Photo : The Express Tribune
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : The Express Tribune
In Brief
POLITICS
ATC approves 8 day remand for PTI members in the Islamabad rally case
On 10 September, the Anti-Terrorism court (ATC) approved an eight day remand for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders arrested in connection with the violation that took place in the party’s Islamabad rally. The violations include non-adherence to the agreed route, breach of commitments, attacking police personnel, delivering propaganda against the state and exceeding the permitted time limit. Speaking before Judge Abul Hasnaat Zulqarnain at the ATC, prosecutor Raja Naveed proposed a physical remand for 15 days for Shoaib Shaheen and others arrested under the terror provisions. He claimed that during an attack on police at Sangjani, Islamabad, the accused used police equipment on the personnel and the police kits are yet to be recovered. Prosecutor Naveed argued that despite non-recovery the case was directly linked to Shaheen as “everything was done under his instructions.” After hearing both sides, the court rejected the physical remand request for Shoaib Shaheen. Instead he was transferred to prison on judicial remand. The arrested lawmakers belonging to PTI were presented before the court. At the hearing Sher Afzal Marwat inquired: “Does the police have a single witness? This FIR was filed this morning, and [PTI Chairman] Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was discharged on the same evidence we are being presented with here.” This statement questions the legality of the case. However, by the end, the court granted an 8-day physical remand for the five parliamentarians and three others. (“ATC grants 8-day physical remand for PTI leaders in Islamabad rally case,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2024)
Imran Khan expresses solidarity with KP CM Gandapur, opposition against the constitutional package
On 10 September, an interview was conducted with Imran Khan at the Adiala jail. Speaking tojournalists, Khan endorsed Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur’s controversial speech at PTI’s 8 September grand rally in Islamabad. Khan argued that Gandapur’s speech reflected public sentiment. Throwing his weight behind CM Gandapur, he declared that no room for dialogue with the establishment is now possible as it had not respected its commitment to the 8 September jalsa. Khan promised that the 21 September would be carried out at any cost and urged the judiciary to maintain rule of law. The former Prime Minister also commented on the government’s hints at constitutional reformation of the judicial system. On the other hand, PTI Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who was arrested the previous night and released on 11 September said that he would resist the constitutional bill on the judiciary and even hold public gathering across Pakistan. He termed the arrests of PTI assemblymen as “an attack on parliament.” In one of his statements, Gohar stated that he would not apologize for the CM’s remarks as what he said was true but he would apologize to the statements made against journalists. In other news, the print media regulator, Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) took notice of the KP CM’s speech against the journalists at the public gathering. He has been asked to deliver an apology for “irresponsible and inappropriate remarks concerning the journalist community, with particular reference to women journalists.” CM Gandapur, however, has refused to tender and apology, stating that “I stand by my words. I will neither retract nor apologise.”
Separately, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub stated that the party had come up with a strategy to circumvent the pressure to support the constitutional package wherein some national assembly (NA) members would attend the session while others would skip it. (Malik Asad & Syed Irfan Raza, “Imran backs KP CM, calls those apologising for his words ‘cowards’ ,” Dawn, 11 September 2024; “Press Council wants KP CM to apologise over remarks ,” Dawn, 11 September 2024; Shahid Hamid, “Gandapur defends speech at Islamabad rally, refuses to apologise,” The Express Tribune, 11 September 2024)
Nawaz Sharif to take measures to counter Imran Khan’s growing popularity
On 10 September, a minister revealed to Dawn about PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif’s strategy to counteract jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Imran Khan’s growing popularity. The minister said: “In last month’s meeting of PML-N’s senior leadership in Lahore, a plan to reorganize and reactivate the party at the grassroots level was presented. In light of that, Mr Sharif will personally oversee the process and give importance to loyal party workers and leaders on vacant party offices.” Following the first phase, Sharif will organize rallies across Pakistan. Referring to the current political situation prevailing in Pakistan, a party insider stated that the time for Nawa Sharif to become politically active has come. He said that Sharif was worried of the limited political space politicians have presently and it is now his turn to come into the picture and keep anti-democratic forces in check. Recently, Nawaz Sharif had directed his brother, PM Shehbaz Sharif and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz to include the party while deciding important matters. After a recent party meeting, PML-N leader and PrimeMinister’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah said: “In a party meeting, Nawaz Sharif sought suggestions to enhance the party’s role in the government affairs. He also wants the government to take important administrative decisions in consultation with the party.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Nawaz set to launch drive to ‘counter Imran’s popularity’,” Dawn, 11 September 2024)
JUDICIARY
Anti-graft body issues arrest warrant against judge who sent Imran Khan to jail
On 10 September, a judicial magistrate of Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), issued arrest warrants for Judge Humayun Dilawar, who was involved in sending Imran Khan to jail last year. KP chief minister’s aide, Brig Muhammad Musaddiq Abbasi informed that the ACE is investigating the judge’s family of land-grabbing activities. The registered warrant is against the judge, his father and brother under sections 409, 419, 420, 468, 471 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). Judicial Magistrate Bannu Mehbooul Hassan accepted the ACE’s request. The Magistrate said that warrants registered under Section 468 were non-cognizable meaning that the police would require a warrant from the magistrate to arrest the suspect. On the contrary, cognizable offences are those where the police do not require a warrant to arrest a suspect. The magistrate order reads: “Warrants shall be deemed effective till the arrest of accused and their production before the court.” (Malik Asad, “Warrants issued for judge who convicted PTI founder Imran Khan ,” Dawn, 11 September 2024)
Supreme Court releases statement clarifying misreported remarks of CJP Isa
