Pakistan and China further enhance ties; Nawaz Sharif acquitted in Al-Azizia reference
In Brief
EXTERNAL
The US reaffirms itself as Pakistan's ally
On 13 December, during his visit to the US, the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, is anticipated to hold meetings with prominent figures in defense, national security, and foreign policy. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic importance, a reaffirmed itself as a major ally. The US State Department spokesperson stated that “Pakistan is a major non-Nato ally and a Nato partner. Generally speaking, we look forward to partnering with them on regional security and defense cooperation.” Probing ahead, the spokesperson did not comment on India- Pakistan relations that have become as a subject of speculation along the sidelines of Article 370 verdict of India’s Supreme Court. He further stated “We look forward to further steps by the Indian government to fulfill its pledges to restore political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, including by holding assembly elections as stipulated in the Supreme Court’s ruling.” (Anwar Iqbal, “With COAS in Washington, US reaffirms Pakistan’s ‘ally’ status,” Dawn, 13 December 2023)
Dubai welcomes more Pakistani tourists
On 13 December, according to the state press, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is all set to receive more Pakistani tourists, which would contribute to Dubai’s ambitious plan for a steady growth in the tourism department in 2024. The plan comes along the sidelines with the visionary Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 that would put Dubai as one of the top cities for business and luxury. DET increased its presence in the Pakistani market in 2023 with the impactful 'Chalo Dubai' campaign, strategically designed to raise awareness of Dubai's diverse offerings in entertainment, gastronomy, and luxury offerings. The Regional Head of Proximity Markets at DET, Bader Ali Habib, emphasised the workshops’ importance, stating, “Dubai is not just a destination; it’s an immersive experience tailored to individual preferences. Our goal is to create a personal connection with each visitor, offering experiences that resonate on a deeper level.” (“Dubai tourism dept unveils plans to welcome more Pakistani visitors in 2024,” Dawn, 13 December 2023)
On Pakistan Progressive Forum's gathering in Houston
On 12 December, The Friday Times reported on a one-day session of the Pakistan Progressive Forum (PPF) held in November 2023 at Houston, Texas, in which the PPF was determined to organize and consolidate professionals, academics, and activists around a shared agenda for action. Dr. Amir, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, and Dr. Haider Afzal co-organized the meeting to assess crucial challenges confronting Pakistan and expatriates overseas. Over 70 Americans of Pakistani descent met to discuss how to create a lively forum for social responsibility, learning, and action. The moot resolved to convene its next meeting in Chicago in the spring of 2024. It was also decided that a dedicated website and social media platforms would be built for the PPF and that diaspora from various states would be sought out through state-specific spokespeople. The attendees agreed that the way forward was to localize grassroots organizing and activism. (“Pakistan Progressive Forum Meets In Houston, Vows To Advance Social Justice,” The Friday Times, 12 December 2023)
Pakistan and China further enhance ties
On 12 December, Pakistan and China declared their determination to improve bilateral trade and investment by revisiting their free trade agreement and adopting the findings of a joint study done by both countries' commerce ministries. These discussions took place during a meeting in Beijing between Pakistan's Commerce Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz, and Chinese Vice Minister Li Fei, intending to solidify economic ties and explore the potential for increased trade and investment. Both ministers spoke about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has reached the second stage of construction. Ejaz highlighted the Pakistan government's measures to encourage foreign direct investment, notably mentioning the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a single window interface for prospective buyers. In an interaction with notable Chinese business and investment executives, the minister explained Pakistan's investment-friendly policies and asked them to invest in areas like textile, food, agriculture, livestock, technology, infrastructure, and energy. Over 150 Chinese business and investment leaders expressed a significant interest in pursuing collaborations and joint ventures in Pakistan. They lauded Pakistan's openness and expressed optimism about the possibilities for profitable engagement. ( “Pakistan, China vow to further enhance trade,” The Express Tribune, 13 December 2023)
POLITICS
Protests over preventive measures against the misuse of Blasphemy Laws
On 12 December, Minority Rights Activists staged a walk on International Human Rights Day to urge authorities to take tangible steps to prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws. The protests drew attention to a terrible episode that occurred on 16 August 2023, in Jaranwala, when miscreants vandalized multiple churches and countless Christian homes, supposedly over claims of sacrilege of the Holy Quran. While speaking to the demonstrators, the activists condemned the misuse of blasphemy laws, rampant impunity, discriminatory practices, instigation of reprisals based on religion, enforced faith conversions, and forced child marriages. During his statement, Minority Alliance Pakistan (MAP) Chairman Akmal Bhatti mentioned the Jaranwala incident, stating the lethargic law enforcement response indicated a terrible absence of justice, increasing victims' pain. (“Minority Rights Activists Call For Measures To Prevent Misuse Of Blasphemy Laws,” The Friday Times, 12 December 2023)
Nawaz is 'qualified' to run in the elections, says PML-N
On 12 December, as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif received a clean bill of health in the Al-Azizia case, the former ruling party's officials expressed optimism, stating that the ex-prime minister had now "qualified" to run in the forthcoming elections. The Islamabad High Court reversed Nawaz's conviction in the Al-Azizia case while releasing the ruling it reserved on his appeal against the trial court's verdict. The three-time prime minister is targeting a fourth term as the country's leader in the February 2024 general election. PML-N stalwart Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that "Today, Nawaz Sharif stands eligible to contest the elections. He will participate in the polls.” (“PML-N says Nawaz 'eligible' to contest polls despite disqualification hurdle,”The News International, 12 December 2023)
Nawaz Sharif acquitted in Al-Azizia reference
