Government blames the VPN for internet slowdown
POLITICS
Government blames the VPN for internet slowdown
On 18 August, State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja defended the the government and announced that it was not involved in the recent internet slowdown across the country. This announcement follows complaints that millions across Pakistan are unable to access the internet due to poor connectivity. In this regard, Khwaja stated “I can swear that the government of Pakistan did not block the internet or slow it down.” She contended that the slowdown was due to the “rampant” use of Virtual Private Network (VPN). However, Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) maintains that the installation of firewall in the name of security and surveillance has led to the current situation.Khwaja has also denied claims that the government was engaged in any surveillance activity. Interestingly, on 15 August, Khwaja had defended the installation of an internet firewall as a precautionary measure for ensuring cybersecurity and argued that counyries around the world do so. She explained the need to shield against cybersecurity threats and deemed it imperative for states to “have a better capability to ensure that the threats are [well] responded to.” The minister had also revealed to journalists that the government is planning to introduce 5G spectrum in 2025. She mentioned that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) government is set to establish IT Parks, thereby creating employment for 10,000. Khwaja said that the parks are being built with South Korea’s support. About 250 e-employment centres will be launched for inter-provincial collaboration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set aside PKR 60 billion for the IT the fiscal budget and exports worth PKR 3 billion. She affirmed: “IT sector is among the priorities of Prime Minister and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).” Such high budget allocation comes against the backdrop of an economic inflation where the larger population is barely getting by. (“Govt blames VPN use for internet slowdown,” The News International, 19 August 2024)
PM Sharif vows to eradicate corruption and other ills plaguing the power sector
On 18 August, at a meeting set up to review the state of the Power Ministry, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his government’s decision to “resist power theft across the country.” He notified all present that new chairpersons and board members of five Distribution Companies were recently appointed through a transparent procedure. He instructed the provincial governments to adopt measures aimed at curbing power theft, improving DISCO’s performance and reducing line losses. He urged the provincial governments maintain the required strength of police and tehsildar in accordance with the needs of Discos. the (He also directed the DISCOs to ensure an effective Kutchrehri system to provide speedy justice to public complaints. The PM added that a meeting with the steering committee formed in connection with the switching of agricultural tube wells to solar energy in Balochistan should be held immediately. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Corruption in power sector to be dealt with severely: PM ,” Dawn, 19 August 2024)
PTI fears the beginning of a “new era of repression, injustice”
On 18 August, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party member and senior lawyer, Salman Akram Raja lamented the current state of politics in Pakistan at a news conference in Islamabad. He expressed fear that “a new era of oppression and injustice” had possibly begun. He commended the process of self-accountability but stressed that this would only be acceptablt to the PTI if the culprit behind February 8 -9 were be exposed and punished. Raja commended the people for displaying courage despite the existence of fear and oppression. He highlighted how the younger generation had become disillusioned with the government and were leaving the country due to the failure of . the government to deliver. He emphasized the need to address the current political environment and even stave off a repressive environment. He also stated that those who come in between the state institutions and the public were the country’s enemies. (“PTI fears 'new era of repression, injustice,” The News International, 19 August 2024)
SOCIETY
Planning Minister questions the efficacy of higher education institutions
On 19 August, Dawn reported that Planning Minister, Ahsan Iqbal has directed strong criticism towards the working and performance of higher education institutions in the country which involves projects worth PKR 450 billion. In this regard, he stated that “169 projects with a total cost of PKR 446bn and a throw-forward of PKR 314bn” were at risk due to the current leadership in the Higher Education Commission (HEC). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he argued that the youth bulge in Pakistan poses potential opportunity and risk. If provided with quality education, good health, essential skills the youth is capable of driving development. However, if these services are not delivered to them then it could have negative socio-economic consequences. The minister referenced a 2023 study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics which had revealed that that 31 per cent of university graduates are jobless. Iqbal also noted that “Research indicates that higher education institutions in Pakistan have failed to prepare their graduates to meet the expectations and demands of employers and industry.” Among the issues he listed out, he emphasized on the Higher Education Commission’s role. He lamented: “Unfortunately, the HEC has failed in achieving its objectives and has progressively worsened. This failure persists despite the generous grants” it has received from the government, international sponsors “and the operational autonomy it enjoys. He pointed out that PML-N government’s “re-enhanced” funding of the HEC’s had not shown any visible improvements. Additionally, the current senior HEC team’s chairperson has received a year’s extension, which wasn’t well received by Mr Iqbal as he has been holding key positions since 2004. He supported his argument by referring to the Federal Public Service Commission’s complaints around the “falling standards” of education over the past 20 years or so. He added that among the 20,000 candidates who wrote FPSC examinations, only 393 candidates were able to pass through. The minister also decried the diversion of Human Resource (HR) development investments by faculty members to improve their CVs instead of solving current issues and providing “evidence-based public policy.” He highlighted some of the failures of HEC, namely, it’s inability in meeting the skill and HR requirements for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and implementing strategic projects such as the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor and University Performance Audits. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Planning minister Ahsan Iqbal calls for ‘sea change’ in HEC top tier,” Dawn, 19 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Punjab’s power subsidy worth PKR 45 billion sparks concern of IMF objection
On 19 August, in an analysis titled “Analysis: Power subsidy sparks IMF scrutiny concerns,” Khalid Hasnain discussed whether Punjab government’s recent relief plan subsidizing electricity by PKR 14 per unit for consumers using 201 to 500 units will actually provide the relief that they are aiming at. Against the backdrop, there are concerns that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may object to the funding of the initiative. According to economist Dr Sajid Amin, the initiative may temporarily resolve the issue of expensive bills for people in the middle and lower income groups. He, however, emphasized that it was necessary for the government to adopt a long-term strategy to lower energy prices through efficient models of production and distribution. He added: “We have yet to see how the funds for this relief have been arranged and how the IMF will respond.” Additionaly, the Punjab government has written to five distribution companies (DISCOS) in the province, requesting for an estimate to fund the relief. They are expected to respond on 19 August. In terms of number, available Data reveals that about 11.7 million consumers are set to be benefit from the relief. Former CEO of Lesco, one of the five DISCOS mentioned above, Syed Wajid Ali Kazmi said: “This relief is separate from the tariff and will not be considered part of it. It will be clearly mentioned on the bill as relief provided by the Punjab government.” Mr Kamzi inquired how the government would attend to single phase and three phase meters. While consumers with single phase receive bills with details about slabs, “those with three-phase meters don’t receive such information, as their units are charged based on off-peak and peak hours.” He also added that the government will have to determine how it will go about distinguishing between those using 201 to 500 units with three phase meters. Speaking about the IMF concerns, expert on political economy and sustainable development noted that the IMF wants the government to recover its costs on power generation to break free from circular debt.However , the relief fund of PKR 45 billion will be financed from Punjab’s annual development programme, without adding to the circular debt. He said: “Let’s see how IMF takes this.” (Khalid Hasnain, “Analysis: Power subsidy sparks IMF scrutiny concerns ,” Dawn, 19 August 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
Torrential rains wreak havoc in various parts of the country, leave 11 dead
On 17 August, many rain related issues were reported. Among them about 11 people were killed and many sustained injuries. On 18 August, heavy rains struck various areas across Pakistan, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Toba Achakzai, Qilla Abdullah and so on. As a result, flash floods damaged houses, crops and washed away roads. In Chaman a railway track was washed away and another was damaged by floods in Noshki. The Pakistan Meteorological department warned that cities in Sindh are set to experience heavy rainfall whereas Karachi may receive light to moderate levels of rain. Torrents in Balochistan have led to the death of three and have also washed away bridges in different areas. In Sarwana, two children and eleven goats were killed by lightning strikes. Additionally, the Wangu mountainous area was closed due to landslides and the national highway joining Bhaag to Bakhtirarabad was closed and the city has been facing a shortage in food items. Besides, the Quetta Taftan railway section was wiped off and a hospital in Dera Allah Yar was submerged in rainwater. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced that urban flooding is likely to happen across cities in Balochistan and the water level of the Manchhar Lake in Kirthar mountain range rose above 112.5 Reduced Level (RL). Hence, the Indus is experiencing a medium level flood and new streams are flowing through the mountains. (Aftab Ahmed, Imtiaz Hussain & Zafar Baloch, “11 killed as heavy rains batter parts of country,” Dawn, 19 August 2024)
