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In a decision that favoured former interior minister Sheikh Rashid, the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench on Monday instructed the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to remove seals from Lal Haveli, the home of the Awami Muslim League (AML) leader.
The Lal Haveli is a famous building at Bohar Bazar in Rawalpindi, it serves as the political office of AML.
In a decision, Mirza Waqas Rauf announced the decision to seal the haveli null and void.
ETPB sealed Lal Haveli last month, stating that Rashid’s property papers were not right. On September 21, ETPB, with help from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police, removed the people living there.
The AML chief’s nephew, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, said in a video message that the haveli is registered in the name of Sheikh Siddique. All information related to property has been given to the deputy commissioner Rawalpindi, Rashid Shafiq added.
Responding to a question, the former interior minister said that the “40 days in chilla (isolation)” made him a new “Sheikh Rashid”
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja is satisfied with the initiatives taken by the Punjab caretaker government to conduct polls in the province.
The CEC gave the statement while discussing the upcoming general elections in today’s meeting with Punjab caretaker cabinet.
The commission provided an extensive overview of the arrangements for the upcoming provincial elections.
Provincial election commission members Nisar Ahmad Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Ikramullah Khan and Babar Hasan Bharwana also attended the meeting.
During the huddle, the CEC stressed that general election will be held on time as well as the electoral body will fully support the interim government in conducting a free and fair election in the province.
Raja has also mentioned that the process of delimitation will be finished by November 30, adding that ECP is ready to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
The interim Chief Minister (CM), Mohsin Naqvi, said that caretaker government will fully support the electoral body for peaceful and transparent elections.
“Fool-proof arrangements will be made to ensure the free conduct of elections in Punjab,” CM Naqvi said, adding that the interim government will follow the ECP.
The Islamabad chapter of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Monday recommended to the federal health ministry to not appoint serving military officials as executive directors for Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital.
According to Geo News, the PMA condemned the letter of appointment of serving military officials sent by the federal health ministry.
In response to a letter, PMA officeholders warned the federal health ministry about appointing serving military officers to manage public sector health institutions.
The officials expressed strong disapproval of replacing federal government officials with military personnel, emphasising that such a move would be unacceptable under any circumstances. Furthermore, they mentioned that even military authorities would be unwilling to endorse the action initiated by the federal health ministry.
On the other hand, a spokesman of federal health ministry said earlier that the appointment will be conducted as per recruitment rules, adding that the government believes in merit.
The health ministry’s spokesman further stated that the government believes in providing best health facilities to Pakistanis by appointing competent officials.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi faced a brief hiccup on Friday when he was initially stopped from flying abroad due to his name being on the no-fly list, as per Shahzad Ali of Samaa.
However, after clarification, he was allowed to proceed with his travel plans to China.
Mr. Abbasi and his wife were at Islamabad Airport to catch a flight to China when immigration authorities informed him that he was on the stop list based on orders of the Sindh court.
Consequently, he was told he couldn’t continue his journey and had to return from the airport lounge.
Eventually, the issue was resolved, and he was permitted to travel.
When reached for comment, Mr. Abbasi denied any disruption and stated that he had already departed for China.
Despite attempts to contact the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration authorities for clarification, no response was received.
Earlier last month, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s son Abdullah Khaqan Abbasi was prevented from leaving the nation at the Islamabad airport by immigration officials.
On a foreign carrier, flight EK-613, Abdullah Khaqan Abbasi was scheduled to travel for Dubai.
Due to the fact that Abdullah’s name was on the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) stop list, the FIA immigration officers stopped him.
Earlier, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s bail had been extended by the Sindh High Court in a case related to an unauthorized appointment at Pakistan State Oil (PSO).
The court also ordered that Abbasi’s name and those of the other defendants be added to the Exit Control List (ECL).
The case involved allegations against Abbasi, Arshad Mirza, Imranul Haque, and Yakoob Babar, with the former petroleum secretary also being present during the court hearing.
Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Khurshid Shah has publicly admitted that his party’s decision to join the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) coalition government was a mistake.
In an interview on Dawn News, Shah sought forgiveness for the move, emphasizing the need for a specific election date.
“We were there 16 months [in the government]. We made a mistake, forgive us. We committed a mistake,” Shah stated, acknowledging the party’s misstep.
