Pakistan expects to sign USD two billion deal during a Saudi delegation visit I Constitutional amendments likely to be introduced after SCO summit
In Brief
POLITICS
Reserved Seats: NA Speaker writes to the ECP urging immediate resolution
On 8 September, in a letter addressed to the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP), National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged the body to resolve the reserved seats matter without any further delay, in accordance with the existing clauses of the Constitution and the Election Act of 2017. He also referenced a previous letter sent by him to the ECP on 19 September 2024, where he had expressed concers regarding delay in decision making on the matter. Commenting on this, he opined how it violated the law and undermined legislative authority. Revealing the reason behind the letter, he pointed out that the lawmakers in the lower house had written to him, urging him to ensure that the Election Act 2017 was implemented so that reserved seats for minorities were allocated. The parliamentary leaders highlighted how the simple legal question was put before the ECP, of whether it shall allocate reserved seats in accordance with Article 51, as per section 67 and 104 of the Election Act, 2017. (“Speaker urges ECP to resolve reserved seats issue without delay ,” The News International, 9 October 2024)
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah may not be able to control the SC: PPP Chairman
On 8 October, speaking in a TV interview, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari opined that he was not confident of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who is in line to take over as the ChiefJjustice of Pakistan (CJP) of being able to control the supreme court judges. In his statement, he mentioned that the coalition government would ensure that the constitutional amendment bill which brings about major changes to the constitution is approved before 25 October. He maintained that the government has the right to amend the constitution and reform the judiciary. He expressed that though the government had not discussed its decision of introducing the judicial reforms with its coalition partners, its actions were justified as the constitution allows it to do so. Speaking about the opposition’s take on the matter, he stated that irrespective of the fact that he considers PTI’s statements as controversial , the government is open to listening to the PTI on the matter. ("Not confident Justice Mansoor will be able to control SC judges: Bilawal ,” The News International, 9 October 2024)
Constitutional amendments likely to be introduced after SCO summit
On 7 October, following a a meeting between top officials, namely President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, sources revealed that they discussed a constitutional amendment package, in light of the country’s current political situation. The source indicated that the bill is likely to be introduced after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and that separate sessions in the National Assembly and Senate will be called . The source also mentioned that the government and Rehman are set to meet in the current week with their version of drafts on the constitutional amendments in order to arrive at an agreement. (Asim Yasin, “Govt may bring constitutional amendments after SCO summit ,” The News International, 9 October 2024)
ECONOMY
Chinese nationals killed in Karachi attack were part of IPP negotiations: Finance Minister
On 9 October, Dawn reported on the Finance MinisterMuhammad Aurangzeb’s statement, in which he revealed that the Chinese convoy that was attacked in Karachi had arrived at Pakistan to negotiate the terms of Independent Power Producers (IPP). The attack led to the death of two IPP engineers on 7 October. The minister stated that he and the Power Minister Awais Laghari were in the middle of negotiations with them, requesting them to “re-profile debt and extend the maturities” on its borrowings in order to reduce power tariffs and ultimately bring relief to the people of Pakistan. Expressing his condolences, Minister Aurangzeb added: “This was the Chinese IPP that had pledged to move forward with us, to create a win-win situation for both China and Pakistan. These are the people who stepped forward to help Pakistan, their senior management also flew from Beijing to move the process forward.”
Speaking about the incident, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif promised to carry out all efforts which would make Chinese nationals working in Pakistan “untouchable.” Commenting on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) call for strikes in cities such as Islamabad and Lahore, he stated that the Economic Wing had estimated a single day’s strike to cause a loss of about PKR 190 billion to the economy. During a federal cabinet meeting, PM Sharif expressed how these strikes may be a replica of the months long 2014 sit-in led by the PTI, despite announcement of the Chinese president’s visit. ("Slain Chinese were part of IPP talks, says Aurangzeb ,” Dawn, 9 October 2024)
SOCIETY
X rejects government claims of terms and conditions violations
On 8 October, during a hearing at the Sindh High Court (SHC), it was learned that several requests made by the government to social media platform X to remove content which in its opinion violated terms and conditions were rejected. The X management deemed none of the requests for content removal to violate its policies and even sought for additional information from the government for probable violations. This was communicated by the Additional Attorney General Ziaul Haq Makhdoom during a hearing that was resumed by the SHC. The hearing is related to petitions moved by activists and civil society members over restrictions on social media and the suspension of internet and broadband services during and prior to general elections. The two-judge bench included the document consisting of the information mentioned above as a part of its record as it may be crucial in deciding thefinal verdict. The bench has fixed the next hearing for 17 October. This development comes against the backdrop of statements made by the Information Minister who said: “If some compliance issues can be improved, if we can sit down and talk to X, if they come closer to our terms and we move closer to their position, a mechanism can be devised to take things forward and solve the issue in an amicable manner.”
