Kurram jirga helps ease Pakistan and Afghanistan border tensions; Finance minister considers SMEs, tech, and agriculture as three priority sectors
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Over 350 Pakistani students return from Bishkek amid contradictory reports on current situation
On 19 May, over 350 Pakistani students landed in Lahore and Islamabad following security concerns in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar downplayed the mob violence in the region by saying there was no need to panic. During a press meeting in Lahore, Dar confirmed that four special flights would transport 540 more students to Pakistan. He stated: “So far, around 50 students have let the embassy know they wish to go on this flight.” Dar refuted claims that a “Pakistani student died in Bishkek mob violence,” and blamed these rumours on a “certain” political party. However, “four or five” Pakistanis were injured in the violence. Urging the 11,000 Pakistani students in Bishkek to trust the Kyrgyz authorities, he highlighted how the Kyrgyz foreign minister had repeatedly assured him that there was no need to panic. The Kyrgyz foreign minister claimed that the incident was due to a “misunderstanding.”
Pakistan’s President’s House contacted the ambassador in Kyrgyzstan, stressing the need to take immediate measures to protect Pakistani students there. In response, the ambassador assured that the security situation was “improving.” However, as per media reports, students said that the embassy was not providing any help and that the situation was still bad with foreign students remaining unsafe on the roads. These reports added: “Foreign students locked themselves in their hostel rooms but the Kyrgyz students broke in and tortured them.” (Imran Gabol & Syed Irfan Raza, “Over 300 return as govt downplays Kyrgyz unrest,” Dawn, 20 May 2024)
Pakistan to contest UNSC elections for the eighth time, promises to boost developing countries
On 20 May, The Express Tribune reported that while vying to secure a UN Security Council (UNSC) seat for the eighth time, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, pledged that the country would articulate the aspirations of developing countries, work towards securing peace in the Middle East and Africa, and promote the right of self-determination for people under foreign occupation. Elections for five of the non-permanent seats will take place on 6 June, and Pakistan currently has the endorsement of the 55-member Asian Group. Akram made this statement during a video conference with members of the US-based Pakistan Students Association Coalition (PSA Coalition), adding that if elected, Pakistan would play a leadership role in addressing “issues like Kashmir, Afghanistan and counterterrorism.” The PSA Coalition comprises US-based Pakistani student associations from multiple colleges, committed to preserving the Pakistani identity and traditions. On Kashmir, Akram said that the UNSC resolutions provided the realization of the right to self-determination by Kashmiris, and asserted that the Indian government could not alter the international status of the dispute. He highlighted Pakistan’s two-time role as the President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in which the country advocated vaccine equality and the creation of new money for developing countries to help them combat COVID-19. Currently, Pakistan is asking “for redistribution of the unused SDRs among those developing countries that are in acute need to realize their commitment to Sustainable Development Goals and deal with the challenges of climate change.” (“Pakistan pledges to promote peace after becoming UNSC member,” The Express Tribune¸ 20 May 2024)
AF-PAK
Kurram jirga helps ease Pakistan and Afghanistan border tensions
On 18 May, a jirga of tribal elders and officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire after four days of border clashes along the border of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Earlier on 17 May, clashes erupted between the Pakistani and Afghan forces, instigating a widespread displacement from the Kharlachi border crossing in Kurram. Tribal elder Jalal Bangash said that the jirga was held at the Kharalachi border crossings, where local elders and officials from both sides agreed to make a joint peace committee to “make efforts for maintaining peace in the area.” Due to the problems faced by people from both sides of the border, the jirga decided to implement a ceasefire and mentioned that the crossing would be opened subsequently. Local reports detailed hardships for residents, the closing of schools, and the suspension of cross-border trade. (“Tribal elders help Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to truce,” Dawn, 19 May 2024)
ECONOMY
Finance minister considers SMEs, tech, and agriculture as three priority sectors
On 20 May, Dawn reported that during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Banks’ Association, the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mohammad Aurangzeb, said that the banking sector’s recommendations for the three priority sectors of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), digital and technology, agriculture, are crucial for growth and sustainability. He expressed hope that the “banks will continue to work with the government in the revival and growth of the economy.” The purpose of this initiative, as per the minister, is to encourage the entire sector to contribute to these priority fields as per their size through the use of voluntary targets and not “directed lending.” For the agricultural sector, recommendations included restructuring crop loan insurance schemes, revitalizing agricultural cooperative banks, and upgrading provincial agricultural cooperative legislation. During the meeting, focus was placed on enhancing banks’ support for these sectors. PBA Chairman Zafar Masud presented multiple recommendations developed in consultation with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). (Khalid Hasnain, “Banking sector proposals critical for SMEs, tech and agriculture, says Aurangzeb,” Dawn, 20 May 2024)
