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In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 08
President Arif Alvi suggests general elections in Pakistan by 6 November
On 13 September, President Arif Alvi wrote a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) suggesting that general elections in the country should take place no later than 6 November, which is the 89th day since the dissolution of the National Assembly. This letter follows three previous ones, in which the president suggested dates for elections for provincial assemblies. The move has created ambiguity as it does not provide a clear election date. The president cited Article 48(5) of the Constitution, claiming authority to fix the election date, but the ECP and law ministry maintain that it is the ECP's domain to decide the date. Political experts view the move as “uncalled for” and out of context, as the issue of holding elections on the same day is already in the apex court. (Syed Irfan Raza, “President Alvi sees Nov 6 as ‘cut-off date’ for polls,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)
Caretaker Prime Minister vows to maintain law and order in Gilgit-Baltistan
On 13 September, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar emphasized that law and order in Gilgit-Baltistan will not be allowed to be disrupted by a few elements while speaking to media persons in Gilgit. He guaranteed that any actions undertaken by the state to maintain order would be respectful of the region’s social fabric and values. Kakar mentioned that in order to find constitutional solutions to questions related to the region’s identity, negotiations have taken place with stakeholders. He also directed authorities to formulate a policy for local electricity production and address electricity-related issues in the region. (“PM says it is ECP’s prime mandate to give election date,” The Nation, 14 September 2023)
POLITICS
Caretaker Prime Minister on the arrest of Nawaz Sharif
On 13 September, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar stated that the decision to handcuff PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif upon his return to Pakistan is within the authority of law enforcement agencies (LEAs). He emphasized, “The law enforcement agencies (LEAs) will decide this matter in light of the law.” Kakar also discussed the upcoming general elections and mentioned that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has the primary responsibility for setting the election date. He anticipates the ECP will announce the election date soon, depending on the smooth progress of the delimitation process. Kakar assured that with “preparations more or less complete,” the caretaker government stands “completely ready” to support the electoral process. (“Decision to handcuff Nawaz upon return rests with law enforcers: PM Kakar,” Dawn, 13 September 2023)
Imran Khan's judicial remand extended until 26 September in cipher case
On 13 September, Daily Pakistan reported that Imran Khan would remain in custody until 26 September, as a special court extended his judicial remand in the cipher case. Khan, who faces over 150 cases, including charges of blasphemy and terrorism, and has been in Attock Jail despite the suspension of a three-year jail term in the Toshakhana case. The court proceedings were conducted inside the jail due to security reasons, with a team of Khan's counsel and investigators present. He applied for bail in the case earlier but the proceedings were inconclusive due to the judge's absence. (“Imran Khan to stay in jail for another 2 weeks as court extends judicial remand in cipher case,” Daily Pakistan, 13 September 2023)
ECONOMY
IMF urges Pakistan’s caretaker government to improve power generation
On 14 September, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called on Pakistan’s caretaker government to enhance its power generation system to alleviate the burden on consumers. This demand was made during its talks with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Power. It has also demanded the withdrawal of the subsidy provided on gas supplied to captive power plants (CPPs). The IMF outlined five conditions that need to be met before granting permission to provide relief to power consumers. The Ministry of Finance has requested time to implement these conditions, while Pakistan awaits the IMF's approval to announce relief measures. (“IMF sets conditions for power bill relief,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)
ECC emphasises privatisation of PIACL over restructuring
On 14 September, the Business Recorder’s sources stated that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of Pakistan's Cabinet has emphasized the need for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) over restructuring. PIACL, the national flag carrier, has been reeling under multiple financial challenges, including debt and liabilities. This came up during talks by the ECC, which emphasised on the importance of evolving a viable plan to address these vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Aviation was directed to consult the Privatization Commission and expedite PIACL’s privatisation process. Additionally, a technical committee will be formed to propose a concrete plan of action regarding the outstanding liabilities of PIACL. (Mushtaq Ghumman, “ECC advocates beleaguered PIA’s sell-off,” Business Recorder, 14 September 2023)
ECC advocates beleaguered PIA’s sell-off
