Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | February 2024

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This update is meant to identify key developments during the month on Performance of Democratic Institutions in Pakistan with selected high-profile international developments included occasionally.

  1. Pakistan holds 12th General Election
  2. President delays summoning the session of 16th National Assembly
  3. First Female Chief Minister of Punjab
  4. COAS Congratulates Pakistanis on “Successful Conduct” of GE 2024
  5. Pakistan demoted to “Authoritarian Regime” in Democracy Index 2023
  6. Former PM receives three prison sentences
  7. Former COAS and DG ISI orchestrators of VoNC against former PM: Maulana Fazlur Rehman
  8. Delayed Election Manifestos without Policy Options
  9. SC demands Federal Government’s Commitment for Armed Forces to exclusively focus on Defence
  10. ‘Former COAS and DG ISI orchestrators of VoNC against former PM’: Maulana Fazlur Rehman
  11. IMF should conduct independent audit of GE 2024: Mr. Imran Khan
  12. Not Defending Enforced Disappearances: Caretaker PM
  13. 9th Meeting of the SIFC Apex Committee
  14. COAS meet valiant ASP Sherbano Naqvi
  15. Criticise Judgements, not Judiciary: IHC Chief Justice
  16. Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries
  17. Caretaker Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
  18. Ukraine President dismisses Ukraine’s Top Commander

Pakistan holds 12th General Election

Pakistan held its 12th General Election on February 8, 2024 [1]in 855 constituencies including 266 constituencies of Pakistan’s National Assembly and 593 constituencies of the four Provincial Assemblies.[2] Election in one (1) constituency of the National Assembly and three (3) constituencies of the Provincial Assemblies were postponed due to death of candidates.[3] Additionally, there were 60 seats reserved for women and 10 for minorities in the National Assembly, while there were 132 seats reserved for women and 24 for minorities in the Provincial Assemblies.[4]

Out of more than 128 million registered voters, representing roughly half of Pakistan’s population, 47.6% came out to vote.[5] This was lower than the 52.1% of voters that participated in the last General Election in 2018.

On the eve of the General Election, two bomb attacks killed at least 28 people in Balochistan.[6] Both attacks were near the offices of electoral candidates and the Islamic State (IS) group accepted responsibility. In KP alone, due to security threats, 91,000 policemen and 18,000 military and paramilitary personnel were assigned for election duty.[7] Overall, election day went smoothly in terms of the polling process itself, with no widespread complaints from voters across the country.

There were reports of certain polling stations in Karachi where voting did not commence until 3 pm.[8] Also in Karachi, a candidate was booked for ransacking a polling station and the other for attacking security personnel on polling day.[9] Additionally, there were concerning reports from Waziristan where women faced obstacles in exercising their right to vote.[10]

By far the most concerning and most consequential development on polling day was the unannounced shutdown of mobile phone services, reportedly due to security concerns.[11] Voters were unable to use the 8300 SMS service of ECP to find their polling stations and they were also unable to call the ECP’s complaints helpline. Moreover, the disruption created significant problems for media teams, election observers, candidates and polling staff.[12] However, in response to criticism, the caretaker government defended its decision to suspend mobile phone services stating that the safety and lives of people, including voters and polling staff, were prioritized over voters’ mobility and early announcement of results. [13]

UN Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the suspension of mobile communications services and violence on election day, urging candidates and supporters to respect human rights and the rule of law. The European Union (EU) regretted the lack of a level playing field due to restrictions on political actors, freedom of assembly, and expression, along with allegations of interference in the electoral process. The US State Department expressed concern about electoral violence, restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms, attacks on media workers, and interference in the electoral process and called for claims of interference or fraud to be fully investigated. Pakistan’s Foreign Office voiced surprise over international criticism, emphasizing the complexity of holding elections in Pakistan and argued that criticisms overlooked the intricate nature of the electoral process.[14]

After a relatively smooth polling process, significant challenges arose during the compilation and transmission of results.[15] Section 13(3) of the Elections Act, 2017 mandates the returning officer to communicate the provisional results to the ECP by 2 am on the day following the election. However, the ECP only announced results for 8 National Assembly constituencies by 1:15 am.[16] This increased to 14 constituencies by 4 am. More than half of the National Assembly constituencies had been announced by 10 45 am.[17]