On 10 September, the apex court issued a statement regarding Chief Justice Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa’s off-the record statements during an informal conversation with journalists. The court clarified that despite stating that he would refuse an extension on his tenure, CJP Isa did not mention retiring on 24 October. The statement reads: “The chief justice informed the journalists that he told the law minister, that if the proposal was individual specific, and if enacted, it would not be something he would accept.” Referring to the law minister’s suggestion on incorporating the Parliamentary Committee into the judges’ judicial commission, Justice Isa said “It was the Parliament’s prerogative.” He hoped that the federation’s opposition would not be excluded in the decision-making of this subject. With respect to a statement made by Rana Sanaullah, the CJP claimed that he had neither met him, nor heard what he said. “If there are any questions they should be addressed to him directly,” he added. (“Off-the-record remarks by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa misreported, says SC ,” The Express Tribune, 11 September 2024)
ECONOMY
Government concedes to IMF bar on SEZs and EPZs
On 11 September, The Express Tribune revealed that the federal government has accepted the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) condition regarding the non-establishment of new special economic zones (SEZ) or export processing zones (EPZ). Further, current tax incentives in the existing zones will also not be extended after they expire. On the contrary, SEZs and EPZs are entitled to receive subsidies and incentives to promote entrepreneurship. In the background, the Finance Secretary had estimated a growth in unemployment rate by 10.3 per cent and poverty growth by 40 per cent. This development is set to obstruct the government’s plan to build an EPZ on the Pakistan Steel Mills land. Sources say that the Special Investment Facilitation Council has approved the initiative of setting up an EPZ in the area. On the other hand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has decided to not comply with the ban on setting up new SEZs and EPZs. Adviser on Finance to the Chief Minister of KP informed The Express Tribune on the need to expand industries, especially in backward provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Such a province requires cheap export, economic and industrial zones to attract industrial activity. He mentioned how even developed countries had varying tax policies and the need for provinces to compete with the help of taxation and infrastructure. He said: “The IMF cannot dictate on this front.” (Shahbaz Rana, “Govt accepts IMF bar on new SEZs,” The Express Tribune, 11 September 2024)
Finance minister discusses structural reforms in the power sector
On 10 September, at meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and K-Electric delegation, the former spoke of structural reforms in the power sector to ensure efficiency. At the meeting, the minister told the gathering about altering the distribution companies’ boards by integrating professionals belonging to the private sector. The K-Electric team spoke about its seven-year plan, including prospective investments in transmission and distribution. They have a target of generating 2,172 MW of additional power by 2030. According to a source, this plan includes the addition of 1,182 MW of renewable energy to the generation mix to help lower electricity costs for Karachi. The minister complimented the KE’s investment initiatives and guaranteed complete support towards its transition to renewable energy via domestic resources. The Finance minister emphasized the government’s commitment to make room for private participation in Discos and Gencos. He further added that the privatization of three discos is in tune with the prime minister’s vision, where the private sector leads the economy. (Mubarak Zen Khan, “Aurangzeb stresses need for reforms in power sector,” Dawn, 11 September 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
Pakistan’s launches initiative against climate change
On 10 September, the Recharge Pakistan project was inaugurated by the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services in Islamabad. The initiative aims at strengthening the country’s climate resilience capacity as it grows increasingly vulnerable to climate-related calamities which in turn has a devastating impact on infrastructure, livelihoods and communities. The Recharge Pakistan project is a collaboration of domestic and international partners such as Ministry of Climate Change, Federal Flood Commission (FFC), Green Climate Fund (GCF), USAID, The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Speaking at the event, Federal Minister for Water said: “Too often, climate solutions overlook the human element. Recharge Pakistan is different. It places people at the heart of its efforts, empowering vulnerable communities to shape their futures. Climate justice is about ensuring that those most affected have their voices heard. By restoring water flow paths, developing recharge basins, and creating retention areas, the project aims to directly benefit over 680,000 people and indirectly support more than seven million.” Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Pakistan underpinned the US’ dedication towards supporting Pakistan’s climate action. He said: “Together, we can reverse some of the worst impacts of climate change while lifting up local communities.” (M Waqar Bhatti, “Tackling floods, climate change: Pakistan launches landmark recharge project ,” The News International, 11 September 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: 137 names listed under fourth schedule of ATA, notified by the government
On 10 September, the Quetta deputy commissioner issued a notice consisting of 137 names listed under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, after a meeting with Members of district intelligence and coordination committees. The notification carries names of student organization leaders, political activists, government employees and writers. The notice has linked these people with terrorist organizations, namely, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Earlier, the government has decided to put 300 people belonging to various groups and similar professions as mentioned above under the Fourth Schedule. Some of them include, Balaach Qadir Baloch, Bohir Saleh, Samand Baloch and Shakoor Baloch of Baloch Students Organisation. (Saleem Shahid “Govt notifies 137 names put on Fourth Schedule for alleged links to BLA, TTP ,” Dawn, 11 September 2024)
INDIA VIEW
Indian representative to attend SCO trade ministers meeting virtually
On 10 September, The Express Tribune reported that India’s representative will virtually attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of trade ministers being hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad. Earlier, Pakistan had invited India to attend the meeting. However, India’s trade minister will not travel to attend the meeting but join the meeting remotely. Further, the report argued that this might serve as a precedent for India’s participation in the SCO council of heads meeting scheduled for October in Pakistan. Pakistan had already sent out an invitation to PM Narendra Modi for the October meeting but it is unlikely that he will attend the meeting in person. (Kamran Yousaf, “Indian minister to skip Pakistan visit, join SCO huddle virtually,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2024)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Playing politics with May 9' |
