December 2012 - theresearchers.orgtheresearchers.org/PGF/2012/December2012.pdf · Pakistan Governance Forum (P GF) - December, 2012 Edition VII, Volume X The Researchers i December

Pakistan Governance Forum (PGF) - December, 2012Edition VII, Volume X

The Researchers i

December 2012Edition VII, Volume X

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GOVERNANCE WATCH ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1Government Working -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1Can’t Start Kalabagh Dam on Court Order ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1Council of Common Interest Secretariat Asks Two Provinces to Submit Opinions ----------------------- 1President Issues Ordinance to Amend Wafaqi Mohtasib Act 1983------------------------------------------- 1Heated cabinet debate over Rs7b daily corruption ------------------------------------------------------------- 2President Signs Free and Compulsory Education Bill: “The Rights to Free and Compulsory EducationBill 2012” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2Prime Minister Approves Trade Strategy for 2012-15 --------------------------------------------------------- 319 Amendments to Regulate Imports Okayed-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4Governor Punjab Latif Khosa Submits to President Zardari’s Decision, Resigns -------------------------- 5Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood Is the Punjab New Governor--------------------------------------------------- 5Government Increase 35pc Increase in Officers Salary--------------------------------------------------------- 5National Assembly ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6Government Bulldozes Fair Trial Bill in National Assembly Committee ------------------------------------ 6Government Advised To Scrutinize NGO Finances: PAC ------------------------------------------------------- 6National Assembly Passes Pakistan Coinage Bill ---------------------------------------------------------------- 7National Assembly Decries Media-Bashing Of Politicians------------------------------------------------------ 7Government Moves 23rd Amendment Bill to Enhance Minorities Seats ------------------------------------- 7Public Accounts Committee Decides To Refer Sc Registrar Issue to Parliament -------------------------- 8Security Agencies Win Eavesdropping Powers ------------------------------------------------------------------ 8Senate----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8Senate Body Proposes Law on Role of Intelligence Agencies-------------------------------------------------- 8All Stakeholders Will Be Consulted--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9Government Has Identified 7.5m New Tax Payers -------------------------------------------------------------- 9Senate Condemns Attack on Anti-Polio Workers --------------------------------------------------------------- 10Elections for Two Senate Seats on January 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 10Senate Body Expresses Grief Over Bashir Bilour’ Killing------------------------------------------------------ 10Provincial Assemblies-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11Court Verdict Rejected Outright By Sindh, K - P ---------------------------------------------------------------- 11Sindh Assembly Passes Four Resolutions against Kalabagh Dam ------------------------------------------- 11KPK Move to Regulate Surrogacy: KPK --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11PML-Q Moves Privilege Motion in Punjab Provincial Assembly --------------------------------------------- 12KPK Provincial Assembly passes resolution on Lowari Tunnel opening: KPK ---------------------------- 12Senate Approves Shelter Houses for Senior Citizens----------------------------------------------------------- 13KP Provincial Assembly Condemns Polio Workers’ Killing --------------------------------------------------- 13Opposition Demands Nominations for Provinces Commission: Punjab Assembly ----------------------- 14Resolution Passed to Condemn KPK Senior Minister Bilour Assassination: Punjab Assembly -------- 14Punjab Assembly Condemns Attacks on Polio Workers ------------------------------------------------------- 14Provinces Demand 40pc Representation in Federal Bodies -------------------------------------------------- 14New Provinces-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15New Provinces Commission Devices Its Rules, Regulation --------------------------------------------------- 15New Province for South Punjab Will Be Defending Factor in Elections ------------------------------------ 16Commission Hears Arguments for New Provinces ------------------------------------------------------------- 16Langah wants Tank, D.I. Khan in Seraiki province: Parliamentary Commission on New Province --- 17PML-N Should End Boycott of Commission on New Province: Governor Punjab------------------------- 18Local Government ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18Pml – N Rejects Sindh New Local Government System -------------------------------------------------------- 18Supreme Court Reproves Government over Inaction---------------------------------------------------------- 18


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Kpk Revives Old Local Government System: KPK -------------------------------------------------------------- 19New Local Government System in Sindh Not Acceptable: PML-Functional------------------------------- 19Court Asks ECP If It Can Hold Local Government Polls At This Stage --------------------------------------- 19The Supreme Court asked the Election Commission of Pakistan if it could hold local governmentelections in cantonment boards when the general election was already due in the country. “Notice tothe ECP to submit whether it could be possible for the commission to hold local government (LG)elections when the general election is also due in the country,” the court said in its order. Thecommission is required to submit a reply. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 19PPP Bargaining Away Sindh’s Rights: Awami Tehreek: Sindh ----------------------------------------------- 19Delimitation, Fresh Fund Sharing Formula Coming: KPK ----------------------------------------------------- 20Status & Up-Date of Dual Nationalist Of MPs--------------------------------------------------------------------21Four Sindh Ministers, Two MPAs Resign: Sindh ---------------------------------------------------------------- 21Four MQM Lawmakers Resign: Sindh----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21MQM, PPP men rejoin cabinet: Sindh ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22Election Commission of Pakistan to Move Against Resigning Mps as another MNA Quits-------------- 22Minister, MPA Face Warrants In Degree Case: Balochistan--------------------------------------------------- 22Government & Judiciary ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22Judiciary Ready to Face Any Challenge: Chief Justice Pakistan----------------------------------------------- 22Judicial Commission to Probe Operation Silence --------------------------------------------------------------- 23President Asks Supreme Court 13 Questions of Law ---------------------------------------------------------- 23President Can’t Use His Discretionary Powers: Supreme Court: IHC Appointment Case --------------- 23Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to Altaf ---------------------------------------------------------------- 24Auditor General Gives Clean Chit to Supreme Court Accounts ----------------------------------------------- 24Supreme Court Orders Appointment of Two Islamabad High Court Judges------------------------------- 24Over 1.6 Million Cases Pending In All Courts: NJPMC ---------------------------------------------------------- 25Analysis/Reports -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25Short-Staffed NAB Means Corrupt Officials Go Scot-Free: NAB ---------------------------------------------- 25

BALOCHISTAN WATCH ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27Governance Watch -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27Government Aims To Improve Living Standard of Baloch: Prime Minister ------------------------------- 27Balochistan Government Should Make Up For Its Mistake: Chief Justice ---------------------------------- 27Fund Allocated: Balochistan Package ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27Balochistan Chief Minister to Inaugurate Project: Reko Dik Mining Endeavour-------------------------- 27Baloch ‘Freedom Charter’ to be launched in New Year -------------------------------------------------------- 28Supreme Court Backs Balochistan Chief Secretary ------------------------------------------------------------- 28Balochistan Provincial Assembly pays tribute to Bilour ------------------------------------------------------ 28Baochistan Assembly Votes Out Its Speaker--------------------------------------------------------------------- 295, 000 Balochistan Teachers Still Waiting For Regularization ----------------------------------------------- 29

ELECTION WATCH ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30Political Stakeholders & Elections ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------3018 lawmakers fail to submit affidavits---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30New Policy for Party Registration --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30No by – Poll to Be Held On Vacated Seats, Says Chief Election Commission ------------------------------- 30Justice Ebrahim Suggested Rangers Inside Polling Stations -------------------------------------------------- 31Sindh Election Commission Sacked After Parties Express Mistrust----------------------------------------- 31Election of Pakistan Proposes Four-Fold Increase in Election Expenses----------------------------------- 31Election Commission of Pakistan Envisions Bigger Army Role ---------------------------------------------- 32CEC said Candidates Should Get Security or Be Allowed To Carry Arms ---------------------------------- 33ECP Decides To Hold NA, PAs Election on Same Day: ECP ---------------------------------------------------- 34No Female Staff Sent For Women Voters: ECP: Balochistan -------------------------------------------------- 34PPP Among Parties Not Yet Eligible For Poll System: ECP ---------------------------------------------------- 343 Candidates to Contest Pk-22 By-Poll---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3546 Poll Petitions Pending Since 2008 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35Political Parties ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------36

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36Federal Information Minister Urges Judiciary to Keep Away From Political Parties ----------------- 36Estranged “N” lawmaker joins PPP----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37PPP No More In Position to Amend Constitution ------------------------------------------------------------ 37Nobody Can Manipulate General Election: Prime Minster------------------------------------------------- 37


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PPP to Make Administrative, Political Changes in Punjab ------------------------------------------------- 38Former Minister of State Quits PPP ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38Days of Bogus Votes Are Gone, Says Prime Minister-------------------------------------------------------- 39Another PML-N MPA Set to Join PPP--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39PPP, PML-N in Covert Talks over Caretaker Prime Minister ---------------------------------------------- 39Caretaker Setup to Be Formed By March 16: Information Minister Kaira ------------------------------ 40ANP Activists Join PPP in Mardan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 40Bilawal Anointed Torch-Bearer on BB Anniversary -------------------------------------------------------- 40Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) ------------------------------------------------------------------- 40Opposition Leader says it’s Time to Risk Country of PPP Government --------------------------------- 40PML-N to Form New Administrative Provinces If Elected: Nawaz --------------------------------------- 41PML-N Comes Up With Retort----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41PML-N Sweeps Punjab By-Polls--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41PPP Accuses PML-N of Stealing By Elections----------------------------------------------------------------- 42PML-N Finalizes Manifesto -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42PML-N Inches Closer To Pre-Poll Deal with BNP ------------------------------------------------------------ 42MNA Saima Akhtar Joins PML-N -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43Nawaz Asks Party Members to File Returns------------------------------------------------------------------ 433 Khanewal MPAs Quit PPP, Join PML-N ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 43PML-N Set To Become an Ex-Mush-Aide Fest ---------------------------------------------------------------- 44Former Chief Minister Sindh Arbab Says No To PML-N Poll Ticket-------------------------------------- 44PTI Co-ordinator Rabia Zia Announced to Join PML-N ----------------------------------------------------- 44New Governor Appointment in Punjab Pre-Poll Rigging: National Assembly Opposition Leader - 45Delay in General Election, Intelligence Report Irks PML-N------------------------------------------------ 45We Will Not Stand For Elections Being Postponed: Nawaz------------------------------------------------ 45PML-N Plans To Lead Grand Alliance -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46Qadri Brought Back To Block Nawaz Sharif: Zafar Ul Haq ------------------------------------------------- 46PML-N Rules Out Alliance with ANP --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47PML-N to Demand Removal of All Governors before Elections: Opposition Leader NationalAssembly ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 47PML-N League Calls for Immediate Polls---------------------------------------------------------------------- 47Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47PTI Appoints Media in Charge ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47PTI Election Campaign to Kick Off On Dec 10 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 48PTI Workers See Manipulation in Intra-Party Polls--------------------------------------------------------- 48Imran Gives Proofs of Pre-Poll Rigging To Chief Election Commission --------------------------------- 48Nawaz Keeps More Security than Queen of England: Imran ---------------------------------------------- 49PTI to Turn Pakistan into Welfare State: Imran ------------------------------------------------------------- 49Women MPs Slam Imran for Opposing Quota---------------------------------------------------------------- 49PTI Boasts New Strategies for Election Campaigns --------------------------------------------------------- 50PTI Tsunami Will Wipe out Corruption from Country, Says Imran -------------------------------------- 50Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q)--------------------------------------------------------- 50Salman Mohal’s nephew joins “Q” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 50Hazara Destined To Be a Province: Deputy Prime Minister Pervaiz Elahi ------------------------------ 51PML – Q Urges Chief Election Commission to Take Action against By – Poll Rigging----------------- 51PML-Q bringing scattered votes together in Sindh---------------------------------------------------------- 51PML-Q to Issue Fact Sheet Soon On Punjab Government -------------------------------------------------- 51PPP-PML-Q Coalition Set To Die Natural Demise before Polls -------------------------------------------- 52PPP, PML-Q Alliance Can Snatch Many Na Seats from PML-N -------------------------------------------- 53PML-N Ex-Ticket Holder Joins PML-Q ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54PML-Q Finalizes Campaign Strategy --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54JI Calls for Interim Setup ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54Jammat-e-Islami Nominates Sirajul Haq Shadow KPK Chief Minister ----------------------------------- 54MQM Trying To Sabotage Sc Verdict on Voters Lists: Jammat-e-Islami --------------------------------- 55JI Leader Prof Ghafoor Passes Away --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55JI Manifesto Vows to Make Military Training Compulsory ------------------------------------------------ 55Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazalur Rehman (JUI-F) ------------------------------------------------------------- 56No Decision Yet On Electoral Alliance, Says JUI – F Leader ------------------------------------------------ 56


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Muthida Qaumi Movement (MQM) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57New Delimitations Meant to Break MQM’s Vote Bank, Says Altaf ---------------------------------------- 57Shutdown in Sindh Cities over Contempt Notice to MQM Chief ------------------------------------------ 57MQM Says Altaf Will Never Appear Before Supreme Court ----------------------------------------------- 57Altaf calls Zardari, Reiterates Support to PPP Government ----------------------------------------------- 58Major MQM move to support Dr. Qadri sparks debate ----------------------------------------------------- 58MQM Backs Dr Qadri to End Feudalism: Altaf---------------------------------------------------------------- 58MQM Moves Supreme Court against Rigging in Punjab by Polls ----------------------------------------- 59ECP Secretary Biased, Should Be Removed------------------------------------------------------------------- 59All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59Warrants for Gen Musharraf in Judges Detention Case ---------------------------------------------------- 59Army Worried over Country’s Situation: Musharraf-------------------------------------------------------- 59Voters’ Listing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60ECP Ready for Door-to-Door Voters Verification: Karachi, Sindh ---------------------------------------- 60Army Likely To Join Verification of Voters: ECP; Karachi, Sindh ----------------------------------------- 60ECP Snubs MQM, Goes Ahead With Delimitation: CEC ----------------------------------------------------- 60ECP Announces Schedule for Voter Lists Verification: Karachi, Sindh ---------------------------------- 61Maps, Data Handed Over To ECP for Karachi Delimitation: Karachi, Sindh ---------------------------- 61MQM Files Review Petitions against Delimitation Order: Karachi, Sindh------------------------------- 62Four Districts Have 1m Unverified Votes: ECP--------------------------------------------------------------- 62Nadra Does Not Have Biometrics of 3.72m Women Voters: NADRA ------------------------------------ 63Delimitation Unfair Without Consensus among Parties: CEC --------------------------------------------- 64Till Death Do Us Part---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64Analysis/Reports---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65Winning Margins on 90 of 272 National Assembly Seats Is 10, 000 Votes or Less: Analysis by SabirShah ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 65Agencies Fear Violence in Poll: Analysis by Kamran Yousaf ---------------------------------------------- 66PPP Tasks Law Minister Naek with Forging Consensus: Analysis by Khawar Ghumman ----------- 66PML-Q Eyes Alliance with PTI, TMQ, JI to Counter PML-N: Analysis by Tayyab Hussain ------------ 67

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------69Government & Human Rights ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------69Prime Minister Gives Green Signals To Human Rights Defenders------------------------------------------- 69Blasphemy & Human Rights -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------69Blasphemy Accused Arrested: Islamabad ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 69Man Accused of Blasphemy Burnt Alive In Dadu: Sindh ------------------------------------------------------ 69Missing Persons Status Updates------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70Missing Principal Returns: Balochistan--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70Close down Self-Created Lockups, Peshawar High Court Directs Agencies: KPK------------------------- 70Analysis/Reports -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70Amnesty Report Exposes Hands of Cruelty in Fata: Report by Amnesty International ----------------- 702012 saw rise in attacks on places of worship: National Commission of Justice and Peace ------------ 71

GENDER WATCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------72Women & Human Rights ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------72Plan International Pakistan Focusing On Girls, Women Education ----------------------------------------- 72Violence against Women ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------73Girl Commits Suicide: Punjab------------------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.Man Kills Mother in Charsadda ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 73Man Arrested For Killing Sister, Alleged Lover: Punjab ------------------------------------------------------- 73Two Girls Given Away As Vani: Sindh----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73Two Killed For Honor in Kohistan: KPK -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73Women in Politics & Government ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------74For Women Empowerment, Women Parliamentarian Held In Esteem: FJWU ---------------------------- 74Women & Legislation--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------74NGO Draft on Women Policy in Punjab to Go To Government: Aurat Foundation, Punjab ------------- 74Analysis/Reports -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------74Pakistani women in the public and political: A Study by Planning Commission ------------------------- 74

CRISES & CONFLICT WATCH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------76Sectarian Crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------76Killings in GB in the Month of December ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76


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Sectarian Crisis in Sindh----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------76Killings in Karachi in the Month of December ------------------------------------------------------------------- 76Sectarian Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa------------------------------------------------------------------------82Killings in KPK in the Month of December ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 82Sectarian Crisis in Balochistan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------86Killings in Quetta in the Month of December -------------------------------------------------------------------- 86News, Analysis & Reports on Conflict -----------------------------------------------------------------------------89Putting Lives at Stake: Press Foundation Report ------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.67 journalists killed in 2012: CPJ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 89Future Terrorists to Come from Various Religions: An Official US Report--------------------------------- 89

ECONOMIC WATCH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------92Facts And Figures-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------92Trade Deficit Shrinks to $8.16billion: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics ---------------------------------------- 92State Bank of Pakistan Cuts Interest Rate to Single Digit: State Bank of Pakistan ------------------------ 92Gross Official Reserves May Deplete To $8.24 Billion by June 2013 ---------------------------------------- 93Despite challenges, ailing economy stabilized: Ministry of Finance ---------------------------------------- 94Analysis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------95Crisis Fears Mount As IMF Talks Tough: By Khurram Hussain ---------------------------------------------- 95Pakistan Rank Gets Higher On Most Corrupt Nations List: Report by Transparency International -- 96Foreign Investment in Pakistan Plummets: World Bank ------------------------------------------------------ 96Ministers, Lawmakers Evading: Study by Center for Peace & Development Initiatives----------------- 97Pakistan Wastes Up To Million a Day: National Accountability Dog ---------------------------------------- 98$2.5b Siphoned Off From Pakistan in a Decade: A Study Released by Global Financial Integrity ----- 98Each Pakistani Owes Rs36, 800 to Outside World-------------------------------------------------------------- 99Rupee down by 7.8percent against Dollar in 2012: a Report by Top line Research ------------------- 100

DEVELOPMENT WATCH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 101Government’s Role in Development Programs -------------------------------------------------------------- 101Government Releases Rs 95.3billion for Development Projects ------------------------------------------- 101Rs700m Released For Clearing Passport Backlog: Printing Corporation of Pakistan------------------ 10110 more water filtration plants announced for capital: Islamabad --------------------------------------- 102AJK Grants Propriety Rights of Plots to Over 700 Kashmiri Refugees Families: AJK------------------- 102Fast-Tracked: NADRA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 103Funds for Punjab PPP MPAs: Punjab ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 103500 Villages to Be Illuminated With Solar Energy: Pakistan Council of Renewable EnergyTechnologies (PRCET) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 103First Wind Power Unit in Jhimpir Opened: Sindh------------------------------------------------------------- 103PCP Released Rs 101b under PSDP------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 103Health Projects ------------------------------------------------------------------------Error! Bookmark not defined.1 Million Pregnant Women to Get Special Biscuits: Punjab------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.Health Reports/Control -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 104Pakistan Ill-Prepared to Check HIV Spread: WHO ------------------------------------------------------------ 104Three Polio Cases Surface in Balochistan: Balochistan: WHO ---------------------------------------------- 104Polio Outbreak in Balochistan Sets Off Alarm Bells: Balochistan ------------------------------------------ 10410 new polio cases reported in Balochistan: WHO ----------------------------------------------------------- 105High Maternal Mortality Rate Linked To Early Pregnancies: Noor Education Trust Platform ------- 10514.9m children vaccinated during last polio campaign: United Nations --------------------------------- 1051, 235 Measles Cases, 56 Deaths Confirmed In Sindh: Health Minister Sindh--------------------------- 105Education Projects --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 106Scholarships distributed: KPK------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 106Only 5% Students of Private Schools to Get Free Education: Sindh --------------------------------------- 10610, 000 Students to Be Educated On Environment Awareness: WWF, Lahore Waste ManagementCompany: Punjab --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 107University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences Awards Degrees to 1,072 Students ----------------------- 107Chief Minister Distributes Rs110m among Position Holders, Institutional Heads --------------------- 107929 students get laptops, 5,712 get internships: CM Punjab ----------------------------------------------- 107Foreign Aided Development Projects--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 108Korea to Fund Malakand Tunnel, Water Projects: KPK------------------------------------------------------ 108US Pledges $200 Million for Initial Work on Diamer – Bhasha Dam: United States-------------------- 108US-Funded Gynae Complex Opened: Sindh -------------------------------------------------------------------- 108


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MoU Signed: UNDP, Federal Judicial Academy ---------------------------------------------------------------- 108USAID Gives $575million for Access to Quality Education: Education ----------------------------------- 109$98m Plan To Upgrade Civic Services in Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhawa; USAID ------------------ 109$245m Grant for Power Sector: Asian Development Bank ------------------------------------------------- 110Korean Firms to Invest $2bn in Power Projects: KPK ------------------------------------------------------- 110ENERGY WATCH---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 112

Government’s Role in Oil & Gas Crisis -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 112Government Readies New Year Gift for People --------------------------------------------------------------- 112OGRA Reduces LPG Prices by Rs 90 / Kg ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 112Ministry readies for discouraging CNG use -------------------------------------------------------------------- 113Economic Co-Ordination Committee Okays Errant Clause in Qadirpur Gas Price Agreement ------- 113OGRA approves heavy increase in gas tariffs ------------------------------------------------------------------ 114CNG Price Formula to Be Presented Before Economic Co-ordination Committee---------------------- 115LPG Price Goes Up By Rs10 per Kg ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 115Petrol Down By Rs1.23, Diesel Up By --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 115Supreme Court Declares Ogra’s CNG Price Formula Void --------------------------------------------------- 115Government Agrees To Six Hours a Day Gas Supply to Textile Industry --------------------------------- 116Economic Co-ordination Committee Body on CNG Unable To Form Consensus------------------------ 116Private Sector’s Role Proposed----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 116Ogra Purposes Big Hike in CNG Price --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 117LPG Price Soars to Rs 225 per Kg -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 117Government’s Role in Water and Power ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 117Power Generation Plummets to 2009 Level: PEPCO --------------------------------------------------------- 117Power Theft to Become Non-Bailable Offence: Minister for Water and Power ------------------------- 118Nepra Increases Power Tariff by Rs0.91 per Unit ------------------------------------------------------------ 118

REGIONAL WATCH------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 119Pakistan & United States ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 119Pakistan, United States Pledge to Focus on Trade, Not Aid ------------------------------------------------- 119US Secretary Of State and Foreign Minister Pakistan Agree To Jointly Achieve Shared Objectives - 119United States Assures Pak of Early Release of $600 Million Coalition Support Fund Arrears ------- 119Pakistan Gets $688m as Coalition Support Fund ------------------------------------------------------------- 120Pakistan & India ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 120India, Pakistan Activate New Visa Agreement----------------------------------------------------------------- 120Pakistan & Afghanistan --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 121Pakistan to Free More Afghan Taliban -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 121Pakistan Fully Supports Peace, Stability in Afghanistan: Prime Minister -------------------------------- 122Trade Normalization May Hit Deadlock ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 122Most Favorite Nation Status for India on Back Burner ------------------------------------------------------ 122Pakistan, India Holds Talks on Nuclear CCBM----------------------------------------------------------------- 123Pakistan & Korea ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 123President offers Korea free trade, seeks investment--------------------------------------------------------- 123Pakistan & France ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 124France Pledges to Energies Pakistan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 124Regional Governance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 124President Zardari in Paris to Attend Conference on Malala: Pakistan, UNESCO ------------------------ 124Malala Inspires Global Initiative for Girls Education: President Asif Ali Zardari ----------------------- 124Egypt Constitution Passes With 63.8% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 124


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GOVERNANCE WATCH

Government Working

Can’t Start Kalabagh Dam on Court OrderPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the Kalabagh project could not be launched with anexecutive or judicial order. The PM said that Pakistan was a federation of four units and all suchimportant projects should be initiated with consensus. He said that some people were raisingthe Kalabagh dam issue at the time when elections were just round the corner. But such peoplehad done nothing when they were in power for long periods of time. The prime minister saidthat the three provincial assemblies had passed resolutions with consensus against the dam'sconstruction and discussions on the issue, which creates hatred, should be avoided.Daily Times – December 02, 2012

Council of Common Interest Secretariat Asks Two Provinces to Submit OpinionsThe CCI secretariat has asked Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments through the Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee (IPCC) to submit their opinions on the LHC’s short orderand express their position on the question of construction of the dam. The secretariat has alsoasked chief ministers of the two provinces whether or not a meeting of the CCI should beconvened to discuss the issue. Punjab and Balochistan – had not been asked to give theiropinions on the issue, he said the assemblies of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had in the pastadopted resolutions against the building of the controversial dam and, therefore, they had beenasked to submit their opinions on the matter. Punjab and Balochistan may be approached later.The CCI secretariat believed that any issue relating to construction of dams and major watersector projects fell under the CCI jurisdiction and only it had the constitutional powers to takedecisions on such matters. “Neither can any other institution or court infringe upon the CCI’spowers nor do their decisions have any legal or constitutional standing. He said the CCI had totake decisions through consensus by all federating units. “If this fails, such disputed maters haveto be decided by a joint session of the two houses of parliament.Dawn – December 03, 2012

President Issues Ordinance to Amend Wafaqi Mohtasib Act 1983President Asif Zardari issued an ordinance to further amend the Establishment of the Office ofWafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Order 1983. Through the Ordinance, amendment has beenmade in Article 24 of the Act. It provides that the wafaqi mohtasib may by order in writing andfor such period and subject to conditions as he may deem fit, delegate his powers to any officerholding post in BS-21 or above in the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s Secretariat.Daily Times – December 08, 2012



Heated cabinet debate over Rs7b daily corruptionThe federal cabinet vehemently rejected the assertion of the Chairman National AccountabilityBureau (NAB) that corruption in Pakistan amounts to Rs7 billion daily. It was asserted thatcorruption of billions was not possible on a daily basis in the country. Cabinet members askedPrime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to summon the chairman NAB and ask him to explain hisstatement regarding corruption and the basis of his assertion. The prime minister formed afour-member ministerial committee to look into these reports, dig out facts and give proposalsto improve the perception. The committee, consisting ministers of Finance Law Information andBroadcasting and Defence, would consult all stakeholders and submit its report within 15 days.The News – December 13, 2012

President Signs Free and Compulsory Education Bill: “The Rights to Free and CompulsoryEducation Bill 2012”President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law “The Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill2012” to ensure provision of free education to children aged between 5-16 years. The presidentsaid that Article 25-A has been added to the Constitution, adding that the responsibility toprovide free education rests with both the federal and provincial governments and that thefederal government is responsible for legislation under the article 25-A for areas under itscontrol. He urged the provincial governments to follow the law within their respectivejurisdictions. He said that the law would ensure that no child remains out of school hencerealizing country’s international commitments. “The government gave the Education Policy of2009 as part of its policy to promote education in the country,” he said and urged thegovernment to ensure that no child is subjected to any kind of discrimination whatsoever. Thepresident said that under the law the federal government would now provide free textbooksand uniform to the children in the areas of its jurisdiction besides ensuring that no child isdeprived of admission in school and that schools have qualified teachers.Free pre-school education, early childhood care and free medical and dental inspection wouldbe provided to all citizens and no child will now be subjected to corporal punishment or mentalharassment, the president remarked and added that government will also create theprofessional cadre of teachers to promote quality education. He said that no fee includingadmission fee will be charged from the students and that government will provide schoolbuildings, playgrounds, laboratories and other facilities. Under the law, the private schools willbe required to provide free education to the disadvantaged students to the extent of ten percentof the class; the president said and added that school management committees will beestablished which will collaborate with the community for persuading parents to send theirchildren to schools. The president said that, as part of government’s initiative for promotion ofeducation in the country educational awards will be instituted for teachers, educationaladministrators and researchers. The president said that government accords priority to theimplementation of this Bill and also advised the government for making rules on urgent basisunder this Bill to implement its true spirit. He said that we will honor our internationalcommitments and will achieve the targets set in Education for All (EFA) and MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs) and added that Islamabad Capital Territory will be made a rolemodel in education sector for the provinces.

The News – December 20, 2012



Prime Minister Approves Trade Strategy for 2012-15Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf approved the Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-2015,which aims to achieving an export target of $95 billion. The premier also approved Rs26.5billion for providing support and cash subsidies to various export-led sectors in the next threeyears. The approval was given by the premier after special presentation by Commerce SecretaryMuneer Qureshi. The ministry had sought Rs60 billion, which the ministry of finance was notwilling to provide that caused undue delay in the approval of the policy. The ministry hasidentified over 26 sectors for cash interventions during 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15,respectively. The most important decision of the briefing was the approval in principle for theestablishment of an Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) perhaps as an anchor of the new tradepolicy framework. The premier said that modalities for the bank will be agreed in consultationwith the State Bank of Pakistan. The EXIM Bank will provide access to export credit, supplier’scredit and export credit guarantees on the plea that commercial banks are not specialized inhandling export businesses and also have no inclination to provide such services. The premiersaid that the issue of seed money for the bank would be decided at a later stage. The commerceministry has projected a seed money of Rs5 billion.The second important issue was the approval of allocation of total funds of Export DevelopmentFund (EDF) to ministry of commerce. The premier directed the Finance Division to submit asummary to the Cabinet for streamlining EDF so that its proceeds could be utilised forpromotion of exports. The premier has also approved the establishment of Land Port Authority,which will have at least four sub-stations at Wagha border, Chamman, Torkhm and Taftan. Allfacilitation from immigration to customs clearance will fall under one roof. The authority willfall under the control of interior ministry. The premier approved budget allocation of Rs5 billionfor ministry of commerce. The salient features of the policy include institutional interventions,Export Development Initiatives and Regulatory Amendments. It envisages mark-up support forfuture import and purchase of machinery and export finance scheme (EFS) for selected exportsectors, ad hoc relief at three per cent of FOB to offset the impact of high cost of utilities inselected sectors. The sectors for EFS support are: fish and fish preparations, fruits, vegetables,spices, meat and meat preparations, carpets and rugs, sports goods, footwear, leather products,surgical goods, cutlery, onyx products, pharmaceuticals, electric fans, transport equipments,electrical machinery, specialized machinery, furniture, handicrafts and computer relatedservices.Under the policy it was agreed to provide marketing development assistance for regionalcountries and funds for supporting export-oriented industry to install and upgrade alternateenergy projects in the form of coal gasifiers and boilers. Funds will be provided for opening ofretail sales outlets abroad in Asia and Africa; for promoting meat exports to Iran, Afghanistanand Central Asian Republics support and for setting up meat processing plants in borderingprovinces and tribal areas, for improvement in logistic infrastructure and transport sectorthrough acquisition of value-added transport equipment, such as refrigerated containers; forsupport to set up individual effluent treatment plants in export enterprises, for surgical sectorin product registration in ECO countries. The commerce ministry will subsidise 50 per cent costof dates drying and processing plants and machinery; will provide support for establishingdrying and processing plants for fruits and vegetables in Gilgit-Baltistan; provide funds for 50per cent subsidy for bio-equivalence and bid-availability studies to labs or pharmaceuticalcompanies for locally manufactured pharmaceutical products; for 50 per cent support forpharmaceutical companies for acquisition of accreditation from UKMHRA/EU/GCC.Funds will be provided for support on compliance certification; for sharing of 25 per cent cost ofsetting up of design centers and labs in the individual tanneries; for establishment of servicesexport development council; to fully support up-gradation re-staffing and accreditation ofPakistan Labs of Lahore and Karachi Rice Inspection Council of Quality Review Committee ofREAP; to establish leather export promotion council; to establish resource management cell at



Ministry of Commerce; for reimbursement of EOBI and social security for skilled women laborforce and for freight subsidy for export of Irri parboiled rice for five African countries at the rateof 10 per cent. An official statement said the meeting was informed that the global Halal foodmarket was estimated to be $1 trillion, which can be tapped for increasing exports. It wasfurther informed that Gold Sachs had identified Pakistan as one of eleven emerging economiesin the world. The prime minister expressed the hope that the approval of policy wouldencourage exporters to achieve the export target. He reaffirmed that that the government wascommitted to support, facilitate and encourage exporters so that exports could be boosted.Dawn – December 22, 2012

19 Amendments to Regulate Imports OkayedPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has approved 19 regulatory amendments, proposed by thecommerce ministry, seeking ban on some of importable goods and allowing elite to importvintage cars. The decision is now expected to be notified through an Import Statuary RegulatoryOrder. Vintage cars of age over 50 years and less than 75 years will be allowed for import.Normally, the cars made in 1911-1930, are considered to be ‘vintage era’. Currently,government only allows used cars of age three years. Contrary to this, the ministry has soughtban on import of a number of products either to provide protection to the local industry orconsidering their import as injurious to health. All the decisions were approved in principle andwill be announced through import order next week, the official added. The premier hasapproved that the import of auto pilot circuits be restricted to authorized agencies etc to checkthe access of unwanted element to the technology. The premier has also approved unrestrictedimport of second-hand motorized wheel-chairs and five-year-old used or second-handambulances with a view to help the health sector.For the leather garments industry, two per cent of export proceeds would be allowed tomanufacturers-cum-exporters for duty-free import of accessories for value-addition of leathergarments and made-ups by the same exporters. The commerce ministry has also proposed thatimport of non-hazardous plastic scrap by industrial consumers be allowed for their use inindustries as raw material subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. However, the ministryproposed complete ban on import of plastic scrap, hospital waste, used sewerage pipes andchemical containers. Complete ban will be imposed on import of job lot and stock lot goods,restricting import of non-sterilized surgical needles and syringes to industrial units; conditionof Euro-II may be made applicable on import of all types of specialized vehicles, such as crane-mounted lorries, dump trucks, mixture lorries, etc. All goods of banned list imported incommercial quality shall be allowed re-export at importer/shipping lines’ cost. The importedsub-standard goods of the restricted list should be destroyed within a period of six monthswithout offering any release.Currently, imports in violation of import policy order are confiscated or in some cases allowedto be released against redemption fine. This clearance will not be allowed any more. Import ofwaste and scrap of tyres in completely shredded/cut form up to a maximum width of 7centimeters will only be allowed to industrial consumers for use as alternate fuel. At the sametime, other types of rubber waste and scrap may continue to be imported with the condition ofcompletely cut into pieces. Pakistan standards are being made part of the Import Policy Order ina gradual manner to ensure that imported goods are in conformity with Pakistani standards.Therefore, all domestic standards will equally apply to imported goods as well. Construction,engineering and electrical companies will be allowed to retain abroad the exported machineryto carry out work on export-cum-import basis with the condition that they will import the sameon the conclusion of the contract against indemnity bond. The ministry also proposedconfiscation of stolen goods and slapping of ban on import of such goods, proposing ban on CFC-



based air-conditioning machines. All exporters of edible products are to be registered, andvegetable ghee and cooking oil exports be allowed in packaging of up to 25kg. The limit is beingintroduced to encourage value-addition.Dawn – December 23, 2012

Governor Punjab Latif Khosa Submits to President Zardari’s Decision, ResignsPunjab governor Sardar Latif Khan Khosa has submitted his resignation to President Asif AliZardari, which has been duly accepted. Khosa submitted his resignation to the president, whoaccepted it. President Zardari praised the services of Khosa as the Punjab governor during themeeting, which was also attended by Law Minister Farooq H Naik.Pakistan Today – December 23, 2012

Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood Is the Punjab New GovernorMakhdoom Syed Ahmad Mehmood was sworn in as the new Punjab governor. Lahore HighCourt Chief Justice Umer Atta Bandial administered the oath to Mehmood. Punjab Chief MinisterShahbaz Sharif‚ senior government officials and political personalities of the province attendedthe oath-taking ceremony. Pakistan People’s Party leaders Raja Riaz, Manzoor Watto and otherpolitical leaders were also present. Mehmood resigned as the PML-Functional Punjab presidentafter he was offered the coveted post by President Asif Zardari. He is from the southern Punjabdistrict of Rahim Yar Khan and was elected to the Punjab Assembly in previous generalelections. Soon after Mehmood accepted the offer, PML-F chief Pir Pagara disassociated himselfand his party from the development and said the decision to accept the offer was Mehmood’salone.Pakistan Today – December 26, 2012

Government Increase 35pc Increase in Officers SalaryIn a package that can be described as the New Year’s gift, the government has approved a 35 percent raise in the salary and allowances of officers in management positions. An order notifyingthat the decision will go into effect from Jan 1 has already been issued after approval by theprime minister. The last revision in the pay packages of such officers was made in April of 2007. Their colleagues in basic pay scales from 20 to 22 have been given a raise of more than150 per cent in the federal budgets presented by the PPP-led coalition government The basic salary for MP-1 scale has now been fixed at Rs263, 000 per month, up by Rs68,000 per month from Rs195, 000. The maximum salary for MP-1 officers has been fixedat Rs324, 000 per month. The maximum house rent ceiling for MP-1 officers has beenincreased from Rs105, 000 to Rs142, 000 per month. The utilities allowance has beenraised from Rs12, 000 to Rs16, 200 per month. Other perks like medical facilities,traveling and daily allowances, leave encashment and gratuity for all MP Officers willremain unchanged. The maximum salary including house rent and utilities allowancesfor officers in MP-1 scale has now been fixed at Rs482, 200 per month, in addition toRs95, 910 per month cash payment instead of provision of official car. Thus, the totalsalary before tax will work out at Rs578, 110 per month. They were earlier entitled to a



chauffeur-driven car maintained at government expense for official and private usealong with fixed petrol consumption Before tax salary package of officers in MP-II has now been fixed at a maximum ofRs372, 230 per month. The basic pay for MP-II officers has been increased to Rs176, 000per month from Rs130, 400 per month. Their house rent ceiling has been increased fromRs81, 500 per month to Rs110, 000 per month while utilities allowance has beenincreased from Rs6, 500 to Rs8, 800 per month. They have been offered Rs77, 430 permonth as transport facility instead of official cars Similarly, pre-tax salary package of officers in MP-III has been fixed at Rs224, 560 permonth, including transport facility. The maximum basic salary of officers in this scalehas been fixed at Rs110, 000 per month instead of Rs81, 500 Their house rent has been increased from Rs32, 600 to Rs44, 000 per month whileutility costs have been raised from Rs4, 075 per month to Rs5, 500 per month

Dawn – December 29, 2012

National Assembly

Government Bulldozes Fair Trial Bill in National Assembly CommitteeThe National Assembly's Standing Committee on Law and Justice approved 'The Investigationfor Fair Trial Bill, 2012' amid reservations expressed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM). The committee, which met here with MNA BegumNaseem Chaudhry in the chair, said that there was no need for vetting the entire bill. Afterapproving some of the clauses with consensus, the committee passed the bill. Anusha Rehmanand Zahid Hamid of PML-N expressed some resentment over a few provisions of the bill, sayingif the bill was passed in its current shape, it could be misused. The MQM, which is an ally of thegovernment, was also not satisfied with the bill and expressed some reservations, saying that inits entirety, the bill was against the fundamental rights of the people. All reservation were putaside by the chairperson of the parliamentary panel, who declared the bill passed and walkedaway with a gloomy face without listening to the objections raised by two mainstream politicalparties - PML-N and MQM. In an angry tone, she murmured that anybody who had reservationscould write a dissenting note, otherwise table new amendments.The News – December 12, 2012

Government Advised To Scrutinize NGO Finances: PACThe Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly sought a detailed governmentresponse on foreign-funded development projects, with focus on billions of dollars from theKerry-Lugar fund. Members of the committee also expressed their reservations over spendingof public money by non-governmental organizations without any effective government control.They were of the view that not only should the government put in place proactive monitoringprocedures to check how NGOs were working in the country, but also scrutinize their sources offunds whether they come from government or from international donors. The PAC, decided tohave a briefing from the economic affairs division, the finance ministry and the PlanningCommission, exclusively on the working of NGOs involved in carrying out projects supported byforeign donors.Dawn – December 12, 2012



National Assembly Passes Pakistan Coinage BillThe National Assembly unanimously passed the Pakistan Coinage (Amendment) Bill, 2011. Thebill provides for elimination of decimal/old coins. The bill was moved by the Minister of Statefor Finance Saleem H Mandiwala. The statement of objects and reasons of the bill say thedecimal/old coins are needed to be eliminated because these coins have become obsolete andlost their utility besides losing their acceptance. Moreover, it says the Pakistan had alsorequested for return of old/decimal coins for recycling and re-melting in order to savegovernment resources utilized for the purchase of metals for minting of Rs1 and Rs2 coins.However, coins of denomination no less than one rupees shall continue to be legal tender inpayment or for any sum provided the coin has not defaced and has not lost certain weight. Allthe gold or silver coins issued under this Act on or after January 1, 1976, shall also continue tobe as legal tender. These coins in case of gold include three thousand rupee coin issued in 1976to commemorate the conservation of Astor Markhor, one thousand rupee coin issued in 1977 tocommemorate the Islamic Summit Conference, five hindered rupees coins issue in 1976 tocelebrate the 100th anniversary of Allama Iqbal. In case of silver, the coins which will continueto be legal tender include one hundred rupee coin issued in 1976 to commemorate conservationof Western Tropogan, one hundred rupee coin in 1976which was issued in 1977 to celebrate100 birth anniversary of Allama and one hundred and fifty rupee coin which was issued tocommemorate the conservation of Gharial crocodile.The News – December 13, 2012

National Assembly Decries Media-Bashing Of PoliticiansThe lawmakers from both sides of aisle in the Lower House of parliament decried what theycalled “bashing of politicians by media on false allegations of tax theft” and urged for making the“defamation law” effective to deal with such accusations against politicians.Daily Times – December 15, 2012

