ISLAMABAD: After Pakistan police stormed parliament’s premises to arrest several opposition lawmakers on terrorism charges, analysts say a standoff between former prime minister Imran Khan’s party and the country’s powerful military threatens to reduce politics to a clash between the two sides.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party staged a rare demonstration in the capital Islamabad this week, the largest since the former cricketer was jailed last year.
Shortly after the rally, police cut power to the parliament compound and plainclothes officers forced their way in, where PTI lawmakers were taking refuge to avoid possible arrest.
“It is increasingly becoming a clash between the opposition and the military,” political analyst Zahid Hussain told AFP.
“The way lawmakers were arrested will further escalate the politics of confrontation... it will further polarize the country,” he added.
“This approach is creating a dangerously unstable situation.”
PTI has been sparring with the military since Khan was deposed two years ago.
The confrontation come to a head after the former cricket star’s first arrest on corruption charges in May 2023.
His supporters waged days of sometimes violent protests and attacked military installations, sparking a sweeping crackdown on the PTI led by the army — Pakistan’s most powerful institution.
But the clampdown failed to diminish Khan’s popularity and candidates backed by the former premier won the most seats in 2024 polls — marred by allegations of widespread rigging.
A coalition government was cobbled together at the eleventh hour to stop PTI from returning to power, with the army-backed Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) taking control of the nation of over 240 million people.
The standoff has birthed an unprecedented backlash against the military, particularly among Pakistan’s social media-savvy youth who overwhelmingly support Khan.
“This is a particularly nasty confrontation in the sense that Khan has been unusually withering and personal in his criticism of the army,” said Michael Kugelman, a Pakistan specialist at the US-based Wilson Center.
Khan rose to power in 2018 with military support but was removed in 2022 after a fallout with the generals.
He was banned from the February elections, and while three of his convictions have been partially overturned on appeal, remains in prison on other charges.
The military “is unable to dissipate the anger the anxiety among people and reduce support for Khan,” military analyst and author Ayesha Siddiqa told AFP.
“There is nothing to indicate the situation will improve.”
Analysts say the military — which has ruled the nation for nearly half its history and pulls the strings even when not governing — barred several social media platforms to restrict pro-Khan messaging ahead of the elections.
Social media platform X has been banned since the polls when it was used to air allegations of rigging, and Internet disruptions have been ongoing for the past month.
Authorities in July also raided PTI’s headquarters in Islamabad over alleged “anti-state digital campaigns.” The military said it is battling so-called “digital terrorism.”
Kugelman said that while the military has imprisoned Khan and his allies — tactics it has employed successfully against past opponents — widespread Internet availability and soaring social media usage in Pakistan means “it’s not as easy for the army as it used to be.”
There are online “bastions of dissent,” where Khan’s supporters continue their standoff with the military.
An ongoing economic crisis has sent prices soaring and the government running to the International Monetary Fund for assistance, while militant groups have made a resurgence, meaning Pakistan is stretched in several directions.
“One of the most practical consequences of this ongoing confrontation is that other policy challenges, urgent policy challenges are being overlooked,” Kugelman said.
However, analysts say Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lacks the capacity to initiate dialogue with Khan, who has accused the coalition government of operating with a stolen mandate.
“It’s a political existential issue,” political analyst Rasul Baksh Rais told AFP.
“The government’s political survival lies in its current actions, while the PTI’s survival depends on its resistance.”
Military-opposition standoff threatens Pakistan’s stability
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Military-opposition standoff threatens Pakistan’s stability
- Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has been sparring with the military since Khan was deposed two years ago
- The confrontation come to a head after the former cricket star’s first arrest on graft charges in May 2023
Pakistani clerics body says declared VPN usage un-Islamic without government, military’s ‘influence’
Pakistani clerics body says declared VPN usage un-Islamic without government, military’s ‘influence’
- Council of Islamic Ideology last week declared use of VPNs “un-Islamic” after government announced banning them
- Independent analysts say CII statement was released due to military, government’s influence to provide ban religious cover
ISLAMABAD: Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr. Raghab Hussain Naeemi clarified on Wednesday that the top clerics body had described the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as “un-Islamic” independently and not under the influence of Pakistan’s powerful military or government.
Pakistani authorities last week announced a ban on the use of VPNs, citing their use by militant groups for financial transactions and violent activities, which was criticized by rights activists and independent analysts. The CII issued a statement later, declaring the usage of VPNs as un-Islamic. The ban followed the government’s earlier move to implement a nationwide firewall to block malicious content, protect government networks from attacks, and allow it to identify IP addresses associated with “anti-state propaganda” and terror attacks. Pakistan has already blocked access to social media platform X since the February general elections, with the government saying the blocking was to stop anti-state activities and due to a failure by X to adhere to local Pakistani laws.
