In Brief
POLITICS
District and Sessions Court extends Raoof Hasan’s physical remand by two days
On 28 July, District and Sessions Court Islamabad extended the physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan for two more days following the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor’s request. The FIA prosecutor presented Raoof before the District and Sessions Judge Murid Abbas following the expiration of his three-day remand and submitted the case records encompassing video transcripts. The prosecutor requested an additional eight days of physical remand to further proceed with forensic analysis of the videos. During the hearing, he informed the court about Hasan’s travel abroad through a fake visa allegedly given by an Indian named “Rahul.” However, Hasan clarified that he went as a guest to an event in Bahrain on Rahul’s invitation. The prosecutor further accused Hasan of handling the party’s social media teams which run “to incite violence, create law and order situation and fan cyberterrorism.” In this regard, Raoof stated, “I am a senior fellow of King’s College London, and I am responsible for dealing with electronic media.”
(Ikram Junaidi, “Raoof Hasan’s physical remand extended by two days,” Dawn, 29 July 2024)
PTI announces a nationwide protest on 5 August
On 28 July, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub announced its plan to hold a nationwide protest on 5 August against the government. He also revealed that decisions regarding a planned sit-in at D-Chowk against the “government’s anti-people and anti-PTI policies” will be taken in a meeting scheduled on 29 July. Further, he warned that the government’s attitude towards parliamentarians is unacceptable, stressing that MNAs are being pulled up by agencies and being presented before anti-corruption bodies. He pointed out five intelligence agencies and noted that there is “uncertainty” in clarifying which agency is responsible for these actions. He also claimed that 41 MNAs were pressured to change their loyalties following the reserved seats verdict. He accused the PML-N of trying to turn the largest party in the country against the army and urged for an “immediate election,” believing that could resolve the political turmoil. He stated: “New elections are the only solution to problems in the country. It is not known where our people are being disappeared. They are not being treated well. What is the importance of parliament as a case has been registered against Sheikh Akram’s mother?”
Similarly, PTI leader Asad Qaiser condemned the severe crackdown against their supporters and urged the Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of the forced resignations of 41 MNAs. Qaiser noted that the date, 5 August is chosen for the scheduled protest as it marks one year of Imran Khan’s imprisonment. He condemned the “behaviour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his niece,” and urged the release of Imran Khan and the withdrawal of all the “baseless cases” against PTI members. In addition, he revealed his support forcJamaat-e-Islami’s protest on the issue of IPPs and demanded a review of the agreements. (“PTI to hold nationwide protest on August 5,” The Express Tribune, 28 July 2024; Mumtaz Alvi, “41 MNAs being pressurised to change loyalty: PTI,” The News International, 29 July 2024)
JUDICIARY
KP government requests PHC to establish an inquiry commission to probe 9 May violence and Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust caseumber
On 29 July, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) requested the Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice through a letter to form an inquiry commission to investigate the 9 May violence and the arrest of Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. KP Minister for Law Aftab Alam mentioned that the inquiry commission would also help in assessing the damages incurred following the 9 May violence. The letter was approved by the provincial cabinet in June. Alam revealed that the PHC would announce the names of the members and that this commission would be headed by a PHC judge. However, The News International revealed that that the PHC has not yet received the letter and the high court has mentioned that it would prepare the terms of reference once the application has been received. Furthermore, in response to this development, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari underlined that this was a “failed attempt to hide behind the judicial hammer.” Bokhari, in a statement, noted that there was ample evidence related to the “failed rebellion” of 9 May. Further, she stated: “Judicial commissions are always formed for hidden and ambiguous matters. No one can become Che Guevara or Nelson Mandela by using the judicial shoulders.” (Ali Raza and Amjad Safi, “May 9 incidents: KP govt writes to PHC CJ for judicial inquiry,” The News International, 29 July 2024)
