NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : The News International
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI pins hope on the Trump administration
On 7 November, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader, Zulfi Bukhari said that he was confident that “Trump’s team” would pay heed to the injustices against the incarcerated Former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. In response, Minister of Defence, Khwaja Asif tweeted on X. He reflected on the times the US pressurized Pakistan and how it did not yield to it. He wrote the US urged the country not to conduct nuclear tests in 1998 and even the time when Nawaz Sharif had refused USD 5 billion and carried out nuclear explosions. He further stated that Pakistan was willing to seek bilateral ties with the US, however, it would “disagree with it when necessary.”
On 6 November, PTI’s Ali Muhammad announced that Khan was positive of the newly elected US President Donald Trump’s return to power. On a Geo News programme, Ali noted the state of their shared cordial ties during the former PM and President’s tenure, as opposed to the discord that prevailed during the Biden administration. He added that some of the PTI was now hopeful of Imran Khan’s release as the Trump administration is “a good development.” He said: "The overseas chapter, which had campaigned for Khan sahib's release, believes that once Trump is in power, it will make things easier for Imran or at least, there will be reduction in the negativity that was under the Biden administration.”
Speaking on a private channel on 5 November, Khwaja claimed that the PTI has been trying to approach foreign states to influence Pakistan’s government to release Khan from jail and shift him to their country.
Responding to the PTI’s hopes pinned upon the Trump administration, Khwaja stated that the government does not expect the US President’s return to power to initiate the release of Khan. (“Imran foresees 'positivity' in Trump's return to White House ,” The News International, 7 November 2024; “PTI making efforts to send Imran abroad, claims Khawaja Asif,” The News International, 6 November 2024; “PML-N, PTI clash over Trump's influence,” The Express Tribune, 8 November 2024)
KP CM files FIR against Islamabad Police for “raiding” provincial assembly
On 7 November, according to The News International, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur administration filed a first information report (FIR) against an inspector general of police and 600 other security officials of Islamabad for “raiding” the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. In the FIR, they were accused of “terrorism, vandalism, and theft.” It was alleged that they caused more than PKR 10 billion in damage to the KP house. A Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Faisal Amin Gandapur, announced that the FIR was filed at the Islamabad High Court against the Islamabad police. Furthermore, Advocate General Shah Faisal Uthmankhel stated that it was filed under Article 179 as a crime scene.(“KP House 'raid': Gandapur-led govt to take legal action against Islamabad police chief ,” The News International, 7 November 2024)
Opposition leader condemns government for “mini-budget” plans and extending army official’s tenure
On 7 November, speaking at the Peshawar High Court, the leader of the opposition at the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, condemned the government for introducing a mini-budget. He argued about the government's inability to meet the International Monetary Fund (IMF) targets as it relied on inaccurate data linked to the state of the country's economy. Reflecting upon a finance committee meeting on 17 September, he stated that he had warned the government of being unable to meet the IMF goals. He commented: “The government has no solution for the soaring prices and the prevailing uncertainty in the country.” Speaking on the recently amended law which extended the tenure of the armed forces, he said: “This matter should have been debated in the defence committee of the assembly before the amendments were passed.” (“Opposition leader flays govt over ‘mini-budget’ plans ,” Dawn, 7 November 2024)
“Pakistan cannot afford to let intimidation become an accepted norm,” suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 8 November, an editorial titled “Rule by fear,” discussed the recent abduction of an opposition leader in the National Assembly and how it stirs a sense of distrust among the general public. The editorial questioned why the government resorts to such “heavy-handed methods” when it has passed legislation such as the 26th Amendment, which brought about significant changes to the judiciary. The Supreme Court mandates that without a warrant, no person can be taken from their house unless mentioned in an FIR. However, this protocol is "rarely" practiced. The editorial also comments on the ineffective role of the parliamentary committee. The committee was constituted to protect parliamentarians after members of the opposition were abducted from the house a few months back.
