Military is "well aware of its limits" says COAS Munir; Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project shut down by WAPDA
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI issues white paper on rigging in elections, asks for judicial probe
On 2 May, PTI leaders issued a white paper at a press conference and demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate allegations of irregularities in the general elections, and recommend electoral reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, a level playing field, and meritocracy. The white paper on “Rigging in Elections 2024” detailed how the “mandate of the people of Pakistan has been stolen through blatant Pre and Post poll rigging,” as per a statement issued on X by the party. It included practices during the run-up to the elections and the official notification of results, and claimed to expose the “corrupt practices, including alteration of final results through fudging, forgery and manipulation of Form-47.”
Party leaders added that the investigation was necessary to give the powers to the “true” public representatives, and asked for the resignation of the chief election commissioner over the “controversial” elections. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said that the whitepaper was based on “irrefutable” facts and proved how the PTI’s victory was allegedly “converted into defeat.” Gohar claimed that the PTi won 18- National Assembly seats, and pointed out that both national and international media admitted to rigging in elections. He also gave examples of coercive tactics that resulted in an uneven playing field, such as the rejection of nomination papers on flimsy grounds. PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan called for the release of Imran Khan and an end to all “politically motivated” cases against him and other PTI workers.” (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI seeks judicial probe into ‘rigging’,” Dawn, 3 May 2024)
COAS says army knows its constitutional limits very well amid criticism
On 2 May, the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, said that the military is “well aware” of its “constitutional limits,” and expects others to “also know them well,” amid criticism from multiple political stakeholders over the alleged interference of the military in the general elections. This statement was made at the passing-out parade of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) cadets. He noted that Article 19 of the Constitution “unambiguously” draws the “limits to the freedom of expression and speech which must not be misconstrued as freedom of expression of venom against others.” Thus people who “blatantly trample the same very Constitution on a daily basis in one way or the other cannot and should not issue sermons to others towards its adherence.”
Munir highlighted how Pakistan is facing issues in the form of “terrorism, shadow proxies, challenging economic environment, despicable propaganda amplified by social media and false narratives being spread by misguided elements of the society.” He urged graduating cadets to not “fall prey to misguided, misdirected, factually incorrect, and politically-motivated propaganda,” and instead develop “critical minds to navigate through blurring lines between reality, perception and blatant falsehood.” Advising them to “fight and never cower before coercion, blackmail and terror,” he appreciated the PAF for maintaining the highest standards of training and morale. (“Freedom of speech has its limits: COAS,” Dawn, 3 May 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan does not plan on offering “bases to a foreign government or military" says the foreign office
On 2 May, the Foreign Office (FO) dismissed speculations that Pakistan was providing military bases to the US or other countries, with FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch describing the claims as being “completely unfounded.” She rejected the claims, saying that there is “absolutely no basis for these social media speculations,” adding that Pakistan does not plan on offering “bases to a foreign government or military directed against anyone.” These speculations were triggered when PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat claimed that Pakistan had provided bases to the US, to which government officials stated that the bases in question were vacated a long time ago by the US. Taking the example of the recent visit of the US acting under secretary for political affairs, and the principal assistant secretary of state to Pakistan, Baloch said that the two countries enjoy “robust bilateral institutionalized mechanisms.” She noted that Pakistan would “continue to engage with the US to enhance bilateral cooperation and understanding.” (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan rubbishes claim of providing bases to US,” The Express Tribune, 2 May 2024)
“Pakistan has not engaged in any extra-territorial acts," asserts the foreign office
On 2 May, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch asserted that Pakistan does not attack dissidents residing overseas, following accusations made by the former adviser on interior and accountability, Shahzad Akbar. On 26 November 2023, Akbar was a victim of an acid attack outside his residence in London; he alleged that Pakistani military intelligence officials were behind the attack. Rejecting the “baseless and politically motivated” allegations, Baloch stated: “Pakistan has not engaged in any extra-territorial acts against these individuals. So, Mr Shahzad Akbar’s claims are simply preposterous.” However, she outlined media reports regarding India’s involvement in killing dissidents living overseas, calling on the international community to hold India accountable. She also claimed that India’s network which allegedly engages in espionage and extra-judicial killings, has spread across several continents. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan never attacks dissidents abroad: FO,” Dawn, 3 May 2024)
