PAKISTAN READER

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PML-N is yet to start its election campaign

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #43
PML-N is yet to start its election campaign
On 10 January, Dawn reported that PML-N has not started its election campaign as it has yet to categorize its seat adjustment and ticket distribution with Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and PML-Q. Due to the good equation they possess, the party seems to be not rushing with the campaign. However, the party is concerned about getting its candidates for the national and provincial assemblies precisely in Punjab province. This concern arose as PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari campaigned in Lahore’s NA-127 constituency. On 8 January, a PML-N leader from Punjab told Dawn, “Either the leadership knows that the polls are not taking place on Feb 8, or it is confident that only a couple of weeks will be enough for canvassing to emerge as the majority party.” Meanwhile, the seat adjustment with IPP has complicated its predicament about the distribution of tickets. According to the sources in the IPP, the party president, Aleem Khan asked Maryam Nawaz Sharif to give NA-119 in Lahore to him. The source stated, “Ms Sharif told the leadership to adjust the IPP leader in NA-117, as even this would be a favor to him.” (Zulqernain Tahir, “Campaigning on hold as PML-N sorts out ticket dilemma,” Dawn, 10 January, 2024)
 
NAB to close all the pending inquires against Nawaz Sharif
On 10 January, The News International reported that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is in the process of finishing the pending investigations against Nawaz Sharif and his family. On 1 January, on the recommendation of its Executive Committee, the NAB closed the Sharif Trust case against Nawaz and others. However, the sources said that there are still some investigations pending with NAB against the Sharifs and the details of them especially with corruption inquiries are still unclear.  According to the Panama JIT, there were more than thirty investigations and inquiries against Nawaz Sharif and his family in 2017. (Ansar Abbasi, “All pending corruption cases against Nawaz being closed,” The News International, 10 January 2024)
 
POLITICS
Imran Khan arrested with additional charges by Rawalpindi police
On 10 January, Dawn reported the former Prime Minister Imran Khan had been arrested by Rawalpindi police with additional cases amidst the previous ones. An accountability court in Islamabad filed new cases that include the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) and Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi being involved in Toshakhana incident. According to the charge sheet, the former PTI leader during his office had retained gifts which were received from the representatives of different countries. Most notably, on 19 December 2023 the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a case against Imran and his wife for holding back a jewelry set that was gifted by the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. Regarding the cases filed, the court decided to conduct further proceedings till 11 January 2024 and summoned twelve witnesses to report to the court. Khan apprised he was being harassed for “reining in the powerful quarters” while speaking to the media in Adiala Jail. Meanwhile, Judge Mohammad Bashir ruled out the petitions of Khan asking for post-arrest bail in the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust case that involved about GBP 190 million and adjourned proceedings on the corruption case until 17 January. (Rana Bilal and Umer Burney, “Imran, Bushra Bibi indicted in Toshakhana reference,” Dawn, 9 January, 2024; Malik Asad, “Imprisoned PTI boss ‘arrested’ in more cases,” Dawn, 10 January, 2024)
 
Supreme Court admits legislative competence of Parliament
On 10 January, an opinion piece in The News International titled, “A new constitutional window,” by Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad Khokhar, states that the lifetime disqualification verdict by the Supreme Court (SC) has not only addressed the constitutional queries according to Article 62(1)(f) of the constitution but also accepted the legislative ability of the parliament and overruled its principles that were laid down in Sami Ullah Baloch case in 2018. This explains that SC is only there to clarify the constitution and should not rephrase the constitution.  Khokar stated that during the constitution of 1956 and 1962 and the present 1973 the provisions governing the eligibility and disqualification of the parliamentarians were historically objective and acknowledged age, mental health, and citizenship. However, later on 2 March, 1985 General Ziaul Haq gave the Revival of Constitution of 1973 Order (RCO), amending 67 clauses and sections out of the 280 articles of the constitution. Through this, he states that there has been a shift in the history of Pakistan with respect to amendments that had new agendas about applicant’s personal qualities and reputations. He further stated that in 2023 the parliament amended the Election Act of 2017 by limiting the qualification period to five years. He reiterates the provisions of Articles 62 and 63 should be provided based on manner and procedure during the disqualification and qualification period. He concludes that this amendment was not acknowledged in the SC. (Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad Khokhar, ‘A new constitutional window’ The News International, 10 January 2024)
 