The PPP leader stated that the past should be left behind and emphasized the need for a specific election date.
When asked again if the PPP had erred by participating in the previous coalition government, Shah reiterated, “I say forgive us, we made a mistake. There, are you content? Now, provide the [election] date.”
He mentioned that the PPP’s support wasn’t directed at any specific government but rather aimed at upholding democracy and the parliament.
“We upheld and safeguarded the slogan of ‘vote ko izzat do’ (respect the vote), not the PML-N. Despite that, we say, forgive us, as we were part of the government for 16 months, so please forgive us.
“It was a mistake, so now announce the elections. What else are we requesting?”
In response to a query regarding the PPP’s initial congratulatory message to caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and subsequent accusations of favoritism towards the PML-N, Shah clarified, “The PML-N is part of that [caretaker government], we are not. We could also have joined and secured four ministries, but we realized that by doing so, we might hinder the prospect of timely elections.”
He further emphasized that the PPP’s primary goal was to ensure elections proceed in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has confirmed the completion of the plan to repatriate illegal immigrants in Pakistan.
With the approaching November 1 deadline, the government is set to relocate these individuals to centers within their respective provinces.
During a press conference, Minister Bugti assured that families of illegal foreigners, including women and children, would be treated with utmost respect.
He said that “holding centres” had been formed in the provinces as well as Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan where illegal immigrants will be provided medical facilities and food.
Bugti said after November 1, arrested persons will be kept in the centers. He also announced that returnees could carry a maximum of Rs50,000 with them.
He emphasized that there would be no compromise on the issue of the return of foreigners and that those found with fake Computerized National Identity Cards (CNCs) would face consequences.
Sarfraz Bugti said illegal properties of illegal foreigners including illegal Afghan refugees, will be confiscated, and announced action will also be taken against Pakistanis who provide facilities to the illegal aliens.
He further said that the state had carried out geo-fencing to identify areas where illegal immigrants were residing. “We know where they are. They are in villages, in Pakistan’s metropolitan cities, in different small cities. The government has complete know-how about where they are.”
“We are encouraging voluntary return so that they can be saved from being manhandled and arrested,” Bugti said. “I assure you that once our investigation is complete, anybody involved in this illegal work will be punished.”
The first flight of illegal Afghan refugees to Britain for resettlement will begin today (Thursday).
The first chartered flight carrying 230 Afghan refugees will depart from Islamabad to the UK.
In this regard, arrangements have been completed at Islamabad International Airport.
An Islamabad court has issued perpetual arrest orders for nine Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) leaders due to their alleged involvement in a violent incident outside the Federal Judicial Complex.
The list includes prominent figures like Hammad Azhar, Shibli Faraz, Murad Saeed, Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Ali Nawaz Awan, Hassaan Khan Niazi, Umer Sultan, and Muhammad Asim.
The decision came out after the suspects failed to appear despite summons, prompting their declaration as proclaimed offenders.
The incident dates back to March, during a hearing of the Toshakhana case when clashes broke out between the police and PTI workers.
Both sides resorted to aggressive measures, with PTI supporters reportedly using rocks and petrol bombs, leading to injuries sustained by 25 officials.
Several cases were filed against Imran Khan and other PTI leaders, with Parvez Elahi also being arrested in connection with the case.
Elahi’s judicial remand was extended till November 21 following his initial arrest in September, despite a temporary release granted earlier by the Islamabad High Court.
The court has urged the authorities to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice.
In a separate case, the district and sessions courts, Islamabad, have once again issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for PTI leader Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard the case on Wednesday and directed the SHO to arrest the proclaimed offender and produce him before the court.
The court ended the trial of co-accused Ammad Yousaf following the Supreme Court’s direction.
This recent issuance of arrest warrants stems from the PTI leader’s continued absence from court proceedings, leading an additional district and sessions court in Islamabad to declare him an absconder on July 26, 2023.
Despite multiple summonses, Shahbaz Gill had failed to appear before the court, prompting Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra to issue arrest warrants. Furthermore, the court had instructed relevant authorities to post an absconder notice at Gill’s residence in Faisalabad.
This is the second instance of non-bailable arrest warrants being issued against Gill, with the first set being issued on June 7, 2023, in connection with the same case.
