US imposes additional sanctions against Pakistan's ballistic missile programme I Polio cases surge to 64 in 2024
In Brief
POLITICS
IT minister acknowledges “user challenges” to internet disruption
On 18 December, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja told the National Assembly that the government does not dismiss the “user challenges” that have emerged from slow internet services. During the Question hour session, while responding to Pakistan People’s Party’s lawmakers’ reservations towards the current internet situation, she emphasized: “There are certain realities that we have to consider. There is a need to correct perceptions.” She stated the importance of enhancing cybersecurity for data protection and block content that is deemed “objectionable and offensive material under the laws of Pakistan.” She further opined that “no other country has as much freedom of expression as there is in [Pakistan].” These criticisms come as internet users have complained of slow internet speed, while digitial analysts believe that the government is testing its firewall deployment to block what it considers undesirable. In a statement, PPP’s Shazia Marri said: “I was laughing the day that bill was introduced that what internet and digital Pakistan are we talking about when there is no internet facility?” She also claimed that besides punishing those involved in anti-state activities, the government is also punishing those uninvolved. (“Govt ‘doesn’t deny’ internet challenges as coalition ally PPP assails disruptive measures,” Dawn, 18 December 2024; Asim Yasin, “PPP MPs take govt to task on slow internet speed,” 19 December 2024)
PM Sharif authorizes probe into migrant boat tragedy near Greece
On 18 December, while presiding a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed relevant authorities to crack down on human traffickers. This order comes after five migrants of Pakistani nationality drowned after a boat capsized near Greece. He also instructed the Integrated Border Management System to surveil international travelers and asked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the foreign ministry to produce reports on human trafficking incidents that have involved Pakistan. He underscored the need to “enhance collaboration with international institutions to prevent the recurrence of such” episodes. Moreover, on 17 December, the FIA registered four individuals suspected of human trafficking while two suspects hailing from Gujrat and Sialkot have reportedly been detained. On 19 December, a report from the Pakistan Embassy in Athens confirmed that out of more than 40 Pakistanis who were in the migrant boat, only five bodies were recovered while the remaining 35 have gone missing. The report further stated that search operations have been called off and the missing persons will be considered dead. (“PM orders action to curb human trafficking after Greek shipwreck deaths,” Dawn, 18 December 2024; Azaz Syed, “Toll of Pakistanis feared dead in Greece boat tragedy hits 40,” The News International, 19 December 2024)
Backchannel contacts being reactivated to facilitate government-PTI dialogue
On 19 December, The News International reported that attempts to reactivate “backchannel contacts” are underway in order to facilitate inter-party dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). It has been predicted that this meeting would yield positive results. These backchannel contacts are said to be much different from the delegation constituted by Imran Khan to engage in dialogue with the government. These contacts are the same as those involved in informal deliberations with the government to stop the 24 November protests from taking place. They were also involved in talks between the PTI and the government on the day of the protests, where both parties reached an understanding of shifting the venue to D-Chowk from Sangjiani.. (Ansar Abbasi, “Backchannel contacts between govt, PTI being reactivated,” The News International, 19 December 2024)
PM Sharif reorganizes CSB
On 19 December, according to The News International, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reconstituted the Central Selection Board to consist of three parliamentarians while four bureaucrats from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have been nominated. The meeting of the CSB is scheduled for the 23, 24, 26 and 27 December and it is expected that about 1,000 officers are set to be promoted. (Rana Ghulam Qadir, “PM reconstitutes Central Selection Board,” The News International, 19 December 2024)
“In this case both sides — the clerical old guard and the ruling parties — are responsible for creating unnecessary controversy”: Dawn editorial
On 19 December, an editorial titled “Madressah oversight” in Dawn discussed the standoff between the clerics and the ruling regime over the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024. The bill calling for the rolling back of administrative authority to register seminaries has ensued into “unnecessary controversy.” This controversy arose from the religious groups threatening to take to the streets and the ruling regime not acknowledging that the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024 was used as a “political tool” to garner support from them to pass the 26th Amendment. In a recent statement, a Mufti opined that the seminaries would not become “subservient” to the state and even demanded “autonomy.” However, there is no political deadlock between the clerics and the government as they are open to engage in deliberations. The editorial also argued the need to bring these seminaries under the district administration. Currently, there is no knowledge of how many madressahs exist in the country, making it even more important for the state to know how many madressahs there are, what is being taught, and their source of finances. If they are left to their “own devices” then they are likely to become launchpads of militancy and “breeding grounds for extremism.” the seminar registration bill endorsed by the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islami and did not receive the presidential assent. (“Madressah oversight,” Dawn, 19 December 2024)
