This text is a transcribed conversation, possibly a podcast or radio interview, between two individuals. One speaker expresses strong opinions about Pakistani politics and the judiciary, alleging judicial misconduct and political bias. The conversation touches upon various topics, including recent political events, the performance of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the implications of the PICA Act on media. The speaker also discusses the treatment of political prisoners and the potential for further political upheaval. Finally, the conversation concludes with personal reflections and hopes for Pakistan’s future.

Study Guide: Analysis of “Pasted Text”

Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each, based on the provided text.

1. What is the speaker’s initial emotional state after the “second letter,” and what does he predict?
2. According to the speaker, how has the parliament of Pakistan impacted the judiciary?
3. What does the speaker mean by “judicial politics,” and what specific action of the judiciary does he criticize?
4. What is the speaker’s opinion about judges having the right to vote, and why does he hold this opinion?
5. What specific event at a PTI minister’s house is mentioned and why does the speaker think it is problematic?
6. What criticism does the speaker level at Justice Asha, and what does he imply about the motives behind her appointment to the Supreme Court?
7. How does the speaker describe the government’s one-year performance, and what was the “celebration” that occurred alongside it?
8. What contrast does the speaker draw between past PTI protests and the recent gatherings he observed?
9. According to the speaker, what shortcomings exist with the PTI’s governance in KP regarding healthcare and education?
10. What does the speaker say regarding the lack of support for those jailed in connection to the May 9th events, and how does he feel about this?

Answer Key

1. The speaker is not feeling good and believes that the “downfall” of three or four judges has begun. He also says that he feels like some judges will soon be eating plain roti, like he is, which suggests a future of hardship.
2. The speaker feels that the parliament, with its law-making power, has taught the “political judiciary” a lesson and defeated judicial activism, asserting that it has gained the upper hand.
3. “Judicial politics” is when the judiciary tries to influence or write the political script of Pakistan. The speaker criticizes a section of the judiciary that attempted to politically manipulate the system and then tried to start their political careers after being defeated.
4. The speaker does not believe judges should have the right to vote because they should not have any political opinions that could affect their decisions; their role should be politically neutral.
5. The speaker mentions an incident where all the judges and the registrar were gathered at a PTI minister’s house. He considers this problematic because it suggests that the judiciary was in the “pocket” of PTI and was celebrating the win with them.
6. The speaker claims Justice Asha was brought to the Supreme Court out of turn because she was a supporter of PTI, meaning her appointment was based on political alignment, not merit, and to “pack the courts.”
7. The speaker mentions that the government presented a positive view of its one-year performance, highlighting economic improvements. On the other hand, a political group celebrated and did not have any public protests, suggesting the government was in control.
8. The speaker notes that past PTI protests were marked by containers and roadblocks. However, the recent gatherings saw no such obstacles, suggesting the recent events were “their own fight.”
9. The speaker says that PTI has not built any hospitals or universities in KP where people from Punjab or Sindh want to seek treatment or education, despite being in power for 13 years, questioning their accomplishments.
10. The speaker feels it’s sad that the party of those jailed for the May 9th events aren’t fighting their case, nor taking their names, and that people are not even aware who is inside or has been released. He describes those jailed as anonymous soldiers.

Essay Questions

Instructions: Develop a well-structured essay for each of the following questions using the provided source material.

1. Analyze the speaker’s critique of the judiciary. What specific instances does he cite to support his argument that judicial activism and “political judiciary” are detrimental to Pakistan?
2. Explore the speaker’s perspective on the PTI’s governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). How does he use the lack of quality healthcare and education to undermine the party’s achievements?
3. Discuss the role of media and public perception as portrayed by the speaker. How does the speaker describe the relationship between politicians, media outlets, and the public in Pakistan?
4. The speaker presents multiple examples of individuals (judges, politicians, journalists) who are either praised or criticized. What criteria does he seem to be using for his judgments, and what does this reveal about his values and perspectives?
5. Evaluate the speaker’s views on the relationship between political power, the judiciary, and public opinion. How does he position the role of each within the context of Pakistani politics?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Judicial Activism: A judicial philosophy that goes beyond interpreting the law and tends to use the power of the judiciary to effect policy change or correct societal wrongs.
• Political Judiciary: A term used by the speaker to describe a judiciary that he sees as being influenced by or acting on political considerations rather than upholding the law impartially.
• PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf): A major political party in Pakistan, formerly led by Imran Khan, that has been in power at various times, and is subject to criticism and commentary in the provided text.
• PICA Act (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act): A controversial law in Pakistan designed to regulate online content, but is also viewed as a means of government control over free speech and journalism.
• Yamasaya: Likely refers to a celebratory event, which the speaker contrasts with the government’s one-year performance presentation.
• Chief Justice: The head of a country’s judicial system; in this context, the speaker discusses the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court.
• Patwari: A term used in South Asia for a land record officer, and here likely refers to people in public service, sometimes with negative connotations.
• Vakalatnama: A legal document authorizing a lawyer to represent a client in court.
• Kotak Kel: This term is used in the context of preventing containers from being placed on the roads.
• Baniyas: An ethnic group associated with business; in this text, it implies that this group is interested in making money more than public service.

Pakistani Politics, Judiciary, and Media: A Critical Analysis

Okay, here’s a detailed briefing document based on the provided text, covering the main themes, important ideas, and including relevant quotes:

Briefing Document: Analysis of “Pasted Text”

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Analysis of a Spoken Commentary on Pakistani Politics, Judiciary, and Media

Overview: This document analyzes a lengthy spoken commentary, likely from a recorded conversation or a broadcast, offering insights into Pakistani politics, the judiciary, media landscape, and social issues. The speaker expresses strong opinions and critiques various actors, including judges, politicians, journalists, and the current government. The tone is conversational, often anecdotal, and sometimes impassioned.

Main Themes:

1. Judicial Activism and Political Interference:

• The speaker is highly critical of what he perceives as “political judiciary” and its attempt to “write the political script of Pakistan.” He believes the judiciary has overstepped its boundaries and is engaging in political activism.
• He specifically points to a group of judges, potentially led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who he feels were attempting to become “the real rulers of Pakistan.”
• He claims that this section of the judiciary, after being “defeated” by Parliament, is now trying to start their own political careers.
• Quote: “That section of the judiciary which was trying to write the political script of Pakistan has been defeated and after being defeated, they are trying to start their political career.”
• The speaker argues that judges should not have any political opinions that influence their decisions, and even suggests they should not have the right to vote.
• He cites the example of a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court whose son-in-law was a minister of PTI, alleging that the judiciary was perceived as being “in the pocket of PTI” due to this connection.
• Quote: “…there has not been such a Chief Justice of Lahore High Court whose son-in-law was a minister of PTI and all the judges were gathered at his house…the judiciary was in the pocket of PTI…”

1. Parliamentary Supremacy & Defeat of Judicial Activism:

• The speaker emphasizes that the “Parliament of Pakistan has had the upper hand” and has “defeated judicial activism” through its “parliamentary power and law-making power”. This signals a shift in the power dynamic between the judiciary and the parliament, a major victory for parliament according to the speaker.
• Quote: “for the first time, the Parliament of Pakistan has had the upper hand, that the Parliament has defeated judicial activism and the Parliament of Pakistan has defeated the political judiciary with its parliamentary power and law-making power.”

1. Criticism of Judges and their Appointments:

• The speaker questions the merit-based appointment of judges, particularly focusing on Justice Asha, whom he claims was brought into the Supreme Court “out of turn” because she was a supporter of Imran Khan.
• He argues that the courts were being “packed” with judges loyal to Imran Khan’s PTI, and that current changes are a reversal of this process.
• Quote: “Justice Asha also came to the Supreme Court as a result of that coat packing in a junior capacity because her thinking was pro-PTI…”
• He strongly suggests some judges are acting out of personal and political agendas rather than based on merit.

1. Critique of PTI Governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):

• The speaker is highly critical of PTI’s performance in KP, where they have been in power for 13 years. He questions their development claims, asking for evidence of a hospital or university that draws patients or students from other provinces like Punjab or Sindh.
• He believes the PTI leadership has acted in a “Baniya” way, primarily focused on personal gain and money.
• Quote: “tell me about a hospital in which people of Punjab or Sindh want to get treatment…there is not even a single hospital in 13 years There is neither a university nor a road, they are Baniyas…”
• He accuses “people like you” of teaching them such corrupt behaviors.
• Analysis of Current Government’s Performance & Celebrations:The speaker discusses the government’s first-year performance, noting its claims of reducing interest rates, inflation, and increasing stock market values.
• He contrasts this with a celebration of the government’s one year of service. He specifically mentions the lack of roadblocks and containers on the streets during the celebrations, contrasting it with the way PTI handled their political gatherings.
• Quote: “Yesterday was a day when on one side a government was telling its one year performance, on the other side a political group…Yesterday in Yamuna, no road was blocked, did you see any container placed in the whole of Pakistan?”
• Media and Freedom of Speech:He raises questions about the impact of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PICA) on freedom of expression and media viability.
• He argues that many news channels are struggling financially, not because of the PICA act alone but due to the unsustainable business model. News channels that do not have entertainment and sport segments are particularly vulnerable.
• Quote: “…the viability of the houses which have news channels alone, which do not have entertainment or sports along with it, will definitely be in question because news alone is not sustainable.”
• He acknowledges the existence of “shameful” journalism on social media, but stresses that lies and deceit should be pointed out.
• He also discusses how the news channels have been sold and the involvement of businesspersons in the industry.

