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JUDICIARY
Internet disruptions: Judiciary lambasts the state while the Pakistan Business Council warns of business exit
On 16 August, the Lahore High Court (LHC) heard a public interest litigation filed by Advocate Nadeem Sarwar in connection with the internet disruptions in the country. Justice Shakeel Ahmed of the LHC asked the state counsel for a detailed report on the matter who requested additional time as consultation with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was imperative in to provide a clear explanation for the disruptions. Emphasizing the “public interest nature” of the matter, Justice Shakeel Ahmed of the LHC lambasted the state counsel for his lack of information on the matter. He also stressed the earnestness of the recent internet disruptions. The next hearing is set for 21 August when the state counsel has been asked to present a detailed report in consultation with all concerned authorities. The LHC has assured that a suitable order will passed on the matter. The petitioner had highlighted in his plea that most Pakistanis depend on the internet services for not only communication but also e-commerce. Any kind of tinkering or tampering leading to a disruption in these services was tantamount to the government “undermining civic space, fostering a climate of economic uncertainty and disrupting access to healthcare, online business, and emergency and financial transactions.” Separately, the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) warned that numerous multinational companies are looking to move their “back offices” from Pakistan due to internet disruptions. The PBC also informed that many have already relocated their offices. In this regard, the PBC stated “Many multinational companies (MNCs) are either planning to relocate their back offices from Pakistan or have already done so, as the reported imposition of a firewall causes widespread internet disruptions across the country.” This warning follows a report by the by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce which revealed that around “3,968 Pakistani companies registered in Dubai between January and June 2024.” This makes Pakistan the second country in the list of countries registering their businesses in Dubai. Further, the number of registrations this year in this period is 17 per cent higher than last year in the same period when 3,395 Pakistani businesses had registered in Dubai. ( Wajih Ahmad Sheikh & Malik Asad, “LHC questions govt seriousness in fixing internet disruptions,” Dawn, 17 August 2024; Shahid Iqbal, “Multinational companies plan exit amid internet disruptions: Pakistan Business Council,” Dawn, 17 August 2024)
POLITICS
Jamat-I-Islami gives government 37 day deadline to meet demands against electricity bills and inflation
On 16 August, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JI) leader, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, declared a countrywide strike against high electricity bills and inflation on 28 August at a rally in Multan. He said: “We did not go home after making deals with the government. We remain firm on our demands. If these are not met, we will march towards Islamabad with a sea of people.” He further urged that even though the electricity tariffs were reduced byPKR 14 per unit, the public ought to stand firm in its beliefs and demand for inexpensive electricity. Hafiz Naeem also inquired why Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has not extended its relief plan across the country, like he did in the Punjab province. He warned the government that if their demands were not met before the 37-day deadline was over then a march would be performed all the way to Islamabad. He announced, “We will launch a movement that will not stop, uniting all sections of society.” (“JI announces nationwide strike against high electricity bills, inflation on Aug 28 ,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2024)
Government to merge five ministries and remove 150,000 vacant government posts
On 16 August, at a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a reforms committee formed by him recommended the government to merge five ministries, namely, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), States and Frontier Regions, Information Technology and Telecommunication, Industries and Production and National Health Services. A press release issued by the Prime Minister Office states that the meeting recommended that 28 organizations listed under the five ministries mentioned above “should either be completely shut down, privatized or transferred to the federating units.” The objective is to reduce pressure on the state exchequer and improve provision of public services. PM Sharif also announced that he would take charge of supervising the Small and Medium Development Authority to stimulate businesses in the SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) sector. Additionally, the reforms committee also called for the removal of 150,000 vacant posts and outsourcing of non-core functions. This means that lower grade job positions ranging from Grades 1 to 16 will be eliminated. A separate meeting chaired by PM Sharif was briefed about huge gemstone reserves in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PM said that the centre would support the GB’s provincial government with elevating its mining standards and chiseling. He said: “Unfortunately, the gemstone sector has been neglected for 77 years and the precious assets are being wasted through conventional mining methods.” With the aim of increasing exports and promoting the gemstone industry, the prime minister called for vocational training of manpower in polishing, chiseling, modern mining and value addition. (Syed Irfan Raza, “28 departments, 150,000 govt jobs on the chopping block ,” Dawn, 17 August 2024)
