In Brief
POLITICS
10 economic development projects approved by Ecnec
On 25 November, an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting was presided over by Ishaq Dar, where they reviewed eleven development projects. Out of them, ten worth PKR 12.7 billion were approved while one was shelved for further information from the Health Ministry. Six of the approved projects were for Balochistan. They include a skill development project which is the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development programme. It aims at imparting IT and industry training to more than 150,000 youth. The others include connectivity projects that link Gwadar to Quetta and Kohat to Afghanistan via Kharlachi. Besides this, projects related to the upgradation of road infrastructure, the development of solid waste infrastructure, the upgradation of the ship-breaking and recycling industry, and the provision of support projects for the fisherman and agricultural households of Balochistan have been approved. (“Ecnec approves 10 projects worth Rs172.7bn,” The News International, 26 November 2024)
“PTI has repeatedly paralyzed the nation for its own interests,” claims an editorial in The Nation
On 26 November, an editorial titled “Invading Islamabad,” in The Nation discussed the PTI march into Islamabad to carry out its peaceful protests and how the PTI’s demands for the release of their founder, Imran Khan were unreasonable and compromised “the principles of governance.” The editorial observed that the country has plunged into a state of anarchy as the protestors move from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab to enter the federal capital. The protestors' efforts to seek the release of the incarcerated leader, Imran Khan, go against the government and judicial orders, thereby summing up to an “invasion” of Islamabad. It is by no means a peaceful march as several police constables sustain injury and one died. The editorial stated that it is a repeat of the 2014 violence where the PTI protested the resignation of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The editorial argued that the fundamental issue lay the nature of their demands as they were “unattainable.” In this regard, the editorial argued that their ulterior motive lay in creating chaos and instability. (“Invading Islamabad,” The Nation, 26 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
Judicial Commission appoints nine judges to Sindh Constitutional Bench
On 25 November, a press release from the Supreme Court revealed that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan approved the nine judges to be a part of the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) constitutional Bench. In light of the recently adopted 26th Amendment, a meeting was presided Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, to discuss the formation of a constitutional bench for the SHC. Through an “extensive and thoughtful exchange of views,” the nine-member bench would be led by Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha. The remaining eight judges include Justices Salim Jessar, Omar Sial, Yousaf Ali Sayeed, Abdul Mobeen Lakho, Zulfiqar Ali Sangi, Sana Akram Minhas, Khadim Hussain Soomro and Arbab Ali Hakro. (Umar Mehtab, “JCP approves 9 judges for Sindh High Court’s constitutional benches,” Dawn, 25 November 2024)
ECONOMY
PSX climbs by 600 points amid rumors of MDR relaxation and ADR removal
On 25 November, the Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a 600-point gain in shares, driving the index up from 97,798.23 points to 98,420.08 points, reflecting a 0.64 per cent increase. According to the chief executive of Topline Securities, Mohammed Sohail explained that this rise comes as the State Bank of Pakistan has speculated a “relaxation to banks on minimum deposit rates (MDR) for savers.” In a separate statement, the director of research at Chase Securities claimed that this “rally in banking stock” was stimulated by speculation regarding the removal of the advance-to-deposit ratio (ADR). However, the director of research at AKD Securities, Awais Ashraf believed that the shift in investment to equities instead of fixed-income yields has proven beneficial for the stock exchange, thereby “offsetting the negative impact of the ongoing political situation.” (Mahira Sarfaraz, “ continue stampede at PSX as shares surpass 98,000,” Dawn, 25 November 2024)
“Only private investment along with a reformed public development spending framework can help plug the growing gap” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 26 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Infrastructure schemes,” reflected on the need to reform public development programmes. It observed that due to the strict oversight of the International Monetary Fund, the government has sought to reform the public development programmes. The editorial also pointed out key issues linked to the public development programmes, for instance, Pakistan’s spending on infrastructure development at 2 per cent of its total GDP. There has also been a backlog and piling up of projects by consecutive governments. To overcome this massive amount of funding is necessary. Hence, due to the enlarged quantum of capital investment, private players have lost interest in investing in such projects. In this regard, the editorial highlighted the need to reform public development programmes in a manner where tax money is spent judiciously and private investment is made attractive. (“Infrastructure schemes,” Dawn, 26 November 2024)
Former P@SHA chairperson refutes claims of complete blocking of VPNs
On 26 November, The News International reported that as per former chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association(P@SHA) Muhammad Zohaib Khan, the federal government has decided to block illegitimate Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) only. He stated that the practice of blocking illegal VPNs is not new to the world and has been witnessed in other countries outside Pakistan. He further stated that large firms would many times require use VPNs for their “international projects,” the approval of which comes from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Freelancers can also get similar kinds of approval from the PTA. Defending the federal government, he ed that though regular network services have seen disruptions due to security protocols, “fiber-optic internet” has rarely witnessed any issues. He further advised the government to effectuate “cyber fencing” which will put restrictions on exploiting VPNs for illegitimate actions. Misapplication of VPNs has been used for illegitimate activities such as to “send blackmailing e-mails” and militants using it to hide their credentials. (Aimen Siddiqui, “Only ‘illegal VPNs’ being banned, says former P@SHA chairman,” The News International, 26 November 2024)
SECP clamps down on illegal economic activities
On 26 November, The News International reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has begun to clamp down upon illegitimate economic actions. To improve investor trust, it has employed “technology-driven supervisory measures” that comply with international standards. The SECP has announced that it has restricted a total of 142 illegitimate “lending applications” and enforced measures against “fraudulent investment schemes.” The same has also been conveyed by SECP to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority(PTA), and Google to enforce appropriate action. For increasing “public protection,” SECP has agreed upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FIA, which would allow time-precise actions against illegal schemes. Supervision by SECP would entail an examination of “mutual funds, insurance, and brokerage firms” to ensure there is no compromise on “investor interests.” (“SECP cracks down on financial fraud,” The News International, 26 November 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
