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In Brief
POLITICS
Government and national institutions are in “unprecedented harmony and cooperation,” says PM Sharif
On 8 August, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, stated that the “unprecedented harmony and cooperation” that currently exists between the coalition government and the national institutions will secure the country’s national interests and help deal with existing challenges. He also said that he had never witnessed “such cooperation” in his political career. He further argued that the cooperation between the military establishment and the government was a “role model” for the country’s future. He stressed the importance of learning lessons from the country’s past challenges and mistakes. He called for the elimination of Fitna al Khawarij (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) for its alleged involvement in the anti-state activities. He drew parallels between the 9 May riots and the 1971 “tragedy,” and asserted that people involved in the “1971 tragedy met their fate in Bangladesh.” Further, he emphasized the government's efforts in addressing the economic challenges and assured that the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme would be the last. He informed about the plans to ease the burden on inflation-affected people and stated: “The stability will only come if we plan for the productive employment of the 250 million people in the country.” (“Unprecedented cooperation between govt, institutions to rid country of challenges: PM,” Dawn, 8 August 2024)
PML-N rejects the “conditional apology” offered by Imran Khan
On 8 August, PML-N leaders turned down the “conditional apology,” offer given by Imran Khan. They demanded that Imran Khan be punished for “orchestrating” the 9 May incident and stressed that Khan should not be “pardoned” despite offering an apology. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari claimed that Khan was the “mastermind” of the 9 May riots. She stated: “The person who once claimed that he would not grant anyone an NRO is now pleading for mercy. Even if Imran Khan tries to clear his name, the dark stains on his reputation cannot be erased.” She additionally blamed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activists for the attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. She mentioned that this was carried out under the PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry and Mehmoodur Rashid. She further mentioned the available evidence for the attack. Similarly, PML-N leader Javed Latif asserted if Khan was not punished due to external pressures, the nation would not forgive and noted that the “network of former CJP Saqib Nisar and ex-ISI chief Faiz Hamid” as Khan’s “sympathizers in the institutions.” (“‘Conditional apology’: PML-N leaders reject Imran’s offer,” Dawn, 9 August 2024)
JUDICIARY
Council of Islamic Ideology asks apex court to review Mubarak Sani case
On 8 August, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), in a statement said that the entire country was “perturbed” by the Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict on the Mubarak Ahmad Sani case. It said that it “is a matter of faith and love for the Holy Prophet instead of legal technicalities.” The CII deemed many parts of the decision “inappropriate” and hoped the SC would review its judgment. This development comes as the Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Isa declared that the offences that Mubarak Sani was convicted for in 2019 under the Punjab Holy Quran Act were not criminalized until 2021. As a result, Chief Justice Isa has been on the receiving end of a “malicious and slanderous campaign.” (“ Council of Islamic Ideology seeks review of SC verdict in Mubarak Sani case,” Dawn, 9 August 2024)
SC Justice Shah emphasizes the inclusion of Islamic principles in jurisprudence
On 8 August, the senior judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah emphasized the need to interpret law from the principles of Islam, from the lens of the Quran and the Sunnah at a ceremony at the Federal Judicial Academy in Islamabad. The ceremony was organized to commemorate the conclusion of the “Islam and International Humanitarian Law,” a regional training programme. He suggested integrating “Islamic values of mercy and compassion” to maintain harmony in society as “religion has plenty of wisdom embedded in its sources.” He added that including this “wisdom” in jurisprudence will be widely accepted, effective and indigenous. He stressed the need to incorporate this wisdom in Pakistan’s laws and judgments and interpret the religion in tune with modern realities, with “open minds.” (“ SC Justice Shah stresses Islamic principles in jurisprudence,” Dawn, 9 August 2024)
ECONOMY
NEPRA announces a hike in electricity bills in August
On 8 August, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) gave the go-ahead to an increase in electricity rate of PKR 2.5627 per unit. It noted this will be implemented in August. It is likely to add a financial burden of PKR 33.45 billion on the power consumers. In addition, with the 18 per cent tax inclusion, the financial burden will sum up to PKR 39.5 billion. NEPRA noted this will apply to all the consumer categories and it will exempt electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and lifeline consumers. This development has come due to the fuel charges adjustment (FCA) in June. The rise in costs is primarily driven by the high prices of liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil and a reduction in electricity demand. Earlier, Discos had requested PKR 2.63 per unit charges. However, it has been increased to PKR 9.77 per unit. (Israr Khan, “FCA for June: Nepra approves Rs2.56 per unit hike for August power bills,” The News International, 9 August 2024)
SECURITY
Anarchy spreads via social media, says Army Chief
On 8 August, at the Ulema-o-Mashaikh, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General, Asim Munir said, “Anarchy is spread through social media.” He added that no force can go against the military of Pakistan. He addressed clerics and scholars to direct society towards moderation instead of discrimination and extremism. On 5 August, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressed the growing trend in “digital terrorism” and emphasized the need for legislation.The subject was invoked even in the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference and the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference. The military is reacting to Pakistan Tehreek- e- Insaaf founder Imran Khan’s post on X. Khan had encouraged his followers to read the Hamoodur Rehman Commission Report and the events that led to the separation of East Pakistan. Besides this, the Army Chief also spoke about the Pakthun community's major contributions to counter-terrorism and that the Khawarij or outcasts “are a great fitna.” He noted that Pakistan hosts millions of Afghan refugees. He commented that Afghanistan should not resist its friend and brother Islamic country “for the sake of the Khawarij fitna.”(“Anarchy is spread through social media: COAS,” Dawn, 8 August, 2024)
