Finance minister says Pakistan does not need “too many policy prescriptions,” needs to “start moving”; PM Sharif calls for shift to renewable energy sources to reduce oil import bill
In Focus
MQM-P warns of protests against crimes in Karachi
On 15 April, Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Ali Khurshidi announced the party’s intention to take action against the deteriorating security situation in Karachi if measures were not taken. He said that party members would raise their voice on the issue in the Sindh Assembly and National Assembly, and “would protest on the streets” if their “concerns are not addressed.” Since 1 January 2024, at least 59 people have been killed while 200 have been injured for resisting robbery in Karachi. The PPP and MQM-P, both allies of the PML-N government in the Centre, have been engaged in a spat over the last couple of weeks, with the MQM-P blaming the PPP-led Sindh government for the worsening law-and-order situation. In March, Sindh Home Minister Hasan Lanjar described crime as a “part of daily life,” and said the situation in Karachi was being “exaggerated.” This statement drew ire from various parties, most prominently the MQM-P which has called for Karachi to be handed over to the army for three months.
On 7 April, the MQM-P censured the Sindh government over an increase in street crime in Karachi in recent months. Earlier on 6 April, the Sindh High Court (SHC) Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi directed law enforcement agencies to launch a crackdown on criminals along with their handlers and facilitators in a move to curb street crime in Karachi and enhance the security situation.
During a high-level security meeting held last week, data showed that between 2022 and 28 March 2024, more than 250 Karachiites were shot dead while 1,052 others were wounded by street criminals. Also last week, the MQM-P demanded an operation against street criminals while hinting that it would part ways if the PML-N-led coalition government in case of a failure to end the killing of innocent people. While addressing a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P Senator Faisal Subzwari pointed out that under the PPP’s rule over the last 16 years, citizens in Sindh were not safe as no action had been taken against armed gangs and dacoits in Kashmore or against street crime in Sindh. He called on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to visit the city and summon the Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, asking them to form a committee. Subzwari stated: “We requested that a neighbourhood watch system should be implemented. If the Sindh government won’t, then we announce that we will.” Further, he questioned: “Is it possible that police checkpoints are not present at all entry and exit points of the city? Of course, they are [present]. Then is it conceivable that the market for stolen phones in the city runs without the patronage of the police?” Pointing out that mobile phones worth billions were stolen in the city every year, he asserted that these incidents should not be termed as “mere street crimes.” He added that Lanjar would have to fix his “attitude” as his position came with “heavy responsibility.” Subzwari asked the SHC’s chief justice to take note of the lawlessness, “call all institutions and ask what is happening, how it is happening and who is making it happen.” In the meantime, he assured that the MQM-P would hold meetings in every neighbourhood and would implement “whatever solution” possible.
While reacting to the press conference, Lanjar said that the PPP was prioritizing eliminating dacoits from the province, while the MQM-P was aiding criminals by making the police force “controversial.” He also emphasized: “The people of Karachi have trusted the PPP. The mayor is also from the PPP. We will never disappoint the people of Karachi.”
(“MQM-P to resort to street agitation if street crime not addressed,” The News International, 15 April 2024; “MQM-P censures Sindh govt over lack of action against street crime in Karachi,” Dawn, 7 April 2024)
In Brief
ECONOMY
Finance minister says Pakistan does not need “too many policy prescriptions,” needs to “start moving”
On 15 April, at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Pakistan does not need too many policy prescriptions, but needs to implement those policies. Aurangzeb is in the US to attend the spring meetings of the World Bank group and hold talks on a new loan package with the IMF. He urged institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF to help countries like Pakistan to combat climate change and achieve financial inclusivity. Despite not being a major emitter, Pakistan is one of the major victims of the effects of climate change; additionally, it needs financial inclusion to enhance the position of women in the national economy. On the IMF loan, Aurangzeb said Pakistan wants a larger and longer package since it requires “two to three years for structural reforms.” While he would like to get a new Extended Fund Facility (EFF) package from the IMF “as soon as” he can, and the IMF is “quite keen and vocal on the need for a new programme,” the discussions are currently “preliminary.” Successful discussions in the current week could result in an IMF mission visiting Islamabad in May to hold further talks on the loan. Pakistan is also waiting for the release of USD 1.1 billion under the current Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) ending this month. On the need to broaden the tax base and reform tax collection, Aurangzeb said that the reforms would increase the revenue and bring transparency. He added that Pakistan needs “timely decisions, timely execution” to build its economy, since “no strategy works without execution.” (Anwar Iqbal, “Don’t need more policy prescriptions, says Finance Minister Aurangzeb,” Dawn, 16 April 2024)
POLITICS
PTI and JUI-F agree to increase “party-level contacts,” find common political ground