1. Critique of PTI Leaders and 9th May Protests:

• He is critical of PTI leaders, especially those who have been arrested in relation to the May 9th protests, and mentions that these individuals are not being supported by their own party and advocates for lawyers to take up their cases.
• He mentions several individuals by name who are suffering a sense of helplessness.
• Quote: ” I am sad that their party is not fighting their case, there is no mention of them, people don’t even remember the names, who is inside, who has come out…”
• He notes that many people who were vocal before are now anonymous, highlighting the consequences of political opposition.
• He cites the example of Imran Riaz, a PTI supporter who left Pakistan and is now running shows from abroad, leaving the PTI workers in a vulnerable position.

1. Other Issues:

• The speaker touches on issues like the deportation of Pakistanis from America, saying he’s in favour of that action and advocating for the deportation of all Afghans as well.
• He expresses frustration with the Supreme Court denying his legal rights by not responding to his letters.
• The speaker also makes personal references to some individuals, including Mian Shahbaz Sharif, suggesting he wants to meet him for a private discussion.

Key Ideas/Facts:

• There’s a strong perception that the Pakistani judiciary has been overly politicized and has attempted to exert power beyond its constitutional role.
• The Parliament has seemingly gained the upper hand over the judiciary in the current political climate.
• The appointments of some judges, particularly those seen as sympathetic to PTI, are being questioned.
• PTI’s governance in KP is seen as largely unsuccessful, with little to show in terms of public institutions that attract people from other provinces.
• The current government’s claims of economic improvement are presented positively.
• Media channels in Pakistan, specifically those without entertainment and sports wings, face financial hardships.
• PTI leaders are accused of abandoning workers arrested in relation to the May 9th protests and have become anonymous soldiers.
• The speaker’s conversation style is very informal and conversational.

Conclusion:

The provided text offers a critical and often cynical perspective on the current state of Pakistani politics, the judiciary, and the media. The speaker expresses strong views on the political motivations of various actors and highlights a perceived struggle for power between institutions. The commentary also reveals concerns about the future of governance and the impact on freedom of speech and civil liberties. The text reveals that there are deep divisions and distrust in Pakistan’s institutions.

This analysis should be helpful in understanding the nuanced arguments and concerns raised in the source text.

Pakistan’s Political Landscape: A Critical Analysis

FAQ: Key Themes and Ideas

• Q1: What is the main concern expressed about the judiciary in this text?
• A: The primary concern is that a faction within the judiciary is acting politically, attempting to “write the script of Pakistan’s politics” instead of adhering to their judicial role. There is an accusation that judges are making decisions based on their personal political views, not on the law itself. This is described as “judicial politics,” where judges are actively engaging in political maneuvering. The author believes this group of judges has been defeated in their attempt to control the political narrative.
• Q2: How does the text view the relationship between the parliament and the judiciary in Pakistan?
• A: The text argues that the Parliament of Pakistan has, for the first time, asserted its authority over the judiciary. It posits that the Parliament has defeated “judicial activism” and “political judiciary” through its parliamentary and law-making power. The author views this as a positive development, suggesting that the judiciary should not attempt to dictate political outcomes. The parliament is portrayed as having the upper hand.
• Q3: What are the criticisms made about specific judicial appointments?
• A: The text criticizes the appointment of certain judges, particularly Justice Asha, to the Supreme Court. The claim is that she, along with other junior judges, were brought in to pack the court with supporters of a particular political viewpoint (pro-PTI). This is described as “coat packing” and an attempt to fill the court with people who would align with a political agenda, which is now being undone. The text suggests that these appointments were not based on merit but on perceived political alignment.
• Q4: How does the author characterize the performance of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)?
• A: The author is highly critical of the PTI government in KP. They ask rhetorically, if in 13 years, the PTI managed to build a hospital where people from Punjab or Sindh would seek treatment. The same criticism is applied to schools and universities. The author asserts that the KP government did not establish a single good hospital and university where people from other provinces would seek to use their facilities. The text suggests that the government prioritized money-making activities over providing essential services, labeling them as “Baniyas”.
• Q5: What is the author’s opinion on the PTI’s protests and public gatherings?
• A: The author contrasts the PTI’s protests of the past, which they claim involved the use of containers and road blockages, with a recent gathering by a political group. They suggest that this newer gathering, while having internal conflicts, was significantly less disruptive, without containers or a large public presence. This implies a decline in the PTI’s ability to mobilize large-scale protests. There is a suggestion that the recent events are a sign of the PTI losing influence.
• Q6: What is said about the media and the PICA Act in this text?
• A: The author acknowledges that the PICA Act has impacted media, but argues that certain channels that are facing financial difficulties were already struggling before the law came into effect. They contend that the news sector itself is not viable for news channels alone, without sports and entertainment, within the existing advertisement industry. The text also alludes to a time when journalists could make false claims and that a new accountability is in place due to the PICA act.
• Q7: What are the concerns expressed regarding the legal representation of individuals arrested in connection with the 9th May events?
• A: The text expresses sadness and concern that many of those arrested in connection with the events of 9th May are not receiving adequate legal support from their own party. It is stated that many of these individuals are known to the author and that they are good people. It laments that no one seems to care about or remember them, their party and lawyers are not making any effort to secure their legal rights or even meet with them. Prominent lawyers that are usually involved in this are no where to be found.
• Q8: What is the author’s general tone and perspective on current events in Pakistan?
• A: The author conveys a tone of strong opinion and analysis. They seem to view political events with a degree of cynicism and a focus on what they perceive as power plays. The author is critical of the PTI, the judiciary’s political involvement, and what they consider biased appointments, and media bias. They suggest that some politicians have also gotten away with actions that should be called out, and seem to believe that Pakistan is going through a difficult time. Overall, the perspective is one of concern about the direction of the country and its institutions.

Judicial Politics in Pakistan

Judicial politics, as described in the sources, involves the judiciary’s attempts to influence or interfere with the political landscape of Pakistan. The sources suggest that certain judges have overstepped their bounds by engaging in actions that are considered political, rather than focusing on their judicial duties.

Key points about judicial politics from the sources:

• Judicial Activism: The Parliament of Pakistan has reportedly defeated “judicial activism” and the “political judiciary” using its parliamentary and law-making powers. This implies that the judiciary was perceived to be overreaching its authority and involving itself in matters that are more appropriately addressed by the legislative and executive branches of government.
• Writing the Political Script: It is alleged that a section of the judiciary has tried to “write the political script of Pakistan” and has been defeated. This suggests an effort by some judges to shape political outcomes, which is seen as inappropriate for a neutral judiciary. The sources say that some judges were trying to start their political careers after being defeated in this endeavor.
• Political Bias: There are concerns that some judges have political leanings that influence their decisions. It’s noted that while a judge may have personal political opinions, those opinions should not affect their judicial decisions. For example, one judge is described as having pro-PTI leanings which led to their appointment to the Supreme Court out of turn.
• Judges’ Right to Vote: There’s a view that judges should not have the right to vote to avoid any perception of political bias. This is because judges should not have any political opinions or thinking and should not be involved in political activities.
• Judges’ Connections: The sources mentions examples of how judges and their families have close ties to political parties. For instance, a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court had a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI, and judges gathered at his house. This raises concerns that the judiciary was in the pocket of PTI.
• Court Packing: The sources alleges that junior judges who were supporters of Imran Khan were brought to the Supreme Court to pack the court with PTI supporters.
• Consequences of Politicization: According to the sources, those judges attempting to engage in political activities have been defeated and sidelined. The sources imply that such actions damage the public’s trust in the judiciary.

Overall, the sources paint a picture of a judiciary that has been, in part, actively involved in political matters, raising questions about its impartiality and adherence to its role as a neutral interpreter of the law.

PTI Governance and Judicial Influence

The sources provide some information regarding the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) government, particularly in the context of its performance and its perceived influence on the judiciary. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• PTI’s Governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): The sources question the achievements of the PTI government in KP, where it has been in power for 13 years. Specifically, the sources challenge whether PTI has improved healthcare and education in the region, asking if there is a single hospital in KP where people from Punjab or Sindh would seek treatment. Similarly, the sources ask if there is a university where students from other provinces would want to study. The sources suggest that the PTI government in KP has failed to create significant improvements in these sectors. It is alleged that they are “Baniyas,” and people like the speaker have taught them to make money.
• Judicial Appointments and Bias: The sources alleges that during the PTI government, junior judges who were supporters of Imran Khan were brought to the Supreme Court in order to pack the court with their supporters. It’s also mentioned that a judge, Justice Asha, was appointed to the Supreme Court out of turn because she was seen as pro-PTI. The sources suggest this was a deliberate attempt to influence the judiciary with PTI’s political leanings.
• PTI’s Influence on the Judiciary: The sources allege that the judiciary was perceived to be in the pocket of PTI. This perception is based on incidents such as a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court having a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI, and judges gathering at his house.
• PTI Protests: The sources contrast the PTI’s past protest tactics with recent events, noting that during PTI protests, container camps were installed, but recently there were no such roadblocks. The sources suggest that the recent lack of roadblocks indicates that it was not a PTI-led protest. The sources also mention a fight within PTI in Swabi.
• One Year Performance: The sources contrast the PTI with the current government, which has presented its one-year performance to the public. The current government has said it reduced the interest rate, brought down inflation, increased the stock exchange, and increased reserves.
• PTI Leaders: The sources mention some PTI leaders such as Sheikh Waqas Akram and Salman Akram Raja were in Swabi instead of Lahore. It also mentions that Fawad C Saab was a minister during PTI’s time in power. The sources also mention that many people associated with PTI have been jailed, and the party is not fighting their cases. It is also noted that one of Imran Khan’s supporters, Imran Riaz, went abroad.

