PTI’s Gandapur asks PM Sharif to “politically engage” with Imran Khan; Government to prioritize digitalization of tax system to increase transparency
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Shehbaz Sharif calls China a “second home”
On 14 March, The Express Tribune reported on a statement made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which he claimed that Pakistan and China would carry shared values and take steps toward shared development, prosperity, and progress together. In response to a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping where he congratulated Sharif on securing office as the prime minister, Sharif stated: “I deeply value his sentiments not only for the people of Pakistan, for our friendship, but our mutual cooperation.” He added that this was a “very good start” to the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, highlighting the bilateral friendship and strategic cooperation that has mutually been promoted. Sharif expressed hope that the friendship like “iron brothers” would now “achieve higher heights.” He also underscored the benefits of Chinese modernization, stating that Pakistan should emulate the “great success model,” which has enabled millions of Chinese people to be lifted out of poverty, and generated employment in rural areas. He noted how “despite challenges in recent years, China's growth has still gone steadily compared to other countries, which is a remarkable achievement.” The Belt and Road Initiative was also described as one of the best models for “forging global societies together” by alleviating poverty and hunger and promoting investment, education, and health. In his first parliamentary speech after re-election, Sharif commended the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for promoting technological development and agriculture and added that the Special Investment Facilitation Council established by Pakistan would remove delays and inefficiencies in CPEC projects. He appreciated China for being “extremely helpful in promoting Pakistan's economic progress.”
Earlier on 10 March, Jinping congratulated Asif Ali Zardari for being elected as the president of Pakistan, appreciating the iron-clad friendship between the two countries and stating that China and Pakistan were good neighbours, good friends, good partners and good brothers. He went on to note the close high-level exchanges, support on matters of core interests and concerns, the success of the CPEC and the development of bilateral relations between the two in recent years. Jinping highlighted how in the face of unprecedented global changes; the strategic significance of China-Pakistan relations has become more prominent. He assured that he was ready to work with Zardari to further the traditional friendship, advance practical cooperation, and push for greater development of the partnership in a mutually beneficial manner.(“Shehbaz says Chinese modernisation created growth centres,” The Express Tribune, 14 March 2024; “Xi congratulates Zardari on election as Pakistani President,” APP, 10 March 2024)
POLITICS
Information minister accuses PTI of trying to “harm the economy” by writing to EU
On 13 March, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI of approaching the European Union (EU) and the IMF against Pakistan’s interests and thus conspiring against the country. He alleged that “PTI spokespersons are getting instructions from [Adiala] jail to harm the country,” and emphasized that “no one will be allowed to harm the economy.” Tarar went on to state that “conspirators” were trying to attack the economy like the PTI had done in the past, by writing a letter to the IMF requesting them to not enter a loan agreement with Pakistan. He asserted: “Protecting the state of Pakistan and the national interest is our first responsibility. Strategies and steps are being taken for the revival of the economy.” The minister added that the PTI allegedly contacted the EU to ask it to withdraw the GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan. In response, a PTI spokesperson claimed Tarar’s accusations were a “pack of lies, falsehoods and nonsense,” adding that the PTI had not written to the EU. He stated that the PTI’s efforts for the IM programme’s success were visible and that the “mandate thieves” should bring black the plundered national wealth that is abroad. The EU’s delegation in Islamabad clarified on the same day: “We have not received any official communication from PTI regarding GSP+.” (Ikram Junaidi & Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Govt slams PTI for dragging EU, IMF into domestic squabbles,” Dawn, 14 March 2024)
AOOA issues white paper on Pakistan aviation industry’s failure
On 14 March, Dawn reported the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) issued a white paper on the failures of the aviation industry, citing a lack of professionalism which caused pilot license issues as the reason for a ban on operations of Pakistani airlines in European Union (EU) countries. The paper recommended posting the right people in the proper jobs, and the AOOA suggested that former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan was wrongly briefed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that several pilots possessed fake licenses. The white paper added: “Now, it is proven that there are no fake licences, and the court has dropped the charges against pilots… However, the present CAA director general is not even accepting the court orders and is unable to restore the image of the country which is causing further delays in lifting the ban on PIA and other airlines for Europe and US.” Some suggested measures for improvement included outsourcing unused airports to local governments and renewing lapsed air transport licenses of airlines and other air operators. Further, the AOOA recommended eliminating exorbitant fees and reconsidering the age limits of aircraft imports to stimulate industry growth. (Mohammad Asghar, “Lack of professionalism blamed for aviation industry’s downfall,” Dawn, 14 March 2024)
PTI’s Gandapur asks PM Sharif to “politically engage” with Imran Khan
