Recommendations to put PTI leader in ECL; EU expresses concerns over Pakistan’s political turmoil and economic crisis
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan applies to join BRICS, seeks Russia’s support
On 22 November, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has applied to join the BRICS group of nations in 2024, with hopes of securing Russia’s assistance during the membership process. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, stated in an interview that the country plans to join BRICS next year, under Russia’s presidency. Jamali added: “Pakistan would like to be part of this important organisation and we are in the process of contacting member countries to extend support to Pakistan’s membership in general and Russian Federation in particular.” While Pakistan is in contact with member countries seeking support, it is particularly counting on Russia’s assistance in this regard. In October 2023, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, said that Russia is keen on expanding the “circle of BRICS friends” in the group’s next summit. “Pakistan plans to join BRICS next year,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2023)
POLITICS
Recommendations to put PTI leader in ECL
On 22 November, PTI Chairman Imran Khan's name and the names of twenty-eight other people were suggested to be included in the Exit Control List (ECL) in the Al-Qadir Trust case by the federal cabinet subcommittee. The Minister for Pakistan Railways, Shahid Ashraf Tarar, along with other officials from the Ministry of Interior, other institutions, and other departments attended a meeting of the federal cabinet's subcommittee on interior affairs, according to the Ministry of Interior. The post stated, “The committee recommended putting the names of 41 people sent by various departments and institutions on the ECL. On the recommendation of NAB, names of 29 people, including Imran Khan, were recommended to be put on the ECL in the EUR 190 million scandal.” (“Cabinet’s body recommends names of Imran, others be put on ECL,” Pakistan Today, 23 November 2023)
SC issues notice on Imran Khan’s bail
On 22 November, Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), requested bail in the cipher case and the Supreme Court granted it. The state and interior ministries have been notified of this decision. The plea was considered by a three-judge panel that included Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Yahya Afridi, and Justice Ayesha Malik. The bench first questioned when the matter was made public and what the consequences would be if someone were found guilty. The court was then told by Khan's attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, on the findings of the probe and the charges levied against the former prime minister. He continued by saying that Azam Khan, Khan's main secretary at the time, had also charged the PTI leader with cipher misuse. Then Safdar argued that his client was a victim of politics. At the hearing, Justice Malik questioned the attorney on the main points of his case. Safdar answered, " “Our case is that this case is not maintainable.” The PTI chief's portion of the FIR is comprised of sections related to espionage offences. “It was never mentioned in the investigation where the spying was done or which enemy country benefited from it,” Safdar added. (Maryam Nawaz, “Notices issued on Imran Khan’s bail plea in cipher case,” The News International, 22 November 2023)
SJC handout notices for Justice Naqvi
On 22 November, Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) judge Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi was given a fresh show-cause notice by the SJC by a vote of four to one, directing him to provide his defence by submitting a reply within two weeks. Under the direction of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, the SJC also sent Justice Naqvi the full complaint file with all of the accusations and supporting documentation, requesting that he respond to it within two weeks. Allegations of wrongdoing against judges of superior courts are investigated by the SJC, an entity established by the Constitution. Justice Ijazul Ahsan dissented, but the Chief Justices of the Lahore High Court Muhammad Ameer Bhatti, the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and the CJP decided to issue the show-cause notice. In his objections to the initial show-cause notice, Justice Naqvi claimed that it was devoid of specifics regarding the complaints' real charges that should be classified as misbehaviour. (Nasir Iqbal, “SJC issues show-cause notice to Justice Naqvi,” Dawn, 23 November 2023)
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urges veteran politicians to step aside for youth leadership
On 22 November, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged veteran politicians to retire, allowing the youth to take leadership roles in the country to steer Pakistan “out of the current morass.” Speaking at a public meeting, Bilawal emphasised that the youth “form 70 per cent of the population and have the capability and passion to run the country along modern lines.” Bhutto said that the full growth potential and resources of Pakistan were not being tapped into because of its leadership which lacked vision, and that the veterans should “rest in their farmhouses” as they cannot “get along with modern times.” He criticised the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)- led government, stating that it failed due to a focus on settling political scores rather than addressing economic and foreign policy issues. Additionally, he called for a shift in leadership to address challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inflation. (Zahiruddin, “Bilawal asks veterans to quit politics, let youth take up country’s reins,” Dawn, 23 November 2023)
