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New challenges
The 16th National Assembly, elected on February 8, met on Wednesday, in response to a presidential summons that should have been routine, but was not. President Arif Alvi had initially refused to sign the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry summary summoning the new National Assembly on the plea that the Election Commission of Pakistan had not yet decided the allocation of women’s seats. However, the National Assembly itself had prepared to summon the House nonetheless, and because his refusal would have no effect, the President on Wednesday night did the needful.
Whatever the manner of the summons, the problems of the new House remain unaffected, though the President’s attitude may be a sign of things to come. One of the main problems of the new House will be managing the PTI, is the largest party in the House, and if Thursday’s proceedings are anything to go by, will prove vociferous. It will not be a matter purely of parliamentary niceties, as can be seen by Imran Khan’s letter to the IMF asking it to undertake an audit of the election. The new government will have to ensure that the PTI does not attempt to conduct a foreign policy of its own.
The PTI’s letter shows that it is aware that the most immediate task of the government will be to negotiate an IMF programme to succeed the present Srand-By Arrangement ending next month. However, perhaps the most significant challenge of the new National Assembly is whether it can generate a government which can last out the five-tenure of the House. Houses now no longer dissolve more than a couple of days early, but PMs have been changed around the three-year mark in each of the last three Houses, in two of them without the ruling party being changed. It is to be seen whether the House witnesses the same pattern. The brewing politics of the agitation by opposition parties on account of alleged rigging in recent elections would be a ticklish issue for new speaker of NA in assembly and outside for government.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Pak-China Friendship Centre
I want to draw the attention of Chairman CDA regarding the activation of Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad permanently to start the Chinese, Urdu and English classes for the interested students/general public which may be initiated including short-term and long-term language courses. A portion of this huge building may be allocated for the Chinese language classes for the interested candidates and students who live nearby this area. It would become a source of earning for the CDA and also serve as an intellectual forum.
A cafeteria may be established here so that a reasonable eatery would be available for the students and visitors as well. No doubt, Business Exhibitions/Expos, Book Fairs and different kinds of cultural activities are conducted regularly in this building from time to time throughout the year. But the Chinese language classes must be started here permanently as a symbol of friendship and to strengthen the relations between China and Pakistan from a futuristic point of view.
SHAGUFTA ANSARI
Islamabad
Gallery closed: Disappointment
It is quite disappointing that the guest gallery was closed during the first session of the National Assembly. I think it should have been opened for selective members like officers. I was planning to attend but received the news that the guest gallery was closed.
The situation that occurred in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was alarming, but surely this was not going to happen in the National Assembly due to its high-security protocol.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
GB’s perennial issues
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region continues to face certain protracted issues which otherwise should have been addressed very early on, given the kind of strategic and territorial importance this region has acquired against the backdrop of the current geopolitical scenario. First and foremost, GB is one of those regions in the domain of US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific power struggle. GB is a gateway to the flagship project of CPEC under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In its rigorous attempt to contain China, the US has been wooing India for so long in this domain, thereby making CPEC a centre of attention, or rather, a major Indo-US contention.
Attempts by India’s tactical direct and indirect militant operations to sabotage projects like Gwadar, CPEC and Diamer Basha Dam are in line with this very geopolitical tug of war. GB, hence, has acquired preponderating importance and sensitivity against this backdrop. Having said so, Pakistan continues to adopt its conventional oblivious attitude until this very minute; the recent region-wide protest demonstrations demanding due basic rights corroborate this.
Considering the fact that GB is being eyed by world superpowers strategically and geographically, Pakistan cannot afford to turn a blind eye towards GB anymore. The later it does, the worse it gets.
Any further delay in granting its legitimate demands for fundamental rights will precariously stir an already stalling sense of alienation and frustration among the masses. Remember, there is no lack of those nemeses that are lurking at such vulnerabilities to exploit and create mayhem. Therefore, the state must address basic issues like land ownership issues, power and wheat issues, status issues, to name a few, on a war-footing basis. The sooner, the better, before the trust-deficit chasm between the people of GB and the state becomes irreversibly wide.
ZAHID ALI ZOHRI
Gilgit-Baltistan
Box letter
Border issues
The issue of border security in Balochistan has indeed become a pressing concern requiring immediate attention. As a region sharing borders with countries like Afghanistan and Iran, Balochistan faces various challenges such as smuggling, illegal immigration and conflicts over border security. These issues not only impact regional stability but also have implications for national security. In order to address these cross-border challenges effectively, it is essential for the Balochistan government and local administration to collaborate in implementing comprehensive measures. This may include strengthening border patrols, enhancing surveillance technologies and fostering better coordination with neighbouring countries. Moreover, addressing the root causes behind these issues, such as economic disparities and lack of job opportunities, can also help in mitigating border-related challenges in the long run. By prioritizing border security initiatives and fostering cooperation at various levels, Balochistan can work towards ensuring the safety and integrity of its borders while promoting regional stability and prosperity.
TALAL RAFIQ RIND
Turbat
