Tag: elections

  • ‘An umpire has recently given a no-ball’; Imran Khan slams Supreme Court decision

    ‘An umpire has recently given a no-ball’; Imran Khan slams Supreme Court decision

    Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and Founder Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), engaged in an informal conversation with media representatives during the Toshakhana case hearing in Adiala Jail on Monday.

    He voiced concerns over the political and legal developments, particularly critiquing the Supreme Court’s decision regarding PTI’s electoral symbol, referring to the decision as an “umpire giving a no-ball”.

    Khan suggested that the Supreme Court should have formed a five-member bench rather than a three-member one, to address controversies surrounding PTI’s electoral symbol. These remarks were made amidst the Toshakhana case proceedings.

    He again reiterated his belief that the current situation in Pakistan is part of what he referred to as the “London Plan”, alleging that elements of this plan include his imprisonment before elections, the perceived decline of PTI, and the exoneration of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    Imran Khan further highlighted the alleged misuse of state resources, asserting that Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz, and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari had obtained bulletproof vehicles from the ToshaKhana without being held accountable.

    “Something very bad is going to happen to them,” he predicted.
    He demanded that an open trial of the cipher case should be conducted so that the people know the facts. “They ask me why did I not keep the cipher secret.”

    He alleged that the expose of former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and U.S. State Department official Donald Lu is responsible for what is happening with PTI now, adding that his party is the only one that has consistently struggled for 27 years to attain its current position.

    Imran Khan remarked that recent decisions by decision-makers fail to accurately gauge public sentiment.

    He predicted significant repercussions for those involved and emphasized the power of social media in bringing transparency to such issues.

    Talking about the upcoming elections, Imran Khan claimed that PTI candidates are not being allowed to run their campaign properly, but he anticipates that the people’s dissatisfaction will become evident on February 8th.

    Despite facing various challenges, Imran Khan stated that PTI has not been entirely eradicated as the people continue to support the party. However, he voiced concerns about the electoral process, stating that PTI intended to give tickets to 850 candidates for the national and provincial assemblies in the general elections but were allegedly not allowed to consult with registered members in jail.

    In response to a question, Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of an electoral alliance with Bilawal Bhutto’s party.

    He also reiterated his claims about biased umpires in the political arena, asserting that Nawaz Sharif has never played a match without favoritism.

    In a related development, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that the party’s candidates would contest the upcoming elections as independent candidates. Qureshi, while referring to the SC verdict, commented on the perceived lack of a level playing field for the PTI and criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for its stance on intra-party elections.

    He further said that his daughter’s nomination papers were snatched when she went for scrutiny. She was compelled to leave her native city, Qureshi added.
    “We accept the court’s verdict. History will certainly write its judgment on the SC’s verdict [on PTI election symbol]”

    Jail Trials Challenged

    Former Prime Minister and Founder Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has taken legal action by challenging the jail trial notifications related to the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust cases at the Islamabad High Court.

    Both notifications, about the jail trial, have been contested by Imran Khan in the Islamabad High Court.

    Notably, the notification for the jail trial in the Al-Qadir Trust case was issued on November 14, while in the Toshakhana case, it was issued on November 28, as per the petitions filed on behalf of the PTI leader.

    The legal challenges assert that the notifications for the jail trial are deemed illegal and are allegedly motivated by malice.

    Imran Khan’s legal team has requested the court to declare the jail trial notifications null and void.

    Additionally, they seek a halt in the proceedings of the trial court until a resolution is reached on this matter.

    Imran Khan has named Chairman NAB (National Accountability Bureau) and others as respondents in both petitions, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust cases.

  • Karachi police faces severe shortage of security personnel ahead of General Elections

    Karachi police faces severe shortage of security personnel ahead of General Elections

    As the nation braces for the upcoming general elections, Karachi police is facing a substantial shortage of 14,300 security personnel, including female officers.

    As per The News, Khadim Hussain Rind, the additional inspector general (AIG) of Karachi, revealed that the city’s police force had initiated robust security arrangements for the elections scheduled for February 8.

    However, he underscored the significant shortfall in required personnel.

    “Over 46,076 police personnel are needed for the election security plan, while Karachi Police have only 31,776. The required number of female police personnel is also not available,” said the AIG.

    He elaborated on the specific needs for female personnel, highlighting, “At least 3,200 female personnel are required for security arrangements at women’s polling stations while we have 1,200 female personnel. The KPO faces a shortage of 2,000 lady cops.”

