In Brief
INTERNAL
Energy conservation plan to be implemented by the government, says Shehbaz Sharif
On 28 December, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif while chairing a federal cabinet meeting directed the implementation of the energy conservation plan aimed at reducing the import bill on the purchase of fuel for power generation. It was decided by the cabinet that the effort could be materialized following opposition from stakeholders. The meeting proposed the closure of markets by 8 pm and various other measures like the solarisation of public buildings. PM Shehbaz Sharif issued a statement that the cabinet meeting was given a briefing on the proposed energy conservation. The prime minister stressed consultation with all the stakeholders including the governments of provinces, “AJK” and Gilgit-Baltistan. He said it was imperative to implement the energy conservation plan and find alternative energy resources to reduce the oil import bill. He also directed the minister for energy to present a report on the feasibility of wind energy in the country. (Muhammad Anis, “PM directs the implementation of energy conservation plan,” The News International, 29 December 2022)

Terrorist resurgence was because of the reversal of PTI’s Afghan policy, Fawad Chaudhry
On 28 December, Fawad Chaudhry while addressing a press conference said that the resurgence in terrorism was linked with the reversal of PTI government policy with Afghanistan. He said Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari did not understand the situation in Afghanistan. He added if the situation in Kabul deteriorated it would have negative implications for Islamabad as well. The PTI leader also highlighted the situation in the former Fata region and said since its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government did not spend any money on the development of the tribal districts. He went on to claim that the cabinet never got a briefing on the Afghanistan situation and on the merger of the erstwhile Fata region. He said the interior minister did not even visit to make himself aware of the problems faced by the locals. (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI blames terror resurgence on reversal of its Afghan policy,” Dawn, 29 December 2022)

PAC to enquire about funds collected to overcome country’s water scarcity
On 28 December, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) decided to write a letter to the Supreme Court to seek information about a fund set up by former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar during his tenure to collect money for the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams. The fund was set up in July 2018 and the Supreme Court’s website had specifically solicited donations for building the two reservoirs. The former government called for donations in the funding so as to overcome the country’s water scarcity. The fund hit Rs10 billion in collections by March 2019 while reportedly a sum of Rs13bn was spent on its advertisements. The PAC summoned Mr Nisar earlier this year for an explanation of the fund, but he did not come to attend the committee’s meeting. PAC Chairman Noor Alam Khan said he had learnt that the State Bank of Pakistan had also been restrained from providing details of bank accounts related to the fund. He said the people of Pakistan deposited Rs10 to 100 million in this fund and the PAC was obliged to keep a check on the public money. The committee also ordered a forensic audit of the Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu, Mohmand and Neelum-Jhelum dams and the K-IV water project in Karachi. (Malik Asad, “Public Accounts Committee to examine SC dam fund,” Dawn, 29 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Suicide attack wounds two soldiers
On 29 December, two soldiers were wounded in a suicide bomb attack. The bomber crashed his vehicle into a security check post in the North Waziristan district. Local police said that the area was immediately cordoned off after the incident and a search operation was launched. No official statement was received from ISPR till the victims were taken to the hospital. (“2 soldiers wounded in Waziristan suicide attack,” Dawn, 29 December 2022)

Balochistan: Strike in Gwadar port continues for the third day
On 28 December, the strike at the Gwadar port continued for the third day as police arrested a number of protesters amid clashes with supporters of the Haq Do Tehreek (HDT). The home minister had directed police officials to register a case against the HDT chief after firing during clashes a day earlier claimed the life of a policeman, an FIR was yet to be registered against Maulana Hidayatur Rehman. Protesters took to main roads and highways linking Gwadar with other towns and cities of Makran, blocking the thoroughfares for all kinds of incoming and outgoing traffic. a spokesman for the Balochistan government said the government would fulfil its responsibility to restore long-lasting peace and protect the lives and property of the people. (Saleem Shahid, “Efforts to resolve Gwadar unrest yet to bear fruit,” Dawn, 29 December 2022)

ON MILITARY
Army signals strong message to growing terrorism in the country
On 28 December, according to ISPR, the army in their monthly conference at GHQ signalled a strong response to the growing terrorism in the country. ISPR statement stated that the army is resol­ved to fight against terrorists without any distinction and eliminate this menace as per the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. The media statement indicated that the focus of the discussion remained largely on the resurgence of terrorism in the country, even though the commanders also undertook a “review of professional and organisational matters of the Army.” The corps commanders conference happened in the backdrop of intensifying economic crisis, but there was no mention of the economic security that remained a major concern during Gen Munir’s predecessor’s tenure. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Terrorism tops agenda as new brass takes stock,” Dawn, 29 December 2022)

ON ENERGY
Power cuts to continue
On 28 December, Power Division officials said that the electricity shortfall reached 4,321 megawatts in the country even in the winter chill, resulting in more unannounced power cuts. They elaborated that 1,000 MW of electricity was being generated from the government thermal power plant. Besides 500 MW and 32 MW were being produced through hydroelectric and solar energy sources, respectively. The officials added that the contribution of private sector powerhouses stood at 5,555 MW. The Power Division authorities said they were compelled to conduct load management because of the reduction of electricity from hydel sources. (“Power outages cut through the winter chill,” The Express Tribune, 29 December 2022)

Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Monuments of maladaptation
Dawn, 29 December 2022
Can we plan to reduce the cost of climate change to our people and economy? The loss and damage caused by the floods this summer have shaken the foundation of our economic planning. We have learnt that the monsoon has changed its pattern: it has become more unpredictable in terms of rainfall timing, location, and quantity.

Omer Imran Malik, Privacy leadership
Dawn, 29 December 2022
In the last couple of years, there has been a push to increase Pakistan’s overall exports on the back of Pakistan’s growing IT industry. With the growth of ‘remote work’ culture post-Covid and an abundance of skilled software engineers in the country, relatively cheap input costs, easy scalability, and a strong, robust and growing international market — all the elements are there for Pakistan to actually achieve international recognition in the development and creation of software products, applications, and new digital technologies.

Editorial, Undemocratic tendencies
Dawn, 29 December 2022
A deeply worrying trend has been noticed in recent months, with the political parties that till last year were proclaiming themselves to be the champions of democracy now using every means at their disposal to block public participation in the political process.

Syed Akhtar Ali, How to conserve energy
The News International, 29 December 2022
Oil imports have decreased by 26 per cent in the first five months of the current fiscal year (July-Nov). Crude oil imports have fallen by 16 per cent, diesel imports by 44 per cent, and gasoline by 20 per cent. While there may be some inventory effect as well, this is a clear demand-reduction signal. The reasons appear to be obvious: economic slowdown and pricing and foreign exchange issues.

Foqia Sadiq Khan, Charter of economy
The News International, 29 December 2022
Now that the political temperature has somewhat gone down in the country; there is a need to think of some medium and long-term measures to focus on the economy.

Zile Huma, Climate migration
The News International, 29 December 2022
The International Day of Migration is observed every year on December 18 to create mass awareness about the challenges and rights of migrants. The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was adopted on December 18, 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Imran Jan, We want US dollars
The Express Tribune, 29 December 2022
The funniest fact of all and which not too many people seem to understand is that somehow the dollar has become the yardstick for measuring our economic health. Just as plazas are now called malls and wedding halls have gotten a new name called marquee, dollar rate has unquestioningly become the norm for the lazy minds, of which there’s no shortage in Pakistan. To dollar we bow, to it we must convert. The race is on.

Muhammad Wajahat Sultan, Pakistan and year 2023
The Express Tribune, 29 December 2022
In the outgoing year, Pakistan remained engulfed in socio-political and socio-economic turmoil resulting from political transitions, natural disasters and bad economic management. The coming year is the year of hopes and hurdles. By planning and implementing policies effectively, multiple threats can be curbed.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Transportation in the city gets disrupted due to continuous bad weather
On 27 December, poor visibility and foggy weather continued to disrupt air, railway and road traffic across the country. Flights have been delayed or diverted to different places of less intense conditions. Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said the PLA flights from Arab countries have been diverted to Islamabad International Airport due to bad weather. Heavy fog and haze in the cities up north made several trains delayed in reaching Karachi. The thick fog badly affected the flow of road traffic in several cities. People have been requested to avoid unnecessary travelling. Dense fog and low visibility also disrupted traffic at several places on the national highway. (“Heavy fog disrupts air, rail and road travel,” Dawn, 28 December 2022)

Political parties urge Imran Khan to return to parliament
On 27 December, Bilawal Bhutto and Shujaat Hussain urged Imran Khan to return to the parliament saying that his and his party’s salvation lay in representing the citizens who had elected them. Both the leaders still warned Imran Khan that if he persisted on his current course, they would neither be able to save him nor would it benefit the country. They stressed the need for all parties to work together to rescue Pakistan from the economic and political dire straits that the country finds itself in. The remarks came as the PTI MNA’s attempted to gain an audience with the NA speaker for personal verification of their resignations from the lower house of parliament. Bhutto while addressing the death anniversary commemoration of Benazir Bhutto said that political and economic stability is crucial for the country and the general elections should be held on time. Shujaat  Hussain also pointed to the economic crisis plaguing the country, saying that the IMF would only extend its support if political parties could set aside their differences. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Return to assembly to avoid ‘being victimised’, PTI told,” Dawn, 28 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Pakistan will not be in default, says Ishaq Dar
On 26 December, Ishaq Dar assured while addressing a ceremony on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) that Pakistan will not be in default stating that the government has a beautiful future and a resilient economy. He said that speculation of Pakistan not making its USD one billion bond payments to the investors by pseudo-intellectuals is the problem of economic downfall. He advised the investors not to listen to such people as they were the ones who had brought Pakistan to this point and to spread awareness that Pakistan would not default. He also addressed the difference in the USD-PKR exchange rate in the interbank and open markets. He recalled that the markets had “started behaving positively.” Ishaq Dar said there were three primary reasons for the worsening situation: the smuggling of the greenback to a neighbouring country, the import of wheat and its partial subsidization and the import of fertilizers which were heavily subsidized. Wheat and fertilisers were also being smuggled. He said he had asked the law enforcement agencies to stop the smuggling of all three items, saying that the economy also needed to be defended in the same way the state. (“No chance of default, finance minister assures investors at PSX,” Dawn, 28 December 2022)

IMF deal should be implemented, says Shehbaz Sharif
On 27 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the government has no option but to implement the IMF Programme. He said the coalition government never wanted to transfer the burden of price hikes. In the past, the PTI government blatantly breached the agreement with the IMF. Shehbaz Sharif said that they had devised a plan to immediately convert all the federal government entities’ buildings to solar power by April next year in order to make a share out of the country’s costly fuel import bill hiking around USD 27 billion. He also urged all the relevant authorities and stakeholders to complete the required process by the end of April next year and meet the timeline which had been set. The prime minister assured that the whole process would be conducted through transparent bidding via a third party. (“No other option but to implement IMF deal: PM,” The Express Tribune, 28 December 2022)

SBP lifts restrictions on manufacturing goods
On 27 December, the government announced that the import restrictions on car manufacturing goods, mobile assembling, nuclear reactors, and solar power equipment will be removed from 2023. The commercial banks were asked to keep the food and energy imports on top priority. The SBP also asked banks that were required over the past eight months to seek prior permission from foreign exchange operations department before initiating any import transaction. The head of a famous think tank remarked that the removal of restrictions will not re-open imports in a full-fledged manner.” He pointed out that the government has advised banks to first facilitate the import of essential goods and then cater to others due to the low foreign exchange reserves in the country. (“Import restrictions lifted by central bank,” The Express Tribune, 28 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: Haq Do Tehreek protests turn violent, kills one policeman
On 27 December, the protests led by Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) continued in Gwadar and turned violent, resulting in the death of one policeman. Constable Yasir Saeed was shot dead by one of the assailants after the authorities arrested numerous protestors and used tear gas to disperse the crowds. The Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove reacted to the death of Yasir and demanded a FIR to be registered against the HDT leader Maulana Hidayatur Rehman. (“Policeman shot dead as Gwadar protest rages on,” Dawn, 28 December 2022)
 
Balochistan: Previously expelled leaders of PkMAP create a new faction
On 27 December, the Pashtoonkhwah Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) was formally split after Khushal Khan Kakar was appointed as the Chairman of the new faction and Mukhtar Khan Yousafzai as the co-chairman. The PkMAP Chief had previously expelled Kakar and Yousafzai for violating the party’s constitution and opposing his policies. The establishment of the new faction was announced at a congress in Quetta which was attended by party delegates and a large number of people. The congress will now decide on the faction’s future. (“PkMAP ‘officially’ splits,” Dawn, 28 December 2022)
 
Punjab: Supreme Court rejects petition seeking to restrain Elahi’s funding of home districts
On 27 December, The Supreme Court’s Registrar Office returned a petition seeking a restraining order against Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi from allocating funds to districts belonging to his family. The petition was filed by Advocate Mian Dawood last week as he sought to prevent government agencies from funding Elahi’s family members and their districts. He highlighted that Elahi had granted his own district the status of division and allocated over PKR 100 billion. (“Petition to stop Elahi from funding 2 Punjab districts returned,” Dawn, 28 December 2022)
 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Peshawar High Court rejects Ombudsperson ruling on women’s property issues
On 28 December, Dawn reported on the Peshawar High Court’s decision to declare the grant of judicial powers to the provincial anti-harassment ombudsperson for women’s property issues as unconstitutional. Justice Syed Arshad Ali ruled that the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act (2019) was established to allow the executive body of the state to conduct parallel judicial proceedings. The ruling said: “This, in my humble view, is an excessive delegation of power and would offend the principle of trichotomy of power, which is one of the fundamental value of our constitution where under all the three organs of the State namely the legislature, the executive and the judiciary are required to perform their functions and exercise their powers within the allotted sphere.” (“Ombudsperson can’t decide women’s property issues, declares PHC,” Dawn, 28 December 2022)

Zahid Hussain, The challenges ahead
Dawn, 28 December 2022
It has been a year of political turmoil, worsening economic crises and the return of terrorism. The perpetual state of confrontation among political forces and the virtual collapse of state institutions have pushed the country close to anarchy. With the prospect of sovereign default staring us in the face, the outlook for the economy seems extremely grim. Pakistan faces daunting internal and external challenges ahead. Can we come out of these predicaments in the coming year?

Rafia Zakaria, Afghanistan or ‘Isolation-istan’?
Dawn, 28 December 2022
There is another reason why the continued freeze on Afghan funds is counterproductive. When forces like the Taliban have nothing to lose, then why should they bother aligning themselves with any values of the liberal world order? Instead, they feel empowered to do whatever they please and crush the dreams of women and let children die, rather than making the services of international NGOs available to them. What the current boycott accomplishes is to permit the former occupiers of the country to claim that they are being tough on the Taliban even as they abandon Afghan interests — and the people — entirely.

Editorial, Toshakhana rules
Dawn, 28 December 2022
The Toshakhana was once a solemn entity, quietly cataloguing and collecting the diplomatic gifts received by Pakistan’s representatives during exchanges with their counterparts from other nations. Some of these gifts were presented by heads of state, others by royals, yet others by those of different but no less important social and political stature. Tradition dictated that these gifts were never meant for the individual they were presented to; rather, they were tokens of welcome and appreciation for the office and people represented by the person receiving them.

Editorial, Dollar outflow
Dawn, 28 December 2022
There has been a consistent, significant outflow of dollars from Pakistan to Afghanistan ever since the US froze the war-ravaged country’s reserves following the Taliban takeover in summer last year. Until then, Afghanistan had been a notable exporter of dollars — poured into its economy by the US — to Pakistan for years. Thus, the reversal of Afghan fortunes has had a considerable impact on Pakistan’s weakening external sector, as stressed by the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan

Editorial, Gwadar Protests
Dawn, 28 December 2022
Events seem to be repeating themselves in Gwadar, as supporters of the Haq Do Tehreek , led by Jamaat-i-Islami’s Maulana Hidayatur Rahman, have been protesting in the port city for two months or so, mirroring last year’s massive demonstrations. However, matters turned ugly on Monday following a strike call as police and the protesters faced off. The law enforcers resorted to tear-gassing demonstrators as a mob tried to attack a police station, resulting in several arrests. The Balochistan home minister says the protesters were trying to block the port and police had “no option” but to resort to forceful measures.

Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri , The state of the economy in 2022
The News International, 28 December 2022
If Covid-19 in 2020 was a nightmare, then we have been continuously transitioning from one nightmare to another. Generous fiscal stimulus in the rich world, accommodative monetary policies the world over, and a faster-than-expected recovery from Covid gave rise to global commodity demand, resultant commodity shortage, and a rise in their prices in 2021. At the beginning of 2022, experts believed inflation and commodity supercycles were short-lived, and prices would become moderate as the demand and supply chains settled.

Farhan Bokhari, The road ahead
The News International, 28 December 2022
The ongoing daily battles between the ruling camp led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the opposition led by Imran Khan, have badly exposed their combined failure to focus on worsening trends across the very reality – Pakistan – that gave them political power in the first place.

Editorial, Politics in parliament
The News International, 28 December 2022
It is a mystery just what makes former prime minister Imran Khan think that the general elections may be held in April next year. By all estimations, political observers feel – and this is rather apparent too – that the current PDM government is in no mood for early elections. Much of this is due to the economic crisis that is staring us in the face. No federal government would willingly go into early elections when inflation is at its peak, foreign reserves are nearly empty, and there is a recession on the cards. Some of it though, and something that is probably the driving force behind the PTI’s enthusiastic pursuit of early elections, is the idea that the PDM government is running from the fight in fear of defeat.

In Brief
INTERNAL
PTI Senator objects to being transferred under Balochistan and Sindh custody
On 26 December, Azam Khan Swati wrote to Islamabad High Court (IHC) complaining that he was transferred before the announcement of the case against him by the FIA’s special court. In his letter, PTI senator also criticised transfer of judge in order to implicate him under pressure from ‘hostile regimes’. (Malik Asad, “Swati objects to being shifted to Balochistan, Sindh police custody,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)

Women underrepresented in upcoming Islamabad LG polls
On 27 December, Dawn reported on the report recently shared by NGO Pattan. Pattan said in its analysis that 99 of the total 101 Forms (VII) of the contesting candidates disclosed that there were no women candidates for at least 17 per cent of the total seats. If polls are held on schedule on 31 December, then at least one-fifth of the reserved seats will remain vacant. As opposed to 17 per cent, in the 2005 LG elections, less than 1 per cent of women’s seats had remained vacant. (Iftikhaf A Khan, “17pc local government seats for capital women remain uncontested,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)

PML-N was offered deal on certain matters before 2018 elections
On 26 December, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that Imran model experiment was second priority of the establishment and since Nawaz Sharif rejected the terms of the deal, Imran was brought to power. He said: “The ‘Imran model’ was kept in a laboratory. They (establishment) tried their best to cut a deal with the then PML-N government on certain matters ahead of the 2018 vote, but Nawaz Sharif did not agree. Had Nawaz said yes, there would have been no Panama case and judicial verdicts against him (Nawaz).” He added: “The whole PML-N leadership was jailed at the behest of Imran Khan and this decision was taken by Mr Khan and not Bajwa.” Mr. Asif also confided that PDM has lost its political capital and said: “..there is no question of going into snap elections. We will try to regain our political capital and the elections will be held on time. We will not be blackmailed on this matter let me make it clear.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Establishment also tried to cut a deal with PML-N: Asif,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)

Toshakhana gifts from last two decades to be made public
On 27 December, Dawn reported on the possible government’s decision to follow advice of 12-member committee to formulate a more transparent policy pertaining to state gifts. The report of the inter-ministerial committee also used to draft the ‘Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Act 2022’ will be taken up by the federal cabinet in its next meeting along with the proposed bill. The committee further suggested that after the approval of the prime minister, the Cabinet Division would “dispose of the gifts either through the display at prominent government buildings, a donation to charities or auction them with the reserve price (market value) set at the assessed market value of the gift”. (Riazul Haq, “Govt planning to go public with Toshakhana records,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Police announces decision to use UAVs to combat urban terrorism
On 27 December, Dawn reported that the Singh police would be using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to conduct surveillance and target bandits in the hideouts near the riverine areas. The Ghotki, Sukkur, Shikarpur and Kashmore districts have acted as a safe haven to bandits in the province. An analyst from the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies noted the steady increase in the use of drones to combat urban terrorism and said: “Drones are expected to be used in katcha areas. This is a big shift in security due to changing technology of surveillance and change in operational ways. This is a major shift in operational techniques being used by the Counter-Terrorism Department and other law enforcement agencies.” (“Sindh police to add eyes in the sky to combat outlaws in riverine areas,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)
 
Sindh: Government suspects more than one assailant in Imran Khan’s attempted assassination
On 26 December, the Punjab government said that the Imran Khan’s attacker in police custody had failed the polygraph test and suspected the possibility of more than one assailant in the incident. The Adviser to the Punjab chief minister on Home Affairs Omar Sarfraz Cheema addressed a press conference and announced that there was more than one attacker during the assassination attempt of Imran Khan in Wazirabad. He claimed that the attack was well-planned and said: “The investigations, currently underway, will reveal whose bullet hit Moazzam and took his life away.” (“Wazirabad suspect ‘failed polygraph’: Punjab govt,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)
 
Balochistan: Haq Do Tehreek protests turn violent
On 26 December, the Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) protestors were tear-gassed and arrested after the demonstration turned violent. The Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove referred to the protests and warned that anyone who challenged the state writ would be punished severely. All commercial activities and public transportation were suspended as the HDT leader called for a strike. The protestors threw rocks at the DIG Makran Range police station and set the gate on fire. The protests turned violent after the police hurled tear gas shells. Pasni, Jewani and Ormara were also shut down. (“Protesters tear-gassed, held as violence erupts in Gwadar,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)
 
Sindh: Police deploys over 8000 personnel on the day of Benazir Bhutto’s 15th death anniversary
On 27 December, the Pakistan People’s Party observe the 15th death anniversary of the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at the Garhi Khuda Bakhsh mausoleum. The Larkana police has deployed over 8000 security personnel in the area to ensure law and order on the day. The authorities also installed over 150 CCTV cameras and deployed 30 SSPs and eight ASPs to monitor the event. The event has witnessed a gathering of Bhutto’s followers for the last 15 years. (“Over 8,000 cops to guard Garhi Khuda Bakhsh today,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)
 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Investigators suspect attacker to have travelled from Karak
On 27 December, Dawn reported that the perpetrator of the bomb attack in Islamabad had reached the city on the same day via a passenger vehicle from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The investigators found a person resembling the attacker at Karak, Pirwadhai and I-10/4 on the same day. It is unsure if the suicide attacker met a supplier at the Pirwadhai bus terminal or if he had been wearing a ready-to-blow suicide vest and a detonator. (“Investigators suspect suicide bomber came from KP,” Dawn, 27 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar heads meeting on GIDC recuperation
On 26 December, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) money would be recovered in due time and that “each and every penny” would be received from the defaulters. Dar was informed about the rise in the GIDC arrears amounting to nearly PKR 500 and also expressed apprehension over the non-recoveries of the cess dues. He administered officials to dispense an updated sector-wise break up of the arrears of the GIDC and held that the next meeting would entail a detailed discussion to draft legal and administrative strategy for the “fast track recovery” of the incomplete GIDC dues. Dar reiterated that the cess amount would be “fully recovered” as well. (“Dar chairs meeting on GIDC recovery,” The Express Tribune, 27 December 2022)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the government can still ‘fix' economy
On 26 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the ruling coalition government had a sustained term of eight more months and that it could “steer” the country out of its socioeconomic difficulties and challenges. PM Shehbaz reiterated that the snap polls after eight months solidified his resolve to promote Pakistan’s position to “achieve progress and prosperity” and that his government would put the country “on path” to development through “hard work.” Additionally, PM Shehbaz said that he “did not realise” the “extent” of damage the national economy extended because of the PTI regime and that his efforts to save the country from defaulting and bankruptcy were relentless. Further, he said that the challenges are “enormous” and criticised Imran Khan for an inadequate and inefficient in his governance. (“PM says govt still has time to fix economy,” The Express Tribune, 27 December 2022)

Major chunk of PKR 2.2 trillion consumed by interest and defence in total income
On 27 December, The Express Tribune reported that the two budget heads of debt and defence exhausted nearly PKR 2.2 trillion of the total net income of the federal government in the first five months of the current fiscal year. The Express Tribune reported that there was an increase of a whopping 83 per cent in the interest cost on the PKR 50 trillion debt stock of the government. This comes as the Ministry of Finance spent about PKR 1.7 trillion in interest costs, excluding military pensions and outward expenses on the armed forces development programme. Along with interest costs, the total income was also depleted by PKR112 billion by the defence sector, waging more than the previous year. This estimate leaves the cumulative spending on debt servicing and defence at nearly 2.2 trillion, which is equivalent to 107 per cent of the federal government’s net income. (Shahbaz Rana, “Rs2.2 trillion spent on interest and defence,” The Express Tribune, 27 December 2022)

Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail ‘fears’ default risk, pushes government to seek IMF’s help
On 26 December, Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail expressed concern of a potential default risk and said that it is imperative for Pakistan to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) “at this crucial time.” He said that the country was “safe” under the flagship of the IMF programme for the first three years and that the initial two years of the IMF flagship entailed derailed exports and rapid increase of imports. He mentioned that the exports had amounted to USD 31 billion in the previous year, with remittances totalling USD 30 billion and that the total income of the last year stood at USD 61 billion, with expenses raising upto USD 80 billion. Ismail said that the CPEC project would be the “guarantor” of economic development in Pakistan and recommended the barring of “imported luxury items” to encourage local industry and control inflation in the economy. (“Miftah foresees default if Pakistan shuns IMF,” The Express Tribune, 27 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
Saudi Arabia and Australia forbid their nationals from visiting hotel in Islamabad
On 26 December, the Saudi Embassy “advised” its citizens to be cautious of visiting the five-star hotel in Islamabad and requested them to “remain vigilant” and to “avoid unnecessary movement.” This comes as the US and UK diplomatic missions issued similar caution to their citizens, with the US government  claiming that they were “aware” of information that “unknown individuals” were “plotting” an attack against the Americans at the hotel. The Australian High Commissioner joined other diplomatic missions and called on nationals to refrain from movement near the hotel and asked citizens to limit travel within the city as well. (Kamran Yousaf, “Saudis join others to issue terror alert in Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 27 December 2022)

M Zeb Khan, The cost of confrontation
It does not augur well for a state if its vital organs compete or fear each other. A state, like an organism, owes its survival and healthy development to its functioning organs and a high level of cooperation among them. The entire body suffers when an organ fails to provide sustained support to others. Cooperation is always driven by a higher purpose which makes it quite natural for organs to embrace one another without “preconditions” or demand for preferential treatment by any organ.

Mosharraf Zaidi, What’s in store in 2023?
Pakistanis have been overwhelmed by the challenges our country faced in 2022. The collapse of economic growth, the corrosion of trust in the country’s institutions, the calamitous climate change induced superfloods, and the absence of any sign of a new political compact to deal with these challenges all combined to create a profound sense of hopelessness and gloom. The good news is that 2022 is almost over. The bad news? The year 2023 will likely be much worse than 2022.

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan still feels your loss
As December 27 approaches, we are filled with the same grief and hollowness that left us bereft 15 years ago. Mourning any loss doesn’t only occur in the moment, or for 40 days after it. There is no cut-off date for grief. Every moment, big or small, happy or sad, unearths a new wellspring of loss. But then we are forced to dry our tears, take an extra breath, and set aside our immeasurable pain and put on a brave face. Much like we did that horrific 15 fifteen years ago.

Balochistan violence
After KP and Islamabad were rocked by episodes of militant violence over the past few days, Balochistan experienced a bloody weekend when security personnel as well as non-combatants were subjected to acts of terror.

Aijaz A Nizamani, How do we pay for our food?
Pakistan is one of the most agriculturally endowed countries, yet we cannot feed ourselves, let alone aspire to be counted among the world’s major food exporters.