ECONOMY
Pakistan seeks financial assistance from UAE & Saudi Arabia
On 10 January, The News International reported that as negotiations with Saudi Arabia continue, Pakistan has formally sought an additional USD 1 billion Saudi Oil Facility (SOF) on postponed payment for 2024. In addition, Pakistan wants the USD 2 billion in deposits from the UAE to be rolled over in order to maintain an optimum level of foreign exchange reserves with the State Bank of Pakistan before the general elections on 8 February. December 2023 marked the expiration of Saudi Arabia’s USD 100 million monthly SOF. With USD 24.8 billion in external debt to be serviced, the nation is optimistic about getting the UAE deposit rollover. To discuss Pakistan’s request for the second tranche of USD 700 million under the USD 3 billion Standby Arrangement, the IMF Executive Board is scheduled to convene on 11 January. (Mehtab Haider, “Pakistan asks UAE for $2bn deposit rollover,” The News International, 10 January 2024)

UN report urges swift transformation for Pakistan's economic stability
On 10 January, an editorial in The News International referring to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2024 report highlighted how high debt and insufficient investment have left many developing economies recovering from pandemic losses staggering, especially Pakistan. Although the IMF’s Stand-By Arrangement stabilized foreign exchange reserves, it was insufficient to address more significant economic issues in the country. Thereby underlining the need for the presence of a democratically elected government. Additionally, despite taking years to complete, the USD 100 billion government projects might not have a major positive impact on Pakistan's economy. After the floods of 2022, environmental risks have become critical. The UN further recommends stronger international collaboration in 2024 and beyond to navigate all the challenges and accelerate progress towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN report also argues for investment in sustainable development and climate action, particularly through an 'SDG Stimulus' of at least USD 500 billion per year. This can be achieved only if Pakistan has a full-fledged government ready to develop people-first projects to attract funding. Moreover, a scenario of high inflation and poor growth necessitates careful economic management. In the face of geopolitical, economic, and environmental concerns, Pakistan's future depends on having a democratically elected administration because of the country's increasing reliance on borrowing. (“Economic prospects,” The News International, 10 January 2024)
 
A Roadmap for 2024
On 10 January, an opinion in The News International titled Looking ahead to 2024 has drawn attention to Pakistan’s economic problems pointing out rising interest rates and inflation, as well as the likelihood of a slowdown given the impending elections. The opinion argues that the unpredictability of world politics has exacerbated investment anxieties. Positive indicators in the face of macroeconomic apprehensions include the strong business balance sheets and the steady advancement of artificial intelligence. Diversification is essential for mitigating unanticipated hazards. Positive developments could offset negative ones, such as a robust global economy or significant technical advancements. According to the article, Pakistan will need to strike a balance in 2024, concentrating on technical integration, digitization, and economic recovery. Despite ongoing difficulties, initiatives in fields like entrepreneurship, technology, and infrastructure may promote stability and progress. (Sara Danial, “Looking ahead to 2024,” The News International, 10 January 2024)
 
EXTERNAL
Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia discuss possible collaboration
On 09 January, in an attempt to foster military cooperation, Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia held talks on a possible collaboration in military technologies. The talks took place at the second meeting of the Trilateral Defence Industrial Collaboration, which was convened at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. It centered largely on improving military collaboration, focusing on defence technologies. The nations stressed the value of combining resources and sought to become self-sufficient in the defence industry.The historical connections and strategic goal to increase trilateral cooperation were emphasized at the conference. The following meeting is anticipated to take place in Riyadh during the World Defence Show in February 2024. In a concurrent bilateral cooperation, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan talked about their shared interests as well as the changing nature of international security. They also expressed a desire to improve defence cooperation and reach self-sufficiency in defence production. (Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia discuss collaboration in military technologies,” Dawn, 10 January 2024)
 
