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In Brief
POLITICS
Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs approves proposed amendments to the Election Act 2017
On 31 July, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs endorsed the “The Election (Second Amendment) Bill 2024” by a majority of 8:4. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazir Tarar had briefed the committee about the proposed amendments to Section 66 and Section 106 of the Election Act 2017 and the inclusion of Section 104A. The proposed bill aims to clarify the existing provisions and make sure that independent candidates do not join a political party after the period laid down in the Constitution. The bill also aims to restrict an independent candidate from joining a political party after the election. PTI’s Ali Mohammad Khan questioned Tarar’s support for the bill as the bill was moved by a private member. Further, he also asked if the bill would be applied “retroactively.” Additionally, Bilal Azhar Kayani, who had moved the bill noted that the bill proposed to clear the “ambiguity” surrounding the reserved seats: if a party fails to submit the reserved seats within the specified period, it would not be eligible for those seats. Separately, a PTI delegation met with National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and conveyed the party’s reservations about the proposed legislation. They also expressed their concern and complaints, particularly regarding the arrest of PTI members. They demanded “production orders” for the arrested lawmakers. PTI parliamentary leader in the Senate, Syed Ali Zafar stated: “This reserved seat issue will go to the National Assembly where the majority belongs to them (the government). After that, it will come to the Senate and then they will try to pass it in the Senate as well.” (Asim Yasin and Mumtaz Alvi, “NA panel approves tweaks to election law,” The News International, 1 August 2024)
JI will continue the sit-in until demands are fully met
On 31 July, the “negotiation committees” of the federal government and the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) engaged in a second round of talks that remained “inconclusive.” Despite this, both sides pledged to continue negotiating the demands put forward by the JI in order to end the sit-in in Rawalpindi. Liaquat Baloch, the head of the negotiations committee and Central Naib Amir of the JI, however, stressed that the sit-in would continue until the demands were met completely. He confirmed that the government had agreed to some of the demands, such as a reduction in electricity tariff, the actual cost price of electricity, withdrawal of additional taxes imposed on the salaried class, and the forensic audit of IPPs. He stated: “They [the government’s committee] do not disagree with any of our demands. It has been stated that we will make positive progress on these. We made it clear that the sit-in will continue, we will not disappoint the people of the country.” Further, government negotiator Amir Maqam showed confidence that the JI sit-in will end soon. Earlier, on 28 July, during the first round of meetings between the government team, led by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and the JI team led by Baloch, JI had submitted a 10-point demand. Tarar had assured that the demands would be reviewed and action taken. (Saleh Mughal, “Second round of govt-JI talks remain inconclusive,” The Express Tribune, 1 August 2024)
“By introducing a legislative bill designed to challenge and frustrate the Supreme Court, the government has only raised more doubts regarding the legitimacy of its power, argues an editorial in Dawn
On 1 August, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Unjust measures,” discussed the recent bill adopted in the National Assembly and questioned whether the move is “a justified move or a needless provocation?” The editorial highlighted that the bill moved was moved just a few days after the PML-N leaders “cast aspersions on senior justices” and issued threats of repercussion in response to the Supreme Court’s verdict on the reserved seats case. The editorial opined that the bill was moved to “neutralize” the SC order. Referring to the ECP’s misrepresentation of the 13 January SC order, the editorial reasoned that the Supreme Court verdict had only intended to correct this “original sin.” However, the bill was designed to “challenge and frustrate the Supreme Court.” The editorial suggested that the PML-N should have been satisfied with retaining its majority and as its efforts to circumvent the court have “only raised more doubts regarding the legitimacy of its power.” (“Unjust measures,” Dawn, 1 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Federal government reduces prices of petrol and diesel following a dip in global oil rates
On 31 July, the federal government reduced the prices of petrol and diesel for the next fortnight, effective from 1 August. This development follows a dip in oil prices in the global markets. The statement from the PM office noted that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) had set consumer prices based on international prices and exchange rate variations. The price of petrol has been brought down to PKR 269.43 per litre from PKR 275.60 with a reduction of PKR 6.17. Similarly, the price of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) was reduced to PKR 272.77 from PKR 283.63 per litre. The price of kerosene price also dropped from PKR 183.71 per litre to PKR 177.39. Further, the price of Light-Diesel Oil (LDO) decreased to PKR 160.53 per litre from PKR 166.25. However, the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) has not been changed despite even though the government had increased the levy by PKR 10 per litre in the federal budget 2024-25. (“Petrol price slashed by Rs6.17 per litre, diesel by Rs10.86,” The News International, 1 August 2024)
