In Brief
PR EXCLUSIVE UPDATE #14
PUNJAB WHEAT CRISIS
Former Caretaker PM Kakar declines to blame provinces for the wheat import scandal
On 7 May, while addressing a press conference, Former Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar declined blaming provinces for the excessive import of wheat, claiming that the media was circulating fake news about him. He stated that the Food Security and Research Department was informed about the expected wheat production in the country and a procedure was devised for wheat importation. He stressed the fact that before the 18th Amendment, the responsibility for wheat production and fixing national requirements was with the federal government and it was only after the 18th Amendment, that the provinces started making demands regarding the same. He detailed; “Because our country needs approximately 27 million tonnes of wheat, facing a shortage of approximately 4 million tonnes, discussions should be held to fulfill this shortage so that production can be increased and a solution to this issue can be found.” (Saleem Shahid, “Ex-PM Kakar denies blaming provinces for wheat import,” Dawn, 8 May 2024)
POLITICS
Pakistan Army demands Imran Khan’s sincere and public apology
On 7 May, the Pakistan army asked Imran Khan to make a public and sincere apology and directed him to abandon his “politics of anarchy and hate.” It also dismissed the probability of making a “deal” with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as there should be no talks with “anarchists.” In a press conference, the DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif alleged that the PTI was behind the incident. He said that the army has no objection to the constitution of a judicial commission to probe the 9 May riots, but if one is formed, it must investigate the objectives of the 2014 sit-in, the attack on parliament, and the storming of Islamabad by utilizing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's resources. He further dismissed the portrayal of 9 May riots as a “false flag operation.” (Kamran Yousaf “Army wants Imran to apologise, shun politics of 'anarchy',” Dawn, 8 May 2024)
EXTERNAL
US underscores importance of prisoners’ protection including Imran Khan
On 7 May, the US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the US’s political neutrality during a news brief by admitting the meeting of US Ambassador Donald Blome and leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), including opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan to discuss the key priorities of the bilateral relationship. He stated that : “Our position is the same as we have stated previously, which is we take no position on elections in Pakistan.” Further, he addressed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's report which warned Pakistan about the safety of prisoners including Imran Khan. He emphasized the importance of basic human rights protection and mentioned that “every person, every detainee, every prisoner is entitled to basic human rights and protection under the law.” (Anwar Iqbal, “US shows concern over safety of Imran, other prisoners,” Dawn, 8 May 2024)
FM Dar prioritizes Pakistan’s interest over the US’s warnings on the Pak–Iran pipeline project
On 7 May, during a Press meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar dismissed the US’s reservation on the Pakistan-Iran pipeline, stressing the country could only see self-interest in decision making. In response to a query, he mentioned: “We have to watch our interests, look at our commitments and the government has to make decisions while keeping Pakistan’s interest in mind about what we will do, when will we do and how will we do [no matter] what the US or other countries say.” Despite the US stance on not supporting the project and sanctions warnings, Pakistan will decide on its own, FM Dar pointed out. He also emphasized on Iran’s visit earlier and confirmed that the Saudi crown will be visiting the country this month. He stressed peace and stability is what Pakistan desires and it includes Afghanistan, by pointing out the terrorist attacks. In a response to another question on social media platform restrictions, he detailed Article 19 of Freedom of Expression and Speech underlining that “It does not give blanket freedom to anyone to taint and raise slur with baseless allegations against the national interests and state institutions.” He also talked about the 15th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit and Islamophobia during the press address. (“Can’t be dictated: FM Dar rules out US reservations on Pak-Iran gas pipeline,” Dawn, 8 May 2024)
JUDICIARY
An accountability court seeks reply from NAB in Nawaz Sharif Toshakhana reference
On 7 May, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was asked to submit the response by 23 May to Judge Nasir Javed Rana of the accountability court regarding its proposal on former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s release from Toshakhana case. Judge Nasir was hearing the testimonials against President Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif for the case of acquiring expensive cars from Toshakhana for only 15 per cent of their original costs. However, NAB has virtually cleared Sharif in the Toshakhana vehicle reference case, arguing that the vehicle was gifted to PM Nawaz by Saudi Arabia and deposited in the Toshakhana. The report stated that the car sold to Sharif was included in the federal transport pool. It mentioned, “This case may attract any other offense but it has no relevancy with the benefit of Toshakhana as the subject vehicle when purchased was not part of Toshakhana, rather than the same was part of the federal transport pool.” (Malik Asad, “NAB reply sought in Toshakhana reference against Nawaz by 23rd,” Dawn, 8 May 2024)
AF-PAK
TTP using Afghan soil to attack Pakistan, says DG ISPR