On 12 December, Nawaz Sharif was acquitted in the Al-Azizia reference by the Islamabad High Court, clearing another legal obstacle on the way to the upcoming general elections. A two-judge bench announced the verdict, highlighting that the burden of proof was on the prosecution, and there was no clear evidence linking Sharif to corruption and corrupt practices. While Sharif remains disqualified from holding public office due to a Supreme Court ruling, recent amendments limit the disqualification to five years. PML-N leaders celebrated the legal victory, expressing hope for Nawaz Sharif’s return to a leadership role. PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said that “the sham cases created to disqualify a sitting prime minister are finally meeting their fate.” (Umer Burney, “Nawaz clears another legal hurdle in way of elections, secures acquittal from ICH in Al-Azizia case,” Dawn, 12 December 2023)
SOCIETY
Pakistan urged to establish disaster insurance programme
On 12 December, the Director of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Insurance Division, Waseem Khan, highlighted the absence of a public disaster insurance program in Pakistan, despite the country ranking fifth on the list of nations most vulnerable to disasters. Khan suggested the government consider implementing a disaster risk insurance mechanism for the disbursement of allocations related to disasters, ensuring a self-sustaining system. He also noted the low insurance penetration in the country, emphasizing the need for public property insurance and increased coverage for vehicles, life, crop, and disaster risks. SECP aims to boost insurance penetration through its five-year plan, focusing on technology, awareness, and risk insurance promotion. (Kazim Alam, “‘Pakistan has no public disaster insurance plan’,” Dawn, 13 December 2023)
SECURITY
Pakistan considers tit-for-tat response after terrorist attack
On 12 December, following the terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan was reportedly considering a “drastic and decisive” response. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) claimed responsibility for the attack. The ISPR stated: “The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack.” Observers suggest a potential link between TJP and the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Pakistani government has issued a stern warning to the Afghan Taliban to control terrorist sanctuaries, and possible options for retaliation, including cross-border strikes and drone attacks, are under consideration. (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan vows retaliation after DI Khan atrocity,” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2023)
Terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan kills 25 soldiers
On 12 December, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that a terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed 25 soldiers. A group of six terrorists targeted a security forces’ check post. The attackers attempted to enter the post but faced effective resistance, leading them to detonate an explosive-laden vehicle, followed by a suicide bombing. Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a group affiliated with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility. In response, Pakistan is considering a decisive and drastic response against the perpetrators, with the ISPR saying that the “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.” The military conducted additional operations, killing 27 terrorists in total. The attack has prompted Pakistan to issue a “strong demarche” to the Afghan government, urging action against the TTP and its affiliates. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also condemned the “cowardly acts,” while appreciating the “dedication, sacrifice, and valor” of the soldiers “in the face of terror.” (Iftikhar Shirazi, Zahid Imdad & Ismail Khan, “25 soldiers martyred, 2 terrorists killed in separate incidents in Dera Ismail Khan: ISPR,” Dawn, 12 December 2023)
JUDICIARY
Discord among Supreme Court judges escalates with exchange of letters
On 12 December, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa responded to the letter written by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, in which Isa called out Ashan on his conduct and “uncalled for allegations.” The letters reveal disagreements over the formation of benches and alleged procedural irregularities. Isa expressed disappointment over Justice Ahsan’s complaints, saying that even though his “door is always open” for discussion, Ahsan did not express his concerns. The correspondence underscores a broader discord among judges, raising concerns about the unity and effectiveness of the judiciary. The letters also address issues related to the constitution of benches and concerns about the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023. (Sabih Ul Hussnain, “CJP Isa Responds To Justice Ijazul Ahsan's 'Uncalled For Allegations' As SC Infighting Goes Public,” The Friday Times, 12 December 2023)
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Adeel Wahid, ‘Impotence of law’
Dawn, 13 December 2023
“Such a huge ask from the judiciary was never realistic, and not even fair. First, the past has been one where precedents of capitulation exist in huge numbers, making it the norm, rather than an aberration. Second, judges, just like ourselves, are mere mortals, driven by ambitions, desires and fears. Only one of these things needs to be capitalised on. Third, and importantly, judges come from within the society they live in, and are not divorced from the ideas and ideals percolating in it.”
Editorial, ‘Unjust detentions’
Dawn, 13 December 2023
“The HRCP has strongly criticised the decision to grant Quetta police her transitory remand, noting that it appears to be a continuation of harassment, especially given Ms Shah’s separation from her children. Ms Shah has, in an open letter, shared heart-wrenching stories of separation and suffering among the detainees, emphasising the heavy toll of these long-drawn-out imprisonments. The issue has also echoed in the Senate, where concerns have been raised about the rights and freedoms of political rivals and activists.”
Editorial, ‘D.I. Khan attacks’
Dawn, 13 December 2023
“According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, up till November around 600 militant attacks had occurred in Pakistan, causing nearly 900 fatalities. This is said to be an 81pc escalation in attacks over those in 2022.”
Imtiaz Gul, ‘TTP, TTA and new round of proxy wars’
The Express Tribune, 13 December 2023
“Pakistani officials, therefore, rightly suspect that some top elements of the Islamic Emirate may also be “silent supporters” of the TTP and Hafiz Gul Bahadur demands. The latter used to be a facilitator for the Pakistan army until the launch of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014. Hafiz Gul Bahadur, who never merged with the TTP since its creation in December 2007, has now also morphed into a proxy terrorist by aspiring an independent Islamic Republic, if not a caliphate, in the former FATA area.”
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