PAKISTAN READER

Photo : Dawn

ECP assures the Supreme Court of a level playing field for the forthcoming polls

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #42
ECP assures the Supreme Court of a level playing field for the forthcoming polls
On 8 January, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) informed the Supreme Court (SC) that it had accepted 75 per cent of the nomination papers submitted by the PTI election candidates for the 8 February elections. Earlier, the PTI petitioned to seek contempt of the court ruling against ECP for the violation of the 22 December 2023 apex court order. Through this, the SC had advised ECP to hear the grievances put forth by the PTI about its lack of a level playing field in the forthcoming elections. Meanwhile, PTI accused ECP of rejecting 90 per cent of the nomination papers during the scrutiny process. According to the ECP, it had held a meeting with the PTI and apprised the party that a level playing field would be rendered to all election candidates. ECP stated, “The commission has also issued instructions to the chief commissioner, Islamabad, and all the four provincial chief secretaries, inspector(s) general of police, and all the four provincial election commissioners. In turn, the provincial election commissioners have issued the instructions to the DROs and Ros.” (“Watchdog assures SC of fair play ahead of polls,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)

Lone senator introduces resolution to postpone elections
On 5 January, a sparse meeting of the upper chamber passed a resolution, although a non-binding one, to postpone the general elections scheduled for 8 February due to weather-related and security-related issues. Senator Dilawar Khan, an independent, introduced the widely criticized motion, which was not initially slated for consideration. The majority of the senators supporting the resolution were those from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). Nonetheless, it seemed to have the unspoken backing of certain other parties as well, and the lack of legislators from major political parties caused some concerns. The PML-N Senator Afnanullah Khan was the only member of the house to oppose the resolution, however, he did not raise the issue of incomplete quorum to stop the resolution from being passed when only 14 members were present. Afnanullah said, “Will you delay elections on the pretext of weather and security?” he asked. “Why didn’t you say these things in 2008 and 2013? I want to keep this on record that general elections were held twice in February.” Meanwhile, Senator Dilawar underlined the need for the Election Commission of Pakistan to guarantee inclusive and equitable elections, as well as the right to vote guaranteed by the constitution. He expressed concerns about poor voter turnout in colder areas in January and February, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also listed other reasons for the postponement, including attacks on security personnel and threats to politicians’ safety. He stated that the senate “is obligated to ensure the constitutional guarantees and to alleviate fears of the smaller provinces, especially vulnerable geographical territories.”(Iftikhar A. Khan, “Lone wolf’ Senate move to delay polls raises hackles,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)
 
Disruption of services occurred as PTI tried to launch its manifesto via telethon
On 8 January, Dawn reported that the internet was disrupted when Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) tried to launch its 2024 general election manifesto and raise funds through a telethon. The disruption of services was reflected in all the social media platforms. On 7 December 2023, the PTI faced a similar circumstance when it hosted an online event where it planned for a virtual power show. However, the websites did not allow the users to join. The internet tracking agency Netblocks tweeted, “Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across Pakistan, including X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.” After the block out of the social media platforms, the representatives of the PTI insisted the users use a VPN which cost PKR 1,999 per month to sign up. On the same day, Netblocks Director Alp Toker told AFP, “Such nation-scale social media targeting political activities is almost unprecedented at this scale — Venezuela is one other country that has used similar measures to limit opposition speeches and rallies.” (Ikram Junaidi, “Internet outages hit PTI’s bid to launch manifesto,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)
 
2024: The year of elections in South Asia
On 8 January, Dr Hassan Daud Butt in an opinion in The News International titled “A year of elections,” emphasized the importance of various elections in South Asia in 2024, which will involve 64 nations as well as the European Union. Even though over half of the world’s population participates in democracy, there are still obstacles to overcome in the form of “geopolitical conflicts and economic challenges.” The youth, which forms 65 per cent of Pakistan’s population, thinks that “potential economic and political impact” will be more significant this year, compared to previous elections. Butt says that they desire a government which pursues “high-priority mega-infrastructure and social-sector projects” from which all citizens stand to gain. The article further prioritizes investor-friendly initiatives, strong governance, and the eradication of poverty, and argues for an industrial emergency. Addressing economic issues, encouraging innovation, and eliminating social disparities are critical, says Butt, along with citizens with the desire to actively influence their country’s future by demanding transparency, accountability, and long-term goals. (Dr Hassan Daud Butt, “A year of elections,” The News International, 8 January 2024)

