In Brief
POLITICS
JUI-F implores the government from amending the ATA
On 4 November, the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Isami (F) founder Maulana Fazlur Rehman urged the government to not amend the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997 during a press conference. He opined that in a democracy the security institutions cannot be given the power to detain people based on suspicion. He stated that if the government seeks to carry out such an action then it would result in a civilian martial law. He also remarked that the approval of the ATA would render the JUI-F’s efforts at removing the government’s similar demands from the 26th Amendment Act useless. (“Fazl warns govt against amending ATA of 1997,” The News International, 5 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
Judicial Commission of Pakistan to nominate its judges
On 5 November, Dawn reported that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) I set to conduct a meeting of the constitutional bench to nominate judges to these benches, as per the recently approved 26th amendment. The JCP formed under this amendment is set to take over cases that require constitutional interpretation. Separately, during a hearing petition about the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stated that some cases ought to be left with the judges who don’t belong to the constitutional bench. On 4 November, the Jamaat-i-Islami filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the 26th Amendment. It sought the apex court’s support in declaring the amendments in conflict with the constitution’s provisions. (Nasir Iqbal, “JCP convenes today to pick judges for constitutional bench,” Dawn, 5 November 2024)
Islamabad court reserves decision on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s bail pleas
On 4 November, a district and sessions court in Islamabad judge, Mohammad Afzal Magoo, reserved his verdict on the bail pleas of former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi. While six cases were filed against the former, one was filed against the latter. During the hearing of the Toshakhana case, where Khan, Bushra Bibi, and three others have been accused of false documentation. The prosecution held that the accused had submitted fake receipts to the Election Commission. The judge asked the prosecution if they consulted the Election Commission (EC). He confirmed that EC had confirmed that the receipts were given to the Toshakhana. To this, the judge expressed the need to provide substantiated evidence rather than make claims. The judge also heard the accused’s counsel, Lawyer Salman Safdar who stated that the Election Commission had not mentioned the receipts in its three-year sentence. (“Verdict reserved on Imran, Bushra's bail pleas in multiple cases,” The Express Tribune, 4 November 2024)
ECONOMY
SBP slashes policy rate from 17.5 to 15 per cent
On 4 November, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released a statement regarding the cut in the policy rate by 250 points, from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent. At the Monetary Policy Committee meeting, the cut was decided to be effective from 5 November 2024. The Committee noted how inflation had decelerated at such a fast rate, owing to favorable oil prices in the global market and the “absence of expected adjustments in gas tariffs and Petroleum Development Levy rates.” Additionally, the decline on the yields from government securities propelled the Karachi Interbank Offered Rate (Kibor) to decline as well. The Kibor is an interest rate benchmark used by Pakistani banks to establish interest rates on loans and even lend to one another. Earlier, analysts had forecasted a policy rate slash along the lines of 200 basis points. , However, a contraction in inflation from 9.6 per cent in August to 7.2 in October due to higher remittances and a low current account deficit resulted in the current policy decision. (“SBP cuts key policy rate by 250bps to 15pc ,” Dawn, 4 November 2024)
The government “has to come up with ways of helping relieve the financial pressure on ordinary people without straying off the road to stability,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 5 November, an editorial titled “A deeper cut,” in The News International discussed the recent slash in monetary policy rates as the Pakistan Stock Exchange crossed the 92,000 point benchmark index “as investors amass policy rate-sensitive shares.” The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) noted a list of reasons that led to this development including the decline in food inflation, non-adjustment of gas tariffs and so on. However, it all may not be a good sign as the current inflation rate in October at 7.2 per cent stands higher than the predicted target range of 5.0 per cent to 7.0 per cent. Nevertheless, the MPC has recorded an expected inflation rate of fiscal 2025 to be lower than the forecasted range of 11.5 to 13.5 per cent. The MPC is aware of the potential risks despite adopting such an “outlook.” However, recent data portrays a gradual improvement in economic activity and the MPC expects the GDP growth of 2025 to be within the 2.5-3.5 per cent range. Given this data, the editorial warned that Pakistan must not put all its eggs in one basket as it is too early, for a “developing country with a rapidly growing population” to make such claims. The editorial remarked that despite the projected progress, the ground realities have not significantly changed. There is a perpetual risk of them going under, as the salaried class and those with fixed incomes “are still left having to pay far more for the same goods and services than they did three to four years ago on the same incomes.” (“A deeper cut,” The News International, 5 November 2024)
HEALTH
“The state must enforce strict compliance with polio vaccination and consider legal measures against those who refuse it,” suggests an editorial in The Nation
On 5 November, an editorial titled “Polio Embarrassment,” in The Nation provided a list of suggestions for Pakistan to follow as it goes through an ongoing polio crisis. The numbers have increased from one in 2021 to 45 in 2024, representing a “tenfold increase.” The editorial urged the government to prioritize the security of polio vaccination teams operating in violence-prone areas and rural areas. Another suggestion urged the authorities to hold those involved in spreading misinformation on the vaccination accountable. The editorial pointed out that it is not sufficient to prosecute those who attack polio workers, instead they also have to take “community leaders, religious figures, and clerics” into account for spreading an “anti-vaccine rhetoric.” Lastly, the editorial argued that the government must take steps to initiate positive campaigns for polio vaccines as the local communities are resisting vaccination efforts to negotiate the fulfillment of better infrastructure and resources, thereby forestalling the eradication efforts. (“Polio Embarrassment,” The Nation, 5 November 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
