Pakistan ranks lowest risk country in food safety I Commitment of USD 3.2 billion foreign loans secured
In Brief
POLITICS
Imran Khan files appeal with the UN Special Rapporteur against proposed constitutional package
On 8 October, The News International revealed that Imran Khan has filed an appeal with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers against the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment. The appeal filed by Edward Fitzgerald KC, Tatyana Eatwell and Jennifer Robinson states how the constitutional reform poses a threat to the rule of law, judicial independence as well as the fundamental rights of his party supporters. The appeal stated four areas of concern, namely, the transfer of jurisdiction from the Supreme Court to a new Federal Court, the selection of the chief justice of the proposed court’s chief justice by a new National Assembly committee, the removal of the judiciary’s ability to carry out its review of Pakistan’s security forces and how these amendments are going to hinder Khan’s ability to challenge the cases filed against him by the government. (“Imran files appeal to UN expert over proposed tweaks to Constitution,” The News International, 8 October 2024)
More FIRs lodged against Imran Khan for inciting PTI workers and members
On 8 October, Dawn reported that the Hassanabdal police has booked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, adding to the 13 cases pending againding against him, for inciting his party members to carry out riots and violence against the state and its institutions since 5 October. The FIRs lodged against him claimed that this was possible due to the extraordinary facilities granted to Khan in jail- such as communication with outsiders and visitors. It also stated that he was “taking advantage of court orders” to evade the jail manual. Additionally, 63 other party leaders and more than 3,000 workers have also been slapped with charges of sedition, terrorism and attempted murder. The PTI supporters have been accused of clashing with the police personnel during their protest in Islamabad. The cases registered stated that PTI members, namely Omer Ayub and Barrister Mohammad Saif were responsible for inciting the protestors by delivering provocative speeches and Azam Swati and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur provided funding for the march. Gandapur has also been accused of sourcing the funds from public resources of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Protestors also claimed that they had been directed by Imran Khan and Gandapur to arrive at the D-Chowk, to block and disturb government activity. (Munawer Azeem, Amjad Iqbal & Malik Asad, “Imran ‘exploiting facilities in jail to incite workers’, FIRs allege,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
Coalition tries again to secure JUI-F chief’s support
On 7 October, on the sidelines of a multi-party conference held to discuss the Palestinian issue, another attempt was made by the ruling coalition to Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman to seek his support for the constitutional amendment package. At a separate meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the coalition tried to urge Rehman to direct his party’s lawmakers to vote in favor of the proposed amendment in the National Assembly as well as the Senate in order to secure a parliamentary approval consisting of a two-third majority. Earlier, Rehman was also presented the amended draft of the constitutional package. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Coalition leaders make another effort to win Fazl over ,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
“If the state genuinely seeks peace and stability, it must listen to the concerns of the people, rather than stifle their voices,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 8 October, an editorial in Dawn titled “Ban hammer” discussed how the banning of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) under the Anti-Terrorism Act was an unwise decision of the state. The editorial drew upon contrary opinions, where the state sees the movement as a threat to national security while others believe it is an act of suppressing dissent. The editorial commented on how history has demonstrated that attempts at quelling dissent by further pushing marginalized groups away from the state, instead of addressing the their concerns might lead to a heightened tensions. The editorial argued that associating a rights-based movement with terrorist groups may prove “counterproductive” as it only fuels anti-state sentiment and may also drive them to engage in radical activities. The PTM was among the few channels available for the Pakhtuns to express state neglect, discrimination, violence and enforced disappearances. “By banning it, the government is silencing voices that operated within the constitutional framework,” the editorial insists. Instead the government must focus on the root of their discontent, through dialogue and reforms rather than delegitimizing the group and stifling their voices. (“Ban hammer,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
JUDICIARY
SC seeks record on illegal housing society linked to Lt Faiz Hameed
On 8 October, Dawn reported that the Supreme Court has inquired for details regarding an illegal society in Sector C-12, which may be closely linked to Former Inter-Services Intelligence, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed. The court has asked the administration body, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and chief commissioner to provide record of the society named Northridge Housing Society’sownership record as it supposedly encroached upon the Margala Hills National Park. Petitions pertaining to the contempt of court were taken up by a three judge-bench, led by Chief Justice (CJ) Qazi Faez Isa. The petitions moved by environmentalist Hameed Khan alleged that the court’s 11 June order of relocating residents outside the national park within a span of three months had been violated by the Islamabad High court (IHC). The petitioner argued that though the CDA had handed over the 78 kanal demarcated area to the Forest Department, the land which consisted parts of Marcella Hills were a part of the housing society. At the hearing, the CJP stated that the IHC judge, had issued a stay order on the demolition of the La Montana restaurant located within the national park area. The apex court expressed concern over how the matter had not been addressed without proper examination of the suit. (Nasir Iqbal, “Supreme Court seeks record of housing scheme ‘linked to ex-spymaster Gen Faiz’ ,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
