ISLAMABAD: The delay in the implementation of gas pricing reforms, intended to standardise gas tariffs for all fertiliser manufacturers likely to aggravate the gas crisis and pose a threat to the sector’s long-term sustainability.

This delay in the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting comes as the circular debt of the gas sector has increased to Rs2.9 trillion.

Both subsidised and regular plants sell their products at the same price, which is why certain industry players have been placed at a disadvantage with the application of varying tariffs on them and the ongoing practice of supplying gas to the fertiliser sector.

Interestingly, the government had initiated the process of gas sector reforms to unify the tariff to win over the ballooning gas sector circular debt, a senior official of the Energy Ministry said.

The Energy Ministry has been actively working to introduce gas pricing reforms over the past few weeks. The reforms aimed to unify feed gas prices for the fertiliser industry, aligning them with the industrial rate of Rs1,260/MMBTU.

The fertiliser industry is a key consumer of both fuel and feedstock source gas. This move would have stabilised urea prices, optimised gas reserves and ensured a surplus in the Gas Development Surcharge (GDS) — crucial for gas infrastructure development and addressing gas shortages.

However, the ECC’s recent decision to form an inter-ministerial committee, comprising representatives from various ministries (including finance, planning, commerce, food security, industries, power, and petroleum), to recommend gas allocation and pricing for the fertiliser industry has caused a delay. The next ECC meeting is scheduled after the return of Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar from China.

The gas circular debt has reached Rs2.9 trillion, as disclosed by caretaker Federal Energy Minister Muhammad Ali in a recent media briefing.

An analyst of the sector highlighted disparities in input costs for various producers, causing distortions in urea market prices for farmers. Some manufacturers are disadvantaged as they are supplied gas under the Petroleum Policy 2012 pricing, which is linked to USD and is affected by rupee devaluation and crude oil rate fluctuations.

To maintain business viability, these manufacturers must adjust urea prices. Gas price unification is seen as the only permanent solution to stabilise fertiliser prices, curbing excessive profiteering and black-market activities.

Over the past five years, feed gas tariffs under the Petroleum Policy 2012 have surged by over 235%, from Rs518/MMBTU to Rs1,745/MMBTU. The fuel gas tariff under the Petroleum Policy now surpasses the Fertiliser Policy tariff.

An industrial expert proposed that the fertiliser sector should contribute positively to the GDS by unifying gas prices across all manufacturers. Unifying gas rates at Rs1,260/MMBTU for feed gas could generate a GDS pool of approximately Rs90 billion for gas-producing provinces, serving as a targeted subsidy for small farmers.

He suggested that gas prices for the fertiliser sector should be subject to a bi-annual review to address changes in revenue requirements due to shifts in crude oil prices and exchange rates.

By Qamar Bashir

The tables turned swiftly and unexpectedly against Imran Khan and the PTI. Nawaz Sharif, who had been in self-imposed exile in London for over four years, was transformed from a declared absconder and disqualified for life from electoral contests into a free man.

His arrival was marked with grand receptions by associates, loyal followers, and the public, symbolizing a night of celebration and a day of hope across the country. In a remarkable public address, he assured the establishment that he harbors no intentions of seeking political revenge. While outlining his economic agenda, he pledged to continue with his prior policies, likely with the same team.

When discussing foreign policy, he emphasized the futility of maintaining an antagonistic stance toward neighboring nations. Instead, he advocated for breaking the cycle of dependency and harnessing Pakistan’s abundant natural, divine, and human resources for progress and prosperity.

Although not explicitly stated, he alluded to the consequences of those responsible for his downfall three times and warned against a repeat scenario for the fourth time. His confident demeanor, the warm reception at the airport, official protocols, and exuberance conveyed a resounding message: Nawaz Sharif has returned to the political arena with renewed vigor, especially with his potential challengers neutralized.

In a remarkable turn of events, a fate that appeared nearly impossible just a few months ago was transformed into a potential reality. The same strategy that was once employed to turn the judiciary, laws, and constitution against Nawaz Sharif was now used in reverse, effectively altering the constitutional landscape and institutions to his advantage. This remarkable shift allowed him to return from exile, fully exonerated and free of any charges, akin to a rebirth.

Nawaz Sharif, who had been a vocal and staunch opponent of the Establishment, had consistently held them responsible for engineering his removal in 2017. He accused them of colluding with the judiciary to convict him in multiple corruption cases, leading to his lifetime disqualification from politics and subsequent exile in London. Surprisingly, the enduring animosity was set aside, and both sides forgave and forgot. The Establishment, despite its longstanding enmity, became Nawaz Sharif’s proponents, facilitators, and supporters in his journey back to power. This once again exemplifies that, much like in international relations, in domestic politics, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies.

