Kakar stated that ‘fair elections’ are possible even without PTI chairman Imran Khan who is currently detained in a graft case, and his party's leaders imprisoned after violent riots in the nation on 9 May.
In Brief
POLITICS
Anchor Riaz is finally ‘home’ after 4 months
On 25 September, Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar, Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Hassan Iqbal and Riaz’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq confirmed that Imran Riaz Khan, a television host and YouTuber, had arrived home at last. Following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on 9 May, violent protests erupted throughout the nation. He was taken into custody two days later. The Punjab police chief had been granted a "last chance" by the LHC on 20 September to trace Riaz by 26 September. LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti had said that his forbearance was "running out" throughout the hearing. The PTI leader Hammad Azhar claimed that Riaz's return had caused joy throughout the country. The PTI demanded the release of every political prisoner who was being held in "illegal incarceration". (Rana Bilal, “TV anchor Imran Riaz Khan ‘safe at home after being missing for over 4 months,” Dawn, 25 September 2023)
PML-N leader says NAB laws are ‘destructive for Pakistan’
On 24 September, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Malik Ahmed Khan who is arrived in London for a personal visit stated that he was unaware of the Interim Prime Minister’s Anwaar ul- Haq Kakar arrival to London. He added that he did not conduct any meeting with Kakar. He further addressed the reporters by saying that he had several meetings with PML-N league delegations which included party supremo Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. They discussed the Supreme Court’s decision about the NAB law amendments. At the prior meeting, it was acknowledged that the SC's decision regarding the NAB was basically not against political parties but rather against Pakistan. He apprised that no government employee is prepared to sign any paperwork with this NAB, businesspeople are not prepared to invest, and a hostile environment exists. He added that it is a black law. (Atika Rehman, “PML-N terms NAB law ‘destructive’ for Pakistan,” Dawn, 25 September 2023)
Kakar says elections can happen without Imran Khan
On 24 September, in an interview with Associated Press Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated that ‘fair elections’ are possible even without PTI chairman Imran Khan who is currently detained in a graft case, and his party's leaders imprisoned after violent riots in the nation on 9 May. Kakar did add that thousands of PTI members "will be running the political process" and "will be participating in the elections," even though they were not involved in "illegal activities." He said that election preparations have already started in the country's major political parties. Meanwhile, the PTI declared that any elections without Imran would be "unacceptable, illegal, and unconstitutional" in a statement today. It was noted that the PTI was Pakistan's "largest" political party and Imran was the country's most well-liked leader. "The caretaker prime minister's statement is a manifestation of the insensitivity found in the state structure regarding the Constitution, democracy, and national interests," it said. (‘Fair’ elections can take place without Imran, jailed PTI leaders: PM Kakar,” Dawn, 25 September 2023)
Nawaz coming home to help people combat inflation says Maryam
On 24 September, PMLN Senior Vice President and Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz said that those who oppose the Constitution are alarmed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's comeback. She made this statement while speaking at the consultative meeting of the PMLN's Azad Jammu and Kashmir branch when the plans for Nawaz Sharif's return were reviewed. According to the PMLN chief organizer, Nawaz Sharif is coming back home, to free the populace from inflation. The attendees of the conference shouted slogans in support of Maryam and Nawaz Sharif, claiming that their entrance would safeguard Kashmiris' and Pakistanis' interests. ( “Nawaz returning home to relieve people of inflation: Maryam,” The News International, 25 September 2023)
EXTERNAL
Foreign Minister Jilani on recognizing Israel
