PAKISTAN READER

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Candidates and parties’ offices targeted in multiple attacks in Balochistan

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #60
Candidates and parties’ offices targeted in multiple attacks in Balochistan
On 2 February, at least six persons including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers were hurt in several hand grenade attacks that occurred in several towns of Balochistan. According to officials, there was a low-intensity explosion in the vicinity of the Provincial Election Commission (PEC) building located in the Saddar neighborhood of Karachi. According to police sources, there were two explosions in Quetta’s eastern bypass region, separated by four hours. In a separate incident, two bombs were neutralized in Kharan, and unidentified armed individuals ambushed an independent candidate’s vehicle in the Mand neighborhood in the Kech district. The Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidate, Mir Ejaz Sanjrani, and a returning officer’s offices were near the explosives in Kharan. Authorities claimed that the explosive that was found close to Sanjrani’s election headquarters had been defused. (Saleem Shahid, “Explosions target candidates, parties’ offices in Balochistan,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)
 
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari promises to build two million homes for the “rain-affected”
On 2 February, while addressing a crowd at the Rustam Chowk in Shikarpur, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted to build the two million homes that were promised to help those affected by the floods. As per Bhutto Zardari, PPP has consistently considered and strived to improve the Sindhis. He said: “When torrential rains hit Sindh, I, as the foreign minister, went all over the world and collected money and helped the rain-affected [people] and provided them with relief items.” Furthermore, the PPP leader declared that his purpose in being in Shikarpur was to persuade the public to support the PPP candidates on 8 February. He urged the public to support Imtiaz Sheikh, Shehryar Mahar, the Bijarani brothers, and other PPP candidates. Bhutto Zardari has noted that for the past three generations, people have been fighting poverty. Following his election to office, he pledged to end inflation and create jobs. During the speech, he remembered that his mother’s campaign slogan during her election campaign was “Benazir would come and bring livelihood for people.” (Waseem Shamsi, “At Shikarpur rally, Bilawal pledges 2m homes for flood-hit,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)

Nawaz Sharif pledges to start the Orange Line metro train project in Faisalabad
On 2 February, while addressing a public gathering at the historical Dhobi Ghat Ground in Faisalabad, Punjab, Nawaz Sharif, declared that if his party wins the election, the Orange Line metro train project will be started in Faisalabad. The people of the city desire a metro train service similar to that of Lahore, he added. He stated that although Shehbaz Sharif had previously disclosed his intention to introduce a metro train service, he would still give them a metro bus service. Nawaz Sharif also promised that the PML-N administration would provide employment for every unemployed person and criticized the PTI for not living up to its pledges to give jobs to 10 million people or to plant one billion trees. He also claimed that he would have eradicated unemployment in the country if his government had not been overthrown. Nawaz praised Faisalabad-born Rana Sanaullah Khan, the leader of his party in Punjab, referring to him as his devoted comrade. He finally complimented everyone who attended the public meeting in Faisalabad in such great numbers and noted that on 8 February, the PML-N was declared the winner. (Tariq Saeed, “Nawaz pledges Orange Line train for Faisalabad,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)
 
PTI postpones intra-party polls till after the general elections
On 2 February, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stated that it had decided to postpone the new intra-party polls until after the forthcoming general elections due to the “unfortunate security situation created by the administration” and concerns raised by members. According to Dawn, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to declare the party’s internal polls ‘unconstitutional’ was confirmed by the Supreme Court, depriving the PTI of its emblem following a protracted legal struggle and lengthy hearings last month. Members of the party are now running as independent candidates with various electoral symbols as a result, which has sparked concerns about floor-crossing and horse-trading. Additionally, the PTI is no longer entitled to special seats for minorities and women. Meanwhile, to draft a plan for reorganizing the party, PTI founder member Akbar S Babar has proposed the creation of three committees, one from his side and the other from former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s side. During a press meeting in Islamabad, he said: “Holding transparent intra-party elections will be at the top of the list, followed by bringing transparency to the party and making efforts to guide the youth in the right direction.” (Abdullah Momand, “PTI changes its mind, postpones intra-party polls until after Feb 8 elections,” Dawn, 2 February 2024)

“Pakistan’s survival depends on the democratic functioning of political parties,” argues an opinion in The Express Tribune
On 3 February, an opinion piece in The Express Tribune by Durdana Najam titled, “Political parties lack democracy within,” argues that political parties would have to start placing their trust in democratic credentials before they can be adopted, let alone put into practice. Regretfully, no political party has adhered to its constitution in full. Even if they follow the laws and regulations, their elections are a charade. She further added that the first leadership tier is the one holding onto the most influential positions. Typical of dynastic politics, this stratum is typically occupied by family members. Najam further states that “Pakistan’s survival depends on the democratic functioning of the political parties. Unless it happens, we shall keep seeing politicians languish in jails, their electoral symbols snatched, and their ability to perform independently thwarted because of the parties’ internal mechanisms that thrive not on performance but on personal linkages, deals, and NROs.” (Durdana Najam titled, “Political parties lack democracy within,” The Express Tribune, 3 February 2024)

