What Pakistan is: As the country marks its 76th independence day, there is still an introspection on

Daily Briefs

Photo : Dawn

14 August 2023, Monday | Vol 4, No.164

What Pakistan is: As the country marks its 76th independence day, there is still an introspection on

â€œThere is no power on earth which can undo Pakistan,â€ says Pakistanâ€™s Army Chief; The caretaker prime minister: Kakar quits the Senate and his party; BNP-Mengal is upset with his selection

PR Daily Brief | PR Team

In Brief
POLITICS
76 years of Pakistan: Strayed from Jinnah’s ideal and paid the price, says Editorials in the News and the Express Tribune
On August 14, on Pakistan’s 76^th year of independence, two editorials reflected on its journey through a complex path. The editorials highlight how Pakistan is yet to realise the ideals on which it was founded, in spite of having so much untapped potential. Although it undoubtedly has had to and continues to combat an array of internal and external challenges, it remains grounded in the values instilled by its founding fathers. The editorials discuss how Pakistan had reached a point where it is imperative for it to eliminate sustained cycles of turmoil, and instead take actions and decisions that will help it move towards progress, marked by pluralism and positivity. (“The idea of Pakistan,” The News International, 14 August 2023; “Celebrating freedom!” The Express Tribune, 14 August 2023)

“There is no power on earth which can undo Pakistan,” says Pakistan’s Army Chief
On 14 August, while addressing the Azadi Parade, the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Asim Munir, brought forth instances of history, citing the “ideology of the Two Nation Theory” which played a role in Pakistan’s creation. Further, he acknowledged how, in the midst of the challenges Pakistan faced, it continues to harbour a significant number of resources, an enthusiastic youth, and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan who continue to battle “the savages of terrorism and proxies.” Gen Munir went on to condemn the international community’s lack of action on India’s actions in Kashmir, stating “we gained freedom after a great struggle and we know how to defend it.” (“Pakistan knows how to defend its freedom: COAS,” Dawn, 14 August 2023)

On Legislature vs Judiciary, “power to legislation exclusively and only rests with the Parliament,” says Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar
On 13 August, leaders from multiple parties in the Pakistani Senate united in their criticism of a recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023, which was aimed at broadening the scope of the court's review jurisdiction. They stated that as per the constitution, the power to legislate belonged exclusively to the parliament, and any involvement by the Supreme Court would be “interference in the ambit of the parliament.” They argue that the ruling infringes on the independence of the parliament and challenges the principle of separation of powers. This backlash reflects the ongoing tensions between different branches of the government in Pakistan. (Ikram Junaidi, “Senators move to ‘reclaim space’ in renewed tussle with judiciary,” Dawn, 14 August 2023; Mumtaz Alvi, “Senators of majority parties say: Power to legislate exclusive right of parliament,” The News International, 14 August 2023)

The caretaker prime minister: Kakar quits the Senate and his party; BNP-Mengal is upset with his selection
On 14 August, the nominated Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar Sunday tweeted his membership withdrawal from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Senate. Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) Chairman Akhtar Mengal has expressed his displeasure with the appointment of Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar as the interim prime minister, claiming that this decision had created “more distance” between his party and PMLN. Mengal noted that this action will foster distrust, and several parties have expressed reservations about the most recent census. Many people are critical of Mengal's objection to the caretaker prime minister because Kakar was his political competitor. (Ali Raza, “Kakar quits as BAP member, senator,” The News International, 14 August 2023)

Return of Nawaz Sharif is not certain
On 14 August, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's anticipated homecoming made the rounds again, but there has been no official declaration from Nawaz himself. PM Shahbaz Sharif has confirmed that no date for Nawaz's return has been set, and his return is contingent on the announcement of an election date. Many senior PML-N figures have stated that the elder Sharif's homecoming is crucial before the country goes to the polls because his presence will bolster the party and revitalise workers. (Atika Rehman, “Uncertainty still surrounds Nawaz’s return,” Dawn, 14 August 2023)

