Pakistan’s score on Democracy Index fell by 0.88 to 3.25, resulting in fall of 11 places in global ranking table

DNA

LONDON: Pakistan has been downgraded to an “authoritarian regime” in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index 2023 report, registering the greatest deterioration of any country in the region classified as “Australia and Asia”.

The EIU Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of democracy in 165 independent states and two territories.

Of the 28 countries in the region that are included in the index, 15 recorded a decline in their score and only eight registered an improvement.

Pakistan’s score on the Democracy Index fell by 0.88 to 3.25, resulting in a fall of 11 places in the global ranking table, to 118th.

The EIU report mentioned that alongside meddling in the electoral process and government dysfunction, the independence of the judiciary has been severely curtailed in the country.

Pakistan is the only Asian country to be downgraded, having been reclassified from a “hybrid regime” to an “authoritarian regime”.

Pakistan’s score on the democracy index remained a little over 4 since 2008. It was for the first in 2023 that the country’s score tumbled to 3.25 during the coalition government primarily comprising of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamait Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F).  

Interestingly, Pakistan’s 2023 score on the democracy index is even worse than 2006 (3.92) when military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf was at the helm of the affairs. 

Speaking to Geo.tv, Pakistan Institue of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat) Ahmed Bilal Mehboob termed Pakistan’s downgrading as “disappointing”.

“This is a very disappointing development as Pakistan has scored the lowest since 2017 and our category has also been downgraded from a hybrid regime’ to an authoritarian regime,” he added.

He also urged all stakeholders to “undertake serious soul searching at this state of affairs”.

Democratic standards across the world fell in 2023 amid the spread of wars, authoritarian crackdowns and declining levels of trust in mainstream political parties, the EIU said.

The number of countries classified as democracies increased by two, to 74, in 2023. However, measured by other metrics, the year was not an auspicious one for democracy, as per the report.

DNA

Karachi – The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the United States Mission in Pakistan Andrew Schofer reinforced U.S. efforts to promote democracy, economic growth, and women’s economic empowerment, and to further strengthen ties with the people of Pakistan during his visit to Karachi February 13-16.

“We are committed to deepening our partnership with Pakistan and working together on our shared priorities that promote democracy, inclusive economic growth, and stability in the region. This visit to Karachi is the reflection of our commitment to our continued engagement with diverse stakeholders and reinforcing our bilateral ties,” said DCM Schofer.

DCM Schofer stated the United States demonstrated its support for the people of Sindh during the time of climate disaster and post floods recovery efforts by extending over $215 million in support for Sindh since 2022. With a focus on education, clean water, malnutrition, and healthcare, the United States has been actively engaged in supporting the people of Sindh in their efforts to recover from the floods and build disaster resilience.

Underscoring the U.S. commitment to promote women’s entrepreneurship, DCM Schofer visited the USAID-supported Terry Tex International company in Karachi, an example of how USAID’s support can empower local businesses to expand their horizons.

Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Schofer’s visit to the Lincoln Corner at the Pakistan American Cultural Center brought together dynamic youth leaders, providing them with a unique platform for discussion.

During his visit, DCM Schofer seized the opportunity to meet with private sector and civil society leaders across various sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. These dialogues reinforced the importance of inclusive private sector-led growth, trade, and investment between Pakistan and the United States.

DCM Schofer’s visit also underscored the United States’ commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Afghan refugees and vulnerable religious minorities in Pakistan. During his trip to Karachi, Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer met UNHCR officials and discussed pressing issues facing Afghan refugees, showcasing a commitment to humanitarian aid and support. The DCM’s meeting with religious minorities was marked by a special interaction with the Parsi community in Karachi. This event served as a valuable opportunity for DCM Schofer to gain a deeper understanding of Karachi’s diverse religious and cultural fabric, fostering greater harmony and appreciation among its inhabitants.

Feb 8 elections biggest voter fraud in country’s history: Raoof

Salman Akram terms incidents of election night a massive assault on democracy, says fictitious Form-47 created overnight

Rehana Dar reveals results tampered for Kh Asif’s victory

PTI’s clear victory converted into defeat through vote theft: Shandana

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) termed the general elections 2024 as a biggest vote fraud and a major assault on democracy because the party was clearly winning over 177 seats in the national assembly; however it was deprived of 85 NA seats by stealing the public mandate in the midnight robbery.

PTI leaders and the party backed candidates expressed these views while addressing the international and national media here on Friday at a function organized by PTI to expose mega polls robbery and present solid, documented and undisputed evidences regarding rigging in polls.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan stated that the people of the country penned high hopes with the long-delayed general elections that it would bring political and economic stability and would help restore rule of law and supremacy of the country.