    As per the security plan, eight police personnel are required for the most sensitive, six for sensitive and four for normal polling stations each. In Karachi, there are 2,033 most sensitive stations, 3,008 sensitive stations, and 308 polling stations are declared normal, while 16,264, 18,048, and 1,232 personnel respectively are required for them.

    Rind disclosed that 35,544 personnel would be assigned to duty at 5,349 polling stations in the megacity.

    Additionally, a quick response force is set to be deployed at polling stations, with 3,892 personnel assigned to 2,774 buildings. Furthermore, 4,210 police officers will be placed on reserve duty under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), accompanied by nine Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), 16 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 57 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 107 Station House Officers (SHOs).

    The AIG outlined plans to allocate 2,430 personnel for various election commission offices, welfare duties, hospitals, and miscellaneous tasks.

    However, he emphasized the glaring shortage of 14,300 police personnel and revealed that multiple options were under consideration to address this gap. Possibilities include deploying lady health workers, and polio staff, or hiring private security guards, anti-encroachment, excise police, anti-corruption, or forest department personnel to bolster the existing security measures.

    As the elections draw near, efforts are underway to mitigate the shortfall and ensure the safety and integrity of the electoral process in Karachi.

  • Family ties; PML-N candidate list favours relatives

    Family ties; PML-N candidate list favours relatives

    As the general elections loom closer, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has disclosed its roster of candidates for both the National and Punjab Assemblies, drawing attention for granting tickets to more than 30 family members, as reported by The News.

    The announcement was made by Ishaq Dar, PML-N’s Head of Election Cell, marking a pivotal moment in the party’s preparations for the upcoming political showdown.

    In a notable revelation, 36 candidates have familial ties, including father-son, father-daughter, husband-wife, brother-in-law, mother-son, father-in-law, and uncle-nephew relationships among them.

    PML-N stalwarts Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz are set to contest the National Assembly polls from Lahore, while PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz will participate in both the National Assembly and provincial assembly polls.

    Malik Saif ul Mulook Khokhar, the President of PML-N Lahore, and his son Faisal Ayub, have secured tickets for the National and provincial assemblies, respectively.

    Afzal Khokhar and his nephew Irfan Shafi Khokhar from Lahore are also contesting on PML-N tickets.

    From Dera Ghazi Khan, former minister Awais Leghari and his son Amar Leghari are nominated for National Assembly seats in Rajanpur.

    Additionally, former minister Khawaja Saad Rafique is vying for a National Assembly seat, while his brother Salman Rafiq is contesting for a provincial assembly seat, both from Lahore.

    In Muzaffargarh, former minister Syed Basit Bukhari and his daughter Syeda Shahr Bano Bukhari have been fielded as candidates.

    From Bahawalpur, Iqbal Chanar is nominated for a National Assembly seat, with his son Zaheer Iqbal Chanar is contending for a provincial assembly seat.

    Chaudhry Khalid Javed Waraich and his son Uqba Waraich are PML-N’s candidates for the National and provincial assemblies from Toba Tek Singh, respectively.

    Yaqoob Shaikh is contesting for the National Assembly from Jhang, while his wife Rashida Yaqoob is running for a provincial assembly seat.

    Notable leaders like Daniyal Aziz didn’t make it to the list.

    PML-N ticket distribution extends to various regions, including Kasur, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Lodhran, Khanewal, and Sheikhupura, with candidates such as Rana Hayat, Begum Tahmina Daultana, Amjad Farooq Khosa, Siddique Baloch, and Mian Javed Latif, among others.

    Notably, the PML-N has introduced eight new faces in Punjab for National Assembly tickets, including Bilal Azhar Kayani and Attaullah Tarar. The party has also allocated tickets to six women for the National Assembly and three for the provincial assembly in Punjab, showcasing a diverse candidate pool.

  • Who is going to run under a PML-N ticket? Key announcements suggest surprising political shift

    Who is going to run under a PML-N ticket? Key announcements suggest surprising political shift

    In a strategic move ahead of the 2024 general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has officially revealed its powerhouse lineup. The announcement was made by Ishaq Dar, who is the PML-N’s Head of Election Cell, marks a pivotal moment in the party’s preparations for the upcoming political showdown.

    Tickets fiasco?

    Former federal minister Daniyal Aziz, after his differences with the party, has decided to contest the 2024 elections as an independent candidate. His decision comes after PML-N released its list of election candidates.

