Pakistan Roundup: Protests over rents, two Chinese national injured, missile test

Protests over rents

On November 5, Pakistan witnessed extensive protests led by the Evacuee Trust Action Committee (ETAC) in reaction to an arbitrary increase in rents for properties overseen by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). This move has sparked outrage over the Evacuee Trust Amendment Ordinance 2006, which stipulates an automatic 8% annual rent hike and permits officials to modify rents in accordance with market conditions. The implications of such legislation have raised significant concerns regarding tenant rights and financial stability.

Two Chinese nationals injured

Two Chinese nationals, sustained injuries after a local security guard discharged his firearm following a quarrel inside a police station. One victim is currently in critical condition, prompting immediate action as the guard has been apprehended and a police investigation is underway. The Pakistani Foreign Office has confirmed the event, extending sympathies to the injured parties while maintaining ongoing contact with the Chinese embassy to discuss security matters, News18 reported. The Sindh Home Minister has initiated calls for thorough audits of security firms and urged stricter regulations on guards tasked with the protection of foreign nationals.

Diplomatic Relations

Repercussions in diplomatic relations materialised as the Maldives recalled its ambassador to Pakistan, Mohamed Thoha, after he held a meeting with Ahmad Shakib, a senior diplomat from the Afghan Taliban, without prior governmental consent. Notably, since the Taliban's ascendance to power in August 2021, the Maldives has maintained its non-recognition stance due to prominent human rights violations attributed to the regime. According to ABC News, the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically stated that the meeting lacked endorsement and informed of the appropriate reactions taken against Thoha.

Missile test

On November 4, 2024, the Pakistan Navy accomplished a pivotal milestone by conducting a successful test of the indigenously developed SMASH ballistic missile from a naval vessel. This advanced missile system displayed its capacity to accurately target both land and maritime objectives from a remarkable distance of up to 350 kilometres. The test, attended by senior naval officials and project engineers, signified a considerable enhancement of Pakistan's offensive and defensive military capabilities, showcasing sophisticated navigational and manoeuvrability attributes that align with contemporary warfare demands.

Air force exercises

In a collaborative military effort, Pakistan and China recently executed the "Indus Shield-Chinese" air force exercises, featuring cutting-edge equipment such as AESA Radar, J-16 and J-10C fighter jets, alongside the HQ-22 Surface to Air Defence system. According to the Economic Times, the drills simulated various contemporary aerial combat scenarios, engaging Pakistan's fleet of J-10C and JF-17 Block-III aircraft. This joint exercise aimed to fortify interoperability and enhance warfighting capabilities between the two nations, exemplifying their close-knit defence cooperation which sees frequent joint military training initiatives.