Category: Politics

News stories of Politics, for the topics that matter the most to young professionals and college students, political news reported with a different angle.

  • ECP calls emergency meeting over worsening law and order

    ECP calls emergency meeting over worsening law and order

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to conduct a crucial meeting today, focusing on the worsening state of law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, as general elections are set to take place on February 8, The News reported on Thursday.

    In the past few weeks, there has been a significant increase in attacks on political rallies, camp offices, and candidates, as well as terror incidents, especially in the two restive provinces.

    The ECP directed KP’s chief secretary and inspector general of police to submit a detailed report on the murder of independent candidate, Rehan Zeb Khan, contesting for the National Assembly (NA) seat from NA-8 Bajur.

    The unidentified persons gunned down the young political activist on Wednesday in his hometown while he was canvassing for votes.

    An ECP notification stated that “The scheduled meeting in Islamabad on Thursday at 3pm will be attended by the minister and secretary of interior, chief secretaries, inspectors general of KP and Balochistan, and officials from intelligence agencies.”

    ECP also asked for an immediate report from the Balochistan chief secretary and inspector general of police on the bomb attack at a political party’s election office.

  • Electioneering in Sindh – I

    Electioneering in Sindh – I

    For a long time, anti-Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) political parties in Sindh have had a desire to keep it away from power. To achieve their target, they have formed alliances and engineered seat adjustments since 2013, but they have failed at every occasion. Keeping their tradition alive, they have again joined hands by expanding an already existing alliance – the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) – and by making seat adjustments with the remaining anti-PPP parties: the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), etc., and personalities.

    Administratively, Sindh is divided into six divisions and 30 districts. Voters in Sindh have to directly elect 61 MNAs and 130 MPAs to represent them in the National Assembly (NA) and provincial assembly (PA). PPP leadership is confident that this time it will increase its seat tally from Sindh, but the party’s biggest impediment is internal rivalry of its candidates in different areas.

    On most seats in Sindh, PPP candidates have a clear lead over their opponents, unless a miracle happens. Today we will discuss national and provincial assembly seats in Larkana (eight NA and 17 PA seats) and Sukkur (seven NA and 14 PA seats) divisions, where a close contest is expected or where important candidates are in the running.

    On NA 190 Jacobabad-I, a neck-to-neck fight is expected between traditional rivals, 2018 winner Mohammad Mian Soomro, who is running as an independent candidate, and PPP’s Ijaz Jakhrani. Similarly on PS 1, Jacobabad-I, PPP’s first-time runner Sher Mohammad Mugheri is facing independent candidate Abdul Razzaque Khan. On PS 3 Jacobabad-III, Mumtaz Jakhrani, PPP’ ex-provincial minister and relative of NA candidate Ijaz Jakhrani has rebelled against party decision and is in the race against PPP candidate Aurangzeb Panhwar. This constituency will see a close fight. All these independent candidates have the support of GDA and its allies. Past results suggest that PPP’s Sohrab Sarki is favourite on PS 2 Jacobabad-II. However, JUI-F’s Shafique Khoso is possibly giving him nightmares.

    PPP’s Shabbir Ali Bijarani and JUI-F’s Dr. Ibrahim Jatoi are in the race on NA 192 Kashmore cum Shikarpur. A close contest is expected here because both the candidates have not only party votes at their disposal but they have strong personal support bases too. On PS 5, Kashmore II, JUI-F’s Rab Nawaz Chachar, with the help of his community and the influential Tegho Khan Teghani, can surprise Ghulam Abid Sundrani of PPP. On PS 7 Shikarpur-I, Agha Taimoor Khan of JUI-F, whose peers were associated with the PPP and he himself has remained PPP MPA, is contesting the election against PPP where an interesting contest is expected. PPP’s Arif Mahar is up against JUI-F’s Abid Jatoi on PS 8 Shikarpur-II, where a fierce battle is expected.

    Although JUI-F’s Rashid Mehmood Soomro is up against PPP’s fresh inductee Shahryar Mahar, son of ex-federal minister Ghous Bux Mahar on NA 193 Shikarpur, his actual constituency is NA 194 Larkana where he is contesting elections against PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. His brother Nasir Mehmood Soomro is contesting NA 196 Kamber-I against Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. According to local sources, PPP candidates have an edge over their rivals on these seats. However, PPP will have challenging contests on PS 12 Larkana-III and PS-14 Kamber I.