Complete results of the General Election 2024 were announced by the ECP on February 11. Results of 262 out of 266 seats for the National Assembly showed that majority of the successful candidates included 101 independents, 75 belonging to PML-N, 54 from the PPPP, 17 of the MQMP and 4 of the JUIP, among others. [18]

The ECP also failed to meet the legal deadline for uploading key result-related documents, including Forms 45, 46, 48 and 49, on its website by February 22, 2024.[19]

Many parties protested against alleged rigging in the General Election across the country including the PTI, PPPP, PML-N, JUIP, BAP, BNP-M, GDA, PkMAP and PkNAP, staging sit-ins at various places across the country. [20] Leader of the GDA, Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi, hinted at the potential imposition of emergency or martial law, suggesting that the Army had tested all available options. Pir Pagara said that elections had been predetermined months in advance and emphasized the Army’s role as the protector and symbol of the federation and speculated that judges would legitimize martial law or emergency in the eventuality. [21]

In a press conference, Commissioner of Rawalpindi, Mr. Liaquat Ali Chattha accused the ECP and the Chief Justice of Pakistan of being involved in election rigging and further claimed responsibility for supervising the manipulation of election results in 13 National Assembly constituencies. Following his press conference, Mr. Chattha surrendered to the police. His allegations were rejected by the CJP who stated that the Supreme Court’s role in elections was limited to directing decisions between the President and the CEC. The ECP rejected the allegations also and formed a committee to investigate the claims made by Mr. Chattha.[22] On February 22, Mr. Chattha sent a letter to the ECP Secretary retracting his previous allegations of election rigging. He claimed that the press conference was held at the direction of a senior PTI leader (who offered him a lucrative position in the future if he supported the PTI’s narrative of election rigging and maligning state institutions).[23]

The Caretaker Federal Government constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to identify and prosecute individuals involved in a social media campaign against government officials for alleged irregularities in the 2024 GE. The Sindh High Court (SHC) also directed the authorities to submit a response regarding restrictions on the internet on polling day.[24] On February 25, the FIA arrested blogger and YouTuber Mr. Asad Ali Toor after he appeared before the investigators in connection with an investigation into a smear campaign against the top court judges.[25]

Election results of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab showed the PML-N bagging 138 seats, Independents backed by the PTI with 116 seats and the PPP with 10 seats, among others.[26] The Provincial Assembly of Sindh was dominated by the PPPP with 83 seats followed by the MQMP with 27 seats.[27] The Provincial Assembly of Balochistan was led by the PPP winning 11 seats, the PML-N with 9 seats and the JUIP with 8 seats.[28] The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw the PTI-backed independents to have won more than 87 seats followed by the JUIP with 7 seats, the PML-N with 5 seats and the PPPP with 4 seats, among others.

President delays summoning the session of 16th National Assembly

Dr. Arif Alvi, President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan

The 16th National Assembly could only be convened for its inaugural session on February 29 after the President received criticism for the delay in summoning the session. [29]

A summary requesting the summoning of session was sent to the President by the Parliamentary Affairs division of the government but received no official response from President Alvi. The President is required to summon the inaugural session of the National Assembly within 21 days as per Article 91(2) of the Constitution, marking February 29 as the last date for doing so. There were speculations that the President may have been waiting for the ECP notification of women lawmakers of the SIC on reserved seats before calling the session.[30] Without any response from the Presidency, Speaker of the outgoing National Assembly, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, on February 26, had to summon the inaugural sitting of the National Assembly for February 29, 2024 after President Arif Alvi refused to summon the session on account of an ‘incomplete house.’ [31]

On February 27, Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar once again advised the President to convene the session, while granting authority to the National Assembly secretariat to call the session after the constitutional deadline.[32] Mr. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the President would not be replaced via impeachment but through the electoral process saying that he foresaw President Dr. Arif Alvi facing multiple cases for violating the Constitution. He mentioned that President Alvi would likely face at least two cases, one for dissolving the National Assembly after the vote of no confidence against former PM Mr. Imran Khan and another for failure to summon the National Assembly session as required by the Constitution.[33]

Finally, on February 29, President Dr. Arif Alvi also approved the summary calling for inaugural session of the 16th National Assembly. A statement issued by the Presidency, took issue with the tone of the summary sent to President Alvi by Caretaker PM adding that he was calling the session as he expected that the issue of reserved seats would be settled by the 21st day after the polls, as envisaged in the law.[34]