Seeing such figures treated with little regard “shatters trust in the state’s ability to uphold the law.” In its conclusion, the editorial said: “These extrajudicial practices replace rule of law with rule by fear.” (“Rule by fear,” Dawn, 8 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
CJP constitutes committee to address judicial backlog
On 7 November, after a series of meetings, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi constituted a committee of judges and experts to find a way to clear 59,435 pending cases in the Supreme Court and over 3000 cases in terrorism and revenue special tribunes. The CJP instructed to conduct a “diagnostic study” to implement short and medium-term plans to resolve the issue. Some of the key components of the plan aim at accelerating adjudication, forming a high level committee and increasing stakeholder engagement. The CJP expressed concern over the fact that 3,496 tax and revenue cases were pending, thereby stalling the recovery of PKR 97 billion. The CJP called for shortening the duration of the cases and even sought support from the Bar to schedule the fiscal cases. The committee is responsible for proposing recommendations for reforms in deciding how to categorize fiscal cases, and reduce the length of the case durations and the existing backlogs. In a separate meeting, the CJP reviewed the Anti-Terrorism Court’s performance and emphasized on hastening the judicial process in order to provide swift justice as 2,273 ATC cases are pending across Pakistan. (Nasir Iqbal, “Plans set in motion to clear judicial backlog,” Dawn, 8 November 2024)
Government hikes salaries and allowances of SC and HC judges
On 7 November, according to the News International, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification regarding the revision of salaries and allowances to Supreme Court judges. This development comes days after the strength of the apex court and the Islamabad high court increased through the Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The notification stated that SC judges' salaries were raised to PKR 350,000 from PKR 68,000. Their allowances were also raised to PKR 1,161,163 from PKR 428040. Similarly, even the salaries and allowances of high court judges were increased. Their allowances rose from PKR 342,431 to PKR 1,090,434, and incomes were raised to the same denominator as the SC judges'. (Arafa Feroz Zake & Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai, “Govt notifies hefty hike in salaries, allowances for superior judiciary judges,” The News International, 7 November 2024)
PTI leader files petition against ECP for not conducting Senate polls
On 6 November, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader, Azam Khan Swati, moved the Peshawar High Court to conduct Senate polls in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In his petition, Swati contended that he was a contestant for the Senate Elections 2024. He urged the court to declare the Election Commission's decisions on 26 March and 2 April 2024 as illegal. He explained that the ECP had first postponed the Senate polls because the speaker of the provincial house had yet to administer oaths for reserved seats to members of the opposition party. In the first order, the ECP postponed its decision on the Senate polls, explaining that the failure to administer oaths minority members of the opposition were yet to administer their oaths. However, on 2 April, the ECP officially declared that no polls would be as the people were still not administered their oaths, while Senate polls were conducted across all other provinces.(Saleem Shahid, “PTI leader moves court for Senate polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Dawn, 7 November 2024)
SECURITY
Militants throw grenade at primary girl’s school building in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 7 November, Dawn reported that a primary girl’s school under construction in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was under attack from unidentified militants. The militants threw a grenade directed at the school building that blew up with a loud noise. It, however, had not resulted in any casualty. The police had reportedly reached the site of the attack, gathered “evidence” and initiated an inquiry into it. (“Under-construction girls school attacked in Bannu,” Dawn, 7 November 2024)
Unidentified persons set activist group's camp ablaze
On 6 November, unknown persons were reported to have set the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons' main camp situated on the Adalat road near the Quetta Press Club on fire. The VBMP was set up to address issues related to enforced disappearances of civilians, students, and political activists and even demonstrated a march from Karachi to Islamabad on foot. According to the VBMP Vice Chairman Mama Qadeer, no one was inside when the camp was ignited, however, it was damaged on three sides. Mama Qadeer stated that it was the third time the camp was set on fire. He called upon the police to arrest the culprits. He added that such sabotaging activities would not drive them away from their "peaceful struggle for the recovery of missing persons." (Saleem Shahid, “Missing persons’ camp burnt down in Quetta,” Dawn, 7 November 2024)
ECONOMY
Ministry of Finance urges all ministries to comply with cabinet’s “cost-cutting” instructions
On 8 November, Dawn reported that the Ministry of Finance has reminded “all ministries and their respective divisions” to comply with the cabinet’s instructions on “cost cutting.” Out of a total 40 ministries, around 24 of them have not made any concrete changes. The cabinet, on 27 August had authorized annulment of all posts which are neither permanent nor in office cadre that are known as “contingency posts.” In October, less than 5000 posts were eliminated and less than 2000 were termed as “dying posts.” The “right-sizing” policy in October instructed all ministries to contract out “general and non-core services.” (Khaleeq Kiani, “Ministries asked to comply with cost-cutting plans,” Dawn, 8 November 2024)
PROVINCES
Gilgit Baltistan: PM Shehbaz promises on development of education
On 8 November, The News International reported that PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of the part played by the private sector in the advancement of education. The article stated that he recently initiated the construction of Ramday University in Ghanche district, Gilgit Baltistan (GB). While addressing a ceremony, the PM said: “The establishment of an institution of higher learning in a remote area like Ghanche in Gilgit-Baltistan is highly encouraging.” He added that the welfare of the people of the province is the government’s top priority. He also announced the “Gilgit-Baltistan Education and Endowment Fund,” which would go towards supporting outstanding students from the region so that they can also contribute to Paksitan's development. (“Private sector’s role in education vital, says PM” The News International, 8 November 2024)
