Shehbaz Sharif visiting London to discuss important issues with Nawaz Sharif

Daily Briefs

Photo : Dawn

10 November 2022, Thursday I Vol 3, No.245

Shehbaz Sharif visiting London to discuss important issues with Nawaz Sharif

JI convening with PTIâ€™s ask for fresh polls, Journalist Arshad Sharifâ€™s belongings going missing from the crime scene, meeting around General Bajwaâ€™s retirement, one tribal leader killed and several others were injured in a targeted attack

PR Daily Brief | PR Team

Follow-Up: Imran Khan’s assassination probe
Status of the probe
On 9 November, the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order decided to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the attack on Imran Khan. The meeting was chaired by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Basharat Raja and attended by Chief Minister’s Adviser (Home) Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Chief Secretary Abdullah Khan Sumbal and other officials who participated in the meeting from the civil secretariat. During the meeting, it was decided that Additional Inspector General Highway Patrol Punjab Riyaz Nazir Garah would lead the JIT while other members include representatives from the security agencies concerned.

Meanwhile, Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Umar Sarfraz Cheema presented the initial forensic report of the Wazirabad incident during a meeting of the PTI’s senior leadership in Lahore. During the meeting, the PTI leadership was told that more than one assailant had targeted Imran Khan in the assassination attempt.

Statements from Imran Khan and PTI
On 9 November, Imran Khan via Twitter stated that he would reveal more names involved in the plot to assassinate him, reiterating that he had discovered the assassination plan against him two months ago. He said, "I had discovered the assassination plot hatched against me almost two months ago & exposed it in RYK 24th Sept & Mianwali 7th Oct public rallies. Wazirabad assassination attempt followed the script." Further, he stated that a second army officer besides the one he’s already named was also involved in the alleged plot, claiming to reveal the name shortly. Additionaly, he reiterated that there were four people involved in the assassination attempt and not just three who he has named earlier.

Meanwhile, during a meeting, the PTI stated that a three-member probe committee would be formed by 11 November, which will provide an investigation done by local police to the joint investigation team.

Statements on the FIR
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) demanded that the registration of the first information report (FIR) of the Wazirabad incident should be done “as demanded by former prime minister Imran Khan.” In a press release issued the SCBA said, “It is the failure of the state, not to register an FIR as demanded by the former Prime Minister which is illegal, without jurisdiction, and is completely in violation of the judgments of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which requires that an F.I.R be registered as per the version of the complainant.”
march?
On 10 November, the PTI is scheduled to resume Its long march from Wazirabad at 4:30 pm, the same spot where Imran Khan was injured during an attempted assassination. This is the third time that the PTI has announced the date for the resumption of the march. The march will be led by Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Umar, who would lead two separate marches towards Chakwal. The first procession led by Qureshi would continue from Wazirabad while the second procession led by Umar would depart from Toba Tek Singh to Jhang and then to Faisalabad on 11 November. The two groups would then converge before entering Chakwal.

Who said what?
During a PTI meeting, the leaders stated that the party has only one demand: elections should be conducted as soon as possible. The party has also demanded all assemblies be dissolved and a way for early elections be paved across the four provinces. Further, on Imran Khan’s participation in the long march, Fawad Chaudhry stated that the former would join the long march in Rawalpindi in the third week of November.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan urged the people to join the long march stating that his march is the "biggest movement for freedom" in Pakistan’s history.

Other developments surrounding the march
Over 1500 Punjab Highway Patrol personnel (PHP) and officers have been sent to four districts of Punjab including Gujrat, Jhelum, Attock and IGP Reserves to ensure security arrangements are in place during the PTI long march.

DAY 14: Daily update on PTI’s ‘Haqeeqi Azadi March’
Where is the march?
On 10 November, the PTI is scheduled to resume Its long march from Wazirabad at 4:30 pm, the same spot where Imran Khan was injured during an attempted assassination. This is the third time that the PTI has announced the date for the resumption of the march. The march will be led by Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Umar, who would lead two separate marches towards Chakwal. The first procession led by Qureshi would continue from Wazirabad while the second procession led by Umar would depart from Toba Tek Singh to Jhang and then to Faisalabad on 11 November. The two groups would then converge before entering Chakwal.

