Imran Khan acquitted in two more 9 May cases; Pakistan has received foreign loans amounting to USD 7.14 billion in the current fiscal
In Brief
POLITICS
Imran Khan acquitted in two more 9 May cases
On 30 May, a district and sessions court in Islamabad acquitted Imran Khan in two more 9 May related cases due to “insufficient evidence.” The reserved verdict was announced by Judicial Magistrate Umar Shabbir. The cases were registered in the Shahzad Town police station, after Khan’s arrest on 9 May from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises that had triggered nationwide protests including attacks on military installations. PTI lawyer Mirza Asim Baig stated that the FIR was lodged against Imran Khan accusing him of Section 109, however, no evidence had been provided. According to the Judicial Magistrate’s verdict, the FIR had accused Khan of inciting others. The verdict claimed insufficient evidence to prove Imran Khan’s guilt and it stated “the court cannot proceed with the case against the PTI founder based on such evidence.” Earlier this month Khan had also been acquitted in another 9 May case registered at Khanna Police Station. (“Court acquits Imran in two May 9 cases,” The Express Tribune, 30 May 2024)
Council of Islamic Ideology reiterates its demand for the establishment of a special court to try ‘mob vigilantism’ cases
On 29 May, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in a meeting condemned the mob vigilantism culture in the country and reiterated the demand for the establishment of special courts to investigate cases related to it. The meeting was convened after a frustrated mob went on a rampage following rumors that some torn pages of the Holy Quran had been found outside the home of a Christian in Sargodha’s Mujahid Colony on 25 May. The meeting was chaired by CII’s new head, Dr Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naimi. The council also issued a statement condemning the act: “The Council condemned the sacrilege of the [Holy] Quran and those who attacked the Christian families and their homes, and urged “severe punishment” for the both sides. Dr Niami also stated that “There is an urgent need to impart awareness and knowledge among citizens that they cannot take law into their own hands, especially since mob justice is against the teachings of Quran and Sunnah, as well as the Constitution.”
In September, a similar meeting had been called to discuss the 16 August Jaranwala incident and establishment of special courts had been suggested to the government. A similar suggestion had been made by the CII in December 2021 after a mob lynched Priyantha Kumara Diyawadanaa. , (Kalbe Ali, “Council of Islamic Ideology suggests special courts to try ‘mob justice’ cases,” Dawn, 30 May 2024)
JUDICIARY
Government reveals whereabouts of “missing” poet to IHC
On 29 May, the government disclosed the whereabouts of the “missing” poet Ahmed Farhad Shah to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) revealing that he had been arrested by the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir police. Later, he was kept in the Dhirkot Police Station and an FIR was filed. AGP Mansoor Usman Awan informed the IHC judge that Shah was arrested under Section 186 of the "Azad Penal Code" (APC), the PoK version of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). An FIR was filed for “obstructing the discharge of official functions.” However, his family stated that he had been shifted to Muzaffarabad station and charged with many cases. SSP Muzaffarabad Yaseen Baig confirmed that Mr Shah had been given to the Saddar police, where he faced various sections of APC, Telegraph Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. He also claimed that Mr Shah was produced before the Magistrate and remanded in custody for three days. The revelation pushed the IHC to question functions of spy agencies into a grey area. Justice Kayani also asked whether there was any rift between the judiciary and other institutions. Earlier, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani farmed 12 questions related to the functions and obligations of spay agencies like Inter-Services Intelligence, Military Intelligence, and the Intelligence Bureau. (Malik Asad and Tariq Naqash, “‘Missing poet’ resurfaces in AJK police custody,” Dawn, 30 May 2024)
ECONOMY
PML-N organizes a special meeting to review upcoming budget preparations
