Delaying polls unconstitutional, experts say, as Pakistan law minister hints at extension for provincial caretakers

Voters cast their ballot at a polling station during the by-election for national assembly seats, in Karachi on October 16, 2022. (Photo courtesy: AFP)
Short Url
Updated 01 February 2023
Follow

Delaying polls unconstitutional, experts say, as Pakistan law minister hints at extension for provincial caretakers

  • Ex-PM Khan’s party dissolved assemblies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to force government to announce snap polls
  • Law Minister Tarrar has hinted the constitution allows for extension for caretaker setups in case of security and economic issues

ISLAMABAD: The general elections in Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces should be held within 90 days after the dissolution of the assemblies as per the constitution, election and constitutional experts said on Wednesday, warning that a violation would be ‘extra constitutional.’

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party dissolved both the provincial assemblies last month in a bid to force the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to announce early national elections. The federal government has rejected Khan’s demand, saying elections would be held on time in October.

The governors of Punjab and KP have not announced dates for general elections in their respective provinces yet though the assemblies were dissolved on Jan. 14 and 18, respectively.

On Monday, in comments made in parliament, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar hinted at the possibility of extending the terms of the caretaker governments in the KP and Punjab, unleashing debate over whether such a move would be legal.

“This would be extra constitutional, to not hold general elections in Punjab and KP within 90 days of the dissolution of these assemblies,” Ali Zafar, a lawyer who is a PTI senator and represents the party in its legal cases, told Arab News.

“We have moved the Lahore High Court for directions to the governor and Election Commission of Pakistan for announcement of a date for the elections in Punjab,” he said. “The violation of the constitution can only be expected during martial law.”

Article 224 of the constitution says that when the National Assembly or a provincial assembly is dissolved, “a general election to the assembly shall be held within a period of ninety days after the dissolution.”

The ECP has also written separate letters to the Punjab and KP governors to announce dates for elections in their respective provinces, so that the regulator could start the electoral process, which requires at least 54 days to complete.

In response, KP Governor Hajji Ghulam Ali has advised the election commission to consult with law enforcement agencies before fixing an election date, given what he called an ‘alarming law and order situation in the province.’

“The Election Commission of Pakistan should consult and take into confidence the relevant institutions/LEA [law enforcement agencies] as well as political parties to ensure that conduct of general elections in a fair, free and peaceful manner in the province is possible,” the KP Governor said in a letter to the regulator.

Militancy has been on the rise in Pakistan in recent weeks and Peshawar, the capital of KP province, was hit this week by one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory, as a suicide bomber struck a mosque inside a police compound, killing over 100 people, at least 97 of them from police.

In his comments in parliament this week on the day of the Peshawar attack, Law Minister Tarrar said the constitution allowed for an extension in the tenure of a caretaker setup “in case of law and order or economic issues.”

He cited past examples of election delays due to floods in 1988 and the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007, which resulted in a change in the dates for the 2008 general elections.

Currently, Pakistan is in the grips of a deep economic crisis amid its biggest ever currency devaluation and a rash of emergency spending cuts, offering the clearest sign yet that the nuclear-armed nation faces the risk of a default unless it receives massive external support.

Tarrar and State Minister for Law and Justice Senator Shahadat Awan did not respond to attempts to seek comment for this story.

Election experts said the federal government wanted to delay the elections in Punjab and KP provinces, but there was no provision for it in the constitution.

“The constitution is very clear on holding the elections, so technically the government or even the election commission cannot delay them by just giving any excuse,” Rashid Chaudhry, deputy-director programs at the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in Islamabad, told Arab News.

He said it would be “unprecedented” to delay the elections in the provinces: “There is no room for it in the constitution.”

Chaudhry said a timeline was not given in the constitution about the election schedule, but a clear deadline of “within 90 days” was mentioned, which “must be respected.”

“It is beyond our imagination as to how the constitutional provision can be violated by the election commission,” he said, adding that the superior judiciary should intervene to ensure elections were held within the specific timeframe.