Former PPP Minister Waqar Ahmed Khan joins PML-NO
On 22 November, the former Federal Minister for Privatization and PPP senator Waqar Ahmed Khan, announced his decision to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). During a press conference with PML-N’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s President Amir Muqam, Waqar emphasised serving the people and prioritising national interest over personal goals. He praised Nawaz Sharif’s team for navigating Pakistan through economic challenges during his three terms as prime minister. The move comes as PML-N prepares for the upcoming general elections in February 2024, forming alliances and attracting key figures from other parties. A Pakistani scholar explained that the “stampede to join PML-N is because they all want to be on the bandwagon.” (“Former PPP senator Waqar Ahmed Khan joins PML-N,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2023)
ON AFGHANISTAN
US urges Pakistan to prioritize safety and resettlement of Afghan refugees
On 21 November, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called on Pakistan to prioritize the safety and efficient resettlement of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. Miller said that the US’ “key concern is the safety of vulnerable and at-risk individuals.” This appeal is made amidst concerns that hasty or unscrupulous deportations could pose significant risks to the lives of these vulnerable individuals. The State Department believes that it is in both countries’ “interest to ensure the safe and efficient resettlement” of the refugees. The US expressed particular concern about the safety of Afghan refugees awaiting American visas, saying that it urges the upholding of “respective obligations in the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers” by all countries “including Pakistan.” Additionally, the State Department acknowledged the challenges associated with the resettlement process and stressed diplomatic engagement between the US and Pakistan in addressing these issues. (“US calls for safe resettlement of Afghan refugees,” Dawn, 23 November 2023)
Cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan resumes after visa rule suspension
On 22 November, cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan resumed after a brief halt due to a new visa rule imposed by Pakistan. The suspension occurred a day earlier on 21 November, when Pakistan started requiring the crew of commercial vehicles to have passports and visas to enter, prompting Afghanistan to refuse the passage of trucks. A Pakistan customs official stated that the “Afghan side responded by suspending trade in protest.” After negotiations between officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and Afghan officials, an agreement was reached to grant another two-week extension for Afghan drivers. Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have been strained, particularly since Pakistan announced plans to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants in October. (“Afghan border trade resumes after Pakistan suspends new visa rule,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2023)
ECONOMY
EU expresses concerns over Pakistan’s political turmoil and economic crisis
On 23 November, the Business Recorder reported that the European Union (EU) has expressed concerns over the political turmoil, constitutional challenges, economic crisis, high inflation, and a serious shortage of foreign reserves continuously affecting Pakistan. The concerns were outlined in the fourth joint Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Review Report of the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS). The report highlighted the need for Pakistan to address challenges related to human rights, corruption, narcotics trafficking, freedom of religion, and other issues. Pakistan has been a GSP+ beneficiary since 2014, allowing preferential trade with the EU. (Mushtaq Ghumman, “GSP review: EU identifies major challenges facing Pakistan,” Business Recorder, 23 November 2023)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 23
Election Commission of Pakistan to announce decision on PTI intra-party elections
On 23 November, The Nation reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to announce its decision on the intra-party elections of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on 23 November 2023. The decision follows a notice from the ECP regarding PTI’s internal restructuring and intra-party elections. The case involves concerns about PTI’s qualification for the bat symbol due to delays in conducting intra-party elections. Additionally, charges of contempt against Imran Khan and other leaders will be framed by the ECP on the same day. (“ECP to announce reserved verdict on PTI’s intra-party elections case today,” The Nation, 23 November 2023)
SOCIETY
Funds in favour of PDM lawmakers' project
On 22 November, according to official data from the Planning Commission, discretionary spending by legislators under the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) accounted for more than a third of all federal development expenditures in the first four months of the fiscal year. Despite a change of administration in August, there is still a disproportionate amount of revenue going to legislators' SAP plans, whose discretionary expenditures are seen as a weapon to garner political support. This raises questions about fair resource distribution, particularly in an election year. The SAP expenditure appears to be biased in favour of the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led coalition's projects because the large majority of members in the previous legislature were part of this coalition. It should be recalled that the PDM administration authorized the release of about 70 per cent, or PKR 61.3 billion, of the PKR 90 billion it had set aside in the budget for SAP initiatives during the first three weeks of the fiscal year, before the end of its term in the second week of August. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Uplift funds skewed in favour of PDM lawmakers’ projects,” Dawn, 23 November 2023)