    X (former Twitter) user Dilawar Hussain wrote, “Disappointed with PML N’s decision not to grant a party ticket to Daniyal Aziz in Narowal. His courage in facing oppression and commitment to party deserves acknowledgment. Wishing for a reconsideration at the senior party level. ”

    The only elected woman MNA from the PML-N in 2018, Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, didn’t get a ticket this time from Narowal (NA 77). Mehnaz Akbar has announced to contest the election as an independent candidate in NA 75, Shakargarh.

    Former PML-N MNA Ch Jaffar Iqbal from NA 106 didn’t get the ticket this time. Instead it was given to the air chief’s brother Naseer Sidhu as per Alag Digital.

    Ch Hamid Hameed from Sargodha didn’t get the ticket. User Mehr Mohsin wrote, “He
    @ChHamidHameed has 40 year’s affiliation with @pmln_org and has been victimised several times for his loyalty with party – I also witnessed 2018 – but no ticket in 2024, what you have learned through your political experience? @MaryamNSharif @NawazSharifMNS @CMShehbaz.”

    User Ali Zain commented, “Hamid Hameed has been winning elections with massive margins in NA 84 (Sargodha City) for the past two elections and yet #PMLN didn’t award a ticket to their best candidate!! This is a huge opportunity for #PTI now to win this seat!”

    User Samraiz Ali pointed out that Khawar Maneka’s brother has been awarded a ticket, “PMLN Ticket of NA 139 Ahmad Raza Maneka. Khawar Maneka’s brother Ahmad Raza Maneka is currently a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and is affiliated with the PML-N.”

    While criticising the PML-N’s decision on awarding of the ticket to Ghulam Sarwar, user Najam Ali said, “This man bankrupted PIA and he gets the nod. I am speechless.”

    User Rowdy Rana said, “Nominated PMLN ticket holder PP-197 Sardar Masab Ali Dogar is still on bail in 9th May Terrorism FIR case pending.”

    User Israr Ahmed pointed out, “@pmln_org Supreme Leader @NawazSharifMNS awarded party ticket from PP-10 to illegal Blue World City Director Ch Nahim Ijaz for #GE2024 despite the candidate is involved in more than 200 criminals cases registered with @RwpPolice under multiple charges including terrorism, kidnapping, dacoity, robbery, firing on policemen, possessing illegal weapons and land grabbing. PML-N candidate is nominated in 49 FIRs out of 200.”

    Tickets Details

    Islamabad Capital Territory NA 46 Anjum Aqeel Khan, NA 48 Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry

    Rawalpindi Division

    District Attock NA 49 Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, PP 1 Jahangir Khanzada, PP 2 Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, PP 3 Hameed Akbar, NA 50 Malik Sohail Khan, PP 4 Sher Ali Khan, PP 5 Malik Aitebar Khan.

    District Rawalpindi NA 51 Raja Osama Sarwar, PP 6 Mohammad Bilal Yamin, PP 7 Raja Saghir Ahmed, NA 52 Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas, PP 8 Iftikhar Ahmad, PP 9 Shaukat Raja (Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti), NA 53 Raja Qamar ul Islam, PP 10 Chaudhry Naeem Ejaz, PP 11 Imran Ilyas Chaudhary, NA 55 Malik Ibrar Ahmed, PP 14 Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, PP 15 Malik Mansoor Afsar, NA 56 Mohammad Hanif Abbasi, PP 16 Zia Ullah Shah, PP 17 Raja Abdul Hanif, NA 57 Danyal Chaudhary, PP 18 Sajjad Khan, PP 19 Haji Pervaiz Khan, PP 13 Malik Umar Farooq.

    District Chakwal NA 58 Maj. (Rid) Tahir Iqbal, PP 20 Sultan Haider Ali Khan, PP 21 Tanvir Aslam Malik.

    District Talagang NA 59 Sardar Ghulam Abbas, PP 23 Shehryar Mailk.

    District Jehlum PP 25 Chaudhary Nadeem Khadim, PP 26 Nasir Mahmood Lilla

    Gujranwala Division

    District Gujrat NA 62 Chaudhary Abid Raza, PP 27 Muhammad Hanif Malik, PP 28 Shabbir Ahmed, NA 63 Nawabzada Ghanznfar Ali Gul, PP 29 Nawabzada Haider Mehdi, PP 30, Maj (Rtd) Moin Nawaz Warraich, NA 65, Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Abbas Siddhu, PP 33 Mohammad Ali, PP 34 Mian Tariq Mehmood.

    District Wazirabad NA 66 Nisar Ahmed Cheema, PP 35 Waqar Ahmed Cheema, PP 36 Adnan Afzal Chattha.