An editorial in The Express Tribune criticizes attempt to postpone elections
On 6 January, The Express Tribune published an editorial titled “Irrational resolution,” which centered around the “muted, faceless and mysterious move in the upper house” calling for the postponement of elections. The editorial described the reasons given for the call for a postponement, including “inclement weather” and a “deteriorating law and order situation,” as “devoid of logic.” It also highlighted how it was surprising to see that “just 14 senators from a house of 100” could table the resolution without eliciting a response from the chair. Notably, the caretaker information minister and a senator from the PML-N distanced themselves from the attempt. The editorial argued that their response, while somewhat “consoling,” fell short, and more vocal condemnation of the attempt to delay the polls under “flimsy pretexts” was needed. The move was seen as a” popularity gimmick” by certain senators, raising concerns about its impact on national cohesion. (“Irrational resolution,” The Express Tribune, 6 January 2024)
 
PML-N strategically courts PTI dissidents ahead of elections
On 6 January, The News International reported that in a strategic move, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is reportedly set to award election tickets to dissidents from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Raja Riaz. Riaz, who played a crucial role in facilitating the formation of the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, joining PML-N after the political shift. The decision signals PML-N’s efforts to consolidate its position and gather support ahead of the upcoming general elections on 8 February. (Umar Cheema, “PMLN likely to give tickets to all PTI dissidents of no-trust move,” The News International, 6 January 2024)

Parties unified against the delay of polls resolution
On 5 January, leaders and parties from all political stripes harshly criticized the non-binding resolution passed by the Senate which calls for a postponement of the polls scheduled for 8 February. PTI’s Barrister Gohar Khan demanded the Supreme Court to act against the resolution. He said: “A resolution of 14 senators based on their personal opinions, has no legal or binding force in the constitutional process of holding general elections.” Separately, after the Senate resolution was passed and PPP’s lone party senator in the house did not oppose it, the party distanced itself from the senator’s position and promised to ask him for an explanation. The PML-N, which claimed to be preparing for the elections, also unequivocally stated that it does not want the polls scheduled for 8 February to be postponed. The chairman of Jamaat-i-Islami, Sirajul Haq, stated that the people's fundamental right to choose their representatives in open elections could not be taken away. He stated, “Postponing elections due to unrest in Balochistan and Khy­ber Pakhtunkhwa will be tanta­mo­unt to surrendering arms to those spreading unrest.” Meanwhile, Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi stated that neither the federal cabinet nor the prime minister had given any orders for the postponement. (“All sides united in their opposition to poll delay,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)
 
PTI candidates cleared to contest polls
On 5 January, according to Dawn, numerous PTI candidates, most notably Shah Mehmood Qureshi, were given the go-ahead signal to participate in the polls on 8 February by many election tribunals (ET) which was a huge relief for the beleaguered party. The rulings made by returning officers (RO) against Mr. Qureshi (NA-214, Tharparkar), the party’s president for Sindh, Haleem Adil Sheikh (NA-238, Karachi East-IV), and two other candidates were overturned by the appellate tribunal in Karachi. The panel led by Judge Adnan-ul-Karim Memon also granted the appeal of Arsalan Khalid (NA-248, Karachi Central-II), another candidate. The reason for rejecting Qureshi's and his son Zain Qureshi's nomination papers was that they failed to file certificates about agricultural income tax. In addition, the RO’s order claimed that Qureshi was also purportedly an NTS defaulter and that his authorization letter's signature could not be independently confirmed. Similarly, the nomination papers of a few PTI election candidates from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi, Punjab and Balochistan were also accepted by the Ro’s. (Ishaq Tanoli, Waseem Ahmad Shah and Malik Asad, “Big relief for PTI as scores cleared to contest polls,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)
 
Supreme Court reserves judgment on the lifetime disqualification case
On 5 January, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment on a set of petitions on the contentious issue of legislator’s lifetime disqualification. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said, “We will try to come up with a shorter order as soon as possible. Probably not today but it will be very soon, God willing.” Pakistan's attorney general, Mansoor Usman Awan contended that the parliament did not anticipate the Supreme Court's interpretation in the 2018 Samiullah Baloch case and that it was an overreach (see Article 62(1f). Given the impending elections, he proposed leaving the decision to the parliament. He cited a unanimous ruling by saying that in the 2015 Ishaq Khakwani case, the seven-judge Supreme Court bench left the question of disqualification open. Similarly, in the 2018 Samiullah Baloch case, the question of the phrase “declaration by the court of law”, which will result in the disqualification of lawmakers, remained open. In defense of Jehangir Khan Tareen, senior attorney Makhdoom Ali Khan contended that the Samiullah Baloch case should be overturned because it caused a discrepancy between Articles 62 and 63. Mr. Khan stated that he was unable to locate a single case from any common law jurisdiction in which a citizen was permanently deprived of the protection of a basic right protected by the Constitution due to civil responsibility and a civil court order. CJP Isa said there must be some reason behind lifetime disqualification. He added that a person was allowed to contest elections meanwhile others were disqualified for some flaw in the nomination papers. (Nasir Iqbal, “Verdict on ‘enigmatic’ disqualification clause soon,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)
 
