Epaper_24-02-10 (KHI)

WITH ECONOMY AT A STANDSTILL, WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR AN ELECTED GOVT? In partnership with

Saturday, 10 February, 2024 I 29 Rajab, 1445

Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 223 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition

PTI HAS EMERGED AS SINGLE LARGEST POLITICAL FORCE IN COUNTRY. PML-N IS TRYING TO PLAY SPOILSPORT. WHOEVER ASSUMES POWER HAS AN UNENVIABLE TASK AHEAD

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PROFIT

MARIAM UMAR FAROOQ & AHTASAM AHMAD

OR a while there, we weren’t even sure if elections would happen. But after weeks of muted campaigning and bluster that proved premature, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz finds itself in an unenviable position. Beaten, bloodied, stripped of its electoral symbol, and with its leader in jail the PTI has managed to sweep the elections despite all the odds. Even in the face of massive irregularities, it seems Imran Khan’s party has emerged the victor.

But that hasn’t quieted the PML-N. Nawaz Sharif on Friday gave a victory speech despite his party being well-clear of winning. And while the noon supremo tried to strike a conciliatory tone, the weeks to come will show just what shape the next government takes. But whether Mian Nawaz returns for a historic fourth term or the PTI is able to cobble together a government with their growing lead, the challenge will be massive. So what is the task a new government will have to take on?

The economy was a major issue in this election Perhaps more than ever before the economy was a hot topic in this election. The PML-N will perhaps be regretting their decision to lead the PDM coalition government for the last year-and-a-half of the last national assembly. At the time when he was ousted through a vote of no confidence, Imran Khan and his party were deeply unpopular due to increasing inflation. But the situation worsened in the PDM government

and Mian Shehbaz Sharif ended up taking the political brunt for the state of the economy and rising cost of living.

As many analysts, including former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, have reiterated multiple times that the voting trends have indicated that PML-N has borne the burden of poor governance, particularly in the economic sphere. In the lead up to the elections, the crackdown on PTI and attempts to disenfranchise the party has enabled them to garner massive public support.

“The people of Pakistan have spoken, loudly and clearly; any attempt to manipulate their mandate will result in unsustainable chaos. The heat of the electoral process has passed; it is time to allow the country to heal. The political leadership – Mian Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Imran Khan, Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, and others – must rise above petty politics and work together to confront the immense challenges our country is facing; they need to recognise that history is not kind to selfish politicians,” said former Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Additionally, the elections have come at a time when the country is at economic crossroads. The inflation levels have been hovering at an average rate of around 28%29% in the first seven months of the fiscal year of 2024. Similarly, economic growth has slumped, external debt has exceeded more than $100 billion. At the same time, the country’s reserves are less than $10 billion.

“Elections determine public mandate. A government backed by strong public support can enact vital reforms for economic stability,” remarked Mustafa Pasha, chief investment officer at Lakson Investment Limited.

“Conversely, a government lacking public support tends to resort to populist measures like keeping the rupee artificially overvalued, decreasing petrol prices, leading to adverse economic consequences,” he added.

Hence, transparent elections are crucial for countries like Pakistan to ensure the formation of governments capable of making tough economic decisions for sustainable growth. S&P Global’s analysts have echoed similar sentiments in their February 4 report stating that a government with popular support and the ability to work with key institutions will have a better chance of securing financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Moreover, according to S&P, Pakistan’s credit rating could improve if the elections result in a government that can push for

tough reforms. Currently, Pakistan has CCC+ which signifies that the country is ‘vulnerable’ to a default.

Regardless of who succeeds in assuming power now, one thing is certain, the road ahead is bumpy with economic challenges posing the biggest threat.

The country is anticipating a transition from the current IMF stand-by agreement to a long-term Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Moreover, the high inflation, and consequently high-interest rates, are putting the patience of the masses to the test. The external sector also poses a significant challenge. With low foreign reserves and massive repayment obligations in the next 12 months, the government has been constrained from allocating funds for public spending.

Securing a new IMF deal The elected government is likely to take charge in March. This timeline coincides with the expiry of the $3 billion IMF bailout program which is expiring on March 30.

This means that following elections, there is mounting pressure on the upcoming government to swiftly secure a new IMF deal to prevent a sovereign default.

Pasha anticipates the formation of the new government by early to mid-March.

“The expectation is that the government will likely require some form of coalition setup, hence it might take a few weeks to form the government, possibly by early or mid-March.”

As per analysts at JS Global, “Any unfavourable developments such as Pakistan’s inability to secure a fresh IMF program owing to lagged reform-related measures, delayed support from friendly countries backed by changing geopolitical preferences etc, are expected to bring the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) foreign exchange reserves back to concerning levels, as witnessed in the first half of 2023. The same would likely lead to a negative impact on investor confidence in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.”

Therefore, the upcoming government needs to be decisive and able to take tough decisions to secure a deal with the IMF. This would require further austerity measures which include phasing out untargeted subsidies, increasing direct and indirect taxes to increase revenues, reducing expenditures, letting rupee take its course, and lastly circular debt reforms.

Regional countries want peace, US questions conduct of Pakistan stability in Afghanistan: PM election, calls for ‘fraud’ probe

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq Kakar om Friday said that all countries of the region, including Russia and China, wanted peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.

In an exclusive interview with TOLO news, he said that the recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan needed regional consensus. Until the countries of the region and the world recognized the current government of Afghanistan, Pakistan would not take a step forward in that regard, he added.

“I personally believe that all the

countries in the region want the Afghan government to get recognized, although I cannot talk about the exact time, regional countries have understood this. I believe that the issue of recognition will be resolved as time passes.”

The prime minister said the Durand Line was an internationally recognized border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“The UN and 206 countries have approved this as an international border and what the Afghan people say about this is their internal discussion, in which I am not interested.”

He said the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had shelter in some

provinces of Afghanistan and that issue had caused insecurity in Pakistan. “When my people come to your soil, use it, train on it, and then come and harm my people, then I will definitely be telling you that my unpleasant brother is on your soil, no matter if by your permission or not, he must be expelled from your soil,” he added.

“This is Pakistan’s stance and we have not accused the Afghan government of intentionally sheltering these people,” the prime minister said. He said that no nation would be permitted to utilize Pakistan’s airspace against Afghanistan.

PM extends well wishes for ailing King Charles III Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday extended well wishes to King Charles III of Britain, joining hands with the people of the Commonwealth in praying for the monarch’s complete health and full recovery.

“The Government and the people of Pakistan join the people of the Commonwealth in wishing His Majesty King Charles III complete health and full recovery,” the prime minister wrote on X. He said King Charles’ resilience and courage in confronting cancer was a source of strength to millions of concerned Commonwealth citizens around the globe.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

State Department of the United States of America (USA) has called for “full investigation” into the the claims of “interference or fraud” in the general elections held in Pakistan, reiterating its resolve to work with to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests.

According to the statement by Mr Matthew Miller, Spokesperson of the State Department, millions of Pakistanis made their voices heard by voting in Pakistan’s elections on February 8, with record numbers of Pakistani women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and youth registered.

“We commend Pakistani poll workers, civil society, journalists and election observers for their work to protect and uphold Pakistan’s democratic and electoral institutions. We now look forward to timely, complete results that reflect the will of the Pakistani people,” he said.

Miller said that the US joins credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peace-

ful assembly.

“We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated,” he added.

“The United States is prepared to work with the next Pakistani government, regardless of political party, to advance our shared interests. We look forward to bolstering

our partnership by supporting Pakistan’s economy through trade and investment. We will continue to support Pakistan strengthening its democratic institutions, engage through the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework, broaden peopleto-people ties, and promote human rights including freedom of expression,” he added.

“We are also committed to strengthening our security cooperation and creating an environment of safety and security that affords the Pakistani people the peace, democracy, and progress they deserve,” he concluded.

Nawaz vows to form ‘unity government’ after PML-N falls short of simple majority PTI vows to form governments in center, Punjab and KP

LAHORE

MIAN ABRAR

Former prime minister and chief of PML-N, Nawaz Sharif late Friday addressed his party workers and vowed to form unity government with allies and likeminded parties after PML-N fell short of simple majority in National Assembly. Sources privy to fast taking developments told Pakistan Today that Nawaz Sharif phoned PPPP President Asif Zardari and invited him to hold a meeting so as formation of a unity government could be discussed. He also invited Bilawal BhuttoZardari who would flew to Lahore later in the night for the crucial meeting as Asif Zardari is already in Islamabad to finalise the deal.

Sources said that some other politicians may be joined in by once PML-N and PPP leadership finalise details of the future government. The source said that Shehbaz Sharif would also meet Maulana Fazlur Rehman and MQM chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui to help form a coalition government. “Things would be finalised over the weekend,” the source added, requesting not to named.

Nawaz Sharif claims victory in address to party workers

In a candid address to his supporters outside his Model Town residence in Lahore, former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif conceded that his party, despite emerging as the ‘single-largest party’ in Thursday’s general elections, does not have the numbers to form a government on its own at the Centre.

“We respect the mandate of all parties and independent candidates,” Nawaz stated, acknowledging the reality of the election results. Urging unity in the face of a fragmented political landscape, he called upon his former coalition partners to come together and establish a ‘unity government’ for the benefit of Pakistan.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) top leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Friday said that the PTI would form federal and provincial governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) being majority party in National and provincial assemblies of Punjab and KP. In a video statement, Gohar Ali Khan said that the people had coast votes in historic numbers and PTI was leading in 150 National Assembly constituencies.

“There is an effort to engineer election results but our candidates have form 45 and we will move to relevant forums against election irregularities. I request the election commission to announce results of all candidates,” he said, adding that formation of governments would commence after all results are announced.

Gohar Ali Khan said that the PTI is in a position to form government at the Cen-

tre and ruled out forging an alliance with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

“We are not in contact with PPP or PML-N,” Barrister Gohar told media.

He claimed that PTI is winning 150 National Assembly seats and would be able to achieve the required number of seats to form government at the Centre.

“We are not intending to form a coalition government with PPP and PML-N, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. “We will form the government at the Centre and Punjab,” he added. He said the PTI has a clear lead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and will form government there as well. “PTI will remain in Parliament and will play its role.”

He said independent candidates belong to PTI and asserted they would not join any party against party directives amid fears of horse trading. STAFF REPORT

02

EXCEPT MANSEHRA, SHARIF FAMILY MEMBERS DEFEAT OPPONENTS CO MFORTABLY

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Saturday, 10 February, 2024 | KARACHI

NEWS

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

LL members of the Sharif family won National Assembly seats from Lahore defeating their opponents except Nawaz Sharif who lost NA15 Mansehra to PTI-backed independent candidate.

Following the conclusion of polling for general elections, the ECP has started issuing results of both the National and provincial assemblies.

According official results, PML-N Nawaz Sharif has won the seat of NA-130 Lahore by securing an impressive 171,024 votes.

Nawab Sharif grabbed 171,024 votes

while Yasmin Rashid obtained 115,043 votes. The PML-N supremo defeated her by a margin of 55,981 votes.

Defeat by PTI backed independent candidate in Mansehra PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif faced defeat against independent candidate Shahzada Gastasap in NA-15 Mansehra.

Unofficial reports from National Assembly Constituency NA-15 Mansehra revealed that Shahzada Gastasap secured victory with 74,713 votes, while Mian Nawaz Sharif garnered 63,054 votes.

PML-N President Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif won the election by securing 64,953 votes in Lahore’s NA-123 while his rival Afzal Azeem Pahat came second with 48,486 votes.

PML-N Senior Vice-President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif also won his NA-119 seat by securing 83,855 votes while independent candidate Shahzad Farooq managed only 68,376 votes.

Shahzad Farooq, securing 68,376 votes, posiioned himself as the runner-up in this constituency, awaiting the finalization of results. As the official confirmation is awaited, these preliminary outcomes provide a snapshot of the evolving political landscape in these constituencies.

Another scion of the Sharif family, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif also won the elections from NA-118 by securing 105,960 votes. PTI-backed Independent candidate Aliya Hamza came second with 100,803 votes.

As China woes mount, investment banks brace for more Asia job cuts g

A new round of staff cuts that began in late 2023 on Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, key regional investment banking hubs, will gather pace in coming months PROFIT

ReuteRS

Job cuts at western investment banks in Asia are expected to increase this year as revenue pressures rise due to deepening economic and market turmoil in China, even as deal prospects brighten in Japan and India, headhunters and bankers said.

A new round of staff cuts that began in late 2023 on the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, key regional investment banking hubs, will gather pace in the coming months, they added.

U.S. boutique bank Lazard announced internally last month it would close its Beijing office, resulting in some employees being laid off, while others were to be relocated to Hong Kong, two people with knowledge of the move said.

Its European peer Rothschild disbanded its Shanghai-based team in the fourth quarter, two separate people with knowledge of the matter said. Bank of America (BAC.N) last month announced job cuts of more than 20 bankers in Asia.

The sources declined to be named as

they are not authorised to speak to the media.