On February 24, the ECP announced its preparations for holding the presidential election by March 9, 2024.[35]

First Female Chief Minister of Punjab

Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab

On February 26, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif (Punjab, PML-N) took oath as 30th Chief Minister of the Punjab and thus became the first female Chief Minister of any province in Pakistan. She was elected by the votes of 220 MPAs. [36] Earlier on February 24, 313 newly-elected MPAs took oath with 215 belonging to the PML-N and allied parties and 98 independents backed by the PTI.[37] Both the election of the Chief Minister and earlier oath of MPAs was marred by protests.

In Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, MPA (Sindh, PPPP) took oath for his third consecutive term as Chief Minister of Sindh on February 27. [38] He was elected earlier by receiving the votes of 112 Sindh MPAs. [39]

In KP, Mr. Imran Khan’s nominee for the post of Chief Minister, Mr. Ali Amin Gandapur, MPA (KP, Independent) was elected as the 22nd Chief Minister of the province by securing 90 votes on March 1. [40]

In Balochistan, flouting the spirit of the Constitutional requirement for caretaker ministers, former Federal Caretaker Minister for Interior, who changed his political association by joining the PPP just ahead of General Election, Mr. Sarfraz Bugti, MPA (Balochistan, PPPP) was elected as Chief Minister by securing 41 votes in the Balochistan Assembly. [41]

COAS Congratulates Pakistanis on “Successful Conduct” of GE 2024

General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)

In a statement issued by the ISPR on February 10, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff, ‘congratulated’ the “entire Pakistani Nation, Caretaker Government, Election Commission of Pakistan, Political Parties and all winning candidates” on what he termed as a “successful conduct of General Elections 2024.” [42]

The statement attributed to the COAS conveyed that “free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in Constitution of Pakistan.” He was further quoted as saying that “leadership and personnel of law-enforcement agencies deserve our highest appreciation for creating a safe and secure environment for the electoral process, despite overwhelming odds. The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history.”

The COAS further emphasised that “Pakistan’s diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose. Elections and democracy are means to serve people of Pakistan and not ends in themselves.”

The COAS also said that the country needed “a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation which does not suit a progressive country of 250 Million people.”

The COAS said that “elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people. Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful.”

The COAS also said that it was “incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity” after the people “reposed their combined trust in the Constitution of Pakistan.”

The ISPR stated that the COAS “wishes that these elections bring in political and economic stability and prove to be the harbinger of peace and prosperity for our beloved Pakistan.”

Earlier on February 08, an ISPR statement extended “heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the generally peaceful and violence free conduct of the general elections.” The statement emphasised that 137, 000 army personnel and civil armed forces were deployed at approximately 6, 000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7800 QRFs,” to ensure a “safe and secure environment for the public.” It further said that “despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in KP and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan.” The ISPR also shared that “12 people (including 10 personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies) embraced Shahadat and 39 others” were injured in these attacks alongside 5 Terrorists who were also killed. The ISPR statement further emphasised that the “armed forces remain dedicated to upholding peace and security in the country and stand ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of our state.” It went on to state that “gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process.” The ISPR said that “it is our fervent hope that our sacrifices would not be in vain and this election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan, and that it will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.” [43]

Pakistan demoted to “Authoritarian Regime” in Democracy Index 2023

Countries ranked Democracy Index 2023, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit

On February 15, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2023 Democracy Index showed Pakistan demoted to the category of “Authoritarian Regime” down from the earlier “Hybrid Regime.” Pakistan’s score dropped 11 places below to 3.25 making it the only Asian country classified as ‘authoritarian.’ [44]

This noteworthy decline was lower than the score of 3.92 that Pakistan received in 2006 when the country was under the military dictatorship and was seen to be a major cause of concern requiring serious introspection. [45] Pakistan was placed among those hybrid regimes that “struggled to democratise,” according to the EIU and thus earned the lowest rank in the democracy index placing Pakistan among six states globally to have their classification changed. [46]

