Second communication satellite launch from China I Warning on extreme heatwaves
In Brief
AF-PAK
Pakistani delegation visits Kabul, seeks “security cooperation” from Afghanistan on Bisham attack
What has happened?
On 30 May, a delegation from Pakistan met Afghan officials in Kabul to discuss the findings of the investigation into the Bisham attack and seek “security cooperation” in finding and apprehending the perpetrators. The Foreign Office statement on the visit revealed that Interior Secretary Khurram Agha was given “special directions” by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Kabul where the former met Interim Afghan Deputy Minister for Interior Muhammad Nabi Omari.
A Brief Background
On 26 March, five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver were killed in a suicide bomb attack in the Bisham city of Shangla district. On 26 May, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had alleged that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was responsible for the attack and that it had been planned in Afghanistan and “completely operated” from there. He had also claimed the involvement of “hostile foreign intelligence agencies” without naming any and that specific targeting of Chinese nationals was a premeditated plan. In this regard, Naqvi had stated “TTP leadership planned this attack as a flagship project, and enemy intelligence agencies paid them heavily for the attack.” He had also demanded that the Afghan government arrest “three alleged terrorists named Bakhtiar Shah, Qari Abdullah and Khan Lala” and hand over TTP leaders, including its chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsood.
The Afghan defence ministry had denied Pakistan’s claim that the attack was planned in Afghanistan. Afghan defence ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi had described the allegations as “irresponsible and far from the reality” and categorized the claims as a “failed attempt to divert attention from the truth” which was “the weakness of the Pakistani security agencies” as the attack took place in an area “under tight security cover of the Pakistani army.” He had also alluded that the non-involvement of Afghan nationals had been conveyed to China and that the latter had accepted the explanation.
In contrast, earlier this week in a statement, China had supported the findings of the investigation by Pakistan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning had stated the following in a press statement on 27 May: “China attaches great importance to the important progress made by the Pakistani side on the investigation of the terrorist attack. China supports Pakistan in continuing to get to the full bottom of what happened, and hunting down and bringing to justice all the perpetrators.” Ms Ning had further reiterated that “China calls on countries in the region to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, root out all terrorist organizations, remove their breeding ground, and protect the common security and development interests of all countries.”
Pakistan’s statement on the meeting
In a statement on X, the Foreign Office revealed that reiterating its commitment “to prevent the use of their soil for any terrorist activity against other countries, including Pakistan”, Afghanistan has also agreed “to examine the findings of the investigation and expressed the resolve to work with the Pakistan side to take the investigation to its logical conclusion. The two sides agreed to remain engaged to confront the threat posed by terrorism to regional countries and to address the concerns raised by Pakistan.”
Afghanistan’s statement on the meeting
In a statement on X, Ministry of Interior affairs revealed that the first deputy of the Ministry of Interior Affairs, Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari who met with the Pakistani delegation stated that “the Islamic Emirate is committed to not allowing others to use its territory against anyone and we wish the same from others.” Omari termed the “Bisham terrorist attack” a “tragic accident” and adding that “all of us should take responsibility for the security of our areas and instead of diverting issues, we should facilitate in real cooperation.” Further, the minister reiterated that Afghanistan wanted peace for itself and stated that “Our intentions and actions are to promote peace in the region for the benefit of ourselves and everyone.”
References:
Tahir Khan & Abdullah Momand, “Pakistan seeks ‘security cooperation’, raises Bisham attack in Kabul meeting with Afghan Taliban,” Dawn, 30 May 2024
Kamran Yousaf, “Afghanistan agrees to review Pakistan's findings on Besham attack probe,” The Express Tribune, 30 May 2024
“Beijing ‘supports’ Bisham attack probe findings,” Dawn, 28 May 2024
Abdul Moiz Malik, “Afghanistan asked to hand over plotters of Bisham attack,” Dawn, 27 May 2024
Tahir Khan, “Afghanistan rejects claim of its national being involved in Bisham attack,” Dawn, 8 May 2024
POLITICS
PM Sharif assures MQM-P of “big relief” in the upcoming budget
On 30 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised “big relief” to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) in the upcoming budget and stated that the federation is serious about resolving issues in Sindh. He promised reduction in gas prices and power load-shedding in the province. He also assured to provide merit-based jobs and loans to the youths of urban Sindh under the Khushal Youth Programme. The declaration came after the meeting convened between a delegation of the MQM-P led by Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Following the meeting, the PM issued a statement which said: “Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan is an important coalition party of government and will work together with the allied parties to solve the issues being faced by the country.” PM Shehbaz has emphasized the importance of Karachi as the country's economic backbone and its importance in the government's priorities. During a meeting, on the federal budget for 2024-2025, the MQM-P delegation also presented suggestions, which the prime minister welcomed. The party raised concerns about youth unemployment in urban Sindh, inflation, power and gas load-shedding, and hefty bills. PM Shehbaz promised relief in the upcoming budget, job opportunities, and loans for solar panels in collaboration with the Akhut Foundation. The MQM-P delegation also demanded the early completion of the K-4 project and a five-year socio-economic and cultural development plan for Karachi. (Rizwan Shehzad, “PM promises ‘big relief’ in the budget to MQM-P,” The Express Tribune, 31 May 2024)