Government Moves 23rd Amendment Bill to Enhance Minorities SeatsThe government move 23rd Amendment Bill in Lower House of parliament for increasing thenumber of seats reserved for minorities in National and provincial assemblies. The federalcabinet had passed this bill in its meeting, paving the way for the bill to be tabled in parliamentfor approval. If approved, the bill will increase the number of seats reserved for minorities inNational and provincial assemblies. According to estimates, minorities make 4.5 percent of thetotal population of the country.Under the bill; Reserved seats for minorities would be increased to 14 in the National Assembly fromthe existing strength of 10 Reserved seats for minorities in the Sindh Assembly would be increased to 12 fromexisting nine seats In the Punjab Assembly, there would be 10 seats reserved for minorities instead of eight Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies will have four seats reserved forminorities instead of three

Daily Times – December 18, 2012



Public Accounts Committee Decides To Refer Sc Registrar Issue to ParliamentThe Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has referred its report regarding refusal of the SupremeCourt Registrar before the committee to the National Assembly, seeking a debate on the issue inthe House and future line of action. The PAC Secretariat referred the report to the NASecretariat under the Rule 234 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of the Business in theNational Assembly, suggesting that either the Constitution be amended to give immunity to theSC Registrar from appearing before the PAC or the refusal should be taken as a “Contempt ofParliament”. The Rule 234 states: “A committee may, if it thinks fit, make a special report ormatter that arises or comes to light in the course of its work which it may consider necessary tobring in the notice of the Speaker National Assembly or the Assembly.” The PAC mentioned inthe report that after the enactment of the 18th Amendment every department that takes grantfrom the government after the approval of Parliament is bound to appear before the committee.The PAC also mentioned the opinion of the legal and constitutional experts of the country whosupported the committee viewpoint regarding the appearance of the SC Registrar before thePAC for the settlement of the apex court accounts. The committee in its report also mentionedthat in the past the SC Registrars were used to appear before the PAC till the year 2006.The News – December 19, 2012

Security Agencies Win Eavesdropping PowersThe Fair Trial Act 2012 – a bill that will authorize the state to tap people’s phone calls andintercept all other private communications in order to catch terrorists – was unanimouslypassed in the National Assembly. The federal cabinet had already approved the “Fair Trial Act2012” in September, arguing that it would allow security agencies to use “modern techniquesand devices” for investigations. Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf lauded the passage of thebill, saying, “A message has been sent to terrorists today that the entire nation is united againstthem.” He added that the bill will demonstrate Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism and itscommitment towards strengthening its law enforcement agencies to the internationalcommunity. Under the new law, intelligence and law enforcement agencies will now be able totap phone calls, emails, SMS, internet communication and conduct human intelligence of anyindividual on suspicion of their involvement in terrorist activities. The evidence collectedthrough such surveillance will also be admissible in a court of law, subject to issuance of priorsurveillance warrants by a judge. The collection of evidence, under the bill, would be donethrough any modern device in addition to human intelligence, covert surveillance and propertyinterference. Moreover, the provisions of the legislation will apply to all citizens within andoutside Pakistan, all persons on board a ship or aircraft registered in Pakistan and to alltransactions or communications originating or concluding in Pakistan by any person.The Express Tribune – December 21, 2012

Senate

Senate Body Proposes Law on Role of Intelligence AgenciesA bill on enforced disappearances was proposed to the Senate Standing Committee on HumanRights. The key feature of the bill is that it seeks to clearly define the role and functions of theInter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. The Recommendations are mentioned, below as: All detainees must be produced before a court of law in 30 days, and must be given thereason for their detention in writing within a week of their arrest



Compensation should be paid to victims of enforced disappearance, whenever they arelocated and brought to surface Pakistan must sign and ratify the International Convention on Prevention of EnforcedDisappearances of citizens. It will help establish the right to truth regarding thecircumstances of the enforced disappearances, the progress and results of theinvestigation and the fact of the disappeared person The Human Rights Committee may meet the Commission on Enforced Disappearancesto further the efforts for the search of missing personsThe report of the Commission on Enforced Disappearances should be published and itsrecommendations must be implemented


All Stakeholders Will Be ConsultedA Senate panel on human rights said that the report of its sub-committee on the issue ofenforced disappearances was still under discussion and the committee was yet to approve it. “Itwill be premature to comment on the report,” said chairman of the Senate’s Human RightsCommittee Senator Afrasiab Khattak. Khattak denied the approval of the report without havingdiscussed with the relevant ministries and members of the committee. The Senate’s HumanRights Committee formally took up consideration of the recommendations in its meeting andthe recommendations of the sub-committee were circulated among all members for studybefore its consideration by the committee. The Human Rights Committee of the Senate hadappointed a sub-committee in June to look into the issue of enforced disappearances andsuggest ways and means to address the same. The three-member sub-committee held meetingsfrom time to time and after due deliberations made about half a dozen recommendations toaddress the issue for the consideration of the full committee within the stipulated period of 60days of its formation. The recommendations had taken into account the observations of theSupreme Court from time to time, the recommendations of the Commission on EnforcedDisappearances and also the unanimous resolution adopted in the National Assembly in Marchand in the Senate earlier. The draft would be sent to ministries of defense, interior and humanrights, after that, a public hearing on the will be held the issue, and finally it will be presented inthe upper house for approval. The special sub-committee recommended enacting suitablelegislation to provide specific powers of arrest and detention to the army and law enforcementagencies under special circumstances, in order to curb anti-state activities.The Express Tribune – December 02, 2012

Government Has Identified 7.5m New Tax PayersThe Senate informed the government has identified 7.5 million potential people from varioussources including National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), traveling etc who canpay tax and they would be brought under tax net. State Minister for Finance SaleemMandviwalla told the house appropriate measures were taken to bring them under tax net. Heinformed the house during 2011-12, the government issued 338, 8118 NTN and about 811,343people have submitted their tax return. A large number of businesses and individuals who areregularly filing their income tax returns are avoiding their legal obligations by either under-declaring or not correctly declaring their assets and/or income. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)has managed to gain access to the data about multiple bank accounts, travels, assets and otherdetails of non-filers. In view of the large number of unregistered and registered non-filers, FBR



is offering an opportunity to these non-filers for bringing them within the tax system in anhonorable and easy manner for regularization of income tax affairs of such persons. Based onthe available information the proposed initiative is two-fold. Tax registration and enforcementinitiative 2012 has been devised to attempt through a simple scheme to register and bring intotax net non-filers of tax returns. A fixed tax is proposed and provides cover to un-declaredincome/assets up to Rs 5 million. As a complement to the above initiative the Investment TaxScheme 2012 will attempt through a simple scheme to provide a mechanism and cover toregular filers in addition to non filers of income tax returns to declare undeclared incomeassets/expenditure up to the value of Rs 5 million by payment of token tax. Additionalassets/income can be regularized by payment of investment tax as per proposed slab. Both theinitiatives are measures to enhance the number of taxpayers and to bring the undocumentedincome/ assets into the documented sector, which will provide buoyancy to the nationaleconomy and deepen and broaden the tax base. The proposed initiatives are expected togenerate estimated revenues of Rs 70 billion and to increase the number of taxpayers to around4 million. The tax evaders not availing the schemes shall face major penalties like placement oftheir names on the Exit Control List, cancellation of passports and Computerized NationalIdentity Cards and seizure of bank accounts.Daily Times – December 20, 2012

Senate Condemns Attack on Anti-Polio WorkersThe Senate unanimously approved a resolution condemning the attacks on anti-polio workersin Pakistan. They also warned that if Pakistan failed to eradicate polio completely by 2013, thenthe international community might impose travelling restrictions. The joint resolution tabled byLeader of the House Senator Jehangir Badr not only condemned the attacks but also called forthose responsible to be arrested. The resolution said that the anti-polio drive should continue.The resolution presses the federal and provincial governments to provide security to workers ofthe anti-polio campaign.Daily Times – December 21, 2012

Elections for Two Senate Seats on January 7The by-elections for two seats of Senate from Punjab and Balochistan would be held on January7, 2013 at the Punjab and Balochistan assemblies separately. The Election Commission ofPakistan announced this. According to the election schedule issued by ECP, candidates for boththe seats would file their nomination papers on Dec 21 and Dec 22, while scrutiny of nominationpapers would be carried out on Dec 24 and Dec 26. Last date for filing of appeals, in this regard,against rejection of Nomination papers would be by 27-12-2012. Disposal of appeals againstrejection of nomination papers would be held on 29-12-2012. The candidates may withdrawtheir nomination paper until December 30.Daily Times – December 21, 2012

Senate Body Expresses Grief Over Bashir Bilour’ KillingThe Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit- Baltistan,adopted a unanimous resolution to express profound grief over Bashir Ahmad Bilour’sassassination. The committee observed that his sacrifice for the cause of democracy, liberty andfreedom would not go in vain. The draft of the resolution was moved by Senator Sehar Kamran



in the committee. Through this resolution, the committee condoled with the members of thebereaved family and leaders of the ANP including the committee chairman, whose party hadsuffered a great loss in the recent incident. They added that continued brutal acts of theterrorists targeted at the liberal democratic parties and forces would not thwart their strugglefrom prevailing. The committee reaffirmed its commitment that such terrorist attacks whichwere against the teaching of Islam would not shake their resolve to stand firm against brutalityand terrorism. The committee urged the international community to acknowledge the sacrificesof Pakistani nationals and leaders in the war against terrorism and appealed to the nation totake a joint stand to confront the terrorists and others who were a threat to the solidarity of thecountry.Pakistan Today – December 27, 2012

Provincial Assemblies

Court Verdict Rejected Outright By Sindh, K - PWith strong-worded statements, Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) both officially rejectedthe Lahore High Court (LHC)’s verdict regarding the construction of the contentious KalabaghDam – with the latter appealing to the apex court to scrap the LHC verdict. Terming the verdict“intolerable” for the province, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said the construction of thedam was “out of the question.” The chief minister said that Sindh was already facing watershortages and held that the dam would only further complicate the issue. K-P asked theSupreme Court to take suo moto action against the construction of the dam and do away withLHC’s directives to restore the confidence of the people. K-P Provincial Information MinisterMian Iftikhar Hussain said that, although the province respects the judiciary, the Supreme Courtshould discard the LHC’s decision.The Express Tribune – December 02, 2012

Sindh Assembly Passes Four Resolutions against Kalabagh DamSindh Assembly members stood up and unanimously adopted all the four resolutions against aLahore High Court directive pertaining to the controversial Kalabagh dam. This was the fourthtime that the Sindh Assembly adopted resolutions against the construction of the controversialdam, which is also being opposed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces throughresolutions passed by their assemblies. All the MPAs stood up and unanimously passed theresolutions against the LHC’s directive relating to the KBD and Shahbaz Sharif’s statementsupporting it.The News – December 08, 2012

KPK Move to Regulate Surrogacy: KPKThe Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government tabled a bill in the provincial assembly to regulatetransplantation of human organs. The proposed law also covers surrogacy, stem cell therapyand cloning, for the first time in national history. The proposed law has earlier beenpromulgated in shape of an ordinance, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Medical TransplantationRegulatory Authority Ordinance 2012, on Sept 17 and as the constitutional life of the ordinanceis three months and therefore, it has now been tabled before the assembly.



Section 4 of the ordinance relates to surrogacy and provides: Subject to provisions ofthis ordinance, transient placement of cell or cells in a human host for the purpose ofhelping another human being in case of infertility or any other therapeutic purpose willbe legal, provided that it is within the limit of customs and religious belief. Providedfurther that it is not a part of financial deal or at the risk of the surrogate host Section 5 of the ordinance relates to stem cell and cloning under which storage, cultureand therapeutic use of stem cells will be legal subject to the provision of this ordinance. Sub Section 2 of the proposed law says stem cells retrieved from umbilical cord of anewborn may be stored, cultured at the request of the parent and used for therapeuticpurpose for the individual from whose umbilical cord the stem cells were retrieved orused for an unrelated person after the consent of the relevant individual or his parent ifhe has not attained the age of eighteen years Clause 3 of Section 5 says cloning will be legal to the extent to grow organs fortherapeutic human consumption in a prescribed manner The proposed law says there will be a medical transplantation regulatory authority atthe provincial level after commencement of the ordinance and chief minister will be itschairperson. The ordinance prohibits removal or transplantation of human organs for any purposeother than therapeutic purpose The ordinance says whoever renders his services to or at any medical institution orhospital and who for the purpose of transplantation, conducts, associates with or helpsin any manner in the removal of any human organ without authority, will be punishedwith imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and with fine which mayextend to one million rupees


PML-Q Moves Privilege Motion in Punjab Provincial AssemblyThe Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid submitted a privilege motion to the Punjab Assembly raisingthe issue of displacing 300 families in Faisalabad by the Punjab government. PML-Qparliamentary leader Chaudhry Zaheeruddin filed the motion. He said 300 families had beendwelling near the Agriculture University for decades and the Punjab government instead ofgiving them property rights had displaced them, which was very unfortunate. He said thePunjab government wanted to make the campus of the Government College University on thevacated place. He demanded of the Punjab government to give property rights to the displacedfamilies and find some other suitable place for the GCU campus.Dawn – December 13, 2012

KPK Provincial Assembly passes resolution on Lowari Tunnel opening: KPKPeshawar-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a unanimous resolution demanding of thefederal government to keep Lowari Tunnel open for vehicular traffic for five-hour a day duringwinter season. The joint resolution on the issue was moved by Provincial Minister forPopulation Welfare, Saleem Khan and Anwar Khan of PPP were also carrying the signatures ofthe parliamentary leaders of PPP, Abdul Akbar Khan and ANP’s Bashir Ahmad Bilour. In theresolution, both members said that due to heavy snow fall Lowari Top, Lowari Pass road hasbeen closed for vehicular traffic and hundreds of people were stranded on both sides of thetunnel. Through the resolution they demanded of the provincial government to take up thematter with federal government for directing National Highway Authority (NHA) for keeping



the tunnel open for five hours a day (5/7) every of week till the end of the winter season andreopening of Lowari Pass for traffic to minimize the problems of the people of landlockeddistrict Chitral.The News – December 15, 2012

Senate Approves Shelter Houses for Senior CitizensThe Senate passed a resolution relating to construction of shelter houses for senior citizenswhile adopted another resolution relating to the arrangements for the establishment of Institutefor boarding and lodging of children of unknown parentage in Islamabad Capital Territory.Karim Ahmed Khawaja presented both the resolutions. Khawaja said rapid increase inpopulation put pressure on economic situation of everyone. Proper look after of parents is theresponsibility of their children but for those who do not have children such type of ShelterHouses for senior citizen should be establish. Senator Kazim khan said putting responsibilitiesof elders to someone else is not right decision. After establishment of such institutes, corruptionusually starts there. He suggested that like BISP programme, the government has to arrangesome sorts of stipends for senior citizens. Raja Zafarul Haq said family units were becomingweak with the passage of time and in some case the children could not fulfill their responsibilityfor proper look after of their senior. For getting proper employment, people migrating fromrural to urban areas and usually, left their parents in villages where no one available for theirproper look after. In such situation establishment of such Shelter Houses are useful. However, inthis regard awareness campaign should be initiated so that people should fulfill theirresponsibilities of proper look after of their senior.Farhatullah Babar said there is fragmentation in family and look after of senior is a tough job,therefore, it should be responsibility of both family as well as government. He suggested thatsuch type of Shelter Houses should be established on public private partnership. Senator IlyasBilour said this is a matter of shame for those who will take their parents in these shelterhouses. Raza Rabbani said Quaid-e-Azam already allowed establishment of such shelter houses.He said it is responsibility of the state to provide food, shelter and medical facilities to citizens.Opposition leader Ishaq Dar said if a fund established then there were several philanthropistswho would donate for these houses. Kalsoom Parveen said senior citizen should be issued creditcards for collecting their pension because they were confronting various problems. The houseunanimously passed the resolution Karim Khawaja also presented another resolution forestablishment of institute for boarding and lodging of children of unknown parentage inIslamabad Capital Territory. After bombardments, terrorists’ activities, some children becamestreet children. Several countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman had already established suchinstitutes to cater to these children. Hafiz Hamidullah of JUI-F said, “By establishment of shelterhouses for elder citizens and children with unknown parentage we are just following Westerncountries.” He suggested hanging those responsible for producing such children.Daily Times – December 18, 2012

KP Provincial Assembly Condemns Polio Workers’ KillingOutraged over the attacks on polio workers, lawmakers in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P)Assembly said the killings were “cowardly”. The assembly also passed amendments to the K-PStandard Weights and Measures Act, 1976 unanimously.The News – December 22, 2012



Opposition Demands Nominations for Provinces Commission: Punjab AssemblyOpposition members in the Punjab Assembly urged the speaker to nominate two members forthe federal commission on the formation of new provinces in southern Punjab, but theirdemands were rejected. Sardar Ather Khan Gorchani of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) askedSpeaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal to issue a notification stating which two members wouldrepresent the Punjab on the commission, which is considering the possibility of the formation ofa Seraiki province or a Bahawalpur province. He accused Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif ofdiverting development funds meant for south Punjab to Lahore.The Express Tribune – December 21, 2012

Resolution Passed to Condemn KPK Senior Minister Bilour Assassination: PunjabAssemblyThe Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against killing of Khyber Pakhtonkhwa’ssenior minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour and other people in a terror attack urging the nation tounite against terrorist. Fateha was also offered for Bilour. The House, suspending all itsproceedings, paid a rich tribute to Bashir Bilour for his braveness and determination to routeout terrorism. The House adopted a unanimous resolution from all existing parliamentaryparties. It was moved by Law Minister Rana Sanaullah. The House strongly condemned thePeshawar blast and terror attack on Bashir Bilour and other people and expressed deep sorrowand grief with the martyrs’ families. The resolution, paying high tribute to Bilour, said that hewas a brave man who never surrendered before the threats of terrorists.


Punjab Assembly Condemns Attacks on Polio WorkersThe Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning killings of polio workers inPeshawar, Charsadda and Karachi and extended condolences to the victim families. Theassembly also demanded that the government and UNICEF restart their campaign against polioin the country. The resolution declared the “terrorist attack a conspiracy to disable the nextgeneration of Pakistan, which is not acceptable to any Pakistani”.Daily Times – December 29, 2012

Provinces Demand 40pc Representation in Federal BodiesHaving secured significant additional revenues and powers under the 18th constitutionalamendment and 7th National Finance Commission award, the provinces have formally sought atleast 40 per cent representation in boards of all federal entities and regulators in the FederalLegislative List (FLL). Although some important members of the federal cabinet are againstyielding more ground to federating units, significant sections in the federal and provincialleadership want to settle the issue or at least set the way forward before completion of five-yearconstitutional term of the current set-up in March. The Council of Common Interests headed byPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf with four chief ministers and three federal ministers hasformed a standing committee to examine the issue of “provincial representation in the federalentities” by Feb 9, 2013. The committee is headed by secretary of the Inter-ProvincialCoordination Committee and comprises secretary law, provincial secretaries for IPCC, arepresentative each of CCI and relevant ministries. The demand for provincial representation in



all federal entities originally raised by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was formally taken up at a CCImeeting on Nov 8 and was supported by Punjab. The two other provinces were also supportingthe demand.The CCI was informed that the KP’s summary on provincial representation referred toprovisions of Article 154(1) of the Constitution that required the CCI to formulate and regulatepolicies in relation to the matter in Part-II of the federal legislative list and exercise supervisionand control over related institutions. There are about 20 regulatory bodies and over 60 federalentities which are governed by the federal government under part-II of the FLL. The entities areestimated to have control over 300 projects of over Rs400 billion. Some of the regulators, likethe National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, already have 80 per cent provincialrepresentation. “For playing an effective role in functioning of the assignment of the CCI, the KPgovernment has proposed that the provinces may be given at least 40 per cent representation inthe management boards of all such institutions, regulatory bodies and other entities”. The KPchief minister was of the view that in matters relating to part-II of FLL and within in the ambit ofCCI it was imperative for the provinces to play an effective role in evading consensus andfacilitating decisions. The Punjab government supported the position.The demand did not go well with Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Asim Hussain who attended themeeting on special invitation. He said that oil companies were mostly joint ventures set upunder articles of association and not fully owned by the federal government. Hence theprovinces will have to obtain ownership through investment to secure positions on theirboards. Defence Minister Syed Naveed Qamar who was a member of the constitutionalcommittee which formulated the 18th Amendment also opposed the demand. “Although thesesubjects have been placed in the purview of CCI, yet these belonged to the federal governmentand provincial interference will be contrary to the constitutional provisions,” he said, addingthat “Part-II of the FLL was clear and did not give right or ownership of control to theprovinces”. Minister for Science Changez Khan Jamali who is a federal member on CCI said thatunder the FLL the federal entities were “governed in accordance with their own rules ofprocedure and hence it may not be possible to ensure 40 per cent provincial representation” onsuch bodies. He agreed to the demand of the provinces to examine the issue through the CCIstanding committee.Of specific interest to the provinces are entities in entry-3 of the Part-II of the FLL. These includedevelopment of industries in federal control declared by federal law to be expedient in publicinterest, institutions, establishments, bodies, corporations including Wapda and PIDC, allundertakings, projects and schemes of such institutions wholly owned or set up by thefederation. Other major entries in part-II of the FLL include railways, electricity, mineral oil andgas, major ports, all regulatory authorities, management of public debt, census, legal, medicaland other professions, scientific and technical research, extension of powers and jurisdiction ofa police force belonging to any province to any area in another province and standards ininstitutions of higher education. Under Article 154 (1) of the Constitution, the CCI “shallformulate and regulate policies in relation to matters in part-II of the federal legislative list andshall exercise supervision and control over related institutions”.Dawn – December 31, 2012

New Provinces

New Provinces Commission Devices Its Rules, RegulationThe parliamentary commission for creation of new provinces in Punjab soughtrecommendations from all parties regarding chalking out new units in the coming 10 days,despite a continued boycott by PML-N representatives. The members representing 12 political



parties met commission chairman Farhatullah Babar to finalize the rules and regulations for thecommission. The decision was also made to summon the coming sitting of the commission.Daily Times – December 11, 2012

New Province for South Punjab Will Be Defending Factor in ElectionsPakistan’s former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the defining factor in the upcominggeneral elections would be support for formation of a new province for South Punjab. “Thosesupporting the formation of the new province would turn out to be victorious here,” he said.Gilani said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was the only hurdle in the establishment ofthe new province, which reflected the wishes of the people of the region. He said if this demandof the people did not materialize, he would launch a movement in favor of the province. He saidthe PML-N must understand the wishes of the people and work towards making them a reality.He insisted that he had sacrificed his premiership to garner practical support for the newprovince. The people of this area, he said, must be ready to show their commitment to thislegitimate demand by casting their votes in favor of those who can actually make it happen.Gilani further said South Punjab was a key part of Punjab that was unfortunately beingneglected by PML-N’s government which was disregarding development funds of the area.Gilani maintained that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) wanted to present the bill for a SouthPunjab province in the present legislature and was trying its best to achieve that goal. Heindicated that the PPP would end the deprivations being faced by the region by establishing anew province here and the people of this region will fully support the party in the upcomingelections.Pakistan Today – December 16, 2012

Commission Hears Arguments for New ProvincesFormer information minister Muhammad Ali Durrani has supported the demand for restorationof Bahawalpur province and creation of a Seraiki province comprising other areas of the region.The Parliamentary Commission on New Provinces in Punjab, headed by Senator FarhatullahBabar of the Pakistan People’s Party, ignoring a boycott by the opposition Pakistan MuslimLeague-N. Mr Babar said Mr Durrani had stressed the need for restoration of Bahawalpurprovince whereas the others favored the formation of one Seraiki province. He again requestedthe PML-N to end its boycott and said the commission would hear viewpoints morestakeholders, including Taj Muhammad Langah, when it would meet next week. Mr Babar saidthe commission could not take up the issue of Hazara province because its mandate was limitedto the Punjab province only as the commission had been formed in the light of a letter sent tothe speaker by President Asif Ali Zardari after the passage of two resolutions - one in theNational Assembly and the other in the Punjab Assembly.In his presentation, Mr Durrani gave historic perspective of Bahawalpur State and said that itwas the first state to sign the instrument of accession with Pakistan on Oct 3, 1947, as aprovince of the newly-born country. On April 30, 1951, he said, a supplementary instrument ofaccession had been signed and Bahawalpur became the only state in Pakistan which was giventhe status of a province. Mr Durrani said the first elections in Bahawalpur were held in 1952 toelect 49 members of the provincial assembly, of which 80 per cent members belonged to themiddle class. Bahawalpur had a provincial assembly, an election commission, a provincialsecretariat, revenue board, an independent public service commission, a high court andgovernment’s printing press with defined provincial boundaries and there were more than40,000 state employees.



In the draft constitution of 1954, he said, Bahawalpur had been given the status of a provincewith four seats in the Senate of 50 members, seven seats in the National Assembly and aprovincial assembly of 49 seats. Bahawalpur was merged with the West Pakistan one-unit, andnot in the Punjab province, on Dec 17, 1954. However, he regretted, when the one unit wasabolished, Bahawalpur was not restored as province and martial law administrator Gen YahyaKhan merged Bahawalpur with Punjab as a division of the province through the Province ofWest Pakistan Dissolution Order issued in March 1970. Mr Durrani said the promises made bythe Quaid-i-Azam and the agreements signed between the State of Bahawalpur and the Pakistangovernment in 1947, 1951 and 1954 were disregarded and not given any importance. As aresult of this injustice, a restoration movement under the banner of ‘Bahawalpur MuttahidaMahaaz’ started in which two persons were killed and thousands imprisoned. In the 1970elections, he said, 85 per cent people voted for the candidates fielded by the BahawalpurMuttahida Mahaz and MNAs Nizamuddin Haider and Makhdoom Noor Muhammad did not signthe 1973 Constitution in protest against no-restoration of Bahawalpur as a province.Dawn – December 19, 2012

Langah wants Tank, D.I. Khan in Seraiki province: Parliamentary Commission on NewProvincePakistan Seraiki Party (PSP) president Taj Muhammad Langah presented before theParliamentary Commission on New Provinces in Punjab voluminous documents in support ofhis demand for a new province with the name of ‘Seraikistan’ or ‘Seraiki’ comprising 23 districts- 21 in Punjab and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PSP chief said he had called for includingTank and Dera Ismail Khan - two Seraiki-speaking districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – in theproposed new province. Mr Langah also advocates inclusion of Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khanand Bahawalnagar districts in his proposed Seraiki province. This puts him at odds withproponents of a ‘Bahawalpur’ province comprising the three districts. Mr Babar, however, saidthe body could not consider merger of districts or areas from other provinces into the newproposed provinces because its mandate was restricted to Punjab only. Mr Langahacknowledged that technically the commission had the mandate to discuss the division ofPunjab only, but said he had requested members of the commission to at least make his demanda part of their recommendations. He said the commission had been informed that the PSP wastrying to approach President Asif Ali Zardari and Awami National Party (ANP) chief AsfandyarWali Khan and request them to get a resolution passed from the KP Assembly for inclusion ofD.I. Khan and Tank in the proposed Seraiki province. The PSP chief said he had requested thecommission through a letter to call National Assembly Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi,Asfandyar Wali, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilaniand MQM chief Altaf Hussain or his nominee because they had issued a number of statementssupporting his demand that all Seraiki-speaking areas should be part of one federating unit. Hesaid he had submitted to the commission documents spread over 500 pages containinghistorical background of the Seraiki region. He also presented a number of maps showingindependent status of Multan with its boundaries stretching up to Thatta in Sindh and Gujrat inPunjab. He said the people of Seraiki belt had no complaint with Sindh, but they believed thatthey were being deprived of their waters by central Punjab. Mr Langah said he had alsosubmitted a copy of charter of the now defunct alliance of 30 nationalist parties - PakistanOppressed Nations Movement (PONM) - which clearly stated that there were five nations –Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Pakhtun and Seraiki - and that there should be five provinces in thecountry on the basis of nationalities.




PML-N Should End Boycott of Commission on New Province: Governor PunjabPunjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmud asked PML-N to end boycott of the commissionformed for the creation of new provinces. He stressed on the importance of making the Seraikiand Bahawalpur province. He added that new provinces would strengthen the federation. “ThePunjab Assembly has passed a resolution for a Seraiki province but has deliberately avoided oneon the Bahawalpur province,” he said. “Only Lahore was being developed; the Seraiki belt wasstill the most backward region. The time has come to hand over the keys of the Southern Punjabgateway to us”.Pakistan Today – December 27, 2012

Local Government

Pml – N Rejects Sindh New Local Government SystemRejecting the new local government law in Sindh, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ChiefNawaz Sharif stated that this was an attempt to separate the province. He said his party wouldsolve problems of Sindh after coming to power. People of Sindh are being subjected todiscrimination and LG Ordinance was tantamount to division of Sindh. The former two-timepremier said, “If two provinces want it and two do not want it, then how can it be made.” Notinghow the recently passed Sindh Peoples Local Government Act had created a political storm inSindh, Nawaz said that the law was an act of dividing Sindh. “The people of Sindh will neveraccept this [SPLGA],” the PML-N chief said before adding that his party too had rejected the act.The News – December 06, 2012

Supreme Court Reproves Government over InactionChief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry suggested that the local government elections couldbe helpful in checking the menace of extremism in society because it provided people-to-peoplecontact at the grassroots level. “One of the reasons behind growing extremism and dacoities inthe neighborhoods is that we have lost interaction with the people at the ward and union level,”the chief justice observed, adding that the country’s founding fathers had deliberatelyincorporated constitutional provisions for holding local bodies’ elections. The observation wasmade when a three-judge bench took up a petition filed in 2009 by Rab Nawaz from Quetta. Thepetitioner has sought justification from the authorities for violating the Constitution by notholding local government elections in cantonment areas for the past 14 years. “When you talk ofdemocracy then you have to hold the local government elections even in the cantonment areas,”the chief justice observed and noted with concern that the last such elections were held in Oct1998. Deputy Attorney General Dil Mohammad Alizai, representing the federal government,informed the court that the defense ministry would soon submit a summary for approval of theprime minister to hold local government elections in cantonment areas. He conceded that theaffairs of cantonment boards were being run by nominated administrators. He told the courtthat the government was ready to hold local bodies elections the moment the ElectionCommission of Pakistan announced the election date. The Director Legal, Ministry of Defense,Commander Shahbaz, told the court that the summary would positively be moved on Mondayfrom his department for the approval of the prime minister.Dawn – December 11, 2012



Kpk Revives Old Local Government System: KPKThe Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved revival of old local bodies system and therelated posts of commissioner, deputy commissioner and executive magistrate. InformationMinister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that after revival of the old magistracy system the office ofdistrict coordination officer would cease to exist. He said that the post of DCO, provided in theLocal Government Ordinance of 2001, was in grade-20, while the deputy commissioners wouldbe in grade-19. He said that divisional commissioner Peshawar would be in grade-21, whileother commissioners would be in grade-20. The information minister said that the revival of theprevious system with some minor changes would not be a burden on the national kitty as gradeof deputy commissioner was lower than DCO. Mr Hussain said that a summary would be movedto the chief minister for notification of revival of deputy commissioners. He said that the cabinetalso reviewed the need of assistant commissioners in some districts and decided to set up acommittee to prepare a report in this regard. The committee would be chaired by additionalchief secretary, while secretary law and secretary administration would be its members. Thecabinet was informed that it had so far held 36 regular meetings in which 496 decisions weretaken. Of them, 480 cabinet decisions were implemented while 16 were in process, he said.Dawn – December 13, 2012

New Local Government System in Sindh Not Acceptable: PML-FunctionalThe Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) chief, Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi (PirPagaro), opposed the Sindh People’s Local Government Government Ordinance (SPLGO), andsaid that they have quit the government on principles. Pir Pagaro brought together almost allthe political parties, including Sindhi nationalists to take verdict from the masses against thelocal government law. A huge crowd gathered near the famous Mayani War Field, whereslogans ‘Bhej Pagara’ and ‘Jeay Sindh’ echoed together. Hundreds of thousands people, hailingfrom different parts of Sindh and delegations from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa andBalochistan participated.The News – December 15, 2012

Court Asks ECP If It Can Hold Local Government Polls At This StageThe Supreme Court asked the Election Commission of Pakistan if it could hold local governmentelections in cantonment boards when the general election was already due in the country.“Notice to the ECP to submit whether it could be possible for the commission to hold localgovernment (LG) elections when the general election is also due in the country,” the court saidin its order. The commission is required to submit a reply.Dawn – December 19, 2012

PPP Bargaining Away Sindh’s Rights: Awami Tehreek: SindhAwami Tehreek (AT) chief Ayaz Latif Palijo, leading a rally against the new local governmentlaw, strongly criticized the Pakistan People’s Party leadership for what he described asrevengeful acts against Sindh people and ‘jiyalas’ during its current tenure. Participants in theprocession, named the Mohabbat-i-Sindh rally, started their march from the local press club andconverged on the Naseem Nagar roundabout, where Mr Palijo delivered a hard-hitting speechtargeting Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), President Asif Ali Zardari, Interior Minister Rehman



Malik and PPP allies in the coalition government. Sindh United Party vice president ShahMohammad Shah, Maulana Asadullah Bhutto of Jamaat-i-Islami, Taj Mohammad Nahiyon ofJamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl and others also took part in the rally. The AT leader said that if thePPP government was sincere with the Sindh people, it must table a fresh resolution against theproposed construction of the Kalabagh dam in the National Assembly and repeal the SindhPeople’s Local Government Act, 2012, which was against the interests of the province and itspopulation.Dawn – December 19, 2012

Delimitation, Fresh Fund Sharing Formula Coming: KPKThe Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s rules, district-based administrative setups, budget forthe current financial year, and development planning are set to undergo massivetransformation. In line with its decision to introduce the new local government system in theprovince from January 1, 2013, the provincial government will undertake a massive exercise todemarcate boundaries of rural and urban union councils, municipal corporations and municipalcommittees. Besides, the provincial government is also set to revisit the resource distributionformula to govern the distribution of funds among the new entities that will come into existencein line with the new law. The provincial government would abandon the existing ProvincialFinance Commission that would be replaced by a new entity. The provincial governmentnotified the enforcement of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2012 from January1, 2013, introducing a complex mix of the local government system introduced on August 14,2001, and the one that was under implementation before it. The provincial government wouldset up the ‘Local Council Delimitation Authority’ and the Local Councils’ Finance Commission tofulfill important legal requirements to facilitate the enforcement of the new system. “Once theAuthority is in place in the weeks or months to come, the government will undertake a massivedemarcation exercise to pave the way for the next local government elections in the province”.The demarcation exercise was imperative to facilitate the implementation of the new systemsince urban and rural areas would be represented by separate elected bodies. “It involvespolitical implications as in several districts, rural areas would be represented by municipalcommittees that were previously part of tehsil councils,” adding that under new system,politicians of the urban areas would not have contacts with the people of rural areas. Under thenew local government system, there would be 11 members in a union council, bringing downthe number from 13 under the existing system that would remain in practice until Dec 31, 2012.Similarly, the new local councils finance commission would also include the provincial ministerfor local government and rural development, who was not included in PFC. In addition to that,two members of the provincial assembly would also be taken on the new commission whowould be nominated by the provincial chief minister. This would be in departure to the existingsystem under which none of the provincial assembly members’ was on PFC. Under the existingscheme of things; the provincial finance minister heads PFC, whereas the other nine membersinclude secretaries of the provincial finance department, local government and ruraldevelopment department, and local government and rural development department. Besides,three members are also nominated from among the private sector professionals and one eachnazim (elected head) of district, town/tehsil, and union council. Under the new arrangement,the provincial finance minister would continue to be the head of the commission, whereas,among nine other members would also be included minister for local government and ruraldevelopment, two members of the provincial assembly, secretaries of the finance, planning anddevelopment, and local government and rural development department, a chairman fromamong the elected chairmen of the upcoming district councils (to be nominated by the districtcouncils chairmen), a chairman of one of the municipal committees, and a chairman of one ofthe unions councils. The last of the nine members would be taken from a civil society



organization, according to an official. Besides, the provincial government would also need tobring about significant changes to its budgetary plan for the current financial year. Budgetaryallocations and financial disbursements to the upcoming local government entities, added theofficial, were expected to undergo some changes as the new local government entities would getfunds in accordance with the new resource distribution formula that would be put in place bythe new local council finance commission. Furthermore, the accounts of the local governmentinstitutions would now be audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan in place of the local fundaudit, and the new system, according to an official, also entails the creation of municipal policeto enforce local laws.Dawn – December 28, 2012

Status & Up-Date of Dual Nationalist Of MPs

Four Sindh Ministers, Two MPAs Resign: SindhSix members of the Sindh Assembly have sent their resignations to the Assembly Speaker afterthey failed to file affidavits with the election commission proving they were not dual nationals.Those who filed their resignations are: Sindh Minister for Finance Murad Ali Shah IT Minister Raza Haroon, Minister for Sports Muhammad Ali Shah, Minister for Technical Education and Mines and Minerals Sadiq Memon, Askari Taqvi Abdul Moiz SiddiquiHaroon and Muhammad Ali Shah belong to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, while Murad AliShah and Sadiq Memon are members of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party.As many as 16 lawmakers from the national and provincial assemblies had failed to file theiraffidavits. It is pertinent to mention here that the Supreme Court had observed that ‘theparliamentarians with dual nationality should not sit in the Senate, national and provincialassemblies and the standing committees of both the houses.


