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In Brief
PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
PM Sharif's PoK Visit: Highlights the need for permanent solution
On 16 May, while visiting Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) days after violent protests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the need for a permanent solution to resolve the issues facing the people of that region. The protests, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), were against inflation, high taxes, and electricity bills, and had claimed at least four lives. It was called off after the federal government announced a PKR 23 billion subsidy package for PoK. During a special cabinet meeting in PoK, Sharif assured that his government and the PoK leadership would ensure the implementation of a mutual understanding. He called for the formation of a committee to discuss issues including water charge and Neelum-Jhelum. Speaking on the protests, he noted that while the demands were genuine, some “miscreants tried to create riots and cause killings.” Sharif confirmed that the package approved by his government had been released to the PoK government, and following the completion of the IMF visit, the federal minister and secretary for power would find a permanent solution with the PoK authorities.
He instructed the Prime Minister of PoK, Chaudhary Anwarul Haq, to constitute a committee for necessary consultation with concerned Pakistani ministries. Instructions were issued to relevant authorities to immediately complete the construction of the bridge of the Mangla Phase-2 project. Sharif acknowledged the role played by President Asif Ali Zardari, Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, AJK PM, Speaker of AJK Legislative Assembly, AJK Chief Secretary, and IG Police, in consulting to find an immediate solution. As per a post on the X account of the Government of Pakistam, Sharif witnessed the “signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir with regard to 960 MW Dudhnial Hydropower Project.”
During the visit, Sharif also criticized alleged Indian atrocities in Jammy and Kashmir, assuring that Pakistan would continue providing moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmir cause. He pointed out that the ruling Indian party did not contest the election in Jammu and Kashmir under its real name, which showed their fear of public anger for alleged Indian human rights abuses in the region. (“PM Shehbaz calls for permanent solution to AJK issues,” The News International, 16 May 2024; “PM Shehbaz visits AJK, meets leadership after protests rock region,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2024; “PM Shehbaz stresses permanent solution to AJK residents’ issues,” Dawn, 16 May 2024)
POLITICS
Calls for end to “economic murder” of farmers echo in National Assembly
On 16 May, lawmakers from both sides in the National Assembly (NA) slammed the government over the arrest of a considerable number of farmers’ leaders involved in the protests over wheat. PPP’s Shazia Marri called for an end to the excesses against farmers, pointing out that after her party chairman spoke against the “economic murder” of farmers, the raids and arrests intensified subsequently. PTI’s Amir Dogar noted that this was the first time that the government refused to purchase wheat from farmers, asserting that the PTI would “stand by the farmers.” He also referred to a convention organized by the opposition in Faisalabad in solidarity with farmers, adding that all kinds of protests would be held against their economic strangulation. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Allies, opponents alike assail govt over farmers’ arrests,” Dawn, 17 May 2024)
ECONOMY
Pakistani authorities consider introducing carbon tax on fuel
On 17 May, Dawn reported that as per sources, the government is planning to introduce a carbon tax on petroleum and similar products to push for an integrated general sales tax (GST) from the IMF, with the intention of achieving the benefits of the VAT for documentation. The carbon tax, which will be aligned with climate public investment management benchmarks, could also aid in gaining international financial support for newer aid instruments such as green and e-bonds. The IMF had advocated for a revival of standard GST on petroleum products in addition to up to PKR 60/litre to transform the existing GST scheme; however, authorities suggested re-introducing carbon tax or increasing the petroleum levy threshold to PKR 100/litre for more revenue generation. Sources added that carbon tax is a beneficial initiative for international support and to earn carbon credits which could be dedicated to environment-friendly expenditures, effectively replacing carbon-emitting practices. Officials contended that federal revenue instruments such as petroleum levy and carbon tax, are both easier to collect and address financial constraints, in comparison to rebalancing the National Finance Commission (NFC). (Khaleeq Kiani, “Carbon tax on fuel proposed to placate IMF,” Dawn, 17 May 2024)