JUDICIARY
NAB reserves verdict on the GBP 190 million Al-Qadir Trust case
On 18 December, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reserved its decision on the GBP 190 million Al-Qadir University Trust case against Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi. At the hearing, their counsel Barrister Safdar alleged that this was a case of “political revenge” and was referenced to “target” certain entities, especially the “couple.” However, in his statement, the NAB prosecutor said that the bureau would not change its stance and inquired why the former PM resorted to violating the cabinet’s rules of procedure to receive approval. The case filed against the duo alleges that Khan and Bibi were recipients of monetary gain and land. They have been accused of legalizing PKR 50 billion transferred from the UK, “meant for the state of Pakistan into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi.” (Tahir Naseer, “Court reserves verdict in £190m Al-Qadir Trust case against Imran, Bushra,” Dawn, 18 December 2024)
ECONOMY
“The policymakers need to look much deeper to tackle gas issues such as price distortions and theft to keep the crisis from spiralling”: Dawn editorial
On 19 December an editorial in Dawn titled “Hiking gas rates,” discussed the recent recommendations made by the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to hike up gas prices to meet the International Monetary Fund’s demands to secure the second tranche. This move is aimed at helping Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) recover their costs in order to address the circular debt within the gas sector. The editorial, however, argued that hiking prices periodically is not the answer to overcoming the complex challenges that plague the sector. The sector faces similar problems to the power sector where the shortage of finances and the halt in providing large subsidies is “making matters worse for policymakers.” The gas prices may further rise as the IMF demands to stop supplying gas and promotion of electricity usage in captive power plants may create an increased reserve of unused gas. It may even be rid of high-paying consumers who help offset gas prices of domestic consumers. (“Hiking gas rates,” Dawn, 19 December 2024)
HEALTH
Polio cases surge to 64 in 2024
On 18 December, another case of polio was detected and the total number of cases in the country reached 64 in 2024. The case was identified from Jacobabad in Sindh. This is the fourth victim of polio from Jacobabadidentified this year. the total number of polio cases in Sindh has now risen to 18. The maximum number of polio cases in 2024 has been reported from Balochistan which is 26. 18 cases have been reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad and Punjab have reported one case each. (M Waqar Bhatti, “Poliovirus cripples another child in Sindh, total cases 64,” The News International, 19 December 2024)
ENVIRONMENT
“It is high time the country considered homegrown solutions”: The News International editorial
On 19 December, an editorial in The News International titled “Local solutions” discussed the need for indigenous measures to combat the impact of climate change in the country in addition to advocating for more climate financing from developed countries. The editorial pointed out how the pledge made by developed countries at COP 29 of financing USD 300 billion per year by 2035 to developing countries falls way short of what the latter’s requirements are or will be. The editorial noted that in the year 2022, developing countries had to pay USD 443.5 billion as “public debts.” It also stated how most of the climate finance was given out by developed countries as loans, which further increases the pressure of debt on developing countries. The editorial argued for introducing “local solutions” in order to combat the threats posed due to climate change. The editorial mentioned how unplanned urbanization has led to the blockage of drains. The editorial suggested that people must be made aware of the significance of “green spaces” and all localities must have their own “parks and gardens.” The editorial also suggested that “community centres” must be built which can serve as a relaxation point for the residents during scorching summers. (“Local solutions,” The News International, 19 December 2024)
SECURITY
“Unfolding humanitarian crisis in Kurram demands immediate state intervention”: Dawn editorial
On 19 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Kurram’s misery” discussed the challenging circumstances faced by the residents of Kurram and how the government should address the same. The editorial mentioned that Parachinar, a city in Kurram, has been cut off from Peshawar and the only access to it is via air travel. Violence in the region that led to such circumstances began when a caravan of passenger vehicles came under fire that led to the death of 43 people. This led to a further rise in violent attacks in the region and till now more than 130 people have lost their lives. The editorial highlighted the long on-going issues in the region such as disputes over ownership of land and sectarian tensions. The recent surge in violence has led to the inaccessibility of children to appropriate treatment and scarcity of “medicines and oxygen,” Also, diabetic people are unable to get insulin and people suffering from cancer are unable to move out of the district. All of these developments have created a humanitarian crisis in the district. The editorial argued that the government must ensure uninterrupted supply of “medicines, food” and necessary goods. The editorial suggested that the government must explore other options for establishing connectivity with Parachinar via road. Additionally, the government must also provide strong support to jirgas that are working to bring back peace in the region. (“Kurram’s misery,” Dawn, 19 December 2024)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif lands in Cairo to attend 11th summit of Developing Eight (D-8) countries
