PAKISTAN READER

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PML-N has regained popularity in Punjab, reveals IPOR survey

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #54
PML-N has regained popularity in Punjab, reveals IPOR survey
On 25 January, The News International reported that according to a recent survey conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) from 11 January to 23 January 2024, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has regained popularity in the Punjab province. The survey involved over 3,000 respondents, with 45 per cent expressing their intent to cast votes for PML-N, compared to 32 per cent in July 2018. The survey also revealed that 45 per cent of respondents trust Nawaz Sharif to resolve the country’s problems, while 36 per cent expressed confidence in Imran Khan. Additionally, 51 per cent foresee PML-N’s victory in the general election, suggesting the party forming the government in both the center and Punjab. (“Election 2024: PMLN emerges as favourite in Punjab: IPOR survey,” The News International, 25 January 2024)
 
Nawaz seeks to “overhaul the country’s political system”
On 24 January, the leader of PML-N, Nawaz Sharif, announced that he intended to change the political structure of the country, which has resulted in the “unceremonious departure of prime ministers.” He also raised questions about his removal from office before the last elections. Speaking at a campaign event in the Nankana Sahib area of Punjab, Mr Sharif posed the question: “Will you tell what enmity you had with me that you ousted me despite the fact that our government overcame load shedding, controlled inflation and laid a network of motorways in the country?” In his speech, Sharif emphasized the economic difficulties Pakistan is currently facing by drawing comparisons between the country’s current situation and that of time in office. He declared that his party would turn Nankana Sahib into a model city, construct a cardiology hospital, grant ownership rights to the people living in Katchi Abadi, and start a boys’ degree college in the district if it won the election on 8 February. Subsequently, in her speech, Maryam Nawaz asserted that her father is the “ladla of the people,” defending him against accusations that he is the ladla (blue-eyed) of the establishment. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Once bitten Nawaz hints at ending unceremonious departure of PMs,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)

Would prefer alliance with independent candidates to form government, says PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto
On 25 January, Dawn reported that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in an interview with Reuters has revealed that he would prefer to ally with independent candidates in order to form the government. Speaking to Reuters in Larkana, Bilawal stated, “You know, lots of independent politicians, probably the highest (number) in our history, are taking part in the coming elections.” According to Dawn, most of the independent candidates running in the next elections are Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders who lost their famous ‘bat’ symbol. Gohar Khan, the leader of the party, has also voiced concerns about “horse-trading” and “floor crossing.”  Presenting himself as an “alternative” to PML-N and PTI, Bilawal had recently urged former prime minister Imran Khan’s followers to cast votes for him while their leader is imprisoned. Further, during the interview, Zardari demanded fresh perspectives and bold leadership in order to reduce political and economic unrest. He stated, “The implications of the decisions taken today are going to be faced by the youth of Pakistan. I think it would be better if they were allowed to make those decisions.” ( “Would prefer to form govt with independent candidates if elected: Bilawal,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)
 
Section 144 of CrPC enforced in Punjab against PTI, says Imran Khan
On 24 January, former Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) had been enforced by the Punjab government to thwart the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)’s candidates impending power display. Khan informed the media that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a few members of the establishment and the caretaker government are all against his party. He asserted that the PTI had a substantial support base among military personnel and that the party would not be dissuaded by any coercive measures used to silence its critics.  Khan claimed to have never seen pre-poll manipulation of this magnitude in the history of the country and to have intended to influence the polls on 8 February only to witness the outrage of people on the day of the election. (Malik Asad, “Section 144 imposed in Punjab to hamper PTI show: Imran,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)
 