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan dismisses claims of Gen Faiz’s involvement in PTI’s decision-making
On 16 August, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that the PTI had no connection with Lt General Faiz Hameed’s arrest at a media conference held in Islamabad. Barrister Gohar affirmed the army’s authority on how it should charge a serving or retired servicemen and that no politics must creep into this process. On the other hand, he accused the National Accountability Bureau of political revenge by making the Al-Qadir Trust another legal issue against Imran Khan. He criticized the Chief Justice for passing remarks on the Al Qadir Trust case as in principle the Supreme Court does not comment on a case which it has not considered yet. Speaking in this regard, senior lawyer and PTI lawmaker Latif Khosa said that the party was left with no choice but to file a recusal of the Chief Justice from the cases scheduled for 19 August. (“Gen Faiz never instructed PTI: Gohar ,” The News International, 17 August 2024)
PTI lawmaker comments on women’s attire, widely criticized
On 16 August, during a National Assembly standing committee meeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf PTI) Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Iqbal Afridi, commented on a high ranking K-Electric female official’s attire as “objectionable.”. He added that a: “standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be devised for women’s clothing.” He said this after she briefed the panel and left the meeting room in the Parliament House. Afridi is not a member of the National Assembly’s standing committee but was a legislator from NA-27 or Khyber. The meeting was a power division committee meeting, and the agenda was around over-billing and load-shedding of electricity. Afridi argued that that the National Assembly standing committee had many visitors and if women attended in such a manner, then they would risk “ruining the system or the society.” As a response, the meeting panel’s chairman, Muhammad Idrees, regretted the incident. He apologized and deemed it “inappropriate” to comment on a person’s choice. On the other hand, in a video message, Secretary Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), Dr Shahida Rehman not only requested the National Assembly speaker to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Afridi but also called for the suspension of such individual’s parliamentary membership. She also argued that passing comments on women who had reached positions owing to their ability was highly condemnable. She said: “The constitution of Pakistan and Islam give women the freedom to wear whatever they want and if they [women] are to progress, it would be based on their ability.” (Nadir Guramani, “NA committee chief apologises after PTI’s Iqbal Afridi objects to woman’s attire ,” Dawn, 16 August 2024)
SECURITY
Three TTP militants killed in North Waziristan, reveals ISPR
On 16 August, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed that three Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) terrorists were killed and another one injured in an intelligence based operation conducted in North Waziristan’s Razmak area. The operation was constructed by the security forces on availability of information that terrorist were present in the area. The ISPR informed that these terrorists were involved in attacks both against civilians and security forces. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists. (“3 TTP terrorists killed, 1 injured in North Waziristan intelligence-based operation: ISPR,” Dawn, 16 August 2024)
HEALTH
Health Ministry confirms one case of monkeypox
On 16 August, the health ministry confirmed a case of monkeypox virus in a person who had returned from Saudi Arabia. The case was announced a day after the World Health Organisation declared the spread of monkeypox a global health emergency. The Mardan District Health Officer (DHO) Javed Iqbal said that the patient received medical attention in a Peshawar hospital. After which he left for his home in Mardan and retreated to the Dir district with his family. The Mardan DHO said: “We approached our fellow colleagues of the health department in Dir district, but they couldn’t trace him even in Dir.” On the other hand, Health Ministry Spokesperson, Sajid Shah announced that contact tracing efforts to find the infected person were set in motion. He added: “Health personnel across the country will be visiting airports to oversee the screening and surveillance systems, ensuring that protocols are effectively in place.” Even the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath spoke along the same lines at a meeting held to discuss the confirmed case. He said that the situation was being closely monitored, a strong screening system was in place at airports and the Border Health Services personnel were in contact with provincial authorities. In other news, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department withdrew its statement claiming that three monkey pox patients were detected on their arrival from the UAE. (“One mpox case confirmed in Pakistan as KP officials withdraw statement of more patients ,” Dawn, 16 August 2024)