On 19 December, Dawn reported on PM Sharif’s visit to Cairo for attending the 11th Summit of Developing Eight (D-8) countries. PM Sharif landed in Cairo on 18 December, where he was welcomed by Egypt’s Minister for Public Business Sector Mohamed Shimi and several other high-profile dignitaries of Egypt and Pakistan’s embassy. It is a two-day summit which will begin from 18 December and whose theme is “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.” It is anticipated that PM Sharif will focus on the significance of “investing” in the young population and Small and Medium Enterprises to create a robust economy. In addition, the investment would also play an important part in increasing job opportunities, facilitating local businesses, and “advancing innovation.” PM Sharif will also be discussing the present dire state of the Middle East due to Israel’s interventions in the region. Along with Pakistan and Egypt the six other members of D-8 which was formulated in 1997 includes Turkiye, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran and Malaysia, and Nigeria. The grouping was formed to enhance economic activities among the countries in the group and enhance the living standards of people residing in member countries. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz reaches Cairo for D-8 moot,” Dawn, 19 December 2024)
Pakistan advocates for right to self-determination in UNGA
On 18 December, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) backed a resolution which was moved by Pakistan on “Universal Realization of the Right of Peoples to Self Determination.” Pakistan is putting efforts in making sure that “right to self-determination” continues to form an important part of “global discourse.” The resolution sponsored by Pakistan underscores the alleged difficult circumstances through which the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine have to go through. Pakistan for the last 40 years has put forward this yearly resolution to spread awareness of the challenging circumstances of residents living under repressive regimes and how they have not been given the “right to self-determination.” The resolution reiterates people’s right to “self-determination” which also comprises of those who are staying under “foreign occupation, colonial domination and alien subjugation.” (Mariana Baabar, “UN adopts Pakistan’s resolution on people’s right to self-determination,” The News International, 19 December 2024)
New Gwadar International airport to start functioning from 30 December
On 19 December, The News International reported on the inauguration of the New Gwadar International Airport. As per the instructions of PM Shehbaz Sharif, the airport in Gwadar is set to start functioning from 30 December. It was reported that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would set off the “first commercial flight” from the newly built airport in Gwadar. Concluding arrangements are presently being done with PIA and Airports Authority recently having discussions on important “operational” issues. As per the sources, PIA would soon be positioning staff and other necessary equipment to make sure of seamless operations from the starting day itself. It is anticipated that once the airport is operational, it will lead to a spike in “trade and tourism” in the area. For 2025, PIA would not have to pay any charges to the airport. This has been decided to ensure “operational stability.” Gwadar airport which has been built with USD 246 million worth of Chinese assistance has a huge runway and state-of-the-art “terminal building.” The airport, thus, has the capacity to handle large airplanes. (Tariq Abul Hasan, “Gwadar airport set for Dec 30 inauguration,” The News International, 19 December 2024)
US imposes additional sanctions against Pakistan's ballistic missile programme
On 18 December, the US Department of State informed that it is imposing more sanctions against Pakistan’s “ballistic missile programme.” The US has identified four institutions that are responsible for the surge in weapons like these. The entities which will be sanctioned are the National Development Complex, Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside enterprise.” Previously, in September, the US had levied sanctions on a research institution based in China which was allegedly assisting the “ballistic missile programme” of Pakistan. As a response, Pakistan has termed the sanctions as “unfortunate and biased.” Pakistan has further cautioned that such sanctions could prove to be detrimental for regional stability. Some analysts also see Pakistan is being treated unfairly in comparison to its neighbor India which also has its own “long-range missile programme.” The recent sanctions come just before Donald Trump is set to assume the US presidency. (“US State Department announces more sanctions on Pakistan’s missile programme,” Dawn, 18 December 2024 ; Muhammad Umer “Pakistan rejects new US sanctions on its missile programme as ‘discriminatory,’” The News International, 19 December 2024)
|
The initiative of made in Pakistan Ventilator is now fully operational as after basic ventilators now Alnnovent has received approval of full scale made in Pakistan Ventilator, Pakistan is now among less than dozen countries of the world that has capability to manufacture advance very proud of Pak engineers who brought this dream to reality and grateful to my team at Ministry of Science and Technology for supporting my Initiative.
- Chaudhry Fawad Hussain
"Neither Al-Qadir Trust is owned by Imran Khan, nor can Imran Khan benefit from it, nor can the assets of Al-Qadir Trust ever be transferred to Imran Khan. If you still call this a corruption and NAB case, then it is surprising"
Asad Ullah Khan
- PTI
Things happening in Pakistan are not because of 250 million peaceful Pakistanis. So USA should impose sanctions on individuals responsible for that rather imposing sanctions on Pakistan. They deserve sanctions not Pakistan.
- Imran Riaz Khan
|
|
|
|
"Technology needs to fulfil the most basic requirement first: to do the job at the least cost."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'You and your tech.'
|
|
|