The “goal cannot be accomplished unless the state starts collecting taxes equitably from where they are due — irrespective of the source of income,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 1 August, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Equitable taxation,” explained the need for equally taxing of every sector and argued that the “salaried class” is an easy target for the government. The editorial noted two takeaways from Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s speech in Karachi which are “The salaried class and documented businesses are excessively overtaxed; and there is a critical need for effectively taxing the untaxed and undertaxed sectors including agriculture, retail and real estate.” The editorial urged that there is a need for relief to the unbearable burden put on the salaried class and the tax-compliant businesses. It asserted that these groups are not only paying the income tax but also “a plethora of indirect taxes and non-tax levies.” It claimed that the government has taken these groups as “easy prey” to target whenever the system needs extra money. The editorial further stressed the need for equitable tax collection “irrespective of the source of income” to achieve “sustainable and faster economic growth.” It further suggested the need to “revamp and reform” the entire tax administration in order to ensure that an equal amount of tax is paid. The editorial further reasoned that since the government is already in a low growth mode, there is no need for the minister to be “apologetic” about ensuring equitable distribution of the tax burden “across all sectors and segments of the economy.” (“Equitable taxation,” Dawn, 1 August 2024)
SOCIETY
Several organizations confirmed network outages in Pakistan
On 31 July, internet watchdog Netblocks confirmed network disruption in Pakistan. In this regard, the organization wrote on X: “Live network data show a nation-scale disruption to internet connectivity in Pakistan.” Additionally, a spokesperson of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) also confirmed the network outage. He stated: “Currently, the PTCL network is facing data outage in various cities due to which connectivity has been affected/...Our teams are actively working to resolve and rectify the issue at the earliest.” The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also acknowledged that the internet service disruption happened “to some extent” and assured that their authorities are working to resolve the issue. However, Downdetector, a website which shows real-time information on outages of various websites and services highlighted that almost 73 per cent of the people complained about internet problems and the rest of the 23 per cent complained about total “blackout.” In addition, it noted that most of the complaints were recorded from Karachi, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan. Later, the PTCL network announced network restoration and clarified no fault at the PTCL network end. (“Pakistan experiences ‘widespread’ internet disruption,” The News International, 1 August 2024)
SECURITY
Interior Ministry categorizes TTP as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and directs all government institutions to implement it immediately
On 31 July, the Interior Ministry issued a notification categorizing the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij.” It further mandated that all institutions use “Khariji” before the names of the perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The notification further directed that titles such as “Mufti,” and Hafiz” not be used for any terrorist organization henceforth. It referred to TTP terrorists as “corrupt elements” and insisted that the group be referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij. All the government institutions were directed to implement the order immediately and to use the mandated term in all letters and documents. Similarly, Geo News reported that this move was taken to “expose the real ideology of the banned militant outfits.” (“Govt declares TTP ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’,” The News International, 1 August 2024)
Separate armed attacks in Pishin and Khyber kill four law enforcement officers
On 31 July, armed attacks in the Pishin and Khyber districts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed four Law enforcement agencies’ personnel and injured a traffic constable. In Pishin, attackers carried out two-gun attacks. The first attack targeted a security check post in the Milizai area and used automatic weapons. In this incident, two Levies officials, Yasin Alyas and Abdul Qadeerwere killed. The second attack took place in Pishin during the investigation of the first attack. Armed men on a motorcycle attacked a traffic policeman in the Jan Adha area of the Pishin Bazaar. Officials revealed that a search operation has been launched to identify the attackers.
Similarly, militants attacked the Charwazgai check post in the Landi Kotal area of the Khyber district in which two policemen and a civilian were killed. The deceased were identified as police sub-inspector Alamzeb Afridi and constable Sher Alam along with a civilian Naib Shah. The incident led to several people being injured. Police officials disclosed that the attackers had managed to escape after retaliatory firing. The officials have increased the patrolling and launched a search operation. (Saleem Shahid and Ibrahim Shinwari, “Four security men martyred in Pishin, Khyber attacks,” Dawn, 1 August 2024)
Government bans Majeed Brigade and Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group
On 1 August, Dawn reported that the government has “proscribed” two more outfits: the Majeed Brigade (MB) and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGBG). This has taken the total number of banned outfits in Pakistan to 81. Following this, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) also updated the “proscribed organizations” list. Dawn revealed that the Majeed Brigade (MB) and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGBG) were proscribed on 19 July and 25 July respectively under Section 11-B-(1) and Schedule-1 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. It also is reported that Pakistan through this move has conveyed to Afghanistan its serious concern regarding the Bannu cantonment terrorist attack and the sustained use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks by the HGBG and the TTP. Several high-profile attacks on security forces like the suicide attack in North Waziristan that happened on 16 March were linked to these two groups. In a similar manner, the Majeed Brigade which is a dedicated suicide squad of the Balochistan Liberation was responsible for the attack on the Gwadar port complex. This group has carried out several attacks on Chinese nationals. Assaults on the Pakistan stock exchange, the Chinese Consulate in Karachi and the Confucius Institute at Karachi University are some notable attacks by the group. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Govt proscribes Gul Bahadur group, Majeed Brigade,” Dawn, 1 August 2024; Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan formally bans Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, Majid Brigade,” The Express Tribune, 31 July 2024)
