PAKISTAN READER

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Setback to PTI on reserved seats

In Brief
POLITICS
Setback to PTI on reserved seats
On 15 March, PTI leader Asad Qaiser said that if the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) accepted the party’s intra-party polls and returned its electoral symbol, the PTI and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) “would merge” and “remain as PTI.” While responding to a question on whether it was the right decision for PTI-backed independents to join the SIC, Qaiser stated that the party had few options and held “many consultations” within it. He went on to criticize the “fake government,” and expressed hope that the “mandate thieves” would leave the government, allowing for a new government comprising “those given the public mandate” to be formed. Earlier in a related development, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat contended that the PTI’s alliance with the SIC was a mistake as it cost the PTI “around 80 seats,” leading to a sharp reaction by the SIC leader Sahibzda Hamid Raza, who stated: “It is better if the friends of PTI solve their issues at home and the decision of independent[s] to join Sun­ni Ittehad Council was taken by Imran Khan, it was not request by me.” However, he asserted that his “commitment is with Imran Khan.”
 
On 14 March, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) unanimously dismissed two petitions filed by the SIC against the ECP’s decision to deny the party reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies. Barrister Ali Zafar argued that his client party’s candidates participated in the elections independently as their election symbol was taken away, and after the elections, majority of the PTI-backed independents joined the SIC as reserved seats could only be given to a political party. He contended that while the SIC should have been given 78 seats in proportion to the seats won by the independents, the seats were allocated to other parties. Zafar added that the SIC was a political party even though it did not contest in the elections, and cited the 2018 elections in which the Balochistan Awami Party was given reserved seats. However, Justice Arshad said the SIC did not contest in the elections, and stated: “Section 104 says that if a political party participates in an election, it will give a list.” The ECP’s lawyer, Sikandar Bashir Mohmand, argued that the writ petitions on reserved seats weren’t in the PHC’s jurisdiction.
 
On 13 March, the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) requested a Peshawar High Court bench to reject the Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) petitions that sought reserved seats in the assemblies, arguing that the SIC did not contest in the general elections or submit a priority list of its candidates. AGP Mansoor Usman Awan, along with lawyers for three political parties, thus supported the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) 1 March order to deny the SIC reserved seats, as it was not a parliamentary party. One of the lawyers for the petitioners argued that the ECP had deprived the PTI of its election symbol, and then deprived the SIC of its reserved seats after PTI-backed independents joined. The bench adjourned the hearing till 14 March. In a separate development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) allowed the ECP and other respondents to submit replies to a petition filed by the SIC against a decision to deprive the party of its reserved seats by 25 March. (“Qaiser hints at SIC-PTI merger if ECP returns ‘bat’,” Dawn, 16 March 2024; “Major setback to PTI: PHC dismisses SIC petitions for reserved seats,” The News International, 15 March 2024; (Waseem Ahmed Shah & Wajih Ahmad Sheikh, “Attorney general opposes SIC plea for reserved seats,” Dawn, 14 March 2024)
 
Multiple parties voice concern over IMF-directed ordinances in NA
On 15 March, the government laid seven IMF-directed controversial ordinances in the National Assembly (NA), seeking approval of their extension for four months, which then led to strong protests from the PTI, PPP, and JUI-F. The PPP’s initial stance was unprecedented, with its MNA from Karachi questioning the haste shown by the government in bringing the ordinances without giving members a three-day notice as per the rules. Another PPP MNA expressed “serious reservations” over the contents of the ordinances. However, the party later voted in favour of the government during a motion for a vote, after the NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq explained that Pakistan “can face a loss” if the ordinances were not taken up promptly. The PTI’s Omar Ayub accused the government of “bulldozing” the ordinances and alleged ill-intention behind this move due to the language of the ordinances. With some PTI members tearing up copies of the ordinances, Ayub stated: “These ordinances are meant to sell Pakistan. Take pictures of those members who are voting for it.” In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said: Take pictures of those who are not faithful to the country, who want to destroy Pakistan’s economy and are writing letters to the IMF.” The JUI-F also opposed the move to table the ordinances “under the IMF pressure,” and abstained from voting on the motion. (Amir Wasim, “IMF-directed ordinances spark ‘betrayal’ cries in NA,” Dawn, 16 March 2024)
 
Government claims PTI wants to sabotage deal with IMF
On 15 March, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ataullah Tarar, accused a handful of PTI-associated “miscreants” of trying to sabotage Pakistan’s deal with the IMF. This statement came after the IMF refused to accept a letter from the PTI during protests outside the Fund’s Washington offices, asking the party to send the letter via email. In the letter, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva was asked to “withhold any further financial assistance or loan disbursements to Pakistan until a credible investigation by an independent body” clear election rigging allegations. In these protests, organized by the human rights group First Pakistan Global, the majority of protestors were PTI supporters, who interacted with IMF officials and explained the situation in the country. Imran Khan’s former chief of staff, Dr Shahbaz Gill, pointed out that the IMF’s mandate requires it to promote democracy, and clarified that the PTI wanted the IMF to engage with elected representatives so that funds were allocated responsibly. In response, Tarar said that activists of an “anti-national” party wanted the funds to be given only if Imran Khan was released. He accused the party of trying to make the country default and stated: “We have been voted [in] by the people to solve the problems of the country, not to increase them.” (“Govt accuses PTI of ‘sabotaging’ deal with IMF,” Dawn, 16 March 2024)
 
