In Brief
POLITICS
Federal government gears up for PTI’s 24 November protest
On 19 November, The News International reported that the federal government ordered the deployment of Rangers and more Frontier Constabulary to tackle the PTI protesters who are planning to march towards Islamabad on 24 November. In addition, the capital administration on 18 November, also enforced Section 144 in Islamabad for two months. As a result of Section 144, people will not be allowed to carry out any protests, and it will also not allow individuals to assemble in public places. PTI spokesperson Muhammad Ali Saif, however, expressed confidence that these government restrictions can be circumvented to carry out the protests, pointing out that earlier protests had happened despite similar restrictions. (Arshad Aziz Malik, Ayaz Akbar Yousufzai and Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Govt chalks out plan to deal with PTI protest,” The News International, 19 November 2024)
Imran Khan calls VPN ban an attack on freedom of speech
On 19 November, Dawn reported that Imran Khan has expressed his disappointment towards the government’s restrictions on VPN use. In this regard, he has accused the federal government of attacking people’s right to express themselves freely. He further claimed that the bans on social media and VPNs have caused Pakistan to lose a lot of money, with people being unable to retrieve information. On comments by foreign governments regarding internal issues of Pakistan, Imran Khan stated that it was the policies of the current government that had created this situation and he did not see it as “foreign interference.” Further, he urged people to come in big numbers for the 24 November protest. (Malik Asad, “Imran flays move to ban VPNs, asks people to join protest on 24th,” Dawn, 19 November)
Source hints at backchannel talks between PTI and the government
On 19 November, The News International reported that one of its sources pointed to back-channel talks between the PTI and the government regarding the 24 November protest. As per the source, PTI might decide to cancel the 24 November protest in exchange for some commitments from the government regarding their demands. It is anticipated that the army would not intervene in any possible future negotiations between the PTI and the government, however, the government would need prior approval from the army before committing anything to the PTI. PTI has already been run down with its difficulties and there are talks in the party which advocate for putting an end to the strategy of targeting the army establishment. (Ansar Abbasi, “High-level contact established between PTI, govt,” The News International, 19 November 2024)
ECONOMY
Foreign investment in Pakistan remains low
On 19 November, Dawn reported that the State Bank of Pakistan has revealed that there has been a spike in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by 32 per cent. This amounted to USD 904 million for July-October FY 25 in comparison to the previous USD 683 million in July-October FY 24. Experts have however shown concern for the low volume of FDI. Foreign investments in October have come down by 20 per cent annually amounting to a mere USD 132 million. The situation seemed grim when one observes that 46 per cent of FDI was received from only one country which was China. It is anticipated, as per the sources, that the worsening of law and order in the country has turned foreign investors reluctant to invest in the country. They stated the terror attacks in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other areas have created a negative image of the country’s security situation in the eyes of foreign investors. (“Foreign investment falls 20 pc in Oct,” Dawn, 19 November 2024)
Deputy PM-led committee decides to sell 35 per cent of recently found gas reserves
On 19 November, Dawn reported that 35 per cent of the gas reserves which were recently found would be put on sale to private firms. It was decided by a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. This will help in bringing USD 4 to 5 billion worth of investment and lessen the burden upon Exploration and Production (E&P) companies in finding funds. In January, the Council of Common Interest (CCI) which encompasses all the chief ministers permitted the E&P firms to put the reserves on sale for private parties to buy. However, two public sector firms Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company have been trying to revoke CCI’s mandate. However, Dar confirmed that CCI’s decision cannot be changed. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Sale of 35 pc new gas reserves okayed after 11 months,” Dawn, 19 November 2024)
Federal government looks for IMF’s approval to facilitate PIA’s sale
On 19 November, The News International reported that the federal government is seeking consent from the International Monetary Fund(IMF) regarding the waiving of PKR 26 billion worth of tax to facilitate the sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The potential investors have demanded from the federal government that it must waive PKR 26 billion worth of tax, transfer the ownership of the PIA property in Islamabad, and exempt PKR 10 billion worth of “financing costs.” Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has confirmed that it has communicated the demands to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Ministry of Finance. However, both the FBR and the Ministry of Finance have dismissed the propositions. Privatization Minister Aleem Khan while replying to criticism by PML-N’s Talal Chaudhry over the delay in the sale of PIA stated that privatizing an airline is a complicated process and would require time. Aleem Khan was also not happy with the EY’s consultation and stated a new consultant would be recruited for the sale of PIA. (Israr Khan, “Govt seeks IMF nod for Rs 26bn tax exemption to privatise PIA,” The News International, 19 November 2024)
