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Pakistanis urge political parties to ‘sit together,’ resolve issues after indecisive polls

People watch latest election results live on a television at a shop, a day after Pakistan's national elections in Lahore on February 9, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 11 February 2024
AFP
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Pakistanis urge political parties to ‘sit together,’ resolve issues after indecisive polls

  • Pakistan’s national polls on Thursday saw no political party emerge with a clear majority 
  • Pakistan held polls in the backdrop of overlapping security, economic and political crises 
Updated 11 February 2024
AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani citizens in the eastern city of Lahore this week urged political parties to “sit together” to resolve some of the country’s pressing issues, in the aftermath of Thursday’s elections which saw no party emerge with a clear majority. 

Pakistan’s national polls were held on 265 general seats in the lower house of parliament, in which 101 independent candidates backed by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party secured victory, as per results published by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). 

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, won 75 National Assembly seats followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which won 54 seats. 

As Pakistan faces overlapping security, economic, and political crises, Sharif declared victory on Friday night after his party emerged as the one with the highest number of seats, inviting others to form a coalition government with the PML-N. 

“We really want to see the positivity and the way forward and the progressive attitude because democracy is very important,” Farida Batool, a 48-year-old teacher, told AFP on Saturday.

“And we are, right now, in a very, very critical situation, both economically, security-wise and on many other levels. So Pakistani political parties really need to sit together.”

Hamid Khan, a member of former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PT) party, alleged that rival political parties were looking to tempt PTI-backed independent candidates with lucrative offers. 

“They [political parties] want to create a market of independents [candidates] among themselves, who are originally PTI’s elected candidates who have the mandate of the entire nation,” Hamid Khan told AFP. 

“God willing their [political [parties] negotiations will fail.”

Topics: elections 2024

Pakistan denies ‘hiccups’ in IMF program, reaffirms commitment to reforms agenda

Updated 03 December 2024
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Pakistan denies ‘hiccups’ in IMF program, reaffirms commitment to reforms agenda

  • Statement comes on the heels of local media report that there were “hiccups” in the implementation of IMF program
  • IMF is pushing Pakistan to continue prudent fiscal and monetary policies, mobilize revenue from untapped tax bases
Updated 03 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s finance ministry on Tuesday denied any “hiccups” in the implementation of a $7 billion IMF bailout program, saying it was progressing “smoothly” and the country was committed to a macroeconomics reforms agenda attached to the loan. 
The finance ministry statement came a day after a major Pakistani newspaper, the Express Tribune, reported that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had said in a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that there were “hiccups” in the implementation of the IMF program. 
The bailout is attached to tough economic reforms, including prudent fiscal and monetary policies, and mobilizing revenue from untapped tax bases.
Pakistan’s $350 billion economy has struggled for decades with boom-and-bust cycles, needing 23 IMF bailouts since 1958.
“The IMF program is proceeding smoothly, with no disruptions, as the government of Pakistan remains fully committed to meeting all the conditionalities and ensuring the successful completion of the 37-month program in close coordination with the IMF staff,” the finance ministry statement said, adding that Aurangzeb had “consistently emphasized upon the government’s continued commitment to macroeconomic reforms.”
Referring to the local media report on the recent briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, the ministry said Aurangzeb had reiterated there that adhering to the IMF program was critical for achieving lasting macroeconomic stability.
“Any speculation regarding “hiccups” in the program’s implementation is based on one’s subjective interpretations and lacks credible evidence,” the finance ministry added. 
“The government remains focused on maintaining economic stability and fulfilling all obligations under the IMF program with diligence and transparency, aiming to lay the foundation for stronger, sustainable, and inclusive growth.”
The IMF, which approved the new bailout in September, has said the program will require “sound policies and reforms” to strengthen macroeconomic stability and address structural challenges alongside “continued strong financial support from Pakistan’s development and bilateral partners.”
The IMF said in its statement on approving the loan that Pakistan had taken key steps to restore economic stability with consistent policy implementation under the 2023-24 standby arrangement.
It added that growth had rebounded to 2.4 percent and inflation has receded significantly, falling to single digits, amid appropriately tight fiscal and monetary policies.
A contained current account and calm foreign exchange market conditions have allowed the rebuilding of reserve buffers, and the central bank of Pakistan has been able to reduce interest rates by 700 bps since June in four consecutive cuts.
Despite this progress, Pakistan’s vulnerabilities and structural challenges remain formidable and the tax base remains too narrow.
The South Asian country is the IMF’s fifth-largest debtor, owing the Fund $6.28 billion as of July 11, according to the lender’s data.

