PAKISTAN NEWS DIGEST a Selected Summary of News, Views and Trends from Pakistani Media
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General Election 2018 Update-Ii - Fafen General Election 2018
GENERAL ELECTION 2018 UPDATE-II - FAFEN GENERAL ELECTION 2018 Update-II April 01 – April 30, 2018 1. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) initiated its assessment of the political environment and implementation of election-related laws, rules and regulations in January 2018 as part of its multi-phase observation of General Election (GE) 2018. The purpose of the observation is to contribute to the evolution of an election process that is free, fair, transparent and accountable, in accordance with the requirements laid out in the Elections Act, 2017. Based on its observation, FAFEN produces periodic updates, information briefs and reports in an effort to provide objective, unbiased and evidence-based information about the quality of electoral and political processes to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), political parties, media, civil society organizations and citizens. General Election 2018 Update-II is based on information gathered systematically in 130 districts by as many trained and non-partisan District Coordinators (DCs) through 560 interviews1 with representatives of 33 political parties and groups and 294 interviews with representative of 35 political parties and groups over delimitation process. The Update also includes the findings of observation of 559 political gatherings and 474 ECP’s centres set up for the display of preliminary electoral rolls. FAFEN also documented the formation of 99 political alliances, party-switching by political figures, and emerging alliances among ethnic, tribal and professional groups. In addition, the General Election 2018 Update-II comprises data gathered through systematic monitoring of 86 editions of 25 local, regional and national newspapers to report incidents of political and electoral violence, new development schemes and political advertisements during April 2018. -
E-Newsletter on COVID-19 Contents……
E-Newsletter on COVID-19 Vol. 02, No, 08 Issue: 23-25 January, 2021 …..About Newsletter Contents…… Subscribe In order to keep abreast of emerging issues at the National/International and Op-Eds local level, the SDPI brings Articles/Editorials/News comments …………………………….…...02 out a Bi-weekly E-Newsletter on “COVID-19”. National News It carries reference • Islamabad • Punjab information’s to the News • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa • Gilgit Baltistan items/Comments/Op-Eds • Sindh • AJK appearing in leading • Balochistan • National/International dailies. International News Newspapers Covered: • Countries News • Donors News • Dawn • The News SDPI Engagements • The Express Tribune • Webinars News • Researchers Articles • The Nation • Urdu Newspapers • SDPI: Other Engagement • Business Recorder coverages • Daily Times • Pakistan Observer • Pakistan Today • Urdu Point A Product of ASRC-SDPI Sustainable Development Policy Institute, SDPI Team: Data Managed by: 10-D West, 3rd Floor, Taimoor Chamber, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Shahid Rasul , Abid Rasheed Blue Area, Islamabad. Pakistan, Compile & Layout Design by: Tel: +92.51. 2278134, Fax: 2278135, Ali Aamer Javed COVID _19: E-Newsletter Op-Eds/Articles/Editorials Op-Eds/Articles/Editorials Procuring vaccines Source: Editorial, The News, International , 2021-01-23 While countries in the neighbourhood, including India with its massive population, have begun dishing out the Covid- 19 vaccine to millions of people, with India setting particularly ambitious targets for itself and also providing vaccine to neighbouring countries including Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Seychelles, we get no images from Pakistan of people rolling up their sleeves t.....more >> The other have-nots Source: Zehra Waheed, Dawn, Islamabad , 2021-01-23 COVID-19 has impacted us all. -
22 March 2004 ICG Asia Report N°77 Islamabad/Brussels
DEVOLUTION IN PAKISTAN: REFORM OR REGRESSION? 22 March 2004 ICG Asia Report N°77 Islamabad/Brussels TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................... i I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1 II. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 3 A. GENERAL AYUB KHAN'S BASIC DEMOCRACY.......................................................................3 B. GENERAL ZIA-UL-HAQ'S LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM ......................................................4 III. THE MUSHARRAF DEVOLUTION........................................................................... 5 A. DOMESTIC AND EXTERNAL IMPERATIVES .............................................................................5 B. THE BLUEPRINT ....................................................................................................................7 1. Administrative Decentralisation ................................................................................7 2. Fiscal Decentralisation...............................................................................................8 3. Law Enforcement.......................................................................................................8 C. MILITARY EXCEPTIONS.........................................................................................................8 D. DOMESTIC REACTION ...........................................................................................................9 -
