Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek attacked by “local mobs”; Second girls' school bombed in KP within a span of eight days
In Brief
AF-PAK
Border clashes emerge as the latest irritant between the two neighbours
On 17 May, in the weekly briefly, the Foreign Office acknowledged for the first time reports of ongoing cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Without giving any details, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that “Our armed forces and our security forces are ready to defend the territory and the people of Pakistan from any threat that affects or endangers our security.” She further revealed that “Pakistan has conveyed its deepest concerns about the situation and urges the Afghan authorities to ensure that the soil of Afghanistan is not used to threaten Pakistan’s security and that it should take effective action against terror groups that continue to threaten Pakistan, Pakistani public and law enforcement and security officials.” Reiterating Pakistan’s respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, she stated “We urge Afghanistan to take action against terror groups that threaten its sovereignty and the security of Pakistan. Pakistan has always said that it will defend itself against any threat to its security and sovereignty, including from terror groups that threaten Pakistan’s security,” she said. She also reiterated that there were “no plans to undertake any talks with a terrorist group that continues to threaten Pakistan’s security and has been involved in killings of Pakistani civilians and law enforcement officials”.
On 17 May, there were reports of escalation and intensification of clashes that had started earlier this week as a result of unprovoked firing from the Afghan side and the consequent response from Pakistan. Dawn reported that the escalation referred to exchange of cross-border firing throughout the night. Though not officially confirmed, casualties from both sides are feared due to the escalation. There has surprisingly been no acknowledgement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) regarding the exchange of fire.
The escalation has generated fear among the locals for their safety, “prompting large-scale displacement from villages and settlements near the Kharlachi border crossing.” Schools have been closed and cross-border trade along the Kharlachi-Borraki border crossing remains suspended. The border had been closed on 14 May when locals had reported firing by Afghan forces in Spina Shaga area. As a result, four Pakistani security personnel had been injured in attacks on checkpoints in Kurram. 12 suspected attackers had been killed in retaliatory attacks.
According to the locals, tribal elders from Kurram and the Afghan side have travelled to the border crossing to negotiate a ceasefire. A Kurram elder, Haji Zamin Hussain, told Dawn that if the ceasefire prevails, “a grand jirga” will be held today “to discuss and resolve the issue.”
References
“Locals seek safety as clashes rock Afghan border,” Dawn, 18 May 2024
Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan vows to defend sovereignty amid Afghan border clashes,” The Express Tribune, 17 May 2024
“Kharlachi border closed for second day,” Dawn, 16 May 2024
EXTERNAL
Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek attacked by “local mobs”
On 17 May, Pakistani students studying in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek were attacked by “local mobs”. Videos of the attacks surfaced on social media where locals were harassing and attacking students and the latter pleading for help from their home country. Multiple casualties were also alleged. However, Pakistan’s ambassador to Bishkek, Hasan Zaigham has denied any casualties or rape but affirmed “many injuries.” In the aftermath of the attack, he took to X to advise the students and wrote “In view of mob violence around student hostels in Bishkek, the embassy strongly advise all Pakistani students in Bishkek to stay indoors until the situation return to normal.” On 18 May, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar termed the attacks “deeply concerning and stated on X “We have established contact with the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure protection of Pakistani students.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a statement assuring that he was “constantly monitoring the situation”. In a statement on X, he stated “Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance.” According to information provided by Pakistan’s Embassy in Bishkek, foreign students, including those from Pakistan, were attacked “by locals in the aftermath of their brawl with Egyptian nationals a few days ago.” (“Mobs attack Pakistani students in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2024 & “Foreign Minister Dar ‘extremely’ concerned by reports of mob violence against Pakistanis in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek,” Dawn, 18 May 2024)
SECURITY
Second girls' school bombed in KP within a span of eight days
On 17 May, militants bombed Sofia Noor School, a high school for girls in Wana tehsil of South Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. No casualty has been reported, however, a portion of the school building was destroyed as a result of the attack. Earlier, on 9 May, another girls school, Islamia Girls School, was bombed in Sheva town of North Waziristan making the recent attack the second one in a span of eight days. After the attack, there were claims of extortion demands making rounds on the social media which the locals have “categorically denied.” However, a senior member of the Wana Welfare Association, which has helped in establishing the school, told the Associated Press of Pakistan “About a month ago, we received a letter from a militant group demanding a specific portion of our funding. A few days later, another letter was thrown into our office, demanding a payment of 10 million rupees (USD 36,000).” He also alluded to threat calls being made from Afghan numbers and alleged involvement of local Taliban factions in the extortion demands. The consecutive attacks have generated fear among the residents and are a grave reminder of similar attacks over a decade back “when hundreds of schools were bombed, torched or attacked with automatic weapons in different parts” of KP. (Javed Aziz Khan, “Militants bomb girls school in Waziristan,” The News International, 18 May 2024)
