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In Brief
SECURITY
Several attacks on security posts in Khyber district; three killed and several injured
On 9 August, attacks on several security posts in the Khyber district killed at least three security personnel and injured several others. The attacks took place when the security forces tried to prevent infiltrators from Afghanistan from entering the Rajgal Valley. Sources noted that the attack was carried out jointly by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the banned Gul Bahadur group. This is the first time that the two groups have jointly attacked Pakistan. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, revealed that four militants were also killed. Further, PM Shehbaz Sharif praised the security officers and soldiers of the Pakistan army and paid tribute to the deceased soldiers. The Gul Bahadur group was held accountable for the attack on the Zangi check-post near Bagh Markaz in Tirah.
Additionally, two separate militant attacks in the Bannu district killed a civilian and six others were injured. One of the attacks fired at a police patrol in which a civilian, Shakir Khan died. Two police officers including Sabir and Hasanand and two other civilians were injured in the attack. Similarly, an armed attack on a police post in the Kheraki Mamakhel area took place in which a police constable was injured. (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Three security personnel martyred in Khyber attack,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
POLITICS
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blames the judiciary for the constitutional crisis in Pakistan
On 10 August, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused the judiciary of being “biased” towards Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). He blamed the judiciary for the country’s existing political crisis. He said: “This is the crisis of the judiciary, by the judiciary and for the judiciary.” He claimed that the judiciary’s order helped re-mobilize a “dead political party.” He further stated, “It was the court that stated that their internal elections were rigged, which is why they could not get a symbol and would not be considered a political party.” He made these remarks in the National Assembly when he was given the floor to welcome Saudi guests and pay tribute to Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem. This political speech angered the opposition. The infuriated opposition members started shouting slogans, with the opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan blaming the PPP chairman for spoiling a “dignified occasion.” Khan stated “Despite the fact that Bilawal Bhutto had served as the country’s foreign minister, he unnecessarily prolonged his speech, which perhaps had been given to him by someone from Parade Ground.” Following this, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman apologized for Zardari’s speech. (Amir Wasim, “Judges biased towards PTI, claims Bilawal,” Dawn, 10 August 2024; Muhammad Anis, “Judiciary created constitutional crisis: Bilawal,” The News International, 10 August 2024)
PTI calls off hunger strike
On 9 August, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) announced its decision to call off the hunger strike after a meeting of the opposition’s alliance-Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP). The party also urged the youth to celebrate Independence Day on 14 August. The coalition further declared its decision to challenge the Elections Act 2024. The PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub stated: “The meeting decided that PTI will wrap up its token hunger strike camp outside the Parliament House. Students and youth come outside on Aug 13 carrying Pakistani flags in their hands.” He added that the party plans to hold seminars on the Constitution and democracy as part of Independence Day celebrations. Earlier, the PTI carried out a 13-day token hunger strike demanding the release of Imran Khan. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PTI ends hunger strike, urges celebration on Aug 14,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
JUDICIARY
Supreme Court orders are legal mandates, not a mere recommendation, says Justice Shah
On 9 August, Senior Judge Syed Mansoor Ali Shah stressed that the Supreme Court’s orders are “legal mandates” that must be followed and not “mere recommendations.” In the statement issued, he remarked, “To disregard or delay the implementation of such verdicts is to challenge the very framework of our legal system.” The observations came during a hearing related to the pensions case. These remarks were given massive importance by the legal experts, especially in light of recent legislation passed by parliament that attempts to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling from July 12 in the reserved seats case. Justice Shah emphasized that “in a Constitutional democracy, the rule of law is not just a principle, but the bedrock upon which the legitimacy of governance rests.” He stressed that the implementation of Supreme Court orders is significant in maintaining public confidence and containing executive overreach. The order concluded by remarking: “Let the nominee keep this constitutional understanding in mind and expeditiously implement the judgement of this court by ensuring that the pensioners are fully paid at the earliest and submit a compliance report before the next date of hearing.” Furthermore, during the pension case hearing, Justice Shah noted the necessity of factual verifications and urged the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to carry out its functions, rather than burdening the judiciary. (“SC orders not mere suggestions, must be followed: judge,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
