Five-day flight test project begins in New Gwadar International Airport; SC issues notices to 34 TV channels for airing critical remarks
In Brief
Sharif's China Visit: Day Two
PM Sharif promises security for Chinese workers in Pakistan, invites Huawei to invest in tax sector
On 5 June, the second day of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, hundreds of business leaders from Pakistan and China attended the Pakistan-China Business Forum. While addressing the meeting, Sharif highlighted bilateral trade and investment potential in the sectors of Chinese technology, industry and partnership in IT, and agriculture. He also assured Chinese investors of all-out facilitation and foolproof security in Pakistan. Appreciating the Chinese model of development and economic transformation, he stated: “I will go back to Pakistan with this resolve, come what may, we will follow this model of great economic transformation in Pakistan. This model is enough to copy and simulate if we are sincere to our purpose and people. By God, I can tell you this is difficult but not impossible.” Sharif called on Pakistani businessmen to speak with their Chinese counterparts to find ways to move Chinese textile industries to Pakistan and initiate collaborations in steel and other industries. He highlighted that Pakistan had mineral deposits worth USD ten trillion and its exports stood at USD 30 million, and explained that these deposits could be converted to finished and semi-finished goods for exports.
During his address, Sharif also touched upon the attack on Chinese workers in Besham, and after offering condolences assured that the government had taken measures to ensure the foolproof safety of Chinese workers in Pakistan. He vowed: “I will spare no effort to protect the lives of Chinese workers and assure and guarantee that we will provide them security more than our children. This will never happen again.” Separately, Sharif visited the headquarters of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei and invited the company to invest in Pakistan’s tax and e-governance sectors and simultaneously enhance its presence in Pakistan’s multiple Safe City projects. He extended an invitation to the Huawei chairman to invest in the introduction of modern technology in agriculture. Following this, Sharif attended the signing ceremony of a framework agreement between Huawei and Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology, as part of which the company will provide free training to 200,000 youngsters in IT. Huawei will also support Pakistan in establishing Safe Cities, e-governance, and help digitalize the economy. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz in China pledges full support, security for investors,” Dawn, 6 June 2024)
POLITICS
PPP Chairman Bhutto-Zardari expresses concern over “politics of hatred” in Pakistan
On 5 June, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari showed discontent with the politics of hate while calling on the government to shift its focus from Imran Khan and instead address public issues. He pointed out that Pakistanis are “not interested in the politics of hatred” but rather want “solutions to their departments.” Thus, the “information department should also focus on resolving issues” as it “makes no difference to people” what Khan is doing. Warning that the absence of a democratic approach could lead to continual losses, Zardari stated: “We must focus on our work. It is our responsibility to deliver performance.” Saying that Sindh’s Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah apprised him of the economic situation and fund uncertainty, Zardari assured that “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will fulfil his promise and resolve these issues before the budget.” Placing attention on the PPP’s success in Sindh, he explained that the province should “concentrate on enhancing” its services with the available resources, and that “ministers must work diligently and visibly.” He additionally lamented over the “politics of hate” which is prevalent “across the country.” (“Bilawal urges govt to focus on public issues, not Imran Khan,” The Express Tribune, 5 June 2024)
Two PTI leaders questioned by investigative team looking into controversial X post
On 5 June, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) asked PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and spokesperson Raoof Hasan to join an investigation into the controversial post from Imran Khan’s X account. The court also restrained the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from harassing PTI leadership over this matter. After this order, the PTI leaders appeared before an investigation team and were questioned separately. Hassan was questioned about Khan’s focal person, Azhar Mishwani, and the head of the PTI’s social media team, Jibran Ilyas. He told investigators that his role is limited to print and electronic media, and claimed that the post had been published without his knowledge or approval. Separately, Barrister Gohar confirmed that the two individuals were responsible for handling social media content relating to the PTI and Khan. (Malik Asad, “PTI leaders quizzed on ‘1971 tweet’ after IHC nod,” Dawn, 6 June 2024)
JUI-Sheerani officially announces decision to join opposition alliance led by PTI
On 5 June, the Sheerani group of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Pakistan formally announced its decision to join the PTI-led opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP). Before this announcement, a delegation of the JUI-Sheerani led by Maulana Shuja-ul-Milk called on the National Assembly’s opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan and former speaker Asad Qaiser and told them of their intention to join the alliance. Ayub noted that the PTI will “always hold Maulana Sheerani’s political stance in high regard.” He added that the parties must “work together for restoration and protection of Constitution in the country,” and highlighted how both parties wanted the Constitution to be adhered to and the rule of law restored. (“JUI (Sheerani) formally joins PTI-led opposition alliance,” Dawn, 6 June 2024)
JUDICIARY
SC issues notices to 34 TV channels for broadcasting remarks by lawmakers criticizing the judiciary
On 5 June, the Supreme Court (SC) issued show cause notices to 34 television channels and questioned why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for airing remarks made by two lawmakers criticizing the judiciary. As per an order dictated by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, contempt is constituted of “reporting, broadcasting, and telecast of the press conference,” which is why show cause notices will be issued to all television channels through the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra). The channels will be “required to submit an explanation why proceedings should not be initiated against them for committing contempt of the court.” Isa was heading a three-judge SC bench which was hearing a court-initiated contempt case against Senator Faisal Vawda and MNA Mustafa Kamal for their outburst against the judiciary during two separate press conferences. After this, the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan argued that the channels should have been mindful of their duty under the constitutional command to not use their platform to vent contemptuous assertions against the judiciary. The hearing was adjourned for 11 June. (Malik Asad & Nasir Iqbal, “SC puts 34 TV channels on notice for airing Faisal Vawda, Mustafa Kamal pressers,” Dawn, 6 June 2024)
