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POLITICS
JUI-F chief will agree to the amendment draft clauses, says Barrister Malik
On 22 September, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islami (F) leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the current Pakistan Muslim League (N) government a “failure” and even called for free and fair elections to be held where the government should be given to those who come to power via people’s approval. He said: “We firmly believe in democratic norms and democratic values, but it is the supremacy of the Constitution which actually guarantees democratic norms and values.” He questioned why neither the opposition nor the public have a draft of the proposed constitutional bill which aims at bringing about changes within the judicial system and the secrecy behind it. He commented: “Here, every institution wants to interfere in the other’s mandate. These can’t be called reforms by any means.” Separately, in an interview with the Prime MInister’s aide, Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that presently the government has been working to achieve a political consensus for its amendment draft. Earlier, when the bill was put to vote, the government was vying on the JUI-F’s support for parliamentary approval, however, it did not span out in the former’s favour. Malik informed that 55 amendments proposed to Article 8 and Article 243 have been removed, including those which the JUI-F chief had reservations with, from the final draft. The Barrister said: “I expect that by the first week of October, Maulana sahib will agree to the clauses.” (Imran Ayub, “Govt breaking legal norms for personal gain, says Fazl ,” Dawn, 23 September 2024)
PM calls political parties to “tackle economic challenges and terrorism"
On 22 September, in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office from London, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed the need to address economic concerns which directly affect the public, and not hold rallies, referring to the latest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s rally which took place in the previous week. He said: “We will hold rallies in 028; but right now, it is time to work hard to fulfil the pledges made to the public.” He drew connections between economic stability and political stability. He was of the opinion that the former could be acquired only when there is an absence of political chaos as it intervenes with efforts directed to public relief. He called for collaboration among political parties to achieve national goals. He said: “To tackle economic challenges and terrorism, the nation, political parties, institutions, and provinces must work together.” (Syed Irfan Raza & Kalbe Ali, “PM calls for ‘shift’ in political priorities ,” Dawn, 23 September 2024)
KP CM rejects calls for apology for alleged anti-state comments
On 22 September, in a video address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur accused Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader and former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif for misusing the country’s resources and called Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif a sycophant. Responding to calls for him to issue an apology, he asked: “Who should I apologise to and why?” He argued that those who laid their hands on former Prime Minister and chief of Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s Imran Khan has to be owed an apology. Gandapur noted Khan’s time in jail, currently at 414 days. He said: “Imran Khan's release will come only when the judiciary is independent.” Referring to the state of the economy during Imran Khan’s rule, he reflected on how employment, gas and electricity were in a better state. He alleged the government for conspiring against Khan and even announced a plan for freedom, a peaceful protest across the country on 27 September and a rally in Mianwali on 29 September. (“Ali Amin Gandapur rejects calls for apology, announces rally in Mianwali for Sept 29 ,” The Express Tribune, 22 September 2024)
ECONOMY
“We do not need new fancy mechanisms or schemes to tax those who do not pay their taxes or punish those who steal taxes,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 23 September, an editorial in Dawn titled “Fancy tax scheme,” discussed how the newly proposed Federal Board of Revenue’s policy does nothing to relieve the non-tax filers’ tax burden. The editorial argues the policy which received the Prime Minister’s approval aims at weeding out high earning tax filers by restricting them from purchasing immovable assets such as vehicles, property and shares. However, the scheme does not abolish the non-filers category, “hoping that the new steps against non-filers and non-compliant businesses will force them to eventually become taxpayers.” The policy divides the taxpayers into two different groups, the first group consists of those who earn an annual income less than PKR 10 million are assumed to underreport their incomes. Hence, they will be penalised as non-filers are. Whereas taxpayers of the second category have earn a revenue which goes above the PKR 10 million limit will not be questioned. The editorial states that “everything will be kosher,” for them. It not calls for corruption, but also increases the tax collectors discretionary powers. At the same time, the provisions of the law may be breached as a random audit of accounts can be conducted on any percentage of taxpayers, “to detect underreporting.” The editorial concludes that such a tax system with legal loopholes being irrelevant. It calls for a just and equitable tax system which helps improve efficiency and political will to broaden the base of and boost tax revenues. (“Fancy tax scheme,” Dawn, 23 September 2024)
SECURITY
Policeman dies from IED blast while escorting diplomatic convoy in Swat