“The generals and bureaucrats have taken control of the country’s system, and the Attorney General is unaware of the proceedings,” says CJP Isa
On 9 August, the Supreme Court of Pakistan intervened to prevent the removal of Rana Saeed as Chairperson of the Wildlife Board while hearing a case on commercial activities in the Margalla National Park. The court also suspended the notification that made the Wildlife Board under the Interior Ministry’s jurisdiction. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa said: “The generals and bureaucrats have taken control of the country's system, and the Attorney General is unaware of the proceedings.” Later, the court summoned Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, and the owner of the private Monal restaurant, Luqman Ali Afzal. Chief Justice Isa questioned the Interior Ministry’s role and asked, “What is the relationship between the owner of the private hotel and the Cabinet Secretary? Is the Cabinet Secretary not the brother of the hotel owner? The Cabinet Secretary got the summary to remove the Wildlife Board chairperson approved by the prime minister.” Following this, the court questioned Attorney General Awan regarding the transfer of the Margalla Hills National Park to the Interior Ministry. The court further questioned the details of the Pine City housing project inside the Margalla Hills. However, Attorney General Awan assured that the issue would be brought to the Prime Minister’s attention. In conclusion, the Supreme Court ordered to bring the issue to the PM’s notice and adjourned the case until 15 August. (“‘Generals, bureaucrats have taken control of country’, laments CJP Isa,” The Express Tribune, 9 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Federal Minister indicates additional cuts in development budget
On 9 August, the Express Tribune reported that in an interview with the News Express Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal hinted at further budgetary cuts of PKR 200 to 400 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). He noted that due to Pakistan’s current economic situation stemming from challenges, the current budget is insufficient to meet the country’s needs. Though it has already been tapered down to PKR 1,100 billion from 1,400 billion further cuts are likely to happen. Increasing the allocation would be inappropriate as it would mean an imposition of additional taxes which the public is unable to bear at the moment. He said the government may prioritize national interest projects, CPEC projects that utilize the development budget and projects funded by external sponsors. Earlier in a meeting with the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Minister Iqbal threw light upon how the IMF’s demands had burdened the public and how it was unwilling to grant any concessions. (“'PSDP likely to be slashed by additional PKR 400 billion,” The Express Tribune, 9 August, 2024)
Remittances surge amidst grey market revival
On 9 August, Dawn reported that data from the State Bank of Pakistan has revealed a significant jump of 48 per cent in remittances from overseas Pakistani workers. The inflows in July 2024 stood at USD 2.995 billion from USD 2.092 billion in July 2023. However, a decline of 5 per cent or USD 153 million was seen in remittance compared to the same month in the previous year. In June 2024, the remittances summed up to USD 3.158 billion. Though there may have been an annual growth, currency dealers are worried about the impact of the revival of the grey market. The dealers estimate that the monthly outflow to the grey market has already reached USD 500 million. In the 2023 fiscal, remittances worth USD 4 billion were lost to the illegal market. Dollars were illegally smuggled to Afghanistan and Iran. A crackdown in September briefly put an end to the activity, but it has resumed again. Now, smugglers earn a “premium of PKR 3 to PKR 4 per dollar over the official exchange rate.” Additionally, in Dubai, the current exchange rate of Pakistani rupee is PKR 285 per dollar. This is higher than the official Pakistani bank rate, hence, remitters earn a profit of PKR 5 per dollar and this further stimulates the diversion of funds to unofficial channels. (Shahid Iqbal, “Remittances surge 48 per cent in July,” Dawn, 10 August, 2024)
SOCIETY
“Urban flooding, indiscriminate in its impact, nonetheless exposes the underlying power dynamics in flood management,” discusses an opinion in The News International
