In Brief
POLITICS
Imran Khan makes party membership conditional over participation in the 24 November protest
On 20 November, Dawn reported that Imran Khan has put a condition in front of the party leaders and workers that either they take part in the 24 November protest or they disaffiliate themselves from the PTI. He further stated that those who won the elections on PTI’s ticket but cannot fight for its ideology do not deserve to be in the party. He applauded PTI leaders who have been imprisoned for their persistence. Imran Khan, however, maintained that he was open to talks with the establishment and has set three conditions for canceling the 24 November protest. First, he has demanded that the PTI must get all the seats it has won. Second, he has asked that the 26th constitutional amendment be repealed. Third, he has asked that all imprisoned political leaders be freed. (Malik Asad, “Imran okays talks with establishment ‘on PTI’s terms’,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
PML-N dismisses PTI’s conditions for cancelling 24 November protest
On 20 November, The News International reported that PML-N dismissed the conditions put by the PTI for canceling the 24 November protest. Imran Khan had issued a call for the “final protest” which would aim to register its dissent against the 8 February election results and imprisonment of party leaders and workers. In response, the government also has started its preparation to stop the protesters from reaching Islamabad. The administration in Islamabad has already enforced Section 144 in the capital. Islamabad Police has requested the federal government to deploy 5000 more Rangers and 4000 extra FC officials. In a GEO news programme where PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal and PTI’s Asad Qaiser were invited, the former conveyed that the government would not allow anyone to disturb the law and order situation. The latter, however, demanded the release of Imran Khan. He also alleged that the current government is headed by those who won elections only because of rigging. (“Govt vows no concession as PTI adamant on holding ‘final’ demonstration,” The News International, 20 November 2024)
“Both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary of how their posturing will be interpreted” regarding the 24 November protest, argues an editorial in Dawn
On 20 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Islamabad protest” described the preparations done by the Islamabad police in the wake of PTI’s call for the 24 November protest as being done on a war footing. The editorial pointed out how “thousands of security personnel, 1,200 containers, large quantities of anti-riot gear, thousands of rubber bullets and thousands of teargas guns and shells have been requisitioned” for the purpose. Additionally, Section 144 has also been imposed in Islamabad. The editorial highlighted that rather than sending the signal of preparation, the government is sending the signal of panic and giving credence to its image of being a “Containeristan.” However, while acknowledging that the PTI should be allowed to protest peacefully, the editorial criticized the party for terming the protests as “do or die” and for upping the rhetoric that might lead its cadres to believe they are “marching to ‘conquer’ Islamabad.” The editorial suggested that both sides should be cautious of the narrative that they are building. (“Islamabad protest,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
ECONOMY
ECC gives nod to discounted electricity prices for winter months
On 20 November, Dawn reported that the Economic Coordination Committee has given its assent to the proposition of giving rebates on electricity prices from December to January if the number of units used surpasses the units used in previous years. The scheme would apply to “residential, commercial, and industrial” users. The scheme is anticipated to bring a surge in consumption by 16 per cent. The concerned authorities in the electricity department had informed the ECC that the spike in electricity prices in addition to the difficult financial climate has led to a drop in electricity consumption by 6 per cent between December 2022 and January 2023. It also emphasized that similar schemes in the past have led to a surge in consumption as was seen in FY 20 where consumption surged by 16 per cent, in FY21 by 15 per cent, and in FY22 by 14 per cent. The surge in consumption in the winter months would lead to the correct use of “system generation capacity.” (Khaleeq Kiani, “ECC approves winter power package to spur demand,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
Agriculture Income Tax has the potential to generate PKR 65 billion: FES report
On 20 November, The News International reported that Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) had come up with a report regarding the imposition of taxes on the agricultural sector of Pakistan. The report mentions that if similar rates of taxes are levied on the agricultural sector of the country, the total tax which is termed as Agriculture Income Tax (AIT) would amount to roughly PKR 65 billion. The calculations done in the FES report have considered 2010 data. The International Monetary Fund has compelled the government to impose taxes on the agricultural sector which is on par with other sectors in the country. However, only the Punjab assembly has given its assent to the AIT bill. Farhatullah Babar, an erstwhile senator has argued for cessation of all kinds of tax rebates that are currently being availed by the privileged civil and military officials. He stated that though these would consist of only a few individuals, it would give a strong message that everyone was equal before the law and that there would be no exemptions. (Mehtab Haider, “Rs65bn can be generated through agri income tax: report,” The News International, 20 November 2024)
“People are paying to finance a large, dysfunctional administration and loss-making state businesses,” highlights an editorial in Dawn
On 20 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “PIA uncertainty” questioned the incumbent government’s intent to privatize PIA and disinvest other state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The editorial pointed out, without taking names, that despite outwardly vocal support, the current prime minister and some high-profile figures in the PML-N are “not big on the idea of a leaner and smarter government.” This has fuelled skepticism around the government’s commitment despite the privatization minister’s recent reassurance that the failed attempt to sell PIA was due to a “flawed framework” rather than a lack of commitment. The editorial, however, pointed out that there has been a general lack of progress on other fronts: like the plans to reduce the size of government, merge ministries, and privatize other loss-making SOEs which are huge burdens on the budget. While acknowledging that governments must be relatively free to pursue their policies, the editorial cautioned that it is important to take cognizance of the burden these loss-making enterprises and a “large, dysfunctional administration” have on the public exchequer and the people. (“PIA uncertainty,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
