Pakistan declares tax holiday to SEZ companies
In Kurram I Kohat Commissioner facilitates ceasefire
In Brief
POLITICS
PTI leaders not in favor of civil disobedience movement
On 7 December, a report in The News International outlined how the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party leaders have expressed their reservations towards Imran Khan’s call for a “grand gathering.” According to the report, the leaders were planning to talk to him to rescind the call. (Ansar Abbasi, “PTI leadership believes civil disobedience call not doable,” The News International, 7 December 2024)
The “threat that violent armed group pose to Pakistan’ security cannot be understated”: Dawn editorial
On 7 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Threat perception” discussed how the government and the army instead of containing the surge in armed violence are directing all their energy to sabotage Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). The editorial cited the data published by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies to highlight the surge of militant attacks in the country. As per the data in November, the country incurred 61 militant attacks, which led to 169 people losing their lives and wounding more than 200 people. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain the top two provinces where terror attacks were carried out. The editorial highlighted how, instead of combating the real threat, the army and civilian forces have directed all their attention towards equating PTI with terrorism. The editorial argued that the contention between the army, the government and the PTI must be settled through “political means.” It further contended that PTI must not be held synonymous with terrorist groups and that army and civilian forces should put all their efforts into combating the threat of terrorism. Further, it called for preventing militants from Afghanistan from coming into Pakistan. (“Threat perception,” Dawn, 7 December 2024)
“Civil disobedience, particularly in an already fragile state, is not an act of defiance but one of recklessness”: The News International editorial
On 7 December, an editorial in The News International titled “Back to civil disobedience,” discussed how Pakistan’s domestic issues tend to affect its standing in the global forum negatively. Referring Imran Khan’s call for a civil disobedience movement, the editorial claim that it is bound to draw international attention. The civil disobedience threat comes as the PTI has formed a delegation to negotiate with the government for the release of political prisoners and the constitution of a judicial commission to probe into the 9 May 2023 riots and the recent crackdown on PTI protests. The editorial describes how Pakistan had to fight to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list in 2022 and how Khan’s rhetoric is set to have significant implications on all its efforts of progress in its economic development. The editorial doubts whether the government would be open to a dialogue with the PTI. It insists that Khan engage in dialogue and compromise and not “disruption,” as calling for a civil disobedience movement in an already “fragile” state entails a great deal of responsibility. (“Back to civil disobedience,” The News International, 7 December 2024)
Bilawal Bhutto appreciates KP governor for attempting to bring peace, criticizes PTI
On 6 December, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for organizing an all-parties conference (APC). The conference was aimed at getting the consent of all political parties and solve the problems incurred by the residents of KP. However, the APC was not attended by the provincial government, Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf. In an X post, Bilawal Bhutto, highlighted the importance of achieving “political consensus.” He added, how “dialogue between political forces is the most effective means to not only address political, economic and security challenges but forge the political consensus and stability required to achieve results.” He also criticized the KP government for indulging in “extremist politics” as it is a compromise the people’s interest. He further alleged that the PTI-led government has not devoted a substantial amount of time towards addressing provincial issues since it came to power. (Asim Yasin, “Bilawal slams KP govt’s ‘extremist politics,’” The News International, 7 December 2024)
JUDICIARY
“Three-judge committee” to decide upon the petitions against 26th constitutional amendment
On 6 December, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi stated that he had looked into the concerns of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had asked for the rescheduling of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan session till the time when all the petitions against 26th Amendment were settled. Justice Shah’s concerns received backing from the “President of Islamabad High Court Bar Association and All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee for Restoration of Constitutional rule and the Independence of judiciary.” Responding to Justice Shah’s concerns, the CJP stated that a committee comprising of three judges would look into the petitions against the 26th constitutional amendment and determine when it wants to resolve them. However, the CJP has rejected Justice Shah’s demand for having a “full court hearing” to review the challenges against the 26th constitutional amendment. (Nasir Iqbal, “Scheduling constitutional cases ‘not my domain’: CJP,” Dawn, 7 December 2024; “CJP Yahya Afridi rejects proposal for full court hearing on 26th amendment,” Dawn, 6 December 2024)
New Committee formed to devise rules and norms for the appointment of judges
