Parliament passes FY25 budget following ‘controversial’ amendments; US resolution demanding election probe is “an attempt to undermine the state,” says NA
In Brief
POLITICS
Media workers highlight receding civic spaces during HRCP national roundtable
On 28 June, during a national roundtable organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), journalists, digital rights experts, and civil society members highlighted receding civic spaces and democracy in Pakistan. In a statement issued by the HRCP, law and policy expert Mohammad Aftab Alam pointed out radical changes in the meanings of terms such as ‘broadcasting’ and ‘journalist’ in the recently passed Punjab Defamation Act 2024. He condemned the institution of a parallel judiciary under the law and the burden of proof imposed on defendants. Separately, HRCP council member Farhatullah Babar claimed that the law was another step toward the ‘militarization’ of the state and society. The co-founder of Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) Sadaf Khan brought to light various scepticisms about the government’s intention to install a national firewall, saying that it “was an ill-thought plan that bred fear and mistrust.” MMFD founder Asad Baig added that if the government goes ahead with this move, it would have an economic impact on freelance work and online trading. Other participants highlighted links between the working conditions of media persons and press freedom, and the need to repeal the Punjab Defamation Act. The HRCP co-chair called on the participants to draft consolidated demands before the parliament, while the Islamabad vice-president said that while countering online disinformation, activists need to be more organized. (Jamal Shahid, “HRCP urges action against ‘democratic erosion’,” Dawn, 29 June 2024)
Election Act Amendment Bill, 2024, passed in NA with majority amid opposition protests
On 28 June, amid opposition protests, the National Assembly (NA) passed the ‘Election Act Amendment Bill, 2024’ with a majority vote. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who tabled it for approval, said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has the authority to form the election tribunal as per the Constitution, and retired judges could be appointed to the tribunals along with serving ones, to hear complaints regarding the polls. Tarar detailed that the parliament was supreme and thus had the authority to formulate any necessary legislation and that this amendment was aimed at decreasing the workload on serving judges by restoring the original provision of Section 140. The Leader of the Opposition, Omar Ayub, and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan challenged the move and claimed that the PPP and PML-N had made a change to appoint serving judges to the tribunals during a meeting with the electoral amendment committee. Despite this, the NA passed the bill. (“NA passes law tweaking election rules,” The Express Tribune, 29 June 2024)
ECONOMY
Parliament passes FY25 budget following ‘controversial’ amendments
On 28 June, the National Assembly (NA) passed the budget for FY25 with some amendments after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb introduced the motion, which was preceded by fiery speeches from the opposition who criticized the unrealistic budget for being anti-people. Opposition lawmakers said it had become an open secret that the IMF had dictated the budget, and further accused the government of using electoral fraud to come to power. The Leader of the Opposition, Omar Ayub, described the budget as an “economic terrorism against the people” and stated: “The economic hitman has prepared the budget and the target are people of Pakistan.” He warned that the budget would cause “inflation to increase” and would result in “no economic growth,” further predicting that electricity prices would go up to PKR 100 per unit. In response, Aurangzeb pointed out that there would be tax exemptions on medical surgery equipment, educational materials, and agricultural inputs. The House approved 53 supplementary demands for grants relating to ministries and divisions for FY23, and 25 demands for FY24. 26 demands were also approved to cover excess expenditure done by ministries for FY23. Aurangzeb assured that the government would “lead the country towards sustainable economic growth by continued stability,” pointing to macroeconomic stability, reduction in current account deficit, a stabilized currency, decrease in inflation to 11 per cent, and foreign exchange reserves worth USD nine billion. He stated that in the next three years, the tax-to-GDP ratio would be increased to 13 per cent, and also noted the importance of a move towards self-reliance in order to do away with aid from the IMF. Additionally, with regard to tax, Aurangzeb said there would be no “non-filer” category in the tax system, tax evasion would be checked, and the tax net would be increased for retailers and real estate. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Parliament okays ‘controversial’ budget for FY25,” Dawn¸ 29 June 2024)
SECURITY
Azm-i-Istehkam: Pakistan's ambassador asks US for "sophisticated small arms"
