ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (DNA): The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected members of the National Assembly is expected to take place in the last week of the current month, as the National Assembly’s inaugural session is likely to be convened on Feb 29.

The inaugural session will be presided over by Speaker of the National Assembly, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, who will also administer the oath to the newly elected MNAs, (Members of National Assembly).

According to regulations, newly elected members must submit details of their election expenditures within ten days of their victory; failure to do so will result in the withholding of their success notification. The success notification will be issued within 14 days of their victory. Following this, the allocation of 60 women and 10 non-Muslim seats will take place.

Following the announcement of the official results, independent MNAs will have a three-day window to join any party in parliament of their choice.

According to Article 21 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the National Assembly session must be called within 21 days of elections, though it can also be summoned earlier.

As per Section 91(2) of the Constitution, the president is required to summon the session of the National Assembly within 21 days following the official announcement of election results or the issuance of its notification.

Following the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the selection of the new Prime Minister will take place via secret ballot. The newly elected Prime Minister is expected to assume their responsibilities in the first week of March.

To elect the Prime Minister, the assembly will be divided into two sections, with members tallied accordingly based on this division.

According to Section 91(4), the prime minister “shall be elected by the votes of the majority of the total membership of the National Assembly, provided that, if no member secures such a majority in the first poll, a second poll shall be held between the members who secure the two highest numbers of votes in the first poll and the member who secures a majority of votes of the members present and voting shall be declared to have been elected as prime minister, [and] provided further that, if the number of votes secured by two or more members securing the highest number of votes is equal, further poll shall be held between them until one of them secures a majority of votes of the members present and voting.

High expectations from new government to stabilize country’s economy: Saqib Rafiq

Rawalpindi: /DNA/ – Saqib Rafiq, President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), has said that it is hoped that the new government will work for the improvement of the economy. Many challenges are faced, there is an IMF program, and 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, inflation has skyrocketed to more than 30 percent.

It is hoped that a coalition or national government will be formed through consensus, which will restore the confidence of investors.

Saqib Rafiq demanded that the new government should consult with the stakeholders to formulate a medium and long-term economic plan and continuity of policies should be ensured.

He said that we hope that the new government will take immediate steps to solve the problems of the business community; the country has to facilitate business to move on the path of development and prosperity. The scope of business facilitation centers (BFC) should be spread across the country, he added.

The cost of doing business has increased manifold, it needs to be addressed, the prices of electricity, gas and petroleum products have to be reduced.

Regional trade should be promoted, and non-traditional sectors such as IT, gems and jewellery, marble, poultry, tourism and service sectors should be given preferential treatment.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 12: (DNA) – Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s military aggression against Rafah city in Gaza and the resulting destruction and massacre of the Palestinian people.

Israel’s offensive in Rafah violates the provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice to protect the people of Gaza from genocide. It will further aggravate the humanitarian disaster witnessed in Gaza over the last 4 months and jeopardize the ongoing efforts for a potential ceasefire.

We urge the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to take urgent measures to bring an immediate end to Israeli aggression and its incessant crimes against humanity.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 12: (DNA) – A delegation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, comprising of Mr Rauf Hassan and Mr Umair Niazi, called on President Dr. Arif Alvi, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf delegation informed the President about the alleged rigging in the General Elections.

The delegation also apprised the President of the party’s position regarding the alleged irregularities in the election process.

They opined that Form-45s issued in different constituencies reflected the actual facts of the election results.

“Despite the suppression of the party, confiscation of the election symbol and arrests, the Party has achieved success in the elections”, the delegation added.

It was highlighted that despite the excesses, the people of Pakistan had expressed confidence in the party’s candidates in the General Elections.

Says next government to take charge in 8-10 days; avoids question about his future plans; admits PTI enjoys sizeable support

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Monday defended the delay in election results, noting that mobile services were disrupted — which hampered the gathering of votes — due to security threats.

He further said that US, UK, EU or any other country had no right to interfere in Pakistan’s internal matters. The PM said this in reply to a question about the concerns of these countries about the manner in which 2024 general elections were held.

The prime minister expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the PM House, on Monday.

“We could afford delay, but terrorist attacks, we could not delay does not mean rigging,” Kakar, whose government was appointed to oversee the country through elections until an elected set-up takes charge, said during a post-election press conference.

Moving on to the allegations of foreign governments, who deplored the disruption in connectivity and the events that transpired in the lead-up to electrons, Kakar said they would be probed if need be.