    District Hafizabad NA 67 Saira Afzal Tarrar, PP 37 Mian Shahid Hussain Khan, PP 38 Sheikh Gulzar Ahmed, PP 39 Mohammad Aoun Jahangir.

    District Mandi Bahauddin NA 68 Mushahid Raza, PP 40 Hameeda Mian, PP 41 Syed Tariq Yaqoob, NA 69 Nasir Iqbal Bosal, PP 42 Khalid Mehmood Ranjha, PP 43 Chaudhary Akhtar Abbas Bosal.

    District Sialkot NA 70 Chaudhary Armaghan Subhani, PP 44 Arif Iqbal, PP 45 Tariq Subhani, NA 71 Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PP 47 Mansha Ullah Butt, NA 72 Ali Zahid, PP 48 Rana Liaqat Ali, PP 49 Rana Muhammad Afzal, NA 73 Nosheen Iftikhar, PP 50 Chaudhary Naveed Ashraf, PP 51 Zeeshan Rafique, NA 74 Rama Shameem Ahmed Khan, PP 52 Chaudhary Arshad Javed Warraich, PP 53 Rana Abdul Sattar.

    District Narowal NA 75 Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq, PP 54 Ahsan Iqbal, NA 76 Ahsan Iqbal, PP 56 Mannan Khan, PP 57, Khawaja Muhammad Waseem PP 58 Bilal Akbar Khan.

    District Gujranwala NA 77 Chaudhary Muhammad Bashir Virk, PP 59 Bilal Farooq Tarrar, PP 63 Muhammad Taufeeq Butt, PP 64 Umer Farooq Dar, PP 68 Chaudhary Muhammad Iqbal, PP 70 Amanullah Warraich, NA 78 Khurram Dastagir Khan, PP 60
    Moazzam Rauf Mughal, PP 61 Imran Khalid Butt, PP 65 Sahibzada Ghulam Fareed, NA 79 Zulfiqar Ali Bhindar, PP 66, Qaiser Iqbal Sindhu, PP 67 Akhtar Ali Khan, NA 80 Shahid Usman, PP 62 Muhammad Nawaz Chohan, NA 81Azhar Qayyun Nehra, PP 69 Irfan Bashir Gujjar.

    Faisalabad Division

    District Chiniot NA 93 Syed Muhammad Raza Bukhari, PP 94 Mehr Shah Behram Baral, NA 94 Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, PP 95 Muhammad Ilyas, PP 97 Muhammad Saqlain Anwar Sipra.

    District Faisalabad NA 95 Azad Ali Tabassum, PP 99 Muhammad Shoaib Idrees, NA 97 Ali Gohar Khan, PP102 Jaffar Ali Hocha, PP103 Muhammad Safdar Shakir, NA 98 Chaudhary Muhammad Shahbaz Babar, PP104 Arif Mahmood Gill, PP 105 Rao Kashif Rahim Khan, NA 99 Mohammad Qasim Farooq, PP 107 Khalid Pervaiz Gill, NA 100 Rana Sana Ullah Khan, PP 108 Muhammad Ajmal, PP 109 Chaudhary Zafar Iqbal Nagra, NA 101 Irfan Manan, PP 111 Chaudhary Fugir Hussain Dogar, PP 113 Ali Abbas Khan, PP 114 Sheikh Mohammad Yousaf, NA 102 Chaudhary Abid Sher Ali, PP 115 Mohammad Tahir Pervaiz, PP 116 Ahmed Shehryar, NA103 Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari, PP117 Malik Muhammad Nawaz, PP 118 Sheikh Ejaz Ahmad, NA 104 Raja Riaz Ahmed, PP 110
    Mehr Hamid Rasheed, PP 112 Israr Ahmad Khan.

    District Toba Tek Singh NA105 Chaudhary Khalid Javaid, PP 119 Uqbah Ali, PP 120 Abdul Qadeer Alvi, NA 106 Muhammad Junaid Anwaar Chaudhary, PP 121
    Amjad Ali, PP 122 Col. (Rtd) Muhammad Ayub Gadhi, NA107 Chaudhary Asad ur Rehman, PP 123 Nazia Raheel, PP124 Syed Qutab Ali Shah.

    District Jhang NA108 Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, PP 125 Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, PP 126 Mehr Muhammad Aslam Bharwana, PP 128 Khalid Muhammad Sargana, NA 110 Muhammad Asif Muawia, PP 129 Khalid Ghani, PP 130 Ameer Abbas Sial, PP131Faisal Hayat

    Lahore Division

    Nankana Sahib NA 11 Chaudhary Muhammad Barjees Tahir, PP 132 Mian Ijaz Hussain Bhatti, PP 133 Rana Muhammad Arshad, NA 112 Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharral, PP 134 Mehr Kashif, PP 135 Agha Haider Ali Khan.

