Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Brief
POLITICS
Government introduces bill to ban public gathering
On 2 September, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) proposed a bill in the Senate to regulate public gatherings in Islamabad. The bill called “Peaceful Assembly Public Order Bill 2024” authorizes the district magistrate to ban and regulate congregations. According to the bill, the event coordinator will have to notify relevant authorities seven days before the event andseek permission in writing. Thebill was unanimously supported by the Pakistan People’s Party, Balochistan Awami Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P), and the Awami National Party. It also empowers the government to classify specific regions as “red zone” or “high-security zone.” It says: “The assembly shall proceed and take place at the specified locality or route, in the manner and during the times mentioned in the permission.” The district magistrate can determine the duration of the assembly. In case the assembly may disturb public peace, then an officer-in-charge by the instruction of the district magistrate can order such gatherings to disperse. But if there is any form of non-compliance, then force can be employed to prevent “such unlawful assembly.” It further read: “Whoever having been convicted by a court in Pakistan of an offence punishable under this act with imprisonment for a term of three years or more shall for every subsequent offence be liable to imprisonment for a term that may extend to ten years.” The bill was criticized by the opposition leader, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Syed Shibli Fara. He said: “The law minister should have rejected it to prove his credentials. In the worst case scenario, the bill will be referred to the standing committee.” Another PTI and Member of the National Assembly called the bill a “PTI-specific” one as the party has scheduled its rally or jalsa on 8 September. (Ifthikhar A. Khan, “Outcry over bills on rallies, SC judges’ strength ,” Dawn, 3 September 2024)
Federal government makes permission mandatory for social media use by government employees
On 3 September, The News International reported that the Establishment Division has sent memorandums to all ministries and divisions of the central government regarding social media use by government employees. The decision was taken in lieu of “unauthorized” use of social media by government employees. The memorandum restricts civil servants from using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, microblogging and so on without permission. This is an attempt at preventing the leaking of sensitive or official information and documents to press or other unrelated entities. Civil Servants have been ordered to comply with the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964. The memorandum states that civil servants are disallowed from expressing opinions which tarnish the government’s reputation or incite contempt of court. They are neither allowed to express views against government policy, its decisions or relations with foreign entities. Federal secretaries, additional secretaries, heads of departments and chief secretaries have been ordered to monitor social media to ban disagreeable content. (Rana Ghulam Qadir, “‘Unauthorised’ use of social media by govt employees banned ,” The News International, 3 September 2024)
JUDICIARY
Bill to increase the strength of Supreme Court judges tabled in the Senate
On 3 September, The News International reported that a bill has been tabled in the Senate by an independent parliamentarian, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, proposing an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 21. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) (Amendment) Bill aims to amend an act passed by the parliament in 1997 that had fixed the strength of judges in the Supreme Court. Qadir cited pendency of a large number of cases in the Supreme Court and an overall increase in the population of the country as rationale behind moving the bill. He reasoned that the judges are tied up with cases related to “constitutional matters” leading to a large number of important cases related to tax and utility bills and common people not being taken up. He argued that the increase in strength will ensure “quick justice.” The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) members in the Senate vehemently opposed the bill terming it ‘a judicial coup.” The opposition party alleged that the government is looking to appoint judges “who would be favorable to the incumbent government.” Further, PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar also suggested that if pendency of cases is the problem then reforms at the lower judiciary level will prove to be more effective. Agreeing with this argument, ANP Senator Aimal Wali Khan also called for reforms in the lower judiciary and suggested the establishment of a separate constitutional court. PTI’s Saifullah Abro highlighted that the bill was introduced due to the government’s “uneasiness” with the Supreme Court verdict delivered in the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) reserved seats case. On the contrary, Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar warned the opposition against politicizing the bill. Amidst criticism, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani referred the bill to the relevant standing committee. (Mumtaz Alvi, “Bill moved in Senate for increase in SC strength to 21,” The News International, 3 September 2024)
ECONOMY
IMF’s new conditions
On 2 September, government sources told The Express Tribune that the International Monetary Fund has imposed new demands on Pakistan in relation to the Extended Fund Facility (EEF) Programme. The conditions were slapped after the Punjab government promised an electricity subsidy ranging between PKR 45 to PKR 90 billion for two months. The conditions say: “The provinces agree that they will not introduce any subsidy for electricity or gas.” This may hinder Punjab's plan of giving solar panels worth PKR 700 billion to those who have consumption upto 500 units. The conditions also order provincial governments to not extend any subsidy on electricity. This contradicts earlier statements of PM Shehbaz Sharif who had prompted the other three provinces to follow Punjab’s example. Other two impositions made by the foreign lender include: First, the provincial governments are not allowed to introduce any policy or action which may undermine the commitments under the EEF 7 billion bailout. Second, the provinces are set to sign a National Fiscal Pact with the IMF. Under the agreement the former will take over some expenditure which is currently sponsored by the centre. As a result, the provincial governments will have little authority over its fiscal matters. Adding to this, another condition directs them to consult with the Finance Ministry before amending or implementing measures that could affect the benchmarks set by the IMF. (Shahbaz Rana, “IMF pours cold water on Punjab's cheap power plan,” The Express Tribune, 3 September 2024)
