ECP rejects widespread disenfranchisement in elections
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Saudi Arabia finds 12,000 phony Pakistani passports
On 14 October, according to Express News, Saudi Arabian police successfully recovered over 12,000 Pakistani passports from Afghan nationals. Concerns concerning the effectiveness of national institutions have been raised in light of this revelation. Reports state that Riyadh officials have informed Islamabad about this situation, giving light on how Afghan people obtained these fake passports from various passport agencies operating in Pakistan. A high-level committee made up of representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), sensitive government agencies, and the Interior Ministry has been established in response. The main duties of this committee include producing a list of those implicated and locating those responsible for the issuance of counterfeit passports. Legal action will thereafter be taken against these people following the legislation of the nation. This development comes after the government issued an ultimatum for all unauthorized foreign residents in Pakistan to depart by the end of October. ( “Saudi Arabia recovers 12,000 fake Pakistani passports,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2023)
POLITICS
Shehbaz Sharif fails to unite PML-N factions ahead of Nawaz Sharif’s homecoming
On 13 October, after reaching Sheikhupura, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif faced challenges in uniting the party’s factions led by Chaudhry Tanvir Hussain and Javed Latif. The purpose of his visit was to rally party workers ahead of the homecoming of Nawaz Sharif on 21 October. Along these lines, Shehbaz Sharif stated, “If you want to see Pakistan progress, compete with India and resolve your problems, then you will have to bring Nawaz Sharif back to power.” Javed Latif, considered from the Maryam group, did not attend the workers’ convention hosted by Tanvir Hussain, who is perceived to belong to the Shehbaz camp. Differences among party leaders in Punjab are reportedly a concern, and the PML-N has cancelled several rallies in Lahore to prevent worker burnout and minimize divisions ahead of the homecoming event. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Shehbaz, Maryam to gear up to make Nawaz’s return historic,” Dawn, 14 October 2023)
IHC rejects delay in Imran Khan’s cipher trial, expresses resolve for “Haqeeqi Azadi”
On 13 October, Dawn reported that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled out any delay in the cipher trial of Imran Khan, currently taking place at a special court. Stating that the pendency of related petitions in the IHC does not affect the trial in the subordinate court, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq said “There is no injunctive order passed by the IHC to stop [the] trial.” Khan, who has been imprisoned following his conviction in the Toshakhana case and subsequent involvement in the cipher case, expressed his determination to pursue “Haqeeqi Azadi” (true freedom) and free and fair elections. He asserted that he would “not back down even an inch from the quest of Haqeeqi Azadi.” He also alleged that the cipher trial was meant to “protect former army chief general [Qamar Javed] Bajwa and [US official] Donald Lu.” (Ikram Junaidi & Malik Asad, “Cipher trial will proceed, IHC rules,” Dawn, 13 October 2023)
Lahore police crackdown on protesters against school privatisation, arresting over 230
On 12 October, Lahore police arrested more than 230 protesters, including many teachers, from the All-Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) Punjab, who were demonstrating against the proposed privatization of public schools, changes to pension regulations, and the cessation of leave encashment outside the Civil Secretariat. The protesters blocked traffic on Lower Mall and initiated a sit-in after their demands went unanswered. While many of the arrested individuals were released after police action, some women protesters alleged that they were subjected to a baton charge. Protests also erupted in various other cities across Punjab, demanding the acceptance of their demands and the release of arrested colleagues. (“230 protesters arrested in Lahore in crackdown on govt employees’ sit-in,” Dawn, 13 October 2023)
Shehbaz Sharif takes charge as internal strife hints at PML-N party divisions
On 13 October, PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz opted to hold party meetings, while Shehbaz Sharif led a rally on the outskirts of Lahore City, raising questions about internal strife. The party had recently cancelled rallies in Lahore to avoid embarrassment. However, sources suggest that the decision was focused on Lahore City only. Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz have led separate rallies, seemingly reflecting different approaches within the party. Insiders claim that the confrontation approach has fewer supporters within the party's base, and people seek progress. Sharif stated “People will support the one, who would deliver,” asserting that voters want the progress that is being offered by him. (“Shehbaz leads rallies amid reports of internal strife,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2023)
Supreme Court’s Practice and Procedure Act Decision: Milestone in Pakistan’s judicial history