Concurring with Chaudhry, Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), said the election commission, not the federal government, was the relevant authority to decide on election dates.

“We cannot rule out a delay in the elections at the moment especially after the deadly Peshawar blast in which around hundred police personnel have been killed,” he told Arab News. “The election commission has already delayed local government elections in Islamabad and other territories following a request by the government.”

Constitutional experts said the federal government and the election commission would have to provide “solid reasons” if they decided to delay the elections.

“It is a constitutional requirement to hold the elections, so they cannot just violate it without any valid reason,” Justice (retired) Shaiq Usmani told Arab News.

However, he said the federal government and election commission could stave off the consequences of violating the constitution by citing Article 254, which states:

“When any act or thing is required by the constitution to be done within a particular period and it is not done within that period, the doing of the act or thing shall not be invalid or otherwise ineffective by reason only that it was not done within that period.”
 


Pakistan launches cybercrime helpline seeking swift action on complaints

Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan launches cybercrime helpline seeking swift action on complaints

  • The development comes as Pakistani authorities announce busting a child sexual abuse ring in Azad Kashmir’s Muzaffarabad
  • Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urges the use of advanced technology, software and hardware to fight crime in digital realm

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday launched a cybercrime helpline, 1799, that aims to ensure swift resolution of complaints, Pakistani state media reported.

The development came during Naqvi’s visit to the headquarters of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which was established earlier this year, the APP news agency reported.

The minister toured various departments, including the helpline center, forensic lab and network security section, and appreciated the staff for their efforts to combat cybercrime.

“The helpline is now fully operational, and citizens can lodge cybercrime complaints by calling 1799,” the interior minister was quoted as saying.

Pakistan transformed the Cybercrime Wing of its Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into an autonomous organization and named it the NCCIA in April. It followed the introduction of a new law to regulate social media content, with journalist groups and rights activists saying it was aimed at curbing press freedom and dissent on social media.

Enacted in 2016 and further tightened with amendments this January, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was drafted with the stated aim to combat cybercrimes such as hacking, online harassment, and data breaches. Pakistani officials defended the PECA law, under which offenders can be handed prison sentences of up to three years and fines of Rs2 million ($7,200).

Naqvi directed NCCIA officials to ensure quick resolution of all complaints, saying the agency was established to meet the demands of the modern digital era, according to the report.

He emphasized the need for the use of advanced technology, software and hardware to fight cybercrime effectively and stressed the need to hire talented staff and equiping them with all necessary resources.

The development came as authorities announced busting a child sexual abuse ring, allegedly run by a German national, in Azad Kashmir’s capital of Muzaffarabad.

“A state-of-the-art facility was formed with modern cameras and over there, children from poor families were exploited by giving money first and then blackmailing,” State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said at a presser on Tuesday.

“Their videos were sold on the dark web.”

The NCCIA busted the ring in a five-hour operation on May 23 and arrested two suspects, according to the minister. Ten kids were also found at the facility, of which six were sent to the Child Protection Bureau.

“The German man used to facilitate and sell this [content],” Chaudhry said, without disclosing the identity of the suspect. “We are trying to reach him legally.”

Child sexual abuse has been a widespread issue in Pakistan, where perpetrators are often family members, teachers or trusted people. Poverty, lack of education and societal attitudes contribute to the problem. While laws exist, their implementation remains a challenge. Various NGOs are also working to raise awareness about the issue and support survivors.


Pakistan champions SCO Development Bank plan to drive regional economic integration

Updated 03 June 2025
Follow

Pakistan champions SCO Development Bank plan to drive regional economic integration

  • The finance minister virtually addresses SCO meeting in Beijing due to ongoing annual budget preparations
  • Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomes the operational launch of the SCO’s network of financial think tanks

KARACHI: Pakistan’s finance chief Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted his country’s support for the establishment of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Development Bank during his address to the meeting of his regional counterparts on Tuesday while describing the initiative key to economic integration.

