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In Brief
POLITICS
PML-N is not worried about Imran Khan’s plan to hold talks with the military, says Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal
On 1 August, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal assured that PML-N has nothing to be concerned about Imran Khan’s announcement regarding talks with the military. During an interview with Voice of America (VoA) Urdu, he was asked if his party was concerned about talks between the PTI and the military. He explained that the army has no “prevalent thinking” to re-enter politics. In this regard, he stated, “As you know, the military’s spokesperson had very clearly and categorically stated that based on its 2018 experience, it had decided on an institutional level to separate itself from politics.” He questioned Imran’s stance on the military’s neutral position in politics, arguing that “On the one hand, Imran says the military should be neutral […], and on the other hand, he says only animals are neutral.” He demanded that PTI deliver an apology to the institutions for its offensive position against the state. Similarly, in response to the query about banning PTI, Iqbal underlined that institutions can proceed if they have evidence against the party. He said: “This [ban] cannot be done via a notification […] and if the government is to take this decision, then the decision should be so strong that it can stand the scrutiny of law.” (“PML-N unconcerned by any talks between army, PTI: Ahsan Iqbal,” Dawn, 1 August 2024)
Several cases registered against 31 TLP protestors for inciting violence against the CJP
On 2 August, Dawn reported that almost 31 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists were booked under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for allegedly inciting violence and protests against the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa. The 31 activists include the administrator of a madressah and a district emir of the party. The cases were registered following a series of protests by the TLP in various places against the Supreme Court verdict in the Mubarak Sani case. In Rawalpindi, 28 activists were charged by the Airport Police Station. In the FIR, Sub-Inspector Ijaz Hussain Ghuman noted that these activists were gathering at the Jamia Ziaul Aloom at night. It further mentioned that those who were giving speeches against the CJP had spread “religious hatred and hatched criminal conspiracy.” There has been no arrest in this case so far. Similarly, in Toba Tek Singh, an FIR was registered against TLP Toba emir Mohsin Raza by Inspector Muhammad Yasin. Mohsin Raza was accused of leading a rally against the CJP outside the district press club on 28 July. The police carried out several raids to catch him, however, they only arrested some of his family members. Furthermore, in Sahiwal district, Saddar police of Pakpattan and Dera Rahim police charged two persons in separate cases for supporting TLP vice-emir Syed Zaheerul Hasan. Hasan was blamed for issuing threats to the CJP. Pakpattan police booked a case against Abdur Rehman and Sahiwal district filed a case against Muhammad Ijaz Rizvi. (“31 TLP activists booked in Pindi, Punjab for inciting violence against top judge,” Dawn, 2 August 2024)
Islamabad court grants bail to PTI information secretary and eight others
On 1 August, Islamabad court granted bail to PTI Secretary Information Raoof Hassan and eight others in a case filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). Magistrate Mohammad Abbas Shah agreed to the bail petition for PKR 50,000 surety bonds for each. Mohammad Ali Bukhari, counsel for the petitioners argued that the case was filed based on Ahmed Waqas Janjua’s statement who is an “under-custody suspect” and thus his statement has no “legal value.” He further rested his argument saying that the arrested members were domestic staff and had no link to social media posts. The counsel also claimed that the PTI Information Secretary was arrested on “frivolous charges.” Separately, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan complained that computers, important documents and gadgets were stolen from the PTI secretariat. He further informed that he will register an FIR against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), SSP operations, the SHO concerned and the CDA chairman. He stated: “They all are robbers. As long as they will be serving, our application will pursue them. The situation of the secretariat shows that as those officers have conquered a fort.” (Ikram Junaidi and Malik Asad, “PTI information secretary Raoof Hassan, eight others granted bail by Islamabad court,” Dawn, 2 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Pakistan has drawn USD 31 billion from IMF since 1958, reveals the Economic Affairs Division (EAD)
