PML-N accuses PTI of running “smear campaign against martyrs”; Foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to build “fraternal bilateral relations”
In Brief
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Gwadar cutoff, due to protests
On 18 March, Dawn reported on the road link of Gwadar and parts of the Makran division with Karachi and other areas being cut off for more than 48 hours, in light of protests against the alleged enforced disappearance of two individuals. In the last two days, locals and the victims’ relatives blocked the coastal highway and the M-8 motorway, leaving hundreds of vehicles and people in buses on the highways stranded, as the protestors demanded the return of the two children. The closure severed the land communication between Gwadar, Karachi, Pasni, Ormara and Iran, while also leading to a shortage of essential goods in Turbat and Gwadar. As negotiations between the district administration and protestors have remained fruitless so far, traders and business community leaders have expressed concern that the shortage may worsen if the roads are not opened. Protests, including women and children from Gwadar and other areas, have camped at the highway with placards and banners, and have asserted that they will not move till their demands are met. They alleged that the two missing people were forcefully taken away by security forces three months ago, and their location was still unknown despite being assured by authorities that they would be released in ten days. The protestors added that in case the men committed any crime, they should be punished through legal means after a trial in court. (Behram Baloch, “Gwadar cut off amid ‘missing persons’ protests,” Dawn, 18 March 2024)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: CM Gandapur orders increase in security presence following attacks
On 18 March, The Express Tribune reported on an increase in security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following a terrorist attack on a military check post in North Waziristan. KP’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, condemned the attack and ordered enhanced security measures all over the province while extending condolences to the families of personnel who were killed in the attack. He hailed the sacrifices made by the soldiers and reiterated the government’s efforts to stand united in the face of terrorism to ensure peace and security. Earlier on 13 March, Gandapur authorized the release of PKR three billion for securing armoured personnel carriers (APCs), arms, ammunition, and cutting-edge equipment, to be used by the police force in combating terrorism. (“K-P on alert after Waziristan attack,” The Express Tribune, 18 March 2024)
Balochistan: Food Authority clamps down on places selling sub-standard quality food and beverages
On 16 March, the Balochistan Food Authority (BFA) said it was regularly keeping track of the quality of food and beverages across the province, while specialized teams were conducting raids on various establishments to clamp down on the sale of substandard food and beverage items. The Director General of the Balochistan Food Authority, Muhammad Naeem Bazai, claimed that “actions have been taken against the provision of substandard and adulterated items in Quetta, Sibi, Nasirabad and Panjgur, where more than 20 food centres have been penalized.” An additional 22 food and beverage centres were also fined for non-compliance with health standards. The BFA was using its mobile testing laboratories to assess milk and cooking oil quality. At the zonal level, BFA teams seized a significant portion of expired and banned products, such as expired juices and spices, and banned Chinese salt, from four general stores in Panjgaur. (Saleem Shahid, “Food inspectors intensify raids in Balochistan during Ramazan,” Dawn, 17 March 2024)
POLITICS
PTI members question caretakers’ candidature for Senate polls
On 17 March, the PTI expressed new doubts about the participation of people who were earlier members of the caretaker set-up in the upcoming Senate polls. The PTI argued that the Constitution does not allow it, while the government maintained that the constitutional provision in question applied only to the general elections and not the Senate polls. Former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, former caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and former adviser to prime minister, Ahad Cheema, are some of the people who have submitted nomination papers to contest the 2 April Senate elections. PTI-backed MNA Ali Mohammad Khan contended on X: “Article 224 (1B) clearly states that a Minister, CM or PM of an interim setup can’t contest elections which they are supervising. If they can’t even contest elections how can they even think of joining the cabinet of the incumbent government?” Aside from Khan, former PTI leader Shireen Mazari said the upcoming electoral polls were an “electoral circus,” and the candidature of Kakar and Naqvi indicated that the “Constitution is of no relevancy.” As per Article 224 (1B) of the Constitution: “Members of the caretaker Cabinets including the caretaker Prime Minister and the caretaker Chief Minister and their immediate family members shall not be eligible to contest the immediately following elections to such Assemblies.” In response, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar rejected the PTI’s arguments and said that Article 224 (1B) did not apply to the Senate elections, and went on to cite the example of PTI leader Ali Zafar, who was elected to the Senate soon after serving as caretaker law minister in 2018. (“Caretakers’ candidature for Senate ‘unconstitutional’: PTI,” Dawn, 18 March 2024)
