In Brief
INTERNAL 
Chinese national targeted in Karachi, one person killed
On 28 September, a Chinese national was killed after an unidentified person opened fire in a private dental clinic of Dr Richard Hu on Preedy Street. According to the Counter-Terrorism Department, the motive for the incident is unclear. The CTD also said that the Chinese dentists have been living in the country since past 50 years and they have obtained Pakistani citizenship. (Imtiaz Ali, “Chinese dentists living in Karachi for decades targeted; cashier killed,” Dawn, 30 September 2022)

Senate panel waves of loans of farmers amidst protests in the capital
On 28 September, the Senate Standing Committee on Food Security recommended that the government waive off farmers' loans. The government waived off the loans of farmers in the flood-ravaged areas and asked the relevant authorities to take action against the rising price of wheat flour. The committee also urged the authorities to take steps to prevent wheat smuggling in collaboration with the other departments concerned. He said that the government had been urged to provide subsidies on fertilizer directly to the farmers. The committee was informed that wheat cultivation in Sindh and Balochistan would be difficult because both provinces' cultivable area was under floodwater. The Farmer’s protests had reached the capital again to stage a protest for the fulfilment of its demands. Officials of the capital administration said farmers came from across Punjab and demanded the restoration of the previous tubewell electricity tariff of PKR 5.3 per unit and abolishing all taxes and adjustments. (Munaweer Aseem, “Protesting farmers march on Islamabad, again,” Dawn, 29 September 2022; Haseeb Hanif, “Senate panel for waiving loans of flood-hit farmers,” The Express Tribune, 29 September 2022)

Redistribution of climate resilience funds to flood relief activities
On 28 September, Sherry Rahman while speaking to reporters said that a severe shortage of funds is posed by devastating floods, compelling the government to divert climate resilience funds to meet immediate relief requirements of flood-hit people. She said that floodwaters were still standing in large parts of Sindh, where many parts of the land were below sea level, while funds and resources to save lives and provide shelter were still in short supply. Ms. Rahman said that thousands of people were still seeking shelters, and there were worries about people spending the entire winter this way. The country will need much more to service the 33 million people affected by the unprecedented disaster. The minister said there was no immediate basket of accessible funds for climate resilient recovery, let alone disaster assistance. Since both are triggered by climate impacts, the economic buffer for countries already in debt-stress should be clearly appropriated and disbursed as climate funds that are easy to access, with predictable transfers. (Ifthikar A Khan, “Minister sounds alarm over repurposing of climate fund,” Dawn, 29 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: Four terrorists killed in Quetta
On 27 September, four suspected terrorists of the banned Jamaatul Ahrar were killed in a gun battle with a team of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police in the Hazar-Ganji area of Quetta. The CTD personnel intercepted a truck, on a tip-off about drugs being smuggled to Karachi, at the Gulzarabad checkpoint on the outskirts of Quetta, a CTD spokesperson said. Instead of stopping, the men traveling in the truck opened fire on the CTD personnel, triggering an exchange of fire that continued for half an hour, leaving four terrorists dead. Upon searching the truck, 27 kilograms of fine quality heroin were recovered from secret compartments meant to hide drugs for smuggling. (Saleem Shahid, “Four ‘terrorists’ of banned outfit killed in gun battle with CTD in Quetta,” Dawn, 29 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
FM Bilawal cautioned against creating "parallel governance" in Afghanistan
On 29 September, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in an interview with AFP stated that he wants the world to engage the Taliban, warning of dangerous consequences if the Taliban are again isolated. He said, "We've learned from the past that when we wash our hands and turn our backs, we end up creating unintended consequences and more problems for ourselves," adding, "I believe that our concerns of an economic collapse, of an exodus of refugees, of a threat of new recruits for organisations such as ISIS-K and others, outweigh concerns that there may be about their financial institutions." (“FM Bilawal warns of consequences to Taliban isolation” The Express Tribune, 29 September 2022)

New Pak envoy for France consented by the French government
On 29 September, The News International reported that the French government has consented to the appointment of Additional Foreign Secretary Asim Iftikhar Ahmad as Pakistan’s new ambassador to France. Ahmad’s posting has taken place after two-year started with blasphemous caricatures in a French journal. Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Moeen ul Haq was first posted as high commissioner in New Delhi in 2019 but later he moved to China. Since then, the Paris Embassy has been without an ambassador. (“France govt okays appointment of new Pak envoy,” The News International, 29 September 2022)

US envoy impels Pakistan to adhere to IMF terms
On 29 September, US Ambassador Donald Armin Blome conveyed sincere hope in Pakistan obeying IMF’s terms and conditions and led that he was optimistic that Pakistan would revel in the promises that it has made to the finance agency. Emphasising the imperativeness of paying dues and the legacy of trade between the US and Pakistan, the Ambassador expressed his intentions to strengthen the bilateral transactions as well. He also explained the volume of Pakistan’s economical strengths lay in its private businesses and stated that the country is on the verge of an aggressive shift in the world’s supply chain. (Haq, Shahram. “US envoy urges Pakistan to comply with IMF terms.” The Express Tribune, 29 September 2022)

ECONOMY
Newly sworn in Finance Minister Ishaq Dar favors currency market intervention
On 28 September, nearly five years after declaring Ishaq Dar a proclaimed offender, an accountability court reversed its order when the newly inducted finance minister appeared before the court and gave an undertaking to face trial in the NAB reference pertaining to assets beyond means. Dar appeared in court and his counsel requested the court to allow Dar to furnish bonds under Section 91 of the criminal procedure code instead of applying for bail. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar after the verdict said that some changes would be made in the central bank law at “an appropriate time,” advocating intervention in the currency market that signaled a needed shift in the IMF-backed policies. In his first media talk after taking oath as the finance minister, Dar said that the exchange rate regime could not be left to speculators, sending a strong message to the people and the banks that had been playing with the value of the local currency for their vested interests. He said, “Intervention in the foreign exchange market for the sake of the country is not bad but obviously the approach should be realistic.” He added that all the central banks around the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom, intervene in the exchange market, only when the value of their currencies go above or below a certain band. (Malik Asad, “Ishaq Dar no longer a proclaimed offender,” Dawn, 29 September 2022; Shahbaz Rana, “Dar favours currency market intervention,” The Express Tribune, 29 September 2022)

PKR holds out against the dollar in interbank
On 29 September, Dawn reported that the PKR appreciated by 1.26% from the previous day and increased its trade value to Rs.2.92. Recovering well after a fatal low of Rs.232.2, the PKR has shown an uptick since Friday, with its value raising consistently over the last few trade sessions in the interbank. The Foreign Minister credited the change in Pakistan’s economic positioning due to the IMF’s current programme, where Pakistan has agreed to a market-based currency exchange system. Citing that the uptrend has decreased Pakistan’s debt by Rs 1 trillion, the report also stated that country was confronting a deficit in foreign exchange in the long run, adding that Pakistan was only equipped for payments up to $10 bn. Experts also suggested that a reduction in imports and revitalising trade and immigration policies with Afghanistan and Iran would improve the deficit in a substantial manner. (Talqeen Zubairi, “PKR strengthens by Rs2.92 against dollar in interbank,” Dawn, 29 September 2022)

ON MILITARY
Resurgence will be not tolerated by the terrorists, says COAS
On 28 September, General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the 251st Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters said that the resurgence of terrorism will not be tolerated and stressed that no stone should be left unturned in taking action against terrorists. The commanders were briefed in detail about the external and internal security situation with a particular focus on the flood situation and ongoing relief efforts being undertaken by army formations across the country. The forum under Bajwa undertook a comprehensive review of the security environment with a special focus on situations along the borders, internal security, and other professional matters of the army. (Naveed Siddiqui, “Resurgence of terrorism will not be tolerated: Army chief,” Dawn, 29 September 2022)

Editorial, Leaks gather on!
The Express Tribune, 29 September 2022
The audio leaks are back to back. This time the spotlight falls on former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and the much-contested cipher from Washington. The phenomenon suggests a serial in the making, and is certainly detrimental to national interests, as it categorically confirms the breach of security…Whatever may be the case, it looms large as a credibility crisis to our system, especially the policy-makers domain and the very edifice of the state.

Durdana Najam, The impact of Ishaq Dar’s return
The Express Tribune, 29 September 2022
What is left of democracy if void of the spirit of accountability? It hardly brought any relief when Nawaz Sharif was sent packing, when his prospect of becoming a third-time prime minister was clipped by a judicial disqualification order, and when the entire Sharif clan was pushed to the wall… The compass of investigation stopped at Ishaq Dar, thought of as the mastermind behind the scheme of things. He was subpoenaed and wanted in multiple cases, leading to charges of fraud, kickbacks, and misuse of the exchequer’s money. But, before the National Accountability Courts could lay its hand on the then-finance minister.

Inam Ul Haque, America through the eyes of Pakistanis
The Express Tribune, 29 September 2022
The relationship between America and Pakistan is based on mutual incomprehension and always has been. Pakistan to American eyes has gone from being a quirky irrelevance to a stabilizing friend, to an essential military ally, to a seedbed of terror. America to Pakistani eyes has been a guarantee of security, a coldly distant scold, an enthusiastic military enabler, and is now a threat to national security and a source of humiliation.

Rashad Bukhari, War of Narratives
Dawn, 29 September 2022
WITH support from the National Counter Terrorism Authority, the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of the International Islamic University launched a ‘national narrative’ in January 2018 that had the endorsement of prominent members of the clergy. The narrative was called ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’…The joint declaration and the decree, initially signed and endorsed by more than 1,800 ulema, have been acclaimed as a great step forward to stop terrorism in the name of jihad and implementation of the Sharia.

F.S Aijazuddin, The fifth Attempt
Dawn, 29 September 2022
Shehbaz Sharif has attained nirvana. Within the same fortnight, he has met President Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit at Samarkand, attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, been received by the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President David Malpass, and photographed sandwiched between US President Joe Biden and Mrs Jill Biden. Fate could not have beamed more broadly on him. This week he returned to Pakistan as Nawaz Sharif’s mole in Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet and as finance minister for an unprecedented fifth time. He is expected to apply his unique brand of Daronomics and rescue Paki­stan’s economy from its downward spiral. PML-N loyalists are convinced he can and will.

Maha Qasim, Climate and Health
Dawn, 29 September 2022
In the aftermath of the floods, hundreds of thousands of displaced people are living in makeshift camps next to stagnant water. Outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases, skin infections, respiratory tract infections, malaria and dengue are compounding existing health threats, including cholera, typhoid, measles, leishmaniasis, HIV and polio, and could lead to a full-scale health disaster. Critical health infrastructure such as Basic Health Units have been destroyed by the floods, limiting the access of flood-affected communities to primary healthcare.

Kamila Hayat, The return of Militancy
The News International, 29 September 2022
In 2014, and soon after that when the broad-based National Action Plan was worked out by all major political parties, the people of the country had real hope that the days of militancy would soon be over. For a period indeed, militancy seemed to be on the downtrend with fewer attacks and fewer bombings of scale seen in the past… There are reports and rumours and conjecture that militancy is rearing its head again. Analysts who have studied the problem believe that the return of the TTP is linked to the arrival of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, and that there may be links between the two with support from the Afghanistan side of the border.

Editorial, Imran’s Audio
The News International, 29 September 2022
There is a brand new audio 'leak' – this time featuring former prime minister Imran Khan supposedly in conversation with his then principal secretary about the 'foreign conspiracy' behind the vote of no-confidence. For months, the PTI has been repeating its 'foreign conspiracy' mantra: how the US and the PDM and 'powerful' quarters got together to overthrow an 'independent' Imran. The audio leak however twists the tale differently how Imran seemed to wish to 'play' the cipher to his advantage. Since the cipher is classified information, the plan, as it were, was apparently – per the leaked audio to somehow make the contents of the cipher part of government record by calling a meeting of the then foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and foreign secretary so that Qureshi could read out the contents of the letter which could then be converted into minutes of the meeting.

In Brief
INTERNAL
PML-N leader Ishaq Dar returns to Pakistan
On 26 September, PML-N leader Ishaq Dar returned to Pakistan after five years of self-exile. He is to take as Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Affairs, a position he has previously held on three occasions. On his arrival, he said, “I will try my best to fulfil all the responsibilities. We will try to take the country out of the economic swamp it is stuck in […] the way we did in 1998-1999 and 2013-2014.” Meanwhile, The News International reported that will become Leader of the House in the Senate as the members of the ruling alliance have accepted the proposal proposed by the incumbent leader of House Senator Azam Nazir Tarrar who is also federal minister for Law and Justice.

Additionally, a plea seeking the disqualification of Dar was withdrawn from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after the petitioner said that a higher forum to pursue the case would be approached. (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, “Dar to become Leader of House in Senate today,” The News International, 27 September 2022; Fahad Chaudhry, “Plea seeking Ishaq Dar’s disqualification withdrawn from ECP,” Dawn, 27 September 2022; Khaleeq Kiani, “Assurances from PM’s trip may ‘smooth over’ Dar’s return,” Dawn, 27 September 2022)

NSC to probe into audio leak controversy
On 26 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to determine how informal conversations in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) were leaked. Additionally, a joint investigation team (JIT) has been constituted to investigate this security breach as the Intelligence Bureau and Inter-Services Intelligence complete their initial inquiry into the matter, the finding of which will be presented to the prime minister in the NSC meeting. (Syed Irfan Raza, “NSC to hear from agencies on audio leak fiasco,” Dawn, 27 September 2022)

Flood damages estimated by the planning commission reach USD 28 billion
On 26 September, the Planning Commission of Pakistan estimated the cost of flood damages and losses at USD 28 billion, the fourth figure pitched by any Pakistani authority since devastating floods, as it also sees the reconstruction period spanning over 10 long years. This came at a time when a comprehensive post-damage and need assessment is underway in collaboration with the international financial institutions including the EU and UN. The development took place the day the PML-N brought back Ishaq Dar to steer the country out of the economic crisis, particularly by restoring the value of the rupee which recovered by Rs3 to a dollar on the news of Dar’s return. (Shahbaz Rana, “Planning Commission puts flood damages at $28b,” The Express Tribune, 27 September 2022)

No passport required from Maryam, NAB tells LHC
On 27 September, the National Accountability Bureau told the Lahore High Court that it did not require Maryam Nawaz’s passport that she had surrendered to the court for getting bail in a case. The bench had sought the NAB’s reply in the case at the last hearing after Maryam’s counsel had contended that she had remained in the bureau’s custody for 48 days but the anti-graft watchdog had failed to complete the investigation or file a reference before the trial court despite. He had also argued that Maryam willingly returned to Pakistan from the United Kingdom to serve her sentence in other NAB cases and had asked the court to return her passport so she could visit Nawaz Sharif, in London. The court then adjourned the hearing on Maryam’s plea till 3 October. (Rana Bilal, “Maryam’s passport not required, NAB tells LHC,” Dawn, 27 September 2022)

Transgender rights Law seeks amendments to be more effective in the society
On 27 September, Dawn reported that the transgender rights law, a bill seeking amendments to the 2018 legislation landed in the upper house of parliament. The bill moved by PTI sought amendments to the definitions of “gender expression” and “gender identity”. It also proposes to remove sub-section 4 of Section 3 that says “a transgender person already issued an identity card by Nadra shall be allowed to change the name and gender according to his or her self-perceived identity on the CNIC, CRC, driving license and passport in accordance with the provisions of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000.” The bill further claimed various lacunae and loopholes were observed in the law that needed to be addressed to transfer its benefits to the transgender community on priority. Moreover, it stated, the law did not conform to the principles and rules developed under Shariah for dealing with issues related to transgender persons in a Muslim society. (Iftikar A Khan, “Changes sought to make transgender rights law ‘more effective, worthwhile’,” Dawn, 27 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
On 26 September, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department in Washington. During the meeting, Blinken said, “We send a simple message. We are here for Pakistan, just as we were during past natural disasters, looking ahead to rebuild,” adding, “I also urged our colleagues to engage China on some of the important issues of debt relief and restructuring so that Pakistan can more quickly recover from the floods.” Further, Blinken announced another USD 10 million for food security assistance to Pakistan. Meanwhile, Bilawal urged President Joe Biden to look at “climate justice.” (Fahad Chaudhry, Blinken urges Pakistan to seek China debt relief after floods,” Dawn, 27 September 2022; Anwar Iqbal, “US to give $10m for food security assistance, says Blinken,” Dawn, 27 September 2022)

Pakistan to assent to the ILO conventions on health and safety
On 27 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan is considering ratifying two occupational safety and health conventions of International Labour Organisation (ILO) as part of its obligations to meet international standards. The agenda of ratifying according to a senior official in the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development is to have a national tripartite workshop on occupational safety and health that safe and healthy working conditions were fundamental to decent work and thus creating safe, healthy, and productive working environments were an increasingly important agenda for the socio-economic development in Pakistan. The workshop particularly discussed the ILO Fun­damental Conventions on Occupational Safety and Health Convention No 155 and the Promotional Fra­me­work for Occupational Safety and Health Conven­tion No 187. (Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan mulls assent to ILO conventions on health, safety,” Dawn, 27 September 2022)

ECONOMY
PKR gains Rs 3.32 against the dollar in Interbank
On 27 September, the Pakistani rupee extended its gains by PKR 3.32 against the dollar in the interbank market. The ‘Dar-jolt’ has strengthened the rupee but the underlying fundamental weakness remains. Larger economies are waging a reverse currency war with the intention to strengthen their currency against a strong king dollar. During Dar’s previous stint as the finance minister, the rupee-dollar parity was held at around 100. (Talqeen Zubairi, “‘Dar-jolt’: PKR jumps by Rs3.32 against dollar in interbank,” Dawn, 27 September 2022)
  
Concerns over raise in steel bars expressed by Senate Panel
On 23 September, the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production expressed concern over the increase in the prices of steel bars used in the construction industry, with its members recommending allowing its import to end cartelisation. The committee meeting, headed by its chairperson Khalida Ateeb, was informed that the price of steel bars increased from Rs100, 000 to Rs230, 000 per tonne. The members stressed the need for allowing the import of steel bars to end its cartelisation. During the meeting, the committee members raised the issue of an increase in own money on vehicles, pointing out unnecessary delays in the delivery of vehicles. The industry ministry's additional secretary informed the committee that the National Fertilizers Marketing Company Limited (NFMCL) was being merged with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The secretary said the NFMCL had sustained Rs73 million losses in the last financial year 2021-22, while another Rs140 million losses were sustained in the year before that. (“Senate panel expresses concern over raise in steel bars prices,” The Express Tribune, 27 September 2022)

Imtiaz Gul, Why Afghans are unhappy with Pakistan
The Express Tribune, 27 September 2022
Mistreatment of Afghan people and cargo on borders Torkham, Chamman, Nawanpass and Ghulam Khan in particular is the single largest source of disaffection, dislike and at times contempt for Pakistan as a whole. Every day, hundreds of negative stories take birth with the maltreatment of Afghans wanting to cross the border either way.

Dr.  Muhammad Babar Chohan, Is foreign aid good for Pakistan?
The Express Tribune, 27 September 2022
During a recent visit to Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that devastating floods had cost Pakistan $30 billion and wiped out houses, crops, businesses, roads, and bridges. As per media reports, nearly 1,600 people are dead, and more than 33 million homeless. In the wake of the current floods, housing affordability has further cratered in flood-affected areas. The issue is so serious that it demands a merit-based de novo appraisal of in situ policy planning and management.

Muhammad Hamid Zaman, Rebuilding and the limits of technology
The Express Tribune, 27 September 2022
It is no surprise that the front page of most newspapers no longer focuses on the continued devastation caused by the floods. Just as the water recedes, so does our attention span…The number of people dying from water-borne infection is staggering, the rates of spread of disease among the displaced are alarming by any standard, and the reports from the makeshift settlements speak of hunger, misery, and general neglect.

Aisha Khan, Race against time
Dawn, 27 September 2022
In November 2022, climate diplomacy will enter a critical phase with the convening of the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) with a call for political action to close the gap to 1.5 degrees Celsius in this decade. Egypt will host the conference with a view to building on previous successes and paving the way for future ambitions.

Arifa Noor, Three headlines, three crises
Dawn, 27 September 2022
The previous week began with high-profile UN meetings and international hobnobbing and ended with a judicial conference, audio leaks from the Prime Minister’s Office and an unsurprising change at the finance ministry. Stories were big and small but each one of them hinted at the real crisis of the state and governance if we could look beyond the headlines. In between the details of the news stories, which come and go rapidly, can be found hints of what really ails us. Here are three such stories and what they say about the crises we need to address.

Adrain A. Hussain, Wages of history
Dawn, 27 September 2022
The recurrent call for elections together with the proposed long march of the PTI chairman, in the teeth of the devastation of one-third of the country, is a case in point. Not only is it singularly ill-timed but smacks, all too blatantly, of political adventurism…There is, however, no longer room for opportunism or adventure or for improvising a future replete with potential hazard where conscionable thought and action alone can, properly, pass muster.

Mosharraf Zaidi, Daronomics vs Haqeeqi Azadi?
The News International, 27 September 2022
Shortly after his November 2014 visit to Islamabad, then Afghanistan president, Dr Ashraf Ghani sent his finance minister Dr Omar Zakhilwal to Islamabad to lay out a roadmap for a new economic partnership between Pakistan and Afghanistan…Why this anecdote is relevant today, nearly eight years later, has to do with Ishaq Dar’s imminent return to Pakistan as one of the most powerful people in Pakistan. Unlike the widely held impression of Dar as a monochromatic vassal of the Sharif Family, the reality is that Dar’s runs as finance minister have tended to be periods during which he has held enormous executive authority – de jure and de facto.