The EIU defines Authoritarian Regimes as those “states where political pluralism is absent or heavily circumscribed. Many countries in this category are outright dictatorships. Some formal institutions of democracy may exist, but these have little substance. Elections, if they do occur, are not free and fair. There is disregard for abuses and infringements of civil liberties. Media are typically state-owned or controlled by groups connected to the ruling regime. There is repression of criticism of the government and pervasive censorship. There is no independent judiciary.” [47]

Former PM receives three prison sentences

In the week leading up to the General Election, former Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan received three prison sentences. [48]

A civil court set up inside Adiala Jail where Mr. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 following a corruption conviction, handed him a 10-year sentence for leaking State secrets as well as gave him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, a 7-year sentence for violating marriage laws.[49]

Additionally, an accountability court sentenced Mr. Khan and his wife to 14 years in prison for the unlawful sale of state gifts.[50]

‘Former COAS and DG ISI orchestrators of VoNC against former PM’: Maulana Fazlur Rehman

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In an interview to a private tv channel on February 14, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the JUIP claimed that former Army Chief Gen. (Retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa and former DG SI, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Faiz Hameed guided all political parties regarding the no-confidence vote against former Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan in April 2022. [51]

He alleged that the two Generals were in contact with political parties and provided directions on the successful no-confidence motion. He also claimed that Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed, then DG ISI, had approached him regarding the no-confidence vote, but he refused to proceed with it.

Leader of the JUIP also clarified that the PDM was not just a political or electoral alliance but a movement founded on common principles, despite differences among its members. He said that if the military establishment’s narrative was that the General Election 2024 was fair, then their earlier narrative on the May 9 riots was buried. He also expressed grievances with the military establishment regarding GE 2024.

During the interview with Mr. Nadeem Malik from Samaa News, Mr. Fazal ur Rehman (on being asked about gathering PDM forces to de throne Mr. Imran Khan in 2022) said, “dekhie PDM intekhabi itehad nahi tha, PDM hakomti itehad bhi nahi tha kuyn ke hakomat mein Peoples’s party bhi thi, jo PDM se nikl chuki thi, hakomat mein ANP bhi thi jo PDM se nikl chuki thi, hakomat mein MQM bhi thi, hakomat mein BAP bhi thi, tu ye hakomati itehad bhi nahi tha aur intkhabi itehad bhi nahi tha, ye sirf aik tehreek ke liye minimum point pe hum chal rahey thay, aur kuch hamare ikhtelaf ke bawajood hum akhtay chal rahy thay, kuyn ke jo strategy thi, jo hikmat e amli thi, jis tarah tyar ki gai, us strategy se hamein itefak nahi tha, aur hamare tmam dost jante hain aur aisa nahi ke koi aisi baat keh raha hon jo meray zaban pe ai hai aur mein ap se keh raha hon, hamare tmam akabreen jo un ijlason mein bethay thay jantay thay ke mein adm e itemad ke hak mein nahi tha, lekin mein ne doston ke liye ke wahdat na totnay apne is maukf ki kurabni di thi”

Mr. Nadeem Malik further inquired whether JUIP Chief did not want no confidence motion against Mr. Imran Khan, on which JUIP Chief replied, “hum tehreek ke kuwat se in ko hatein,” Mr. Nadeem asked who wanted the No Confidence Motion, on which Mr. Fazl ur Rehman replied, “adme itemad ki tehreek peoples party chala rahi thi aur peoples party ke hawale se mein ap ko bus itna keh don ke meray pass khud General Faiz Hameed sahib aye thay aur unho ne mujhe kaha tha ke within the system ap jo karna chahein hamein koi iteraz nahi ho ga, lekin out of the system nahi”, interviewer said, within the system means No Confidence motion? on which JUIP chief replied, “tu phir mein ne un ko inkar kar dia tha aur us ke baad phir toot toot k aye ye PTI ke log, bhi aur phir us ke baad ye MQM bhi, aur ye BAP bhi aur is ke baad unho ne kaha ke hamare pass aksriat hai, aur agar mein phir inkar karta tu kehte Fazl ur Rehman ne Imran Khan ko bachaya, tu ye who chezein thin ke mein sirf is liye ap ke samne ye zikr karna chahta hon ke tarekh ke aurak pe hakiak kisi wakt tu aein”