“These friendly countries, unfortunately, frame their initial assessment on the fabricated and fractured information available on social media and the digital space.”

“A responsible government should take time and then have a position; that would have been better. If we have to investigate, we will not do it on the demand of the United States, United Kingdom, or the EU.”

He added, the next government may be formed in next 8 to 10 days depending on the outcome of the negotiations currently in progress among various political parties. To a question about his future plans he simply said ‘no comments’.

He said there was no doubt that the PTI enjoys public support. He hoped the PTI leadership would act in a responsible manner and play its role in the nation building.

Political parties — including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose candidates contested as independents, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) — had deplored the delay in the results of the election, claiming that it was tantamount to rigging.

The complete election results — despite the passing of more than three days — are still awaited as the total vote count from 264 constituencies is in, but one seat remains. Amid the delay, PTI, JI, and JUI-F held countrywide elections, with the former two warning of more demonstrations.

Kakar, recalling instances of election results’ delays in Sweden and Indonesia, wondered whether their polls were “rigged”. “We are a country of 240 million with 92,000 polling stations […] this entire process had to consume some time, which should and can be explained.”

The prime minister informed the journalists that in 2018, the entire result-gathering process took 66 hours; however, in 2024, it was completed in 36 hours — however, the official Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) deadline was around nine hours.

Kakar noted that Pakistan has its law and will deal with it accordingly. “We did not ask a judicial inquiry on Capitol Hill riots. It is not for us to demand it and it is not for them. For me, the demand of a PTI individual than the US, UK, and EU combined.”

The premier noted that these nations have their own issues in elections, but that’s not for Pakistan to comment on, and neither should these countries issue statements on Islamabad’s domestic affairs.

By: Qamar Bashir

Pakistan’s economic and financial turmoil persisted, despite stabilization efforts of the post-PTI government. The 2024 elections, instead of heralding stability, resulted in a split mandate, leaving no party capable of forming a strong government. This division has plunged the political landscape into chaos, surpassing current leadership’s ability to manage. Consequently, it’s been decided to temporarily take control to stabilize the nation economically and financially. Post-achievement of these goals, new elections will be called, offering the people another chance to elect a decisive government. This could be the text of the speech of the new martial law administrator, if we had some ambitious chief of army staff in the country.

But nonetheless, the establishment, blaming civilian bureaucracy inefficient, sluggish and lacking discipline and innovation have taken control of important institutions of the country directly and indirectly. This is general perception, irrespective of right or wrong, that the establishment’s influence extends to significant civilian roles and decision-making processes, indicating a hybrid governance system where the lines between military and civilian domains are blurred.

The overwhelming victory of PTI in the 2024 elections, as interpreted by a prominent anchor, was seen not merely as a win for PTI or a loss for its competitors, but as a significant statement against the establishment. This perspective stems from the alleged hardships faced by PTI leaders, supporters, and the broader voter base, including attempts to undermine the party’s former Chairman, his close allies, and the extensive network of its supporters. The anchor’s comments highlight a public sentiment seeking accountability and change, reflecting a collective pushback against perceived injustices and the desire for a more equitable political landscape.

The anchor’s analysis suggests that the establishment’s efforts to suppress PTI not only failed but also backfired, exacerbating the situation rather than resolving it. This persistence in employing the same failed strategies to overturn the people’s mandate for PTI underscores a lack of adaptability and learning from past mistakes. He invoked a well-known adage to emphasize his point: when power fails to resolve an issue, the establishment’s instinct is often to double down and apply even more force, leading to more significant failures. This cycle of using power ineffectively, rather than seeking alternative solutions or reevaluating strategies, highlights a critical flaw in handling crises and challenges, ultimately resulting in greater setbacks.

The anchor posited that the ongoing conflict transcends a mere confrontation between the establishment and PTI or its leadership; it has escalated into a direct clash between the establishment and the Pakistani populace. This scenario is particularly alarming given historical precedents of unrest, such as the turmoil in Sindh following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the enduring insurgency in Balochistan, and the sense of alienation in KP. Punjab, traditionally seen as aligned with the establishment, has also been alienated.

The anchorperson highlighted the gravity of the situation, urging the establishment to reconsider its involvement in political matters and allow for a return to normalcy by stepping back from political interference. This call for a hands-off approach emphasizes the need for the political process to unfold naturally, without external manipulation. The critique extends to the harsh treatment of PTI leaders, including the incarceration of Imran Khan in multiple cases, which, according to PML(N) Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, played a significant role in PTI’s surprising electoral success. This scenario underscores a critical moment for the country’s governance, advocating for a reevaluation of the establishment’s role in politics to foster a more democratic and unimpeded political environment.