Four MQM Lawmakers Resign: SindhFour more MNAs of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), including Deputy Parliamentaryleader in the National Assembly Haider Abbas Rizvi, have resigned after failing to submitaffidavits to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on not having dual nationality.The names of four MQM lawmakers who resigned to avoid disqualification are: Haider Abbas Rizvi Fauzia Ijaz Tayyeb Hussain Dr Nadeem Ehsan




MQM, PPP men rejoin cabinet: SindhSindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad administered the oath to three ministers — Syed Murad AliShah, Sadiq Ali Memon and Khwaja Izhar-ul-Hasan. Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sadiq Ali Memonof the Pakistan People’s Party were allocated the portfolios of the finance and the technicaleducation and vocational training authority, respectively, while Khwaja Izhar-ul-Hassan of theMuttahida Qaumi Movement, who had been an adviser to the chief minister, was made aminister in the cabinet. Murad Ali Shah was also given an additional portfolio of electric powerand energy, including hydel, thermal, oil and gas electricity (excluding coal-based energy andalternative energy). Murad Ali Shah and Sadiq Ali Memon (not Sajid Memon as erroneously hadbeen mentioned in yesterday’s report) resigned from the cabinet and the Sindh Assembly withMohammad Raza Haroon, Dr Mohammad Ali Shah, Abdul Moeed Siddiqui and Syed Askari Taqviof the MQM on Nov 30, the last date for filing declaration on an affidavit to the ElectionCommission about their dual nationality.Dawn – December 03, 2012

Election Commission of Pakistan to Move Against Resigning Mps as another MNA QuitsThe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to move against the parliamentariansand members of the provincial assemblies who have resigned apparently to avoid disclosure oftheir nationalities, sources in the ECP told Daily Times. The revelation comes as another MNA,Sabeen Rizvi, resigned. The ECP has also decided to send to the Supreme Court for furtheraction the names of 16 lawmakers who have failed to submit declarations on nationality.Daily Times – December 04, 2012

Minister, MPA Face Warrants In Degree Case: BalochistanBailable warrants were issued for a Balochistan minister and an MPA by an additional districtand sessions judge in a fake degree case. ADSJ-V Noroze Khan issued the warrants for ShamaPerveen Magsi, a provincial minister, and Syed Nasir Ali Shah, a member of the BalochistanAssembly, because they failed to appear before the court despite repeated notices.Dawn – December 13, 2012

Government & Judiciary

Judiciary Ready to Face Any Challenge: Chief Justice PakistanChief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that judiciary is ready to faceany challenge. The chief justice said that the institution of judiciary has come under thelimelight because of its hard work and dedicated efforts. He said that impartial dispensation ofjustice has restored confidence of public in the judiciary, and consequently more and morelitigants are approaching the courts for resolution of their disputes. He further stated that thejudiciary has to gear up to meet this challenge and come up to the litigants’ expectations.Daily Times – December 02, 2012



Judicial Commission to Probe Operation SilenceThe Supreme Court constituted a one-man judicial commission for conducting within 45 days a“thorough probe” into the military operation against alleged militants who took refuge in LalMasjid in 2007. The commission would be headed by a judge of the Federal Shariat Court, thecourt said. The court direction may further ignite tensions between the military and judiciary, asthe critics of the judiciary would get another opportunity to question its orders. The judiciaryhas been questioned time and again in the past by critics for setting free militants captured bysecurity agencies. The military operation at the seminary had also polarized the society in 2007.The bench comprised Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed andJustice Azmat Saeed. The bench observed that despite the issuance of directions to theauthorities time and again, police did not come up with a satisfactory answer. It said since therewas no evidence or findings, they were compelled to have an opinion that a judicial commissionwould have to be formed to probe into the matter.The bench also dictated the terms of reference (ToRs) for the commission, directing it todetermine the causes of incident that took place between July 6 and July 12, 2007, at Lal Masjidand Jamia Hafsa, the number of male and female casualties, the casualties suffered by lawenforcement agencies and the bodies handed over to relatives. The commission would alsoprobe whether any compensation was paid to the heirs of victims of the operation by the stateand whether any action was taken under the law against those responsible for the incident,besides evaluating the available material collected so far, the court directed. During the hearingof Islamabad Police Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Tahir Alam Khan informed the bench thatthe relevant record showed that a total of 103 bodies were recovered from the mosque,including 88 of militants, 11 of personnel of law enforcement agencies and four of civilians. TheAIG said that no female body was recovered during the incident. Justice Azmat Saeed observedthat such an answer was unacceptable as there were reports of minor girls having been killed inthe operation.Pakistan Today – December 05, 2012

President Asks Supreme Court 13 Questions of LawFiling a reference under Article 186 of the constitution in the Supreme Court, President Asif AliZardari has sought the legal opinion on 13 questions of law considered by him to be of publicimportance in respect of appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and high courts in view ofthe 18th and 19th constitutional amendments. The Supreme Court constituted a five-memberlarger bench, headed by Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and comprising Justice Tariq Parvez, JusticeEjaz Afzal Khan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sh Azmat Saeed, which will hear thepresidential reference and a petition for early hearing of the Islamabad High Court judges’appointment from December 10.Daily Times – December 08, 2012

President Can’t Use His Discretionary Powers: Supreme Court: IHC Appointment CaseThe Supreme Court observed that the president could not use his discretionary powers in theappointment of judges as the recommendations made by the Judicial Commission andParliamentary Committee was final in this regard. An SC bench, comprising Justice Khilji ArifHussain, Justice Tariq Parvez Khan, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and JusticeSheikh Azmat Saeed, took up the petition filed against the delay of appointment of judges in theIslamabad High Court (IHC) as well as the presidential reference seeking the opinion of the



court over the matter in view of the 18th and 19th constitutional amendments. Justice Gulzarobserved that under clause 13 of Article 175-A, the summary regarding the appointment of ajudge was sent by the prime minister.The News – December 14, 2012

Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to AltafThe Supreme Court has served a contempt notice to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chiefAltaf Hussain over his recent telephonic address to his party workers in Karachi. The courtdirected Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) to submit the record of AltafHussain’s speech while MQM chief will have to appear in person on January 7. During hisaddress over SC ruling on delimitation of new constituencies in Karachi on December 2, AltafHussain called the court’s remarks unconstitutional and undemocratic , adding that theSupreme Court does not have the authority to say that constituencies should be formed in sucha way that a single-party majority does not exist. The MQM, which is the ruling party in Karachi,has several constituencies that are considered to be key strongholds. Hussain also claimed theobservation was a well thought out plan to break the MQM’s majority mandate and speculatedthat this would spark ethnic discord.Daily Times – December 15, 2012

Auditor General Gives Clean Chit to Supreme Court AccountsThe Auditor General of Pakistan, Buland Akhtar Rana, has downright cleared the accounts of theSupreme Court of any irregularity and says his department conducts regular audits of theSupreme Court accounts as per the law. “We have found no embezzlement or irregularity in itsspending,” the AGP told. The Auditor General said that the Supreme Court was an auditcompliant body and thus the government auditors never had any complaint against theSupreme Court.The News – December 19, 2012

Supreme Court Orders Appointment of Two Islamabad High Court JudgesThe Supreme Court ordered the government to issue the notification of two Islamabad HighCourt (IHC) judges, with the direction that their appointment would be considered effectivefrom Nov 20, 2012. The court ordered the government to notify the appointment of two judges: Justice Shaukat Siddiqui Justice Noor-ul-Haq Qureshi“We accept this petition and direct the authorities concerned to issue a notification, therebyappointing Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, as judge and Noor-ul-Haq N Qureshi, as an additional judge ofthe IHC, for a period of six months giving effect from the date of expiry of their earliernotification,” the court announced in its short order. The Parliamentary Committee on JudgesAppointment had approved the recommendations and the prime minister forwarded the sameto the president for notification. However, the president didn’t approve the nominations,questioning the composition of the Judicial Commission, as the ‘most senior’ judge of IHC JusticeRiaz Ahmad was not invited to attend the commission’s meeting on October 22. PresidentZardari had also filed a reference with the Supreme Court under Article 186 of the Constitution,



seeking its opinion on the appointment of the IHC judges in view of the 18th and 19thamendments.The News – December 22, 2012

Over 1.6 Million Cases Pending In All Courts: NJPMCDespite tall claims of dispensing speedy justice by the National Judicial Policymaking Committee(NJPMC), over 1.6 million cases remain pending in courts all over the country. According to datacompiled by NJPMC, 1,635,935 cases remained pending in the Supreme Court (SC), FederalShariat Court, high courts and the district judiciary by the end of November 2012. While265,802 cases were disposed of during November, another 239,242 cases were instituted in thecourts during the month. Judicial experts believe the reason behind such a massive backlog ofcases is the lack of government attention towards the needs of the judiciary.The Express Tribune – December 31, 2012

Analysis/Reports

Short-Staffed NAB Means Corrupt Officials Go Scot-Free: NABThe country’s top corruption watchdog revealed that close to 400 civil servants embezzledaround Rs300 billion during the past four years, but prosecution process against them remainssnail-paced due to staff shortage. NAB Chairman claimed that government departments werelosing 10 to 12 billion rupees on a daily basis owing to corruption. Some Rs7.8 billion of thetotal embezzlement figure has been recovered, and investigation in most of the cases is inprogress. However, due to lack of manpower in the bureau, the prosecution process remainedslow, said NAB spokesperson Zaffar Iqbal Khan. Some Rs300 billion of the embezzled amountcan be readily recovered if action is taken against these personnel, he said. Some 396 civilservants guilty of embezzling millions of rupees should be brought to justice, NAB told theMinistry of Law and Justice. Investigators nabbed; 82 civil servants from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 83 from Balochistan 76 from Punjab 55 from Sindh 100 others from miscellaneous government services on charges of corruption andmisuse of authorityPunjab has been the worst-hit by the tide of corruption. Five officials are reported to haveembezzled over Rs2 billion at Transport Departments Punjab (TDP). Furthermore, the bureauunearthed embezzlement in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). It alleged that thedistribution of BISP forms was marked with corrupt practices. Four senior officials of NationalEngineering Services Pakistan Limited also misused their authority by misappropriating overRs6 million. Two former district officers of Quetta embezzled Rs9 million and fraudulentlydeposited money allocated to the poor. Bank officials bear no clean slate. A senior official ofNational Bank of Pakistan, Abdul Qadir Jangda willfully defaulted bank loans amounting toRs254 million. Manager of Allied Bank Limited Quetta branch, Muhammad Naeem, along withfour other officers embezzled Rs27 million. Their cases are currently under trial. BranchManager United Bank Limited, Muhammad Nawaz Qazi along with two other officersmisappropriated Rs12.2 million.



Some security personnel were also found guilty. Haji Zaro Jan, Superintendent of Frontier Corpsembezzled Rs20 million. His case is under trial. Ajmal Khan, a clerk serving for the FrontierCorps, allegedly embezzled Rs8 million as assets beyond his means were found in his account.Former Secretary General, Institute of Engineering, Pakistan, Chaudhry Muhammad RashidKhan embezzled Rs22.5 million and his assets were found beyond means.The Express Tribune – December 24, 2012



BALOCHISTAN WATCH

Governance Watch

Government Aims To Improve Living Standard of Baloch: Prime MinisterPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that initiatives taken by the present government inBalochistan are aimed at improving the situation in the province with emphasis on increasingthe standard of living of the people. Raja said that development of Balochistan is amongst thetopmost priorities of his government and he has directed all relevant departments for timelycompletion of development schemes in the province.Daily Times – December 04, 2012

Balochistan Government Should Make Up For Its Mistake: Chief JusticeChief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed that it is impossible that an agreement likethe Reko Diq is made in any other country, and asked the Balochistan government to make upfor its mistakes in this regard. The court advised the counsel of Balochistan government tosubmit relevant documents assisting the court in proper manner over the pending awardmatter of exploration license for gold and copper reserves in Reko Diq area.Counsel for the Balochistan government Ahmer Bilal Sufi contended that no particular land hadbeen specifically mentioned in the Reko Diq agreement. He said no agreement could be madeagainst the Balochistan Mineral Rules whereas license could be granted only to registeredcompanies under Pakistani laws. The chief justice observed that Article 5 of the Constitutioncontained the constitutional parameters and everybody should be cognizant of it.The News – December 12, 2012

Fund Allocated: Balochistan Package5,000 is the number of teachers recruited under the Balochistan Package. According to Ministerfor Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah, the federal government will provide funds for thesalaries.The Express Tribune – December 12, 2012

Balochistan Chief Minister to Inaugurate Project: Reko Dik Mining EndeavourBalochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani is to inaugurate the Balochistan Copper andGold Project in Reko Dik, on January 7, 2013. The provincial government ha s allocated Rs8billion for the project in the ongoing fiscal year.The Express Tribune – December 18, 2012



Baloch ‘Freedom Charter’ to be launched in New YearThe Balochistan Liberation Charter Coordinating Committee has announced the ‘Charter’ will beformally launched in the New Year by exiled Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri. A meeting was heldto examine the comments and suggestions made in respect of the ‘Charter’ concluded that morethan sufficient time has been allocated to the initial recipients to respond with their suggestionsand comments and that it was now time for the ‘Charter’ to be made public. The coordinatingcommittee said that any undue delay would not serve those interested in liberation struggle butonly lead to further confusion. The experience of last few months has shown that many whohave either not wanted to see the charter or those who have not read it have raised their voiceagainst it. “From time to time, we have also heard accusations and assertions being circulatedabout the contents of the charter that are contrary to the core spirit of the charter itself,” saidthe BLC coordinating in their press release sent to The News. “It is a document that willdetermine the freedom and well-being of our people. Any response to such a vitally importantdocument requires a sense of utmost responsibility, rational and candid judgement, andjudicious civic and public duty. We are, therefore, pleased to announce that the Charter is at itsfinal stage of completion and will be available to the whole Baloch nation to read and judge inthe very near future.”The News – December 20, 2012

Supreme Court Backs Balochistan Chief SecretaryThe Supreme Court censured Balochistan’s ‘political hierarchy’ for its efforts to remove ChiefSecretary Babar Yaqoob from his post for following court orders. “Instead of taking stringentmeasures, the executives of the provinces are wasting their energy on removing an honest,committed and upright officer who is implementing the court’s orders and following the rule oflaw,” the chief justice said, while pointing out the provincial authorities’ failure to recovermissing persons and control incidents of sectarian violence. “We know that [Yaqoob] is anhonest and upright officer and every department in Islamabad or Punjab would be happy to gethis services, but our objective to retain him in Balochistan is to improve the deteriorating lawand order situation,” he added. He pointed out that the chief secretary is the one whoimplemented the court’s directives and resisted illegal orders, which is why “he is beinghumiliated by provincial authorities.”The Express Tribune – December 21, 2012

Balochistan Provincial Assembly pays tribute to BilourMembers of the Balochistan Assembly paid tribute to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s senior ministerBashir Ahmed Bilour for sacrificing his life in the struggle against terrorism and expressed theconfidence that the nation would emerge victorious in its fight against terrorists and extremists.The house, offered fateha for Mr Bilour on a point of order raised by Minister for IrrigationSardar Aslam Bizenjo. The lawmakers said that Mr Bilour’s death was a great loss to the nation,democracy and political system because the late leader was a brave person and never hesitatedto accept the challenge.Dawn - December 25, 2012



Baochistan Assembly Votes Out Its SpeakerAs many as 47 out of 64 members of Balochistan Assembly voted out Muhammad AslamBhootani as speaker in voting held on a no-trust motion against him in the assembly session.Three legislators, including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary leader Mir SadiqUmrani, PPP leader and Minister Jan Ali Changezi and opposition member Tariq Ali Magsi,staged a walk out in protest against the no-trust motion. Total 47 members cast their vote infavor of the no-trust motion to oust Bhootani from the office of speaker. One member, however,cast his vote in favor of Bhootani. Bhootani, announced that he would move court against thevoting held on the no-trust motion against him. He termed the no-confidence motion andballoting “unconstitutional and illegal”. He alleged that treasury benches deliberately cast onevote against the no-confidence motion in order to develop an impression that the procedure ofballoting was impartial and fair. He said that with consultation of his lawyers, he was going tofile a constitutional petition against the balloting on no-trust motion. He said that only theassembly’s secretary is entitled to put his signature on the ballot paper of voting on no-trustmotion but “the additional secretary committees signed ballots although he was not authorizedto do so”. He said that ruling by Deputy Speaker Syed Matiullah Agha was “wrong and illegal”. “Itis only the assembly secretary who shall deal with the procedure of no-trust motion and thedeputy speaker has no right to stop him from his duty,” Bhootani said.Daily Times – December 27, 2012

5, 000 Balochistan Teachers Still Waiting For RegularizationThe fate of 5,000 contractual teachers inducted in Balochistan’s schools and colleges in June andJuly 2010, under the Aghaz-e-Haqooq Balochistan Package, hangs in balance as the provincialgovernment is yet to issue a notification of regularization of their services. Under the package,2,500 graduates were recruited while another 2,500 post-graduates inducted as assistantlecturers and school teachers but they continue to receive a lump sum pay, whereas over100,000 teachers across Pakistan have been given permanent jobs so far during the PPP rule.The provincial Education Department told that 40 percent of these posts have gone to womencandidate’s i.e 700 assistant lecturers while 4,300 others adjusted under unfamiliar tags of highschool teacher, PST, EST and teacher education in all 30 districts of Balochistan. These sourcesagreed that the cadres issue should also have had to be resolved to end a sense of discriminationamong these inductees in addition to regularization of their services. Initially, the federalgovernment was to give funds for these teachers for two years; however, following the requestof the provincial government, this was enhanced to four years. But against their services, theseteachers get maximum Rs 16,000 per month while others in these categories receive 20,000-28,000, indicating glaring discrimination in pays. The Centre pays to Balochistan Rs. 880million yearly for payment of salary to these teachers while the provincial government hasforwarded a fresh summary asking for another Rs. 662 million so as to pay these teachers aftertheir services are regularized.Dawn – December 29, 2012



ELECTION WATCH

Political Stakeholders & Elections

18 lawmakers fail to submit affidavitsThe Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) deadline for submission of affidavits by lawmakersaffirming that they are not holding dual nationality. As many as 18 lawmakers have yet tosubmit affidavits. According to the ECP sources, the legislators would now be issued noticesasking them to explain the reasons for submitting the affidavit. The members who have notsubmitted affidavits include: MNAs Maulana Mohammad Qasim Syed Allaudin Chaudhry Tassaduq Masood Syed Tayyeb Hussain Dr Nadeem Ahsan Haider Abbas Rizvi Sabeen Rizvi Fauzia AijazThe senators who failed to meet the deadline are: Malik Salahuddin Dogar Haji Lashkari Raisani Haji Khan Afridi

Pakistan Today – December 01, 2012

New Policy for Party RegistrationThe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to formulate a new policy forregistration of political parties. Political associations are formed on the basis of ideology and thename of the party should reflect the ideology behind its formation, he said and observed thatcopying part of the names of well-known parties confused the electorate.Dawn – December 02, 2012

No by – Poll to Be Held On Vacated Seats, Says Chief Election CommissionChief Election Commissioner of Pakistan retired Justice Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim has said that noby-election will be held on the national and provincial assembly seats which have fallen vacantafter resignations by legislators over dual nationality. “The assemblies must have at least 120days of the tenure in order for the commission to hold by-elections, therefore, the by-electionsto be held on Dec 4 on PS-21 will be the last before a general election,” he said.Dawn – December 03, 2012



Justice Ebrahim Suggested Rangers Inside Polling StationsThe Election Commission of Pakistan has suggested deployment of Rangers personnel insidepolling stations in the next general election. Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd)Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim and the Director General of Sindh Rangers, Major General RizwanAkhtar, met and agreed upon enhanced and improved security measures during the generalelection, following allegations of rigging in the recent by-election on a Sindh Assembly seat. TheCEC also conveyed rigging complaints and concerns expressed by the contesting parties overthe performance of Rangers. They also discussed security measures proposed for the generalelection to ensure a transparent electoral process. The chief election commissioner believedthat law and order was the only ‘obstacle’ to holding polls in a transparent manner.Dawn – December 12, 2012

Sindh Election Commission Sacked After Parties Express MistrustAfter political parties complained of Sindh Election Commissioner Sonu Khan Baloch’s ‘bias’ incompiling voter lists, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) transferred him to its centralsecretariat in Islamabad as the new director-general budget. The election authorities are nowlooking for a suitable official as his successor within their own top bureaucracy who would beacceptable to all parties. Different political parties in Sindh, except the Muttahida QaumiMovement (MQM), had expressed distrust in Baloch. They had questioned his role in large-scaleanomalies in the voters’ list. Some political parties approached the apex court over thesediscrepancies, which led to the commission being asked to verify electoral rolls for Karachi withthe help of the army and Frontier Constabulary (FC).The Express Tribune – December 18, 2012

Election of Pakistan Proposes Four-Fold Increase in Election ExpensesThe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed a four-fold increase in electionexpenditure to Rs6 million for a National Assembly seat and Rs4m for that of a provincialassembly. The current ceiling of Rs1.5m and Rs1m for a national and provincial assembly seatrespectively was fixed over a decade ago. The proposal is part of a comprehensive draft. Thedraft is a combination of amendments proposed by the ECP’s legal framework committee andthe National Assembly’s standing committee on law and justice and its sub-committee. The draftlaw proposes that a party would not be eligible to receive an election symbol if it does not fulfillthree conditions: If it had not secured at least one seat with its election symbol in any of the past threeparliamentary polls If it had failed to obtain five per cent of total votes cast in the constituencies in which itscandidates took part during the three previous elections or has not established a“functional central office” With a central committee and district offices, in at least 10 administrative districts andoffices in at least 50 tehsils and talukasThe draft law seeks to widen the definition of corrupt practices as well to include capturingpolling stations and tampering with ballot papers which previously was confined to bribery,impersonation and undue influence. The law proposes an imprisonment for a term extendableto three years and/or fine extendable to Rs100, 000. It also proposes a procedure to eliminatethe possibility of ghost polling stations. Under the procedure, the commission would provide a



draft list of polling stations for each constituency to the returning officer concerned, soon afterthe appointment of district returning officers and returning officers.After physical verification of the polling stations, the returning officer would be empowered tomake alterations in the list as he deem necessary and publish the same for public inspectioninviting objections from the electors to be filed with the district returning officer. The final list ofpolling stations, specifying the electoral area of voters entitled to vote in each polling station, isrequired to be published in the official gazette at least 15 days prior to the polling day. Todiscourage non-serious candidates, the security deposit is proposed to be increased from Rs4,000 to Rs50,000 for the National Assembly and from Rs2,000 to Rs25,000 for a provincialassembly. The deposit shall not be refunded to a candidate who has received less than onefourth of the total number of votes cast.The ECP has also sought the powers to suspend or withdraw any officer performing any duty inconnection with the elections, or any other public functionary, member of the police force orany other law enforcement agency who obstructs or prevents the conduct of fair and impartialpolls, or found to be involved in any act calculated to influence an election result. The draft lawproposes to empower the ECP to initiate and finalize disciplinary action and impose any penaltyagainst any official for any act of misconduct provided in the efficiency and discipline rulesUnder the proposed law, the secretaries of the union councils would be required to submit listsof births and deaths to the registration officer concerned to help keep the electoral rolls updatedand delete names of deceased voters.Dawn – December 23, 2012

Election Commission of Pakistan Envisions Bigger Army RoleThe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has convened a high-level meeting in an effort todevise an elaborate security plan for the upcoming general elections. The ECP’s analysis of thecountry’s law and order situation has paved the way for a far greater role for the army alongsideparamilitary and police forces during the elections. There are certain areas where full securitymight have to be provided by the army, while in other areas the army will be acting in aid of civilauthorities, according to the ECP. According to the agenda, over 600,000 polling staffers wouldbe required for about 80,000 polling stations across the country. The ECP said it was aware ofthe army’s responsibilities. However, it added that “it (army) will have to perform additionalresponsibilities during the 2013 elections in accordance with requirement identified byprovincial governments.” “In Karachi, political parties have demanded that one army soldiershould also be deployed inside the polling station besides army troops outside each pollingstation so that voters can cast votes without fear.The ECP has also proposed a district/agency elections security committee comprisingrespective district returning officer or deputy commissioner or political agent and district policeofficer (DPO). This committee is tasked with reviewing the law and order situation and disposeof complaints. The security plan will also be sent to all provincial election commissioners (PECs)and the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad through the ECP secretary. As for the manpowerrequirements, secretaries for education and establishment divisions will provide updated listsof their employees to the PECs for preparation of database by the ECP. The lists would also beverified from the district accounts officers or accountant general Pakistan revenue (AGPR),according to the agenda paper. “The employees’ availability for performing national duty aspresiding officers and poling staff must be ensured,” it added. The ECP expects a large numberof foreign and local election observers to monitor the elections and expects the federal andprovincial governments to arrange for logistical support and security of the monitoring teams.By finalizing the security arrangements for the upcoming elections, the commission aims to alsoimprove Pakistan’s “fragile law and order situation” by using the entire security apparatus of



the country. “Once the general law and order improves as a result of peaceful and fair elections,it would certainly help in lessening the burden of all, in terms of onerous duties performed formaintaining security throughout the country.” The meeting to be chaired by the ECP secretarywould also discuss establishment of polling stations in Fata and camps of internally displacedpersons.The Express Tribune – December 25, 2012

CEC said Candidates Should Get Security or Be Allowed To Carry ArmsCandidates will either be provided adequate security or allowed to carry arms to protectthemselves during the coming elections. Ban on display of weapons is to be enforced strictly,says the Election Commission of Pakistan in a working paper. But, it adds, either the respectiveprovincial or the federal government will provide security to all candidates after finalization ofthe list of contestants by returning officers. Otherwise, they will have to be exempted from thearms ban to enable them to make their own security arrangements. The proposal will require anamendment to the code of conduct which proposes a complete ban on display of arms bycandidates and their supporters. A separate code for law-enforcement personnel had also beenprepared.Provincial chief secretaries, home secretaries, inspectors general of police, federal secretariesfor defense, interior, foreign affairs, establishment and information, directors general Rangersfrom Punjab and Sindh and directors general Frontier Corps from Balochistan and FederallyAdministered Tribal Areas (Fata) and chief commissioner, Islamabad, will attend the meeting.The meeting will discuss administrative and security arrangements to be made at about 80,000polling stations for which about 600,000 election officials are required. The working paper saysthat while the primary responsibility for peace and security will be of the provincial police,paramilitary forces will also be deployed to achieve the desired objectives. It says thecommission is aware of the responsibilities of the job the army is doing along the border and inFata and certain other areas, but it will have to play a during the elections in support of the civiladministration in accordance with requirements identified by provincial governments. Thepaper says there are certain areas where full security may have to be provided by the armywhile in other areas it will be acting in aid of civil authorities under security plans prepared bydistrict police officers (DPOs) who will be primarily responsible for maintaining law and orderand ensuring peaceful elections.In case of any violation of ECP directives or negligence by ‘any official’ immediate disciplinaryaction will be initiated against him, starting with suspension, and completing subsequentproceedings at the earliest. The working paper proposes establishment of district securitycommittees comprising DRO, DCO and DPO to review the security situation and dispose ofcomplaints. The names of persons responsible for security at polling stations will be provided topresiding officers who will be empowered to issue necessary orders in their capacity asmagistrate first class. In addition to police, paramilitary or army personnel will accompany thepresiding officers who will deliver results of polling stations to returning officers. In case of non-compliance or failure to provide security at polling stations or negligence with regard to safedelivery of polling results security personnel will be held accountable, individually andcollectively. Referring to the fragile law and order situation in the country, the paper says it isimportant to use the entire law-enforcement apparatus to ensure peaceful atmosphere duringthe campaign period, on the polling day, and till the announcement of consolidated results. Itmust be realized that peaceful conduct of elections is necessary for smooth transaction ofpower.Dawn – December 25, 2012



ECP Decides To Hold NA, PAs Election on Same Day: ECPThe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to hold the general elections fornational and provincial assemblies on the same date. The ECP has written a letter to FinanceDivision in which it has called for funds for elections. The printing of the required stationery,except ballot papers, has been started. This time the election commission would retain the oldsystem of elections, as no change has been made in the method of casting votes. The sourcesalso revealed that the registration of voters is being carried out at their residences. Theregistration process of new voters would be continued until the final date of elections.Provincial election commissioners have also commenced preparations of the elections.The News – December 26, 2012

No Female Staff Sent For Women Voters: ECP: BalochistanThe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has conceded that no female staff had beenappointed for any polling station set up for the by-election held recently for a seat of BalochistanAssembly. Provincial Election Commissioner Sultan Bayadid told that there was no `women-only’ polling stations, but claimed that separate booths for women voters had been made in allthe 67 polling stations set up for the by-election held in the Sherani-cum-Zhob (PB-18)constituency. But those booths were manned by the male staff as female staff could not bearranged in the newly formed district. He said the turnout remained 19 per cent and 12,000 outof the total 68,000 registered voters exercised their right to vote. He said the turnout of femalevoters was negligible due to the social trend in the province, but was unable to give the exactnumber of women who cast their votes. About the presence of security personnel inside thepolling stations, he said 24 polling stations had been declared sensitive and that’s why theFrontier Corps personnel were present there. “We have received no complaints and even all thecandidates were satisfied.Dawn – December 28, 2012

PPP Among Parties Not Yet Eligible For Poll System: ECP80 parties of the 216 registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan, have fulfilled thecriterion for allocation of election symbol. The ruling PPP has not yet provided details of itsannual accounts and intra-party elections, which are a must to be declared eligible for theallotment of election symbol. All the other major political parties, including the PML-N, PML-Q,PTI, MQM and ANP, had already provided the mandatory details. The official said the PPO 2002was not implemented in letter and spirit in the 2008 election, but this time the ECP wasrepeatedly asking the registered parties to furnish the required information. The ECP once againreminded the parties of this legal requirement before the election. It said the ECP had invitedthe parties’ attention to Article 14 of the PPO 2002 which says: “Eligibility of a political party toobtain election symbol, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time beingin force, a political party shall be eligible to obtain an election symbol for contesting electionsfor Majlis-i-Shoora (parliament) and provincial assemblies on submission of certificates andstatement referred to in Articles 12 and 13 of the PPO.”The article says: “Where any political party or a combination of political parties, separately orcollectively, contravenes the provisions of Articles 12 or 13, it shall not be entitled to obtain anelection symbol for election to the Majlis-i-Shoora (parliament) or the provincial assemblies,and the ECP shall not allocate an election symbol to such party or, as the case may be, thecombination of political parties for such election.” The Article 12 says: “The party leader of eachpolitical party shall, within seven days from completion of the intra-party elections, submit a



certificate under his signatures to the Election Commission to the effect that the elections wereheld in accordance with the constitution of the party and this order to elect the party leader andother office-bearers at the federal, provincial and local levels, wherever applicable.” Thecertificate should carry information in respect of:a) The date of the last intra-party electionsb) The names, designations and addresses of the party leader and all other office-bearerselected at the federal, provincial and local levels, wherever applicablec) The election results, including the total number of votes cast and the number of votessecured by each contestant for all of its party officesd) Copy of the party’s notifications declaring the results of the electionWhereas Article 13 reads: “Every political party shall, in such manner and in such form as maybe prescribed or specified by the chief election commissioner, submit to the ElectionCommission, within 60 days from the close of each financial year, a consolidated statement ofaccounts of the party audited by a chartered accountant”. The certificate should carry theinformation on:(a) Annual income and expenses(b) Sources of its funds(c) Assets and liabilities. And the statement should be accompanied by a certificate signedby the party leader stating that:i. No funds from any source prohibited under this order were received by the partyii. The statement contains an accurate financial position of the partyThe PPO 2002 bars parties from receiving any aid, financial or otherwise, from any governmentor political party of a foreign country, or any portion of its funds from foreign nationals.Dawn – December 29, 2012

3 Candidates to Contest Pk-22 By-PollA returning officer rejected nomination papers for two candidates and accepted five others tocontest by-elections in PK-22 Charsadda-VI constituency. The papers of Haji Asadullah andAbdul Mohsin were rejected, while the nominations of Gohar Shah, Gul Yousaf, Raz MuhammadDurrani, Muhammad Shahid and Babar Ali Khan were accepted. The statement said that appealscan be filled till December 18 and that the final decision will be made by the election tribunal byDecember 24. The candidates can withdraw their candidature till December 26 and a final listwill be displayed on December 27. The by-election is scheduled for January 15, 2013. The pollsare being held in wake of MPA Muhammad Ali Khan’s death on November 3.The News – December 30, 2012

46 Poll Petitions Pending Since 2008With the general election around the corner, dozens of election petitions are still pending withthe tribunals set up for the 2008 polls. Official data show that 272 petitions were filed after the2008 elections and 46 of them still remain undecided. A decision on a petition challenging the election of Sheikh Alauddin from the PunjabAssembly constituency PP-181 (Kasur) is pending with the Lahore High Court The pending petitions include those against JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman (NA-26,Bannu) former interior minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao (NA-8, Charsadda)



Chaudhry Moonis Elahi (PP-110, Gujrat) former defence minister Aftab Shabaan Mirani (NA-202, Shikarpur) and Sardar TalibHussain Nakai A petition challenging the election of Sumaira Malik as an MNA on a PML-Q ticket fromNA-69, Khushab, by her rival candidate Malik Umar Aslam Khan, alleging that the resultshad been changed and state machinery was used by Ms Malik (whose spouse is abureaucrat) is also pending since April 2008 Petitions against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Syed ZahirShah (PF-2, Peshawar) Minister for Prisons Mian Nisar Gul (PF-40, Karak) Minister for Labour Haji Sher Azam Khan (PF-71, Bannu) Minister for Housing Amjad Khan Afridi (PF-37, Swabi) and Parliamentary Secretary forPlanning and Development Mufti Ajmal Khan (NA-15, Karak) are also pending In Sindh, petitions against Tourism Minister Mohammad Ali Malkani (PS-87, Thatta) Mir Hassan Khoso of PPP (PS-15, Jacobabad) Mir Ghalib Hussain Domki (PS-18, Kashmore) also remain undecided Petitions filed by a former speaker of National Assembly, Syed Fakhr Imam, againstMohammad Raza Hayat Hiraj (NA-156, Khanewal) Former National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) chairman Daniyal Aziz againstMohammad Tariq Anis (NA-116, Narowal) Lt-Gen (retd) Salahuddin Tirmizi against Sardar Shah Jehan (NA-20) have not beendecided over the yearsThe state of affairs has prompted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hire the servicesof retired district and session judges as election tribunals. “The serving judges due to heavyworkload could not decide the cases in time”. The tribunals will be required to decide electioncases within 120 days after filing of a petition, after daily hearing. The commission had askedthe registrars of high courts to suggest names for the tribunals for their provinces. The chiefelection commissioner and four members of the commission representing the provincesselected 10 retired district and session judges from every province from the panels nominatedby the registrars.The Election Commission of Pakistan planned to form five tribunals in Punjab and three each inrest of the provinces for the coming elections, but the number could be changed keeping in viewthe quantum of election disputes. He said the tribunals would act independently, but theirsalaries and office expenses will be borne by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Under thenewly adopted procedure, the selected judges will be hired for one year, extendable for anotheryear. Thirty-one tribunals had been appointed for petitions relating to the 2008 elections.Article 225 of the Constitution, read with Section 52 of the Representation of the People Act,provides that no election can be called into question except by an election petition filed by acandidate.


Political Parties

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)

Federal Information Minister Urges Judiciary to Keep Away From Political PartiesThe chief spokesman for the ruling PPP, Qamar Zaman Kaira, requested superior courts to stayaway from political affairs because it can affect the federation. He said: “If you will interfere in



political affairs, people will criticize such decisions.” Mr Kaira referred to the Lahore High Court(LHC) judgment about building Kalabagh dam and said: “Such decisions will not only createfurther divisions within the federation but also attract criticism.” The LHC in its ruling haddirected the federal government to go ahead with the construction of the dam in accordancewith the decisions of the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The decision has sparked a debate,pitting supporters and opponents of the dam project against each other.Dawn – December 01, 2012

Estranged “N” lawmaker joins PPPFormer central general secretary of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz women wing ShaziaAurangzeb joined Pakistan People’s Party. She was accompanied by some PML-N women wingleaders, including Maryam Gandapur, Safia Israr, Salma Jahangir and others. Ms Shazia, amember of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, said that she had already resigned from PML-N andjoined the PPP in consultation with her supporters and relatives. Her husband Mr Aurangzebwas also present on the occasion and joined the party.Dawn – December 01, 2012

PPP No More In Position to Amend ConstitutionThe continuing resignations from parliament by dual-nationality holders have left the PPP andits treasury partners unable to amend the Constitution. It is hardly possible for the governmentto get two-thirds majority from the National Assembly on dual-nationality related amendmentspending before the Senate, the Parliamentary Affairs Division officials told. According to thelatest figures, the PPP, along with its all sitting allies, can at the most manage between 210 and220 votes against 228 in the 342-member NA required for amending the Constitution. The ChiefElection Commissioner, Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim, made it clear that fresh by-elections would notbe organized on the seats being vacated by the sitting MNAs or MPAs due to a constitutional barwhich prohibits by-polls with 120 days or less remaining in the life of the current assemblies.The PPP has the strength of 123 MNAs at present, its ally MQM has 20 seats (four were vacatedby dual national members), ANP’s strength is 12 MNAs, PML-Q has 40 members (its 10 MNAsare part of the Like-Minded group), Fata MNAs 10 (two groups), and BNP and NPP have one seateach in the NA. This makes a total of 207 if all 40 PML-Q members support the treasury alliance.Besides, there are six or seven independent MNAs other than Fata who are also part of thetreasury thus taking the grand total of the ruling alliance to 214 at the maximum, with chancesof several PML-Q members slipping away. The treasury partners, they said, are hardly in aposition to reach the figure of 220 votes as 11 seats — nine because of dual nationality law andtwo Fata seats due to bad law and order situation — are to remain vacant till the fresh generalelections.The News – December 03, 2012

Nobody Can Manipulate General Election: Prime MinsterPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said with the elimination of a large number of bogus votes,the hopes of those desiring to manipulate the results in the forthcoming general election hadbeen quashed. Prime Minister Raja said, "We have entered the election phase and every step



had been taken to ensure free and fair election in the country." He said the democraticgovernment for the very first time in the country's history was nearing completion of its five-year tenure, which is unbelievable for some. They are perplexed how this has been madepossible.Daily Times – December 12, 2012

PPP to Make Administrative, Political Changes in PunjabIn view of the recent by-elections result as well as other major political developments, thePakistan People’s Party has decided to bring political and administrative changes in Punjab. ThePPP leadership has decided to bring both political as well as administrative changes before thestart of general elections campaign in Punjab because the recent clean sweep by the oppositionPakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in by-elections on two National Assembly and six provincialassembly seats in the province raised questions over PPP’s political position in the province.Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani would be head of all the election campaigns in thebiggest province of the country. He will reside in Lahore and both the south and central Punjabpresidents would report to him regarding the party’s election campaign. On the other hand, thePPP leaders had expressed dissatisfaction over the ineffectiveness of the incumbent Punjabgovernor, Sardar Latif Khosa, therefore, they had demanded from their party leadership toimmediately appoint a new governor who is helpful in making the PPP effective in Punjabbefore the general elections. They also said that in view of several party leaders’ concern, a newPPP governor from south Punjab might be appointed very soon in the province. “Now it hasbeen decided that the PPP will pay attention towards constituency-wise politics, and former PMGilani will supervise all the election matters in the province and both the presidents will reportto him in this regard. The PPP leadership is also considering structural changes within the partybefore the elections. President Zardari has already decided to visit Lahore regularly, and a 200-kanal house is being constructed for him in Bahria Town. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardariwill also start active politics with his. On the other hand, one section of PPP believes thatstrengthening of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Punjab will be helpful for the party; thereforeparty should work in this regard indirectly.Daily Times – December 17, 2012

Former Minister of State Quits PPPA senior member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and former state minister for law AfzalSindhu resigned his National Assembly seat from Bahawalnagar. Mr Sindhu, who had alreadyjoined Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI), told that he had quit the PPP because the party haddeviated from its ideology and had failed to deliver to the masses despite remaining in powerfor almost five years. Mr Sindhu, who was also a member of the PPP’s Central ExecutiveCommittee (CEC), said he had decided to join the PTI since the two main parties — the PPP andthe PML-N - had already disappointed the masses through their performance. The partyleadership suspended his membership of the CEC when during a by-election to a provincialassembly constituency in his area; he allegedly ran the campaign against the party’s nominatedcandidate. Mr Sindhu said he was made a member of the party’s CEC none other than by lateZulfikar Ali Bhutto himself.Dawn – December 19, 2012



Days of Bogus Votes Are Gone, Says Prime MinisterPrime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that the era for bogus votes was over for Pakistan.Without pointing fingers at a particular party the premier said that a democratic governmentwas unacceptable for a few people who were constantly conspiring against the PakistanPeople’s Party (PPP), adding that only the party which had managed to deliver all theirpromises had the right to form the next government. “Both PPP and its allies have successfullyfulfilled their promises of serving the people,” he said.The Express Tribune – December 20, 2012

Another PML-N MPA Set to Join PPPPakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s Member Provincial Assembly Mehar Sultana wouldjoin the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Mehar Sultana, who was elected as MPA on reservedseats for women, said she and her brother Jehanzeb Khattak would formally announce to jointhe PPP at a public meeting in the presence of party’s provincial chief Anwar Saifullah Khan inTakht-i-Nusrati in Karak district. Mehar Sultana recalled that they had rendered a lot ofsacrifices for the cause of the party when its leadership was abroad. She regretted that she hadconveyed her grievances to the party chief Nawaz Sharif against Rehmat Salam Khattak,provincial general secretary of the party, but to no avail. “Though Nawaz Sharif had assured toresolve the issue and a committee was also formed for the purpose but the issue was not takenseriously,” she maintained. She alleged that the PML-N provincial general secretary created alot of hardships for her. “I was not even invited to the party’s public meeting at Takht-e-Nusratiwhich was addressed by the central leadership of the party,” she recalled. Her brother JehanzebKhattak also criticized the party leadership for not addressing the genuine problems of theworkers. He claimed the former provincial president of youth wing of the party, ShamsurRehman Khattak, had also quit the party due to differences with Rehmat Salam Khattak. Heclaimed that he would contest the provincial assembly election in the upcoming general electionin Karak as a candidate of the PPP.Daily Times – December 21, 2012

PPP, PML-N in Covert Talks over Caretaker Prime MinisterThe Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have onceagain opened backchannel discussions on a proposal raised by the PPP to give a lead role topoliticians instead of technocrats in the caretaker setup and the initial contacts have suggestedthat both parties would agree to appoint a politician as caretaker prime minister rather than aretired judge, Pakistan Today has learnt reliably. In case both parties fail to evolve consensusover the caretaker PM and his team by March, the matter would automatically be referred to thechief election commissioner (CEC) who will appoint the new caretakers at will underconstitutional provisions. If both parties agree on a politician to head the caretaker setup, thePML-N would withdraw its previous demand to name either Justice (Retd.) Nasir Aslam Zahid orJustice (r) Shakirullah Jan as caretaker prime minister. Resultantly, the chances of Mian RazaRabbani’s appointment as caretaker.Pakistan Today – December 24, 2012



Caretaker Setup to Be Formed By March 16: Information Minister KairaInformation Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said that there are no obstacles in the way of theholding of general elections on time. The caretaker set-up will be put in place by March 16 afterthe dissolution of the assemblies. He said the criteria for the caretaker set-up has been laiddown in the Constitution, according to which the leader of the House and leader of theopposition will decide who will head the caretaker government. “If both fail to evolve aconsensus, a committee will finalize the names. In case of the committee’s failure, the ElectionCommission has the right to take a decision”.The News – December 26, 2012

ANP Activists Join PPP in MardanSeveral activists of the Awami National Party (ANP) quit the party and announced joining thePakistan People’s Party (PPP). MPA Abdul Akbar Khan said that the PPP will sweep the nextgeneral election on the basis of its performance. He said the PPP was the party of the poorworkers and always gave them respect. He added that activists were the asset of party and theleadership will never ignore them.The News – December 26, 2012

Bilawal Anointed Torch-Bearer on BB AnniversaryYoung Bilawal marked his entry into active politics with a fiery speech at a large rally held hereto pay homage to his mother, Benazir Bhutto, on the fifth anniversary of her assassination, whilehis father, President Asif Ali Zardari, reiterated his commitment to parliamentary democracyand opposition to efforts to derail it. Bilawal’s maiden speech in Urdu appeared to have beenimmaculately rehearsed. He punctuated it with party slogans and recited Urdu verses withaplomb. He lashed out at forces which he said had always targeted Pakistan People’s Party andits leaders. He said: “We will not allow Egyptian model in the country. They should come andcontest elections first.” Despite all odds, he said, the party’s stand was unshaken.Dawn – December 28, 2012

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N)

Opposition Leader says it’s Time to Risk Country of PPP GovernmentOpposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said that time hadcome to get rid of the PPP government instead of talking about forming alliances with it. He saidthe PML-N could never think of alliance with the PPP in the coming elections, as its governmenthad taken all important institutions to the brink of disaster in the last five years. By setting newrecords of corruption and bad governance, the government has made Pakistan the seventh mostcorrupt country in the world. He pointed out that people had been pushed to the wall by the PPPgovernment and they were praying to God to rid them of the present rulers.Pakistan Today – December 01, 2012



PML-N to Form New Administrative Provinces If Elected: NawazPakistan Muslim League-Nawaz will create new provinces on administrative grounds if it comesinto power in the upcoming general elections. Nawaz said that PML-N had ended the 60-year-old system of extortion in the name of revenue collection in its previous tenure in government.Moreover, he said that the resources to provide education and health to citizens could only beobtained after the economy is put on a fast track to success. The PML-N chief said that allpossible avenues of energy generation would be used fully and that it was imperative to providea safe environment for investment. He added that the new PML-N manifesto would not be basedon slogans but on practical realities.Pakistan Today – December 02, 2012

