NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Inter Services Public Relations Directorate
SECURITY
Prime Minister and President of Pakistan condemn terrorist attacks across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 25 August, attacks broke out across Mushakhil, Sibi, Pishin, Quetta, Mastung, Bolan, Kalat, Bela, Panjgur, Pasni, Turbat, Sunstar and Gwadar of Balochistan. These attacks were targeted at police stations and Levies. There were also explosions and grenade attacks, which led to the destruction of a railway track near Matsung. On 26 August, in a press release, the Inter-Service Public Relations confirmed that 14 personnel were killed in an operation launched to suppress violence against innocent civilians and some were abducted at Thana Khadkocha. This resulted in the elimination of 21 terrorists. In another incident, about 23 people were shot dead after a group of armed men checked their identity cards in Mushakhil district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Of them, three were from Sindh while the remainder were from Punjab. Addressing the issue at a press conference, Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti expressed that it was not a “case of Baloch having killed Punjabis but terrorists have martyred Pakistanis. The terrorist has no nation and no tribe.”
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif openly condemned these attacks. President Zardari said: “The killing of innocent people is tantamount to killing the entire mankind. The terrorists are enemies of the country, nation, and humanity.” He also denounced the violence that occurred in Razmak Bazaar, North Waziristan, and Kalat. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident. He said: “The perpetrators of this attack will be given an exemplary punishment.” Besides, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed that an action plan was being formed to respond to the “terrorists” like “terrorists” and not as “naraaz (discontent) Baloch.” On the same day, four persons were reported dead and 15 injured in a suicide bomb attack in Ramzak area, North Waziristan. The bombing was targeted at the former militant commander, Usman alias Liwanay. (Abdullah Zehri, “Balochistan rocked by violence as multiple attacks claim more than 50 lives; 21 terrorists killed,” Dawn, 26 August 2024; “President, PM condemn terrorist attacks in Balochistan, KP,” Dawn, 27 August 2024; Pazir Gul, “Four dead in explosion targeting ex-militant in North Waziristan,” Dawn, 27 August 2024)
ECONOMY
Pakistan ranks fourth in the list of countries most affected by internet shutdowns
On 27 August, an article in The News International discusses how internet shutdowns in 2023 caused a huge loss to the Pakistani economy, affecting about 83 million Pakistanis. The previous year’s shutdown lasted for 259 hours, which caused the country a USD 237.6 million or more than PKR 65 billion loss. Pakistan ranked as the seventh country to be most affected by internet shutdowns, according to Statista. Statista is a data-gathering platform, which makes statistics available to third-party users. In comparison, India stands fourth and Russia topped the list with a shutdown of more than 1350 hours. They suffered PKR 161 billion and USD 4 billion, respectively. The article notes that blocking would involve full blackout, partial blocks, and throttling. (“Internet shutdown caused Rs65bn loss to Pakistan in 2023,” The News International, 27 August 2024)
HEALTH
Health Ministry informs that the m-pox situation in Pakistan is under control
On 26 August, Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services asserted that the Monkeypox situation in Pakistan was under control. Surveillance has been placed to screen potential patients. So far, the country has reported only 2 cases since it was announced the World Health Organisation declared the disease a global emergency. The ministry’s spokesman, Sajid Shah said that those who showed symptoms were sent to isolation wards. He added that the Health Secretary, Nadeem Mehbub, has been visiting “airports to monitor the situation.” He has visited Islamabad Peshawar and Lahore airports and was briefed by the Border Health Staff on the measures in place. (“Mpox situation in Pakistan under control: health ministry,” Dawn, 27 August 2024)
POLITICS
Green Pakistan Initiative briefed the NA committee on development in agriculture sector
On 25 August, Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) led by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) briefed the Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on how Pakistan’s agricultural sector can be developed. The committee discussed how the initiative would enhance Pakistan’s capacity to improve agricultural exports and reduce reliance on food grain imports. Some of the measures proposed are precision agriculture techniques, improved irrigation processes, and fertiliser management. The GPI aims to address the immediate issues related to climate change and resource scarcity. It also revealed current efforts towards empowering farmers by providing them with modern technologies and resources. These technologies will not only advance crop productivity but also promote climate-smart agriculture practices. The committee expressed interest in how these initiatives are being molded to support the agricultural needs of the country. (Amin Ahmed, “Green Pakistan Initiative role in agriculture sector discussed in NA committee,” Dawn, 27 August 2024)
JUDICIARY
Chief Justice of Pakistan to be appointed by seniority, says Federal Law Minister
On 26 August, amid rumours of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Faiz Isa’s tenure being extended through parliamentary legislation, Federal Law Minister Azam Naseer Tarar said that the CJP would be appointed based on seniority. These speculations emerged after it was made public that key legislation would be introduced by the centre, in a joint session on 28 August. Speaking on a Geo News program, the minister said that politicizing a judge's appointment via debate was unnecessary. He also mentioned that CJP Isa had “no interest” in an extension. The current law does not allow for an extension. It is possible only after amendments are made to Article 175-A(3). CJP Isa is set to retire from his post on 25 October 2024 and Senior Judge Mansoor Ali Shah is next in line for appointment. (“New CJP to be appointed on seniority basis: law minister,” The News International, 27 August 2024)
PAK-CHINA
China and Pakistan discuss how to boost defense cooperation
On 26 August, high-level talks were held between the Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces, General Li Qiaoming and Army Chief, General Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters. Issues related to the situation along the Line of Control, the China-India border tensions, and the dynamics in Kashmir and Afghanistan were discussed. The talks also highlighted growing defense cooperation as Pakistan’s military modernization consists of acquisitions from China. Individually, Prime Minister, Shebaz Sharif, welcomed General Li in Pakistan and was also happy with the deepening military cooperation between the two countries. He underscored how strategic ties between China and Pakistan are necessary to maintain peace and stability in the region. General Li reciprocated the sentiment, that China’s relationship with Pakistan was of the highest priority. Later, in a telephone conversation with General Li, Minister for Defence and Defence Production Khawaja Muhammad Asif affirmed China’s relationship with Pakistan is important for regional stability in the region and the welfare of people in both states. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan, China explore ways to boost defense cooperation,” Dawn, 27 August 2024)
EXTERNAL
Three Pakistani pilgrims heading to Iraq die in a bus accident
On 26 August, Irani state media reported that a bus carrying pilgrims crashed into a truck, three people were reported dead while 48 sustained injuries. The accident occurred on the main road connecting Neyriz city in Fars and Sirjan in Kerman. The pilgrims were traveling from Iran to Iraq to attend the Arbaeen commemoration. Fars traffic police official, Colonel Abdol Hashem Dehgani said that the accident was caused by “technical failure” in the brakes and the driver couldn't “control the vehicle.” This is the second road accident, where a vehicle carrying 28 pilgrims died in a bus crash in Yazd city, they were also heading to Iraq for Arbaeen. (“Three Pakistani pilgrims killed, 48 injured in bus crash in southern Iran,” The Express Tribune, 27 August 2024)