In Focus
Two FATF bills passed in the National Assembly
Opposition stands divided. 

On 30 July, both houses of parliament passed the two FATF time-bound bills with some amendments meant to pull Pakistan out of the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2020, and the United Nations (Security Council) Amendment Bill, 2020, was passed by the National Assembly on 29 July. After which both the bills were then referred to the Senate's Standing Committee on Law and Justice headed by Senator Javed Abbasi. The Senate panel met before a Senate session and cleared the bills with amendments after which the two bills were passed. Hours after which the National Assembly also passed the bills. The opposition-dominated the house in passing of the bills with the majority of votes while the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was the only opposition party who opposed the proposed laws.

While addressing the NA after the passage of the bills, FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that the Senate had proved that it was a "mature house and has wisdom and ability" to work for national interest by keeping aside political differences.

Passing the FATF Bills: Behind the scenes

As stated in the Dawn, the developments were the result of behind-the-scenes talks between the government and two opposition parties, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP). On 29, talks between the PML-N and PPP held talks after which they agreed to on the opposition's amendments the main one being the amendment in UNSC bill was about disallowing international entities to intervene directly in Pakistan. Following the talks, a notification for summoning a National Assembly session on 30 July was issued. (Iftikhar A. Khan, "Senate, NA pass time-bound FATF bills," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

Discord in the opposition 

After the passage of the bills, JUI-F Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman criticized the PML-N and PPP for helping the government in getting the FATF-related bills passed in parliament "they have never sided with the opposition and gave way to the government to get the bills passed," further stating that the two parties have exposed the "opposition's weakness." He also announced that they would no longer cooperate them in the future. Further, members of the JUI-F accused the two parties of always damaging the opposition's unity. This comes a week after the announcement by opposition leaders about a joint anti-government movement after Eid. 

Clearing the air, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman stated that they did not let 'Tabahi Sarkar' pass the FATF bills without amendments. Further, stating, "We made sure that our proposed amendments in the FATF legislation by the 24 members of the notified committee were included. We did not let them bulldoze it without amendments." (Asim Yasin, "PPP not to let 'Tabahi Sarkar' bulldoze FATF bills sans amendment," The News International, 31 July 2020)

PTI's stand: The rhetoric and reality

Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz stated that the government would not be coerced by opposition parties for their support in parliament to pass bills relating to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Adding, "While we are making amendments to relevant laws to meet the FATF requirements, they wanted side by side amendments to the NAB laws only to protect their corruption." ("Govt rules out meeting opposition's terms for support on FATF bills," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

Further, the minister said that it was not possible for the government to give NRO to the opposition because the country would collapse if that was done. Further, PM Imran Khan reiterated that he would not give any NRO-like concession to the opposition by accepting amendments it had proposed to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO-1999). Adding, "We will not be blackmailed by the opposition. We could have called a joint sitting of the parliament for the passage of the FATF-related bills if they had been opposed by the opposition." (Syed Irfan Raza, "No NRO-like concession for opposition, declares Imran," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

In Brief
INTERNAL
Pakistan Army called to assist in managing Karachi floods
On 30 July, Inter-Services Public Relations said, Pakistan Army troops have been called in Karachi to assist the civil administration for managing the urban flooding situation. As the city was facing dual challenges of coronavirus and urban flooding aftermath, the recent rains.

On 29 July, PM Imran Khan directed the military to assist the administration in cleaning Karachi, after a meeting with Sindh Governor Imran Ismail. The Sindh governor said, under the mandate Pakistan Army, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) will work together to give relief to the residents of Karachi. The relief and sanitation work would be carried out in Karachi in three stages. In the first stage, waste collected from the stormwater drains of Karachi would be transported to the landfill sites for its proper disposal. In the second phase, choked drains in the city would be made operational again while in the last stage anti-bacterial the spray would be conducted in the city. ("Urban flooding: Army called in Karachi," The News International, 31 July 2020)

On the SAPMs: Court rules PM has the freedom to appoint officials for assistance 
On 30 July, Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of special assistants to the Prime Minister. The petition was filed by senior lawyer Mohammad Ikram Chaudhry, on the bases of rule 4(6) of the Rules of 1973. 

According to the court, there is no restriction regarding the number of special assistants that can be appointed by the prime minister also no restriction of appointing persons having dual nationality. ("IHC dismisses plea against dual national SAPMs," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

On Media Freedom: Dawn editorial says, Media feels more beleaguered under an ostensibly democratic system than during a military dictatorship
On 27 July, Sindh Rangers conducting a raid on the Karachi Press Club. When asked, they declared they were conducting 'full dress rehearsals' in preparation for a threat alert in the 'Red Zone'.

According to the editorial, this latest provocation is another attempt to bring the media to heel. Earlier in 2018, several gunmen in plainclothes had forcibly entered the KPC, harassed the journalists present, and searched the premises. These incidences redound on the government, unwillingness to protect the fundamental right to freedom of expression of the journalists in the country. ("Press club raid," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

"Pakistan must put its women first," says WB Director for Pakistan
According to the analyses, three convictions were put forward to bring in a change in Pakistan as the Human capital outcomes remain low and the periodic economic boom and bust cycles affect the country extensively.

First, Pakistan must put its women first. By closing its the gender gap in economic participation, improving access to reproductive health services, providing the opportunity to skill up, transforming social norms, progressive legislation and its implementation and safety from gender-based violence.

Second, fiscal space by enabling people to spend more internally. Also, by making distribution companies more efficient, by giving subsidies to the poor, and bringing greater transparency in transactions and contracts.

Third, the issue of inertia in decision-making. Combined planning, budget, and expenditure under one roof with streamlined procedures, to have a coherent approach to recurrent and development budgets. ("Time for impact," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

PROVINCES
A decline in COVID-19 cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessing improvement in COVID-19 cases as there is a considerable decline in fatalities. According to KP Health Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, the first step they took was increasing the number of testing facilities a KP amid a sharp rise in Covid-19 patients in May 2020, soon after Eidul Fitr. The second hit was in the last week of Ramazan. 

According to a data shared by KP Health Department, the daily average positive cases has risen from 641 in the week of June, by 190 in July first week. So far 33,724 patients have been infected in the province, out of which 27,724 (82 per cent) have recovered. Human losses, as of 29 July Peshawar alone has lost 569 people and recorded 12731 positive cases, second is Swat district where 101 people lost their lives. ("Coronavirus pandemic: situation improving in KP," The News International, 31 July 2020)

ECONOMY
Growth of over 15 per cent in FBR collection
On 30 July, Data released by Federal Board of Revenue shows collection in July grew by over 15 per cent from last year to Rs300 billion, up Rs57bn or 23.4pc from the target set for the month. As per the FBR, 'kept a lower level in revenue collection for the first quarter stating hide the inefficiency and pass it on to the impact of Covid-19'. ("FBR collection jumps by 23.4pc in July," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has doubts over the Pakistan achieving 2.1 per cent economic growth
On 30 July, State of Pakistan's Economy released Third Quarterly Report 2019-20 stating, Covid-19 as the main reason behind low economic growth in FY20, making FY21 challenging for the government. As per the document, "Achieving the target of 2.1pc growth in real GDP during FY21 will require a parallel improvement in underlying demand". Also, Pakistan's real GDP is provisionally estimated to record negative growth of 0.4pc for FY20. ("Growth target 'challenging', deficit to be 9pc of GDP inFY20: SBP," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
Clash on Friendship gate at Chaman between Afghanistan and Pakistan
On 31 July, three people were killed and 20 injured in a clash at Chaman between Pakistani and Afghan security forces. Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said, "Some miscreants in the protest provoked the crowd. The incident is being investigated. The government will take decisions in the interest of the people and the country. If there is tension across the border, we will respond to it. We will investigate the incident from different angles, and action would be taken against those responsible for the violence." ("Three killed as mob, security forces clash at Chaman border," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

British Airways once again operational in Pakistan
On 30 July, British Airways company announced to start direct flights, three times a week to and from London's Heathrow Airport. British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner CMG has termed the resumption of the British Airways' flight operation to Pakistan an important moment for links between the UK and Pakistan. ("British Airways to start flight operation for Pakistan," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Islamabad High Court (IHC) fixes the hearing for Kulbhushan Jadhav on 03 August
A petition filed by the Pakistan government for seeking permission, appointing counsel for Kulbhushan Jadhav would be addressed by the IHC division, Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on 03 August. ("Court takes up govt plea for appointment of Jadhav lawyer on 03 August," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

Analysis: India shift from Secular democratic to Hindutva rhetoric in the region
According to an analysis, India has been isolating itself in the south Asian region from secular to Hindutva rhetoric country. First, India relation with Iran. India, under the US influence started its oil purchase from GCC countries and stopped its investment in Chabahar. It has increased its military ties with Israel which is leading to an increasing gap between Iran and India. Second, Indian distress in Afghanistan with the upcoming dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government has further reduced India's influence in the country. Third, India shifts from the purchase of air defence systems from Russia. First, the border dispute between India and Nepal in Kalapani. Second, the issue of NRC and inadequate aid for Rohingya refugees between India and Bangladesh. India's close nexus with the US and coercive diplomatic posture with its neighbours is souring its relationships in the South-Asia. ("Is India isolating itself regionally?," The News International, 31 July 2020)

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson on New Delhi's newly acquired Rafale jets and on Afghanistan ceasefire
On 30 July, Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said, "We have seen reports of the recent acquisition of Rafale jets by Indian Air Force. According to some former senior Indian officials and several international publications, these Rafale jets have dual-capable systems that can be modified as nuclear weapon delivery platforms". She also highlighted during her weekly briefing, India expanding and modernizing its nuclear arsenal both in terms of type and number of delivery systems and which may affect the strategic stability in South Asia.

Also, during the brief, she welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Afghanistan and stated it as a positive development. She said, the "Release of prisoners is one such commitment and we hope to see a forward movement in this aspect so that the next step which is the intra-Afghan dialogue can take place". ("West abetting India arms build-up, Pakistan deplores," Dawn, 31 July 2020)

In Focus
Religiosity in Pakistan: From Creeping to now Galloping
Today’s Dawn has an analysis titled “Galloping Religiosity” (Dawn, 20 July 2020) by Mr IA Rahman, the renowned human rights activist, who has a regular column in the newspaper. A few weeks earlier, there was another analysis titled “Creeping Religiosity.” (Dawn, 25 June 2020)
 
His primary arguments are the following: First, the strength “dark forces of bigotry” and obscurantism is not by accident, but rather they are rooted in the commission and omission of the government. He refers to the absence of sanction to the madrassa regularisation and reforming their curriculum that was given priority in the National Action Plan of 2014. Second, there is a surrender of the State to the conservative religious lobby, for which he provides two examples – the decision of the Punjab government to punish those students who fail to study the holy book, and the recent ban of three books for containing derogatory materials. In his latest analysis, he refers to the Punjab Textbook Board which has imposed a ban on over 100 books that were taught by the private schools.
 
According to him, “the most grandiose adventure by Punjab’s high priests of religiosity” is the latest bill by the Punjab provincial assembly titled “Punjab Tahaffuz-i-Bunyad-i-Islam Act, 2020.” In a hard-hitting criticism to the bill, Rahman concludes: “The bill relies on the coercive power of the state to achieve its dubious objectives. The state has no authority to impose Islam. Its religious obligations end with the creation of conditions in which the Muslims of Pakistan can freely practise their faith. Beyond this, the state has no legitimate right to interfere with anyone’s belief, which is strictly each believer’s private matter. The crude form of state interference in religious matters advocated by the bill is firmly hit by one of the most fundamental principles of Islam: ‘La ikraha fid deen’ (there is no compulsion in religion).”

Two Special Assistants to the PM resign
On 29 July, two special assistants of the prime minister (SAPMs) Dr Zafar Mirza and Tania Aidrus resigned from their posts amid the ongoing tussle between the elected and non-elected members of the federal cabinet. The resignations have come after the opposition criticized the government following its decision to make public details of the assets and dual nationality of 20 advisers and SAPMs.

Dr Mirza, the outgoing SAPM on health, said in a tweet, “Due to ongoing negative discussion about the role of SAPMs & criticism on the gov, I choose to resign. Pakistani people deserve a better health care. I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. will Inshallah emerge out of COVID-19 with a stronger hlth care system,” adding “I worked hard and honestly. It was a privilege to serve Pakistan. I am satisfied that I leave at a time when Covid-19 has declined in Pakistan as a result of a grand national effort.” Further, Ms Aidrus,the outgoing SAPM on Digital Pakistan, stated that she was resigning from her post due to criticism directed against her and the government because of her dual nationality. Meanwhile, the PPP has demanded that all SAPMs having dual nationality must resign. (Ikram Junaidi, “Blow to govt as two key PM aides step down,” Dawn, 30 July 2020)

Beyond the resignation tweets: An analysis
An opinion in Dawn titled "Ripples of resignations" by Fahd Husain comments on the recent resignations of Tania Aidrus and Dr Zafar Mirza, states much of what transpires in the PTI government finds context deep within its fault lines. While looking into the details, Husain notes that the Red Zone insiders have stated that Ms Aidrus informed abrasively of several compelling reasons why she had to walk away from the government, with the opinion to decline not made available. Further, pointing out to the journey of Ms Aidrus and the internal politics within the PTI.

The author notes that the unceremonious exit of Ms Aidrus is emitting jarring signals for all unflattering reasons, adding that it once again exposes the multi-layered fault lines within the PTI government, remarking that dual nationality, performance or conflict of interest are only meant to cover up the brutish turf wars which are fuelled by vested interest. Critical of the present government the author states that there are clear and visible power centres inside the Red Zone ruled by individuals in Iron Man suits, and if one wants to survive they would have to align themself with one of these Iron Men.

In conclusion, Husain notes that there may be more resignation however, the reasons may not figure in the tweets of those who leave. (Fahd Husain, “Ripples of resignations,” Dawn, 30 July 2020)

In Brief
POLITICS
Two FATF related bills passed in the NA
Amid strong protests by the opposition, the government managed to get two bills related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) passed through a majority voice vote during the extended sitting of the National Assembly. The two bills, The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2020 and the United Nations (Security Council) (Amendment) Bill 2020 were introduced by the government earlier this year to fulfil certain conditions of the FATF on terrorism, were both moved by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs after the house witnessed clashes between the treasury and opposition members over their differences on the proposed changes to the accountability laws. Further, the bills are expected to be passed by the Senate today. (Amir Wasim, “NA passes FATF-related bills amid opposition protest,” Dawn, 30 July 2020)

Opposition in Senate criticizes the frequent use of ordinances
On 29 July, the opposition in the Senate protested over the frequent promulgation of ordinances with six ordinances being laid in the house. Former chairman of Senate Mian Raza Rabbani stated that he had agreed to vote in support of the law to provide for a parallel judicial system in the form of military courts after he was forced to by the ruling elite. Further, adding “But I happen to be tightened by ropes and will start dancing when my strings are pulled.” Further, Javed Abbasi of PML-N stated that under Article 89 of the Constitution, the president had limited powers to promulgate ordinances. Adding that these powers were not discretionary in nature and could be exercised only when the parliament was not in session and some emergency existed. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Opposition in Senate assails frequent use of ordinances,” Dawn, 30 July 2020)

INTERNAL
Blasphemy accused shot dead in the courtroom by a teenage boy
On 29 July, an undertrial prisoner who was arrested over two years ago on a charge of committing blasphemy was shot dead by a teenage boy inside a courtroom at the Peshawar Judicial Complex. The accused, Tahir Ahmad Naseem, was seated in the court of an additional sessions judge after arguments in his case and was waiting to be moved to prison when he was shot dead at point-blank range by 19-year-old Faisal. The killer was arrested immediately by the police and is to appear in court today. Further, authorities are interrogating the suspect to determine how he carried a pistol into the highly guarded Judicial Complex and whether anyone else was behind the offence. (Waseem Ahmad Shah, “Blasphemy accused shot dead in courtroom,” Dawn, 30 July 2020)

ON GILGIT-BALTISTAN
Turmoil in Gilgit-Baltistan
According to the editorial, Gilgit-Baltistan citizens for long is in turmoil with a lack of political recognition. The upcoming election is pushed forward considering the political atmosphere. According to the editorial, many governments in Pakistan had tried to bring the region closer. further states that PTI with other parties should come forward boldly with a democratic solution for the region. (“GB’s status,” Dawn, 30 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
An analysis on the role of Bangladesh in South Asia power-sharing
According to an analysis, the gap between India and Bangladesh is increasing. India’s neighbours have opted to be a part of China’s Belt and Road. The relationship is going through severe damage, as India is replaced by China as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. China is trying to be expanding its involvement in Bangladesh through BRI, However, Dhaka is trying to maintain a neutral stand with India and China. On the other hand, the editor tries to highlight that the relationship with both China and India enables Bangladesh to gain more. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh need to realize this bilateral synergy for the citizen of the country. (Inam ul Haque, “Changing times- Bangladesh’s emerging alliances”, The Express Tribune, 30 July 2020)

An analysis lauds the Taliban’s commitment to girls education, criticises Ghani for being inflexible, advises him to embrace the Taliban, and blames India
Questioning Ghani’s flexibility to “ensure his own survival”, an analysis by Imran Jan titled “Kabul should embrace the Taliban,” (The Express Tribune, 20 July 2020 ) says: “The Taliban are showing signs of change such as their commitment to allow girls to go to school and for women to work if they returned to power.”

According to Imran Jan, “Because once the Americans leave, the Taliban would have an even freer hand to butcher the Afghan security forces. Anyone labeled “enemy” would be attacked. The Taliban would march to Kabul and become the political and the military power of the country. If the Taliban were a stock, now would be the time to buy shares. Is Ghani going to invest in this rising stock or will he cling to his saffron scarves-wearing sponsors? His defeat would mean his death. It remains to be seen if this is a true disillusionment on Ghani’s part or another chess move. All the stakeholders of peace should watch out for stakeholders of violence. Zalmay Khalilzad had called them “spoilers”. I don’t like riddles so I directly name those spoilers. Their name is India.”

Imran Jan “is a professor at the Lonestar College in Houston and also a PhD candidate at the University of Houston”.

ON INDIA
A conference addressing issues of Jammu and Kashmir
On 28 July, a virtual conference of public representative held upon for the deliberate humanitarian crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. The conference was attended by as many as 60 mayors, deputy mayors, councillors, and community leaders from across the length and breadth of the UK. the press release said they condemned the brutalities perpetrated, as the focus of the discussion was on ending human rights violations and bringing injustice”. The lack of access to medical facilities has compounded more suffering. (“Conference in UK condemns India excesses in held Kashmir”, Dawn, 30 July 2020)

On 27 July, the government finally laid before the National Assembly the controversial ordinance which allowed Kulbhushan Jadhav to have consular access as per the International Court of Justice (ICJ). However, this is said to have come amid silence from the opposition who previously prevented it from doing so through a strong protest and boycott of the proceedings.

Criticism and silence from the opposition 
The ordinance previously had received criticism from the opposition parties who questioned asks the government on the grounds of secrecy about ICJ Review and Reconsideration Ordinance 2020. However, during the sitting the opposition benches made any objection to the ordinance, except for the Shahida Akhtar Ali of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) who voiced criticism to the ordinance and the government for facilitating this decision weeks before the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. Further, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who initially has opposed this decision made no remarks on the same. (Amir Wasim, “Jadhav-specific law laid in NA amid opposition silence,” Dawn, 28 July 2020)

Politics behind the ordinance: Domestic opinions
An opinion in the Dawn, points out to the vicious cycle of point-scoring between the parties, stating that this must end. While looking into the case, the opinion lays down the legalities behind the ordinance stating that the ordinance seeks to expand the grounds on which high courts can review judgements of military courts in certain cases to include the specific language of review and reconsideration in the ICJ judgement and that contrary to the opposition leaders claims, the ordinance does not contain any provision to grant Jadhav a pardon.

Further, the opinion notes that although there are legitimate concerns regarding the secret, non-consultative manner in which the ordinance was passed, it is unfortunate that opposition parties are centring their criticism on alleged “relief” to Jadhav and “appeasement” of India. Likewise, the government instead of acknowledging that Pakistan made a mistake by denying Jadhav consular continues to blame past governments for accepting the ICJ’s jurisdiction. The opinion states that this political point-scoring must end, for these comes at the cost of principles such as the right to a fair trial and creates an environment where basic international legal obligations are perceived as treason. (Reema Omer, “COMMENT: Political point-scoring over Jadhav case,” Dawn, 28 July 2020)

In Brief
POLITICS
FM Qureshi wants the opposition to delink FATF and NAB legislations
The PTI government has asked the opposition not to link legislation related to the action plan of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) with their proposal to amend the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO). At the second meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Legislative Business presided over by FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi the two proposed amendments to the FATF-related United Nations (Security Council) Bill 2020, Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2020 and NAO came under discussion. Further, while talking to the media the FM stated that the opposition has sought time to deliberate on the draft bills and that the committee has decided to meet again on Tuesday. As reported in the Dawn, sources have stated that opposition wanted both bills passed simultaneously. However, the government wishes that amendments to the NAO should not be linked with the FATF-related legislation. (Malik Asad, “Govt wants FATF legislation, NAB changes delinked,” Dawn, 28 July 2020)

INTERNAL
Assessing PTI’s two years mark: Domestic analyses differ
An opinion in the Dawn is critical of the PTI’s record stating that is just as bad as that of its predecessors. The opinion states that the team continues to suffer from infighting and ineptitude with cases of corruption also emerging adding that the PTI looks like a disjointed and weak team. The opinion further argues that the PTI has failed to adopt out-of-the-box economic policies for increasing tax and export revenues and revitalizing the industry. Further, there has not been much improvement in daily service delivery in critical areas like health, education. Further, the opinion adds that it is not going to be easy for the PTI to improve its record in future given the complexities of politics and administration that lie ahead. (Dr Niaz Murtaza, “PTI at two,” Dawn, 28 July 2020)

On the other hand, an opinion in the News International argues differently on this matter. The opinion investigates the major achievement of the government, with the author stating putting PM Khan amongst the pantheon of Pakistani leaders who had left Pakistan better off than when they got it. The opinion states that in less than two years, PM Khan has carefully guarded and protected the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and has created a programmatic umbrella over it that is called Ehsaas. Further, his administration established the Poverty Alleviation and Social Security Division. Further, when the pandemic broke out his correctly focused on the economic impact it would have on the poor, and fast-tracked cash grants to the poor, who have now become the foundations for his enduring legacy, the Ehsaas Emergency Cash (EEC) programme. The opinion notes that this is where PM Khan’s long-term legacy comes in. (Mosharraf Zaidi, “Big achievement in two years,” The News International, 28 July 2020)

Senator Bizenjo condemned the killing of social media activist 
Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo has condemned the killing of social media activist Anwar Jan Khetiran in Barkhan and has demanded that those involved in the arrest should be arrested immediately. Further, the senator stated, “powerful elements of the state, influential politicians and various criminal-minded people are behind the attacks on media people.” Further, he added that Pakistan has become one of the most dangerous countries of the world for journalists and that governments have done nothing to provide protection and security to members of the journalist community. (Saleem Shahid, “Bizenjo condemns social media activist’s murder,” Dawn, 28 July 2020)

PROVINCES
Smart lockdown reinforced in Punjab
The Punjab government has extended complete/partial closure of several businesses ahead of Eidul Azha for the next nine days, ending 5 August amid the rising COVID-19 cases. As per a notification issued by Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department under the Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Ordinance 2020, complete/partial closure of markets would start on are to start today and continue till 5 August. Further, all businesses, educational and training institutes, marriage halls, business centres, expo halls, restaurants, theme/ amusement parks, public parks, play areas and arcades, beauty parlours and spa, cinema and theatres are to be shut. Further, while addressing an anti-corona meeting of the cabinet committee the Chief minister stated, “The purpose of the lockdown is that we are close to defeating COVID-19 and the number of coronavirus cases should not increase again.” (“Punjab reapplies smart lockdown,” The News International, 28 July 2020)

The problem in Balochistan will be solved by giving rights to its people: Mengal
The BNP-M leader Mir Muhammad Akbar Mengal alleged that the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) led provincial government is incompetent and neglecting constituencies belonging to the opposition deliberately. Further, the leader stated, “The problems of Balochistan will be solved by giving rights to its people rather than making fake promises with our people.” Further, he added, “BNP would take future steps by taking into confidence all opposition parties.” he added. “The constituency of Wadh Tehsil is wide thus it is very difficult to cover the areas but all the money received is being spent on an equal footing.” Further, he added that they would continue to fight for the rights of the people of Balochistan. (“‘Govt neglecting opposition parties’” The Express Tribune, 28 July 2020)

ON AFGHANISTAN
Pakistan and the Afghan talks
An opinion in the News International looks at the role Pakistan has played in the intra-Afghan peace talks. The opinion states that Pakistan has been able to accelerate and facilitate these talks because of its relationship with both the Taliban and the US. Further, the opinion talks about the multiple benefits in it for Pakistan. Given that Pakistan is not looking for turmoil it has been consistently promoting the intra-Afghan peace process. Additionally, Islamabad does not want there to be a careless withdrawal of US presence in Afghanistan. Further, the opinion adds that it would be detrimental for Pakistan if the government in Kabul is friendlier with India than with Pakistan. The opinion adds this is a great opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen the ties that which have gone through their ups and downs over the years. Thus, Pakistan must adopt a strategy of smart diplomacy to combat the deep distrust and bitterness which has tainted the relationship between these two countries. (Zunaira Inam, “Pakistan and Afghan peace,” The News International, 28 July 2020)

In Focus
Gilgit-Baltistan: Emerging political landscape and the forthcoming elections
Is another King’s party in the making?

People of GB have not much to look forward to
An opinion in the Dawn titled “Political landscape of GB” by Muhammad Amir Rana highlights the grim situation in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) the pandemic which has deeply affected the tourism in the region and the upcoming regional assembly election, which was much anticipated has been postponed. (Muhammad Amir Rana, “Political landscape of GB,” Dawn, 26 July 2020)

Perceptions on postponing elections 
The elections were scheduled to take place in July, however, the election commission officials announced that preparations for managing the polling in August were still incomplete and that at least two more months were required to make the proper arrangements. The author notes that political parties in GB are unhappy with the decision of postponing the election by the GB Election Commission, viewing this decision with suspicion. Further, he notes that there is a popular opinion that another king’s party is in the making adding that the election schedule would not be announced until the ongoing process of political engineering is completed. On the other hand, some believe that the delay of the electoral process is linked to a major constitutional shift for the region.

