In Brief
EXTERNAL
President Arif Alvi revised his opinion on the Israel-Palestine issue and suggested a “two-state” solution
On 23 November, President Arif Alvi revised his earlier stance on the “two-state solution” for the Israel-Palestine issue. He proposed for a just and peaceful resolution in order to halt the atrocities. He made these statements in a meeting with the members of the Saudi Royal Courts of Saudi Arabia. The revised statements came in light of backlashes faced by the president when he proposed a “one-state solution” for Palestine. This led to the interim government separately affirming its two-state solutions stance. He said: “If the two-state solution was not acceptable to Israel, then a one-state solution is the only way where Jews, Muslims and a good percentage of Christians could live to exercise equal political rights.” Furthermore, the meeting discussed the growing Islamophobia facing the Muslims and envoys also stated that the Muslim world has unanimously agreed to the two-state solution. PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif also called for an urgent truce and sustainable peace in the Middle East, where peace can only be realised by an equitable solution. (Syed Irfan Raza, “President Alvi now backs 2-state solution for Palestine,” Dawn, 24 November 2023)
Imam-e-Kaaba visits Pakistan to strengthen ties
On 22 November, the custodian of Islam’s holiest site Masjid Al Haram, Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid, arrived in Islamabad for a four-day visit to Pakistan. He will meet with the country’s leadership and lead Friday prayer at Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque. During his visit, Sheikh Saleh aimed to strengthen the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He reportedly told the caretaker education minister that “the two countries are like brothers and the relationship will always remain like this.” Sheikh Humaid has served in various prominent roles, including as the head of Saudi Arabia’s Soura Council and President of the High Judiciary Commission. (“Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid reaches Pakistan,” The News International, 22 November 2023)
POLITICS
PML-N coalition’s ulterior motive to scrap 18th amendment, says PPP
On 23 November, the PPP party accused the PML-N party of motivation to form a collation to scrap out the 18th amendment of the constitution. PPP president of Sindh Nisar Khuhro stated that PML-N is conspiring against the amendment and hence is looking to get all parties on board to get a two-thirds majority. PPP called out to the public to not become part of this conspiracy and assured that PPP will stand against it. Additionally, highlighted that the PML-N party’s propaganda is to showcase that the provinces take a larger revenue from the National Finance Commission and therefore the amendment needs to change. They also accused Nawaz Sharif of being no different from Imran Khan and that the provision does not strengthen Sindh but all provinces. (Imran Ayub, “ PPP accuses PML-N of ‘conspiring’ to revoke 18th Amendment,” Dawn, 24 November 2023)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 24
ECP to announce fresh delimitation of constituencies on 30 November
On 23 November, The News International reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to announce the fresh delimitation of constituencies for the upcoming general elections on 30 November. The ECP has completed hearings on objections filed regarding the preliminary delimitation and will issue the final list of constituencies in accordance with its decision. It stated that preparations for the elections are underway, including the printing of final electoral rolls, approval of the election code of conduct, and training programs for election staff. The general elections are scheduled for 8 February 2024. This date was announced by the top electoral body, as the ECP stated that the “election commission is ready to conduct the polls.” (Nausheen Yusuf, “Final list of fresh constituencies for elections on Nov 30,” The News International, 23 November 2023)
ECP demands intraparty elections in PTI within 20 days
On 23 November, the Election Commission of Pakistan demanded to hold intra-party elections to decide on a party symbol within twenty days. In August, ECP issued a final warning after which they informed that their right to participate in elections would be ineligible. Earlier PTI submitted a copy of the party’s revised constitution was considered invalid and the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party petition to take away the “bat” symbol from PTI help for polls was approved. (Irfan Sadozai, “ECP orders PTI to hold intra-party polls within 20 days or lose bat as electoral symbol,” Dawn, 23 November 2023)
ECP issued a code of conduct and announced the Army’s help with polls
On 23 November, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued a code of conduct for the upcoming polls and informed that they would take the Army’s help to exercise free and fair elections. The meeting was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, who informed that the code of conduct was established following the consultation with political parties in accordance with the law. Additionally, in the absence of a police force the ECP will seek the Army’s help, Sultan said: “his step will ensure comprehensive security, allowing people to freely exercise their right to vote.” (“ECP to avail army’s services for polls,” The Express Tribune, 24 November 2023)
SOCIETY
A polio vaccination campaign carried out in Khyber
