Tag: National Assembly

  • 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.

  • Asad Qaider arrested again in May 9 riots case

    Asad Qaider arrested again in May 9 riots case

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Asad Qaiser, got arrested again from Swabi jail on Thursday in a case related to May 9 riots after getting bail in a corruption case, Geo News has reported.

    Charsadda police arrested the PTI leader from inside Swabi jail and shifted him to an unidentified location.

    The May 9 riots were triggered after the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the £190 million UK settlement case. Hundreds of PTI workers and leaders have been put behind bars for their involvement in violent protests and attacks on military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military termed May 9 a ‘Black Day’ and decided to try protesters under the Army Act.

    During the PTI leader’s re-arrest, he said in a video message, “We will continue our struggle to win the upcoming election next year on February 8.”

    “Neither we are afraid, nor will we backtrack.”

    Asad Qaiser also claimed that his party will win elections with a huge majority if a level playing field is provided to all political parties.

    Without naming anyone, the PTI leader accused: “They have already declared a person prime minister.”

  • Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Pakistan is watching a wave of interviews and the latest twist in this unfolding drama has been disclosed by senior journalist Javed Chaudhry in a recent vlog, hinting that Malik Riaz, a property tycoon, is poised to unravel a series of explosive revelations in the days to come.

    Javed Chaudhry’s vlog, providing a sneak peek into an upcoming interview with Malik Riaz, outlined three key points that are expected to rock the political landscape.

    First and foremost, the interview is anticipated to shed light on the staggering Rs460 billion penalty imposed on Bahria Town by the Supreme Court. Riaz is expected to reveal what Saqib Nisar got in return for favors. He will also delve into the details of the 460 billion rupees fiasco.

    Furthermore, the property tycoon is predicted to make startling claims regarding the 2014 protest, alleging that influential figures orchestrated the demonstration to unseat then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    The revelations will also cover how the sit-in was sponsored and from where and how food was provided.

    Riaz will also talk about why he advised Nawaz Sharif to leave the country for three months after his resignation.

    Riaz is also anticipated to discuss his role in preventing a collaborative effort between Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif against Imran Khan, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shaped Pakistan’s political landscape.

    Riaz will also openly talk about who played what role during Imran Khan’s government and how they all benefited from it.

    While specific details of the upcoming interview were not disclosed by Chaudhry, he expressed confidence that Malik Riaz’s revelations would be nothing short of bombshells, suggesting a turbulent period ahead for Pakistani politics.

  • Supreme Court upholds Practice & Procedure Act 2023

    Supreme Court upholds Practice & Procedure Act 2023

    The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a verdict in favour of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, dismissing petitions challenging its validity.

    Headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the SC full bench consisted of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Mazhar, Justice Ayesha, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Rizvi, Justice Waheed and Justice Musarrat Hilali.

    The decision was upheld by 10-5 majority.

    While reading out the order, CJP Isa noted that five members of the full court bench — Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha A Malik, and Justice Shahid Waheed — had opposed the law.

    The decision on the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, case was delivered after the completion of all arguments. Attorney General Mansoor Awan presented a comprehensive case in favor of the act, leading to the full court’s decision in support of the legislation.

    The SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, has been a subject of considerable debate and legal scrutiny, with various petitions seeking its annulment. However, the apex court has preserved the Act, emphasising its continued relevance in the legal system.

    However, by an 8-7 decision, the majority of judges have decided against the provision of law wherein retrospective right of appeal was given in the Act.

    The Supreme Court (Practice & Procedure) Act, 2023, which has been at the centre of legal debate and judicial proceedings, introduced several crucial provisions, reshaping the functioning of the Supreme Court of Pakistan:

    1. Sou Motu Notice: The Act granted the power of taking suo motu notice to a three-member committee, consisting of senior judges, including the Chief Justice. This provision aimed to facilitate the initiation of legal proceedings in the apex court and ensure transparency. It also included the right to appeal.
    2. Constitution of Benches: According to the Act, every case, matter, or appeal brought before the Supreme Court would be heard and decided by a bench formed by a committee comprising the Chief Justice and the two most senior judges. Decisions of the committee would be made by a majority vote.
    3. Original Jurisdiction: When exercising the apex court’s original jurisdiction, the Act mandated that any matter invoking the use of Article 184(3) must first be presented before the committee.
    4. Interpretation of the Constitution: In cases where the interpretation of the Constitution was necessary, the Act stipulated that the committee would assemble a bench consisting of no fewer than five Supreme Court judges.
    5. Right to Appeal: In instances where a decision was made by a Supreme Court bench exercising Article 184(3) jurisdiction, the Act allowed for an appeal to be filed within 30 days of the bench’s order. This appeal would be scheduled for a hearing within a period not exceeding 14 days.
    6. Retrospective Right of Appeal: The Act also extended the right of appeal retrospectively to individuals who had been affected by an order made under Article 184(3) before the commencement of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, provided that the appeal was filed within 30 days of the Act’s implementation.
    7. Choice of Counsel: Parties involved in legal proceedings were granted the right to select their counsel for filing a review application under Article 188 of the Constitution.
    8. Urgency and Interim Relief: The Act outlined that any application claiming urgency or seeking interim relief in a case, appeal, or matter would be scheduled for a hearing within 14 days from the date of filing.
  • IMF delegation to evaluate Pakistan’s economic performance during November visit

    IMF delegation to evaluate Pakistan’s economic performance during November visit

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is gearing up for a vital visit to Pakistan, scheduled for November. The purpose of this visit is to assess Pakistan’s economic performance, particularly focusing on the period from July to September.