Zardari welcomes new members of the party
On 5 January, leaders of some other parties joined the PPP after meeting with former president Asif Ali Zardari at Peoples House in Multan, marking a momentous political move. Under the PPP’s banner, they pledged to work for the welfare of the populace and the nation’s progress, expressing their faith in Mr. Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's leadership. Greeting the newcomers, Mr. Zardari stated that the PPP was the only party in Pakistan that embodied the hopes and dreams of its citizens. Claiming that the PPP would emerge as the largest party in the upcoming general elections and enter government, he said the party would continue to fight for the restoration of democracy, the primacy of the Constitution, and the rights of the provinces. (Amjad Mahmood and Imran Gabol, “Zardari coaxes several more into PPP fold,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)

ECONOMY
Pakistan to face Economic Challenges in 2024: UN Report
On 6 January, Dawn reported that according to the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects report, Pakistan’s GDP is expected to grow by 2 per cent in 2024, and then rise to 2.4 per cent in 2025. Despite this, concerns loom as South Asian nations such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are classified as lower-middle-income, with food security issues lingering in 2023. Pakistan’s inflation rate is alarmingly high at 39.18 per cent which has led to a record-high policy rate of 22 per cent. The value of the currency fell by 20 per cent, and the country's significant national debt—which amounts to 36.5 per cent of GDP—is still present. In 2022, the government's debt-to-GDP ratio reached 89 per cent, indicating financial difficulties. The article presents a complicated economic picture of Pakistan, emphasizing high levels of state debt, inflation, and currency devaluation. (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistan’s economy to reel under global challenges in 2024, says UN report,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)

JUDICIARY
Pakistan deals with a delay in justice being served
On 8 January, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Overburdened courts” stated that due to “impediments created by the legal bureaucracy,” a backlog of cases, and inefficiency in lower courts, speedy resolution in Pakistan is still elusive. The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, called for the strengthening of the subordinate judiciary and denounced the practice of taking every case to the Supreme Court. There is also a loss in public confidence caused by over 100,000 pending cases and “corrupt practices of fleecing the applicant and influence of the mighty.”The editorial explained that top courts are overburdened with political cases, which avoid parliamentary and executive resolution processes. It also mentions that “empowering the parliament and making it a responsive unit for public concerns” could help lessen the pressure that the judiciary is under. (“Overburdened courts,” The Express Tribune, 8 January 2024)
 
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Families of missing Baloch people conclude five-day sit-in outside UK PM’s office
On 7 January, a five-day sit-in by rights activists and family members of Baloch businessman Mir Taj Mohammad Sarparah, who has been missing since July 19, 2020, came to an end outside the UK prime minister’s office in London.Sarparah’s wife, Salia Marri, had already made an appeal for the release of all missing Baloch people, while his daughter pushed the UN and UK governments to “investigate this matter and to take action against the perpetrators.”Baloch rebels and dissident leaders joined the sit-in. Writer and analyst Ayesha Siddiqa, who also joined, condemned the “state terrorism,” saying that the disappearances are a “political issue being dealt with through cruelty and force.” (Atika Rehman, “Families of Baloch ‘missing persons’ hold sit-in in UK,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)
 
Balochistan: BYC supporters conduct sit-in protest on Sariab road
On 8 January, Dawn reported that the supporters of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) carried out a sit-in protest that encompasses political activists, students, and human rights activists. The protestors had banners and placards that had written demanding an end to enforced disappearances, placards and banners inscribed with demands including an end to enforced disappearances, recovery of all missing persons, and extrajudicial killing of political activists and students. The supporters conducted the protest in front of the Balochistan University area of Sariab Road. (Saleem Shahid, “Baloch Yakjehti Committee supporters protest in Quetta,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)
 