This seemingly implausible turn of events was achieved through the unwavering determination, resilience, intelligence, and leadership of Maryam Nawaz, and none other. Her steadfast narrative, echoed by all PML(N) leaders without exception, maintained that their leader had been innocent from the very outset. They contended that during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, the country had made significant progress and was poised for remarkable growth. They argued that a dubious plan was concocted as an experiment to elevate Imran Khan to power. To pave the way for his ascent, baseless and frivolous cases were fabricated against Nawaz Sharif. Ultimately, through collusion and subjugation of the judiciary, he was unseated, imprisoned, and disqualified for life on charges that belied constitutional and legal principles, effectively casting aside the foundations of justice.

Their demand is straightforward: the reversal of all unconstitutional, unlawful, and arbitrary actions that had been used to remove Nawaz Sharif from power. They seek to rectify the injustices committed against him and the nation, restoring him to the same position from which he was ousted. Moreover, they call for an examination of all omissions and commissions that facilitated the rise of the PTI and the placement of Imran Khan in power.

This once seemingly impossible and unattainable narrative was gradually woven into reality through the sheer merit of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who displayed remarkable grit, tenacity, courage, and determination even in the face of daunting and formidable adversity. She orchestrated the political landscape with exceptional finesse, strategically positioning her power players and leveraging them effectively and intelligently. Her moves were marked by mastery, precision, and creativity, all executed at the right moments with strength and meticulous calibration to achieve the desired outcomes.

First, she succeeded in fully exonerating her father, Nawaz Sharif, while confining Imran Khan to a political cage, dismantling his party, removing him from the mainstream media, ensnaring him in numerous legal entanglements, and rendering his return seemingly impossible—much like how Nawaz Sharif’s return appeared infeasible just days ago.

Once she had silenced Imran Khan, she adeptly shaped public opinion, maintained the core party leadership largely intact with a few notable exceptions, managed to keep the establishment content, curtailed her father’s outbursts against the establishment, adroitly manipulated the media landscape, and kept potential contenders for the premiership at bay.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif was well aware that her father’s once-impossible return to Pakistan was riddled with uncertainties and complicated by legal issues, with a looming risk of his arrest shortly after setting foot in the country. This apprehension was explicitly articulated by the caretaker interior minister, who initially stated that Nawaz Sharif, being a convicted individual, was likely to be apprehended upon his return. However, following a stern rebuke from PML(N) leadership and reprimand from the establishment, the minister promptly retracted his initial statement.

One of the primary challenges Maryam Nawaz Sharif faced was gaining the support of a truncated parliament, which consisted of numerous parties, some of which had a history of intense rivalry with the PML(N), particularly the PPP. Maryam strategically utilized parliament to pass crucial laws, including the Supreme Court Practices and Procedure Act of 2023, which provided her father with an opportunity to appeal his conviction and lifetime disqualification. She was well aware that these laws could not supersede or bypass the constitution, but this was a necessary step to pave the way for Nawaz Sharif’s return. Collaborating closely with the establishment, Maryam secured a safe return for her father, facilitated his protective bail, and set the stage for his reentry into politics and a potential fourth term as Prime Minister.

In exchange for this favor, the PML(N) granted the establishment an extensive range of powers, legitimizing their involvement in civilian matters. This involved appointing both active and retired military officers to key civilian positions and providing legal cover for their roles in financial and economic disciplines.

The Official Secrets (Amendment) Act, 2023 broadens the definition of national security breaches and grants intelligence agencies the authority to conduct raids and detain individuals. The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2023 allows the military’s intelligence agencies to search individuals or places without a warrant and criminalizes defamation of the armed forces. The National Security Act, 2023 establishes a National Security Council and provides the government with the power to detain those deemed threats to national security. The amendments to the Board of Investment Act, 2023 include involving the army chief in trade and investment decisions, and the National Logistics Corporation Act, 2023 gives the army a monopoly on logistical support. The E-Safety Bill, 2023 addresses online offenses, while the Cantonments (Amendment) Bill, 2023 refines existing frameworks.

In tandem with these efforts, Maryam successfully lobbied for a significant softening of the Accountability Law, leading to the dismissal of numerous NAB cases against her family, including allegations of financial corruption, money laundering, and misuse of public funds. This led to the exoneration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the dismissal of a seven-year prison sentence and a substantial fine for Maryam herself, and the clearance of Suleman Shehbaz in a money laundering case. A reinvestigation by the FIA also found Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza “innocent” in another money laundering case. These calculated moves were instrumental in achieving her objectives.

