Pakistan Roundup: Former PM Imran Khan, BRICS member, $1 billion IMF request
Court orders appearance of former PM Imran Khan’s as wife released on bail
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) mandated the administration of Central Prison Rawalpindi to facilitate a meeting on October 24, between jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his legal team. This directive is in response to grievances expressed by Khan's lawyers, particularly noting that he has not appeared in court since August. Khan's legal challenges stem from a range of charges, including the undervaluation of a jewellery set linked to him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, the latter having been released on bail after a lengthy detention. This order is transpiring against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the judiciary and the military in Pakistan, with allegations of undue influence on legal matters. Restrictions preventing visits to Khan by his lawyers have further exacerbated concerns regarding the political motivations behind the charges he faces.
Pakistan forwards BRICS membership
Pakistan's aspirations to join BRICS have taken a formal step as the country submitted a request for inclusion in the bloc, which represents a substantial segment of the world economy. This strategic move aims to bolster Pakistan's energy security, with plans to procure Russian oil at discounted rates while navigating the complex landscape of international sanctions. Despite current non-sanction status owing to limited trade with Russia, officials, including Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, have indicated that Pakistan will closely evaluate numerous elements as trade levels intensify.
Pakistan dismisses Israel’s assault on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
Pakistan has voiced strong condemnation of Israel for what it describes as "deliberate" assaults on UN peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon. The country's stance underscores the necessity for the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to fulfill their mandate without experiencing fear of aggression. These remarks follow Israeli military actions that resulted in injuries to two peacekeepers. Pakistan has denounced recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that claimed the lives of over 80 Palestinians, labelling these acts as war crimes and advocating for immediate protective measures for civilians along with a ceasefire.
Biden petitioned to facilitate former PM Imran Khan's release
In the United States, a coalition of over 60 Democratic lawmakers has petitioned President Joe Biden to leverage American influence towards securing the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan from his ongoing imprisonment. Spearheaded by Representative Greg Casar, the lawmakers have raised alarms over alleged human rights violations and discrepancies in Pakistan’s electoral process. They assert that the charges against Khan are politically driven and connected to his conflict with the military establishment—a view reinforced by the UN, which has declared Khan's confinement arbitrary and a breach of international law, recommending an expedited release.
$1 billion IMF request
Pakistan is requesting approximately $1 billion from the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) in an effort to mitigate external economic shocks. This appeal follows a recent agreement with the IMF for a bailout package. Discussions are ongoing with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank regarding credit enhancement for a prospective Panda bond, with the country aiming for an initial issuance between $200 million and $250 million.
