Ministry of Privatization provides details of “privatization proceeds†I PM Sharif and Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus discuss bilateral ties in Cairo
In Brief
In Focus
US expresses concern over Pakistan’s “long -range ballistic missile capabilities ”
On 19 December, the Deputy National Security Adviser of the United States, Jon Finer expressed his apprehensions regarding Pakistan’s “ballistic missile programme.” He said “Candidly, it’s hard for us to see Pakistan’s actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States.” He also alleged that Pakistan has been able to develop “increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors” and if it continues to advance the technology it could become capable of hitting targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States.” Just one day earlier, the United States had imposed more sanctions on the country’s ballistic missile programme shortlisting “four entities” that it accused of proliferation. In response, the Foreign Office of Pakistan termed the sanctions “discriminatory.” Foreign Office further warned that measures like these are detrimental for maintaining peace in the region. Speculations going around in “diplomatic circles” predict that towards the end of Joe Biden’s government, Pakistan will be put under further pressure. As per the sources of Dawn, Pakistani stakeholders have no intention to attack any western country and the missile programme is to combat the challenges posed from the eastern side.
Commenting on the developments, an editorial in The News International titled “Sanctions and sovereignty” discussed the US’s alleged double standard approach which favors India and how Pakistan should respond to the US imposed sanctions. The editorial mentioned that the recent US sanctions is the seventh such measure since November 2021. The editorial pointed out that the US is reluctant to impose any sanctions on India despite it developing “long range ballistic missiles.” It further claimed that Pakistan was compelled to develop such missiles to combat the challenge posed by India and that the latter had started the “arms race” in the region. The editorial also highlighted that Pakistan’s missile programme will not be affected by the sanctions and that the real intention of the sanction is to “isolate China.” In addition to that, according to the editorial, Pakistan has always tried to balance its relationship with the USA and China and that the sanctions would worsen the economic situation in Pakistan. The editorial suggested that Pakistan must clarify its stand to the United States that it would not compromise on its “strategic capabilities. Also, Pakistan must stress upon the fact that it should not be coerced to choose between the US and China. Further, it suggested that the government should work towards improving Pakistan’s economy so that it cannot be coerced by any foreign government.
Similarly, an editorial in The Nation titled “Double Standards” highlighted the hypocritical attitude of the United States for imposing sanctions on Pakistan. The editorial pointed out US’s alleged double standard approach towards Israel as it supports the latter despite the latter engaging in “war crimes” and represses the voices of Palestinians. Whereas, Pakistan which has developed ballistic missile technology merely for its “self defence” has to bear the brunt of US sanctions. The editorial highlighted another case of the US’s double standards where it itself imposes import duties on goods arriving from China but criticizes others for putting import duties on US made goods. The editorial applauded the stringent response of Foreign Office Pakistan in regard to US sanctions and termed it “necessary and justified.” The editorial claimed that Pakistan has to put efforts so that it does not lag behind its adversary India in terms of strategic capabilities. The editorial further noted that measures like these will further push Pakistan towards countries like China and Iran. (Anwar Iqbal and Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Shocking US claim on reach of Pakistani missiles,” Dawn, 20 December 2024 ; “Sanctions and sovereignty,” The News International, 20 December 2024 ; “Double Standards,” The Nation, 20 December 2024; “US State Department announces more sanctions on Pakistan’s missile programme”, Dawn, 19 December, 2024)
POLITICS
Reforms to bring seminaries under education ministry underway: Law Minister
On 19 December, Law Minister Azam Nazeem Tarar informed the Senate that the government was taking measures to bring seminaries under the purview of the education ministry. In his speech, he even welcomed a proposal tabled by Senator Samina Mumtaz which urged the Director General of Religious Education (DGRE) to be more active and bring about reforms in the madressahs. Mumtazalso suggested that the registration of these religious educational institutions should be made compulsory. She also highlighted how there was a lack of accountability as untrained teachers in unregistered madressahs commit violence against their students, sometimes leading to rape cases being reported. Separately, in a written statement, the education ministry informed that the madressahs had no direct source of financing and the DGRE had made provision of more than a thousand trained teachers for 598 madressahs out of 17,738 registered madressahs. (Mumtaz Alvi, “Steps under way to mainstream madrasas, Azam Tarar informs Senate,” The News International, 20 December 2024)
Imran Khan delivers fresh civil disobedience movement threat if demands remain unmet
On 20 December, Imran Khan threatened the government with the possible launch of a civil disobedience movement if his demands remained unmet till 22 December. This message was communicated via his X handle, calling on the federation to release prisoners affiliated to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), and constitute a judicial commission to probe into the 9 May and 26 November events. He also warned that he would urge foreign Pakistani nationals to “start the boycott of remittances.” These announcements come as there is much ambiguity surrounding an inter-party dialogue between the PTI and the government. He commented that the offer to decision to hold talks and postponing the civil disobedience movement was done taking the “broader national interest” into consideration. (Shakeel Anjum, “Imran gives govt until 22nd to meet his demands,” The News International, 20 December 2024)