JUDICIARY
SC issues show-cause notices to Senator Faisal Vawda and MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal over press conferences
On 17 May, a three-judge bench of the of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan heard a suo motu case on press conferences given by independent Senator Faisal Vawda and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) leader Mustafa Kamal. The judges issued show-cause notices to the two lawmakers and directed them to explain their position 5 June. The court also directed Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to make available the complete transcriptions of both conferences. Referring to Faisal Vawda’s press conference, the court noted that the senator had discussed matters that are sub-judice and leveled serious allegations against the judiciary and the judges. On Mustafa Kamal’s presser, the court remarked that prima facia a contempt of court was made out. The CJI asked the AAG Aamir Rehman to read out Article 204 of the Constitution and warned that “No one will be allowed to harm the institutions,” referring to the judiciary. The CJI also remarked that despite the availability of “a protected forum” which is the parliament, the lawmakers chose to use a public forum. However, he also reiterated that “discussions about the judges’ conduct are not permissible in Parliament.” (Sohail Khan, “Even parliament can’t discuss judges’ conduct: CJP,” The News International, 18 May 2024 & Sabih Ul Hussnain, “Anti-Judiciary Remarks: Supreme Court Issues Notices To Faisal Vawda, Mustafa Kamal,” The Friday Times, 17 May 2024)
ECONOMY
Government decides to form a commission chaired by the PM to digitize economy
On 18 May, The Express Tribune reported that the government has planned to constitute a commission under the Digital National Framework in order to digitize the economy. The commission will be chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, made the announcement at an event organized by Huawei Technologies in Islamabad to commemorate World Telecom Day. She revealed the government’s intention to digitize the economy “recognizing the need for automation to enhance transparency and infrastructure development in light of a paradigm shift.” She also revealed that policies related to increasing exports with regard to mobile manufacturing and exports were in the final stage of formulation. Mobile phone exports from the country currently amount to 0.2 million units. Underscoring government’s commitment to digital transformation, the minister revealed that several steps were being taken to affirm “every citizen’s right to quality Internet and broadband facilities.” She highlighted initiatives such as the National Fiberisation Policy and the Smartphone for All Policy in this regard. She also highlighted “Pakistan’s immense potential in the ICT space” and government schemes aimed at to boosting the sector, “including awarding of 85 projects worth PKR 80 billion to expand internet access in underserved areas through the Universal Service Fund (USF).” She reiterated government’s commitment towards bridging the urban-rural digital divide. (Zafar Bhutta, “Govt to establish commission to digitise economy,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2024)
No decision on another loan right now, says IMF
On 16 May, in a news briefing in Washington, the IMF’s Director of Communications Julie Kozack confirmed the presence of an IMF delegation Islamabad and its talks with Pakistani authorities. On the question of whether a staff-level agreement on a new loan was imminent or the talks “preliminary, she stated that “On Pakistan, given that there is a mission on the ground, we will wait for them to complete their work and we will communicate the findings of the mission in due course, including, I think, some answers to your questions.” She also provided an update on the second review of the Stand-by Arrangement for Pakistan by the IMF Executive Board, stating that “The completion by our Board of the second and final review of the Stand-by Arrangement reflected the authorities’ strong policy efforts during the time of the standby, which did help stabilise the economy.” (Anwar Iqbal, “Still too early to talk about new loan: IMF,” Dawn, 18 May 2024)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: KP CM threatens to takeover Pesco’s headquarters over load-shedding
On 17 May, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued another warning to the federal government over load-shedding in the province and threatened to take over the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco)’s headquarters if the problem is not solved within 15 days. In response to CM’s earlier warning, Pesco Chief Executive Hameed Akhtar Khan had agreed to revise the loadshedding schedule. However, the CM alleged that the Ministry of Power and Energy and Pesco had not heeded to his request. In his recent warning in the KP assembly, he stated “I will not remain silent on the issue of loadshedding and KP’s rights. I will take extreme measures if my province is denied its due rights.” Highlighting the problem of arrears, he revealed that “The federal government also owes the province PKR 1510 billion in net hydel profit, which has yet to be paid.” He also revealed that the province had not received any funds for terrorism and pegged the owed amount at PKR 16 billion. He further threatened to constitute a fact-finding mission comprising elected representatives to look into the decisions of the previous caretaker government. (Mushtaq Yusufzai, “KP CM gives Centre 15 days to resolve arrears, power issues,” The News International, 18 May 2024)
