Day 20 Pakistanâ€™s Political Crisis: PR Daily Updates

Daily Briefs

Photo : Dawn

30 May 2023, Tuesday I Vol 4, No.107

Day 20 Pakistanâ€™s Political Crisis: PR Daily Updates

Qadir iterates on establishing a constitutional court and Rawalpindi ATC surrenders eight suspects for military trial.

PR Daily Brief | PR Team

Femy Francis

This is a new section looking at the ongoing political crisis in Pakistan, starting with the arrest of Imran Khan, subsequent violence on 9 May by PTI cadres targeting the Establishment, relief to Imran by the judiciary, response by the government and the Establishment, and the exodus within the PTI. This section provides a daily brief on the political crisis.

On 29 May, Dawn reported that PTI leader Asad Umar appealed for protective bail for two weeks from the Islamabad High Court. He petitioned that he was a law-abiding citizen stressing that he had not been involved in the alleged offense. He also stated that PTI members leaving the party have no effect on their vote share. Stating that the votes belong to Imran Khan and said: “Whether the rest stay or leave doesn’t have any effect on the vote bank.”

Kaneez Fatima was the latest leader to quit the PTI. She refused to state her reason for her resignation while commenting that attacking any property did not suit any political party. She said: “I don’t want to do politics.” Aslam Khan, former MNA, also issued his resignation from PTI and publicly dissociated from the party. He said: “Considering the situations that have arisen, I announce my disassociation with the PTI but will keep working for my country.”

On the other hand, Jamshid Dasti pledged his allegiance to the party and said: “Even the question of leaving the party does not arise. Those who are leaving the party, some are compelled to [while] some are businessmen.”

On 29 May, Imran Khan's presence was demanded on 30 May by the Joint Investigation team over the probe against the attack on Jinnah House.

Government responses
On 29 May, Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab’s Chief Minister, refuted Imran Khan’s allegation against the mistreatment of PTI women activists detained in Prison. Mohsin stressed that the accused were treated in accordance with the law and blamed the party for spreading unnecessary “propaganda.” He further condemned the unfortunate incident of 9 May and demanded accountability.

Lahore SSP Anoosh Masood, after investigation found that there was no sign of mistreatment of the detained members. He stressed that he met the accused individually and that a medical officer was always present at the premises.

On 29 May, Marriyum Aurangazeb, Information Minister, denied Imran’s allegation that PTI member Malik Shzad was pressured to leave. Imran Khan said: “All PTI ticket holders and aspirants today are facing this facism, our fundamental rights are being openly violated while our judiciary helplessly watches on.”

Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court ordered PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry and Yashmin Rashid to 14-day Judicial remand. The investigative officer demanded the extension of his remand, stating that he was suspected for attacking the Lahore Askari Tower and that a case was registered against him in Gulberg police station.

Other Institutions/ Developments
On 29 May, General Syed Asim Munir COAS addressed the gathering of Quetta College commenting on the current situation of Pakistan said: “Those who are making futile efforts to drive a wedge and weaken the unbreakable bond between the people of Pakistan and its Armed Forces will never be able to succeed.” and that: “Nexus between the internal collusive elements and external forces to create instability has amply been exposed.”

In Brief
POLITICS
Qadir iterates on establishing a constitutional court
On 29 May, Irfan Qadir, Special Assistant to PM, said that the PMD is thinking about setting up of constitutional court for ‘unbiased’ constitution interpretation. He iterated that establishing a constitutional court will be a solution for ‘a division’ between judges and biased judgements. He said: “Don’t you think that the time has come to establish the constitutional court,” and briefed the proposed constitutional court structure. The structure is comprised of the former and non-controversial chief justices and judges of the superior courts as well as parliamentarians who are aware of legal matters. Qadir alleged that SC judgements were a ‘judicialization of politics for a long period. Further, he cited the use of the Panama Papers case to disqualify Nawaz Sharif as ‘political engineering.’ In addition, he emphasised that resolving conflict and appointment in the SC must be based on the seniority principle following fitness in the future. (Malik Asad, “Govt considering parallel court for ‘unbiased’ edicts,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

Seven PTI leaders resign from PTI
On 29 May, seven PTI leaders from Islamabad, Karachi, Faisalabad, and Jhang including legislators and office bearers, declared to resign from PTI. Most of those leaders condemned the attacks on army installations and demanded justice for the criminals. Kaneez Fatima, Senior Vice President of Punjab Women Wing (one of the PTI leaders), said: “I am quitting PTI and also the politics. So, I resign from all the party positions. I have decided to give time to my family.” Meanwhile, PTI Senators submitted a resolution showing opposition to arson and it stated: “The House extends its unwavering support and shows solidarity with our armed forces and security agencies and the public at large who are affected by these events.” (“Seven more PTI leaders jump ship,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

