PAKISTAN READER

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ECP reserves judgment on PTI symbol case

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 29
ECP’s reserves judgment in PTI’s party symbol case
On 19 December, a five-member bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja reserved its judgment concerning the allocation of the poll symbol of ‘bat’ to the PTI. After the polls were conducted on 3 December, the Commission objected to the party chairman’s signature on Form 65 and the fact that the party did not publicize the place, election schedule and the appointment of the CEC. The PTI’s lawyer countered these objections in the hearing and argued that the party chairman’s signature on Form 65 was in line with ECP’s rules and enquired if there was a rule directing parties to publicize intra-party polls. He argued that these objections cannot be the pretext for taking away or suspension of a party symbol.
Separately, the commission has once again deferred the indictment of PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry in the contempt of the commission and chief election commissioner case at Adiala Jail. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP reserves verdict in case over PTI’s election symbol,” Dawn, 20 December 2023)
 
ECP orders the immediate removal of Ahad Cheema
On 19 December, a five-member bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered the immediate removal of Ahad Cheema who is the Adviser to the Caretaker Prime Minister for Establishment Division. The commission was hearing a petition filed by Advocate Syed Azizud Din Kaka Khel in October seeking the removal of Cheema, Privatisation and Inter-provincial Coordination Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Tauqeer Hussain Shah from their posts. The lawyer had argued that their presence in the Caretaker Government would impact adversely the transparency of forthcoming elections. In its order, the ECP accepted that the petitioner’s prayer to remove Cheema was “reasonable” based on the fact that the latter was a part of the previous government and could “influence the holding of free, fair and transparent elections.” It is to be noted that the ECP in September had advised the interim government to refrain from including members that were known to have some political allegiance. (Irfan Sadozai, “ECP orders removal of PM’s adviser Ahad Cheema from the post,” Dawn, 19 December 2023)
 
Supreme Court rules objections to constituency delimitation ineffective after election schedule released
On 18 December, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that objections to the delimitation of constituencies cannot be raised once the election schedule is released. The decision came in response to a plea by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) challenging changes made by the Balochistan High Court to two constituencies in Zhob and Shirani. The Supreme Court set aside the Balochistan High Court's order, emphasising that challenges to constituencies become ineffective after the release of the election schedule. The ruling aims to ensure that the upcoming elections proceed as scheduled on 8 February. (Haseeb Bhatti, “Objections against delimitations cannot be raised after the release of election schedule,” Dawn, 19 December 2023)

POLITICS
Punjab Police accused of assaulting Usman Dar's mother a former PTI leader
On 19 December, the mother of former PTI politician Usman Dar made severe accused the Punjab Police for abusing and manhandling her at her Sialkot home allegedly on orders from PML-N leader Khawaja Asif. She described being subjected to extreme mistreatment, including a ripped collar and physical violence. Despite the incident, she was adamant to run for elections, stating it was a decision from her heart and following the guidance of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah. She stated, “I will participate in the elections no matter what. It's a decision from my heart and as per the guidance from the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.” Meanwhile, Khawaja Asif vehemently denied any role in the incident in response to the claims. He said, "I have never pursued retaliatory politics; I have always fought a political battle, not a personal one with my opponents.” In political disagreements, he emphasized his dedication to ideals, expressing respect for opponents' elders and families.  ( “Usman Dar’s mother accuses police of assault on Khawaja Asif’s behest,” The Express Tribune, 20 December 2023)

SCBA president claims that a press statement was published without his permission
On 19 December, according to The Express Tribune, Shahzad Shaukat, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), wrote Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sikander Sultan Raja to clarify that the legal organization released the news statement without his agreement. The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the SCBA expressed reservations about the election method and the CEC's conduct. The Leaders from both legal groups expressed concerns about inconsistencies in election protocols, seat allocations, and limitations urging the Supreme Court to intervene immediately to remedy these issues. They also asserted that the CEC was unfit to ensure fair elections. According to the press statement, the SCBA president is scheduled to return to Pakistan on 22 December to discuss the situation. ( Jahanziab Abbasi, “SCBA president says press release against CEC issued without his approval,” The Express Tribune, 20 December 2023)

Prime Minister Kakar addresses youths in Quetta over governments jurisdiction   
On 19 December, while addressing the students in Quetta Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar underlined that the government has the jurisdiction under current laws to ban and terminate persons or businesses, emphasizing that the government functions within the framework of the law, not portraying itself as the villains or heroes of human rights. He emphasized the need to support the rule of law, and he condemned any attempt to excuse violence under the pretext of human rights. addressing critical issues such as education and youth empowerment, as well as political stability, terrorism, and immigration. He emphasized the forthcoming elections, inviting residents to participate in the democratic process by submitting nomination papers and expressing their views through lawful political channels. He also expressed hope that the involvement of youngsters using social media technologies would result in the development of the Balochistan province soon. He further added, the importance of utilizing existing infrastructure and improving teacher capacity, as well as expanding educational outreach.  ( Syed Ali Shah, “Govt can ban anyone under the law, says Kakar,” The Express Tribune, 20 December 2023)