POLITICS
PTI alleges violations of polling rules in NA-148 by-polls
On 19 May, the PTI alleged violations of polling rules and rigging in the National Assembly 148 Multan by-election, claiming that the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate Barrister Taimur Malik and his representatives were not permitted inside the returning officer’s (RO) office to oversee the compilation of results. The party warned that if any SIC candidate was not permitted inside, then it had the right to reject the election. PTI leader Zain Qureshi asserted: “We are protesting peacefully against this blatant violation. I urge the Multan administration to allow our candidate to enter the RO office. Any result issued without our candidate’s presence will not be accepted, and the party reserves the right to a peaceful protest as guaranteed by the Constitution.” Taimur Malik took to X to question why the system is “against a free and fair conclusion to the election process” and continues to “repeatedly suppress the public’s will.” Why does it repeatedly suppress the public’s will? The people of NA-148 and Multan know the actual result. He also called on the Election Commission of Pakistan to carry out free and fair elections. (Imran Adnan, “PTI slams ‘violation of rules’ in NA-148 by-polls,” The Express Tribune, 20 May 2024)
SOCIETY
Teachers organizations in Punjab form committee to protest proposed privatization of schools
On 19 May, The Express Tribune reported that a group of teachers’ organizations in Punjab announced a demonstration opposing the handing over of 13,000 government schools to non-government organisations (NGOs), deeming the decision as an attempt to privatize public education. Leaders from the Punjab Teachers Union, Punjab Educators Association, and SS Teachers Association formed a joint action committee to lead the protests. From 20 May, teachers will be wearing a black band on their arms while performing their duties. The committee will publish an action plan for the protest. Teacher union leaders Muhammad Shafiq Bhalwalia and Malik Amjad said that the privatization would lead to the commercialization of school property, resulting in increased fees and a rise in out-of-school children. There is also a fear of a reduction in teaching and non-teaching staff in the government. The protestors accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz words of deviating from her pre-poll promise of not privatizing schools and demanded for cancellation of the plan. (Qaiser Shirazi, “Teachers launch protest drive against privatisation,” The Express Tribune, 19 May 2024)
PR EXCLUSIVE UPDATE #16
PUNJAB WHEAT CRISIS
Punjab Food Department spokesperson clarifies “misinterpretation” of a notification
On 19 May, a spokesperson for the Punjab Food Department clarified that there has not been any restriction on wheat transportation, in response to a notification issued two days before which gave the impression that the government was banning inter-provincial wheat movement. He added the officers posted at check posts will keep a record of grain transports to check the quantity of grain sent to each district and province. The department blamed a “misrepresentation” of the notification for the ensuing confusion. Additionally, the spokesperson said that elements were linking a letter written by the federal government to prevent the smuggling of items with the transportation of wheat. (Amjad Mahmood and Ikram Junaidi, “No ban on wheat movement, says Punjab Food Department,” Dawn, 20 May 2024)
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Deeply concerned to learn of the helicopter incident in East Azarbaijan, Iran, involving President Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Our thoughts are with them, and with the brotherly people of Iran, during this critical time. We earnestly pray for their safety and swift recovery.
- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Even if our rulers remain silent, the people of Pakistan stand with the people of Gaza. Participants in the Gaza Million March in Peshawar sent a powerful message to their Palestinian brothers and sisters: the Ummah stands firmly with you. Victory is destined for you! The defeat of Israel and its supporters is not far off. Those who collaborate and cooperate with Israel will soon face humiliation.
- Naeem ur Rehman
Pakistan has lost a dear friend. I express my grief & sorrow over the death of my friend President of Iran, Seyed Ibrahim Raisi, FM Hossein Amirabdollahian & their companions. Mr Raisi was a hardworking & principled leader, representing a strong nation, with a clear vision for the independent & dignified stature of the Islamic world. Personally, I found him a very intelligent man, with a cheerful and charming personality. May his soul rest in peace and may Allah (SWT) award the shaheed a place in Jannah. I also offer my condolences to our brother Irani nation and exhort them to continue moving towards their goals with patience and perseverance. My nation is with you in this moment of crisis and grief.