“With 2024 poised to be hottest year on record, climate inaction will be catastrophic” says an editorial in Dawn
On 26 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Hollow victory,” discussed what Pakistan must do to combat the effects of climate change. It noted the USD 300 billion commitment made by rich countries for climate financing and how it fell short of what was initially demanded by developing states, USD 1.3 trillion. However, in their defence, they argued that a greater burden must be shared by China and Gulf countries. Within this context, Pakistan requires funding of USD 348 billion by the year 2030 to combat the effects of climate change and phasing out pollution-intensive energy resources. It suggested that the Pakistani government focus on phasing out its dependency on fossil fuels, enforcing stringent environmental regulations, and employing a resilient “climate change monitoring system.” The editorial also urged the state authorities to initiate “climate-smart urban planning” in cities and emphasize “sustainable farm practices and water management solutions” in rural regions. (“Hollow victory,” Dawn, 26 November 2024)
SECURITY
Kurram continues to burn
On 25 November, the death toll in Lower Kurram reached 73 after clashes between warring tribal groups resumed. It was confirmed that the gunfire battle between the warring sectarian tribes of the region went on and resulted in the demise of one, while four others sustained injuries. Arson attacks and gunfire incidents have also been reported from other areas. Before this development, The News International reported that a team of negotiators from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government managed to a “ceasefire” between two warring sectarian sections in the region. The two groups had agreed upon the exchange of held hostages. However, one of the sectarian groups denied the release of a hostage. In this regard, gun violence continued across lower and upper Kurram. It is worth noting that the escalation of tensions between the two warring groups began when a caravan of passenger vehicles came under attack on 21 November. The tensions between sectarian groups in the region which shares its boundaries with Afghanistan are a result of land disputes. Though the government had earlier attempted to solve the land disputes through a “land commission,” it has not publicized its report fearing that it would further spark tensions. (“Kurram death toll rises to 73 as sporadic clashes continue,” Dawn, 26 November 2024)
“Despite efforts by the KP government to bring about a ceasefire in Kurram, the bloodletting has continued” points out an editorial in Dawn
On 26 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Kurram ceasefire,” delved into the proposed steps which must be undertaken by the government to stop the bloodbath in Kurram. The editorial mentions a ceasefire agreement which has been agreed upon by the two warring sides, however, there has been an uninterrupted rise in the number of people getting killed. The editorial criticized the government's late response as it involved itself only after the region witnessed a massive increase in violence and casualties. The editorial suggests that the government must ensure that terrorists are not able to exploit the sectarian tensions to carry out violent attacks in the region. In this regard, it urged the government to ensure that militants from Afghanistan don’t enter Pakistan. It also emphasized the government’s duty to ensure that travel between cities in the region is not hampered due to security reasons and that armed groups do not create their own “no-go areas” for other civilians. It further suggested that the recommendations of the “land commission” which was constituted to resolve land disputes of the region, be publicized. In addition to all of that, the editorial also argued that the “framework” used to curb violence in Muree, be employed in Kurram. (“Kurram ceasefire,” Dawn, 26 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
President of Belarus begins three-day visit
On 25 November, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko landed in Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase to embark on his “three-day visit” to Pakistan. At the airport, he was welcomed by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. In a statement, the Foreign Office of Pakistan announced that the President of Belarus would be having a detailed discussion with PM Shehbaz Sharif on cooperation and “bilateral engagement.” His visit to Pakistan was preceded by his ministerial team’s visit on 24 November. The ministerial team comprised the foreign minister, energy minister, transport minister, and the military industry committee chairman, among 68 others. They were also accompanied by 43 famous business dignitaries of Belarus. The visit of the Belarusian delegation has coincided with PTI’s ‘final protest.’ Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused PTI of causing trouble to tons of citizens and warned of the deployment of full-proof security arrangements in Islamabad. He further informed that those PTI supporters who were attempting to enter Islamabad would face detention. (“Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko arrives in Pakistan on 3-day state visit,” Dawn, 25 November 2024)
Chinese diplomat visits Kabul in an attempt to mend Pakistan-Afghanistan ties
On 25 November, China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong, visited Kabul. His visit to Afghanistan was preceded by his stay in Islamabad where the two sides discussed the menace of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s violent attacks. Sources of The Express Tribune claimed Pakistan expressed its unwillingness to the Chinese diplomat to pursue stronger relations with Afghanistan unless the latter decides to crack down on the terrorist groups that operate from its soil. It is believed that the Chinese diplomat visiting Kabul is China’s attempt at mending ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Afghan Deputy Prime Minister’s office has conveyed that talks with the Chinese diplomat would also involve deliberation upon Pakistan-Afghanistan ties. According to The Express Tribune, China is concerned about the impact of Afghanistan-Pakistan ties on its own plans of increasing “regional connectivity and trade.” Apart from its ambitions to improve regional connectivity, China is also concerned about the safety of its citizens working in Pakistan who have come under attack from the terrorists having bases in Afghanistan. (Kamran Yousaf, “China pushes to ease Pak-Afghan tensions,” The Express Tribune, 25 November 2024)
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A person is doing the politics of hooliganism, the state will not allow anyone to do hooliganism.
Muslim League (N) leader Bilal Azhar Kayani
- PMLN Digital
Thank God - this love has come only to Khan in both the politics of Pakistan.
- Dr Shahbaz Gill
"Our goal is the release of the captain, we will not go back before the release of the captain."
- Haleem Adil Sheikh
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"The PTI is comfortable in the knowledge that the government is scoring an own goal."
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘A capital lockdown.’
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