Lazard declined to comment.

Rothschild did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the status of Shanghai.

China’s stock markets hovering around five-year lows and the country’s weaker-than-expected recovery from the pandemic have deepened investor worries and soured companies’ domestic demand outlook. Geopolitical tensions have also driven foreign investors away.

“If the deal flow continues the way it has been in 2023, the market could expect some more cuts,” said Sid Sibal, vice president Greater China and head of Hong Kong, at recruitment firm Hudson.

CHINA DEALS Financial institutions on average have cut roughly 20% of their workforce in Asia last year – with some reductions hitting the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, Sibal said.

More than 400 investment bankers lost their jobs in Hong Kong alone, most of them focused on China deals, said two

EU urges Pakistan to ensure full investigation of reported election irregularities ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

investment banking headhunters, who declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media.

“I don’t think western investors will come back to look at China deals soon,” said a regional investment banking head at a large European bank who also declined to be named for the same reason.

Global investment banks’ income from equities business generated from Chinese clients slumped to $4 billion in 2023, 30% lower than 2022, and M&A posted a 16% fall to $629 million last year, according to data from LSEG. Overall, investment banking fees collected by global banks in the Asia Pacific dropped 25% in 2023 from a recent peak of $40.6 billion in 2021, LSEG data showed.

UBS (UBSG.S) is planning headcount cuts in the coming months as the Swiss investment bank’s China-focused bankers swelled after it took over Credit Suisse, two sources with knowledge of its plans said. UBS declined to comment.

‘EPISODIC ACTIVITY’ To cushion the impact of China’s

Oil heads for weekly gain as Middle East conflict rages unabated PROFIT

ReuteRS

The European Union, while reacting to allegations of rigging in Pakistan’s general elections, has called upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities and to implement the recommendations of the upcoming EU Election Expert Mission report. “The EU welcomes the increased number of women registered to vote compared to the last elections,” Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in a statement on Friday. “We regret the lack of a level-playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections, restrictions to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression both online and offline, restrictions of access to the internet, as well as allegations of severe interference in the electoral process, including arrests of political activists,” it added. “We therefore call upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities and to implement the recommendations of the upcoming EU Election Expert Mission report.” The EU stated that it has taken note of the completion of the polling in the elections, which took place on 8 February in Pakistan, following several months of postponement and uncertainty, and in a context of a tense security environment. “The participation by the Pakistani people to exercise their right to vote, despite systemic barriers still faced by women and persons belonging to minorities.

Oil prices were on track for over 5% gains week-on-week on Friday, amid persistent tensions in the Middle East after Israel rejected a ceasefire offer from Hamas.

Brent crude futures slipped 20 cents, or 0.25%, on the day to $81.43 a barrel by 1223 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell by 9 cents, or 0.12%, to $76.13 a barrel.

Israeli forces continued deadly air strikes on Gaza on Friday, after the bombing of Gaza’s southern border city of Rafah on Thursday helped send oil prices up by around 3% in the previous session.

“It takes two to tango to reach a ceasefire deal in the Middle East and tensions in the region have not gone away,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Brent futures prices firmed to above $81 a barrel after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a proposal to end the war in the Palestinian enclave on Wednesday.

“With the words that, ‘no part of the Gaza Strip would be immune from Israel’s offensive’, it was not hard for oil participants to conclude that without even a passing regard for peace, there was not enough conflict-

ISLAMABAD

Caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz on Friday said that the decision to shut down mobile services was taken at a highlevel security meeting for public safety during polling, saying that 56 violent incidents were reported on election day despite the suspension of mobile services.

Caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz was addressing a presser along with caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi about the security challenges faced by the interim government during the general elections.

Dr Ejaz revealed that the “emergency decisions” were taken due to the “martyrdom of 28 individuals” a day before the elections. The mobile services were suspended because the terror attack was “not a suicide attack, but a device bomb attached to a motorcycle”.

The minister highlighted the necessity of such measures for the protection of human lives, stating: “These actions were crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals.” Furthermore, he reported that “there were 56 incidents on the day of the election, and there were intelligence reports of terrorist incidents taking place.”

Ejaz said that “February 8 was a challenging day” as he referenced the terrorist incidents of February 7 in which 26 people were martyred. In light of the Qilla Saifullah incident, he said, “We decided to close mobile signals” in a high-level meeting. He acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, saying, “It was not an easy decision to close mobile signals”, justifying it as one taken to “secure lives”.

Expressing pride in the security forces, he posed the question, “Shouldn’t we be proud of our security forces?”

The minister stated, “56 incidents occurred despite mobile signals being off,

PROFIT

NewS DeSk

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a decrease in the country’s foreign reserves by $173 million for the week ending on February 2, 2024, primarily due to debt repayments.

Following this decline, the SBP’s reserves now stand at $8.044 billion. As of February 2, 2024, the total liquid foreign reserves held by Pakistan are reported to be $13.09 billion.

This total includes $8.04 billion held by the SBP and $5.05 billion in net foreign reserves held by commercial banks across the country.

SECP imposes record penalties in enhanced compliance drive

Key enforcement actions included imposing hefty penalties for violations of Companies Act, 2017 PROFIT

NewS DeSk

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has significantly enhanced its regulatory oversight in the corporate sector, imposing penalties totaling Rs. 962 million in the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25. This action comes as part of its efforts to ensure compliance and transparency through its centralized adjudication function, which adjudicated 1,849 cases of violations. Key enforcement actions included imposing hefty penalties for violations of the Companies Act, 2017.

Notably, the SECP targeted companies unlawfully accepting public deposits (except for banks) under Section 84, leading to penalties of Rs. 581.50 million and disqualifying directors from office for five years. Additionally, listed companies faced fines of Rs. 1.750 million for unauthorized investments under Section 199. Digital lending violations also saw strict penalties, with the SECP imposing Rs. 13.265 million in fines for non-compliance with laws.

Furthermore, 21 orders were issued under AML/CFT Regulations 2020, penalizing companies Rs. 14.66 million for deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counterfinancing of terrorism processes.

Pakistan’s dollar bonds dip amid election worries premium priced in,” PVM analyst John Evans said.

Elsewhere, Ukraine launched drone attacks against two oil refineries in southern Russia on Friday, resulting in a fire at the Ilsky refinery. The Afipsky refinery, also in Krasnodar Krai which borders Crimea on the Black Sea and Azov Sea coast, was the other facility in the attack.

Russia is exporting more crude in February than it planned under an OPEC+ deal, following a combination of drone attacks and technical outages at its refineries.

Ministers justify internet, mobile service suspension on election day Staff RepoRt

slowdown, bankers are hoping a promising deals pipeline from India to Japan will make bigger contributions to Asian revenue. They cautioned, however, that fee income growth would remain challenging in the near term.

“Most other Asian markets are too small or episodic in activity,” said Craig Coben, a former Bank of America senior banker in Asia and now a managing director at financial expert witness firm Seda Experts.

“Japan has depth as a developed market, but in most years Greater China revenues have dwarfed Japan by several times. India is growing fast, but fee spreads are tight and it’s not close to replacing China.”

Rahul Saraf, head of India investment banking at Citigroup (C.N) estimates India revenue will grow between 15% and 25% for the industry, with a number of prospective multibillion-dollar transactions boosting the outlook.

“All banks will add resources to India but I don’t think there is a shift from China to India or Korea to India.”

Pakistan’s foreign reserves drop by $173m due to debt repayments

in which the Pakistan Army and police personnel were martyred.” Additionally, he said, “As the sitting government we have to protect lives.”

The caretaker minister paid tribute to the fallen security personnel, stating, “We salute the Pakistani forces’ personnel who gave their lives yesterday.” He concluded that “All institutions collaborated to conduct a peaceful election. We have many enemies who attacked us. The election result is in front of you. It is the voice of the nation.” “As per our commitment, the caretaker government conducted elections, and the process of receiving results is ongoing,” stated Information Minister Murtaza Solangi.

Solangi said, “We the voters of Pakistan should choose the future ruler.”

He also underscored the overall “peaceful” nature of the election and the caretaker government’s commitment to ensuring a tranquil electoral process.

“Proof still needs to be provided that Russia is able to cut oil exports sufficiently even without weatherrelated constraints,” Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said on Friday in reference to the country’s OPEC+ cut quota.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday sanctioned another three entities based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one tanker registered by Liberia for violating a cap placed on the price of Russian oil by a coalition of Western nations.

MONITORING DESK

Pakistan’s dollar bonds faced a sharp decline, with bonds due in 2051 falling over 3 cents to 61.2 cents on the dollar, marking their largest drop since July 2023, as reported by Bloomberg.

Bonds maturing in 2029 and 2031 also saw reductions. This downturnA is attributed to uncertainties surrounding the upcoming elections and concerns over the legitimacy of their results, impacting investor confidence. In the stock market, the KSE-100 Index in Karachi dropped by 1.5%, managing to recover from an earlier decline of nearly 4%. This movement underscores the broader economic challenges Pakistan faces amid electoral uncertainties.

Vawda anticipates ‘trading of independents’ afoot as ‘buyers’ land in capital KARACHI

Staff RepoRt

Former senator Faisal Vawda on Friday claimed the ‘sale’ of winning independent candidates has begun as the ‘potential buyers’ have camped in the federal capital for the purpose.

Speaking at a private TV channel transmission, the PTI former leader said, “Nawaz Show has come to an end and Go Nawaz Go happened.” He said it was surprising that MQM-P was leading in more than expected seats. “If PPP sits in opposition with the independents, the country will face destruction. Unrecognised PTI-backed independent candidates will sit in treasury benches,” the former PTI leader said.

“What I am saying will prove in next 72 hours. It was expected that the independent candidates would have the upper hand.”

Vawda drew a parallel between the current political situation and the era of Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo in 1985. He suggested that the influence and strategies of

independent candidates would become evident within the next 72 hours, hinting at an impending power struggle.

Despite the challenges, Vawda asserted that PTI’s popularity stemmed from its own merits and the public’s disdain for the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.

“In fact it is the will of the Pakistani people that determines the course of the nation”, former senator Vawda pointed out, adding that the disillusionment with the current political setup had propelled PTI to prominence, saying whether this momentum can withstand the machinations of entrenched interests remains to be seen.

Saturday, 10 February, 2024 | KARACHI

03

PAKISTAN PUSHES FOR SELF-DETERMINATION OF PALESTINIANS, KASHMIRIS AT IPU HEARING NEWS

P

UNITED NATIONS staff RepoRt

AKISTAN has warned that human security was not possible without allowing the people to exercise their fundamental right to selfdetermination, like those struggling for freedom in Palestine and Indian illegally occupied Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Senator Mohsin Aziz, the Pakistani representative, told the Annual Parliamentary Hearing, a joint initiative between the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the InterParliamentary Union (IPU), that the human Security cannot be guaranteed when people over the world are denied their fundamental right to self-determination.

The UNGA President Dennis Francis and IPU President Tulia Ackson are hosting

some 300 participants, including parliamentarians, Speakers of Parliament, advisers and experts, from more than 70 countries at the UN Headquarters in New York. Organizers said the theme of this joint IPU-UN hearing will align with the IPU’s primary focus in 2024 on peace and international security, which is also one of the priorities of the current presidency of the UN General Assembly.

In his remarks at the Hearing, Senator Aziz said the past four months have illustrated the consequences of the suppression of the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people – over 27,000 civilians killed by the Israeli onslaught in Gaza, mostly women and children.

“The deliberate obstructions of humanitarian aid have further exacerbated the suffering of 2 million displaced Palestinians,” the Pakistan representative said. In this regard, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s

full support and solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters in these tragic times.

“How much more blood, starvation, brutality and misery the world has to witness before we can come to a ceasefire and a reduction in the suffering of Palestinians in general,” he asked.

Senator Aziz also drew the attention of the gathering to the denial of the right to self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir where over 100,000 people have been martyred in their freedom struggle. The Kashmir tragedy, he said, has intensified after the unilateral measures taken by India on the 5th of August 2019.

More than 900,000 occupation troops have unleashed a brutal crackdown, committing extrajudicial killings, and abducting 15,000 Kashmiri youth.

“Simultaneously, a concerted effort is underway to change the demographic

structure and composition of the occupied territory, a direct violation of the resolutions of the Security Council,” the Pakistani representative added.

In conclusion, Senator Aziz reiterated

Independent candidates dominate political landscape after elections ISLAMABAD

staff RepoRt

The general elections 2024 created a rare spectrum on the political horizon of the country as independent candidates achieved a significant dominance over the mainstream political parties especially in the National, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab assemblies, as per the results issued by the ECP till Friday midnight.

According to the available results (Form-47) of 231 National Assembly constituencies, independent candidates managed to secure 94 seats, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 63, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) 50, Jamiat Ulema-eIslam (JUI) two, Istehqam-e-Pakistan Party (IPPP) two, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan 14, Grand Democratic Alliance one, PML-Zia one, Majlis-eWahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan (MWMP) one and PML three seats.

