Chaman protestors’ attack anti-polio campaign team, injuring five; PM Sharif departs for five-day visit to China
In Brief
POLITICS
Cipher Case: Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted by Islamabad High Court
What has happened?
On 3 June, the Islamabad High Court acquitted PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case. The “short verdict” was announced by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb in response to pleas challenging the duo’s conviction. According to Dawn, the court in its order stated that the petitioners “shall be released forthwith, if not incarcerated in any other case.” However, Khan and Qureshi will remain incarcerated as they are serving out sentences in other cases- Imran Khan in the Iddat case and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in eight cases related to the 9 May violence. On 28 May, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore had extended Qureshi’s physical remand until 5 June in the aforementioned cases. Nevertheless, the current verdict is a major win for both Imran Khan and the PTI.
A Brief Background
The case pertains to a diplomatic “cipher” that was sent to Islamabad last year by Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US which Imran Khan cited as evidence of US involvement in his ouster. The document detailed a meeting between US State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan. The contents of the document were published by The Intercept. An excerpt published stated “Don[ald Lu] referred to Pakistan’s position on the Ukraine crisis and said that ‘people here and in Europe are quite concerned about why Pakistan is taking such an aggressively neutral position (on Ukraine), if such a position is even possible. It does not seem such a neutral stand to us.’ He shared that in his discussions with the NSC, ‘it seems quite clear that this is the prime minister’s policy’.” Another excerpt published stated “I (Asad Majeed Khan) asked Donald Lu] if the reason for a strong US reaction was Pakistan’s abstention in the voting in the UNGA [United Nations General Assembly]. He categorically replied in the negative and said that it was due to the Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow.” Further, the cipher had allegedly revealed that the US was willing to forget Pakistan’s transgression/stance on the Ukraine war if the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was successful. Subsequently, a special court established under the Official Secrets Act had sentenced both Khan and Qureshi in January for ten years each in the case for “misusing and misplacing the classified diplomatic document.” The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) charge sheet in the matter had alleged that the cipher was never returned by then-PM Imran Khan.
Some responses to the acquittal
PTI: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub celebrated the verdict and described Khan and Qureshi as “political prisoners” on X and called for their immediate release. PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan similarly celebrated the verdict and wrote on X that it was “a big day for the leader and the party” and termed the case as “a fake, frivolous and fraudulent case.” The verdict was also hailed by other PTI leaders like Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Government: On the contrary, the federal government’s spokesperson on legal affairs, Barrister Aqeel Malik, in a press conference after the verdict stated that the cipher case is a “reality” and that the courts should be “mindful” while dealing with cases pertaining to national security. He also revealed that once the detailed verdict is available “the prosecution will decide on challenging the IHC’s ruling after the issuance of a detailed verdict.” He also dismissed claims that Khan and Qureshi had been sentenced “at the behest of any individual.”
Legal Experts: An article in The News International has revealed that legal experts believe that “the prosecution failed to make its case in the cipher proceedings” leading to the duo’s acquittal. Legal Experts have also warned that this was not the end of the road as an appeal would likely be filed. PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar told Geo News that the case was “unfounded and patently unfair in that Imran and Qureshi’s lawyers were not allowed to appear on their behalf. Imran was not even allowed to give testimony in his defence. Any court that saw this would have given the verdict that the IHC has given.” Speaking to Geo News, Former attorney general Anwar Mansoor Khan called the case “motivated” and claimed that “There was no evidence in it.” Supreme Court advocate Basil Nabi Malik told The News International “it was always apparent that the proceedings failed to meet the standards of natural justice that are guaranteed under Article 10-A, as well as other settled principles as expounded upon by the courts.”
