PTI expected to approach Peshawar High Court over its party symbol; Bilawal shares key aspects of PPP’s manifesto
In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2023
PR Exclusive Update 31
The Election Commission of Pakistan receives a record number of nominations
On 26 December, The News International reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan has received a record number of 28,626 nomination papers from potential candidates for the upcoming elections which are to be held on 8 February 2024. The deadline for the submission was 24 December. According to the ECP data, 7,713 nomination papers have been received for the National Assembly (general), and 18,546 for all four provincial assemblies (general) seats. The data reveals that 7,242 men and 471 women have filed nomination papers for the National Assembly seats (general), and 17,744 men and 802 women have submitted their candidature for the provincial assemblies (general) seats. Further, a total of 459 and 1,365 nomination papers have been received by the ECP for the reserved seats for national and provincial legislatures, respectively. The electoral body started the scrutiny of nominations on 25 December and the process is likely to be completed by 30 December. (Asim Yasin & Mumtaz Alvi & Shakeel Anjum, “Record 28,626 file nominations with ECP,” The News International, 26 December 2023)
Women's Nominations have increased but the Gender Gap Persists
On 26 December, Dawn reported that a total of 3,139 women have filed nomination papers for the upcoming 2024 general elections in Pakistan, accounting for more than 11 percent of the total 28,626 nominations. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), 471 women, including Maryam Nawaz Sharif, have submitted their nomination papers. In addition, 802 female candidates have filed nomination papers for provincial assembly seats. Nomination papers have also been submitted for 459 and 1,365 seats reserved for women in national and provincial parliament, respectively. The data further reveals that 32 women have filed nominations for reserved seats in provincial assemblies for non-Muslims, with an additional 10 candidates seeking candidature for National Assembly seats reserved for non-Muslims. In comparison, 1,687 women and 1171 women had filed nomination papers in the 2018 and 2013 general elections respectively. Despite the encouraging increase in female candidates, there remains a sizable gender disparity in political engagement demonstrating a need for further efforts to support and enable women's involvement in politics. The higher percentage of female voters, however, indicates a promising development as the country prepares for the general elections of 2024. (Khalid Hasnain, “Despite ‘record nominations’, women only 11pc of hopefuls,” Dawn, 26 December 2023)
Election Countdown: Parties Requested to Outline Detailed Plans
On 26 December, Dawn reported that political heavyweights such as Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, Imran Khan, Fazlur Rehman, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have filed their nominations as the uncertainty surrounding the elections has faded. Despite this certainty, out of all major parties only the Jamaat-i-Islami has released its manifesto. Parties are expected to provide their policy programs before the polls to enable the voters to make an informed choice. Although ethnicity and clan still play a significant role in Pakistani politics, younger, tech-savvy voters are increasingly calling for real answers as opposed to personality cults. Concerns regarding the parties' commitment to tackle important issues like the economy, healthcare, education, and crime are raised by the lack of manifestos. Moreover, it is crucial to guarantee electoral legitimacy. (“Nominations done,” Dawn, 26 December 2023)
PTI expected to approach Peshawar High Court over its party symbol
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the PTI is likely to approach the Peshawar High Court today in an attempt to retain its party symbol of ‘bat’ for the upcoming general elections. On 21 December, the PHC directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to decide matters related to PTI’s intra-party polls and election symbol “per law.” On 22 December, the ECP in its order ruled against letting the party retain its symbol of ‘bat’ as it had failed to hold intra-party elections following the existing PTI constitution of 2019, the Elections Act of 2017, and the Election Rules of 2017. Raoof Hasan, the party spokesperson, reacting to the ECP’s judgment stated “It is our legitimate right to contest the upcoming general election with the symbol of bat.” He further added, “On Tuesday, we will file the petition in the PHC, hoping that the court will direct the ECP to allow the party to contest under the slogan of bat.” (Ikram Junaidi & Mansoor Malik & Waseem Ahmad Shah, “PTI heads to Peshawar High Court today in bid to retain its ‘bat’,” Dawn, 26 December 2023)
Pakistan’s PPP Chairman confirms not contesting Lyari
On 26 December, The News International reported that the Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has confirmed that he is not contesting from NA-239 (Karachi South-I) which includes most parts of Lyari town, a traditional stronghold of the party. Instead, he has decided to contest in NA-128 (Lahore-XII), NA-194 (Larkana-I), and NA-196 (Qambar Shahdadkot-I) and has filed his nomination papers. Political analysts have argued that this is either due to PPP’s declining interest in the town or it has no confidence that it will regain it after losing it to Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party in the 2018 elections. The PPP party, however, has refused these arguments. Noting that, Waqar Mehdi, PPP general secretary stated that the party still has a stronghold in Lyari citing the local election wins and having secured the seat of municipality. Zia ur Rehman, political analyst and journalist said in this regard: “It seems that the PPP does not consider Lyari a safe seat for them anymore”. He added, “The PPP has a mayor in Karachi for the very first time, yet do not have enough confidence to win their strongest hold in the city seems incomprehensible or the party has their assessment following the decision.”( Zubair, Ashraf, “Bilawal not contesting from Lyari as ‘PPP not optimistic it can reclaim its stronghold’,” The News International , 26 December 2023)