JUDICIARY
LHC to hear a petition against PM Sharif’s remarks on judges
On 31 May, the Lahore High Court is set to hear a contempt of court petition against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for allegedly using “inappropriate words” regarding judges of the superior judiciary. Lawyer Ashba Kamran filed the petition arguing that his act should be prosecuted for contempt of court. This development comes following PM Sharif’s remarks in his speech where he had stated that some “black sheep” in the judiciary were determined to provide relief to Imran Khan. In response, on 30 May, two judges of the Supreme Court asked the premier to move a reference if he suspects any “black sheep” in the court than using the “shoulders of the judiciary” to settle scores. The remarks were given while hearing an appeal challenging the 15 September judgment of the apex court, which had ruled the amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance illegal. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail questioned, “Why do parliamentarians always use the shoulders of the judiciary to settle their scores and why are the court’s judgments appreciated if they are in someone’s favor and criticised if not.” However, the attorney general took the rostrum and said he discussed this issue with the premier and clarified that the latter had never referred to “sitting judges” of the superior courts. As a response, Justice Athar Minallah quipped that the judges were not “black sheep” but “black bumble-bees”, an ostensible reference to their ‘sting.’ (Nasir Iqbal, “Stung by PM’s remark, SC judges clap back,” Dawn, 31 May 2024 & Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “LHC to hear contempt plea against PM today,” Dawn, 31 May 2024)
SOCIETY
LPG gas shop explosion in Hyderabad kills two and injures several
On 30 May, a major explosion occurred in a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder shop in Hyderabad’s Preetabad area resulting in a fire that and a fire killed at least two and injured 49 others. After the first blast, people tried to put out the fire, however, they experienced severe blasts and some adjacent houses and shops in the area also caught fire. As a result, 51 people suffered burns and were taken the hospital. The eyewitnesses accused the fire brigades of reaching the accident spot thus worsening the situation. Later, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the burns wards of Civil Hospital Karachi and directed the Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho to visit. The RMO of the Civil Hospital claimed that most of the injured were children and women. Deputy Mayor Saghir Qureshi assured that action against those responsible for the Municipal fire brigade would be taken immediately. Deputy commissioner Zainul Abedin Memon revealed that the establishment of LPG shops in a densely populated area is illegal and risky and warned that action would be taken against the owners as per the law. (Aftab Ahmed, “Two killed, 49 injured in Hyderabad LPG cylinder shop blast,” The News International, 31 May 2024)
CLIMATE
NDMA warns of extreme heatwave conditions in some parts of the country
On 30 May, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) cautioned that the extreme heatwave conditions would prevail across parts of Sindh and Punjab in June. The temperatures are likely to remain above 48 degrees Celsius. From 31 May to 5 June, dust storms, gusty winds, and light rain are possible in the country’s upper region like a few places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and PoK. In Balochistan and Sindh, dust storms are expected. In Punjab, the northern parts of the provinces are likely to experience thunderstorms and isolated showers for the next two days. According to the authorities of the National Emergency Operations Centre, Sindh, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Tando Ala Yar, Matiari, and Sanghar would be affected and Punjab, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur are likely to experience heatwave conditions. NDMA advised the authorities to remain alert and prepare to tackle the situation. It also urged the citizens to stay hydrated and to refrain from outdoor activities between 11 am to 3 pm. Separately, Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfraz denied the possibility of rain during Eidul Azha and predicted the heatwaves would continue until 4 June. (“More heatwave warnings issued for June as Sindh continues to sizzle,” Dawn, 31 May 2024)
SECURITY
Another girls’ school attacked by miscreants in Balochistan
On 30 May, officials revealed that unknown armed men attempted to set fire to a girls’ middle school in Surat district of Kalat division in Balochistan. This resulted in some parts of the school being destroyed. According to the officials, on 29 May, the attackers set the staff room on fire at night and escaped before Police reached the spot. A case was registered under terrorism laws to investigate the incident which is the second such attack targeting girls’ schools in a week. The continuous attacks have raised concerns and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for immediate action. In a letter to the KP Chief Secretary, the ministry’s secretary wrote: “The federal government is deeply alarmed by these developments, which not only endanger the lives of our children but also threaten the progress we have made in promoting education and gender equality in these regions.”
