Army officer, three terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation; PIPS report says provincial CTDs do not have clarity on militant dynamics
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistanis own USD 11 billion worth property in Dubai: Report
On 14 May, the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project’s (OCCRP) Dubai Unlocked Project revealed data showing that as per latest property leaks, several key Pakistanis, including political figures, former military officials, and bureaucrats, own high-end properties in Dubai. The combined value of these properties owned by Pakistanis has been estimated to be around USD 11 billion. This ‘Dubai Unlocked’ project is based on data providing a detailed insight into hundreds of thousands of properties in Dubai, their ownership and usage, from 2020 and 2022. The Centre for Advanced Studies (C4ADS) in Washington had obtained this data, which was then shared with Norwegian financial outlet E24 and the OCCRP, which conducted a six-month investigative project. This investigation included reporters from 74 media outlets in 58 countries, and uncovered names of convicted criminals, fugitives, and political figures who have recently owned at least one piece of real estate in Dubai. President Asif Ali Zardari’s three children, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s wife, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his siblings, and Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memom, are among the Pakistanis listed.
In response to the data, Zardari’s spokesperson Zulfikar Ali Bader said that this information had been declared and was available on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) website, with “nothing new or illegal” in the data. He warned that “action or insinuation based on defamation will be challenged in the relevant forums.” PPP’s Vice President Sherry Rehman also termed the data as a “failed attempt to find corruption” in Zardari’s properties. Separately, Naqvi said the property bought in his wife’s name was “fully declared and listed in tax returns,” and was also “declared in returns submitted to the ECP as caretaker chief minister of Punjab.” PTI maverick Sher Afzal Marwat also acknowledged that he owned an apartment in Dubai, saying that he had “declared with all regulatory authorities of Pakistan including FBR” and the ECP. (“Latest leaks reveal several Pakistanis own properties in Dubai,” The News International¸14 May 2024; “‘Nothing new or illegal’: Pakistani politicians named in Dubai property data defend ownership, downplay report,” Dawn, 14 May 2024)
POLITICS
PTI sets tough conditions for reconciliatory talks with the ruling coalition
On 14 May, the PTI showed willingness to engage in conciliatory discussions with the ruling coalition subject to certain tough conditions being met, including the withdrawal of all cases against Imran Khan. Some of the party’s lawmakers put this offer forth during a debate on President Asif Zardari’s address to a joint sitting of the parliament. PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan stated: “We believe that if Pakistan is to be put on the right track, then we [the politicians] will have to make decisions. We do not need any broker, dealer or individual who brings us to sit together.” Calling on the speaker to take initiative, he said the party’s first point was the release of Imran Khan and other “political prisoners,” along with the withdrawal of all “political cases.” Muhammad Khan also spoke about the army, saying: “If you [army] will remain within your [constitutional] limits, we will salute you and if you will come here [in politics], then there will be problems and protests.” Additionally, PTI MNA Ali Sarfaraz called for the release of PTI activists and leaders, and asked the government to hand over the people’s “stolen mandate.” (Amir Wasim, “PTI puts tough terms for talks with govt,” Dawn, 15 May 2024)
ECONOMY
PM Sharif announces plans to privatize all SOEs except strategic ones
On 14 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to privatize all state-owned enterprises (SOEs) except strategic entities, after chairing a review meeting on matters relating to the Ministry of Privatization and Privatization Commission. He explained that both profit and loss-making SOEs would be privatized, and instructed the federal ministers to cooperate with the Privatization Commission and ensure a transparent process. Sharif added that while the government is not responsible for conducting business, it has to ensure a business and investment- friendly environment. Additionally, he issued a direction to televise the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Company Limited’s privatization process. During the meeting, the ministry presented the plan of the Privatization Programme 2024-2029 and was then told that the privatization of the SOEs and pre-qualification process for the PIA should be completed by the end of May. It was also decided that loss-making companies should be privatized on a priority, with a pre-qualified panel of experts to be appointed by the Privatization Commission to speed up the process. Earlier on 12 May, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated: “You have to move towards privatisation if you want economic stability in the country.” (“PM Shehbaz announces privatisation of all SOEs apart from strategic ones,” The News International, 14 May 2024)
SECURITY
Army officer, three terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan
On 14 May, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Zhob district, an army officer and three terrorists were killed. This operation was conducted in the Sambaza area, and during the “conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location.” Following this, “weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists.” A sanitization operation was underway to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining terrorists. The ISPR also asserted: “Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.” (“Army officer martyred, three terrorists slain in Zhob operation: ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 14 May 2024)
PIPS report says provincial CTDs do not have clarity on militant dynamics
On 14 May, the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) released a report titled ‘Pakistan’s Evolving Militant Landscape: State Responses and Policy Options,’ where it pointed out that provincial counterterrorism departments (CTDs) do not have enough clarity on militant groups’ dynamics, and connections and operational strategies. Though these CTDs have their own specialized intelligence units to study militant behaviour, they are unable to process data effectively and thus stay dependent on premier intelligence agencies. Except in Punjab, CTDs face the problem of funding issues. The report recommended the establishment of a robust implementation mechanism for national extremism and security policies, and the pursuit of changes in foreign policies, specifically that of neighbours like Afghanistan and India. Deteriorating relations with Afghanistan and a lack of state-to-state engagement have increased the challenge of addressing cross-border terrorism, with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) emerging as a major source of tension. The report stated: “Ultimately, resolving bilateral challenges hinges on Pakistan’s sustained engagement with the Taliban-led interim government in Kabul.”
