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With parliament dissolved, Pakistani PM to start process to pick caretaker administration

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses lawmakers during the last session of current parliament, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on August 9, 2023. (PID)
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Updated 10 August 2023
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With parliament dissolved, Pakistani PM to start process to pick caretaker administration

  • President now bound to appoint caretaker prime minister in consultation with outgoing prime minister and leader of the opposition
  • General elections could be delayed by months as election regulator to redraw hundreds of constituencies based on fresh census
Updated 10 August 2023
Fatimah Amjad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's parliament was dissolved by the president on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's advice late Wednesday night, setting the stage for a caretaker setup to take charge ahead of national elections.

Sharif took over power in April last year after then Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence. The outgoing PM’s tenure technically expired on August 12, but he dissolved the assembly three days early to give the caretaker government 90 days to organize general elections, against 60 days if he were to step down on time, as per the constitution.

The president is now bound to appoint a caretaker prime minister in consultation with the outgoing prime minister and opposition leader. The same procedure is followed by governors in the provinces. Sharif has said a name for caretaker PM has not yet been finalized. He is expected to meet Opposition Leader Raja Riaz to discuss the matter today, as per the constitutional requirement.

“On dissolution of the Assembly on completion of its term, or in case it is dissolved under Article 58 or Article 112, the President, or the Governor, as the case may be, shall appoint a care-taker Cabinet,” Article 224 of the Pakistani constitution reads.

“The care-taker Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly, and a care-taker Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Provincial Assembly.”

In case the outgoing PM and leader of the opposition do not agree on a name for caretaker prime minister within three days of the dissolution of the assembly,  the prime minister and the leader of the opposition share two nominees each to a committee constituted by the speaker, comprising eight members of the outgoing National Assembly, the Senate or both.

The committee, which then has three days to finalize a name, must have equal representation from the treasury and opposition benches.

In case the committees also fail to agree on the name, the nominees are referred to the Election Commission for a final decision within two days, until which time the incumbent prime minister will continue to hold office.

The federal caretaker cabinet is then appointed on the advice of the caretaker prime minister and the president.

The caretaker cabinet in Pakistan primarily has one job, to create a conducive environment for free and fair elections in the country and ensure they are held within 90 days of the assembly's dissolution. 

However, it is widely believed the vote could be delayed several months in Pakistan with the election commission set to start redrawing hundreds of constituencies based on a fresh census that was approved last week.

Analysts have said any delay in the election could fuel public anger and add to uncertainty in the nuclear-armed nation.

The last general election in July 2018 was won by the party of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who was sworn in days later as prime minister for the first time.

Khan has been at the heart of political turmoil since he was ousted as prime minister in a no-confidence vote last year, raising concern about Pakistan's stability. He has since been convicted and jailed in a graft case, following which he has been barred from taking part in any election for five years.

Khan has accused the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan since independence in 1947, of being responsible for his ouster. The military has denied the charge.

Khan was replaced by Sharif, who has been grappling with a debilitating economic crisis and historically high inflation levels as the government implemented painful reforms to secure funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In addition to the legal issues that could crop up if the vote is delayed, the side-lining of Khan, the country's most popular leader according to polls, will cast doubt over the credibility of the elections.

Topics: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assembly caretaker

Pakistan launches probe into ex-PM Khan’s ‘threatening’ social media post targeting state institutions

Updated 4 sec ago
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Pakistan launches probe into ex-PM Khan’s ‘threatening’ social media post targeting state institutions

  • Khan criticized powerful people, saying they were putting the country’s stability at stake to maintain power
  • Information minister say FIA is investigating who is operating Khan’s social media account and from where
Updated 4 sec ago
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: The government has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate a “threatening” social media post by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in which he criticized Pakistan’s military and judiciary, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Friday, adding a team of interrogators was currently questioning him in prison.

Since the collapse of his government in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022, Khan has repeatedly alleged that his ouster was orchestrated by US officials in Washington with the complicity of Pakistan’s military, accusations that both the US and Pakistani authorities have denied.

Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year on multiple charges, has continuously criticized Pakistan’s military and intelligence services, accusing them of involvement in a failed assassination attempt on him during a protest in November 2022.

In a recent social media post, he likened the current military leadership to General Yahya Khan, accusing them of risking the country’s stability to maintain power. He also named Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa among the powerful individuals who he said were upholding the “system of injustice and brutality” against his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

“The FIA is investigating the matter of the threatening post by PTI’s founding chairman,” the information minister said in a statement.