Who said what?
During a PTI meeting, the leaders stated that the party has only one demand: elections should be conducted as soon as possible. The party has also demanded all assemblies be dissolved and a way for early elections be paved across the four provinces. Further, on Imran Khan’s participation in the long march, Fawad Chaudhry stated that the former would join the long march in Rawalpindi in the third week of November.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan urged the people to join the long march stating that his march is the "biggest movement for freedom" in Pakistan’s history.

Other developments surrounding the march
Over 1500 Punjab Highway Patrol personnel (PHP) and officers have been sent to four districts of Punjab including Gujrat, Jhelum, Attock and IGP Reserves to ensure security arrangements are in place during the PTI long march.

In Brief

INTERNAL
Senator Mustafa Nawaz formally resigned from parliament after announcing resignation plans
On 10 November, PPP’s Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar formally resigned as a senator two days after he announced plans to vacate his seat in the upper house of parliament. Khokhar tweeted “I have formally submitted my resignation today. I’m thankful for the positive response and support across party lines which was far beyond my imagination,” while referring to the appreciation he had received from politicians, mainly PTI leaders, for stepping down as a senator because of the PPP leadership’s unhappiness with his “political positions”. Khokhar had announced his decision to resign saying he was told that the PPP leadership was unhappy with him over the “positions” he had taken during the recent political developments. (“Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar formally resigns from Senate,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visits London to discuss important issues with Nawaz Sharif
On 9 November, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached London to “consult” his elder brother Nawaz Sharif on the appointment of the new army chief of the country, which is happening later this November. This visit comes after the COP27 Summit in Sharm El-Shiekh in Egypt, where all members except for the prime minister have returned to their nations. The Education Minister said that the Prime Minister will be meeting with Nawaz Sharif in a bid to make important discussions, including the issue of the long march, which is starting today, after Imran Khan’s assassination attempt on 4 November. This meeting is criticised by Imran Khan as a “violation of the Official Secrets Act” and termed it a “breach” of the PM’s oath to the country. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Shehbaz in London to ‘consult Nawaz’,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Journalist Arshad Sharif’s belongings go missing from the crime scene, Kenya media reports
On 10 November, Kenyan media said that two pieces of evidence, including a mobile phone and a tablet, which are critical to the investigation of the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif, were reported to be missing from the crime scene. 20 days after the ‘murder’ of the journalist, the police are yet to find incriminating evidence and find the gadgets which are believed to be “stolen” when Sharif was shot. The police have established that Sharif arrived in Kenya on 20 August, and was hosted by two brothers, one of whom was with him in the car when he was shot. The case is refuted by Sharif’s wife, who apparently told Sharif to leave Kenya and seek “political asylum” elsewhere, and that she would take the case to the International Court of Justice as both Pakistan and Kenya are not “providing” her justice. (“Arshad Sharif’s mobile phone, iPad ‘missing’ from crime scene,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Jamaat-i-Islami convenes with PTI’s ask for fresh polls, says new elections ‘only way forward’
On 9 November, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) leader Sirajul Haq converged with the PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s demand for new elections and said that Pakistan will only come out of the political and economic crises it is in through new elections. He said that electoral reforms should be in “consensus of all political parties” and that elections would be “futile” exercise if not convened with all establishments. He said that these political parties should “hold constructive dialogue” on the basis of a firm rule of law, and end the “role of the establishment” in politics. Further, he added that all parties “should sit together” to reinforce the Election Commission, and be “strong and independent” administratively.(“JI joins PTI’s voice for new elections,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