References
Awais Yousafzai, Faizan Bangash, Khalid Iqbal &Mumtaz Alvi, “Big relief for PTI as IHC nixes Imran, Qureshi conviction in cipher case,” The News International, 4 June 2024
Umer Burney, “Major boost for PTI as IHC acquits Imran, Qureshi in cipher case,” Dawn, 3 June 2024
Rana Bilal, “Lahore ATC remands PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi for 9 more days in May 9 cases,” Dawn, 28 May 2024
Sanaullah Khan, “Copy of cipher ‘missing’ from PM House records, cabinet told,” Dawn, 30 September 2023
Anwar Iqbal, “Leaked ‘cipher’ hints at US pressure over Russia visit,” Dawn, 10 August 2023
PM Sharif orders dissolution of Pakistan Public Works Department
On 3 June, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the immediate dissolution of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) on the grounds of years-long poor performance and corruption. He issued this order during a high-level meeting that focused on reducing government expenditure and the size of the infrastructure. He underlined that the Pakistan PWD had failed to achieve its objectives. He also urged for an alternative mechanism to replace the department and to take over the development projects assigned toit. The meeting witnessed the participation of several senior officials and ministers. Regarding the reduction of government expenditure, the PM notified a report by a committee, which recommended abolishment of certain government entities and the merger of others. The committee was headed by Chairman Deputy Planning Commission Jehanzeb Khan. (“PM directs immediate abolishment of Pakistan Public Works Department,” The Express Tribune, 3 June 2024)
JUDICIARY
IHC issued to de-seal PTI Secretariat
On 4 June, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to immediately de-seal the PTI’s central secretariat. Justice Thaman Rifat Imtiaz issued a reserved verdict after the hearing. The judgement stated that the “CDA has failed to establish that the sealing of the Subject Property was carried out after issuance of the mandatory notices and passing of Sealing Order as per the various provisions of the CDA Ordinance and its Regulations and which is also a requirement of natural justice that has to be read into every statute as per settled law.” During the hearing, PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen argued that the CDA had included all notices in their record but did not mention the current notice. He accused CDA of fraud by claiming that it did not send the notices to PTI and it was sent to owner Sartaj Ali. Earlier the CDA had sealed the PTI Central Secretariat in Sector G-84 on 24 May for violating building by-laws. Following this, a confrontation between PTI activists and the police occurred, leading to the arrest of PTI Islamabad President Aamir Mughal. The CDA had issued several warnings and notices to the plot owner and in the absence of compliance a sealing order was issued 10 May 2024. (“IHC orders to de-seal PTI secretariat in Islamabad,” The Express Tribune, 4 June 2024)
ECONOMY
USD ten billion in foreign debt due for repayment
On 4 June, The Express Tribune revealed that the Pakistan's central bank has reported a high foreign debt obligation of USD ten billion in June and July 2024putting pressure on government officials to seek loan rollovers and arrange financing to repay it on time. The country's foreign exchange reserves currently stand at USD nine billion leaving a miniscule space for the government to do both: settle debt with available reserves and liberalize imports. Optimus Capital Management Head of Research Maaz Azam restated Pakistan borrowed USD three billion from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between June and July last year, followed by the first USD one billion tranche of the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) loan in July 2023. The multilateral and bilateral assistance of USD four billion in June and July 2023 may be part of the potential rollover and repayment in June and July this year. Pakistan is expected to secure the next IMF loan program of USD six to eight billion for three to four years to ensure foreign debt repayment without interruption and provide a cushion to support economic activities through financing imports. The country is required to repay and roll over a total of USD 27.52 billion over 12 months (May-April 2024 to 25). However, the IMF's conditions for the program will be tough, including increased energy tariffs, rupee depreciation, and elevated interest rates, which will strain economic activities amid less-than-required foreign exchange reserves. (Salman Siddiqui, “Pakistan has to repay $10b by July,” The Express Tribune, 4 June 2024)
Inflation slumps to 2.5 year low
On 3 June, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measured headline inflation rate stood at 11.8 per cent in May compared to the same period in the previous year. This unexpected decline is due to “a slump in food prices and some correction in fuel rates.” This is also the lowest rate since November 2021, when it was recorded at 11.5 per cent. In addition, the PBS data showed that food inflation decelerated in cities and rural areas. For the first time in years, the prices of various goods actually decreased in May compared to a year ago. Core inflation has also slowed down to 12.3 per cent in urban areas and 17 per cent in rural areas, almost seven per cent lower than the policy rate. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has kept the policy rate at the historically high level of 22 per cent despite significant room for reduction and the fact that inflation was not demand-driven. The next year's average inflation target is 12.5 per cent, the headline inflation is now 11.8 per cent and even the average core inflation rate is 15 per cent and there is no reason to retain the policy rate. This is the fifth consecutive month that the rate of growth continued to decline. Further, another blow to inflation might come from a budget shock that seeks to impose an 18 per cent sales tax on all items, excluding those tied to exports. Additionally, Pakistan has been requested by IMF to maintain its strict monetary policy, which has cast doubt on the central bank's assertion of independence. (Shahbaz Rana, “Inflation plummets to 2.5-year low,” The Express Tribune, 4 June 2024)
Federal budget 2024 to 2025 presentation on 10 June casts doubt, says Dawn