PML-N accuses PTI of running “smear campaign against martyrs”
On 17 March, the PML-N accused the PTI of allegedly running a smear campaign against Pakistani soldiers who had lost their lives. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that action would be taken against the party’s alleged campaign against soldiers who died as a result of the Mir Ali checkpost attack, and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif lamented that PTI’s “love of power” had become so intense that the party made “fun of those who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan.” Earlier on 16 March, an attack in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan killed seven troops. Tarar asserted: “The smear campaign against martyrs is not acceptable as it has not only hurt the sentiments of families of martyrs but also the entire nation.” He additionally expressed regret that despite reporting social media accounts that took part in the “vile campaign,” no action was taken by concerned authorities. Citing the Lasbela helicopter crash in 2022 and the 9 May riots, he accused the PTI of being “involved in disrespecting martyrs.” Asif also claimed that the letter given to the IMF from the PTI was a display of anti-nationalism. In response, PTI leader Asad Qaiser maintained that the PML-N was trying to run “misleading propaganda” against the PTI, and asserted: “Those using soldiers’ martyrdom for their political gains are not the well-wishers of the nation.” He added that the “nation is proud of each and every soldier protecting the country,” while PTI leader Barrister Saif said that the PTI was a patriotic party which had no involvement in a campaign insulting soldiers. (Amjad Mahmood, “PML-N, PTI trade barbs over ‘smear campaign’,” Dawn, 18 March 2024)
PTI leaders express growing repentance over alliance with SIC
On 17 March, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan said there was “absolute clarity” in Imran Khan’s thinking regarding party politics, and said that a “vacuum” had been created as a result of restrictions on party leaders in meeting Khan, which has been “exploited to spread confusion.” This statement was made amid an increasing number of PTI officials calling the alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) a mistake, leading to a strain in relations between both parties. Recently, PTI leader Walid Iqbal said it would have been “wiser” to join a party which had submitted its list of candidates for reserved seats, as it would have reduced the PTI’s legal and constitutional challenges. Hasan linked this miscommunication to the PTI leaders’ inability to meet Khan in jail. SIC chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza warned PTI leaders that criticizing the alliance would make Khan “suffer more than anyone,” and would also lead to “party discipline” being compromised. He clarified that the alliance was important for the current government, and highlighted that the “purpose of joining SIC was to bring PTI candidates under one umbrella, so the plans of other parties to pressurize candidates would not be successful.” Raza added that he had “no issues” with the PTI potentially wanting to get back its candidates, as the SIC’s “settlement [with the PTI] was temporary.” (“PTI continues to ‘repent’ alliance with seatless SIC,” Dawn, 18 March 2024)
ECONOMY
President mandates that manual filers should get equal tax benefits
On 18 March, The Express Tribune reported that President Asif Ali Zardari made it mandatory for manual filers of income tax to enjoy the same tax benefits as those filing it electronically. He issued a warning to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding maladministration and cited the FTO Ordinance 2000, which gives the federal tax ombudsman authority to intervene. This decision was made after the rejection of an appeal filed by the FBR against an order of the FTO, with Zardari pointing out that statutory bodies were obligated to operate within the law, and thus there was no justification to interfere with the FTO. As per ‘sources,’ this decision was made after lawyer Waheed Shahzad Butt pointed out that there was discrimination faced by manual filers before the FBR and FTO, leading to consultations between FTO officials and FBR executives. It was revealed that manual filers faced discrimination, meaning the FBR directly violated Rule 73 of Income Tax Rules 2002. Butt advised the FBR to implement substantial measures to rectify these issues and benefit individuals who experienced such injustices. (Irshad Ansari, “President orders equal tax benefits for manual filers,” The Express Tribune, 18 March 2024)
AF-PAK
Defence minister asserts that most terrorism in Pakistan is “conducted from Afghanistan”