PML-N Comes Up With RetortIrked by the recent media campaign of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, the PML-N Punjabgovernment held a press conference to counter the ‘propaganda’ of development projects of theprevious regime. PML-N spokesman Senator Pervaiz Rashid, while criticizing former chiefminister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, said the previous government deserved medal for ‘corruption’and ‘incomplete’ projects. He said like other projects, Pervaiz Elahi also left Quran Academyincomplete and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was getting it completed speedily. The spokesmansaid the ‘lie’ of the deputy prime minister had reached even Egypt which he had mentioned inhis advertisement. He said Pervaiz Elahi had been raising slogan of electing Musharraf 10 timesin uniform and now he was publishing false advertisements in newspapers for electing Zardari.He said the former CM fixed plaques of his name on various projects but left them incompleteand for a number of such projects, payments were made to the contractors who fled abroad. Hesaid the present government completed within shortest period projects like Lahore-Kasur Road,Lahore Ring Road and Thokhar Niaz Beg overhead bridge which were left incomplete by PervaizElahi.Dawn – December 03, 2012

PML-N Sweeps Punjab By-PollsThe Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz dominated the by-polls by claiming both NationalAssembly seats, besides winning four out of six Punjab Assembly seats whereas the PPP got aconsolatory victory in Nowshero Feroz. One seat of the Punjab Assembly went to independentcandidate and one to the PML-Q. The PPP could not manage to score a win on any seat of theNational or Punjab Assembly. The overall turn out of the voters remained between 35 to 40percent in both constituencies. PML-N showed outstanding performance by defeating both PPPand PML-Q. PML-N candidate Zahid Iqbal won the National Assembly seat NA-162 Chichawatni bysecuring 75,966 votes NA-107 Gujarat seat also went to the PMNL-N as its candidate Malik Hanif got 106,658votes and PML-Q candidate Rehman Nasir trailed behind with 76,041 votes PML-N candidate Hanif Jut from PP-226 Kassoval got 42,294 votes, beating PML-Qcandidate Mrs Iqbal with a margin of some 7,000 votes In PP-122 Sialkot-II, PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Ikram knocked out RajaAamir Khan a joint candidate of PPP and PML-Q



In PP-129 Sialkot-IX, PML-N’s Chaudhry Mohsin Ashraf Baryar defeated Chaudhry AnsarIqbal Baryar, A joint candidate of the PPP the PML-Q. The PPP and PML-Q had fieldedjoint candidates in these constituencies against the PML-N The contest at PP-92 Gujranwala resulted in favour of PML-N candidate Nawaz Chohanwho won, according to unofficial results, by getting 36,547 votes while PPP candidateLala Asadullah’s ballot count ended at 16,492 PML-Q candidate Umar Sharif from PP-133 Narowal emerged victorious with 29,308votes, defeating independent candidate Ghiasuddin who got 23,044 votes From Jhelum, independent candidate Khadim Hussain won the seat from PP-26 bygetting 39,154 votes while his closest rival was also an independent candidate, RajaMuhammad Afzal Khan, who got 19,044 votes. MPA-elect Khadim Hussain announced tojoin the PML-N after winning registering the victory

The Nation – December 05, 2012

PPP Accuses PML-N of Stealing By ElectionsThe Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has come up with fresh allegations of ‘poll rigging’ against itsarchrival Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) as PPP provincial and city chiefs have allegedthat the Punjab government rigged the recent by-elections and they have evidence in thisregard. Punjab PPP President Manzoor Wattoo told reporters that the by-election results werebogus and announced that they would not accept these “engineered results”. He said by winningby-elections, the PML-N had not covered a milestone. This was a result of employees of Punjabgovernment partial play in the course of balloting. Wattoo said that the Punjab government didcreate an ominous atmosphere in the constituencies by using police power and kept candidatesand voters scary state. He said further ballot boxes were stolen and “divine forces” cast votesinstead of genuine voters. Expecting a notice from the judiciary, he said that approval of Rangersdeployment at the polling stations was not given. He also asked the Election Commission ofPakistan (ECP) to investigate the matter.Daily Times – December 07, 2012

PML-N Finalizes ManifestoIn a meeting of the Muslim League (N) manifesto committee, final shape was given to the partymanifesto before the next general elections. Nawaz Sharif believes that his manifesto is a roadmap for the sovereignty and self reliance of the country and the prosperity of the nation. NawazSharif said that his manifesto is not to lead some down the garden path but to bring practicalchanges in the lives of people. President PML (N) also said that during his 2 incomplete tenureshe fulfilled most of the promises made in his manifesto infact he also reached some historicalmilestones not even promised in the manifesto. Emphasis has been laid on energy, loadshedding and education in PML (N)’s manifesto.Daily Times – December 11, 2012

PML-N Inches Closer To Pre-Poll Deal with BNPThe Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided to export its Sindh strategy for theupcoming polls – of forming alliances to bolster its vote bank – to Balochistan, discussing



preliminary steps for an expected seat adjustment with the Balochistan National Party (BNP).PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and BNP Acting President Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini, along with othersenior BNP leaders met, where the two sides discussed the current political situation inBalochistan and possible solutions to the crisis in the province, according to PML-N’s mediawing. Jamaldini said the two sides touched on three key topics which included how to ensurefree and fair elections in the province, to provide Baloch parties a free environment to campaignfor their parties and finally a PML-N-BNP political alliance in the province. He added thatNawaz, through his political stature, would also ensure that Baloch political parties are allowedto carry out an independent election campaign in the province. He said both sides had agreed tocontinue talks on a coalition in Balochistan, adding that Mengal would hold final talks withNawaz in the coming months as he was expected to return to Pakistan at the end of January.Jamaldini said the two parties could bag around eight seats out of a total of 14 NationalAssembly seats in Balochistan, adding that BNP could win 40% of the seats in the BalochistanAssembly.The Express Tribune – December 12, 2012

MNA Saima Akhtar Joins PML-NIndependent Member National Assembly (MNA) from Jhang Saima Akhtar Bharwana called onPunjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and announced to join Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz(PML-N). Saima said that the country was on the road to progress during the era of NawazSharif and the PML-N would win with a thumping majority in the next general elections andsteer the country out of crisis. She said that the people shown full confidence in the policies ofmerit, good governance and transparency of the chief minister in the bye-elections.Daily Times – December 12, 2012

Nawaz Asks Party Members to File ReturnsPakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has directed allparty members to ensure that their tax returns are up-to-date. If any party member has not yetfiled the tax return, he/she should do it forthwith failing which the party shall take strongdisciplinary action immediately, PML-N chief said. Nawaz reiterated that no one is above the lawand that filing of tax returns by all taxpayers is mandatory.Daily Times – December 14, 2012

3 Khanewal MPAs Quit PPP, Join PML-NThree MPAs of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), from Khanewal, have resigned from the party andjoined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). All three quitting PPP MPAs, Rana Babar, JamilShah and Nishat Ahmad Daha, belong to Khanewal and they have resigned from the party overdifference of opinion with party leadership. These three PPP leaders will get the PML-N ticketsfor next general polls.Daily Times – December 14, 2012



PML-N Set To Become an Ex-Mush-Aide FestWith around a dozen former and incumbent members of parliament waiting in their wings tojoin the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) upon acceptance of their “demands”, severalof the party’s old guards, including sitting parliamentarians, are perturbed and mulling partingways with the party to protest the development. Well-placed sources in the PML-N divulged toPakistan Today that prominent among those who were set to join the PML-N were former closefriends and comrades of General (r) Pervez Musharraf.However, their joining the PML-N may bode bad news for the party, as many of its seniorleaders could opt to resign in protest. The PML-N said party President Nawaz Sharif believedthat roping in so-called “electable” and winning horses was necessary for politics. “Nawaz wantsto have a majority in the next National Assembly, which is why he has opened the doors of theparty for the every time-server and opportunist who has lost his old political bearings and iseager to make a new beginning. The list of opportunists ready to join the PML-N, albeitconditionally, is long. Those politicians who are in contact with the PML-N leadership and mayjoin the party anytime before the general election include: Former chairman of National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) Daniyal Aziz Former National Assembly speaker Chaudhry Amir PPP Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan Former Chakwal district nazim Sardar Ghulam Abbas and many othersThey said after the defeat of its nominee from Narowal in the by-polls, the PML-N leadershiphad contacted Daniyal Aziz.


Former Chief Minister Sindh Arbab Says No To PML-N Poll TicketPML-N chief Nawaz Sharif’s plans for a grand anti-PPP alliance in Sindh suffered a setback whenself-exiled former Sindh chief minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, who is the president of PML-Likeminded, refused to contest the upcoming polls on a N-League ticket. The PML-N had longbeen making a demand that the PML-likeminded contest the next general election on its electionsymbol i.e. lion. The refusal by the former CM would certainly affect the N-League standing inSindh in many ways and reduced the electoral alliance between the two parties to a seatadjustment formula. Dr Rahim went abroad soon after being hurled a shoe by a PPP activist inthe Sindh Assembly.Dawn – December 19, 2012

PTI Co-ordinator Rabia Zia Announced to Join PML-NFormer PTI coordinator from UK chapter Rabia Zia she has announced to join PML-N. Rabia Zia,the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf coordinator from UK chapter has resigned from PTI. Shestarted her political career with PTI and transformed the UK chapter by bringing inprofessionalism, setting up the infrastructure, making paid members which enabled funding forthe party in Pakistan.The Express Tribune – December 21, 2012



New Governor Appointment in Punjab Pre-Poll Rigging: National Assembly OppositionLeaderLeader of the opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan termed theappointment of new governor in Punjab as pre-poll rigging which he said also reflectedfrustration of the president following defeat in by-elections. “To appoint a new governor inPunjab just two and half months prior to general elections is pre-poll rigging which also reflectsPresident Zardari’s frustration,” Chaudhry Nisar said. He said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after consulting other opposition parties would demand change of all governorsin provinces as all of them belong to political parties which are in the government. He recalledthat according to the 18th amendment, no person whose relatives would be contesting nextpolls could remain in the government.


Delay in General Election, Intelligence Report Irks PML-NAdding to the worries of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, police intelligence has reportedthat the general election due early next year will not be held on time and that the delay mayspan months or years and not weeks. The report was presented to Nawaz Sharif by ChiefMinister Shahbaz Sharif. The report has been prepared by the Special Branch of the Punjabpolice.Dawn – December 22, 2012

We Will Not Stand For Elections Being Postponed: NawazPakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif said that his party would notallow postponement of the general elections. He said that he played his role to improve thesystem by tolerating these five years. “Pakistan has an independent Election Commission forthe first time. All parties have expressed their confidence in the commission,” he said. He urgedPresident Asif Ali Zardari to play his constitutional role, warning that if the president did not doso, he would make himself controversial. “My nomination papers were rejected due to the NRO.However, we still won in Punjab. People want elections to bring change to the status quo,” hesaid. He further said that the dissolution of his two governments had put the country throughsevere economic crisis, adding that if he had been allowed to complete his terms, the Pakistanwould have become an “Asian Tiger”. Moreover, he said that after coming to power after thenext general elections, PML-N would construct a motorway from Khyber to Karachi to linkPakistan with mineral-rich Central Asia. He further claimed that his government would run abullet train from Peshawar to Karachi to put the country on path of progress and prosperity.The PML-N leader alleged that the present government had failed to resolve the people’sproblems due to bad policies and self-serving interests. Furthermore, Nawaz said that thecountry was passing through a critical juncture.Pakistan Today – December 23, 2012



PML-N Plans To Lead Grand AllianceThe Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is making plans to join hands with other parties withupcoming general elections approaching. The PML-N is contacting various parties not only toenter the echelons of power, but also to put a check on its archrival the Pakistan People’s Party.PML-N President Nawaz Sharif is trying to make room for his party in the Sindhi politics, whichhas always been a stronghold of the PPP. Recently, the successful power show by PakistanMuslim League-Functional leader Pir Pagara has forced Nawaz Sharif to contact him forestablishing a strong alliance for the upcoming general polls. The alliance would not onlyprovide the PML-N a chance to knock at the doors of the PPP stronghold, but also bar the PPPfrom securing seats from Sindh in both provincial and federal constituencies. Despite the recentappointment of Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mahmood as the Punjab governor by the PPP-ledfederal government, PML-N sources confirmed that things have been settled between the PML-Fand PML-N, adding that in the last week of December Pir Pagara would visit Lahore and wouldformally announce the alliance.In Balochistan, the contacts between the PML-N and Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) haveentered a final stage and mostly things have been settled down. It is likely that the two partieswill emerge as allies to contest the upcoming general polls at provincial a level. The AwamiNational Party, an old ally of the PPP, would form a coalition with the Pakhtunkhwa Milli AwamiParty (PkMAP) and no PPP-ANP cooperation is expected for the general elections. The PML-N isalso in contact with the Baloch nationalist leadership. However, no productive outcome hasbeen spotted so far. In Punjab, the PML-N has decided to make seat adjustments in sixconstituencies with the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat – formerly known as Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan.On the other hand, the PML-Q (likeminded) is also girding up its loins to contest the upcomingpolls while standing alongside the PML-N. Dr Tahirul Qadri’s return has also ringed alarm bellsfor Nawaz Sharif as Qadri either supports Imran Khan or the PPP. Dr Qadri has a considerablevote bank across the country, especially in Lahore. The Jamaat-e-Islami is facing oppositionfrom inside over issue of developing an alliance with the PML-N. However, a majority of partyworkers are pressing the top leadership to join hands with the PML-N in Punjab and KP. ThePML-N has also contacted the Muttahida Deeni Mahaz (MDM), led by Samiul Haq, to counterFazlur Rehman-led Mutahidda Majlis-e-Amal in KP.Pakistan Today – December 24, 2012

Qadri Brought Back To Block Nawaz Sharif: Zafar Ul HaqPML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq said Minhajul Quran chief Tahirul Qadri was repatriated toblock the way of Nawaz Sharif. The opponents, he said, are trying to raise a wall in the way ofSharif in the form of Qadri but people would demolish such hurdles soon. He questioned howQadri was able to produce the resources and finances that helped him in gathering such a bigvolume of people in staging a mega rally. “Even governments are unable to facilitate such bigrallies in the present age,” Haq added. Simultaneously attacking Minhajul Quran and PakistanTehreek-e- Insaf chiefs, Haq was of the view that both, Qadri and Imran, had earlier supported areferendum that was organized by a military dictator (Pervez Musharraf). Haq maintained whenImran Khan failed, another puppet in shape of Tahirul Qadri was being introduced againstSharif.Pakistan Today – December 26, 2012



PML-N Rules Out Alliance with ANPPML-N central leader and former federal minister Khawaja Mohammad Khan Hoti has ruled outpossibility of an electoral alliance with the ANP, saying he will not take part in the generalelections if such an alliance came into existence. Mr Khwaja Hoti said the party provincialleadership had decided not to make any electoral alliance with the ruling ANP while such anarrangement with opposition parties was under consideration. He asked the federalgovernment to immediately announce the date and schedule for the general elections to removeconfusion among masses.Dawn – December 26, 2012

PML-N to Demand Removal of All Governors before Elections: Opposition Leader NationalAssemblyThe Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will demand removal of all governors, includingnewly appointed Punjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmad Mehmood, before the next generalelections, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said. “How is itpossible for these political governors to remain in their offices when the present governmentwould be dissolved constitutionally before the elections,” Nisar said and added that his party“has no confusion at all about appointment of new Punjab governor”. Nisar termed theappointment of new governor a “deal to influence the upcoming general elections by extendingsupport to the sinking ship of the PPP”. The opposition leader said that “deal-making andbargaining politics of President Asif Ali Zardari is about to reach its end and spokesmen for thePPP have nothing except hurling baseless allegations against political rivals”.


PML-N League Calls for Immediate PollsThe opposition PML-N has alleged that conspiracies are being hatched to postpone generalelections and called for immediate announcement of date for the polls. PML-N DeputySecretary-General Ahsan Iqbal praised the chief election commissioner’s statement thatelections would be held on time and in a free, fair and transparent manner. But he expressedconcern that some forces baffled by his party’s success in recent by-elections were conspiring toget the polls postponed. He said the masses were ready to bring about a change through theballot and would not allow anyone to rig the elections. Pakistan’s future, he said, was linkedwith the continuation of democratic process.Dawn – December 29, 2012

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

PTI Appoints Media in ChargePakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan appointed Rizwan Chaudhry as deputy in chargeMedia Cell, Central Secretariat Islamabad, on Friday. Mr Khan said any sincere worker of PTIwho works hard is duly rewarded. Rizwan Chaudhry joined politics as an activist of PTI back in



2006. Previously he worked as information secretary Islamabad, web coordinator, in chargemembership campaign, and central media coordinator.Dawn – December 01, 2012

PTI Election Campaign to Kick Off On Dec 10Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) will start its multi-phased mass campaign for the generalelections from the 10th of this month. Chairman Imran Khan is to visit rural areas to meetworkers and voters. The first phase of which will end on December 20, will kick off from southPunjab, said Information Secretary Shafqat Mehmood. Khan, along with Vice Chairmann ShahMehmood Quershi, President Javed Hashmi and Jahangir Tareen, will visit Lodhran on Dec 10.The next day, the leaders will visit Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Multan districts and meet partyworkers, Mehmood said. From South Punjab, the leaders will go to Islamabad for an “importantmeeting” in which the party’s strategy for the elections will be discussed. On December 15, theparty leadership will visit Gujranwala and Lahore. Khan will then go to Sindh on December 20,where he plans on addressing a public gathering at Sukkur.The News – December 09, 2012

PTI Workers See Manipulation in Intra-Party PollsThe workers of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf have expressed concern over two days extension in thelast date for submission of nomination papers for intra-party elections and mistakes in theelectoral lists and asked the party chairman, Imran Khan, to take immediate notice of the issues.“The last date for submission of nomination papers for election in Peshawar valley has beenrevised for third time from Dec 8 to Dec 10, which would enable the candidates to forgealliances and find ways for manipulation,” said a senior PTI worker, also contesting electionscheduled for Dec 26 and 27. The activists also said that they had sent complaints aboutmistakes in electoral lists, but no action was forthcoming and urged the party chief to intervene.“We have registered 50,000 people in membership campaign in Town-I, but only 16,000 hasbeen registered by the election commission. Names of senior party members have been omitteddeliberately,” a PTI worker from Mardan. They said that persons from one area had beenregistered in other area, which caused confusion and doubts over the polls. Before correction ofvoter lists the election is meaningless, they said and claimed that 90 per cent of the lists wereincorrect. They feared that the newcomers might be hatching a conspiracy to highjack the partyin Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Dawn – December 10, 2012

Imran Gives Proofs of Pre-Poll Rigging To Chief Election CommissionPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan shared the ‘evidence of pre-pollingrigging’ by PPP and PML-N as they used the state resources to win loyalties of the politicalleaders. Imran said that he handed over proof of PPP and PML-N’s pre-poll rigging. Imranalleged that excessive money was being spent by the PPP and the PML-N on winning loyalties ofthe politicians and activists, adding that the two parties had kicked off developmental projectsas elections were drawing near.The News – December 14, 2012



Nawaz Keeps More Security than Queen of England: ImranPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said the security given to PakistanMuslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif was many times more than the securityapparatus protecting the queen of England, Elizabeth II. Khan said 1,260 security officials weredeployed to secure the Sharifs family, whereas the PTI leadership did not even have basicsecurity.Pakistan Today – December 16, 2012

PTI to Turn Pakistan into Welfare State: ImranPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said that the PTI was going to turn thecountry into a new and thriving welfare state which would hold the corrupt accountable and inthis new Pakistan there would be no place for people like Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari. ImranKhan asked the government employees to refrain from taking part in political activities andremain impartial and refuse to follow unlawful orders of the rulers who were following anagenda of vengeance against the PTI leadership and its workers. “The government employeesshould follow the Supreme Court orders as the apex court has ordered to reject the illegalorders of the government,” he added. Imran Khan said that the PML-N and PPP shared the sameagenda and interests and thus were jointly active against the PTI’s pro-people drive. PTIchairman urged the workers to get ready for the upcoming election because the system wouldbe changed soon. “In India, farmers are contributing in the progress of the country but in ourcountry the rulers are adding to the miseries of the farmers. Nawaz Sharif ruled Punjab for 25years but he did not contribute nothing for the public except corruption, insecurity and law andorder situation,” he maintained.Daily Times – December 18, 2012

Women MPs Slam Imran for Opposing QuotaWomen parliamentarians from both sides of the aisle criticized Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaafchairman Imran Khan over his remarks against reserved seats for women and challenged him tocompare his educational credentials with theirs. PML-N MNA Anusha Rehman questionedwhether Imran or his party had rendered any sacrifice for democracy or brought any legislationto parliament. Lauding the role of female MPs, including NA Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza, NafisaShah, Farzana Raja and Shahnaz Wazirali, she challenged Imran Khan to compare hiseducational credentials even with hers. She said a man having no representation in parliamenthad no right to comment against women MPs who had reached parliament constitutionally andafter having been nominated by their parties. She also sought support of male colleagues andthe law minister over “a breach of our privilege”. Ms Shahnaz Wazirali said that in the past too,some people had been raising voice against the reserved seats for women, observing that ImranKhan seemed to be ignorant of the Constitution as well as social justice. She asked Imran Khanto explain his conception of democracy, recalling that he had boycotted the 2008 generalelection.She said the PTI chief wanted to drag 50 per cent population of the country intoobscurity. Reserved seats were protected in the Constitution in line with the practice the worldover, Shahnaz Wazirali added. “Such comments against women’s quota are highly prejudiced,biased, discriminatory and alarming.” Jamila Gilani of ANP said Imran’s statement wastantamount to ignoring half of the country’s population and showing his non-political approach.



Kashmala Tariq said women were struggling to get their seats increased from 17 per cent to 30per cent. Mr Khan’s comments proved that he did not encourage the class he claimed torepresent. He should have urged political parties to bear those women’s election expenditurewho wanted to contest for general seats, Kashmala Tariq said.Dawn – December 18, 2012

PTI Boasts New Strategies for Election CampaignsIntroducing a new era of campaigning, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will be using a newform of marketing technique for the upcoming general elections — documentaries, short filmsand visual design. The party is currently producing documentaries and short films on varioustopics, including social injustice, party evolution, performance of rival political parties, andvoter education (how to use their right to vote). Imran Khan’s party will screen thesedocumentaries during their political gatherings before the elections as part of its campaign.Some of these documentaries are being shot in a farmhouse in the suburbs of Lahore under thesupervision of key party members, a stalwart of the party, requesting anonymity, revealed.Volunteers are also working on this social project which would be a unique and new initiative inPakistani politics and elections campaigning.The Express Tribune – December 21, 2012

PTI Tsunami Will Wipe out Corruption from Country, Says ImranPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said his party’s tsunami will wipe out crimeand corruption from the country. Khan said corruption was rampant in the country. PPP andPML-N, he said, had transferred huge amounts of money abroad. Khan said if he came to power,development funds would be delivered to representatives at the grass root level instead ofMNAs. He said Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari were “US agents”. The PTI, he said, would build upa new Pakistan after escaping from the clutches of Unites States (US). The PTI chief said hisparty would end the politics of ‘thana katchehri’ after coming into power. While lashing out onpolitical personalities, Khan said the days of President Zardari, Nawaz and Maulana FazlurRehman were numbered and even if PML and PPP got united, his tsunami would overthrowthem. He said the ISI had promoted Nawaz Sharif in the past with heavy economic aid which hadbeen exposed in the court. He said if he had an opportunity to come to power, his governmentwould collect taxes from all and sundry without any discrimination. Imran urged thegovernment to come out of the so called war on terror, repeating his long standing demand.Pakistan Today – December 27, 2012

Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q)

Salman Mohal’s nephew joins “Q”Punjab Assembly’s former deputy speaker Mian Manzoor Mohal’s nephew Mian Salman Mohalcalled on Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz and announced joining PML-Q. He wasaccompanied by former Bahawalpur District Nazim Tariq Bashir Cheema, former MPA SyedIrfan Gardezi and Chairman of Punjab Flour Mills Association Ch Abdul Jabbar. Mr Elahi alsoawarded Salman Mohal PML-Q ticket from PP-280, Bahawalnagar.Dawn – November 01, 2012



Hazara Destined To Be a Province: Deputy Prime Minister Pervaiz ElahiDeputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi promised to declare Hazara division a provinceif the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) won the forthcoming general elections. He saidthe people of Hazara division supported Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its chiefNawaz Sharif in the past, but he didn’t respect the Hazarawals. “Nawaz Sharif signed the 18thAmendment providing legal cover to renaming the erstwhile North West Frontier Province(NWFP). This move was aimed at removing the hurdle in the way to become the prime ministerfor the third time,” he claimed.The News – December 03, 2012

PML – Q Urges Chief Election Commission to Take Action against By – Poll RiggingThe Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leaders have asked Chief Election CommissionerFakharuddin G Ebrahim to take notice of rigging openly committed during the by-election;otherwise the political parties would not trust the slogan of holding fair and transparentelections. The PML-Q candidate in the bye-election from NA-107 Gujrat, Rehman Naseer, allegedthat the Punjab government had proved wrong all the claims of holding of transparent electionsby the Election Commission of Pakistan. He claimed, adding that on the orders of the PunjabChief Secretary, only 129 Rangers were deployed on 281 polling stations. He said that the PML-Q pinpointed 100 polling stations where recounting of votes cast would expose the rigging bythe PML-N.Daily Times – December 08, 2012

PML-Q bringing scattered votes together in SindhThough the PML-Q does not have a visible political voice in Sindh, it has initiated a well-plannedcampaign from Hyderabad to bring together scattered supporters living in different districts ofthe province. PML-Q leader Sindh Minister for Relief Haleem Adil Shaikh is mobilizing the partysupporters by organizing workers’ conventions in different districts, which he claims to havegot a positive response. Shaikh said that after seeing the response simultaneously by the peopleof Sindh in Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Sanghar and Umerkot, we are planning to hold a hugegathering in Dadu and Larkana cities, in which central leaders Chaudhry Shujat Hussain,Mushahid Hussain Sayed, former chief minister Balochistan Jam Yousif and others willparticipate.The News – December 13, 2012

PML-Q to Issue Fact Sheet Soon On Punjab GovernmentThe Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) will soon issue a fact sheet on the poorperformance of the PML-N government in Punjab. The Punjab Assembly Opposition Chamber,PML-Q’s parliamentary leader Chaudhry Zaheeruddin said that real performance of the Punjabgovernment, which spent Rs 3,000 billion in five years, would be exposed through a fact sheet,which was in the final stage of completion. Flanked by MPAs Muhammad Abbas, Ch AbdullahYousaf and Mehr Qamar Hayat Kathia, he said that the provincial government always tried to



hide its failures under pretext of load shedding, but the PML-Q would not allow the rulers to doso. The chief minister, during the last days of his tenure, is taking more interest in initiating newprojects instead of completing the ongoing projects, which is tantamount to pre-poll rigging,said the PML-Q leader. He claimed that police encounters in the province had increased by 88percent this year and the crime rate had also increased with the same ratio. “The governmenthas put the province under the burden of a heavy debt of Rs 500 billion,” he said. He asked therulers to tell why the people of the province were deprived of the benefits of Rs 3,000 billionthat had been spent. Ch Zaheeruddin said that the rulers were answerable to themisappropriation of funds in the Food Support Programme and Sasti Roti Scheme. “Projects likeMetro Bus Service, Ashiana Housing Scheme, Yellow Cab Scheme and Danish Schools will costthe Punjab rulers dearly,” he said.Daily Times – December 15, 2012

PPP-PML-Q Coalition Set To Die Natural Demise before PollsThe “unnatural alliance” between the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and PakistanPeople’s Party (PPP) is set to meet its natural demise well ahead of the general elections and anannouncement in this regard may be made in the next few months as the leadership of bothparties have understood that they can’t carry each others’ “heavy baggage”. After real estatetycoon Malik Riaz’s failure to bridge the gulf between both coalition partners, PML-Q PresidentChaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayyed have been involvedin hectic consultations to explore possibilities of formation of new alliances with the PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Fazlur Rehman-led Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC)and other right-wing political outfits for upcoming polls, it has been reliably learnt. Well-placedsources in the PPP and PML-Q have confided in Pakistan Today that President Asif Zardari was“unhappy” with Shujaat and Mushahid’s recent visit to Dadu and Larkana. A source in the PPPsaid the president was annoyed over the fact that not only did Shujaat visit the cities which werePPP strongholds, but he was furious over remarks by Shujaat in Larkana that Larkana was“home of the PML-Q”. “Everybody knows that the president hates Altaf Unnar. The recent publicgatherings were largely attended and arranged by Unnars for PML-Q, ringing alarm bells in thePPP.The ruling party is already facing a tough time due to an unannounced alliance betweennationalist Sindhis, Pir Pagara and Nawaz Sharif,” the PPP leader said. “Finally, President Asif AliZardari gave a green signal to the party’s provincial presidents Mian Manzoor Wattoo andAnwar Saifullah Khan to win loyalties of all those PML-Q members of parliament or thoseheavyweights who could win polls. Moreover, development funds of Rs 20 million are beingdoled out to each MPA joining the PPP. The recent joining of PPP by PML-Q KP MPA NighatAurakzai is a prime example,” a source in the PPP said. A source in the PML-Q said PrimeMinister Raja Pervez Ashraf had also stopped the release of development funds for the PML-QMPs and even he was not willing to meet the Chaudhrys despite repeated requests. The sourceadded that the cold-war had reached its peak between the leadership of both coalition partnersas the prime minister even ignored a request by Shujaat, who had asked the PM to take alonghim the PML-Q secretary-finance and special assistant to Prime Minister Imtiaz Ranjha in hisrecent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. The prime minister rejected the request.“In utter desperation, Shujaat contacted real estate tycoon Malik Riaz, the main guarantor of thePPP-‘Q’ alliance, who arranged a meeting with the prime minister, as the president declined tomeet the Chaudhrys.” On the day of meeting that took place last week, Shujaat and Pervaiz Elahiwent to the residence of Malik Riaz, who took them both to the PM House. During the meeting,the PM reluctantly agreed to release development funds for the Q league’s MPs, but he told theChaudhrys flatly to talk to President Zardari for their complaints against Manzoor Wattoo and



Anwar Saifullah,” the source added. The source said that following the results of the recent by-election, the leaders of the PPP and PML-Q had understood the fact that the workers of bothpolitical parties had rejected the unnatural alliance. The source added that the PPP had gatheredinformation that the PML-N had launched an onslaught to win loyalties of all potential Qleaguers and that’s why they were making last ditch efforts to gain momentum in Punjab.“Yes, consultation process has been launched to form a new alliance between likemindedparties. However, the consultation process is in its initial stage and after thorough deliberations,contacts would be made with the leadership of likeminded parties for seat-adjustments or aformal alliance,” the PML-Q leader said. He said the Chaudhrys had understood the fact thatmost of their MNAs and MPAs would soon leave the party and would be contesting from theplatform of the PML-N or PTI in Punjab and PPP in Sindh. However, he said the Chaudhryswanted to hold huge public gatherings before the polls arrived to catch the attention oflikeminded parties. He said Shujaat was the brains behind the idea and he had all the skillsneeded to woo even his bitter opponents. When contacted, PML-Q Secretary InformationSenator Kamil Ali Agha said it was premature to pass a verdict on the fate of the PPP-PMLQalliance. He, however, admitted the fact that there were “genuine and grave concerns” but nofinal word could be passed until and unless a meeting took place between President Asif AliZardari and Chaudhry Shujaat.Pakistan Today – December 20, 2012

PPP, PML-Q Alliance Can Snatch Many Na Seats from PML-NThe politics of coalition being pursued by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) can deliver morethan is being expected of it at the moment. It can help the PPP-PML-Q potential alliance knockout its major rival; PML-N, on a number of National Assembly seats in Punjab in the upcominggeneral elections. The now allies – PPP and PML-Q – had lost over 23 NA seats to the PML-N in2008 general elections due to a split vote, despite the fact they collectively bagged majorityvotes from the constituency. With at least nine NA seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa likely to bewon by either component of the coalition; PPP or ANP, MQM is likely to secure over 20 seats forthe PPP-led coalition. The PPP is determined to keep its strength intact at least in Sindh, whilethe Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is on a “destroy PML-N” mission. Luck hardly seems to be in favourof the isolated PML-N in the upcoming general elections unless it patches up with the “decisivePML-Q”. On the other hand, coalition seems to be the only recipe for the incumbent politicalsetup at Centre to regain power as it has miserably failed in addressing the issues of publicimportance.The 2008 general elections statistics show that either PPP or the ANP were the winner orrunner-up in the nine NA constituencies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and keeping in view thepresence of these parties in the province at present, these seats are likely to remain with eithercomponent of the coalition. This very satisfaction for the coalition partners might have been oneof the reasons behind disinterest in forging an alliance in the province. In 2008 generalelections, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour of ANP was winner in NA-1(Peshawar-1) with 44,210votes, while Ayub Shah of PPP runner up with 37,682. Keeping in view the PML-Q vote bank andheavyweight candidates in Punjab, the party seems to be taking centre stage and would prove amajor factor in the success of a coalition in the upcoming general elections. Interestingly, theShujaat-led party could prove equally beneficial for both the PPP and PML-N, but the questionremains with whom it will enter into an alliance with. It can help the potential PPP-led coalitiongain majority at Centre by fielding consensus candidates. But, if contrary to the proposedalliance with the PPP, the PML-Q makes an alliance with PML-N, to which it is ideologically morecloser, both the PML factions, through consensus candidates, would be in a better position todefeat PPP on even more number of NA seats in Punjab by cashing in on the Muslim League votein one account, suggests the last general election results.




PML-N Ex-Ticket Holder Joins PML-QPML-N former ticket holder from PP-22, Chakwal, Pir Nisar Qasim joined PML-Q. He made theannouncement when he called on PML-Q leader and Deputy Prime Minister Ch Pervaiz Elahi athis residence. Pir Nisar Qasim expressed complete confidence in the leadership of Ch ShujatHussain and Ch Parvez Elahi. Welcoming Pir Nisar Qasim in the PML-Q fold, Pervaiz said withhis joining the party would become stronger in Chakwal.The News – December 26, 2012

PML-Q Finalizes Campaign StrategyThe Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) has finalized a strategy for electioneering; under itwill launch a full-fledged campaign. "Keeping in view the political activities in the country, theparty has decided to launch the election campaign in all the four provinces and party chiefChaudhry Shujat Hussain has tasked all the provincial presidents to make arrangements in thisregard," said a PML-Q leader. He said that that under the strategy, finalized in a party meetingrecently, Ch Shujaat and Secretary-General Mushahid Hussain Sayed would address publicmeetings in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan while Deputy Prime Minister ChParvez Elahi would take care of Punjab, especially Lahore.Pakistan Today – December 27, 2012

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)

JI Calls for Interim SetupJamaat-i-Islami provincial chief Prof Mohammad Ibrahim has demanded of the government toannounce formation of interim setup and date for general elections with immediate effect. Heclaimed the JI would form next government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after winning the generalelections. He said the rulers could not give any relief to masses in their five years term.Dawn – December 01, 2012

Jammat-e-Islami Nominates Sirajul Haq Shadow KPK Chief MinisterJamaat-e-Islami has announced to form shadow government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with JI'sNaib Amir Sirajul Haq as its Chief Minister. Announcement in this regard was made by Jamaat'sProvincial President Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan. Former Senior Minister Sirajul Haqwas also present on the occasion. Professor Ibrahim said that the names of the cabinetmembers of the shadow government would soon be announced by Sirajul Haq. He further saidthat a committee was also formed and the Chief Minister for the Shadow Government SirajulHaq would consult with the committee before naming the cabinet. Provincial Secretary Generalof JI Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Provincial Naib Amir Mushtaq Ahmed Khan and Provincial DeputySecretary General Noorul Haq will be the members of the committee, Professor Ibrahim added.He said Sirajul Haq was made Chief Minister of the Shadow Government due to his outstanding



record both as Senior Minister and Finance Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the MMAgovernment. It is the first time that a political party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has formed ShadowGovernment.The News – December 14, 2012

MQM Trying To Sabotage Sc Verdict on Voters Lists: Jammat-e-IslamiJamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Muhammad Hussain Mahenti has said that the history of May 12mayhem was being repeated once again in the city. "Why the Karachiites are being punished forthe contempt of court notice issued by Supreme Court against Altaf Hussain", Mahentiquestioned. He said that the people and the daily-wage labors have been deprived of their breadand butter by the closure of CNG stations, petrol pumps, clinics, medical stores, public transport,markets, fruits and vegetables 'mandis' and shops in the city. Mahenti added MQM was trying tosabotage the SC verdict over anomalies in voters' lists and pressurising the judiciary by carryingout protests. "Anti-judicial policies are being carried out by burning the effigy of Chief JusticeSupreme Court and using false language against judiciary during protests", he added. "The cityand its people are being held hostage by terrorists while the government and law enforcingagencies have become silent spectators over the deteriorated law and order situation", Mahentisaid. Mahenti urged the media to inform the people about the real facts without feeling anypressure and fear of the terrorists, otherwise media would also be considered equalyresponsible in anti-judiciary and anti-Karachi policies.The News – December 17, 2012

JI Leader Prof Ghafoor Passes AwayJamaat-e-Islami leader Professor Ghafoor Ahmed passed away at the age of 85 in Karachi.Ahmed had been ill for several months. He was born on 26 June 1927 in Barely, British Indiaand earned master’s degree in commerce from Lucknow University in 1948. Ahmed latercompleted a course in industrial accounts and won the fellowship of Institute of Cost andManagement Accountants of Pakistan. He joined Jamaat-e-Islami in 1950 and held key positions.He served two political alliances of United Democratic Alliance and Pakistan National Alliance asgeneral secretary.Pakistan Today – December 27, 2012

JI Manifesto Vows to Make Military Training CompulsoryIf voted into power, the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) will introduce “compulsory military training” for allcitizens, men and women, between ages of 18 and 35, according to the party’s electionmanifesto. But perhaps the biggest promise that the party made in the manifesto is that it wouldguarantee generation of 20,000 megawatt of electricity within six months of coming to power.The party vowed to amend Article 6 of the Constitution to allow any citizen to challenge thesubversion of the statute by individuals or organizations and their aides. The JI is “opposed to allkinds of terrorism, be it state-sponsored or group terrorism”, pledging that “we will alter thesituation which has resulted from forced terrorism in Pakistan”. About terrorism, the manifestohas a special mention of Karachi. “Throughout the country, and especially in Karachi, allterrorists will be pursued, and their identities will be unveiled, before putting them in the courtof law; all individuals involved in target killing, and major terror acts will instantly be sought



and brought to justice.” The JI said efforts would be made to trace “missing people”. Groups andindividuals perpetuating this atrocity shall be brought to justice.The party has termed itself a “political, religious, ideological and a rectification organization”,saying it “wants to use democracy to change the governance system” and to make Pakistan atrue model of the Khilafat-i-Rashida. Although the JI has promised a number of steps for well-being of journalists and vowed to ensure freedom of press, it says “the media will be stoppedfrom telecasting immoral programmes, and it will be made to abide by a moral code of conduct”.The manifesto says the JI will amend the army act and other laws in order to prevent the army’sinterference in political matters. Jihad will be promoted and all individuals between the ages of18 and 35 will receive compulsory military training. Like army officers, jawans will also beprovided a private home at the end of their service. It calls for strengthening relationship withChina and discussing “all controversial matters” with India in a “purposeful, comprehensive andresult-oriented approach”. The JI vows to put an “instant end” to all drone attacks and terminateongoing military operations in Pakistan. It says the resolutions approved by parliament will beimplemented. It says that “all visas granted to foreigners without security clearance will becancelled, and all activities of foreigners in Pakistan will be monitored according to law”.Without identifying, it says, “all terrorist elements operating in Pakistan will be dealt withaccording to the law”.The JI government, it says, will confiscate all lands granted by the British before partition toabolish feudal politics. The JI has suggested formation of price-control councils comprisingmembers of parliament, judiciary, ulema, lawyers, journalists and consumers to keep an eye onthe prices of commodities. In order to determine the prices of petroleum products, acommission will be formed comprising all major stakeholders and members of parliament. Themanifesto spoke of fast-track, mid- and long-term strategies to resolve the energy crisis. The JIpromises one million jobs per year in collaboration with the private sector. All vacancies in thejudicial system will be filled within first six months of the government. A new system will beintroduced in courts to ensure settlement of cases within a year. The JI vows to take specialsteps to bring back money stashed in foreign banks. It says that women will be providedopportunity to study from primary to higher education. Working women will be provided with abetter social and professional environment. The JI will ensure 30 per cent reduction in all non-development expenditures, especially the money spent on houses and travel of governmentofficials. It says that a platform will be provided to all NGOs working in Pakistan so that theycould collaborate and devise a mutual support mechanism. A system to ensure practice of Zakat,and Salat, for all and sundry will be introduced. The laws to observe the respect of Ramazan willbe implemented strictly.Dawn – December 28, 2012

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazalur Rehman (JUI-F)

No Decision Yet On Electoral Alliance, Says JUI – F LeaderJamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader and Member National Assembly Maulana AttaurRehman said all the political parities wanted to enter into electoral alliance with his party due toits increasing popularity among the people. He said the JUI-F was yet to make the decisionabout making an electoral alliance or has seat-to-seat adjustment with other political parties.Our leadership has not contacted any other party for the electoral alliance or seat-to-seatadjustment. Several parties, including the ANP, have expressed the wish to make alliance withthe JUI-F,” Attaur Rehman claimed. He said that the JUI-F and other religio-political parties



would welcome the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), if its leaderswanted to join the alliance.The News – December 03, 2012

Muthida Qaumi Movement (MQM)