Adeela Naureen/Waqar K Kauravi, Is K-P government failing to tackle terror?
Last three months have witnessed a string of terror attacks across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In Brief
INTERNAL
National Command and Operation Centre claims to enforce safety measure but raises concerns over preparedness
On 26 December, Dawn cited the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and said that the spread of COVID-19 cases in the country was being monitored closely. However, airports lacked the strict adherence to preventive measures that are necessary to keep the spread in check. NCOC member Dr Shahzad Ali Khan claimed that Pakistan was unaware of the impact of the new variant of the virus and how it would affect the population. He said: “We have been closely observing the situation. It is a fact that a sudden spread [of Covid-19] has been observed in China because there were strict restrictions in place and an abrupt removal of these curbs allowed the virus to spread.” (“Pakistan ‘ill-prepared’ to combat new Covid variants,” Dawn, 26 December 2022)
 
PTI accused for resurgence of terrorist attacks and the Pakistani Taliban
On 25 December, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ayaz Sadiq accused former Prime Minister Imran Khan for the resurgence of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, an organization that has been banned by the government. Sadiq referred to the recent increase in violent terrorist attacks in the country and said that it was a result of the PTI government’s decision to negotiate with the Taliban. He said: “Imran Khan (while in power) did not curb terrorism. Rather he allowed negotiations with those who had martyred children at the Army Public School (in Peshawar). And now a new wave of terrorism has begun because of those negotiations.” (“Govt pins TTP’s rise on PTI chairman,” Dawn, 26 December 2022)
 
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Multiple terror attacks across the province kills at least seven and injures many more
On 25 December, six security personnel were killed in terrorist attacks carried out in different regions of the Balochistan. The attacks also injured 17 other people. The Inter-Services Public Relations announced that a clearance operation had been initiated in Kahan where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used to target security forces. The blast resulted in the death of Captain Fahad, Lance Naik Imtiaz, and sepoys Asghar, Mehran and Shamoon. Another act of terror in Zhob killed one soldier, one terrorist and injured two individuals. Another attack in Quetta injured more than 12 people, including three policemen. (“6 security men martyred in Balochistan terror incidents,” Dawn, 26 December 2022)
 
Balochistan: Home Minister and CM’s Advisor attempt to pacify Haq Do Tehreek protests
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the Baloch Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove and Advisor to the chief minister Lala Rasheed had arrived in Gwadar to discuss the Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) protests and bring an end to the two-month-long demonstration. Langove explained that the government was trying its best to address the grievances and negotiate the terms to return to normalcy. The HDT leader Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, however, refused to be a part of the process and accused the government of harbouring a non-serious attitude and ignoring the grievances of the people. (“Gwadar’s Haq Do Tehreek — genuine movement or political ambition?” Dawn, 26December 2022)
 
Punjab: Imran Khan claims that CM Elahi will dissolve the assembly after vote
On 25 December, Imran Khan addressed a press gathering and expressed his belief in Chief Minister Parvez Elahi and announced that Elahi would dissolve the assembly right after the vote of confidence. Imran Khan said: “With the dissolution of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, the powers-that-be will be compelled to hold elections, and I foresee the polls in April.” He further claimed to be “in touch” with the new military establishment. (“Elahi will dissolve assembly after trust vote, says Imran,” Dawn, 26 December 2022)
 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Warring clans agree to evacuate and negotiate over long-standing resource dispute
On 25 December, the police authorities in the Kurram tribal district seized the mountaintop positions of the Turi and Para Chamkani clans, after both communities agreed to evacuate and negotiate through a jirga. In the previous week, five individuals from the Chamkani tribe were killed as a mortar shell hit a bunker. The community accused the Turi clan for the death of their tribesmen, as the two clans had long-existing rivalries with each other over the use of resources. However, the warring clans agreed to a 15-days-long ceasefire. (“LEAs take control of mountains,” The Express Tribune, 26 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Status of privatisation of power discos
On 26 December, The Express Tribune reported a story on status of privatisation and provincialisation of distribution companies. High generation cost and unpaid subsidies may not be exactly ascribed to DISCOs. High fuel cost has been a recent phenomenon wherein gas and coal prices tripled, causing uncollected receivables, close-outs and increased theft; and then macroeconomic problems like current account deficit (CAD), currency depreciation and general inflation. Finally, Covid followed by floods. This is coupled with IMF and other IFIs dementia, which fail to recognise these issues and insist on increase in tariff. (Syed Akhtar Ali, “Privatisation of power distribution companies-I,” The Express Tribune, 26 December 2022)

Charter of economy released by PIDE
On 26 December, The Dawn reported on the crux of the ‘Charter of Economy’ presented by Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) amid continuous calls for a charter by different segments of society as well as the political leadership. PIDE Vice Chancellor Dr Nadeemul Haque was qoured as saying: ““Moreover, it is pertinent to note that economic growth is not limited to just traditional economic indicators. Instead, in modern times as has been practiced globally, growth is supported by seemingly minuscule but significantly important areas. This involves a modern civil service and a network of independent organisations across the economy. So, under sludge and regulation themes, the charter envisions a modern bureaucracy with digitisation at the centre, monetisation of perks and privileges, bidding farewell to colonial examination and lifetime job security, along with independent authorities with the sovereign board of governors instead of centralised bureaucratic control.” He added, the charter calls for empowered local governments and local police, new rules for the cabinet and parliament as well as electoral reforms. (“‘Accelerated growth can pull country out of economic turmoil’,” Dawn, 26 December 2022)

In Brief
INTERNAL
Punjab: Chief Minister Parvez Elahi calls for dissolution hours after assuring the Lahore High Court against it 
On 23 December, Chief Minister Parvez Elahi announced that the Punjab Assembly will be dissolved as per Imran Khan’s orders. The statement was made hours after Elahi was restored as the chief minister and assured the Lahore High Court that he would not disband the assembly.

Elahi tweeted: “The decision to dissolve the assemblies is final. Imran Khan's decision will be implemented." (“Contrary to undertaking, CM Parvez Elahi insists Punjab Assembly 'will be dissolved',” The News International, 23 December 2022) 

PM assures PDM members of their concerns about the Reko Diq bill, among other directives
On 23 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with PDM chief Fazlur Rehman and addressed his grievances that the Reko Diq-related Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Bill, 2022, recently passed by the Senate, was against the rights of the people of Balochistan. Two components of the ruling PDM coalition, JUI-F and Balochistan National Party-Mengal, have expressed displeasure over not seeking any consultation from them while drafting the bill. PM, in a separate meeting, emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to increase the export of IT-related products on priority. Pakistan IT-related exports are valued at USD 2.6 billion. Separately, PM Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure the early construction of modern housing units in the federal capital for overseas Pakistanis. During a meeting with a delegation from Kazakhstan led by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, PM Shehbaz said the signing of three MoUs on aviation, investment and banking cooperation between the two countries would not only enhance trade and economic relations but also spur people-to-people contacts. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM assuages allies’ concerns over Reko Diq,” Dawn, 24 December 2022)
 
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Women and children in Pakistan protest against the Afghan government’s decision to ban women from universities 
On 23 December, political activists and students protested against the Afghan government’s decision to ban women from universities in the country. The protestors included women, children and supporters of the National Democratic Party (NDP). They held placards and banners while marching towards the Quetta Press Club, where the NDP Balochistan President Ahmed Jan Khan addressed the gathering. Ahmed Khan criticised the Afghan government for preventing half the population from accessing education and said that Islam never prohibited women from educating themselves. (“Protest in Quetta against Taliban ban on women’s education,” Dawn, 24 December 2022) 

Punjab: Chief Minister’s son hands over affidavit after consulting Imran Khan 
On 24 December, Punjab Chief Minister’s son Moonis Elahi handed over Parvez Elahi’s affidavit to lawyer Ali Zafar after consulting the former Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to the report, Moonis Elahi met with Imran Khan and Barrister Ali Zafar at Zaman Park and handed over the undertaking. The affidavit was then read out by Ali Zafar in court. (“After consulting Imran Khan: Moonis Elahi hands over undertaking to lawyer,” The News International, 24 December 2022) 
 
EXTERNAL
US Senate approves USD 200 package for gender equality in Pakistan 
On 24 December, Dawn reported that the US Senate has passed a USD 1.7 trillion spending package for 2023, which includes a USD 200 million pack for promoting gender equality in Pakistan. The bill combines several programmes and will fund the federal government’s expenditure until September 2023. The fund approved for Pakistan, however prohibits its usage for abortion. In 2020, the US Congress approved USD 10 million for promoting gender equality and USD 15 million for strengthening democracy in Pakistan. The current fund is a 20-fold increase. (“US provides $200m for gender equality,” Dawn, 24 December 2022) 
 
ECONOMY
IMF gives three weeks time to Pakistan in reviving the stalled programme
On 24 December, The News International reported that IMF has shared lists of prerequisite actions and told Pakistani authorities in plain words that Islamabad will have to move towards implementing all demands in the next 15 to 20 days for reviving the stalled Fund programme. The contested domains where IMF demanded more stringent progress are energy sector including power and gas, taking additional taxation measures and pursuing structural reforms in the remaining period of the Fund programme. The News International reported that sources said the Ministry of Finance asked the Ministry of Energy to revise the roadmap for curtailing the Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP) for the financial year 2023 and quoted one official: ““We cannot allow the imposition of power surcharge in the range of Rs 31.60 or Rs 12.69 per unit hike, keeping in view the attached political cost.” The combined circular debt of energy and gas now hovers at around USD 20 billion. (Mehtab Haider, “Stalled programme revival: IMF asks Pakistan to meet all demands in three weeks,” The News International, 24 December 2022)

Pakistan gets 14 per cent more loans in the current FY compared to last FY
On 24 December, The Dawn reported that Pakistan borrowed about USD 5.115 billion in foreign loans in the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year. The data available in monthly report on Foreign Economic Assistance (FEA) by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) mentioned that In November alone, Pakistan received USD 842 million from foreign inflows compared to USD 794m in the same month last year, a rise of 6per cent. The total inflows at USD 5.115 billion in the current FY amounted to just 22.4 per cent of the budget estimates of USD 22.817 billion for the entire year. Unlike previous years, there were only three major sources of foreign inflows this year and including USD 4.172 billion from multilateral lenders followed by USD 602 million from bilateral lenders and about USD 200 million from commercial banks. The inflows also came through Naya Pakistan Certificates from overseas Pakistanis and stood at just USD 139 million in five months against a full-year target of USD 1.63 billion. The MEA data showed that the size of foreign loans had been steadily increasing over the last four years from USD 10.59 billion in 2018-19 to USD 10.662 billion in 2019-20 and then reaching USD 14.28 billion in 2020-21 followed by USD 16.97 billion in 2021-22. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Pakistan received $5.1bn in July-November,” Dawn, 24 December 2022)

Textile imports may fall to USD 1 billion per month, warns APTMA
On 23 December, All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) said the country’s textile exports could fall below USD 1 billion a month from 2023 onwards, seeking government intervention to save the sector from destruction. In a letter written to the prime minister, APTMA said that the textile sector was now operating at capacity utilisation of less than 50 percent across the country. “A very substantial number of jobs have already been lost and many more are to follow if remedial measures are not urgently undertaken,” APTMA cautioned. Attributing the problems to supply chain disruptions due to floods, it said that the cotton crop was destroyed, and only 5 million bales were produced this year, whereas the industry requires 14 million bales. In addition to that, it said the forex issues have curtailed cotton import and other essential inputs necessary for exports. (“APTMA says textile exports may fall below $1bn/month from Jan 2023,” The News International, 24 December 2022)
 
ON INDIA
JUI-F Chief cancels visit to India over flared tensions between the countries 
On 24 December, the Express Tribune reported that the Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Maulana Fazlur Rehman had cancelled his pre-planned four-day trip to India after the diplomatic tensions heightened due to the Foreign Minister’s remarks over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit was cancelled after Bilawal called Modi “the butcher of Gujrat” and raised fingers at the human rights of Muslims in the country. Fazlur was scheduled to attend a religious congregation in Uttar Pradesh and the trip would have marked the first visit by a prominent Pakistani leader in the last four years. (“Maulana Fazl cancels India visit amid tensions,” The Express Tribune, 24 December 2022) 

Faisal Bari, No one to guide them
In schools, it is about what you will be studying at the university level; at the college level, the question is about what the students are studying; and post-university, it is about what they had studied and why.
 
Zofeen T Ebrahim, “Sharing ‘one’ air
IMAGINE Pakistan — well, not just Pakistan, but the whole of South Asia — in the next 20 years. There will be a huge unhealthy population, and many people will die prematurely. It is the polluted air that we are inhaling that will be our undoing. We are all in it together and there is no getting away from it.
 
Nikhat Sattar, Half of a man
The belief that the woman is inferior, only half of a man, is also supported in the minds of many men (and some women) by the law of inheritance in the Quran (4:11-14). None of these verses, however, suggests inferiority of women. Instead, they are a reflection of the social conditions of the time and aim to support and include women in matters that had been handled exclusively by men.
 
Tougher times likely ahead for markets
According to Topline’s calculations, the trailing PE (price-to-earnings ratio) of ex-government banks and circular debt is 4.5x. Such valuations were the case when economic sanctions were imposed after the nuclear tests in 1998-99. At that time, the country was in debt stress. So is the case today. At that time Pakistan managed to avert default on its external debt through restructuring and this time, too, debt reprofiling seems imperative. The other countries where debt restructuring is happening – such as Sri Lanka and Ghana – the market PE is between 2x to 4x. Pakistan may not need debt restructuring for both domestic and foreign debt. What it needs is reprofiling of the external debt. The problem is not too much debt, but too much prepayments and too low reserves.
 
Reducing govt expenditure
What is baffling is that 12 years after the passage of the 18th Amendment to the constitution where many subjects, particularly education, health and social welfare, were devolved to the provinces and the concurrent list of the constitution abolished, these subjects remain a source of considerable outlay in the federal budget.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Islamabad: Suicide blast claims a policeman
On 23 December, a suicide blast in Islamabad’s I-10/4 sector left a policeman martyred and injured at least six people. A “suspicious vehicle” was stooped at a checkpoint and the driver detonated himself at the spot who was travelling with a woman. DIG Islamabad lauded the police for “saving Islamabad from a major foul play” and added that terrorists had been targeting police for some time to demoralise law enforcement personnel. Islamabad police had issued a statement, saying it had checked 2,024 suspicious persons, motorcycles, and vehicles as part of a security measure, especially in the aftermath of a new wave of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast and vowed: “We will rid our country of all such elements who are the enemies of Pakistan and murderers of innocent people.” (“One policeman martyred in suicide blast in Islamabad’s I-10: police,” Dawn, 23 December 2022)
 
Islamabad court sends three suspects to FIA custody over Bajwa data leak
On 22 December, FIA produced the three suspects before the Judicial Magistrate in connection with the income tax data leak of former army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. They had accessed the data illegally and FIA had requested the court to grant physical remand of the suspects for five days so that details of one suspect could be collected and records from bank and Easypaisa retrieved. (Malik Asad “https://www.dawn.com/news/1727783/three-remanded-in-fia-custody-over-bajwa-data-leak” Dawn, 23 December 2022)
 
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) LG (Amendment) Bill, 2022 passed amid opposition protest
On 22 December, National Assembly (NA) passed the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2022, amid protests from the opposition members and voices on the lack of quorum in the House. According to an amendment to Section 12 of the 2015 Act, the mayor and the deputy mayor shall be directly elected as joint candidates by the voters. The election of the mayor and the deputy mayor shall be held on the day of the election of members of the Union Council. It says that if the office of the mayor of the local government falls vacant during the term of the council for any reason, the Election Commission shall hold a fresh election to the office of the head of the local government. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Maulana Abdul Akbar lodged a strong protest on the point of order and mentioned that the government was delaying its duty of conducting local government elections in the federal capital. (“NA adopts Islamabad LG govt bill amid opposition protest,” The News International, 23 December 2022)
 
Seven development projects worth USD 570 million cleared by CDWP
On 22 December, Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Thursday cleared seven development projects under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The development schemes included the National Programme Post-Flood Reconstruction: Climate Resilience Enhancement in Balochistan and Other Provinces at the cost of PKR 88 billion (USD 440 million), Strengthening of Labs in 5 Leading Universities, UET Peshawar, Taxila, Lahore, Khuzdar and NED Karachi, National Sports City at Narowal (Revised Third PC). National Programme Post-Flood Reconstruction includes rehabilitation and reconstruction of community infrastructure, including irrigation, drainage, flood protection, roads and other community facilities; reconstruction of damaged housing units; livelihood support, natural resources and watershed management. (“CDWP clears seven projects costing Rs116b,” The Express Tribune, 23 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
Taliban government committed to curb cross border terrorism
On 22 December, Foreign Office in its weekly media briefing meeting, mentioned: “We have received some assurances and have held some important consultations with the Afghan authorities. We hope that the Afghan interim government will fulfil the commitments that it has made to Pakistan in terms of security.” The ceasefire between TTP and the government was ended by TTP last month. (Baqir Sajjad Sayed, “Kabul renews pledge to curb cross-border terrorism: FO,” Dawn, 23 December 2022)
Also, on 22 December Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto stressed that the banned TTP is Pakistan’s red line and Islamabad’s relationship with Kabul will be affected if the terrorist outfit is not controlled. He said that there was no new agreement on cooperation with the US for anti-terrorism. (“Banned TTP is Pakistan’s red line, Bilawal tells Afghan Taliban,” The News International, 23 December 2022)
 
ECONOMY
SBP’s forex reserves plunge to 8-year low
On 22 December, the State bank of Pakistan announced that foreign exchange reserves continued their declining trend, plunging by USD 584 million to reach USD 6.1 billion as of 16 December. In the last 12 months, SBP’s reserves have declined by USD 11.6 billion. This year’s severe floods, surging food and energy inflation, as well as rising global interest rates, were also expected to depress Pakistan’s economic and fiscal outcomes, with refinancing challenges over the medium term. The ninth review has also been delayed with IMF. (“Debt repayments under complete control, says SBP governor,” Dawn, 23 December 2022)
Also, on 23 December, the Express Tribune reported that Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could not agree on a roadmap for recouping on an average monthly PKR 123 billion (USD 615 million) power sector losses that are further ballooning highly unsustainable circular debt. The government added PKR 393 billion into the circular debt during July-September period, which further increased to nearly PKR 500 billion by end October, according to the documents and the government sources. IMF desires clear roadmap on three things, higher than agreed circular debt during the current fiscal year, higher than agreed primary budget deficit and expenses on flood rehabilitation and reconstruction. (Shahbaz Rana, “Pakistan, IMF remain poles apart as power sector debt skyrockets,” The Express Tribune, 23 December 2022)

Faisal Bari, No one to guide them
In schools, it is about what you will be studying at the university level; at the college level, the question is about what the students are studying; and post-university, it is about what they had studied and why.
 
Zofeen T Ebrahim, “Sharing ‘one’ air
IMAGINE Pakistan — well, not just Pakistan, but the whole of South Asia — in the next 20 years. There will be a huge unhealthy population, and many people will die prematurely. It is the polluted air that we are inhaling that will be our undoing. We are all in it together and there is no getting away from it.
 
Nikhat Sattar, Half of a man
The belief that the woman is inferior, only half of a man, is also supported in the minds of many men (and some women) by the law of inheritance in the Quran (4:11-14). None of these verses, however, suggests inferiority of women. Instead, they are a reflection of the social conditions of the time and aim to support and include women in matters that had been handled exclusively by men.
 
Tougher times likely ahead for markets
According to Topline’s calculations, the trailing PE (price-to-earnings ratio) of ex-government banks and circular debt is 4.5x. Such valuations were the case when economic sanctions were imposed after the nuclear tests in 1998-99. At that time, the country was in debt stress. So is the case today. At that time Pakistan managed to avert default on its external debt through restructuring and this time, too, debt reprofiling seems imperative. The other countries where debt restructuring is happening – such as Sri Lanka and Ghana – the market PE is between 2x to 4x. Pakistan may not need debt restructuring for both domestic and foreign debt. What it needs is reprofiling of the external debt. The problem is not too much debt, but too much prepayments and too low reserves.
 
Reducing govt expenditure
What is baffling is that 12 years after the passage of the 18th Amendment to the constitution where many subjects, particularly education, health and social welfare, were devolved to the provinces and the concurrent list of the constitution abolished, these subjects remain a source of considerable outlay in the federal budget.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Punjab Assembly Speaker terms Governor’s demand illegal
On 20 December, Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan referred to the Governor’s demand of pushing Chief Minister Parvez Elahi for a vote of confidence in the assembly and called it illegal and against the provisions of the Constitution. The Speaker explained that the Governor’s address went against the Article 54(3) and Article 127. He said: “The house is in session since Oct 23, 2022, and under Article 54(3) and 127. No fresh session can be convened unless and until the current one ends.” He necessitated on the period of 10 days to win the vote of confidence. (“Punjab on the brink of another constitutional crisis,” Dawn, 21 December 2022)
 
Parliament’s joint session approves 10 bills despite PTI’s boycott
On 20 December, the joint session of the parliament passed 10 bills despite the boycott by the PTI leaders. The approved bills include: “The Global Change Im­­pact Studies Centre (Amen­dment) Bill, 2022, the Public Procurement Regu­latory Authority (Amen­d­ment) Bill, 2022; the Pakis­tan Nursing Council (Amen­dment) Bill, 2022; the State-Owned Enterprises (Go­vernance and Opera­tio­ns) Bill, 2022; the Pakistan Global Institute Bill, 2022; the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Islamabad Capi­tal Territory Prohibition of Interest on Private Loans Bill, 2022; the Islamabad Compulsory Vaccination and Protection of Health Workers Bill, 2022; the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Bill, 2022; and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Bill, 2022.” (“Joint session of parliament approves 10 bills amid PTI boycott,” Dawn, 21 December 2022)
 
Election Commission rejects Interior Ministry’s letter increasing Election Council seats
On 21 December, the Dawn reported the Election Commission’s announcement of holding the elections as per schedule on 31 December. The decision comes after the federal government moved to delay the election because of the increased number of union councils which would require new delimitations. However, the ECP rejected the Interior Ministry’s letter increasing the number of seats from 101 to 125 and deemed it illegal. The order read: “The Election Commission in exercise of its power under Articles 140-A (2), Article 218, (3) Article 219(d) and Article 222 of the Constitution read with Section 219 of Elections Act, 2017 and all other enabling provisions of law hereby decides to continue elections process notwithstanding the notification dated 19-12-2022 issued by the federal government as the said notification is in violation of Section 4 (4) of the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Act, 2015.” (“ECP refuses to postpone local govt polls in Islamabad,” Dawn, 21 December 2022)
 
PTI moves ECP to cross-examine witnesses in prohibited funding case
On 21 December, the News International reported on the PTI’s decision to seek cross-examination of witnesses in the eight-year-old case of prohibited funding. The move is considered to be a complete turn in its stance on the case as it previously advocated for not calling in witnesses as the case was not adversarial but inquisitorial. The request for cross-examination was placed in front of the Election Commission of Pakistan, a body that was criticized by the PTI for not being a court of law yet reserving judgements. (“Prohibited funding case: PTI takes yet another U-turn before ECP,” The News International, 21 December 2022)
 
Prime Minister pledges to respond to terrorism with an iron fist
On 21 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly responded to the militant attack in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistan and said that the country would not bow down to any terrorist group. PM Sharif pledged to act against the militant groups in accordance with the law. He said: “Attempts to spread chaos in Pakistan through terrorism will be dealt with iron fists.” He acknowledged that the primary responsibility of maintaining peace in the country lies with the Provincial governments but remarked that the Federal government cannot ignore these issues and will work with the provinces to fight terrorism. (“State won't bow down to any terrorist group: PM Shehbaz,” The News International, 21 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Militants charge into Wana police station in South Waziristan, escape with weapons
On 20 December, the police in Wana in South Waziristan said that a group of armed militants attacked a police station in Wana and fled from the scene after stealing arms and ammunition. The police said that the militants were armed with rocket launchers and heavy weapons and “forced” their way inside the police station. According to police officials on the scene, nearly 50 militants entered the station after “blowing up” the front gate and 20 policemen, including the station house officer were taken, hostage. Additionally, the police also said that the assailants escaped with weapons in a police van with AK-47 rifles, leaving one police constable injured and an alleged militant killed in the attack. This comes after police stations in North and South Waziristan, which border Afghanistan have been the points of target by the militants for the last few months. (Dilawar Wazir, “Militants storm Wana police station in South Waziristan, flee with weapons,” Dawn, 21 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Armed forces in Bannu retaliate leaving 25 militants killed
On 20 December, Inter-Services Public Relations Director Gen Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif said that 33 terrorists were undergoing investigation in the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and that two terrorists were killed in the “ensuing” exchange of fire between the two sides. Sharif said that the armed forces “surrounded” the entire area and “thwarted” efforts of the terrorists who tried to escape and that there were “all-out” attempts for “unconditional” surrender from the militants in the last two days. Additionally, Sharif said that the militants' demand for safe passage to Afghanistan was “completely rejected” and that the armed forces killed 25 militants, with three getting arrested and seven surrendering to the forces. He said that this operation was a “testimony” to the Pakistan army’s efforts to curb terrorism. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, Iftikhar A Khan, “25 militants killed as forces secure CTD compound in Bannu,” Dawn, 21 December 2022)

Punjab: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah alerts Chief Minister Parvez Elahi of removal from office
On 20 December, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah challenged the Chief Minister Parvez Elahi of a possible ceasing of his position as chief of the province if he does not obtain a vote of confidence by 21 December. Sanaullah said that the government would issue an order resisting the Elahi from holding office and that 99 per cent of the members of the provincial assembly “did not want dissolution” of the provincial assemblies based on the “wish” of Imran Khan. Additionally, he said that Elahi would have to “explain” his stance on the dissolution of the assembly and that Imran Khan wants to “trigger” crises in Punjab and that the people and the institutions of the country are in consensus to bar Imran Khan from dissolving the assemblies. (Amjad Mahmood, Zulqernain Tahir, “Sana warns Punjab rulers against stalling no-trust vote,” Dawn, 21 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
US Secretary of State extends support for flood victims
On 20 December, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken talked to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and promised to continue support for the people of the country who are recovering from the recent climate-induced floods and said that the US shared “mutual hope” for Pakistan to recover from the floods. Blinken said that the two discussed the “need for close coordination” and that he wished that the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan would be “productive” for the country. Bhutto is currently visiting Washington as part of his weeklong visit to the US, where he held meetings with the UN Chief and other officials of the organisation. Additionally, Blinken said that the US would offer “unconditional support” to Pakistan to help its recovery from external threats, rising terrorism and berating economic instabilities. (“Blinken calls Bilawal, offers continued help for flood victims,” Dawn, 21 December 2022)

ECONOMY
IMF calls on Pakistan to release PKR 65 billion to consumers 
On 21 December, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asked Pakistan to roll PKR 65 billion to consumers of electricity and power on the grounds of deferment of the Fuel Price Adjustments (FPA) in the current fiscal year. Responding to the IMF, the government agreed with the IMF’s request and said that the amount would be passed on to consumers which would be recovered through power bills and the remaining PKR 10 billion would be reclaimed through subsidies. The IMF’s bid to release the money comes as Pakistan’s power sector is progressing into bankruptcy, with its total accumulated losses amounting to nearly PKR 1,734 billion in the current fiscal year. Out of the total amount, the country’s circular debt piles up to nearly PKR 800 billion and the possibility of subsidies to PKR 1,000 billion. The IMF seeks to lessen the burden of the government by asking them to finance “un-budgeted” subsidies and bring efficiency into their governance. (Mehtab Haider, “IMF asks for passing on Rs65bn burden to power consumers,” The News International, 21 December 2022)

Pakistan recognises a funding gap of USD 8 billion in flood rehabilitation requirements
On 21 December, the Planning Ministry finalised the Resilient, Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4F) of the IMF and showed a financing gap of USD 8.2 billion against the total USD 16.3 billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction requirements of the UN. The framework was developed with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the EU, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank Group and was the government’s strategic policy and prioritisation document, which “guided” the 4F plan of action in the country. The ministry said that the country’s potential to raise funds through federal and provincial budgets was limited to USD 4.9 billion and that they estimated an additional 25 per cent of funds from community support organisations and public-private partnership models, citing that the remaining 50 per cent needs to be supplemented by foreign and multilateral creditors. This comes as an international donors conference is supposed to take place in Geneza on 9 January to “seek” funds from the global community. (Shahbaz Rana, “Pakistan identifies $8.2b flood funding gap,” The Express Tribune, 21 December 2022)

Mosharraf Zaidi, A counterterrorism future agai
The News International, 20 December 2022
Thirteen years ago, in December 2007, the Pakistani military completed Operation Rah-e-Haq, ostensibly cleansing Swat of the threat of a terrorist takeover by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. This would not be the last military operation to cleanse Swat. In July 2008, Operation Rah-e-Haq II was launched. Then in January 2009, there was Operation Rah-e-Haq III. The result? A February 2009 ceasefire with the TTP.

Editorial, An audacious attack
Dawn, 21 December 2022
We are witnessing the rapid unravelling of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism policy, and can expect an escalating human and material cost. On Sunday, in their most audacious attack yet since late November when they called off their tenuous ceasefire with the government, 33 TTP militants detained inside the Bannu Counter-Terrorism Department centre managed to overpower their interrogators and take a number of law-enforcement personnel hostage.

Editorial, No confidence move
Dawn, 21 December 2022
PDM parties have employed a two-pronged strategy to block the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly, which PTI chairman Imran Khan had earlier promised would be triggered on Friday. The Punjab governor has directed Chief Minister Parvez Elahi to secure a vote of confidence today, and he must also defeat a no-confidence motion moved against him by the opposition in the Punjab Assembly before he can exercise the powers he needs to dissolve the provincial assembly. While the Punjab Assembly Speaker has moved to dispose of the vote of confidence required by the governor, it is unclear whether his reasoning will stand.

