SCBA opposes military court trials, calls for judicial strengthening and civil liberties protection

Daily Briefs

Photo : Dawn

19 May 2023, Friday I Vol 4, No.98

SCBA opposes military court trials, calls for judicial strengthening and civil liberties protection

Imran condemns attacks on army commanders house; Seeks probe and Mass arrests expected following protests in Pakistan.

PR Daily Brief | PR Team

POLITICS
Peshawar HC to hear 150 petitions filed by PTI leaders
On 18 May, the High court scheduled 30 May 2023 to hear 150 petitions filed by local PTI leaders and workers challenging the orders for their detention under the Maintenance of Public Ordinance. Earlier, several detained PTI leaders and local workers filed petitions for bail. Yet, the court has to decide on the maintainability of petitions to which Provincial Advocate General Amir Javed, contended to reject them. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Sahibzada Asadullah of Peshawar High Court stated that the prisoners (petitioners) should be freed if they’re not required in any other cases and that each of them should produce two surety bonds each of PKR 2,00,000 for their release. (High court suspends detention of 150 Tehreek-i-Insaf members under MPO, Dawn, 19 May 2023)

Imran condemns attacks on army commanders house; Seeks probe
On 19 May, Dawn reported Imran Khan condemning the attack on the Corps Commander House in Lahore on 9 May. He said: “I have always talked about peaceful protests within the law and the Constitution.” He accused the PDM coalition of wanting to eliminate PTI from mainstream politics by turning the military towards it. He urged for a thorough investigation into the 9 May violence and added that he can foretell that any fair investigation will reveal that the attacks were part of a planned conspiracy.” (“Everyone is condemning attack on army installations, says Imran; seeks probe,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

Zalmay Khalilzad concerned over Pakistan's multiple crises
On 19 May, Dawn interviewed Former US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad. He spoke on how Pakistan’s domestic disputes forced him to share his views. He was worried about the triple crisis in Pakistan; economic, political and security. Further, he pointed out how the change in the balance of power leads to war. He specified the causes of the situation and how they impacted the economy. However, the US diplomat supported Imran Khan and said: “I admire Imran Khan for his tenacity and for his commitment to his country, and I believe that the manner in which he is being treated is extra-judicial, dangerous and unfair.” Additionally, he suggested a politically neutral establishment, rule of law, democracy, and elections to overcome the crisis. (Anwar Iqbal, “Instability in Pakistan can destabilise entire region, warns Khalilzad,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

Six PTI leaders quit over May 9 violence
On 19 May, Dawn reported three additional PTI leaders , Malik Amin Aslam, Dr Muhammad Amjad and Dr Imran Ali Shah quitting the political party, raising the number to six in the backdrop of the May 9 violence. Malik Amin Aslam and Dr Muhammad Amjad said in a press conference that it became impossible to remain in the party. They added that the party was becoming “a reason for the country’s destruction and hatred against institutions”. Dr Amjad said that Mr Khan was being misled by a few people into making wrong decisions. Mr Aslam expressed shock as to why the PTI targeted only military and state installations. (“3 more leaders part ways with PTI over May 9 violence,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

Punjab government provides proof of PTI involvement in protests
On 18 May, the interim Punjab Government submitted the “proofs” of PTI involvement in “terrorist attacks” at military sites to the Election Commissioner of Punjab (ECP). A meeting was organised to discuss violent protests on 9 May 2023. The caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi said: “An obnoxious game was played under the guise of politics.” The officials reported on casualties and the number of violent attacks. Despite this, Sikandar Sultan Raja, Chief Election Commissioner, recognised the bold move of the Punjab government during protests and assured all possible assistance to hold free and fair elections. Further, he also reviewed security provisions for upcoming general elections. (“Punjab hands evidence of ‘PTI’s terrorism’ to ECP,” The Express Tribune, 18 May 2023)

SCBA opposes military court trials, calls for judicial strengthening and civil liberties protection
On 18 May, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) voiced concerns over the government's decision to try the 9 May suspects in military courts, questioning transparency and the protection of civil liberties. They emphasize the need to strengthen the judiciary's capacity to handle terrorism-related cases and ensure due process and fundamental rights for all individuals. The SCBA condemns the violent events of 9 May and advocates for a peaceful society where differences are resolved through dialogue. Additionally, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has called for a nationwide strike to protest the G20 meeting in Srinagar.(Nasir Iqbal,“SCBA condemns riots, seeks ‘impartial’ inquiry,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