Editorial, Declining discourse
The News International, 27 September 2022
What happened on Sunday on the streets of London with Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb being accosted by PTI supporters cannot just be called heckling or harassment. Being followed by a mob of abusive hecklers would make the hardiest of political figures feel jittery. Not so Marriyum Aurangzeb who maintained dignity and composure on what could easily have become an incident of assault. This is not the first time Marriyum has been attacked like this by PTI trolls.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Audio clips surface of informal conversations between PM and cabinet officials
On 26 September, Dawn reported that a series of audio leaks that went viral on social media over the weekend has raised concerns over the security at the PM office. The audio leaks allegedly included conversations between key government figures including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and other members of the federal cabinet. Following the leak, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb denied these allegations and stated that these only showed that “nothing illegal had happened.” Meanwhile, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been ordered to investigate the issues. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Leaks reveal massive breach in security at PM Office,” Dawn, 26 September 2022; Umar Cheema, “IB investigates spying on PM House,” The News International, 26 September 2022)

UN satellite centres indicate the rise of flood waters in several districts
On 25 September, a preliminary assessment by the UN Satellite Centre indicated that floodwaters are increasing in some districts eight in Sindh, two in Balochistan, and one in Punjab. The situation report released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) compared the satellite data of 8-21 September. However, floodwaters appear to be receding or stagnating in other parts of the country. OCHA said that standing floodwaters and other impacts resulted in an increase in waterborne diseases, unsanitary conditions, and rising malnutrition in the flood-affected areas. (Amin Ahmed, “Floodwaters rising in some districts: UN,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: JUI-F to decide on joining provincial coalition government or not in 24 hours, says provincial head
On 25 September, JUI-F provincial head Maulana Abdul Wasay stated that the party would take a decision to join the provincial coalition government or not in the next 24 hours. This comes as the party’s central leadership gave the go-ahead to its provincial chapter on the grounds that the conditions are met. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo stated that the JUI-F had conveyed its stance and conditions to Balochistan for joining the six-party cabinet and that the decision would be made in two days. (Saleem Shahid, “JUI-F position on Balochistan cabinet to be clear in 24 hours: Maulana Abdul Wasay,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

Balochistan: Six soldiers killed in a helicopter crash
On 26 September, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that six Pakistan Army officials, were killed in a helicopter crash during a flying mission near Khost in Harnai, Balochistan. Previously, in August a Pakistan Army helicopter with six people on board lost contact with the air traffic control in Balochistan’s Lasbela district following which the wreckage was found a day later. On the incidents, PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry said that the helicopter flying was getting dangerous, adding that this required “engineering evaluation.” (Naveed Siddiqui, “6 Pakistan Army officials martyred in Harnai helicopter crash: ISPR,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

Islamabad: Wildlife in Margalla Hills begin to reclaim the preservation area in the hills
On 25 September, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWM) Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan while speaking to Dawn stated that the wildlife in Margalla Hills has started to reclaim the preservation area in the hills. He said, “Porcupines, Khalij pheasants, foxes, and wild boars roam freely, which used to be unusual because under ‘normal circumstances’ there would be traffic [in the area] that pushed the wildlife into the bushes.” (Jamal Shahid, “Wildlife reclaiming preservation area in Margalla Hills,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

Two soldiers killed in IED blast in North Waziristan
On 25 September, two soldiers of the Pakistan Army were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in the General Area Esham of the North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), a statement of ISPR said. Last week, a Pakistan Army soldier was killed while thwarting a terrorist attack from Afghanistan in the bordering Dwatoi area of North Waziristan district. In a separate operation on 22-23 September, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation over the suspected presence of a high-profile terrorist in the Charbagh area of the Swat district. (“Two soldiers martyred in IED blast,” The Express Tribune, 26 September 2022)

ECONOMY
Ishaq Dar to replace Miftah Ismail as the finance minister
On 25 September, Miftah Ismail resigned as the finance minister in line with the party’s decision, and Ishaq Dar is set to step into his shoes. Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif discussed the country’s ongoing situation and measures taken by the sitting coalition government in a huddle in London. Former finance minister Ishaq Dar, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Miftah Ismail, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, and Ahad Cheema attended the meeting. On the occasion, Miftah Ismail tendered his resignation to Nawaz Sharif and thanked the party leadership for providing him with the opportunity to serve the country as finance minister and said that he diligently served the country during his four-month brief tenure. (“Dar set to be finance minister as Miftah bows out,” The News International, 26 September 2022)

Rupee gains PKR 4.15 against USD
On 26 September, the Pakistani rupee recovered strongly against the dollar in the interbank market as being traded at Rs235.5 per dollar. Financial analysts have linked the pushback against the US dollar in the recent announcement of PML-N leader Ishaq Dar’s return to Pakistan and to take over as finance minister. Another reason was a decline in international crude oil prices which had led to expectations of a dip in the import bill, and consequently, the trade deficit. Analysts also pointed that spirited support and call from international financial institutions to help Pakistan to deal with the floods. (Talqeen Zubairi, “PKR surges by Rs4.15 against dollar in interbank,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

World Bank advises Pakistan to transition from AC to DC fans
On 26 September, Dawn reported that the World Bank advised the government to transition towards DC fans, gradually phase out AC fans, and conduct a thorough assessment of the industry to determine market impacts caused by the move. In its report, titled “Supporting the manufacturing in Pakistan of high-quality DC fans”, the report said DC space-cooling fans are widely recognized for their superior energy efficiency and better overall performance than AC fans. The energy efficiency advantage is especially relevant for Pakistan, where electric fans are the prevalent technology for space cooling. This will provide the technical basis for the government to adopt national standards through the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority and the National Energy Efficiency and Conserva­tion Authority. (Amin Ahmed, “WB wants Pakistan to shift to DC fans,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
Resources are lacking compared to the 2010 situation, says US State Department Counsellor
On 26 September, The News International reported that US State Department Counsellor Derek Chollet speaking to the BBC said the reason for the reduction in US aid during the recent floods in contrast to the 2010 floods is not Pakistan-US relations but a lack of resources. He explained, “At the time, the US Congress had allocated billions of dollars for the welfare of the people in Pakistan in recognition of the efforts made in the context of the Afghan war. But we don’t have those resources now.” Chollet said the UN Secretary-General was also in Pakistan during his presence and he had also made it clear that more assistance would be provided. “In the coming days, the World Bank will present its analysis of the floods in Pakistan, which will indicate what Pakistan especially needed.”(“We lack 2010-like resources to help Pakistan: US State Dept,” The News International, 26 September 2022)

Pakistan and US to have bilateral talks to resume institutionalized engagement
On 26 September, Pakistan and Washington will hold ministerial-level talks indicating willingness on part of both sides to resume institutionalized engagement after a long absence. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will hold in-person talks with Antony Blinken. Bilawal would also have a separate meeting with State Department’s Special Rep­re­sentative for Commercial and Business Affairs Dilawar Syed, reflecting a mutual desire to deepen trade ties between the two old allies. (Anwar Iqbal, “US, Pakistan re-engage to cope with floods, rebuild ties,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

Dubai Port Chief donates USD 2.5 million to Army Relief Fund
On 25 September, the Dubai Port World Sheikh Ahmed Sultan Bin Sulayem during a meeting with Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed relief efforts in the wake of devastating floods and all that can be done on the road to recovery for Pakistan. The officials committed to raising the issue of climate justice for Pakistan at the world forums. The COAS thanked Sheikh Sultan for his valuable and timely support and discussed matters of economic development in Pakistan. (“Dubai Port chief meets COAS, donates $2.5m to relief fund,” Dawn, 26 September 2022)

Pakistan assures maximum support to Qatari businessmen investing in Pakistan
On 26 September, The Express Tribune reported on the meeting between Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Qatari envoy to Pakistan. Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Al-Thani met Chairman Ahmed at the FBR Headquarters and discussed matters of mutual interest related to customs, trade facilitation and taxation. The FBR chief assured him that maximum facilities will be provided to Qatari businessmen investing in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan values Qatar's cooperation, especially in the fields of education and health, and is keen on bilateral cooperation. (“Qatar investors promised ‘maximum facilities’,” The Express Tribune, 26 September 2022)

Maleeha Lodhi, Peril and paralysis
Dawn, 26 September 2022
The pandemic saw a telling lack of global solidarity. The cooperation deficit on such shared challenges and other key areas further weakened multilateralism…Faced with a world in peril, the bigger question is whether developed states and big powers can transcend their divisions and rivalries to deal with shared challenges. In spite of Guterres’ clarion call to “act as one”, it is hard to be hopeful on that count.

Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Time for a new beginning
Dawn, 26 September 2022
Perceived ‘interference’ in political and electoral matters may also need to be discussed. The objective of the engagement should be that both the political leadership and the establishment end up strictly abiding by the roles demarcated for them in the Constitution. With the next general election due within a year and a new military leadership about to take charge, this may be the right time to start conceptualising and preparing to address issues relating to civil-military relations like a mature society.

Tasneem Noorani, Hold on tight
Dawn, 26 September 2022
Whom should one blame? Our politicians, bureaucracy, businessmen, the army whose think tanks and individuals’ ambitions have not been able to steady the ship through political engineering? Their engineering skills have worsened matters. With no easy answers, this may be the time to hold on to your seats like one does while flying in turbulent weather and hope you emerge in one piece to enjoy a smoother flight later.

Editorial, Debt deferment
Dawn, 26 September 2022
It is true that had Pakistan taken steps to strengthen its economy over the years, matters might not have been as precarious as they are today. And yet, at this time, Pakistan’s debt should be deferred, swapped and forgiven. Helping Pakistan get back on its feet won’t be possible without outside help.

Editorial, Relic of colonialism
Dawn, 26 September 2022
Given that life imprisonment is the maximum punishment stipulated for sedition, that makes it a formidable weapon with which to beat down today’s recalcitrant ‘natives’. Fortunately, the courts have taken a lenient view and anyone being prosecuted under the section has been acquitted at some point.

Nauman Ahmad Bhatti, Transgender rights are human rights
The News International, 26 September 2022
Choosing to identify oneself based on one’s choice of masculine or feminine genders is what this law is all about… Having said this, every law, including this one, must be protected from being abused. Various additions are still required to make it comprehensive. Those criticizing the law by citing their concerns must realize that just like any other act, this law will evolve as well. More gender experts must be consulted to make a vivid sense of the law.

Editorial, Security breach
The News International, 26 September 2022
If secrets are up for sale, no one can be sure of their immunity from bugs, hacks and leaks. The fact is that such audio leaks do not favour anyone or any political party, and only a transparent and committed investigation should be the way forward. In an age where confidential information should be the most sacrosanct of assets for a state, there cannot be any justification for such a security lapse. Both state and government need to work together in ensuring matters related to Pakistan’s security or politics don’t end up hacked or online.

Labour rights
The News International, 26 September 2022
If Pakistan is to go towards the path of development, it is the worker that must be considered its backbone. The state needs to ensure that workers get a right to collective bargaining as well as their due rights – which includes workplace safety. Many promises have been made to strengthen labour inspections in Pakistan – but this is not an issue that can be tackled without a public campaign led by the highest officials in the country.

Kamran Yousaf, Climate catastrophe and polarised Pakistan
The Express Tribune, 26 September 2022
In 10 days, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held as many as 40 meetings with world leaders and heads of international financial institutions and other organisations…On the sidelines, he held at least 11 bilateral meetings including with the Presidents of Russia, China and Iran. Engagement with Russia in particular was of greater significance given that the Moscow-Islamabad relationship has remained the focus of the domestic political situation.

 Shakeel Ahmad Shah, Policy insights on Disaster Risk Reduction
The Express Tribune, 26 September 2022
What Pakistan recently witnessed in the form of floods sweeping away almost everything is a visible effect of climate change. But if one digs deeper into the milieu, one will be able to see the wrongs beyond climate change which have led to massive destruction. The devastation has actually to do with governance. It is not the first time that massive floods have hit Pakistan.

In Brief
INTERNAL
PM Shehbaz Sharif appeals to the world to undo ‘climate injustice’
On 23 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while addressing the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly urged the world to undo the ‘climate injustice’ done to countries like Pakistan that make little contribution to global warming but face its worst consequences. He said, “Why are my people paying the price of such high global warming through no fault of their own?” adding, “Nature has unleashed her fury on Pakistan without looking at our carbon footprint, which is next to nothing. Our actions did not contribute to this.” He added, “The undeniable and inconvenient truth is that this calamity has not been triggered by anything we have done,” warning, “Now, we live through an unprecedented monster monsoon. It is literally a monsoon on steroids, as the UN secretary-general described it most befittingly. One thing is very clear: what happened in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan.”

Further, on the region, he said: “We look for peace with all our neighbours, including India. Sustainable peace and stability in South Asia, however, remains contingent upon a just and lasting solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari while speaking to journalists at a news conference at UN said that Pakistan was looking for realistic justice for the climate-induced disasters it is facing, not reparations. He said, “We are not actively seeking climate reparations,” adding, “No one has thus far been successful in getting reparations. It’s a tall ask. We are seeking realistic climate justice.” (Anwar Iqbal, “PM Shehbaz urges world to undo ‘climate injustice’,” Dawn, 24 September 2022; “Pakistan seeks climate justice, not damages, says Bilawal,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)

“Thieves” are ruling the country and getting their cases quashed, says Imran Khan
On 24 September, The News International reported that Imran Khan claimed that “thieves” were ruling the country and getting their cases quashed. He said, “Your politics is worship because you do not do it for yourself but for the nation. It is just as women of occupied Kashmir come out of their homes to protest despite difficulties and oppression. A slave nation can never stand up; slaves can only become good slaves. If you spread your hands in front of the world, no one will respect you.” (“‘Thieves’ ruling country, getting their cases quashed: Imran,” The News International, 24 September 2022)

Amendments in NAO 1999, discharge of proceedings to be initiated for Nawaz
On 24 September, Dawn reported that an accountability court has been asked to discharge its proceedings against Nawaz Sharif in reference to the illegal allotment of plots to Jang group editor-in-chief Mir Shakilur Rehman under new amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO)1999. The applicants, through their counsel Qazi Misbahaul Haq, stated the bureau, after the amendment, could not prosecute an alleged offence involving money less than Rs500 million. They said the amount of the alleged offence was Rs 143 Million in the reference in question, which did not fall in the NAB jurisdiction. The applicants had already challenged the auction of the properties supposedly owned by Sharif. They also claimed ownership of the assets ordered to be auctioned by the court. They said the assets had been transferred to them being lawful legal heirs of the owners. (“New amendments to NAO 1999: Discharge of proceedings against Nawaz sought in plots allotment case,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Literacy rate declines even after investment in the sector
On 24 September, Dawn reported that the literacy rate of Peshawar is still declining even after spending millions of rupees on education. The rate declined from 57 per cent to 55 per cent in 2019-20 from 2018-19. The revelation was made by the elementary and secondary education department in a statement submitted to the provincial assembly’s secretariat in response to the question of opposition members. The query did not come under discussion as the sitting was adjourned due to a lack of quorum. The official reply to the question did not give the survey report on the literacy rate but stated that the number of children who drop out of school aged 5-16 was 30 per cent of the total minor population and they included 40 percent of girls. (“Kp’s literacy rate declines, PA told,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)

Sindh: Flood water rising in different parts of district after relief cut
On 23 September, floodwaters were constantly and rapidly receding in different parts of Dadu district because of the official ‘relief cut’ applied at the RD-14 dyke to ease the immense pressure on Manchhar Lake and many breaches in canals and tributaries. Nathan Shah town is still under eight-foot-deep water through flood waters that had receded by four feet over the last few days. Under the supervision of district administration, laborers with the help of desperate residents, widened the breach of Johi branch dyke at Kali Mori. A few families trapped by floodwaters around Mehar held a demonstration at Ghanta Ghar Chowk for relief goods. They said they badly needed medical assistance and medicines for their nears and dears suffering from different diseases. (“Sindh’s KN Shah still under eight-foot floodwaters; boats only mean of transport,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)

Balochistan: Two ‘IS militants' killed in Khuzdar
On 23 September, the provincial counterterrorism department (CTD) said two “most wanted terrorists” of the militant Islamic State (IS) group were killed after both sides exchanged fire during an intelligence-based operation in the Sorgaz area of Khuzdar district. The department found a large quantity of arms and ammunition during the operation. (Saleem Shahid, “Two ‘IS militants’ killed in Khuzdar,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)

JUDICIARY
Political issues should be resolved, says CJP
On 23 September, Umar Ata Bandial called for dialogue to settle all political issues and emphasized that progress can only be made if all political parties followed the established democratic practices and performed their respective roles in parliament under the Constitution. The CJP emphasized while speaking on the role of judiciary in maintaining rule of law and upholding the supremacy of the Constitution at the 9th International Judicial Conference at the Supreme Court said, “A purely political impasse does not have a legal solution; it can only be resolved through dialogue between political leaders and their parties,” (Nasir Iqbal, “CJP Bandial urges dialogue to solve political issues,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)

ECONOMY
SPI deaccelerates for the third straight week
On 22 September, data from the weekly release of the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed that SPI dipped 8.1 per cent compared to the previous week, mainly on the back of a decline in the prices of food items like tomatoes, bananas and cooking oil. In the previous few weeks, the annual change in weekly inflation was recorded at 40.6 per cent (for the week ended on 15 September), 42.7 per cent (8 September), 45.5 per cent (1 September), 44.6 per cent (25 August), and 42.3 per cent (18 August). The government has projected a modest inflationary annual target of 11.5pc for the ongoing fiscal year. Independent economists estimate inflation to remain around 25 per cent to 30 per cent. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Weekly inflation decelerates,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)
 
SBP introduces cheques for outward remittances
On 23 September, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) amended regulations to strengthen the foreign exchange regime to encourage customers to use banking channels. All foreign currency purchases or outward remittances of USD 2,000 or above will be now conducted through cheques. (“Cheques for outward remittances,” Dawn, 24 September 2022)
 
Pakistan seeking debt relief from "multilateral lenders," says Miftah
On 23 September, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail clarified in a tweet that said, “Given the climate-induced disaster in Pakistan, we are seeking debt relief from bilateral Paris Club creditors. We are neither seeking nor do we need, any relief from commercial banks or Eurobond creditors. We have a $1 bn bond due in December, which we will pay on time in full. We have been servicing all our commercial debts and will continue to do so. Our Eurobond debt is only $8 bn due between now & 2051. That’s not a large burden. A significant portion of our debt is from friendly countries who have said they will re-roll their deposits.” The minster also denied rumors on debt cancellation from IMF or World Bank. However, minister pointed that Pakistan has sought relaxation in targets from the IMF under the existing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, reduction in Fuel Price Adjustments and clubbing the next two tranches for getting financial space. The minister said that in the aftermath of severe floods, the macroeconomic situation changed altogether whereby exports might be reduced while imports might be increased, creating difficulties for the country to manage its external financing. The country might require to import more products from the agriculture sector such as wheat and cotton mainly because of the devastating effects of super floods. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan seeking debt relief from Paris Club creditors: Miftah,” The News International, 24 September 2022)

Pervez Hoodbhoy, PTI: water car of politics
Dawn, 24 September 2022
Imran Khan’s water kit is as unworkable as Agha Waqar’s. One violates the laws of physics and the other defies commonsense. All bubbles eventually burst and so will PTI’s. But when and how this will happen, none can say. If we are lucky, Pakistan will recover from the explosion to come. But if not, then terrible times lie ahead.

Bina Shah, What women need
Dawn, 24 September 2022
Sensitivity and respect are very important to help women survive these times with dignity. But now may be the best time to teach these women and girls about menstrual hygiene and about how their bodies work, empowering them in unexpected ways.

Editorial, Post-flood economy
Dawn, 24 September 2022
Chances are Pakistan will secure some additional multilateral financing. But that isn’t the solution to the current crisis. It’s time the world stepped forward to provide debt relief to prevent the economy from collapsing.

Aasiya Riaz, Who makes decisions in Pakistan?
The News International, 24 September 2022
Our democratic paradox is that while we should be focussing more and more on how to make institutional decision-making inclusive by including voices from young citizens and other segments of society, we are still grappling with the effects of a small group of elites making national decisions for democratic legitimacy.

Munir Ahmed, Cleaning K2
The News International, 24 September 2022
The damage to the mountain ecosystems will be unprecedented. The government should take the necessary steps to manage and control the situation. It must strengthen the relevant institutions and departments before it is too late.

Return to parliament
The News International, 24 September 2022
There can be no way forward out of this crisis until all political stakeholders sit on the negotiating table and resolve issues like the date of the next elections, electoral reforms, the role of the ECP and other issues. At some point, the PTI must realize that it cannot always depend on support from interventions. Supremacy of parliament means supremacy of the people; handing it over voluntarily is why politics stand where it does today.

Azhar Azam, Road to BRI
The Express Tribune, 24 September 2022
Contrary to the capitalist ideologues’ diffusion that projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are driven by China’s grand vision to expand its global footprint and influence on the governments of other countries, they meet critical development requirements of the partner nations and help foster their economic growth and alleviate poverty.

 Editorial, PM in New York
The Express Tribune, 24 September 2022
 Prime minister Shahbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have been pleading with the world leaders in New York to help Pakistan recover from most devastating floods ever in the history…The meeting with Biden was not one to one limiting the value of possible discussion topics, but it was helpful to the effect that it did elicit an assurance from the leader of the world's superpower on extending help for flood marooned population of Pakistan.

