Story Highlights
Fuel Crisis
This week saw worst petrol crisis in parts of the country including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal capital. Already frustrated by power cuts and gas shortages, Pakistanis reacted strongly and accused the government of not foreseeing the crisis coming. The crisis started last week when the government reduced petrol imports and skipped fuel purchases, leading to petrol shortages around the country. Long queues were seen at the fuel pumps across Punjab where motorists had to wait for hours to get few liters of fuel. Women and children were also seen at the pumps carrying cans and bottles to get the petrol. Fuel shortage brought cities to a halt as public transport suspended its operation, offices and schools witnessed low attendance while ambulance services were also affected.
As the situation got worse Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took serious notice and suspended four top petroleum officials in a specially convened meeting to review petrol supply situation. Chief Minister Punjab, finance minister and petroleum minister were also present during the meeting. Meanwhile Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi accepted the responsibility for the acute shortage of petrol in the country but attributed it to its increased demand due to low price. Petrol crisis eventually ended after seven days as fuel supply to affected areas was increased.
Peshawar Follow-Up
Several actions are taken by the government after a deadliest terrorists attack in Peshawar including ban on Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) and the Haqqani network, constitutional amendment and formation of military courts. This week saw progress in various actions taken by the government and military leadership. A high profile meeting was held which was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to review progress of National Action Plan (NPA) implementation under which several security related issues, including establishment of military courts, were discussed. The meeting was attended by senior military and civilian leadership. Prime Minister vowed to continue battle against terrorist elements in the country at any cost. The Army Chief also briefed PM about his visit to UK where he met British authorities to discuss cooperation in counter terrorism.
This week also marked 40 days since the deadliest attack on army school in Peshawar. Provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced a public holiday and arranged several ceremonies in commemoration of the victims where participants paid homage to the victims and their families. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, on the occasion, announced free treatment of the injured at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital. In a message by the Prime Minister on the 40th day of martyrdom of school children he vowed to eliminate the terrorism from the country and expressed deep sympathies with the parents of the martyred children.
PTI vs Government
Tussle between the government and PTI is the second most covered story this week. In the latest development the Sindh Assembly accepted the resignations submitted by four PTI members in September during sit-in and protests in Islamabad against the alleged rigging in 2013 general elections. Sindh Assembly is the first legislative body to accept the resignations of PTI members.
Meanwhile Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that party is ready to go back to the assemblies if the judicial commission is formed to investigate into general elections’ rigging. Earlier this week Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and PTI leader Jahangir Tareen met to discuss points over the formation of judicial commission but meeting resulted in a disagreement over three points. PTI Chairman Imran Khan, while expressing disappointment over government, has also reiterated that his party would take to the streets again if the judicial commission on the alleged poll rigging was not formed.
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