Out of 294 Punjab Assembly-seat results,

Rehana Dar announces moving court against alleged rigging SIALKOT

staff RepoRt

PTI-backed independent candidate Rehana Dar, mother of Usman Dar, has announced to move court against alleged rigging after unofficial results showed she lost against PML-N candidate Khawaja Asif. Talking to journalists, the independent candidate claimed that Khawaja Asif and the returning officer have robbed the people’s mandate and manipulated the results. “I was leading with 65,000 votes and possessed form-45 from 353 polling stations,” Rehana Dar said, announcing to move court against the “rigging”.

She claimed that Khawaja Asif has lost from all polling stations. “The returning officer didn’t provide the results; we were not allowed to enter RO office,” she added. According to unofficial results of 353 polling stations, PML-N candidate Khawaja Asif bagged 118,566 votes whereas Rehana Dar secured 100,272 votes.

independent candidates bagged 135 seats, PML-N 139, PPPP 10, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan one, IPP one, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) seven and PML-Z one.

For the Sindh Assembly, PPPP secured 83 seats, independent candidates 14, MQM-P 26, GDA two, and Jamaat-e-Islami two, out of the total 127 constituencies’ results announced by the time of filing of this update.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, independent candidates so far clinched 89 provincial assembly seats, PML-N 5, PPPP three, JUI seven, JI three, Awami National Party (ANP) and PTI-P one each, out of 105 seats.

In Balochistan, PML-N secured nine seats, PPPP 12, JUI eight, Independent candidates five, JI one, Awami National Party two and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) four, and one each by Balochistan National Party-Awami and National Party (NP), as per the results announced for 43 seats so far.

Polling for the General Election 2024 concluded overall in a peaceful manner on Thursday at 5pm after commencing simultaneously across the country at 8 am. The nine-hour polling continued without any break to provide maximum time to citizens to exercise their right to vote enshrined in the constitution.

According to the ECP, over 128 million registered voters were scheduled to exercise their democratic right by casting votes for candidates participating in elections for the national and provincial legislatures. The polling was held for 265 seats of the National Assembly and 590 seats of provincial assemblies.

The voting took place on 51 seats of the Balochistan Assembly, 128 out of 130 seats of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, 296 out of 297 seats of the Punjab Assembly, and 130 seats of the Sindh Assembly.

The polling was held in 855 constituencies out of overall 859; however, due to the death of the candidate, voting was not held in NA 8, PP 266, PK 22, and PK 91.

that “achieving human security will not be possible without ensuring peace, security, and stability, and without allowing people to exercise their fundamental right to selfdetermination.”

PSX faces turmoil as election results remain uncertain PROFIT

News Desk

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a sharp decline on Friday as the market reacted to the delayed results of the general elections. The benchmark KSE-100 index opened at 64,143.87 points and dropped to as low as 61,781.76 points in the first few minutes of trading, losing over 2300 points or 3.8% of its value. The index partially recovered later in the day, and closed at 62,943.74 points, down by 1200.13 points or 1.87%. Market analysts attributed the fall to the uncertainty surrounding the election results, which showed no clear majority for any single party. Some indexheavy stocks, such as Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), were among the worst performers on Friday, as investors opted to sell their shares amid the volatility. The PSX had gained 345 points, or 0.54%, ahead of the elections’ day session, as the market anticipated a smooth and peaceful transition of power.

Nawaz vows to form ‘unity government’ after PML-N falls short of simple majority CONTINUED FROM PAG 01

“I have tasked Shehbaz Sharif to make a move on this tonight. I have asked him to meet Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui,” Nawaz Sharif revealed, highlighting his proactive approach to kick-start the formation of a coalition government.

Nawaz claims PML-N has emerged as single-largest party in polls Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has said that his party has emerged as the ‘single-largest party’ after Thursday’s general elections.

“We respect the mandate of all parties and independent candidates,” Nawaz said during an address in Lahore on Friday.

Hinting at a future ‘unity government’, Nawaz said that it is the duty of all parties to form a government together and take Pakistan out of current crisis.

“Not just my or Ishaq Dar’s responsibility… It is everyone’s Pakistan. If we all work together only then Pakistan will get out of this crisis,” he added.

The three-time PM said that Pakistan needed at least 10 years of stability. “Those who are in mood of confrontation, I want to tell them we don’t want any fight… Pakistan cannot afford it. We all must sit together and sort issues out and take Pakistan to 21st century but due to our mistake we could not do that earlier.”

Conceding that PML-N does not have the numbers

to form a government on its own at the Centre, he urged his former coalition partners to sit together and form a unity government.

“I have tasked Shehbaz Sharif to make a move on this tonight. I have asked him to meet Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui,” he added.

He said that the current situation of Pakistan does not allow any further crises, adding that the first meeting to form a coalition will be held tonight and Shehbaz Sharif and other party members will participate in it.

PML-N supremo said that not only at the Centre, his party had also taken a majority vote in Punjab as well.

“We will serve at the Centre as well as in Punjab,” he added. Nawaz Sharif said that his government would want good relations with the entire world, in particular Pakistan’s immediate neighbours.

Party Position on Friday night The results of 220 National Assembly constituencies have been unveiled, with a diverse range of victories across various political spectrums.

According to unconfirmed results, 90 PTI-backed independent hopefuls clinched triumph, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured victories in 62 NA seats. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged victorious in 49 seats whereas the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) bagged eight NA seats. Other parties also secured wins, with the IPP, JUI-F and PML-Q winning two seats each.

JI announces sit-in outside ECP, RO offices over ‘unfair’ results KARACHI

staff RepoRt

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced sit-in protests outside the Election Commission and RO offices, demanding a thorough review of the results of the general election 2024. As per the details, all three Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) National Assembly candidates raised concerns about the results on the general election 2024 and announced to hold the protest.

The party has submitted formal requests to rectify the results in accordance with Form 45, raising concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the election outcome. Form 45 is a critical document in the election process, and contains the consolidated statement of the results of the count in a polling station.

With economy at a standstill, what lies ahead for an elected govt?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Additionally, Pakistan’s external debt which has soared past $100 billion, presents a constant threat.

In the monetary policy meeting held on January 29, the SBP informed that outstanding payables in the fiscal year 2024 amounted to $5 billion. Of the remaining amount, $6.2 billion was paid in the first seven months of fiscal year 2024 while $12 billion had been rolled over.

Nevertheless, the external financing need remains high for the cash-strapped nation. The reserves held by the SBP as of February 2 stood at $8 billion and is sufficient for an import cover of 2 months only, increasing the need for EFF from IMF. At the domestic front, the debt is around Rs 41 trillion. The government’s significant appetite for deficit financing through short-term domestic borrowing, coupled with record high interest rates, has resulted in a dual crisis of elevated interest expenses and short maturity terms. In his article published in Dawn, Shahid Kardar, former governor of the SBP stated that the debt servicing on domestic debt consumes 90% of the annual budgetary allocations for interest payments, requiring mobilisation of a primary surplus of more than 7% of GDP. THE BALANCING ACT: POLICY RATE AND INFLATION The timeline of the upcoming monetary policy committee meeting which will be on March 18 also coincides with a new government taking on the baton from the caretakers. A coalition government, which is the most likely outcome as per the election results, will have pressure from the business community voter base for a rate cut but they will also have to be mindful of the inflation rate.

The policy rate was hiked in June 2023 to 22% in an emergency meeting as the PDM-led government made last-minute decisions to secure a deal with the IMF. The policy rate has remained at 22% since then.

The aggressive monetary stance of the SBP has been influenced by the conditions set forth by the IMF which required an appropriately tight monetary policy to curb inflation.

“Private-sector borrowing costs have gone up due to high interest rates. Financing availability from banks has been reduced because banks are less willing to lend to the private sector and prefer lending to the government. Demand and supply for financing have gone down, squeezing privatesector credit. This also means that greenfield projects and new investments have decreased while working capital requirements have increased,” Pasha told Profit.

The downside to the rate cut is that the inflation numbers may spike up as demand and hence consumption increases. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), inflation increased in January by 28.3% as compared to the corresponding period a year ago. This figure, albeit high, was slightly relieving as compared to December’s figure of 29.66%. Still, the country’s inflation rate continues to remain elevated and is currently one of the highest in Asia.

Keeping track of price levels has proven to be a challenging task for policymakers in recent years.

However, the SBP hinted at monetary easing from March 2024. Consequently, analysts expect a rate cut in March or April as inflation levels subside.

Globally, inflation has also been on a declining trend. However, according to the Financial Times,

central banks around the world are taking prudent steps of holding back rate cuts because of external risks that can spike up the inflation rate. Pakistan is not an exception. A premature rate cut could potentially stimulate domestic demand, leading to a rise in imports and worsening the current account deficit. This, in turn, would impact inflation, and the currency’s value, and exert pressure on the exchange reserves.

A PRETEXT FOR REFORMS According to analysts at Akseer Research, the next IMF program is likely to be much tougher. One of the focus areas of IMF’s SBA was structural reforms in the energy sector. The circular debt at the end of January stood at Rs. 5.7 trillion, with the power sector accounting for Rs. 2.7 trillion and the gas sector contributing Rs. 3 trillion.

Phasing out subsidies in the energy sector would result in higher energy prices, adding inflationary pressure on the general public. Moreover, the Fund would push for tax reforms to improve revenue generation. Recent attempts were made by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to reform the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

However, Islamabad High Court restrained the caretaker government from restructuring FBR. Initial unofficial results of elections have started emerging, with PTI-backed independent candidates leading in many National Assembly seats. PML-N candidates have started winning in some seats as well while PPP candidates’ performance has also exceeded expectations. The prospect of a coalition government in a hung parliament set up looms large, where no single party commands a majority, often leading to a constitutional deadlock hindering reforms.

“The vote bank of the former PTI has withstood the suppression of its leaders, including the incarceration of Imran Khan, the inability to hold rallies, and the absence of its symbol on the ballot paper. That marks a moment of institutionalised mass political awakening — a shift from mass mobilisation in protests under the charismatic leadership of Imran to a participation in a national election with almost no organised traditional campaigning.

That is very positive for the long-term trajectory of Pakistan but comes at a very uncomfortable moment for investors, whose consensus expectations were of a PMLN victory, an alignment of military and civilian forces, and a smooth negotiation of the next IMF programme.

That may still be an outcome but not without a mix of horse-trading, floor-crossing, legal challenges, and protests,” writes Hasnain Malik, managing director for emerging and frontier markets equity strategy at Tellimer.

Regardless of who comes at the helm, the involvement of military-intelligence establishment in economic decision-making through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), as highlighted by Malik in his strategy note for Tellimer, is expected to stay significantly high.

Similar sentiments were echoed by S.H. Irtiza Kazmi, an ex-banker, said the forthcoming government will likely be a hybrid arrangement.

This means that while the civilian government theoretically leads in engaging with the IMF and enacting tough reforms, the establishment, via the SIFC, will collaborate with the IMF and ensure reforms are in place to fulfil IMF loan program conditions and secure the crucial deal.

04 COMMENT

Rethinking economic growth

Where do we go from here?

P

T

Does Pakistan need a new economic model?

The initial signs are that the elections may not provide stability

HERE may be a number of ways of interpreting the elections results, but the fact is that the Karachi Stock Exchange fell 1700 points as soon as it opened on Friday, the day after the polls. This might be taken as a vote of no-confidence in the election results, or merely disappointment that the results did not fit the overarching narrative of those that thought the PML(N) would win big. The results took their time coming in, and there was a delay in results on election night that the Election Commission of Pakistan ascribed to problems with the Internet. Clearly, as in 2018, the Result Transmission System had ground to a halt.

Anxious observers worried that this delay might mean dirty work at the crossroads. Certainly, the delay indicated that the results were going in favour of a hung Parliament, one in which no party had enough seats to form a majority.

One of the great truths of the result was the strong performance by the independents, mostly PTI-backed, who were the largest group in the National Assembly and KP Assembly, and were the second-largest group in the Punjab Assembly. There were two big questions about this huge group: would they remain loyal to the PTI and Imran Khan? (Or would they, or at least some, use their freedom from partisan restrictions to do the bidding of shadowy forces, which are supposed to have helped Mr Khan form a government in 2018? And which way will they go? In KP, they may well form the government on their own. However, in the Centre and Punjab, they will need to ally to form the government.

At the same time, considering their numbers, they could get swamped unless they join a party present in Parliament to get women and minorities reserved seats.

Matters would probably have been much simpler if the PTI had been allowed its bat symbol, so that instead of a vast number of free agents, a large group bound by party discipline could have been there. Perhaps the last word should go to PML(N) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif, who said that all would have to pull together to get the country out of the whirlpool it was in. The problem is that, whatever happens, Mr Khan will have sizeable groups in all assemblies, even allowing for fallings off by the fainthearted. In jail and thrice convicted, will he negotiate?

