Government upheavals, protest marches dominated Pakistan's political landscape in 2022

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Updated 22 December 2022
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Government upheavals, protest marches dominated Pakistan's political landscape in 2022

  • Former PM Khan became Pakistan's first PM to be removed via a parliamentary vote in April this year
  • In July, Hamza Shahbaz was dismissed as Punjab chief minister when Chaudhry Parvez Elahi was declared the victor of the election

ISLAMABAD: Protest marches, political upheavals and violence marred 2022 for Pakistan—a country already reeling from a host of economic problems—as it sought to maintain some semblance of political stability but was rocked by one controversy after another.

The dissolution and subsequent restoration of the National Assembly, by-elections on vacant seats, frequent changes in government in Punjab and a gun attack on former prime minister Imran Khan were just some of the events that dominated the political landscape this year. 

Political instability has yet to stem, with Khan demanding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announce early elections in the country. The government has refused to budge, stating that elections would be held late next year as per schedule. 

Here is a list of events that drastically changed the political landscape in Pakistan this year and continue to impact the country's fragile democracy and rule of law. 

No trust motion against PM Khan 




This photograph released by Pakistan National Assembly on January 7, 2022, shows a general view of a parliament session in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: @NAofPakistan/Twitter)

A delegation of senior opposition politicians submitted a motion on March 8, seeking a vote of no-confidence from then prime minister Imran Khan. In the months to come, this would have massive political implications for the country. 

Deputy Speaker dismisses the motion 




An undated file photo of the former deputy speaker of Pakistan's national assembly. (Photo courtesy: social media)

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Qasim Suri, dismissed the opposition’s motion on April 3 through a ruling. He termed it against Article 5 of the constitution, which states loyalty to the state was the basic duty of every citizen. 

Khan’s government accused the opposition of moving the no-confidence motion as part of a foreign conspiracy orchestrated by Washington. The allegations were vehemently denied by the US and Khan's political opponents.  

PM Khan advises President to dissolve National Assembly 




The file photo shows Pakistan's President Dr. Arif Alvi (left) and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad, Pakistan, on July 29, 2019. (@GovtofPakistan/Twitter)

A few minutes after the deputy speaker threw out the motion, then prime minister Khan advised President Dr. Arif Alvi to dissolve the National Assembly under article 58 of the constitution and called on the nation to prepare for fresh elections. 

Supreme Court sets asides deputy speaker’s ruling 




A general view of the Supreme Court of Pakistan building at the evening hours, in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 7, 2022. (REUTERS/File)

Not to be outdone, the opposition parties approached the Supreme Court against the deputy speaker's ruling. Pakistan's top court took, in a crucial decision, set aside the speaker’s ruling on April 7, saying that the prime minister's advice to the president was against the constitution. 

Khan ousted from power 




Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan addressing to the National Assembly in Islamabad on June 30, 2021. (Photo courtesy: @NAofPakistan/Twitter)

On April 9, Khan became Pakistan's first prime minister to be dismissed via a parliamentary vote. He had been the country's chief executive for three-and-a-half years. Khan was elected to office for the first time after the 2018 general elections in which his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party won the majority.

Shehbaz Sharif elected new PM 




Shahbaz Sharif speaks after winning a parliamentary vote to elect a new prime minister, at the national assembly, in Islamabad, April 11, 2022. (REUTERS/File)

On April 10, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif was elected the new prime minister of the country. Sharif was elected by the National Assembly with a thin majority of just two votes in the 342-member house. He secured 174 votes. 

Khan’s PTI boycotted the election process and later announced to tender en masse resignations from the National Assembly. 

Meanwhile, the opposition also submitted a no-confidence motion against the then chief minister of Punjab, Usman Buzdar, also a member of Khan's PTI party. The motion was submitted on March 28 to oust him from office. 

The motion kickstarted a new round of political wheeling and dealing to topple the PTI government in Pakistan's most populous province as well.