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Wapda announces complete shutdown of Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project following safety issues
On 2 May, the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) announced that the 969-megawatt Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project worth over PKR 500 billion, had been completely shut down after a major operational issue detected in April. On 2 April, there was a sudden change in the headrace tunnel pressure, which then led to significant pressure fluctuations. This is why from 6 April, based on advice from consultants, the project management began operating the plant at a generation of 530 MW. The plant, which is located in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), continued operating at the reduced capacity till further instability in tunnel pressure led to a reduction in power generation on 29 April. On the same day, Wapda said that “the pressure could not sustain within the safe limits as per the advice of the project consultants.” This led to a shutdown on 1 May for physical inspection. Wapda explained that a comprehensive plan would be devised with project consultants and international experts to implement measures to rectify the issue. Roughly 90 per cent of the project is underground and is located in a weak geological and seismic-prone area. Earlier in June 2023, the project had been closed completely due to cracks in its 3.5km tailrace tunnel, which took 13 months to repair. Previous tunnel repairs have cost Pakistan PKR six billion in addition to PKR 37 billion in energy loss during repairs, maintenance, and testing over 20 months. Wapda has filed PKR 3 billion in insurance claims for these losses. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Safety concerns prompt shutdown of Neelum-Jhelum power plant,” Dawn, 3 May 2024)
SECURITY
Security forces kill three militants involved in kidnapping of sessions judge
On 2 May, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement saying that as a result of a joint intelligence-based operation, three militants, including two ringleaders, were killed by security forces. The militants were responsible for the abduction of South Waziristan’s District and Sessions Judge Shakirullah Marwat. On 27 April, Marwat was kidnapped by the militants from the Garah Mohabaat Adda area of Dera Ismail Khan and kept under Taliban custody for 48 hours, after which he was rescued by the Counter–Terrorism Department (CTD). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif confirmed that Marwat had “been released almost unconditionally.” (Umer Farooq, “Kidnappers of sessions judge killed in Tank: ISPR,” Dawn, 3 May 2024)
SOCIETY
Health experts blame lack of coordination between centre and provinces for polio resurgence
On 3 May, Dawn reported that health experts blamed the lack of coordination between the federal and provincial governments for the rise of polio cases in Pakistan, additionally blaming the decision to hand over the polio programme to ‘outsiders’ from global health agencies in 2021 for exacerbating the situation. So far in 2024, 100 samples have been found positive for polio; despite the virus being on the verge of eradication in 2021, “some international agencies took over the programme just to claim the credit,” as per health officials. A polio expert also pointed out how nobody highlighted how the programme had been “snatched” from the government in 2021 when there was only one case and zero environmental detections for months. In 2019, 147 polio cases were reported, in 2020 there were 84, in 2021 there were one, and then the cases began increasing with 20 in 2022 and six in 2023. The polio expert stated that the “most critical factor for this unprecedented success was the unified leadership of the EPI and Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) at the national level.” However, the “loss of government control” resulted in efforts becoming “fragmented.” (Ikram Junaidi, “Poor ‘coordination’ between center, provinces blamed for fresh polio cases,” Dawn, 3 May 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab: JI warns of five-day protest over wheat farmer issue
On 2 May, the Jammat-i-Islami (JI) and the PTI criticized the Punjab government for not buying wheat from wheat farmers, with JI’s Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warning of a sit-in in the Punjab chief minister’s office if the government continues its “anti-farmer” stance. Calling for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the wheat import scandal, he expressed concern over the caretaker government’s decision to import wheat worth USD one billion in October 2023 during a severe dollar shortage. Rehman demanded individuals involved in the wheat import decision appear before the commission and resign from their positions after the investigation. He detailed that the JI-backed farmers’ protest camps would last from 3 May till 7 May, and would take place across divisional and district headquarters of the province. Rehman also called on the media to highlight the condition of small farmers and advocated for land reforms to redistribute the land held by the four per cent of feudal lords. Explaining that the JI’s pro-farmer movement stemmed from consultations with farmer leaders and lawyers, he assured that the party would spearhead a movement for land reforms in Pakistan. Similarly, PTI’s incarcerated Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid said that farmers are facing a hard time due to the caretaker government’s “insane” decision to import more wheat than needed. She also demanded an impartial inquiry into the matter, lamenting that farmers currently are forced to sell their produce at “almost half the official rate.” (“JI warns of protest in Punjab over wheat crisis,” Dawn, 3 May 2024)
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The military establishment has done all they could against me. All that is left for them is to now murder me. But I am not afraid because my faith is strong. I would prefer death over slavery.
