Pakistan faces a dip in cotton production; Federal government blames PTI for unrest in Bannu
In Brief
POLITICS
Imran Khan dismisses possibility of ‘deals’ with the PPP
On 20 July, at an informal meeting with journalists at Adiala Jail, former Prime Minister Imran Khan accused the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) of “being two peas in a pod”. He branded them as “products of Form 47”, referring to the document which gives a forecast of the election results. He stated that both parties were “products of ‘manipulated’ electoral processes.” He also stated that he would only “consider” engaging with the PPP if “it was a stepping stone back to power”. He insisted that Pakistan would be able to overcome its current crises through “clean, transparent elections” and “better economic reforms.” Speaking about living in jail, he described the condition in which he is detained as “unsanitary”, and with “inadequate food.” Commenting on the recent Bannu Incident, he condemned the opening of fire by the military on “unarmed civilians during a peace march.” Thereafter, he inquired as to why neither the security footage was released nor a judicial commission was formed for the 9 May events. (“Imran Khan rules out ‘deals’ with PPP”, The Express Tribune, 21 July 2024)
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar refutes Imran Khan’s claims of mistreatment in prison
On 21 July, Information Minister, Ataullah Tarar accused British journalist, Christina Lamb of being “mistaken” In an interview published in The Sunday Times, she had reported on Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s claims of being “caged like a terrorist” and being put in “solitary confinement with barely any space to move.” It isn’t clear how the interview was conducted as access to Khan is “strictly controlled and limited to his legal team and close family members.” According to The Sunday Times, the interview was conducted through his lawyers. Responding to Khan’s claims, Tarar said, Mr Khan “holds three meetings every week with his lawyers, friends, family and political leaders in the ‘presidential suite’ that has been created for him.” He further argued that during Mr Khan’s rule, the members of Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), were confined in “7 feet by 8 feet death cells”, with no access to medicine and food. On the contrary, Tarar stated that Mr Khan “is enjoying a lavish lifestyle in jail.” (Syed Irfan Raza, “Govt hits back at Imran’s gripes over prison conditions”, Dawn, 22 July 2024)
PTI spokesperson dismisses claims by JUI-F related to the dissolution of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly
On 22 July, Dawn reported on the contradictory statements made by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and the PTI regarding a possible plan to dissolve the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assembly to force snap elections. JUI-F claimed that PTI is willing to dissolve the assembly and resign en masse from the parliament for a transparent election, but the PTI denied such claims. The article highlighted that PTI is cautious of dissolving the assembly as its spokesperson Raoof Hasan stated: “Why would we repeat the same mistake.” The mistake he is referring to was the dissolution of the KP and Punjab Assembly in April 2022 by the PTI, just six months after the no-confidence motion against the then Prime Minister Imran Khan. This failed in forcing the government to conduct fresh polls. Hasan also clarified PTI’s stance, stating: “We have decided to remain in parliament and will continue to struggle from within parliament. I have talked to Asad Qaiser and he said that none of our members have given assurance to the JUI-F that we are ready to resign from the KP Assembly.” Although, he asserted that in case of snap elections, the PTI would resign from the KP Assembly by assuring that the PTI would gain all the eight opposition seats.
