Violence during peace rally and terrorist attacks in different parts of KP kill four and injure several others; Leaked TTP call reveals planned terror attacks in Pakistan
In Focus
PSB releases data for the 7th Population and Housing Census: Some key revelations
On 18 July, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) finally released data for the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023. This development comes nearly after a year of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) having “unanimously” approved the results of the 2023 digital census. Here are some of the key revelations from the data set released:
Population Growth Rate and Demographic
There has been an increase in the country’s population from 207.68 million in 2017 to 241.49 million in 2023. The growth rate for the period was 2.55 per cent and if this rate is sustained, “Pakistan’s population is expected to double by 2050.”
A breakdown of the data reveals that males compose about 124.32 million of the population and females about 117.15 million. The gender ratio is about 1.06. The population of transgender was revealed to be 20,331. Further, in 2023, 67 per cent of the total population was below the age of 30 and 80 per cent below 40. The data showed that “the size of a traditional household is also shrinking — from 6.39 in 2017 to 6.33 in 2023.”
Referring to the high population growth rate, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal raised concerns that this rate was “the highest in the region as well as among the top 30 countries in the world having high growth rate, majority of them being Sub-Saharan African countries.” Further, he highlighted some of the fallouts of having a higher population growth rate like: “immense pressure on scarce resources of the country” and adverse impact on the country’s per capita income and “living conditions of the citizens.” In this regard, Iqbal also stated “There is a need to devise the strategy to de-incentivize population for resource allocations for effective population control.”
According to the data, “the percentage of those identifying as Muslims,” has decreased from 96.47 per cent in 2017 to 96.35 per cent in 2023. Further, in the last six years, the population of “all major religious minorities” increased. However, their share in percentage of the total population has undergone some change. For instance, the total population of Hindus increased from 35.95 million in 2017 to 38.67 million in 2024, however, their “share in total population went down from 1.73 per cent to 1.61 per cent. Similarly, the population of Christians went up from 26.42 million to 33 million and their share in total population also increased from 1.27 per cent to 1.37 per cent. On the contrary, Ahmadis recorded a decline both in their population and their percentage share in the total population: their population decreased by 29,053 — “from 191,737 (0.09 per cent) in 2017 to 162,684 (0.07 per cent).”
Internal Migration
The data showed that there is a “stark difference” in the way rural and urban populations have grown: while the rural population has grown at the rate of 1.88 per cent, the urban population has grown at the rate of 3.67 per cent. Consequently, there has been an increase in “the growth of densely populated urban centres.”
In 2017, the number of cities in Pakistan with “a population of 500,000 or above” was 14. This has now increased to 22, with the addition of cities like Kasur, Rahim Yar Khan, Okara, Sahiwal, Larkana, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, and Jhang.
Education
The data revealed an improvement in the literacy rate “among those over 10 years of age” which has increased from 58.91 per cent to 60.65 per cent. However, the data also revealed that numbers related to children who were out of school was grim: around 25 million children in Pakistan between the ages five and 16 were out of school with reasons ranging from- “never went to school or dropping out.” Punjab is the least affected with 27 per cent out of school children, followed by KP (37 per cent), Sindh (46 per cent) and Balochistan (58 per cent).
Shift towards Renewable Energy
The data has also revealed a shift towards renewable energy from grid electricity: the number of households depending on grid electricity in 2017 reduced from 87.87 per cent of all households to 84.03 per cent in 2023. Further, about 2.96 million households have been revealed to have solar panels installed by 2023. There is, however, no data pertaining to this in the last census and thus a comparison is not possible.