“Judiciary as an institution must pledge to uphold the constitutional framework and refuse to entertain ‘requests’ from any quarter to subvert the democratic system,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 29 July, an editorial in Dawn titled “Constitutional limits,” discussed the history of courts providing legitimacy to “coup-makers and strongmen’s extra-constitutional forays” and drew a parallel to the current “extreme political polarisation.” The editorial detailed that these actions have been justified by the “doctrine of necessity” by pointing out Ghulam Mohammad’s dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, and later the Iskander Mirza-Ayub Khan military coup as examples. The editorial speculated on whether this doctrine will again be resurrected. The editorial explained this by noting Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah’s remarks in a recent event in the US. He then urged the courts to “remain vigilant” in cases where defending the Constitution was concerned. Citing these remarks, the editorial said: “These frank admissions and stark warnings should be heeded especially by state institutions.” The ‘doctrine of necessity’ regarding the epic struggle between Gen Musharraf and Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry had been buried, but it might have “multiple lives.” The editorial highlighted that, despite these debates, there is hope that “conversations about protecting the constitutional order are taking place.” Undemocratic situations should be prevented from exploiting divisions within the judiciary. The editorial demanded that from lordship to magistrates and trial judges, the judiciary “as an institution must pledge to uphold the constitutional framework, and refuse to entertain ‘requests’ from any quarter to subvert the democratic system.” It pointed out the missing pieces like a transparent electoral process, maturity and tolerance in political parties for each other in the unhindered democratic process. (“Constitutional limits,” Dawn, 29 July 2024)
ECONOMY
Pakistan seeks rollover of the annual debt portfolio from China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to secure IMF package
On 28 July, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb disclosed that the country is seeking the “re-profiling” its debt and liabilities totaling “more than USD 27 billion” with “friendly nations” like — China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This is being done in a bid “to secure a 37-month IMF bailout package and ease energy sector foreign exchange outflows and consumer tariffs.” Pakistan has requested an additional three years of maturity period for these loans from China (USD five billion), Saudi Arabia (USD four billion), and the UAE (USD three billion). Speaking at a news conference, Aurangzeb informed that China is willing to assist Pakistan in foreign exchange difficulties, new business ventures and the re-profiling of energy sector payments. He said: “Between now and the IMF board meeting (on the 37-month bailout package), we have to ensure confirmation of external financing from friendly bilateral partners.”
Additionally, he assured that once the rollovers from friendly countries and the bailout package from the IMF were received, the remaining external financing gap would become very manageable. Regarding the issue of energy sector repayments, PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping of China had already discussed and Finance Minister Aurangzeb, along with Power Minister Awais Leghari also met Chinese finance and energy ministers and the governor of the Chinese central bank. As a result, they decided to convert the Chinese power projects into local coal. Further, Aurangzeb clarified that Pakistan was only seeking the “reprofiling of payments and not “haircuts”. He also stressed the importance of long-term structural solutions for economic challenges, saying “We have no more choice of doing what we have been doing in the past for short-term relief and objectives.”
In response to a question on the US and China, the finance minister said Pakistan aims to move further closer with both the US and China, as the former is the largest trading partner and with the latter, Pakistan aims to advance the second phase of the CPEC project. (Khaleeq Kiani, “$27bn re-profiling needed to secure IMF bailout,” Dawn, 29 July 2024)
Government plans to reduce fuel prices for the next fortnight, effective from 1 August
On 29 July, The News International reported that the government is likely to reduce the petrol and diesel prices effective from 1 August 2024 for the next fortnight. The price of petrol will be reduced by PKR 5.50 per litre and diesel by PKR 11.06 per litre. The kerosene price will also be reduced by PKR 5.84 per litre and the Light Diesel Oil (LOD) by PKR 5.07 per litre. The article stated: “This relief in POL [petrol, oil, lubricants] prices is being attributed to the USD 1.50 per barrel reduction in premium by Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) on diesel and less demand for POL products by the world’s best biggest economies i.e. USA and China.” Thus, the new petrol price would be PKR 270.10 per litre, and the High-Speed Diesel price would be PKR 272.57. Similarly, the kerosene price would be PKR 177.87 per litre and the price of LDO would be PKR 161.18 per litre. In July, the price of petrol was hiked by PKR 17.44 per litre and the diesel price by PKR 15.74 per litre. (Khalid Mustafa, “Cut in petrol price by Rs5.50, diesel by Rs11.06/ litre likely from Aug 1,” The News International, 29 July 2024)
SOCIETY
“By fulfilling its mandate comprehensively, SESSI can pave the way for a more equitable society,” explains an opinion in The News International