Political analysts are speculating that the same aggressive measures previously employed to coerce key figures and allies of Imran Khan into leaving PTI—prompting some to exit politics or join the newly established IPP—are now being applied to pressure elected candidates associated with PTI, despite their unique election symbols, to switch allegiance to PML(N). This strategy aims to consolidate PML(N)’s strength, ensuring it secures the majority needed to form governments both at the center and in Punjab, thereby reshaping the political landscape to its advantage.

Analysts are highlighting instances where Independents, once affiliated with PTI, are now aligning with PML(N), exemplified by Wasim Qadir’s recent shift. This move has been notably endorsed by Maryam Nawaz given her previous condemnations of political defections and horse trading, underscoring a complex political landscape where allegiances are fluid and often contradict previous stances against such practices.

Sardar Latif Khosa vehemently criticized Wasim Qadir’s switch to PML(N) as “shameless, heinous, and disgusting,” cautioning him about potential severe legal repercussions and voter backlash. Khosa underscored that Qadir’s election victory stemmed not from his own credentials but from his association with Imran Khan, implying that voters’ loyalty was to the party and its leadership rather than to individual candidates.

Sardar Latif Khosa highlighted significant risks, both political and economic, if PTI, which, according to Form-45, holds a majority in the national and Punjab assemblies, is barred from forming a government. He emphasized that any loss of faith in the electoral process could drive the populace to seek alternative means of expressing their discontent, frustration, and distress.

Sardar Latif Khosa made it clear that if the state continues to obstruct PTI from forming the government, PTI would opt to be the opposition rather than exiting the assemblies. He affirmed that PTI intends to vigorously pursue its agenda from this position while simultaneously employing every constitutional, legal, and political avenue available to reclaim the seats it alleges were unjustly taken.

Should PTI be denied its rightful representation, the nation could plunge into severe political turmoil, further exacerbating the fragile economic situation. In such a scenario, forming a government might only be feasible through a PML(N) and PPP alliance. However, this coalition could lead the country into another predicament due to the stark differences in their ideologies, visions, and governance approaches. Such an alliance, with each party pulling in different directions, could result in a weak and ineffective government, unable to implement the necessary and tough decisions required to steer the country back on a path of stability and growth.

A coalition between PML(N) and PPP, reminiscent of their brief alliance in 2009, may face inherent instability due to their contrasting political ideologies and governance styles. Such an arrangement, potentially more tenable under Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership, could still falter quickly, especially if Nawaz Sharif takes the helm.

This precarious political landscape does not bode well for the parties involved, the nation, or its citizens. Instead, it could inadvertently serve the interests of the establishment, enabling it to further entrench its influence over critical state institutions. This dominance allows for easier manipulation of the state’s foundational pillars and the indirect imposition of its agenda, maintaining control while appearing to remain in the background.

The evolving political narrative of Pakistan post-Election 2024 underscores a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. Amidst the turmoil, a stark reminder emerges: the essence of democracy lies in the will of its people and the integrity of its institutions. The current impasse, marked by allegations of manipulation, defections, and the establishment’s overreach, not only tests the resilience of Pakistan’s political fabric but also presents an opportunity for introspection and reform. For a nation to thrive, it must foster an environment where political discourse is driven by policy, not power plays; where governance is inclusive, not coerced; and where the voices of its citizens shape its destiny. As Pakistan stands at this crossroads, the path it chooses will not only define its democratic credentials but also its legacy in the annals of history.

By: Qamar Bashir

Press Secretary to the President(Rtd), Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France, Former MD, SRBC

KARACHI: Siraj-ul-Haq stepped down as Jamaat-e-Islami Amir on Monday following the defeat and worst performance of JI in the Elections 2024.

JI secured no seats in the National Assembly and got only two seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly.

Who is Sirajul Haq?
In 2014, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s senior minister and leader of the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Sirajul Haq, was elected as the new ameer of the party.

Sirajul Haq replaced the then-outgoing chief Syed Munawar Hassan. The elections were at JI Headquarters Mansoora. Out of 31,311 office-bearers of the party, 25,533 people voted which Sirajul Haq managed to secure a majority of votes in 2014.

Siraj ul Haq remained party chief for a tenure of five years and he was re-elected in 2019. Now after serving the JI for 10 years, Siraj ul Haq resigned from his post.