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Federal govt borrows PAKISTAN REJECTS ‘POLITICAL USE OF Rs5.5trn from commercial banks in 10 months EXPORT CONTROLS’ AFTER US SANCTIONS
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Sunday, 21 April, 2024 I |12 Shawwal, 1445
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FO SPOKESPERSON SAYS ‘DISCRIMINATORY APPROACHES, DOUBLE STANDARDS’ UNDERMINE CREDIBILITY OF NON-PROLIFERATION REGIMES
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
AKISTAN on Saturday denounced the “political use of export controls” after the United States imposed sanctions on four entities for their alleged involvement in supplying “missile-applicable items” to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Saturday. Reacting to the US sanctions, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch issued a statement on Saturday, saying: “We reject political use of export controls. It is well known that the same jurisdictions, which claim strict adherence to nonproliferation controls, have waived off
licensing requirements for advanced military technologies for some countries.” She added that “such discriminatory approaches and double standards” undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes and also the objectives of regional and global peace and security by “accentuating military asymmetries”. The US State Department claimed on Friday evening that the entities — three Chinese and one from Belarus — were particularly assisting Pakistan’s long-range missile endeavors. The statement specified that “the ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.” The entities facing sanctions include the Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, the People’s Republic of Chinabased Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd and Granpect Company Limited. As per the sanctions imposed under Executive Order 13382, all property and interests in property of the designated entities that are in the United States or under the control of US persons are now blocked. Furthermore, any individuals or entities with ownership, directly or indirectly, of 50 per cent or more by the designated persons are also subject to these sanctions. These measures prohibit transactions involving any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons unless authorised by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or exempt. This includes contributions and provision of funds, goods, or
PM sees Chinese language effective tool for communication globally ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that the Chinese language was an effective tool for communication worldwide. Expressing his thoughts in connection with the Chinese Language Day, the premier underscored the importance of the language, saying, “Even the United Nations (UN) has included the Chinese language officially.” The premier acknowledged the growing popularity of the Chinese language in the country, saying, “More people are learning the Chinese language in Pakistan.” PM Shehbaz made it clear that all-out steps were being taken to promote the Chinese language and literature in the country. He expressed optimism that, with the learning of the Chinese language, the people of both countries will get even closer. Separately, CM Maryam said on Saturday that the Chinese language was important for bolstering ties with China. In her message in connection with the Chinese Language Day, CM Maryam said: “The proficiency in Chinese language is essential to connecting with the Chinese market.” She acknowledged the economic prosperity of China, saying, “The Chinese language is one of the six official languages of the United Nations (UN).” Highlighting the importance of the Chinese language, CM Maryam said: “The entire world acknowledges the importance of the Chinese language.” CM Maryam said: “It was China that launched many projects for the sake of economic prosperity in Pakistan.” PM Office rejects to reinstate RPO Hazara The Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday rejected the recommendation of Establishment Division to reinstate Regional Police Officer (RPO) Hazara, Aijaz Khan suspending for ‘negligence’, resulting in Shangla terrorist attack.
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 292 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
SAYS SUCH LISTINGS OF COMMERCIAL ENTITIES TOOK PLACE IN PAST ‘WITHOUT SHARING ANY EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER’
US’s sanction on entities supplying items to Pakistan’s missile program concerning: PTI
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) made it clear that the US government’s action of imposing sanctions on entities supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program sent shock waves across the length and breadth of the country and demanded of the federal government to come clean on the very sensitive issue and bring the facts before the nation forthwith. PTI Spokesperson, in a stronglyworded reaction to the US administration’s sanctions on four companies supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan missile program, said that the news was very sensitive and concerning and PTI would not tolerate any kind of attack on national interests or any attempt either knowingly or un-
services to or from any blocked person. Moreover, the entry of designated individuals into the United States has been suspended under Presidential Proclamation 8693. The FO spokesperson said that such listings of commercial entities took place in the past as well on allegations of links to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme “without sharing any
knowingly to endanger national security and defense of the country. He made it clear that Pakistan’s peaceful missile program was of paramount importance for national security, defense and minimum defense capability. PTI Spokesperson stated that the US administration’s move triggered an unprecedented wave of concern across the country pertaining to the missile program. He went on to say that it was not possible to blindly believe on the government devoid of public mandate to deal with issues relating to defense and foreign affairs. PTI Spokesperson asked that the federal government, especially the Ministry of Defense should clear their position on the US administration’s step and what strategy they were intending to adopt in this regard. STAFF REPORT
evidence whatsoever”. “While we are not aware of the specifics of the latest measures by the United States, in the past we have come across many instances where listings have been made on mere suspicion or even when the involved items were not on any control lists but were deemed sensitive under catch-all provisions,” she said.