Simultaneously, while skillfully negotiating with the establishment, Maryam engaged in a determined campaign against a non-compliant judiciary. She openly defied the Supreme Court’s directive to hold Punjab Assembly elections within 90 days of dissolution, effectively sowing divisions among Supreme Court judges and emboldening other stakeholders to disregard the court’s orders. This strategic maneuver created a pretext for delaying the elections, ensuring that the PML(N) could participate when fully prepared and in a position of strength, aligning with Maryam’s political objectives.

The Pakistani government employed a multi-faceted approach to manipulate the media landscape in favor of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) and against Imran Khan. This strategy included media censorship through various coercive tactics, offering financial incentives to compliant outlets, appointing PML-N sympathizers to key media positions, legally harassing critical journalists, and even resorting to violence and intimidation. As a result, the media’s bias in favor of the PML-N was palpable in their coverage of Imran Khan, often depicting him negatively while downplaying or ignoring stories critical of the PML-N.

Having brought her father back safely, Maryam has now set the stage for Nawaz Sharif to make his move. However, the path ahead is riddled with complexities, and the outcome remains uncertain. Nawaz Sharif, who has had a tumultuous history with the Pakistani military, having been ousted from power on three occasions, will need to tread carefully and find common ground with the military if he aims to secure a fourth term as Prime Minister.

Addressing Pakistan’s pressing economic challenges, including high inflation and a growing debt burden, will be paramount in improving the lives of ordinary citizens. The deeply divided political landscape in Pakistan necessitates Sharif to build a broad coalition, reaching out to opposition parties and finding consensus on a range of issues.

Moreover, considering his age and past health issues, Sharif’s physical well-being will be a critical factor in managing the demands of the office.

In the face of these multifaceted challenges, Nawaz Sharif’s future as Prime Minister hinges on his ability to unite the nation and effectively navigate these complexities. Failure to do so could once again lead to his removal from office by the military, mirroring his past experiences.

By Qamar Bashir

Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)

Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France

Former MD, SRBC

Terms wastage of billions of rupees on reception of a certified thief an insult to nation

Says attaching hope of economic recovery to those built palaces abroad on plundered wealth a joke

ISLAMABAD, OCT 21 /DNA/ – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Spokesperson dubbed the homecoming of the convicted proclaimed offender under a covert and clandestine deal as a “murder of justice” and “humiliation of the nation”.

PTI spokesperson said that the national criminal, who should have been in jail, got bail within few minutes by trampling the justice system.

He said that the convicted fugitive was given special concession to materialize the notorious London plan, as neither any judge had any health issue nor had any urgency to go on leave.

PTI spokesperson said that fragility of our judicial system could be judged from the fact that a convicted person who escaped to London on a Rs 50 stamp paper was granted bail without court’s appearance.

However, he recalled that, contrary to it, the country’s most popular leader, implicated in nearly 200 false cases, was denied bail sans appearing in person in the court despite being injured.

PTI spokesperson contended that the mothers and daughters of the nation, who have been imprisoned in the jails for the last 4 months in fabricated and bogus cases, were looking towards honorable judges for justice against unjustified delay in the proceedings of their cases.

He called the wastage of the state resources worth billions of rupees on reception of a certified thief was an insult to the nation, adding that the warrant of the person who stole vehicles from Toshakhana was canceled without any objection.

PTI Spokesman stated that it would be a joke with the country and the nation to pin hope of economic revival from those who build properties, palaces and factories abroad with the nation looted money.

He made it clear that the person, who was responsible for the country’s economic catastrophe during his three stints of rule including the last 17-month-long devastating government, was actually a national criminal.

PTI spokesperson stated that the clique of bandits that befooled the masses for the last three tenures under false and misleading promises would not succeed in any of its new tricks this time around as the nation was well-aware now about their loot and plunder.

Lahore, OCT 21: Nawaz Sharif says ‘no wish to take revenge’, seeks support of all ‘constitutional institutions’. Deposed prime minister and proclaimed offender Nawaz Sharif, who returned to Pakistan today after spending four years in self-imposed exile, is addressing a massive crowd of supporters at the Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore.

The PML-N supremo began his much awaited speech with a verse.

“I am meeting you today after several years, but my relationship of love with you is the same. There is no difference in this relationship,” he said. “The love I am seeing in your eyes, I am proud of it.”

Nawaz said he never betrayed his supporter nor did he shy from any kind of sacrifice. He recalled how fake cases were framed against him and his party leaders. “But no one abandoned the PML-N flag.”

“Tell me, who are they who separate Nawaz Sharif from his nation? We are those who built Pakistan. We made Pakistan an atomic power. We brought an end to loadshedding,” he said, highlighting how he produced and provided cheap electricity to the people.

Responding to the crowd cheering, Nawaz said: “I know you want to hear that I love you too.”