Topics: Pakistan IMF Talks

Pakistan win Blind T20 World Cup, coinciding with International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Updated 18 min 42 sec ago
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Pakistan win Blind T20 World Cup, coinciding with International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

  • Pakistan’s blind cricket team defeats Bangladesh by 10 wickets
  • This is Pakistan’s first win since inception of the series in 2012
Updated 18 min 42 sec ago
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s blind cricket team on Tuesday won the Blind T20 World Cup, defeating Bangladesh by 10 wickets in a victory that coincided with the annual International Day Of Persons With Disabilities.
This is the first time Pakistan has won the Blind T20 World Cup since the inception of the series in 2012, with India winning the previous three editions.
“Congratulations to the Pakistan blind cricket team for clinching the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup title with a 10-wicket win over Bangladesh in the final at Multan Cricket Stadium,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said on X.

In a thrilling finale, Bangladesh managed to post a modest total of 139 runs after losing seven wickets, while Arif Hussain stood out as the star performer for Bangladesh, delivering 54 runs.
On the bowling front for Pakistan, Babar Ali claimed three crucial wickets while his teammates Motiullah and Mohammad Salman each took one wicket. Pakistan then successfully chased down the target in 11 overs without losing a single wicket.
The opening pair of Nisar Ali and Mohammad Safdar forged an unbeaten partnership that saw Ali score an impressive 72 runs and Safdar 47 runs, leading the host nation to a resounding 10-wicket victory.
In the inaugural Blind T20 World Cup held in India in 2012, the hosts triumphed over Pakistan with a 29-run victory. The second edition, hosted in 2017, saw India winning by 9 wickets against Pakistan. In the most recent edition in 2022, India bested Bangladesh in the final to claim the trophy once again.
However, India did not participate in the fourth edition as their government denied the team permission to travel to Pakistan where the series was held.

 

Topics: Pakistan Blind cricket team Pakistan Blind Cricket Council International Day Of Persons With Disabilities 2024

Pakistan province forms grand jirga to broker truce after 133 killed in sectarian feuding

Updated 03 December 2024
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Pakistan province forms grand jirga to broker truce after 133 killed in sectarian feuding

  • 133 people killed, 177 injured in sporadic clashes in Kurram district since Nov. 21 with two failed attempts at a ceasefire
  • Grand jirga has participation of former lawmakers from tribal districts with representation from Sunni and Shiite sects
Updated 03 December 2024
REHMAT MEHSUD

PESHAWAR: The government in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has formed a grand council of elders to broker a ceasefire in the region’s Kurram district where over 130 people have been killed in sectarian clashes since last month and two earlier deals to stymie the fighting have failed, members of the new council said on Tuesday.
Pakistan is a Sunni-majority country, but Kurram has a large Shiite population, and the communities have clashed for decades. At least 133 people have been killed and 177 injured in sporadic clashes since Nov. 21, with two failed attempts at a ceasefire.
On Monday, the provincial cabinet approved what it called a “comprehensive action plan” aimed at “restoring durable peace and stability” in Kurram. The plan involves a new grand jirga comprising former parliamentarians and senators from tribal districts with representation from both the Sunni and Shiite sects, ex-senator Saleh Shah, a member of the council, told Arab News.
“We are fully empowered by the provincial government to move the peace efforts forward to settle the Kurram saga once and for all,” Shah said on Tuesday. “Because of the representation of members of both the sects in the jirga, I’m very much optimistic that we can settle the Kurram issue ... Since the day the jirga was formed, we are getting positive signals for a breakthrough.”
The latest fighting broke out last Thursday when two separate convoys of Shiite Muslims traveling under police escort were ambushed, killing more than 40. Since then days of fighting with light and heavy weapons have brought the region to a standstill, with major roads closed and mobile phone services cut as the death toll surged.
Shah said the jirga had already had its first meeting, and also met with KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Meetings were now also planned with the Peshawar corps commander, the prime minister, the president and the army chief to discuss the overall security situation of the area.
The jirga will head to Kurram district after the apex committee meeting, attended by the prime minister, his cabinet and all three services chiefs, which was scheduled to be held on Dec. 5, Shah said. 
“The jirga members have the capacity to arrest peace in Kurram as we have seen many ups and downs in the region,” Shah said. “We are active in politics on the ground in KP and the tribal areas and we have the ability to set things on track.”
Another member of the Jirga, Sajjid Hussain Turi, a former minister for overseas Pakistanis, said the northwestern tribal areas in general and the Kurram district in particular were experiencing a “complete collapse of law and order.”
“I’m sure the newly-formed jirga can deliver in helping the government to identify pathways leading to eternal peace in Kurram,” he said. “All members of the jirga are well-experienced and political heavyweights to tackle challenges effectively.
“Our main purpose is to give a permanent solution to the people of Kurram. Second, we want to give peace to our children, otherwise we have spent our youth in incessant wars and fighting.”

