Election tribunals have performed poorly in disposing petitions, reports Fafen I Government responds to IMF criticism with promise of reforms
In Brief
POLITICS
Political parties discuss constitutional amendment package
On 11 October, a special committee meeting was organized to mull over the proposed constitutional package. The meeting was presided over by the committee chairman, Sid Khursheed Shah and attended by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Johar Ali Khan, Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islami (F) (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and others. At the meeting, the PPP and the government presented their draft and recommendations to the judicial reforms bill, however, no consensus could be reached. Consequently, another meeting will be held on 12 October, where the JUI-F will share its recommendations. Separately, speaking with reporters after the meeting, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that while the PTI asked for time to examine the government’s proposals, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan claimed that they “have not seen anything from the government.” Even Rahman claimed that it was the “first time” the government had shared the draft with his party. In a statement, Tarar said: “We have put in writing our suggestions on the judicial package, and those given by the bar bodies in the meeting.” He added that the draft on the establishment of a federal constitutional court and the judicial commission was presented to the representatives of the Supreme Court Bar. He further added that : “Any system of accountability of judges should be based on their professionalism and competence and disciplinary action should be taken against those who do not perform well, while the procedure for removing them is the same as under Article 209.”
Another leader of the PTI commented that the draft had an element of “ambiguity” and lacked clarity. He added that the amendment required more time and that his party would discuss this matter with the JUI-F chief. Onthe other hand, the latter stated that his party would hold talks with the PPP to formulate a joint proposal.
Separately, during a press conference, Bhutto Zardari announced that the government had given him a month to secure a parliamentary consensus for the constitutional package. Speaking with media persons, the JUI-F emir said: “We can reach a consensus on a draft if our proposals are also included in it.”
(Syed Irfan Raza, “PPP pushes talks forward with draft amendment ,” Dawn, 12 October 2024; Asim Yasin Muhammad Anis, “Constitutional amendments: Another bid by PMLN, PPP to forge consensus amid iffy JUIF support ,” The News International, 12 October 2024)
PTI announces 15 October protest at D-Chowk amid government warning
On 11 October, Dawn reported that the PTI has scheduled a massive protest for 15 October at D-Chowk. Further, it has cancelled all its protests in Punjab to make arrangements for the same. This comes amid government’s enhanced security measures: deployment of 10,000 police and paramilitary personnels for the security of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) delegates. PTI is protesting to demand the restoration of Imran Khan’s right to meet doctors, lawyers, family members and leaders. Further, it has demanded the release of all its detained members, officials, citizens and MPA’s from Punjab and an end to illegal raids carried out by the orders of Punjab Government. Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif went over the preparations for the SCO summit in Islamabad and was accompanied by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Tarar claimed that all safety measures are in order and Islamabad was ready to welcome the guests of SCO summit. He had further warned that the Government would allow disruptions and people planning to conspire against the country must stay home. (“PTI calls Oct 15 D-Chowk ‘massive, peaceful protest’ as govt warns none allowed to disrupt SCO moot,” Dawn, 11 October, 2024)
Election tribunals have performed poorly in disposing petitions, reports Fafen
On 12 October, the Free and Fair Elections Network (Fafen) reported that the election tribunals have only been able to decide on 40 out of 334 petitions. Tribunals are obligated to dispose of all the petitions within 180 days of filing and many of the pending petitions have already missed the deadlines. Among provinces, for National Assemblies, Balochistan has performed fairly well in comparison to its counterparts disposing more than half of the petitions (28 out of 51), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has disposed 10 per cent (4 out of 42) , Sindh has disposed 7 per cent (6 out of 83), and Punjab has resolved two out of 155 of the its total petitions while none of the three petitions have been disposed in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Most of the petitions have been dismissed on technical grounds barring two fromBalochistan. With regard to provincial assemblies, four from Sindh, three from KP, two from Punjab and 27 from Balochistan have been resolved. Only three out of 40 disposed petitions were resolved and the rest were rejected. Repolling was ordered in all the three cases in Balochistan where PPPP and BAP had won. The petitions were filed by two JUIP and one NP candidate. (Asim Yasin, “Only 11pc election petitions decided: Fafen,” The News International, 12 October, 2024)
ECONOMY
Government responds to IMF criticism with promise of reforms
On 12 October, Dawn reported that the government has pledged a number of reforms in the wake of criticism from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The government has promised to adjust gas and electricity tariffs, bring agriculture and retailers under the tax net and increase or impose tax and excise duties on imports in case there is a shortfall in the target revenue collection. The report published by the IMF lauded the government for sticking to its commitments by fulfilling 22 benchmarks via structural reforms in order to secure the USD 7 billion bailout. With respect to the SWF and the SIFC, the IMF raised concerns over the involvement of seven profitable entities under the Fund and the creation of the council. Its report read: “Staff has highlighted the need to ensure a level playing field with regard to the investment environment and avoid a watering down in governance standards. These issues remain to be addressed.” On the other hand, the government assured that it would take steps to promote investment as wells as a level playing field. The government said: “We commit to ensuring that the SIFC does not propose, nor that the government provide, regulatory, spending, or tax-based incentives of any sort, or any guaranteed returns, or take any other action that could distort the investment landscape.” It also promised to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the SIFC and that all investments under the SIFC will be made on the basis of the Public Investment Management framework. (Khaled Kiani, “Govt pledges PSDP cuts, other reforms amid IMF criticism ,” Dawn, 12 October 2024)