    On NA 198, PPP’s Khalid Lund will be challenged by independent candidate Faqeer Abdul Haq alias Mian Mithoo, infamous for forced conversion cases. Similarly on PS 18 Ghotki-I, PPP candidate Shahryar Shar is facing sitting PPP Senator Jam Mehtab Dahar and on PS 19 Ghotki-II, PPP candidate Bari Khan Pitafi is facing independent candidate Nadir Akmal Leghari. Both these independent candidates enjoy the support of PPP rivals.

    The PPP has smooth sailing in Sukkur, where former federal minister Khursheed Shah and others are in the run. GDA’s Deedar Jatoi will offer a bit of resistance against PPP’s Nauman Shaikh on NA 200 Sukkur-I and independent candidate Mubeen Jatoi against PPP’s Nasir Shah on PS 25 Sukkur-IV. Nafisa Shah, Qaim Ali Shah and Halar Wassan enjoy one-way traffic on NA 202 Khairpur-I, PS 26 Khairpur-I and PS 27 Khairpur-II respectively. There is a close contest on NA 203 Khairpur-II between Sadaruddin Shah of GDA and Fazal Shah of PPP. While in NA 204 Khairpur-III, PPP’s Javed Shah has a small lead over Moazzam Abbasi of GDA. On PS 27 Khairpur-III and PS 31 Khairpur-VI, PPP candidates Sajid Banbhan and Syed Bachal Shah are in difficult positions against their rivals Ismail Shah and Rashid Shah of GDA. PPP’s Shiraz Rajper and Naeem Kharal are slightly better off against their rivals Rafique Banbhan and Khalid Shaikh of GDA on PS 29 Khairpur-IV and PS 30 Khairpur-V respectively.

    In the next part of this series, we will discuss Shaheed Benazirabad and Mirpur Khas divisions of Sindh.

  • General Syed Asim Munir presides 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference

    General Syed Asim Munir presides 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference

    General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over the 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ, today. Forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and the citizens who have laid their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country.

    Forum resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, will be dealt with full might of the state. COAS stated that Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacrosanct and inviolable. Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all states, however, there would never be any compromise over country’s sovereignty, national honour and aspirations of Pakistani people.

    The forum was briefed on the callous Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings, perpetuating state-sponsored terrorism and targeting Pakistani citizens. The forum agreed that blatant violation of international laws by India and its real face be exposed to the world. The international community has already shown serious concerns over the criminal behaviour of India and its use of state apparatus for killing spree around the world.

    The forum reiterated unequivocal support for Palestine and the people of Gaza while noting the extremely negative fallout of the conflict and the potential to spill over in the wider region. The immediate need for a permanent ceasefire and enduring solution to the Palestinian question was unanimously recognised. In the same vein, Pakistan’s resolve to support the people of IIOJK for their right of self determination was reiterated.

    Pakistan would continue to morally, politically and diplomatically support Kashmir brothers and sisters till justice is served in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions. The forum also discussed deployment of Pakistan Army to assist Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the peaceful conduct of General Elections 2024.

    Pakistan Army will perform assigned duties as per the Constitutional mandate, under the guidelines of ECP. No one would be allowed to indulge in violence in the name of political activity and sabotage the quintessential democratic exercise of conduct of free and fair elections. The forum acknowledged and appreciated the steps taken against spectrum of illegal activities and criminal mafias including smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft and illegal aliens. The participants emphasised that such actions and their positive impact on the economy and well being of the people need to continue without any let up. The forum was briefed on operational preparedness of the formations. COAS asked formation commanders to continue their focus on the training, administration and morale of the soldiers.

  • Lahore High Court orders equal media coverage for Imran Khan

    Lahore High Court orders equal media coverage for Imran Khan

    The Lahore High Court (LHC) has on Wednesday ordered equal media attention for all candidates taking part in the February 8 general elections, including jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The Lahore High Court issued a directive in response to a plea filed by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who claimed there was a ban on media coverage of his speeches.

    Earlier this month, the LHC disposed of the PTI founder’s petition with the observation that directions with regard to telecasting the speeches of the PTI leader would be issued in a detailed judgement.