On 29 May, a special meeting was held by the PML-N to review the upcoming year’s budget preparations. In the meeting, it was decided that the financial plan will be finalized in accordance with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s demands. Proposals for “drastic” cuts in the government expenditure were also mulled over. The budget might, however, be delayed to the second week of June due to PM Shehbaz Sharif’s scheduled visit to China from 4 to 8 June. The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, however, will be held as per plan on 3 June. According to Dawn, the budget process is being directly monitored by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and his team. Several forums seeking finalization of macroeconomic targets and determining the size of the public sector development program (PSDP) are waiting for the final clearance from the team. Preparation for the formal summaries and their calculation for the Annual Planning Coordination Committee meeting is lined up for 31 May. (Zulqernain Tahir and Khaleeq Kiani, “‘Pro-people’ budget in the works at Jati Umra huddle,” Dawn, 30 May 2024)
Pakistan has received foreign loans amounting to USD 7.14 billion in the current fiscal
On 30 May, The News International reported that Pakistan has received a total of USD 7.14 billion dollar in foreign loans in the first ten months of the current fiscal. This is not inclusive of the USD 3 billion provided by the International Monetary Fund under the Standby Arrangement (SBA) programme. If this is added, the total disbursement would amount to USD 10.3 billion, which is lesser than USD 13 billion which was received during last ten months of the previous fiscal. The USD 7.14 billion dollar in foreign loans also includes USD 100 million oil facility from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) facility of ITFC. However, the requested oil facility on deferred payment by Pakistan from Saudi Arabia has not been resumed yet. Separately, the Ministry of Finance has accepted that expenditure remains “expenditure remains under significant pressure due to rising mark-up rate.” This has been managed by adopting “a prudent expenditure management strategy” leading to a reduction in mark-up rate. Consequently, a primary surplus of 1.5 per cent of GDP has been achieved raising hopes that the full-year primary surplus target of 0.4 per cent of GDP can be met. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan receives $7.14bn inflows in first 10 months of fiscal year,” The News International, 30 May 2024)
SECURITY
Another girls’ school attacked in North Waziristan
On 27 May, the Golden Arrow Public School for girls in Shakhimar village, in North Waziristan was set on fire during the night by unidentified miscreants. The furniture, ceiling, and computers were all destroyed. The school was established with the help of the Pakistan Army’s Seventh Division and the Shakhimar Welfare Society. Earlier in March, the school had been fired at by unidentified armed men causing damage to its solar system. The local people denounced the incident and demanded swift reconstruction of the school. Previously, on 10 May, a private school for girls in Shewa tehsil in North Waziristan had been blown up by suspected militants. (“Girls’ school torched in Waziristan,” The News International, 29 May 2024)
Pakistan’s nuclear programme does not commit to ‘No First Use (NFU) policy, says National Command Authority advisor
On 29 May, during a seminar at the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Adviser to the National Command Authority (NCA) Lt Gen (retired) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai stated that Pakistan’s nuclear programme does not commit to ‘No First Use (NFU) policy regarding nuclear weapons. There have been speculations around Pakistan’s stance on NFU as it has deliberately maintained “ambiguity” in response to India’s stance. Kidwai further stated: “The Indian gung-ho leadership may like to think about it there should never ever be a doubt in anyone’s mind, friend or foe, that Pakistan’s operationally ready nuclear capability enables every Pakistani leader the liberty, the dignity and the courage to look straight into the Indian eye and never blink.” His statement has come at a time when there are “contentious discussions about Pakistan’s nuclear programme during the ongoing Indian elections.” Kidwai also hinted at the need for “Advancements in technology including what is referred to as emerging technologies” to boost the nuclear programme. In addition, he went on to highlight the horizontal nuclear weapons deployment of robust tri-services. It includes Army Strategic Force Command (ASFC) at land, Naval Strategic Force Command (NSFC) at sea, and in the air with Air Force Strategic Force Command (AFSC). Vertically it includes increasing destructive weapon yields and range coverage, he added.
