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entire career Pakistan is currently entirely beholden to the IMF to complete its debt repay-
ECP sets April 2 for polling on 48 Senate seats
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Gov
t given public mandate, is answerable to masses: PM
As
Shehbaz Sharif takes charge, what are his first steps for energy sector?
In order to fill 48 vacant seats the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Monday announced holding the Senate elections on April 2 Fifty-two seats in the upper house of parliament will fall vacant after the expiration of the 6-year term of the incumbent Senators on Tuesday The elections, however, would be held to elect 48 senators as 4 reserved seats for the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) had been abolished after the 25th Constitutional amendment The electoral watchdog said that an official schedule of the elections would be issued on March 14 Polling would be held to elect members against seven general seats, two women, two seats for technocrats including Ulema and one seat for non-Muslims from Sindh and Punjab In addition to this, lawmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan would elect members against seven general seats two women and two seats for technocrats including Ulema Members of the National Assembly will elect one general seat and one seat for technocrats including Ulema from the federal capital it added A day earlier the ECP appointed returning officers (ROs) in Islamabad and the four provinces for the conduct of the Senate election According to a notification issued by the election watchdog on Sunday, ECP Director General Training Saeed Gul will be the Returning Officer (RO) in the federal capital whereas provincial election commissioners Aijaz Anwar Chohan Sharifullah Shamshad Khan, and Muhammad Farid Afridi will be returning officers in Punjab Sindh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan respectively
CJP Isa comes down hard on IG Islamabad in jour nalists’ harassment case
In par tnership with Profit Tu e s d a y, 1 2 M a r c h , 2 0 2 4 I 1 Ra m a z a n , 1 4 4 5 R s 5 0 0 0 | Vo l X I V N o 2 5 4 I 3 6 Pa g e s I Ka r a c h i E d i t i o n ISLAMABAD A B D U L L A H N I A Z I M U H A M M A D Aurangzeb woke on Monday morning as the CEO and President of Habib Bank Limited – the largest bank in Pakistan By the early afternoon he had resigned from his position a replacement had been named and he had taken oath as a federal minister Almost immediately after this he was whisked away to the finance ministry where he was warmly welcomed and given charge of the country’s economy The chain of events didn’t come as a surprise Mr Aurangzeb had been tipped to take over the finance ministry for weeks There wasn t, however, any confirmation over how we would take over As a free agent and a technocratic appointment to the ministry, the now former banker does not have a seat in either house of parliament As such his stay as a federal minister is on borrowed time The constitution demands that he either finds a seat in these six months or loses his status as a federal minister Such a situation is not without precedent Back in 2018 Miftah Ismail was made finance minister in the Abbasi cabinet despite not being a member of parliament Her was appointed at a time when the government had less than six months left in its tenure so it didn t matter Mr Ismail would repeat a similar stint in office during his 2023 term as finance minister Shaukat Tarin has done the same He was appointed finance minister but lost the title when he didn’t find a seat within six months and was promptly appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) He was later elected to the senate and regained his status as federal minister The title matters because as federal minister Mr Aurangzeb will be able to deliver a federal budget in parliament which is due four months from now in July Only federal ministers or members of the house can deliver budget speeches in parliament The federal minister title will also matter because it will give Mr Aurangzeb more legitimacy when he goes to the negotiating table with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) C R U C I A L N E G O T I AT I O N: This will be the most important negation of Mr Aurangzeb s
ments The current situation is an amalgamation of policies and decision making that transcends different governments of different political parties in Pakistan Pakistan is currently party to a ‘Stand-ByAgreement that the IMF signed with the PDM government back in June 2023 The SBA worth over $3 billion had been signed after Pakistan and the IMF failed to successfully conclude a programme that had been marred first by the imposition of a petrol subsidy by Imran Khan’s government and later by the bull-headed negotiation tactics of PDM s finance minister Ishaq Dar The SBA had been signed as a sort of bridging agreement that would see Pakistan through its election period so that whoever came to power could then start negotiations anew with the fund Two tranches of that $3 billion agreement have been made already But now the fund is insisting that even the third tranche of the SBA will be negotiated by the new government Mr Aurangzeb will have to find a balance in these negotiations The IMF s experience with Pakistan’s last finance minister was less than ideal It will be important to see how he manages rising inflation and a fall in business confidence while also dealing with the fund s expectations
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PR OFIT A H M A D A H M A D A N I In a flurry of moves Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set about putting affairs in order on Monday as he gets comfortable in the chief executive s chair The day began with the swearing in of his 19 member cabinet that had been notified to President Zardari a day earlier and was followed by highlevel meetings with the new ministers On the same day the prime minister paid special attention to the power ministry The immediate agenda item was the provision of uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas to consumers during the holy month of Ramzan The direction to the power authorities come at a time when gas prices are under a major upheaval under the direction of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which wants gas used for commercial activities rather than for domestic consumers Despite the recent revision, the PM was determined to provide short-term relief to domestic consumers in Ramzan At the same time however Mr Sharif also called for a report on the implementation of the Energy Saving Plan The plan was first conceived early last year during Mr Sharif ’s first term as Prime Minister under the banner of the PDM The government back then had claimed they could save over $1 billion by many measures including the early shut down of markets The usefulness of the policy has been hotly contested by the country s business community, in particular by the retail sector which saw a reduction in its business hours As part of his instructions to the power authorities the prime minister also directed the provision of every possible facility to the private sector, local and foreign investors in the exploration of gas and oil, refining, and distribution of these natural resources A high-level review meeting regarding energy sector reforms was held in Islamabad on Monday under the chairmanship of the prime minister Addressing the participants, Mr Sharif said that the government was not meant for doing business, rather its responsibility was to extend all kinds of facilities to the private sector and ensure protection of the rights of the consumers especially the vulnerable segments of the society He also asked for steps for promotion of global investment in exploration of Tight Gas and undersea oil and gas reserves, regretting that Pakistan’s maritime area was huge in size when compared with Balochistan province but no steps were taken to explore its hidden natural resources
EARLY SHUT DOWN OF MARKETS IS ON CARDS AGAIN AS PM DIRECTS POWER AUTHORITIES TO UPDATE HIM ON ENERGY SAVING PLAN
A U N T I N G C H A L L E N G E S A H E A D
