In Brief
POLITICS
Lahore High Court grants post-arrest bail to PTI leader Chaudhry Parvez Elahi
On 21 May, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the release of Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Punjab Chief Minister. He was granted post-arrest bail by Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmed in a case pertaining to alleged irregularities in appointments in the Punjab Assembly. The case involves charges under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947 and dates back to 3 June, 2023. The judge accepted his bail petition stressing the need for further investigation in the matter. The bail has finally ensured relief for Elahi after almost a year of legal battle fraught with “conditional bail grants and subsequent dismissals.” Earlier, LHC Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq had stopped authorities from re-arresting Elahi, however, he was immediately arrested by Islamabad police on his release. Speculations are rife on Elahi’s current release with rumors of his release contingent upon “undisclosed commitments.” (Rana Yasif, “Elahi released without a press conference,” The Express Tribune, 21 May 2024)
Constitution Amendment Bill to bar dual nationality lawyers from becoming judges submitted to NA secretariat
On 22 May, the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024 was submitted to the National Assembly Secretariat by Noor Alam Khan, a parliamentarian of Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan and former chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The bill proposes to bar lawyers with dual citizenship or nationality from becoming judges of the Supreme Court or any of the High courts. It also seeks to amend Articles 177, 193, and 208. Further, a person holding dual nationality or citizenship of any other country will also be ineligible to become an officer or servant of any court. was another clause proposed. Stressing the need to ensure the allegiance of judges to the country under Article 5 of the Constitution as they are in a position of “authority and trust,” the bill argues that a person having dual citizenship may not be able to uphold this.(“NA moved to bar dual nationals from becoming judge,” The News International, 22 May 2024)
ECONOMY
Pakistan’s provisional growth rate for the current fiscal turns positive, agriculture biggest contributor
On 21 May, the National Accounts Committee (NAC) held its 109th meeting under the Secretary of the Planning Ministry, and pegged the provisional GDP growth for FY 2023-24 at 2.38 per cent, a significant improvement from FY 2022-23’s negative growth rate: -0.21 per cent Despite missing the target growth rate of 3.5 per cent, the rate achieved was higher than projected by both the IMF and the World Bank. The projected growth rate, however, is insufficient to tackle issues of poverty and unemployment in the country. The growth was led largely by the agricultural sector which witnessed a provisional growth of 6.25 per cent whereas the industrial and services sector saw 1.21 per cent growth. The per capita income also increased to USD 1680 as compared to USD1568 in the previous year. Agricultural growth was driven by increased productivity of crops like wheat, cotton and rice Sugarcane production and maize production fell as compared to the previous year. Separately, the industrial sector saw growth in the mining and quarrying sectors which is driven by crude oil production, coal, and other minerals like limestone and marble. Additionally, electricity, gas, and water supply industries witnessed negative growth by 10.55 per cent due to subsidies reduction. In the services sector, the wholesale and retail trade expanded. (Mehtab Haider, “GDP worked out to be 2.38pc in FY24,” The News International, 22 May 2024)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meets Pakistani nationals injured in Bishkek mob violence
On 21 May, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Pakistani nationals in Bishkek following the recent mob violence the Kyrgyz capital. Immediately after arriving in the country, Dar visited an injured Pakistani national Shahzaib at the National Hospital, Bishkek, who expressed his wish to return to Pakistan. Dar directed for his discharge and he is expected to travel back with the deputy prime minister on a special aircraft. Separately, Pakistan has repatriated 347 more students from Bishkek on 21 May through two special aircraft. In addition, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has commissioned two more flights to repatriate students. While addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), Dar detailed Pakistan’s current priorities are promoting connectivity, transport links, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and enhanced practical cooperation among SCO member states. The deputy prime minister stressed the need for upholding international law and the UN charter. He emphasized the importance of combating terrorism through collective and cooperative efforts. (Mohammad Asghar, “Ishaq Dar arrives in Bishkek as another 347 students return,” Dawn, 22 May 2024)
SECURITY
Checkpost in Panjgur district attacked by unknown armed men
