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In Brief
Sharif's China Visit: Day Three
On 6 June, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the Chinese development model and stated that if Pakistan emulated the model and focused on industrial and agricultural growth, it could become a become “a great nation.” Speaking at the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Reception in Beijing, PM Sharif stated “All Pakistanis will also have to pass through this thorny process. There is no other way to earn respect in the world.” In a separate meeting with the Chairman of China International Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, PM Sharif shared his views on “cooperation driven by common development, strategic trust and mutual benefit.” He also expressed his gratitude for CIDCA’s support for CPEC projects and in the building of Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital, the Desalination Plant in Gwadar, and the New Gwadar International Airport. Both Sharif and Zhaohui expressed their belief and hope that CPEC phase II would also witness the same momentum.
Separately, PM Sharif met the chairman of the China Northern Industry Corporation and extended an invitation for the company to invest in Pakistan’s communications infrastructure project, particularly the “Karachi Circular Railway.” In the meeting, the chairman appreciated timely completion of development projects in Punjab under Sharif’s tenure as chief minister of the province.
Additionally, Sharif also met China Export-Import Bank Chairman Dr Wu Fulin and highlighted various reforms his government is keen on undertaking with respect to “governance, taxation, and ease of doing business to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).” He also explored the possibility of the joint venture projects between the two countries financed by China EXIM bank and the latter’s role in trade financing. In a separate meeting with the Chairman of Power China, PM Sharif highlighted the electricity sector reforms undertaken by his government, including measures to theft and losses. The chairman assured him that that a MoU would be signed with Pakistan “to improve the power transmission network and reduce line losses.” PM Sharif was also present for the signing of various MoU’s: one on manufacturing of solar panels and YTO trackers and between Habib Rafique Limtied and Beijing Global Hydrogen Industries Company Limited. PM Shehbaz visited Zhongguancun Science Park, China’s Silicon Valley near Beijing and was informed about the country’s start-up culture and the “innovative environment and cutting-edge research taking place in the Science Park.”(Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz vows to follow Chinese development model,” Dawn, 7 June 2024)
POLITICS
Federal government tables the Election (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 and National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 before NA
On 6 June, the federal government tabled the Election (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 and National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 before NA through supplementary agenda. The PTI described the ordinances as “politically motivated.” The NAB Ordinance increases the remand period from 14 days to 40 days, while the Election Ordinanceallows the government to appoint retired judges to election tribunals. Sunni Ittehad Council Chief Whip Aamir Dogar criticized the NAB ordinance alluding that the change was motivated by the government's fear of Imran Khan. Dogar also stated that the Elections Act 2017 had a similar provision for retired judges, which had been restored through the recent ordinance. He argued that the high courts were "overburdened" with 82,000 cases and could not spare judges. Additionally, the House also extended The Seed (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 for 120 days with effect from 13 June. Separately, during question hour, Minister Tarar informed the National Assembly that investigations into the wheat import scandal were happening and opposing the idea of a judicial probe. He explained that the issue must not be taken to the judiciary, as it is the job of the executive and parliament. He highlighted that the National Seed Development Regulatory Authority has been established, a seed procurement tracking system has been introduced, and both central and provincial budgets will reflect subsidies for the agricultural sector. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Govt lays ‘controversial’ ordinances before NA,” Dawn, 7 June 2024)
Government refutes Imran Khan’s claims of solitary confinement