IMF urges Pakistan to expand poverty alleviation programmes
On 17 May, The Express Tribune reported that the IMF pressed Pakistan to expand its poverty alleviation efforts during negotiations between officials from both ends for a new loan programme. The IMF delegation called for expanding poverty alleviation and social protection programmes and urged the government to increase the coverage and transparency of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Emphasis was placed on increasing funding and enhancing the budget for cash transfer programmes targeting the poor. Pakistani officials told the IMF delegation that PKR 472 billion would be allocated to BISP this year and that the programme’s beneficiaries would be protected from future electricity tariffs. By September 2024, Pakistani authorities want to have 20 million households included in a fully functional registry, with the number of BISP beneficiaries at 9.3 million currently. Further, 300,000 additional families were included in the Kafalat Programme this year, and 900,000 registered in the health cash transfer programme. They also assured the delegation that more funds would be allocated for social security programmes in FY25. (“Expand poverty alleviation schemes: IMF,” The Express Tribune¸ 17 May 2024)
SECURITY
Intelligence agencies intensify surveillance following rise in potential threats
On 17 May, The Express Tribune reported on an intensification of surveillance by intelligence agencies on militants associated with banned outfits, specifically those listed on the Fourth Schedulers. This is in light of intelligence reports indicating potential threats by militants linked to banned outfits and targeted attacks on police officers in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Agencies explained that the focus is on pre-emptive measures to counter any potential security breaches with vigilance. Recently, militants affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) confronted Dolphin Force personnel, killing one member. Following this incident, law enforcement agencies expanded their monitoring scope to include banned organizations, affiliated elements, and individuals on the Fourth Schedule. Among the Fourth Schedulers, 51 are from Rawalpindi, 32 from Attock, 36 from Chakwal and four from Jhelum. Authorities are currently tracking the financial transactions of these individuals actively to uncover discrepancies that may point toward illegal activities. (Saleh Mughal, “Surveillance ramped up amid rising threats,” The Express Tribune, 17 May 2024)
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
PM Sharif issues call for probe into technical faults in the Neelum-Jhelum project
On 16 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for an urgent investigation into the causes behind the technical fault in the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP) which had forced a suspension of electricity generation. The project had stopped production on 1 May after an aggravation of problems in the Head Race Tunnel. However, the project was shut down earlier in April 2024 and July 2022, due to reduced pressure and major cracks in the Tail Race Tunnel respectively. Sharif expressed displeasure over the fact that the findings of an inquiry into the recent faults were yet to be submitted and instructed officials to submit the report within days. Despite the project consuming USD five billion against an initial estimate of USD 40 million, there were still technical difficulties. Sharif asserted: “I need a thorough probe whether lapses were in the design or in the construction, and the responsibility should be fixed. No more delay will be acceptable.” Describing NJHP as a project of national significance which should remain operational for decades, he directed Wapda and the NJHP company to complete the repair work as soon as possible. (Tariq Naqash, “PM orders probe into faults at key hydropower project,” Dawn, 17 May 2024)
SOCIETY
Pakistan Literature Festival in Quetta draws to an end
On 16 May, the two-day Pakistan Literature Festival (PLF), organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi in Quetta, concluded with multiple sessions wherein speakers called for increased focus on Balochistan’s issues and the importance of cultural activities for the youth. Literature and cultural enthusiasts attended multiple sessions, such as the ‘National media and Balochistan’ session which discussed the role of mainstream new channels in reporting on the province’s issues. Panellists in this session lamented that Balochistan “was not even part of the mainstream media discourse” to the point where no news show was aired from Balochistan on private TV channels. Another session, ‘Bushra Ansari: The one and only,’ was held in recognition of one of Pakistan’s most prominent female artists. During the closing ceremony, Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti thanked the ACP for the festival and decried the rhetoric about Balochistan where its people “who are already at the receiving end” were blamed for problems. He also spoke on the loss of faith of the youth in the government, saying: “Our youth is wandering aimlessly with degrees [but] jobs are being sold.” (Saleem Shahid & Muhammad Akbar Notezai, “Literary glitz in Quetta ends with calls for spotlight on Balochistan,” Dawn, 17 May 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab: Joint Action Committee criticizes Punjab Defamation Bill 2024
