In Brief
POLITICS
The word "conspiracy" was not used in the statement issued after NSC meeting, says DG-ISPR
On 14 April, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar stated that the word "conspiracy" was not used in the statement issued after a meeting of the National Security Committee in March. He said, "As far as military response about the NSC meeting is considered, that stance, in that meeting was fully given, and then a statement was issued ... which clearly says what was concluded in that meeting," adding, "The words used are in front of you ... as I said ... the words used are clear. Is there any word such as conspiracy used in it? I think not."
Additionally, he also clarified claims on the role of the Army in politics, COAS extension, the US seeking bases in Pakistan, the current political situation and "malicious propaganda" being run against the army on social media.
On the role of the Army in politics, he said, "I said it that day, too, that whatever political process has run, army had no role or interference at any stage," adding, "Parties and governments change but army meets all of them. There are no issues or problems."
Further, on the COAS extension, he said, "Let me put this to rest. COAS is neither seeking extension nor will he accept it. He will be retiring on time on November 22."
On the US bases, he said, "If a demand like that would have been made, the army would have had the same stance as the prime minister," adding, "But the reality is that they never asked for bases,"
While talking about the current political situation in he said, "This is not a choice, governments are elected, it is their job to tell us what to do."
Lastly, while talking about fake news he said, "Whose job is it to ask? Army is the head of institution that is subservient to government. If army head is being criticised, then it's the government's job [to take action]." (“NSC statement did not include the word 'conspiracy': DG ISPR,” Dawn, 15 April 2022)
Bilawal terms ISPR presser a “breath of fresh air for democracy”
On 14 April, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari terming the DG-ISPR’s press conference as “breath of fresh air for democracy” said, “The parliament, judiciary and establishment’s transition from controversial to constitutional role will not be easy. The answer to all of Pakistanis’ problems is democracy, democracy and more democracy. If we continue on this path, no power on earth can stop Pakistan’s progress.” (Amir Wasim, “Sense of relief marks opposition’s reaction to ISPR presser,” Dawn, 15 April 2022)
Acting speaker accepts resignations of 123 PTI MNAs
On 15 April, acting Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri acknowledged the mass resignation of PTIs’ lawmakers from the national assembly in their protest against forced regime change. Earlier this week, the acting speaker had postponed of the NA session by 22 April. The PML-N has challenged the adjournment of the NA session in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The IHC has formed a three-member larger bench to hear the petition regarding the important parliamentary matter. (Awaid Yousafzai, “Qasim Suri accepts resignations of 123 PTI MNAs,” The News International, 15 April 2022)
PPP and PML-N reach an understanding on sharing of cabinet posts
On 14 April, Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House. According to News International, an understanding has been arrived at and Bilawal Bhutto is likely to be part of the cabinet as foreign minister. PPP is expected to get between seven and 10 slots in the cabinet besides constitutional offices. Former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf is still a serious contender for the post of speaker of the National Assembly. The PPP is likely to hold its meeting to take the final decision in a day or two. (Asim Yasin, “PPP likely to join cabinet,” The News International, 15 April 2022)
INTERNAL
27 power plants out of order, says Ministry of Energy
On 14 April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a meeting with the Ministry of Energy was informed that 27 power plants having a combined generation capacity of more than 7,000 megawatts are out of order due to technical problems or fuel shortages. The ministry stated that nine major power plants were not working because of fuel shortages, while 18 other plants were not available for a long time due to technical faults and the lack of repair and maintenance. (Khaleeq Kiani, “27 power plants out of order, Shehbaz told,” Dawn, 15 April 2022)
Infant mortality rate falls, but urban-rural disparity remains, says Pakistan Demographic Survey 2020
On 14 April, the Pakistan Demographic Survey 2020 the infant mortality rate (IMR) has been declining over the past few years, however, a substantial disparity remains between rural and urban areas. According to the IMR, the number of deaths per 1,000 live births of children under one year of age currently stand at 56 when compared to 60 in 2018-19 and 62 in 2017-18. The survey pointed out that the rate was higher in rural areas was 59 and 50 urban areas. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Infant mortality rate falls in Pakistan, but urban-rural disparity remains,” Dawn, 15 April 2022)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Terrorist attacks on security forces in North Waziristan claim eight lives