Can Taliban solve the TTP problem for Pakistan?
On 10 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Maulana’s mission” analyzed the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent visit to Afghanistan. The editorial stated that if Maulana’s mission was to persuade the Afghan government to deal effectively with the TTP and not allow them to use Afghan soil for their activities, then the mission had failed. The editorial terms the visit a failure because Maulana’s meeting with the Taliban leadership coincided with the TTP’s deadly attack on policemen in Bajaur. These policemen were escorting polio vaccinators and at least six of them were killed in the attack. The editorial further argues that this attack came despite assurances from the Acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan Mullah Akhund that his government does not harbor any ill will towards Pakistan and that they would make sure that Afghan soil would not be used against any country. The editorial is also skeptical of the success of the visit because a similar delegation of Pakistani Deobandi ulema, led by Mufti Taqi Usmani had visited Kabul in 2022 and met both the Taliban and TTP leadership, however, the attacks have only intensified ever since. The editorial questions the ability of the Taliban regime to rein the TTP as they are only ideologically aligned but have a separate leadership. (“Maulana’s mission,” Dawn, 10 January 2024)
 
WORLD VIEW
South Africa takes the Palestinian cause to the ICJ
On 10 January, an article in Dawn titled Criminal silence over genocide written by author and journalist Zahid Hussain has called the bombing and killing of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel genocide. The author has lamented the fact that “the international community has failed to stop the worst genocide in recent history.” He has blamed the United States for “fully backing the extermination of the occupied population” and highlighted “the silence of the Arab countries over Israel’s war crimes.” He has also argued “that American patronage and the inaction of the Arab countries has given the Jewish state complete impunity.” The author is disappointed by the fact that except Turkey, Jordan and Malaysia, no other country has backed South Africa’s case in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The application from South Africa to the top UN court has charged Israel with violating the 1948 Genocide Convention and sought “the immediate suspension of its military operations in Gaza.” The charge sheet filed in the case states Israel “has reduced and is continuing to reduce Gaza to rubble, killing, harming and destroying its people, and creating conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction as a group.” The author is also shocked by the deafening silence and inaction by South Arabia as it is one of the most powerful Muslim countries. The author has also implored Pakistan to play an active role in garnering international support for cessation of hostilities in Gaza. (Zahid Hussain, “Criminal silence over genocide,” Dawn, 10 January 2024)
 
On transforming education
On 10 January, an article in Dawn titled Neoliberal approach has argued that “the implementation of neoliberal policies has significantly transformed the discourse, structure, and role of education within society.” There is more focus on fulfilling the needs of the ‘clients’ and resources are drawn away from “students with special needs” and more focus is placed on “strategically prioritizing exam-oriented instruction, allocating additional support to students deemed likely to perform well on assessments, attracting academically superior students who will elevate the school’s standing.” The article argues that this approach has an adverse impact on learning, teaching and institutional cultures and also reinforces inequalities. The article pitches for a social welfare approach to education with emphasis on inclusivity and diversity for improving education.(Nazir A. Jogezai, “Neoliberal approach,” Dawn, 10 January 2024)

“The ongoing long debate at PHC here over the bat sign underscores the crucial need for an impartial decision, prioritizing merit and justice. The outcome should uphold fairness, ensuring that the Bat sign remains associated with Pakistan Tehreek insaf.” - Rehan Zeb Khan “Over 90% of youth of Pakistan who are now voters will vote for this great leader. For them, NS, Maryam Nawaz , and Bilawal are not trustworthy at all. No matter what evil forces plan to minus, IK Allah will give him  success on Feb 8.” -Dr Javaid Khan “A strong emphasis on education and health is central to Istehkam E Pakistan Party's vision for a prosperous Pakistan.” - Tayyaba

“Neoliberal policies have transformed the role of education.” –An opinion in Dawn, ‘Neoliberal approach’