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ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed serious displeasure at Islamabad IG Akbar Nasir Khan on Monday as the apex court heard the matter concerning the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) harassment of journalists accused of an anti-judiciary campaign Irked over the police s failure to arrest individuals involved in the abduction of journalist Matiullah Jan in 2020, the CJP while addressing Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan said, “A crime was recorded on camera but you could not trace those responsible for it?” Mr AGP what kind of an IG is this? He should be removed CJP Isa asserted The chief justice asked the Islamabad IG how much more time was needed to arrest the abductors if four years were not enough “Do you need four centuries? he asked warning the IG that the whole country had its eyes on his performance It appears from your performance that you are playing the role of a facilitator Shoot one journalist, torture, or pick up another ” the CJP stated criticising how cameras installed under the Safe City project also stop working during such incidents A lawyer in the courtroom then informed the SC that journalist Asad Toor was currently in jail with an FIR lodged against him The chief justice asked the FIA officer how the provisions under which Toor was booked were justified “Does the FIA have any well-educated individual within its ranks? the CJP asked suggesting the institution get someone to translate the law in Urdu otherwise “Did we [the judiciary] complain to you against any journalist? Did you issue notices to journalists in our names? Are you using us to get your work done? the chief justice asked Journalist Asad Toor has been booked under some serious provisions, he said “How do the provisions, including those about sensitive information apply here?” CJP Isa further asked taking the FIA officer to task over not even mentioning the anti-judiciary campaign in the FIR when the summons issued to Toor were regarding running a campaign against the judiciary You have used the judiciary to get your work done,” the chief justice asserted Barrister Salahuddin informed the court that the JIT to probe the allegations against the journalists was formed before the registration of the cases He prayed to the court to declare the JIT notification null and void The chief justice then inquired why an officer from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was part of the JIT as the intelligence agency is not a law enforcement agency and it is also not the jurisdiction of the agency Salahuddin further argued that the FIA cannot take action against the journalists under PECA as only Section 20 of the act deals with such allegations however the complainant in such cases should be a natural person The AGP also agreed with the barrister s arguments and concurred that certain sections of PECA did not apply to the FIR The allegations levelled by former commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Ali Chattha on February 17 regarding the election commission and CJP colluding to rig February 8 general elections also came under discussion during the hearing CJP Isa stated that a commissioner accused him of rigging the elections and the statement was broadcast by all the TV channels without any verification He added that it is common practice globally that a news piece is first verified before being aired No journalist asked the accuser what proof he had Does this happen anywhere in the world?” the CJP asked “However, should the judiciary have issued notices to all the TV channels?” he rhetorically asked He again warned the investigative agency to not use the judiciary A person threatened to kill me, but the SHO sat on the application for five days I was then told that I will be informed of the progress on the matter after instructions are taken from the minister ” the CJP said further adding that a false report was submitted in the SC in the Matiullah Jan abduction case Are the number plates of vehicles in which the kidnappers come not visible? CJP Isa asked
S TA F F R E P O R T Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday while highlighting the huge economic challenges said that the masses had given them the responsibility to address these serious issues and they were equally answerable to the people who had given them a mandate to form the government Addressing the first meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister said that Allah Almighty had bestowed upon them the responsibility to serve the nation and reiterated to meet their expectations by striving day and night He urged the members of the cabinet to serve the nation and country with new fervor and commitment so that in the history, they could be remembered for delivering on their promises After February 8 general elections, the political parties received a split mandate, the PML-N, PPP and the allied parties were given the mandate to form the government Now this mandate should be respected which also required that they should concentrate their energies and move on the path of progress rapidly, he added The prime minister said that during their previous 16month government, the people had witnessed their performance, adding that they saved the country from running into default The prime minister said when they assumed the reigns of the previous government they had two choices; either to sit as silent spectators or be counted at that time they had decided to take responsibility of the country Then the interim government followed them but the economic situation in the country was stable and did not worsen he opined The prime minister said that once more they took the responsibility of steering the country out of the huge challenges and without wasting time they should tread upon that path leading to destination Felicitating the nation on the arrival of Ramazan, he said that about Rs12 billion Ramazan Package was being initiated under which the edible items at the Utility Stores and mobile utility stores would be provided to the poor and deserving Besides under Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) millions of rupees were being distributed among the poor as additional cash amount He underlined the need of strict monitoring of the distribution of different items under Ramazan package so that the food stuff should be readily available to the deserving Mentioning the spiraling price hike as one of the major challenge he stressed that the federal government in collaboration with the provinces would take measures to reduce it especially in the holy month of Ramazan I will not tolerate any kind of disturbance in the prices of commodities in the federal territory ” he emphasized and assured support and assistance to the provinces g N E W F I N A N C E M I N I S T E R FA C E S TO U G H E S T N E G OT I AT I O N O F H I S C A R E E R A S H E TA K E S D R I V I N G S E AT g W H AT L I E S A H E A D F O R M U H A M M A D A U R A N G Z E B ? C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03 C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03 PR OFIT A Z I Z B U N E R I Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has decided in principle to formulate a new Mining Policy in the province and introduce rudimentary reforms in Mining Sector with the aim to align it on modern lines and ensure effective and prudent use of mineral resources for enhancing revenue of the province He has directed the high ups of the Mineral Department to impose a ban on the issuance of mineral leases until the formulation of new policy further directing them to submit details of the mining leases already issued It is worth mentioning that mining is a major avenue of investment that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has set out in particular for foreign investors Some of Pakistan s most promising mining sites are in KP and the provincial government will have a vital role to play in their utilisation The CM was chairing a meeting of the Mines and Mineral Development Department here the other day Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Principal Secretary to CM Amjad Ali Khan, Secretary Finance Amir Sultan Tareen Secretary Mines & Mineral Development Hameedullah Shah and other relevant quarters attended the meeting The Chief Minister also directed the high ups of the department to complete homework on the establishment of a government-owned Mining company introduce mechanical mining in the province A major issue in the past in the mining departments has remained the issuing of tenders and contracts being unfairly awarded To counter this, the government is proposing an E-bidding system for the issuance of mineral leases further directing them to shift the entire paper work of the department to a paperless system However as of now this proposed system is still conceptual and has not been set out properly Ali Amin Gandapur said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was replete with precious mineral resources and the mineral sector had the potential to generate much revenue for the public exchequer adding that it was the need of the day to ensure prudent and effective use of the mineral resource to increase revenue The Chief Minister stated that the natural resources were the assets of the people of the province, and made it clear that no individual will be allowed to use their resources for his personal benefit Conducive environment will be ensured for the intending investors in the province, they will be encouraged to invest in the province and will provide all out facilities under the Ease-ofDoing Business policy of the provincial government the Chief Minister remarked g KPK CM DECIDES IN PRINCIPLE TO INTRODUCE RUDIMENTARY REFORMS IN MINING SECTOR What can KP ’s proposed mining policy do?