Editorial, US mediation

Dawn, 21 December 2022
Third party intervention can yield positive results in bilateral disputes, but only if the protagonists are willing to accept mediation. With reference to the Pakistan-India relationship, which has been marked by terse exchanges between officials over the past few days, the US State Department’s spokesperson, while responding to a question, said Washington did not want to see “wars of words” between Islamabad and New Delhi, and that the US was interested in a “constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan”.

Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Climate, world order and Pakistan - Part I
The News International, 21 December 2022
Pakistan today is in such a state where only historically unprecedented actions on a historically unprecedented scale can ensure its survival. This will be a massive challenge. But the stakes are also unprecedented. They are existential. The country’s miserable anti-people politics determined by an equally anti-people power structure is primarily responsible for this miserable state. Few people have been so manifestly betrayed by their elites, governments and rulers.

Atta-ur- Rahman, The only way forward
The News International, 21 December 2022
It is a tragic reality that the World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2021 report published in October 2021 placed Pakistan at a lowly 130th out of 139 nations. The WJP Rule of Law Index is prepared by the World Justice Project (WJP) and it is based on large-scale surveys involving several hundred thousand legal practitioners and eminent citizens. The factors taken into account in the ranking process are the constraints on governments’ powers, the prevalence of corruption, open government, protection of fundamental rights, law and order and security situation, regulatory enforcement, and civil and criminal justice.

Editorial, Punjab Kerfuffle
The News International, 21 December 2022
For decades, Punjab had seen governments complete their tenures without many hitches but it seems the province is currently under a shadow – its governments coming and going through a political revolving door since April. From Usman Buzdar to Hamza Shehbaz to Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the past few months have seen a game of roulette play out with the CM’s seat.

Editorial, Flood aid
The News International, 21 December 2022
Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman was not off the mark when she reminded the world and the government of Pakistan that there are still over 20 million people affected by the recent floods that are dependent on humanitarian aid. This is a huge number by any count, greater than the entire population of many countries. It has been nearly six months since climate-change induced catastrophic floods hit dozens of districts in Pakistan, most of them in Sindh. Normally after six months the phase of humanitarian aid should be over and the phase of rehabilitation and restoration should have commenced.

In Brief
INTERNAL
LHC allows time for Imran Khan to file a rejoinder to the FIA's reply
On 19 December, the LHC allowed time for Imran Khan’s counsel to file a rejoinder to a reply by the FIA in an inquiry into an audio leak relating to cipher controversy. As Imran Khan had challenged the FIA’s call-up notice, the agency said that the notice was in accordance with the law. It further said that the inquiry was being conducted as per the law and no harassment had been caused to the petitioner. Imran Khan’s counsel sought time to file the rejoinder and the court adjourned the hearing date to be fixed. The council also urged the court to quash the inquiry in the interest of justice since no wrongdoing has been pointed against the petitioner. (“Cipher audio leak controversy: Imran allowed time to file rejoinder to FIA reply,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

The federal government decides to have LG elections in 125 union councils instead of old 101 councils
On 19 December, the federal cabinet decided that the local elections will be held in 125 union councils and not in the existing 101 councils. It was a surprise move as the government was left with 10 days before the polling day on 31 December. The government delayed the local government elections in the capital in order to increase the number of union councils. The process will be possible after ECP agrees with the government’s stance and postpones the polls till the new delimitations. PTI stated that PML-N was avoiding LG elections in Islamabad out of fear of defeat. PTI said PML-N could not find candidates for a number of seats due to PTI’s popularity and was therefore trying to get the elections postponed on the pretext of increasing the number of union councils.(Kashif Abbasi, “LG elections in Islamabad seem to be in jeopardy,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

Petition moved in Supreme Court against Parvez Elahi to stop funding family’s constituencies
On 19 December, the Supreme Court was approached by Advocate Mian Dawood, the petitioner to seek an order restraining Parvez Elahi from allocating public development funds for the constituencies belonging to his family members. The petitioner also requested the apex court to prevent different government agencies from releasing payments to contractors or placing the public revenue at the indirect disposal of Punjab Assembly members from the constituencies belonging to the family members of the chief minister. The petition requested the court to declare as unconstitutional the allocation of disproportionate funds to the constituencies of the chief minister and his family members, besides ruling that the allocation or re-appropriation through supplementary or excess grants of funds in the constituencies and the projects have been initiated in violation of the principle of transparency, good governance and procurement laws.(Nasir Iqbal, “SC moved to stop Parvez Elahi from funding family’s constituencies,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

Religious minorities in the voter's list  have increased from nearly one million in four years, says Nadra
On 19 December, the NADRA chairman in a consultative session with an interfaith delegation announced that the number of voters belonging to religious minorities in the country has climbed to 4.43 million from 3.63 million in 2018. The chairman informed the delegation that the rights of the people belonging to minority communities were as important as the rights of any other citizen of Pakistan. He said that religious minorities in Pakistan contributed to the political and social stability, development and prosperity of the state and they were considered significant components in maintaining peace and stability in society. He said that Nadra, being the custodian of the identity of citizens of the country, was fully aware of its responsibility and gave priority to the registration of people belonging to minorities. (Iftikar A Khan, “Pakistan enrols one million non-Muslim voters in four years,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

UN received only 30 per cent of what was pledged by the international community, says Sherry Rehman
On 19 December, Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman said 20 million people affected by the recent catastrophic floods were currently dependent on humanitarian aid, while flash appeals by the United Nations have received only 30 per cent of the USD 816 million pledged by the international community. Senator Rehman said winter will be harsh on the forgotten arc of climate misery here, adding that the numbers are too huge that around 33m million impacted literally meant “we were reinventing the lives of populations covering the size of three medium-sized European countries at the same time.” The minister warned that children are at the frontline of the flood aftermath, with 9.6m in urgent need of humanitarian assistance out of the total 20m affected. “With the onset of winter and temperatures dropping to single digits, the survival of children in camps is at stake.” She urged all local philanthropists and international agencies to assist the provincial governments in sharing this burden with Pakistan. (Kalbe Ali, “20m flood-hit people dependent on humanitarian aid: Sherry,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

Peshawar court confirms pre-arrest bails of MPA over the red zone demonstration case
On 19 December, a local court in Peshawar confirmed that the pre-arrest bails of MPA Fazal Ilahi and four other leaders of PTI in a case registered against them for demonstrating in the Red Zone after the 3 November gun attack on Imran Khan. The Peshawar police had informed the deputy speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly about their plans to arrest the MPA in the case in light of an FIR registered by the former. President of the Peshawar Bar Association Ali Zaman appeared for the petitioners and contended that his clients were implicated in a fake case as no offence had taken place on the day in question. He added that workers of the PTI had staged a protest after learning about an attempt on the life of their leader Imran Khan. The counsel argued that the participants were unarmed, didn’t damage any public property and just shouted slogans against the federal government. The complainant claimed that the protesters were raising different slogans and had also disrupted the flow of traffic. The protesters gathered outside the Peshawar corps commander’s house and shouted slogans but the police didn’t mention that in the FIR and just said that the protesters entered the Red Zone. (“Pre-arrest bail of PTI MPA, four others confirmed in Peshawar Red Zone protest case,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

PROVINCES  
Punjab: Governor calls on CM Parvez Elahi to take the vote of confidence  
On 19 December, the Punjab Governor called on Chief Minister Parvez Elahi to take a vote of confidence from the House as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) submitted a vote of no-confidence against him. The move, if successful in discarding Elahi, will block the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly. The PMLN had pre-planned the options to counter Imran Khan’s announcement of dissolving the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies. The governor’s motion seeks to view the chief minister’s popularity in the House. (“Governor asks Punjab CM Parvez Elahi to take trust vote tomorrow,” The News International, 20 December 2022) 
 
Balochistan: High court drops FIRs against Senator Azam Swati 
On 19 December, the Balochistan High Court rejected all cases registered against PTI Senator Azam Khan Swati. Justice Abdul Hameed Baloch issued the order after the hearing on the petition filed by Senator Swati’s son, seeking to revoke the multiple cases against Swati. In November, the Senator was arrested for the second time in two months by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for his controversial tweets against senior military leaders. He has been charged under Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (Peca), using derogatory language and provoking the people against the Pakistani army. (“Balochistan High Court orders quashing of FIRs against PTI’s Azam Swati across the province,” Dawn, 19 December 2022) 
 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Security report highlights reasons for CTD’s failures 
On 19 December, security agencies in Pakistan presented Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with a critical report on the anti-terrorism mechanism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and claimed that the Counter-Terrorism Department were incapable of fighting terrorism. The report was presented during the national security review meeting and pointed towards the shortage of staff and resources as the main reason for being unable to accomplish its targets in the region. The report said: “The K-P CTD did not have the capacity to fight terrorism as it itself had become the epicentre of problems, owing to lack of resources and manpower at a time when insurgency and terrorism were once again rearing their ugly heads in the province.”  
(“Agencies expose K-P’s ‘toothless’ reality,” The Express Tribune, 20 December 2022) 
 
Sindh: Karachi’s air quality becomes poisonous for city residents 
On 19 December, the Sindh government was criticised for the lack of concern and action over the worsening environmental conditions in the city which have affected all citizens, including pregnant women and their unborn children. The air quality was described as a “bowl of poison.” An environmentalist studying the city’s air quality for the past year said: “The air is so polluted with toxic elements today that the city has literally turned into a bowl filled with poison, endangering the survival of all forms of life.” Although vehicular traffic was one of the primary reasons for the worsening air quality, the harmful ways of energy production are also equally responsible. (“Experts describe Karachi as ‘bowl of poison’ due to worsened air quality,” Dawn, 20 December 2022) 

Punjab: Tractor march to be held in the capital as the government fails to keep promises
On 20 December, farmers are holding a tractor march in Islamabad to ask Parvez Elahi for acceptance of their demands related to regulating the Urea fertiliser market, issuance of DAP subsidy and higher support prices for wheat and sugarcane. Farmers claim that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raja Basharat had assured the representatives of the farmers recently that the government would take strict action against hoarders of Urea fertiliser, which was being sold at PKR 3,200 per 50kg bag against the official rate of PKR 2,250 per bag. The provincial government had also not begun releasing the subsidy on DAP so far, nor has it fixed wheat support price on a par with the Sindh government, which fixed it at PKR 4,000 per 40kg. Kissan Ittehad president Mian Umair Masood will lead the march against the failure of the Punjab government in meeting their demands despite promises. (“Farmers hold ‘tractor march’ in Lahore today,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

Balochistan: Twin blasts in Khuzdar leave 20 people injured
On 19 December, two bomb explosions with small intervals took place in Khuzdar with 20 people injured. Seven people were injured when the first bomb was planted in a motorcycle parked in the busy shopping area. As soon as police personnel and people rushed to the blast site to shift the injured to the hospital, another bomb, which was also planted in a motorcycle, exploded, leaving 13 people injured. Police investigators believed it was a remote-controlled bomb. Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo instructed the law-enforcement agencies and administration to arrest culprits and increase security along the Khuzdar highway. (Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “20 injured in twin Khuzdar blasts,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
Taliban should prevent attacks on Pakistan and other countries, says UN Chief
On 19 December, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres while speaking at the year-end conference called on the Afghan Taliban to prevent terrorist organizations from attacking Pakistan or any other neighbouring country from Afghan territory. He said, “There are several clear things that we believe the Taliban must deliver from the point of view of the interests of the international community and from the point of view of the interest of Afghanistan itself.” He further said, “A second aspect is in relation to human rights and particularly women and girls’ rights, the right of women to work, the rights of girls to attend school at all levels without discrimination.”(“ UN chief urges Afghan Taliban to stop terrorist attacks against Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 20 December 2022)

Ulema delegation from Chaman heads to Afghanistan for restoring peace in borders
On 19 December, an Ulema delegation of 16 members headed by a prominent religious scholar Qari Aslam Alamyar from Chaman left for Kandahar as part of efforts to find a solution and restore peace at the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman with the mandate to hold negotiations with Afghan Taliban leadership over the border clashes issue. The delegation will meet Kandahar Governor Haji Mohammad Wafaand and other senior leaders of the Afghan Taliban to hold talks to ease tension on both sides of the border. The talks are held after the recent clashes at the border and the postponement of the flag meeting. The Pakistani officials then said the flag meeting between security officials of both countries could not yield positive results, as the authorities across the border were faced with the challenge of grouping within Afghan leaders. In this situation, the Afghan Taliban could not ensure concrete steps to bring normality to border areas. According to Dawn’s sources, during the meeting with the Kandahar governor and other Taliban leaders, the delegation could visit Kabul for further delegations with the Afghan government. (Saleem Shahid, “Ulema head to Afghanistan's Kandahar for talks on border clashes,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

ON SPORTS
Historic gain for England in test series in Pakistan
On 20 December, England beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final Test in Karachi gaining 3-0 in the series. England reached the modest 167-run target in just 38 minutes, with Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes finishing unbeaten on 82 and 35 respectively. This was England’s first Test tour of Pakistan since 2005, having refused to tour the South Asian country in the years since because of security concerns. England played power-packed cricket right from the start of the Pakistan tour, smashing 506-4 to set a record for the most team runs on the opening day of a Test. Pakistan’s problems were compounded by injuries to their fast bowlers, with Shaheen Shah Afridi ruled out before the series with a knee injury. (“England win 3rd Test, complete historic clean sweep in Pakistan,” Dawn, 20 December 2022)

ON ENERGY 
Government considers increasing the price of power to fill a PKR 700 billion gap in the budget  
On 20 December, the Express Tribune reported on the surcharge on electricity to cover the PKR 700 billion gap in finances. The amount is a result of bad governance, unrealistic budgeting and excessive subsidies to exporters and farmers and is posing as an obstacle in the 9^th review mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government is considering a price surge from PKR 2.3 to PKR 31.60 per unit of electricity. However, the decision is yet to be carried out as it could heavily impact the vote bank in Pakistan. (“Govt’s dilemma of filling Rs700 billion hole,” The Express Tribune, 20 December 2022)

Mosharraf Zaidi, A counterterrorism future again
The News International, 20 December 2022
Thirteen years ago, in December 2007, the Pakistani military completed Operation Rah-e-Haq, ostensibly cleansing Swat of the threat of a terrorist takeover by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. This would not be the last military operation to cleanse Swat. In July 2008, Operation Rah-e-Haq II was launched. Then in January 2009, there was Operation Rah-e-Haq III. The result? A February 2009 ceasefire with the TTP.

Mir Adnan Aziz, India: a rogue state
The News International, 20 December 2022
Islamabad has continuously pointed out India’s role in supporting and coordinating terror in Pakistan. We have also regularly presented dossiers with supporting evidence to Western capitals and international oversight bodies. The Johar Town blast was one such incident in a series of India sponsored terror attacks.

Editorial, Return of terror
The News International, 20 December 2022
Years after we thought the war against militants had been won, and were reminded of this success repeatedly, it seems the battle is still very much on. In a new series of attacks which have torn apart law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and specifically the former tribal areas, four policemen were killed on Sunday during an attack on a police station in the Lakki Marwat area, when militants laid siege to the building and killed four of those on duty.

Hassan Farooq Mirza, The deceitful front
The Express Tribune, 20 December 2022
Indian media has gone berserk over the harsh condemnation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who called him the ‘Butcher of Gujarat’. From the flamboyant Arnab Goswami to the shrieking Rubika Liyaquat, a propaganda war has been started against Pakistan and its leadership.

Aftab Ahmed Khanzada, When do nations fail?
The Express Tribune, 20 December 2022
The state of Pakistan presents a perfect example of elite capture, where big and powerful people have occupied all resources; they are eating everything, and their hunger has turned into ‘the famished road’. These people will now turn to us and eat us all one day. Our bones will be scattered in the streets and highways because they could not be eaten.

Editorial, Take them out
The Express Tribune, 20 December 2022
The holing in of terrorists at a Counter-Terrorism Department centre in Bannu has raised hackles. The fact that a handful of militants were able to overpower the entire police station, and continue to lay siege to it sends shivers down the spine. This is a serious security lapse, and all those who are coming up with excuses should be shown the door. This terrible incident, which led to the killing of a policeman, has come just days after the nation observed the anniversary of December 16, 2014, attack on Army Public School and pledged to root out terrorism.

Arifa Noor, Desperately seeking stability
Dawn, 20 December 2022
This weekend Imran Khan did get upstaged, despite having announced D-Day for the Punjab and KP assemblies.Before there could even be 24 hours of a non-stop postmortem of his speech and the given date, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi jumped into the fray with an outburst — he has probably given more interviews this year than he has in his entire political career — against Khan’s criticism of former chief of army staff, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Editorial, Ghosts of the past
Dawn, 20 December 2022
Controversy continues to drag the former army chief, retired Gen Qamar Bajwa, back into the headlines, this time due to conflicting statements made over the weekend by Imran Khan and his PML-Q ally, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi. During a televised address to his supporters on Saturday night, Mr Khan had unloaded his anger on the former army chief, blaming him the PTI’s unceremonious ouster in April and for his ‘corrupt’ opponents getting ‘NRO-2’.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Punjab and KP assemblies will be dissolved on 23 December, says Imran Khan
On 17 December, Imran Khan in a video address with Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan by his side announced that Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies will dissolve the assemblies on 23 December for fresh elections. He said he had consulted PTI’s lawyers about the move, adding that the Constitution did not allow elections to be delayed beyond 90 days of an assembly’s dissolution. PML-N had announced that it was ready to contest elections in case the PTI continued with its decision to dissolve the two assemblies. Imran Khan said, “after dissolving the assemblies, we will prepare for elections after that and our around 130 seats in the National Assembly, we will go to the NA speaker and demand him to accept our resignations instead of picking a few.” He said free and fair elections were the only solution to the country’s problems and said the government was “afraid” of new elections due to the fear of losing. He expressed concern that the government might not hold general elections even in October 2023. He again raised the question of who was actually responsible for the current affairs of the country and added, “Only one man is responsible, Qamar Javed Bajwa. I didn’t speak out against him because he was the army chief. We want our army to be strong so we kept quiet and kept looking at how the conspiracy happened.” He said the former army chief had “decided to remove the PTI government”. (Umar Farooq, “Punjab, KP assemblies to dissolve on Dec 23 : Imran,” Dawn, 18 December 2022)
 
Response strategy yet to be planned on dissolving assemblies, says PPP
On 19 December, Dawn reported that opposition parties of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies are yet to decide on the strategy for the assembly dissolution. The opposition leaders said to their MPAs and let the PTI dissolve the assembly. He said they have not discussed the no-trust resolution at the party level but will hold a meeting with the opposition bench members. He said both PTI and PDM were “at loggerheads” only to serve their own interests and all that had nothing to do with the country and its interests. A similar situation developed eight years ago when members of the opposition parties submitted a motion for a no-confidence vote against the then-chief minister, Pervez Khattak, in August 2014 to stop him from dissolving the assembly. However, the motion was withdrawn afterwards. (Umar Farooq, “Opposition yet to plan response to imminent PA dissolution in KP,” Dawn, 19 December 2022)
 
Speaker replaces Imran Khan with Mahmood Qureshi as the group leader
On 18 December, the National Assembly speaker declared Shah Mahmood Qureshi as the parliamentary group leader of the PTI by replacing Imran Khan. The move has been done as Imran Khan has been disqualified by the ECP. The Speaker also received a letter from Shah Mahmood Qureshi for an appointment for putting across PTI’s request for acceptance of all resignations. It would be responded to in due course after careful consideration. Raja Pervez had written to the members who submitted their resignation to appear before the speaker. The members did not formally reply to the communication. (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Qureshi replaces Imran as PTI leader in NA,” The News International, 19 December 2022)
 
PTI should be grateful for Bajwa’s favours, says Elahi
On 18 December, Parvez Elahi went against PTI and Imran Khan rejecting the latter on the continuous criticism of Qamar Bajwa and said PML-Q will not tolerate any remarks against Bajwa as he is a benefactor of both PML-Q and PTI. The statement came when Imran Khan in a press meeting said he would not act against Bajwa if they regain power. Elahi was disturbed by Imran Khan’s announcement speech declaring dates for assembly dissolution, including the allegation of toppling his government in league with foreign powers against Mr Bajwa, especially when Elahi was sitting beside Imran Khan. In his 50-minute speech, Imran Khan continued chiding the former army chief for ditching him as “he was neither allowing him to proceed against the corrupt nor letting him know that he was playing a double game and getting PML-N and its allies to bring in the government through conspiracy”. Elahi said he felt “very bad but could not speak to Imran Khan in privacy before he made a long speech and announced the dissolution of Punjab and KP assemblies. (Mansoor Malik, “Elahi reminds ‘ungrateful’ PTI of Bajwa’s favours,” Dawn, 19 December 2022)
 
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Political parties protest against the passing of the Reko Diq bill
On 18 December, the Balochistan National Party and National Party held separate protest rallies against the Reko Diq bill passed in the parliament. The rally participants marched in the streets of Quetta carrying placards and banners with demands inscribed in them. They chanted slogans against the Reko Diq deal and demanded recognition of the sovereignty and rights of the Baloch people over the coastline of Balochistan. The rally was turned into a public meeting and passed a resolution which said Reko Diq passed by the parliament has ignored the will of the Baloch people and will not be accepted at any cost. The resolution said that under the bill all powers of the Balochistan government had been given to the federal government bypassing the local people and this process was a clear violation of the country’s laws, Constitution and the 18th amendment. BNP-M leaders in the meeting said that for the past several years, the people of Balochistan had been facing serious problems and difficulties and the main reason for this was that dictators and so-called rulers had usurped the mineral resources of Balochistan. (Saleem Shahid, “BNP-M, NP rally in Balochistan against legislation on Reko Diq deal,” Dawn, 19 December 2022)
 
Sindh: Muttahida holds a women-only convention in Karachi 
On 18 December, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan held a women-only convention at Nishtar Park in Karachi and pledged to restore the glory of the party and regain political power. The convention claimed that its political standing had been snatched through political engineering and resolved to bring more women to the forefront of its political activism and give them more leadership roles. MQM-P convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddique warned against actions that threaten to eliminate the party and paid a tribute to women workers of the party. (Muttahida stages women power show in Karachi, vows to regain party’s ‘lost glory’,” Dawn, 19 December 2022) 
 
Sindh: Provincial government begins negotiations on taking over power distribution companies  
On 19 December, the Dawn reported that the Sindh government had started formal negotiations with the federal government to undertake two power distribution companies (Discos) in Hyderabad and Sukkur. The provincial governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are still deliberating on the federal government’s offer for provincialisation of the six Discos in the region. Balochistan, however, has declined to shoulder the responsibility of running the Quetta Electrical Supply Company (Qesco). The federal government initiated the offer in July 2022. (“Sindh negotiates with Centre to take over two Discos,” Dawn, 19 December 2022) 
 
EXTERNAL 
Pakistan expects an increase in demand for gas and prepares to import from Azerbaijan  
On 19 December, the Express Tribune cited the Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik’s interview and reported that Pakistan will be importing 2,00,000 tons of gad from Azerbaijan in the next two months. The government expects an increase in the demand for energy due to the oncoming winter. Malik also said that Pakistan would be expecting a visit from Russia’s Petroleum Minister to discuss the import of crude oil. He explained that the government is working on the TAPI gas pipeline and expect to import 1300 billion MF gas each year to deal with the energy shortage in the country. (Pakistan to import gas from Azerbaijan,” The Express Tribune, 19 December 2022) 

ECONOMY 
Pakistan faces challenges as it seeks to discuss funds with the IMF 
On 19 December, the Express Tribune reported that Pakistan was, once again, headed towards borrowing funds that it desperately needs. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to face tough challenges while meeting with IMF officials because of its ailing financial conditions. Pakistani officials were scheduled to meet the IMF officials in October to begin talks on the USD seven billion loan programme. However, the meeting was postponed numerous times due to the gaps in the IMF and Pakistan’s fiscal estimates. (“IMF: back to square one,” The Express Tribune, 19 December 2022) 

ON “AJK”
People will protest in streets if dirty politics of PML-N continue, warns Tanveer Ilyas
On 18 December, “AJK” Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas accused the federal government of trying to buy lawmakers of the region to overthrow its PTI regime, claiming that the Centre had sent briefcases full of cash to Muzaffarabad for this purpose. He warned that if this “dirty tactic” went on, the residents of the region would take to the streets. (“ AJK PM accuses Centre of trying to buy MLAs,” The Express Tribune, 19 December 2022)

Maleeha Lodhi, Untenable Afghan policy
Dawn, 19 December 2022
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities are under growing stress in the wake of rising cross-border attacks and violent actions by the TTP from Afghanistan’s soil. On Dec 11, a border clash between Afghan and Pakistani border forces in Chaman claimed the lives of at least eight Pakistani citizens… The subsequent visit to Kabul by the minister of state for foreign affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, also yielded little by way of Taliban flexibility on these core issues. Khar conveyed Pakistan’s views, including on girls’ education, as firmly as she could, but Taliban ministers offered the usual assurances, while giving no commitments

Shahrukh Wani, The case against technocrats
Dawn, 19 December 2022
Pakistan’s problems emerge from leaders with poor skills — people who simply lack the knowledge of how to ‘fix’ the various issues that keep Pakistan poor. The solution is to bring people who are experts and give them the power to undertake reforms… Technical appointees often lack the necessary knowledge of the coalition building needed to navigate a reform process or have the political capital to push a reform agenda.

Editorial, Dire straits
Dawn, 19 December 2022
Since the start of fiscal 2023 LSM has now contracted by an overall 2.89pc, indicating that the deceleration in economic activity seems to be getting worse with time. Record energy and raw material prices are being blamed. The country’s inability to secure sufficient gas supplies for the winter has also raised fears that the slowdown may worsen in the coming months.

Kamran Yousaf, Pakistan’s Afghan dilemma
The Express Tribune, 19 December 2022
Pakistan marked the 8th anniversary of the APS massacre. The tragedy was dubbed as Pakistan’s 9/11 moment which for once brought the entire country on one platform. The unprecedented consensus even at the time when Imran Khan was seeking the ouster of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif led to the National Action Plan to root out the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Shahid Javed Burki, Rebuilding world institutions to deal with climate change
The Express Tribune, 19 December 2022
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) were created after 44 countries deliberated at a site in New Hampshire. Bretton Woods, a resort in America’s northeast, was chosen to devise a global order that would achieve a variety of objectives, most important of which were maintaining world peace; keeping the global financial system working even when there were serious strains in the capital markets.

Editorial, Political pendulum
The Express Tribune, 19 December 2022
If there isn’t any slip between the cup and the lip, two provinces are on the verge of going to polls. PTI chief Imran Khan’s roulette to dissolve the assemblies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab on December 23 has set the ball rolling. This decision and  furthermore the resignations of PTI MPAs from Sindh and Balochistan will lead to a mammoth pace of bye-poll electioneering. This strategy of former Prime Minister Imran Khan to throw away two of his own well-entrenched governments seems to be a desperate attempt to seek general elections in the country.

Editorial, Depleting oil and gas reserves
The Express Tribune, 19 December 2022
While populist politicians may rave about the country’s resource wealth, the hard facts inspire far less confidence. A recent Petroleum Division report says Pakistan has almost run through its known oil and gas reserves, meaning that we will be even more dependent on imported fossil fuels in the future unless a massive — and expensive — transition to renewable energy comes about. The report warns that Pakistan has used almost 80% of its known oil reserves, or about 985 million of 1.234 billion barrels.