In Brief
INTERNAL
UN to hold a donors’ conference to raise funds for Pakistan
On 23 September, Dawn reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that he plans to hold a donors’ conference to raise funds for Pakistan’s flood victims. PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that while the date of the proposed donors’ conference had not yet been finalised, “it will be held soon.” On 22 September, PM Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated an exhibition of pictures from the flood-affected areas at the UN Secretariat Lobby, which also included videos showing the flood's devastation from various angles. (Anwar Iqbal, “UN to hold donors’ conference: PM,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

IHC defers contempt proceedings against Imran Khan
On 22 September, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) deferred a contempt proceeding against Imran Khan. The court made this decision after Imran Khan expressed willingness to apologise to Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry. Previously, the IHC initiated contempt proceedings against Imran Khan for his statement against Judge Chaudhry, who had approved PTI leader Shahbaz Gill’s physical remand in a sedition case, at a public rally in Islamabad’s F-9 Park on 20 August. (Haseeb Bhatti, “'Won't happen again': Imran Khan dodges contempt indictment after month-late apology to judge,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

Meanwhile, on 22 September, Imran Khan announced that he will enter Islamabad with “full preparations” claiming that the interior minister will not find a place to hide if he resorts to violence against peaceful marchers. He said, “We were not fully ready on May 25 when Rana Sanaullah used massive teargas shelling against PTI women and children because we intended to hold a peaceful long march on the federal capital.” Additionally, Imran Khan also administered oaths to a staggering over 5,000 newly inducted party office-bearers and directed them to prepare for his next plan of action. (Ikram Junaidi, “Coming ‘fully prepared’ this time around, Imran warns govt,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

No food shortage in Pakistan, says NFRCC
On 23 September, the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) said that there was no shortage of food items in the country, adding that wheat stocks were also sufficient amid fears that cataclysmic rains had devastated agricultural crops. In the latest update, the forum said, “A huge stock of wheat for the next six months is available along with the strategic reserve which is sufficient till next harvesting season.” The NFRCC further said that the country has a sufficient stock of food and sustenance items and measures have been taken to further enhance the capacity. (Naveed Siddiqui, Imtiaz Ali, “Top flood response body insists no shortage of food in Pakistan,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

World Bank plans to provide flood-related support of 1.7 billion USD
On 22 September, the World Bank said that it planned to provide flood-related support of up to 1.7 billion USD through existing and new projects, while financial support of 22.2 million USD would be provided for the rehabilitation of flood-affected farmers. Pakistan also requested the bank to explore additional funding, keeping in view medium to long-term requirements for reconstruction purposes. World Bank's Regional Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser said, “This could be in form of strengthening of social security programs, new emergency operations to help in rehabilitation and long-term resilience efforts.” He also approved the request of the department to recruit technical staff for the surveillance of locust outbreaks and diseases. He warned that the recent floods and rains increased the chances of another locust attack. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan asks WB to divert $2bn funds to flood-hit areas,” The News International, 23 September 2022; “World Bank pledges up to $1.7 b in flood relief,” The Express Tribune, 23 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Waterborne diseases spread despite fumigation and maintenance in Karachi
On 22 September, the municipal bodies claimed to have covered 60 to 70 per cent of Karachi in the ongoing fumigation drive that would continue till December, while the spike in cases of dengue and malaria in the city showed no significant decline. The anti-mosquito drive could not yield the required results as yet because ponds and puddles of stagnant water and sewage on the streets and inside the localities were yet to be removed. (Tahir Siddiqui, “Dengue cases on the rise in Karachi as fumigation yet to yield required results,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

Balochistan: Dengue and malaria on the rise in the province
On 21 September, four malaria-related deaths were reported in Jafferabad as thousands of other people, mostly children, were suffering from malaria, diarrhoea, and other waterborne diseases. (Saleem Shahid, “Four malaria-related deaths reported in Balochistan's Jafferabad, Dawn, 23 September 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Over 300 cases of dengue were recorded in seven districts
On 23 September, the health department during a meeting with the Chief Secretary revealed that the department was facing an uphill task of eliminating mosquitoes for the prevention of dengue fever as the number of districts with the presence of larvae has increased from five to seven. This comes as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 363 new dengue cases. (Ashfaq Yusufzai, “Over 360 new dengue cases recorded in seven districts,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

Government rejects criticism of transgender bill
On 22 September, the Minister for Lawn Azam Nazeer Tarar rejected the criticisms against the Transgender Persons Act (Protection of Right) Act. He stated that “some friends” has created a misconception that the law had opened a door for homosexuality and was offensive to Islamic injunctions. This statement came in response to the recent criticisms raised by a section of society including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman who stated that it was against Islamic injunctions. He said, “Our team is busy preparing a draft which will be tabled in the assembly soon. No law that is against the spirit of Quran and Sunnah will be allowed to be passed as the parliament has no right to pass any bill that runs counter to the Quran and Sunnah.” (“Govt rejects criticism on transgender bill, says linking it to homosexuality is ‘misconception’,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
New aid package for flood victims by EU
On 22 September, the head of the European Commission said that the continental bloc would “come forward with new humanitarian aid in the coming weeks” to support the people of Pakistan, currently reeling under the devastating floods. Ursula von der Leyen met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Various matters of bilateral interest, including the ongoing floods, were discussed in the meeting. (“EU preparing ‘new aid package’ for flood victims,” The Express Tribune, 23 September 2022)

Pakistan, Iraq agrees to start ferry service between Karachi and Basra
On 22 September, in order to help Pakistani zaireen (pilgrims) for visiting Arbaeen (Chehlum) of Hazrat Imam Hussain Mosque in Karbala, Pakistan and Iraq agreed to start a ferry service between Basra and Karachi. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta. (“Pakistan, Iraq agree to start ferry service between Karachi and Basra,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

ECONOMY
ADB downgrades Pakistan’s growth forecast to 3.5 per cent
On 21 September, connecting the country’s medium-term prospects to the restoration of political stability and uninterrupted implementation of the IMF programme, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) brought down its growth forecast for Pakistan’s economy to 3.5 per cent, from 4.5 per cent projected in April. In its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2022 Update, the Manila-based multilateral lending agency also noted Pakistan’s inflation rate going up to 18 per cent for the current fiscal year against its previous forecast of 8.5 per cent made in April. It warned that the potential economic consequences of the recent severe floods heighten the already significant risks to the outlook, including the elevated inflation rate, possible fiscal slippage as general elections approach, and a higher-than-projected increase in global food and energy prices. The ADB said inflation was expected to accelerate in FY23 as new tax measures announced in the budget, together with an increase in the wheat support price and planned upward adjustments to electricity tariffs, are expected to keep inflationary pressures high. The year-on-year consumer price index inflation rate was at 24.9 per cent in July 2022.

Separately, on 22 September, ADB also approved a USD 100 million loans to improve the quality of secondary health care in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The programme will improve the delivery of health services at secondary hospitals by modernising infrastructure and equipment. (Khaleeq Kiani, “ADB cuts Pakistan growth forecast to 3.5pc,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

 Pakistan Stock Exchange earnings are down 42 per cent
On 23 September, Dawn reported that as per a regulatory filing the company’s annual revenue decreased 0.7 per cent to PKR 1.4 billion. The net profit of PSX Ltd for 2021-22 amounted to PKR 398.7 million, down 42.7 per cent from the preceding year. However, the filing did not declare any dividend. (“PSX earnings down 42pc,” Dawn, 23 September 2022)

Regressive update
The News International, 23 September 2022
The only way to avoid that eventuality is to add more resources to the mix not just to help with economic stabilization but also to avert the colossal human catastrophe brewing in the wake of the floods. The onus to pull those feats off remains on the World Bank Group – including the IMF. This is basically why the ADO Update assuming zero mobilization of such resources over the whole of the coming fiscal comes off as jarringly regressive.

Editorial, An apology
The News International, 23 September 2022
Imran’s politics has been erratic of late but to those reading frustration there is a word of caution by political observers who see a method to the madness, a sort of calculated erraticism. The PTI may have been caught in a bind the past few months but it has had a plan all along – discredit both the PDM government and state institutions; use aggression and reconciliation as potent tools; know when to threaten and when to take a hasty step back.

Ishrat Husain, Economic prospects of Gilgit-Baltistan : Part - I
The News International, 23 September 2022
Small farmers are given micro loans for agriculture inputs to increase the yields and small entrepreneurs to sustain and expand their businesses. Local Support Organizations (LSOs) provide technical support to community organizations. Compared to the top-down government sponsored projects, those undertaken by the local community organizations are cost effective and are also well maintained by the COs.

Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Foreign affairs strategy
The News International, 23 September 2022
In our 75-year national history, the interest of Pakistan has never been prioritized on the diplomatic front. No doubt, overcoming our internal problems should be our first priority for the country’s progress, but the foreign front also needs our full attention. India has achieved the goal of economic prosperity due to its successful diplomatic policies.

Shahid Mehmood, Why do we go to the IMF?
Dawn, 23 September 2022
The way out of our dollar cash-flow troubles lies in greater global integration and trade, promoting competition and developing our human capital base. For a change, take the government out of business and let Schumpeterian creative destruction prevail on a level playing field.

Aqdas Afzal, Collapse of civilisations
Dawn, 23 September 2022
Reconstruction will require continuous public expenditure for years. Where such a huge fiscal outlay is going to bring Pakistan’s finances under severe stress, massive crop losses, especially cotton, will create additional pressures on the current account, exchange rate and fuel prices.

Editorial, Timely remorse
Dawn, 23 September 2022
Whatever Mr Khan wants, he must demand civilly and while remaining within the bounds of the law. He will be well within his rights to do so. The government, too, would be well-advised not to resort to high-handed tactics in its zeal to block Mr Khan’s pursuit of his ambitions.

Editorial, Miranda Warning
Dawn, 23 September 2022
There is no mention of it in the PPC or the CrPC. While the Police Order 2002, under which the Punjab Police functions, does stipulate penalties against police officers who inflict “violence or torture” upon anyone in their custody, there is no definition of torture, which is a critical omission. Lawmakers must step up to make torture unacceptable, with severe repercussions for those who resort to it.

 Editorial, Politics of Empathy
The Express Tribune, 23 September 2022
The fact that Khan realized the gravity of the situation and bowed before the law hints at the bigger picture that the PTI is viewing by shunning unnecessary litigation against its leadership…it is incumbent upon the government and the opposition to step back from speaking through the media, and strike a chord of empathy.

 Editorial, ADB forecast
The Express Tribune, 23 September 2022
The devastating floods will likely cancel out most of the economic growth in the current fiscal year…However, the ADB revised down its growth estimate even further in its new report, reducing it by a whole percentage point to just 3.5 per cent and preparing a “package of relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction”, which will have immediate and long-term support targets, unfortunately, on its own, it will only soften the blow of the floods.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Imran Khan announces PTI's movement for "Haqeeqi Azaadi"
On 21 September, Imran Khan announced that the PTI's movement for "Haqeeqi Azaadi" (actual freedom) would being on 24 September. He said, "I will give a call and we will get our country liberated in real terms." This announcement comes as Imran Khan consistently demanded that a date for "fair and free" snap elections be provided, failing which he would take to the streets against the incumbent government. Additionally, this comes as the government beefed up security arrangements in Red Zone areas of Islamabad, saying that “some people were headed towards Islamabad to have their political demands accepted. (“Imran to launch 'Haqeeqi Azadi' movement on Saturday,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

Public Accounts Committee asks Nadra to remove dual nationals from ‘sensitive positions’
On 21 September, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly asked the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to remove dual nationals from ‘sensitive positions.’ The committee raised concern over high-ranking officials in sensitive positions despite having the nationality of other countries. Additionally, the committee asked the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions to confine Afghan refugees to camps and repatriate them. (Jamal Shahid, “Public Accounts Committee seeks removal of dual nationals from key posts,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

Flood crisis gets attention in the UNGA session appealing to world leaders to help Pakistan
On 21 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community to stay engaged with Islamabad as it struggles to recover from the devastating effects of this season’s unprecedented floods, Joe Biden made a fervent appeal to the world to help Pakistan deal with the devastation of the recent floods in his speech to the UN General Assembly. Biden further said, “Much of Pakistan is still underwater, and needs help,” while highlighting the impact of the changing climate on the world.PM Sharif met with world leaders and appraised them of the flood crisis and the country is keen to build partnerships on trade and economy with the rest of the world to rebuild the country. (Amin Ahmed, “UN to revise appeal amid fears of inadequate funding,” Dawn, 22 September 2022; Anwar Iqbal, “Biden urges world to help ‘underwater’ Pakistan,” Dawn, 22 September 2022; “leaders of flood crisis in Pakistan on sidelines of UNGA session,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

Farmers calls off protests after successful talks with government
On 21 September, the farmers called off their protests after the successful talks between the representatives of Kissan Ittehad and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah. According to a press note, a meeting would be arranged between the representatives and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This comes as the farmers held protests against the increase in utility bills, taxes and urea price. (Munawer Azeem, “Talks between protesting farmers, govt successful,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

FIA to present proposals to improve its cyber wing performance
On 21 September, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication directed the Federal Investigation Agency to present proposals in the next meeting for improving its cyber wing performance after it was informed that cybercrime soared by 83 per cent in the last three years. The panel which met the chair expressed grave concern over the negative propaganda and campaigns being run against politicians, journalists, and institutions on social media and the harassment of elected representatives and their families. The committee emphasized the capacity-building of the staff working in the FIA cybercrime wing, recommending that the federal government should take immediate steps to appoint permanent, competent, and experienced officers in the cybercrime wing and ensure the provision of all necessary resources. (“Cybercrime soars 83% in 3 years, NA panel told,” The Express Tribune, 22 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Military action gets opposition by Jirga
On 21 September, the participants of a peace Jirga rejected the formation of peace bodies or raising any armed Lashkar to tackle the existing law and order situation in Khyber. The Jirga also opposed any military operation in Tirah where some militant groups had recently resurfaced. The participants of the Jirga said that majority of the locals were not willing to vacate their houses. Local elders, representatives of political parties, and activists of civil society organizations attended the Jirga. Taking serious notice of the insecurity in the region, they said that they would not allow anybody to disturb the peace of Bara and Tirah in particular and the entire Khyber in general. (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Khyber jirga rejects peace bodies, opposes military action in Tirah,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

Sindh: Increase in crime rates are pulling down business and investors, says Karachi AIG
 On 22 September, Dawn reported the Karachi Additional Inspector General Javed Odho in his recent visit to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the business community was shooting itself in the foot by raising concern over the incidence of crime in the city. He further said why investors would come to the city with such claims around the rounds by justifying the uptick in the incidence of street crime. Police efforts had managed to bring crimes under control. (Imtiaz Ali, “Situationer: Behind the numbers of Karachi’s crime conundrum,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

ECONOMY
CAD reduces by 41 per cent on a monthly basis
On 21 September, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) shared data on monthly indicators of the current fiscal year and showed that Pakistan’s current account deficit (CAD) fell to USD 0.7 billion in August, compared to USD 1.2 billion in the previous month. SBP data showed the balance of trade in goods and services also declined by 0.54pc month-on-month to USD 3.98 billion. Pakistan posted a massive current account deficit of USD 17.3 billion in the previous fiscal year, or a monthly average of USD 1.44 billion. (“Current account deficit narrows to $0.7bn,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

SBP agrees to clear import invoice up to USD 50,000
On 21 September, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) stated that the central bank has agreed, in principle, to at least release all payments in the range of USD 50,000 or less. Following import restrictions, many invoices of imports were delayed and caused suffering. A spokesperson of FPCCI said: “Authorities should have been meticulously selective in implementation of the restrictions to only luxury items; which, in turn, would have saved the business community millions of dollars in demurrages, container charges and lost export orders.” (“SBP agrees to clear import invoices up to $50,000: FPCCI,” The News International, 22 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
Japan defers debt for third time for an amount of USD 160 million under DSSI
On 21 September, the Japanese embassy announced that the governments of Japan and Pakistan have agreed on a debt deferral amounting to USD 160 million as the third and last phase of the ‘G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI)’. Concessional loans, subject to debt deferral, have been used for infrastructure development such as roads, tunnels, power plants and grids, irrigation, water supply, and drainage facilities in Pakistan from the early 1990s to the mid-2010s. The total amount of deferred debt has now reached USD 730m, which will provide the fiscal space for the Pakistan government to restore its economy affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods. (Amin Ahmed, “Japanese govt agrees to defer $160m debt,” Dawn, 22 September 2022)

Bahrain offers 'full support' to flood-hit people of Pakistan
On 21 September, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bajwa had a telephone conversation with the Commander-in-Chief Kingdom of Bahrain, in which the Bahraini counterpart offered full support to the people of Pakistan. According to ISPR, Gen Qamar thanked the kingdom for its support and reiterated that assistance from the brotherly countries shall be vital in the rescue and rehabilitation of the victims. (“Bahrain offers 'full support' to flood-hit people of Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 22 September 2022)

Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Loss and damage
Dawn, 22 September 2022
To begin with, Pakistan has a narrow window of opportunity to embed loss and damage in the third edition of its Nationally Determined Contribution and submit it to the UNFCCC Secretariat prior to COP-27 in November. It will help create a momentum for international support and solidarity with Pakistan. It is a particularly opportune moment since Pakistan is presently chairing the all-important Group of 77.

Zafar U. Ahmed, Who should make policy?
Dawn, 22 September 2022
Political parties need to be ready with policies, plans and personnel before they come into government, otherwise the bureaucracy may understandably continue with business as usual. National development policymaking ought to be entrusted to people with the requisite background and qualities.

Editorial, Funding gaps
Dawn, 22 September 2022
While the global economy may be slowing down, our foreign friends can certainly do more to help Pakistan rebuild. Moreover, Pakistan’s elite must loosen their purse strings and help fellow citizens in this time of dire crisis. The middle class is hard-pressed and cannot donate much due to economic stagnation; but those with means can certainly make a greater contribution to the rehabilitation effort.

Editorial, Transgender identity
Dawn, 22 September 2022
We as a nation must learn` to stop ostracising people based on their deviances from widely held norms. It is hoped that good sense will prevail in this case, and the transgender community will be allowed their long-denied right to identify and be treated as equal citizens.

M Shahrukh Shahnawaz, Environmental justice
The News International, 22 September 2022
Pakistan needs a new law which grants the Indus the right to be considered a legal and living entity. The same law should provide protection to the people whose survival depends on the river and devises a mechanism for cooperating with neighbouring countries like China and India whose actions can harm the Indus since the two countries are the upper riparian states.

Editorial, The dam fund
The News International, 22 September 2022
If the reports about billions of rupees spent on advertisements are correct, somebody must be held accountable to explain how this happened and who authorized this. Deposit of donations is a sign of people’s commitment to their country and it shows that the donors trusted the solicitors. To restore that confidence in the country and its institutions, it is imperative now that an inquiry brings all facts and figures to the fore.

Editorial, Justice for rape victims
The Express Tribune, 22 September 2022
More than 14,000 women across the country have been subjected to rape nearly 11 a day in the past four years, according to official data… While legal standing has changed and rape criminalized under the Protection of Women Act and subsequent measures like the two-finger test being abolished, the pervading mindset remains regarding the female body remains.

Syed Zahra Shah Subzwari, Do we need a glacial policy?
 The Express Tribune, 22 September 2022
Global temperatures are rising, and glaciers are melting worldwide. The melting creates feeble, dammed glacial lakes that can violently burst, resulting in floods that devastate downstream communities. Pakistan needs to focus on developing legislation on glaciers. Our parliamentarians must be schooled and sensitized over our melting glaciers, especially in light of rising global temperatures and booming eco-tourism in Pakistan.

