In Brief
POLITICS
“Respecting its coalition partner’s contributions and addressing its legitimate concerns is not just a political necessity but also a moral imperative,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 16 November, an editorial titled “Coalition politics” in The News International discussed the growing tensions between the parties in the coalition government led by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PMLN) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). In a recent statement Chairman of the PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized the federation for going against their pact. The latter had failed to provide equal representation of the Sindh province, led by the PPP government. Both sides have had “sticking points” on various issues such as the non-equitable nomination of judicial heads on the basis of provincial representation, distribution of the NFC Award, resources, and climate change funds. This in turn raises the question of whether or not the government has been conducting equitable politics and the fairness of its governance approach. The editorial observes how both party’s ideological inclinations were not aligned and how they were bound to come to surface one way or another. At this critical juncture, the PMLN cannot afford to disregard the PPP, its “critical partner.” The PPP has tried to engage the government in political deliberations and consensus-building practices, however, the PMLN’s “reluctance to fulfill its commitments reflects a worrying willingness to cede political space.” In this regard, the editorial urges the government to build trust with its political partner, otherwise, it would risk creating “political instability” in Pakistan. ("Coalition politics,” The News International, 16 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
IHC dismisses NAB's charges in the GBP 190 million corruption case
On 15 November, the Islamabad High Court issued an order pertaining to the Former-Prime Minister, Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi’s pleas for exoneration in the GBP 190 million corruption case. The corruption case filed against the couple is linked to Khan’s decisions during his term. At the hearing, the IHC dismissed the National Accountability of Bureau’s framed charges. It instructed the charges filed under Section 265-K of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to be reviewed and determine whether these charges were substantiated with any evidence. Separately, the NAB adjourned its decision in the corruption case till 18 November. Responding to this development Khan denounced the NAB for carrying out a “flawed” trial.(Malik Asad, "Trial court asked to decide Imran’s acquittal pleas in £190m case,” Dawn, 16 November 2024)
Chief Justice Afridi examines progress on jail reform policy
On 16 November, Dawn reported that an online meeting was held between Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and other stakeholders as a follow-up of his ‘National Jail Reform Policy.’ He sought suggestions from various entities and emphasized the need to include the Lahore High Court, the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), and the police and prison departments to facilitate the sub-committee. It was decided that the sub-committee’s coordinator along with others would visit the Punjab’s jails and create a report after consulting various stakeholders. Separately, the CJ visited the Supreme Court premises to look into the administrative efficiency of the court. It was aimed at addressing the business processes and looking for areas of improvement in service delivery, he issued orders to carry out measures to cater to all sections of the society. (Nasir Iqbal, "CJP Afridi reviews progress on jail reform, focuses on improvements in justice system,” Dawn, 16 November 2024)
Constitutional bench can exercise suo motu jurisdiction
On 15 November, during the hearing of an anti-terrorism case taken up by the constitutional bench, Supreme Court Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar endorsed the apex court’s suo motu authority. At the hearing, Advocate Munir Paracha argued that the court had no power to initiate a suo motu notice. To this Justice Mazhar responded: “The procedure may have changed, but the Supreme Court still retains the power to take suo motu notice. The only difference is that such cases are now heard by the Constitutional Bench.” He added that the 26th Amendment bench had the authority to hear cases and carry out suo motu proceedings. ("Constitutional bench can also take suo motu notice: SC judge,” The Express Tribune, 15 November 2024)
SECURITY
PTA announces mobile and internet suspension, cites security concerns
On 15 November, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced a shutdown of mobile and internet services in the Balochistan province due to a surge in terror activity. The PTA has not provided a timeline as to when the temporary suspension will be lifted. However, the authority explained that it was being implemented to “ensure public safety given the security situation” in various parts of the province in its statement. This development comes as Balochistan grapples with a declining security situation. In the previous week, a railway station bomb blast killed 24 and injured 45 people. According to the province Inspector General, the attack was targeted towards army personnel from the Infantry School. In this regard, the provincial government announced a provincial action plan aimed at increasing governance and security across the region. (“Internet services suspended in parts of Balochistan amid security concerns,” The Express Tribune, 15 November 2024; (Nadir Guramani, “Mobile internet services suspended in certain areas of Balochistan to ‘ensure public safety’, says PTA,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
COAS calls for regulations to control “freedom of speech”
On 15 November, while speaking at the Margalla Dialogue 2024 in Islamabad, on the theme of “Pakistan’s role in peace and stability,” Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir remarked that uncontrolled “freedom of speech” has led to distortion of “moral values.” He stated that modern technology has led to the ease in promulgation of misinformation. He added that untrue information and “hate speech,” if not brought under the ambit of law would incessantly weaken the political and social fabric of the country. He observed that “social media” was misused to spread chaos and untrue news directed against the army.