Noman Ur Rashid, Climate risk analysis
The News International, 19 December 2022
With COP27 in the books, Pakistan has witnessed a ray of light, a chance to turn adversity into opportunity. This can be a 210 million euros opportunity that the flood-stricken South Asian nation can leverage to ‘shield’ itself from extreme climate events… The ‘Global Shield against Climate Risks’ initiative launched by the G7 and the Vulnerable 20 (V20) countries has identified Pakistan as one of the ‘Pathfinder Countries’, providing it an opportunity to access pre-arranged disaster financing for climate-induced disasters.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Imran Khan gets notice from Islamabad court over Toshakhana case
On 15 December, the Islamabad court issued a notice to Imran Khan on ECP’s petition seeking criminal proceedings against the Toshakhana case. The verdict from the session’s court declared Imran Khan guilty of corrupt practices in November. The ECP lawyer said that Imran Khan has deposited the amount he paid for all the items in the bank account adding that the properties or gifts taken by Khan during 2018-2019 would be counted among his assets. A senior PTI lawyer believed that these cases were politically motivated and could not be contested on legal grounds alone. He said, “When the ‘powerful circles’ and civilian government are working on the sole agenda to disqualify Imran, there is a need to prolong the trials until the political situation becomes favourable.” (“Toshakhana case: Court issues notice to Imran Khan on ECP plea for criminal proceedings,” The News International, 16 December 2022; Hasnaat Malik, “PTI finds itself in legal troubles,” The Express Tribune, 16 December 2022)

Funds for flood-hit Pakistan to run out in weeks, says UN
On 15 December, UN Resident Coordinator for Pakistan Julien Harneis in a press conference said emergency food aid for devastated flood-hit communities in Pakistan would run out in January after a funding appeal received only a third of its target. The UN had appealed for more than USD 816 million but said its agencies and other NGOs have only received USD 262 million from international donors. He added that “It is deeply worrying as other emergency responses around the world get a far higher percentage of response and we’re not getting that financing here.”(“UN says funds for flood-hit Pakistan to run out in weeks,” The News International, 16 December 2022)

Parliament gets adjourned again over Swati’s arrest
On 15 December, the parliamentary session was interrupted by the PTI senators protesting over the non-issuance of Azam Swati's production orders. The chairman directed for proceedings to continue, when Opposition Leader Shahzad Waseem sought permission to speak. PTI members stood up from their seats and demanded the issuance of Swati's production orders. The chair adjourned the meeting for the next day. (“ Senate session marred by PTI protest,” The Express Tribune, 16 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Traders seek the help of Imran Khan over security concerns
On 16 December, Dawn reported that the trader’s wing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has written a letter seeking attention to extortion and kidnapping happening in Peshawar. The letter stated that the law and order situation had reached “an alarming position” and noted that the houses of former provincial minister Haji Muhammad Javed and Awami National Party Senator Hidayat Ullah were targeted recently. The business community informed Imran Khan that a message had been conveyed to the highest level in the provincial government, but no action had been taken so far. The letter further requests steps to intervene and take steps to control the situation in KP. (Umar Farooq, “Traders sound alarm on insecurity in KP, seek meeting with Imran,” Dawn, 16 December 2022)

Balochistan: Government asks the centre to release funds for paying salaries to employees
On 16 December, Dawn reported that the government has warned it won’t be able to pay salaries for the next month if the Centre doesn’t immediately release the province’s share under the National Finance Commission Award (NFC). The warning comes after Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and “AJK” complained about the lack of financial help from Islamabad. According to the provincial finance department, Balochistan was supposed to receive PKR 131 billion from the federal resources under the NFC Award in the first five months of the current fiscal year. However, only Rs101 billion has been provided. The lack of funds makes the government unable to provide salaries for the employees. According to government officials, the federal government has also not adequately supported rescue and relief efforts in Balochistan after the catastrophic floods. (Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan joins chorus of miffed units over resources,” Dawn, 16 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: FATA merger gets dejected by the Jirga
On 15 December, Jirga and civil society members rejected the FATA merger with KP and demanded an immediate repeal of the 25th Amendment. The participants of the Jirga said that the merger was imposed upon the people of tribal areas without their consent. They said that some unseen hands were creating obstacles to the formation of a larger bench despite an assurance about its formation. They also demanded the reactivation of a parliamentary committee by the federal government to initiate a meaningful dialogue about the repeal or otherwise of the merger plan. Calling for the holding of a genuine census in the tribal districts, they alleged that the people erstwhile Fata were deprived of their constitutional share in national resources. The Jirga through a unanimous resolution demanded of the federal government to relax cross-border movement for the people of tribal districts and allow them to cross the border through their Computerized National Identity Cards besides providing facilities to tribal traders in conducting smooth bilateral trade with Afghanistan. (“ Khyber jirga rejects Fata-KP merger,” Dawn, 16 December 2022)

Punjab: 30per cent of air pollution in Punjab comes from India says World Bank report
On 16 December, Dawn reported that according to a new World Bank report, they have identified six major air sheds in South Asia where spatial interdependence in air quality is high, and one of the air sheds identified in Pakistan is Punjab, which gets on average 30 per cent of the air pollution from the Indian state of Punjab under the predominant wind direction from the northwest to the southeast. The report, “Striving for Clean Air: Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia”, says accounting for the interdependence in air quality within air sheds in South Asia is necessary when weighing alternative pathways for pollution control and analysed four alternative pathways for reducing air pollution in South Asia. It says concentrations of fine particulate matter such as soot and small dust in some of the regions most densely populated and poor areas are up to 20 times higher than what WHO considers healthy. The report says regional cooperation could help implement cost-effective joint air pollution strategies that leverage spatial interdependence in air quality. (Amin Ahmed, “30pc air pollution in Punjab comes from India: WB,” Dawn, 16 December 2022)

Punjab: Malala’s meeting with Parvez Elahi seeks solving problems of girls in social issues
On 14 December, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai visited a public school for girls and discussed issues involving the lack of safe transportation, child marriages and education quality. Malala Fund Pakistan and its Education Cham­pions Network held a dialogue on “Driving the Girls’ Education Agenda in Pakistan Current Status and the Way Forward”. It was attended by more than 50 participants, including parliamentarians, representatives of the government, NGOs, academia, ed­­ucation experts and schoolgirls. All the participants were in agreement that the girls’ education agenda can only be taken forward if all partners work collectively and find creative solutions to the problems highlighted. Malala also met Parvez Elahi and discussed with him the issues being faced by girl students. CM Elahi ordered the recruitment of 10,000 teachers in STEAM and the tabling of a new law against corporal punishment in the assembly. He directed the school education department secretary to hold a meeting to release Rs165m for STEAM. He also asked the secretary meet the students of Government Muhammadia Girls High School and solve their problems.(Imran Gaboi, “Malala meets Punjab CM Elahi to promote girls’ education,” Dawn, 15 December 2022)

ON INDIA 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari refutes India’s accusation of perpetuating terrorism  
On 15 December, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari responded to Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s statements at the United Nations and said: “I would like to remind Mr Jaishankar that Osama bin Laden is dead, but the butcher of Gujarat lives, and he is the prime minister of India.” He refuted India’s allegations of Pakistan being the epicentre for terrorist activities and explained that he was also a victim of terrorism, referring to his mother’s death. Further, he accused India of playing the victim card while villainizing the Muslim community, not just in Pakistan, but also in India. (“FM Bilawal responds forcefully to Indian terror allegations,” Dawn, 16 December 2022) 
 
MILITARY 
Centcom Chief discusses issues of mutual interest with General Asim Munir 
On 15 December, Commander United States Central Command (Centcom) General Micheal Erik Kurilla called on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and discussed issues of mutual interest, regional stability, defence and security cooperation. The visiting dignitary laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs Monument and were presented with a guard of honour by the Pakistan Army. Centcom also acknowledged Pakistan’s achievements in the fight against terrorism, flood relief and regional peace. (“Centcom chief meets General Asim Munir,” The News International, 16 December 2022) 
 
ON "AJK"
Supreme Court declares politically-appointed positions in the government as illegal  
On 15 December, "AJK" Supreme Court announced that the nomination of politically-appointed heads of development authorities in different districts was illegal. The full court bench, spearheaded by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan announced the court’s decision and upheld the decision of the “AJK” Supreme Court. The government contended with the court’s judgement by saying that “since the impugned notification was cancelled by the government during the pendency of the petition, the proper course for the high court was to drop proceedings on this sole ground but it disposed of the petition while recording uncalled-for findings.” (“Hiring of politically-appointed heads of development bodies in AJK declared illegal,” Dawn, 16 December 2022)

Bina Shah, Tough Oscar journey for ‘Joyland’
Dawn, 16 December 2022
Pakistan’s official submission to the Academy Awards, Joyland has become a flashpoint between two sociocultural poles. Conservative Muslims have fiercely opposed the film for its controversial storyline, while Pakistanis who espouse a more open worldview have been vociferously championing it. Between these two factions has raged a necessary debate about Pakistani values, art, and the right of citizens to make their own moral choices.

Editorial, A dark day
Dawn, 16 December 2022
Eight years ago today, the trail of terror and destruction wreaked across this country for nearly a decade before reached its apotheosis in the Army Public School, Peshawar, attack. As the horror unfolded on television screens across the country, distraught parents could be seen milling at the school gates, their children at the mercy of pitiless assailants on a rampage inside the premises.

Editorial, Deciphering Mr Khan
Dawn, 16 December 2022
Figuring out Imran Khan’s politics has, of late, become very much like trying to read tea leaves. One must swirl his words around, turn them upside down, and then attempt to divine for themselves what they must mean. Consider, for example, his announcement at the conclusion of the second Haqeeqi Azadi march that his party would be quitting the provincial assemblies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

Editorial, No time to bargain
The News International, 16 December 2022
If we were to pick a single metric to gauge the state of the country’s economy, it would be the performance of the rupee versus the dollar. Finance Minister Dar no doubt recognizes this, which explains the emphasis he has laid on the value of the local currency unit ever since he returned to helm the Ministry of Finance.

Surendar Valasai,  Human rights and PPP

The Express Tribune, 16 December 2022

The Government of Pakistan is party to seven out of nine core international human rights treaties, most of which were ratified with Pakistan Peoples Party at the helm. PPP has historically demonstrated a profound commitment to international human rights norms and mechanisms on account of its founding ideals and core values premised in the protection of democratisation and upholding of human rights.

Shahzad Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Afghan sore
The Express Tribune, 16 December 2022
Pakistan’s Afghan sore continues to bleed. As a policy, relations with Afghanistan have mostly bordered on superficial, aspirational and delusional. In search of an ideational chimera termed ‘strategic depth’ it has been a policy of unrealistic promise and zero return. The policy can essentially be divided over three phases. Till 1979 Afghanistan was a neighbour which shared ethnic and religious similarities with Pakistan but was dominatingly independent in its policy preferences.

Editorial, The Dec 16 lesson
The Express Tribune, 16 December 2022
Over half a century since the failures of politicians and the establishment led to civil war and the division of Pakistan, many of the same mistakes are being repeated. Unfortunately, while the successors of the major original players in the 1971 fiasco have learned lessons — some partial, some complete — a handful of new players seem intent on repeating history.

Editorial, Eradicating child labour
The Express Tribune, 16 December 2022
Strong statements have been made by ILO’s country director in Pakistan that officials should take serious steps to respect international conventions and eradicate the scourge of child labour from this country. Pakistan has long ratified international ILO conventions, yet the worst forms of child labour persist even today. The issue requires specific attention as it is deeply tied to the overall socio-economic and literacy strength of the country.

Editorial, Chaotic Chaman
 The Express Tribune, 16 December 2022
Chaos and confusion is the order of the day at Chaman. The international checkpost with Afghanistan is witnessing mayhem, and none are sure in ascertaining as to what is the reason behind it. however, is whether the trigger-happiness is on the part of Taliban, who are de jure security wielders, or some disgruntled groups out to sabotage peace and harmony. But one thing is sure there is a crisis of confidence across the Durand Line, and the Taliban are not really in complete command of affairs.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Equal women representation should be ensured in ECP, says Senate
On 14 December, the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice approved an amendment to the Constitution to give women equal representation in ECP. The amendment asks for at least two out of four ECP members to be women. The amendment was part of the constitutional amendment of the new composition of the commission. The panel has decided that each province would nominate alternately a man and a woman member so that the commission has two men and two women members at all times. The committee also made the decision that a majority of committee members agreed that there should be one seat reserved for women from Islamabad in National Assembly. (“ECP to have equal women representation: Senate panel,” Dawn, 15 December 2022)
 
Pakistan’s agricultural sector comprises 70 per cent of labour from children, says FAO
On 15 December, Dawn reported that the UN has expressed concerns over the presence of 70 per cent of the child labour force in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations representative in Pakistan said Child labour in agriculture is not only about children being out of school but it is also a major health issue as they are exposed to pesticides. The FAO and ILO are jointly implementing the ‘Clear Cotton Project: Eliminating Child Labour and Forced Labour in Cotton, Textile and Garment Value Chains’ (2018-2023) which has been funded by the EU. Pakistan is among the four countries where the project is being implemented. (“70pc child labour in Pakistan’s agri sector concerns FAO,” Dawn, 15 December 2022)

Exception in the special court against the funding case sought by Imran Khan
On 14 December, the special court on offence exempted Imran Khan and Amir Kayani in the FIR registered against them in the prohibited funding case. Imran Khan sought an exemption over medical grounds while Kayani’s counsel was seeking an exemption since he was out of the country. The FIR also mentioned United Bank Limited and its manager for its alleged failure to report suspicious transactions to authorities. (Malik Asad, “Court exempts Imran from hearing in prohibited funding case,” Dawn, 15 December 2022)

NAB accepts the acquittal of Maryam Nawaz and Capt Sardar in Avenfield Reference
On 15 December, the News International reported that the NAB has decided not to challenge the acquittal of Maryam Nawaz and Capt (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield Reference. The NAB also declared the decision of accepting the acquittal of Maryam Nawaz and Capt Safdar as correct and final after the IHC has accepted both Maryam Nawaz and Capt Safdar’s conviction plea. (“Avenfield Reference: NAB decides not to challenge acquittal of Maryam, Safdar,” The News International, 15 December 2022)

IHC fixes date for hearing  against Imran Khan’s disqualification case
On 14 December, the IHC fixed the date for hearing a petition to disqualify Imran Khan for purportedly concealing information regarding his alleged daughter Tyrian Jade White. The plea was filed by ECP stating that Imran Khan has provided incorrect information while submitting his nomination papers for the previous general elections. He added that even though the former prime minister has three children, he had mentioned two in the papers and concealed the existence of his third child. During the previous hearing, the court asked the petitioner’s counsel whether the IHC could hear the case on the basis of Article 199 or if it should go to the ECP. The petitioner’s lawyer, while presenting a judicial precedent, said that the court can look into the matter. He added that the court possesses the jurisdiction to review the matter even if there was factual controversy. (Awais Yousafai, “Tyrian White: IHC to take up Imran’s disqualification case on 20th,” The News International, 15 December 2022)

PAC orders removal of illegal recruitment in PESCO
On 14 December, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in a meeting directed the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) the immediate removal of 2,605 employees and ordered an inquiry against the officers responsible for improper recruitment. Out of 2605 employees, 1300 were from Swat and Chairman and the chairman asked the officials why the recruitment was made especially from Swat. The committee ordered an inquiry against the relevant recruiting officers and ordered the immediate withdrawal of 2,605 people recruited recently. It also asked for an inquiry report within a fortnight. The committee also directed for issuing of advertisements for recruitment all over Pakistan. During the meeting, the members complained that funds for development schemes were not being released. Officials of the planning ministry said that the funds were available, but the details of how much money would be given to a constituency were still awaited. (Haseeb Hanif, “PAC orders inquiry into improper recruitment in PESCO,” The Express Tribune, 15 December 2022)

The seventh census should be completed on time, says Ahsan Iqbal
On 14 December, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and the provincial governments to ensure effective coordination and spends PKR 34 billion for the timely completion of the country’s first-ever Digital Census and seventh Population and Housing Census-2022. The decisions were made in the fourth census monitoring committee for progress review.(“ ‘Rs34b’ to be spent on digital headcount,” The Express Tribune, 15 December 2022)

ON INDIA
The international community should hold India accountable for terrorism, says the Foreign affairs Ministry
On 14 December, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar speaking at the Foreign Office said, “no country has used terrorism better to its benefit than India, which suffers from ‘chronic terrorism syndrome’ while remaining the recruiter, financier and facilitator of various outfits and foreign fighters in the region.” She also presented to the media a dossier related to the 2021 Johar Town blast near the home of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed in which four people were killed. Hina Khan also said Pakistan waited for hard evidence to be making the case and does not unlike India go the next day blaming neighbouring countries. Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed briefed diplomatic missions based in Islamabad on the “state-sponsored terrorism” against Pakistan planned, conducted, and financed by India and asked the international community to hold India accountable for its crimes. (Mariana Baabar, “Dossier on Johar Town blast: ‘Rogue’ India backs terror outfits, says Hina Rabbani Khar,” The News International, 15 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Remittances hit record low in 27 month
On 14 December, the SBP reported that remittances has hit a 27-month low at USD 2.10 billion in November by 14 per cent compared to USD 2.45 billion, as many expatriates dispatched money back home through informal channels. November is the third consecutive month of remittance decline. Another reason for low remittance is the offers of the black market which offers a significantly higher price for the US dollar at PKR 240-250 compared to the interbank market rate of PKR 225 to a dollar. The drop in remittances may trigger further depreciation of the rupee as demand for the dollar has remained high amid the low foreign currency reserves of the State Bank. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the two biggest sources of remittance flow to Pakistan. (Salman Siddiqui, “Remittances hit 27-month low at $2.1b,” The Express Tribune, 15 December 2022)

The inflation rate will remain higher in coming months, says ADB
On 14 December, the ADB while releasing the outlook for the year 2022 announced Pakistan as the second most expensive country in the South Asian region. It also predicted that the inflation rate in Pakistan will remain high in the coming months and the value of Pakistani rupee may fall further from the current 26.6 per cent. According to the forecast, energy is likely to become more expensive in Pakistan and the rate of economic growth in South Asia has slowed down due to floods adding that the floods in Pakistan and Bangladesh have affected economic growth. The report further stated that the floods have caused significant damage to Pakistan’s economy, causing massive damage to agriculture, especially wheat and livestock. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan 2nd most expensive country in South Asia: ADB,” The News International, 15 December 2022)

The government will follow the current programme with IMF, says Prime Minister
On 14 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while addressing a high-level meeting over the economic situation said that the government would follow its current programme with IMF. He said the incumbent government had inherited an economy in ruins and in a miserable situation, but with consistent hard work, they had stabilised it. The prime minister was briefed on the economic situation and was told that the country was not going to default and that all such rumours were misleading. The meeting decided to take action against dollar hoarders, while the prime minister directed to lower the difference between open market and interbank dollar rates. (“Stabilised tattered economy with tireless efforts: PM,” The News International, 15 December 2022)
 
EXTERNAL 
Foreign Minister urges United Nations to encourage negotiations on disarmament 
On 14 December, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed the United Nations Security Council in New York and urged the organisation to limit and control the production of nuclear and conventional weapons. Bhutto said: “This council should support negotiations in the relevant bodies to limit and control the nuclear and conventional arms build-up at the global and regional level, including the development and deployment of new weapons and military technologies.” Further, Bhutto opposed the expansion of the permanent members of the security council but agreed to expand the council. (“Pakistan seeks talks to limit arms build-up,” Dawn, 15 December 2022) 
 
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Officer pushes for relaxation of visa policy  
On 14 December, the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) senior vice-president Shahid Hussain urged the government of Pakistan and Afghanistan to remove obstacles to the promotion of bilateral trade. Hussain called for a relaxation of visa policies and encouraged hassle-free visa provision for the people of the two countries. The senior SCCI officer cautioned that without speedy visa issuance, businesses and investments would not result in positive outcomes. (“Kabul, Islamabad urged to relax visa policy for businessmen,” Dawn, 15 December 2022) 
 
PROVINCE 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Suicide attack kills three and injures 14 others  
On 14 December, a suicide attack in the North Waziristan tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed three civilian lives and injured 14 others. The casualties included nine security personnel who were part of a convoy travelling to Miramshah from Datta Khel tehsil. The suicide attacker was riding a bike and crashed into the convoy in the Sargardan area. The attack has not been claimed by any militant group as of now. (“3 killed as suicide attacker rams bike into convoy in North Waziristan,” Dawn, 15 December 2022) 
 
Sindh: Chief Minister promises to provide PKR three lakhs to each flood-hit family  
On 14 December, the Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the flood-hit regions in Sehwan and promised that the government would provide PKR 3,00,000 to each family that has been affected by the floods. The funds are being allocated to rebuild the houses that were destroyed by the floods. CM Murad Ali Shah reported that over 80 per cent of the floodwater had been drained from the region. (“Flood-hit families to get Rs300,000 each for repair of houses: CM,” Dawn, 15 December 2022) 
 
Balochistan: The second phase of local government elections comes to an end 
On 14 December, the polling for the second phase of the local government elections in 32 districts of Balochistan concluded. The elected Councilors from the first phase of the local government elections cast their votes for the 7 municipal corporations, 48 municipal committees and 597 union councils in the second phase. The second phase of the election seeks to elect candidates for the reserved 33 per cent seats for women and five per cent reserved seats for individuals from the farming, manual labour and non-Muslim communities. The unofficial vote count declared an unopposed election for all candidates from the Dera Bugti municipal committees while 9 municipal corporation seats were won by the Balochistan National Party-Awami. (“Polling concludes for second phase of Balochistan LG polls,” The Express Tribune, 14 December 2022) 

Kamila Hyat, The realities of life
The Express Tribune, 15 December 2022
Recently, Daily Mail, a British tabloid newspaper, withdrew its 2019 story which alleged that Shehbaz Sharif and his son-in-law had siphoned off funds from British aid money meant for earthquake victims… It appears an out-of-court settlement is on the cards. But this has not prevented the PTI from going ahead with other allegations of corruption and insisting that the Daily Mail story still holds weight. Other political parties are focusing on the Toshakhana case and on wrongdoings committed by the PTI. But there are other concerns which need to be addressed.

Nadeem Iqbal, Transparency and the RTI
The Express Tribune, 15 December 2022
Pakistan’s Right to Information (RTI) Act is playing an instrument role in generating information that can help hold the corrupt accountable for their actions… There is considerable evidence to suggest that because of the RTI, the NACS has finally come of age. Now NAB must redefine it by revising and updating the action plan with new targets and timelines, removing its anti-politicians’ bias.

Editorial, Indian Terrorism
The Express Tribune, 15 December 2022
India’s rogue behaviour against Pakistan has been pointed out again and again, by almost every government in power. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar repeated this in yesterday’s press conference during which she aptly described India as a 'rogue state'. Khar’s presser comes a day after Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah held a joint press conference with Punjab CTD Additional Inspector General Imran Mehmood and gave details of the Indian hand in the Johar Town blast in Lahore last year.

Editorial, HEC affairs
The Express Tribune, 15 December 2022
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is in the news once again – and (once again) for all the wrong reasons. First the PTI government decided to make unnecessary decisions regarding the HEC, reducing the term of the HEC chairman to just two years and then giving extraordinary powers to the executive director who happened to be a retired bureaucrat.
 
Asfand Yar Warraich , Military’s constitutional role
Dawn, 15 December 2022
Gen Bajwa, our former army chief, recently conceded that this may just have something to do with the institution’s “interference in politics for the last 70 years”. This interventionism, he very graciously admitted, was definitely “unconstitutional.”

Khaqan Hassan Najeeb, Rocks and crops
Dawn, 15 December 2022
Countries must earn their way to prosperity by building their productive capacity. Mining the earth for natural resources is a profitable business strategy employed by many nations. Balochistan is especially blessed with copper, gold, lead, zinc, iron ore, magnetic sands and stones. Reko Diq in Balochistan is one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold deposits, with an estimated cum­ulative revenue of over $100bn over 50 years. However, Pakistan has missed the opportunity to tap its potential.

Editorial, Typhoid cases
Dawn, 15 December 2022
Issues of public health and quality of life are relegated to the margins in Pakistan. This is the primary reason why there have been reports of over 200,000 typhoid cases in Sindh in the first 10 months of the year. These include cases of the dangerous extensively drug resistant, or XDR, strain of the waterborne disease. According to health experts this paper spoke to, while typhoid cases have been reported from across Sindh, 70pc to 80pc of the cases from Karachi are of the XDR strain.

Editorial, Children at risk
Dawn, 15 December 2022
It is alarming how frequently incidents involving the rape and murder of children appear to be occurring in recent days. At least three stories in this paper on Wednesday alone concerned heinous crimes against children. In Karachi, police arrested a six-year-old girl’s adult neighbour for raping and killing the child and dumping her body in an abandoned house outside the metropolis.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Election Commission begins process to remove Imran Khan as PTI Chairperson 
On 13 December, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that it had initiated the process for the removal of Imran Khan as the PTI Chairman post his disqualification in the Toshakhana reference. The ECP Director General Law Mohammad Arshad declared the next hearing to be held on 20 December while the trial court will announce its judgement on 15 December. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq took up the PTI’s appeal against the Election Commission’s decision but postponed the proceedings until 20 December because of the lack of time. (“Proceedings begin to remove Imran as PTI chief, ECP tells IHC,” Dawn, 14 December 2022) 

Imran Khan’s counsel claims questions on the army’s immunity as political  
On 13 December, Advocate Khawaja Haris, the counsel for Imran Khan, claimed that questions on the exclusion of the armed forces from the purview of NAB law were political. Haris further explained that the 2001 judgment on Asfandyar Wali case was justified by the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 and Pakistan Army Act Rules 1954 and therefore, did not fall under the accountability law. Both the Acts provide for persecution and punishment in cases of corruption, corrupt practices, illegal gratification and constitutional protection. Haris was representing Imran Khan’s challenge to amend the National Accountability Ordinance to a three-judge SC bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. (“Imran’s counsel terms SC question on army’s immunity ‘political’,” Dawn, 14 December 2022) 
 
Assets case against Interior Minister Sanaullah closes  
On 14 December, Dawn reported that the National Accountability Bureau had initiated the process of closing the income beyond means inquiry against Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah. Dawn cited sources and said: “The NAB Lahore has decided not to challenge the decision of the Lahore High Court that recently accepted Sanaullah’s plea seeking the closure of NAB’s assets beyond means inquiry against him in the apex court. Thus, the bureau initiated the process of closing the inquiry against him.” The body had upgraded an inquiry in 2020 after discovering PKR 400 million worth of property under PML-N Punjab President. The multiple properties were connected to Sanaullah and he was accused of accumulating plots in his relative’s names. However, he was acquitted last week in a narcotics case that was filed against him. (“Assets case against Rana Sanaullah being closed,” Dawn, 14 December 2022) 
 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterates Pakistan’s commitment towards eradicating polio  
On 13 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Bill Gates and stressed that the government is dedicated to removing all cases of polio in the country. PM Sharif discussed the ongoing programmes supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in the country and appreciated the support offered by the foundation. Furthermore, he expressed concerns over the re-emergence of polio cases after a year. He also explained that there were no new cases since September 2022. (“Govt ‘committed to eradicate’ all forms of polio,” The Express Tribune, 14 December 2022) 
 
Pakistan’s National Assembly extends law ordinance for four months 
On 13 December, Pakistan’s National Assembly extended the Tax Laws (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2022 for four months on the last day of the Assembly’s current session. The decision was criticised by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) lawmaker Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali for running the country through ordinances after calling out the PTI government for similar actions. (“NA extends tax law ordinance for 4 months,” The Express Tribune, 14 December 2022) 
 
EXTERNAL
Pakistan puts up a diplomatic property for sale in the US
On 14 December, the Pakistan Embassy said that the country has placed one of its diplomatic properties in Washington in the US and that the building “is in the market.” An official for the embassy said that the building held the embassy’s defence section from the mid-1950s to the early 2000s and that they are “following” a proper plan for the sale of the property. The official said that the building is on sale but there is no final bidder for the same and that they were in consultation with an appraiser to “assess what’s better” for the embassy and decide if the sale of the building held better in the market before or after renovation. The embassy also said that neither the new nor the old embassies were up for sale and that the government “has no plans” to sell the old embassy as they wanted to establish a cultural centre in the building. This comes as social media posts showed the present and old embassies being put up for sale and that the government considering selling the old one after renovating the building for nearly seven million dollars. The embassy defended this move and said that the sale resists “wasted money” on occupied buildings. (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistan’s diplomatic property for sale in Washington,” Dawn, 14 December 2022)
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto to host G77 moot in New York
On 13 December, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto arrived in New York on a seven-day visit for discussions with world leaders and high-level US officials in Washington. The Foreign Office said that Bhutto’s visit entailed engagements of multilateral and bilateral nature and that he would host and chair the G77 conference in New York.  Bhutto will also meet with UN Secretary Antonio Guterres during his visit and will take part in the UNSC’s debate on the ‘Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism” on 14 December. Bhutto’s chairmanship of the ministerial meeting of the G77 will be the last one as G77 chair and will leave Cuba and China to take over in 2023 and 2024. (Anwar Iqbal, “Bilawal in New York to host G77 moot tomorrow,” Dawn, 14 December 2022)
 
