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Pakistan bans ethnic Pashtun party PTM; Political insecurity looming

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Imposition of ban on Pushtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has made surprising its stalwarts and activists at the time when they are busy in finalizing of arrangements in connection with three days, Pushtoon Jirga scheduled at Jamrud Khyber from Friday.

The ban imposed/notified by the Federal Government through its interior ministry under Anti-Terrorism law of 1997 law is being opposed and criticized by Human Rights activists and analysts. Pakistan Interior Ministry in a statement said that the PTM has been included on the list of proscribed organizations under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, because of its involvement in “certain activities that are prejudicial to the peace and security of the country.”

Former Interior Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Akhtar Ali Shah believes it misuse of anti-terror law as, “PTM is purely a political organization, raising voice in favor of its concerns through political and non violent ways.” On the other hand, he said, “government organs are silent and helpless towards those hardliner religious groups, which are publicly following violent ways. In this respect, he diverted attention towards TLP, which since 2016-2017 involved violent means by issuing murder edicts of former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and ex-Interior Minister Rana Sana Ullah. On such grounds, TLP also banned a couple of years but the federal government had withdrawn the decision on Punjab request. Instead of banning PTM, the government must address its demands, which may be helpful.  

Pakistani forces fired tear gas, beaten and arrested PTM activists

On the other hand, the volunteers and supporters of PTM from all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially from terrorism and violence hit regions of Waziristan, Swat, Khyber, Bajaur and Bannu regions are pouring in to help in arrangements. 

Recently, the activists and volunteers of PTM had organized their tent on the site, whereas a three days Pakhtoon Quami Jirga will be commenced from October 11 next. 

However, the camp was destroyed by the Pakistani police personnel. In the wake of the situation, police action included firing tear gas shells, beating and arresting the activists throughout. Moreover, heavy contingents of police force had deployed earlier on main Pak-Afghan Highway, continuing firing of tear gas shells against them. PTM activists resisted the move with pellet-blows and succeeded in maintaining occupation of the site, where they resumed installation of tents and other arrangements. 

But the police resorted to firing of tear gas shells against the PTM organizing camp in accordance with directives from the Interior Ministry of the Federal Government. Soon after, Chief Minister through a brief social media disowned police action but later on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home and Tribal Affairs through a notification directed police force for action against the PTM activists on the grounds of what it called “found involved in patronizing and assisting incitement of hatred and contempt against the state and its institutions, while exploiting sectarian and ethnic sentiments and also use of literature, print and electronic and other materials for the purpose.” 

Supporters and activists of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement take part in a protest against the military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province [File: (AFP]

The leader of PTM, Manzoor Pashteen through a video message has directed all workers and supporters to reach in Jamrud for maintaining occupation of the site and ensuring holding of peaceful gathering scheduled on October 11 next.           

At the same time, Pakistan security forces also engaged in direct clashes with the supporters of Imran Khan, the former jailed Prime Minister of Pakistan. Khan is also leader of PTI political party.

Pakistan forces also arrested and beaten PTI members

At the moment there is a complete deadlock between federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government after arrest of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandhapur and takeover of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa house Islamabad by armed forces. Islamabad police has confirmed registration of FIR against leading PTI leaders. However, names of nominees nominated in FIR yet to be made public.

The situation is turning worse after the expiry of an injured policeman who succumbed in Islamabad hospital and summoning of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for discussing the situation erupted with arrest of Chief Minister and several others.

Though the PTI leaders are accusing the federal government for the arrest of deposed Prime Minister Imran Khan and other top PTI leaders, the matter in fact rests between the PTI and powerful military establishment. At the moment, the effective and powerful military establishment is not willing either to forgive deposed Prime Minister Imran Khan or to make him free. But in a bid to get the release of Imran Khan and his spouse, the PTI leadership is building pressure and criticism against the PML(N) led federal government.

According to an FIR registered by Islamabad police around 105 top persons including PTI leaders have been arrested, over 40 vehicles including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government controlled RESCUE 1122 vehicles and ambulances were also impounded by Islamabad and Punjab Police. The top Executive officer Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (nominated and posted by Federal Government) has also directed Secretary Relief for submitting detailed reports of RESCUE resources (vehicles and personnel) used in PTI agitations/protests against the federal government.

