Tag: politics latest

  • ‘We have received the guarantee on this issue’: Rana Sanaullah on Nawaz Sharif’s return

    ‘We have received the guarantee on this issue’: Rana Sanaullah on Nawaz Sharif’s return

    Former federal interior minister and senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Rana Sanaullah, has said on Wednesday that his party has obtained a “guarantee” now, paving the way for the return of PML-N head Nawaz Sharif.

    Talking about his leader’s return on Express News’ ‘Hashtag Siyasat’, Sanaullah said that Nawaz Sharif’s innocence as declared by a court is indicates that the former Prime Minister will return.

    “We have received the guarantee on this issue [Nawaz Sharif’s return home]. So now there is zero risk for the party,” the former minister said on the show. “Nawaz Sharif’s acquittal has also been almost certain,” he added.

    Rana Sanaullah’s comments came after a consultative meeting of party leaders, chaired by party president Shehbaz Sharif. Senior leadership reportedly remained divided on the matter of Nawaz’s return.

    While some leaders said that September is a good time for the party head to return, others thought that October would be more suitable.

    A few party leaders reportedly expressed the opinion that Nawaz shouldn’t return until all of the legal challenges standing in his way have been resolved. They emphasised that they didn’t want to take any risks.

    PML-N leaders revealed on Wednesday that the party is working on two plans: one is about Nawaz Sharif’s arrival in Islamabad, and the other is him landing in Lahore.

    According to PML-N sources, a bail application will be filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) before Nawaz Sharif arrives in Pakistan, while plans are underway that he will be given a warm welcome upon his arrival in Islamabad or Lahore.

    “If Nawaz Sharif reaches Islamabad from London, he would be warmly welcomed, and a big rally would be held in the Parade Ground,” a source said, adding that the former prime minister would proceed to Lahore from Islamabad via GT Road.

    “On the way home, in the form of a big procession, the PML-N Quaid will also address supporters at various places on GT Road. And a historic public gathering will be held in Lahore,” the source added.

  • Caretaker cabinet likely to take oath today

    Caretaker cabinet likely to take oath today

    Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, the Caretaker Prime Minister, is likely to take oath from his cabinet today, following an official announcement disclosing the names of the selected members, Geo News has reported. Speculations are rife that notable figures will take up significant roles within the interim administration.

    Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is rumoured to become the finance minister, as reported by The News. Additionally, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, a former foreign secretary, is likely to be the interim foreign minister.

    Prominent textile industrialist Dr. Gohar Ejaz is a contender for interim federal minister for commerce and industries.
    Syed Muhammad Ali, a defense analyst, is being considered for the information ministry while Senator Sarfraz Bugti is likely to be the interior minister.

    Some earlier reports indicated that the interim prime minister would retain three senior aides from his predecessor, Shehbaz Sharif’s team. The Principal Secretary to the prime minister (PSPM), Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah and Press Secretary to the PM, Abdul Akbar, are expected to remain in office. Ahad Cheema, the former advisor to the PM, will likely get a role equivalent to a federal minister.

    Furthermore, Arshad Muneer Khan is likely to become the principal information officer (PIO) while Brigadier Tajdeed Mumtaz, will also continue to work as Military Secretary (MS) to the Prime Minister.

    It is predicted that the caretaker federal cabinet will be relatively concise, comprising only reputable individuals who will be assigned specialized tasks in accordance with their respective portfolios by the caretaker prime minister.

  • US Secretary Blinken congratulates Anwaar Kakar

    US Secretary Blinken congratulates Anwaar Kakar

    According to Bol News, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has congratulated caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar on assuming office.

    “Congratulations to the new Pakistan Interim Prime Minister, @anwaar_kakar. As Pakistan prepares for free and fair elections in accordance with its constitution and the rights to freedom of speech and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity,” Blinken tweeted.

    In response, Anwaar Kakar said on Thursday that “The caretaker government would assiduously work to facilitate a free and fair election in the country”.

    Anwaar Kakar also thanked the US Secretary for his good wishes and said in his tweet “We place importance on our partnership with the US and deeply value the shared commitment to economic prosperity, democracy, and stability in the region”.

  • ‘Potli main raakh aur taweez milay’; DIG who arrested Imran reveals details of strange findings

    ‘Potli main raakh aur taweez milay’; DIG who arrested Imran reveals details of strange findings

    Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Lahore, Imran Kishwar, has said in an interview that after receiving the order to arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan, when police reached Zaman Park, the doors were locked, thus requiring the need to break them down.

    The DIG told Geo News that while searching the premises, he found ash and taweez in a box. He further said that when I touched them, Imran Khan’s wife, former First Lady Bushra Bibi, resisted and said, “You should not touch them; they are sacred things”. 

