Pakistan political crisis deepens as president, ex-PM Khan ally, takes on Sharif government

Pakistan's President Dr. Arif Alvi (left) stands next to former prime minister Imran Khan on Pakistan's Resolution Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 23, 2022. (APP/File)
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Updated 10 May 2022
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Pakistan political crisis deepens as president, ex-PM Khan ally, takes on Sharif government

  • President Alvi has 'strongly rejected' Sharif’s advice to remove Khan ally Omar Sarfaraz Cheema as Punjab governor
  • Alvi has also written to PM and chief justice calling for judicial commission to probe Khan claims of a “foreign conspiracy”

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has written a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief Justice of Pakistan asking that a high-powered judicial commission be formed to probe allegations by ex-premier Imran Khan that he had been removed from office last month as part of a "foreign conspiracy."

The letter by Alvi, a longtime Khan ally, brings deep political divisions to the fore and is seen as a direct challenge to Sharif, formerly an opposition leader, whom Khan has variously accused as being part of a foreign conspiracy orchestrated by the United States through local politicians, including Sharif. 

On Monday, Alvi had said he "strongly" rejected Sharif's recommendation to remove Khan ally Omar Sarfaraz Cheema from the post of governor Punjab, unleashing a debate on the constitutional question of whether the governor could be removed without the president's approval.

Cheema, a member of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party since 1996, was appointed governor Punjab last month amid a no-confidence motion filed against Khan in parliament, which saw many of his allies, including then governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, jumping ship and joining the opposition. Khan was subsequently ousted from office in the no-trust vote and Sharif appointed the new PM by parliament. Khan blames the “regime change” on the US, which has denied the charge.

“[Alvi] was sending his letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan as well as to the Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan, with the request that the latter may constitute an empowered Judicial Commission to conduct open hearings in this regard [regime change conspiracy],” Alvi’s office said on Twitter.

Alvi’s post came as Cheema on Tuesday refused to accept a government notification removing him as governor of the province of Punjab, saying it was unconstitutional and had also been rejected by the president of Pakistan.

A governor in Pakistan is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and can serve for a tenure that lasts up to five years.

“Despite the President's rejection of the summary in view of the extraordinary circumstances, the Cabinet Division issued an unconstitutional notification which I reject,” Cheema said on Twitter. “Consultations with constitutional experts are underway. I will announce the next course of action soon.”

In a notification by the cabinet division dated May 10, the government said Cheema “ceases to hold the office of the Governor of the Punjab, with immediate effect,” adding that the speaker of the Punjab provincial assembly would perform the functions of governor until a permanent appointment was made.

Presenting the opinion of the federal government, interior minister Rana Sanaullah said the president was bound to follow the prime minister's advice on the issue, adding that Alvi's office did not have any "inherent" or "residual" powers according to a Supreme Court ruling.

On Monday, Alvi tweeted: “President Dr. Arif Alvi strongly rejects Prime Minister’s advice to remove Governor Punjab. The President has conveyed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan that Governor Punjab cannot be removed without his approval.”

The president said Cheema could not be removed since there was neither an allegation of misconduct against him, nor had he committed any act contrary to the constitution.

Cheema earlier this month also refused to administer oath to new Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, who belongs to PTI's rival Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, despite a ruling issued by the Lahore High Court. His presence in the office of governor also stalled the process of provincial cabinet formation since there were concerns he would also stall the oath-taking process of provincial ministers.


CM Gandapur to lead Peshawar rally as Imran Khan’s party finalizes Aug. 5 protest plans

Updated 4 sec ago
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CM Gandapur to lead Peshawar rally as Imran Khan’s party finalizes Aug. 5 protest plans

  • The federal, Punjab governments have repeatedly warned in recent weeks they would not tolerate any form of violence in protests
  • Political analysts voice doubts about the ability of Khan’s party to stage effective protest, citing ‘internal fragmentation, leadership crisis’

ISLAMABAD: Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party said on Tuesday that it has finalized all preparations for a “strong and large” protest on Aug. 5, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur set to lead the main rally in Peshawar.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced a 90-day “do or die” protest movement on July 13, saying it would peak on August 5, the second anniversary of Khan’s arrest.

The PTI has staged several protests in recent years to secure Khan’s release and demand an audit of the February 2024 general election, with a number of demonstrations resulting in clashes with law enforcers and in some cases paralyzing the capital Islamabad for days.

Pakistan’s election authorities deny the allegation of election irregularities, while the federal and Punjab governments have repeatedly warned in recent weeks that they would not tolerate any form of violence, accusing the PTI of trying to derail efforts for sustainable economic growth.

“We have completed our preparations and instructions have been issued to all district-level leaders to mobilize the public,” CM Gandapur told media on Tuesday, adding the party would move forward with its protest plan.

“I will lead a historic and the largest rally in Peshawar and other districts in the province will also arrange their rallies.”

Arab News reached out to the information and interior ministries in Islamabad and Punjab for comments on the government’s strategy to respond to the protest call but did not receive a response by the time of filing of this story.