Dr. Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, Re-talibanising K-P
The Express Tribune, 22 September 2022
Terrorism is once again raising its ugly head in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, triggering a sense of insecurity among people. Reports from Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, and Swat indicate that members of banned organizations are regrouping for carrying out fresh attacks on their opponents, including Peace Committee members and local ANP leaders. But the law enforcers seem to be in a passive mode.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Federal Shariat Court to hear petitions challenging transgender law
On 21 September, Dawn reported that the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) would be taking up a set of petitions that challenged the transgender law, enacted in 2018, on grounds that it was “repugnant to Islamic injunctions.” TV anchor Orya Maqbool Jan, who is one of the petitioner contended that the transgender law was flawed since in the “garb of the transgender rights, an attempt was being made to encourage advocates of LGBT (lesbian, gays, bisexual and transgender).” In reponse, Bubbli Malik, a transgender person, explained to the court the difference between a transgender and an LGBT, suggesting the court seek expert opinion before arriving at a conclusion. (Nasir Iqbal, “Shariat court to take up petitions challenging transgender law,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

State responsible for recovering citizens disappeared by force, says Interior Minister
On 21 September, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah stated that those involved in “enforced disappearances” of political workers, human rights activists and other individuals are violators of the Constitution. Further, he claimed that the government has taken up the issues on the directives from the prime minister. He said, “There’s no denying and we all know that how much writ successive governments have had and [the current one] still has in this regard and what are its other aspects,” adding, “It’s a matter of embarrassment for the state that instead of bringing people under the law, they are disappeared and then their bodies are found. Everyone knows the extent of the governments’ writ in this regard. I assure you that we are trying to solve the problem through reconciliation rather than confrontation.” (Imran Ayub, “Minister admits ‘limits to govt writ’ in missing persons cases,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

Funding appeal of USD 39 million for Pakistan’s flood-hit children is still less than a third funded, says UNICEF
On 21 September, Dawn reported that the United Nations’ children’s fund (Unicef) regretted that its funding appeal of USD 39 million for Pakistan’s flood-hit children is still less than a third funded. The UN body said, “The world needs to come together and help the children in Pakistan. Together we can save lives by delivering life-saving health, nutrition and education services to every child in Pakistan who needs it the most.” Meanwhile, Unicef Pakistan's chief field officer in Balochistan said, “The world needs to come together and help the children in Pakistan. Together we can save lives by delivering life-saving health, nutrition and education services to every child in Pakistan who needs it the most,” adding, “The rains and floods have already claimed the lives of more than 550 children. Without a significant surge in support, we fear many more children will lose their lives.” (Imran Ayub, “Unicef regrets $39m appeal ‘less than a third funded’,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

‘Pakistan is drowning, not only in floodwater but in debt’, says UN Secretary-General
On 20 September, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Pakistan is drowning, not only in floodwater but in debt” as Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif urged the international community to stay engaged with the country as it deals with this huge humanitarian crisis. Pakistan and France, meanwhile, agreed to identify ways and means to support efforts to tackle the challenge caused by the floods and Paris offered to host an international conference before the end of the year to help Islamabad rebuild in a climate-resilient manner. During a forceful address to world leaders gathered for the opening day of the General Assembly’s high-level debate, Antonio further said, “I recently saw it with my own eyes in Pakistan where one-third of the country is submerged by a ‘monsoon on steroids’.” (Anwar Iqbal, “World leaders join Pakistan for SOS on flood and debt,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

Firing at a judicial complex kills an under trial with three policemen injured
On 20 September, on the premises of Kharian  judicial complex, an under trial was shot dead, while a policeman and two other prisoners were injured when a man opened fire. According to police, a prisoner facing a murder trial, Sheeraz, was brought to Kharian judicial complex from Gujarat jail in a prison van, along with others under trial, for a hearing of the case. As soon as the police guard brought the prisoners inside the judicial complex, an armed man, later identified as Ghulam Abbas, who was already present there, opened indiscriminate fire. As a result, Sheeraz, the actual target of the attacker, received bullets and died on the spot. The bar officials demanded the district police officer (DPO) take measures to improve security in and around the judicial complex. (“Firing at Kharian judicial complex: Undertrial killed, policeman among three others injured,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

POLITICS
Maryam decries at the continued ‘laadla’ treatment vis a vis Imran Khan
On 20 September, Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her anger at the undemocratic behaviour exhibited by Imran Khan. She mocked him for being a loudmouth and warned that it was not in the interest of the jamhooriyat (democratic practices) in the nation. She said, “How come you challenge them in daylight and then lick their feet in darkness of night,” Maryam Nawaz said while taking to the media here.” She said that Imran was trying to convince the US to broker a deal between him and ‘them’. Imran, who had accused the US of co-conspiring to overthrow his government, was now lobbying with the Americans to get himself a political bailout, she said. (Muhammad Anis, “https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/993285-” The News International, 21 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Unidentified gunmen killed a tribesman, TTP claimed the responsibility
On 20 September, unidentified gunmen killed a tribesman and injured another in Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber tribal district. According to Dawn, family sources said that two gunmen riding a motorcycle fired at Rasheed Khan and his friend. They said that Rasheed was killed on the spot, while his friend received multiple injuries, and was rushed to a local hospital. Later, TTP claimed responsibility for the targeted killing and accused the deceased of working for an intelligence agency. (“Militants gun down tribesman in Khyber,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

Punjab: Illegal possession of farmlands by Ruda gets protests from farmers
On 20 September, a protest against the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project by landowners and farmers was held over “forced possession” of farmlands by the state-owned entity responsible for the execution of the mega project, Ruda. Protesters said that the apex court had ordered the government not to forcefully acquire land from the farmers and execute the project on the land already acquired by the authority for the project. Ruda officials made attempts to allay the concerns of the protesters. In a meeting with farmers, they assured that landowners’ rights would not be violated in Ravi city, as “farmers are being paid for their land in a timely manner with a fixed package”. (“Khalid Hasnain, “Farmers protest ‘illegal possession’ of farmland by Ruda,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

Punjab: Additional IG of Lahore caught in political storm of provincial and federal politics
On 20 September, the home minister of Punjab via Twitter said that the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) will continue to perform the duties and will not report to the establishment division. The CCPO was called to relinquish his services and report to the establishment division after the Lahore police had booked to PML-N ministers and two senior officials of state-run PTV on terrorism charges for allegedly “fanning religious hatred” against former premier Imran Khan and “endangering his life”. However, Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi has stopped the CCPO from relinquishing the charge, saying that the federal government can neither remove the CCPO nor transfer him. (Asif Chaudhry, “Centre ‘abruptly’ recalls Lahore CCPO,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
ISPR condemns use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan
On 20 September, one army sepoy was killed after terrorists opened fire from across the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan. A statement from ISPR said, “Pakistan Army is determined to defend Pakistan’s borders against the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.” Last week, three Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district. (“Army sepoy martyred as terrorists open fire from across Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan: ISPR,” Dawn, 21 September 2022)

France to host a conference for reconstruction and refinancing measures after floods
On 20 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and French President Emmanuel Macron had a bilateral meeting on the
sidelines of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Besides an exchange of views on improving bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed on mobilising international support for Pakistan to help recover and rebuild its economy on a sustainable footing in the aftermath of recent devastating floods in Pakistan. In order to gather the relevant International Financial partners and development partners, France will host an international conference before the end of the year aiming at contributing to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected areas of Pakistan and, with the help of climate-resilient reconstruction-related financing, to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The PM met the Spanish prime minister, the Iranian president and interacted with New Zealand prime minister. (“France to host moot to help Pakistan flood victims,” The News International, 21 September 2022)

Zahid Hussain, Populism vs the establishment
Dawn, 21 September 2022
It’s questionable whether even fresh elections in this highly volatile and polarised atmosphere can bring stability. The country is moving towards complete anarchy with the erosion of authority of most state institutions. A meaningful dialogue among political forces is the only way out of the situation. The perception that democracy has failed only helps the forces of authoritarianism.

Editorial, Self-inflicted wounds
Dawn, 21 September 2022
The civilian leadership must shoulder part of the blame for the extreme distortion of the political landscape… But that is part of a much bigger problem, one that stems from the fact that the military has repeatedly overstepped constitutional boundaries. Having queered this pitch throughout Pakistan’s history, it must suggest a way out and then leave governance to those elected by the people.

Editorial, Karachi chaos
Dawn, 21 September 2022
It is the police which is ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety of life and property of all citizens; it should make an effort to uphold that responsibility to the best of its abilities, not look for an easy way out by encouraging vigilantism. In a city that still smoulders with ethnic, sectarian and political tensions, it can quickly turn into a recipe for disaster.

Sara Danial, Karachi’s lost glory
The News International, 21 September 2022
Karachi is expanding at a rapid rate, there may still be opportunity to intervene and slow the decline, if not reverse it. With small steps today, perhaps our future generations can make strides in a Karachi that has regained its glory as the city of lights and prosperity.

Editorial, Balancing politics
The News International, 21 September 2022
The way our political realm has been run, at the end of the day, it is the political class that suffers and the people’s mandate that gets rejected. Of course, when it comes to Imran Khan and the PTI, the U-turn fixation can always rear its head, as can a happy reconciliation with the power wielders in the country. If there is a constant in our politics, it can safely be this need to please the most powerful – at the cost of lessons learnt and sacrifices made. The PTI is only the newest kid on the block to have discovered this.

Editorial, Children of the flood
The News International, 21 September 2022
The uprooting of millions of people has reduced food security for children too and hunger may force them to become victims of child abuse and gender-based violence. Then there is also a question of those who have been separated from their families. There have already been reports of assaults on girls and women. If these reports are correct, there is also an immediate need to establish protection centres where the vulnerable can take refuge from violence.

Editorial,  Curbing abuse
The Express Tribune, 21 September 2022
The Sindh Child Protection Authority must remain vigilant and carry out its functions in the best possible manner Strong implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and other child protection laws can help curb instances of abuse and stop it from escalating to the point of premeditated murder.

Editorial, Flood-affected children

The Express Tribune, 21 September 2022
Unicef is estimating that about 16 million children have been impacted by the “super floods” that have ravaged Pakistan, and 3.4 million children need immediate, lifesaving assistance because of the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and malaria, and various stomach and skin diseases. 

Talat Masood, Where are we heading, the choice is ours!
 Where Pakistan leadership has gone wrong is that it has not realised the significance of strengthening institutions or deliberately kept them weak given their self-interest. Unless they are fully respectful of institutions, develop strong traditions of giving parliament its importance and treat opposition with respect, democracy would remain shallow.

In Brief
INTERNAL
ECP reserves its verdict in the Toshakhana disqualification reference against Imran Khan
On 19 September, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reserved its verdict in the Toshakhana disqualification reference filed against Imran Khan. During the hearing, PML-N counsel Khalid Ishaq claimed that Imran Khan was asked about reasons for not declaring the gifts, however, in response Imran Khan admitted to receiving the gifts as well as not disclosing them. After hearing arguments from both sides, the ECP reserved the verdict in the case. This reference was filed against Imran Khan by the coalition government, for "not sharing details" of Toshakhana gifts and proceeds from their alleged sale.

Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) took down the terrorism charges against Imran Khan in a case registered regarding his comments on an additional district and sessions judge, and the Islamabad Police chief and a deputy inspector general. (Malik Asad, “Imran cleared of terror charge over threats to judge,” Dawn, 20 September 2022; Fahad Chaudhry, “ECP reserves verdict in Toshakhana disqualification reference against Imran,” Dawn, 20 September 2022)

Election campaigns should not use government resources, says ECP
On 19 September, The ECP issued a rare warning against the use of the provincial government helicopter and state resources for electioneering. This was issued on the basis that the upcoming by-election in four National Assembly constituencies of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could be postponed if the provincial government did not comply with the code of conduct. The commission, which met here with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in the chair, to consider continued violations of the code of conduct by KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and his cabinet members. By-elections in these constituencies are scheduled for 16 October. The ECP statement was issued in the wake of a video clip making the rounds on social media, showing Imran Khan reaching Charsadda in the KP government’s helicopter to address a public rally. (Iftikhar A.Khan, “ECP warns KP against use of govt resources for campaigning,” Dawn, 20 September 2022)

NA Committee informed that the US and Europe would not accept any more Afghan asylum seekers
On 19 September, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights was informed about the grim situation being faced by Pakistan due to the presence of over 1.4 million Afghan refugees, following the refusal by the US and European countries to receive further Afghan asylum seekers. The committee members were also surprised to learn that the government has so far not devised any policy in this regard. The official said if these Afghans were not allowed to go to their desired countries, the government would look into how they could be taken care of. (Amir Wasim, “US, Europe not accepting any more Afghan asylum seekers, NA body told,” Dawn, 20 September 2022)

PFUJ calls for attending to use of social medias as a weapon against journalist
On 19 September, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Karachi Press Club and Reporters Without Borders regretted a vicious campaign being run through the PTI’s official Twitter handle against senior journalists. A joint statement of PFUJ President and Secretary General said such an irresponsible attitude could jeopardise the life of targeted journalists as it appeared from the hate-filled comments in which PTI supporters hurled threats of serious consequences. (“Trolling being used as weapon on social media: media bodies,” The News International, 20 September 2022)

MQM-P demands end to rights violations in country
On 19 September, during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) called for immediate steps to stop any violation of human rights in the country and protested against the “massacre” of its missing workers, whose bodies were recovered last week. MQM lawmaker Kishwar Zehra said, “There is a dire need for taking immediate steps at the parliamentary and government level against the massacre of the MQM workers.” Taking part in the discussion, committee member Mohsin Dawar said that the issue of forced disappearance was serious and there was no end to it in sight. The chair observed that the committee condemned all violations of human rights. The committee was informed that there was no policy regarding the Afghan refugees. Officials said that Afghan refugees were fully registered and verified. (Waqas Ahmed, “MQM-P demands end to rights violations in country,” The Express Tribune, 20 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Punjab: Provincial Assembly adopts resolution charging PM Shehbaz with Article 6 for consulting a ‘fugitive’
 On 19 September, the Punjab Assembly adopted with a majority vote a resolution seeking action against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif under Article 6 of the Constitution for consulting a ‘fugitive’ on the appointment of a new army chief and other ‘sensitive’ national issues. Imran Khan castigated PM Sharif for discussing the appointment of the next army chief with his elder brother. The resolution tabled by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Raja Basharat quotes media reports as suggesting that Prime Minister Sharif consulted a fugitive in London on sensitive national issues, including the appointment of the army chief. It says the prime minister’s oath prevents him from sharing sensitive matters with an unrelated person. (“Punjab PA resolution slaps Article 6 on PM for consulting ‘fugitive’,” Dawn, 20 September 2022; Hamid Asghar, Ikram Junaidi, “Consulting ‘absconder’ Nawaz over COAS choice a disgrace: Imran,” Dawn, 20 September 2022)

Balochistan: JUI-F demands to remove PTI so that to join the provincial government
On 19 September, the JUI-F made it clear to the Balochistan Awami Party that it will join the provincial government only if the PTI is removed from the cabinet. A minister who belongs to the PTI expressed the fear that his party could be dropped from the cabinet at any time. However, the provincial government remained silent on the matter. The offer was made by Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo to the JUI-F a few days ago after he came under fire from members of his own party over issues of governance. A JUI-F delegation had a meeting with Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bezenjo in Islamabad and informed him about the party’s terms and conditions for joining the provincial government. These include ministries and portfolios of its choice. (Saleem Shahid, “JUI-F sets ‘minus PTI’ condition for joining BAP coalition in Balochistan,” Dawn, 20 September 2022)

ECONOMY
Cotton bales output reduces by 19 per cent till mid-September
On 18 September, Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) issued a press release that mentioned the supply of seed-cotton to ginning factories dropped by 18.61 per cent to 2.186 million bales till 15 September 2022 as compared to corresponding period of last year. Ravaged by floods, Sindh province recorded 1.109 million bales during the period under review, registering a shortfall of 35.72 per cent as compared to September last year when arrivals hit 17,26,612 bales, however, cotton arrivals in Punjab province trended upward. As a result of the liberalised cotton market, the import and export of the silver fibre continue. Hence, besides importing huge quantities of cotton to bridge the production shortfall, Pakistan has also commenced the export of raw cotton. (“Cotton arrivals drop 19pc till mid-September,” The News Interational, 20 September 2022)

Business community expresses dissatisfaction over management of the country’s economic affairs fueled by inflation
On 19 September, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President during a press conference remarked that “No one has done more harm to Pakistan’s economy than the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).” He explained that concern these days for the industrialists is the energy fuelled inflation, which is forcing many to halt operations as their business has become unviable. The LCCI chief said the government and people blamed the industrialists for tax evasion, but they did not realise that last year’s tax collection target of PKR 6 trillion had been achieved due to the efforts of those industrialists.  (Shahram Haq, “Energy-fuelled inflation forces closure of industries,” The Express Tribune, 20 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
FM Bilawal represents Pakistan at the OIC Contact Group at the UN
On 19 September, Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari represented Pakistan at the OIC Contact Group at the UN during which he emphasised the “alarming rise” of Islamophobia in the West. He said, “What is most worrisome is that Islamophobia continues to find strong resonance in political spheres in Europe,” adding, “This is leading to the institutionalisation of Islamophobia through new legislations and policies.” Further, he said, “Today, one of the worst manifestations of such Islamophobia is in Hindutva-inspired India,”adding, “Driven by the ideology of hate against Muslims, the ruling BJP-RSS regime is executing its century-old plan to obliterate India’s Islamic legacy.”

Meanwhile, FM Bilawal also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 77th UNGA Session in New York making it their fourth meeting since the FM Bilawal took office . During the meeting, matters of bilateral partnership and multilateral cooperation were discussed.

Separately, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar represented Pakistan at the inaugural session of the high-level debate ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s arrival in New York. Khar spoke at the Transforming Education Summit 2022 where she read a statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, as Pakistan currently heads body. (Anwar Iqbal, “Groundwork laid for forceful plea at UNGA,” Dawn, 20 September 2022)

COAS Bajwa meet with Chinese defence minister
On 19 September, General Qamar Javed Bajwa met with Chinese Minister for Defence General Wei Fenghe during his two-day official visit to China. During the meeting, General Wei Fenghe expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for taking special measures to provide a secure environment to CPEC projects in Pakistan. General Wei stated that China greatly values its time-tested relations with Pakistan and its army and looks forward to further expanding this cooperation. Similarly, General Bajwa thanked the defence minister for China’s continued support to Pakistan. (“COAS meets Chinese defence minister,” The News International, 20 September 2022)

ON GILGIT BALTISTAN
Earthquake of 4.3 magnitude tremors Gilgit
On 19 September, Roundu Valley in Gilgit experienced a 4.3 magnitude earthquake and seven people were injured from the same. According to Skardu Deputy Commissioner Kareem Dad Chughtai, as the earthquake triggered landslides, heavy rocks fell over and hit several vehicles passing through the Jaglot-Skardu road. The road has since been blocked. The locals responded to the earthquakes as there has been a regular occurrence in the valley of varying frequencies since January this year. (Jamil Nagri, “Seven injured as tremors strike Skardu,” Dawn, 20 September 2022)

Arifa Noor, Authoritarianism & democracy
Dawn, 20 September 2022
Despite its history of military interventions and polarised politics between two parties, Bangladesh has managed to ensure sustainable economic growth. Did the sustainable economic growth and its consolidation pave the way for single-party domination, or did the former lead to authoritarian political stability? Or are the two not linked to each other? There is no end to the questions.

Dr Niaz Murtaza, Our popular leaders
Dawn, 20 September 2022
Popular national rulers (eg, Liaquat, Bhutto, Benazir, Nawaz and Imran) were members of the elite who didn’t rise via grassroots politics. But most faced some struggles in opposition. Only Bhutto had a clear, but weakly run, pro-poor agenda. So a popular national leader meeting all criteria is yet to rise.

Editorial, Sharifs’ silence
Dawn, 20 September 2022
It is clear that the Sharifs want to hold their cards very close to their chest. Such is the distrust prevalent in the party — split into camps as it is — that even the prime minister’s cabinet is being kept in the dark. This is hardly assuring. It is alarming that the government, while seeming intent on completing its tenure, has no clear plans for the future to share. With its own silence exacerbating the evaporation of faith in the government, the PML-N is taking a strange path indeed.

Editorial, Huddles galore
The News International, 20 September 2022
hat is most disturbing however – apart from a former PM trying to get back to power no matter what and a government in power trying to hold on to a weak power centre no matter what – is just how little the ‘people’ figure in the imagination of the country’s political forces. A word or two, a pledge or more here and there will not help the more than 33 million who stand affected by the floods that have ravaged most parts of the country.

Editorial, Legislative activity
The News International, 20 September 2022
Overall, the provincial assemblies met for much lower working hours then one would expect, keeping in view the maintenance cost of these assemblies and their members… There are similar details too about all the assemblies but here the point is to ask our public representatives about the responsibility – or lack thereof – that they display at public expense. Pakistan is not a rich country and its citizens pay exorbitant taxes. Don’t they then have a right to question the performance of the legislatures that are run via the public exchequer?

Mosharraf Zaidi, Institutional overextension
The News International, 20 September 2022
Pakistan’s people have already paid a very heavy price for Pakistani vulnerability. The defenders of the people need to resist the temptation to be drawn in further and further into these metastasizing crises. It may not be clear how Pakistan will recover from the current imbroglio, but it is clear how it will remain stuck in it: by the continued overextension of the military in politics and civilian affairs.

Rida Tahir, The climate IDP
The News International, 20 September 2022
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has revealed that flood water has washed away more than 1.7 million homes, displacing millions of people within Pakistan, who require shelter, food, healthcare and other essentials. Additionally, it has been revealed by the UNFPA that an estimated 75,000 pregnant women are affected by the recent floods, and 40,000 are expected to deliver their babies in September 2022.

Editorial, The Saudi benevolence
The News International, 20 September 2022
Raising of funds from the diaspora in the form of soft bonds, and opting for a litigation-free investment module is indispensable. The UAE and several Far-East Asian economies had thrived on such a hassle-free policy, and Pakistan must follow suit.

Shahid Najam, The decline of the institution of bureaucracy
The News International, 20 September 2022
A civil service invested with the necessary skills-mix and techno-professional competence and driven by the core values of integrity and commitment, motivation and morale, objectivity and impartiality, and equity and fairness is fundamentally imperative to handle the massive development challenges faced by the country. A real commitment of the political parties is sine qua non which, given the current scenario, is perhaps asking for the moon.

In Brief
POLITICS
The appointment of the COAS “should not be politicised as it hurts the institution,” says Defence Minister
On 18 September, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif while speaking to reporters in London said that the appointment “should not be politicised as it hurts the institution.” He said, “It will be unfortunate if the army chief’s appointment is politicised by the opposition, adding, “But it doesn’t matter. As an institution, the army has its own sanctity (taqaddus), as does the process to appoint a new chief. It should not become the subject of debate because it hurts the institution.” Further, he said, “The chief’s loyalty is with his country and then his institution. Army chiefs are not affiliated with any politician. His position and personality should not be made controversial.”