On 15 April, eight soldiers were killed in two separate terrorist attacks in North Waziristan. According to Dawn, seven soldiers were killed when terrorists ambushed a vehicle of security forces in Datakhel tehsil of North Waziristan tribal district. Meanwhile, one soldier was killed in a clash between security forces and terrorists in Isham area of the district. (Pazir Gul, “Eight soldiers martyred in North Waziristan attacks,” Dawn, 15 April, 2022)
ECONOMY
BoP crises and deficit validate the necessary fiscal support from IMF
On 15 April, The News International reported on the requirement of massive dollar injections on an immediate basis in order to avert a balance of payment crisis as the foreign currency reserves were declining on a monthly basis and the problem was worsened by budget and current account deficit. The forex reserve of Pakistan stood at USD 17.028 billion (foreign reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan were USD 10.84 billion and net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were USD 6.178 billion), while the budget deficit stood at USD 13 billion (at current exchange rate) or 3.9 per cent of GDP for the first nine months of the current financial year and expected to double as per the estimates of Ministry of Finance. Esther Perez Ruiz, the IMF’s Resident Chief in Pakistan in her interaction with The News said, “The IMF congratulates Mr Sharif on becoming Prime Minister and looks forward to working with his government and discussing policies that would support inclusive and sustainable growth.” (Mehtab Haider, “Fewer options: IMF intends to work with new govt amid looming BoP crisis,” The News International, 15 April 202)
PM Sharif gives a go-ahead for his team to work with IMF
On 14 April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave a go-ahead to his economic team to engage with IMF after the Ministry of Finance briefed the premier about the country’s economic situation. The weakening external sector and budgetary positions and the implications of the irrational decision of the previous government to give USD 1.86 billion (at the current exchange rate) energy subsidies during the last days of previous government was also informed. Dr Miftah Ismail, the former finance minister, who is likely to be inducted into the cabinet to lead the finance ministry said, “PM Shehbaz has asked me to engage with the IMF, as the government is keen to remain in the IMF programme.” The SBP reserves od USD 10.2 billion comprises of USD 4 billion Chinese deposits, USD 3 billion Saudi deposits and USD 2.5 billion UAE deposits that the government cannot use. (Shahbaz Rana, " Shehbaz green-lights team to engage with IMF,” The Express Tribune, 15 April 2022)
High remittances recorded during March
On 14 April, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shared the figures of remittances during the March month of the current FY22. The workers' remittances continued their unprecedented run of remaining above $2 billion since June 2020, the SBP said. For the month of March, the remittances stood at USD 2.8 billion, a new record in monthly remittances. (Salman Siddiqui, “Remittances hit all-time high in March,” The Express Tribune, 15 April 2022)
OGRA proposes a tax increase on petroleum products
On 14 April, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) presented two options to the government for a price increase to recover full imported cost, exchange rate loss and maximum tax rates. The first option, to increase the prices of all products should go up in a PKR 22-52 per litre band to charge breakeven prices without any element of subsidy. The price of petrol is proposed at PKR 171.46 per litre from PKR 149.86. The second option, proposes to charge on full tax rates, including 17pc GST on all products, and PKR 30 per litre petroleum levy each on HSD and petrol, followed by PKR 12 on kerosene and PKR 10 on light diesel oil the maximum rates permissible under the recently passed, Finance Bill. As per this option, the price of petrol would be slated at PKR 235.16 per litre for the next fortnight against PKR 149.86 at present. The previous government has imposed a four-month price freeze till June. (Khaleeq Kiani, “First test for new govt as Ogra proposes massive oil price hike,” Dawn, 15 April 2022)
EXTERNAL
US supports DG-ISPR’s statement on ‘conspiracy’
On 14 April, the US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price on DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar's press briefing regarding the denial of conspiracy said, “We would agree with it.” Further, he reiterated, “Our message has been clear and consistent on this that there is no truth whatsoever to allegations that have been put forward,” adding, “We support the peaceful upholding of the constitutional and democratic principles including respect for human rights.” (“US endorses DG ISPR statement on ‘threat letter’,” The News International, 15 April 2022)
ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
PM Niazi resigns amid no-confidence motion
On 14 April, “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi tendered his resignation. His resignation comes as a vote of no confidence was to be held on 15 April after 25 members of the PTI parliamentary party had moved a resolution to this effect against him under Article 18 of the AJK Constitution. (Tariq Naqash, “Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi resigns as AJK PM,” Dawn, 15 April 2022)
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