SECURITY
Pakistan successfully conducts training launch of Shaheen-II
On 20 August, Pakistan successfully conducted the training launch of Shaheen-II. Shaheen-II is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile which is capable of delivering nuclear weapons to a long distance. It is a “highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan’s strategic needs” to ensure “a minimum deterrence stability in the region.” The training launch was conducted to familiarize the troops with its working. The launch was also aimed at testing and certifying “various technical parameters” and evaluating the performance of “different sub-systems incorporated for improved accuracy and enhanced survivability.” The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, revealed that “Today’s training launch was witnessed by senior officers from Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, scientists and engineers of strategic organizations.” Several leaders, including the prime minister, the president, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs lauded the efforts of the scientists and engineers and congratulated them on this achievement. (“Pakistan conducts training launch of Shaheen-II missile,” The News International, 21 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Divestment of Discos to begin in three phases
On 20 August, a meeting jointly chaired by the Privatization Commission and the Power Ministers approved the privatization process of three Distribution companies (Discos). Financial advisers have been appointed for the privatization of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco). One of the chairs, Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stated that divestment of DISCOs will be done in three phases and transparency and technical aspects will be maintained. The meeting was briefed upon the schedule of the DISCO privatization and informed that final approval will be taken from the Cabinet Committee on Privatization and the federal government. (Amin Ahmed, “Divestment of three Discos begins ,” Dawn, 21 August 2024)
IMF loan postponement places Finance Ministry under pressure
On 20 August, The Express Tribune reported that the government has been unable to meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditions for the USD 7 billion package: Pakistan was supposed to meet its USD 26.4 billion external debt repayments. This has led to the postponement of approval for the bailout package. The government has struggled to attain a roll-over free of conditions and USD 7.9 billion debt to China is not short of grievances. This development comes as the government was hopeful that the Executive Board of the IMF would approve the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) by the end of August. A senior Finance Ministry official said: “We were told a few days ago that the IMF board would not take up Pakistan's case on August 30 after the external financing gap could not be bridged.” The meeting was postponed as the country has not only fulfilled its financing gap and debt roll-over of USD 12 billion cash deposits. Till now only the UAE has sanctioned a USD 1 billion roll-over. Interestingly, according to sources, the IMF had earlier delayed the bailout package to September at the beginning of August, however, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb claimed that there was no delay and that the IMF board would approve the EFF in late August. However, now the minister has stated that the securing of loan is in progress and the approval will come in September. (Shahbaz Rana, “Foreign policy priorities under question after IMF delay ,” The Express Tribune, 21 August 2024)
Finance ministry seeks to raise new loans worth PKR 32 trillion
On 20 August, the Ministry of Finance announced the requirement for PKR 32 trillion, equivalent to 26 per cent of the GDP, to finance its budget deficit and repayment of matured debt in loans, even rollovers from foreign banks and lenders in the 2024-25 fiscal. The government’s annual borrowing plan prepared by the Debt Management Office has outlined the steps for the government to take in order to meet its fiscal deficit and debt maturities. It outlines that PKR 8.5 trillion is required to fund the budget deficit and 92 per cent of the amount is to be sourced from domestic channels and the remainder will come from foreign loans. Additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan needs to fulfill its debt obligations worth PKR 2.6 trillion. It includes USD 3.7 billion owed to UAE, USD 4.2 billion to China and USD 900 million to the IMF. Nevertheless, the finance ministry’s borrowing depends upon the IMF programme approval and China’s preparedness to rollover the USD 7.9 billion it owes to China. The Chinese debt includes USD 3.9 billion in foreign commercial loans, and USD 4.2 billion in trade finance facilities. To add on the existing debt burden, the ministry plans to raise USD 1.2 billion worth of new commercial debt. The government also intends to seek a roll-over from China and Saudi Arabia as well as propose an issue of Panda Bonds in the Chinese capital markets and Green Bonds. (Shahbaz Rana, “Govt unveils Rs32tr borrowing plan ,” The Express Tribune, 21 August 2024)
POLITICS
Fresh Toshakhana case filed against Imran Khan, wife by the National Accountability Bureau
On 20 August, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a fresh reference -Toshkhana-2- against ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. This new reference is linked to Jewellery set which the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman had given to Khan as a state gift during his visit to Saudi Arabia from 7 to 10 May 2021. The reference alleges that the Toshakhana section was asked by the deputy military secretary to inquire for an estimate and declare that it was not deposited in the Toshakhana. According to the reference, the price of the jewellery set was estimated at PKR 131.66 million, however, the Toshakhana rules state that the set was worth PKR 30.5 million, where 50 per cent of the amount was given. The reference claimed that a PKR 30.28 million loss was suffered by the state exchequer as the set was undervalued. Khan and Bushra Bibi have been accused of violating Section 9 and Sub-sections 3, 4, 6 and 12 of the NAB’s 1999 Ordinance. This development comes as Bushra Bibi was released by the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi in 12 cases related to the 9 May violence. (Asim Yasin & Shabbir Dar, “NAB files new Toshakhana reference against Imran, Bushra ,” Dawn, 21 August 2024)
PPP and PTI accuse the ruling regime of federal discrimination