Overall, the sources are critical of the PTI government’s performance, particularly in KP, and raise concerns about its influence on the judiciary and the justice system.

Pakistan’s Political Judiciary

The sources discuss a “political judiciary” as a key element of judicial politics, where the judiciary is perceived to be influenced by political considerations rather than strictly adhering to legal principles. Here’s a breakdown of the concept based on the provided sources:

• Definition: A political judiciary refers to a situation where judges’ decisions and actions are driven by political motivations, biases, or affiliations, rather than by an objective interpretation of the law. This is seen as a negative phenomenon, undermining the impartiality and neutrality expected of the judicial system.
• Judicial Activism as Political: The sources suggest that “judicial activism” is a manifestation of the political judiciary, where the judiciary overreaches its authority and becomes involved in matters that are more appropriately addressed by the legislative and executive branches of government. The sources suggest that the Parliament of Pakistan has defeated judicial activism.
• Writing the Political Script: The sources claim that some members of the judiciary have attempted to “write the political script of Pakistan”. This implies that they have tried to shape political outcomes and exert political influence, which is seen as an abuse of their judicial power.
• Political Bias in Decisions: The sources express concern that some judges’ political leanings influence their decisions. It is stated that while a judge may have their own political views, those views should not be reflected in their judicial decisions. One example was that Justice Asha was appointed to the Supreme Court because she was viewed as pro-PTI.
• Judges’ Connections: The sources highlight instances where judges have close ties to political parties, such as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court having a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI. These connections raise concerns about the judiciary’s impartiality and whether it is influenced by political affiliations.
• Court Packing: The sources allege that there were attempts to pack the courts with judges who were supporters of Imran Khan. This is seen as an effort to use the judiciary for political gain. The sources say that some junior judges were brought to the Supreme Court out of turn for this reason.
• Consequences: The sources indicate that judges who have engaged in political activities have been defeated and sidelined. The sources also suggest that this kind of behavior damages public trust in the judiciary.
• Judges’ Right to Vote: The sources argue that a person who becomes a judge should not have the right to vote because they should not have any opinion in politics. It is also suggested that judges should not have any political thinking.
• Failure of the Political Judiciary: The sources claim that the political judiciary has failed in its attempts to write the political script of Pakistan. They suggest that the Parliament of Pakistan has had the upper hand and defeated the political judiciary with its parliamentary power.

In summary, the sources describe a “political judiciary” as a judiciary that has been compromised by political influence, bias, and overreach, thereby undermining its credibility and role as a neutral arbiter of justice. The sources express a critical view of this politicization, highlighting its negative consequences for the judicial system and the political landscape of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s News Channels: Finance, PICA, and the Future

The sources discuss the state of news channels in Pakistan, particularly in relation to their financial viability and the impact of regulations like the PICA Act. Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Financial Viability: The sources suggest that the news channel industry in Pakistan is facing financial challenges. It is noted that many channels may not be sustainable on news content alone. This is particularly true for channels that do not have entertainment or sports programming. The rise of cricket as a major draw for viewership has further strained the finances of news-only channels because a large portion of advertising revenue goes to cricket programming.
• Channels for Sale: The sources mention that some news channels in Pakistan were already for sale before the PICA Act was introduced. It is stated that some channels were being sold because of the financial pressures in the industry, and that real estate people were buying channels to help their businesses. However, it is also suggested that the PICA Act may have further destabilized the industry and prompted more channels to become available for purchase. It is noted that a South African party was making offers on some of these channels.
• Impact of PICA Act: The sources suggest that the PICA Act has led to a climate where some channels are being sold. However, it’s also noted that the financial issues existed before the PICA act. The sources suggests that because of the PICA act, one cannot speak against the government. However, the sources also state that one can do as much as they want as long as one does not lie.
• Advertising Industry: The sources also note that the advertising industry in Pakistan cannot support the large number of news channels.
• News vs. Entertainment/Sports: The sources explain that news channels that also have entertainment and sports divisions are more viable because these other divisions help to support the news programming. The sources imply that stand-alone news channels are not sustainable.
• Ownership Motives: The sources mention that some people buy news channels to support their real estate businesses. These owners may have a second-class status, which is improved by owning a news channel.

In summary, the sources paint a picture of a struggling news channel industry in Pakistan, facing financial pressures due to the large number of channels, the dominance of cricket in advertising revenue, and the challenge of remaining viable with only news programming. The PICA Act may have further exacerbated these challenges.

Imran Khan and the PTI: A Critical Assessment

The sources provide several points about Imran Khan and his political party, PTI, touching on his government’s performance, his supporters, and his current standing. Here’s a breakdown:

• PTI’s Governance: The sources are critical of the PTI government’s performance, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
• The sources question whether the PTI government in KP improved healthcare and education. Specifically, it asks if there is a single hospital in KP where people from other provinces would want to go for treatment or a university where students from other provinces would want to study.
• It is suggested that the PTI government in KP has failed to create significant improvements in these sectors. The sources also allege that they are “Baniyas,” and people like the speaker have taught them to make money.
• Judicial Influence: The sources allege that during Imran Khan’s government, there were attempts to pack the courts with judges who were PTI supporters. It is said that junior judges were brought to the Supreme Court out of turn because they were seen as pro-PTI. This is presented as a deliberate attempt to influence the judiciary with PTI’s political leanings. The sources also suggest that the judiciary was perceived to be in the pocket of PTI, with examples such as a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court having a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI, and judges gathering at his house.
• PTI Protests: The sources contrast the PTI’s past protest tactics with recent events. It is noted that during PTI protests, container camps were installed, but recently there were no such roadblocks. This suggests the recent lack of roadblocks indicates that it was not a PTI-led protest. The sources also mention a fight within PTI in Swabi.
• Imran Khan’s Supporters: The sources mention that many people associated with PTI have been jailed, and the party is not fighting their cases. It is noted that many of these people are not being visited, and even lawyers are not willing to take their cases. One of Imran Khan’s supporters, Imran Riaz, went abroad.
• Criticism of PTI Leadership: The sources are critical of the PTI leadership. For example, the sources note that Fawad C Saab was a minister during PTI’s time in power. It also mentions that some PTI leaders were in Swabi instead of Lahore during recent events.
• Imran Khan’s narrative: The sources mention that Imran Riaz used to say that he would never leave Pakistan and that freedom would be taken by force. However, he is now abroad.
• Current Political Standing: The sources mention that some of Imran Khan’s supporters have become “anonymous soldiers”, suggesting a decline in their prominence or influence. The sources also state that Adal Raja, who is associated with Imran Khan, was left alone and became a “complete dog”. The sources also mention that Salman Ahmed Salman has been expelled.
• Imran Khan’s supporters in the Judiciary: The sources note that Justice Asha came to the Supreme Court out of turn because she was a supporter of Imran Khan.

Overall, the sources present a critical view of Imran Khan and his party. They question the performance of his government, particularly in KP, and raise concerns about his influence on the judiciary and the justice system. The sources also highlight a decline in the prominence of some of his supporters and a lack of support for those who have been jailed.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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The Dynamics of Political Alliances in Pakistan

The formation of political alliances in Pakistan is a complex and often unpredictable process, shaped by the interplay of personal ambitions, ideological differences, and strategic calculations. The text highlights the potential for a grand opposition alliance involving key political figures such as Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Imran Khan, and others. Such alliances are often driven by the need to consolidate power and challenge the ruling government. However, the success of these alliances is far from guaranteed, as they are frequently plagued by internal disagreements and competing interests. For instance, the idea of Maulana Fazlur Rehman leading a grand opposition alliance raises questions about his ability to unify disparate groups under a single banner. His leadership style, which is rooted in religious and conservative politics, may not resonate with all factions within the opposition, particularly those aligned with Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This tension underscores the broader challenge of creating a cohesive opposition front in a politically fragmented landscape.

Moreover, the text suggests that the success of any grand opposition alliance hinges on the willingness of its members to compromise and work together. However, historical precedents indicate that such alliances often struggle to maintain unity, as individual leaders prioritize their own agendas over collective goals. For example, the prospect of Maulana Fazlur Rehman working under the leadership of PTI’s Asad Qaiser appears unlikely, given the deep-seated mistrust between the two parties. This lack of trust is emblematic of the broader challenges facing opposition politics in Pakistan, where personal rivalries and ideological differences frequently undermine efforts to build a united front. Ultimately, the formation of a grand opposition alliance may be more symbolic than substantive, serving as a temporary rallying point rather than a durable political force.

The Role of Leadership in Shaping Political Movements

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of political movements, and the text underscores the centrality of figures like Imran Khan and Maulana Fazlur Rehman in determining the future of opposition politics in Pakistan. Imran Khan, despite being incarcerated, remains a dominant force within PTI, and his ability to influence the party’s direction from behind bars is a testament to his enduring popularity and political acumen. However, his leadership style, characterized by a tendency to take abrupt U-turns, has also created challenges for PTI, as it undermines the party’s credibility and cohesion. The text highlights the difficulty of predicting Imran Khan’s next move, which adds an element of uncertainty to the political landscape. This unpredictability not only affects PTI’s internal dynamics but also complicates its relationships with potential allies, such as Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F).

On the other hand, Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s leadership is rooted in his ability to mobilize religious and conservative constituencies, particularly in rural areas. His influence extends beyond his party, making him a key player in any opposition alliance. However, his leadership is not without its limitations. The text suggests that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s workers lack the courage to endure the physical and political challenges that come with street protests, which raises questions about his ability to sustain a mass movement. Additionally, his willingness to collaborate with PTI is contingent on his ability to secure a prominent role within the opposition, which may not align with Imran Khan’s vision for the alliance. This tension between the two leaders highlights the broader challenge of reconciling different leadership styles and political objectives within a unified opposition movement.

