Episode 188 - Competing in the elections as a PTI candidate

03/08/24 • 55 min

In this episode, Uzair talks to Taimur Malik about his political campaign in NA-148, where he competed as a PTI candidate against PPP’s former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. The margin of victory for the PPP’s candidate was razor thin and Taimur is currently in the process of appealing the results. We talked about the vote count, what was it like to campaign in Multan given the constraints on the PTI, and what comes next for the party, both in the courts and in assemblies. You can follow Taimur on X @taimur_malik. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:50 Status of NA-148 election 12:30 PPP’s response to the results 19:00 Campaigning in Multan for the PTI 28:00 Overall appeals of the PTI 37:50 PTI’s alliance with the SIC 44:40 PTI’s strategy moving forward 49:38 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations - The Constitution of Pakistan - Nuskha ha-e Wafa bu Faiz Ahmed Faiz - The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

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Episode 187 - The devastating impact of arbitrary internet shutdowns

In this episode, Uzair talks to Farieha Aziz about the ongoing curbs on the internet, with X facing recurring blocks for the last two weeks. We talk about what the courts have said about these blocks, the response from the PTA, and why the industry needs to be more vocal about arbitrary internet shutdowns. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 Current situation 4:30 What have the courts said? 11:05 The state’s response 20:01 The industry’s response 22:20 Legacy of past laws 29:50 Outlook for the near-term 37:00 Conclusion

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Episode 189 - Deciphering Indonesia’s Elections

In this episode, Uzair talks to Mehu Sitepu about Indonesia’s recently held presidential elections and its outcomes. These elections had a lot of similarities with Pakistan, including the use of social media to woo young voters, allegations of rigging, and questions over Indonesia’s policy towards the US and China. Mehu Sitepu is an Associate at The Asia Group’s Southeast Asia practice, where she supports clients navigating the region’s complex political and regulatory environments to build business strategies across a variety of sectors, including banking and finance, hospitality, manufacturing, and technology. With almost a decade’s experience as a journalist in Indonesia, including three years in a senior role at BBC News, Mehu has a strong knowledge of Southeast Asia and a far-reaching network of contacts. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:40 Overview of the political landscape 24:50 Role of social media 30:01 Rigging allegations 35:28 Foreign policy implications 39:25 Economic policies 44:49 Reading recommendations 47:40 Role of the Indonesian military Reading recommendations: - Indonesia, Etc. by Elizabeth Pisani - Departure: A Novel by Nh. Dini - Indonesian Food by Sri Owen