Pok News Digest
POK Volume 6 | Number 8 | August 2013 News Digest A MONTHLY NEWS DIGEST ON PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR Compiled & Edited by Dr Priyanka Singh Political Developments PML-N to Support Sultan for AJK PM: Barjees No-Confidence Vote Against AJK PM: PML-N Won't be Part of Any Narrow Agenda AJK Prime Minister Survives No-Trust Motion Pent-up Resentment: AJK Premier Faces Revolt in House Two Held in Gilgit, Explosives Seized Terror Attack in G-B: Senate Panel Seeks Update on Nanga Parbat Progress Economic Developments LoC Traders to Pitch for Transit Trade During Historic AJK Trip Commodity Price Hike: AJK Traders Experience Mixed Fortunes Energy-Focused GB Budget Unveiled International Developments Diamer Bhasha Dam: US Approves Grant for Due Diligence, Feasibility Study Chinese Company Three Gorges has Offered Assistance for Diamer Bhasha Dam Chinese Firms Evince Interest to Take Up More Ventures in Pakistan Other Developments Rail, Fibre Optic Links Along KKH Planned Mitigating Measures: ERRA Chief Calls for Implementing of Building Codes No. 1, Development Enclave, Rao Tula Ram Marg New Delhi-110 010 Jammu & Kashmir (Source: Based on the Survey of India Map, Govt of India 2000 ) In this Edition In July 2013, the PPP-led AJK government faced dissention from its own party members, who filed a no confidence motion against the chief minister, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed. The rebel group was led by Barrister Sultan Mehmood, a former prime minister of AJK and a leading contender for the post after the 2011 elections in AJK. He lost the opportunity to Abdul Majeed then. With PML-N taking over the government in Islamabad, the faction led by Sultan Mehmood saw it as an opportune moment to topple the AJK government and seize power with the help of the PML-N members in AJK assembly. -
Pakistan's 2008 Elections
Pakistan’s 2008 Elections: Results and Implications for U.S. Policy name redacted Specialist in South Asian Affairs April 9, 2008 Congressional Research Service 7-.... www.crs.gov RL34449 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Pakistan’s 2008 Elections: Results and Implications for U.S. Policy Summary A stable, democratic, prosperous Pakistan actively working to counter Islamist militancy is considered vital to U.S. interests. Pakistan is a key ally in U.S.-led counterterrorism efforts. The history of democracy in Pakistan is a troubled one marked by ongoing tripartite power struggles among presidents, prime ministers, and army chiefs. Military regimes have ruled Pakistan directly for 34 of the country’s 60 years in existence, and most observers agree that Pakistan has no sustained history of effective constitutionalism or parliamentary democracy. In 1999, the democratically elected government of then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted in a bloodless coup led by then-Army Chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who later assumed the title of president. In 2002, Supreme Court-ordered parliamentary elections—identified as flawed by opposition parties and international observers—seated a new civilian government, but it remained weak, and Musharraf retained the position as army chief until his November 2007 retirement. In October 2007, Pakistan’s Electoral College reelected Musharraf to a new five-year term in a controversial vote that many called unconstitutional. The Bush Administration urged restoration of full civilian rule in Islamabad and called for the February 2008 national polls to be free, fair, and transparent. U.S. criticism sharpened after President Musharraf’s November 2007 suspension of the Constitution and imposition of emergency rule (nominally lifted six weeks later), and the December 2007 assassination of former Prime Minister and leading opposition figure Benazir Bhutto. -
PAKISTAN NEWS DIGEST a Selected Summary of News, Views and Trends from Pakistani Media
February 2017 PAKISTAN NEWS DIGEST A Selected Summary of News, Views and Trends from Pakistani Media Prepared by Dr Ashish Shukla & Nazir Ahmed (Research Assistants, Pakistan Project, IDSA) PAKISTAN NEWS DIGEST FEBRUARY 2017 A Select Summary of News, Views and Trends from the Pakistani Media Prepared by Dr Ashish Shukla & Nazir Ahmed (Pak-Digest, IDSA) INSTITUTE FOR DEFENCE STUDIES AND ANALYSES 1-Development Enclave, Near USI Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi-110010 Pakistan News Digest, February (1-15) 2017 PAKISTAN NEWS DIGEST, FEBRUARY 2017 CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 0 ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................... 2 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS ............................................................................. 3 NATIONAL POLITICS ....................................................................................... 3 THE PANAMA PAPERS .................................................................................... 7 PROVINCIAL POLITICS .................................................................................... 8 EDITORIALS AND OPINION .......................................................................... 9 FOREIGN POLICY ............................................................................................ 11 EDITORIALS AND OPINION ........................................................................ 12 MILITARY AFFAIRS ............................................................................................. -