The Impact of Political Realignments on Governance

Political realignments, such as the formation of a grand opposition alliance, have significant implications for governance and policy-making in Pakistan. The text suggests that such an alliance could exert pressure on the government both inside and outside parliament, potentially disrupting its legislative agenda and undermining its authority. However, the effectiveness of this pressure depends on the alliance’s ability to maintain unity and focus on shared objectives. Historically, opposition alliances in Pakistan have struggled to sustain their momentum, often fracturing under the weight of internal disagreements and external pressures. This raises questions about the long-term viability of any grand opposition alliance and its ability to influence the political landscape in a meaningful way.

Furthermore, the text highlights the potential for political realignments to create new challenges for the government, particularly in terms of managing dissent and maintaining stability. For instance, the prospect of Maulana Fazlur Rehman leading street protests could escalate tensions and lead to confrontations with law enforcement, further destabilizing the political environment. At the same time, the government’s ability to navigate these challenges will depend on its capacity to engage with the opposition and address its grievances. The text suggests that the government may be willing to negotiate with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, recognizing his influence and the potential risks of alienating him. However, any deal between the government and the opposition is likely to be fraught with difficulties, as it would require both sides to make significant concessions. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance of power in Pakistani politics and the challenges of achieving sustainable governance in a deeply polarized environment.

The Future of Opposition Politics in Pakistan

The future of opposition politics in Pakistan is uncertain, shaped by a range of factors including leadership dynamics, political realignments, and the broader socio-political context. The text suggests that the success of any opposition movement will depend on its ability to overcome internal divisions and present a coherent alternative to the ruling government. However, achieving this unity is easier said than done, as opposition parties often have divergent interests and priorities. For example, PTI’s focus on anti-corruption and governance reform may not align with Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s emphasis on religious and conservative values. This ideological divide complicates efforts to build a unified opposition front and raises questions about the movement’s ability to attract broad-based support.

Moreover, the text highlights the role of external factors, such as the establishment’s influence, in shaping the trajectory of opposition politics. The establishment’s perceived support for certain political actors and parties can tilt the balance of power in favor of the ruling government, making it difficult for the opposition to gain traction. At the same time, the opposition’s ability to mobilize public support and sustain its momentum will depend on its capacity to address the concerns of ordinary citizens, particularly in the face of economic challenges and social unrest. The text suggests that the opposition’s focus on street protests and rallies may not be enough to achieve its objectives, as it needs to also engage in meaningful political activities within parliament and other institutions. This dual approach, combining grassroots mobilization with institutional engagement, could enhance the opposition’s effectiveness and increase its chances of success in the long run.

In conclusion, the text provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of opposition politics in Pakistan, highlighting the challenges of building a grand alliance, the role of leadership in shaping political movements, and the impact of political realignments on governance. While the formation of a grand opposition alliance holds the potential to challenge the ruling government, its success will depend on the ability of its members to overcome internal divisions and present a unified front. At the same time, the future of opposition politics will be shaped by a range of factors, including leadership dynamics, ideological differences, and the broader socio-political context. Ultimately, the ability of the opposition to navigate these challenges and sustain its momentum will determine its impact on Pakistan’s political landscape.

