GLOBAL AFFAIRS

The counter- terrorism measures are not at par for the eradication of militancy. The national coordinator for NACTA, Ihsan Ghani, informed that his organisation is under process to verify the data on Pakistani citizens who have fought in Yemen, Syria, or Iraq. For this purpose, Nacta is working with the provinical and federal government to make sure the actual objective behind the travelling of Pakistani citizens in ravaged countries; either for the sake of employment or for contribution in fighting.  This move demands encouragement as through this way NACTA will identify the threats posed by ISIS and similar outfits. Yet, there is uncertainty to actually measure the number of citizens involved there in militancy. The identification of threats demands attention first in this generation war.  The dilemma is mostly all counter militancy measures took on the ad hoc manner in Pakistan. However, NACTA has financial constraints and lackl...

1. There is no denying this fact that women backwardness causes political backwardness of the nation. The key to vouchsafe women interest is by the active participation of women in the political affairs of the nation. There would not be sound and comprehensive electoral process in the country unless women would not be part of the election, as election turnover would be less without women participating in it. According to ECP, in the nomination of political parties, female constitutes only 3.5% against their male counterpart with 96.5% seats in National Assembly. Moreover, if women would not participate in politics than policy making would not be under the consideration of their rights; therefore, discriminatory laws against women would be in surge because men would be more in numbers. Similarly, another reason of women backwardness is due to the placement of few women on key executive position which is the major hindrance in the way of women backwardness. According to Transparen...

Nicholson will implement the US administration’s new strategy in Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan does provide safe havens to Taliban leaders. For this issue, back channel diplomacy is between U.S and Pakistan which requires pragmatism. FM Khawaja Asif shows knee-jerk diplomatic reaction by altering the decision to visit China, Russia, and Turkey first before U.S. The mission of Mr. Asif is to win support for Pakistan’s position for the political settlement with the Afghan Taliban for long-term peace. Moreover, South Asia Strategy by Trump must be in consideration. The new US policy intends to make India an active regional partner for reconciliation in Afghanistan and blamed Pakistan without giving due concentration to other regional partners interests. No doubt, the status quo is not helpful and workable for both countries. Thus, the highest level diplomatic talk is need of the hour to show that Pakistan is keen to find solutions because the strategic rift is not favorable for bo...

The issue of Davis is based on security relations between US and Pakistan. According to Mr. Asif, PPP had paid the blood money for Davis’ exoneration, he asked the parliament to undertake the investigation. However, his claim needs justification because the case is already into the mist of doubts. The outcome is extremely detested because this enables Davis to escape without accountability. But now the government is whipping up public sentiments for covert reasons and the US government is trying to protect him. The hastily move of denouncement bewilder all, including parliament. However, after the publication of book a petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court to reveal the source of the blood money. Therefore, this has yet to answer; who paid for blood money either it was US government, Mr. Davis himself or some other party. There might be bitter truths which prevent revelation, let the cat out of the bag. Total words: 403 Précis words required: 145

FATA Reforms got the deserved attention from the incumbent PM Abbasi. However, PML-N itself put FATA reforms’ on the back burner in terms of legislation, political, financial, and administrative. Nevertheless, the merger of FATA and KP has been discouraged owing to insular political reasons. Sartaj Aziz-led Fata reforms committee for mainstreaming plan could not function at par since last 8 months. Yet, the progress is still hobbling to fulfill the financial commitments. Former PM Nawaz had no inclination towards the extermination of extremism, terrorism, and militancy, whereas, his job demanded security and humanitarian emergencies. For long term stability and peace, there must be the end of the anachronistic system of governance. The Government must introduce governance reforms otherwise counter insurgency operations would not gain the desired benefits. The resilience of the people of FATA and efforts of security personnel has achieved stability in the region. The government must ac...

Accountability, an essence of democracy, is missing out rightly. Whistleblowers - secret weapons of public interest - have global significance as they can alter policies, the forced resignation of heads and change form of governance, for instance, Bradley Manning, Edward Snowden’s leaks, and Panama leaks. The passage of Public Interest Disclosures Bill, 2017 will serve the purpose of protection to whistleblowers. First, the intentional misuse of power against the government, public or any third person will be held liable. Second, any attempt to do corruption as refer by NAB ordinance 1999 will be held accountable. Third, exemptions will not protect to whistleblowers in case of disclosure of sensitive information, for instance, information regarding; threat to sovereignty, harm to strategic and security interests, and actions to halt an investigation of offenders or any other information other than public interest. Thus, it put forth all government employees under the ambit of law. ...

The status quo is getting changed with each passing day. Now, consumers will bear brunt of added security cost which was part of the tariff in the past. NEPRA approved the policy directive of the ECC to allow 1 % of the capital cost to pay for security expenses. This shows a change in the relationship between the regulator and the government. First, this calls NEPRA into question to take suo motu without requiring the government to submit a petition. Second, NEPRA permitted to cover it from public funds when security comes into government responsibility. This exhibit NEPRA’s change in priority to serve bureaucratic self- interest rather than to vouchsafe consumer interest. Third, the measures do not serve the special treatment of IPPs because security costs would not be part of the tariff. The reference of CPEC security force and its payment shows the IPPs are not protected. Thus, this determination has added new costs of CPEC power projects which will bear by consumers itself.

The judicial ouster of elected Prime Minister is certainly bringing political uncertainty. The political landscape of Pakistan is deteriorating owing to Nawaz’s return to Lahore, thus, adding war of words between two rival parties; PML-N and PTI. Though, the ousted PM’s mantra, merely in words, is to stick on democratic stability. However, he did not become coarse despite the verdict against him. Rather, He tried to cope up with dissenting political parties, including discord with PLM-N internal faction. The turbulent political episode is ahead in the prompt and show of street power. The party leadership must send a strong message to its supporters to avoid any provocative words or actions to kick start the next election campaign. He must learn from his latest ouster as well as from his 1999 ouster. Whilst, he is busy at feathering his own cap for peaceful opposition politics, yet he is devoid of practicing democracy. Thus, Mr Sharif has another chance to represent a good system of hi...

The fourth tax directory of parliamentarian’s shows steep rise in the collection of income tax, particularly the lawmakers have paid more taxes this year as compared to past year. It is improbable to know the actual reason behind the increase in income tax amount. The chances are: filers get the increase in income or the fear of disqualification, under Article 62/63 of the constitution, play a significant role. Certainly, Supreme Court verdict on Panama Papers urges parliamentarians to pay higher taxes for legitimacy at public offices. Still, some 159 legislators did not bother to even file their returns. Among others, they only paid nominal taxes as compared to their lavish lifestyle. Ironically, mostly public representatives often mis – declare their income to either underpay their taxes or simply not pay at all. Unfortunately, no steps have been taken ever against tax evader and non – filer parliamentarians. The Panama Paper probe nudges some high profile politicians to pay more...

Parliament must accomplish the task to nominate a new prime minister. The Parliamentary proceedings will play the decisive role to reclaim the role of parliament via legislative amendments. The prevailing averse political scenario presents daunting challenges for the government and opposition. Both actors must synergize their cooperation lest the political culture of Pakistan would destine to doom. However, there still exist loopholes in Constitution despite the passage of the 18th amendment; particularly code of conduct for public officials and esoteric religious references requires attention. Undeniably, the most significant issue is electoral reforms for the revival of democratic order.  Though, the report of Nasirul Mulk on ‘allegations of electoral fraud in 2013’ has identified key areas for strengthening electoral laws and practices. Yet, the role of Parliament is missing to present strong electoral system, while the next general election is ahead in 2018. Thus, the incom...