ECONOMY
FBR and Karandaaz Pakistan sign MoU directed at increasing efficiency of tax system through digitalization
On 15 March, Pakistan entered an agreement to use the resources of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in order to enhance the efficiency of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to help the narrow tax base and low collection. An MoU was signed between FBR representatives and Karandaaz Pakistan, an entity sponsored by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The CEO of Karndaaz Pakistan, Waqasul Hasan, held a meeting with Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, where the latter agreed to fully digitize FBR to end corruption. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed Karandaaz Pakistan to revolutionize the tax system by hiring a consulting firm to assess the business needs and existing infrastructure. With the tax-to-GDP ratio at nine per cent and less than 3.4 million people remaining as active taxpayers, it is clear that the FBR remains inefficient. Under the MoU, the FBR is required to provide existing assessment reports, tax reforms agenda, and any other data except the personal details of citizens, to Karandaaz. The agreement has been signed for two years. Karandaaz Pakistan will first hire a consulting firm with expertise in business process assessment and developing comprehensive digital strategies, which will devise a digital and IT transformation strategy and implementation programme. (Shahbaz Rana, “Pakistan partners with Gates’ Foundation to overhaul FBR,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2024)
 
Government announces temporary export ban of essential commodities
On 15 March, the Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, addressed concerns relating to a recently implemented temporary ban on the export of bananas and onions. He clarified that the ban was temporary, and was imposed in light of rising prices during Ramazan. Earlier, the Ministry of National Food Security submitted a summary, and the Sensitive Price Index raised concerns. Khan assured that the ban would be in place only till 15 April, and would ensure adequate domestic supply of essential commodities. However, he added that if agriculturists expressed concerns over restricted export opportunities, the ban may be shortened. (“Govt implements Ramazan export ban to stabilise prices,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2024)
 
JUDICIARY
Extension of Imran Khan’s pre-arrest bail in three cases relating to 9 May riots
On 15 March, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) extended the pre-arrest bail of Imran Khan in three cases relating to the 9 May riots. ATC-III judge Arshad Javed heard the bail petitions, adjourned the hearing till 22 March and extended Khan’s bail in the cases of attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower and Shadman police station. Earlier on 11 August 2023, an ATC dismissed the pre-arrest bails of Khan over his non-appearance as he was jailed under the Toshakhana case. Later, on a petition by Khan, the Lahore High Court set aside the ATC’s decision and directed the trial court to decide the bail petitions afresh on merit. Following this, on 1 March, the judge confirmed Khan’s pre-arrest bail in four cases. (“Pre-arrest bail of Imran, SIC chief extended in May 9 cases,” Dawn, 16 March 2024)
 
SC expresses concern over easy access to firearms among civilians and lack of police action
On 15 March, the federal government told a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court (SC) that a total of 1,17,479 licences of submachine guns (SMGs) and other prohibited bore firearms were issued nationally, of which 1,14,964 were being used privately. The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, was heading the bench and voiced concerns over the public’s exposure to the threat posed by individuals who were openly wielding arms, and over the lack of interest from the police and Ministry of Interior in safeguarding the citizens. While the interior ministry had explained that the licenses for prohibited bore weapons were issued “for the purpose of protection or sports,” the SC regretted that there was no answer given on a document being issued allowing the possession of prohibited weapons. The SC was also told that there was no mechanism in place that would allow the police or other law enforcement officials to know whether a person’s licence was genuine. It regretted that despite individuals carrying weapons in multiple public places, the police did look the other way, leading to a great sense of insecurity among the general public. A hearing on the matter took place on 27 January, where the SC had asked multiple questions on whether licenses of SMG and other prohibited weapons could be issued and the number of licences in private use, among others. The SC has asked the interior ministry to explain in a fresh report the necessity to prohibit bore weapons and directed the Attorney General for Pakistan to remain actively involved whenever the case is taken up. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC questions easy access to dangerous firearms among civilians,” Dawn, 16 March 2024)
 
EXTERNAL
FO says claims on an IAEA delegation’s visit to Pakistan is “fake news”
On 15 March, the Foreign Office (FO) rebutted reports of the visit of a high-level delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Pakistan, saying this was “fake news” as there was no veracity to this matter. This statement came a day after an official of PTI’s US chapter and other social media users shared a video clip from an Indian news channel of a mee­ting between IAEA Direc­tor General (DG) Rafael Mariano Grossi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, questioning whether the government closed a deal to hand over the nuclear arsenal. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch asserted: “Stories regarding the visit of a high-level IAEA delegation to Pakistan are fake news! No IAEA official is currently visiting Pakis­tan; Nor are any policy talks planned in near future with IAEA.” She clarified that the last visit by the IAEA DG was in February 2023. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar added to Baloch’s statement and said: “Fake news from an anchor based abroad clearly rebutted. Such blatant lies and propaganda to harm the state based on malicious intent will be responded to. Make no mistake.” (“FO rubbishes reports of IAEA mission visit,” Dawn, 16 March 2024)
 