MILITARY
Meetings sidelined in the context of General Bajwa’s retirement
On 10 November, Dawn reported that there have been concerned stakeholders over Army Chief Qamar Bajwa’s retirement and are mulling potential options that they believe would best protect their interests. In the middle of hectic consultations, a meeting took place at Rawalpindi GHQ presided by Gen Bajwa. The session is a monthly fixture at GHQ, where the top brass discusses the internal and external security situation as well as professional matters. Two things made this meeting extremely important — the impending change of command in the army and the related debates, both within the institution and outside; and the tense political environment in the country. However, no media statement was issued by ISPR, which has remained tight-lipped on the matter despite intense speculation. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Flurry of meetings hints at key decisions to come,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: One tribal leader and several others were injured in a targeted attack in the Khuzdar blast
On 8 November, a tribal leader was killed and five others were injured when their vehicle was targeted with a remote-control bomb near Khuzdar. According to the police, the bomb had exploded when PPP leader Abdul Latif Shahwani was travelling with tribal elder Abdul Ghani Bangulzai, who succumbed to his injuries. (Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “Tribal elder killed in Khuzdar blast,” Dawn, 9 November 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Two constables killed in attack on Waziristan police station
On 8 November, two constables were killed and two others were injured when terrorists opened fire on police station in Raghzai area of Lower Waziristan tribal district. According to the police, the terrorists used light and heavy weapons, including rockets, in the midnight attack. (Abdul Wahid Shahwani, “Two personnel martyred in attack on Waziristan police station,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: President Alvi suggests alternate dispute resolution mechanisms for resolving disputes in the tribal districts
On 9 November, President Dr Arif Alvi suggested that alternate dispute resolution mechanisms could be adopted in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to address the people’s grievances. He said, “Alternate dispute resolution will reduce burden on the conventional justice system besides helping improve the overall law and order situation in the [tribal] region.” Further, he also called for the execution of “financially sustainable and viable development projects and reduction in pilferage in government departments’ expenditure to enhance efficiency and reduce the financial burden on governments.” (“President Alvi advocates alternate dispute resolution in tribal districts,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Sindh: Protesting health workers refuses to resume duties unless demands are met
On 9 November, Protesting healthcare workers refused to resume their duties unless the Sindh government made the withdrawn health risk allowance permanent part of their salaries. Junior doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers continued with their sit-in outside the Sindh Secretariat under the aegis of the Grand Health Alliance (GHA) as outpatient departments at public sector hospitals remained closed across the province. There was no breakthrough in negotiations with the government. The leaders of the protest said health department officials can’t even implement the commitments they had made with us. We suspended our protest earlier on their promises. But there was no positive development and we stand by our demand. In fact, the government is forcing us to opt for an extreme step by arresting and suspending our colleagues from service.” Only patients requiring immediate treatment were attended to at the emergency departments. (Faiza Ilyas, “Healthcare providers in Karachi refuse to resume duties until demands met,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Sindh: After effects of floods make conditions of displaced people and newborn babies miserable
On 10 November, Dawn reported that More than 4,000 babies were born in relief camps of flood victims in less than two months fanning concerns of health experts and officials who see these children as the most vulnerable segment of the displaced people in view of the fast approaching winter. Data compiled by the provincial administration and health department suggests that between 9 September and 31 October, a total of 4,118 women gave birth while a large number of these women were facing malnutrition and other health complications. Leaders of the flood victims from local districts said that the administration has failed to clear the stagnant floodwaters, forcing thousands of calamity-stricken people to continue to live in makeshift huts along roads. They demanded Sindh chief minister, chief justice of the Sindh High Court, Sindh minister for irrigation and National Disaster Management Authority ensure immediate draining of floodwaters with the help of machinery so that affected families could restart their lives in their houses and villages and cultivate their farmland. (Imran Ayub, “winter sparks concerns for 4,100 newborn babies in Sindh flood camps,” Dawn, 10 November 2022; “Three months on, Sindh’s Jhuddo taluka still under floodwaters,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

