In Brief

INTERNAL
Government and TTP agree on an indefinite ceasefire
On 31 May, the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) agreed to extend the ceasefire indefinitely and continue negotiations to find an end militancy in the tribal border region. According to Dawn this development comes following separate meetings with Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Acting Prime Minister of the Taliban government. Previously, TTP spokesman Muhammad Khurasani issued a statement announcing extension in the ceasefire till 30 May. Meanwhile, The News International was informed by members of the jirga that a 50-member jirga of prominent tribal elders is due to fly to Kabul on 1 June for meaningful talks with the TTP in Kabul. (Ismail Khan, “Islamabad, TTP agree on indefinite ceasefire,” Dawn, 31 May 2022; Mushtaq Yusufzai, “‘Tribal jirga due in Kabul for talks with Pakistani Taliban’,” The News International, 31 May 2022)

Will use KP's force when Imran calls next march, says KP chief minister; Punjab government decides to place unprecedented security measures if PTI holds march
On 30 May, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said, "When Imran Khan again gives a call [for another march] I am telling you that I will use Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's force." However, he did not elaborate on what he meant by "force." Meanwhile, the Punjab government has decided to put in place “double layer” of security measures if the PTI were to hold another march. This comes after Imran Khan and KP Chief Minister Mehmood Khan approached the Supreme Court seeking permission for a new march to Islamabad. (“Will use KP's force when Imran calls next march: CM Mahmood Khan,” Dawn, 31 May 2022; “Will use KP's force when Imran calls next march: CM Mahmood Khan,” Dawn, 31 May 2022)

ECP regains full strength
On 30 May, President Dr Arif Alvi appointed Babar Hassan Bharwana and Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan as members of the ECP from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) respectively. The President made the appointments under Article 218 (2) (b) of the Constitution on the advice of the Prime Minister.  (Mumtaz Alvi, “ECP regains full strength,” The News International, 31 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Punjab: Baligur Rehman takes oath as governor
On 30 May, President Dr Arif Alvi igned off on the appointment of PML-N’s Balighur Rehman as the governor of Punjab. This comes after a 24-day back and forth of many a summary between the president and prime minister. Additionally, eight lawmakers also took oath as members of the Punjab cabinet while the rest are to take oath on 31 May. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Alvi concedes, Baligh becomes Punjab governor,” Dawn, 31 May 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Two security personnel and children injured in suicide blast in North Waziristan
On 30 May, two security personnel and many children were injured in a suicide blast targeting a vehicle of the security forces parked at a checkpost in the Razmak subdivision of North Waziristan tribal district. A search operation has been launched to track down the perpetrators. (“Two soldiers, children injured in Waziristan suicide blast,” Dawn, 31 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
GSP+ status to continue for Pakistan subject EU requirements
On 30 May, while speaking at ‘Human Rights Reforms in Sindh — GSP+ and Beyond’, in Karachi, Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Pakistan Thomas Seiler informed that   in the next phase of the GSP+ there would be more international conventions and covenants. He said EU expects Pakistan ““respect and implement human rights in their enterprises, and to play an active role in building a sustainable economy and society”. Human rights, labour rights and climate change activism, issues of enforced disappearance, discrimination against minorities, problems being faced by transgender persons, violence against women and non-implementation of the laws were also highlighted on the occasion. Most of the participants regretted that a number of good laws had been passed, but they were not being implemented. They underlined the need to universalise the social security services to all the workers. (“EU official hints at continuance of Pakistan’s GSP+ status after 2023,” Dawn, 31 May 2022)

PM vows to boost trade with Turkey
On 30 May, ahead of his three-day official trip to Ankara, PM Shehbaz Sharif told Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview that Pakistan has vowed to become self-reliant and politically stable, while assuring to work towards boosting bilateral trade with Turkey. On question of CPEC, he replied, “As the earliest proponent of President Xi's visionary BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), Pakistan firmly supports the BRI's five-pronged emphasis on physical connectivity, financial cooperation, trade facilitation, policy consultation, and people-to-people linkages.” Commenting on the bilateral relations between the two countries, he said that they are grounded firmly in common religious, cultural, and linguistic links and transcend political changes on either side. (“PM vows to boost trade with Turkey,” The Express Tribune, 31 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Oil importers struggling with arranging international finances
On 31 May, Dawn reported on information shared by Petroleum Division to the prime minister and finance minister that arrangements of oil imports were getting tough by the day as foreign banks were not providing financing against letters of credit (LCs) opened by oil marketing companies (OMCs) and refineries with the local banks. The sources said about six-seven cargos worth USD 50-75 million each (USD 350-500m cumulative) depending on size and product were held up at present because of the increased risk following some critical statements from the relevant ministries about the tough fiscal and foreign exchange position. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Oil imports facing foreign exchange constraints,” Dawn, 31 May 2022)

Pakistan proposes to cap budget deficit at 4.8 per cent of the GDP for the next financial year
On 31 May, The Express Tribune reported on the development during Doha talks between Pakistan and IMF. Pakistan has proposed to bring the budget deficit down to USD 18.85 billion which for the current financial year stands at 6.5 per cent of the GDP that is USD 24.5 billion. Under the 2019 Extended Fund Facility, the IMF’s key goal is the primary budget target, which in present circumstances can only be achieved through a combination of development expenditure cuts and enhancing revenue collection. However, the IMF did not accept both the numbers, terming the 4.8 per cent budget deficit projection at the lower end in the absence of concrete measures. (Shahbaz Rana, “Govt pitches Rs3.77tr deficit target to IMF,” The Express Tribune, 31 May 2022)

ON CLIMATE CHANGE 
Pakistan third most water-stressed country, says Federal Minister for Climate Change
On 30 May, Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman said Pakistan is the third most water-stressed country and it needs to streamline mitigation with adaptation as mitigation cannot be done in isolation. She met World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine and discussed the ongoing projects in Pakistan. The minister also met with a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) mission to the UN, composed of special representatives to the Director-General Dan Gustafson and Green Climate Fund (GCP) unit head Nadine Valat. (“‘Pakistan third most water-stressed country’,” The Express Tribune, 31 May 2022)

Editorial, Talking to TTP
Dawn, 31 May 2022
The problem with negotiating with extremist groups is that they will seldom stick to their word, as history shows, and will return to violence on the slightest pretext…Confronted with these inconvenient realities, the state needs to handle the negotiations with care, and ensure that any peace deal respects the Constitution and the democratic process.

Editorial, Abducted citizens
Dawn, 31 May 2022
There can be no justification for disappearing any citizen by force, no matter how severe their crime. Those who favour and justify this policy claim it is sometimes the only way to check militancy and terrorism, when, in fact, it represents major failures on their part in pre-empting, investigating and prosecuting these crimes through the existing legal system.

Editorial, Tackling polio resurgence
Dawn, 31 May 2022
Resistance to anti-polio efforts in the form of refusals or violence is already a long-standing issue, even in pockets of large cities such as Rawalpindi and Karachi. And efforts to mislead vaccinators could also be prevalent in other parts of the country.

Arifa Noor, Dumbing up journalism
Dawn, 31 May 2022
These times were not just about good journalism but also the idealism that went with it. Many of those named here joined a badly paid profession with little recognition and even less pay only because of the belief that what they did could make a difference, and it did.

Dr Niaz Murtaza, Transfer of power
Dawn, 31 May 2022
Oddly, then, the two biggest obstacles today to smooth power transfers are both middle-class-led entities while landed/commercial elite-led parties support such transfers. Until both change their politics, the prospects of fair transfers of power and hence political legitimacy, stability and progress remain dim.

Shahid Najam, Political impasse — need for a dialogue
The Express Tribune, 31 May 2022
The ‘national and public’ interest should constitute the kernel of the entire process of resolving the political conflict through dialogue… What is required is the will and moral courage of those who have the capacity, the weight and the muscle to rectify the wrong and steward us to amicable and negotiated resolution.

Editorial, LB canvas in Balochistan
The Express Tribune, 31 May 2022
It is a good omen that local government culture is well-respected in Balochistan. This goes on to prove that people want a proactive decorum for addressing their problems. Baloch have genuine grievances and the state stakeholders have literally failed in taking care of them, and this is where the dissent mushrooms.

Editorial, Importance of local bodies
The News International, 31 May 2022
The recent local government elections in Balochistan have proved once again that, given a chance, people participate in the democratic process no matter how flawed that may be. The high voter turnout in Balochistan is an example of how eager people are to cast their vote in. Turnout in Turbat district for example, was put at around 62 per cent by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Editorial, Justice for the missing
The News International, 31 May 2022
Many of those picked up are from vulnerable communities or are politically active students. Their disappearances have a chilling effect on minority groups, activists and the disenfranchised. A perpetual lack of a plausible response is not going to solve the problem. These families deserve empathy and for their grievances to be heard at the highest level.

Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, The state of the economy
The News International, 31 May 2022
In the short term, a win-win situation can emerge from the current situation if all political parties (irrespective of whether they are in government or opposition) support the tough economic decisions taken by this government (or provide practical alternatives to those decisions)… In the medium term, all political parties should start preparing an economic growth roadmap, to be part of their manifestos, which they will be pursuing to skip the boom and bust cycle.

Maleeha Lodhi, Votes and mandates
Dawn, 30 May 2022
All political actors need to think as much about the country’s economic future as their own partisan interests. Without economic stability, everything else will be in vain. If politics and economics continue to collide, the country’s future will be anything but bright.

Umair Javed, The case for fresh elections
Dawn, 30 May 2022
There is no provision for any such arrangement in the Constitution and the idea does not deserve to be entertained, especially on grounds of ‘necessity’. In a constitutional state, tough decisions need to be owned and steered through the electorate. An election is the simplest way to achieve that end.

Huma Yusuf, Parliament’s task
Dawn, 30 May 2022
Our elected representatives must also demonstrate to Pakistanis that negotiations are taking place with the nation’s best interests in mind. The last government had made it clear that the state would only negotiate with those who respected the Constitution. The current government must make its position clear too.

Editorial, Instability in Balochistan
The Express Tribune, 30 May 2022
Political instability is on the cards in Balochistan. The rift between the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) is now quite categorical, and it seems its political fissures will no longer be restricted to the province…Balochistan’s security decorum is too fragile to stand any political upheaval, and this is where stakeholders should huddle for exploring a way out.

Editorial, Key amendments
The Express Tribune, 30 May 2022
Cases must also be decided within one year, and the duration of remand has been reduced from 90 days to 14 days. Hopefully, these changes can help stop NAB from being used as a tool of political persecution.

Editorial, What next for the PTI?
The News International, 30 May 2022
Now that the coalition government has decided to stay put and complete its tenure, one of the options the PTI still has is to come back to parliament and act as a political opposition… For how long can the PTI pretend to slot itself as a resistance force? And that too one that keeps wishing it was on the other side of the ‘resistance.’

Editorial, Drought dangers
The News International, 30 May 2022
Pakistan has a great deal to avoid a further loss of its water resources with much water already used up or badly contaminated… Apart from an equitable resolution of the water-sharing system between India and Pakistan, we need a coherent national water policy that can effectively manage what looks like a water-insecure future in the country.

Editorial, Concerning UNSC Report
The Nation, 30 May 2022
These revelations coupled with reports of internal rifts within the Afghan Taliban paint an extremely concerning picture regarding what is taking place on the ground. There is little confidence in the Afghan government’s capability and will to clamp down on militant groups that are not directly opposing its rule.

In Brief
INTERNAL
PM announces targeted relief worth USD 160 million for 14 million families
On 27 May, during his televised address to the nation, PM Shehbaz Sharif announced the relief package for 14 million poor families, comprising 85 million people, would be given Rs2000 per family and stated that the prices of petroleum products were increased with heavy heart for the interest of the economy and country. The premier said that PKR 2000 per family would get additional to the BISP and it would continue even in the next fiscal year. He further stated that the government also directed Utility Stores Corporation to set the price of 10kg sack of flour at PKR 400. (Zaheer Abbasi, “PM takes step to ‘insulate’ the poor from price hike,” Business Recorder, 28 May 2022)
 
Maryam requests SC to stay from the political imbroglio
On 27 May, PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed in her tweet that the SC would have to be cautious and stay away from this political battle; otherwise, the impression of [its] partiality would strengthen, which would be harmful to the judiciary as an institution. Quoting the Urdu proverb ‘khisiani billi khamba noche ‘ (meaning an embarrassed person tends to vent his feelings by quarrelling], she said ‘the embarrassed cat has a pole to scratch’ but this ‘semi-insane person’ lacked even this facility. (“Maryam urges SC to stay away from ongoing political tussle,” Dawn, 28 May 2022)
 
Senate passes NAB and Election Amendment
On 28 May, Senate Chairman allowed the presentation of two highly-controversial bills—The Elections (Amendment) Bill 2022 and The National Accountability (Second Amendment) Bill 2022, without referring them to the relevant committees, leading to their passage by majority vote in the upper house of Parliament. The Elections (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks reversal of the introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voting rights to overseas Pakistanis through internet voting (i-voting) in the next general elections. The National Accountability (Second Amendment) Bill 2022 mainly seeks to clip the key powers of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in probing mega corruption cases. (Sardar Sikandar Shaheen, “NAB, electoral bills sail through Senate as well,” Business Recorder, 28 May 2022)
 
ECONOMY
SBP injects funds through open market operation
On 28 May, Business Recorder reported that State Bank of Pakistan has conducted a 63-day OMO (Open Market Operations) by injecting PKR 1.8 trillion (equivalent to USD 9 billion at pegged rate of 2000 PKR per USD) at a rate of 13.84 per cent. SBP also injected PKR 1.4 trillion (equivalent to USD 7 billion at pegged rate of 2000 PKR per USD) in 7-day OMO at 13.78 per cent. Normally, SBP conducts short duration OMO of 7-days, Umair Naseer, at Topline Securities said. This 63-days OMO provides banks liquidity for longer term that stabilizes rates in the money market. To recall, SBP last injected PKR 425 billion at a rate of 9.91 per cent on Jan 07, 2022 for 63-days. Similarly, it also conducted such 63 day OMO injections on December 17, December 24 and December 31 by injecting PKR 689 billion, PKR 382 billion and PKR 274 billion, respectively. (“SBP again conducts long-duration OMO,” Business Recorder, 28 May 2022)
 
Tariff hike on table to follow fuel price adjustment
On 27 May, during a press conference, the Minister of State for Petroleum said Pakistan has committed to ending global subsidies that are equally available to the rich and the poor, adding the electricity prices would also be adjusted on the same lines so that the poor remain protected. He said the government’s decision to increase petroleum prices had revived market confidence, and the rupee gained PKR 2 against the dollar and the stock market recovered. On the question of buying cheap Russian oil, he explained that Pakistan’s ambassador in Moscow approached the Russian energy ministry, but did not get a response either on cheaper oil or gas, and further claimed the Russians showed inclination for discussion on infrastructure projects. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Power tariff hike coming up, minister warns,” Dawn, 28 May 2022)
 
Telecom sector to reach a valuation of USD 3.475 billion
On 28 May, The News International reported on trends in growth of telecom sector’s market size. The telecom sector’s market size is estimated to go up by PKR 51 billion or 8 per cent to PKR 695 billion by the end of fiscal year 2022 against FY 2021, according to the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency. This rise can be associated with the expansion of 3G, 4G and 5G services in Pakistan. In Pakistan, approximately 98 percent of the households own a mobile phone, whereas penetration of mobile services was 88 percent at the end of February 2022 with nearly 192 million mobile subscriptions. By February 2022, total borrowings of the sector reached PKR 180 billion – 29 per cent higher than PKR 140 billion, which were for the same period last year. Considering the high capital-intensive nature of the sector, a major portion of the sector’s borrowing – 88 per cent is long-term, while the portion of short-term loans is only 6 percent. (Bilal Hussain, “Telecom sector to show 8pc growth in FY2022,” The News International, 28 May 2022)
 
JUDICIARY
Article 248 of the Constitution does not exempt the indicted ministers from appearing before the court: SC
On 27 May, while hearing the suo moto regarding the apprehension of undermining the criminal justice system by persons in authority, the five-judge bench chaired by Chief Justice noticed that changes in the ECL (Exit Control List) Rules prima facie seem to be controversial and added that there is an impression that the FIA prosecutor was removed post the ECL rules amendment. Earlier, the court noted that the amendment in the Exit Control List (ECL) was made on 22nd April 2022 and the subjects like misuse of authority, corruption and embezzlement were removed, and the names of those involved in corruption and tax theft of PKR 10 million were from the list. (Terence J Sigamony, “Ministers not exempt from personal appearance before court: SC,” Business Recorder, 28 May 2022)
 
CJP urged to rejig JCP rules Committee
On 27 May, Dawn reported on letter dated 20 May by a member of Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) requesting the Chief Justice to reconstitute JCP rules committee to formulate criterion for the appointment of superior court judges. The letter highlighted the highlighted that seniority principle might be bypassed again and could cause a stir among the member of the bar. The letter stated that the issue of transparency with greater objectivity in in the appointment of judges in superior courts was regularly under discussion. (Nasir Iqbal, “Chief justice urged to reconstitute JCP committee,” Dawn, 28 May 2022)
 
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Only 132 women contesting LG elections
On 28 May, Business Recorder reported that out of 16,195 candidates, there were only 132 women who would try their luck for local government election to be conducted in the province on 29 May. 5,226 polling stations have been set up, out of which, 2,000 have been declared as “highly sensitive” and 1,917 as “sensitive” by the authorities. The number of registered voters in the 32 districts is 3,552,398, the data suggested. (Sardar Sikandar Shaheen, “Only 132 women contesting LG elections in Balochistan,” Business Recorder, 28 May 2022)
 
Pilot study held on urban resilience of informal communities
On 28 May, Business Recorder reported that UNDP Pakistan, in collaboration with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, has initiated a pilot study on urban resilience for Karachi’s informal communities of Azam Basti and Rehri Goth. The project seeks to strengthen the inclusion and resilience of migrants, displaced people and host communities in informal urban settlements across four dimensions: livelihoods, participatory urban planning and development, social cohesion, and climate change adaptation. A panel talk was also organized at the event by the implementing partner, Concepts Unlimited, and included Aqsa Javed IBA; Zehra Mehdi K-Electric; and Nadeem Sheikh WWF Pakistan. The panel explored the problems faced by the informal settlements in Karachi and ways in which they can be addressed through community ownership and the active participation of all relevant stakeholders involved. Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi and Lead Investigator of the UNDP-IBA research study, highlighted the role of data-driven approaches in development studies and policy initiatives and the important role played by academic institutions to achieve the same. (“Pilot study held on urban resilience of informal communities,” Business Recorder, 28 May 2022)
 
KP: Centre should desist from taking any extraordinary step against the provincial government
On 28, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government strongly reacted to the interior minister’s statement regarding ‘legal action’ against Chief Minister Mahmood Khan for leading a procession to Islamabad. “The federal government has the right to impose emergency in a province under Article 232 of the Constitution only when there is serious disturbance or governance crisis,” special assistant to the chief minister on information Barrister Saif told a presser here. The special assistant to the chief minister said Mahmood Khan led the procession as Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution gave the ‘right of freedom and freedom of assembly’ to every citizen. (“KP warns centre over possible action against chief minister,” Dawn, 28 May 2022)
 

Editorial: Policy rate and oil subsidy — I
So, instead of raising policy rate by 6.75 percent since September, only one or two percentage points should have been increased at most, given the main determinant of inflation being global supply shock behind rise in inflation, but also because inflation and policy rate have a weak relationship in Pakistan in view of the fact that the traditional lack of financial depth in the country means that demand-pull inflation is only one determinant of inflation, while the channel of cost-push inflation also remains an important determinant of inflation at the back of both imported inflation and weak governance/regulation for reducing market failures/imperfections.
 