SECURITY
Separate attacks in Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat kill three security personnel
On 18 August, two soldiers were killed and three others injured in an ambush on security forces in Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district. According to a police official, militants attacked a convoy of “security forces and elite force.” In a separate incident, a constable was killed and three others were injured in an attack on a police vehicle in Lakki Marwat district. According to an official, the police were out on patrolling duty in the rural area bordering the tribal region when the attack took place. The constable was identified as a personnel from the Federal Reserve Police, Nisar Ahmad. A large numbers of police officers has been deployed to nab the perpetrators who fled the scene after the attack.(“Two soldiers, cop martyred in D.I. Khan, Lakki attacks ,” Dawn, 19 August 2024)
AF-PAK
Pakistan special representative on Afghanistan raises concerns over security situation
On 19 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani has raised concerns over the security situation in Afghanistan. During a talk at the Ambassadors’ Lounge, he cautioned that due to the war in Ukraine and Gaza, the focus of international players has shifted and they have forgotten Afghanistan. He also highlighted that “Humanitarian assistance is not up to the mark.” Stressing that almost 97 per cent of the people in Afghanistan are living below the poverty line, he detailed that “52 per cent of the population is actually dependent on international humanitarian assistance.” He further added that “Even last year only one-third of the commitments were fulfilled.” This has led to a situation where Afghanistan is being hurled back to “pre-9/11 conditions” which might then “give birth to 9/11” like situation. He raised concerns regarding the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, especially the Daesh Khorasan, which is “a major challenge for the region and beyond.” He, however, also argued that security situation has marginally improved since the Taliban government has come to power. In this regard, he stated “On the balance, if you look at it during the past 3 years, I think the security situation in Afghanistan has improved, there is less corruption, which is internationally acknowledged.” Having said this, he also pointed out that the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship had “only gone from bad to worse under the Taliban regime as they refused to neutralise the TTP threat.” (Kamran Yousaf, “Another 9/11 could 'originate from Afghanistan',” The Express Tribune, 19 August 2024)
INDIA VIEW
Information Minister Tarar accuses PTI leader Raoof Hasan of ties with India
On 18 August, The Express Tribune revealed that Information Minister Ataullah Tarar has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader, Raoof Hasan and Former Inter-Services Intelligence chief, Lt General Faiz Hameed of collaborating and communicating with an Indian journalist. The journalist is known for harboring anti-Pakistan sentiments, further throwing light on the PTI’s attitude towards Pakistan. The minister also contended that Hasan’s involvement with the journalist was a part of the PTI’s broader agenda of threatening Pakistan’s sovereignty. Apparently, Hasan has been in contact with American Ryan Grim and Indian journalist Karan Thapar. On 24 November 2022, a YouTube interview shared by the journalist with Hasan and even had comments by Former Secretary of India’s Research Analysis Wing (RAW) on the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, General Asim Munir. According to sources, in a WhatsApp message, Raoof Hasan lauded the Indian stance on the Ukraine issue and even condemned Pakistan’s position. Another similar event took place when Hasan told Thapar over text that the incarceration of PTI premier Imran Khan on 9 May was state violence and “Pakistan appears ready for a bloody revolution.” This aligns with the 9 May upheaval and the PTI’s social media cell which promotes an anti-establishment narrative. He also called out Lt General Hameed for playing a part in creating instability and weakening the institutions of Pakistan. (“ Khalid Mehmood, “Startling new evidence emerges of PTI leader Raoof Hasan’s alleged ties with India ,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2024; “Tarar accuses PTI of anti-national agenda linked to Indian connections,” The Express Tribune, 18 August 2024)
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