Week 41

At a Standstill?

October 14, 2024

14th October 2024

Week # 41 (7th October - 13th October 2024)

  • Chinese Engineers Killed in Karachi Suicide Attack
    Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb disclosed that Chinese engineers killed in a recent suicide attack in Karachi were part of ongoing energy debt restructuring talks with the Pakistani government. These engineers were engaged in negotiations to re-profile Pakistan's $16 billion energy debt to reduce power tariffs. The attack, which killed two Chinese nationals, has intensified security concerns, leading Beijing to urge its citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan. In response, China has proposed a joint security company to protect its citizens in the country.

  • Karachi’s civil society has urged the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court and the Sindh government to address Karachi’s crumbling infrastructure, citing widespread road damage, overflowing sewers, and rampant pollution. They blame corruption and mismanagement within city departments for the dire state of the economic hub, where poor urban planning and substandard construction have exacerbated the situation. Experts stressed the need for a comprehensive master plan to rebuild roads, improve drainage, and manage encroachments, while traders highlighted the economic toll of deteriorating infrastructure, urging judicial intervention to hold the government accountable.

  • With 12 days until Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa's retirement, uncertainty surrounds his successor as the government pushes for a constitutional amendment to increase control over the judiciary. CJP Isa's recent ruling has helped the government seek a two-thirds majority for the amendment, though opposition remains. Concerns focus on potential interference in high court proceedings and efforts to block Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah's elevation to CJP. The proposed changes have sparked division among lawyers and political groups, raising fears of judicial instability and diminished independence.

  • Seven prime ministers, including those from China and Russia, will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16, chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and India’s External Affairs Minister will also participate. The meeting will focus on economic, trade, and socio-cultural cooperation among member states. This marks Pakistan’s first major regional conference in years, with heightened security following a recent terrorist attack in Karachi that killed two Chinese engineers.

  • A special parliamentary committee met to discuss proposed constitutional amendments, with most parties, except the PTI, agreeing on changes to the procedure for appointing superior judges. The JUI-F submitted its own draft, differing from the PPP only on the issue of establishing a constitutional court, favoring a constitutional bench instead. The committee, led by PPP's Khursheed Shah, hopes to finalize the amendments by October 25, though the PTI has yet to present any proposals and refuses to cancel its planned October 15 protest. The government remains optimistic about reaching a consensus, while PTI cites harassment of its members as a reason for continuing its protest.

  • Baloch rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch has been charged with terrorism for allegedly inciting the public against security institutions. A leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, she has organized protests on enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Recently, she was stopped at Karachi airport from traveling to New York for a Time magazine event, prompting her to challenge the travel ban in court. The FIR accuses her of collaborating with militant groups, a claim she denies, calling the case a fabricated effort to suppress her peaceful activism, which she vows to continue.

  • Following the attack that killed 21 coal miners in Balochistan's Duki area, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti ruled out a military operation but assured ongoing intelligence-based actions against terrorists. Bugti visited the injured miners and confirmed that a provincial security meeting will be held on October 15. Meanwhile, a strike in Duki saw businesses shut down, and miners halted work until their security is guaranteed. Local leaders and a jirga demanded stronger security measures, while the Pakhtoonkhwa Awami Party criticized the government’s failure to protect miners despite high tax revenues from the mining sector.

  • Police clashed with protesters outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Sunday during a demonstration against the killing of blasphemy suspect Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar and extremism in Sindh, violating Section 144, which bans gatherings. Organized by Sindh Rawadari March, the protest included human rights defenders and feminist movements. Meanwhile, the religiopolitical party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) staged a counter-protest, leading to violent clashes with police. One TLP supporter was killed, and several others, including police, were injured. Rights groups condemned the police's actions and called for the release of detained protesters.

Editorial of the Week

  • A short history and analysis on Zionism by Dawn here. A well researched editorial that looks into the history of Zionism and the state of Israel.

Podcast of the Week

  • If you've ever explored the history of Karachi, you've likely come across the name Bushra Bibi. To fully grasp the city's current social and ethnic dynamics, it's essential to understand Bushra Bibi's story and its impact. Here's an excellent episode by the wonderful Raftar (not the rapper).

  • One of the fundamental pillars of a state is its ability to deliver justice according to its laws. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) are now preparing to hold a grand jirga. But what exactly is a jirga, and what are the reasons behind convening one? Find out more in this analysis by TCM Media.

Bubyeee

It was definitely a strange week. It started with an explosion on Sunday evening and has been a rollercoaster since—though not the fun kind like at Bahria Adventureland. If I had to rate this week, it would definitely fall below a five out of ten.

I bet someone around you is sick. You and they can strengthen your immune systems by drinking more water and staying hydrated. Take care, and I hope you have a great week ahead!

Next week is the SCO summit, so it could be eventful or just another meh week. Let’s see how it goes!