Separately, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that all issues related to internet disruption and slowdown will be resolved by the end of October. The authority’s officials stated that the up-gradation and installation of web management system (WMS) would be completed by 20 October, following which normalcy would be restored. (Ishaq Tanoli, "X ‘mostly refused’ government’s requests for content takedown ,” Dawn, 9 October 2024; “Internet slowdown to be resolved by October 20: PTA,” The Express Tribune, 8 October 2024)
HEALTH
Polio tally goes up to 32 in 2024
On 9 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s polio cases tally has gone up to 32 this year. According to an official affiliated to the National Institute of Health (NIH), four children, three from Sindh and one from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were reported to be diagnosed with Polio based on the lab reports. He said: “So far, 16 cases have been reported from Balochistan, 10 cases from Sindh, four cases from KP and one each has been reported from Punjab and Islamabad. Currently only two out of seven regions i.e. Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are polio-free. The virus has reached five regions including four provinces and the federal capital.” A health ministry official, on the basis of anonymity stated that the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme carried out in September 2024 had reached nearly 33 million children below the age of five. The campaign had achieved a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts towards eradicating Polio. A complete evaluation of the campaign has also been conducted to identify areas of improvement and strategies for future vaccination efforts were discussed at a review meeting attended by provincial Emergency Operation Centre coordinators. (Ikram Junaidi, “Four more polio cases detected ,” Dawn, 9 October 2024)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: CM Gandapur calls for the removal of Islamabad IG
On 8 October, in his speech at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial assembly, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur warned the capital to remove the Inspector General (IG) of Police or else he would lead another rally to protest against the federation. This development comes as the IG has been alleged of raiding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House. Gandapur revealed that he had witnessed the beating of police personnel and staff in the KP House by the rangers. Narrating his experience, he spoke of his ordeal as he lead the peaceful protest in Islamabad’s D-Chowk, his visit to KP, his take off from Islamabad and his arrival at Peshawar through the Hazara and Malakand divisions. He criticized them for not only disrupting the assembly’s sanctity but also disregarding the province as a whole. Separately, speaking about his arrested party supporters, he stated that all of them have been provided with legal assistance. (Khalid Kheshgi, “Gandapur wants Islamabad IG removed over KP House raid ,” The News International, 9 October 2024)
Balochistan: Civil society condemns attack on Chinese convoy
On 8 October, a rally was held in Quetta by members of the civil society expressing solidarity with the Chinese nationals who were killed in the recent Karachi attack. The rally was led by Allaudin Khilji and Babar Khajak and ended at the thQuetta Press Club. Members denounced the attack and blamed it on anti-national entities that are allegedly backed by India. They also expressed the Baloch people’s quest for peace and development. Further, they emphasized support for Pakistan- China relations and maintained that no conspiracy would come in the countries’ relationship. (Saleem Shahid, “Quetta rally condemns Karachi attack ,” Dawn, 9 October 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan expects to sign USD two billion during a Saudi delegation visit
On 8 October, PM Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s intention to sign USD 2 billion worth agreements during a visit by the the Saudi delegation from 9 to 11 October. the delegation will be led by Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Bin Abdulazis Al Falih. In a federal meeting, PM Sharif appreciated the efforts of Saudi Arabia, China and UAE for providing financial assurances to Pakistan which had helped the the country to secure the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme. Separately, in a televised address, Finance Minister Muhammed Aurangzeb expressed his discontent over the killing of Chinese Nationals in Karachi and clash of PTI supporters with the police in Islamabad. He claimed that Pakistan’s economy was undergoing a loss of PKR 190 billion per day because of the dire law and order situation. He claimed that Pakistan’s economy is seeing an upswing due to the efforts put in by the current government and urged everyone not to indulge in any activity that would backtrack this progress. (“Pakistan to sign agreements worth $2 billion with Saudi Arabia, says PM Shehbaz,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
Pakistan to re-profile USD 15.4 billion CPEC Chinese debt