The Original Text

Assalam waaleikum you are watching Mub Lukman channel my name is Mush Lukman it is Sunday 16th February around 11:1 in the morning and Muzammil Sor Wardi sahab after having breakfast in the morning has now sat down with us on Sundays he has a very Ibat type of breakfast it is Siri, Nihari etc. today I came to know that he has also eaten liver etc. so Muzammil sahab is already eating liver of PTI now tell me what is happening apart from this if PTI and Maulana and all these grand alliances are formed and Maulana Fazlul Rehman becomes its opposition leader then this will not be PDM this will be something else see if you want to make a grand opposition alliance then will that Maulana Fazlul Rehman not work under Barrister Gauhar his own party does not work under Gauhar then Umar will work under you then Umar you Under the leadership of Khyber PTI man Asad Qaiser will become the leader of Maulana Fazlul Rehman Asad Qaiser cannot be trusted then who will tell everyone, so you tell me the Grand Maulana will have to be the Leader of the Opposition, now the Grand Opposition Alliance will be only for getting beaten on the streets or will it be in the parliament also, will it be everywhere, in the Senate as well as in the parliament, there will be Maulanas on the streets and in the parliament it will be like this, it will not be like this only, what will be good in the parliament, okay tell me then what shape is going to be formed in future, then Maulana Fazlul Rehman will have to be made the Quaid-e-Law of PTI, then you understand what I am saying, Maulana Fazl Rehman if he is the head of the Grand Opposition Lions then he is also the head of the Grand Opposition Lines in the parliament, he is the Quaid-e-Ilaaf and is the Leader of the Opposition, he will be the Leader of the Opposition, then he will be the opposition whether it is on the street or in the parliament, this is what you want Khan Saab Ayala is thinking while sitting in jail that Maulana will agree to work for his party’s votes, firstly he will sit with Gandapur and with the opposition in KP and will work in Markaz, then I do not understand this thing, but even if he decides that he does not want to join the KP government, then at least he will become the opposition leader in Markaz, why not, he should become, he has no problem, PTI and he both do not harm each other, it is just that PTI has tried two, three or four protests together, they should understand that they get beaten a lot, the way to escape from the beating is Maulana Fazlul Rehman, his workers do not have the courage to take the beating now, even if they come with Maulana, they will be saved, Maulana will not be beaten, even if he is beaten a lot, the container in which Maulana will be, that container will get victory, the procession which Maulana will be leading will get victory, the procession which he will be leading will get victory, he is wearing a big coat, he wants the shutters of Maulana, so in my opinion Maulana knows that PTI needs him and Maulana knows that need and in my opinion what can be the leader of the opposition. What do you think that he will be the leader of opposition only outside Umar UP’s vote bank, not in the parliament, he will be in the parliament also, so will he be everywhere in the parliament and Maulana is there but the problem is that if Maulana becomes the leader of opposition then it will be a problem for the government also because he knows that PTI people are not the opposition, they are their own oil and Maulana will keep on demanding something or the other from PTI everyday, he will also demand his wishes and will keep on taking things and then he will have a never ending list. Look at my point I think even then if the government accepts any deal then it can be done, yes I mean you understand my point, if Maulana agrees to something then what will PTI say, we do not accept Maulana, PTI will say that Hamid Raza will be our leader of the opposition. Maulana will stand on a police station, on one hand he has to keep PTI happy and on the other hand he has to keep the government happy. You did not understand my point, so I think that if Imran Khan wants to start a grand opposition alliance after Eid, then the Jamaat which he has chalked out that this grand opposition will be in the lines, you have a lot of friendship in Jamaat Islami, you tell me Hafiz Naeem and Ameer Azim and Lakat Baloj are ready to come on the PTI ticket, I think it is not a matter of being ready or not ready, this is not the case, Jamaat Islami definitely has a credit that Jamaat Islami has never tried to take in the past, they have done politics on the issue, but if PTI comes on the ticket, will it stand or not, this will be the biggest problem for the Jamaat that tomorrow it may disappear from there and now see, there are so many factions within PTI, fights are taking place with such intensity, so the PTI’s factions They don’t have the strength that they had six months ago, but they say that they don’t need these leaders, all of them are zeros, so the vote bank is the real public support, it doesn’t matter if these people come or go, the support they have is that they can come on the day of elections and cast their votes, they ca n’t hold rallies, meetings and dharnas, for that leadership is needed, yes, for that MPs are needed, government is needed and there is one more thing too, yes, I think that if you see what is the goal of PTI, march towards Islamabad or rallies in Punjab, they have no interest in rallies in KP, through Maulana they would like to hold a rally at Manar-e-Pakistan, through Maulana they would like to hold a rally in Faisalabad, putting Multan on the shoulders of Maulana and Jamaat-Islami and would like to do political activities in Punjab, for which they are not finding a way. Now will Maulana and Jamaat-Islami give this shoulder to PTI, the work which they have not been able to do for two years since 9th May? Will the Maulana’s maulana lend his shoulder to do this work? This is a very tricky situation. Interest has its place and practical has its own place. PTI, let’s assume that if there is a march towards Islamabad, then perhaps the Maulana will not support it in that way. He will not participate in toppling the government in that way. But the Grand Opposition Alliance can do a lot of political activities, like Maulana and Maryam Nawaz had done together in Punjab at one time. If the Maulana brings his children, people from the madrasa, his die hard workers, then there will be a gathering at Minar Pakistan as well. If Faisalabad, Sialkot, GT Road becomes active, then South Punjab will become active. Multan, so Imran Khan, in my opinion, wants to activate the dead Punjab under the cover of Maulana for PTI. Do you think Maulana and Jamaat Islami will do this work for PTI? See, there is a problem with PTI. Let me tell you, I will do it in just two-three days. A day before I was in Islamabad, you know my very dear friend Kashif Abbasi, I was at his house having dinner, Kashif was telling me something. He said that friend Imran’s biggest problem is that no one can turn him around. He angered everybody during his rule and when he takes a U-turn on everything and calls it his strength, then nobody can guess at what point he will take a U-turn. So, I mean I agree with him that whether it is PTI or Imran Khan, the biggest problem on them is that of turning around. Suppose you are not Muzammil Sarwar, I tell you that friend we will do the show at 11 o’clock, we will send you the link, so I know this much that more or less, if it is a serious issue, Muzammil sahab will reach at 11 o’clock, okay, he will reach after doing his Kab-e-Kube, I do n’t know about PTI, when he will come back after visiting Ayala, then that thing They say that from today this will happen, from today this will not happen, if Bani says this then it is not a party and it is running like a cult, who will decide, tell me, it is fine if something is decided between Maulana Fazal Rehman and Nawaz Sharif or if talks are decided between Maulana Fazal Rehman and Asif Zardari, they decide on each other’s words and they think that it has been decided, but if something is decided between Maulana and Imran Khan, will Maulana accept that the matter has been decided, Imran Khan himself will not agree, I should talk to Maulana because he takes a U-turn on many of his statements, he does not take a U-turn on the statements of others, so taking a U-turn on it is a matter of later, he takes a U-turn on the things he has said, then you and I are divided on whether any movement will start from April 15 under the Grand Opposition Alliance or not, I do not think that I will lend my support to PTI. I think that the Maulana will accept in one situation that I am the leader of the opposition and you will accept and make me the leader of the opposition everywhere in Palestine and it is very difficult for PTI and especially for Sahibzada Hamid Raza that the Khalin of the sect to which he belongs and with whose support he is sitting there and whom he is exposing, the Maulana comes from the Debandi sect, they have many rivals among themselves and they can say whatever they want that we respect each other, we do this but the Khalifa of the sect is in this country and they assist, so this is not an easy marriage, it will be a very tough marriage, so then do this, will you get this marriage done or not, you have done many political marriages in your life, you have been playing the role of a mediator, you should also do it, I have also done divorces like Reem and Imran, no divorce, I think this bell is not seen rising on Monday because I will tell you in the next one week you will see the way he will come in front of you. Come and this party is breaking down very fast and falling prey to it. And to build a new building on the crumbling walls is a very foolish thing. Look, I want to ask you to see another side of it. He expelled Muzam, he says Khan ‘s not good. No, listen to me. He expelled Riya Patina, he will say I am Khan’s soldier. Or he should expel Gumman, he will say I am Khan’s soldier. He should expel Zarqa Sarv, he will say I am Khan’s soldier. He has no future without me because people have seen that Asad Umar became zero. Farakh Habib became zero. Imran Ismail became zero. Zaidi became zero. I mean whoever he left, neither Aleem Khan nor Chaudhary’s Sabi became zero. If anyone survived, then Faisal Wada is also not zero. He was the same before as well. He had the same status, he still has the same status, Faisal Wada is also not zero, except for two-three people the Sharia is zero, you understand, people understand that what problem does Pravad Chaudhary have today, why does he say Khan every day, I mean Khan could not take him in his party even today, but the question is that even today he reads Khan’s tasbi, or Sher Afzal Marwat will also be read by someone in Khan’s party, Khan knows that I can hit them, humiliate them, make them dogs, they cannot go, they are dogs, then the talk of slapping them, that is why you will see that Khan enjoys all these slaps, Khan’s caste has no difference, if someone gets slapped, what problem does he have, he will enjoy it, tomorrow if four people get together and hit someone else, Khan will enjoy that as well, Khan is my slave, all are my slaves, there should be only one discipline in the party that everyone is my slave, apart from this there should be no discipline, that is fine, that discipline exists, the people who are staying in PTE despite leaving or being expelled, you should also understand one thing, that is Imran Khan It is not because of his popularity that they are afraid of PTI trolls who are sitting outside the home and start abusing people’s mother and sister. They are afraid of those people who go outside homes and start disgracing their family members by becoming a gang. Khan’s politics is rogatory politics, Khan’s politics is the politics of insolence. It is not about getting respect or giving respect at all. So they are afraid of that thing. They are afraid. No, I am not convinced with this. Actually, people do not see their political future ahead. People are not afraid of this trolling and slinging. Do you understand my point? The question is that did people understand this? Do you understand my point? So many people went to IPP, except two, they could not adjust. Yes, those who did not have a past before coming to power, they should not worry about their future because that will not happen. Those who had a past, be it Afzal Chan or anyone else. And their political doors are open for them and not closed for them and they and those who have their own community, who have their own vote bank, also do not have any issue, the issue is only for those Fasli quail who came for corruption, to eat money, entry, for corruption, entry, no, listen to me, if he had stayed with PTI, he would have been a Markaz leader even today, he would have had a role in Pakistan’s politics, I am saying that even today the establishment does not have any political road map for those who left PTI after the establishment of Pakistan, it has failed, it has failed till now, they do not have any political road map, until there is no political road map, how will people leave, Prabhalma, all those who raised slogans, whether it is Khan Abbasi, or Haleem Khan, or Jahangir Tareen, they practically buried their party only with the help of Noon League, so this is also the reason, no, your point is right, they buried it Whether it was given or not, I am saying that after 9 May, there was a fear. People left the party after 9 May. But those who left the party after 9 May became a political example. The establishment of Pakistan and the political world that was against PTI did not absorb those people in such a way that today people can leave PTI and go somewhere else. I still believe that after seeing Raja Riaz and all these people, people will say that no friend, if someone sits, then Khan should come and no one should go to anyone with an alternate political road map. Let’s move ahead and see how the whole thing unfolds in a week and then we will see after that. You tell me whether you are satisfied with the contribution of Maryam Nawaz or you still remember Usman Buzdar. Honestly, one has to give life to God. There is no need to lie. I was not a fan of Maryam Nawaz when she was made the CM. But in my opinion, some of her decisions are such that it is known that she is a very strong person. And re-strung nerves and the latest case is the encroachment drive which has been started in Punjab, I have seen it very critically, very critically because you know I am in 365 and our channel’s office is on the back side of the hospital, where the constituency is, well this entire Arun city constituency, this is Mian Nawaz Sharif’s constituency, this is his vote bank and there a very sly and very neat anti- encroachment drive is being started and I came to know from reporters etc. that it has happened in the whole of Punjab and is happening. Last night someone recommended me at some place, I said friend I never got any recommendation done in bad times, so why would I do it in good times, I don’t do it regarding encroachment, so I said have you talked to someone else, he said yes there are two ministers, we have our own from good families, they raised their hands, they said we cannot help you in this, now this is the campaign which you will remember that of Minister Naqab who had the protection of the army. All the arrangements of the establishment were under his control. He had started an anti-encroachment drive and on the fourth day his PM passed away and he sat down silently and everything was reversed. If this political group is trying to clean Punjab against its vote bank, then that is a very courageous and big step. Yesterday, you must have seen the Green Scheme, in which the top brass of the army was also present, Maryam Nawaz and other people were also there. A phrase that the Agriculture Minister of Punjab had said, that phrase is very important for me, Muzammil sahab. I will pray that Allah keeps him on the right track. He said that the land which is green in Punjab will remain green and the land which is brown will remain brown. There will be no conversion now, which means fake housing will not be built. Fake housing societies will not be built. Fake community plots will not be issued anywhere. This will be a great service to the people of Punjab. And because of these two things, he should leave all other works. So, did the ambulance come or not? Rescue One One started that they are running it, but this work is showing political will and political vision and I will fully support Maryam Nawas on both these works, anchor, it took a long time for you to come and believe in me, we had to work hard to make you believe, you are the soul of a widow, look at us, we were not on the right side of history from the beginning, you were a little misguided, Pakistan also had to pay a big price to bring you back and we also had to pay a big price, but remember one thing of mine, the right education is that when you get a chance, you should change your opinion, the same educated person, otherwise you will be Abu Jal Cha, I am very happy that your opinion has changed and now you will not be able to understand Punjab on these two things, no, there are many other good things too, I mean you should listen to me, work is really being done in Punjab and if you look at the comparative, I have been in agreement with this from the very first day that we will give a factor instead of a baniya between the government A comparative analysis should be done. You should see that when the rulers do not care about their vote bank and the vote bank on one line or the other and work for the welfare of the people, then it is really a visionary work. Secondly, I will tell you one more thing. I do not like this politics or policy of the Information Department at all. But the work that Azma Bukhari has started on the stage against the F and against the F is extremely unacceptable. Something that is not right, something that is not right for my wife, sister, how can it be right in the community? In the name of freedom of expression, I don’t know what animal’s name is freedom of expression, so you should at least oppose the Pakaal. It is fine if the Pakaal is right, I have no problem with the Pakaal. I am seeing that the Pakaal is more rich than the journalists and is actively investing money so that this movement does not end somehow because the news that is wrong on the channel and that If it persists, it is the interest of some owner, right, and he is there for his benefit. A journalist does not give fake news. A journalist can give news, he can definitely propagate hearsay, which is wrong. When we do it at night, then there was a strong survey of the camera, which was present on the print media. The issue is of digital media, when they do it at night and sleep, even your dearest friends are included in them. So, I mean that after listening to those two things, the government should definitely implement the PICA Act. There is no problem. There should be a crackdown against fake news. Here, there are two things: one is that Article 19A, which is the Right to Information, should also be implemented strictly so that no journalist gets this excuse and we do not get the information. First thing, second thing is that the politicians who make false claims while sitting in their press conferences, then the PICA Act should definitely be implemented on them as well. I am agreeing that apart from this Act, one person should be targeted. This should be for the society, it should be for everyone, everyone has to stop at the traffic red light, it is fine, otherwise there is no problem, the rest is just the interest of a few owners who are running news channels on illegal licenses or without licenses, or the camera is also not that clean, I will give you the milk, if you have the courage to listen, then there is a need to listen, maybe it is not so, this is happening in all your FM channels, you have seen, Indian songs are playing, English songs are playing, even Pakistani songs, I don’t know whether they are playing it or not and the camera has closed its eyes because their heads must have been getting hot so they have closed it, otherwise they are not blind, it has been running for how many years, so the camera should also be monitored, what are you doing, listen, it cannot be abused by Luqman, start with something, but overall I think that that day the Army Chief Sahab made a mess of everyone, you understand Nelly, I would have said that it was a very good thing, now we will move forward only, we cannot see behind, it is clear. You did it, it is a useless thing, right? Discussing it, yes, I agree. They have completely unfolded their business plan, say go and do whatever you want to do, this will not happen, this will not happen. You are expelling everyone, why are you not expelling Jan Qureshi, where is he saying that in the 26th amendment to the Constitution, all those who have violated discipline have to be expelled, so Jain is pardoned, everyone else has to be expelled, Jan is pardoned because of his sister, his father is also pardoned, there would have been other effects too, Imran, you please explain, violating discipline has always been pardoned in PTI, what new thing is this, what discipline is there in PTI, come on, tell me, under the law, there is a section in which you are given a show cause notice, you seek answers and then you expel the next one, like they expelled Salman Ahmed, and under which section it happened, it was not said, the party expelled him, friend, they say this, it is like expel the PTI leader one day, never mind, friend, our PTI people started crying by naming the party It seems that tears come out of their eyes, you have no idea, three days ago when I was in Islamabad, the acting American ambassador Natalie had invited me, there were some other people also and I specifically asked her, I specifically asked her, Narendra Modi meets President Trump, so what if you thank you, will there be a question about Imran in that or will someone give a reply to Trump, I thought she was going to laugh, but she controlled herself, she said that the diplomatic positions of countries and the communication that happens is much above your thinking, so you people please think about it, whether you asked a stupid question or please don’t talk nonsense and everyone was worried here, after arguing and on top of that Donald Trump said this, so and so, let it be their intelligence, don’t think with their intelligence, there are big problems, you get ready because now you have to go to see Jeff 17 Thunder, to see his flypast, no one invites you to the Champion Trophy opening ceremony, otherwise you can buy tickets and go. Friend you have to go free everywhere, you have PM House, can you go for free, buy a ticket and go, friend who will do the show, take the ticket and go, if one is on duty then one goes, this is also there but let’s go, I am happy with this fact, I say whoever wants to win, if this team wins, it will win, but after so many years a mega international event is being held in Pakistan, this is a great blessing of Allah, a great blessing of Allah, let’s meet you, then I tell you that now do not eat lunch, please you are becoming overweight as well, you have also done lunch in the morning and that Ganga too, I do not eat anything before logging in with you, I say I have eaten too much, then I am not able to answer your sharp questions, so you do not pray for anyone on an empty stomach, you do not do it