PTI requests its leaders and workers to step down in favor of party’s nominees
On 24 January, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) issued a directive to its leaders and members who had submitted candidacy papers for the elections scheduled for 8 February to step down in favor of the party’s nominees or risk having their party membership revoked. The statement signed by party Secretary General Omer Ayub Khan stated, “All those candidates who are claiming to belong to PTI and are actively campaigning against the party’s nominated candidates but do not have endorsement from the party are, hereby, instructed to retire their candidacy immediately in favor of the party’s nominees. Those who do not do so will face immediate termination of their party membership.” The PTI advised three to four workers or leaders to submit nomination papers for each constituency out of fear that the papers would be rejected. As a result, multiple candidates with the backing of the party’s founder, Imran Khan have been claiming to represent the PTI in the majority of the constituencies. (Ikram Junaidi, “PTI covering candidates told to retire,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)
 
Police and other security agencies will be on duty for the forthcoming elections
On 24 January, the Police stated that some 10,000 members of the police and other security agencies will be on duty in Islamabad to provide security for the impending election. To address the staffing deficit, they said that a prohibition on police officers’ holidays has been implemented. In addition, they said that the reinstatement of suspended officials including more than seventy officials who have been suspended during the last two months is also being considered. The Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO), Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, presided over a meeting where the security strategy was finalized. All divisional Capital Police Officers, AIG Operations, SSP Operations, and DPOs attended the meeting, which resulted in the decision to divide the federal capital into eastern and western sections under the administrative supervision of DIG level officers to ensure effective security measures. In addition, the police stated that 500 female volunteers for the women’s polling stations in Islamabad had been requested by the capital administration. Retired police officials, officers, and volunteers will also be used to help meet the manpower requirement on election day for security, additional backup, and disciplinary duties, they added. (“10,000 security officials to perform duty on election day in capital,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)
 
Security forces inside polling stations would “cast a shadow on free, fair, and transparent elections” says PPP senator Raza Rabbani
On 24 January, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Raza Rabbani stated that any security forces stationed inside polling place precincts would “cast a shadow on free, fair, and transparent elections.” According to a statement by Rabbani, returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs) ought to be in charge of and oversee security personnel. He stated, “Whereas the deployment of security forces is necessary for ensuring peace on election day, it is equally important that the security forces be beyond the precincts of the polling stations.” He further stated that the law and these two principles have to be rigorously adhered to by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The announcement was made one day after the interim federal cabinet authorized the deployment of military personnel and members of the civil armed forces to “polling stations” and “sensitive constituencies” on 8 February. (Nadir Guramani, “Presence of security forces inside polling stations will ‘cast shadow’ on transparent elections, says Rabbani,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)
 
Army is essential to conduct elections, says an editorial in Dawn
On 25 January, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Army duties” stated that the Pakistan Army is essential for the state to conduct elections. According to the editorial, on 23 January, in order ‘to maintain peace and security’ during the forthcoming general elections, the caretaker administration formally approved the deployment of military and civil armed forces personnel at voting places and key constituencies. It has been acknowledged that these security forces will also function as a rapid response force in the event of a law and order emergency in addition to being assigned to guard polling places on election day. The government is reported to have accepted the arrangement following receipt of a summary endorsing it from the interior ministry, which was previously devoid of a minister, citing a significant shortage of people, the editorial added. The editorial further added that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had previously discovered that it was lacking more than 277,000 security personnel, of which roughly 169,000 were required in Punjab alone, and had asked the services of 275,000 military from the interior ministry for election-related responsibilities. The ECP’s desire for election observers on the ground makes sense. Aside from several administrative and other factors, there has been an increase in militant strikes in recent months that target security forces, and the commission would prefer that nothing untoward occur near or on election day. (“Army duties,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)

PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #53
Federal cabinet approves deployment of security forces on polling stations
On 23 January, the caretaker federal cabinet authorized the deployment of military and civilian armed forces personnel to polling places and vulnerable areas on 8 February. According to Dawn’s sources, the interior ministry moved a summary to the cabinet, proposing the army be sent in as a quick reaction force to uphold security and peace and make sure the election process runs smoothly. The summary stated that the army troops and civil armed forces to be stationed in sensitive regions will also serve as a fast response force. In a letter to the interior ministry, the ECP had previously mentioned that 277,558 more security personnel were required to guarantee secure and safe voting across the country. The federal and provincial governments provided the ECP with information indicating that there was a shortage of 169,110 workers in Punjab, 18,500 in Sindh, 56,717 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 13,769 in Balochistan, and 4,500 in Islamabad. Further, the letter urged that the Pakistan Army and other security forces be sent to voting places right away. (Syed Irfan Raza and Iftikhar A. Khan, “Army personnel to guard polling stations on Feb 8,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)
 