Bilawal shares key aspects of PPP’s manifesto
On 26 December, Dawn reported that while addressing the 3rd passing-out parade of Bakhtawar Cadet College for Girls Nawabshah as the chief guest, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari shared key points of the PPP's manifesto. He stated that Pakistan is facing an economic crisis, climate change issues, population explosion, and poverty and that all of these problems could be overcome by burying the politics of divide and hatred. He further stated that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had established the idea and slogan of roti, kapra, and makan decades ago and that these fundamental commodities are still in high demand. Bilawal also stated that 17 federal ministries had been rendered obsolete by the 18th Amendment and would be dissolved if his party came to power, adding that the PKR 300 billion saved would be used to benefit the people using kissan, mazdoor, and youth cards. He promised that under the public-private collaboration, energy parks would be established at the district scale and up to 300 units of complimentary electricity would be offered to low-income families. (Zulfiqar Memon, “Will abolish 17 ministries if voted into power: Bilawal,” Dawn, 26 December 2023)
Nomination papers filed in Balochistan
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the nomination papers for the 16 national and 51 provincial assembly seats, as well as the seats set aside for women and minorities throughout the province, have been put under review. 64 women are among the 2,419 candidates from Balochistan who have submitted nominations for the general seats in the national and provincial assemblies. Furthermore, 250 candidates have turned in their nomination documents for seats that are reserved. Many well-known individuals are running for seats in Balochistan's national and provincial elections, however, there also an influx of youth candidates. According to the election commission, for the NA-252 constituency, 45 nomination papers were submitted. Thirty-six candidates filed candidacy for the NA-254 constituency (Kachhi, Jhal-Magsi). There are 22 contenders in the race for Balochistan's NA-256 (Khuzdar), an electoral district with difficult voting conditions. (Saleem Shahid, “2,419 apply for general seats in Balochistan,” Dawn, 26 December 2023)
ANP party leader will not contest the forthcoming polls
On 26 December, The News International reported that the president of the Awami National Party, Asfandyar Wali Khan, will not be contesting the upcoming elections due to ill health. His son, the provincial president of the ANP, Aimal Wali Khan will be running from NA-25 Charsadda, the native constituency from which both his father and grandfather, Khan Abdul Wali Khan, were previously elected to the National Assembly. Asfandyar was elected to the Senate in 2003 and served six years in that capacity. In the 2008 general elections, he was elected to the National Assembly once more. He was defeated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate in the 2018 general elections, and in the by-election, his son Aimal Wali Khan was defeated by PTI chairman Imran Khan. (Khalid Kheshgi, “Asfandyar Wali won’t contest polls due to poor health,” The News International, 26 December 2023)
SECURITY
Army chief vows to fight those capitalizing on religious fissures
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Syed Asim Munir attended the Christmas celebration of the Christian community at Christ Church, Rawalpindi where he stressed the “the importance of having the correct perspective, truth, and knowledge-based opinions about national issues rather than following rhetoric and propaganda to address complex challenges and issues”. He added that Pakistan’s enemies were “hell-bent towards creating fissures using religious, ethnic and political vulnerabilities”. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also reported on the army chief’s attendance and stated that: “COAS expressed reverence for religious community and stressed upon the need for promoting greater interfaith harmony in society to follow Quaid-i-Azam’s true vision of a united and progressive Pakistan.” The army chief also stated that “Islam teaches us the lesson of peace, friendship and encourages interfaith harmony.” (“Army chief vows to defeat those exploiting religious weaknesses,” Dawn, 26 December 2023)
PROVINCES
Baloch protestors challenge government’s claim
On 26 December, Dawn reported that the organisers of the protest in Balochistan, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee challenged the Interim government’s claim of having released 290 protestors by 25 December. Gulzadi Baloch, one of the demonstrators stated that a “strict course of action” will be announced since the government has ignored their demands of releasing the protestors. She further stated: “There has not been any activity by the authorities on Monday, and about 130 detainees were released on Sunday night, but 100 others, including Dr Zaheer, were still in custody.” This is in contrast to the statement issued by the interim government which “confirmed the release of all the 290 detained protesters.” (“Protesters contest govt claim of 290 Baloch activists’ release’,” Dawn, 26 December 2023)
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“Today, Quaid-e-Azam's birthday demands from the entire nation that Pakistan is standing at a critical juncture and in such a difficult time, only the unity of the nation can put us on the path of success. It is important for every Pakistani patriot to think beyond politics and stand with each other.”