On 6 June, the federal government denied allegations of hindering access to Imran Khan by his lawyers and family. The government provided photographs of Khan meeting with his legal team in prison and a list of individuals who have met with him, countering claims of solitary confinement made to the Supreme Court. The government also suggested a commission could be appointed to verify these claims. Khan has been provided with all necessary facilities in jail, including books, an air cooler, and a television. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for facilitating meetings with the convicted former premier were formalized in a document dated 28 March. PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, and Barrister Umair Ahmad Khan Niazi were designated as central persons for coordinating visits at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Visitors to meet Imran Khan must coordinate with jail authorities through designated focal persons, adhering to a six-person limit. The Punjab government imposed a two-week ban on visitors at Adiala Jail, citing security concerns. PTI leaders criticized the ban and stated that it was a deliberate attempt to hinder their meetings with Imran Khan. (“Govt denies Imran’s solitary confinement,” The Express Tribune, 7 June 2024)
Opposition demands judicial probe into the wheat scandal
On 6 June, during the National Assembly session in Islamabad, the issue of not purchasing wheat from farmers took centre stage, with opposition lawmakers calling for a judicial investigation into the scandal of importing the crop despite the country having sufficient stock. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that provinces had autonomy in determining their wheat procurement policies. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had raised the wheat procurement target by 35 per cent. As of 2 June, the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) had acquired 1.8 million metric tons of wheat. The opposition PTI-Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) pushed for a judicial probe into the wheat scandal. At the same time, the government has yet to establish a judicial commission to look into the excessive wheat imports during the caretaker setup. (“Judicial probe into wheat scandal demanded,” The Express Tribune, 6 June 2024)
JUDICIARY
CJP Isa’s stance on press freedom is shifting, reports The Express Tribune
On 7 June, The Express Tribune reported that the Supreme Court is considering contempt cases involving Senator Faisal Vawda and MNA Mustafa Kamal for their statements against the superior judiciary. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa also issued contempt notices to 34 TV channels for airing allegedly contemptuous press conferences by the two lawmakers. Similarly, CJP Isa had criticized TV channels for airing claims of election rigging made by Rawalpindi’s commissioner for being one-sided coverage. CJP Isa had also expressed concern over media coverage, stating that “the more you lie, the more it sells on social media.” Previously, CJP Isa was a staunch advocate for media independence, stating that anyone restricting freedom of speech was an enemy of the people and the constitution and must be held accountable. He emphasized that “a free and robust press is the backbone of a democracy and that violating fundamental rights is a violation of the Constitution.” Justice Isa has consistently expressed serious concerns about the harassment of media persons in several judgments, such as the Dharna case judgment and the PEMRA notification banning TV programs on judges’ conduct. Since becoming Chief Justice, however, Justice Isa has shown restraint regarding the actions of state institutions to curtail freedom of speech. Recently, PEMRA issued a notification banning the broadcast of court proceedings on TV channels but Justice Isa questioned the legality of the directive banning the coverage of court proceedings on TV. CJP Isa has initiated live-streaming of court proceedings, but he still exercises discretion regarding which cases are live-streamed. Also, the government plans to introduce more ‘draconian’ laws to control all forms of media, which puts CJP Isa in the spotlight. (Hasnaat Maik, “SC hardens stance over contempt,” The Express Tribune, 7 June, 2024)
ECONOMY
Government decides 12 June as a tentative date for budget presentation
On 6 June, the government announced a tentative plan to present the country's budget for the next fiscal on 12 June. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq “appointed” three standing committees using his powers on a temporary basis to get approval of pending bills. The committees, consisting of five members, mostly from the treasury benches, approved various bills that had been laid before the National Assembly during its session on 6 June. The committees were formed using his powers under Rule 215 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. The announcement came after a consultative meeting of parliamentary leaders to discuss the schedule of the budget session. The general debate on the budget will start on 20 June and continue till the 24. The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, vital for reviewing the current year’s macroeconomic situation and development program has yet to be scheduled and the government has yet to constitute the NEC.
