Photo : The Express Tribune
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : The Express Tribune
In Brief
POLITICS
NAB rejects Imran Khan’s petition in the GBP 190 million corruption case, calls for nationwide street movement
On 12 September, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has rejected petitions submitted by former Prime Minister, Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi in the GBP 190 million corruption case. The petition had sought Khan and Bibi’s acquittal in the case following changes made to the National Accountability Ordinance of 1999 (NAO). n. The petition claimed: “Despite being fully aware that the case does not fall within the ambit of the NAO, NAB exceeded its jurisdiction and filed a false and frivolous reference, alleging that the applicant, as prime minister of Pakistan, chaired the cabinet meeting held on Dec 3, 2019, during which a deed of confidentiality was approved.” The NAB has accused Imran Khan of misusing his authority to fulfill his own interests through donations and benefits. On the same day, during his interview with journalists at Adiala jail, Khan encouraged his supporters and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leaders to prepare for a national street movement.
Separately, the PTI has announced the postponement of their Lahore rally to 21 September which was to be held on 12 September. The PTI stressed that the rally will be held irrespective of whether they receive a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) or not. The Friday rallywill be led by the PTI national assembly members and other ticket holders to pressure the government into releasing Khan and other PTI supporters. On the other hand, the party has planned to organize a seminar in observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. (Kalbe Ali, “Imran’s acquittal plea in £190m case rejected,” Dawn, 12 September 2024; “‘Jihad for democracy’: Imran Khan urges PTI to prepare for nationwide street movement ,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2024; Imran Adnan, “PTI reschedules Lahore rally to September 21 ,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2024)
Parliamentarians come together, after unidentified men remove PTI members from the Parliament
On 12 September, after being hauled out of the Parliament by unidentified men, and handed over to Sangjani police for violating the Non-Objection Certificate and threatening police personnel and finally being released on the issuance of production orders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leaders attended the National Assembly (NA) session on Thursday. Before the session began, the PTI MNA met with the speaker to extend their gratitude to the house speaker for issuing production orders for them. Speaking at the NA session, PTI member, Sher Afzal Marwat claimed that the he was able to recognize Islamabad District Investigation General Operations though he was masked whohad pointed a 9 mm gun at him (Marwat). He also denounced similar treatment to Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s Khwaja Asif, Saad Rafiq and Rana Sanaullah by other masked individuals. On the other hand, Secretary General of PTI, Omar Ayub decried the defacement of Parliament’s sanctity. He stated that the PTI members were going to conclude their public rally at Sangjani on time, however, all roads to the event venue were barricaded. He claimed that the police disrupted the peace of the meeting, not the PTI supporters. After the Former speaker Asad Qaiser fulminated against the treatment towards PTI leaders and Imran Khan, the speaker said he felt “useless” in this situation. While presiding the session, he said: “Such an impression is being given that all happened with my consent. Because of your statements, I feel I am the one responsible [for the arrests]. Now, I have to think in my chamber about whether I should stay or leave.”
On the same day, lawmakers condemned the raid conducted by plainclothesmen within the National Assembly which resulted in the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf lawmakers. A resolution which was backed by both the government and the opposition called for measures that protected the parliament’s “dignity” and even demanded punishment for the culprits who had attacked parliament’s “prestige.” PTI leader, Barrister Ali Zafar urged the public to arise and demand for their rights and termed the raid ““the darkest and most reprehensible day” in Pakistan’s “political history. He announced the party’s agenda to hold a power show in Lahore irrespective of whether permission is granted or not. He said: “We strive to exercise freedom to protest in a peaceful manner” “for the sake of democracy and the parliament’s sanctity.” Even the Pakistan Muslim League-N member, Irfanul Haq Siddiqui denounced the raid. He expressed that such events neither elevated the parliament’s ‘prestige’ nor was it a source of pride for the government. PPP’s parliamentary leader, Senator Sherry Rehman stressed that members need to come an agreement on some “fundamental principles” in order to avoid such events in the future. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Attack on ‘prestige of parliament’ unites senator,” Dawn, 13 September 2024; Syed Irfan Raza, “PTI lawmakers narrate ordeal after three days in custody ,” Dawn, 13 September 2024)
Defence Minister calls dialogue with Kabul an attack on the federation
On 12 September, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif denounced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s statements on pursuing a dialogue with Afghanistan. Speaking at the National Assembly, Minister Asif maintained that no province was permitted to have talks with a foreign state, including KP. Earlier, CM Gandapur had voiced the need to address the growing militancy by sending a delegation to Kabul, seeking their assistance to restore peace in the region. On the contrary, Minister Asif was of the opinion that this was a direct attack on the federation’s sovereignty. He believed that the KP government was treading a “dangerous path,” as it could adversely affect the province’s ruling party, the PTI. Responding to the Minister, former Speaker, Asad Qaiser said: “This is correct. This is our decision that we want to constitute a grand jirga along with the federal government and political notables.” He also commented that attacking a province on such a basis was not the best approach. (Muhammad Anis, “Gandapur statement about talks with Afghanistan attack on federation: Asif ,” The News International, 13 September 2024; “K-P CM's call to talk with Afghanistan an attack on federation: Defence Minister,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2024)
ECONOMY
