23rd September 2024

Week 38 Update (16th September -22nd September)

• Eid-i-Miladun Nabi was celebrated across Pakistan with religious fervor, marked by prayers, processions, and calls for unity and compassion. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens to follow Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) teachings of love, tolerance, and justice. Special prayers were held for global peace and the welfare of Pakistan, with a focus on the suffering of Palestinians and Kashmiris. Security was heightened for processions in major cities, with significant police deployment in areas like Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

• The government of Pakistan is considering a controversial proposal to create a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which would take over key powers from the Supreme Court, such as interpreting the Constitution and handling appeals. Critics, including senior lawyers, argue that this move threatens judicial independence and is reminiscent of actions taken under past dictatorships. They fear it would reduce the Supreme Court's authority and set up parallel courts, which could negatively impact both national governance and international relations, particularly with institutions like the IMF.

• Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani man, has been accused by U.S. authorities of plotting to attack a Jewish center in Brooklyn in support of the Islamic State (IS). He was arrested in Canada while allegedly attempting to enter the U.S. and is now facing extradition to face charges of providing material support to IS. His lawyer stated that they will contest the extradition, pending the presentation of evidence from the U.S. authorities. Khan was in Canada on a student visa at the time of his arrest.

• Airport authorities in Pakistan foiled three separate drug-smuggling attempts at Karachi, Peshawar, and Islamabad airports. In Karachi, ASF officers seized 2.652 kg of heroin hidden in soap bars from a passenger bound for Jeddah. In Peshawar, 700 grams of crystal meth were found in a passenger's bag heading to Bahrain. At Islamabad Airport, 84 drug capsules were recovered from a passenger's stomach. All suspects were taken into custody, and the drugs were handed over to the Anti-Narcotics Force for investigation.

• A fire in Karachi's Clifton area destroyed over 30 vehicles early Monday morning near Qurtuba Mosque in Sheerin Jinnah Colony. The blaze, which started among abandoned government vehicles, rapidly spread before local authorities could respond. Police called in three fire trucks, and after an hour of intense firefighting, the fire was brought under control. No casualties were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.

• JUI-F leaders have criticized the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, calling it a failure and demanding immediate free and fair elections. Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned the government’s intentions regarding a proposed ‘Constitutional Package,’ which has yet to be shared with opposition parties. Meanwhile, Barrister Aqeel Malik, a government aide, mentioned that efforts to gain consensus on the amendments continue, with some reservations addressed. He anticipates the final draft to be ready by early October, with further discussions ongoing regarding key articles.

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 is this constitutional amendment that everyone is talking about. Read the analysis by Salahuddin Ahmed in his editorial in Dawn here.

Podcast of the Week

• How did Qazi Faez Isa and Gen Nadeem Anjum use each other to serve the country? How did Fazlur Rehman get the upper hand? Find out in this episode of Mahaz by Wajahat Saeed Khan.

• An analysis of the economic situation and strategy of Pakistan. TCM media does a great job of explaining this through this interview with Dr. Kaiser Bengali.

• Who killed Gen Zia ul Haq? Dive into this detailed analysis by Raftar on their Youtube channel

Bubyeee

Granted this seemed like a very boring week. Not much went on and not much happened. But what If I asked you to look between the lines?

What game is Fazlu playing? Why are the government allowing PTI to hold jalsas? Are they giving Gawadar to China?

Honestly, the quieter the week, the worse it is.

Be sure to drink water. There are a lot of weird diseases going on so stay hydrated and wash your hands.

Have a kickass week and see you next week!!