Political affairs in GB 
Politics in GB is said to be directed by the power corridors in Islamabad. The general assumption is that the ruling party in Islamabad will form the government in these regions. Time and again national parties have gained the required numbers in the local legislative assemblies as a result of the different election timeframes of these regions from national polls in Pakistan, thus enabling political engineering to thrive. Further, the author notes how the current ruling party in Islamabad, however, was not well prepared for the GB election and many anticipated that that may break the illusion that only Islamabad’s favourites have the ‘right’ to form the government in GB. It is against this that the popular opinion of the formation of a king’s party has been accelerated during the last few weeks. Further, this political manipulation has started to send a negative message to the people of GB, an already politically sensitive region.

Demands of the people in GB
The author states that the people of GB have always demanded that they should be completely integrated with Pakistan. However, Islamabad has not accepted this proposal as they view GB as part of the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, thus making such arrangements would undermine the Kashmir dispute and Pakistan’s international obligations. To offset this decision, Islamabad has taken several political initiatives over the years. However, the sense of alienation among the educated youth of the area has only increased and has triggered sub-nationalist sentiments in the region.

Rumours or gimmicks?
With the formation of the king’s party, rumours that the government may be considering the possibility of introducing some provisional constitutional arrangement for the region have spread through local media outlets; however, the same is not being heard in Islamabad.

Against the CPEC milieu, some believe that Pakistan can take such an initiative to consolidate its constitutional position in the region. Thus, addressing the apprehensions of Chinese investors as their investment would get proper legal cover under the legal jurisdictions of Pakistan.

Rumours that the government is preparing an amendment in Kashmir’s provisional constitution of 1974 under which “Azad Kashmir” (PoK) will get more administrative and political powers are also doing the rounds in the region.

The author concluded by stating “if these are not merely rumours or gimmicks for electoral purposes, nothing would be better for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.”

In Brief 
POLITICS
PPP calls for the resignation of NAB chairman
Pakistan People’s Party demand for the resignation of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal. PPP Information Secretary and MNA Dr Nafisa Shah said the report submitted by NAB was, ‘a “confession” about “incompetence and failure” of the bureau’. The report was submitted in the Supreme Court which is seized with a suo motu case regarding the delay in trials and the accountability of courts. Dr Shah called for an immediate release of ‘all those politicians and other people who were facing false and baseless charges and political victimization’ due to NAB decision. (“PPP demands resignation of NAB chairman”, Dawn, 27 July 2020)

The domestic imbalance between the centre and the provinces
The centre and the provinces once again turn their back to each other. Both sides have competing interests, regarding power and jurisdiction over fiscal and natural resources of Pakistan. The PTI government takes a slow start on its engagements with the federating units. As Prime Minister, Imran Khan government has not held a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) since 23 December 2019. As of now the CCI hopefully meets on 6 August after a gap of almost 225 days. (“The duel between centre and provinces”, Dawn, 27 July 2020)

INTERNAL
The other side of the FATF story
An opinion in the Nation by Senator Rehman Malik states that successive governments in Pakistan have failed to get out of the FATF blacklist as the right strategy is not adopted with effective international countermeasures. Adding that these actions have been deliberate attempts to prove that Pakistan is a terrorism-sponsoring state by attempting to promote money laundering and then linking it to terrorism. The author states that as a nation, it must be made known that these measures are being done with ulterior motives to destabilize Pakistan by further crippling the economy. Further, the senator adds that Pakistan must understand that it is not FATF which needs to be satisfied but the USA that needs to be handled diplomatically by sorting issues with it, further adding that the Government of Pakistan should come up with sensible, pragmatic, and evidence-based measures before the FATF with the help of China who has already warned member countries not to politicize FATF and not to use the forum against Pakistan. (Senator Rehman Malik, “FATF restrictions and economic terrorism,” The Nation, 27 July 2020)

PROVINCES
A new development package under a new government for Balochistan
According to the editorial, every ‘Balochistan development package’ has only increased the sense of alienation among the Baloch comparing it with the government package of 2009 Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan package and 2017 economic package. As the editor highlights, ‘After decades of broken promises, political engineering and enforced disappearances, the trust deficit between the centre and the Baloch is vast, yet it is not, one hopes, unbridgeable’. As the province has indeed for long been viewed through a narrow-securitized lens On 24 July, Prime Minister Imran Khan set up a ‘three-member committee to prioritize areas where development should be undertaken’, in Balochistan. The special focus on communications, agriculture, energy, and other important sectors. (“Another package”, Dawn, 27 July 2020)

ECONOMY
The economy under the Imran Khan government
According to the editor, the weakness of the PTI was that it has proclaimed unrealistic before coming to power, assuring that it had a set program of reforms and a capable team ready to bring the economy in the right path. The economic management in these two years has been influenced by ‘imported’ ideas as the two failed ventures, the chicken breeding program for poverty alleviation and ‘Sarmaya-e-Pakistan’. As the government remain unmanaged about the continuous blot on the country’s economic performance. (“The economy under the PTI”, The News International, 27 July 2020)

CPEC
Rejuvenation of CPEC
The two hydel power projects in PoK and a special economic zone (SEZ) in Faisalabad were signs of the rejuvenation of the multi-billion-dollar program between Pakistan and China. As China intended to invest $62bn in Pakistan, from April 2015 for over 15 years under CPEC. It is assumed that ‘Chinese preference for a particular political party in Pakistan baseless’. The official positioning of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is not the same as it was in 2016–18. On the contrary, Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said, “Regarding suspicions over China’s enthusiasm for CPEC, the assumption is factually incorrect. There is renewed vigour in CPEC with two new hydel projects announced in PoK. As for the Gwadar Port, it is a centrepiece of CPEC. Its development is transformative for Balochistan. The reservations of Baloch insurgents stem from suspicions, failed and flawed policies of the past and propaganda of hostile external forces”. (“CPEC 2.0: full speed ahead”, Dawn, 27 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson against Australian report
On 26 July, Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui disapprove the report by Australian news outlet ‘Klaxon’, saying “it is a politically motivated and fake story composed of distortion of facts and fabrications that quote anonymous sources”. She also said, there is no secrecy about the Bio-Safety Level-3 (BSL-3) Laboratory of Pakistan as the nation had been sharing information about the facility with the States Parties to the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BTWC) in its submission of confidence-building measures. The report claims, ‘“In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak on Chinese soil, China’s now infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology has signed the covert deal with Pakistan military’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation (Desto) to collaborate research in emerging infectious diseases and advance studies on the biological control of transmitted diseases”. The program is entirely funded by China and titled “Collaboration for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Studies on Biological Control of Vector Transmitting Diseases”. (“FO refutes report about Chinese lab’s secret wok in Pakistan”, Dawn, 27 July 2020)

Telephonic contact between Pakistan and Bangladesh only a ‘baby step’: Opinion
An opinion in the Express Tribune by Kamran Yousaf titled “Pakistan, Bangladesh rapprochement?” looks into the recent telephonic conversation between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Bangladesh stating that this development is a rare high-level contact between the two countries, raising hopes of a thaw in their otherwise frosty relationship. Although tensions have remained between the two countries, the author notes that many observe that the changing dynamics offered a good opportunity for Pakistan and Bangladesh to revisit their troubled ties, however, this telephonic contact between the two PMs is only a ‘baby step’ as there are other complexities involved. The author concluded by stating that Pakistan must continue to seek rapprochement with its former eastern wing. (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan, Bangladesh rapprochement?” The Express Tribune, 27 July 2020)

ON INDIA
10th Indian quadcopter shot
On 26 July, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Paki­stan Army shot down an Indian spying quadcopter in the Pandu sector. The director-general of the military’s media affairs tweet: “#PakistanArmy troops shot down an Indian spying #quadcopter in Pandu Sec­tor along LOC”. IPSR director general Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar said, “Many times, their [India’s] quadcopters have intruded on our side and in the past, we have downed some of them, and it has been covered in the media.” (“Army down Indian spy quadcopter”, Dawn, 27 July 2020)

ON CHINA
Uygurs in China: "Silence won't pay," says an analysis
According to the editor, the genocide against Uyghurs for China and its allies was fake news, which Huma Yusuf explains as an example of Western hypocrisy. She emphasized the displacement and ill behaviour shows China’s growing political and security assertiveness.

She also said, ‘Pakistan will, of course, remain silent as this issue intensifies. This is not surprising; as Prime Minister Imran Khan has himself said, China has aided Pakistan when it has been at “rock bottom”, so Islamabad will not publicly shame Beijing on its Uighur track record’. Pakistan is on this journey without realizing any sense of debate against it. The same will be the case of many Muslim majority countries seeking investment under BRI from China. 

Where the US has imposed its targeted sanctions against party officials, rights abuses. The UK’s foreign secretary has indicted China of “egregious” human rights abuses, and France demanded ‘international observers’ permission to access Xinjiang. As the Uyghur card is being used as tensions over trade deals, the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, and cybersecurity concerns linked to Huawei’s capture of the global telecoms market and Chinese espionage. (“Silence won’t pay”, Dawn, 27 July 2020)

An analysis in the Dawn titled “Baloch militancy trends” by Tariq Parvez identifies four trends in Baloch sub-nationalist militancy and the state’s response. (Tariq Parvez, “Baloch militancy trends,” Dawn, 25 July 2020)
First, there is a significant reduction in the number of terrorist attacks by Baloch sub-nationalist groups (BSNGs) since 2015. Parvez highlights that terrorist attacks by BSNGs between 2015 and 2019 came down from 194 in 2015 to 51 in 2019, estimating a reduction of 74 per cent in terms of terrorist attacks in the last five years. He states that although this by no mean achievement but it showcases the effectiveness of the government’s counter-terrorism measures, given that there is of the heavy-handed tactics adopted by the government to achieve the reduction in terrorism.
Second, a new trend of suicide bombings. The analysis states that there has been a fundamental change in modus operandi of terrorist attacks. Initially, BSNGs would plant IEDs on railway tracks, roadsides or carry out kill-and-run tactics, however, now suicide bombing a tactic that Baloch militants did not adopt has now become the most common tactic of religiously inspired militants. Further, these militants have not only resorted to suicide bombings but also conducted more sophisticated attacks aimed at holding hostages, as in the attacks on international bodies in the country. Further, some believe that the adoption of suicide bombing by Baloch militants has been a direct outcome of the issue of enforced disappearances and arbitrary killing of militants among others.
Third, a shift in leadership from tribal sardars to the educated middle-class youth. The author highlights that there has been a significant shift when it comes the effective leadership of BSNGs where there has been a shift from tribal sardars to the educated middle-class youth. This is seen in the two Baloch organisation, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Republican Army (BRA). Although the BLA is formally being headed by London-based Harbiyar Marri and the BRA is led by Brahmdagh Bugti based in Switzerland. The de facto leadership of these organisations who are leading the fight from Afghanistan are two militants, Bashir Zeb and Gulzar Imam, both who belong to the middle class and are former leaders of the Baloch Students Organisation. Similarly, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) headed by Dr Allah Nazar Baloch is a middle-class doctor (MBBS). Further, the ‘non-sardarisation’ of Baloch militant has manifested clearly in the formation of an alliance between four major groups of militants, BLA, BRA, BLF and the Baloch Republican Guard, called the Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS). The formation of which is likely to challenge the state.
Fourth, increasing attacks targeting Chinese premises and personnel. Besides targeting the state institutions in Pakistan and personnel, Baloch militants have increasingly targeted Chinese premises and personnel, highlighting the recent attack on the PSX.
The author concludes by stating that the changes in Baloch militancy are fundamental in nature and call thus there need to be a revision of the counter-terrorism strategy, adding that although the present circumstances may lead to a reduction in terrorist attacks in the short run, it would lead to the further alienation of Baloch youth, which in the long term would driving them into those who are advocating these lethal tactics.

In Brief 
ON THE NTI INDEX
In the best interest of mankind, it would be better to rethink nuclear power
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative study, Pakistan has improved the most in nuclear security by adopting new on-site protection and cybersecurity regulations, improving insider threat protection measures. The editorial quotes IAEA head Yukiya Amano visit in 2018 where he said, ‘the metropolis’s nuclear plants were “heavily protected” and that Pakistan is “committed to nuclear safety”.
The editor put forward the risks associated with nuclear energy more disastrous as compared to its advantages and states for a shift for environment-friendly alternatives giving an instance of Japan’s Fukushima disaster of 2011. (“Nuclear security”, Dawn, 25 July 2020)

NTI Index suggest Pakistan for more stringent controls
The recent NTI report criticizes Pakistan is increasing its supplies of weapons-usable nuclear materials. As the report highlighted the loopholes and suggest improvements country could bring forward. For Pakistan, the report suggests, more stringent control and accounting measures and insider threat prevention also, ratifying the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism and voluntarily supporting the IAEA. (“Nuclear Security”, The Express Tribune, 25 July 2020)

POLITICS
Opposition asks the government for an action plan on FATA
On 24 July, the opposition has said, it would not continue with the 24-member committee for legislation business. They also said, ‘The opposition will not be a party in any legislation that would give arbitrary powers to the administration for detaining anyone for a specific period without evidence. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi headed the opposition members of the committee in its inaugural sitting assured ‘the government that the opposition is prepared to cooperate in any legislation of national interest but it must be reasonably judicious and shouldn’t be used as a tool of coercion by the government to haunt its opponents’. (“Opposition asks govt to provide parameters of FATF action plan”, The News International, 25 July 2020)

Law Minister asks opposition in NA to support ordinance on Jadav
On 24 July, the Law Minister Barrister Farogh Naseem appeared in the National Assembly explaining the government’s stance on the controversial legislation which is aimed at allowing Kulbhushan Jadhav to have consular access. The minister asked for support from the opposition on the ordinance which he stated was issued in line with the 2017 judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and to demonstrate that Pakistan is a responsible state. Further, he denied that the ordinance was similar to the NRO, adding that the government does not want to provide this to Jadav. Further, the minister rejected the criticism received from the opposition who through a strong protest boycotted the proceedings which prevented the government from implementing the controversial ordinance, alleging that the government had formulated it secretly to appease India. (Amir Wasim, “Minister defends Jadhav-specific law,” Dawn, 25 July 2020)

PROVINCES
PM forms a three-member committee for Balochistan uplift plans
On 24 July, PM Imran Khan on Friday constituted a three-member committee who are to make a report suggesting priority areas for development in Balochistan with special focus on communications, agriculture, energy and other important sectors. The committee comprising Balochistan Chief Minister, federal Minister for Planning and Development and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance was constituted by the PM while presiding over the second meeting of the National Development Council (NDC). Further, the meeting also approved the setting up of the Balochistan Mineral Exploration Company which would help enhance the utilisation of mineral resources of the province and boost exploration activities. Further, the PM expresses his determination to end the sense of deprivation which is rampant in the province through the launching a series of development projects and committed to breaking the years of neglect the province has witnessed. Further, he guaranteed complete peace, security and socio-economic development for the people of Balochistan as a key priority of his government. (“PM forms panel on Balochistan uplift plans,” Dawn, 25 July 2020)

ON THE AVIATION DIVISION
CAA issues notice to five officials over dubious licences
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued show-cause notices to five of its suspended officials who are facing an inquiry over their alleged involvement in issuing dubious pilot licences. This comes after the Supreme Court’s directives on the matter. Further, the Aviation Division is consulting legal experts on referring cases against the CAA’s information technology (IT) experts who are allegedly involved in the dubious licences scam, to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The Aviation Division had suspended the five CAA officials and initiated inquiry against IT department officials along with others who are suspected of being involved in the exam scandal. (Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, Mohammad Asghar, “CAA issues notices to officials over dubious licences,” Dawn, 25 July 2020)

Aviation minister on PIA restriction and PIA on increasing prices 
On 24 July, Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said the restructuring of the Pakistan International Airlines was on the cards. He also said European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) ban on PIA flights in EU countries and three cities of the UK had been imposed neither due to the PIA plane crash in Karachi nor because of his statement on PIA pilot's dubious license. “The operations of some of the PIA planes had remained banned from 2007 to 2009 on safety issues”. 
The opposition also targeted the government for a hike in prices for medicines during the pandemic. PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman said PTI government had allowed pharmaceutical companies to increase prices of medicines by up to 10 per cent and the increasing prices of medicines had become a norm for the government. (“PIA not being prevised, Senate told”, Dawn, 25 July 2020)

ON THE CYNTHIA RITCHIE SAGA
IHC rejects the interior ministry’s report on Cynthia case
The Islamabad High Court has called the interior ministry’s report on the Cynthia D. Ritchie’s case as unsatisfactory and directed the interior secretary to review it. The court heard the petition filed by a worker of the PPP in which it requested the interior ministry to expel Ms Ritchie over visa and passport-related issues and her alleged defamatory tweets against PPP leaders. The interior ministry had submitted a report to the IHC last week stating that Ms Ritchie was in Pakistan on an extended visa, however, the report did not contain comments on the allegations that she had posted defamatory tweets against the PPP leadership. Further, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah stated that that the allegations against the US citizen were serious adding that it is the responsibility of the state conduct transparent investigations into the allegations. The hearing has been adjourned until 4 August. (“IHC rejects ministry’s report on Cynthia case,” Dawn, 25 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
Gwadar Port Authority urges Chinese to launch project
On 24 July in a meeting Gwadar Port Authority chairman Naseer Khan Kashani has urged the Chinese companies to launch projects relating to the socio-economic sector focusing on the problems faced by the fishermen in the region. During the meeting, the work ongoing projects and development in the Gwadar plan was also facilitated (Behram Baloch “Chinese firms asked to launch uplift projects in Gwadar,” Dawn, 25 July 2020)

China as a Kashmir solution for India and Pakistan, says Naeem Sarfraz
The editor gave highlights the issue between China, India and Pakistan and gives China as an alternative to solve the issue by giving instances of many agreements signed between China and other countries. He also says, “The one option never tried before is a peace initiative by China, India and Pakistan to resolve their common border disputes through the resolution of the Kashmir issue”. It also brings foreword India in a quandary, with no other option than fences with China, the lone emerging global power. For which ‘Both India and Pakistan will also have to get in step with China for a slow, deliberate and peaceful solution, not one mired in conflict, terrorism, rape, loot and plunder.’ (Naeem Sarfraz “Kashmir solution — China is now a party,” The Nation, 25 July 2020)

In Brief
NTI Index on nuclear security says, that Pakistan is the most improved country in 2020

The 2020 index of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), has made a positive note on Pakistan, when compared to the previous years.

On nuclear materials security, the report says: "Most improved among countries with materials in 2020 is Pakistan, which improved its overall score by adopting new on-site physical protection and cybersecurity regulations, improving insider threat protection measures, and more. Pakistan’s score improvement for regulatory measures is the second largest improvement for regulations in the Index since 2012."

According to the NTI Index, "Australia ranks first for the fifth time with the best nuclear security conditions among the 22 countries with weapons-usable nuclear materials and for the third time in the sabotage ranking of 46 countries and Taiwan that have nuclear facilities at which an act of sabotage would result in a dangerous release of radiation."

The NTI index has looked at the security of nuclear materials and nuclear facilities. On the security of nuclear materials, "Pakistan improved its score by 7 points and is the most improved country with weapons-usable nuclear materials. Its Security and Control Measures score increased by 25 points due to actions to strengthen its regulations. It also increased its score in Global Norms by 1 point because it subscribed to a nuclear security INFCIRC. Pakistan scores high (67-100) in Domestic Commitments and Capacity, medium (34-66) in both Security and Control Measures and Global Norms, and low (0-33) in Quantities and Sites, owing to its continued increases in quantities of weapons-usable nuclear materials, and low in Risk Environment."

On the security of nuclear facilities, "Pakistan improved its score by 5 points. Its score increased due to actions to strengthen its regulations, which boosted its score in Security and Control Measures by 15 points. Pakistan scores high (67-100) in Domestic Commitments and Capacity and medium (34-66) in both Security and Control Measures and Global Norms. It scores low (0-33) in Risk Environment. Key steps to fill gaps include: (1) Strengthening regulations on insider threat prevention, (2) Requiring security culture assessments, (3) Ratifying the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism, (4) Taking voluntary actions to support the IAEA, such as contributing to the Nuclear Security Fund and participating at the IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security at the ministerial level, as in prior years, (5) Building confidence by hosting regular nuclear security peer reviews, including International Physical Protection Advisory Service missions. (6) Subscribing to INFCIRC/869, (7) Submitting information to the IAEA as required by article 14.1 of the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material." ("Score Details and Comparisons for Pakistan," NTI Nuclear Security Index)

Follow tomorrow's Evening Brief to know more about the above report/index tomorrow.
 

Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia reinstates Pakistani pilots
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia stated that all Pakistani pilots currently employed in the country hold valid licences and has reinstated them. 18 Pakistani pilot licence holders in Malaysia were verified by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. This development comes after the pilots were suspended earlier this month after authorities in Pakistan announced that a third of the country's pilots might have falsified their qualifications and possess dubious licence. ("Malaysia reinstates Pakistani pilots," Dawn, 24 July 2020)

PK-8303 accident, a systemic failure or human-made error: Editor Dr Nasir Afghan
According to the editor, the PK-8303 accident cannot be attributed to isolated human errors but instead to the dysfunctional and defective system and poor safety-culture behaviours within the overall aviation-system of Pakistan. As the accident was a 'systemic failure' due to defective organizational processes which may lead to individuals and teams making errors. He also highlighted, the next investigation report should look into what systemic level errors and violations were committed by the cockpit crew and the controllers. ("Systemic failure or human error", The News International, 24 July 2020)

PROVINCES 
Blast in Parachinar market injures 17
On 23 July, 17 people were wounded when a bomb exploded at a busy market in Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram tribal district. The Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) stated that the explosive device was fitted inside a handcart loaded with fruits and vegetables, which was parked in Turi market adding that an improvised explosive device had caused the blast. This is the third bomb blast to have occurred in Kurram tribal district since May. Soon after the explosion protests, an angry mob clashed with law enforcers, however, with the area being cornered the protesters proceeded towards the press club where they staged a sit-in camp where they voiced their criticism over the inefficiency of law enforcement agencies and failure of the administration. ("17 hurt in Parachinar market blast," Dawn, 24 July 2020)

CPEC
COVID-19 has not affected CPEC projects: Officials 
On 23 July, in a webinar on 'New Oppor­tunities and Challenges of China-Pakistan Cooperation in the Post-Epidemic Era', organized by Pakistan-China Institute, officials and think tank representative stated that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects have not only remained intact by the COVID-19 pandemic but Pak-China bilateral cooperation has increased during this period. Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing further stated that the cooperation between the two countries during the pandemic and the assistance Pakistan received from China during this time. Further, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the PCI Senator stated the strengthening of Pak-China bilateral relations has been a positive development amid the pandemic. Further, other officials and representative commented on the importance of the projects and the impact it will have in the region. ("CPEC projects unaffected by Covid-19, say officials," Dawn, 24 July 2020)

ON INDIA
NA fails to bring in specific law in Kulbhushan Jadhav case
On 23 July, the opposition party strongly opposed the proceeding prevented in the ordinance for third consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict. The PPP chairman said, "The opposition's conscience does not allow [us] to let the session continue with the ordinance on its agenda". The opposition member walked out the assembly hall after the two sides accused each other of succumbing to international pressure and trying to take the lead in appeasing India and raise slogans, "Modi Ka Jo Yar Hai Ghaddar Hai". ("Govt move to lay Jadhav -specific law in NA fails", Dawn, 24 July 2020)

India's ties with its neighbors are gradually becoming tense, says Pakistan Foreign Minister
On 23 July, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi scorned India for antagonizing its neighbours. He said, "Be it Pakistan, China, Nepal, or Bangladesh, India's ties with its neighbors are gradually becoming tense". He emphasized on the Hindutva mindset behaviour as a cause for the increasing problems. India's involvement in Iran's Chabahar project has been an irritant for Pakistan and Iran's cooperation, as Islamabad always viewed India's involvement with suspicion.

Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui told India has not as yet responded to Pakistan's offer for third consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav saying, "We hope that rather than using its usual dilatory and obfuscatory tactics, India will cooperate with Pakistan's courts to give effect to the Judgment of the ICJ". ("FM says India irritating all of its neighbours", Dawn, 24 July 2020)

In Focus
On the abduction of a Journalist in Islamabad 

All-round criticisms from the Court to Media
On 21 July, Senior journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted in broad daylight in front of a school. Mr Jan who is a vocal critic of the establishment and currently in news over the Isa case had been picked by men wearing police uniforms (and others in plainclothes). This incident is an attempt to intimidate and harass journalists- which has become a trend in the country. (“Fear of silence”, The News International, 23 July 2020). As there are accusations of divide-and-rule strategy, being deployed to weaken the voice of journalism.
There is also a theory that he was taken away on account of personal enmity. (“Journalist’s abduction”, Dawn, 23 July 2020)

Matiullah was picked up a day before his appearance in Supreme Court to answer his contempt charges. On the related judgement, the supreme court had granted two-week time to Matiullah Jan to engage with his counsel and submit his reply regarding his tweets. The Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed has said, ‘every citizen has the right to a fair trial as the Constitution gives full right for one’s private life’. (“State has to demonstrate press is free: IHC”, Dawn, 23 July 2020). The court had also asked Inspector General of Police Islamabad to submit a comprehensive report before the next hearing.