On 21 May, around 20 armed men attacked the Phalabad checkpost in Panjgur district. Five Levies force personnel were taken hostage and their official weapons, mobile phones, vehicle, and motorcycle were snatched. The attackers then escaped by locking the force personnel in a room. A large force of Levies Force rushed to the checkpost and launched a search operation. Following this, a Levies Force personnel found a body in the Jalali-Hak area of Panjgur was later identified as Wasim Ahmed, a resident of Nokabad Tusp, Panjgur. (Behram Baloch, “Levies Force post attacked in Panjgur,” Dawn, 22 May 2024)
SPACE
Pakistan to launch communication satellite with Chinese help
On 21 May, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced the launch of PAKSAT MM1, a multi-mission communication satellite. It is scheduled to be launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, China on 30 May. SUPARCO stated: “This satellite project is the hallmark of technological cooperation between China and Pakistan.” It is equipped with advanced communication technologies and will play a significant role in the socio-economic upliftment of the country and “transformation of the country into digital Pakistan.” Suparcoalso mentioned that the launch will be telecast live from Karachi and Islamabad establishments of Suparco. Suparco further stated that the investment in satellite infrastructure will attract investment, create high-tech jobs, and stimulate innovation. It highlighted: “While the upfront costs of satellite development may seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment.” (Jamal Shahid, “Suparco to launch PAKSAT satellite on 30th,” Dawn, 22 May 2024)
PR EXCLUSIVE UPDATE #17
PUNJAB WHEAT CRISIS
Farmers hold protests countrywide, PKRC reveals demands charter
On 22 May, Dawn reported that responding to a call for protest by the Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee (PKRC), farmers led several protests in 30 different districts of the country. The protestors are demanding the start of procurement of wheat from farmers and action against people involved in the wheat scandal. While addressing the protest, PKRC General Secretary Farooq Tariq tabled the charter of demands of the farmers. It contains the immediate procurement of wheat from farmers, arrest of those involved in the wheat scandal, compensation for farmers affected by it, market regulation to ensure fair price withdrawal of grain import policy rejection of ‘neoliberal’ and ‘anti-farmer’ policies of the International Monetary Fund, and strict action against those lending money to small farmers on interest. (Amjad Mahmood, “Farmers rally countrywide to press govt on wheat purchase,” Dawn, 22 May 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab: JAC to challenge the Defamation Bill,2024 in court
On 22 May, the Joint Action Committee in an emergency virtual meeting rejected the Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, referring it as “black law.” It stated that the bill was passed in the dark of night without consulting any of the stakeholders and by negating the suggestions put forward by the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA). It also decided to challenge the bill in the Lahore High Court. The JAC underscored that all the possible efforts would be taken in a phased manner to clarify that the media organizations are not against making laws but should be made with consultation. The committee underscored several clauses in the defamation bill like malicious tribunals, fines, enactment of new laws, multiple points of suppression of expression that deprive the freedom of press, and legislation against fundamental human rights which will not be accepted under condition.
On the other hand, while addressing the Geo’s Shahzeb Khanzada on Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari justified the bill arguing that it was not rushed and that work was in in progress on the same for the past two months. In response to the APNS and PBA recommendations, she asserted: “Whatever points APNS and PBA had brought up, we did make some (two) amendments keeping those in mind.” When asked about the possibility of delaying the bill by a week, the information minister did not respond, said Dawn. (“JAC to move court against Punjab defamation bill,” Dawn, 22 May 2024)
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I am deeply grateful to the people of Multan and jiyalas who have once again demonstrated that people, chose positive politics that seeks to address their genuine issues over hate, hypocrisy and perpetual protest.
- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
So, if you make speech in Sindh thats forwarded to Punjab (or concerns anyone in Punjab) you can be sued there. And if for any reason you didn’t get summons or are refused leave, automatic decree follows & u have to deposit 30 lacs b4 appealing or seeking to set aside decree
- Salahuddin Ahmed
Political differences aside, NOBODY, and I repeat, NOBODY deserves this type of treatment. PML-N, PPP or PTI, nobody deserves to be attacked like this. I’m a PML-N supporter and I condemn this cowardly attack on Raoof Hasan. Only “cowards” attack like this. He’s old for God’s sake!
