In Brief
POLITICS
International human rights organisations make our decisions says JUI-F chief Maulana
On 17 December, according to The Express Tribune, the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman while addressing an event in the Babuzai area of Katlang tehsil stated, “International human rights organisations make our decisions, rendering our own Constitution and laws ineffective.” He further expressed sadness that the World Bank controlled the country's economy and that its defence was bound by international accords. He further said that the whole world is ashamed of what Zionist forces are doing to Palestinians. He bemoaned the failures of the UN Security Council and human rights organizations. He continued by stating that his party does not support gun politics. (“Global bodies controlling country’s politics: Fazl,” The Express Tribune, 18 December 2023)
Former federal minister called for a thorough examination of the supply of US weaponry to terrorists
On 17 December, the Former federal minister and senior politician Muhammad Ali Durrani expressed significant concern over the source and trafficking of cutting-edge American weapons and technology to terrorists in Pakistan's fight against terror. In a statement, he stated, "It is imperative to undertake these investigations to root out terrorists and eliminate the scourge of terrorism.” He stated that the United States of America (USA) should assist Pakistan with cutting-edge technology because it is in both the US and global security interests. According to Durrani, the availability of advanced weapons to terrorists is a source of concern for regional and global security. (“Durrani calls for probe into supply of US weaponry to terrorists,” The Express Tribune, 18 December 2023)
MQM-P demands a halt to the powerful political system
On 17 December, according to The Express Tribune, Muttahida Qaumi Movement - Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated his party aimed to rescue Pakistanis from feudal lords, business tycoons, and criminal groups. Speaking at the Martyrs' Day convention in Mirpurkhas, Siddiqui asked voters in metropolitan areas including Karachi and Hyderabad to vote out the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on 8 February 2024, citing a claimed lack of rights despite large tax donations. Siddiqui stated that his party is committed to seeking justice through parliament, the constitution, and the courts. If these institutions fail to bring justice, he warned of a possible system change with public backing. (Z Ali, “MQM-P calls for end to the influential political system,” The Express Tribune, 17 December 2023)
Senior leader joins PTI
On 17 December, Sardar Latif Khosa, a senior lawyer and former PPP leader, joined the PTI. Khosa made the statement at a press conference in Lahore, wearing a PTI flag across his shoulders. Speaking to the media in Lahore, the lawyer, who has previously represented PTI chief Imran Khan in various disputes, said he took the action to lead the country to a bright future. He stated, “Why should anyone be scared? These are our institutions. This is our army. Their limits are defined within the Constitution. They are paid through the taxes given by the Pakistani people be it army generals, judges or the bureaucracy. Their real owners are the people who pay taxes.” He urged institutions to operate within their constitutional mandates, noting that issues emerged when one intervened in matters beyond its purview. Gohar Khan, Chairman of the PTI, said he was pleased to welcome Khosa to the party. He complimented him on joining a political party that, despite losses and adversity, has remained committed to democratic values such as liberty, equality, and justice for all. Naeem Haider Panjutha, Imran's lawyer, welcomed Khosa joining the PTI, saying it would strengthen the party. He went on to say that the senior lawyer had spoken out against tyranny even when he was not affiliated with the party. (“Senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa joins PTI,” Dawn, 18 December 2023)
PPP chief summons to boost election campaigns
on 16 December, according to the sources that conveyed Dawn, PPP chief Asif Ali Zardari ordered party leaders to step up their campaign for general elections despite his "pessimism" about the exercise being free and fair. This was communicated to PPP leaders during talks at the Governor House in Peshawar. Mr Zardari landed in the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mr Zardari also met with KP Governor Ghulam Ali. Mayor Peshawar and Governor Ali's son, Zubair Ali, were also there, as was Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam leader Arbab Farooq. (Ali Hazrat Bacha, “Zardari calls for vigorous campaign amid fair polls ‘pessimism’ Dawn, 18 December 2023)
Police Crackdown on Balochistan long march against alleged extrajudicial killings