IMF warns government reliance on private sector banking
On 12 October, Dawn reported on the report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In a special chapter linked to the USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to Pakistan, the lender highlighted the state of the banking sector within the country. It observed how Pakistan’s banking sector “holds the world’s largest proportion of government securities relative to its total assets.” It explained how the high fiscal deficits and external shocks have had severe implications on the banks as they have had to fund a significant portion of their securities portfolios through short-term central bank liquidity using bonds in the form of collateral and also experience a limited deposit growth. Hence, as the country has limited access to external funding, the government debt has been borne by the banking sector. Consequently, the banks’ holding on government debt has surged to 60 per cent of their assets, thereby posing a fiscal risk to the entire financial system. The IMF called upon the government to stop borrowing from the central bank and instead go to private banks. This, however, brought about unwelcome repercussions as the government has become the main customer to private lenders, thereby restricting credit accessibility to businesses and individuals. As a result, this had led to the “balance sheets of the three parties, the sovereign (government), commercial banks and the central bank” becoming “highly intertwined.” Such a situation could lead to the following outcomes: bank’s incapacity to carry government securities as well as a diminished demand, increase in interest rates, shortening of maturities and so on. The IMF stated that it was now upto the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to manage this situation. By managing liquidity within the economy, interest rates can regulate the banking sector. (Khaled Kiani, “IMF raises alarm over banks’ heavy reliance on govt ,” Dawn, 12 October 2024)
“Actions like the forcible revisions of contracts of private power companies every few years sends a negative signal to both local and foreign investors,” suggest an editorial in Dawn
On 12 October, an editorial in Dawn titled “Saudi investments” discussed Pakistan’s investment climate. The editorial described the investment climate in Pakistan as “deteriorating” because of political and economic instability. The editorial argued that though the country may have secured a USD 7 billion bailout from the IMF, and investment flows from gulf countries, it is not sufficient to boost investor confidence as they will “take their time to see the outcome before returning to the country with their capital.” Even if official investments flow into Pakistan, it will not be able to effectively build its international reserves without attracting private investment. Additionally, the government may have adopted the Special Investment Facilitation Council to address policy inconsistencies, but actions such as the revision of contracts with privately owned power companies after every few years poses a threat to private and foreign investors and also has a reverse effect. (“Saudi investments,” Dawn, 12 October 2024)
SOCIETY
PM proposes various reforms to modernize education
On 11 October, The Express Tribune reported that while chairing a review meeting of the Federal Ministry of Education and Technical Training, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of a high-quality education system. He expressed the government’s commitment towards ensuring that no child would be left out of school and even noted the educational emergency which had been declared soon after he took office. He called for the implementation of a uniform education system across the country and even instructed authorities to speed up construction of Daanish Schools in Islamabad, Gilgit- Balitistan, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Balochistan. In order to increase female enrolment in educational institutions, the PM proposed a monthly stipend to be advanced to these students in rural areas. He even suggested the inclusion of technical training in the school curriculum and provision of such training for free for the school drop outs. Observing the importance of teacher training, he suggested the establishment of a top-tier teacher training institution in Islamabad and the creation of a body to assess teachers’ capabilities. (“ PM Shehbaz calls for modernisation of education system, focus on technical training ,” The Express Tribune, 11 October 2024)
“The state needs to draw a clear line between those who advocate for their rights peacefully and those who promote violence,” suggests an editorial in The News International
On 12 October, an editorial titled “Silencing is not the answer” in The News International discussed the ban on marginalized communities from expressing their genuine concerns. In this context, the editorial referenced the recent travel ban on Mahrang and Sammi Baloch and the decision to ban movements like the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) “that champion marginalized communities.” It observed how the government is unable to distinguish between militant, secessionist and peaceful movements. The editorial lamented that this may have a reverse effect as it widens the gap between the State and the people, thereby “fuelling the very problems” the government “seeks to contain.” The editorial argued that these individuals seek to impose accountability and recognize their rights by asking the state to address issues related to human rights and enforced disappearances, however, they are often dismissed as threats to national security. To overcome this, it is the state’s responsibility to sharpen the blurred lines between violent groups and beneficiaries. The editorial emphasized that Advocacy for violence or rebellion is rightly prohibited, but peaceful criticism of the state’s actions and institutions must be protected.” (“Silencing is not the answer,” The News International, 12 October 2024)