Editorial: Criticality of business enabling environment
Pakistan’s economy is not a liberated one. It is nowhere near “business by the businessmen alone” ideal. It is highly vulnerable to changes in political dynamics. For example, the recent vote of no-confidence against the sitting Prime Minister and the events that his government’s ouster triggered profoundly added to the country’s economic woes with the stock market going into the deep red, rupee exponentially losing its value against dollar and the country’s panic-stricken Prime Minister and Finance Minister running helter-skelter to friendly nations with a view to soliciting loans and pleading with the IMF to resume their programme on some concessional terms.
 
Editorial: Reducing fuel and electricity consumption
SBP (State Bank of Pakistan) has prepared estimates, based on three different scenarios of reducing working days, that are expected to save anywhere from $1.5 billion to $2.7 billion every year. One proposal has four working days and three holidays in which retail business will remain open. The second one has four working days, two holidays and one day of lockdown. And the third has four working days, one holiday and two days of lockdown. The third one is rightly being considered a little too aggressive, so there’s a good chance that one of the first two options will be accepted as official policy for the immediate term.
 
Editorial: Youm-e-Takbeer: the day Pakistan’s defence was made impregnable
As a responsible nuclear state, a founding member of the IAEA and an emerging player in the field of nuclear power generation, Pakistan takes pride in ensuring impeccable security arrangements at all of its nuclear power plants. Stringent entry protocols in the form of controlled access of personnel, retina identification and 24/7 CCTV monitoring at the power plants are some of the measures that help ensure authorized access only. As per international best practices in the field of nuclear power, Emergency Preparedness Measures are well in place for timely intervention at these power plants. The safety and security are the two highlights of nuclear power plants operating in the country.
 
Editorial: On educational justice
In a country where social class dictates educational success and intergenerational prosperity, children enrolled in public schools and low-fee private institutions (which together serve the majority) face the greatest disadvantage. Tellingly, according to recent measures of learning poverty, 75 per cent of children in Pakistan are unable to even read by the time they reach the age of 10.
 
Editorial: Speech and censorship
During the past two months, the PTA has also been exerting undue pressure on social media companies to open up local offices in Pakistan, which is clearly intentioned to be a way through which maximum pressure can be exerted on social media companies to censor content on platforms the state finds ‘objectionable’. It is also important to notice the consistent kind of pressure for censorship from the state despite the change in government, and perhaps advantage being taken of the power vacuum created by the transition of government.

Editorial: Mystical art of not dying of shame
See. This is why you need this art. Not to ignore reality but to make peace with it. To make life more meaningless than death and by doing that close the only escape route out of this shame. That is how you ensure you don’t die of shame. Because this bickering, these self-righteous fights, these acts of grandstanding from all sides, let’s face it, will never end. Only faces will change but the spirit will go on destroying more lives and more generations.

NA passes Election (Amendment) Bill 2022

Editorial, The march on the capital
Dawn, 26 May 2022
Stakeholders must intervene and broker a solution in order to avoid an administrative standoff, as well as a law and order menace. The onus is squarely on all to defuse the situation, and see to it that constitutionalism prevails and the madness of power tussle does not pave the way for undemocratic forces to step in.

Editorial, Scenes of chaos
The News Internatoonal, 26 May 2022
The government needs to stop these unnecessary arrests and raids, and the PTI needs to tell its workers to curb their violent tendencies, attend a rally and go home. This is all the drama this country can afford right now. Anything more and we are spiraling down into darker times.

Editorial, Dark days
Dawn, 26 May 2022
The PTI, on its part, does not seem to have been prepared to face such a large deployment of state machinery. This shows that it still has much to learn when it comes to street mobilisation… Perhaps PTI leaders did not realise that a few-hours-long public meeting is one thing and to expect supporters to give up entire days of comfort while risking violence and arrest quite another.

Syed Sheheryar Raza Zaidi, The question of neutrality
Dawn, 26 May 2022
All said and done, whether the PTI is true in its narrative or not, one hopes that this ‘neutrality’ continues, not just because it would honour the dictates of the Constitution, but also because it would allow the existing political system to flourish, albeit with hiccups and showdowns along the way.

Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Rewriting defection
Dawn, 26 May 2022
According to the Supreme Court order, even if the entire parliamentary party revolts against its leader and decides to pass a vote of no-confidence, their votes will be disregarded. Apparently, the new authority bestowed by the Supreme Court order will end up further strengthening the leaders’ authoritarian hold over their parties.

Editorial, No room for dissent
Dawn, 26 May 2022
Demonstrators must be free to raise a voice for the return of missing persons, while there should be no reason to keep Ali Wazir and other political prisoners behind bars when the Supreme Court has ordered their release. In the longer term, the state needs to address the underlying factors fuelling discontent.

Editorial, Good news from KSA
The Express Tribune, 26 May 2022
The end result is that, whatever amount of foreign assistance is available, the government will still need to push through several more potentially painful and unpopular measures if it is to normalise the forex reserve situation. In the meantime, we will continue flirting with default.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Police clash with PTI workers; Supreme Court directs Islamabad chief commissioner to provide alternative for march
On 25 May, police and PTI workers clashed in Lahore after the demonstrates managed to push their way through the containers deployed at Batti Chowk by the government to stop the protesters from reaching Islamabad. The police used tear gas following this incident. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court asked the Islamabad chief commissioner to provide an alternate site to the PTI to hold its Azadi March. (Haseeb Bhatti, “SC directs Islamabad chief commissioner to provide alternate site to PTI for Azadi March by 2:30pm,” Dawn, 24 May 2022; “Police clash with PTI workers in Lahore, detain 12 members,” The Express Tribune, 24 May 2022)

Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights terms detention of Shireen Mazari as an act of political victimisation
On 24 May, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights unanimous observed the detention of Shireen Mazari as an act of political victimisation. Meanwhile, Shireen Mazari termed the corruption case against her “political victimisation.” She stated that she was not informed about the charges nor was she asked to provide a clarification and that her name only surfaced during the investigation process. She said, "They dragged me from the car, put me in a white Vigo and headed towards the motorway,” adding, “It is a case of kidnapping and disappearance. The officials also seized my phone and wallet.” (“Senate body terms Shireen Mazari’s arrest political victimisation,” Dawn, 24 May 2022; “Shireen terms corruption case ‘political victimisation’,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Water shortage in Indus rises to 40 per cent
On 24 May, Indus River System Authority spokesperson confirmed to The News International that water deficit had swelled up to 40 per cent from 27 per cent claimed earlier. Water level at Tarbela dam reached dead level on 23 May, the water stored in Mangla Dam and Chashma Barrage has also plunged to just 0.191 MAF. A day before, the water level in Mangla and Chashma was at 0.221 MAF. IRSA spokesman said, “In Indus River, water flows have further tumbled to 66,300 cusecs, which were at 68,900 cusecs a day before mainly because of reduction in temperature in Skardu to 21 degree centigrade from 29 degree centigrade. In the first 10-15 days of the current month of May, water flows in Indus improved but now a major dip in water flows has appeared which may last for 10-12 days.” Punjab and Sindh were being supplied water with 40 per cent shortage, Punjab is being given 73,000 cusecs whereas Sindh 74,000 cusecs. Balochistan is getting water supplies of 13,000 cusecs and KPK 3,000 cusecs.  (Khalid Mustafa, “Water shortage in Indus rises to 40pc,” The News International, 25 May 2022)

POLITICS
NA witnesses’ volleys of personal assault over PTI rally
On 24 May, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, countered pleas by Dr. Fehmida Mirza to have a big heart to let PTI march and handle the march in more humanitarian manner. His allegation started by identifying the Dr Fehmida with her husband and how their differences enabled her a ticket from PTI. On the claims of an effort for armed invasion, he said: “One should have no misconception. If there will be an armed invasion on the city, which is a symbol of the federation, and if there will be an invasion on Pakistan’s security and federation, then it will be dealt with full force.” (Amir Wasim, “GDA, PML-N trade barbs in NA over handling of long march,” Dawn, 25 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: CM to face no confidence motion today
On 25 May, the no-confidence motion against the Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo will be tabled in the session of the provincial assembly. Previously, 14 members had submitted no confidence against CM Bizenjo. The Assembly Secretariat had sent a requisition to the caretaker governor for convening the assembly session. In response to the summary, the governor summoned the session. After tabling the no-confidence motion, the next three to seven days will be reserved for debate and voting. (“No-trust motion against Balochistan CM to be tabled today,” The News International, 25 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
IHC issues notice to AG on reinstatement Cheema as governor of Punjab
On 24 May, the Islamabad High Court issued a notice to Attorney General for Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali on a petition seeking reinstatement Omer Sarfraz Cheema as the governor of Punjab. The counsel for the petitioner, argued that the governor’s removal was defined in the Constitution. Following the hearing the court issued a notice to the AG and adjourned the hearing until 25 May. (“IHC issues notice to AG on sacked Punjab governor’s plea,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
We are currently finalising extending the USD three billion deposit to Pakistan, says Saudi Minister of Finance
On 25 May, Dawn reported that Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed al-Jadaan told Reuters that they are finalising the extension of the kingdom's USD three billion deposit to Pakistan. He said, "We are currently finalising extending the $3bn deposit to Pakistan." (“Saudi Arabia says finalising extension of $3 billion deposit to Pakistan,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Pakistan desires a stronger trade and investment cooperation with EU
On 24 May, Minister for Commerce Naveed Qamar held talks with senior officials of the European Commi­ssion in Brussels as part of his government’s strategy to further strengthen Pakistan-EU relations, including enhanced parliamentary exchanges. He mentioned that economic stabilisation and growth were the key priorities of the current government and the EU remained a key partner for Pakistan to realise these objectives. He added that GSP Plus was an excellent template and a success story of mutually beneficial cooperation, as Pakistan’s exports to the EU increased by 86 per cent and the EU’s exports to Pakistan grew by 69 per cent, since the inception of the scheme in 2014. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Naveed Qamar discusses trade with EU,” Dawn, 25 May 2022)

 ECONOMY
Rupee slides further, business community complaints about high interest rates
On 24 May, PKR was pegged at 201.41 per USD as the closing price. There is a regular complain from importers that opening a letter of credit (LC) is becoming difficult with the passage of each day. The shortage of dollar while getting higher prices discourages importers. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said: Pakistan’s policy rate is comparatively higher than regional countries such as Malaysia at 2pc, China at 3.7pc, India at 4pc, and Bangladesh at 5pc. The country will not be able to compete with the regional countries with high interest and export refinancing rates. We reject the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) decision to raise interest rate to 13.75pc, as it would not be in favour of domestic businesses and industries.” (“Dollar rises to Rs201.41,” Dawn, 25 May 2022)

Zahid Hussain, Imran Khan’s march to chaos
Dawn, 25 May 2022
It appears that the country may be moving towards a new hybrid arrangement with a weak administration seeking the military’s support in propping it up. The latest development could put the military leadership, which is already under attack by the PTI supporters, in a serious quandary.

Editorial, Crackdowns Begin
The Nation, 25 May 2022
Targeting rival politicians for merely protesting is not only against the spirit of democracy, but it also does the government itself no favours since such arrests usually lend prominence and credibility to the protesters’ cause, whether legitimate or not. The government should be trying to cool tempers and avoid confrontation, not lead us down a path of more polarisation and violence. Better sense is expected from at least one side in this entire affair.

Rafia Zakaria, The most dangerous time
Dawn, 25 May 2022
In Pakistan, control over women is complete. Such is the normalisation of violence against women in the country that no one is bothered even when they know a woman is being abused… Lurking beneath the thin veneer of normalcy, all abusive men are potential murderers of women; aided and abetted in their plans by conspiring family members, misogynistic laws and societies that choose to look the other way when men kill.

Hassan Kamal Wattoo, If the law is against you
Dawn, 25 May 2022
Fighting till the very end to defend yourself might appear bold and defiant, but it’s not admirable. Animals do that too. You know what’s really brave? Putting yourself second. And fighting for something bigger.

Editorial, Back to bedlam
Dawn, 25 May 2022
With the country’s political leadership entangled with each other, the situation does not bode well for the future. Space is rapidly opening for non-democratic forces to intervene. Any such development will be a great loss for us all.

Editorial, Balochistan blaze
Dawn, 25 May 2022
With the damaging effects of climate change already upon us, it is high time that we adjusted to grim new realities and took measures to pre-empt the adverse effects of changing weather patterns.

Editorial, Unequal citizens
Dawn, 25 May 2022
Indifference would have been bad enough, but the state’s attitude towards non-Muslims falls squarely in the category of religious discrimination to the extent of considering them as being less than human.

Editorial, Uneasy days
Dawn, 25 May 2022
There is a vast difference between what should have been – economic stability – and what we got instead: a dithering, reluctant government that seems more interested in raiding homes than combating inflation, and a former ruling party on the rampage, ready to burn it all down if need be.

Editorial, Policy rate
Dawn, 25 May 2022
What is good is that the SBP has finally woken up to take note of the unprecedented rise in secondary market yields, benchmark rates and cut-off rates in the government’s auctions. The monetary policy is heavily dependent on the results of the ongoing talks with the IMF, which could potentially be subject to delays given the lack of high-level political backing thus far. Would it be wise to count these chickens before they hatch?

In Brief
INTERNAL
PTI claims “history will be made” with the march
On 24 May, PTI’s Central Secretary General Asad Umar stated that the “history will be made” on 25 May. He said, “After an impressive show, Pakis­tan’s decisions will never be made behind closed doors again, neither will ill-gotten money be used nor foreign powers take decisions for the country.” Similarly, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, “It is a decisive moment for the whole nation as we have to decide whether we want to become an independent nation or repeat the history of 75 years. The last time the nation got united was in 1974 and made a decision. Now, once again the whole nation needs to come out of their houses.” (“PTI expects to ‘create history’ with march,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Meanwhile, 500 containers have been given to police along with extra security personnel from provinces to deal with marchers. Additionally, police officials stated that two plans had been made under the direction of the government: either to allow the PTI marchers to enter the capital or intercept them at the entry points. (Munawer Azeem, “Islamabad likely to be cut off from rest of country ahead of PTI’s march,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Meanwhile, police raided a number of PTI leaders' homes. During the raids, one constable was killed during a raid by a police team at a residence in Model Town C-Block. (“Police raid PTI leaders' homes ahead of Islamabad long march,” Dawn, 24 May 2022; “Constable killed during raid at PTI leader's home in Model Town,” The Express Tribune, 24 May 2022)

Government denies PTI’s demand for snap polls
On 25 May, The Express Tribune reported that the government has rejected the PTI’s demand for early elections and decided to take tough measures to stabilise the economy and improve governance. Further, they decided that the current setup will complete its tenure till August 2023 and the general elections would be held at the stipulated time next year. (“Govt rejects PTI's demand for snap polls, decides to complete tenure,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Donald Lu should be sacked for “bad manners and sheer arrogance,” says Imran Khan
On 23 May, Imran Khan during an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson stated that US diplomat Donald Lu should be sacked for “bad manners and sheer arrogance.” He claimed, “On March 7... US undersecretary of state responsible for South Asia tells our ambassador in an official meeting [with] note takers on both sides that unless you get rid of your prime minister Pakistan will suffer consequences,” adding, “This guy should be sacked for bad manners and sheer arrogance. Imagine, telling an ambassador country of 220 million people that you get rid of your prime minister.” (“Donald Lu should be sacked for 'bad manners and sheer arrogance', Imran says in CNN interview,” The Express Tribune, 24 May 2022)

NA session held amid lack of quorum
On 23 May, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf chaired the session of the national assembly (NA) which raised a plethora of issues facing the country ranging from forest fire to water scarcity, from electricity load-shedding to the arrest for former human rights minister Dr Shireen Mazari. The house passed the Pakistan Global Institute Bill 2021. The Election Amendment Ordinance 2022 was also tabled during the session. In addition, a bill to establish a forensic science agency was also introduced in the National Assembly. (Saqib Virk, “Sindh’s water being stolen, minister tells NA,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Tribal jigra asks TTP to extend the month-long ceasefire
On 23 May, Qabaili Amn Jirga representatives asked the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan to extend the month-long ceasefire with the government to enable the tribal elders to continue their efforts for restoration of sustainable peace in the country. The tribal leaders said, “Tribal people are peace-loving and want the TTP and our government to play role for an end to the bloodshed in the region,” adding, “We will also go to Afghanistan to hold meetings with the relevant people and seek their support in the process for restoration of unconditional peace.” (“Jirga asks TTP to extend truce for sustainable peace,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Half of the posts reserved for religious minorities in government jobs remain vacant, says HRCP report
On 24 May, Dawn reported that a report compiled by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) with support from the European Union (EU) reveals that nearly half of the posts reserved for religious minorities in government jobs remain vacant and even with the posts that are filled, 80 per cent of non-Muslims are employed to carry out jobs for which they are paid less. (Kalbe Ali, “80pc non-Muslims employed in low-paid jobs: report,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Net foreign loans surges to USD 51.03 billion
On 23 May, the Ministry of Economic Affairs in its monthly report on foreign economic assistance mentioned that it received USD 15.5 billion in foreign loans in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, nearing the limit of annual target for foreign resource by 92.5 per cent. The data showed that the size of foreign loans had been steadily increasing over the last three and half years; from USD 10.59 billion in FY2018-19 to USD 10.662 billion in FY2019-20 and then reaching USD 14.28 billion in FY2020-21 followed by USD 13.03 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. There were four major sources of foreign inflows, including USD 4.05 billion from multilateral lenders, followed by USD 3 billion of time deposit from Saudi Arabia, about USD 2.623 billion in commercial loans from private banks and USD 2.041 billion worth of international bonds. The largest among the bilateral loans came from Saudi Arabia at USD 201 million, followed by China at USD 153 million and USD 64 million from the United States. Total loans from bilateral lenders stood at USD 486 million in 10 months. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Pakistan borrowed $15.5bn in first 10 months of FY22,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Working and surplus capital withdrawn from all federal and provincial departments
On 23 May, the Ministry of Finance notified controllers of all judiciary, legislative and military organisations to surrender surplus funds and working capital to be deposited either as part of the Federal Consolidated Fund (FCF) or Public Account of the Federation (PAF), governed by parliament, the notice explained. Under various notifications, the working balances and investment of surplus funds belonging to PSEs and local and autonomous bodies were permissible to be deposited with any public or private bank for their operations subject to a set of conditions and criteria. The budget deficit for the current year is estimated at USD 35 billion. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Ministries, provinces told to surrender surplus funds,” Dawn, 24 May 2022)

Ambiguity around fuel subsidies likely to extend IMF talks with Pakistan
On 23 May, acting governor of State bank of Pakistan (SBP) informed that budget discussions are likely to extend the tenure of discussions between IMF and Pakistan. Another reason being various alternatives being sought to avoid outright reversal of fuel subsidy. The government is expected to withdraw energy subsidies and roll back unfunded subsidies to the oil and power sector. According to reports, Pakistani authorities would make every effort to urge the IMF's review mission that it should lower the cost of the inflation burden that will impact the population, and may ask for a phased-in approach to subsidy reversal, particularly on petroleum goods. (“IMF talks may extend beyond 25th: SBP chief,” The News International, 24 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
US Ambassador Donald Bloom takes in charge of US embassy in Islamabad
On 23 May, according to a press release issued here by the US Embassy, Ambassador Bloom would lead the ongoing efforts by the US mission in Pakistan to promote bilateral relations and work with the incumbent government for a stable, secure and prosperous future of this country. USA Embassy Islamabad also tweeted on the new charge’ d affairs. (“US ambassador assumes office,” The News International, 24 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
IHC Chief Justice discourages using ‘traitor’ in targeting journalists
On 23 May, while hearing the pleas for protective bail of journalists Arshad Sharif, Sami Ibrahim, and anchor person Dr Moeed Pirzada, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that caution should be exercised while labelling someone a traitor as those who resorted to such a practice in the past faced embarrassment. The court while issuing notices to interior and human rights secretaries sought reports from the provinces on the cases. The chief justice also remarked that a journalist should control his feelings and work responsibly. (Saqib Bashir, “ Practice of labelling people ‘traitor’ should stop.” (“Practice of labelling people ‘traitor’ should stop,” The Express Tribune, 24 May 2022)

Dr Arif Alvi, Can passion make a nation rise?
The Express Tribune, 24 May 2022
Today, Pakistan is at a crossroads and passions in our country have been ignited like pent-up steam. We can either properly channel these passions and unite our nation to emerge out of crisis or we can polarize our people and scald and burn ourselves.

