PAKISTAN READER

Photo : Dawn

National Party to sit in opposition in Balochistan assembly, says party president

In Brief
PAKISTAN ELECTIONS 2024
PR EXCLUSIVE UPDATE #76
National Party to sit in opposition in Balochistan assembly, says party president
On 29 February, the National Party (NP) President, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, announced that his party would sit on the opposition benches in the Balochistan Assembly and would not side with any government at the provincial and federal levels. Three NP members added that the party had boycotted the inaugural assembly session for the speaker and deputy speaker. Citing the first elections in Fata, which were “marred by corruption involving billions of rupees,” Baloch described the recently concluded elections in Balochistan as the “worst” in the history of Pakistan elections. He said: “We are democratic people and believe in non-violence, and we will continue our struggle for rights of the people and supremacy of parliament and the Constitution.” On a question regarding to the NP and the JUI bringing a candidate for the position of the chief minister of Balochistan, Baloch claimed to be unaware of the JUI’s decision. To another question relating to the PML-N, he said that the NP had “neither contacted nor had any association with the PML-N for forming the government.” (Saleem Shahid, “National Party to sit in Balochistan opposition,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)

PTI announces new office bearers for all provinces except Balochistan
On 29 February, the PTI declared that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub were elected the party’s chairman and general secretary respectively, as their opponents withdrew nomination papers. The provincial presidents of Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapters were also declared, while in Balochistan, three candidates are set to contest the election on 3 March. Yasmin Rashid, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Haleem Adil Sheikh were appointed as presidents of the party’s Punjab, KP, and Sindh chapters respectively. Dawn cited PTI’s Federal Election Commissioner Raoof Hasan, who stated that though the PTI’s intra-party elections had been scheduled for 3 March, majority of leaders who submitted their nomination papers withdrew two days before the election. Thus, in the absence of multiple candidates for the posts of chairman; secretary general; and Punjab, KP and Sindh presidents, Hasan was forced to notify the unopposed winners. (“PTI notifies office bearers ahead of schedule after no contest,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)

ANP decides to stay away from Senate and provincial assembly elections
On 29 February, the Awami National Party (ANP) decided to refrain from any elections that are taking place in the provincial assemblies as well as the Senate. The ANP President, Asfandyar Wali Khan, asserted in a statement that his party “was not in opinion of voting for anyone in the provincial assemblies and Senate,” and wanted civilian supremacy, democracy and supremacy of the parliament in Pakistan. Khan further said that leaders of majority parties approached the ANP to form a coalition; however, the ANP turned down the offers as it was not into politics of offices. He emphasized that the mandate should be given to the real representatives and taken away from “thieves.” (“ANP to stay away from elections in Senate, assemblies,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)
 
PPP urges ECP to hold election to 11  “vacant seats in the Senate as soon as possible”
On 29 February, in a letter to the chief election commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, the PPP Central Election Cell in-charge, Senator Taj Haider, requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold elections to the 11 vacant seats of the Senate immediately. He highlighted that the Senate remained incomplete since about ten per cent of its total strength was vacant. He cited Section 127 of the Elections Act, which deals with by-elections to vacant seats in the Senate, and Section 107, which prescribes the procedure for all elections to the Senate under which not more than one day is given to complete each stage of the schedule.  He listed the names of the senators who had vacated the seats and stated: “It is requested that elections be held for the vacant seats in the Senate as soon as possible.” (Amjad Mahmood, “PPP wants ECP to hold early election to 11 Senate seats,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)

PML-N shatters “four ministries” dream of MQM-P and allots one ministry
On 29 February, The News International reported that talks between the MQM-P and the PML-N had once again stalled due to the division of “ministries in the next cabinet.” The MQM-P reportedly “failed to get assurances from the PML-N for its desired numbers of four ministries in the next federal cabinet,” according to Geo News. Despite multiple round of talks, the MQM-P was “offered only one ministry,” shattering its dream of getting “four ministries.” The News International cited ‘sources closer’ to the PML-N, who claimed that the PML-N demanded to retain the Sindh governor from the MQM-P. In response to this move, the MQM-P  “decided not to join the next federal cabinet until the fulfilment of its demands.” Regardless, the PML-N leaders are hopeful to find “a solution to convince the MQM-P as both sides have not concluded the dialogues yet.” (Waqar Satti, “MQM-P faces 'refusal from PML-N for four ministries' in next govt,” The News International, 29 February 2024)
 
ECONOMY
Revenue collection falls short for second consecutive month
On 29 March, provisional figures showed that the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) tax collection stood at PKR 681 billion, falling short of the projected target of PKR 714 billion. Although there was an increase by more than 30 per cent compared to the same month in 2023, there was a PKR nine billion shortfall in January as well, indicating potential problems for the FBR’s overall annual collection target for FY24. February’s shortfall was linked to lower collection of domestic taxes and customs duty. In the first eight months of FY24, the FBR’s collection exceeding the PKR 5.829 trillion target by PKR two billion, which is another potential reason for the shortfall in January and February. A revenue collection target of PKR 9.415 trillion has been set for FY24, almost 30 per cent higher than FY23. An official FBR report said that the increase in import taxes had slowed down due to downward revisions in import duties and restrictions on import licenses by the State Bank of Pakistan to control the country’s balance of payments. (“Revenue collection falls short by Rs33bn in Feb,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)
 