On 22 September, officials say that a policeman lost his life while escorting a delegation of 23 individuals, consisting of diplomats and some of their family members from 12 countries in Swat. As a police squad vehicle was returning from Islamabad to Salam Jabba, it was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). The diplomats who visited the Swat chambers of commerce have been reported unhurt, according to a Foreign Office statement. The diplomats belong to various countries, namely, The culprits behind the attack remain at large. Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Mohsin Naqvi made statements, condemning the attack. While expressing his condolences to the deceased’s family, President Zardari said: “Terrorist elements are enemies not only of the country and nation but of humanity.” The PM also shared his condolences and directed authorities to assist those injured in the attack. Commenting on the incident, Minister Naqvi said: “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have rendered great sacrifices in the war against terrorism.” (Fazal Khaliq, “Cop martyred as diplomatic convoy comes under attack in Swat ,” Dawn, 23 September 2024; Hanif Khalid, “The diplomats and their families who survived IED blast ,” The News International, 23 September 2024)
EXTERNAL
PM to address security, climate change and economic issues at upcoming UNGA session
On 22 September, the Foreign Office (FO) released a statement which stated that the Prime Minister will address the long-standing issues of Palestine and the Kashmir dispute. He will underscore the need to pay heed to inequities within economic relations at an international level, reforming the existing financial structure and even urge the international community to take steps towards addressing climate change and Islamaphobia. The FO statement said that he will ““express Pakistan’s commitment, as an incoming member of the UN Security Council for the year 2025-26, to work with all UN Member States to uphold the UN Charter, preventing conflict, fostering peace, and promoting global prosperity.” The PM is expected to attend other multi-lateral and bilateral meetings with several other global actors. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session, he will attend a High-Level Meeting on the Existential Threat Posed by Sea-level Rise, an open debate on Leadership for Peace. (“PM Shehbaz to address security, climate and global flashpoints at UNGA ,” Dawn, 23 September 2024)
PAK-CHINA
Pakistan enters MoU with Chinese drilling company at the eighth Silk Route Expo
On 21 September, Petroleum Minister, Dr Musadik Malik led a delegation of Pakistan’s energy companies at the eighth Silk Route Expo organised in China. In his address, he lay emphasis on Prime Minister Sharif’s vision, complete support for partnership with Pakistani firms for joint ventures. They discussed partnership in oil, pas exploration, coal conversion, refinery upgradation and regasification. He noted Pakistan’s gas reserves, and the government’s commitment in extracting value from its indigenous resources. Earlier PM Sharif point out that the country has about 240 potential reserve sites which call for a USD 5 billion investment. Dr Malik stated that the country was focusing on fertilised production with the help of coal-based energy. He said: “Moreover, the production of green and blue hydrogen, as well as ammonia, is under consideration. We will become technology partners and joint venture partners.” Seperately, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Chinese origin Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Limited (CCDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop Pakistan’s shale and tight gas potential. The MoU aims at addressing Pakistan’s power generation crises with the help of its indigenous resources. (“Petroleum minister seeks to strengthen energy partnerships with Chinese companies ,” Dawn, 22 September 2024; “OGDCL signs MoU with Chinese firm for gas development,” Dawn, 23 September 2024)
HEALTH
Genetically modified mosquitoes should be introduced to table Chikungunya, suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 23 September, an editorial in Dawn discusses the growing cases of Chikungunya across Pakistan. Against the backdrop of the mosquito-borne disease being declared as an endemic, and the absence of a vaccine, the country’s topmost priority is to control mosquito populations. The editorial suggests that the government must swiftly ensure water drainage, proper disposal of garbage and spraying insecticides in high-risk zones. It calls for the citizens to do the same as the infection is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti or the Aedes albopictus mosquito’s bite. The editorial notes how more than 95 per cent of the mosquito populations were successfully controlled in Brazil through an experiment. The experiment introduced genetically modified male Aedes mosquitoes to ensure that offsprings of female Aedes mosquitoes that require blood after breeding are unable to survive. The editorial concluded: “We, too, must consider bold steps like these.” (“Chikungunya threat ,” Dawn, 23 September 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
Meteorological department predicts heavy rains in northern Pakistan
On 22 September, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a flood and landslide alert to affect the northern parts between 26 and 1 October. While heavy flooding is expected to ravage parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir. Urban flooding is likely to hit low lying areas in the capital, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhpura, Kasur and Sialkot and landslides are likely to disrupt road access in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan throughout the period. On the other hand, hot and dry weather is anticipated in Balochistan and Sindh and isolated wind and rain may be seen in Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and nearby areas the forecasted period. (“PMD issues flood, landslide warning as heavy rains expected in northern parts from Sept 26 to Oct 1 ,” The Express Tribune, 23 September 2024)
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