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SUMMARY of “Courting Controversy,” Maleeha Lodhi, Dawn, October 2nd, 2023

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The interim government in Pakistan is facing unnecessary political controversies when its primary duty should be ensuring free and fair elections. Statements from the caretaker prime minister and some cabinet members have raised questions about the inclusivity of the upcoming elections. The prime minister’s comment that elections could be fair without Imran Khan and his jailed party members sparked criticism from the PTI and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. The interim interior minister’s remarks about arresting Nawaz Sharif also drew ire from PML-N leaders. Political parties are expressing concerns about a lack of a level playing field for the polls, questioning the impartiality of the interim government and the Election Commission. This controversy highlights a gap between the caretaker government’s role and its actions, contrary to what is prescribed by the Elections Act of 2017. The interim government should focus on its primary task of creating the conditions for free and fair elections and refrain from overstepping its mandate.

Easy/Short SUMMARY:

Pakistan’s interim government is embroiled in avoidable political controversies when its primary responsibility is ensuring fair elections. Statements by the caretaker prime minister and interior minister have raised concerns about the upcoming elections’ fairness and inclusivity. Political parties are criticizing the government for overstepping its limited mandate and not acting impartially. This controversy underscores the need for the interim government to focus on its main role of facilitating transparent elections and avoid unnecessary distractions.

SOLUTIONS of The Problem:

Ensuring Impartiality:

• Restrict Statements: Cabinet members should refrain from making statements on political matters or foreign policy, ensuring impartiality.

Focus on Election Preparation:

• ECP Collaboration: The interim government should work closely with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to create the necessary conditions for free and fair elections.
• Avoid Unnecessary Publicity: Ministers should avoid seeking unnecessary publicity and instead concentrate on their primary duty of facilitating elections.
• Announce Election Date: The ECP should announce the election date promptly to reduce political uncertainty.

Legal Framework: The interim government should adhere to the legal framework established by the Elections Act of 2017, ensuring impartiality and non-interference in major policy decisions.

IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article:

• The caretaker government’s statements have triggered controversy and criticism from political parties.
• The interim government’s role should focus on ensuring impartial and transparent elections.
• The gap between the caretaker government’s actions and the legal framework is evident.
• The Election Commission of Pakistan is urged to announce the election date promptly.
• Recent amendments to election laws have not significantly expanded the caretaker government’s powers.
• Political parties are concerned about the caretaker government’s impartiality and its alignment with certain groups.
• Pakistan is facing multiple crises, and a timely election is seen as a way to address them.

MCQs from the Article:

1. What has raised concerns about the upcoming elections in Pakistan?
   A. High voter turnout
   B. Inclusive political campaigns
   C. Controversial statements by the interim government
   D. Swift election preparations
   Answer: C. Controversial statements by the interim government

2. What is the primary role of the caretaker government during elections in Pakistan?
   A. Shaping foreign policy
   B. Facilitating free and fair elections
   C. Making major policy decisions
   D. Seeking political publicity
   Answer: B. Facilitating free and fair elections

3. What has the Election Commission of Pakistan been urged to do in the article?
   A. Delay the announcement of the election date
   B. Improve its level of transparency
   C. Announce the election date promptly
   D. Restrict the role of the caretaker government
   Answer: C. Announce the election date promptly

4. What is the main concern raised by political parties regarding the interim government in Pakistan?
   A. Lack of foreign policy expertise
   B. Overstepping its mandate
   C. Timely election preparations
   D. Impartiality in policy decisions
   Answer: B. Overstepping its mandate

VOCABULARY:

1. Mired (verb) (پھنس جانا): Stuck or entangled in a difficult or undesirable situation.

2. Propitious (adjective) (خوش آمد): Indicative of a favorable or advantageous outcome; favorable.

3. Credible (adjective) (قابلِ اعتماد): Able to be believed or trusted.

4. Gratuitous (adjective) (بے جوازہ): Uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted.

5. Assertions (noun) (دعوی): Positive statements or declarations, often without proof or evidence.

6. Inclusivity (noun) (شاملیت): The quality of being open to all and not excluding any group or individual.

7. Exclusion (noun) (خارج کرنے): The process of deliberately not including or allowing someone or something to participate.

8. Unconstitutional (adjective) (غیر دستوری): Contrary to the principles and rules established in a constitution.

9. Ill-judged (adjective) (بے تدبیر): Lacking careful consideration or good judgment; poorly thought out.

10. Anti-democratic (adjective) (غیر جمہوری): Opposed to or undermining the principles of democracy.

11. Contentious (adjective) (جھگڑالو): Likely to cause an argument; controversial.

12. Clarification (noun) (واضحی): An explanation or interpretation that makes something clear.

13. Impartial (adjective) (غیر جانبدار): Treating all parties or persons without favoritism or bias; fair.

14. Pontificating (verb) (علم فروشی): Expressing one’s opinions in an arrogant or pompous manner.

15. Hyperbolic (adjective) (مبالغہ کار): Exaggerated or overstated, often to the point of absurdity.

16. Overstepping (verb) (پار کرنا): To exceed or go beyond the bounds of what is considered appropriate or acceptable.

17. Distract (verb) (توجہ ہٹانا): To divert one’s attention or focus away from what is important.

18. Preliminary (adjective) (آغازی): Occurring at the beginning; introductory.

19. Morass (noun) (پیچیدگی): A complex and confusing situation or event, often with negative consequences.

20. Edifying (adjective) (تعلیمی): Providing moral or intellectual instruction or enlightenment.

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