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Pakistan Reader# 586, 20 April 2023
Femy Francis
On 19 April, the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms accepted the amendment where the date of the polls would be announced by the ECP rather than the President. This was proposed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and the meeting was chaired by Convener Naveed Qamar. Qamar stressed the issue of ambiguity over the rightful authority of the governor or the President to announce the poll dates. Citing the previous issue, he stated that ECP should schedule elections within the time and framework of the constitution while adhering to the country’s legal system.
On 20 April, SC directed the ruling coalition party and PTI to engage in talks and reach a consensus over their disagreement on poll dates. The court also asserted to fix 14 May as the poll date for Punjab. The briefing was issued under the three-member bench headed by CJP Umar Atal Bandial. The hearing applauded the efforts of JI negotiating talks between the two groups and called it a “good deed”. PTI representative Qureshi highlighted that the court did order the government to allocate funds for election and that the federal coalition should follow suit, he inquired if the government plans to run the country through parliamentary resolutions only and not commit to upholding the constitution. While the PML-N representative iterated that they do not intend the overstay their welcome beyond their constitutional obligation.
Additionally, a petition was filed by Sardar Kashif Khan stating that it was best to hold elections simultaneously considering the situation in Pakistan. The petition seeks to hold a general election for the National Assembly and the four provincial elections to be held together under the current caretaker government. The appeal mentioned that the effort would save billions of rupees and would allow holding elections under budget. Furthermore, joint elections would mean the police and armed forces would not be required to be stationed multiple times hence not hindering the security responsibilities.
On 17 April, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief and Director General of Military Operation (DGMO) met with CJP expressing the inability of armed troops to provide security assistance for the Punjab elections. On 18 April, the Ministry of Defence submitted a report to SC over their concerns on threats in-between way of holding elections. The appeal urged to withdraw the election order over the spike in terrorism threats in Punjab and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The tension in the region would allegedly allow Indian RAW take benefit over ethnic and water disputes. They also showed the statistical rise of terrorist activities in the region since January of 2023 and warned that the elections proceedings would aggravate the situation.
On 20 April, Dawn reported on the amended National Accountability Bill 2023 moved in the Senate without advising the standing committee. The amendment gives the NAB chairman the power to transfer cases related to corruption amounting to less than PKR 500 million. Additionally, in absence of the chairman the deputy chairman appointed by the federal government can perform the duties. The amendment saw major criticism from the opposition party, leader of the Opposition Dr Shahzad Waseem stated: “This is persons-specific legislation to curtail the judiciary’s jurisdiction and curtail its powers for the rulers only wanted to further their political interests. “Pakistan’s state institutions are at an impasse as they grapple with disagreement. While efforts have been made to hold talks, neither side looks to alter their stance but rather find legal loopholes to support their agency. Developments are made only to reach a brand-new impasse.
References
Rizwan Ghilzai,”CEC’s proposed changes in election act given nod,” The Express Tribune, 20 April 2023.
Haseeb Bhatti,”SC directs coalition govt, PTI to hold talks and develop consensus on elections by 4pm,” Dawn, 20 April 2023
Nasir Iqbal,”Report to SC warned of ‘cross-border terrorism, all-out war with India’,” Dawn,20 April 2023
Hasnaat Malik,”SC admits ‘security’ is a serious concern,” The Express Tribune, 20 April 2023
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