Tag: February 8

  • PTI wants  EU to public report on February 8 polls

    PTI wants  EU to public report on February 8 polls

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded on Monday that the European Union (EU) publish a report on the February 8 general elections. 

    “The EU report on the elections should be made public,” PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

    Hasan confirmed that the EU delegation visited Pakistan before the elections and gave its report on the general elections directly to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    “The EU report is very sensitive and important,” he added. The party has repeatedly complained about alleged widespread rigging and manipulation of election results in last month’s general elections, stating that its mandate was’stolen’.

    The former ruling party’s founder, Imran Khan, had also written to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), calling on the global lender to hold an audit of the election results before approving any new loan for Islamabad—aa demand excused by the Washington-based lender, citing its “narrow mandate on economic issues” and saying that it does not comment on domestic political developments.

  • ECP releases postal ballots for February 8 elections

    ECP releases postal ballots for February 8 elections

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has started providing postal ballot papers as general elections are set to take place on February 8, draw nearer.

    The development was announced by the electoral body today.

    ECP confirmed that all eligible individuals can cast their votes by January 22 through the postal ballot paper.
    An application form for the postal ballot is also available on the ECP’s website.

    Through the postal ballot, the voter can send his vote to the District Returning Officer (RO).
    Pakistan’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 8, are witnessing extensive preparations by the ECP. The electoral body is actively working to guarantee comprehensive arrangements nationwide, aiming for a foolproof electoral process.

    To ensure strict security measures in place ahead of the polls, the ECP issued it’s “Code of Conduct for Security Personnel”, warning them against bias while being on election duty.

  • Pak-Iran tension will not affect February 8 elections, confirms ECP

    Pak-Iran tension will not affect February 8 elections, confirms ECP

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government have said that the border clash between Pakistan and Iran will not affect the upcoming general polls set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    On a question regarding border tensions erupting between Iran and Pakistan, the spokesperson of the ECP affirmed that the upcoming general elections will be held on the announced date.

    “The ECP is busy in preparation for the elections, and there is no proposal or consideration about reviewing the election date because of the Pak-Iran tension.

    “We are working as usual and all set to hold elections on February 8,” he said.

    Caretaker information minister Murtaza Solangi said that elections will be held on time. He said that the Pakistan-Iran tension will not affect the elections and its schedule.

    When asked about the security requirements needed to hold the elections, the information minister said that the government will provide the required security to the ECP for the holding of elections in a peaceful manner. “There is now no backstepping from general elections on the announced date,” assured the minister.

  • We have plan C for February 8 elections, says Imran Khan

    We have plan C for February 8 elections, says Imran Khan

    The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has said that a plan C has been prepared for the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    While talking to the media in Adiala Jail, the former Prime Minister said that democracy is being trampled under the “London Plan”, pointing out that people affiliated with PTI are being picked up despite the start of the election campaign, stressing that women and children were imprisoned for the May 9 incidents.   

    The former prime minister said, “Our plan C is prepared. They will be shocked on February 8.”

    On the question regarding PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat, Imran Khan called the lawyer emotional, but added that he is playing from the front.

    “I told [former army chief Gen (r) Qamar Javed] Bajwa that free and fair election is the only solution,” he claimed.

    He demanded that the jail trial in cipher case be shown live, saying, “I want the nation to know what is happening.”

  • ECP fears delay in polls as independent candidates want to change electoral symbols

    ECP fears delay in polls as independent candidates want to change electoral symbols

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) showed concern that the upcoming polls could be delayed in the case of changing candidates’ symbols, despite the fact that symbols have already been allocated to them.

    Pakistan’s general elections have already been postponed for several months, while some major figures are calling for additional delays for a variety of reasons. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has instructed officials to guarantee that elections are held on February 8.

    In a statement, ECP said that the election symbols have already been allotted to election candidates, but politicians are “having them changed through various forums”.

    “It should be noted that after the allotment of the election symbols, the election commission has ordered the printing of ballot papers to the three printing corporations and the printing work has started,” the statement said.