Meanwhile, PPP Punjab chapter secretary general Syed Hassan Murtaza stated that the final decision on the appointment of new army chief would be taken by the prime minister in consultation with the (PDM) coalition partners. Similarly, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman ruled out the possibility of holding snap elections as demanded by Imran Khan and said that  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will appoint the new army chief in November (Atika Rehman, “Selection of army chief must not be politicised: Asif,” Dawn, 19 September 2022; “PM to decide about new army chief after consulting PDM: Hassan Murtaza,” Dawn, 19 September 2022; “Fazl says non-partisan approach need of hour,” Dawn, 19 September 2022)

Imran Khan calls for fresh election once again
On 18 September, Imran Khan reiterated his demand for fresh elections during a meeting with members of the Punjab cabinet as he linked the snap polls with the betterment of the country rather than his PTI. Khan hosted his third telethon for flood survivors wherein donors from across the world pledged Rs 3.6 billion to boost the relief efforts for the displaced persons. Khan assured donors that they will devise a digital mechanism to disburse the donations collected during these telethons. (Ikram Junaidi, “Snap polls to benefit Pakistan, says Imran,” Dawn, 19 September 2022)

INTERNAL
ECP to resume hearing of PTI foreign funding case
On 19 September, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will resume the hearing against PTI foreign funding case, earlier ECP had given time to PTI till 19 September to file its reply. The notice was issued as the Political Parties Order 2002 required that before taking punitive action against any party believed to be receiving illegal funds, a ‘show cause notice has to be issued to the party. Once the proceedings of the show cause notice conclude, the ECP will decide about the confiscation of foreign/prohibited funds and/or take action against Imran Khan for filing false certificates that may include his disqualification. Separately, FIA also started investigating the alleged misuse of funds being collected through a website Mutual Legal Assistance requests have been sent to obtain records/information of PTI foreign donors and PTI-owned companies registered in the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and elsewhere. (Iftikhar A Khan, “ECP takes up PTI funding case today,” Dawn, 19 September 2022)

WHO expresses concern over waterborne diseases in Pakistan due to floods
On 17 September, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a statement on Twitter and called for donations to “save lives and prevent more suffering” as a potential “wave of diseases and deaths” awaited the country already trying to grapple with the destruction caused by the calamity. The chief of the international public health body further highlighted how the consumption of contaminated water in flood-hit areas was leading to a surge in diseases including cholera, malaria, dengue and diarrhea. He added: “WHO immediately released $10 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies which enabled us to deliver essential medicines and other supplies to the country.” (“WHO raises alarm over 'second disaster' in flood-hit Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 19 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Protest against terrorists and demands peace in the valley
On 18 September, hundreds of protesters gathered to condemn the recent terror incidents and demand action to stop the resurgence of terrorists in the valley. The protest was organized by Swat Qaumi Jirga and Swat Olasi Pasoon. Apart from civil society and peace activists, leaders of all the political parties except PTI addressed the gathering. They said they had a one-point agenda to demand peace in Swat. They said they won’t allow another wave of militancy to sweep their valley. They said they demanded peace from the state, and if it failed to do so, they would rise and take action for peace in their land. They vowed to not allow terrorists and extremists to regroup in Swat. (“Rallies in Swat, Parachinar demand peace, action against terrorists,” Dawn, 19 September 2022)

Balochistan: Policewoman to be appointed as head security for the first time
On 19 September, Dawn reported that the Punjab government has posted SP Shazia Sarwer as District Police Officer (DPO) of Layyah against an existing vacancy, giving a positive message to those joining the federal services from the less privileged province. SP Sarwer was the fifth policewoman to serve as DPO in Punjab and the first officer with a Balochistan domicile. The step was taken keeping in view the growing number of women visiting police stations in one of the most populated cities where women’s representation was negligible. According to Dawn, an official source said the Punjab police witnessed a major change in policy when incumbent IGP Faisal Shahkar held a series of meetings to increase the representation of female officers to end male dominance in all ranks. (Asif Chaudhry, “In a first, policewoman from Balochistan to head district security in Punjab,” Dawn, 19 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz Sharif meets with King Charles III in London
On 18 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ay met with King Charles III during the reception hosted by the king for the foreign dignitaries in London. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the royal family and maintained that the people of Pakistan held the king in high esteem and looked forward to welcoming him to the country at the earliest opportunity. (“PM meets King Charles III, expresses sorrow over Queen Elizabeth II's demise,” The News International, 19 September 2022)

PM to address UN session on Climate induced catastrophe
On 19 September, The News International reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 19-23 September. During his visit, he would address the UN General Assembly on 23 September. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the prime minister would focus on the challenges faced by Pakistan in the wake of recent climate-induced catastrophic floods in the country. He will outline concrete proposals for collectively tackling the existential threat posed by climate change. The prime minister will also share Pakistan’s position and perspective on regional and global issues of concern, including Jammu and Kashmir, which is one of the long-standing unresolved disputes on the UN agenda. The premier will also have the opportunity to interact during the receptions hosted by the UN Secretary-General and President of the United States. The prime minister will also hold interactions with the international media. (“Shehbaz to attend Biden reception at UN: FO,” The News International, 19 September 2022)

Saudi Arabia to make rollover of three billion USD deposits
On 18 September, the Saudi Fund for Development confirmed the rollover of a three billion USD deposit for the State Bank of Pakistan maturing on 5 December 2022, for one year. However, there was no formal announcement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the provision of an additional 1.2 billion USD in oil facility on deferred payment. The rollover came as a big respite for the country at a time when it is struggling to secure external financing to shore up the foreign exchange reserves. On the other hand, the IMF sympathized with Pakistan over the devastating floods but did not commit additional funding. (Mehtab Haider, Tanveer Malik, “Saudi Arabia rolls over $3bn deposits, says SBP,” The News International, 19 September 2022)

Pakistan may import oil from Russia through deferred payment mechanism
On 18 September, senior officials from the government told The Express Tribune that both countries are in talks to discuss the possibility of importing oil from Russia on deferred payment. Although Pakistan imports oil from Gulf countries, in the past Saudi Arabia and UAE supplied Pakistan oil on deferred payment. Russia will be the first non-gulf country to have such mechanism with Pakistan. According to The Express Tribune, a source revealed that the US has never explicitly asked Pakistan not to import oil from Russia but "advised us that it is better if we don't enter into such venture with Russia". The transcript released by the Russian side after the meeting between Shehbaz and Putin did not drop any hint if Moscow was not willing to work with the new government often labelled as the US "puppet" by Imran and his supporters. (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan mulls importing Russia oil on deferred payment,” The Express Tribune, 19 September 2022)

ECONOMY
IMF to support Pakistan's flood relief, reconstruction efforts 'under current programme'
On 18 September, the IMF resident representative in the country said, “We will work with others in the international community to support, under the current programme, the authorities’ relief and reconstruction efforts, and especially their ongoing endeavour to assist those affected by the floods while ensuring sustainable policies and macroeconomic stability.” Separately, while talking with Reuters, Finance Minister stressed that Pakistan is not going to default as most stabilisation policies and targets were still on track, including increasing dwindling foreign exchange reserves. He said, "Yes, there has been substantial loss to the very poorest people and their lives will never be made whole again. But in terms of servicing our external and local debt, and being micro-macro-economically stable, those things are under control." (Tahir Sherani, “IMF to support Pakistan's flood relief, reconstruction efforts 'under current programme',” Dawn, 19 September 2022)

In Brief
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz Sharif asks SCO to come up with Pakistan-specific programmes on climate change
On 16 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to create a Pakistan-specific programme on climate change. He said, “I earnestly appeal to all of you that let the SCO stand up and take steps against this devastation through sustainable programmes,” adding, “In view of the massive disaster, I would be very honest to urge this forum to extend assistance to Pakistan and chalk out plans regarding climate change for our future generations.” Further, he maintained, “This climatic injustice has been fallen us despite the fact that our carbon emission is less than one per cent.”  (“Shehbaz seeks SCO climate action plan specific to Pakistan,” The News International, 17 September 2022)

Authorities to restore railway operations on the Quetta-Taftan track by 30 September, says Railways Minister
On 16 September, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique while speakin in Quetta stated that the authorities concerned will be able to restore railways operations on the Quetta-Taftan track by 30 September. However, he said that the rail link between Quetta and the rest of Pakistan could not be immediately restored due to the collapse of a bridge in Machh area of Bolan. (Saleem Shahid, “Quetta-Taftan track to be operational by 30th: Saad rafique,” Dawn, 17 September 2022)

INTERNAL
Flood-affected areas get an increase in disease spread; UNICEF to look into the matter for humanitarian relief
On 16 September, Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha while speaking to reporters after attending the NA Standing Committee on Finance said that the recent floods caused total accumulated losses of over 30 billion USD in accordance with an initial assessment. Two weeks after the announcement of the UN flash appeal to help Pakistan cope with massive losses incurred due to unprecedented floods, the world body has yet to deploy its ‘cluster approach’ to improve the efficacy of the local and global humanitarian response to this disaster of epic proportions. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Julien Harneis said that the UN system will be working in “government-led sectors”, and added that they will fully support the government in its efforts. The Unicef representative in Pakistan has said that an estimated 16 million children have been impacted by ‘super floods’ and at least 3.4 million girls and boys remain in need of immediate, lifesaving support. During the two-day visit to the flood-affected areas of Sindh, UNICEF reported that the situation was extremely grim in flood-hit areas with malnourished children battling diarrhoea, dengue fever, and several painful skin diseases. Data released by the Sindh health department showed a spike in dengue fever cases as their numbers doubled in just two days, from 201 cases on Wednesday to 403 cases(“Dengue fever cases in Karachi double in just two days,” Dawn, 17 September 2022; Amin Ahmed, “16m children hit by ‘super floods’ in Pakistan, says Unicef,” Dawn, 17 September 2022; “UN yet to deploy ‘tried and tested’ cluster approach,” Dawn,17 September 2022; “Flood losses top $30bn in initial estimate: minister,” The News International, 17 September 2022)

Pakistan reports 19th case of polio; All polio cases reported in 2022 were in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 15 September, Pakistan reported its 19th case of polio for 2022 after a new case was reported from South Waziristan making it the first case from the area after a gap of two years. According to a report in Dawn, all of the cases reported for 2020 have been from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with two belonging to Lakki Marwat, 16 from North Waziristan and one from South Waziristan. Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said, “The humanitarian crisis, in the wake of floods, poses grave challenges to polio eradication efforts as we grapple with the displacement of millions of people,” adding, “This mass displacement will lead to the spread of wild poliovirus, making it even more important to vaccinate children against polio.” (Ikram Junaidi, “All 19 polio cases in 2022 came from KP,” Dawn, 17 September 2022)

POLITICS
PDM leaders met to discuss the political situation of the country
On 16 September, PDM leaders Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Asif Ali Zardari, and Nawaz Sharif had a telephone contact to discuss the political situation in the country. The PDM leaders rejected Imran Khan’s demand for immediate general elections and made it clear that the ruling alliance would go to general elections next year after economic stability and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people. They declared the election date will not be given due to Imran Khan’s long march. They said that the scale of justice should be equal for all. Asif Zardari will hold important contacts and meetings against the backdrop of the political situation. The PDM leaders agreed that providing relief to people is a must in day-to-day growing inflation. (“Fazl, Nawaz, Zardari reject Imran’s call for snap polls,” The News International, 17 September 2022)

Speaker calls of a joint session without reason
On 16 September, for the third time, Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf put off the joint sitting of parliament scheduled to be held on Sept 22 (Thursday) without giving any reason for another one month despite the fact that the mandatory address of President Dr Arif has already become due. The rule says that “The speaker shall determine when a joint sitting shall be adjourned sine die or to a particular day, or to an hour of the same day, provided that the speaker may, if he thinks fit, call a joint sitting before the date or time to which it has been adjourned or at any time after the joint sitting has been adjourned sine die.” The joint sitting of the two houses of parliament will now be held on 20 October, according to an official announcement of the National Assembly Secretariat. (Amir Wasim, “Speaker puts off Sept 22 joint sitting without giving a reason,” Dawn 17 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Local government elections to be held on 23 October as directed by SHC
On 16 September, The Sindh High Court directed the ECP to file a written statement or notification regarding the new schedule of the local government elections in the Karachi division. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh also asked the ECP to ensure that the LG polls in the provincial metropolis are on 23 October as announced by the commission. Regarding elections in the Hyderabad division, the ECP called reports from the provincial election commissioner and deputy commissioners concerned about the flood situation and the polling date will be announced as soon as possible. (Ishaq Tanoli, “LG polls in Karachi to be held on Oct 23, SHC told,” Dawn, 17 September 2022)

Balochistan: One killed and several injured in Quetta grenade attack
On 16 September, one person was killed and 13 others, including a woman, were injured when a hand grenade exploded close to an auto rickshaw on Sabzal road, a locality on the outskirts of Quetta. According to police sources, unknown motorcyclists hurled the grenade, apparently targeting a nearby security checkpoint, but it landed close to the auto rickshaw passing through the area. (“One killed in Quetta grenade attack,” Dawn, 17 September 2022)
 
ON CPEC
Pakistan’s SEZ to give benefits to the invited investors
On 16 September, during a briefing hosted on the CPEC by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for resident diplomatic missions of various countries from East and Central Asia and the Middle East Pakistan welcomes development partners and enterprises from around the globe to strengthen their inv­estment in the country as well as trade lin­kages and consider opportunities offered under the Special Economic Zones. The participating diplomatic missions underscored the need for abiding by “mutual interest in enhancing economic cooperation”. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Pakistan invites investors to benefit from SEZs opportunities,” Dawn, 17 September 2022)
 
ECONOMY
Weekly inflation deaccelerates in the second consecutive week
On 16 September, data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) indicated that weekly inflation slightly decelerated to 40.58 per cent largely driven by prices of essential kitchen items and high energy costs. The weekly inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) posted a slight decline of 0.19 per cent on a week-on-week (WoW). The latest PBS data shows that the SPI dipped slightly on a week-on-week basis, mainly because of a major drop in food prices, tomatoes and onions on account of imports from Afghanistan and Iran. On a year-on-year basis, the items whose prices jumped the most included tomatoes (170.51 per cent), diesel (105.12 per cent), petrol (90.73 per cent), pulse masoor (76.65 per cent), pulse gram (67.11 per cent), mustard oil (65.75 per cent), cooking oil five litre bottle (65.45 per cent), washing soap (61.05 per cent), vegetable ghee 2.5 Kg (60.68 per cent), LPG (56.61 per cent), vegetable ghee 1Kg (56.46 per cent), pulse mash (53.41 per cent) and electricity (52.04 per cent). (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Costly food, energy prices fuel weekly inflation,” Dawn, 17 September 2022)

ON SPORTS
PCB clarifies on Shaheen Afridi ticket venture
On 16 September, PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) Chairman Ramiz Raja admitted during his interaction with the fans that there was some clarity issue with the buying of a ticket that was purchased in a hurry. He explained that PCB is responsible for players' medical care. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi blasted PCB for not paying attention to recovery and treatment of Shaheen Shah Afridi. He said, “He went himself to England, bought his own ticket, paid for his hotel room. I arranged him a doctor and he called the doctor himself.” (Abdu Mohi Shah, “PCB responsible for players’ medical care: chairman,” The News International, 17 September 2022)
 
ON ENERGY
Downward pricing in electricity produced from solar net metering to discourage use of solar power in the country
On 17 September, The News International reported on the proposed policy shift in the power tariff of roof-top solar net metering. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has asked for public comments on revising power tariff downward for electricity produced from solar net metering, which is meant for exporting to distribution companies (DISCOs). The proposal, if implemented, will discourage the use of solar power as consumers will have to bear excessive electricity bills. Consequently, the net metering may become unavailable due to lower power selling prices. The solar net metering producers are primarily not in the business of energy production and selling, rather they sell excessive electric power units to DISCO and the utility sells at their own rates to other consumers. Rashid Mehmood, Secretary of Power in his post on Twitter was of the view that uproar over net metering is an information war of the richer households against the poorer households. (Munawar Hasan, “Proposed policy shift may discourage solar energy use,” The News International, 17 September 2022)

Tariq Khosa, Hanging by a thread
Dawn, 17 September 2022
The recent contentious exchanges witnessed in influential political and military circles call for serious introspection. Has there been a breach in the blatantly enforced code of silence? The events of the last few weeks and months have blown the lid off. No cows are treated as sacred anymore. A bonfire of vanities and turbulent ‘resistance’ may well upset the ‘democratic’ apple cart. Are we as a nation doomed to suffer the fate of authoritarianism?

Ahmad Ali Gul, A flawed approach
Dawn, 17 September 2022
The disaster risk management cycle approach conceptualised disaster management as sequential steps — from risk assessment, mitigation, and preparedness before a disaster, to response, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction in its wake. This marked a shift away from the response-centric approach, acknowledging that essential steps undertaken before disasters could reduce the impact.

Editorial, Restraint needed
Dawn, 17 September 2022
It is imperative that both the judiciary and its attached institutions open an honest dialogue and reach an amicable resolution to their prevailing differences. It would also be better to keep this dialogue away from the public eye, as most commentators are ill-equipped to understand or participate in what should be an internal debate among the judges and bar representatives.

Editorial, Putin’s offer
Dawn, 17 September 2022
If Russia can supply affordable gas and oil, there is no reason why Pakistan should back off fearing a backlash from the US-led Western bloc. While Pakistan should not seek conflict with any bloc, energy security is a matter of national sovereignty, and diktat from foreign quarters is unwelcome.

Editorial, The Russian reconnect
The Express Tribune, 17 September 2022
The desire on the part of Moscow to sell gas and wheat at subsidised rates is a welcome proposition, and is in need of being realised in larger national interests. This at the same time comes as a source of strength in its foreign policy, by negating the impression that it is inclined towards a particular power pole

Editorial, Crumbling heritage
Dawn, 17 September 2022
The failure to limit flood damage to Mohenjo Daro despite warnings from the heritage site’s administration is an unfortunate but apt metaphor for the attitude of the government towards both conservation and disaster mitigation… The walls of one of the world’s oldest preserved archaeological sites are now crumbling.

Editorial, Appeal to the North
The News International, 17 September 2022
While the UN is doing whatever it can with its limited resources, there is a need to extend all aid and support to Pakistan and to the UN to spearhead relief and restoration efforts. In addition to the rich countries, it is international financial institutions as well that have enormous financial capacity to extend their hand for Pakistan. Since the vast majority of carbon emissions originated from the countries in the Global North, there is no excuse to shirk their obligation now.

Editorial, Polio lapse
The News International, 17 September 2022
The lapse is extremely damaging and requires urgent action so Pakistan can finally move on to the list of countries which are free of polio, a disease we should have left behind years if not decades back. Punjab is the most developed of the country’s provinces and has reported the fewest cases over the years. Any lapses in this province then simply suggest that other mishaps may be continuing in other provinces as well, perhaps on a much larger and dangerous scale.

In Brief
EXTERNAL
PM Shehbaz Sharif meets with the Iranian President and Russian President along the SCO sidelines
On 15 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Syed Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the annual Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic, trade, connectivity, energy, culture and people-to-people links. Further, they also agreed to evaluate the outcome of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission.

Meanwhile, PM Shahbaz Sharif also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the PM Office, the two sides discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional including food security, trade & investment, energy, defence and security and international issues. Additionally, President Putin expressed willingness to supply gas to Pakistan stating that pipeline gas supplies to Pakistan were possible and that part of the necessary infrastructure was already in place.

Pakistan raises cross-border attack with Taliban government
On 15 September, Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan has raised the issue of attack launched from inside the Afghan territory that martyred three Jawans with the Taliban government, adding that they made it clear that the Afghan government should control such incidents and ensure they are not repeated in future. The FO spokesperson expressing dismay over the recent violence during the Pakistan-Afghan cricket match in the UAE said thatsuch incidents should not have taken place among the people of two brotherly countries. (“Pakistan raises cross-border attack with Afghan govt,” The News International, 16 September 2022)

INTERNAL
Climate compensation from developed nations must be initiated by Pakistan, says WWA
On 15 September, a scientific study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) found evidence of climate change exacerbating recent devastating floods and heat waves earlier this year and has asked Pakistan to seek compensation from developed nations for loss and damage support along with an immediate push to reduce carbon emissions. the report released by WWA states, “We found that the five-day maximum rainfall over the provinces Sindh and Balochistan are now about 75pc more intense than it would have been had the climate not warmed by 1.2 Celsius, whereas the 60-day rain across the basin is now about 50pc more intense, meaning rainfall this heavy is now more likely to happen.” The NDMA countrywide statistics say the unprecedented floods, triggered by record monsoon rains and glacial melt in northern mountains, have left 1500 people dead, displaced 33 million people out of a population of 220m, and swept away homes, vehicles, crops, and livestock in damage estimated at 30 billion USD. (Khaleeq Kiani, “.Pakistan asked to seek ‘climate compensation’,” Dawn, 16 September 2022)

Imran, Mahmood gets fined by ECP for violating by-poll code
On 15 September, the ECP fined Rs 50,000 each to Imran Khan, Mahmood Khan, and several cabinet members including ministers and advisers to the chief minister, for violating the code of conduct issued for the upcoming by-elections by participating in the 6 September public rally in the provincial capital despite the warning. The District Monitoring Officer issued an order stating that the perusal of evidence comprising videos, photos, and news clippings coupled with a report of the monitoring team had established that various public office-holders, including the chief minister, cabinet members, advisers, and special assistants, in contravention of the code of conduct, participated in the rally. A day before the Peshawar rally, the DMO had directed the government functionaries not to attend the rally saying that action will be a violation of the code of conduct. He had warned that legal action would be taken against them all if they participated in the rally. (“ ECP fines Imran, Mahmood for violating by-poll code,” Dawn, 16 September 2022)

Funding case against the parties to have a final chance given by ECP
On 15 September, The ECP heard PTI’s petition to ascertain other political parties’ sources of funding, wherein the respondents asked for more time, prompting the commission to declare the next hearing as the last date for presenting arguments. The MQM‘s lawyer said that their application in the case was rejected, therefore, they need more time to submit their response. Similarly, the ANP lawyer said that their senior lawyer was busy and could not appear for the hearing, therefore, they too needed more time. The PTI demanded that the matter of ascertaining the sources of political parties’ funds should be handed over to the scrutiny committee. The member said that the political parties should submit their responses, adding that the final arguments would be held at the next hearing, and the case would not be adjourned any longer. (“ECP gives parties last chance in funding case,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2022)

12 children were subjected to sexual abuse on average per day, says Report
On 15 September, NGO Sahil in a research report titled “Sahil’s Six Months Cruel Numbers Report” revealed that 12 children were subjected to sexual abuse on average per day, in comparison to 10 children per day in the last year’s January-June 2021 report. According to the report, children from the age group 6-15 are most vulnerable to abuse while 715 children from the age bracket of 11-15 years and 401 children from the age brackets of 6-10 were abused from January-June 2022. The major crime categories included child sexual abuse (CSA), abduction, missing children, and child marriages. The statistics highlighted that the abuser involved in 47 per cent of the total cases were acquaintances, 18 per cent strangers while in 9 per cent of cases acquaintances along with strangers committed crimes against children. In the first six months of 2022, 71 per cent of the total cases were reported from Punjab and 9 per cent from the federal capital. The rest of the cases were reported from other provinces including 15 per cent cases from Sindh, three per cent cases from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and 2 per cent cases from Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). (Jahanzaib Yasin, “‘In Pakistan, 12 children sexually abused per day in first half of 2022’,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Receding rainwater shows relief in the province
On 15 September, the floodwater in Dadu and Jamshoro districts started to subside with a decrease in water level in the Indus River. The water level had been reduced by around three feet in all union councils of Jamshoro district which were inundated by the rise in water level in Manchar Lake last week. An official confirmed the receding water levels and said that the situation will be better in a few days.  He further said, “Even the water level at the main Indus Highway is going to recede.” Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has said clearing the water might take up to three to six months. (Sameer Mandhro, “Water level begins receding in parts of Sindh,” The Express Tribune, 16 September 2022)

ECONOMY
Textile exports in August increased by 4.2 per cent from a previous year monthly basis
On 15 September, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released its monthly trade statistics, as per the data, textiles exports have increased 6.37 per cent to USD 1.57 billion in August 2022 compared to last month’s USD 1.48 billion exports, with all major components, cotton cloth, knitwear, bedwear, towels, and readymade garments recording positive growth. Over the corresponding month of last year, cotton cloth exports were up 3.8 per cent, knitwear 23.6 per cent, and readymade garments 16.3 per cent. However, over August 2021, exports of bedwear slashed 2.44 per cent, towels 9.4 per cent, and cotton yarn exports declined 14 per cent. In FY22, total textile exports were at a historic high of USD 19.35 billion, with an increase of over a quarter over FY21’s exports of USD 15.4 billion. Textiles is the top foreign exchange earner for Pakistan and occupies over 60 per cent of the country’s total exports. (Israr Khan, “Textiles exports increase 6.37pc in Aug 2022,” The News International, 16 September 2022)

Food and oil imports increase by 31.8 per cent in July-August 2022
On 15 September, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released its monthly trade statistics, as per the data oil import bill increased by 7.8 per cent to USD 3.3 billion in July-August from USD 3.08 billion over the corresponding months of last year. Crude oil imports rose by 10.5 per cent in value during the period under review while those of liquefied natural gas declined by 3.37 per cent in value. The food import bill, led by wheat, sugar, edible oil, spices, tea and pulses, rose by over 21 per cent to USD 1.78 billion in the two months under review from USD 1.47 billion a year ago to bridge the local production gap. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Oil, food imports rise to $5bn in July-August,” Dawn, 16 September 2022)

ON INDIA
Pakistan rejects India’s claims on Neelum-Jhelum project
On 15 September, Pakistan rejected the statement made by India on Neelum-Jhelum project. The FO spokesperson alleged that India was once again churning out false and baseless reports about the hydropower project. The spokesperson added that a fault was detected in the project and is currently undergoing remedial works for which the entity concerned, Gezhouba Group of China has been contacted. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Pakistan rejects Indian propaganda on Neelum-Jhelum project,” Dawn, 16 September 2022)

Anjum Altaf, Education for all?
Dawn, 16 September 2022
Pakistan’s school education is neither inclusive nor equitable and is departing further from these objectives. Is this because Pakistan’s ruling elite is just playing along with the UN? The SDGs were preceded by the MDGs for 15 years. None were attained in Pakistan without any analysis of the reasons for the failure. Instead, the country signed on to a new set of goals with a fresh lease of 15 years during which officials would continue to hold meetings and participate in conferences.