Editorial, Marching in May
Dawn, 24 May 2022
As a responsible politician, he will be expected to maintain control of the crowd, ensure that life in the capital is not disturbed, and that no citizen, including his own supporters, is put in harm’s way.

Arifa Noor, A velvet glove
Dawn, 24 May 2022
The next political transition as well as the one in the military will not be easy. More than anything else, Pakistan will need steady hands at the helm. The military too needs someone who hopefully finds his inspiration in Kayani among his predecessors.

Editorial, Questionable campaign 
Dawn, 24 May 2022
In order to promote a genuinely democratic culture in Pakistan, a free media is essential to encouraging rational debate. And in case there are genuine issues of libel, defamation, etc., legal safeguards are in place which can be employed instead of resorting to such orchestrated campaigns.

Meer M. Parihar, Karachi’s water crisis
Dawn, 25 May 2022
The authorities must prepare for prolonged dry spells, while also finding new feasible sites that fill up when the Indus overflows in the flood season, to store water.

Tabinda Ashraf Shahid, Food insecurity and war
Dawn, 24 May 2022
To promote innovation in the midst of multidimensional global challenges, the priorities and needs of small stakeholders should also be factored into national policies in order to keep a check on resources and prices of staple crops.

Editorial, Policy rate hike
Dawn, 24 May 2022
Nonetheless, deteriorating external stability that has stoked inflation and led to pressure on foreign exchange reserves and the rupee has left the country with no choice but to swallow the bitter pill. These actions are crucial to meeting IMF conditions for the revival of its funding programme, which will pave the way for additional dollar flows from other multilateral and bilateral lenders.

Editorial, Fissures in Punjab
The Express Tribune, 24 May 2022
The dictum is that if Punjab is in chaos, the country will be in abject instability. This time around the fissures in Punjab are impacting the federal government, which is already in the doldrums as the long march on Islamabad looms large.

Ather Naqvi, CPEC is on its way
The News International, 24 May 2022
Is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) going as planned? Since it was launched in 2013, the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been under the watchful eye of regional and global powers, and an occasional target for terrorists.

Mushtaq Gaadi, Bhutto on foreign policy
The News International, 24 May 2022
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (BBZ) has started his official career in the same position as his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (ZAB). 

Editorial, Ties with China
The News International, 24 May 2022
The US is wary of China’s engagements in Pakistan, but at the same time is also a major source of assistance both in fiscal terms and in weapons to the country. Pakistan has to walk the tightrope of keeping all its patrons and partners happy.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Islamabad long march to begin between May 25 to 29, says Imran Khan
On 20 May, Imran Khan stated that the PTI would begin its Islamabad long between 25th to 29th May due to some "new developments." He said, "There have been some new developments recently and all the dissenting members have been disqualified. On Sunday in Peshawar, I have called the PTI's core committee meeting [to choose a final date of the long march]." (“Islamabad long march to begin between May 25 to 29: Imran ,” Dawn, 21 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Punjab: Hamza Shehbaz to play till last ball after ECP de-seats 25 PTI MNAs
On 20 May, CM Hamza Sharif refused to step down as Election Commission of Pakistan de-seated 25 PTI member of provincial assemblies (MPA).  Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer said: ““Either a governor can ask the CM to take a vote of confidence or the opposition can bring a no-trust motion against him. Both options do not seem workable as the governor’s office is vacant, and the opposition needs 186 votes to oust the CM, which it does not have. Similarly, the acting governor cannot ask the CM to take a vote of confidence.” After ECP’s decision Punjab Assembly’s current strength is 346 members: the PTI has 158 lawmakers, its ally PML-Q 10, the PML-N 165, PPP seven, five independents and one Rah-i-Haq Party. Out of 25 de-seated MPA, five were elected on reserve seats and the allocation of five vacant reserved seats will assume an important role if the run-off election is held. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Hamza to stay put as PTI moves court for his removal,” Dawn, 2 May 2022)

Sindh: Water levels in Indus drop once again, says IRSA
On 20 May, an advisory released by the Indus River System Authority revealed that the latest figures for downstream flows at the Tarbela dam and the Chashma barrage have set alarm bells ringing once again. The report advising high-ups “to utilise available surface water in the river system efficiently and cautiously by placing carefully estimated rationalised indents without any wastage till such time as the situation improves.” (Mohammad Hussain Khan, “Alarm sounded as water levels in Indus drop once again,” Dawn, 21 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
Women’s assets cannot be sold without their consent, says Supreme Court
On 21 May, Dawn reported that the Supreme Court held that depriving an illiterate ‘parda-nashin’ (covered) woman of a large proportion of her property without professional or independent advice, or without making her understand the deed, was not sustainable in law. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said, “The real point is that the disposition of property must be substantially understood.” (Nasir Iqbal, “Women’s assets can’t be sold sans their consent, says SC,” Dawn, 21 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
FM Bilawal scheduled to arrive in China
On 21 May, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is scheduled to arrive in China for a two-day visit on the invitation of State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to the Foreign Office, the minister of state for foreign affairs and senior officials would be part of the foreign minister’s delegation. The two sides are to hold discussion on bilateral relations with particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. (“Bilawal arrives in China today,” Dawn, 21 May 2022)

PM proposes including Turkey in CPEC
On 20 May, PM while addressing a ceremony marking the launch of PNS Badr - the third ship inducted under the framework of Turkey’s National Ship Project (MÄ°LGEM) added that Pakistan was committed to expanding multifarious infrastructure to ensure economic connectivity in the country and emphasised that cooperation with Turkey would yield positive results. According to Turkish news agency Anadolu, the MILGEM vessels are 99 meters (325 feet) long with a displacement capacity of 24,00 tons and can move at a speed of 29 nautical miles. The anti-submarine combat frigates can be hidden from the radar. (“Turkey's inclusion in CPEC to benefit region: PM Shehbaz,” The Express Tribune, 21 May 2022)

PM offers opportunity for Karachi businessmen to facilitate Saudi investment
On 20 May, while addressing a ceremony at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a one-day trip to the metropolitan city, PM said: “One billion dollars is available, it is a gift of investment from Saudi Arabia. As the prime minister, I am laying this in front of you. Sit together and brainstorm and make a feasibility plan. Set up a desalination plant and I believe that clean water will be available at every home within five years." (“PM Shehbaz asks Karachi businessmen to devise plan for $1bn Saudi investment,” Dawn, 21 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Government to present budget on 10 June
On 20 May, Secretary Finance informed that meeting of the National Economic Council is being contemplated for 7 June, followed by a special cabinet meeting on the budget on 10 June. Sources said the talks with the IMF mission in Doha had discussed the fiscal framework for the next year based on which the next year’s federal development programme could not afford more than Rs700bn, otherwise the burden of taxation would have to be increased. A special budget meeting of the federal cabinet is also being speculated for the consideration of the budgetary proposals. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Budget to be presented on June 10, says official,” Dawn, 21 May 2022)

Editorial, Shifting winds
The News International, 21 May 2022
With Imran Khan announcing that he will give a definite date for the long march to Islamabad on Sunday, and social-media fed rumours calling Sunday the day the government’s fate is decided – and the return of Hafeez Sheikh with much protocol – is Pakistan headed towards a technocracy?

Pervez Hoodbhoy, Pakistan badly needs a rudder
Dawn, 21 May 2022
Pakistan’s ultimate goals need fundamental redefinition. Until we recognise the urgent need to combat three deadly monsters — militarism, overpopulation, and skill deficit — any optimism for the longer term is unjustified.

Shahid Mehmood, An interest-free economy?
Dawn, 21 May 2022
To begin with, a zero-interest economy is not a mirage. In fact, post-2007 recession, central bank determined interest rates (nominal) in industrialised nations remained close to zero for quite some time, giving rise to economics of the Zero Lower Bound (ZLB).

Editorial, Banning luxury
The News International, 21 May 2022
Many economists have been advocating a ban on import of luxury items for the last four years, arguing the import compression is necessary to save dollars. A dollar saved is a dollar earned.

Editorial, Band-aid measure
Dawn, 21 May 2022
With the country in the grip of speculation that the establishment wants the coalition to announce early elections and is working on putting together an interim set-up, none of the ruling coalition partners would want to lose whatever political capital they have by taking unpopular decisions.

Editorial, Bilawal’s defence
Dawn, 21 May 2022
It remains to be seen whether Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s decision not to air Pakistan’s dirty laundry in public and to instead show solidarity with a bitter rival will change any opinions about him at home. Be that as it may, Mr Bhutto-Zardari has demonstrated his potential to grow into a national leader simply by showing that he can act with greater maturity than many of his much older peers.

Editorial, Snowball of defection
The Express Tribune, 21 May 2022
The Supreme Court and ECP have strengthened the rule of law and the trust of the masses in the constitution and representative rule. This is no small achievement in an era when politically-ordered chaos in the order of the day.

Dr Rana Jawad Asghar, Education and ignorance
The Express Tribune, 21 May 2022
To bring back the country on its track we need to bring knowledge back into education. Degree without knowledge does not help in creating a strong and independent country.

Editorial, Pendency of court cases 
The Express Tribune, 21 May 2022
The ADR mechanism has proved quite a success in Western countries. It has been such a tremendous success in the West that legal circles have pronounced the death of civil justice in Europe and the US. Only two provinces in Pakistan, Sindh and K-P, have so far put in place the ADR mechanism. The ADR needs to be publicised.

Nauman Ahmad Bhatti, Water security
The News International, 21 May 2022
Leaders (read: megalomaniacs) in the upcoming elections should start talking about water scarcity and mismanagement so that this threatening issue is realized on a national level. It is time to do away with dam politics and collaborate for once on the water crisis. After all, the availability of water in Pakistan is no less than a matter of national security.

In Brief
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Ready to face the no-confidence motion, says CM Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo
On 20 May, Dawn reported that Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo stated that he is ready to face the no-confidence motion against him, terming it as a part of politics and democracy. He stated that he is willing to hold discussion with those who have moved the no-confidence motion, stating that if they had issues, these could be resolved through dialogue, adding that it is the responsibility of the government to solve people’s problems. (“No-trust motions part of democracy: Balochistan CM Bizenjo,” Dawn, 20 May 2022)

Balochistan: Forest fire claims three lives
On 19 May, three people were burnt to death and four injured while battling the violent fire at Koh-e-Sulaiman Mountain range in Balochistan. The fire started last week and reduced thousands of valuable pine trees to ashes. Located at the juncture of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the wildfire started on the K-P side but due to strong winds, it spread to other areas, including Sherani and Musakhail. Despite the passage of nine days, the fire has not been brought under control. The locals are trying unsuccessfully to put out the blaze. Koh-e-Sulaiman is also known for being the world’s largest chilghoza (pine nut) forest on higher elevations. The 26,000-hectare forest produces around 640,000 kilogrammes of chilghozas annually. (Syed Ali Shah, “3 burnt to death in Balochistan forest fire,” The Express Tribune, 20 May 2022)

 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Medics threaten to boycott polio drive over abduction
On 19 May, addressing a crowded news conference at Swat Press Conference, senior and young doctors demanded immediate recovery of Dr Zeeshan, a resident of Swat, and threatened to boycott anti-polio campaign and launch protest if their demand was not met. A statement expressed during conference said: “At present, three cases of polio have been reported in Pakistan while only one case has been registered in Afghanistan. The abduction of the doctor working for polio eradication will convey a negative message to the world.” (“Swat medics threaten to boycott polio drive over abduction,” Dawn, 20 May 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Gunmen kill a station house officer in Peshawar
On 19 May, a station house officer was killed by on the Northern Bypass. The police claimed that the Shahpur police station’s SHO was targeted after being chased by two attackers in a car. The police while speaking to Dawn stated that the condition of anonymity that the incident appeared to be linked with the attack on Intelligence Bureau officials in Sarki area of Peshawar city. (Manzoor Ali, “SHO martyred in Peshawar attack,” Dawn, 20 May 2022)

POLITICS
Fazlur Rehman demanded “solid and full support” of the state institutions for new government
On 19 May, Maulana Fazlur Rehman while addressing a gathering at Taqaddus Haram-i-Nabwi Conference at main Preedy Street demanded “solid and full support” of the state institutions for the newly placed coalition government to bring the country out of crises “created under the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf rule.” Further, he criticised Imran Khan for deliberately “creating a chaos” through fake narratives and propaganda. (“Fazlur Rehman seeks state institutions’ support for nascent government,” Dawn, 20 May 2022)

INTERNAL
FM Bilawal defends Imran Khan’s Moscow visit
On 19 May, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended Imran Khan’s visit to Russia stating, “As far the former prime minister’s trip to Russia, I would absolutely defend the former prime minister of Pakistan. He conducted that trip as part of his foreign policy and without knowing that — no one is psychic, no one has a sixth sense — there’s no way we could have possibly known that that would be the time [when] the current conflict will start,” adding, “And I believe it is very unfair to punish Pakistan for such an innocent action.” (Anwar Iqbal, “In US, Bilawal defends Imran’s Moscow visit,” Dawn, 20 May 2022)

PTI terms ECP scrutiny panel’s report ‘flawed, inaccurate’
 On 19 May, a financial expert of PTI, Najmul Saqib Shah, while arguing before a bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, said the party had submitted its standard audit report but the scrutiny committee ignored it and misperceived the audit accounts. Questioning the ability of scrutiny committee to function properly, the counsellor said: “Large amounts were deposited in some accounts, others are small accounts. There was duplication of depositing amounts.”  (Iftikhar A Khan, “PTI terms ECP scrutiny panel’s report ‘flawed, inaccurate’,” Dawn, 20 May 2022)

Zardari calls on PML-Q’s Chaudhry Shujaat
On 19 May, former president Asif Ali Zardari called on PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at his residence to discuss the prevailing economic and political situation in the country. Terming PML-Q a pivotal ally of the government, the former president maintained that that the party will be taken on board for consultations for all key affairs and decisions. (“Zardari calls on PML-Q’s Chaudhry Shujaat,” The Express Tribune, 20 May 2022)

Petition against Hamza submitted after SC ruling on Article 63A
On 19 May, Sibtain Khan and four other MPAs of the PTI filed a joint petition, saying the Punjab chief minister’s election held on 16 April under the supervision of the provincial assembly deputy speaker whereby Hamza was declared a returned candidate was held without lawful authority. It asked the court to declare the PML-N leader’s election unlawful in view of the opinion given by the Supreme Court about Article 63A of the Constitution. Separately, on 19 May, former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema has sought his reinstatement and filed a petition before the Islamabad High Court (IHC). IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah will hear the petition today.  (Malik Asad, Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “PTI moves court against Hamza; Cheema seeks reinstatement,” Dawn, 20 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Reduction in import bill and remittance lowers monthly CAD for April by USD 392 million
On 19 May, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) tweeted about 39 per cent reduction in month on month reduction in current account deficit (CAD). On a month-on-month basis, April is the second consecutive month when the current account deficit has contracted. The aggregate CAD for July-April FY22 reached at USD 13.78 billion. However, in the first 10 months (July-April) of the current fiscal year, the cumulative current account deficit soared 27 times to USD 13.78 billion compared to a mere USD 543 million in the same period last year. On 18 government banned import of luxury items which will save up to USD 500 million, however, the government would have to forego proportional lucrative revenue by cutting down import of luxury imports. (Salman Siddiqui, “Current account deficit narrows 39%,” The Express Tribune, 20 May 2022)

Editorial, TTP peace talks
Dawn, 20 May 2022
The fact is, it will be very difficult to mainstream the TTP considering the nature of the group, and if they are allowed a foothold, the militants will effectively wipe out all other groups that disagree with their ideology. Therefore, more transparency, and plenty of caution, is needed on part of the state regarding peace talks with the TTP.

Editorial, Beyond the law
Dawn, 20 May 2022
There has already been much criticism of the apex court’s recent short order in the Article 63A case, which is being viewed as the judiciary unilaterally ‘rewriting’ the Constitution. The court should avoid another controversy arising from any further transgression in the legislature’s domain.

Editorial, Political musical chairs
Dawn, 20 May 2022
Political instability in Balochistan isn’t new; it is a norm in the province that has been wrecked by years of Baloch insurgency, militant violence and underinvestment… The political turmoil developing currently is just another manifestation of the past and present shenanigans of the powers that be in the province.

Riaz Riazuddin, Exchange rate bluff
Dawn, 20 May 2022
When alleged competency turns out to be more like incompetency and vice versa, it requires immediate installation of a credible interim set-up which can take the blame for needed stabilisation measures. This seems to be the only option to lessen political costs for the existing government and, by holding early elections, allow Pakistan to move forward.

Dr Nadia Tahir, How not to run a university
Dawn, 20 May 2022
Instead of consolidating our undergraduate programmes, highly scarce teaching resource is being wasted in low-quality part-time and evening PhD programmes. Universities cannot deliver quality and relevant education without introducing the principles of efficiency, engagement and functionality.

Zubeida Mustafa, Money & control
Dawn, 20 May 2022
Agricultural land has been registered by various bodies such as the provincial boards of revenue and the mukhtiarkars under the district commissioners…What is needed is the political will and the moral courage to fight corruption in high places.

Editorial, Balochistan politics
The Express Tribune, 20 May 2022
Bizenjo, who was elected unopposed, opened the floodgates immediately after taking office. But, somewhat expectedly, several projects have drawn criticism for mismanagement, favouritism, and alleged corruption.

Editorial, Talks with TTP
The Express Tribune, 20 May 2022
It is high time only those elements who believe in the political process, and that too without resorting to gun-culture, should be entertained. This is why the broad-based dialogue with Mehsud and Malakand jirgas is a ray of hope, as their rich tribal values of compassion and cordiality should pave the way for exterminating terror nexus from our midst.

Raoof Hasan, Beyond the call
The News International, 20 May 2022
The irony is that the very same court which has come up with this path-blazing judgement now had failed to respond to the presidential reference in consonance with the urgency that it deserved.

Editorial, FM in the US
The News International, 20 May 2022
Strengthening comprehensive ties that are not confined to military matters should be Pakistan’s top priority. In addition to peace, improved trade and developmental aid must also be a major concern. Hopefully the recent visit will go a long way in stabilizing bilateral ties, though the political circus back home will also be watched closely by all major powers.