Mr. Nadeem Malik further asked whether General (Retd) Bajwa and Lt General (Retd) Faiz Hamid were in touch with him during that time; on which JUIP chief replied, “hazrat who bilkul rabtey mein thay, aur un ki majoodgi mein sub ko bulaya gia, aur samne kaha gia ke ap ne is tarah karna hai, is tarha karna hai”, Mr. Nadeem asked who were those all on which Mr. Fazal ur Rehman said, “sub partian”, Interviewer asked who asked them for the no confidence motion on which JUIP chief replied, “Bajwa sahib aur Faiz Hameed sahib dono thay”, interviewer asked what did they say, Mr. Fazl ur Rehman replied “unho ne yehi kaha ke ap ne kaisay chalna hai, kia karna hai”, interviewer, on this, said, so we can say that no confidence move was basically from General (Retd) Bajwa and Lt General (Retd) Faiz Hameed and N League and PPP only validated it, Mr. Fazal ur Rehman said, “ ap waki sahi sahafi hai ap ne baat nikal hi li hum se”.[52]

Later, Mr. Fazl ur Rehman, on being asked by the interviewer that you said Army’s May 9th, 2023 narrative has been buried, on which Mr. Fazl ur Rehman replied, “agar, establishment ka ye maukuf hai ke election saaf huay hain, tu is ka mani hai ke May 09 ka byanya dafn ho gya hai, aur logon ne ghadaron ko vote diye hain phir, Pakistan ke andar”. Interviewer asked, are all the 25 crore voters traitors, on which JUIP Chief said, “tu wohi tu arz kar raha hon na, ke asl iteraz establishment ke upar hai mera, agar who keh rahey hain ke dhandli nahi hui tu mein ilazmun un ko keh raha hon ke phir May 09th wali baat tu gai ap ki, aur kaum ne faisla de dia”

During the interview with Mr. Nadeem Malik from Samaa News, Mr. Fazal ur Rehman (on being asked about gathering PDM forces to de throne Mr. Imran Khan in 2022) said PDM was neither a government coalition nor an election one, ANP and PPP had earlier left the PDM, PDM was a movement which was being driven on a minimum point agenda adding JUIP did not agree with the overall strategy and even with reservations they were part of it. Mr. Fazl clarified he remained party of PDM just to solidify the unity of parties and sacrificed his personal stance.

Mr. Nadeem Malik further inquired whether JUIP Chief did not want no confidence motion against Mr. Imran Khan, on which JUIP Chief replied that he wanted Mr. Khan’s removal through their PDM movement adding PPP was the party which was running the No Confidence motion movement. Mr. Fazal revealed that Lt General (retd) Faiz Hamid came to meet him and suggested Mr. Fazal to remove Mr. Khan by using democratic force within the assembly and system but not any means outside the system to which Mr. Fazl had declined Lt General (Retd) Faiz Hamid’s officer. Mr. Fazal further said PTI MNAs started leaving PTI afterwards and then MQM and BAP also joined forces with PDM and when majority was achieved to remove Mr. Khan as PM, then at that time he had no choice but to support the No Confidence movement as he would have been labeled as someone who is supporting Mr. Khan at that time. Mr. Fazal claimed that in the presence of General (Retd) Bajwa and Lt General (retd) Faiz Hamid all parties were brought together and were briefed how they will proceed and what they have to do to bring the No Confidence motion against Mr. Khan. Mr. Fazal further said if establishment claims that General Elections 2024 were not rigged then they have buried their May 09, 2023 narrative .

After the statement of the JUIP leader, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Qasim Suri said that truth always emerges. The JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmed called for legal action against the former generals while the PML-N refuted JUIP Chief’s claims. The PPP leader Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira suggested that the JUIP’s allegations indicated a withdrawal of support from Mr. Imran Khan by the military establishment.[53]

However on February 15, Mr. Fazalur Rehman clarified his remarks regarding the role of the former ISI chief, saying that he had mistakenly uttered Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hamid’s name.[54]

Delayed Election Manifestos without Policy Options

PML-N, PPP, PTI have no plan to solve country's biggest issues: report

The three mainstream political parties, namely the PTI, PML-N and PPP unveiled their election manifestos on the heels of the 2024 General Election with the PTI being the last to release its 2024 manifesto. The PPP released its election manifesto first on December 27, 2023,[55] followed by the PML-N exactly a month later on January 27, 2024 [56]and just 2 weeks away from the General Election and the PTI on January 28, 2024. [57]

The election manifestoes, it appeared, were only unveiled as a formality and not as a means to attract voters to make informed voting choices based on the policy pledges outlined by these parties.

