On Pakistan Democratic Movement's rally:

Daily Briefs

Photo : Dawn

01 October 2020, Thursday I Vol 1, No.147

On Pakistan Democratic Movement's rally:

Sardar Mengal meets with Bilawal Bhutto; Nawaz says a change to take place within weeks

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On 30 September, Balochistan National Party (BNP) Sardar Akhtar Mengal met with Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Dubai a day after the opposition parties announced their anti-government campaign with the holding of its first public meeting from the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in Quetta later this month. The statement released by the PPP Media Office stated that the two leaders had discussed matter relating to the "overall political situation of the country and cooperation among the political parties for strengthening democracy and supremacy of the Constitution." Further, PPP chairman's spokesman stated that the two leaders discussed future strategy for running the anti-government campaign in line with the decisions which were taken at the multiparty conference (MPC). (Amir Wasim, "Mengal meets Bilawal in Dubai ahead of PDM's Quetta rally," Dawn, 1 October 2020)

On the same day, Nawaz Sharif addressed the PML-N Central Executive Committee (CEC) in Model Town via video-link from London. During his address, he asked the party supporters to stand by him in his struggle for civilian supremacy. Further, he said, if the nation stays together "the change may take place within weeks," adding, "I refuse to live in my own country like a slave and I will make sure that I live with dignity and pride of a free Pakistani because I have decided to stand up." Further, he has asked his daughter Maryam to hold public rallies across Punjab. (Zulqernain Tahir, "Nawaz promises change in weeks," Dawn, 1 October 2020)

Editorial asks questions the uncertainty that lies with the PDM
An editorial in the News International unsure about the next steps for the PDM asks, what happens if one or the other party decides to opt for 'reconciliation' in exchange for relief from the many court cases almost all-party leaderships are facing? What happens if there is a rift among the opposition parties? And is the PDM asking for the removal of the government or will the protests subside once some compromises are made? Are the opposition parties ready for elections? Further, it states that although the opposition says it is united now and will not recoil from protesting against the misgovernance, many are critical of this being a means to achieve an understanding between the government and the opposition.

The editorial, unsure about the what comes next states that the PDM seems to be the only option left for the opposition to make itself relevant both to politics and to the people, reiterating its point of the recent political happenings evolving into a political sizzler adding that the show seems to be developing. ("The next stage," The News International, 1 October 2020)

An opinion says the recent sparks are just the beginning of confrontational politics
An opinion in the Dawn critical of the political situation in the country says that the flying sparks denote more than just the beginning of confrontational politics as they have come to indicate that something larger is modelling itself, adding that a shift has happened. While addressing the Nawaz Sharif's speeches, the opinion states that these are an effect, not a cause of this change which is unfolding. The opinion identifies three developments. First, the realignment of political war fronts pre and post the MPC, with the pre-MPC fronts looking like PTI vs PML-N; PTI vs PPP; PTI vs JUI-F; and (most importantly) PTI vs PTI and the post-MPC fronts looking like PTI vs PDM; and PML-N vs Establishment adding that this new equation panning out to complicate matters further. Second, the leadership of the PDM with Nawaz Sharif's constituency and parliamentary numbers and Maulana Fazlur Rehman's grasp over street numbers, proving to be a potent combination when loaded with weaponized rhetoric. Third, the issue of legitimacy, if introduced and set up effectively, it could become the core of the opposition's narrative for the 2023 general elections. The opinion concludes by stating that situation escalates, there is much uncertainty with how this may turn out, however, although uncertainty portrays weakness, in the hands of an able commander, it may become a weapon of choice. (Fahd Husain, "RED ZONE FILES: October dread," Dawn, 1 October 2020)

Context: The opposition says that the first PDM to be held on 11 October in Quetta
On 29 September, opposition leader announced that the first Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) which is an alliance of almost all major opposition parties seeking to oust the government would be held on 11 October in Quetta. Further, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi while addressing a press conference after PDM's first formal meeting in Islamabad, said that the anti-government movement would be launched across the country after the "historic" rally in Quetta, adding, "This movement will keep growing and will be successful in ridding Pakistan of this undemocratic process," adding, "You will see that this movement will give rise to a true political change in Pakistan's political history." The PDM was formed at the Multi-Party Conference, where opposition parties announced the launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an "action plan" which is to start from next month with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies in December and a "decisive long march" towards Islamabad in January 2021. ("Opposition to hold first 'historic' rally under PDM banner on Oct 11 in Quetta," Dawn, 30 September 2020)

"Enjoyed meeting Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman HCNR of Afghanistan. We had a very interesting conversation: theme being the past is an invaluable teacher to learn from but not to live in" tweeted Imran Khan (Image Source: Dawn)

Imran asks Kabul not to remain stuck in the past
President Alvi says that a politically negotiated settlement is the only way forward

