Tag: general elections 2024

  • Hassaan Niazi is up for contesting elections

    Hassaan Niazi is up for contesting elections

    Hassaan Niazi, prominent leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s nephew, has officially declared his intention to participate in the upcoming general elections.

    The decision was revealed as his mother filed a petition in the Lahore High Court, seeking approval for his nomination papers.

    The petition argued that, with the Election Commission having announced the election schedule, Hassan Niazi remains eligible, having neither faced disqualification nor conviction; he is presently in custody.

    The legal plea urged the court to grant permission for the completion of Hassan Niazi’s nomination paper for the submission process.

    It further proposes a meeting between the court commissioner and Hassan Niazi to facilitate the verification or rejection of the nomination papers.

    The move sets the stage for a potentially dynamic political scenario, with Hassan Niazi’s candidacy poised to shape the unfolding electoral landscape.

    The Case

    A Lahore anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday granted the police two-day transit remand of the focal person of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassaan Niazi.

    The police had produced Niazi in the court seeking his transit remand to take him to Karachi, where he is wanted in connection with sedition charges registered against him.

    The case against Niazi was registered on the complaint of a citizen named Muhammad Iqbal at the Jamshaid Quarters police station.

    According to the first information report (FIR), Niazi was involved in inciting people to revolt against national institutions and attempting to provoke disharmony in a video on social media.

    The statement had allegedly created anger and distress among the masses.

    During the hearing, the prosecution argued that Niazi’s presence was required in Karachi for further legal proceedings.

    Therefore, the court approved the request for a two-day transit remand, allowing the police to take Niazi to Karachi for progress in the case.

  • General elections 2024: Candidates allowed to spend up to Rs10 million on campaigns

    General elections 2024: Candidates allowed to spend up to Rs10 million on campaigns

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has recently finalised the Code of Conduct for political parties in preparation for the upcoming general elections in 2024.

    In a collaborative effort with political parties, the Election Commission of Pakistan has meticulously drafted the code of conduct, incorporating valuable suggestions from various political entities.

    According to reliable sources, the code includes provisions preventing political parties from undermining the sovereignty of Pakistan during the election campaign.
    Additionally, parties are expected to refrain from disparaging the ECP in the course of their campaigns.

    The code of conduct emphasises ethical practices, urging political parties and candidates to abstain from offering gifts, inducements, or bribes to encourage the withdrawal of other candidates.

    Ensuring the safety of election staff and polling agents is paramount, as outlined in the draft.
    A noteworthy feature of the code is the commitment to implementing a 5 per cent women’s quota in the upcoming general elections in 2024. This underscores the importance of gender inclusivity in the political landscape.

    The code unequivocally discourages violence on polling day, strictly prohibiting the display of weapons during election campaigns.
    Aerial shootings and the use of firecrackers in public gatherings are also prohibited, promoting a peaceful electoral environment.

    Addressing the eligibility of election agents, the code stipulates that the appointed agent must be a registered voter in the relevant constituency.

    Furthermore, financial regulations have been established, allowing National Assembly candidates a spending limit of up to Rs10 million for their election campaigns, while Provincial Assembly candidates are capped at a maximum of Rs4 million.

    In adherence to transparency, successful candidates are required to submit detailed reports of their election expenses to returning Officers, fostering accountability in the electoral process.

    The comprehensive nature of the Code of Conduct reflects the Election Commission’s commitment to conducting fair, transparent, and violence-free elections in 2024.