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MASSES REJECTED POLITICS OF CHAOS AS THEY SUPPORT GOVT’S ECONOMIC POLICIES: PM Monday, 23 September, 2024 I | 18 Rabi ul Awwal, 1446
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Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 76 I 40 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Shehbaz Sharif calls for a shift in political priorities g Links success of country’s economic to improve public economic conditions recovery directly to political stability LONDON
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that politics of chaos was unacceptable for masses and they instead support the economic policies of the incumbent government for eliminating inflation and improve the living standard of the people. “The people want a reduction in inflation, solutions to their problems, and economic betterment,” the prime minister said in a statement issued by the PM Office. Premier Shehbaz Sharif stressing the urgency of addressing the public’s economic concerns, called for a shift in political priorities, arguing that instead of focusing on rallies and political gatherings, the immediate need was to improve the economic condition of the masses. “We will hold rallies in 2028; but right now, it is time to work hard to fulfill the pledges made to the people.” Linking the success of the country’s economic recovery directly to political stability, the PM warned that political chaos would disrupt efforts to provide re-
lief to the public. “Economic recovery is tied to political stability; political chaos means affecting the process of providing relief to the people,” he said. PM Shehbaz praised the people for their role in supporting economic growth by promoting political stability and emphasized that national unity was crucial for sustaining this progress. “National unity for political stability will prove to
together,” he urged. Recalling the past political instability, PM Shehbaz Sharif lamented that a lot of time had been wasted in political chaos therefore wasting more time was not in the interest of the country and the nation. On the economic front, the prime minister was optimistic about the country’s progress, noting that inflation had returned to single digits and that Pakistan’s overall economic situation was improving. “Thank God, inflation has returned to single digits, and the economic situation is improving,” he said, highlighting key indicators such as rising exports, the stability of the rupee, increasing remittances, and declining interest rates. Looking forward, he underscored that the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) program should be the last one for Pakistan, saying “if it is so, it will be a true success”. PM Shehbaz warned that abusive language, violence, and chaos would not lead to progress, urging every province and institution to play its role in solving the public’s problems.
ISLAMABAD
Government’s legal adviser Barrister Aqeel Malik on Sunday claimed that the National Assembly session will be convened in the first week of October to table and approve the controversial “Constitutional Package.” Speaking during a programme at private TV, Barrister Aqeel said that approval of the package was an
Fazl cautions against instability if constitution is ignored KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has cautioned that failure to adhere to the constitution will lead to ongoing instability and unrest in the country, asserting the recent elections were ‘fraud’ and characterised the assembly as a product of the establishment. Speaking at an event in Karachi on Sunday, the JUI-F asserted that the recent elections were marred by fraud and characterised the current assembly as a product of the establishment. He urged for necessary reforms but stressed that these changes should not reflect specific political interests to the public. He stated, "When you propose a good idea but people perceive it as serving your political interests, how can the parliament and the government regain their credibility?" He pointed out that the average citizen is aware of the daily changes and cannot be deceived by rhetoric.
Rehman expressed concern over the lack of political stability in Pakistan, noting that the international community is hesitant to engage in business with the country. He mentioned that friendly nations are worried about the Pakistani economy and are anxious about how to assist. He highlighted that neither the constitution, parliament, nor legal institutions are secure, as various institutions are interfering in each other’s affairs, all striving for their own stability. While he acknowledged that changes occur over time, he stressed that they should not be driven by political interests. Rehman called for institutions to operate within their defined boundaries and strengthen themselves, stating that he wishes to see a robust parliament, judiciary, and military. He reaffirmed that the Constitution is the social contract that unites the nation. Haideri calls for immediate elections Meanwhile, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), de-
clared that the current government can no longer continue and demanded immediate, transparent elections. Speaking to the media in Karachi on Sunday, he stated that the government's authority is failing across the country. He noted that in rural Sindh, bandits are routinely kidnapping people, and in Balochistan, there is no one to prevent the closure of national highways. Haideri criticised the legitimacy of both the 2018 and 2024 elections, claiming that they have not resulted in stable governments, and accused authorities of installing corrupt individuals through these electoral processes. Haideri highlighted that government officials have acknowledged the current administration's inability to function effectively. He asserted that issues in Balochistan cannot be resolved through force and urged that serious demands in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan should be addressed. He further pointed out that ordinances hold no significant value in the constitution and can only be used temporarily.