Editorial, Trouble in the provinces
The News International, 20 May 2022
Punjab has been without a functioning government for weeks now, and it seems quite possible the status quo will remain so for some more time. Perhaps, a clearer idea on which way the federal government is going – early election or ‘tough decisions’ – will help the situation in Punjab a bit, though the variables are still far too many for anything to be certain.

In Brief
INTERNAL
PTI questions the authenticity of a report by the ECP scrutiny committee on foreign funding
On 18 May, a financial expert of PTI, while arguing before a bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, said the party had submitted its standard audit report but the scrutiny committee ignored it and misperceived the audit accounts. Questioning the ability of scrutiny committee to function properly, the counsellor said: “Large amounts were deposited in some accounts, others are small accounts. There was duplication of depositing amounts.” (Saqib Virk, “Foreign funding case: PTI says ECP scrutiny panel ‘ignored’ its audits,” Dawn, 19 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: Foreign terror cells active in the province, says government official
On 18 May, Balochistan government spokesperson Farah Azeem Shah said the Counterterrorism Department (CTD) stated that cells operating from the Gulf region and Europe were sponsoring terrorist networks in the province, especially by recruiting women. Further, the spokesperson stated that anti-state elements were operating from abroad, not only to sponsor subversive activities in Pakistan but also to train terrorists and supervise terror acts in the country. (Kalbe Ali, “Foreign terror cells active in Balochistan: official,” Dawn, 19 May 2022)

Balochistan: 14 lawmakers submit a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo
On 18 May, 14 lawmakers from the ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the Awami National Party (ANP) claimed that the coalition government had failed to bring any improvement in the conditions of the province, which forced lawmakers of the BAP and other parties to move no-trust motion against him. A spokesperson for the CM Bizenjo said the vote of no-confidence would be defeated. He claimed they had been anticipating the move for quite some time and were prepared to “defeat it easily”. (Saleem Shahid, “Political crisis hits Balochistan yet again,” Dawn, 19 May 2022)

Sindh: Suspects ‘linked to Saddar IED blast’ killed in encounter
On 18 May, a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) official while speaking to Dawn stated that two suspected militants involved in the recent blast in Saddar, were gunned down in an alleged encounter. The two militants are said to associated with the proscribed Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA). (“Suspects ‘linked to Saddar IED blast’ in killed in encounter,” Dawn, 19 May 2022)

Punjab: Ahmadiyya community member killed in Okara district
On 19 May, Dawn reported that a young man belonging to the Ahmadiyya community was killed by a seminary student when he was on his way back home. Okara District Police Officer stated that the suspect was taken into custody and was being interrogated. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said, “The brutal murder of an Ahmadi man in Okara, who was reportedly stabbed to death by a seminary student, serves to remind us just how precarious the lives of religious minorities have become. Until the rising tide of religiosity is stemmed and better protection mechanisms put in place, they will remain lesser citizens. This is unacceptable and the perpetrators must be brought to book.” (“Ahmadiyya community member killed in Okara,” Dawn, 19 May 2022)

ECONOMY
NAC announces GDP growth rate for the current year at 5.97 per cent
On 18 May, Planning Ministry after a meeting of the National Accounts Committee announced provisional GDP growth rate for the current year at 5.97 per cent which is higher than the growth estimated by SBP and even IMF. As per the estimate, the overall size of the economy has ballooned to USD 383 billion and jacked up the per capita income to USD 1,798. The agriculture sector is provisionally estimated to grow by 4.4 per cent, nearly one per cent better than the previous year. On the back of the large-scale manufacturing sector, the industrial sector grew at the rate of 7.2 per cent, lower than the previous fiscal year. The growth in the services sector was slightly better than the previous fiscal year, standing at 6.2 per cent. The mining sector witnessed contraction. (Shahbaz Rana, “With 6% growth rate, Pakistan’s economic size jumps to $383 billion,” The Express Tribune, 19 May 2022)

PKR breaches 200 per USD mark
On 18 May, for the first in the history of Pakistan, the US dollar crossed the 200-mark in interbank trade. As the dollar busts all the previous records today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the continuous surge in the value of the greenback in the country and convened a high-level meeting to discuss the country’s economic situation. (“In a first, Pakistani rupee storms past 200-mark against US dollar in interbank,” The News International, 19 May 2022)

Pakistan ready to remove subsidies in a phased manner
On 19 May, The News International reported on the status of 7th Economic Review Talks being held in Doha and it is learned that Pakistan has conveyed its willingness to the IMF negotiation team that it will take 'tough measures' such as hike in the POL products and electricity prices but in a phase-wise approach for reviving the stalled USD six billion fund programme. Both sides showed keen interest to complete the review successfully. (“Ready for ‘reforms’, Pakistan tells IMF,” The News International, 19 May 2022)

Government places curb on import of essential and luxury items
On 18 May, PM Shehbaz Sharif allowed a temporary ban on the import of around three dozen goods which are going to create additional space of around USD 300 million on a monthly basis.  The PM did not accept the proposals to increase regulatory duties on imported goods and also rejected recommendations to ban import of cheese, chocolates and other foods largely imported from Europe. The government may face pressure from old car importer dealers. About 35,000 cars are imported every year in Pakistan. In addition, around 250,000 completely knocked down (CKD) vehicles are also imported every year. (Shahbaz Rana, “Govt bans import of essential & luxury items,” The Express Tribune, 19 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
CJP takes suo moto on apprehension about impacted accountability of criminal prosecution branch
On 18 May, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial took suo motu notice on the recommendations of a Supreme Court judge on perceived interference in the independence of the prosecution branch in the performance of its power and duties for investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in government. Recently, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah held the opinion that the Supreme Court has held that inordinate and endless delays in the conclusion of criminal trials are the main challenge faced by the criminal justice system, which have a devastating effect on its credibility, transparency, public confidence and health during Technology for Justice Forum (T4JF) 2022, held in Islamabad on 16 May. (Nasir Iqbal, “‘Fears of interference’ prompt suo motu on criminal investigation,” Dawn, 19 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
Islamabad is looking to the Taliban to help check terrorism, says FM Bilawal
On 19 May, Dawn reported that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour stated that Pakistan is looking to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to play its role in discouraging the increase in terrorist activity on Pakistan’s side of the border. He said, “We continue to not only monitor this situation, but work on our side to ensure that we can try to tackle the threat of terrorism and hope that the regime in Afghanistan lives up to their international commitment to not allow their soil to be used for terrorism.” (“Islamabad looking to Kabul to help check terror, says Bilawal,” Dawn, 19 May 2022)

Taliban claims talks were held in Kabul between Pakistan and TTP
On 18 May, the Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that they were hosting peace talks between Pakistan officials and a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group that has battled Islamabad for over a decade. He said, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in good faith, strives for a successful negotiation process and expects both sides to be tolerant and flexible," adding that the group also confirmed that "negotiations are underway" under the guidance of the Afghan Taliban. (“Kabul brokers peace talks between Islamabad, TTP,” The News International, 19 May 2022)

PM Shehbaz Sharif stresses on the importance of Pakistan-EU cooperative ties
On 18 May, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a telephonic conversation with European Council President Charles Michel emphasised on the importance Pakistan attaches to its relationship with the European Union. Further, he reiterated his desire to deepen bilateral cooperative ties with the bloc. Additionally, he stated that the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan would help deepen bilateral engagement between the two sides, especially in the realms of trade, development and climate change. (“PM desires enhanced Pakistan-EU cooperative ties,” The Express Tribune, 19 May 2022)

Hassan Abbas and Asghar Hussain, Don’t hold back the waters
Dawn, 19 May 2022
Summer’s set in earlier in Sindh, so the irrigation supply to meet the agronomic demands of the province should come earlier too — as should our national water distribution strategy.

Mirza Moiz Baig, Judicial chemo
Dawn, 19 May 2022
More importantly, can the court perform chemotherapy to treat what it terms a “cancer afflicting the body politic” even where the tools for such procedure vest with parliament? As we search for answers to these questions, let us remember that “liberty finds no refuge in the jurisprudence of doubt.”

Editorial, To be or not to be
Dawn, 19 May 2022
If there is any hesitation in the minds of the party’s bigwigs regarding this, it is far better for them to bow out and call elections immediately. The same decision taken weeks or months from now will have far more devastating consequences.

Editorial, Impact on Punjab
Dawn, 19 May 2022
The apex court’s interpretation of Article 63A and the ECP decision to withhold announcement of its verdict on defections will likely make matters worse rather than bring stability and clarity to the chaotic political and administrative situation.

Editorial, Forest fires
Dawn, 19 May 2022
While the arsonists must of course be punished, such vandalism can be easily prevented by a permanent fire vigilance force, even a small one, with requisite professional training. Nature reserves should be protected at all costs if we are to have a fighting chance of surviving the impact of climate change.

Editorial, The political roulette
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2022
It is a good omen that the government, at least, is not abdicating its responsibilities to address the gigantic tasks ahead and diligently trying to craft a way out. But the point is that it is not a piece of cake, and some substantive out-of-the-box thinking is needed to get it going.

Editorial, Karachi bombings
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2022
Unfortunately, we do have evidence that violent separatist groups continue attacking security officials and civilians alike, not just in the borderlands but in the heart of the country’s financial capital. Apart from the obvious human cost, with an economy in disarray, we can ill afford to let such incidents occur and spook potential investors.
 
Editorial, Terror surge
The News International, 19 May 2022
This latest terror surge also comes as unconfirmed news of the Afghan Taliban hosting peace talks between Pakistani officials and the TTP does the rounds. The state needs to double down on its counterterror efforts. It can do this by revitalizing Nacta, dusting off the National Action Plan, and rethinking how to deal with different terror groups.

Editorial, New anti-polio plan
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2022
These ordinary people have unwittingly fallen prey to the false propaganda against polio drops. Even the presence of a single case of polio on the globe can infect people in places where the disease has been fully eradicated. The whole world needs to act as one in the fight against polio.

Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri, Is Pakistan aligned with Beijing or Washington?
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2022
The United States is too important to be ignored. But the perils are high in towing it blindly. Likewise, the Chinese and Russian cushions too are not without strings. This boils down to a one-liner: rewrite a progressive and rational policy in foreign relations.

Javid Husain, Dangers of populism
The News International, 19 May 2022
No political party can be allowed to arrogate to itself the right to decide what is good or bad for the country. This right in our case belongs solely to the people of Pakistan to be exercised in accordance with relevant constitutional and electoral procedures. Imran and the PTI need to learn that there cannot be any exception to these rules for them or for anybody else.
 

In Brief
INTERNAL
ECP postpones announcement of verdict on disqualification references against 25 dissident PTI MPAs
On 17 May, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) delisted the case without any reason explained. The development becomes important after Supreme Court in its verdict announced that votes cast against party direction "cannot be counted and must be disregarded, and this is so regardless of whether the party head, subsequent to such vote, proceeds to take, or refrains from taking, action that would result in a declaration of defection". (Fahad Chaudhry, “ECP postpones announcement of verdict on disqualification references against 25 dissident PTI MPAs,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

Separately, according to Article 63-A of the Constitution, a parliamentarian can be disqualified on grounds of defection. In the Presidential reference to Supreme Court, the apex court was asked to clarify four questions, first, should Article 63-A have a limited or a broad, purpose-oriented interpretation? Second, Will the defecting members' vote be counted, given equal weightage? Third, Will the defectors be disqualified for life? And fourth, on measures that can be taken to prevent defection, floor crossing and vote-buying. The verdict given on the first question was that if there is a conflict between the fundamental rights of the collectivity [political party] and an individual member, the former must prevail, to the second question, votes casted against party direction "cannot be counted and must be disregarded, to the third question, a declaration of defection could result in disqualification under Article 63 if parliament passed an appropriate law and the fourth question, was returned due to its broadness and constitutional authority in interpreting it. (Haseeb Bhatti, “Article 63-A: SC decides defecting lawmakers' votes will not be counted,” Dawn, 18 May 2022

PM Shehbaz Sharif downsizes ECC composition
On 17 May, a notification was issued by the Cabinet Division to cut down the size the coalition government’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet by drastically reducing its strength from 12 to five. A senior government official remarked, “It is better to have professional input from professionals in the ECC for making recommendations to the all-inclusive federal cabinet for collective wisdom.” The five members besides the finance minister now include Commerce Minister, Industries Minister, National Food Security Minister and Planning Minister. The ECC is also responsible for maintaining vigilance on the monetary and credit situation, and make proposals for the regulation of credit in order to maximise production and exports and to prevent inflation and determine the future pattern of growth of agriculture and industries. (Khaleeq Kiani, “PM Shehbaz cuts all-important ECC down to size,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

POLITICS
Absenteeism spoils the National Assembly sessions to remain functional
On 17 May, Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali, the lone Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) member in the National Assembly (NA) pointed out empty treasury benches and questioned the intention of the government, he said: “There was a great enthusiasm when you people were bringing the no-confidence motion [against the then prime minister Imran Khan]. Where has that passion gone now?” The NA needs a quorum to begin the session and has been running without a quorum since new government took over. Having no serious business to do, both Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and his deputy have been running the house by allowing the members to deliver lengthy speeches and speak on issues of their choice on points of order. (Amir Wasim, “Coalition govt fails to run NA despite no clear opposition,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

Allies repose faith in coalition government and wish to finish the term
On 17 May, chairing a meeting with allies, PM Shehbaz Sharif, discussed important issues plaguing the country. According to sources, there was discussion on the need to carry out, legal, constitutional and electoral reforms before going into the phase of the general election. The federal cabinet decided to get rid of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Javed Iqbal by amending its “draconian laws”. A report on the review of Civil Servants (Directory Retirement from Service) Rule 2020 was discussed and cabinet annulled the Civil Servants (Directory Retirement from Service) Rules 2020, and approved the withdrawal of proceedings against the government officers under the said rules. Discussing the ongoing heatwave in the country, the cabinet also formed a special task force under the ministry of climate change. The commerce ministry briefed the federal cabinet on the detailed analysis of exports, imports and balance of payment. It was told that export volume during fiscal 2021-22 was USD 31.2 billion and the import stood at USD 76.7 billion. During this period, exports increased by USD 4.95 billion and imports by USD 11.16 billion. The committee also approved import of 200,000 metric tonnes of urea on government to government basis by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan for the Kharif season. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Allies want govt to stay in power till Aug next year,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Two people abducted in North Waziristan
On 17 May, two people including a doctor affiliated with the anti-polio programme were abducted by unidentified men in Mirali area of North Waziristan. On the same day, unknown gunmen killed a man in Shera Tala area. However, no group has claimed responsibility for these attacks. (“Two including doctor abducted in North Waziristan,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

Punjab: Court overrules registrar office objections to intra court appeals by PTI
On 17 May, a Lahore High Court larger bench consisting of Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry, Justice Shahid Jamil Khan, Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi and Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh took up an intra court appeal by PTI against the decisions of two different single benches regarding oath taking of Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz. The arguments were heard from governments side and the hearing was adjourned till 19 May. (“Punjab CM-elect oath: Court overrules registrar office objections to intra court appeals,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
IHC seeks performance report from the COIED
On 17 May, the Islamabad High Court sought a detailed report from the Commission for Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance regarding its performance and standard operating procedures to address the issue of missing persons. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah asked the commission to inform the court on how it was formed, what its terms of reference (TORs) were and how they were implemented. (“IHC seeks performance report from missing persons body,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2022)

Pakistan government releases 30 Taliban inmates
On 18 May, The News International reported that according to Geo News sources, the Pakistan government has released 30 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) inmates as talks with the group resumed. However, official sources have not yet confirmed the news regarding the release of TTP inmates. (“30 militants released as govt-TTP talks resume,” The News International, 18 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Pakistan team reaches Doha for talks with IMF
On 18 May, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will begin the 7th Economic Review Talks in Doha, Qatar, over restarting the stalled programme obtain USD 1 billion loan effectively. A tweet from Finance Ministry mentioned that team would expect to review the conditions set by the previous PTI government and seek relief from the fund. The talks are expected to continue up to next week. (“Pakistan team reaches Doha for talks with IMF,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2022)
 
EXTERNAL
Sinovac expresses interest to invest in Pakistan’s health sector
On 17 May, a delegation of Chinese company Sinovac held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during which representatives of the Chinese company, Sinovac expressed an interest in forming partnerships for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases through investment in the health sector of Pakistan. Additionally, it was decided that the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) would form a task force for the projects proposed by Sinovac to accelerated the process of implementation of the work. (Ikram Junaidi, “Sinovac ready to invest in Pakistan’s health sector,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

US keen on building ways to improve trade with Pakistan, says State Department spokesperson
On 17 May, State Department spokesperson said that the United States “will continue to work bilaterally on ways to grow investment and trade opportunities to build a prosperous and stable Pakistan.” Additionally, the spokesperson also stated that the US “welcomes the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) deliberations with Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken besides participate in a ministerial meeting and debate at the United Nations Security Council on food security. (“US offers strong support to rebuild Pakistan’s economy,” Dawn, 18 May 2022; (“Bilawal meets Blinken today to reset ties,” Dawn, 18 May 2022)

Zahid Hussain, State of a rentier economy
Dawn, 18 May 2022
Over the years, Pakistan has regularly been going to the IMF for bailouts. We might well be the only country to be more or less perpetually in a Fund programme. A major reason is our failure to implement reform plans…The country cannot afford the politics of confrontation and an economy on the brink. A rentier state with its economy so dependent on external support cannot defend it sovereignty.

Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Peace through trade
Dawn, 18 May 2022
What Pakistan needs is a change of mindset. Nothing should matter more to our policymakers than the socioeconomic well-being of our people, which in turn would enhance our national security.

Editorial, SC on defections
Dawn, 18 May 2022
This is a significant departure from a widely held view that Article 63A was quite comprehensive in detailing what qualifies as defection and how defectors should be dealt with procedurally.

Editorial, Interpreting 63A
The News International, 18 May 2022
The current political crisis in the country has led to a surge of judicialization of politics, and the political repercussions of this verdict are also far-reaching. 

Editorial, Defection outlawed
The Express Tribune, 18 May 2022
The verdict is a shot in the arm for parliamentary sovereignty as it said that legislation is the prerogative of the elected representatives, and the court should not rule on it.

Editorial, Karachi blast
Dawn, 18 May 2022
The frequency of urban terrorism incidents over the past few weeks in Karachi should send alarm bells ringing within the state apparatus and result in an effective strategy to counter such destabilising activities.

Editorial, Threats to Imran Khan
Dawn, 18 May 2022
he government has made it clear that it will not object to a judicial commission to review the threats to the former chief executive’s life, and the PTI should take it up on the offer. These threats need to be immediately assessed and the findings reported to both Mr Khan and his supporters so that their concerns can be removed.

Editorial, Single national conundrum
The News International, 18 May 2022
Young minds will never get a shot at competing on the global stage because what they really need is to be taught to think, receive skill development and to appreciate and respect life, not be chained for life due to crippled learning and lack of skills.

Editorial, IMF talks
The News International, 18 May 2022
The IMF is expected to also come up with a prescription to present a balanced budget in order to suppress demand for controlling the twin deficits so the government will be asked to tighten fiscal and monetary policies and take additional taxation measures and remove income tax exemptions. There are no easy solutions ahead and the government will have to get its act together to steer the economy out of a perfect storm.

