In Brief
POLITICS
Defence Day: PM Sharif and President Zardari pay homage to security forces
On 5 September, a day before the ‘Defence Day’ President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to those who fought for their country’s security against external forces. They lauded the security forces for their vigilance and preparedness.The President appreciated their “commitment and determination.” He emphasized the need for peace which in his opinion can be achieved “when the plight of the Kashmiri people is alleviated.” In this regard, he stated that “They bear illegal subjugation and a continuous reign of terror by the Indian armed forces over the unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent. The revocation of the autonomous status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has further compounded the problem. India must adhere to the UN Security Council’s resolutions that guarantee the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.”
Separately, at the Army War Game, PM Sharif in his message on Defence Day, honored the Armed Forces of Pakistan. He appreciated the army’s efforts in maintaining the balance of power in the region which is crucialfor peace. Speaking on the importance of 6 September, he said: “Every year on this day, the Pakistani nation observes “Defence & Martyrs Day” in a befitting manner. Together we pay rich tributes to the valiant sons of soil and brave heroes of our armed forces who fearlessly fought, and defeated India that attacked our motherland across the international border on 6 September 1965.” He stressed the need for inflicting ““retributive costs” against adversaries in the event of any aggression. He expressed confidence that the Pakistan Army was cognizant of potential threats and challenges and will continue to bolster its defence capabilities and (“President, PM laud ‘ever-ready’ armed forces on Defence Day ,” The News International, 6 September; “PM lauds Pakistan Army's role in maintaining regional stability,” The Express Tribune, 5 September)
Election Commission constitutes 38 teams to verify important election Forms
On 6 September, Dawn reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has appointed 38 teams to investigate all important forms pertaining to the 8 February elections. The team will look into Form-45, Form-46, Form-47, Form 48 and Form 49 of all constituencies that have been uploaded on the official website. They have been tasked with identifying discrepancies in the forms and prepare a report which will be submitted to theECP. Interestingly, this order was issued under covers with no reason behind why the commission is seeking such an action.Further, this development comes two months after the ECP was accused of modifying the election results of about 41 constituencies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. On the other hand, on 3 July, the ECP’s Google Drive revealed that 50 Forms-45 were missing in 125 National Assembly constituencies of Lahore. It is believed that Forms-45, stored in the Google Drive were modified on 4 and 5 July. (Ifthikar A Khan, “ECP appoints 38 teams to verify crucial Feb poll documents ,” Dawn, 6 September)
PTI’s September 8 rally: NOC granted
On 5 September, The Express Tribune revealed that the Islamabad district administration has issued a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to carry out its rally on 8 September, at Paswal Road, Sangjani. However, the certificate has been granted to PTI’s district president, Aamir Mughal, with 42 conditions. The party has been granted permission to hold its rally based on designated routes granted by the administration and all other routes that lead to the rally will be closed. In the previous week, PTI leader, Imran Khan had called upon the citizens to attend the rally. He had said: “Now, there will be a gathering in Islamabad on September 8. I am asking the entire nation to come out on September 8. Do not tolerate any obstruction on that day.”
Separately, the Senate passed the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024 which authorizes the district administration to control public gatherings in Islamabad. As per the newly-passed bill, those who have not been granted permission to carry out demonstrations will face a sentence of upto three years if found violating the law. (Usman Iqbal, “PTI granted permission for Sept 8 rally in Islamabad under 42 conditions ,” The Express Tribune, 5 September; Mumtaz Alvi, “Three years in jail for attending unauthorised rally in capital,” The News International, 6 September)
ECONOMY
IMF asks federation to cease funding for provincial projects
On 5 September, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has directed the federal government to stop funding provincial projects from the state exchequer. At a meeting with the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, the Secretary to planning and development, Awais Manzur Sumra informed that the government is not going to release any more funds for non-key initiatives despite budget allocations. He told the committee that a report on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will have to be submitted to the IMF by December for the fiscal year 2024-2025. These demands are a part of the IMF’s USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) which requires executive board approval. The international lender has objected to complete federal financing of provincial projects. Earlier, the National Economic Council had also reduced the the PSDP budget allocation from PKR 1.4 trillion to PKR 1.1 trillion due to financial constraints. (Khaled Kiani, “IMF seeks end to federal funds for provincial plans,” Dawn, 6 September)
Pakistan under double debt trap, says Dawn report
On 6 September, an article in Dawn discussed the double-debt problem in Pakistan. The article highlighted that due to surging domestic borrowing and a shortfall in revenue, Pakistan will have to borrow heavily in order to meet both its external and domestic debt-servicing needs. According to data, the country’s total debt rose to PKR 69.604 trillion in July, while it stood at PKR 68.914 in the previous month. This is an increase by PKR 690 billion in just one month.Further, its total debt grew from PKR 7.827 trillion to PKR 69.604 trillion in a matter of just one year. Domestic borrowing has also risen by PKR 537 billion, from PKR 47.160 trillion in June to PKR 47.697 trillion in July. The government has provided an estimate of PKR 9.3 trillion to fund its financing gap for fiscal 2025. Though the interest rates in domestic banks have been reduced to 2.5 per cent and this is going to reduce debt-servicing costs, borrowings of more than 40 trillion is enough to devour the tax revenue. To top this off, the government is also struggling to meet its external debt repayments and is borrowing from domestic parties despite the crises mentioned above. This interferes with the domestic development budget, leading to low economic growth and unemployment. (Shahid Iqbal, “Govt caught in a ‘double debt’ trap ,” Dawn, 6 September)