“Pakistan has lost its way of integrity,” asserts an editorial in Dawn 
On 3 February, in an editorial in Dawn titled “Dark days for democracy,” Tariq Khosa expressed concern over the state of democracy in Pakistan ahead of the national polls, stating that Pakistan had “lost its way of integrity.” He criticized the caretaker regime for suppressing dissent, criminalizing opposition, and compromising the democratic process. Khosa lamented the judiciary’s role in dismantling a major political party through biased decisions, particularly referring to the denial of a ballot symbol. He also pointed out the double standards of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and condemned the head of the ECP for “actively promoting a partisan political agenda.” As per the editorial, both the ECP and the “helpless” courts have failed to acknowledge “acts of persecution” by chiefs of police. Khosa questioned the appropriateness of the army chief’s recent public statements on governance and national finances, emphasizing the need for a principled response from citizens to safeguard democracy. He encouraged people to exercise their right to vote and called for integrity, public trust, and transparency to uphold democracy. (Tariq Khosla, “Dark days for democracy,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)
 
Seminar advocates for women’s political participation in the forthcoming elections
On 2 February, a seminar organized by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and the Centre of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) emphasized the need for women’s political participation as candidates and voters in the upcoming general elections. The event, attended by NCSW Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar, COPAIR President Amna Munawwar Awan, and representatives of major political parties, addressed issues faced by women in political campaigns and highlighted recommendations for women’s rights in party manifestos. The recommendations included efforts to integrate women into the general pool, ensure security for female candidates, and promote equal media coverage. The seminar underscored the unacceptability of cabinets and ministries without women. (“Women’s participation in elections urged,” The Express Tribune, 3 February 2024)
 
POLITICS
Toshakhana case verdict highlights misuse of PM’s office
On 2 February, the Accountability Court Judge, Muhammad Bashir, issued a 44-page verdict in the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. The judgment revealed that the couple misused the Prime Minister’s Office, obtaining a financial benefit of PKR 1553.72 million. The verdict detailed the reception of 108 gifts from foreign leaders, with Bushra receiving a graph jewellery set from the Saudi crown prince. The set, not submitted to Toshakhana, was valued at over PKR three billion and 16 crore for which Bushra Bibi submitted a mere PKR 90 lakh. The judgment stipulated that fine will be recovered in the form of tax arrears and time spent in jail will be considered as part of the punishment. (“Imran, Bushra misused PM’s Office for Rs1.55bn financial benefit,” The News International, 3 February 2024)
 
Verdict reserved in Imran Khan-Bushra Bibi marriage case, Imran claims to have rejected the establishment’s deal
On 2 February, a local court reserved its verdict in the case related to the marriage of Imran Khan with Bushra Bibi during the latter’s Iddat period. The court will announce the decision on 3 February. In a revealing interaction with the press, Khan confirmed backchannel contacts with the military establishment through Bushra Bibi but disclosed that he had refused a proposed “deal.” The alleged deal relates to “the establishment’s proposal to stand down for three years in exchange for future political role.” The defense counsel concluded the cross-examination of witnesses, including Khawar Fareed Maneka, Aun Chaudhry, and Mufti Saeed. (Malik Asad, “Imran claims receiving ‘offer’ as Iddat case verdict due today,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)
 
Editorial in Dawn questions fairness of Khan and Qureshi’s trial and sentence
On 3 February, an editorial in Dawn titled “Tricky minds” highlighted the recent judgment on the cipher case involving Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, revealing insights into a trial conducted “largely away from public view.” Given the court’s fervent pursuit of the trial, despite prior rebukes for irregularities, the editorial raised concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. The judgment attributes guilt not only to the alleged wrongs but also to the defendants’ “tricky minds” and acts. The “entire burden of irregularities” in the case has thus been shifted to the defendants. However, according to the editorial, the biggest ‘crime’ of compromising state security lacks sufficient substantiation, and the decision to punish the defendants harshly raises questions about the trial’s fairness and proportionality. Further, the editorial questioned that after the Foreign Office confirmed that its communication systems are protected, what Khan and Qureshi were guilty of. The editorial contended that the decision by Khan and Qureshi to use a “diplomatic matter as a political shield” and Khan losing his copy of the cipher were a “grave concern” but not reason enough for them to be punished so “harshly.” (“Tricky minds,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)
 
ECONOMY
SIFC apex committee approves Canals Vision 2030 and FBR reforms
On 2 February, the Special Investment and Facilitation Council (SIFC) apex committee, chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir, reviewed various initiatives and gave principle approval for Strategic Canals Vision 2030 and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reforms. The committee appreciated the whole-of-government approach in realizing economic dividends and emphasized cross-sectoral policy interventions, human resource development, and infrastructural uplift. (Syed Irfan Raza, “SIFC okays FBR reforms, 2030 canals vision,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)
 
