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In Brief
POLITICS
PTI’s demand for the immediate release of Imran Khan causes ruckus in the Senate
On 5 August, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the opposition party in the Senate, demanded the immediate release of Imran Khan causing uproar in the house. Members of both parties in the Senate exchanged slogans against each other. The ruckus erupted during the discussion on a resolution condemning the “5 August illegal actions of India in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.” Leader of Opposition Shibli Faraz denounced Khan’s “illegal detention” and the PTI senators chanted slogans like “release Imran Khan,” “give justice,” “mandate thieves,” and “Prime Minister Imran Khan.” In response, the PML-N leaders raise slogans of “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.” Further, Faraz alleged that “fake cases” had been filed against Khan. He referred to the Cipher, Toshakhana and Iddat cases as “shameful.” Later, Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani adjourned the house without completing the intended discussions due to the uproar. Before adjournment, the House passed two resolutions.
The first resolution demanded that India release Kashmiri political prisoners, refrain from human rights violations and implement UNSC resolutions on the Kashmir issue. The resolution stated that the house “confirms that we will continue to raise our voice against injustice and oppression until the Kashmiri people achieve their inalienable right to self-determination.” The second resolution was passed to express grief over Ismail Haniyeh’s death and condemn Israel’s bombing in Beirut. The resolution statement reads: “The Senate strongly recommends that all countries, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and particularly Muslim countries unite to counter and restrain Israel’s terrorist agenda.” (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Rumpus in Senate as PTI protests Imran’s detention,” Dawn, 6 August 2024)
PTI marks one year of Imran Khan’s incarceration
On 5 August, to mark the one-year anniversary of Imran Khan’s incarceration, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers from all over the country held a “jalsa,” in Swabi, demanding the release of Imran Khan on year anniversary of his incarceration. Addressing the crowd, the leaders announced campaigns and rallies for the release of Imran Khan in different cities, including Islamabad and Lahore to be held in the last week of August or September. They urged the PTI supporters to be prepared to put “pressure on the federal government.” PTI leader Asad Qaiser noted: “If we reduce the pressure, it will mean that we have lost the initiative for which we have given numerous sacrifices.” Further, Barrister Gohar accused the federal government of using various tactics to destroy Imran Khan’s image. He also emphasized that in order to do its job, the judiciary must remain independent. He thus called for an end to any kind of interference in political and judicial matters. Additionally, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai highlighted the need to restore the “rule of law and constitutional supremacy in the country” and reiterated Imran Khan’s statement calling for “real independence.” Further, Omar Ayub demanded that the intelligence agencies stop arresting PTI leaders and workers.
Separately, PTI supporters also held a protest in the US, and the country to realign its “current stance” towards Islamabad to support their efforts to “restore democracy” in Pakistan. Addressing the protest, Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri lamented that in 2019 when the PTI had held a protest against India, the then-army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa. had praised them. However, “Now we are called traitors simply because we demand our democratic rights.” He urged the US administration and the human rights organizations to demand the release of Imran Khan. (Muqaddam Khan, “PTI marks Imran’s ‘year in prison’ with Swabi jalsa,” Dawn, 6 August 2024)
Special Audit of Toshkhana reveals several discrepancies
On 6 August, The News International reported on the special audit of Toshakhana by the Auditor General of Pakistan and its finding of a new set of challenges. During the audit, it was noted that the amendments to the Toshakhana Rules in 1973 were framed without the federal cabinet’s approval and the relaxation of rules gained for the prime minister was against the rules and noted that the rules were superseded through the framing of procedures in 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2017 and 2018. The Auditor General of Pakistan’s Special Audit of Toshakhana revealed that the government affairs in Toshakhana were not working efficiently. The report revealed that the Cabinet Division of Toshakhana collected PKR 226.987 million as gifts from recipients and through an auction from 2002 to 28 February 2023 as bank challans. It was also found that the cabinet has not reconciled the bank challans with the Federal Treasury Office. Thus, the audit suggested inquiry, verification of challans, and responsibility for non-reconciliation of receipts. The report further mentioned that the cabinet was asked to provide the list of gifts and to carry out physical verification of the first quarter of every year of those listed gifts displayed in government buildings or official residences. The audit also highlighted irregular enlistment of private appraisers for gift evaluation, with two firms engaged in 2016 having no experience in evaluating articles. (Ansar Abbasi, “Special audit of Toshakhana opens a can of worms,” The News International, 6 August 2024)
“A pivotal shift towards total decentralization” is crucial for delivering “good governance,” asserts an editorial in Dawn