On 29 July, an opinion by Zameer Ahmed Malik in The News International titled, “Social security for all,” explained that the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) and the issuance of “Benazir Mazdoor Cards could serve as a beacon of hope for millions.” The author detailed this by referring to the Sindh Province, where the economic framework is diverse. He argued that it is crucial to “safeguard and empower this workforce.” SESSI plays an important role in providing “essential social security benefits.” However, the author asserted that SESSI faces a “registration gap” by registering only a few laborers. The author detailed that despite Karachi being an industrial hub, SESSI has registered fewer workers which contrasts the “estimated workforce” in the city. Citing reports from organizations such as K-Electric which claims 32,000 industrial connections in Sindh, the author explained it as “assuming an average of 100 workers per industrial unit, millions of eligible laborers remain unregistered.” He argued that this significant registration gap has several implications such as denying “laborers their rightful access to social security benefits and depriving Sindh’s broader socio-economic development agenda.” He further pointed out “bureaucratic inertia, outdated operational frameworks, and insufficient digital infrastructure,” as SESSI’s challenges in this case. The author recommended a “comprehensive reform agenda,” to overcome these challenges. He stressed that SESSI can support the welfare of its working population by “revitalization and reforms.” He highlighted that the issuance of Benazir Mazdoor Cards could provide essential healthcare and education, paving the way for a “more equitable society in Sindh.” Registering 3.2 million workers in Karachi and two million across Sindh would give free medical treatment, education, and cash benefits. Thus, SESSI by fulfilling its responsibilities can pave the way for a more equitable society. (Zameer Ahmed Malik, “Social security for all,” The News International, 29 July 2024)
SECURITY
Clashes between BYC protestors and security forces kill three, eight injured
On 28 July, the protest and sit-in by the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) continued on the second day with protestors clashing with security personnel in different areas of the province. During the clash at the Talar checkpost, at least two people died and many were injured. Officials claimed that the security forces were trying to defend themselves when the convoy attacked the checkpost. Similarly, on Marine Drive, a clash began soon after the authorities used teargas to disperse the crown. This resulted in the death of one person and eight people were injured. Health authorities confirmed the deaths and injuries . Despite all the efforts taken by the security forces, many of the BYC protestors reached Gwadar’s Marine Drive for the Baloch Rajee Muchi (Baloch National Gathering). During the gathering, BYC leader Dr Mahrang Baloch urged the Baloch protestors to not give up the struggle for the rights of the Baloch people and the protection of the province’s resources. She urged that the killers of the protestors should be brought to, and demanded the release of the protestors. She said: “Until the release of our people, the sit-in will continue at Marine Drive.”
Due to the protests, several parts of Balochistan province remain affected. The link between Quetta and Karachi remained closed for the third consecutive day. In Mastung, Kalat, Noshki, Khuzdar, Noshki, Dalbandin, Awaran, Lasbela, Chagai, Nokundi, Gwadar, Turbat, and Pasni, a complete shutdown was observed. Roads leading to Gwadar highway remain blocked. There were also communication blackouts in the province.
Further, the protest and sit-in gathered political support from the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) and the National Party. Both condemned the use of security forces against the protestors. BNP leader Sajid Tareen Advocate announced joining of the BYC protests. National Party leaders Aslam Baloch and Kalsoom Niaz Baloc blamed the Balochistan government led by CM Sarfraz Bugti for the political instability in the province. Separately, Amnesty International urged the Pakistan authorities to lift the internet shutdown in the province and demanded that the provincial government fulfil the demands. (Saleem Shahid and Behram Baloch, “Several detained as Gwadar protest met with teargas,” Dawn, 29 July 2024; “BYC continues sit-in, protest in Balochistan on 2nd day,” The News International, 29 July 2024)
35 dead, 166 injured in clashes between "two feuding tribes" in Kurram
On 29 July, Dawn reported that a five-day conflict between tribal groups from Boshehra and Maleekhal tribes in Kurram, near the Afghan border, claimed 35 lives. Medical superintendent of the Kurram District Headquarters Hospital, Mir Hassan Jan, said “166 people have been injured in the conflict.” The fighting erupted on 24 July over “land dispute” and both groups resorted to the use of heavy weaponry, targeting each other’s settlements in eight areas, and “also fired on Parachinar and Sadda towns.” On 28 July, the police and district administration informed that a ceasefire was brokered by a jirga from Hangu and Orakzau districts. As per the Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mashud, talks were held between elders of both groups and the jirgas. They “persuaded them to vacate their positions” which led to the agreement of a ceasefire. The hostilities led to the closure of “educational institutions and bazaars” and “traffic on the main road was suspended.” Locals complained that “road blockades” have restricted the entry of “food items and medicines in the district.”