Imran Khan to replace nominees with suitable candidates if they don’t intensify the campaigns
On 23 January, amid a crackdown on party followers, Imran Khan warned that if the party’s endorsed candidates fail to intensify their campaigns and remain “inactive,” he would replace them with more “suitable candidates.” This statement was made after the hearing of the cipher case. Addressing reporters, Khan urged his party’s candidates to hold “massive rallies” and public events to demonstrate PTI’s influence in their areas. By 28 January, if the PTI electioneering did not gain momentum, he threatened to cancel their tickets. Khan said that the PTI's “camp offi­ces were also being uprooted” and that the party was being denied the basic right to campaign. Nevertheless, he confidently said that there was a chance his opponent “might run away from the elections” despite the purported support of the state machinery. (Malik Asad, “PTI founder says ‘inactive’ nominees to lose candidature,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)

Nawaz Sharif campaigns in the NA-130 constituency
On 23 January, Nawaz Sharif organized his first rally in his constituency, NA-130 (old city), to energize party members for the upcoming elections. Sharif and his daughter began the rally at Taxali Road, and they concluded it at Zila Katchery (district court) after touring other locations. Sharif returned to this constituency after several years away. The local PML-N leaders brought two lions, the party’s electoral symbol, to welcome Sharif before the rally began, but later took them away due to fears of criticism from animal rights activists. (Zulqernain Tahir, “Nawaz holds maiden rally in his Lahore constituency,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)
 
ECP to perform simulated tests for its transmission system
On 24 January, Dawn reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to carry out a simulated test of its system for transmitting and tabulating results with only 16 days remaining till the general elections. The four provincial election commissioners were given SOPs and guidelines with regard to the simulated exercise for the Election Management System (EMS) on 26 January. According to Dawn, the letter specified that until 25 January, returning officers (ROs) had to finalize and certify Forms 28 and 33 in the EMS and map the presiding officers to polling places. The letter further stated that on 25 January, all ROs would get a dummy Form-45, and on 26 January, they will request that the presiding officers submit the results of one to two pages for each NA and PA constituency via their mobile app. Subsequently, the EMS operators would begin data entry, after which the ROs will produce Form-47. These forms include information about the candidates as well as the number of polling places in each constituency. (Iftikhar A. Khan, “ECP plans test run of result transmission system,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)
 
Government refutes claims that 8 February polls will not be covered by international media
On 23 January, the caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, denied the claim that there would be no foreign reporters or observers in Pakistan for the forthcoming elections, stating that the reports were untrue. Solangi said that a large number of foreign journalists had submitted visa applications to cover the elections. He disclosed that 32 requests were pending and 49 visas had been granted. Areas from which applications had been received include the UK, Russia, Japan, and South Africa. Solangi added that there were still multiple inquiries coming in from different foreign stations. The manual visa system in India was being used to process the 32 visa applications that were submitted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Solangi stated that the Pakistani Ministry of Information and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) were still taking applications for visas even though the 20 January deadline had passed. (“Govt dispels ‘rumours’ of no international coverage of Feb 8 polls,” The Express Tribune, 24 January 2024)
 