On 6 August, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Right-sizing,” termed the down-sizing announced by the federal government in line with the 18th Amendment “a step in the right direction.” The editorial cited a recent report which suggested that the Shehbaz Sharif government is working on “merging some of the ministries, and combining or abolishing several functions that have been already devolved to the provinces but retained at the federal level for political reasons despite the abolition of the Concurrent List 14 years ago.” It further noted that the cabinet division is controlling Sheikh Zayed Hospital and wondered, what business the government has in running a province’s hospital. It emphasized that the bureaucracy obstructs is “the execution of the devolution agenda” in order to protect its “financial perks.” The editorial thus suggested that it is not surprising that the IMF is pressuring the government to reduce its “public-sector expenditure and bridge the runaway fiscal deficit.” The editorial also argued that the political parties’ unwillingness to transfer powers (political, administrative and financial) mirrors devolution’s incomplete agenda. Thus, it suggested that “total decentralization by empowering local units and districts” is requisite for “good governance and efficient public services.” He observed that only the first phase of devolution from centre to province was achieved by the 18th Amendment. To fully benefit from decentralization, political parties must agree and amend the Constitution to create “permanent space for the third tier of government.” The editorial concluded by claiming that how “the federal government running a hospital in Lahore makes no sense, the provincial government has no business operating a school or a Basic Health Unit.” (“Right-sizing,” Dawn, 6 August 2024)
ECONOMY
PM Sharif constitutes a task force for the digitalization of FBR
On 6 August, The News International reported on the constitution of a new task force by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The task force has been established to facilitate an end-to-end digitalization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)’s tax collection process. The task force will submit its suggestions or plans for consideration by the prime minister within one month. FBR will provide secretarial support and the task force is allowed to approach any public or private sector regarding its designated purpose. It will be headed by Minister of State for Finance & Revenue Ali Pervaiz and other membersinclude , Ghazi Akhtar, Lotte Akhtar Beverages Ltd, Ziad Bashir, Member BoD Gul Ahmed, Amir Malik, ex-CEO PRAL, Famed Zafar, LUMS, Asif Peer, Systems Ltd, Tania Aidrus, Waqas ul Hasan, Karandaz, Gohar Marwat, Project Officer, NADRA. (“PM forms task force to digitalise tax collection,” The News International, 6 August 2024)
SOCIETY
Monsoon season should not be seen “as an opportunity to score points against each other,” rather political parties should “sit down together and brainstorm solutions,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 6 August, an editorial in Dawn titled “Roads and rains,” discussed how urban drainage which is an “infrastructural issue” to be resolved by the civic administration has now evolved into a matter of competency of various political parties. The editorial argued that the PML-N understood this and started maintaining Lahore as an example of “its administrative capabilities.” In contrast, the PPP learnt this lesson in Karachi, the “hard way.” The editorial highlighted how political parties in recent days have showcased their ability to mobilize forces rapidly in response to rain-related emergencies in order to reveal the incompetencies of their rivals. The editorial stressed that “politicizing this issue will do more harm than good.” It highlighted that climate change has become a “great equalizer” as it does not spare any city and favors none. Thus, the editorial urged the political parties to work together and not treat climate change incidents as an “opportunity to score points against each other.” It suggested a “reasoned debate and knowledge-sharing” as it would help in improving urban administration during climate-related challenges. It argued that “If we expect the world to help us cope with natural disasters, we must demonstrate that we are equally serious about helping ourselves in this regard.” (“Roads and rains,” Dawn, 6 August 2024)
SECURITY
DG-ISPR comments on security, Gwadar protests, digital terrorism and Youm-e-Istehsal
On 5 August, the Inter-services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, at a conference held in Rawalpindi, argued that efforts made against “digital terrorism” have been inadequate. This is because Section 8 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 does not address this issue at all. He added that lies, propaganda, fake news and distorted images have been making rounds on the internet, thereby creating confusion among the masses. He further warned that if any person is involved in spreading big lies against the army, the institution “will take necessary legal action against it, and there is a whole process for it When asked to comment on the protests held by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, the DG labelled the group a “proxy of terrorist organisations and criminal mafias and nothing more than that.” He said this because he believes that the BYC is campaigning against the law enforcement agencies that take action against elements in the “illegal spectrum.” He highlighted the importance of education especially for the youth of Balochistan, and revealed that they are being provided digital education, including a scholarship programme. He also briefed the state of security in the country. He said that security forces have carried out about 23,622 operations, about 24 terrorists have been killed over the last two weeks or so and 139 soldiers have been “martyred.” Also, the terminology designated for the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan has been altered to “Fitna al Khawarij. Reacting to Imran Khan’s recent statements regarding the military, the DG commented that the army’s stance had not changed from the 7 May conference. Speaking on the anniversary of Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, he stated that Pakistan’s Army will continue to support “Indian Administered Jammu and Kashmir” and denounced the “inhuman lockdown, demographic changes, and human rights violations” in the region which go against the international law. (“Not enough being done against digital terrorism under law: DG ISPR,” Dawn, 5 August 2024; “Military's stance on May 9 protests remains unchanged, says DG ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 5 August 2024)
PROVINCES
“The Baloch protest has taken on a new intensity, though the issues being focused on aren’t new,” argues an opinion in Dawn