On 16 April, The News International reported that following a protest movement launched by a coalition of opposition parties, the PTI found “ideological coordination” with the Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led JUI-F, with both agreeing on “increasing party-level contacts.” PTI central leader Asad Qaiser said that he and Rehman “exchanged views on the current political situation and the process of forming government” during a phone call. Both parties rejected the process in which the PML-N-led incumbent government allegedly stole “public mandate” in the general elections, with Qaiser saying that a public movement against the “fake government” was of extreme importance. He added that both parties have “ideological coordination” regarding the public movement, and proposed that the parties who believe in the supremacy of the law should start a movement from the platform of “Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Dastoor.” (“PTI, JUI-F find ‘ideological coordination’ regarding anti-govt movement,” The News International, 16 April 2024)
Gender gap among registered voters remains unchanged despite rise in number of voters
On 16 April, Dawn cited recent data from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as per which the gender gap in the number of registered voters remained unchanged. Despite the number of voters crossing the 130 million point, the gender gap remained below ten million. In December 2023, the number of registered voters was 128 million. As per the ECP, the current registered voters comprise of 46.18 per cent (more than 60 million) women and 53.82 per cent (little over 70 million) men, resulting in a gap of 9.95 million. Out of the gap, Punjab contributes a difference of over five million, Sindh contributes 2.24 million, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) contributes 1.96 million, and Balochistan contributes 0.662 million. Punjab has 74.08 million registered voters (39.56m male and 34.53 female), Sindh has 27.33 million registered voters (14.78m male and 12.54m female), KP has 22.17 million voters (12.07m male and 10.11m female), Balochistan has 5.43 million registered voters (three million male and 2.38m female), and Islamabad has over one million registered voters (0.574m male and 0.520m female). In Punjab, the districts of Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rahim Yar Khan, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot contribute to the gender gap of roughly two million. Further, statistics indicate that the number of voters between 18 to 35 years of age has increased to 58.12 million. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Gender gap stays below 10m as number of voters tops 130m,” Dawn, 16 April 2024)
SECURITY
Interior minister says “all evidence” points towards Indian involvement in Lahore attack
On 15 April, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that there was evidence of Indian involvement in the Lahore gun attack on Amir Sarfraz Tamba, the individual who in 2013 allegedly killed Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in the Kot Lakhpat prison. Earlier on 14 April, two masked men forcefully entered Tamba’s home in Lahore and fired multiple shots, leaving him critically injured. Following the attack, Naqvi was questioned about the incident at the Federal Investigation Agency’s regional office in Lahore. He stated: “India was directly involved in two to four events like this before in assassinations inside Pakistan. The police are still investigating but till now their suspicion is exactly the same as yours.” While asserting that “all evidence is pointing towards” India, it is currently “inappropriate to say more before the investigation is completed but the pattern [of killings] is almost the same.” This attack followed a report published in The Guardian which claimed that the Indian government assassinated individuals in Pakistan to eliminate “terrorists” staying on foreign soil. Pakistan’s Foreign Office added after the report was published that India’s network of extra-judicial killings had become a “global phenomenon.” Also on 14 April, Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar said it would be “premature or too early” to make any statements on foreign involvement in the Lahore attack. A high-profile investigation is being carried out to determine the motive behind the attack and the potential of a foreign government’s involvement. The Punjab government also decided to refer the case to the Counter-Terrorism Department for investigation. (“All evidence pointing towards Indian involvement in Lahore gun attack: interior minister,” Dawn¸15 April 2024)
Dharna commission says army should not be involved in “public matters”
On 16 April, Dawn reported that the Faizabad dharna commission, which had been formed to investigate Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) sit-in in 2017, has given the federal government its report. Within the report, several recommendations including legislation and drafting of rules and SOPs to regulate the working of intelligence agencies, were made. The report highlighted: “Army is a sacred arm of the state, therefore to avoid criticism, the institution may not be involved in public matters. This task may be assigned to [the Intelligence Bureau] and civil administration.” It also recommended not using paramilitary FC and Rangers in urban areas. The three-member commission, headed by retired police officer Syed Akhtar Ali Shah and consisting of former IGP Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan and Additional Interior Secretary Khushal Khan, raised a call for “zero tolerance” towards violent extremism and suggested a review of the government’s policies to address the root cause of the issue. As per the report, the fallout from the Faizabad dharna had more to do with the “lack of courage of conviction of the leader handling the issue and in particular the government of Punjab.” It noted that the government and official institutions had earlier agreed to use negotiations to resolve the matter instead of resorting to force.