PAKISTAN: REGIONAL RIVALRIES, LOCAL IMPACTS Edited by Mona Kanwal Sheikh, Farzana Shaikh and Gareth Price DIIS REPORT 2012:12 DIIS REPORT
DIIS REPORT 2012:12 DIIS REPORT PAKISTAN: REGIONAL RIVALRIES, LOCAL IMPACTS Edited by Mona Kanwal Sheikh, Farzana Shaikh and Gareth Price DIIS REPORT 2012:12 DIIS REPORT This report is published in collaboration with DIIS . DANISH INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES 1 DIIS REPORT 2012:12 © Copenhagen 2012, the author and DIIS Danish Institute for International Studies, DIIS Strandgade 56, DK-1401 Copenhagen, Denmark Ph: +45 32 69 87 87 Fax: +45 32 69 87 00 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.diis.dk Cover photo: Protesting Hazara Killings, Press Club, Islamabad, Pakistan, April 2012 © Mahvish Ahmad Layout and maps: Allan Lind Jørgensen, ALJ Design Printed in Denmark by Vesterkopi AS ISBN 978-87-7605-517-2 (pdf ) ISBN 978-87-7605-518-9 (print) Price: DKK 50.00 (VAT included) DIIS publications can be downloaded free of charge from www.diis.dk Hardcopies can be ordered at www.diis.dk Mona Kanwal Sheikh, ph.d., postdoc [email protected] 2 DIIS REPORT 2012:12 Contents Abstract 4 Acknowledgements 5 Pakistan – a stage for regional rivalry 7 The Baloch insurgency and geopolitics 25 Militant groups in FATA and regional rivalries 31 Domestic politics and regional tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir 39 Gilgit–Baltistan: sovereignty and territory 47 Punjab and Sindh: expanding frontiers of Jihadism 53 Urban Sindh: region, state and locality 61 3 DIIS REPORT 2012:12 Abstract What connects China to the challenges of separatism in Balochistan? Why is India important when it comes to water shortages in Pakistan? How does jihadism in Punjab and Sindh differ from religious militancy in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)? Why do Iran and Saudi Arabia matter for the challenges faced by Pakistan in Gilgit–Baltistan? These are some of the questions that are raised and discussed in the analytical contributions of this report. -
Pakistan's Violence
Pakistan’s Violence Causes of Pakistan’s increasing violence since 2001 Anneloes Hansen July 2015 Master thesis Political Science: International Relations Word count: 21481 First reader: S. Rezaeiejan Second reader: P. Van Rooden Studentnumber: 10097953 1 Table of Contents List of Abbreviations and Acronyms List of figures, Maps and Tables Map of Pakistan Chapter 1. Introduction §1. The Case of Pakistan §2. Research Question §3. Relevance of the Research Chapter 2. Theoretical Framework §1. Causes of Violence §1.1. Rational Choice §1.2. Symbolic Action Theory §1.3. Terrorism §2. Regional Security Complex Theory §3. Colonization and the Rise of Institutions §4. Conclusion Chapter 3. Methodology §1. Variables §2. Operationalization §3. Data §4. Structure of the Thesis Chapter 4. Pakistan §1. Establishment of Pakistan §2. Creating a Nation State §3. Pakistan’s Political System §4. Ethnicity and Religion in Pakistan §5. Conflict and Violence in Pakistan 2 §5.1. History of Violence §5.2. Current Violence §5.2.1. Baluchistan §5.2.2. Muslim Extremism and Violence §5. Conclusion Chapter 5. Rational Choice in the Current Conflict §1. Weak State §2. Economy §3. Instability in the Political Centre §4. Alliances between Centre and Periphery §5. Conclusion Chapter 6. Emotions in Pakistan’s Conflict §1. Discrimination §2. Hatred towards Others §2.1. Political Parties §2.2 Extremist Organizations §3. Security Dilemma §4. Conclusion Chapter 7. International Influences §1. International Relations §1.1. United States – Pakistan Relations §1.2. China – -
EASO Country of Origin Information Report Pakistan Security Situation
European Asylum Support Office EASO Country of Origin Information Report Pakistan Security Situation October 2018 SUPPORT IS OUR MISSION European Asylum Support Office EASO Country of Origin Information Report Pakistan Security Situation October 2018 More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu). ISBN: 978-92-9476-319-8 doi: 10.2847/639900 © European Asylum Support Office 2018 Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged, unless otherwise stated. For third-party materials reproduced in this publication, reference is made to the copyrights statements of the respective third parties. Cover photo: FATA Faces FATA Voices, © FATA Reforms, url, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Neither EASO nor any person acting on its behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained herein. EASO COI REPORT PAKISTAN: SECURITY SITUATION — 3 Acknowledgements EASO would like to acknowledge the Belgian Center for Documentation and Research (Cedoca) in the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons, as the drafter of this report. Furthermore, the following national asylum and migration departments have contributed by reviewing the report: The Netherlands, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Office for Country Information and Language Analysis Hungary, Office of Immigration and Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Office Documentation Centre Slovakia, Migration Office, Department of Documentation and Foreign Cooperation Sweden, Migration Agency, Lifos -