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari advocates the elimination of ‘politics of vendetta’
On 24 January, an editorial in Dawn titled, “Bilawal’s politics” stated that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been promoting the elimination of the “politics of vendetta” that has long damaged the political environment at several recent political events in Punjab. The editorial states that his pleas might find resonance with people fed up with the country’s never-ending political turmoil, but they are a poll tactic to support his party, which has been reduced to Sindh and has lost its national anchorage over time. Zardari’s attempts to court PTI supporters while criticizing the PML-N’s leadership highlight a clever realization. According to the editorial, to strengthen the PPP’s position outside of Sindh, Zardari must win over those who may be too dejected to cast ballots following the PTI’s crackdown. To appear as though he is leading his party toward positive engagement, Zardari has cast the PML-N as a common enemy and publicly criticized the politics of division and hatred, the editorial added. The editorial added: “Poor governance, the temptation for parties to exact their pound of flesh, and the resort to currying favor with those outside the political realm have increasingly come to dominate the landscape.” (“Bilawal’s politics,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)
 
Editorial in Dawn on the “great leap backward” in democracy and elections
On 24 January, Zahid Hussain in an editorial in Dawn titled “New power game and polls” expressed disappointment with the electoral campaigns, questioning whether candidates were bringing anything new to the electorate. Campaigns are lacking in innovation, and political leaders appear to offer little new to the electorate. Nawaz Sharif, seemingly assured of a fourth term, has engaged in a “victimhood narrative,” stuck in the past and the “illusory golden period” that ensued during his term. The PML-N’s campaign is marked by populism, “personalised polemics,” and an absence of a concrete plan for the future, creating an atmosphere where the electoral battle is perceived as already won. The party is also devoid of any “outside or young blood,” as the Sharif’s continue dominating. Hussain mentioned that the crackdown on opposition parties, particularly the PTI, raises concerns about the democratic process. A democratic transition has been replaced with a “game of thrones.” Imran Khan, despite challenges, remains a “formidable” force, tapping into anti-establishment sentiments and a rejection of dynastic politics. The PML-N’s perceived alignment with the military adds complexity to the political landscape, highlighting the struggle for democracy in the upcoming elections. Hussain concluded by acknowledging the PML-N leadership as the main player in the elections, but warned that there can be no political stability with “tainted elections.” (Zahid Hussain, “New power game and polls,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)
 
Security issues pose significant challenge to forthcoming elections asserts an editorial in The Friday Times
On 23 January, Zalmary Azad in an editorial in The Friday Times titled “The 2024 Elections And Pakistan’s Security Landscape” highlighted that as Pakistan approaches the upcoming elections, security concerns pose a significant challenge, particularly with the persistent threat of terrorism. While commending the progress made, Azad points out the threat of “renewed violence,” especially with regard to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (IS-KP). The editorial brought out past attacks on political figures, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Baluchistan, and emphasized the delicate balance needed to ensure both security and democratic participation. However, Azad pointed out that both the 2008 and 2013 elections also faced security threats, with ANP and PPP “practically expelled” from the election campaigns with the alleged aim of creating conditions “conducive to the victory” of a party. KP is currently facing the biggest threat, as the TTP is open to targeting those who oppose their ideology. Azad described Maulana Fazal’s Afghanistan trip as “futile,” as he could not secure any Afghan commitment on controlling TTP activities. The role played by Baloch militants against Islamabad-aligned political, and the IS-KP hostility to “the entire political spectrum” was also stressed on in the editorial. The reluctance of political figures to actively engage in the campaign due to security threats has made the issue more “pronounced,” while also leading to a lack of public interest in elections. Azad called for a comprehensive and “adaptable” security approach to safeguard the democratic process. (Zalmary Azad, “The 2024 Elections And Pakistan’s Security Landscape,” The Friday Times, 23 January 2024)

POLITICS
Caretaker Minister Gohar Ejaz given additional portfolio of Ministry of Interior
On 24 January, Gohar Ejaz, the caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Production, was assigned the additional portfolio of the Ministry of Interior. This move came after former interior minister Sarfraz Bugti resigned from the position last month, citing personal reasons. Ejaz, who has assumed office as the 48th interior minister of Pakistan, will be responsible for overseeing security matters, especially during the upcoming elections. This assignment was made amid a rise in terror attacks, causing growing concerns over being able to safely carry out the election process. On 23 January, the caretaker federal cabinet made the decision to deploy troops and civil armed forces personnel on polling stations and sensitive constituencies. (Shakeel Qara & Nadir Guramani, “Gohar Ejaz appointed new caretaker interior minister,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)
 