The Supreme Court also took suo-motu notice on the abduction and said, such incidents are unacceptable, and that the government needs to explain. The investigation would be held transparently and diligently. On 22 July, Islamabad High Court while deciding habeas corpus petition of Shahid Akbar Abbasi observed that nothing impedes the freedom of expression and free speech more than such fear or perception, removing the perception becomes a duty of the state. The court has also slammed the police for the kidnapping saying the entire state was responsible for the incident. (“Playing with law won’t be allowed”, The News International, 23 July 2020)

In Brief
POLITICS
Bilawal calls for the dissolution of NAB
Pakistan Peoples’ Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stated that there is no justification left for the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to continue to exist following the Supreme Court verdict which raised questions regarding the body’s working. Further, stated “I have always said that NAB is being used for political engineering and now the Supreme Court has also vindicated my stance. NAB should be closed” adding “If the NAB chairman has any shame then he should resign and go home.” Further, Bilawal challenged the NAB’s impartiality, stating that if the Supreme Court’s judgment is to be implemented then all the Advisors and Special Assistants to the Prime Minister, besides making arrests in the foreign funding case, BRT project, Malam Jabba and other cases will also have to be arrested. (No justification for NAB to exist after SC verdict: Bilawal, ” The Nation, 23 July 2020)

PROVINCES
Gurdwara restored to Sikhs in Quetta
On 22 July, the Balochistan government handed over the 200-year-old Siri Guru Singh Gurdwara to the Sikh community. This gurdwara is located on Masjid Road has been used as APWA Government High Girls School for 73 years. The provincial parliamentary secretary and Adviser to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs stated: “Restoring gurdwara as a place of worship for the Sikh community is a historical decision of the Balochistan government.” Further, Chairman of the Sikh Community Committee in Balochistan joyfully expressed the restoration of the gurdwara described it as a “gift from the Balochistan government to the Sikh community living in the province”. Further, officials in the education department confirmed that the education of students would not be affected. (Saleem Shahid, “73 years on, gurdwara restored to Sikhs in Quetta,” Dawn, 23 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
Islamabad will need to play its cards right to protect national interests on the highly treacherous international chessboard: Editorial 
An editorial in the Dawn titled “Changing dynamics” states that given the geopolitical changes in the neighbourhood, the country’s foreign policy must plan to take political and economic advantage of this emerging scenario. Further, the editorial lays down the dynamics between China-US-Iran relations and the budding role Pakistan can play with Iran and China considering the shared borders. Further, the editorial states that to take advantage of regional developments, Pakistan will need some deft diplomacy, adding that regional integration would help the country and its neighbours economically and politically if properly planned. Further, it states that Pakistan must make clear to the US that while they value its relationship with America, Islamabad cannot isolate itself regionally by alienating neighbours with whom Washington does not approve of, suggesting that India should also weigh its options. (“Changing dynamics,” Dawn, 23 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Federal Government moves IHC seeking counsel for Jadhav
On 23 July, the federal government moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the appointment of state counsel for Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, in order to implement the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding his conviction. According to the Dawn, the petition was filed by the government through the law and justice secretary after the agent of India’s intelligence agency and the Indian government avoided the preparation made available to them by the federation for filing a review petition against his death sentence. Afterwards, the petition requested the court to “appoint any suitable” counsel for Jadhav. (Malik Asad, “Govt moves IHC seeking counsel for Indian spy,” Dawn, 23 July 2020)

Islamabad-based foreign correspondents visit PoK 
On 22 July, a group of foreign correspondents based in Islamabad visited Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to gain first-hand knowledge about the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) amid the “unrelenting and unprovoked” ceasefire violations. According to News International, the media persons visited the Chirikot sector in Haveli district and were shown the areas across the LoC from where Indian troops were intentionally targeting civilians in this region. Further, the locals are to have interreacted with the correspondents, “condemn India’s desperate attempts.” (Tariq Naqash, “AJK people tell foreign journalists tales of pain caused by Indian firing,” Dawn, 23 July 2020)

In Focus
Another Journalist gets abducted in broad daylight in Islamabad
Returns after huge protests and video evidence in social media 

The abduction 
On 21 July Senior Journalist Matiullah Jan was released. The journalist was in the limelight with his 'contemptuous' tweet regarding Justice Isa case decision. ("Senior Journalist Matiullah Jan kidnapped, released", The News International, 21 July 2020)

Shahid Akbar Abbasi lodged an FIR against the unidentified persons under Section 365 of Pakistan Penal Code and Habeas corpus petition through Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon before Islamabad High Court. In the petition, he said, 'His brother was known as a critic of government establishment and was forcibly picked up by the unknown persons in broad daylight'.

With abduction caught in camera, concerns on the role of State
Political parties, lawyers, journalists' groups, human rights organisations, and diplomats expressed their concerns over the abduction.

The abduction was caught on CCTV camera in front of Government Girls School in Islamabad. The abduction had raised many questions over the security concerns among the legal, fraternity, political parties in diplomatic circles. However, he had returned home safe at night, after the outcry.

Court Intervenes
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, "keeping in view the gravity of the matter and its implication in the context of constitutionally guaranteed rights of the citizen" he had directed it to the interior secretary, chief commissioner and the inspector general of Islamabad to trace the 'missing' journalist by Wednesday. The Pakistan Bar Council has said, 'his abduction was a blatant attack on the right and freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution'. Subsequently, on Wedensday (22 July 2020) upon the release, the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court also raised serious questions. He was quoted to have asked: "The way a journalist was picked up in broad daylight, have all institutions been destroyed?... How did anyone, wearing a police uniform, dare to abduct a person?"

HRCP, Opposition and Media
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) demanded, immediate measure for the release.

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari demanded, government to ensure his safe return. Also, another PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar drew the attention amid "shame, shame" slogans in the house.

The series of tweets came out soon after the video viral on social media. Canada's High Commissioner to Pakistan Wendy Gilmour tweeted, "Very worrying development: the role of the media in a democracy is crucial, and must be protected. I trust that @Matiullahjan919 will be soon safely reunited with his family."

German Ambassador to Pakistan Bernhard Schlagheck tweeted, "Concerned to hear the news about the disappearance of @Matiullahjan919 today. Developments underline once again how dangerous the situation of journalists in #Pakistan is. Journalists' safety is key for media freedom." {"Journalist released after outcry over abduction", Dawn, 22 July 2020)
 

From the Courts to Media, all-round questioning over NAB's role 

On 21 July, senior leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) called for the termination of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), stating that the NAB has become a means by which the government is targeting political opponents and has become a tool for political engineering. Further, while speaking at a press conference the PML-N party's senior vice president and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi went on to state that there was no justification for NAB to continue functioning after the verdict by the Supreme Court in the case of PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafiq and his brother Salman Rafiq. (Iftikhar A. Khan, "PML-N demands disbanding of NAB," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

On 20 July, the Supreme Court criticised the accountability laws of the country with its judgement stating that these accountability laws were being used as a tool to 'arm-twist and pressurise' political opponents into submission and 'fracturing political parties'. The latest ruling by a two-member bench of the apex court raised broad questions about the system that allows for such corrupted institutions. The court ruling pointed out that the "principle of trichotomy of power and the concept of devolution have been trampled with contempt". Further, reiterated that NAB's actions violate the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty.' Further, Justice Baqar stated, "The bureau seems reluctant in proceeding against people on one side of the political divide even in respect of financial scams of massive proportion." Further, the judiciary not only questioned the poor understanding of the NAB investigators but also questioned the decision making of the NAB chairman. (Ansar Abbasi, "Who will bell the cat?" The News International, 22 July 2020)

The joint parliamentary party meeting adopted a resolution, commending the Supreme Court decision and noted that the NAB and the law under which it was formed had lost its credibility after findings of the apex court about the bureau's performance and functioning. The meeting said the NAB chairman should resign. The meeting noted that the NAB law must not be used for breaking political parties, switching loyalties and arm-twisting of political opponents.

Opinions from the Media
An opinion in the Dawn titled "A farce gone too far" by Zahid Hussain states this verdict is a devastating blow to the image of the organisation whose credibility on the line. Further, stating that since its formation the body has been a tool for political blackmailing and manipulation. The NAB which is in practice supposed to be an autonomous body has however in effect never been so. The controversial body has over the recent years derived its power from the encouragement of some other powerful institutions and this vested power such as that of the NAB chair has allowed for easy misuse. The opinion further states that the opposition parties have learnt their lessons the hard way. Adding that although it is necessary strong accountability process to tackle the issues of corruption, the NAB with its dubious practices cannot fulfil that objective. (Zahid Hussain, "A farce gone too far," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

Further, an editorial in the Dawn highlighted that the government come together with the opposition and to bring out new accountability legislation, one that would serve the ends of justice. ("SC's denunciation of NAB," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

Supreme Court says CAA has no system of security

The Supreme Court has made the following observations, the following are direct quotes from the Dawn on the same. (Nasir Iqbal, "Civil Aviation Authority is in shambles: SC," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

"The Supreme Court regretted on Tuesday that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is in a shambles, their computers that issued flying licences were not safe, their employees were compromised and there was no system of security." Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed observed, "therefore, the CAA director general is required to take immediate remedial action more particularly regarding the licensing scam strictly in accordance with the law and bring the culprits to book." 

"When the matter relating to the issuance of flying licences was taken up, the chief justice, while pointing towards the CAA director general, observed that the latter was not capable of handling the affairs of the authority. "You should be removed." "Your entire staff from A to Z is compromised and your computers through which licences were issued have been hacked. Fake licences are being issued — a state we should all be ashamed of," the chief justice bemoaned." "The authority, the job of which is to be extra careful and cautious in the issuance of flying licences, has put the lives of the passengers at stake." 

"CAA has gone reckless and berserk and they suspended only those who were responsible for the entire malady. The one who is suspended is still receiving monthly salary and enjoying all perks and privileges within the safe confines of his home." 

"There is no room for further indignity or shame since we are already at the bottom among all the nations and were labelled as if [we are] the most corrupt nations in the world. Is there anyone who can salvage this department?"

"The court also directed Pakistan International Air­lines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik as well as the heads of all private airlines to furnish reports on how to deal with the maladies their respective organisations are facing, including removal of the employees who have done serious damage to the airlines."

In Brief 
POLITICS
Supreme Court and NDMA
On the lack of transparency in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and non-submission of detailed reports to the court, the chief justice questioned why contempt of court notice should be issued to its chairman and PM Imran Khan be asked to remove all staff of the authority. The court raised concerns over the details provided to identify who owned Messrs Al Hafeez, an organisation that was favoured by the NDMA to import machinery for making of N-95 masks through the chartered plane, question why cash payments were made to the companies that were not mentioned in the agreement. Further, the court stated that the NDMA is answerable to the people, especially to those who ha provided donations and funds to the authority. The NDMA is to furnish a comprehensive report, particularly regarding Ms Al-Hafeez. Further, the chief justice voiced concern over the manufacturing of fake medicines, import of unregistered medicines and hoarding of life-saving drugs and equipment stating that those involved such activities should be awarded exemplary punishment of death through drug courts. Further, the health secretary has been directed to appear before the apex court after two weeks at the next hearing. (Nasir Iqbal, "Civil Aviation Authority is in shambles: SC," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

PPP and PML-N post-Eid conference 
An editorial in the Dawn comments on the multiparty conference that is set to be held after Eidul Azha, bring out the politics in the opposition alliance. The editorial states that all talk of PPP and PML-N must start with a basic question: can they ever trust each other? Adding that PPP's Bhutto-Zardari is out to sell a messy option to a true connoisseur of drawing-room games stating that PLM-N's Mian Shahbaz Sharif may be a doubtful starter for the MPC. Further, the editorial that this MPC is too big an occasion to be marked by just mocking the government. The opposition alliance which s led by the PPP and PML-N would have to ensure that the presence of all-stars and formulate a plan appropriate for an Eid milan party. ("Post-Eid conference," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

PROVINCES 
Punjab Cabinet approved resolution in confidence for Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar
On 21 July 2020, Punjab Cabinet approved a resolution presented by Law Minister Raja Basharat, over complete confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar. The resolution also added, 'The journey of development would be continued under his leadership and no one would be allowed to hamper this journey'. The meeting condemned any element engaged against Usman Buzdar. ("Punjab cabinet resposes trust in Buzdar", The News International, 21 July 2020)

Motorcycle blast in Turbat kills one and injured seven 
On 22 July, a motorcycle bomb blast in the main bazaar of Turbat killed one man and left seven others injured. Further, at least three shops were destroyed by the explosion. PM Imran Khan has issued a statement condemned the blast, expressed grief over the loss of life and ordered the relevant authorities to provide best medical treatment to the injured. The target of the blast is still unknown so far, however, the police have stated that the explosive device might have been detonated by remote control. The investigation is underway with no group claiming responsibility for the explosion yet. (Behram Baloch, "One killed, seven hurt in Turbat blast," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

SECURITY
Corps Commanders Conference held
On 21 July 2020, 233rd Corps Commanders' Conference presided by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) complimented efforts put in to maintain a high level of combat readiness particularly in the wake of the evolving regional security situations. The top military leader expressed their resolve to stop a threat to the security of the country. ("Any threat to country shall be thwarted", The Nation, 22 July 2020)

Guidelines to bring out of FATF grey-list
FATF extension, a chance for government review resolution to complete the remaining 13 points to come out of the grey list. As there is an urgent need to look in Rs 2.2 trillion circular debt. Parliamentary committees exist to give politicians a platform through which they can foster discourse and pass effective legislation. Basic guidelines such as attendance, patience, and respect to become permanent features to achieve the agenda and agreements can be reached to a solution. ("Inaction regarding FATF", The Nation, 22 July 2020)

ECONOMY
78 per cent shrink in current account deficit
Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed that the current account deficit in the FY2019-20 fell by 78 per cent. This drop has been a result of the significant decline in imports, record-high remittances and foreign direct investment during the period under review. According to SBP data, the current account deficit in FY20 fell to 1.1 per cent of GDP compared to 4.8 per cent in FY19. The current account deficit narrowed to $2.966 billion in FY20, down 78.6 per cent compared to $13.434 billion in the previous fiscal year. Further, this decline has helped the government improve its foreign exchange reserves through a sharp reduction in the import bill. Besides, the record $23 billion remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis in FY20 has also helped reduce the current account deficit. (Shahid Iqbal, "CAD shrinks 78pc in 2019-20," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

The large-scale manufacturing (LSM) output fell by 24.8 per cent in May
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the large-scale manufacturing (LSM) output has dropped by 24.8 per cent year-on-year in May. During July-May, the LSM shrank by 10.32 per cent. This fall is said to be caused by the exchange rate depreciation, contractionary monetary and fiscal policies that plunged the LSM in the FY20. Further, the contraction in textile and food, beverages and tobacco, iron and steel, coke and petroleum products reduced the overall manufacturing in the country. LSM constitutes 80 per cent of the country's total manufacturing and accounts for nearly 10.7per cent of the national output. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, "Big industry output plunges 25pc in May," Dawn, 22 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
ON INDIA
Analysis on India's role in Asia
According to the Editorial, India has been consistently destabilising the Asian region. He further states that China was trying to hold an annual meeting with agenda of economy, Covid-19, Hong Kong and BRI issues when the PM Modi administration started border conflict. China has been following a policy of restraint in the region but since the change in the status of Ladakh, China is now more concerned about India's expansionist policies. The editor finally said, 'India continues to stoke enmity with all its neighbours to achieve its inglorious ambition to act as an American stooge in Asia which is bringing instability in the region which is not only interrupting the rise of China but of the whole of Asia. ("India's inglorious ambitions", The News International, 22 July 2020)

In Focus
Special Assistants to the Prime Minister (SAPMs) under trial by media, opposition and the judiciary
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has decided to hear the two similar petitions challenging the appointment of special assistants to the prime minister (SAPMs) in the second week of August. This decision came after the government came under scathing criticism in the Senate over allowing key positions to filled by those possessing dual nationality. The opposition alleged Pakistan’s ‘national interests had been compromised by doing so’. (Mumtaz Alvi, “Govt faces Opp wrath over giving key posts to dual nationals,” The News International, 21 July 2020)

Opposition’s petition 
Barrister Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, the counsel for petitioner Iradat Sharif Khan, another MNA of the PML-N, stated that the cabinet was being run by not only unelected people but also by those who held dual nationality and were not the sole citizen of Pakistan. In his petition, Sharif challenged the appointment as chairman and other advisers to the prime minister as members of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP). Further, he challenged the 25 April notification. Further, Barrister Ranjha, stated that the rule put in place demands that the cabinet constitutes the prime minister and ministers who are the elected members of parliament, arguing that Pakistan could only be governed by elected representatives and a person who was not a member of parliament could neither become a part of the cabinet nor its committees. (Malik Asad, “IHC to hear pleas against SAPMs’ appointment,” Dawn, 21 July 2020)

PTI’s stand on the issue
Unlike ministers, advisers are not considered part of the federal government. The petition said that these advisers do not take oath nor are they responsible to parliament in term of Article 91(6) of the Constitution and other provisions, thus are not subject to any kind of scrutiny. Further, FM hah Mehmood Qureshi stated “you also need experts in various fields who can assist the government” adding “as far as dual citizenship is concerned, we have to see what the law and the Constitution say in this regard. Legally, a person with dual citizenship cannot become a member of the National Assembly or the Senate, but there is no such restriction on any other position.” Further, adding that the PTI had only introduced a new tradition of disclosing the names of the dual citizen government functionaries and details of their assets. (“Qureshi defends dual national advisers, SAPMs,” The Express Tribune, 21 July 2020)

Editorial lauds PM’s decision
An editorial in the Dawn commended PM Imran Khan decision to ordering all advisers and special assistants to the prime minister to declare their assets and nationalities. The editorial states that this will help ensure transparency which his government promised. Further, it states that although this announcement by the PM has triggered a debate, it would bring much-needed clarity to the prevailing ambiguity in the issue of dual nationals working in important government positions. Further, the editorial states that since the issues have been brought to light, the PM should review the states of these advisers in the light of his own previously held position against dual nationals in key positions adding that the PM should find their replacements and utilise their services in any capacity outside the cabinet. (“Dual nationality,” Dawn, 21 July 2020)

The larger story of Dual Citizenship: Opinions
The nationality issue is not new in Pakistan. An opinion in the Dawn, states that the issue is that the country is constantly ruled by those whose loyalties are suspect, despite the various efforts through legal means that prevent people who possess dual citizenship from reaching the corridors of power. Further adding that the abstract issue of patriotism and loyalties have been reduced to a legal one, regardless of it not resolving anything. (Arifa Noor, “Bleeding green,” Dawn, 21 July 2020) However, on the other hand, others believe that by allowing dual nationals to become legislators would result in a conflict of interest which such legislators may face while considering a matter which concerns the other country. Further, adding that it is not possible to demarcate these areas especially in a country where nationalist feelings often run very high. (Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, “The case of dual nationals,” Dawn, 19 August 2019)

In Brief
INTERNAL
SC regrets NAB being flagrantly used for political engineering
On 20 July the supreme court of Pakistan described the National Accountability Bureau deals with the Paragon society corruption case and disregarded the parameters of the law. As it is observed that NAB has been reluctant in proceeding against the political divide. The court has said, 'one-sided' accountability is aimed at teaching lessons to the opponents. Justice Maqbool Baqar wrote 87 pages of detailed judgment, "The present case is a classic example of the trampling of fundamental rights, unlawful deprivation of freedom, and liberty and the complete disregard for human dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution”. ("SC spots bias in NAB handling of political case”, Dawn, 21 July 2020). The verdict also highlighted that the NAB is causing irretrievable harm to the nation and said, " It is in the context of such highhandedness and brazen disregard for human dignity that the Bureau has attracted ignominy and notoriety beyond our frontiers too”. ("Bureau doing one-sided accountability: NAB busy chasing political opponents", The News International, 21 July 2020)

The question of Missing Baloch returns
According to the editorial, it is estimated that around 5,000 people are on the list of Balochistan disappearances. It further brings focus on the perennial protest after Dr Deen Mohammad went missing on 28 June 2009. The recent attack on the Pakistan stock exchange many Baloch gathered to mark the 'four thousandth day of their protest'. The editor advises, to follow a fair, transparent formula to engage first who are ready to talk and then to the angrier sections. ("Baloch approach", Dawn, 21 July 2020)

Vandalising the Buddha shows the extent to which intolerance and ignorance have permeated our society: Editorial
An editorial in the Dawn is critical of the recent video in which a group of men were shown vandalising the centuries-old statue of the Buddha in Mardan stating that this act shows the extent to which intolerance and ignorance have permeated our society. Further, the editorial states that this incident not only is a painful reminder of how respect for minority religious beliefs is shrinking but it also shows an ugly side of Pakistan to the world. Further, the editorial concluded by stating that the mindset which allows such acts to take place stem intolerance and bigotry, adding that the culprits must be punished, and the administration must reflect on its failure to educate the public about the religious and historical significance of these relics. (“Vandalising the Buddha,” Dawn, 21 July 2020)

National Assembly cancels the meeting as only two member shows up
On 20 July the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs had met to discuss FATF, official legislative business, and the circular debt. The session was cancelled as out of 21 members, only two members Faheem Khan of PTI and Ali Pervaiz of PMLN showed up. ("NA committee cancels crucial meeting on FATF, circular debt", Dawn, 21 July 2020)

PML-N and PPP leaders meet to form an anti-government alliance
On 20 July, Leaders of PPP and PML-N met at Bilawal house to lay down a strategy to form an anti-government alliance to oust the incumbent PTI government. The PML-N league comprised of Ahsan Iqbal, Sadar Ayaz Sadiq and Khwaja Saad Rafiq while PPP was represented by Raja Parvez Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Ch Manzoor and Hassan Manzoor. They agreed on hosting a multi-party conference immediately after Eidul Azha and formed a Joint Opposition Coordination Committee to build an anti-government coalition with other political parties. The dawn reported that PML -N Shabaz Sharif may not be able to attend the party conference due to health issues. Both the parties were critical of the proposed amendments to the National Accountability law, called the black law, that will empower the anti-corruption watchdog to increase the detention of an accused from 90 to 180 days. Parities claim that the proposed law would be used misused to target rivals or dissidents. PPP and PML-N leaders also blamed the government for the economic crises that Pakistan is going through. (Amjad Mahmood, “PPP, PML-N agree on MPC to frame strategy against govt,” Dawn, 21 July 2020)

68 more Pakistan pilots with dubious licenses 
On 20 July, the Aviation division suspected 68 more pilots with dubious licenses. With 262 dubious license holders, 28 pilots have been cancelled while 161 pilots have been suspended. A report on the measures taken for the air travellers will be presented today before the supreme court. The decision for the remaining 73 pilots is expected in the next two days. A spokesman for the Aviation Division said that 'all the Pakistani pilots flying on international or domestic routes had been cleared and well experienced'. ("Another 68 pilots suspended over dubious licences”, Dawn, 21 July 2020) 

ON INDIA
India and the two-front war: Opinion
An opinion in the Dawn titled “India’s two fronts” by Muhammad Ali Siddiqi asks questions regarding the two-front wars that Indian army chiefs have been and are preparing for, question their seriousness or if this two-front war is merely a bogey to attract sympathy from the right quarters. However, the opinion states that although India plans this two-front war, the current army chief and his predecessor deny this position when they declare that the focus of their war preparations is basically for Pakistan and that on the Chinese front the Indian army will adopt a policy of deterrence. Further, the opinion states that the truth of the matter is that India will never commit suicide by taking on China for America’s benefit, adding that the two-front theory was designed to get as much economic, diplomatic and military support from America. The opinion concludes by states that India will concede a mile to China but it will not give an inch to Pakistan, adding that the two-front hoax is meant to squeeze the milk cow which is America. (Muhammad Ali Siddiqi, “India’s two fronts,” Dawn, 21 July 2020)

Baloch families and their unending fight for the disappeared persons 

For over a decade, families of those who have disappeared in Balochistan have gathered outside the Quetta Press Club demanding answers to who took away their family members. These daily sit-in protests began in 2009 when Deen Mohammad, a doctor was abducted by unknown men. These daily sit-ins sometimes take place with less than a dozen people while on other days many more join, with some families like the doctor's two daughters being among the regulars who have been fighting since the beginning. The voice of missing persons of Balochistan was brought to the limelight when Mama Qadeer, the Vice Chairman of Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) started a hunger strike in front of the Quetta Press Club. He then went on to do the same in front of Karachi and Islamabad Press Clubs. To highlight the issue, Mama Qadeer had led a foot march from Quetta to Karachi and then from Karachi to Islamabad. They made history by walking 2500 kilometres against disappearances in Balochistan.

The enforced victims appear to have been targeted because of alleged participation in Baloch nationalist parties and movements. Further, this campaign in Balochistan has sometimes declined but over the last few years, it has intensified. However, this fight has only remained with the province or at max the country, it has seldom drawn international attention. This issue has caused significant harm to families where they live with continuous uncertainty about the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones with their lives often completely disrupted by the disappearance. The main demand of these families is that they want answers to who took their family members away, demanding that they are brought back. Further, although they demand that their missing relatives should come back, they say that justice is incomplete without perpetrators being held to accountable. Families for long have tried to reach out to the federal human rights ministry, the military and Balochistan's government, seeking answers to their question; however, they often go unanswered. In 2019, the military issue a statement sympathizing with families of missing Balochs, stating that some may have joined militant groups and that not every person missing is attributable to the state. (Reuters, "Baloch families seek answers as more disappear," Dawn, 20 July 2020)

Issue of Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan

The issues of enforced disappearances have continued despite guarantees from successive governments to criminalize the practice, further, this practice has for long been a stain on Pakistan's human rights record. ("Pakistan: Enduring Enforced Disappearances," Amnesty International, 27 March 2019) The Annual Report published by the Human Rights Council of Balochistan reported that 2019 saw no improvement in the human rights situation for the people in Balochistan. Enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, target killings and military operations continued unabated and with impunity. It received partial details of 568 cases of enforced disappearances and 241 killings during the year 2019. ("Balochistan 2019: Military whisked away 568 persons and killed another 241", Hakkpan Annual Report 2019, Human Rights Council of Balochistan, 8 March 2019)

The issues of enforced disappearance are so rampant in the province that every second home in Balochistan has been subjected to a disappearance where receiving a disfigured dead body has become a norm. Further, every other home in the province lives under the fear that the security forces could pick up their male family members at any time, thus leaving many to live in fear and the unhappy. The figure for this year shows that those enforced disappearances are still being reported. Further, amid the pandemic when which made travel and postal communication impossible and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIoED) received 70 new complaints. (I.A. Rehman, "Thousands still missing," Dawn, 4 June 2020)

Trouble at the political end

PM Imran Khan committed to criminalizing enforced disappearances. In January 2019, Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights submitted a draft bill to the Ministry of Law and Justice to criminalize enforced disappearances. Further, the BNP-M and PTI agreed to form an alliance, Akhtar Mengal gave the government a list of 5128 missing persons, since then over 450 of the people on the list have been found or returned to their families, however during the same period Mengal stated that another 1800 were reported to have disappeared adding "If you cannot recover people, at least stop disappearing more people. However, not much was achieved which manifested itself with the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) quitting the PTI alliance, frustrated by unfulfilled promises to address grievances including the festering issue of the disappeared. ("BNP-Mengal parts ways with govt," The Express Tribune, 17 June 2020)

Increasing militancy in the Balochistan 

According to the Pakistan Security Report 2019 published by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) for the past few years, much of the militant violence in Pakistan has visibly concentrated in Balochistan. In 2019, Balochistan appeared the most critical area in terms of security challenges. In particular, the violence led by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) managed 27 terrorist attacks in 2019, including 25 in Balochistan, and one each in southern Punjab and interior Sindh, killing 40 people and injuring 120 people. ("Pakistan Security Report 2019," PIPS, 5 January 2020) In this year the attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange last month is seen to be the most high-profile attack by the group along with the numerous attacks on security personnel who patrol the area. Further, militants have frequently targeted Chinese construction projects in Gwadar and other Chinese interests in the country.