ISLAMABAD
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an investigation into allegations of unauthorised imports and operational anomalies in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry after request from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Dawn reported that the probe is being conducted under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) focusing on the Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd (SSGC) and senior executives of its subsidiary SSGC LPG Ltd (SLL)
The inquiry was initiated after the SIFC, a prominent civil-military body, requested a thorough investigation based on complaints from individuals and LPG business stakeholders alongside a report from an intelligence
agency highlighting similar concerns
The FIA has issued call-up notices to SLL executives for a meeting on March 12 and has requested cooperation from the petroleum division SSGC s spokesperson acknowledged the receipt of notices from the FIA, which were based on issues raised by individuals and an LPG business association He confirmed the company s commitment to addressing the queries but refuted claims regarding the suspension of any executives, attributing them to misinformation
The FIA’s communication underscored serious allegations against SSGC SLL and other entities regarding illegal LPG importation mismanagement of foreign reserves and corruption in the tendering process
This investigation seeks to clarify the involvement of SSGC and SLL’s management in these activities and
their impact on national economic interests To address recurring LPG shortages and price surges the federal government previously directed SSGC and SNGPL to commence LPG imports, aiming to offer competitive prices to consumers SSGC established SLL as a special purpose entity to facilitate prompt LPG procurement aiming to challenge the dominance of private operators
The investigation also explores alleged corrupt practices by SSGC, SSL, and other stakeholders, accused of creating obstacles for domestic LPG production to favor imports leading to significant losses to the economy
Tuesday 12 March 2024 | KARACHI 02 NEWS
TPL’s
PR OFIT N e w S D e S k TPL Trakker Limited (TPLT), a subsidiary of TPL Corp Limited, has signed a NonBinding Indicative Term Sheet with a UAE-based conglomerate for a large equity stake in Trakker Middle East (TME) an associated company of TPLT The company shared this information in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday in accordance with Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5 6 1 (a) of PSX Regulations “In continuation to the announcement of the Company dated February 26 2024 we are pleased to announce that the Company has signed a Non-Binding Indicative Term Sheet with a UAE-based conglomerate for a large equity stake in Trakker Middle East (“TME”), an associated company of TPL Trakker Limited the company said in its notice However the proposed transaction shall be contingent upon approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, satisfactory completion of due diligence, obtaining requisite internal approvals and entering into definitive documentation read the notice The proposed transaction is anticipated to be completed by May 31 2024
Fibres announces strategic asset sale PR OFIT N e w S D e S k Crescent Fibres Limited (CFL) has received approval from its shareholders for a substantial asset sale, according to a notice issued to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday The Faisalabad-based company plans to sell a parcel of freehold land and buildings marking a pivotal shift in its asset management strategy The assets up for sale include a freehold land parcel of 415 Kanals and 11 Marlas, along with buildings that span 278,651 square feet, situated at Chak No 202 RB, Nishatabad, Faisalabad This strategic disposal is subject to receiving the green light from the company s lenders and financial institutions indicating a collaborative approach towards financial health and sustainability Proceeds from this asset sale are earmarked for a dual-purpose strategy focusing on reducing the company’s financial liabilities and spearheading growth initiatives A significant portion of the funds will be allocated to settling dues with lenders and addressing certain liabilities thereby aiming to lower finance costs In addition, Crescent Fibres intends to invest in capital expenditures, including the upgrade of machinery and the transition towards more cost-effective and efficient energy sources to reduce fuel costs The remainder of the sale proceeds is planned for investment in new business ventures and capital market opportunities, signaling Crescent Fibres commitment to diversification and long-term growth PR OFIT N e w S D e S k M U H A M M A D Aurangzeb took the oath with the 19-member cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday shortly after resigning from the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) According to a notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) the HBL board has accepted Aurangzeb’s resignation however a final approval from the State Bank of Pakistan is pending Aurangzeb will lead PM Shehbaz s finance team and is expected to be given the portfolio either as finance minister or as an advisor In the wake of this development, Muhammad Nassir Salim has been appointed the successor to the role of President and CEO of HBL, pending regulatory endorsement Salim brings to the table over 35 years of extensive experience in the banking sector both within Pakistan and internationally Since joining HBL in 2017 he has made significant contributions to the bank most recently serving as its Chief Operating Officer since January 2024 His leadership extends beyond his immediate responsibilities at HBL, as he also presides over the Board of HBL Currency Exchange Salim’s career prior to his tenure at HBL is marked by notable positions across various global financial institutions His roles have included Head of Retail Operations at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank in the UAE and Site President & Director for Treasury and Trade solutions at Citi Bank in the USA Additionally, he has held the position of Chairman of the Board for NIFT, showcasing his breadth of experience in the financial services industry Salim is an MBA Finance graduate from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) and holds a fellowship from the Institute of Bankers Pakistan (FIBP) highlighting his academic and professional qualifications for leading HBL into its next chapter MUHAMMAD AURANGZEB QUITS HBL TO TAKE OATH PR OFIT N e w S D e S k The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has proposed a joint venture (JV) between Chinese firm Sinotec Solar (Pvt) Ltd and local company Ghani Glass to accelerate solar panel production in Pakistan This suggestion was made during a recent inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Rashid Mahmood Langrial Additional Secretary Incharge of the Ministry of Industries and Production The meeting, which reviewed progress on decisions from a previous session held on February 26, 2024, addressed various issues including the importation plans of Sinotec and the imposition of tariffs and taxes on the solar industry Langrial advocated for the avoidance of high duties on finished solar panels to prevent price increases for consumers He also emphasized the need for Sinotec Solar to present a detailed five to seven-year indigenization plan to qualify for zero-rated duties on imports of raw materials and machinery Muhammad Ashfaq from the MoC provided insights into the import quota system managed by the Input/Output Coefficient Organisation (IOCO) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) highlighting the equal treatment of sectors regarding capacity utilization and postaudit assessments An estimated Rs20 billion revenue forgone was discussed in relation to zero-rated imports for the fiscal year 2023-24 against a projected total revenue collection of Rs31 9 billion, indicating a net revenue increase The meeting also touched upon the zero-rated sales tax status for imported solar cells while other parts remain taxable Updates on administrative procedures such as the reclassification of Sinotec s plant site and the necessity for a signed tenant agreement, were also discussed Sinotec Solar ’s representative presented a conditional localization plan involving six key items for solar panel