On 16 May, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) expressed concerns over the current Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 and the federal government’s proposed “Digital Media Authority.” The JAC, which includes the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), said that current bill is draconian and violates the right to freedom of expression. In its statement, the committee called for a detailed consultation with all stakeholders to address the weaknesses of the proposed bill. It added: “The JAC believes that any legislation in this regard must strike a delicate balance between protecting individual rights and upholding the principles of freedom of expression.” The body urged the Punjab government and federal governments to engage in talks with media organizations and other stakeholders to analyse the implications of the proposed legislation before passing the bill in the assembly. (“Media bodies worry over Punjab’s defamation bill,” The Express Tribune, 17 May 2024)
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“China vows to support Pakistan economy, underlines govt’s reforms agenda Beijing, Islamabad to forge upgraded version of CPEC”
-Shafqat Ali
“Rawalpindi reverberates with a rally led by former mpa seemabia tahir!”
-Pakistan politics
“The military has heavily influenced Pakistan for most of its existence and is a crucial behind-the-scenes player in the country's politics.”
-Moody
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Zafar Masud, ‘Innovation for agriculture’
Dawn, 17 May 2024
“Pakistan’s agricultural sector is not just a segment of the economy; it is the lifeblood that sustains the country’s populace and fuels its economic engine. With over 37 per cent of the labour force employed in it and its contribution of approximately 46pc to GDP both directly and indirectly estimated by employing backward and forward linkages between agriculture and other sectors of the economy agriculture’s significance cannot be overstated. It is a pivotal source of foreign exchange earnings, with a substantial delta as high as $15 billion in our current account, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s financial stability. Innovation, and out-of-the-box solutions provide hope amidst myriad challenges faced by this sector. These are key to ending the prevailing inertia and catalysts that can transform traditional practices into a modern, efficient, and sustainable agricultural framework. The recent Agri-Connections conference in Lahore served as a testament to this belief, bringing together various stakeholders to sow the seeds of progress and innovation.”
Raoof Hasan, ‘A silent revolution’
The News International, 17 May 2024
“It all started unravelling in the courtroom on April 30 when a bench of the Supreme Court started debating the letter sent by six judges of the IHC as also the proposals received from the provincial high courts regarding the contents of the original communication. Purposeful statements were made by judges of the bench who all seemed to agree that there had indeed been intervention in the matters of the courts from the outside and some mechanism needed to be developed to stop this. Genuine urgency seemed to stir their depositions. The inputs received from the high courts in Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi further confirmed such interventions as a matter of routine. They also urged the chief justice to take steps to remedy the malfunction effectively.”
Dr Naazir Mahmood, ‘Some method to appoint a VC?’
The News International, 17 May 2024
“In Pakistan, it appears that nothing ever really gets settled about education. Be it the appointments of vice-chancellors (VCs) and pro-vice chancellors for public-sector universities, or the composition of ‘search committees’ for selecting candidates, or the representation of students and teachers in decision-making bodies at schools, colleges, and universities, or the development of curriculum, printing of textbooks, and even how exams are held – all appear to be in a constant flux. Recently, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court received confirmed details about 66 public-sector higher-education institutions (HEIs) in the country that either have no vice-chancellor or no rector with full powers to run their institutions. Out of a total of 154 public-sector HEIs, if 66 have ad-hoc arrangements, one can imagine the level of frustration that both students and teachers must be enduring for months.”
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“Books, libraries and education can be integrated systematically.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘New way to learn’
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