These moves have caused Internet disruptions over the past couple of months. Independent analysts have accused the government and Pakistan’s powerful military of suppressing criticism by former prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters on digital media. They allege that the CII issued its statement against the use of VPNs last week at the government and military’s behest, who wanted to provide a religious cover to the Internet restrictions. The government and Pakistan’s military deny this.
“Even today, it is the council’s own initiative, independent of any influence or direction from the government, [military] establishment, security agencies or any ministry,” Naeemi told Arab News on the sidelines of a press conference. “And it is not directed against any political party or to support anyone but aiming to prevent the immoral use of VPNs and block blasphemous content.”
The cleric said that the importance of social media and other technological tools cannot be denied, adding that their “positive use” has become a necessity of the times.
“Administrative measures should be adopted to prevent their misuse and the council believes that merely imposing restrictions on modern tools is not a solution; it is equally important to enable their positive use and to offer viable alternatives,” the CII chief said.
Naeemi said the CII has decided to conduct further research on the topic from an Islamic perspective in consultation with experts.
In a press conference earlier, Naeemi said VPNs and other social media applications are not inherently unlawful or un-Islamic. He said their permissibility according to Islam depends on their usage.
“If it is used to spread or access content that involves disrespect, blasphemy, unrest, anarchy or is against national security, such usage will undoubtedly be deemed impermissible in Shariah,” he said.
Naeemi backed the government’s move to regulate the use of VPNs through registration.
“Social media should be used for promoting Islamic values, building moral character, advancing education and training, fostering trade, strengthening national peace and security, and other lawful objectives,” Naeemi said.
Pakistan, China begin joint counter-terror exercise ‘Warrior-VIII’ to bolster military ties
- Three-week long exercise aimed at refining professional skills of both armies, says Pakistan military
- Exercise takes place amid surge in attacks in recent weeks on Chinese nationals living in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Wednesday kicked off their joint counter-terror exercise, “Warrior-VIII,” aimed at refining soldiers’ professional skills and bolstering military-to-military ties between the two states, Pakistan Army said.
Pakistan and China share a robust military partnership, with the two states enjoying longstanding cooperation in defense production, technology and training. China is Pakistan’s largest defense supplier, providing advanced weaponry including fighter jets and submarines to its ally. The two nations frequently collaborate through joint military exercises, counter-terrorism efforts and regional security initiatives.
Warrior VIII is a three-week long counter-terror exercise with the eighth edition taking place at the northwestern town of Pabbi in KP’s Nowshera district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army’s media wing, said.
“Opening Ceremony of Pak — China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII between Pakistan Army and Peoples’ Liberation Army of China was conducted at National Counter Terrorism Center, Pabbi, today,” the ISPR said.
“The exercise is aimed at refining professional skills through joint training besides harnessing the historic military-to-military relations among the iron-clad brothers.”
The exercise takes place amid a surge in attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan by separatist elements in Karachi and southwestern Balochistan province. Islamabad says the attacks are aimed at disrupting its ties with Beijing and destabilizing a multi-billion-dollar Chinese infrastructure project in Pakistan.
A deadly suicide blast near the airport in the southern city of Karachi last month targeted Chinese engineers, killing two and injuring several. In March this year, a suicide bombing killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver in northwestern Pakistan as they headed to the Dasu Dam, the largest hydropower project in the country.
China has called on Pakistan to enhance security measures for its citizens in the country. Islamabad has vowed to ensure foolproof security measures for Chinese citizens in the country.
Pakistan gears up to promote exports globally with upcoming 18th OIC Trade Fair
- Upcoming OIC Trade Fair will be held from Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore
- Commerce minister urges stakeholders to ensure Pakistan’s trade capabilities are highlighted at fair
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan held a high-level meeting on Wednesday about the upcoming 18th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Trade Fair and Wexnet 2024 business events, stressing the need to promote the country’s exports globally through them.
The OIC Trade Fair is one of the major annual events organized by the Islamic Center for Development of Trade (ICDT) to promote trade and cooperation between the 57 OIC member countries. The 18th edition of the fair will be organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan’s commerce ministry in collaboration with the ICDT in the eastern city of Lahore from Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
Wexnet, meanwhile, is a flagship event organized by the TDAP to empower and promote women entrepreneurs across the nation. The platform allows women-led businesses to showcase their innovative products and services in the country.
“The Minister emphasized the significance of Wexnet 2024 as a platform to promote women entrepreneurs and directed TDAP to intensify efforts in showcasing their achievements,” the commerce ministry said. “He also stressed the importance of utilizing both events to amplify TDAP’s role in fostering trade development and promoting Pakistan’s exports globally.”
Stressing the impact of both events, Khan urged all stakeholders to ensure outreach, meticulous planning and impactful representation of Pakistan’s trade and business capabilities, it added.