Senate Standing Committee discusses gas crisis
On 19 December, during a Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum,the government came under scrutiny for the mismanagement of and uncoordinated gas supply, leading to a gas crisis. The meeting was convened to address the shortfall in gas reserves and the need to implement exploration activities to meet Pakistan’s growing gas demand. While Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serviced by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines, have experienced a reduction in gas supply, there have been reports of excess supplies, thereby creating gas pressure in the system. Additionally, the senators expressed regret over the fact that the director general for petroleum concession (DGPC) position was vacant as the DGPC plays a critical role after the secretary to carry out oil and gas exploration. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Senate panel blames govt for gas crisis,” Dawn, 20 December 2024)
JUDICIARY
LHC issues notice to government to probe into Greece boat tragedy
On 19 December, the Lahore High Court urged the government and other relevant entities to respond to a petition calling for the constitution of a judicial commission to probe into the deaths of Pakistanis in the migrant boat tragedy near Greece. While hearing the petition, the petitioner Munir Ahmed’s lawyer, Azhar Siddique highlighted that in the previous year, more than 300 Pakistani nationals died in an overcrowded boat near Greece. He underscored how this is a reflection of the migrant crises faced by the EU as many flee from their homelands to overcome poverty and persecution. In this regard, the counsel inquired why the government had not neither addressed issue nor taken any measures to penalize human smugglers. In this regard, he sought the judiciary’s assistance to launch a probe and hold the government and others involved accountable. (“LHC issues notices on plea seeking probe into deaths in Greece,” Dawn, 20 December 2024)
KP CM and PTI Vice Chairman, among 14 others, have been indicted in GHQ case
On 20 December, The News International reported that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) Vice Chairman, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, along with 12 others were charged and prosecuted for being involved in the General Headquarters attack on 9 May. The hearing in the Anti-Terrorism Court was also attended by Imran Khan, Shibli Faraz, and Shah Mehmood Qureshi and was adjourned till 21 December. The court also heard a plea filed by Khan seeking to cancel charges as there was not enough evidence. Additionally, the KP CM and two other PTI supporters have filed petitions under Section 265-D, to be heard on 25 December. (“Qureshi, Gandapur among 14 indicted in GHQ attack case,” The News International, 20 December 2024)
ECONOMY
Ministry of Privatization provides details of “privatization proceeds”
On 19 December, the Ministry of Privatization confirmed that the federal government for the last 10 years beginning from the fiscal year 2014-15 has acquired PKR 139 billion as “privatization proceeds.” The Privatization ministry further informed about the fiscal year-wise proceeds obtained through privatization. In the year 2014-15, 131 million shares of Allied Bank Limited, 609 million shares of Habib Bank and 70 million shares of Pakistan Petroleum Limited were privatized which resulted in proceeds amounting to PKR 14.4 billion, PKR 102.63 billion and PKR 15.443 billion respectively. In 2015-16, 18 million shares of National Power Construction Corporation were privatized which yielded PKR 2.517 billion. From 2016 to 2020, the federal government did not initiate any privatization of shares. From 2020-21, 10 properties were privatized that led to generation of PKR 980 million. From 2021-22, Services International Hotel which is in Lahore was privatized that yielded PKR 1.952 billion. For 2023 to 24, the Heavy Electrical Complex was privatized which resulted in proceeds amounting to PKR 1.349 billion. (Asim Yasin, “Privatization generated Rs139bn over last decade: ministry,” The News International, 20 December 2024)
Finance Minister promises to support small and medium scale businesses
On 19 December, according to a press release, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb paid a visit to the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to interact with the local business community. In his statement, he emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing the interests of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In this regard, he highlighted that the government was making efforts to implement structural reforms to help Pakistan tread on the path to sustainable growth and avoid a balance of payment crisis. He further stated that the Federal Board of Revenue would become business friendly, however, it did not imply that they could benefit from tax exemptions. He further underscored the need to improve the current tax-to-GDP ratio to 13-14 per cent, from 10.3 per cent. (“Aurangzeb reassures small and medium enterprises of support,” Dawn, 20 December 2024)
“No attempt to raise tax revenues or the tax-to-GDP ratio will succeed without deep structural changes in the taxation system”: Dawn editorial