Reference
Abdul Moiz Malik, “Census 2023: Urban spurt, educational crisis and going ‘off-grid’,” Dawn, 19 July 2024
In Brief
POLITICS
PPP suggests that PML-N should handle the “proposed ban on PTI” in a “democratic way”
On 20 July, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) suggested that the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) reconsider its decision of filing a review petition in the Supreme Court against the reserved seats case judgment. PPP cautioned PML-N that the government might not get any relief through this review petition and urged the government to handle the issue of banning PTI democratically. This was conveyed during a meeting convened following PPP’s objection that it was not consulted by the PML-N before it took a decision on the matter. The said meeting focused on two issues, filing a review petition on the reserved seats case judgment and the proposed ban on PTI. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PML-N told to seek ‘democratic solution’ to its PTI problem,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
ECP agrees to implement the SC’s decision on PTI’s reserved seats case
On 19 July, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) agreed to implement the PTI’s reserved seats judgment. The ECP’s media wing informed that instructions had been issued to find the obstacles while implementing the judgment so that the ECP legal team could seek further directions from the top court. When questioned about the notifications of 39 PTI MNAs, a senior ECP official stated: “The Commission still has time for it” and confirmed that notifications for all the 80 MNAs will be issued in one go. Though, he indicated that the legal status of PTI is still questionable citing the party’s “flawed” intra-party elections. Further, the two-day meeting condemned the continuous criticism of the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members and referred to the demand for the CEC’s resignation as “ridiculous.” The ECP stated: The commission will not succumb to any kind of pressure and will continue to work according to the constitution and law.” It further clarified that the ECP did not “misinterpret any decision” by detailing that PTI’s intra-party election as “invalid” and the “Bat symbol” was withdrawn under Section 215 of the Elections Act.” The ECP explained that the 41 candidates had been declared as independent candidates because they did not submit their party affiliation and any party ticket. It also claimed that those MNAs joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) voluntarily after winning the election. Further, on 23 July, the ECP will hear the PTI’s intra-party election case. The notices have been sent to PTI chairman Barrister Gohar and party spokesperson Raoof Hasan.
Similarly, Senator Irfan Siddiqui of the ruling PML-N alleged the decision of the Supreme Court violates the Constitution and the law, stating: “The decision has trampled constitution.” He further questioned that “Any addition or alteration is like rewriting the constitution. If the constitution and the law gave members three days, from where this 15-day timeline has come in the SC decision?” (Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP ready to implement reserved seats verdict, with ‘ifs and buts’,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
“Constitutional crisis seems to have been averted,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 20 July, an editorial in Dawn titled “Royal tantrum,” discussed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s announcement to implement the Supreme Court’s verdict in the reserved seats case, stating that “the constitutional crisis seems to have been averted.” However, the ECP remains defiant on 11 Supreme Court justices’ finding over the misinterpretation of the bat symbol judgment to not recognize the PTI as a political entity and a violation of the law. The editorial noted that ECP’s implementation “may not be as smooth as one would hope,” however, it also agreed that things were going in the “right direction.” The editorial highlighted that this decision took place amidst various perceptions and warnings all over the media like a ‘constitutional meltdown’ and a ‘looming emergency.’ There were also rumors existed that the ECP would defy the court. It also mentioned Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s warning that “constitutional breakdown is about to happen.” The editorial further reiterated PML-N’s announcement of banning the largest party in Parliament, PTI, and its forced back stepping following the “heavy condemnation” from its friends and foes. The editorial also criticized PML-N’s act of slamming the Judiciary for its “favoritism” and the political opponents for “hatching conspiracies against the country.” The article argued that this stance by PML-N is a “dangerous sign.” Further, it alleged that PML-N has secured majority only because of the “series of patently unjust and illegal decisions taken by the ECP.” With a note on PML-N’s sustained condemnation of PTI for the 9 May issue and its accusations of biases on judiciary, the editorial suggested that the party “back its rhetoric and reverse course.” (“Royal tantrum,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
JUDICIARY
Two retired judges appointed as ad hoc members in the Supreme Court
On 18 July, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) appointed two retired judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood as ad hoc members for one year. The nomination of Justice Masood was approved with a majority vote of 8-1. However, Justice Munib Akhtar’s nomination, a member of the commission, was rejected on technical grounds. The recommendation of Justice Miankhel was approved by the opposition; however, he later confirmed his unwillingness to accept the offer citing the social media controversy.
