Photo : PTI
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : PTI
In Brief
POLITICS
PPP and PML-N set to hold discussions to resolve differences
On 6 December, both the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) decided to conduct a week-long set of negotiations to sort out their grievances. Earlier, the PPP Chairman had expressed disappointment over the government’s dismissive attitude towards his party, where its opinion on the recently passed 26th Amendment act was not asked. However, a statement from a PPP source revealed that tensions between the coalition partners were easing. “Virtual talks will start in two days, and then physical talks will begin that will continue for at least a week.” In the backdrop, the PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with the Jamiat-e- Ulema-e-Islami founder, where the latter threatened the government to approve the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024. According to Dawn, a government source stated that the coalition was afraid that the JUI-F might join hands with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), a major opposition. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PML-N, PPP set to initiate dialogue to settle disputes,” Dawn, 6 December 2024)
Government may convene a joint parliamentary session to revisit Madressah Bill
On 6 December, The News International reported that the government is planning to convene a joint sitting of the upper and lower houses of the parliament to “revisit” the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024, pertaining to the registration of religious educational institutions (madrasas). This meeting is likely to take place next week. Many other bills besides the Societies Bill will also be approved in the joint session. The government decision follows the President returning the bill with objections. This is despite the bill being passed by both houses of the Parliament. The Presidency has not commented on the issue but sources within the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs revealed this to The News. Among objections raised by President Asif Ali Zardari, education being a provincial subject is one. This development comes as the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islami Founder Fazlur Rehman was approached/assured by Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, after the former issued warnings over the delay in the president’s approval of the bill. (“Zardari returns madrasa bill with objections,” The News International, 6 December 2024)
IT minister confirms government plans to amend cybercrime law
On 5 December, during a Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication briefing, the Federal Minister for Intelligence Technology and Telecommunication, Fatima Khwaja confirmed that the government is planning to amend the existing cybercrime law.. She stated that the draft amendment of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, for blocking “fake news” was currently under review. However, the point of contention at the committee meeting was whether the government was authorized to shut down Virtual Private Networks. Speaking on the matter, a Pakistan Muslim League Senator Affanullah noted how there were no provisions in the constitution that allows the state to shut down or restrict the use of any social media platform. However, while responding to a query, the minister said that the Peca was being altered to “address concerns related to fake news and online misinformation campaigns.” (Kalbe Ali, "Minister Shaza Fatima confirms cybercrime law changes ‘to curb fake news’," Dawn, 6 December 2024)
JUDICIARY
ATC Rawalpindi indicts Imran Khan and other PTI members for 9 May attacks; Khan announces “grand gathering”
On 5 December, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood along with 100 other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leaders for their involvement in the 9 May 2023 attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ). Additionally, arrest warrants and legal warnings have been issued that absconding PTI supporters will be designated as proclaimed offenders. The Rawalpindi court has also scheduled 10 December for the recording of prosecution evidence. Separately, in a post on X, Imran Khan has called for a “grand gathering” in Peshawar on 13 December. This is to honor those who were martyred in the recent PTI protest in Islamabad. This announcement comes a month after the PTI held its “final call” for protests in Islamabad. Additionally, in his recent message, he announced that a five-member PTI delegation would meet the government and negotiate with it on two points, namely, the release of political prisoners who are facing trial and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the recent protest and 9 May 2023 events. He warned: “If these two demands are not accepted, civil disobedience movement will be started from December 14.” (Khalid Iqbal, Mumtaz Alvi & Shakeel Anjum, “Imran among 100 PTI leaders indicted in GHQ attack case,” The News International, 6 December 2024; “PTI founder Imran announces ‘grand gathering’ in Peshawar on Dec 13,” Dawn, 5 December 2024)
ECONOMY
PM Sharif issues various instructions linked to the economy
On 5 December, while chairing a review meeting of Pakistan’s economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to carry out swift and effective taxation measures to execute the country’s revenue collection action. While talking about the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue, the PM appreciated the finance minister, state minister for finance, the FBR chairman, and the secretary of finance’s efforts in digitization of the FBR. Additionally, he directed the FBR to finish all digitization-related tasks of the FBR by the end of 2024. However, the digitization of the board’s value chain will be completed by March 2025. While reviewing the economic situation he expressed satisfaction over the reduction in fuel prices after a crackdown was carried out on smuggled fuel. He also instructed the creation of a committee to increase the production of major crops and increase rice exports to Malaysia. Besides, he instructed the creation of employment opportunities at the border districts of Balochistan among many other plans. Separately, the Federal Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that the country is committed towards an uninterrupted and successful completion of the International Monetary Fund’s programme while holding talks with IMF’s new Resident Representative for Pakistan Mahir Binici. The same sentiment was reciprocated by Binnici who also expressed his commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts in completing the programme in a successful manner. (Erum Zaidi &Rana Ghulam Qadi, “SBP says S. Arabia extends term of $3bn deposit with Pakistan for another year: PM for strict steps to boost taxation, implement collection strategy,” The News International, 6 December 2024; Mehtab Haider, “Aurangzeb commits to successful completion of IMF programme,” The News International, 6 December 2025)
SECURITY
Security forces kill eight terrorists in separate incidents
On 5 December, the Security Forces neutralized eight terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations launched in South Waziristan and Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A press release from the state media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, stated that the operation in the South Waziristan District led to the arrest of two terrorists while two others were neutralized. Among the dead was a ring leader, Khan Muhammad [alias] Khoryay who was claimed to be involved in many terrorist activities in the region. In the operation conducted in the Lakki Marwat District, six terrorists were neutralized after an intense exchange of fire between them and the security forces. (“Security forces neutralise 8 terrorists in separate KP operations: ISPR,” Dawn, 5 December 2024)
Pakistan Army dismisses “premeditated” social media campaign
On 5 December, the Pakistan Army, in a formal statement, denounced social media posts alleging that the security personnel were involved in the killing of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf supporters during recent protests in Islamabad. It stated that this misinformation was “pre-planned, coordinated, and premeditated,” and is propaganda aimed at defaming the military and creating discord between the military and the people. Further, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement claimed that this propaganda was being supported by “external” actors. The statement, however, did not point a finger at any particular person/country. The Army also emphasized that it wants these perpetrators punished. In this regard, the ISPR statement read “Those spreading fake news for vested political / financial interests need to be identified and brought to justice.” This statement is the first formal reaction from the Army after it found itself being criticized vehemently, especially on social media, for allegedly using force against PTI protestors during the Islamabad protests. This criticism followed after what was intended to be a peaceful protest escalated into violent clashes between the demonstrators and the security personnel, leading to the alleged death of 12 PTI supporters. Four police personnel have also been reportedly killed. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Army wants action against those behind ‘disinfo’ on protesters’ deaths,” Dawn, 6 December 2024)
EXTERNAL
USD 3 billion deposit by Saudi Arabia extended for one year
On 5 December, a press release from the State Bank of Pakistan revealed that Saudi Arabia has agreed to extend the USD 3 billion deposit to Pakistan for another year. In a post on X pos, the SBP announced that “The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has extended the term for the deposit of USD 3 billion, maturing on December 5, for another year.” The statement acknowledged that this would help the country improve its foreign reserves. The statement also highlighted how this will help the country in its path to economic growth and development. It acknowledged the previous debt rollovers of 2022 and 2023, thereby reflecting on the cordial relations between the two. The original agreement was signed between the State Bank of Pakistan and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in November 2021. It was agreed that the SBP will receive USD 3 billion in order to boost its foreign reserves. (“Saudi Arabia extends $3bn deposit in Pakistan for another year,” Dawn, 5 December 2024)