On 20 December, an editorial titled in Dawn “Tax amendments” discussed the new tax regime introduced at the National Assembly and how it does not address the “structural flaws.” With the objective of enhancing the tax-to-GDP ratio under the International Monetary Fund programme, the tax bill aims at pressurizing tax evaders. The draft not only identifies them as “ineligible” to distinguish between tax compliant and non-tax compliant entities but also restricts them from spending on assets beyond a certain limit. In this regard, there may be an improvement in the number of people filing their tax returns but not help improve tax revenue collection. This is because it does not focus on the root problems such as the tax exemptions granted to influential lobby groups, the harassment of taxpayers, inefficiencies within the system, corruption among the board’s officials and many more. (“Tax amendments,” Dawn, 20 December 2024)
SOCIETY
“We cannot be timid about dismantling a ruthless human trafficking industry”: Dawn editorial
On 20 December, an editorial in Dawn titled “Troubled waters” discussed the problem of human trafficking in Pakistan and what should be done to address the same. The editorial referenced the recent incident in which a boat with “illegal migrants” onboard turned over that led to the death of 39 Pakistani nationals near Greece. The Federal Investigation Agency has lodged new cases against traffickers. The editorial pointed out the low conviction rate of the suspected traffickers. Only four people out of a total 174 who were charged with the crime of trafficking were found guilty. The editorial highlighted how the traffickers take advantage of high unemployment rate, lack of opportunities and poverty to lure vulnerable people and give them hope of a better life in foreign countries. The editorial pointed out that it was now time that the migrants are seen as victims and not criminals. The editorial suggested that the government must strictly implement “Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 and Integrated Border Management System.” The editorial further argued that those who are responsible for busting the trafficking rackets should have “greater accountability.” (“Troubled waters,” Dawn, 20 December 2024)
PROVINCES
CM Maryam pushes for urgent delivery of necessary supplies to Parachinar
On 20 December, The News International reported on transportation of urgent supplies to Parachinar in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Punjab cabinet has given its assent to the plan to deliver necessary “medicines and supplies” to Parachinar. It was also agreed that a mobile healthcare unit would be set up which would cater to the needs of the residents. The Punjab cabinet meeting was presided by CM Maryam Nawaz who had instructed to speed up the process of delivering necessary supplies to Parachinar. In the cabinet meeting, Maryam also spoke about her “visit to China.” She stated “The extraordinary reception received by the delegation in China is a source of pride for the people of Punjab.” She also informed the cabinet about China’s willingness to invest in Punjab. Further, she informed that a project would be initiated in a hospital of Punjab that would use “cancer treatment techniques” which are used in China. (Ali Raza, “Maryam approves dispatch of relief goods to Parachinar,” The News International, 20 December 2024)
EXTERNAL
PM Sharif and Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus discuss bilateral ties in Cairo
On 20 December, Dawn reported that PM Sharif held a meeting with the Head of Bangladesh’s Interim government Muhammad Yunus in Cairo. Muhammad Yunus shared his willingness to resolve “outstanding” issues with Pakistan that had cropped up in the aftermath of its t independence in 1971. Muhammad Yunus stated “The issues have kept coming again and again. Let’s settle those issues for us to move forward.” PM Sharif underscored “historic, religious and cultural” which links Bangladesh and Pakistan and shared his willingness to further strengthen the bilateral ties. Muhammad Yunus expressed his desire to restart the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation which has been inactive because of disputes between India and Pakistan. He said “This is a top priority.” PM Sharif, on the sidelines of the D-8 summit, also met President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. He discussed the need to put efforts into enhancing the subsistence of people living near the borders. PM Sharif also “congratulated Iran” on achieving full member status of BRICS. He urged the Iranian President for to support Pakistan’s admission into BRICS. In addition to that, PM Sharif met President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two dignitaries stressed upon the need to enhance economic ties especially in “IT, agriculture and green tech.” (Syed Irfan Raza, “Dhaka wants to ‘move on from 1971,’” Dawn, 20 December 2024)
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This social media of Pakistan was acceptable until a few years ago and then suddenly how did it become so bad? Someone has been fueling this fire of hatred and pouring fuel on it. In my opinion, the responsible are not the conscious youth of social media but the responsible are oppression, oppression, fascism, undemocratic measures and the worst violations of human rights. Which are being responded to by social media users.
- Imran Riaz Khan
The government should now move forward with the negotiations, putting May 9 and November 26 aside and moving forward, civil disobedience is tantamount to committing treason, we should not act by threatening and sit with an open heart
Qamar Zaman Kaira, leader of the PPP
- Nadeem Malik
Once a legend always a legend. Thank you Muhammad Hanif Sahib. In the past, my political views and those of Muhammad Hanif Sahib were different. But he is from my soil. The true sons of this nation. I always felt the fragrance of my soil from him. May Allah give Muhammad Hanif Sahib a long life. The society needs him.
- Shahbaz Gill
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"Tens of thousands of things need to be done to transform a traditional society and an underdeveloped country."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'Muslim civilisation and Pakistan.'
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