PILDAT has advised for long that in order for Pakistan’s democratic process to mature, political parties have to employ a sustained process for developing policy options to address systemic issues facing Pakistan through involving their grassroots membership. Instead, political parties have continued to the lazy process of top-down diktats of party leadership in merely preparing their wish-lists and not cogent policy options.

PILDAT has also continued to advocate that in order to opt for electing political leadership that takes required deliberations to present cogent policy options for addressing critical issues facing Pakistan, voters must choose their representatives based on party manifestoes over personality cults.

A study of the delayed manifestoes by leading parties has led to further criticism levelled against the leading political parties for shying away from providing detailed strategies in addressing systemic issues in economy, democracy and internal security.[58]

SC demands Federal Government’s Commitment for Armed Forces to exclusively focus on Defence

On February 15, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, asked for a commitment from the Federal Government to ensure that the armed forces exclusively focus on defence related matters rather than engaging in commercial activities. He was heading a three-judge bench in a case scrutinising the use of military lands for business purposes. The CJP criticised the Pakistan Army for setting-up marriage halls on military lands and sought assurance from Attorney General for Pakistan that the military would not engage in running business. The AGP conceded that the principle demanded that everyone should do their own job.[59]

Former DG ISI says SJC cannot continue proceedings against Resigned or Retired Judges

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hamid, Former DG ISI

In a written statement submitted to the Supreme Court, Former DG ISI, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hamid, stated the Constitution did not allow for the continuation of proceedings by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against judges who resigned or retired before the conclusion of such proceedings. [60]

The statement was submitted to a 5-member bench headed by the CJP which had reserved its ruling on the appeal of IHC Judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui against the SJC opinion, as well as October 11, 2018 notification under which he was removed as the superior court judge for his July 21, 2018 speech at the District Bar Association Rawalpindi.

The written statement by former DG ISI and Brig Irfan Ramay argued that any provision of the Constitution which confers upon the SJC any power, duty, or obligation to initiate or continue proceedings against a retired judge would not only violative of Article 195 that deals with the retiring age of the high court judge as well as Article 209 (SJC) and amounts to rewriting of the Constitution.

In another development on February 21, in a split decision of four to one, the Supreme Court ruled that misconduct proceedings pending before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against superior court judges will not abate in the event of the judge’s resignation or retirement.[61]

IMF should conduct independent audit of GE 2024: Mr. Imran Khan

In yet another controversial stance, former Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan, through Information Secretary of his party, wrote to the IMF asking the international agency to factor in the country’s “political instability” in any further bailout talks.[62]

Mr. Khan’s lawyer, Senator Ali Zafar had informed reporters on February 23 that the former PM will write to the IMF urging it to conduct an independent audit of February 8 General Election before continuing talks with the new Federal Government. [63]

Senator Zafar said that the IMF, the European Union and other organisations had a charter that stated that good governance was needed for working in the country or giving a loan to. “The most important condition for good governance is democracy,” he said, adding that the people’s mandate was stolen “in the darkness of the night” in GE 2024, adding that if elections were not free and fair, any organisation would avoid giving a “loan” to such a country. “Because that loan will further burden the people.” The PTI, he said, wanted an audit of the election results and that condition would be put in front of the IMF. [64]

In his own conversation with reporters while in Adiala Jail, Mr. Imran Khan had said if the country gets a loan in such a situation, then who will return it. Later, the party toned down its stance, saying that Pakistan should continue to engage with the IMF in order to ensure financial discipline, good governance and economic stability, which is critical for the prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

Not Defending Enforced Disappearances: Caretaker PM

On February 28, Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar appeared before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the missing Baloch students case and emphasized that the government is dealing with an armed insurgency in Balochistan aimed at establishing a new state. He also said that the government is following the Constitution and law, asserting that the State must handle armed individuals differently. He also highlighted instances of violations by non-state actors, criticizing the focus solely on state forces while overlooking human rights abuses committed by insurgents. He acknowledged flaws in the system and emphasized the need for evidence before punishment.

