In Brief
POLITICS
Law enforcement personnel crack down on PTI's protests
On 27 November, the three-day protests were suspended amidst heavy tear gas shelling and firing of ammunition on protestors, leading to the death of two and injury of four others, while six security personnel lost their lives. On the same day, according to The Express Tribune, the security forces are planning to launch a comprehensive operation to arrest demonstrators as they already detained more than 450 people. On 26 November, at 2000 hours, the police and Frontier Constabulary took action to evacuate the protestors from the Express Chowk, near the D-Chowk, the protest venue.
On the same day, Dawn reported that Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Gandapur, and jailed leader, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi also fled the scene. While their whereabouts remain unknown, the Information Minister claimed they had returned to KP. Throughout the day, about 60 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf protestors sustained injuries in clashes as both sides exchanged rubber bullets and launched tear gas shells after clashes took place at Chungi No 26. It is against this backdrop that Khan encouraged and lauded his supporters for standing up for their rights and urged them to “fight until the last ball is bowled.” It is also worth noting that, a first information report was filed against Khan and Gandapur over the demise of a police constable. According to the FIR, protestors assaulted the police personnel, and the attack was conspired by Gandapur, on behalf of Khan. (Munawer Azeem, “Day of Islamabad clashes ends in PTI protesters retreat,” Dawn, 25 November 2024; “Imran Khan asks PTI supporters to 'fight until last ball is bowled',” The News International, 27 November 2024; “PTI protest: Bushra Bibi, CM Gandapur make a run for it as 450 protesters arrested,” The Express Tribune, 27 November 2024)
“Both the PTI and the government must reflect on their conduct,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 27 November, an editorial titled “March of missteps,” in The News International reflected upon the recent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and how an expression for rights and a call for democracy eventually turned into a violent affair. The editorial observed that the event “devolved into a spectacle of anarchy, violence, and the misuse of state resources.” The editorial denounced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandpur, who led a convoy from his province for misusing state resources and blurring the line between “state and party.” It further condemned the party for launching attacks at media persons and property, reflecting the party’s “aggressive and authoritarian” nature and its non-inclination to engage in dialogue. In the name of “resilience,” the party is seen resorting to force to silence disapproving voices. However, even the federation has failed to manage the situation. By issuing instructions to shoot on sight and deploying military forces through the enforcement of Article 245, the government has risked the erosion of “public trust.” Instead of asking the PTI to shift its venue from D-Chowk to Sangjiani, the government should have led the protest march to continue as per the PTI’s plan thereby avoiding the violent episode and refusing the PTI the chance to be the victim. However, the real victims in this situation are the people. (“March of missteps,” The News International, 27 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah insists on judicial independence
On 27 November, Dawn reported that Supreme Court judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah delivered a supplementary note for the court's 6 March decision which was linked to “murder trial of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.” The Supreme Court had previously remarked that the decision that led to the hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did not pass the requisites of a “fair trial and process.” Justice Mansoor Ali Shah in the supplementary note clarified that a truly independent judiciary would successfully thwart intrusions through authoritarian directives. Commenting on the judiciary, he said it is a “ resilient institution, endowed with remarkable ability to recover and rise above the shadows of authoritarianism.” In this regard, he stated that the strength of the judiciary was not by chance but was embedded in the fearlessness and uprightness of the judges. He reminded the judge community that when the country is ruled by “authoritarian regimes,” it is essential that they stick up for judiciary independence. (Umer Mehtab, “Judicial independence’s essence in resisting authoritarian overreach at time it occurs: Justice Shah,” Dawn, 27 November 2024)
ECONOMY
Business community seeks license to operate Air Karachi
On 26 November, during a media briefing, the former Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) announced that the Karachi business community is planning to launch a new airline “Air Karachi.” The airline has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). He stated that they have sought a license from the federation. Under this initiative, three aircraft will be hired to operate the airline. Additionally, Air Karachi calls for an investment of PKR 5 billion, which will receive a PKR 50 million contribution, each, from the listed stakeholders. (“Karachi's business community announces launch of new airline,” The Express Tribune, 26 November 2024)
Nepra hints at 26 paise per unit surge in electricity rate
On 26 November, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority(Nepra) informed that prices of electricity would go up by 26 paise per unit in December. An official affiliated with Nepra stated that the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) is attempting to pursue PKR 1.02 negative Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) for the consumption of power in October. The present FCA is already at PKR 1.28 per unit, which means an increment of 26 paise in fuel prices for December. December would be the fourth consecutive month with a negative FCA. The primary reason for the same is that Nepra has permitted considerable “fuel allowances” and surged the “base tariff” by 20 per cent. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Power tariff likely to rise by 26 paise per unit in December,” Dawn, 27 November 2024)
SOCIETY
“In a political climate where mainstream media is far from free, social media has become a critical outlet for public expression,” highlights an editorial in Dawn
On 27 November, an editorial titled “Policing the internet,” in Dawn discussed the government’s decision to block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) by 30 November and deploy a “national firewall,” the motive behind it, and the outcomes of the same. The editorial claimed in the name of tackling digital terrorism and restricting illegal, the government has a “politically charged” motive. The editorial observed how the timing of these measures coincided with the escalating political tensions, specifically, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf demonstrations. The effects of such action pose a threat to the Intelligence Technology sector. According to industry representatives, the ban on VPNs would cause a loss of Fortune 500 investors, financial losses and even drive away companies.