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GOVT BORROWING HITS RS657 BILLION IN LAST WEEK, SBP DATA SHOWS PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
The federal government borrowed Rs5.5 trillion from commercial banks from July 1 to April 5, 2023-24, an increase from Rs2.95 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). As per SBP data released on April 13, the government borrowed Rs657 billion in just the last week, bringing its total borrowing for the period to Rs5.5 trillion. This level of borrowing has placed substantial pressure on the economy, as the government now allocates most of its revenue to servicing domestic debt. For fiscal year 2023, the government’s borrowing from banks was Rs3.7 trillion. However, this fiscal year’s borrowing has already surpassed the previous year’s total by Rs1.784 trillion in just nine months. It is common for the government to increase borrowing from banks in the final quarter of the fiscal year to enhance reported economic performance metrics. The economy faces severe challenges, with most generated revenue being consumed by domestic debt repayment and interest. This restricts the government’s ability to fund new development programs, leading to reduced allocations for other sectors.
Top aide of Afghan Taliban’s supreme leader killed in Pakistan
Imprisoned Imran writes to Qazi seeking justice for PTI g
EX-PM DRAWS CJP’S ATTENTION TO SEVEN ISSUES TO SAFEGUARD RULE OF LAW IN COUNTRY ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founding chairman, Imran Khan, on Saturday wrote a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, drawing his attention to seven key issues he felt needed urgent intervention of the top court to safeguard the rule of law and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution within the country. In his letter, the former premier has urged the CJP to take notice of NAB giving clean chit to ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in Toshakhana case; look into the Bahawalnagar incident; take action on the letter of six high court judges; fix a petition calling for an independent probe into May 9 events; inquire about Commissioner Rawalpindi’s statement regarding poll rigging; take up petitions about rigging in February 8 general elections; and see how reserved seats have been allocated in national and provincial assemblies. While drawing CJP’s attention to the seven issues, the PTI supremo has reminded him that
STAFF REPORT
the entire nation is looking at him and quoted the words of one of the greatest and most influential scientists of all time, Albert Einstein: “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Through the letter, Khan has conveyed to CJP Isa that the state of the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution has fallen to new lows in Pakistan under his watch, saying it has caused the gradual emergence of the “law of the jungle and the enactment of the primitive doctrine that might is right.” “I have no doubt that if our
superior judiciary, with your good-self at its helm, would not meaningfully intervene as the custodian of the Constitution and the ultimate arbiter of justice, and if the foregoing situation were to prevail,” Imran stated, “it would be fatal to any civilised order in the world.” He then brought seven matters to CJP Isa’s attention, saying some of which form sub-judice matter of petitions already pending in the Supreme Court, while others involve facts and circumstances that glaringly call for prompt intervention at the judiciary’s own motion, but, in each case, “it has so far been in vain.”
Top aide of Taliban supreme leader Mullah Habitullah Akhundzada and former bodyguard of Mullah Mansoor, was assassinated in Pakistan by unidentified assailants near Pak-Afghan border on Saturday. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the incident, urging the local authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for the assassination. The deceased was reportedly on Eid holidays and was visiting family in the area. The deceased, identified as Mohammad Omar Jan Akhundzada, was leading evening prayers at a mosque in the city of Quetta on Thursday when he was attacked. No one claims of responsibility for the deadly shooting so far. Akhundzada hailed from Zabul province and held the position of chief at a seminary in Kandahar. The loss of a senior member has sent a shockwaves within the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as the killed leader was reportedly targeted by the militant Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Pakistan. Following the withdrawal of United States-led foreign forces in August 2021, numerous central religious figures and associates of the Taliban have been targeted for assassination within Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul. The ISKP, a regional affiliate of the Islamic State and a fierce rival of the Taliban, has claimed responsibility for a significant number of these attacks.