Outside the court, Caretaker PM clarified that he did not defend enforced disappearances but defended the charges against the State, pledging to inform the media once the inquiry is complete.[65]

9th Meeting of the SIFC Apex Committee

The 9th meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s Apex Committee was convened by Caretaker Prime Minister, Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on February 2. The meeting was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, members of the Federal Caretaker Cabinet, Provincial Caretaker Chief Ministers, and senior government officials.

According to the PMO, as Ministries provided updates on various projects and policy initiatives aimed at attracting investment and stimulating economic growth, the committee “expressed satisfaction with the overall progress” and applauded the coordinated efforts across government agencies. The PMO shared that principal approval was granted for Strategic Canals Vision 2030 and reforms proposed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The COAS reiterated the Pakistan Army’s commitment to supporting government initiatives for economic stability and socio-economic well-being. [66]

COAS meet valiant ASP Sherbano Naqvi

COAS, Syed Asim Munir with ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi

On February 28, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir met with Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi who saved a woman from a violent mob in Lahore’s Ichhra Bazaar on February 26, 2024. COAS praised ASP Naqvi for her professionalism and selfless devotion to duty. COAS emphasized that women were an essential part of Pakistan’s society and their respect was enshrined in both the religion and society. COAS stressed the importance of social harmony and the need for a nationwide consensus on curbing intolerance.[67] COAS stressed the importance of following the law and cautioned against taking the law into one’s hands when there were legal channels available to resolve issues and complaints, noting that actions taken arbitrarily on the grounds of heresy damage society’s perspective, the COAS emphasized the enduring principles of kindness and benevolence are rooted in Islam. He also appreciated the sacrifices rendered by the law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Pakistan. [68]

Criticise Judgements, not Judiciary: IHC Chief Justice

Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Aamer Farooq

Addressing the court reporters on February 19, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Aamer Farooq, cautioned reporters against dragging the institution of the Judiciary and its personalities into controversies as it could undermine public confidence in the courts.

He said that while court reporting had evolved in recent years, particularly with the advent of social media allowing reporters to cover cases in various ways, media, as the fourth pillar of the State should understand that it plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of the judiciary. He highlighted instances of what he termed as erroneous reporting by the media, including quoting judges out of context or misinterpreting their remarks and urged reporters to exercise utmost care, especially when reporting on pending litigation, to avoid misleading the public.

The IHC CJ also expressed concerns about the legal understanding of some current affairs anchor-persons, who may not be well-versed in legal provisions and procedures. He noted that instead of relying on judgments, some media personalities choose to base their reporting on remarks seen on TV tickers, which may lead to misinformation.[69]

Chairman Senate meets Foreign Dignitaries

Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan

On February 19, a delegation of American Investors led by Mr. Ahmad Nadeem Khan, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Miracle Saltworks Collective Inc. USA, called on Chairman Senate, Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.[70]

Caretaker Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS

Caretaker Prime Minister Mr. Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir met twice during February 2024:

  1. On February 02, 2024, Caretaker Prime Minister and Chief of the Army Staff were together at the 9th meeting of the Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). [71]
  2. On February 05, 2024, Caretaker Prime Minister and Chief of the Army Staff visited Muzaffarabad where they laid floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument. [72]

Ukraine President dismisses Ukraine’s Top Commander

General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander in Chief, Ukraine

On February 08, President of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of Ukraine’s top commander, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi in the biggest military shakeup since the start of Russia’s full scale invasion almost two years ago.

Mr. Zelensky’s move follows tensions between him and his hugely popular military chief after the failure of Ukraine’s much-vaunted counteroffensive, and with Ukraine facing a renewed Russian onslaught, manpower and ammunition shortages and US aid stalled in congress.

In a Telegram post sent shortly before the formal announcement, Mr. Zelensky said that he held a meeting with Mr. Zaluzhnyi, and “discussed what kind of renewal the Armed Forces of Ukraine need.”

Mr. Zaluzhnyi’s replacement will be Mr. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who since 2019 has served as the Commander of Ukrainian Land Forces. Mr. Zaluzhnyi wrote on his Telegram channel that “the tasks of 2022 are different from those of 2024 saying everyone must change and adapt to the new realities as well. [We] have just met with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. It was an important and serious conversation.[73] It was decided that we need to change our approaches and strategy. Mr. Zaluzhnyi – who had been appointed army chief by Zelensky in July 2021 – was offered a new position by the President, which he turned down, according to one of the sources.[74]

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