ADB grants USD 500 million loan for CDREP I Ban on PIA and other domestic carriers lifted by EU
In Brief
POLITICS
Government plans to register cases against Gandapur and Bibi
On 29 November, in the aftermath of a high-level meeting, the government decided that legal action will be taken against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur for leading the three-day protests in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff, and presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It was also decided that cases would be registered against PTI leaders and workers for causing casualties among security personnel and staging the demonstrations the day Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko visited Pakistan on an official visit. In this regard, a task force has been formed to identify those who were involved in the violence that transpired from the confrontation with security forces deployed to maintain the law and order situation in Islamabad. On the same day, in a speech, CM Gandapur said: “Fear the day when we retaliate. We have arms and ammunition and we can take up arms [too].” Earlier, a senior government official announced that the federation has been planning to impose Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In response, CM Gandapur alleged that he and Bibi were being targeted by law enforcement personnel. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz green-lights legal action against Bushra, Gandapur,” Dawn, 30 November 2024; Mohammad Ashfaq & Umer Farooq, “We also have guns’: Gandapur tells govt to fear their wrath,” Dawn, 30 November 2024)
Jailed PTI leaders issue an open letter for suspension of protests
On 29 November, an open letter to media persons from detained PTI leaders called for the suspension of the protests and urged the party’s leader to declare a nationwide mourning. They also called for the release of authentic details of those who suffered in the violent clashes that took place during the protests. In other news, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf founder, Imran Khan on X, announced 26 November to be a “black day in the history of Pakistan.” He claimed that inaccurate figures of the casualties haven’t been published yet and “families, lawyers, local and international journalists are being denied access to the hospitals.” He further stated that a video will be shared to provide details of those who have been reported dead. (Mansoor Malik, “Incarcerated PTI leaders call for suspending protests,” Dawn, 30 November 2024
“The party has suffered due to its mistakes in recent days,” argued an editorial in Dawn
On 30 November, an editorial titled “PTI in disarray,” in Dawn discussed the existing fault lines within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) which have become more evident in the recent protests. The editorial observed how the “unity of command and internal structure” has crumbled as prominent figures of the party have entered the blame game instead of taking the party’s mistakes into account. The editorial observed that the root cause of the intraparty issues is political impatience. The party has experienced a form of brain drain with populist leaders coming to the forefront and making contentious statements while the “saner” ones have stepped down. The editorial also observed how the party is experiencing an erosion of support from its followers as the PTI leadership seems unable to “keep their heads.” In this regard, the editorial suggested that the PTI members must stop resorting to big talk and conspiracy theories when things don’t go in their favor. (“PTI in disarray,” Dawn, 30 November 2024)
“The state tends to throw the law books at people it feels threatened by, making a mockery of the legal system,” suggested an editorial in Dawn
On 30 November, an editorial titled “Tired tactics,” discussed the state’s tendency to resort to the law to suppress voices of dissent. It cited the recent arrest of a journalist, Mutahillah Jan for allegedly possessing narcotics and assaulting policemen. Jan had set out to search for the hospital records in the aftermath of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s protests. Hence, his counsel claimed that the charges leveled against him were fabricated. Civil societies and journalists have also called for his release. In this regard, the editorial stated that such state practices have made a “mockery of the legal system.” The editorial suggested the government could very well file a case against people on “reasonable grounds of suspicion.” (“Tired tactics,” Dawn, 30 November 2024)
JUDICIARY
Constitutional bench to be formed for reviewing 9 May petitions
On 30 November, The News International reported that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) members would be meeting on 6 December. During the meeting, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi and members of the JCP will deliberate on forming a “constitutional bench” that would review the petitions regarding “military trials” of ordinary citizens who were indicted in “9 May 2023 terrorism and arson cases.” As per the sources of The News International, Justice Ayesha A Malik would be substituted by Justice Shahid Bilal in the constitutional bench. It is expected that the appointment of more judges to the high courts of Peshawar and Sindh is also on the JCP’a agenda. (“May 9 military trials: CJP calls JCP meeting to form bench to hear citizens’ pleas,” The News International, 30 November 2024)
ECONOMY
ADB grants USD 500 million loan for Climate and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Program
On 29 November, The Nation reported that the State Bank of Pakistan has received “USD 500 million policy-based loan” which would be soon reflected in Pakistan’s foreign reserves. The loan was granted by the Asian Development Bank which was earlier approved on 29 October. The loan is a support for Pakistan’s Climate and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Program (CDREP). The program will emphasize improving the planning of institutions, intensifying readiness and “response mechanism” and increasing the “disaster risk financing.” Pakistan in COP-29 expressed its allegiance towards saving children and the young population from the harmful effects of climate change. Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, stressed her country’s commitment towards merging “child rights” with “climate policies.” The measure is extremely important for protecting the 112 million children and youth population of the country amid a surge in risks related to climate change. (“ADB provides $500mn loan to boost Pakistan’s climate resilience,” The Nation, 29 November 2024)
SOCIETY
“Pakistan is grappling with an 81 per cent rise in the backlog of unresolved gender-based violence cases” points out an editorial in Dawn