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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This text is a transcribed conversation, possibly a podcast or radio interview, between two individuals. One speaker expresses strong opinions about Pakistani politics and the judiciary, alleging judicial misconduct and political bias. The conversation touches upon various topics, including recent political events, the performance of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the implications of the PICA Act on media. The speaker also discusses the treatment of political prisoners and the potential for further political upheaval. Finally, the conversation concludes with personal reflections and hopes for Pakistan’s future.

Study Guide: Analysis of “Pasted Text”

Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each, based on the provided text.

1. What is the speaker’s initial emotional state after the “second letter,” and what does he predict?
2. According to the speaker, how has the parliament of Pakistan impacted the judiciary?
3. What does the speaker mean by “judicial politics,” and what specific action of the judiciary does he criticize?
4. What is the speaker’s opinion about judges having the right to vote, and why does he hold this opinion?
5. What specific event at a PTI minister’s house is mentioned and why does the speaker think it is problematic?
6. What criticism does the speaker level at Justice Asha, and what does he imply about the motives behind her appointment to the Supreme Court?
7. How does the speaker describe the government’s one-year performance, and what was the “celebration” that occurred alongside it?
8. What contrast does the speaker draw between past PTI protests and the recent gatherings he observed?
9. According to the speaker, what shortcomings exist with the PTI’s governance in KP regarding healthcare and education?
10. What does the speaker say regarding the lack of support for those jailed in connection to the May 9th events, and how does he feel about this?

Answer Key

1. The speaker is not feeling good and believes that the “downfall” of three or four judges has begun. He also says that he feels like some judges will soon be eating plain roti, like he is, which suggests a future of hardship.
2. The speaker feels that the parliament, with its law-making power, has taught the “political judiciary” a lesson and defeated judicial activism, asserting that it has gained the upper hand.
3. “Judicial politics” is when the judiciary tries to influence or write the political script of Pakistan. The speaker criticizes a section of the judiciary that attempted to politically manipulate the system and then tried to start their political careers after being defeated.
4. The speaker does not believe judges should have the right to vote because they should not have any political opinions that could affect their decisions; their role should be politically neutral.
5. The speaker mentions an incident where all the judges and the registrar were gathered at a PTI minister’s house. He considers this problematic because it suggests that the judiciary was in the “pocket” of PTI and was celebrating the win with them.
6. The speaker claims Justice Asha was brought to the Supreme Court out of turn because she was a supporter of PTI, meaning her appointment was based on political alignment, not merit, and to “pack the courts.”
7. The speaker mentions that the government presented a positive view of its one-year performance, highlighting economic improvements. On the other hand, a political group celebrated and did not have any public protests, suggesting the government was in control.
8. The speaker notes that past PTI protests were marked by containers and roadblocks. However, the recent gatherings saw no such obstacles, suggesting the recent events were “their own fight.”
9. The speaker says that PTI has not built any hospitals or universities in KP where people from Punjab or Sindh want to seek treatment or education, despite being in power for 13 years, questioning their accomplishments.
10. The speaker feels it’s sad that the party of those jailed for the May 9th events aren’t fighting their case, nor taking their names, and that people are not even aware who is inside or has been released. He describes those jailed as anonymous soldiers.

Essay Questions

Instructions: Develop a well-structured essay for each of the following questions using the provided source material.

1. Analyze the speaker’s critique of the judiciary. What specific instances does he cite to support his argument that judicial activism and “political judiciary” are detrimental to Pakistan?
2. Explore the speaker’s perspective on the PTI’s governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). How does he use the lack of quality healthcare and education to undermine the party’s achievements?
3. Discuss the role of media and public perception as portrayed by the speaker. How does the speaker describe the relationship between politicians, media outlets, and the public in Pakistan?
4. The speaker presents multiple examples of individuals (judges, politicians, journalists) who are either praised or criticized. What criteria does he seem to be using for his judgments, and what does this reveal about his values and perspectives?
5. Evaluate the speaker’s views on the relationship between political power, the judiciary, and public opinion. How does he position the role of each within the context of Pakistani politics?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Judicial Activism: A judicial philosophy that goes beyond interpreting the law and tends to use the power of the judiciary to effect policy change or correct societal wrongs.
• Political Judiciary: A term used by the speaker to describe a judiciary that he sees as being influenced by or acting on political considerations rather than upholding the law impartially.
• PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf): A major political party in Pakistan, formerly led by Imran Khan, that has been in power at various times, and is subject to criticism and commentary in the provided text.
• PICA Act (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act): A controversial law in Pakistan designed to regulate online content, but is also viewed as a means of government control over free speech and journalism.
• Yamasaya: Likely refers to a celebratory event, which the speaker contrasts with the government’s one-year performance presentation.
• Chief Justice: The head of a country’s judicial system; in this context, the speaker discusses the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court.
• Patwari: A term used in South Asia for a land record officer, and here likely refers to people in public service, sometimes with negative connotations.
• Vakalatnama: A legal document authorizing a lawyer to represent a client in court.
• Kotak Kel: This term is used in the context of preventing containers from being placed on the roads.
• Baniyas: An ethnic group associated with business; in this text, it implies that this group is interested in making money more than public service.

Pakistani Politics, Judiciary, and Media: A Critical Analysis

Okay, here’s a detailed briefing document based on the provided text, covering the main themes, important ideas, and including relevant quotes:

Briefing Document: Analysis of “Pasted Text”

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Analysis of a Spoken Commentary on Pakistani Politics, Judiciary, and Media

Overview: This document analyzes a lengthy spoken commentary, likely from a recorded conversation or a broadcast, offering insights into Pakistani politics, the judiciary, media landscape, and social issues. The speaker expresses strong opinions and critiques various actors, including judges, politicians, journalists, and the current government. The tone is conversational, often anecdotal, and sometimes impassioned.

Main Themes:

1. Judicial Activism and Political Interference:

• The speaker is highly critical of what he perceives as “political judiciary” and its attempt to “write the political script of Pakistan.” He believes the judiciary has overstepped its boundaries and is engaging in political activism.
• He specifically points to a group of judges, potentially led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who he feels were attempting to become “the real rulers of Pakistan.”
• He claims that this section of the judiciary, after being “defeated” by Parliament, is now trying to start their own political careers.
• Quote: “That section of the judiciary which was trying to write the political script of Pakistan has been defeated and after being defeated, they are trying to start their political career.”
• The speaker argues that judges should not have any political opinions that influence their decisions, and even suggests they should not have the right to vote.
• He cites the example of a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court whose son-in-law was a minister of PTI, alleging that the judiciary was perceived as being “in the pocket of PTI” due to this connection.
• Quote: “…there has not been such a Chief Justice of Lahore High Court whose son-in-law was a minister of PTI and all the judges were gathered at his house…the judiciary was in the pocket of PTI…”

1. Parliamentary Supremacy & Defeat of Judicial Activism:

• The speaker emphasizes that the “Parliament of Pakistan has had the upper hand” and has “defeated judicial activism” through its “parliamentary power and law-making power”. This signals a shift in the power dynamic between the judiciary and the parliament, a major victory for parliament according to the speaker.
• Quote: “for the first time, the Parliament of Pakistan has had the upper hand, that the Parliament has defeated judicial activism and the Parliament of Pakistan has defeated the political judiciary with its parliamentary power and law-making power.”

