In Brief
POLITICS
Lawyers express apprehension over amendment package
On 18 September, the Lawyers’ Representative Convention raised concerns over the newly proposed procedure pertaining to the appointment of the Chief Justice of the proposed Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), consisting of a nine judge panel. The Pakistan Bar Council (PCB) in general and other councils and associations of the provinces all had reservations against proposed amendments to the basic structure of the Constitution. At a meeting organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the attendees declared their reservations to the bill, condemned the secrecy and exclusion of stakeholders from the process. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar who also attended the event informed that the first CJ-FCC would be appointed by the president on the Prime Minister’s recommendation and the other judges of the FCC will be appointed under the Chief Justice’s advice. While the appointments of the Supreme Court and high court judges will follow the normal process, under the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). He stated that the constitutional package was aimed at ensuring speedy justice and the inclusion of Article 9 in the Constitution is to make clean environment a fundamental right. Speaking about their apprehensions regardingthe extension of the retirement tenure of the judges, the SCBA suggested the formation of a committee where all stakeholders deliberate on the matter. On the other hand, PBC’s Vice Chairman Farooq H. Naek expressed dismay over why the legal fraternity was not consulted before proposal regarding reformations in the judicial system. However, he also opined that such a court would help over come the country’s issues related to constitutional interpretation. (Nasir Iqbal, “Law minister moves to allay lawyers’ fears over amendment ,” Dawn, 19 September 2024)
JUI-F chief “completely rejects” proposed constitutional package
On 18 September, during his engagement with media persons, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that the government’s constitutional amendment bill was “completely rejected by him” after a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)’s Asad Qaiser. Speaking about the bill draft presented to him, he said: “Whatever was given to us and after we looked at it, it did not seem acceptable to us in any way.” The bill proposed by the government failed to be passed at the parliament as it did not achieve the required two-third majority. However, the government did make exaggerated claims of securing the legislative support through JUI-F’s backing. In the meantime, speaking at an interview on Geo News Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N)’s Irfan Siddique soft peddled Rehaman’s statements. He stated that the JUI-F chief was not primarily opposed to the amendments as he did not point an issue of contention. He said: “It is very important for the maulana to be involved in [passing] the amendments otherwise it will not be possible.”(Nadir Guramani & Abdullah Momand, “Govt’s draft bill on constitutional amendments ‘completely rejected’, Fazl says after PTI luncheon ,” Dawn, 18 September 2024)
ECP seeks legal advice on SC verdict, holds hearing on PTI’s intra-party election petition
On 19 September, sources told Dawn that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought opinions from legal experts in connection with the implementation of the Supreme Court’s 14 September clarification order and its 12 July verdict which allocated reserved seats to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) candidates. During a meeting held in Isamabad, the ECP argued that the PTI had no formal structure and even referred to the amendments made to election law which does not allow reservation to minorities of those parties which failed to submit their list within the notice period. Additionally, it also stated that candidates will be recognized as independent lawmakers only if they had filed their affiliation to a political party with the returning officer, before awaiting the poll symbol allotment. Separately the ECP resumed its hearing in connection to the PTI’s petition on intra-party elections. During the hearing, an ECP official warned the PTI of an unstable future as it lacks an organizational structure and its elections might not be considered valid. When the ECP bench asked the commission about the PTI’s future if their internal elections were not taken into consideration then the Director General of Political Finance stated that party will not have an organizational structure or be considered legitimate under law. He also highlighted Section 208 of the elections law which dictates intra-party elections to happen every five years. Later, the judgment was adjourned till 2 October, giving the PTI time to submit all intra-party elections related documents. Speaking to reports PTI’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan asked the ECP to issue an order to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to return the documents of intra-party elections which were taken during a raid on his party’s office. (Ifthikhar A. Khan, “ECP still in a fix over SC verdict on reserved seats ,” Dawn, 19 September 2024; “PTI to face consequences if intra-party polls held after 5 years: ECP ,” The News International, 19 September 2024 )
JUDICIARY
IHC issues restraining order on accountability court in GBP 190 million case
On 18 September the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a restraining g order to an accountability court from issuing its verdict in the GBP 190 million corruption case filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s founder, Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi. Trial court had to adjourn its decision as the defence counsel was not present to cross-examine the last witness in the case. Earlier, the latter two submitted petitions, seeking acquittal of the offence by referring to amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance in 2022. However, the court allowed the accountability bureau to carry out its hearing. (Malik Asad, “IHC restrains court from issuing verdict in £190m case ,” Dawn, 19 September 2024)
ECONOMY
Pakistan witnesses Current account surplus after a gap of four months