On the unrest in Balochistan, the report highlighted the need to reduce the appeal of insurgent ideology among the Baloch people by winning the hearts and minds of the people. The government has to make a plan to prevent Baloch insurgents and the TTP from exploiting the issue of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings to win support. One of the findings of the report pointed out that since August 2021, Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorist violence, specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. It lamented: “Experts believe that Pakistan’s counterterrorism and extremism frameworks are outdated, failing to address evolving threats. Despite successful operations from 2009 to 2019, violence reduction led to complacency, allowing radicalisation to persist and threats to mutate.” (Iftikhar A Khan, “CTDs lack clarity on militant groups’ dynamics, operational strategies: report,” Dawn, 15 May 2024)
PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
JAAC leaders call for protests after government accepts demands
On 14 May, the leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) announced an end to their protests after the government accepted their demands for reduced prices of wheat flour and electricity, and a review of the “luxuries” of the privileged class. They also declared a shutdown until 1500 hours as a mark of mourning over the death of three residents allegedly killed by paramilitary force Rangers. JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir condemned the “state terrorism,” demanding punishment for the killers, a judicial inquiry into police action, and the release of detained activists. The leaders also vowed to continue fighting for their rights and resources. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives during the protests, saying he would visit the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) capital shortly to hold consultations over the issue. He described the region as the “jugular vein of Pakistan,” and thanked all stakeholders involved for their support leading up to the acceptance of the protestors’ demands.
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Concerning news about guards at Adiala being changed, family visit allowance taken away and trial not being held for a case. We demand answers!
-PTI
CM Maryam Nawaz is uplifting and empowering young girls at all levels. They are her real strength.
-PMLN
President AAliZardari visits the Green Pakistan Initiative Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where he was given a detailed briefing about the Initiative, Land Information and Management System operations.
-PPP
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Mirza Moiz Baig, ‘Courts unburdened’
Dawn, 15 May 2024
“However, while developments in the arbitral regime are likely to facilitate the resolution of commercial disputes, the expenses involved in arbitrations often mean that the fruits of such endeavours may not be availed by most litigants. Nonetheless, the judiciary’s contemporaneous focus on mediation promises to ameliorate the systemic and structural issues which contribute to delays and pendency.”
Editorial, ‘Reserved seats’
Dawn, 15 May 2024
“The role played by the ECP in perpetuating this sorry state of affairs, in particular, deserves strict scrutiny. Despite being vested with all the powers it needed to responsibly steer the country through a democratic transition, it could only manage an election that fell far short of the promise of being ‘free, fair, impartial and inclusive’. It then bungled the management of election results, which gave rise to serious controversies regarding the ‘fixing’ of final results. Since then, the ECP has been either unwilling or unable to address the deluge of post-election complaints: for example, it defies understanding why it refuses to notify more election tribunals for Punjab despite being in receipt of nominees from the Lahore High Court. Its decisions and actions clearly need to be reviewed in light of the country’s laws, and its controversial decision regarding reserved seats seems to be a good place to start. The nation deserves to understand what its motivations have been thus far.”
Dr Raashid Wali Janjua, ‘Authorities galore’
The Express Tribune, 15 May 2024
“An ‘Authority’ is a parallel layer of bureaucracy that is ostensibly meant to improve efficiency and bring special expertise to tackle issues, beyond the ken of normal bureaucratic understanding. What is conveniently forgotten however is that the profligate waste of national resources while creating new organisations with their material and human resource cost. For a country operating on shoestring budget and suffocated in the miasma of perennial fiscal deficit, the constitution of new bureaucratic structures act as a veritable ‘Kiss of Death’. A recap of the number of ‘Authorities’ established in the last six years would illustrative and that too during an economic slump when the national economy was gasping for breath.”
Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, ‘How to tackle the surging terrorism’
The Express Tribune, 15 May 2024
“While there are evidences pointing towards the presence of sanctuaries for militants across the border, we also have to accept the problem lying within. Forces inimical to the country continue to pose challenges. They have crafted their strategies and set their goals according to their own world view. And they act in pursuance of these strategies and goals.”
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“Israel’s extension of the war to Rafah has intensified public outrage the world over.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Unending genocidal war’
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