Tajikistan President to arrive in Pakistan on a two-day visit 
On 14 December, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon is set to visit the country on a two-day visit and exchange “views” on increasing bilateral cooperation and agreements between the two countries. This comes as Tajikistan’s President is supposed to lay out a revitalised plan of action to “deepen” cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan in “diverse fields” and to further their relations to tighten their geo-economic partnership. The Foreign Office of Pakistan said that both the countries are “brotherly” and that the ties between the two are marked by “mutual respect and exceptional cordiality” and that they share similar views on varied regional and international issues. (“Tajikistan president to arrive today,” Dawn, 14 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Licensing of weapons to lawyers approved by Cabinet
On 13 December, the cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan approved a proposal to issue a licence for prohibited firearms to legal practitioners in the province for self-protection. Khan directed the authorities to develop a mechanism for the issuance of those licences to the common people too. (“KP cabinet approves licences of prohibited bore weapons for lawyers,” Dawn, 14 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: CM should explain his position on PTI’s assembly dissolution
On 13 December, the Opposition leader of the assembly Mohammad Akram Khan Durrani asked Chief Minister Mahmood Khan to explain his position on the plans of PTI regarding the assembly’s dissolution, insisting that political uncertainty is aggravating the economic and security situation in the province. Mr Durrani said if the chief minister didn’t intend to dissolve the assembly, then the opposition parties would help the provincial government claim dues from their government in the centre adding that PTI should not turn the house into a joke. Durrani said the economic problems were created by both the federal and the provincial government who threatens the state with the dissolution of the assembly. He claimed that the law and order situation in the province was worsening. He said people feared stepping out after 8 pm due to the growing robbery incidence. The opposition leader also said ministers and lawmakers received phone calls for extortion payment and if they didn’t meet the demand, shrouds were delivered to their homes with life-death threat notes. ( Mohammad Ashfaq, “Opposition asks CM to explain position on PTI’s assembly dissolution plan,” Dawn, 14 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Differences in opinion between the current and former finance ministers over the economy
On 13 December, in a media broadcast, Ishaq Dar and former finance minister Miftah Ismail gave their stands on the state’s economy. Dar said that the country’s performance criteria were up to the mark and complete for IMF's ninth review while Mr Ismail argued that the default risk wouldn’t subside unless the Fund came to the table. In a meeting held between the executive board and the lower–middle–income countries, borrowers like Pakistan have failed to persuade the IMF to review the surcharges it collects from them on loans that are not repaid. Dar in an interview further said IMF looked at the overall direction of a particular quarter, including structural reforms and fulfilment of conditionalities, which was logical. He said Pakistan had eroded its credibility before the IMF due to the actions of the previous government and the Fund was asking for further information rather than just the current quarter. He expressed the thought that the IMF might combine the ninth and 10th reviews for the country. (“Financial wizards split over default risk,” Dawn, 14 December 2022)

Foreign employees of Pakistan receive salaries after the finance ministry release funds
On 14 December, The Express Tribune reported that the finance ministry has released the funds for the needs of the country's embassies and missions abroad including the payment of salaries of their employees. The finance ministry spokesperson said that the SBP had also approved the provision of foreign exchange for this purpose. The move was in the situation of shortage in the salaries in dollars of the employees for over four months. Earlier foreign affairs ministry informed the finance ministry about the situation through a letter, but the authorities concerned were not releasing the funds because of low dollar reserves. (“Funds for Pakistan missions abroad released,” The Express Tribune, 14 December 2022)

Strict conditions by IMF make flood relief a huge challenge, says Prime Minister 
On 13 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called IMF “callous” as IMF had put strict conditions on the country because of which the government’s efforts for rehabilitation of flood victims and providing relief to the masses had become a huge challenge. IMF was informed that the expenditures on flood rescue and relief amounted to PKR 340 billion, Pakistan has requested the lender to grant an adjuster of the same amount by allowing an increase in the budget deficit for the current fiscal year 2022-23. He said, “It is a big challenge but there is no question of giving up. With the help of Allah, the government coalition will work together and mitigate the suffering of the people. We will not rest until the people are settled in their homes.”(Mehtab Haider, “Rs 340bn flood expenditures: Pakistan asking IMF to allow budget deficit increase,” The News International, 14 December 2022; “Shehbaz decries ‘callous IMF’ amid flood devastation,” The Express Tribune, 14 December 2022)

Power sector debt spiked to PKR 4,177 billion
On 13 December, power sector circular debt spiked to an alarming level of PKR 4,177 billion as the government fails to stem system losses. The increase in the outstanding debt stock due is significantly caused by the government’s inability to pay dues to independent power producers. Cash shortfall across the power sector supply chain, the inability of arrears to pay to the power supply chain comes despite the continuous increase in the prices of electricity and cut in subsidy. The authorities had also prepared plans to stop the increase in debt stock and liquidate existing arrears. (“Circular debt soars past Rs4,177bn,” The Express Tribune, 14 December 2022)

ON INDIA
The attempt to interfere in the Kashmir issue will be unacceptable, says India's Ministry of External Affairs
On 13 December, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in an official statement condemned the visit of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) head to “AJK” and called it an interference in its internal affairs. The statement said the OIC took “a blatantly communal, partisan and factually incorrect approach” to the issue. He further added that any attempts to interfere in India’s internal affairs by OIC and its Secretary General will be unacceptable. (“ India decries OIC’s ‘meddling’ in Kashmir issue,” Dawn, 14 December 2022)

In Brief
INTERNAL
Afghanistan offers apologies to the country over Chaman firing, says Défense Minister
On 12 December, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif informed the National Assembly that Afghanistan had ‘apologised’ for its security forces’ unprovoked firing in Chaman resulting in the killing of seven civilians. He said during a border security committee meeting, the Afghan side accepted their mistake and assured that such an incident will not occur again. He said the internal problems of Afghanistan were affecting Pakistan and the world should recognise the Afghan government and return their withheld money. He said Pakistan will continue to extend cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan adding that this will open vistas of economic and trade cooperation in the region.(Asim Yasin, “Chaman border clash: Kabul apologises, commits no future violence, NA told,” The News International, 13 December 2022)

The partnership between the Oxford University and the country should be expanded, says Ahsan Iqbal
On 12 December, Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal while addressing a high-level delegation from British university emphasised the need to expand the partnership between Oxford University and Pakistan to facilitate students. The minister said Oxford was the oldest university which had a long history with Pakistan and several officials holding key positions in the public sector of the country had graduated from the university. The minister also highlighted the importance of the UK’s prestigious Chevening scholarships which must be increased to facilitate Pakistani students by 50 per cent funding by both countries. (“Minister wants to expand partnership with Oxford University,” Dawn, 13 December 2022)

ECP issues revised affidavit for candidates for Senate, NA, PA polls
On 13 December, The News International reported that the ECP has issued a revised affidavit for the candidates for the Senate, National and provincial assemblies’ elections. According to the ECP, the candidate will be obliged to submit the amended affidavit along with the nomination papers and he or she will also have to write the date of birth of the children and the number of the dependents’ identity card. ECP has delisted five cases Imran Khan. The PTI foreign funding case, the case of withholding the notification of Imran Khan’s victory in by-polls, two cases related to his removal from the chairmanship of the party and the case related to his non-submission of election expenses have also been delisted.(“ Senate, NA, PA polls: ECP issues revised affidavit for candidates,” The News International, 13 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Assembly Speaker denies permission for PTI leader to speak over Swati’s arrest
On 12 December, the PTI members of the assembly protested and boycotted the proceedings after Opposition Leader Haleem Adil Sheikh was denied permission to speak over the arrest of party Senator Azam Swati by the provincial police. Haleem Adil was stopped from speaking as the speaker allowed him to speak after the completion of the agenda of the house. The opposition leaders and other party lawmakers carrying placards left their seats and gathered in front of the rostrum as the deputy speaker turned off Sheikh’s microphone smoothing proceeding with the business. The opposition was chanting slogans for the immediate release of Senator Swati. (Tahir Siddiqui, “Rumpus in Sindh Assembly as PTI denied permission to raise Swati’s arrest,” Dawn, 13 December 2022)

Sindh: Consumers suffer with SSGC’s announcement of getting gas only for meal times
On 12 December, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) announced that Karachi has been experiencing either hour-long gas load shedding or low pressure for the past many weeks. Domestic consumers would get gas only for eight hours a day which is for the “meal timing” thrice a day. While the SSGC preferred to stay silent about the remaining 16 hours of the day, the new gas schedule has given rise to speculations that the people would continue to face load shedding in most parts of the day. Despite the SSGC assurance, almost every locality in the city has been facing very low pressure or no supply of gas during peak hours for the past several days. (Imran Ayub, “Crisis deepens as domestic consumers to get gas only at ‘meal times’,” Dawn, 13 December 2022)

Balochistan: Unidentified attackers killed PkMAP leader in a targeted incident
On 12 December, Sardar Mohammad Ashraf Kakar, a senior leader of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), was shot dead by unidentified attackers. According to an official statement from the police, the armed men opened fire near his house and injured Kakar and his driver in his car. Though both were taken to hospital, Kakar succumbed to death. Senior police officers suspect the killing as targeted and an FIR has been registered against the unknown killers and an investigation had been launched. (Saleem Shahid, “PkMAP leader shot dead, driver injured in Loralai,” Dawn, 13 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Wapda to implement developmental schemes in Kohistan district
On 12 December, The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Civil Administration of the Hazara Division and United Kohistan Jirga reached an agreement that it aims to implement development schemes of Wapda in Kohistan districts for the socio-economic uplift of the local residents. The agreement paves the way for smooth execution and completion of the long-delayed 132-kilovolt transmission line from Duber Hydel Power Station to Dasu, direly needed for stable electricity supply during the peak construction period for the Dasu Hydropower Project. The locals have assured of the smooth laying of transmission lines and will not create any hurdles in the development. Wapda will implement scores of schemes as confidence-building measures under its Corporate Social Responsibility with the support of the civil administration.(“ WAPDA, Kohistan Jirga ink deal on uplift schemes,” The Express Tribune, 13 December 2022)

JUDICIARY
Transparency International Pakistan charged with contempt plea in PHC
On 12 December, a contempt petition was filed in the Peshawar High Court against Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) for allegedly declaring the judiciary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the most corrupt institution in its recent National Corruption Perception Survey. The petition was submitted by Shabbir Hussain Gigyani, who is a Supreme Court advocate, who requested the high court to prohibit TIP from publishing ‘false, fake and factitious’ reports. He also sought the court’s orders for the government to monitor the functioning of the organisation and regulate its acts and action. The petitioner has referred to the reports of national and international media about the TIP’s National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS), 2022, which identified the sectors “perceived as the most corrupt at national and provincial levels.” according to the TIP survey, the judiciary was the most corrupt sector followed by the tendering and contracting, and the police in KP.(“ Contempt plea filed with PHC against Transparency International,” Dawn, 13 December 2022)

Islamabad Court puts Toshakhana reference on hold after the counsel hearings
On 12 December, Islamabad district and sessions court reserved its verdict in the Toshakhana reference filed against Imran Khan by the ECP. The reference was filed by the ECP in November, asking the court to proceed against Imran Khan. The ECP’s lawyer argued, “If the prime minister receives a gift, it has to be deposited in the Toshakhana and it is a crime if someone, who is contesting for the Senate, provincial or National Assembly, does not declare his assets.” The ECP counsel asserted that Imran was liable to tell how he treated each gift he had received and also to declare them in his statements. After the hearing, the court reserved the verdict. (Abdullah Momand, “Islamabad court reserves verdict on Imran’s Toshakhana reference,” Dawn, 13 December 2022)

The army is not over the NAB law, says Supreme Court
On 12 December, the Supreme Court while hearing the plea over the amendments in the NAB said that the Army is not over the NAB law. During the hearing, Justice Mansoor observed that even judges are not out of the ambit of NAB and asked the lawyer as to what are the reasons for keeping the Army out of the ambit of NAB law. CJP Umar observed that the amendments made to NAB law are an improvement in the country’s law which was earlier criticised for having some flaws in it. (Sohail Khan, “If judges not exempt, why army kept out of NAB reach: Supreme Court,” The News International, 13 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Pakistan hopes to conclude talks with Saudi Arabia over financial assistance soon, says Ishaq Dar
On 12 December, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is hoping to conclude talks with Saudi Arabia on financial help for the country. He also said that the IMF had asked Pakistan for more information to finalise the ninth review. As the review is awaited, Pakistan has been trying to approach allies to seek financial support, and Dar had said that he would expect to get USD three billion from a friendly country. The current reserves stand at around USD 6.7 billion, which is almost equal to USD 6.6 billion on January 2019 which is insufficient for the payments in the current fiscal year. Though Pakistan has been receiving packages from China and Saudi Arabia, it was spent in paying back two commercial loans of China. (“Saudi cash finance soon: Dar,” The Express Tribune, 13 December 2022)
 

In Brief
INTERNAL
Opposition to protest in NA against Swati’s arrest
On 12 December, the National Assembly opposition announced that they will agitate the arrest and alleged maltreatment of Senator Azam Khan Swati besides discussing the country’s economic situation in the House. The opposition members would approach Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani regarding the question and ask him to issue production orders for Azam Swati who was arrested in Islamabad and taken to Balochistan after being given bail. Senator Azam Swati has been implicated in cases registered in various parts of the country for foul-mouthing senior officials and for his tweets. He was also arrested earlier under similar charges He also accused the federal agency of maltreatment during detention. (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Opposition protests Swati’s arrest, ‘maltreatment’ in Senate today,” The News International, 12 December 2022)

PTI warns the government by threatening to dissolve provincial assemblies if elections dates are not announced
On 11 December, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry warned the government to announce general elections by 20 December or the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assemblies will be dissolved. Referring to the Pakistan Democratic Movement, a multi-party ruling coalition at the Centre, he added the country needed political stability which was not possible without a stable government. The PTI has a majority government in KP; however, in Punjab, the party was holding power in coalition with the PML-Q. According to reports, the PML-Q was still doubtful about the idea and even though the party publicly continued to stand by the PTI chairman’s stance, it has also cautioned him to be prudent in his appraisal of the current political situation before sealing the assembly’s fate.(“ PTI demands ‘plan’ for snap polls by Dec 20,” Dawn, 12 December 2022)

The country is heading towards a default manner under imported government, says Imran khan
On 11 December, Imran Khan claimed that the country was heading towards a default manner under the “imported government”. He blamed the blatant “injustice” in the country for the economy is in shambles. Imran maintained that because of its poor performance, trust deficit and different priorities, the current government had pushed the country on the verge of economic default. He further said, “The PTI's demand for snap polls is not to give favour to me or my party but to avert the default by bringing political stability to the country.” (Imran Adnan, “Imran warns of default if govt stays,” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022; “Imran blames economic woes on pervasive 'injustice',” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022)

Political parties had imposed political, economic and social terrorism in the country, says JI chief
On 11 December, JI chief Sirajul Haq said that all three major political parties had imposed political, economic and social terrorism in the country. He added that the life and death of the “defenders of the status quo” was not here and they were a burden on the country. He maintained that the economic and foreign policies of the country were chalked out at the behest of IMF and US, respectively. The JI chief claimed that the PTI had deceived the youth of the country in the worst possible manner. He added that “real change” would come when the youth stood up for their rights.(“ Defenders of 'status quo' burden on country: Siraj,” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
OIC works to find a solution to Kashmir issue, says Secretary General
On 11 December, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said it has been working on a plan to find a channel of discussion between Pakistan and India in its earnest endeavours to see a solution to the longstanding Kashmir issue. In a press meet, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha said, “We are here to express our solidarity, sympathy and determination of the OIC to find out a solution for this longest conflict between India and Pakistan with our partners, with the international community and with our member states.” He said Kashmir is part of OIC which has collective and individual responsibility to talk about this issue to find a solution. “AJK” President Barrister Sultan Mahmood and Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, senior officials of the OIC general secretariat were also present in the meeting .Sultan Mahmood said Kashmir was not a territorial dispute rather an issue of the future of a nation. He appreciated the OIC secretary general for his all-out support to the right to self-determination of people. (Tariq Naqash, “OIC working on plan to find solution to Kashmir issue,” Dawn, 12 December 2022)

Mail on Sunday prints apology to PM Shehbaz Sharif for false allegations
On 11 December, Mail on Sunday (MoS) newspaper published an apology to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in one million print editions as part of the deal to apologise online as well as in print editions after the global removal of the false and defamatory article by reporter David Rose. The MoS has added in the printed apology that all its journalists observe the Editor’s Code of Practice and stated that “We aim to correct any errors as promptly as possible.” The article by David Rose titled “Did the family of Pakistani politician who has become the poster boy for British overseas aid STEAL funds meant for earthquake victims, asks David Rose” was deleted on 8 December prior to Daily Mail publicly announcing it has apologised and settled the case with Sharif and his son-in-law. By removing the defamatory article and printing the apology, the Mail owners have accepted that Shehbaz was not involved in stealing money of Department for International Development (DFID) grant for Pakistan. (Murtaza Ali Shah, “UK paper prints apology to Shehbaz in print editions across UK,” The News International, 12 December 2022)

JUDICIARY
Supreme Court imposes PKR 500,000 on CDA for 'overburdening' the court
On 12 December, The Express Tribune reported that Supreme Court has imposed PKR 500,000 on the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for filing a 'frivolous' case and 'overburdening' the court with vexatious cases and thereby delaying and denying the rightful claim of access to justice guaranteed under Article 9 of the Constitution. The ruling further emphasised that it must be appreciated by the CDA that it is not the role of the courts to fix the internal managerial shortcomings of the institution. It added that authority sought to bring a matter of its own internal affairs into the court, instead of resolving the matter at its own end. It further said that this tendency cannot be condoned and has to be denounced because not only does it waste the time of this court but it has also wasted a considerable amount of time of the respondents who have been facing litigation pursued by the petitioner since 2019 as they have been striving to have the transfer in favour of respondent.(Hasnaat Malik, “SC imposes special costs on CDA for filing 'frivolous case',” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: government work towards putting KP on the world tourism map
On 12 December, The Express Tribune reported that Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said his government is working towards a higher goal to put K-P on the world tourism map. Khan reiterated that his government has worked tirelessly for the promotion of tourism as an industry which has made the province a tourist destination not only at the national but also at the international level. He said that the provincial government has established a model of sustainable development in the province to make it financially self-sustainable and enable it to contribute to the national exchequer. The chief minister maintained that despite various constraints and challenges, the provincial government has successfully completed the integration of erstwhile Fata into the province which was a daunting task. He added that a number of initiatives have been undertaken in newly merged districts under a well-planned strategy with the sole purpose of addressing their longstanding deprivations. (“K-P to be put on world tourism map, says CM,” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022)

Balochistan: local elections see Bhootani Awami, Jam Kamal Khan alliance and JUI-F leading in three districts
On 11 December, the local government election’s first phase was held in three districts. According to unofficial results, Bhootani Awami panel leading in the newly created Hub district, the Jam Kamal Khan alliance ahead in Lasbela, and the JUI-F emerging as the majority party in Huramzai town. The elections were peaceful and had tight security. In May, local government elections were held in 32 districts of Balochistan in which independent candidates led with more than 1,000 seats in municipal corporations, municipal committees and union councils, followed by JUI-F winning around 100 seats and the ruling Balochistan Awami Party securing over 70 seats.(“ Bhootani panel sweeps Hub, Kamal group ahead in Lasbela polls,” Dawn, 12 December 2022)

Balochistan: Centre will clear liabilities of USD 900 million for the Chilean firm to exit Reko Diq project
On 11 December, the finance ministry in a statement said that the ECC approved two important agenda items related to the Reko Diq project, including the agreement with the Barrick Gold Company for the early start of the project. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar chaired the meeting in which the energy ministry submitted a summary on accrued interest with respect to the amount held in an escrow account in connection with the Reko Diq project dispute settlement. The meeting was informed that the centre and Balochistan government had entered into the out-of-court dispute settlement with the Tethyan Copper Company with respect to the Reko Diq Project the federal government would clear liabilities to the Chilean firm,   making a payment of USD 900 million plus the accrued interest. This was on the basis of the government received a favourable opinion from the Supreme Court on the settlement agreement for the Reko Diq project, which was a condition for the finalisation of the settlement.(Irshad Ansari, “ECC clears way to early start of Reko Diq project,” The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022; Khaleeq Kiani, “ $900m okayed for Chilean firm to exit Reko Diq,” Dawn, 12 December 2022)

Editorial, Saarc’s future
Dawn, 12 December 2022
Regional groupings such as the EU and Asean have brought states including former enemies closer, this formula has not worked in South Asia. In fact, this region is often described as one of the least integrated in the world, and Saarc, founded nearly four decades ago, has remained a moribund forum, primarily because of the toxic nature of the Pakistan-India relationship.

Editorial, Failing confidence
Dawn, 12 December 2022
Results of a recent business confidence survey conducted by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry are a disquieting reminder of just how jittery key stakeholders have become due to the worsening state of the economy. The OICCI’s Business Confidence Score, computed through a countrywide survey, and has plunged to negative 4pc from 17pc recorded in March and April.
Fighting elephants and the trampled grass

Dr Pervez Tahir, Remember the region?
The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the 25th Sustainable Development Conference under the auspices of the SDPI. The conference is a sudden reminder that we live in a region which, contrary to economic norms, trades the least within. The SAARC region continues to neglect intra-regional trade due to the unending acrimony between Pakistan and India.

Syed Mohammad Ali, Nuclear deterrence in South Asia
The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022
Pakistan’s former National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf has written about how the nuclear standoff in South Asia could be best understood by keeping in view the role of major powers, especially America and China, to de-escalate tensions. However, in recent years, the growing acrimony between China and the US has made this informal mediation role less reliable.

Editorial, Continuing flood woes
The Express Tribune, 12 December 2022
It has been many months since the disastrous floods ravaged major parts of Pakistan and caused immense loss and destruction across the country. The response by the world in general and the Pakistani government in specific has been slow and weak. The UN Satellite Centre’s imagery indicates an estimated eight million people are still exposed to flood waters or living in vulnerable areas while some eleven districts in Sindh and Balochistan still remain inundated with water.

Editorial, Toshakhana watch saga
The News International, 12December 2022
The never-ending saga of the Toshakhana watches continues – especially the rather murky story surrounding the Graff watch allegedly sold off by former prime minister Imran Khan and bought by one Umar Farooq, as per the latter’s claims… Imran Khan has always said that politicians should be open to investigation if accused of any wrongdoing; that has been the peg for his ‘corruption’ mantra against all other political parties.

In Brief
INTERNAL
PTI gets notice from ECP regarding the change in party amendment
On 9 December, the ECP issued a notice to PTI over the amendments in its constitution and directed the party to produce a copy of the amended constitution. This was in context to the move in which PTI changed the party structure through an amendment in the party constitution. The decision by ECP was taken in a meeting held to discuss the party chairmanship as the former has taken steps to initiate the process to remove Imran Khan as Chairman in the Toshakhana reference. Though the steps are taken by ECP, the petition disqualifying Imran Khan is still pending in the LHC. (“ECP issues notice to PTI over tweaks in the party constitution,” The Express Tribune, 10 December 2022)

JUDICIARY
Lack of proper training police and prosecutors leads to the poor criminal justice system, says Judicial Committee
On 9 December, the national judicial policymaking committee and the governing body of Access to Justice Development Fund (AJDF) chaired by the CJP stated that the lack of proper training and professionalism of police and prosecutors as key factors in the underperformance of the criminal justice system. The committee resolved that the process of prosecution of cases could improve only by the specialized cadre of investigation in the police department, and strengthening of the prosecution department and its coordination with the investigation department. The meeting was called to review the performance of justice sector institutions, including judiciary, police, prosecution, prisons, special courts and administrative tribunals with regard to the pendency of cases, convictions, acquittals, jail conditions, etc. The committee also reviewed the gender-based violence statistics and emphasized the establishment of dedicated courts for the trial of gender-based violence cases. (Nasir Iqbal, Lack of training blamed for underperforming criminal justice,” Dawn, 10 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Government sets up committee constituted for creating consensus on forced conversion law
On 9 December, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali while addressing the meeting convened to address the forced conversion said the government was taking all the measures to curb forced conversion in the province. The CM said that the Sindh government would be forming a committee to create a consensus on the forced conversion law, which remained one of its priorities. He expressed the hope that the consensus would be achieved through deliberations and dialogue. (“Steps being taken to curb forced conversion: Sindh CM,” Dawn, 10 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Four terrorists killed in an intelligence-based operation
On 9 December, according to a statement issued by the Counter Terrorism Department, security forces killed four TTP terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Nowshera district. The killings were in retaliation when they opened fire against the raiding teams. The terrorists were involved in target killings, attacks on police and security forces, and blasts on police stations. (“CTD, security forces eliminate four TTP terrorists in Nowshera,” Dawn, 10 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Action plans signed with Centre on multilateral environmental agreements
On 10 December, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa became the first province to approve an action plan to implement the multilateral environmental agreements. According to an official statement, CM Mahmood Khan approved and signed the plan with the federal government. While ‘framing’ the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, 2022, the provincial government carried out another exercise to develop an ‘action plan’ to implement MEAs in the province. The plan includes national policies, an action plan, and strategies supporting implementation, including recommendations, actions and priorities, besides resource allocation. The action plan also reveals that the climate change, forestry, environment and wildlife departments will hold meetings of the implementation committee regularly. (Umar Farooq, “Action plan okayed to implement environmental accords in KP,” Dawn, 10 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Load shedding schedule rationalized after agitation
On 10 December, demonstrations were held in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office by a group of women, against the gas load shedding in the severe cold weather. The protesters, mostly from Bahadar Colony, chanted slogans against the SNGPL. The women ended their agitation after assistant commissioner Usman Ashraf assured them of rationalising the load-shedding schedule. (“Kohat women take to streets against prolonged gas outages,” Dawn, 10 December 2022)

Punjab: Great Thal project likely to get shelved by the ADB as governments fails to gather support for the project
On 10 December, The News International reported that the ADB has refused to grant an extension in the loan signing period as the Punjab government fails to gather support for the construction of the next phase of the Greater Thal Canal project within the stipulated deadline. Dr Kazim Niaz, Secretary, of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, requested ADB’s consideration of a potential six-month extension of the loan signing period. The loan would automatically lapse on December 13, 2022, unless the loan and project agreements are signed within that period. According to sources of Dawn, the entire project will be thrown off track because everything will have to be started over after the loan signing period expires. Such an eventuality would result in delays and cost escalation, putting an additional burden on the province. Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has expressed regret that Shehbaz Sharif has gone too far in his animosity towards the province and said that to protect his allies, he has turned to oppress Punjab’s farmers.(Munawar Khan, “Greater Thal Canal: ADB loan lapses as Punjab fails to rally support for project,” The News International, 10 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Government to go strict with smuggling and illegal activities across the country by tightening rules
On 10 December, The News International reported that the government in a meeting has announced to take strict actions against the racket that smuggles illegal currency, urea and wheat which have a regulatory duty imposed by the Pakistan government. The government has firmed up its numbers of currency smuggling from Pakistan into Afghanistan and now intelligence agencies, including the ISI, the FIA and the Customs Intelligence, have been directed to come up with a roadmap next week for launching stern action against the smugglers. The meetings also discussed possibilities for strengthening laws to penalize smugglers causing heavy losses to the national exchequer. (Mehtab Haider, “Crackdown on smuggling planned,” The News International, 10 December 2022)
 
Food price increase leads to a spike of 30.66 per cent in SPI
On 9 December, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the weekly inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) increased by 30.66 per cent combined for the period till the first of December. The inflation is due to the surge in food prices. The SPI on a week-on-week basis rem­ained unchanged. This was mainly because of static oil prices while few vegetable prices posted a slight decline. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “SPI spikes 30.66pc on costly food,” Dawn, 10 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
Google registered as a company in SECP
On 9 December, Google announced to set up of a liaison office in Pakistan after Facebook and Twitter gave a negative reply to the establishment of offices in near future. IT and Telecom Minister Syed Aminul Haque said Google has already registered itself as a company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The social media platforms will have to abide by the laws and the norms of Pakistan after getting registered and opening offices.(Kalbe Ali, “Google to open an office next week,” Dawn, 10 December 2022)

Pakistan remains committed to upholding SCO’s development objectives, says Azam Tarar
On 9 December, the Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar while addressing the ninth Ministers of Justice meeting of the SCO virtually said that Pakistan remained committed to upholding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO’s) development strategy objectives. He said that the SCO represented the ambitions of the member states to build prosperous and sustainable partnerships for promoting common values, interests, and opportunities. The objectives of the SCO were in complete harmony with the foreign policy goals of the Government of Pakistan, which focus on peace, stability, and development. He said it was imperative that the SCO member states should forge partnerships, revise environmental legal frameworks and formulate combined strategies to effectively combat the crises caused by the pandemic and the environmental challenges. (“Pakistan affirms support for SCO strategy,” The Express Tribune, 10 December 2022)

Editorial, Declining reserves
Dawn, 10 November 2022
Unless the authorities give a realistic picture of the economy, without sugar-coating any aspect, how can they ask citizens to tighten their belts? Instead of challenging the IMF for telling us to put our house in order, we must take a hard look at our situation and brace for painful adjustments. There is no easy way out of the current economic mess.

Editorial, PM vindicated
Dawn, 10 November 2022
It is Pakistan’s misfortune that allegations of this nature — which also embarrassed international donors and raised questions about Pakistan’s disaster relief programmes — could be levelled by those in power just to attack political opponents.

Editorial, Daily Mail apology
The Express Tribune, 10 November 2022
The truth is that as part of the settlement, both sides agreed to bear their own costs; and the paper, apart from apologising to Shehbaz in unequivocal terms, also pulled the story from the internet. The only reason a publisher anywhere would risk such reputational harm is to avoid even worse consequences from the courts or media regulators.

