Pakistan stock exchange plummets by two per cent amid political turmoil and uncertainty; Pakistan reiterates opposition to increases number of permanent UNSC members
In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR Exclusive Update #69
PTI and JI unite against alleged ‘vote rigging,’ demand CEC’s resignation
On 16 February, the PTI and JI jointly denounced the election results, citing widespread rigging, and demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner. The parties, represented by Asad Qaiser and Liaquat Baloch respectively, vowed to jointly launch nationwide protests till their stolen mandate was returned. PTI called for protests on 17 February and a meeting on 19 February for a plan of action, while JI mobilized supporters across the country to challenge the election outcome, particularly highlighting alleged rigging by MQM in Karachi. Qaiser alleged that the JI had been deprived of 70 National Assembly seats, which is why on 16 February, the JI Karachi Chief, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, gave a call to observe a ‘black day.’ As part of this, JI supporters staged protests in more than 100 different locations, shouting anti-ECP slogans. (Abdul Rasheed Azad, “‘Rigging’ in elections: PTI, JI pledge to launch countrywide protests,” Business Recorder, 17 February 2024; “‘Vote rigging’: JI observes ‘black day,’ Business Recorder, 17 February 2024)
PTI alleges massive “voter fraud” in historic elections
On 16 February, PTI’s Central Information Secretary, Raoof Hasan, declared the elections were marked by the “biggest voter fraud” in Pakistan’s history against PTI and its candidates. With approximately 60.6 million voters participating, the day was characterised with cellular service suspension and rigging allegations, drawing international criticism on the grounds of irregularities and manipulation. PTI and JI, among others, demanded a comprehensive investigation into irregularities, with Hasan claiming that as per “verified data,” 85 NA seats were “taken away” from the PTI “fraudulently.” The party cited disparities in seat allocation and vote counts for both PTI and JI in each province, with PTI leaders decrying a “wholesale assault on democracy” and vowing legal recourse. (“PTI says Feb 8 polls to be remembered for ‘biggest voter fraud’,” Dawn, 16 February 2024)
PPP links support for PML-N in Centre to “some space” for itself in Punjab
On 17 February, Dawn reported that as per a source, the PPP told the PML-N that other matters between them would only be settled after the latter gave it “breathing space” in the Punjab government. This was met with opposition from some PML-N members. A meeting between the two parties set to take place on 16 February was subsequently delayed till 17 February. As per the source, the PPP linked its support to the PML-N with regard to forming the government at the Centre with the PPP’s participation in Punjab, where the PML-N has secured 137 general seats and the PPP has secured ten. Meanwhile, two PML-N members asserted that forming the federal government is a “joint responsibility” of all parties, and called on PTI-backed independents to “take the initiative” to form a “join central government with the PPP.” They indicated that the PML-N did not want a “crown of thorns on its head” in the form of a coalition. (“PPP seeks share in Punjab for backing ‘N’ in Centre,” Dawn, 17 February 2024)
PML-N accuses PTI of digital terrorism, denounces election misinformation campaign
On 16 February, PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar accused PTI of orchestrating a massive misinformation campaign during the 2024 elections, alleging the expenditure of PKR 100 billion on “digital terrorism” to manipulate media and disseminate fake Form 45s. He stated: “The PTI concocted a false narrative, to misguide the international media by telling lies.” Tarar added that the PTI “prepared the forms in haste when only five to ten per cent of initial results were uploaded on social media.” He thus questioned how the PTI could accuse the PML-N of rigging only in Punjab while celebrating its victory in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, because if the “PML-N had to rig the elections, it would be done in all constituencies.” PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb accused the PTI of “committing organised crime by building false narratives without any proof.” (“PML-N blames PTI for ‘digital terrorism’,” Business Recorder, 17 February 2024)
Independent candidates rally behind PML-N, pledge support for leadership
On 16 February, seven independent candidates, including one from the National Assembly and six from the Punjab Assembly, formally joined the PML-N. The decision was announced following a meeting with PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, where the new members expressed their allegiance to the party and its leadership, particularly Nawaz Sharif. Notable figures among them include Rasheed Akbar Nawani, Ahmed Nawaz Nawani, and Amir Inayat Shahani. The newcomers cited their “belief in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and the party’s commitment to serving Pakistan” as the driving force behind their decision. Maryam Nawaz welcomed them into the party fold, emphasizing the importance of their support in steering Pakistan towards stability and progress. She reiterated PML-N’s dedication to “delivering practical solutions” and stability in the face of ongoing challenges. (“Seven more independents defect to PML-N,” The Express Tribune, 16 February 2024)