production, stating the company s commitment to localize solar cell production within five years contingent on reaching certain manufacturing capacities However this plan was met with skepticism due to its market volume conditions and lack of consideration for export potentials As a resolution, the MoC recommended Sinotec Solar to explore a JV with Ghani Glass for faster localization and technology transfer emphasizing the importance of an unconditional indigenization plan supported by a bank guarantee The meeting concluded with decisions to finalize responsibility matrices, prepare a tariff and tax analysis for the next decade, and for Sinotec to consult with Ghani Glass to devise a comprehensive indigenization plan This collaboration is expected to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and promote sustainable energy solutions in Pakistan Commerce Ministr y proposes C hinese firm, Ghani Glass JV for solar panel loc alization g R A S H I D L A N G R I A L S U P P O R T S AV O I D A N C E O F H I G H D U T I E S O N F I N I S H E D S O L A R PA N E L S TO P R E V E N T P R I C E I N C R E A S E S F O R CO N S U M E R S g MU H A M M A D N AS S I R S A L I M A P P O I N T E D AS N E W C E O O F H B L PR OFIT M o N i to R i N g D e S k The privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is projected to be one of the most intricate transactions tackled by the Privatization Commission, necessitating a detailed 30-step plan for completion According to top official sources fulfilling this ambitious agenda could span from six months to a year as reported by The News A significant hurdle in the process involves obtaining No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from around 35 lenders a task with an unpredictable timeline due to PIA’s financial struggles This step is critical for maintaining the airline’s operations and is indicative of the complexities involved in the privatisation efforts Comparing to past privatisations such as the Heavy Electrical Complex which took two years to transition to new ownership despite concluding the Sale Purchase Agreement in 2022, the PIA privatisation stands out for its complexity Achieving this within a year would be considered a significant accomplishment Despite prior commitments to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a swift transaction, possibly by June 2024, sources critique these promises as overly optimistic The privatisation’s timeline has been realistically extended to ensure a thorough and orderly transition with significant preliminary work yet to be completed Part of the preparation involves PIA’s division into two separate entities a process entailing multiple steps itself Additionally, potential objections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the unbundling of PIA and its financial implications particularly a Rs260 billion settlement with an annual cost of Rs32 billion and a potential Rs16 billion cost for restructuring domestic debt pose further challenges The IMF s concerns highlight the need for addressing structural issues within the sector, including energy mix optimisation, leakage reduction bill collection improvement and tariff rationalization to ensure sustainability Contrary to claims from sources close to the last caretaker government that the privatization groundwork is complete official statements suggest that significant steps remain This comprehensive approach aims to navigate the complexities of PIA’s privatization meticulously, underscoring the magnitude of this landmark financial and operational restructuring g A S I G N I F I C A N T H U R D L E I N P R O C E S S I N VO LV E S O BTA I N I N G N O C S F R O M A R O U N D 35 L E N D E R S PR OFIT M o N i to R N g D e S k
UAE conglomerate to purchase equit y stake in
Middle East subsidiar y
Crescent
and promoting monopolistic and exploitative market conditions The FIA has requested detailed records from the petroleum division to aid in the investigation, emphasizing the need for swift action to address these concerns Inquir y called over corruption allegations in Sahiwal Power Plant coal deal PR OFIT N e w S D e S k An investigation has been initiated into corruption allegations regarding coal contract at the Sahiwal Power Plant, a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, following concerns from outgoing Energy Minister Muhammad Ali about the procurement process Muhammad Ali just three days before he departed from office as caretaker minister penned a letter based on concerns raised by stakeholders They informed him that the Sahiwal power plant’s long-term coal purchase contract lacked transparency According to them the contract which ideally should have been awarded through a bidding process appeared to have been designed to favor a specific party as indicated by the Request for Proposal (RFP) process The minister ’s letter brings attention to the alleged preferential treatment of two suppliers in the financial year 2022-23 who were said to be supplying coal at significantly higher prices than the market rate Following industry pushback, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) introduced spot bidding, which notably reduced coal prices benefiting consumers but disadvantaging the initially favored suppliers Reports indicate that subsequent suppliers faced disqualification under questionable pretexts, allowing the original suppliers to resume their premium-priced sales Complaints from other coal suppliers regarding these practices were reportedly made to the Chinese management overseeing the plant operations Despite these concerns the economic burden of the price discrepancies, estimated to result in additional monthly costs of approximately Rs4 billion, falls on electricity consumers due to the pass-through nature of fuel costs The Sahiwal coal power plant which relies on imported coal has faced criticism not only for its procurement practices but also for the environmental and economic implications of transporting coal over long distances F I A p ro b e s u n a u t h o r i s e d i m p o r t s, o p e rat i o n a l a n o m a l i e s i n L P G s e c to r g I N Q U I R Y I N I T I AT E D A F T E R S I F C R E Q U E S T E D A T H O R O U G H I N V E S T I G AT I O N B A S E D O N C O M P L A I N T S F R O M I N D I V I D U A L S I N L P G B U S I N E S S ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t A court in Islamabad on Monday adjourned the hearing of bail petitions filed by former prime minister and exPTI chairman Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in seven cases registered against them at different police stations of Islamabad until tomorrow (Tuesday) Six cases were registered against Imran at Tarnol, Ramna, Secretariat, Kohsar and Karachi Company police stations while one case relating to producing fake receipts in the Toshakhana reference was registered against his wife at Kohsar police station Additional District and Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard the pleas Salman Safdar and Sardar Masroof counsels for Imran and Bushra respectively appeared in the court In their report submitted to the court on the failure to mark the former prime minister present in the court via a video link, the Adiala Jail officials said it happened because of an issue with the internet The judge ordered the court staff to visit Adiala Jail and Banigala residence of Imran tomorrow to mark them present Cour t puts off hearing of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi ’s bail pleas PIA privatisation process requires comprehensive 30-step plan
Anwar Maqsood denies repor ts of ‘abduction and tor ture’
LAHORE
Hafiz
and
had been arrested in Lahore on Sunday while they were protesting against rigging in the general elections held on February 8 on the call given by PTI founder Imran Khan were produced in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday
Earlier, the police registered FIRs against 38 PTI leaders and workers, including women, who had been taken into custody on The Mall on Sunday Sections related to terrorism interference in government duty and kidnappings were inserted in the cases registered against Hafiz Farhat Abbas Fauzia Hadeera, Hameeda and others
According to the text of one of
IHC permits Firdous Shamim to meet PTI founder
Peshawar blast: CTD arrests 3 suspects in late-night raids
New finance wizard facesdaunting challenges ahead
As Shehbaz Sharif takes charge, what are his first steps for energy sector?