New Delimitations Meant to Break MQM’s Vote Bank, Says AltafMuttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain said the objective of new delimitationsin Karachi was to break the vote bank of the MQM.He said the MQM could not be eliminatedthrough a state operation or conspiracies. Altaf criticized the remarks of an honorable judge ofthe Supreme Court about fresh delimitation of electoral constituencies in Karachi to make surethat no party has a monopoly. He asked the audience to raise their hands if they rejected theremarks. The crowd raised their hands in unison and said that they rejected the remarks. Altafsaid Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry must take suo moto notice ofthe remarks of the said judge as “the right to give majority to any political party to take back themandate rests with the people and not with any judge”.The News – December 03, 2012

Shutdown in Sindh Cities over Contempt Notice to MQM ChiefFear and panic that began spreading in Karachi and elsewhere in Sindh, when young men ridingmotorcycles forced closure of shops and markets, kept major cities of the province shut.Protests were held purportedly in support of MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who has been issued acontempt of court notice by the Supreme Court. Reacting to the court order, Mr Hussain had inhis speech said he would consult his legal advisers for a response to the SC notice and asked hisfollowers to remain peaceful. No violence was reported during the day. In Hyderabad,protesters, not owned by any party, burnt an effigy of the chief justice of Pakistan. Academicactivities in schools, colleges and universities remained suspended. Other cities and townsaffected by the shutdown included Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah and Badin.Dawn – December 16, 2012

MQM Says Altaf Will Never Appear Before Supreme CourtThe Muttahida Qaumi Movement appeared to be on a collision course with the superiorjudiciary when its leaders declared that hundreds of thousands of people from Karachi andother parts of the country would “appear before the apex court” on Jan 7, vowing that MQMchief Altaf Hussain ‘will never go to the Supreme Court’ to comply with a contempt notice.Although the MQM had distanced itself from unannounced strike in Karachi and other urbanareas of Sindh as well as scores of demonstrations, it held a big public meeting on Sunday toopenly criticize and condemn the decision of the Supreme Court to issue a contempt noticeagainst Mr Hussain.Dawn – December 17, 2012



Altaf calls Zardari, Reiterates Support to PPP GovernmentMQM chief Altaf Hussain called President Asif Ali Zardari over telephone from London, praisingthe PPP co-chairman’s policy of reconciliation. The two leaders discussed the current situationin the country, adding that issues that came under discussion included law and order in Karachi,energy shortages and the economic situation of the country.Pakistan Today – December 17, 2012

Major MQM move to support Dr. Qadri sparks debateThe MQM appeared to have made a major shift in its policy when its top leaders announced firston Tweeter and then through the Rabita Committee that they will support Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri onDec 23 when he would address a public meeting in Lahore. The support was confirmed byMohammed Anwar (Anwar Bhai) and MQM’s media spokesman Wasay Jalil who both said it wastrue that the MQM had expressed support for Dr Qadri’s meeting in Lahore. MQM leader AltafHussain in a statement put on the official MQM web site said the “ the PAT jalsa in Lahore willbecome a milestone in abolishing feudal system from the country.” The MQM statement said:The Co-ordination Committee of the MQM has appealed to the people for participating in thejalsa being organized by the Pakistan Awami Tehreek at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore on 23rdDecember and makes it a huge success. The committee said that PAT Chairman Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is also making struggle to abolish the rotten feudal system and the culture of hereditarypolitics in the country like Altaf Hussain. The committee said that the jalsa being held by thePAT would prove to be a milestone in eliminating the feudal system and dynastic politics andurged on the public to become a part of the struggle by attending the jalsa.The News – December 20, 2012

MQM Backs Dr Qadri to End Feudalism: AltafAltaf Hussain, the founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), has said he willstand by Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri until the end of the corrupt feudal political system. He called uponthe youth of Pakistan, in particular of the Punjab, to strengthen their arms and bodies for thecall for 14th January and prepare them mentally and physically and wait for the final call fromthe Rabita Committee. He said this during his telephonic conversation with Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri,the leader of Minhaj-ul-Quran. Altaf Hussain said that since its inception and until now, theMQM had been struggling to dismantle the medieval feudal system. He said that the MQM hadbeen raising its voice in parliament for taxation on agricultural incomes since 1988, but its voicewas always bulldozed because, with the exception of the MQM, all the members in parliamentbelonged to the powerful landed aristocracy, feudal lords, tribal chiefs and capitalists. Hefurther said that the voice of Minhaj-ul-Quran was an extremely positive addition to the nationalpolitics and he was with it. He added that he fully supported the demand of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadrifor electoral reforms and reiterated that electoral reforms were essential for the real change inthe system. Altaf assured Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri that each and every worker of the MQM stoodshoulder to shoulder with him.The News – December 26, 2012



MQM Moves Supreme Court against Rigging in Punjab by PollsThe Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has moved the Supreme Court (SC) against “rigging bythe Punjab government” during recently held by-elections in the province. MQM Punjab VicePresident Shaheen Anwar Gilani filed the petition in the Lahore registry of the SC. Thepetitioner’s counsel said that the majority of PML-N candidates won by-elections for severalNational and provincial assembly seats in Punjab. He alleged that fair and free elections werenot conducted and the PML-N-led Punjab government used state machinery to secure victoryfor its candidates. He also alleged that the Punjab government “used police like a militant force”to win the by-polls.Daily Times – December 27, 2012

ECP Secretary Biased, Should Be RemovedMuttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar leveled allegations of bias againstSecretary Election Commission of Pakistan Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan and demanded removal fromhis position. The federal minister said that the commission’s secretary wanted to alter theMQM’s mandate in Karachi. Sattar demanded of the ECP to conduct an inquiry into what hecalled the bias on part of Khan and remove him from the position of the commission’s secretary.Pakistan Today – December 28, 2012

All Pakistan Muslim League (APML)

Warrants for Gen Musharraf in Judges Detention CaseA court issued warrants for Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s arrest in the judges’ detention case.Civil judge-cum-judicial magistrate Abbas Shah issued the warrants on a request of the SHO,Secretariat Police, against the former president for allegedly detaining over 60 judges, includingChief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, following proclamation of the state of emergency inthe country on Nov 3, 2007.An FIR was registered against Mr Musharraf in August 2009 after a sessions court allowed arequest of a lawyer, Chaudhry Mohammad Aslam Ghumman, seeking legal proceedings againstthe general. SHO Qaiser Gillani had asked the court to issue the warrants so that Mr Musharrafwas made to face the investigation. Mr Ghumman told Dawn that Mr Musharraf would bearrested upon his arrival in Pakistan and if he did not return the police would request the courtto issue a proclamation.Dawn – December 19, 2012

Army Worried over Country’s Situation: MusharrafFormer president Pervez Musharraf has said that the army is worried about the prevalentsituation in Pakistan. He said that in culture of politics friends and foes do get together. Hecalled Tahirul Qadri a moderate religious scholar and politician. Musharraf also greeted thenation on the occasion of 136th birth anniversary of Quaid- e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.“Pakistan today is at risk and sadly not a reflection of the vision of our beloved founder, who



aspired to see Pakistan as a plural society living in peace, harmony and prosperity,” Musharraf.There is much that is right with Pakistan that can easily undo what is wrong with Pakistan, butonly if we show resolve and unity. Let us honour our Quaid today and rekindle his passion totransform Pakistan into a progressive and developed state; one that ensures the welfare andwell-being of its people.Pakistan Today – December 26, 2012

Voters’ Listing

ECP Ready for Door-to-Door Voters Verification: Karachi, SindhChief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakhuruddin G Ibrahim says the Election Commission ofPakistan (ECP) is ready to conduct door to door verification of voter lists in Karachi with thehelp of the army. The CEC said the meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan had beencalled and any measure which helps improve the electoral process would be welcomed. TheSupreme Court ordered the ECP to conduct door to door verification of voter lists in Karachiwith the help of the army and Rangers.The News – December 06, 2012

Army Likely To Join Verification of Voters: ECP; Karachi, SindhThe Election Commission appears to be confident that army personnel will join verification of6.8 million voters in Karachi to address a complaint that some three million people settled in thecity for years have been enrolled at their permanent addresses without their consent. ElectionCommission’s Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad Khan told that the timeframe for the exercise, requiringabout 10,000 enumerators, would be finalized at a meeting to be presided over by Chief ElectionCommissioner Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim. He said the Sindh provincial electioncommissioner would present a plan for verification of voters in 13,000 census blocks in the city.A military official said no formal request from the commission regarding the re-verification hadso far been received.Dawn – December 13, 2012

ECP Snubs MQM, Goes Ahead With Delimitation: CECThe chief election commissioner has dismissed the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s concernsagainst delimitation and pressed ahead with the exercise which will change the face of Karachiand the nature of future elections. The wheels for this landmark change started turning inOctober 2011 when the Supreme Court ordered fresh delimitation while hearing a suo motucase prompted by an exceptionally bloody summer. The court was told that Karachi’sconstituencies, which are 130 in number, suffered from the stranglehold of ethnically divisivegroups. Redrawing the boundaries would help rein in ethnic strife and discourage no-go areas.The Express Tribune – December 21, 2012



ECP Announces Schedule for Voter Lists Verification: Karachi, SindhThe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule of door-to-doorcampaign for verification of voter lists in Karachi. According to ECP, the total process ofverification of the lists, which would commence from January 5, will be completed in 69 days.The verification teams would work under the supervision of Pakistan Army and FrontierConstabulary (FC). The commission said further that almost 18 days would be spent in checkingvoter lists by the ECP teams. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) willannounce the new voter lists on February 24. The verifying officials (VO) will visit the allocatedcensus block [electoral area] and mark the number on the door of each household in order toknow the exact number of households the voters’ whereof are required to be verified by him.The VO will also prepare a list of households along with name of head of household fromDecember 31 to January 4, 2013. The registration officer/DEC will prepare a consolidated list ofhouseholds of the district received from the VO of each census block and send the same to PECand the ECP for information and record.The verification process will start from January 5 when the VO will visit each household andverify the names of the voters on the electoral roll in accordance with the procedure that will beprovided to him by the ECP. On close of each day of verification exercise, each in charge/armyofficer of a group of verifying officials, will get a summary-sheet prepared from each VOcontaining information as to how many houses were visited; number of persons verified and thenumber of forms of each category filled-in, and will prepare a consolidated summary aftercompletion of the exercise and hand over the same to his next immediate senior officer foronward transmission to the ECP. This exercise would be done between 5th and January 22. Oncompletion of the exercise, each VO will hand over the verified copy of electoral rolls; and filledin forms to his Supervisor, who after necessary checking, will hand over the same to the ARO forfurther checking and onward transmission to the RO concerned. This handing over exercise willalso take place under proper security to be provided by Army/FC. The RO, on receipt of verifiedcopy of electoral rolls; and filled-in forms, will retain a Photostat copy of the same in his officeand forward the original copy thereof to NADRA for scanning, digitization and printing ofupdated draft electoral rolls. The copying of verified electoral rolls and the filled-in forms,received by the RO, shall be done at one place, which will be secured with the assistance ofarmy/FC, which will provide the requisite security for this purpose. Before starting the copyingexercise, RO will prepare census block-wise statistics of total forms received category-wise andnumber of persons verified and not-verified and send a copy thereof to the ECP for informationand record. It will be a five-day exercise from 23 to January 27.On receipt of a copy of verified electoral rolls, filled in forms, NADRA will scan and digitize thechanges in electoral rolls received on prescribed forms (form alif, form-II, form B and register-jeem) and entries of verified voter records which were received during door-to-doorverification pertaining to Karachi Division, and print the updated draft electoral rolls and sendthe same to Registration Officers by February 10. Between February 11 and February 20, the ROwill undertake an exercise of matching/tallying the same with the retained photo copy ofverified electoral rolls; and filled-in forms with the help of concerned verifying officials andsupervisors under direct supervision of the ARO concerned, and overall supervision of RO toensure that each entry has been made in accordance therewith and make necessary corrections,if any.Daily Times – December 22, 2012

Maps, Data Handed Over To ECP for Karachi Delimitation: Karachi, SindhThe Census department has handed over all maps and data to the Election Commission fordelimitation of constituencies in Karachi but has expressed its inability to carry out a population



count before the coming general election. Not less than a year is required even if all-out fundingis made available and security arrangements are provided to our teams, staff members andhired enumerators by provincial governments. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, an amalgamationof previously four organizations including Population Census Organization, has been the hub ofactivities of government functionaries, relevant authorities from other departments such as theECP. “The ECP announced a schedule for Karachi delimitation after taking our input.” Theofficials quoted the census department as telling the government that it would have to conduct afresh House Listing process (House count) to pave the way for population census. “The last yearhouse listing is now outdated one.” The census department, they said, believes that Karachidelimitation is practicable before the election in order to implement Supreme Court verdict,whereas a fresh census is totally unworkable if polls are to be organized within legitimate timeperiod.The News – December 24, 2012

MQM Files Review Petitions against Delimitation Order: Karachi, SindhThe Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – the lone political party opposed to the delimitation ofconstituencies in Karachi – filed two review petitions against the Supreme Court’s verdict on theissue. Requesting the court to re-examine its decision, the court’s rulings of Nov 26 and Nov 28were “in violation” of the Constitution. Dr Sattar said a delimitation process which was onlylimited to Karachi and without a census was equivalent to pre-poll rigging, adding that the MQMand its mandate were “being pushed to the wall”. “Delimitation can only be undertaken after afresh census,” the petition states, citing the 1998 nationwide census after which freshconstituencies for national and provincial assemblies were delimited for 2002. Furthermore, thereview petition points out that the Supreme Court could not have interfered with the ElectionCommission of Pakistan (ECP)’s discretion when it rejected the commission’ confirmation onOct 24 that there could be no delimitation in Karachi without a fresh census. The petition addsthat the apex court ought to have clarified that delimitation could not proceed without a freshcensus. On Nov 26, a five-member bench of the apex court observed that constituencies inKarachi should be delimited in a manner that they comprise “mixed population” to avoidpolitical polarization. “Without a fresh census, the act of delimitation, which in essence is meantto create equality in the constituencies without any gerrymandering, would be nothing but anexercise in futility,” says the petition.The Express Tribune – December 25, 2012

Four Districts Have 1m Unverified Votes: ECPFour districts of Punjab account for around a million ‘unverified voters’, enrolled in the electoralrolls with their permanent addresses. Lahore leads the districts with 0.384 million such entries.The three other districts are Faisalabad (0.256m), Rawalpindi (0.192m) and Rahimyar Khan(0.156m). The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had recently revealed that 4.8 millionvoters could not be contacted during the door-to-door verification exercise carried out toupdate the voters’ lists. Of the ‘unverified entries’: Two million were in Punjab 0.662 Million in Sindh 0.583 Million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 0.167 Million in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) 0.163 Million in Balochistan



The other cities with a high concentration of unverified voters include: Sargodha (0.141m) Gujranwala (0.131m) Multan (0.122m) Sialkot (0.112m) Okara (0.110m) Sheikhupura (0.107m) Kasur (0.101m)The districts with less than 100,000 (but still significant number of) unverified voters are: Muzaffargarh (96,130) Gujrat (94,639) Vehari (87,361) Sahiwal (86,384) Bahawalpur (81,630) Khanewal (79,256) Bahawalnagar (64,542) Dera Ghazi Khan (63,156) Rajanpur (55,500) Jhang (54,684) Jhelum (51,993) Narowal (49,994)The ECP and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), however, had defendedthe ‘unverified voters’ and said that although they could not be contacted during the verificationdrive they were genuine voters and could not be disenfranchised.


Nadra Does Not Have Biometrics of 3.72m Women Voters: NADRAThe National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) does not have biometric record of asmany as 3.72 million women voters. According to Nadra’s district-wise data, Punjab tops the listwhere fingerprints and photographs of more than 2.62 million women have not been madeavailable to the registration authority. In Rawalpindi tehsil alone, out of 1.4 million registered voters, Nadra does not have thebiometric record of 45,461 women In the federal capital, a city with less outreach problems and most literate people,14,228 women are without biometricsHowever, Nadra said in its statement that relaxation had been provided to women againstprovisioning of their photographs considering social values. “Withdrawal of this relaxation mayexclude a significant number of women from voters list resulting in disenfranchisement.However, it can be withdrawn if Senate Standing Committee decides so. But it is notrecommended by Nadra,” the registration authority said in the statement. According to a seniorofficial in National Database and Registration Authority, any female applicant who opted not toprovide her photograph for CNIC would be instead verified in detail in the database. Thisincluded scrutinizing her family linkages, attestation and processing fingerprints.Still:



70,000 women would have to go through this process in Lahore Cantt alone and close to52,000 in Lahore City In Sialkot 45,228 women are without biometric authentication More than 50,000 in Gujranwala 39,682 in Gujrat In Sindh, 540,000 women are without biometric authentication Out of more than 3.3 million total voters in Balochistan there were 170,578 womenvoters without biometrics. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the highest number of women voters who have not providedbiometrics were in Peshawar (32,107) followed by Abbotabad (21,629) and Mansehra(17,105)


Delimitation Unfair Without Consensus among Parties: CECChief Election Commissioner Fakhruddin G Ebrahim said delimitation of constituencies inKarachi would be unfair without consensus among political parties. The CEC told that existingdelimitation of constituencies in Karachi was based on census and the ECP had to accept them.He put the blame on political parties for delaying the delimitation process, saying the ECP hadasked the political parties to give suggestions about new delimitation in Karachi, but politicalparties did not come up with suggestions.Pakistan Today – December 27, 2012

Till Death Do Us PartA joint meeting of the coordination committee of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)decided to participate in the Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran’s long march on January 14. Dr Sattarsaid, “After discussing all aspects in detail the co-ordination committee decided to take activepart in the long march being held in Islamabad on January 14 for abolishing the decaying feudalsystem, eliminating corruption and use of money in politics, restoring the rights of the peoplebelonging to the poor and middle classes in the politics of the country and establishing a justand equitable system in the country. The meeting decided that hundreds of thousands of theMQM workers would take part in the long march along with Minhajul Quran for these nobleobjectives.” MQM chief Altaf Hussain endorsed the decision and appealed to the MQM workersto take part in the long march. Dr Sattar said the MQM chief has always said that he wanted tochange the outmoded system of the country.He said, “As the programme presented by Dr Qadri is the same for which Altaf Hussain has beenrelentlessly struggling for the past 33 years, hence the MQM has decided to extend full supportfor this noble cause. We are with Dr Qadri for achieving these objectives.” “People of Pakistanare well aware that Altaf Hussain wants to establish a truly democratic system in the country.He wishes to establish a middle class order by eliminating the feudal system, unrestrainedcapitalism, and the hereditary control of a handful of families on the politics.” “The MQM did notraise the mere slogan of the middle class order. It actually sent the educated and qualifiedpeople from the poor and middle classes to the assemblies and brought a revolution as far as theurban areas of Sindh are concerned.” “We wanted to spread this revolution throughout thecountry but our path was obstructed by state repression. Thousands of the MQM workers weremercilessly killed. Even the brother and nephew of Mr Hussain were martyred when he refusedto bow down. We were not disappointed by these injustices and continued our struggle.”



“It is the outcome of our struggle that the message of the MQM is spreading at a quick pace inthe Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and tribal areas ofthe country. There is no area in the country where the admirers of Altaf Hussain are notpresent.” “We firmly believe that one day our struggle will be successful and the outdatedpolitical system will be changed.” Dr Tahirul Qadri called Altaf Hussain and thanked him fordeciding to take part in the long march. Dr Qadri said he would soon visit Nine Zero to thank theMQM leadership in this regard. Earlier, MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that revolution in Pakistanwas inevitable. He was talking on phone to a delegation of Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran (TMQ),who visited MQM’s Karachi headquarters Nine Zero. “We will live together and we will dietogether. Together we will save Pakistan,” Altaf said. The MQM thanked TMQ Chairman DrTahirul Qadri for sending the delegation and inviting MQM in a march scheduled to begin onJanuary 14, 2013.Pakistan Today – December 31, 2012

Analysis/Reports

Winning Margins on 90 of 272 National Assembly Seats Is 10, 000 Votes or Less: Analysisby Sabir ShahNow that the countdown to the 2012 general elections in Pakistan is about to begin, if it hasn’tactually begun yet, the street strength displayed by both Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri of late,might certainly send some butterflies down the tummies of the leaders of both PakistanPeople’s Party and the PMLN, because of the 272 National Assembly general seats in thecountry, the winning margin in over 90 constituencies currently stands at just 10,000 votes oreven less. In other words, the winning margin is 10,000 votes has been registered in around 33per cent of the 272 National Assembly constituencies in the country since the 2008 polls and theby-elections that have followed since then, and by taking the results of the February 18, 2008polls, August 10, 2010 by-polls, July 2012 and December 2012 by-elections into account. WithMQM having recently supported Dr Tahirul Qadri by attending and praising his mammoth rallyat Lahore Minar-e-Pakistan, which also saw city’s worst-ever traffic jam that continued fromSunday evening till Monday morning as was witnessed by this correspondent while being stuck-up in this muddle for eight hours, it remains to be seen which political party takes advantage ofthese very small victory margins of PPP and PML-N etc since February 2008. However, onething is evident that any ‘third political force’ in the country has an ideal platform set for it toupset results of the forthcoming polling exercise and prove its mettle. While the ruling PPPregime and its allies might find it an uphill task to emerge as winners in the next elections due toboth incumbency factor and the huge financial scams that have surfaced right under their nosesince March 2008 and the Supreme Court verdicts going against them, Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N isfacing the growing might of Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaaf in Punjab. In Imran Khan’s case, hehas pinned high hopes on the young voters who will be voting for the first time in 2012, if anydisasters do not pave way for the postponement of this much awaited ballot exercise. Similarly,Shahbaz Sharif might be feeling confident as his Laptop distribution scheme has targeted thevote bank, which is being widely claimed by Imran Khan to be on his side. A little more of DrTahirul Qadri and his likely political alliances with religious entities etc in coming weeks willmake the picture clearer. Same goes for Imran, who might well join hands with smaller orregional political forces throughout the country to garner further strength. Though the 272general seats, on which direct elections were held in February 2008, also include as many as 12Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) seats, starting fromNA-36 to NA- 47, this researchhas not taken into account the six Fata seats (NA-36, NA-40, NA-41, NA-43, NA- 44 and NA-46),because in all these constituencies, the total votes secured by the winning candidates were less



than the criteria of 10,000 votes. Similarly, in NA- 262 (Qillah Abdullah, Balochistant), HajiRozuddin of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal hadwon by getting 4,362 votes only. Going through the2008 polling outcome, one finds that President Asif Zardari-led PPP and its current allies inPML-Q, MQM, ANP and JUI-F (part of MMA at the time of the 2008 election) had narrowlymanaged to save blushes on nearly 60 of the under review90 odd seats, where the winningmargin was 10,000 votes or less.The News – December 25, 2012

Agencies Fear Violence in Poll: Analysis by Kamran YousafWhile the government insists the next parliamentary election will be held on time, intelligenceagencies have warned that it could be riddled by large-scale violence hitherto unseen in thecountry’s poll history. The ominous warning came in the backdrop of a recent upsurge interrorist attacks, including the assassination of prominent Awami National Party (ANP)politician Bashir Ahmed Bilour and the abortive attack on Peshawar airbase. The parliamentaryelections are scheduled for early next year after the Pakistan People’s Party-led coalitiongovernment completes its five-year constitutional term. However, in their assessment sharedwith the concerned authorities, intelligence agencies said that maintaining law and order duringthe elections would be a huge challenge. According to them, insurgents were plotting attacksagainst prominent politicians in an effort to disrupt the election process. However, it is not clearwhether or not security agencies have advised the government to delay the polls. Though thegovernment insists that the elections will be held on time, it has not announced the schedule asyet. The country’s main opposition party – the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz – says it wouldnot accept any delay in the elections. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also says it would notbrook any delay in the elections. Political observers say a strong caretaker set-up could ensurea peaceful election. However, if militants continued to target high-profile leaders, this wouldcertainly discourage people to come out for voting. If this happens, the whole election processwill be considered as flawed.The Express Tribune – December 25, 2012

PPP Tasks Law Minister Naek with Forging Consensus: Analysis by Khawar GhummanIn the PPP darbar, the legal eagles keep coming and going. Such is the pace of their comings andgoings that it is difficult to keep track of who is in favor and who is not. A year ago, it was AitzazAhsan who was the blessed one, with hopes running high that he would be able to save thenPrime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani from the SC’s contempt case. Mr Ahsan followed PresidentAsif Ali Zardari at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in addressing the gathering for Benazir Bhutto’s deathanniversary. A year on, he may not be as out of favour as Babar Awan, but he is no longer theparty’s man for legal issues. That role now belongs to Farooq H. Naek who is handling a lot morethan the files that pass through his law ministry. With the ever expanding role of Mr Naek in thePPP, party sources believe he will be playing a key role in backdoor negotiations with theopposition PML-N over a caretaker set-up. After having resolved the Swiss letter issue and therecent passage of the controversial fair trial bill through unanimous vote in the NationalAssembly, the PPP leadership has decided to use Mr Naek’s negotiating skills with the PML-N forthe selection of the caretaker prime minister, an insider said. Mr Naek is a relative of KhawajaAsif, a PML-N stalwart, and the two are often seen exchanging notes during National Assemblysessions. Mr Naek reiterated his party’s stance that under the Constitution, a caretaker set-upshould be in place after March 16. “The PPP and PML-N will resolve the issue amicably beforethen.” When pressed, the law minister said the Constitution, after the 20th Amendment, was



categorical that both the leader of the house and the opposition had the mandate to holddiscussion over a caretaker set-up.However, the PPP sources said Mr Naek, who had played a key role first in persuading PresidentAsif Ali Zardari to write a letter to the Swiss government and then convincing Supreme Courtjudges in closed door meetings to work for an amicable resolution of the contempt issue was theman in charge in the ruling party. Last week it was Mr Naek who single-handedly managed thepassage of the controversial fair trial bill with support of the PML-N. “One can imagine the levelof confidence which the law minister is enjoying at the moment with the party’s high-ups fromMr Naek having allowed on his own, on the insistence of the opposition party, over 30amendments to the bill after it had been presented before the National Assembly,” the PPPsources said. A PML-N office-bearer close to its leadership also confirmed back-channel contactsbetween the two parties regarding selection of a caretaker set-up and said the Naek-Asif duowould be playing a key role. If Mr Naek was enjoying his new found love with the PPPleadership, Khawaja Asif had always been taken seriously within the PML-N, he said. Therefore,it wouldn’t be a surprise if the two lawmakers played a key role in reaching a consensus on acandidate for caretaker prime minister, he said. He said it was good for the two parties thattheir key-lawmakers were not only relatives but also on good terms with each other. A PML-Nspokesman, Senator Mushahidullah Khan, said leaders from the two sides had been meetingevery now and then. “But so far there hasn’t been any formal consultation between the primeminister and leader of the opposition over names for the caretaker set-up.”In reply to a question, the senator said he believed the prime minister should by now havecontacted the leader of opposition to initiate the process. About the choice of a candidate,sources from the two parties said instead of picking some retired judge, bureaucrat or adistinguished lawyer, as reported earlier, now the focus was on somebody with a strongpolitical background. “We don’t want to put in place somebody who tomorrow might agree tothe much talked about idea of a prolonged caretaker set-up. A consensus care-taker primeminister, from the PPP, PMLN or any other political party, at least would stick to his basic job ofconducting general elections,” a PML-N lawmaker said. The appointment of the new governor inPunjab, Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood of the PML-F, was a case in point, he added. In the secondweek of November, Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan hadsaid that he had short-listed names of a couple of judges for caretaker prime minister. Hisreference appeared to be to Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid and Justice (retd) Shakirullah Jan.Earlier, Chaudhry Nisar had said that the PML-N had short-listed nine names to head thecaretaker government and the list would be released after consulting other opposition parties,including the Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf and nationalist parties.The 20th Amendment provides for the appointment of a caretaker prime minister by thepresident in consultation with the prime minister and the leader of opposition in the outgoingNational Assembly. In case the outgoing prime minister and leader of opposition do not agree onany name within three days after dissolution of the National Assembly, each of them willforward two names to a parliamentary committee to be immediately constituted by the NationalAssembly speaker to decide on a name within three days. Otherwise, the names will be referredto the Election Commission which will take the final decision within two days. A similarprocedure is to be followed in the provinces.Dawn – December 26, 2012

PML-Q Eyes Alliance with PTI, TMQ, JI to Counter PML-N: Analysis by Tayyab HussainA new alliance between right-wing political parties is in the offing as Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leadership is making covert contacts to join hands with Imran Khan-led PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Dr Tahirul Qadri-led Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran (TMQ), Jamaat-e-Islami



(JI) and other smaller parties to counter Nawaz Sharif’s PML-Nawaz. The PML-Q party’sleadership was set to make formal contacts with the leadership of other parties. “If initialcontacts succeed, the PML-Q would be the second political party to jump the PPP ship and joinhands with Dr Qadri, as the MQM is already in touch with the professor”. As the coalition withthe ruling party is not working to its advantage, the leadership of the PML-Q is making efforts tocreate another coalition with some new, but promising, political parties to give a tough time toits major rival in the upcoming general election. The PML-Q source said his party had to alsotaken up the matter within the party and views would also be sought from its members beforemaking formal contacts with the PTI and Dr Qadri. He said the PTI leadership was reluctant, buthis party would make a formal contact with Imran Khan through Mushahid Hussain Sayyed,who has a good relationship with Khan.“Mushahid has also worked with Dr Qadri when both were lecturers in Lahore and hence healso has good ties with Qadri,” he added. Asked whether their alliance with the PPP was over,the Q leaguer said though the alliance was facing hiccups, it was yet to end. “Pervez Elahibelieves that the PML-Q should not detach itself and any decision should be made after ameeting of the party leadership with President Asif Ali Zardari. However, this alliance is headingtoward its demise for sure and both parties are looking for new options as their workers are notvoting for each other’s candidates - meaning they have rejected this unnatural alliance,” headded. Neither PML-Q Secretary Information Kamil Ali Agha nor Shafqat Mahmood of the PTIattended repeated calls for comment. PML-Q Deputy Secretary Information Ghulam MustafaMalik said politics was an art of making the impossible possible and nothing could be said assure in politics. “In-house consultations are on to look for new options to go to polls. We havethe support of political heavyweights in Punjab and sitting and former MNAs, MPAs and formernazims are with the party. A formidable alliance can help us defeat the PML-N in Punjab andKP,” he added. He said political pundits were under-estimating Shujaat and Elahi, who weresenior politicians and knew the art of making and breaking alliances.Pakistan Today – December 31, 2012



HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Government & Human Rights

Prime Minister Gives Green Signals To Human Rights DefendersPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has accepted in principle a proposal made by the Ministry ofHuman Rights to appoint human right defenders in the ministry. The PM made the decisionduring a presentation by the Ministry of Human Rights on its working and performance at thePrime Minister’s House. Raja welcomed a proposal made by the ministry for including humanrights as a subject in educational institutions and directed the ministry to present a detailedworking paper for the consideration of the cabinet. He directed Adviser to the Prime Minister onHuman Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar to strengthen his ministry so that the government couldeffectively implement its international and constitutional obligations in letter and spirit.Daily Times – December 04, 2012

Blasphemy & Human Rights

Blasphemy Accused Arrested: IslamabadOne was not expecting another blasphemy case springing up so soon after the courts acquitted aChristian girl, with an underdeveloped mind, of the charge for lack of evidence. But it has thattoo from a trader against his professor uncle with whom he has a dispute over property. TheIndustrial Area Police arrested the professor after a street protest over the area police stationnot registering an FIR, and will produce him before a court to seek his physical remand.Superintendent of Police Khurram Rasheed, has been deputed as investigation officer of thecase. Sheikh Usman, a trader of Rawalpindi, accused his uncle, author of several books, ofwriting blasphemous comments in two of his books. Usman also contacted clerics and localresidents and held a protest against the Industrial Area police because they initially refused toregister an FIR against his uncle, who is a PhD scholar and came to Pakistan in 1987, afterspending 12 years in the United States. Police decided to send the application to the legal branchfor seeking an opinion but SP Khurram Rasheed got instructions from senior officers of hisdepartment to register the FIR. The accused informed the police that he would voluntarilysurrender because he had not done anything against the law. SP Khurram said: “The accusedclaims that there was a dispute of Rs50 million between him and his nephew but so far we donot have any proof.” The SP also said that he did not know whether the professor (about 60years old) was employed in any kind of profession or not. “Investigation in the case would startafter seeking physical remand from the court,” he added.Dawn – December 10, 2012

Man Accused of Blasphemy Burnt Alive In Dadu: SindhA man accused of desecrating the Holy Quran was burnt alive by an angry mob in Dadu districtof Sindh. The man was a traveler and had spent night at a mosque, said Maulvi Memon, theprayer leader in Seeta village. The burnt remains of the Holy Quran were found. “He was alonein the mosque during the night,” Memon said. “There was no one else there to do this terrible



thing.” Villagers beat the man then handed him over to police. A few hours later, a crowd ofaround 200 stormed the police station, dragged the man out and set him on fire, said UsmanGhani, the senior superintendent of police in Dadu. Ghani said around 30 people had beenarrested for the murder and seven policemen detained for negligence.Pakistan Today – December 23, 2012

Missing Persons Status Updates

Missing Principal Returns: BalochistanThe Principal of Al Salfia Residential College, identified as Habibullah Mujahid, who had beenmissing on July 26 2012, on Airport Road of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan,returned home.Dawn – December 10, 2012

Close down Self-Created Lockups, Peshawar High Court Directs Agencies: KPKPeshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan said that the law-enforcementand spy agencies will have to close down the self-created detention centers, directing theKhyber Pakhtunkhwa government and intelligence agencies to produce lists of missing personsand other detainees. A division bench issued the directives to the GHQ after a lawyer and therelative of a missing person, Anar Gul, stated that his relative was killed and the body was foundin Hasanabdal in the Punjab on October 6, 2012. He claimed in the habeas corpus petition thatthe police and intelligence agencies personnel had picked up his son on May 23, 2012 fromNauthia locality in Peshawar. The court directed the General Headquarters (GHQ) staff officerto probe the murder of the missing person allegedly picked up by the spy agencies and courtmartial the officials found guilty in this case. The bench also directed the secretary, Home andTribal Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provincial police officer and deputy inspector general(investigation) to constitute a committee to probe this murder and present the report.The News – December 12, 2012

Analysis/Reports

Amnesty Report Exposes Hands of Cruelty in Fata: Report by Amnesty InternationalAmnesty International has alleged in a new report that millions of people in Pakistan’snorthwestern tribal areas are locked in perpetual lawlessness where human rights abuses areallegedly being committed by the Taliban as well as the armed forces. The new report titled:“The Hands of Cruelty - Abuses by Armed Forces and Taliban in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas” inwhich the rights group alleges that rights abuses are taking places beyond the reach of justiceand how the region’s “legal wilderness” is fuelling a human rights crisis. The report is based oninterviews with scores of victims of human rights abuses, witnesses, relatives, lawyers, andrepresentatives of the Pakistani authorities and armed groups in the region. “Thousands of menand boys have been detained by the armed forces - many have alleged torture, are held in secretplaces of detention and never seen again. Investigations into such cases are extremely rare andineffective even when they do take place,” says the Amnesty report. “After a decade of violence,



strife and conflict, tribal communities are still being subjected to attack, abduction andintimidation, rather than being protected,” said Polly Truscott, Amnesty International’s DeputyAsia Pacific Director.The Amnesty report blames the Taliban and other armed sectarian and militant groups forcontinuing to pose a deadly threat to Pakistani society and for killing thousands inindiscriminate attacks or deliberately targeting civilians over the last decade. “The Taliban havetime and again shown complete disregard for civilian lives by these indiscriminate anddeliberate attacks,” said Truscott. The report says that the Taliban and other armed groups arecarrying out brutal, unlawful killings of captured armed forces personnel or suspected spies.The report says that Pakistani forces have taken control of most parts of the tribal areas butthey have also detained thousands of individuals for long periods with little or no access tojustice and the dumped bodies of those arrested by the army are routinely found in tribal areas.“These execution-style killings violate international humanitarian law and are an abuse of theright to life. Taliban quasi-judicial proceedings also fail to meet even the most basicrequirements of fair trial under international human rights standards and internationalhumanitarian law,” says the report, while condemning the Taliban atrocities.The report regrets that fundamental human rights protections guaranteed in Pakistan’sConstitution are not enforceable in the tribal areas which are still governed under the draconiancolonial-era Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) which means that Pakistan’s higher courts andParliament don’t have jurisdiction over the tribal areas. The reports acknowledges that althoughthe courts have heard some cases of rights abuses but there have been “no prosecutions ofarmed forces personnel for alleged torture, enforced disappearance or deaths in custody”. Thereport says that abuses have increased after the armed forces were granted further sweepingpowers of arrest and detention under the Actions (in Aid of Civil Power) Regulations (AACPR) in2011. The report shows that rather than seeking to apply and strengthen the human rightssafeguards of Pakistan’s ordinary criminal justice system in the tribal areas, the Pakistaniauthorities are applying old and new security laws that authorize prolonged, arbitrary,preventive detention which breach international human rights law. The Pakistan government,according to the report, has made some attempts to improve the human rights situation in thetribal areas but these reforms fall far short of “what is required under the regular criminaljustice system of Pakistan”. It alleges that the civilian government has failed to stand up forhuman rights of citizens and has “enabled the Armed Forces to commit human rights violationswith impunity”.The News – December 13, 2012

2012 saw rise in attacks on places of worship: National Commission of Justice and PeaceJust this year, nine places of worship have been damaged, destroyed or vandalized in Pakistan.This includes five churches and three Hindu temples. Part of a disturbing trend in violenceagainst minorities in the country, at least 27 places of worship of religious minorities have beenvandalized in the last four years, according to data collected by the Church-run NationalCommission of Justice and Peace. The NCJP also records incidents of forcefully occupying landmeant for worship places or occupying existing places, as well as murders of those involved inbuilding worship places. This year, three churches in Sindh, one in Mardan and one inFaisalabad were attacked; one Hindu temple was vandalized, one razed in Karachi and anotherattacked in Peshawar, while minarets of an Ahmadi place of worship were demolished inKharian, Punjab. The perpetrators in all of these cases were “unidentified men,” except for theAhmadi worship place, where the minarets were demolished by the Punjab police.The Express Tribune – December 18, 2012



GENDER WATCH

Women & Human Rights

Plan International Pakistan Focusing On Girls, Women EducationPlan International Pakistan (PIP) is mainly focusing on fast-track education for girls andwomen, youth vocational training projects, and empowering youth for peace and development,the organization’s Pakistan Country Director Rashid Javed has said. Javed said his organizationwas working on girls power programme mainly for protection against violence, careercounseling, building skills for life and reproductive health initiative with adolescents. He saidPIP has helped policy makers in Pakistan to finalize National Drinking Water Policy, CurriculumDevelopment in Punjab, National Sanitation Policy, Youth Policy, and is part of the ChildProtection Policy, and Elimination of Corporal Punishment Policy as lead adviser. It was alsoproviding technical support for safer schools in earthquake areas, birth registration policy forKhyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. The PIP country director said that policy consultationis being given to the federal and provincial governments as well as capacity building of theexecuting agencies of the district management is also part of the initiatives undertaken by theorganization. Explaining the objectives of the organization, Javed said, “Plan International is achild-centered organization and everything it does must be measured against the impact it hason the children. Change will not be made for the sake of change; rather Plan will change to bestmeet the needs of children.”Awareness on the said goals is not enough and there is not only need to increase the awarenessbut also help children and young girls to be able to play their role in progress of theircommunities as well as in nation building, he added. For improvement in social indicators of thecountry in the comity of nations as well as regional countries, the officials of the PlanInternational Pakistan were of the view that Baitul Maal, Benazir Income Support Programme,Free Primary Education, Primary Health Care and Conditional Cash Transfers are beneficial forthe targeted population in the country. However, they said that a criterion for developingpoverty scorecard was vague. They stressed the need for manifold increase in budgetaryallocations, however, said the utilization of existing resources is a big issue in Pakistan.According to them there is a need for participation of NGOs and INGOs in planning phases of theprojects initiated by the government under Kerry Lugar Act. The officials said tax system shouldbe developed to in a manner that no one could escape tax obligation so that more funds areavailable to the country for enhancing allocation for ongoing social sector projects as well ashealth insurance facility for poor families and called for unemployment allowance forunemployed youth.PIP Country Programme Manager (Implementation) Imran Yousuf Shami stressed upon theneed for ownership by the government of the projects completed by the INGOs and NGOs inPakistan and was of the view that this would help communities benefit from these completedprojects in years to come. Improved law and order situation and peace in the country, especiallyin troubled areas, would help attract more funding from international community and NGOs, hesaid, adding that I-NGOs would be able to expand their operations to the communities whichneed urgent government non-governmental organizations’ help. PIP Country ProgrammeManager (Strategies) Farah Naz on the issue of continuous demand from the government circlesfor holding accountable the NGOs and I-NGOs on their performance, said public debt hasincreased by Rs 6.5 trillion during the last four years and over 60% of the gross domesticproduct (GDP) of the country. Lending institutions and donors are reluctant to lend moremoney.