"Balochistan suffers from many missed opportunities and unfulfilled promise," says a former police officer

An Opinion in the Dawn titled Baloch nationalism by Tariq Khosa states that to understand Baloch nationalism the history and culture of Balochistan must be taken into account. He states that Balochistan suffers from many missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises. The author notes how Abdul Karim and Nauroz Khan were deceived into surrendering on the promise of safe passage. But were instead sentenced long imprisonment by the military courts after the second insurgency broke out in 1948 after Mir Ahmed Yar Khan signed the instrument of accession with Pakistan, under One Unit. Further, in 1962, the third insurgency broke out following the 1962 elections which several nationalists like Khair Baksh Marri and Ataullah Mengal were elected, Ayub Khan dismissed them and later Musharraf, threatened them with extinction if they opposed him. In 1973, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto promised provincial autonomy in return for Baloch support for a consensus constitution. However, the fourth insurgency broke out when he dismissed Ataullah Mengal's government. The current insurgency was taken up by Nawab Akbar Bugti, but his unfortunate death in a cave near Kohlu in 2006 has only caused further alienation. The author concludes by stating that festering wounds need to be healed. Further, commending the decision to revive the parliamentary committee on Balochistan, he stated that the path of reconciliation as recommended by CT NAP in December 2014 must be pursued. (Tariq Khosa, "Baloch nationalism," Dawn, 20 July 2020)

Six Baloch nationalist parties (BRAS) terrorist arrested
On 18 July, District West's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fida Hussain Janwari said, six terrorists of a Baloch nationalist party, Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), from Karachi, were arrested. He also said, "This outlawed organization is running its activities from Afghan soil and is also involved in attacking security forces in Balochistan also the arrested culprits have admitted Indian spy agency RAW's support for their organization". ("Terror attack foiled, six RAW agents arrested in Karachi", The Nation, 20 July 2020)

CM of Balochistan states action has been initiated against 'ghost' employees
The Balochistan government has launched action against ghost employees in the province. The Chief Minister of Balochistan stated that in the first phase, the information will be collected about ghost employees working in the education and health departments. Further, the minister stated that deputy commissioners in all districts of Balochistan have been asked to send lists of ghost employees posted in these two departments to the government immediately. Further stating that ghost employees would not be tolerated in any government department, adding that an investigation will be launched in other departments as well. (Saleem Shahid, "Action initiated against 'ghost' employees in Balochistan," Dawn, 20 July 2020)

Pakistan's population "growing rapidly with an annual fertility rate of 3.6 children per couple," ays World Population Report 
The World Population Data Sheet 2020, released by the US Population reference bureau estimating world today with 7.8 billion inhabitants. The report projected that Asia's overall population might rise by 15 per cent — from 4.6bn in 2020 to 5.3bn in 2050. Pakistan and Afghanistan have been the fastest-growing region among the South Asian countries. Afghanistan, with a population of 38.9 million and a high death rate and low life expectancy the rate has a faster growth rate of 4.5 per couple as compared to Pakistan. According to the World Population Report, "Pakistan's total population is estimated at 220.9 million, and it is growing rapidly with an annual fertility rate of 3.6 children per couple. 

In comparison to other south Asia countries, Bangladesh has a 'total population in 2020 is estimated at 169.8m, with an annual growth rate of 2.3' whereas India being a 'second-largest population in the world but has reduced its fertility rate to 2.2'. ("Population in Pakistan continues to grow rapidly: Report", Dawn, 20 July 2020)

Dual Nationalities in the Cabinet and Imran Khan's hypocrisy
On 19 July, Information secretary of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and MNA Marriyum Aurangzeb called out PM Imran Khan for his hypocrisy regarding the dual nationalities' holding profiles in the Cabinet and Assembly. The opposition is concerned about the appointment of "permanent residency and green card" holders in the federal Cabinet and wants them to be sacked immediately. PPP leaders questioned loyalties of the dual nationals and called their appointment a yet another "major U-turn" by Mr Khan government. 

The Opposition Questions PTI
PPP's secretary general Nayyar Bokhari asked how the appointments could be considered lawful. Senator Sherry Rehman, PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate, asked why dual nationals were being made a part of the Cabinet when they were not eligible to even become members of the Parliament. ("Transparency drive: Politics heats up on PM's pledges," The News International, 20 July 2020) Marriyum criticized PM Khan for awarding key positions to the dual nationals and billionaires in his Cabinet. She said that foreign groups were deciding Pakistan's future and is responsible for pushing the country into an economic crisis. Marriyum reminded PM Khan of his earlier statements and remarks regarding dual nationals' appointment into the Cabinet or their presence in the Assemblies. "His hypocrisy is shameless as his duplicity is destroying a nation. All Imran Khan is missing is a flute," she tweeted with a video clip of a speech by the PM in which he vows that he will not have a single dual-national or green card holder in his Cabinet. Marriyum has also said that the SAPMs are "a product and baggage of the 23 illegal accounts" referring to the foreign funding case against PTI. 

Why the uproar?
PTI and Imran Khan have been strong voices against the political participation of dual nationals and green card holders at high levels. The question of their participation has always been controversial. Hence PTI's choice of Cabinet members is ironic and hypocritical. Many have called for a non-political and rational approach to the issue. What is lacking is clarity in law regarding the level of political participation allowed to dual-nationals. ("Dual Nationals In Cabinet," The Nation, 20 July 2020)

PTI's explanation
Foreign Minister defended Imran Khan's decision saying that all governments require technical expertise. He added that an amalgam of elected persons and technical experts makes for a "healthy balance". ("Dual nationalities of PM's aides: FM Qureshi says every govt needs technical expertise," The News International, 20 July 2020)

Context
The uproar came a day after the details of assets and dual nationalities of SAPMs were released by the Cabinet Division, aimed at boosting the government's "transparency". Four out of the 19 non-elected cabinet members hold dual nationalities: SAPM on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari (the United Kingdom), SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar (the United States), SAPM on Digital Pakistan Tania S. Aidrus (Canada) and SAPM on Power Division Shahzad Qasim (the US). Four hold residency or green card of other countries: SAPM on National Security Moeed Yousuf (the US), SAPM on Political Affairs Shahbaz Gill (the US), Ms Aidrus (Singapore) and SAPM on Parliamentary Coordination Nadeem Afzal Gondal (Canada). ("Opposition wants PM to sack dual national aides," Dawn, 20 July 2020)

In Brief
INTERNAL
Analysis on fake licences, ask tough questions
With the Oman Civil aviation Authority and European Unions's actions against PIA, the issue is spiralling. The analysis says that the investigation into PIA commenced way before the Aviation minister's speech: missing the deadline for satisfying the criteria of Safety Management System (SMS) and the Karachi crash had already put PIA on European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the international community's radar. The Aviation Division's "fake licence" list includes 101 active PIA pilots; at least four of them were involved in major or minor aircraft accidents. As per reports, discrepancies in the licensing process of pilots have been found, however, the PCAA Director-General in his 13 July 2020 letter to Oman's DG CAA, has clarified that all PCAA issued Commercial Pilot Licence and Air Transport Pilot Licence are genuine and validly issued. The analysis also estimates the fiasco's financial cost at a hefty Rs90 billion's revenue shortfall during FY2020-2021's first six months. ("Pilots fake licence fiasco: what went wrong?" The News International, 20 July 2020)

An analysis explains PTI's Punjab dilemma
The politics in general and in Punjab revolves around families, biradaris and caste-like Jaat, Arain, Rajput and Kashmiris. PTI considers Chief Minister Usman Buzdar as only 'option or a secret weapon as his presence has led to 'political vacuum' which will be beneficial for other parties in Southern Punjab. ("Govt dilemma in Punjab", The News International, 20 July 2020)

Sindh negligent over electricity theft, centre accuses  
The Centre, on 19 July accused the Sindh government of inaction towards 'electricity theft' in the province. The provincial government never extended any support to distribution companies to combat electricity thefts the federal energy ministry said in a statement. They even blocked registration of FIRs against influential people suspected of wrongdoing. Earlier, Sindh's energy minister Imtiaz Sheikh had accused the federal energy minister Omar Ayub Khan of misleading the Senate over "load shedding". He had also told the central government to take "practical steps" if it was "serious about load shedding". ("Centre accuses Sindh of inaction over power theft", Dawn, 20 July 2020)

PML-N and PPP chiefs converse, raises hopes of an alliance 
On 19 July, PML-N chief Shabaz Sharif and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari shared their views, in a telephonic conversation, and agreed to 'increase their contacts'. The conversation between top leaders of the parties has raised hopes of an anti-government alliance. Meanwhile, the parties are also preparing a "concrete anti-government agenda "and planning a national level 'Multi-party" conference. Ahsan Iqbal, PML-N's general secretary, said a day ago that his party would launch a Punjab Bachao drive as the province has been ruined in PTI's rule. ("Shahbaz and Bilawal speak on phone, boost hopes for alliance", Dawn, 20 July 2020)

Dawn editorial asks: Where is Ehsanullah?
Ehsanullah Ehsan, the former spokesperson of banned TTP, had escaped from the security custody in January. On 17 July, PPP demanded to know what Ehsan's current status and why he was not in custody. Later asked, 'the government to disclose the details of his ostensible escape and tell the nation who had a hand in it'.

According to the editorial, a twitter account used by him, series of tweets 'on a death threat against PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, saying that the latter would meet the same fate as his mother, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto'. ("Where is Ehsanullah?", Dawn, 20 July 2020) 

Government to present its ordinance to Parliament
The law ministry had proposed to present the ordinance in the National Assembly as it expires today. Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said 'the first consular access under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 was provided on 2 September. First meeting, on 25 December 2019, his mother and wife were also allowed. The second access to, two consular officers of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad was provided unimpeded and uninterrupted on 16 July. On 17 July, 2019, the ICJ had rejected 'remedies sought by India, including annulment of military court decision convicting Kulbhushan Jadhav, his release and safe passage back to India'. ("Govt likely to get Indian spy Jadhav ord. approved from Parliament", The Nation, 20 July 2020)

ON INDIA
PM Imran Khan reaffirmed its support to Kashmir
On 19 July, PM Imran Khas reaffirmed Pakistan's support to Kashmir. He said, ""Kashmiris' right of self-determination is recognized by the United Nations Security Council as well as international laws. We will continue to fight for justice for Kashmiris as they struggle against the brutal & illegal actions of the Hindutva Supremacist Indian government". ("Pakistan reaffirms support to Kashmiris' struggle", Dawn, 20 July 2020)

Also during the week...

Imran Khan launching the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam on 15 July 2020 (Image Source: Dawn)

In Brief
prepared by
Lakshmi V Menon, Abigail Miriam Fernandez and Sukanya Bali

The Cynthia Ritchie Affair:
According to the Interior Ministry, Cynthia is working on ISPR and KP projects
In the report submitted to Islamabad High Court (IHC) by Ministry of Interior on 17 July, MoI notifies the court that the US blogger Cynthia D. Ritchie is staying in Pakistan on an ‘extended’ visa. The report says Ms. Cynthia “informed in her application that she had been working with Walkabout Films in collaboration with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR – military’s media affairs wing) and the KP government on various film projects in the country.” Additional Attorney General Tariq Mehmood Khokhar maintained that Ms. Cynthia’s visa extension was till August 31 and that no illegality or anti-state activity, as being alleged, has been committed by her. According to the MoI, Ms. Ritchie has denied all allegations and since the process of further extensions of foreigner visas had been paused due to the Covid-19 situation, blanket extensions were granted to all. (“Cynthia working on ISPR & KP govt projects, court told,” Dawn, 18 July 2020)

The court adjourned further hearing of petition filed by PPP activist Chaudhry Iftikhar Ahmed till next week. Mr. Chaudhry’s petition questioned Cynthia’s extended stay in Pakistan after her business visa expired on 2 March 2020. While referring to ‘derogatory and objectionable’ involvement, activities, social media posts and media statements of Ms. Cynthia, he alleged her involvement in a media campaign against Opposition party’s leaders. Mr. Chaudhry also said the respondent was granted the visa without fulfilling legal formalities. Meanwhile, Cynthia has pointed out that travelling to different regions of Pakistan or interviewing tribal leaders were not considered crimes under Pakistan’s constitution.
 
Previously, on 13 June, IHC directed the Federal Investigation Agency to probe the allegations of defamation of former PM Benazir Bhutto, against Ms. Cynthia. (“Islamabad court orders FIA to initiate probe against Cynthia Ritchie for tweets on Benazir,” Dawn, 14 June 2020) On 26 June, the IHC demanded an explanation from MoI regarding the terms and conditions and status of Ms. Cynthia’s visa. ("IHC calls for explanation about Cynthia visa status,” Dawn, 27 June 2020) On 3 July, the federal government had informed the IHC that Ms. Cynthia’s visa had expired in February 2020, and that the applied extension was subject to clearance by intelligence agencies. (“Cynthia’s visa expired in February, IHC told,” Dawn, 4 July 2020)

Plan to revamp the Pakistan Steel Mills may lead to a disaster: SC 
On 16 July, the Supreme Court critical of the federal government’s initiative to revamp the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and warned that this plan might lead to a disaster. Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed stated: “whatever the PSM management is planning will only create hurdles since it will burden the courts more as 5,000 cases will come to the courts and the management eventually has to reinstate majority of them (the employees).” Further adding that PSM management has not come up with a proper plan nor do they have an idea on what they are doing. The court has asked for a comprehensive report on the revival of the steel mill and has postponed the further proceedings for a month. (Nasir Iqbal, “Steel Mills revamp plan may lead to disaster, warns SC,” Dawn, 17 July 2020)

PM Imran Khan vows to build the "biggest dam in Pakistan's history"
On 15 July, PM Imran Khan launched the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam while addressing a public gathering in Chilas, the district headquarters of Diamer, after visiting the dam site along with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and federal ministers. He also announced plans to build more dams in the country to generate low-cost hydel power. (Jamil Nagri, "Construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam launched," Dawn, 16 July 2020) Further, he stated that this site is a naturally well-suited for building the dam because it has natural rocks, adding "The decision to build this dam was taken 50 years ago. There can be no better site for constructing a dam, it is a natural dam. Forty, 50 years ago this was decided, and work on the project has begun today. This is one of the biggest reasons why we haven't progressed."

After the attack in Waziristan, there is another attack, this time in Balochistan. Three soldiers killed in Panjgur
On 14 July, three soldiers were killed, and eight others were left injured in a terrorist attack on security forces in Panjgur district of Balochistan. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the terrorists opened fire on a patrolling party of security personnel.  (Behram Baloch, "Three soldiers martyred in Panjgur attack," Dawn, 15 July 2020). The attack in Balochistan comes two days after an attack in the Miramshah area of North Waziristan tribal district. On 12 July, four soldiers were killed. 

Remittance ascends to $23.1 billion
On 13 July, the State Bank of Pakistan stated that the receipt of workers remittance reached an all-time high in June 2020 with a staggering 51 per cent to a record high of $2.47 billion compared to $1.64 billion in June 2019. The Bank further said “Inflow of workers’ remittances registered an increase of 7.8 per cent in the March-June 2020” further adding that the total remittances were even higher than the cumulative export earnings of $21.39 billion in FY20. This inflow of remittance is said to have increased due to the suspension of international commercial flights due to Covid-19 which prompted expatriates to send foreign exchange through proper banking channels instead of the illegal Hawala/Hundi channels. (Siddiqui “All-time high: Remittances soar to $23.1b in FY20d,” The Express Tribune, 14 July 2020)

Afghanistan resume trade with India through Wagah border
On 13 July, Pakistan Foreign Office had said, “Afghan export to India through Wagah border would resume from 15 July”. The trade between the two nations will be conducted under strict Covid-19 protocol as it was restricted in March when Pakistan closed all borders crossing neighbours. According to the 2010 bilateral agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan allowed Afghan trade with India through the Wagah border. (“Afghan exports to India via Wagah resume tomorrow”, Dawn, 14 July 2020)

NA to discuss privatisation policy and anti-terror financing bills
The National Assembly (NA) will debate on the privatisation policy of the government and taking up two crucial bills seeking amendments to the anti-terrorism act as the lower house resumes its session after a two-day recess. The 22-point agenda of issues by the NA Secretariat, the Minister for Interior will move the two bills seeking amendments to sections 2, 6, 9A and 110 in the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and insertion of a new section 11000 in it before the house for passage. These two bills were introduced by the government to meet certain requirements of the FATF and in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions No. 1267 and 1373. (Amir Wasim, “NA takes up anti-terror financing bills today,” Dawn, 13 July 2020)

In Brief
The licences are not fake but only dubious
The Civil aviation minister changes his tune. Blame is on the media

ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEN THE AVIATION MINISTER AND CAA ON FAKE LICENCES
Opposition demands resignation of minister over pilots’ licence racket
The opposition took Aviation Minister to task in the National Assembly and a Senate standing committee over his allegation that 40 per cent of Pakistani pilots possessed “dubious licences” and calling for his resignation. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MNA Dr Nafisa Shah pointed out to the damage caused due to statement demanding the minister to resign after the letter written by CAA Director-General to a high-ranking aviation official of Oman, clarifying that all pilot licences issued by the CAA were “genuine and validly issued” and “none of the licences are fake”. Further, Mr Shah said “If the minister is speaking the truth then the CAA DG should resign. But if the DG’s letter is stating the correct position, then the minister will have to go.” Further, Sherry Rehman from the PPP raised the issue in the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation headed by PML-N’s Mushahidullah Khan and stating that it was a “wrong move” by the aviation minister which had damaged Pakistan’s reputation. (Amir Wasim, Mohammad Asghar, “Opposition wants minister fired over pilot licences row,” Dawn, 17 July 2020)

Aviation minister remarked without verifying facts, says Editorial
The editorial speaks of the appalling shift in the narrative regarding the “fake licenses” of PIA pilots. Following Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan’s statement that 40 per cent of the Pakistani pilots’ licences were fake (later called 'dubious'), director-general of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority wrote to Oman’s CAA ensuring that all issued licenses were genuine. The union of Pakistani pilots, PALPA has also expressed solidarity with CAA’s confirmations/claims. The article says that the damage has been done; colossal chaos and a global loss of trust in the reliability and safety of PIA. IATA has expressed concerns and European Union air safety body has banned the landing of PIA planes within the EU. The article says the aviation minister made “a dramatic announcement in parliament without first verifying the facts”, perhaps to privatise PIA.  (“Flying fiasco,” The News International, 17 July 2020)

Dubious licence of Pakistan pilots
According to CAA Director General Hassan Nasir Jamy, the matter has been misconstrued and incorrectly highlighted in media and social media platform. The allegation on country aviation industry has in particularly impacted the flag carriers. This may take a little longer time to recover. (“Confusion abounds,” Dawn, 17 July 2020)

Article provides a road map to probe the PIA issue.
Shariq Jamal Khan says that while Pakistan International Airline (PIA) is in the throes of a massive institutional scandal, Pakistan’s honour is as stake. He speaks of the necessity of an independent Inquiry Commission constituted under Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 2017. Khan calls for significant actions by such an investigation committee: a review of recruitment regulations, examine the legality of processes of induction so far, ensure required educational qualifications are met, confirm verification of provided documents, check whether PIA has the globally required inbuilt personnel training system and a high-end performance evaluation system, and identify those involved in illegal activities. (“PIA in the eye of the storm,” The Nation,17 July 2020)

ON PAKISTAN STEEL MILLS
Plan to revamp the Pakistan Steel Mills may lead to a disaster: SC 
On 16 July, the Supreme Court critical of the federal government’s initiative to revamp the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and warned that this plan might lead to a disaster. Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed stated: “whatever the PSM management is planning will only create hurdles since it will burden the courts more as 5,000 cases will come to the courts and the management eventually has to reinstate majority of them (the employees).” Further adding that PSM management has not come up with a proper plan nor do they have an idea on what they are doing. The court has asked for a comprehensive report on the revival of the steel mill and has postponed the further proceedings for a month. (Nasir Iqbal, “Steel Mills revamp plan may lead to disaster, warns SC,” Dawn, 17 July 2020)

ON DIAMER-BHASHA DAM
Diamer-Bhasha project with indigenous financing
The Diamer-Bhasha project to be built with the indigenous financing, PSDP will provide Rs 234 billion, Wapda to will provide equity of Rs 100 billion and $1.4 to be generated through the international financial market. The total estimate of Rs 480 billion will be incurred for the building of the dam. (“Diamer-Bhasha Dam: Dam portion to be built through indigenous financing plan”, The International News, 17 July 2020)

Diamer Basha will determine PTI’s future, says Article
PM Khan inaugurated the construction of the Diamer Basha dam highlighting the benefits Pakistan would accrue from it. the article credits the government for commencing the multi-purpose project that would generate 16,000 jobs and provide a stimulus to the bleak economy. The article says that Pakistan must learn from India’s mistakes and torment in constructing big dams that “wreaked havoc in people’s lives”. The article also warns PTI that the dam would determine the party’s political future. The article concludes on an optimistic note saying that matters related to the Diamer Basha dam would go smoothly provided deadlines and quality standards are maintained. (“Inaugurating The Dam,” The Nation, 17 July 2020)

ECONOMY
6 per cent decline in textile exports
Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed that the textile and clothing exports from the country recorded negative growth of over six per cent year-on-year to $12.526 billion in the fiscal year 2019-20 compared to $13.327 billion in the corresponding period last year. Recovery in international orders allowed for a resurgence in textile exports when compared to 36.5per cent decline in May, exports in June declined by 5.43per cent over the last year. Further, the opening up of North America and other European countries amid the pandemic is expected to help revive the sinking exports. Further, stalled containers at ports since 22 March have mostly been cleared in June. Additionally, the government also reopened exports through the land route to Iran and Afghanistan in June. (“Textile exports decline 6pc to $12.5bn,” Dawn, 17 July 2020)

ON KULBHUSHAN JADAV
Second consular access to Kulbhushan Jadav
On 16 July, a second consular to two consular officers of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to access Kulbhushan Jadhav was provided. The foreign ministry made a statement, “Pakistan remains committed to fully implementing the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) the judgement of July 17, 2019. It is hoped that India will cooperate with the Pakistan court in giving full effect to the said judgment”. (“Indian spy given consular access second time”, Dawn, 17 July 2020)

Report says New Delhi’s second consular access to Jadhav revealed ill intensions 
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says India is disinterested in the consular access, as two of Indian High Commission’s consular officers in Islamabad left the “unimpeded and uninterrupted consular access to Commander Jadhav” without hearing Khulbhushan Jadhav. This was the second consular access provided by Pakistan; the first was on 2 September 2019. Qureshi said that the consular access was devoid of any glass partition or video or audio recording of any sort. He claimed that Pakistan was ready to provide yet another consular access to India. “If they (India) want to meet him tonight or tomorrow, we are ready,” Qureshi added. (“Indian officials left without hearing Jadhav,” The Express Tribune, 16 July 2020)

"Whatever the PSM management is planning will only create hurdles since it will burden the courts more as 5,000 cases will come to the courts and the management eventually has to reinstate majority of them (the employees)...The PSM management has neither a proper plan or nor do they have any idea what they are up to" -  Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed questioning the government initiative to revamp the Pakistan Steel Mills (Dawn)

In Focus
On building Diamer-Bhasha dam in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Why does Pakistan want to build now? And why it was not built until today?

PM Imran Khan vows to build the "biggest dam in Pakistan's history"
On 15 July, PM Imran Khan launched the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam while addressing a public gathering in Chilas, the district headquarters of Diamer, after visiting the dam site along with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and federal ministers. He also announced plans to build more dams in the country to generate low-cost hydel power. (Jamil Nagri, "Construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam launched," Dawn, 16 July 2020) Further, he stated that this site is a naturally well-suited for building the dam because it has natural rocks, adding "The decision to build this dam was taken 50 years ago. There can be no better site for constructing a dam, it is a natural dam. Forty, 50 years ago this was decided, and work on the project has begun today. This is one of the biggest reasons why we haven't progressed."

Why the dam?
PM Imran Khan stated that this project would facilitate the creation of at least 16,500 job opportunities and would allow for the flow of economic activities. Adding that the people of Gilgit- Baltistan would benefit as a result of this project, further adding "We didn't increase your budget out of obligation. It is our government's policy to prioritise those areas that have been left behind." (Rizwan Shehzad, "Diamer-Bhasha Dam will benefit country economically, environmentally: PM Imran," The Express Tribune, 16 July 2020) Further, he spoke about the clean energy that would be generated through this environmentally friendly project stating "The benefits are dual. We won't have to import fuel and it won't affect our climate negatively." ("'Will build biggest dam in Pakistan's history': PM Imran kicks off construction work at Diamer-Bhasha Dam," Dawn, 16 July 2020) Further, he reiterated that the government will move towards building more dams on rivers, whereby lessen pressure on foreign exchange and allow Pakistan to generate its own fuel. ("Building of Bhasha Dam begins," The News International, 16 July 2020) Further, the dam will likely reduce the chances of flooding in the country and will guarantee that the country's water needs are secure by reducing the current water shortage of 12 MAF to 6.1 MAF. (APP, "Why Diamer Bhasha dam is crucial for country?" The Nation, 16 July 2020)

Why it was not built until now?
Funding: There has been a dispute over the total cost of the construction. Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) had claimed the total cost of the dam to be $14 billion, however, after signing the contract, WAPDA claimed it would be only Rs1406 billion showing that there has been a downscaling in the cost. Further, in the budget for the fiscal year 2020–21, Pakistan has allocated only Rs61 billion which makes up 2.6 per cent of the original estimated cost of the dam. This suggests that Pakistan still does not have enough monetary resources to build the dam, despite the loan agreement with China. (Adnan Aamir, "Obstacles remain for Pakistan dam backed by China," The Lowy Institute, 14 July 2020)

Opposition from experts: Water experts and other experts on seismic aspects of large dams have raised concerns over this mega project stating that apart from the main technical challenges for this project, the high seismicity, high flood discharge during the monsoon season, landslides and the difficult geological and topographic site conditions will pose to be a challenge to this project. Adding that there are major logistical challenges with the transport of huge quantities of construction materials as well. (Saif M. Hussain, Martin Wieland, "Special report: How safe will Diamer Basha dam be?" Dawn, 7 April 2019) ("Water experts reject Diamer Basha Dam," The News International, 26 June 2020)

Opposition from the indigenous community: Like most dams, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is located near the indigenous people of Gilgit Baltistan and has face opposition from the community. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam Affectees Action Committee, a group representing the people forcibly displaced by the dam construction, has demanded Rs15 billion in compensation, which the government has refused to pay. Although, the government has announced a fund of Rs78 billion targeted to provide welfare for the people of Diamer-Bhasha local communities are not satisfied with the claim.  