to rely on imported fuels, such as high-speed diesel and coal, for power generation. This reliance on expensive, imported resources has led to higher electricity costs, further straining the economy. It has also been revealed that some IPPs did not generate as much electricity as they claimed while importing these fuels, yet they received billions in government subsidies. Furthermore, the sources suggested that IPPs are resisting calls from the government to undergo a forensic audit o f their financial practices, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the sector. Despite the government’s push for greater scrutiny, the IPPs remain reluctant to open their books, leading to further speculation about mismanagement and potential financial misconduct, said sources. It is also learnt from sources that the government has reportedly paid billions of rupees to the IPPs for plant maintenance. However, only a fraction of these funds is being used for the actual upkeep of the facilities. Shockingly, it has also come to light that the government is bearing the insurance costs
for the IPPs, alongside the initial setup costs. Even though the government is covering these significant expenses, the plants will not become government property once the contracts expire. These contracts, designed in the name of foreign entities, have allegedly allowed local owners to benefit from advantageous terms that were not in the best interests of the country. The sources claimed that this deliberate structuring of contracts has deprived Pakistan of the financial benefits associated with these power projects. It is relevant to mention that the efforts to get an official response from Federal Power Minister Awais Leghari and the Secretary of the Power Division were unsuccessful. It is pertinent to mention that the revelations call into question the long-term viability of the IPP model in Pakistan and highlight the urgent need for reforms in the energy sector. With billions of rupees at stake, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these allegations and whether stricter regulatory oversight will be imposed on IPPs in the future.
IPPs allegedly pocketed billions without power generation, over-invoicing PROFIT
AHMAD AHMADANI
Some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have allegedly collected billions of rupees from the government without generating electricity, due to flawed contracts that are now burdening the country’s economy, it was learnt on Sunday. Sharing shocking revelation regarding the role of IPPs in Pakistan, sources in the industry alleged that some IPPs have collected billions of rupees from the government without generating electricity, due to flawed contracts that are now burdening the country’s economy. Sources also alleged that IPPs have been benefitting from contracts that were poorly negotiated, leaving the government to bear the brunt of financial consequences. In stark contrast to similar projects in Bangladesh and Vietnam, wind power plants in Pakistan were reportedly installed at four times the cost, pointing to significant overinvoicing, they added. As per the sources, despite the availability of domestic coal reserves, many IPPs have continued
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Four security personnel martyred in Zhob, Swat terrorist attacks irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ZHOB/SWAT
STAFF REPORT
The package is a set of amendments to the Constitution, one of which will aim to fix the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for three years. The legislation was expected to be introduced in the National Assembly and the Senate after the government failed to table it as previously scheduled, despite hectic efforts to garner the required support.
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be the guarantee of Pakistan’s bright economic future and relief from inflation,” he remarked. He called for collaboration between political parties, institutions, and provinces to address the country’s ongoing economic and security challenges. “To tackle economic challenges and terrorism, the nation, political parties, institutions, and provinces must work
“ongoing process,” stressing the need for consensus before it is presented in parliament. “When you’re seeking a broader consensus with the major parties… we do not want anyone to have any disagreement when it is presented,” he said. “It is under discussion.” Aqeel confirmed that of the 55 amendments proposed, amendments to Articles 8 (laws inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights to be void) and Article 243 (command of Armed Forces) had been withdrawn.
ATTENTION
Three Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) officials were killed in an ambush on a police vehicle in Balochistan’s Zhob area, while a policeman was martyred and four others, including a sub-inspector, were injured in a remote controlled bomb blast on a police van in Swat district, the police confirmed on Sunday. According to Balochistan Police, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the ATF vehicle on DI Khan National Highway. As result, one ATF official was killed instantly, while three others were injured. The deceased and injured were immediately transported to Zhob Hospital. Later, two of the injured ATF officials succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to three while one injured official was being treated at the hospital. The deceased officials were identified: as Amir Muhammad Mangalzai Sherani and Shafiqullah. Following the incident, a heavy contingent of police and Levies personnel arrived at the scene and collected evidence. Police have registered a case and are taking steps to apprehend the perpetrators. In Swat, a police official martyred and four others, including a sub-inspector, were injured in a bomb blast on a police van at Jahanabad area on Malam Jabba Road in Swat district on Sunday. District Police Officer (DPO) Swat, Dr Zahidullah said that the tragic incident happened when foreign diplomats and attachés were going to Malam Jabba from Mingora for entertainment." A delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce was also accompanying the diplomats." He said. He said that the terrorists bombed the police van going ahead of the convoy.
Constitutional Package to land in NA in 1st week of October: Barrister Aqeel STAFF REPORT
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