On 4 June, Dawn reported that doubts have been casted on Pakistan’s federal budget 2024 to 25 presentation on 10 June as the important customary ingredients are still missing. The government has not yet commissioned the National Economic Council (NEC)and its meeting which is essential for reviewing the current year’s macroeconomic situation and development program and approving the next year’s economic and development agenda has not been scheduled. This is because the unavailability of PM Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb who are on a four-day visit to China until 8 June. Further, the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) meeting led by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Jehanzeb Khan, has for the first time taken place without informing the planning minister about its schedule or development and macroeconomic indicators. The meeting missed some major sectors in the allocation of funds and project review, such as the National Highway Authority, the Ministry of Finance, its development portfolio, and the water sector. Some changes cannot be ruled out by the time the NEC meeting is called, although the planning minister appears helpless for now. In addition, the budget strategy paper (BSP) for the next fiscal year has not yet been shared with parliament, due to political uncertainties and the absence of standing committees of the Senate and National Assembly, particularly those related to finance. This will be the first time in recent history that the BSP has not gone through the parliament, and there is no time left for the exercise. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Uncertainty clouds budget presentation,” Dawn, 4 June 2024)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif departs for five-day visit to China
On 4 June, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set off for a five-day official visit to China in order to “boost Sino-Pak relations.” PM Sharif was invited by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and is his first visit first since his re-election. During the visit, he is set to meet President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji. He is also scheduled to speak at the Business-to-Business Forum which will be attended by 79 Pakistani companies followed by a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. The visit also aims to upgrade the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries which saw considerable “high-level exchanges” and “productive co-operation” on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Further, both countries are poised to implement key agreements reached for the second phase of CPEC. (“PM Shehbaz Sharif departs for China on five-day visit to strengthen bilateral ties,” The Express Tribune, 4 June 2024)
SECURITY
Chaman protestors’ attack anti-polio campaign team, injuring five
On 3 June, Chaman protestors attacked an anti-polio campaign team to restrict their entry into the region. The anti-polio campaign had been launched nationwide to vaccinate more than 16.5 million children under the age of five. Chaman Deputy Commissioner (DC) Raja Athar Abbas confirmed that the incident and also revealed that there were attempts to steal weapons from the police and security officers. He further added that two security personnel, one police, and two female workers were injured. He also said that the case against the accused will be registered under anti-terrorism provisions arguing that “protesting is a constitutional right, but if violence is resorted to, the state will take action as per the law.” Additionally, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind also condemned the act and noted that the district administration is taking action against them. Rind warned: “No one will be given the right to take the law into their own hands,” and ordered that the injured will be provided best health facilities. Separately, Chaman protest committee leader Sadiq Achakzai asserted that entry will be denied to all government campaigns until the protestors’ demand were met. He said: “We have boycotted the anti-polio campaign and campaign officials and we do not wish to cause harm to any polio worker or security personnel who is not a part of the door-to-door campaign.” (Abdullah Zehri, “2 Levies personnel, 2 women polio workers injured in Chaman ‘attack’ by protesters,” Dawn, 3 June 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: 11 die inside a coal mine due to methane gas
On 3 June, at least 11 people lost their lives by inhaling methane gas inside a coal mine belonging to the United Coal Mining in the Sanjdi area, near Quetta. Nine coal miners, a coal company manager, and a contractor from the Swat area died in the incident. Abdul Ghani Shahwani, Chief Inspector of Mines in Balochistan stated: “The coal miners were working around 1,500 feet deep in the mine when the gas eruption started and quickly spread to the place. All the coal miners fell unconscious.” Rescue teams from the mines department rushed to the site immediately after no signal from inside the mine. The bodies were later shifted to a nearby health facility. The coal mine has been sealed and directed to inquire about the incident. Separately, on 2 June, in a gun attack, two coal miners Karimullah and Abdul Naeem were shot down, and Fazal Rahman was injured in the Duki district. Additional SHO Akhtar Jan Hasni confirmed the attack and mentioned the use of hand grenades by the attackers. Following this, the infuriated public held a protest and a sit-in in front of the DC office carrying the body. (Saleem Shahid, Methane gas kills 11 inside Balochistan coal mine,” Dawn, 4 June 2024)
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An operation theater for example does 10 surgeries a day, we can use that operation theater for 10 patients, then when the technology comes, it will go to 20 or 25. There will be more surgeries, the second benefit will be that the quality of surgery will be much better and the third thing is that our people will also learn from this new technology. Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah
- Tehreek-e-Insaf
Sindh Government of Pakistan People's Party, implementing its public manifesto, has started the process of issuing "Benazir Hari Card" under which more than one and a half lakh farmers will be given cards under the Wheat Batch Reimbursement Program. will be provided.