Separately, the police arrested a former teacher named Faridullah after a complainant dropped his name. Following the investigation process, the police sources have confirmed his involvement in the torching of a girls’ school in North Waziristan that happened on 28 May. Recently, attacks on schools have surged in North and South Waziristan districts. On 9 May, terrorists set a girls’ school in the Shawa area of South Waziristan on fire. On 17 May, eight days later, unidentified terrorists blew up an under-construction girls’ private school in the lower South Waziristan district. (Saleem Shahid and Pazir Gul, “After KP, miscreants target another girls’ school in Balochistan,” Dawn, 31 May 2024)
SPACE
Pakistan launches its second communication satellite PAKSAT MM-1 from China
On 30 May, Pakistan launched its second communication satellite, PAKSAT MM-1 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC)in China. It will deploy at an altitude of 36,000-kilo metres above the Earth and will take three to four days to stabilize in its designated orbit. It is aimed at advancing the country’s “digital communication infrastructure.” Suparco delineated the satellite’s importance: “The satellite is expected to contribute to the establishment of a sophisticated communication network and help meet the growing demands of the telecom sector.” PAKSAT MM-1 weighs five tons and carries latest communication equipment. Suparco detailed that the satellite with its advanced capabilities will address the increasing demand for high-speed internet and seamless connectivity. It will also provide communication services in C, Ku, Ka Bands and SBAS services in L Band. Prime Minister praised the successful launch stating “I, along with the entire nation, am proud of our scientists achievement.” (“Pakistan's second communication satellite PAKSAT MM-1 launched into space,” The Express Tribune, 30 May 2024)
|
Proud is the mother who gave birth to a son like Imran Khan and proud is the son of the nation like Imran Khan who sacrificed the government, ate bullets, endured fascism but did not compromise on the stance of achieving the true freedom of the nation. What did
- PTI
Until Imran Khan's name came, the live streaming of the case continued, but when Imran Khan came, the live streaming was stopped.
This decision has put a question mark on the transparency of the court, Babar Awan
- PTI North Punjab
Today we are called political conspiracy elements only after 8 February 9 May. Despite the worst fascism, Imran Khan and Tehreek-e-Insaf have got the most mandate, so is the whole of Pakistan conspiratorial elements?
- Tehreek-e-Insaf
|
|
|
|
Zafar Mirza, ‘New politics at last’
Dawn, 31 May 2024
“The quagmire is evident in our debt-driven economy and shameful human development indicators. Our neonatal mortality rate is second only to that of Lesotho, a sub-Saharan African country. If considered by region, the neonatal mortality rate in Balochistan alone would be the highest in the world. Two indicators put together speak volumes about the mess we have created in Pakistan by ignoring the people: 26 million of our children are out of school, which is the highest number in the world and around 40 per cent of children suffer from stunted mental and physical growth — that is, uneducated, stunted children. But these children are not yours or mine. They are out there somewhere. Sometimes we catch a glimpse of the tip of these icebergs from the windows of our air-conditioned cars, but we never realise the depths of the submerged mountains.”
Syed Mohammad Ali, ‘Withering freedom of expression’
The Express Tribune, 31 May 2024
“It should not be surprising to note that less than a quarter of the global population is now considered to be living in countries which are described as being ‘open’ or offering ‘less restricted environments’ to freely express opinions. This categorisation is based on the Global Expression Report, which offers a data-driven assessment measuring the freedom to express, participate, and communicate ideas not only by journalists and activists but also by ordinary citizens.”
Kamila Hyat, ‘Where are we headed?’
The News International, 31 May 2024
“In the first place, there appears to be a complete absence of any kind of policy planning. Indeed, this has been the story of Pakistan, decade after decade, since it was created in 1947. At an average of every 20 years, a new education policy is put in place. This is not the right way to take forward education, or for that matter anything else, on an incline, which will lead to success and achievements in that field. A consistent policy is required to reach any destination. Wavering along a path which twists and turns in various directions according to the whims and fancies of the current government simply diverts from this. At the present moment, we have a situation where at least half of the population is functionally illiterate and perhaps a far larger percentage than that is barely able to write a simple sentence in any language. This ability is expected of a grade 5 student, according to international educational standards.”
Editorial, ‘‘Mob justice’ courts’
Dawn, 31 May 2024
“Ideally, the criminal justice system and the existing courts should have the capabilities to investigate and try cases of mob violence. But because this alarming trend appears to be growing, special courts could be used to deal with the problem. If the state does establish ‘mob justice’ courts, they need to be staffed with regular judicial officials, and not members of the clergy. Moreover, they should deal with cases of alleged desecration, as well as mob violence committed in the name of punishing ‘criminals.’ These institutions should not go the way of antiterrorism courts, which were set up to deliver ‘speedy’ justice, yet have failed to live up to their mandate.”
Editorial, ‘This land is our land?’
The News International, 31 May 2024
“All this leads one to question what the point of gaining independence was if our leaders do not plan on reforming or doing away with the laws of our former colonial masters. If the empire was unjust, how can its laws be otherwise? Aside from an outdated legal system, this issue also points to a highly unequal one. A poor man’s house or shop can become an encroachment but an expensive housing colony built over seized farmlands is apparently all above board. More pertinently, the spread of encroachments is largely a consequence of the inability to provide adequate housing to the poor. This should be the solution to the encroachments, not furthering the destitution of the underprivileged by forcing them from their homes.”
Editorial, ‘Escalating crime’
The Express Tribune, 31 May 2024
“To address this spiraling crisis, heightened police presence in crime hotspots should be visibly heightened to deter potential offenders. Such dedicated police units must be better equipped with advanced technology and resources to track and apprehend criminals swiftly. Apart from this, corruption within the police must be eradicated through stringent accountability measures. The police force itself must undergo a comprehensive overhaul.”
|
|
|
“Efforts by activists have failed to secure even basic financial support for seniors.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Youth and longevity’
|
|
|