In Brief
INTERNAL
National polio programme decides to launch a campaign across the country
On 17 May, Dawn reported that an official of the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) said a nationwide polio campaign will be conducted from 23 to 27 May to boost the immunity level of 43.3 million children up to the age of five years. Previously, the campaign was to be held at the sub-national level or in selected union councils but after detection of the recent cases it has been decided to conduct it across the country. (Ikram Junaidi, “National polio drive announced after detection of three cases,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

Allies assure support for PM in taking tough decisions
On 16 May, three main ruling coalition partners, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The PM discussed with allies that the expected crisis when the government is likely to take is the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol and its price is likely to jump by PKR 50 per litre. An MQM-P leader also gave in his support for stabilizing the economy but said an early election would channel people’s anger against the current coalition parties. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Key allies encourage PM Shehbaz to take ‘tough’ decisions,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

Cheema moves case under Article 6 against PM
On 16 May, Omer Sarfraz Cheema shared on Twitter that it has been decided to get a case registered under Article 6 against the prime minister at a relent forum/court. He said that the prime minister and his son were continuously violating the Constitution in Punjab and were misusing the power. Article 6 builds the case against anyone in light of high treason but Parliament shall by law provide for the punishment of persons found guilty of high treason. (Ikram Junaidi, “Omer Sarfraz Cheema to seek treason trial of PM,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: IED blast claims life of a woman and injured eight others
On 16 May night, a police van was set as a target of an IED bomb which was planted in Boulton market in Kharadar area of Karachi. This was the third terror incident in the metropolis since 26 April when a suicide bombing at Karachi University claimed the life of three Chinese teachers and a local driver. The responsibility of the deadly attack was later claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army. Later on, 12 May, a young passerby was killed and 10 others suffered injuries in a bicycle blast targeting an official vehicle of Pakistan Coast Guards in Saddar whose responsibility was claimed by the outlawed Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army. (Imtiaz Ali, “Kharadar blast claims woman’s life, leaves 12 injured,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Imran Khan vows to celebrate a collective funeral of main parties in current coalition government
On 16 May, former PM Imran Khan during his rally in Swabi demanded that the government hold transparent and free elections immediately. He attacked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of shielding turncoats and compared the PTI leaders from the province of KP as ethical, faithful and principled. He also attacked MQM-P which was involved in targeted killing of police officers in 1996. (“Imran vows to burry, PML-N, PPP, JUI-F with nation’s help,” The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022)

ECONOMY
PM holds discussion with exchange companies to arrest rupee’s fall
On 16 May, PM Shehbaz Sharif held a virtual meeting with the Chairman of Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) Malik Bostan to discuss and chart a strategy to stop further devaluation of PKR. PKR has declined from an exchange rate of 100 to approx. 190 in a single year. Pointing out the fault on extensive lending, the ECAP chairman said, “It is the open market or exchange companies that increase the dollar rates. In fact, the commercial banks have been increasing the rate.” (Shahid Iqbal, “PM Shehbaz wants strategy to arrest rupee’s fall,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

Rupee touches PKR 195.5 against USD
On 17 May, The News International reported that PKR continued its downward slide since last week and reached at another important threshold of 195 the interbank market to hit its weakest level. (“Rupee hits another historic low of Rs195.5 against dollar,” The News International, 17 May 2022)

Government approves supplementary budget to keep up with subsidies scheme
On 16 May, Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) headed by finance minister Miftah Ismail cleared PKR 55.5 billion in price differential claims for oil marketing companies. This release of money, brought the tally to PKR 157 billion (USD 866 million at an average of PKR 180 per USD) worth of subsidy burden on government since former prime minister Imran Khan froze the prices. ECC also approved the subsidy in addition to allowing import of 200,000 metric tonnes of urea from China. The PKR 157 billion is exclusive of any adverse impact for keeping the prices unchanged for the remainder period of this month. Due to the provision of subsidised fuel and electricity, the federal budget deficit is expected to hit PKR 5 trillion in this fiscal year, for the first time ever. (Shahbaz Rana, “Govt clears Rs55.5b in price differential claims to OMCs,” The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
Petition moved against Imran for nuke slur
On 16 May, a sessions court took up a petition against Imran Khan for saying “nuking Pakistan was better than giving power to thieves”. The petitioner said he along with his family lived in Pakistan and their lives were in danger since Imran Khan gave the objectionable statement. He said an application was filed with Islampura police to register a case against the former premier but the SHO concerned refused to act in accordance with law. (“Court moved for case against Imran Khan,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
FM Bilawal reaches US to attend UN meeting on food security
On 17 May, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrived in New York to attend a US-initiated UN meeting on food security and for a bilateral meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Foreign Office said, “The meeting will bring together a regionally diverse group of countries including those most affected by food insecurity and those in a position to take action to address it. Ministers will be invited to speak on humanitarian needs and longer-term development efforts required to save lives and build resilience for the future.” (“Pakistan, US resume efforts to rebuild ties,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assures Premier Li Keqiang of foolproof security for Chinese living in Pakistan
On 16 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a telephonic conversation with Premier Li Keqiang assured that his government was determined to take all necessary measures for the enhanced security and safety of all Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. Conversely, Premier Li expressed China’s readiness to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, expand trade and encourage greater investments from China to Pakistan. (“PM assures foolproof security for Chinese,” The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022)

ON AFGHANISTAN
Pakistani delegation visits Kabul
On 16 May, a Pakistani delegation led by Peshawar Corps Commander Lt General Faiz Hameed visited Kabul. According to The Express Tribune quoting Afghan journalists, the delegation held talks with the representatives of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Further, the reports suggested that the meeting was in context to a renewed push from the Taliban side, however, both sides have not released any official statements on the meeting. (Kamran Yousaf, “Afghan Taliban push for Pakistan-TTP peace deal,” The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022)

ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Acute water shortage staring Pakistan in the face, says Minister for Climate Change
On 16 May, Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman stated that Pakistan was among the three most water-stressed countries in the world and warned that Pakistan could face an acute shortage of water by 2025 if steps were not taken to conserve water and reduce the impact of climate change. Further, she added that the current heatwave in the country as a result of climate change, adding that despite having large reserves of glaciers, Pakistan was at the risk of water scarcity, which is concerning.

Meanwhile, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in a report titled ‘Global Food Policy Report 2022’ stated that water scarcity in Pakistan is projected to worsen with climate change. Further, it reported an increase in the intensity and severity of droughts in Pakistan and warned that summer heatwaves are projected to increase at a rate of 0.71 day per decade in the country. (Kashif Abbasi, “Acute water shortage staring Pakistan in the face: Sherry Rehman,” Dawn, 17 May 2022; “Acute water shortage staring Pakistan in the face: Sherry Rehman,” Dawn, 17 May 2022)

Arifa Noor, A whiff of hope
Dawn, 17 May 2022
It is not just the game of musical chairs which seems to continue ad infinitum but so much else. The economy is always in the sick ward — the ICU and ventilator are a more recent phenomenon — and foreign policy is forever a cause for hand-wringing.

Dr Niaz Murtaza, Saving Pakistan
Dawn, 17 May 2022
Who then will save Pakistan? The recent rise of tiny leftist middle class groups gives hope but can they expand their political outreach and governance capacity fast enough to avert collapse? All are still pressure groups rather than national parties ready to govern with clear policies.

Editorial, Buyer’s remorse
Dawn, 17 May 2022
Even that decision will likely come with political costs — people will ask what the vote of no-confidence really achieved. However, the way the transition of power has been bungled, there is hardly any other option.

Amna Ejaz Rafi, 70 years of Pak-Japan relations
The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022
Pakistan is home to ancient Gandhara civilisation and Buddhist relics. The tourists from Japan might like to visit the archeological Buddhist sites in Pakistan. This will also encourage people-to-people interaction between Japan and Pakistan.

Daud Khan, Pakistan needs a PTI 2.0
The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022
A future where PTI and its leader ‘grow up’ and realise that parliamentary democracy requires a strong and articulate opposition that is critical, but constructive too — an opposition which acts as a check on government, disagrees and provides alternatives, but which can, when needed, also provide help and support to the government. Pakistan needs such a PTI Version 2.0.

Editorial, Cholera outbreak
The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022
This cholera episode must act as a warning for the authorities to ensure the supply of clean drinking water in other parts of the country. Cholera is a life-threatening disease.

Editorial, Record remittances
The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022
It is also worth noting that no country the size of Pakistan can continue to rely only on remittances to support its economy — heavy reforms are needed to stimulate domestic economic activity and grow exports while keeping imports in check. Unfortunately, no Pakistani government has been able to find a way to achieve all three.

Editorial, Unabating terrorism
The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022
Cleansing Pakistan of non-state actors is a must. It cannot be ignored under any political compulsion. The country is already under review by international finance monitors, and our retention on the FATF’s grey list is a vindictive measure.

Editorial, To the hustings?
The News International, 17 May 2022
The government is set to meet all coalition allies today for a consensus decision on the economy. Whatever the decisions, they should be announced soon instead of making the government look even more incompetent than its predecessor.

In Brief
POLITICS
Next election would be held when Nawaz Sharif decides, says Maryam Nawaz
On 15 May, Maryam Nawaz while addressing a rally in Kotla town of Gujrat stated that election would be held when Nawaz Sharif would decide on it. She said, “Imran Khan, don’t wait for any tragedy to take place although I am sure that the talk of video is yet another lie and let me guarantee you (Khan) that Nawaz Sharif has a big heart and he will ensure provision of security for you more than Shehbaz Sharif’s.” Further, she asked Imran Khan to produce the video regarding assassination bid saying, “I will ask Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to get that video from Imran Khan and tell the latter to not to wait for any tragedy to happen.” (Waseem Ashraf Butt, “Nawaz to decide next election timing: Maryam,” Dawn, 16 May 2022)

Imran Khan reveals ill intentions of his assassination by political opponents
On 15 May, during his campaign rally in Faisalabad, as part of ‘Azadi March’, Imran Khan mentioned that he had possession of a recorded video of all those elements involved in the alleged United States-backed conspiracy against and added: “so that if anything happens to me people should know about them (conspirators)”. He took an analogy of Liaquat Ali Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Ziaul Haq and questioned the incapacity to bring the culprits to justice. Lashing out at his opponents to seek advice from Nawaz Sharif in London, he said: “An absconder and thieve sitting in London making decisions of Pakistan”. (“Imran says people will take revenge if he is assassinated,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2022)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to consultative session with government allies on future line of action
On 16 May, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would hold a consultative session with government allies regarding the decisions taken during his meeting with Nawaz Sharif in London. (Syed Irfan Raza, “PM to consult allies on future line of action,” Dawn, 16 May 2022)

INTERNAL
Third case of polio reported in Pakistan
On 16 May, The News International reported that the third case of polio was reported in the country after a one-year-old boy in North Waziristan has been paralysed by wild poliovirus. Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said, “Another child will live with a lifelong physical disability because of this preventable disease. As a country, we must understand the human cost of not finishing polio in Pakistan. Every polio case is a huge tragedy.” (“Pakistan reports third polio case of the year,” The News International, 16 May 2022)

Federal team affirms to Sindh’s claim on ‘missing flows’
On 15 May, a joint team led by the federal Water Resources Ministry reported at least 13,000 cusecs of water released from Taunsa barrage for Sindh did not reach Guddu contrary to a claim by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA). A member of the team explained that the claim 60,000 cusecs of flows being released from Taunsa for Sindh was not correct either due two reasons, either there is misreporting at Taunsa or the water is being drawn in Punjab. (Muhammad Hussain Khan, “Sindh claim of ‘missing flows’ found to be correct,” Dawn, 16 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: SCA urges government to declare the province ‘calamity-hit’
On 15 May, the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) raised concern over an acute shortage of water in the province and urged government to declare Sindh as ‘calamity-hit’. Additionally, the SCA rejected the water flows figures shared by Punjab and called for the installation of telemetry system at barrages to ascertain a true picture. (“Sindh be declared ‘calamity-hit’ due to water shortage: SCA,” Dawn, 16 May 2022)

Sindh: Mustafa Kamal proposes PSP as fourth alternative for Karachi after blaming PPP, MQM and PTI for their vested interests
On 15 May, accusing the three parties of selling Karachi’s mandate, Pakistan Sarzameen Party chairman Mustafa vowed to grab than a million votes in the next elections for his party. He put blame on duo of PPP and MQM-P of looting Sindh and dividing the capital on ethnic lines. He showed on the large screen installed behind the rostrum some videos clips of leaders from PTI, PPP and MQM-P. He was addressing a women-only rally, he asked each female party worker to turn at least 10 women into PSP voters in the next local bodies and general elections. (“Only PSP can solve Karachi’s problems, Kamal tells women rally,” Dawn, 16 may 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Over 15,000 more schools needed for 4.7m out-of-school children
On 16 May, Dawn reported on the need to establish over 15,000 additional government schools for the enrolment of total 4.7 million out-of-school children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials at Elementary and Secondary Education (E&SE) Department informed Dawn, currently around 35,000 government schools were functioning in KP where 5.5 million children were getting education. As per Article 25(A) of the Constitution, the state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to 16 years in such manner as may be determined by law. (Mohammad Ashfaq, “Over 15,000 more schools needed for 4.7m out-of-school children in KP,” Dawn, 16 may 2022)

ON CLIMATE CHANGE
UN lists Pakistan drought-hit country
On 15 May, the United Nations listed Pakistan as a country facing drought emergencies. According to the report released by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), 23 countries including Pakistan have experienced drought emergencies in the last two years. Additionally, the United Nations Global Land Outlook stated that Pakistan’s desertification control through Sustainable Land Management Productive land is scarce in Pakistan as 80 percent of the country is arid or semi-arid. (“UN lists Pakistan among drought-hit countries,” The News International, 16 May 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Wildfires ravage forests in Haripur and Mansehra
On 15 May, wildfires ruined forests comprising of hundreds of acres of land in Haripur and Mansehra districts as strong winds push the fire across the region. The Rescue 1122 in statement stated that its firefighters had managed to put out blazes in forests in Mansehra tehsil and its suburbs, while the fires in hilly areas were put out through traditional means. (“Wildfires ravage forests in Haripur, Mansehra,” Dawn, 16 May 2022)

ECONOMY
PSX nosedives to two month low on Monday opening
On 16 May, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) dropped by over 1,000 points immediately after opening  as the government's inaction over the growing economic crisis mounted selling pressure on the bourse. Finance Minister Miftah Ismail announced on 15 May that the PML-N coalition government "is not increasing petroleum product prices for the time being." The development comes amid IMF demand on reversing the food and fuel subsidies which is likely going to take the nation on risk of default on its international payments for the first time if the country's reserves are not improved. (Salman Siddiqui, “PSX drops by over 1,000 points as govt inaction rattles confidence,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
US appoint full-time Ambassador to Pakistan
On 16 May, The Express Tribune reported a full-time Ambassador of the US would take charge on 23 May after nearly four years. The appointment of Doland Armin Blome as US ambassador to Pakistan comes at a time when the two sides are seeking a reset in their troubled relationship. Prior to that, Ambassador Blome was chargé d’affaires at the Libya External Office in Tunis, Tunisia, consul general at the American Consulate in Jerusalem, and director of the Office of Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the US State Department. (Kamran Yousaf, “New US envoy set for ‘daunting task’,” The Express Tribune, 16 May 2022)

In Brief
INTERNAL
Police interrupt PTI’s Sialkot jalsa arrangements; Imran Khan vows to go ahead
On 14 May, the police had stopped PTI part workers from erecting structures in preparation for the rally in Sialkot's CTI ground. Additionally, the police also fired tear gas and baton-charged party activists who were resisting the move. Following this, Imran Khan vowed to go ahead with his planned rally. He said via Twitter "let there be no doubt" of the PTI’s presence in Sialkot, adding, "What imported govt did in Sialkot against our leadership & workers is outrageous, but not unexpected. This bunch of criminals out on bail and their convict mafia boss in London have always used fascist tactics against opponents when they are in power." (Imran Sadiq, “Defiant Imran vows Sialkot jalsa will go ahead after police action,” Dawn, 14 May 2022)

President approves reconstitution of CCI
On 13 May, President Arif Alvi reconstituted the Council of Common Interests (CCI) on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif under Article 153 of the Constitution, three new federal ministers have been nominated by PM Sharif. Other than President, PM and three federal ministers, the CM of the provinces are also part of the CCI. PM Shehbaz has named Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Commerce Minister Naveed Qamar and Aviation and Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique for the three federal slots. (“Alvi okays reconstitution of CCI,” The Express Tribune, 14 May 2022)

PML-N London brainstorming session concludes with Sharif
On 13 May, PML-N leader and Federal Defence Minister Khwaja Asif informed press reporters in London that the nature of discussions during high-level meeting with Nawaz Sharif would be put before all coalition partners to take the country out of political, economic and constitutional crisis. Sources internal to Dawn informed that Nawaz Sharif was against fuel price hike and alternative to early elections was also kept open. He dismissed that ruling federal government was under any pressure and said, “If there is any pressure, it can be from the people of Pakistan. They have the right. They are the ultimate rulers according to the Constitution and law.” (“Can’t take decisions if allies not on board: Khawaja Asif,” Dawn, 14 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh-Punjab: Water shortages trigger Sindh suspicions as Punjab blames flows
On 14 May, Dawn reported that the acute water shortages and heatwave have sparked grave concerns in Punjab and Sindh as tensions between the two provinces over their share of the nation’s water resources as demand far surpasses supply. Punjab has raised complaints of receiving less than its share since 16 April. Meanwhile, Sindh claims that the share is being unfairly diverted to Punjab. (“Water woes fuel Sindh suspicions as Punjab blames flows,” Dawn, 14 May 2022)

Punjab: Parvez Elahi postpones the assembly session to 30 May
On 14 May, Dawn reported that Punjab Assembly Speaker Parvez Elahi postponed the assembly session to 30 May. The assembly session was earlier convened for 28 April, but the Parvez Elahi put it off minutes before the start of the proceedings for 16 May without assigning any reason and on 13 May further put it off to 30 May. (Amjad Mahmood, “Parvez Elahi delays Punjab PA session yet again,” Dawn, 14 May 2022)

Sindh: CM assigns task to security agencies to weed out anti-state social media users and their financing roots in Karachi
On 13 May, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired the 27th Apex Committee meeting which was attended among others by Pakistan Army, Rangers as well as provincial ministers, police chief, heads of intelligence agencies and other officials. The meeting was given a briefing on the social media being used by terrorist outfits and criminal groups with their names and identification and handles were identified with number of followers and traffic on their accounts. The Committee condemned killing of three Chinese teachers at Karachi University and vowed to bring the culprits to book. List of active drug dealers, land grabbers, illegal migrants and narcotic dealers was also discussed. Karachi has seen a rapid rise of street crime, in 2013, street crime cases were recorded at 1,506 per month, but the number increased to 3,939 per month in 2022. (Tahir Siddiqui, “Sindh's social media users spreading anti-state material to face action,” Dawn, 14 May 2022)

Balochistan: Grand jirga organized in Panjgur by FC
On 13 May, the Frontier Corps inspe­c­tor general held a grand jirga in Panjgur, adjacent to the Pakis­tan-Iran border, to listen to the problems the people of the area were facing in border trade. Senior military officials and a large number of political, tribal and social personalities attended the jirga whose purpose was to discuss the situation in the area and find a solution to the problems being faced by the people. (“Grand jirga organized in Panjgur by FC,” Dawn, 14 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Record remittances received during April 2022
On 13 May, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released monthly report on remittances. For the first time, remittances crossed the figure of USD 3 billion in a month, which gave hope that the country would achieve its annual remittance target of USD 30 billion. The remittances from Saudi Arabia were highest at USD 6.5 billion at consistent growth rate over the last financial year followed closely by UAE (USD 4.9 billion), UK (USD 3.6 billion) and USA (USD 2.55 billion). Currency dealers said the higher remittances in April were also due to Ramazan and Eid, as overseas Pakistanis traditionally send higher amounts for their families and charity, including Zakat. (Shahid Iqbal, “Record $3.1bn remittances sent in April,” Dawn, 14 May 2022)

PKR to recover only after ills of Imran Khan undone, says Finance Minister
On 13 May, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail highlighted the development of PKR nosediving against USD for the fifth consecutive day, reaching at an exchange of PKR 193 per Dollar. He said: “If we get out of the clutches of the agreement Imran Khan inked with IMF, only then the rate of dollar will come down. Reviving the economy that Imran Khan left is not an easy task.” He also mentioned about large burden of subsidies through fuel and food were unbearable for already debt-ridden government of Pakistan. (Irshad Ansari, “Dollar to fall only after coming out of clutches of ‘PTI-IMF’ deal: Miftah,” The Express Tribune, 14 May 2022)

ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Heatwave reaching a temperature of 50°C recorded in Pakistan
On 13 May, Pakistan witnessed an extreme heatwave, with some parts reaching a temperature of 50°C. Officials have warned of acute water shortages and a health threat as the temperature soars across the country. Previously, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned that the high temperatures since April in extreme weather is consistent with climate change. (M Waqar Bhatti, “Pakistan pummelled by heatwave that hits 50°C in some parts,” The News International, 14 May 2022)

Editorial, Karachi: another terror attack
The Express Tribune, 14 May 2022
The attackers killed two birds with one stone: they caused death and destruction within a limited scale and were also successful in giving a powerful message to the government.

