[🇵🇰] Pakistan General Elections -- 2024

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The reliability and consistency of the policies of this government will also be an issue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will have to tread very carefully as stakeholders involved in government formation are more than one.

He has the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other creditors to think about as well.

Then there is the issue of the provenance of the new government. If we keep in mind the elections that have provided the seats for this new coalition, then we are faced with the prospect of an unpopular government that simply lacks the goodwill of the people to carry out what even might be vital financial sacrifices.

This lack of goodwill, and depending on the pain caused by any structural adjustment program or new tax schemes, can lead to an intensified crisis. Any crisis can undermine the future reform agenda.



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Pakistan is embarking on a new chapter in its history, following the February 8, 2024 elections, with almost all political parties, except Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)—PMLN—voicing concerns about electoral transparency. Notwithstanding these reservations, political parties securing clear mandates, excluding PMLN in National Assembly, have formed governments in the centre and provinces, either singularly or with the support of coalition partners.

Notably, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has commenced its fourth consecutive term in the province of Sindh, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) its third consecutive in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK. In an astounding development,

Maryam Nawaz (though allegations are that she did not get winning votes) has assumed the charge of Chief Minister in Punjab, becoming the first woman to hold this office and fourth person from the Sharif family to govern the most populous province of the country.


Similarly, Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugti has taken oath of Chief Minister of Baluchistan. These transitions mark notable development in Pakistan’s political landscape, signaling a continuation of political party dominance in certain regions while also ushering in new leadership dynamics.

 

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Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan enjoy an advantageous position compared to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as their leadership has successfully formed coalition governments at the center, ensuring strong governmental support.

However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, might face a unique challenge due to absence of talks with main political rivals, PPP and PMLN, which could potentially create issues in governing the province effectively.

In this situation, PTI needs effective leadership and strategic decision-making for overcoming potential challenges and fostering development and progress in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is a fact that following the groundbreaking 18th Constitutional Amendment, aimed at enhancing provincial autonomy through devolution of powers, there were high expectations that a positive competitive spirit would prevail among provinces leading to improvement in public services.

After 18thAmendment, Article 167(4), has brought about a significant transformation in the fiscal aspects of the country, moving away from a predominantly centralized model towards one that prioritizes decentralization within the federation.

This paradigm shift has not only strengthened the framework of governance at the domestic level but has also empowered provincial administrations with greater autonomy. The amendment has led to a reconfiguration of power dynamics, facilitating a more balanced distribution of resources and responsibilities across provinces.




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Despite criticism surrounding the 18th Amendment, it remains undeniable that provinces now possess significant autonomy in governing their respective regions without undue interference from the central government. Consequently, provinces are empowered to allocate resources and spearhead key development projects tailored to their specific requirements.

This newfound autonomy, however, also entails heightened responsibilities, as the momentum towards decentralization prompts discussions and debates regarding provinces’ capacity and direction in identifying sustainable sources of financial revenue.

With greater control over their affairs, provinces are tasked with navigating the complexities of fiscal management while simultaneously seeking innovative solutions to ensure long-term financial stability and growth.

However, in line with central government, provinces have increasingly turned to borrowing funds to meet growing demands of financing public infrastructure initiatives.



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Asif Zardari sworn in as 14th president of Pakistan​

CJP Isa administers oath to PPP leader; PM Shehbaz, COAS Munir, Nawaz Sharif and array of other leaders present at the ceremony in Islamabad.

 

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Lawyer Usama Khilji calls on PM Shehbaz to release PTI leader Salman Akram Raja​

Following the arrest of PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja from a protest site, lawyer Usama Khilji has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his release.
“The onslaught on basic rights guaranteed in the constitution continues: first it was the caretaker govt; & now the PML-N govt arresting peaceful protestors,” he said in a post on X.
“How can we expect stability?” he added.

 

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PTI condemns Punjab police’s ‘disgusting behaviour’ for ‘attacking’ car carrying children​

PTI has condemned the Punjab police for attacking a car with children inside, calling it “absolutely disgusting and unacceptable behaviour”.
“Shame on Maryam Nawaz whose government is crossing all limits of fascism!” the party said in a post on X.

 

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PTI workers block Karakoram Highway in Shangla to protest alleged election rigging​

PTI workers in Bisham city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla district have blocked the Karakoram Highway to protest against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections.
Local leaders Sadeed ur Rehman and Waqar Ahmad Khan addressed the protestors.

 

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2024 poll rigging has left behind too big an evidence trail, claims PTI’s Taimur Jhagra​

PTI leader Taimur Jhagra has alleged that the rigging which took place in the February 8 general elections was like no other as it left behind “too big an evidence trail”.
In a post on X, he shared a “case study” on alleged rigging in Peshawar’s PK-79 constituency.