In Brief
INTERNAL
Government in talks with some groups of TTP seeking a reconciliation, says PM Khan; TTP declares ceasefire
On 1 October, Prime Minister Imran Khan in an interview with the TRT World said that the government is in talks with some groups of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), seeking a reconciliation. He said, “There are different groups which form the TTP and some of them want to talk to our government for peace. So, we are in talks with them. It’s a reconciliation process,” adding, “We might not reach some sort of conclusion or settlement in the end but we are talking.” Additionally, responding to the question on whether the Afghan Taliban were acting as mediators between the TTP and Pakistan, he said, “Since the talks were taking place in Afghanistan, so in that sense, yes.” Further, he reiterated that he does not believe in military solutions, stating, “I am anti-military solution, and as a politician, I believe political dialogue is the way ahead.” (“Govt in talks with TTP groups for reconciliation process: PM Imran,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
TTP declares ceasefire
On the same day, the TTP announced a three weeks ceasefire, starting from 1 October till 21 October. A North Waziristan-based TTP group, Shura Mujahideen of North Waziristan, confirmed that the talks with the government were ongoing, stating that the cessation of hostilities demonstrated its “seriousness” to pursue peace in the tribal district. (“North Waziristan group declares 20-day truce,” Dawn, 2 October 2021) (“As talks advance, TTP announces ceasefire,” The Express Tribune, 2 October 2021)
PPP criticised the government for not taking the opposition into confidence over talks with TTP
Meanwhile, PPP leaders criticised PM Khan’s statement terming the move similar to “sprinkling salt on the wounds of martyrs' families” and questioning why parliament was not taken into confidence over such a “sensitive issue.” (Nadir Guramani, “PPP questions why parliament not taken into confidence over talks with TTP,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
Opposition stages walkout from both houses to protest against the government’s act of “dropping a petrol bomb”
On 1 October, the opposition in the Senate staged a walkout in protest against the government’s act of “dropping a petrol bomb” twice during a month and the absence of the finance minister to answer questions linked with the unprecedented increase in prices of petroleum products. Similarly, the National Assembly witnessed the opposition’s protest once again, over the recent hike in the prices of petroleum products, however, the government insisted that the prices were lower than the rates in the international market. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Opposition walks out of Senate to protest against ‘petrol bomb’,” Dawn, 2 October 2021) (“Opposition protests against oil price hike in NA,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
COVID-19 positivity rate falls below three per cent
On 1 October, the Covid-19 positivity ratio in Pakistan fell below three per cent for the first time since July, as the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) calculated the infection rate at 2.87 per cent. Meanwhile, as per the decision, the NCOC restrictions on unvaccinated people came into force on 1 October, announcing that only fully vaccinated people would be allowed to operate transport for students and school-related supplies and would be permitted to enter and work in shopping malls. (Aamir Yasin, “Covid positivity ratio drops below 3pc after nearly three months,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
LHC declares detention of TLP chief Saad Rizvi as illegal
On 1 October, The Lahore High Court (LHC) declared the detention of Saad Hussain Rizvi, chief of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as illegal. This came after the court approved a petition filed by Rizvi’s uncle against his continued incarceration. Rizvi was taken into custody under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance 1960 in April over charges that he had incited his followers to take the law into their own hands, however, during the hearing, his advocate argued that Rizvi had not been provided with the reasons for being detained again under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 and argued that the right to protest was enshrined in the Constitution. (Rana Bilal, “LHC declares TLP chief Saad Rizvi's detention illegal,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
Senator moves petition seeking review of SC judgement declaring SERA illegal
On 1 October, Senator Raza Rabbani moved a petition in the Supreme Court on behalf of 154 Intelligence Bureau officers, after 17,000 government employees were rendered jobless; a judgement on 17 August had declared the Sacked Employees (Reinstatement) Ordinance Act (SERA) of 2010 illegal and this later led to protests outside the parliament. The petition sought a review of the previous judgement. Previously, on 28 September, the federal government filed a petition seeking a recall and suspension of the operations under the judgement. (Nasir Iqbal, “154 Intelligence Bureau employees seek review of SC judgement,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
ECONOMY
Inflation for September recorded at nine per cent
On 1 October, the data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed that inflation in September stood at nine per cent, owing to the rise in prices of essentials including food, electricity, and fuel. This is another rise in three successive months; the month-on-month inflation spike was recorded at 2.1 per cent, the highest in 15 months. (“Inflation shoots up to 9%,” The Express Tribune, 2 October 2021)
PSM losses stand at Rs 67.1 billion for six months
On 1 October, the State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs informed the Senate that from 30 June to -31 December 31, the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) suffered a loss of Rs 67.1 billion. The minister attributed the losses to “periodic cost, depreciation expenses and accrued markup on bank and government loans.” He further claimed that until 2008, the PSM was a profitable entity and accused the PPP and PML-N governments for running the PSM into a loss. (“PSM six-month liability stands at Rs67.1b, Senate told,” The Express Tribune, 2 October 2021)
EXTERNAL
The US calls on Pakistan to take action against all extremist groups ahead of official’s visit to Islamabad
On 1 October, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman stated that “We seek a strong partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism and we expect sustained action against all militant and terrorist groups without distinction,” adding, “Both of our countries have suffered terribly from the scourge of terrorism and we look forward to cooperative efforts to eliminate all regional and global terrorist threats.” This statement comes ahead of her visit to Pakistan scheduled for 7-8 October.