Editorial, Karachi attack
The News International, 14 May 2022
The National Action Plan is essential at this time – and needs to be taken out of cold storage. Together with Nacta, which must also be given new life, this is the only way to deal with the multiple terrorism, militancy, and insurgency challenges.

Sakib Sherani, Entropy and its costs
Dawn, 14 May 2022
Despite its immense promise, Pakistan has been the ‘sick man’ of South Asia for several years in terms of not just its economy but also on wider social as well as governance indicators… To achieve any meaningful measure of progress and prosperity, Pakistan has to be governed like a normal country where the rule of law is supreme, and political, judicial and accountability mechanisms and processes are allowed to function independently.

Fahd Husain, The long and short of Khan’s march
Dawn, 14 May 2022
Call this long march by any name, but in reality it is what it is: a political invasion of the federal capital aimed at disrupting the running of the government and forcing it to bend the knee to the invaders.

Editorial, Severe water crisis
Dawn, 14 May 2022
Pakistan’s water troubles are not confined to surface water. Groundwater resources are also severely overdrawn for irrigation. Yet no government has shown any urgency to deal with the formidable challenge to food and the long-term economic security of the country’s 220m residents.

Editorial, Water crisis
The News International, 14 May 2022
A combined effort is needed by the various relevant ministries, and provincial governments: get clean water to the people; ensure health systems are ready to deal with cholera or other disease outbreaks; and figure out a way to prioritize areas with drought-like conditions.

Editorial, Fake markers
Dawn, 14 May 2022
Indelible blue ink is generally applied to a child’s finger after he or she has been vaccinated. But, it seems, the ways to avoid vaccinations are endless and continue to challenge all efforts to eradicate polio in the country.

Editorial, Letter-gate probe call
The Express Tribune, 14 May 2022
The discretion now rests with the Chief Justice of Pakistan. It would be in good spirits if an independent commission under the apex court’s full bench is formed, and the letter-gate chronicle is revisited.

Editorial, Harassment in cyberspace
The Express Tribune, 14 May 2022
Most arrests in cyberspace harassment cases are made on complaints of the victims and their guardians. However, many women avoid registering cyber harassment cases due to societal norms. This only emboldens the criminals.

In Brief
PROVINCES
Sindh: One person killed and several injured in blast in Karachi
On 12 May, one person was killed and over 10 people were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted in a motorbike went off in Saddar. While speaking to Dawn, Karachi police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon stated that the nature of the explosion was being determined, adding that it would be "premature" to say whether the blast was intended to target a vehicle of the Pakistan Coast Guard. (“1 passerby killed, at least 9 injured in blast in Karachi's Saddar,” Dawn, 13 May 2022)

Sindh: MQM-P and Pakistan inch closer on ‘charter of rights’
On 12 May, a two-member PPP delegation visited MQM-P’s temporary headquarter in Bahadurabad and discussed to prepare the consensual draft of new local government law and move it to the Sindh Assembly for final amendments to the new local government law. The discussions were held under “Charter of Rights” signed by the two parties last month. Appreciating MQM-P’s decision to join PDM, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said: “The PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and president Asif Zardari have issued very clear directives that we have to move forward in the larger interest of our country, this province and its people.” (Imran Ayub, “MQM-P, PPP set to finalise terms for coalition,” Dawn, 13 May 2022)

POLITICS
Fazl calls for electoral reforms before polls
On 12 May, Maulana Fazlur Rehman while highlighting the suggestion of Asif Ali Zardari who called for the polls only after electoral reforms and amendments to accountability laws called for consensus among the allied parties for the next general elections. He said, “First thing we should demand before deciding its schedule is that the elections should be held free and fair,” adding, “it’s my opinion that the elections should only be held after electoral reforms and then fixing the accountability laws. We all know that NAB [National Accountability Bureau] during last three years was turned into an institution of vendetta. The flaws which led to all such mess should be addressed before next election.” (“Taking cue from Zardari, Fazl calls for electoral reforms before polls,” Dawn, 13 May 2022)

PML-N and PPP on same page regarding electoral reforms, says PPP Information Secretary
On 12 May, PPP Information Secretary Faisal Kareem Kundi cleared the cloud of rumors on difference of position between PPP and PML-N on electoral reforms and said: “As soon as ECP is done with its preparation, we too would instantly move towards fresh elections.” He explained that actual meaning of election reforms were mainly three things, external interference, EVMs and right to voting for overseas Pakistanis. (“PPP seeks elections after reforms,” The Express Tribune, 13 May 2022)

Ready to face any consequences, whether killed or arrested, says Imran Khan
On 12 May, Imran Khan while addressing a power show of the PTI in Attock urged the people to join hands with the PTI for a march for an “independent Pakistan.” He added that he was ready to face any consequences, whether he was killed or arrested.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan has urged the Supreme Court to review the ruling of then deputy speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri on a no-trust move the apex court held contrary to the Constitution. (Amjad Iqbal, “Imran says ready to face consequences over long march,” Dawn, 13 May 2022; “Imran asks SC to review decision on Suri’s ruling,” Dawn, 13 May 2022)

ECONOMY
External public debt of Pakistan reaches USD 90.6 billion
On 12 May, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) released its quarterly report on Foreign Economic Assistance (FEA) for July-December 2021. The report mentioned a net addition of USD 4.772 billion. During the first half of FY22, the government of Pakistan signed new loan agreements worth $8.481bn as commitments. These included USD 2.484 billion worth of agreements with foreign commercial banks, USD 1.956 billion with multilateral development partners, USD 3 billion as safe deposits, USD 1 billion committed as Eurobonds, and another USD 1 billion from the international capital markets through tap-issuance. The government paid an amount of USD 5.039 billion during July–December 2021 on account of debt servicing of external public loans. This consists of principal repayment of USD 4.2 billion and interest payments of USD 839 million. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Pakistan’s net external debt soars almost $5bn,” Dawn, 13 May 2022)

ADB assures to provide USD 2 billion to Pakistan
On 12 May, Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Ghous Pasha met the Asian Development (ADB) Country Director in Islamabad Yong Ye and discussed additional funding avenues and enquired about countercyclical support facility (CSF), a relatively new mechanism to help finance oil imports amid unprecedented global prices. An official said these funds would be in additional to an ongoing pipeline of funds under the five-year Country Partnership Strategy (CPS 2021-25) under which the Manila-based lending agency had promised up to $10bn financing depending on project preparedness, reform implementation strategy and ability of the relevant agencies to meet conditions and process loan approvals. Dr Aisha during the meeting said: “Currently Pakistan is facing various fiscal and monetary challenges but the present government is keenly working on various structural reform measures to bring back the economy on an inclusive and sustainable growth path.” (Khaleeq Kiani, “ADB likely to disburse $2bn to Pakistan before December,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

ON WATER
Pakistan facing an acute water shortage of 38 per cent for irrigation purposes
On 12 May, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) gave a presentation to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Water Resources headed by Minister for Water Resources. IRSA informed that Kharif crops growing is going to be affected as the countrywide rainfall in April 2022 was 74 per cent below average during April and was ranked as the second driest month since 1961. IRSA also informed of lower water inflow to dams from rivers Chenab, Kabul, Mangla and Indus (arranged in decreasing order reduced inflows). The dams consequently were also filled below capacity during the peak summer inflow season. (Israr Khan and Munawar Hasan, “Water shortage worse than expected: IRSA,” The News International, 13 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
China ready to synergise Pak development strategy
On 12 May, during a regular press briefing Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: “We will further deepen cooperation in industrial and other areas to boost the driving force for Pakistan’s economic development and its economic resilience.” On 11 May, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a virtual meeting and agreed to carry forward the traditional friendship. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson quoted foreign minister of Pakistan and said: “(he) has reiterated that the China-Pakistan friendship remained the cornerstone for Pakistan’s foreign policy and is also a strategic priority for Pakistan.” (“China ready to synergise Pak development strategy,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

ON INDIA
“The environment for a fruitful, constructive dialogue is not there,” says Foreign Office
On 12 May, the Foreign Office spokesman Asim Iftikhar stated that doors for diplomacy on outstanding disputes with India remain open, however, “the environment for a fruitful, constructive dialogue is not there.” Further, he stated that there was a national consensus on this issue and that successive governments have used the same policy of seeking peaceful settlement of disputes with India. (“Time not right for talks with India, says FO,” Dawn, 13 May 2022)

In Brief
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and top PML-N leaders meet with Nawaz in London
On 11 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other PML-N leaders met with Nawaz Sharif in London. During the meeting they briefed Nawaz on the “serious economic, constitutional and administrative crises inherited by the present government.” Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the meeting reviewed the steps taken by the government since it came to power and considered recommendations to save the public from inflation and power outages, adding that another meeting is to take place on 12 May to finalise the strategy to address the economic and constitutional crises. (Atika Rehman, “Nawaz Sharif briefed on crises festering at home,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

PROVINCE
Punjab: Cheema warns of a 2007-like “save judiciary movement” against his removal
On 11 May, Omar Sarfraz Cheema warned of a 2007-like “save judiciary movement” against his “illegal removal” from office. He said, “In case no solution is proposed to end the prevailing crisis in Punjab, we will go for a protest campaign like 2007 when the whole nation had taken to the streets,” adding, “I am consulting different groups, including the lawyers’ community, media and civil society, to launch a similar movement under which former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was restored in 2007.”
Meanwhile, the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf stated that it was a constitutional responsibility of the Punjab Assembly speaker to assume the responsibility of acting governor, emphasising that Pervaiz Elahi cannot turn away from constitutional responsibilities. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Omar Sarfraz Cheema warns of 2007-like movement against ouster,” Dawn, 12 May 2022; “PA Speaker cannot shirk his constitutional duty: AGP,” The Express Tribune, 12 May 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Change in federal government resulted in withholding of development funds, says CM
On 11 May, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Mahmood Khan while attending a ceremony of Peshawar District Bar Association (PDBA) mentioned that efforts were under way to exclude development projects of the province from the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The chief minister urged upon the lawyer community to come forward and support the provincial government in its legal and constitutional struggle to protect the rights of the province. (“Centre withholding tribal districts’ funds: KP CM Mahmood Khan,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

Punjab: ATC awards five-year term to 22 accused persons in the Rahim Yar Khan (Bhong) temple attack case
On 11 May, An Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) judge convicted 22 out of a total of 84 persons for attacking and damaging the temple’s building. According to the prosecution, the accused persons had on 4 August 2021 had attacked Ghanesh Mandir of the Hindu community in Bhong area of Rahim Yar Khan district and ransacked its building. (“22 get five-year term each in Bhong temple attack case,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

INTERNAL
Ali Wazir granted bail in hate speech case
On 11 May, Sindh High Court granted post-arrest bail against a solvent surety of PKR 500,000 to the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader MNA Ali Wazir. The lawmaker has to be two more similar cases, one registered in Karachi and the other in Bannu. The counsel argued for bail on sympathetic grounds as other co-accused were on bail. (Ishaq Tanoli, “MNA Ali Wazir gets bail in hate speech case,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

Reference against defection by PTI MNAs dismissed by ECP
On 11 May, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, held that Article 63-A of the Constitution dealing with disqualification on the grounds of defection was not applicable in the case of 20 dissident MNAs. PTI leadership declared that they are initiating a legal battle against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and will file references against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and Sindh ECP member in front of Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Vawda of PTI said: “The real story of these black sheep, who got their prices fixed in the market, is starting from today and a reference is being filed against Sindh ECP member.” (Mumtaz Alvi, “ECP dismisses references against dissident PTI MNAs,” The News International, 12 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
CJP delineates dilemma between stability and punishment in reference to Article 63-A
On 11 May, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umer Ata Bandial pointed that lifetime disqualification due to defection was a severe punishment. The CJP said that Article 63-A had been introduced through a democratic process and after amending the Constitution and its prime objective was to stabilise the system. The CJP went on to ask on utility of Article 63-A and said: “Should we treat Article 63-A just a ceremonial thing or to connect it to the fundamental rights for bringing stability to the system.” (Sohail Khan, “Life ban for defection too harsh: CJP Umer Ata Bandial,” The News International, 12 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Ministry of Industries and Production demands food subsidy arrears
On 11 May, the Ministry of Industries and Production put forth a request for clearance of USD 96 million from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on account of subsidy under the Prime Minister’s Relief Package 2022 to cover arrears of previous months. The government has continued to provide relief on five essential commodities after the Ramazan for the general public. The industry further recommended that any subsidy disbursement in future must be linked with online verification with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). (“Rs16b sought for food subsidy,” The Express Tribune, 12 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
Pakistan and US completed security level talks in Washington
On 11 May, Pakistan and the United States completed their security level talks, after DG ISI Lt-Gen Nadeem Anjum spent three days in Washington meeting with senior security officials, including US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and CIA Director William J. Burns. The details of the meeting have not been disclosed by either side. (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistan, US hold security talks ahead of FM Bilawal's visit,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

ON INDIA
Ministry of Commerce rules out the possibility of trade with India
On 12 May, Dawn reported that the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has ruled out the possibility of a resumption of bilateral trade with India. An official announcement from the ministry said, “There is no change in Pakistan’s policy on trade with India.” (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Pakistan rules out trade with India,” Dawn, 12 May 2022)

In Brief
PROVINCES
Punjab: Parvez Elahi refuses to take charge as acting governor
On 11 May, Dawn reported that Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Parvez Elahi refused to take charge of acting governor after the removal of Omar Sarfraz Cheema. A PML-Q spokesperson said, “Mr Elahi has not taken the charge of acting governor as he is consulting constitutional experts in this regard.” Meanwhile, Elahi via Twitter said, “We will continue to uphold the Constitution and law and resist all of the government’s unconstitutional actions. The government has set up a factory of unconstitutional measures, but I will carry out my duties in accordance with the Constitution and law.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Parvez Elahi refuses to take over as acting Punjab governor,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

Punjab: LHC to hear ICA from PTI with a larger bench on 12 May
On 11 May, Lahore High Court (LHC) constituted a five-member larger bench to hear PTI’s intra court appeal (ICA) against the previous single bench judgment which dictated the oath-taking ceremony of CM elect Hamza Shahbaz Sharif. The judgement on a petition by Hamza was challenged by PTI as the hearing did not implead the governor or president in seeking their response to contentions claimed by Hamza Sharif in his petition. The ICA by PTI pleaded that the high court had no authority to nominate any specific person, including the speaker of the national assembly, for the administration of oath to the newly elected chief minister, thus the impugned judgment, being in violation of various provisions of the Constitution as well as applicable law, was unsustainable. Separately, Justice Shujaat Ali Khan of the Lahore High Court would resume on 13 May the hearing of a petition of the PTI against the alleged delay by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in disqualification of its MPAs for committing a defection in the election of the chief minister of Punjab. (“CM-elect oath: Larger bench to resume ICA hearing tomorrow,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

POLITICS
PML-N leaders to meet Nawaz Sharif in London for political consultations, says Minister for Information
On 10 May, Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb during a press briefing clarified that a 10-member delegation including PM Shehbaz Sharif from PML-N was on a private visit to meet the PML-N supremo in London. According to sources, several key decisions may be taken in the meeting, including settling the question of early elections and developing a strategy to counter PTI and prevent the oncoming price hike. Information Minister also informed that the cabinet decided, not to increase prices of flour and sugar and import three million tonnes of wheat to meet the local demand, to revoke multiple foreign passports under Passport Act, 1974. Aurangzeb also revealed that the cabinet approved the appointment of Fawad Asadullah Khan as director-general of the Intelligence Bureau. (Syed Irfan Raza, “‘N’ bigwigs in London to seek Nawaz’s counsel,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

INTERNAL
TTP extends ceasefire for five days
On 10 May, the TTP’s military commission announced that it was extending the ceasefire reached between the Pakistan Army and the group on the account of Eidul Fitr for another five days. According to the order, the ceasefire will remain in place till 15 May, with new directives to be issued on 16 May. The TTP warned its fighters against defying the order and directing them to avoid skirmishes with security forces. (“TTP extends ceasefire for another five days,” The Express Tribune, 11 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
United States will not let "lies get in the way" of its bilateral ties with Pakistan, says US State Department
On 10 May, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price during a press briefing stated that the United States will not let "lies get in the way" of its bilateral ties with Pakistan. This statement came in response to a question about Imran Khan blaming the US for his removal and running an "anti-America campaign." He said, "We are not going to let propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation — lies — get in the way of any bilateral relationship we have, including with the bilateral relationship we have with Pakistan, one we value." (“Won't let 'lies' get in way of ties with Pakistan, says US on Imran's conspiracy allegations,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

Interior minister assures deputy Ambassador of China of enhanced security for Chinese nationals
On 10 May, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah met with Chinese Charge d’ Affaires Pang Chunxue and agreed to improve liaison between the interior ministry and the Chinese embassy to improve security of Chinese citizens. He said, “The coalition government under the leadership of PM Shehbaz Sharif would take Pak-China relations to a new height, and no internal or external conspiracy to harm them will be allowed to succeed.” (“Minister vows to beef up security of Chinese,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

ECONOMY
IMF asks higher tax collection target up to USD 43.5 billion
On 11 May, The Express Tribune reported on additional demand by IMF regarding revenue targets along with the previous commitments in the last review discussions. Currently, the external public debt of the country stands at USD 90.1 billion and IMF needs to be satisfied with the repayment capacity of the country. In the current financial year, the revised tax collection target is at USD 36.6 billion and the FBR chairman has informed Finance Minister Ismail that tax collection can only remain at around USD 41 billion due to a lack of room in policy measures. On top of this constraint, the country has been asked to rationalize multiple tax slabs which would deduct higher taxes from middle and upper-middle-income groups, to remove exemptions to include fertilisers and tractors. The FBR’s performance has remained largely dependent on imports that contributed nearly 52 per cent to the total tax collection, which camouflaged the weaknesses in the domestic sales tax collection that remained negative all currency conversions done at current exchange rates. (Shahbaz Rana, “IMF asks for Rs7.25tr tax collection target,” The Express Tribune, 11 May 2022)