PM Sharif demands prompt action against tax dodgers
On 19 November, Dawn reported that PM Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the relevant authorities to take prompt action against the tax dodgers. He stated that every sector must comply with tax laws which would contribute towards the progress of the country. He claimed that the economy of the country was on an uptick and the volume of foreign investment showcased the trust in policies of the government. PM Sharif expressed satisfaction over the inflation rate dropping down to seven per cent from a previous 38 per cent. He also confirmed that the interest rate would drop to 15 per cent which would encourage more business ventures and aid in job creation. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz wants action against tax evaders expedited,” Dawn, 19 November 2024)
SOCIETY
30 November set as deadline for registration of commercial VPNs
On 19 November, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has given 30 November as the deadline for registration of commercial Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Post 30 November, unregistered VPNs would cease to work. However, PTA would not be registering non-commercial VPNs through which common people get access to banned websites. PTA chief, however, warned that people “should not access unauthorized social media apps or websites through VPNs.” Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of PML-N raised a query regarding PTA’s decision to ban non-commercial VPNs, arguing that it does not come under social media applications. The Senate Standing Committee disapproved of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) remarks that saw VPN as “un-Islamic.” The members of CII, when asked to justify their remarks, refused to comment. (Kalbe Ali, “Unregistered VPNs won’t work after Nov 30, says PTA chief,” Dawn, 19 November 2024)
SECURITY
Armed men abduct seven policemen at gunpoint in Bannu, KP
On 19 November, Dawn reported that unidentified armed men abducted seven police personnel at gunpoint from Rocha Check Post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The armed men also seized the rifles of the police personnel. After the incident, police began a search operation to locate the policemen who were abducted. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “Gunmen kidnap seven cops in Bannu,” Dawn, 19 November 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab: Leader of opposition warns government to not hinder protesters
On 19 November, Dawn reported that PTI’s leader of opposition in the Punjab provincial assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar has conveyed that the party does not intend to create chaos in the 24 November protest. He, however, warned that actions taken by police against protesters might lead to public anger which might further lead to stone-pelting. PTI Central Information Secretary, Sheikh Waqas, conveyed that the protesters marching towards Islamabad on 24 November would not return unless their demands were taken into consideration by the federal government. Further, he conveyed that 24 November would be seen as a “day of deliverance” and claimed that a massive number of protesters would be challenging the current ruling government. (Mansoor Malik and Ikram Junaidi, “PTI marchers will ‘stay in capital until Imran’s release,’” Dawn, 19 November 2024; Arshad Aziz Malik, Ayaz Akbar Yousufzai and Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Govt chalks out plan to deal with PTI protest,” The News International, 19 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
Reasons behind visa restrictions put upon Pakistani citizens by UAE unveiled
On 19 November, The News International revealed the issues which had led the UAE to ban Pakistani nationals from applying for visas. UAE government in its communication to the Pakistani embassy highlighted the reasons such as Pakistani citizens being found indulging in demonstrations, condemning the policies of the UAE government on online social networks, and wrong use of internet platforms behind the decision of the UAE government to put a visa ban for Pakistanis. UAE government also expressed its concerns regarding the involvement of Pakistani citizens in using fake identity documents and the latter indulging in illegal actions like prostitution, drug-related crimes, robbery, begging, etc. The Pakistani embassy in UAE has passed on the report to the federal government and requested them to take prompt action upon it. (Farooq Aqdas, “Key factors behind UAE’s visa ban on Pakistanis listed,” The News International, 19 November 2024)
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PTI wants to create riot and chaos in the country in the name of protest.
Spokesman Punjab Government Syed Kausar Kazmi
- PMLN Digital
There is no communication between the government and the PTI at any level and the protest cannot be stopped even with regard to Lassi. Geo News is fake news and an attempt to harm the protest and its preparation. We strongly condemn it.
- Sheikh Waqas Akram
Bringing tax evaders and their supporters to justice. The development of the country's economy is possible only when everyone fulfills their responsibility, all sectors have to contribute to the development of the country by paying taxes.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif
- PMLN Digital
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"The sartorial choices of politicians reflect the larger political culture of the party they head."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘Politicians and their clothes.’
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