1. Criticism of Judges and their Appointments:

• The speaker questions the merit-based appointment of judges, particularly focusing on Justice Asha, whom he claims was brought into the Supreme Court “out of turn” because she was a supporter of Imran Khan.
• He argues that the courts were being “packed” with judges loyal to Imran Khan’s PTI, and that current changes are a reversal of this process.
• Quote: “Justice Asha also came to the Supreme Court as a result of that coat packing in a junior capacity because her thinking was pro-PTI…”
• He strongly suggests some judges are acting out of personal and political agendas rather than based on merit.

1. Critique of PTI Governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):

• The speaker is highly critical of PTI’s performance in KP, where they have been in power for 13 years. He questions their development claims, asking for evidence of a hospital or university that draws patients or students from other provinces like Punjab or Sindh.
• He believes the PTI leadership has acted in a “Baniya” way, primarily focused on personal gain and money.
• Quote: “tell me about a hospital in which people of Punjab or Sindh want to get treatment…there is not even a single hospital in 13 years There is neither a university nor a road, they are Baniyas…”
• He accuses “people like you” of teaching them such corrupt behaviors.
• Analysis of Current Government’s Performance & Celebrations:The speaker discusses the government’s first-year performance, noting its claims of reducing interest rates, inflation, and increasing stock market values.
• He contrasts this with a celebration of the government’s one year of service. He specifically mentions the lack of roadblocks and containers on the streets during the celebrations, contrasting it with the way PTI handled their political gatherings.
• Quote: “Yesterday was a day when on one side a government was telling its one year performance, on the other side a political group…Yesterday in Yamuna, no road was blocked, did you see any container placed in the whole of Pakistan?”
• Media and Freedom of Speech:He raises questions about the impact of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PICA) on freedom of expression and media viability.
• He argues that many news channels are struggling financially, not because of the PICA act alone but due to the unsustainable business model. News channels that do not have entertainment and sport segments are particularly vulnerable.
• Quote: “…the viability of the houses which have news channels alone, which do not have entertainment or sports along with it, will definitely be in question because news alone is not sustainable.”
• He acknowledges the existence of “shameful” journalism on social media, but stresses that lies and deceit should be pointed out.
• He also discusses how the news channels have been sold and the involvement of businesspersons in the industry.

1. Critique of PTI Leaders and 9th May Protests:

• He is critical of PTI leaders, especially those who have been arrested in relation to the May 9th protests, and mentions that these individuals are not being supported by their own party and advocates for lawyers to take up their cases.
• He mentions several individuals by name who are suffering a sense of helplessness.
• Quote: ” I am sad that their party is not fighting their case, there is no mention of them, people don’t even remember the names, who is inside, who has come out…”
• He notes that many people who were vocal before are now anonymous, highlighting the consequences of political opposition.
• He cites the example of Imran Riaz, a PTI supporter who left Pakistan and is now running shows from abroad, leaving the PTI workers in a vulnerable position.

1. Other Issues:

• The speaker touches on issues like the deportation of Pakistanis from America, saying he’s in favour of that action and advocating for the deportation of all Afghans as well.
• He expresses frustration with the Supreme Court denying his legal rights by not responding to his letters.
• The speaker also makes personal references to some individuals, including Mian Shahbaz Sharif, suggesting he wants to meet him for a private discussion.

Key Ideas/Facts:

• There’s a strong perception that the Pakistani judiciary has been overly politicized and has attempted to exert power beyond its constitutional role.
• The Parliament has seemingly gained the upper hand over the judiciary in the current political climate.
• The appointments of some judges, particularly those seen as sympathetic to PTI, are being questioned.
• PTI’s governance in KP is seen as largely unsuccessful, with little to show in terms of public institutions that attract people from other provinces.
• The current government’s claims of economic improvement are presented positively.
• Media channels in Pakistan, specifically those without entertainment and sports wings, face financial hardships.
• PTI leaders are accused of abandoning workers arrested in relation to the May 9th protests and have become anonymous soldiers.
• The speaker’s conversation style is very informal and conversational.

Conclusion:

The provided text offers a critical and often cynical perspective on the current state of Pakistani politics, the judiciary, and the media. The speaker expresses strong views on the political motivations of various actors and highlights a perceived struggle for power between institutions. The commentary also reveals concerns about the future of governance and the impact on freedom of speech and civil liberties. The text reveals that there are deep divisions and distrust in Pakistan’s institutions.

This analysis should be helpful in understanding the nuanced arguments and concerns raised in the source text.

Pakistan’s Political Landscape: A Critical Analysis

FAQ: Key Themes and Ideas

• Q1: What is the main concern expressed about the judiciary in this text?
• A: The primary concern is that a faction within the judiciary is acting politically, attempting to “write the script of Pakistan’s politics” instead of adhering to their judicial role. There is an accusation that judges are making decisions based on their personal political views, not on the law itself. This is described as “judicial politics,” where judges are actively engaging in political maneuvering. The author believes this group of judges has been defeated in their attempt to control the political narrative.
• Q2: How does the text view the relationship between the parliament and the judiciary in Pakistan?
• A: The text argues that the Parliament of Pakistan has, for the first time, asserted its authority over the judiciary. It posits that the Parliament has defeated “judicial activism” and “political judiciary” through its parliamentary and law-making power. The author views this as a positive development, suggesting that the judiciary should not attempt to dictate political outcomes. The parliament is portrayed as having the upper hand.
• Q3: What are the criticisms made about specific judicial appointments?
• A: The text criticizes the appointment of certain judges, particularly Justice Asha, to the Supreme Court. The claim is that she, along with other junior judges, were brought in to pack the court with supporters of a particular political viewpoint (pro-PTI). This is described as “coat packing” and an attempt to fill the court with people who would align with a political agenda, which is now being undone. The text suggests that these appointments were not based on merit but on perceived political alignment.
• Q4: How does the author characterize the performance of the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)?
• A: The author is highly critical of the PTI government in KP. They ask rhetorically, if in 13 years, the PTI managed to build a hospital where people from Punjab or Sindh would seek treatment. The same criticism is applied to schools and universities. The author asserts that the KP government did not establish a single good hospital and university where people from other provinces would seek to use their facilities. The text suggests that the government prioritized money-making activities over providing essential services, labeling them as “Baniyas”.
• Q5: What is the author’s opinion on the PTI’s protests and public gatherings?
• A: The author contrasts the PTI’s protests of the past, which they claim involved the use of containers and road blockages, with a recent gathering by a political group. They suggest that this newer gathering, while having internal conflicts, was significantly less disruptive, without containers or a large public presence. This implies a decline in the PTI’s ability to mobilize large-scale protests. There is a suggestion that the recent events are a sign of the PTI losing influence.
• Q6: What is said about the media and the PICA Act in this text?
• A: The author acknowledges that the PICA Act has impacted media, but argues that certain channels that are facing financial difficulties were already struggling before the law came into effect. They contend that the news sector itself is not viable for news channels alone, without sports and entertainment, within the existing advertisement industry. The text also alludes to a time when journalists could make false claims and that a new accountability is in place due to the PICA act.
• Q7: What are the concerns expressed regarding the legal representation of individuals arrested in connection with the 9th May events?
• A: The text expresses sadness and concern that many of those arrested in connection with the events of 9th May are not receiving adequate legal support from their own party. It is stated that many of these individuals are known to the author and that they are good people. It laments that no one seems to care about or remember them, their party and lawyers are not making any effort to secure their legal rights or even meet with them. Prominent lawyers that are usually involved in this are no where to be found.
• Q8: What is the author’s general tone and perspective on current events in Pakistan?
• A: The author conveys a tone of strong opinion and analysis. They seem to view political events with a degree of cynicism and a focus on what they perceive as power plays. The author is critical of the PTI, the judiciary’s political involvement, and what they consider biased appointments, and media bias. They suggest that some politicians have also gotten away with actions that should be called out, and seem to believe that Pakistan is going through a difficult time. Overall, the perspective is one of concern about the direction of the country and its institutions.

Judicial Politics in Pakistan

Judicial politics, as described in the sources, involves the judiciary’s attempts to influence or interfere with the political landscape of Pakistan. The sources suggest that certain judges have overstepped their bounds by engaging in actions that are considered political, rather than focusing on their judicial duties.

Key points about judicial politics from the sources:

• Judicial Activism: The Parliament of Pakistan has reportedly defeated “judicial activism” and the “political judiciary” using its parliamentary and law-making powers. This implies that the judiciary was perceived to be overreaching its authority and involving itself in matters that are more appropriately addressed by the legislative and executive branches of government.
• Writing the Political Script: It is alleged that a section of the judiciary has tried to “write the political script of Pakistan” and has been defeated. This suggests an effort by some judges to shape political outcomes, which is seen as inappropriate for a neutral judiciary. The sources say that some judges were trying to start their political careers after being defeated in this endeavor.
• Political Bias: There are concerns that some judges have political leanings that influence their decisions. It’s noted that while a judge may have personal political opinions, those opinions should not affect their judicial decisions. For example, one judge is described as having pro-PTI leanings which led to their appointment to the Supreme Court out of turn.
• Judges’ Right to Vote: There’s a view that judges should not have the right to vote to avoid any perception of political bias. This is because judges should not have any political opinions or thinking and should not be involved in political activities.
• Judges’ Connections: The sources mentions examples of how judges and their families have close ties to political parties. For instance, a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court had a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI, and judges gathered at his house. This raises concerns that the judiciary was in the pocket of PTI.
• Court Packing: The sources alleges that junior judges who were supporters of Imran Khan were brought to the Supreme Court to pack the court with PTI supporters.
• Consequences of Politicization: According to the sources, those judges attempting to engage in political activities have been defeated and sidelined. The sources imply that such actions damage the public’s trust in the judiciary.