Government assures World Bank of reform push in the upcoming budget
On 10 May, Pakistan assured the World Bank (WB) of better fiscal consolidation to work again on the circular debt management plan. The 28 February announcement on the relief package was expected to increase the circular debt by more than USD 3 billion, reminded the WB officials. Hartwig Schafer heading the WB delegation said to: “stay the course on key structural reforms to improve power sector performance and on economic reforms including revenue mobilisation, fiscal consolidation, and debt management.” Under the two WB loan programmes, the authorities had prepared a circular debt reduction plan that led to a reduction in the power sector debt from PKR 538 billion in the fiscal year 2021 to about PKR 295 billion in the first eight months of the current fiscal year. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt assures World Bank of reform push in upcoming budget,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
PHC reverts the decision of the parliamentary committee against the elevation of judges
On 10 May, while hearing a petition filed by three district and sessions judges challenging the decision of the parliamentary committee against confirming the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) for the judges’ appointment, Peshawar High Court (PHC) nullified the rejection by Parliamentary as unconstitutional. Petitioners said the Peshawar High Court had six vacancies of judges for which the chief justice consulted other judges and scrutinised the credentials of numerous candidates. Names recommended by JCP are binding on the government and cannot be delayed forever, said the counsel for petitioners. (“PHC rejects parliamentary body’s decision against elevation of judicial officers,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Planting trees not core policy on global warming, says Minister for Climate Change
On 10 May, Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman while speaking to Dawn claimed that although planting trees was a necessity to reduce environmental degradation it cannot be the core public policy on global warming. She claimed that this was especially the case given the acutely water-stressed and climate-stressed that Pakistan faces. She added, “The climate change policy made a Climate Council the cornerstone of its institutional mechanism. But because one province and Sindh government, in particular, was with the opposition its lead performance in reforestation was downgraded, even through the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project,” adding, “I believe the way forward is through a ‘policy ministry’ like climate change.” (Jamal Shahid, “Planting trees not core policy on global warming: minister,” Dawn, 11 May 2022)

In Brief
PROVINCES
Punjab: Cheema refuses to step down from the office despite his removal
On 9 May, Omar Sarfraz Cheema has refused to step down as governor of Punjab despite his removal by the federal government through a notification by the Cabinet Division. Cheema rejected the Cabinet Division notification, terming it "unconstitutional," adding that was consulting constitutional experts and would soon announce his future course of action

Meanwhile, Imran Khan urged the Supreme Court to look into the matter terming it as a "blatant violation" of the Constitution and law in Punjab. He said, "Imported puppets are stirring up constitutional anarchy and chaos in Punjab," adding, "First, a criminal puppet was imposed on the province as a chief minister through a ghost election. Now, keeping all constitutional requirements aside, the office of the president has been insulted." (“Imran urges SC to take notice of 'blatant violation' of Constitution after Punjab governor de-notified,” Dawn, 10 May 2022; “Cheema refuses to exit despite removal as Punjab governor,” The Express Tribune, 10 May 2022)

INTERNAL
PM Shehbaz Sharif orders immediate restoration of NCOC
On 10 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered for the restoration of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) after Pakistan reported the first case of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1. A health ministry official said, “We have decided not to mention the name of the country from where the patient had travelled to Pakistan. However, the new variant has been continuously spreading in different countries. The patient is feeling well and all his contacts have been quarantined at their home.” (“PM Shehbaz orders immediate restoration of NCOC after first case of Omicron sub-variant detected,” Dawn, 10 May 2022)

Senate committee on human rights condemns misuse of blasphemy laws against PTI leadership
On 9 May, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights with senator Walid Iqbal took cognizance of FIRs registered against PTI chairman Imran Khan over sloganeering against Pakistan’s delegation during their pilgrimage to Masjid-i-Nabwi. Representatives from various institutions also exchanged views on the measures to eliminate the misuse of the blasphemy law and suggested that amendments be made to the law to discourage such accusations. The committee was informed that 580 cases under accusation of blasphemy were filed last year, which is an increase of 100 per cent. The committee will next meet on 16 May to seek further details. (Kashif Abbasi, “Senate panel slams ‘misuse’ of blasphemy law in Madina incident,” Dawn, 10 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Government announces complete ban of sugar export
On 9 May, PM Shehbaz took to Twitter to declare a complete ban on sugar exports from the country in order to enable sugar stocks and prices to be stable. He also directed them to continuously inform about the effective implementation of the ban and said that in case of negligence and omission, the concerned officers and staff will be held responsible. (“PM Shehbaz imposes ban on sugar export,” The Express Tribune, 10 May 2022)

Circular debt is biggest test for government, says Minister for Energy 
On 9 May, Federal Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir attended a press conference in Lahore and declared a three-pronged strategy to stabilise the circular debt. The first is to resolve consumer complaints swiftly, followed by making 100 per cent recovery from consumers and clearance of Central Power Purchase Agency (CPPA) bills / invoices and ensuring safety of electricity workers. On a question of shortfall of fuel and loadshedding he replied: “Look, the shortfall prevailing at the moment is for some time, as it would be no more soon. But, due to this, we are doing load management in the areas being fed by the high-loss category feeders.” He added that country has 51 undergoing power projects and sufficient provisions were taken to fulfill current annual system constraints removal plan. (Khalid Hasnain, “Circular debt is biggest test for PML-N govt, says Dastgir,” Dawn, 10 May 2022)

Government orders procurement of 4.5 million tonnes of wheat
On 9 May, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet decided to beef up wheat stocks by ordering tax free three million tonnes of imports including 2m tonnes on a government-to-government (G2G) basis from Russia and 1m tonnes through an international competitive tender and at least 1.5m tonnes of domestic procurement by the public sector. ECC also decided to reduce the prices of wheat, sugar and vegetable oil/ghee at the outlets of Utility Stores Corporation for two months. The official statement from the meeting read as: “...in the wake of low production of wheat in the country due to previous government’s failure to provide fertilisers to the growers on time.” (Khaleeq Kiani, “Shortage, rising prices prompt govt to beef up wheat stocks,” Dawn, 10 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
FM Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen its relations with China
On 10 May, The Express Tribune reported that according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen its “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China, including the rapid implementation of the CPEC project. The statement added, “Pakistan will continue its efforts to enhance cooperation with China through CPEC, to advance its national implementation of SDGs, in addition to participating actively in the work of the GDI Group of Friends to promote the common aspiration of a peaceful, prosperous and shared future for all mankind.” (“Bilawal seeks deeper ties with China, rapid CPEC implementation,” The Express Tribune, 10 May 2022)

Pakistan needs to do more for maintaining GSP+ status, says PBF
On 10 May, The Express Tribune reported on the progress of export competitiveness of the country under the regime of GSP+ tag. Under GSP+ status, the government has attained concessions on around 6,300 items under the GSP+ status but Pakistan has heavily relied on only textiles to date. Pakistan’s GSP+ status is to expire in December 2023 and fresh applications would be submitted along with credentials on export diversification while the EU as well as increased the conventions from 27 to 32 to make the process more accountable. Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Vice President Ahmad Jawad said: “The textile sector was able to increase exports, but the potential for exports from other sectors like agriculture and other items was not tapped.” Exports to the EU are dominated by textiles and clothing, which accounted for 75.2 per cent of Pakistan’s total exports to the EU in 2020. (Usman Hanif, “Pakistan yet to take full advantage of GSP+,” The Express Tribune, 10 May 2022)

ON CPEC
Chinese firms complaint against visa procedures, unjust taxation and non-compliance of contractual requirements in Pakistan
On 9 May, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal met with more than 30 Chinese companies operating under the flagship multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in various areas including energy, and communication, railways and others. The Chinese independent power producers (IPP) went to warn the minister if their dues worth PKR 300 billion were not cleared they would be forced to shut down their power plants this month due to higher fuel prices particularly coal. The Chinese IPP companies also expressed concern over the upcoming draft renewable energy policy that requires international competitive bidding. The stakeholders from Pakistan’s side in the meeting complaint against delayed responses to their communications. The official statement from the meeting underlined the to resolve all issues which have remained pending for over three years. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Chinese IPPs warn of closure if not paid Rs300bn,” Dawn, 10 May 2022)

In Focus 
INTERNAL
Imran Khan asks people to be ready for ‘Islamabad march’
On 8 May, Imran Khan called on his party workers and people to get ready for his call to reach Islamabad, stating that the ‘Azadi March’ call any day after May 20. He claimed that a sea of people would remove all hurdles and barricades that would be set up by the “imported” government. He said, “I am confident that on my call, a record number of people will participate in the march,” adding that there would be only one voice and that would be “we do not accept the imported government and want real independence.”

Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, “If the PTI’s planned long march on Islamabad leads to bloodshed, the government will take preventive measures to check the march.” (Rashid Javed, “Sea of people to remove hurdles en route to Islamabad: Imran,” Dawn, 9 May 2022; “‘PTI’s march to be contained if it goes violent’,” Dawn, 9 May 2022)

POLITICS
JI Chief support formation of judicial commission for ‘Lettergate’ scandal
On 8 May, while speaking at a public function in Peshawar, Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq sought formation of judicial commission to investigate whether the PTI government was dismissed through a foreign conspiracy or not. He said: “The judicial commission should resolve this issue once and for all.” He requested PM Shehbaz to further electoral reforms and conduct fresh elections on time. (“Siraj seeks judicial probe into ‘foreign conspiracy’ claim,” Dawn, 9 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: CM forms task force for crackdown on water theft in Karachi
On 8 May, Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah formed the task force comprising of police, Rangers and officials of the anti-encroachment departments to take a decisive action against illegal connections and water hydrants. He further directed officials to install meters from the water source to the last user of Karachi Water and Sewage Board (KWSB) to better calculate losses and better manage the distribution of water among towns based upon the population. (Imran Ayub, “Murad sets up task force for crackdown on water theft in Karachi,” Dawn, 9 May 2022)

Balochistan: CM emphasizes on overall development of Gwadar and other parts of Makran division critical for development in Balochistan
On 8 May, Chief Minister House, Balochistan released a press statement about meeting of CM Bizenjo with former minister Mir Abdul Ghafoor Kalmati in Muscat. The statement from the CM read: “Providing basic services to the people at their doorstep is the main objective of our development policy, besides ensuring the rights of fishermen and their welfare.” The CM assured Mr. Kalamati about special instructions given to law enforcement officials in ensuring self-esteem and respect to be protected at all costs. (Saleem Sahid, “Development of Gwadar top priority, says Balochistan CM Bizenjo,” Dawn, 9 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Systemic losses in gas companies fail regulatory targets and causing heavier losses
On 9 May, Dawn reported on the latest report from the petroleum division on persistent systemic losses in two main gas utilities of the nation, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). The utilities failed to achieve unaccounted-for gas (UFG) reduction targets, according to latest performance report of the petroleum division. The targets of losses set up by regulatory bodies hovered from 0.50 per cent to 2.87 per cent while the losses for SSGCL and SNGPL stood at 15.1 per cent and 8.83 per cent. The report attributed the failure of the SSGCL to contain UFG losses to poverty, cold weather, theft and the law-and-order situation. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Gas utilities struggling to control system losses,” Dawn, 9 May 2022)

Divisions among government comes up over reversing fuel subsidy program to extend IMF deal
On 9 May, The Express Tribune reported on prospects of Pakistan’s tentative meeting with IMF to be held in Doha on 18 May. Currently, the forex reserve of the country stands at USD 10.5 billion being used in financing the expensive imports and debt servicing. The USD 10.5 billion is inclusive of deposits worth USD four billion from China, USD 3 billion deposits of Saudi Arabia, and USD 2.5 billion of the UAE deposits. Sources in ministry revealed that Former State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor Dr Reza Baqir pumped billions of dollars in the exchange market to defend the weakening rupee but ended up losing the precious reserves. Currently, the government is giving PKR 29 per litre subsidy on petrol and PKR 73 on high-speed diesel, which both the finance ministry and the IMF want to reverse. The country could not secure any new big loan deal with Saudi Arabia and UAE, and awaiting a rollover of USD 2.3 commercial loans from China while another loan from China worth USD 1 billion is maturing this month. The inability of the government to secure big loans have put it in a lower bargaining position vis-à-vis IMF. Former finance minister Ishaq Dar is of the opinion to start a fresh deal. (Shahbaz Rana, “Pakistan-IMF talks likely in Doha on May 18,” The Express Tribune, 9 May 2022)

Reduced wheat production likely to cause flour crisis in the country
On 9 May, The Express Tribune reported on looming flour crisis in the country. The Prime Minister's Office had said wheat production was projected to be 26.173 million tonnes against a target of 28.89 million tonnes while the estimated consumption would be around 30.79 million tonnes. The reasons for this shortage were reduced area under wheat cultivation, shortage of water and fertiliser, and delay in the announcement of support price. Among other issues were oil price hikes and an earlier-than-usual heatwave. According to sources, the government will bear a subsidy of more than Rs600 per 20-kg bag for providing cheap flour to the people. (“Flour crisis looms over country,” The Express Tribune, 9 May 2022)

JUDICIARY
IHC order reviewing appoint of Hanif Abbasi as SAPM
On 9 May, Islamabad High Court ordered PM Shahbaz Sharif to review the appointment of Hanif Abbasi as his special assistant. The petition was filed by Awami Muslim League chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed over Abbasi public statement against Rashhed. The court while taking up the case rejigged the former interior minister over statements against judiciary by PTI leadership. (Awais Yousafzai, “IHC orders PM Shahbaz Sharif to review appointment of Hanif Abbasi as SAPM,” The News International, 9 May 2022)

MILITARY
Don’t drag military into politics, says ISPR
On 8 May, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement took "strong exception" to what it termed as "unlawful and unethical practice" of dragging the armed forces into politics, warning that such unsubstantiated statements were "extremely damaging" for the country. The statement said, "Recently there have been intensified and deliberate attempts to drag [the] Pakistan armed forces and their leadership in [the] ongoing political discourse in the country," adding, "These attempts are manifest through direct, insinuated or nuanced references to the armed forces as well as their senior leadership, made by some political leaders, few journalists and analysts on public forums and various communication platforms including social media." (Kamran Yousaf, “Don’t drag military into politics, warns ISPR,” The Express Tribune, 9 May 2022)

ON CPEC
Only three CPEC projects in Gwadar completed, says CPEC authority
On 8 May, The Express Tribune reported that according to the CPEC Authority only three CPEC projects in Gwadar having value of over USD 300 million has been completed. The other one-dozen schemes costing nearly USD two billion remain unfinished including water supply and electricity provision. According to the CPEC Authority, the progress review of the projects revealed that all the schemes were behind their original completion schedules. (Shabaz Rana, “Only 3 CPEC projects in Gwadar completed,” The Express Tribune, 8 May 2022)

ON INDUS WATERS
Islamabad to write another letter to New Delhi on water talks
On 9 May, The Express Tribune reported that Indus Water Commission would write another letter to their Indian counterpart to convene a meeting over Pakistan-India water disputes. Previously, a three-day meeting of water experts from both countries was held on 1 March in Islamabad, following which a meeting was to be held in New Delhi in May. (“Pakistan-India water talks likely to be delayed,” The Express Tribune, 9 May 2022)

ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIES KASHMIR
Local body polls to be held in accordance with the direction of court, says PM Ilyas
On 9 May, Dawn reported that “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas stated that the government would hold the local body (LB) polls in accordance with the direction of the “AJK” Supreme Court. Further, he claimed that holding of LB polls was an important part of PTI’s election manifesto and since the court has fixed a timeframe for the polls the government would leave ensure that the polls are conducted as per schedule. (Tariq Naqash, “LB polls to be held on time: AJK PM,” Dawn, 9 May 2022)

"Men who are responsible for saying and endorsing the most disgusting things to women political workers and leaders must be held accountable publicly; on TV shows that they are invited to, at press conferences, and on social media. The impunity with which they display their misogyny must come to an end if Pakistani politics is to mature beyond petty personal attacks."

-An opinion in The News International on ‘Misogyny in politics’

In Brief
EXTERNAL
Antony Blinken invites Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for food security meeting in the US
On 6 May, the Foreign Office stated that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Friday invited Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to visit the US to attend the Global Food Security meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on 18 May. Meanwhile, following a telephonic conversation with Blinken, Bilawal via Twitter said, “Exchanged views on: “Strengthening mutually beneficial, broad-based relationship, promotion of peace, development & security and agreed engagement with mutual respect is the way forward between the US and Pakistan.” (“In first contact, Blinken invites Bilawal to US,” Dawn, 7 May 2022)

Pakistan asks for extended maturity of Saudi Loan worth USD 3 billion
On 7 May, The News International reported on the discussions happening after PM recently concluded Saudi Arabia visit. Before the visit, media in Pakistan speculated about Pakistan seeking to enhance the economic reliance of Pakistan on Saudi Arabia up to USD eight billion. The nation has plans to roll over and double the deferred payment facility on oil from Saudi Arabia and secure more loans to shore up reserves. In the same regard, on a precautionary note, the government has now asked Saudi Arabia to not withdraw its USD 3 billion deposits with State Bank of Pakistan. The newspaper without naming a top official mentioned the linkage of Saudi financial support to revival of IMF programme. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan seeks maturity extension of S Arabia’s $3bn,” The News International, 7 May 2022)

INTERNAL
Pakistan to miss wheat production target by three million tonnes
On 6 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was apprised of the upcoming shortage in wheat output during a meeting with Minister for Food Security, senior officials of Pakistan Agriculture Supplies and Storage Corporation (PASSCO) and the Punjab chief secretary. According to the Prime Minister Office (PMO), wheat production is projected to be 26.173 million tonnes against a target of 28.89 million tonnes while the estimated consumption would be around 30.79 million tonnes due to various reasons like reduced area under wheat cultivation, shortage of water and fertiliser, and delay in the announcement of support price, oil price hike and an earlier-than-usual heatwave. The government has ensured availability of a 10kg flour bag for PKR 400 through grant of subsidies. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Shortfall of 3m tonnes in wheat production feared, PM told,” Dawn, 7 May 2022)

 PTI leadership once again asks for judicial commission in ‘Lettergate’ scandal
On 6 May, Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a press conference and said, “We favour the commission but it must be formed by the chief justice of Pakistan and he should also set its TORs [terms of reference].” According to Qureshi, the PTI had already proposed seven-point TORs, which could be considered by the chief justice. (“PTI insists on judicial probe into ‘conspiracy letter’,” The Express Tribune, 7 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: Earthquake leaves over 200 families homeless
On 6 May, a 5.2 magnitude tremor struck the Aurnaji area in Khuzdar district. The earthquake has caused damage to over 80 houses, rendering over 200 families homeless. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo directed the local administration and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to launch an effective relief operation in the quake-hit areas. (“200 families homeless as earthquake hits parts of Khuzdar,” Dawn, 7 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Trade deficit reaches all-time high in July-April
On 6 May, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released its monthly indicators on trade and trends in the country. The report indicated that with an import bill of USD 66.5 billion and an export bill of USD 26.2 billion, the trade deficit surged approximately to USD 40 billion in July-April months. Rising global prices increased the value of imports while exports stagnated at USD 2.5 billion to USD 2.8 billion a month, mostly those of semi-finished products and raw materials. According to the finance ministry’s monthly economic update and outlook for April, exports are to rise in midterm due to contractionary monetary policy will lead to domestic economic expansion. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “July-April trade gap nears $40bn,” Dawn, 7 May 2022)

ON CPEC
Planning Minister directs ministries to follow security protocols in CPEC projects
On 6 May, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal met with all nodal ministries and stakeholders involved in CPEC projects and emphasized the role of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) in providing in depth security assessments. The minister directed the officials to ensure that security review of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was held every month. He added that security assessment must include youth and their vulnerability to violence and extremism in alienation due to socio-economic grievances. The development comes after suicide blast in KU claimed lives if three Chinese citizens. (“Minister directs CPEC security review every month,” The Express Tribune, 7 May 2022)

ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Heatwave in Pakistan and India likely to kill thousands, says a scientist at Berkeley Earth
On 7 May, Dawn reported that Robert Rohde, lead scientist at Berkeley Earth stated that the heatwave across India and Pakistan is likely to kill thousands. According to research published, even without additional global warming South Asia is ripe for a “big one” in the same way that California is said to be overdue for a major earthquake. (“Unprecedented heatwave ‘may kill thousands’ in India, Pakistan,” Dawn, 7 May 2022)

Faisal Siddiqi, Imran’s legal games
Dawn, 7 May 2022
One can only hope that Pakistan will achieve political stability, and consequently, national prosperity. But one thing is clear: if this country is to be saved from complete political and constitutional collapse, the answer lies in both respecting the de jure constitutional balance of power as well as accepting the political realities of the de facto balance of power by all elements of the Pakistani power elite.