This situation in the country has negatively impacted the inflows of grants, as in many cases,grants are part of the lending programmes, Naz noted. According to her the increasing debt hasimpacted inflows of grants and aid for the government and NGOs have been receiving grantswith complete confidence of the donors. The major executing agencies in social sector are thegovernments and their departments, and if needed, accountability should start from thegovernment institutions first by virtue of them being major players in development sector withhuge annual allocations. The non-governmental organizations come at second, she said, as theydirectly get grants from international community and are answerable to them after completionof the projects. The demand from the political personalities and government circles forchannelizing grants and aid for NGOs and I-NGOs through the government have no merit, shedeclared.Daily Times – December 15, 2012

Violence against Women

Man Kills Mother in CharsaddaA man gunned down his mother for unknown reasons in Daulatpura village. The sources saidthat the accused Kamran, son of Abdul Wakeel, took his mother, Rozina Bibi, to the graveyard inSpinkay village and allegedly shot her dead there. The accused escaped the scene after themurder.The News – December 03, 2012

Man Arrested For Killing Sister, Alleged Lover: PunjabA man was arrested for allegedly killing his sister and her alleged boyfriend in Kasur. Police saythe man had confessed to the crime. They said they also recovered the weapon used in thecrime. His three partners are yet to be arrested.The Express Tribune – December 15, 2012

Two Girls Given Away As Vani: SindhTwo girls, aged 11 and 15, were forcibly married at Kotla Ahmed, in what appears to be amanifestation of the age-old custom of ‘vani’. Vani is a tribal custom in which girls are forced tomarry members of conflicting tribes in settlement of feuds. According to police, Ghulam Mustafamarried a girl and in return; two male relatives of his wife were married to the said girls. Thebridegroom’s are said to be 16 and 17-year-old boys. So far no action has been taken against theincident.Pakistan Today – December 22, 2012

Two Killed For Honor in Kohistan: KPKA man and a woman were killed in the name of honor in Kayhal area of Kohistan. FazalurRehman and his brother Mohammad Yousuf were attacked by Hamayun Khan and his sonsMehtab and Aftab when they were working in their fields in Kayhal area of Kohistan. As a resultFazalur Rehman died on the spot while his brother Mohammad Yousuf received critical injuriesand was taken to nearby hospital. The armed men then went to their home and shot dead awoman, stated to be sister-in-law of accused Hamayun, for her alleged illicit relation with the



victim, Fazalur Rehman. Gul Taja, registering FIR with police, said the accused suspected that his(Taja’s) slain brother was having illicit relation with one of their women and shot him (FazalurRehman) dead and injured his brother. The accused managed to escape. The Puttan policelodged FIR against the accused and were making raids to apprehend the accused.Dawn – December 23, 2012

Women in Politics & Government

For Women Empowerment, Women Parliamentarian Held In Esteem: FJWUWomen parliamentarians have been taking an active part in introducing various bills forlegislation in the parliament, Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) Vice Chancellor DrSamina Amin Qadir said. She was addressing the concluding ceremony of a project titled“Facilitating Women Parliamentarians in Pakistan,” said a press release issued by theorganizers. The event was coordinated by the university’s Department of Defence andDiplomatic Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Studies, University ofBradford under British Council’s INSPIRE programme. Qadir praised the achievements of theINSPIRE project by FJWU and University of Bradford. Nishat Riaz of British Council stated thatthe project was among the 10 that were selected out of the 166 applicants from across Pakistanthree years ago, which is a proof of its success.The Express Tribune – December 12, 2012

Women & Legislation

NGO Draft on Women Policy in Punjab to Go To Government: Aurat Foundation, PunjabIn order to increase the protection of women and involve the Punjab government in this activity,the Aurat Foundation has prepared a draft on the issue and intends to send it to the provincialgovernment for legislation. This was revealed at a consultation meeting arranged by the AF onthe topic of “Women Protection Policy and Bill 2012”. AF Resident Director Nasreen Zehra saidthat in order to increase the protection of women and involve government in this activity, theAF has prepared a draft on the protection of women policy with the consultation of aninternational NGO, Rutgers WPF, which conducted a research in two districts of the Punjabprovince. She said that the draft would be presented to the Punjab government for legislation.AF is advocating for policy reforms in the area of women rights that are based on providingprotection with dignity.Daily Times – December 25, 2012

Analysis/Reports

Pakistani women in the public and political: A Study by Planning CommissionFormer premier Benazir Bhutto, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and National AssemblySpeaker Fehmida Mirza are part of a small, but significant, number of women who have markedtheir place in the country’s political arena. According to a study by the Planning Commissionand endorsed by the United Nations, Pakistan has made remarkable progress in giving decision-making roles to women – however, the progress remains slow. In fact, the 2010 MDG Report forPakistan also noted that “the 22.2% participation share of women in the National Assembly ismuch better than that for any other Asian democracy and even for several Western



democracies, including the UK and the USA, as Pakistan has had a female prime minister,Parliament speaker, and most recently, a female foreign minister.” The study says that inParliament elected for 2008-2013, there are 76 women legislators, of whom 16 were elected ongeneral seats. The devolution plan of 2001 introduced by former president Pervez Musharraf’sregime has brought in a remarkable number of women at local government levels, with 33%reserved seats for women at all levels in the new system. Yet, discrimination against women isstill witnessed in the civil services.Another study by the Planning Commission suggests that none of the federal ministries wassetting aside 10% of its positions for women, as required under the Constitution. Based on datafrom 16 federal ministries and the Planning Commission itself, the report said there were only112 women working in lower grade civil service positions against more than 2,500 men; athigher grades, the ratio was three women against 66 men. Most women were found in lowergrade secretarial positions. Meanwhile, women also remain under-registered as voters, eventhough they account for more than half the country’s population. The number of registeredwomen voters in Pakistan in 2008 was 356, 037,78 compared to 453,065,40 men. The 2008elections saw a drastic reduction in the number of women voters – with a 45% in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa alone. The number of male voters also declined by 18%, whereas the number ofwomen voters declined by 39%.According to the report, this decline can be attributed to issues of security, recession,intimidation by militant forces and disappointment with the political system. Other factors,particular to women, include household responsibilities and socio-cultural constraints. It ismore difficult for women to go out and vote as compared to men for several reasons, includingsecurity. There is still a shortage of women within the decision-making bodies of nearly allpolitical parties. For example, there is only one woman on the 53-member central executivecommittee of the currently ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and none on the 26-memberexecutive committee of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. The 2002 National Policy forDevelopment and Empowerment of Women calls for removing hurdles to political participationby women and mandating the inclusion of women through merit in all decision-making bodiesat all levels. However, most parties do not take the views of women specifically into accountwhile drawing up election manifestos, and women who are consulted are those with an alreadystrong status in the parties, often on the basis of their family background. The data also showslow participation of women even after they are elected to local councils. According to onereport, “Only one-third of elected women attend all or nearly all the meetings of the council.”The Express Tribune – December 25, 2012



CRISES & CONFLICT WATCH

Sectarian Crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan

Killings in GB in the Month of December

Date Place Incident Killed Injured

December 1,2012 City Area, Gilgit. Un – identified armed personsopened fire on JUI – F leader andshot him dead when he was outsideof his house. 1 -

December13, 2012 Outside AssemblyArea, Gilgit.A student and a constable of the Eliteforce were killed and six others wereinjured from shots fired during aprotest demonstration staged b thestudents of Karaoram InternationalUniversity.

2 6

Sectarian Crisis in Sindh

Killings in Karachi in the Month of December

Date Place Incident Killed Injured

December 01,2012

Baldia TownArea, Karachi. A man and his son were gunneddown by armed un - identifiedmotorcyclists. 2 -Jail ChowrangiArea, Karachi. A man was shot dead and hisdaughter sustained injuries byarmed persons. 1 1Green TownArea of ShahFaisal Colony,Karachi. A man was killed while his friendsustained injuries. 1 1Frontier MorrArea, Karachi. A man was shot dead. 1 -Kati Pahari Area,Karachi. A man was shot and sustainedinjuries. 1Awan ColonyArea of OrangiTown, Karachi. A man was gunned down. 1 -Mawach GothArea, Karachi. A man was shot dead. 1 -

December 04,2012Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A District graveyard officer andhis nephew were killed. 2 -Bilal ColonyArea, Karachi. A policeman was gunned down. 1 -Al – Asif Check Two bodies of MQM workers 2 -



Date Place Incident Killed Injuredpost Area,Karachi. were found in a gunny bagHabib ChowrangiArea, Karachi. A man was shot dead. 1 -Al – Asif SquareArea, Karachi. A drug peddler was gunneddown. 1 -Madin BastiArea, Karachi. A Special branch officer waskilled. 1 -Green TownArea, Karachi. A man was killed over a cashdispute. 1 -

December 05,2012

KMC MarketArea,Nazimabad. An activist of MQM shot dead inhis shop. 1 -GurumandirroundaboutArea, Karachi. A worker of MQM was shot dead. 1 -Usmania ColonyArea, Karachi. A worker of PST was shot dead. 1 -Azam Basti Area,Karachi. A man was killed while offeringresistant during a robbery. 1 -Football GroundArea, Karachi. A woman was shot dead. 1 -Sohrab GothArea, Karachi. A man was killed. 1 -

December 08,2012

Karahi ZologicalGarden Area,Karachi. Three youth bodies found in agunny bag. 3 -Old City AreaNapier, Karachi. Two MQM activists were gunneddown. 2 -NewMuzaffarabadColony Area,Karachi. A laborer was gunned down whobelong to swat. 1 -Mianwali ColonyPirabad Area,Karchi. A rickshaw driver was killed. 1 -Sohrab GothArea, Karachi. An estate agent was killed. 1 -Machar ColonyArea, Karachi. A man was killed by motor cycleassailants. 1 -

December 09,2012 Nazimabad Area,Karachi. A former Union Council Nazimand an activist of MQM shot dead. 1 -New KarachiArea, Karachi. A young man was shot dead. 1 -December 11,2012

SuperhighwayArea, Karachi. Two traffic policeman and apasserby were wounded in theattack on a Rangers picket. 3Nazimabad Area,Karachi. A police head constable of a bombdisposal squad shot dead by un-identified persons. 1 -



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredMartin QuartersArea, Karachi. An employee of the KarachiMetropolitan Corporation waskilled. 1 -Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A Manager of a bus terminal wasshot dead. 1 -Shah Latif Area,Karachi. A paan cabim owner was shotdead. 1 -Mangopir Area,Karachi. A man was killed by unknownarmed persons. 1 -

December 12,2012ChristianQuarter Area,Karachi. Activist of MQ was killed by un-known persons. 1 -Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A man was killed and anotherwas injured in an attack. 1 1New KarachiArea, Karachi. Two motorcyclists were killedand another was injured. 2 1Dhobi Ghat Area,Karachi. A man was killed by un-knownpersons. 1 -Lyari Area,Karachi. An auto-rickshaw driver waskilled. 1 -

December 13,2012

QuaideabadArea, Karachi. A Customs official and hisnephew attacked by un-identifiedarmed persons. 2 -Baldia TownArea, Karachi. A policeman was gunned down. 1 -Khardar Area,Karachi. A MQM activist was shot dead. 1 -Khardar Area,Karachi. A generator shop owner waskilled. 1 -Korangi Area,Karachi. A member of Bengali ActionCommittee was shot dead. 1 -LiaquatabadArea, Karachi. An assistant director of KarachiDevelopment Authorit and hisdriver were wounded in a gunattack. - 2Landhi Area,Karachi

A powerful roadside bomb blastexplosion claimed two lives,including a policeman andwounded nearly dozen otherpersons that included teenager’sChilds.2 ∞

December 14,2012Saeedabad Area,Karachi. A police constable was gunneddown by un-known armedpersons. 1 -Kunwari ColonyArea, Karachi. A police constable was gunneddown by un-known armedpersons. 1 -LiaquatabadArea, Karachi. A young man was killed by un-identified persons. 1 -Ranchhore Area The body of unidentified man was 1 -



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredKarachi, Karachi. found.

December 15,2012

Mirza AdamKhan Road Area,Karachi.A watchman of educationdepartment of KarachiMetropolitan Corporation waskilled. 1 -

Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A man killed his brother. 1 -Banaras flyoverBridge Area,Karachi. A suspected robber was shotdead. 1 -Korangi Area,Karachi. A man was shot dead overresistance to a bid to snatchmotorcycle. 1 -ICI Bridge Area,Karachi. The dead bodies of two personswere found. 2 -Khada MarketArea, Karachi. A man was killed. 1 -Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A police officer was killed and aconstable injured in an armedattack. 1 1

December 16,2012Banaras ChowkArea, Karachi. A police Assistant Sub-Inspectorwas killed and a constableinjured. 1 1Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A body of a young man was shotdead. 1 -Dhobi GhaatArea, Karachi. A bullet riddled body of a missingCID police officer was found. 1 -Suparco RoadArea, Karachi. A dead body of a missing CIDpolice officer was found. 1 -

December 17,2012Banaras flyoverArea, Karachi. A man was killed by unknownarmed persons. 1 -Shadman TownArea, Karachi. A man was shot dead and otherinjured by armed persons. 1 1Gulshan-e-Maymar Area,Karachi. A body of aged man was foundnear the bushes. 1 -Kotri Area,Sindh. Un-identified armed personsbroke into house of PML-N leaderAdvocate Nisar Ali and killed hiswife. 1 -

December 18,2012Gadap TownArea, Karachi. A young volunteer associatedwith the polio immunizationcampaign was shot dead. 1 -Khadim SolangiGoth Area,Karachi. A polio worker was shot dead. 1 -Shahrah-i-OrangiArea, Karachi. A worker of MWM was gunneddown while his friend sustainedinjuries by armed assailants. 1 1Landhi Area, A hakim was shot dead. 1 -



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredKarachi.Sachal Area,Karachi. A man was killed and otherinjured when armed personsattacked on ANP office. 1 1Pankha HotelArea, Karachi. A trader was killed in a robberybid. 1 -NorthNazimabad Area,Karachi. An alleged bandit was killed inwhat officials described as anencounter. 1 -Old City Area,Karachi. A school teacher was shot andwounded. - 1December 19,2012

Landhi Area,Karachi. Two polio vaccinators were killedby attackers. 2Ittehad TownArea, Karachi. A polio vaccinator was killed andhis co-worker sustained injuries. 1 1Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A polio vaccinator was killed andother sustained injuries. 1 1Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A policeman was shot dead byarmed persons. 1 -

December 20,2012

QayyumabadArea, Karachi. Police killed two suspects andapprehended six others in apolice operation against theattackers of polio vaccinator. 2 -Orangi TownArea, Karachi. An activists affiliated with MQMwas gunned down. 1 -NazimabadPolice StationArea, Karachi. A man belonging to ASWJ waskilled while his nephew sustainedinjuries. 1 1Fawara ChowkArea, Karachi. A worker of garments factory waskilled by un-identified armedpersons. 1 -Mangopir PoliceStation Area,Karachi. A man was killed by un-identifiedarmed persons. 1 -

December 22,2012

Saddar Area,Karachi. A local leader of the AwamiNational Party was killed andothers two passé by were injuredby un-identified persons. 1 -Empress MarketArea, Karachi. A.S.I, Police Constable and apasserby suffered gun shots byun-identified armed persons. - 3Baldia TownArea, Karachi. A man was shot dead by un-identified persons. 1 -Orangi TownArea, Karachi. An office bearer of local marketwas shot dead by armed persons. 1 -Garden Area,Karachi. A resident of Martin Quarters’who was missed, his body wasfound. 1 -December 24,2012 Old City Area,Karachi. Head Constable was shot dead byarmed persons. 1 -



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredShah FaisalColony Area,Karachi. A trader was shot dead by armedpersons. 1 -Nazimabad Area,Karachi. A young man was shot dead byarmed persons. 1 -Baloch ParaArea, Karachi. A young man was shot dead andhis associate was wounded whenassailants targeted them. 1 1Hawkesbay RoadArea, Karachi. A young man was killed in adrive-by shooting. 1 -Shahrah-e-FaisalArea, Karachi. A man was shot dead whileresisting a robbery. 1 -Lasbela Aea,Karachi. A young laborer was shot dead. 1 -Nishat RoadArea, Karachi. The body of an un-identifiedyoung man was found. 1 -KorangiIndustrial Area,Karachi. The body of an un-identifiedyoung man was found. 1 -Nazimabad Area,Karachi. A suspected bandit was killed bypeople during a botched robbery. 1 -

December 25,2012

Nazimabad No.2Area, Karachi. Three Shia Traders were killedwhen two pillion riders fired ontheir shops and shot dead them. 3 -North KarachiArea, Karachi. A Sunni prayer leader was killedby un-identified armed persons. 1 -Northern BypassArea, Karachi. An MBBS student of a privateuniversity was killed by armedpersons. 1 -Ayub Goth Area,Karachi. An elderly aged man was killedand a policeman was injured byun-identified armed persons. 1 12 MintChowrangi NorthKarachi Area,Karachi.

A passerby was shot dead anddied on the spot by armedpersons. 1 -Gushan-e-SikandarabadArea, Karachi. A scrap dealer was shot dead byun-identified armed persons. 1 -Khayaban-e-Rahat Area,Karachi. A security guard was gunneddown during a robbery. 1 -Garden PoliceHeadquartersArea, Karachi. A motorist was shot dead. - -China WadaArea, Karachi. Bodies of two young men werediscovered form bushes. 2 -December 26,2012 Gulshan-e-IqbalArea, Karachi. A leader of Ahle Sunnat WalJammat (ASWJ) including hisdriver and gunmen were killed by 3 -



Date Place Incident Killed Injuredarmed persons.Saddar ParkArea, Karachi. Two people were killed and otherwas injured in an attack by armedpersons. 2 1Azeempura Area,Karachi. A man was killed while anotherwas injured. 1 1New KarachiIndustrial Area,Karachi. A man was killed by un-identifiedpersons. 1 -Shershah Area,Karachi. A tortured dead body of a personwas found. 1 -Gulshan-e-IqbalArea, Karachi. A tortured body of a young manwas found. 1 -MetrovillGraveyard Area,Karachi. A tortured body of a person wasfound. 1 -Civil HospitalKarachi Area,Karachi. A teenager boy was killed by un-identified person. 1 -December 28,2012 Sohrab GothArea, Karachi. A MOC member was killed andtwo others were injured in anarmed attack. 1 2Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A man was killed by armed riders. 1 -

December 30,2012

CantonmentRailway StationArea, Karachi. At least six people were killed and50 others sustained injuries whenbus enroute to Sargodha. 6 50Landhi Rea,Karachi. An activist of PST was shot deadin his shop. 1 -Orangi TownArea, Karachi. A man was killed b un-identifiedarmed persons. 1 -Sher Shah Area,Karachi. A man was killed when he wasgoing to his work. 1 -Officers ColonyArea, Karachi. A dead body of a man was found. 1 -Mangopir Area,Karachi. A wanted criminal was shot dead. 1 -KorangiIndustrial Area,Karachi. A woman was killed while herhusband sustained injuries. 1 1Sectarian Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Killings in KPK in the Month of December

Date Place Incident Killed InjuredDecember 01,2012 Safi Tehsil Area,Mohmand Two brothers were killed in aroadside planted IED explosive. 2 -



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredAgency.Inqilab RoadArea, Peshawar. Policeman remained unhurt whentheir van was hit by a road sidebomb blast. - -December 02,2012

Wana, SouthWairistan. Three people, among them aforeigner, were killed when a USdrone targeted a moving vehicle. 3 -Kabul Tehsil,District Swat. Four persons, including twobrothers were killed whengunmen opened fire on a vehicle. 4 -

December 03,2012Yakagund TehsilArea, Mohmand. Two persons were killed in anexplosion when they wereplanting an improvised. 2 -Zareef CoreArea, Charsada. A policeman was injured when apolice mobile van was damaged ina roadside bomb blast. - 1

December 4,2012 ShabKhel VillageArea, Peshawar.The remote controlled bombtargeted a van on a routine patrolin which two armed personnelwere killed. 2 Kg explosive used inthis attack. 2 -

December 05,2012 Hawaid PoliceStation Area,Bannu.An explosive laden car was struckto the wall of police station inwhich four police personnel andtwo civilians were injured. - 4

December 06,2012Zakakhel Area,Tirah Valley.

At least six persons were killedand eight others were injuredwhen Mangal – Bagh – led Lashkar– e – Islam volunteers attacked onpro – government peace Lashkar. 6 8Angoor AddaRoad Area,NorthWaziristanAgency.

Three soldiers were killed and20 others were sustainedinjuries in a check point blast. 3 20December 07,2012 Miranshah Area,NorthWaziristanAgency.

A US drone fired two missiles at acompound. In a result, at leastthree militants were killed. 3 -December 09,2012

Datakhel Area,NorthWaziristanAgency. A tribesman was killed and othertwo persons sustained injuries. 1 2AirportBakakhelVillage, Bannu. Five members of a family includingthree children were gunned downby un-identified persons. 5 -

December 10,2012 Bara TehsilArea, KhberAgency. A soldier was killed and other hisfellow sustained while defusing abomb. 1 1Sheikh Yousaf Four peoples, including two 4 3



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredArea, DeraIsmail Khan. brothers were killed and otherthree persons were sustainedinjuries.Afghan BorderArea, NorthWaziristanAgency. Four Punjabi militants were killedin a US drone attack. 4 -December 11,2012

Kakki PoliceStation Area,Bannu. Six persons, including three policepersonnel were killed in a gun anda suicide attack on a police station. 6 5Peshawar. Eight peoples were injured in aroadside planted remotecontrolled bomb blast near to theANP political meeting. - 8

December 13,2012 Oghi Area,Mansehra. Un-identified armed persons killeda prayer leader. 1 -Bannu GhulamKhan HighwayArea,Miranshah.

A Pakistan Army soldier workingwith the Frontier WorksOrganization and other threecivilian’s laborer were killed in anattack by un-identified armedperson attack.1 3

December 16,2012 Bacha KhanAirport Area,Peshawar.A suicide car bomber andterrorists armed with rockets andexplosives attacked on airport,killing four people and injureddozens more. 4 ∞

December 17,2012 Pawaka SuburbArea, Peshawar. A joint operation by the army andpolice killed five terrorist who hadescaped after the attack on aPakistan Air Force (PAF) base. 5 -December 18,2012 Lakki MarwatArea, Peshawar. At least three soldiers were killedand three were injured in clasheswith security forces. 3 3

Jamrud BazaarArea, KhyberAgency.At least 21 people were killed,including women and children andother 64 persons were injured in aremote control explosive whichwas planted with a car. 21 64

December 20,2012 Daudzai Area,Peshawar. Un-identified armed personsattacked on a volunteer of the anti-polio campaign. 1 -Charsada Area,Peshawar. Un-identified armed personsattacked on a female and driver ofthe anti-polio campaign and killedthem on the spot. 2 -

December 19,2012 RisalpurCantonmentArea,Nowshehra.Eighteen persons, including sixsoldiers sustained injuries in ahand grenade attack outside arecruitment centre. 18 -



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredNala Area ofBara Tehsil,Khyber Agency. Two dead bodies of missingpersons were found in a desertedhouse. 2 -ManglawarVillage Area,Swat. The Chief of anti-taliban peacecommittee was killed and hiscolleague was seriously injured. 1 1December 21,2012 Ali Baig VillageArea,Nowshehra. A boy was killed by un-identifiedpersons. 1 -Mohallan GujranArea,Nowshehra. Un-knwn persons barged in to thehouse and killed a woman. 1 -

Shinkamar Area,Nowshehra. A woman was killed when amortar shell fired from un-identified location and hit a house. 1 -December 22,2012 Rustam BazaarArea, Wana.

Three persons, including a seniorTaliban commander MAulvi Abbas,were killed and eight others wereinjured in an improvised explosivedevice (IED). 3 8Taru Jabba Area,Nowshera.

Two persons were killed and threeothers sustained injuries whenmembers of one tribe groupallegedly opened fire on the jirgamember. 2 3Hisukhel Area,NorthWaziristanAgency. At least four militants were killedin a US drone strike. 4 -Local MarketArea, Nowshera. ANP Party leader and former townnazim was shot dead by un-identified armed persons when hewas returning home. 1 -

December 23,2012 DhakkiNaalbandi Area,Peshawar.KP Senior Minister Bashir Bilour,eight others killed and twentypeople were injured as suicidebomber attacks ANP meeting. 8 20

Tirah ValleyArea, KhyberAgency. Two militants were killd and sevenothers were injured when fighterjets targeted their hideouts. 2 7December 24,2012 Tirah ValleyArea, KhyberAgency.

Three persons, including acommander associated with thebanned Ansarul Islam militantgroup were killed and 3 -December 26,2012 Yar HussainArea, Swabi. Six people were down in a houseby un-identified persons. 6 -Loe ShalmanArea, LandiKotal. A militant was killed and anotherinjured in a firing incident. 1 1Sipah Area, Two security personnel were - 2



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredBara. injured in a road side bombexplosive.Tirah ValleyArea, KhyberAgency. An activist of banned militantgroup Ansarul Islam killed hiscolleague and injured another. 1 1December 28,2012 Haji Abad Area,Charsadda. A bomb exploded near a mosquein which six peoples were injured. - 6Jani Khawara,Zarka andZakhai Area,Peshawar.

Terrorists attacked on securityforces check posts in whichincluding, two levies forcespersonnel, two policemen werealso killed and injured another.The militants also kidnapped 33personnel.4 1

December 29,2012 Gurbaz TownArea, NorthWaziristan. Seven people were killed andthree others were injured whenmissiles fired by drone hit a house. 7 3December 30,2012 FR’s HassanKhel Area,Peshawar.

At least 21 out of 23 leviesabducted soldiers wereslaughtered by Taliban militants.The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan(TTP) claimed the responsibility ofthe attack.21 -

AbbaKhelVillage Area,Lakki Marwat.A member of the Frontier ReservePolice was shot dead when twoarmed pillion riders opened fire onhim. 1 -

Hajiabad Village,Charsadda. A man along with six persons twominors had sustained injures. - 6December 31,2012 Data Khel Area,NorthWaziristanAgency.

At least two security personnelwere killed and another threewere injured when un-identifiedmilitants attacked a convoy with(IED) explosives. 2 3Faqirabad Area,Peshawar. A blast outside cinema injured oneperson. The blast occurred at thegate of cinema. - 1

Sectarian Crisis in Balochistan

Killings in Quetta in the Month of December

Date Place Incident Killed InjuredDecember 01,2012 Shah WakshahRoad Area,Quetta. Two boys were injured in a toybomb explosion. - 2December 05,2012 Panjgour TownArea, Quetta. Un-identified armed personsopened fire on a finance minster - 1



Date Place Incident Killed Injuredbalochistan in which he sustainedinjuries.Kanchogi Area,Muslim BaghTehsil.Un-identified armed personsopened fire on a car in which aperson was shot dead and twoothers were sustained injuries. 1 2

December 08,2012District JailArea, Pishin. Un-identified armed personsopened fire on a Police Sub –Inspector and fled from the scene. 1 -Satellite TownArea, Quetta. Un-identified armed personsopened indiscriminate fire on aperson and shot him dead. 1 -Jan MuhammadRoad Area,Quetta. Five people were injured in abomb explosion. - 5

December 09,2012 Satellite TownArea, Quetta. A man belongs to a Ahmedisectarian was shot by un-knownpersons. 1 -

December 11,2012 Sariab RoadArea, Quetta. One man was died and two otherwere injured in a bomb explosionnear the shop. 1 2December 14,2012 Saleem ComplexJinnah RoadArea, Quetta. A person was killed by un-identified persons. 1 -Sarki Road Area,Quetta. A man was gunned down by un-known miscreants. 1 -Qandhari BazaarArea, Quetta. Un-identified armed personinjured two persons. - 2Panjgaur BazaarArea, DistrictPanjgaur. Armed persons shot dead airportmanager of Civil AviationAuthority (CAA). 1 -December 15,2012 Sariab GridStation Area,Quetta.

Eight persons including aBalochistan Constabulary wereinjured in a bomb blast attached toa bicycle parked at a roadside. - 8December 18,2012 Adalat RoadArea, Quetta.

The Director of the provincialgovernment’s public relation armwas killed by un-identified armedpersons while two other policepersonnel were killed when theychased the killers.3 -

December 19,2012 Karmo WadhArea, HohluDistrict.At least two militants were killedand other four were injured whenthey were attacked in a securityforces check post. Four injuredmilitants were also arrested bysecurity personnel.

2 4December 22,2012 Sariab Area,Quetta, Bodies of two young women werefound from rail track. 2 -Brewery Road A tortured body was recovered. 1 -



Date Place Incident Killed InjuredArea, Quetta.December 23,2012 Pak-Iran BorderArea, Gwadar.

Eleven people, includingPakistanis and Afghans, weregunned down by un-identifiedarmed persons. BalochistanSecretary quoted that deceasedwere illegally travelling to Iran.11 -

Sui Area, Quetta. Un-identified armed personsattacked on peace force. 1 -December 25,2012 Mushkai FortArea, Kalat. Two Pakistan Army personnelwere killed when the militaryconvoy was returned. 2 -Sarkan RoadArea,Balochistan. Two security personnel wereinjured in a planted (IED)explosive. - 2Panjgaur Area,Quetta. Un-identified armed personsattacked on a security check post.However, no causalities werereported. - -Eastern BypassArea, Quetta. Two police personnel were killedand as many sustained injurieswhen un-identified armed personsattacked on their pickets. 2 ∞

December 26,2012 Mashkay Area,Quetta.A search operation was carried outby Frontier Corps in which onesoldier was killed and severalterrorists were killed includingtheir two camps were destroyedby (FC).

1 ∞

December 27,2012 Mashkay Sub-division Area,AwaraanDistrict.At least Eighteen militants werekilled and 3 Frontier Constabularykilled in an action carried outagainst militants. 18 -

December 28,2012 Satellite TownArea, Quetta. Two intelligence agency officialswere killed by un-identified armedpersons. 2 -December 29,2012 Garmkan Area,Panjgaur. Un-identified armed pillion riderskilled three persons and anotherinjured one. 3 1ChamanNationalHighway Area,Quetta. The driver carrying Nato suppliesattacked and injured seriously. - 1December 30,2012 Satellite TownArea, Quetta. Four police officials were killedwhen militants attacked on thepolice van. 4 -December 31,2012 Mastung Area,Quetta. A car bomb hit a convoy of threeIran-bound buses and killed atleast 20 Shia pilgrims and injured25 others. 20 25



News, Analysis & Reports on Conflict

67 journalists killed in 2012: CPJAt least 67 journalists were killed worldwide in direct relation to their work by mid-December,a 42 per cent increase over 2011, and a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).The report said combat-related deaths in Syria and targeted murders in Somalia, Pakistan andBrazil were the driving forces behind a sharp rise in press fatalities in 2012. CPJ is alsoinvestigating the deaths of another 30 journalists to establish whether these were work-related.Unceasing violence during Syria’s conflict proved deadliest, claiming the lives of 28 journalistskilled in combat or directly targeted and murdered by government or opposition forces. “Whilenearly every aspect of journalism has been transformed by technology, the central function thatjournalists fulfil remains unaltered,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. “Journalists bearwitness. When journalists are killed, our understanding of critical global events is diminished.‘‘In no place has this truth been revealed more dramatically than Syria, where so manyjournalists have been killed seeking to inform the world.” Murder accounted for all 12 deaths inSomalia, the second deadliest country in 2012, where not a single journalist murder has beenprosecuted in the last decade. “The cycle of silence works like this: A journalist is murdered, astory dies, others reporters are cowed,” said Mr Simon. Pakistan the deadliest place forjournalists in the past two years, dropped to third place in 2012 with seven killings, althoughthe number of fatalities did not decrease and impunity reigned in the country. Four of thejournalists were killed in Balochistan. Along with Russia and the Philippines, each with onejournalist murder this year, Pakistan is a place where journalists are routinely targeted and thekillers evade justice.Dawn – December 19, 2012

Future Terrorists to Come from Various Religions: An Official US ReportAn official US report warns that future terrorists could come from many different religions,including Christianity and Hinduism. “Right-wing and left-wing ideological groups — some ofthe oldest users of terrorist tactics — also will pose threats,” the report adds. But it hopes thatthe withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and a reduced military presence in Afghanistan will alsodecrease the terrorists’ ability to use America for stirring up Muslim anger. “The Future ofTerrorism” is part of a larger report that studies global trends between now and 2030. Thereport was partially released earlier this month but the complete version has now been placedon the US State Department’s website. “The impending withdrawal of US forces from Iraq anddecreases in US forces in Afghanistan will help to reduce the extent to which terrorists can drawon the United States as a lightning rod for anger,” says the report prepared by US intelligenceagencies for American policymakers. “Soon, US support for Israel could be the last remainingmajor focus of Muslim anger,” the report adds. Several circumstances are ending the currentIslamist phase of terrorism, indicating that “the recent religious wave is receding and could endby 2030”, and the report adds. It points out that past terrorist waves, the Anarchists in the1880s and 90s, the post-war anti-colonial terrorist movements, the new left in 1970s, alsoended in a similar fashion. But the report wants that “terrorism is unlikely to die completelybecause it has no single cause”. The report compares terrorism to a forest fire and says thattraditional use of the term “root cause” for understanding what drives terrorism is misleading.Like a forest fire, “a mixture of conditions such as dry heat, a spark, and wind lead to terrorism”as well. Defining the United States as a receding enemy, the report notes that although Al Qaedaand others have focused on the United States as a clear enemy, the appeal of the United States asthe “great enemy” is declining. Moral resurgence of secular democracy in the Arab world, the



report adds, will also help defuse terrorism as the Arab uprisings were non-violent strugglesand “protesters acted in the name of democratic values, not in the name of religion.” The reportalso claims that future generations in the Arab and Muslim worlds may not agree with theperceptions of the older generations and may not want to carry on their battles. “A newgeneration may simply view things differently and be less interested in an old narrative,” whichcaused conflicts between Muslims and the West, says the report. The war in Afghanistan cost AlQaeda its initial base and forced it to move into the more difficult environment in the tribalareas of Pakistan, the report adds. This enabled the United States to attack and kill many seniorAl Qaeda leaders and key operatives. “In the short term, the Al Qaeda core might still be able tolaunch attacks” but like previous terrorist organizations such as the Baader-Meinhof group inthe 1970s, it will become ineffective, the report says. “Some Al Qaeda affiliates and other typesof Islamist terrorist organizations, however, are likely to pose more serious threats,” the reportwarns. But “Shia groups such as Hezbollah will continue to see terrorism as a means to achievetheir objectives,” the report adds. States managing terrorism: The report says that many statesmight continue to use terrorist groups; exploiting terrorist movements out of a strong sense ofinsecurity. It claims that states such as Pakistan and Iran feel threatened by what they perceiveas stronger, threatening powers in their regions or globally. Therefore, they seek asymmetricoptions to assert power and deter attack; using terrorist groups as proxies and pursuing nuclearweapons are two such asymmetric tools. “However, international disapproval of state supportfor terrorist movements has increased significantly, and the costs to a regime of directlysupporting terrorists looks set to become even greater as international cooperation increases,”the report concludes.Dawn – December 26, 2012

2012 Sees 13 Journalists Murdered In Pakistan: A Report by SAMCThe outgoing year has been worst for journalists in the country, as South Asia has mourned themurder of 25 media persons so far in 2012. Pakistan again remains in the lead with the killing of13 journalists. According to a report of the South Asia Media Commission (SAMC), 13 journalistslost their lives in Pakistan followed by five in India, three in Bangladesh and two each in Nepaland Afghanistan in 2012. Last year, 17 journalists were killed in South Asia out of which 12were Pakistanis. Pakistan had also been the most dangerous country for journalists in 2010 and2011, according to the reports of international media monitoring organizations.The South Asia Media Monitor 2012 report said that insurgency-hit Balochistan and thenorthern parts of the country were the most perilous areas with the range of threats and traumagrowing. “Journalists in Pakistan faced pressure from all sides. Historically, it was the statepower, which curbed freedom of speech and attacked journalists. Now journalists are underattack from non-state actors too,” said the report. The journalists killed in Pakistan in the year2012 included Saqib Khan, Rehmatullah Abid, Mushtaq Khan, Abdul Haq Baloch, Abdul QadirHajizai, Razzaq Gul, Mukarram Khan, Muhammad Amir, Aurangzeb Tunio, Tariq Kamal, SyedTariq Hussain, Aslam Raja and Jamshed Kharal. Press freedom has made journalists moreaudacious in performing their job, which in turn, has also made them a vulnerable community.According the report, killing with impunity aside, there have been various incidents of attackson media houses and threats and violence against media persons with perpetrators remainingunscathed. There have also been reports of journalists sustaining injuries in protests and bombblasts in Pakistan. “Violent protests that erupted against anti-Islam film in September took aheavy toll on media professionals in Pakistan. One media worker was killed and many otherswere injured as they covered the protests. Journalists were beaten and dragged by protesterswho complained that they were not being given proper coverage,” said the report. The mediawatchdog said that the government did not act on its promises to introduce a reformed Access



to Information law and repeal other laws and regulations curbing media freedom. The media inthe country carried out its public watchdog functions with great energy, but the reportmentioned some negative trends exercised by media persons. “The TV channels and the Urdupress have still to discuss the problem of terrorism in a balanced manner. Despite ampleempirical evidence and daily violence against innocent people, worship places, schools, marketsand most sensitive security installations, many media persons tend to obfuscate the reality withtheir speculative presentations and portrayal and conspiracy theories,” said the report.“Unfortunately, the blackmailing aspects of some TV anchors have come to light and the viewingpublic has been afforded an opportunity to see the phenomenon on screen. But instead of beingsubjected to accountability, the offenders have been rewarded with better contracts,” it added.The SAMC report chronicled media rights violations in all the eight countries of the region. Thereport also carried overviews of the situation of media freedom, and articles on issuesconcerning media in each country.Daily Times – December 31, 2012



ECONOMIC WATCH

Facts And Figures

Trade Deficit Shrinks to $8.16billion: Pakistan Bureau of StatisticsTrade deficit in merchandise trade fell by over nine per cent in the first five months of thecurrent fiscal year, from a year ago as imports dropped, while exports witnessed a growth. Inabsolute terms, the trade deficit narrowed down to $8.168 billion in July-Nov period this year,as against $9.069 billion over the corresponding period of last year, suggested data of thePakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released. Since October 2012 the imports are steadily ondecline, while exports rebounded because of a slight surge in demand from recession-hit keymarkets of Europe and United States. Exports rose by 7.85 per cent between July and Novemberwhile imports declined 0.91 per cent. On monthly basis, in November exports posted a growthof 23.68 per cent, and imports dipped by 2.33 per cent. The declining trend in imports showsthat the cost of imports increased because of massive depreciation of the rupee, which in returnrestricted demand for imported goods as well. Trade deficit swelled to $21.271 billion in 2011-12 from $15.604 billion in the previous year, mainly driven by import of consumer goods andhigher international crude oil prices. For 2012-13, the government has projected trade deficit at$17.126 billion, which reflects low demand from manufacturing side. Statistics show thatexports rose to $10.082 billion in July-Nov from $9.348 billion in the corresponding period lastyear, showing an increase of 7.85 per cent. In 2011-12, exports stood at $23.641 billion asagainst $24.810 billion in the previous year, a decline of 4.71 per cent. For the current fiscalyear, government projected export proceeds at $25.618 billion. The increase in exports ismainly driven by textile and clothing sectors. The output in textile and clothing sector hasincreased because of unabated supply of gas and electricity to the sector in the last few months.Similarly, an increase in demand was witnessed because of spillover effect from China andTaiwan’s labor issue. The implementation of preferential package of 75 products imports fromPakistan along with announcement for GSP plus scheme by Brussels also encouraged Europeanbuyers to re-develop contacts in Pakistan. Import bill declined by 0.91 per cent to $18.250billion in July-November 2012 from $18.417 billion over the same months last year. On monthlybasis, imports declined by 2.33pc to $3.607 billion in November from $3.693 billion over thecorresponding month last year.Dawn – December 13, 2012

State Bank of Pakistan Cuts Interest Rate to Single Digit: State Bank of PakistanThe State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has cut its policy rate by 50 basis points to bring it down from10 percent to 9.5 percent with effect from December 17. According to the Monetary PolicyDecision, the decline in CPI inflation is considerably faster than earlier estimates. The year-on-year CPI inflation for November 2012 stands at 6.9 percent, with food inflation dropping to 5.3percent and non-food inflation coming down to 8.1 percent. Even the core inflation measuresare in single digit. This broad-based deceleration in inflation is now expected to keep theaverage inflation for FY13 below the 9.5 percent target for the year.The board of directors reviewed the situation of the economy, saying the changes infundamental variables influencing the recent monetary policy decisions of SBP continue tosupport the current stance, though the credit extended to private businesses remains muted.The deceleration in CPI inflation is faster than the projected path, whereas the external current



account deficit in October 2012 was small. Therefore, the Central Board of Directors of the SBPhas decided to reduce the policy rate by 50 basis points to 9.5 percent, an SBP statement said.The central board of directors reviewed the situation of the economy, and noted that the overallstress in the external position, however, is increasing given the declining financial inflows andsubstantial debt repayments. Assigning appropriate weights to these competing considerationsis the main challenge currently faced by monetary policy. Thus, despite an external currentaccount surplus of $258 million during July-October, FY13, there has been some pressure on therupee to depreciate. Since the beginning of FY13, the rupee, vis-a-vis dollar, has depreciated by3.3 percent.This stressed external position has implications for the rest of the economy. For instance, thedecline in foreign exchange reserves is causing contraction in rupee liquidity. A depreciatingcurrency is also affecting the size of the outstanding external debt in rupee terms and thus hasimplications for the fiscal position. Moreover, the magnitude and speed of pass-through ofexchange rate changes to CPI inflation need to be monitored closely in these circumstances, theSBP noted.Both the level of interest rate set by the SBP and the timely realization of budgeted foreigninflows are critical in managing the balance of payment position. The lower interest rate canpotentially affect the credit demand, including that of imports, and return on rupeedenominated assets relative to foreign currency assets. The first consideration is not a source ofconcern at the moment given the weak overall credit conditions and consistent decline in thequantum of imports. The second consideration is important and puts a natural limit ondownward adjustments in the interest rate. However, it needs to be weighed against theexpected budgeted foreign inflows, which are not linked with the interest rate but can boostmuch needed financial inflows.The bank issued a warning about the country’s external position, saying substantial debtrepayments to the International Monetary Fund had contributed to a decline in foreignexchange reserves from $10.8 billion at the end of June to $8.6 billion. The Pakistani rupee hasfallen by 3.3 percent against the dollar since June, the bank said. The persistent energyshortages have already decreased the utilization of productive capacity of the economy.Resultantly, the output gap – the difference between aggregate demand and the ability of theeconomy to meet this demand is now almost negligible. At the same time, availability of foodsupplies has been better this year compared to last two years.Daily Times – December 15, 2012