PML-N criticizes PTI’s alleged hypocrisy in seeking US help for election rigging claims
On 16 February, PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb criticized PTI’s recent appeal to the US for assistance regarding alleged rigging in the February 8 polls, highlighting what she perceives as hypocrisy given PTI’s past accusations of US involvement in Imran Khan’s government overthrow. Aurangzeb, alongside PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar, condemned PTI’s shift in stance, accusing them of attempting to sow chaos in Pakistan. She asserted that if the PTI had an “objection to the election,” complaints should be taken to the Election Commission, high court, and Supreme Court. Aurangzeb questioned PTI’s handling of Form 45, alleging discrepancies between the forms submitted online and those provided to electoral authorities. She criticised the party for “giving forms to the international media.” Tarar echoed these sentiments, questioning the disparity in election results despite identical Form 45 submissions. (“PML-N slams PTI for seeking US help against alleged rigging in Feb 8 polls,” The News International, 16 February 2024)
ECONOMY
Anwaarul Haq Kakar claims caretaker government swiftly resolved economic issues
On 16 February, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated that the caretaker government swiftly tackled major long-standing issues within a short time period, aiming for economic stability. They prioritised facilities for international investors and aimed to boost foreign direct investment. Kakar chaired a meeting addressing Karachi-Electric’s (KE) problems, stressing that issues would be resolved promptly for uninterrupted electricity supply in Karachi. The CEO of KE appreciated Kakar and officials for their swift actions. Additionally, Kakar directed NEPRA and KE to prioritise a join effort to address remaining issues and submit a report promptly. (“Long-standing issues have been resolved: PM,” The Express Tribune, 17 February 2024)
Pakistan stock exchange plummets by two per cent amid political turmoil and uncertainty
On 16 February, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) fell by nearly two per cent to above 59,000 points amid political turmoil, following a new account of Imran Khan’s ouster by a no-confidence motion in April 2022. This was coupled with the failure of major political players to reach a coalition arrangement, leaving investors discouraged. The index traded predominantly in the red, declining by over 1,000 points by mid-day. The Managing Director of Arif Habib Corp, Ahsan Mehanti, explained that “reports of Pakistan being downgraded to an authoritarian regime by the Economist Intelligence Unit,” uncertainty over “power-sharing formula,” the IMF’s new conditions under the Stand by Agreement that require import liberalisation, and the increase in gas prices “acted as catalysts for the bearish market close.” The KSE recorded a loss of 1.88 per cent and settled at 59,872.96 at the close. (“Political turmoil sends PSX plunging 2%,” The Express Tribune, 17 February 2024)
JUDICIARY
Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and Mehmood Qureshi challenge convictions in Cipher and Toshakhana cases
On 16 February, PTI leader Sardar Latif Khan Khosa stated that Imran Khan filed appeals in the Islamabad High Court against his convictions in the cipher and Toshakhana cases, alongside former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Barrister Syed Ali Zafar submitted Khan's appeals, focusing on the denial of his right to defence during the trial proceedings. The appeals highlighted objections to the court's handling, citing hurried proceedings and insufficient time for cross-examination. The Toshakhana reference appeal claimed violations of the fundamental right to a fair trial, citing abrupt conclusion of cross-examination rights and insufficient time for preparation. Bushra Bibi also challenged her sentences, with Zafar adding that Khan and his wife were subject to an unfair trial conducted in haste. (Malik Asad, “Imran and Qureshi challenge convictions before IHC,” Dawn, 17 February 2024)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan reiterates opposition to increases number of permanent UNSC members
On 15 February, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Munir Akram, reiterated Pakistan;s opposition to adding new permanent UN Security Council (UNSC) members, fearing it would worsen paralysis and marginalise smaller states. He stated that the council’s expansion should “promote ‘equitable represention’” instead of creating “new historic injustice.” These statements were made during discussions on the ‘L69 Model’ proposal at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations. This proposal was put forth by a group of sian, African, Latin American, the Caribbean and Pacific Island states, which contend that the UNSC’s permanent members should increase to 11 and non-permanent members to 15. Akram criticised the model, saying the fundamental problem was the “proposed expansion of seats.” He argued that since the permanent membership was the reason behind bouts of paralysis in the UNSC, the “problem cannot be the solution.” He instead suggested that if any country wanted a larger platform in the UNSC, there should be a democratic process of periodic election by the General Assembly. (“UNSC expansion should not create ‘historic injustice’,” The Express Tribune, 17 February 2024)