Punjab: 2024 anti- polio drive launched
On 8 January, the first National Immunisation Days of 2024 began in Punjab, with over 200,000 workers seeking to vaccinate 22.50 million children under five. Since October 2020, there have been no documented instances of polio in Punjab; nonetheless, Punjab Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Coordinator Khizer Afzaal encouraged sustained surveillance, attributing previous viral importation to population migration. He said that it was important to “start the year with a strong campaign and continue momentum against the virus” to ensure community immunity.He also urged parents to “welcome polio teams,” adding that 2024 served the aim of interrupting the “transmission of poliovirus from the country.” (“Anti-polio drive in Punjab begins today,” The News International, 8 January 2024)
 
INDIA VIEW
Selective outrage as the US excludes India from the religious freedom concern list 
On 8 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Selective outrage” criticised the US for omitting India from its list of countries ‘of particular concern’ for religious freedom, citing “geopolitics” as a factor. India was recommended for inclusion by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, alleging “egregious religious freedom violations.” According to the article, minorities in India—Muslims and Christians in particular—face violence and hatred from the government, especially during the BJP’s tenure in office. Despite these reservations, the editorial casts doubt on the State Department’s commitment to religious freedom by pointing to India’s strategic importance in the US struggle with China. Further, it demands congressional hearings on the subject. (“Selective outrage,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)

PoK leaders urge UN intervention on Self-Determination Day
On 5 January, on the occasion of Self-Determination Day, the President of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, called on the United Nations (UN) to actively engage in resolving the longstanding Kashmir issue according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Emphasizing the inalienable right of self-determination for the Kashmiris, Chaudhry criticized India for its “reign of terror in the region,” warning that it “cannot hold Kashmiris hostage for long by the dint of force.” Chaudhry urged the international community to address human rights violations in PoK. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s struggle for their rights, stressing the need for UN intervention. Kakar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s just struggle, pledging full political, diplomatic, and moral assistance. He expressed hope “that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices.” Kakar also urged Pakistani diplomats to identify new “opportunities for the economic welfare of the country at international level.” (Syed Abbas Gardezi, “IIOJ&K Self-Determination Day: AJK President Barrister Sultan seeks UN action on Kashmir,” The News International, 6 January 2024; Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Kakar holds UN responsible for Kashmir solution,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)

WORLD VIEW
Complications arising from the war in Gaza and the historical role of Israel in Hamas
On 8 January, Shahid Javed Burki in an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “A divided Muslim world,” highlighted how complications with Israel’s war in Gaza have recently led to questions of the possibility of Islamic-majority countries being “pulled into the conflict.” This is considering the media coverage of the “overall suffering” caused by Israel’s attacks, which is being viewed in the “Muslim world.” The editorial also raised concerns about the ongoing Israeli assault in the Gaza Strip and questioned whether countries with significant Muslim populations, such as Pakistan, might be drawn into the conflict. It emphasized the lack of unity among Muslim-majority countries in responding to Israel’s actions and speculated on the potential widening of the conflict. The editorial also explored Israel’s historical involvement in shaping the political landscape in the Palestinian territories, particularly its role in the emergence of Hamas as a counterforce to the secular Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Burki highlighted that Israel, at one point, allowed the growth of Hamas as an “Islamist counterweight to the more mainstream and secular PLO.” This strategy aimed to diminish the power of the PLO, which was then led by Yasser Arafat. Burki also hinted at the possibility of exploring Pakistan’s role in the Middle East as the situation unfolds in the region. (Shahid Javed Burki, “A divided Muslim world,” The Express Tribune, 8 January 2024)

ISIS claims responsibility for Kerman bombings: A warning for regional stability
On 6 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “IS threat” highlighted how the 3 January bombings in Kerman, claimed by the Islamic State group, signalled a potential resurgence of the terrorist organization. The attack targeted the memorial of General Qassem Soleimani, resulting in nearly 90 casualties. As per the editorial, the Islamic State has previously been linked to violent incidents in Iran, and its resurgence could pose a significant threat to stability in the Middle East. Thus, the editorial points out concerns that the group might exploit the region’s geopolitical volatility to advance its objectives. Observers noted that ISIS and Israel share common adversaries, with Iran being a primary target for both. The editorial stated that it is crucial for Muslim states to remain “vigilant, and prevent the resurgence of IS in the Middle East and neighboring regions.” Additionally, monitoring potential Israeli activities that could contribute to regional instability was emphasized. (“IS threat,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)
 
