Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Brief
POLITICS
ECP partially implements the Supreme Court’s verdict on PTI-reserved seats
On 26 July, Dawn reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) partially implemented the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling on PTI’s reserved seats by notifying 39 out of the 80 returned MNAs as PTI lawmakers. Further, the ECP submitted a document stating its need for SC’s verification guidance on the remaining 41 MNAs. Earlier on 12 July, the SC declared that PTI is eligible for reserved seats for women and minorities in the National and Provincial assemblies. The verdict explained that the ECP showed 39 out of the 80 MNAs as PTI candidates, and the remaining 41 independents were directed to submit their party affiliation within 15 days before the ECP. In this regard, a senior official mentioned that the remaining candidates submitted their documents. However, he noted that the ECP wanted verification guidance for the 41 MNAs' affiliation as the party lacks organization structure. He also added that the ECP invalidated the party’s internal elections and disallowed the party’s election symbol.
The completion of the partial implementation was also confirmed by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, which resulted in the PTI being considered as a parliamentary party in the National Assembly. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “‘Parliamentary’ status for PTI after ECP nod,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)
ECONOMY
Discos filed a petition seeking additional fuel cost adjustments of PKR 2.63
On 26 July, Dawn reported that government-owned power distribution companies (Discos) requested additional Fuel Cost Adjustments (FCA) of PKR 2.63 per unit, as Pakistanis facing a base tariff increase. In this regard, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), a subsidiary of the power division, filed a petition to the regulator requesting an increase of PKR 2.63 per kilowatt-hour over the reference tariff of PKR 7.14 per unit charged to consumers in June. The CPPA already sought PKR 2.10 per unit additional FCA but revised it to PKR 2.63 per unit. This increase comes despite the fact that 75 per cent of the power supply was generated from cheaper local fuels like renewables. The increase will result in consumers having to pay excessive bills amid high consumption in hot and humid temperatures. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) agreed to a request asking for a public hearing on the matter on 31 July. Additionally, the CPPA in its petition noted that the reference fuel cost for June was set at PKR 7.14 per unit but it turned out to be PKR 9.77 per unit. This resulted in a higher FCA in June , with a 20 per cent increase in the annual base tariff. This was primarily due to the unprecedented “power production from furnace oil, higher domestic coal and gas prices, and increased utilization of liquefied natural gas (LNG).”
(Khaleeq Kiani, “Discos seek additional fuel cost adjustment of Rs2.63,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)
Pakistani delegation meets Chinese finance minister, holds talks on economic cooperation
On 25 July, Pakistan’s economic team met Chinese Minister of Finance LanFo’an in Beijing, where they discussed issues related to Pakistan’s economy. The team encompassed the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and the Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. The meeting focused on major financial cooperation and discussions regarding the Panda Bonds issuance, re-profiling of loans, and conversion of imported coal power plants on Thar coal. During the meeting, the Pakistani ministers presented a brief on the government’s effort to implement tax and energy reforms in the system. According to sources, Panda Bonds would initially be up to USD 300 million and later enhanced to USD 700 or USD 750 million. Both sides exchanged their ideas to foster the economic partnership, particularly focussed on the financial and banking sectors. Aurangzeb and Leghari also met the President of Chinese insurance company M/s Sinosure, Sheng Hetai, and spoke on the Pakistani government’s efforts to boost economic growth and recovery. They also held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding CPEC. In the past, M/s Sinosure has expressed its willingness to implement the 700 MW Azad Pattan Hydropower Project and the 1,124 MW Kohala Hydropower Project. So far, China has set up over USD 20 billion worth of planned energy projects in Pakistan. Though successive Pakistani governments had tried to commence both projects, payment issues of existing companies and a significant circular debt led to reluctance from the Chinese side. (Mushtaq Ghumman, “Economic team meets China’s finance minister: Pakistan explains its approach to challenges,” Business Recorder, 26 July 2024)
EXTERNAL
Federal ministers launch ‘Hurmat-e-Parcham’ campaign following attack in Frankfurt
