In Brief
POLITICS
PTI-government talks deadlocked
On 22 November, The News International reported that the bilateral talks between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf are at an impasse. While the PTI founder has demanded his release from jail to call off the 24 November power show, the government promised to provide him some relief in the future. Both sides disagreed with each other’s conditions. On the other hand, Khan confirmed that the talks were going on but were unserious. He stated that he received an offer to postpone the demonstrations and that “everything will be alright” if he gave in to the government’s demands. He added that the government wanted to postpone the protests to “prolong the matter.” (Ansar Abbasi, “Informal PTI-govt talks face a stalemate,” The News International, 22 November 2024)
Bushra Bibi remains firm on not changing the date of PTI protest
On 22 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s former first lady Bushra Bibi confirmed the PTI protest date scheduled for 24 November will remain unchanged. The message was conveyed through a video which was unusual as Bushra Bibi does not appear in public often. She stated that the protest date would remain unchanged unless Imran Khan is freed from jail and urged people not to fall for the media reports. She also blamed the interference of foreign powers that led to the fall of Imran Khan’s government. (Manzoor Ali, “Rare outburst from Bushra Bibi ruffles many feather,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
Islamabad High Court calls PTI protest as “unlawful”
On 22 November, Dawn reported that Islamabad High Court had proclaimed a ruling that called PTI’s protest scheduled for 24 November as “unlawful.” The plea was lodged by the trading community of the federal capital in which it mentioned its apprehensions regarding the impact of PTI protests on their businesses. The court instructed the federal government to undertake appropriate actions for maintaining law and order in Islamabad. The court also emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in Islamabad amid President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko’s planned visit to the country from 24 to 25 November. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed that during the president’s visit, mobile networks would be temporarily “suspended.” He clarified that the government is not stopping any political party from protesting, however, he maintained that protests should be carried out with consent from the government and should take place only in specified areas. He also stated that there were no underway talks between the PTI and the federal government in relation to the 24 November protests. (Malik Asad, “In blow to PTI, IHC rules its protest is ‘unlawful’,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
SECURITY
39 killed in Lower Kurram
On 22 November, Dawn reported that a caravan of roughly 200 “passenger vehicles” traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar came under heavy gunfire, resulting in the death of 39 people in Mandori Charkhel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mandori Charkhel area is infamous for tensions between sectarian groups and disputes regarding land ownership. As per the sources of Dawn, it could have been a revenge assault for the 12 October attack, which killed 15 people. Responsibility for the attacks has not been claimed by any outfit till now.
Though the government appointed a “land commission” to address the disputes on land ownership in Kurram, the former has not publicized the report due to fear of sparking sectarian tensions. It is also speculated that the proscribed terror group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could have carried out the attack. PM Shehbz Sharif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the assault. Responding to the attack, a Shia-based political outfit, Majlis Waddat-i-Muslimeen, also issued calls for countrywide protests. (Javed Hussain and Umer Farooq, “39 killed in Kurram convoy bloodbath,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
“Terrorists and their facilitators must be tracked down and made to answer before the law,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 22 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Kurram atrocity” discussed the failure of the governments at the federal and provincial levels to maintain law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The editorial mentioned the recent assault on a caravan of passenger vehicles in Lower Kurram which resulted in the killing of 38 people. The editorial stated that the caravan predominantly consisted of Shia travelers. It criticized the government for not addressing the issue of a “land dispute” between two tribes that escalated in 2024, with more than 80 people being killed from July till date. Further, it denounced both the federal and provincial governments for not addressing the security problem and being only interested in political point scoring. The editorial suggested that the government must put effort into arresting the culprits of the terror attack. It also emphasized the clerical leadership and tribal elder’s duty to work for peace in the region. (“Kurram atrocity,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
Foreign Office Spokesperson demands Taliban government not let Afghanistan become the breeding ground for terrorism
On 22 November, Dawn reported that Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch pointed at the breeding grounds of terrorism in Afghanistan which has led to a spike in attacks in Pakistan and resulted in martyring many security officials. She said: “Terrorism is a threat not just for Afghanistan but also for neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, including Pakistan, as well as to the wider world”. She reminded the government of Afghanistan to adhere to the conditions in the Doha Agreement that forbids the misuse of land being by militant groups. She also cited the UN report in which the other countries have voiced their unease regarding the Taliban government facilitating militant groups on its land. Pakistan has also attempted to collaborate with Russia and China to combat the threat of terrorism, showcased by the recent welcome of Chinese Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs Yue Xiaoyong and the Russian Special Representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov in the capital. In addition to that, Islamabad is also deliberating upon terrorism and security concerns in the region with the US. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “FO concerned over threat posed by terror groups operating from Afghan soil,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
ECONOMY
The Pakistan government should not deviate from policy goals aimed at improving the lives of Pakistani citizens, argues an editorial in Dawn
On 22 November, an editorial titled “Green transport,” discussed the recently introduced “New Energy Vehicle” policy and its implications on Pakistan’s domestic market and vested interests. The policy aims at the sale of electric-powered cars and motorcycles by 2030. It may relieve the import bill by reducing the oil import demand and the increase in electricity demand will help overcome the “idle capacity payments.” On the other hand, this policy poses a threat to those already existing in the automotive industry. Since there has been little innovation in this field, it may “dent the sales of automobiles.” In this regard, it is the government’s responsibility to intervene and provide them with incentives that will help them adapt to NEV production. However, it should not be done at the expense “of delaying the implementation of its policy.” (“Green transport,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