On 29 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s envoy to the US, Masood Khan, called on Washington to provide small arms and modern equipment to Islamabad to help ensure the success of Operation Azm-i-Isethkam. Recently, the federal government greenlit the operation, which is a national counter-terrorism campaign, though Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif specified that the initiative would not be large-scale in nature. During an address at the Wilson Centre, a think tank in Washington, Khan stated: “Pakistan has launched Azm-i-Istehkam […] to oppose and dismantle terrorist networks. For that, we need sophisticated small arms and communication equipment.” He later elaborated that the operation is made of three components- doctrinal, societal, and operational- and work on the first two has begun already. Noting the importance of strong security links between the US and Pakistan, he added that “this is crucial for regional security and opposing the rising tide of terrorism that also threatens the interests of the US and its allies.” Khan said that since both countries “share values” and their “security and economic interests are interwoven,” the bilateral relationship should not be held “hostage” by a few issues. He underscored Pakistan’s potential from a demographic and technological perspective while inviting US investors and businesses. Pointing to high-level defence talks and joint military exercises held between both countries, Khan stated: “In this era of renewed strategic competition, the US and Pakistan should build on existing partnerships and explore new horizons to establish the parameters of mutual interests.” (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistan asks US for small arms to achieve ‘Istehkam’,” Dawn, 29 June 2024)
EXTERNAL
US resolution demanding election probe is “an attempt to undermine the state,” says NA
On 28 June, the National Assembly (NA) passed a resolution with a majority vote, terming a resolution adopted by the US House of Representatives an “interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The US resolution, which was adopted on 25 June, sought a probe into alleged election irregularities. In response, the NA passed a resolution which emphasized that an “independent and sovereign country like Pakistan will not accept any interference in its internal affairs,” expressed regret that the US resolution “clearly reflects an incomplete and wrong understanding of the political and electoral processes of Pakistan.” Terming the resolution as an “attempt to undermine the state,” the NA instead called upon the “US Congress to more important issues such as the ongoing acts of genocide in Gaza, gross human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and state-sanctioned atrocities against minorities, especially the Muslims, in India.”
After the NA passed the resolution, treasury members lashed out at PTI members who had opposed the resolution, and called them “anti-state” and “traitors.” However, PTI members said that they had not been taken into confidence before the presentation of the resolution, and they indirectly supported the US resolution. While speaking in the NA on 27 June, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar asserted: “We must show our sovereignty. We must show our unity. We must show we mean business.” In response to opposition protests, PPP’s Shagufta Jumani pointed out that the PTI would earlier criticize the US’ role in Pakistani politics, but today was supporting it. She also warned the US to refrain from getting involved in Pakistani affairs, accusing them of spreading terrorism globally. (Amir Wasim, “In majority vote, NA dismisses US resolution as ‘interference’,” Dawn, 29 June 2024)
FO announces Rizwan Saeed Sheikh will be new US envoy
On 28 June, the Foreign Office (FO) announced that Rizwan Saeed Sheikh would be appointed as the new ambassador to the US, and Asim Iftikhar would be Pakistan’s additional permanent representative to the UN in New York. Sheikh is currently the additional foreign secretary for the Middle East and oversees the Special Investment Facilitation Council cell at the FO. As part of his experience of over 20 years in multilateral diplomacy, he served at the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission and has taken part in negotiations at NAM, G-77, and the UN in Geneva. This appointment was overdue, as the current ambassador, Masood Khan, had received a three-month extension. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, who made this announcement, added that these “appointments were under consideration over the last several weeks.” However, there are speculations about the timing of the announcement and Khan’s exit, as it came after the US House of Representatives adopted a resolution, seeking a probe into allegations of irregularities in the 8 February elections. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Rizwan Saeed to be new envoy to US, says Foreign Office,” Dawn¸ 29 June 2024)
HRCP calls on UNSC to reconsider decision to engage with Afghan Taliban
On 29 June, Dawn reported that the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)’s co-chairperson, Munizae Jahangir, wrote a letter to the UN Security Council (UNSC) and member states to reconsider their decision to engage with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime. In the letter, she highlighted the increasing human rights violations under the Taliban rule, emphasizing the oppression of women and religious minorities. She asserted that the UNSC’s engagement with the Taliban regime should be a condition of their commitment to ending gender apartheid and providing fundamental rights. Apart from the situation in Afghanistan, the HRCP highlighted the “rapid escalation in militancy and religious extremism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” (KP), largely attributed to the TTP which is closely affiliated with the Afghan Taliban. The letter stated: “The Afghan Taliban’s policy of institutionalised discrimination and violence against women in Afghanistan has emboldened the TTP and hardline clerics in Pakistan, leading to constant and egregious violations of women’s rights.” It provided details of incidents of violence in KP such as attacks on girls’ schools and the resurgence of violence in the Swat region. The HRCP called on the international community to support democratic elements in Afghanistan, as a failure to do so could destabilize Pakistan. (Imran Gabol, “UN urged not to engage with Taliban unconditionally,” Dawn, 29 June 2024)
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Deeply grieved to learn of the passing of the mother of Prince Mansour bin Saud bin Abdulaziz. My heartfelt condolences are with His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Prince Mansour bin Saud bin Abdulaziz and the Royal Family.