The federal government said that the Punjab government should deal with the issue within its jurisdiction. However, the Punjab government pointed out that they had accepted 11 of the 12 demands of the protesters, and since the last grievance pertained to the Centre, protests should be allowed in Islamabad. The provincial government also assured the Centre that demonstrators would disperse peacefully after registering their protest. Since no official, including the then prime minister and former Punjab chief minister, accused intelligence agencies of facilitating the protestors, and since no evidence proving the involvement of agencies had been produced, the commission could not connect any organization to the TLP dharna. Further, the report advised having coordination among law enforcement agencies, Pemra, and the interior ministry to survey social media against “injurious material in violation of law.” The commission said omissions in implementing the National Action Plan should be looked into to “strengthen the anti-terror agencies through basic reforms in the criminal justice system.” (Munaweer Azeem, “Dharna commission suggests laws to regulate spy agencies,” Dawn, 16 April 2024)
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
PM Sharif calls for shift to renewable energy sources to reduce oil import bill
On 15 April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities concerned with robust renewable energy management, to cut Pakistan’s USD 27 billion oil import bill and take measures to improve the electricity distribution system. He pointed out: “Ultimately, we have to move to renewable energy. The oil import worth billions of dollars can be controlled by using alternative resources like solar, wind and hydel. Make cold calculations and I believe, you will be the winner in the long term.” Using renewable energy sources could eliminate crude oil tanker mafias who were using national money, and could significantly reduce the imports oil bill. Sharif commended the Punjab government for its ongoing drive against power theft, expressing hope that other provinces would have a similar performance. He emphasized that “utmost efforts and investment” are required to strengthen Pakistan’s power transmission system, “otherwise the power production and investments in the sector would go down the drain unless the flaws in the transmission network are removed.” In another meeting, Sharif directed concerned officials to take significant measures, such as shifting imported coal-run plants and improving the power supply system, to reduce the cost of electricity per unit, thereby benefiting ordinary civilians. He maintained that in the “future, only clean, cost-effective and renewable power plants should be set up in the country.” The meeting was made aware of a 600MW solar power project, with regard to which Sharif called for expediting work on foreign investment. He also called for the acceleration of the auction process of dysfunctional and defective power plants of Power Generation Companies (Gencos). The meeting was additionally apprised of the fact that shifting coal-run power plants from imported to local fuel would save foreign exchange and possibly reduce power prices by PKR two per unit. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM wants robust renewable energy plan to cut oil bills,” Dawn, 16 April 2024)
Ministry of Finance announces hike on price of petrol and HSD
On 15 April, the government increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by PKR 4.53 per litre and PKR 8.14 per litre respectively, for the fortnight ending on 30 April. The price of petrol rose from PKR 289.41 per litre to PKR 293.94 per litre; the price of HSD rose from PKR 282.24 per litre to PKR 290.38 per litre. As per the Ministry of Finance’s notification, these price variations were calculated by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority on the basis of price variations in the international market. While private transport such as small vehicles and rickshaws use petrol, most of the heavy transport such as buses and tractors run on HSD, making the price inflationary. As per informed sources, the prices of petrol and HSD had increased in the international market by roughly USD four and USD 4.50 per barrel respectively. The import premium on petrol, however, dropped by almost 21 per cent to USD 10.7 per barrel over the last fortnight, and the rupee strengthened by about PKR 0.40 against a dollar to reach PKR 278.20. However, the HSD price was up internationally and the import premium paid by Pakistan State Oil remained unchanged at PKR 6.50 per barrel. (“Govt hikes petrol price by Rs4.53, diesel by Rs8.14,” Dawn, 15 April 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Heavy rains continue to disrupt life, urban flooding emergency declared in 25 districts
On 15 April, continuing rains for a third consecutive day caused the Balochistan government to declare a rain and flood emergency in 25 districts, while 18 more people were killed and several injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Most people in KP died as a result of roof collapse incidents. The downpours and floods also led to roads being closed in several districts. In Balochistan, districts in which a rain and urban flood emergency was declared, have been affected by heavy rains and thunderstorms. Staff in public departments have launched rescue operations, and the education department extended the Eid holidays for two more days. Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said Quetta had received 156mm of rain over the last three days, blaming encroachment on 82 nullahs around the provincial capital for blocking the flow of rainwater coming from roads and human settlements. He added that over 200 employees of the departments concerned would be sacked for negligence in performing their duties during heavy rains. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences for the lives lost and directed the National Disaster Management Authority to coordinate with provincial disaster management authorities and provide relief to affected areas. (Saleem Shahid & Manzoor Ali, “Urban flooding emergency declared in Balochistan,” Dawn, 16 April 2024)
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Pakistan Army, alongside the Balochistan government, has been instrumental in fostering peace, stability, and socio-economic progress in Balochistan. Through awareness campaigns and security efforts, the Army has encouraged the return of those involved in militancy to the mainstream, promoting a peaceful, prosperous life. Initiatives such as desalination plants, educational institutions, and the monumental Gwadar Port and CPEC projects have furthered development. The Army's role in education, infrastructure, and the upcoming Rekodic project promises a brighter, more prosperous future for Balochistan, attracting both local and foreign investment.