On 10 August, an opinion by Fariya Hashmat in The News International titled, “Rethinking flood management,” discussed the “relentless rains” in Pakistan targeting metropolitan cities and the “primary culprit, the growing pace of urbanization.” He observed that Lahore has received torrential rains. The author detailed the 2010 floods and 2022 floods, asserting that neither of them affected the rural areas. In this regard, she claimed that these flash floods exposed the “systemic inadequacies of the local government’s ability to address and mitigate these multifaceted challenges.” Especially, rural-urban migration, sustained increase in population, unplanned infrastructure development, loss of green areas, inefficient drainage systems, and inadequate waste management are the drivers of these “relentless rains.” In the case of Lahore, which is home to 14 million, high-budget construction projects like Orange Line Train, the formation of large-scale housing societies without proper urban planning has exacerbated the situation. She detailed the unmaintained drainage system in the city and how it leads to floods. She claimed that although “nature’s fury bear” is one of the reasons for this devastation, the urban planning system also holds equal responsibility. She remarked that the urban floodings are indiscriminate in their impacts. However, she observed that the government tends to prioritize the elites over the impoverished. She urged the local governments “to demonstrate a genuine commitment and willingness to implement the policies.” Additionally, she urged for suggestions from the affected population to craft effective strategies to address the challenges. In Lahore’s case, the author suggested the need for a “fundamental overhaul in urban planning.” (Fariya Hashmat, “Rethinking flood management,” The News International, 10 August 2024)
“The state should not fuse the political opposition with hard-core militants and extremists that seek to overthrow the constitutional order,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 10 August, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Road to moderation,” explained the renewed focus given to “crush extremism and militancy” by the country’s “top civilian and military authorities.” The editorial noted that the meeting witnessed remarks regarding terrorist outfits that have reasserted themselves in recent years, although a few focused on political parties. It observed the PM’s urge to neutralize the banned TTP (“Fitna al Khawarij”) and the army chief’s remarks on social media as a tool to spread “anarchy.” The editorial acknowledged the messages delivered by the civilian and military leadership,” and endorsed the government efforts which were taken so far to eliminate terrorism. It recalled Gen Musharraf’s ideology, “enlightened moderation,” and asserted that these efforts neutralized the “rude awakening” of terrorism. The editorial detailed few “obvious weaknesses” while addressing counterterrorism were the lack of follow-up, lack of sustained interest in post – CT campaign launches. For instance, the lack of enforcement of the National Action Plan. In addition, the editorial urged to refrain from mingling the political opposition and the militants and extremists who vied to overthrow the country’s constitution. It said, “This misplaced conflation will only harm national CT efforts.” (“Road to moderation,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
PROVINCES
Baloch Yakjehti Committee calls off Gwadar sit-in, movement to continue
On 9 August, Baloch Yakjehti Committee representative, Dr Mahrang Baloch, called upon the people of Balochistan to unite and stay committed to their campaign, “in the face of oppression, injustice, and the enforced disappearance of their loved ones.” She said this while addressing a large gathering at Fida Shaheed Chowk after returning from an 11-day sit in Gwadar. She also stressed that even though the sit-in had ended, this was only the beginning of their movement. She asserted that the Baloch people’s “patience, courage, and national resistance” echoed that the land and wealth of Balochistan was theirs. She stated that the people’s will was undefeatable. She exemplified the Baloch strength against state power. She drew critical attention to the state, urging it to realize that the Baloch people would not submit to its violence, oppression and intentional disappearances. Instead, they will continue to be firm and raise their voices. (Behram Baloch, “Gwadar sit-in called off, but movement to continue, says Mahrang,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
Balochistan cabinet discusses Youth policy and public spending
On 9 August, a Balochistan Youth policy was approved at a Balochistan cabinet meeting with Chief Minister, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. The cabinet observed that “seeds of hatred were sown” in young minds via social media to pit them against the state. The meeting agreed upon guiding the youth in the direction of progress. Speaking of the issue around early loan repayment to private banks, the chief minister regretted that the interests were being paid by the money collected as tax from the poor people of Balochistan. The payment includes PKR 2 million daily and PKR 60 million every month. He said: “This practice should stop now.” He added that independent authorities must look for avenues of income instead of relying on the government. He criticized these entities for becoming a “burden” on the government. He observed that if such non-development expenses increase over the next ten years, the government will not have sufficient resources to avail essential amenities such as health, sanitation and education. (Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan cabinet okays youth policy,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistani national charged with supporting Iranian weapons programme
