PAKISTAN READER

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Troubled legacy of the Chaudhrys, once the “Kingmakers” of Punjab

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #45
Troubled legacy of the Chaudhrys, once the “Kingmakers” of Punjab
On 16 January, Waseem Ashraf Bhutt in an article in Dawn titled “The Chaudhrys of Gujrat treat unchartered waters,” commented on the influential Chaudhary family of Gujrat. The family, known for its deep-rooted political connections and historic unity, is currently experiencing internal strife, primarily triggered by the April 2022 vote of no-confidence against Imran Khan’s government. Bhutt states that the family has been a significant political force in central Punjab for decades and now faces a unique situation where its members, particularly the third generation, are contesting elections under different political banners. The rifts have extended to personal matters, leading to legal battles over the family’s ancestral home, Zahoor Elahi House, in Gujrat. This division marks a departure from the family’s traditionally united front, posing challenges to its longstanding political influence. The political rivalry has escalated to the extent that local police deployment has been deemed necessary to prevent potential clashes. According to Bhutt, despite attempts at family reunion advocated by some members, the Chaudhary family finds itself at a crossroads. (Waseem Ashraf Bhutt, “The Chaudhrys of Gujrat treat unchartered waters,” Dawn, 16 January 2024)
 
PML-N launches election campaign, backs SC verdict on PTI’s symbol
On 15 January, PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz kick-started the party’s election campaign and expressed support for the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the PTI’s election symbol. Addressing a rally in Okara, she emphasized that a “terrorist party” should not be granted the electoral symbol of a political party, referring to the recent verdict against PTI’s ‘bat’ symbol due to non-compliance with intra-party poll regulations. While targeting Imran Khan and PTI in her speech, Nawaz avoided criticism of PPP and its leadership. She called for proper preparation of cases and highlighted that the nation would not tolerate manipulation of internal elections by any political party. Maryam suggested that PTI’s symbol should be a ‘danda’ (baton), alluding to the party’s actions on 9 May. She asserted that Nawaz Sharif needed a “strong government” to address people’s issues and indirectly referenced two SC judges who recently resigned. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Maryam kick-starts PML-N campaign with attacks on PTI,” Dawn, 16 January 2024)
 
Imran Khan alleges conspiracy, claims Nawaz Sharif supported by “two umpires”
On 15 January, Imran Khan alleged a conspiracy against his party, claiming that PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif was “playing with the support” of “two umpires.” Speaking after the hearing of the Toshakhana case, Khan asserted that recent events favoring Nawaz Sharif were part of the “London Plan” and expressed hope that the public would react against unjust treatment during the upcoming elections. Khan, who claimed victimization for exposing a conspiracy by former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, criticized the handling of the PTI’s electoral symbol case and addressed issues related to party tickets. Additionally, former PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan announced a review appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision on the party’s symbol and raised concerns about the impact on democracy. (Malik Asad, “Imran sees ‘nexus’ between Nawaz, two umpires,” Dawn, 16 January 2024)
 
Uncertainties and challenges in the forthcoming general elections
On 16 January, an editorial in The News International titled “Elections now” addressed attempts by senators to delay elections, quoting the ECP’s response that it is not “advisable” to do so due to arrangements being completed. The ECP has also dismissed reasons cited by the senators- “harsh weather conditions and the rise in terrorism.” The editorial argues that concerns persist about the credibility of the February elections, with former PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressing fears that the party fielding independent candidates without a symbol could increase the chances of “horse-trading.” The editorial noted the PTI’s withdrawal of a contempt petition against the ECP, the fact that legal experts and rights activists have raised questions about the “disenfranchisement of voters” and the “lop-sided way candidates have been targeted” during the nomination process. The editorial emphasizes the challenges for the PTI, stating that “the party will not be able to get reserved seats” and raising questions about its ability to contest forthcoming polls. The editorial further underscores the importance of “fair and free elections” for a stable government and democracy. (Editorial, “Elections now,” The News International, 16 January 2024)
 
