Troops kill at least seven militants attempting to cross border with Afghanistan; PM Sharif forms 11-member committee to deliberate on upcoming budget
In Focus
On "X" ban, the Sindh High Court tells the government to either justify or withdraw
On 17 April, the Sindh High Court (SHC) instructed the interior ministry to either justify the shutdown of X or rescind its 17 February letter directing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ban the site. This direction comes two months after the ministry ordered the disruption of X, making it rarely accessible since 17 Feb, when the PTI called for protests against the then-Rawalpindi commissioner’s admission of vote manipulation in the general elections. As per lawyer Abdul Moiz Jaferri, the SHC has “given the government one week to withdraw the letter, failing which, on the next date, they will pass appropriate orders.” Jaferri and advocate Jibran Nasir argued during a hearing of a two-judge bench of the SHC that the interior ministry had not given any legal reasons for the shutdown of X, which violated a previous court order of 22 February.
Also on 17 April, the ministry in a report to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) explained that X had been banned “in the interest of upholding national security, maintaining public order, and preserving the integrity” of Pakistan. The report claimed that X, a company which was not registered in Pakistan, had “not complied with the requests of Pakistani authorities” after the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency forwarded requests through the PTA, asking X to take “significant action to block accounts involved in a defamatory campaign against the honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan.”
The FIA’s wing had also initiated multiple FIRs against hundreds of X accounts, and the “lack of cooperation from Twitter/X authorities in addressing content that violates Pakistani laws and values further justifies the need for regulatory measures, including the temporary ban.” According to the interior ministry, this left the government “no alternative but to temporarily block access/suspend the operation of this platform within Pakistan,” in order to uphold national security and maintain public order as several “hostile elements operating on Twitter/X have nefarious intentions to create an environment of chaos and instability, with the ultimate goal of destabilising the country and plunging it into some form of anarchy.” (Ishaq Tanoli & Malik Asad, “Govt told to justify or withdraw ban on X,” Dawn, 18 April 2024)
In Brief
SECURITY
Troops kill at least seven militants attempting to cross border with Afghanistan
On 17 April, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that at least seven militants had been killed in North Waziristan after security forces foiled their attempt to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan. A “large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives” was recovered from the militants. Troops in the Ghulam Khan area detected their movement, and “after an intense fire exchange, all seven terrorists were killed.” The ISPR called on the interim government in Afghanistan to “fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.” (Umer Farooq, “7 militants killed trying to cross Afghan border: ISPR,” Dawn, 18 April 2024)
POLITICS
NAB gives Nawaz Sharif clean chit in Toshakhana reference
On 17 April, Nawaz Sharif received a clean chit from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the Toshakhana vehicle reference, after an accountability court in Islamabad had directed the anti-graft body to include Sharif in the investigation and submit a report. NAB in its report said that Sharif could be acquitted, as the car in question was not a part of the Toshakhana when he had purchased it. In 1997, the Saudi government gifted a car to Sharif, who was the prime minister at the time; though he deposited it at the time, in 2008, the then-premier Yusuf Raza Gilani said Sharif could buy the same car. Thus he bought the car from a federal transport pool and not from the Toshakhana. During the previous hearing on 19 March, NAB prosecutor Azhar Maqboor said that NAB had included Sharif in the probe after his request. (“NAB exonerates Nawaz Sharif in Toshakhana reference,” The News International, 17 April 2024)
ECONOMY
Finance minister promises to undertake “aggressive” economic reforms
On 16 April, during a meeting with the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and some members of its board of governors, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reemphasized Pakistan’s commitment to carrying out “aggressive reforms” to stabilize the economy. These reforms will include “broadening the tax net, privatising loss-making SOEs, expanding social safety nets and facilitating the private sector.” Appreciating the “time-tested sincere bilateral” relations shared between the country and the Fund, he highlighted the importance of reallocation of a nation’s special drawing rights within the IMF to tackle economic challenges, the need to reassess surcharge policies, and the need to give precedence to the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) to address climate challenges. Since Pakistan is subject to the effects of climate change despite being a low emitter, it is seeking aid from the RST. Aurangzeb commended the IMF’s emphasis on using regional capacity development centres to promote capacity-building and advocated for a proactive global financial safety net, and collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable economic development. Separately, at a JP Morgan Seminar on Pakistan’s Economic Policy Outlook, Aurangzeb asserted that Pakistan was committed to engaging in a broader and longer IMF programme. He also spoke on positive economic indicators such as a robust agricultural sector, decreasing inflation, and a stable exchange rate. (Anwar Iqbal, “Aurangzeb pledges aggressive reforms at IMF meeting,” Dawn, 18 April 2024)
