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In Brief
POLITICS
PTI’s Central Office raided and Information Secretary Raoof Hasan arrested
On 22 July, Police and the Federal Investigation Agency raided PTI’s Central Office in Islamabad over allegations of “anti-state digital campaigns.” They also arrested Information Secretary Raoof Hasan. Ministry of Information noted that the raid was carried out after the information given by PTI activist Ahmad Waqas, who was arrested earlier for the possession of weapons and explosives. The ministry also announced the formation of a joint interrogation team to investigate the case.
Separately, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan revealed that the police officials seized “CCTV footage and documents including the PTI’s intra-party elections record.” While addressing a press conference, Gohar responded to the rumor of his arrest stating that while he accompanied Raoof to the police station, he was let go. PTI leaders have condemned the attack and referred to the police action as “shameful.” On the same day, Islamabad court remanded Mr Janjua into the police’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for seven days. An FIR has been filed under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The judge noted that a “huge quantity” of explosives with a Kalashnikov rifle had been taken into possession.” Simultaneously, Islamabad High Court heard the habeas corpus plea filed by his family. Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir later disposed of the petition and advised the petitioner to approach the respective forum as Mr Janjua has been remanded. (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI offices in capital raided over ‘anti-state campaign’,” Dawn, 23 July 2024)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and jirga discuss Bannu incident and 16 demands
On 22 July, a meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and 40 Bannu Aman Jirga sought to “iron out issues” regarding the opening of fire by the military on unarmed civilians during a “peace rally.” On 21 July, in a meeting with the district administration, the jirga had put forth 16 demands which were eventually forwarded to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The demand included an “end to centres of Taliban militants who had surrendered (the ‘good Taliban’) as well as a stop to their patrols and pickets.” In the backdrop, the issue of “good Taliban” groups has become a “a contentious topic.” Observers believe it would pose a challenge to the KP and Central government. Other demands of the jirga include that search and strike operations be conducted by the police and its Counter Terrorism Department instead of the militaryand efforts to increase the strength of the police and the CTD. Sepatately, a protest sit in continues for the third consecutive day against military operation in the region, at Abdul Sattar Shah Chowk in Bannu. An elder stated that if any agreement is settled between the government and the committee, it will be “placed before the participants of the sit-in to take them into confidence over it.” If the civilian demands are not met, “the second phase of agitation will be launched for which an announcement has been made at the protest camp,” he added. ( Manzoor Ali and Ghulam Mursalin Marwat , “‘Good Taliban’ feature in KP govt-jirga talks,” Dawn, 23 July 2024)
JUDICIARY
ISI ‘interception’ case to be heard on 16 August
On 22 July, the Sindh High Court issued notices to the cabinet division, ministries of interior, information technology and telecommunication and other respondents on a petition pertaining to “the intelligence agency powers to intercept calls and messages.” A two-judge bench composed of the deputy attorney general and advocate general will hear the case on 16 August. The petitioner, Abdul Had Ahmar Khan had submitted that through a Statutory Regulation Order (SRO) on 8 July, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication had “authorised the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to nominate officers not below the rank of Grade 18 to intercept calls and messages or to trace call through any telecommunication system as envisaged in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, 1998, citing national security concerns.” Mr Ahmar is of the belief that the SRO has “impugned” the fundamental rights to privacy and freedom as detailed by Articles 9 and 14. He explained that in the UK, the intelligence service is permitted to “use the interference equipment under a warrant signed by the secretary of state and approved by a judicial commissioner as enshrined in the Investigatory Powers Act, 2016.” Similar laws are placed even in the US, but in Pakistan, the SRO has allowed the agency “to obtain private information making it an extraordinary invasion of fundamental right to privacy.” He cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stated that, “no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his/her privacy.” He further reminded that “Pakistan is a signatory to the UDHR.” ( Ishaq Tanoli, “SHC issues notices in ISI ‘interception’ powers case” Dawn, 23 July 2024)