- Shehbaz Sharif
If you want to break the chains, stay united. Don't let the unity and agreement break.
- Tehreek-e-Insaf
Imran Khan will spend the rest of his life in jail.
- Imran Bilal
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Labour cases, ‘Labour cases’
Dawn, 29 June 2024
“Labour courts did exist and disposal of cases was far quicker than it is now, court proceedings began on time and defaulting parties were rarely granted adjournments. All proceedings took place in court and not in judges’ chambers, which is currently practised in some courts, and judges followed all rules faithfully. For one of our company’s cases in a Lahore labour court, certain attendance and payroll registers were submitted as evidence. Later, the same records were required by the audit department of the company. A company representative approached the court for the material but the request was denied. However, the material could be photocopied within the judicial premises. The judge also ordered the company to make advance payment of electricity charges for the photocopy machine to the court. Although the judge’s order caused hardship for the company, he was correct about not permitting the registers to be taken out of the court premises. It prevented any tampering with the evidence.”
Muhammad Ali Falak, ‘Big pictures: settling abroad’
The Express Tribune, 29 June 2024
“As I highlighted these lines, I felt a trail of faces shifting in front of my eyes. I had a deep appreciation for them as I crossed paths with them in different stages of my life. Some of them were younger and some were twice my age. All had now settled abroad with something still ‘unsettled’ inside them. Their range of experiences enabled me to look at a bigger horizon — the subject of this opinion. They let go their relationships, jobs, statuses and community for the sake of settling abroad. Now they had vanished into the thin air of the “greener pastures”. They all opined that the developed world indeed offers numerous opportunities, but it is also vital to understand the financial, social and psychological challenges associated. A myopic approach to making a permanent decision usually leads to lifelong regret once the person has achieved one’s material goals.”
Wajid Islam, ‘Creating an effective workforce’
The News International, 29 June 2024
“Alarmingly, about 70 per cent of children in the country cannot read and understand text, as reported by Unicef. The youth unemployment rate is double the national average unemployment rate and further exacerbated by the annual influx of more than 1.5 million new individuals into the labour market. The economy cannot absorb such a great labour force with a mere 2-3 per cent growth rate. In the real term, the growth rate is negative as compared to the rise in population. The country and the economy cannot afford uneducated and unskilled labour anymore. That is why the prime minister has recently declared an education emergency in the country. However, a clear implementation strategy for reform remains elusive.”
Editorial, ‘Chinese industries’
Dawn, 28 June 2024
“The introduction of the contributory pension scheme for the new civilian employees and military personnel is perhaps the most significant reform being rolled out. A report suggests that the government has deferred pension cuts for existing pensioners and employees due to questions over its “legal mandate”, which might have resulted in “substantial savings”. The new pension rules will come into force for civilian employees from the next fiscal year and for military personnel the year after. Many of the changes had already been announced in this year’s budget but remained unimplemented. The draft changes in pension rules are in line with recommendations of the Pay and Pension Commission of 2020 regarding amendments to the pension scheme for existing pensioners and employees to curtail future increases in annual pension costs “without.”
Editorial, ‘Offer but no acceptance’
The News International, 29 June 2024
“It seems that at the end of the day, the PTI is just not interested in talking to the civilian government and would rather talk to the ‘real deal’. Time and again, PTI leaders have made it obvious that they think this government is not powerful and cannot resolve any issues so the party would rather just talk to those it sees as the real stakeholders. Critics say that when the PTI makes talks conditional to Imran Khan’s release, the party effectively signals it doesn’t want to move forward. PTI supporters offer another view: perhaps the government itself is not interested in a dialogue with the PTI but keeps making this offer as it knows that the establishment is not willing to talk to the opposition party and that the PTI will keep rejecting the government’s offer for talks.”
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“Human milk banks play a critical role in caring for small or sick newborns.”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Medicine, not just milk’
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