-Imran Khan
PTI has released its whitepaper on "Rigging in Elections 2024," detailing how the mandate of the people of Pakistan has been stolen through blatant Pre and Post poll rigging.
-PTI
The economy of the world is run by the labor of the workers. If the elites make money, they make it on the blood and sweat of the workers. If their businesses run, they run on the labor of the workers."
-PPP
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Basil Nabi Malik, ‘No lessons learnt’
Dawn, 3 May 2024
“This is what the judiciary is up against, and this is why the word ‘incorrigible’ makes perfect sense. But although we are painfully aware that these elites are not willing to learn, we must also ask if the judiciary itself has learnt lessons from its past experiences, and in doing so, whether or not it has prepared a robust response to attempts to interfere in its independence.”
Omay Aimen, ‘The polarization menace’
The News International, 3 May 2024
“This divide is being intensified through unbridled social media which is furthering a narrative of hate and envy. Anti-Pakistan state and non-state actors are obligingly intensifying this tirade against the state of Pakistan. Even after 76 years, the ideology of Pakistan is still being contested, leading to fissures in society. Unfortunately, myopic religious perspectives fomenting intolerance are adversely affecting societal cohesion as well. Stephen P Cohen says that “the most important struggle in Pakistan today is [how] Pakistan should execute the Islamic identity and character in [the] state’s outlook”.”
Naveed Ahmed Shaikh, ‘Empowering Sindh through STEAM’
The News International, 3 May 2024
“STEAM education is not just a trend; it's shaping the future worldwide. From fostering groundbreaking discoveries to propelling economic growth, STEAM equips students with the skills to solve real-world problems and become tomorrow's innovators. This global impact of STEAM education underscores its relevance and potential benefits to Sindh's education system, making it a crucial area for policymakers to focus on.”
Editorial, ‘Under siege’
Dawn, 3 May 2024
“A similar climate prevails in Pakistan, where the media has always been under siege. The battle is dual-fronted: the government and security establishment both assert control, looking to influence editorial policy. This suppression continues regardless of which party holds power. A notable example is the implicit ‘ban’ on media channels from naming PTI founder Imran Khan. This policy, initiated during Shehbaz Sharif’s last tenure as PM, persisted through the caretaker rule and remains sporadically enforced.”
Editorial, ‘State of fear’
The News International, 3 May 2024
“Today is the 31st annual World Press Freedom Day and this year’s theme is ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis’. The theme seeks to draw special attention to journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the global environmental crisis, noting the difficulty many journalists have in obtaining and disseminating accurate information about contemporary climate issues and the harm done by environmental disinformation. The latter is arguably an unfortunate consequence of the new-found freedom that social media gives anyone with internet access to air their opinions. There is, simultaneously, better and more pertinent information and also more junk out there for public consumption than ever before. In this context, access to accurate information is crucial.”
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“The path to universal health coverage in KP is being paved.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Road to UHC’
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