In a similar manner, JUI-F social media head Ayaz Muhammad noted that there were almost eight to ten meetings between both parties and detailed that in the last meeting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman shared about the decision of the PTI before journalists.” (Ikram Junaidi, “Wary of ‘past errors’, PTI on edge over resignations,” Dawn, 22 July 2024)
The government’s plan to ban the PTI is a “high-risk gamble” that “misreads the mood in the country,” argues an opinion in Dawn
On 22 July, in an opinion in Dawn titled “High-risk game,” Maleeha Lodhi reviewed the PML-N’s response to the Supreme Court’s reserved seats verdict in favor of the PTI. She argued that the decision to ban the PTI was a response to this verdict. Lodhi emphasized that if the PML-N goes ahead with the ban, “it could plunge the country into renewed turmoil, even chaos.” Lodhi also emphasized that there was a need for “political calm and stability to fix the economy,” however, government’s actions suggest that either the government does not understand “the nexus between economic and political stability or chooses to overlook it in a state of panic.” The panic refers to the government’s fears that the SIC verdict will open a Pandora’s Box, potentially leading to Imran Khan’s release. Lodhi pointed out the proposed ban on PTI and a PML-N spokesperson’s declaration that the party intends to initiate treason proceedings against Khan reflects how “insecure” the PML-N is feeling as well as its “intolerant mindset.” Lodhi also stressed that after the SC verdict, the government should have forged some modicum of understanding with the opposition, “especially in view of the economic challenge.” The author also noted that if the government goes ahead with its decision, it will face several hurdles, including the fact that the Supreme Court might not “endorse the ban” as if has already recognized PTI as a political party. The political risks of the ban are also “high,” especially banning a national party with high numbers in the parliament “will inevitably provoke turmoil, deepen polarization, and force PTI towards agitation.” This will also exacerbate economic risk as implementing the IMF programme in “an environment marked by political confrontation, turbulence, and uncertainty” would become difficult. (Maleeha Lodhi, “High-risk game,” Dawn, 22 July 2024)
ECONOMY
Pakistan witnesses a dip in overall cotton production, experts blame “climate change” and “inefficiency”
On 22 July, the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association announced a fall in overall cotton production. They revealed that during the current season, overall cotton production has reduced by half compared to the same period in the previous year. Experts cite that this reduction in bale availability is due to “erratic weather patterns” and the failure of the government to oversee that farmers receive fair prices. The association further detailed that until 15 July, 442,000 bales of phutti or raw cotton were brought to ginning factories. This is 48.48 per cent less when compared to the previous year’s record of 858,007 bales. Further, it detailed that Punjab produced 114,375 bales which is 42.49 per cent less, and Sindh has produced 327,666 bales which is 50.29 per cent down from earlier. Sanghar district in Sindh, which is the hub of ginning factories, contributed 80 per cent and 60 per cent of the province’s and country’s overall production, respectively. Cotton Ginners’ Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq blamed the government’s inability to ensure that the farmers get at least PKR 8,500 per 40-kilo gram rate for their produce as one of the major reasons for the dip in cotton production. He also noted that the adverse weather conditions contributed to low production, especially the excess heat in the May and June months. In addition, the high tax on the ginning sector affected the “undocumented sales” of about 2.5 million by further confirming the running of undocumented businesses in certain sectors, urging the government to upgrade the “track-and-trace system functional.” Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Chairman Naseem Usman also blamed climate change for the dip in production. (Amjad Mahmood, “Cotton output ‘halved’ by climate change, inefficiency,” Dawn, 22 July 2024)
Pakistan can overcome the “population calamity,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 22 July, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Population calamity,” argued that the “population bomb” in Pakistan has already “exploded,” The editorial made this comment in response to the revelations made by the 2023 digital census report. The report has revealed that the population of the country has increased from 207.68 million in 2017 to 241.49 million in 2023, with one of the highest growth rates of 2.55 per cent. The editorial also pointed out that there are suspicions that the 2023 census, which was published after a year delay, “understates the total population.” The editorial also noted that, according to the census data, if allowed, the population will double by 2050. One of the conservative estimates by the United Nations forecasts that the numbers will increase to 40.3 million which will have massive economic and societal implications, especially related to food security, socioeconomic infrastructure, and public services. The editorial also discussed two contrasting opinions about the country’s population growth; One stresses the “case of rampant poverty and a growing strain on the state’s capacity for public service delivery” and the other on a “demographic dividend that can be harnessed to drive faster economic growth.” The editorial claimed that the growth is more of a “bane than a boon” due to the scarce resources. Further, it delineated a few factors for the population growth, including “religio-cultural beliefs, social taboos, poverty, female illiteracy, and lack of access to birth control and family planning services, etc.” However, it also observed that many countries that had faced such a situation had overcome it. Pointing this out, the editorial argued that even Pakistan can do the same by learning from its “peers” and “implementing functional family planning programs and campaigns.” (“Population calamity,” Dawn, 22 July 2024)