    According to Geo News, if the high court allows independent candidates to change their electoral symbols, the ECP will postpone general polls in those specific constituencies.

    The official version was along the lines as the ECP said: “If the process of changing the election symbols continues, then on the one hand, there is a fear of delay in the election because the ballot papers will have to be reprinted, for which the time is already limited, and on the other hand, the special paper ballot papers will be wasted.”

  • No surveys; PEMRA to take action against media channels violating ECP’s Code of Conduct

    No surveys; PEMRA to take action against media channels violating ECP’s Code of Conduct

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially communicated with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), seeking strict action against media channels found violating the established code of conduct for the upcoming February 8 polls.

    The letter explicitly points out the airing of voting surveys by certain media channels. This practice, as per the ECP’s Code of Conduct for National Media, is prohibited under Clause 12.

    According to Clause 12, individuals working in print, electronic, and social media are prohibited from obstructing the election process and are required to display accreditation cards provided by the Election Commission.

    The ECP emphasized that both print and social media should refrain from conducting polls and surveys at polling stations or constituencies. The electoral watchdog stated that such activities have the potential to influence voters’ free choice and may disrupt the electoral process.

    The letter stated, “Given the seriousness of this issue, I am directed to state that PEMRA shall take prompt and appropriate action against the electronic media channels in strict alignment with Clause 12 of the Code of Conduct for National Media. A compliance report in this regard be also shared with this office as soon as possible for placing it before the Election Commission.”

    The ECP’s comprehensive 18-point code of conduct for media during elections includes provisions preventing the dissemination of content that reflects opinions prejudicial to the sovereignty, uprightness, or security of Pakistan. It also prohibits statements that could harm national solidarity or create a law and order situation.

    The regulatory framework extends to personal attacks on candidates or political parties in media content, mandating that any allegations should include comments from both sides. Monitoring responsibilities are delegated to Pemra, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Press Information Department, and the Cyber Wing and Digital Media Wing of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

    The ECP further emphasized that these authorities are accountable for monitoring political parties’ and candidates’ coverage during election campaigns through electronic channels, print, and social media. Details of payments made by political parties and candidates must be submitted within 10 days after the poll day.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan warns that, in case of any violation of this Code of Conduct, it reserves the right to withdraw accreditation from individual journalists or media organizations. The authority to determine violations also rests with the electoral body. The media is also prohibited from airing unofficial results of a polling station until one hour after the close of the poll during the polling process coverage.

  • I’m not part of PML-N decision-making anymore, says Muhammad Zubair

    I’m not part of PML-N decision-making anymore, says Muhammad Zubair

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Muhammad Zubair revealed on Sunday that his role in the party is limited now as the party doesn’t consult him while taking decisions.

    Acknowledging that country is heading towards the much-awaited general election, set to take place on February 8, 2024, Zubair said that he is in PML-N, “just like Abbasi.”

    The quote was in reference to former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who is also at odds with the party. Ex-federal minister Miftah Ismail has also been sidelined.

    Muhammad Zubair said while speaking on the Geo News programme “Naya Pakistan” on Sunday, “I think, I am in the PML-N. I am in [the party] just like Abbasi is,” he added, as Abbasi had stepped down from the party office soon after the appointment of Maryam Nawaz as senior vice president and chief organiser.

    The PML-N leader also said that he supported the party with full energy from 2013 to 2018. “I stood firm with the party when a difficult time came in 2017 after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif.”

  • PEMRA nay laga dee TV channels pay aik aur pabandi

    PEMRA nay laga dee TV channels pay aik aur pabandi

    Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has barred television channels from airing anything that casts doubt on the electoral process.

    The notification, issued on November 3, states, “All the satellite TV channel licensees were directed vide this office directives dated 3* November, 2023 to strictly comply with the PEMRA’s Code of Conduct 2015 and ensure that no speculative, doubtful and false information/content with reference to electoral process or conduct of General Elections is aired, broadcasted or televised in any manner, whatsoever, which may subsequently hamper smooth conduct of the General Elections 2024.”

    It further says that all the licensees, while airing their transmission before General Elections 2024, must be mindful of the fact that no such content/discussion / comment is aired which may create doubts or an impression in the minds of the public about the polls or may sabotage elections through any negative/false news, information or report aired on any satellite TV channel, inadvertently.

    Anchor Person Mohammad Malick took to X (former Twitter) and wrote, “Has Pemra gone absolutely bonkers? media barred from even discussing the possibility of flawed election process by EC. All media outlets & journo orgs must outrightly reject this ridiculous ‘unholy commandment’. this is brazen censorship and must be resisted.”

    Secretary General South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) Imtiaz Alam said, “Indeed, Election Commission of Pakistan should be respected, but it must earn respect by ensuring even-playing field fo all and transparently conducting electoral process. However, PEMRA order must be rejected. Media must critically evaluate the conduct of elections and ECP.”

  • When will ECP issue schedule of general elections in Pakistan?

    When will ECP issue schedule of general elections in Pakistan?

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) revealed on Friday that the eagerly awaited schedule for the general polls will be issued 54 days before the February 8 elections, as per Geo News.

    The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Sikandar Sultan Raja, said during an informal discussion with journalists that the election body is diligently working on completing all prerequisites for the upcoming polls.

    In June, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government amended Section 57 of the Elections Act, empowering the ECP to set the general election date while defining a timeline of procedures from the announcement of the schedule to the polling day.

    CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja assured that the election schedule, appointment of returning officers (ROs), and district returning officers (DROs) will be announced promptly. He mentioned that updated constituency lists had already been released, and the ECP was proactively handling election-related responsibilities ahead of schedule.

    Despite concerns and speculations in political circles about potential delays in the already postponed polls, the ECP recently issued the final list of delimitation of constituencies for national and provincial assemblies, dismissing reports of possible delays.

    According to the notification issued by the ECP, the National Assembly (NA) has a total of 266 seats; 60 seats are reserved for women and 10 for religious minorities.

    Balochistan has a total of 20 NA seats, including 16 general and four reserved seats for women; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 45 general NA seats and 10 reserved seats for women; Sindh has a total of 75 NA seats, of which 61 are general and the remaining 14 are reserved for women.

    On the other hand, considering population, Punjab is a big province, and it has 141 NA seats, of which 32 are reserved for women. The federal capital has three general NA seats, with no reserved seat for women.

    Article 106 pertains to the constituencies of the four provincial legislatures. According to this article, Balochistan comprises 51 general seats, with 11 reserved for women and three for non-Muslims, making a total of 65 seats.

    In the case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there are 115 general seats, along with 26 reserved for women and four for non-Muslims, bringing the total number of seats in the legislature to 145.

  • How many seats will be in the National Assembly in upcoming elections?

    How many seats will be in the National Assembly in upcoming elections?

    Amid rumours of delay in the elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the final list of delimitation of constituencies in the national and four provincial assemblies.

    This progress paves the roads for the election schedule, which is more likely to be announced in the first week of December, as per the electoral body.

    Previously, the ECP had said that the final list of delimitations for constituencies would be published on December 15, but it was later revised to November 30.

    According to the notification issued by the ECP, the National Assembly (NA) has a total of 266 seats; 60 seats are reserved for women and 10 for religious minorities.

    Balochistan has a total of 20 NA seats, including 16 general and four reserved seats for women; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 45 general NA seats and 10 reserved seats for women; Sindh has a total of 75 NA seats, of which 61 are general and the remaining 14 are reserved for women.

    On the other hand, considering population, Punjab is a big province, and it has 141 NA seats, of which 32 are reserved for women. The federal capital has three general NA seats, with no reserved seat for women.

    Article 106 pertains to the constituencies of the four provincial legislatures. According to this article, Balochistan comprises 51 general seats, with 11 reserved for women and three for non-Muslims, making a total of 65 seats.

    In the case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there are 115 general seats, along with 26 reserved for women and four for non-Muslims, bringing the total number of seats in the legislature to 145.