On 6 December, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan gave its consent to establish a committee that would decide upon the rules and norms for choosing judges. The meeting where the decision was taken saw the presence of “Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Minister of Law Azam Nazeer Tarar and Chief justices of Sindh and Peshawar High Court, Chairman of PTI Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and PTI senator Ali Zafar.” Previously, Chief justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi had asked the JCP to contemplate upon appointing Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan as the “eight judge of constitutional bench.” Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan gained the approval of JCP in a recent meeting to be the eighth judge in the constitutional bench. The committee which would deliberate upon rules and regulations for appointment of judges would constitute five members which include Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, PTI Senator Ali Zafar, PPP Senator Farooq Naek and Senior lawyer Akhtar Hussain. The newly formed committee has been directed by CJP to devise rules and regulations for choosing of judge’s and gave them a deadline of 15 December. (Umer Mehtab, “Judicial Commission approves committee to draft rules for appointing judges,” Dawn, 6 December 2024)
Supreme Court responds to Imran Khan’s demands to form judicial commissions
On 5 December, PTI founder Imran Khan conveyed through X his demand for formation of a judicial commission that would look into the incidents which took place on 9 May 2023 and on 26 November 2024 protests. He set up a committee that would present PTI’s side on two issues. First, freeing up political prisoners whose trials have not been concluded. Second, the formation of a judicial commission that would carry out an unbiased investigation of incidents which took place on 9 May 2023 and 26 November 2024. The five-member team would consist of Omar Ayub Khan, KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser. Imran Khan had again on 6 December repeated his demands on X and threatened that if demands did not receive consideration, PTI would indulge in “civil disobedience, reduction of remittances and boycott movement.” The Supreme Court has responded to the demands raised by Imran Khan and has agreed to review his petition on December 10. The petition would be put forward in front of the constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminduddin Khan. A separate hearing on 11 December would be held for reviewing Imran Khan’s petition regarding “rigging” in 2024 elections. (Umer Mehtab, “Supreme Court to hear Imran Khan’s petition for May 9 probe on Dec 10,” Dawn, 6 December 2024)
ECONOMY
Report reveals that less than five per cent of the PSDP budget spent on projects
On 7 December, an article in The News International reported that the Information and Technology and Telecommunication Ministry and similar institutions have spent less than five per cent of the development budget of the current fiscal. An official document revealed that despite PKR 23,929 million being allocated for 21 projects in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget, only PKR 1,138 million was sent in the first half of the fiscal. It also highlighted a breakdown of the expenditure. For example, with PKR13,110.78 million allocated for four projects, only PKR 788 million was spent. Similarly, PKR 1,090.35 million was set aside for six Shanghai Cooperation Organization projects, however, only about PKR 202 million was spent. (“IT ministry, its organs spend less than 5pc of allocated funds in 5 months,” The News International, 7 December 2024)
Pakistan declares tax holiday to SEZ companies
On 6 December, a meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. It was scheduled to review the progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and other key industries namely, energy, agriculture, food, infrastructure, and special economic zones (SEZs). While speaking on the development in industrial zone development, he emphasized the need for China’s expertise in this domain as Pakistan has requested the country to develop models of two industrial zones. At the meeting, it was briefed that the China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC) as well as other Free Zone businesses were eligible for tax exemption policies including tax holidays and other impetus under the Gwadar tax exemption policy. The meeting also reviewed progress on the training for 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates in China, as the sector makes a significant contribution to the economy. In this regard, the minister also stated that the PM will soon be announcing the 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan Framework, which will be merged into the country’s five year plan. This is set to be followed by an Agriculture and Industrial Policy, which will be aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector under the framework. (“No turnover tax on SEZ enterprises in Gwadar: Ahsan,” The News International, 7 December 2024)
PM Sharif says Pakistan will receive China’s help in developing its blue economy
On 6 December, at the 7th National Maritime Security Workshop, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that China would support Pakistan in developing its blue economy. He underscored how Maritime resources are key to a country's economic development. He also observed how Gwadar port is necessary for Pakistan's blue economy due to its strategic geographic location which has the potential to enhance regional connectivity, thereby supporting trade and contributing to the economy. He also expressed that Karachi Port Trust had to be modernized and that it was not a real estate business. The PM stated that it must be ushered into taking a professional modus operandi. He added that China will send a team to explore natural resources in the South Asian country's sea.