A framework for reconciliation in Israel-Palestine
On 6 January, Tariq Suleman in an opinion in Dawn titled “Zionism’s ideological shifts” delved into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, scrutinizing Israel’s response to recent events through the lens of early Zionist thought. He highlighted the diverse ideologies within Zionism, focusing on the perspectives of Ahad Ha'am and Ze'ev Jabotinsky. Ahad Ha'am's vision, articulated in his 1891 essay, emphasized ethical Zionism, coexistence, and cultural revival over political control. On the other hand, Jabotinsky, a proponent of Revisionist Zionism, advocated for a militant approach, acknowledging Arab resistance and proposing an “iron wall” of Jewish military strength. This approach, rooted in a realist understanding of Arab opposition, influenced Israeli policies and left room for future negotiations only from a position of Jewish dominance. Understanding these historical influences is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the ongoing conflict. The article contended that Israel might be exploiting recent events as a pretext to further its long-held objective of sparsely populating Palestinian territories, a notion deeply embedded in historical Zionist discourse. Suleman called for a significant policy shift, urging Israel to recognize the necessity of Palestinian acceptance and coexistence for long-term stability. He encouraged acknowledging historical parallels between Zionist paramilitary groups and Hamas, fostering a reconciliatory approach to break the cycles of violence and pave the way for lasting peace. (Tariq Suleman, “Zionism’s ideological shifts,” Dawn, 6 January 2024)
 
Political challenges surrounding Ram Temple consecration
On 6 January, The News International reported on the upcoming 22 January Ram Mandir consecration at the site of the old Babri Masjid. With 7,000 guests, including 3,000 VVIPs invited, the BJP's engagement is considered as politically driven. The Congress party is in a difficult situation because the mosque was destroyed when Narasimha Rao was prime minister. Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal has declined to go, citing the temple template’s political currency despite some opposition politicians considering it. The report emphasized how locations and power dynamics are constantly shifting and makes comparisons to instances throughout the world. The report also highlighted the value of coexistence and tolerance in his conclusion. (Shahzad Sharjeel, “Temple template,” The News International, 6 January 2024)

Sudan faces continued atrocities in nine-month conflict
On 6 January, in an editorial The News International drew attention to the continuing nine-month battle in Sudan between the army and its once ally paramilitary group RSF, which is now fighting for control. Mass atrocities against people have emerged from the war, breaking earlier promises to safeguard them. Updated numbers are anticipated to be greater than the 10,000 deaths and 12,000 injuries that have been reported as of October 2023. As cries for a truce go unanswered, the crisis has resulted in massive displacement, famine, and resource depletion. It is said that those who want to exploit Sudan’s resources are the ones who are manufacturing the upheaval. The editorial further emphasizes the necessity for an end to the violence and foreign involvement while drawing attention to the exploitation of wealthy nations for their own growth aims. (“Sudan crisis,” The News International, 6 January 2024)

AI wars escalate
On 6 January, Journalist Farrukh K. Pitafi, writing for The Express Tribune emphasized the state of artificial intelligence globally while highlighting the lost prospects for a nation plagued by internal divisions. He talked about how the firing of the OpenAI CEO led to a staff uprising and Microsoft’s subsequent intervention. The New York Times filed a complaint against Microsoft and OpenAI, claiming that the latter had improperly used its confidential content for GPT-4 training, as the report also disclosed. The case highlights the beginning of AI wars, which are similar to mercantilist-colonial conflicts and pose an existential threat to Chat GPT. Pitafi warned of the danger of turning into a data harvester’s colony while calling attention to advancements in AI worldwide. (Farrukh Khan Pitafi, “AI wars begin,” The Express Tribune, 6 January 2024)

EXTERNAL
JUI-F president arrives in Kabul to better Pak-Afghan relations
On 7 January, the President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, arrived in Kabul with a nine-member delegation to hold talks with senior Afghan Taliban leaders on matters of regional security. The meetings are set to begin on 8 January, during which Rehman is expected to discuss regional and security issues, bring up Pakistan’s security concerns with the Afghan Taliban, and understand Afghani grievances in an attempt to resolve issues between the two. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have recently soured over a rise in terrorist attacks in the latter, and the deportation of illegal Afghans from Pakistan. (Ismail Khan, “In Kabul, Fazl confident of a breakthrough,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)
 
