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In Brief
POLITICS
Pakistan celebrates 77 years of Independence
On 14 August, Pakistan celebrated 77 years of its independence. During the flag-hoisting ceremony on the 77th Independence Day of Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to bring about economic stability in the country. PM Sharif wrote on X, “Our unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity on Independence Day 2024: reforms and continuous struggle, we will beautify tomorrow’s Pakistan.” He further remarked that he would work hard and bring down the inflation and electricity prices. He promised new power bills soon and a launch of a five-year economic programme. He urged for “hard work, honesty and passion” to develop the country. Referring to the army chief's remarks on digital terrorism, the prime minister said, “Foes of Pakistan have continuously been targeting the minds of young people through digital terrorism to mislead them.” He warned the youth to refrain themselves from falling into “chaos, anarchy and deception.” Similarly, following the flag hoist ceremony in Islamabad, he paid tributes to the “sacrifices of our forefathers and countless unsung heroes of the Pakistan Movement.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Jammu and Kashmir people. Separately, President Zardari celebrated Independence Day by stressing, “We need to set aside our differences and work committedly for unity, integrity, and economic stability.” He also reaffirmed his support to the Kashmiri people in Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. Furthermore, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz celebrated the day by attending a flag-hoisting event in Lahore and said “No bigger honour than raising Pakistan’s flag.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori, Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur also commemorated the day. (“National leaders pledge economic stability as Pakistan turns 77,” Dawn, 14 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Petrol prices see a further cut
On 13 August, the Ministry of Information announced new petrol prices for the next fortnight with further reductions. The price of petrol was reduced to PKR 8.47 reduction per litre and that of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to PKR 6.7 per litre due to the reduction of fuel prices in the global market. This is the second consecutive reduction in fuel prices (Petrol, oil, lubricants) in two weeks. The Petroleum Development Levy (POL) remains unchanged although the federal budget has increased it by PKR 10 per litre. (Saif Ur Rehman, “Petrol price drops by Rs8.47 per litre,” The News International, 13 August 2024)
FBR holds its first task force meeting on digitization
On 13 August, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) held its first Digitization task force meeting at the FBR headquarters. The meeting was headed by Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Ali Pervez Malik. During the address, FBR’s consulting firm, McKinsey chairman presented a brief on the digitization progress and suggested that FBR include domestic and trade data and five million potential non-taxpayers into the tax net. His discussion focused on two key areas such as “the overall digitization of the FBR and identifying and implementing quick wins.” He stressed four key factors of improvement taken from global experience such as “income tax, sales tax, customs duty, and collections.” Further, the meeting discussed the task force’s terms of reference. They examined the robust data-sharing requirement to identify non-taxpayers. It assigned TORs to four working groups, following its establishment. They were asked to submit the recommendations at the next meeting scheduled on 21 August 2024. (Mehtab Haider, “FBR asked to integrate domestic, trade data, identify 5m tax evaders,” The News International, 14 August 2024)
Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approves 15 development projects worth PKR 515 billion
On 13 August, Pakistan approved 15 development projects worth PKR 515 billion. It also approved PKR 250 billion in foreign loans aimed at mitigating climate-change-related problems. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) held a one-day discussion to examine 18 proposals and selected 15 projects, one position paper and two concept clearance documents. Out of the 15 projects, seven were forwarded to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. The remaining approved projects account for PKR 265 million. Another development regarding the cost of the projects was the approval for a USD 900 million Climate and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Programme (CDREP) foreign loan proposal from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The proposed amount is aimed at addressing climate-related challenges. CDWP noted that the loan will be disbursed in two tranches, USD 400 million and USD 500 million respectively. However, the government plans to use USD 400 million for budget financing. (Shahbaz Rana, “Rs515b development projects approved,” The Express Tribune, 14 August 2024)
SOCIETY