On 23 November, the district administration in Khyber tasked administrative and health officials with persuading parents and families who are refusing to vaccinate their children under the age of five during the upcoming polio vaccination campaign. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, with police and health officials, and representatives of the World Health Organisation in attendance. The weeklong campaign, starting on 27 November, aims to vaccinate 228,000 children under the age of five. The health teams, numbering 945, will conduct door-to-door visits to ensure widespread coverage. The meeting reported a decrease in polio cases through effective mobilisation and campaigns in the region, and stated that activities relating to “polio awareness and sensitisation, including jirgas with refusing parents and families” and “orientation” of key influencers were conducted in “all areas of the district.” (“228,000 children to be vaccinated in Khyber polio drive,” Dawn, 24 November 2023)
Committee on Baloch students’ enforced disappearance awaits report from missing persons cell
On 23 November, a ministerial committee formed to address the enforced disappearance of Baloch students reported that the Missing Persons Cell at the Interior Ministry will submit its report in the next committee meeting. The federal government established a committee, consisting of the interior minister, defence minister, and law minister, to address the issue and recover missing persons. The committee’s report to the Islamabad High Court emphasised that further steps would be taken after consultation, and it outlined measures, including policy guidelines from the Higher Education Commission, to prevent the sharing of personal information about Baloch students. The report followed an IHC order to recover 55 missing students within seven days. If not complied with, top officials will be required to appear in court. (“Missing persons panel to hold more deliberations,” The Express Tribune, 24 November 2023)
Caretaker PM directs national disaster management collaboration
On 23 November, Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, urged the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to collaborate with provincial disaster management bodies to formulate a national-level strategy for tackling natural disasters. During a visit to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Kakar commended the NDMA and NEOC’s efforts in dealing with natural disasters but stressed the need to enhance the capacity of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs). He also emphasised leveraging the research of foreign and Pakistani experts on climate change and its effects. (“PM seeks national-level disaster management strategy,” The Express Tribune, 23 November 2023)
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"Pakistani authorities continue crackdown on Hindu religious places. Following an order of anti-encroachment court Mirpurkhas, Hinglaj Mata Mandir has been demolished in Mithi, Tharparkar, Pakistan."
-Danish Kaneria
"Renowned actor and producer Hajra Khan unveils her upcoming book, set to launch today, shedding light on crucial revelations related to Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf."
-Falak Khan
"Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar raised a stark warning on Thursday, declaring Pakistan’s debt as “unsustainable.” stating that the country is also finding it challenging to secure new foreign loans and is effectively priced out of international markets".
-Shahbaz Rana
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Aasim Sajjad Akhtar, ‘No justice no peace’
Dawn, 24 November 2023
“No peace without justice, however, cannot be a selective philosophical principle. It must be deemed applicable to all oppressed peoples, particularly those close to home. In my previous column, I wrote about the large cross-section of Pakistani society that has imbibed a hateful politics to mirror the state’s demonisation of Afghans as outsiders — even Pakistani Pakhtuns. The Baloch question is at least as troubling, a festering wound that mainstream Pakistan relegates to the proverbial back-burner.”
Editorial, ‘Skewed priorities’
Dawn, 24 November 2023
“However, during a time when the vast majority of the country is struggling under unprecedented economic difficulties, it is galling for the exchequer to be exploited as an election fund.”
Aneela Shahzad, ‘Oil as a weapon’
The Express Tribune, 24 November 2023
“he fact that oil works like blood running through the veins of the global economy inevitably makes it a pivoting element in global politics. Moreover, not just the industries depend on it, the service sector, the defence sector, and all sectors comprising day to day life depend upon movement facilitated by oil and gas. Since control on oil means real power, ongoing competition amongst oil-producing states adds layers to the complexity.”
Zarlasht Kamran, ‘The war of words- and visuals’
The Express Tribune, 24 November 2023
“Words are everything. From writing that children ‘died’ in Gaza as opposed to ‘killed’, each linguistic tool reminds us of how narratives can be shaped and distorted. Freedom fighters can become terrorists, victims can become collateral damage or accidents, and oppressors can become defenders of their sovereignty (even if it was snatched). It is not about Hamas anymore if every major news media outlet, interviewing Palestinians who are trying to talk about the nightmare their people are going through, starts off with “Do you condemn Hamas?” The bias is deafeningly loud and the war is completely skewed, as one side is overwhelmingly powerful.”
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