On 13 October, The Friday Times reported on the Pakistani Supreme Court’s decision on the Practice and Procedure Act 2023, which reduces the chief justice's discretionary powers. The decision is being celebrated as a significant development in Pakistan’s legal and political landscape. According to lawyer Usama Ghumman, this “will impact the system of checks and balances and the separation of powers.” While it doesn't grant retrospective appeal rights, it sets clear timelines for cases, expediting hearings. Legal experts praise the incumbent Chief Justice for relinquishing discretionary powers in favour of collective wisdom within the Supreme Court. (Sabih Ul Hussnain, “Legal Fraternity Says Supreme Court's Landmark Decision On Judicial Powers To Have Far-Reaching Impact,” The Friday Times, 13 October 2023)
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 20
ECP rejects widespread disenfranchisement in elections
On 13 October, The National Data Base and Registration Authority (Nadra) provided the Election Commission of Pakistan with information on 800,000 voters who are currently off the electoral rolls on October 1, disproving reports of significant disenfranchisement in the upcoming elections, Data entry for these voters is currently underway. According to the ECP, All of them would be able to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general elections. In response to a coalition of civil society organizations' analyses, the commission stated that since 25 October was the deadline for voter registration and data changes, all individuals receiving CNICs by that date would be registered to vote. It was said that, following Section 27 of the Elections Act, voters are registered at either the permanent or temporary residence listed on their CNICs, and that this registration has nothing to do with population figures. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP rules out massive disenfranchisement in polls,” Dawn, 14 October 2023)
PROVINCE
Balochistan: Gwadar closes due to a disagreement about water shortages
On 13 October, the port city of Gwadar experienced a total shutter down strike due to a drinking water crisis. The Citizen Committee Gwadar issued a strike call, and all bazaars, businesses, commercial centers, shopping malls, and private banks were closed all day in the city of Gwadar and surrounding areas. Although there had been a water crisis in the port city for the previous week, the relevant authorities did nothing to address the problem with the water supply. The head of the Citizen Committee said, "Suspending water supply to Gwadar town is very strange, especially when all dams and reservoirs are full of water," and added that the water crisis in the port city was the result of a disagreement between the DG Gwadar Development Authority and representatives of the Public Health Engineering. (Behram Baloch, “Gwadar shuts down over water shortage dispute,” Dawn, 14 October 2023)
ECONOMY
Fuel prices are projected to drop by PKR 34
On 13 October, the cost of gasoline is anticipated to decrease by PKR 34.57 a litre following changes in the price of crude oil on the world market and the appreciation of the rupee versus the US dollar starting on October 16, 2023, However, the interim administration, which may use a change in the tax rates for petroleum products, will make the final choice. Sources claim that compared to the current cost of PKR 323.38, the price of gasoline may decrease by PKR 34.57 to PKR 288.38 a litre. In comparison to the current price of PKR 212.45 per litre, the cost of light diesel oil, which is utilized in industrial facilities, is predicted to decrease by PKR18.29 to PKR 194.16 per litre. Currently, the government levies a petroleum duty of 50 rupees per litre on HSD, with a future rise of 10 rupees possible. The gasoline tax, however, is already at the maximum rate of PKR 60 per litre. Sources claim that the rupee has gotten stronger against the dollar and that the prices of petroleum items on the Platts index have both dropped significantly. For the last 13 days, the rupee has gained an average of PKR 7.50. (Zafar Bhutta, “Rs34 fall in petrol price likely,” The Express Tribune, 14 October 2023)
USD 3,527 billion was borrowed in Q1FY24 from various sources of funding
On 14 October, according to data from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), the country borrowed USD 3.527 billion from various financing sources during the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2023–24 (July to September), compared to USD 2.234 billion borrowed during the same period of 2022–23. The data also reveals that in September 2023, the nation received USD 320.92 million, down from USD 625.86 million in September 2022. The EAD data does not consider that the government has budgeted USD2.4 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the current fiscal year 2023–2024 and that it got USD1.2 billion as the first tranche of the USD3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) in July 2023. (Tahir Amin, “Q1FY24: $3.527bn borrowed from multiple financing sources,” Business Recorder, 14 October 2023)
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“The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, led by Abdul Aleem Khan, has stated in its manifesto that its primary focus will be to enhance the quality of life for the general populace and promote progress.”
