11th November 2024

Week # 45 Update (4th November to 10th November)

• The recent legislation introduced several key changes. For the judiciary, it increased the number of judges in the Supreme Court from 17 to a maximum of 34, and in the Islamabad High Court from 9 to 12. Additionally, it restructured the Supreme Court’s case management by establishing a three-member committee, including the Chief Justice, to handle case assignments and order of hearings.

  For the military, the bills extended the tenure for the chiefs of the Army, Air Force, and Navy from three to five years, and removed the retirement age limit of 64 for these positions. However, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff’s tenure remains at three years. These changes were enacted swiftly, with no debate allowed in either the National Assembly or Senate.Editorial of the Week

• A suicide blast at Quetta Railway Station killed at least 26 people and injured 62 others, primarily targeting law enforcement while impacting civilians. This follows recent attacks in Balochistan, highlighting a surge in terrorism in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, and local authorities have heightened security, banned gatherings, and requested blood donations for the injured. Officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack, reiterating a commitment to eradicating terrorism. Emergency measures were imposed in hospitals, and an investigation is underway. This incident adds to the alarming rise in violence, with Pakistan witnessing record-high fatalities from terror attacks in 2023.

• Pakistan and Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed four MoUs to strengthen ties in rail, airport infrastructure, maritime shipping, and logistics, with a high-level UAE delegation visiting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These agreements aim to improve Pakistan's digital customs controls, develop freight rail corridors, upgrade the maritime fleet, and enhance airport infrastructure. PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to UAE leaders and emphasized the UAE's continued investment as vital to Pakistan’s economic growth.

• Pakistan’s government introduced the Bijli Sahulat Package, offering 18-50% discounts on electricity for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers on incremental usage over three winter months (December to February) to boost consumption amid high tariffs and economic challenges. The discounted rate applies only to additional consumption above previous years’ levels, capped at 25% above a historical benchmark. Base rates for domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers will remain unchanged for baseline usage, but additional units will be billed at Rs26.07 per unit, offering significant savings.

Podcast of the Week

• What happened in the early hours of the 5th of November?

• How does Trump coming into power impact Pakistan. This analysis by Raftar is very insightful because it focuses on us rather than them.

• What does one of the top businessman in the country think about the current situation and the future of business in Pakistan?

Bubyeee

Well, we’re on our way to stability. We know who’s in charge till 2032, now let’s hope they’re able to put us in the right direction. It's going to be a wild next few years indeed.

In order to ensure you’re ready for it, be sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated.

I know this recap was short and the bubyeee is even shorter but some weeks just don’t vibe like others. Anyway, have a great week and I’ll see you next Monday!