Pakistani PM in Riyadh today to attend One Water Summit

Updated 03 December 2024
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Pakistani PM in Riyadh today to attend One Water Summit

  • Summit is a joint initiative of Saudi Arabia, France, Kazakhstan and the World Bank
  • Sharif expected to hold bilateral meetings and engagements on forum’s sidelines
Updated 03 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for Riyadh today, Tuesday, his office said, to attend the One Water Summit from Dec. 3-4, a joint initiative of Saudi Arabia, France, Kazakhstan and the World Bank.
The summit aims for high-level political commitments to promote global cooperation and a coherent international approach toward water resource management.
“The Prime Minister will address the summit on the restoration, protection and innovation of clean water resources,” Sharif’s office said about his expected keynote speech. “The Prime Minister will highlight the steps taken by Pakistan to protect water resources, prepare for climate change, improve drinking water quality, provide employment and protect aquatic life.”
Sharif will also use the platform to highlight the importance of international cooperation to overcome the impact of climate change on water resources and aquatic life due to floods, untimely changes in weather and rising temperatures.
“He will also call for meaningful international collaboration for sustainable water resource management.”
Sharif is also expected to hold bilateral meetings and engagements on the forum’s sidelines.
The summit is being held on the margins of the next high-level session of the sixteenth session of COP16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It aims to contribute to ongoing United Nations discussions and processes to enhance global water governance, accelerate action on SDG6 on water and sanitation, and build on the momentum of the UN Water Conference in 2023.
The forum will also act as an incubator for solutions in preparation for the next UN Water Conference in 2026, and integrate its agenda into the other existing water processes and initiatives such as the World Water Forum, the Dushanbe Conference and the World Water Week.
“The One Water Summit’s ambition is to scale-up projects by stimulating partnerships between states, international organizations, local authorities, development and private banks, businesses, philanthropies, scientific experts, NGOs and civil society, in line with previous One Planet Summits,” the forum’s website said.

Topics: One Water Summit Riyadh

Pakistan PM vows legal action against ‘rioters’ involved in pro-Imran Khan protests

Updated 03 December 2024
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Pakistan PM vows legal action against ‘rioters’ involved in pro-Imran Khan protests

  • Last week, Sharif formed two task forces, one to identify and punish rioters and another against those behind anti-state online campaigns
  • Khan’s PTI has denounced the two task forces created by the government, saying they are meant to specifically target the party, supporters
Updated 03 December 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday vowed legal action against “rioters” involved in anti-government protests led by ex-premier Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) last month, as the party decried a state-backed crackdown against its supporters. 
Thousands of supporters of the PTI stormed Islamabad last month, demanding Khan’s release from prison. The government said protesters killed four security officers in clashes, while the PTI says 12 supporters had died and, without immediately providing evidence, that hundreds had suffered gunshot wounds during chaotic scenes overnight in the heart of Islamabad as police dispersed marchers who had broken through security barricades. The PTI also says thousands have been arrested and social media platforms have been awash for days with pictures and video footage that the government has called “fake propaganda,” insisting there were no civilian casualties.
In the aftermath of the protests, Sharif formed two task forces: one to identify and take legal action against rioters and another to track and bring to justice suspects behind what the government describes as a “malicious campaign” to spread “concocted, baseless and inciting” online news, images and video content against the state and security forces.
On Tuesday, Sharif chaired a meeting of the task force formed to investigate and take legal action against rioters involved in the PTI sit-in. 
“Those who violated the law during the sit-ins, damaged government property and injured and martyred the officials of the law enforcement agencies should be punished as per the law,” Sharif was quoted as saying in a statement released by his office.
“The process of identifying the rioters present at the scene of the incident is also being completed quickly … After identification, all the rioters will be presented in the courts, briefing.”
The PM said weapons, cartridges, shells and other evidence left by PTI protesters had been collected from the scene and would be sent for forensics.
The PTI has denounced the two task forces created by the government, saying they were meant to target the party and its supporters.
“The task force is just another sham committee to basically violate all human rights of PTI workers and leaders,” Khan’s close aide and PTI spokesperson Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari told Arab News, speaking about the second body formed to investigate anti-state online campaigns allegedly launched by PTI followers. 
“It is further an attempt to increase scrutiny and torture of PTI workers, using the recent massacre as an excuse to try to eliminate the party.”
The Islamabad police chief has said authorities arrested nearly 1,000 supporters of Khan who were involved in last month’s protests. Speaking to reporters last Wednesday, Ali Rizvi denied that live ammunition had been used during the operation, which he said police had conducted alongside paramilitary forces. He said weapons, including automatic rifles and tear gas guns, were seized from the protest site where thousands had gathered. The site was cleared in a matter of hours.
Khan has been in prison since August 2023 and faces a slew of legal cases he says are politically motivated to keep him away from public office.

Topics: PTI protest Islamabad Protest

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