CM Punjab Usman Buzdar resigns




This undated photo shows Pakistan's Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar in Punjab Assembly. (Photo courtesy: local media)

Then governor of Punjab, Chaudhry Sarwar, accepted Buzdar's resignation as chief minister. It paved the way for a fresh election in the provincial assembly for his coveted position.  

Hamza Shehbaz elected new CM Punjab 




Hamza Shehbaz, son of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, arrives before the Chief Minister of Punjab vote at the provincial assembly in Lahore on April 16, 2022. (AFP/File)

PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz, son of PM Sharif, was elected the new chief minister of Punjab on April 16 following a chaotic session at the Punjab Assembly. Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari was attacked while PML-Q leader Chaudhry Parvez Elahi also got injured in as scuffles broke out between PTI and PML-N legislators. 

When the dust was settled, Hamza secured 197 votes to beat Elahi, who was backed by Khan’s PTI party. 

Hamza Shehbaz’s election challenged in court 




In this undated file photo, a flock of birds flies over the Lahore High Court. (Photo courtesy: social media)

The PTI challenged Hamza’s election in the Lahore High Court (LHC), saying that its 25 dissidents had voted for Hamza against the party's directives and their votes should not be counted. On June 30, the LHC ordered the recounting of votes of Punjab chief minister’s election, excluding the votes of 25 PTI dissidents.

PTI wins back Punjab from PML-N 




A view of a polling station PP-217 in Multan, Pakistan on July 17, 2022. (Photo courtesy: Social media)

The election commission conducted by-elections on 20 Punjab Assembly seats after PTI dissidents were disqualified for voting against their party's directives. The PTI swept by the by-elections, winning 15 out of 20 seats when the results were announced on July 17. The PTI made a strong comeback and was once again in a position to elect its own chief minister in Punjab. 

Khan ally Parvez Elahi elected new CM Punjab




President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi (center) administers oath to Chaudhry Parvez Elahi (left) as Chief Minister Punjab in Islamabad, Pakistan, on July 27, 2022. (@PresOfPakistan/Twitter)

On July 27, Pervaiz Elahi was declared the new chief minister of Punjab after the the Supreme Court struck down Punjab Assembly deputy speaker’s ruling. The deputy speaker had refused to count 10 votes in Elahi's favor, saying that they were against the directives issued by the party's head, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. 

President Dr. Arif Alvi administered the oath to Elahi at the President House after the Governor Punjab refused to administer it. 

Meanwhile, Khan held numerous rallies in various parts of the country, demanding PM Sharif announce a date for general elections in Pakistan.

Khan commences anti-government long march in May




Supporters of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan, take part in a protest rally in Attock, Pakistan, on May 25, 2022. (AFP/File)

Khan led a mass protest rally from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while caravans from other parts of the country were also scheduled to converge in Islamabad on May 25. Khan intended to force the government to announce a date for early elections. 

However, the Sharif-led government succeeded in defusing the protest with a strict clampdown on the protesters in the federal capital. 

Khan makes history by winning six National Assembly seats out of seven 




Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan (C) speaks at an event of Karachi Bar Association in Karachi on October 14, 2022. (AFP/File)

The election commission subsequently held by-elections on nine National Assembly seats where the speaker accepted PTI legislators' resignations. 

Khan initially won six out of seven seats contested in all three provinces including Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He later won another seat in KP on which polls were delayed for a while due to the security situation. 

The win made Khan Pakistan's first politician to secure victory over eight National Assembly seats against strong candidates of the Sharif-led coalition government.

PTI’s long march begins from Lahore 




Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan (C) addresses his supporters during an anti-government long march towards Islamabad to demand early elections, in Lahore on October 29, 2022. (AFP/File)

Khan led another long march to Islamabad from Lahore, on October 28 to force the government to announce early elections. 