The government continues to burden the marginalized salaried class and lets the “hatred and negativity” around itself increase, argues an opinion in The News International
On 22 July, an opinion by Waqar Ahmed in The News International titled, “The salaried also rise,” discussed the federal budget and the salaried class of Pakistan. The author criticized the budget for being heavily influenced by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditions which were aimed at increasing direct and indirect taxes. The author pointed out a very low tax base -where only five million individuals filed their tax returns out of 240 million people- as a major issue facing the country. The author argued that this is an important barrier to “growth” and it also reduces the government’s ability to spend more on public welfare. Further, the author referred to the increase in all the tax rates of the salaried class in the budget as a “sticking point.” He detailed the areas where the tax has increased and underlined that this measure will see 48 per cent in direct taxes which will further burden the already “exploited salaried class.” He referred to the Icelandic Pots and Pans revolution in 2008-2009, peaceful protests initiated in response to inflation and unemployment, and highlighted the establishment of a similar group, the Salaried Class Alliance of Pakistan to protect the rights of the earning class. This group aims to fight for the rights of the professionals. The article further emphasized that this tax provision will increase the problem of brain drain and generate a “feeling of resentment” among the educated. The author lamented that the government is not determined to eliminate the benefits from “influential connections.” Thus, the author blamed the government for sustaining moves that burden the marginalized salaried class and for letting the “hatred and negativity” towards the government to increase. He also appreciated the aforementioned alliance for its efforts towards fighting for “fair tax policies,” and claimed that the alliance has high potential of succeeding in its objectives. (Waqar Ahmed, “The salaried also rise,” The News International, 22 July 2024)
SOCIETY
The government can no longer use “vaccine hesitancy and other challenges as its immunity badge” when it comes to tackling the menace of polio, argues an editorial in Dawn
On 22 July, an editorial in The News International titled “Polio’s nine lives” lamented that the steps taken by the country to tackle the menace of Polio “has proven insufficient” given that polio cases have continued to surge in 2024. The editorial pointed out that according to reports, Pakistan has recorded its 9th polio case of the year and the victim is “a year and a half old” child from Zhob. Further, it is concerning that polio cases have seen a 50 per cent increase in the first seven months of this year as compared to last year when six cases had been recorded for the entire year. The editorial also highlighted that the polio epidemic which had earlier been restricted to Pakistan and Afghanistan has also been reported from “the war-torn and occupied strip in the Middle East.” The editorial, however, argued that the rise in polio cases in Pakistan is inexcusable. Given the widespread knowledge that there is “vaccine hesitancy among parents,” the editorial noted that it is “shameful” that the government has been unable to inform people’s opinion in this regard. The editorial acknowledged the government’s efforts to “ensure the safety of children against the virus,” but stressed that vaccine hesitancy along with “medical misinformation” is the real challenge and must be tackled. The editorial strongly remarked that the government can no longer use these excuses as “its immunity badge” and should “do more to eradicate the virus.” (“Polio’s nine lives,” Dawn, 22 July 2024)
SECURITY
Federal government blames PTI for unrest in Bannu, KP government blames “miscreants”
On 21 July, the federal government alleged that the PTI-led provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was responsible for the unrest during a peace rally in Bannu. The provincial government, however, blamed “miscreants” for the unrest. In a press conference, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that some PTI members opened fire which caused unrest and injured several. He rejected the inquiry commission established by KP, blaming that the PTI “tried to blame the security agencies for the incident.” He also alleged that PTI has launched a “malicious campaign” on social media to propagate “wrong and fabricated story in Bannu.” He slammed Imran Khan for reinstating the terrorists in the country and stated: “You have always been a Taliban apologist…you were a Taliban sympathizer…”
Separately, a 40-member jirga that has been formed to resolve the unrest will meet KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on 22 July to express public’s concerns. Additionally, the KP Home and Tribal Affairs Department issued a statement in which it noted that the Jirga had held negotiations with the local administration and finalized a 16-point agenda. The statement pointed out that “These points are now under active consideration and those which can be resolved and agreed to at the commissioner/administration level will be done so as soon as possible.” In addition, the statement also confirmed the successful completion of the rally at Pretty Gate, Bannu City, and claimed that there were some “miscreants” who threw stones at the Security Forces Supply Depot and resorted to “small arms fire.” It lauded the efforts by the jirga and urged the public not to listen to the negative propaganda and lies. Further, KP CM Gandapur confirmed his meeting with jirga on 22 July in a video message. (“Manzoor Ali and Syed Irfan Raza, “KP points to ‘miscreants’, Centre blames PTI for unrest in Bannu,” Dawn, 22 July 2024)