CHINA
An alphabetical conceptualization of CPEC
On 8 January, Dr Khalid Waleed wrote an opinion in The News International titled “Equitable and green CPEC,” in which he described the “transformative”China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a “catalyst for a fundamental shift in the region’s economic dynamics.” Waleed referred to Rostow’s model of economic growth to describe how Pakistan advanced towards a “takeoff stage” using the combination of capital and resources provided by China. However, he emphasized that only through blending “economic growth and holistic development,” along with making socio-cultural and environmental considerations, can this growth be sustainable. Waleed used the alphabets from A to I to “encapsulate the essence” of CPEC. ‘A’ represents “a lot of people talking to a lot of people” to help build a cultural partnership based on “mutual respect.” ‘B’ stands for the “bankability” of investment projects, which translates financial ventures to a long-term commitment towards “sustainable and profitable development.” He then shifts to ‘C,’ which centres around “climate-smart policies” that ensure that economic growth is not at the cost of the planet. ‘D,’ which stands for “diplomacy and development,” notes that sustainability is a “guiding principle” when engagements are undertaken. ‘E’ focuses on the “efficiency of economy, energy, and environment,” and is critical to be able to take on and solve crises in an interconnected manner. ‘F’ looks at aligning the path of “financial governance” with a global shift toward sustainable development. ‘G’ refers to the “greening of CPEC,” and helps reimagine development in sync with the environment. ‘H’is about “human development” through communities and acknowledging that development is a tool to improve people’s lives. Lastly, ‘I’ stands for “integration” and fostering a collaborative spirit that envisions an “economically integrated and environmentally conscious” region. The points that each of these alphabets make are, according to Waleed, essential for Pakistan to make full use of CPEC and make sure that its benefits are long-lasting. (Dr Khalid Waleed, “Equitable and green CPEC,” The News International, 8 January 2024)
 
SECURITY
Attack kills four and injures three in KP district
On 7 January, local police confirmed that an armed attack on a passenger van killed four people and injured three in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Out of the four, two were security personnel and one was a woman. The Kurram District Police Officer said that the gunmen targeted the van and another car using automated weapons, adding that efforts were being taken to find them. A former MNA from the Kurram constituency said that attacks were taking place “despite the presence of the Levies and Khasadar force deployed on the route.” (Javed Hussain, “Four killed in Kurram passenger van attack,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)
 
Navy increases presence in the Arabian Sea following maritime security incidents
On 7 January, the Pakistani Navy stated that it had deployed ships in the Arabian Sea after an Indian Navy warship intercepted a hijacked vessel near Somalia. The Navy said it was “ensuring [a] permanent presence in the Arabian Sea to keep our and international sea lines of communications under intense surveillance.” There were two to three patrolling ships, along with “extensive air surveillance” that would “ensure the safety of international sea lines of communications” passing through Pakistan’s maritime area. Experts have explained that the rise in hijacking attempts in the Arabian Sea have increased with US-led anti-piracy naval forces being redirected toward the Red Sea, where there have been attacks by the Yemeni Houthi forces. (“Pakistan steps up surveillance in Arabian Sea,” Dawn, 8 January 2024)

“Pakistan cannot afford further internet shutdown, it causes damage to Pakistanis only!” - PTI “There are some rumors that economic emergency will be imposed in the country instead of elections. In my opinion, this would be an admission that the PDM government and the caretaker cabinet in the last two and a half years have destroyed the economy to such an extent that things are not normal and will reinforce Imran Khan's narrative that with a good economy. Played.” -Imran Khan “Elections in Pakistan have almost always been manipulated but seldom on the scale as in 2024. Those scared of genuine people's rule have come out into the open to disintegrate entire political edifice. The resultant deluge will be uncontrollable.” - Farhatullah Babar “Caretaker stooge information Minister proving TheEconomist was right to give ImranKhan PTI a voice to highlight the election farce in Pakistan. Remember, The Economist has been a vociferous critic of Imran Khan in general.” - Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra “Dr Sahiba, In my view no solution will work except, holding a FREE, FAIR, TRANSPARENT Election and handing over power to whoever wins. Killing people has never worked and will not work. KP is almost at the stage where East Pakistan was, when 1970 election results were denied. KP people are hard, resilient and brave. Half of the Army is from KPK. So if KP and Taliban join hands, Punjab and others are doomed and they are cowards, unable to fight, but ALWAYS ready to Surrender.” - SHAHEEN SEHBAI “PMLN has done it in the past and is ready to do it again, We will change Pakistan again.” -Umer Alvi

“Women in Muslim countries today have responsibility to amplify voices of women in our societies.” -An opinion in The Express Tribune, ‘Enhancing gender diversity in Muslim countries.’