    District Sheikhupura NA 113 Ahmed Attique Anwar, PP 136 Muhammad Hassan Riaz, PP 137 Muhammad Arshad, NA 114, Rana Tanvir Hussain, PP 138 Pir Muhammad Ashraf Rasool, PP 139, Rana Tanveer Hussain, PP 140 Mian Abdul Rauf, NA 115 Mian Javed Latif, PP 141 Amjad Latif, NA 116, Sardar Muhammad Irfan Dogar, PP 142 Mehmood ul Haq, PP 143 Mumtaz Mehmood Khan, PP 144 Chaudhry Sajjad Haider Guijar.

    District Kasur NA 131 Saad Waseem Sheikh, PP 176 Chaudhary Muhammad Ilyas Khan, PP 177, Muhammad Naeem Safdar, PP 178, Malik Ahmed Saeed Khan, PP 179 Malik Mohammad Ahmad Khan, NA 133, Rana Mohammad Ishaq Khan, PP 181Sheikh Alla Uddin, PP 182 Mehmood Anwar, NA 134 Rana Mohammad Hayat Khan, PP 183 Rana Sikandar Hayat, PP 184 Rana Mohammad Iqbal Khan.

    Sahiwal Division

    District Okara NA 135 Nadeem Abbas Rabera, PP 185 Javed Allauddin Sajjid, PP
    192 Ghulam Raza Rabera, NA136 Riaz ul Haq, PP 190 Mian Yawar Zaman, PP 191 Mian Mohammad Munir, NA137 Rao Muhammad Aimal Khan, PP 186 Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, PP 189 Ali Abbas, NA138 Mohammad Moeen Watto, PP 187 Chaudhry IRikhar Hussain Chachar, PP 188 Noor ul Amin Watto.

    District Pakpattan NA 139 Ahmad Raza Maneka, PP 197 Sardar Mansab Ali Dogar, NA 140 Rana Iradat Sharif, PP 195 Kashif Ali Chishti, PP 196 Farrukh Javed.

    District Sahiwal NA141 Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, PP 198, Walayat Shah, PP 199
    Qasim Nadeem, PP 200 Muhammad Arshad Malik, NA 142 Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, PP 201 Naveed Aslam Khan Lodhi.

    Sargodha Division

    District Sargodha NA 82 Doctor Mukhtar Ahmed Malik, PP 71 Sohaib Ahmad Malik, PP 72 Mansoor Azam Sindhu, NA 83 Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, PP 73 Mian Manzar Hussain Ranjha, NA 84 Doctor Liaqat Ali Khan, PP 75 Abdul Razzaq Dhillon, PP 76 Mahr Ghulam Dastgir Lak, NA 85 Doctor Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, PP 78 Rana Munawar Hussain, NA 86 Syed Javaid Hussain, PP 79 Taimoor Ali Khan Baloch, PP 80 Sardar Mohammad Asim Sher Maken.

    District Khushab NA 87 Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, PP 82 Malik Mohammad Asif Bha Awan, PP 83 Muhammad Moazzam Sher, PP 84 Karam Elahi Bandial

    District Mianwali NA 89 Obaid Ullah Khan Shadikhel, PP 85 Amanat Ullah Khan, NA 90 Humair Hayat Khan Rokari, PP 87 Inam ullah Khan Niazi, PP 88 Malik Muhammad Feroz Joya.

    District Bhakkar NA 91 Abdul Majeed Khan Khanan Khel, PP 89 Abdul Majeed Khan Khanan Khel.

    Multan Division

    District Khanewal NA 144 Syed Mohammad Mukhtar Hussain, PP 205 Imran Iftikhar Hiraj, PP 212 Irfan Ahmad Alias Rana Irfan Mahmood Khan, NA 145 Mohammad Khan Daha, PP 206 Barrister Chaudhry Osama Afzal, PP 211 Rana Mohammad Saleem, NA
    146 Pir Mohammad Aslam Bodla Siddique, PP 207 Amir Hayat Hiraj, PP 208 Babar Hussain Abid, NA 147 Chaudhry Iftikhar Nazir, PP 209 Chaudhry Zia ur Rahman.