Gross Official Reserves May Deplete To $8.24 Billion by June 2013The country’s gross official reserves may deplete to $8.24 billion by June 2013 which is 28 percent or $3.2 billion, lower than what has been projected for last financial year 2011-12, said anofficial. The official said the current account deficit – gap between total foreign receipts andpayments – is expected to widen to $5.3 billion or 2.1 per cent of total size of economy duringongoing fiscal. The incumbent government has also decided that the necessary international anddomestic payments would be mulled over on case to case base during current financial year2012-13. The Finance ministry told that unavoidable, international and domestic contractualand obligatory payments will be considered on case to case basis and relaxation if required maybe allowed by the Finance Secretary. The aid-dependent Pakistan has to pay significant portionof the foreign debt during current fiscal which will plunge unpleasant implications for exchangerate that in return will fuel inflation due to increasing cost of imported goods.According to the repayment schedule agreed between Pakistan and IMF, Pakistan will repay itsobtain $7.6 billion to the IMF till the end of fiscal year 2014-15. The $11.3 billion SBA program



had expired on September 30, 2011 and the last two trenches of $3.7 billion could not pay toPakistan by IMF following Islamabad’s failure to pursue key reforms as well as the emergence ofthe revenue figures fiasco. Despite depressive economic situation of the country, thegovernment had paid back total amount of $2.52 billion to International Monetary Fund so farfrom foreign currency reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Pakistan had enterinto a $11.3 billion programme in 2008 with IMF and got disbursements of about $7.6 billion,but failed to get the remaining $3.7 billion due to slippages in performance criteria, leading tosuspension of the programme in May 2010 and was ended unsuccessfully on September30,2011.Pakistan Today – December 26, 2012

Despite challenges, ailing economy stabilized: Ministry of FinanceDifficult economic decisions and reforms undertaken by the present PPP led government anddespite challenges during past four and half years had produced positive results and ailingeconomy in the country had been stabilized and put on the path of economic resilience andgrowth. Highlighting the major achievements of the government, a senior official of the Ministryof Finance told that the budget deficit had been brought down from 7.6 % of GDP in 2007-08 to6.6% of GDP during 2011-12, while it has been estimated at 4.7% of GDP in FY 2012-13. Advisorto Finance Ministry Rana Asad Amin said that due to tight monetary policy regime, inflation hadbeen brought down from 25% in 2008 to 11% in FY 2011-12 and estimated at 9.5% during FY2012-13. He added that subsidies have been reduced from 3.5% of GDP in 2007-08 to around1% of GDP in the budget 2012-13. He further said that due to stringent austerity measuresadopted by the present government the expenditure on civil government has been reducedfrom 1.3% of GDP to 0.9 % of GDP. Rana Asad Amin said that FBR collections increased fromaround Rs. 1157 billion in FY 2008-09 to Rs. 1908 billion in FY 2011-12 and estimated at Rs.2381 billion in FY 2012-13. He informed that workers’ remittances grew from US$ 7.8 billion inFY 2008-09 to US $ 13.2 billion in FY 2011-12. “Exports increased from US $ 19.1 billion in FY2008-09 to US $ 25.3 billion in FY 2010-11, stabilizing at US $ 24.6 billion FY 2011-12”, heremarked. He said that the current account deficit of $13,874 million in 2008 was turnedaround into to a surplus of $423 million in Sept 2012. Foreign exchange reserves, he said rosefrom a low of $ 7.5 billion in September 2008 to $18.2 billion in June 2011; currently they standat around $14.4 billion. He added that debt to GDP ratio has been kept within the statutory limit(Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, 2005). The Advisor Finance Ministry said thatEconomic growth of 3.7% was achieved during FY 2011-12 and estimated at 4% during FY2012- 13. Regarding the Development spendings, he said that the Public Sector DevelopmentProgramme (PSDP) over a period of 5 years was Rs. 3 trillion. “Current financial year’s PSDPoutlay is Rs.873 billion as compared to Rs668 billion last year”, he remarked. He said that Rs153 billion were earmarked under People’s Works Programme (Rs.118 billion under PWP-IIand Rs.25 billion under PWP-I) in 5 years for implementation of hundreds of schemes forelectrification, gas supply, road, water supply and sanitation.Highlighting the employment situation during the past four and half years, Rana Asad Amin saidthat one hundred thousand internships provided since 2008 through the National InternshipProgramme while a large number of sacked employees were reinstated. He added that thegovernment facilitated employment of at least 660 thousand Pakistanis abroad and the ban onemployment partially lifted. He added that twelve thousand public sector contract jobsconverted into permanent jobs while facilitation of self-employment through Waseela-i-Rozgarscheme under BISP was initiated to benefit the poor segment of the society. Highlighting theresource transfer to the provinces, he said that under the 7th NFC Award gave due weightage topoverty/backwardness, revenue collection, revenue generation and inverse population density,in addition to population. He added that transfer to the Provinces increased from Rs.633 billion



in FY2009-10 under 6th NFC Award to Rs. 999 billion in FY2010-11, Rs.1,090 billion in FY 2011-12; and Rs. 1459 billion in FY 2012-13. Rana Asad Amin added that it increased the share ofBalochistan to 9.09 percent from 5.11% and seventy percent of the divisible pool is now beingtransferred to the Provinces and Special Areas, which reflects greater financial empowerment ofthe Provinces. Regarding the steps taken for the Poverty Alleviation, he said that Rs. 138 billionallocated till end of FY 2011-12 to BISP; Rs. 70 billion have been budgeted in the currentfinancial year 2012-13. He further said that under Benazir Employees Stock Option Programme,12 percent shares of 80 State Owned Enterprises were transferred to 500,000 employees,making them shareholders in the respective PSEs. He added that under Bait-ul Maal, more thanRs. 7 billion distributed to the poor over the past three years. He added that Rs 52 billionprovided to flood affectees under Citizens’ Damages Compensation Programme. He added thatpresent government’s Restructuring Public Sector Enterprises policy included induction ofProfessional Boards of Directors, Induction of professional management from the market,reconstitution of Boards of Directors of Power Sector Distribution Companies and restructuringof Steel Mills, PIA, PASSCO, Utility Stores Corporation and Trading Corporation of Pakistan.Pakistan Today – December 26, 2012

Analysis

Crisis Fears Mount As IMF Talks Tough: By Khurram HussainGoing by the language the International Monetary Fund is using these days, it looks like Pakistanmight soon be crying uncle all over again. On the day when the top guns of Pakistan’s economicteam, led by the Finance Minister, began their strategic dialogue on finance and economy afteran 18-month interruption, the IMF released one of its most strongly worded notes on the stateof Pakistan’s economy and the steps required to avert the dangers it is facing. The note containssome of the harshest language the IMF has ever used in describing Pakistan’s economicmanagement, at times even appearing to criticize itself by pointing out that going forward, thereis a need for “better analyzing the risks to the programme”. Most people now agree that thegrowing precariousness of the country’s foreign exchange reserves makes IMF programmeinevitability, and this is really what the “strategic dialogue” is all about. The IMF has made clearthat “strong ownership and securing broad political support” for the required reforms will becritical, a clear indication of the Fund’s reluctance to deal with an interim government as it isunlikely to bring either of these two key ingredients to the table. As the election calendarunfolds, ownership of economic problems and political support for the tough decisions calledfor in the policy note are set to weaken. Once an interim government has arrived, the windowfor a major strategic economic decision will close. The political calendar then sees the conductof the elections, followed by the start of coalition parleys, followed by the election of a newprime minister. Then comes the formation of the new cabinet, after which the window for amajor strategic economic decision will open one more time. By that time we could be well intoJuly. “I don’t expect an early programme,” says Sakib Sherani, who served as Principal EconomicAdviser to the former finance minister and has dealt closely with the IMF in the past. But MrSherani adds that should the reserve position see a rapid deterioration, it might force the Fund’shand. The fear at the moment is that Pakistan could drift towards a serious economic crisis,driven by critically low foreign exchange reserves, precisely when it is paralysed in the midst ofa major historic transfer of power. The best way to avert this is to get onto an IMF programmebefore the curtain drops on the present dispensation. But the Fund appears to be setting the barvery high for a government famous for its indifference to economic problems. “They will insiston prior actions this time” says Shaukat Tarin, the former finance minister who led thenegotiations for the last programme Pakistan signed with the IMF in 2008. That programme



was heavily front-loaded — meaning that a large proportion of the money was released upfront, with expectations of policy reform to come later. According to the IMF, implementation ofthat programme was “initially good, but remained incomplete thereafter”. Translated into plainEnglish, it means that Pakistan took the money and ran. That memory lies behind the harshlanguage in the IMF note, and the demand for prior actions before any funds are released. Butwhat might these prior actions be? The note talks about “short-term revenue and expenditureefforts” like broadening key taxes and ending subsidies. It also calls for an end to a monetarypolicy that “has accommodated large fiscal deficits”. “After the walkout from the last Fundprogramme, the government has gone ahead with massive tax breaks,” says Dr Hafeez Pasha, aformer finance minister. “The IMF is saying ‘please go back to the tax system as it was’. Inaddition, the Fund has called for a “more prudent monetary policy”, a “substantial fiscaladjustment” and “more exchange rate flexibility”, meaning devaluation of the rupee.Dawn – December 03, 2012

Pakistan Rank Gets Higher On Most Corrupt Nations List: Report by TransparencyInternationalPakistan's ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has shot up from the 42nd positionin 2011 to 33rd in 2012 as the most corrupt country. Releasing the global index, TransparencyInternational Pakistan (TIP) chairman Advocate Sohail Muzaffar said the country had scored 27points and had been placed at 139th position among 176 countries. On November 28 this yearPakistan had also been declared the seventh most corrupt country out of 97 in the rule of lawindex of 2012, which, he said, was a clear indicator of the fact that corruption in Pakistan wasclearly on the rise. Quoting the Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Muzaffar saidthat daily corruption in Pakistan was to the tune of Rs 7 billion. This, he said, meant that withinfive years, if the trend were allowed to continue unchecked, corruption would touch the Rs12,600 billion mark.


Foreign Investment in Pakistan Plummets: World BankThe World Bank has revealed that foreign investment in Pakistan has declined by $4.13 billionduring the four years of the present government. This was revealed in a fresh report — ‘WorldInvestment and Political Risk’ — of the World Bank. The report said that there was acontinuous trend of decrease in foreign investment in Pakistan and a conspicuous decline wasrecorded in the tenure of the present government. It noted that $4.13 billion investmentdecrease has been recorded from 2008 to 2011. The report said that $5.44 billion foreigninvestment was made in 2008 in Pakistan which is continuously falling, and had reduced to only$1.31 billion in 2011. According to the report, $5.59 billion foreign investment was made inPakistan which is the biggest ever investment made in the country. In 2009, the investmentreduced to $2.34 billion which further reduced to $2.02 billion in 2010. The report said that theforeign investment had also declined in India, however, there is an upward trend now.The News – December 06, 2012



Ministers, Lawmakers Evading: Study by Center for Peace & Development InitiativesAt a time when the government is persuading people to pay more taxes, a majority oflawmakers, including members of the federal cabinet, paid no taxes at all last year, a studyreveals. According to the study, ‘Representation without Taxation’, 34 ministers out of 54 didnot file tax returns in 2011.The prominent cabinet members who did not file returns are: President Asif Ali Zardari also did not file tax returns Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi Interior Minister Rehman Malik Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim (Does not possess a NTN number) Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, who had recently announced $1 million headmoney for an Egyptian-American producer of a blasphemous film, did not pay incometax.Data compiled by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), in coordination withthe Centre for Investigative Reporting Pakistan (CIRP), showed that Introducing the report,Amer Ejaz, CPDI executive director, said that Pakistan had a very low tax-to-GDP ratio, whichhas been stagnant at around nine per cent for a decade. Even Ethiopia has an over 10 per centtax-to-GDP ratio,” he said, adding that one of the key reasons for this situation was that thelawmakers had never bothered to improve their tax record. Mr Ejaz said under the regulationsit was mandatory for everybody having annual income of more than Rs500, 000 to file incometax returns electronically. Even though their income tax is deducted at source but by not filingthe returns the parliamentarians are actually flouting the regulations. Mr Ejaz said that thestudy had focused on flawed and careless tax filing practices of the parliamentarians becausethey were the ones who made laws.“It is strange that tax data are still classified information andonce they are made public the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio will improve automatically.” He said itcould only be made mandatory for bureaucrats and military officers to declare their assets andtax data about then could be made public if parliamentarians filed tax returns. The studyhighlights that non-filing also supports hiding of other assets which are subject to income tax.Only following lawmakers filed income tax returns in 2011. These are: 17 PPP senators Six PML-N senators Four MQM senators Two of ANP Two of PML-Q One of BNP-A, One of JUI-F One of PML-FOf the 341 members of the National Assembly, only 90 filed income tax returns: Only 35 out of 126 MNAs belonging to the PPP 27 out of 92 PML-N MNAs 16 out of 52 PML-Q MNAs Seven out of 25 MQM MNAs 2 out of 19 independent MNAs One of ANP One of NPP, One of PML-F MNAs



Former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and his 25 cabinet members hadacknowledged in their nomination papers for the 2008 general elections that they didnot pay anything as income tax.Mr Gilani registered to pay tax in July 2010Top Taxpaying Senators are: Aitzaz Ahsan of the PPP (Rs12.97m) Independent Abbas Khan Afridi (Rs11.52m) Talha Mehmood of the JUI-F (Rs7.60m) Farogh Naseem of the MQM (Rs4.56m) Osman Saifulah Khan of the PPP (Rs1.79m)Top Taxpaying MNAs are: Jehangir Khan Tareen of the PML-F (Rs17.05m), Hamid Yar Hiraj of the PML-Q (Rs2.44m), Hamza Shahbaz of the PML-N (Rs2.31m) Attiya Inayatullah (Rs1.59m) and Humayun Saifullah Khan of the PML-Q (Rs1.44m)About one-fourth of MNAs who had filed tax returns belonged to Sindh and Punjab and 10 percent to Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. In Balochistan’s the number dropped further.


Pakistan Wastes Up To Million a Day: National Accountability DogPAKISTAN wastes a whopping $US51 million to $US72 million ($A48.5-$68.5 million) every dayas a result of inefficiency, corruption and tax shortcomings, the head of an anti-corruptionwatchdog said. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) said the losses come from leaks,corruption and incompetence, tax losses, land grabbing, loans and defaults, overstaffing, energylosses, project delays, cost overruns, administrative costs and foreign exchange outflow. "Thereare daily losses of five to seven billion rupees," NAB chairman Fasih Bokhari maintained.Daily Times – December 14, 2012

$2.5b Siphoned Off From Pakistan in a Decade: A Study Released by Global FinancialIntegrityA massive amount of $2.5 billion was illegally siphoned out of Pakistan between 2003 and 2010,according to a study released by Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a Washington-based researchand advocacy organization. The report, “Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries:2001-2010,” is GFI’s annual update on the amount of money flowing out of developingeconomies via crime, corruption and tax evasion. The report said $44 million were illegallytransferred from Pakistan in 2003, $202 million in 2005, $505 million in 2007, $728 million in2008, $298 million in 2009 and $729 million in 2010. The study said crime, corruption and taxevasion cost the developing world $858.8 billion in 2010, just below the all-time high of $871.3billion set in 2008, the year preceding the global financial crisis. “Astronomical sums of dirtymoney continue to flow out of the developing world and into offshore tax havens and developedcountry banks,” said GFI Director Raymond Baker. “Regardless of the methodology, it’s clear:developing economies are haemorrhaging more and more money at a time when rich and poornations alike are struggling to spur economic growth,” he said. The $858.8 billion of illicitoutflows lost in 2010 was a significant uptick from 2009, which saw developing countries lose



$776.0 billion under the new methodology. The study estimates the developing world lost atotal of $5.86 trillion over the decade spanning 2001 through 2010. “This has very bigconsequences for developing economies,” explained Ms Freitas, a co-author of the report. “Poorcountries lost nearly a trillion dollars that could have been used to invest in healthcare,education, and infrastructure. It’s nearly a trillion dollars that could have been used to pullpeople out of poverty and save lives.” Dr Kar and Freitas’ research tracks the amount of illegalcapital flowing out of 150 different developing countries over the 10-year period from 2001through 2010, and it ranks the countries by magnitude of illicit outflows. According to thereport, the 15 biggest exporters of illicit financial flows over the decade were: China with $2.74 trillion Mexico $476 billion Malaysia $285 billion Saudi Arabia $210 billion Russia $152 billion Philippines $138 billion Nigeria $129 billion India $123 billion Indonesia $109 billion UAE $107 billion Iraq $63.6 billion South Africa $83.9 billion Thailand $64.3 billion Costa Rice $63.7 billion Qatar $56.1 billion


Each Pakistani Owes Rs36, 800 to Outside WorldAs Pakistan’s total external debt liabilities surged to a whopping $66.243 billion currently, thisalarming figure signifies that each of the 180 million Pakistanis is indebted to the tune of $368or approximately Rs36, 800 to the outside world. This figure of total external debt doesn’t, ofcourse, include the ever-rising domestic debt of around Rs12,000 billion and if that figure isincluded too, each Pakistani shares a burden of approximately Rs70,000 in the public debt,which is a sum of both domestic and foreign debt liability. This figure was Rs65, 144 in March2012. A March 7, 2012 report revealed that during the four-year rule of the PPP-led regime,public debt had jumped by Rs6, 924 billion till that time. The report had stated that thecountry’s public debt had stood at Rs4,802 billion in the first 60 years of its independence, buthad increased substantially by Rs6,924 billion in just the 48 months till March 2012, reaching amonstrous figure of Rs11,726 billion. And now another nine months have passed since thepublication of this report and it is quite likely that the total public debt figure must have sky-rocketed to around Rs12,000 billion. Overall, Pakistan’s foreign debt has registered an upsurgeof nearly 120 per cent since June 1999, when the figure of external liabilities was resting at$30.2 billion only. Research reveals that at the end of December 1969, the external debt ofPakistan had amounted to just $2.7 billion including the liability of Bangladesh, which henceshows that since the last 43 years, country’s international debt burden has jumped by 2,354 percent. By December 1971, this particular figure had risen to $3.6 billion; of which $0.6 billionwas subsequently taken off as these loans pertained to projects visibly located in Bangladesh.Therefore, Pakistan’s total external debt was $3 billion by December 1971 or at the time whenthe East Pakistan tragedy had rocked the country. This foreign debt figure had thensubsequently increased to $6.3 billion in 1977, soon after the late General Ziaul Haq had held



the reins of the country. Updated statistics collected from the website of the State Bank ofPakistan reveal that the rupee-US dollar parity has worsened from Rs51.77 in fiscal 1999-2000to approximately Rs99 on December 18, 2012 (Tuesday) or the day this story was filed,meaning thereby that the American currency has gone up by over 91 per cent during these last13 years. For those interested in a relatively more recent comparison in this context, since2007-08 or the time period when the Pakistan People’s Party had started calling shots inIslamabad, the Pakistani rupee has lost nearly 58 per cent of its value vis-à-vis the dollar tilldate and the unbridled rot is expected to haunt more as the national economy is visibly in ashambles. Remember, the rupee-dollar parity had rested at just Rs21.1065 during the July-September period of fiscal 1989-90, which thus means that the rupee has depreciated by over369 per cent during these last 23 years.The News – December 19, 2012

Rupee down by 7.8percent against Dollar in 2012: a Report by Top line ResearchPakistan’s rupee depreciated by 7.8 per cent against US dollar in 2012 and a link between thedevaluation and interest rate was also found by researchers. The calendar year 2012 wasinteresting for Pakistan as it witnessed a steep fall in interest rates while local currency postedan above average depreciation against the US dollar. With inflation showing signs of easing in2012, the central bank switched its focus to accommodate growth through process of monetaryeasing, said the report. Staggered in three-stages, State Bank of Pakistan cut the policy rate by250bps points to bring it down to 9.5 per cent. Where inflation allowed the policy maker toaccommodate growth, the threat came from local currency losing its ground against US Dollardue to falling foreign exchange reserves. “During the year, rupee depreciated 7.8pc against thedollar, which compares unfavorably with last 10 years and 20 years average depreciation of 3.7per cent and 6.2 per cent, respectively,” said the report. During 2012, threats on the externalaccount induced weakness in the rupee making life difficult for the central bank and policymakers ahead of the upcoming general elections. Though current account fared better, littlesupport from financial account has kept the country’s foreign exchange level under pressure.During the year, reserves depleted to $13.3 billion as against $17 billion at the start of January2012. Subsequently, it reduced country’s import cover from five-months from the start of theyear to currently four-months, said the report. Against other major currencies, rupeedeprecated by 13.1pc, 0.8pc and 10.2pc against pound, yen and euro, respectively. As againstthe regional countries, rupee’s fall was higher than most of its peers. Indian rupee is down 3.7per cent against US Dollar in 2012 while Bangladeshi Taka gained by 1.8pc during the year. Theonly currency that displayed more depreciation was Sri Lankan rupee that was down 10.3 centin 2012.Dawn – December 25, 2012



DEVELOPMENT WATCH

Government’s Role in Development Programs

Government Releases Rs 95.3billion for Development ProjectsThe Planning Commission has released Rs 95.3 billion under its Public Sector DevelopmentProgramme (PSDP) against a total allocation of Rs 233 billion for the fiscal year 2012-13. Rs 51.6 billion have been released for 344 infrastructure development projects Rs 40.6 billion have been set aside for 673 social sector projects Rs1 billion have been released for 68 other projects Rs 2 billion for Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA)This amount has been released against the total sum of Rs 233 billion allocated to the PSDP.The total amount set aside for PSDP in the year 2012-13 is Rs 360 billion, including Rs 100billion in foreign aid that would be managed by the Economic Affairs Division, and Rs 27 billionin special programmes which would be released by the Cabinet Division or Finance Division.The total cost of 344 infrastructure projects had been estimated at Rs 2,346.4 billion, out ofwhich Rs 210.9 billion had been earmarked in the 2012-13 budget. The total cost of social sectorprojects had amounted to Rs 547.1, of which Rs136.2 billion had been allocated in the currentPSDP. The estimated cost incurred on other projects was Rs 40.6 billion, out of which Rs 3billion had been earmarked in the PSDP, while Rs10 billion had been set aside for ERRA in thecurrent development programme. The Planning Commission had been following a propermechanism for the release of funds. It was supposed to release 20 percent of funds in the firstquarter (July-September), 20 percent in the second quarter (October-December), 25 percent thethird quarter (January-March) and 35 percent in the fourth quarter (April-June).


Rs700m Released For Clearing Passport Backlog: Printing Corporation of PakistanThe finance division has released Rs 700 million to the Printing Corporation of Pakistan (PCP) inorder to clear a backlog of 380,000 passports. Interior Minister Rehman Malik had himselfensured the release of funds for procurement of material required for the printing of passports.The minister had directed the director general of passports to operate in three shifts to ensurethat the backlog was cleared. Besides non-release of funds, shortage of lamination paper andstaff, aligned with an overloaded online system of the National Database and RegistrationAuthority for verification of applicant’s data, had been causing unusual delay in the issuance ofpassports. The directorate of passports and immigration received 20,000 blank passports asagainst the 5,000 it was getting daily hitherto. The backlog had crossed the 300,000 mark whenthe interior minister took notice of the situation, but the number touched 380,000 by the timethe PCP agreed to increase printing and supply of passports.Dawn – December 12, 2012



10 more water filtration plants announced for capital: IslamabadThe Capital Development Authority (CDA) would install 10 more water filtration plants inIslamabad to ensure provision of clean drinking water to residents, said CDA Chairman SyedTahir Shahbaz. He said that CDA would utilize all-out resources to provide people clean drinkingwater.New water filtration plants would be set up in sectors: I9/4 G10/4 G9/3 near CDA blocks G9/4 near Jahangir Market G7/1 I and T centre F8 Markaz E7 Markaz Blue Area G9 Markaz G-11 Markaz G11 near PHA FlatsShahbaz said that water filtration plants, already installed in Islamabad, would be properlymaintained. CDA Member (engineering) Sanaullah Aman told the CDA chairman that 30filtration plants had been upgraded and maintenance work on the remaining would soon becompleted.A CDA official told Daily Times that the authority is working to ensure provision of cleandrinking water in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The authority hasawarded a contract to a private company for the maintenance and upgrading of 37 waterfiltration plants a few months ago. The all 37 filtration plants need a “cyclic care and some oftheir parts need to be changed after three to six months”. “The filtration capacity of each plantis 1,000 gallons per hour,” adding that 10 new filtration plants are being installed at a cost of Rs17 million. The CDA chairman directed the CDA member (engineering) to take steps to controlleakage from rusted and dilapidated water supply pipelines. He said the water tanker servicewould be improved so that public complaints could be addressed.


AJK Grants Propriety Rights of Plots to Over 700 Kashmiri Refugees Families: AJKThe Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government granted propriety rights of four-marla plots to731 families of Kashmiri refugees of 1990 and onwards who were living in miserable conditionafter being hit by the October 2005 earthquake. The allotment letters were given to therepresentatives of these families. It may be mentioned here that October 2005 earthquake hadplayed havoc with Kamsar, Karika and Heer Kutli camps of Kashmiri refugees on the outskirts ofMuzaffarabad, leaving 354 of their inhabitants dead and scores others injured. After thedisaster, they were rehabilitated on a rented piece of land in Chehla Bandi where they werefacing numerous problems particularly during the extreme weathers. The plots were allotted tothem in Thota Satellite Town, being developed for the landless survivors of earthquake, inJhelum valley some 20 kilometers south of here.Dawn – December 13, 2012



Fast-Tracked: NADRA200, 000 and more Smart National Identity Car (SNIC) have been issued by NADRA in just fourweeks, according to a statement issued by the authority’s headquarters.The Express Tribune – December 18, 2012

Funds for Punjab PPP MPAs: PunjabPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf issued a directive to release Rs30 million to each Punjab PPPparliamentarian. The premier had promised the MPs would be given Rs30 million fordevelopment works in their constituencies.Dawn – December 19, 2012

500 Villages to Be Illuminated With Solar Energy: Pakistan Council of Renewable EnergyTechnologies (PRCET)More than 500 villages will be given electricity via solar energy, Pakistan Council of RenewableEnergy Technologies (PCRET) Director General Khalid Islam said. The basic objective of thisproject is the upgrading of silicon crystal growing, the enhancement of the indigenousproduction of solar cells and modules up to 80kW per anum and the promotion of clean andrenewable solar energy through the photovoltaic process. Photovoltaic (PV) is a clean andenvironment-friendly technology that converts the sun energy directly into electric power.


First Wind Power Unit in Jhimpir Opened: SindhWith shortage of electricity generated by hydel and thermal plants increasing by the day, Sindhhas taken the lead in generating energy from renewable sources with President Asif Ali Zardariinaugurating a 50MW windmill project in Jhimpir near Thatta. The plant has been set up by theFauji Fertiliser Company (FFC). The president expressed the hope that the capacity of Gharo-Keti Bundar wind corridor to produce 50,000MW electricity would be fully utilized.The development of the sector would be of help in strengthening the economy and meeting theneeds of growing population in five to 15 years by creating job opportunities and contributingto economic wellbeing of the people. The FFC planned to establish a 10MW solar energy projectin the area. The FFC had set up the 50MW wind farm at a cost of $134 million with 80 per centinvestment by local banks and 20 per cent by the company. The FFC wind project, he said, hadglobally promoted Pakistan as an attractive investment destination and helped in attractinginvestors from Malaysia, Norway, Turkey, USA, Czech Republic and China.Dawn – December 25, 2012

PCP Released Rs 101b under PSDPThe Planning Commission of Pakistan (PCP) has so far released Rs 104.4 billion under the PublicSector Development Programme (PSDP) against the total allocations of Rs.233 billion for the



fiscal year 2012-13. Of total, Rs 55.7 billion have been released for 345 infrastructuredevelopment projects while Rs. 42.6 billion for 688 social sector projects was released up toDecember 29, according to the latest data of the Planning Commission. Similarly, Rs 1.1 billionhave been released for 68 other projects and Rs 2 billion for Earthquake Reconstruction andRehabilitation Authority (ERRA). According to data, these releases have been made against Rs233 billion PSDP allocations. The total size of the PSDP for the year 2012-13 is Rs 360 billion,including Rs 100 billion foreign aid, which is managed by Economic Affairs Division and Rs 27billion special programmes, release of which are made by Cabinet Division or Finance Division.According to break up details, total cost of 345 infrastructure projects has been estimated at Rs2346.7 billion, of which Rs 211.1 billion have been earmarked in the 2012-13 budget thatinclude Rs 85.6 billion as foreign aid. Likewise, the total cost of social sector projects is Rs 549.8billion, of which Rs 135.9 billion have been allocated in the current PSDP with foreign aid of Rs8.4 billion. The cost of other projects has been estimated at Rs 40.6 billion out of which Rs 3billion have been earmarked in the PSDP 2012-13 while Rs 10 billion have been earmarked forERRA in the current development programme. The Planning Commission of Pakistan has beenfollowing a proper mechanism for the release of funds and accordingly funds are released as pergiven mechanism.Pakistan Today – December 30, 2012

Health Reports/Control

Pakistan Ill-Prepared to Check HIV Spread: WHOAs World Aids Day is being observed, World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concernthat Pakistan has high rates of unscreened blood transfusions and a very high demand fortherapeutic injections and poor infection control practices in hospitals and clinics nationwide.This has led to transmission of infection through unscreened blood transfusions, or re-use ofsyringes or use of un-sterilized medical equipment,” the World Health Organization said in astatement on World Aids Day.Dawn – December 01, 2012

Three Polio Cases Surface in Balochistan: Balochistan: WHOThree cases of the rare type-2 poliovirus (PV2) were reported in Qilla Abdullah district ofBalochistan, a World Health Organisation (WHO) official said. The three PV2 cases reportedfrom Qilla Abdullah are among the 10 PV2 cases recorded this year in province, saidMohammedi Mohammed, head of a six-member WHO team which is in Quetta to recordincidents of polio virus attacks in Balochistan. The delay in launching the anti-polio campaign isas much responsible for the spread of the crippling disease as the virus itself, Mohammed said.The polio campaign in Balochistan has been delayed for the last two months.The Express Tribune – December 01, 2012

Polio Outbreak in Balochistan Sets Off Alarm Bells: BalochistanThe outbreak of a hitherto unknown strain of polio virus in Qilla Abdullah and Pishin has setalarm bells ringing and prompted the centre to ask the Balochistan government to launch ananti-polio campaign in the province within 30 days. Ten cases of the new virus, named “Sabin-like type 2 poliovirus”, were reported in two Pakhtun-dominated districts of the province. The



districts are frequented by people from the troubled areas of Fata. The situation is grim becauseof refusal by parents to get their children vaccinated against the crippling disease as the areasare under the influence of extremist groups opposed to the anti-polio drive. The Prime MinisterOffice has also declared ‘red alert’ against the poor state of polio eradication drive inBalochistan and asked the administration to launch an emergency campaign in the province.Dawn – December 03, 2012

10 new polio cases reported in Balochistan: WHOThe exertions of the Balochistan government to save the children from the crippling poliodisease have turned abortive as at least 10 new cases of the crippling virus, like that of two-year-old Sabin, have been reported in the province. Of them nine cases have been reportedfrom the districts of Kila Abdullah Khan and one from Pishin, officials of the World HealthOrganization (WHO). The last day of the first of three special anti-polio campaigns, 7,530families refused to administer the anti-polio drops to their children in Quetta, Kila Abdullah andPishin districts. Of them, 2,794 families refused at Quetta, 2,788 refusal cases reported at Pishin,while 1,948 families refused in Kila Abdullah.The News – December 13, 2012

High Maternal Mortality Rate Linked To Early Pregnancies: Noor Education TrustPlatformThe high maternal mortality rate is fundamentally linked to early pregnancies in Pakistan, saidan expert. “Early pregnancies put enormous pressure on the underdeveloped body of a girl. It isthe leading cause of death among the young girls aged between 15 and 18 years in Pakistan andother countries, “senior gynecologist Dr Iqbal Begum said. The meeting was meant tostrengthen provincial parliamentarian group’s initiative to lobby for proposed amendment billon Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 introduced by Munawar Sultana.


14.9m children vaccinated during last polio campaign: United NationsMore than 3.5 million Pakistani children missed out on polio vaccination this week in acampaign overshadowed by the deaths of nine immunization workers, a UN official said. Thenation is one of only three in the world where the highly infectious, crippling disease remainsendemic and infections shot up from a low of 28 in 2005 to almost 200 last year. Nine peopleworking on the UN-backed programme were shot dead in Karachi and the northwest this week,murdered for trying to protect children from a cruel disease that can leave limbs flaccid anduseless in a matter of hours. “Out of a total target of 18.5 million for the last polio round, 14.9million children were vaccinated throughout the country, resulting in over 3.5 million childrenmissed during the campaign.The News – December 22, 2012

1, 235 Measles Cases, 56 Deaths Confirmed In Sindh: Health Minister SindhSindh Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmed has confirmed 1235 cases of measles and only 56deaths caused by it across the province. Minister said anti-measles vaccination drive had beenlaunched in seven districts of the province during which 130,004 children had so far been



vaccinated. ‘A total of 411519 children of 9 month to 10 years of age would be vaccinated duringthe drive,” he said. He said more than 20 camps had been set up in Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur,Larkana, Qambar, Jacobabad and Kashmore districts where health secretary Aftab Khatri andDG Health Feroze Memon were supervising the vaccination personally. Meanwhile, reports fromacross the province suggest that number of deaths due to measles outbreak has increased toover 70. Ten children have died of me asles in different villages of Ghotki and Mirpur Matheloincluding Sobdar Khuhwar, Soomro colony, Koro Mahar, Sherabad, Khushhal Waseer, Gul BegGadani, Dad Laghari and Ahmed Bux Gurgage.Daily Times – December 30, 2012

Education Projects

Scholarships distributed: KPKThe MOL Pakistan, a non-governmental organization in the petroleum exploration sector,distributed scholarship certificates among students from Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa. 97scholarships had been awarded to the students from Karak, Hangu and kohat districts this year.Under the programme, the company offeed two types of scholarships to the talented studentsfrom Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa. One is Intermediate Scholarship (BE) Technical Training Scholarships (Geology & DAE)The scholarship covered tuition fee, boarding & lodging and cost of books at the rate of Rs4, 000per month and are given over a period of two years and paid on six monthly bases to students ofMOL Pakistan’s operational areas.


Only 5% Students of Private Schools to Get Free Education: SindhThe draft bill of the Right to Education Act has been modified – only five percent of the original10 percent students of private schools will be provided free education. A panel of educationistsprepared the draft bill for Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, who returned it with instructionsto modify certain clauses. He also suggested the education department officials consult withSindh advocate-general Abdul Fatah Malik and provincial law secretary Syed Ghulam Nabi Shahbefore resubmitting the draft. Article 25-A of the Constitution - the Right to Education -recognizes free and compulsory education as a right for all children between the ages of five and16. It also requires provincial legislatures to make laws to guarantee this right. Those privateschools that would receive grant-in-aid from the provincial government, the chief ministersuggested that 15 to 20 percent of the total students should be given free education. For the16,000 private schools across Sindh that form 40 percent of the education sector, this may be arespite. These schools are already bound by their registration agreement with the provincialeducation department’s directorate of private institutions to provide free education to 10percent of their students. Once the draft bill is prepared with the help of experts, it will bepresented before the law department and then handed over to the Sindh Assembly for approval.The Express Tribune – December 14, 2012



10, 000 Students to Be Educated On Environment Awareness: WWF, Lahore WasteManagement Company: PunjabWWF Pakistan and Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) have partnered to impartenvironmental awareness and education to 10,000 students under the Spellathon initiative. Amemorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed, which also confirms a contribution of Rs 1million from the LWMC to WWF Pakistan for the purpose. Spellathon is a two-decade-oldcampaign run by WWF across the country for students of grades 1 to 9, in which they learnabout various pressing environmental and conservation issues. The theme of this year’sSpellathon is ‘Solid waste management and energy conservation’. The campaign incorporates atest of spellings, and students earn gifts, whereas their involvement in the exciting activitygenerates donation for WWF’s environmental work throughout the country.


University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences Awards Degrees to 1,072 StudentsUniversity of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) were awarded to 1072 students ofundergraduate programs, MPhil and PhD scholars.Daily Times – December 18, 2012

Chief Minister Distributes Rs110m among Position Holders, Institutional HeadsChief Minister Shahbaz Sharif distributed over Rs 110 million among position holders and headsof educational institutions from across the country in a grand ceremony for toppers ofintermediate examinations 2012. The Toppers Convention-2012 was attended by positionholders of all the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan andIslamabad. The chief minister said the Punjab government had spent unprecedented funds forthe development of the education sector and was equipping the youth with latest knowledge. Headded the Punjab government had awarded cash prizes of Rs 550 million to position holders ofthe whole country during the last five years and laid the foundation of education revolution.“Now young generation will have to carry forward the mission,” he added. Shahbaz Sharif said125,000 laptops were distributed among talented students on merit last year and theprogramme continued this year as well. He hoped that among the recipients of laptops morethan 10,000 IT experts would emerge to play their role in ensuring a prominent place forPakistan among developed nations and Pakistan would also become ‘Silicon Valley’someday.Shahbaz said he had stopped the construction of a luxurious complex for ministers at acost of Rs 650 million.The News – December 19, 2012

929 students get laptops, 5,712 get internships: CM PunjabChief Minister Shahbaz Sharif distributed 929 laptops among college and university students inGujranwala. As many as 5,712 candidates were given internship programme certificates underwhich they will be entitled to internships for Rs10, 000 per month each. He said the PakistanMuslim League-Nawaz government had spent Rs38 billion on development schemes inGujranwala division alone. He said that the distribution of 250,000 solar lamps among studentsat a cost of Rs4 billion would begin by the end of December. He also announced developmentprojects, including the construction of a 1,100-bed hospital in the city, and vowed to distribute500,000 more laptops among the students if the PML-N comes to power again.