All set for by-polls to 5 NA, 16 provincial assemblies seats today ISLAMABAD/LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Arrangements have been completed for byelections to five National and 16 provincial assemblies’ seats across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan scheduled for Sunday (tomorrow) and the government has approved deployment of Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) troops along with the suspension of mobile phone and internet services in these areas. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), polling for the by-elections will proceed without interruption from 8am to 5pm to seats vacated by candidates who won multiple seats or where polling was delayed in Feb 8 general elections due to the death of a candidate. The polling will be conducted across five National Assembly seats, 12 Punjab Assembly seats, two Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly seats, and two Balochistan Assembly seats. According to the ECP, the re-polling in PB-50 Killa Abdullah would be also held on Sunday (tomorrow). The polling for NA-8 Bajaur and PK-22 Bajaur was delayed on February 8 following the assassination of a candidate, Rehan Zeb Khan. Additionally, polling will take place in NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan, where the Na-
tional Assembly seat was relinquished by Ali Amin Gandapur, who opted to retain his provincial assembly seat in order to assume the role of KP’s chief minister. Similarly, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif vacated her NA-119 seat in Lahore, choosing instead to keep the PP-159 constituency that she also won. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif won elections on two provincial and National Assembly seats. He vacated the NA-132 Kasur and Lahore’s PP-158 and PP-164 seats, preferring to retain the NA-123 Lahore constituency. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari won two National Assembly seats. He retained the NA-194 Larkana constituency, leaving the NA-196 seat in Qamber Shahdadkot vacant. Army deployment approved for security during by-polls Meanwhile, on request of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking strict security measures during the by-elections in the country, the federal government has approved deployment of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) troops. The government would use the armed forces’ units as a quick response force. The Ministry of Interior has issued an order in this regard.
The notification mentions that the CAF and Pakistan Army units would be used as second and third tiers of security and they would be available with immediate effect till April 21 in 21 constituencies. “The exact number of troops, date/period, area and mode of deployment would be worked out by the ECP in consultation with
all concerned stakeholders based on ground requirement/ assessment. The date of de-requisitioning of the said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among all stakeholders,” the notification stated. ‘Mobile phone, internet services to be shut down’
Earlier, the Punjab government requested the interior ministry to suspend mobile internet services in the province’s 13 districts and tehsils on Sunday (tomorrow) owing to the by-polls. The request has been made to maintain law and order situation in the province and avoid any untoward incident.
ISLAMABAD
Law enforcement personnel deployed for the bye-elections in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan must adhere to the code, ensuring they perform their duties lawfully to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan in conducting fair and peaceful bye-elections in 2024. According to the guidelines outlined by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), security personnel are required to carry out their duties within the boundaries of their assigned mandate and in compliance with the law. This is to ensure the facilitation of free, fair, transparent, and peaceful bye-elections in 2024.
Each gazetted law enforcement officer will exercise powers delegated by the Election Commission of Pakistan under Section 193 of the Elections Act, 2017, and cooperate with District Returning Officers, Returning Officers, and Presiding Officers as per Section 83(a) of the same Act. Assist the Presiding Officer in ensuring smooth and effective polling station operations, maintaining order, and removing any individuals who misbehave or disobey orders. Remain impartial and neutral throughout the electoral process, providing full cooperation to the Presiding Officer to ensure uninterrupted voting.
Security personnel deployed for by-elections must uphold neutrality, maintain peace: ECP STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday directed the security personnel, excluding armed forces, deployed in by-elections to maintain neutrality, assist officers, ensure peace, avoid conflicts, arrests, or interference, report irregularities, and uphold impartiality, particularly during the counting process. In a code of conduct issued for law enforcement agencies deployed on election duty, the arrest of suspects is only permitted upon instruction from polling staff.