En En Draft Report
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2014 - 2019 Delegation for relations with South Asia DRAFT REPORT on the 10th EP/Pakistan Interparliamentary Meeting (Islamabad & Lahore) 16 / 20 February 2015 by Ms. Jean Lambert, Chair of the Delegation ------------ 05/03/2015 PK/am 1/18 EN EN Introduction The last time the EP South Asia Delegation also led by Ms Jean Lambert MEP, visited Pakistan, was in late 2012; the country was already in pre-electoral mood, 6 months before the elections that saw the victory of the PML-N. This was the first democratic transition from one elected civilian government to another in Pakistan’s modern history – and recognised as such by the EU, which fielded an EOM led by Chief Observer Michael Gahler MEP; Richard Howitt MEP had led, at the time, the EP Delegation which was part of the overall observation team. The 2012 talks had focused on the steps taken by Islamabad in rule of law and good governance issues, which had helped the country successfully apply for the EU’s special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance – or, more colloquially, the GSP+ scheme, in effect since 1.1.2014. This arrangement, which was examined by the EP Plenary in December 2013, entails enhanced trade preferences, i.e. the full removal of tariffs on essentially the same products as those covered by GSP. MEPs had thus welcomed the ratification of all the major human rights conventions directly linked to the scheme, as well as the lifting of a series of reservations on many of those, such as the ICCPR or the CAT. -
Politics and Pirs: the Nature of Sufi Political Engagement in 20Th and 21St Century Pakistan
Ethan Epping Politics and Pirs: The Nature of Sufi Political Engagement in 20th and 21st Century Pakistan By Ethan Epping On November 27th, 2010 a massive convoy set off from Islamabad. Tens of thousands of Muslims rode cars, buses, bicycles, and even walked the 300 kilometer journey to the city of Lahore. The purpose of this march was to draw attention to the recent rash of terrorism in the country, specifically the violent attacks on Sufi shrines throughout Pakistan. In particular, they sought to demonstrate to the government that the current lack of action was unacceptable. “Our caravans will reach Lahore,” declared one prominent organizer, “and when they do the government will see how powerful we are.”1 The Long March to Save Pakistan, as it has come to be known, was an initiative of the recently founded Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), a growing coalition of Barelvi Muslims. The Barelvi movement is the largest Islamic sect within Pakistan, one that has been heavily influenced by Sufism throughout its history. It is Barelvis whose shrines and other religious institutions have come under assault as of late, both rhetorically and violently. As one might expect, they have taken a tough stance against such attacks: “These anti-state and anti-social elements brought a bad name to Islam and Pakistan,” declared Fazal Karim, the SIC chairman, “we will not remain silent and [we will] defend the prestige of our country.”2 The Long March is but one example of a new wave of Barelvi political activism that has arisen since the early 2000s. -
Mapping Future Political Leadership Top Performance of Parliament
5 6 4 7 3 5 2 4 1 8 0 3 2 1 10 9 Mapping Future Political Leadership of Pakistan Scorecards on Honourable Senators' Performance 2015-2016 5 6 4 7 3 5 2 4 1 8 0 3 2 1 10 9 Mapping Future Political Leadership of Pakistan Scorecards on Honourable Senators' Performance 2015-2016 PILDAT is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit indigenous research and training institution with the mission to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. PILDAT is a registered non-profit entity under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, Pakistan. Copyright ©Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development And Transparency PILDAT All Rights Reserved Printed in Pakistan Published: June 2016 ISBN: 978-969-558-645-7 Any part of this publication can be used or cited with a clear reference to PILDAT. Supported by Islamabad Office: P. O. Box 278, F-8, Postal Code: 44220, Islamabad, Pakistan Lahore Office: P. O. Box 11098, L.C.C.H.S, Postal Code: 54792, Lahore, Pakistan E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.pildat.org PILDAT SCORECARDS ON HONOURABLE SENATORS' PERFORMANCE, 2015-2016 CONTENTS Preface Executive Summary Rationale 15 Methodology of Assessment 16 Framework of Assessment of the Performance of a Senator of Pakistan 18 Chairman and Deputy Chairman 19 Top 5 Ranks 23 1. Senator Col. (r) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi (Sindh, MQM) 25 2. Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar (Balochistan, PMAP) 26 3. Senator Saeed Ghani (Sindh, PPP-P) 27 4. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed (Federal Capital, PML) 28 5. Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood (KP, JUI-F) 29 6.