President and Prime Minister on Human Rights violations; Worker’s convention at Kohat despite hurdles
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan’s army chief leaves for inaugural visit to the US
On 10 December, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, General Asim Munir, left for his first visit to the US since assuming the role last year. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the visit, highlighting meetings scheduled with senior US military and government officials, including the secretary of defence, secretary of state, and national security adviser at the White House. The visit follows the recent stay of the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, in Pakistan, where the US expressed solidarity in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism. (Anwar Iqbal, “Army chief arriving in Washington on first official visit,” Dawn, 11 December 2023)
POLITICS
President and Prime Minister on Human Rights violations
On 9 December, President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar shared their concerns regarding the human rights violations in Gaza and Kashmir. They termed the violence as a challenge that needs to be presented to the United Nations as they observe Human Rights Day on 10 December. In a public notice, Arif issued that Pakistan is committed to upholding the sanctity enshrined in the Human Rights Commission. He said: “As the international community observes International Human Rights Day, it is unfortunate that the people of Palestine are being deprived of their rights and have been subjected to the worst form of state terrorism and ethnic cleansing by Israel.” Kakar stated that despite progress in human rights initiatives several challenges remain, which could only be addressed if a collaborative effort is taken into account by all international actors and countries. (Amin Ahmed, “Alvi, Kakar term HR abuses in Palestine, held Kashmir biggest challenge before the world,” Dawn, 10 December 2023)
Nawaz Sharif advocates diplomatic reconciliation, prioritises ties with neighbours
On 9 December, at the sixth session of the PML-N’s parliamentary board, Nawaz Sharif emphasised the need for repairing diplomatic ties with neighbouring nations, including India, Afghanistan, and Iran. He highlighted that Pakistan's global credibility depends on amicable relations with its border-sharing countries. Sharif expressed the importance of improving ties with neighbouring nations and strengthening relations with China. He also addressed the issue of accountability, urging those responsible for the country's current state to face scrutiny. Additionally, Sharif praised his tenure, citing accomplishments in foreign relations, and discussed the economic challenges faced by Pakistan post-2017. (Rameez Khan, “Nawaz urges healing ties with ‘upset neighbours’,” The Express Tribune, 9 December 2023)
Worker’s convention at Kohat despite hurdles
On 11 December, Dawn reported that the PTI supporters in large numbers participated in the workers' convention held at the Mills football ground in Kohat. This took place despite hurdles and blockades by the district administration. The administration also tried to close all the gateways and flooded the ground. However, Sher Afzal Khan Marwat leader of PTI reached the ground. The objective of the protest is to demand the release of the detained PTI workers. In his speech, Afzal Khan stated that he fulfilled the promise of addressing a big convention rather than a PPP event comparatively. (“PTI holds convention in Kohat ‘against all odds’,” Dawn, 11 December 2023)
To survive, PTI has to hold negotiations with other political parties
On 11 December, according to the Dawn reports about the PTI leader briefing, even though the party is not ready to hold negotiations, it has to sit down with them including the PML-N and the PPP. He also highlighted the chapter on "healing the politics" which was integrated into the party manifesto. The PTI leader also expressed his vision of not repeating the mistakes which were made in the 2008 elections. This includes, not forming a government without having a clear majority and not picking up the wrong person as a representative of the party. The leader also acknowledged during the briefing, that in the case of a ban on the party to conduct the polls, it will conduct independent candidates and on any electoral symbols. (“PTI not averse to talks with PPP, PML-N to ‘heal politics’,” Dawn, 11 December 2023)
PPP expects the Chief Justice of Pakistan to rectify constitutional mistakes
On 10 December, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) said that he is expecting Qazi Faez Isa Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to rectify the mistakes made in the constitution and he furthers upholds Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's innocence. The development was brought up after learning about the supreme court’s upcoming hearing on a 12-year-old presidential reference against Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's death sentence. He stated, "The whole nation knows Quaid-e-Awaam was innocent. The nation has to be informed who were the facilitators behind Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's murder," the PPP chairman said while addressing a political gathering in Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)." In the briefing, he also addressed that his party is not going to represent the elite as it is representing the workers and poor of the country. Adding to this, he also expressed his hope that his party would form a government in the elections. The PPP chief’s public gathering was part of an election campaign that he has been taking place in the run-up to the general elections scheduled to take place on 8 February next year. (“ZA Bhutto reference: Bilawal pins hope on CJP Isa to 'rectify constitutional mistake',” The News, 11 December 2023)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 26