On 8 August, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an indictment against two Iranians and a Pakistani national for “conspiring to provide and providing material support to Iran’s weapons programme.” They were also charged with “conspiring to commit violence against maritime navigation and maritime transport involving weapons of mass destruction resulting in death.” The Pakistani identified as Muhammad Pahlawan has been taken under US custody while the Iranians who allegedly work for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Shahab Mir’kazei and Yunus Mir’kazei are yet to be apprehended. These men were reported for smuggling weapons which were similar to the ones that Houthis have used to attack US vessels and trading ships in the Red Sea. Pahlawan was the captain of a “smuggling vessel” that they were using to transport the arms. In a separate case, the DOJ has also charged another national of Pakistan, Asif Raza Merchant for supposedly plotting to assassinate an American politician and other officials. He was also alleged to have ties with Iran. In the Foreign Office press briefing, Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reported that they were given consular access to these individuals. Speaking about Asif Merchant’s case, she said that Pakistan will not “legally determine any individual’s nationality unless” they receive “the relevant information,” (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistani charged in US with backing Iran arms scheme,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
INDIA VIEW
Foreign Office rejects Indian claims of Pakistan’s role in Sheikh Hasina’s ouster
On 9 August, during a weekly press briefing, the Foreign Office of Pakistan spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed reports originating from India that alleged Pakistan’s involvement in the recent events that transpired in Bangladesh. Baloch said: “These statements depict India’s disturbing obsession with Pakistan.” She added that it was habitual of Indian political leaders and media to blame “Pakistan for their failures in domestic and foreign policy.” A student-led movement forced the Former leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wajid to flee the country after a rule of 15 consecutive years. The empty seat was filled by an interim government formed with Bangladesh’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus as the premier, after the military handed over the torch. The crackdown in Bangladesh was catalyzed by quotas in government jobs that were placed in July, spiralled into a month of unrest and eventually morphed into an anti-Hasina campaign. This led to a crackdown, drawing international condemnation which the government repeatedly denied. (Abdullah Momand, “FO rejects Indian speculation of Pakistani involvement in Sheikh Hasina's ouster,” Dawn, 9 August, 2024)
PAK-CHINA
Pakistan to looks at China to achieve USD 10 billion export target
On 9 August, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the “transformation” of Pakistan and China’s friendly relations to an “enhanced economic cooperation” at an event attended by delegations of international companies from Pakistan and China and even government representatives of Sindh. He noted that Pakistan’s agriculture economy is composed of 60 per cent of the rural population, thereby making it imperative for the state to support this sector. He stated that though the agricultural exports were at USD 3 billion in fiscal 2024, the current year’s target has been increased to USD 10 billion. To achieve this “quantum leap” with modern technology and best practices, a partnership with China would be Pakistan’s best bet at “boosting agricultural exports and adding value to exports.” Speaking of his visit to Beijing, the premier revealed his admiration for Chinese technology and educational institutions. He, thus, decided to send 1000 Pakistani girls and boys to train in China’s advanced agricultural methods. Additionally, he urged Chinese investors to enter into business collaborations with their Pakistani counterparts and called this a business-to-business arrangements phase under the CPEC. (“Shehbaz stresses enhanced economic ties with China,” Dawn, 10 August 2024)
WORLD VIEW
Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus is “on the mark by calling for serenity” suggests an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 9 August, an editorial titled “Yunus’ tough task” in The Express Tribune discussed the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, at a critical time in Bangladeshi politics. It is a significant event as it marks not only the end of the Former leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s “authoritarian” rule but also draws attention to the convergence between the student leaders and the military. The editorial observed that Yunus now has the unenviable task of returning the “Bengali polity” “to the electorate” thereby eliminating concerns that Bangladesh is moving towards “hybrid governance.” The editorial underlined the need for Yunus to “deliver an astute leadership” as his crowning comes after what he deemed a “second independence” where more than 500 people lost their lives and the country was on the cusp of a civil war. The editorial endorsed the economist’s leadership and stressed that is in a “better position to pick up the threads” as Bangladesh has the potential of an economic power in the region. Conducting general elections and creating a level-playing field for all political parties is the way to overcome the “disgust” set in by the previous administration’s socio-political regulations. It is up to the interim prime minister to bring justice to those against whom excesses were committed, particularly the government job quota. Though Yunus and the military have a cordial relationship, he should not be tempted to stay in office and should aim to return the country to “business as usual.” (“Yunus' tough task,” The Express Tribune, 9 August 2024)
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