    District Multan NA 148 Ahmad Hussain, PP 214 Mian Shehzad Magbool Bhutta, PP
    215 Shahid Mahmood Khan, PP 218 Salman Naeem, NA 151 Abdul Ghaffar, PP 219 Doctor Mohammad Akhtar Malik, PP 220, Rai Mansab Ali NA, 152 Syed Javed Ali Shah, PP 221 Mian Tariq Abdullah, PP 222 Rana Ejaz Ahmad Noon, NA 153 Rana Mohammad Qasim Noon, PP 223 Mehdi Abbas Khan

    District Lodhran NA 154 Abdul Rahman Khan Kanju, PP 226 Malik Shah Mohammad Joya, NA 155 Siddique Baloch, PP 227 Umair Baloch, PP 228 Syed Mohammad Rafiuddin Bokhari.

    District Vehari NA 156 Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad, PP 229 Chaudhry Mohammad Yousaf Kasela, PP 231 Sardar Khalid Mahmood Dogar, NA 157 Sajid Mehdi, PP 230 Mian Irfan Aqeel Daultan, PP 232 Malik Nousher Khan Anjum Langrial, NA 158 Begum Tehmina Daultana, PP 233 Mian Mohammad Saqib Khursheed, PP 234 Mohammad Naeem Akhtar Khan, NA 159 Saeed Ahmad Minhias, PP 235 Mian Khaliq Nawaz, PP 236 Asif Saeed.

  • No more NAB cases against Sharif Family

    No more NAB cases against Sharif Family

    National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Executive Board, chaired by the NAB Chairman, approved the closing of an investigation into the Sharif Trust case involving Sharif’s family including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    The meeting convened on January 1 to approve the closure of corruption cases, including those against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and his family.

    The meeting approved shutting down six corruption cases, notably a 24-year-old case against Nawaz Sharif and his family in the Sharif Trust case. This decision brings relief to the former premier and his family members.

    Among the closed cases was an inquiry into Islamabad Inspector General Akbar Nasir in the Safe City corruption case. Additionally, the board decided to conclude the investigation into the Park Enclave Housing Society, involving officers of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Another inquiry against federal officers for alleged preferential recruitment was also approved for closure.

    Furthermore, the NAB board approved to close an inquiry against Shahid Malik and Shahbaz Yasin Malik, the CEO of Hilton Pharma.

    The investigation into the Sharif family regarding the Sharif Trust Case was initiated on March 31, 2000, based on allegations of receiving funds through illicit means, lack of audits, misappropriation of funds, and benami property acquisition by the Sharif family in the name of the Trust.

    The Panama Papers Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report, submitted to the Supreme Court, had criticized NAB for delays in the investigation and urged prioritization.

    Under the recently amended National Accountability Act 2002 by the previous PDM government, the NAB has concluded the Sharif Trust investigation under Section 31-B.

    This decision by the NAB’s Executive Board marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against the Sharif family, as they receive a respite from multiple longstanding corruption cases.

  • Bilawal predicts a ‘coalition government’, addresses rumoured rift with father

    Bilawal predicts a ‘coalition government’, addresses rumoured rift with father

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto on Monday predicted the formation of a coalition government after the upcoming election set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    In an interview with Kashif Abbasi of ARY News, the former Foreign Minister said: “Whether it is led by PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz] or any other party, the next government will be a coalition [regime].”

    Last year, in November, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Zardari also anticipated the formation of a “national unity government” after elections. He believed that no single party will be able to get a two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls.

    When asked by Abbasi about the rumoured rift with his father, Bilawal Bhutto said that he is not angry and has no disagreements with his father. “I am not contesting elections against Zardari Sahib,” he said, smiling.

    The former foreign minister also said that every father including politicians, train their sons, stressing that he will never speak against his father.

    “The PPP and my father himself nominated me as a candidate for the slot of prime minister,” Bilawal added.

    He also said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will take revenge on those who ousted him from government, if he returns to power.

  • ‘Sky will not fall if polls are deferred’: Maulana Fazlur Rehman 

    ‘Sky will not fall if polls are deferred’: Maulana Fazlur Rehman 

    Amid the ongoing controversy about the general elections scheduled for February 8, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the Senate’s resolution advocating the postponement of the electoral process aligns with his party’s stance.

    The resolution, proposed by an independent lawmaker in the upper house of parliament on Friday amid concerns about extreme weather conditions and the security situation in the country.

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on Geo News‘ program ‘Jirga’ before embarking on his visit to Afghanistan on Sunday, emphasised the need for a deferral of polls for the betterment of the security situation. 

    “Sky will not fall if polls are deferred for the betterment of the [security] situation,” Fazl said. He has continued to raise concerns about the security situation in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.