IPP's seat adjustment with the PML-N party
On 11 December, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) planned the list of seat arrangements relating to the constituencies of the Punjab and National assemblies by negotiating with the PML-N and decided the list would be submitted to the PML-N on 11 December. Shehbaz Sharif, PMLN President along with a delegation, met Jahangir Tareen in which both the parties agreed to cooperate for seat adjustment in the upcoming elections and also established committees to oversee. Various media sources state that IPP will ask the PMLN to make adjustments for 20 National Assembly seats, 19 of which are in Punjab and one in Karachi. In a similar vein, the IPP wanted to switch seats in 44 Punjab Assembly constituencies with the PMLN. (“Seat adjustment with PMLN: IPP prepares list of NA, PA constituencies,” The News, 11 December 2023)
Suggestions for postponing the election for certain areas under security threat
On 9 December, Abdul Qadir Baloch PPP leader and former federal minister suggested postponing the elections for the areas which are under security threat also while addressing the private tv channel, he mentioned that the idea of postponing is not appropriate, just for seven to eight seats and keeping democracy at stake. The move was brought after the increasing trend of the TTP attacks in Balochistan. He said, “Attack by TTP in Balochistan is way higher than those by Baloch separatists.” He expressed that the threats are inevitable since the terrorists do not believe in the parliamentary elections which ultimately hinders the election campaigns and the further proceedings. (“Elections can be postponed in areas under security threat: Abdul Qadir Baloch,” The News, 11 December 2023)
ECONOMY
Proposed revisions to Nepra’s consumer service manual to be discussed
On 11 December, Dawn reported that the revised consumer service manual by Nepra introduced additional charges and measures, including a 14 per cent interest rate on bill instalments and an ‘urgent fee’ for priority connections. Despite a surplus in capacity and declining consumption, the proposed regulations aim to impose restrictions on multiple connections and higher penalties for suspicious consumption. Notably, consumers seeking priority connections now face an ‘urgent fee’ in addition to regular charges. The proposed amendments empower Discos to confiscate electric appliances and equipment for electricity theft. The new manual seeks to streamline connections, proposing the removal of multiple meters on residential premises without separate entrances. The implications of these changes are set to be discussed at a public hearing on 19 December. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Nepra seeks urgent fees, more penalties on consumers,” Dawn, 11 December 2023)
Ministry directives on fund re-appropriation and foreign aid allocations
On 11 December, Business Recorder reported that the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (M/o PD&SI) instituted a ban on the unauthorised re-appropriation of funds for unbudgeted projects, requiring prior approval and a demand for rupee cover against foreign aid. Approved by the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, these directives mandate strict compliance from all Ministries/Divisions. The Financial Management and Powers of PAOs Regulations, 2021, delegate re-appropriation powers for budgeted funds, emphasizing approval by the competent forum. The Ministry aims to curb re-appropriation under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) and offers guidelines, including monthly project-wise reviews, avoiding re-appropriation from foreign aid to local rupee allocation, and prioritizing completion of ongoing projects. The Ministry addresses fiscal constraints, urging Ministries/Divisions to explore options for additional rupee cover and adhere to financial regulations. (Mushtaq Ghumman, “Unbudgeted projects: Reappropriation of funds banned,” Business Recorder, 11 December 2023)
Ordinance limits high courts in privatization cases
On 11 December, The Express Tribune reported that the federal caretaker government decided to issue an ordinance curbing constitutionally-established high courts’ involvement in privatization cases, following a recent challenge to the proposed privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The Privatization Commission (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, approved by the caretaker cabinet, aims to establish a Privatization Appellate Tribunal. The Interim Privatization Minister, Fawad Hasan, further explained: “[The] purpose of the Ordinance is to provide investors the confidence to invest with the understanding that instead of a multiplicity of litigations around the country there would be only one forum to redress any legal issues arising out of any transaction with an appeal to the Supreme Court.” However, some critics have questioned the government’s authority to restrict high courts, especially when no privatisation transaction is currently tied to an international agreement. (Shahbaz Rana, “Cabinet okays ordinance to ease privatisation,” The Express Tribune, 11 December 2023)
CHINA/CPEC
