Pakistan offers to airlift injured Palestinians for treatment; PTI petitions against ECP to retain their “bat” symbol
In Brief
INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan elected as vice chair of UNESCO Executive Board
On 24 November, Pakistan was elected as the Vice Chair of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Executive Board for the term 2023-2025 from the Asia Pacific Group. The election took place at the 218th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board held in Paris. Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Baloch, stated: “Pakistan is grateful to members of the Executive Board and all member states of Unesco for their overwhelming support and the trust reposed in its candidature.” She said Pakistan would carry out its responsibilities in advancing “shared objectives” with commitment, credibility, honest dialogue, and mutual respect. (“Pakistan wins vice-chair of Unesco Executive Board,” The News International, 24 November 2023)
ON AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan to only accept migrants after verification, as several Pakistan nationals were sent to Kabul
On 24 November, the Afghan consulate general stated that they would only accept deported migrants from Pakistan after verification. The consulate expressed that the condition was set after they found that several Pakistani nationals were being deported as “Afghan deportees.” They said: “Multiple cases of Pakistanis being sent to Afghanistan as illegal migrants have been reported.” They also informed that when they took these “migrants” back the Pakistan government refused to accept them. There were also incidents reported that the deported nations were being taken into custody and stripped of their belongings. Additionally, several cases of families being separated and lost in the process have been reported. (Umer Farooq, “Kabul to accept migrant deportations after verification by consulate general,” Dawn, 25 November 2023)
Teenage son of Pakistan and Afghan parents granted bail against “illegal stay” probe
On 24 November, a local court in Peshawar granted bail to the teenage son of a Pakistani woman and Afghani Husband. He was arrested under “illegal” stay charges as the police started cracking down against “illegal migrants.” The police FIR claimed that the teenager was an Afghan citizen and did not have any legal documents to stay in Pakistan. The family’s lawyer representative in court stated that the boy was arrested in a “witch hunt” against the Afghan migrants. The counsel stated that the boy was born to a Pakistani woman and therefore he was a Pakistani national under the 1951 Citizenship Act Section 5. The consulate also argued the mother also moved the Peshawar High Court earlier to provide a Pakistan Origin Card to her son and her husband. They said that although though lawfully the matter was clear the authorities refused to issue an identity card to the individuals. (“Pakistani-Afghan couple’s son gets bail in illegal stay case,” Dawn, 25 November 2023)
Afghanistan ability to the Chaman border remains closed on the fourth day
On 24 November, the Chaman Border remains to be closed for the fourth consecutive day. The closures have led to the disruption of trade activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This closure in caused by the ongoing protests at the Chaman border owing to the strict visa measures of one document. The protest is staged by various political parties and civil society members. The new measure proposed by the NAC stated that any cross-border trade is only allowed with proper passport and visa documents from both sides. The protest has led to a large number of trucks with goods being stuck on both sides as they await the opening up of the friendship border. (Saleem Shahid, “Afghan trade via Chaman suspended for fourth day,” Dawn, 25 November 2023)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan offers to airlift injured Palestinians for treatment
On 24 November, Pakistan’s caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, expressed the country’s readiness to airlift injured Palestinians for treatment in Pakistan. He mentioned ongoing contacts with Jordan and Egypt on the matter. The minister condemned Israel for what he called war crimes and genocide in Gaza, urging accountability for its actions. Pakistan has been actively raising the issue at various international forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). (“Pakistan ready to airlift injured Palestinians,” Business Recorder, 25 November 2023)
Surge in Pakistani student enrollment marks 30 per cent growth in German higher education
On 24 November, The Friday Times reported that as per statistics, Germany is experiencing a dynamic shift in its educational landscape as Pakistani student enrollment has surged by an impressive 30 per cent over the academic years 2020–21 to 2022–23. The total number of Pakistani students in Germany increased from 6,403 to 8,208 during this period. The German higher education sector, with a total enrollment of 458,210 international students, has become a significant destination for global scholars. Engineering is the leading discipline, attracting 145,707 international students, while preferences also extend to law, economics, and social sciences. An expert on international higher education, Alma Miftari, said that the “increase in Pakistani students choosing Germany for their studies is impressive.” The desire of international students to “stay in Germany after studies reflects the country’s allure beyond academics.” The preferred cities for international students include Munich, Aachen, Cologne, Bonn, and Stuttgart. (“Pakistani Student Enrollment In Germany Soars By 30%,” The Friday Times, 24 November 2023)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign agreements to boost collaboration and recruitment
