Election Commission to decide on delimitation | Pakistan to allow its cricket team to travel to Indi

Daily Briefs

Photo : Dawn

8 August 2023, Tuesday | Vol 4, No.159

Election Commission to decide on delimitation | Pakistan to allow its cricket team to travel to Indi

Concerns over hurried legislative actions; India responsible for the green menâ€™s safety, says Pakistan

PR Daily Brief | PR Team

In Brief
POLITICS
Concerns over hurried legislative actions
On 8 August, Dawn in its editorial questioned the speed over the new legislations. The lawmakers hurriedly passed bills, including an amendment to the Official Secrets Act 1923. The amendment bill which was introduced discreetly, seeks to give immunity and legal backing to intelligence agencies for previously denounced practices that violate human rights. Critics worry that insufficient deliberation and lack of public scrutiny could lead to problematic consequences. Parliament's rushed actions risk undermining transparency and accountability, highlighting concerns of eroding citizens’ rights. (“What’s the hurry?” Dawn, 8 August 2023)

“[Asif] Zardari sahib and Mian [Nawaz Sharif] sahib should take decisions which would make politics easier for me and Maryam Sharif, instead of making it difficult,” says Bhutto
On 7 August, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bhutto Zardari, called for a change in the political environment while addressing the National Assembly. He underlined the need for a shift from animosity, hatred, and division, to one that “inspires hope and empowers the younger generation to lead the country.” Seeing how the youth made up 65 per cent of the population, Zardari accentuated the importance of aligning with the youth’s “aspirations” and democratic principles, instead of following “traditional politics” which involved settling personal scores. Citing PPP's constitutional approach during opposition and the constitutional no-confidence success against Imran Khan, he highlighted these as precedents for future governance. (Amir Wasim, “Bilawal faults his elders for turning politics into minefield,” Dawn, 8 August 2023) (“Govt couldn’t keep institutions in their ambit: Bilawal,” The News International, 8 August 2023.

Update on Imran Khan arrest: Petition filed to move to a better jail
On 7 August, Imran Khan filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court to be moved to Adiala jail which has A-class facilities, citing “distressing conditions” in his current cell. His lawyer stated that he was facing “distressing conditions” in a “dark, small, C-Class, chakki wala room.” The petition highlights a perceived discriminatory transfer and the denial of visits by lawyers and family. Meanwhile in USA, the US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the arrest was an “internal matter for Pakistan,” and while they “urge Pakistani authorities to act consistent with their constitution and laws,” Khan was undeniably “charged with very serious crimes that severely harmed the national security of the United States.” It was made clear that the case was not an “unfounded” one, and that US would not comment on it. (Malik Asad, “Imran taken to Attock to deny rightful facility: PTI,” Dawn, 8 August 2023) (Anwar Iqbal, “Imran’s cases don’t warrant comment, says US State Dept,” Dawn, 8 August 2023)

SECURITY
Talks with TTP ruled out
On 7 August, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has put off the table the logic of having dialogues again with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. He said that they have to submit to the writ of the state, and failure to abide by the same will lead to their decimation. Further, he added that they should comply with the Doha Agreement. Any possibility of a dialogue with the terror outfit is ruled out, and if there has to be any, it will be with the Afghan interim government.

Two personnel killed in Musakhel, Balochistan
On 08 August, two Levies personnel got killed during a raid on the hideout of a gang of armed robbers in the Rarasham region of tehsil Kingri. Two others, including an officer, were injured and the dacoits escaped the area before the arrival of the security officers. The dead and injured were taken to a hospital by the security officers. (Saleem Shahid, “Two soldiers martyred in Musakhel,” Dawn, 08 August 2023)

ON INDIA
India responsible for the green men’s safety, says Pakistan
On 08 August, Pakistan put the onus on New Delhi to create an environment which is “free of coercion and free of belligerence to facilitate dialogue and peace in the region. Foreign Office Spokesperson expressed her serious concerns about the recent communal and ethnic violence in Manipur and the burning of mosques and also fears for the safety of the Pakistan cricket team visiting India. The FO spokesperson has requested the host and ICC to provide complete security to the Pakistan cricket team. The government has also ensured clear communication channels and serious monitoring of the situation for security reasons. ("Iftikhar A. Khan, “FO pins onus on India to ‘shun belligerence’,” Dawn, 08 August 2023)

Pakistan to allow its cricket team to travel to India
On 08 August, the government decided to allow the Pakistan cricket team to travel to India to participate in the ODI World Cup which is scheduled to begin in October. The Foreign Office has expressed “deep concerns” about the men in green’s safety in India both to the ICC and the Indian authorities. Though the two have met at multinational tournaments over the past few years, Pakistan and India have not played a bilateral series for over a decade. India also decided not to play matches in Pakistan during this year’s Asia Cup and chose, instead, to play Pakistan at Sri Lankan venues. Political tensions between the two countries have affected bilateral cricketing ties and sometimes have also helped to mend ties with their counterparts. The government aims to resume fully-fledged bilateral sporting ties between both sides, ensuring foolproof security for Pakistanis playing in India, starting with the cricket team. (Editorial, “Cricketing ties,” Dawn, 08 August 2023)

Pakistan cricket board to adopt hybrid model
On 08 August, an editorial discussed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is forced to opt for a hybrid model wherein the event will be conducted in Sri Lanka with Pakistan hosting only four games on home soil. The editorial stressed that it is not Pakistan’s interest to boycott the World Cup, an event run by the International Cricket Council (ICC) because of bilateral political tensions. The foreign ministry has demanded complete security for its cricketers as there are chances of hostile behaviour from the crowd. (Editorial, “Cleared for the cup,” Dawn, 08 August 2023)

Pakistan on Twitter

“No pride in expanding army's role in business. Its job is defence, not creating industrial conglomerates, real estate enterprises, contracting empires. Uneven playing field for MILBUS creates distortions, militates against econ development, unwise.”
-Farhatullah Babar

“Today marks a grim chapter in Pakistan's legislative history. The Senate's approval of Jamaat-e-Islami's Bill not only amplifies blasphemy law punishments but also shackles the defense rights of the accused.”
-Baqir Sajjad

“Pakistani diaspora in Calgary, Canada organized a protest against human rights violations and Imran Khan's unlawful arrest. The ongoing political unrest in Pakistan has affected many Pakistanis living around the world. The political unrest and instability has affected the mental health of Pakistanis living in Canada. Unlawful arrest, arbitrary harassment of citizens by the police and government, violence against women and children, Canadian Pakistanis gathered to speak up against the human rights violations in Pakistan.”
-PTI Canada Official

Daily Briefs

Election Commission to decide on delimitation | Pakistan to allow its cricket team to travel to Indi

Concerns over hurried legislative actions; India responsible for the green menâ€™s safety, says Pakistan

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