On 19 September, Dawn reported on a decline in the current account deficit (CAD) by 81 per cent within the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. This trend has helped the country save USD 75 million in August, compared to deficit of USD 152 million during the same time in the previous year. This development may be good news for the government as it has been seeking to acquire a surplus of USD 26.2 billion to support its external debt financing. This money will be utilized to pay off its interests and debts. But it is yet to confirm its debt rollovers of USD 12 billion from China, Saudi Arabi and UAE which the Finance Minister and the State Bank governor are certain about. Nevertheless, it is a sign which may help build investor confidence. According to State Bank data, foreign direct investment into Pakistan rose by 55.5 per cent during the July-August period of 2024. In these months the country received USD 350 million compared to the same period in the previous year, which was USD 225 million. Though it’s a good start, the size of investment is not satisfactory. Additionally, the August inflows also saw a spike in inflows to USD 214 million from USD 142 million in August of the last fiscal year. (Shahid Iqbal, “Current account in surplus after four months ,” Dawn, 19 September 2024)
HEALTH
Pakistan records its eighteenth polio case in Balochistan
On 18 September, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health reported the country’s eighteenth polio case from Quetta, Balochistan. The fresh case comes from a 24 month old male child. An official from the institute said: “This is the second polio case from Quetta district, the 13th from Balochistan, and the 18th case in the country this year (13 cases reported from Balochistan province, three from Sindh, one from Punjab, and one from Islamabad).” He also claimed that this case is 99.22 per cent in connection with the first polio case recorded in Quetta, back in April. In a separate statement, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq expressed her distress over the rising polio cases in Balochistan and also emphasized the need to ensure that vaccine reachs every child. She said: “What we are seeing is the outcome of missed vaccination opportunities in parts of Balochistan which have allowed the virus to thrive and survive over time.” (Ikram Junaidi, “Year’s 18th polio case reported from Quetta ,” Dawn, 19 September 2024)
EXTERNAL
China suggests counter-terror cooperation
On 19 September, government sources revealed to The Express Tribune about Chinese interest in establishing an anti-terrorism cooperation agreement and joint security company under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It has also proposed that all leftover projects related to railways, copper mines, LNG terminals, special economic zones and road infrastructure of Phase-I be included in Phase-II of CPEC. During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit in Beijing, both sides emphasized their “zero tolerance” and acknowledged the need to strengthen their defence cooperation against terrorism. The sources also informed that China has offered to establish a joint company which provides security to people currently working in Pakistan or may be employed under Phase II. The sources also mentioned that a Pakistani delegation is set to visit the Beijing next week to attend the Global Transport Forum to be held on 26 September and even settle issues that are obstructing the initiation of the Mainline-I project of Phase I, worth about USD 7 billion dollars. (Shahbaz Rana, “China proposes anti-terror tie-up,” The Express Tribune, 18 September 2024
INDIA VIEW
Upcoming legislative elections in Jammu and Kashmir are unacceptable: President Ali Zardari
On 19 September, The News International reported that President Asif Ali Zardari has rejected upcoming elections for the Legislative Assemblies in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking with a delegation of migrants from Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the head of the state deemed the elections unacceptable for the people of Kashmir and even urged the international community to hold the Modi administration responsible for human rights violations in the region. He called for a plebiscite to be conducted in accordance to the United Nation Security Council resolutions. He also termed this a part of the Indian strategy of consolidating its occupation in the region and even alleged that it was trying to alter the demographic structure by making Kashmiri Muslims a minority. He said: “Those who are comparing Azad Kashmir with the India-occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir must bear in mind the fact that the people of occupied Kashmir don’t have the right to offer prayers.” (“Pakistani leaders reject ‘farcical’ India-held Kashmir polls ,” Dawn, 19 September 2024; “IIOJ&K Assembly polls no substitute for Kashmiris’ rights: Zardari ,” The News International, 19 September 2024)
SPACE
PAKSAT-MM1 has become operational
On 18 September, The Express Tribune reported that PAKSAT-MM1 which is Pakistan’s first “muti-mission” satellite has now entered its operational phase after completion of testing. Addressing the PAKSAT-MM1 Satellite Application Conference, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja said: “The success of PAKSAT-MM1 will revolutionize our communication infrastructure, benefiting all sectors of society.” The satellite is expected to be functional for a period of 15 years. It is a multi-mission satellite which will help improve internet connectivity in the remote areas of Pakistan. Speaking at the event Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan lauded the team behind the satellite and described it as a tool for socio-economic development as it “will serve unconnected regions with services like DTH, community internet, tele-education, and tele-medicine.” (Ikram Junaidi, “Pakistan’s first multi-mission satellite, PAKSAT-MM1, becomes operational ,” The Express Tribune, 18 September 2024)
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I am sending a message to my nation to burn boats for the Lahore rally on Saturday. Resistance against this illegitimate government is a duty that every constitutional and law-abiding citizen should do because it is a battle for the survival of our species!
- Imran Khan
Maulana Fazlur Rehman has no objection to the constitutional amendment either. He also had no objection to the appointment of judges going back to the 18th amendment will be done
- PMLN
Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Chairman Imran Khan, exposing the serious human rights violations behind his detention. The world is watching as the mandate-thief gang imposed in Pakistan is illegally detaining the country's most popular leader in violation of the constitution and law to maintain their illegal occupation.
- PTI
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"Reports say that there will be another attempt to get the amendments passed before the CJP retires."
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Taming the judiciary'
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