On 17 March, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that terrorism against Pakistan “is mostly being conducted from Afghanistan,” after alleging that militants used Afghan soil to carry out attacks inside Pakistan as seven army soldiers were killed in a terrorist encounter a day earlier in North Waziristan. He stated that some facilitators of the terrorists had been traced, and Pakistan raised the issue with the Afghanistan government. Further, Asif asserted that “those people [foreign nationals] who do not have valid documents would not be allowed to live in Pakistan.” On the same day, in a separate post on his handle on X, Asif accused PTI of allegedly being involved in a smear campaign against soldiers who were killed by militants. He cited the policy to strike a ceasefire deal with the TTP by the previous PTI-led government as being the reason for “thousands of terrorists from Afghanistan” being brought into Afghanistan.” Additionally, Asif questioned the surge of terrorist attacks experienced in Pakistan following the PTI’s removal from power. (“Terrorism against Pakistan ‘mostly being conducted from Afghanistan’: Khawaja Asif,” The News International, 17 March 2024)
Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan alleges India funded TTP through Afghan proxies
On 16 March, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, claimed that Pakistan had proof that India was allegedly funding the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) through Afghan proxies. He claimed that 5,000 to 6,000 TTP had taken shelter in Afghanistan, and if their families were included, “the number goes up to 70,000.” Speaking on the reasons behind the failure of peace talks between Pakistan and the TTP, Durrani explained that the latter was not ready to surrender or express allegiance to Pakistan’s constitution, and it was apparent to him that someone else was paying for the TTP’s upkeep as the interim Afghan government could not afford this kind of daily expenditure. He cited the fact that the TTP did not want to face the law for its crimes, including the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, as a third major reason for a deadlock in talks. Durrani also stated that Pakistan had conveyed to the Afghan interim government that the latter had to make the TTP surrender, disarm, and detain its leadership, as “TTP is the red line for Pakistan.” (Iftikhar A Khan, “India funding TTP through Afghan proxies, says envoy,” Dawn, 17 March 2024)
Foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to build “fraternal bilateral relations”
On 16 March, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi agreed to continue working to build bilateral ties. Dar said on X that he was “delighted to receive a congratulatory” call from Muttaqi, adding that the two “agreed to continue working together in building on fraternal bilateral relations.” Pakistan would prioritize “expanding cooperation in connectivity, trade, security, counter-terrorism and people-to-people contacts.” Shortly after this, the Deputy Spokesperson at the Afghan foreign ministry, Hafiz Zia Ahmad, conveyed that Muttaqi hoped Dar’s assumption of office would have a “positive and constructive role in strengthening the relations.” Further, as per Ahmed’s post on X, Muttaqi noted that with Afghanistan “increasing its positive interactions day by day” and beginning the “practical work of major infrastructure projects” at the regional level, the country is “expecting to take a constructive part in Afghanistan.” Earlier last week, during Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires and head of mission in Kabul, Ubaidur Rehman Nizaman’s visit to Kabul, the Kandahar Governor and confidant of the Taliban supreme leader, Mullah Mohammad Shirin Akhund, expressed hope that the new Pakistani government would have cordial relations with Afghanistan. (“FM Dar, Afghanistan’s Muttaqi agree to foster bilateral ties,” Dawn, 17 March 2024)
SECURITY
President Zardari promises Pakistan will strike back amid surge in terrorist attacks
On 17 March, Dawn reported on the continuing terrorist attacks over the weekend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), despite a statement made by President Asif Ali Zardari where he vowed that the death of the soldiers would not be in vain. On 17 March, a team of police and security forces were attacked in Bannu while engaging in a search and strike operation. On 16 March, militants attacked a check post in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area, leading to seven troops being killed. Following this attack, District Police Officer Muhammad Ayaz Khan said unknown assailants attacked the police post in Ambar Dub Chowk using hand grenades and then engaged in indiscriminate firing which led to two officials sustaining injuries. The Motorway Police also stated that their patrolling team was attacked near Kund in Nowshera on the same day. During the funeral of two soldiers on 16 March, Zardari stated: “This noble sacrifice stands as another glorious testament to the unflinching resolve of our gallant sons, who have never hesitated to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the defence of our motherland.” He asserted that Pakistan would strike back. Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said a united government could fight against terrorism, because if there was any division, “this war could spread to every street and neighbourhood.” (“President vows retaliation as attacks continue,” Dawn, 18 March 2024)
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President Asif Ali Zardari said the people of Pakistan and its armed forces were united and would face terrorism in unison and expressed the resolve to make the terrorists accountable for the blood of each martyred Jawan.
-PPP Digital
The TTP fighter which Pak Army claimed that he has been eliminated in PAF Airstrikes appears on video, says he is in Waziristan (Pakistan) safe & sound and will avenge the killing of innocent women and children by Pak forces. The surrender Army is the biggest liar.
-Baba Banaras
Pakistan did the right thing by chasing and neutralizing terrorists involved in killing our officers and soldiers in North Waziristan. Only such a response can deter the enemy.
-Mubashir Zaidi
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Maleeha Lodhi, ‘Terms of re-engagement’
Dawn, 18 March 2024
“Dealing with India will pose an imposing challenge for the Sharif government in the face of this intransigent Indian position. There are two views about re-engagement with India. The first is that Pakistan should resume trade, restore diplomatic relations at high commissioner level and put Kashmir aside — a reversal of its well-known position.”
Editorial, ‘Defining extremism’
Dawn, 18 March 2024
“While states need to act against radicalised actors that preach violence against non-combatants, it must be ensured that national liberation movements, such as the Palestinian struggle, are not tarred as ‘extremist’, and that governments don’t use broad powers to lock up those who criticise the official line. This grand crusade against ‘extremism’ could meet the same fate as the ‘global war on terror’, an endless campaign which, while claiming to fight terrorism, ended up destroying countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq.”
Editorial, ‘Climate in focus’
Dawn, 18 March 2024
“While global financial support is crucial, it is essential for Pakistan to get its house in order. Dependency on external aid without robust internal mechanisms and planning is a precarious position. The fund, though significant, is a piece of the larger puzzle of climate resilience and adaptation that requires domestic readiness and foresight. The government must respond to the SC’s request with a comprehensive report that not only outlines past initiatives but also charts a clear, actionable path forward. This report should detail steps towards establishing the Climate Change Authority, operationalising the Climate Change Fund, and enhancing local capacities for disaster risk management and climate adaptation.”
Shahid Javed Burki, ‘Renewable energy sources: Pakistan should turn to China’
The Express Tribune, 18 March 2024
“Given Pakistan’s close economic relations with China and given the attention that Beijing has begun to give to developing new sources of energy, Pakistan could turn to Beijing for help for developing some of these resources. Pakistan could make the development of renewable sources of energy an important component of the ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) programme of investment.”
Editorial, ‘UK’s anti-extremism rule’
The Express Tribune, 18 March 2024
“While the old definition also had weaknesses due to its focus on actions, the new one is overly broad in its focus on language and ideology, with the most common observation is that tough-talking — but otherwise non-violent — Muslim groups could fall under the law, while white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups might not. In fact, despite several studies finding far-right groups to be the biggest threat to the UK, Sunak explicitly referred to people protesting against Israeli war crimes as “a threat to democracy” or “extremist”. Meanwhile, in an earlier speech where he did call out “extreme rightwing” groups, he only mentioned “Islamists” by name, even though one of the biggest recent examples of racial tensions was the Leicester riots, which were incited by Hindutva activists.”
Editorial, ‘Poor HDI score’
The Express Tribune, 18 March 2024
“The only remarkable progress Pakistan made that raised its HDI index from 164 to 161 was during Covid-19 when the country’s resilience ensured lesser damage as compared to other countries. Yet, greater mobilisation and action are needed to develop an architecture for digital market, response to climate change and innovative financial mechanisms.”
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“The state is expanding its toolkit to harass journalists.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Silencing the press’
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