ECP adjourns defamation case against Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry till after elections
On 24 January, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed the hearing of the defamation case against Imran Khan and former PTI member Fawad Chaudhry until after the upcoming elections following a request from PTI lawyers. The ECP allowed Chaudhry to submit a response to a show-cause notice by 21 February. Khan’s lawyer requested the commission to defer the hearing and record witnesses’ statements after 15 February. The commission, headed by Member Sindh Nisar Durrani, adjourned the case until 20 February. The case has been pending for more than a year, and the ECP denied any bias towards a political party. (“ECP defers Imran, Fawad defamation case,” The Express Tribune, 25 January 2024)

JUDICIARY
Sindh High Court restrains authorities from suspending internet services till general elections
On 24 January, the Sindh High Court issued an order restraining relevant authorities from suspending internet services until the general elections of 8 February. The interim federal government and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) were directed to ensure uninterrupted internet services until polling day. The order came in response to a petition filed by human rights defender and lawyer Jibran Nasir. Nasir argued that the frequent internet outages in the country, coinciding with political events, were “unconstitutional.” He further stated that shutting down the internet should be held as “unconstitutional, illegal, disproportionate, unreasonable and without lawful authority.” The court directed the respondents to ensure “smooth and uninterrupted mobile internet and broadband services to have access to social media platforms/websites,” and issued pre-admission notices for 29 January. Since December 2023, internet services were affected thrice, and happened to coincide with the PTI’s virtual events, which Nasir described as “pre-poll rigging.” The PTA said that these disruptions were due to a “technical fault.” (“SHC bars internet suspensions until polls,” The Express Tribune, 25 January 2024)
 
An editorial in Dawn questions the efficacy of JIT
On 25 January, in an editorial titled “JIT is no answer” in Dawn, Shahab Usto questioned the government’s decision to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe a social media campaign against Supreme Court judges. Usto poses three critical questions, asking whether the JIT could “objectively ascertain the facts,” whether the facts would lead to the “targeting of judges,” and if the JIT’s findings would “save the judges from future attacks” amid internal divisions. The editorial explores the role of public servants, particularly judges, in democracies, emphasizing the necessity of accountability and public scrutiny. Usto argues that judges, like other public functionaries, must act in the interest of the people and face criticism for misconduct or “skewed judgments.” Drawing parallels with instances of public backlash against US Supreme Court judges, Usto highlights the necessity of “rules and principles that guide the conduct of members of the court.” The editorial notes instances of judges facing corruption charges or resigning under mysterious circumstances in the Pakistani context. Usto held the colonial model of ensuring deference for judges as ineffective in the face of public dissatisfaction. He contends that expecting a behavioral change from millions of dissatisfied citizens is “imprudent,” advocating instead for a “normative” shift. (Shahab Usto, “JIT is no answer,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)
 
CJP questions former deputy speaker’s constitutional actions
On 23 January, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, questioned why the former National Assembly deputy speaker, Qasim Khan Suri, should not face proceedings for allegedly violating the Constitution. The concern arose from Suri’s role in proroguing the assembly session without conducting a vote on the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. Isa summoned Suri and directed him to file a concise statement. Additionally, the court sought a report on why Suri’s appeal challenging his de-seating remained pending for five years. Isa expressed regret over the prolonged delay, emphasizing the need to address violations of the Constitution and end interference in the Supreme Court’s internal system. He stated: “Any damage done to this institution, in fact, is damage done to all of us.” Further, he said that given the discrepancies, there is a chance that the court would have to “review the entire 2018 elections.” (Nasir Iqbal, “CJP hints at action against Qasim Suri for ‘abrogating Constitution,’ Dawn, 24 January 2024)