On 23 November, Pakistan signed Letters of Intent (LoIs) with Saudi companies FNRCO and Maharah Human Resource Company to enhance collaboration and facilitate the recruitment of Pakistani workers for large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia. The agreements include plans to establish training and orientation centres in Pakistan to develop skills aligned with Saudi labour market demands. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Jawad Sohrab expressed optimism, emphasising that the collaboration marks a significant milestone and opens avenues for increased recruitment of skilled workers from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. (“Pacts signed for recruiting Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia,” Dawn, 25 November 2023)
POLITICS
PTI petitions against ECP to retain their “bat” symbol
On 24 November, PTI petitioned in High Court against the directives issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan ordering to hold intra-party elections within twenty days to retain their “bat” symbol. The party accused the ECP of purposefully scheming to keep the party away from the upcoming polls. The petition demanded that a level playing field be given to all political parties. They also highlighted that the party has already faced numerous challenges from restriction of freedom of speech to a direct crackdown against their leaders and party activists. Therefore, accusing them of systemically hindering their influence and suppressing their fundamental rights. (Ishaq Tanoli, “PTI approaches SHC to retain ‘bat’ symbol for polls,” Dawn, 25 November 2023)
Imran Khan “Ladla” of courts, says Interior Minister
On 23 November, interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti mocked PTI chairman Imran Khan by calling him “ladla” of the courts. He stated that the chairman is receiving extraordinary treatment in prison compared to other prisoners and former probed Prime Ministers. He said: “A common citizen cannot even imagine the facilities Imran Khan is being provided in jail.” He cited that after the 9 May incident and his arrest, Imran Khan was taken to police in a Mercedes. Additionally, he stated that the cases against the now-returned PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif are baseless and refuted the level playing field statements by the PPP. (“'Ladla' Imran Khan getting unimaginable facilities in jail, says Bugti,” The News International, 24 November 2023)
ECONOMY
Pakistan approves MoUs worth USD ten Billion with Kuwait for various projects
On 24 November, Pakistan’s interim federal cabinet approved seven memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Kuwait, paving the way for an investment worth USD ten billion. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar is set to sign the MoUs during his upcoming visit to Kuwait. The agreements cover projects in diverse fields, including the expansion of water reservoirs, mining facilities, protection and expansion of mangrove forests for coastal areas, investment in the IT sector, and food security. The MoUs are a result of efforts by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The cabinet directed federal authorities to cooperate with provinces for the fair and timely execution of the projects. Kakar said on X: “The Committee reviewed the existing level of collaboration and unanimously approved various initiatives to be broached with friendly countries and directed to fast-track implementation of various projects conceived under these initiatives.” (“Investment worth $10b on the cards,” The Express Tribune, 25 November 2023)
Caretaker finance minister expects gradual reduction in inflation due to improved financial management
On 24 November, Pakistan’s caretaker Finance Minister, Shamshad Akhtar, stated that inflation is expected to reduce gradually due to improvements in the country’s “financial management.” She highlighted that the caretaker government’s effective policies were contributing to the improvement in economic conditions. Akhtar also provided details on the Chief Justice-Prime Minister Dam Fund, indicating that, as of July 26, 2023, an amount of PKR 11,466,937,658 had been received, with PKR 6,295,938,962 earned as profit on investments. She addressed concerns about the depreciation of the Pakistani currency, attributing it to uncertainty during the transition of government and economic reforms. (Sardar Sikander Shaheen, “Inflation will go down gradually, says Shamshad,” Business Recorder, 25 November 2023)
ECC directs empirical analysis of drug price increase, calls for DRAP reform
On 25 November, the Business Recorder reported that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in Pakistan has directed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to conduct a detailed empirical analysis of the proposed increase in the maximum retail prices (MRPs) of 262 medicines. The ECC emphasised the need for a balanced decision considering various factors and urged the ministry to consult all provinces on this important issue. Additionally, the ECC called for a review of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), analysing its strengths and weaknesses and suggesting fundamental reforms. (Mushtaq Ghumman, “ECC for taking provinces on board for revising drug prices,” Business Recorder, 25 November 2023)
SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY
Pakistan urges binding global framework for responsible AI and cyberspace use
On 24 November, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi called for an international binding framework to ensure the responsible use of AI and cyberspace. Speaking at a workshop in Islamabad, Qazi warned against unfair restrictions on developing countries' access to emerging technologies. He stated: “Pakistan emphasises the need for international cooperation to develop a legally binding framework governing the responsible uses of cyberspace and artificial intelligence technologies.” Qazi reiterated Pakistan's recognition of the dual nature of AI technologies, and that the international community should “address cyber threats and mitigate the risks posed by AI’s military applications.” This comes in light of multiple ethical concerns relating to AI that have been voiced recently from a global perspective. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan calls for ‘binding’ framework on ethical AI use,” Dawn, 25 November 2023)
 |
|
“HRCP is greatly alarmed to learn that two Karachi-based journalists, Anees Mansoori and Ali Sarwar of HNow TV, have been targeted allegedly by government agencies for their reportage. Mr Sarwar was reportedly forcibly disappeared on 24 November while unidentified persons broke into Mr Mansoori's home in his absence and threatened his elderly mother. The Sindh government must take immediate notice of these incidents, initiate an investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable. HRCP reminds the state that the credibility of the upcoming elections is at stake so long as the media continues to face such intimidation.”
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
“KMC Fire Department has so far confirmed that there have been 9 casualties in the fire incident. 7 bodies have been shifted to Jinnah Hospital while 1 body each has been shifted to Civil and Abbasi Shaheed Hospitals. Search process still continues.”
-Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui
“Missions on Mission Abroad: Audit teams pointed serious irregularities of Rs13.9 billion in accounts of foreign missions of Pakistan operating in different countries in the past 3 financial years.Audit teams also pointed a recoverable amount of Rs723 million during this period.”
- Zahid Gishkori
|
|
|
|
Shahzad Chaudhry, ‘The Afghan imbroglio’
The Express Tribune, 24 November 2023
“Afghanistan’s reservations on an internationally recognised border and its claims on lands under Pakistan are well known. What was agreed between Afghan king Dost Mohammad and the British in India in 1893 may have run out in 1993 after a hundred years of its life but the Brits have since left and a new nation, now 76 years old, has inherited both the rights and obligations of that incumbency. The journey of coexistence has not been without its lows and yet we have kept pretensions. Earlier there was the concern of a second front even if it already existed in sentiment but we had never gone to war. When India initiated one on the eastern borders the Afghans chose to act nice. And they have never let us forget that: ‘We could, and we didn’t; remember that, always.’ Whether they could with any effect is open to question, but it could have acted as an inconvenient distraction. I guess they are making up for it now. Dispensations may have changed but the sentiment has prevailed. One can’t even call it love-hate.”
Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, ‘Sachs on Pakistan’s economy’
Dawn, 25 November 2023
“Prof Jeffrey Sach’s presentation was a breath of fresh air. The implications were clear. Pakistan has to first get out of the failing state syndrome before it can hope to respond to the challenges he identified. How will it do so? This can only be answered by actions, mobilisation, movements, organisation, pro-people governance, etc. Our externally dependent, internally hostile, and fearful power and political elites, however, will never facilitate this. This is the challenge our middle classes have the primary and historic responsibility to confront. Otherwise, Pakistan is history.”
Saira Samo, ‘Bill Clinton’s vision: our aspiration’
The Express Tribune, 25 November 2023
“As the democratic process unfolds, the wish is for leaders to make responsibility a priority, grab hold of opportunities and build a strong sense of community. The shared dream is for Pakistan to be politically stable, economically secure and socially lively. The goal is to have leaders guided by the principles of Responsibility, Opportunity and Community, making decisions that genuinely benefit the welfare and progress of the Pakistani people.”
Neda Mulji, ‘Skills vacuum’
Dawn, 25 November 2023
“Some companies now have taken the reins of skill development by offering in-house programmes that require high levels of investment in human capital. Our relatively young working population is hungry for professional training and have access to mostly outdated programmes. This young population also emerges from outdated school curricula that has left them ill-prepared for the reading, thinking and technological skills required to receive and process information coming their way. The road ahead may be long, but the steps forward need to be carved today.”
|
|