SOCIETY
Protests against Iddat case ruling accuse state of “violating” privacy of women
On 15 February, the organisers of Aurat March, Hum Aurtein, along with transgender activists protested outside Karachi Press Club against the recent Iddat Case ruling, condemning state intrusion into private lives and unequal marriage laws. They demanded a reversal of the ruling and urged courts to consider women’s testimonies. Concerns were raised about the impact on common women and transgender individuals, with criticism directed at the judiciary for alleged bias. Participants voiced support for Bushra Bibi’s claims regarding her Iddat status and highlighted broader privacy violations. Transgender activist Shahzadi Rai linked such rulings to increased hate and harassment towards their community. Another protestor said that the conviction of Bushra Bibi meant “any woman may be harassed by her former husband” in a similar manner, and asserted that women wanted “freedom to live.” (Shazia Hasan, “Iddat case denounced as ‘intrusion’ into people’s private lives,” Dawn, 16 February 2024)
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“Salman Akram Raja being arrested. Top Pakistani lawyer protesting against rigging and police officials arrest him.”
- Adeel Raja
“Finally Pakistan winning. Finally Pakistan is ready to move forward. finally it’s time for our military establishment to rethink about this whole election rigging episode. No one will accept this voter fraud anymore.”
-Dr Shahbhaz Gill
“In the face of rigged elections, we stand for true reflections.”
-Sunia Khalid
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Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, ‘Delay in election results’
Dawn, 17 February 2024
“Elections results are generally a contentious affair in Pakistan. Although the first general election in 1970 is considered to have been relatively fair, there were many complaints about the high-handedness of the Awami League musclemen in what was then East Pakistan, while the Gen Yahya regime was accused of being supportive of Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan’s faction of Muslim League.The perception about the lack of fairness has been clear in each of the preceding 11 elections. The 12th general election held on Feb 8 is no exception. Even the PTI, which supported independent candidates and emerged as the largest single group (if not a party because of the denial of its election symbol), is protesting against the election results. The PTI and almost all other political parties are up in arms against what they see as the large-scale manipulation of poll results. Most complaints centre around the alleged discrepancies between the vote count transmitted by the presiding officers on Form-45 and the consolidation of the polling station results in Form 47 at the returning officers’ office to obtain the constituency result. These allegations are serious but not established yet.”
Jamil Ahmad, ‘A just transition’
Dawn, 17 February 2024
"Fossil fuels have played a key role in economic development by propelling the engines and wheels of industrial revolution. Unfettered access to natural resources and unrestrained extraction and use of fossil fuels by wealthy economies enabled them to reach the heights of development at a fast pace in a relatively short period. But this development came at a heavy cost to the planet and its people. Carbon dioxide and methane emitted during extraction and burning of fossil fuels have badly damaged the planet’s ecosystems, wreaking havoc especially in countries that are not historically responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In climate talks, the need to move away from fossil fuels has been accepted for some time. However, a common approach on how to embark on a pathway which reduces their adverse impacts eluded agreement. Rich industrialised nations favoured restricting the continued use of hydrocarbons and quickly switching to renewable forms of energy. Developing countries supported a more cautious and incremental approach to ensure their economic development is not compromised."
Dr Hafiz Muhammad Usman Rana, ‘Economic stability?’
The News International, 17 February 2024
"Pakistan’s economic recovery outlook is not promising. The recent election in Pakistan reflects a recurring pattern seen in many elections, where financial considerations are often disregarded in pursuing political power. The country’s major political stakeholders are currently prioritizing the development of a hung parliament or PDM-2 instead of focusing on the economy. There is also a division among the nation’s economic experts regarding the best approach to managing Pakistan's economy. Pakistan’s challenges have intensified following the elections. The aspiring parties are open to accepting conditions from elected members that may not align with the IMF’s expectations. Concerns over a potential political stalemate in Pakistan have triggered a sell-off in its international bonds and raised fears of economic setbacks and a lack of foreign funding."
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“All areas of our governance are lacking in effective delivery.”
- An opinion in Dawn, ‘A reform agenda’
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