Along the same lines, a Brookings report titled “The Agonising Problem of Pakistan’s Nukes” states that Pakistan is capable of repelling any ‘jihadi’ attempt to seize power and of protecting its nuclear weapons. The report claims, “The fear now includes the possibility that jihadis in Pakistan, freshly inspired by the Taliban victory in Afghanistan, might try to seize power at home,” adding, “Trying, of course, is not the same as succeeding. If history is a reliable guide, Pakistan’s professional military would almost certainly respond, and in time probably succeed.” (“Ahead of visit, top US official calls for Pakistan action on militants 'without distinction',” Dawn, 2 October 2021) (Anwar Iqbal, “Pakistan can repel militants, protect nukes, says US report,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
Navy SSG participates in Sri Lankan exercise
On 2 October, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Navy’s Special Service Group (SSG) had participated in the 11th edition of Exercise Cormorant Strike 2021 which concluded on 1 October. The multinational exercise was conducted at Sri Lanka’s Infantry Training Center, Minneriya, and included Special Operations Forces (SOF) from Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Nepal. It aimed to enhance expertise in SOF domain, build synergy, improve interoperability and military relationships. It included “anti-terrorism operations, disaster relief reconnaissance missions, riverine operations and counter-terrorism in maritime domain.” (“Navy’s SSG participates in Colombo drill,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
ON AFGHANISTAN
Pakistan seeks changes in EU’s draft resolution on human rights monitoring
On 2 October, Dawn reported that Pakistan would like the European Union to review the plan to enhance the monitoring of the human rights situation in Afghanistan, under the Taliban, and suggested that socioeconomic concerns should be included. Pakistan maintains that concrete plans of assistance should be introduced without keeping human rights as the only criteria; the EU will be urging the Human Rights Council to pass this resolution next week, to help Afghanistan. Previously, on 30 September, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson told the Associated Press that the EU draft resolution currently does not add value to a resolution passed previously by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in August. (“Changes needed in EU’s Afghan plan on rights monitoring: Pakistan,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
Qureshi calls US bill an attempt to pass the buck
On 1 October, Foreign Minister Qureshi, termed the recent bill in the US Senate seeking probe into Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan an effort to “pass the buck.” Qureshi said, “Pakistan has sufficient reasons to defend its case” and opined that scapegoating Pakistan will not help the US understand the causes behind the situation in Afghanistan. He reiterated that the US has to “understand that a partnership with Pakistan is required in future as well to achieve stability in Afghanistan and the region” and warned against being “obsessed” with the bill. (Kamran Yousaf, “US bill an attempt to ‘pass the buck’: FM,” The Express Tribune, 1 October 2021)
ON CPEC
Gwadar gets first Pakistan-China technical vocational institute
On 1 October, the first Pakistan-China technical vocational institute, launched under the CPEC, was inaugurated in Gwadar. Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong said the institute cost around Rs 10 million and had state-of-the-art facilities for Balochistan’s youth to obtain technical education and skills; accommodation at the institute will be free and scholarships will be disbursed to the students. Similarly, the Chairman of the China Overseas Port Holding Company said the institute will help in the development of the entire region and not be limited to Gwadar. (Behram Baloch, “Pak-China vocational institute opens in Gwadar,” Dawn, 2 October 2021)
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