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PM Sharif, outgoing opposition leader to reconvene today for caretaker premier deliberations

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (right) holds a meeting with the outgoing leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on August 10, 2023. (Government of Pakistan)
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Updated 11 August 2023
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PM Sharif, outgoing opposition leader to reconvene today for caretaker premier deliberations

  • Shehbaz Sharif and Raja Riaz have until Saturday to reach an agreement before the process is referred to a parliamentary committee
  • Analysts say the prolonged nominee process is beginning to spark speculation about undisclosed negotiations behind the scenes
Updated 11 August 2023
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the outgoing leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, convened on Thursday to reach a unanimous decision regarding the nominee for the head of the caretaker administration ahead of the upcoming national elections scheduled for November this year.

This development followed President Arif Alvi’s dissolution of the lower house of parliament on Sharif’s advice late Wednesday night. The prime minister initiated a consultation process with the departing opposition leader to fulfill the constitutional requirement for deliberation on the matter.

The two leaders now have a three-day window to arrive at a consensus on a candidate for the caretaker prime minister following the assembly’s dissolution.

“The first round of consultation between the prime minister and the opposition leader took place in a pleasant environment,” a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the meeting informed. “It is decided that tomorrow, August 11, the consultation will be made again on this important national issue.”

Sharif assumed 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, compared to 60 days if he were to step down on time, as per the constitution.

According to the country’s constitutional framework, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition of the outgoing National Assembly appoint a caretaker prime minister following consultations.

Article 224-A of the constitution stipulates that if the two fail to agree on a candidate within three days of the National Assembly’s dissolution, “they shall forward two nominees each to a committee to be immediately constituted by the Speaker of the National Assembly.”

The parliamentary committee will comprise eight members with equal representation from the treasury and opposition benches. It would be mandated to appoint a caretaker prime minister within three days of the matter being referred to it.

As per the constitution, if the committee fails to finalize the name during the given period, the nominees will be referred to Pakistan’s election commission that will make a final decision within two days. Until then, the incumbent prime minister will continue to hold the office.

Speaking to Arab News, Zarrar Khuhro, a senior journalist and TV talk show host, said it was unprecedented to experience such a delay in the appointment of a caretaker prime minister, adding that the situation was beginning to create doubts and rumors about some kind of “behind-the-scenes bargaining.”

“None of this is on the record, but the deadlock apparently seems to be the result of a struggle between the powers that be in Pakistan and the outgoing ruling alliance to appoint a man of their choosing at the coveted position,” he told Arab News, alluding to the country’s powerful military, which wields immense influence in the country’s political matters.

“If Raja Riaz is taking any stance on the appointment, then almost certainly forces behind Raja Riaz have been causing delay in the process,” he added.

Zebunnisa Burki, a political analyst, said that many names had been floated for the caretaker prime minister through the media, though Sharif and Riaz were still negotiating to select a consensus candidate.

“I feel the negotiations are still underway between the outgoing ruling alliance and the opposition leader as to how long this interim setup will last and when the national elections will be held,” she told Arab News.

“The prime minister and Raja Riaz may ultimately want the Election Commission of Pakistan to pick a candidate for the slot to maintain their neutrality in the whole process,” she added.

Topics: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif National Assembly caretaker government

IMF team to arrive in Pakistan in coming week for talks on ‘next phase of engagement’

Updated 11 May 2024
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IMF team to arrive in Pakistan in coming week for talks on ‘next phase of engagement’

  • Esther Perez Ruiz says IMF encourages better governance, wants to help with inclusive economic growth
  • She says IMF mission team will be led by Nathan Porter and hold meetings with the Pakistani authorities
Updated 11 May 2024
KHURSHID AHMED   