    LHC’s Justice Shams Mirza Mehmood issued a 10-page written verdict on Imran Khan’s appeal regarding a ban on media coverage.

    The LHC verdict stated that, according to Article 17, every citizen has freedom of speech.

    The LHC also said that running an election campaign and promoting a party’s manifesto are fundamental rights of political parties.

  • PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    In a tragic turn of events, Rehan Zeb Khan, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and independent candidate from NA-8 Bajaur, was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in the Siddiqabad Phatak Bazar area on Wednesday.

    The district police officer and SHO Rashid Khan have confirmed the news of the PTI leader’s murder.

    Khan, who was contesting as an independent, was also a candidate for the provincial assembly seat PK-22. Reports suggest that he had tried to get a PTI ticket but had been refused by the party.

    The official candidate for PTI from NA 8 is Gul Zafar Khan, as per a reply from Imran Khan’s Facebook page message, “Halqa: NA-8, Bajaur, Candidate: Gul Zafar Khan, Symbol: SHOWER شاور”

    The incident occurred when Khan was at Siddiqabad Gate, engaging in canvassing activities for the upcoming general elections. The assailants targeted him while he was in his vehicle, marking a disturbing incident of violence against a political figure.

    This unfortunate incident comes on the heels of another attack on PTI’s electioneering within the past 24 hours. A day earlier, a bomb detonated at a PTI rally in Sibi, claiming the lives of at least four people and injuring five others, as reported by both police and witnesses.

    Saddam Tareen, the PTI candidate for the National Assembly constituency of NA-253, who was leading the rally on Jinnah Road in Sibi, fortunately escaped unharmed. The injured individuals were promptly transported to the Sibi district headquarters (DHQ) hospital for urgent medical attention.

    Unidentified Persons shot dead Awami National Party (ANP) local leader Zahoor Ahmed and injured another in a firing raid attacking the ANP office, in Chaman district, Balochistan as per officials.

    At least three were injured in a grenade attack on the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) election office in Quetta, ARY News reported.

    According to police officials, the attack occurred on Saryab Road Quetta where a hand grenade attack was launched on the PPP election office that injured three people.

    Reacting to the incident, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of the attack and sought a report from the chief secretary and IG Balochistan.

    The ECP spokesperson said that suspects involved in such incidents will be tried under the election laws.

    The incidents underscore the growing concerns over the safety of political candidates and campaigners as the general elections approach.

  • Asif Zardari promises PPP will take Pakistan out of crisis

    Asif Zardari promises PPP will take Pakistan out of crisis

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Zardari has said that his party knows how to take Pakistan out of the crisis it is currently facing.

    While addressing an election rally in Kahuta, the former President said that the PPP will build a medical college in the city.

    The PPP co-chairman also said, “We will solve the problems of people and also provide gas facilities in the area.”

    He told the people of Kahuta that he will keep coming to them.

    Earlier, the former president said in an interview that the Bilawal Bhutto-led party could even clean sweep Karachi and win from all constituencies of the metropolis if not for certain hindrances.

  • ‘Vote ko Izzat Do’ with a new twist

    ‘Vote ko Izzat Do’ with a new twist

    In a recent appearance on the Hum News program ‘Faisala Aap Ka with Asma Shirazi,’ Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif stated that ‘Vote Ko Izzat Do’ has a different meaning.

    When asked why the civilian supremacy narrative of ‘Vote ko Izzat do’ can’t be heard anymore, he said, “It means respecting the person who voted for me and fulfilling the trust they have shown in me.”

    He claimed that the May 9 riots were a deliberate conspiracy against Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, masterminded by Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his party.

    Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the distinction between statements and conspiracies. He alleged that on May 9, the founder of PTI and his team conspired to create divisions within the military, leading to betrayal against Pakistan. He criticized PTI for diverting the nation from progress to chaos.

    Sharif expressed his views on various matters, including the loss of PTI’s iconic electoral symbol ‘Bat,’ attributing it to the party’s missteps. He also commented on Imran Khan’s recent 10-year jail sentence, emphasizing that the issue is about upholding the law, irrespective of whether decisions are perceived as good or bad.

    Responding to a question about PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s invitation for a public debate, Shehbaz Sharif said, “I’m in favor of Bilawal’s debate challenge but let him extend the invitation in his province for a fair comparison.”

