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PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 11
Bilawal demands “Level Playing Field” from PML-N
On 19 September, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated that the party’s demand for a “level playing field” is directed at the PML-N, its erstwhile ally. He stated: “We have empowered President Zardari to address the complaint and he must be given time for this purpose.” Zardari emphasised that PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has been empowered to address this complaint. He also commented on the Election Commission’s alleged discrimination regarding development projects, highlighting that it has a “moral, legal and constitutional obligation” to ensure consistency in treatment across provinces. (Amjad Mahmood, “Bilawal blames PML-N for lop-sidedness of election arena,” Dawn, 20 September 2023; Faizan Bangash, “Level playing field concern related to PMLN: Bilawal,” The News International, 20 September 2023)
POLITICS
Parvez Elahi back in Adiala jail
On 19 September, PTI President Parvez Elahi was denied physical custody by the judicial bench under the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in two cases related to illicit nomination in Punjab Assembly and remanded him back to Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. At the beginning of the hearing, Intezar Hussain, the president of the Lahore Bar Association, who was defending Elahi, claimed that Additional Prosecutor General Abdul Samad could not represent the ACE before the magistrate because the latter was only qualified to appear before the high and supreme courts and only the designated prosecutors of the anti-graft watchdog were qualified to argue the case. Elahi expressed his entire confidence in the military and courts during a brief interaction with media outside of court. He said that both of them were stewards of the nation's security. Elahi blamed the Sharif family for Pakistan's current predicament when discussing the nation's economic difficulties. (Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “Elahi sent back to Adiala as ACE denied his remand,” Dawn, 20 September 2023)
ECONOMY
Pakistan seeks Russian oil imports at a lower cost
On 19 September, The News International reported that Pakistan is seeking to import Russian oil at USD 60 per barrel according to the limit set by the Group of Seven (G7) nations, as informed by an anonymous official from the Ministry of Energy. According to the official, the decision to import Russian crude on a monthly basis was made after Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL)'s trial shipment of 100,000 tonnes of URAL crude was evaluated. He apprised, that out of the URAL crude, PRL produced 10 per cent gasoline, 60 per cent furnace oil, 10 to 15 per cent diesel, and the remaining 15 per cent miscellaneous goods. At a loss of 25 per cent of the price of Brent crude, the PRL was forced to export furnace oil. He also stated: "Moscow has indicated that Russia will purchase the furnace oil from Pakistan, but the price has not yet been determined”. He further reiterated that Pakistan had also requested superior crudes from Russia, such as SOKOL or Siberian Light Oil, which are more expensive than URAL on the world market. The decision to supply SOKOL, or Siberian light oil, at a steep discount of USD 35 a barrel is up to the Russian government. (Khalid Mustafa, “Pakistan pursues Russian oil imports at G7 price cap, wants better crudes,” The News International, 20 September 2023)
Distribution Companies (DisCos) seek PKR 1.829 per unit hike in fuel cost
On 20 September, The News International reported that the ex-Wapda Distribution Companies (Discos) in Pakistan have requested an additional PKR 1.829 per unit in fuel cost adjustment (FCA), aiming to collect an extra PKR 30 billion from consumers in the upcoming month. Despite over 74 per cent of power generation coming from local cheaper fuels like hydro, coal, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, and bagasse, the request for an FCA increase comes after a nearly 26 per cent increase in the annual base tariff and about 18 per cent quarterly adjustments. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has accepted the petition, with public hearings scheduled for 27 September to assess the tariff increase's justification. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Discos set to squeeze Rs30bn more from users,” Dawn, 20 September 2023; Isar Khan, “Discos seek Nepra nod for Rs1.829/unit hike,” The News International, 20 September 2023)
Pakistan’s power sector circular debt reaches PKR 2.31 trillion
On 20 September, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s power sector circular debt for the fiscal year 2022-23 has reached PKR 2.31 trillion, marking an increase of PKR 57 billion compared to the previous fiscal year. Despite efforts to raise power tariffs and address sector inefficiencies in line with IMF directives, the circular debt has continued to rise. Although there was a decrease of PKR 336 billion from its peak in July 2023, underlying structural issues in the power sector persist, burdening consumers with significant financial costs. Payables to power producers and fuel suppliers have also increased, contributing to the mounting debt. The resolution of disputes, such as the one with K-Electric, is crucial to stabilizing the sector’s financial health. (“Circular debt hits Rs2.31tr,” The News International, 20 September 2023)
JUDICIARY
Justice Qazi Faez Isa meets Bar Council and Bar Association to tackle case backlog
On 20 September, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa is scheduled to meet with representatives from the Pakistan Bar Council and the Supreme Court Bar Association to discuss how to address the backlog of the 57,000 pending cases in the Supreme Court. The meeting will focus on various issues, including the timely administration of justice and hearing of cases. PBC Vice Chairman Rashid stated that “The political cases could be disposed of in a couple of hearings as the apex court has to interpret the question of law,” and has expressed hope that this meeting would mean that the apex court becomes more efficient. Additionally, the meeting will also explore ways to streamline the court's operations for more efficient case disposal. (Malik Asad, “CJP Isa meets lawyers today for strategy to clear backlog,” Dawn, 20 September 2023; “CJP Qazi Faez Isa consults top lawyers today on early disposal of cases,” The News International, 20 September 2023)
Expectations are high on Justice Isa, argues an analysis in Dawn
On 20 September, in an editorial in Dawn titled “Great expectations,” Zahid Hussain highlighted how Pakistani Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has initiated the live-streaming of full court hearings on important constitutional matters, marking a historic step towards transparency in the judiciary. Hussain has marked this as a “new beginning” that “has lifted the veil over apex court hearings,” as it allows the public to watch proceedings and holds judges accountable while removing the shroud of secrecy from apex court cases. Isa’s primary challenge, however, is to restore public trust in the judiciary, which has been tainted by “political partisanship and judicial populism.” Hussain also highlighted how Isa faces expectations to address issues like “political prisoners being tried by military courts” and the “draconian” Official Secrets Act. This makes him a key guardian of democracy against the “creeping authoritarianism and violation of human rights in the country.” (Zahid Hussain, “Great expectations,” Dawn, 20 September 2023)
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