On 17 December, police detained at least 20 participants, including women, in a crackdown on the Baloch Yakjehti Council’s (BYC) long march against alleged “extrajudicial killings” by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Turbat, Balochistan. The march, led by Mohammad Asif Laghari, was intercepted in Dera Ghazi Khan. Police cited Section 144, prohibiting processions, but the participants resisted. Several, including Shaukat Ali and Asif Leghari, were detained. The BYC leaders condemned the crackdown, asserting their determination to reach Islamabad to protest the alleged extrajudicial killing of Balaach Mola Bakhsh. (Tariq Saeed Birmani & Saleem Shahid, “Police detain 20 protestors as Turbat long march reaches DG Khan,” Dawn, 18 December 2023)
SOCIETY
Polio eradication efforts in Pakistan face steep challenges, GPEI warns
On 18 December, Dawn reported that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) warned that risks within Pakistan’s political and economic landscape present significant challenges to polio eradication efforts in 2024. The recent GPEI report highlighted the coordinated efforts needed by Pakistan and Afghanistan to achieve complete polio eradication. While Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) transmission is limited to these two countries, cross-border transmission threatens their capacity to sustain gains. The report said that “the endemic countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan show considerable progress despite unprecedented difficulty.” However, it went on to highlight that economic instability, political uncertainty, and rising insecurity in Pakistan, along with the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, contribute to the challenges. (Asif Chaudhry, “Economic instability, rising insecurity threaten polio eradication efforts,” Dawn, 18 December 2023)
EXTERNAL
COAS engages Pakistani diaspora in charm offensive
On 18 December, Dawn reported that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, engaged with the Pakistani diaspora during a community dinner hosted by the Pakistan embassy in Washington. The attendees, including influential individuals from various fields, praised the COAS for his openness and receptiveness during the event. Munir encouraged Pakistani Americans to invest in Pakistan through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), assuring complete security for their investments. He highlighted the diaspora’s significant contributions to Pakistan and expressed his belief in the values of competence, courage, and character. An attendee said that “he spoke from the heart and seemed very caring about Pakistan.” Another said that the discussion was “open and frank,” with Munir being very “receptive” toward everyone. (Anwar Iqbal, “Army chief embarks on charm offensive to woo diaspora,” Dawn, 18 December 2023)
Over 14,000 Pakistanis are incarcerated abroad, the majority in UAE and Saudi Arabia
On 18 December, Dawn reported that more than 14,000 Pakistani citizens are imprisoned globally, with 58 per cent held in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Justice Project Pakistan shared this data, unveiling an independent database of overseas Pakistani prisoners. The database provides a country-wise breakdown, crime statistics, and details on prisoner transfer agreements. The UAE holds 5,292 Pakistani prisoners, primarily for drug charges. Saudi Arabia has 3,100 Pakistani prisoners, with 691 for drug offences. The database aims to facilitate evidence-based policies and awareness of consular protection rights among overseas Pakistani prisoners. (Zaki Abbas, “Over 14,000 Pakistani nationals languishing in foreign jails,” Dawn, 18 December 2023)
Anwaarul Haq Kakar to offer condolences in Kuwait following Emir’s death
On 18 December, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar will visit Kuwait on a one-day trip to offer condolences on the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah. The visit aims to convey sympathies and condolences on behalf of the Pakistani government and the people. Emir Sheikh Nawaf’s funeral was a private affair, attended by select relatives, and the new Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah is expected to deliver his oath before parliament. Kakar highlighted Pakistan’s solidarity with Kuwait and acknowledged Sheikh Nawaf’s contributions to strengthening Pakistan-Kuwait relations. (“PM Kakar to visit Kuwait tomorrow to condole death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf,” Dawn, 17 December 2023)
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“Cricketer Usman Khawaja wore a black armband as a show of support for the people of Gaza during Australia's first test match against Pakistan, after the International Cricket Council barred him from displaying messages including "All lives are equal" on his shoes.”
-SBS News
“97% of Pakistanis believe Asim Munir to be a foreign slave and a traitor. The picture of MA Jinnah is ironic, because Jinnah would’ve never allowed Pakistan to become a garrison state.”