With targets of USD 25 billion IT export target, Pakistan is not moving in the right direction, the editorial stated. Additionally, the deployment of a firewall in the absence of transparency and legal protection not only “undermines user protection” but also “mimic the worst elements of dictatorships” as it is aimed at suppressing dissent. In this regard, instead of carrying out such restrictive practices, the editorial suggested that the government address public grievances. (“Policing the internet,” Dawn, 27 November 2024)
SECURITY
Balochistan Chief Minister confirms military operations to root out terrorism
On 26 November, Dawn reported that Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has confirmed that the security forces of the government were engaged in operations to neutralize militants from the province. Replying to the criticism from opposition parties on military operations, he stated that people who are not in favor of military operations must put forward a better proposal to resolve the problem of militancy in the region. On the likelihood of him being replaced from the position of Chief Minister, he stated that he does not have any information regarding the same. He further stated that members of provincial assemblies (MPAs) from PPP and PML-N are in his support to remain as Chief Minister and that there were no talks about “no trust motion.” (Saleem Shahid, “’Targeted operations’ underway to destroy terrorist camps: CM Bugti,” Dawn, 26 November 2024)
Mayhem in Kurram continues
On 27 November, Dawn reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the violence that erupted in Lower Kurram touched 76. In retaliation attacks to the assault that took place on 21 November, another three people lost their lives. On 23 November, 21 people lost their lives in Bagan village due to arson attacks and gunbattle. Fighting in the region did not halt in spite of the government-mediated ceasefire between the rival sectarian groups. The government’s mediation team, which was led by Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, spoke with the elders of the rival groups after which a seven-day ceasefire was declared. However, a ceasefire could not be administered successfully. It was also reported that in Ghozaghari, Matasanagar, and Kunj Alizai, incidents of violence went on and resulted in the killing of three people while wounding six others. The Deputy Commissioner of Kurram, Javedullah Mehsud confirmed that a “grand jirga” from Hangu, Orajzai, and Kohat would pay a visit to regions that have undergone extensive violence and attempt to broker a solution between warring parties. It was also reported that the shutting down of traffic has limited medical supplies. (“Clashes in Kurram claim three more lives,” Dawn, 27 November 2024; “Clashes continue in Kurram despite ceasefire,” The News International, 27 November 2024)
Security forces neutralize three terrorists attempting to enter from Afghanistan
On 27 November, Dawn reported that security forces neutralized three terrorists who were trying to enter from Afghanistan. The terrorists were attempting to slip into Hassan Khel region of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, security forces kept a close eye on terrorists who were trying to slip into Pakistan from the Afghanistan border between 25 November and 26 November and successfully neutralized three of them. Furthermore, the ISPR demanded that the current Afghan government keep a check on terrorist groups that were breeding on their soil and put an end to their activities. It reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to protecting the borders and eradicating the menace of terrorism from the country. Separately, police and security personnel thwarted an assault on the Raghzai police station and a security check post in the Ghorlama region by armed militants. In the Ghorlama incident, militants fired rockets at a check post which was successfully retaliated by the security personnel and resulted in the withdrawal of the former. (“Three terrorists killed trying to cross into North Waziristan: ISPR,” Dawn, 27 November 2024)
Pakistan develops its very first frigate-sized warships