Dr Manzoor ahMaD

AKISTAN’S present economic model, distinguished by its dependence on agriculture, textile-dominated manufacturing, and remittances, is progressively perceived as unable to address the demands of the contemporary global economy. In contrast, countries like India, Bangladesh, and China have adopted more adaptable and diverse economic models, leading to robust growth and progress.

Recently, Pakistan’s economy has grown more slowly than China’s, Bangladesh’s, and India’s. Pakistan’s economy, for example, is expected to expand by 4 percent by 2023, lower than India’s 7 percent, Bangladesh’s 6.5 percent and China’s 5.5 percent.

These differences arise because these countries have different economic and industrial approaches. Pakistan was particularly active in its old industries, while India and China spent heavily on new technologies and improved factories. This allows for more creativity and new ideas. Bangladesh has also done well in textile manufacturing, attracting much foreign investment.

Another area where Pakistan’s economic policy exhibits limitations is in its energy sector. Pakistan relies heavily on imported energy, which strains foreign reserves and increases its trade deficit. China and India have significantly allocated resources to renewable energy, decreasing their reliance on imports and promoting sustainable development.

Bangladesh has also been intensifying its emphasis on renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, Pakistan has a less varied export base than its neighbouring countries. Pakistan’s exports primarily focus on textiles and agricultural goods, which are sensitive to fluctuations in global prices and have low value-addition. On the other hand, China’s exports include everything from technology to machinery, making it the biggest exporter in the world. India has diversified its exports to encompass medicine, computer programmes, and highvalue services. Bangladesh is progressively broadening its manufacturing sector by extending its operations beyond clothing production and entering the transportation and pharmaceutical sectors.

India has achieved substantial advancements in its economic transformation by implementing a mixed-economy policy. Following the economic reforms of 1991, India shifted from an agricultural economy to one emphasising service and industrialization. In particular, IT and services industries have emerged as a critical boom area, making India a global hub for IT services and software development. Moreover, India witnessed a boom in production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to convert India into a global manufacturer.

On the other hand, China has adopted an exportled growth model, which is spectacularly successful.

Since the economic reforms led by Deng Xiaoping in the 1970s, China has transformed itself into a “fac-

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Accountability circus in Pakistani politics M. A. Niazi

Babar Nizami

Editor Pakistan Today

Editor Profit

Accountability has always been used as an excuse to hound opponents

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zulfiqar ali ishaq

N the realm of politics, a familiar cycle unfolds: politicians often strive to hold others accountable while exempting themselves. This perpetuates an endless circus of accountability, where each government introduces its mechanisms to punish opponents without adhering to standard procedures to combat corruption.

One such mechanism, the Public Representative Officers Disqualification Act (PRODA), was enacted by Liaquat Ali Khan in 1949, a mere four months after the demise of Quaid-eAzam. This legislation, effective from 1947, aimed to disqualify individuals from holding office or participating in politics, primarily targeting government critics.

However, it soon became a tool in the hands of figures like Governor General Ghulam Muhammad and Skandar Mirza to stifle dissent.

Notable political figures, including Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, Ayub Khuhro, Pir Ilahi Bakhsh, Nawab Iftikhar Mamdot, and Moulvi Fazlul Haq, fell victim to PRODA, yet corruption continued unabated.

Following its repeal before the formulation of Pakistan’s first constitution in 1956, Ayub Khan introduced the Elected Bodies Disqualification Order (EBDO) in 1959, amidst the imposition of the first Martial Law. This was wielded as a weapon against political adversaries, and resulted in the disqualification of prominent leaders for up to eight years, with Sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman among the casualties. Notably, a provision within the statute offered leniency to politicians who voluntarily retired from politics, further revealing its politically motivated agenda. The casualties of EBDO numbered nearly 3000 government officials, yet corruption remained unchecked.

Both PRODA and EBDO were driven by motives of vengeance rather than genuine efforts to combat power abuse and corruption.

The 1965 conflict prompted Ayub Khan to seek reconciliation with the politicians he had previously targeted, underscoring the political expediency behind these acts. In a bid to manipulate the 1970 elections held in both West and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Yahya Khan re-

sorted to forming the Security Council and allocating substantial funds to pro-establishment parties in East Pakistan, such as Jamaat-e-Islami. The aim was to undermine the Awami League, which emerged as the most popular party in East Pakistan.

Despite winning 167 out of 300 seats overall, the Awami League was denied the right to form a government, paving the way for political unrest and eventual secession. Gen Ziaul Haq seized power from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and declared martial law in July 1977, justifying his action as necessary under the circumstances. He announced that the elections would take place within three months, but postponed them indefinitely, citing the need for accountability.

Meanwhile, Bhutto was sentenced to death, which attracted sympathy and support for the PPP. To counter the PPP’s growing influence, Zia held non-partisan elections in 1985 with the aim of establishing a new political hierarchy based on ethnicity. Instead of dealing with the bureaucracy, he also channelled development funds to politicians and used them for political purposes. Similar to Ayub Khan’s strategy, Zia founded the Muslim League to strengthen his political presence. General Zia amended the 1973 Constitution with the Eighth Amendment, giving the president the power to dismiss an elected government, thereby ensuring control over unwanted parties.

In the 1980s, he founded the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) to combat the PPP. The PPP still won the 1988 elections, but Benazir Bhutto faced a vote of no confidence in 1989 over alleged financial embezzlement. Her government was overthrown in 1990 on the charges of corruption, leading to assisting the IJI in the coming poll.

The Asghar Khan case exposed the distribution of millions of rupees among politicians to purchase their loyalty and form coalitions in the 1990 elections to counter the popularity of the PPP. Nawaz Sharif won the 1990 elections with

tory of the world”, focusing on manufacturing and exporting services, with massive investments in industry, education and technology to support this model. China’s model is characterized by high levels of banking, massive FDI, and integration into global markets, transforming it into the world’s secondlargest economy.

In 2015, China began to focus on establishing an innovation-driven growth model. This restructuring aims to boost the economy in the value chain, reduce its dependence on cheap exports, and improve domestic consumption and other production.

The main components of this model encompass the advancement of research and development (R&D), cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology, as well as the promotion of employment opportunities. China’s strategic plan, “Made in China 2025,” is explicitly designed to elevate China to a prominent position in high-tech manufacturing despite already being one of the world’s top contenders. This method deviates from the old paradigm, primarily emphasising mass production and cost-effective transportation.

Bangladesh’s growth model is characterized by its extraordinary achievements in the textile industry, making it different from other countries. It used cheap labour to become one of the world’s biggest cloth makers. This industry has contributed to economic growth and transformed society and the economy, such as infrastructure for women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation. Bangladesh has been trying to expand its economy in recent years through investment and has entered industries such as information technology, shipping and pharmaceuticals.

Progress made in neighbouring nations offers valuable perspectives for Pakistan. China’s progress towards an innovation-based growth model highlights the importance of high-value technology and services in modern economic growth. With its current focus on traditional agriculture and textiles, Pakistan may adopt an innovation-based growth model to achieve sustainable growth towards remaining competitive. This includes structural reform and capital investment in education, digital infrastructure, and a climate conducive to research and innovation.

Pakistan’s economic system is fundamentally different. Pakistan’s economic potential is con-

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Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I

strained by its focus on traditional industries, making its economy more vulnerable to external disturbances and fluctuations in the global market. The main limitation of this model is a country with vital services, such as the addition of low-cost textiles, as well as promising areas for future expansion. Regarding the poor allocation of resources to energy technology, insufficient investment can be ascribed to the inadequate allocation of resources towards public education and research and development (R&D), which are crucial for fostering technological innovation and advancing knowledge.

Pakistan must significantly shift its strategy to implement a progressive development plan. First, there is an urgent need to dramatically expand education funding, focusing on STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). These changes will facilitate the workforce needed to drive technological progress and innovation. Additionally, structural change should be implemented to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. This includes simplifying labour laws, strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights and providing tax benefits for research and development, Furthermore, Pakistan must build a robust digital and physical infrastructure to support a modern economy. Lessons can be drawn from China’s massive infrastructure investments, a cornerstone of its monetary growth. Similarly, fostering public-personal partnerships, as visible in India’s IT sector, can stimulate innovation and boost various industries.

Another critical aspect is diversifying the economic system to reduce dependence on traditional sectors. By exploring new growth areas, including renewable power, technology, and excessive-tech production, Pakistan can create new industries and activity possibilities. Bangladesh has efficaciously hired this diversification approach in expanding past its garment industry.

Finally, Pakistan may utilize global cooperation and external financial resources to harness its capital and experience to advance its technology and innovation industries. Pakistan should view Bangladesh’s achievement in attracting foreign investment in its textile industry and India’s success in its IT sector as feasible models.

The writer is Assistant Professor of Economics, Southampton Malaysia Business School, University of Southampton Malaysia, and can be reached at m.ahmad@soton.ac.uk

Pakistan may utilize global cooperation and external financial resources to harness its capital and experience to advance its technology and innovation industries. Pakistan should view BangladeshÊs achievement in attracting foreign investment in its textile industry and IndiaÊs success in its IT sector as feasible models.

establishment support, but his government was ousted by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan in 1993.

Benazir Bhutto returned to power in 1993 but was disqualified by her elected president, Farooq Laghari, in 1996. Nawaz Sharif’s tenure saw the beginning of corruption cases against the previous government, remodelling of the Ehtesab Commission into the Ehtesab Bureau.

However, his government faced scrutiny after the Kargil conflict, leading to its ousting by Gen Pervez Musharraf in 1999.

General Musharraf via presidential ordinance established the National Accountability Bureau in 1999, initially intended to make opponents quieten down. The following governments, including the PPP in 2008-2013, the PML(N) in 2013-2018, and the PTI in 20182022, employed the NAB provisions to target their political opponents.

History depicts that the public institutions in Pakistan, including the police, judiciary, Election Commission and media, have often been ill-used by politicians and power circles in the name of accountability for political gains and victimization rather than public well-being.

In this scenario Nawaz Sharif’s and Imran Khan’s shifting fate, from hero to villain, reflects the volatile nature of Pakistani politics.

The PML(N) faced significant challenges during the 2018 elections, with many of its leaders disqualified or imprisoned, and the media blackout was obvious. Now, in 2024, Nawaz Sharif once again emerges as a hero of powerful circles while Imran Khan as a villain. The 2024 elections were rife with the allegations of institutional bias, media censorship, internet shutdowns and judicial interference, indicating a continuation of power manipulation.

This turbulent history underscores the misuse and abuse of power in Pakistani politics, where accountability measures are often employed for political gains rather than fostering genuine governance and combating corruption.

The international community also foresees engineered elections, underscoring the persistent misuse of power. Unless and until this cycle of political victimization in the name of accountability and anti-corruption ceases, Pakistan’s aspirations for good governance, the rule of law, and public welfare will remain elusive.

The writer can be reached at Zulfiqarishaq10@gmail.com and tweets @zulfiqar_ali

This turbulent history underscores the misuse and abuse of power in Pakistani politics, where accountability measures are often employed for political gains rather than fostering genuine governance and combating corruption. The international community also foresees engineered elections, underscoring the persistent misuse of power. Unless and until this cycle of political victimization in the name of accountability and anti-corruption ceases.

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Saturday, 10 February, 2024

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Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Transgender empowerment

I am composing this message to convey my sincere gratitude for the recent government initiative to establish transgender-specific schools.

With this historic ruling, we’ve taken a significant step towards equality and inclusivity for every member of our society.

All people, regardless of gender identity, should have access to education as it is a fundamental right. It is admirable that schools designed specifically for transgender students have been established; this will help to dismantle barriers and promote acceptance. It not only closes the educational gaps but also fosters understanding and social integration. The government is demonstrating strong support by establishing areas where transgender children can learn in a setting that values and accepts their identity. These kinds of programs not only strengthen the transgender community but also improve society as a whole by promoting diversity and lowering prejudice.

Seeing our government work proactively to guarantee that all citizens, regardless of gender identity, have access to high-quality education is encouraging. This action makes our country a shining example of inclusivity and progress since it upholds the values of equality and human rights.

I support your project and hope that it will provide motivation for future efforts to create a society that is more inclusive and equal.

BUHSRA FARRUKH RAWALPINDI

Women in politics

PAKISTAN is one of the largest countries globally in terms of population. We have a history of mistreating women. The positive aspect is that there has been a woman prime minister in our country, and human rights organizations have been fighting for equal treatment of women for years. Women are not treated equally in our country and face discrimination. Forty-nine percent of the population are women, yet it is a male-dominated society. Despite the time that has passed since Pakistan was created, discrimination against women still persists and is a problem. In simple terms, there are no women’s rights. Women are often confined to being wives, expected to take care of children, be good housewives, and manage all household chores and duties.

There is a very small percentage of women in the parliament and other aspects of society, which is sad and disturbing. I believe that women should be granted all rights, and there should be more women in parliament. The laws do not favour women. A country cannot progress if it does not treat its women equally. We should break this taboo and treat women with the respect they need and deserve.