Shahbaz Gill is in USA now a days.
Dr Shahbaz Gill, Salman Ahmad, and Dr Moeed Prizada addressed the community members who participated in the Solidarity with Imran Khan Cricket Event in Virginia, USA.
The event helped create awareness about the human rights situation and the state of democracy in Pakistan among… pic.twitter.com/qs03wAmEcO
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday extended the deadline for the voter registration and information update from October 25 to October 28 (Saturday).
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.
CEC Raja called upon the general public to utilise this final opportunity to ensure their registration, transfers, exclusions, and vote accuracy by October 28.
How to register your vote:
You can submit your application along with a copy of CNIC to the District Election Commissioner (DEC) or Registration Officer or Assistant Registration Officer of the district where you want to get your name enrolled.
The prescribed Form (Enrolment / Transfer of Vote) is available online at the ECP website or it can be obtained free of cost from the office of the District Election Commissioner or Registration Officer or Assistant Registration Officer or Display Centre Incharge.
How to check the details of your vote registration:
Please type your CNIC without Hyphen (-) and spaces on your mobile and send it to 8300.
After sending an SMS to 8300, an automated response will be generated, furnishing information such as the name of the electoral area, block code, and serial number.
Each registered voter has the option to verify their details by visiting the District Election Commissioner’s (DEC) office in their respective area, where the complete electoral roll is accessible.
How to transfer your vote
There are two ways to transfer your vote:
Visit the NADRA office and renew or modify your CNIC and ensure that the option to transfer your vote either at a temporary or permanent address is marked properly.
A person shall be entitled to be enrolled as a voter in an electoral area if he—
(a) is a citizen of Pakistan;
(b) is not less than 18 years of age;
(c) possesses a National Identity Card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) at any time till the last day fixed for inviting claims, objections and applications for preparation, revision or correction of electoral rolls;
(d) is not declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind; and
(e) is or is deemed under section 27 to be resident in the electoral area.
Explanation: The National Identity Card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) shall be deemed to be valid for the purpose of registration as a voter or for casting vote in an election, notwithstanding the expiry of its validity period.
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met his party leaders on Tuesday in Islamabad to deliberate on the current political landscape of the country.
In a notable development, Robina Shaheen Wattoo, a former member of the Assembly representing Okara, officially joined PPP. Her inclusion was warmly embraced by Bhutto-Zardari, marking an important addition to the party.
اسلام آباد: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری سے زرداری ہاؤس میں پی پی پی میں شمولیت کے بعد سابق وزیراعلی پنجاب میاں منظور وٹو کی صاحبزادی اور سابق رکن قومی و صوبائی اسمبلی روبینہ شاہین وٹو کی ملاقات ہوئی، چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے روبینہ شاہین وٹو کو پارٹی میں… pic.twitter.com/SnxkOgvVsv
On the occasion, former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf were present.
The meeting delved into the intricate political dynamics of Punjab, with a particular focus on the situation in Okara.
Several prominent PPP leaders including Sardar Omar Goraya, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, and Shazi Khan were present in the meeting.
Focused on dissecting the current political climate of the nation, the discussions centred on navigating Pakistan’s complex political situation.
اسلام آباد: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری سے پی پی پی بلوچستان کے رہنما سردار عمر گورگیج، پی پی پی پنجاب کے رہنما ندیم افضل چن اور پی پی پی خیبرپختونخوا کے رہنما محمد علی شاہ باچہ اور شازی خان نے ملاقات کی جس میں ملک کی مجموعی سیاسی صورت حال پر بات چیت کی گئی،… pic.twitter.com/lilI8h47r1
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Kursheed Shah has said on Tuesday that former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has returned to the country via a backdoor deal, stressing that he should not come to “save Pakistan” in this manner.
The former opposition leader of the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah, has advised Nawaz Sharif to “save the country but not become anyone’s tool.”
“I will appeal to Nawaz Sharif to save Pakistan but not come to [power] with anyone’s help,” said Shah, while talking to media in Sukkur.
He also stated that PPP was very clear that general elections were not being held in 90 days to facilitate the PML-N leader.
“Nawaz Sharif should clearly announce that he is back, and elections should now be held. If Nawaz Sharif comes via the wrong path, he will also be remembered in history as [selected],” said Shah.