On 1 August, the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) informed the parliamentary panel that Pakistan has drawn SDR 21.789 billion or USD 31 billion since it entered into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The amount was taken from the sanctioned amount of SDR 29.673 billion. IMF allocated a total of SDR 660.7 billion to supplement its member countries. Pakistan since 1984 has paid SDR 2.815 billion in interest to the IMF. The country has participated in 24 IMF programmes since 1958 and the most recent one is the 2023 Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). It also accessed one-time IMF facilities for the 2010 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting, the Secretary for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz gave a brief about the 298 projects funded by bilateral and multilateral sources. The committee noted that 58 World Bank-loan-financed projects are there in the country. In this regard, USD 6.162 billion has been disbursed. Further, the EAD was asked to report on the details of completed projects from 2002 in the next meeting. Additionally, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Senator Saifullah Abro questioned the lack of consideration of proposals by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). (“Pakistan has taken $31.1bn from IMF since 1958,” The News International, 2 August 2024)
SOCIETY
“Overcharging their customers to show higher bill recovery rates” by Discos is a cyclical problem in the country, argues an editorial in Dawn
On 2 August, an editorial in Dawn titled “Bloated power bills,” highlighted the problem of Discos overcharging their customers and the problem as “systematic.” The editorial explained that every year during the summer months “unsuspecting consumers are delivered excessively bloated bills.” This results in protests, a subsequent investigation and the announcement of “ad hoc solutions.” Once winter sets in and electricity usage goes down “the matter is forgotten.” Recently, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the problem and revealed that “as many as 830m units were overbilled by the Lahore Electric Supply Company in 2023.” He had also ordered the FIA to investigate the matter. The editorial lamented that either this inquiry was not carried out or it “proved to be futile” because the Discos have continued to deliver “inflated bills to their customers.” The editorial also referenced a recent Nepra report that had revealed that all distribution companies were complicit in this “fleecing.” The editorial expressed disappointment over the privately owned K-Electric as rather than setting an example for public companies, it has been found to be complicit. A Nepra report from last year had also revealed the participation of all Discos in this. The editorial highlighted that none of these companies have been penalized for overbilling so far. On the contrary the Prime Minister has extended the deadline for consumers for payment of electricity bills. The editorial concluded that this inaction on the part of the government “amounts to helping perpetuate corrupt practices in the power sector.” (“Bloated power bills”, Dawn, 2 August 2024)
SECURITY
Despite an increase in the number of proscribed groups, “there has been little noticeable reduction in militant activity,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 2 August, an editorial in Dawn titled “Proscription regime” lamented that even though the number of banned militant groups in Pakistan has expanded over the years, “there has been little noticeable reduction in militant activity” except “temporary periods of calm.” The editorial noted that since 9/11 the “list of proscribed outfits has ballooned from five or six to the current 81.” This list consists of “armed religious outfits, separatists, and NGOs.” Highlighting the need to investigate the possible reasons for the failure of this state policy, the editorial delineated several reasons. The editorial argued that the state approach is “flawed” for two reasons. First, following the “first round of proscription in 2002,” the banned groups continued to operate under new names. , Second, the funds of some of these banned groups were not frozen and their leaders remained free. In order to deal with the menace militancy, the editorial suggested several measures: only the “army and civil armed forces” should be legally allowed to possess arms, the “masterminds and ideologues” of militant groups must be tried legally, channels of funding should be cut-off and groups promoting and disseminating extremism must be neutralized. Further, deeper issues that push people into the arms of militancy and make it attractive- “injustice, poverty, lack of opportunity”- should be tackled. (“Proscription regime,” Dawn, 2 August 2024)
Armed men loot cash van in Dera Ismail Khan
On 1 August, a private security agency’s van carrying PKR 40 million was hijacked by a group of unidentified gunmen. The suspects intercepted the van once it arrived at Hathala village on Tank Road and even kidnapped five guards of the firm. The police reported that later the armed individuals abandoned the vehicle in Kanori. They looted the cash, set the van on fire and released the guards. In a separate incident, another bank van was robbed in the Kulachi area in the previous month. (“PKR 40 million looted from cash van in Dera Ismail Khan," Dawn, 2 August 2024)