On 13 March, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Chief Minister and PTI member Ali Amin Gandapur, held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and asked him to politically engage with Imran Khan. Gandapur described the interaction, in which Sharif agreed to lift the ban on visiting Khan and other prisoners in Adiala Jail so that Gandapur and Khan could discuss the upcoming Senate elections. Further, he asked Sharif to “politically engage” with Khan, so that the two could reach a “political situation.” They also spoke on the “law and order situation,” with Sharif assuring that the “federal government would fully cooperate with K-P on these matters.” Sharif vowed to “keep his promises” concerning clearing KP’s dues, which will be further discussed after talks with the IMF. (“Gandapur asks Shehbaz to engage with Imran,” The Express Tribune, 13 March 2024)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR EXCLUSIVE UPDATE #84
Attorney general asks court to reject SIC’s petition for reserved seats
On 13 March, the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) requested a Peshawar High Court bench to reject the Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) petitions that sought reserved seats in the assemblies, arguing that the SIC did not contest in the general elections or submit a priority list of its candidates. AGP Mansoor Usman Awan, along with lawyers for three political parties, thus supported the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) 1 March order to deny the SIC reserved seats, as it was not a parliamentary party. One of the lawyers for the petitioners argued that the ECP had deprived the PTI of its election symbol, and then deprived the SIC of its reserved seats after PTI-backed independents joined. The bench adjourned the hearing till 14 March. In a separate development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) allowed the ECP and other respondents to submit replies to a petition filed by the SIC against a decision to deprive the party of its reserved seats by 25 March. (Waseem Ahmed Shah & Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “Attorney general opposes SIC plea for reserved seats,” Dawn, 14 March 2024)
ECONOMY
PM Sharif forms committee to cut down government expenditure
On 13 March, considering the financial challenges being faced by Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to curtail government expenses. The Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, explained that Sharif formed a “committee to ensure austerity measures on the government side,” will come up with terms of reference and review a national austerity report of the finance division, with the aim of suggesting institutional reforms and cutting the size of the government. Sharis also made surprise visits to Utility Stores to inspect the implementation of the Ramazan Relief Package, claiming he would not tolerate compromises on the quality of items being sold. He interacted with the scheme’s beneficiaries and directed authorities to ensure that the beneficiaries faced no problem in availing of the facility. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz forms committee to curtail govt expenses,” Dawn, 14 March 2024)
Government to prioritize digitalization of tax system to increase transparency
On 13 March, the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, said to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that the government was prioritizing documenting the economy and digitizing the tax system. While chairing a meeting to review the revenue collection performance of the FBR, he stressed the need to digitize the FBR to make tax collection more transparent and efficient. He described digitization as pivotal to modernizing tax administration and building an equitable tax system that fosters economic growth. The government is also reportedly considering strategies to broaden the tax base through the inclusion of wholesale/retail, real estate, and agriculture sectors in the tax framework. The chairman of the FBR presented details of revenue collection efforts and revenue generation initiatives taken by the FBR and briefed Aurangzeb on how the FBR managed to successfully achieve the cumulative revenue collection target for the first eight months of FY24. Appreciating this, Aurangzeb highlighted the need to evolve a mechanism to ensure transparency and expedite the process. (Sohail Sarfraz, “Digitization of tax system top priority: finance minister,” Business Recorder, 14 March 2024)
JUDICIARY
IHC issues notice to Adiala jail superintendent following ban on visitors
On 13 March, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) sought a reply from Adiala Jail’s superintendent on the notification issued by the Punjab government a day earlier, which banned meetings with the prisoners for two weeks owing to “security concerns.” PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat filed a petition in the court and asked that it be set aside, arguing that the ban meant prisoners could neither meet visitors nor consult legal teams. Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir took up the plea and issued a notice to the jail superintendent, asking him to appear in court on 14 March. A day earlier, on 13 March, the Punjab Home Department alleged that there were chances of attacks and terror threats, as a result of which security would be ramped up in and around Adiala Jail and no one would be allowed to meet the prisoners for two weeks. (Malik Asad, “IHC seeks reply from Adiala jail superintendent on visitors’ ban,” Dawn, 14 March 2024)
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With the new government on wheels the future financial & economical outlook of Pakistan looks promising. The recent Ipsos-Pakistan’s Consumer Confidence Survey 2024 revealed that Pakistanis are getting optimistic about improvement in the country’s situation. A 10% increase was seen of people hoping for better financial conditions in the next 6 months, while the number of disappointed individuals decreased from 49% to 35%.