Fahd Husain, Heat in May
Dawn, 7 May 2022
Khan’s long march can only succeed if he can force an early election. If he cannot, he loses. The government’s only option is to see off the long march. If it agrees to a compromise, it loses. This is the predicament that stares us in the face. Khan, therefore, is taking a huge risk by throwing all his chips into this one event.

Editorial, Growing hunger
Dawn, 7 May 2022
For a country like ours, the war against hunger will not be easy to win. It involves a vigorous effort against growing multidimensional poverty, regional inequality, the rural-urban divide and gender disparity, as well as wholesale changes in the government’s policies that directly and indirectly impact the ability of the average Pakistani to access and afford healthy food.

Editorial, Doping scandal
The News International, 7 May 2022
More and more dope tests should be introduced at national-level competitions, with proper infrastructure to be put into place to carry out such tests. There should be zero tolerance for any offenders. Winning medals is important but not at the cost of the country's reputation.

Faisal Ali Raja, Pakistan’s Taliban puzzle
The Express Tribune, 7 May 2022
Pakistan needs to solve the Taliban puzzle in way to evolve counter-insurgency measures in NMDs or Balochistan rather than relying on limited counterterrorism posture.

Farhan Zahee,  Political cost of economic management
The Express Tribune, 7 May 2022
Fixing Pakistan’s economic woes requires massive structural reforms which is a tall order for a coalition government whose mandate cannot stretch beyond a year and a half. The country needs a full-term elected government with an unwavering political will to take the long-entrenched economic problems head-on otherwise the economy will continue to bleed.

Editorial, PM’s UAE trip
The Express Tribune, 7 May 2022
Reaching agreements on any major deals just a few weeks after coming to power would be a moonshot. At the same time, the vague nature of the information provided would suggest that Pakistan’s biggest wish-list items may have been scratched off at the onset of negotiations, but lesser proposals are still under discussion.

In Brief
PROVINCES
Punjab: Governor requests COAS to play a defining role in political crises to uphold constitution
On 5 May, the Governor of Punjab Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, wrote a to COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa to facilitate the province in getting out of constitutional crisis. On the same day, he filed a reference to the Supreme Judicial Council against Lahore High Court Justice Jawad Hassan for his “illegal decision” for overstepping into constitutional domain of governor. The governor also tweeted, “If the COAS provides me with one subedar and four army jawans, I will personally get the unconstitutional, illegal and fake chief minister (Hamza Shehbaz) arrested and throw him in jail.” Previously, the governor had written separate letters to PM and President in bringing their attention to hostage tactics employed by nominated CM Hamza Shahbaz Sharif. Mr. Cheema burst out his anxiety on twitter on the first day of the Eidul Fitr and compared the CM and his party workers to “Sicilian mafia.”

However, the federal government has filed a second summary to the president in removing Cheema from the governorship of Punjab on 1 May. The president has not responded to first reference and hence after 10 days of filing the summary to president, the governor would cease to hold office with or without the assent of the president. The action by governor was condemned by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in denigrating the constitutional post of governor in seeking extraconstitutional interference publicly. The governor in his letter to PM had called the resignation of previous CM Buzdar as ‘fitna’ (mischief) and hence he had objection to administer oath to Hamza Shahbaz. The federal law minister clarified that governor was not a appellate authority to decide upon the election of CM and hence must refrain from seeking such support. PTI Punjab President in counter, clarified that the governor had only informed president, prime minister and COAS about the legal and constitutional issues in Punjab. (Mansoor Malik, “Governor calls on army to help end crisis in Punjab,” Dawn, 6 May 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan are facing high levels of food insecurity, says report
On 6 May, Dawn reported that according to the ‘Global Report on Food Crises’ released by the Global Network Against Food Crises stated that multiple shocks, including high food and fuel prices, drought, livestock diseases and widespread loss of income-generating opportunities due to the impact of Covid-19 drove high levels of food insecurity across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces. Additionally, the report stated that the number of people facing crisis or worse is expected to decrease slightly in Sindh and increase slightly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. (Amin Ahmed, “KP, Sindh, Balochistan ‘reeling from food insecurity’,” Dawn, 6 May 2022)

POLITICS
Imran Khan discloses reasons behind parting ways with Aleem and Tareen group
On 5 May, in his maiden podcast Imran Khan reasoned out his principled position over difference with Aleem Khan and Jahangir Khan Tareen. He said: “Tareen stood with those who are the biggest dacoits in the country. When I ordered a probe into the matter, differences developed with Tareen.” Same was the reason with Aleem Khan who asked Imran Khan to legalize a 300-acre land near Ravi. Imran Khan mentioned that he will form government if PTI gets majority in parliament. The ex-PM shared his rants about open case against PM Shehbaz Sharif and Yusuf Raza Gilani’s son as well. (“Aleem Khan, Jahangir Tareen wanted illegal benefits from me: Imran Khan,” The News International, 6 May 2022)

INTERNAL
“I cannot put my foot in the shoes of Bhuttos,” says Zardari
On 6 May, Asif Ali Zardari while addressing party workers in Bandhi town of Shaheed Benazirabad district stated that not he but Bilawal Bhutto Zardari could get the position held by [his grandfather] Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and mother Benazir Bhutto, adding, “I cannot put my foot in the shoes of Bhuttos.” Further, while addressing another gathering of workers in Zardari House, he said that PPP and its allies would form their governments in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa soon, adding, “We have achieved success, but it’s half, the other half will be achieved when we will form our governments in Balochistan and KPK.”

Zardari also stated that Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi dishonoured the commitment made to him while Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain kept his words. (“Zardari sure allies will form govts in Balochistan, KPK soon,” Dawn, 6 May 2022; “Shujaat kept promise, Elahi broke it: Zardari,” Dawn, 6 May 2022)

PTI demands open hearing on foreign conspiracy rather than an inquiry commission
On 5 May, PTI’ s senior vice president Fawad Chaudhry held a press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, he levelled allegations of incompetency against the PML-N led government and said: “Terrorist attacks have gone up by 24 per cent and Chinese nationals are being targeted. The fact is that we restored law and order and revived cricket in the country.” Separately, he clarified that open hearing on foreign conspiracy through representation of esteemed executives only would be acceptable to PTI. (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI rejects govt-proposed inquiry commission into ‘foreign plot’,” Dawn, 6 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Government initiates scrutiny of income and assets of Imran Khan
On 6 May, The News International reported on the government’s plans to gather all bank accounts of Imran Khan in the country and abroad over recently surfaced records of huge sums of money coming into the private accounts of four PTI employees. The government intends to do forensic examination of records to be carried out by independent auditors while FIA and FBR will take action by obtaining records at their respective levels. (“Govt plans scrutiny of Imran’s assets, income,” The News International, 6 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
US keen on working on counter­terrorism and border security with Pakistan, says State Department
On 6 May, Dawn reported that US State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated that counter­terrorism and border security are the two areas where the United States wants to continue to work with Pakistan. He said, “We value our bilateral relationship. We want to continue to work together in areas where we do have mutual interests with our Pakistani partners,” adding, “that includes counterterrorism. That includes border security as well.” (Anwar Iqbal, “US to work with Pakistan on border security, counterterrorism” Dawn, 6 May 2022)

China ready to work with Pakistan on wrinkle free cooperation, says Chinese spokesperson 
On 5 May, during a regular briefing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian appreciate the leadership in Pakistan for their act of solidarity with China over Chinese citizens killed in Karachi University suicide blast. In replying to question, he concluded, “This once again shows that the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and that the attempt of terrorist forces to undermine China-Pakistan mutual trust and cooperation is doomed to fail.” (“China hails Pakistan support post-KU attack,” The Express Tribune, 6 May 2022)

ON INDIA
Pakistan issues a demarche over "Delimitation Commission"
On 5 May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Indian Charge d’Affaires and handed over a demarche conveying the government of Pakistan’s categorical rejection of the report on the "Delimitation Commission." A statement released by the Foreign Office alleged, "Through this effort, India only wanted to lend ‘legitimacy’ to its illegal actions of August 5, 2019." (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan issues demarche to India over IIOJK "Delimitation Commission" report,” The Express Tribune, 6 May 2022)

Editorial, Interference invited
Dawn, 6 May 2022
This unabashed invitation for military interference in the province’s affairs is unconstitutional and utterly condemnable. It is unfortunate that the PTI, with its very recent experiences of how undemocratic partnerships ultimately pan out, seems to have learnt nothing from the process.

Editorial, Unconstitutional call
The Express Tribune, 6 May 2022
The point is that the armed forces want to stay away from politics. They have exhibited their considerate stance during the vote of no-confidence at the Centre recently, and have taken a backseat from their erstwhile role in politics… Knocking at the doors of the military could be a point-scoring business, but it is bound to backfire.

Editorial, Political disorder
The News International, 6 May 2022
Any hope that things may simmer down would be a highly optimistic view of today’s politics in the country. In fact, we seem to be headed in the opposite direction. A solution has to be found and the sooner this is done the sooner the people of Pakistan will benefit from a working government which can keep the country on track.

Rahat Hussain, A game of perceptions
Dawn, 6 May 2022
The new coalition government faces a number of difficult tasks. Among them is the perception challenge as the allies navigate their way to survival and eventual delivery. In fact, it is a challenge that all future governments will need to tackle.

Zubeida Mustafa, Is this democracy?
Dawn, 6 May 2022
Seventy-five years of failure of governance in Pakistan due to our leaders’ hunger for power and inability to understand what colonialism did to us has destroyed our society. What we see today is the vacuum thus created being filled by those who have no understanding of history or anthropology.

Editorial, SBP’s challenge
Dawn, 6 May 2022
Excessive political intervention in the central bank’s functions of monetary and exchange rate policy determination can be detrimental for the economy. The economy today is too weak to afford such policies again.

Polarisation and Isolation
The Express Tribune, 6 May 2022
Mental health problems are on the rise. Depression incidents are common among people of all ages. A significant part of this is isolation and losing the human touch. Heated political arguments at this stage, that lead to severing our bonds with our loved ones, will increase our isolation further and undo what little we have been able to save, preserve and restore.

Editorial, Bad air
The News International, 6 May 2022
The country needs long-term planning to tackle this issue and proper database management will play a crucial role in air quality management. If relevant departments do not maintain past data, future planning is likely to fail.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review security arrangements for the Chinese nationals in Pakistan
On 2 May, The Express Tribune reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would review security arrangements for the Chinese nationals working in Pakistan soon after Eid. Meanwhile National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf while visiting the Chinese embassy said, “Pakistan attaches great importance to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, ongoing projects and institutions in Pakistan,” adding, “Our security agencies will not rest until those involved in the incident are punished.” (“Elements behind KU blast can’t tolerate Pakistan, China’s prosperity: NA speaker,” Dawn, 2 May 2022; “Chinese nationals to get security boost,” The Express Tribune, 2 May 2022)

Nawaz Sharif may be allowed to plead his case afresh, says Interior Minister
On 1 May, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah during his TV appearance for a news channel disclosed that PML(N) is considering quashing or suspend the punishment of former prime minister Nawaz Minister under the legal provisions available both with the federal and provincial governments. He termed the sentence awarded to Sharif as ‘wrong’ and provisions in the constitution might be used to enable homecoming of various leaders of PML(N). (“Suspending Nawaz sentence being mulled, says Sana,” Dawn, 2 May 2022)

Problem of load shedding in main cities resolved, says power division
On 1 May, the power division announced that power cuts have ended due to an additional 2500 MW after about 120 million cubic feet of gas from fertiliser plants and industrial captive power plants was diverted to generation companies. Pakistan is to receive another 200 mmcfd of LNG for power sector from 8 May onwards. The out of order power plants have been directed to be functional again which would add 5500 MW to the national grid. Currently, the circular debt of power sector is approximately PKR 2640 billion (USD 15.84 billion). Separately, on 29 April power minister sought immediate payment of PKR 329 billion to operationalise about 7,900MW plants, currently out of system mainly due to fuel shortage and resulting in at least eight hours of outages across Pakistan. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt claims ending power cuts across country,” Dawn, 2 May 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Lack of security for vaccinators and parents’ reluctance reasons for surfacing of new polio cases
On 2 May, Dawn reported that with the new cases of polio reported in North Waziristan, officials have claimed that the polio immunisation drive was difficult to be carried out smoothly due to lack of security for vaccinators and parents’ reluctance. Additionally, the officials claimed that most vaccinators deployed for the campaign were threatened by parents and were forced to entered names of their children as vaccinated but actually they were not given the vaccine. (Ashfaq Yusufzai, “Lack of vaccination blamed for surfacing of new polio cases in Waziristan,” Dawn, 2 May 2022)

Sindh: PTI stages sit-in outside K-electric in Karachi
On 1 May, the PTI held a sit-in outside the head office of the K-Electric in the Gizri area in protest over prolonged loadshedding, inflated bills and poor performance of the power utility. They termed the KE as “a failed organisation” and accused the government of deliberately ignoring all violations of set rules by the power utility due to its strong connections with the ruling elite. (“PTI stages sit-in at KE head office, demands end to loadshedding,” Dawn, 2 May 2022)

Punjab: CM Hamza keeps cabinet formation on hold for after the governor’s removal
On 2 May, Dawn reported on the status of government formation in Punjab. Hamza after having been elected as chief minister is likely to wait for his cabinet to avoid any oath related skirmish as happened with Hamza Sharif. A senior leader said, “The PML-N does not want oath-taking matter of new Punjab cabinet to be taken to the court like that of Mr Hamza’s and can wait for 10 days or so, seeing the ruling coalition’s own governor taking the charge.” The PM has already sent summary for removal of Punjab’s governor Omar Sarfaraz Cheema. (Zulkernain Tahir, “Punjab cabinet formation put on hold till governor’s ouster,” Dawn, 2 May 2022)

EXTERNAL
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh agrees to extend the term of a USD three billion loan
On 1 May, Saudi Arabia agreed to discuss the extension of the terms of a USD three billion loan to help Pakistan’s government address the economic crisis. Additionally, Saudi Arabia also agreed to look at other options to further enhance the financing of petroleum products and supporting the economic structural reforms for the benefit of Pakistan and its people. (Syed Irfan Raza, “S. Arabia agrees to discuss extending term of $3bn loan,” Dawn, 2 May 2022)

ECONOMY
Inflation: April breaks record of eleven years
On 1 May, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics released its monthly data report on macroeconomic indicators of the country. Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation was mainly driven by food and energy costs and double-digit inflation over the last six months has pushed the ten-month average inflation rate (July-April 2021-22) to 11.04 per cent, exceeding the State Bank of Pakistan's anticipated upper limit for inflation. The central bank projected that CPI to be 9 to 11 per cent by the end of this fiscal year. Compared to urban inflation, rural inflation has increased by 15.1 per cent on a year-on-year basis in April 2022. Year on year, tomatoes price up 149 per cent, mustard oil 60 per cent, vegetable ghee 50 per cent, cooking oil 48 per cent, masoor pulse 38 per cent, vegetables 35 per cent, fruits 32 per cent, whole gram 25 per cent, meat 24 per cent, chicken 20 per cent, and besan 14 per cent. However, moong pulse prices are down 27 per cent, eggs 20 per cent, condiments & Spices 15 per cent, Sugar 10.7 per cent, and potatoes 9.5 per cent. (Israr Khan, “Inflation in April hits two-year high of 13.37pc,” The News International, 2 May 2022)

Maleeha Lodhi, Independent foreign policy?
Dawn, 2 May 2022
The more pressure mounted on Islamabad, the greater was the determination to stay firm and accelerate the programme. No government caved into coercive pressure — an unequivocal display of ‘independence’ in our foreign policy.

Nauman Ahmad Bhatti, Foreign policy dilemma
The News International, 2 May 2022
The economy of Pakistan, crippled with foreign debts, has never allowed its foreign policy to live up to its whims. But even still, a strong and uncompromising foreign policy can portray the weakest of a nation formidable through its diplomatic setting. Foreign policy is one of the modules of our state that has consistently been weak.

Umair Javed, Popularity and elections
Dawn, 2 May 2022
While KP and Karachi are holding strong, Imran Khan is hoping for a seismic shift in how Punjab votes: a new scenario where millions of voters decide to vote on the basis of what they hear in Khan’s speeches and in the process discard their bargains with local party workers and discard their alignment with entrenched electables.

Huma Yusuf, Tough for women
Dawn, 2 May 2022
Waving the gender flag only invites more sexism. It’s therefore time to reframe gender challenges as a product of structural issues such as social inequality, resource scarcity and degrading democratic systems.

Editorial, Rights record
Dawn, 2 May 2022
It is unfortunate that discourse on national development often becomes too narrowly focused on achieving economic improvement rather than on how political leadership can help transform the lives of the citizenry more holistically.

Editorial, State of human rights
The News International, 2 May 2022
This report card on human rights by the HRCP comes out every year but each successive government has failed to take suggestions from rights activists seriously. It is hoped that with a change in government there will finally be a change in how citizens' rights are treated and that all citizens from all communities and regions in the country can feel safe and less vulnerable to injustice and state or non-state violence.

Editorial, Census and polls
Dawn, 2 May 2022
If need be, and if time does not permit, then the ECP should be open to using data from the previous census to get the delimitations done if elections are to be held on short notice. It is the ECP’s responsibility to be ready at all times and not link this readiness to any particular event or issue that can cause delay.

Sahibzada Riaz Noor, No to anything but me
The Express Tribune, 2 May 2022
No cross-party consensus was built around the electoral reform bill that was ramrodded through the Parliament without any discussions making the then government’s intentions even more suspect. Any elections under the electronic voting system would thus render the elections suspect or unacceptable, ab initio, not ending the political crisis.