According to reports, Pakistan lags behind even Somalia or Rwanda when it comes to women in politics, which is terrible. This fact saddens me about the direction our country is heading, and I don’t know what will become of it. Women are not even allowed to vote. I believe that as a society, we should encourage co-education, and there should be more universities dedicated to women, allowing them to be educated so that our nation can flourish.

Also, there should be more women elected in the national assembly. Pakistani women struggle for a voice in politics, and we must not let their cries go unheard.

DANIAL TANVIR ISLAMABAD

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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Bleeding the economy dry Saturday, 10 February, 2024

SOEs need to be fixed

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shEiKh iMranul haquE

EDERAL Footprint State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Consolidated Report FY2020-22, indicates Rs730.26bn cumulative loss of 31 entities versus cumulative loss of Rs. 665bn by 25 in 2021. Thus profitable enterprises have dropped from 56 in FY21 to 50 in FY22.

SOE reforms and restructuring has started with State-owned Enterprises (Ownership and Management) Policy 2023 which aims to enhance the governance and operations of state-owned enterprises in Pakistan by ensuring transparency, professionalism, and effective management, while also addressing concerns of political influence and inefficiencies in these entities by categorizing the SOEs by April 2024.

When will the Board Nomination Committee in the relevant Ministry/Division be activated and when will BNC ensure compliance to the guidelines in the policy by making a proposal for SOE Boards? The matter of enforcement of provisions of the SOE Act has been raised in the IHC and the Secretary Finance is to decide per law by next week.

And we continue to dream of stemming the rot in our DISCOs by privatizing them, propagating changing their BsOD and promoting narrative of empowering CEO/management further.

In an attempt to improve operations, the establishment of Performance Management Units is being considered in five high loss-making power Distribution Compa-

nies- a home grown solution to improve rather than privatize.

And privatization despite the reality check of recent disinvestment of HEC, being first the privatization after 2015 in the fifth attempt after 14 years, upon cabinet approval in December 2020 was bid in February 2022 and the process was completed in January 2024 after 2 years instead of 60 days, which is not helpful in bringing confidence of any timely progress for others on the block.

Change through wealth fund and a revived PIDC is a disruptive approach, and is essential given our history of privatization and our unsuccessful efforts at reorganizing. Retaining SOEs and by implementing strategic reforms, enhancing transparency, merger and fostering innovation, we can harness the potential of the state-owned enterprises by turning them around to ensure they contribute significantly to national development This homegrown solution requires continued long term effort and commitment with clear understanding that there is no shortcut deliverance of results and that they do not occur immediately, despite all the hoopla.

We also have a Pakistan Development Fund of $1.5billion set up in 2014 being activated now. Why is it being revived when Pakistan established a sovereign wealth fund last year, capitalising it with $8 billion in shares in state-owned enterprises, and not being merged with it?

Further more, shareholder activism has commenced to protect minority shareholders with successes resulting in management changes and improvement in the bottom line. This is a good step and will play a significant role in ensuring performance of listed companies.

Suggestion of our experts on managing circular debt is of nationalizing IPPs or putting them on the block while Category lll projects are still being pursued since 2018/19

by Pakistan Foreign Renewable Energy Forum, requesting an upfront tariff, instead of participating in bidding for the 600 MWp project that is being repeatedly extended or in solarization of Public Sector Buildings on Own Cost Model.

This is contradictory and there has been repeated talk of issues with the Power Policy of the past, the need for competitive bidding, the circular debt buildup due to non utiliza-

tion in winter, take or pay provisions, GOP guarantees and ROE linkages to the dollar.

Why? The Citizens’ Commission for Equality and Human Rights Report 2023 and similar other publications over the years relating to oppressed downtrodden and discriminated segments of our workforce have fallen on deaf ears. The, Employer’s Federation of Pakistan and Minimum Wage Board opposed increasing minimum wage in 2020, which is reflective of our priorities and intent whereby alternate studies highlight that a living wage would be Rs 51,700 a month today.

Unilever has stated to have shifted 60 percent of its outer core, which includes an indirect workforce of over 12,000 people in its business value chain, to an average wage of Rs 52,000 with the goal to transition the remaining by 2025 and Jazz has provided a one-time inflation adjustment payout of up to Rs 50,000 for its frontline and contractual employees falling within a certain salary bracket and has set the minimum wage for its permanent employees to Rs 62,000.

Why is APTMA, Provincial Governments, PSMA , FPCCI and other trade and industry associations not clamouring to facilitate a living wage for employees on priority while seeking subsidy, protection and exemptions?

The narrative has shifted from Bangladesh as an example to power tariffs for industrial consumers containing a crosssubsidy ranging from Rs 10.85/kWh, to Rs 16/kWh with the carrot of exports of $2 billion per month by a dedicating RLNG-fired power plant and lower wheeling so that cheap electricity is provided to industry, but no solutions seem to be forthcoming on the

I

AL-MONITOR

aDaM lucEntE

RAN’S Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was removed from Facebook and Instagram on Thursday amid the social media sites’ efforts to crack down on violent content amid the Gaza war. A spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, confirmed to Al-Monitor that the ayatollah’s accounts were removed.

“We have removed these accounts for repeatedly violating our Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy,” said the spokesperson in a statement. Clicking on the URLs for Khamenei’s official Facebook and Instagram pages brought up a message on Thursday saying they were not available.

Background: Khamenei joined both Facebook and Instagram back in 2012. He used the platforms regularly, despite both being blocked in Iran. Iranians can access blocked social media sites through virtual private networks, or VPNs. Meta did not point to any specific incidents for Khamenei’s ban. The company’s Dangerous Organizations and Individuals policy stipulates a prohibition on “content that glorifies, supports or represents events that Meta designates as violating violent events — including terrorist attacks.” In

October, Meta said it would boost enforcement of its policies regarding violent posts amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Khamenei remains active on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Though he posted several times on Thursday, he did not address being banned from Facebook and Instagram. Khamenei has posted on X in support of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. On that day, he shared a video of Israeli concertgoers fleeing armed Palestinian assailants. “God willing, the cancer of the usurper Zionist regime will be eradicated at the hands of the Palestinian people and the Resistance forces throughout the region,” he said in the post. Other Iranian officials continue to use Meta’s platforms.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s Instagram remains active.

Reactions: Critics of the Iranian government rejoiced at the news of Khamenei’s removal from Facebook and Instagram and called on X owner Elon Musk to follow suit. Musk posted his own response critical of Khamenei’s Oct. 7 post. “Stoking the fires of hatred isn’t working. Perhaps it is time to consider something else,” he said, though Khamenei’s accounts remain active on the platform. X later added the following message above Khamenei’s post, “This Post violated the X Rules. However, X has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Post to remain accessible.”

Know more: Meta’s removal of Khamenei’s accounts is not the first instance of controversy between the company and the Iranian leader. In January of last year, Meta determined that posts calling for Khamenei’s death are allowed on its platforms. The decision was made in response to slogans used during the antigovernment Mahsa Amini protests that began in Iran in 2022.

issue of misuse of cheap electricity and gas by some APTMA units which are also involved in selling their products in local market nor are on captive plants to operate on RLNG pricing or lowering priority order of zero-rated industry when getting approval for revised priority order since 2018.

A new report by the IMF has said the PSDP has become “unaffordable” with currently approved projects likely to take a decade and a half to complete before accounting for cost increases, as total cost to complete the already approved projects in the PSDP is Rs 12 trillion, against a budget allocation of Rs 727 billion for the outgoing fiscal year. Our project’s lifeline is unsustainable and needs judicious optimization in line with strategic priorities.

Are we thus willing to improve our perspective plan (Visions, IGCEP, National Electricity Plan and Policy, Transmission Line Policy, Unaccounted for Gas Study...), five-year plans, process of adjustments to both and Annual Development Programme

As a nation we are not demanding resolution or improvement to bring about efficiency to our governance system. Therefore the only manifesto required for the next 5 years is to ensure a GDP growth of 7 percent with empowered local bodies: Otherwise viva hope.

A

to include accountability and performance measurement under focus by a “Pakistan NDRC”?

The expects “modest economic growth” of 2 percent in Pakistan in 2024, which is expected to improve to 2.4 percent in 2025 whereas growth in South Asia is projected to remain robust at 5.2 percent in 2024. WOW! But the projections in World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024 does not cause any debate or ripples in the country. Furthermore “the effects of higher interest rates will continue to weigh on investment, and weaker global demand will lead to slower export growth,” should be cause for proactive policy actions.

Thus, it is not that we do not know of solutions or have not undertake policy measures but why we let hope continue to manage us by presenting old wine in new bottles with no monitoring, is mind boggling.

It is probably because as a nation we are not demanding resolution or improvement to bring about efficiency to our governance system. Therefore the only manifesto required for the next 5 years is to ensure a GDP growth of 7 percent with empowered local bodies: Otherwise viva hope.

The writer has served as the managing director of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and chairman of the Petroleum Institute of Pakistan and OCAC. He can be contacted at ihaque58@gmail.com The writer has served as the managing director of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and chairman of the Petroleum Institute of Pakistan and OCAC. He can be contacted at ihaque58@gmail.com

‘The most depressed country in the world’

Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei banned from Facebook and Instagram

‘God willing, the cancer of the usurper Zionist regime will be eradicated at the hands of the Palestinian people and the Resistance forces throughout the region’

COMMENT 05

Korean society is full of contradictions. It is a group-oriented society, and yet people are lonely, anxious and depressed

video on South Korea uploaded by a famed American author, Mark Manson, has become the talk of the town lately. In the video, “I traveled to the most depressed country in the world,” Manson poses a question: “How come a dynamic, vibrant country influencing the world with advanced technology, K-pop and K-drama suffers the world’s highest rate of suicide, alcoholism, anxiety and depression?”

In his intriguing video, Manson argues that Korea’s unique blend of Confucianism and capitalism is largely responsible for the incredibly high rates of mental illness that have plagued the country. The Korean education system, too, has a large share of the blame for these social maladies because it fosters an “all or nothing” mentality in a highly competitive atmosphere. Indeed, the Korean education system spreads this “either/or” attitude, though inadvertently.

Foreigners’ observations are always fascinating and enlightening, because as an outsider they can see what an insider may not.

As an insider, I can only add a few things that may make Manson’s insightful perceptions more persuasive and solid. For example, it is true that formalism and materialism are rampant in Korea, and these two negative attributes surely stem from Confucianism and capitalism.

However, although South Korea is definitely a capitalist country, it is no longer really a “Confucian society,” per se. Indeed, one can hardly find traditional Confucian virtues in Korean society, such as moderation, virtuousness or respect for one’s elders.

Besides, no Koreans seem to be interested in Confucianism or to read Confucian books

these days. The Korean people are just living off the vestiges of obsolete Confucianism from the ancient Joseon era. But such nostalgia does not amount to the dominant influence of a cultural tradition.

We may think that Confucian “shame culture” has something to do with anxiety, depression, alcoholism and suicide in Korea.

Strictly speaking, however, it is not so much “shame” as “losing face,” the inferiority complex called “yeolpok,” which describes the despair and aggression that comes from comparing oneself to others, that drives the Korean people to such social maladies.

Koreans tend to compare themselves to others who are better than they are, and this consequently causes them to become depressed and frustrated. Strong pressures and excessive expectations from one’s family or community are another reason for Koreans’ anxiety and depression. In the eyes of many Koreans, therefore, “how others see me” is more important than “how I see myself.”

“Getting drunk” in Korea, too, is different from the Western concept of alcoholism.

Traditionally, Koreans like drinking, but not just occasional drinking — drinking until they pass out. As a result, there may be many alcoholics in Korean society in Western eyes. Yet, alcoholism is not so much a social problem in Korea because Koreans do not attach the same stigma to getting drunk. Besides, Koreans enjoy drinking, even when they are not depressed or frustrated. Under the influence of alcohol, Koreans enjoy chatting, singing and dancing.

Therefore, singing and dancing have long been a national pastime in Korea, together with drinking. Indeed, the Korean people have an extraordinary rhythmic sense of singing and dancing. Surely, that uniquely Korean DNA has contributed to the birth and the accomplishment of K-pop today. In addition to a spirit of competition and early

training, therefore, Koreans’ love of singing and dancing is surely a crucial factor in the success of K-pop.

The Korean people like to “play” as well. When we do not work, we “play,” not “rest.” That is why we call holidays and weekends “days for play,” not “days for rest.” Traditionally, Koreans like to gather to play or watch a game together. As for computer games, Koreans prefer internet games that connect them to other online players rather than solitary video games. Such characteristics of the Korean people explain why they have been known to excel at computer games and why there are so many PC gaming cafes in Korea.

As Manson rightly points out, Korean society is full of contradictions. It is a group-oriented society, and yet people are lonely, anxious and depressed. It also looks like a Confucian society, and yet people choose “financial affluence” as the key to happiness. Koreans are also likely to choose being “good looking” as another prerequisite to happiness. South Korea is famous for cosmetic surgeries and top beauty products.

