In Brief
POLITICS
PPP Chairman expresses dissatisfaction over coalition with the PML-N
On 14 November, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed dissatisfaction with his party’s coalition with the PML-N stating that the latter was violating the agreed upon arrangement. In his statement, he claimed that Sindh was being sidelined on multiple occasions. It was an issue for his party as the PPP is the ruling government of the province. He emphasized the need for the federation to hold their end of thebargain. He expressed disappointment as his party has actively supported the center and acted as the PMLN’s moral ally. He exemplified one of the breaches to the agreement, citing the construction of a canal on the Indus River which flows through Sindh. (Salis bin Perwaiz, “PMLN violating pact with PPP: Bilawal,” The News International, 15 November 2024)
Imran Khan urges SC to probe into alleged suppression of PTI
On 14 November, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan sought judicial assistance in addressing the alleged suppression of his party workers and members bythe government . The petition that claimed these practices are being carried out in collusion with “unknown persons.” The petition called upon Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and Justice Munib Akhtar to pay heed to the political and non-political intervention in the functioning of the state and to also keep the authorities in check. Besides, the petition called the Supreme Court to address the non-provision of the non-objection certificate to the PTI for its 24 November gathering. It also urged the court to prohibit the misuse of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO) 1960 against activists, political workers and opponents and Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. (Nasir Iqbal, “Imran seeks judicial probe into PTI’s ‘suppression’,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
“The PTI cannot expect to achieve much” through a final call, suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 15 November, an editorial titled “Last call,” in Dawn discussed how it was not wise for a prominent party such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) to issue a final call for protests. Given the nature of politics, there can never be a “‘final’” call. The editorial affirmed that it is well within the party’s right to carry out protests in a democracy however, “it should hardly be turning it into a ‘do or die’ occasion.” It creates a facade of unrealistic suppositions and pushes people to enter “needless confrontations” with the state. It may also motivate the state to restrain the protests as the final call will be its final chance to eliminate its opponent. The editorial suggested that the government, the PTI, and its political counterparts engage in constructive deliberations and revisit their priorities which should be directed towards the national good. However, the editorial lamented that a “rules-based negotiation” may not be possible as the PTI seeks to negotiate with the “handlers” of the ruling government, while the coalition managed to jeopardize the country’s democracy and judicial independence. In this regard, the editorial acknowledged as to why the PTI is bent on taking such a bold step. But it may not be the right decision as “such a choice necessarily demands more patience and fortitude,” and this is contrary to how the party has functioned lately. (“Last call,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
Chief Justice explores steps to reform the judiciary
On 14 November, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi sought consultation from academics from universities to address bottlenecks within the judiciary. While convening a meeting he and the participants delved into constructive interactions where they expressed their commitment to improve the judiciary’s efficiency, transparency and accessibility. In his statement, the CJ explained that these reforms would be targeted at various levels of the judiciary, from the apex court down to the subordinate courts. Promoting a democratic system, he stated that feedback from all stakeholders, including counsels, citizens, lawyers, judges, and litigants would be utilized to develop the institution into an approachable and effective one. (“CJP Afridi consults academics on justice sector reforms,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
No relief in Toshkhana I and II for Imran Khan and spouse
On 14 November, the Rawalpindi court rejected incarcerated leader Imran Khan’s petition seeking his spouse, Bushra Bibi’s exoneration in the Toshakhana II reference. Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand announced the verdict to be reserved and scheduled the framing of charges from 18 November. In other news, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) called upon the Islamabad High Court to rescind its decision on the sentences of Khan and Bushra Bibi and even remand the cases. The hearing was led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb, in the couple’s absence. During the trial, Barrister Ali Zafar argued that his client’s rights were not being undermined and even suggested that it was a “jail trial,” given how the entire procedure was being rushed. (“Imran, Bushra acquittal pleas in Toshakhana-II case rejected,” The News International, 15 November 2024)
ECONOMY
IMF asks provinces to provide timelines on spending
On 14 November, the International Monetary Fund Mission (IMF) expressed concern over the province’s inability to generate the required income in the first fiscal as PKR 160 billion was collected against a target of PKR 342 billion. It has asked the provinces to provide a timeline for their contributions to the expenditure of the Higher Education Commission and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Among the IMF’s demands are: amendment of the Agriculture Income Tax (AIT), transition to Good and Service Taxes (GST) to overcome tax evasion, and raising revenues from the AIT and GST. Besides, provinces are also expected to implement a common system for property tax collection, reduce the tax compliance gap, and agree upon the expansion of the National Tax Council’s terms. They have also decided to contribute to the federations’ higher education initiatives and increasing spending in health and education programmes. Additionally, the IMF has asked the federal units and the centre to take note of the existing overlaps in the social protection programmes and the BISP. This action is sought to improve resource allocation and provide improved service delivery to beneficiaries. (“National fiscal pact: IMF asks provinces for timeline on HEC, BISP funding contribution,” The News International, 15 November 2024)
HEALTH
Polio toll reaches 49
On 15 November, The News International reported that another case of polio has been detected in Jaffarabad, Balochistan. This has taken the total number of polio cases this year to 49. The recent polio case was connected to the “WPV1 strain” that was found in Pishin in Balochistan in April 2024. A total of 24 polio cases were detected in Balochistan in 2024, making it the worst-impacted province in the country. (M.Waqar Bhatti, “49th polio case reported from Jaffarabad,” The News International, 15 November 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
National Climate Finance Strategy to combat climate-change released
