In Brief
In Focus
Pakistan observes 10th anniversary of APS, Peshawar attack
On 16 December, The News International reported on the 10th anniversary of the brutal assault carried out in Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar. President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif paid their respects to the people who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. Security measures in Peshawar have been enhanced to make sure that no unfortunate incident takes place. It has been decided that Quaran Khawani will be distributed in mosques. On the occasion, President Zardari urged citizens to collectively battle against the terror threat. He stated “On this day, the terrorists mercilessly killed our citizens including our children. The attack on the children was cruel and against humanity. PM Sharif also expressed his determination to wipe out terrorism from the country. He stated that all the citizens of the country are “united against the cowardly terrorists.” He further alleged that the terrorists operated on the directions of foreign adversaries and had nothing to do with religion. In the APS Peshawar terror attack which took place on 16 December 2014, 132 school kids lost their lives and many were injured. In the attack, six terrorists had o managed to enter the school and open fire on the school children indiscriminately. The attack had shocked the nation and received universal condemnation. Post the attack, the National Action Plan had been formulated and implemented. However, after 2021, terror assaults again started to surge. The parents who had lost their children in the attack have been offering scholarships for the downtrodden children. They have been calling for peace to make sure that children in the country are safe.
On the same day, an editorial in Dawn titled “Remembering APS” discussed the urgent need of strengthening the National Action Plan (NAP) to control the spread of terror attacks across the country. The editorial mentioned how the Army Public School terror attack came as a bitter shock to the country which compelled the government to initiate the National Action Plan(NAP) in order to wipe out the menace terrorism. The editorial pointed out that NAP needs further strengthening for controlling the spread of terror. The editorial highlighted that terror assaults against ordinary civilians have reduced after NAP, however, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups are increasing their attacks across the country. The editorial noted how TTP’s main targets have been security forces and the army, nevertheless, some of the ordinary civilians have also lost their lives in these attacks. The editorial pointed out how the federal government and army have been unsuccessful in rooting out TTP from the country. The editorial further lamented that the federal government and the establishment have been more focused upon targeting opposition political parties instead of emphasizing upon counter-terror measures. (Asin Yasin and Javed Aziz Khan, “10th anniversary: President, PM pay rich tribute to martyrs of APS tragedy,” The News International, 16 December 2024 (“Remembering APS,” Dawn, 16 December 2024)
POLITICS
Senate Chairman Gilani urges fulfillment of the accord between the PPP and the government
On 16 December, The News International reported on Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani asking for the fulfillment of the “written agreement” between the federal government and the PPP. He confirmed that the PPP will not have its party members in the federal cabinet. He argued for issues to be resolved through dialogue and suggested that political indifference could only be fixed through discussions. Speaking at a seminar, Gilani called for measures for bettering the state of healthcare in the country and
highlighted how the 18th constitutional amendment has played a significant part in enhancing the authority of provinces to significantly contribute to improvement of the healthcare system. He further highlighted how the amendment facilitated the provinces to come up with their own resolutions for the specific problems in the regions. He further stated that giving more authority to provinces has enabled the establishment of a more inclusive system of healthcare. Gilani opined that the citizens must establish a society that puts emphasis upon health and see it as a “foundation of development.” (“Gilani demands govt implement agreement with PPP,” The News International, 16 December 2024)
Government set to introduce digital bill on identity in National Assembly
On 16 December, the government is set to introduce a digital identity bill for citizens at the National Assembly. The bill aims to streamline all government services and consolidate all economic, social and government data. The bill is set to be introduced by the Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khwaja. It calls for the constitution of two institutions , namely, the Pakistan Digital Authority and the National Digital Commission. While the former will be led by the government and its institutions, the latter will be led by top-tier industry experts. This digital model is set to replicate the initiatives that have been introduced in the UAE, Estonia and India. According to a digital expert, the bill’s objective is aimed at “Global Digital Compact and enable the building of Digital Public Infrastructure [DPI] of Pakistan.” (Abdul Moiz Malik, “Bill for unified 'digital ID' to be tabled in NA today,” Dawn, 16 December 2024)