“The founding chairman of PTI shared an anti-state post on social media and posted material against Pakistan’s integrity,” he continued, adding he had targeted the institutions of military and judiciary.

The minister said that an FIA team had arrived at Adiala Jail to determine who was operating Khan’s social media account and from where.

Tarrar did not elaborate on why he considered the ex-premier’s lengthy post threatening, though it urged Pakistanis to “come out for a street movement to protect our freedom.”

Khan’s legal spokesperson, Naeem Haider Panjutha, also confirmed that a “four-member team” from the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing had gone to the prison to interrogate the former prime minister while condemning the development.

Topics: Imran Khan PTI fia

Dhaka’s National Press Club marks 76th death anniversary of Pakistan’s founder

Updated 13 September 2024
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Dhaka’s National Press Club marks 76th death anniversary of Pakistan’s founder

  • Participants say Bangladesh would have been treated like Kashmir if it had not been part of Pakistan in 1947
  • They emphasize the need for closer relations with Pakistan and China, asking their country to honor MA Jinnah
Updated 13 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the National Press Club in Dhaka arranged an event in remembrance of Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to mark his 76th death anniversary with Urdu songs, poetry, and recitals this week, according to a report published by a Bangladeshi newspaper on Thursday.
The tribute to Jinnah comes at a time of profound political change in Bangladesh, where just weeks ago, a student-led protest toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government, marking the end of her 15-year rule.
The unrest led to the toppling of statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father and Wajid’s father, amidst widespread dissatisfaction with his daughter’s increasingly autocratic governance.
The event in remembrance of Pakistan’s founding leader is particularly striking, given Bangladesh’s historical resentment toward Pakistan over the events of the 1971 independence war, signaling a re-evaluation of the country’s political and historical narratives, driven by a turbulent domestic environment and evolving sentiments toward its neighbors.
“If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we would have been in the same position as Kashmir today, with the Indian junta holding weapons to our necks,” one of the speakers identified as Muhammad Samsuddin was quoted as saying by the newspaper. “Bangladesh gained independence because of Pakistan, which Jinnah helped create.”
“Why should we change the name of Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue,” he asked. “These changes were made because [New] Delhi wanted them, but we did not. Bangladesh must foster strong relations with China and Pakistan.”
Another speaker, Nazrul Islam, said Bangladesh should continue to have good relations with Pakistan.
“If Jinnah had not been there, Pakistan would not have existed, and without Pakistan, Bangladesh would not exist,” he continued. “Jinnah is the father of our nation, but we do not acknowledge it.”
“We must preserve our brotherhood, and I hope that both Jinnah’s birth and death anniversaries will continue to be observed here every year,” he added.
The Bangladeshi newspaper informed the Pakistani high commissioner was invited to the event, though he could not attend the ceremony and sent his deputy.
Two Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh were present at the gathering and performed Urdu songs dedicated to their country’s founding father.
 

Topics: National Press Club National Press Club Dhaka Pakistan Bangladesh Ties Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Pakistan’s army chief vows support to police amid rising militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Updated 13 September 2024
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Pakistan’s army chief vows support to police amid rising militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  • Militant factions have relentlessly targeted the cops in the province, leading to police protests in KP
  • General Munir vows to maintain ‘the hard-earned peace’ during his visit to the Orakzai tribal district
Updated 13 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir praised the police and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province during a visit to the Orakzai tribal district on Friday, vowing to provide all possible support to them in performing their duties.

The army chief’s visit comes at a time when militant factions operating in the area have relentlessly targeted the police, killing over 75 of them since the beginning of the year, leading to protests by law enforcement personnel in various parts of the province against these killings.

Security in the region has mostly been dominated by the army, which has been fighting proscribed militant factions like Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban for about two decades, with the police seeking greater government support to empower them to deal with extremist violence in the area.

The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), informed General Munir received a briefing on the security situation in the area along with the ongoing intelligence-based counterterrorism operations that have been undertaken to ensure stability in the restive tribal district.

“Pak Army will continue to provide all out support to KPK Police and other LEAs in enabling them to perform their duties in newly merged districts,” the army chief said, referring to the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan that were integrated into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa nearly six years ago.