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
He stressed upon exploration of undersea natural resources including oil and gas reserves and their full utilisation was among the top priorities of the government Emphasising to enhance the petroleum refining capacity of the country, he sought the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to do away with the circular debt of oil and gas sectors and work out a durable solution to the issue He also instructed to reduce the gas sector losses through smart metering and identify and take strict action against the thieves of gas and oil I will not allow any more wastage of the people’s hard-earned money and the loss to the national exchequer the prime minister remarked He instructed strict monitoring of the LPG sector to ensure provision of the commodity to the consumers at low price The prime minister further directed for presenting a strategy on the country’s mineral resources, their exploration and enhancement of exports The meeting was told that the country s oil and gas reserves were depleting fast and petroleum products worth $4 billion were being exported annually and the local exploration would save foreign exchange worth billions of dollars The meeting was also apprised of the reserves of tight gas and undersea oil reserves and the interest of the foreign investors in the sector It was told that work on LPG Policy 2024 was underway and consultation with the stakeholders was in progress
Tuesday 12 March 2024 KARACH NEWS 03
S ta f f R e p o R t
leaders
Farhat Abbas and other PTI
workers, who
the FIRs, Hafiz Abbas not only caused damage to public property but also incited others to do the same Abbas was also accused of resorting to indiscriminate firing along with four to five other unidentified accomplices It was stated in the FIR that the police finally overpowered the PTI leader and recovered a pistol from his possession It was alleged that the PTI workers also damaged a government vehicle and that sticks and rods were recovered from 42 of them Police on Sunday came down hard on
PTI protestors
took several of them into custody including MNA Sardar Latif Khosa Barrister Salman Akram Raja
Hafiz Farhat Abbas A large number of PTI leaders and activists organized protest demonstration across the country PTI leaders and workers took to streets across the country with rallies being held in various cities of Punjab including Rawalpindi and Islamabad along with protests in Karachi Hyderabad Kandhkot Tank and other cities The arrest of senior party leader Sardar Latif Khosa was confirmed by his son Shahbaz Khosa Khosa was arrested from Sadar Cantonment roundabout while Salman Akram Raja was detained near Ichhra Member Punjab Assembly Haroon Akbar was also detained from Ichhra Dr Hasan Mahmood, son of PTI leader Mian Mahmood-ul-Rashid, was also detained Mian Mehmood-ul-Rashid’s son was detained from a rally in Shadman P T I wo r ke r s p r o t e s t i n g p o l l r i g g i n g p r o d u c e d i n L a h o r e ’s a n t i - t e r r o r i s m c o u r t
the
and
and
LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t Anwar Maqsood Pakistan s legendary scriptwriter host satirist and humorist has rejected the reports that he was abducted tortured, and threatened by unknown men a few days ago Several social media posts had surfaced in recent days, asserting that Maqsood had been subjected to abduction and mistreatment sparking concerns among his fans and followers Reacting to the reports the renowned artist mentioned that the news circulating on social media regarding him is unfounded Describing it as fake news, Maqsood advised his fans to disregard the baseless claims He clarified that he does not have any social media accounts nor does he follow social media The screenwriter also shared that people informed him about the reports through phone calls He emphasized that he refutes all such news and criticizes those who spread unverified information His son Bilal Maqsood took to his social media and also cleared up the rumors about his father Anwar Maqsood being abducted He said that there is nothing to worry about as this is all fake news
ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) core committee member Firdous Shamim Naqvi to meet party founder at Adiala Jail Justice Samman Riffat Imtiaz on Monday heard plea of Firdous Shamim seeking permission to meet the PTI founder Defense Counsel Babar Awan argued before the court that Firdous Shamim, being a member of the core committee of PTI was deliberately not allowed to meet the PTI founder by the jail administration Assistant Attorney General Imran Farooq responded that the PTI founder had urged the jail administration to deal with his focal person regarding arranging his jail meetings The IHC court sought the legal status of the focal person and granted permission to Firdous Shamim to meet the PTI founder
PESHAWAR S ta f f R e p o R t The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Monday arrested three suspects in late-night raids in connection with the Peshawar blast As per details, the CTD spokesperson said that key suspects of Peshawar blast have been arrested in the targeted raids The CTD officials stated that the injured terrorist who was arrested at the spot of the incident has recorded his statement However the mobile phones and motorcycle were of no help for the investigation as the motorcycle has been completely damaged Yesterday, two people were killed and one sustained injuries in Peshawar’s ‘suicide’ blast According to SSP Operations Kashif Aftab Abbasi the blast that occurred in Board Bazar was a suicide attack Rescue 1122 staff reached the site soon after the blast They moved the dead and the injured to a nearby medical facility Police and security agencies cordoned off the area and have started investigations No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast Later the blast occurred when the terrorist were carrying the explosives to another location ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t O P P O S I T I O N Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan on Monday cautioned against the crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers stating that parliamentary committees will scrutinise the accounts of several officers, including IGs of Punjab and Islamabad Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad amidst the alleged crackdown on PTI leaders and workers Omar said We are striving against electoral rigging At present there is a surge in human rights violations in Pakistan PTI workers are being subjected to human rights abuses We appeal to the Supreme Court to take notice of this ” He condemned the crackdown against PTI’s peaceful protests across the country adding that over 100 party workers were arrested and terrorism cases were lodged against them We strongly condemn this The IG, on Maryam Nawaz’s orders, is facilitating this The IG has now become a domestic servant of the PML-N ” he added Omar Ayub mentioned that cases were filed against Sher Afzal Marwat Shoaib Shaheen Amir Mughal and other party leaders in Pakistan The faces of Islamabad’s IG, SSP, DC, and others should be exposed The police’s only mission was to crush PTI ” he said The opposition leader vowed to scrutinise the accounts of officials through the National and Provincial Assemblies Public Accounts Committees “We will summon all these officers to any committee and question them All of them will be held accountable We will also audit the caretaker government We will check the accounts of every government department to see where the expenses are being made, he stated Omar Ayub expressed concern over the continued blocking of various social media platforms “All this is being done so that Pakistan s youth do not receive timely information We demand that these websites be unblocked, he urged Regarding the detention of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and other PTI workers, he said efforts would be made for their release “Bushra Bibi is not being provided sufficient facilities She should not be considered as Imran Khan s weakness he added He further commented on President Asif Zardari s health, stating, His health does not permit him to be the head of the state He is unwell and not fit to become the supreme commander I advise him to focus on his treatment rather than reconciliation he concluded CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 A MAN OF CRISIS: A career banker this is Mr Aurangzeb s first foray into public service His family does have a history of holding government office on technocrat merits which means he comes with a certain degree of pedigree His later father was first Attorney General in the caretaker Moeenuddin Cabinet and later AG in the second Nawaz administration as a technocrat But before this the Wharton educated Aurangzeb has been all banker, having been a veteran of J P Morgan He became CEO and President of HBL back in 2018 at a time when the bank was facing a serious crisis because of its troubles in the United States Right off the bat his stint is to be put into test as he prepares the federal budget for FY25 With the current fiscal target not being met and a humongous increase in the