CJP Isa express regret over validation of martial law
On 7 October, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed regret during a review petition, over the perpetual validation of the court martial laws in the history of the judiciary and wondered if it was an act which went beyond the authority of the judges. The application was moved by an employee of the Punjab population welfare department, Abdul Hameed. Speaking at the previously rejected appeal’s hearing, the CJP was concerned of how the lawyers resort to quoting judgments rather than refer to the Constitution and law. In his opinion, only the apex court’s judgments shall be invoked. when there is an element of ambiguity in such matters. He commented that the judiciary was not above the constitution. (Nasir Iqbal, “CJP Isa regrets decisions to ‘validate martial laws’ ,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
ECONOMY
Commitment of USD 3.2 billion foreign loans secured
On 8 October, The News International revealed that Pakistan has secured a commitment of USD 3.2 billion loans from a number of international creditors. This includes USD 1.2 billion for an oil facility from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, commercial loans worth USD 1 billion from Dubai Islamic Bank, USD 600 million from Standard Chartered Bank, London and USD 430 million from Islamic Development Bank. Pakistan is determined to fetch USD 19.274 billion for the current fiscal year that does not include the amount borrowed from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to sources of The News, Federal Secretary Finance had visited Saudi Arabia recently, however, nothing has been formally signed. Pakistan remains vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as changing weather patterns and devastating floods which is why the government is attempting to work for a sustainable finance whose main objectives would be to boost green financing, prevent the effects of climate change, strive towards achieving SDG goals and ensuring that the targets set by National Determined Contributions are met. (Mehtab Haider, “$3.2bn foreign loans pledges secured,” The News International, 8 October, 2024)
Surge in global investment in Pakistan’s Eurobonds and T-bills
On 8 October, The Express Tribune revealed a trend in increased foreign investor stake in the Pakistan’s Eurobonds in the international market and its treasury bills (T-bills) in the domestic market. While the value of bonds have surged, the rate of return or six-monthly interest payments have decreased. Speaking on this, CEO of Topline Securities, Muhammad Sohail commented: “The sharp decline in yields could pave the way for the government to access commercial borrowing from international markets on more favourable terms.” This development comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sanctioned a USD 7 billion bailout for Pakistan, thereby boosting investor confidence. According to data recorded on 4 October, the 10-year Eurobond of USD 500 million, which are set to mature in September 2024, rose to 98.2 per cent, compared to the first week of the previous month, which was at 97.1 per cent on 6 September. Additionally, foreign investment in treasury bills rose to USD 61.65 million, bringing the total global investment in the T-bills down to USD 179.16 million within the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2024-2025. AKD Securities Director of Research Muhammad Awais Ashraf linked this development to the improvement in the stability of the rupee-dollar exchange rate as well as the higher returns on the domestic bonds. (Salman Siddiqui, “Global investors bet big on economy ,” The Express Tribune, 8 October 2024)
SOCIETY
Pakistan ranks lowest risk country in food safety
On 8 October, according to Dawn, during a meeting between the newly appointed Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Malik Faisal Jahangir and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, it was learned that Pakistan has ranked the as the lowest risk country, in terms of food safety standards for fiscal 2023-2024. Jahangir stated that though Pakistan received 74 rapid alerts for pesticides and other issues, its “rice sector is more compliant,” than India as it received 264 alerts. Speaking on maintaining rice exports as international rates fall and India’s eventual lift on its rice export ban, Kamal stated the need to implement measures that enhance Pakistan’s adherence to the European food safety standards. He also noted how rice exports are second to cotton in terms of export value. He also revealed that the government aims to increase exports from USD 4 billion to USD 6 to 7 billion. Pakistan has removed the minimum export price to improve competitiveness in the international market. However, it may backfire if the country is unable to meet its previous year’s export value. (Mubarak Zen Khan, “Pakistan ranked lowest-risk for food safety in FY24 ,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
SECURITY
“No one wants to invest in a region beset by terror attacks and high bilateral tensions,” suggests an editorial in The News International