ECONOMY
PSX’s KSE-100 surpasses 116000 points reflecting optimism among investors
On 16 December, The News International reported that the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has surpassed 116,000 points. It is an increase of 1713.48 points. This could be attributed to confidence of the investors because of the reduction in policy rate initiated by the State Bank of Pakistan. Uninterrupted flow of remittances, substantial foreign currency, and reduction in rates of inflation have increased the trust in Pakistan’s economic revival. Market remains hopeful as the Monetary Policy Committee is likely to initiate a “rate cut” which could be from “200 to 500 basis points.” Entrepreneurs have called for more cuts so as to boost growth. In November, rates of inflation came down to 4.9 per cent which led to “monetary easing.” Investors acquired confidence with the federal government cutting “250 basis point in Savings Account returns.” It is anticipated that exports would touch USD 33 billion by FY 2025 and remittances are likely to reach USD 33.5 billion. The advance to deposit ratio has also climbed to 47.8 per cent in the month of November. This number was at 44.3 per cent in October. (“PSX surges past 116,000 points on rate cut hopes macroeconomic stability,” The News International, 16 December 2024)
Pide suggests the government to focus on EV exports
On 16 December, Dawn reported that national think tank, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (Pide) has suggested the government emphasize on electric vehicle export opportunities. It suggested that about “10 per cent of all EVs and 5 per cent of auto parts produced are exported by 2030.” Further, it also suggested that 50 per cent of all EVs and auto parts manufactured in Pakistan be exported by 2040. This development comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the importance of implementing a strong EV policy. The policy document also stated that it is an economic opportunity for Pakistan to exploit as it will help cut “down on its oil imports” as well as improve the current account balance. This would result in two favorable outcomes, namely, the reduction in emissions and import costs, thereby enabling Pakistan to advance its economic and climate objectives. (Khaleeq Kiani, "EV export key to meeting multiple challenges: Pide," Dawn, 16 December 2024)
“We cannot afford to delay our response to this assault on human dignity”: Dawn editorial
On 16 December, an editorial titled “Grievous trade” in Dawn discussed the recent UN Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024 and how the issue of human trafficking is relevant to South Asia. The report stated that sexual exploitation and forced labor were some of the major forms of trafficking. It highlighted that Pakistan is no exception to this phenomenon, as there have been several cases of children being forced into bonded labor or marriage or being trafficked into begging. Furthermore, it noted that the conviction rate is relatively lower than the detection rate, calling for the need to implement reform in the country. However, there has been an improvement in the overall detection rate in the South Asian region. Additionally, it also highlighted the issue of cross-border trafficking and the need for countries to develop a cooperation mechanism for rehabilitating and repatriating victims. In its conclusion, the editorial also emphasized that the government ought to invest in public education, provide social protection and “gainful employment,” to respond to the “delay” in “assault on human dignity.” (“Grievous trade,” Dawn, 16 December 2024)
SECURITY
Punjab CTD warns of attacks by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore
On 16 December 2024, The News International reported on Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)’s alert of a possible terror attack which could be carried out by the proscribed Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. As per CTD, the terror assault could be on similar lines with the earlier Army Public School (APS) attack. The cities where the terror attack could be carried out are Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. As per the report from CTD, the terrorists were eyeing to attack “military installations, law enforcement agencies and educational institutions.” This has compelled Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad to shut down schools and colleges as a precaution. The spokesperson of IG Islamabad, however, that there was “no security alert” in the capital city and that the law enforcement agencies were carrying out their routine obligations. In Rawalpindi, the City Police Officer has directed to make sure that there is no breach of security in schools, colleges, sensitive areas and other salient places. A public holiday has also been announced on 16 December to ensure no unfortunate incident takes place. (“Security tightened amid threat alert,” The News International, 16 December 2024)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Efforts underway to reestablish peace in Kurram