Opinion: Urgent governance and economic overhaul needed for Pakistan’s revival, argues Mr Ramay
On 11 December, Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, in an article in The Express Tribune titled “Economic revival, CPEC and Agenda 2047-II,” stated that the “ruling elite” in Pakistan must recognise that achieving the goals of Agenda 2047 and revitalising the economy requires a comprehensive overhaul of the governance system and business environment. Immediate reforms were identified in the areas of governance and business. In governance, Ramay said that there is an urgent need to modernise the bureaucratic system, refine the induction policy, implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system, curb political alignments among bureaucrats, and protect them from unlawful demands. The “outdated planning and execution system” in Pakistan, characterised by “exclusivity” and a “lack of scientific decision-making,” demands a shift towards inclusivity, data-driven approaches, and robust monitoring and accountability. Further, Ramay proposed high-profile committees to tackle political games and serious reforms in the business environment to address structural complexities and improve the ease of doing business. (Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, “Economic revival, CPEC and Agenda 2047-II,” The Express Tribune, 11 December 2023)
SECURITY
Terrorist attack claims the life of police officer in Khuzdar, Balochistan
On 10 December, police officer Mohammad Murad was killed, and two others were injured in Khuzdar, Balochistan, when their car was targeted by a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED). The incident occurred on the Sultan Ibrahim route, leading to the immediate transfer of the injured to Khuzdar Teaching Hospital. Caretaker Federal Minister of Interior Sarfaraz Bugti emphasised the collective responsibility of the entire nation in the “war against terrorism.” This attack adds to the recent wave of terrorist incidents in Balochistan, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. (“CTD Officer Martyred, Two Injured In Khuzdar Blast,” The Friday Times, 10 December 2023)
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"As per reports, the massive & sustained public support for PTI & IK has caused authorities to be nervous about electoral results. The desire to subvert public will is greatest now and the electoral symbol Bat is going to be the target."
-Hammad Azhar
"Recent events have raised concerns about Imran Niazi's role in spreading false propaganda, damaging Pakistan's global reputation. Cypher narrative sheds light on potential anti-state actions, raising questions about impact on our national credibility."
-Manahil Khan
"Pakistan is the name of a big dream, and we all have to struggle for it and we have to be ready for all kinds of sacrifices for the real freedom of this country."
-Shahzad Lala
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Maleeha Lodhi, ‘Cost of election delay’
Dawn, 11 December 2023
“All three major political parties, which are now in electioneering mode, would oppose the delay and also mount a legal challenge plunging the country into a constitutional crisis. Half of the Senate is up for election in March. If elections are not held before then, it will leave the country with a truncated Upper House, which is elected by national and provincial assembly members. That too would be a recipe for constitutional chaos.”
Aijaz A Nizamani, ‘Taxing agri incomes’
Dawn, 11 December 2023
“Many tax experts feel agricultural taxes are unenforceable due to a lack of documentation of the economy and its vast geographic spread. Perhaps this is the reason why our colonial overlords levelled presumptive taxes on agricultural revenue and based it on land rental value instead of actual production or productivity potential. However, assuming there is sufficient commitment at the policy level, taxing agriculture should no longer be an issue in the age of satellite imagery and machine-learning technologies.”
Editorial, ‘Future plans’
Dawn, 11 December 2023
“It is encouraging to see that Nawaz Sharif remains committed to a strong civilian government and an independent foreign policy, and he is fully entitled, as a former chief executive, to pursue accountability and push the overreaching arms of the state back into their respective domains.”
Dr Samuel Rizk, ‘The world Henry Kissinger leaves behind’
The Express Tribune, 11 December 2023
“There were several scholars who were critical of some of what Kissinger did in his office. One of the more searing indictments came from Princeton scholar Gary J Bass who wrote a book published in 2013 under the title of The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger and a Forgotten Genocide. The genocide that was the subject of the book was the killing of Pakistani citizens who lived in what was then the country’s eastern wing. The East Pakistanis — Bengalis — rebelled against the western part of the country and were encouraged by India, then governed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to create an independent state to be called Bangladesh. Kissinger did not like Gandhi and he and Nixon, his president, decided to side with Pakistan in the conflict. Both needed Pakistan’s help to open to China. It was through Pakistan that Kissinger went to Beijing and met Mao Zedong.”
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“Climate migration will increase demand for illicit activities.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Conflict and Climate’
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