On 8 October, an editorial titled “Attack on the nation” in The News International reported on the recent attack on a Chinese convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company near the Jinnah International Airport. This resulted in the killing of three people, including two Chinese. It marks the third attack on foreign nationals this year and the second one on people from China. The attack was claimed by the Majeed Brigade which is affiliated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The editorial identified a pattern of behavior among separatist elements. It insisted that these individuals are aware that they stand no chance with the country’s military, however, they are also aware of the state of Pakistan’s fragile economy. The editorial added that “The attacks on foreign nationals strike at both of these perceived weaknesses and highlight the need to improve the protection of foreign nationals in order to secure the economic and geopolitical future of the country.” The editorial observed how the country has had to survive in this environment for the last seven decades and may now have to learn how to thrive in such an environment. The editorial emphasized that security efforts must be improved, so that the state does not have to “tolerate any external or internal attempts to destabilize the country.” (“Attack on the nation ,” The News International, 8 October 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab government imposes ban on visitors to jail housing Imran Khan
On 7 October, the Punjab government ordered a ban on all prisoners’ visitors to Adiala Jail till 18 October. This ban includes all meetings of political figures, lawyers and family members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf founder Imran Khan. The ban has been imposed to maintain security on the occasion of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)’s summit in Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi alleged that the PTI is attempting at interfering in the SCO summit, and even stated that the government was aiming at ensuring peaceful completion of the summit. (Mohammad Asghar, “Ban imposed on visitors to Adiala jail ,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
CDA seals KP House Building citing building violations
On 8 October, Dawn reported that the that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed off the KP House building citing building violation and non-compliance of KP House Administration to their notices. This development comes following the arrest of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for leading protesters from Peshawar to Islamabad to register their dissent against imprisonment of Imran Khan. Dawn also pointed out that despite expired leases Punjab House, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir” House and Gilgit-Baltistan house continue to operate in Islamabad. CDA Media Director, however, denied any political motive and termed it as a routine operation. Clarifying why CDA had targeted KP house building and not Punjab House despite the latter having its lease expired, he pointed out the fact that the former was not sealed because of expired lease but because of not replying to CDA letters and building violations. Claiming to maintain impartiality, he established that the two of the buildings of Punjab Government’s rest house have been sealed that were built in Zone III area where CDA had prohibited construction. (Kashif Abbasi, “CDA seals Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad for ‘building violations’,” Dawn, 8 October, 2024)
EXTERNAL
FO Pakistan hits back at the Taliban government, condemns Israel, looks forward to SCO
On 7 October, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch pointed out the incapacity of the Taliban government to control the terrorist groups which continue to freely operate in Afghanistan. She refused to accept the accusation that terror attacks carried out in Bamyan and Kabul had any connections with Balochistan and vouched for initiating Confidence Building Measures between the two countries for increasing trade and cooperation benefitting both. On the Israel’s attacks in Gaza, she expressed Pakistan’s concern about starvation and civilian casualties in schools, refugee camps and mosques in Gaza and stressed on Pakistan’s call for a permanent ceasefire. On the 23rd CHG (Council of Heads of Government) SCO meeting which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad (15-16 Oct), she expressed hope that it would lead to an increase in socio-cultural links and strengthened economic relations in the region. Other than the regular members, she revealed that Pakistan expects a distinguished level of participation from Mongolia (Observer State), Turkmenistan(Special guest) and other International guests such as CIS(Commonwealth of Independent States) and EEC(European Economic Community).(Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Afghanistan must rein in terrorist groups, says FO,” Dawn, 8 October 2024)
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The Federation attacked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House through Rangers and Police. This house is owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and people. This was not an attack on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, but it was an attack on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and its people.
Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati
- PTI
A great project for the development and prosperity of Pakistanwas about to be launched. Everyone knew that billions of dollars would be invested in it, but PTI blocked the way of CPEC as well.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif
- PMLN
Pakistan is definitely a poor country, we have economic problems and threats of terrorism, but where there is a problem of Palestine, every Pakistani will be on the same page. Today on this forum all political parties are sending a clear message that we stand with our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- PPP
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"The powers that be seem to have evolved as much as the country and the people have."
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘More politics, not less'
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