-Sameet
“Afghans who worked with British forces have been trapped in Pakistan for months because the gov decided in Nov last year to stop MoD flights and ask the families to find their own homes in UK. Now the High Court has heard that Rishi Sunak was the person behind that decision.”
-Holly Bancroft
“At just under 6 percent, South Asia is expected to grow faster than any other emerging market and developing economy (EMDE) region in 2024–25. Not all countries in the region are growing fast, and three—Afghanistan, #Pakistan and #Sri Lanka—are in acute crisis. The region’s progress is akin to that of mountaineers at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Some have barely left the base camp. Others are moving at a brisk pace but still in low altitude. All still have a long way to go. And the path will get more difficult ahead.Government debt in South Asia averaged 86 percent of GDP in 2022. In some countries, outright defaults have short-circuited growth while, in others, increasing domestic borrowing by governments has driven up interest rates and diverted credit away from the private sector. Elections could add to spending pressures. An urgent policy priority for the region is, therefore, to manage and reduce fiscal risks. Over the longer term, the policy priority is to accelerate growth and job creation in a sustainable manner.”
-Atique Ur Rehman
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Tahir Mehdi, “A digital fairy-tale”
Dawn, 14 October 2023
"Using the data, the ECP published the preliminary delimitations and has invited representations (pleas for changes) from voters. But how can anyone suggest a change without having access to data used by the ECP to redraw the constituencies?"
Editorial, “Missing voters”
Dawn, 14 October 2023
"In districts where there is over-enrolment, there would also be considerable room for unscrupulous elements to manipulate final vote counts with the aid of the ‘ghost voters’ that allegedly exist in the ECP’s database. If accurate, these findings have significant implications for the principle of universal suffrage and, prima facie, signal a major failure on the part of the ECP and Nadra, both of which are responsible for ensuring that all citizens who qualify to participate in the electoral exercise may do so with minimum hindrance."
Farrukh Khan Pitafi, “Fifty shades of stuck”
The Express Tribune, 14 October 2023
"Economics, foreign policy and domestic policies all circle the drain because the previous dominant order (remember, we mark the calendar based on the change in command in Rawalpindi, not Islamabad) left precious few cards on the table. Those six years witnessed some remarkable developments. Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, a near war with India which counter-intuitively returned Modi to power, the FATF and the hardening stance of IMF coupled with our remarkable agility to change finance ministers whenever one found a formula to macroeconomic stabilisation, unbelievable reversals in the war on terror and constant questioning of CPEC. And then the political summersaults."
Dr Zafar Khan, “Rationale behind Pakistan’s nuclear policy”
The Express Tribune, 14 October 2023
"Except for the US and Russia (each possessing more than 5,000 nuclear weapons, accounting for 90% of the world total nuclear warheads in combination), the rest of nuclear weapons states declare following CMD. However, the numbers may vary. Considering the rough estimates from reliable sources, China may now have 410, France 300 and the UK between 260 to 300 nuclear weapons despite their declaratory policy of minimum deterrence. Since the end of the Cold War, France and the UK may not even face credible nuclear threats from any of the perceived potential adversaries."
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