“Pakistan cannot continue to sleepwalk through its crises,” asserts an editorial in Dawn
On 21 July, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Civil unrest,” highlighted the protests and violent confrontations between security forces and unarmed protestors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The article explained the unrest by distinguishing the nature of protests before the “new taxation regime” and to the current status. It highlighted that these protests were focused on various security-related issues. For instance, in Balochistan, there were uprisings against the continuing enforced disappearances, and in KP, over the killing of a poet and the Azm-i-Istehkam operation. However, the editorial pointed out that in the post “new taxation regime,” there is a possibility that “public dissatisfaction over rising costs of living could also spill into the streets soon.” The editorial also warned that this a “serious challenge for the government” as the government currently remains focused on the “deteriorating law-and-order situation.” The editorial also stressed that the situation in both KP and Balochistan gives a similar message, that “the people are now intent on pushing back and regaining greater control over their lives.” It urged the government to “lend its people a sympathetic ear” and to stop the situation from growing. The article expressed further concerns, questioning the “state’s legitimacy or the ability to solve ordinary people’s problems.” It further explained the situation in Pakistan by comparing it with Bangladesh and urged the government to put effort into resolving the issues instead of “fanning more flames.” (“Civil unrest,” Dawn, 21 July 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan urges Germany to take immediate action against the miscreants of Consulate attack in Frankfurt
On 21 July, Pakistan urged Germany to take immediate action against the perpetrators of the “security breach” incident that took place in the Pakistani Consulate in Frankfurt. On 20 July, a “gang of extremists” or a group of Afghan nationals attacked the Pakistan Consulate and attempted to remove and burn the Pakistani flag. The video of the incident went viral in which one of the men was seen holding the Afghan flag. Reports also mentioned that they pelted stones on the consulate building. In this regard, Pakistan condemned the attack and German police for not having made any arrests so far. However, The News International, reported that some arrests were made for further investigation. The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan summoned the German ambassador in Islamabad to “lodge a strong protest over the vandalism of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission.” The FO stated: “Under the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations, 1963 it is the responsibility of the host government to protect the sanctity of the consular premises and ensure the security of diplomats.” In addition, the Pakistan Embassy in Germany also condemned the attack and ensured that the embassy was in contact with German authorities. Further, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated: “We have urged the German government to fulfill its responsibilities under the Vienna Conventions and ensure the security of the diplomatic missions and staff of Pakistan in Germany.” Information Minister Atta Tarar conveyed that the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has been asked to analyze the footage of the incident to make sure whether any Pakistani nationals were involved. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also slammed the Afghan nationals and asked the government to “rethink its hospitality towards Afghan citizens.” He angrily remarked: “There’s a limit to hospitality. They swore at us; they swore at Pakistan. They talk against the integrity of Pakistan. They carry out proper rallies [against Pakistan]. They burn our flags.”
Separately, The Express Tribune reported that the motive behind the attack might have been to condemn the murder of Gilman Wazir, a poet, and a local political party leader.
Additionally, according to German media DW, the protests were staged to “highlight complaints against Pakistan’s military and intelligence services, which organizers accused of killing critics and political opponents.” It further mentioned that almost 400 people holding the Afghan flag took part in the protest. In a similar manner, ten days earlier to this incident, Afghan protestors who were allegedly linked to a Pakistani political movement carried out a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London’s Belgravia area. The protesters were demanding justice for Afghan poet Gilaman Wazir, who was killed in Islamabad. (Zaki Abbas, “Islamabad seeks action on Frankfurt ‘vandalism’,” Dawn, 22 July 2024; “Pakistan consulate in Germany vandalised,” The News International, 22 July 2024; Kamran Yousaf, “FO summons German ambassador over vandalism attack on diplomatic mission in Frankfurt,” 21 July 2024)
CHINA/CPEC
Government wants Chinese power plants to switch to Thar coal