However, he said that tragically it was one of the worst and biggest votes fraud inflicted on PTI, as the party was fraudulently deprived of its constitutional mandate.

Raoof highlighted that PTI clinched around 177 national assembly seats in 2024 general elections as per form 45; however 85 seats were fraudulently snatched from the party during midnight polls robbery and only 92 were awarded to them. “The party is taking constitutional and legal steps in this regard,” he added.

He went on to say that the mega polls theft could be judged from the fact that there was shocking discrepancies between form 45 and form 47, which was a blatant attempt to undermine PTI’s mandate as well as democracy, besides that large scale discrepancies between the votes polled in the national as well as provincial assemblies, adding that in several constituencies, the rejected were more than the margin of victory between the candidates.

Providing further details, PTI CIS stated that the party had verified data concerning 46 seats and is in the process of compiling information for the remaining 39 seats which would soon be completed.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader and senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja termed the rigging in election 2024 as an assault on democracy.

He said that usually rigging was carried out in the polling stations in the past; however, this time around it was very tragic and shocking that rigging was done at ROs’ offices and in the process of tabulation in the midnight.

PTI leader went on to say that he was winning by a huge margin before being thrown out of the RO office, adding that it was virtually a death to democracy because factitious results were prepared, putting serious question on viability and utility of the expensive elections exercise if really public mandate was not respected and accepted.

Salman Akram Raja noted that every elections would be farce; hence they have to take up the gauntlet to reverse the farce or else it would be death to democracy.

He stressed the need for transparency and fairness in the election process to uphold democracy, which could only ensure stability in the country.

PTI candidate dubbed the incidents of the election night and February 9 a “massive assault” on democracy, alleging that “fictitious” Form 47s were created and Form 45 “tampered with”.

He asked: “What is the point in holding an election if you are going to create a result out of thin air? “Such an exercise means death for democracy in Pakistan. This was not just an election fraud, it was a wholesale assault on democracy in Pakistan,” he added.

PTI leader recalled that PTI and its leaders and workers were subjected to all coercive measures as in atmosphere of fear was created but people roared back and registered a historic turnout, as there were a carnival atmosphere because he was winning on each and every polling station.

He made it clear that they would take the issue of mega poll robbery to its logical ends come what may because PTI was the  only political party that emerged as the sole federal political party.

Meanwhile, PTI backed candidate Rehana Dar said that results were tampered at the RO office to ensure Khawaja Asif’s victory, adding that the people of Silakot voted for PTI but the results were changed.

Rehana Dar said she decided to contest the election from Sialkot after police raided her house at the alleged behest of Khawaja Asif.

She announced filing a case against District Police Officer (DPO) Iqbal Hassan for raiding her house. Rehana Dar appealed to the Election Commission of Pakistan for the provision of justice like Nosheen Iftikhar in Daska.

She said: “I, a single mother, came out against the cruelty that was forced upon me and broke the idols of fear”. She expressed gratitude towards the people of Sialkot for their unwavering support during her tumultuous journey, highlighting their solidarity amidst challenging circumstances. She said that all votes cast to her were in favour of Imran Khan.

“I said let’s do politics and not injustice,” she said, urging for fairness and integrity in the political landscape. She stated that she had all all Form 45 documents, which validated her victory.

Party member Shandana Gulzar gave a presentation on the large scale rigging took place in the elections across the country, pointing out disparities in the allocation of seats compared to the party’s vote count.

Seemabia Tahir said that PTI backed candidates had all solid documented and video proof against mega polls robbery across the country depriving PTI of its clear majority.

She said that scale of robbery could be judged from the massive country-wide protests, which clearly reflected the public anger against snatching of their mandate. 

First directly elected MNA from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Shandana Gulzar Khan said that there was a sheer scale of vote theft, as the PTI’s candidates clear lead were converted into a defeat through poll theft in middle of the night.

She said that the country-wide robbery via form-47 in violation of Article 92 of the Election Act, 2017. “We obtained 1.25 million votes in Karachi, yet we did not get a single seat. Similarly, the Jamaat-e-Islami grabbed 700,000 votes but did not get a single NA seat in the city,” she said.

Moreover, she further said, the party-backed candidates got 13.6 million votes but were given 55 seats in Punjab. “This is a joke with the people of Pakistan,” she expressed, displaying graphics on a screen at the back. She further claimed that as per the results at 3am on February 9, the PTI had won 154 seats in the National Assembly, while the PML-N and PPP had each got 47.

