Week 39

The Week of the Donut

September 30, 2024

30th September 2024

Week 39 Update (23rd September -29th September)

  • Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik has been appointed as the new director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and will assume the position on September 30, 2024. He replaces Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, who was appointed in 2021. Gen Malik, who previously served as adjutant general at the General Headquarters, has a distinguished military career, including commanding roles in Waziristan and Balochistan. A graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, he has also served as an instructor at key military institutions in Pakistan—so, no extension, a new spymaster and perhaps a new direction.

  • A Donut did what?!? If you haven’t seen the video, you live under a rock. This 2-3 week old video shows an employee from Islamabad Donut shop Crusteez giving “Laanat” to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa. This was followed by flocks of people showing up at the donut shop in solidarity and significant social media hype. You can check out the video here:

  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has finally approved a USD 7 billion extended loan facility package. This basically means Pakistan’s external debt will shoot up to around USD 140 billion.

  • Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, addressed the UN General Assembly, expressing concern over global challenges, including conflict, terrorism, and climate change, likening the situation to a "new Cold War." He condemned the violence in Gaza, calling it a “systematic slaughter of innocent people,” and urged immediate action towards a two-state solution for Palestine. He also highlighted the plight of Kashmiris under Indian occupation, warning of severe consequences if tensions escalate. Sharif called for climate justice, emphasizing Pakistan’s vulnerability despite minimal emissions, and advocated for global financial and trade system reforms to promote equity and development.

  • A draft of the 26th Constitution Amendment Bill suggests significant changes to Pakistan's judicial structure, drawing sharp criticism for undermining judicial independence. The bill proposes the creation of a new constitutional court with judges hand-picked by the president and advised solely by the prime minister. It also removes the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over constitutional petitions, transferring it to the new court. Additionally, the bill allows officials acting under "national security" laws to be exempt from judicial scrutiny. Critics argue that these changes attack the judiciary and violate the principle of separation of powers essential to the Constitution.

  • Azerbaijan bought USD 1.6 billion worth of JF-17 jets from Pakistan. This is the latest and most advanced version of the JF-17 under the block 3 phase. With each aircraft costing between USD20 and USD40 million, we can assume approximately 30 to 50 aircraft have been purchased.

  • In Panjgur, Balochistan, terrorists armed with automatic weapons attacked an under-construction house, killing seven laborers from Multan while they slept. An eighth worker was injured. The laborers had been brought to Panjgur by Abu Bakr, the house owner. The deadly attack, condemned by President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, prompted the PM to request a report from Balochistan’s Chief Minister and reaffirm the government's commitment to combating terrorism. Police are investigating the incident, which is being treated as a terrorist attack. One laborer, absent at the time, survived.

  • In Rawalpindi, over 110 PTI supporters, including party leaders, were arrested as police clashed with protesters using teargas and batons to disperse them. PTI activists retaliated by throwing rocks. The city was sealed with containers, and 4,200 police officers were deployed. Despite efforts to converge at Liaquat Bagh, police successfully repelled the demonstrators. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy was stopped near Burhan interchange after facing teargas shelling. Additionally, PTI leaders Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja were briefly detained in Islamabad, where 2,000 police officers were stationed to block protesters from entering the capital. Something new every week, huh?

Editorial of the Week

I’m introducing an editorial of the week where I will share the top 2-3 editorials on popular news sites that offer significant insights and solid analysis.

  • What constitutional amendment is everyone talking about? Read the analysis by Salahuddin Ahmed in his editorial in Dawn here.

Podcast of the Week

  • Who’s the new guy listening in on our phone calls?

  • What is all this noise about the new amendment? Find out more on Raftar’s interview with Jibran Nasir.

  • A deeper look into the pitiful state of Pakistan’s Healthcare system

Bubyeee

I feel like something is brewing. It’s strange, a donut is getting attention, we’ve got a new spymaster, there’s some protest every week, and protesters are getting arrested. Balochistan killings are still going on, but mainstream media has seemingly gone quiet. I don’t know, man, is this insanity? Is this how the world always was? Do we see any potential for growth in Pakistan?

I’ll leave you to ponder these questions. Meanwhile, proper hydration allows your immune system to function at its peak. Given the ongoing viral outbreak and changes in weather, be sure to drink enough water.

Okay, I’ve had a long week, and I’m going to now meaninglessly watch a four-hour YouTube documentary on how commercial airliners are overhauled. Have a great week, and kick some ass!