Punjab: Heatwave conditions to persist over the next four weeks
On 18 May, Dawn reported that in lieu of the Meteorological Department’s warning of imminent heatwaves in the province, it is boosting its preparedness. On 16 May, the Meteorological Department warned of severe heatwave like conditions across the country with “dust storms, thunderstorms, and heavy rains in the country’s northern areas.” The advisory especially highlighted imminent “heatwave conditions” in Punjab and Sindh from 21 May and a “severe heatwave” from 23-27 May. Temperatures in Punjab have already reached the 45-degree mark in many parts including cities like Faisalabad and Sahiwal. According to the met office, there is a possibility of further rise by six to eight degrees Celsius over the next few days. In response to the warning and advisory, Irfan Ali Kathia, the director general of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), entailed steps that are being taken to deal with the situation: Since, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan and Cholistan will probably be most affected, “medical camps, water points and shaded areas are being ensured.” Locally made umbrellas will be made available to the laborers and water bowsers would be used to ensure water availability for both humans and animals in areas deep in the desert. Dawn correspondents, however, did not witness any such activities in the aforementioned districts. (Ahmad Fraz Khan, “Sizzling Punjab dreads imminent heatwave,” Dawn, 18 May 2024 & Jamal Shahid, “Heatwaves to sweep country from 21st,” Dawn, 17 May 2024)
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“Inflation hits hard as Pakistan grapples with its worst economic downturn in 50 years. A daunting 38 per cent inflation rate shakes the nation.”
-Farooq Khan
“According to Pakistan’s Embassy in Bishkek, foreign students living in the Kyrgyz capital, including those from Pakistan, were attacked by locals in the aftermath of their brawl with Egyptian nationals a few days ago.”
-Asad Ali Toor
“This whole system is based on a lie, its only purpose is to protect the lie.The President, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister are all representatives of this false system who have been falsely placed on these chairs and have no authority whatsoever
-ImranKhanPTI
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Muhammad Memon, ‘Elevating pedagogy’
Dawn, 18 May 2024
“Teaching is a noble profession. While educators impart knowledge and prepare students for exams, they also inspire and groom young minds for practical life. Many senior and devoted teachers are trusted as policy partners. The profession, however, demands that practitioners gather knowledge and skills and adopt modern methods to have a lasting impact. This profession, despite being highly valued across the world, has been denied the respect it deserves in Pakistan. Moreover, as compared to medical, engineering, legal and other occupations, teaching is considered a low-wage profession. However, times are changing as, in the past few years, teachers’ salaries and benefits have increased substantially. Hence, it is time that the hackneyed perception prevalent in society changed so that more people become inclined to join this fine force.”
Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, ‘Saga of reserved seats’
Dawn, 18 May 2024
“On May 6, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court suspended the order of the Peshawar High Court which had denied 77 reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and distributed the seats to other political parties in the assemblies instead. The order of the Supreme Court bench resulted in the immediate evaporation of the ruling coalition’s two-thirds majority — at least for the time being. The simple majority of the present dispensation at the federal and provincial levels is, however, not threatened even if the final order of the SC allocates the disputed seats to the SIC. The question of allocation or otherwise of the reserved seats to the SIC in the assemblies is a very important one which has been raised for the first time and will almost certainly require interpretation of the Constitution and Elections Act, 2017.”
Editorial, ‘Ominous demands’
Dawn, 18 May 2024
“The cash-strapped government opened talks with the IMF this week in search of a larger and longer bailout. Nobody expects ongoing engagement with the IMF to be easy, even if the discussions are anticipated to go smoother than before. However, the reports about the demands being made by the Fund and alternative proposals being put forward by the authorities sound quite ominous for the average Pakistani household and salaried classes. A report in this newspaper, for example, says the government is considering a “move to introduce ‘carbon tax’ on petroleum and similar products”. The new levy will be in addition to the petroleum levy of Rs60 per litre on fuel. The report quotes anonymous sources trumpeting the proposed carbon levy as a means to access global green finance, and cheaper loans and grants from multilateral institutions.”
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“Reforms are old policies packaged in novel titles.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Education delusion’
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