Initially, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa recommended Mushir Alam, Maqbool Baqar, Mazhar Alam Miankhel, and Sardar Tariq Masood as ad hoc judges. Later, Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Maqbool Baqar refused to accept the offer. The plan was to appoint these judges for three years as ad hoc judges in the Supreme Court. Akhtar Hussain, who represents the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) in the JCP announced that during the meeting discussions took place on the legal and constitutional matters regarding the appointment. He stressed that discussions were held particularly on the recommendations that have been made under Article 182 of the Constitution, rather than Article 175-A. They also discussed the kind of job to be assigned to the ad hoc judges since it is not a regular one. The meeting also suggested seeking Justice Miankhel for his fresh consent about the offer. He further clarified that the three-judge committee constituted under the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 will assign the work to the ad hoc judges. He also expressed regret for the evolving opposition against the appointment and underlined that such criticism was only aimed at further polarizing society for petty political gains. (Nasir Iqbal, “Two retired judges ‘brought back’ to apex court as ad hoc members,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
ECONOMY
State Bank of Pakistan data reveals increase in FDI compared to last year
On 18 July, the State Bank of Pakistan released data showing an increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to by 17 per cent to USD 1.9 billion in FY24 compared to the previous year of USD 1.62 billion. The FDI inflows in June alone reached USD 168.7 million in FY 24 compared to USD 122.4 million in FY 23. Chinese investments led in FY24 with USD 568 million despite the political and economic struggles. China remains Pakistan’s leading investor and trading partner, with Hong Kong as the second-largest contributor with USD 358.5 million which is an increase from USD 250 million last year. Significant foreign investments were recorded from various countries, with the United Kingdom contributing USD 268 million, the United States contributing USD 137 million, and Singapore contributing USD 100 million. The power sector attracted the highest foreign investment at USD 799.9 million in FY24. Investments in oil and gas exploration increased to USD 303.6 million from USD 137 million in the previous year. The financial sector, including banks and insurance, attracted USD 208 million, from USD 276 million last year. Inflows in mining and quarrying reached USD 103 million, from the net outflow of USD 220 million in FY23. (“FDI jumps 17pc to $1.9bn,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
Current Account Deficit (CAD) reaches 13-year low
On 18 July, the State Bank of Pakistan released data showing that the country’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) had reduced drastically to 79 per cent, the lowest in 13 years. As per the data released by the State Bank, the CAD fell to USD 681 million from USD 3.275 billion in FY 23. Head of research at Arif Habib Ltd., Tahir Abbas said this decrease was attributed to a 6 per cent reduction in the trade deficit and an 11 per cent increase in remittances. Exports of goods totaled USD 31.09 billion, from USD 27.88 billion in FY23, while exports of services slightly increased to USD 7.8 billion from USD 7.59 billion. Imports of goods were USD 53.17 billion, and services imports were USD 10.12 billion. The State Bank reported a trade deficit of USD 22.08 billion in goods and USD 2.31 billion in services in FY24, from USD 1 billion in FY23. In FY24, the exports grew by 11.5 per cent, a decrease from 14.2 per cent in FY23. There was a minimal growth of of 0.9 per cent in import after a 26.3 per cent decline in FY23. Experts anticipate that the current account deficit will remain low in 2025 if the government continues to control imports and increase remittances. Exporters have expressed dissatisfaction with economic policies, expressing concerns with the finance minister and making public appeals. The economic downturn from reduced imports in FY23 is expected to continue, with a growth rate of only 2.4 per cent in FY24. (Shahid Iqbal, “Current account deficit shrinks to 13-year low,” Dawn, 20 July 2025)
SECURITY
Violence during peace rally and terrorist attacks in different parts of KP kill four and injure several others
On 19 July, a series of terrorist attacks and violent incidents in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed at least four people injured more than two dozen. In Bannu City, a peace rally demanding security in the southern district was disrupted by gunfire that killed one and injured 22 others. The peace rally was taken out following the recent terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment. According to official sources, shots were fired from the neighbouring area targeting the security forces’ tents. Security forces fired back. The attack took place when the marchers moved towards the Sports complex building for a public meeting. In this regard, KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif stated that the situation was under control and informed that CM Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has ordered an investigation.