    Bushra Bibi misbehaved with the police officials and said, “Police walay hain, Paisy lainy aye hoon gay,” [They are policemen. Must have come to take money], the DIG narrated. 

    Imran Khan got arrested in the Toshakhana case on August 5 and was transferred to Attock jail for a 3-year sentence on the same day.

  • President Alvi returns 13 bills

    President Alvi returns 13 bills

    President Dr. Arif Alvi has returned over a dozen bills for reconsideration by the parliament, resulting in an indefinite delay in their progression since a new assembly will be formed after the general elections, to be held later this year. The bills were approved by both houses of the parliament towards the end of the PML-N-led government’s term.

    Among these bills is the recently proposed amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, aimed at increasing penalties for those found guilty of showing disrespect to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his companions, and other revered religious figures.

    Additional bills that have been sent back include the amendment to the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies, and Books Registration legislation, which seeks to change the term ‘federal government’ with ‘Prime Minister’ wherever mentioned in the law.

    Similarly, the Bill for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals aims to shift the jurisdiction over journalist protection from the Ministry of Human Rights to the Ministry of Information. The National Commission for Human Development (Amendment) Bill is also among the returned bills, proposing revisions to the functions of the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and changes in its administrative structure to enhance efficiency and facilitate business operations.

    Furthermore, a returned bill linked to the 2023 amendment of the Imports and Exports (Control) Bill.
    This measure addresses instances of economic difficulty and has been prompted by appeals from the business community and other sectors, seeking temporary relief from import/export-related restrictions.

    President Alvi also returned the bill related to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which seeks to extend the term of the HEC chairman to four years.

    The remaining bills that have been sent back include amendments to the Public Sector Commission legislation, the Institute of Management Sciences Bill, the Horizon University Bill, the Federal University Bill, NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology Multan Bill, and the National Institute for Technology Bill.

  • Anwaar ul Haq Kakar sworn in as caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan

    Anwaar ul Haq Kakar sworn in as caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan

    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has officially assumed office as the eighth caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the President House, where President Arif Alvi administered the oath to Kakar.

    The event was attended by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former cabinet members, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, caretaker Chief Ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other high-ranking officials from different sectors of the government.

    Following the oath-taking, the caretaker PM Kakar was given a guard of honor at the Prime Minister’s House, symbolizing his official responsibility as the interim leader.

    His initial responsibility is to announce his cabinet so that the electoral process is conducted smoothly.

    Kakar’s appointment as the caretaker Prime Minister was unveiled on Saturday, following deliberations between Shehbaz Sharif and former opposition leader Raja Riaz. After several days of speculation, Kakar was officially designated for the role.

    Kakar took to X (former Twitter) to announce his resignation from Senate along with giving up membership of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP)

  • Retired Justice Maqbool Baqar becomes Interim CM Sindh

    Retired Justice Maqbool Baqar becomes Interim CM Sindh

    On Monday evening, Sindh’s Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah, and the Leader of the Opposition in the dissolved Sindh Assembly, Rana Ansar, agreed on appointing Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar as the eighth interim CM of Sindh. He will be taking his oath tomorrow.

    Around midnight yesterday, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui posted on X (former Twitter), “I would like to inform you that the consultative process between CM Sindh & Opposition Leader under Article 224(1A) took place on 12th, 13th & 14th of August. Both leaders have concurred to nominate Justice Maqbool Baqar as the interim Chief Minister of the Sindh Government.”

    Sindh CM House issued a brief statement that said, “After three-day consultations between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Leader of Opposition in the dissolved provincial assembly Rana Ansar, the two have agreed on the appointment of retired justice Maqbool Baqar as caretaker chief minister.”

    “The summary for the formal appointment of Justice Baqar has immediately been forwarded to the Sindh governor Kamran Khan Tessori,” the statement added further.

    The ruling party in Sindh, PPP, proposed Justice Baqar’s name for the interim CM position.

    Who is Justice Baqar?

    Justice Maqbool Baqar is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Born in Karachi on April 5, 1957, Justice (retd) Baqar did his LLB from the University of Karachi in 1979. He became the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court on September 20, 2013, and was elevated to a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on February 17, 2015. Justice Baqar retired as a Supreme Court judge on April 4, 2022. His name was also under consideration in 2022 for the position of Chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

    During his service at the SHC, Justice Baqar’s decisions in terrorism cases infuriated terrorist organizations, leading to an attack by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in a bombing incident on June 26, 2013, in Karachi. He, along with law enforcement personnel, sustained injuries during the attack. He returned to work after undergoing months of restorative surgery.