- Syed Nasir Hussain Shah
“The Chairman BBhuttoZardari said that the future of the country is the youth of Pakistan. “If the politics of division, hatred and abuse are buried, Pakistan’s problems can be solved.”
- Marwa Aaliyan
“Fiza Akbar, the renowned propagandist and mouthpiece of ISPR, arrived at the Baloch missing persons camp with the agenda of the Pakistan army.”
- Faiz Baluch
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Dr Ali M Mir, ‘Time to exercise leadership’
The Express Tribune, 26 December 2023
“In the annals of history, nations often stand at pivotal crossroads, confronted with challenges demanding visionary leadership and profound decisions. Today, Pakistan finds itself at such a critical juncture, facing multiple challenges that necessitate more than just attention — they demand genuine leadership. True leadership, as history has shown, goes beyond the pursuit of popularity; it requires the courage to make bold decisions for the greater good of the people. The socioeconomic landscape of Pakistan paints a stark picture. Despite its vast potential, Pakistan’s human development indices are declining, health indicators are disturbing, and preventable deaths haunt mothers and children. Arable land is rapidly diminishing, transforming a once food-sufficient nation into one forced to import grains. Many children remain out of school, and the rapid depletion of renewable natural resources and damage to biodiversity compromise the future of the coming generations.”
Dr Shuja Ahmed Mahesar, ‘Climate injustice’
The Express Tribune, 26 December 2023
“World’s fast-growing economies are mainly responsible for a higher increase in carbon emissions — a prime driver of world’s metrological chaos. Leading industrial elite countries have contributed to the rise in global warming resulting in a rise in sea waters, hurricanes, wildfires, drought, deforestation, water crisis, food insecurity, and extreme weather events causing devastating ecological crisis. The environmental collapse is affecting people regardless of their colour, caste and creed. It has devastating effects on poor and marginalised communities. In 2009, developed nations pledged $100 billion a year to finance the initiatives taken by less developing countries for managing human-induced climate change. These 38 rich countries reaffirmed their commitment at a UN summit through Paris Agreement in 2015 to help poor countries build their capacity to deal with worst ravages of climate breakdown.”
Ali Burhan Mustafa, ‘Unjustified stigma’
Dawn, 26 December 2023
“PAKISTAN is grappling with the stigma surrounding mental health. A social fabric steeped in tradition often finds itself at odds with the critical need for progressive mental healthcare solutions. This clash is exacerbated by misguided reliance on shamans and archaic spiritual rituals, propelled by misinterpreted religious doctrines, rather than scientific psychiatric intervention. This dependence on traditional healers, especially in impoverished areas, perpetuates the stigma. Child sexual abuse in Pakistan, with its dismal conviction rates, casts a long shadow over our human rights record. Chilling statistics from organisations like Sahil, reveal thousands of cases with a conviction rate of less than two per cent.”
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“While ‘public welfare’ schemes may be helpful, they tend to crumble”
-An opinion in Dawn, ‘Plantation drive’
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