IMF expected to approve EFF programme in late September
On 12 September, Fund’s Communication Director, Julie Kozack confirmed thatthe International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board meeting has been fixed for 25 September. She stated that since Pakistan has complied with its nine-month Stand-by Arrangement and its consistent policy making has helped stabilize its economy, increase its foreign reserve and even bring about significant disinflation. She also maintained the need for Pakistan to consistently implement its Extended Facility Fund (EFF) to ensure sustainable growth, an ultimately creating employment and improve people’s living standards. This development comes after a USD 12 billion roll-over was achieved from Saudi Arabia, China andthe UAE. Pakistan has even achieved a financing gap of USD 2.5 billion. Simultaneously, Pakistan is also in the process of signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) forwarding it to the IMF for the Board’s approval on the USD 7 billion bailout. The governor of State Bank of Pakistan, James Ahmad said that the government has arranged USD 2 billion for its external financing during a briefing after the monetary policy was revealed. He stated that Pakistan has no more hurdles that there are no more funding shortfalls anticipated. (Erum Zaidi, Wajid Ali Shah & Khalid Mustafa, “IMF board meeting on 25th, likely to okay $7bn loan for Pakistan ,” The News International, 13 September 2024)
PM Sharif optimistic over policy rate reduction
On 12 September, owing to declining prices in food and oil, the State Bank of Pakistan reduced the policy rate to 17.5 per cent by 200 basis points. This development follows a significant fall in the inflation rates from 12.6 per cent in June to 9.6 per cent in August. However, the Monetary Policy Committee has warned against the global economic volatility and subsequent domestic adjustments. The MPC forecasts the downtrend in inflation to continue, however, it has highlighted risks surrounding time, the extent of adjustment in energy tariffs and the global commodity prices. Speaking on the slashing of the policy rate by two per cent, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development. He was optimistic that interest cuts in bank rates will encourage investors and increase investment into the economy. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he commended the Finance Minister and other agencies’ role in reviving the economy. He expressed the need for Pakistan to stop asking its allies for financial assistance as it “undermines our significance.” Speaking about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, he said: “we have made every effort, and talks for the next programme are progressing well. Once the programme is settled, we will take steps to enhance growth.” (“State Bank of Pakistan slashes policy rate by 200 BPS ,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2024; “PM welcomes interest rate cut, promises further economic growth ,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2024)
Government to implement PKR 650 billion mini budget before IMF approval
On 13 September, The News International revealed that there is a possibility of the government introducing a mini-budget which will help generate a revenue of PKR 650 billion by implementing strict measures against tax defaulters and increasing Goods and Service Tax (GST) on capital such as property, tractors and others. Tax evaders will have their bank accounts frozen, be banned from purchasing property or vehicles and even be disconnected from electricity, telephone and gas lines. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sought tax collection via an increase in the rate of purchase and sale of property. On the other hand, the government has complied with the IMF on hiking up valuation tables in real estates in 42 cities. The budget is yet to secure approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet. The bill may be presented in the form or promulgated as an ordinance. However, the decision to put to bill into effect will have to be made before the Executive Board for the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF)’s approval meeting scheduled on 25 September. (Mehtab Haider, “Govt looking to raise Rs650bn through ‘mini-budget’ ,” The News International, 13 September 2024)
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Suspect in blasphemy case shot dead while in custody
On 13 September, The News International reported on the killing of a suspect in custody, in connection with a blasphemy case. The man, Abdul Ali was shot dead by a police officer, Syed Khan Sarhadi at the Cantonment Police Station in Quetta. Ali was taken in custody by the Kharotabad Police Station on 11 September after a video went viral on social media. Ali was charged under Section 295-C. However, a large crowd of protestors gathered outside the station and demanded him to be released. Due to unsafe situation created by the crowd, a senior police officer from Quetta Police stated that Ali was transferred to the Cantonment Police Station. Another senior official from Kharotabad Police Station claimed that the policeman who was guilty of killing the suspect was arrested and an investigation has been launched. (Mohammad Zafar Baloch, “Policeman kills blasphemy suspect in custody ,” The News International, 13 September 2024)
EXTERNAL
US imposes sanctions on China-based organizations for assisting Pakistan’s missile programme
On 12 September, the US State Department sanctioned the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry and several other companies for their involvement in procuring equipment for Pakistan’s missile program. The former has been targeted for supplying equipment for testing the Shaheen-3, Ababeel systems and other larger systems Department spokesman said that the sanctions would also be imposed on Chinese firms, namely, Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co, Innovative Equipment of Pakistan as well as a Chinese national for deliberately transferring such technology despite mission technology restrictions being in place. Whilethe Foreign Office spokesperson of Pakistan, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch informed that they were still gathering details, whereas the Chinese embassy spokesperson assigned to Washington said: “China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council.” (Azaz Syed, “US imposes sanctions on ‘suppliers to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme’ ,” The News International, 13 September 2024)
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-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Course correction'
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