Koreans’ obsession with physical appearance often embarrasses foreigners. Even in a TV talk show, someone refers to others’ physical appearance in public. That is very inappropriate and uncomfortable. It is a taboo in all other countries.

It is embarrassing and even lamentable that noble causes for happiness are missing in our society. The rapid industrialization of South Korea must have caused dehumanization. As Manson believes, however, South Korea’s unique “resilience” will surely enable us to overcome our social maladies and bring back humanity to our society.

other’s internal affairs” stipulated in the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan. Japan either did not give sufficient attention to China’s stern warnings or, under the instigation of the US, made a misguided assessment of the situation, recklessly pursuing adventures and provocations in the Taiwan question. Japan’s affront to “the core of China’s core interests” has evolved from rhetoric to action, and China’s prepared countermeasures will likewise transition from rhetoric to action, ensuring that Japan will face serious consequences if it intervenes.

While Japanese media claimed this is the first time China has been named a “hypothetical enemy” in joint US-Japan military exercises, it is evident that this is not the first time; at most, it is the first time Japan publicly acknowledges it. In June of last year, Japan, the US, and the Philippines held their first trilateral security talks, which was widely seen by Japanese media, including Kyodo News, as a preparation for dealing with a “Taiwan emergency.” From November 10 to 20 of the same year, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces conducted the largest-ever joint exercise for the

year of 2023. This exercise, for the first time, extensively utilized civilian airports, ports, and other facilities, with the outside world perceiving it as “a response to China.” Kyodo News, in its coverage of “Keen Edge,” admitted that the US and Japan have multiple joint operation plans envisioning emergencies, with a draft plan regarding Taiwan completed at the end of last year.

Why does Japan, which has always seemingly been relatively cautious, now break from its past practice? One speculation is that Japan and the US may want to exert more pressure on China in this way to achieve a deterrent effect. To put it bluntly, it wants to inform the target of deterrence, which is China, that Japan and the US are actually engaged in military intervention preparations so that China “dare not act rashly on the Taiwan question.” If Japan and the US really think so, then they have overestimated themselves and underestimated China’s will and ability on the issue of national reunification. This mistake will bring unacceptable risks to Japan and the US. Tokyo chose to take this action at this time, which was a show, and also exposed its

strong sense of crisis. As we all know, including the three documents on national security released at the end of 2022, the path that the Japanese government is currently taking to expand its military, prepare for war and deter China is based on hyping the “China threat” and “war risks.” In Japan, support for the Kishida government is dwindling, and there is growing public opposition to increase the country’s military spending.

Tokyo must spice up its “war risks” narrative so that this strategy can be sustained.

In any case, Japan and the US are indeed training for military intervention in the Taiwan question. This not only undermines the peaceful atmosphere and exaggerates the risk of war, but also substantially increases tensions in the Taiwan Straits. The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair, and the method by which China achieves reunification is China’s own business. Both Japan and the US have serious political commitments to China on the Taiwan question, and keeping their commitments is their only correct choice. The initiative to realize national reunification is always in China’s hands.

KOREA HERALD KiM sEong-Kon

Kim Seong-kon is a professor emeritus of English at Seoul National University and a visiting scholar at Dartmouth College.

Why did Japan publicly name China as a ‘hypothetical enemy’?

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GLOBAL TIMES EDitorial

HE Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the US military are currently conducting an eight-day-long joint command post computer-simulated exercise codenamed “Keen Edge.”

Despite Japan’s earlier claims that the exercise “does not suppose any specific area or country,” the Japanese news agency Kyodo News, citing “government sources,” reported on January 4 that China is named as a hypothetical enemy for the first time in the exercise, with a presumed scenario of military conflict across the Taiwan Straits. This marks a significant escalation from Japan’s provocative statements, stating “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance,” to actual joint actions

by Japan and the US, which is very serious.

This incident also reveals the hypocrisy of Japan. It was reported that, in order to avoid “troubles,” the Japanese Ministry of Defense has classified the details of the ex-

ercise as “specifically confidential.” Previously, temporary names and maps slightly different from real maps were generally used for exercises. However, if they intended to keep it confidential, why did “multiple Japanese government officials” leak information to the media at the same time? It is hard to believe this was not intentionally orchestrated by the Japanese side. The question is, why is Japan simultaneously playing a game of pretending to be transparent and attempting to conceal the truth? What message does Japan really want to convey? Can’t Japan be more open? It might be better to speak frankly and openly about the matter.

The assertion that “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency” is strongly opposed

by China, a stance that China has reiterated on multiple occasions. Japan had previously occupied Taiwan for half a century, committing numerous egregious crimes. Japan’s current impulses of militarily interfering in the Taiwan question will inflict severe secondary harm on Taiwan. This also disrespects China’s sovereignty over Taiwan island and violates the principle of “not interfering in each

06 news

IRAQ SAYS US STRIKES PUSHING GOVT TO END US-LED COALITION’S MISSION

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BAGHDAD agenCieS

EPEATED US strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq are pushing the Baghdad government to end the mission of the US-led coalition in the country, the prime minister’s military spokesperson said on Thursday.

The US military said a strike on Wednesday killed a commander from Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group in Iraq that the Pentagon has blamed for attacking its troops. Spokesperson Yahya Rasool said in a statement the US-led coalition “has become a factor for instability and threatens to entangle Iraq in the cycle of conflict”.

In Washington, the Pentagon said it had notified the Iraqi government about the strike shortly after it had taken place.

Talks between the two countries began in January over the future of the coalition.

But less than 24 hours later, three US soldiers were killed in an attack in Jordan that the United States said was carried out by Iran-backed groups in Syria and Iraq and the talks have since paused.

Iraq and the United States will resume negotiations on the future of the US-led international military coalition in the country on February 11, the Iraqi military spokesperson said in a statement.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein called for the resumption of talks in a phone call with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Tuesday.

Any discussions over the future of the coalition are expected to take months if not longer, with the outcome unclear.

The US-led international military coalition in Iraq was set up to fight Daesh. The

United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, advising and assisting local forces to prevent a resurgence of the group.

Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began in October, Iraq and Syria have witnessed almost daily tit-for-tat attacks between hardline Iran-backed groups and US forces stationed in the region.

A series of strikes by the United States in Iraq and Syria last week killed more than 40 militants, the Pentagon said.

At the time Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, a state security force including Iran-backed groups, said 16 of its members were killed including fighters and medics.

The government had said civilians were among 16 dead.

In Syria, those strikes killed 23 people who had been guarding the targeted locations, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reports on war in Syria.

Trump wins China says combating ETIM is it’s Donald Nevada, Virgin Islands to come core concern in counter-terrorism caucuses closer to White House BEIJING

WASHINGTON

Staff CorreSpondent

Putin says defeating Russia in Ukraine ‘impossible’ MOSCOW

agenCieS

For the first time since the beginning of the Russia-Ukrainian war, President Vladimir Putin appeared in a Western-based interview with Tucker Carlson, a freelance journalist, and former Fox News employee. In the twohour-long interview, Putin and Carlson covered many topics, such as the Ukraine war and US-Russia ties, among others, Al Jazeera reported. In relation to the Russia-Ukraine war, Putin warned that defeating Russia in Ukraine is “impossible by definition,” but insisted that he does not aim to extend the war into neighbouring countries unless attacked first. He denied having territorial ambitions across Europe. “It is absolutely out of the question.

You just don’t have to be any kind of analyst; it goes against common sense to get involved in some kind of global war, and a global war will bring all of humanity to the brink of devastation.” Putin stated that his government was in contact with the United States and that a peaceful resolution to the war would only be possible if Washington stopped supplying weapons to Ukraine. He said: “I will tell you what we are saying on this matter and what we are conveying to the US leadership: if you want to stop fighting, you need to stop supplying weapons. It will be over within a few weeks, and then we can agree on some terms.”

He further said that he is not against discussing peace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. When Carlson asked the Russian leader whether he would be open to freeing Wall Street Journal writer Evan Gershkovich from prison as a “sign of your decency,” Putin said that a deal is conceivable and that there is “no taboo” around settling the matter. “We have done so many gestures of goodwill out of decency that I think we have run out of them. No, we have never seen anyone similarly reciprocate to us. However, in theory, we can say that we do not rule out that we can do that if our partners take reciprocal steps,” Putin said.

China has said that combating the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a terrorist organization that has planned and carried out a series of violent terrorist attacks both inside and outside of China, is China’s core concern in counter-terrorism and shared responsibility of the international community The East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a terrorist organization that has planned and carried out a series of violent terrorist attacks both inside and outside of China, has increased its connections with international and regional terrorist forces such as the Islamic State (IS) and AlQaeda, posing a serious threat to China’s overseas interests and the security and stability of relevant countries and regions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference.

Wang’s remarks came as Turkish authorities formally arrested 25 suspects in connection with the shooting of a man during a service at a church in Istanbul in January. One of the suspects was formerly a Chinese citizen but had obtained Turkish citizenship, with the suspect being identified as having links with ETIM and IS. Wang noted that ETIM, also

agenCieS

known as the “East Turkistan Islamic Party,” has planned and carried out a series of violent terrorist attacks both inside and outside of China. It is a UN Security Council-listed terrorist organization and is also listed as a terrorist organization by the Turkish government.

In recent years, ETIM has increased its connections with international and regional terrorist forces such as IS and Al-Qaeda, and has been actively involved in planning and carrying out terrorist activities against overseas Chinese targets, posing a serious threat to China’s overseas interests and the security and stability of relevant countries and re-

gions, said Wang.

The spokesperson emphasized that terrorism is the common enemy of humanity, and the reports once again demonstrate that ETIM is a seriously harmful terrorist organization. Combating ETIM is China’s core concern in counterterrorism and is also the shared responsibility of the international community, he said.

Wang noted that China is willing to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with the international community, including Turkey, to resolutely combat ETIM and jointly maintain international and regional security and stability.

A major victory for Trump fans after former president Donald Trump wins two caucuses in a single day. The former president gained victory against former United Nations (UN) ambassador Nikki Haley in the Virgin Islands caucus and also won the Nevada caucus, which Haley had opted out of, BBC reported. In the Nevada caucus, Trump was up against pastor and businessman Ryan Binkley, who only gained 381 votes as compared to Trump’s 48,400 votes. The caucuses win on Thursday is his third and fourth victory after winning in two crucial early primary states, Iowa and New Hampshire.

Trump’s only opponent remaining in the Republican race for office, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, opted not to take part in the Nevada caucus and instead chose to participate in the Nevada primary, which was held on Tuesday. Haley suffered an embarrassing defeat in the primary after people voted “none of the candidates.” 63% of the people who voted cast their ballots against Haley. Briefly addressing a victory party in Las Vegas, Donald Trump said, “If we win this state, we easily win the election in November.” Although the result of the Nevada caucus was a foregone conclusion, the state will be hotly contested in the November presidential election. The vote is effectively guaranteed to be a rematch between 2020 candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Trump and Haley will next go head-to-head in the state of South Carolina. Despite three defeats, she has vowed to fight on, arguing that Republican supporters want to see an alternative to Donald Trump and that “voters want an election, not a coronation.”

Uttarakhand on edge after mosque demolition kills five NEW DELHI agenCieS

Indian state Uttarakhand remained on alert on Friday after at least five people were killed due to the ongoing violence after authorities demolished a mosque a day earlier, alleging it was constructed illegally, BBC reported.

Violence broke out in Haldwani town during what police said was an “anti-encroachment drive” launched to remove illegal buildings, including the mosque and a joint madrasa. However, Muslims who attended the mosque to worship claim they have been unfairly singled out.

The clashes that began on Thursday night resulted in hundreds of injuries for both police officers and demonstrators.

Videos circulating online show demonstrators throwing stones and setting cars on fire while the police attacked them with tear gas. To get things under control, the state has given “shoot at sight” orders in addition to imposing a curfew.

The madrassa and the mosque were

razed, according to District Magistrate Vandana Singh, since they were not

recognised as religious buildings and were constructed unlawfully on govern-

Chinese tech firm Hesai plans to sue Pentagon over ‘military-related’ allegation BEIJING

Staff CorreSpondent

Chinese technology firm Hesai Technology said that the Pentagon’s recent claim linking the company’s business to the military is unfair and groundless.

The company is planning to sue the US government department to protect its reputation, the company said on its official website. Chinese experts said that the responsive move from the Chinese company is very rational, given the actions from the US side, which are lack of transparency and fairness and may tarnish the reputations of corresponding Chinese companies in the international market, and the companies should fight back.

Hesai announced on Wednesday in a public statement that they consider the decision made by the US Department of Defense on January 31 to include Hesai on its updated list of “Chinese military-related companies” to be “erroneous, unjust, and lacking in basis.”

In order to uphold the company’s reputation, Hesai has decided to sue the US De-

saturday, 10 February, 2024 | karaCHi

partment of Defense to defend its legitimate rights and interests, the company stated.

On January 31, the US added more than a dozen Chinese companies to a list compiled by the country’s Department of Defense, including major Chinese chip producer Yangtze Memory Technologies Co, AI company Megvii, and Hesai. These addi-

tions were claimed to be “related to the Chinese military.”