‘Allocation of incorrect electoral symbols’ asserts PPP leader Bilawal
On 16 January, Dawn reported that Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has claimed that returning officers (RO), ‘under pressure from PML-N,’ have given his party's candidates in Punjab the incorrect electoral symbol. He criticized the former ruling party, saying that ‘it had lost its democratic stature and did not want to contest politically.’ The PPP leader declared that the PML-N wishes to run for office ‘by keeping its opponents out of the ground’ and pledged to take the issue to the Election Commission and the courts. Seven of the PPP’s candidates for Punjab’s national and provincial assemblies have allegedly not received the party’s symbol, ‘arrow,’ from the ECP. However, Zardari stressed that his party would continue to fight just like it did in the elections of 1992, 1997, 2013, and 2018. Subsequently, the PPP leader said that he has asked the voters to “inflict a defeat on the lion with the symbol of arrow”. (M.B. Kalhoro, “Bilawal sees PML-N’s hand in misallocation of symbols,” Dawn, 16 January 2024)
 
“Women’s voice must echo powerfully in the halls of our democracy” says Dawn editorial
On 16 January, according to an editorial in Dawn titled, “Representation matters,” a vital question is raised by the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) recent directive to political parties, which requires at least 5 per cent of female candidates for general seats under Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017. The editorial states that the ECP’s compliance deadline serves as a reminder of the structural obstacles women in Pakistani politics must overcome. The editorial added it is important to guarantee fair representation and involvement in the democratic process rather than merely reaching a quota. According to the editorial, “Women’s perspectives and experiences are integral to the policymaking process, influencing decisions that affect the entire population.” Probing ahead the editorial states that, both the PPP’s choice to run female candidates in districts where they have a good chance of winning and the inclusion of minority candidates like Bannu’s Saveera Parkash is praiseworthy.  In a similar vein, it is encouraging that the PML-N, led by Maryam Nawaz, is emphasizing women’s involvement in electoral politics. These initiatives, though, ought to be more than just symbolic and they a component of a bigger plan to assist and promote women in politics. (“Representation matters,” Dawn, 16 January 2024)
 
The forthcoming general elections cannot be postponed, says ECP
On 16 January, Dawn reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has stated unequivocally that the general elections set for 8 February 2024 cannot be postponed at this stage, despite motions requesting a postponement of the polls continuing to be introduced in the Senate. The ECP stated that the resolution was deliberated upon during a commission meeting in response to a letter that was received from the Senate Secretariat including a copy of a resolution asking for a postponement of the elections that were passed by the house without a quorum. The commission declared that it had completed all necessary preparations for the holding of general elections and that it had given the Supreme Court a commitment in this matter. ECP further stated, “Likewise, it would not be out of place to mention here that in the past general elections and local government elections have been held in the winter season.” Meanwhile, the leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) and a former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar, asserted that elections had to take place under all circumstances. He stated, “It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the security of every candidate and political worker.” (Iftikhar A. Khan, “Polls cannot be put off ‘at this stage’, says ECP,” Dawn, 16 January 2024)

ECONOMY
PIA privatization process faces hurdles
On 16 January, The News International reported that the consultant hired for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has recommended that the government provide PKR 80 to PKR 100 billion as a pre-requisite for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from international creditors. This funding is seen as essential to cleaning the state-owned entity and making it more attractive to potential buyers. The caretaker government is facing challenges in moving forward with the privatization process, with negotiations with domestic banks failing to materialize any deal over the government’s debt of PKR 260 billion. The privatization process aims to establish a holding company and shift liabilities, but issues with funding and negotiations are impeding progress. (“PIA consultant wants up to Rs100bn set aside to get creditors’ nod for sell-off,” The News International, 16 January 2024)
 
Roshan Digital Accounts attract USD 7.2 billion in inflows from overseas Pakistanis
On 15 January, Pakistan’s central bank released data as per which Pakistan’s Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs) witnessed gross inflows of USD 7.195 billion from overseas Pakistanis between September 2020 and December 2023. The RDAs, launched in September 2020 to facilitate non-resident Pakistanis in opening bank accounts remotely, have garnered increasing interest. In December alone, RDA holders deposited USD 160 million, contributing to the gradual rise in dollar inflows. The initiative has not only supported foreign exchange reserves and remittances but has also attracted net investments of USD 816 million, with USD 455 million in Islamic certificates, USD 331 million in conventional NPCs, and USD 30 million in the stock market. (“RDA accounts attract $7.2bn from overseas Pakistanis,” The News International, 16 January 2024)
 