On 26 November, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has developed its very own frigate-sized warships, called “Jinnah Class Frigates.” While speaking in an interview, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf stated that this invention came amid the challenges faced by the Navy in the region. He confirmed that the developed frigates would be able to counter all-round “naval threats” and could be used in “surface warfare, anti-submarine, and air defence.” The length of the frigates is around 100 to 150 meters, and the weight of the same between 2000 to 4000 tons. The frigates are fitted with weapons such as “guns, missiles, torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets.” In addition to the indigenously made frigates, the Pakistan Navy has also instated Type 054 A/P frigates which are made in China, “off-shore patrol vessels” which are procured from Romania, and the Turkish-made “MILGEM Class Corvette.” Pakistan Navy is looking towards instating more modern ships in the coming future. (“Pakistan to strengthen naval defence with its first frigate-sized warship,” The Express Tribune,” 26 November 2024)
PROVINCES
An abduction “reflects the broader anguish of a society that has endured decades of unresolved abduction cases,” highlights an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 27 November, an editorial titled “At a standstill,” in The Express Tribune discussed the resurgence of strikes in the Balochistan province after a ten-year-old boy was reported to be abducted. This event reflects that it is not an isolated incident, as society has dealt with “decades of unresolved abduction cases.” The editorial noted how the people have come out to protest the issues in governance and the failure of security personnel to recover the child. In this regard, the editorial suggested that “reactive measures” are not sufficient. Instead, law enforcement agencies should be “modernized” and trained to address cases related to enforced disappearances. Besides this, the editorial also suggested the implementation of strict laws and community engagement to help children and parents adopt preventive measures. (“At a standstill,” The Express Tribune, 27 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
Belarus President and PM Sharif sign 15 MoUs, treaties and agreements
On 26 November, Belarus President’s visit to Pakistan was marked by both sides seeking to enhance bilateral relations. On the day of arrival, both countries entered more than eight memorandums of understating, agreements, and treaties encompassing science & technology, disaster management, environmental protection, halal trade, vocational education, audit institutions, and financial intelligence-sharing. One of the major agreements is the “Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus for 2025-2027,” which is a blueprint for both countries to improve their economic ties through intergovernmental commissions, meetings, and collaborations. According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Shehbaz Sharif and President Alexander Lukashenko are set to meet again in February 2025 to discuss progress on agreements. While speaking at a joint press conference with PM Sharif, President Lukashenko expressed the readiness to share its technologies with Pakistan and even purchase the latter’s products, particularly textiles. President Lukashenko claimed that some big powers were unhappy with Pakistan’s progress. He also indicated an interest in enhancing cooperation in the fields of agriculture, heavy machinery manufacturing, and information technology.
Meanwhile, a Joint Statement, revealed that both state representatives exchanged views on the Kashmir situation, the Belarussian side expressed support for Pakistan’s cause. They also discussed the ongoing crises in Gaza and emphasized a two-state solution. (“Belarus president meets PM Shehbaz, expresses interest in purchasing Pakistani textiles,” Dawn, 26 November 2024; Muhammad Anis, “Some countries not happy with Pakistan’s progress: Lukashenko,” The News International, 27 November 2024)
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The wretched who feed the terrorists are like beasts on the peaceful citizens. Direct shots are being fired at innocent civilians. All stay united, don't let go of each other's hands and step back for now.
- Murad Saeed
Write down my words and tie them today, the state will not be able to untie these knots even with its teeth. The characters who oppress innocent people with the entire state machinery will run away, but this system will continue to bear its consequences for a long time. This will not end here. Today, hatred and distance will increase due to the helplessness of the people.
- Imran Riaz Khan
PTI is neither for peace nor their aim is for the country, they only want to spread mischief.
Federal Minister of Information Ataullah Tarar
- PMLN Digital
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"What is happening in the capital has shaken the ruling dispensation.
On a collision course"
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘On a collision course.’
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