Editorial, Take out dreaded elements
The Express Tribune, 10 November 2022
Afghanistan is once again slipping into anarchy. The regrouping of non-state actors in the war-ravaged country and sporadic incidents of violence are quite unnerving…Going after the non-state actors is a must, and it would be advisable to take the Taliban government on board before going for it. A solo flight has not been America’s cup of tea.

Fahd Husain, Inside the Red Zone: Need for a new normal
The News International, 10 November 2022
The negotiating table is waiting for him and his team. With elections ten months away, there is a lot to be done to ensure that they are free, fair and transparent. This requires some understanding between the PDM and PTI, which in turn requires the PTI to return to the National Assembly, which in turn can legislate the required reforms and ultimately agree on the caretaker setup when the time comes.

Editorial, Murky murder
The News International, 10 November 2022
Protection of journalists must be a state priority everywhere in the world and any negligence in this matter must not be taken lightly. Journalists who have displayed independence and courage in the past have often been threatened. At the end of the day, journalism should never mean a journalist feeling so insecure that he or she is compelled to leave the country and run for their lives.

Editorial, Reko Diq saga
The News International, 10 November 2022
Returning to the more momentous question, it is amply clear in hindsight that some have been at pains to stop Reko Diq in its tracks. For a cash-strapped country like Pakistan, this is as good as economic sabotage, irrespective of intentions. Or perhaps especially if intentions are invoked.

Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Timing of the next election
Dawn, 10 November 2022
It is, therefore, appropriate for all assemblies to complete their five-year term, and for the PTI to return to the National Assembly and hold the government accountable in parliament and participate in the formation of a caretaker government before going for general elections across the country in October 2023.

Tariq Khosa, Riven by discord
Dawn, 10 November 2022
After these deliberations, assisted by relevant experts, consensus may be reached by the heads of all political parties who can then sign a comprehensive charter of economy, democracy and good governance as a public pledge to forge a new social contract between the state and society.

In Brief
INTERNAL
PTI senior leaders urges Punjab Chief Minister to dissolve the assembly
On 8 December, PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry called on Punjab’s Chief Minister Chaudhury Parvez Elahi to dissolve the provincial assembly in order to continue its alliance with the party. The statements were made after rumours of Elahi’s hesitance towards dissolving the assembly broke out. However, Chaudhry stressed that the PML-Q must take a call on aligning with the PTI or progressing as an independent party. He said: “The PML-Q must decide whether it wants to continue its alliance with the PTI or go solo in the next elections.” (“Elahi must dissolve PA to maintain alliance, says Fawad - Newspaper,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)
 
President Alvi calls on politicians to strengthen democracy
On 8 December, President Arif Alvi addressed the concluding session of the ‘Islamabad Conclave-2022’ organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies and called on the politicians to grab the opportunities presented by the military’s retreat from politics and work on strengthening democracy. Alvi said: “The army has publicly committed to staying out of politics. It’s now for the politicians to grab this opportunity with a sense of responsibility.” The statement comes after former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa announced the military’s decision to maintain its status of being ‘apolitical’ after accepting its unconstitutional interference in Pakistan’s politics for almost seven decades. (“President Arif Alvi wants politicians to ‘cash in’ on army’s ‘apolitical’ stance,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)
 
EXTERNAL
Saudi Arabia promises to help Pakistan with its financial crises
On 9 December, The News International cited a Bloomberg report and said that Saudi Arabia would continue to provide assistance to Pakistan as much as it can. Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan addressed a press briefing and pledged to support Pakistan as it seeks to help countries deal with the soaring inflation rates. Saudi Arabia extended the term of a USD three billion deposit to increase the foreign currency reserves and help Pakistan overcome the losses caused by the floods. (“Saudi Arabia pledges to continue to financially support Pakistan,” The New International, 9 December 2022)
 
The US Commerce Department blacklists Pakistani companies over nuclear activities
On 7 December, the US Commerce Department announced that Pakistani companies were among the 24 firms that had been added to the US export control list. The firms have been added to the list for posing as unacceptable risks and abetting Pakistan’s nuclear activities and missile proliferation related activities. Other than Pakistan, entities based in Latvia, Russia, Singapore and Switzerland have also been blacklisted by the US government. (“US blacklists Pakistan firms over nuclear activities,” The Express Tribune, 7 December 2022)
 
UN General Assembly adopts four Pakistani resolutions
On 9 December, the Express Tribune reported that the United Nations General Assembly adopted four Pakistani resolutions related to disarmament and strengthening regional and international peace and security. The resolutions were recommended by the 193-member Assembly’s First Committee (Disarmament and International Security). The resolution that were adopted focus on regional disarmament, conventional arms control, confidence building measures and security assurances for non-nuclear weapon states in the regional and sub-regional levels. (“UNGA adopts four Pakistani resolutions,” The Express Tribune, 9 December 2022)

Japanese grant of USD 3.87 million announced for eradicating polio in Pakistan
On 8 December, the Japanese government announced a grant of over USD 3.87 million for polio eradication programme and for procuring the essential polio vaccine to get 18.61 million children under five years to get vaccinated in endemic outbreak districts. The agreement was signed between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Unicef in Islamabad. Minister for National Health Serv­ices, Regulation and Coordination Abdul Qadir Patel who was present at the agreement signing said Pakistan has seen reduced cases of polio over the last 30 years and is assigned to eradicate cases drastically from the country by 2023.(Amin Ahmed, “Japan announces $3.9m grant for polio eradication in Pakistan,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)

Qatar government to invest USD three billion in Pakistan for greater initiatives in development
On 7 December, the Ambassador of the state of Qatar Sheikh Saoud Abdulrahman Al-Thani said an investment of USD three billion would be given to Pakistan. Qatar has stressed the importance of brotherhood and strategic relations with Pakistan which has increased after the recent visit of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Doha. He said the state of Qatar and Pakistan shared unique historical ties and enjoyed strong cooperative relations based on solid foundations. Qatar government has also decided to enhance the number of Pakistanis working in Qatar and with the help of ADB, to enroll 960,000 of Pakistan’s poorest out-of-school children in primary education over the next four years. Qatar is also supporting Pakistan’s national programme to eradicate polio. (Jamla Shahid, “Qatar to invest $3bn in Pakistan: envoy,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)

USD 225 million gets blocked in Pakistan airline funds says IATA
On 7 December, the global airline association IATA said Pakistan has been blocking USD 225 million of airline dues. The amount of airline fund for repatriation blocked by the government has been risen by 25 per cent in the last six months.IATA emphasize on governments remove the barriers to airlines repatriating their revenues from ticket sales and other activities, in line with international agreements and treaty obligations. (Mohammad Asghar, “With $225m in blocked airline funds, Pakistan among top three on IATA’s list,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Protest demand high for arresting the murderers of businessmen
On 9 December, the local leaders in Bannu announced a complete shutdown against the killing of three businessmen as talks with a government team remained unresolved. The commissioner told the elders that administration and law enforcement agencies were making strenuous efforts to arrest the killers of traders. He said that the killers would be brought to justice soon. The protestors said they will continue the protest until the killers are arrested. They also asked for a compensation package for the families of businessmen. (“ Bannu elders announce strike against murder of traders,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: US allocates USD one million for farmers in the province
On 9 December, Dawn reported that the US embassy in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Planning and Development Department launched a new development project worth USD one million to provide training to farmers, improve irrigation systems and increase household income in the province. According to an official statement, this new assistance follows the successful completion of development projects worth more than USD six million that benefited over 44,000 families since 2019. This investment will provide important skills training for women farmers in merged districts, helping to increase crop yields and promoting economic opportunity in the districts which are included in the programme.(“ US embassy, KP govt launch $1m project for farmers,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)

ON GILGIT BALTISTAN
Sost dry port resumes working after two months
On 7 December, the working of Sost dry port resumed after two months due to the rift between the senior customs officials. The move has made way for the clearance of impor­ted consignments from China through the Khunjerab Pass. Abdul Waheed Marwat has taken over the charge as the new Gilgit-Baltistan customs collector and held talks with the GB Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The association said the new customs collector acknowledged the importance of border trade between China and Pakistan, especially for the economic uplift of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Mr Marwat listened to the problems being faced by traders, businessmen, and stakeholders of the area associated with the border trade and assured them of their early resolution. (Jamil, Nagri, “After two months, trade activities resume at GB's Sost dry port, Dawn, 9 December 2022)

ON PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Local elections see PTI’s rise in “AJK”
On 8 December, PTI stood in the first position in the third phase of local elections in “AJK”. In the 46-member Municipal Corporation, PTI was ahead with 23 seats, followed by 13 by the PML-N, one by the PPP and nine independent candidates, two of whom immediately announced their support to the PTI. Polling was held without any major incident of violence in a division where the number of ‘sensitive’ and ‘most sensitive’ polling stations out of the total 2,188 was more than 76 per cent. (Tariq Naqash, “PTI clinches victories in most rural, urban councils of Mirpur,” Dawn, 9 December 2022)

JUDICIARY
NAB’s view on NAO amendments gets questioned by Supreme Court
On 8 December, the Supreme Court asked the NAB whether it supported the recent amendments, made by the current government to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999. The court also directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to submit a comprehensive report, stating the volume of pending investigations in the cases as well as stating its worth. (“ Supreme Court seeks NAB’s view on changes to NAO,” The News International, 9 December 2022)

Aqdas Afsal, the narrow path
Dawn, 9 December 2022
Ever since Pakistan’s Credit Default Swap (CDS) rates have shot up, many people have become worried about the health of the economy, wondering if the economy is heading for a crash landing, especially as the global economic situation has taken a turn for the worse once again…If present trends continue with respect to imports and lower international oil prices, Pakistan may end the year with a current account deficit around $5 billion.
 
Aasim Sajjad Akhtar, Profiting from smog
Dawn, 9 December 2022
The country’s second largest city Lahore is now in the grip of a suffocating, dense smog…If the effects of climate change are felt in the Sindhi, Seraiki and Baloch peripheries in the form of wild fluctuations — veering between scorching heat waves and massive deluges of water — then the urban metropolis is like a vacuum cleaner for dust, smoke and a plethora of particulate matter that literally leave even healthy people gasping for air.

Editorial, Breaking the deadlock
Dawn, 9 December 2022
President Arif Alvi and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent dialogue to figure out a way to break the political deadlock between the PDM and PTI is a welcome step, even if much still remains to be done before there can be any hope of a major breakthrough…meeting appears to have been a fruitful one, as what had become a major political sticking point was ultimately overcome without new controversy or ugliness from either side.

Editorial, A targeted killing
Dawn, 9 December 2022
If there were any doubts about a sinister, transnational plot to kill journalist Arshad Sharif, the 592-page report submitted on Wednesday to the five-judge Supreme Court bench by the investigation team looking into the murder should have laid them to rest. The task now is to uncover those who ordered what the two investigators, senior officials from IB and FIA, concluded was a “planned targeted assassination”, and bring them to book.

Dr Pervez Tahir, Remember the region?
The Express Tribune, 9 December 2022
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the 25th Sustainable Development Conference under the auspices of the SDPI. The conference is a sudden reminder that we live in a region which, contrary to economic norms, trades the least within. The SAARC region continues to neglect intra-regional trade due to the unending acrimony between Pakistan and India.

Syed Mohammad Ali, Nuclear deterrence in South Asia
The Express Tribune, 9 December 2022
Pakistan’s former National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf has written about how the nuclear standoff in South Asia could be best understood by keeping in view the role of major powers, especially America and China, to de-escalate tensions. However, in recent years, the growing acrimony between China and the US has made this informal mediation role less reliable.

Editorial, Continuing flood woes
The Express Tribune, 9 December 2022
It has been many months since the disastrous floods ravaged major parts of Pakistan and caused immense loss and destruction across the country. The response by the world in general and the Pakistani government in specific has been slow and weak. The UN Satellite Centre’s imagery indicates an estimated eight million people are still exposed to flood waters or living in vulnerable areas while some eleven districts in Sindh and Balochistan still remain inundated with water.

Editorial, Toshakhana watch saga
The News International, 9 December 2022
The never-ending saga of the Toshakhana watches continues – especially the rather murky story surrounding the Graff watch allegedly sold off by former prime minister Imran Khan and bought by one Umar Farooq, as per the latter’s claims… Imran Khan has always said that politicians should be open to investigation if accused of any wrongdoing; that has been the peg for his ‘corruption’ mantra against all other political parties.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Account for foreign funding was opened with Imran Khan’s sign and party letterhead, says FIA
 On 8 December, The Express Tribune reported that the federal Investigation Agency in the response submitted to LHC over the prohibited funding case of Imran Khan said the signature of Imran Khan and the party’s letterhead was used to open an account. It said the account was operated by the PTI Punjab. (“Imran signatory to prohibited funding account: FIA,” The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022)

JUI-F welcomes Nawab Aslam Raisani to the party
On 7 December, the former Chief Minister of Balochistan and chief of the Sarawak tribe, Nawab Aslam Raisani announced his decision to join the Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam (JUI-F).JUI-F welcomed Raisani to the party as the move will create a big change in Balochistan politics. He said steps must be ensured to protect the province and its sense of deprivation should be solved to bring equality with other provinces. He alleged that people in the province are not benefitting from the rich resources the province has and said the global powers control the natural resources which should be with its citizens first. The Chief of JUI while answering to said suitable role in accordance with the stature will be given to Raisani in the party leadership.(Saleem Shahid, “Nawab Aslam Raisani joins JUI-F,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)

PTI government issued a record ordinance at the time of their governance
On 7 December, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs was informed that the former PTI government enacted a record number of ordinances so far in the country. In a span of three and a half years, 77 ordinances were passed while the current government has issued three ordinances. 21 acts were passed by the current government and 158 acts were passed by PTI. (Haseeb Hanif, “PTI govt issued ‘77 ordinances’,” The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Interest-free banking faces foreign bank threats of moving out of the country.
On 8 December, Dawn reported that Saleem Mandviwalla while presiding over the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, said he had received letters from foreign banks stating that they cannot operate in Pakistan if the country goes into an interest fee banking system. The SBP was asked to engage with the Bank of China which had been dealing with after the CPEC projects in Pakistan. Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha said the government stood committed to implementing the Federal Shariat Court’s decision to eliminate the country’s banking system based on interest in five years. Aisha remarked that the conversion of banking into an Islamic system will not be 100 per cent as its financial system is integrated internationally too. The committee has been in the process of planning the strategy to increase the share of Islamic banking from 20 per cent at present to 75 per cent in the next 10 years. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Foreign banks threaten to pull out if forced to implement interest-free regime, Senate panel told,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)

Business Confidence Index steeps to lowest in different sectors
On 8 December, according to the Business Confidence Index Survey released by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry and conducted all over the country, business confidence has been decreasing in the last six months across different economic sectors. The survey said the score dropped to four per cent down from the previous score of March and April last year. The decline amounts to the political and economic situation the country has been facing along with the rising inflation and fuel prices. The highest drop in confidence was recorded in the services sector followed by retail and wholesale trade and manufacturing sector. (Kazim Alam, “Business confidence nosedives,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)

PKR 1213 billion was  borrowed from SBP to fill the fiscal gap
On 8 December, Dawn reported that according to the State Bank of Pakistan, the government borrowed PKR 1213 billion during the first five months of the financial year 2023 against the net debt retirement of PKR 38.7 billion during the July-November financial year 2022. The reason for borrowing huge amounts was to fill the widening fiscal gap. The current pace of borrowings suggests the government may set a new record. The government will be using its maximum revenue for domestic debt servicing and reducing the investment in developing projects. The higher spending and the higher revenue collection lead to the widening of the fiscal gap and creates talks with the IMF. (Shahid Iqbal, “Government borrows Rs1.21tr from banks to bridge fiscal gap,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)

FBR reports suspicious remittance cases to the Senate
On 7 December, an FBR official informed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance of suspicious remittances received in the last five years. An estimated 1396 reports were received on suspicious remittances. Actions were taken against 496 cases of money laundering cases. (“Pakistan may be sixth largest economy by 2075,” The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022)

Pakistan's economy predicted to be the sixth largest by 2075, says Goldman Sachs
According to a report published by Goldman Sachs, Pakistan would be the sixth largest economy in the world by 2075 with the “appropriate policies and institutions.” The country is ranked after China, India, the US, Indonesia and Nigeria. The economists highlighted “environmental disasters and populist nationalism as risks in achieving the goal. (“Pakistan may be sixth largest economy by 2075,” The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Police officer killed in a terrorist attack at check-post
On 8 December, Dawn reported that a police officer in the Bannu district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was killed when the checkpost came under attack by terrorists. The check-post, located near the Kinger Bridge and within the limits of the Mandan police station, was established to protect the citizens from probable terrorist attacks. The police officer was attacked by gun-fire while he was on duty at the check-post. While the police returned the fire and engaged in a gun battle, the attackers fled the spot due to the darkness. The attack marks the second time a law officer personnel has been attacked in two days in the same district. (“Policeman martyred in attack on Bannu checkpost,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)
 
Punjab: Khayal Ahman Kastro appointed as a provincial minister
On 7 December, Punjab’s Chief Minister Parvez Elahi attended the oath-taking ceremony of Khayal Ahman Kastro. The appointment has caused tensions amongst the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ranks as it comes at a time when Imran Khan tries to dissolve the Punjab Assembly. The appointment was not known to the party chairman. The notification for the appointment was read out by Secretary I&C Zahoor Hussain while Governor Balighur Rehman administered the oath at the Governor House. The ceremony was attended by the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to Governor, Punjab Minister, MPAs and administrative secretaries. Kastro has served as the culture minister during Chief Minister Usman Buzdar’s tenure. (“Punjab cabinet expansion ‘surprises’ PTI stalwarts,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)
 
GENDER
Lahore inaugurates first school for transgender students
On 7 December, the Punjab School Education Department inaugurated the first transgender school in New Garden Town, Lahore in the Punjab province. The ceremony was inaugurated by Punjab Minister for School Education and was attended by numerous civil society activists, educationists, transgender persons and others. In the last year, the department established three transgender schools in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan which provide free education from primary to higher secondary and offer training in stitching, sewing, cooking and beauty make-up. The 36 transgender students of the school are provided with education and technical skills in two shifts. The government provides the students with free books, uniforms, school bags and pick and drop services. (“First school for transgenders inaugurated in Lahore,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)
 
JUDICIARY
Peshawar High Court backs provinces’ authority to manage natural resources
On 8 December, the Peshawar High Court dismissed a petition by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas Company Limited challenging the federal government’s Directorate General Petroleum Concession (DGPC) decision to sever 738 square kilometers from Wana petroleum block and merge it with Baska North petroleum block. The bench was presided by Justice Lal Jan Khattak and Justice Shakeel Ahmad who upheld the Petroleum Policy 2012 and the Pakistan Onshore Petroleum Rules 2013. The bench observed that the DGPC failed to adhere by the policies which were bound to the constitution and declared that the federal government cannot unilaterally deal with the natural oil and gas resources of the provinces. (“Centre can’t manage natural resources of provinces unilaterally: PHC,” Dawn, 8 December 2022)

Miftah Ismail, What we need to grow
Dawn, 8 December 2020
Since our population is increasing by more than five million people annually, our shortage of food will only increase unless we enhance our farm yields. This will also raise farm income and alleviate rural poverty.

Maha Qasim and Noor Fatima Anwar, Islamic finance for climate
Dawn, 8 December 2020
Due to the high asset-intensity of Islamic finance, and concentration in specific sectors such as real estate and construction, promoting Islamic climate finance will require a focused effort from industry players to develop relevant products and financing modalities.

Editorial, Worsening hunger
Dawn, 8 December 2020
With the people facing hardship in an inflationary environment, it is imperative for the government to ensure that it bridges food supply gaps and takes measures to keep prices at an affordable level for the average Pakistani, especially those from flood-affected areas.

Editorial, Bannu beheading
Dawn, 8 December 2020
Those responsible for Rehman Zaman’s brutal killing need to be tracked down and brought to justice, while the civilian and military arms of the state must launch a relentless campaign to cleanse the affected areas of terrorism. This can come in the form of intelligence-based operations, as well as kinetic actions. Whatever shape the actions take, under no circumstances should the militants be allowed to establish their reign of terror in KP and the rest of Pakistan.

Imran Jan, Finding Arshad Sharif’s murderer
The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022
Assassination of Arshad Sharif is more like Columbo because in this story the people of Pakistan already know the murderers. No spoiler alert needed for this story because the people of Pakistan also know that nobody would get to the bottom of it anyway…The facts are already found. Whatever this investigation is has got more to do with reaching an artificial conclusion, which would convince nobody.

Editorial, Exterminate Terrorism
The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022
The recent attacks on Chaman border and the Pakistan mission in Kabul by unknown terror groups have simply confirmed that the remnants of terror are regrouping. Moreover, they have an agenda to penalise Pakistan, and that could be hand in glove with foreign agents. The level of revulsion that was witnessed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as security forces and civilians were targeted by elements who had come back from Afghanistan hints at a big mischievous plot.

Editorial, Smog emergency
The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022
The winter season has arrived and with that smog has started to envelop major parts of Punjab, where the air quality situation continues to deteriorate by the day. The provincial government has been vigilant this time around and has imposed an ‘environmental emergency’ in Lahore. Anti-smog squads have been mobilised, authorities have also been instructed to formulate a plan, schools have been told to shut down thrice a week

Editorial, Politicizing sport
The Express Tribune, 8 December 2022
India continues using pettiness as its chief tool its nose at Pakistan, most recently by delaying approval for visa applications for the Pakistan blind cricket team to participate in the T20 World Cup for the Blind. Conflicting reports in Pakistani, Indian and international media say the Pakistan team’s visas had been delayed or outright denied.

 Shaza Arif, Pakistan 2022: a rewind
The News International, 8 December 2022
As everyone gears up for 2023, it is also a moment to reflect back on the important developments that occurred in the passing year. As far as Pakistan is concerned, unfortunately 2022 has not been the best for many reasons. If there was a need to identify one phrase to define this year, it would be ‘uninterrupted political chaos and uncertainty’, which has overshadowed other important aspects and continues to hover like a dark cloud.

Editorial, Nawaz’s return
The News International, 8 December 2022
The coming year promises an action-filled news cycle, what with the PML-N’s Ayaz Sadiq having revealed that PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif is all set to return to Pakistan in January 2023. Over the last three years, many PML-N leaders have claimed – sporadically – that Nawaz will be returning soon but political pundits had always predicted that he would only return near the elections and once his cases had somehow been settled.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Fact-finding team reports Arshad Sharif’s murder as a planned assassination while Islamabad files an FIR
On 6 December, the Supreme Court urged the government and the Islamabad police to register a first information report (FIR) on journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder in Kenya. The FIR has been charged on the basis of section 302 (punishment for murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).  The fact-finding team concluded that Sharif’s murder was not a case of mistaken identity, but was a planned and targeted assassination by transnational characters. The team’s report pointed towards an involvement of individuals from Kenya, Dubai and Pakistan. (“Arshad Sharif murder: Islamabad police register FIR following Supreme Court's orders,” Dawn, 6 December 2022; “Arshad Sharif's murder 'planned assassination', says FFT,” The Express Tribune, 7 December 2022)
 
National Economic Council approves PKR 333.6 million worth of development projects
On 6 December, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance reported that 11 districts of the Sindh province and two districts of Balochistan continued to be affected by the floodwater. The UN Satellite Centre provided images of the regions in Pakistan and estimated that eight million people were exposed to the floodwater or lived close to the flooded areas. Furthermore, the report stressed on the ill effects of the floods such as poor sanitation, contaminated water resources, diarrhea and spread of waterborne diseases. On the same day, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved 10 development projects worth PKR 333.6 billion for flood-related recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. As the Sindh province suffered the most during the floods, over PKR 233 billion worth of projects were located in the region. The Ecnec meeting also approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 90 kilometers of the National Highway 5 from Moro to Ranipur and 32 damaged bridges. (“Floodwaters still inundate 13 districts of Sindh, Balochistan: UN,” Dawn, 7 December 2022; “Ecnec okays Rs333.6bn for flood-hit projects,” Dawn, 7 December 2022)
 
Planning and Development Minister announces next election to be held on the basis of the seventh census
On 6 December, the Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal addressed the inaugural ceremony of the seventh Population and Housing Census and announced that the upcoming general elections in October 2023 would be held on the basis of the seventh census. Iqbal confirmed that the government would spend PKR 34 billion to reframe economic policies and ensure the equitable distribution of resources within the country. Besides the promised funds, the government will also provide PKR 13.5 billion to the National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) which has been given the responsibility of arranging digital solutions. (“Next elections on basis of latest census: minister,” Dawn, 7 December 2022)
 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promises a safe environment for journalists
On 6 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed an event marking the ten years of the United Nations’ Plan of Action organized by the Journalist Safety Forum and pledged to provide an enabling environment for media personnel in the country. PM Shehbaz Sharif said: “My government believes that no journalist or human rights activist should be called out in the line of duty.” He explained that media freedom and democracy complimented each other and appreciated Pakistani journalists’ contribution to protecting press freedom in the country. (“Shehbaz promises enabling environment for journalism,” Dawn, 7 December 2022)

FIA’s notice to Imran Khan on audio leak case gets suspended by the LHC
On 6 December, the Lahore High Court suspended the Federal Investigation Agency’s notice to Imran Khan regarding an inquiry into the audio leaks regarding the controversial US cypher. He claims that the cypher has played an important role in oustering his government. The clip which was made public features Imran Khan, PTI leaders, and a top government official who were discussing the cypher. Cabinet took notice of the matter and constituted a committee to probe the contents of the audio leak. The FIA had issued a notice to Imran Khan directing him to appear before the agency. He approached the LHC challenging FIA’s authority to investigate the audio leaks. During the hearing, Imran’s lawyer said that it is not known whether the FIA had summoned Imran as a witness in the case or a suspect. The court pointed out that a forensic audit of the audio should be first conducted to determine if the leaks were fake or not and suspended FIA’s notice to Imran and issued notices to FIA and other respondents in the case. (Rana Bilal, “LHC suspends FIA notice issued to Imran Khan for probe into cipher audio leak,” Dawn, 7 December 2022)

Ishaq Dar’s assets to get unfrozen after NAB issues the letter
On 6 December, the National Accountability Bureau issued a letter to the district administration to restore the frozen assets of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The anti-graft watchdog also issued a letter to restore PKR 5.58 billion worth of five accounts and one house. Dar’s assets were frozen after his continuous absence from court proceedings. He approached the accountability court seeking his acquittal in the case, unfreezing of his assets, and a permanent exemption from personal attendance in proceedings. The judge said that the reference does not fall under his court’s jurisdiction under the new laws which made amendments to the NAB Bill in order to further clip the wings of the bureau.(“ NAB greenlights unfreezing of Dar’s assets,” The Express Tribune, 7 December 2022)

Court dismisses case against Asad Umar after him making an apology to the LHC
On 7 December, PTI’s Secretary-General Asad Umar made an apology before the Lahore High Court which summoned the politician before it over his "contemptuous" remarks during the party's long march. Before appearing in the court, Umar said his aim was not to target the courts or judges. Justice Jawad Hassan remarked that the court has his video statement, and added that the party was allowed to hold its long march but it targeted the courts. The case was dismissed by the court. (Shabbir Dar, “Asad Umar apologises to LHC over 'contemptuous' remarks against judges,” The News International, 7 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Soldier gets killed and beheaded along with his son
On 5 December, a frontier soldier was killed and beheaded by unknown attackers in Bannu district. He was gunned down, along with his son inside their home. The victim’s widow said that the assailants took away the head with them, claiming that it was a result of her husband’s government job. The assailants hung the head from a tree in the market area which was spotted by tribesmen who then informed the police. (Ghulam Mursalin Marwat, “FC soldier martyred, beheaded in Bannu,” Dawn, 7 December 2022)

Punjab: Government declares Lahore as ‘calamity hit city’
On 6 December, the government declared an environmental emergency in Lahore. Smog and air quality situation continues to get worse day by day and the city was declared a calamity-hit. According to a website that monitors air quality across the globe Lahore ranks as the fifth most polluted city in the world. Chief Minister Parves Elahi in a press conference said he had instructed the authorities to devise plans to combat the emergency. He said modern harvesters would be provided to farmers in a bid to prevent them from stubble burning, the Lahore High Court has directed the provincial government to keep schools in Lahore closed for three days a week due to the worsening smog situation. (Umar Farooq, Rana Bilal, “Punjab govt imposes ‘environmental emergency’ in smog-hit Lahore,” Dawn, 7 December 2022)

ON PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Apology sought from “AJK” Prime Minister for misbehaving with PM Shehbaz Sharif
On 6 December, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Attaullah Tarar accused “AJK” Prime Minister  Taveer Ilyas of damaging the Kashmir cause to protect his business interests. This was followed by verbal accusations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Taveer Ilyas. Tarar alleged that Taveer Ilyas was running a housing scheme Taj Residencia without a no-objection certificate and wanted to pressurize the federal government to secure it.PML-N “AJK” president asked apology from Tanveer Ilyas for misbehaving with PM Shehbaz Sharif and harming the national interest. Meanwhile, PTI workers of “AJK” assembled in Mirpur to note their anger against PM Shehbaz Sharif for insulting Taveer Ilyas. (Ifthikar A Khan, “AJK PM asked to apologise to Shehbaz,” Dawn, 7 December 2022)

Editorial, Dar’s dilemmas
The News International, 7 December 2022
or a nation spending over 56 per cent of its tax revenue on debt service already over the current fiscal year, this is a grim prospect. Finding an answer to this conundrum will be one of the chief worries of Finance Minister Dar, whose medium-term challenge remains macroeconomic stabilization of the country, with or without IMF help.