“It should be acknowledged that the catastrophe unfolding in Lahore has been years in the making,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 5 November, an editorial titled “Smog hazard,” in Dawn reflected upon the Punjab government’s aim towards combating smog as Lahore’s air quality on the Air Quality Index exceeded 1000 on 3 November. The editorial discussed the growing recession in air quality as a governance issue. Despite attempts at restraining all sources of emissions and pollution, scientists and doctors believe “these measures ill-planned, insufficient and therefore unlikely to have a meaningful impact on the larger problem.” Another factor used to pin blame on this issue is the cross-border pollution from India. In this manner, the Punjab Chief Minister is now seeking a joint effort between both Punjabis to overcome the crisis. The Punjab authorities have also been ordered to “conduct research, mapping, and studies to reassess and determine if extended. (“Smog hazard,” Dawn, 5 November 2024)
SECURITY
Seven terrorists killed in separate operations conducted in KP and Balochistan
On 4 November, the security forces eliminated seven terrorists in separate operations conducted in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Statement six “khwaraij” were killed in two incidents that took place. While one was killed during an operation conducted in North Waziristan, the group of five was intercepted by security forces as they attempted to cross the Afghanistan border in the South Waziristan District. On the other hand, one terrorist was killed in the Noshki district, Balochistan, during an exchange of fire between the armed forces and the terrorists in the district. (“Seven terrorists killed in separate operations in KP, Balochistan: ISPR,” Dawn, 4 November 2024)
COAS appeals to world powers to intervene in Kashmir and Palestine
On 5 November, The Express Tribune reported that the Chief of General Staff Asim Munir had demanded that the world intervene to stop the alleged violation of human rights in Kashmir and Palestine. He made these remarks at the 28th conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers in Islamabad. The conference saw the presence of UN Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean Pierre Lacroix who applauded Pakistan’s efforts and contribution towards UN peacekeeping missions. (“COAS calls for urgent action on Kashmir, Palestine during peacekeeping forum,” The Express Tribune, 5 November 2024)
PROVINCES
Sindh: Resolution passed on setting up constitutional benches
On 5 November, Dawn reported that Sindh has become the first province to give consent to the resolution which is required to establish constitutional benches in the provinces. 123 members of the Sindh Assembly from the PPP and the MQM-P supported the resolution. JI’s Mohammad Farooq and three members of the PTI cast their votes opposing the resolution. MQM-P, however, expressed its dissatisfaction over the last-minute communique from the government for putting forward the resolution in the assembly. Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that his government would initiate a discussion with the federal government so that constitutional benches could be soon set up. (Tahir Siddiqui, “Sindh paves way for constitutional bench,” Dawn, 5 November 2024)
Punjab dismisses reports of its interest in acquiring PIA, KP remains committed
On 5 November, Dawn reported that Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari has dismissed reports of her government’s interest in acquiring the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Earlier, the Punjab government had expressed interest in buying the PIA which is up for privatization. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KP) government, however, remained committed to acquiring PIA. He had confirmed that his government would put every effort into acquiring PIA and had enough financial resources for the same. He also claimed that people of KP are collecting donations for acquiring PIA, and do not want it to be sold to anyone else. Chief Minister of KP Ali Amin Gandapur stated that his government is willing to offer a higher bid than Blue World City’s USD 10 Billion bid. Blue World City remains the only bidder for PIA whose bid is USD 75 billion less than what the Federal Government was expecting. (Zulqernain Tahir and Umer Farooq, “KP stands firm as Punjab backs off on buying PIA,” Dawn, 5 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan files a complaint regarding the mishandling of former Justice Isa in UK
On 5 November, Dawn reported that the Pakistan High Commission in the UK has lodged a complaint at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office regarding the misbehavior of PTI protesters with the former Chief Justice Faez Isa. Sources have also confirmed that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed his commitment to bring violators under the ambit of law. (Atika Rehman, “Pakistan seeks UK probe into ‘attack’ on ex-CJP Isa’s vehicle,” Dawn, 5 November 2024)
INDIA VIEW
“Indian government is sponsoring clandestine operations and gangs in Canada to target Sikh leaders” alleges an editorial in The Nation
On 5 November, an editorial in The Nation titled “Deteriorating ties” discussed tensions between Canada and India over the latter’s alleged involvement in neutralizing Sikh leaders. A temple in Brampton, Canada, recently witnessed violence which saw the involvement of Khalistani separatists. The editorial alleged that it is due to the Canadian Government’s ineffectiveness in protecting the Sikh community that has led the latter to initiate retaliatory measures. The editorial mentioned voices from India who are demanding the Trudeau government to condemn the violence as “nationalist factions supporting the ruling Hindu Party.” The editorial further claimed that the Sikh community formed an important dimension in Canadian politics as it possessed a substantial vote base for Trudeau’s party. (“Deteriorating ties,” The Nation, 5 November 2024)
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Fascist government nonsense and traditional abuse of power!
The PTI workers were arrested by the Pishin police while distributing pamphlets under the public mobilization campaign regarding the November 8 Quetta rally in Pishin.
- PTI
PTI's movement against the state will be stopped with the iron hands of law.
Adviser to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah
- PMLN Digital
A reduction in the policy rate will also reduce Pakistan's debt, which is not a small thing. 1300 billion rupees is a huge relief.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif
- PMLN
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"Will the voters be as disillusioned with Imran Khan as they were with Nawaz Sharif?"
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘Choked by politics’
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