SECURITY
Pakistan on high alert following intelligence reports of terrorist threats
On 24 January, The Express Tribune reported that security forces in Pakistan were placed on high alert following intelligence reports suggesting potential terrorist activities orchestrated by banned groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The warning indicated the arrival of 17 suicide bombers in the country, prompting nationwide security measures. The TTP allegedly held a meeting in Kabul, outlining plans for attacks in January. Targeted areas include Tank in KP, Rawalpindi and Dera Ismail Khan in Punjab, Islamabad, and Quetta in Balochistan. Separately, Baloch sub-nationalists were reportedly planning attacks in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with alleged support from India’s intelligence agency RAW. China’s Global Times cites “solid bits of evidence” of India supporting terrorism in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. (Saleh Mughal, “Security tightened amid terror alert,” The Express Tribune, 24 January 2024)

Militant attack on check post leaves policeman and two labourers dead
On 23 January, unknown militants targeted a police check post in Dera Ismail Khan, triggering a gun battle between the guards manning the area, and resulting in the death of a policeman and two labourers. After the first attack by the assailants, the police were able to use thermal cameras to repulse them; however, they launched a second attack. After a prolonged gunbattle, the attackers fled the scene. Search operations later recovered the dead bodies of a policeman and two labourers, with two other injured labourers receiving immediate medical attention. (Muhammad Irfan Mughal, “Cop, labourers martyred in D.I. Khan attack,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)
 
SOCIETY
Opinion in The News International emphasizes the need for reaping benefits of the “youth bulge”
On 24 January, Memoona Qazi in an opinion in The News International titled “The youth factor” described the demographic transition in Pakistan as marked by a stagnant population growth rate of around two per cent, thus raising concerns about reaping the demographic dividend. In order to gain economic benefits from the divided, there must be a “timely action of seizing” the opportunity. While the youth bulge in the 15–29 age group presents an opportunity, the country’s failure to achieve a “sustained decline in fertility” hampers the realization of economic benefits. Despite having a significant portion (58 per cent) in the working-age group, Qazi pointed out that high fertility rates and low labor force participation contribute to a high youth unemployment rate (11.6 per cent). She said that by “actualising the youth bulge” benefits can be reaped, and cited Dr Dure Nayyab, who stated that an increase in “working-age individuals” in the population could directly increase “overall productivity.” Nonetheless, this can only be achieved if it is complemented with an overall decline in fertility, and Pakistan’s failure to do so has made it difficult for “the youth potential to be actualised.” Qazi emphasized the need for timely action, including increased savings, education, and skilled labour force, to unlock the potential of Pakistan’s youth and mitigate associated risks. (Memoona Qazi, “The youth factor,” The News International, 24 January 2024)

ECONOMY
Kakar urges collective strategy to reduce circular debt in energy sector
On 24 January, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar directed the Ministry of Energy to formulate a strategy to eliminate the circular debt problem in Pakistan’s energy sector. During a meeting, Kakar emphasized the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to reduce the circular debt, stating that measures had been taken for economic revival and anti-power theft operations. The meeting, which was attended by Federal ministers Dr Shamshad Akhtar and Muhammad Ali, also saw discussions on the present scenario of circular debt in the petroleum and energy sectors. The circular debt reportedly has increased to over Rs5.73 trillion — PKR 2.5tr power and PKR 3tr gas. (“Kakar urges action against circular debt,” The Express Tribune, 25 January 2024; Syed Irfan Raza, “Ready to upgrade CPEC, says Beijing,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)

Federal cabinet postpones restructuring of FBR, set-up a sub-committee for review
On 23 January, the federal cabinet postponed the proposed restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This decision was taken as questions have been raised regarding the “mandate of the caretaker government” and also the complexities involved in the plan. In this regard, the privatization minister Fawad Hasan Fawad, pointed out the disjuncture between “the proposed plan” and “the country’s existing governance structure.” Similarly, Law Minister Ahmad Irfan Aslam also voiced concerns regarding the “legal mandate” of the caretaker government stating that Section 230 of the Election Act does not bestow such “vast powers” on the caretaker government. Taking into account these criticisms, a sub-committee has been formed to review the restructuring plan. The committee will be headed by the finance minister and include federal ministers for privatization, foreign affairs, commerce, energy, law and justice, and information technology. The committee will put for its views and give its recommendations on the reforms in the next cabinet meeting that is scheduled to be held on 30 January. (Shahbaz Rana, “Cabinet defers FBR restructuring,”The Express Tribune, 24 January 2024)