SECURITY
Two assailants killed in Balochistan
On 14 August, two assailants were killed by Balochistan security personnel who prevented an attempt on the military convoy that was accompanying the Chinese employees. An affiliate of the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the Majid Brigade, took credit for the assault. The Gwadar terrorist attack was vehemently denounced by the Chinese embassy in Pakistan. It claimed in a statement that on 13 August, an attack took place on a convoy carrying Chinese nationals close to the port of Gwadar. A safety alert was issued by the general consulate of China in Karachi. "Due to the dire security situation, the consulate urges people to maintain high vigilance and strictly control large-scale gathering activities." The former President of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan People's Party Asif Ali Zardari, in parliament, and the former foreign minister and leader of the party, both emphatically condemned the attack on the military convoy at Gwadar. (“Attack on Chinese convoy foiled in Gwadar,” The News International, 14 August 2023; Behram Baloch and Saleem Shahid, “Two terrorists killed during attack on army convoy in Gwadar,” Dawn, 14 August 2023)

Solder killed in a terrorist attack in Bajaur district
On 14 August, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in response to intelligence information indicating the presence of terrorists in tehsil Nawagai, security forces carried out an operation. The militants started firing as the troops drew near the alleged location. Four terrorists were shot dead by the security personnel when they reacted quickly. In the attack a 24-year soldier Muhammad Shoaib, a resident of Kohat district was killed. One terrorist was arrested in the Bajaur operation. The terrorist's possessions included weapons, ammo, and explosives, as well as a suicide vest. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an illegal organization, has acknowledged the conflict and asserted that the fatalities were TTP members. (Anwarullah Khan, “Four terrorists killed in Bajaur operation: ISPR,” Dawn, 14 August 2023)

Pakistan on Twitter

When people come together for good, the energy is contagious. Full on @PTIofficial Imran Khan support in #Pakistan. Love to see it. You'd never see this happen for Labour or the Tories in the UK. Rather telling about how 'passionate' we are about our current leading options.
- Bushra Shaikh

The important point after all these events is not who condemns or supports Imran Khan, but how to preserve his life, and not to allow the Egyptian President's scenario to be repeated with him. The events in Egypt 2013 and Pakistan 2023 are almost the same version and scenario!
- Abdullah Alamadi

Pakistan's story from its conception to reality is one of resilience and defiance. While the odds during the freedom movement were the heaviest, they have continued to challenge us in different ways during the course of the last 76 years. No matter how formidable, Pakistan has always prevailed upon them.
On 76th anniversary of Pakistan's independence, I join the nation in paying rich tributes to the Quaid-i-Azam, and hundreds of thousands of unsung heroes of the freedom movement for their selflessness, sacrifices and devotion to the cause of Pakistan. The Quaid's statesmanship was a critical factor in shaping Pakistan's story.
While we have defeated many odds and achieved milestones during the journey of the last seven and a half decade, the story of Pakistan has yet to reach its culmination.
As we reflect on this day, we must summon our proverbial unity & solidarity to take the motherland forward, for a nation can't be beaten if it awakens its unifying force. At the same time, we have to make the Quaid's motto of "work, work and only work" the guiding principle to rebuild Pakistan. Time has come that we graduate from rhetoric to action. Nothing short of it will work. Let us be included among those who complete Pakistan's story.
I have no doubt Pakistan is destined to scale higher and higher.
Happy Independence Day!
- Shehbaz Sharif

Daily Briefs

What Pakistan is: As the country marks its 76th independence day, there is still an introspection on

â€œThere is no power on earth which can undo Pakistan,â€ says Pakistanâ€™s Army Chief; The caretaker prime minister: Kakar quits the Senate and his party; BNP-Mengal is upset with his selection

Other Daily Briefs

â€œThere is no power on earth which can undo Pakistan,â€ says Pakistanâ€™s Army Chief; The caretaker prime minister: Kakar quits the Senate and his party; BNP-Mengal is upset with his selection