Aurangzeb made the remarks as he virtually joined the SCO finance ministers’ meeting held in Beijing due to Pakistan’s ongoing annual budget preparations. The SCO, a key Eurasian political and economic bloc, has emerged as a major platform for regional coordination and economic cooperation.

The SCO Development Bank is a proposed multilateral financial institution to serve member states that has been under discussion for several years. It has gained renewed interest from some SCO countries like Pakistan, China and Russia as part of efforts to boost regional economic integration, infrastructure financing and regional connectivity.

“Regarding the SCO Development Bank, Pakistan strongly supports this establishment,” the Pakistani finance minister said during his address.

“We envision the bank as an institution for innovation, integrating digital finance, fintech solutions and green financing mechanisms into its core operations, and look forward to engaging on the technical details of establishment of the SCO Development Bank,” he added.

Aurangzeb also welcomed the operational launch of the SCO’s network of financial think tanks, saying it would provide a platform for strategic foresight and policy research to support financial cooperation across member states.

Highlighting Pakistan’s recent economic performance, he said the country had made “significant progress” on macroeconomic stability, citing a current account surplus, improved fiscal indicators, a stable currency, growing foreign exchange reserves and reduced inflation.

These gains, he said, were supported by ongoing structural reforms in taxation, energy, public finance and state-owned enterprises.

Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO’s core principles and called for enhanced economic collaboration through joint ventures, technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives among member states.

Noting global economic challenges such as slowing growth, rising inequality and climate change, he stressed that SCO countries must work together to promote sustainable and inclusive development, particularly across the Global South.

“Infrastructure development and regional connectivity are vital for promoting economic growth and integration,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for transportation, energy and digital connectivity projects under the SCO framework.

The finance minister concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the SCO’s vision of regional stability, prosperity and collective progress.


Islamabad Police say killer of Pakistani TikTok star Sana Yousaf arrested

Updated 03 June 2025
Follow

Islamabad Police say killer of Pakistani TikTok star Sana Yousaf arrested

  • Sana Yousaf, with over 830,000 followers on TikTok, was murdered at her Islamabad residence on Monday
  • Islamabad Police chief says suspect murdered Yousaf for repeatedly turning down his “friendship” proposals

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani police said on Tuesday it had arrested the main suspect in the murder of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf, disclosing that he had killed her after she repeatedly rejected his proposals for “friendship.” 

Yousaf, who had over 830,000 followers and 29 million likes on video sharing platform TikTok, was shot dead at her house in Islamabad’s G-13 area on Monday. Police launched a probe on Monday, saying that unidentified persons shot Yousaf in the chest twice and killed her on the spot. Her body was shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad for post-mortem. 

A CCTV footage, which was first shared on private news channels and then later on state-run Pakistan Television (PTV), showed a young man walking briskly away from Yousaf’s house in broad daylight. Sharing details of the suspect, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the suspect is a matriculation student and the son of a retired government officer who was arrested from Faisalabad. 

The police official said the suspect did not have any source of income, adding that he used to promote content on Instagram and other social media platforms. 

“Before getting into the motive, I should make it clear that we have arrested [the suspect] and recovered the weapon of offense,” Rizvi told reporters at a news conference. 

He said police also recovered Yousaf’s iPhone from the suspect, which he had taken with him to erase evidence of the crime. 

“Basically, it was a case of repeated rejections,” Rizvi said, adding that the suspect had been trying to contact Yousaf through social media in the past, who had been rejecting his offers of “friendship.” 

He said the suspect had tried to contact Yousaf for eight to nine hours at her Islamabad residence on May 29, the day of her birthday, but could not succeed. Rizvi said the suspect tried to meet Sana again on June 2 at her residence, waiting there for eight to 10 hours but failed again. 

“And then he planned and entered her house because of his weapon and murdered her,” the Islamabad Police official said. 

Rizvi described it as a “blind murder,” saying that it was a challenging case for police to solve as the suspect had taken her mobile phone and left no evidence of the crime. He credited Islamabad Police officials for solving the murder within 20 hours through the use of cellular technology and digital surveillance. 