Similarly, in South Waziristan, a remote-controlled roadside bomb killed two people. Based on police reports, the attack targeted peace committee commander Ainullah Wazir’s car. Wazir escaped the blast, however, two civilians were killed.
Further, another grenade attack on a police post at the Takht-i-Bahi archaeological site attack in the northeastern Mardan district by unidentified assailants killed one constable Umar Nabi and severely injured two other officers, Shabbir and Muhammad Fayyaz. Subsequently, the Police launched a search operation. (“One killed, scores hurt as violence mars Bannu rally,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
TLP calls off protest in Faizabad after the federal government agrees to increase aid to Palestinians
On 19 July, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) called off its protest at Faizabad following a settlement with the federal government. The government agreed to accelerate support to the Palestinian victims in return for the TLP’s decision to call off the sit-in. This development took place after continued negotiation for the second day. After signing the agreement, Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah announced that the TLP would support the government in extending consignments of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. He further assured that a shipment of more than 1000 tonnes of edible items and medicines will be sent to Palestine before 31 July. He also agreed to accommodate more Palestinian students and facilitate health facilities in Pakistan. In addition, it was also agreed Pakistan will send medical assistance in the form of medical and paramedical staff. The PM’s advisor condemned Israel’s actions and referred to it as a “terrorist state.” He called Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” as per international law and urged the international community and the Muslim Ummah to hold him accountable.
In addition, he declared that henceforth the government of Pakistan will not use the products of companies that influence the war crimes against Palestinians. Efforts to release Dr Aafia Siddiqui who is imprisoned in the US were also decided during the negotiation. (Kalbe Ali, “Week-long agony ends as TLP protesters wrap up Faizabad sit-in,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
PROVINCES
"Threats to freedom of expression, journalists and journalism, which were prevalent during the ‘war on terror’ years persist in KP," argues an opinion in Dawn
On 20 July, an opinion by Aurangzaib Khan in Dawn titled, “Merger and a manacled media,” argued that “threats to freedom of expression, journalists and journalism” that existed during the “war on terror” years are evolving after five years of merging FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) with KP. Citing ongoing terrorist attacks, the author claimed that the progress promised was hampered as journalists tasked to report the region’s challenges themselves are becoming causalities. The author highlighted that “Militancy and the attendant securitization have fostered an oppressive order marked by threats, suspicion, and paranoia, undermining opportunities for peace, dialogue, and development.” By mentioning the “security and combat,” the author argued that the region has failed to withhold the promise as it is again trapped in “an insular, combative and conservative tribal mould.” Even decades after 9/11, the journalists covering FATA continue to face insecurity and it has become a “chronic affliction.” The opinion quoted a tribal journalist: “If there is no safety, there cannot be journalism but controlled information that serves the parties to a conflict more than the people caught in it.” The author also claimed that this insecurity has widened the long-standing gap between the citizens and the state within the tribal districts’ political and governance system. Further, he regretted that “a free media could have facilitated a dialogue between both.” Further, the author believes that the merger of Fata into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was a missed opportunity. Instead of empowering local voices and facilitating free expression, the post-merger communication regime has focused on strategic communication to push government narratives rather than “amplifying and strengthening” citizen voices through free media. The author explained that on one hand, insecurity for journalism has increased and on the other hand, mainstream media’s disproportionate focus on conflict and security issues has undermined local media journalism. Finally, the author stressed that the merger as a “lost opportunity,” as it could have been a model to resolve the issues. Instead, it has failed to ensure freedom of expression and information in the tribal districts. (Aurangzaib Khan, “Merger and a manacled media,” Dawn, 20 July 2024)
EXTERNAL
Leaked TTP call reveals planned terror attacks in Pakistan
