In Brief
POLITICS
Officials express solidarity with people of Gaza and Jammu and Kashmir in Eid messages
On 17 June, Pakistan celebrated Eid ul Adha in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Pakistan's top leadership expressed solidarity through their Eid messages with the war-torn nation and people of Jammu and Kashmir. Security was tightened nationwide to ensure the religious festival did not witness any unexpected situations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his greetings to the Pakistani nation and Muslims worldwide on the occasion. He stated: “The day reminds us of the importance of sacrificing what is most dear to us in the way of Allah. It teaches us the value of selflessness and devotion to Allah.” He said that Pakistan wishes for “peace, prosperity and love to prevail,” and called on people to “not forget the sacrifices and sufferings of the people of Palestine” and Jammu and Kashmir who are “bravely facing brutal foreign occupation but remain steadfast in their struggle to achieve their right of self-determination.” President Asif Ali Zardari also extended his wishes to the nation and the “Muslim Ummah.” He stated: “I prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings and mercy upon the entire Muslim ummah, particularly Pakistan.” Separately, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and services chiefs expressed their wishes to all of Pakistan. Additionally, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated: “This sacred event embodies the spirit of sacrifice for the greater good. On this auspicious day, we are indebted to our martyrs and ghazis for the independence and peace which prevail in the country, and pay tribute to their ultimate sacrifices.” (“Nation celebrates Eid ul Adha in solidarity with oppressed Gazans,” The International News, 17 June 2024)
Government spokesperson accuses PTI of running “concentrated malicious campaign against Pakistan”
On 16 June, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s government, Barrister Aqeel Malik, warned overseas Pakistanis supporting an “anti-state agenda” that the government would clamp down against them. He accused the PTI of having “clandestine motives” and “misusing” the Pakistani diaspora who have a strong affiliation with the party. Malik criticized the party’s “anti-state activities and propaganda,” and alleged that the PTI is influencing foreign legislation that is harmful to Pakistan, and orchestrating legislative actions in foreign nations that are harmful to Pakistan's interests. He stated: “Pakistan is an independent country and does not take dictation from any nation. We want friendly relations with all countries.” This was in reference to a “concentrated smear campaign” he claimed was started against Pakistan in foreign countries after the ouster of Imran Khan. Malik argued that Resolution 901 which was tabled in the US Congress had “all its links to PTI.” The resolution condemned efforts to “subvert the political, electoral, or judicial processes of Pakistan,” and as per Malik, it was tabled at the PTI’s behest. He asserted: “PTI is running a concentrated malicious campaign against Pakistan. The amendments being moved by the PTI-influenced House of Representatives are all linked to anti-state elements.” Describing the party as a “source of humiliation for the country at international politics,” he warned the PTI that “negative and inimical politics would not be allowed.” (“‘PTI running malicious campaign abroad’,” Dawn, 16 June 2024)
Report cites a dozen critical risks to budget for FY25, including high interest and climate change
On 17 June, Dawn reported that in a report on fiscal risks, Pakistan's government identified critical risks to its budget and medium-term outlook, including higher interest rates, currency depreciation, subsidy requirements, revenue challenges, lower economic growth, natural disasters, and poor performance of State-Owned Entities (SOEs). In a written statement of fiscal risks submitted to Parliament, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Secretary Imdadullah Bosal highlighted that higher interest rates, lower non-tax revenue collection, and higher subsidies had the most significant impact on fiscal variables. The statement said: “The combination of reduced revenues, increased expenditure on subsidies, and potential financing needs due to higher interest rates lead to substantial fiscal deficit and higher debt stock.”
These risks are particularly important given the ambitious revenue target set for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the next fiscal year. The FBR aims to achieve a record PKR 12.97 trillion in revenue, which is a 40 per cent increase from the previously missed target of PKR 9.415 trillion. The ministry also warned about the consequences of increased interest rates on debt, the impact of rupee depreciation on fiscal sustainability, and the risks posed by poorly performing SOEs causing annual losses of almost PKR1 trillion. The government pitched for more than PKR 1.363 for the next fiscal year. The report detailed that higher subsidies support the targeted sectors or programs but “may also strain government finances if not accompanied by corresponding revenue measures or expenditure controls.” Further, the ministry warned of more than expected rupee depreciation, increasing cost of sustainability, and interest on foreign-denominated loans.