Diplomatic Opposition: The Ministry of External Affairs in India has raised strong objection to this project as it sees it as an infringement of its territorial sovereignty. ("With Chinese aid, Pakistan kicks off construction of dam in PoK," The Hindu, 16 July 2020)
 

In Brief

INTERNAL
How can the Civil Aviation blame the media, asks commentary
Khurram Husain says that in the light of the global attention to the issue of fake licences of pilots, Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has offered a new narrative: "None of the Pilot Licenses are fake, rather that matter has been misconstrued and incorrectly highlighted in the media/social media", said the CAA. A complete U-turn from the use of the word 'fake' thrice by the Aviation minister himself. He also said that the licenses were issued by political pressure. CAA's statement is a desperate face-saving attempt – but a poor one. Husain asks how CAA can blame media for the concerns of their global counterparts regarding the credibility of the licenses of Pakistani pilots. Husain, citing PM Imran Khan's remarks of the necessity of the resignation of a minister on whose watch an accident has taken place to facilitate an honest probe, says CAA's shift reflects why on PM Khan's watch no such honest and credible investigation can be carried out. (Khurram Husain, "The fakeness of it all," Dawn, 16 July 2020)

CAA Director-General on authenticity on pilot licenses
Director-General Hassan Nasir Jamy, Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) said, 'all commercial/airline transport pilots licenses (CPL/ATPL) are genuine and valid'. He also said, that 'CAA has verified/cleared "96 Pakistani pilots out of 104 names received from various civil aviation authorities/foreign airlines (UAE/GACA, Vietnam Airlines, Bahrain Air, Civil Aviation Malaysia, Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and Turkish Airlines)'. ("All licences issue to pilots are genuine: CAA", Dawn, 16 July 2020)

Don't drag religion into political debates, argues Dawn editorial
The Editorial warns against using issues of religion and faith for point-scoring and political mileage. The article refers to the misinterpretation of PML-N leader Khawaja Asif's National assembly remarks. A lawmaker should not have to apologize for expressing the equality of all citizens under the constitution, regardless of caste and creed. It says support to minority rights is constantly viewed as an attack on Islam and a wavering of one's faith in Islam. The author argues that in matters of politics, terming of remarks or comments as "blasphemous" is a bad and dangerous tendency. ("PML-N leader's remarks," Dawn, 16 July 2020)

Ensure the blasphemy law is not misused, argues another editorial
PML-N leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif, targeted for committing the crime and violating the constitution of Pakistan. United States Committee on International Religious Freedom had condemned the charges against the leader. According to the editor, it's the party in which Asif belongs, which is a rival of PTI, the charges may affect into serious crime. Till now many have suffered, urges the government to take action to ensure the law is not misused. ("A serious matter", The International News, 16 July 2020) 

Are PTI and Establishment on the same page, question an opinion
Khurram Husain tears down PTI's leader PM Imran Khan's promises of "reducing the influence of the ministry of finance" and revising the FBR by increasing its autonomy, ensuring an efficient tax administration structure, introducing a robust tax policy and effective enforcement mechanisms. Husain says two years have passed, but PTI has done nothing in these regards and is unable to even hold its own ministers responsible for failures. The ministers are merely given different portfolios (as in the shifting of the finance minister to the petroleum portfolio and the railway ministers and officials), as will be seen in the case of the aviation minister as well. Husain concludes stating the disappointment PTI has been in delivering its promises. (Khurram Husain, "The fakeness of it all," Dawn, 16 July 2020)

KP's female legislators furious over underage marriages and sexual abuse 
KP Assembly's female legislators expressed their anger against the peaking cases of sexual abuse, underage marriage and murders of children; and demanded explanations from the government regarding the delay in legislation criminalizing domestic violence and child marriages. The recent issues of the death of a disabled 12-year old at the hands of her in-laws, marriage of an 11-year-old girl, and the rape of a 13-year-old in the province. PPP's Nighat Yasmin Orakzai pointed out that, despite the passing of laws against domestic violence in Punjab and Sindh assemblies, KP is far behind. KP's law minister responded saying that bills against domestic violence and the Child Marriage Restraint Bill were underway. ("Protecting females," Dawn, 16 July 2020)

JUSTICE ISA'S CASE
Serena Isa raised 24 questions and alleged the way cases is dealt with
A three-judge Supreme Court framed charges against Rawalpindi-based cleric Mirza Iftikharuddin. Serena Isa, the wife of Justice Qazi Faez Isa, had filed an affidavit with raising 24 questions on alleging the manner case is dealt with. She had asked, 'why no FIR had been registered for her complaints on death threats to her husband', 'Why her application was sent to FIA', 'Why the accused cleric was not arrested when he entered the Supreme Court on 26 June in the contempt of the court case?' and many more. ("SCBA seeks deletion of SC directives in Isa case ruling", Dawn, 16 July 2020)

SCBA filed a review petition of Justice Isa's Case
On 15 July, Supreme Court Bar Association president Syed Qalb-e-Hassan had filed a review petition seeking, "deletion of courts directives stating directives, observations and contents from paragraphs three to 11 as unnecessary, superfluous, contradictory, excessive and unlawful", for its 19 June judgment and therefore liable to be struck out. It also highlighted the timeline given to the income tax authorities regarding the proceedings were illegal. ("SCBA seeks deletion of SC directives in Isa case ruling", Dawn, 16 July 2020)

ON INDIA
The US may help in India's face-saving attempts, says an article
Saleem Qamar Butt's article is a sequel to his previous article titled 'Indo-China standoff; the tactical face of strategic contest'. The article speaks of India's ongoing "desperate" attempts to cover up the "domestic politico-military embarrassment" and present it as an Indo-US opportunity. Butt says the BJP government is facing domestic, regional and global credibility challenges, and that Indian Defense Minister's Russian visit and concluding of an arms deal was a cover-up to the begging to ease Indo-China tensions as the US did not step in. Butt says India's loss of Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh to China; and CPEC are huge blows to the Modi government. Butt argues that US policy shifts could alleviate India's crisis if not fix it, but this would require greater reciprocity and India's pivotal role in the American Asia-Pacific policy. ("India's narrative; embarrassment into strategic opportunity," The Nation, 16 July 2020)

The Nation argues Iran-China agreement will keep India away from Balochistan
The article says the new $400 billion Iran-China military and trade deal would give China yet another Indian ocean access - the Chabahar Port. The article says that while Pakistan today has beneficial trade relations and other bilateral relations with all neighbours except India, the latter has fraught relations with Pakistan and China while relations with Nepal and Bangladesh are turning cold. The article argues that as Iran and India sever their ties, Baluchistan would become safer and terror activities on Pakistani soil would dwindle. ("A Welcome Agreement," The Nation, 16 July 2020)

PPP leader asks govt if anyone was availing concession offered to Jadhav
PPP leader Mian Raza Rabbani said, delay in laying the ordinance promulgated back on 17 April had affected the right of the house, but also amounted to breach of privilege. Further, the leader asked foreign ministry, concession availed by somebody, as the judgment was passed more than 50 days ago. Also, PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman said, "We need to act now. India has done away with conventional diplomacy, international laws, and moral obligations. So, it is our responsibility to have acted out of the box". ("Govt asked if anyone availing concession offered to Jadhav", Dawn, 16 July 2020)

In Focus

On Af-Pak Transit Trade
The decision to resume trade via the Wagah border will reinforce Islamabad's political and economic ties with Kabul: Editorial
An editorial in the Dawn titled "Transit Trade" states that the decision to restore the transit trade facility for Afghan exports to India through the Wagah border should go a long way in reinforcing Islamabad's political and economic ties with Kabul. Further, the editorial states that this resumption will also help strife-ridden Afghanistan to immediately boost its exports to India and support its economy. Pakistan had restricted bilateral trade with Afghanistan while completely stopping the transportation of Afghan goods to India through Wagah under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (2010) in March amid the pandemic, drawing criticism from both the Afghan administration and traders who had to airlift their cargo at a much higher cost or use the longer sea route to ship their goods to India. Further, the editorial comments on the APTTA and India stating that India being the regional economic powerhouse must mend its regional disputes so that the region can reach its true economic potential. ("Transit trade," Dawn, 15 July 2020)

Opposition asks why PTI chose the "Martyrs' Day" to re-start trade with India
On 14 July speaking at the National Assembly, PML-N parliamentary leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif called for the disclosure of terms and conditions of the re-opening of bilateral trade with India through Wagah border. Mr Asif also asked why the federal government chose 13 July, Kashmir's Martyrs' Day, to announce the re-starting of bilateral trade. ("Opposition seeks Wagah border reopening details," The News International, 15 July 2020)

Af-Pak Transit Trade Agreement needs a revamp, says SCCI president
During a meeting on 14 July, Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Maqsood Anwar demanded the review of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APT­TA) signed in 2011 and urged the Afghani and Pakistani governments to enable bilateral trade by revising duties, rationalizing tariffs and eliminating complicated policies and regulations. Afghan Consul General in Pe­shawar Najeebullah Ahmadzai was also in attendance. ("Pak, Afghan traders demand to review Transit Trade Agreement," The Nation, 15 July 2020)

In Brief

INTERNAL
After the attack in Waziristan, there is another attack, this time in Balochistan. Three soldiers killed in Panjgur
On 14 July, three soldiers were killed, and eight others were left injured in a terrorist attack on security forces in Panjgur district of Balochistan. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the terrorists opened fire on a patrolling party of security personnel.  (Behram Baloch, "Three soldiers martyred in Panjgur attack," Dawn, 15 July 2020). The attack in Balochistan comes two days after an attack in the Miramshah area of North Waziristan tribal district. On 12 July, four soldiers were killed. 

The rot in Pakistan's aviation industry is deep and extends far beyond the national flag carrier: Editorial 
An editorial in Dawn titled "Aviation crisis" is critical of the aviation industry stating that the rot in Pakistan's aviation industry is deep and extends far beyond the national flag carrier. The editorial supports this claim by highlighting the recent development of the FIA which has registered a case at its Corporate Crime Circle, Karachi, against the private airline Shaheen Air International following an inquiry which was initiated by the Civil Aviation Authority alleging that the airline had caused a loss of over Rs1bn to the national exchequer. Further, the issue of 'dubious' licences proves the lack of fiscal and operational discipline within the aviation industry as a whole. Further, the editorial concludes by stating that the investigation will only be successful if those involved in corrupt practices at the CAA must be unearthed, adding that the festering problems in the aviation industry need a root-and-branch overhaul. ("Aviation crisis," Dawn, 15 July 2020)

PML-N leader has to defend his remarks on the minorities
Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Pakistan's former foreign and defence minister, had to defend his statement in the Parliament, as there was widespread opposition to what he has stated earlier on its floor. On 14 July, PML-N's parliamentary leader in the National Assembly defended his previous remarks about minorities' rights. He explained that his comments were "in accordance with the Quaid-i-Azam's vision and the rights granted to minorities by the Constitution". 

Dawn quoted him, stating: "If minorities don't feel safe in Pakistan, then it is a matter of shame for us. It is our responsibility to protect their places of worship...Pakistan was a tolerant society until the 1970s, but "it was after the 1980s that extremism crippled our thinking [...] fault lines have been created which can be damaging for the country." Dawn also said that the Minister for Human Rights has promised to pursue action against those who are behind the social media campaign targetting the non-Muslim communities. ("PML-N leader defends his NA remarks on minorities," Dawn, 15 July 2020.

PTI workers are unhappy with Bahawalpur move
Intra-PTI strife is visible over the formation of South Punjab Secretariat in Bahawalpur. Many office-bearers are displeased with PTI's decision to shift the secretariat to Bahawalpur from Multan. PTI office-bearers have been putting up banners demanding the leadership establish the Secretariat in Multan, in the centre of Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions. Ijaz Janjua, PTI's former founder district president voice out the discontent amongst the party workers. ("Cracks in PTI ranks over setting up South Punjab secretariat in Bahawalpur," The News International, 15 July 2020)

SC allows action against sugar mills 
On 14 July, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed of Pakistan's Supreme Court vacated the 23 June stay order passed by the Sindh High Court which had suspended an Inquiry Commission report's operation to 12 sugar mills. The court said that all works should the investigation and actions must be transparent and said the public's interest cannot be ignored. ("SC vacates SHC stay order, allows action against sugar mills," The News International, 15 July 2020)

ECONOMY
Government set to implement WTO provision of single window system for trade
The government is ready to comply with the World Trade Organisation provisions to implement Pakistan Single Window (PSW) to streamline the cross-border movement of goods and regulatory bottlenecks. For the purpose, the government has set the deadline as 2022 by which the whole system will be implemented at the cost of $67 million. This implementation is said to not only improve the ease of doing business but also enhance controls through integrated risk management. Further, the PSW programme includes phased establishment of an ICT-based platform involving simplification, harmonization, and automation of regulatory process related to cross-border trade. It also includes implementation of a port community system to facilitate related logistics. The PSW Bill 2020 has already been introduced in the Parliament. Its operation will commence soon after the approval of the bill. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, "Pakistan set to implement single window system for trade," Dawn, 15 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project
On 14 July, Iran dropped India from the Chabahar rail project citing concerns over delays and funding. The project entailed the construction of a rail line from Chabahar Port to Zahedan along the Iran-Afghan border. The Iranian Railways stated that construction will now proceed without India's assistance, using approximately $400 million from its own National Development Fund. The development came amid Iran finalized a 25-year strategic partnership deal with China worth $400 billion and with tensions being high between New Delhi and Beijing after the recent border standoff between the two countries. Iran and India had signed the agreement to construct a rail line from Chabahar Port to Zahedan in 2016. Originally, this project was to be undertaken by the Iranian Railways and the Indian Railways Construction Ltd and was to be a key component of the trilateral agreement between Iran, India and Afghanistan. ("India kicked out of Chabahar rail project," The Express Tribune, 15 July 2020)

ON HAGIA SOPHIA
The decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque reflects the rise of religious nationalism: Two Opinions
An opinion in the Dawn titled "New status of Hagia Sophia" by Zahid Hussain is critical of the decision made by Turkey to turn Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque stating that this is the most telling sign of the rolling back of Turkey's secular character and a reflection of the rise of religious nationalism in the country. Hussain states that the rise of the Islamists led by Erdogan is changing the country's political landscape, further stating that this decision reflects the increasing instrumentalization of religion to solidify a populist support base. Further, Hussain concluded by drawing attention to religious conflicts that are have been weaponized by strong nationalist forces to assert their political brand. This he warns is a dangerous proposition as appeals to religion invariably create an opening for a more strident nationalism. (Zahid Hussain, "New status of Hagia Sophia," Dawn, 15 July 2020)

Another opinion in the Dawn titled "Two steps back" by Mahir Ali also critical of the decision states that Turkey's move to alter the status of Hagia Sophia was unnecessary. Further, Ali draws a parallel between the government of Pakistan's apparent second thoughts about the Krishna Mandir in Islamabad and Sudan, another Islamic country that recently announced the removal of law against apostasy, abolish public flogging, and implement previously announced measures against female genital mutilation, questioning if this is a possibility in Pakistan. The author concludes by stating that unlike Sudan who has is on the path to making change, Turkey and Pakistan seem to remain determined to keep marching in the opposite direction. (Mahir Ali, "Two steps back," Dawn, 15 July 2020)

In Focus

Kashmir unites Pakistan. From Parliament to media, Pakistanis come together to glorify "martyrs day"
On 13 July, Pakistan political leaders came together to pay tribute to 22 Kashmiris, who laid down their lives during a protest against the Dogra forces in 1931. President Dr Arif Alvi, tweeted, “This day is a reminder that Kashmiris have been resisting oppression for a century”. The PM said, “Pakistan will continue to support the Kashmiris right to self-determination till it is liberated”. (“Pak leaders unite on Kashmir Martyrs’ Day”, The International News, 14 July 2020)

Condemnation in Pakistan National Assembly
National Assembly passed a resolution, ‘condemning India atrocities in Kashmir and vowed to continue their political and diplomatic support for freedom’. Prime Minister Imran Khan described the martyrs of 1931 slaughter as, “forefathers of today’s Kashmiri resistance”. Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly said ‘22 martyred Kashmiris in 1931 had “written a history of bravery”’. (“Pakistan reaffirms support for Kashmir movement”, Dawn, 14 July 2020)

Media glorifies the “Martyrs Day”
An editorial in the News International titled “The martyrs of Kashmir” notes Martyrs Day which was observed 13 July, where for the 89th time, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control marked an event which is held to mark the death of 22 Kashmiris in 1931 under Dogra rule. Critical of the current development in the region, the editorial states that the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year by the government of India has only worsened the condition of Kashmiris. Further, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir called for a strike and stated that they would not give up their quest for self-autonomy. Further, PM Imran Khan in a series of tweets stated that the Kashmiris have valiantly fought repression. Adding that although international support has not been tremendous, a louder voice from the global community is required to highlight the issue of Kashmir. (“The martyrs of Kashmir,” The News International, 14 July 2020)

In Brief
ECONOMY
Remittance ascends to $23.1 billion
On 13 July, the State Bank of Pakistan stated that the receipt of workers remittance reached an all-time high in June 2020 with a staggering 51 per cent to a record high of $2.47 billion compared to $1.64 billion in June 2019. The Bank further said “Inflow of workers’ remittances registered an increase of 7.8 per cent in the March-June 2020” further adding that the total remittances were even higher than the cumulative export earnings of $21.39 billion in FY20. This inflow of remittance is said to have increased due to the suspension of international commercial flights due to Covid-19 which prompted expatriates to send foreign exchange through proper banking channels instead of the illegal Hawala/Hundi channels. (Siddiqui “All-time high: Remittances soar to $23.1b in FY20d,” The Express Tribune, 14 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
PIA may face Oman airspace ban
Mohammad Asghar writes that amid the credibility crisis faced by Pakistan’s aviation regulator and national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a PIA ban over Omani airspace looms large. Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority asked Islamabad what restorative measures to ensure the safety of flights had been taken. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority assured Oman of scrutinizing pilots’ credentials and safety protocols. Previously, the European Union Air Safety Agency gave a six months suspension to PIA authorization; and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed concern regarding the serious licensing and safety lapse by Pakistan’s aviation regulator. (“Threat of Omani airspace ban looms over PIA,” Dawn, 14 July 2020)

Islamabad wants to play a constructive role in saving the Afghan economy from paralysis: Editorial
An editorial in the Nation titled “Allowing Afghan Exports” commends the Foreign Office decision to resume Afghan exports through the Wagah border. The editorial stated that this is a tremendous diplomatic initiative by Islamabad, highlighting their sincere intentions of extending help to another brotherly Islamic neighbour. Further, the editorial states that by this decision Pakistan also fulfils its commitments under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), depicting that Islamabad understands the importance of Afghan exports for Kabul’s economy. Further, the editorial brings about the factor of India stating that although India has suggested at many time that Afghanistan shift its transit trade activities to Chabahar, the Afghan government has ignored this, thus showing that the leadership of the two countries will not allow external actors to affect their ties in the slightest. (“Allowing Afghan Exports,” The Nation, 14 July 2020)

Afghanistan resume trade with India through Wagah border
On 13 July, Pakistan Foreign Office had said, “Afghan export to India through Wagah border would resume from 15 July”. The trade between the two nations will be conducted under strict Covid-19 protocol as it was restricted in March when Pakistan closed all borders crossing neighbours. According to the 2010 bilateral agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan allowed Afghan trade with India through the Wagah border. (“Afghan exports to India via Wagah resume tomorrow”, Dawn, 14 July 2020)

Muslims lining up being Joe Biden says Opinion article
S Qaisar Shareef’s opinion article opens with the appointment by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, of a South Asian American Farooq Mitha as his director of outreach to the Muslim community in America, amid the Covid-19 dampened election campaigns. The article speaks of the importance of online campaigns, the never before vigour of Muslim voters due to Trump’s anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant stances. Joe Biden is trying to convert the Muslim’s anti-Trump sentiments into votes. The article also looks at statistics of Muslims’ affiliation to the Democratic party. (“US elections and Muslims,” The News International, 14 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Ladakh offers Pakistan new FP opportunities, says article
Dr Salman Faridi’s opinion article speaks about Pakistan’s new foreign policy opportunities due to the recent developments in Ladakh; a result of India’s “illusions of grandeur” due to its entry into the Quad. First, Pakistan can now “project the Kashmir issue as a tripartite dispute,” involving China. Second, Pakistan must tread carefully over the Uighur Muslims issue in China, ensuring that minorities do not receive support from Pakistan’s Islamic radicalists/extremists; CPEC; the Xinxiang Autonomous Region; and economic and infrastructural projects. Third, Pakistan can utilize Gwadar to enhance collaboration with Russia and Central Asia. Fourth, become a facilitator in the US exit from Afghanistan and the larger Afghan peace process. Last, Islamabad must make India realise the futility of war and increase trade with the country. (“Ladakh and new opportunities,” The News International, 14 July 2020)

In Brief

Pakistan must walk away from the 1972 Shimla Agreement, says an opinion
Kamran Yousaf says Pakistan silence on Burhan Wani’s death anniversary, was “inexplicable”. The then PM Nawaz Sharif registered a strong protest with India and took up the matter in the UN. Pakistan’s quiet is strange considering the issuing of postal stamps of Wani to commemorate his second anniversary. Mr Yousaf suggests a few reasons: first, the scrutiny of FATF; second, the 2017 US declaration of Hizbul Mujahideen as a terrorist organization; third, the government’s overall incompetence in acting against India; and last, the brewing Pakistan-India-China border dispute triangle which began escalating since India’s 5 August move. Kamran presents “walk(ing) away from the 1972 Shimla Agreement that declared Kashmir a bilateral dispute” as the “most practical proposal” to make a bold move by Pakistan.