PROVINCES
Gilgit-Baltistan: Sit-in protestors block travel to China through Khunjerab Pass
On 31 July, Dawn reported that sit-in protests continued for the sixth consecutive day outside the Pakistan Immigration office at Sost. This development comes after the Chief Court of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs to not collect taxes on imported goods coming from China, via the Khunjerab Pass. Consequently, numerous foreign and local travellers were barred from travelling to China from the same Pass. According to the protestors, the Customs were not ready to address local traders’ interests, which pushed them to express their dissent. The President of GB’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Imran Ali said that the FBR and Customs were “illegally collecting taxes” from locals on goods imported from China through the Khunjerab Pass. He accused the officials of going against the court orders and maintaining that the court’s jurisdiction is not reserved for tax issues. President of GB’s Importers and Exporters Association, Muhammad Iqbal made a strong statement by saying that if the GB court, assembly and constitutional position are not recognized by the FBR, then the people of GB may “reject all taxes imposed by FBR.” These protests have made thousands of individuals without work because “there are no alternative options for earning,” said Former GB Assembly member, Javed Hussain. (Jamie Nagri, "Protesters block China border over tax issue," Dawn, 1 August 2024)
Balochistan: Officials say talks on Gwadar protests have been successful
On 31 July, amid Gwadar protests, talks between representatives of the government and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) led to a “breakthrough.” The Assistant Commissioner of Gwadar, Jawad Zehri said that negotiations between both parties had been successful and that the government would let off BYC protestors amid dialogue. He added that mobile phone services would be restored, roadblocks would be removed and the BYC would end the sit-in. The National Party, Balochistan National Party and Jamaat- I- Islami played a major role in mediating the talks between the representatives. (Saleem Shahid, "Officials claim success in talks with Gwadar protesters," Dawn, 1 August 2024)
EXTERNAL
Consul General of UAE warns Pakistanis in UAE against spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda
On 1 August, The News International reported that the Consul General of UAE, Bakheet Ateeq al-Remeithiin Karachi has called upon Pakistanis in UAE to stop sharing “negative propaganda against” Pakistan, its institutions and its leaders. He informed that Pakistanis residing or travelling to the UAE have spread disinformation on social media and have been arrested or sentenced to 14 to 15 years in jail and being questioned for securing a visa. As a result, around 5 people have been deported. (Afzal Nadeem Dogar, "UAE envoy warns Pakistanis against ‘negative propaganda’," Dawn, 1 August 2024)
ENERGY
Consumers have resorted to “aggressive solarization” says Nepra Chairman
On 31 August, at a public hearing, Nepra Chairman Wassem Mukhtar revealed that the consumers have resorted to “aggressive solarization” and have decided to use the grid as a back-up. He said that the import of over 7,000 megawatts and the installation of 1.5 megawatts by industrialists and bulk consumers may interfere with an agreement with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This situation is further worsened by the exorbitant monthly electricity bills and the distribution of solar panels by the Punjab and Sindh governments as this drives away power consumers from the grid. Nepra member, Rafiq Sheikh disapproved of the inconsistent policies related to solarization between the Centre and province. The Central Power Purchasing Agency has reported that electricity consumption in June 2024 has decreased by ten per cent. The chairman also informed that the government has started a study to determine if additional power generation capacity is required. (Israr Khan, “Pakistan’s energy system strained by surge in solarization, battery tech ," The News International, 1 August 2024)
WORLDVIEW
Iran’s “retribution is almost certain” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 31 August, an editorial in Dawn titled “Haniyeh’s murder” commented on the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh during his visit to Tehran and its ramifications. While Israel has denied any connections with this, this development came just a few hours after Israeli forces had “bombed Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut”. The editorial further stated that these provocations will make it hard for Iran to not retaliate as these attacks were carried out within its territory. Before Tehran makes any move, it will have to thoroughly investigate how Haniyeh was attacked. However, this is not the first time Israel has struck Iran as prominent Iranian nuclear scientists and generals have been targeted before. The editorial argued that Iran’s past experiences should have been its lesson to strengthen its security. While this attack has garnered condemnation from Pakistan, Russia and China, the editorial predicted that “retribution is almost certain.” Additionally, the editorial concluded that the ten-month Israel-Gaza war has disregarded Syria, Lebanon and Iran’s sovereignty and the only path to a “peaceful resolution” is a ceasefire. However, this is unforeseeable after Haniyeh’s assassination. (“Haniyeh's murder," The Dawn, 1 August 2024)
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