The Express Tribune – December 20, 2012

Foreign Aided Development Projects

Korea to Fund Malakand Tunnel, Water Projects: KPKPakistan and South Korea inked two agreements for the Malakand Tunnel Construction Projectand for development of water resources infrastructure including dams. Under the MalakandTunnel Loan Agreement, an amount of US $78 million will be provided for the project.Malakand tunnel will provide a short route not only to people of Dir, Malakand and Swat andadjacent localities but would also be an easy access to central Asian states, providing the marketaccess to the country for its products. The South Korean government pledged the $78 millionfunding through the Economic Development Co-operation Fund (EDCF) for the construction ofMalakand Tunnel project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The 9.7 km project also includesapproach roads on both sides of the tunnel and three bridges. The initial feasibility study of thetunnel has already been completed by South Korean consultants in collaboration with NationalHighway Authority Pakistan, which is also the Project executing agency.The News – December 06, 2012

US Pledges $200 Million for Initial Work on Diamer – Bhasha Dam: United StatesThe United States has pledged to finance Pakistan’s multi-billion Diamer Bhasha Dam project,Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said. Dr Shaikh said the US would provide $200 millionfor completion of preliminary work on the multi-year power generation and water conservationproject, which is likely to cost in excess of $10 billion. Pakistan, the finance minister said, wouldcomplete land survey, feasibility and land acquisition processes to pave the way forconstruction of the dam. Washington’s financing of the project would be in addition to theongoing support it is providing to revamp existing dams’ power generation capacity. The US haspromised to release $400 million to $600 million in outstanding Coalition Support Fundpayments in the next few weeks. The finance minister also revealed that Pakistan and theUnited States would launch Pakistan Private Investment Initiative with an amount of $ 80million within a couple of months.Daily Times – December 07, 2012

US-Funded Gynae Complex Opened: SindhUS Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and Sindh Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmedinaugurated a three-storey obstetrics and gynaecology complex at the Jinnah PostgraduateMedical Centre. The $4.5million project was funded by USAID and it consisted of an outpatientdepartment, ultrasound, a small laboratory and minor procedure room on the ground floor, 60indoor-patient beds, a 10-bed high dependency unit and a fistula ward on the second floor. Thecomplex also has a seminar hall, library, workshop hall and a skills laboratory to provide betterfacilities to treat complications faced by women during delivery.Dawn – December 12, 2012

MoU Signed: UNDP, Federal Judicial AcademyThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has worked out a plan of action formodernizing judicial academies of Pakistan. The UNDP and Federal Judicial Academy signed a



memorandum of Understanding, allowing the partnership to work in areas of infrastructure andIT support, policy engagement, capacity building and research and advocacy.Dawn – December 18, 2012

USAID Gives $575million for Access to Quality Education: EducationUS Consul General Nina Fite has said the US Agency for International Development (USAID) isproviding $575 million in assistance to increase access to quality education in Pakistan andadded that there are about 20 million school-age children in the country, who are not receivingeven basic education. Ms Fite said there were many challenges to ensure that all children shouldhave the opportunity to learn and gain the skills they would need as adults. The US consulgeneral stressed that Pakistan must have an educated population to develop, to compete in theglobal economy, and to confront the tough challenges of this world including climate change,population growth and extremist ideologies. Referring to people-to-people exchanges, theconsul general said the US’ largest Fulbright academic exchange program was with Pakistan,with approximately 200 scholarships awarded to Pakistani students in 2011, enabling them tostudy for advanced degrees in the United States. During 2005 to 2011, she said, 385 Master’sstudents and 150 PhD students from Punjab received Fulbright scholarships. She said the USInternational Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) was selecting rising leaders from NGOs, media,academia, civil society and other key sectors to visit the US to broaden their exposure in theirfields as well as meet counterparts working in the same sectors in the United States. She said390 people from Punjab had participated in the IVLP program during 2011 and 2012. Ms Fitesaid the Youth Exchange and Study Program enabled secondary school students to study in theUS for one year. In 2011, 39 students from Pakistan participated in the program. In order toencourage English language education, she said the US government provided micro-scholarships for underprivileged students through English Access program. Currently, she said,over 1,500 students in Punjab were participating in the program.Dawn – December 19, 2012

$98m Plan To Upgrade Civic Services in Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhawa; USAIDThe Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a $98 million programme for improvingmunicipal services delivery, including revival of 40 tube wells and replacement of obsoletewater supply pipelines in Peshawar. Of the total amount, $85 million was being provided by theUSAID. Mr Bilour said that 16 new pump houses would be constructed and 24 water supplymachines would be replaced in addition to construction and cleaning of drains. He said thatunder the programme new vehicles and machinery would be bought for tehsil municipalauthority (TMA) Town-I, which included 21 mini-dumpers, 43 roadside dustbins, 49 containers,six trucks, five tractor sweepers, 50 manual sweepers, one sucking machine, one excavator and82 other items. He said that the government had planned to construct northern section of RingRoad from Pejaggi Road to Warsak Road with a cost of Rs4.8 billion while a flyover at the entrypoint of phase-III of Hayatabad would be constructed with a cost of Rs1.14 billion. He said thatearth-breaking ceremony would soon be held in this regard. Mr Bilour said that the governmenthad increased the number of TMAs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 55 to 69 to overcome civicproblems. He said that the TMAs would generate their own funds to facilitate citizens. He saidthat the government had planned to provide fire engines, multi- loaders, and vehicles forcleanliness to all TMAs in the province, while all streetlights would be gradually replaced withsolar lights. He said that civil colonies would be established in different districts, includingAbbottabad, Mansehra, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mardan and Swat, while a newscheme in Haripur and a scheme of phase-II in Abbottabad and township at Thandyani werealso part of the plan. He said that work on Rs1.76 billion under-construction Mufti Mehmood



Flyover would be completed till Dec 2013. He said that the provincial government had initiatedall development schemes in consultation with elected representatives to solve people’sproblems. The minister said that during its tenure the government had set a target of 6,577development schemes, but it completed 8,763 schemes despite problems created due toterrorism and flash floods.Dawn – December 22, 2012

$245m Grant for Power Sector: Asian Development BankThe Asian Development Bank announced approval of a loan worth $245 million for eight powerdistribution companies to improve power distribution system in Pakistan. The investment ispart of the ongoing $810m Power Distribution Enhancement Investment Programme agreed in2008. The multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) targets investment in priority areas to reducepower losses and increase the reliability of the power distribution system. Through this facility,ADB has already provided financial assistance for up-gradation work at 250 grid stations of66KV and 132KV across Pakistan, out of which work relating to 125 grid stations have alreadybeen completed. The loan will help increase distribution capacity of 106 grid stations includingconstruction of 14 new grid stations. ADB has made available four MFFs amounting to $2.9billion to address these system constraints, and will continue to assist Pakistan in the energysector, said Werner E Liepach, Country Director of ADB in Pakistan. The eight powerdistribution companies are: Fesco Gepco Hesco Iesco Lesco Mepco Pesco QescoThe outcome will be removal of power system bottlenecks through distribution systemrehabilitation, augmentation, and expansion. The project will add 1,881 megavolt-amperes(MVA) of transformer capacity and will improve the transmission system by adding 791km ofnew transmission lines and upgrading 399km of the existing 66kV and 132kV transmissionlines.


Korean Firms to Invest $2bn in Power Projects: KPKKorean firms will invest more than $2 billion in construction of Lower Spat Gah and Lower PalasValley hydropower projects to generate 1,161MW, says Wapda Chairman Raghib Abbas Shah. Amemorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect has been signed among two firms, thegovernment of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Water and Power Development Authority(Wapda). Both projects would be launched on a public-private partnership basis withcumulative power generation capacity of 1,161MW. The first MOU was signed with KoreaMidland Power Company (KOMIPO) for the 496MW Lower Spat Gah Hydropower Project andthe second with K-Water/Daewoo consortium for the 665MW-Lower Palas Valley HydropowerProject. Shah said these projects would contribute more than 4.5 billion units of electricity tothe National Grid annually. These projects are part of the strategy for optimum utilization ofwater resources to help overcome electricity shortage and stabilize power tariff for consumers.



Dilating upon the efforts for developing water resources, he said the authority wasimplementing more than 20 projects for 20,000MW power generation and 12 million acre footwater storage. It is pertinent to mention that Lower Spat Gah Hydropower Project is located onleft bank tributary of the River Indus with its confluence some 8 kilometres downstream ofDasu town in the Kohistan District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. The Lower Palas ValleyHydropower Project is located on another left bank tributary of the River Indus with itsconfluence some 12 kilometers upstream of Patan town in the Kohistan District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.Dawn – December 26, 2012



ENERGY WATCH

Government’s Role in Oil & Gas Crisis

Government Readies New Year Gift for PeopleNatural gas price for all consumer categories is set to increase at the start of the New Year 2013,as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended raising prices by around Rs31.12 per million British Thermal Units (mmBTU) for SNGPL and Rs.28.28 per mmBTU forSSGCL consumers. Net increase in gas tariff for SNGPL has been worked out to be 9.87 percent,while for SSGC consumers, the increase has been worked out at around 6.14 percent, theyadded. OGRA has submitted a summary to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resourceswhereby it has been recommended an increase of Rs 31.12 per mmBTU in gas tariff for SuiNorthern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) consumers and Rs 28.28 per mmBTU for consumers ofSui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) for the period January 1 to July 1, 2013. Summerysubmitted by OGRA stated that “The authority after in depth analysis of the estimates andexamined the petitions of SNGPL and SSGC in light of policy frame work and relevant rules sothat only prudent, cost effective and economically efficient expenditure should be allowed.”OGRA said that the net increase in gas tariff for SNGPL has worked out to be 9.87 percent, whilefor SSGC; the increase has been worked out to be around 6.14 percent. The OGRA summary saidthat factors needed utmost consideration of the FG, in order to rationalize the consumer gasprices in public interest. The document added that the SNGPL has sought an increase of Rs 67.66per mmBTU in the average prescribed price with effect from January 1, 2013. “They saidincrease is primarily owing to increase in well-head gas price due to devaluation of rupee parityagainst dollar, increase in Transmission and Distribution (T&D) cost along with operating costof new sub-region Vehari,” OGRA observed. The SNGPL had requested the authority for theallowing it Rs 9.4 billion additional expenditure on account of distribution, development, newconnections, information technology and Uncounted for Gas (UFG) reduction plan for theperiod. The company had also requested OGRA for Rs2 Billion on account of Human Resource(HR) cost in addition to above increase. The authority in the summary has asked the petroleumministry for serious consideration of the factors as they need utmost consideration of federalgovernment, ‘in order to rationalize the consumer gas prices in public interest,’ the OGRAsummary said.Daily Times – December 02, 2012

OGRA Reduces LPG Prices by Rs 90 / KgThe Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) approved reduction in the price of liquefiedpetroleum gas (LPG) by Rs 50 per kg for plains and urban areas, and Rs 90 per kg forhilly/mountainous areas of the country and fixed reasonable minimum price at Rs 125.33 perkg. According to a notification issued by OGRA, the authority has determined the followingreasonable maximum consumer price of 11.8 kg cylinder, including distributor margin of Rs 70for 11.8 kg cylinder, for all the urban and rural areas of the country. However, due to highertransportation cost in AJK, FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan, Rs 30 for 11.8 kg cylinder will beadmissible in excess of the mentioned maximum LPG consumer prices: The reasonablemaximum consumer price for 100 percent locally produced LPG is Rs 1,477 for 11.8 kg cylinder,which works out to Rs 125.16 per kg; reasonable maximum consumer price for 100 percentimported LPG is Rs 1,644 per 11.8 kg cylinder, meaning a Rs 139.32 per kg price; and



reasonable maximum consumer price for local and imported mixed LPG is Rs 1,479 per 11.8 kgcylinder, translating to Rs.125.33 per kg, the notification adds.The News – December 08, 2012

Ministry readies for discouraging CNG useMore than 70 per cent consumers of compressed natural gas (CNG), or about 2.5 million people,will have to sell their CNG kits to scrap dealers if the federal cabinet accepts a proposal by thepetroleum ministry to ban use of gas in private vehicles. The remaining users may also not viewthe gas as a cheap option due to a proposed 40 per cent increase in taxes as owners of CNGfilling stations are ‘incentivized’ to switch over to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stations. About3.5 million vehicles in the country are currently being run on CNG. According to a summaryprepared for the federal cabinet, the ministry wants to give clear guidelines about the future ofthe CNG sector to the consumers. For the purpose of spreading the benefits of the cheap andclean transport fuel to larger public, the use of CNG will be restricted to public transport asdefined in the law,” said the summary. Rickshaws, taxis, wagons and buses were generallydefined as public transport. The CNG price would be increased sufficiently so that it is only 20per cent cheaper than petrol. In order to remove distortion in the price of CNG and othercompeting fuels while determining CNG prices, it will be ensured that price of CNG is not lessthan 80 per cent of petrol,” according to the summary. For the purpose of ensuring parity of 80per cent, appropriate adjustment in gas infrastructure development cess will be made. Thepetroleum ministry said the policy guidelines were finalized after Ogra came up withrecommendations on CNG pricing in consultation with all stakeholders as directed by theSupreme Court. It said the consumption of natural gas for CNG has “witnessed an explosivegrowth, particularly in the last 6-7 years”. As a result, the growth is met by denying gas to othercritical sectors of the economy, most notably power and fertilizer, as gas demand of CNG stoodat 16 per cent (437 million cubic feet per day) of the pipeline system (2,796 mmcfd) which is ahuge burden on the country’s limited energy resources.Dawn – December 11, 2012

Economic Co-Ordination Committee Okays Errant Clause in Qadirpur Gas PriceAgreementIn a controversial move that may spell trouble for decision-makers, the government has okayeda controversial clause added to an agreement made in 1993 between the government andstakeholders in the country’s fourth-largest gas field. Headed by Finance Minister Dr AbdulHafeez Shaikh, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved asummary regarding the renewal of a gas price agreement (GPA) between the Qadirpur JointVenture and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. The ECC approved the summary despiteopposition from the finance ministry and the Planning Commission. As part of the renewal ofthe GPA, the ECC has also allowed the incorporation of Article 4.1(b) in the original document.The insertion of this clause allows greater increases in the wellhead gas price of the Qadirpurfield, as it links it to changes in international prices of high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO). The inclusionof the article will allow step-wise increases in the gas price once the price of HSFO exceeds $200in the international market. The agreement will be effective from the next fiscal year (2013-14),the finance ministry said. Article 4.1(b) had been included later in the gas price agreement madeearlier in 1993. The ECC at that time had no inkling of the move, as the clause had been missingfrom the summary that had been forwarded to it for approval. Sources say the clause has nowbeen provided legal cover to prevent possible prosecution of those involved in the deal.



The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, which had moved the summary that calledfor the renewal of the GPA, had nonetheless told the ECC that “the ministry could not find anyrecord substantiating the insertion of Article 4.1(b) in the GPA.” The ECC’s original decision hadbeen to cap the wellhead price at $200 per ton and renegotiate the price every ten years. Theupper limit, under the newly-approved summary, has now been enhanced to $400 per ton.While talking to The Express Tribune, the finance minister said that the change in the pricingformula will not have any immediate implications. However, insiders say the move had ulteriormotives, and will benefit the parties involved in the project at the expense of end consumes,who will be paying the higher prices of the gas. Citing an example of how the decision will inflateprices, a source said that if HSFO prices shoot up to $290 per ton, gas prices will increase to$3.91 from the current $2.56 per million British thermal units. Currently, the prices of HSFO areranging around $600 per ton. However, given the upper cap, producers will only be able toenjoy an increase in gas prices equivalent to the increase in HSFO cost up to $400 per ton.Qadirpur is one of the largest gas fields of the country, with 3.6 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of balancerecoverable reserves. Its daily production ranges from 600 to 700 million cubic feet of gas perday (mmcfd). The field is 75% owned by the Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), whileKirthar Pakistan has a stake of 9.5%, Pakistan Petroleum Limited 7%, and Premier KufpecPakistan Exploration Limited (PKPEL) and PKPEL-2 hold 8.5% and 4.75% respectively. The ECCalso allowed the unlimited export of sugar by abolishing the quota limits. The ECC took thedecision after it was told that sugar is available in abundance in the country, and that it is‘necessary’ that sugar mills be allowed to export more sugar. Shaikh said that in order to keepprices stable in the domestic market, through the availability of sufficient stocks, the committeewill require a briefing on the availability of the stocks every time it meets henceforth. The ECCadditionally a summary forwarded by the commerce division that asked that the TradingCorporation of Pakistan be allowed to procure and maintain a strategic reserve of 500,000 tonsof sugar. The Trading Corporation wants to purchase 330,000 tons of domestically-producedsugar during the 2012-13 sugar crushing season. The ECC also gave its approval, in principle, toPakistan Petroleum’s (PPL’s) bid for Tullow Pakistan Development Limited and TullowBangladesh Limited. However, it observed that the acquisition is still subject to approval by theState Bank of Pakistan. During the meeting, the finance secretary also presented a review of keyeconomic indicators. He said that the year-on-year inflation rate currently stands at 6.9%, whichhe claimed was “the lowest among regional countries.”The Express Tribune – December 12, 2012

OGRA approves heavy increase in gas tariffsThe Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended substantial increase in gastariffs for industries, fertilizer factories, power houses, CNG stations and the domesticcustomers from January 1. OGRA recommended that the tariff for domestic customers using upto 100 units of gas per month could increase by Rs 6/14 per MMBTU, for up to 300 units by Rs12/28, and those using more than 300 units by Rs 30 per MMBTU. For mosques, churches andseminaries, a price hike has been recommended in the range of Rs 30 to Rs 430 per MMBTU. Gastariffs for army messes, private educational institutions, government and semi-governmentoffices and hospitals would also shoot up. Similarly, OGRA has recommended a gas priceincrease of Rs 48 per MMBTU for commercial customers, Rs 6/48 for tandoors, Rs 48 for icefactories, and Rs 39/38 per MMBTU for the industries. A price increase of Rs 51.87 per MMBTUhas been proposed for CNG sector, Rs 59 for cement factories, Rs 9/25 for fertiliser factories,and Rs 39 per MMBTU for government and private power houses.Daily Times – December 12, 2012



CNG Price Formula to Be Presented Before Economic Co-ordination CommitteeThe Supreme Court was informed that a new CNG price formula determined in meetingsbetween OGRA and the CNG association/station owners would be presented before theEconomic Coordination Committee (ECC). OGRA has recommended Rs 73.96 per kg for Region-Iand Rs 65.50 for Region-II. The court has directed CNG Association Chairman Ghayas Paracha tosubmit a detailed audit of CNG station accounts to OGRA. The court, however, reserved the rightto depute an expert to evaluate the accounts of CNG stations submitted to OGRA or thegovernment. It has also directed the Petroleum Ministry to submit on the price charged for CNGas well as subsidy extended to domestic and industrial gas consumers for the past 10 years. Thecourt has clarified that the Supreme Court had nothing to do with fixing CNG price ordetermining the price formula because it is prerogative of the government sought the mostrecent ECC decision relating to guidelines for the CNG price formula on the next hearing.Daily Times – December 18, 2012

LPG Price Goes Up By Rs10 per KgThe marketing companies increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by Rs10 perkilogramme (kg). LPG Distributors Association Chairman Muhammad Irfan Khokhar said theprice of a domestic cylinder had been raised by Rs100 and a commercial cylinder by Rs400.Resultantly, LPG price was raised in Gilgit-Baltistan to Rs225 per kg while the domestic cylinderwill be available at Rs2, 650, whereas in Naran, Kaghan the commodity will be sold at Rs210 perkg with a domestic cylinder costing Rs2, 470, he added. Likewise domestic cylinder will costRs2, 230 at Rs190 per kg in Balakot, Natiagali, while in Attock, Islamabad, Murree, DG Khan, DIKhan and Kashmore, the price of LPG will now be Rs180 per kg and domestic cylinder at Rs2,110. In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Hyderabad, Mansehra, Swat, Peshawar, Haripur, Gujrat andJhelum, the price has been raised to Rs175 per kg while domestic cylinder will be available atRs2, 050. LPG will be available at Rs165 per kg with domestic cylinder costing Rs1, 930 inSialkot, Deska, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Okara and Qasoor while in Lahore and Gujranwala the samewill sold at Rs160 per kg with domestic cylinder at Rs1, 870. In Karachi, LPG will cost Rs155 perkg, whereas domestic cylinder will cost Rs1, 810.The Express Tribune – December 21, 2012

Petrol Down By Rs1.23, Diesel Up ByThe Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has reduced the price of petrol by Rs1.23 per literfrom Rs102.65 to Rs101.42 per liter. According to the notification on the POL prices issued, theprice of kerosene oil has also come down by Re0.22 per liter to Rs98.81 from Rs99.03 per liter.However, the price of high speed diesel (HSD) went up by Re0.36 per liter from Rs109.77 toRs110.13 per liter and light diesel oil (LDO) also increased by Re0.45per liter to Rs94.34 fromRs93.89 per liter. The price of jet fuel (JP-1) has been reduced by Re0.18 per liter to Rs88.04from Rs88.22 per liter. Similarly the price of JP-4 has also been reduced by Re 0.07 per liter toRs80.94 from Rs81.01 per liter and JP-8 reduced by Re0.18 to Rs87.72 from Rs87.90 per liter.The News – December 22, 2012

Supreme Court Declares Ogra’s CNG Price Formula VoidThe Supreme Court (SC) declared the price formula of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority(Ogra) for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as void and directed the authority to discharge itsobligation in accordance with law. The court ruled that various items in this formula appeared



to have been determined arbitrarily and not in accordance with law and without any referenceto the accounts of the CNG stations. “Since Ogra has still not been able to come up with a pricingformula based on evidence and in accordance with the prescribed process, it is directed onceagain to discharge its obligations in accordance with the law,” the court ruled in its short order.The court directed the Ogra to determine the gas prices in a swift manner, and after obtainingall necessary feedback from the stakeholders. In the light of the new SC order, the current pricesof the CNG will remain intact as long as the government comes up with any new pricing formula.The short order, however, ruled that the questions relating to UFG losses and other issuesraised in the constitutional petitions would be considered during the next hearing.The News – December 22, 2012

Government Agrees To Six Hours a Day Gas Supply to Textile IndustryIn order to ensure textile exports of $700 million in January and February, Minister ofPetroleum Dr Asim Hussain has agreed with the textile association’s solution to supply gas forsix hours daily to textile industry during next two months from 5 to 11 pm when the regularelectricity is cut off to the industry. This comes around 36 hours of gas supply per week to theindustry. The dilemma for the industry was that its 1700 MW captive power could either beoperated on gas or diesel, which is six times more costly. The state supplied power costs twotimes the cost of power produced from gas run generators. The state supplied electricity is notavailable to the industry during peak consumption period of 5 pm to 11 pm. After restoration ofone and half days of gas, the mills were assured of 24 hour power supply for only one day.The News – December 22, 2012

Economic Co-ordination Committee Body on CNG Unable To Form ConsensusThe subcommittee of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) chaired by Law MinisterFarooq H Naek discussed the CNG price formula presented by Oil and Gas Regulation Authority(OGRA) and was unable to find a consensus between all stakeholders. Members of thecommittee included representatives from OGRA, All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) andthe petroleum ministry.Pakistan Today – December 27, 2012

Private Sector’s Role ProposedAs gas scarcity spins out of control, the government has decided in principle to open up thetransmission and distribution system to the private sector and change the pricing mechanismfrom biannual to quarterly and subsequently a monthly basis to facilitate the sale of importedgases. To achieve the objective, the government is working on drastic changes to the Oil and GasRegulatory Authority (Ogra) Ordinance and related rules. All the official stakeholders, includingthe ministry of petroleum, gas companies and Ogra, have been asked to submit proposals. Theplan will be submitted to the federal cabinet after working out the legal and operationalmodalities. The government plans to create a number of ‘cost centers’ in the Sui Northern GasPipelines (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGCL) to segregate the transmissionsystem from the distribution system. The centres will be separately dealt with for calculation ofunaccounted-for gas (UFG) losses and provide various distribution segments to privatecompanies.Dawn – December 25, 2012



Ogra Purposes Big Hike in CNG PriceWith the Farooq Naek committee unclear about resolution of crisis over price of compressednatural gas (CNG), the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) came up with three options thatcould increase consumer-end price of the fuel by up to Rs59 per kg (96 per cent) to maintain the80 per cent parity with petrol proposed by petroleum ministry. The government would like toinclude CNG price in the overall consumer-end gas tariff that was due to be increased by anaverage of 6.15 per cent with effect from Jan 1 for all consumers, to provide it a legal cover. TheOgra presented three options — with CNG-petrol price parity of 60 per cent, 65 per cent and 80per cent. The regulator told the committee that if the government wanted to maintain a parity of60 per cent, the CNG price would increase by Rs30 per kg to Rs92.48 per kg from the existingrate of Rs61.64 per kg. At 65 per cent parity, the CNG rate was worked out at Rs108 per kg, orRs44 per kg higher. The regulator said that if the 80 per cent parity proposed by the petroleumministry was accepted, the CNG rate would increase by Rs59 per kg to Rs121, but this could leadto intervention by the apex court which had earlier taken notice of the linking of price ofdomestically produced CNG with that of imported petroleum products.Dawn – December 27, 2012

LPG Price Soars to Rs 225 per KgThe price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been raised across the country and now it hasreached Rs 225 per Kg from 180. The market sources claimed that 11.8 KG LPG Cylinder pricewas Rs1699 and now it has reached at RS 1820. It is pertinent to mention here that the domesticcylinder price was Rs 578.85 in 2006. The market sources further claimed that the price of LPGhas reached RS 225 KG in Murree, Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and tribal areas while it hasbeen reached from 165 to 180 Kg in Islamabad, Rahimyar Khan, Faisalabad and Dera IsmailKhan.Pakistan Today – December 30, 2012

Government’s Role in Water and Power

Power Generation Plummets to 2009 Level: PEPCOThe power generation has dropped down to the level of 2009 in the last five weeks, neutralizingover 3,000MW generation capacity added to the national grid during the period of the presentgovernment. According to the data prepared by now-defunct Pakistan Electric Power Company(Pepco), the average generation during November in 2009 was 11,050MW and it was11,110MW last month. In December 2009, the country, on average, generated 11,110MWwhereas its average so far in December has been 11,150MW. The problem with the generation,as pointed out by the report, is gross under-utilization of installed capacity for different reasons.In November this year, the company, on average, could not generate around 2,750MW a daybecause it could not pay for the oil and did not get gas. To make the matter worse, over2,000MW capacity was on its routine maintenance schedule during the month that took totalunder-utilization figure close to a massive 5,000MW a day. In December, the under-utilisedcapacity has gone further up, with non-availability of fuel, taking close to 3,200MW off insteadof 2,750MW in November. Because of these factors, the maximum generation, which stood at12,100MW in 2009, has improved by 15MW (to 12,115MW) this November. It leaves a hugequestion mark over the 3,348MW generation capacity, which was added to the national grid bythe PPP government. Out of these 3,348MW, 343MW (Karke 231MW, Gulf Power 62MW andNudero-II 51MW) were taken offline because of court orders or the companies refused to installplants for some reasons. But, still 3,005MW were added to the national grid during the last four



years. Where has that capacity gone? The government on the one hand added 3,005MWgeneration capacity, but the under-utilized capacity has reached close to 5,000MW, if the latestfigures compiled by the Pepco are to be believed. Explaining reasons for the crisis, a Pepcoofficial maintains: “The sector faces double problem: financial crunch and management crisis.The sectoral recoveries have come down to 82 per cent. During September and October, theyimproved to 89 per cent when the federal government paid Rs24 billion to KESC along withother subsidies. But they are down to usual 80 per cent in November because there were noadditional payments. These 18 per cent translate into over Rs100 billion, and spell financialdisaster for the sector.” As if all this was not enough, the entire sector has become a rudderlessship, with generalist bureaucrats managing the highly technical and crucial companies likeNational Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC), Central Power Purchase Agency (CPPA),Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) and other equally important organizations (Nepra,distribution companies) being run on ad hoc or look-after charge basis. In this scenario, nodoubt that the situation – generation, collection, fuel supplies, circular debt etc. – is worseningby the day, he concluded.Dawn – December 11, 2012

Power Theft to Become Non-Bailable Offence: Minister for Water and PowerAfter failing to control the theft and leakages of electricity, the government has decided to makepower theft a non-bailable act and has also proposed high penalties and rigorous imprisonmentfor those involved in the pilferage. In this regard, Minister for Water and Power ChaudhryAhmad Mukhtar introduced a bill in the National Assembly on Monday to further amend theElectricity Act 1910. According to the bill, a minimum of one-year imprisonment and a fine ofRs1 million have been proposed for consumers involved in power theft. The maximum is seven-year imprisonment and Rs10 million penalties. The bill proposes imprisonment for three yearsor a fine of up to Rs10 million or both for consumer using or consuming electricity without itpassing through the electric metre or willfully tampering with service lines, electric supply linesor transmission facilities of electric power. Power consumers tampering with auxiliary ordistribution of electric power will face imprisonment for up to two years or a fine up to Rs3million or both. Strict punishment has also been proposed for domestic consumers. Thoseinvolved in tampering with electric metres or illegally connecting metres with an electric linecould face imprisonment for up to one year or be charged with a Rs1 million-fine. Industrial,commercial and agriculture sector consumers will also face strict imprisonment for up to threeyears or a fine up to Rs6 million for involvement in tampering with the electric metre. Arigorous imprisonment for seven years and a Rs3 million fine has been proposed for consumersinvolved in damaging or destroying transmission lines, distribution lines and electric meters.The Express Tribune – December 18, 2012

Nepra Increases Power Tariff by Rs0.91 per UnitDespite a stay orders from courts, barring power firms from retrospectively collectingadditional electricity charges from consumers, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority(Nepra) approved a Rs0.91 per unit hike in the power tariff on account of fuel adjustmentsurcharges for the month of November 2012. The power regulator held a public hearing todecide on rising the power tariff for the month of November on account of fuel adjustmentsurcharges, as demanded by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA). The move willburden all electricity consumers, except lifeline users and those on the Karachi Electric SupplyCompany (KESC) network, with Rs6.16 billion in extra charges.The News – December 27, 2012



REGIONAL WATCH

Pakistan & United States

Pakistan, United States Pledge to Focus on Trade, Not AidA symbolic move that suggested that US-Pakistan relationship are heading towards stability, theUS-Pakistan Economic and Finance Working Group met in Washington, DC, promising to focuson trade and not just aid. The group focused on “expanding bilateral economic engagement,particularly in the areas of trade and investment”. The Pakistani delegation was led by FinanceMinister Hafeez Sheikh, while Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides represented the Americanside. The statement said that the US and Pakistan are committed to broadening private sectorties between both countries.The Express Tribune – December 02, 2012

US Secretary Of State and Foreign Minister Pakistan Agree To Jointly Achieve SharedObjectivesUS Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar have expressedtheir commitment to jointly act to achieve bilateral shared objectives. The two foreign ministersdiscussed counter terrorism operations, support for the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peaceprocess, the post 2014 transition in Afghanistan and various measures to further strengthenbilateral relations, including the need to move the US-Pakistan economic agenda from aid totrade that emphasizes market access and investment. They also looked forward to meetings ofthe energy and strategic stability working groups and underlined the importance to continuethese engagements in the weeks and months ahead.


United States Assures Pak of Early Release of $600 Million Coalition Support FundArrearsThe United States assured Pakistan of an early release of $600 million Coalition Support Fund(CSF) arrears, increasing OPIC support for projects in Pakistan from $100 million to $1 billion,launch $80 million Pakistan Investment Fund for SMEs in January 2013 and also reaffirmed UScommitment for provision of $ 200 million for Diamer-Basha dam. The US officials assured thefinance minister that the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) amounting to $600 million would bereleased without any delay. The visiting delegation also informed the Finance Minister that theUnited States is going to launch 80 million dollar Pakistan Investment Fund for SMEs in January2013. During the meeting the US delegation informed the Finance Minister that activeparticipation of Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) in development of Pakistanwould be ensured. The active participation of OPIC will increase the support for projects inPakistan from $ 100 million to $1 billion. The visiting US delegation also reaffirmed UScommitment for provision of $200 million for Diamer-Basha Dam.




Pakistan Gets $688m as Coalition Support FundPakistan received the most needed foreign exchange in the shape of Coalition Support Fundamounting to $688 million. This was paid for the Standby Agreement for $11 billion with theIMF which was discontinued in the mid of the agreement. The IMF accused Pakistan of failing tomanage the fiscal affairs as the fiscal deficit widened to as high as 8 per cent of the GDP. Thecountry’s foreign exchange reserves on Dec 21 stood at $13.378 billion, including $8.625 billionof the State Bank. The inflow of $688 million would push up reserves of the State Bank up to$9.3 billion. The increase would not only help the country improve its weak external accountposition, but would also strengthen the exchange rate. The local currency witnessed a turmoil-like situation against the US dollar while it lost 7.6 per cent against the greenback during thecalendar year 2012. The country posted a current account deficit of $365 million during the firstfive months of the current fiscal. Despite these payments, country’s foreign exchange reserveswould see a big improvement with the help of CSF. However, another payment of 95.8 millionSDR to IMF is due in the second week of February 2013. The debt repayment has put enormouspressure on country’s foreign exchange reserves which have been sliding downward for last 17months. The reserves fell by $4.9 billion during the period while that of State Bank fell by $6.15billion. This massive decline jolted the exchange rate as the country witnessed 8.8 per centdepreciation of local currency against the US dollar in 2011 and 7.6 per cent in 2012.Dawn – December 29, 2012

Pakistan & India

India, Pakistan Activate New Visa AgreementPakistan and India put into operation a new visa agreement when Pakistan Interior MinisterRehman Malik and his Indian counterpart Sushil Kumar Shinde, operationalised the new regime.However, the visa-on-arrival will come into effect from January 15, 2013 and the group touristvisa from March 15, 2013. The Indian ministry of home affairs today issued a circular to thiseffect to all the Indian missions, state governments/union territories, foreigners’ regionalregistration officers (FRROs), FROs and all concerned. India and Pakistan had signed onSeptember 8, 2012 a new visa agreement to facilitate travel for the nationals of both countriesdesirous of travelling to the other country and to promote people-to-people contact.Key features of the new visa agreement are as below:Visitor Visa• Places of visit allowable increased from three to five places• In exceptional cases visitor visa for one year was issued in the past. Now provision has beenmade to issue visa up to two years in the following cases:a. Persons above 65 years of ageb. National of one country married to national of the other country.c. Children below 12 years accompanying parents in (b) aboveVisa on Arrival can be granted at Attari/Wagah check-post to persons more than 65 years ofage for 45 days with single entry (effective from January 15, 2013).Business VisaExemption from police reporting for business visa granted to businessmen with an annualincome above Pak Rs5 million or equivalent or annual turnover above Pak Rs30 million orequivalent.



Group Tourist Visa• Group Tourist Visa for 30 days may be issued for travel in groups, with not less than 10members and not more than 50 members in each group, organised by approved touroperators/travel agents (effective from March 15, 2013).Entry and exit• Now entry and exit from different designated immigration check-posts can be allowed, ifindicated in application.• However, exit from Wagah/Attari on foot cannot be accepted unless the entry was also on footvia Attari/Wagah.The News – December 15, 2012

Pakistan & Afghanistan

Pakistan to Free More Afghan TalibanPakistan agreed to release another batch of Taliban prisoners in a bid to facilitate peace talksbetween insurgents and the Afghan government, a joint Foreign Ministry statement said. Thenumber of prisoners to be released was not specified but is not thought to include the Taliban’sformer deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was captured in 2010. The jointstatement said both sides agreed the release of more prisoners, facilitating contacts and urgingthe Taliban to renounce ties to al Qaeda. Afghan officials believe senior Taliban leaders held inPakistan could help bring militants to the negotiating table, if released from jail, to end over adecade of war ahead of the 2014 pull-out of US-led NATO troops. An Afghan official had askedfor the release of further Taliban detainees, including Baradar. But a senior Pakistani securityofficial told that “no decision” had so far been taken on whether to release him. We have toascertain how important he can be. Pakistan believes Baradar may not be enjoying the sameclout he used to have before being arrested in Karachi two years ago. The Taliban, leading an11-year insurgency since the 2001 US-led invasion, has welcomed the releases, but refuses tonegotiate directly with Kabul, calling the government of President Hamid Karzai a US puppet.Preliminary contacts between the US and the Taliban in Doha were broken off in March whenthe militants failed to secure the release of five of their comrades held at the Guantanamo Bayprison on the US base in Cuba. Support from Pakistan, which backed the 1996-2001 Talibanregimes in Kabul, is seen as crucial to peace in Afghanistan after the departure of NATO forces.The joint statement said the two sides also discussed the issue of cross-border incursions andshelling and agreed to have an institutionalized mechanism to address this issue. Pakistan alsohanded over draft of Strategic Partnership Agreement to Afghanistan to further enhancebilateral ties between the two important neighbors in the region. The two countries agreed tooperationalise the Joint Commission on Prisoners release for expediting reconciliation processand discouraging violence. They also agreed to hold ulema conference in Afghanistan (January).Pakistan announced its participation in the conference. The two sides also agreed to extend theAfghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement to Tajikistan in the first phase and then extend it tothe other Central Asian countries for enhancement of regional trade.Dawn – December 01, 2012



Pakistan Fully Supports Peace, Stability in Afghanistan: Prime MinisterPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said Pakistan is making all out efforts for peace and stabilityin Afghanistan, because “we are neighbors and our generations will have to live together”.Premier Raja said exchange of delegations between the two countries would enhance mutualtrust, understanding and help in better relations. A member of the Afghan delegation welcomedthe proposal of Pakistan to convene ulema conference. He suggested that interactions ofacademia, media and other sections of the society should also be encouraged for betterunderstanding between the two countries. The PM assured the Afghan delegation that he willlook into the complaint regarding delay in clearance of Afghan goods at Karachi seaport andwelcomed the proposal for interaction of all sections of the society of the two countries.Daily Times – December 12, 2012

Trade Normalization May Hit DeadlockTrade normalization between the nuclear armed-neighbors may hit a deadlock as Pakistan hasnot yet decided to implement its decision of granting the Most Favored Nations (MFN) status toIndia. Under the agreement, Islamabad is scheduled to abolish its negative list of tradable goodsby December 31. The list contains 1,209 items that cannot be imported from India. Pakistan’sreluctance to give specific time-frame on MFN issue appears to suggest differences with India oncertain matters. The government’s decision in principle to grant MFN status was conditional toIndia’s willingness to reduce its Pakistan specific-sensitive list by 30% maintained under theSouth Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement. New Delhi agreed to implement its decisionby December 31, 2012 that will eventually allow Islamabad to move ahead with granting it MFNstatus.The Express Tribune – December 28, 2012

Most Favorite Nation Status for India on Back BurnerPakistan is set to miss the target of granting India the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status byDecember 31, 2012 due to vested interests. The next possible cabinet meeting will discuss theissue of granting MFN status to India is not on the agenda. They further added that Pakistan hasalso missed the deadline of December 15, 2012 to abolish the negative list. However, officialsbelieve that right wing groups, backed by the agriculturist lobby, were opposing the MFN statusto India. If the process is delayed by another month, there was delay of another six months dueto elections and the settling down of the new government. Pakistan announced in October 2011that it will grant MFN status to India from January 1, 2013. Meanwhile, trade relations improvedsignificantly between the two countries. India had granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996.However, non- tariff barriers remained intact on exports from Pakistan and both sides did notmake much of progress towards trade liberalization. While all mainstream political parties areon board for enhanced and free trade with India, incidentally the move to delay granting MFNstatus to India is being spearheaded by the parliamentarians belonging to the ruling PakistanPeople’s Party (PPP). Experts and independent analysts have discounted concerns by bothgroups on the grounds that most matters have already been discussed during the past 2-3 yearsand also resulted in a relaxed visa regime between the two countries. It is important to note thatthe MFN status is to be granted by the Cabinet – the approval would be vetted by the lawministry and finally the commerce ministry will notify India in this regard.Dawn – December 29, 2012



Pakistan, India Holds Talks on Nuclear CCBMIndia and Pakistan, the two nuclear-armed neighbors, reviewed the implementation of a host ofnuclear confidence-building measures and agreed to explore additional such measures in thesector. The talks focused on review of implementation and strengthening of existing CBMs in theframework of the Lahore MoU, as well as possibilities for mutually acceptable additional CBMs.The two sides spent some time discussing the working of existing agreements on pre-notification of flight tests of ballistic missiles and reducing the risk from accidents relating tonuclear weapons. The accord on nuclear accidents was extended for another five-year periodfrom February 2012.Daily Times – December 29, 2012

Pakistan & Korea

President offers Korea free trade, seeks investmentPresident Asif Ali Zardari offered Korea a free trade and a currency swap agreement and soughtthe country’s investment in Pakistan. The two leaders expressed satisfaction that bilateralcooperation during the past three decades has expanded and intensified in various areas andurged for further enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties to mutual benefit. PresidentZardari said that Pakistan has huge coal reserves of about 185 billion tonnes, potentialhydropower, wind corridors and year-round sunlight which, he said, could be harnessed withKorean assistance by setting up coal fired power plants, dams, wind farms and solar plants.President Zardari, said that Pakistan was keen to take Pak-Korea bilateral trade ties to newheights and expressed hope that mutual interaction of businessmen and entrepreneurs of thetwo countries would help explore new avenues for investment and trade. Zardari urged forfrequent exchange of business delegations which, he said, was crucial for optimum utilization ofthe huge trade potential available in the two countries. Highlighting huge investmentopportunities, the president urged the need for concerted steps on both sides includingbusiness community for bolstering the current trade volume of over $ 1.6 billion between thetwo countries to $5 billion in the next five years. Zardari offered an exclusive economic zone tothe South Korean entrepreneurs near Karachi and urged them to benefit from the lucrativeincentives offered by Pakistan to the foreign investors. He also stressed the need forestablishment of direct air links and strengthening of cooperation in the field of agriculturethrough Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). These steps, the president said, will helpboost trade and economic cooperation. On strengthening cooperation in manpower andeducation, President Zardari said that a sizeable number of Pakistani students are studying invarious universities in Korea and called for enhancing the number of scholarships for Pakistanistudents besides absorbing more Pakistani manpower as Pakistan has sufficient skilledmanpower and can meet South Korea’s additional needs.Daily Times – December 05, 2012



Pakistan & France

France Pledges to Energies PakistanFrench President Hollande said France would extend its full help and cooperation to Pakistan tohelp meet its energy requirements. French President Francoise Hollande and President Asif AliZardari said that they had discussed regional situation and increasing cooperation between thetwo countries. The two countries agreed to further increase cooperation in different fields,including education, health, economy and energy sectors.The French president said his discussion with President Zardari was very good andencouraging. He said they discussed all the issues and cooperation in the field of education,health, defense and economy. He said France has continued its cooperation in different fields,including health and education. President Hollande said France would extend its full help andcooperation to Pakistan to meet its energy requirements.Daily Times – December 12, 2012

Regional Governance

President Zardari in Paris to Attend Conference on Malala: Pakistan, UNESCOPresident Asif Ali Zardari arrived to attend a conference on “Stand up for Malala — Stand up forgirl’s right to education” being organised jointly by Pakistan and UNESCO. The president cameto Paris after visiting Malala Yousufzai at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Theconference will pay tribute to the 15-year-old girl, who survived an assassination attempt by theTaliban, for her determined efforts to defend girls’ education in Pakistan. A special Malala fundwill be established on this occasion to raise money for girls’ education throughout the world andPakistan will pledge seed money for it. The event coincides with the International Human RightsDay and it will bring together representatives of governments, UN partners, international andbilateral organizations, foundations, donors and civil society organizations, besides academics,religious leaders, eminent personalities and other stakeholders.Dawn – December 10, 2012

Malala Inspires Global Initiative for Girls Education: President Asif Ali ZardariPresident Asif Ali Zardari announced a 10-million-dollar donation for a global war chest for theambitious Endeavour. The president said “A young determined daughter of my country wasattacked by the forces of darkness”. “We are facing two forces in the country; Malala representsthe forces of peace and we are fighting with the forces of darkness, hatred and violence,” he said.The Express Tribune – December 11, 2012

Egypt Constitution Passes With 63.8%Egypt's controversial proposed constitution has passed its two-part referendum with 63.8% ofthe vote, the country's election commission said. The passage is a win for President MohamedMorsi—whose Islamist allies drafted the constitution, sparking massive street protests—and is



right in line with earlier unofficial results offered up by the Muslim Brotherhood. Opponents ofthe measure, however, have charged that the votes were marred by fraud. Nevertheless, "Wehave seriously investigated all the complaints," said Judge Samir Abu el-Matti of the SupremeElection Committee. Official turnout was 32.9%.Pakistan Today – December 26, 2012

Documents

December 2012 - theresearchers.orgtheresearchers.org/PGF/2012/December2012.pdf · Pakistan Governance Forum (P GF) - December, 2012 Edition VII, Volume X The Researchers i December