Overall, the sources paint a picture of a judiciary that has been, in part, actively involved in political matters, raising questions about its impartiality and adherence to its role as a neutral interpreter of the law.

PTI Governance and Judicial Influence

The sources provide some information regarding the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) government, particularly in the context of its performance and its perceived influence on the judiciary. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• PTI’s Governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): The sources question the achievements of the PTI government in KP, where it has been in power for 13 years. Specifically, the sources challenge whether PTI has improved healthcare and education in the region, asking if there is a single hospital in KP where people from Punjab or Sindh would seek treatment. Similarly, the sources ask if there is a university where students from other provinces would want to study. The sources suggest that the PTI government in KP has failed to create significant improvements in these sectors. It is alleged that they are “Baniyas,” and people like the speaker have taught them to make money.
• Judicial Appointments and Bias: The sources alleges that during the PTI government, junior judges who were supporters of Imran Khan were brought to the Supreme Court in order to pack the court with their supporters. It’s also mentioned that a judge, Justice Asha, was appointed to the Supreme Court out of turn because she was seen as pro-PTI. The sources suggest this was a deliberate attempt to influence the judiciary with PTI’s political leanings.
• PTI’s Influence on the Judiciary: The sources allege that the judiciary was perceived to be in the pocket of PTI. This perception is based on incidents such as a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court having a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI, and judges gathering at his house.
• PTI Protests: The sources contrast the PTI’s past protest tactics with recent events, noting that during PTI protests, container camps were installed, but recently there were no such roadblocks. The sources suggest that the recent lack of roadblocks indicates that it was not a PTI-led protest. The sources also mention a fight within PTI in Swabi.
• One Year Performance: The sources contrast the PTI with the current government, which has presented its one-year performance to the public. The current government has said it reduced the interest rate, brought down inflation, increased the stock exchange, and increased reserves.
• PTI Leaders: The sources mention some PTI leaders such as Sheikh Waqas Akram and Salman Akram Raja were in Swabi instead of Lahore. It also mentions that Fawad C Saab was a minister during PTI’s time in power. The sources also mention that many people associated with PTI have been jailed, and the party is not fighting their cases. It is also noted that one of Imran Khan’s supporters, Imran Riaz, went abroad.

Overall, the sources are critical of the PTI government’s performance, particularly in KP, and raise concerns about its influence on the judiciary and the justice system.

Pakistan’s Political Judiciary

The sources discuss a “political judiciary” as a key element of judicial politics, where the judiciary is perceived to be influenced by political considerations rather than strictly adhering to legal principles. Here’s a breakdown of the concept based on the provided sources:

• Definition: A political judiciary refers to a situation where judges’ decisions and actions are driven by political motivations, biases, or affiliations, rather than by an objective interpretation of the law. This is seen as a negative phenomenon, undermining the impartiality and neutrality expected of the judicial system.
• Judicial Activism as Political: The sources suggest that “judicial activism” is a manifestation of the political judiciary, where the judiciary overreaches its authority and becomes involved in matters that are more appropriately addressed by the legislative and executive branches of government. The sources suggest that the Parliament of Pakistan has defeated judicial activism.
• Writing the Political Script: The sources claim that some members of the judiciary have attempted to “write the political script of Pakistan”. This implies that they have tried to shape political outcomes and exert political influence, which is seen as an abuse of their judicial power.
• Political Bias in Decisions: The sources express concern that some judges’ political leanings influence their decisions. It is stated that while a judge may have their own political views, those views should not be reflected in their judicial decisions. One example was that Justice Asha was appointed to the Supreme Court because she was viewed as pro-PTI.
• Judges’ Connections: The sources highlight instances where judges have close ties to political parties, such as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court having a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI. These connections raise concerns about the judiciary’s impartiality and whether it is influenced by political affiliations.
• Court Packing: The sources allege that there were attempts to pack the courts with judges who were supporters of Imran Khan. This is seen as an effort to use the judiciary for political gain. The sources say that some junior judges were brought to the Supreme Court out of turn for this reason.
• Consequences: The sources indicate that judges who have engaged in political activities have been defeated and sidelined. The sources also suggest that this kind of behavior damages public trust in the judiciary.
• Judges’ Right to Vote: The sources argue that a person who becomes a judge should not have the right to vote because they should not have any opinion in politics. It is also suggested that judges should not have any political thinking.
• Failure of the Political Judiciary: The sources claim that the political judiciary has failed in its attempts to write the political script of Pakistan. They suggest that the Parliament of Pakistan has had the upper hand and defeated the political judiciary with its parliamentary power.

In summary, the sources describe a “political judiciary” as a judiciary that has been compromised by political influence, bias, and overreach, thereby undermining its credibility and role as a neutral arbiter of justice. The sources express a critical view of this politicization, highlighting its negative consequences for the judicial system and the political landscape of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s News Channels: Finance, PICA, and the Future

The sources discuss the state of news channels in Pakistan, particularly in relation to their financial viability and the impact of regulations like the PICA Act. Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Financial Viability: The sources suggest that the news channel industry in Pakistan is facing financial challenges. It is noted that many channels may not be sustainable on news content alone. This is particularly true for channels that do not have entertainment or sports programming. The rise of cricket as a major draw for viewership has further strained the finances of news-only channels because a large portion of advertising revenue goes to cricket programming.
• Channels for Sale: The sources mention that some news channels in Pakistan were already for sale before the PICA Act was introduced. It is stated that some channels were being sold because of the financial pressures in the industry, and that real estate people were buying channels to help their businesses. However, it is also suggested that the PICA Act may have further destabilized the industry and prompted more channels to become available for purchase. It is noted that a South African party was making offers on some of these channels.
• Impact of PICA Act: The sources suggest that the PICA Act has led to a climate where some channels are being sold. However, it’s also noted that the financial issues existed before the PICA act. The sources suggests that because of the PICA act, one cannot speak against the government. However, the sources also state that one can do as much as they want as long as one does not lie.
• Advertising Industry: The sources also note that the advertising industry in Pakistan cannot support the large number of news channels.
• News vs. Entertainment/Sports: The sources explain that news channels that also have entertainment and sports divisions are more viable because these other divisions help to support the news programming. The sources imply that stand-alone news channels are not sustainable.
• Ownership Motives: The sources mention that some people buy news channels to support their real estate businesses. These owners may have a second-class status, which is improved by owning a news channel.

In summary, the sources paint a picture of a struggling news channel industry in Pakistan, facing financial pressures due to the large number of channels, the dominance of cricket in advertising revenue, and the challenge of remaining viable with only news programming. The PICA Act may have further exacerbated these challenges.

Imran Khan and the PTI: A Critical Assessment

The sources provide several points about Imran Khan and his political party, PTI, touching on his government’s performance, his supporters, and his current standing. Here’s a breakdown:

• PTI’s Governance: The sources are critical of the PTI government’s performance, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
• The sources question whether the PTI government in KP improved healthcare and education. Specifically, it asks if there is a single hospital in KP where people from other provinces would want to go for treatment or a university where students from other provinces would want to study.
• It is suggested that the PTI government in KP has failed to create significant improvements in these sectors. The sources also allege that they are “Baniyas,” and people like the speaker have taught them to make money.
• Judicial Influence: The sources allege that during Imran Khan’s government, there were attempts to pack the courts with judges who were PTI supporters. It is said that junior judges were brought to the Supreme Court out of turn because they were seen as pro-PTI. This is presented as a deliberate attempt to influence the judiciary with PTI’s political leanings. The sources also suggest that the judiciary was perceived to be in the pocket of PTI, with examples such as a Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court having a son-in-law who was a minister of PTI, and judges gathering at his house.
• PTI Protests: The sources contrast the PTI’s past protest tactics with recent events. It is noted that during PTI protests, container camps were installed, but recently there were no such roadblocks. This suggests the recent lack of roadblocks indicates that it was not a PTI-led protest. The sources also mention a fight within PTI in Swabi.
• Imran Khan’s Supporters: The sources mention that many people associated with PTI have been jailed, and the party is not fighting their cases. It is noted that many of these people are not being visited, and even lawyers are not willing to take their cases. One of Imran Khan’s supporters, Imran Riaz, went abroad.
• Criticism of PTI Leadership: The sources are critical of the PTI leadership. For example, the sources note that Fawad C Saab was a minister during PTI’s time in power. It also mentions that some PTI leaders were in Swabi instead of Lahore during recent events.
• Imran Khan’s narrative: The sources mention that Imran Riaz used to say that he would never leave Pakistan and that freedom would be taken by force. However, he is now abroad.
• Current Political Standing: The sources mention that some of Imran Khan’s supporters have become “anonymous soldiers”, suggesting a decline in their prominence or influence. The sources also state that Adal Raja, who is associated with Imran Khan, was left alone and became a “complete dog”. The sources also mention that Salman Ahmed Salman has been expelled.
• Imran Khan’s supporters in the Judiciary: The sources note that Justice Asha came to the Supreme Court out of turn because she was a supporter of Imran Khan.

Overall, the sources present a critical view of Imran Khan and his party. They question the performance of his government, particularly in KP, and raise concerns about his influence on the judiciary and the justice system. The sources also highlight a decline in the prominence of some of his supporters and a lack of support for those who have been jailed.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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