(“Clashes claim 35 lives as ceasefire eludes Kurram,” Dawn, 29 July 2024)
The country needs “sweeping gun control procedures and elite compliance” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 29 July, an editorial titled “Gun control” in Dawn, discussed the recent standoff between two groups of the Bugti clan which took place on 25 July in Karachi. The clashes left five dead and two were “critically injured.” As the violence was led by late Baloch chieftain Nawab Akbar Bugti’s nephew, Fahad and his cousin, Ali Haider, the editorial questioned whether the state could“bell such powerful cats?” The editorial described this “bloody episode” as a “case study in the dark side of privilege.” It argued that guns don’t abbreviate crime, in fact it “backfires.” Individuals are driven by “social political compulsions to accumulate weapons.” As a result, guns “kill and have repeatedly failed society.” To overcome this challenge the editorial suggested that the state implement measures that “makes gun use difficult”, build “infrastructure that tracks firearms” and “gets tough on gun-toting private security entourages and availability.” The editorial criticised the judiciary, as consisting of “sycophants of feudal wealth and influence.” It observed that as long as the cottage industries remain “unregulated”, there will be “widespread trade and ownership” of weapons and “smuggling” of large caches of arms “across the border flourish” of Pakistan, the “spillover effect” will not only be experienced by the “poor” but also the “privileged.” (“Gun control,” Dawn, 29 July 2024)
PROVINCES
Standing Committee for Finance and Development approves garbage tax across Punjab
On 29 July, The News International stated that the Standing Committee for Finance and Development of the Punjab cabinet has approved the garbage tax in a meeting. This tax policy outlines that it will be levied on houses and businesses in both urban and rural areas. In rural areas PKR 200 will be collected from a 5 marla house, PKR 400 from a “10 marla to one kanal house”, PKR 300 from small businesses, PKR 700 from medium businesses and PKR 1000 from “large businesses.” The urban population will be levied with a “monthly tax” of “PKR 300 on a 5 marla house, PKR 500 to PKR 2,000 on a house of 10 marlato 1 kanal and PKR 5,000 on a house larger than one Kanal.” (“Punjab cabinet body approves garbage tax,” The News International, 29 July 2024)
KP government “must break free from the short-term thinking that has hindered our economy for decades” suggests an opinion in The News International
On July 29, in an opinion in The News International titled “Economic renaissance for KP?,” Dr Hassan Daud Butt highlighted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region has a “natural potential.” However, just like other provinces, it also deals with “challenges across economic, social, security, and political domains.” The author emphasized the “mounting pressure” upon the government to “balance development efforts; ensure equitable resource distribution” and implement policy that “reinforce stability and peace.” The author recommended that the government adopt a “long-term strategic thinking” which is “vital” in building policies that “meet people’s expectations” such as “declining purchasing power” and “break free from short-term thinking” which has inhibited the economies potential of “of achieving lasting prosperity.” The author urged the KP government to adopt a “multifaceted strategy”, in which it must leverage “geography and hydropower potential”, explore “renewable energy sources, drive “industrialization” as well and capitalize on “CPEC investments.” The author suggested using the Sustainable Development Goals as a standard and ensuring sustainable Public-Private Partnership projects. This will help “necessitate increased investment in public infrastructure in the initial stage.” He emphasized the importance of KP’s organization for instance the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment & Trade (KPBOIT) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB). He opined that such organizations are capable of supporting “investment, industrial development” and “growth of small and medium enterprises.” Additionally, the government must be ready to “innovate” through either “incentive packages” or temporary relaxation of regulations, but such innovation may be hampered by political, institutional and judicial factors. Hence, the government’s aim of achieving “the target of completing 600MW of energy by 2028” and expanding the “wheeling model implemented at the Pehur HPP” will “remain a distant dream.” The author also stressed the need to develop two or three “Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Rashakai and Daraband, and industrial zones in Abbottabad and Peshawar” and even “around the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor Project.” Finally, he concluded that the government ought to identify initiatives that prioritize “less complex initiatives and projects through an incremental approach” and “meet” the mounting “demand for economic wellbeing.”(Dr Hassan Daud Butt, “Economic renaissance for KP?,” The News International, 29 July 2024)