Some of top PTI leaders are publicly reaffirming support and loyalty to Imran Khan and Ali Amin Gandhapur but the internal situation is different whereas some of them have stock of reservation over the confrontation-focused policies against military establishment and federal government. Just for filling the blanks or signing enrolment, provincial ministers, MP’s and other office holders are witnessed in selfies but later they disappear during firing of tear gas shells and lathi charges.

Politico-turmoil in Pakistan is detrimental to the safety of region aimed Middle East tension

Despite Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor’s frequent appeals for intervention, the federal government is playing the role of silent spectator. This mysterious role on the part of the federal government is also generating stock of questions and confusions. No one can deny the fact that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandhapur is helpless before Imran Khan and reluctant to settle the issues through table talks with the federal government but it is also a fact that unlike of past, the federal government had failed in playing its due role in settling the issues or ensuring smooth working relations with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Politico-turmoil in Pakistan, especially allowing fueling an anarchy like situation in Khyber at the time when war clouds from the Middle East are hitting the rest of Asian Regions, relations between Kabul and Islamabad are  deteriorating day by day. Almost all powers and authorities have been monopolized by the powerful military establishment and no one amongst the political squad is capable of playing the role as mediator for reconciliation on all internal and external fronts. Almost all people from all over the country are uncertain and disappointed. Worries of common men are intensifying with each passing day, which is harmful for the very future of the country and its people.

ASIA

China’s BYD prepares to launch latest SUV, the Sealion 07, in Europe despite EU tariffs

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BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker, is set to launch its latest SUV, the Sealion 07, in Europe, undeterred by recent tariff increases on Chinese-made electric vehicles. This strategic move highlights BYD’s commitment to expanding overseas sales despite economic barriers.

Deliveries of the Sealion 07 are scheduled to begin in 2025, marking BYD’s seventh all-electric model in the European market, the company announced on Wednesday. Additionally, BYD plans to enter the South Korean market next year, adding to its existing presence in 95 countries worldwide.

This European expansion comes on the heels of the European Union’s decision last month to impose new tariffs—ranging from 17% to 35.3%—on Chinese electric vehicles following an anti-subsidy investigation. BYD’s EVs are subject to a 17% tariff, in addition to the standard 10% tariff applied to all pure electric cars imported from China. These tariffs, which took effect last month, will remain in place for five years. Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made EVs increased from 25% to 100% as of September, citing similar concerns.

Despite the added costs, BYD’s vehicles continue to hold strong appeal in export markets. “BYD’s vehicles remain attractive even after the additional tariffs, so it’s not really a big problem for the company,” said Chen Jinzhu, CEO of Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service, a leading industry consultancy. “The Sealion 07 exemplifies how BYD’s cost advantage enables it to counteract such trade barriers in key export markets.”

Shenzhen-based BYD has yet to disclose the European pricing for the Sealion 07. On the mainland, the SUV—featuring a range of 450 kilometers—starts at 189,800 yuan (approximately US$26,272), with deliveries beginning in May.

According to a report last year from UBS analysts, BYD has a sustainable cost advantage of 25% over traditional European brands.

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Singles’ day promotions target overseas Chinese as China’s domestic demand slows

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After last year’s Singles’ Day shopping festival in China was dubbed the “quietest in history,” China’s e-commerce platforms focused on a new strategy this year.

For this year’s Singles’ Day event, major e-commerce companies such as Alibaba, JD.com, and Pinduoduo invested heavily in expanding overseas markets, targeting the estimated 100 million Chinese living abroad with offers like discounts and free or low-cost shipping.

The central question, however, is not whether these efforts will succeed in the short term, but rather if this shift can help platforms grow their user bases as online sales growth in China reaches a bottleneck.

“Domestic consumption is quite weak right now, and every company is certainly considering new ways to drive growth for Singles’ Day,” said an executive at a leading online retailer, who requested anonymity. “The overseas market is widely seen as a promising source for additional growth,” he added in an interview with Nikkei Asia.