On 6 August, an opinion by Arifa Noor in Dawn titled, “No interest in peace,” discussed the protests in Balochistan and noted that it has “mesmerised many.” The author emphasized the role of social media in circulating protest information and images despite minimal television and print media availability. The author claimed that the protests in Balochistan have evolved into a “new purpose and new intensity” although the demands remain the same. She stressed that “Balochistan is our wound” which has been “festering for 20 years,” underlining that the province has changed but realization “there is little realization of it.” She argued that this is because “for those in power, the lack of awareness is convenient and deliberate.” She further explained the change in Balochistan as the rise of the middle class and the educated youth in fighting for their rights. She also contrasted this change as “both the insurgency against the state and the peaceful movement on the streets is led by the educated, middle-class youth.” Additionally, she underlined the rise of women as one of the changes that occurred in Balochistan. She emphasized the role of Mahrang Baloch, a young, educated and articulate woman in leading the protests. The province was controlled by the establishment in the post-2008 era, leading to the emergence of the new political class that is dependent on the establishment for its existence, over the years. She explained that this class had only little interest in ending hostilities. In conclusion, she claimed that “other than the establishment, there is also a set of civilians that has no interest in resolving the crisis of trust in Balochistan” or there is no power that can reach out to the people of the province. (“No interest in peace,” Dawn, 6 August 2024)
PAK-CHINA
China accepts Pakistan’s proposal for shift to local fuel
On 5 August, the Power Minister, Muhammad Leghari briefed that China has accepted Pakistan’s proposal of shifting from imported coal to indigenous coal after a meeting with the MQM delegation chaired by MNA Mustafa Kamal. The meeting was on the ongoing electricity problem in Karachi amid an FX (Foreign Exchange) crunch and towering interest rates. He pointed out that the Chinese have considered Pakistan’s bid for debt re-profiling. He said that the government is working towards lowering the electricity prices, instead of “holding sit-ins or press conferences.” MNA’s Kamal is of the opinion that the government’s agreement with the Independent Power Producers and capacity payments have perpetually harmed the economy. He added that the “new series of taxes” are “bleeding the economy.” Currently, Karachi has been experiencing power outages of up to 18 hours. Therefore, he called upon the government and IPPs to recognize “that a reduction in their profits will save the country.” (Israr Khan, “Pakistan, China agree to shift coal plants to local fuel amid energy crisis,” The News International, 6 August 2024)
INDIA VIEW
BJP’s diplomatic history is rife with mistakes, argues an opinion in Dawn
On 6 August, in an opinion titled “History of BJP’s diplomatic gaffes” in Dawn, Jawed Naqvi opined that the current ruling regime of India, Bharatiya Janata Party’s diplomatic disposition has been characterized by a list of mistakes. He begins by referring to 5 August as the day which the BJP may have to remember as either the time when the decision to “dismember” Kashmir outraged China or when its close ally, Sheikh Hasina Wajed “was deposed by a mass uprising against her authoritarian government.” The author emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have been aware of the tumult in Dhaka after she visited him twice this year. The author stressed that if PM Modi believed that Sheikh Hasina was a “prop to balance China,” then she was a weak one. The author believes that Modi’s “misjudgements” are due to “his ideological grooming with the habitual pro-West leaning.” By trying to appease Washington, the BJP has often undermined “India’s tested, honed and surefooted plank of non-aligned.” Offering itself as a defence against China has erased its reputation of being agreeable by its neighbors and the Global south. The author speaks of the time when the BJP government led by Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee hosted First US President Jimmy Carter, followed by Shah of Iran. Both ended up having tragic political careers. Additionally, PM Modi’s visit to Donald Trump and Nawaz Sharif’s visit to India has forced both leaders to be deposed from their offices. The author concludes that the BJP “lacks finesse”, illustrating the difference in how Prime Former Minister Indira Gandhi and PM Vajpayee conducted their nuclear tests: “One quietly, the other with unrestrained glee. (Jawed Naqvi, “History of BJP's diplomatic gaffes,” Dawn, 6 August 2024)
WORLD VIEW
“The generals in Bangladesh must be condemned roundly for their interference and for further damaging the democratic process” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 6 August, an editorial in Dawn titled “Hasina’s fall” in Dawn commented on Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and ouster from Bangladesh after a rule of 15 consecutive years. The public raged after she shut all safety nets, which led to her “eventual departure” and the empty seat was filled in by the military generals. The editorial highlighted how military interventions in Pakistan and Bangladesh have heavily injured the state of democracy. Instead of a democratic battle being fought in the parliament or elections, it played out in the streets and the military intervened. This is set to have detrimental effects that will prolong over generations and the army should be “condemned roundly” for further damaging the democratic processes. The editorial argued that in order to curb another episode of instability, power must be returned to “civilian hands as soon as possible” and the army must exit. The editorial stressed that the Sheikh Hasina story must be a “learning lesson” for all countries of the Global South, especially those that share similar socio-political features with Bangladesh. It underscored that the ingredients for public unrest are a weak economy and repression. The editorial concluded that “when all avenues for dissent are closed off” and authoritarianism is used to restrain healthy competition, then “the stage is set for either violent upheaval” or involvement of “unelected forces” to “save the day.” (“Hasina's fall,” Dawn, 6 August 2024)
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