KARACHI: The top International Monetary Fund (IMF) official in Pakistan confirmed on Saturday the global lending agency will send a delegation to Islamabad next week to discuss the “next phase of engagement” with the government that has publicly expressed its interest in securing a larger and longer-term loan.
Last month, the country’s finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, told a media briefing Pakistan was hoping to reach a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a new loan “by June or early July.”
His statement came at a time when the country’s short-term IMF loan program of $3 billion was about to expire after its successful completion.
However, he did not elaborate much on the government’s preference for the size and duration of the next loan facility, saying these issues would be discussed during negotiations with the IMF team.
“A mission team led by Nathan Porter, IMF’s Mission Chief to Pakistan, will meet with authorities next week to discuss the next phase of engagement,” Esther Perez Ruiz, IMF Resident Representative for Pakistan, told Arab News in response to a query.
“The aim is to lay the foundation for better governance and stronger, more inclusive, and resilient economic growth that will benefit all Pakistanis,” she added.
Some Pakistani media outlets recently reported that an IMF team was already visiting the country to discuss the bailout program under the Extended Fund Facility.
However, the IMF statement clarifies its mission is yet to arrive in Islamabad for negotiations.

Topics: Pakistan IMF Talks

PM Sharif seeks UK investment as Pakistan bolsters economic diplomacy amid financial recovery

Updated 11 May 2024
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PM Sharif seeks UK investment as Pakistan bolsters economic diplomacy amid financial recovery

  • The PM highlights governance and institutional reforms by his administration in a meeting with the top British diplomat
  • Pakistan has been actively urging countries worldwide to explore opportunities in mining, tourism and agriculture sectors
Updated 11 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed a keen interest in attracting investment from the United Kingdom during a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Saturday, as his administration continued active economic diplomacy by encouraging countries worldwide to explore opportunities in mining, tourism, information technology and agriculture sectors.
Faced with daunting financial challenges, Pakistan sought the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance and encouraged businesses and entrepreneurs from friendly nations to invest in the local market to reap benefits and help with the country’s economic recovery.
So far, the government’s focus has mainly remained on the Gulf states since the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military hybrid body, established last year to oversee foreign financing.
However, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced earlier this week investors from the United States and European countries were also taking interest in putting their money in Pakistan amid its gradually recovering economy.
“Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy long-standing relations that are further strengthening with the passage of time,” the prime minister was quoted as saying by the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news service.
The APP also reported that Sharif highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve governance structures and introducing institutional reforms.
“He said that the government was taking measures at the micro and macroeconomic levels to recover the country’s economy,” the report said. “Moreover, he said the digitization process of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was in the final stage.”

Topics: Pakistan UK Ties Pakistan economy

Pakistan serves notices to 12 cosmetic companies for ‘greenwashing,’ misleading marketing

Updated 11 May 2024
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Pakistan serves notices to 12 cosmetic companies for ‘greenwashing,’ misleading marketing

  • Competition Commission of Pakistan says these firms falsely claimed their products to be organic, chemical-free
  • It asks customers to remain vigilant and report misleading advertising claims, health hazards caused by them
Updated 11 May 2024
KHURSHID AHMED   

KARACHI: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) announced on Saturday it had served notices to 12 cosmetics companies for running “deceptive marketing campaigns” by engaging in “greenwashing,” falsely describing their products as organic and devoid of any chemicals.
The CCP is a regulatory agency with a fundamental mandate to ensure a level playing field for all market players and to protect consumers from anti-competitive practices, predatory behavior and price-fixing.
The CCP statement also highlighted that Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010, prohibits misleading marketing practices and emphasizes “accuracy, integrity, reliability and truthfulness” in marketing communication to assist consumers in making informed purchase decisions.
“The Competition Commission of Pakistan has taken cognizance of deceptive marketing by the beauty products’ manufacturers and issued notices to 12 companies regarding their false and misleading claims,” the CCP said.
“CCP’s preliminary probe revealed that these Undertakings were prima facie engaged in ‘greenwashing’, advertising their products as ‘Natural, Organic, Sustainable, Pure, and Chemical Free’ without having any scientific evidence to support their claims,” it added. “Such unsubstantiated marketing claims not only mislead the consumers but also pose potential health risks.”
It added the notices issued by its officials could ultimately lead to responsible marketing practices prioritizing environmental integrity and consumer trust.
The statement also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report false advertising claims along with any health hazards caused as their consequence.