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir (left in first row) receives briefing on the security situation during his visit to the Orakzai tribal district, Pakistan, on September 13, 2024. (ISPR)

He paid tribute to all the uniformed personnel of the police and security forces who had laid down their lives while performing their duties, saying “the hard-earned peace” achieved through their sacrifices would be maintained at all costs.

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir (right) interacts with troops in Orakzai tribal district, Pakistan, on September 13, 2024. (ISPR)

The army chief also appreciated the support of the local population in assisting the security forces with their efforts, noting that their positive role was essential in sustaining peace in the region.

Earlier, General Munir laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial and interacted with troops in Orakzai who had participated in recent counterterrorism operations in the area.

Topics: Pakistan army chief Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan stocks rally after policy rate cut, positive developments on IMF front

Updated 13 September 2024
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Pakistan stocks rally after policy rate cut, positive developments on IMF front

  • The benchmark KSE-100 index rose by more than 800 on Friday morning
  • It declined in the afternoon session to close at 79,333, up by 315 points
Updated 13 September 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday rallied by more than 300 points, according to the PSX website, following a policy rate cut by the central bank and positive developments with regard to the country’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

The benchmark KSE-100 index rose by more than 800 on Friday morning, but declined in the afternoon trading session to close at 79,333, up by 315 points.

A day earlier, the central bank cut its key policy rate by 200 basis points to 17.5 percent — the third straight reduction since June as the country looks to spur growth as inflation eases.

“The MPC assessed the real interest rate to still be adequately positive to bring inflation down to the medium-term target of 5–7 percent and help ensure macroeconomic stability,” the State Bank of Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee said in a statement, announcing the cut.

“This would be essential to achieve sustainable economic growth over the medium term.”

Separately, the IMF said its board would meet at the end of this month to discuss Pakistan’s new $7 billion bailout program that was agreed in July.

“All matters with the IMF have been settled amicably,” Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said in a statement on Thursday. “These matters will be finalized in the meeting of the IMF board this month.”

Pakistan’s sovereign dollar bonds also rallied on Thursday, with the 2031 maturity trading 1 cent higher to bid at 79.93 cents on the dollar, according to Tradeweb data.

Topics: Pakistan Pakistan IMF Ties Pakistan Stock Exchange

Pakistan steps up health security at Karachi airports after fifth mpox case

Updated 13 September 2024
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Pakistan steps up health security at Karachi airports after fifth mpox case

  • Border Health Services at Jinnah International screened 146,722 passengers during the month of August
  • The airport authority disinfects immigration and lounge areas after international flights two to three times
Updated 13 September 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has bolstered health security measures at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, to prevent the spread of the mpox virus, an official statement said on Friday, following the confirmation of the fifth case of the disease earlier this week.

Mpox, a viral disease causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, has prompted global concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it a public health emergency on August 14. A new strain of the virus, which first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has since spread to several countries, leading to increased monitoring and preventive measures worldwide.

Pakistani health authorities have also maintained they have implemented stringent screening protocols at airports and border entry points to prevent the spread of the disease. However, local media reported this week the latest mpox case had gone undetected at Islamabad airport, and the patient on an international flight had continued to travel to the nearby province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“The number of Border Health Services staff at Jinnah International has been increased,” the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), headquartered in Karachi, announced in its statement. “Two doctors will now be on duty instead of one.”

It said the number of medical assistants had also been increased from five, and at least eight to ten of them will be deployed for duty at the airport.

“During August, 146,722 passengers were screened at Jinnah International,” the statement added. “Since the monitoring began, only one passenger was found to be a suspect on August 31.”

The PAA informed that disinfectant spraying is carried out two to three times in the immigration and lounge areas after every international flight.

It added that additional cabins have also been installed for the screening and isolation of suspected passengers.

“Awareness stands have been placed in the international arrivals walkway area at Jinnah International,” the statement said, adding that additional mpox awareness sessions have also been introduced at the airport’s resource center.

Speaking to Arab News earlier this week, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s health ministry, Sajid Hussain Shah, said the country’s Border Health Services were fully equipped to screen mpox patients.

“Four of five mpox cases were detected by health officials after screening suspects at different airports,” he said, adding it usually takes ten to twelve days to develop symptoms, making it possible for a patient to occasionally slip through the scanning process and develop symptoms later.

“Our Border Health Services officials have been following WHO guidelines at all airports and borders to screen and scan passengers for the disease,” he added.

Topics: MPOX Karachi Pakistan Monkeypox

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