    Reliable sources in financial circles have shared that this visit is part of an ongoing review following the extension of the loan programme. Representatives from the IMF and the caretaker administration will engage in important discussions to gauge Pakistan’s progress and its adherence to the outlined economic targets.

    Reports from ARY News indicate that Pakistan is on track to receive the next portion of financial assistance, which amounts to $700 million from the $3 billion loan programme. This development underscores Pakistan’s dedication to meeting the IMF’s conditions aimed at boosting economic stability and growth.

    Forecasts suggest that the IMF is set to disburse around $1.8 billion in funds to Pakistan by March 2024. This positive outlook reflects the gradual restoration of investor confidence and the promising trajectory of Pakistan’s economy.

    However, the release of these funds hinges on Pakistan’s successful completion of two critical economic reviews. This underscores Pakistan’s commitment to implementing structural reforms and achieving sustainable economic development.

  • ‘Worst assembly’: PML-N’s Shahid Khaqan slams govt

    ‘Worst assembly’: PML-N’s Shahid Khaqan slams govt

    Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said in his farewell speech on Wednesday that the outgoing National Assembly was the worst because it did not provide relief to the public.

    The former Prime Minister, a stalwart of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), said that not a single legislation was passed by the Lower House in its five years. “You seek record of five years’ legislation and you will see all the government bills were not meant to provide relief to people,” he said, stressing that it was a matter of shame for all.

    He pointed out that the people have lost faith in the government, emphasizing that such matters cannot be fixed by legislation but with actions. He blamed everyone for the economic crisis in the country, adding that it would take at least ten years to fix the economy.

    People say that all members of the assembly are corrupt and we show that they are correct,” Abbasi said, pointing out that parliamentarians were surrounding the Interior Minister to get his signature for licenses.

  • National Assembly dissolved: hunt for caretaker PM underway

    President Dr Arif Alvi, late on Wednesday, dissolved the National Assembly on the counsel of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

    The prime minister’s decision to dissolve the assembly was swiftly acted upon, with the president endorsing the summary earlier presented by PM Shehbaz Sharif for the dissolution.

    However, despite this dissolution, Shehbaz Sharif will remain at the helm of affairs as prime minister until the nomination of a caretaker premier.

    This dissolution now mandates the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to organise general elections within the subsequent 90 days, as per constitutional requirements.

    Reinforcing this, the Senate, earlier in the day, passed a resolution urging the ECP to ensure preparations for the impending general elections occur within the constitutionally stipulated timeframe.

  • In last NA speech, Shehbaz says he’s not happy that leader of a party is in jail

    In last NA speech, Shehbaz says he’s not happy that leader of a party is in jail

    In a poignant last speech on the floor of the National Assembly as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif said that if the leader of a political party is jailed, “we are not happy about it”.

    “If someone has been distributing sweets [to celebrate], it is not right. This is not a good tradition,” the Premier said, in a thinly veiled reference to political rival, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

    Khan has been sentenced to three years imprisonment in the Tosha Khana case, and is currently at Attock jail.

    Talking about the severe economic crisis in the country, Shehbaz said that his government faced severe difficulties in its 16-month long tenure.

    He thanked legislators from all parties and both sides, including Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir, for showing confidence in him.

    Calling the assembly a “bouquet”, the Prime Minister said that such a bunch of Pakistanis has never been put together before and will never be put together again.

    In a lighter moment, he asked members to thump their desks with more force after he paid tribute to Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf.

    He also singled out Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for praise, thanking the outgoing Foreign Minister for keeping the coalition together and for his diplomatic prowess.

  • National Assembly set to dissolve after 5:30PM

    National Assembly set to dissolve after 5:30PM

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is preparing to advice President Arif Alvi to dissolve the National Assembly (NA) today, bringing an end to tumultuous five-year term for the Lower House. Today (Wednesday) might be the last day of the coalition government.

    In order to extend the interim period, which is legally within 90 days if an assembly is dissolved prematurely, the government will dissolve the Lower House of parliament earlier than its legal term, which expires on August 12.

    If the National Assembly gets dissolved prematurely, a caretaker government will be responsible for conducting elections in 90 days.

    According to Article 58 of the constitution, the prime minister can advise the president on the dissolution of the National Assembly, however, if the president doesn’t approve, the assembly is still dissolved within 48 hours.

    “The president shall dissolve the National Assembly if so advised by the prime minister; and the National Assembly shall, unless sooner dissolved, stand dissolved at the expiration of forty-eight hours after the prime minister has so advised,” the article reads.

    PM Shehbaz Sharif, after a joint session of Parliament today at 5:30 p.m., will request President Alvi to dissolve the Parliament. Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with opposition leader Raja Riaz is scheduled for 4 p.m. today.