Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar criticised “elements” who are backing terrorists and militants in the name of supporting Baloch protesters demanding the release of all missing persons. The prime minister’s statement came during a press conference in Lahore as the Baloch families of missing persons protested against “enforced disappearance” and “extrajudicial killing” in Islamabad.
PM Kakar said that the state would not tolerate elements who are supporting militants and terrorists involved in the killing of individuals from Balochistan, including teachers, doctors, and lawyers.
The Prime Minister also criticised the media for portraying the Baloch families protest in an inaccurate way, but in reality, he said, Baloch stood with Pakistan.
The premier said that there was no restriction on freedom of expression and that every citizen has the right to protest within constitutional limits. “The families have the right to protest for their beloved ones, but others are just launching baseless criticism.”
However, he also said that the state won’t allow those elements who want to support militants and terrorists in the country. “Those who want to support them [armed militants] should join the camp of the militant outfits who termed terrorism as a movement,” he added. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar also said that the Indian spy agency, Research and Analysis Wing (Raw), is funding terrorists in Balochistan.
On the other hand, Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch tweeted on X (previously Twitter) in response to Kakar’s press conference: “From the inception of our movement, our demands have been clear: an end to all forms of human rights violations in Balochistan and the cessation of the Baloch genocide. We’ve presented these demands to the state through the media. Our stance has remained clear from the beginning – we seek negotiations with the state regarding these demands. Sadly, the world witnesses the continuous irresponsibility and stubbornness of the state, where peaceful protestors endure torture and arrests, and media trials are conducted against this peaceful movement. Today, the Prime Minister of Pakistan declared victims of enforced disappearances as terrorists, insulting victim families and addressing peaceful political activists in a threatening tone. However, we assert to this state and government that we will persist in informing the world about your oppression and barbarism.”
From the inception of our movement, our demands have been clear: an end to all forms of human rights violations in Balochistan and the cessation of the Baloch genocide. We’ve presented these demands to the state through the media.
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has reserved its decision on the petition of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that contested the ruling of its single bench regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) electoral ‘bat’ symbol and intra-party elections.
The ECP submitted a review petition in PHC against its December 26 verdict, that suspended the ECP’s order and restored the party’s ‘bat’ symbol until a final decision on the matter.
ECP, through its order, deemed the intra-party polls of the PTI as “illegal” and revoked its authorization to use the ‘bat’ symbol.
In response to this decision, the erstwhile ruling party appealed to the Peshawar High Court, requesting the reinstatement of its party symbol in anticipation of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
It’s that time of the electoral season when we find out just how rich are the people who rule us.
Financial details in nomination papers reveal a noteworthy surge in the assets of former Prime Minister and founding Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, a rise of a whopping Rs277 million over the past five years.
According to the documents, Imran Khan’s assets, which were valued at Rs38.694 million in 2018, have now exceeded Rs315.95 million as per the nomination papers submitted for the upcoming elections in 2023.
Imran Khan has made public the possession of a seven kanal eight marla house in Zaman Park, Lahore, with an associated construction expenditure of more than Rs48.6 million.
At the same time, the PTI founder also owns another piece of land in Islamabad, much smaller in size though – six kanals and 16 marlas- with a stated market value of over Rs 5 million.
Additionally, he has disclosed ownership of a 300-kanal land in Bani Gala received as a gift.
Notably, the former PTI chairman does not own any vehicles, as indicated in his documents.
Other assets in Islamabad include a Rs120m shop and a two-bed apartment which has been priced at Rs34m.
According to the documents, the items bought from Toshakhana – the infamous pieces that resulted in a case and disqualification – are valued at over Rs11.8m.
On the other hand, the PTI founding chairman says his wife – Bushra Bibi – is the owner of 698 kanal in Deepalpur and Pakpattan besides another three-kanal house located at Banigala.
The financial trajectory showcases a substantial increase in Imran Khan’s wealth.
He mentioned the value of his assets at Rs38.694m in the 2018 general elections’ nomination papers, which has now reached Rs315.95m, representing a massive jump, out which over Rs60m are in cash deposited with different banks of Islamabad.
In 2021, he declared assets valued at over Rs141 million to the Federal Board of Revenue, which further rose to over Rs320 million in 2022.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) certificate attached to his nomination papers for the upcoming elections in 2023 verifies that the current value of Imran Khan’s assets is over Rs315.9 million.
This revelation holds significance as Imran Khan, the jailed former Prime Minister, gears up to contest the upcoming elections. The submitted details to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) depict a considerable financial evolution over the specified five-year period.
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.
Daughter of former federal minister Shireen Mazari, Imaan Zainab Mazaari Hazir, recently married the love of her life Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha, in a ceremony in Islamabad.
Have you searched on Google who is Imaan Mazari’s husband?
Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha is the Vice Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Punjab Bar Council and Founder of Fair Trial Defenders Legal Aid Cell.
Well, we got a chance to talk with him and as a Multani, I am filled with happiness and joy that Imaan married someone who was born and raised on a farm (Pind) in Multan.
Abdul Hadi Ali Chattha did his O levels and A levels from Beaconhouse and went to Newcastle University UK for LLB Hons.
He takes pride in being a Multani and honestly, so do I.