Singles’ Day, a one-day sales event launched by Alibaba in 2009 as a celebration for singles, has since evolved into a month-long campaign with special offers and deep discounts, culminating on or around November 11.

This year, China aimed to revitalize its retail sector with the event. Total consumer goods sales rose by 3.3% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2024, though high-end consumer spending remained stagnant. Cosmetics sales fell by 1%, while gold and silver jewelry sales declined by 3.1% year-on-year.

Last month, Alibaba’s Taobao launched a significant marketing campaign in Hong Kong and Taiwan, flooding subway stations with advertisements for “free shipping on orders over 99 yuan,” among other offers. According to the company, the campaign cost 2 billion New Taiwan dollars ($61.7 million) in Taiwan and 1 billion yuan ($138 million) in Hong Kong.

Following Alibaba’s move, JD.com announced it had invested 1.5 billion yuan to offer discounted product prices and cheaper shipping to Hong Kong shoppers. Bargain platform Pinduoduo took it a step further, offering free shipping via courier SF Express for Hong Kong shoppers, regardless of the item’s price. All products on these platforms are shipped from mainland China.

A spokesperson from Alibaba’s International Digital Commerce Group noted that since the overseas initiative launched in October, Taobao Hong Kong has achieved double-digit growth in both orders and gross merchandise value (GMV)—a metric that excludes canceled orders—on both a monthly and year-on-year basis.

The platforms are also targeting Chinese shoppers in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

This year, unlike in previous years, shoppers could combine online discounts with a subsidy program introduced by the Chinese government to boost domestic consumption, primarily for home appliances and household products. Analysts suggest these incentives will likely boost sales for JD.com, which is known for selling high-quality large appliances and offering after-sales services.

While JD.com has yet to release sales or GMV figures for home appliances during the shopping festival, it is expected to share its June-September results, along with Alibaba, later this week.

Last year, data provider Syntun estimated that total GMV on major e-commerce platforms grew by only 2.1% to 1.14 trillion yuan, falling short of the 2.9% growth forecast for 2022. Similarly, consultancy Bain predicted that Singles’ Day sales would reach 1.15 trillion yuan in 2023.

On Tuesday morning, Alibaba announced “strong GMV growth” and a “record number” of active shoppers for this year’s Singles’ Day event.

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Japanese PM Ishiba to lead fragile minority government

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Japanese lawmakers voted on Monday to retain Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as leader after his scandal-plagued coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the House of Representatives elections last month.

Ishiba, who has called for early elections since taking office on October 1, now faces the challenge of leading a fragile minority government amid Donald Trump’s return to office, rising tensions with China and North Korea, and increasing domestic pressure to address the cost-of-living crisis.

As expected, Ishiba won 221 votes, surpassing his closest rival, former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party, but he still fell short of a majority in the 465-seat House of Representatives.

Japan’s Upper House elections are scheduled for next year, where the ruling coalition’s slim majority could be at risk if Ishiba cannot restore public confidence shaken by recent scandals over off-the-books donations to lawmakers.

Amid pressure from voters and opposition parties to increase welfare spending and stabilize rising prices, Ishiba’s primary challenge is to prepare a supplementary budget for the fiscal year ending in March. This budget will require support from at least one opposition party to pass, likely the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), led by Yuichiro Tamaki.

While Tamaki has held cooperation talks with Ishiba, DPP lawmakers on Friday did not vote to retain Ishiba as prime minister. Tamaki himself faces scrutiny after acknowledging an extramarital affair, which was reported by a tabloid on Monday.

Following his reappointment, Ishiba appointed new ministers for transport, justice, and agriculture to replace LDP lawmakers who lost their seats in the House of Representatives.

Looking ahead, Ishiba must prepare for key international engagements, including the G20 summit in Brazil on November 18-19. He is also working to coordinate a visit with Trump in the US, aiming to reestablish a close relationship with the U.S. president-elect.

During Trump’s first term (2017-2021), Japan largely avoided protectionist trade measures and cost-sharing demands for the US military presence thanks to Trump’s strong relationship with then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—a rapport Ishiba seems eager to rebuild.

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