    Regarding political decisions, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that if the majority is not attained through elections, consultations would be held. He confirmed that Nawaz Sharif would be the candidate for the premiership, subject to consultation, and the decision on the Chief Executive of Punjab would be made through consultation with Nawaz Sharif. The decision for the presidency would be made by the parliament.

    Stressing the importance of political and economic negotiations, Shehbaz Sharif called for the completion of the five-year term in Parliament. He recounted an incident during tensions with India, where the founder of PTI allegedly refused to attend a meeting, leading the then head of the army, General Bajwa, to return in disappointment.

  • Nawaz Sharif says he never revealed diplomatic document to save his government

    Nawaz Sharif says he never revealed diplomatic document to save his government

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif criticised former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was given a 10-year sentence in the cipher case, by saying that he had never revealed any diplomatic document to save his government.

    Sharif used strong words to slam Khan in an election rally in Bahawalnagar district on Tuesday, accusing him of plotting a “conspiracy” that compromised national security.

    The PML-N supremo also praised the people of Haroonabad for coming out in large numbers to welcome him.

    “Despite being subjugated, I had never revealed any state secret nor compromised national security,” Nawaz said while pointing fingers at Khan, adding that he “attacked” the country’s integrity to save his rule.

    “I am still standing before the nation despite facing cruel oppression. I had been ousted from the premiership for not receiving a salary from my son. I was removed from the premiership thrice which also resulted in losses to the country.”

    Nawaz Sharif also said that inflation was under control as well as farmers and common people were happy in his previous tenures.

    The PML-N supremo blamed Khan for shaking the foundations of the country during his four-year rule.

  • Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case

    Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case

    An accountability court on Wednesday morning sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, to 14 years in prison in the Toshakhana reference.

    The Accountability Court’s Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict and disqualified Imran Khan for 10 years, imposing a fine of Rs1.573 billion (787 million each) on the couple.

    At the last hearing, which took place at Adiala jail, the court recorded Bushra Bibi’s statement under Section 342.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Khan also told the court that his wife has nothing to do with the case and is being dragged into it against her will.

    At the beginning of today’s hearing, Judge Muhammad Bashir asked Imran Khan if he had submitted his statement. To this, Imran Khan said he will submit his statement once his lawyers arrive.

    “I have been deceived, as I was only called to mark my attendance for the hearing,” said the PTI founder.

  • ‘Getting teary-eyed upon mention of my mother is my trauma response’, Bilawal opens up about mental health

    ‘Getting teary-eyed upon mention of my mother is my trauma response’, Bilawal opens up about mental health

    Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari talked about mental health, climate change, politics and other issues in The Centrum Media’s podcast with Talha Ahad. Bilawal’s conversation about mental health and climate change was the most relatable by any Pakistani politician.

    When asked how he copes with the trauma of losing so much, especially his mother Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated, and if it has had any impact on his mental health, Bilawal responded candidly. He related the events that unfolded on December 27, 2007. He was in Dubai for his winter break from Oxford when his mother went to Pakistan for the election campaign. He was in Dubai with his father Asif Ali Zardari and his siblings when he heard the news about the attack on television. He was shocked and afraid. It was traumatic. He said he doesn’t even remember the conversation he had with his sisters about this.

    Bilawal Bhutto said that mental issue is a real issue but we do not take it seriously like we do with other diseases. “Your mind is just like any other part of your body,” he emphasised.

    Bilawal said he never went to seek therapy or even talked to a counsellor after having lost so much. He moved on from it like a traditional Pakistani, thinking he should just ‘man-up’ and face it without seeking help. He acknowledged that it was years later that he started reading and understood what he was going through. It was partially because of the “macho” attitude of a typical Pakistani.

    Bilawal admitted he feels the loss of his mother every day but he has learned to make this feeling of loss his strength instead of a shortcoming.

    Bilawal went on to explain his vision for dealing with mental health issues in Pakistan. He wants an “update” in the system. He wants to set up facilities through public-private partnership if he comes in power after elections.

    When asked if he meditates, Bilawal admitted that he tried it but hasn’t done it consistently because he lacks consistency. He watches Netflix shows in his free time. When asked when was the last time he cried, Bilawal said he does not remember.