On 21 July, Power Minister, Awais Leghari, announced that Pakistan will ask China to shift to Thar coal for its power plants, instead of imported coal. Mr Leghari informed that he will be a part of the delegation which will discuss structural reforms in the power sector, as suggested by the International Monetary Fund. The UN agency raised concerns over “high rates of power theft and distribution losses”, which have led to an accumulation of debt throughout the production chain. These structural reforms aim at reducing “circular debt” i.e. “public liabilities that build up in the power sector due to subsidies and unpaid bills.” In an interview, Mr Leghari opined that the main aim is to convert Pakistan’s “imported coal units to the local coal” as it would “benefit the Chinese-owned plants in Pakistan by reducing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.” Such a transition would economize Pakistan’s spending of PKR 200 billion in imports, per year and even reduce the price of electricity to PKR 2.5 per unit. (“Islamabad wants Chinese utilities to use Thar coal”, Dawn, 22 July 2024)
Pakistan releases anthem to celebrate 97th PLA anniversary
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported that to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Pakistan has “unveiled” an anthem that celebrates the bond shared by the two countries. The lyrics “poetically” captures “the essence of their friendship.” It describes how peaks of the Himalayas seem less significant than the “bond” they hold and its “depths appear shallow next to the strength of” their “friendship.” (“Pakistan releases new anthem honouring China’s 97th PLA anniversary”, The Express Tribune, 21 July 2024)
WORLD VIEW
“The ICJ’s decision comes at a crucial time, and gives much-needed context to the Palestinian question,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 22 July, an editorial titled “Blow to occupation” in Dawn, described the recent “non-binding advisory opinion” of the ICJ against the “decades-old Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories” as a “legal blow.” The judgment not only recognized that “Israel has been illegally occupying Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the 1967 war” but also pointed out that this has hindered “the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.” The court in its advisory opinion also urged the international community to not provide “aid or assistance” to Israel. The editorial highlighted the “Israeli settlers’” extreme violence against Palestinians with the backing of the military and noted that this shocks “even many of Tel Aviv’s staunchest foreign backers.” Referring to Israel’s “ongoing slaughter in Gaza,” the editorial further argued that Israel continues to operate with impunity and tramples on “the international ‘rules-based order’, as the global community meekly watches on.” The editorial emphasized that the timing of the ICJ ruling is “crucial” as it provides “much-needed context to the Palestinian question.” The editorial lamented that international pressure on Israel to accept and implement the ICJ’s ruling is “unlikely to happen, as the global order is driven by realpolitik, not principles.” The editorial concluded by stating that “a viable Palestinian state — free from Israel’s stranglehold” is, however, “the only solution to this long-festering dispute.” (“Blow to occupation,” Dawn, 22 July 2024)
“Promoting awareness of legal migration opportunities and the benefits of following legal processes is crucial,” insists an opinion in The News International
On 22 July, in an opinion in The News International titled “Migration in crisis”, Zahra Khalid argued that taking “irregular migration routes” to a foreign country can neither be “justified” nor “guarantee a better life for immigrants.” On interacting with migrants, she stated that they often feel “ashamed of returning empty-handed and guilty for putting their families through emotional and financial strain.” She also highlighted “inhumane incidents” where smugglers “exploit the vulnerability of trafficked individuals.” She illustrates how “some time back, migrants were found dead in a refrigerated truck after entering the destination country through a smuggling network.” She highlights the risks involved in migration, as reflected in the incident when 800 migrants died by using the “dunki” routes. As a solution, she deems it imperative for the government to “educate the youth about the dangers and potential consequences of illegal migration and the benefits of following legal processes” and also highlight “success stories” of people, “who have prospered by working within their home country or through legal migration.” She concluded with the importance of creating “awareness of legal migration opportunities and the benefits of following legal processes” as “irregular cross-border” migration would make border restrictions “highly ineffective” because countries in the West and Gulf states “are moving to digital IDs and strict immigration policies.” ( Zahra Khalid, “Migration in crisis,” The News International, 22 July 2024)
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The ICJ advisory opinion has decisively ruled that Israeli settlements are ILLEGAL and must end immediately, affirming violations of the UN Charter of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Since October 2023, Occupation forces' brutality has claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population. The international community must implement it and act to end the occupation, apartheid and massacre of the Palestinian people. ensuring a two-state solution as per UN resolutions. which is the only viable path for the two peoples and the entire region to live in peace, security and prosperity.
-BilawalBhuttoZardari
The spokesperson of the Pakistan Army is telling the mood of the press conference that the process of killing the anarchists should be accelerated.
- Pervaiz Sandhila
If we have to fight this historic inflation, unemployment, poverty and economic crisis, then our 10-point public economic agreement is necessary.
- PPP
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"The underlying reality is that the status quo of the past few decades is proving itself to be largely unsustainable."
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Crisis of governability’
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