On 9 October, The News International reported that Islamabad is set to propose plans to re-profile debts taken for electricity projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) worth USD 15.4 billion during the Chinese prime minister’s scheduled visit this month. A memorandum of understanding is likely to be signed in this regard. This re-profiling, however, will would eventually lead to a spike in the overall debt-repayment by USD 1.22 billion which would make the total debt at USD 16.62 billion. The proposed MOU is expected to get the consent from Chinese companies and Pakistan’s Private Power Infrastructure Board which would later be sent to the Federal Cabinet for its approval.( Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Visit of Chinese PM: Proposal for reprofiling of $15.4bn CPEC power projects debt ready,” The News International, 9 October 2024)
Pakistan emphasizes its commitment to global Non-Proliferation
On 8 October, The Express Tribune reported on a two-day Islamabad Non-Proliferation Conference 2024 organized by Strategic Vision Institute (SVI). The conference was attended by a number of prominent scholars and experts from all corners of the world. The conference was aimed at dialogue over global strategic issues and it also highlighted Islamabad’s policy pertaining to non-proliferation. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza was the Chief Guest at the event with keynote addresses being delivered by Former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mehmood Hayat(Retired), Lt Gen Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Advisor to the National Command Authority(NCA) and Lt Gen Sarfraz Sattar, advisor to NCA. The conference saw participation of scholars from some of the renowned institutes such as Institute of Word Economy, International Relations of Russian Academy of Sciences, University at Albany, Saint Petersburg State University, Shanghai University, Peking University, and University of Birmingham. At the conference, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to global non-proliferation effort and highlighted the importance of “strategic dialogue” on the matter in order to ensure “regional and international security.” (“Islamabad hosts global non-proliferation conference, highlights Pakistan's strategic vision,” The Express Tribune, 8 October 2024)
INDIA VIEW
ATC remands alleged RAW agent to two day police custody
On 8 October, a person named Muhammad Saleem, was remanded to the police custody by an antiterrorism court (ATC) for two days on suspicion of being an operative of Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The Investigating Officer had appealed for 14 day custody but the judge asked for a progress report after two days. Saleem had been arrested a day earlier by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) from Mauripur area in Karachi. Officials have alleged that explosives, illegal weapons and fake passports have been recovered from the accused. They also claimed that he had travelled to India via Nepal several times and was involved in surveillance gathering and subversive activities in Karachi for RAW. (Sumair Abdullah, “‘RAW agent’ remanded in Karachi police custody for two days,” Dawn, 9 October 2024)
MIDDLE EAST VIEW
“While one opportunity to talk may have been missed, it is hoped both sides clinch the next one, whenever it arises,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 9 October, an editorial titled “Palestine MPC” in Dawn discusses the recent multi-party conference held in Pakistan in solidarity with Palestine, to observe the one year anniversary of th Al Aqsa Flood operation. It observes how Pakistan has played a limited role, besides “expressing moral and diplomatic” support to the Palestinians and how despite many meetings after 7 October at the Organization of Islamic Council, they still have not been able to arrive at a policy to end Israel’s onslaught in Gaza. The editorial claims that making “noble declarations” is not sufficient to liberate Palestinians or protect the people of Lebanon. Separately, the editorial notes the non-attendance of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf at the conference organized by the Prime Minister and President. Despite being political opposing, it was necessary or the PTI to set aside its differences in order to display a sense of unity. ("Palestine MPC,” Dawn, 9 October 2024)
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Those who do wrong things to save their jobs forget that sustenance, honor and life are only in the hands of Allah.
- PTI
If Gandapur attacks personalities instead of politics, it will not end well.
Leader Muslim League (N) Abid Sher Ali
- PMLN
"Pakistan People's Party has been of the same position since the first day that there should be a consensus in all parties for constitutional amendments and reforms in the judicial system."
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- PPP
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"Children in poverty-stricken and under-resourced areas are the most susceptible to climate change."
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Weather worries'
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