Pakistan has veered “further and further away from the vision of the founding fathers, particularly Quaid-i-Azam,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 14 August, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Rebuilding a dream” lamented that the Independence Day celebrations for Pakistanis will be marred by “harsh realities of life in modern Pakistan” which include “economic stagnation, political polarization and resurgent militancy and extremism.” The editorial highlighted that since independence, Pakistan has faced one crisis after the other which has reduced the chances of the young of “living a dignified life in their homeland.” The editorial blamed the “ruling elite” for not being able to “dispel the clouds of doom” The editorial expressed scepticism regarding a possible “mend in the economy” and pointed out that increasingly more people are being pushed into “poverty or basic subsistence” due to persistent inflation. Other problems include a general disinterest of parties to reach a political consensus and the surge in extremism. These developments threaten “to devour the nation Jinnah built.” The editorial accused successive governments of not implementing Jinnah’s directives which included commitments towards ensuring “democracy, constitutionalism, protecting minorities, eliminating corruption, etc.” Other problems highlighted by the editorial were “rigidity of the political forces” and crossing of constitutional limits. Further, respect for the vote has eroded and peaceful protestors are labeled “terrorists.” The editorial emphasized that “true independence” will be attained when the children of the country “have a better tomorrow” and people are ensured their freedom. (“Rebuilding a dream,” Dawn, 14 August 2024)
“Can those who have presided over an apparatus that has treated minorities with indifference be trusted to work for the minorities?," questions an editorial in The News International
On 14 August, an editorial in The News International titled “Blueprint for tolerance,” discussed the protection of the rights and religious freedoms of minorities. It further delineated how Pakistan has struggled so far in upholding the rights guaranteed by the constitution. It argued those provisions have never been implemented and observed discrimination against minorities is prevalent. It argued that the country has experienced a hike in “Forced conversions of minority women, attacks by hateful lynch mobs and targeted killings of minorities and terror attacks on their communities.” The editorial stressed the need to protect the minorities’ rights by citing Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s promise on 11 August 2024. However, it expressed pleasure as the state’s failure to uphold the rights was “somewhat filled” by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah’s observations on stressing the need for a “more tolerant and progressive nation” at the 10th anniversary of the 2014 Supreme Court judgement on minority rights. One of the five points that Justice remarked on was the effective implementation of constitutional provisions regarding minority rights. By pointing this, the editorial suggested for “collective and coordinated effort” from major state institutions at the federal and provincial levels. In conclusion, it questioned whether “those” who treated with indifference and being “reluctant” to bring the minorities to the front line, are really trustable in advancing the situation of minorities in Pakistan. (“Blueprint for tolerance,” The News International, 14 August 2024)
“When the state is not helping, it is often busy becoming an obstacle itself for young people,” says an editorial in The News International
On 14 August, an editorial in The News International titled, “We the youth,” discussed the challenges and “unique pressures” that the country faces ahead. In this regard, it pointed out “youth nation” as one among them. It detailed that almost two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30 and asserted that the need to create an environment where these young populations meet their dreams and the country can develop itself. However, the editorial observed that the country has failed in doing so. For instance, the editorial claimed that Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem was used by the political parties to “elevate” themselves rather than lauding the achievement. It claimed that Nadeem is one among the several talented people across the country. It blamed that “when the state is not helping, it is often busy becoming an obstacle itself for young people.” It expressed concerns over the broken “belief and hope” of the previous younger generation over the government and argued that these had been now replaced by a “feeling of being left out.” Besides these arguments, the editorial observed the enormous opportunities youngsters have today and remarked that expecting the government to what the youth deserves would be too much. However, the least the state can do is “stay out of their way.” (“We the youth,” The News International, 14 August 2024)
SECURITY
Grenade attacks and remote-controlled bomb blasts in Quetta kill three civilians
On 13 August, three people died in separate incidents, in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan. An explosion in Liaquat Bazaar killed one, while six were reported injured. In a separate incident, a motorcyclist tossed a grenade at a store which was selling Independence Day merchandise. It led to seven individuals sustaining injury. After they were shifted to the Civil Hospital, a victim identified as Irfanullah succumbed to his injuries. Another grenade attack was reported in a girls’ high school in the Sariab Road area and Panjgur, no casualties were reported in both cases. Separately, a remote-controlled bomb blast took place at the Bugti Stadium Kharan. Late at night, police reported that an unidentified motorcyclist hurled three grenades into two houses and a private parking lot. Two people were reported dead. (Saleem Shahid, “Three killed, 10 injured in Quetta attacks,” Dawn, 14 August 2024)
Four Frontier Corps men and one tribal elder killed in separate attacks in Waziristan
On 13 August, a gunfight between security personnel and militants at a checkpoint in the Upper South Waziristan district killed four Frontier Corps men. Among them, 27 sustained injuries at the Mami Khel checkpoint between Tiarza and Ladha tehsils. The area was immediately sealed and a search for the attackers was launched. In a separate incident, in Barang tehsil a tribal elder was injured and another expired due to a remote-controlled bomb blast. A statement from the Balochistan Police’s Counter Terrorism Department outlined that after the Panjgur Deputy Commissioner was gunned down in an attack involving two militants, a joint investigation was launched by Police, Frontier Corps, Police and Levies on 12 August. It also claimed that two alleged militants were shot down in a fire change with security personnel. (Adam Khan Wazir, “Four FC men martyred in South Waziristan attack,” Dawn, 14 August 2024)