Nepra urges government to abolish cross-subsidies, multiple taxes in electricity tariffs
On 2 February, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) released its State of Industry Report 2023, and called on the government to abolish cross-subsidies and multiple taxes within electricity tariffs. In the report, Nepra criticized revenue-based load shedding and advocated for governance and technology-driven solutions. The report highlighted critical shortcomings in the power sector, recommending an across-the-board overhaul. Nepra urged the government to break up distribution companies and introduce private sector competition down to the feeder level to enhance efficiency and reduce the burden on consumers. The regulator also called for the redesign of billing formats to “clearly differentiate the electricity cost” from various “ancillary charges.” It additionally called for redesigning the horizontal restructuring of power distribution companies to encourage competition and innovation. The report argued that “decentralized decision-making and operations” would allow for “greater adaptability to local conditions and needs.” (Khaleeq Kiani, “Nepra seeks Discos’ overhaul to tackle electricity challenges,” Dawn, 3 February 2024)
 
PROVINCES
Punjab: 300 pneumonia deaths recorded in January
On 2 February, Dawn stated that eastern Punjab has reported over 18,000 pneumonia cases and 300 fatalities, with around half of childhood pneumonia deaths attributed to air pollution, according to Unicef. Despite government measures like extended school holidays and face mask mandates, Children’s Hospital Lahore is overwhelmed with daily admissions. The frigid winter, further exacerbated by smog and low vaccination rates, is intensifying the crisis. The city's smog, which is among the world’s worst, persists due to an unusually dry winter. Free jabs are offered for respiratory disease at six, 10 and 14 weeks of age. But the federal government has long grappled with the challenge of increasing vaccine uptake amid misinformation and resistance from some clerics. Premature births and stunting caused by malnutrition are also prevalent, weakening children who are then easy prey for pneumonia. (“ Punjab records nearly 300 pneumonia fatalities in January,” Dawn, 2 February 2024)
 
SECURITY
24 terrorists killed over the last three days in Balochistan
On 2 February, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that in the past three days, 24 terrorists had been killed during clearance operations. Prevously on 29 January, terrorists launched coordinated attacks in the Mach and Kolpur towns of Balochistan. Security forces had successfully thwarted the attacks, leading to intense firefights. The identified key terrorists include Shehzad Baloch, Attaullah, Salah Uddin, Abdul Wadood, and Zeeshan. Four members of law enforcement agencies and two civilians lost their lives in the exchange of fire. The ISPR highlighted the effective response of security forces, emphasizing their commitment to fighting terrorism amid an increase in terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. (Iftikhar Shirazi, “24 terrorists killed in operations in Balochistan’s Mach, Kolpur over last three days: ISPR,” Dawn, 2 February 2024)
 
TTP exploits ethnic divides and targets Punjabis in strategic shift
On 3 February, an article in The Express Tribune titled “TTP’s new strategy” analyzes the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP)’s changing strategy. The article uses TTP’s policy statement criticizing the security institutions for raiding a former parliamentarian’s home in Muzaffargarh, Punjab to point out these shifts. First, it tried to exploit the “ethnic dimension” of the victim to garner sympathy. Exploiting ethnic ties, TTP aims to garner Pashtun support, especially from KP, Sindh, and Balochistan. Second, the TTP is trying to widen its support base by appealing to the downtrodden and poorer sections of the society by pitching them against the law enforcement agencies, projecting them as tyrannical and oppressive. Third, it supported the former parliamentarian in order to cause confusion before the elections. On 2 January, TTP claimed responsibility for killing six Punjabi barbers in North Waziristan, signaling a shift towards targeting Punjabis, resembling Baloch sub-nationalists’ methods. TTP (Bajaur) denied responsibility, hinting at state involvement. TTP’s expansion into southern and northern Punjab, appointing administrators, raises concerns about cross-ethnic alliances amid increased pressure on TTP. (Faisal Ali Raja, “TTP’s new strategy,” The Express Tribune, 3 February 2024)
 
EXTERNAL
Pakistan extends stay for 1.3 million Afghan refugees until March 2024
On 3 February, The News International reported that the federal cabinet has approved the extension of residence for 1.3 million illegal immigrants. The Ministry of Saffron’s summary for the extension of the proof of residence card was accepted, allowing the stay of Afghan refugees until March 2024. Earlier objections from the Cabinet Division were addressed based on recommendations from the coordination cell related to Afghanistan. Pakistan’s decision reflects its generosity towards the Afghan government, preventing the refugees’ stay from becoming illegal. The decision was taken following a request from the Afghan government. (“Stay of 1.3m illegal immigrants extended,” The News International, 3 February 2024)

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Information Secretary Rauf Hassan on Friday said that the party founder, #ImranKhan who has recently been convicted in a couple of cases ‘will not make a deal’ even if he gets a harsher punishment. -Faiz Khan “Yet another incident of attack in #Balochistan ahead of #Pakistan general elections where six people, including Pakistan People's Party (PPP) workers, were injured in various hand grenade attacks. Several incidents of violence marred pre-election atmosphere.” -Masood Ahmed “Desire makes slaves out of kings, and patience makes kings out of slaves.” -Imam Al-Ghazali

“The challenge is to find effective means to counteract political disinformation.” - An opinion in Dawn, ‘Disinformation and fact-checking’