SECURITY
Eight people including two soldiers were killed in KP attacks
On 22 November, eight persons were killed and several more were injured in a series of explosives in three districts: North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Bajaur. The victims included two security officers and six civilians. Three people, including a tribal elder and his son, were killed in the explosion in South Waziristan; three more people, including the father of a local JUI-F leader, were injured, and the same number of people were killed in two separate explosions in the Bajaur area. In a statement following the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) asserted that a sanitization operation was underway to eradicate any terrorists that could have been in the vicinity. It further added, “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.” (“Two soldiers among 8 lives lost in KP attacks,” Dawn, 23 November 2023)
CTD seized terrorists in Karachi
On 23 November, in response to a tip, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other law enforcement agencies together carried out an operation in the SITE neighbourhood of Karachi that resulted in the arrest of four terrorists connected to the outlawed group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. According to a CTD spokesman, the accused suspects established a covert branch of the outlawed group in Karachi's Orangi Town neighbourhood. A spokesperson for CTD claims that the detained people are accused of killing Maulana Rahim and Shamim Khan in the Iqbal Market neighbourhood of Karachi, as well as being involved in many target-killing instances in the Manghopir and Pakistan Bazaar districts. (“CTD arrests four ‘terrorists’ from Karachi,” The Nation, 23 November 2023)
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Beyond empty platitudes, the IPP's political objective is a genuine commitment to assist Pakistan's populace. He is a ray of hope because their ambition for a better future is in line with the goals of many families.
-Fiza Noor
The front of resistance which emerged in Lebanon, consolidated in Gaza, is strong in Iraq, & firing missiles from Yemen, from today, consider Pakistan included in this Axis of Resistance.
-Sayed Amir
Leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike must unite in their commitment to create a Pakistan where the welfare of every individual is a collective responsibility, ensuring a future where the nation thrives as one.
-Ayesha Khan
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Jamil Ahmad, ‘Climate finance gap’
Dawn, 22 November 2023
“While there’s no clear definition of what constitutes climate finance, it is accepted as a concept accommodating different types of financial contributions from a variety of sources and mechanisms. The Green Climate Fund, the Global Environmental Facility, the Adaptation Fund, and other regional and international financial institutions are set to mobilise and disburse funds. Bilateral arrangements from donors, public and private, supplement these funds. The Loss and Damage Fund, once operationalised, will be the latest addition.”
Editorial, ‘Gas crisis’
Dawn, 22 November 2023
“The pipeline projects to bring gas from Iran and the Central Asian states continue to hit one snag after another. The import of expensive LNG is the only option we are left with to plug the supply gap. But volatile global market conditions and uncertainty surrounding the international supply chain in recent years, as well as balance-of-payments woes have taught us that this option, too, is difficult.”
Dr Samuel Rizk, ‘Reform or rupture: a resilient economy for Pakistan’
The Express Tribune, 22 November 2023
“Pakistan is not out of the woods yet. Beyond the life of the current IMF programme, the scale and source of financing required for Pakistan’s sizeable external payments remain concerning. The country needs to repay $77 billion in external debt between 2023 and 2026 — a hefty amount for a $350 billion economy. The road to 2028 will be long and tough. Achieving an ambitious growth target of 5 per cent will require steadfast political will, consistency in policy reforms and innovative policy solutions with an eye toward enhancing productivity, revenue and financing. It is critical that Pakistan urgently shifts its economic and financial policy paradigm from mitigation to enduring resilience.”
Talat Masood, ‘Addressing complex national issues’
The Express Tribune, 22 November 2023
“The well-established ethos and a basic tenet of democracy is pluralism. But the party in power with the support of the establishment has been mostly denying this right to the opposition. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, a major political party with a substantial following, has been decimated. Imran Khan is in custody facing multiple charges and in no position to participate in elections. The irony is that when PTI was in power they, with support of the establishment, treated PML-N and PPP with similar disdain, denying them their basic freedom and constitutional rights. This shows that Pakistan even after 75 years is still struggling to adopt basic democratic norms. It is not surprising that as a result of these weaknesses and power play the country’s progress has been adversely affected.”
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“It looks like that the stage is set for the return of a PML-N led government.”
-An opinion in Dawn, “Elections or selection?”
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