The ministry said both events are poised to strengthen Pakistan’s trade ties and support the country’s export-oriented growth strategy.
“TDAP remains committed to promoting inclusive trade development and creating avenues for showcasing Pakistan’s export potential,” the commerce ministry said.
The ICDT says the trade fair aims to promote the development of economic and commercial partnerships between member countries and disseminate and share their economic potential.
It said the event also aims to make a tangible contribution to the development of exchanges and investments linked to trade between member countries while also market their products and services.
The OIC is the second-largest inter-government organization after the United Nations, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. It is considered globally as the collective voice of the Muslim world and seeks to safeguard and protect its interests.
Pakistan third-worst country out of 142 for order and security, says World Justice Project
- Mali, ranked at 141 and Nigeria, ranked at 142, were placed below Pakistan in Order and Security index
- Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks in western provinces bordering Afghanistan since Nov. 22
ISLAMABAD: The World Justice Project has ranked Pakistan as the third-worst country for law and order out of a total of 142, as Islamabad grapples with surging militant attacks and suicide bombings in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan while rights activists accuse the government of clamping down on freedom of speech and expression.
The World Justice Project describes itself as an independent, multidisciplinary organization that is working to create knowledge, build awareness and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide.
In its annual list released on Oct. 23, the WJP said rule of law has once again weakened in a majority of countries surveyed this year. Pakistan was ranked at 140 out of a total of 142 countries in its Order and Security criteria.
“Security is one of the defining aspects of any rule of law society and is a fundamental function of the state,” the WJP said. “It is also a precondition for the realization of the rights and freedoms that the rule of law seeks to advance.”
Only Mali, ranked at 141 and Nigeria, ranked at 142, were placed below Pakistan in the Order and Security index by the WJP.
The WJP ranked Pakistan at 129 out of 142 in the overall Rule of Law index. The overall rating is given by considering eight factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice and Criminal Justice.
The report ranked Pakistan at 103 for Constraints on Government Powers, 120 for Absence of Corruption, 106 for Open Government, 125 for Fundamental Rights, 127 for Regulatory Enforcement, 128 for Civil Justice and 98 for Criminal Justice.
The WJP said in its press release that a majority of countries had improved on ensuring effective criminal justice but authoritarian trends have continued to set them back on protecting human rights and democracy.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since Nov. 22 in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan ever since its fragile truce with the Pakistani Taliban broke down. Separatist militants in the country’s southwestern Balochistan province have also increased attacks against security forces and civilians in recent months.
Meanwhile, opposition parties and rights activists have accused the government and Pakistan’s powerful military of using coercive tactics to suppress freedom of speech and their right to protest. Rights activists have also pointed to frequent Internet disruptions in the country, accusing the state of clamping down on people’s right to enjoy digital freedoms.
The government and Pakistan’s powerful military deny these allegations.
India withdraws from Pakistan-hosted T20 Blind World Cup after failing to secure clearance— ESPNcricinfo
- Pakistan is scheduled to host T20 Blind Cricket World Cup from Nov. 22-Dec. 3
- Political tensions have limited cultural exchanges and sports contests between both sides
ISLAMABAD: The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) announced on Wednesday that its blind cricket team was withdrawing from the upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan, citing its failure to secure clearance from New Delhi to travel to the neighboring country, sports website ESPNcricinfo reported.
The T20 Blind Cricket World Cup was scheduled to be held in Pakistan from Nov. 22 — Dec. 3. Political tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan have restricted cultural exchanges and bilateral sports events between the two nations.
Both countries have fought three wars, two of them over the Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part.
“While this is a significant setback for the team, CABI fully respects the government’s concerns and the decision for the same,” the board said in a statement, as per ESPNcricinfo. “The team had been training rigorously and was eager to compete. However, we prioritize the government’s guidance and remain steadfast in our commitment to the continued development of Blind Cricket in India.”
Durga Rao Tompaki, the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team for the blind, said the decision was “disheartening” for his team.
“However, we know that the next World Cup is just around the corner, and we remain committed to our training and preparation,” Tompaki said.
India’s decision takes place 100 days ahead of the start of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is also set to be held in Pakistan in February/March next year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC this month that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
The ICC informed the PCB following which Pakistan demanded an explanation. Pakistan has repeatedly insisted it will not agree for the tournament to be shifted to another country and has insisted India travel to the country for the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan hosted last year’s Asia Cup but all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting model for the tournament. Several months later Pakistan traveled to India for the 50-over World Cup.
Political tensions between the countries have led to the India team avoiding travel to Pakistan since 2008 and the two have tended to only compete together in multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups. Pakistan also traveled to India in 2012 for a bilateral ODI series.