interest payments expected in the next year Pakistan is looking at a federal budget in excess of Rs 15 trillion for the first time in the country s history On top of that the country s external account is about to be put under serious pressure as the country owes more than $50 billion dollars in the next 5 years in both bilateral and multilateral debt With all this to manage will the new finance minister be up to the task? C A R E E R P R O F I L E: Starting off his career at CitiBank, Aurangzeb first served in Pakistan and was later called up to the bank’s US office Later he joined ABN AMRO a leading Dutch bank where he was eventually promoted to the position of country manager Aurangzeb later served at senior management positions at RBS based in Singapore Prior to this responsibility at HBL Mr Aurangzeb was the CEO for JP Morgan s Global Corporate Bank based in Asia He has been affiliated with JP Morgan since 2011 a bank to which he eventually bid farewell in 2018 after being appointed the CEO and President of HBL Pakistan s biggest bank With a rich international and local banking experience of over 30 years, Aurangzeb truly lived a career that a banker can strive for He was the only Pakistani to be invited to the exclusive membership of the Global CEO Council organized by WallStreetJournal / DowJones group while being the CEO of JP Morgan GCP In 2019 he was also elected as the Chairman of the Pakistan Banks’ Association and Director of the Pakistan Business Council Mr Aurangzeb received both his BS and MBA degrees from The Wharton School at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania It is important to note that despite its irrelevance in Pakistan’s academic landscape, two Wharton MBAs namely Ahsan Iqbal and Muhammad Aurangzeb have been nominated in the upcoming federal cabinet Former finance minister Dr Miftah Ismail holds a Phd in public finance from the same school of University of Pennsylvania PESHAWAR a z i z B u n e R The USAID s Economic Recovery and Development Activity (USAID-ERDA) formally handed over nine completed agriculture infrastructure schemes to the farming communities of tehsil Safi and Ambar, District Mohmand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province today The ceremony was attended by representatives from USAID-ERDA, the local government and community members These interventions irrigating 200 acres of barren land in tehsil Ambar and Safi of Mohmand District will significantly improve the agricultural productivity of the region Additionally, USAID-ERDA provided vegetable and maize seeds to the farmers community, further supporting the program’s goal of enhancing agricultural productivity Mr Shakil Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner, District Mohmand said that, The Government of Pakistan deeply appreciates the continued support of USAIDERDA in developing our communities These infrastructure projects will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of the farmers in Mohmand District This project is a game-changer for our community The improved watercourses and storage tanks will allow us to cultivate our land more efficiently and increase our yields We are grateful to USAID-ERDA for their support ” Malik Sahib Khan, Farmer, Tehsil Ambar, District Mohmand said USAID-ERDA is committed to work with local communities to improve their livelihoods and build resilience We are confident that these projects will empower the farmers of Mohmand District and contribute to the longterm development of the region Engr Behram Jan, Water Management Specialist, USAID-ERDA Most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s population, including those in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), rely on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods However these sectors face challenges due to inadequate water supply inefficient water management and poor resource utilization In response to these challenges, USAID-ERDA has been actively working in Mohmand, Khyber, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Orakzai and Dera Ismail Khan Districts to improve water management infrastructure and promote sustainable agricultural practices The handover ceremony marks a significant milestone in these efforts and paves the way for a more prosperous future for the farming communities of the region
PTI SEEKS ACCOUNTABILIT Y OF POLICE OFFICIALS AMID CRACKDOWN ON WORKERS KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Pakistan Navy (PN) have recovered 10 of the 14 missing fishermen from the boat which sank last week, said a statement from the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) At least 14 fishermen were reported missing on Wednesday after the ill-fated boat overturned near Thatta The boat, named Al-Asad had a crew of around 45 fishermen out of which 31 were rescued after the incident On March 5 a search and rescue operation was commenced by PN and PMSA Despite challenging conditions, such as dense marine traffic choppy seas and the passage of time the rescue team was able to recover the bodies of 10 fishermen who had been missing Upon receiving information, PMSS Rehmat was able to achieve major breakthrough in the search operation today reports the press release of Directorate General PR of Naval Headquarters The recovered bodies were handed over to the concerned authorities The four bodies that were recovered earlier were laid to rest today “The ongoing search and rescue operation by PN and PMSA is a clear demonstration of PN s commitment to providing assistance during any unfortunate incidents at sea Initially, fellow fishermen attempted to rescue those in distress, followed by coordinated efforts from the Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Navy and Fishermen’s Cooperative Society These efforts led to the successful rescue of 43 fishermen while two remained missing prompting continued search operations They were fished out by another launch and dropped at jetty on Thatta coast
PN recovers bodies of 10 missing fishermen Gov t to transform Pak-Saudi ties into strategic, economic par tnership: PM ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the incumbent government will transform the time-tested Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties into a mutually beneficial strategic and economic partnership, with a special focus on attracting Saudi investment for bankable projects in Pakistan Talking to Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy who called on him here on Monday the prime minister thanked Saudi authorities for expanding the scope of the Road to Makkah initiative that would facilitate Pakistani Hajj pilgrims Premier Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman for their kind wishes on his re-election as prime minister Given the special fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the prime minister said the Saudi ambassador was the first envoy he received after assumption of office Extending an invitation to the prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia the Saudi ambassador assured him of the Saudi leadership s full support The envoy said that Saudi Arabia would always remain a reliable partner for building a stronger and prosperous Pakistan
PMSA,
Agriculture Infrastructure: A milestone for community development
CL A R I T Y finally emerged on the final shape that this government would take on Monday when the federal cabinet was sworn in and Muhammad Aurangzeb, until that morning CEO and President of HBL, was welcomed to the finance ministry as its resident federal minister
The 19-member cabinet that will aid and assist Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been announced a day earlier It was a relief only seeing 19 names on the list after Mr Sharif ’s previous cabinet which had swelled to 87 members of which 41 were Special Assistants to the Prime Minister and a mind-bending 37 were appointed as Federal Ministers
Because of the relatively lean cabinet this time around it was pretty clear that most of the old portfolios would stick with their previous occupants Senator Musadiq Malik has been tapped for the power ministry for example and Ahsan Iqbal is expected to take over the planning commission once again At the same time there are some new faces The brash but loyal Attaullah Tarrar is expected to become information minister and Mohsin Naqvi will likely become minister for interior and leave his short-lived gig as Chairman of the PCB
The only portfolio that has really seen shuffling is the finance ministry where Mr Aurangzeb will be taking over while his predecessor will go to the foreign ministry There is a tall task in front of the seasoned banker In his time at HBL Mr Aurangzeb steadied the ship after the bank’s disaster in New York and has been a steadying influence on the overall banking sector of the country
With a competent man in the economy s driving seat, Mr Sharif should feel secure that his second stint as PM might be less chaotic as the first But as prime minister, he must also move on
R e g i o n a l i m p l i c a t i o n s o f I n d o - U S d e f e n c e c o o p e r a t i o n i n e m e r g i n g t e c h n o l o g i e sZamZam Channa
H E increasing defence