On 16 December, The News International reported on efforts by adviser to CM Ali Amin Gandapur, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif for restoration of peace in Kurram. He informed that the bunkers will be destroyed and weaponry will be confiscated from the warring parties so as to restore peace in the region. On the roads returning to normal operation, he said “Safe travels on the roads will only be possible after dismantling the bunkers and collecting arms from the warring sides.” Separately, the “grand peace jirga” held discussions on how to resolve and bring back peace in the region for the ninth day in a row. The unwillingness of the warring sides to agree upon contentious issues has further aggravated the severity of the “humanitarian crisis.” Another two children lost their lives because of not getting proper medicinal supplies and food. A social activist Mir Afzal Khan informed that the death tally touched 32 in which 17 were children. He further warned that if the road connectivity is not brought back to normal operations, Parachinar would see more deaths. (“Efforts on to bring peace in Kurram: Saif,” The News International, 16 December 2024)
KP CM says federation approached him to initiate talks with Afghanistan
On 15 December, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur criticized the federation for turning away from his proposal to hold negotiations with Afghanistan, to address the existing issues. In a media statement, CM Gandapur claimed that his statement earlier on negotiations with Afghanistan had been taken out of context despite the KP government being at the receiving end of the tensions between both countries. He lamented that now the government has approached him to resolve the existing tensions and emphasized the importance of dialogue to protect the law and order situation in the province. He noted that there were about 44,000 militants operating within the Pakistani and Afghan territory and how the government could take no action once militants crossed the border into Pakistan. He also condemned the Afghan government for failing to upkeep peace on its borders. (Umer Farooq, “Centre now wants talks with Kabul, says KP CM,” Dawn, 16 December 2024)
EXTERNAL
US State Department report says that Pakistan has displayed progress in curbing terror financing
On 16 December, Dawn reported that the US state department has released a report highlighting that Pakistan hasmade headway in countering terror financing. It noted how the National Risk Assessment had assessed the sectoral vulnerability, identified the sources of terror financing and evaluated 87 terrorist groups. However, it also reported that there has been a sharp increase in terror attacks since 2023. The assessment found that 41 groups are actively engaged in illegal fiscal transfers, with Afghanistan being flagged as the most vulnerable to these transactions. It also commended Pakistan for prosecuting its citizens after they returned from foreign wars. Besides this, the report congratulated the country for being removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List in 2022 as the customs had made significant progress in implementing anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulating the foreign exchange at major airports. (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistan has made progress against terror financing: US assessment,” Dawn, 16 December 2024)
Punjab Minister calls upon Chinese firms to invest in province
On 15 December, Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif called upon Chinese firms to facilitate operations in Punjab, via a one-window operation. While speaking at an investment conference attended by more than 60 representatives from major China and Hong Kong companies, in Guangzhou, CM Sharif described Punjab’s environment as conducive to investment. The representatives came from key economic sectors including information technology, waste management, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and many more. CM Nawaz announced that a team was being constituted for this purpose, where a help desk would be created to enable Chinese investments into Punjab’s companies. She also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in implementing environmentally friendly initiatives and the government’s efforts at modernizing agriculture. Additionally, she also invited Chinese firms to invest in the Nawaz Sharif IT City and even described Pakistan as a portal for trade to the Middle East, Central Asia and the rest of the world. (“The representatives came from key economic sectors including information technology, waste management, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and many,” Dawn, 16 December 2024)
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Due to government efforts, economic stability is coming to the country.
Leader of PML-N Bilal Azhar Kayani
- PMLN Digital
"Ata Tarar was saying that they would not be able to come out again, but today people came out in large numbers, it was an amazing sight. People came out with pictures of the martyrs, people injured in the November 26 incident also came there, parents brought their children, this fight has now been passed on to the next generations"
Asadullah Khan
- PTI
The year’s last Polio campaign begins today Dec 16 - 22. With 64 cases of polio reported this year alone in #Pakistan. Please accept the vaccine everytime it is offered, raise awareness amongst your friends, family, neighbours, & ensure that every child under the age of 5 in your community receives the polio vaccine . Together, we can protect our children and eradicate #polio.
- Aseefa B Zardari
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