Imran Khan criticizes Chief Justice’s promptness in fixing the review of reserved seats case
On 23 July, Dawn reported that ex- Prime Minister, Imran Khan has criticized the Chief Justice of Pakistan of “hurrying to fix the review of a judgment regarding reserved seats.” He highlighted that the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf’s pleas against the “human rights violations” of 9 May remain pending and is yet to be taken up. In his interview with journalists at the Adiala Jail, Khan communicated his concern of PTI members being “tried in military courts” and feared that his fate would be the same. When asked about the possibility of a technocrat set-up, he “dismissed the idea” and opined that it “was better to impose martial law”. He said that Pakistan “was already being governed through an ‘unannounced martial law’.” He further added that the PTI “never” encouraged a technocratic set up as “free and fair elections” is the passport to economic stability. He argued that “that those who think a technocrat set-up would bring Pakistan out of crisis “live in a fool’s paradise.” ( Malik Asad, “CJP ‘in hurry’ to review reserved seats verdict: Imran” Dawn, 23 July 2024)
“The verdict has laid bare the rhetoric of legality and constitutionality and questioned the sustainability of the system in place in the country for decades now.” claims an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 23 July, in an opinion in The Express Tribune titled “Reserved seats: SC verdict and aftermath”, Ali Hassan Bangwar opined that the recent Supreme Court verdict on the reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council-Pakistan Tehreek- e- Insaaf “has earned widespread applause from all quarters, except the government.” He argued it has “radically altered the political landscape” and “has reinforced the Constitution’s fundamental tenets, which have lately seen erosion in the country,” especially the judiciary. He also argued that the verdict has “added to” the PTI’s “legitimacy.” He emphasized that the verdict has “questioned the government and ECP’s moral, legal, constitutional and political authority” due to denial of a “rightful place” to PTI He highlighted the weakening of the current government by citing some key developments: “the thinning of popular public support, the questionable legitimacy of the current political setup and its unprecedented desperation, international condemnation of the rigged elections and human rights violations, Faizabad 2.0, Biden’s eclipsing sun in the White House, economic volatility and woes, and PTI’s ever-growing public support base threaten the status quo.” According to the author, the “faultlines of the collapsing system, lie in the “the triad’s —PML-N, PPP”- opposition to each other. The author is of the opinion that whild traditionally these parties had reinforced each other’s power now they are causing each other’s downfall. This is because they have participated collectively in a “blatant disregard for democratic principles, the Constitution and public wellbeing.” He finally concluded that in order to stay in power, “The mantra of banning PTI suggests a last-ditch, desperate bid by the government and its backers.” (Ali Hassan Bangwar, “Reserved seats: SC verdict and aftermath,” The Express Tribune, 23 July 2024)
ECONOMY
SBP hopes to link Raast with the Arab regional payment system
On 23 July, The News International reported that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is hoping to link the Raast, an instant payment system with Buna, the Arab regional payment system. It is anticipated that it will assist in increasing remittances. In this regard, SBP is working with the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) to introduce the cross-border payment system. Saleem Ullah, the deputy governor of the SBP, mentioned that the system Buna will be accessible from next year which will reduce the senders’ transaction cost of remittances from foreign countries. Thus, the remittances flow will be shifted to formal from informal channels. Raast’s linkage with Buna will help in reducing the cost of cross-border financial transactions as Buna connects the Arab countries to international commercial and central banks. In addition, Saleem Ullah declared the plan to introduce the digital currency and noted that the process is in the evaluation stage. He also affirmed the technical assistance provided by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In this case, he urged all the banks to create the infrastructure and systems facility to extend the digital financing solutions for SME supply chains. He also asked the banks to finalize their working plans and to share it with SBP. He also urged the banks to upgrade on synergies as it will reduce the cash circulation, digital payments, and digital banking. Chairman of Pakistan Banks’ Association Zafar Masud welcomed digital financing and said that digital adoption will aid in economic growth and provide an opportunity for Digital Supply Chain Finance (or DSCF). Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also directed the Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) to work with SBP to enhance financial inclusion in agriculture and SMEs. (Erum Zaidi, “SBP pins hopes on Raast getting linked to Arab regional payment system in a year,” The News International, 23 July 2024)
SECURITY
State-run girls’ school blasted in North Waziristan
On 22 July, according to local police of Mir Ali tehsil in North Waziristan tribal district, suspected militants destroyed a part of government-run girls’ school by planting explosives and triggering an explosion using a remote-controlled device on 21 July. This blast damaged four rooms out of seven in the school and a nearby house. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack until now. Similar incidents of targeted killings and bombing were frequent in the tribal belt in the last decade. More than 1600 schools have been destroyed in this period. (“Girls school blown up in Waziristan,” The News International, 23 July 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistani American community shift their support to Donald Trump citing several reasons including illegal immigration
On 23 July, Dawn reported on the question “Why Pakistani Americans are signing up to the Republican party,” highlighting the Pakistani American community’s shifting loyalties to the Republicans. In Virginia, the Pakistani community organized an event to inspire the community to actively take part in the American election. Gibran Syed, a Biden supporter while addressing the event, stated “I have been a Democrat all along, but no more,” and referred to “extended money spending on welfare and LGBTQ issues, incompetent leadership, and illegal immigration” as the reason for his shift to Republicans. He further underlined that many of the attendees guaranteed their support to Republicans and Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. The event organizer, Mansoor Qureshi detailed that “There are more than 350,000 registered Muslim voters in Northern Virginia, with a majority being Pakistani,” and added, that this number will become a “significant and influential political force.” Similarly, Rubina Wadhwa, a Trump supporter observed that “Pakistani and Muslim women don’t vote.” Nuzaira Azam, a Democrat, attended the event especially to scale the Gaza war’s influence on Muslim voters. She noted that many of them who earlier supported Biden in 2018 are now switching to Trump due to the Gaza conflict.
In addition, Republican Juan Pablo Segura, the current Chief Deputy Secretary of Trade and Commerce expressed his commitment to address the issue of illegal immigration and assured the Pakistani community of his “availability and willingness to collaborate for their benefit.” He also engaged with the community and heard their concerns. (Anwar Iqbal, “Why Pakistani Americans are signing up to Republican party,” Dawn, 23 July 2024)
“Long history of hate and mistrust underpins both Pakistan’s ties with Kabul and the violence of the (anti-Taliban) protesters in Frankfurt will be difficult to overcome,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 23 July, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Frankfurt vandalism,” highlighted how the bitter history between Afghanistan and Pakistan led to a “violence of the anti-Taliban protestor” in Frankfurt, attacking Pakistan mission. The article urged the state to seek a “serious answer” from Germany following the attack on 20 July targeting the Pakistan Consulate in Frankfurt. It detailed the attack mentioning 400 protesters holding Afghan flags which were “used before the Taliban takeover,” stormed the consulate. The article further noted the act of protestors trying to remove the Pakistani flag and pelting stones at the building. The article observed that if such an attack happened in Pakistan, it would have been “derided for its poor security protocols.” The article, thus questioned the German authorities to explain “how a mob of hundreds was able to descend on a foreign mission and storm it relatively unhindered.” It also urged Germany to take efforts to prevent any repetition. The article argued that the Afghan nationals might have been motivated by its “decade-long anti-Pakistan bias” perception. It also mentioned that since independence, Pakistan and Afghanistan relations has been souring and “testy.” It pointed out that “past mistakes and flawed policies must be acknowledged and avoided.” It suggested Pakistan was never involved into the proxy war of global powers, referring to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan which allowed millions of Afghans into Pakistan. The article also stressed that the country needs “aggressive international diplomacy” to resolve the refugee crisis and also to foster ties with Afghanistan. (“Frankfurt vandalism,” Dawn, 23 July 2024)
AF-PAK
Pakistani traders denied entry to Afghanistan