Similarly, the challenging impacts of climate change have strained the economy, resulting in substantial GDP losses in 2022. Implementing measures to mitigate climate change could increase government expenditures and the fiscal deficit. However, these measures would yield economic and climate benefits in the medium and long term, effectively preventing the rise in average temperature. The report also advocated for the establishment of a “Natura” to address vulnerabilities exposed by the 2022 floods. (“Budget 2024-25: Economy not out of the woods yet, parliament told,” Dawn, 17 June 2024)
EXTERNAL
Protection of Chinese nationals is Pakistan’s priority, says interior minister
On 16 June, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, at the Chinese embassy in Pakistan. The meeting focussed on the protection and security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Naqvi highlighted how the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China helped strengthen ties between both countries. During the meeting, Naqvi detailed the measures for the Chinese citizen's protection in Pakistan and also the security plan for Chinese engineers and staff of CPEC and other projects. He also noted the establishment of a Special Protection Unit (SPU) for the safety of foreign nationals. He stated: “The protection of our Chinese brothers working for Pakistan's development is the government’s top priority. The everlasting friendship between Pakistan and China is unbreakable, and any conspiracy against it will be defeated.” In response, the Chinese ambassador expressed satisfaction with the security measures. (“Protection of Chinese citizens Pakistan’s top priority: Mohsin Naqvi,” The Express Tribune, 17 June 2024)
PM Shehbaz and Turkish President Erdogan vow to strengthen bilateral ties
On 16 June, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation where they emphasized their commitment to boosting bilateral cooperation in various sectors like trade, investment, defence, and tourism. They also shared wishes on the occasion of Eid ul Adha. Sharif’s office issued a statement saying: “They expressed serious concern about the current situation in Palestine while urging the international community to redouble peace efforts to end the sufferings of the innocent Palestinians. Both leaders agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and to support each other’s core national interests.” (“PM Shehbaz, Turkish president pledge to bolster bilateral ties,” The Express Tribune, 17 June 2024)
SECURITY
Six killed in two separate incidents in Kurram
On 16 June, an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) attack in the central Kurram region killed four people and injured two. District Police Officer (DPO) Nisar Ahmed Khan confirmed the attack detailing that the IED was planted on the roadside and blasted when the car passed. District Emergency Officer of Rescue 1122, Ghulam Murtaza, said the rescue team rushed to the spot and the bodies were taken to the hospital. Separately, unknown miscreants opened fire in Lower Kurram where two brothers lost their lives. DPO Khan mentioned that investigations were under process. On the same day, locals staged a peaceful march against the unrest and called on the government to restore peace in the area. (Javid Hussain, “4 dead, 2 injured in IED explosion in central Kurram,” Dawn, 16 June 2024)
TTP announces three-day ceasefire on the “demand of the Pakistani people”
On 16 June, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced a three-day ceasefire between 17 June to 19 June with the Pakistani government on the occasion of Eidul Adha. The group, which is a close ally of the Afghan Taliban and has claimed attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently, stated this move was taken on the “demand of the Pakistani people.” In a statement, the TTP detailed: “Therefore, all institutions and Mujahideen of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan should obey the above orders.” It also warned that if any “action is taken by the [Pakistani] army and security agencies on this occasion, then all Mujahideen should ensure their self-defence.” In addition, the group said that its leader Mufti Abu Mansoor Asim issued a decree to reduce the sentence of all “prisoners” held by the TTP by two months. (“Pakistani Taliban announce ‘three-day ceasefire’,” Business Recorder, 17 June 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab: Survey finds majority of the province have faith in CM Maryam’s government