Speaking about the security situation at the border between Pakistan-Afghanistan he stated strong border management control systems have been put in place to curb the flow of terror. He even called upon the Taliban to stop providing terrorist groups a haven. (“Unrestricted freedom of speech contributing to degradation of moral values in societies: army chief,” Dawn, 15 November 2024; “‘Fitna al-Khwarij has become a hub for global terror organisations and proxies’: COAS,” The Express Tribune, 15 November 2024)
ECONOMY
KSE index rises to 94,763.64 points
On 15 November, the Karachi Stock Exchange index climbed by 0.57 per cent or 532.44 points at 1100 hours, 768.01 points at 1206 hours and stopped by a rise of 571.75 points, a bullish market at 94,763.64 points. According to Topline Securities chief executive, Mohammed Sohail, this upward progression in the stock market is due to the lowering of the monetary rate, resulting in “non-stop buying of local funds.” He also attributed it to the International Monetary Fund mission’s visit, a display of economic stability. From Arif Habib Corp, Ahsan Mehanti opined that the stock exchange was doing well as there is no fear of the mini-budget under the Extended Facility Fund programme. Separately, the director of research at Chase Securities stated that due to decreased returns on fixed-income mutual funds, investors have redirected their investments to equities. He observed that the current market has seen a shift in participation. An increase in online accounts has promoted participation there is also a shift towards equity mutual funds from fixed-income sources. (Mahir Sarfaraz, "New record high at PSX with 500-point rally,” (Dawn, 15 November 2024; “Stocks at record over easing mini-budget fears,” The Express Tribune, 16 November 2024)
Agriculture income tax to be implemented from 2025
On 16 November, according to The News International Pakistan has confirmed that it would implement the Agriculture Income Tax starting from January 2025. Sources have revealed that the provincial governments have started working on the legislation and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to introduce a bill in the legislature. This development comes as Pakistan missed the October 2024 deadline for approval of the AIT as a part of the International Monetary Fund’s demands. While the IMF reviewed the measures taken by provinces on the AIT, the delegation learned that so far PKR 8 billion has been collected from the agriculture taxes and that there a was potential of PKR 2,300 billion in annual earning. (“Agriculture income to be taxed from Jan 2025, IMF told,” The News International, 16 November 2024
Blue World City’s PKR 10 billion bid to acquire 60 percent share in PIA dismissed
On 15 November, Dawn reported that the bid of Blue World City to have 60 per cent share in Pakistan International Airlines which was PKR 75 billion short of the “minimum price” set by the government was dismissed by the Private Commission’s board. Cabinet Committee on Privatization(CCOP) has agreed upon the “recommendations provided by the Private Commission’s board. CCOP has yet again conveyed its intent to “divest” Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited by either privatizing it or “Government to Government mode.” In addition to that CCOP has established a committee which would be headed by “minister of state for finance” to look out for the options available for privatizing “PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in USA.” (Tahir Sherani, “Cabinet committee endorses Privatisation Commission’s rejection of Rs 10 bn bid for PIA stake,” Dawn, 15 November 2024)
PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Extreme weather in Gilgit Baltistan creates havoc for tourists and locals
On 16 November, Dawn reported that high-altitude regions of Gilgit Baltistan witnessed “heavy snowfall” which led to disruption in communication and left tourists stranded in “Khunjerab Pass”. Temperatures in GB dropped to -14 degrees Celsius. There were also reports of Baltistan Road being choked because of falling rocks at Roundu. “Warnings” have been issued for more “heavy snowfall in Hunza, Nagarm, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, and Ghanche” and people are advised to maintain precautions. (Jamil Nagri, “Heavy snowfall disrupts life in Giglit-Baltitstan,” Dawn 16 November 2024)
SOCIETY
Interior Ministry urges telecommunication authority to ban VPN use