The PTI-backed candidates were winning 42 seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but they were given 37 and the rest were stolen from them, she further explained, adding that similarly, from Islamabad, they were winning all three seats that they were eventually robbed of.

“In Punjab, we were winning 115 NA seats and only 55 have been given to us. And in Balochistan, we got four seats, but got one,” she added.

Shandana Gulzar pointed out that the party secured victory on 7 national assembly seats but it was given only one seat in Balochistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Ayaz Amir, PTI-backed independent candidate, said that he visited the RO office at 6pm on February 8, but was kicked out around 7:30-8pm. “Which means that the RO and other people were inside and they could do what they wanted,” he added.

PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman said that what he called daylight robbery in Karachi during the polls, criticizing the handing out of seats to the MQM-P and highlighting discrepancies in the vote count.

ISLAMABAD: /DNA/ – Ambassador Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, will lead the Pakistan delegation at the Meeting of the Special Envoys on Afghanistan to be held on 18-19 February 2024 in Doha. The meeting is being convened by the UN Secretary-General to discuss approaches for international engagement with Afghanistan in a more coherent and structured manner.

Pakistan’s participation in the meeting is part of our efforts to actively engage with the international community, including the United Nations, to strengthen the efforts for lasting peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.

MOSCOW, FEB 16 /DNA/ – Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed on the invitation of United Russia Party (Ruling and Largest political party in RF) paid a visit to Moscow to participate in the Constituent Meeting of the Forum of Supporters of the Struggle Against Modern Neocolonialism Practices for the Freedom of Nations.

As part of the visit program Senator MHS participated as a panelist in the Forum and held a tete-a-tete with Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia/Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Global Forum Against NeoColonialism and for Freedom of Nations Mr. Dmitry Medvedev (Former President of Russian Federation).

During the visit Senator MHS also delivered a lecture at the Russian Diplomatic Academy. The topic of the talk was Pakistan and the changing regional scenario. Senator Hussain during his talk also highlighted the growing relations between Pakistan and Russia especially in the field of energy, connectivity, regional security including Afghanistan and cooperation at multilateral fora including SCO and UN. He also appreciated President Putin’s stance on Islamophobia. The lecture was followed by a question and answer session from the students of the diplomatic academy. Senator Chizhov of the Russian Federation Council also graced the occasion.

Post the lecture the Senator held a meeting with the Rector of the Diplomatic academy to exchange views on the emerging trends in global politics as well as on bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Russia. The exchange of views proved to be constructive as both sides displayed congruence on a number of issues of mutual interest.

Overall Senator Mushahid Hussain had a very successful visit to Moscow and his engagements with the Russian leadership and intelligentsia were a great contribution towards strengthening Pakistan-Russia relations.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 16 /DNA/ – PML-N leader Malik Ahmad Khan has claimed that former army chief retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa had advised the then-opposition to withdraw the vote of no confidence (VONC) against former prime minister Imran Khan.

His statement comes a day after Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman claimed that Gen Bajwa and ex-spymaster Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who was the then-Peshawar corps commander, had orchestrated the no-trust motion that resulted in Imran’s ouster in April 2022.

Pakistan had seen for the first time in its history the ouster of a prime minister through a VONC, the efforts for which were led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of parties led by the PML-N.

For its part, the PTI accused the PDM of colluding with the US and hatching a regime change conspiracy to topple Imran’s government and blamed the military, which was led by Bajwa at the time, for letting the then-dispensation in Islamabad go ahead with the alleged conspiracy. The US has repeatedly denied any interference.

In a TV interview last night, Fazl had said: “They (Bajwa and Faiz) were in contact with all political parties regarding the no-confidence motion and they told us the way of going about it.”

When asked whether the move was the brainchild of the two generals, the JUI-F chief replied in the affirmative but added that ultimately, both the PPP and the PML-N had supported the move.

The JUI-F chief had further said: “I was not in favour of the no-confidence move. Just for my friends, I sacrificed my opinion.”

In a contrasting statement, PML-N’s Malik Ahmad today claimed that Gen Bajwa had instead advised against bringing a no-confidence motion against Imran’s government.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Ahmad said: “The meeting in which the heads of all political parties were present […] in that, if he (Fazl) is saying that Gen Bajwa told to bring a VONC — I am presenting the incident that unfolded before me — in fact he (Bajwa) was saying to not bring a VONC.”

“He (Bajwa) was Imran’s representative, which I also objected to and asked ‘what is the [army] chief saying’,” he added.