On 25 July, Pakistan’s federal cabinet launched the 'Hurmat-e-Parcham' campaign in response to the attack on the Pakistani embassy in Germany. Federal ministers posted pictures on their social media, where they were holding the Pakistani national flag with messages expressing love and respect for the national symbol. The Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, wrote in his post:: “Chand Roshan Chamakta Sitara Rahey, Sab Se Oncha Yeh Jhanda Hamara Rahey.” He further called on political leaders, teachers, lawyers, students, patriotic Pakistanis abroad, and several journalists to join the campaign, stressing that since August is the month of independence, it is the right time to carry out such a campaign. Tarar asserted that the flag is a symbol of national identity and sovereignty and that all Pakistanis bear the responsibility of respecting it. Other ministers, including the foreign minister, federal minister for power, and minister for privatization posted pictures with the national flag. (“Pakistan launches 'Hurmat-e-Parcham' Campaign in response to embassy attack,” The Express Tribune, 25 July 2024)
Pakistan will not sacrifice its relations with China for the sake of the US, asserts FO spokesperson
On 25 July, during a weekly brief, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified that Pakistan would not sacrifice its relationship with China for the sake of the US. She said that “Pakistan doesn’t believe in zero-sum relationships,” adding that relations with both countries are “important” for Pakistan. She described ties with China as an all-weather strategic partnership, emphasizing that Pakistan does “not believe in situations where relationship with one country can be sacrificed on the altar of relations with another.” These statements came in response to a query on the USD 101 million assistance request sought by the administration of US President Joe Biden from the US Congress for Pakistan. As part of this request, US diplomat Donald Lu said “China is the past in terms of investment” and the US is the “future.” The individual who asked the question sought clarification on whether there was any pre-condition to reduce China’s influence in Pakistan to secure this aid. (“Pakistan will not sacrifice China ties for US sake: FO,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)
SECURITY
Shootout in Karachi kills five, injures three
On 25 July, an exchange of fire in a commercial area of the Defence Housing Authority led to five people being killed and three others sustaining injuries. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South, Syed Azad Raza, stated that two groups led by Fahad Bugti and Ali Haider Bugti engaged in a gunfight. Due to a heated exchange over the phone between two men, the Haider Bugti ‘descended’ on Fahad’s residence with gunmen. Additionally, both factions have filed FIRs against one another at Sahil and Darakhshan police stations. The DIG South believes the violence resulted from old enmity. The police took eight suspects into custody and then shifted them to different police stations in district South. Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar asked the additional inspector general of police for Karachi for a report. In a statement, he asserted that no one is above the law, which is why every step should be taken to establish its writ. He added: “No one would be allowed to spoil the peace in the metropolis.” (Imtiaz Ali, “Five killed, three badly wounded in DHA Karachi shootout,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)
ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE
Heatwave forces closure of more than 100,000 schools in Sindh
On 25 July, The News International reported that as per a provincial education official in Singh, summer holidays would be extended by two weeks, impacting over 100,000 schools to protect children from high temperatures resulting from climate change. Individuals have expressed concern about the impact this will have on schools, as well as on the load-shedding crisis. Pakistan frequently sees planned power cuts, known as load-shedding, as a result of an ongoing power supply crisis. While the extent of load shedding varies from city to city, in as the rural areas of Sindh, it may last for more than 12 hours a day.”(“Heatwave triggers closure of over 100,000 schools in Sindh,” Dawn, 25 July 2024)
CPEC
“Why waste money and time when the optimal utilisation and output are uncertain,” questions an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 26 July, in an opinion in The Express Tribune titled ‘China reevaluating CPEC undertaking?’ Imitaz Gul wrote on a “rethink on big-ticket economic engagement under CPEC” that is ongoing in Beijing, based on recent interactions with Chinese regional affairs experts on Pakistan and Afghanistan. Though Beijing “never bothered about Pakistan’s internal political dynamics” till 2015, China began understanding the “socio-political realities of Pakistan” that are characterized with ethnic divisions and the implications of a multi-party system, as things under CPEC began unfolding. There were also objections voiced by many provinces over CPEC projects, and the PTI’s ascent to power in 2018 “injected a new element into the bilateral relationship.” Gul noed how conversations with Chinese officials revealed frustration with Pakistan on at least ten counts. This includes “tardy” decision-making which stems from the 19th-century “elitist and centralized government regime,” and the “visible dislike of Pakistani leaders’ propensity to speak more and perform less.” Many Chinese scholars are of the view that federalism slowed down the progress of some CPEC projects, while others have noted the political discord, with conventional parties, the establishment, and the PTI being “at war with one another.” The growing reliance on the IMF is also a cause of concern, as China regards the IMF as “the latest precipitating force restricting Pakistan from adopting a self-charted course for much-needed economic reforms.”