PM Sharif forms 11-member committee to deliberate on upcoming budget
On 18 April, Business Recorder reported that as per ‘well-informed sources,’ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted an 11-member ministerial committee led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, tasked with deliberating on proposals for budget 2024-25. The budget will focus on improving the fiscal situation by reducing the non-development budget, fostering export-led growth, and giving relief to ordinary civilians from high inflation. The responsibility of preparing proposals for development and growth-oriented budget to ensure sustained growth has been given to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been asked to draft measures to enhance revenue mobilization combined with equitable taxation to allow for horizontal expansion of the tax base. Preparing tariff reforms and lowering the cost of imported raw materials is the responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce, while the Ministries of Finance, Power and Defence will devise proposals for reforms for reduction in government expenditures (non-development). Further, as per the sources, the Ministries of Finance and Industries and Production will come up with budgetary measures directed at addressing the causes of inflation and providing relief to common citizens through BISP. The Ministries of Industries and Production, Commerce and Petroleum Division have been directed to draft proposals for fast-tracked development of high-potential sectors, such as IT and agriculture. Both the FBR and the Ministry of Law and Justice will come up with proposals to include in the Finance Act for the implementation of the FBR restructuring plan. (Mushtaq Ghumman, “Budget: body formed to firm up proposals,” Business Recorder, 18 March 2024)
JUDICIARY
SC on ECP’s role after election victory notification
On 17 April, Supreme Court (SC) Justice Ayesha Malik noted that the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ended after it issued victory notifications of candidates and that all subsequent matters will be the responsibility of the election tribunal. This statement was made during a hearing of a petition against re-polling in four of Balochistan’s Assembly constituency of PB-9, where Malik questioned why re-polling should be suspended. Ali Zafar, the petitioner’s lawyer, argued that PML-N’s Nawab Chenghaiz Khan Marri won the PB-9 constituency but voting could not take place at four stations due to the law and order situation. At the request of PPP’s Mir Naseebullah Khan, the ECP ordered re-polling at seven stations; Marri won the election and took oath as the Balochistan Assembly member. Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, who was also on the bench, said that if ballot papers had been printed, it would be inappropriate to stop the voting. The court then adjourned the hearing till 22 April. (Jahanzeb Abbasi, “ECP’s role ends after election win notification: SC,” The Express Tribune, 17 April 2024)
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Interior minister promises stern action against power overbilling and theft
On 17 April, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that a zero-tolerance policy on overbilling by power distribution companies would be adopted by the government. He noted that the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) had overbilled consumers in the city and surrounding areas for 830 million units in 2023. Officers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) were directed to sternly act against officials involved in overbilling and to swiftly act in tackling overbilling and power theft cases. Naqvi assured that the FIA would act effectively, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to provide relief to the masses. Separately, Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) Naib Emir Liaquat Baloch asked for an audit of power distribution companies to determine the reality of overbilling inflicted on the masses, given the overbilling done by Lesco. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Overbilling by power firms not to be tolerated, warns minister,” Dawn, 18 April 2024)
SOCIETY
Federal cabinet asks provinces to enhance wheat procurement targets amid potential bumper crop
On 17 April, the federal cabinet decided to write a letter to all provinces, asking them to enhance their wheat procurement targets, set a good price for wheat, and ensure its availability in the market, amid expectations of a bumper wheat crop. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to devise an effective strategy with the provincial governments to achieve the wheat procurement target. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that provinces were being asked to “increase their wheat procurement target so that the farmers can get a better reward for their hard work.” Sharif also spoke on the Saudi investment that is expected to be made shortly, saying that the completion of this investment should be done with the “same spirit and dedication.” He noted that Pakistan is a “strategically located nuclear state,” giving it advantages on the economic front. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Government eyes bumper wheat crop, enhanced procurement targets,” Dawn, 18 April 2024)
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Pleasure meeting PTI leaders, and congratulations to Omar Ayub Khan on his appointment as Leader of the Opposition. Important all MNAs work together on the critical issues Pakistan faces, starting with economic reform to secure Pakistan’s prosperity.