Ahmad specified the meeting was held on March 26, 2022 at the “B-Mess near the Punjab House”. He termed the VONC an “organic, political move resulting from Imran’s administrative destruction”.

He said that his party was of the view that if Imran was to “step down and immediately proceed towards elections”, there was no need to go through the “ordeal” of a VONC.

The PML-N leader then recalled that during the said high-level meeting, Fazl questioned this line of thought and asked: “Why are you saying this after we have organised all this.”

“The way Maulana [Fazl] resisted, I thought of him as a great man,” Ahmad said. Recalling that Gen Bajwa had “come and urged us to withdraw the VONC so they could proceed towards elections”, he wondered how it “connected” to the recent claim made by Fazl.

“Does Maulana have any one person who can come forward and tell when he met him (Bajwa)?” he asked.

The aide to ex-PM Shehbaz also highlighted that Gen Faiz was not even present during the meeting as he was “probably serving as a corps commander somewhere at that time”.

“Did he (Fazl) submit the VONC on someone’s advice? Absolutely not, as Maulana was involved in its filing, the manner of its filing and the political discussion held,” Ahmad claimed. “I wonder why he felt the need to say this today,” he added.

The PML-N leader said he thought of the meeting as Gen Bajwa “bringing his [Imran’s] message”, emphasising that Fazl “took a firm stand” at that time by asking: “Gen sahib, how can you tell us to withdraw [the VONC]?”

Ahmad further wondered why Gen Bajwa was allegedly advising the then-opposition to withdraw the no-confidence motion when, according to Fazl, he was the one who had orchestrated it. “I fail to understand.”

DNA

ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, successfully hosted a seminar titled ‘Shifting Battlefields: Impact of Emerging Technologies on the Character of Warfare in South Asia’. This event convened distinguished experts from the defence, technology, and academic sectors to discuss the transformative role of emerging technologies in modern warfare, with a particular focus on South Asia.

Air Marshal Farooq Habib (Retd), Senior Director at CASS, opened the seminar by stressing the complexity and unpredictability of technological evolution in military contexts. He emphasised the necessity for Pakistan’s defence sector to adapt and evolve in response to these advancements to maintain strategic and tactical superiority.

Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz (Retd), former President of the National Defense University, in his Keynote Address, underscored the profound influence of technological advancements on the character of warfare. He predicted a technological upheaval, highlighting the need for strategic adaptation to innovations in space, cyber, AI, and more. General Riaz called for a revision of traditional warfare strategies to include emerging technologies that are redefining conflict dynamics.

Mr Fawad Zahir, a Defence and Strategic Studies Expert, focused on the importance of airpower, enhanced by big data analysis, quantum computing, and Machine Learning. He urged for robust civilian-military collaboration to harness technological advancements for defence purposes. Mr Zahir also strongly advocated strategic investment in technologies that align with Pakistan’s core defence needs, given the country’s budgetary constraints.

Prof. Dr Yasar Ayaz, Chairman/CPD of the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionise warfare, marking it the third major evolution after gunpowder and nuclear power. He stressed the importance of indigenous development of AI technologies to ensure strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty, highlighting the need for a balance between innovation and regulatory oversight.

Mr Khawaja Mohammad Ali, a Cyber Security, Data Privacy, and Digital Forensics Expert, delineated the critical role of cyber operations in modern conflict, advocating for the establishment of a national cybersecurity authority; extensive training and awareness programmes; cyber diplomacy; and indigenous development in cybersecurity solutions.

Senior Journalist and Columnist, Mr Zarar Khurro, focused on the strategic importance of narrative building in the context of advanced technological warfare. He discussed the long-term process of narrative construction facilitated by technology,

pointing to the need for authenticity and the significant impact of social media on public opinion. President CASS-Islamabad, Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan (Retd), in his Concluding Remarks, reiterated the critical importance of first-shot capability in modern warfare, driven by advancements in sensors and detection technologies. He called for an indigenisation strategy that supports the development of homegrown technologies, ensuring that Pakistan’s defence sector remains competitive and innovative.

The seminar underscored the urgent need for Pakistan to embrace indigenisation and support homegrown technologies for enhanced national security and defence autonomy. As emerging technologies continue to reshape the landscape of modern warfare, strategic, policy-oriented approaches are essential for Pakistan to deal with the challenges and opportunities presented by this new era of conflict.

The presentations were followed by active participation from a diverse audience, including retired military officers, scholars, journalists, and students, who engaged in an interactive Question and Answer session, further enriching the discourse on this critical subject.