Japan defeat Pakistan in dramatic shootout to win 2024 Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final

Updated 11 May 2024
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Japan defeat Pakistan in dramatic shootout to win 2024 Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final

  • Japan seized an early lead with a field goal in the 12th minute, igniting a fierce contest that ended in a 2-2 draw
  • The electrifying shootout phase led to Japan’s convincing 4-1 victory, helping the team clinch the Azlan Shah cup
Updated 11 May 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic conclusion to the 2024 Azlan Shah Hockey Cup on Saturday, Japan defeated Pakistan in a penalty shootout after a tense 2-2 draw, dashing the Pakistan team’s hopes that had reached the tournament final for the first time since 2011 following a series of stellar performances.
Six teams participated in the event, including the tournament Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and Canada. Pakistan won the Azlan Shah Cup title three times in the past and was the second runners-up in the last edition which was also held in Malaysia two years ago.
Prior to facing Japan the second time in the tournament, Pakistan played against New Zealand on Friday in a match that ended in a tie.
“Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for,” the Pakistan Hockey Federation exclaimed in a social media post prior to the match. “The FINAL showdown of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is here, and our beloved Green Shirts are ready to take on Japan ... Let’s rally behind our team with all our support and cheers as they aim for glory on the field!”

In a riveting showdown, Japan seized an early lead with a field goal in the 12th minute, igniting a fierce contest that saw both teams neck and neck until the final whistle.
As regular time expired with the score deadlocked, the match escalated into an electrifying shootout phase.
When the dust settled, however, Japan had triumphed with a convincing 4-1 victory, clinching the cup and retaining their top position on the leaderboard where they already stood tall with 13 points right ahead of the final.
Pakistan, despite a valiant effort, were on the second place with two draws.

 

Topics: Azlan Shah Hockey Cup Pakistan Hockey

Pakistan drafts new social media regulatory law amid free speech concerns from digital activists

Updated 11 May 2024
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Pakistan drafts new social media regulatory law amid free speech concerns from digital activists

  • The government says it wants the legislation to curb disinformation, hate speech on social media platforms
  • Rights activists fear the authorities may curb online dissent instead of encouraging responsible Internet use
Updated 11 May 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is working on a draft law to regulate social media to “protect digital rights” of millions of users, encourage responsible Internet use and regulate online content to prevent hate speech and disinformation, confirmed a senator belonging to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party on Saturday.
The authorities have long struggled to regulate the social media content through different legislations, prompting critics to accuse it of trying to quell dissent. The popular social media platform X remains blocked in the country after widespread allegations of election manipulation in the wake of the February 8 national polls.
Earlier this month, the government notified a National Cybercrimes Investigation Agency to probe electronic crimes and is now working on another draft law related to the social media content, making digital rights activists describe it as yet another official attempt to stifle criticism online.
“The government is currently working on a draft law to regulate the social media content as we want to curb disinformation and hate speech being spread through these platforms,” Senator Afnan Ullah Khan told Arab News.
“A committee led by the federal law minister is discussing the draft law as we have to ensure people’s right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression as well,” he continued, ruling out concerns the government wanted to muffle its rivals and critics.
Khan said the draft law would be tabled in parliament within four weeks for discussion and debate.
“The opposition parties or any parliamentarian can object to any clause of the bill once it is presented in parliament for vote,” he said.
“We want to protect digital rights of our users instead of imposing any restrictions, but at the same time we want those to be prosecuted who violate the law by inciting hate speech and pedaling disinformation, or any content against the national security,” he added.
The draft law may propose establishment of a digital rights protection authority to ensure effective enforcement of laws, Khan informed, but “all this will be disclosed to the media and public once the bill is tabled in parliament for discussion.”
Digital rights activists said successive governments in Pakistan had drafted new laws or amended old ones to curb the dissenting voices on social media platforms and file criminal charges against journalists and activists to restrict freedom of speech and expression.
“The government should involve all stakeholders, including civil society and rights activists, while drafting the new law to prevent its misuse,” Sabookh Syed, President of Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan, told Arab News.
“The government may strengthen defamation laws to prevent social media misuse instead of making it a criminal offense that could lead to persecution of activists and violate constitutional guarantees related to free speech,” he added.

Topics: social media

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