On 15 November, the Interior Ministry called upon the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block Virtual Private Network (VPN) in Pakistan. In a letter to the PTA, the interior ministry stated that are being exploited by terror entities to promote violence and even being used to “access pornographic and blasphemous contents.” The letter called for only illegal VPNs to be banned as they are being employed to "conceal their communications. "This development comes as the internet users complained of low connectivity. On the same day, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) announced the use of VPNs as illegal. While expressing support to the government the CII chairman announced it was "strictly prohibited" to access "immoral or illegal content.” (Umaid Ali & Kalbe Ali, “Interior Ministry demands VPNs blockage, claims it is used by ‘terrorists to facilitate violent activities’,” Dawn, 15 November 2024; “Interior ministry orders ban on unregistered VPNs,” The Express Tribune, 15 November 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
Lockdown announced in Lahore and Multan to tackle the smog problem
On 15 November, The Express Tribune reported that the Punjab Government has issued orders for imposing a lockdown in Lahore and Multan amid the smog problem in the region. The two cities would see a lockdown from Friday to Sunday. Punjab Minister Mariyum Aurangzeb informed that the two cities are facing a “health emergency” due to which “schools and universities” are instructed to switch to “online classes.” Doctors and medical staff are also instructed to cancel their holidays. She further informed initiation of the “Detox Lahore” campaign which would direct the restaurants to switch to only “takeaway services” post 4 PM and “Brick kilns and furnace-based firms” would not operate for a week. Mariyum Aurangzeb clarified that the measures are only for a short duration and that the government is deliberating upon a “3-month action plan” for the coming year to reduce the menace of smog. (“Smog crisis: Lockdown, health emergency imposed in Punjab cities,” The Express Tribune, 15 November 2024)
"Punjab government must address primary pollution sources: a rickety transport, infrastructure, industrial emissions and urban sprawl" suggests an editorial in Dawn
On 16 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Breathless Punjab” discusses the need for substantial reforms that the government must initiate to tackle the problem of smog in the country. The editorial mentions how the Air Quality Index of Lahore and Multan have worsened with both cities surpassing the 1000 level. The editorial highlights how the spike in pollution has led to an increase in health issues such as “asthma, conjunctivitis, and heart diseases” etc endured by citizens. The editorial argues that steps taken by the Punjab Government such as closing down schools, restricting “recreational activities,” and providing farmers with super-seeder would not address the problem substantially. Instead, the editorial suggests making improvements in public transport and tightening the emission protocols. It further suggests moving the industries in the city to the outskirts, imposition of “Euro-V fuel standards,” increasing the green area, and building “air quality networks.” It also advises the citizens to introduce changes in their lifestyle and cut down their emissions. (“Breathless Punjab,” Dawn, 16 November 2024)
SPORTS
Speculation of a new hybrid formula for ICC Champions Trophy
On 15 November, The Express Tribune reported that sources have hinted new proposal that is underway which might be agreeable to both the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Pakistan Cricket Board. It is anticipated that the proposal might appeal to India to play one of its three group matches in Lahore. Thereafter, India would play its semifinal match in UAE depending upon its qualification. If India qualifies for the finals, it has to play the same in Lahore. Pakistan would also look to demand additional revenue to overcome the losses it faced due to India not wanting to play in Pakistan. (Muhammad Yousaf Anjum, “Can the India-Pakistan standoff over Champions Trophy 2025 be ended?,” The Express Tribune, 15 November 2024)
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Imran Khan's performance is zero, he has nothing to tell the nation.
President Muslim League (N) Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
- PMLN Digital
For the first time, the Punjab government has made a 10-year plan to eradicate smog.
~ Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb's important press conference
- PMLN Digital
If not now, when will you leave!
November 24, 2024
Islamabad
- PTI
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"The reality is that insurgents have drawn strength from the very policies intended to curtail them."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘No quick fixes in Balochistan.’
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