CPEC
Five-day flight test project begins in New Gwadar International Airport
On 4 June, the New Gwadar International Airport in Pakistan which was made with help from China, began carrying out a five-day flight test project as the project is set to enter its final sprint stage, as per the airport’s project management team. The head of this team. Ding Kan, said to Xinhua that the flight test work of the airport, located in Gwadar and organized by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is being built under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This activity’s objective is to check the standardization and safety of the project’s navigational facilities and aids, flight procedures, and road surface performance, and the test serves as a nodal target of the project’s construction. After the flight test is completed, the project will enter its final stage, and as per Kan, the airport is set to be completed and handed over to local authorities in 2024. One of CPEC’s flagship projects, the airport’s construction began in October 2019, and after its completion, it is set to become a modern landmark in Gwadar.
Separate from the new airport, there is also a Gwadar International Airport located 14 kilometres from the centre of the city. In 1958, the government bought Gwadar from Muscat’s Sultan, and air operations began in 1966. It became an international airport when two weekly flights were initiated from the airport, from Karachi to Muscat via Gwadar. This airport was also considered as Balochistan’s biggest airport, catering mainly to Gwadar’s population. The Pakistan International Airlines was the main airline flying out of the airport connecting Gwadar to Karachi, Turbat, Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, and other cities. Later, Oman Air also began operating from the airport. (“China-aided airport in Gwadar starts flight test,” The Express Tribune, 5 June 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Seven arrested after Chaman protestors ransack DC office
On 5 June, after local authorities uprooted protestors’ camps and reopened the Quetta-Chaman highway, some of the sit-in participants ransacked the deputy commissioner’s office, which later led to seven arrests and the highway being blocked again. As per officials, the local administration, Frontier Corps and Levies officials removed boulders and barriers from the road as part of an operation, with some accounts even alleging that camps had been set on fire. The re-opening allowed hundreds of trucks and vehicles loaded with Afghan transit and goods that had been stuck in Shela Bagh to cross. However, when security personnel left the site, the protestors blocked the highway again and pelted trucks and Levies officials with stones on the outskirts of Chaman. Though the police used tear gas shells to control the situation, tensions escalated and multiple people gathered in front of the DC office in Chaman to lodge their protest against the operation. Some of the gathered individuals entered the office and ransacked it, damaging furniture and equipment before Levies force dispersed the crowd and arrested seven. The district administration issued a statement in which it asserted: “The protesters have crossed the red line and now FIR would be registered against them on terror charges.” A spokesperson for the Balochistan government also criticized the protests for challenging the writ of the state multiple times, and maintained that “provoking the people for revolt against the state in the name of the sit-in is no longer accepted.” (Saleem Shahid, “Chaman protesters ransack DC office after camps razed,” Dawn, 6 June 2024)
Punjab: Storms and rains sweep across the province, killing six and injuring 40
On 5 June, as a result of a severe storm and rains in Punjab, six people were killed and 40 others were injured. In Gujranwala, four were killed and seven were injured. The storms caused signboards, walls, and roofs to collapse. In Narowal, strong winds caused walls, trees, and electricity poles to fall, which injured 30 people. It also led to the power system being suspended. Strong winds and storms in Sialkot injured 13 people, and rains and hailstorms in the Khushab district killed two. Meanwhile, in Lahore and a few other cities, a dust storm and scattered rains provided temporary relief from the heatwave. The Met office has warned of more rain-windstorms in the next three days. (“Six killed, 40 injured as storm brings havoc in Punjab,” Dawn, 6 June 2024)
INDIA VIEW
“Very unlikely” that the BJP government will change its policy on Pakistan, say sources
On 5 June, The Express Tribune reported that as per sources, the victory of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the recent elections was not surprising and would not result in a change in India’s policy toward Pakistan. As per an anonymous official, the “real issues of poverty, unemployment, and inflation got the better of Modi’s divisive and hate politics over religion.” Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party but will have to fall back on regional parties to form a coalition government for the first time. As per an internal assessment, the BJP was bitten by “smart regional outplay of regional parties, especially in Uttar Pradesh and pan India unification of Muslim vote living under oppression by Modi agenda.” Further, the potential presence of a “strong opposition” on the party’s “heels may push BJP to aggressively pursue its Hindutva project.” The official went on to comment that “Modi’s domestic and foreign policies will remain unchanged, especially with no change towards Pakistan as it will be more poised towards internal challenges.” Sources also claimed that the BJP leadership may be ready to hold talks with Pakistan, but will expect Pakistan to accept the new status quo with regard to Jammu and Kashmir. Thus, as of now, there is “no serious appetite for meaningful talk and it is very unlikely that Modi or the BJP will approach Pakistan for talks anytime soon unless Pakistan regresses.” (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan expects no ‘change’ in Indian policy after Modi’s bittersweet win,” The Express Tribune, 5 June 2024)
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After the recent tweet by PTIofficial, It is now clear that PTI Cult is a THREAT to our “National Security”. This was the final line, there’s no recovery from here. It’s the end for PTI
- Saad Kaiser
During my visit to Huawei HQ in Shenzhen today, I was impressed by latest innovative technologies that are changing the world and the way we live. Discussed how Huawei and Pakistan can collaborate to build a better, digital future together.