Separately, he lauded the armed forces' commitment to protecting Pakistan's security. He also mentioned that Apex committee meetings were being held to explore what measures can be undertaken to enforce peace and security in the territory. (“China to help Pakistan in blue economy: PM,” The News International, 7 December 2024; “PM Shehbaz reiterates resolve to eliminate terrorism,” Dawn, 7 December 2024)
SECURITY
PM forms a committee to address terrorism and crime
On 7 December, according to The News International, the Prime Minister has called for the constitution of a 13-member committee which will be tasked to address the terrorism and crime in the country. This development comes after the PTI staged its protests in Islamabad, which resulted in clashes between the PTI supporters and workers and the security forces. The Defence Minister has been appointed to head the committee, which will be tasked to examine the existing capacities of the institutions in charge of terrorism and crime. The committee will consist of ministers from the federation and representatives from the security forces. In this regard, the committee will be tasked to make recommendations related to how the capacity of the relevant departments can be improved. (Rana Ghulam Qadir, “Defence minister to head panel to counter terror, crime,” The News International, 7 December 2024)
In Kurram, Kohat Commissioner facilitates ceasefire
On 7 December, The News International reported that a “grand jirga” was held in the residence of Kohat commissioner Syed Motasim Billah Shah to resolve the violence that had erupted in Kurram in November. It was reported that the two warring sides agreed upon a ceasefire on 6 December. In October, the violence in the region began, which resulted in the killing of 200 people. During and after the 21 November incident, where a caravan of passenger vehicles came under gun attack, roughly 132 people lost their lives.
Separate rounds of discussions were held between the warring sides and members of the jirga. It finally resulted in the two sides agreeing that the ceasefire would be stretched for an “indefinite” amount of time. The warring parties acknowledged that resolution to disputes did not lie in violent conflicts. It was also decided that the warring parties would keep the doors open for discussion regarding the restoration of peace. (Syed Yasir Shah, “Rivals agree to indefinite ceasefire in Kurram,” The News International, 7 December 2024)
“Human trafficking continues to remain an area where the state has utterly failed its citizens”: Dawn editorial
On 7 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Humanity at risk” highlighted the government’s apathy in addressing the issue of human trafficking. The editorial mentioned that despite contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations operating in Pakistan and the US embassy, the government has not fulfilled its duty towards its citizens. In this regard, the editorial noted the small percentage of conviction rate where only out of a total 18,000 cases in 2023, only 10 people have been detained. It also noted the huge numbers of human traffickers involved in the menace by citing the report of the arrest of 109 human traffickers made by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Taking this data into consideration, editorial observed how the low conviction rate in addition to the weak trafficking laws have further worsened the issue. Hence, it suggested that the government should strengthen the FIA, and ensure that the culprits are punished by law, and rehabilitate those who went through human trafficking. (“Humanity at risk,” Dawn, 7 December 2024)
PROVINCES
Punjab CM launches free solar panel initiative
On 7 December, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched a Free Solar Panel Scheme for 100,000 power consumers in Punjab. She claimed that the initiative was aimed at providing people burdened by expensive electricity tariffs some relief. The CM reflected on how a similar initiative was aimed at reducing the burden of paying electricity bills and benefited 7.3 million power consumers. In a separate statement, Punjab’s energy secretary said that the installment of 100,000 units would happen in a year. He said: "Solar systems will be given free of charge to the electricity consumers of the province who consume up to 200 units per month.” The scheme will be implemented in the following manner where consumers of up to 200 units per month will receive 1,100 watts of free solar systems while 52,019 consumers of up to 100 will receive about 550 watts of free solar systems. (“CM Maryam launches free solar panel scheme,” The Express Tribune, 7 December 2024)
PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR
JAAC launches strike in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
On 6 December, the Joint Public Action Committee (JAAC) in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir advanced its protests against the president’s ordinance, the 'Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024’, and the custody of its promoters. This move is aimed at pressing the government into accepting its demands. It had given the government a deadline of 7 December to meet its demands, or else all routes linking the region to Pakistan would be closed. The strike launched on 5 December constituted the shutting down of medical stores, grocery stores, and hotels. (“Protest against AJK ordinance intensifies,” The News International, 7 December 2024)
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Journalists in Pakistan are being threatened intimidated and abducted merely for doing their job! This is a war against the citizens of Pakistan and is tarnishing the remnants of trust in LEAs. Stop harassing journalists!
Khadija Siddiqi
- PTI
This war is not a political war, it is a war of right and wrong, because in politics there is argument, there is disagreement, bullets are not shot in the mouth, head and chest.
- Qasim Khan Suri
Imran Khan's slogan of civil disobedience movement is just a hoax.
Amar Masood
- PMLN Digital
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"Several aspects of Punjab’s smog mitigation plan reflect a superficial understanding."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Missing the big picture.'
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