-Salman Ahmad
“Mr. Munir Akram has been fulfilling his responsibility exceptionally well as the permanent representative of Pakistan in the UN. Why is it that the stance we have seen in New York, United Nations, is not seen in Islamabad?? Why is Islamabad's stance so passive to the mass murder and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians?? Why is Islamabad parroting the 2 State Solution for Palestine?? If Islamabad is unable to practically do anything to stop the genocide then at least it must clearly, comprehensively and bravely state its stance.”
-Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan
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Maleeha Lodhi, ‘Vetoing peace’
Dawn, 18 December 2023
“The GA adopted a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire by an overwhelming majority — over three-quarters of member states, leaving the US and Israel isolated in the world body. This followed on the heels of the veto exercised by the US in the Security Council (SC) to block a similar ceasefire resolution. It was the second time the US vetoed a ceasefire that could have brought an end to hostilities in Gaza and to Israel’s genocidal military campaign. In October, the US did the same, which was also followed by an extraordinary GA session requested by Arab and OIC countries. Then too, the GA voted by a decisive majority to demand a humanitarian truce. Both GA resolutions were a clear reflection of world opinion. They were also designed to mount diplomatic pressure on Washington to relent on its opposition to a ceasefire and blind support for Israel. But that didn’t happen.”
Muhammad Wali Farooqi, ‘Time for privatization?’
The News International, 18 December 2023
“The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (Nepra) recent report on the billing practices of Pakistan’s distribution companies (DISCOs) for July and August 2023 offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the sector. This in-depth analysis, focusing on the operational challenges and inefficiencies within various DISCOs underscores an urgent need for systemic reforms in Pakistan’s power sector. The report’s findings are a cause for significant concern. For instance, the Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) charged over 5.7 million consumers for billing cycles exceeding the standard 30 days in July 2023. This practice led to inflated bills and unfairly pushed consumers into higher tariff slabs. Similarly, in August 2023, the Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) impacted around 1.2 million consumers with extended billing cycles. Further, the report highlights substantial issues with invalid meter readings and snaps. Major contributors to this problem included Mepco, Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco), and Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco). The prevalence of defective meters, especially in Mepco, further complicates the issue, leading to overbilling and financial strain on consumers.”
Adnan Anjum, ‘ECP training — and inclusive, accountable and transparent polls’
The Express Tribune, 18 December 2023
“The Supreme Court has halted a Lahore High Court (LHC) order that suspended the appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) from the bureaucracy to oversee and manage the electoral processes across all National and Provincial Assemblies constituencies. These executive officers will oversee the affairs in their assigned constituencies, making their role and conduct crucial for safeguarding the quality and integrity of elections. The responsibilities entrusted to these DROs and ROs include a range of tasks outlined in the Elections Act, Elections Rules, and their respective handbooks such as the establishment of polling stations, deployment of election staff, delivery of election materials, management of security affairs, accreditation of observers, declaration of sensitive polling stations, scrutiny of nomination papers for contesting candidates, oversight of the polling and counting processes, consolidation of results and transmission of results to the ECP for official announcement and notification.”
Daud Khan and Ghasharib Shoukat, ‘Corporate farming in Pakistan- opportunities and pitfalls’
The Express Tribune, 18 December 2023
“A major new drive has been launched to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) into Pakistan. Such investments, it is argued, would complement our very low rates of domestic saving. It would also bring in new technologies that would raise our low and stagnating levels of productivity, and provide access to international markets that would help increase and diversify foreign currency earnings. Several sectors were identified as having high potential for FDI including IT, energy, mining, defence production, and agriculture. In agriculture, large tracts of land would be provided to companies under long-term lease agreements with the understanding that they would bring in capital, machinery and equipment, skilled technical and managerial manpower, as well as linkages to international markets. These corporate farms would be run on commercial lines by professional managers.”
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“Concept of justice is integral to success of many modern political systems, with democracy being no exception.”
- An opinion in The Express Tribune, Justice on trial
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