On 14 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan has released its National Climate Finance Strategy”(NCFS) which entails the country’s blueprint to garner funding from international and domestic sources to combat the challenges posed by climate change. The press release saw the presence of Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb and Prime Minister’s Coordinator on climate change Romina Khurshid Alam. Secretary for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Coordination, Aisa Humera Moriani, enumerated three aims that the strategy aims to achieve which are increasing the strength of different sectors, explicating the functions of the institutions, and boosting the capability to acquire funds from different resources. Khurshid Alam pointed to the deficit of USD 348 billion which the country requires to achieve its goals of reducing carbon emissions by 2030. Pakistan aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent by the year 2030. Pakistan is expected to look for contributions from international sources, which would help it to reduce the emission by 35 percent out of the total targeted 50 per cent. Climate specialists from the World Bank have also applauded Pakistan’s efforts with the NCFS. (“Pakistan unveils National Climate Finance Strategy on sidelines of COP29,” Dawn, 14 November 2024)
SECURITY
PM to discuss the rise in terrorism in Balochistan and KP
On 15 November, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had decided to meet with the army and civil personnel to discuss the increasing rate of terror activities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting would see the presence of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, cabinet ministers of the federal government, and the four chief ministers. The meeting aims to deliberate upon the present situation and the current actions taken to combat terror activities. It is also anticipated that Imran Khan’s call for “final protest” and the attacks on Chinese nationals would be deliberated upon in the meeting. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Meeting of apex body called with terrorism on agenda,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
Armed men shoot tribal elder on Quetta-Karachi highway
On 15 November, Dawn reported that a caravan of tribal elders named Meharullah Muhammad Hasni was fired upon by armed men on the Quetta-Karachi highway. Police confirmed that security officials who were with the tribal elder retaliated to the firing. This resulted in the killing of the tribal elder and three more people. The DIG of Khuzdar stated that the firing which has not stopped till yet has led to the closure of traffic between Khuzdar and Karachi. (Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “Tribal elder, three others killed in Khuzdar armed clash,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
Terror attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue
On 15 November, Dawn reported that the security forces neutralized three terrorists in Harnai, Balochistan. However, two from the security forces also died due to an IED blast beside their vehicle. On another note, unknown “armed men” stopped a car and abducted two people in Ziarat, Balochistan after their identity cards revealed that they were from Punjab. Their dead bodies with bullets were recovered near Mangi Dam.
In North Waziristan, a blast led to the death of three women and two children. It also led to the devastation of houses which were beside the site of the explosion. The local residents stated that many others were still yet to be found and are possibly beneath the wreckage of the houses. Some sources have pointed the possibility of it being a “suicide attack” and that it was due to the animosity between two proscribed groups , theTehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and the Gul Bahadur group. (Saleem Shahid and Pazir Gul, “Major, soldier martyred in Harani blast,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
PROVINCES
Public Account Committee reveals discrepancies in the conduct of Irrigation department
On 15 November Dawn reported that the Public Account Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly pointed out misconduct in various dam projects supervised by the provincial irrigation department. PAC revealed that a project which initially was supposed to be completed using PKR 9 billion, was finished by the irrigation department using PKR 18 billion. PAC also pointed out that 100 dams were supposed to be constructed by the irrigation department by the year 2020, however, just 11 dams are fully constructed till now. PAC also pulled up the irrigation department for continuing to supply water to Lasbela Industrial Estate despite it not clearing PKR 247 million outstanding dues. (Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan PAC finds irregularities in dam projects,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan dismisses reports indicating Chinese pressure on Islamabad
On 14 November, Dawn reported that Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has confirmed that reports regarding China compelling Islamabad to participate in the “security efforts” in the country are purely speculative and are aimed to create dubiety. She suggested that the media must identify the motivations of the people involved in spreading speculations such as these. The statements came after there was an exchange of heated arguments between the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan and the Foreign Office regarding terror attacks on Chinese nationals, after which China had tried to pacify the situation. Foreign Office spokesperson stated that both countries can thwart any attempt that intends to create tensions in their relationship. (Abdullah Momand, “FO terms media reports on Pak-China joint security ‘motivated by agenda to create confusion’” Dawn, 14 November 2024)
“Speculative narratives serve only the interest of those attacking Pakistan” argues an editorial in The Nation
On 15 November, an editorial in The Nation titled “Irresponsible Speculation” discussed the speculations regarding Chinese pressure on Pakistan to make the former a part of the security operations in the country. The editorial stated that most of the assaults taking place in Balochistan have an objective of creating tensions between China and Pakistan and hampering China-initiated projects such as Gwadar and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The editorial emphasized that the rationale behind these groups carrying out terror attacks at airports and other state institutions is to weaken the ties between the two countries. It pointed out that the final objective of the groups is to create a divide between two countries that have historically been allies and have deep ties. The editorial concluded that the spreading of speculations benefits only those who want to destabilize Pakistan. It further suggests that “journalists, media professionals, and politicians” be vigilant so that their arguments do not cause tensions in Pakistan’s relations with other countries. (“Irresponsible Speculation,” The Nation, 15 November 2024)
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I met Imran Khan in jail in which he delivered 3 messages to the people. First is that all our leadership, every worker, supporter has to reach Islamabad on November 24. Second is that we have to be Tipu Sultan and not Bahadur Shah Zafar and thirdly we are not afraid of defeat.
Salman Niazi
- PTI
"Maryam Nawaz lies even where there is no need to lie. Another lie of hers has been exposed. The disease she is talking about can be treated in every city of Pakistan."
Asadullah Khan
- PTI
In the previous protest, Ali Amin Gandapur disappeared at the will of Imran Khan.
Federal Minister of Defense Khawaja Asif
- PMLN Digital
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"Total reliance on external support for succour is not a gamble that Pakistan can afford."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘Climate ambition gap.’
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