He argues: "One of the clauses of the agreement is that the two sides would not unilaterally change the status of Kashmir pending the final settlement. Since, India violated the Shimla Agreement by unilaterally revoking Article 370, Pakistan is no more under obligation to abide by the accord. Pakistan as a first step can withdraw from the agreement as a result of which LoC will revert back to a ceasefire line" (“Time’s up for traditional Kashmir diplomacy,” The Express Tribune, 12 July 2020)

PM Khan expresses solidarity with Kashmiris on Martyrs’ Day
On the Martyrs’ Day, Yaum-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir, falling on 13 July, PM Imran Khan tweeted that Pakistan “salute(d) Kashmiris for their continued struggle against the illegal and barbaric Indian occupation of Jammu & Kashmir”. The “Shuhada of 13 July 1931 were the forefathers of today's Kashmiri resistance," he added. He wrote that the Shuhada’s descendants have sacrificed their lives for liberation and to combat the “Hindutva Supremacist regime bent on demographic engineering to wipe out the Kashmiri people & their identity”. Kashmiri Martyrs' Day commemorates the people killed during the revolt against the Hindu ruler in 1931. 13 July was declared a ‘national day’ post the 1947 India-Pakistan partition. However, with the 5 August revocation of J&K’s special status, 13 July was removed from the remembrance days. (“PM Imran in solidarity with the Kashmiri people on Martyrs' Day,” The Express Tribune, 13 July 2020)

INTERNAL
NA to discuss privatisation policy and anti-terror financing bills
The National Assembly (NA) will debate on the privatisation policy of the government and taking up two crucial bills seeking amendments to the anti-terrorism act as the lower house resumes its session after a two-day recess. The 22-point agenda of issues by the NA Secretariat, the Minister for Interior will move the two bills seeking amendments to sections 2, 6, 9A and 110 in the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and insertion of a new section 11000 in it before the house for passage. These two bills were introduced by the government to meet certain requirements of the FATF and in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions No. 1267 and 1373. (Amir Wasim, “NA takes up anti-terror financing bills today,” Dawn, 13 July 2020)

Assistance from the World Bank worth $200 million to help fight the locust 
To assist Pakistan’s fight against locust the World Bank (WB) will approve assistance worth $200 million later this month. The fund will help Pakistan control locust swarms, restore livelihoods in affected areas, and strengthen the country’s food security monitoring and management system. The project is selected for emergency response financing amid the existing threat of food security and sustainability of the agriculture sector in the country. Desert locust breeding and hatching are progressing at an alarming rate in Pakistan, which carries important regional implications. Further, this project would be the first agriculture project in which the WB will work directly at the federal level. (Amin Ahmed, “$200m World Bank aid likely to help Pakistan fight locusts,” Dawn, 13 July 2020)

Another attack on security forces in North Waziristan  
On 12 July, four soldiers were martyred during an intelligence-based operation in the Miramshah area of North Waziristan tribal district. Four terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire. According to the ISPR report, the terrorists opened fire on security forces when they were conducting the search operation in the area. Security forces had reportedly surrounded several suspected compounds in the area, which led to a heavy exchange of fire with the terrorists. The region has witnessed a rise of attacks on security forces during the last three months. More than one dozen personnel, including officers, have been martyrdom in blasts and exchanges of fire with militants. (Pazir Gul, “Four terrorists killed in North Waziristan,” Dawn, 13 July 2020)

GILGIT BALTISTAN
Election postponed
On 11 July, the Gilgit Baltistan Election Commission of Pakistan occupied Kashmir announced the postponement of its assembly elections and suspended the July 2ndissued election schedule. The suspension was in accordance with the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court decision following a petition filed by a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member. (“G-B elections postponed,” The Express Tribune, 13 July 2020)

Gilgit-Baltistan to be made the fifth province: Opinion by Masud Ahmed Khan
In the editorial, Brigadier Masud Ahmed Khan said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan "want their identity with Pakistan." The local population insist that Gilgit-Baltistan be declared as the fifth province in the country and they are made "constitutional citizens" of Pakistan. According to the author, "the government of Imran Khan could give the people their full rights in Pakistan, by making Gilgit-Baltistan a province on a provisional basis, pending the implementation of UNSC resolution." India in 2019, abrogated Article370 and revoked the special status and has included the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the union territory of Ladakh. (“Gilgit-Baltistan as the fifth province”, The Nation, 13 July 2020)

ON INDIA-CHINA
India-China faces off - Lt Col Khalid Masood Khan (Retd)
India and China share the longest border, for about 4000 kms, three boundaries: lines claimed by China, India and the Line of Actual Control. According to the editor, “Chinese aim had been achieved to punish the Indians for pursuing their ‘forward’ policy to push its military posts in Chinese territory”. He suggests, “China could opt to exploit its military gains and threatening the Siliguri Corridor at Dhoklam in the eastern sector while pushing forward in the western sector by capturing Leh and Kargil and a possibility to link with Pakistan army would be worth it”. (“The Sino-Indian conflict”, The Nation, 13 July 2020)

ON INDIA
PTI tweet on India to isolate Pakistan
On 12 July, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on twitter made a statement, "From thwarting Indian plans of isolating Pakistan diplomatically to becoming the voice of Kashmir and hosting foreign heads of State, PM Khan’s foreign policy makes us relevant globally “. The party also stated that the relation with UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK and the US have improved. The significant effort made under the hashtag “#PakistanStandsWithPMIK” has brought light on PM’s role in Kashmir and how he has made it an ‘international’ issue. (“India’s bid to ‘isolate’ Pakistan thwarted: PTI”, The News International, 13 July 2020) 

In Brief

INTERNAL
The US places ban on PIA flights
On 9 July, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) expressed concern over flight safety and revoked the permission granted to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating special flights from the United States. The email to the Pakistani authorities stated: “this revocation is effective immediately.” This action comes after a statement from Pakistan authorities stated that several PIA pilots could be possessing dubious licences/credentials. A PIA spokesperson commented on this decision and described it as a “setback to the carrier.” (Anwar Iqbal, Mohammad Asghar, “US too places ban on PIA flights,” Dawn, 10 July 2020)

SC tells Railways not to play with the lives of people
On 9 July, the Supreme Court advised the Government of Pakistan to consider revising the Railway's Secretariat from top to bottom to ensure that the Railways operate in Pakistan safely. The remarks were made during the hearing of the suo moto notice regarding the condition of Pakistan Railways before a two-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed accompanied by Justice Ijazul Ahsan. Further, the court added the increasing accidents have been caused because the Railways were not being operated as per the rules and manual of the Railways. Further, the bench stated measures have to be taken immediately to ensure safety, warning that the Railways should not play with the lives of the people and Railways properties. (Shahid Rao, “Do not play with lives, Supreme Court tells Railways,” The Nation, 10 July 2020)

PM makes an appeal to follow SOPs on Eid
PM Imran Khan while addressing the media after inaugurating the newly established 250-bed Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Centre (IHITC) warned that there could be another spike in coronavirus cases if people violate the SOPs on the occasion of Eidul Azha. He further said the “curve of viral disease is going down in the country” and that “If we behave carelessly on Eid, there is fear that the pandemic will surge sharply.” He thus appealed to the people to observe the upcoming Eidul Azha with simplicity and take all precautionary measures to ensure that the number of Covid-19 cases in the country does not rise again. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM warns of virus spike if SOPs violated on Eid,” Dawn, 10 July 2020)

Maulana Fazlur Rehman demands mid-term elections
On 9 July, Maulana Fazlur Rehman chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI) said, “any support for “minus one” formula and called for “minus all”. He said, “We believe that the Constitution of Pakistan is a social contract which has well-knitted all the segments of society,” and demanded mid-term elections “without any interference from the institutions” as a solution for the countries crisis. (“Fazl rejects minus-one formula, calls for minus all," Dawn, 10 July 2020)

21 years after Kargil
On 07 July, Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa paid his tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan and Havaldar Lalak Jan, saying “the nation is proud of its gallant sons for valor and unwavering allegiance to defend the country, regardless of the cost”. The war between India and Pakistan dealt a huge blow for Kashmir, for which Pakistan lost its international support. (“Kargil martyrs”, Dawn, 10 July 2020)

GILGIT-BALTISTAN
Elections postponed to October
The Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission has decided to postpone elections for the GB Assembly till October this year. The elections were scheduled to take place on 18 August, but on 10 July, a multiparty conference was called by the GB chief election commissioner to discuss the matter with the leaders of political parties in the region. The conference was attended by all political leaders in which they were informed by officials of the GB Election Commission that preparations for holding the elections in August were not completed. The new schedule of the elections will be issued in a couple of days. (Jamil Nagri, “Elections for GB Assembly likely to be postponed,” Dawn, 10 July 2020)

ECONOMY
Gradual economic recovery in the next fiscal year for Pakistan: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report titled “Policy Actions Taken by Countries” which reviewed the various steps taken by Pakistan since March to deal with the Covid-19 crisis has stated that a gradual recovery in Pakistan is expected in the fiscal year 2021 as the country’s economy reopens. Further, the report stated comments on the efforts made by the federal government and the province who since mid-April have been gradually easing lockdown arrangements, by allowing ‘low-risk industries’ to restart operation and ‘small retail shops’ to reopen with newly developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Further, the report highlights the various other measures taken by both federal and provincial governments to ease the economic impact of this pandemic. (“IMF predicts economic recovery in Pakistan next year,” Dawn, 10 July 2020)

World Bank policy brief: COVID-19 and Tourism in South Asia
World Bank policy brief on, ‘COVID-19 and Tourism in South Asia’, estimate a loss of $3.64 billion in Pakistan gross domestic product and has already risked 880,000 jobs in the tourist sector. The brief highlighted the impact on the travel and tourism industry with across 47.7 million jobs loss in South Asia. It states, ‘Domestic tourism and drive-to-market will be first to recover, and the intraregional travel between “Covid-19 safe zone” will be next’. (“Covid-19 may cause $3.64bn loss to GDP: World Bank report”, Dawn, 10 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Unforeseen challenges of Article 370
An opinion in the Express Tribune titled " Unanticipated challenges to Article 370" is critical of the revocation of Article 370 by India which had bifurcated the autonomous status of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir and had increased tension with Pakistan. With the tensions at LoC, neither India nor Pakistan can afford to have tension with Covid-19 crisis. On the other hand, the International analyst pointed China, ‘see both abrogation of Article 370 and formation of a new state of Ladakh as a sign of India’s aggression’. (Syed Mohammad Ali, “Unanticipated challenge to Article 370”, The Express Tribune, 09 July 2020)

On Jadhav, “We have nothing to hide”: FO
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui stated that India was informed via established diplomatic channels that Pakistan would not violate any of the International Court of Justice’s directives in the Kulbushan Jadhav case. Aisha said Pakistan was committed to international laws and added that “India should stop propaganda. If they want they can file a review petition against the verdict. We have nothing to hide.” (“Pakistan won’t violate ICJ directive in Jadhav case,” The Nation, 10 July 2020)

Where does Pakistan stand as the “highly-hostile India(‘s)” neighbour, asks Senator
Senator Rehman Malik analyses the current Sino-Indian escalation, its threats to larger regional or South-Asian peace and role of global powers such as USA, Russia and Australia. He appraises Pakistan’s position as “a neighbour of highly-hostile India?” The Senator attributes the global interest to the economic rise of China and Trump’s dislike of China’s One-Belt-One-Road (BRI) initiative. The article argues that India is a peace spoiler in the Afghan process; has ditched the Blue Dot Network which aimed at shifting investments from China to India, due to domestic pressure; and accuses India of provoking China to satisfy the Americans. The Senator argues that the recently concluded US-India arms deal, presence of world powers and India’s unnecessary strife with China will jeopardise regional peace. (“A defeated Modi and peace in South Asia,” The Nation, 10 July 2020)

Kashmir faces India’s persistent oppression: Opinion
Dr Moonis Ahmar argues that Pakistan has so far been successful in exposing Indian atrocities in Kashmir before the OIC, UN, and the European parliament. Dr Ahmar says that granting of domicile certificates to non-Muslims was a way of grabbing the state. The author is pitting the selling of the property to non-Muslims by Kashmiris against the selling of property by Palestinians to Jews. He warns that the Muslim majority would be transformed into a minority in less than 15 years. Dr Ahmar says Kashmiris dilemma stems from three reasons: first, “atrocities and brutalities unleashed by the Indian security forces on unarmed Kashmiris”; second, “the morale of the Indian army is down as they are fighting a war they cannot win”; third, it is “related to Pakistan, their main supporter over their right to self-determination”. Pakistan’s “domestic issues, particularly of political polarisation, bad governance and sliding economy” are perplexing the Kashmiris. Dr Moonis says that if Pakistan was internally stable, the nation could have been a great support to Kashmiris of J&K. (“India’s limitless tyranny in Occupied Kashmir,” The Express Tribune, 9 July 2020)

In Focus

Khulbhushan Jadav refuses to file a review petition in IHC, says, Pakistani officials
On 8 July, during a press conference in Islamabad, Director General (South Asia & SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry and Additional Attorney General Ahmed Irfan said that Kulbhushan Jadhav has refused to appeal to the Islamabad High Court to upend his military court conviction and death sentence, despite the offer to do so; and instead has chosen to apply for a mercy petition. (“Indian spy Jadhav refused to file review petition in IHC despite Pakistan's offer, officials say,” Dawn, 8 July 2020) Pakistan FO says the mercy petition is not connected with the review or reconsideration plea and is a separate process.

The Indian government calling Pakistan’s claim a “farce”, said the Pakistani military has coerced Jadhav against filing the review petition and is creating a “mirage of compliance with the ICJ judgment”. (“India sees Pakistan farce in Kulbhushan Jadhav 'not filing plea',” Deccan Chronicle, 9 July 2020) (“Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav given fresh opportunity by Pakistan to file review petition,” The News International, 9 July 2020)

What the officials said
Pakistan’s officials said that proof of Indian state terrorism was provided to the global community by Pakistan multiple times; reminded that Pakistan had complied with the 2019 International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict in the Jadhav case; and recalled that the state had allowed the accused’s wife and mother to meet him. (“Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife, mother meet Indian spy in Islamabad,” Dawn, 17 July 2019) 

Reminding that Pakistan had twice granted consular access to Jadhav, the AAG and DG said the government has again offered to do the same and arrange Jadhav’s meeting with his wife and father. They said Pakistani government hopes to see a positive response from India. Dawn claims that the Pakistani government has further invited India to appeal for a review and reconsideration petition to the IHC against Jadhav’s conviction. (“India told to move IHC in Jadhav case,” Dawn, 9 July 2020) (“Kulbhushan offered to file review petition against sentence,” The News International,9 July 2020) 

Legal Context
Previously, on 20 May, Pakistan’s government promulgated an ordinance allowing Jadhav, his barrister and the Indian government to file a review petition within 60 days (before 20 July) in the IHC. Subsequently, India requested the appointment of an Indian lawyer to represent Jadhav. However, citing that only a lawyer who holds license of the respective court (in this case IHC) would be allowed to represent the accused, Pakistan rejected India’s request. An Indian lawyer could, however, assist Jadhav’s counsel. (“Kulbushan allowed to challenge conviction: FO,” The Nation, 9 July 2020) 

Halting the construction of the Hindu Temple in Islamabad
The deputy Attorney General Raja Khalid Mehmood Khan said, ‘the plot was allotted in January 2017 measuring 3.89 kanals and was later given to Hindu Punchayat in 2018 for the construction of the first Hindu temple in the H-9/2 sector, Islamabad. The construction was supposed to be funded with, ‘the allocated fund for maintenance and rehabilitation of religious sites for minorities”. Prime Minister Imran Khan had approved a grant of Rs 100 million for the construction (“PM approves grant for construction of Hindu temple in Islamabad”, Dawn, 27 June 2020)   

Petitions filed against allotment and construction
However, there has been petitions against the construction and allotment. The petitioners questioned the allotment of the plot in regard to the city’s master plan. Also, the petitioners stated, the construction in the capital as a violation of Article 2-A of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 and projected it as wasting public money.

The Court verdict
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Aamer Farooq discarded the three identical petitions filed against the construction. The court referred “the objection has no basis inasmuch as designated plots are not provided in the Master Plan rather a broad outline of areas for various purposes is given”. Court also considered the fact that the place allotted requires approval from the Capital Development Authority (CDA). (“IHC disposes of pleas against Hindu temple construction”, Dawn, 08 July 2020)

Shireen Mazari Minister for Human Rights said, “that it was "unacceptable" to deprive minorities of their places of worship and the rights granted to them under the Constitution”, condemning the violence and atrocities faced by Muslims. (“Real issue funding, not construction of Hindu temple: Noorul Haq Qadari”, Dawn, 09 July 2020)

The State goes to the CII
Minister for Religious Affair, Noor-ul-Haq Qadari said they will approach the Council of Islamic Ideology for comment and guidance stating the concerns ‘for using public money or not’ for the construction of the temple. He also said, “there was "no the question" about its construction. There is no need to debate on the rights of minorities as they are protected by the PTI government. The party's manifesto calls for removing all obstructions in the implementation of constitutional provisions regarding the rights of minorities." (“IHC reserves verdict on petitions against the construction of temple”, Dawn, 07 July 2020)

Deputy Attorney general said, that under the Pakistan constitution Article 20, everyone is allowed ‘the freedom to profess their religion’. He also said, “no funding had yet been disbursed by the federal government for the purpose of temple’s construction”. Tehreek-i-NIfaz Jafaria (TNFJ) chief Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi and patron-in-chief of the Supreme Shia Ulema Board said “Islam was spread through tolerance and wisdom, and not extremism. The Hindu temple in Islamabad should not be made controversial,”.

Whereas the Capital Development Authority said the construction had been hindered as the layout plan was not approved. They argued that “the land was allotted for the establishment of a temple community center and cremation to the Islamabad Hindu Panchayat on Dec 26, 2017” (“Religious intolerance”, Dawn, 06 July 2020)

In Brief
INTERNAL
Mirza Iftikharuddin pleads with SC for pardon in Justice Isa case
On 8 July, Rawalpindi-based cleric Mirza Iftikharuddin submitted a letter in which he requested the Supreme Court (SC) pleading to accept his apology and acquit him from the charges of contempt over his derogatory and scandalous speech against the judiciary. Further, the cleric assured the court that such an act would not be repeated in the future. The accused was charged for his derogatory and scandalous speech against the judiciary, which went viral on social media. (“Cleric pleads with SC for pardon in Isa case,” Dawn, 9 July 2020)

PPP to launch a movement for the creation of Seraiki province
While addressing a press conference PPP Deputy Parliamentary leader in Punjab Assembly Syed Ali Haider Gilani announced that they would be launching an agitation for the creation of Seraiki province once the issue of the pandemic settles down. Further, the minister stated that Seraiki nationalists would be invited to join the movement for the protection of their national rights and identity, along with PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who would also participate in the movement. Further, he added that the PPP is ready to fight for the people of South Punjab. (“PPP to launch movement for Seraiki province,” The News International, 9 July 2020)

Payment of Rs 770 million made to Bugti’s grandsons amid NAB probe
Payment of over Rs770 million was made to late Nawab Akbar Bugti’s three grandsons in connection with its rent of the Uch gas field in Balochistan for which an inquiry is still pending regarding the disposal with the Quetta chapter of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) into the acquisition of land. Further, an issue noticed by the NAB to the Oil & Gas Development Corporation Limited (OGDCL) managing director, stated that the anti-corruption watchdog has received a complaint regarding corruption and corrupt practices in the acquisition of land by the OGDCL for Uch gas field and asked the OGDCL chief to provide the total area of land requested for acquisition by OGDCL and other details. (Tariq Butt, “Hefty rent paid to Bugti’s grandsons amid pending NAB probe,” The News International, 9 July 2020)

Formation of the Sugar Reforms Committee indicated the government’s intention to eliminate informality in the sugar market: Editorial 
An editorial in the Dawn titled “Sugar industry reform” states that the decision of the federal government to form the Sugar Reform Committee shows that the government is keen of eliminating the informality that exits in the sugar markets. Though the government has not yet shared the mandate for the committee, the reforms body has already been tasked with the formulation of a long-term strategy for the regulating and documenting the sugar business, without waiting for the outcome of the court battle. However, the editorial concludes by stating that no sugar-sector reform effort will succeed unless the government decides to remove itself from the value chain to ensure competitive market practices by shifting from price controls towards a liberal trade regime. (“Sugar industry reform,” Dawn, 9 July 2020)

Parliament must take necessary action to exit FATF’s “Grey-List”
The Editorial says that Pakistan’s Parliament must not procrastinate the passing and implementation of necessary laws and amendments required by the global watchdog on Anti-Terrorism Act and Anti-Money Laundering FATF. The federal and provincial governments need to change income-tax laws for non-profit organizations and trusts. The editorial says that a comprehensive process for operational, technical and legislative improvements is required for the same. (“Parliament and the FATF,” The News International,9 July 2020)

An analysis on the return of Maulana Aziz
The opinion article speaks of how Maulana Aziz reappeared and took on a seminary, which he never previously controlled when Pakistan assumed that he had finally ended the siege. It says that due to the hints of the presence of weapons within the seminary’s premises and internal strife between supporters of different clerics in the school, the development may quickly spiral into being ugly if the government does not act immediately. (“Another Siege,” The Nation,9 July 2020)

The government must reduce the widening gulf between State and Baloch youth
Syed Akhtar Ali Shah says that the government must consider the sensitivities of the Baloch youth. He says a mere tactical approach is insufficient and calls for a comprehensive strategic approach in dealing with terror attacks and sleeper cells. Syed makes a few points: first, the PSX attack was motivated by Baloch nationalism and not a religion; second, he asks what led the perpetrators to become “misguided”; third, addressing of widespread feelings of deprivation, usurpation of self-ruling rights, economic exploitation and helplessness. Syed also ropes in the issue of forced disappearances and missing persons of Baluchistan, feelings of marginalization due to inward migration and illiteracy. He says the imposition of artificial leadership is occurring due to extra-constitutional forces and political engineering. “Can the state not remove the drivers of militancy, extremism and radicalisation that are propelling the youth to take up arms for gaining rights?” Syed asks. (“Understanding the dynamics of Baloch militancy,” The Express Tribune, 9 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
Hasty American exit can pave the way for the resurgence of terrorist groups: Editorial
An editorial in the Dawn titled “American Exit” is critical President Donald Trump’s haste to ‘bring the boys back home’ strategy amid the intra- Afghan talks. The editorial states that the Afghan government and military are widely seen as incapable of running and securing the country once their Western sponsors depart and thus this hasty move from the Americans could create more problems for the country. Further, the editorial highlights the joint statement issued by Pakistan, Afghanistan and China in which they warned the US stating that their plan leaves before an intra-Afghan peace agreement would only pave the way for the resurgence of terrorist groups. Further, the editorial concluded by stating that both the Afghan government and the Taliban need to reconsider their rigid positions for the sake of their country and that the US must realise a hasty withdrawal will only add to Afghanistan’s problems. (“American Exit,” Dawn, 9 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Pakistan needs to be cautious: Sherry Rehman
Sherry Rehman says that while India and China are trying to de-escalate on the LAC, India-Pak relations are seeing no “noise reduction”. She says that considering the Modi government’s face-saving domestic attempts, Pakistan must consider five points of modulation: first, the existential threat posed by “the unprecedented grant of domicile certificates in IOK to 25,000 Indians”; second, regarding Indian claims on PoK, Islamabad must be wary of BJP’s ultra-nationalistic foreign policy and revisionism; third, the attempts by New Delhi via US interlocutors to further a “Taliban-Pakistan 'partnership'”; fourth, Pakistan must expect more resistance and hostilities in multilateral forums on CPEC; and last, normalization of harsh terminology on alleged state-sponsored terrorism by Pakistan. (“Pakistan and the new great game,” The News International, 9 July 2020)

Four years since Wani’s death
Burhan Wani’s fourth death anniversary was on 8 July. Four years ago, he became synonymous to “freedom or martyrdom”. The article speaks of India as “the largest sham democracy” that ignores Kashmiris’ calls for liberation and “decolonization”. It says that protests and strikes in Pakistan and India to commemorate his martyrdom “speak volumes about Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination.” The author says that Wani’s death exposed the gruesome face of Indian armed forces and Indian state-terrorism. (“Wani’s Death Anniversary,” The Nation, 9 July 2020)

In Brief

INTERNAL
The Islamabad standoff with the Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Aziz
On 7 July, the standoff between the former cleric Lal Masjid Maulana Abdul Aziz and Islamabad capital city administration continued. As authorities considered various ways to deal with the situation, the Ministry of Interior convened a high-level meeting after Maulana Aziz and his wife Umme Hasaan occupied Jamia Fareedia’s administration office on 6 July night. Aziz had led the morning prayers after removing the seminary’s principal, Maulana Abdul Ghaffar. Participants, ICT administration representatives, officials of MoI and IG Islamabad say the meeting has decided to engage in dialogue with Maulana Aziz before considering other options including vacating the seminary forcefully. (“Standoff between Maulana Aziz, Islamabad admin continues,” The Nation, 8 July 2020)
 
IHC disposed petition against Hindu temple
On 07 July, Islamabad High Court disposed of the three petition filed against the construction of the Hindu temple. The court noted, “the objection has no basis as the designated plot is not provided in the master plan”. Justice Aamer Farooq dismissed objection over the allotment of the temple’s plot. The construction requires approval from the Capital Development Authority. (“IHC disposes of pleas against Hindu temple construction”, Dawn, 08 July 2020)
 
Being the Muslim successor state after colonial India Tipu's tiger should come to Pakistan, argues an analysis
Rafia Zakaria writes about Robertson’s initiative that urges US and British museums to return pilfered objects from around the globe; and the alleged ‘secret’ tour. The British and Americans, despite being aware, have felt the need to provide a counter-narrative to the allegations. The article speaks in large of Tipu sultan’s ‘tiger’, a unique wooden creation that was a symbol of his strong resistance to the British. The item was looted amongst other articles and riches soon after the death of Tipu in the battlefield of Seringapatam in 1799. Rafia argues that “the iconic tiger should come to Pakistan, which, being the Muslim successor state after colonial India, should have a right to it.” She further raises a worry that the Tiger would disappear from the public eye as it would be appropriated by PML-N, as its symbol has been. (“The fate of Tipu’s Tiger, Dawn, 8 July 2020)
 
UN Aid control says, rise in death rate in Pakistan 
The UN AID control programme has published an update which states, ‘the HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific have declined slightly with reduction in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. But cases have risen in Pakistan and the Philippines’. The report also talks about the AIDS-related mortality rate, Needle-syringe programme and Opioid substitution therapy. In Pakistan, the rise in the AIDS death rate due to failed treatment or late diagnosis. (“AIDS-related deaths on the rise in Pakistan”, Dawn, 08 July 2020) 
 
Air Marshall Arshad Malik to continue as PIA's Chief Executive Officer  
On 07 July, Federal cabinet approved the appointment of Air Marshall Arshad Malik, to continue as Pakistan International Airline Chief executive officer on secondment basis from 12 July. (“Arshad Malik to continue as PIA chief after retirement from PAF on 12”, Dawn, 08 uly 2020)
 
Politics and Crime in Pakistan: Analysis by Zahid Hussain
The editorial states that the three Joint Investigation Team reports are ‘more political gamesmanship than to address the crime and justice-involved’. He brings in notice the role of Zulfikar Mirza, ex-provincial home Minister, states the criminalisation of Politics in the country and how these reports are used against the rivals in political power game. On 07 July, Sindh government had questioned the ‘authenticity’ of dubbed original JIT report by PTI. (“Politics of JITs”, Dawn, 08 July 2020) (“Centre, Sindh trade charges over JIT report”, Dawn, 08 July 2020)
 
Dark-side of the city: Karachi
The Baldia factory and Uzair Baloch JIT report, confirmed suspicions pertain, to 11 September 2012 tragedy and Uzaih Balch, who is known as ‘kingpin of Lyari gang warfare’. Also, the report  gave an idea of the situation in Karachi when MQM was in full force, intimidating law enforcement officials and media. The editorial states, ‘the state is indifferent to its duty to protect the people if that goes counter to its own interest’. It also raises concerns over the ‘long-term effect of sinister games’ by the state. (“Crime in Karachi”, Dawn, 08 July 2020)
 
GILGIT BALTISTAN
Elections in Gilgit Baltistan: An analysis says it will be challenging
The upcoming election could be challenging, first with the COVID-19, second, the youth that has been critical about the federal government. The five-year termed of the PML-N chief Minister ended on 24 June. The administration in Gilgit Baltistan is divided into GB Legislative Assembly and GB Council, as per Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-governance order of 2009. The five-year tenure of Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman of PML-N ended with criticism and blames for taking a coercive measure against human rights and political activists. (“Elections in Gilgit Baltistan”, Dawn, 08 July 2020) 
 
COVID-19
Cabinet satisfied with PTI’s pandemic handling, says Minister
During a media briefing on 7 July, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz, said Pakistan was amongst the least Covid-19 affected countries; the cabinet had expressed satisfaction in PTI’s handling of the pandemic; and lauded the National Command and Operation Centre’s (NCOC) efforts and role as a model institution. (“Pakistan sees decline in virus cases,” The Nation, 8 July 2020)
 