(Amir Wasim, “Govt gives tentative plan to present budget on 12th,” Dawn, 7 June 2024)
IMF and Pakistan continue to hold virtual talks for a new EFF
On 6 June, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that the negotiations for with Pakistan on a new homegrown Extended Fund Facility (EFF) is being held virtually. The IMF spokesperson and Director of Communications, Julie Kozack told reporters at a news briefing in Washington “We had made significant progress towards reaching a staff-level agreement on a homegrown program that can be supported under a new EFF with the Fund,” and confirmed the continuing discussions virtually for the matter. Kozack, however, did not provide details on the progress made on the requirement of property list of Pakistani politicians. (“Talks continuing virtually: IMF,” Dawn, 7 June 2024)
MEDIA
New national firewall aims to “rein in social media,” reports The News International
On 7 June, The News International reported that a national firewall was in the process of being installed on different internet service providers (ISPs) in the country. According to sources that informed The News, this being done to “rein in social media” as the filters deployed will “block unwanted content from reaching a wider audience.” A “well-placed official” confirmed the news and told The News
“It is already bought. Now it is being installed and commissioned.” This is, however, not the first time that filters have been used. Earlier, Pakistan was using this technology to block “websites and social media apps.” In 2013, a Canadian- based Netsweeper’s filters had been installed on Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited which is not only Pakistan’s largest internet service provider but also connects it majorly to the rest of the world via submarine cables. The new firewall is aimed at inspecting “information originating from different internet protocol addresses.” An official source has revealed that “The national firewall will serve two purposes: identify the locations from where the propaganda material is being originated and the subsequent blockade or diminished coverage of those accounts” and that the “main focus will remain on locating the source of such propaganda to nip the evil in the bud.” (Umar Cheema, “Firewall being installed to rein in social media,” The News International, 7 June 2024)
SECURITY
At least 40 injured in Chaman amid protests demanding the release of their leaders
On 6 June, at least 40 people including 17 security personnel suffered injuries in Chaman during protests and demonstrations calling for the immediate release of their leaders who were arrested during a sit-in. Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the Balochistan government confirmed the incident stating that “At least 17 security personnel were injured in clashes while a policeman received a bullet in his hand.” As protestors staged marches and rallies, the turmoil extended throughout the border town, essentially closing it down. The leaders of the arrests had participated in a months-long sit-in in Chaman protesting the government’s policy of limiting border crossing access to those with legitimate passports and visas. The demonstrators’ attempt to block important roads including the main route that connects Quetta and Kandahar by erecting barricades sparked the altercation. To disperse the crowd and resume traffic, the local government and security personnel, however, employed rubber bullets and tear gas. During the confrontations, more than twenty demonstrators were injured by rubber bullets. Due to unpredictability in Chaman amid months-long demonstrations, the Balochistan administration has decided to open the Badini border crossing along the Pakistan-Afghan border in the Qila Saifullah area for commerce with Afghanistan. On 6 June, an official notification indicated the usage of Badini crossing for the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals on a regular basis in the recent months. (Saleem Shahid, “40 injured as Chaman protests take violent turn,” Dawn, 7 June 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan elected as a non-permanent member of UNSC
On 6 June, Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council after securing 182 votes in the 193-member General Assembly. The garnered votes surpass the two-thirds majority which is required to be elected. The Express Tribune reported that this win has come after “months of intense campaigning” by Pakistan. Pakistan’s term will begin on 1 January 2025 and it is replacing Japan in the “Asian seat.” This is Pakistan’s eighth term on the Council and its previous terms were in the following years: 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69, and 1952-53. General Assembly President Dennis Francis announced the names of winners of all the five non-permanent seats which include Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia. These countries will replace the outgoing cohort which included the following: Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland. Following the announcement of results Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Munir Akram spoke to an APP correspondent and stated “Pakistan’s election represents the confidence of the international community in Pakistan’s ability to promote the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” Akram also highlighted Pakistan’s focus areas which include “promoting peace and security in South Asia, upholding the principle of self-determination for the people of Palestine and Kashmir, promoting normalization in Afghanistan, seeking equitable solutions to security challenges in Africa and enhancing the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.” (“Pakistan secures non-permanent seat on UN Security Council with overwhelming majority,” The Express Tribune, 6 June 2024)
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