On 16 June, The News International reported that the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) published a survey conducted in Punjab, in which it observed that the majority of Punjab’s population is satisfied with the performance of the provincial government led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. IPOR’s survey, which targeted people aged 18 or more, aimed to gather public opinion on the 100-day celebration of Sharif, the first female provincial chief executive. As per the survey, the level of dissatisfaction was higher in rural areas at 42 per cent, whereas in urban areas it was 28 per cent. Of the 35 per cent of people who expressed dissatisfaction, half believed there would be no improvement regardless of the time given, while 19 per cent were ready to provide the time needed by the government. The survey further mentioned that 60 per cent of the respondents believed Sharif’s growth hiked in the last three months. The reduction in the price of bread was considered the key initiative by 44 per cent of the respondents. 11 per cent of the respondents believed other projects, like the Solar Panel Program and the 200 Clinic on Wheels initiative, were the best. The survey concluded by highlighting: “While there is significant support for her efforts in reducing commodity prices and specific projects like the bread price reduction, as compared to other initiatives. However, her approval ratings in rural areas (48 per cent) are not as good as in urban areas (62 per cent).” (“CM Maryam-led govt wins confidence of majority population: survey,” The News International, 16 June 2024)
Balochistan: Government declares “surplus and people-friendly” provincial budget presentation will be on 22 June
On 16 June, during a press conference, Balochistan’s Planning and Development Minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Finance Minister Shoaib Nosherwani announced that the province’s “surplus and people-friendly” budget for the FY25 will be presented on 22 June. They stated that the total budget layout is anticipated to exceed PKR 850 billion with significant allocation for education and health sectors. Further, they highlighted the increase in employee salaries of 25 per cent for grades one to 16, a 20 per cent increase for grades 17 to 22, and a 15 per cent increase in pensions. Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will be allocated PKR 58 billion for the province. In addition, Buledi commented on the unsustainable 9000 schemes in the previous budget and stated that the government has cut unnecessary schemes through a “major surgery” in the PSDP. The province will initiate a new scholarship program that will provide financial aid to PhD degree students in science, technology, engineering, and accounting. Children of deceased soldiers up to grade 16 will be offered free education and grants for universities will be doubled from PKR 2.5 billion to PKR five billion. PKR two billion is planned to be allocated to enrol out-of-school children.
Health sector plans encompass the setting up of a hospital in Nasirabad Division, a Satellite Hospital in Quetta, and the allocation of PKR 1.7 billion for Sheikh Zayed Hospital for heart diseases. In addition, initiatives like PKR 700 million for burn units in 15 districts and PKR 581 million for breast cancer treatment will be included. For health cards, a grant of PKR 505 million will be given and PKR 1.2 billion will be allocated to link GDA Hospital with Indus Hospital. Buledi regretted that for the last 15 years, despite a massive portfolio for the province, no federal project has been completed. Nosherwani also stated that almost 25 per cent of the non-developmental budget would be allocated to education, ten per cent to health, and an increase in local council grants from PKR 16 billion to PKR 35 billion.
Additionally, officials from the finance department on 15 June detailed that the province would receive PKR 667.5 billion as a share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. The province was given PKR 493.70 billion under the NFC award in the current fiscal year. For the first time, the meeting saw a discussion wherein opposition members were consulted on the budget proposals. Balochistan’s Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti stated: “Health and education are our priorities in the upcoming budget, with a proposal to increase the education budget by 300 per cent and the health budget by 100 per cent.” (Saleem Shahid, “Over Rs800bn Balochistan budget to be presented on June 22,” Dawn, 16 June 2024; Saleem Shahid, “Budget 2024-25: Ministers unveil details of budget for Balochistan,” Dawn, 17 June 2024)
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Eid-ul-Azha greetings to all citizens! May Allah Ta'ala accept your sacrifices and bring happiness and blessings in your homes. May this day of Eid bring you a message of happiness and love. Amen! On this Eid al-Adha, remember the sacrifices of the martyrs of Pakistan.
