs' families, stating that they had "expressed feelings of insecurity and treachery" as a result of the ruling by the court. Finally, according to the resolution 9 May would be regarded as a "dark day in the history of the country.” (Irfan Sadozai, “Senate passes resolution backing military trials of May 9 rioters,” Dawn, 14 November 2023)
Imran Khan arrested in Al-Qadir Trust and Toshakhana case
On 13 November, Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in the cipher case, was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Al-Qadir Trust case and Toshakhana reference. The accountability court ratified the arrest warrants, directing the Adiala Jail superintendent to execute them. Imran is accused of misusing authority in retaining state gifts from Toshakhana and receiving billions in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Special Prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi clarified that the arrest would precede an investigation within the jail once a physical remand is obtained. The caretaker federal cabinet also approved the jail trial of Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the cipher case, citing security concerns. The Islamabad High Court will hear an intra-court appeal against the jail trial on 14 November. (“Imran also ‘arrested’ in Toshakhana, Al-Qadir cases,” Dawn, 14 November 2023; Asim Yasin & Khalid Iqbal & News Desk & Shakeel Anjum, “NAB arrests Imran in £190m, Toshakhana cases,” The News International, 14 November 2023)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 22
Nawaz set to commence the Quetta mission
On 14 November, PML-N Supremo, Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to visit Balochistan as part of his party's strategy to establish strategic partnerships in every province before the general elections on 8 February 2024. According to sources, the "Sardars of Balochistan" asked Nawaz to come to Quetta and honour them if he wanted to support them in the upcoming elections. This was during a delegation of senior MQM-P leaders' visit to the elder Sharif in Lahore last week, following his invitation to ally with the PML-N against the PPP in Sindh. Senior PML-N leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq asserted that Nawaz would host political gatherings in Quetta where several eligible candidates would declare their party membership. The president of the PML-N Balochistan part announced that Nawaz would meet the chairman of PkMAP, the president of the National Party, Jam Kamal, the former chief minister, and leaders of the BAP, a few senators, former MNAs, and MPAs. He further said that the Supremo will also go to an event where several "electables," such as former BAP MPAs and MNAs, would declare their intention to join the PML-N. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Nawaz begins Quetta mission today to woo ‘electables’, Dawn, 14 November 2023)
PkMAP sets conditions to ally with Nawaz Sharif
On 13 November, the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chief, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, outlined conditions for a potential alliance with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), emphasising the importance of upholding constitutional principles. Speaking in Loralai, Balochistan, he expressed concern about the global and domestic imbalance in resource distribution, claiming that Pakhtuns in Pakistan face a dual challenge of resource deprivation and racial discrimination post the war on terror. Achakzai stressed the need for autonomy in resource utilisation and urged Nawaz Sharif to uphold constitutional values for the alliance to endure. (“Achakzai Lays Out Conditions For Striking Alliance With Nawaz Sharif,” The Friday Times, 13 November 2023)
ECONOMY
PM Kakar’s proposal to raise FBR output
On 13 November, Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar gave instructions to develop a thorough plan to enhance the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) performance after consulting with all relevant parties. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) reports that Mr Kakar chaired a meeting to discuss potential improvements to the tax authority's performance. The PM stated during the meeting that using contemporary technologies was essential to enhancing the tax system. According to Kakar, income collection serves as the backbone of the country's economy. He informed the gathering that while more effort was needed to get the intended effects, several successful steps had been taken recently to reduce smuggling. According to media reports, the FBR has submitted a bold proposal to the International Monetary Fund intending to add 1.5 million additional taxpayers to the system by the end of June 2024. The report further stated that Pakistan's efforts to strengthen its fiscal framework have achieved a major turning point with the sharing of the strategy's blueprint during technical-level meetings with IMF officials. (“PM Kakar wants strategy to improve FBR performance,” Dawn, 14 November 2023)
IMF reassures its support to key stakeholders
On 14 November, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has begun to have direct contact with the key bilateral partners, to acknowledge their support for Pakistan in the current fiscal year. This move is said to be taken during the policy-level discussions held on 13 November. On the first day of the discussion, the Finance Minister of Pakistan Dr Shamshad Akhtar, and, the IMF chief for Pakistan Nathan Porter led the meeting and had two detailed discussions regarding the matter. The officials during the meeting went on to convey that there would be no major hurdles and the USD 3 billion Standby Agreement (SBA) would be expected to be handed out in December. Accordingly, the officials also promised reassurance of financing before the end of the discussion with the key bilateral partners. The policy-level talks by the IMF mission also included the talks related to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as they are anticipating a crucial foreign inflow through this discussion. The IMF delegates also summarized that the central focus should be on the tax base expansion and the quality of taxpayers. Following, the two sides also agreed on the expanding tax on the retail sector and real estate sector which will be coming into effect from 1 January. (“IMF contacts key partners directly over fund pledges,” Dawn, 14 November 2023)