SOCIETY
P@SHA Chairman warns of VPN ban's fallouts
On 20 November, The News International reported the concerns expressed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) over recent restrictions put on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN). P@SHA is a top body that represents the IT sector of the country. He warned that the present slowing down of the internet and restricting the use of VPNs will adversely impact the IT industry in Pakistan. He further alerted that these actions might result in huge monetary losses, loss in reputation, and disrupt the services in exportation of IT services. He stated that putting restrictions on the use of VPNs would dismantle the working of IT firms and call centers, which might result in them losing fortune 500 customers. He said, “VPNs are a global standard for ensuring data protection and cyber security, which are critical to our clients.” He also highlighted the importance of the IT sector in the economy of the country by pointing towards USD 3.2 billion worth of exports in FY24. He also warned that these measures might lead International and Pakistan’s own companies to move out of the country. (“VPN ban threatens IT industry survival, warns P@SHA,” The News International, 20 November 2024)
SECURITY
Multiple militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leave several security officials dead
On 20 November, Dawn reported that the exchange of gunfire between militants and security officials in Tirah valley resulted in the death of eight security officials. Three other security officials sustained injuries while nine militants were neutralized. The numbers were, however, not confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations. Shop owners of Tirah valley held a protest thereafter where they called for peace and remuneration for their shops which were vandalized due to mortar shelling. Separately, on 19 November, a suicide attack in Bannu resulted in the death of many security officials. As per some sources, the number of security officials who died was roughly around seven. (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Over dozen security men martyred in separate KP attacks,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
Apex committee approves full blown operation against terror groups in Balochistan
On 19 November, the Army received the consent of the National Action Plan apex board to launch a full-scale military campaign in Balochistan to combat terrorism in the province. The Apex committee also pledged to reinvigorate the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) to contain the threat of increasing terrorism. PM Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to demolish the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army which has claimed responsibility for many attacks in the last few months. The apex committee also gave its consent regarding army operations against other proscribed militant organizations such as Majeed Brigade, Balochistan Liberation Army, Balochistan Liberation Front, and Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Govt unveils plan to crush militancy in Balochistan,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif expresses contentment over enactment of MoUs signed with Saudi Arabia
On 20 November, Dawn reported that PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his contentment over the enactment of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Saudi Arabia which is expected to bring an investment of USD 2.8 billion into the country. In his meeting with the deputy interior minister of Saudi Arabia, PM Sharif expressed his gratitude towards Saudi Arabia’s government and its leadership for continuing to back Pakistan. He also pointed out that sides were working in tandem to expand “mutually beneficial” economic and investment cooperation. PM Sharif expressed willingness to host Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his country. (“Implementation of USD 2.8bn Saudi MOUs,” Dawn, 20 November 2024)
US issues strong condemnation regarding surge in terror attacks in Pakistan
On 20 November, The News International reported that the US has expressed strong condemnation regarding the surge in militant attacks in Pakistan and expressed its solidarity towards the country. US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller has assured Pakistan of his country’s commitment towards assisting the latter in combating the threat of terrorism. Expressing his sympathy towards those who lost their relatives he said “The Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed or impacted by recent attacks.” He highlighted the current “counter-terrorism partnership” with Pakistan that aims to reinforce the country’s civil and armed forces’ abilities through dialogue and discussions. He, however, remained silent on launching operations against terror camps based in Afghanistan and called for “bilateral cooperation.” Miller further added that “Miller noted: “We continue to have an important bilateral counterterrorism partnership with the Government of Pakistan, and it includes regular high-level dialogues.” (“US condemns recent rise in terrorist attacks in Pakistan,” The News International, 20 November 2024)
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After 2 years of crushing economic difficulties we are finally seeing signs of emerging economic recovery. The most exciting prospect is the IT sector which is exhibiting strong export growth. This growth is being threatened by the disastrous implementation of internet controls. If we do not resolve this problem urgently we may derail the emerging tech sector for years.
- Asad Umar
Enslaved nations eventually die, so as a nation we should be ready to choose death over slavery, the call for protest on November 24 is not only for Tehreek-e-Insaf, but for the entire nation,
Imran Khan
- PTI
In the Apex Committee, the Prime Minister made it clear that national development and protests cannot go together.
Senior Analyst Muneeb Farooq
- PMLN Digital
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"Installing firewalls and limiting digital services will not help resolve the crisis the state faces."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘At war with itself.’
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