Tareen ready to launch a new political party
On 30 May, The Friday Times reported that former PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen is set to establish a new political party called Pakistan Muslim League-Jinnah (PML-J). The PML-J party will consist of people who resigned from PTI, especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ajmal Jami, journalist and anchor person, mentioned Tareen’s plans regarding launching a new party and his connections with several members who have quit PTI recently. Further, Jami iterated that rumours were spreading that President Alvi may or may not quit PTI. (“PTI’s KP Dissidents To Join Tareen’s Party In Large Numbers,” The Friday Times, 30 May 2023)

Nawaz and Tareen can appeal against disqualification under the new law
On 30 May, The Friday Times reported that the Supreme Court Review of Judgements and Orders Bill, 2023 enables PMLN leader Nawaz Sharif and former PTI leader Jahangir Tareen to file a petition against their disqualification. President Alvi approved the bill on 26 May 2023. The bill widened Article 184 of the Constitution by providing a right of appeal, where a revision petition can be filed within 60 days. (“New Law Paves Way For Nawaz, Jahangir To Challenge Disqualification,” The Friday Times, 30 May 2023)

Rawalpindi ATC surrenders eight suspects for military trial
On 29 May, a Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) surrendered eight suspects for military trial. The court’s directives released two separate orders that notified grounds under which the suspect was taken into custody. According to the orders, the suspects were “found guilty of offences under Sections 3, 7 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, 1952 [sic] read with Section2(1)(d) of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, [which are] exclusively triable by a military court.” Further, the orders read: “Superintendent Jail, Adiala, Rawalpindi is directed to hand over the custody of the above said accused person[s] to the commanding officer for further proceedings in accordance with the law.” (Umer Burney, “May 9 vandalism: Rawalpindi ATC approves handing over of 8 suspects to military for trial,” Dawn, 29 May 2023)

“Pakistan Army can neither be deterred nor coerced by anyone,” says General Asim
On 29 May, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Asim Munir addressed Officers of Command and Staff College, Quetta Garrison. He said that the connection between internal conspiratorial elements and external forces to create political instability had been fully exposed to the Pakistanis. He added: “Pakistan Army can neither be deterred nor coerced by anyone.” He highlighted the operational preparation for conventional, sub-conventional and fifth-generation warfare. Further, General Asim iterated that the Armed forces of Pakistan remain grateful to the Pakistanis who have given a suitable reply to the enemy and their collaborators. (“Nexus Between Internal Elements, External Forces Stands Exposed: Army Chief,” The Friday Times, 30 May 2023)

JIT calls for Imran Khan for interrogation on Jinnah House vandalism
On 30 May 2023, Business Recorder reported that Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has called for Imran Khan to inquire about the Jinnah House vandalism. He will be interrogated on the vandalism act and 9 May violence. However, Imran Khan has denounced the act as a “disgrace” to the country and said that it should not have happened. (“Jinnah House attack: JIT summons Imran Khan for questioning,” Business Recorder, 30 May 2023)

JUDICIARY
CJP Bandial suggests do not want to repeal Isa-led commission
On 29 May, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, during the hearings of the Punjab election, said that SC did not want to repeal the Justice Qazi Faez Isa-led commission but to protect the independence of the judiciary. Bandial said: “The judiciary and the executive interact with each other, but it should not be done in a secret or by way of coercive method but in a transparent manner.”Further, Justice Bandial suggested the government consult CJP before admitting judges into the judicial commission. (Nasir Iqbal, “SC doesn’t want to axe Isa-led commission: CJP,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

LHC: Provincial land transfered to army as meeting to alter the terms were not recorded
On 30 May, Dawn reported that the records submitted by the Punjab government to the Lahore High Court show that the minutes of a ministerial committee meeting altering the terms of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were not recorded the provincial administration faced criticism for its choice to lease 45,267 acres to the Pakistani Army for farming. According to the Board of Revenue (BoR), Justice Abid Hussain Chattha stayed the handing over of land, and Mohsin Leghari and Raja Basharat attended the 14 Oct 2022 meeting before the dissolution of the provincial assembly by Chaudhry Parvez Elahi. The BoR submitted a summary to the chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar with regard to the promotion of corporate agriculture farming in February 2023. However, the Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan (Pilap) challenged it in court, arguing that the caretaker government had no power to take the decision and that the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 did not allow it to undertake any activity beyond its scope for welfare without federal permission.(Wajih Ahma Sheikh, “No minutes of meeting that paved way for land transfer to army, LHC told,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

