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In Brief
POLITICS
Missing persons issue cannot be resolved “overnight,” says law minister
On 23 April, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the missing persons issue could “not be solved overnight in haste or due to someone’s anxiety or someone speaking on social media platforms or even court directives.” However, the government remains committed to finding a solution by first reaching a consensus amongst all stakeholders. The four-decade-old missing persons issue has been exacerbated by the circumstances in neighbouring countries, as pointed out by Tarar, and resulted in Pakistan’s people and army paying an “unbelievable price” in the fight against terrorism. Tarar recalled that the finding of a resolution to the issue began under the PPP government in 2011, through the formation of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances; shortly after, the Supreme Court (SC) formed a commission. Of the 10,200 cases sent to the commission, 23 per cent are unresolved. Tarar also noted that during the tenure of the previous PML-N- led coalition government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee with representatives of other coalition parties, met with stakeholders in Quetta and asked for a report on the missing persons. Under Sharif’s current tenure, directives have been issued to restart work on the inquiry of enforced disappearances, and though a lot of work remains, Tarar emphasized that there was no lack of seriousness from the government. Regarding the alleged involvement of government institutions in the issue, he stated: “What needs to be seen is whether, till today, any solid or concrete evidence has come. From what I saw in the report, till I was on the committee, the answer is in the negative.” He also questioned whether “people who have been registered as missing persons really missing,” noting a case in Sindh where people registered as missing persons were serving jail time. (“No overnight solution to missing persons issue: Law Minister Tarar,” Dawn¸ 23 April 2024)
PTI chairman says it did not hold secret talks with establishment
On 23 April, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan clarified that the PTI was not interested in holding talks with anyone, amid speculations about secret talks between the party and the establishment. He asserted that none of the party leadership, including Imran Khan, had been contacted by anyone for dialogue, and in the event of a “message from anyone for dialogues,” the party would “inform the media” and be open about it. Gohar Khan then went on to say that while Imran Khan did not believe in sharing power or forming an alliance with a party that allegedly stole the mandate of the PTI, the party will continue its efforts for the rights of Pakistanis. Also on 23 April, the PTI leadership expressed concern over the health of Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, after a team of doctors visited her in jail overnight. The leaders warned Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the jail superintendent, and other concerned authorities that they would be held responsible if anything were to happen to Bibi. (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI denies ‘secret talks’ with establishment,” Dawn, 24 April 2024)
EXTERNAL
Iran willing to share industry and science expertise with Pakistan
On 23 April, after visiting Lahore and Karachi, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that despite “unfavourable conditions,” Iran has been able to gain expertise in industry, science, and technology, and is willing to exchange this expertise with Pakistan. He came with a “message of peace and prosperity” for Pakistan, highlighting that both countries are “willing to remove all obstacles to expanding trade between the two countries and in this regard, several options were discussed.” Explaining that strong trade partnership would help enhance relations, he vowed that no power on Earth could “affect the historical ties between the two countries.” Heavy security measures were put in place for his visit, with the provincial government closing all major road links, suspending internet services, and deploying police and Rangers. In Lahore, Raisi appreciated the “cultural contributions,” and said he wanted to enhance people-to-people contacts with Pakistanis. During a meeting with Raisi, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated: “We are willing to work with Iran on economic projects to eradicate poverty. We will also welcome Iran’s investment in Punjab’s value-added livestock market.” Raisi also underscored how “special emotions and connections with Pakistani people” help keep “the two nations connected,” and lamented that a public rally could not be held due to certain “conditionalities.” Further, he commended Pakistan for their stance taken “in a strong manner against Zionist forces.” (Imran Ayub & Zulqernain Tahir, “Ready to share tech prowess with Pakistan, says Iran President Raisi,” Dawn, 24 April 2024)
ECONOMY
Ministry of Economic Affairs’ data points at failure to meet foreign loan target
On 23 April, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) pointed out that the government was able to materialize only USD 6.899 billion in foreign economic assistance (FEA) in the first nine months of FY24, amounting to roughly 39 per cent of the annual budget target. Pakistan received only USD 9.8 billion in foreign loans during the first nine months of FY24, with slippages in raising international financial support causing it to fall behind the annual target of USD 17.4 billion. In March, less than USD 204 million in foreign loans were received, compared to USD 318 million in February. The MEA cited limited borrowing avenues due to poor credit rating and dismal conditions in the global financial markets as reasons for the shortfall, despite the support of the IMF. When including foreign inflows from the IMF and the UAE, which gave USD 1.9 billion and USD one billion respectively, the total foreign inflows amounted to USD 9.799 billion in nine months, almost 55.6 per cent of full-year targeted inflows. However, with authorities claiming that better debt and trade management have reduced Pakistan’s foreign assistance requirements for FY24, the target has been revised to USD 11 billion instead of the USD 17.62 billion target. There are also predictions that the current account deficit will be USD two billion instead of USD six billion, as estimated in the budget. In its FEA report for March, the MEA said that foreign inflows were more than 11 per cent lower than the USD 7.8 billion of the same period in FY23, which was a tough period due to a troubled relationship with the IMF. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Foreign loan target missed amid major slippages,” Dawn¸ 24 April 2024)
JUDICIARY
IHC judges unanimously decide to give “institutional response” to interference by intelligence agencies