On 14 September, according to the sources who spoke to the Business Recorder, as the national flag carrier is on the list of active privatizations, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet ordered that emphasis be placed on PIACL's privatization rather than restructuring. On 6 September 2023, the ECC was informed by the Ministry of Aviation that the government of Pakistan controlled 92 per cent of the shares in PIACL, the country's flag carrier. Pakistan International Airline (PIA) had a distinguished background and a number of accomplishments, but since the late 1990s, it began to experience losses because it struggled to compete with the new regional airlines. Due to internal mismanagement, increased external influences, a lack of entrepreneurial spirit, and PIA's failure to raise money for fleet growth, the company saw a decline. Over the past ten years, there have been several attempts to make PIA sustainable. These efforts used two fundamental strategies. The first strategy was primarily focused on revitalizing PIA by reducing expenses, enhancing internal management, and expanding the fleet size with financial support from the Government of Pakistan. (Mushtaq Ghumman, “ECC advocates beleaguered PIA’s sell-off,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)
CPEC
Karachi Circular Railway for CPEC
On 13 September, to have the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) approved as one of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) schemes at a meeting scheduled to take place in Beijing next month, caretaker Chief Minister and retired judge Maqbool Baqar instructed the transport department to prepare a thorough presentation of the project by eliminating all bottlenecks. At a meeting held at the CM House to assess the status of ongoing transportation projects, he gave these instructions. The CM received an update from the transport secretary Asad Zamin on the KCR, BRT, and Peoples Bus Service. He estimated that the cost of the KCR project would be about USD 2 billion. The CM was informed that there were some land disputes with the railroad authority over the project's clearance because it included a 13 km portion along the main line of the Pakistan Railway. To clear the project and remove any impediments, Justice Baqar instructed the chief secretary to meet with the railway ministry. The CM was informed about the BRT Green and Orange lines which had been operationalized, and about the Peoples Bus Service which was running in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana. (“Baqar wants Karachi Circular Railway bottlenecks removed before key meeting in Beijing,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)
PROVINCE
Sindh: Call for depoliticizing the police
On 13 September, the Sindh United Lawyers Forum, which is connected to the Sindh United Party, organized an event at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), titled Worsening Law and order situation in Sindh: Socio-political Views. Lawyers, intellectuals, and members of civil society in huge numbers attended the program. At a seminar, speakers raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Sindh and asserted that the only way to bring about peace in the province was to implement reforms to depoliticize institutions, particularly the police. They said that the state had failed to safeguard its residents in the face of a recent uptick in lawlessness and kidnappings in upper Sindh and that the only way to fix the problem was to make the police and Rangers independent. (Muhammad Usman Mallick, “Call to depoliticise police to restore peace in Sindh,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)
EXTERNAL
COAS Asim Munir meets with civil and military leaders in Turkey
On 13 September, during his official visit to Turkey to strengthen the two nations' long-standing ties, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Syed Asim Munir met with military and public authorities. According to a statement released by the ISPR the COAS met with Turkyie’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as high-ranking officials. The COAS made a point of emphasizing the need to improve defense and training cooperation during the sessions. He also stated, “Pakistan Army is always willing to extend full support to the Turkish Land Forces in multiple domains. Pakistan has always stood with their Turkish brothers in times of calamity and moments of triumph and shall continue to strengthen the fraternal ties amongst the two nations,”. (“COAS Munir meets military, civil leaders in Turkiye,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)
British envoy’s meeting CEC causes uproar
On 13 September, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott had an "important introductory meeting" with the Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan. This comes in just a few weeks after US Ambassador Donald Blome met with CEC to reiterate his nation's support for free and fair elections. According to a PTI spokesperson, the goals and intentions of the British high commissioner's visit to the ECP headquarters are completely incomprehensible. He claimed that attempts to violate the Constitution and undermine democracy were primarily made possible by the CEC. With the speculations being put forth, Ms Marriott posted on X, formerly Twitter, “We agreed that it’s crucial the country sees free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in line with the law,”. ( “Another envoy’s meeting with CEC stirs up a storm,” Dawn, 14 September 2023)
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