On 20 July, according to Geo News sources, the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is planning a series of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. In a phone call intercepted by authorities, TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud gave instructions to his lieutenants on how to carry out these attacks. The TTP plans to “plunge the country into chaos” by attacking educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and military and police officers. Noor Wali directed his men to “inflame the security situation in Pakistan,” suggesting a method to conduct bombings on schools or hospitals without claiming responsibility. He also suggested that homes of police and army personnel be destroyed. Other voices heard in the call have been identified as local commanders Ahmad Hussain Mehsud alias Ghat Haji, and Saqib Gandapur. In the call, Noor Wali asked his men to keep the call confidential. This development gives credence to Pakistan’s consistent claims that is certain the TTP leadership is based in Afghanistan and is using Afghan soil to conduct terrorist activities in Pakistan. (“TTP chief’s leaked call exposes terror plots in Pakistan,” The News International, 20 July 2024)
Foreign Office asks “foreign capitals” to stay away from Pakistan’s domestic affairs
On 19 July, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch asked foreign capitals to stay away from Pakistan’s domestic affairs. She was responding to remarks made by the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller over the government’s decision to ban PTI. Miller had stated that it “is a matter of great concern” for the US. In this regard, Baloch stated “The recent decisions by Pakistani courts, including the Supreme Court of Pakistan, show the strengths of Pakistan’s legal and judicial system and the ability of the Pakistani nation to deal with domestic challenges. Commentary from abroad is therefore unwarranted and unacceptable interference in Pakistan’s domestic affairs.”
Separately, she also clarified that the purpose of the recent demarche to Afghanistan is to convey “deep concern over the involvement of the Gul Bahadur group, that is based in Afghanistan,” and Pakistan’s expectation from Afghanistan to take action. She also indicated that Afghan authorities are aware of the whereabouts of these individuals, groups, and their sponsors. She also clarified Pakistan’s position and its policy on deporting illegal Afghan immigrants under the immigration laws and urged Malala Yousafzai, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize to encourage the countries accepting these Afghan refugees to expedite their repatriation. While responding to a recent judgment from a Kenyan court regarding the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, she refused to comment on the “substance of the case, since it remains subjudice in Pakistan.” In addition, she announced the upcoming visit by the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, from 22 July to 24 July to hold talks with the Pakistani leadership on bilateral relations and regional/global developments. (Mariana Baabar, “Pakistan asks foreign capitals to refrain from interfering in its domestic affairs,” The News International, 20 July 2024)
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How did the shootings and the deaths of civilians happen in Bannu? Today, the people of Bannu held a historic peace march. In which forty to fifty thousand people of different political parties participated. During this incident, PTM workers announced to march towards Cantt, which was opposed by JUI. Meanwhile, the two groups clashed and fired, this incident is being linked to the security forces, which are themselves affected by terrorism, who are sacrificing their men every day. Clash between JUI and PTM workers The incident took place about a thousand meters away from Kent. Now understand the connection of forces with the incident that happened so far from Kent.
-Amjad Hussain Bukhari
People like Adil Raja, Gibran Ilyas, Shahbaz Gul and Moeed Perada sitting abroad want the army and the people to be in trouble, we have to defeat them, Fawad Chaudhry.
- Pervaiz Sandhila
Imran Khan used to sexually abuse young innocent children
Confirmation of all Afshan Latif's words at the global level. Imran Khan's name in Gislain Maxwell's client list. Such an adulterer was made the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Social Welfare Minister Ajmal Cheema and Director General Afshan Karan Imtiaz used to submit under-age children from orphanages to the sexual lust of the adulterer Imran Khan and the black magic of the witch Bushra.
- Imran Bilal
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“Why did so many vote in favour of the resolution?”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘HR901 and beyond’
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