“Today, trust me, after seeing your love, I have forgotten all my grief and pain. I don’t even want to remember. But, there are some wounds that can’t ever heal.”

Nawaz, in a quivering voice, said how he had lost his mother and wife “to politics”. He recalled how he couldn’t pay the final respects to his mother, father or wife.

Earlier upon arrival, a visibly emotional PML-N supremo embraced his daughter Maryam and greeted other party leaders on stage. Before his address, the national anthem was played followed by recitation of the Holy Quran.

Meanwhile, PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafique read out his party’s resolution condemning Israeli atrocities on Palestinians.

The elder Sharif arrived in Islamabad in the afternoon, where he completed legal and biometric formalities. His chartered plane landed in the capital city with more than 150 people from his party and media organisations, the PML-N said.

Observers say the reason Nawaz arrived in Islamabad first was that his touchdown in the capital was necessary to make bail, earlier granted by the Islamabad High Court on Oct 19.

After completing the formalities, Nawaz left for Lahore and reached his hometown a little after 5pm. He was welcomed by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and other party leaders at the airport.

He then offered Maghreb prayers at the Lahore Fort with Shehbaz, Ishaq Dar and other party leaders before making his way to the Minar-i-Pakistan.

Earlier, a visibly emotional Maryam Nawaz mobilised supporters at Minar-i-Pakistan. Her namesake, Marriyum Aurangzeb, could also be seen wiping tears from her face.

Addressing the rally, Maryam said people from across Pakistan had gathered at Minar-i-Pakistan today. “I will not deliver a speech, only Nawaz Sharif will speak to you today.”

“I thought Minar-i-Pakistan was a huge venue, but I didn’t know it would turn out to be small for PML-N supporters,” she said, urging supporters to give Nawaz a historic welcome when he reached Minar-i-Pakistan.

Alongside Maryam, former Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz described how streets in Lahore were packed with supporters. “This is the Pakistan of 2018,” he said.

Rallies from various regions of the country poured into Lahore today, a party spokesperson said. Heavy police contingents were deployed to guard the rally’s venue, said police officer Ali Nasir Rizvi.

Nawaz speaks to media at Dubai airport
“I’m going back to Pakistan after four years today,” Nawaz said today while speaking to the media at Dubai Airport. “When I was leaving Pakistan and going abroad I had no feeling of happiness but today I am happy.”

The ousted premier said he wished the country was in a better state than it was in 2017.

“I get very worried and disappointed seeing the situation in the country. The country that had to move forward is going backwards now economically and unity-wise.”

Terming the situation as “worrisome”, Nawaz said there was still hope and “we should not let it slip from our hands as we are capable of fixing it because we spoilt it ourselves”.

He said the country had to get back on its feet as “nobody else will lift us up”.

“When I remember Pakistan back then, I get hurt, we had said goodbye to the International Monetary Fund, electricity was cheap, the rupee was stable, there was employment, roti cost Rs4, a poor family’s child went to school and medicines were also cheap.”

Nawaz said only the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) can decide when polls will be held, adding that it was the only competent authority and a fair election commission.

“Whatever date the ECP announces, everyone will [abide by it]. My priority is whatever the ECP says. Pakistan has a fair ECP today and I feel it will make the best decision with regards to the election.

“The process takes time. Some work is left. A census has been done. Delimitations have to be carried out. ECP has an eye on all these things.

“We are completely ready for elections,” he added.

Lamenting the treatment meted out to him in the past, Nawaz said he was the person who had gone through 150 court hearings. “Not just me but also my daughter. She even got a clean chit. She had to get it. She didn’t have a position during my government, not even an office.”

He said fake cases were not just filed against his family including former prime minister and his brother Shehbaz Sharif but also ex-interior minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi.

“I even said before leaving that I leave everything to Allah and I still continue doing that.”

Nawaz smirked and said “We are the May 28 ones” when asked about the May 9 violence allegedly carried out by the PTI.

Pakistan conducted nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, under the leadership of the then prime minister Nawaz.

PTI laments ‘two Constitutions’
Reacting to Nawaz’s arrival, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan called out the “two Constitutions”, comparing the manner in which Nawaz’s biometrics were verified to that of in which PTI Chairman Imran Khan were verified in the past.

He said, “This picture is not only of Nawaz Sharif’s biometrics, but of the funeral of Pakistan’s judicial system. The whole world has seen the coercion and treatment meted out to Imran Khan for the same biometrics.”

PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman also criticised the judiciary for “facilitating the return of a convicted figure”.

In a post on X, he said, “By facilitating the return of a convicted fugitive, the justice system has given a slap to the faces of the people of Pakistan and sadly, they have no hesitations or shame in doing it.”