SECURITY
Surge in terrorist attacks during August: PIPS report
On 3 September, Dawn reviewed the recent report published by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). This monthly security report outlined the developments inAugust 2024 stating that about 59 terror incidents were carried out across Pakistan in August. This is an increase from the previous month where only 38 attacks occurred. About 28 terrorist attacks took place in Balochistan alone which led to the death of 57 people and injured 84. Most of these causalities were a result of recent attacks by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army. In the neighboring province ofKhyber Pakhtunkhwa, 29 terror related attacks were reported which led to the death of 25, while 80 others sustained injuries. Most of these attacks were orchestrated by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, Lashkar-i-Islam and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). Punjab reported two attacks and two injuries. The Security forces and counter terrorism departments conducted 12 anti-militant operations in August compared to 11 in July. Eight of these operations were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and four in Balochistan. A total of 88 militants were eliminated in these operations. and of18 security personnel including army soldiers and police officers also lost their lives. (Ifthikar A Khan, “Terrorist attacks surge to 59 in August from 38 in July,” Dawn, 3 September 2024)
Two policemen in Mianwali thwart TTP attack
On 1 September, two policemen sustained injuries after more than a dozen Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists attacked a checkpoint in Mianwali at night. A statement issued by a Punjab police spokesperson said: “Around 12-14 Khawarij terrorists took advantage of the darkness of the night to attack the Qubal Khel check post with rocket launchers and hand grenades.” However, the terrorists were successfully driven away. The spokesperson added that the police at the checkpoint were “on alert” and this was a key to their success. Currently, search operations have been launched in the area. On his visit to the personnel who blocked the attack, Inspector General Dr Usamn Anwar lauded the District Police Officers of Mianwali and vowed that the police “will crush the evil intentions of the enemy in the future too.” (Wasim Riaz, “2 policemen injured in late-night TTP attack on Mianwali checkpost ,” Dawn, 2 September 2024)
Unknown miscreants set fire to school, detonate IED targeting police in KP
On 2 September, “unknown miscreants” torched a government primary school in the Buner district of KP. After a police party inspected the burnt school in Meragai and were leaving the area, “an IED went off on the rough village road connecting Pishlor Shangla to Gul Bandai.” According to the District Police officer (DPO) of the Buner district, Israr Khan, “no human loss or injury has been reported.” Khan and the DPO of Shangla claimed that both these attacks were perpetrated by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan as its members were often observed around the Shangla-Buner border. Additionally, a former parliamentarian, Faisal Zeb Khan, said that he was unsure if the ambush was carried out targeting students of a nearby girls’ school or the police. However, the blast took place once the police party had vacated the site. He also claimed that security along the Buner and Shangla border was not good. (Umar Bacha, “Miscreants torch school, detonate IED at police vehicle in KP’s Buner ,” Dawn, 2 September 2024)
PROVINCES
Gilgit-Baltistan: Protest rally against misuse of Anti-Terrorism Act and cybercrime laws
On 2 September, the Awami Action committee of Gilgit-Baltistan led a protest a rally against the government’s alleged “misuse” of the Anti-Terrorism Act and cybercrime laws against political workers and GB Awami Action Committee office-bearers. The committee claimed that these laws were being used to “silence the voice of people against injustices in the area and to curb freedom of expression.” The committee also alleged that people who are fighting for the rights of the local people are being charged with false cases. The committee also passed a resolution seeking the withdrawal of all false cases against these political workers and its office-bearers.The president of the Awami Action Committee of the Baltistan division, Najaf Ali, said that instead of addressing the local man’s demands for uninterrupted electricity supply and claim over the local land, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has gone ahead and filed fake cases against the people. Some of the major issues prevailing in the area are “land grabbing and issuance of licences for mineral exploration to non-locals.” Further, elections pertaining to local bodies have not taken place in the last twenty years.” (Jamie Nagri, “Protest in GB over ‘misuse’ of ATA, cybercrime laws,” Dawn, 3 September 2024)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif seeks cooperation in AI, IT and agriculture with China
On 2 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong that Pakistan is working towards enhancing its cooperation with China in strategic areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence and modern agriculture. He said: “The friendship between Pakistan and China has withstood the test of time, with China providing unwavering support to Pakistan during every challenging period.” The PM appreciated China’s efforts towards strengthening its relations with Pakistan and consistently upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He also said: “The friendship between Pakistan and China is essential not only for our two nations but also for regional and global peace and development.”(“Pakistan seeks to strengthen ties with China in AI, tech, and agriculture ,” The Express Tribune, 2 September 2024)
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