On 21 August, Dawn reported that the Pakistan People’s Party has criticized the PML-N government for drafting an electricity tariff relief plan for only Punjab, excluding the other provinces. After the PML-(N) founder Nawaz Sharif announced a PKR 14 per unit relief for those who consume 200 to 500 units every month, the PPP government of Sindh and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa denounced it. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah blamed the PML-(N) for investing in costly power plants decades ago, which have now led to high electricity prices in the present. Hence, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swooped in to carry out damage control, claiming that the relief was being financed by Punjab’s development budget to avoid accusations of federal discrimination. At a cabinet meeting on 20 August, PM Sharif called upon other provinces to follow Punjab’s example. He said: “The federal government has zero contribution to this relief package. Other provinces should also do the same. If the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government wants to give such relief to the people, we will be happy. But politicking should be avoided and facts should not be distorted.” On the other hand, speaking at the National Youth Convention in Islamabad, Minister for Energy Awais Leghari maintained that though tariff costs were at their highest, PM Sharif is going to announce “good news to the public and industries” “within a month or two.” (Syed Irfan Raza, “Coalition partners blow a fuse over power subsidy ,” Dawn, 21 August 2024)
Jamat-e-Islami announces “historic nationwide shutter-down strike”
On 20 August, Jamat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced a “historic nationwide shutter-down strike” on 28 August to protest against high electricity tarrifs, back-breaking tax burden on the salaried class people and traders and non-favorable agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He declared a public outreach and campaign to begin from 1 September. In his speech at Idara Noor-e-Haq, he referred to the 45 day deal with the government. With only 32 days remaining, he warned that if arrangements for public relief were not made then the JI would not hesitate to march to Islamabad. He swore: “We won't let the government off the hook; we will continue to pursue them.” He emphasized that his political coalition was open to dialogue on state affairs, however, it would not join any coalition. Additionally, speaking about the 9 February elections, he claimed that any government formed under Form 45 would be legitimate whereas those created by the Form 47 were not. He also commented on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Ahmadis. He stated thatthey would be entitled to their minority rights only if they acknowledged their status as outlined in the constitution. (“JI announces strike on August 28 ,” The Express Tribune, 21 August 2024)
Bushra Bibi cleared of all charges related to 9 May violence
On 20 August, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Premier Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi was discharged from the 12 cases filed against her by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi. . She was accused of inciting the violence on 9 May especially in sensitive locations such as the General Head Quarters (GHQ). The court hearing presided by the Anti-Terrorism Court Judge, Malik Ejaz Asif, dismissed Bushra Bibi of all charges as the police had failed to furnish any evidence. As a result all investigation reports and petitions for remand filed by 12 officers were laid off. Barrister Salman Safdar who acted as Bushra Bibi’s counsel said that this verdict will be significant in the rulings of the cases filed against Imran Khan too. He said: “The court rightly questioned why there had been silence for over a year and three months since the events of May 9.” (Imran Asghar, “Bushra gets all-clear in 12 May 9 cases,” The Express Tribune, 21 August 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistani accused of stirring UK riots was reportedly acting alone
On 21 August, The News International revealed that a Pakistani national was responsible for triggering riots in the United Kingdom. Web developer and Defence Housing Authority resident, Farhan Asif was behind the lies fed not only to the British people but he had also successfully mislead the BBC.. On 29 July, Asif published an article titled “17-year-old Ali Al Shakati arrested in connection with a stabbing incident in Southport, England” which claimed that the man arrested for stabbing three girls in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker. Investigation reports state that Farhan was working alone and his intention was to gain clicks from rich countries, thereby allowing him to earn more dollars from the viewership. After he was identified by face trace technology, he was taken by the Lahore Police into custody. The jurisdiction of the offence is under the purview of the Federal Investigation Authority., An FIR has been registered against him and interrogation had also begun. (Umar Cheema, “Pakistani accused of triggering UK riots is a lone wolf ,” Dawn, 21 August 2024)
35 pilgrims die after bus overturns in Iran
On 21 August, Dawn reported that according to state-run Radio Pakistan, 35 Pakistani pilgrims have been reported dead after a bus on its way to Yazd in Iran overturned at night. It has been reported that at the Taftan Dehshir checkpoint, a bus overturned due to brake failure and over-speeding. This resulted in a fire and 18 people were injured. The bus had 53 passengers andmost of them were travelling from Larkana, Ghotki and other cities in Sindh. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassar Tipu confirmed the death of 28 people in a tweet on social media platform X. The ambassador said: “Embassy officials have already left for Yazd this morning. An officer in Zahedan is overseeing emergency arrangements.” Member of a peace committee based in Larkana informed that at least 30 people died at the scene and five succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The convoy’s leader, Syed Athar Shamsi said that the pilgrims were travelling in two separate buses. The one moving ahead met with the accident whereas the one that trailed behind had to deal with documentation issues. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed regret over the loss of life and said that he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist the wounded and help transport the bodies of the deceased. (“At least 35 Pakistani pilgrims dead, 18 injured after bus overturns in Iran ,” Dawn, 21 August 2024; Haider Shefali, Nausheen Yusuf, Sabir Ali & Usman Bhatti, “’35 Pakistani pilgrims' die in Iran road accident,” The News International, 21 August 2024)
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The nation has decided that it will continue its struggle until the rule of law and constitution is established in the country.
- Tehreek-e-Insaf
Let's assert our presence and raise our voice against all oppression, oppression and fascism!
- PTI
The problem of missing persons in Balochistan should be solved, the rulers can stop the protests, they cannot ban the thinking. If the problems of the people are not solved, hatred against the state will increase.
- Jamaat e Islami Pakistan
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"New revelations have emerged about the retired army chief’s alleged political manoeuvres."
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘The saga of Gen Bajwa?’
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