BYC marchers protesting extrajudicial killings 
On 20 December, Dawn reported that the Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC) marchers protested against the extrajudicial killings. Thousands of people joined the march while reaching Taunsa Shariff. Before this march, they held a sit-in in DG Khan demanding transportation to forward the move. However, that was stopped because of pressure from the district administration.  Reportedly, they started the march 25 days ago. The marchers are now facing hurdles from the Punjab administration. One of the organizers, Mahrang Baloch said, “If the administration does not create any hurdles and we get the transport, we would march toward Islamabad; otherwise, we would start another sit-in in Taunsa Sharif.” ("Turbat long marchers say facing transport curbs," Dawn, 20 December 2023)
 
Nepra's rejection of 'Overbilling Investigation Report' objections
On 20 December, Dawn reports that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), a power regulator expressed their displeasure of imposing a charge of PKR 15,000 to PKR 30,000 for emergency power connections, a move by the power division and highlighted their grievances on Overbilling Investigation Report by the power division saying, it will cause irregularities in services to the consumers. The remarks were the outcome of two detached events directed by a panel headed by Waseem Mukhtar, chairman of Nepra. The decision outlined by allowing 14 per cent interest to consumers seeking instalments. Nepra members are concerned about their consumer expectations of providing improved services for what they are now paying above their livelihood. ("Nepra rejects power division’s criticism of overbilling report," Dawn, 20 December 2023) 

PROVINCE
Balochistan: Prime Minister Kakar promises better governance
On 19 December, addressing a press conference in Balochistan, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar highlighted the problems plaguing the provinces and cited measures that had been taken by the government to better the overall structure of governance in the region.  He stated that the complex and chronic issues plaguing the province can be dealt with by deputing upright and hard-working bureaucrats in the region and referred to the appointment of competent bureaucrat Shakeel Qadir Khan along with a team, to ensure meritocracy and to streamline the overall structure of bureaucracy.  He blamed an axis of some corrupt bureaucrats and other stakeholders for crumpling the whole province, thus adversely affecting the national economy. He also highlighted the government’s resolve to conduct free and fair elections in the region and promised the resolution of matters pertaining to internet services within a month. (“Govt taking steps for better governance in Balochistan: PM,” The Nation, 20 December 2023)

ECONOMY
Six loan agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 
On 20 December, The Express Tribune reports said, that the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB)'s Manila-based lending agency had signed six loan agreements worth USD 1.2 billion EAD spokesperson stated that the USD 400 million will be disbursed under two separate deals as a budget support. Of the USD 400 million, the ADB decided to provide USD 300 million under the Domestic Resource Mobilization programme and the other USD 100 million budget lending in the name of the Women Financial Inclusion programme. Additionally, the ADB inked agreements worth USD 250 million for the project to bolster the power transmission sector, USD 102 million for the project to whip up the labour force in Punjab, USD 83 million for the project to improve food security in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and USD 250 million for the project to improve secondary education in Sindh. The ADB also mentioned “The debt sustainability analysis also confirmed Pakistan’s debt sustainability under the impacts of multiple crises from 2020 to 2023 and after factoring in the additional borrowings.” ("Pakistan, ADB ink $1.2b loan deals," The Express Tribune, 20 December 2023) 

The government borrowing surged to seven times high
On 19 December, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued the data highlighting the increased government borrowing of PKR 3.585 trillion from July to December FY24 in comparison to PKR 516 billion last year despite revenue growth. Adding to this, the caretaker government in Pakistan has made a crucial decision to cancel 137 development projects worth PKR 116 billion due to concerns about the affordability of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). This comes on the heels of a recent IMF report titled, “Pakistan: Technical Assistance Report — Public Investment Management Assessment” highlighting the unsustainability of the PSDP, revealing a staggering PKR 10.7 trillion needed to complete existing projects – a figure 14 times larger than the previous fiscal year's budget allocation. (" Govt borrows seven times more from banks," Dawn, 20 December 2033) 
 
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
President Alvi calls for sustainable practices and energy efficiency to mitigate climate change
On 18 December, President Arif Alvi emphasised the importance of improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable practices, and changing attitudes to address the adverse impacts of climate change. Speaking at an event for the "Green Presidency of Pakistan" project, Alvi highlighted the need for “transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reforestation” in order “to curb the adverse impacts on the planet’s climate and ecosystems.” The Green Presidency initiative involves a one-megawatt solar PV system installation and energy conservation measures, resulting in a 42.5 per cent reduction in energy usage at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The project received the "International Energy Project of the Year 2023" award. (“President urges energy efficiency for climate,” The Express Tribune, 19 December 2023)

PTI must consider Kamal Salim Swati on MNA seat from Mansehra. He is the real fighter and the most deserving. All my support and prayers for my younger brother. Best of Luck Kamal Khan. -Atif Khan   Ali Ahsan, son of Aitzaz Ahsan would be joining Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He is likely to contest from Lahore. -Jasim Chatha   The Prime Minister of Pakistan has made a significant statement, acknowledging that the Kashmiris under occupation are essentially Pakistanis under foreign control. He questions the legitimacy of allowing one's own people to be under the occupation of foreign forces. -Soza Jahan

“The Charter of Democracy was not the only factor which led to relative stability post-2008.” -An opinion in Dawn, “Revisiting the CoD”