Zahid Hussain, Terror nexus in Afghanistan
Dawn, 7 December 2022
The daring attack on the embassy has exacerbated an already perilous environment, endangering the lives of Pakistani officials based in Kabul and other Afghan cities. It is imperative that the Afghan Taliban cut off all ties with the TTP and other transnational militant networks if they are sincere about meeting their commitments to the international community.

Talat Masood, Insurgency on the rise
The Express Tribune, 7 December 2022
It is not clear if the K-P provincial government is prepared to effectively deal with this threat and to what extent the federal government and army leadership are coordinating their efforts… Whereas, it is also a fact that the Afghan Taliban facilitated talks between the government and TTP. This is a reflection of Taliban leadership’s policy of retaining influence with both the parties, although it is doubtful if it is a sensible one and would serve their long-term interest and the interest of the region.

Rafia Zakaria, No end to violence
Dawn, 7 December 2022
The murders of women continue to increase, not only in Pakistan but all around the world. It is interesting to note the cases in which men murder women and then either pretend to kill themselves (and fail) or say that they don’t know where the wife and children are.

Editorial, More women SHOs
Dawn, 7 December 2022
In a conservative society where the public space is seen as belonging to men by right — which renders females venturing outside the home even more vulnerable — the government must take proactive steps to increase women’s visibility in a range of professions seen generally as male domains, such as the police.

Editorial, Disquiet on the western front
Dawn, 7 December 2022
Pakistan, as well as other foreign powers, should help facilitate an intra-Afghan dialogue, but by no means should they try and manipulate Afghan politics. Secondly, the message to Kabul’s rulers should be clear: no anti-Pakistan terrorists or hostile foreign elements should find refuge on Afghan soil. With the TTP rearing its ugly head, this message must be crystal clear. An Afghanistan at peace with itself and the world is in Pakistan’s interest, and this should be the goal of our Afghan policy.

Editorial, Fuel from Russia
Dawn, 7 December 2022
While we should definitely lock in long-term contracts for uninterrupted supplies, the longer-term and cheaper solution to our challenges lies in investing in the exploration of our own untapped oil and gas resources and encouraging work on renewable solar and wind power.

Zahra Mughis, Smartphones for all?
Dawn, 7 December 2022
Pakistan might be headed towards a telecom bust in the near future if these concerns aren’t addressed. But no scheme will help the country exploit digital proliferation for holistic human and economic development if the discussion doesn’t move from access to use. Pakistan’s digital policy needs a social and human lens. The discussion must move forward and narratives must change. Until then, smartphones are not for all – not in Pakistan.

Editorial, Transgender support
The News International, 7 December 2022
The brutalities transgender persons go through on a daily basis and the increasing violent attacks on them, especially in recent years, show that we clearly still have a very long way to go… One step towards helping them is ensuring they are not relegated to a life of complete poverty. In that, the BISP step is indeed a welcome one.

In Brief
INTERNAL
National Flood Response and Coordination Centre shuts down
On 5 December, the Federal Minister for Development and Planning Ahsan Iqbal addressed a ceremony marking the shutting down of the National Flood Response and Coordination Centre (NFRCC) and said that the government would unilaterally work with the provinces on the post-flood situation. Iqbal announced the successful completion of the NFRCC’s mission and explained that the country would soon reveal the 4RF strategy which includes Resilience, Recovery, Reconstructions and Rehabilitation. He further appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for presenting Pakistan’s losses at COP27 and receiving an international acknowledgement of the same. (Govt shuts down agency formed to tackle floods,” The Tribune, 5 December 2022)
 
Former National Security Advisor calls for preparedness against global challenges
On 5 December, the Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf addressed the 25th Sustainable Development Conference and opined that the unipolar transformation of the world order would have inevitable implications for Pakistan. The conference themed “Geopolitical Conflicts: Implications of Pakistan’s Geo-economy” began on 5 December in Islamabad and will continue until 8 December. Yusuf highlighted Pakistan’s conditions and said that the country holds the capacity to become a proxy ground for great power contestation or become unfavourable for the world due to its destabilized conditions. He further advocated for sending skilled labour abroad to increase remittances. (“Pakistan must prepare itself for global challenges, says ex-NSA Moeed Yusuf,” Dawn, 6 December 2022)
 
EXTERNAL
Economic Coordination Committee allows China’s demands for a revolving bank account
On 5 December, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar chaired the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet and allowed the establishment of a revolving bank account to save Chinese power plants from getting trapped in circular debt. The committee also agreed to import 5,80,000 tons of wheat at USD 372 per ton, costing the government USD 216 million. The decisions taken by the ECC however, are said to cause concern to the International Monetary Fund. The Ministry of Finance released a statement and said: “The ECC approved a proposal of the finance ministry to change the title of the revolving fund account for CPEC independent power producers (IPPs) from Pakistan Energy Revolving Fund to Pakistan Energy Revolving Account.” (“Pakistan concedes to China’s demand,” The Tribune, 6 December 2022)
 
Pakistan and Russia engage in a government -to-government agreement on petroleum trade
On 5 December, Pakistan’s Minister of State for the Petroleum Division Musadik Masood Malik addressed a press briefing and announced the successful government-to-government (G2G) agreement with Russia on selling crude oil and other petroleum commodities at a discounted price. Through the deal, Pakistan seeks to import light crude which will be refined at the countries refineries and meet with Russian private companies trading LNG on an urgent basis. Other than the trade of petroleum products, Russia also expressed an interest in developing Pakistan’s gas pipelines. (“Russia to sell discounted oil to Pakistan: minister,” The News International, 6 December 2022)

ON AFGHANISTAN
Experts push for a revised Afghan policy, warn of a possible ‘new wave of terrorism’ in the country
On 5 December, academics, military officials, former diplomats and other experts on security in Pakistan and Afghanistan affairs pushed for a review of the country’s Afghan policy during a consultation on “Afghan peace and reconciliation: Pakistan’s interests and policy options,” organised by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). The experts discussed the “emerging” Afghan situation in light of the recent developments in the country and said that a “new wave of terrorism” is likely to hit the country especially after the TTP has formally stopped the ceasefire and announced a resumption of its activities. 

They said that the country’s relations with Kabul are “likely to come under stress” and proper management is key to tackling the issue. They stressed the importance of reviewing the country’s policy towards Afghanistan because of the inadequacies of their system under the Taliban’s rule and said that Pakistan’s military establishment, politicians and bureaucracy should “be on the same page” to resist the crisis emerging in Afghanistan. Further, they held that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan were being “continuously” affected due to the presence of TTP on Afghan soil and that Pakistan should discuss and force the militant group to “lay down its arms” along with the Taliban government. (“Experts call for revisiting Afghan policy,” Dawn, 6 December 2022)

ON GILGIT BALTISTAN
Protests staged in Skardu over long power cuts and wheat shortages
On 5 December, people protested on the streets of Skardu to raise their objections against prolonged power cuts and wheat scarcity in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The protestors held lanterns and staged a sit-in in Hussaini Chowk and held slogans against the government. The protest was attended and participated by the Baltistan Awami Action Committee which houses a large number of political and social activists who said that Skardu was facing power outages for as long as 22 hours a day and that the protests against the government were held because of the government’s “indifference” to the their “torment.” The committee also protested the “vanishing” of subsidised flour from the market and said that the central government had curbed supply to the region. They said that the government had “made themselves scarce” and that the solution to their problems would only come if the Committee calls a conference of the major parties in the area. (Jamil Nagri, “Protest in Skardu over power cuts, wheat shortage,” Dawn, 6 December 2022)

ON SPORTS
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praises Pakistan cricket, calls England team’s visit a ‘historic moment’
On 5 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted the English and Pakistan cricket teams and congratulated the England teams for “outplaying” Pakistan in their first test match in Rawalpindi. He said that it was a “historic moment” and that the precedence of the English cricket team in Pakistan after 17 years meant that the country was able to battle terrorism and unstable political situations to come to this stage. PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan “enjoyed wonderful relations” with England and that the cricket match would pave the way for a sustained relationship between the UK and Pakistan. Additionally, he praised the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja “to restore cricket” in the country as well. (“PM Shehbaz hails ‘historic moment’ for Pakistan cricket,” Dawn, 6 December 2022)

ON PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Imran Khan hails PTI’s “AJK” team for ‘succeeding’ in local government elections
On 5 December, Imran Khan expressed appreciation to the PTI’s “AJK” chapter for its “success” in the initial two phases of the local government elections “against all odds.” The Election Commission Secretary of “AJK” said that out of the 88 seats of district council seats, PTI had secured 30 of them, followed by the PML-N with 23 seats and the PPP with seven votes. The secretary also said that the 28-member Bagh district council had 13 seats with the PTI as well, followed by the Sudhnoti, Bagh and Rawalkot councils with 10, nine and two of the total seats. Additionally, the secretary said that the total results of the 29 seats of the 30 wards of the town committees of the area were also grabbed by the PTI with 12 seats, followed by the PML-N and the PPP with one and three votes each. (Tariq Naqash, “Imran praises AJK team for PTI ‘success’ in local polls,” Dawn, 6 December 2022)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates revamped Mangla Dam project
On 5 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the refurbished units 5 and 6 of the Mangla Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant which is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of affordable electricity generation and said that Pakistan could “not bear” the high costs of energy import bills under an already unstable economy. He said that the energy import bill had risen up to USD 27 billion and that alternative sources of electricity production were resisted by “powerful lobbies and cartels” which delayed the construction of water reservoirs and dams. He held that the recent floods in the country needed to be addressed by building more dams in the country and that the USAID was a “wonderful example of cooperation,” and appreciated their grant of USD 150 million for the building of the project. (“PM Shehbaz Sharif unveils Mangla Dam refurbishment project,” The News International, 6 December 2022)

Arifa Noor, Hobson’s choice for PML-N
Dawn, 6 December 2022
After all, the vote of no-confidence made little sense to ordinary beings in April, and even back then, those on the chessboard moved differently. And this brings us to the third option — the PML-N insists on continuing, with the hope that the economy will improve, allowing it to call elections. What do we mortals know?

Editorial, Is there a plan?
Dawn, 6 December 2022
Unfortunately, given Mr Khan’s aversion to parliament, where he was a stranger even when in government, it is too wishful an ask. Still, without a Plan B, there are few other options for Mr Khan if he wants his party to remain a formidable opposition.

Editorial, Political fine print
The News International, 6 December 2022
The PTI – much like all other parties before it – may be finding out, much to its chagrin, that alliances made without reading the fine print can lead to complication situations. At the moment, the only way forward seems to be to reach out across the aisle and talk to the country’s political forces. That is also the way that should have been sought from the get-go.

Editorial, Riverfront concerns
Dawn, 6 December 2022
The problem with the Ravi urban project is that it aims to mainly create expensive real estate development opportunities for the wealthy in the name of saving Lahore, the Ravi and the environment. Yet deep down everyone knows that it will end up hurting local communities, destroying farmlands and uprooting small businesses in the area.

Mosharraf Zaidi, Our ‘permacrisis of polycrisis’
The News International, 6 December 2022
Can a country in a state of polycrisis continue to sustain an elite that simply does not seem to have the capacity to come together and establish a new compact for political, economic and social wellbeing? I think the answer to this question is obvious. How different elites will then seek to solve this problem can only go toward exacerbating the polycrisis.

Editorial, Polio-free Pakistan?
The News International, 6 December 2022
Attacks on polio teams and their guards have hampered the efforts to eliminate the virus completely. Some parts of Pakistan are particularly vulnerable to such attacks but still the courage of polio teams and their guards is commendable.

Editorial, Towards polio eradication?
The Express Tribune, 6 December 2022
There is also a legitimate concern that those repaved cracks could reopen. As history shows, every year in which new cases have taken a significant dip has been followed by one with a major spike. Whether this was due to complacency or just bad luck, the fact is that it isn’t over till it’s over.

Ozer Khalid, How Pakistan can tackle TTP and ISKP
The Express Tribune, 6 December 2022
The ISKP and TTP strongholds and core threats to Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika, Khost and Nangarhar provinces. However, focusing militant “clean-up operations” on some border areas while ignoring others allows TTP and ISKP to relocate, regroup and launch fresh attacks against Pakistan, so a more holistic approach covering the whole Durand Line border is required.

Editorial, Aiding the trans community
The Express Tribune, 6 December 2022
Now that the government has lent a hand, and hope is that they will continue to do so, the transgender community must also reply in kind to change the internal culture…Awareness campaigns must be held by trans activists within their own community of how such relief benefits should be used to eventually enhance their standard of living.

In Brief
INTERNAL
No dissolution of Assembly in next four months says Parvez Elahi
On 4 December, Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi said that the Punjab Assembly may not be dissolved in the next four months, saying that the present set-up in the province will remain till March 2023. He said that till March, talks should be held on reforms and Election Commission. Elahi said there is no written agreement with the PTI, “I have committed with Imran Khan whenever he would ask I won’t spare a second in dissolving the assembly.” He said that the current federal government will remain till August 2023, adding that they don’t have any mechanism that general elections could be held on their request. (“Dissolution of Punjab Assembly: Elahi makes case for status quo till March,” The News International, 5 December 2022)

Faisal Vawda is free to contest in the next election, says Supreme Court
On 4 December, the Supreme Court issued a four-page order stating that the ECP has no jurisdiction under the Constitution to decide the pre-election disqualification of a lawmaker. The order nullifies the verdicts of the ECP and high court in a case relating to the disqualification of former PTI senator Faisal Vawda. The order stated that Faisal Vawda informed the bench that he had received a citizenship renunciation certificate from the US authorities on 25 June 2018, adding that he had admitted his mistake and apologized to the Supreme Court unconditionally. Mr. Vawda was not eligible to contest the elections in 2018, the short order noted but added that after tendering an unconditional apology, Article 63 was applied to him, and now he can contest elections for the next assembly term. Court directed the authorities concerned to forward Mr Vawda’s resignation to the Senate chairman for further process. He is eligible to contest the next elections in the country. (“SC issues order in Faisal Vawda’s disqualification case,” Dawn, 5 December 2022)

Contempt of court charges made against Asad Umar taken by LHC for hearing
On 5 December, the Lahore High Court took the plea against PTI’s Secretary General Asad Umar's speech during the party's long march gathering on 26 November. The court noted that Asad Umar's speech at the rally will be seen as scandalizing the courts and using insulting words against the judiciary. Justice Hassan said, "No institution or personality can be made controversial, under Article 14 of the Constitution. The court has the authority to punish under Article 204(B) of the Constitution." (“LHC summons Asad Umar over 'contemptuous' long march speech,” The News International, 5 December 2022)

Police ask the universities to take measures with the system against curbing illegal activities
On 5 December, Dawn reported that the Islamabad Police has asked the educational institutions Heads to join hands with the police to root out “the illegal activities of violent extremism, drugs etc. The IGP has also given letters to the SHOs of six police stations to set up action against the drug peddlers in their respective jurisdictions. The letters to the universities stressed that preventive and proactive action needed to be with the full support of the varsity and college administrations which were “duty-bound to act as per laws of the land to prevent violent extremism” in the country. It assured that the police would take “legal action with the help of the district administration against all offenders to eliminate the menace of violent extremism, drugs, and other illegal activities, if it exists, effectively.”(Ikram Junaidi, “Islamabad police call on varsities to join hands against drugs, extremism,” Dawn, 5 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Government to deploy 2000 policemen into the force
On 4 December, the Inspector general of Police in a meeting held in the Police Headquarters said the provincial government had given approval for the recruitment of 2,000 policemen in the Rapid Response Force (RRF) and other specialized units of the police. He also said the government would also bear expenditures being incurred during all processes of training the recruited policemen. The DIG traffic also pointed out that 400 traffic policemen were deployed in the flood-hit districts/areas to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. (Imtiaz Ali, “Sindh govt okays recruitment of 2,000 policemen,” Dawn, 5 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Resolution passed against Mohammad Saif for removing him as the CM’s aid
On 4 December, the peace Jirga of Malakand division approved the resolution of demanding the government to remove Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif from his post as he was an accomplice of terrorists. Elders and politicians said at the grand Jirga session that they would never tolerate any sort of terrorism in any of the districts, stressing it was the constitutional responsibility of the state to ensure durable peace in the region. The speakers said that over 10 million people lived in the Malakand division and everybody was aware of the reality of the terrorists and as such, they could no more be deceived by any elements to sabotage peace. (Fasal Khaliq, “Malakand jirga demands removal of Barrister Saif as CM aide,” Dawn, 5 December 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Struggle for peace and stability will be continued, says Jirga
On 4 December, the Swat Jirga announced it will continue its struggle for peace and stability in the region and vowed that terrorism will not be accepted in any form and shape in the region. The Jirga also said that the end of the special status of the Malakand Division under article 247 is unconstitutional because 85 per cent of businesses in the region have been badly impacted due to terrorism and flooding. It demanded of the government to stay away from imposing taxes in the region and reinstate the special area status for the region. (“Swat Jirga vows to continue its struggle against militancy,” The Express Tribune, 5 December 2022)

ON ENERGY
Cutting targets not met by the two companies, says performance report
On 5 December, Dawn reported that two gas utilities have failed to control system losses against regulatory targets approved by the government despite the hike in inter­national oil and gas prices and the resultant increase in the import bill of two essential commodities. According to the three-year performance report released by the petroleum division both the gas utilities, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) have not been able to achieve loss reduction targets. Between 2019-20 and 2021-22, the SSGCL was required to reduce its unaccounted gas by 9.55per cent but it completely failed as its actual losses slightly increased over the period. Over the same period, SNGPL failed by a thin margin of 0.2 per cent to meet its target of cutting losses by four per cent. The company said it could not sustain a loss reduction the subsequent year. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Gas utilities fail to meet loss cutting targets,” Dawn, 5 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
Kabul embassy attack claims of IS will be verified, says Foreign Spokesperson
On 4 December, Foreign Spokesperson in an official statement said that the foreign office was verifying the reports about the ISIS’s claim that it had carried out attack on the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. According to Reuters, IS claimed the attack was carried out by two of its members armed with medium and sniper weapons and was targeting the ambassador and his guards who were present in the courtyard of the embassy. (Anwar Iqbal, “IS claim of attack on Kabul embassy being verified: FO,” Dawn, 5 December 2022)

ON PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Local elections in “AJK” sees PTI leading with 229 seats
On 4 December, PTI won the leads of the second phase election in the local elections of “AJK” by securing 229 seats followed by independent candidates securing 199 seats. PML-N  took the third position by securing 129 seats, while PPP got 104 seats in the Poonch division. PTI managed to secure a majority in the Bagh district council by securing 12 seats, followed by PPP and MC by securing five seats each, PML-N got two seats and four seats were won by independent candidates. Independent candidates will play an important role in elections for special seats in these bodies.(“ PTI leads in AJK local govt elections,” The Express Tribune, 5 December 2022)

ON GENDER
Government to include the transgender community in Benazir Income Support Programme
On 3 December, the federal government decided to extend social welfare coverage to the transgender community and invited them to register with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The move is aimed at structural reforms in the social welfare schemes. The BISP via twitter said, “56th Board Meeting of Benazir Income Support Program, which held under chair of Federal Minister and BISP Chairperson Shazia Atta Marri, has taken decisions of structural reforms, extending benefits to transgender community and aimed to extend all possible help to needy people.” She also outlined the process for the members of the transgender community to register themselves with BKP, adding that they would receive PKR 7,000 upon successful registration. Only persons registered with Nadra and whose computerized national identity cards mention they are transgender are eligible to apply. (“Govt extends BISP benefit to trans people,” Dawn, 4 December 2022)

One person arrested for torturing transperson 
On 5 December, Dawn reported that police have arrested one of the suspects who was alleged to torture a Trans person for filing complaints against government officials against them for drug peddling. The complainant said the suspects started beating and slapping her, removed her trousers, kicked her and grabbed her hair. An FIR was filed and the suspects have been arrested based on the footage made by a witness of the incident. The attack was made by a group of eight people who came in motorcycles covering their faces.(“ Man arrested for torture of transperson in Khanpur,” Dawn, 5 December 2022)

Maleeha Lodhi, Elite politics
Dawn, 5 December 2022
Successive governments borrowed heavily to finance development as well as consumption. In the process, the country accumulated unsustainable debt both by borrowing abroad and at home. This burden continues to cripple the economy today and fuel record levels of inflation… This has left the country lurching from one financial crisis to another. While playing to populist constituencies their policies perpetuated the status quo.

Muhammad Amir Rana, Dealing with the TTP
Dawn, 5 December 2022
Usually, security institutions tend to keep the broader picture of regional and strategic scenarios in mind while making decisions regarding domestic threats related to terrorism… Most importantly, state institutions should not see citizens’ movements with suspicion, as support is crucial to winning the fight against terrorism and internal threats.

Editorial, Extension legacy
Dawn, 5 December 2022
The army chief should come in for a term, lead it capably, chart a course for the future in consultation with his prospective successors, and then depart on time and gracefully — without any of the needless speculation and political machinations seen this year. There is no shortage of capable people in the forces that just one should be considered indispensable.

Editorial, Dodging accountability
Dawn, 5 December 2022
While NAB has earned its reputation of being a failed institution that serves little purpose other than to settle political scores, the need had been for the government to fix it, not cripple it completely. The PDM government is itself responsible for giving credence to those who feel it came into power to give ‘NROs’ to the corrupt.

Editorial, Double standards
Dawn, 5 December 2022
Yet the US State Department’s listing of Pakistan and exclusion of India as violators of religious freedom smacks of hypocrisy. Instead of individual states sermonising to others, bodies such as the UN should be used to discuss rights’ violations, so that states can explain their positions.

Editorial, Vehicles of toxicity
The News International, 5 December 2022
Until Pakistan gets its major cities’ transportation woes in order the air in those cities will just continue to keep getting smoggier. Granted that vehicular smoke is not the only factor leading to the toxic air we are breathing, but it certainly does add considerably to it. For the health of both our pockets and our persons, a public transport system is most essential.
 
Editorial, Democratic erosion threat
The Express Tribune, 5 December 2022
Pakistan ranked highly in terms of holding elections and inclusive suffrage but was subpar on measures for clean elections, judicial independence, media integrity, civil liberties and several fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of movements.

Mohsin Saleem Ullah, A continuum of gender-based violence
The Express Tribune, 5 December 2022
This year, more than 63,367 cases of domestic crimes were reported; those unreported are extensively greater. Till such time as this continuum of violence is not defeated and our society does not side with the abused woman, women of Pakistan will only suffer, no matter what legislative initiatives are taken to safeguard them.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Senators claim parliament was ‘never allowed’ to talk with the TTP
On 2 December former Senate chairman and PPP leader Mian Raza Rabbani said that the parliamentary committee on national security was “simply informed” by the military establishment that talks were “already underway” and that “no permission” was sought by the military to hold any talks with the TTP. Rabbani claimed that the ongoing negotiations had a very “sceptical” picture and that the committee was not aware of any discussions. He expressed that the government should’ve been more forthcoming about their talks of a ceasefire with the TTP and that he doesn’t understand why the government is  “shy of the parliament.” He said that the recent attack in Quetta was “just the tip of the iceberg” and that the situation would continue to get more complicated because of the “fragmentation” of the TTP, with appeasement failing to stop the conflict. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Parliament never allowed military to hold talks with TTP: senators,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

National Assembly informed about loans taken during PTI’s regime, totals to USD 43.4 billion 
On 2 December, the National Assembly (NA) was given details about the loans that the PTI regime had taken from August 2018 to December 2021, saying that the government had disbursed USD43.4 billion in foreign loans, with an interest rate of 2 per cent. The NA stated that a loan of USD 14.5 billion was taken through the commercial bank at an interest rate of 3 per cent and that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the US witnessed a rise of 38.3 per cent amounting to USD 10.5 billion during the last fiscal year. The document stated that USD 14.45 billion was borrowed at a 1 per cent interest rate under the head of a multilateralism as well.  (“‘$43.4b loans’ taken during PTI regime,” The Express Tribune, 3 December 2022)

National Assembly raise concerns over Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks about women
On 2 December, the National Assembly considered the ‘controversial’ remarks made by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and raised the issue of an alleged ‘anti-Islam campaign’ made by a minority group. During the session, the NA witnessed proceedings of members who spoke on issues that were not on the 23-point agenda, and listened to spokespersons of the JUI-F who said that the social media campaign against Rehman was uncalled for and that he had “great respect for women.” The spokesperson said that the PTI was accusing a “religious touch” to the JUI-F’s politics and that they “used” religion because they are a “religious party.” (Amir Wasim, “NA members quibble over Fazl’s ‘derogatory’ remarks, again,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

Government wonders ‘how many times’ the Supreme Court would allow Imran Khan’s statements about PTI march
On 2 December, a federal government counsel representing the interior ministry argued that the PTI leaders were making “false and contradictory” statements before the Supreme Court (SC) and questioned the leniency of the SC for their remarks. The hearing was held under the contempt case filed against Imran Khan for “allegedly” rendering assurances to not reach D-Chowk, a large town square close to government buildings. The counsel said that the party was claiming that the marchers would have not reached D-Chowk if the SC allowed staging the rally in the allocated venue. He said that the marchers “besieged” the Parliament House and that the PTI was “breaching” its commitments. Further, he added that the court had not issued any criminal proceedings on the contempt case, but was refuted when the judges said that the court had called for reports regarding the same, and would look into the validity of the PTI’s claims. (Nasir Iqbal, “‘Lenient’ SC view in PTI march case irks govt,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

PTI Senator Azam Swati shifted to Quetta in the twitter  case
On 2 December, PTI Senator Azam Swati was sent to Quetta aboard a special flight in the midst of tight security after the judicial magistrate of Islamabad handed over his custody to the Balochistan police. Swati was handed over to the police on transit remand and is meant to appear before the court on 4 December. He was arrested on 27 November for posting controversial tweets. The judicial magistrate sent the senator on a 14-day judicial remand on the request of the Federal Investigation Agency, after the FIA’s cybercrime wing arrested him and registered an FIR after he delivered a “fiery” speech at the PTI rally in Rawalpindi. (Saleem Shahid, Mohammad Asghar, Malik Asad, “Swati handed over to Balochistan police in tweet case,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Traces of poliovirus in Peshawar, Faisalabad sewage
On 2 December, a source in the Ministry of Health held that the polio virus has been found in the sewage samples collected from the cities of Peshawar and Faisalabad. Sources said that the WPV is present in the sewage of three pumping stations in Faisalabad and that the samples from 11 November confirmed the traces. In 2022, polio was confirmed in 34 environmental samples, 22 of which were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nine from Punjab. The anti-programme currently has 84 environmental sites, which will rise to 100 by the end of 2023. (“Polio virus found in Peshawar, Faisalabad sewage,” The Express Tribune, 3 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
Pakistan hopes Afghanistan takes action against TTP
On 2 December, Foreign Office spokesperson said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan had “serious” concerns over the terrorist activities and that the issue was raised with the Afghan government. Mumtaz said that they have received “assurances” of action against the terrorism of the TTP and “hoped” that the promises of the Afghan government made would be respected. She said that both sides discussed key concerns and dimensions of security and agreed to develop mechanisms to counter these issues in the future. (“Pakistan pins hope on Afghan govt for action against TTP,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

Pakistan Embassy in Kabul attacked, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls it an ‘assassination attempt’
On 2 December, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cites an “assassination attempt” that took place after a security guard was wounded due to a gunshot in Kabul. The security guard, Israr Mohammad sustained serious injuries from the attack. PM Shehbaz expressed concern over the incident and said that “action against perpetrators” of the attack needs to be immediately investigated. The embassy’s spokesperson said that the ambassador and the other staff are not harmed and that they were in contact with the Afghan government for “enhanced security measures” to protect the Pakistani diplomatic personnel. The Afghani spokesperson also said that they strongly object to the “failed attack” and that the government would “not allow any malicious actors” to pose any threat to the “security” of the diplomatic missions in the country. (“Pak embassy in Kabul comes under attack,” The News International, 3 December 2022)

The US names Pakistan among others as a ‘countries of particular concern’
On 2 December. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken  said that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, Russia and others fall under their category of “countries of particular concern” under the Religious Freedom Act for “severe violations.”  He said that the designated countries were engaged in or have tolerated violations of religious freedom, that the US would “welcome” any opportunity to meet all these governments to “outline concrete” steps for the removal from these lists, and that these violations “stifle” individuals’ freedom of religion to “exploit” opportunities for “political gain.” Further, he added, “the United States will not stand by in the face of these abuses,” and that the US Religious Freedom Act deems to provide religious freedom to individuals on a “systematic and ongoing basis.”(“US puts Pakistan among ‘countries of concern’,” The Express Tribune, 3 December 2022; Anwar Iqbal, “US keeps Pakistan on religious violators list,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

Commander of the US Central Command and new COAS Gen Munir discuss security cooperation
On 2 December, the Commander of the US Central Command (Centcom)Gen Micheal Erik Kurilla and Pakistan’s new COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir met over a video teleconference and discussed the strengthening and promotion of security cooperation between Pakistan and the US. Gen Kurilla spoke with Gen Munir over the commonality of their posts as Chief of Staff, and US-Pakistan’s security cooperation efforts and “strengthening” bilateral relationships in a statement released by the Centcom headquarters. The statement said that the main issue of the conference was about the “desire” to sustain the cooperation between the two nations and the new regime change in command in Pakistan, and its possible impact on their bilateral relations. (Anwar Iqbal, “Centcom chief, COAS Munir agree to strengthen security cooperation,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

ECONOMY
State Bank of Pakistan gives back USD one billion bond to New York
On 2 December, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) repaid a USD 1 billion international bond to Citibank New York amid concerns about the country’s capacity to meet its financial dues and obligations. SBP’s spokesperson said that the bank’s reserves amount to USD 7,498 million and that the bond repayment totals USD 1.08 billion, which matures on 5 December. This comes after the country’s economy has been plagued with crippling economic crises after the fallout of the destructing floods which led to low foreign exchange reserves and staggering inflation rates. (“SBP repays $1bn bond,” Dawn, 3 December 2022

Economic Coordination Committee okays lowest bid for urea import tender
On 2 December, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved the lowest bid of USD 551/MT from the Swiss Singapore Overseas company for the import of 33,000 million tonnes of Urea on a bulk basis. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presided over the meeting and approved two other grants of PKR 16 billion for the “execution of discretionary” utilization of funds under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The discretionary funds were the only programme which allowed allocations to rise and now amount to PKR 82 million, with other development schemes under the scheme is facing a downturn because of the SDGs financing being “protected” due to “political moves.” (Mehtab Haider, “ECC approves lowest bid for import of urea,” The News International, 3 December 2022)

SPORTS
Pakistan might skip the 2023 Asia Cup if not given hosting rights
On 2 December, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja said that Pakistan might pull out of the 2023 Asia Cup if the country is “stripped” of hosting the tournament in the country. This comes after the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah claimed that the tournament would be held at a neutral location because India would be unable to travel to Pakistan. The PCB responded to the claim by warning that they would skip the 2023 Cricket World Cup, which is going to happen in India. Additionally, Ramiz also said that the team might skip the Asia Cup, saying that the shift in venue might entail their non-participation and that he “understands if India can’t come due to political issues” and that it is their “right” to not participate in the tournament. (Kashif Abbasi, “Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if stripped of hosting rights,” Dawn, 3 December 2022)

 
Editorial, Talking about talks
The News International, 3 December 2022
Let there not be further adventurism in the form of a change in the system of government, something Imran’s recent interview on TV seems to suggest he may look favourably on. Pakistan needs stability, its people need security, and none of this has seemed even remotely close over the past eight months.