- Saad Kaiser
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Naveen Hussain, ‘Preparing for crises’
Dawn, 22 May 2024
“A Karachiite of my acquaintance owns a small farm which has previously been used for weekends in the country. He fears that with rising inequality and hunger, civil unrest will increase. And if the US initiates another regional war, Pakistan may get dragged in again. He is preparing to move to his farm to become a full-time homesteader. He believes that this will be the safest place to ride out any coming storm. Homesteading is an off-grid, self-reliant lifestyle. His farm is well stocked with fruit and vegetables, and he rears a few chickens and other animals. Solar panels provide electricity, and he has a water bore for clean drinking water. This is classic homesteading. All that’s needed is to store non-perishable foods and pickle and preserve surplus fresh foods.”
Rafia Zakaria, ‘Warrants for war criminals’
Dawn, 22 May 2024
“Unsurprisingly, Khan’s statement was met with criticism from all sides. Hamas leaders accused him of equating the victims of the war with the perpetrators. Israel’s deputy attorney general in turn denounced the action, calling it completely “divorced from facts” and accused it of making a “mockery of the heinous charge of genocide”. The request for warrants is now with the judges of the ICC, who will evaluate whether the evidence submitted by Karim Khan is adequate for the warrants to be issued. If they decide that there is adequate evidence submitted in support of the arrest warrants, these will then be issued. Once issued, the warrants can be enforced in any one of the 124 countries that are signatories to the treaty that created the ICC, which is “the world’s only permanent international court with a mandate to investigate and prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes”.”
Farhan Bokhari, ‘Cost of reversal’
The News International, 22 May 2024
“In brief, Pakistan’s way forward will just not lead towards greater stability surrounding the economy, irrespective of the costs enforced on consumers – including solarized ones. In recent years, Pakistan’s electricity consumers were encouraged to adopt solar generation as a way to increase power generation, using a natural source with no fuel cost involved. The practice has clearly become popular with a variety of consumers, from the high end urban ones to rural dwellers. The idea of ‘net metering’ as repeatedly mentioned encouraged consumers to sell the power they generated to the national grid, while getting billed for any power consumed on top of what was sold. In many instances, consumers who ran surpluses were given an electricity credit for future use.”
Editorial, ‘Bulldozed bill’
Dawn, 22 May 2024
“In a demonstration held after the Monday session of the Punjab Assembly, the Lahore Press Club president recalled that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had joined the protests when the PTI had been attempting to strengthen Peca to make it more effective in suppressing public criticism. But here she was now, going ahead with equally condemnable legislation “aimed at gagging the media”. Was her earlier position based merely on political expediency? Has her party considered what the consequences of such a law would be in case it once again runs afoul of the powers that be? The last time this happened, its leadership was still able to vent its frustration and publicly name those whom it held responsible. The ability to do so kept it alive politically. The next time it happens, the party and its leaders would be condemned to suffer in silence thanks to the law they have just passed.”
Editorial, ‘A plan against plans’
The News International, 22 May 2024
“All that transpired in 2014 was not really just about individuals. It ended up destroying the roots of democracy in Pakistan. After the Musharraf era, both the PPP and the PML-N tried to establish a new democratic order envisioned in the Charter of Democracy (CoD). It did not mean that they didn’t do politics against each other – they did, from the PPP imposing Governor rule in Punjab to Nawaz’s long march for the restoration of judiciary to his role in the Memogate case, both parties opposed each other politically. The one thing they did not do was hatch conspiracies against each by using interventionist institutions to oust each other’s governments. The other thing they did do was form a consensus on provincial autonomy and other such issues – the 18th Amendment and NFC Award were two examples of what political parties could achieve if parliament worked together for the betterment of the people. Politicians were taking back the space that was ceded in the Musharraf era. The media and judiciary also grabbed some space for themselves.”
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“An unsteady government is also using coercive action to silence dissent.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘A state of chaos’
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