Mass arrests expected following protests in Pakistan
On 19 May, Dawn reported that around 3,000 arrests are expected in relation to recent protests, with raids being carried out to apprehend those named in First Information Reports (FIRs). Protesters have been charged under different sections of the law or under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order. The leadership, including former members of national and provincial assemblies, remains in hiding and communicates using VPN or Wi-Fi. FIRs have been registered against 29 former PTI members for murder, attempted murder, and terrorism. In Malakand, 20 individuals have been arrested for burning the Swat Motorway toll plaza. (“Over 1,720 held in police swoop across KP,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

ECONOMY
Declining foreign inflows pose challenges for Pakistan's reserves
On 19 May, Dawn reported that Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves are in a precarious position due to a significant decline in foreign inflows. In the first 10 months of this fiscal year, Pakistan received $8.1 billion in foreign assistance, which is just 35.5% of the full-year target. Commercial banks were reluctant to provide loans, and international bonds were unsuccessful. The Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and IMF were the major lenders. The decline in inflows and failure to meet budget targets indicate challenges for Pakistan's reserves. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt gets a paltry $8.1bn in financing,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

Reserves at State Bank drop by USD 72 million
On 18 May, The central bank announced that the State Bank of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves were reduced by USD 72 million to USD 4.31 billion due to external debt repayments during the week ending on 12 May. Miftah Ismail and Ashfaq Hassan Khan have stated that the government is not aware of the extent of the economic crisis. The IMF is not ready to extend loans and the country needs another package of loans from them to avoid default in the next fiscal year. The US dollar has slightly appreciated PKR 285.62 in the interbank market against the rupee. (“State Bank reserves decline by $72m,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

EXTERNAL
Foreign office Spokesperson rejects “International Religious Freedom Report”
On 18 May, foreign office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch rejected assertions made on Pakistan by International Religious Freedom Report Pakistan. She said: “Such ill-informed reporting exercises about internal affairs of sovereign states are pointless, irresponsible, and counterproductive.” She responded by saying that Pakistan has established a strong foundation for legal policy and affirmative actions to preserve and develop the rights and freedom of all people. She expressed her distress and said: “We hope to work with international partners to counter these pernicious forms of religious intolerance, discrimination and Islamophobia.” She condemned the loss of 33 Palestinians' lives and called on Israel to uphold the cease-fire agreement. She also praised the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Affairs' warning against India's plans to host the G-20 Tourism Working Group conference in Srinagar. Pakistan expressed worry over India's persecution of minorities in Manipur and reiterated its commitment to the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. She also voiced worry about how minorities are treated in India and hoped that the country will do more to safeguard them. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Pakistan rejects US report on religious freedom,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

Iran would give Gwadar 100 MW of power each day, according to PM Shehbaz Sharif
On 18 May, Iranian Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that Iran will provide 100 megawatts of electricity daily to Balochistan's Gwadar, As soon as the Polan-Gabd power transmission line project is operational. He said:'' Pakistan and Iran were brotherly countries bound by deep-rooted religious, cultural, and linguistic ties, Both our governments are collaborating closely for the betterment and socio-economic uplift of our peoples.” Premier IRNA stressed the importance of cooperation with Iran, particularly in energy projects and border markets.PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi agreed to accelerate work on FTA between the two countries and finalize it at the earliest. PM Shehbaz wanted to increase trade activities with the government of Iran to facilitate the people of both countries. (“Iran to supply 100MW electricity daily to Gwadar: PM Shehbaz,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

SOCIETY
Sindh accused the Centre of undercounting the population
On 18 May, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah accused the federal government of undercounting the population of Sindh province and warned that if the provincial government does not address its concerns, it will have to reject the recent census. He said: “The actual population of Sindh is 64.4 million while the federal government has projected it to be 57.6 million which shows that 6.8 million people have not been enumerated. This is not a small difference,”.He warned that the federal government must rectify its shortcomings to the satisfaction of the provincial governments or risk rejecting the census. He also highlighted the shortcomings of the 2017 census, citing Punjab's population of 109,989, 655 with 17,107,953 listed households and Sindh's population of 57,665,774. (State Bank reserves decline by $72m,” The Express Tribune, 19 May 2023)

Bajaur teachers are protesting the lack of payment for their salaries
On 18 May, The All Bajaur Double Shift Teachers Association organized a demonstration outside the Civil Colony, Khar, outside the offices of the district administration, local education, and other government departments. The protesters held placards inscribed with different slogans and criticized the provincial government, education, and finance departments for not taking tenable steps in releasing their salaries. They also flayed the senior officials of the local education department for not playing their role in the issuance of their salaries due for the last eight months. The protesters warned to hold a massive protest demonstration if their issue was not addressed by the end of May. The local education department assured them of resolving their issue in the next few weeks. (“Bajaur teachers protest salaries non-payment,” Dawn, 19 May 2023)