“Pakistan’s political problems are huge, but they demand an out-of-the-box approach” instead of tinkering with the internet, suggests an editorial in The News International
On 12 October, an editorial in The News International titled “No internet,” discussed the recent announcement by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding possible restoration of the internet by 20 October. The editorial, however, expressed skepticism over this development as the issue has persisted from May 2023 and the authorities have been using “bizarre analogies” to explain slowdown in the internet speed. On the other hand, digital activists have viewed this as the government’s attempt at circumventing dissent. While acknowledging that social media may be weaponized to meet political ends, the editorial pointed out that the government is “lazing its way out.” Instead of addressing the issues of misinformation and fake news, the government aims at banning the entire messenger platform. This indeed will have unfavorable repercussions. The backlash may be in the form of companies looking at other markets to outsource its work. The editorial cites an incident that took place a few months ago, where five transactions at the stock exchange were affected due to internet disruptions. The editorial argues: “Pakistan’s political problems are huge, but they demand an out-of-the-box approach.” (“No internet,” The News International, 12 October 2024)
SECURITY
Terrorist attack on a private mines area in KP kills 21
On 11 October, a mines area near Duki district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was attacked by 35-40 militants that led to the killing of killed 21 coal miners including three Afghan nationals. Six others were injured and at least 10 mines were destroyed. Officials claimed that though the private security guards had retaliated, they could not thwart the attack as the militants possessed modern weapons. A sub-contractor working in the mines reportedly claimed to have seen militants using drones to locate the miners. No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan and CM Mir Sarfraz Bugti have ordered law enforcement agencies to take control of the situation and immediate action against the terrorists. (Saleem Shahid, “21 killed, 10 Coal mines destroyed in Duki carnage,” Dawn, 12 October, 2024)
PROVINCES
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: CM Gandapur assures full support to the participants of the Jirga
On 11 October, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur paid a visit to the site of Jirga which falls in Jamrud area of KP to ensure that the state administration had provided facilities such as water, temporary washrooms, lighting, medical campus and all other basic facilities for the comfort of the participants. He had previously announced that the KP government for resolving all concerns would host Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement’s three-day jirga. CM Gandapur assured that everyone was welcometo put forth their demands which he would try to resolve. He also warned that just because the State has power, does not mean they should misuse it citing an incident where he previously blamed the federal government for firing tear gas shells in which four people lost their lives and 10 were injured. Separately, KP Information advisor Barrister Saif claimed on X that the jirga with the federal government was successful and many points were negotiated and agreed. It was agreed upon that there won’t be any slogans against the Pakistani state, the Constitutionor the Army and no foreign flags would be allowed. (Arif Hayat, “KP CM orders full facilitation of Jamrud jirga participants in site visit,” Dawn, 11 October, 2024)
PAK-CHINA
Pakistan and China to push BLA branch under UNSC listing
On 12 October, The Express Tribune reported that China and Pakistan seek to include the Majeed Brigade under the Balochistan Liberation Army to be listed under the list of sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This development comes as an attack on a Chinese convoy outside the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi led to the death of two Chinese engineers. China had made such an attempt earlier but the move had been blocked by other members due to lack of evidence of the outfit’s complicity. The sanctions, if imposed, will help freeze assets, impose ban travel and arms embargo on individuals or entities listed in the sanctions list. In the backdrop, while China is a permanent member of the UNSC, Pakistan will begin its non-permanent member position from 1 January, 2025. This may increase the probability of the sanctions being imposed. (Kamran Yousaf, “Pakistan, China push to sanction BLA wing ,” The Express Tribune, 12 October 2024)
Zardari meets Putin at Turkmen forum, discusses bilateral ties
On 12 October, President Asif Ali Zardari met President Vladmir Putin on the sidelines of the two- day international forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. At the event, President Zardari stressed on the importance of stronger regional connectivity and the need to increase cooperation in the cultural and economic sector with neighboring states. Separately, President Zardari in a meeting with speaker of the Turkish parliament, Numan Kurtulmus discussed improving rail road link between Pakistan and Turkiye to boost trade and economic cooperation. The two leaders also voiced their concern for the atrocities taking place in Palestine and Lebanon.( “Zardari, Putin discuss bilateral ties at Turkmen forum,” Dawn, 12 October 2024)
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On the day of the SCO conference, the chaos, arson, vandalism and the call for vandalism proved that PTI and TTP are two sides of a coin which are enemies of stability and development in Pakistan.
- PML-N
Even offer me crores and billions but I will stand by the people who believed in me. The party put me up for a big contest. I think I got everything."
Announcement of PTI Gustasp Khan who defeated Nawaz Sharif from Mansehra
- PTI
The establishment of Federal Constitutional Court was the dream of Quaid-e-Azam. Quaid-e-Azam was the first to propose a Federal Constitutional Court.
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
- PPP
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"Our laws are unable to protect children in street situations."
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Living statues'
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