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In Brief
POLITICS
Interior minister and MQM chairman denounce “nefarious” campaign against state institutions
On 12 August, during a meeting with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUP) Secretary General Owais Noorani, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi remarked that no one would be allowed to stage a “nefarious” campaign against the state institutions. Naqvi and Siddiqui denounced the “vicious propaganda” against state institutions as they are considered as “betraying the country.” Both Naqvi and Siddiqui urged everyone to unite together in order to overcome the existing challenges in the country and turn them into opportunities. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi slams drive against state institutions,” Dawn, 13 August 2024)
Imran Khan warns of nationwide protests if the tenure of CJP is extended
On 12 August, Imran Khan warned of possible protests in the country if the government tried to extend the tenure of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa or if the government neglected to implement the CJP-led judgment on reserved seats. Similarly, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan denounced the Supreme Court’s decision to restore three PML-N lawmaker’s membership and claimed that he would file an appeal against the decision. He argued: “There is no scope for extension now, and we demand the government issue notification of the incoming Chief Justice immediately.” He asserted that CJP Isa, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the military are “hand in glove.” He termed the current situation in Pakistan as “worse” than Bangladesh. (Ikram Junaidi, “Imran warns of protests if CJ given extension; PTI embittered by decision on NA s
ECONOMY
PIA caused PKR 830 billion loss to the national exchequer, claims Privatization Minister
On 11 August, during a footwear exhibition in Lahore, Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan referred to the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as a “white elephant.” He also claimed that PIA has caused PKR 830 billion loss to the government and informed that the privatization process of PIA was “progressing smoothly.” Khan also revealed that “Private firms are taking interest in the privatization of PIA. He detailed that almost six Pakistani companies are interested in PIA. Additionally, he praised the Pakistan Footwear Association for advancing its ties with global brands and observed that increasing business footprints in foreign missions would aid the country in having business relationships.
Similarly, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, in his address, raised concerns about managing energy prices and the need to promote it with commercial activities such as easing business. He further dismissed claims that the uncertain security situation in Pakistan had distracted investors from the country. If such is the case, he questioned the presence of a large number of international delegates at the expo held in Pakistan. He, thus, asserted that the security situation in Pakistan is improving. He said, “The security situation in Balochistan is not the worst as is being propagated. Had there been such a situation, the pledge of USD 70 billion in Balochistan would not have been made by investors.” (Khalid Hasnain, “‘White elephant’ PIA has cost national kitty Rs830bn, says Aleem Khan,” Dawn, 12 August 2024)
Petrol prices may be reduced on account of low demand in big economies
On 13 August, The News International reported that petrol and diesel prices may be reduced effective from 16 August. This is a consequence of low demand in big economies. It is anticipated that the price of petrol will be reduced by PKR 8.16 per litre, diesel by PKR 7.70 per litre, kerosene oil by PKR 7.71 per litre and light diesel oil by PKR 4.49 per litre. Sources observed that the POL prices can go further down as there are three more days left for 16 August and further price fluctuations are expected. The reduction of prices of petroleum products is also the trend in the international market. Earlier, on 1 August, the country had witnessed a reduction in the petrol price by PKR 6.71 per litre and high-speed diesel by PKR 10.86 per litre. (Khalid Mustafa, “Petrol price may be cut by Rs8.38, diesel Rs7.70,” The News International, 13 August 2024)
SECURITY
Deputy Commissioner and a group of eight killed in Quetta attack
On 12 August, Panjgur Deputy Commissioner, Zakir Hussain Baloch died after succumbing to injuries from an attack, near Mastung. On the Quetta-Karachi National Highway, a group of 15 unidentified assailants had blocked the road and checked vehicles passing in the area. They tried stopping the commissioner’s car but when it sped away, they fired gunshots. Two officials were “seriously injured,” said the Chief executive of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Memorial Hospital, Dr Saeed Ahmed. Additionally, the Municipal Committee Chairman of Panjgur, Abdul Malik Baloch sustained multiple bullet injuries. In a separate incident, eight people were killed after a grenade exploded in Quetta. Officials reported that unidentified men on a motorcycle tossed a grenade at a police patrol vehicle. (Saleem Shahid, “Panjgur DC killed in attack on Quetta-Karachi highway,” Dawn, 13 August 2024)
EXTERNAL
Torkham border closed after squabble with Afghanistan
On 12 August, the Torkham border was closed after Afghan forces “fired shells over the post near” the border. According to sources, the Afghan personnel were building a bunker nearby. The Pakistani border forces have repeatedly complained about the construction. In the evening, when Pakistan urged them to “stop the construction work on the bunker near the international border” they responded by firing shells across the border. An official said a mortar shell fell in Mukhtarkhel village but it did not lead to any damage. While the Pakistani side closed the border to halt all movement to and from Afghanistan, the Afghan side also vacated residents around the area to avoid any harm or casualties. (Ashrafuddin Pirzada, “Torkham border closed after firing,” The News International, 13 August 2024)
MIDDLE EAST VIEW
