The year 2020 saw several events that were important in Pakistan’s modern history. From the government’s brilliant fight against COVID-19 to remaining in FATF’s grey list lets look at the top 10 events that shaped Pakistan’s political landscape in 2020.
Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)
The opposition parties of Pakistan came together and made PDM for the purpose of toppling PTI’s government. Maulana Fazal ur Rehman was appointed as the leader of the alliance. The PDM held rallies in different parts of the country.
Gilgit Baltistan Elections
In November, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf won 22 out off 33 seats and formed the government. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) suffered a major blow in the elections.
Government COVID-19 efforts recognized globally
Pakistan’s effort in combating COVID-19 pandemic were lauded internationally. The National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) played a vital role in this regard. Ehsaas program was also initiated by the government which saw 12,000 rupees distributed among the people effected by the pandemic.
Zainab Bill
In March, the National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Zainab Alert, Recovery and Response Bill, 2020 aimed at raising alert, response and and recovery of missing and abducted children.
Cabinet Reshuffle
A major change in the portfolio’s of federal ministers saw Sheikh Rashid take charge of the Interior Ministry. Azam Swati became the Minister for Railways while Brigadier Ijaz Shah took over the Narcotics Control.
Pakistan brokers Intra-Afghan Dialogue
In December, the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban announced that they had made a breakthrough in the Intra-Afghan Dialogue. The two parties have concluded a written agreement that lays down how the procedure moves for future discussions in the peace process on substantive issues such as a ceasefire.
Pakistan remains in FATF’s Grey list
In October, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Pakistan in the grey list till February 2021 stating that Pakistan still needs to work on six more action plan items.
UAE suspends issuance of visit visas to 13 countries
UAE suspended issuing visas to 12 muslim countries including Pakistan. The ban is still there.
Pakistan presents evidence of Indian involvement
In a joint press conference done by Foreign Minister and DG ISPR Major General presented dossier for Indian involvement. In December, EU Disinfo lab’s report vindicated Pakistan’s stance.
Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman ouster
The federal government removed Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman as the chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and appointed Moulana Abdul Khabeer as the new chairman of the committee. Mufti Muneeb had been heading this committee for the past two decades.