On 23 July, Dawn revealed that that Pakistani traders and workers are being denied entry into Afghanistan “despite the reopening of the Chaman border crossing” Pakistanis who possess “national identity documents” are also being denied entry. Earlier, there were “successful negotiations” between “leaders of a sit-in protest” at the border town. They had decided to allow nationals from both countries to travel across upon producing their “respective national identity cards.” The leaders had accepted that “their anti-state stance had defamed Pakistan,” and that that they had used it “solely for political gain.” The leaders also “expressed regret over their actions” and “assured” that they would refrain from a similar stance in the future and “oppose” others who would do so. Former Interior Minister, Malik Inayat Kasi had announced the resumption of “movement across the border” and made it clear that all border matters “will solely” be negotiated “with the Laghari Union” and “not with individual Khans or Maliks.” However, Afghan officials have conveyed “displeasure” at their exclusion from the consultation process. and have deemed the conditions set during the negotiations between the sit-in leadership and the Pakistani government as one-sided”, he said. (Salem Shahid, “Traders trying to use IDs denied entry to Afghanistan” Dawn, 23 July 2024)
WORLD VIEW
“The US attitude towards the rest of the world will likely remain largely unchanged,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 23 July, an editorial in The News International titled, “What next for the US?,” discussed the US Presidential election-related incidents and its trajectory. It pointed out that Biden has been facing extreme pressure to step down from the race since his poor performance in the first US presidential election debate. It mentioned the pressure from “donors to prominent colleagues and sympathetic voices in the liberal-centrist media” urging Biden to drop out and allow the other Democrat nominee to run the presidential race. In addition, an assassination attempt on Donald Trump which resulted in an advantage to the Republicans and Biden’s COVID-19 positive result forced him off the campaign. The article cites that these are the “straw that broke Biden’s hopes,” as he announced his decision to drop out. On the question of Biden’s legacy, the editorial mentioned inflation and the lack of opportunity. On the international plane, Biden ended the invasion of Afghanistan and enabled the “continued occupation of Palestine and the genocide of Gaza.” The editorial has termed the Biden’s decision to withdraw as “not wise,” particularly when the alternative is “a convicted felon with no qualms about breaking any of the rules that govern a democracy, written or otherwise.” Biden’s withdrawal has meant that all tasks will fall into the hands of Kamala Harris Who the editorial has described as less competitive than Biden. Trump has also proclaimed that “Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been.” It also underlined that she cannot gain white working-class voters as she is a “black woman born to immigrant parents.” Harris’ decisions and global sides are similar to Bidens as she also backed Biden’s support of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The editorial thus concluded that “the US attitude towards the rest of the world will likely remain largely unchanged.” (“What next for the US?,” The News International, 23 July 2024)
“Invincibility of Nato to deal with security threats from Russia and China is however a myth and not a reality,” argues an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 23 July, an opinion by Dr Moonis Ahmar in The External Tribune titled “The myth and reality of Nato’s invincibility,” highlighted that the “world will be further polarized and the conflict with Russia and China will deepen with the passage of time.” The author explained that Nato’s expansion from 12 members in 1949 to 32 in 2024 projects a key expansion and enlargement of the US and its Western allies and reflects the fact that they are “reverting to Cold War politics.” He also underlined that NATO’s supposed “invincibility” in fighting security threats from China and Russia is a “myth,” as the world is moving fast towards multipolarity. He supported the fact that after the disintegration of the Warsaw Pact in 1991, NATO survived and strengthened, by expanding its position into the former members of the Warsaw Pact. He also claimed that this “expansionist NATO” fuelled the insecurity and prompted an attack on Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin also warned that “his country will not allow any hostile presence in its neighborhood.” However, the author stressed that NATO’s “dual containment policy” including Russia in Europe and China in the Indo-Pacific region will threaten Moscow. Further, he questioned the “invincibility of NATO” and the positioning of the non-aligned Asia-Pacific countries. He also questioned the position of India citing its relationship with Russia. The author has noted that NATO had miscalculated Putin’s extra-territorial power ambitions after it annexed Crimea. This is reflected in as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Furthermore, the author argued that the realities of NATO’s invincibility and aim to contain Russia and China will be “counter-productive.” (Dr Moonis Ahmar, The myth and reality of Nato’s invincibility,” The Express Tribune, 23 July 2024) |
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