On 23 September, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani stated that Pakistan’s choice to recognize Israel will be determined by its national interests and with those of Palestinians. Jilani was reacting to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's statements that if his nation's arrangement with Saudi Arabia went through, six or seven Muslim nations would make peace with the Jewish state. Nevertheless, many think that any agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia would put pressure on other nations, particularly Pakistan, to reevaluate their views because Riyadh has long been the leading supporter of the Palestinian cause. Despite a historic meeting between the then-Pakistani and Israeli foreign ministers in Turkey in 2005, Islamabad has consistently refused calls to recognize Israel. However, the process was unable to proceed since there had always been significant opposition to maintaining diplomatic connections with Israel in the absence of a resolution to the Palestinian problem.(“FM links Israel ties to national, Palestinian interests,” The Express Tribune, 25 September 2023)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 14
ECP registers new parties
On 25 September, three new political parties were registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) just before the process of hosting the upcoming general elections got underway. The commission has announced the registration of Khadmeen-i-Sindh (KS), Pakistan Kesan Labour Party (PKLP), and Tehreek-i-Ehsas Pakistan (TEP), according to notices posted on the ECP's official website. "In pursuance of sections 208 & 209 (3) of the Elections Act, 2017, read with sub-rule (2) of rule 158 of the Election Rules, thereof, the Election Commission of Pakistan is pleased to publish for public information, the certificate containing the information with regard to the conduct of intra-party elections, the names, designations and addresses of the party office bearers and the details of the election," the ECP stated in a notification regarding the registration of the Khadmeen-i-Sindh party. (Syed Irfan Raza, “ECP registers three new political parties,” Dawn, 25 September 2023)
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“It's echoing those who tried minus one in past & failed, will fail again. Treading marshy land, ensuring political instability. Fair elections & level playing field regardless of who wins is way forward. Such talk not station in life of caretakers.”
-Farhatullah Babar
“Great news regarding Imran Riaz Khan's recovery. Thousands of our fellow citizens are still missing, existing in the terrifying zone between life & death. The odious policy of enforced disappearances must end and state officials responsible for these crimes should be punished.”
-Ammar Ali Jan
“In Pakistan 94 million people being 40 % of population below poverty line. 21 million children highest in world not going to school. But this is not the topic of discussion. Poverty increased over the yrs since 1980. Before 1980 we were highest in the region. Now lowest. Why?”
-Syed Shahbbar Zaidi
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Saeed Ahmed, ‘Monetary policy rethink’
Dawn, 25 September 2023
“Consequently, Pakistan has struggled to adopt the globally preferred “inflation targeting framework” for monetary policy, despite the SBP Act amendments and claims of moving in that direction. Implicitly, the institution’s policy formulation is at a suboptimal level, and warrants a serious rethink.”
Adnan Anjum, ‘Digital deception in election’
The Express Tribune, 25 September 2023
“The Election Commission should explore best practices and innovative approaches employed by other countries to regulate social media platforms effectively. Moreover, the Commission should urge the relevant regulatory bodies to promptly establish guidelines for the registration of digital tech companies under Pakistani law, ensuring accountability. Caution is warranted when collaborating with such companies, as it may jeopardise the Commission’s reputation for neutrality and impartiality. Moreover, the guidelines must offer explicit directives on the Commission’s plan to address the issues outlined in the code and enforce actions against those involved, extending beyond just candidates.”
Adeela Naureen/Waqar K Kauravi, ‘Formalising Pak-Afghan relations’
The Express Tribune, 25 September 2023
“Security along the Pak-Afghan border has been a sour point, irrespective of the change in regimes within Afghanistan. Kabul has to walk the talk and should not allow use of the Afghan soil for anti-Pakistan activities and terrorism. In this regards, recent statements by senior Afghan officials are encouraging. Bottom line is that peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan and vice versa. Prosperity and security of both Pakistan and Afghanistan are mutually dependent; bilateral cooperation can facilitate effective control on terrorist groups and non-state actors.”
Adeel Wahid, ‘Fair play’
Dawn, 25 September 2023
“While the dynamics of Silicon Valley are completely distinct, there is still inspiration to be sought in its original story, which prominently features Arthur Rock and his key insight, that the most opportune investment is in the “intellectual book value” where the emphasis has to be “on the people who you hope will capitalise on their intellect”. As Arthur Rock would put it, it is all about “backing the right people”.”
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