- PPP
After the decision of the Islamabad High Court, a precedent has been set that you will not be told anything in return for doing whatever you want with the state secret documents and creating whatever narrative you want around them. The powerful in Pakistan can do anything. It is because of these people that Pakistan is in this condition.
- Saad Kaiser
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Arifa Noor, ‘A changing world’
Dawn, 4 June 2024
“While the press release was wide-ranging, it also spoke of “politically motivated and vested digital terrorism” against “state institutions” aimed at inducing “despondency in the Pakistani nation, to sow discord among national institutions, especially the armed forces, and the people of Pakistan by peddling blatant lies, fake news, and propaganda”. Most commentators interpreted this as being directed at the use of social media by the PTI. No wonder, then, that this point was discussed in detail, along with other issues highlighted. Many read it as a warning to the party. However, interpretations aside, it also sent some of us in search of the meaning of the term ‘digital terrorism’. The manner in which it was used — spreading despondency and discord among people and institutions through fake news and propaganda — seems different from many of the definitions available at forums which research terrorism or cyberterrorism or digital terrorism, where definitions vary, as they also do in the case of terrorism.”
Kamran Yousaf, ‘A new challenge for Pakistan’
The Express Tribune, 3 June 2024
“Pakistan was one of the only three countries that recognised the Taliban’s first rule from 1996 to 2001 but this time it went with the international consensus on the question of recognition. The understanding among the big players and stakeholders remained in place for good two years before the international consensus started blowing apart. The first sign of rupture came in March when China accepted the full time ambassador appointed by the Taliban regime. Though Beijing never officially recognised the Taliban government, accepting a full time Ambassador was seen as tacit recognition.”
Raza Hussain Qazi, ‘Children at climate risk’
The News International, 4 June 2024
“During the forthcoming UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, delegates from nearly 200 nations will seek to fulfil ambitious climate financing goals and accelerate national action on climate change to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. In this context, subsequent to the completion of the first global stocktake (GST) at COP28, parties have called upon the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) to conduct an expert dialogue on children and climate change during its 60th session. The purpose of this dialogue is to examine the disproportionate effects of climate change on children and explore appropriate policy measures. This initiative seeks to involve pertinent United Nations entities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in addressing this matter.”
Editorial, ‘Tyranny of learning’
Dawn, 4 June 2024
“SCHOOL education in Pakistan plays no constructive role in cultivating a civic sense in students. It fails to prepare responsible citizens. The social studies school curriculum claims a paradigm shift to an inquiry-based approach, focusing on ‘student constructed’ learning, instead of teacher-transmitted information. It also recognises that learning experiences must be relevant to students’ daily lives.”
Editorial, ‘A victory for PTI’
The News International, 4 June 2024
“The legal opinion regarding the case has been that the January verdict was given in such haste just before the February 8 polls that it had led to a lot of questions as far as due process was concerned. There has also been an assessment that 10 years was an extreme sentence in the cipher case, and it should have been around two years maximum. Per legal experts, this is how the IHC verdict should be looked at: a weak case without substantial evidence was not made, the cipher in question was not exhibited, and overall, the prosecution was so weak that it was all but inevitable that the two men would be acquitted. Even those who had argued that Imran as PM had compromised official diplomatic code when he talked about the contents of a diplomatic cable say that the merits of a legal case were not followed in the cipher trial. The government meanwhile is waiting for the detailed verdict for its next legal strategy – which presumably may involve appealing the verdict.”
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“Timely steps can avert a disaster.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Monsoon menace.’
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