PROVINCES
Nawaz Sharif announces relief plan for bills up to 500 units
On 16 August, Pakistan Muslim League (N) President, Nawaz Sharif announced that the Punjab government would provide a subsidy of “PKR 14 per unit of the electricity bills up to 500 units for August and September.” Speaking at a press conference, he explained that the relief plan would be financed by cutting government expenditures in other sectors, even development schemes. However, he did not mention which sectors and development schemes would be facing cuts. He added that a solar panel scheme would be carried out in Punjab and the project costs are estimated to be around PKR 700 billion. Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, welcomed this initiative as “a notable example of a people-centric initiative” which aimed at lowering electricity prices. PM Sharif went on to blame the previous PTI government for causing inflation and expensive electricity bills. He claimed that during his rule in 2017, the average Pakistani’s electricity bill was at PKR 1,600 but now the same individual is liable to pay PKR 18,000. He looked back on when his government was able to reduce interest rates to 5.25 and even manage the dollar rate at PKR 104. But now his government is “chained by the IMF” because of the former government’s mistakes in economic management. PTI’s senior leader, Hammad Azhar, refuted the PM’s claims. He said that during the former Prime Minister’s rule, the price of electricity per unit was at PKR 16 “and it shot up to PKR 70 during Shehbaz Sharif led successive governments in the last two years.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Punjab cuts power tariff by Rs14 for up to 500 units ,” Dawn, 17 August 2024)
INDIA VIEW
Foreign Office rejects possibility of trade with India
On 16 August, at its weekly briefing, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zara Baloch responded to a question on resumption of bilateral trade between India and Pakistan. Baloch reminded that Pakistan had suspended bilateral trade with India in 2019 as opposition to India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. She added that “The situation remains intact, and at this point there are no bilateral talks between the two countries with respect to bilateral trade between Pakistan and India.” The Shehbaz Sharif administration has been expressing its desire to renew trade relations with India, ever since it came to power. Even the Pakistani business community has exhibited an inclination towards restoring trade relations with India. However, Baloch referenced the recent death of four young Kashmiris at the hands of the Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it against the law and oppressive. She said: “We urge the international community to take immediate and decisive action to hold India accountable for its egregious human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to take steps to protect the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people.” Additionally, speaking about the ceasefire talks to be held in Doha, she hailed the diplomatic intervention. When asked about the lack of Hamas representation in the talks, she took a neutral stance by stating that as Pakistan is a non-participant in the Doha talks, it was in no position to remark on the negotiations in the meeting. She also added that Pakistan agreed with the Organization of Islamic Council’s (OIC) statement which held Israel responsible for the assassination of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “No plan to resume trade with India: FO ,” Dawn, 17 August 2024; “FO sees slim chances of thaw in Pakistan-India ties ,” The Express Tribune, 16 August 2024)
“India must restore empathy,” claims an editorial in Dawn
On 17 August, an editorial titled “Kolkata horror” in Dawn discussed the recent rape and murder case reported from Kolkata hospital which has led to a wave of anger across India. The editorial criticized the Bengal government for trying to “cover-up” the issue around the discovery of the young doctor’s disfigured body. According to the editorial, this event also sheds light upon the perpetual violence against women and healthcare workers. The editorial quoted activists who believe that the perpetrators “have become increasingly emboldened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to a climate of political protection and lax law enforcement.” It cited the National Crime Records Bureau reports and highlighted the poor conviction rates for sexual violence- from 27 per cent in 2018 to to 28 per cent in 2022. The editorial highlighted that even Pakistan faces similar issues of misogyny, designation of less importance to sexual violence and victim-blaming. The editorial suggested that the only way forward is through policy and an increase in conviction rates with “solid evidence collection.” However, for India perpetual poverty, caste issue and communalism “have guaranteed impunity for crimes of power and control.” It concluded that the country must revive “empathy.” (“Kolkata horror,” Dawn, 17 August 2024)
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