Tmally communicated its concerns to the US regarding the increasing level of defence collaboration between the US and India asserting that such cooperation poses a direct threat to Pakistan s security interests It is pertinent that the recently concluded Indo-US defence deals could have implications for Pakistan s diplomatic relations with the US As noted by Michael Kugelman Director of the Wilson Center ’s South Asian Institute that “as India becomes a key strategic partner of the US Pakistan may perceive a shift in favour of India Historically the US has played a crucial role in shaping South Asia s geopolitics through conflict mediation, peace processes, and economic/military aid Countering the heightening defense collaboration along with power balancing will be critical for Pakistan’s policymakers to maintain stability in the region
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
AHowever the indirect implications for Pakistan cannot be overlooked The US-India uneven alignment and their defence cooperation could illuminate Pakistan s security by deepening its apprehensions about strategic encirclement Conversely, Pakistan may be compelled to bolster its own military capabilities in the field of ETs leading to an unprecedented arms race in nuclearized South Asia Such an escalation could have severe ramifications for regional stability and pose a significant challenge to international non-proliferation efforts As a responsible military power, Pakistan has for-
It is pertinent to highlight that the Indo-US technological cooperation could create India s asymmetric advantage over Pakistan in regional forums and diplomatic circles Moreover, India s enhanced technological prowess may enable it to exert greater influence in international arenas possibly marginalizing Pakistan’s voice on key regional and global issues
Lastly the acquisition of ETs in military by India may lead to concerns over military imbalances, creating serious security challenges for Pakistan To prevent potential destabilization in a region which is already prone to territorial conflicts, all great powers should adopt a responsible and cautious approach focusing on constructive engagement dialogue and the pursuit of shared interests to maintaining stability in the region
The author has studied bachelors in International Relations
Cellular ser vices
Plastic bags
Leaked paper
04 Tuesday 12 March 2024 COMMENT Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965 I K arachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545 I Web: www pakistantoday com pk I Email: editorial@pakistantoday com pk
L e t t i n g b y g o n e s b e b y g o n e s
from his previous stint In his address to his new cabinet, the new chief executive of the country said that the previous government’s biggest achievement was saving the country from default He is correct enough But he must reflect on how Pakistan got so close to default in the first place There is a lot riding on this government particularly its core economic team It is imperative that Mr Aurangzeb be allowed to run things the way he sees fit aided by decisive actions and decision making by the prime minister To do that he must let the past be the past and focus on the task ahead
G A R O U K is a small village in Khuzdar district which is deprived of mobile network facilities People have to go up the hills to access mobile network or the internet Even this makes internet browsing impossible People have requested the government and the local elders to have the issue resolved but there has been no positive response The government should install a mobile network tower in the village ASIM BALOCH GAROUK
P L A S T I C bags can turn good fertile land into barren land as they can take more than 500 years to fully decompose Moreover scientists also believe that plastic bags can cause deadly diseases such as cancer birth defects immune damage and asthma According to estimates more than billions of plastic shopping bags are being used in Pakistan and the use is going up every year by about 15 per cent It is essential that the government take measures to reduce the use and sale of plastic bags Moreover, it should create awareness among the people about health risks and loss of fertile land becasue of the use of plastic bags MUHAMMAD SULEMAN KARACHI
A test for the post of secondary school teachers in BPS-16 was scheduled for Feb 20, but the paper was leaked hours ago The frustrated candidates held protests in different cities Resultantly, the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) cancelled all papers and announced its plan to conduct them in April Fair administration is required to restore meritocracy and save the future of all hardworking aspirants AYAZ BAJKANI JACOBABAD
A S the first- ever female provincial chief minister has set a landmark in national history, I would like to draw the attention of the Punjab chief executive towards the crisis that is currently hounding the country; both the centre and the provinces She should work to transform the old model of governance into a modern one I am sure she has plenty of ideas to do that Change is surely needed MUMRAIZ KHAN KARACHI Political unrest VA R I O U S political parties have been talking of holding mass protests against alleged rigging in the recent elections In a nation already teetering on the brink of political and economic turmoil,such allegations and protests could deepen the fault lines within society Grievances must be addressed through established legal channels and transparent investigations not through disruptive spectacle of mass protests blocking roads and streets causing inconvenience to the common man It is incumbent upon all parties to uphold the rule of law rather than resorting to theatrics that serve only to undermine the very foundations of our democracy QAZI JAMSHED ALAM SIDDIQUI LAHORE E d i t o r ’ s m a i l Send your letters to: Letters to Editor Pakistan Today 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah Lahore Pakistan E-mail: letters@pakistantoday com pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
Need of the hour
S Pakistan navigated through the tumultuous years from 2008 to 2018 marked by political upheavals security challenges and socio-economic transformations one significant narrative emerged the decade of democracy This period witnessed Pakistan s struggle to establish and consolidate democratic norms, despite enduring setbacks and obstacles Reflecting on this pivotal era it becomes evident that while progress was made Pakistan s journey towards democratic consolidation remained fraught with challenges and complexities The restoration of democracy in 2008, following years of military rule, was greeted with hope and optimism both domestically and internationally The election that brought the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to power marked a significant milestone in the country s democratic transition However the euphoria of democracy s return soon gave way to the harsh realities of governance The PPPled government faced daunting challenges, including economic instability, energy crises, and a persistent threat from terrorism One of the defining moments of Pakistan’s democratic decade was the historic 2013 general elections The smooth transition of power from one civilian government to another through the ballot box underscored the maturing of democratic institutions The victory of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by Nawaz Sharif signaled a continuation of the democratic process and a reaffirmation of people s faith in electoral politics The period from 2008 to 2018 was not without its share of controversies and setbacks Political instability, characterized by frequent changes in government and allegations of corruption, cast a shadow over the democratic journey The Panama Papers scandal in 2016 which implicated Nawaz Sharif and his family in financial improprieties highlighted the challenges of accountability and transparency in Pakistan s democratic system The role of the military in Pakistan s political landscape remained a subject of debate and concern throughout the decade While overt military coups were no longer the norm the influence of the military establishment on civilian affairs persisted raising questions about the true extent of civilian authority in the country The military s involvement in security and foreign policy matters, particularly in the context of the war on terror and relations with neighboring India and Afghanistan, underscored the delicate balance of power within Pakistan’s democratic framework The issue of civil-military relations intersected with Pakistan s broader geopolitical challenges including its strained relations with the United States and the complex dynamics of regional security The decade saw Pakistan grappling with the fallout of the U S -led war in Afghanistan, as well as navigating its own internal security threats posed by militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and sectarian violence Amidst these challenges Pakistan s democratic institutions demonstrated resilience and adaptability The judiciary in particular emerged as a key player in upholding the rule of law and holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable Landmark decisions such as the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister in 2017 sent a strong message about the judiciary s commitment to upholding constitutional principles albeit amidst accusations of judicial overreach Similarly, civil society and the media played a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public discourse Despite facing censorship and intimidation journalists and activists continued to push boundaries and hold the government and other power brokers accountable for their actions The emergence of social media as a platform for political expression further democratized public discourse, providing a space for diverse voices to be heard Looking back at Pakistan’s decade of democracy from 2008 to 2018, it is evident that progress was made in consolidating democratic norms and institutions The peaceful transfer of power the strengthening of independent judiciary and the vibrant role of civil society and media are testament to Pakistan s commitment to democratic principles However, challenges remain, including the need for greater accountability transparency and the consolidation of civilian authority over military affairs As Pakistan looks towards the future it must build upon the gains made during this decade while addressing the underlying structural impediments to democratic consolidation Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering a culture of political pluralism are essential for Pakistan to realize its full potential as a democratic nation The decade of democracy from 2008 to 2018 was just the beginning of Pakistan s journey towards a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future The writer is a freelance columnist R e f l e c t i n g o n P a k i s t a n ’ s d e c a d e o f d e m o c r a c y : 2 0 0 8 - 2 0 1 8 Zeeshan mumtaZ T h e v i c t o r y o f t h e Pa k i s t a n M u s l i m L e a g u e - N aw a z ( P M L - N ) l e d by N aw a z S h a r i f s i g n a l e d a c o n t i n u a t i o n o f t h e d e m o c r a t i c p ro c e s s a n d a r e a f f i r m a t i o n o f p e o p l e Ês f a i t h i n e l e c t o r a l p o l i t i c s T h e p e r i o d f ro m 2 0 0 8 t o 2 0 1 8 w a s n o t w i t h o u t i t s s h a r e o f c o n t rov e rs i e s a n d s e t b a ck s Po l i t i c a l i n s t a b i l i t y, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by f r e q u e n t c h a n g e s i n g ov e r n m e n t a n d a l l e g a t i o n s o f c o r r u p t i o n , c a s t a s h a d ow ov e r t h e d e m o c r a t i c j o u r n ey
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have the world s largest democracies working more closely together on strategic technologies can leverage for security and it is a natural next step in this relationship He further maintained that “we now have working groups on everything ranging from cyberspace and critical technologies to maritime security and India is leading in those forums together with the US and like-minded partners From a view point of great power competition the US has developed unwarranted defense cooperation with India to counter China s growing influence, without consideration of regional security dynamics of South Asia The policymaking circles in the US consider India as a potential counterweight to China an idea that is often considered to be underappreciated In the recent times, the South Asian region has witnessed significant geopolitical shifts as great powers compete for influence and strategic advantage The US and India have sought to deepen their defence and technological ties through diverse range of security initiatives These initiatives include the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), the Major Defense Partner (MDP) status, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) as well as the Defense Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) In June 2023 the theme of Powering a Next Generation Defense Partnership during Modi s visit to the United States resulted in three major deals These included MoU between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for manufacturing GE F-414 jet engines in India for the HAL Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2; a substantial USD 3 billion deal was announced for India to acquire General Atomics MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be assembled in India; and the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) was unveiled, aiming to foster joint defence technology innovation and coproduction between the two countries industries In the domain of space the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) were jointly developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023 Under this strategic framework NASA had to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with a goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024 Recently India also joined the USled Artemis Accords through which the US hopes to explore the moon and beyond During Modi s state visit to the US last year an MoU was signed on the Semiconductor Supply C h a i n a n d I n n o v a t i o n P a r t n e r s h i p U n d e r t h i s agreement, Micron Technology Inc committed to investing up to USD 825 million to establish a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India As noted in an article by Syed Mohammad Ali publ i s h b y t h e S t i m s o n C e n t e r W h i l e t h e p r i m a r y p u r p o s e o f I n d o - U S d e f e n c e d e a l s i s c o u n t e r i n g China, they also carry implications for Pakistan s national security The increasing defence collaboration between India and the US in ETs aim to help former achieve technological advancement in military and are centered around competing with China
On the eve of
visit of the
ister to the US in June
partment official said “this is a transformational moment in the US-India defence partnership To
various occasions
However in his maiden speech in the National Assembly Premier Sharif listed frail economy and precarious security situation as challenges, and invited all the political entities to pull the country out of the crises
Earlier PML-N PPP and some other political parties also asked the PTI for cooperation so as to achieve political stability But the PTI leaders refused any such collaboration, alleged rigging in the elections
Meanwhile, following PTI blame game, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) Maulana Fazlur Rehman who had confirmed the contacts with the PTI announced on March 3 this year that it will sit on opposition benches and organize a nationwide movement against the alleged vote rigging accusing the establishment of it
But, PML-N and some other parties leaders including impartial analysts opine that if elections were rigged or establishment interfered against the PTI as to how independent candidates most loyal to Imran Khan swept the polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province by winning 91 out of 113 provincial seats, and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur was elected as the chief minister
Most regrettable development is that the former PM Khan wrote a letter to IMF on February 28 2024 asking that lending to the cash-strapped country be tied to an independent audit of the disputed Feb 8 elections
The IMF spokesperson on March 8, this year responded to the PTI letter, saying: The IMF, as an international institution with a narrow mandate on economic issues does not comment on domestic political developments”
Notably the Inter-Services Public Rela-
tions (ISPR) said in a statement that the Corps Commanders Conference held on March 5 23 chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, which clarified that army provided a security environment for the conduct of the general election 2024 as per the given mandate and had nothing to do with the electoral process
Top military commanders reiterated their commitment that planners instigators abettors, perpetrators and desecrators of martyrs monuments attackers of military installations on May 9, 2023 would certainly be brought to justice under the relevant provisions of the law and Constitution
The ISPR statement indicated that the participants of conference agreed: Malicious efforts to create distortions confusion and disinformation are absolutely futile and only part of an organised campaign being launched for narrow political interests, to blur the abhorrent activities that took place the forum expressed dismay that some vested small segments of polity and media especially social media had been maligning the armed forces with unsubstantiated allegations of interference which was highly deplorable
The Conference remarked: “It’s unfortunate that rather than focusing on real issues such as good governance economic recovery political stability and public wellbeing the entire focus of such vested elements is on creating political instability and uncertainty by attempting to scapegoat others for their own failings The forum reiterated its commitment to continue providing full support to the government in combating security threats and uplifting the socio-economic development of the country including whole-
