Hosted by the Department of Social Policy and LSE South Asia Centre (SAC)
This event on the Pakistani elections will explore the implications of these elections for Pakistan's fragile democracy. Esteemed scholars and practitioners will provide diverse perspectives on the recent election processes and their consequences. Join us as we delve into ways to strengthen the democratic institutions involved in the electoral process in Pakistan. We will also explore how Western countries can contribute to this effort, ultimately reinforcing democracy globally.
Speakers:
Salman Akram Raja, a prominent constitutional lawyer of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has a distinguished history of advocating for the advancement of democracy in Pakistan. Notable among his cases is the Asghar Khan Case, which challenged the National Reconciliation Ordinance. Additionally, he has challenged the trial of civilians before military courts. In the general election held on 8th February 2024, he contested as a candidate for the PTI in Lahore's NA 128 constituency. Given the widespread allegations of rigging, he emerges as the front-runner, calling for scrutiny by a judicial commission of elections.Salman Akram Raja, a prominent constitutional lawyer of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has a distinguished history of advocating for the advancement of democracy in Pakistan. Notable among his cases is the Asghar Khan Case, which challenged the National Reconciliation Ordinance. Additionally, he has challenged the trial of civilians before military courts. In the general election held on 8th February 2024, he contested as a candidate for the PTI in Lahore's NA 128 constituency. Given the widespread allegations of rigging, he emerges as the front-runner, calling for scrutiny by a judicial commission of elections. Salman Akram Raja will present via zoom.
Dr Ayesha Siddiqa is a senior fellow at the Department of War Studies, King's College, London. She is the author of two books on Pakistan including the renowned Military Inc: Inside Pakistan's Military Economy. She was a Charles Wallace fellow at St. Antony's College, Oxford and the inaugural Pakistan Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. She has taught at University of Pennsylvania and John’s Hopkins University. Dr. Siddiqa is currently working on a book on Pakistan’s political history through the lens of its military and contributes regularly in academic journals, and opinion pieces in Asian news outlets and papers.
Dr. Zahid Mumtaz is currently working as a fellow in the Department of Social Policy at LSE and previously served as a lecturer at ANU's School of Sociology. His research primarily focuses on international social and public policy, with a specific emphasis on Pakistan. He has been published significantly on the political economy of Pakistan and brings to the table fifteen years of experience as a former public servant in the public sector.
Chair: Dr Nilanjan Sarkar, Deputy Director, LSE South Asia Centre (SAC)
This event will also be available via Zoom. To attend virtually, please follow the hyperlink below.