Pakistan has immense potential in digital exports: IT Minister
On 5 September, at an event attended by the Information Technology Minister, the report titled ‘Agay Barho: Empowering Pakistan’s Digital Economy’ was launched as a part of the ‘Agay Barho’ initiative by Google. The report revealed that Pakistan has immense potential to increase its digital exports as the IT sector exports amounted to 35 per cent of total service sector exports in 2023.. Such development is possible ifthe country is able to reduce the cost of accessing overseas markets, developing export quality digital solutions and introducing measures which make export processes more efficient. The report forecasted an additional PKR 1.8 trillion to Pakistan’s export value through applications and e-commerce by 2030. Speaking at the event, The IT and Technology Minister, Shaza Fatima Khwaja stressed on Pakistan’s immense potential in the area of digital exports and even called for adoption “non-conventional modes” which will benefit the country’s digital economy. She also lauded Google for creating 960,000 jobs. She said: “The success of Google’s initiatives is a testament to the country’s potential in the digital world and Google’s commitment to upskilling and uplifting the youth.” (Kabe Ali, “IT accounted for 35pc of total service-sector exports in 2023 ,” Dawn, 6 September)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Cabinet approves amendment that grants special powers to the security forces
On 6 September, The News International reported that the federal cabinet has approved amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997 in the context of declining security situation in Balochistan. The approved amendment grants special powers to the Pakistan Army, police personnel and the executive in Balochiatsn. The amendment revolves around Section 11EE of the Act which provides judicial protection to these forces so that they may carry out security operations in an effective manner. According to official sources, the forces will be allowed to detain anyone suspected of terror activities for three months and joint investigation teams will be formed for the same purpose. The amendment also temporarily empowers the security entities to carry out pre-trial detentions and the amendment includes a sunset clause in order to ensure this. On the other hand, government sources have revealed that the centre has decided to provide armed forces and Law-Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) with all necessary resources in order to combat the menace ofterrorism. (Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Army, civil armed forces to get special powers in Balochistan,” The News International, 6 September)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: IHC cancels Chief Minister Gandapur’s non-bailable arrest warrant
On 5 September, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) cancelled the arrest warrant issued against KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in cases linked to repossession of liquor and weapons. This decision comes after the additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ), Shaista Kundi issued a non-bailable warrant against the KP CM for his lack of attendance in previous trials. During a session at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Gandapur’s lawyer, Raja Zahoorul Hassan argued that the issuance of the arrest warrant was beyond the court’s judicial authority and that his client had already received a protective bail from the Peshawar High Court (PHC). As a result, the IHC judge cancelled the warrant and adjourned the session till 21 September.
Separately, on the same day, a written letter was sent to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company’s (Pesco) chairman by a power division team constituted by the Prime Minister. The letter seeks assiatnce from the chairs and the board of directors in the adoption of stringent mechanisms against those involved in the forced takeover of the grid stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This matter has been a point of contention between the ruling PML-N at the centre and the oppositionPTI in KP. . The letter said: “FIRs shall be registered against the perpetrators, without fear or favor” and that if an FIR will not be filed then the Pesco must commission a “experienced legal counsel.” (Malik Asad, “Islamabad court withdraws KP CM’s arrest warrants ,” Dawn, 6 September; Khaleeq Kiani, “Pesco told to register FIRs against grid takeovers,” Dawn, 6 September)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan foreign minister seeks strengthening of ties with the UK
On 5 September, talks were held between Foreign MinisterIshaq Dar and UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, during his five day visit to the UK. They discussed opportunities for strengthening cooperation. Dar highlighted their common interests pertaining to regional and bilateral cooperation. According to the Foreign Office statement, Dar reasserted his country’s commitment in collaborating with the UK’s climate actions and mobilizing other states towards the same. He also appreciated UK’s duty-free trade for Pakistani exports and even spoke about strengthening bilateral ties in the areas of trade, investment and youth opportunities. Dar also attended other meetings with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland where the leaders discussed Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth, existing bilateral relations, and regional issues. (“DPM Ishaq Dar meets UK counterpart, focuses on climate action and trade ,” The Express Tribune, 6 September; Atika Rehman, “Dar meets UK leaders to boost diplomatic ties,” Dawn, 6 September)
|
Google's performance is commendable globally and in Pakistan, resources must be provided for youth empowerment and education.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif's speech at the A Google for Pakistan "Go ahead" event
- PMLN Digital
Come out against the unjust imprisonment of the captain and the robbery on the mandate!
- PTI
O martyrs of the right path, the winds of the homeland greet you Salute to all the martyrs and veterans who defended the country in September 1965.
- PPP
|
|
|
|
"Oxford rules say the chancellor "cannot be a serving member of, or a declared candidate for election to, an elected legislature"."
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Oxford chancellor election’
|
|