However, the march came to an abrupt halt after the PTI chairman's convoy was sprayed with bullets in Wazirabad city on November 3. Khan, along with ten other PTI supporters, sustained bullet injuries while one of his supporters was killed on the spot.

Long march resumes a week after gun attack on Khan




Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan appears on a giant screen as he addresses an anti-government rally in Rawalpindi on November 26, 2022. (AFP/File)

Exactly one week later, Khan's long march resumed while he recuperated at his Lahore residence.  Protest caravans from across the country reached Rawalpindi on November 26 where Khan announced to dissolve the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies to opt out of what he said was a "corrupt system."

No-confidence motion against CM Punjab submitted




Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi gestures as he speaks during an interview in Lahore, Pakistan, on February 14, 2008. (AFP/File)

The Sharif-led coalition partners once again started their struggle, especially in Punjab, to prevent the dissolution of the assemblies and submitted a no-confidence motion against Elahi on December 19.

On the other hand, the Punjab governor asked Elahi to obtain a vote of confidence as well to prove he still had the majority in the house. 

The Punjab Assembly is expected to start the voting process on the no-confidence motion this Friday while both PTI and the opposition claim they have the majority in the house. 

As Pakistan's political drama continues, the country's foreign reserves continue to deplete, unemployment remains high throughout the country and double-digit inflation still looks far from dissipating.  


Pakistan PM vows to ‘break any hand’ threatening relations with Saudi Arabia

Updated 7 sec ago
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Pakistan PM vows to ‘break any hand’ threatening relations with Saudi Arabia

  • Statement comes after Imran Khan’s wife released a video message widely viewed as critical of the Kingdom
  • Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies, with nearly 3 million Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdon

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday vowed strict action against anyone attempting to undermine Pakistan’s close relations with Saudi Arabia, declaring that his government would “break any hand” threatening ties between the two nations.
Sharif’s statement appeared to reference recent remarks by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who in a rare public message on Thursday assured state institutions that her jailed husband would not seek revenge against political opponents if he returned to power.
She also made remarks in her video message that were widely viewed as implying that the Saudi government had opposed Khan when he was prime minister from 2018-22.
“Such venom-spitting is an unforgivable crime,” Sharif said while addressing a ceremony on Friday. “I, as the prime minister of Pakistan, want to announce that the nation will break any hand trying to undermine the Pakistan-Saudi friendship.”
“This is not a joke,” he continued. “The allegation is beyond understanding. The biggest national interest is being slaughtered to serve the short-term political interest.”
He criticized the former first lady, whose husband’s PTI party is currently in opposition, saying that the Kingdom had never demanded anything in return from Pakistan for extending economic and diplomatic support but instead always “opened its doors.”
“I think there can be no greater enmity against Pakistan than this [issuing such comments],” he said, adding that Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was sacrificing the country’s interest for its political interests.
Sharif said “no one will be allowed to play” with Pakistan’s interests when it concerned “brotherly allies” such as Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also addressed the issue in a press conference, highlighting that over 2.8 million Pakistanis were working in the Kingdom, sending billions of dollars in remittances back to their country every year.
“Our cordial and friendly relationship with Saudi Arabia should not be affected due to someone’s political gains,” he said. “Such a controversial statement is an effort to save PTI’s sinking ship.”
Khan was ousted from the prime minister’s office in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in 2022, alleging that he was removed by his political rivals and the all-powerful military at the behest of the United States. All three parties deny the accusation.
The cricketer-turned-politician has been in prison since August last year, facing a slew of legal challenges. He denies any wrongdoing, claiming that all cases against him are politically motivated to keep him in jail.
His PTI party is set to kick off a “long march” to stage a protest in Islamabad on Nov. 24, aiming to pressure the government into releasing Khan from prison. Authorities have refused to grant permission to hold the gathering and imposed a ban on public assembly in the capital for two months.


Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves

Updated 22 November 2024
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Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves

  • An analyst attributes the intraday rally to broad-based gains across most economic sectors
  • The stock market has remained bullish since the government slashed policy rate in November

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday breached a major psychological barrier, surging past 99,000 points during intra-day trading before settling at 97,798.23, as analysts attributed the rally to investor optimism driven by falling lending rates and higher foreign exchange reserves.
The benchmark KSE-100 index climbed 2,057.40 points by 11:10 am, reaching 99,385.79 points from the previous close. However, the index closed at 97,798.23, marking an increase of 469.84 points or 0.48 percent.
Analyst Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation said bank levies on large deposits, surging global oil prices, and rupee stability were fueling investor optimism.
“Stocks remained bullish, led by scrips across the board, as investors weighed falling lending rates and the imposition of bank levies on large deposits following a drop in government bond yields,” he told Arab News. “Surging global crude oil prices, rupee stability, and higher forex reserves played a catalytic role in the record surge at the PSX.”
Last month, Pakistan’s external current account recorded a surplus of $349 million, marking the third consecutive month of surplus and the highest in this period. The current account reflects a nation’s transactions with the world, encompassing net trade in goods and services, net earnings on cross-border investments and net transfer payments.
A surplus indicates that a country is exporting more than it is importing, thereby strengthening its foreign exchange reserves.
A bullish trend has been observed in the stock market since Pakistan’s central bank cut its key policy rate by 250 basis points, bringing it to 15 percent earlier this month. Economic indicators have also steadily improved since securing a 37-month, $7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September.
In the past, the country faced a prolonged economic crisis that drained its foreign exchange reserves and saw its currency weaken amid double-digit inflation. Last year, Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default by clinching a last-minute $3 billion IMF bailout deal.


US vows to be ‘steadfast partner’ after deadly attack in Pakistan’s Kurram district

Updated 22 November 2024
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US vows to be ‘steadfast partner’ after deadly attack in Pakistan’s Kurram district

  • American diplomatic mission says Pakistanis deserve to live free from harm, danger and threat
  • It offers condolences to victims’ families after 41 people were killed by unknown gunmen this week

KARACHI: The United States on Friday condemned a deadly attack in Pakistan’s Kurram district that killed 41 people this week, reaffirming its commitment to stand with Pakistan in ensuring the safety of its citizens against such militant attacks.
Unidentified gunmen targeted vehicles carrying Shiite community members in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, in one of the deadliest sectarian attacks in recent years. The assault, which also left many critically injured, occurred in a region already plagued by deadly clashes in recent months.
“The United States will remain a steadfast partner as Pakistan works to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens,” Jonathan Lalley, the spokesperson of the US diplomatic mission in Pakistan, said in a statement. “We stand in solidarity with Pakistan and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this difficult time.”
Lalley expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a full recovery for the injured.
“The Pakistani people deserve to live free from harm, danger, and threat, and to feel protected and secure in their daily lives,” he added.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which followed the reopening of a key highway in the region after it was closed for weeks due to sectarian violence.
Kurram, a volatile district near the Afghan border, has been a flashpoint for sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shiite communities, adding to the challenges of maintaining security in the area.
The US-Pakistan forged a counterterrorism partnership in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, to address regional security challenges. Over the years, however, the relationship faced friction, while the US-led international forces were in Afghanistan.
Despite the tensions, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts, especially in the wake of the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
The commitment to security partnership reflects a shared goal of combating extremism and ensuring regional stability.
 