Similarly, Director General of the Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs (ACDA) branch of the SPD, retired Brig Zahir Kazmi mentioned some of the emerging and enduring threats to the country’s nuclear programme. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “‘Pakistan doesn’t have No First Use policy’,” Dawn, 30 May 2024)
Four Pakistani nationals killed and two injured -in cross-border firing by Iranian forces
On 28 May, four Pakistani nationals were killed and two others injured during a firing by Iranian forces along the Judar-Bacharai border in the Washuk district of Balochistan. A senior official from the Mashkel administration confirmed: “Iranian forces opened fire inside the Pakistani border.”An official posted at the border revealed that the killed and injured Pakistanis were involved in the supply of Iranian smuggled oil. However, Akhtar, one of the injured, stated that they were waiting for the oil consignment when they were fired at. He also revealed that four Iranians had been killed and taken away by the Iranian forces. (Saleem Shahid, “Four killed in firing from across Iranian border,” Dawn, 30 May 2024)
EXTERNAL
EXIM Bank of the US interested in financing the Reko Diq gold and mines project in Pakistan
On 30 May, The Express Tribune reported that the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of the United States has shown interest in funding the Reko Diq gold and mines project. The estimated cost of the project is expected to be between USD 6 billion to USD 6.5 billion and the project requires USD 3 billion to USD 3.5 billion in debt financing. Pakistan is considering a US loan for the procurement of earth-moving machinery for the Reko Diq project. The loan, however, is contingent upon granting preferred creditor status to the Exim Bank, a status which is available only to multilateral lenders. The matter has been discussed at the level of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the US Ambassador to Islamabad, Donald Blome. The spokesman of the finance ministry, Qamar Abbasi, also said that “a number of financial institutions are exploring the possibility of financing the Reko Diq project.” A spokesperson for the US embassy underscored that the US is committed to working with Pakistan to promote the US-Pakistan trade, investment, and overall economic relationship. If all sides agree to a deal, it would be the first major US investment in Pakistan in decades. Based on the Saudi Arabian investors’ briefing, the project is expected to have a life of at least 40 years and is expected to be completed in two phases with a combined process capacity of 80 million tonnes per annum. The US lending would also help in securing loans from other creditors.. (Shahbaz Rana, “US interested in giving loan for Reko Diq mining project,” The Express Tribune, 30 May 2024)
MARITIME
MSC Anna, the largest ever container vessel, docks at South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT)
On 29 May, MSC Anna, the largest container vessel docked at the South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT). The vessel is 400 meters long and equipped with a capacity of 19,368 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU). The Karachi Port Trust referred to it as “a testament to the country’s growing maritime capabilities” and “a significant milestone in the maritime history of Pakistan.” The Hutchison Ports Pakistan welcomed the vessel. CS Kim, CEO of Hutchison Ports Pakistan stated: “Hutchison Ports Pakistan is proud to host such massive ships, reflecting our commitment to enhance Pakistan’s maritime industry.” Larger vessels are expected to reduce shipping costs, boost government revenue, enhance port activities, bolster trade and contribute to economic growth. (“Maritime milestone for Pakistan as ‘largest’ container vessel docks at KPT,” The News International, 30 May 2024)
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I share the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the accident. Balochistan government should ensure better treatment of the injured. There is a need to create a new traffic mechanism with the help of modern technology to prevent accidents, citizens should also play their role: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- PPP
Imran Khan's message has always been clear: the Armed Forces must stay within their constitutional bounds. Whenever they have chosen to go beyond & act against their own people, the country has paid a heavy price including the break-up of Pakistan. Unfortunately, the lessons of history have not been learnt as the same mistakes continue to be repeated with the same disastrous results.
- Imran Khan
Another U-Turn by Imran Munafiq Khan. Now he’s saying that America was not involved in conspiracy, only Bajwa was. “After 11 months in prison, I am certain that this ordeal orchestrated solely by Gen Bajwa. I hold no one else responsible”. What about “Absolutely Not” now? JHUTA!
- Saad Kaiser
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Khurram Husain, ‘The great CPEC mirage’
Dawn, 30 May 2024
“In mid-May, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelled to Beijing to attend the Fifth Round of the China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, following which a joint statement was issued. Some mention of CPEC was made in it, specifically an agreement to “accelerate progress on major connectivity projects including upgradation of ML-1, the Gwadar Port, realignment of Karakoram Highway Phase II, strengthen cooperation in agriculture, industrial parks, mining, information technology and other fields according to local conditions”. Of these ML-1 is a mirage, a multibillion-dollar project. At the outset, the Chinese refused even to pay for the costs of its feasibility. There is little to no chance that Pakistan will take on a $6bn-$7bn loan to pay for this project. We’ve been hearing about it for years, but it is a mirage.”
Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, ‘The alarm bells of terrorism’
The Express Tribune, 29 May 2024
“Today, K-P is also suffering from the backlash of our Afghan policy from 1979 onwards. Bombs targeting public places were a common occurrence, widely considered as a reaction to our Afghan policy. The province remained subjected to sabotage acts till the fall of Dr Najeebullah government in 1996. With the emergence of Taliban though, the situation changed and the area observed relevant peace. But, elements within Afghanistan were active elsewhere. Our Afghan policy set in motion new actors imbued with the ideology of jihad. These non-state actors pursued jihad and, in the process, attracted nationals of all hues to their ranks with an aim to push back the erstwhile Soviet Union and bring down the communist regime in Afghanistan. On course, their ideological bond cemented further.”
Shafqat Mahmood, ‘Making the national divide worse’
The News International, 30 May 2024
“The vicious attack by apparently transgender persons on Raoof Hasan, the PTI information secretary, is a barometer of how low we have sunk. Not only that the attack itself is disgraceful, but it is also a real shame that not a single perpetrator has been arrested even a week after the incident. Whether this was a motivated attack or just a vicious street crime, the inaction by the Islamabad police is sad and certainly not doing the government’s image any good. Given the sensitive nature of the crime – spokesperson of a major political party being assaulted – a daily bulletin should have been issued indicating the progress of the investigation. No such thing. Not a word. Silence.”
Yousuf Nazar, ‘Pakistan’s drift into chaos’
The News International, 30 May 2024
“First things first, let’s recognize that Pakistan is not lacking in policies. On the contrary, there is an abundance of policies and counter-policies across various sectors, each designed with specific objectives in mind. However, the implementation of these policies often occurs within isolated departmental boundaries, leading to missed opportunities for synergy and collaboration. This lack of an integrated approach results in policies that do not complement or support one another, ultimately undermining their effectiveness. This fragmentation is particularly problematic for a country like Pakistan, where interrelated challenges require cohesive and coordinated responses.”
Editorial, ‘Foregone times’
Dawn, 30 May 2024
“THE past, as they say, is a foreign country. It seems that the PML-N’s leadership has chosen to live there. Nawaz Sharif’s speech at the ceremony held this Tuesday to commemorate his re-election as party president seemed like a melancholic reminder of how much potential the seasoned politician has squandered in recent years. The occasion was meant to announce Mr Sharif’s return to business; instead, he seemed unable to let go of the past, which he ought to have realised by now he has no real power to change. His speech, like other speeches in recent months, dwelt at length on the injustices meted out to him seven years ago. He obsessed over people long gone, whom he blamed for spoiling his dreams of a more prosperous Pakistan. He also spoke extensively on a conspiracy allegedly hatched against him some 10 years ago by a military general in cahoots with his main rivals. But was the public listening?”
Editorial, ‘Killer roads’
The News International, 30 May 2024
“There is a roundabout in Karachi that is named after a snake. Locals say that the number of accidents at this junction was too high; like a snake, the road kept devouring whoever came closer to it, compelling them to give it an unusual name. Unfortunately, this is true for most of the country’s road infrastructure. Potholed, neglected and narrow roads are a recipe for disaster, but our authorities have vowed to not go beyond lip service. This inaction has once again resulted in a fatal accident in Balochistan’s Turbat where a bus travelling to Quetta fell into a ravine, on Wednesday (May 29). At least 28 passengers out of the 54 onboard died on the spot. Killer roads across Pakistan have been calling for the attention of authorities for decades. In this incident, a bus tyre burst and overturned the vehicle. Roads on the two sides of a ravine are generally narrow, and even the slightest change in a vehicle’s direction can lead to a big catastrophe.”
Editorial, ‘Heightened polio threat’
The Express Tribune, 29 May 2024
“The resurgence of the poliovirus in key areas such as Quetta, Karachi and the Peshawar-Khyber region signifies a significant setback for Pakistan’s public health efforts. Despite conducting four polio vaccination campaigns, the country has failed to achieve the desired results, indicating severe inefficiencies and underlying issues within the current polio eradication programme. This situation is not just a public health crisis but also a national embarrassment. It is clear that the current approach is not yielding the expected outcomes, necessitating a comprehensive review and overhaul.”
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“In Pakistan, health inequalities are visible to the naked eye.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Plugging the gap’
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