Foqia Sadiq Khan, War of narratives
The News International, 3 December 2022
The PDM government has not been able to highlight its achievements in Pakistani media. The PDM government is up against the psychological warfare of the PTI. It needs to win this war of narratives and up its communication game.

Editorial, Amid political crisscross
The Express Tribune, 3 December 2022
A relief was, however, noted as Saudi Arabia generously decided to retain their $3 billion in Pakistani coffers, rescheduling them for another year. Though welcome, they are timely gestures and do not come to bail us out of the debt trap. Ushering in political stability and marching on with a sustainable growth agenda is a must.

Farrukh Khan Pitafi, Management style of supreme commanders
The Express Tribune, 3 December 2022
The debate about General Bajwa’s legacy that began before his departure has taken a vicious turn… Gen Bajwa’s hard work through intelligence-based operations against terrorism came undone in the end. Where he really made a difference was his action against Covid-19… But his attempts to help the economy, which are often lauded, did not produce any substantial results except that it did not collapse despite constantly staying in the ICU.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Climate justice finally arrives
The Express Tribune, 3 December 2022
As Pakistan ends its tenure as chair of the Group of 77 and China this year, we will make a final push to advance the SDGs and climate goals at a ministerial conference of developing countries in New York City in mid-December. We hope the meeting will set the agenda that the global South will promote at the SDG summit and COP28 next year.

Adnan Haider Randhawa, Collateral proceedings
Dawn, 3 December 2022
To conclude, collateral proceedings can be placed in the same league as suo motu proceedings, verbal directions, judicial overreach, obiter dicta etc — all of which, in the case of the Supreme Court, have a binding effect. In the midst of a political crisis, open invitations to the chief justice of Pakistan or the apex court to interfere in matters which are not or could not be directly brought before the court would be better shrugged off.

Editorial, CM Bizenjo’s complaint
Dawn, 3 December 2022
On top of pressure from party lawmakers, he is also under pressure from the flood victims to help them in the rehabilitation process. How much help the cash-strapped federal government facing immense pressure from the IMF to cut its deficits can extend to Mir Bizenjo and the province is anybody’s guess.

Editorial, Fleeting good news
Dawn, 3 December 2022
We have tried to delude the IMF multiple times in the last three years. Each time it has responded with more painful conditions. Now, unless we implement the required governance and financial reforms, sustainable economic stability will remain a pipe dream.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Terror attacks have risen since the government changed, says Fawad
On 1 December, Fawad Chaudhary while expressing grief over the suicide attack near Quetta said terrorism had increased by 52 per cent since the oustering of the PTI government in April. He claimed that in the current government’s period, 270 people had lost their lives in terrorism-related incidents and hundreds of others had suffered injuries. He added that the main reason for the rise in terror acts was the non-existence of a serious and competent government in the Federal. Fawad said the Afghan policy was also in a shambles as no one was paying attention to counter-terrorism, fearing they might lose the hard-earned achievements after 2018. Contrary to Fawad’s statement, an Islamabad-based think tank, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), claimed that the number of militant attacks had gone down by 12pc in November compared to October of this year. (Ikram Junaidi, “52pc rise in terror attacks since the regime change, claims Fawad,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

FBR officials suspended for alleged tax information leaking
On 2 December, The Express Tribune reported that the federal government has initiated formal proceedings against the FBR officers for their involvement in leaking the tax return information of former COAS‘s family members. FBR has issued a notification saying two officers of grade 18, Atif Warraich and Zahoor Ahmed, have been suspended for 120 days. The investigation around the officials had started and two officers were suspended earlier. The investigation team has been widened with the inclusion of three officials in the income tax. (Irshad Ansari, “FBR suspends officials for leaking Bajwa family tax record,” The Express Tribune, 2 December 2022)

Record losses for PIA in PTI rule, says Aviation Minister
On 2 December, The Express Tribune reported that in the National Assembly meeting, Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Rafique said Pakistan International Airlines had met with record losses during the PTI regime. He said PIA suffered due to the former minister’s “stupid statements.”  Rafique said, “The former federal minister exaggerated the issue of fake degrees and licenses of pilots, due to which the flights of Pakistan were banned in the whole of Europe.” In 2020, PKR 346 million was lost and in 2021, PIA suffered a loss of PKR 501 million. The total loss of PIA increased to PKR 1,667 million. (Saqib Virk, “PIA suffered major losses during PTI regime, NA told,” The Express Tribune, 2 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
Pakistani prisoners in American jail to be released by 2023, says the Foreign Affairs Ministry of America
On 1 December, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights was informed that the remaining two Pakistani prisoners from Guantanamo Bay will be released by January 2023. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of America stated that a complex inter-agency process had been completed to enable their repatriation to Pakistan. Arrangements were being made and the two detainees would be repatriated. The committee also discussed the targeted killing in North Waziristan and worsening law and order situation in Swat in fake encounters. (Jamal Shahid, “Two Pakistanis to be freed from Guantanamo soon, Senate body told,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

USD eight million for flood assistance delivered to flood-hit hit farmers from the US
On 1 December, US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome in an event at the NARC said that Washington, along with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, has delivered USD eight million in assistance to Pakistani farmers affected by the recent floods. The assistance was part of the USD 97 million assistance offered the US on the flood situation. Blome said, “The United States remains firmly committed to partnering with the people of Pakistan to strengthen Pakistan’s economy and agricultural sector and to support the people of Pakistan in recovering from the 2022 flooding.”(“ US has given $8m aid to flood-hit farmers: envoy Donald Blome,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Unknown assailants kill one man in the attack on a girl’s school
On 1 December, according to the police, one man was killed and a security official was injured in an attack on a girls’ school in the South Waziristan district. Unknown militants opened fire from a nearby mountain during Parents’ Day celebrations at the Army Public School for Girls. The students, parents, staff and security personnel, who were present inside the school at the time of the attack, remained unhurt. As security forces retaliated, the attackers fled to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area. This was the first attack targeting a girls’ school in the area since the TTP ended the ceasefire with the state. (Dilawar Wazir, “One killed in attack on South Waziristan girls school,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

Balochistan: Grenade attack leaves two people seriously injured
On 1 December, in a grenade attack, two people were seriously injured after unidentified assailants threw a hand grenade close to a security check post in Khuzdar. Soon after the explosion, police rushed to the site and shifted the injured to the district’s hospital. Security forces launched a search operation in the area to arrest the culprits behind the attack. (Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “Two injured in Khuzdar grenade attack,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

Balochistan: Government gets praised for the due process of reaching a settlement by the Supreme Court
On 29 November, the Supreme Court closed the proceedings in a presidential reference on the Reko Diq project. The court also praised the government for following due process to reach a settlement agreement and describing as encouraging the assurance that international standards would be met in dealing with labor rights and protection of the environment at the exploration site. The CJP said that a short order would be announced next week after conferring with other members of the five-judge SC bench. The Amicus Curiae said the court should suggest that profits should also be distributed among the employees working on the exploration site to inculcate a feeling amongst them that they were also stakeholders in the project. (Nasir Iqbal, “Short order in Reko Diq case next week,” Dawn, 30 November 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Fire attack in the police station limits kills a constable
On 1 December, a police constable was killed in a fire incident made by unknown assailants in the Tangi police station limit. The attackers opened fire at the constable while he returned from the excise and taxation office. The police personnel reached the site, cordoned off the area and started a search operation. The DIG announced that the perpetrators of the attack would be arrested soon. (“Police constable martyred in Charsadda attack,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

Punjab: Committee formed to create the south Punjab province
On 2 December, The Express Tribune reported that the National Assembly has created a special committee for the creation of a new province and the necessary constitutional amendments. The proposed new province, South Punjab comprises the areas of Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions. The area has a majority of Saraikis and Saraikistan forms about 52 per cent of the total area and 32 per cent of the population of Punjab province. The committee will review the amendment bill in articles 25B, 51, 63B, 92 and 106 of Pakistan's constitution. The committee will submit a report within 30 days on the matter. (“ Body formed for creation of South Punjab province,” The Express Tribune, 2 December 2022)

MILITARY
COAS appoints new ISPR lead from engineering corps.
On 1 December, COAS General Asim Munir appointed the corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) to lead the ISPR. According to the sources of Dawn, Major General Ahmed Sharif has been appointed as the ISPR General replacing General Babar Ifthikar. ISPR has not confirmed the appointment officially. The appointment of an engineer as ISPR chief is not unprecedented, although Major General  Sharif will be the first officer from the EME Corps to take up the seat. The appointment of the new ISPR DG is being viewed with great interest as many took it as a signal that the new army chief could bring major changes in the functioning of ISPR. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “New COAS Asim Munir to appoint engineer as ISPR head,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

The Ambassador and envoy of Saudi Arabia and UAE held talks with General Asim Munir
On 1 December, Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates called on COAS General Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters. The Ambassadors and the COAS in two different meetings talked about matters of bilateral interest. According to the ISPR, Saudi Arabia envoy Nawaf Saeed A. Al Milkiy and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi felicitated the new COAS on his appointment as the Army chief.(“ Saudi Arabia, UAE envoys call on COAS Gen Asim,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

ECONOMY
Reforms and Resource Mobilization Commission formed to review existing revenue policies
On 1 December according to a statement released by FBR, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar formed an 11- member committee of the Reforms and Resource Mobilization Commission to review existing revenue policies and submit its first report by mid-April 2023. The chairman of the commission will report directly to the finance minister and can co-opt any other person and also constitute sub-groups. The terms of reference of the commission are to review existing revenue policies, evaluate FBR data at a macro level, and identify initiatives, measures, and policies for resource mobilization, ease of doing business, and pro-economic growth. It will also review the proposed amendments in Finance Bill and make recommendations to the finance minister on the implications of proposed amendments on businesses, review the complexities of tax legislation and recommend simplification(“11-member commission set up to advise on resource mobilisation,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

Forex reserves dropped 4.2 per cent to USD 7.498 billion
On 1 December, the SBP’s forex reserves dropped 4.2 per cent to USD 7.498 billion during the week, linking to the fall of external debt payments. According to Dawn, low reserves are the main hurdle to improving the country’s image in the international market, where Pakistani bonds are being traded at less than half the actual price, making it impossible for the country to return to the international market for launching bonds, even at higher rates. Bankers say the main reason for the drop is the low official exchange rate, while the price in the grey market is much higher than the official banking rates. Despite the falls in the State Bank’s reserves, the rupee appreciated by 26 paise in the interbank market to close at PKR 223.69. (Shahid Iqbal, “Reserves down 4.2pc; rupee gains,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

Shrinks in Exports reported for the third time over the consecutive months
On 1 December, according to official data, the country’s exports shrink for the third time on a monthly basis dropping from 0.63 per cent to USD 2.37 billion in November. On the other hand, imports rose to 11.3 per cent to USD 5.25 billion in November. Exporters believe that one of the main reasons behind falling exports was the exchange rate instability. No official statement was issued from the commerce ministry to explain the reasons for the decline in ex­port proceeds. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Exports shrink for third month in a row,” Dawn, 2 December 2022)

"Today we lauded the efforts of various ministries, experts & unsung heroes who contributed immensely to realising the 30-year-old dream of the loss & damage fund. Pakistan ably led the Global South in crafting a consensus towards climate justice. The journey has only begun.” -Shehbaz Sharif "The transfer of Azam Swati to Quetta is another stain on the human rights record of Pakistan's courts, the 75-year-old senator and lawyer is being disrespected and the courts are taking the lead in further tarnishing Pakistan's history. What great responsibilities have been bestowedr.” -Ch Fawad Hussain "The only reason why we are not developing is political instability." -Ahsan Iqbal

“A lot of spadework has been done for improving governance but what is needed is the political consensus to carry it forward as the beneficiaries at some point of time or the other will be the political parties themselves as they will be able to meet the expectations of their electorate and the country would move forward.”  -An opinion in The News International ‘The future of our economy - Part II’

In Brief
PROVINCES
Punjab: ECP reports a four per cent drop in the gender gap
On 30 November, the Election Commission in Punjab claimed that the gender gap between male and female voters has reduced to eight per cent because of the “awareness-raising” campaign and that civil society organisations (CSOs) have worked the bridging this gap extensively. The Joint Provincial Commissioner said that the “development” of the society is imperative and that equal opportunities to “all people” in the electoral process should be maintained and provided. He said that a special voter registration campaign is a plan of action by the government that would tackle the incessant gender gap in eight districts. He said that the CSOs ensured women's participation in the electoral process and that they “assured” their cooperation with the ECP to raise further awareness in public. (“Punjab posts 4pc drop in gender gap between male, female voters,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

Punjab: Local government polls to be held in April 2023
On 30 November, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that the local government (LG) elections would be held in the last week of April 2023 and that the Punjab government was notified of the same under the Punjab Local Government Act of 16 November 2022, where the ECP would start delimitation for the third time.  ECP asked the Punjab government to hand out copies of the ECP’s rules and other information to the Punjab Election Commissioner and said that the delimitation process would “start as soon as possible” and that the elections would be held at the earliest. The Punjab government said that the draft rules would be submitted before the ECP for feedback and assured cooperation. (Iftikhar A Khan, “ECP to hold LG polls in Punjab in April 2023,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

Balochistan: 10 terrorists killed during an intelligence-based operation in Hoshab
On 29 November, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that security forces killed 10 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Hoshab area of Balochistan and that the IBO was conducted to “clear” a “hideout” of the terrorists who were linked to the firing incidents which targeted security forces and civilians.  The ISPR said that the terrorists “opened fire” on the security forces while they were establishing blockades, and that “heavy exchange of fire” led to 10 killings and one terrorist enduring injuries. Further, the ISPR said that an operation was underway to trace the area for any “heavy cache” of arms and ammunition and that two IEDs were recovered in the IBO. (Naveed Siddiqui, “10 terrorists killed during operation in Balochistan's Hoshab: ISPR,” Dawn, 29 November 2022)

Balochistan: Chief Minister says government ‘not provided’ share of National Finance Commission’s Award
On 1 December, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo contended that the Balochistan government was not even given a 10 per cent share of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award of the central government, and said that the lack of shares has “worsened” the financial situation of the government. He said that the government would be unable to provide salaries to its employees and that PKR 400 billion was with the central government because of gas royalty. Bizenjo said that the financial crisis of the province was cascading through the “passage of time” and that Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) saw a delay due to the lack of funds. He said that the completion of development projects was imperative to the government. He contended that the provincial government would handle the rehabilitation of the flood-affected areas by itself if the centre releases the funds on time. (Saleem Shahid, “Centre has not even provided 10pc NFC Award share: Bizenjo,” Dawn, 29 November 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Nine people killed in lower Orakazi, four miners rescued from catastrophe
On 30 November, nine people were killed in a blast inside a coal mine in the Lower Orakzai area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where four others were injured and rescued, later. Reports said that the blast was carried out as a result of a build-up of gas and that 13 workers were present inside the mine at the time of the blast. The commissioner expressed grief and said that the blast occurred because of a methane gas eruption inside the mine and that the officials are dispatched to arrange “quick and effective” medical aid to those who are injured. The commissioner warned the company of strict legal consequences and said that acts of negligence would be sought after in court. (“Nine colliers die in Orakzai mine blast,” The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022)

INTERNAL
National Accountability Bureau presents details of nearly 1000 cases
On 1 December, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) submitted details of 905 cases of conviction which were handed by trial courts and upheld by the judiciary. The NAB put forward the name of the accused persons, conviction dates and the status of the punishments in the high courts and the SC, and said that the information was from the NAB regions. The report said that the Balochistan region saw 171 cases being awarded by the NAB, with plea bargains carried out in 10 cases. The Supreme Court saw 21 cases of disposal in the region, with 12 dismissals. (Imran Ayub, “Bilawal disputes ‘political failure’ narrative on 1971 debacle,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

Counsel of Noor Mukadam case sees ‘loopholes’, Islamabad High Court resumes hearing
On 30 November, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) began the hearing of the appeal of the convict in the Noor Mukadam case, where the counsel for Zahir Jaffer contended before a bench led by the ECP chief. The counsel said that his contention would continue until the convict was awarded the right to a fair trial, and that the mental health of the convict “was not ascertained” in the right manner. The IHC, however, questioned the counsel’s appeal of filing and said that “only a mentally stable person” could file the appeal and engage with a lawyer. CJP Farooq said that the counsel’s appeal was flawed and that the evidence contrasted with the statements of the witness. He said that “every judgement” of the court was “written in a peculiar background.” The hearing was adjourned until 1 December. (Malik Asad, “Counsel finds flaws in conviction of Noor Mukadam’s killer,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto disagrees with ‘political failure’ claim of 1971 fiasco
On 1 December, in a rally which marked the 55th foundation day of the PPP party, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto objected to the claim that he wanted “correct” the record regarding outgoing chief Gen Bajwa’s statements of East Pakistan being a “political failure” and said that his party and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took the “challenge” to reunite the “disintegrated country” and that the PPP worked to “rebuild” the nation. Further, he said the debacle saw “glory” because of “unity, hope and inclusion.” Bhutto also recalled the history of the PPP, and said that the party was not “spared” and that the PTI has a “long history” of “fraud.” (Hasnaat Malik, “NAB submits details of 905 cases to SC,” The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022)

JUDICIARY
Sindh High Court not satisfied with investigations of gender-based violence cases
On 1 November, the Sindh High Court (SHC) expressed discontentment over the conduct of the investigations in gender-based violence cases and directed the government to push its efforts for the training and “capacity building” of the authorities involved in these cases. In a case involving a man killing his wife, the SHC rejected the appeal of the convict for the lack of a credible investigation and the prevalence of gender in the case. It said that the appeal must be looked at “differently” and that the assailant’s wife was left alone for seven years while struggling with physical and emotional abuse. The SHC said that the police “lacked” the specific skills to deal with crimes of such nature, and asked them to gather “meaningful” evidence and treat them equitably. (Ishaq Tanoli, “SHC dissatisfied with investigation, prosecution in gender-based violence cases,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

Lahore High Court issues notice to Punjab government, challenges ban on Joyland
On 30 November,  an advocate representing the petition filed by the producers of the film Joyland laid that the film was approved for screening by the government, but had banned the release of the movie because of complaints. The counsel asked the Lahore High Court (LHC) to “hold accountability” for the Punjab government for taking actions that are “arbitrary” in nature and pushed the LHC to bar further restraints for the screening of the film in Punjab. The court issued notices to the respondents for the submission of their replies by 13 December. (“Notices on plea against ban on Joyland,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

ECONOMY
State Bank of Pakistan announces a special wing to “promote” interest-free banking
On 30 November, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) would establish a special wing that would push recommendations and implement reforms that could help the transition of the interest-based economy to an Islamic riba-free economy. Dar stated that the SBP is imperative in implementing the elimination of Riba and that the government would “extend its full support” to help the financial institution to make their services “competitive enough” to compete with conventional banking services. (Usman Hanif, “SBP to promote interest-free banking,” The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022)

Stalemate of sugar exports continues, talks with government stay inconclusive
On 30 December, the Food Security Ministry said that talks between the government and  Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA)  failed to reach negotiations for a third consecutive time and that the government was “adamant” that the sugar exports were not permissible without confirmation from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of the 1 million tonnes of surplus stock at the mills. The ministry said that the FBR was directed to give details of the sugar stocks to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) by 5 December. (“Talks on sugar export remain inconclusive,” The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022)

Revenue collection amounts to PKR2.688 trillion, sees an increase of 15 per cent
On 1 December, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said that the revenue collection in the first five months of the present fiscal year has exceeded the set target by PKR 8 billion, amounting to PKR 2.688 trillion. The revenue has shown an increased growth rate of 15.3 per cent, with the FBR raising the projected target of PKR 537 billion in November alone. With an 11.5 per cent growth year-on-year, the growth is credited to the commitment of the government to IMF’s collection target. The collection of direct tax also registered an increase of 43 per cent, with a major dip in the collection of duty and taxes from imports. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Revenue collection jumps 15pc to Rs2.688tr,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar wants to stop interest-based system in the next five years
On 30 November, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the government “aims” to abolish the interest-based system, Riba, in the next five years, welcoming the decision of the Federal Shariat Court (FSC), where it declared various laws that were “repugnant” to the “injunctions of Islam.” Dar laid that Riba could be replaced by a system based on Zakat and Ushr and that he has instructed the ministry to look for loans on the Islamic Sukook Bonds and only take interest-based loans when there is “no other option.” Further, he said that Islamic banking in the country is amounting to nearly 21 per cent, and that the government wants to “completely” implement Islamic banking and that the money earned through interest is “easy, but not legitimate.” (“Govt aims to abolish interest-based system in five years, says Dar,” The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022)

EXTERNAL
China seeks dependency on Pakistan for military and economic strategies
On 30 November, the China Military Power 2022 report said that China would seek to achieve its “national rejuvenation” objective by 2049 through international support, and named Pakistan an “all-weather strategic partner.” The report noted that Pakistan’s port and pipeline projects would help China to become “less reliant” on resources derived through strategic choke points and that the BRI would promote economic cooperation with the country. It emphasised the consistent assistance of China through aid, including the successful delivery of the Pakistan Remote-Sensing Satellite. Additionally, examples of China-Pakistan cooperation were cited in the report, with China supplying strike-capable Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Pakistan. (Anwar Iqbal, “Beijing relies on Pakistan to project its might, Pentagon report notes,” Dawn, 1 December 2022)

Pakistan asks for nearly 40 per cent ‘discount’ in crude oil from Russia
On 30 December, Pakistan’s State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik held discussions in Moscow, which ended with no cohesive conclusions, but entailed the Russians to “consider” the demand of Pakistans at a later stage. The Russian delegation asked Pakistan to “honour” its commitments to the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project and said that the model of the project has been finalised, but some clauses of the shareholding agreements are in contention. Malik’s demands for a 30-40 per cent discount on the import of crude oil from Russia were also challenged by the delegation. They said that they “could not offer anything right now”, as “all volumes” of Russia were fully committed. (Khalid Mustafa, “Islamabad-Moscow talks: Pakistan seeks Russian crude at 30-40pc discount,” The News International, 1 December 2022)

Editorial, A perpetual threat
The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022
he TTP, by making undue demands such as reversal of the ex-Fata merger with K-P and release of hardened criminals, has made the spirit of accommodation quite unbecoming. So is the case over the issue of TTP laying down arms and returning to their homeland. This impasse and imminent threat demands immediate action. It’s time to go back to the resolve of saying no to any kind of appeasement. Only then can sovereignty and security be guaranteed.

Editorial, Quetta attack
Dawn, 1 December 2022
The political leadership, as well as the new military high command, must be clear about the goal: under no circumstances should the militants be allowed to re-establish a foothold in the country. The state needs to strike now, while the Afghan Taliban must be unambiguously told that their soil cannot be used to host anti-Pakistan terrorists.

Editorial, A call for bloodshed
Dawn, 30 November 2022
For groups like the TTP, ‘negotiations’ are a means to buy space and time to regroup. But most importantly, the state needs to realise that where we are now is the result of decades of flawed, security-centric policies, particularly the notion of ‘strategic depth’ that, with the second coming of the Afghan Taliban, has boomeranged — and raised the spectre of a nightmare revisited.

Editorial, Punjab crisis
Dawn, 1 December 2022
Whether or not elections are called early — this paper has suggested that they should be — the PTI should consider staying in the system and using it as the platform for its political demands. With governments in two provinces, it will have plenty of opportunities to serve its voters by improving governance to boost its electoral chances.

Editorial, Back to chaos
The News International, 1 December 2022
The economy is in too unstable a position to withstand any more pressures and while the games being played could bring some benefit to the individual parties and their leaders, they will in the end hurt the people of Pakistan, who these parties profess to represent.

Shahid Najam, The governance failure — an existential risk
The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022
Once the consensus is evolved and a ‘Charter of Pakistan’ is agreed by the major state institutions and actors, Army must steadily and perpetually withdraw from the political arena and confine its commendably executed role — safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country against internal and external threats.

Editorial, Missing childhoods
Dawn, 30 November 2022
Child brides tend to leave their education incomplete, and also face a greater threat of spousal abuse. To tackle this problem, the state needs to address two key areas: legal safeguards and their implementation, as well as changing mindsets in the long term.

Editorial, Gruesome murders
The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022
Unfortunately, in Pakistan acts of domestic violence are considered a family matter, especially by the police. Lack of response and action has created a trend of domestic aggression and outburst that is carried out by males with impunity… Determining the mental state of the perpetrator will help immensely at mitigating and dealing with such acts in the future.

Editorial, Need to prioritise Blue Economy
The Express Tribune, 1 December 2022
The country should transition from a traditional old economy to a new Blue Economy in order to accommodate both our population expansion and global trends. CPEC offers a fantastic chance to develop our maritime industry and fully utilise the Blue Economy.

Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Exploiting climate diplomacy
Dawn, 1 December 2022
The global discourse on carbon markets and trading, carbon capture and sequestration, shift towards non-combustion engine vehicles and long-lasting batteries, phasing out of coal and fossil fuels, blue and green hydrogen energy clearly indicates that climate diplomacy has moved beyond the narrow confines of UNFCC processes. To quote: ‘It’s [about] the economy, stupid!’

Mirza Moiz Baig, Law and technology
Dawn, 1 December 2022
With rapid advancements in technology characterising the world we inhabit, will the law only continue to regulate technology or will the law embrace technology? Indeed, when social reality changes, the law must change too. To quote from the judgement itself, “Just as the change in social reality is the law of life, responsiveness to change in social reality is the life of the law.”