Protests erupt against lawlessness in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 14 August, The Express Tribune reported that thousands in the North Waziristan district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province staged protests at the Mir Ali Bazaar. They were against the “unending wave of lawlessness,” targeted killings and “military operations in the region.” The protests were organized by political parties, Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Utmanzai Jirga and Aman Pasawon. Participants of Amar Pasawon called for a total strike as a form of protest. Jirga chiefs, political representatives and social activists addressed the crowd. They stressed that peace was the responsibility of the state and relevant institutions (Nasarminallah, “Thousands take to N Waziristan's streets,” The Express Tribune, 14 August 2024)
Army Chief speaks on security, propaganda and terrorism during Independence Day celebration
On 13 August, at a parade organized to celebrate Independence Day at the Pakistan Military Academy, the Army Chief General, Asim Munir, spoke on various key issues. He said that “digital terrorism” was initiated by foreign powers to widen the gap between state institutions. The military has been a recipient of harsh criticism from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, which the Munir described as akin to spreading misinformation. The Chief General invoked Surat Al Hujurat and emphasized the importance of verifying information to avoid creating anxiety among the masses. He said that freedom of speech may be exercised given that it is done in moderation. He addressed Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan. He urged the Taliban government to not entertain the Tehreek-e-Taliban-Pakistan (TTP) or Fitna al-Khawarij and to be considerate of Pakistan’s interests and their shared “brotherhood.” He condemned the TTP’s “anti-state and anti-Sharia activities” and further warned that they have gained ground in the province, once again. He paid tribute to Pakhtuns who lost their lives to terrorism and even spoke of the protesters of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Earlier during a press conference a military spokesperson had labeled them a “proxy of terrorist organizations and criminal mafias.” Drawing reference to this, he said that the army and the federal government would ensure the security and welfare of the Baloch people. (“Army chief General Asim Munir sees foreign hand in 'digital terrorism',” Dawn, 14 August 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Roadmap for resolution of issues being prepared for the province, reveals Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar
On 13 August, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in a meeting on law and order at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, spoke about the state of Balochistan and the need for security in the province. Mr Dar emphasized that the emergence of anti-state elements that disrupt the peace in provinces has to be eliminated. He revealed that Balochistan is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s priority and that “measures will be taken to address the issues being faced by the people of the province.” He acknowledged the economic difficulties of the province and the country. At the meeting, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti briefed Mr Dar on the progress of development projects and the security situation in Balochistan. He said education and healthcare in the province were the government’s focus. He also spoke of the state of backwardness in the province and how funds from the centre were crucial to tackle this issue. The deputy prime minister guaranteed the provincial minister that the federal government would “provide all possible support for the development of Balochistan.” (Saleem Shahid, “Roadmap being prepared to resolve all Balochistan issues through talks: Dar,” Dawn, 14 August 2024)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 267 cases of violence recorded against transgenders in the last five years
On 14 August, Dawn revealed that the number of cases recorded of violence in the province against transgenders was 267 in the previous five years. Only one of these cases has led to conviction so far. Pakistan Muslim League-N’s (PML-N) party member, Sonia Shahid called out the government for not addressing this issue. She decried: “Several meetings were held to address the rising incidence of violence against transgender persons, but the numbers continue to rise.” In an interview with Dawn, criminal justice lawyer, Shafiq Hussain Giyani, informed that the accused were not acquitted due to inadequate investigation. 60 per cent of the cases filed would be settled outside court. Nevertheless, “convictions depended" on "proper police investigations,” he said, as courts are dependent on the quality of investigation and prosecution. He explained that inadequate investigation would benefit the accused. On the other hand, rights activist Qamar Naseem said that poor investigation was not the only reason that did not punish perpetrators. He said transgender persons not only cooperated with the police but rarely made a trip to police stations to furnish evidence or record their statements. He commented: “Fear is another factor. Sometimes, violence victims agree to out-of-court settlements either due to pressure or for money.” Additionally, cases are mostly registered after the transgenders take to the streets. They are often registered as weak cases, allowing the accused to get off easily. (Umer Farooq, “Convictions rare despite rising violence against transgenders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Dawn, 14 August 2024)
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