-Balochistan Current Affairs
Dear Elon Musk, Pakistan’s authorities have banned Twitter / X for about two months now. Freedom of Expression through your platform is at risk. You raised voice after it was banned in Brazil. Requesting you to highlight this illegal ban in Pakistan!
-Jibran Ilyas
The current climate of loot and plunder in Pakistan by the security forces, is unsustainable. Even 100 years can not reform this addiction for power, wealth and MORE. https
-Salman Ahmad
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Riaz Riazuddin, ‘Concessions, debt & reforms’
Dawn, 16 April 2024
“Our economic system serves their interest through concessions in the tax system, the provision of cheaper inputs, higher output prices, and preferential access to land, capital, and infrastructure. Economic incentives directed towards these groups are not helping but retarding the productivity of our economy. Research done at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics shows that it is not only growth but also the total productivity factor of our economy that is on the declining path in the long term. This is extremely alarming.”
Editorial, ‘Tough talks’
Dawn, 16 April 2024
“Pakistan’s desperation to close a new deal with the IMF is reflective of the perilous state of its economy. In its April 2024 Asian Development Outlook report, the ADB describes Pakistan’s economic prospects as uncertain, with high risks on account of the impact of political uncertainty on the sustainability of stabilisation and reform efforts. Noting that potential supply chain disruptions from the escalation of the Middle East war would weigh on the economy, it says: “With Pakistan’s large external financing requirements and weak external buffers, disbursement from multilateral and bilateral partners remains crucial.” It points out that the IMF support for the reform agenda would improve market sentiment and catalyse affordable external financing from other sources, but warns that “these inflows could be hampered by lapses in policy implementation”.”
Editorial, ‘Caught unawares’
Dawn, 16 April 2024
“Furthermore, there is a dire need for flood-risk management plans that are regularly updated and rigorously implemented. These should include community-based early warning systems and evacuation plans that are well understood by the public. The efficacy of these measures depends significantly on awareness campaigns that educate people about what to do during floods and storms. Moreover, environmental degradation exacerbates the impact of heavy rains. We must not only maintain but expand our forest cover and manage watersheds and riverbanks with sustainable practices to reduce the speed and impact of run-off.”
Dr Shuja Ahmed Mahesar, ‘Gender dynamics of higher education leadership’
The Express Tribune, 16 April 2024
“Gender myths create women’s unsuitability for leadership roles because of the prevalent belief that women lack ambition to work in higher positions. Thus, hiring talented but less ambitious women is considered risky. Further the absence of certain traits and qualities traditionally associated with men’s physique make women undesirable incumbents for top positions. Moreover, gender gaps in educational curriculums and textbooks contribute to reinforcement of traditional way of thinking about gender roles, develop stereotypes and generate prejudice and unconscious bias among men causing exclusion of women in decision-making process in higher education.”
Dr Moonis Ahmar, ‘Will recognition of Palestine make a difference?’
The Express Tribune, 16 April 2024
“Will the recognition of Palestine as a state make a difference in changing the ground reality that presently 60% of occupied West Bank is inundated with Jewish settlements? Millions of Jews, against international law and UNSC resolutions, have been settled by Israeli authorities in Gaza leading to demographic transformation of a land which was occupied by the Jewish state in the Arab-Israeli war of June 1967. So much so that Israel annexed the Palestinian majority territory of East Jerusalem where Al-Aqsa mosque is located. Israel also shifted its capital from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem violating the UNSC resolution and is in no mood to withdraw from the occupied territories.”
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“Policy clashes are the biggest Achilles heel of the government.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Early exits’
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