EXTERNAL
Meeting between Pakistan, China and Afghanistan
On 7 July, the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue’s third round was convened virtually. As the Afghan peace process entered a critical phase, Beijing and Islamabad while calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and violence reduction, appreciated the Ghani government’s and related stakeholders’ efforts in expediting prisoners’ exchange in order to commence intra-Afghan negotiations.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said that “the 'Afghan-led, Afghan-owned' peace reconciliation process, the launch of intra-Afghan negotiations at an early date, the preservation of the gains since 2001” would have China and Pakistan’s support to ensure “early restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan”. The three nations decided to improve security cooperation and counter terrorism to combat terror networks and forces including the “East Turkistan Islamic Movement”. Also, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to enhance bilateral relations. (“Pakistan, China hail Afghan govt efforts for peace process,” The News International, 8 July 2020) 
 
ON INDIA
Afridi to Voice against India in Kashmir 
In an oath-taking ceremony, Shehryar Khan Afridi the chairman of the Special Parliamentary committee on Kashmir stated, ‘India will fail to bring the demographic changes in the Jammu and Kashmir’. Bringing the death of George Floyd in the picture, he asked people across, ‘to raise voice against the Indian atrocities against the people of Kashmir’. He also said, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategy for removing media focus from India’s defeat in Ladakh’, the Indian forces have been killing/attacking population along Line of Control.. (“Bid to change held Kashmir demography will fail: Afridi”,Dawn, 08 July 2020) 
 
IAF is using Srinagar’s airbase to plan retaliatory attacks on China
The article says that J&K capital Srinagar’s air base has become “nerve centre” for hostile activities and a massive logistical exercise by the Indian Air Force (IAF) with Chinese border in eastern Ladakh, in an attempt to respond to the killing of 20 soldiers by China. It is ideal and well-suited for quick induction of army and paramilitary forces. The article says that although the mutual disengagement process is ongoing, “there is no visible sign of end to the standoff”. Both sides are on high alert. (“For massive actions against China: Srinagar’s air base being used by IAF as nerve centre,” The News International, 8 July 2020)
 
India is the peace destroyer: Opinion Article
The article talks about India-Nepal relations, India’s building of a road-link in “Kalapani in Nepali territory”; and India’s disputes with its neighbours while hailing China-Nepal bilateral relations and Chinese premiere Xi Jingping’s visit to Nepal. The article also criticizes India’s Army Chief General M.M. Naravane for shifting the blame onto China. The author Waqar Ahmed also criticizes New Delhi’s mindset of China and Pakistan being peace disruptors to India, “who is blameless”. Ahmed says New Delhi must step up its diplomatic game to avoid spiraling of these issues. He also says that India is warning Nepal that in China’s orbit, Nepal would lose its autonomy. (“Why can’t India live peacefully with neighbours?,” The News International, 8 July 2020)
 
Ladakh India’s new problem
The article calls India’s presence in Kashmir “naked foreign occupation”; calls “the Indian assertion that the revocation of Article 370 was its internal affair” a lie; calls Indian claims of “cyber terrorism, national security and propagation of fake news throughout the valley” fake; says the medical reports of the 20 Jawans who were killed by China were an attempt to save themselves from embarrassment; and says India’s democracy has become a joke. The article concluded on a note that while the Kashmir issue persists, the Ladakh crisis has gotten India vexed. (“The Kashmir-Ladakh issue unsettles India,” The News International, 8 July 2020)

In Brief

COVID-19
Is Smart lockdown really working?
With the decreasing cases in the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan on his recent visit to NCOC has asked for stricter implementation of SOPs, as Eidul Azha approaches. Considering the quick transmission of coronavirus and an increase in cases in other countries, it is surprising that Pakistan's cases are decreasing. As per the recent report by BBC Urdu, the number of burial figures in the major cities recorded has increased compared to the previous year data. According to an official, it is likely that some of the increased deaths may be due coronavirus and the families may be hiding it. (“Slowing trajectory?”, Dawn, 07 July 2020)
 
Increase in COVID-19 cases 
The country has reported 2629 cases and 73 deaths in the past 24 hours. On 06 July, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) said, the number of deaths had increased in the country contrary to government projection. PML-N spokesperson said, ‘the disease cannot be curbed unless the real data will be shared with the stakeholder”. (“2629 covid-19 cases, 73 deaths reported in single day”, Dawn, 07 July)
 
INTERNAL
Baldia Factory Fire No Accident
With Sindh government publicizing the Baldia Factory Fire report, it is clear that that occurrence was a “blatant act of terrorism” and not an accident. It was an extortion attempt that went disastrously wrong. The author says that a report of such an incient mustn’t take eight long years to be declassified. The lack of immediate action has caused the orchestrator Hamad Siddiqui, former in-charge of the MQM’s Karachi Tanzeemi Committee to be an absconder till date. The article says that the incident will always remain a mark of the dark era of Karachi. (“A Blatant Act Of Terrorism,” The Nation, 7 July 2020)

Baldia factory and Uzair Baloch report by Joint Investigation team
On 06 July, a joint investigation team report of the killing of 259 people in Baldia factory and Uzair Baloch, was made public by the Sindh government. The report suggested charges on Hammad Siddqui head of Karachi Tanzeemi Committee and seven others for the Baldia factory, as per the report it was a “planned sabotage/terror activity” took place over non-payment of Rs 200 million extortion money. Uzair Baloch report confirms the “confessing the killing of 198 people on the ethnic and political ground in gang warfare” (“Baldia factory fire planned for terror: JIT”, Dawn, 07 July 2020)

Illegal domiciles in Balochistan 
It has been recorded, people outside Balochistan has secured a federal and provincial department in the province, with domiciles acquired by illegal means. Balochistan governor retired justice Amanullah Khan Yasinzai said, ‘all those people who have secured government jobs in the province with the illegal domicile should be dismissed’. Deputy commissioner of Mastung’s has cancelled around 400 domiciles after the verification. (“Process begins to cancel illegal domiciles of Balochistan”, Dawn, 07 July 2020)
 
SSM wants PTI to fulfil promise of Seraiki province
On 6 July, during a press conference, Seraikistan Suba Mahaz chairman Khawaja Ghulam Farid Koreja, co-chairman Zahor Dhreeja urged the government to create the PTI promised Seraiki province. The said SSM was an alliance of seven nationalist parties; called SPAS an eyewash which would soon fail; and demanded government constitution of Parliamentary Commission dedicated to new provinces as per the mandate. (“PTI urged to fulfil promise of creationof Seraiki province,” The News International, 7 July 2020)
 
Problems of Child Marriage Act
The article speaks of the incapability of the Child Marriage Restraint Act and Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments to put a check on child marriage and elopement. In the context of elopements and conversions of minor non-Muslim girls, Sulema Jahangir raises a legitimate question “should the Muslim rule of puberty as the age of consent to marriage also apply to non-Muslims?” The issues of sex under 16 years being statutory rape, marital rape, divorce, absence of any age-limit in issues concerning marriage, religious conversion and divorce are appraised in the background of Islamic rulings and International law. (“Age of consent,” Dawn, 7 July 2020)
 
Media under the PTI
Pemra (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) suspended the broadcast licence of Channel 24 citing licensing issues. The channel management said, ‘they are closing transmission because they cannot face “blackmailing” from the government.’ The state pressure has led to self-censorship, muted critiques, increased job losses and the threat of physical violence, everything under the ambit of democracy. (“Pressure on Media”, Dawn, 07 July 2020)
 
Pakistan Railway authorities called upon for track safety  
Lack of investment and mismanagement has failed the oldest transportation functioning in the country. The train driver’s association has called for a focus on “rehabilitation of the train tracks for the safety of passengers, line staff and rolling stock”. The association also warned for protest ‘if the drivers are asked to operate without ensuring the regular repair’.  (“Railway Revamp”, Dawn, 07 July 2020)
 
Government knocks for the Council of Islamic Ideology for construction of Hindu temple in Islamabad
On 06 July, Islamabad High Court Justice Aamer Farooq reserved decision on the petition against constructing a Hindu temple. The Minister of Religious Affairs, for guidance, has decided to forward the matter,  of giving official grants for construction of the Hindu temple, to the  Council of Islamic Ideology. Tehreek-i-Nifaz Fiqh Jafaria has supported the construction saying, ‘the Hindu temple in Islamabad should not be made controversial’. (“IHC reserves verdict on petitions against construction of temple”, Dawn, 07 July 2020)
 
CPEC
Azad Pattan hydropower project signed under CPEC 
On 06 July, recent agreement for the construction of ‘Azad Pattan hydropower project’ on Jhelum river, under CPEC was signed with China Gezhouba. Prime Minister Imran Khan said, ‘CPEC will be a ‘game-changer’ for the motherland, bringing unprecedented prosperity and progress to the country’. The project will foster investment of $1.5 billion and will enable the country to shift toward a ‘cheaper and greener’ power with no fuel import. It is expected to complete by 2026. (“Agreement for $1.5 hydropower project signed”, Dawn, 07 July 2020) (“Our economic future links to completion of CPEC projects:PM”, The Nation, 07 July 2020)
 
EXTERNAL
India-China escalation and the Asian age
The article says that recent escalation of India-China tensions have dwindled the dream of an Asian-era or “Asia’s rise”. The article foretells a shift of power to another continent. He reminds of the colonial era, the rise of Europe and says that “it is ironic that, instead of heaping scorn on the colonisers, India and China are engaged in trading allegations and vowing to decimate one another.” Cooperation between the two would lead to the rise of Asia, the author argues. (“Sino-India tensions,” The News International, 7 July 2020)

"“It (CPEC) is a project that will take Pakistan to new heights [of prosperity]...Pakistan can learn with the progress made by emerging economic power, China, during the last 30 years...Earlier, the CPEC was confined to road connectivity, but now other aspects of the corridor are being unfolded,”." -  Imran Khan on the CPEC (Dawn)

In Focus

The problem with Pakistan Railways

As per reports, in 2019 over 100 minor and major train accidents took place between Multan and Karachi sections of the mainline. These include the derailment of eight wagons of a freight train near Rahim Yar Khan on 1 April, a goods train near Padedan Station on 18 May, Thal Express near Kundian station on 21 May, and Zakria Express on 23 July; 20 June accident of Jinnah Express; splitting into two sections of the moving Pakistan Express on 11 July; a collision between a goods train and Akbar Express on 12 July; and the 30 October Tezgam fire tragedy near Rahim Yar Khan. (“A tough year for Pakistan Railways: 2019 marred by over 100 accidents,” Dawn, 1 January 2020) (“Pakistan train fire: Are accidents at a record high?,”

Train drivers' speak
On 5 July, while talking to the media house Dawn, the Pakistan Railways train drivers welfare association’s central president Shams Pervaiz urged Pakistan Railways (PR) administration to concentrate on track rehabilitation; cautioned the government of more accidents; said the main track was unfit for operation; and warned of protests if Pakistan Railways forced them to run the trains in the hazardous present conditions. He said that all express, passenger and goods trains and the mainline, especially the Multan-Sukkur and Sukkur-Karachi sections, were in a terrible state. Pervaiz also claimed that 33 accidents took place in the span of 6 months between Karachi and Sukkur sections. Meanwhile, Multan division’s drivers' association president Karim Bakhsh demanded the immediate order of rehabilitation of the dilapidated tracks by the PR chairman and CEO. (“Train drivers speak their hearts out, warn of more crashes,” Dawn, 6 July 2020)
 BBC News, 1 November 2019)

Attempts to downplay accidents
Pakistan Railways authorities apparently do not count accidents occurring at unmanned or manned level crossings; an attempt to reduce the peaking official count. The associations say that PR authorities do not pay heed to their grievances and safety concerns. (“Real Railway Problems,” The Nation)

Meanwhile, Railways Chairman Dr Habibur Rehman Gilani said under CPEC’s ML-1 project the Peshawar-Karachi section would be revamped; and PR authorities are considering the closure of the Shalimar and Sir Syed express due to financial reasons. Authorities mention dilapidated rail tracks, outdated rolling stock and human error as reasons for derailments and accidents.

Reforming PR
Railway problems have been reduced to mere issues for political point-scoring as the elite remains largely unaffected. However, revamping and reformation of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure is crucial in reducing road traffic, the country’s carbon footprint and pollution. PR requires revamping in the institutional, infrastructural, legal and environmental fronts. It will increase economic development and sustainability of the country at large. (“Reforming Pakistan Railways,” Global Village Space, 5 December 2019)
 

In Brief

COVID-19
43 per cent drop in active COVID-19 cases
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has stated that as many as 57pc of the patients have recovered and only 43pc COVID-19 cases are active. As of 5 July, of the 231017 cases, only 101,187 which is 43.8 per cent are active and the remaining 129830 patients have fully recovered since the outbreak of the virus in the country. Further, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) while talking to Dawn stated that although both the federal and provincial governments made efforts to fight the pandemic, it was the smart lockdown policy, proposed by PM Imran Khan that played a major role in narrowing the gap. (Ikram Junaidi, “Active cases of coronavirus drop to 43pc,” Dawn, 6 July 2020)

INTERNAL
Resentment within PTI: Analysis by Maleeha Lodhi
The problems and tensions unresolved between PTI and army unelected adviser and special assistants, marks for upcoming trouble for the government. The editor also emphasizes on how the party's struggle has been increasing and is losing its significance, and how governance can be moulded in the new political management and leadership style. (Maleeha Lodhi, “PTI’s summer of discontent”, Dawn, 6 July 2020)

Constructing a temple under the pivot of politics
The construction of the Hindu temple in Islamabad was halted by federal capital. Last month PM Imran Khan had promised a grant of Rs100 million. The construction was opposed by the clerics, political parties such as JUI-F and PML-Q. While the CDA spokesperson said, “the building control laws of the civic authority clearly stated no activity could take place on a plot until the building plan was approved” (“Religious intolerance”, Dawn, 06 July 2020) (“The temple and the state”, The News International, 6 July 2020)

ECONOMY
Pakistan to get Rs335b debt relief from G-20
The Financial Division stated that Pakistan has reconciled its debt with over one dozen bilateral creditors out of the 20 countries and that a debt relief agreement will be signed with each of the countries separately before the deadline of 31 December to avail debt relief Rs335 billion. Further, the government is taking all measure to accomplish the task of debt relief within the first quarter till 30 September. This debt relief will help provide the much-needed respite from the pressure of external payments. Further, Pakistan has sought help from the World Bank to develop a standard format for seeking debt relief from bilateral creditors but due to different standard requirements it could not be developed, thus the Economic Affairs Division has now developed its format in consultation with stakeholders and Ministry of Law regarding this task. (Mehtab Haider, “Much-needed breather: Pakistan gets Rs335b debt relief from G-20,” The News International, 6 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Karachi attack's “purpose is not just to create instability but also undermine CPEC”: Opinion
An opinion in the Express Tribune titled “PSX attack and Indian role” by Kamran Yousaf comments on the book My Enemy’s Enemy, written by Alvinash Paliwal an India author who lends credence on Islamabad’s stance of India’s involvement in sponsoring terrorism on its soil amid the current PSX attack. Further, the opinion states that the book also reveals that not just Baloch insurgents, the RAW and NDS also work closely with the TTP and its affiliates and highlight the various other insight of the book. The opinion concluded by stating that the various finding of the book leaves no doubt that India is behind the violence in Balochistan and that the reason is not just to create instability but also undermine CPEC. Thus, Pakistan should first develop a robust diplomatic offensive to expose India’s role and second, it should address its fault-lines that provide hostile forces with a chance to exploit the youth. (Kamran Yousaf, “PSX attack and Indian role,” The Express Tribune, 6 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
Russia's interest in Afghanistan: Analysis by Shahid Javed Burki
An opinion in the Express Tribune looked into how ‘How Pakistan has not been referred in Russian bounties to Taliban issue,' reported by the New York Times article. He also pitched in How Putin can see Afghanistan going in three different ways, “first, Afghanistan could adopt Western-style liberal democracy, second, it could opt for an Islamic system, third, could place the country under authoritarian ruler”. And How Afghanistan is always dominated by large powers the British, the Russian, the American and now Russian again and Chinese in the near future. As the “Greater Middle East” and Central Asia” has become a disagreement between the dominant powers. (Shahid Javed Burki, “Is Russia returning to Afghanistan”, The Express Tribune, 6 July 2020)

On 3 July, following a year-long inquiry into the highly controversial video scandal that commenced on 6 July 2019, the Lahore High Court's seven-judge committee headed by Chief Justice Mohammad Qasim Khan approved Judge Arshad Malik's 'removal from service' on charges of misconduct. The judges noted that the video scandal and removal of Judge Malik reflected widespread corruption and questioned the legitimacy of convictions. ("Judge Malik shown the door over misconduct," Dawn, 4 July 2020) ("Video scandal: Judge Arshad Malik fired," The News International, 4 July 2020)

The scandal broke out with PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz claiming during a press conference that Judge Malik admitted that he was forced to convict ex-PM Nawaz Sharif. ("Explosive claims by Maryam over Nawaz’s verdict," Dawn, 7 July 2019) Meanwhile, the Judge claimed that he acquitted former PM Nawaz Sharif after being blackmailed by PML-N. Later, on 22 August 2019, IHC suspended Judge Malik and repatriated him to LHC.

Judge Arshad Malik was part of an accountability court which acquitted former PM Nawaz Sharif in the Flagship reference and convicted the PM in the Al-Azizia reference case. Thus, the decision has been hailed by both the ruling PTI party, which called it the end of "PML-N era of blackmailing judges", and PML-N, who sought the acquittal of its leader. 

Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Vice Chairman Abid Saqi has said that convictions or trials conducted by Judge Malik would not sustain since biases have been proved. Although doubts over the conviction of the ex-PM are rife, the conviction will sustain unless IHC remands a fresh trial of the case. However, barristers believe the Judge's dismissal has led to PML-N's political vindication. ("Judge's sacking raises doubts over Nawaz's conviction," Dawn, 4 July 2020)

In an opinion article, Fahd Hussain said "Judge Arshad's judgement legitimized a certain narrative. His dismissal has inconvenienced it". Hussain says the Judge's fate has political and legal consequences for Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. Judge Malik's verdict was key in Nawaz's downfall and Imran's victory. Now, his dismissal puts PTI's legitimacy at stake. The ruling coalition's underwhelming performance is making things worse. Hussain says the dream PTI made Pakistan see is disappearing due to PTI's lack of "legitimacy and potency of action". ("Weight of a dream," Dawn, 4 July 2020)

Meanwhile, a NAB official has said that "just like Justice Qazi Faez Isa's case, there isn't much to celebrate for the PML-N." ("Is there much to celebrate for PML-N?," The Express Tribune,4 July 2020)

In Brief

INTERNAL
Imran chairs a high-level meeting with Defence Minister, three Chiefs and DG-ISIS
On 3 July, a high-level meeting was held where the country's top civilian and military leadership reviewed the internal and external security situation of the country where it determined that although Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with its neighbours the nation has both the will and the capacity to defend territorial integrity. The meeting was chaired by PM Imran Khan and was attended by the Defence Minister, three Chiefs and DG-ISIS. The meeting also focused on the recent clashes between China and India and the security challenges faced by Pakistan. Further, the meeting is also said to have raised concern over the continued human rights violation in the Jammu and Kashmir and urged the international community to take notice of this issue. (Mumtaz Alvi, "Pak sovereignty to be protected at all costs," The News International, 4 July 2020)

GILGIT-BALTISTAN
FO states that India has no locus standi comment elections in GB
The Foreign Office (FO) rejected remarks made but the Minister of External Affair in India concerning the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, stating that it had no locus standi to comment. Further, the FO stated, "The Indian government, which has been holding fraudulent elections in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) under the barrel of Indian occupation forces, and has turned the occupied region into the world's largest open prison, has no locus standi to comment on elections in Gilgit-Baltistan." Further, the FO reiterated that parts of Jammu and Kashmir remain in illegal Indian occupation and stated: "the only resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is faithful implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions that recognize the inalienable right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination through democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices." (APP, "India has no locus standi to comment on Gilgit-Baltistan polls, says FO" Dawn, 4 July 2020)

PPP confident of winning the upcoming elections in GB
Pakistan People's Party Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said, "Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will lead the upcoming general elections campaign" in Gilgit Baltistan. She criticized the inability of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in providing proper health facilities. (Shafqat Ali, "PPP expects better performance in Gilgit Baltistan polls," The Nation, 04 July 2020)

CPEC 
Imran Khan promises to complete CPEC 
On 3 July, PM Imran Khan promised,' the government would complete China Pakistan Economic Corridor at any cost and pass its benefit to the nation'. The project operationalized in 2016, originally valued $46 billion by 2017 became worth $62billion. It is a vast infrastructure project to strengthen the Pakistan economy. ("CPEC to be completed at all costs, say Imran," Dawn, 04 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
FM Qureshi and Chinese counterpart discuss India, Afghanistan and other bilateral issues
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Chinese counterpart State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephonic conversation on 3 July where both sides discussed bilateral, regional and international issues. Pakistan expressed concerns to Beijing over the regional security situation underlining that India's belligerent posture and expansionist policies were imperilling peace in the region. Further, the two ministers reiterated their support for each other, with Pakistan stating its commitment to the 'One-China policy' and firmly extended supported to China on its core interests including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang. Both sides also reaffirmed their decision to support each other at the multilateral institutions. Further, they expressed their determination to promote peace and development in Afghanistan as well as addressed measure to combat COVID-19. (Mariana Baabar, "Pakistan, China agree India threatening peace in region," The News International, 4 July 2020)

UAE resume airline service and Malaysia suspends Pakistan pilots
United Arab Emirates airline resumed its passenger services to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Sialkot. The spokesperson said passengers are required to carry COVID-19 PCR test result from the list of specified laboratories. On 2 July, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) temporarily suspends pilots, who hold Pakistani licences. This came after the revelation of 'dubious qualifications. The CAAM also said "licence holder that are verified will be reinstated immediately" (Mohammad Asghar, "Emirates resumes service to four cities," Dawn, 04 July 2020)

ON INDIA
"Prime Minister Modi has laid a trap for the emergence of India as a new global power": Opinion
An opinion in the Dawn titled "Modi's Trap" looks into the recent skirmish between India and China and the response that it has stirred up. The opinion states that although many view this recent development as a victory for China over India, the truth of the matter is that PM Modi has laid a trap for the emergence of India as a new global power. The opinion then looks into reasons why PM Modi took in China, stating that the decision was based the Indian PM limited but high-profile conflict strategy on the assumption China will not escalate any conflict in the region due to economic and other issues such as the accusation on COVID-19, Hong Kong and other. The opinion then states that the climax of this conflict would demonstrate that India could not only stand against a global giant but also reasonably resolve complex democratic conflicts. The opinion concludes but stating that a trap has been set by PM Modi and that now, one will have to wait to observe the Chinese response, which is generally long term and routed through its allies. (Muhammad J. Siddiqui, "Modi's trap," Dawn, 4 July 2020)

India and it's two-front wars' 
According to an editorial in the Nation, India had opened its 'two-front war' to appease the west. Prime Minister Modi's move on 'Union Territory and Kashmir map' had brought its two fronts under one. The editorial also pointed out, "How will India teach China a lesson when it is dependent economically and technologically on China" and summed by saying the prevailing conflict in no sense is 'two-front war' as it starts from India east through Himalayas and Karakoram to west in Gwadar and Suntser. (Samson Simon Sharaf, "India's two-front enigma," The Nation, 04 July 2020)

In Focus

The Intelligence agencies manipulate the appointment of Judges, says a former Supreme Court judge

During an interview to the Voice of America, former Lahore High Court chief justice and former Supreme Court judge Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, who retired in December 2015 said the Panama Papers case verdict against former PM Nawaz Sharif will forever remain controversial as the 1970s’ Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case; confirmed the interference of intelligence agencies in the appointment of judges; and commented on the reference against Justice Faez Isa. (“Panama Papers case verdict will remain controversial, says former SC judge,” Dawn, 3 July 2020) 

The former Judge spoke of how Nawaz Sharif was removed by the SC (led by the then CJ Nasirul Mulk who was the apparent “right person”) in the Panama Papers case in 2018, as former PTI leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi had claimed in 2014. Previously, in November 2019, advocate Babar Sattar argued before the SC that the reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa was appraised in the ‘Panama’ light by disregarding existing laws. (“Reference against Isa modelled on Panama Papers, says lawyer,” Dawn, 12 November 2019)

Mr Chaudhry narrated an incident wherein he received a phone call from the ISI general seeking the appointment of a particular judge. However, on the disagreement by the general to appoint a lieutenant-general of Justice’s choice as a return favour, the Justice declined the general’s request. Mr Chaudhry explained that interference would only occur if space was provided. (“Panama Papers case verdict will remain controversial, says former SC judge,” Dawn, 3 July 2020)

PML-N government’s former legal adviser Zaffarullah Khan said the verdict in the Panama Papers case opposed natural justice’s principle and lacked juristic precedence wherein any country Premiere was stripped of his powers in the same fashion. Mr Khan said that although Mr Sharif was removed over Iqama, other parallel cases remain pending.

Lawyer and senior PPP leader Sardar Latif Khosa commented on the interview saying that the judiciary has been misused for political engineering on various occasions. The leader clarified that prior to the 18th Amendment, intelligence agencies were able to manoeuvre judges’ appointments due to the dependency of the governments on the ISI reports for their induction.

