By M Qadeer
As the curtains draw on 2024, Pakistan concludes another year laden with challenges and uncertainty, especially in its political sphere. From controversial elections to sweeping constitutional amendments, the year underscored a nation grappling with political, social, and economic turmoil.
The Year of Elections
The political atmosphere of 2024 kicked off with a sense of uncertainty surrounding the general elections held on February 8. These elections marked a turning point in Pakistan’s history, but not without controversy. The decision of the Supreme Court on January 13 to uphold the Election Commission’s ruling against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party elections dealt a severe blow to the party. This move stripped PTI of its iconic electoral symbol, the “bat,” forcing its candidates to contest as independents under various symbols, which severely impacted their campaigns.
The polling day itself was entrapped in chaos, including allegations of rigging, internet shutdowns, and delayed unofficial results, all of which raised serious concerns about the electoral process’s credibility on both national and international fronts. Despite these challenges, no single party secured a majority, leading to a prolonged negotiation period for the formation of a coalition government. Eventually, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) joined hands to form a government, sidelining PTI despite its numerical lead in terms of successful candidates.
Another highlight of 2024 was the approval of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which limited the Chief Justice’s suo moto powers and granted Parliament the authority to appoint the Chief Justice of Pakistan from among the three senior-most judges. This amendment symbolized a seismic shift in Pakistan’s judicial framework, sparking nationwide debates and protests led by PTI.
Legal Battles and High-Profile Convictions
The year began with significant legal setbacks for PTI’s leadership. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, faced multiple convictions, including a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case and another 7 years for an “unlawful marriage” case. Although a trial court later exonerated them in some cases, new charges and arrests continued to plague their political prospects. Additionally, General (Retd) Faiz Hameed, a former ISI chief, was arrested in August and faced charges related to corruption and alleged involvement in planning the May 9 riots.
International Engagements and Economic Developments
Pakistan’s international diplomacy saw some notable highlights in 2024. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan in April, fostering agreements to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion and deepening cooperation in various sectors. Pakistan also successfully hosted the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, despite domestic challenges.
Economically, Pakistan received a much-needed boost in September with the IMF’s $7 billion bailout package. Although the country’s projected GDP growth of 3.2% fell short of government targets, it outperformed other global forecasts, indicating gradual recovery.
Persistent Challenges
The prolonged internet shutdown since February, initiated during the elections under the guise of “national security,” continued to stifle social connectivity and economic activity. Human rights activists and civil society repeatedly called for its restoration, highlighting its impact on citizens’ daily lives and businesses.
Protests and Political Unrest
Protests defined 2024, with PTI leading nationwide demonstrations against electoral results, judicial reforms, and arrests of its key figures. PTI, joined by other political groups like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl), staged mass rallies under demands such as reversing the 26th Amendment and releasing “innocent political prisoners.”
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan transitions into 2025, the political and economic outlook remains fraught with uncertainty. However, amidst the turmoil, there is cautious optimism for political stability and progress. If nurtured, the economic recovery and democratic reforms initiated this year could pave the way for a brighter future for Pakistan.
The year 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the nation’s journey—marked by resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of a more stable tomorrow.
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