Speaking to Arab News, Syed Zulifkar Bukhari, a close Khan aide, lamented arrests of supporters and disqualification of PTI lawmakers ahead of the protest, criticizing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

“The ECP has been biased toward the PTI since the times when polls were conducted and well before too. Disqualification [of lawmakers] on the basis of false charges and politically motivated cases will cause more unrest in the country, in an already highly volatile situation.”

Pakistan’s election regulator this week disqualified PTI Senator Ijaz Chaudhry, Member of National Assembly Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, and Member of Punjab Provincial Assembly Ahmad Khan following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court in cases relating to May 9, 2023 protests, when hundreds of Khan supporters attacked government and military installations over the ex-premier’s brief arrest on graft charges.

Khan’s party termed the ECP’s decision “biased,” saying its lawmakers were not even issued notices before disqualification. In a statement, the ECP rejected the allegations of biasness, saying the three lawmakers had been convicted by the anti-terrorism court and their sentences were still in effect.

Bukhari expressed hopes that a large number of people would respond to their call for protest on Aug. 5.

“We are hopeful this time not only a large gathering from across the country will stage the protest to record their concern over illegal incarceration of former prime minister Khan and [his wife] Bushra Bibi, but also that the cornered quarters will heed to the solidarity at display,” he said.

But analysts were skeptical of an impressive show of political strength by Khan’s party, amid “internal fragmentation.”

“I still hope that sanity will prevail and PTI will call off the protest on August 5,” Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Islamabad-based think tank Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), told Arab News.

“It may not be a very impressive show for a variety of reasons and the process of fragmentation in the party may be hastened if it is not a huge affair.”

Reports of rifts within the PTI emerged after CM Gandapur announced the 90-day protest drive against the government on July 13. The protest call appeared to contradict an earlier call for a nationwide protest posted on Khan’s official X account, set to culminate on August 5.

Speculation about differences within the party further grew after PTI Punjab’s chief organizer Aliya Hamza Malik voiced concerns on X about a lack of clarity around the protest campaign, questioning the origins of the 90-day plan and seeking details on the party’s strategy to secure Khan’s release.

Dr. Huma Baqai, another political commentator, said a possible government crackdown would deter mass mobilization and affect public participation in the protest.

“The PTI is too fragmented and facing a leadership crisis, yet it still evokes insecurities within the sitting government and perhaps even the establishment, leading to numerous arrests that are likely to have an impact,” she told Arab News.

“Interestingly, Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a rally for Palestine and Kashmir on the same day, a move seen as aimed at creating both confusion and diffusion.”


Pakistan PM offers condolences to China over deadly floods and landslides

Updated 29 July 2025
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Pakistan PM offers condolences to China over deadly floods and landslides

  • At least 30 people have been killed as torrential rains triggered devastation across northern China
  • Sharif says Pakistan has been facing similar challenges and stands in solidarity with Chinese people

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep condolences to China on Tuesday following a wave of deadly floods and landslides that have killed dozens and displaced thousands across northern regions of the country, including Beijing and Hebei province.

The message came as torrential rains overwhelmed parts of northern China, dumping record volumes of water, triggering landslides and forcing mass evacuations.

At least 30 people have been killed, according to Chinese state media, with more fatalities feared as rescue operations continue.

Beijing and surrounding provinces have witnessed some of their worst flooding in years, with entire villages cut off and widespread infrastructure damage reported.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and displacement caused by the recent torrential rains and landslides in China,” Sharif said in a statement posted on social media. “On behalf of the people of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected.”

Sharif noted that Pakistan itself has suffered from extreme weather in recent years and understood the hardship faced by Chinese communities.

“We fully understand and empathize with the hardship that our Chinese brothers and sisters are enduring,” he added. “We are confident that the resilience and unity of the Chinese people, under the resolute leadership of President Xi Jinping, will see them through this difficult time.”

Sharif said the people of Pakistan stood in solidarity with the people of China, adding they were “bound together through thick and thin, in the spirit of iron clad brotherhood.”

China and Pakistan share a longstanding strategic partnership, with close cooperation in defense, infrastructure, and economic development.

Beijing has invested tens of billions of dollars in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance regional connectivity.


Pakistan launches digital payment services at train stations in modernization push

Updated 29 July 2025
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Pakistan launches digital payment services at train stations in modernization push

  • ATM machines, POS systems will be installed at 348 train stations nationwide, minister says
  • These systems will modernize ticketing, simplify payments and improve financial transparency

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday announced the launch of digital payment services at several train stations across the country, marking a significant milestone in the department's modernization efforts.

The announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan Railways and Allied Bank Limited in June to launch Point of Sale (POS) systems at 348 railway stations across the country.

The installation of POS systems aims to modernize ticketing, simplify payment procedures and improve financial transparency within the railways department, according to Abbasi.

"POS machines have started their work at some stations," he told reporters at the ceremony in Lahore. "God willing, we will be installing ATM machines and POS systems in 348 stations."

Train passengers will now be able to purchase tickets and access other railway services using debit and credit cards, according to the minister.