The "Winter Package" discontinued
On 14 November, according to Business Recorder, the federal government abandoned the proposed 'Winter Package' for industry all over the country, after it failed to get approvals from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposed ‘Winter Package' also underwent the IMF team review during the ongoing discussions and failed to get its consent. The Finance Division also requested confirmation from the Power Division that the proposal does not contradict the agreement made under the Standby Arrangement (SBA) with International Financial Institutions (IFIs). However, the package was referred to as vague and " violating international commitments" in certain aspects. (“‘Winter package’ not allowed to see the light of day,” Business Recorder, 14 November 2023)
EXTERNAL
New Pakistan envoy to Beijing welcomed by China
On 13 November, Pakistan’s new ambassador to China Khalid Hashimi was welcomed by the Director General of the Protocol Department, Hong Lei in Beijing. He conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure and guaranteed full support. Hashmi, a career diplomat, succeeded Ambassador Moin Ul Haque who returned to Pakistan on retirement early this month. With 29 years of expertise in diplomacy, Hashmi emphasised the unique relationship between the two nations and pledged to strengthen their strategic cooperative collaboration. He stressed teamwork with his competent group and accepted the responsibilities that came with the job. Before being appointed in China, Hashmi was Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva. (Mariana Baabar, “ China welcomes new Pak envoy to Beijing, The News International, 14 November 2023”)
SECURITY
Terror Attack in DI Khan claims a soldier and two civilians
On 14 November, The News International reported a recent terror attack in the area of Darazinda Dera Ismail Khan, wherein a soldier along with two civilians was killed when militants targeted vehicles of a private company. The military's media wing issued a statement saying that the militants opened fire on the cars that were working on a development project nearby. In another intelligence operation carried out in Bara, Khyber district, A terrorist Qudrat Shah, also known as Abubakar was killed. Weapons and ammunition were found on the insurgent, and he was also suspected of being involved in other terrorist actions. In the Mir Ali region of North Waziristan, two soldiers, Sepoy Abdullah and Sepoy Muhammad Sohail, lost their lives in a gunfight with militants. To eliminate any last threats in the area, the security personnel carried out a sanitization operation. According to research published by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), there was a notable decrease in security personnel in 2023, which was an eight-year peak. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are recognised as the main hotspots for violence, as they account for most of the attacks and casualties. (“Terror Attack in DI Khan Claims Soldier, Two Civilians in Private Company Attack, The News International, 14 November 2023”)
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“As the truth about Adil Raja comes to light, let us once again pledge our support for a successful Pakistan. By working together, we can fend off outside pressures and protect the future of our country.”
-Danish Kaleem
“The Sindh High Court's ban on 5G tech is dealing a significant blow to Pakistan's economy. Telecom sources reveal a narrative of influential figures in Karachi prioritizing personal gains, leading to the loss of billions in foreign exchange and missed business opportunities.”
-Fizza Urooj
“Pakistan Army is the guarantor of our security and the security of the country. It has made many sacrifices for the stability of the country. We stand with our institutions.”
-Jahaan Zaib
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Dr Niaz Murtaza, ‘Valuing migrants’
Dawn, 14 November 2023
“Our logic is bad — legally, morally, economically and politically. We say we only evict those who are ‘illegal’. This is simply state spin to criminalise and dehumanise them. Refugees globally cross borders without visas. But host states still issue refugee papers.”
Editorial, ‘Hell on earth’
Dawn, 14 November 2023
“This grotesque bloodbath is being carried out in full view of the world. Where are the champions of human rights in Western capitals who never tire of hectoring others on doing the right thing?”
Editorial, ‘Low tax collection’
Dawn, 14 November 2023
“The lack of real progress on broadening the tax base has prompted the authorities to impose additional taxation on captive taxpayers — the salaried classes and organised businesses — for meeting budget targets year after year. It also has led to the emergence of a complex withholding tax regime to recover taxes from those who do not pay their due share, and is a major reason for the high tax burden on compliant taxpayers along with multiple other levies. Needless to say, it has proved to be a major incentive for non-compliant individuals to remain out of the tax net.”
Jane Marriott, ‘Conversations on climate change’
The Express Tribune, 14 November 2023
“The tragedy is that whilst Pakistan has done very little to contribute to the drivers of climate change, contributing less than 1% of the world’s annual emissions, it is the 8th most climate vulnerable country in the world. Pakistan can however do more to build its own climate resilience. By which I mean to increase the ability to recover from, or to mitigate vulnerability to, climate-related shocks. This is a major priority of the UK’s work in Pakistan, with the federal and provincial governments, and will be for the foreseeable future following a decision to more than double our investment in climate finance and climate resilience and adaptation.”
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“The time in power is spent simply fighting to stay in power,”
-An opinion in Dawn, “Incomplete victories”
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