23 individuals arrested over alleged involvement in Swat lynching case; Peace at Af-Pak border following clashes
In Brief
POLITICS
The Continuing Controversy over Reserved Seats for SIC
On 22 June, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) defended its decision to deny the SIC reserved seats for women and non-Muslims, as the Supreme Court (SC) is set to resume its hearing on the case on 24 June. Senior counsel Sikandar Bashir Mohmand argued on the ECP’s behalf that the SIC failed to meet certain criteria, making it ineligible for reserved seats on account of not being a political party. Referring to Article 3 of the SIC constitution, the ECP pointed out that the party’s membership is limited to adult Muslims, based on which it is not entitled to any reserved seats. Further, the commission contended that other criteria were not met, including that one of its candidates should have contested and been elected on a general seat under the party’s common election symbol. The ECP’s statement said: “The scheme of the Constitution and the Elections Act 2017 envisages and recognises only three classes of contesting candidates in the general elections, (a) candidates contesting general seats under a common election symbol, (b) candidates contesting elections on general seats as independent candidates after getting respective election symbols and (c) candidates contesting elections on reserved seats for women or for non-Muslims.” It argued that if a candidate “fails to submit a party affiliation certificate for allotment by the returning officer (RO) of the common election symbol of the relevant political party within the period prescribed by ECP in the election programme, such candidate loses all the characteristics of being a member of such enlisted contesting political party.” (Nasir Iqbal, “ECP defends decision to deny SIC reserved seats,” Dawn¸ 23 June 2024)
PML-N accepts all of PPP’s demands after three rounds of talks over budget
On 23 June, during the third round of talks between negotiating committees for the PPP and PML-N, the PPP convinced the PML-N-led government to accept “all its demands.” These committees had been formed to address PPP’s grievances after it was left out of budget discussions. According to sources, the government agreed to give the PPP preferences for development funds and administrative posts’ appointments in Punjab. It also accepted demands surrounding district administrations, appointing law officers, and representation in various boards. The PPP had asked for an additional secretary to be appointed in the chief minister secretariat, who would be tasked with resolving the issues faced by the party solely. Sources added that the PPP would be consulted in the appointment of a district officer in 12 districts. (Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai, “PPP convinces govt to accept its 'all demands',” The News International, 23 June 2024)
JI organizes protest demonstrations against electricity prices and “IMF-imposed” budget
On 23 June, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) protested against the high cost of electricity, continued load-shedding, and an “anti-people” budget across major cities of Punjab, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, and in other cities of the other three provinces. The party said that the protests, which were organized at the call of JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, were the first phrase of a “peaceful national resistance movement.” Demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction with the “IMF-imposed” budget, calling for immediate relief, while speakers accused the government of lacking credibility and legitimacy. Separately, a delegation for the Young Doctors Association met with Rehman and told him of their demands following the fire incident at Sahiwal Hospital. Rehman assured support for these demands, condemning Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for handcuffing doctors after the fire. Describing it as a fascist act, he demanded her to issue a public apology. (“JI launches agitation against high power cost, ‘anti-people’ budget,” Dawn¸ 24 June 2024)
SECURITY
23 individuals arrested over alleged involvement in Swat lynching case
On 23 June, police officers arrested more than two dozen individuals over their alleged involvement in the lynching and arson attack case on a police station in the Swat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). 23 people were sent to an unknown location by the police, and efforts to arrest more people allegedly involved were underway. Earlier on the night of 20 June, a violent mob had beaten a local tourist to death after accusing him of desecrating the Holy Quran, after which they set his body and the Madyan Police Station on fire. A report by a federal agency a day earlier showed that the hotel management had asked the deceased to open the door. Though he denied the allegations of blasphemy, he was taken to the police station by officers, a decision which the report called a “grave” mistake. The report claimed that the failure of the station house officer to take the suspect to a “safe” spot and the absence of high police officials during the violence contributed to the loss. During the exchange of fire which followed between the mob and the police, 11 people and five cops were injured. However, Swat’s district police officer has claimed to have no knowledge of this report, and has said that an investigation is still ongoing. (Mehboob Ali, “Police arrest over two dozen people as Swat lynching probe continues,” The News International, 23 June 2024)
JUDICIARY
NA passes resolution to protect minority rights with overwhelming majority
On 23 June, the National Assembly passed a resolution on the protection of minorities in Pakistan in light of rising cases of violence and lynching following blasphemy allegations. The resolution, which was passed with an overwhelming majority, had been presented by Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar who said that both the federal and provincial governments must ensure the safety of minority community members. Calling for action against individuals suspected of violence against minorities, the resolution came days after the lynching case over blasphemy allegations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also spoke on the issue, expressing concern over the rise in such cases. He stated: “Pakistan is not the country of a single person but every Pakistani who lives here is an equal citizen. All Hindus, Christians and Sikhs are equal citizens.” Demanding the need for the NA to send a clear message of commitment towards protecting minority rights, he highlighted the importance of a unanimous stance. Asif also pointed out that Pakistan’s Constitution “does not allow violence and the killing of innocents in the name of religion. People are exploiting religious sentiments for personal disputes.” The session was characterized by ruckus as a divide appeared between the government and the opposition over a military operation Azm-e-Istehkam, announced on the same day to root out militancy from Pakistan. (“Resolution calling for action over violence against minorities passed in NA,” The News International, 23 June 2024)
AF-PAK
Peace at Pak-Afghan border following two days of clashes between forces and militants
On 23 June, the Pak-Afghan border in Lower Dir’s Maidan tehsil remained calm following clashes between security forces and Afghan militants that lasted for two days. As per residents, there had been no shelling or firing from any part, though the upper area remained tense due to the earlier exchange of fire. FC soldiers had returned to the Lal Qila base on the same day, with reports suggesting that militants had either taken shelter in the area or returned to Afghanistan. These militants had allegedly attacked the troops earlier, following which there was an exchange of fire from both sides along with reports of casualties on both sides, though the casualties were not confirmed by either side. Additionally, a citizen body working for peace and development, the Dir Qaumi Passon (DQP), announced on the same day that it would hold a peace walk on 24 June. DQP Chief Malik Jehan Alam stated that measures would be taken to maintain peace in the region, and a grand jirga of elders, local politicians, and intellectuals would devise a future line of action on 24 June. (Haleem Asad, “Pak-Afghan border calm after forces, militants clash,” Dawn, 24 June 2024)
Pakistan to hold fresh discussions with Afghanistan over its promise to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries
On 23 June, Pakistan will undertake fresh diplomatic efforts to convince the interim Afghan Taliban government to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries, reported people familiar with the development. This would be done as part of the new plan approved by the country’s civil and military leadership. Earlier, the Central Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) approved the launch of a new military campaign, Azm-e-Istehkam, to eradicate terrorism and extremism in a two-pronged manner, dealing both with internal and external threats. It will include a renewed anti-terror drive which will see the intensification of a kinetic operation and intelligence-based campaign against terrorist outfits. As per sources, Pakistan will again approach Afghanistan to give it a chance to act on its promises to eradicate terrorist sanctuaries. Pakistan will also seek help from China in pursuing the Afghan government to renew its strategy towards the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). (Kamran Yousaf, “Islamabad to re-engage with Kabul,” The Express Tribune, 24 June 2024)
POK
Interior Minister Naqvi approves deployment of FC to help maintain peace
On 23 June, the interior ministry approved the deployment of the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to assist with the security situation in the area. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PoK’s Prime Minister Chaudhary Anwarul Haq met and discussed the law and order situation, also exchanging views on the political situation and the upcoming budget for FY25. Naqvi assured Haq that promises made to PoK’s people were being fulfilled, and also approved the deployment of the FC at Haq’s request. He further stated that all cooperation would be extended to maintain peace in the area, expressing the federal government’s commitment to PoK’s government and people. (“FC to be deployed in AJK,” The Express Tribune¸ 24 June 2024)
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As long as I live, I will fight for you and for Imran Khan’s vision of a Naya Pakistan.
-Shayan Ali
A large crowd of overseas Pakistanis has gathered at 10 Downing Street, London, to raise their collective voice for fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Pakistan.
-PTI
Throughout our history, Pakistani women have made tremendous contributions in the field of diplomacy. Stalwarts like Begum Raana Laiquat Ali Khan, Madam Shaista Ikramullah, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and many others broke barriers and set the path for hundreds of women diplomats who continue to represent Pakistan at the international stage with grace and dignity. On the occasion of this International Day for #WomenInDiplomacy I applaud them all and thank them for their services and contributions!
-Ishaq Dar
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Maleeha Lodhi, ‘Ailing democracy’
Dawn, 24 June 2024
“The resurgence of the far right in the West comes at a time when democracy is already under threat across the world. Democratic regression is now a worldwide phenomenon. Democratic backsliding has been pervasive in countries facing challenges from polarisation, intolerance, anti-minority sentiment and toxic politics. This global trend has been recorded by many international organisations.”
Umair Javed, ‘Drivers of extremism’
Dawn, 24 June 2024
“Class politics, however, is not just a preserve of the poor. Relatively better-off traders, merchants, contractors etc also offer support (financial and otherwise) for fundamentalist ideology. In my conversations with bazaar traders in Lahore, I found that these groups are motivated for both self-serving objectives — to gain local respect and status — as well as a way to push back against what they think is the hedonistic agenda of Westernised upper classes. There is thus a different type of class-based politics also at play here, one that pits un-Islamic elites against pious middling sorts.”
Editorial, ‘Time for dialogue’
Dawn, 24 June 2024
“The three main political parties have had a taste of fraught relations with the establishment — with the PTI the latest target of the latter’s displeasure. By uniting, even if temporarily, political parties can reduce external leverage over civilian affairs.”
Kamran Yousaf, ‘China’s loud and clear message for Pakistan’
The Express Tribune, 24 June 2024
“China is believed to have been privately raising concerns about two major issues — political instability and security — with Pakistan. The Chinese Minister for the first time brought those two problems to the public. He called for political unity to tackle problems and at the same stressed the need for building political consensus on CPEC. This despite the fact that Ishaq Dar earlier stated that all political parties were on the same page when it came to CPEC.”
Shahid Javed Burki, ‘The West remains united’
The Express Tribune¸ 24 June 2024
“Among the world’s large economic powers, Pakistan looks to China for support. This involves not only large investments Beijing is making in Pakistan but also the support it provides balancing India’s stance towards Islamabad. China backs Pakistan as the latter seeks to develop economic relations with Afghanistan and the Muslim countries to the north. The China-funded road infrastructure that is improving Pakistan’s connections with the world outside its borders could be extended to Afghanistan and to the countries collectively known as the ‘Stans’.”
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“The mob exists because the state is compromised.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘State’s failure’
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