Pakistani news outlets frequently report cases of violence against women, particularly for turning down marriage proposals or for uploading videos on TikTok and other social media platforms. 

Police in Pakistan’s southwestern province in January arrested a man for being involved in murdering his 14-year-old daughter, an American citizen, for posting “objectionable” videos on TikTok. 

More than 54 million people use TikTok in conservative Pakistan, where authorities have repeatedly blocked the app over concerns regarding its content. It was banned four times in 2021.


Asia Cup in limbo after India-Pakistan conflict

Updated 03 June 2025
Follow

Asia Cup in limbo after India-Pakistan conflict

  • India are scheduled to host T20 Asia Cup tournament in September this year
  • Strained ties worsened after intense fighting between India, Pakistan in May

NEW DELHI, India: This year’s Asia Cup hangs in the balance following the recent clashes between tournament hosts India and arch-rivals Pakistan.

Already-soured relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors further worsened after four days of intense fighting before a ceasefire was announced last month.

India are scheduled to host the Asia Cup, a flagship event of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), in September but uncertainty lingers over the T20 tournament.

“To be honest, we have had no discussions within the board about the Asia Cup,” a top official of the Indian cricket board (BCCI) told Reuters on Tuesday, refusing to confirm whether the tournament will go ahead as scheduled.

“We have been busy with the Indian Premier League and then we have India’s tour of England. These are our immediate concerns,” he added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was not forthcoming about its team’s participation in the tournament in India either.

“We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” the PCB told Reuters in a statement.

ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the PCB, was not available to comment.

The ACC on Monday announced the postponement of the women’s Emerging Asia Cup, which was due to begin on Friday, citing weather conditions and the spread of the viral disease chikungunya in host nation Sri Lanka.

India will host the women’s 50-overs World this year but Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement made by the International Cricket Council.

India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy this year and played all their matches, including the March 9 final, in Dubai.

Bilateral cricket has been suspended since 2013 between the Asian neighbors, who play each other only in multi-team events.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir is against playing Pakistan even in neutral venues but will follow whatever the BCCI decided, he said last month.


ADB approves $800 million program to support Pakistan’s public finance reforms

Updated 03 June 2025
Follow

ADB approves $800 million program to support Pakistan’s public finance reforms

  • ADB says the package will support tax reforms and digitalization to help boost fiscal sustainability
  • It includes a $500 million guarantee to help Pakistan unlock up to $1 billion from commercial banks

KARACHI: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday approved an $800 million financing package for Pakistan to help the country improve fiscal sustainability, strengthen public financial management and support economic reforms.

The funding, part of the Improved Resource Mobilization and Utilization Reform Program (Subprogram 2), includes a $300 million policy-based loan and ADB’s first-ever policy-based guarantee of up to $500 million, which is expected to help Pakistan raise as much as $1 billion from commercial banks.

“Pakistan has made significant progress in improving macroeconomic conditions,” ADB’s Country Director for Pakistan, Emma Fan, said in a statement. “This program backs the government’s commitment to further policy and institutional reforms that will strengthen public finances and promote sustainable growth.”

The program supports reforms to tax policy, administration and compliance, along with improvements in public expenditure management, cash handling and digitalization.

It also aims to facilitate investment and private sector development, with the broader goal of reducing Pakistan’s fiscal deficit and public debt while creating space for development and social spending.

Khurram Schehzad, adviser to Pakistan’s finance minister, also confirmed the development in a social media post, saying “diplomacy” led by the finance ministry and economic affairs division had helped secure majority support at ADB Board.

The ADB said the program is backed by a comprehensive support package involving technical assistance and coordination with development partners to help Pakistan build long-term fiscal resilience.

A founding member of ADB, Pakistan has received more than $52 billion in public and private sector financing from the bank since 1966, spanning infrastructure, energy, transport, food security and social services.

ADB plays a leading role in supporting inclusive and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific.