PAKISTAN READER

In Brief
POLITICS
President and PM send out strong messages to citizens on Pakistan Day
On 23 March, Pakistan Day celebrations were underway, with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital, 21- gun salute in provincial capitals, and special prayers offered in mosques. President Asif Ali Zardari called on the nation to actively be a part of the nation-building process by embracing the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. He honoured the “unwavering commitment” of “armed forces, civil administration, police, and law enforcement agencies” in ensuring the “safety, security, and sovereignty” of Pakistan. He also appreciated their “triumphant role in the two-decade-long war against terrorism, rapid response to the call of duty in times of natural disasters, and contribution to peacekeeping missions worldwide” as a testament to Pakistan’s “unflinching commitment to global peace and peaceful coexistence.” Zardari noted that resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions is the key to sustainable peace in South Asia while expressing concern over the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza by Israeli troops. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message asked Pakistan to renew the resolve to follow the footsteps of the founding fathers, and stated: “We are completely cognisant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit and, above all, the growing scourge of terrorism.” On the matter of the economic crisis, he assured that the government stands “committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework.” Sharif expressed hope that these “measures will bring economic stability and the current wave of high inflation will recede.” (“As nation celebrates Pakistan Day, President, PM call for following footsteps of founding fathers,” Dawn, 23 March 2024)
 
PTI says it will not accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation, urges him to continue his duties
On 22 March, the PTI refused to accept the resignation of the general secretary and acting president of the party’s Punjab chapter, Hammad Azhar, urging him to continue fulfilling his duties. Earlier on 20 March, Azhar had resigned due to the legal obstacles that forced him to go into hiding. PTI leader Barrister Gohar Khan claimed to have put this issue before Imran Khan for consideration, and requested Azhar to “continue to perform his organisational duties with full diligence, zeal and dedication as he has been doing since the first day.” Describing him as one of the party’s most loyal workers who performed his duties with “great persistence and bravery,” he assured that he had the “full confidence” of Khan and the “entire party.” He added that the PTI appreciated the “priceless sacrifices made by its leaders and workers in the path of admiration and loyalty to the founding chairman Imran Khan and their unparalleled struggle for the rule of law in Pakistan and the true freedom of the nation.” In response, Azhar said that it was an honour to have Khan’s trust, vowed to never hurt this trust, and realized the heavy responsibility on him in the “difficult time.” (“PTI refuses to accept Hammad Azhar’s resignation from key party positions,” Dawn, 22 March 2024)
 
ECONOMY
Federal minister of aviation claims PIA will receive EASA clearance by mid-May
On 22 March, as per a press release by the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Minister of Aviation, Khawaja Asif, claimed that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the UK would resume soon, following clearance from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by mid-May. This claim was made based on discussions with “relevant quarters,” with Asif adding that EASA’s clearance to fly to Europe would help make PIA more valuable to private investors. The press release said that Asif and the Minister for Privatization, Abdul Aleem Khan, chaired a consultative meeting on PIA’s privatization, where a team from Ernst & Young, which is leading the process, presented a summary of the restructuring and segregation plan. Financial advisers present in the meeting listed pre and post-bidding areas of concern about core and non-core assets and liabilities, along with suggestions. Further, there were talks on challenges and risks, such as debt reprofiling with commercial banks. (Mohammad Asghar, “Khawaja Asif expects EASA clearance for PIA flights by mid-May,” Dawn, 23 March 2024)
 
PM Sharif sets up seven cabinet panels with different responsibilities and members
On 22 March, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed seven cabinet committees. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) will both be chaired by Sharif, though the former was earlier headed by the finance minister. Members of the ECC will include the prime minister and federal ministers for finance, economic affairs, commerce, power, petroleum and planning and development, and the committee will consider urgent economic matters, coordinate economic policies, and propose measures for attaining the status of a welfare state. It will additionally determine the future pattern of growth of agriculture and industries, and conduct a periodical review of Pakistan’s import policy. Members of the CCoE include the prime minister and the ministers for economic affairs, finance, petroleum, planning and development and power. A committee to speed up outsourcing major airports and privatizing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also been set up, and under the chairmanship of the defence minister, it will review the outsourcing management of Pakistan’s major airports and monitor matters related to PIA’s privatization. The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) will be headed by the finance minister and include ministers for maritime affairs, economic affairs, science and technology and housing and works. The minister for foreign affairs will head the Cabinet Committee on Privatization to formulate policies for privatizing SOEs and will include the ministers for finance, commerce, power, industries and production, and privatisation. Another committee, the Cabinet Committee on Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC), will be headed by the minister for law and justice and comprise the ministers for information, overseas Pakistanis, commerce and economic affairs, industries and production. Lastly, the cabinet committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCCIP) will be headed by the minister for planning and development and oversee the progress of investment projects by Chinese companies, review measures for the security of Chinese workers in Pakistan, and resolve issues faced by Chinese investors. Members will include the ministers for foreign affairs, interior, finance, commerce, petroleum, power, railways and science and technology. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM sets up seven cabinet panels; to lead ECC, CCoE,” Dawn, 23 March 2024)
 
IMF recommends reviving 18 per cent GST on petrol products and enhancing border control
On 23 March, The Express Tribune reported on the IMF’s recommendation to reinstate an 18 per cent GST on petrol during the ongoing discussions with the government to release the last tranche of the bailout package. In 2022, the 18 per cent GST was abolished, and in the fiscal year 2023, the amount of federal excise duty on petroleum products was 0.7 per cent of the GDP. While the Petroleum Development Levy has faced multiple changes recently, the most significant was in fiscal year 2023. In July 2022, the rate of petroleum levy on petrol was PKR 20 per litre; this increased to PKR 50 per litre from November 2022 and PKR 60 per litre till September 2023. The IMF proposed imposing the Petroleum Development Levy on any machinery which pollutes the environment, along with a gradual increase of excuse duty on luxury items produced in Pakistan, such as yachts. It also called for enhancing border control to prevent the illegal supply of petroleum byproducts. Further, the IMF has recommended increasing the federal excise duty in a uniform manner on domestically manufactured cigarettes. (“IMF proposes reviving 18% GST on petrol,” The Express Tribune, 23 March 2024)
 
Finance minister says Pakistan will hold talks on EEF with the IMF in April
On 22 March, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan would discuss an Extended Fund Facility (EEF) with the IMF in the US in April, in order to alleviate an economic crisis. He stated that Pakistani authorities had “expressed our strong interests in an Extended Fund Facility with the IMF, but the quantum is not clear yet.” According to the minister, the IMF was “very receptive” to the request while the US has been “very supportive.” A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that a long-term bailout from the IMF was “inevitable.” Aurangzeb also claimed that in the meantime, once Pakistan’s “credit rating improves,” authorities will “be going to the international market for bonds” to help stabilize the economy. He has additionally remained keen on tapping into the Chinese bond market, and in an interview with Bloomberg on 22 March, he said that Pakistan is planning to sell USD 300 million in panda bonds in 2024. (“IMF, govt to hold talks on EFF next month: minister,” Business Recorder, 23 March 2024)
 
EXTERNAL
Pakistan’s UN representative announces bid to secure non-permanent UNSC seat
On 21 March, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, announced Pakistan’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term from 2025-2026. He made this announcement at a reception at the Pakistani Mission to the UN in New York, held in connection with the Pakistan Day celebrations, which was attended by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis, top diplomats from the UN permanent missions, officials, and the Pakistani diaspora. Akram highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to champion the cause of the Global South and promote multilateralism, and brought up Pakistan’s contributions to the UN, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s ability to make a significant contribution to the UNSC’s mandate for international peace and security. He stated: “Pakistan’s foreign policy is rooted in the principles of the UN Charter, including the non-use or threat of force in international relations, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity, right to self-determination and non-interference in internal affairs of states.” On Pakistan’s contributions, he cited the country’s services to UN bodies such as the UNSC and Human Rights Council, and its contributions to 46 UN peacekeeping missions. Francis appreciated Pakistan’s “steadfast, devoted and robust commitment” to multilateralism, and its significant contributions to UN bodies. He noted that the country’s journey had been “been punctuated by remarkable achievements and an unwavering spirit expressed in the resilience of its people.” (“Pakistan launches bid for UNSC seat for 2025-26,” The Express Tribune, 23 March 2024)
 
AF-PAK
Pakistan’s envoy to Afghanistan says there will be no pause in ties
On 22 March, Oakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, emphasized that there would be no pause in relations with the Taliban administration in Kabul in spite of recent military clashes. He made this statement after a meeting with Afghan Charge d’Affa­ires Sardar Ahmad Shakib, which he described as a continuation of engagement with Taliban officials. The recent strikes were notably the first instance of Pakistan deciding to deploy fighter jets into Afghan airspace, resulting in a sharp response from the Taliban across the border. Durrani highlighted the priority given to addressing terrorism and exploring bilateral cooperation during his meeting with Shakib. They also spoke on strengthening ties between the two countries, including a visit by a Pakistani trade delegation to Afghanistan on 25 March. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Envoy says no pause in ties with Kabul despite strikes,” Dawn, 23 March 2024)
 
SECURITY
Armed forces pay tribute to former leaders on Pakistan Day
On 23 March, during the 84^th Pakistan Day celebrations, the Armed Forces of Pakistan led by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and Services Chiefs, extended congratulations to the citizens of the country. In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military hailed the “promising day” as being “reminiscent of great efforts of the Muslims of sub-continent when they determined our destiny in line with vision of our great leaders for a separate homeland for Muslims.” They also acknowledged the alleged challenges faced by Muslims in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Further, the forces asserted: “On this day, Armed Forces of Pakistan renew their resolve to defend the motherland and protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all times and at any cost; and uphold the national flag.” (“Armed forces extend felicitations to nation on 84th Pakistan Day,” The Express Tribune, 23 March 2024)
 
SOCIETY
Six more positive poliovirus samples found in environmental samples
On 23 March, Dawn reported on six more positive environmental samples for wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) being found, increasing the tally for 2024 to 71. In the last three days, 15 positive samples have been detected. As per an official from the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), WPV1 was found in two sewage samples from Karachi, and one each from Hyderabad, Multan, Quetta, and Faisalabad. He explained: “All six samples contain the YB3A poliovirus genetic cluster, which disappeared from Pakis-tan in 2021 but remained in circulation in Afghanistan and was reintroduced through cross-border transmission in January 2023.” With nine other positive samples from Quetta, Peshawar, Karachi South, Karachi Korangi, and Mastung being found last week, he said that an “alarm bell” has been rung as “high transmission season of poliovirus season is going to start soon. An increase in temperature is likely to “increase the chances of new cases or infections in children having weak immunity level or those who missed the vaccination, or whose parents deliberately dodged the polio teams.” The official explained that during the “low transmission season from September to April,” lower temperatures cause the virus to remain less active. He added that a “polio case can be reported in any city due to the frequent movement of people from one city to another, but the presence of the virus in sewage water means that a vaccination campaign in the area did not meet its target.” The Federal Secretary for Health, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, said on the same day that polio is an incurable disease and can only be prevented through repeated vaccination. He called on parents and caregivers to welcome polio vaccinators to improve the immunity of children. (Ikram Junaidi, “Poliovirus detected in six more sewage samples,” Dawn, 23 March 2024)
 
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Legal rift between government and opposition over failure to call for sitting of assembly
On 22 March, opposition members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) staged a protest demonstration against the government’s decision to not call for a sitting of the KP assembly, alleging that the government wanted to deprive women and minority members of casting their vote in the Senate polls. The government refused to follow the order of the governor, who had called for a session of the provincial legislature, causing the opposition to allege that the PTI “want to take four extra seats in the Senate polls.” PML-N leader Dr Ibadullah Khan, who is also the leader of the opposition in the KP assembly, was joined by other opposition members who lamented that while the PTI was complaining about alleged rigging in elections, the party itself was violating the law. Khan claimed that after KP Governor Ghulam Ali called a sitting of the assembly under Article 109 of the Constitution, many opposition members came to the assembly only to find that the offices of the speaker, deputy speaker, and assembly building were locked. Earlier on 21 March, the opposition legislators stated they would take legal action against the provincial government for failing to call for the assembly session. Meanwhile, KP’s Speaker Babar Saleem Swati approached the Law Department to inquire whether the governor’s order was Constitutional. Swati’s move came after the governor on 20 March called a sitting of the KP Assembly on 22 March for swearing-in members who had been elected to reserved and minority seats. This order led to a tiff between the governor and the PTI-led government. The adviser to the chief minister on information and public relations, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, argued: “The governor can request the speaker of the provincial assembly to call a session, but cannot call a sitting on his own. It is the discretion of the speaker to call the assembly and prepare its agenda.” (Umer Farooq, “Opposition protests as KP govt ignores assembly session order,” Dawn, 23 March 2024)

Today, on Pakistan Resolution Day, we honor the spirit of unity and determination that led to the foundation of a nation. Let's embrace the diversity that enriches us, work towards peace, and aspire for a world where every voice is heard, every dream is valid, and every effort is made for the common good. Together, we can shape a future filled with hope, respect, and understanding. -Muhammad Rizwan   I condemn the act of terrorism committed in Crocus City Hall Moscow, in which more than 60 innocent lives were lost. I would like to communicate my personal grief @Kremlin and share heartfelt sorrow with President Putin. The people of Pakistan are with the families who lost their loved ones and with the people of Russia in this time of sadness. -Dr Arif Alvi   Happy Pakistan Republic Day. On 23rd March 1956 Pakistan became a Republic - a day chosen to coincide with the Lahore Resolution Day. Alas we couldn’t so far become a true Republic. Let’s not lose hope and strive for the betterment of our country fellows and prosperity of our Country. One day we will become a true Republic - the only way to progress like a respectable Nation. -Musadaq Zulqarnain

“Our recent history is peppered with instances of caretaker ministers being awarded lucrative positions post-caretaker government.” -An opinion in Dawn, ‘Applying while on the job’