SPORTS
Pakistan wins against New Zealand in T20 World Cup semi-finals
On 9 November, Pakistan won against New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals by seven wickets. Pakistan will now face either England and India in the world cup finals. Pakistan last claimed the title in 2009 at Lord’s in England when they beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets. (“Politicians, analysts hail Pakistan’s ‘clinical win’ against New Zealand in T20 World Cup semi-final,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

ECONOMY
Pakistan government to ‘rid’ the country of Riba, insists progress of Islamic financial system
On 9 November, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) would be “immediately” removing appeals against a decision of the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) in which it provided the government five years to eliminate Riba or interest-based banking from Pakistan. Further, he added that the FSC, previously, had lent a judgement to “transform” Pakistan’s banking system and bring an end to the Riba within five years. Dar also mentioned the progress that the Islamic financial system has seen in the last five years, and said that it was the government’s priority to “make decisions as per the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah”. He acknowledged the efforts it takes to completely shift into a different system and assured that the government would “try its best” to implement the FSC’s decision “as quickly as possible”. (“‘Seismic shift’ to take interest out of banking sector,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Traditional borrowing of loans continues to affect Pakistan, Ishaq Dar emphasises restructuring of Pakistan’s financial system
On 10 November, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) had approved a loan of USD 500 million for Pakistan and that the loan has been set at a rate of 3.8 per cent at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). He said that Pakistan has to pay 0.81 per cent over and above the SOFR on a fixed time spread and a changing borrowing cost. The total interest of the loan would stand at 4.9 per cent. This decision comes as Pakistan is trying to mobilise its private sector and international stakeholders to widen the fund and finance pool and expand into the marginalised sections of the country. The loan, under Dar’s announcement to end the Riba by 2027, will help Pakistan tap foreign loans from non-traditional international investors. (Shabaz Rana, “Govt announces end to riba in five years,” The Express Tribune, 9 November 2022)

EXTERNAL
Pakistan to receive USD 500 million from AIIB as co-financing
On 9 November, Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar announced that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) approved USD 500 million in its Board of Directors (BOD) meeting as co-financing of Asian Development Bank -funded Building Resilience with Active Countercyclical Expenditure (BRACE) programme to counter the social fallouts of economic crisis. The funds are to reach Pakistan in the month of November. Previously, the ADB approved and disbursed USD 1.5 billion under the BRACE programme for budgetary support and help flood-related rehabilitation and reconstruction activities. (“Pakistan to get $500m from AIIB for development programme,” Dawn, 10 November 2022)

Pakistani government and army give strict security protection to Chinese projects, says Chinese spokesperson
On 9 November, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the Pakistani government and the army have been providing strict security protection to the Chinese projects. The spokesperson said that China and Pakistan had close communication and coordination over security matters. According to the draft minutes of the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the CPEC, both sides have also agreed to strengthen the capabilities of the law-enforcement agencies and investigators. The decisions may help address the concerns of the government of China that was not moving forward on the CPEC front until the security of its nationals was fully guaranteed and Pakistan fulfilled its commitments under the energy deals. Against general expectations, Pakistan and China did not sign the 11th JCC minutes during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing earlier this week. (“China, Pakistan maintain close liaison on security,” The Express Tribune, 10 November 2022)

Pakistan on Twitter

"The testimony of the torture on Arshad Sharif Shaheed has proved the position of the government of Pakistan wrong that he was a victim of mistaken identity, a complete investigation of this testimony is very important."
-Ch Fawad Hussain

"Today is a historic day that the federal government has decided to withdraw all appeals from the Shariah court regarding the usurious system of economy."
-Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman

"Congratulations to the Pakistan Hockey Team for their thrilling 5-3 win over Japan and the bronze medal in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Nation is proud of you. Congratulations to the entire nation on this good news from the hockey field."
-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Daily Briefs

Shehbaz Sharif visiting London to discuss important issues with Nawaz Sharif

JI convening with PTIâ€™s ask for fresh polls, Journalist Arshad Sharifâ€™s belongings going missing from the crime scene, meeting around General Bajwaâ€™s retirement, one tribal leader killed and several others were injured in a targeted attack

Other Daily Briefs