This action is part of the US efforts to expand its technology blockade targeting China, according to media reports.

The US department said in its latest statement that they will continue to update the list with additional entities as appropri-

ate. As a global lidar producer, Hesai’s lidar products cover a broad spectrum of applications, including passenger and commercial vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, autonomous driving vehicles, and robotic applications, among others, according to the company’s website.

Hesai said on Wednesday that they have always adhered to compliance, integrity, and lawful operation principles, while committed to minimizing accidents, saving lives, and making global travel safer.

In a previous statement, the Chinese company already expressed their disappointment over the US decision, calling it “unjust, capricious and meritless.”

“Hesai lidars are for civilian use only.

We do not sell our products to any military in any country, nor do we have ties of any kind to any military in any country,” the company noted.

The Pentagon’s announcement coincided with a fresh round of measures by the US government targeting Chinese companies. The reaction of Chinese companies over the matter is quite normal, as the US is keen to make its judgment without sufficient

ment property.

“The drive was not targeted at any particular community. It began peacefully, but a mob attacked officials soon after, leading to violence,” Singh said, adding that authorities had given the mosque’s administration prior notice about its demolition.

Locals have denied the district administration’s claim, stating that the mosque was demolished before the court could give a final decision in the case.

“When the administration came to demolish the structures, we asked them to stop until the next court hearing. But they did not listen. If they had waited for the final decision of the court, there would have been no resistance from us,” Shakeel Ahmad, a local councillor, told the Indian Express. Tensions over the demolition of mosques have risen in the past few months.

Ahead of the general elections that are scheduled in two months, Muslims claim that they are being unfairly singled out by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist administration and accuse it of inciting religious conflict.

factual basis, lacking necessary transparency, and being unfair when it comes to China, Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told media.

The entity lists could result in a noticeable impact on normal business operations of the corresponding Chinese companies in the US and could even affect their global reputation, said Zhou.

Therefore, it is necessary for Chinese companies to resort to legal means to protect their own interests, which is also their right, the expert said.

China’s Foreign Ministry slammed a move by the US Defense Department to add a dozen Chinese companies to a blacklist on the excuse of prohibiting American technologies from aiding the Chinese military.

China firmly opposes the US overstretching the concept of misusing national security, setting up all kinds of discriminatory lists, going after Chinese companies and disrupting normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US, the ministry’s spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at the regular press conference on February 1.

We urge the US to immediately correct these discriminatory practices and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, Wang said, noting that China will continue to firmly safeguard the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Saturday, 10 February, 2024 | KARACHI

07

PTI’S OMAR, ZAFAR THANK PEOPLE FOR MASSIVE TURNOUT FOR VOTE DESPITE ALL ODDS NEWS

Sadiq Sanjrani stays victorious in PB-32 elections QUETTA

STAFF REPORT

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader and Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani stood victorious in PB-32 Chaghi elections.

According to unofficial result issued by the Returning Officer/ECP, Sadiq Sanjrani won the seat by securing 18,802 votes. The runner-up Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) candidate Mir Amanullah Notazai managed to get 17,009 votes.

PTI-backed candidate arrested from RO Office in Sialkot SIALKOT

STAFF REPORT

A candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has been arrested in Sialkot.

NA-70 candidate Hafiz Hamid Raza was arrested from the RO office and shifted to an unknown location, his son Hamid Raza.

Hamid Raza reportedly went to the RO office to get information about the election results.

APHC pays glowing tribute to Guru, other Kashmiri martyrs

SRINAGAR INP

P

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Organizer Omar Ayub Khan and PTI Parliamentary Leader in the Senate, Barrister Ali Zafar thanked the people of Pakistan on behalf of PTI Chairman-for-life Imran Khan for speaking via massive turnout for vote despite every possible method employed to undermine the will of the people.

In the joint statement, they stated that despite use of the worst state interference in the electoral process and pre-poll rigging, PTI Founding Chairman showed Pakistan a new path by expressing his unwavering faith in the constitution, law and democracy. Both the leaders expressed serious concerns as polling process in several constituencies across the country, especially in Karachi, were delayed due to constant obstructions.

However, they lauded that the people had shown their full confidence in Imran Khan and his true agenda of “Haqeeqi Azadi” through their power of votes despite the worst pre-election rigging attempts and creating numerous other hurdles.

Omar and Barrister Ali Zafar stated that the preliminary results were very encouraging, which clearly showed that PTI was taking a convincing lead on overwhelming seats across the country.

However, they said that after clear and visible chances of victory of Imran Khan’s candidates in the preliminary results, the process of results got slowdown alarmingly, besides surfacing reports of closure of the screens in the offices of returning officers, which was very concerning.

They warned that an attempt to steal people’s mandate through a closed-room conspiracy would have very

negative and fatal consequences.

They pointed out that the fugitive, who was brought back to the country under the London plan through the state patronage, was facing a clear defeat on both the constituencies like his party in the muchneeded general elections.

Both the leaders warned that the public would never accept any attempt such as like in 2013 arranging a victory speech for ladle despite his party clear defeat under closed-room conspiracy.

They made it clear that people would not accept any attempt to forcibly convert the defeat into victory through polls manipulation come what may.

PTI leaders called upon the workers that they should not fall under any illusion and should only focus on get-

ting signed and sealed results, adding that candidates and workers neither should leave the polling stations without obtaining the signed and stamped Form 45 nor leave the offices of the ROs without obtaining the stamped Form 47.

They urged that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should ensure immediate release of the results rather than working as a facilitator to tamper with the election results, adding that any such poll manipulating bids would neither accept the PTI nor the nation would tolerate the.

PTI leaders stated that PTI was emerging as the lead party both in the center and provinces and would form governments conveniently, which would ensure release of their beloved leader from unlawful incarceration and elect him as prime minister of Pakistan once again.

PML-N to form government in centre and Punjab: Marriyum Aurangzeb LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the party will form government both in the centre and Punjab.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the senior PML-N leader said that results are being received and compiled in the party’s election cell.

“There was difficulty in getting election results due to the closure of internet and mobile service,” she said.

The position of PML-N is strong and we’ll serve the people of Pakistan after forming government in the centre and Punjab, she added.

Earlier, prime ministerial can-

didate of PML-N and former premier Nawaz Sharif was declared winner in the National Assembly constituency NA-130 (Lahore), according to unofficial results an-

nounced on Friday morning.

The PML-N chief bagged 171,024 votes against former PTI minister and independent candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid’s 115,043.

Saad Rafique loses to Latif Khosa in NA 122 Lahore LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leaders have paid glowing tributes to the noted son of Kashmiri soil, Muhammad Afzal Guru, on his 11th martyrdom anniversary, today, saying that the martyrs are the real heroes of Kashmiris in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir,.

According to Kashmir Media Service, India had hanged Muhammad Afzal Guru in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail on this day in 2013 and sent prominent liberation leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt, to the gallows in the same jail on February 11, 1984. Their bodies were buried in the premises of the jail.

Illegally detained APHC leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan in a message from New Delhi’s Tihar Jail, highlighting the sacrifices of Muhammad Afzal Guru and Muhammad Maqbool Butt, said: “The entire Kashmiri nation is proud of the great sons of the soil who preferred to kiss the gallows rather than compromising their ideals.”

Nayeem Khan said, “Over the past 75 years Kashmiris have been facing the wrath of prejudice and political vengeance at the hands of occupation authorities,” he said, adding the shameful execution of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Butt was a big blot on the face of India's falling justice system. Nayeem Khan reiterated the Kashmiris’ pledge to carry forward the mission of their martyrs despite all odds.

Jailed APHC leader, Molvi Bashir Ahmad, Bilal Siddiqi, Abdul Ahad Parra in their messages from jails denounced the partisan approach adopted by the Indian judiciary and the denial of a fair trial to Afzal Guru, terming it as a grave violation of law and justice.

APHC leaders, Syed Bashir Andrabi, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Farida Behanji, Ms Hafza, Yasin Attai, Javeed Ahmed Mir, Fayaz Hussain Jafari, Syed Sibte Shabbir Qummi, Khawaja Firdous, Hakeem Abdul Rashid. Advocate Muzamil, Shabbir Ahmad, Ghulam Nabi War. Aqib Wani and Hafiz Rafique Ahmad and Abdul Samad Inqilabi in their separate statements issued in Srinagar, paying homage to Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Butt, said that the Kashmiri people would take the mission of their martyrs to its logical conclusion, at all costs.

Rally organized in Muzaffarabad to pay tribute to Afzal Guru, Maqbool Butt MUZAFFARABAD STAFF REPORT

A rally was organized, today, in Muzaffarabad under the auspices of Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir to pay tributes to Shaheed Muhammad Afzal Gaur and Shaheed Muhammad Maqbool Butt on their martyrdom anniversaries.

According to Kashmir Media Service, a large number of people gathered at Shaheed Afzal Guru Chowk in Muzaffarabad and marched on the Srinagar highway.

They raised high-pitched slogans against India and in favour of freedom.

The speakers, addressing the participants of the rally, said Muhammad Afzal Guru, Muhammad Maqbool Butt and other lakhs of martyrs are real heroes of Kashmiris. They said India can never weaken the freedom struggle of Kashmiris by executions, fake arrests

and the worst use of black laws. India cannot suppress the freedom spirit of Kashmiris by committing the worst kind of human rights violations in the territory The speakers also paid tribute to martyrs Syed Ali Gilani, Molvi Mohammad Farooq, Burhan Muzaffar Wani, Shamsul Haque, Ahmed Hassan, Zakir Rashid Musa, Zia Mustafa, Sajjad Afghani, Riaz Naiko and lakhs of others. Pasban-e-Hurriyat Chairman Uzair Ahmed Ghazali, Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Usman Ali Hashim, Syed Shoaib Shah, Pirzada Sultan, Syed Asif Gilani, Qazi Muhammad Khushal, Muhammad Ismail Jagwal, Syed Mahmood Shah, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, Muhammad Yousuf, Faisal Farooq, Muhammad Fayaz Khan and others also participated in the rally.

India executed Muhammad Afzal Guru on February 9, 2013 and Muhammad Maqbool Bhatt on February 11, 1984 in the infamous Tihar Jail of New Delhi and buried their bodies in premises of the prison.

Omar Abdullah questions controversial census of households by IIOJK police JAMMU INP

National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah has raised serious concerns regarding a controversial census by police in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the authority under which it is being carried out and the purpose behind

gathering such extensive information from residents of the territory.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian police have launched a comprehensive “census” to collect personal data, including details of foreign visits, from residents of IIOJK. The forms, distributed by various police stations, bear the heading “Census 2024”, ask for detailed

information about the head of the family, family members living outside the territory, their ages, contact details, vehicle registrations, information about CCTV cameras installed and enquiries about family members. Residents must also provide photographs and the longitude and latitude coordinates (geo-tagging) of their residences.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidate Latif Khosa secured victory against PML-N candidate Khawaja Saad Rafique in NA-122 Lahore in general election 2024.

According to unofficial results, PTI-backed Independent Latif Khosa bagged 117,109 votes followed by PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafique who secured 77,907 votes. Following his defeat, Saad Rafique took to X (formerly Twitter) and congratulated the PTI candidate on his victory. He said that “I wholeheartedly accept my defeat” Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidate Barrister Gohar Ali Khan cliched victory in NA-10 Buner in the general election 2024. According to unofficial results, the PTI-backed independent candidate Barrister Gohar Ali Khan bagged 110,023 votes followed by Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Abdul Rauf with 30302 votes.

A daylong polling process concluded on Thursday for the General Election 2024 overall in a peaceful manner, with active participation from all age group voters who came out in droves to elect candidates of their choice.

The polling started simultaneously across the country at 8 am and continued till 5 pm without any break to provide maximum time to citizens to exercise their right to vote enshrined in the constitution.

The voters present in the premises of the polling stations at the poll-ending time were allowed to cast their votes, said a spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). According to the ECP, over 128 million registered voters were scheduled to exercise their democratic right by casting votes for candidates participating in elections for the national and provincial legislatures.

The polling was held for 265 seats of the National Assembly and 590 seats of provincial assemblies. The voting took place on 51 seats of the Balochistan Assembly, 128 out of 130 seats of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, 296 out of 297 seats of the Punjab Assembly and 130 seats of the Sindh Assembly.

The polling was held in 855 constituencies out of 859 however due to the death of the candidate, voting will not be held in NA 8, PP 266, PK 22 and PK 91.

Hamza Shehbaz clinches Lahore’s NA-118 seat LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shehbaz emerged victorious who bagged Lahore’s NA-118 seat with 105,960 votes. According to unofficial results received from all polling stations, Hamza Shehbaz defeated PTI-backed independent candidate Aliya Hamza, who managed to get 100,803 votes.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Shehbaz Sharif has managed to secure national and provincial assembly seats in Lahore, as per unofficial results.