    One of his notable judgments is in the case of the Baldia factory fire, which resulted in significant compensation for the victims of the incident.

    Justice (retd) Baqar has also frequently highlighted shortcomings within the judiciary. Even in his farewell address at the Supreme Court, he admitted, “I believe that despite our efforts, we have not met expectations. Backlogs and pending cases remain exceedingly high across all courts in the nation. This reality should concern all stakeholders. It is vital that we eliminate obstacles to swift and affordable justice and take steps to prevent unnecessary delays in adjudication with genuine dedication and a focused approach to fulfilling our constitutional role.”

  • ECP bans entry, exit polls by media in code of conduct

    ECP bans entry, exit polls by media in code of conduct

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has banned entry and exit polls by national and international media during general elections according to its code of conduct for national media, international media, and observers.

    According to the code of conduct, the ban is applicable to print & electronic media and any journalist, newspaper, and channel on their official accounts on digital media, and other social media influencers also forbidding them to conduct any kind of surveys at any polling station or constituency which may influence the voters’ free choice of casting votes.

    An entrance poll translates into asking voters whom they are planning to vote for or a similar set of questions. In the same manner, an exit poll is taking opinions of voters regarding their voting pattern after they come out of the polling station.

    While addressing the issues regarding the content, ECP further states that “the content on print & electronic media, any media person, newspaper, channel operating official accounts on digital media and social media influencers shall not include any aspect which might be construed as personal attack on candidates or political parties on the basis of gender, religion, sect, caste, baradari etc.”

    The code bounds media houses to provide details of expenditures made by any political party that runs a paid advertisement on their platform. In addition to that, it further states, “The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Press Information Department (PID), Cyber Wing and Digital Media Wing of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) shall monitor the coverage given to political parties and candidates for their election campaigns through electronic channels, print and social media. The above authorities shall submit to the commission details of payments made by the political parties and candidates within 10 days after poll day.”

    The code of conduct also advises the journalists or print, electronic and digital media, social media influencers, and media houses that throughout the election period they shall launch Civic and Voter Education programs which must be inclusive, especially targeting marginalized groups such as women, transgenders, youth, minorities, and differently-abled persons to maximize voter turnout and ensure their participation in the electoral process.

    To ensure impartiality, the code of conduct for international media states that, “International Observers and Media persons shall select areas for election observation and reporting in consultation with Election Commission of Pakistan for their security and safety. However, International Observers and media persons shall choose the area to ensure balanced observation /reporting. “

    It also restricts Individual observers from making any personal comments about his/her observation or conclusion on the election process to the media, also obligating them to share their findings, methodology, recommendations, and reports with the Election Commission of Pakistan.

  • Hina Parvez Butt’s son protects her after she is attacked in London

    Hina Parvez Butt’s son protects her after she is attacked in London

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hina Parvez Butt has been attacked by supporters of political arch-rivals Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during a trip to London. The former legislator took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on August 14, at 1:13am PST, posting a video in which she can be seen coming under attack by PTI supporters in front of her son, as they threw bottles at her and hurled abuses. She questioned whether such people are defaming Pakistan or not.

    In the video she shared, her son can be seen protecting her by holding her and gently patting her back.

    She has decided to take the matter of assault in London up with the city’s police and press charges against the harassers today as reported by Murtaza Ali Shah.

    Journalist Ailia Zehra condemned the act of violence by mentioning that attacking a woman in front of her child is a despicable act.

    Broadcast Journalist Najia Ashar stated this act is disgusting and there is no justification for such behavior.

    Digital Journalist Saadia Ahmed also questioned the act.
    https://twitter.com/khwamkhwah/status/1690887290590314497?s=20

    No matter what one’s political ideologies are or what political party one supports, attacking and abusing has no justification ever.

  • Hafeez Sheikh in, Ishaq Dar out; Rana Sanaullah says interim PM names shortlisted

    Hafeez Sheikh in, Ishaq Dar out; Rana Sanaullah says interim PM names shortlisted

    Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said on Sunday that former finance minister Hafeez Shaikh has been shortlisted among the names being discussed for caretaker prime minister.

    Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the National Assembly would be dissolved three days before the completion of its tenure, on August 9.

    The assembly will complete its term on August 12, in which case the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would be responsible for holding the election in the next 60 days.

    Speaking on Geo News’ programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, Sanaullah said that the name of a retired judge of Supreme Court is also among the shortlisted candidates for caretaker PM.

    “The interim prime minister will be finalised by Tuesday or Wednesday (August 8 or 9),” he added.

    He also mentioned that the names of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi are not among the shortlisted candidates.