On 7 May, while addressing a press meeting in Rawalpindi, the Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized the use of Afghan soil by the TTP against Pakistan and stated that the military has "irrefutable evidence" to prove it. He further detailed that the army carried out 13,133 operations in 2024, with 239 terrorists neutralized and two officers and 60 soldierslosing their lives.. He underscored, the role of Army as a “wall against the miscreants” who were spoiling the law and order situation in Balochistan, He pointed out that the army’s primary priority is to maintain the country’s law and order and highlighted it would go to any extent to preserve it. (“Afghan soil being used by TTP to attack Pakistan: DG ISPR,” The News International, 8 May 2024)
SPACE
Pakistan calls for measures to prevent weaponization of outer space at the UN
On 6 May, Ambassador Munir Akram at the UN General Assembly urged nations to implement effective strategies to prevent the weaponization of outer space from significant threats to international peace and security. He added that Pakistan believes in fair and open discussions on worldwide disarmament within platforms like the Conference on Disarmament (CD), and the UN Disarmament Commission. He expressed his disappointment over the lack of advancement in the negotiations for a Treaty to Prevent an Arms Race in Outer Space for over 40 years. Ambassador Akram stated that Pakistan has been promoting a holistic strategy addressing capabilities and behavior. However certain states obstruct discussions in the Conference on Disarmament (CD) on a binding agreement to prevent weapon deployment in space and prohibit force against space assets. He noted that these states have not provided a clear rationale for how these negotiations would threaten their security concerns. He mentioned; "They have also failed to justify why definitional and verification issues cannot be taken up during negotiations – an approach that they advocate for another item in the CD." Akram expressed his hope that the issue, brought up in the Security Council, would be forwarded to the CD for additional deliberation within the framework of negotiations to establish a treaty to avert an arms race in outer space. (“Pakistan calls for effective measures to thwart weaponisation of outer space,” Dawn, 7 May 2024)
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Do not teach limits to Tehreek-e-Insaaf, which installs cameras in bedrooms and prosecutes Idda cases
-PTI
Sindh Government's performance shines with initiatives like the Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur, dedicated to empowering women through quality education. A beacon of ambition and inspiration for women across the province.
- Sharjeel Inam Memon
Thrilled to announce a significant milestone for women empowerment in Balochistan, we now have 5 remarkable women serving as Deputy Commissioners across various districts. This is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and progress.
-Sarfraz Bugti
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Masud Khan, ‘Dozens of major terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan’
The Express Tribune, 8 May 2024
“Pakistan has paid a huge price of the US-led war on terror that saw over 80,000 Pakistanis martyred. Nothing has changed after the takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban. Before the Afghan Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, there was 86 per cent reduction in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, but soon after the takeover a surge of 70 per cent was witnessed. The Taliban government has not only provided safe havens to terrorists but also armed them with the weapons left over by the US. The Taliban takeover has also facilitated the re-emergence and strengthening of terrorist groups other than the TTP.”
Dr Khalid Waleed, ‘Grid vs rooftop: the energy debate’
The News International, 8 May 2024
“Pakistan’s total electricity consumption, as measured in terms of sales, has decreased to 112.9 TWh in FY2023 from 124.6 TWh in FY2022. This 10 per cent decrease in electricity consumption is causing screens to flash red warning at the NTDC and DISCOs. Given the nature of take-or-pay contracts, the government is bound to pay capacity charges to power plants, and any decrease in the national grid’s demand will cause financial instability.”
Editorial, ‘Narcotic darkness’
Dawn, 8 May 2024
“Young people are experimental, anxious and restless, keen to dodge routine with a heady hit. Small wonder, then, that public health experts urge policymakers and law enforcement to understand that punishment-driven strategies are counterproductive. Instead, they must weed out rogue personnel and powerful groups who claim a lion’s share of the profits from narcotic rackets, so that sealing supply routes, including those along a porous border, is successful. The crisis also demands awareness campaigns and collaboration among parents, NGOs and educational facilities to identify signs of addiction and provide therapy and rehabilitation.”
Editorial, ‘Reserved seats’
Dawn, 8 May 2024
“One of the other big questions at the moment is what is to be made of the Senate elections held recently, in which the lawmakers who currently occupy the challenged seats also voted. In case the Supreme Court strikes down the ECP’s decision, would that mean that the Senate election could be challenged on related grounds? This could prove to be a major headache for the government, as it would further undermine its already questionable legitimacy. If such a situation comes to pass, those affected will only have the ECP to blame. The truth is that the entire process — from polls, announcement of results, formation of assemblies and elections to the Senate — has been mishandled.”
Editorial, ‘ISPR talk’
The News International, 8 May 2024
“On May 9 and the events of the day last year, there are also questions over why these trials cannot be conducted in open courts instead of opting for military trials. May 9 was indeed a very alarming incident and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. That said, we also need to ensure that all the evidence is made public so that the law can take its course. Observers also say that the PTI should also accept its workers were involved in the riots and attacks on military installations and let the law take its course instead of outright denial.”
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