NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Brief
JUDICIARY
Military Court sentences 25 PTI supporters
On 21 December, the court martial sentenced 25 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) activists for their alleged involvement in the 9 May riots ranging from two to 10 years. The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the decision to carry out trials of civilians was “a key step towards ensuring accountability and justice in the wake of the unprecedented violence, which it attributed to a “sustained narrative of hate and lies.” This development comes after the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench sought to address the pending case of the 9 May riots on 13 December. More than a year ago, riots erupted on 9 May 2023 after the arrest of the Former Prime Minister Imran Khan. As an act of protest, demonstrations leading to vandalism and arson were committed at important government buildings. In its notification, the ISPR also underscored that the trial was carried out in a fair manner where the offenders were granted their right to appeal. It also highlighted that further action would be taken against the “mastermind and planners of the 9 May tragedy,” which may include prominent PTI figures including Khan. (“Military court sentences 25 PTI activists for May 9 riots” Dawn, 22 December 2024)
PTI appeals against military court trial
On 22 December, Dawn highlighted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has appealed against the recent verdict by military courts against 25 civilians for their alleged involvement in the 9 May violence. Separate statements from the Former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, Former National Assembly Speaker, Asad Qaiser and Leader of the Opposition in lower house Omar Ayub Khan were discussed. Ina post on X, Khan deemed the verdict a “miscarriage of justice committed in the name of military trials.” He further added that it was a “blatant violation of human rights” to penalize “innocent civilians” when the 9 May “false flag operation” was staged by the government itself. In this regard, he urged international forums to take notice of this development. In a similar statement, Qaiser expressed that the trial did not serve justice and that the decision will be challenged at every forum. Separately, Ayub also rejected the decision of the “kangaroo court” as common citizens were trialled in the military court. He observed that it violated the basic structure of the Constitution, “based on separation of powers.” Additionally, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan claimed that trial was an infringement on the civilian fundamental rights of the Constitution as well as the obligations to the international human rights. (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI, rights watchdog take exception to military justice,” Dawn, 22 December)
SECURITY
16 security personnel killed by TTP
On 21 December, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that 16 security personnel were killed in a terror attack launched on a check post in Maki, South Waziristan Upper. However, the attempt was foiled by the military personnel, leading to the death of eight terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Other security force sources claimed that the terrorists’ had used heavy weaponry in the attack. The TTP took responsibility for the attack, which they called a reaction to the elimination of “several important commanders” in the military’s recent operations. In response, the ISPR stated that a fresh operation had been launched in the area to eliminate the threat of terrorism. On the same day, the police and security personnel defused an improvised explosive device (IED) placed at Rustam Bazaar, South Waziristan Lower. The authorities launched a search operation to identify those behind the planting of the IED. Separately, in Salarzai of Bajaur, tribesmen blocked an attempt by militant groups to attack a police post. The response resulted in the attackers retreating from the area and even led to the detainment of one while two locals sustained injuries. (AK Wazir & Anwarullah Khan, “16 security men martyred in check post attack,” Dawn, 22 December)
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Transition to EV is necessary for Pakistan: Senator Rehman
On 21 December, while speaking at the inaugural Pakistan Electric Vehicle (EV) Conference in Karachi, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman underscored the importance of EVs to combat climate change. She stated that they would help reduce emissions by 65 per cent as claimed by the New Energy Vehicle Policy. While speaking at the event themed “Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Future,” organized by the Climate Action Centre, she stressed that it would help Pakistan achieve its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. She also highlighted the disconcerting levels of air pollution in Pakistan where the Air Quality Index were recorded above 1,000. She said: “Air pollution is a serial killer and has become the fifth reason in Pakistan, responsible for 128,000 deaths annually.” In this regard, she emphasized the necessity of switching to EVs to help improve environmental conditions for public health. She further noted how the establishment of companies like BYD and Mega Motor in Karachi would enable “electric mobility ecosystem in Pakistan.” (“EV transition must to combat pollution: Sherry,” Dawn, 22 December 2024)