Pakistan, Malaysia agree to enhance military cooperation with focus on air force training

Updated 22 November 2024
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Pakistan, Malaysia agree to enhance military cooperation with focus on air force training

  • Malaysian air chief praises PAF’s advancements in indigenization on his first Pakistan visit
  • His Pakistani counterpart reaffirms commitment to training Malaysian Air Force personnel

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to deepen bilateral military cooperation, with a particular emphasis on joint training and air power collaboration, Pakistan’s military said on Friday.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
“The [Pakistan] Air Chief reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing military partnership between the two Air Forces through joint training initiatives, particularly within the realm of air power,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. “These initiatives will encompass provisioning of both basic and tactical level training for personnel of the Malaysian Air Force.”
The Malaysian air chief, making his first visit to Pakistan, praised the PAF’s advancements in indigenization and technological innovation. He also expressed interest in bolstering ties through enhanced collaboration in training, maintenance and operational excellence.
The meeting included discussions on defense cooperation, joint exercises and technology sharing, ISPR said, highlighting the robust defense relationship between the two nations.
During his visit, the Malaysian official toured the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park Silicon and the PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed on Pakistan’s advanced operational capabilities.
He also lauded the innovative projects displayed at the ongoing International Defense Exhibition IDEAS-2024 in Karachi.
Earlier, the Malaysian air chief was presented with a guard of honor upon his arrival, ISPR added.


Pakistan government doubles down on preventing Imran Khan’s Nov. 24 protest

Updated 22 November 2024
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Pakistan government doubles down on preventing Imran Khan’s Nov. 24 protest

  • Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warns no talks if Khan’s PTI proceeds with the protest
  • Ex-premier’s party plans a ‘long march’ to Islamabad, seeking his release from prison

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday vowed to implement the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order, refusing to allow former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to stage the Nov. 24 protest in the federal capital demanding his release.
The PTI has announced a “long march” to Islamabad, primarily to pressurize the government to end Khan’s imprisoned that has lasted for over a year on what his party contends are politically motivated charges. The protest also aims to raise PTI’s voice against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections while calling for measures to ensure judicial independence, which the party says has been undermined by the 26th constitutional amendment.
Only a day earlier, the IHC directed the government to form a committee to engage in talks with the PTI, emphasizing the need to avoid disruptions during the three-day visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to discuss bilateral economic cooperation. The court expressed hope that the PTI would allow “meaningful communication” with the administration while acknowledging that the maintenance of law and order would be the government’s priority if there was no breakthrough between the two sides.
Addressing the media in Islamabad alongside the capital city’s chief commissioner and police chief, the interior minister highlighted that no rally, march or protest would be allowed in the federal capital owing to the Belarusian president’s visit to the country, as per the IHC order.
“No one will be allowed to stage a rally or protest in Islamabad in compliance with the high court order,” Naqvi said. “After the IHC order, we will implement it 100 percent at any cost. We are bound by the law to implement it.”
Regarding the IHC directions to hold talks with the PTI party leadership, the minister said he would speak to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening to constitute a committee “but definitely if they stage a protest, this [negotiation] will get difficult.”
Islamabad’s district magistrate has already imposed a two-month ban on the gathering of more than five people in the capital using Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which allows the government to prohibit various forms of political assembly, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations and other activities for a specified period.
In response to a question about whether the government was in touch with Adiala Jail, where ex-premier Khan is currently incarcerated, Naqvi said he has no contact with anyone there.
The interior minister also highlighted that the capital city’s administration did not receive any application from the PTI to stage a protest.
He made it clear that people violating the court orders would be responsible if there was any loss of life during the Nov. 24 protest.
Naqvi also said that he agreed with the residents of Islamabad that shops, roads, businesses and mobile signals should not be shut down but noted there was no other way of dealing with such protests.
“If they want to come and protest [in Islamabad], I’ll be the one who will say that no talks should take place,” he concluded. “If they want to hold talks, they should do it in a proper manner. This is no way that on one side they protest and on the other call for talks.”
Earlier this week, Pakistan’s interior ministry had authorized the deployment of paramilitary Punjab Rangers and Frontier Corps troops in Islamabad to maintain law and order.
Pakistan’s parliament also passed a law earlier this year to regulate public gatherings in Islamabad, specifying timings for rallies and designating specific areas. The law prescribes three-year jail terms for participants in illegal assemblies and 10-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.