Additionally, the “traditional congruence of interest and comfort” between the IMF and the World Bank on one side and the conventional actors (PPP, PML-N, and Establishment) on the other is the sixth count pointed out by Gul. This confluence also led to a “visible tilt of the ruling elites to the West,” an area where the civil-military bureaucracy feels more comfortable than in China. Chinese scholars have also argued that “family politics seem to stymie the growth” of the younger leadership that the country needs, thus obstructing “leadership rejuvenation.” The last two counts are the negative impact on socio-economic growth resulting from the presence of the Establishment, and the delayed payments and administrative hurdles in the way of profit repatriation. Gul highlighted the Chinese hesitation on CPEC-II, stating that the primary challenge facing the Chinese is ensuring that “projects are effectively functional.” (Imtiaz Gul, “China reevaluating CPEC undertaking?” The Express Tribune¸ 26 July 2024)
SOCIETY
“Pakistan occupies a strategic position in human trafficking,” contends an opinion in Dawn
On 26 July, in an opinion in Dawn titled ‘An unsafe country,’ Zubeida Mustafa questioned how safe Pakistan is for young women, given that there were 63,000 reported cases of violence against women in the last three years as per the human rights ministry. Considering that not every case is brought up, this figure is just the “tip of the iceberg.” As per the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report issued by the US State Department, Pakistan’s inability or unwillingness to check “unscrupulous elements sustains the mafia that keeps this sordid trade going.” Trafficking is a source of illegal earnings for the mafia, who find it easy to prey on the mass majority that is made vulnerable due to poverty, gender inequality, and illiteracy. Even though 20,000 persons, 80 per cent of whom are women, are trafficked in Pakistan every year, not much has been said or done against this crime. As per TIP reports, figures rose from 12,000 to 32,000 from 2017 to 2021. Mustafa questioned why both the state and society accept trafficking with “equanimity,” given that Pakistan “claims to be an Islamic entity.” As per the latest TIP report, in 2023, the government probed 18,461 cases (of which 15,022 were of sex trafficking), and only 6,178 were prosecuted. The 2023 report similarly saw a high number of investigations, a drop in prosecutions, and a further drop in convictions. In response, the Pakistani government set up the National Commission on Human Rights in 2015, with the power to address suo motu cases of human rights violations, create awareness, and make recommendations to the government on related issues. It also amended existing laws and adopted new ones, such as the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018. Mustafa however stated that the situation in Pakistan vis-à-vis trafficking remains “horrendous,” and since no one in “official circles” talks about it, the TIP report was the only way of exposing the truth. These reports have consecutively stated on an annual basis that Pakistan does not meet minimum standards in key areas, and that “inadequacy, inefficiency, and shoddiness in investigation” are all too common. (Zubeida Mustafa, “An unsafe country,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Apex committee meeting proposes establishment of a judicial commission to investigate Bannu attack
On 25 July, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) apex committee announced that it would request the Chief Justice of Pakistan for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the Bannu cantonment attack. The apex committee also suggested forming committees at the divisional and district levels to prevent such an attack in the future. These committees would be chaired by commissioners and deputy commissioners, and comprise of civil, military, and police officials. These can convene an urgent jirga to resolve any incident. The main objective of the commission would be convening a jirga to resolve urgent incidents and enable public institutions to work together and propose a “joint action plan” for the country’s peace. The apex committee meeting, which was chaired by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, was primarily focused on initiating collaborative efforts of the KP government, the Pakistan army, and the police to eliminate terrorism and establish peace in the region. During the meeting, Gandapur issued directions for a “comprehensive policy” to restore peace and order. He also shared the policy recommendations in the meeting and ordered the KP police to arrest any armed non-official. Further, it was also decided that trade would be allowed in the borders of Ghulam Khan and the districts of Bajaur and Mohmand as this would give numerous benefits like “employment opportunities, and promoting prosperity.”