Caretaker finance minister advises incoming government to prioritize new IMF deal to sustain economic accomplishments
On 1 March, Dawn reported that the caretaker Finance Minister, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, advised the incoming government to stay the course and quickly reach a new agreement with the IMF. With inflation currently at 29 per cent, Akhtar claimed multiple successes under her tenure that could be sustained with a “new medium-term facility” that would provide an “anchor to carry out the difficult reforms.” She took the examples of critical reforms to FBR restricting, privatization of loss-making SOEs, and the implementation of the SOE policy for improved governance, in order to maintain a vision that would “help revive the economy and build on the hard-earned gains.” Akhtar claimed that the unsustainable debt position and Pakistan’s breach of Fiscal Responsibility & Debt Limitation Act (FRDL) since 2013 were the primary challenges. She cited an increase in GDP to 2.1 per cent in the first quarter of FY24 following two consecutive quarters of negative growth, further noting a five per cent growth in agriculture and 2.5 per cent growth in the manufacturing activity. The minister also highlighted how “difficult and unpopular measures including a reduction in the subsidy bill on power and gas through timely implementation of quarterly tariffs helped improve primary account.” There was also an improvement in the fiscal position, which helped tackle public debt and reduce net domestic borrowing by 67 per cent. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Go for quick IMF bailout, advises outgoing finance minister,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)
 
China accepts request to rollover USD two billion loan for a year
On 29 February, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that in light of Pakistan’s economic situation, China accepted Pakistan’s request to rollover its USD two billion loan which was due in March, for a year. The central bank usually provides dollars for debt servicing, and is currently unable to repay foreign loan. Despite having secured USD 1.8 billion dollars under the Stand-By-Arrangement with the IMF, the caretaker government has been unable to improve foreign exchange reserves. Earlier in June 2023, China had given a USD one billion loan to Pakistan, which had been repaid but then given back to Pakistan. The current rollover would help Pakistan maintain a reasonable level of foreign exchange reserves, though data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on 29 February showed that reserves fell below USD eight billion. As per the SBP, debt repayments caused reserves to fall by USD 63 million. This could have implications for the exchange rate, but the government is planning to hold talks with the IMF to secure USD six billion in loans. (Shahid Iqbal, “$2bn rollover by China shields forex reserves,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)
 
JUDICIARY
IHC sentences DC, SSP, and station house officer for contempt of the court
On 1 March, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) sentenced the federal capital’s Deputy Commissioner (DC), Irfan Nawaz Memon, Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jameel Zafar and a station house officer (SHO) of Kohsar police station,after they were found guilty of contempt of court. The order came in line with the issuing of the detention orders for PTI leaders Shehryar Afridi and Shandana Gulzar under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. The court sentenced the DC to six months, SSP to four months and SHO to two months. Adding to the charges, the court also fined them for PKR 100,000 each. Meanwhile, the court suspended the sentence and gave the DC time to file a petition against the decision of the court. Earlier on 7 September 2023, the IHC indicted the DC and three police officials with relation to a contempt case linked to PTI leaders’ detention. The leaders were held for their alleged involvement in the 9 May riots. While the DC and SSP pleaded not guilty, the IHC turned down the plea for unconditional pardon, and issued a show cause notice to the DC. ( Awais Yousufzai, “ Islamabad DC, SSP Operations sentenced prison for contempt of court,” The News International, 1 March 2024)
 
SECURITY
7th Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) exercise draws to an end
On 29 February, at the closing ceremony following the conclusion of the 7th Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Exercise-2024, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir commended the participating teams for their physical and mental endurance. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the 60 hour “Patrolling Exercise” was directed at enhancing combat skills by sharing innovate experiences of participants. In the exercise, there were seven teams from the Pakistani Army, and 15 teams from other countries including Bahrain, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Morocco, Qatar, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkiye. Several countries, including China, Germany, and Indonesia, were observers of the exercise, which took place from 25-27 February in Punjab. This exercise is seen as a competitive professional military activity for friendly countries, and Munir highlighted that PATS is a platform that facilitates mutual learning, professional military skills, and team spirit. He also gave away individual and team awards during the ceremony, which was attended by international observers and defense attachés of participating countries. (“Pakistan Army upholds rich soldierly attributes of character, courage, competence: COAS,” The News International, 29 February 2024)
 