Also read:
“How Pakistan's Panama Papers probe unfolded,” Dawn, 3 April 2016
 

In Brief
INTERNAL
Will there be another minus-1?: Analysis
An analysis in the New International titled “Minus-1 formula in politics” by Mazhar Abbas looks into the possibility of another minus-1. The analysis states that if at all the possibility exist there may be more than just one. While looking into the political history of Pakistan the “minus-1 formula” not only 'minus-1,’ but, at times minus-2, minus-3, have always been a part of it in some form. It is this formula that has restricted the enforcement of democracy in a true sense, further politicians have also not learnt from history as time and again they either backed undemocratic actions or tried and took advantage from the situation. The analysis states that it is high time that democratic institution like the Election Commission and rule of law are strengthened, further adding that a positive formula must be followed through, as per the Constitution. Thus, both PTI and combined opposition need to understand the consequence of the minus-formula. (Mazhar Abbas, “Minus-1 formula in politics,” Dawn, 3 July 2020)

Rawalpindi-based cleric charged with contempt in Justice Isa case
On 2 June, the Supreme Court (SC) charged Rawalpindi-based cleric Mirza Iftikharuddin with contempt of court for delivering a derogatory and scandalous speech against the judiciary that had gone viral on social media. A complaint was lodged by the wife of Justice Isa based on the video clip, stating that death threats were being hurled at Justice Isa. The cleric has been indicted under Section 5 of the Contempt of the Court Ordinance, 2003. The hearing was initiated suo motu by a two-judge Supreme Court bench consisting of Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan. This charge comes after the SC had issued a notice to Mr Iftikharuddin for throwing abuses against Justice Qazi Faez Isa as well as the institution of the judiciary. (“SC charges cleric with contempt in Justice Isa case,” Dawn, 3 July 2020)

Government's handling of PIA pilots' case is disastrous, says an editorial
An editorial in the Dawn titled “Aviation challenge” is critical of the was the government has handled the PIA pilots’ case stating the government’s handling of the scandal has been disastrous. The editorial highlights the impulsive decision to make public the list of pilots when the investigation was still underway, depicting that the government has not given much through to the matter. Further, the statements made by the Aviation Minister to shield his government has left many in the aviation industry to come under scrutiny even though their credentials were not faulty. Further, the editorial states that the government should not have addressed this issue in such a public manner, thus, further diminishing the credibility of Pakistani pilots internationally. The editorial concludes by stating that although the damage is already done, the government must see address this crisis logically. (“Aviation challenge,” Dawn, 3 July 2020)

Custody exceed of four linked with Daniel Pearls murder
The custody of Ahmed Omar Saeed, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib convicted for, Daniel Pearl's kidnapping and killing have increased for another three months. The Karachi Central prison superintendent said these four will continue there sentence until September 30. The US journalist, Daniel Pearl who disappeared in January 2002 from Karachi was confirmed dead in the following month. (“4 linked to Daniel Pearl's murder to stay in prison,” The International News, 03 July 2020)

President Arif Alvi encouraged investigation against the scandals
On 02 July, Pakistan President Arif Alvi said, ‘anyone wishing to move a no-trust motion against the Prime Minister is welcome to try’ with referring to ‘scandals’ and case filed against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a Supreme Court judge. He also encouraged investigation to cases on ‘Bus Rapid Transit, Malam Jabba, and Billion Tree Tsunami project’. (“Reference against Justice Isa as per law: Alvi,” The International News, 03 July 2020)

IPOR Survey on Prime Minster Imran Corona strategy
According to the recent survey report by the Institute for Public Opinion Research, ‘a majority f Pakistanis support Prime Minister Imran Khan’s approach to handling the pandemic situation’. The report highlights ranking given to the policy of smart lockdown implemented by the prime minister, in which 63 per cent supported and rest 21 per cent opted Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah’s strategy. It also reported how many people are willing to get vaccinated if it becomes available in Pakistan. (“Majority support Imran’s handling of corona crisis: survey,” The International News, 03 July 2020)

GILGIT BALTISTAN
PML-N warns the federal government against medalling in GB elections
The PLM-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal has warned the federal government against interfering in the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), stating that any such action would be against the national interest and national security of the country. The leader stated “I want to give message to the national institutions so that free, fair and transparent elections are held in GB. The federal government should refrain from horse-trading and interference (in the polls).” Further, Iqbal has alleged that the federal government had already started pre-poll rigging in GB, further adding that his party has set up a special monitoring cell to keep an eye on postings and transfers being made in GB ahead of the elections. The elections on 24 general seats of the GB Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held on 18 August. (Amir Wasim, “PML-N warns govt against interfering in GB elections,” Dawn, 3 July 2020)

ECONOMY
The slow pace of export decline depicts signs of revival
Data released by the Ministry of Commerce showed that the exports have fallen at a much slower pace when compared to a month-on-month drop of 33.6 per cent in May and 54 per cent in June. This is the result of recovered export orders from international buyers mainly in the textile and clothing sectors. The data also showed that Pakistan’s exports have fallen for the fourth consecutive month in June to $1.609 billion, down 6.3 per cent year-on-year from $1.717 billion in the corresponding month last year. Further, the decline in imports is providing some space for the government to manage external account despite negative growth in exports from the country. Further, the country’s trade deficit has also come down by 27.41 per cent in the FY20 from a year ago, this decline is a result in the fall of imports and the corrective measures implemented by the government to help slow down imports to reduce pressures on foreign exchange reserves. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Exports show signs of revival as pace of decline slows in June,” Dawn, 3 July 2020)

ON INDIA
Violence against children in Kashmir will not be tolerated: Editorial
An editorial in the Dawn titled “Kashmir’s children” is critical of the unethical atrocities carried out by Indian forces in Kashmir. While addressing the recent case of Bashir Ahmed Khan, who was taken out of his vehicle and shot in front of his three-year-old grandson, the editorial states that the children of Kashmir have become accustomed to seeing bodies of their fathers, brothers and other relatives as the violence continues in the region. While condemning such acts the editorial states that brutal violence against children in Kashmir does not seem to draw any attention from the international community, demanding that “this blatant hypocrisy must end.” Further, the editorial concludes by stating that the international community needs to take up the responsibility to make India realise that violence against civilians especially children will not be tolerated. (“Kashmir’s children,” Dawn, 3 July 2020)

Unending violence in the Valley
On 1 July in Sopore, a 65-year-old man Bashir Ahmad Khan was shot dead. The incident has caught international attention and has condemned the incident as a violation of Child rights. The editorial laid focus on the ‘unending violence and bloodshed, death and tragedy’ in the valley where the citizen has been left virtually to themselves. (“Kashmir’s anguish,” The International News, 03 July 2020)

A rift in India and China economic relation
After the recent clash at Galwan valley, a new possible economic war between India and China has gained attention across borders. The stricter investment flow could be soon imposed which may further hamper bilateral trade. This may increase the fraction between Chinese investors and Indian private businesses. China’s foreign direct investment in 2019 reached $5 billion in the automobile and tech sector in India. (“Can India afford to server its economic relations with China,” The Friday Times, 03 July 2020)

INTERNAL
Minus-one, Accusations, Problems within the PTI: AnalysisAn opinion in the Dawn titled "RED ZONE FILES: Minus few?" by Fahd Husain states that the PTI government has seen a fair share of problems over the past few weeks. The recent development being PM Imran Khan giving life to the peculiar Pakistani political jargon of 'Minus-one' when he referred to the term at National Assembly. Husain then asks two questions; first, why did the PM dignify this term? Second, does this mean there is a move afoot to operationalize the term? The opinion going around it that the PM referred to 'Minus-one' because it was something that he was hearing too often and thus thought it would be the right time to address it. However, the opinion states that this development has caused unnecessary debate, thus further weakening the already struggling government and forcing people to indulge in gossip about possible candidates, even though there may be none. Further, the opinion cites the various political and governance problems that have highlighted once again the 'incompetence' of the PTI government, but many believe that there does not appear to be an existential problem for the PTI government. However, on the other hand, some believe that there is an existential problem within the PTI government, with some believing "Khan is not happy with some of his cabinet members," this is the final point which could cause a storm in a teacup to spill over. Thus, given that the PTI government has completed half its term, how will they remove this perception of incompetence? Does the answer lie in reshuffling the cabinet or is the problem deeper? are questions that remain. (Fahd Husain, "RED ZONE FILES: Minus few?" Dawn, 2 July 2020)

Disgruntled lawmakers will prove costly for PTI: Editorial
The Editorial says that the past week witnessed emotionally charged, and criticism filled speeches by National Assembly lawmakers who did not care to practice restraint. Personal attacks and subjective rhetoric were rife. PM Imran Khan, as usual, pledged to hunt down "cartels and mafias"; criticized and mocked Opposition for "corruption and lies"; and blamed previous governments for the "inherited" mess. The article says that Imran Khan's government has been as much of a fail as the previous governments the PM is accusing. Two years since PTI taking power in the Centre, promised reforms and development projects are yet to materialize, and problems in the economy, law enforcement, sanitation and drinking water persist. The article says that the PM must keep his "defensive 'container politics'" and "political point-scoring and bickering" for later and fulfil promises before cracks within PTI and the ruling coalition widen and crumble the government. ("Lack of restraint, Dawn, 2 July 2020)

The government wants to assassinate Zardari: Bilawal
On 1 July, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated at a press conference that the PTI government wants to want to assassinate former president Asif Ali Zardari through the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He added that when Zardari was in jail, he was not given medicines and accused the NAB of wanting to infect him with COVID-19 when they forced him to appear in court. Further stating that "This government does not respect the elderly as well as women, but we will not compromise on the 18th Amendment." Further, he spoke on the "minus one" formula, stating that his party was not seeking any concessions from the government, challenged the prime minister to an open debate, commented on Imran Khan stance on Osama bin Laden's death, and raised objections to the government's data on coronavirus pandemic. Amjad Mahmood, "Bilawal says govt wants Zardari to contract Covid-19," Dawn, 2 July 2020)

Clampdown on Academic Freedom
I.A. Rehman writes about the Punjab government's promise to not immediately present the Public Universities (Amendment) Act, 2020, that would curtail the autonomy of 29 public-sector universities through changes in existing laws under which they function. The potential enactment proposes the replacement of the chairmanship of the vice-chancellor with a BS21 rank retired judge of the Supreme Court or the Lahore High Court (LHC). Rehman says the syndicate's composition is also noteworthy. ("Threat to academic freedom, Dawn, 2 July 2020)

ECONOMY
CPI-based inflation inches up to 8.6 per cent in June
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data, released on 1 July, showed that Consumer Price Index (CPI) based on inflation increased to 8.6 per cent in June from 8.2pc in May. Overall inflation had dwindled to single-digit owing to the cuts in prices of petroleum products and better supply of essential items. The pandemic has put downward pressure on prices of commodities by lessening demand. However, supply disruptions persist. Food inflation remains in double-digit while non-food inflation has been clocked at 4.7 per cent year-on-year. ("Inflation rises to 8.6pc in June," Dawn, 2 July 2020)

EXTERNAL
PIA forbade in EU & UK
UK Civil Aviation Authority withdrew the permit of Pakistan International Airlines to operate from its three airports, Birmingham, London Heathrow and Manchester Airport. This happened soon after, Pakistan Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan's statement, last month, that 150 pilots of national flag carrier had "dubious licence". The director-general of UAE, general civil aviation authority, Saif Mohmmad Al Suwadi has asked Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to verify the list of the pilot who holds UAE pilot licence based on qualification and licence issued by PCAA. ("PIA barred from operating out of three UK airports," Dawn, 2 July 2020)

FM Qureshi speaks with EU official to reverse the ban on PIA
On 1 July, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell via a telephonic conversation conveying concerns over the European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) suspension of PIA flights to Europe for six months. FM Qureshi sought to reverse this ban. Further, he assured the EU official that adequate measures are being taken by the government to ensure the highest level of flight safety in PIA operations. Further adding that the national carrier remained committed to maintaining the highest standards and quality in its air operations. The PIA announced that Europe and UK have granted it landing permission from 1 July to 3 July, further the airline will be allowed to operate flights four days a week to bring back Pakistanis stranded in Europe and UK. (Kamran Yousaf, "Diplomatic efforts on to restore Europe flights," The Express Tribune, 1 July 2020)

Pakistan reaffirms its stand in the Intra-Afghan dialogue
On 1 July, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had met the US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on his three-nation trip. Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan's support and commitment, for working along with international and regional stakeholders for sustainable peace, and political resolution of Afghan dispute. He also reiterated the need for being alert to the sinister design of the 'spoilers' and had further urged "all sides" to reduce violence. The slow release of prisoners has, however led to a delay in the intra-Afghan dialogue. ("Pakistan warns about 'spoilers' of Afghan peace process," Dawn, 2 July 2020)

ON INDIA
FM Qureshi tells US about Indian role in BLA attack
On 1 July, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi conveyed concerns over the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army's (BLA) use of Afghan soil and India's involvement in the terrorist attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi to Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, the US President Donald Trump's point man on Afghan peace. The FM expressed disappointment over the failure of the US State Department's Country Report on Terrorism 2019 in recognizing Pakistan's efforts to counter-terrorism. ("Pakistan informs US about Indian role in PSX attack," The Express Tribune, 2 July 2020)

In Focus and In Brief sections are prepared by Lakshmi V Menon, Abigail Miriam Fernandez and A Padmashree.

In Brief
"No doubt" that India was behind yesterday's attempted attack on the PSX: PM
On 30 June, PM Imran Khan in his National Assembly address stated that there is little doubt India masterminded and backed the attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. He added that India wanted to destabilise Pakistan and create “uncertainty.” He also stated that his cabinet ministers were aware of the threats and that intelligence agencies were in high alert. Further, Mr Khan has written a letter to the UN secretary-general in which he drew attention to the continued brutalisation of people in Kashmir. (“India behind stock exchange attack, NA told,” Dawn, 1 July 2020)
 
On Karachi Exchange attack, also read:
“The symbolism of the target cannot be missed”: Dawn's Editorial
An editorial in the Dawn titled “PSX attack,” comments on the return of urban terrorism with the attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange by Baloch separatist militants. While looking into the attack the editorial points out the symbolism of the target, stating that the PSX represents the beating heart of economic activity in the country’s commercial capital, and is located in an area where the State Bank of Pakistan, the Central Police Office, and other major public and private institutions are based. Thus, the message sent across by the hostile actors is that the country’s economic nerve centre is vulnerable. Further, the editorial states that given the increasing number of bombings and other acts of terrorism that has been increasing in the city is clear these attacks have been aimed at destabilising the metropolis. The editorial concluded by stating that the security forces must remain alert and step up intelligence-gathering activities to prevent the plans of subversive elements, further, adding that if separatists and political militants have joined forces, then the state must adjust its counterterrorism policy accordingly. (“PSX attack,” Dawn, 30 June 2020)

Foreign Minister blames India for the terror attack on the stock exchange building
The Foreign Minister has blamed the incident on India for obstructing peace in the region and said that the clues lead to activating of sleeper cells by India in Pakistan. He appreciated the response of police in killing the involved terrorists and also stated that as Pakistan maintains peace, India is getting exposed for its human rights violations. According to him “As we are opening the Kartarpur Corridor, India is making attempts to disrupt law and order situation in Pakistan” (Shafqat Ali, “All clues lead to India: FM,” The Nation, 30 June 2020)

Pak Rangers Chief blames RAW for the attack on PSX
On 29 June, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under attack. In the abortive assault, four militants were killed and one police officer and three guards were martyred. In the attack for which the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility through social media, three attackers from Kech were identified. However, the Director-General of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Major General Omer Ahmed Bukhari blamed Indian spy agency RAW and sleeper cells for the attack. The chief of the paramilitary forces said the attack reflected RAW’s “frustration” over concord in Pakistan’s financial hub and stated such an attack would have been impossible without foreign assistance. (“Heroism at PSX as deadly attack thwarted,” Dawn, 30 June 2020)

INTERNAL
Opposition to challenge Balochistan budget in court
Balochistan’s Opposition parties consider the 2020-21 Baluchistan budget unconstitutional and illegal. At a press conference, the provincial assembly’s opposition leader Malik Sikandar Khan announced the decision to challenge the budget in a court of law. The Opposition says the budget has nothing for the people; neglects low-income employees; and does not address hike in prices of essential commodities. Mr Khan also called for a probe into mass corruption in goods purchased to tackle the pandemic. (“Opposition plans to move court against Balochistan budget,” Dawn, 1 July 2020)

PM’s attitude dangerous for the fragile coalition: Analysis
Zahid Hussain calls Imran Khan’s “we are the only choice” comment a dangerous manifestation of subjective reality, illusory superiority and habitual arrogance, which will widen cracks and peak discontent within the fragile ruling coalition and PTI. Hussain says perhaps Imran Khan was referring to the “security establishment” or Deep State’s choice; whose support has held the fractious coalition together so far. However, BNP-M’s exit may set a fateful precedent. Hassan writes that although the budget provided some relief to the ruling elite, the confidence crisis persists. The increasingly “coherent and forceful” Opposition has been strengthened by “the government’s mishandling of the ongoing pandemic, the worsening economic situation, and the various scandals highlighting the crisis of governance” and is destabilising the concord within PTI and the ruling coalition. However, Hassan states that BNP-M’s exit has made the PM take up a more hands-on approach reflected in his direct involvement in political manoeuvring and more frequent National Assembly appearances; both good omens. (“Dangerous delusions,” Dawn, 1 July 2020)

Lt Gen Nigar Johar first woman three-star general in Pakistan’s Army
On 29 June, Lt Gen Nigar Johar became the first woman three-star general in the history of Pakistan’s military. Gen Johar has been serving in the army’s medical corps for nearly three decades and has also held numerous management positions during her career. Besides being the first female officer to be promoted to three-star rank, she was also the first female officer to command an army hospital. She has been conferred with the Tamgha-i- Imtiaz (Military). Further, she is also the recipient of Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal for meritorious services in the Army Medical Corps from the prime minister of Pakistan. (“Army gets first woman three-star general,” Dawn, 1 July 2020)

ECONOMY
WB approves another $500 million loan
On 30 June, the World Bank (WB) announced the approval of another $500 million loan to Pakistan for the country’s budget support amid its increased expenditures on Covid-19 crisis response. In a statement, the WB stated that its board of directors have approved the financing for the Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE) programme to help Pakistan strengthen fiscal management, promote transparency and private sector growth and undertake foundational reforms in the energy sector to transition to low-carbon energy. The project is to be financed by a $250m credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $250m loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Further, the World Bank Country Director for Pakistan stated that these reforms will help build fiscal resilience and stimulate recovery from impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The RISE programme will further support reforms such as harmonising sales tax and making the trade tariff structure more competitive. (Khaleeq Kiani, “WB approves $500m loan for Pakistan’s budget support,” Dawn, 1 July 2020)

FY2019-20’s Revenue collection up by 3.9 per cent
The Dawn article says FY2019-20’s revenue collection experienced an insignificant growth of 3.9 per cent due to the Covid-19 lockdown and economic lull. The months of April and May experienced the steepest dips by 16 per cent and 30.8 per cent respectively in comparison to the previous fiscal year. With the easing of the lockdown, the decline in June reduced to 12 per cent. FBR has estimated a revenue collection decline of Rs223bn per month since the outbreak of the pandemic. Meanwhile, for the third time, IMF revised Pakistan’s revenue collection target (from Rs4.8tr to Rs3.908tr). (“Revenue collection up 3.9pc in 2019-20,” Dawn, 1 July 2020)   

EXTERNAL
BLA has an Indian connection: Analysis
The article states that BLA has known Indian connections saying that “New Delhi’s media also confirms the BLA’s Indian connection”. It presents Modi government’s Indian citizenship offer to exiled anti-Pak Baloch leaders including Baloch Republican Party Brahamdagh Bugti; a Hindu article on BLA commanders receiving medical aid in India under fake identities; Modi’s statement during his Bangladesh visit about India’s involvement in “destabilizing Pakistan”; and the 2016 reporting by News London correspondent Murtaza Ali Shah on links between Brahamdagh Bugti and the Indian establishment, as justifications for the primary statement. (“BLA has known Indian connection,” The News International, 1 July 2020)

Europe suspends PIA authorisation for six months
The European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) suspended Pakistan International Airlines’ authorisation to operate to the EU member states for six months with effective from 1 July, however, with the right to appeal against the decision. This decision came after the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed concerns over the case of dubious licences and lapse of safety oversight by the aviation regulator. However, an extension has been given allowing PIA to operate its flights to the EU till July 3 after the foreign secretary contacted the European authorities. Further, the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has also removed Pakistani airlines from its ‘Recommended List’ and has advised the United Nations staff in Pakistan not to travel on any Pakistan-registered airlines due to the findings from the PIA air crash in Karachi in May 2020. (Amin Ahmed, Mohammad Asghar, “EU safety agency to suspend PIA authorisation for six months” Dawn, 1 July 2020)

In Focus and In Brief sections are prepared by Lakshmi V Menon, Abigail Miriam Fernandez and A Padmashree.

In Brief
PSX ATTACK
“The symbolism of the target cannot be missed”: Editorial
An editorial in the Dawn titled “PSX attack,” comments on the return of urban terrorism with the attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange by Baloch separatist militants. While looking into the attack the editorial points out the symbolism of the target, stating that the PSX represents the beating heart of economic activity in the country’s commercial capital, and is located in an area where the State Bank of Pakistan, the Central Police Office, and other major public and private institutions are based. Thus, the message sent across by the hostile actors is that the country’s economic nerve centre is vulnerable. Further, the editorial states that given the increasing number of bombings and other acts of terrorism that has been increasing in the city is clear these attacks have been aimed at destabilising the metropolis. The editorial concluded by stating that the security forces must remain alert and step up intelligence-gathering activities to prevent the plans of subversive elements, further, adding that if separatists and political militants have joined forces, then the state must adjust its counterterrorism policy accordingly. (“PSX attack,” Dawn, 30 June 2020)

Foreign Minister blames India for the terror attack on the stock exchange building
The Foreign Minister has blamed the incident on India for obstructing peace in the region and said that the clues lead to activating of sleeper cells by India in Pakistan. He appreciated the response of police in killing the involved terrorists and also stated that as Pakistan maintains peace, India is getting exposed for its human rights violations. According to him “As we are opening the Kartarpur Corridor, India is making attempts to disrupt law and order situation in Pakistan” (Shafqat Ali, “All clues lead to India: FM,” The Nation, 30 June 2020)

Pak Rangers Chief blames RAW for the attack on PSX
On 29 June, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under attack. In the abortive assault, four militants were killed and one police officer and three guards were martyred. In the attack for which the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility through social media, three attackers from Kech were identified. However, the Director-General of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Major General Omer Ahmed Bukhari blamed Indian spy agency RAW and sleeper cells for the attack. The chief of the paramilitary forces said the attack reflected RAW’s “frustration” over concord in Pakistan’s financial hub and stated such an attack would have been impossible without foreign assistance. (“Heroism at PSX as deadly attack thwarted,” Dawn, 30 June 2020)

INTERNAL
SC does not entertain Sindh’s request
On 29 June, the three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Mushir Alam refused to accommodate Sindh provincial government’s plea to suspend Sindh High Court’s (SHC) April 2 verdict that upended Ahmed Omer Saeed Sheikh conviction for the alleged kidnapping and killing of the WSJ journalist Daniel Pearl. The bench noted that the absence of any fixed stay application. Subsequently, the bench postponed further proceedings till 21 July. (“SC refuses to entertain Sindh govt request in Pearl case,” Dawn, 30 June 2020)

PM Khan hears PTI lawmakers’ grievances
Pakistan’s PM and chief of PTI Imran Khan attempted to appease “disgruntled” National Assembly members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) by promising redressal. Mr Khan met with around 20 PTI MNAs before passing the 2020-21 federal budget. Noteworthily, 13 MNAs from Sindh’s capital Karachi expressed reservations and grievances. Common grievances/complaints were lack of opportunities to meet with the PM, lack of opinion in governmental affairs, and unavailability of basic amenities and facilities in their corresponding areas. Meanwhile, a DawnOpinion article by Arifa Noor makes doomsday predictions of the ruling PTI coalition government at the Center. Noor mentions that this time the apocalyptic rumours and prophecies were made by “the party’s own men (and not the women)”. In the article, she argues that even if the PM decides to change PTI’s party culture, internal rivalries and bickering shall persist; thus crumbling PTI from within. (“Imran hears out disgruntled PTI lawmakers,” Dawn, 30 June 2020) (“Story of an end foretold,” Dawn, 30 June 2020)

COVID-19
COVID-19 death graph on a decline in Punjab
There has been a steady decline in the COVID-19 deaths in the last five days with the fatalities dropping to eight in the last 24 hours in Punjab. The Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) issued a report on 29 June in which recorded that the highest number of 86 deaths in a single day was recorded on 25 June, and since then the number has consistently decreased with 27 fatalities each on 26 and 27 June, and 17 deaths on 28 and 29 June. However, the number of new cases continues to fluctuate, with 74,778 confirmed cases and an addition of 576 new infections in the province as of 29 June. (Amer Malik, “Punjab: COVID-19 death graph on the decline in last 5 days,” The News International, 30 June 2020)

EXTERNAL
Vietnam orders suspension of all Pakistani pilots
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has ordered the suspension of all Pakistani pilots working in the country after concerns over the usage of ‘dubious' licences were raised. Further, the head of the CVVA stated that the suspension of these pilots will be in effect until further notice, adding that the authority is coordinating with Pakistani authorities to review the pilots’ profiles. Vietnam had licensed 27 Pakistani pilots, of which 12 of them were still active, while the other 15 pilots’ contracts expired or were inactive due to the pandemic. (Agencies, “Dubious licences: Vietnam grounds Pakistani pilots,” The News International, 30 June 2020)

ON INDIA
The need for India to rethink its position in Indo-Pacific strategy
The proposal of the Indo-Pacific strategy of the US seems to promise a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) with sovereignty, independence, peaceful resolution of the disputes, fair trade and due following of the international norms. Being prepared for the future conflict through joint force, alliance and partnerships will help to win the conflict but it is significant for India to see their position and take away from the conflict situation. Two opposing reasons make it ambiguous for India to join the strategy, firstly it is the definition of the Indo-Pacific region. For the US, it is from their west coast till the Indian west coast but for India, it sees the Indian ocean region that includes the east coast of Africa to Australia. Secondly, the interests in the greater Middle East along with the strategic environment India faces at the north and west with China and Pakistan. It will be a serious challenge for the Indian military at Siachen and Ladakh. Therefore, for a country like India to preserve its economy, maintain cooperation and to stand its hegemony in the region it is recommendable that to function parallel than to be part of the joint force as this seems more like a move to counter the rise of China by the US. As far as the US, it has gone too far to overtake China in terms of economy and military and faces a huge shortage of resources. It must relook into the Indo-Pacific strategy more intensely to achieve what it desires. (Imran Malik, “US Indo-Pacific strategy and India,” The Nation, 30 June 2020)

Grant of domicile certificates to non-Kashmiri residents
The non-resident population in Kashmir have been granted domicile certificates by the Indian government. This will allow the people to get citizenship rights, residency and government jobs but it has created fear among the people as in the divide between the Muslims and Hindu, the Muslim population is greater in percentage and this act seems to reverse it. So far 96.4 per cent of the Muslim population has been issued certificates. (“Kashmir becoming another Palestine’ as residents fear demographic shift,” The Nation, 30 June 2020)

In Focus and In Brief sections are prepared by Lakshmi V Menon, Abigail Miriam Fernandez and A Padmashree.