On 30 November, an editorial in The News International titled “No world for women” discussed the sorry state of affairs for women all over the world who have been victims of gender-based violence and how the law in Pakistan is still ineffective in preventing crime against women. The editorial mentioned how more than 30 per cent of women all over the world have undergone violence atleast once. Around one in four women of adolescent age have experienced violence from their partners. Pakistan has witnessed a surge by 81 percent in the number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases which are yet to be solved. The same has been indicated in a report published by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan in the month of August. The editorial viewed this as a sign of improvement in the legal system which has been very poor when it comes to tracing of GBV cases. However, this also means that resolving GBV cases and punishing the culprits still remain as an arduous task. The rate of conviction in Pakistan pertaining to GBV cases remains at a mere 5 per cent. The exculpation in the GBV cases is as high as 64 per cent. The editorial also highlighted how “wars, climate change and famines” could possibly result in more crimes being committed against women. (“No world for women,” The News International, 30 November 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
“Short term steps like lockdowns, vehicle bans and even cloud seeing have provided temporary relief, they fail to address root causes of air pollution,” says an editorial in Dawn
On 30 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Smog struggle” discussed steps the government must undertake in order to solve the dire problem of smog in the country. The editorial cited the Ipsos survey which indicates 68 per cent of the surveyed population is experiencing health problems like cough, difficulty in breathing and symptoms which are similar to symptoms of flu. As per the survey, 70 per cent of the surveyed participants consider emissions from vehicles as one of the causes of smog. 63 per cent believe industrial pollution and 37 percent see waste burning as causes for the smog problem. The survey also indicated that 60 per cent of the surveyed population was satisfied with the steps taken by the provincial government to combat the smog problem. The editorial suggested that the government in order to combat the problem of smog must enforce stringent environment regulations and propel “green practices.” The editorial further suggested shifting industries outside of cities, imposing “Euro-V fuel standards” and bringing in more “electric buses” by the year 2025. Further, the editorial argued for increasing greenery in urban areas and imposing compulsory inspection of vehicles for tackling the problem of smog. (“Smog struggle,” Dawn, 30 November 2024)
SECURITY
Death toll in Kurram reaches 124
On 30 November, The News International reported that the death toll in Kurramhad climbed to 124. According to the police, the clashes have also left 178 people injured. There is no activity within the district as schools have been closed and cellular data has been restricted. The Peshawar-Parachinar highway also remains closed. Despite a 10-day ceasefire that was agreed to this week, the violence has continued in the region. (“Peace eludes Kurram as 7 more killed in clashes,” Dawn, 30 November 2024; “Kurram tribal clashes casualties rise to 124 as violence continues,” The News International, 30 November 2024)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Office dismisses international criticism against crackdown on PTI
On 29 November, the Foreign Office of Pakistan has dismissed international criticism pertaining to the government’s crackdown against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s protests. The FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: “We believe that much of this commentary is based on an inaccurate and incomplete understanding of the situation.” This development comes as Amnesty International called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the security personnel’s “unlawful” use of force to put an end to the protests. In other news, the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan has led to widespread criticism within and outside Pakistan. Commenting on the issue, EU envoy Riina Kionka cited Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “FO dismisses foreign criticism of law enforcers’ crackdown on PTI protests,” Dawn, 30 November 2024)
COAS visits site of Pak-China joint military drill
On 30 November, The News International reported that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir paid a visit to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi. He was welcomed by the Commander Rawalpindi corps in Pabbi. He spoke with the personnel of Pakistan and China’s army who took part in “Exercise Warrior – VIII.” He was informed about the extent and the overall conduct of the military drill. Exercise Warrior is a yearly joint military exercise between China and Pakistan which in 2024 started on 19 November. The military drill would go on for three weeks from the start date of the exercise. (“COAS reviews Pak-China counter-terrorism exercise,” The News International, 30 November 2024)
Ban on PIA and other domestic carriers lifted by EU
On 30 November, The News International reported that the European Union has decided to end the ban which was put upon Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other operating airlines to fly to Europe. The ban on the carriers to fly to European cities was imposed in 2020 and stayed for four years. EU Ambassador to Pakistan Rina Kionka clarified that the ban was due to technical reasons and did not involve any political angle. Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) initiated drastic changes that satisfied the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA monitors the “air safety list mechanism” which has been in contact with PCAA. It also carried out an “on the site” examination in Pakistan in November 2023. PIA and other carriers after the removal of the ban can fly to and from European destinations. Passengers from Pakistan will now be able to take direct PIA flights to European cities. After the removal of the ban by the European Union, it is anticipated that the ban put upon PIA by the British Department Transport and the US Federal Aviation Authority would also be lifted. (Mehtab Haider, Muhammad Anis and Sher Ali Khalti, “EU safety lifts ban on govt airline after four years,” The News International, 30 November 2024)
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People participating in the funerals of the martyrs are standing with them with devotion. Think about your own funeral.
Najam Sheraz
- PTI
Sheets have been torn in Imran Khan's cell. So that Imran Khan is affected by severe cold.
Imran Riaz Khan
- PTI
We offered them alternative places of D Chowk to protest, which the founder PTI also agreed to. But Bushra Bibi stubbornly refused the offer, but when the state took action, she appeared from Mansehra when she ran away from D Chowk.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif
- PMLN
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"We must begin by cutting wasteful expenditures."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Reform agenda.’
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