EXTERNAL
More than 30 US lawmakers urge president and secretary of state to not recognize new government in Pakistan
On 29 February, US lawmakers urged US President Joe Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to not recognize a new government in Pakistan till a thorough investigation into allegations of poll rigging was concluded. US Congressman Greg Caser stated on behalf of more than 30 lawmakers: “The results of Pakistan’s election should represent the will of the people. For the sake of democracy and all Pakistanis, we are calling on the Biden Administration to withhold recognition of a new government until an investigation determines the election was not rigged.” The lawmakers said that they joined Biden and Blinken in “condemn[ing] electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedom.” They had three requests for both the officials: withholding the recognition of a new government till a “thorough, transparent, and credible investigation” of the elections was done; urging Pakistani authorities to release those “detained for engaging in political speech and activity; asserting to Pakistan that the US law “provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption.” (Anwar Iqbal, “US lawmakers urge Biden not to recognise new Pakistan govt,” Dawn, 1 March 2024)
 
US advises Pakistan to “continue working with the IMF” and prioritize the economic situation
On 29 February, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said that the US supports “Pakistan’s efforts to break free from the vicious cycle of debt and international financing.” He urged the incoming government to continue working with the IMF and other institutions to enable macroeconomic reforms to be made to the economy. This would help maintain the “long-term health” of the economy, which is “crucial to its stability.” Miller advised the new government to “immediately prioritize the economic situation.” (“US says supports Pakistan to break free from vicious cycle of debts,” Business Recorder, 1 March 2024)
 
SOCIETY
NGO report states over 4,000 children were victims of abuse in Pakistan in 2023
On 29 February, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) quoted a report by Sahil, an NGO working on child protection, titled ‘Cruel Numbers 2023, which claimed that 4,213 children suffered abuse in 2023. This number includes all four provinces and consists of cases of child sexual abuse, abduction, missing children, and child marriages. From a gender perspective, of the 2,021 cases of child sexual abuse, 53 per cent of the victims were girls and 47 per cent were boys, with 6–15-year-old boys being the most vulnerable to abuse. From a provincial perspective, Punjab accounted for 75 per cent of the cases, Sindh for 13 per cent, Islamabad for seven per cent, KP for three per cent, and Balochistan, PoK, and Gilgit-Baltistan for two per cent. The Chairperson of the NCHR, Rabia Javeri Agha, stated: “We have to seriously address the issue of child abuse. The numbers reported by Sahil are indeed cruel, but a reality that we must confront. In view of these alarming figures, it is sad that the Government of Pakistan still does not have a notified national action plan on child abuse.” Sahil’s Executive Director, Manizeh Bano, highlighted the “dire need to improve the curriculum” after implementing Article 25-A of the constitution that provides free education from five to 16 years of age. A positive sign mentioned in the report was the fact that 91 per cent of cases were registered with the police. (“Over 4,000 children suffered abuse in Pakistan in 2023: report,” The News International, 29 February 2024)
 
PROVINCES
Balochistan: Emergency imposed in Gwadar following heavy rains
On 29 February, following 30-hour-long heavy rains and flash floods, the Balochistan government imposed an emergency in Gwadar and termed it calamity-hit. Officials claimed that in the last two days, Gwadar received around 180 millimetres of rainfall, causing disruptions to normal life and collapsing of buildings, rendering hundreds of people homeless. Dawn cited a Gwadar resident who said that the houses “were not in a position to live in.” The Balochistan caretaker Minister for Information, Jan Achakzai, said a formal notification on the emergency would be issued soon, and the caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister, Ali Mardan Khan Domki, would monitor relief activities that were already underway in coastal areas. Achakzai added that “teams of the district administration, army, navy, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Levies and National Disaster Management Authority” were controlling the situation, and assessments were being conducted to “determine the extent of damage” in Gwadar city. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called on the federal and provincial governments to allocate necessary resources to help those affected by the “unprecedent rains,” and asked the NDMA and PDMA to “coordinate effectively and ensure that survivors are provided with food and shelter and clean water.” While this should be the priority, the HRCP highlighted the need for the government to invest in Gwadar’s infrastructure and drainage system in particular. Schools will be kept closed till 7 March, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department warned that more rain and flash flooding is expected. (Abdullah Zehri, “Gwadar declared calamity-hit, emergency imposed after heavy rains wreak havoc,” Dawn, 29 February 2024)

Pakistan: PTI MNAs entered the first session of the National Assembly carrying posters of the jailed leader for the swearing-in ceremony. -Khaleej Mag   Pakistan has just one problem; unfortunately that problem thinks it’s the only solution. -Hussain Nadim   We are requesting our lawmakers in United States to give orders to fascist dictator in Pakistan that candidates elected via fraud form 47 will not acceptable at any cost. We also ask the PTI leadership to NOT accept defeat on the seats won under Form 45 election results. -Bilal Khan

“If govts could focus a bit more on infrastructure and transportation, the heart of Pakistan would be able to pump a lot more life and activity.” -An opinion in Dawn, ‘Karachi diary’