    The JUI-F chief’s visit to Kabul comes at a delicate juncture, marked by strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan due to a surge in terror incidents, primarily attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned outfit.

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently asserted that the current situation in the country is not conducive to holding elections, citing multiple attacks on his party in the last six months. The most recent incident was a gun attack on the JUI-F’s convoy in Dera Ismail Khan, where fortunately, he remained unharmed.

    The controversy surrounding the postponement of elections, which have already been delayed, intensified following the Senate’s approval of a resolution seeking to defer polls.

    However, a fresh resolution was tabled on Saturday in favour of conducting elections on February 8 as originally scheduled, leading to the initiation of contempt proceedings against senators involved in the delay resolution.

    Speaking about the motion to postpone polls, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated in an interview that the Senate resolution supported the JUI-F’s stance on the threats of terrorism, although he claimed to have no prior information about the resolution.

    Expressing concerns about the electoral environment, especially in KP and Balochistan, the seasoned politician urged stakeholders to grasp the gravity of the situation. “People are being threatened through pamphlets warning them against attending JUI-F rallies.”

    Despite the challenging circumstances, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed hope for improvement and emphasised that his party would participate in elections. He stated, “We are not the ones running away from the elections,” underscoring the importance of talks and mediation while assessing ground realities for discussions with the TTP.

    Addressing the issue of a level-playing field, the JUI-F leader criticised the use of the term for a single party, alluding to shifts in political support. 

    “Yesterday’s blue-eyed boy is also being supported today,” he said without naming anyone.

    The year 2023 witnessed Pakistan grappling with terrorism, internal conflicts, socioeconomic disparities, regional instability and heightened tensions with militant groups along the Afghanistan border.

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman, consistently voicing grave concerns over the peace and security situation, recalled previous attacks on his party members. Notably, in September, a blast in Mastung injured senior JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah, while in July, a suicide blast targeted a JUI-F workers’ convention in Bajaur’s Khar, resulting in the death of at least 40 party workers.

    In contrast to the JUI-F’s position, almost all major political parties have rejected the resolution to defer polls, insisting that the general elections must proceed as scheduled on February 8.

  • No signal from ‘any quarters’ to postpone upcoming polls, Solangi confirms

    No signal from ‘any quarters’ to postpone upcoming polls, Solangi confirms

    The federal Caretaker Minister for Information, Murtaza Solangi, stated on Friday that the interim government has not received any indication from any source to postpone the upcoming elections set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Earlier on Friday, Senator Dilawar Khan tabled a resolution in the sparsely attended Upper House, which garnered the required support despite opposition from Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of the Muslim League (N).

    Talking to journalists outside the Parliament House, Solangi said: “So far, no signal has been received from any quarters regarding the postponement of elections.”

    He also stated that only the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has the authority to postpone general elections.

    The minister believed that there were no instructions from interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar or the federal cabinet to postpone polls.

    According to Article 218(3) of the Constitution, ECPhas the power to conduct elections, give a date, or change the date for elections, he said.

    “We cannot interfere in the affairs of a constitutional body.”

  • PPP is all set to conquer Punjab and Sindh

    PPP is all set to conquer Punjab and Sindh

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari formally initiated his election campaign from NA-127 Lahore on Thursday.

    The party aims to leverage the perceived political vacuum created by the establishment in Pakistan.

    With the main rival, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), still deliberating on ticket allocations for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), PPP leaders have been actively canvassing for votes in their respective constituencies.

    According to the party’s central Punjab chief, a majority of aspiring candidates have already received confirmation regarding ticket allocations, making the official announcement a mere formality.

    PPP has unveiled its 10-point agenda as part of its manifesto, with the official manifesto set to be revealed in the coming days, as announced by the party’s information secretary.

    In contrast, PML-N, despite forming a manifesto committee over a month ago, has not made any public announcements regarding its plans.

    The recent introduction of an online portal by PML-N to gather public input on its manifesto suggests that the process is not in its advanced stages.

    Bilawal, who will contest elections from three constituencies, including NA-127 Lahore and the party stronghold Larkana, visited his election office at Green Town in Lahore to formally launch the campaign.

    During his election campaign trail, he would address rallies in Faisalabad (Jan 11), Layah (Jan 12), Bahawalpur (Jan 13), Balochistan’s Naseerabad (Jan 14), Sindh’s Larkana (Jan 15), Qambar Shahdadkot (Jan 16) Badin and Sanghar (Jan 17), Nowshero Feroz and Dadu (Jan 18), Rahim Yar Khan (Jan 19) Kot Daud (Jan 20), Lahore (Jan 21), Chiniot (Jan 23), Sarghoda (Jan 24), Lala Musa (Jan 25) Multan (Jan 26), Peshawar (Jan 27) , Rawalpindi (Jan 28), Kurram (Jan 29), DI Khan (Jan 30), Malakand (Jan 31), Khuzdar (Feb 1), Kashmor and Shikarpur (Feb 2) Mirpurkhas (Feb 3), Hyderabad (Jan 4) and his second last rally as per schedule would be in Karachi (Jan 5).

    The decision to contest from Lahore is seen as a strategic move, countering PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to contest from Karachi NA-242.

    The PPP aims to secure NA-127 Lahore, building on the momentum gained from the December 2021 by-election results, where the party’s candidate secured significant votes. The move is also seen as an effort to mitigate the risk of a complete loss for the party in Punjab.

    The party sees the absence of PTI from the political arena as a golden opportunity to capitalize on anti-PML-N votes. The PML-N is expected to issue the NA-127 ticket to its Deputy General Secretary Ata Tarar.

    Meanwhile, Mayor Murtaza Wahab asserted that the people of Karachi demonstrated their support for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the local government elections held on January 15, 2023, citing the party’s perceived capability to address the city’s issues.

    The mayor expressed these sentiments during the ‘Meeting the Editors’ program organized by the Council of Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Thursday.

    “We worked for the resolution of the issues of the people of Karachi with sincerity. The development work will continue. People think that the next government will be of the PPP as they see Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as a viable leader,” the mayor said.

    Wahab attributed the success of the Jamaat-e-Islami in the local government elections to the boycott by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

  • Finally, some good news for PTI

    Finally, some good news for PTI

    Several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) aspirants, along with their allies, re-entered the electoral fray on Thursday following successful appeals against the rejection of their nomination papers by Returning Officers (ROs) during the scrutiny process last week.

    The appellate tribunals, responsible for reviewing appeals against ROs’ decisions, swung into action a day after the deadline for filing appeals expired.

    Rulings were issued on many appeals, while notices were dispatched to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and other relevant parties for further cases.

    Numerous PTI candidates, facing rejection of their nomination papers, took up the challenge against RO decisions. Simultaneously, objections were raised against the acceptance of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif’s papers in Karachi.

    According to the election schedule, nomination papers were accepted until December 22, scrutinized by December 30, and the appeal window extended until January 3. The tribunals are expected to conclude all appeals by January 10.

    Among those approved by the appellate tribunals are PTI Central Vice President Firdous Shamim Naqvi for NA-236, Karachi, and party ally Sheikh Rashid and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq for NA 56 and 57, Rawalpindi. Additionally, several other candidates from various parties, including Ijazul Haq and Punjab Assembly Speaker Sabatin Khan, received the green light to contest elections.

    Firdous Shamim Naqvi took to Twitter (former X) and wrote, “Jibran, Andaleeb and Shiraz, the team that batted for me to get my nomination cleared by the tribunal. My thanks to all those who prayed for my success. I hope to contest with your support and bat for Pakistan. Inshallah we will all succeed on the 8th of February 24.”

    In Rawalpindi, two election tribunals continued hearings on Thursday, deciding a total of 26 appeals—approving 20 and rejecting six. Notably, the tribunals accepted appeals from prominent figures such as PTI founder Imran Khan, former Punjab chief minister Parvez Elahi, and former minister Fawad Chaudhary, prompting notices to the ECP and relevant returning officers.

    Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz, a tribunal judge, emphasized the need to adhere to the Constitution and the law during appeal hearings, discouraging the discussion of political matters in court.

    In Islamabad, an appellate tribunal issued notices on appeals from 51 candidates whose nomination papers were rejected, including PTI’s Ilyas Mehrban, Aamir Mughal, Shiraz Kayani, and Zubair Farooq. Tribunal Judge Arbab Muhammad Tahir also sought responses on the appeal against the acceptance of the transgender candidate Nayab Ali’s nomination papers for NA-46 and NA-47.

    Meanwhile, in Karachi, the appellate tribunal at the Sindh High Court accepted the nomination papers of PTI Central Vice President Firdous Naqvi for NA-236, Karachi, declaring objections to his papers as “illegal.”

    The election process is currently undergoing a thorough review, with various candidates and parties actively participating in the appeal process to ensure fair representation in the upcoming elections. The tribunals are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the final candidate list for the upcoming polls.