The POS systems are expected to enable faster and more efficient transactions, eliminating long queues and manual procedures. The initiative will also help Pakistan Railways boost revenue while curbing financial fraud, theft and accounting errors.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as the chief guest and praised the efforts of both the current and former management of the railways department.

In 2024, Pakistan Railways achieved a 40% revenue increase to Rs88 billion, according to Pakistani state media. The department added 229 new wagons, introduced 10 new trains, and enhanced passenger services with increased coach capacity and premium lounge dining cars.

Alongside the latest initiative, Abbasi said, the department would also ensure improved inspection and stronger staff presence.

 

 


Pakistan moves to draft first esports policy with UK and Commonwealth support

Updated 29 July 2025
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Pakistan moves to draft first esports policy with UK and Commonwealth support

  • IT minister says Pakistan has strong gaming talent but faces bottlenecks in commercialization and global market access
  • Government aims to support esports through training, youth-led funding and assistance in bringing local games to market

KARACHI: Pakistan is taking initial steps toward developing its first national esports policy and has sought support from the British Esports Federation and Commonwealth Secretariat to help shape the effort, the country’s IT minister said on Tuesday.

The remarks came after a meeting between Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and representatives from the British Esports Federation and Commonwealth Secretariat. The collaboration aims to guide the policy’s development and support the formation of a national esports federation.

“We have immense young talent [but] commercialization is the bottleneck,” Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said during the meeting, according to an official statement released later. “We seek your support to help Pakistani developers reach international markets.”

While Pakistan has a growing number of young game developers, some already publishing on platforms like SEGA and Nintendo, most lack access to funding, publishing infrastructure or export pathways.

The statement said the development of a national policy is aimed at formally recognizing esports as an economic sector and unlocking its potential as a structured platform for youth-driven innovation and employment.

The policy under development includes a strategy focused on training in game-tech, youth-led funding schemes and support for bringing locally developed games to market.

Officials said the policy will be shaped using international best practices and aligned with Pakistan’s wider goals for youth engagement and digital innovation.

Pakistan considers IT a priority sector in its broader economic strategy, hoping to boost digital exports, reduce youth unemployment and build global partnerships in creative tech.

The inclusion of esports in this agenda reflects a shift toward recognizing digital entertainment as a viable economic contributor.


Pakistan’s crackdown on black market dollar trade pushes deals online

Updated 29 July 2025
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Pakistan’s crackdown on black market dollar trade pushes deals online

  • Many unlicensed exchange shops have been shut since July 22, when the military spy agency summoned representatives to explain dollar surge
  • Since the crackdown began, the Pakistani rupee has rebounded and firmed from Rs288.6 per dollar on July 19 to about Rs286 in recent sessions

KARACHI/PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s crackdown on black market dollar trading has strengthened the rupee, but traders say under-the-counter deals have swiftly shifted to smartphones and home deliveries instead.

Many unlicensed exchange shops have been shut since July 22, when the military spy agency summoned representatives of the sector to explain the US dollar’s rising cost in the open market. Soon after, raids were carried out by the Federal Investigation Agency, which tackles financial crime and smuggling.

Since the crackdown began, the rupee has rebounded from a sharp fall against the dollar earlier in July. In the open market, it firmed from 288.6 per dollar on July 19 to about 286 in recent sessions.

But traders and bankers say the trade continues, suggesting the crackdown’s effects could be short-lived.

The black market operates outside official channels and includes unlicensed dealers, personal networks, and digital peer-to-peer exchanges, with customers seeking to skip tax declarations, avoid burdensome paperwork and bypass limits on official currency purchases.

In Peshawar, a city near the Afghan border long known for black market currency deals, many shops in the historic Chowk Yadgar district remain shuttered, though some traders were still operating discreetly in back-alley booths.

“The trade didn’t stop. It just moved,” said Ahmad, a dealer whose family has been in the business for generations. “Now it’s on WhatsApp. If you know someone, the dollars come to your house.”

“The big players have shifted to safer locations and kept going,” said another trader, Gul. Both traders asked not to give their full names.

Even retail buyers are bypassing the formal foreign exchange market. Hassan, a manager at a multinational firm in Karachi, said stricter documentation drove him to an informal forex chat.

“Everyone there is a buyer or seller. No middleman, no commission. Sometimes it’s physical cash, sometimes bank transfers, sometimes crypto,” he said.
STRICTER FX DISCIPLINE

On Monday, Pakistan’s central bank called in bank treasury heads to address pressure on the rupee. Two bankers said they were told to stop buying dollars from exchange companies at above-official rates on the grounds it was skewing the market.

Banks were asked to rely on their own inflows from exports and remittances, but both sources have slowed. Exporters are delaying bringing money home, betting the rupee will weaken. Remittances are also tapering off as banks reduce incentives once offered to attract overseas inflows.

Authorities also pressed banks to keep the gap between the interbank rate and the open market rate narrow, a condition of Pakistan’s $7 billion IMF deal meant to discourage speculation.

“These meetings have been happening for years, but this one was more pointed,” one banker said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The central bank is expected to cut rates on Wednesday, easing inflation but risking pressure on the rupee.​