“Unless Israel is muzzled, there will be no peace in the Middle East, and the chances of escalation will gather pace” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 13 August, an editorial titled “School massacre in Gaza” denounced Israel’s military campaign for continuing for ten months. It highlighted the double standard in the international arena: When the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killed over 140 minors at the Army Public School (APS), it garnered worldwide condemnation. But on Israel’s attack on a school sheltering 2400 displaced civilians which led to the death of at least a100, there has been no “worldwide revulsion.” The editorial called the Israel-Gaza war a “one-sided conflict” or “a genocidal campaign” where the Israeli forces continue to mar schools, hospitals and people “in the name of targeting Hamas.” It inquired whether this reason justifies atrocities against children. The editorial argued that after causing numerous massacres, Tel Aviv is not in a position to discuss a ceasefire. The editorial asserted that Israel is stalling for time so that the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, can stay in power for a little longer. It maintained that this may be the reason behind his agenda to protect his country from Iran and its allies. The editorial pointed out that this rationale is more acceptable to its Western allies. It finally concluded that a diplomatic fallout between Iran and the US is impending and does not bode “well for the region, or the larger international community.” (“School massacre in Gaza,” Dawn, 13 August 2024)
WORLD VIEW
UN report highlights the dangers of collaboration between terrorist groups and “transnational terrorism,” says an opinion in The News International
On 13 August, in an opinion titled “A recipe for regional mayhem,” Amanat Ali Chaudhry reviewed the 34th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted to the UN Security Council. The report warned of a growing trend of transnational terrorism across the Pakistan and Afghan border. The report also expressed concern over the collaboration of Al-Qaeda with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the latter plays an active role in training Afghans and TTP forces. Though the group has been dormant for a significant period, it is entering into collaborations with other terrorist organizations such as the East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) the Turkestan Islamic Party and so on. The report discussed the possible nexus between the TTP, the Majeed Brigade and the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). Chaudhry argued that this would “pose a renewed threat to Balochistan and Sindh.” Al Qaeda’s purpose is not only to expand its influence in Central Asia but also to “reorganize itself and ramp up training activities in an enabling environment of Afghanistan.” In the backdrop of the building relationship between TTP and Al Qaeda, the author believes that TTP would serve as an umbrella terrorist organization with other organizations under it. Eventually, Pakistan’s domestic security would be at stake as the TTP would intensify its attacks. The author also noted that the “modern weapons” abandoned by the US forces in Pakistan have already been used to attack border posts. The TTP’s partnership would simply enhance their access to weapons from Al Qaeda. Interestingly, the interim government in Kabul has turned a blind eye to Pakistan’s pleas about the TTP. The author also pointed out that the report has revealed that the Afghan authorities have endorsed the group’s attacks in Pakistan. However, Pakistan has “shown strategic patience” as Afghanistan disregards its security issues. The author listed out how the country has dealt with the TTP in the form of “four planks.” He underscored the f the Pakistani army in counter-terrorism by pushing the TTP to Afghanistan. Secondly, Pakistan has reminded its neighbour of TTP obstructing its path to international recognition and the establishment of a “regionalized terrorism syndicate, whose terrorist actions” would be “a heavy cost for Kabul.” lastly, Pakistan has actively participated with the UN and the global community towards counter-terrorism. The author concluded that the UN report is a “wake-up call” for people who believe that the TTP is only Pakistan’s issue to deal with. (Amanat Ali Chaudhry, “A recipe for regional mayhem,” The News International, 13 August 2024)
INDIA VIEW
“Modi’s India is not safe for the minorities,” says President Zardari
On 12 August, speaking at a ceremony organized to commemorate Minorities’ Day, President Asif Ali Zardari remarked that the objective of observing this day is to acknowledge the contributions of minorities to the “national progress and prosperity” of Pakistan. It was a high-level event arranged by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. He gave credit to the minorities’ role in “national progress and prosperity.” He asserted Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of achieving harmony, unity and tolerance. He drew comparisons with India, stating “Modi’s India is not safe for the minorities,” and commended Quaid’s foresight for predicting the future of minorities in India. Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Malik Hussain “felicitated” minorities for observing this day and he reflected upon the peace, brotherhood, tolerance and religious freedom in society. He also cited constitutional provisions that guarantee minority rights, and Islamic teachings that stress upon these rights. Some of the representatives who attended the ceremony were from the Hindu, Sikh, Bahai and Parsi communities. (Asim Yasin, “Modi’s India not safe for minorities: Zardari ,” The News International, 13 August 2024)
SPORTS
“The world has seen the climax of our national game as this is the third time that Pakistan could not qualify for the Olympics,” states an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 12 August, in an opinion titled “Factors affecting sports culture,” M Nadeem Nadir regretted Pakistan’s non-emphasis on the sporting world on account of the Olympics. He noted that only seven individuals from Pakistan participated in the 2024 Olympics, out of a 24.5 crore population. The author criticized the “media coverage and corporate sponsorship” for not recognizing the Olympics and concentrating on cricket. While strong economies can support their sports culture, developing ones such as Kenya and Ethiopia have also claimed prizes. He exemplified Kenya’s performance back in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the country won four gold, four silver and two bronze. The author argued that this was a result of promoting sports at the “grassroots level.” He compared Pakistan to other South Asian countries such as Bangladesh and India, despite both countries having a gargantuan population, they haven’t bagged many prizes. He decried the organization of the sports federations under the Pakistan Olympics Association (POA) as they did not follow a fit-the-job-to-the-person approach by perching individuals from armed forces in chair positions. Speaking of this year’s Olympics the author noted that many players were unable to qualify due to the “paucity of funds and unavailability of facilities.” The 18th Amendment is to blame for this as in the author’s opinion, it misdirects provinces on the allocation of funds. They utilize these funds to fulfil their needs. (M Nadeem Nadir, “Factors affecting sports culture,” The Express Tribune, 12 August 2024)
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