- Sarfraz Bugti
Happy Eid-ul-Azha to all Muslim brothers and sisters full of love and blessings. May Allah Ta'ala bring happiness to everyone this Eid and accept everyone's sacrifices. Amen
- Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo
Eid Mubarak to my nation. Eid ul Azha marks the embracing of the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by the Prophet Ibrahim AS. Unfortunately, the worship of the ego and nafs e ammara by a few individuals has led to degradation of every institution and the moral decay of our society.
- Imran Khan
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Maleeha Lodhi, ‘Leadership, crisis, opportunity’
Dawn, 17 June 2024
“True, Pakistan has weathered many storms in the past and rebounded from crisis. Its underlying resilience has enabled it to overcome its troubles of the time. But present-day challenges are fundamentally different as they are the cumulative consequence of decades of misgovernance and squandered opportunities. Solving these problems can no longer be postponed. In fact, the country is already paying the price of postponed reforms, especially economic reforms, to deal with structural issues, which lie at the root of its perennial financial crises. All these challenges have to be addressed if Pakistan is to move forward and embark on a path of economic development and political stability to meet the needs and aspirations of its people.”
M Nadeem Nadir, ‘Mic, mobile, action!’
The Express Tribune, 17 June 2024
“Through astroturfing they are vectors of a trust deficit between media and masses. They strut all around us brandishing their microphone, trespassing individual or institutional privacy. Sometimes, they blackmail people through their nuisance power as their focus is never on highlighting the social issues. All is done under the garb of citizen journalism whose power of real-time reporting with a sense of civic duty cannot be denied. The actual concern is that nobody questions their credentials. These self-claimed reporters do it as a part-time hobby to achieve social nuisance. Some are failed students; some are private school owners; some run small businesses”
Abdul Sattar, ‘No one wins a war’
The News International, 17 June 2024
“The recent anti-Russia and anti-China rhetoric by G7 leaders and statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin clearly indicate that no party is interested in peace. The West has been busy arming Ukraine instead of making any sincere efforts to douse the flames of the war while Moscow continues playing havoc with the lives of Ukrainians. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians besides forcing millions to flee conflict zones. The insanity of war has also caused destruction worth over $50 billion besides creating a spectre of more escalation. It seems the G7 has a dogged determination to infuriate Russia. The group reaffirmed its commitment to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”. A final statement from the summit in Italy amounts to further provoking Moscow because the leaders of G7 affirmed their plan to finance a $50 billion loan for Kiev in this statement. This loan is going to be granted from “extraordinary revenues” extracted from frozen Russian assets.”
Editorial, ‘Price bombs’
Dawn, 17 June 2024
“The average base tariff for a single unit of electricity, which was Rs27.78 in the outgoing year, will be Rs35.50 from July 1. On top of this, various duties, taxes and surcharges, as well as fuel and tariff adjustments, will be slapped, forcing ordinary citizens to pay through their noses, not just for the fuel and operation and maintenance costs involved in generating electricity, but also for capacity charges that past governments have promised power generation companies, as well as the theft and transmission losses that distribution companies have shown a complete unwillingness to mitigate for many years. When all is said and done, the average middle-class bill-paying customer will be forking out between Rs65-72 for each unit of electricity they use in a month. Meanwhile, the government will take this ‘achievement’ to the IMF to ask for even more loans to keep a clearly failing system running for a few years longer.”
Editorial, ‘Community and equality’
The News International, 17 June 2024
“As we celebrate Eidul Azha to honour the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), let us not forget the values that define our faith and our nation. Amidst the festivities and family gatherings, we must remember the importance of collectivism, community and equality. In these challenging times, as Pakistan faces economic hardships that disproportionately affect the common man, it is more crucial than ever to come together as a nation. Let us not forget that the true spirit of Eidul Azha is about sharing, caring and showing compassion to those in need. As we sacrifice our animals in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith, let us also sacrifice our individual interests for the greater good. Let us strive to create a society where everyone has access to basic necessities, where no one is left behind, and where equality is not just a distant dream.”
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