PROVINCES
Balochistan: BYC’s rival camp also ends protest in Islamabad
On 24 January, the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) called off its protest and vacated its campsite outside the National Press Club. The committee blamed “pressures from the police and other state institutions, along with the indifferent attitude of government functionaries” for withdrawal of their protest. Subsequently, their rival camp too withdrew from the campsite. Nawabzada Jamal Raisani visited the camp of the Balochistan Shuhada Forum (BSF) and announced the closure of their camp stating that their main demand “to establish a judicial commission has been met.” He further stated that he had highlighted two key demands in the meeting with the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar- the establishment of a judicial commission for the martyrs of the province and release of “missing persons” who do not have any case pending against them. He also contested the claim they had followed the BYC to Islamabad. Earlier, Dr Mahrang Baloch who has led the BYC also stated before leaving the campsite that “they fulfilled their responsibility to highlight the issue of missing persons in Balochistan.” (Kalbe Ali, “Rivals follow suit as Baloch Yekjehti Committee protesters leave Islamabad,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)

Islamabad: Baloch Yakjehti committee ends month-long sit-in outside National Press Club
On 23 January, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) concluded its nearly 30-day sit-in outside the National Press Club in Islamabad, protesting against “enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings” in Balochistan. Dr Mahrang Baloch, a key organizer, announced their return to Balochistan and plans for a rally on 27 January. The National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad had filed a complaint seeking the removal of Baloch protesters, citing security concerns and financial losses. Last month, Islamabad police had cracked down on the demonstrators, leading to arrests and criticism. The Islamabad High Court later directed officials to avoid disrupting the protest. (“After 30 Days, Baloch Protesters Call Off Sit-In In Federal Capital,” The Friday Times, 23 January 2024)

CHINA/CPEC
Pakistan and China reiterate their commitment to CPEC
On 24 January, China reiterated its commitment to “upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)” and vowed to “accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.” In this regard, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that “China stands ready to work with Pakistan to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, deepen political mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation.” He also stated that China values Pakistan’s support to the “One-China principle” and will support Pakistan in “defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, stability, development and prosperity.” Additionally, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also stated that Pakistan is reaping the benefits having on successful completion of  the first phase of CPEC, Pakistan is benefiting from “its early harvest projects” and is ready engage with China to execute the next phase.( Syed Irfan Raza, “Ready to upgrade CPEC, says Beijing,” Dawn, 25 January 2024)

PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR
Gilgit- Baltistan: Protests against wheat price hike to intensify
On 23 January, Dawn reported that the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in Gilgit-Baltistan announced an escalation in protests against the recently hiked subsidized wheat prices. On 23 January, there was a protest march that began in Nagar and advanced towards Gilgit, with protestors chanting anti-government slogans. The next phase will involve a complete shutter-down strike in Skardu on 24 January, with shops, markets, and other businesses closing from 2 pm onwards. Region-wide protests are planned from 26 January, and a central protest is scheduled in Garibagh. The AAC demanded the reversal of the wheat price hike, improved electricity supply, and the repeal of the finance bill. AAC chief organizer Ehsan Ali said that if this plan did not work, a ‘Plan C’ would be announced on 27 January. The demonstrations have been ongoing for over a month, with GB’s transport association and drivers’ union leaders also joining. Protestors have clarified that their demands go beyond the wheat price hike reversal and include the fulfilment of other demands, while expressing dissatisfaction with the minimal government response both at the national and provincial levels. (Jamil Nagri, “GB wheat protests set to intensify from today,” Dawn, 24 January 2024)

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