-Laila
In a resolution passed, the National Assembly demands that the death sentence given to former prime minister & founder of Pakistan Peoples Party, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, should be overturned including declaring him a Shaheed & National Democratic Hero.
-PPP Digital
Pakistan Army alongside FC Balochistan established a rest house in Nushki for pilgrims, providing 14 buses for transportation, a canopy shed for relaxation, and serving over 280 visitors with meals and drinks. A free medical camp was also set up, offering treatments and medicines to over 60 pilgrims. The initiative was met with appreciation from the visitors, who thanked the Pakistan Army and FC Balochistan for their efforts and the facilities provided.
-Balochistan Current Affairs
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Khurram Hussain, ‘All things awry’
Dawn, 14 March 2024
“Never mind what industry is saying about high interest rates for a moment. At 22pc, the current monetary policy settings are taking a wrecking ball to government finances, and pressure will mount on the new finance chief to try and persuade the IMF and the State Bank to start unwinding the tight policy stance.”
FS Aijazuddin, ‘Resurrection, 2024’
Dawn, 14 March 2024
“Today, Mr Bhutto is beyond physical resurrection. Like the Bengali Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose followers believe he met a ‘deathless end’, Mr Bhutto lives still — through the PPP he founded, through the memory of his martyred daughter, and now the political aspirations of his grandson, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.”
Shazia Nizamani, ‘Gender parity’
Dawn, 14 March 2024
“Pakistan is making small but significant efforts to narrow the gender gap in the country’s political process. For instance, reforms were introduced in the Elections Act, 2017, to address some of the concerns pertaining to women’s exclusion from the electoral process, and to ensure their active participation, which included mandating that at least five per cent of each political party’s nominated candidates for elections be women; election results be nullified in any constituency where women’s turnout was below 10pc; etc. The Election Commission of Pakistan first released gender-disaggregated turnout statistics in the 2018 election.”
Editorial, ‘Border protests’
Dawn, 14 March 2024
“A recent report by the HRCP highlights not just the immediate economic repercussions but also the long-term social and humanitarian implications of the border restrictions. It rightly calls for a nuanced approach, suggesting engagement with all stakeholders, including Afghan representatives, to find a balanced resolution that considers both security needs and the local populace’s welfare.”
Inam Ul Haque, ‘The rationality of Afghan bitterness towards Pakistan’
The Express Tribune, 14 March 2024
“The even longer list of Pakistan’s grievances notwithstanding, our Afghan brethren, especially its well-heeled Western diaspora need to realise …that continued anti-Pakistan tirades would do no good to common Afghans and Afghanistan’s land-locked geography, poverty-stricken citizenry or Pakistan-dependent economy. It is better to see the reason!”
Editorial, ‘Trans-regional economies’
The Express Tribune, 14 March 2024
“In an era of military alliances, it’s time to recreate some space for economies, which could pave the way for mutual growth and prosperity, as well as new markets for boosting exports and attracting investment. China has led from the front in setting a precedent of developmental economics. The multi-billion dollar BRI’s biggest laurel is that it is apolitical, and links five continents without Beijing looking into the minute sheet of inclinations in realpolitik. In the same breath, the trans-Euro-Asia corridor proposed up till India via the Middle East is next in the line of innovation. This summarises the essentiality of tapping economic potential, and making it accessible for all without any prejudice.”
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“The success of any reforms will hinge on speed, sequencing, and decisiveness of action.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Gearing up for change’
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