On 23 April, during a full court meeting of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) chaired by Chief Justice Aamir Farooq, it was decided that several measures would be introduced, including reactivating “empowered” inspection teams to eliminate allegations accusing intelligence officials of meddling in judicial affairs. Six judges of the high court had earlier detailed alleged interference in judicial affairs by members of intelligence agencies. As per Dawn’s sources, the high court judges unanimously decided to not tolerate interference by any intelligence agency in the working of courts and drafted a proposal to be submitted to the Supreme Court (SC) by 25 April. They decided to reactivate inspection teams and empower inspection judges to allow them to address complaints put forth by judicial officers against interference. Further, they agreed to give an institutional response against any interference attempts and proposed that the Practice and Procedure Act should be followed, which gives the three senior-most judges the power to form benches. During a hearing on a suo motu case regarding the judges’ letter, the SC sought proposals from the bar associations and high courts to deal with meddling in the working of the judiciary. (Malik Asad, “IHC judges look to create bulwark against meddling,” Dawn, 24 April 2024)
LHC judge rules ECP does not have authority to undo its decisions post-polls
On 24 April, Dawn reported that the Lahore High Court (LHC) ruled that since the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) does not have the power of review, it cannot undo its own decisions. Justice Shahid Karim issued the ruling, noting that the ECP incorrectly interpreted its powers under the Election Acts 2017 by ordering a recount after the conclusion of the election process and the issuing of the victory notification. He pointed out that as per sub-section 6 of Section 95 of the Act, the ECP has the power to direct a returning officer to recount ballot papers only before the conclusion of the result consolidation process. However, the ECP “cannot thereafter proceed to exercise such power on the misplaced notion that it can do so by invoking provisions of Section 8 of the 2017 Act.” Karim thus said that the ECP is restrained by Section 95(6), and cannot exceed its jurisdiction. He wrote in his judgement that the ECP’s claim that it has the “inherent power to rectify any injustice committed during the course of the election” is a “violation of law and must be discountenanced.” This ruling was made after a petition by PTI-backed independent Bilal Ijaz pointed out that the ECP held a recount in NA-81, and announced PML-N’s Azhar Qayum Nahra as victorious. Karim further noted that the ECP is not the only authority with the responsibility to hold free and fair elections under the Elections Act, meaning it must allow other bodies to take charge after the conclusion of certain events. The ECP’s aim of holding free elections does not equate to carte blanche on the ECP to expand its powers outside the statutory realm. (Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “ECP cannot undo decisions post-election, LHC rules,” Dawn, 24 April 2024)
SECURITY
Security forces kill three terrorists and injure another in Balochistan
On 23 April, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that as part of an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Pishin District, security forces killed three terrorists. After an “intense fire exchange,” three terrorists were killed and another was injured, and was later “identified as an Afghan national.” A large number of arms, ammunition, and explosives were recovered. The ISPR asserted that Pakistan’s security forces, “in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.” (Iftikhar Shirazi, “3 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Pishin district: ISPR,” Dawn, 23 April 2024)
INDIA VIEW
Law minister says India has a right over River Ravi, asserts legal issues should not be politicized
On 23 April, during a proceeding of a Calling Attention Notice to discuss India’s actions in the National Assembly (NA), Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that as per a binding treaty, India has the right to water in River Ravi. Pakistan “cannot interfere” with this right, meaning Pakistan cannot take action against India’s alleged “water aggression” in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). As per the 1960 Indus Water Treaty between both countries, India can claim the waters of Rivers Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas. PTI MNA Zartaj Gul criticized Tarar for accepting India’s right to River Ravi, to which the law minister maintained that legal issues should not be politicized. Tarar further explained: “This [Indus Water Treaty] was signed in 1960, however, India wants to exit it, but the ICJ has restrained the latter from pulling out of it.” As per Indian media sources, after completing the Shahpur Kandi barrage on the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, India halted the flow of water from River Ravi to Pakistan. This means that Jammu and Kashmir will receive 1,150 cusecs of water previously allocated to Pakistan. (Waqar Satti, “River Ravi issue: Tarar says Pakistan cannot move ICJ against India's 'water aggression',” The News International, 23 April 2024)
SOCIETY
First ever Digital Development Index report published
On 23 April, the first-ever Digital Development Index (DDI) report was released as part of the National Human Development Report 2024, launched by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Made in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the report highlighted that over half of Pakistan’s population does not have internet access, and districts which have better digital transformation are among the better-performing areas with regard to human development. This is because of inadequate digital infrastructure and affordability challenges. It placed Pakistan in the ‘moderate’ category with regard to digital development and also pointed out that women are underserved by digital development, with 83.5 per cent claiming that their spouse or parents control their phone ownership. Digital development in the richest quintile was 15-fold more than the poorest quintile, indicating that wealth is a marker of digital development. Islamabad had a ‘very high’ digital development, while Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Haripur, and Abbottabad were placed in the ‘high’ category. Iqbal assured that the government was dedicated to making use of the benefits of technological innovation to improve the standard of living, boost financial inclusion and employment, and deliver efficient public services. He noted that in the current era, digital access should be recognized as a fundamental necessity, and the government should take it upon itself to bridge the digital divide. UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director Regional for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja explained that “Pakistan is the sixth largest contributor to the global middle-class growth between 2022 to 2030, contributing 25 million.” She advised undertaking “targeted digital transformation efforts” for the growing middle class in order to “greatly improve the country’s productivity.” Additionally, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr Samuel Rizak said that the organization’s goal is to “contribute to a future-oriented Pakistan where digital transformation becomes a hallmark of its inclusion, and a cornerstone for its prosperity.” (Ikram Junaidi, “‘Over half of Pakistan does not have access to internet’,” Dawn, 24 April 2024)
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