- Dr Arif Alvi
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Maleeha Lodhi and Ahmad Junaid, ‘Beyond the economic crisis’
Dawn, 20 May 2024
“To be sure the IMF’s bailout package and rollover of foreign loans helped to avert a breakdown. The government is now in discussions with the Fund for a larger, longer-duration loan deal, which will be the country’s 24th IMF programme. But meeting IMF conditionalities cannot be the be-all and end-all of economic policy. An IMF package is necessary but not sufficient to achieve durable stabilisation and chart a path to resilient economic growth. A Fund programme should be one component of the country’s own long-term plan and strategy. It cannot serve as its substitute.”
Abdullah Khalid, ‘Serving digitally’
Dawn, 20 May 2024
“The true impact of digital transformation in Pakistan hinges on its implementation at the grassroots level by local governments. While digitalising local governance can revolutionise service delivery, citizen engagement and governance through improved transparency and accountability, local bodies often lack the resources and technology to serve effectively. Digitalisation, supported by necessary legislative and financial empowerment, can modernise services, facilitate citizen feedback and promote accountability, ensuring that every community benefits equally from digital advancements through superior access and digital literacy.”
Faateh Nasir, ‘Cutting through the red tape’
The News International, 20 May 2024
“It appears that the winds of change are upon us, as the arrival of this ‘investment’ will ease the task of our Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, as he negotiates a structural bailout programme with our patrons in the West. The $5 billion deposit by the Saudi government, would not only serve to re-assure the IMF regarding Pakistan’s active network of friends, but also signals tacit support from the White House. As per US diplomat Donald Lu’s testimonial wish to see Pakistan as a “country that’s peaceful, democratic, and prosperous”, it is quite clear where Washington currently stands. The present government has seemingly restored the status quo, between the traditional benefactors in the US and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Imtiaz Gul, ‘Pak-US CT partnership: are we missing the point?’
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2024
“The killing of five Chinese engineers — working at Dasu dam — near Bisham in March also belongs to the endless string of the perpetual terrorist violence, not only claimed by TTP but also Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and similar Baloch groups. These are just a few glimpses of the litany of proxy terrorism that has been rocking Pakistan for years. It intensified after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 and rose to alarming levels after the TTP unilaterally revoked the temporary ceasefire in November 2022.”
Editorial, ‘Wheat price crash’
Dawn, 20 May 2024
“Punjab’s farmers are going through difficult times, exacerbated by policy failure and the import of over 3.4m tons of wheat shortly before the bumper harvest on the direction of the caretaker government. The imports had facilitated traders to make quick bucks at the cost of both farmers and urban consumers who paid higher prices for low-quality imported wheat. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was quick to set up a probe committee to pin responsibility for the decision to import at a time when the country had adequate stocks from the last harvest and authorities were expecting a record wheat output on the back of a significant increase in the area under cultivation.”
Editorial, ‘Violence in Bishkek’
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2024
“Pakistan’s Foreign Office, after setting up necessary liaison with authorities in Bishkek, have called upon the students to remain indoors till the volatility subsides. But media postings from the students indicate a state of exigency, and they are in need of immediate security. Same is the case with other foreign students, as the situation is fluid and there is no real-time information on what is going on. Video clips emanating from the restive campuses are full of brutality, and it seems the locals are on a warpath. Apparently, it is a free-for-all as a case of mistaken identity.”
Editorial, ‘A second chance’
The News International, 20 May 2024
“Several surveys and news programmes carried out by private outlets show that many children have to face false charges. A child involved in a road accident, for example, is charged with terrorism. Or a child involved in mobile snatching is implicated in a drug case. For children from low-income families, these complexities make matters worse. Their financial constraints mean they remain stuck behind bars for a long time. Children need to be disciplined, but they should also be given a chance to improve themselves and that can only be done when children have access to a team of trained people who can help them rehabilitate and become highly productive citizens of the country.”
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“A new generation of educated young people is redefining politics in AJK and GB”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘AJK and GB movements’
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