SECURITY
Blast on Peshawar's Ring Road leaves 1 dead and 3 wounded, according to police
On 18 May, one person was killed and three others were wounded in a blast at a motorcycle workshop in Peshawar. The Peshawar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harood Rashid confirmed the injuries and fatalities in an explosion in the jurisdiction of the Peshatakara police station. He said 200 grams of explosives were used in the blast and further investigation is underway. In recent months, Pakistan has been hit by a wave of terrorism, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the outlawed TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November. (Zahid Imdad, “1 dead, 3 injured in blast at Peshawar’s Ring Road: police,” Dawn, 18 May 2023)

Pakistan on Twitter

“I was concerned for #Pakistan before, but a recent speech by the Army Chief has led me to believe that things are truly dire. His closed-door angry tirade to senior officers in Sialkot has been reliably shared with me.”
-Zalmay Khalilzad

“The mindset behind this unprecedented crackdown and current reign of terror that PTI and its supporters are being subjected to (that was not even witnessed during Zia and Musharraf martial laws) is that we Pakistanis are like a herd of sheep who can be terrorised enough to meekly bow down to this naked show of power.."
-Imran Khan

“The politics of 13 parties is a corona disease. The village will be sold in Jodhbau and will be called Bakaumal and will go to the dustbin. Rising sun worship will not be fulfilled.”
-Sheikh Rashid Ahmed

Also read...

Zubeida Mustafa, In a moral panic,
Dawn, 19 May 2023
“It is equally important that all provisions in the Act for the protection of the transgender persons’ rights are actually implemented. Hardly any hospital or prison has wards or cells for transpersons. No shelter homes have been set up for them as required by the law. They are discriminated against in education, healthcare, public places and also in hiring. They are the most marginalised community in Pakistan and the most vulnerable to sexual violence and indignities of the worst kind.”

Arif Azad, Just imagine it,
Dawn, 19 May 2023
“The wiser course would be to catalyse thinking and mobilise support for new ideas at the grassroots level. As Marx famously said “The philosophers have hitherto only interpreted the world. The point, however, is to change it.” Such a change can only be the result of patient work with all sections of society. Dedicated grassroots outreach to trade unions, bar associations and doctors’ and students’ unions can bolster the reimagining project. The local group, in turn, can stimulate new ways of nudging and strengthening the existing parties that have matured over the years despite their deficiencies and the constrained and controlled space they have been operating in.”

Zafar Mirza, Champion of people’s health
Dawn, 19 May 2023
“Zafrullah Chowdhury will be remembered for his revolutionary work on essential medicines. In 1982, as an adviser to the then president of Bangladesh, he introduced the famous National Drug Policy based on the essential medicines concept. In one go, 1,600 non-essential medicines were delisted and a list of only 150 essential medicines was adopted for the country. Big pharma was extremely upset and threatened to pull out from Bangladesh. In view of this situation, Zafrullah quickly set up an Essential Medicines Company which started manufacturing essential medicines. Later, he wrote a book reminiscing about these dramatic events. The book titled The Politics of Essential Drugs — The Making of a Successful Health Strategy: Lessons from Bangladesh is a must-read.”

Sahibzada Riaz Noor, Balochistan: strong-arm handling of political issues,
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2023
“Violence erupted. Armed tribesmen took to the hills. Pipelines and installations were attacked; army/FC camps were fired upon. Rockets were fired on the helicopter carrying Gen Pervez Musharraf on a visit to Kohlu. Musharraf made his famous statement: “We will strike you so hard that you will not know what has hit you.” The fifth Baloch insurrection had started.”

Syed Mohammad Ali, Strategic instability in the Subcontinent
The Express Tribune, 19 May 2023
“The growing economic stress and political chaos in the country is making it difficult for Pakistan to maintain its existing bilateral ties with both China and the US. Being able to balance and enhance both these key relationships simultaneously has become an even bigger challenge. Moreover, instead of trying to convince the US to avert supporting India in ways which compound Pakistan’s sense of insecurity, senior Pakistani decision-makers have been requesting Washington to address the disequilibrium being created in the subcontinent by increasing military support to Pakistan as well. Such a strategy may be good news for America’s military-industrial complex, but it will do little to make the Indian subcontinent a less dangerous and a more harmonious place.”

"The army must also consider that minus all else, with no solution emerging from the political stakeholders, it may yet again fall to it to do the yeoman’s work to reset the broken system."
-An opinion in The Express Tribune, Pakistan’s depleting options,

Daily Briefs

SCBA opposes military court trials, calls for judicial strengthening and civil liberties protection

Imran condemns attacks on army commanders house; Seeks probe and Mass arrests expected following protests in Pakistan.

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