Saudia Arabia’s crown prince reemphasizes his country’s support for Pakistan
On 16 March, Saudia Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, reiterated his country’s support for Pakistan during a telephone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He congratulated Sharif on his re-election, after which the latter said “the people of Pakistan had great love and respect for His Majesty as well as the Crown Prince,” as per the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The PMO added that Sharif expressed pride over the historical ties shared by both countries and appreciated Saudi Arabia’s “unwavering commitment and support to Pakistan.” He invited the crown prince to visit Pakistan and added that he looks forward to “working closely” with Saudi Arabian leaders in order to turn “historic” ties into a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” (“Saudi crown prince reaffirms kingdom's support for Pakistan,” The Express Tribune, 16 March 2024)
 
SECURITY
Separate attacks lead to death of senior police officer and tribal elder
On 15 March, a senior police officer and a tribal elder were killed as a result of two attacks in Sibi and Bajaur, as per officials. The Sibi Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Khalid Zaman Marri, was in the bazaar area in Sibi when unknown assailants fired at his vehicle. The DSP’s security guard managed to injure one of the attackers, and all of the assailants were caught by the police later. Sibi SSP Inayatullah Bangulzai claimed the motive was unknown but the police were “investigating the attack from all aspects.” Separately, in Bajaur, a remote-controlled bomb explosion killed tribal elder Malik Lal Zareef. No group has claimed responsibility and investigations are underway. (Anwarullah Khan & Saleem Shahid, “DSP, tribal elder killed in Sibi, Bajaur attacks,” Dawn, 16 March 2024)
 
PM Sharif says army’s role in rise of Paksitan cannot be “over-emphasized”
On 15 March, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the role armed forces will play in the “peaceful rise of Pakistan cannot be over-emphasized.” This statement was made during Sharif’s visit to the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi, where he and his newly-picked cabinet members met the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) detailed that during discussions on matters of national and regional security, the political officials were “briefed on the current security environment, threat spectrum, response to the security threats and ongoing counter terrorism operations.” They commended the professionalism, operation readiness, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in combating terrorism. The ISPR added that Munir “affirmed that Pakistan Army will continue to measure up to the nation’s expectations and will resolutely support the government in addressing the security challenges facing Pakistan.” (“PM meets COAS, lauds armed forces' role in Pakistan's peaceful rise,” The News International, 15 March 2024)
 
SOCIETY
Call to increase women engagement in social and digital spaces raised in seminar
On 16 March, Dawn reported that the former Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Human Rights and Women Empowerment, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, emphasized the need for an increase in women's engagement in social and digital arenas. Speaking at a seminar held in connection with International Women’s Day, she stressed how women’s financial independence was vital in tapping into Pakistan’s full potential, and said that women’s empowerment included a wide array of interconnected areas that contributed to the overall goal of achieving gender equality. She called for building a “world where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality,” and pointed out that no nation could progress without empowering its women. Mullick said that despite the caretaker government having a limited timeframe and mandate, she devised a ‘100-day Plan’ aimed at enhancing the human rights landscape and promoting women's empowerment in Pakistan through initiatives spanning gender equality, education, economic empowerment, and political participation. She underscored the importance of providing women and girls with access to quality education to unlock their potential to become leaders and agents of change. Further, Mullick spoke on hardships faced by Kashmiri women in conflict zones, and stated: “Rape not only harms individual victims but also has far-reaching consequences for families, communities and the overall social fabric of Kashmiri society.” On these lines, she also highlighted the difficulties facing the women of Palestine. (Iftikhar A Khan, “Call to increase women engagement in social, digital arenas,” Dawn, 16 March 2024)

On February 8th, it wasn’t an election; it was a revolution. People of Pakistan voted for Imran Khan. Now, whatever they do, it won’t make a difference. Daylight, our winning seats are being robbed. -Hina Zainab PAKISTAN: It has been 29 days since the Government of Pakistan has blocked access to “X”, formerly known as Twitter, in the country. Amnesty International is one of 28 civil society organizations that have signed a joint statement calling for immediate restoration of the social media platform, and urge the Pakistani authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and access to information under the country’s international human rights commitments. -Amnesty International South Asia During yesterday's Pakistani match, the fans were caught by the police for waving Palestinian flag in the stadium, and subsequently, the  flag was also taken away. Has Pakistan entered into any secret deals with Israel or has Israel put an end to the genocide in Palestine? -Sofiya Dawar

“A formidable PTI-led opposition could become a nightmare for the government.” -An opinion in Dawn, ‘Limits of power’