On 30 September, Prime Minister Imran Khan called for improving Afghan-Pak relations by the adoption of a forward-looking approach and urged Kabul to not remain stuck in the past. Prior to Abdullah's departure, Imran tweeted: "Enjoyed meeting Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman HCNR of Afghanistan. We had a very interesting conversation: theme being the past is an invaluable teacher to learn from but not to live in. We must look forward towards the future. I wish him all the success in his mission". According to the News, Abdullah met the President who said: "no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and a politically negotiated settlement was the only way forward." ("Peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan interdependent: Dr Abdullah," The News International, 1 October 2020)

Abdullah commenced his three-day visit to Pakistan on 28 September. According to Dawn, Mr Khan and Mr Abdullah met on 29 September in an effort to improve bilateral coordination on peace efforts. ("Let bygones be bygones, PM tells Kabul," Dawn, 1 October 2020)

The New Af-Pak Visa regime
On 30 September, Speaker of the National Assembly said the federal cabinet's decision to approve to the new visa policy for Afghanistan was liberal in its application and scope. He informed that various aspects of visa such as the validity, duration of stay and number of entries in Pakistan had been substantially liberalized. ("New visa regime to bring Afghanistan, Pakistan closer," The Nation, 1 October 2020)

An analysis in The Nation opined that the "Liberalization of visa policy for Afghanistan will greatly benefit bilateral trade & commerce, ushering a new era of mutual prosperity, especially people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa."

Abdullah is hopeful
Speaking at the Center for Research and Security Studies, Abdullah said, "I am leaving Islamabad with a good sense, a good impression and a lot of friendly messages."

Dawn's editorial says "Mr Abdullah, a long-time vocal critic of Pakistan's alleged help for Taliban militants, cut through the suspicion and doubts that have piled up over the past." The editorial opines that "Pakistan has been quite central to the effort for restoration of peace, which will ultimately free the US of its long foreign military involvement." It also justifies and supports PM Khan's warning against a hasty international withdrawal from the war-ravaged country. The editorial ends with a tune of optimism for a "common future" that FM Qureshi referred to; away from the mutual disruptive game of allegations and animosities. ("The Afghan promise," Dawn, 1 October 2020)

An opinion by Syed Abrar Hussain says: "Today, despite the continuing challenges and obstacles to peace, a consensual blueprint for the way forward exists, that can sooner, rather than later, deliver the stability that has eluded Afghanistan for long." "The foundational principle for any future partnership must be acceptance of the self-evident truth that Pakistan and Afghanistan are two sovereign, independent nations having reciprocal rights and obligations that must deal with one another on the footing of equality, non-interference and common benefit. Harboring self-defeating irredentist or interventionist ambitions by either State would prove, as it has in the past, disingenuous and eventually counter-productive," Abrar adds. ("Pakistan and Afghanistan: Blueprint for a shared destiny," The News International, 1 October 2020)

The opposition parties have decided to start the "Pakistan Democratic Movement" from Quetta on 11 October (Image Source: Daily Times)

In Brief
INTERNAL
Nawaz Sharif's stay in London humiliates system: IHC
The Islamabad High Court, on Wednesday, termed former PM Nawaz Sharif's exit from Pakistan "a mockery of the system." The Court held that it needed to determine if Sharif was deliberately evading proceedings.

The Court's remarks came after Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokhar presented a compliance report on Nawaz Sharif's arrest warrants issued by the Court. Khokhar also said all efforts were made to enforce the arrest warrant and Rao Abdul Hanan, an officer of the Pakistan High Commission, visited the residence of the PML-N supremo in London but the person at the apartment, "refused" to receive the arrest warrant. The Pakistani mission in London also contacted the Commonwealth office which then informed them that it was not in their jurisdiction to implement the IHC order.

The bench asked if it could write in its orders that the accused was hiding when he was making speeches. The court observed that it would move forward its proceeding under legal procedure. ("Nawaz Sharif's stay in London humiliates system: IHC," The News International, 1 October 2020)

Country's Parliament, a mere rubber stamp: Sharif
In his virtual address to the PML-N's Central Executive Committee, former PM Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan's Parliament had been turned into a "rubber stamp"; he believed that somebody else was running it instead of the legislators.

He said, "We have come out of the slavery of the colonizers only to be enslaved by our own," alleging that somebody issue instructions about the agenda of the day and voting on bills in the Parliament. Calling PM Imran Khan as "empty-headed," Sharif said that those who brought him to power must be held accountable.

The Committee also discussed the arrest of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and their future political strategy. PML-N Vice President and former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi later told the media that PML-N would emerge as a major force in implementing the agenda decided in the APC by the Pakistan Democratic Movement.