Dacoits kill three police personnel
On 31 July, three police personnel were killed in the Kacha area when dacoits attacked a police post at the river Indus protective spur. This happened while Bhong Circle police were involved in a confrontation with the Shar gang in Machka. The assailants were chased by the police and following a shootout, the personnel recovered a body in a field. The recovered body was identified as Samundar Indhar, a member of the Indhar gang. The police have registered separate FIRs against 50 dacoits of Indhar and Kosh gangs and 70 of Indher at Machka and Bhong police stations. A police informer told Dawn, that the attack was a result of “security lapse and incompetence of Bhong police circle ASP and SHOs.” (“Dacoits kill three more cops in brazen attack on Bhong police post," Dawn, 2 August 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Gwadar sit-in called off following agreement between opposing parties
On 1 August, the Baloch Yakjheti Committee (BYC) called off their sit-ins in Gwadar. This followed successful negotiations between Dr Maharang who represented the protestors and Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar. The Balochistan Home Ministry announced that both sides had signed an agreement and internet had been restored in the area. The deputy commissioner informed that the ministry will “open all roads for traffic” and the blockade will be removed. He further stated that all people arrested would also be released once the protestors “disperse peacefully.” (“Gwadar protestors call off sit-in after successful negotiations,” The News International, 2 August 2024)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Heavy rains and flash floods leave 24 dead
On 1 August, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) revealed that heavy rains and flash floods in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have resulted in the death of 24 individuals over the last three days. The monsoon rains have affected districts of Swat, Haripur, Kohat, Bahadur, Waziristan, Hangu, Dir, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Chitral, Swati and Mohmand. The PDMA report stated that 150 houses have been damaged. The current weather has also prompted the “mobilization of machinery” to unblock roads. Rescue operations are also “underway” in impacted areas. (“24 dead as flash floods wreak havoc in K-P,” The Express Tribune, 1 August 2024)
AF-PAK
Afghan drivers restricted from crossing Torkham
On 1 August, a coordinator of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi (PAJCCI) revealed that Afghan drivers were restricted from passing the Torkham border for not possessing a temporary admission document (TAD). Afghan officials had informed Pakistan that drivers who did not have this document should not be allowed to pass. However, once Pakistan began implementing this even the “Afghan side” halted Pakistani trucks from entering Afghanistan. The Afghan Commerce Ministry’s spokesperson Abdul Salam Jawad confirmed this fact. In June, the government introduced a scheme where Afghan transporters were to display a TAD to Pakistan to assist in “speedy bilateral trade.”
Additionally, most drivers have yet to receive a TAD, which has led to an interruption of trade. Earlier this month, Pakistan had given the drivers time till 15 July to obtain a TAD. The deadline was later extended to 31 July at the request of Afghan officials. (Tahir Khan, “Torkham trade halted as Pakistan stops Afghan drivers without admission document,” Dawn, 1 August 2024)
MIDDLE-EAST VIEW
2 August declared national day of mourning over the killing of Ismail Haniyeh
On 1 August, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decried the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at a meeting on the Palestine situation in Islamabad. With allied political parties present, he said that this development has garnered condemnation from Turkey, Iran, Russia, Malaysia and China. He commented that the world has been “silent over this barbarism.” He condemned Israel for not paying heed to the World Court and UN resolutions and expressed and even appreciated Ireland and Spain for openly supporting the “Palestinian cause.” The participants shared their anger and sorrow and called upon the international community to stop having a neutral stance. They agreed to continue supplying humanitarian aid and provide medical assistance to Palestinians and even introduce a “special resolution” to the Parliament in support of Palestinians. The meeting concluded with the declaration of August 2 as a national mourning day in Pakistan and also decided to hold funeral prayers for Haniyeh across Pakistan. (“Pakistan declares August 2 national day of mourning over Ismail Haniyeh assassination,” The Express Tribune, 1 August 2024)
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