PROVINCES
Auditor General of Pakistan’s calculations reveal “massive tax evasion” by provinces
On 9 August, The News International reported that the Auditor General of Pakistan’s calculations have revealed “massive tax evasion” by all provincial governments. The provinces have not reduced and remitted PKR 33 billion of federal taxes. For instance, the Punjab Public University has deducted PKR 166 million as income tax from the employees’ salaries and used the amount in university affairs. The Auditor General of Pakistan Office had sought provincial governments regarding the federal tax amount; however, it claimed that the amount has not been deposited yet. The Auditor General's Office also issued reminders stating that all four provinces should deposit the federal taxes as per the constitutional provisions and rules of the Federal Board of Revenue. The News International report highlighted that the Punjab government did not deduct the tax and should deposit a tax worth PKR 16.3 billion, Sindh has to deposit PKR 8.60 billion, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to deposit PKR 5.07 billion and noted Balochistan has not deducted tax worth PKR 2.34 billion. Similarly, another document identified that the tax evaded by the provinces included income tax from salaries of different categories of employees. (Ansar Abbasi, “Provinces found involved in Rs33bn federal tax evasion,” The News International, 9 August 2024)
Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan Customs urges GB traders’ protestors to ease the restrictions on China-imported consignments
On 8 August, Pakistan Customs urged the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) traders’ protestors to ease the restriction on consignments imported from China that were kept at Sost dry port. Separately, the GB customs also informed the protestors that it had approached the GB Chief Court requesting the removal of orders pausing the collection of taxes from traders on items imported from China. Earlier in July, Justice Raja Shakeel Ahmed of the Chief Court had ordered FBR and Customs to stop collecting the above-mentioned taxes, underlining that the region was not under such tax collections.
On the other hand, local traders have been staging a sit-in against the implementation of the GP Chief Court’s order and blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH). They further suspended the travel and trade between Pakistan and China. Assistant Collector Customs Sost Imtiaz Shigri issued a notice requesting the clearance of the customs premises. In response, the traders continued their sit-in outside the Sost dry port and conveyed they would continue the sit-in until their demands were met. (Jamil Nagri, “GB traders warned against continuing protest,” Dawn, 9 August 2024)
EXTERNAL
Investigation announced over claims of GMO detection in rice exports to Europe
On 9 August, The News International reported that the Head of the Ministry of National Food Security announced an investigation into claims that genetic modification organism (GMO) was detected in its rice exports to the European Union (EU). He emphasized that Pakistan is a non-GMO country. He also revealed that all exports go through a thorough check and then an export certificate is issued as they “have a zero-tolerance policy in this regard.” He said the matter would be taken to the Rice Exporters of Association of Pakistan (REAP). However, the REAP Chairman Chela Ram Kewlani rejected the EU’s claims stating that “GMO testing of shipments is conducted at the port” and that this could be a “conspiracy by another country.” Another exporter, Shamsul Islam Khan, alleged that India may have been behind it, to hinder Pakistan’s ties with China as it imports “a majority of hybrid coarse seeds” from the East Asian country. (Nasir Chichi & Shahid Shah “ Inquiry starts as GMO ‘found’ in Pak rice shipped to EU,” The News International, 9 August 2024)
Pakistan warns Iran of wider implications if it retaliates against Israel, preaches caution
On 7 August, an Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar in Jeddah. The acting foreign minister of Iran called upon Muslim countries to support Iran’s promise of a “befitting” response to Israel on account of the death of former leader Ismail Haniyeh. While Israel has remained silent on this matter, Mr Dar described Israel’s actions as “akin to knowingly and deliberately throwing a light at a powder keg.” He added that though Pakistan is aware of Iran and the Palestinian people’s sentiments, he cautioned that they “must not fulfil Netanyahu’s design for a wider war.” In his speech, he conveyed the larger implications if Iran did take action against Israel. Sources say that there is a high possibility of an all-out attack launched by Israel not only against Iran but also neighbouring countries. The former’s allies such as the US may also join in the conflict. (Kamran Yousaf “Pakistan cautions Iran on Middle East tensions,” The Express Tribune, 8 August, 2024)
WORLD VIEW
“Muslim world’s collective response” Israel’s assault on Gaza “has been feeble at best,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 9 August, an editorial titled “Need for unity” in Dawn discussed what action the Organization of Islamic Council (OIC) must take in the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict which has reached ten months since it began on 7 October. It highlighted that the response from neighboring Muslim world has been “feeble” as Israel’s responses have also violated the sovereignty of countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iran. Though some states have condemned Israel for its actions, such as Turkey which joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the World Court, the “OIC has been severely lacking.” Interestingly, in the recent OIC meeting, Iran’s foe, Saudi Arabia, which has also had “troubled relations with Hamas” denounced the death of former Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh. The editorial suggested that the OIC must stop engaging in discussions and take physical action to put an end to the “genocidal campaign in Gaza.” The editorial provided a list of measures that the Muslim states may put into practice, such as adopting a cohesive voice in defence of the Palestinians on the international platform, holding those who supply weapons to Israel accountable and also taking stringent action against Israel. (“Need for unity,” Dawn, 9 August, 2024)
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