Huge demonstration in Kurram to protest closure of roads
On 7 November, the extended closure of roads in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa led to huge demonstrations in the region. Dozens lost their lives in tribal clashes. According to media reports, there was a scarcity of food supplies, medications, and other necessary goods in a region which houses 500,000 people. Tribal heads of the region had confirmed that the demonstration was not targeted against any tribe but against inefficiencies of the government in ensuring security of the residents and travelers. (“Massive protest in Kurram against closure of roads,” Dawn, 8 November 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
“Largest province of the country is now choking on its own toxic fumes, struggling to breathe” points an editorial in Dawn
On 8 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Climate realities” discussed the dire state of the environment in Punjab. The editorial noted how the Air Quality Index of Lahore surpassed the 1000 mark, on 6 November. The Punjab government to tackle the problem had ordered to shut down educational establishments and restricted road congestion in Lahore. It also made compulsory use of masks and ordered that 50 per cent of employees in both government and private firms must “work from home.” The editorial argued that the Punjab government’s initiatives to tackle air pollution such as “green lockdowns” and announcing “climate calamity” are not working. Hence, it suggested the condition of public transport be amended to prevent people from using their vehicles. Further, it called for unauthorizing polluting firms from operating in densely populated areas. (“Climate realities,” Dawn, 8 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
Interior Minister vows to improve security measures for Chinese nationals in Pakistan
On 7 November, The News International reported that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had conveyed to China’s Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to tighten the security arrangements for providing safety to Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Further, he provided assurances to the ambassador that a fair investigation would be conducted in the recent attack on the Chinese nationals. Recently, two Chinese nationals in Karachi were seriously injured after a security official opened fire on them. The Interior Minister promised that Islamabad would ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, especially, those who are involved in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. PM Shehbaz assured the Chinese that he was himself tracking the “investigation process” so as to bring the culprits under the ambit of law. (“Interior minister assures Chinese envoy of additional security measures for citizens,” The News International, 7 November 2024)
Foreign Office stresses on importance of “non-interference” in US-Pak ties
On 7 November, the Foreign Office announced that Pakistan and the US ties should be on the basis of “mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch refuted the claims that the incoming Donald Trump administration would force the Pakistani government to release Imran Khan and termed it as “speculative.” She claimed that these rumors were being spread by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s US chapter. PTI’s Raoof Hasan had, however, dismissed the speculations of the party being optimistic about Imran Khan’s release post-Donald Trump’s victory in the elections. The Foreign Office Spokesperson also confirmed that the change in the US government would not affect Pakistan’s ties with China. On a separate note, she informed that PM Shehbaz would be traveling to Saudi Arabia to attend the “second Joint Arab-Islamic Summit,” scheduled for 11 November.(Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan eyes strong ties with Trump admin,” Dawn, 8 November 2024; Azaz Syed, “Pakistan stresses ties with US based on ‘mutual respect, non-interference,’” The News International, 7 November 2024; Kamran Yousaf, “’Non-interference will define Pak-US ties under Trump: FO,” The Express Tribune, 8 November 2024)
INDIA VIEW
“Ignoring the mandate of federating units would make central government authoritarian and undemocratic” says an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 8 November, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “IIOJK’s special status” discussed the resolution passed by the recently elected Jammu and Kashmir government to repeal the scrapping of Article 370. The editorial argues that the Jammu and Kashmir assembly represents the people of the region. Hence, the state government’s demand to restore Article 370 represents the people’s will. It points out that the resolution stands opposite to what Prime Minister Modi said about the people of the region who, according to him, wanted abrogation of Article 370. The editorial claims the ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party, headed by Prime Minister Modi to be an “authoritarian and undemocratic populism” and that it would not come as a surprise if they did not pay heed to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly's demands. (“IIOJK’s special status,” The Express Tribune, 8 November 2024)
“If BJP administration were to shed its rigidity and listen to Kashmiris, it could pave the way to resumption of political process in Jammu and Kashmir” claims an editorial in Dawn
On 8 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “IHK resolution” called for the restoration of Article 370. The editorial noted how the northeastern part of India could enjoy distinct status as prescribed by the constitution to preserve their “culture and diversity.” Why couldn’t the same apply to Jammu and Kashmir, the editorial questioned. It claimed that through the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian government has tried to change the region's demography. The editorial notes how the "pro-independence parties" and those aligned with New Delhi have spoken out against the repeal of Article 370. Hence, it called upon the relevant parties to meet these demands. As a consequence, it would open doors for India to have cordial ties with Pakistan and also help improve bilateral relations between the two. In its conclusion, the editorial stated that the Jammu and Kashmir assembly resolution, offered "New Delhi a face-saving option to restore Kashmir’s autonomy, as the administration can say it is only responding to popular demand." (“IHK resolution,” Dawn, 8 November 2024)
|
|
|
|
|