Sharif addressed the Committee a day after the opposition parties' alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement, announced that they would hold their first rally on October 11 as part of their strategy against the incumbent government. ("Somebody else running parliament: Nawaz Sharif," The Express Tribune, 1 October 2020 and "'Courts coerced, parliament mere rubber stamp'," The News International, 1 October 2020)

Laws protect the powerful, neglect the poor: PM Khan
Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Wednesday, said Pakistan was lagging behind in development because the planning was made for the elite and law let the powerful slip. He was addressing the signing ceremony of agreements by the Universal Services Fund to provide fast mobile broadband data services in Sindh and Balochistan. He emphasized that digital Pakistan is the future of the country and that though the Ministry of IT is doing a good job, Pakistan has a long way to go.

He took the opportunity to point out the difference between the elite and the poor in terms of access to English education and healthcare. He also highlighted the difference between powerful and weak nations by saying money laundering and other laws are also ineffective against the elite.

Imran Khan also chaired a review meeting on the ongoing energy sector reforms. He directed that special attention be paid to the system of disbursement of energy subsidy in a fair, transparent and efficient manner to the beneficiaries. ("Law lets powerful slip: PM Imran Khan," The News International, 1 October 2020)

ECONOMY
Revenue collection in Q1 FY 21 surpasses target: FBR
As per the data released by the Federal Board of Revenue, the government's revenue collection in the first quarter of this fiscal year surpassed the target despite missing the monthly target in September. While the total collection increased by five percent from Rs 381 billion in September 2019, revenue collection in September stood at Rs 401 billion, missing the monthly target of Rs 418 billion by four per cent.

Tax revenue: Income tax collection during Q1 fell short of the target by Rs 1 billion to Rs 361 billion as against Rs 362 billion in the corresponding period last year. Owing to increased POL prices and revival of economic activities, sales tax for Q1 showed a growth of 13 per cent and the revenue reached Rs 477 billion against last year's Rs 422 billion. The federal excise duty (FED) collection achieved its target of Rs 58 billion as against Rs 51 billion last year, showing an increase of 15pc. However, customs collection declined by five per cent and collected Rs 151 billion as against Rs 159 billion during last year's corresponding quarter. ("September revenue target missed, Dawn, 1 October 2020)

PAKISTAN'S WORLD VIEW
Sino-Pak Cooperation
Chinese Consul General in Lahore Long Dingbin's speech on the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. In the speech, he praises the cooperation between the Chinese and people of Punjab. He begins by highlighting the success of China in handling the pandemic and supporting Pakistan to do the same. As early as the beginning of April, the Chinese medical expert team visited Lahore and held discussions with the health departments to introduce China's experience in fighting the epidemic. China also supplied medical supplies worth $ 100 million.

He praises China's economic revival and the newly increased employed people in urban areas showing China's developmental resilience and economic vitality. Mr. Longbin further says that despite the pandemic, the work on CPEC continues. He concludes by thanking the people of Punjab for their unwavering support to the Chinese. ("Broader Sino-Pak cooperation," The Nation, 1 October 2020)

On the acquittal of Babri Masjid accused
Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said that the Indian judiciary has miserably failed to deliver justice by acquitting the Babri Masjid' attackers.' Chaudhri said this was yet another manifestation of the pliant judiciary under the extremist BJP-RSS regime where Hindutva ideology takes precedence over all principles of justice and international norms. He also mentioned that the Sangh parivar was responsible Gujarat massacre of 2002 and the Delhi pogrom of 2020. ("Pakistan blasts India for acquitting Babri Masjid attackers," The Nation, 1 October 2020)

Fall of Indian democracy
An editorial in Dawn criticizes India's decision to freeze Amnesty International's accounts in India. The organization has denied Indian PM Narendra Modi's claims that the organization is involved in the illegal transfer of large amounts of money from its UK operation to India.

The editorial says the move by the Indian government is not coincidental. Amnesty International's recent reports on "violations by security forces in India-held Kashmir" and another on police conduct during recent sectarian rioting in New Delhi, were roadblocks for the Modi government. It says that the move to freeze the organization's account displays India's disdain and increasing paranoia towards international human rights groups. The editorial lists out other instances of atrocities against Muslims and ends by stating, "Day by day, India's claim of being a democracy, let alone the world's largest, is becoming fatally compromised." ("Amnesty India," Dawn, 1 October 2020)

"The army chief has been quoted as saying that the security forces would serve any elected government. But that is not what has been happening. The general impression is that the military leadership is party to the relentless persecution of the opposition leaders in the name of accountability. The shrinking democratic space in the country is at odds with these solemn pledges of impartiality. The statements of some federal ministers claiming to be speaking on the military’s behalf raise more questions about the latter’s increasing political role.”

- An analysis by Zahid Hussain in Dawn, 30 September 2020

Daily Briefs

On Pakistan Democratic Movement's rally:

Sardar Mengal meets with Bilawal Bhutto; Nawaz says a change to take place within weeks

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