Pakistan’s shrinking middle class
On 16 January 2024, Hassan Bing in an opinion in The News International titled “Where is our middle class?” has explored the gradual decline of Pakistan’s middle class which according to some estimates was about 35 per cent earlier. He has attributed this decline to factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath like high inflation, technological shifts, and unfavorable economic conditions like unemployment and lack of investment. He also underscored the middle class’s role as the “backbone of the economy” and expressed concerns about the impact of international loans, high-interest rates, and energy tariffs, which are “pushing people below the poverty line.” Bing advocated for a shift in economic policies towards “self-sustainability” and emphasized the need to “control inflation” to safeguard the middle class. The emergence of a new small middle class engaged in “e-commerce” is proposed as a potential hope for the economy. (Hassan Bing, “Where is our middle class?“ The News International, 16 January 2024)
 
PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
PoK president dismisses India’s protest against UK envoy’s visit
On 15 January, the president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry dismissed India’s protest against British High Commissioner Jane Marriott’s recent visit to Mirpur and termed it “ridiculous.” He argued that India had also hosted G20 summit events in “Illegally Occupied Kashmir” and thus has “no moral or legal justification to raise objections over the foreign diplomats’ visits to PoK.” Chaudhry emphasized that Kashmir is “an internationally recognized disputed territory” and urged India to abandon its expansionist designs. He called on the international community to “take notice of the crimes committed against Kashmiris by the Indian occupation forces.” (“AJK president terms Indian protest against UK envoy’s visit to Azad Kashmir ridiculous,” The News International, 16 January 2024)
 
CHINA/CPEC
Punjab seeks Chinese environmentalists’ help to tackle smog problem
On 15 January, the Provincial Environment Secretary Rashid Kamal-ur-Rehman called a meeting with Chinese environmentalists in Lahore. The meeting was attended by Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren, Director General (DG) of Environment Zaheer Abbas, and additional Director General Dr Zafar Iqbal. The discussion revolved around the problems caused by smog in Punjab, specifically Lahore. During the discussion, the Chinese environmental specialists offered workable solutions. The environment secretary Rehman, stated that the Punjab administration is keen to use Chinese environmentalists’ expertise in the fight against pollution. Rehman outlined the effective smog-reducing measures that had already been put into place while requesting more advice from Chinese specialists. DG of Environment Zaheer Abbas gave a thorough briefing on the initiatives of the Punjab government and the pertinent laws. Abbas emphasized the issue’s regional character, including 83.5 per cent of transportation-related air pollution in Lahore, 9.7 per cent industry-related air pollution, 3.9 per cent of agriculture-related air pollution, 3.6 per cent burning of waste-related air pollution, 0.14 per cent commercial activity-related air pollution, and 0.1 per cent family-related air pollution. Chinese Consul General Zaho Shiren stated that the meeting was intended to facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and experiences between the parties. China’s specialists assured Agriculture Secretary Nadir Chattha during the meeting that they would work closely with him. ( “Punjab to benefit from Chinese expertise to tackle smog,” The News International, 16 January 2024)
 
WORLD VIEW
‘Hundred days passed yet no solution,’ says an editorial in Dawn
On 16 January, an editorial in Dawn titled “Hundred days of hell” has stated that since Israel began its horrific onslaught on Gaza one hundred days ago, Palestinians have been “butchered”,  “starved”  and forced to flee their homes in what has been described as ‘revenge’ for the attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023. A UN official stated that the violence has been ‘staining our shared humanity.’ The editorial has argued that it is undeniable that the majority of Muslim leaders and many Western administrations have demonstrated that they lack humanity. Israel has little prospect of accomplishing its declared objective, which is to destroy Hamas, and the current operation has proven to be a military and geopolitical setback for Tel Aviv, the editorial added. Probing ahead, the editorial states that the only chance of holding Israel accountable for the massacre of the Gazans is the genocide lawsuit that South Africa fearlessly filed to the International Court of Justice against the former. The editorial concludes by stating that more devastation in Gaza and a confrontation that spreads throughout the Middle East are possible outcomes unless the international community finds the courage to put an end to Israel’s ongoing crimes. (“Hundred days of hell,” Dawn, 16 January 2024)
 
Stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine war to continue into 2024
On 16 January, an opinion piece by Dr Imran Khalid in The News International titled, “Stalemate in Ukraine?” stated that there is a possibility that the stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine war will continue into 2024 as well. The reasons cited are- stagnation in Ukraine’s latest winter drive and no noteworthy Russian breakthroughs including the slow-paced front lines. Khalid has also stated that with Russia still controlling about 18 per cent of Ukraine, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already acknowledged the limitations of his countr’s recent advance. It is unlikely that the Ukrainian war will be resolved, and it is quickly turning into another unresolved conflict. Vladimir Putin is becoming more and more influential, mostly in politics, he added. In his opinion piece, Khalid stated, “The Ukraine conflict’s continuation till the end of 2024 seems very much on the cards, yet it cannot drag on indefinitely.” He added, Russi’s defense budget has tripled since 2021 and currently accounts for 30 per cent of the country’s total spending. This suggests that the conflict in Ukraine will be the longest and most traumatic endeavor that Europe has gone through since the middle of the 20th century. He further added that the tenacity and abilities of both parties will become evident in the upcoming months. He concluded by saying that both sides can counter another’s advances, thus neither has a distinct edge at this time. (Dr Imran Khalid, “Stalemate in Ukraine?” The News International, 16 January 2024)
 
AF-PAK
No saving grace for Af-Pak relations
On 15 January, an opinion piece by Maleeha Lodhi in Dawn titled, “Pakistan’s Afghan predicament,” states that the fundamental problem that lies at the root of hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban is not going to be resolved, even though communication between the two groups is still ongoing. According to Lodhi, since Kabul has failed to adequately address Pakistan’s security concerns regarding the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is based in Afghanistan, ties have deteriorated during the past year. She added that Pakistan seems to have little impact on the Taliban despite its frequent public warnings about the repercussions of the TTP’s cross-border strikes. She also stated that Pakistan’s western border was expected to be when the Taliban reclaimed power in August 2021. However, this was not the case. Instead, there was a discernible increase in terrorist assaults against Pakistan’s security services and border tensions. According to Lodhi, security personnel losses increased significantly in 2023 as a result of the spike in terrorist activity, reaching an eight-year high. Islamabad became progressively furious as a result. She added that following the breakdown of its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, TTP attacks grew more assertive. (Maleeha Lodhi, “Pakistan’s Afghan predicament,” Dawn, 15 January 2024)
 
JUI-F leader visits Afghanistan amidst tensions
On 15 January, an article by Kamran Yousaf in The Express Tribune titled, “Fazlur Rehman’s visit to Afghanistan”, discussed the leader of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (F), Maulana Fazlur Rehma’s  recent visit to Afghanistan. According to Yousaf, Rehman’s five-day visit is noteworthy because of the strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The JUI-F leader’s visit was disowned by the government, where the latter emphasized that he was there on his own. Yousaf states that the JUI-F leader himself had long wished to visit the neighboring country to congratulate the Afghan Taliban over their ‘victory’ against the US-led foreign forces. According to him, to put pressure on the Afghan Taliban administration to cooperate with Pakistan, Islamabad has implemented some steps, such as evicting unregistered Afghans, imposing a single document system for refugees, and tightening control over the country’s transit trade. He added that Maulana Fazl was invited by the Afghan administration to clarify their position due to these reasons. In his opinion piece, Yousaf stated, “At the heart of the tension between the two countries are the terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban told Fazl that the TTP was an internal issue of Pakistan and there was no presence of the group on the Afghan soil.” (Kamran Yousaf, “Fazlur Rehman’s visit to Afghanistan”, The Express Tribune, 15 January 2024)

“Sialkot makes Pakistan the world's largest producer of hand-stitched footballs. Hope so in coming day Pakistan will be in top 10 exporters list on the world market.” -Farzana Kausar  “16 January 2024: PAF Checkmates Pakistan's Enemies while strategically outplaying adversaries under the visionary leadership of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. Pakistan Air Force has undertaken a transformative modernization initiative to counter evolving threats in the current geostrategic threat scenario, prioritizing the induction of modern systems through smart acquisitions and indigenization.” -DGPR “Millions of people were deprived of their constitutional rights in Pakistan at that time Election 2024 will decide the future of Pakistan.” -Sadia Batool

“Government data suggests that in some parts of country, literacy rate is below 50%.” -An opinion in The Express Tribune, ‘Symbols of ignorance’