Reiterated our commitment to advancing an innovative, inclusive and sustainable digital transformation for Pakistan
- Shehbaz Sharif
“Respected Madam CM,
A canadian national lady who was visiting 'Jahangir’s tomb' with her family called 15 & complained of harrassment. Police immediately responded and traced the culprit through CCTV. Zero tolerance on Harassment/violence against women.”
Lahore Police.
- Maryam Nawaz Sharif
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Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, ‘For a net-zero future’
Dawn, 6 June 2024
“Solar and wind energy are cleaner, cheaper, and much faster to install and operationalise. Energy sector policymakers are not putting their faith in the full potential of renewable energy. RE promises to help us meet our international climate commitments, get clean air to breathe, and reduce the cost of living while reducing the cost of doing business that is necessary to turn around the economy relatively faster, without further suppressing the energy demand. Pakistan’s projected energy demand has already shrunk. This is attributed to higher tariffs and tepid industrial activity. The most fundamental concern in the energy sector is the per unit cost of electricity production. At 83 per cent net generation cost, including capacity payments, it is probably one of the highest anywhere in the world.”
Arshad H Abbasi, ‘Fire-resistant forests? Yes, indeed!’
The Express Tribune, 5 June 2024
“Pakistan’s annual loss of forest cover contributes to its ranking as the fifth most climate-vulnerable nation in the world, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. It is a well-established fact that forests absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby slowing down the rate of climate change. The country’s extreme vulnerability to forest fires is one of the causes of the loss of forest cover. Annually, millions of conifer trees in Azad Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Balochistan and Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park succumb to forest fires which is one of the causes of the loss of forest cover.”
Dr Ayesha Razzaque, ‘Universities and the financial tightrope’
The News International, 6 June 2024
“In an oped in these pages a few weeks earlier (‘Defunding of public higher education’, March 29), I wrote about the review conducted by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) of federal funding for higher education in provinces and how provincial contributions match those. In the outgoing FY2023-24, Sindh matched federal contributions with 185 per cent contributions from its own budget, Balochistan 76 per cent, Punjab only 6.0 per cent, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa zero per cent. In conclusion of its review, the SIFC announced that the federal government would now require provinces to match federal contributions to higher education rupee-for-rupee – that is: contribute a 100 per cent match.”
Editorial, ‘Real powers’
Dawn, 6 June 2024
“Though Dr Alvi conceded that he has had little success in getting the PTI and establishment to negotiate despite trying for the last two years, he remained hopeful about breaking the ice. “If there were no chances of success, I would have stopped trying long ago,” he explained in response to a question. Dr Alvi need not be so circumspect about Pakistan’s problems as he sees them. Speaking in riddles is best left to mid-tier politicians; Dr Alvi has served as the country’s longest-serving democratically elected president and, as such, is entitled to speak his mind without having to worry about whom he may be upsetting.”
Editorial, ‘World Environment Day’
The Express Tribune, 5 June 2024
“This region, brimming with biodiversity, is under siege. Extensive destruction of agriculture and forests coupled with unchecked urban sprawl are ravaging ecosystems. The degradation of land threatens our very existence, as healthy soils deteriorate, risking a catastrophic spike in global warming. Additionally, unsustainable water practices are causing widespread water stress and diminishing aquatic biodiversity, turning vibrant ecosystems into barren wastelands. This is particularly true for vulnerable countries like Pakistan that are grappling with severe environmental crises. The country is currently bracing intense heat waves, further jeopardising food security for 8.6 million people. In provinces like Sindh and Balochistan, the impact on education have also been profound.”
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“The crop cannot be left to the mercy of market forces.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Wheat policy’
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