JKT group intensifies its effort to snag PTI deserters
On 29 May, Tareen held a meeting with former PTI leaders and lawmakers, Aleem Khan, Ishaq Khakwani, Aown Chaudhry, Saeed Akbar Niwani, and Shoaib Siddiqui. The Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT) group is attempting to increase its ranks by poaching deserters ahead of the upcoming general elections, following the departure of more than 70 leaders and former lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Over 70 PTI leaders and former lawmakers have quit the party in light of the 9 May riots, with a significant number hailing from south Punjab. Tareen is not putting in as much energy this time around, and most party leaders are left with three options: PPP, PML-Q or JKT group.(Zulqernain Tahir, “Tareen group revs up bid to poach PTI deserters,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

ELECTIONS
Punjab elections lawsuit is put on indefinite hold by a new legislation
On 29 May, The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of a review petition filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against a top court ruling that directed polls in Punjab on 14 May. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan disclosed that new legislation, giving the court a right to appeal the new legislation. The CJP postponed the hearing without giving a new date, and the attorney general was asked to get instructions from the government regarding the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act 2023 aims to enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by providing for meaningful review of judgments and orders passed by the Supreme Court. The review petition will be filed within 60 days of the passing of the original order(Nasir Iqbal, “ New law stalls Punjab polls case indefinitely,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

ECONOMY
The IMF is seeking a board meeting on Pakistan before its current programme expires
On 30 May, Dawn reported that the IMF is in contact with Pakistan's authorities to prepare for a board meeting before a financing programme expires at the end of June. The staff-level agreement for Pakistan's USD 6.5 billion IMF package has been delayed since November, with more than 100 days since the last mission. IMF mission chief Nathan Porter said: “overcoming the present economic and financial challenges would require sustained policy efforts and reforms for Pakistan to regain strong and inclusive private-led growth.” Ishaq Dar said Pakistan will share its budget details with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to clear its 9th review before the budget presentation in early June. (Nasir Iqbal, “IMF hoping for board meeting on Pakistan before current programme expires,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

Ishaq Dar: The government is committed to advancing Islamic finance
On 29 May, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the National Savings Centre has been instructed to provide Shariah-compliant products for the first time in Pakistani history as part of the country's strategic objective to expand Islamic finance. He expressed hope that the target will be achieved within the timeline given by the Federal Shariah Court and that 21 per cent of the banking sector has been converted to Islamic banking. The SBP and NBP have withdrawn their application and a steering committee has been formed to implement the Federal Shariah court judgement on Riba. Islamic finance is a rapidly growing sector of global financing, promoting risk sharing and connecting the financial sector with the real economy. (Zaheer Abbasi, “Govt committed to promoting Islamic finance: Dar,” Business Recorder, 30 May 2023)

The cost of wheat and beans remains high despite imports
On 30 May, Dawn reported that the prices of wheat and pulses have not decreased even after massive imports in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. Over USD 1 billion was paid by the government to import 2.68 million tons of wheat from July through April of FY23, at an average per-ton (APT) cost of USD 393 as opposed to USD 360 at the same time last year. Pulses cost USD 715 under APT, up from USD 664 the previous year. Wheat prices have increased due to short low crop output and soaring demand, and the quantity of wheat imported has also risen. Aamir Abdullah and Muzamil Chappal urged the government to allow the private sector to import one million tonnes of wheat from Ukraine to bring down flour prices. Cereal Association of Pakistan Chairman Muzamil Chappal stated that the Pulses are now selling under cost due to low demand Pulses prices have remained high due to the rupee devaluation, but are now selling under cost due to low demand. The wheat crop in FY21 was 27m tons, but this year it is 27.5 million tons, raising hope for reduced prices. (Aamir Shafaat Khan, “Prices of pulses, flour refuse to come down despite bulk imports,” Dawn, 30 May 2023)

IMF outlines conditions to provide bailout
On 29 May, The IMF urged Pakistan to follow the Constitution to resolve its political disputes, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Kristalina Georgieva to revive the USD 6.5 billion bailout package. The prime minister instructed the finance ministry to share details of the next budget with the IMF, a day before Finance Minister Ishaq Dar criticised the global lender again. Time is against the Pakistani side as only one month is left in the expiry of the programme, although Pakistani authorities still insist that the IMF can shorten the review completion period.IMF mission chief Nathan Porter said: “Sustaining strong policies and obtaining sufficient financing from partners remain key for Pakistan to maintain macroeconomic stability.” He added: “The IMF staff continues engagement with the Pakistani authorities to pave the way for a board meeting before the current programme expires at end-June.”(Shehbaz Rana, IMF spells out terms to unlock bailout,” The Express Tribune, 30 May 2023)