Jan-e-Alam Khaki, Resolving conflicts
Dawn, 16 September 2022
Resolving politico-socioeconomic conflicts without hatred and animosity but with humility, sense of brotherhood, dialogue, and a win-win spirit is in the interest of all, Muslim or otherwise, as citizens, living as we are in a modern society.

Editorial, No end to impunity
Dawn, 16 September 2022
As we have stated in these pages multiple times, if the state or the security establishment feels someone has committed a crime, they must be brought before a court. And if the powers that be feel the courts are ill-equipped to punish the guilty, then the justice system needs radical reform; resorting to illegal methods and playing judge, jury and executioner cannot be countenanced.

Editorial, Dangerous turn
Dawn, 16 September 2022
It is an extremely dangerous escalation by the PML-N, which can expose Mr Khan to grievous harm. The political leadership on both sides needs to de-escalate and engage within the bounds of civility. Using the religion card against a political opponent crosses a major red line and ought to be roundly condemned by anyone who wishes to see a progressive Pakistan freed from the shackles of intolerance and bigotry it has been caught in.

Editorial, Women in peril
Dawn, 16 September 2022
The health of the infants being born during this calamity is also inherently linked to their mothers’ health. Women and children must be at the core of the authorities’ relief and medical responses and a coherent strategy developed with international aid organisations to address their immediate and short-term needs.

Editorial, Dirty politics
The News International, 16 September 2022
The political elite seems hell-bent on showing just how little it thinks of the regular citizen who is reeling from inflation, flood misery and a general lack of trust in the system. As is usual, all sorts of rumours are doing the rounds in the power corridors regarding deals, secret meetings and conspiracies. Whether any of it materializes into something concrete remains to be seen but at the moment we can only see more economic and political instability – and the worst politics has to offer.

Editorial, Planning failures
The News International, 16 September 2022
Local administration cannot simply absolve itself in such tragedies. In many cases, the relevant authorities just issue notices and do nothing concrete to prevent such constructions. After these floods, stringent measures are required to regulate building construction and other development projects that on paper look good but have a harmful impact later on.

Editorial, The messy reality
The Express Tribune, 16 September 2022
Thus the off and on threat of default, and a slowdown despite being under the IMF programme are signs of policy decay. Likewise, energy deficit as winter looms large is likely to cripple the situation of making both ends meet. The need of the hour is radical austerity, and one that ensures change. Only then can the fundamentals of macro-economy be reinvigorated towards growth and self-reliance.

Editorial, Violence and abuse
The Express Tribune, 16 September 2022
Meanwhile, the high reporting of cases in Punjab is not necessarily because more crimes against women occur in the province, but because victims in the province are more willing to come forward. Unfortunately, even those who come forward face an ordeal, as it can take years fighting for justice, especially for victims from lower-income or less influential backgrounds.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Interim Bail for Imran on terrorism case extended till 20 September
On 12 September, the Islamabad Anti-terrorism court extended the interim pre-arrest bail of Imran Khan till 20 September in connection with the terrorism case registered against him. Khan refused to appear before the joint investigation team probing terrorism charges but he failed to show up. Khan’s lawyer noted and accused police of misleading the high court claiming that Khan was not cooperating in the investigations. He apprised the court that his client’s written statement was not brought on the record and warned the police officials that the court has the right to punish them for poor investigations. The court adjourned the hearing till 2 pm on 20 September. The judge ordered the concerned authority to put security measures in place just before the hearing for the convenience of the people visiting the court. (Tahir Naseer, “Islamabad court extends Imran’s bail till Sept 20 in terrorism case,” Dawn, 12 September 2022; “Imran Khan's bail in terror case extended till Sept 20,” The News International, 12 September 2022)

Federal government establish a ‘Digital Flood Dashboard’
On 12 September, the federal government decided to launch a ‘Digital Flood Dashboard’ in efforts to keep the public which will keep the public well-informed of relief measures taken by the authorities concerned. The dashboard would provide direct information to the general public about the financial support and the relief goods being received and distributed among the flood-affected people across the country. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Flood response goes digital to ensure transparency,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

Floods are a forewarning to other nations that climate change can wreak unimaginable havoc, says ambassador
On 11 September, Pakistan’s US Ambassador Masood Khan stated that the floods in Pakistan are a forewarning to other nations that climate change can wreak unimaginable havoc if corrective steps are not taken immediately. He said, “This phenomenon is going to grow whether it is Pakistan or any other country in South Asia or the world,” adding,  “Today, it is Pakistan, tomorrow it will be another country.”  (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistan’s envoy calls for collective response to floods,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

Information minister rejects speculation on early election, says general election in 2023
On 11 September, Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, in response to PTI chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan’s call for early elections, insisted that the general polls would take place in 2023. She claimed that people were already on the streets because of the recent floods. “You have become blind and deaf. Elections are not held by force, crying, shouting and beating,” she maintained. (“General polls in 2023, Marriyum tells Imran,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Sindh: Government cuts the Indus Highway to divert the floodwater towards the Indus river
On 11 September, the Sindh government decided to cut the Indus Highway from three locations in the Dadu district to divert the floodwater towards the Indus river. Meanwhile, hundreds of residents took to the Indus Highway to stage a sit-in in protests against the government for not making any arrangements for their evacuation and shelter before planning to flood them to protect Dadu city. (Z Ali, “Govt desperate to save Dadu,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:  Health department focusing on prevention of epidemics
On 11 September, the health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported that water-borne diseases are decreasing due to return of the affected people from the camps to their homes. The department stated that it was focusing on prevention of epidemics like malaria, dengue fever, acute respiratory infections and typhoid in the flood-stricken areas. (Ashfaq Yusufzai, “Waterborne diseases on decline in KP's flood-hit areas,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

Balochistan: CM expressed concern over the spread of waterborne diseases
On 11 September, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo raised concern over the spread of waterborne diseases in flood hit areas of the province. He termed it as “a major challenge for the government.” Further, he health secretary and other officials to start a special vaccination campaign to prevent epidemics in such areas. (“CM orders measures to prevent epidemic in flood-hit areas,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

Sindh: AQIS, TTP militants arrested in Karachi
On 11 September, police arrested two suspected militants in Karachi. One of them claimed to be a member of the outlawed Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and supposedly received `training` in Afghanistan. The other was a member of the outlawed Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan`s notorious Tariq Gedar group. (“`AQIS, TTP men` captured in Karachi,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

Sindh: Poliovirus found in the Sewage sample of Karachi
On 12 September, Dawn reported that the National Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health Islamabad has reported Sindh’s first case of an environmental sample testing positive for the wild poliovirus Type -1. The sample was collected from a sewage line in August this year. According to officials, an immediate response round (sub-national) was implemented in August to mitigate the risks associated with poliovirus detection from the environment, besides extended outreach activities are also currently in progress in the districts with recent positive environmental samples. So far, Pakistan has reported cases of poliovirus this year and nine cases were reported last year. (“Alarm as poliovirus found in sewage sample in Karachi,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

Balochistan: Geological changes seen after recent rains
On 12 September, Dawn reported that according to Geology expert Prof Deen Muhammad Kakar several incidents of land sliding and fissures were witnessed in Balochistan by the recent rains. He said the rain-affected districts are prone to earthquakes and has installed 10 latest earthquake monitoring machines. As more than 10,000 tube wells were installed during the last several decades, the underground water level dropped to a dangerous level leading to geological changes. (“Geological changes in Balochistan land observed,” The News International, 12 September 2022)

ECONOMY
Declaration of currency for entry passengers into Pakistan is a decade old policy, says FBR
On 11 September, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) clarified that the requirement of submitting a currency declaration form for inbound passengers to Pakistan was not a new development, stating that a notification in this regard had been issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) over a decade ago. Media reports since last month have connected the strict checking to recent standards in implementing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines. In order to increase awareness amongst the international passengers, Pakistan Customs has been collaborating with the Civil Aviation Authority. (“Currency declaration requirement not a new development, clarifies FBR,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)
 
EXTERNAL
Canada to send a ministerial-level delegation to review of the impact of floods
On 12 September, Dawn reported that Canand has decided to send a ministerial-level delegation to Pakistan for a first-hand review of the impact of floods which caused colossal damage to livelihood of millions in Sindh and Balochistan and to scale up the emergency response. According to Pakistan High Comm­i­ssioner to Canada Zaheer Jan­jua,  the delegation will include Minister for International Development Harjit Singh Sajjan and several members of parliament. (Amin Ahmed, “Canadian team due for flood damage assessment,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2022)

Three days visit was ‘very productive,’ says US State Department Counsellor
On 11 September, US Embassy in Islamabad stated that the State Departments Counsellor Derek Chollet described his three-day visit to Pakistan as ‘very productive’ and expressed hope for a strengthened bilateral relationship in trade, investment, clean energy, health, security, education, and other shared priorities as the country has a robust relationship based on decades of bilateral cooperation and support. The US official delegates met Pakistani government officials, civil society members, and private sector leaders to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Chollet also met General Bajwa and discussed opportunities for the United States to support Pakistan’s flood response and security cooperation. (“Senior US official terms three-day visit ‘very productive’,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

China praises security measures for its citizens
On 11 September, Beijing appreciated and acknowledged the measures taken by Islamabad to ensure the safety and security of its projects and personnel in Pakistan as well as the efforts made towards unearthing the terrorists and their facilitators targeting Chinese nationals. The acknowledgment came and decisions were made during the 9th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Safety and Security of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) held at the Chinese Embassy. Additionally, Pakistan and China in-principle reached an agreement on various joint measures that includes furthering cooperation in the law enforcement domain. (“China lauds security measures for its citizens,” The Express Tribune, 12 September 2022)

NPPMCL outlines conditions for selling two LNG-fired plants to Qatar
On 12 September, Dawn reported on the recommendations and suggestion given by financial advisors of National Power Parks Management Company Limited (NPPMCL). The NPPMCL has asked the government to immediately finalise gas-sale (GSA) and power-purchase agreements, debt recapitalisation and payment mechanism (PPA) if it wanted an early sale of the two power plants, the 1,223MW plant in Kasur’s Balloki area and the 1,230MW Haveli Bahadur Shah plant in Jhang to Qatar. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd (SNGPL) and the petroleum division had been opposing the move because it exposed petroleum sector companies, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Pakistan LNG Limited and the SNGPL itself to losses and “practically shifted circular debt from power companies to petroleum companies”. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Advisers set conditions for LNG plants’ sale,” Dawn, 12 September 2022)

Maleeha Lodhi, Collision or coexistence?
Dawn, 12 September 2022
What is apparent is the need for the world’s most consequential relationship to be managed responsibly to avert a breakdown, even conflict. The future course of Sino-US relations has far-reaching consequences for the global economy, international peace and security and dealing with a range of shared challenges.

Sajjad Ahmad, GB’s vulnerability
Dawn, 12 September 2022
GB needs practical solutions from both federal and local governments. People are living in a constantly life-threatening situation. There is an urgent need to formulate and implement sustainable policies for the protection of the people and the environment.

Editorial, Minus one?
The News International, 12 September 2022
Threatening institutions and the government will not lead to elections but if he decides to go back to parliament – something that even the courts are now hinting at – the PTI can hold talks with the government on a way forward. At a time when Pakistan’s economy is struggling and the losses by the floods have gone into billions of dollars, the country needs less street agitation and more unity.

Editorial, Political calculus
Dawn, 12 September 2022
Both Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif have been targeted in the past under different ‘minus-one’ schemes, and they ought to realise the patent unfairness of it. No other entity except the people should have the power to decide the fate of a political leader. Any transgression of this rule is unacceptable in a democracy.

Editorial, Deep divisions
Dawn, 12 September 2022
Instead of leading their followers down a destructive path, there is a dire need for leaders of all shades to come together and formulate a shared vision of the future that is built on mutual respect and tolerance. In exploiting the worst of human nature, they are playing with a fire that will one day burn them too.

Syed Rizwan Mehboob, The water question
The News International, 12 September 2022
Adapting to the extreme and unpredictable climate change phenomenon in Pakistan would require assigning a central role to the water question. How we manage its scarcity or how we handle its abundance– through historical wisdom or through emerging science – would be critical for a resilient Pakistan in the coming years.

Editorial, Reparations for climate
The News International, 12 September 2022
On his visit to Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres too has urged global financial institutions to create a new mechanism for countries like Pakistan to enable investment in climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure, instead of getting mired in debt repayment. These are the steps needed to save countries like ours from drowning due to the apathy and negligence of others.

Editorial, Rise in trafficking
The Express Tribune, 12 September 2022
The recent monsoon calamity will add fuel to fire as millions have been displaced and their homes wiped away. They too will be looking for suitable alternatives. The government must realise that such problems cannot be resolved through an iron hand as only steady development and delivery of long held promises will ease the suffering of the masses.

Editorial, Calamity calculus
The Express Tribune, 12 September 2022
There is an opportunity in disaster to jot down a calamity calculus and rebuild the monsoon-devastated landmass. In order to do so, political harmony and realignment of national institutions on the same page is desired.

Editorial, Hooliganism and sports
The Express Tribune, 12 September 2022
Sports have the potential to bring people together in peace, thereby building a better world. Sports are supposed to promote friendship, solidarity and brotherhood. They create heroes who are expected to serve as role models for the team and the society at large. Unfortunately though, team sports in particular – cricket, football, rugby, etc – are getting more and more prone to hooliganism both on and off the field.

In Brief
INTERNAL
UN Secretary-General calls on the international community to step up in helping Pakistan
On 9 September, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the international community to help Pakistan tackle the challenges posed by the devastating floods and extend support in rebuilding a climate-resilient infrastructure. Further, he revealed that the ongoing flooding had cost Pakistan USD 30 billion. Additionally, he called ed the lack of global attention to climate change "insanity" saying, "This is insanity, this is collective suicide." Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif promised that “every penny” for the flood victims would be spent transparently and go towards the suffering humanity. (“Guterres pitches for massive flood aid,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2022; “Flood crisis to hit GDP growth projection,” Dawn, 10 September 2022; “'Unimaginable' flood devastation, says UNSG during Sukkur visit,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2022

Capital police give Imran Khan another chance to appear before JIT
On 10 September, Dawn reported that the capital police have decided to give another chance to Imran Khan to appear before the joint investigation team (JIT) before they approach the anti-terrorism court (ATC) to get his interim bail cancelled. This comes as Imran Khan was to appear before the JIT in connection with a case registered against him at the Margalla police station under section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act along with 186, 188, 504 and 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code. (Munawer Azeem, “Imran given another chance to appear before JIT,” Dawn, 10 September 2022

Harassment complaints see phenomenal increase in four years, says report
On 9 September, Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) released its annual report and highlighted that FOSPAH received nearly 5,008 complaints in the last four years - an exceptional increase in the number of registered cases. The report stated that as few as 84 cases were registered between the years 2010-13 while 398 cases were registered between 2013-18. Between 2018-22, however, 5,008 cases were registered out of which 3,698 were filed by women and 1,310 by men. Speaking to participants, President Dr Arif Alvi stressed that social and cultural attitudes and intellectual biases towards women’s rights, their economic and financial empowerment and gainful employment and peoples’ moral and ethical values needed correction on the basis of Islamic teachings, which called for equal educational opportunities for both men and women. He said in Pakistan, only 24 per cent women were working in the formal and informal sectors of the economy, which was low compared to men whose economic participation was around 90 per cent. (Jamal Shahid, “Harassment complaints see phenomenal increase in four years: report,” Dawn, 10 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Four killed in attack on JUI-F leader's convoy
On 9 September, four people were killed in an attack on a JUI-F local leader and tehsil mayor of Tank, Saddam Hussain Betni in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the police, the incident took place as unknown attackers attacked the convoy on the way from Pai village to Dera Ismail Khan and began ‘indiscriminate’ firing at them. (“Four killed as JUI-F leader survives attack,” Dawn, 10 September 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Peace march organized by residents of Kurram against rise of insurgency
On 9 September, Residents of central subdivision of Kurram tribal district organised a peace walk from Parachamkani area to Parachinar, the district headquarters, against resurgence and activities of ‘armed groups’ in their area. The marchers carrying placards and white banners demanded of the government to take notice of the activities of the gunmen in central Kurram. A banner read: “We want peace in our area.” Resentment and anger is on the rise among the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the merged districts, against the activities of armed groups. (“March held in Kurram against ‘armed groups’,” Dawn, 10 September 2022)

Balochistan: Protesters stop trucks, destroy Iranian tomatoes in Kalat
On 9 September, protesters stopped vehicles carrying imported tomatoes in Kalat district and some of them either looted or destroyed the merchandise. An official said protesters intercepted a vehicle loaded with tomatoes imported from Iran and started looting or throwing tomato boxes on the road. Several trucks loaded with tomatoes and onions reached Pakistan through Taftan and Chaman border crossing from Iran and Afghanistan, lowering the high prices of both vegetables in the local market. (Saleem Shahid, “Protesters stop trucks, destroy Iranian tomatoes in Kalat,” Dawn, 10 September 2022)

JUDICIARY
Closed doors appointments encourage the possibility of partisan intervention and patronage, says SC
On 10 September, Dawn reported that the Supreme Court has ruled that public appointments made behind closed doors are controversial since they encourage the possibility of partisan intervention and patronage. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah in the judgement said that an open selection process for offices like the chairperson and members of the Council of Complaints (CoC) of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) prioritises competition and helps discover best possible candidates. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC rules against appointments made behind closed doors,” Dawn, 10 September 2022)

Causing citizens to disappear is unacceptable, says IHC
On 9 September, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah said that causing citizens to disappear is unacceptable and equal to breaching the Constitution. Further, the IHC chief justice said, “No official has done their job [...] we will hold everyone responsible if another missing persons case is filed in this court.” He also remarked that the state was not responding as per its responsibility. (Awais Yousafzai, “Enforced disappearances unacceptable: IHC CJ,” The News International, 10 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
US defence secretary offers condolences due to damage from floods to COAS over a phone call
On 9 September, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and US Secretary of Defense General Lloyd James Austin had a telephonic conversation and matters of mutual interests, regional stability as well as defence and security cooperation were discussed. Defence secretary appreciated Pakistan Army’s rescue and relief efforts in areas hit by flooding and pledged to play his role in enhancing cooperation with Pakistan at all levels. On 9 September, a US C-17 aircraft carrying humanitarian aid for the flood-affected people arrived at PAF Base, Nur Khan and United States will operate several aircraft sorties comprising life-saving humanitarian supplies through an air bridge to Pakistan over the next few days to provide support to the flood affected people. (“Gen Bajwa, US defence secy hold talks over phone,” Dawn, 10 September 2022)

Government to repay dues worth USD 1.3 billion of Chinese IPP
On 9 September, presiding a meeting of stakeholders and chief executives of Chinese independent power producers (IPP), finance minster directed the power division to ensure that at least funds required for fuel arrangements were arranged on top priority as the sponsors complained that their cash requirements for fuel, particularly coal, had increased manifold because of the global market and they were short of inventories and  set a schedule for regular monthly payments for a full fiscal year to the satisfaction of Chinese investors. The Chinese stakeholders complained about non-operationalisation of revolving funds for payment of at least 20 per cent of dues against debt servicing and fuel requirements on a monthly basis directly from the collection of bills. The government has assured the International Monetary Fund that it would seek discounts from IPPs on account of capacity payments through extension in debt servicing tenure from 10 years at present to 20 years and discounts in interest rates. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt to start clearing dues of Chinese IPPs from next week,” Dawn, 10 September 2022)

ECONOMY
SPI decreases on a weekly basis, however, remains at an average high of 42.7 per cent
On 9 September, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics released its Sensitive Price Index report for the week that ended on 8 September. The federal government’s measure to import tomatoes, onions and other essential commodities in a bid to offset the impact of increase in the prices of petroleum products and disruption in supply of commodities due to the floods has had a minor positive impact on weekly inflation. The prices of 26 commodities increased, nine decreased and that of 16 remained stable during the said period. According to the PBS report, domestic LPG 11.67kg cylinder became dearer by PKR 297 to reach PKR 3,084. The statistics show that last week, the inflation rate on an annual basis was 34.47 per cent for the group with income up to PKR 17,732 per month, the group with income from PKR 17,733 to PKR 22,888 per month had 40.37 per cent inflation rate, 39.36 per cent was the rate of inflation for the group having an income of PKR 22,889 to PKR 29,517 per month, 23.59 per cent was the rate of inflation for the group having an income of PKR 29,518 to PKR 44,175 per month. While the rate of inflation was 44.01 per cent for the group having income more than 44 thousand 176 rupees per month. (Irshad Ansari, “Inflation eases as govt goes for imports,” The Express Tribune, 10 September 2022)

Zeba Sathar, Culpable for injustice
Dawn, 10 September 2022
Obvious recommendations are building resilience through adaptation in agriculture, dams for water storage and energy usage, and infrastructure development. However, the underlying deeper problems which face our nation in its 75th year of existence, need to be tackled with greater urgency.

Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, Do parties understand youth bulge?
Dawn, 10 September 2022
It is surprising that political parties in Pakistan have paid far less attention to the youth in general and young voters and candidates in particular, despite the high number, greater passion and social media activism of young voters. It remains to be seen whether things will significantly change in the next election and which party is able to mobilise and attract a greater percentage of young voters. But one thing is obvious: the youth, if successfully mobilised, will be the single most important factor in swinging the next election.

Editorial, Pointless disdain
Dawn, 10 September 2022
There may be some who believe that this is just another attempt by his opponents at a technical knock-out to check the PTI chairman’s growing popularity. However, the truth is that Mr Khan has this time picked a fight of his own choosing.

Aasiya Riaz, Dangers of populism
The News International, 10 September 2022
Democracy and nationalism are common belongings and should not be allowed to be hijacked by a populist. A credible and sincere approach to offer unifying pride in the country without trashing a foreign entity or government can focus on celebrating the country, people, culture, and accomplishments. Offer hope and optimistic vision of a better future which is inclusive, forward-looking and hopeful and which goes beyond just a rational appeal to interests or a technocratic future of smart government.

Editorial, A matter of justice
The News International, 10 September 2022
The visit by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will hopefully go a long way in helping Pakistan highlight the devastating impact the recent floods have had on the country…Pakistan now looks to the international community which must fulfil its obligations by supporting Pakistan – and other countries for that matter – to make it more resilient in the face of natural disasters like these.

Editorial, Debt quagmire
The Express Tribune, 10 September 2022
Pakistan has avoided defaults umpteenth times owing to the resilience of the nation. But this cannot be the case if the debt genie is uncontrollable. Time to opt for policies to get rid of it through proactive diplomacy and development.

Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri, Destruction, death & deluge must lead to debt write-off
The Express Tribune, 10 September 2022
Pakistan should and must exit this debt trap. It is not leading anywhere. There is an opportunity in a disaster to chalk out a strategy and get international loans written off. Two points are very pertinent for Pakistan: One; it has been a sustained victim of realpolitik at the hands of revulsions in the region and, of late, the War on Terrorism. Two; emissions from the industrial world are melting its glaciers and inundating it into an abject annihilation. It’s time to put the foot down.

Dr Muhammad Babar Chohan, Urban land: a resource curse in Pakistan
The Express Tribune, 10 September 2022
Urban land is a natural resource and needs to be treated in a natural manner. All future master plans of cities should, therefore, discourage unplanned urban sprawl and low density living. Vertical expansion of cities could be a partial solution.

In Brief
INTERNAL
UN Secretary-General arrives in Pakistan amid flood devastations; USAID to help tackle water-borne diseases; World Bank to repurpose USD 300 million to help flood victims; Finance Minister estimates flood losses to cross USD 20 billion
On 9 September, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit. According to Foreign Office Spokesperson, the secretary general will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, visit the National Flood Response and Coordination Centre (NFRCC), have a joint presser with the prime minister, and hold talks with the foreign minister followed by a joint press stakeout at the Foreign Office. Further, he would also visit areas most affected by flooding, including Balochistan and Sindh. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “UN chief in Pakistan to seek generous support for flood relief,” Dawn, 9 September 2022)

Meanwhile, on 8 September, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power on arriving in Pakistan said, “We recognise that what follows a calamity of this magnitude is often waterborne disease. So some of the $30 million that we announced is also going to our partners on the ground who provide health support,” adding, “We are already getting repo­rts of cholera, dengue. It can get a lot worse. As long as there is water, there are health risks associated with it.” (Shazia Hasan, “Post-floods, US to help tackle water-borne diseases,” Dawn, 9 September 2022)

On 9 September, The Express Tribune reported that World Bank Vice President Martin Raiser told Ambassador Masood Khan that the bank has agreed to support Pakistan in dealing with the massive devastation caused by the flooding by re-programming its existing activities and future programmes. Additionally, the bank would also repurpose USD 300 million to help flood victims and support flood relief efforts. (“WB to repurpose $300m for flood victims,” The Express Tribune, 9 September 2022)

On 9 September, The Express Tribune reported that according to ‘An Early Assessment of Flood Impact on Pakistan’s economy’ report being compiled by the Ministry of Finance, the economic losses and damages caused by the flash floods could range between USD 15 billion to USD 20 billion. Additionally, the government estimates that over 12 million more people would move into poverty, emphasising on the need for international assistance. (“Flood losses estimated up to $20 billion,” The Express Tribune, 9 September 2022)

UNESCO arranges an emergency fund of USD 350,000 to help flood-damaged cultural heritage sites
On 8 September, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) mobilised an emergence fund of USD 350,000 to help flood-damaged cultural heritage sites in Pakistan, particularly Moenjo Daro which dates back to 2,500BC, and historical monuments at Makli, Thatta, in Sindh. Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay said as part of its mandate, the organisation would provide assistance to “restore this heritage” and based on “needs analysis conducted by our office in Islamabad, we decided to mobilise right now $350,000 from our heritage and emergency funds.” (Amin Ahmed, “Unesco mobilises $350,000 to save heritage sites,” Dawn, 9 September 2022)

Floods pushes ECP to postpone by-polls in 13 constituencies
On 8 September, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed the by-elections in 13 constituencies of Sindh, Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) in view of the destruction caused by flash floods and the non-availability of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for holding peaceful polls. It said that conducting peaceful polls was its responsibility and the availability of the Pakistan Army, Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) was necessary to maintain law and order. It, therefore, added that the decision was taken in the public interest. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to challenge the ECP’s decision. (Rizwan Shehzad, Saqib Virk, “ECP postpones by-polls in 13 constituencies,” The Express Tribune, 9 September, 2022)

Pakistan slides by seven positions on HDI rankings
On 8 September, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched its Human Development Index report called as ‘Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World’. Ranking Pakistan 161 out of 192 countries in the 2021-2022, the report mentioned that Pakistan’s life expectancy at birth is 66.1 years and expected years of schooling are eight. The country’s gross per capita national income is USD 4,624. The report has identified that different climate shocks are affecting world order, pushing back the growth that was achieved in the past few years. The report highlighted that around 90 per cent of countries have seen “reversals in human development” in the year of the survey, pointing to a world stuck in a never-ending cycle of crisis after crisis, causing global disruptions. (Aimen Siddiqui, “Pakistan down on Human Development Index by 7 slots,” The News International, 9 September 2022)

IHC to indict Imran Khan in contempt of court case
On 8 September, taking Imran Khan’s reply and supplementary to contempt of court as unsatisfactory, Islamabad High Court (IHC) decided to indict former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in a contempt case on 22 September. The chief justice (CJ) of IHC reiterated that criminal contempt of court was serious and intent could not be mentioned in it. Nothing good has happened in 70 years, the CJ said, asking the lawyer if he wanted to justify the former premier's statement. To this Hamid responded that he had intended to explain not justify the statement. Justice Minallah said that threatening a district judiciary judge was a more serious crime than threatening a Supreme Court judge. (Hasnaat malik, “IHC decides to indict Imran Khan in contempt case on September 22,” The Express Tribune, 9 September 2022)

Ali Wazir to record his statement in a sedition case against him
On 9 September, Dawn reported that Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement leader MNA Ali Wazir would be recording his statement before a court in a four-year-old case of alleged ‘sedition’. According to the interim challan filed with the ATC-XII, Ali Wazir while addressing a public gathering in a Boat Basin flat in 2018 defamed the state institutions inducing people to wage a war against the state, thus committing sedition. (“Ali Wazir to record statement today,” Dawn, 9 September 2022)
 
EXTERNAL
Hundreds of trucks return to Afghanistan return after duty hike
On 9 September, Dawn reported that hundreds of trucks and containers with fresh and dry fruits returned to Kabul from the Torkham border after Pakistan imposed additional regulatory duty on the imported foodstuff. Similarly, importers suspended the import of fresh fruits from Afghanistan as a protest against an increase in regulatory duty by the Federal Board of Revenue. (Ibrahim Shinwari, “Trucks with Afghan fresh, dry fruits return after duty hike,” Dawn, 9 September 2022; Saleem Shahid, “Protest against duty halts fruit imports at Chaman,” Dawn, 9 September 2022)

Pakistan to get USD 450 million package to maintain F-16 fleet
On 8 September, US State Department notification mentioned that the US government has notified Congress of a proposed foreign military sale of USD 450 million to Pakistan to sustain the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 programme. The US Defence Secu­rity Cooperation Agency (DSCA) clarified that “the proposed sale does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions”. The agency also informed Congress that “the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region” and “there will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale”. The follow-on support for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet would include participation in F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Programme; Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Programme; International Engine Management Programme; and Engine Component Improvement Programme, and other technical coordination groups. The support would also include aircraft and engine hardware and software modifications and support; aircraft and engine spare repair/return parts; accessories and support equipment; classified and unclassified software and software support; publications, manuals, and technical documentation; precision measurement, calibration, lab equipment, and technical support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of aircraft maintenance and programme support. (Anwar Iqbal, “$450m package to maintain Pakistan’s F-16s,” Dawn, 9 September 2022)

Pakistan wants enduring ties with US, says COAS
On 8 September, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa while talking to a delegation headed by US State Department Counselor said that Pakistan desires to maintain the tradition of bilateral engagement and multi-domain enduring relationship with the United States. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed and both sides agreed on enhancing defence and security cooperation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said. Earlier, there was the Congressional delegation in Pakistan while the USAID administrator is also visiting. Bilawal in a Tweet said that he in his meeting with Derek Chollet thanked the US for its humanitarian relief, and discussions included a briefing on the rescue and relief efforts by the government and mentioned the continuing good momentum in Pakistan-USA relations and the solidarity that is expressed by such visits. (“Pakistan wants enduring ties with US: COAS,” The News International, 9 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: Relatives of missing persons end protest in Quetta after 50 days
On 8 September, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah while speaking at a press conference alongside Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo and members of the federal cabinet’s committee on missing persons said, “The federal government is making all-out efforts to resolve this issue and progress has been made to a great extent in this regard.” He added that the issues of missing persons were not merely the problem of a few families but an important issue for the entire country, including Balochistan.

Further, the members of the committee held meetings with family members of Baloch missing persons, who had been holding a protest sit-in near the Red Zone area for the last 50 days. On the assurance of Sanaullah and members of the committee, the protestors called off their month-long protest. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a hearing on the matter in the Islamabad High Court assured that missing persons would be reunited with their families. (Saleem Shahid, “Ministers’ visit persuades missing persons’ relatives to end protest in Quetta after 50 days,” Dawn, 9 September 2022; Awaid Yousafzai, “Missing persons will reunite with their families, I assure you: PM Shehbaz to IHC,” Dawn, 9 September 2022)

Editorial, Contemptuous remarks
The Express Tribune, 9 September 2022
The PTI chief has unnecessarily reached this stage. His acumen is up for a litmus test. Rather than dragging feet on his remarks, he must have submitted his sincere apology. And that is what he is required to do, and must do in public sanity by bowing before the law.

Shahzad Chaudhry, Lessons not learnt
The Express Tribune, 9 September 2022
IK invokes national pride, dignity and self-respect as the ideals he wishes to deliver to his people. For that he wants power. One, these are intangible notions impossible to numerically assess and qualify. Two, no one has exclusive rights to these attributes. And three, what better way than the Men in Greens delivering it to their people with exemplary performance, dedication and sportsmanship. Those who let their bat do the talking prevail in the end.

Editorial, Indicting Imran
The News International, 9 September 2022
Perhaps it’s time for the former prime minister to listen to wiser counsel, apologize unconditionally, accept he made a mistake in targeting a member of the judiciary and move on. The country is already going through enough chaos for a political figure to indulge in unnecessary dramatics. As Imran and his team decide on their future course of action, they will no doubt – in a case of perhaps rather very late – be keeping his precarious political future foremost in mind.

Editorial, Alphabet conspiracy
Dawn, 9 September 2022
The game of musical chairs in Punjab is a disgraceful reflection of our power elites’ priorities during a grave national crisis and is a testament to their shameless self-interest at a time when millions have been rendered destitute by the widespread floods which should have headed the list of national concerns.

Editorial, Politics of gifts
Dawn, 9 September 2022
Certainly, as Fawad Chaudhry said in his party leader’s defence, “selling one’s own assets is not a crime”, but it is well known that undervaluing of precious items in the Toshakhana is far from uncommon and affords the recipient an extraordinary financial advantage. That is not good optics for a party leader claiming to be a man of the people.

Sana Khosa, Disaster orthodoxy in Pakistan
Dawn, 9 September 2022
When the storm is over, we need to change the way we view and manage disasters in Pakistan. Local capacity for managing disasters needs to be developed or else we will have the same script: slow realisation of a disaster; a national declaration of disaster; looking for international aid; a bureaucratic response with layers of red tape; lots of politics; and lots of blame games.

Dr Pervez Tahir, Mega solar or small
The Express Tribune, 9 September 2022
While there are plans to solarise diesel based tube wells and government buildings, the central focus of the National Solar Energy Initiative appears to be the early start of mega projects…The present energy mix shows only one per cent contribution from the solar generation. As solar supply is not continuous, other sources cannot be completely eliminated. It can, however, be the predominant source and a great leap forward to ensuring affordable, cleaner and sustainable supply. Let the sun shine on the economy.

In Brief
INTERNAL
High flood forecast in Indus and experts to set up water purification plants to flood-hit areas
On 7 September, Rescue operations in areas around Manchhar Lake in an effort to initiate evacuation of stranded villagers after multiple breaches were made in the banks of the lake to save nearby Sehwan. The majority of villagers left their homes and headed toward other regions without any government support. The government has yet to provide displaced families with tents, rations, or medical support. The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) has said that River Indus at Kotri Barrage was experiencing a ‘high flood’. Other rivers of the Indus River system were flowing normally. A team of Danish experts has arrived in Pakistan to set up emergency water purification plants for climate refugees after floods inundated more than half the country. Elaborating the work of how plant would function, team leader said the six purification plants would provide 120,000 liters of clean drinking water. The UNHCR has already started their aid work and with our support they can expand their efforts. Their focus is particularly on emergency relief - providing tents and blankets and protection of vulnerable groups, including women and children.(Sameer Mandhro; Jamal Shahid, “Rescue operation underway around Manchhar lake,” The Express Tribune, 8 September 2022; “High flood forecast for Kotri Barrage,” The Express Tribune, 8 September 2022; “Danish experts to set up water purification plants in flood-hit areas,” Dawn, 8 September 2022)

Imran Khan submitted replies to IHC and ECP
On 7 September, Imran Khan while submitting a reply for contempt of court case and Toshakhana case to IHC and ECP expressed his deep regret over his unintentional utterances at a rally. Imran said he “never meant to hurt her feelings and if her feelings have been hurt, it is deeply regretted” and added that he “neither meant to threaten the lady judge nor could he think of doing so”. He also added that he had “enormous respect” for the judiciary, “stands firmly for the rights of women in Pakistan" and “strongly supports the idea of greater induction and representation of lady judges”. To the reply for ECP, he admitted to having sold at least four presents he had received during his tenure as the prime minister of Pakistan. the sale of the gifts that he had procured from the state treasury after paying Rs21.56 million fetched about Rs58 million.(Hasnaat Malik, Saquib Bashir; Iftikhar A. Khan, “Imran says 'deeply regret' comments made against woman judge,”; “Ex-premier Imran sold four foreign gifts, ECP told,” Dawn, 8 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Action against militants makes Tirah residents relocate
On 7 September, Security officials in Tirah valley here ordered residents of Sandana, Dray Naghari and Sanda Pal localities to vacate their houses in anticipation of a small-scale military operation against militants following recent attacks on security forces.The officials said Sipah tribesmen, who inhabit the area, were given choice to either hand over the suspects involved in the attack or vacate their houses. Nine suspected persons were arrested during a search operation in Sandana and Nangrosa localities, both inhabited by Sipah tribesmen. (“Tirah residents asked to leave ahead of action against militants,” Dawn, 8 September 2022)

ECONOMY
New duty on imports pushes importers to suspension of imports
On 8 September, Dawn reported on the halting of fruit supplies from Afghanistan to Pakistan following a statutory regulatory order by the Federal Board of Revenue, which increased the regulatory duty of imports from PKR 20,000 to PKR 95,000 per tonne. Hundreds of trucks loaded with fresh and dried fruits have been stranded at Customs House in the border town of Chaman, as the importers have refused to pay increased taxes and suspended import from Afghanistan. With suspension of fruit import from Afghanistan, Pakistan would face shortage of fresh fruit as fruit orchards in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had already been destroyed by floods, they added. (Saleem Shahid, “Protest against duty halts fruit imports at Chaman,” Dawn, 8 September)

Government commits to the restructuring of two banks for a healthy financial sector
On 8 September, The News International reported on the promise made by Pakistan to IMF for two banks, Silkbank and Summit Bank, that the two would be placed into “resolution” by May 2023 if they did not finish the first phase of their recapitalization plan by March of that year. According to a memorandum of economic and financial policies attached with the IMF’s country report on Pakistan published last week, the government said: “Overall, banks remain well capitalised and profitable, with non-provisioned NPLs (non-performing loans) at 0.7 percent as of end-March 2022. However, there are pockets of vulnerability with three small banks remaining undercapitalized.” On March 18, 2022, a public offer was made for an equity injection into one of the private banks. However, the process could not be completed by end-May because of a legal dispute. With the approval of the Ministry of Finance, the SBP would commence the resolution process for the bank. (“Govt assures IMF of placing 2 banks in ‘resolution’ by March 2023,” The News International, 8 September 2022)

Finance minister announces recovery of one-time waiver of electricity usage for lower unit consumers
On 7 September, during a press conference, Miftah Ismail stated that government does not have fiscal space to waive the PKR 9.90 per unit electricity surcharge as that will require a subsidy of PKR 30 billion. And added that PM’s announcement of a one-time PKR 9.90 per unit electricity surcharge from consumers of up to 300 units was due to the higher cost of power production in June, he added that the cost burden will be recovered by the government in the next six months. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported that the electricity prices in August were 123.2 per cent higher than the same month a year ago, reflecting an increase on three various accounts. The government has assured the IMF that as a matter of principle, energy subsidies would be contained to PKR 570 billion. Of this amount, PKR 225 billion will be for the tariff differential subsidy arising from the power tariff adjustment path. A plan to withdraw subsidy for tube-wells for large-scale farmers will be submitted to the federal cabinet by November 2022. (Shahbaz Rana, “Power tariff rebate to be recovered: Miftah,” The Express Tribune, 8 September 2022)

ON FATF
FATF cell move puts pressure on rupee
On 7 September, during the proceedings of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance revealed that before the visit of FATF team to Pakistan, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had issued a notification on 16 August, making it binding for all incoming international passengers to declare the foreign currency in their possession. The Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Inayat Hussain said, “Recently, exchange companies complained that the CAA’s decision to make the currency declaration mandatory is also one of the reasons behind the rupee coming under pressure. It was also disclosed in the meeting that after the central bank allowed the export of US currency, approximately USD seven million have been exported by exchange companies since 15 August. During the last fiscal year, exchange companies exported USD 3.1 billion in equivalent foreign currencies (Shahbaz Rana, “FATF cell move puts pressure on rupee,” The Express Tribune, 8 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
Textile export association proposes cotton import from India
On 7 September, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) said that 25 per cent of the standing cotton crop had been damaged and there was a possibility of a raw material shortage in the country. PTEA Patron in Chief explained that PTEA might need to import 2.5 million bales from India as viable option to maintain lower logistics and production cost. Last week, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said that he personally supported the idea to allow the import of vegetables from India and that international organisations had approached Pakistan to import food items from India as part of relief operations. (Amin Ahmed, Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Exporters pine for Indian cotton amid govt quest for seed,” Dawn, 8 September)

Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Reform, relief, resilience
Dawn, 8 September 2022
The world has moved from BBB to what Pakistan needs most — building back stronger, faster and inclusively. The 2022 floods offer an opportunity for relief operations to serve as a building block for reconstruction and resilience. Initiating the development of a framework for recovery and reconstruction can help generate data and build an economic case for loss and damage, an agenda point of the next climate summit later this year.

Riaz Riazuddin, Our economic potential
Dawn, 8 September 2022
Pseudo democracies are democracies known for being tainted by the establishment, making it difficult to establish who is really in charge of the government. In this respect, it can be argued that pseudo democracies are inferior to dictatorships. In this political scenario, priorities are unlikely to be favourable to investment, growth and development.