Additionally, the apex committee decided that civilian security forces, including the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), would lead the operation against militants in the province. The committee condemned all forms of militants and directed them to take action against “unauthorized” armed persons and their hideouts across the province. The statement noted that the CTD would take “indiscriminate action” against actions in “areas with suspected militants’ presence and religious seminaries.” (“K-P seeks judicial probe into Bannu attack,” The Express Tribune, 26 July 2024; Umer Farooq, Civil forces to lead operation against militants in KP,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)
Punjab: PTI and JI condemn the government for imposing Section 144
On 25 July, the Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 across the province, banning all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, and rallies across the province, from 26 July to 28 July, The notification, which was issued in light of the law and order situation and security threats, said any public gatherings are likely to cause a threat to public safety and peace. This decision was taken following the PTI’s decision to intensify its protest across the province, and its assertion that it would not back down as a result of any pressure tactics. It added that the party was already facing a regime of “unannounced martial law” while the general public was facing power bills and inflation excesses. The party had a strong reaction to the proposed ban, and party leader Mian Aslam Iqbal, who is in hiding, accused the government of using pressure tactics. He took to X to state: “We will not back down from our stance an inch and face the incumbent government’s fascism.” Further, PTI Punjab general secretary Hammad Azhar posted pictures of police raids atPTI MNA Haji Imtiaz Chaudhry’s residence. He further compared the Punjab police with Mongols and stated that “they would ruin everything they would raid.” Similarly, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also condemned the government for its action and mentioned that its “fascist tactics to suppress peaceful protesters would not succeed.” He also announced that JI will hold a sit-in in Islamabad on 26 July. Rehman stated: “We believe in peaceful resistance for the rights of the people. Holding a sit-in is our constitutional and democratic right.”. (“Punjab imposes Section 144, bans all rallies, sit-ins,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)
WORLDVIEW
The power and influence of vested interests can steamroll the will of ordinary citizens even in established democracies, argues an editorial in Dawn
On 26 July, an editorial in Dawn titled ‘Macabre spectacle’ described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the US Congress as a “shameful spectacle,” as he received “rapturous applause” from the attendees despite being accused of “overseeing the murder of over 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza.” However, many Democrats kept away from the “macabre performance,” while right outside, thousands of American citizens denounced the fact that a “divisive character had been invited to the hallowed halls of Congress.” Multiple prominent American Jewish organizations opposed Netanyahu’s invitation. However, the editorial lamented how even in established democracies, the “power and confluence of vested interests,” which in this case is the pro-Israel lobby in the US, can “steamroll the will of ordinary citizens.” Netanyahu’s speech was the “same old shtick,” with its focal points including vows to achieve total victory, the “demonization” of Iran, and a call for more US aid to “finish the job faster.” It also included “blatant untruths,” such as the statement that Israel was “meticulously trying not to harm civilians.” This leads to the question of whether the world should assume that the 39,000 dead Palestinians, including children, were part of Hamas. The editorial highlighted how Netanyahu’s speech goes to show that though Americans are against what is being done in their name, most of the political establishment “is in thrall to Tel Aviv.” In the light of the upcoming elections, both Democrats and Republicans are likely to “flaunt their Zionist credentials” with the hope of securing the votes of “deep-pocketed pro-Israel” groups. Israel for its part is aware that regardless of who wins the elections, America’s “ironclad” support will continue. The editorial concluded by opining that Netanyahu has potentially not committed to a long-term ceasefire since he knows that he can continue the “slaughter in Gaza” while counting on his “powerful Western friends” to protect him from global rage. (“Macabre spectacle,” Dawn, 26 July 2024)