Pakistan on Twitter

"Dialogue is deeply embedded in the political process, which helps democracy mature & evolve. Many political & constitutional breakthroughs occured when political leaders sat across the table to craft a consensus. However, there is a major difference here, the anarchists & arsonists who wear the garb of politicians and attack the symbols of the State do not qualify for a dialogue. They should rather be held to account for their militant actions. This is the prevalent practice even in developed democracies."
-Shehbaz Sharif

"With complete disregard for the rule of law, this fascist govt - far worse than General Musharraf's martial law, has a one point agenda which is to crush PTI. Meanwhile, Pak economy is going into a free fall. Dollar is at Rs. 315 in the open market, while for non CNIC holders the rate is between Rs 320-325. The gap between the official rate & open market rate is Rs30/$. This dollarization of economy means no local or foreign investment into the country, which will result into contraction of the GDP and worse, lead to hyperinflation. The PDM leaders have billions of dollars stashed abroad, and understandably they are not pushed. The question is, how on earth is the Pakistani establishment allowing the country to head towards a complete economic meltdown?"
-Imran Khan

"No or delayed decision is worse than a wrong decision.Pakistan needed re profiling of local & foreign debt at least for a decade.We delayed as we are egoist, irrational & live in illusion. As a Pakistani I urge that time is short. Worsts economic conditions are knocking the doors."
-Syed Shabbar Zaidi

Also read...

Arifa Noor, Beyond the crackdown,
Dawn, 30 May 2023
“Does this mean that the stage is being set to make sure neither the PPP nor PML-N emerge too strongly from the elections? Is a hung parliament the dream and the aim? But a hung parliament will mean another coalition government stuck worrying about the demands of its allies and the difficult decisions needed to fix the economy. Will such a government throw up a decision-maker willing to take risks? Indeed, much remains unclear, even though the PTI now has been cut down to size.”

Dr Niaz Murtaza, End of chaos?
Dawn, 30 May 2023
“If we have a Sharif prime minister and Ishaq Dar as the finance czar after elections, our economic mayhem will increase. They would be out of their league in tackling the huge problems we face given the black hole that the economy has entered due to the damage done by the PTI and PDM’s economic policies and the PTI’s anarchic politics. Continued poor economic management may lead to default and more political chaos. The PDM must appoint an able cabinet to avoid such a situation.”

Editorial, Judicial quarrels
Dawn, 30 May 2023
“Release orders, bails, habeas corpus rulings, and so on have been treated with disdain, signalling the rapid breakdown of the idea of the separation of powers as envisioned in our Constitution and the quiet ushering in of a more authoritarian system of governance. Those at the very top of the judiciary must realise that their space and power are being encroached upon while they quarrel. A full court meeting must be called post haste to chart a path forward. The judges must talk over their differences and close ranks. The institution is quickly being compromised; they may not have long to act.”

Jazib Mumtaz, Fundamental rights and 50 years of Constitution,
The Express Tribune, 30 May 2023
“The status of social and economic well-being of the people of Pakistan has remained depressed for the last 50 years…..statistics present a bleak scenario of our socio-economic well-being. No State authority or State organ has managed to implement any part of the Principle of Policy, the core of the Constitution, in its true spirit. The State should focus more on the implementation part to carry out the constitutional obligations in its true spirit. Only then we could earn the right to celebrate.”

Muhammad Hamid Zaman, Imagination and memory,
The Express Tribune, 30 May 2023
“Our disappearing memory allows us to bring the same characters in positions of power who have failed us repeatedly. Maybe the trait we need most at this stage is accountability — fair, honest and across the board. This includes accountability of those in uniforms and those in black robes, for actions today and those that were carried out in the past. What we need to imagine is not another shady conspiracy, but a society where human respect, dignity and the rule of law would be paramount.”

“Without visionary leadership committed to Pakistan, the country cannot be transformed into a successful state.”
- An opinion on The Express Tribune, 'Reimagining Pakistan: need for a plausible roadmap'

Daily Briefs

Day 20 Pakistanâ€™s Political Crisis: PR Daily Updates

Qadir iterates on establishing a constitutional court and Rawalpindi ATC surrenders eight suspects for military trial.

Other Daily Briefs