Shazia Nizamani, Gender and disaster
Dawn, 8 September 2022
The needs of women and girls should be incorporated into rescue, relief and rehabilitation plans. Opportunities can be identified from the experience of the disaster to change traditional gender roles and improve women’s participation in rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives.

Editorial, Women in the flood
The News International, 8 September 2022
The question of women somehow almost always gets lost when it comes to disaster relief. And when attempts are made to mainstream a more gendered look at disaster and tragedy, the outrage at such distinction is palpable. The fact is that so many of the stranded women affectees of the floods are in dire need of help and care, and pointing that out is neither playing the ‘woman card’ nor trivializing the overall effects of the floods.

Inam Ul Haque, More on floods, aftermath and way forward
The Express Tribune, 8 September 2022
Experts claim that global warming causes recurring drought and cloud-bursts in quick succession in affected areas like Pakistan, overwhelming the ground’s drainage and absorption capacity, and in the process overpowering the meagre and ill-prepared national response mechanisms. Without going into the debate any further, Flood-2022 substantiated this indisputably.

Editorial, Rupee’s struggle
Dawn, 8 September 2022
The rupee will continue to tumble against the dollar unless the country gets large cash injections in loans and flood-related aid from both multilateral agencies and bilateral lenders. With the country projected by the IMF to require external financing between $31bn and $39bn a year till FY26 to avoid default, the rupee’s road to stability and sustained recovery will be a long and arduous one.

Editorial, YouTube blockage
Dawn, 8 September 2022
The media experienced some of the worst forms of intimidation and censorship during the PTI’s years in power: this government should stop perpetuating that legacy. It is only the country’s fragile democracy that is suffering as a result.

Durdana Najam, Decentralisation and the case of Pakistan
The Express Tribune, 8 September 2022
Decentralisation is way beyond delegating power to lower levels of government. It is much larger than de-constructing power to lower levels of administrative agencies. It is even greater than devolving power to create subnational units of government.

Editorial, Resignations’ enigma
The Express Tribune, 8 September 2022
Last but not least, the doubt over the authenticity of typed resignations in a similar format — and not handwritten as supposed by law — has taken heat out of the resignations complexity. The PTI lawmakers will be better advised to go by the book and either rewrite their renunciation or appear in person before the Speaker, in all humility.

In Brief
INTERNAL
WHO warns of worsening humanitarian situation in Pakistan
On 7 September, Dawn reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning on the worsening of the humanitarian situation in flood-ravaged Pakistan. The floods in Pakistan have affected 33 million people. The WHO said over 1,460 health centres had been damaged while more than 4,500 medical camps have been set up by the WHO and its partners, while more than 230,000 rapid tests for acute watery diarrhoea, malaria, dengue, hepatitis and chikungunya have been distributed. According to WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic diseases are already circulating in Pakistan, alongside Covid-19, HIV and polio, and “now all these are at risk of getting worse.” Further, he added, “The food insecurity is going to be huge because the crops are devastated, obviously, and the little they had in terms of livestock is also destroyed.”

Meanwhile, on 6 September, the federal cabinet increased the size of cash assistance to flood victims from Rs28 billion to Rs70 billion. The cabinet also highlighted the need for strict adherence to zoning regulations all over the country to avoid illegal construction on the river bed to avert Swat-like destruction caused by flash floods. (“WHO warns of worsening situation in Pakistan,” Dawn, 7 September 2022; Syed Irfan Raza, “PM orders steps to avert Swat-like destruction,” Dawn, 7 September 2022; “UN rings alarm bell about worse humanitarian situation in Pakistan,” The News International, 7 September 2022)

IHC asks Imran to join the investigation for alleged threats to judge
On 6 September, The Islamabad High Court asked Imran Khan to join the investigation against him over his alleged threats to a judge as the Lahore session’s court sought a reply from police on a petition challenging the refusal to book for ridiculing the army. The petitioner through counsel contended that he filed an application for the registration of a criminal case against Imran Khan for scandalizing senior army officers. He said the PTI chief’s act amounted to the offence of sedition under the law, which was liable to be prosecuted following the registration of a case. In the case registered against him, the court asked the counsel for Mr. Khan to advise their client to join the investigation since the case is at the preliminary stage. (Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, Malik Asad, “Police refusal to book Imran for ‘army bashing’ irks Lahore court,” Dawn, 7 September 2022)

PM Sharif addressed the nation on Defense Day through the bond with armed forces
On 6 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while marking Defence Day said that anyone intending to “hurt the bond” between the country’s armed forces and the people was “not a friend of Pakistan” as he called for national unity to face the challenges posed by historic floods. His defense message called for national unity as a panacea for dealing with unprecedented flooding, which has inundated large swathes of the country, displaced millions and killed more than a thousand. (“Anyone intending to hurt bond between armed forces and nation no friend of Pakistan: PM Shehbaz,” Dawn, 7 September 2022)

Air pollution kills over 128,000 people every year in Pakistan
On 7 September, Dawn reported that according to Fair Finance Pakistan, an NGO working to mitigate the impacts of climate change, at least 128,000 deaths are reported in Pakistan every year as a result of air pollution and related illnesses. Asim Jaffry, country program head, said: “There is a need to change the business model in Pakistan and elsewhere to ensure that business operations exercise responsibility, especially the financial sector, to ensure net zero carbon footprints, protect human life and the planet’s ecology.” Evidence shows dirty air hits the poor the most and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, such as women, children, and the elderly. The World Bank reports one in every 10 people exposed to unsafe air pollution lives in extreme poverty. (Ikram Junaidi, “Toxic air kills over 128,000 Pakistanis every year,” Dawn, 7 September 2022)

POLITICS
New projects in PSDP to appease coalition partners
On 7 September, The Express Tribune reported that the government has included four dozen new projects worth Rs78 billion in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) seemingly to appease the coalition partners and diverted Rs23 billion to finance these schemes in total disregard for the evolving flood catastrophe.  This Adds 47 more schemes to the PSDP to keep coalition partners happy. The decision has been made despite the finance ministry's assurances to the IMF that it would save Rs150 billion against the already low allocation of Rs727 billion for the PSDP 2022-23. (Shahbaz Rana, “Govt opens purse to appease allies,” The Express Tribune, 7 September 2022)

PML-N banking on Maryam Nawaz for upcoming polls
On 07 September, Dawn reported on the status of PML-N candidates contesting for five of the six seats as discontented with the leadership for not holding any ‘grand’ rally led by a top party leader in their constituencies. By-elections for the National Assembly’s NA-157 (Multan) seat is scheduled to be held on 11 September, while for NA-108 (Faisalabad) and NA-118 (Nankana Sahib) on 25 September. Similarly, the province’s PP-139 (Sheikhupura) and PP-241 (Bahawalnagar) constituencies go to by-polls on 11 September, while polling in PP-209 (Khanewal) will be held on 2 October.  A source also said the party leadership is apparently banking on Imran’s disqualification from courts in various cases, which it believes will impact other PTI candidates as well. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Momentum of PTI’s campaign worries PML-N,” Dawn, 7 September 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: Female Deputy Commissioner to be appointed for the first time
On 6 September, the Government in a historic step appointed Ayesha Zehri, the first female deputy commissioner of Nasirabad district with immediate effect. Basically, an electrical engineer joined provincial services in 2017 and became assistant commissioner conducting many raids and arresting criminals and drug smugglers. Previously disciplinary action was taken against her for speaking about the inability of Levies station, who refused to take custody of chemicals that were seized in exchange for fire. During the rain emergency in Bolan, she helped the flood-stricken passengers stranded between Bibi Nani and Pinjra Bridge. (“Saleem Shahid, “Balochistan govt appoints female deputy commissioner,” Dawn, 7 September 2022)

EXTERNAL
Submarine cable infrastructure providing connectivity from Pakistan to France completed
On 7 September, The News International reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a statement saying that the Pakistan and East Africa Connecting Europe (PEACE) Cable International Network Company Limited has completed the construction of a submarine cable infrastructure providing connectivity between Pakistan and France. According to the PTA, the 15,000 km submarine cable will provide connectivity from Karachi to Marseille. Additionally, the cable extends from Pakistan to Singapore for an additional 6,500km, with the main trunk landing in Singapore, Pakistan, Kenya, Egypt, and France and branches to the Maldives, Malta, and Cyprus. According to the PTA this cable “adds ultra-fast, high capacity, low latency and redundant connectivity to Pakistan’s international connectivity.” (“Pakistan connects with France through submarine cable,” The News International, 6 September 2022)

ECONOMY
ADB report points to insufficient funding to recover losses during natural calamities
On 6 September, Asian Development Bank released its report ‘Narrowing the Disaster Risk Protection Gap in Central Asia’ which indicated that private insurance solutions for natural disasters risks had achieved only a minimal market penetration. The report recalled that the National Disaster Management Act of 2010 had established a National Disaster Management Fund and separate disaster management funds to be administered by each provincial government, which are still in operationalization phases. The report said: “These challenges are compounded by a challenging external financing context at the sovereign level, making it difficult to access debt quickly and cheaply after a disaster.” (“ADB points to insufficient funds,” The Express Tribune, 7 September 2022)

NEPRA allows tariff hike of PKR 3.69 per unit for ex- WAPDA discos
On 06 September, Nati­onal Electric Power Regu­latory Authority (NEPRA) allowed ex-WAPDA Distribution Companies (Discos) to charge PKR 3.39 per unit to their consumers to mop up PKR 95 billion in additional funds under the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) mechanism. The increase was sought on account of capacity charges, transmission char­ges, market operator fee, the impact of transmission and distribution losses on fuel cost adjustments and variable operation and maintenance charges for the fourth quarter, including impact of additional recovery on incremental sales. The demand for the highest quarterly adjustment PKR 19.5 billion came from Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), followed by PKR 17.8 billion from Lahore Electric Supply Company, PKR 12.27 billion from Peshawar Electric Supply Company and PKR 11.6 billion from Faisalabad Electric Supply Company. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Power users to pay Rs3 more per unit after adjustment,” Dawn, 7 September 2022)

RDA flows reaches USD five billion since the launch
On 06 September, Arib Habib Limited citing central government data said that the inflow of investment in Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) hit the USD five billion mark in August 2022, helping stabilise Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves and shielding the rupee in foreign exchange markets. However, month-wise data showed that inflows through the online accounts slowed down to an 18-month low at USD 187 million in August, the brokerage house said. RDA investments, however, stood stable when compared with inflows of USD 188 million in the prior month of July 2022. The government should consider revising up the rate of return on Naya Pakistan Saving Certificates for overseas Pakistanis to accelerate the investment. Hike in interest rates by major global economies like the US and UK may turn the saving certificates less attractive. The certificates offer a return of 4.75per cent to seven per cent per annum depending on the period of investment – from three months to five years – and the currency (dollar, euro or pound sterling) in which the investment is made. (Salman Siddiqui, “RDA inflows reach close to $5b,” The Express Tribune, 7 September 2022)

Zahid Hussain, Selecting the army chief
Dawn, 7 September 2022
Decisions taken on political grounds will have a negative effect both on the institution and the democratic process. Instead of looking for a favourite general and seeking the military’s support, it is far more important for political parties to focus on strengthening the democratic process. It is a lesson to be learnt from the past.

Editorial, Agricultural recovery
Dawn, 7 September 2022
It is critical that the respective governments take this particular aspect of the relief effort very seriously: arranging for temporary housing and food for a few days or months may provide a safety net to the affected people, but it won’t help them recover what they have lost. 

Editorial, Deregulating oil
Dawn, 7 September 2022
The authorities must ensure that Ogra and the Competition Commission possess the capacity to monitor and take action in case of cartelisation by marketing companies to protect consumers and ensure that the benefits are also passed on to far-flung areas where different companies, especially PSO, virtually have a monopoly.

Editorial, Irresponsible tone
The Express Tribune, 7 September 2022
The PTI leadership must reflect on it in all humility, and come up with a narration that is more responsible. Dragging the feet on what has been said, and unduly trying to recast it in finer vocabulary, is an exercise in futility. Imran Khan is on record having urged his followers to respect and uphold the dignity of the Army as an institution, and not be a part of any smear campaign.

Malik Muhammad Ashraf, Politics of irresponsibility
The News International, 7 September 2022
very electable who was a beneficiary of the previous governments jumped on his bandwagon – no questions asked. The compromises he made to gain and retain power were inexhaustible. It was power politics at its worst. Imran has surely landed himself in a difficult situation. He will have to change course if he desires to remain relevant in future political arrangements in the country. Rigidity and inflexibility have no place in politics.

Asim Ijaz Khwaja, Realizing Pakistan’s potential
The News International, 7 September 2022
A critical issue in disasters is that there is a need to urgently respond, to identify heterogenous needs, and to coordinate relief across a multiple of providers and hold aid accountable. One needs to figure out how to centrally support what is an inh
erently decentralized response for all four stages of disaster management: rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

Farhan Bokhari, Half a bailout?
The News International, 7 September 2022
Finally, history has amply demonstrated that nations are formed and saved by the people. That being the case, a large-scale mobilization of the public to reform Pakistan must range from a facilitation of individuals to private entities such as non-profit organizations to join the relief and rehabilitation causes. The fallout from the floods on top of Pakistan’s ongoing economic crises will not go away soon. Rescuing Pakistan must be a long-term commitment.

Editorial, Flood havoc
The News International, 7 September 2022
In addition to the affected families, there is widespread damage to crops that have been washed away, over thousands of square kilometres. In this time of tragedy, there is a need to shun petty politics. This scale of devastation in the country calls for concerted efforts. The government and state institutions need support from civil society and other quarters including NGOs – including the political opposition. The displaced need help. They must be the only priority at the moment. All else can wait.

In Brief
INTERNAL
Balochistan: Government declares 32 out of 34 districts as ‘calamity hit’; Neighboring countries and organizations extend support to the flood-hit country
On 31 August, the government declared 32 out of 34 provincial districts calamity hit as Sherry Rehman hinted that at least 10 billion USD would be required to rebuild climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of global warming. The torrential rains have killed at least 252 people and 1.3 million people have been forced to locate in Balochistan. At least 19 districts were particularly hit by unprecedented floods that leveled crops and damaged thousands of houses. The government has given compensation of Rs two million each to the heirs of 170 people who lost their lives. The ADB approved a grant of three million USD to support the relief and rehabilitation measures. Turkey, China and UAE aid the country through food and equipment. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) said that IFAD was ready to immediately adjust its activities in Pakistan to respond to the urgent needs of families affected by the floods. The NDMA and INGO’s extended support to carry out relief and rescue services in different areas. (Amin Ahmed; Saleem Shahid, Jamal Shahid; Kalbe Ali, “ADB approves $3m to support relief efforts,”; “32 Balochistan districts declared ‘calamity-hit’,”; “NDMA extends support to INGOs for flood-relief activities,” Dawn, 1 September 2022)

Balochistan: Earthquakes followed by an IED blast affect Kalat
On 31 August, Militants detonated an improvised explosive device at the working site of Pakistan Petroleum Limited on the outskirts of Kalat, killing one local employee and inflicting injuries on another. The attack by unidentified men came on a day when a moderate earthquake affected the district and its surrounding area. According to the meteorological department, the quake intensity was 4.7 on the Richter scale and the epicenter was southeast of Kalat. (Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “Kalat hit by IED blast, earthquake,” Dawn, 1 September 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: PM allocates USD 50 million for the flood battered province
On 31 August, PM Shehbaz visited flood-hit areas in Khyber Pakhtun­khwa and announced Rs10 billion in funds to rehabilitate the calamity-hit areas, even as a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) painted a grim picture of the health and humanitarian crises simmering across the country. According to the PM, the federal government had allocated an amount of PKR 28 billion which was being disbursed among the affected through the NDMA and the Benazir Income Support Programme. He added every affected family was being given a cash amount of PKR 25,000 whereas each family was entitled to PKR 1 million compensation if they had lost a loved one in the floods. In a meeting following his visit to KP, PM Sharif directed authorities concerned to restore the power supply and repair damaged roads in the flood-hit areas within two days with the help of the Frontier Works Organisation. (Fazal Khaliq, Nisar Ahmed, Ikram Junaidi, “Shehbaz announces Rs10bn for KP as crises swirl,” Dawn, 1 September 2022)

INTERNAL
Imran Khan failed to appear in court despite the security, citing a life threat
 On 31 August, Islamabad IG, Akbar Nasir revealed in the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the government was spending Rs240 million annually on the security of Imran Khan. During the proceedings, IG Nasir was asked about the reasons for the withdrawal of Mr. Khan’s security and revoking of private security companies’ licenses that were deployed for his protection. The committee was told that licenses were revoked by the interior ministry but they are still performing security duties. Imran Khan had secured a pre-arrest bail in the terror case till 1 September and was asked by an Anti-terrorism court for threatening senior police officers during a public rally in Islamabad. Babar Awan, Imran Khan's counsel, apprised the court that his client’s life was under threat, hence he did not appear before the court. He maintained that Islamabad police issued a threat alert about a possible attack on Imran Khan. During the proceedings, the lawyer pleaded with the court to grant interim bail to his client. The court remarked that only those who come to court get bail and summoned Imran Khan to start arguments on the bail plea. (Kashif Abbasi, “Rs240m spent on Imran’s security annually, says Islamabad police chief,”; “Terror case: ATC summons Imran Khan at 12 noon,” Dawn; The News International, 1 September 2022)

ECONOMY
SBP receives loan tranche from IMF
On 31 August, State Bank of Pakistan received USD 1.16 billion deposit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two days after the much-needed nod of the Fund to immediate disbursement on successful completion of the combined seventh and eighth reviews of a loan facility. Late night tweet by SBP said: “This will help improve SBP’s foreign exchange reserves and will also facilitate realization of other planned inflows from multilateral and bilateral sources.” Under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, signed in July 2019, the IMF was to provide USD 6 billion to Pakistan during a 39-month period. (“State Bank receives $1.16bn from IMF,” Dawn, 1 September 2022)
 
Gas reserves discovered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 31 August, Oil and gas exploration firms announced the discovery of gas reserves at 2.25 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) at Tolanj’s West-2 development, located in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) said: ““This discovery will also help and contribute towards improving the energy security of the country from indigenous resources and add to the hydrocarbon reserves base of MOL, its joint venture partners and the country.” The Tal joint venture comprised of MOL Pakistan (operator), OGDCL, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) and Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) While oil and gas reserves have been depleting at 10-15% per annum, new discoveries remain insufficient compared to the growing shortfall. Gas production has reduced to around 3,300 mmcfd compared to over 4,000 mmcfd some three years ago, while the demand for gas stands at over 8,000 mmcfd today. Similarly, crude oil output has dropped to slightly over 70,000 barrels per day at present compared to over 90,000 barrels per day some three years ago. (Salman Siddiqui, “Gas reserves discovered in K-P,” The Express Tribune, 01 September 2022)
 

Editorial, Aid for pregnant women
Dawn, 1 September 2022
A comprehensive and well-managed plan must be drawn up quickly to render all possible assistance to this vulnerable segment. Given the experience of recent years, it is clear that climate change has come to stay and coping mechanisms for victims of natural calamities, especially women and children, must be put in place.

Editorial, Restricting INGOs
Dawn, 1 September 2022
Rebuilding after the disaster requires the input of all stakeholders: the aforementioned funds and expertise of INGOs are invaluable; local community-based organisations are also key to the process because they are best informed about the situation on the ground and have strong local networks, whereas the state should play the role of coordinator and facilitator.

Zafar Mirza, Healthcare during floods
Dawn, 1 September 2022
Well-coordinated disaster management to rescue people from the flood-hit areas and then providing them relief and support in resettling is what is expected from the government. The quality of disaster management, however, is directly proportional to what preparation and readiness there is to respond when there is no emergency.

S. Akbar Zaidi, A pyrrhic victory
Dawn, 1 September 2022
With severe political uncertainty caused by a belligerent opposition leader, it is clear that there is going to be much political and economic disequilibrium for many months to come. With the damage caused by the floods to the economy estimated to be 10 times the amount received from the IMF, this latest rescue package is not going to rescue the people of Pakistan.

Editorial, Unabated child abuse
The Express Tribune, 1 September 2022
Officials can immensely help by strengthening the criminal justice system so that cases are properly recorded and criminals are punished accordingly as a form of deterrence. Psychiatric evaluations should also be included in investigations. An iron hand is needed to keep our children safe, at least for now.

Editorial, Using local coal
The Express Tribune, 1 September 2022
Pakistan has massive coal reserves, but it is almost all lignite, meaning that fully utilising it would have severe pollution implications. However, proper planning could see some of the savings reallocated to setting up clean energy plants. It might not be the best solution for environmentalists, but it is likely the most practical one.

Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, How do we govern disaster
The News International, 1 September 2022
While ‘government’ refers to planning and decision-making by the state, the societal notion of governance is altogether different. How are decisions made within a certain society or nation? Who is involved in these decision-making processes and who has which powers to decide? On which evidence is planning based and which planning documents are taken as the basis for decision-making? How are conflicting views dealt with? The answers to these questions define the contours of governance which in turn determine whether natural calamities can be stopped from turning into human disasters.

Editorial, Flood lessons
The News International, 1 September 2022
All this produces systemic flaws when a disaster strikes. In the absence of local capacity, short-term deployment of workers from UN agencies takes place. Most of these short-term workers lack any local understanding of ground realities, which further complicates the challenges at hand. Will there be a reckoning once the current flood wreckage has been taken care of? Hope and history point in different directions.

Editorial, Contempt issues
The News International, 1 September 2022
Perhaps this would be an opportune time to clarify what comes under the purview of judicial contempt and what comes under criminal contempt. And what of the SC decisions in the cases involving Nehal Hashmi, Daniyal Aziz and Talal Chaudhry? Newer precedents are part of the evolution of law, but they must be across the board so as not to suffer unnecessary controversy regarding the seemingly untouchable nature of one political leader.