Withdrawals from domestic bonds surpasses foreign inflows
On 21 November, a report from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed that outflows from domestic bonds exceeded the total foreign inflows. In the first week of November, the outflows from the domestic bonds touched USD 46 million, whereas inflows remained at a mere USD 10.5 million. This development comes amid the federal government's claims that the economy is on the uptick. Experts on the economy reckon that it could be the decrease in returns that the investors from foreign countries receive on the bonds. Others anticipated that it was because of the political turmoil existing in the country amid PTI’s call for protest and the federal government attempting to stop them from reaching Islamabad. Investments from the UK, UAE, and the US remained at USD 5.3 million, USD 5 million, and USD 0.26 million, respectively, for the first week of November. On the other hand, withdrawals climbed up to USD 31 million for the UK and USD 5 million for the UAE at the same time. The foreign reserves of SBP increased by USD 11.29 billion from 8 to 15 November and Pakistan’s total foreign reserves remained at USD 15.6 billion. (Shahid Iqbal, “Outflows from T-bills surpass inflows,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
“Circular debt has attained the status of a white elephant, and it is there to stay,” argues an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 22 November, an editorial titled “Circular debt enigma,” in The Express Tribune highlighted Pakistan’s non-escape from its circular debt. In the country’s circular debt story, the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) stand to profit off of the public. Though the Power division has devised two options for the government to settle its outstanding debt to these IPPs, the masses are on the receiving end. The government is also at a dead-end as the International Monetary Fund has disallowed it from increasing its public debt stock and the Chinese energy companies refuse to rework the profits and capacity payments in the power purchase agreements. In this regard, the government ought to adopt measures that “relieve the masses of burden and enable the economy to stage a comeback” and stop sidelining the circular debt issue with “arithmetical gimmicks.” (“Circular debt enigma,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2024)
SOCIETY
“Obstacles hindering eradication efforts do need targeting” says an editorial in Dawn
On 22 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Persistent grip,” discussed the steps the government must take to combat the challenges surrounding the elimination of polio. The editorial mentioned how the pace of the “Expanded Programme on Immunization,” introduced in 1978, has slowed down with the expansion of challenges in recent times. It raised an important question of whether Pakistan’s polio programme could only be sustained through funding from international sources and calls for an examination of sources of polio funding in provinces and at the “federal level.” The editorial criticized the Sindh government’s approach of intimidating DC and health officials, arguing that their dismissal would not help eliminate the main issues that lead to “vaccine hesitancy.” The editorial suggested reenergizing the Expanded Programme on Immunization, where emphasis should be put on “routine immunization.” It called for measures that would increase the security of the polio team and ensure that they receive a decent salary. It also emphasized on educating the parents and making them aware that vaccination is not their personal choice and that their refusal could lead to a “public health hazard.” (“Persistent grip,” Dawn, 22 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
COP29 draft resolution under fire
On 21 November, a new draft resolution for the new collective quantified goal was not received well among developing countries, including, Pakistan, one of the main negotiators. A series of negotiations were held at the climate finance conference at COP 29 hosted by Azerbaijan, where developing countries urged developed states to provide financial support in their counter-climate efforts. However, the release of an ‘unbalanced’ draft became the cause of the former’s disappointment as the latter is unwilling to finance the estimated USD 1.3 trillion. Instead of providing a specific number the set amount is under the label “X” as the wealthy countries have not made an offer in the negotiations yet. EU climate ambassador, Wopke Hoeksta deemed the draft “imbalanced, unworkable, and not acceptable.”
Another point of contention is the contributing base, the recipients, and the need to “demystify” the financial package, to determine the quantity and quality of the climate finance source. In a statement, global engagement director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Harjeet Singh argued that the nature of the financing should be in the form of grants and not loans “to shield nations most impacted by climate change from further financial burdens.” (Zakir Abbas, “COP29 negotiations on finance deal at a standstill,” Dawn, 22 November 2024; “COP29: Pakistan joins nations in criticizing vague climate deal,” The News International, 22 November 2024)
“If the UN hopes to uphold its founding principles of maintaining peace, promoting human rights, and ensuring social and economic progress,” then it must change, suggests an editorial in The Nation
On 22 November, an editorial titled “UN Crossroads” in The Nation discussed the need for reform within the UN Security Council to remain relevant in the post-war era. In the recent period, it has been witnessed how a permanent member has utilized their veto power in crucial decisions of peace and justice to forward their interests and ultimately highlighting the “inefficacy” of the UN. Contrary to the popular argument of greater inclusivity among the permanent members within the council, the editorial contended that if one country can “block consensus on matters of global importance, then adding more permanent members with veto powers will only exacerbate the problem.” In this regard, the editorial recommended democratizing the institution by providing “equitable representation” of regions that receive less focus. (“UN Crossroads,” The Nation, 22 November 2024)
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"Para Chinar Terrorism has been strongly condemned by Imran Khan - this government and agencies are completely focused on Tehreek-e-Insaaf while not focusing on the issue of terrorism".
Faisal Chaudhry
- PTI
People have to play their role to eliminate smog, they are taking action for transport fitness certificate.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb
- PMLN Digital
Those who attack the state will not get relief in any case.
Federal Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif
- PMLN Digital
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"The impact of school traffic on pollution in Punjab is a result of the province’s development model."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘Smog and schooling.’
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