According to the results received from all polling stations, Shehbaz Sharif won NA123 seat by securing 63,953 votes while PTIbacked independent candidate Afzal Azeem managed to get 48,486 votes.

Furthermore, the PML-N president clinched Lahore’s PP-158 seat by securing 38,642 votes while independent candidate Yousuf Ali was in second position with 23,847 votes.

Earlier, PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz managed to secure Lahore’s PP-189 seat with 23,598 votes.

A daylong polling process concluded on Thursday for the General Election 2024 overall in a peaceful manner, with active participation from all age group voters who came out in droves to elect candidates of their choice.

The polling started simultaneously across the country at 8 am and continued till 5 pm without any break to provide maximum time to citizens to exercise their right to vote enshrined in the constitution.

The voters present in the premises of

the polling stations at the poll-ending time were allowed to cast their votes, said a spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

According to the ECP, over 128 million registered voters were scheduled to exercise their democratic right by casting votes for candidates participating in elections for the national and provincial legislatures.

The polling was held for 265 seats of the National Assembly and 590 seats of provincial assemblies. The voting took place on 51 seats of the Balochistan Assembly, 128 out of 130 seats of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, 296 out of 297 seats of the Punjab Assembly and 130 seats of the Sindh Assembly.

The polling was held in 855 constituencies out of 859 however due to the death of the candidate, voting will not be held in NA 8, PP 266, PK 22 and PK 91.

Value Terrorist of UK EXPRESSES ‘SERIOUS CONCERNS’ High Daesh killed in Qilla ABOUT PAKISTAN ELECTION ‘FAIRNESS’ Saifullah IBO

Saturday, 10 February, 2024

PRAYER TIMINGS

NEWS

T

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HE United Kingdom has acknowledged serious concerns about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections held in Pakistan on February 8.

“We regret that not all parties were formally permitted to contest the elections and that legal processes were used to prevent some political leaders from participation, and to prevent the use of recognisable party symbols,” British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement on Friday.

“We also note the restrictions imposed on internet access on polling day, significant delays to the reporting of results and claims of irregularities in the

PTI’s Shoaib Shaheen to seek ‘legal recourse’ against NA-47 results ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

cial site.

“The UK urges authorities in Pak-

counting process,” he said in a statement posted on the British government’s offi-

PTI-backed candidate Shoaib Shaheen, addressing the media on Friday, slammed NA-47 results where PML-N’s Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was declared victorious, stating that he will pursue political and legal options. Expressing concerns about “injustice and oppression against the PTI”, he claimed that the nomination papers were unjustly taken away, accusing the Returning Officers (RO) of being “experts in corruption”.

Shaheen stated, “They took away our bat [PTI’s electoral symbol]” as he blamed the Supreme Court for the ongoing injustice and tyranny. The PTI-backed candidate asserted, “I had a lead of more than 50,000 votes, my opponents had a total of 40,000 votes polled.” “My votes were added to Tariq’s vote list,” he alleged. The PTI candidate said he approached the DCO and the Election Commission by writing applications but received no response. He pointed out that every candidate was supposed to be given Form 45. In questioning the democratic process, he rhetorically asked, “If you don’t like someone, will you change their vote?”

“I wasn’t behind Tariq in any of the polling station results,” stated Shaheen, blaming the ECP for the “indecent” conduct of the election. He also mentioned his willingness to address any reservations against him with the RO. “There was no need to spend billions. You should have just announced that the ladla (favourite) [PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif] is coming into power,” Shaheen stated.

Accusing the authorities of “undermining the foundations” and “causing harm to the state”, Shaheen declared his intent to “protest and challenge the result”. “The people are being denied their basic rights,” he said, emphasising that “today’s war is not for power but for the survival of the people”.

Furthermore, he mentioned, “We had the complete results by 11 PM and we will go to the court to challenge this dishonesty”. He claimed that “there has been a change of over 50,000 votes”.

istan to uphold fundamental human rights, including free access to information, and the rule of law. This includes the right to a fair trial, through adherence to due process and an independent and transparent judicial system, free from interference,” the top British diplomat further stated.

He added that the election of a civilian government with the mandate to deliver crucial reforms is essential for Pakistan to flourish.

“The new government must be accountable to the people it serves, and work to represent the interests of all Pakistan’s citizens and communities with equity and justice,” he added. “We look forward to working with Pakistan’s next government to achieve this, and across the range of our shared interests.”

PPP unlikely to join hands with PML-N if Nawaz projects himself as PM: Khursheed Shah ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwart Khursheed Shah said Friday that his party was unlikely to join hands with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) if Nawaz Sharif portrays himself as the next prime minister.

Although not all results have been issued yet, and the ones available are unofficial, PML-N supremo Nawaz has claimed that his party has emerged as the “single-largest party”, inviting others to join forces and form the next government.

“Nawaz Sharif wishes to become the prime minister […] but I don’t my party will form a coalition with him if he projects himself as the premier,” Shah told Geo News, hours after the world’s fifthbiggest democracy voted to elect its leaders.

Shah, whose party wants to see PPP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari as the next premier, said

Nawaz’s announcement was “premature” and said that he had declared himself as the prime minister three days back — an apparent reference to the ads that the PML-N had published in different news dailies.

The PPP stalwart, who has also served as a federal minister, noted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates also have 72 hours to join any party once the official results are out. “We will take decisions after due deliberations,” Shah said, as he further slammed Nawaz, wondering: “What majority does the PML-N have?”

Nawaz, the PML-N’s candidate for the premiership, said earlier that he seeks to form a united government after his party “emerged victorious” in the February 8 general election.

“I have tasked Shehbaz Sharif to meet Fazlur Rehman, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Asif Ali Zardari today,” Nawaz told a charged crowd in Lahore’s Model Town, which was there to listen to

his “victory speech”.

Meanwhile, PML-Quaid’s Chaudhry Salik Hussain told Geo News that his party would consider PML-N’s proposal tomorrow once all his party’s candidates’ results are in. “We will discuss and see whose manifesto is better — be it PPP or PML-N,” Salik said, as he did not flat-out refuse Nawaz’s offer to join hands.

In response to Nawaz, PTI leader Asad Qaiser, who has secured a National Assembly constituency, said that the PTI emerged as the single-largest party in the Feb 8 vote.

“The government machinery was used against us.” Additionally, he mentioned: “We have three to four options, and we are also considering intra-party elections. We will also approach the court. Tomorrow, we will decide the future course of action.”

“But I don’t understand the reason behind Mian sahib’s speech,” he said, slamming the PML-N supremo.

PPP alleges rigging as Bilawal loses to Tarar in Lahore LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Sherry Rehman has claimed that election results of Lahore’s constituency were manipulated, where party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari lost polls to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Attaullah Tarar.

As per the unofficial and unconfirmed results, Tarar secured 98,210 votes against PPP’s Bilawal who came third with 15,005 votes in NA-127.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Friday, Rehman said the results were changed abruptly while Bilawal was leading in the polls.

She said the results were delayed to rig the elections.

Rehman also lamented that mobile and internet services were suspended on the polling day which created difficulties for the voters and candidates during elections.

“We know very well what’s the real intent behind closing mobile services,” she added.

Her statement comes as election results suffered from inordinate delay with Pakistan Tehreek-e-

Insaf (PTI) also raising doubts over the transparency of the elections.

PTI-backed independent candidates are currently leading in the elections followed by PML-N and PPP as per the unofficial and unconfirmed results.

Many political bigwigs have suffered setbacks in the elections 2024 including PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif lost the election to a PTI-backed candidate in the Mansehra constituency.

However, Nawaz defeated PTI’s Yasmin Rashid in the Lahore NA constituency.

Earlier today, PML-N leader Ishaq Dar claimed that the independent candidates, who are emerging victorious in the 2024 general elections, are in contact with the party.

“The independents have contacted us and they will join any party in the next 72 hours as per the Constitution,” said the former finance minister said on Friday as the election results continue to pour in.

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

6:15

1:30

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RAWALPINDI

STAFF REPORT

Security forces on Friday killed a high value target (HVT) terrorist who belonged to Daesh in Qilla Saifullah District of Balochistan.

On 9 February 24, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Qilla Saifullah District of Balochistan on reported presence of a high profile terrorist.

During the conduct of operation, after intense fire exchange, HVT, Abdul Shakoor @ Nauman @ Abu Hamza Khurasani of Daesh was sent to hell.

The killed terrorist was the mastermind of recent bombings in Qila Saifullah and Pishin on 7 February 24 and was highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies. He also planned to conduct high profile suicide bombing attacks in Balochistan, which have been successfully averted due to timely and prompt action by security forces and the intelligence agencies.

Security Forces of Pakistan, in step with Nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.

Top journalists blast ECP for mishandling election results ISLAMABAD

NEWS DESK

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) came under severe criticism by top journalists for its failure to handle and deliver results of the General Election 2024 which failed to finalise the results even after lapse of 24 hours following the elections culminated and vote count started.

Despite the suspension of cellular service, internet outage, sporadic violence and complaints of mismanagement — including delayed starts at some polling stations — Pakistanis voted in general elections 2024.

Ahead of the polls, Chief Election Commission (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had assured that the watchdog had an “exclusive and independent networking system”, and that there would be no delay in election results.

However, the claim of its Election Management System (EMS) being up to the mark fell flat as the ECP took more than nine hours to release the first results and has continued to operate at a snail’s pace since then amid allegations of rigging.

The delay evoked memories of 2018 when EMS’ precursor and much ridiculed Result Transmission System (RTS) had crashed, delaying results and raising eyebrows. A repeat of the same meant that CEC Raja earned the wrath of all and sundry, including political experts.

Sunday Times’ chief foreign correspondent Christina Lamb said the election results suggested that things were not “going as planned” for the powers that be.

She said that despite being in jail and his party’s election symbol taken away, Imran’s independents were in a “shock lead”.

After the 2am deadline for returning officers (ROs) to submit Form 47s lapsed and the ECP chief issued a warning, journalist Meher Bokhari, in a social media post, said that the Raja should resign if he did not know what was happening. “Forget action against ROs. CEC should resign himself now if he doesn’t know what is happening.”

Journalist Zarrar Khuhro, in a post on X, implied that “unexpected delays, mobile blockage, and the ‘missing chairman’ were evidence of dark arts at work, unless one believes every RO is incompetent and cannot count”.

Senior journalist Hamid Mir said it was the ECP’s responsibility to release all the results by 10am today, adding that the watchdog had “completely failed in fulfilling its responsibility”.

Another senior journalist, Syed Talat Hussain, said the 2024 election was a crucial moment in the country’s history but rued that delayed results turned it into a “farce”.

He described the alleged denial of Form 45s — a form filled by the polling station presiding officers carrying details of votes secured by candidates — to key candidates as a “scandal”, questioning the transparency of the electoral process.

Senior Journalist Mazhar Abbas said that the PTI created history against all odds, and urged the democrats to accept it.

Analyst Khurram Husain commended PTI voters for their “spirit of defiance” despite “all attempts to keep them down”.

Journalist Amber Shamsi said that PTI voters have “demonstrated the power of vote despite oppression and challenges”.

She also said that the openness with which the delays in results were being discussed on television was “one of the positives”.

Pakistan polls: Post results, what are likely scenarios for parties?

KARACHI ANADOLU AGENCY

With votes still being counted after Thursday’s crucial general election, there are strong prospects of a hung parliament with the mainstream political parties left with a few options.

Initial results show a close contest between the independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The centre-left Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) stands third.

Three case scenarios Although Nawaz Sharif had been touted as the frontrunner for the coveted post of prime minister, the unexpected results in favour of the PTI, have left him with limited options.

The results suggest that his party cannot single-handedly form the government, and

will have to seek a coalition to do so.

His first choice will understandably be the PPP, which was a key partner in the last PMLN-led Pakistan Democratic Movement coalition government. However, strong criticism of the Sharifs by the PPP leader Bilawal BhuttoZardari during his election campaign has cast a shadow over the possibility of an alliance between the two parties.

“This indeed looks difficult considering Bilawal’s recent criticism of Sharif, but both parties are pragmatic, and, in my opinion, will seriously consider the option,” Abdul Khalique Ali, a Karachi-based political commentator, told Anadolu.

Alleging that Nawaz Sharif toed “anti-people” policies during his three previous tenures, Bilawal said during the pre-elections campaign that it was “impossible” for his party to forge an alliance with the PML (N).

A party — or an alliance or coalition — needs a simple majority of 169 seats in the

336-seat parliament to form the national government.

“There is a zero possibility of an alliance between the PTI and the PML-N,” he opined, referring to the old rivalry between the two parties.

The PTI, for its part, claims it is in a position to form the governments at the federal level, and in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

However, according to some constitutional experts, since its candidates have contested elections as independents and without a uniform election symbol following a cumbersome legal battle, they “cannot form the government without being merged into a party.”

The party has already lost its share of reserved seats for women and religious minorities after losing its election symbol – the bat.

It means, they need to join or forge an alliance with a party to form the government both in center and the provinces.

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 021-35381208-9. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk