Tag: Maryam Nawaz

  • What are Google trends saying about your search history of popular party leaders?

    What are Google trends saying about your search history of popular party leaders?

    Google Trends offer an insight into the popularity and curiosity political leaders enjoy among the masses. As the elections are drawing near, we took a peak into the data Google Trends have recorded over the last 30 days.

    The highest and ever-increasing line graph is Imran Khan’s. The highest peak was shown on January 30 with Khan hitting the record 100 score whereas his contemporaries, Nawaz stood on 15, Maryam Nawaz at eight, Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari at three, and Hamza Shehbaz being the lowest: less than one.

    However, it is important to note that Imran’s progressively increasing arc starts dropping successively in the days after Jan 30.

    On the other hand, except for Hamza Shehbaz, the other three is slowly on an upward trend.

    Breakdown of regions

    PTI founder and jailed leader Imran Khan is most popular all over Pakistan according to Google Trends.

    Punjab

    In Punjab, the most popular choices for Chief Ministership, Hamza Shehbaz, and Maryam Nawaz contrary to popular perception, are not being searched so much. After Khan winning with more than 69 percent of searches, Nawaz Sharif is at 17 percent while Maryam is at nine percent. It appears that people in Punjab are comparatively more interested in Bilawal than Hamza who has 1 percent searches from all over the province.

    However, it is important to note that out of all the provinces, Punjab has shown more interest in PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. Sindh has shown the most interest after Punjab, which is 11 percent, 10 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nine percent in Balochistan, and seven percent in former FATA.

    Sindh

    After Imran Khan (69 percent) former Foreign Minister and Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is unsurprisingly most popular in Sindh with 13 percent of Google searches. Second in line is Punjab and third is Balochistan. After him is Nawaz (11 percent) followed by Maryam (7 percent).

    Balochistan

    Imran Khan leading the slot here with 84 percent followed by Nawaz (9 percent), Maryam (4 percent), and Biawal Bhutto (3 percent). Hamza does not invoke public curiosity even the slightest.

    Gilgit Baltistan

    Imran Khan has a 100 percent popularity rate in Gilgit Baltistan, where it seems no other party leader stands a chance, implying that there were minor searches of them in GB.

    Former FATA

    Interestingly, in the former federally administered tribal areas, only Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif were searched for, Khan at 93 per cent of searches and Nawaz at seven percent.

    Though Google search and Google trends are not the ultimate parameter of a party leader’s popularity, they certainly are proof of what netizens are most interested in and the social media footing of a politician.

  • Maryam Nawaz tells PTI supporters to end politics of hate

    Maryam Nawaz tells PTI supporters to end politics of hate

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief organizer Maryam Nawaz has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to stop indulging in what she described as politics of hate.
    “Today I want to say that I am ready to forget all the oppression against us,” Maryam said. “I promise today and invite everyone to put an end to all this once and for all,” she said at a rally in Kasur.
    “I want a Pakistan where the government concentrates on serving people instead of avenging the past,” she said.

  • Bilawal Nawaz Debate: Who do you think will win?

    Bilawal Nawaz Debate: Who do you think will win?

    PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to avoid escalating political tensions and refrain from taking political rivalries to extremes.

    The appeal comes in response to Bilawal’s proposal for a debate between him and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif ahead of the February 8 general elections.

    Bilawal, during his election trail, has been critical of the PML-N, prompting responses from the top leadership of the opposing party. On Friday, Bilawal proposed a televised debate between him and Nawaz Sharif, citing the global practice of such debates to provide voters with crucial insights into candidates’ plans.

    Shehbaz Sharif, in apparent response to the challenge, suggested that it would have been more meaningful if the invitation had been extended to Nawaz Sharif for an inspection of Sindh rather than a debate.

    In a subsequent exchange, Bilawal demanded clarification on the city and date for the proposed debate. He also suggested Nawaz Sharif could visit Gambat in Khairpur to inspect the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences and compare it with Punjab’s hospitals.

    “Mian Nawaz Sharif can debate with me in Gambat, Khairpur. He can come and visit the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, a hospital that surpasses any hospital in Punjab, and where all treatment is absolutely free,” Bilawal said.

    He claimed that despite being the prime minister thrice, Nawaz had never once visited Gambat. “Or perhaps he would prefer to come to Tharparkar, where we can also inspect the infrastructure, and compare Thar with Cholistan. The coal project in Thar, which you and your brother opposed, is providing cheap electricity not to Karachi, but to Faisalabad,” he said.

    In an interview on the Dawn News show ‘Live with Adil Shahzeb’ aired on Saturday night, Shehbaz Sharif commented on Bilawal’s proposal, acknowledging him as an educated youngster with a future in the country but cautioned against making the political situation tense and taking rivalries too far.

    “I feel that the real thing to do at the end of the day is what we are thinking about the public and what will we end up doing for them. This is what people want to hear from us. They don’t want to hear someone bashing his rivals,” he said.

    “The poor man is drowning in poverty and unemployment. He has been crushed and this is a ‘do-or-die situation’ for Pakistan,” Shehbaz concluded.

    Shehbaz suggested that Bilawal could take Nawaz Sharif on a tour of Sindh instead of a formal debate, allowing for a discussion and comparison of the province. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the public and addressing their concerns, urging political discourse that revolves around the welfare of the people.

    Responding to Shehbaz’s comments, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on Sunday, reiterated his challenge for a debate and requested information on when and where Nawaz Sharif wishes to engage. He affirmed his readiness for any debate and scrutiny, asserting that deflecting from the challenge would not be effective.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal emphasized the global norm of televised debates and the transparency they provide to voters. He stated that such transparency is crucial for an informed electorate before the voting process. The challenge for a debate continues to add a dynamic element to the political landscape as the general elections draw closer.

  • Here’s how to get Bilawal’s, Maryam’s and Nawaz’s looks on a budget

    On Wednesday, many political bigwigs appeared in public gatherings, flaunting their own particular fashion statements. Their winter attire had people wondering how to get hold of similar looks on a budget. We understand and so here we are to help out.

    Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, usually clad in a shalwar kameez, is quite a simple dresser but yesterday’s denim jacket was a refreshing change. We figured out that the denim fur jacket is available with Markhor trends on sale in Rs. 2,800.

    The Denim Company has a similar-looking piece in Rs 4, 350 while the Fitted has it in Rs. 3, 999.

    Maryam Nawaz, famous for her style statements, is yet again giving fashion inspo with her long coats.

    A look-alike of the beige coat she wore in a previous jalsa is available on Laam. pk on a discounted price of Rs. 14,025.

    That’s not exactly cheap, so another option is to try and get a pre-loved piece from a thrift shop.

    The latest coat which she wore in Nankana Sahib Jalsa is available with Clothing Call in Pakistan at a discounted price of Rs. 17, 800.

    Nawaz Sharif is not lagging in his style game with an olive coat and an orange and white scarf. The good news is that a similar piece is available at Clicky in Rs 4, 421.

  • ‘Pakistan’s economy performed best under Nawaz Sharif’: Bloomberg

    ‘Pakistan’s economy performed best under Nawaz Sharif’: Bloomberg

    An analysis by Bloomberg Economics reveals that Pakistan’s economy witnessed its best performance in the past three decades under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, who served as Prime Minister thrice.

    The report compares economic indicators during Sharif’s tenure with those of his rivals, including Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), using a misery index that combines inflation and unemployment rates.

    According to Bloomberg Economics, the analysis utilized an average of the misery index values over the years when each major political party ruled Pakistan since 1990.

    The results indicate that Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) outperformed both PTI and PPP in managing economic challenges.

    With general elections scheduled for February 8, Bloomberg suggests that Nawaz Sharif seems poised to return to power for the fourth time, especially as Imran Khan faces legal issues and incarceration.

    Despite Khan’s popularity, with a 57% approval rating according to a recent Gallup poll, Sharif has experienced a surge in popularity from 36% to 52% in the past six months.

    The past three decades saw the PML-N rule Pakistan four times under Sharif and his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif. The PPP under the Bhutto dynasty has held power three times, while Khan was in office for a four-year term ending in April 2022 when he was ousted from power in a parliamentary no-trust vote.

    “Bloomberg Economics used an average of the index values over the respective years when each of the major political parties ruled the country since 1990. A higher value indicates more economic hardship for citizens,” the publication said, explaining its conclusions.

    Bloomberg Economics Misery Index Results for Pakistan showed the Pakistan Muslim League scored 14.5 percent, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf 16.1 percent, and the Pakistan Peoples Party 17.2 percent.

    Pakistan is currently grappling with economic challenges, including seeking a financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Inflation is close to 30 percent in Pakistan, the currency was Asia’s worst performer last year and foreign exchange reserves have slumped.

    The incoming government, as per IMF conditions, will need to implement potentially unpopular policies such as withdrawing subsidies and raising taxes. The IMF forecasts a 2% growth in Pakistan’s economy for the current fiscal year after experiencing a contraction in the previous year.

    Despite the positive economic indicators during Sharif’s governance, the report underscores the formidable tasks awaiting the new government in addressing the country’s economic hardships.

  • A complete list of women taking part in elections on February 8

    A complete list of women taking part in elections on February 8

    The 2024 elections are approaching in Pakistan, and political parties have nominated candidates from different constituencies to contest the polls. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has allotted election symbols to all the candidates. Female candidates are also taking part in the elections set to take place on February 8, 2024, SAMAA has reported.

    After the 2018 general elections, there were 11.74 million more women than men on the voter rolls, bringing the overall number of registered voters in the country to 127 million from the previous 106 million.

    Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) has approved six general seat tickets for female candidates, including PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Saira Afzal Tarar, Nosheen Iftikhar, Shazra Mansab Ali, Tehmina Doultana, and Syeda Shehrbanu Bukhari.

    On the other hand, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) allotted its ticket to Shazia Marri, Dr Sawera Prakash for PK-25 in Buner, Sajida Tabassum for PK-39 in Mansehra, Shaista Raza for PK-48 in Haripur, Dr Ghazala Atta for PK-49 in Swabi-I, Aneela Shahzad for PK-54 in Mardan. The PPP candidate Shazia Tehmas for NA-24 in Charsadda, Mehr Sultana for NA-38 in Karak, and Farzana Shireen for NA-39 in Bannu to contest the election for a National Assembly (NA) seat.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) allotted tickets to 21 women to take part in the upcoming general election.

    In Punjab, former MNA Iman Tahir Sadiq from Attock, former MPA Seemabia Tahir from Rawalpindi, former adviser to Prime Minister Usman Dar from Sialkot Rehana Imtiaz Dar, former MNA from Lahore Alia Hamza Malik, former provincial minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Sidra Faisal from Kasur, Mehr Bano Qureshi daughter of Shah Mahmood Qureshi from Multan, Ayesha Nazir Jatt daughter of former MNA Nazir Jatt from Vahari, Mrs. Talat Basra wife of Shaukat Basra from Bahawalnagar, and former MNA Kanwal Shuzab from Bahawalpur will contest.

    PTI allotted National Assembly tickets to Mrs. Qamar Javed Waraich from Rahim Yar Khan (RYK), Mrs. Humira Ahmad Khan from Muzaffargarh, Mrs. Anbar Majeed Niazi, wife of ex-MNA Majeed Niazi from Layyah, and former minister Zartaj Gul Wazir from Dera Ghazi Khan (D.I. Khan).

    PTI also approved National Assembly tickets for Umbreen Malik from Khairpur, Hamida Masood Shah from Sanghar, Maherul Nasa Baloch from Tharparkar, Nazish Fatima Bhatti from Matiari, Rozeena Bhutto from Tando Ulyar, Shabana Nawab Bajarani from Dadu, and former MNA Shandana Gulzar from Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa NA-30 Peshawar.

  • ‘A terrorist group could not be given a political party’s electoral symbol’: Maryam Nawaz

    ‘A terrorist group could not be given a political party’s electoral symbol’: Maryam Nawaz

    In the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) inaugural rally for the upcoming general elections in Okara, the party’s Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz strongly criticized political rivals Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) without naming it, calling it a “terrorist party” and questioning the allocation of an electoral symbol to such an entity.

    The PML-N, which had faced delays in launching its campaign, is now gearing up for the February 8 polls and is set to reveal its manifesto.

    The delay in the campaign kick-off was attributed to the PML-N’s extensive deliberations on ticket distribution and seat adjustments with the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).

    Party leader Nawaz Sharif, concerned about his party being labeled the ‘favorite’ of the establishment, aims to dispel the impression during the election campaign, according to insider sources.

    During her address to party supporters, Maryam Nawaz, without explicitly naming the PTI, asserted that a “terrorist party” should not be assigned an election symbol like other political entities.

    She hurled an array of criticism at Imran Khan during the address and blamed him for orchestrating and carrying out the May 9 violent attacks.

    She mocked Khan for snatching of his electoral symbol, saying that his election symbol should not be a bat but a “baton”.

    The PML-N chief organizer also dubbed Imran Khan’s party a group of terrorists. “A terrorist group could not be given a political party’s electoral symbol,” she said.

    “Your electoral symbol should be the watch that you stole or the petrol bomb that you hurled on police officials,” she said, adding “what goes around comes around”.

    “Your electoral symbol was not bat but baton with which you attacked military installments. The baton has been snatched from your hand,” she maintained.

    Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the PTI’s current situation is a consequence of its own actions and warned that the nation would not tolerate a political party manipulating its internal elections without consequences.

    Referring to Imran Khan without explicitly mentioning his name, Maryam stated, “He was used to getting bails […] he was used to facilitation. But neither the facilitation nor the facilitators remain.”

    She asserted that now only the law and the nation would determine the outcomes.

    Maryam assured supporters that if the PML-N emerged victorious in the upcoming polls, it would prioritize issues such as good education, cheap electricity, women empowerment, and an improved living standard. She stressed that the PML-N did not seek revenge and believed in facing challenges truthfully and honestly.

    The PML-N leader also highlighted that Nawaz Sharif’s “real umpire” was the public, expressing confidence that the people would bring him back to power.

  • ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially withdrawn its petition from the Supreme Court in which it sought a level playing field in the upcoming general elections.

    The party’s decision was revealed during the hearing on Monday, after counsel Latif Khosa conveyed the PTI’s intention to pursue the matter through what he referred to as the “court of 250 million people.”

    The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and including Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali, presided over the hearing.

    During the proceedings, Khosa gave words to PTI’s discontent, claiming that the court had deprived the party of 230 seats through a previous judgment.
    “We do not want to fight this case in your [Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s] court. Thank you very much,” said Khosa.

    He highlighted the alleged humiliation faced by the party, citing instances where symbols like glass, eggplant, and a bowl were assigned to PTI candidates.

    CJP Qazi Faez Isa inquired whether the PTI intended to pursue the case, to which Khosa responded that he had been instructed to withdraw the application. “We came to you for a level playing field for fair and transparent elections,” he remarked.

    Chief Justice Isa reminded the PTI that the court had repeatedly sought evidence of intra-party elections, emphasizing that the judges should not be held responsible for the verdict.

    He asserted that the court’s role is to ensure elections are conducted within the confines of the law, and if the PTI disliked the decision, they should consider legislative changes.

    Khosa argued that the court’s decision would undermine democracy and claimed that the PTI was being pushed out of parliamentary politics. He disclosed that the party’s leaders would now participate in elections as independent candidates.
    “You are destroying all the institutions of Pakistan,” the CJP told Khosa.
    Meanwhile, Justice Musarrat Hilali raised reservations over the ECP’s conduct and its handling of matters related to PTI ahead of the polls on February 8.
    “The Election Commission is not fair. It is running behind one party,” she remarked during the hearing, asking whether the electoral body can see any other parties or not. “Does the Election Commission not see other parties?”

    The Supreme Court had previously revoked PTI’s cricket bat symbol, citing irregularities in the party’s internal elections held in the preceding year. The court asserted that the PTI failed to comply with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directive to conduct intra-party polls in 2021.

  • 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.

  • ‘If I can’t contest election, I will go to Supreme Court’: Imran Khan

    ‘If I can’t contest election, I will go to Supreme Court’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan said on Friday that he will go to the Supreme Court (SC) if he is not allowed to contest the upcoming elections set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Talking to journalists inside Adiala Jail, the former prime minister said in the courtroom that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif, the party’s president Shehbaz Sharif, and PML-N’s senior vice president Maryam Nawaz are certified money launderers.

    Asked about the Al-Qadir case against his wife Bushra Bibi, Imran pointed out that the former First Lady is a trustee. “How can the police arrest her,” he asked.

    He also explained that trust land cannot be owned by anyone; Shaukat Khanum has land worth billions of rupees. “That too is not my property. Bushra Bibi is also a trustee; not even a single penny is ours.”

    Imran Khan further said that all laws were abolished by force; what is happening to PTI has not happened to any party.