INDIA VIEW
“Prospects for diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan remain bleak” suggests an opinion in Dawn
On July 29, in an opinion in Dawn titled “Frozen ties” " former Ambassador to the US, UK and UN, Maleeha Lodhi lamented that as Pakistan is set to “convene” the coming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in October, any hope of the “ice” melting in the country and India’s ties “seems premature” due to a “persisting diplomatic stalemate.” She highlighted that the participation of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is “highly unlikely” due to the lack of any prospects of “bilateral re-engagement.” She emphasized sports to be “a useful barometer” that determines “if a diplomatic thaw is on the anvil.” However, it “offers little grounds for optimism.” The author noted that as Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy in early 2025, the Indian media has been reporting that “the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan.”, citing “strained relations.” On the other hand, the Indian cricket board has asked for matches “to be played in Dubai or Sri Lanka.” Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “congratulatory message” on PM Modi’s re-election was replied to with language that expressed “Modi’s commitment to ‘the security and safety’ of Indian citizens.”Further, PM Sharif was “excluded” from the now-Indian Prime Minister’s “oath-taking ceremony.” The author discussed PM Modi’s comments on the anniversary of the Kargil war. She quoted him as saying that “Pakistan has not learned anything from its history” and is trying to be “relevant” through “terrorism and proxy war.” The author opined that the Modi government prefers to “maintain a strategic freeze” in its bilateral relations with Pakistan. She added that the BJP engaged in “Pakistan-bashing” in its election campaigns. In one of his speeches, PM Modi referred to the airstrikes he ordered on Balakot in 2019, in response to a terrorist attack in Pulwama. He also stressed that he will continue to “hit terrorists in their homes.” The author illustrated how the Indian media’s linking of “shadow militant outfits” to “Pakistani militant groups” is an “orchestrated effort” of the government to escape “blame for the deteriorating security situation” and even “keep Pakistan under pressure.” Consequently, any opportunity for the “resumption of talks between India and Pakistan” are “rather remote.” (Maleeha Lodhi, “Frozen ties,” Dawn, 29 July 2024)
WORLD VIEW
“Ties with the US should be deepened, but not at the cost of any other country.” argues an editorial in Dawn
On July 29, an editorial in Dawn titled “Diplomatic challenge” argued that “the brewing conflict between the US and China” may be a matter of concern for countries in the Global South, especially Pakistan. The editorial emphasized the need for Pakistan to have a “contingency plan” as it will be faced with “tough choices” if the situation escalates. The editorial quoted a recent statement made by US diplomat Donald Lu, saying that the government is looking forward to investing USD 101 million in Pakistan. The Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson responded that Pakistan “does not believe in zero-sum relationships” as both its ties with the US and China “are important.” She added, “China is an all-weather strategic cooperative partner.” The editorial also argued that the US should be aware that USD 101 million is not “a pricey sum” to persuade Pakistan to “change its geostrategic moorings.” The editorial recommended that Pakistan improve its relationship with states in the “immediate vicinity”, including India and the “larger neighbourhood.” The editorial concluded that it is imperative for Pakistan to “not isolate itself and trade and talk to all its neighbours” to “lift” it out of its “current financial” crises. (“Diplomatic challenge”, Dawn, 29 July 2024)
CPEC
Protests amid CPEC Phase II launch elicits government concern
On 28 July, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed concern on the “recent protests and sit-ins” at a time when Pakistan is en route to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He called upon political parties to “collaboratively” address these challenges instead of partaking in “protests and political rallies.” He highlighted China’s willingness to “extend a hand towards” Pakistan and its readiness to “invest in employment, energy, and regional connectivity projects.” However he criticized groups of “actively working to drive away Chinese investors” by “creating unrest.” Mr Ahsan added that the protests staged in Gwadar and other regions “are being orchestrated to obstruct CPEC Phase II.” He warranted, no government wishes to “burden its citizens with inflation and high taxes.”
(“Ahsan Iqbal expresses concern over protests amid CPEC Phase II launch,”The Express Tribune, 29 July 2024)
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