-Jane Marriott
Three things matter. Keep the focus on the injustice to Imran Khan, the theft of his mandate that is no one's to steal because it represents the trust and the will of the people of Pakistan, and Imran Khan's struggle for the rule of law and the constitution. All the washing dirty linen in public, all the trappings of govt and position, all these public pronouncements only serve as a distraction, and serve to weaken Imran Khan's agenda. Even the seats we have been made to lose and our struggle to restore them is important because it is the will of those who voted. But personally, many of us would happily forego seats and position, for the greater cause that Imran Khan has sacrificed so much for. United, we succeed. United, Pakistan succeeds.
-Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra
"Aghosh Orphan Hostel North Waziristan"
In 2023, Pakistan Army, in collaboration with the Al Khidmat Foundation, inaugurated the Aghosh Hostel in Tehsil Mir Ali of North Waziristan to support orphaned children. With a capacity for 100 students, the hostel currently houses 75 beneficiaries, providing them with education, accommodation, and meals. The initiative aims to empower orphans to excel in both academic and extracurricular pursuits, fostering their development as valuable members of society.
-Balochistan Current Affairs
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FS Aijazuddin, ‘Three to tango’
Dawn, 18 April 2024
“The fate of our application to the IMF will be known very soon, after April 20. The US will decide its next president at year end. Meanwhile, the US, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan continue to cavort in a three-party tango. To paraphrase the US singer Melody Gardot, Pakistan, on its own, may be “a bad walker [but] it can dance the tango”.”
Editorial, ‘IMF’s projections’
Dawn, 18 April 2024
“The fact is that Pakistan has never been able to complete a longer programme with the Fund because of a breach in policy goals thanks to political reasons. What will be different this time around? So far, the minister has shown an understanding of the issues that have dragged the economy down and his commitment to implementing long-delayed structural reforms without any proviso.”
Editorial, ‘Never-ending suffering’
Dawn, 18 April 2024
“Unfortunately, while the Iranian projectiles targeted at the Zionist state have sparked moral outrage in Western capitals, there has not been similar condemnation of Israel’s murderous assault in Gaza, which has cost nearly 34,000 lives to date. These double standards are appalling.”
Inam Ul Haque, ‘War within wars — out of shadows’
The Express Tribune¸18 April 2024
“The strike debunks the effectiveness of Israeli AD against fast-moving ballistic missiles, especially when there was no surprise, and most of the barrage was slow moving. It also exposes IDF’s historic intelligence myth about Iran not having good means to retaliate. Iran claims informing its neighbours and the US well in advance, and that enabled Israeli/European Turkey shoots. Iran deliberately employed limited hypersonic missiles (like Kheibar Shikan and Fateh) and all such missiles penetrated and hit their targets. Compared to Iran, the cost of interception etc to Israel and its Western allies is huge.”
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“Are we simply going to repeat an old story where the govt fetches dollars from abroad to produce short-lived growth?”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Shifting gears’
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