When asked when the couple first met, Hadi said, “We first met in F-8 Katcheri because I was there for a client and got introduced to Imaan. We appeared in court together for that case.”
He started working at AGHS legal aid cell with the late human rights giant Asma Jehangir after coming back from the UK.
After her death, he worked at Justice Project Pakistan with Barrister Sarah Belal.
When asked why he left the U.K. or cities like Islamabad and Lahore and came back to Multan, Hadi said, “In 2018 I came back to Multan and established my legal aid cell, Fair Trial Defenders Legal Aid Cell, to give back to the people of my land. We provide free legal representation to clients who can’t afford legal expenses. We have a core team of six lawyers with my co-founder Suleman A Zeb.”
I was late but just in time also. Best wishes and congratulations to the best couple. pic.twitter.com/tYdQKq6u1I
“It’s very difficult to answer that because it’s everything about her.”
He was initially attracted because of her passion and bravery for the work she does. It’s also the side of her no one else knows, she keeps it hidden from the public eye.
Head over heels in love with Imaan, Hadi said, “I have never met anyone like her. She’s the only one of her kind.”
Since Imaan has been to jail recently, I asked him if he would go to jail for her. “I would go to jail with her. No one’s arresting my wife unless they arrest me too.”
Hadi has decided to move his practice to Islamabad, getting an office there in June 2023. “We will be living in Islamabad, serving the people in Multan through Legal Aid Cell.”
I asked if they intended to start a podcast together Hadi said nothing of the sort is happening in the near future.
Hadi has been a great support and core organizer of Aurat March Multan since 2020. He looks after all the legal matters and NOCs required.
When asked whether the couple will be seen in Aurat March Multan 2024 together, Hadi said, “Maybe one year in Islamabad March and one in Multan March. Wherever our comrades need us. “
The most thoughtful part is that they didn’t have a wedding hashtag or an extravagant wedding. “We both wanted it to be as small and intimate as possible. We feel guilty being extravagant especially because of what is happening around us with our Baloch brothers and sisters and the situation in Gaza.”
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s convoy came under attack in Dera Ismail Khan on Sunday.
The politician’s convoy was fired from multiple directions at the Yarik Interchange, the party’s spokesperson, Mufti Abrar, told Geo News on Sunday, adding that the attack took place while the vehicles were passing through the DI Khan area.
He also confirmed that Maulana Fazlur Rehman is safe.
Fazlur Rehman’s brother, however, denied the attack on the party chief, claiming that Maulana was at home when the incident happened.
“Maulana’s car stopped for refueling near the Yarik interchange [when the incident happened],” he added.
Maulana has expressed concerns many times about security issues in the DI Khan area. He also said on December 5 that “There is no police in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and Lakki Marwat. Can the polls be staged in this situation of unrest?”
Earlier this week, Fazl had warned that his party will hold Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja responsible if party workers came under attack during electioneering.
In all honesty, 2023 was more like a crazy roller coaster than a democratic process when it comes to Pakistani politics. Here are some of the significant events that happened this year:
Assemblies dissolved
On January 14, 2023, the provincial assembly of Punjab was dissolved while on January 16, 2023, Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was dissolved as former Prime Minister Imran Khan was pushing for early national elections.
May 9
On May 9, 2023, former prime minister and founder chairman of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan was submitting his biometric data for a court appearance when paramilitary forces broke down a window inside the court to get to apprehend him.
The dramatic and sudden arrest of the former cricket star turned leader resulted in violent clashes between supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and law enforcement agencies protests to mark the arrest of the former Prime Minister turned into riots.
Several military installations, including GHQ and the Lahore corps commander’s official residence, were attacked across the country within hours of Imran Khan’s detention.
May 9, termed a “black day” by the Pakistani state, ended up provoking a harsh military crackdown on Khan’s party.
PTI Dismantled
Thousands of PTI members, including many women, were rounded up and arrested after May 9 riots.
More than two dozen members of PTI resigned from the politics following the protests.
Notable figures like Shireen Mazari, Asad Umer, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, Fawad Chaudhry, Maleeka Bokhari, Abrar ul Haq, Murad Ras, Ali Haider Zaidi, Imran Islamil, Usman Dar, Farrukh Habib, Sadaqat Ali Abbasi, Andleeb Abbas, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Shaukat Tarin and others either left PTI or quit politics.
Imran Khan Jailed
Police arrested Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Lahore on August 5, 2023, after a court sentenced him to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts, potentially barring the opposition leader from contesting an upcoming election.
On September 26, 2023, Imran Khan was shifted to the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi from Attock prison, a day after the Islamabad High Court ordered authorities to relocate him to the high-security jail.
Qazi Faez Isa
On September 17, 2023, Justice Qazi Faez Isa was sworn in as the 29th chief justice of Pakistan.
A ceremony was held at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad during which President Arif Alvi administered the oath of office. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir were also present.
Justice Isa was accompanied by his wife, Sarina Isa, while he was taking oath.
Imran Riaz ‘safely’ returns
On the evening of May 11, 2023, police arrested Imran Riaz Khan, a former anchor with the privately owned broadcaster Express News and host of a YouTube channel with over three million subscribers.
Imran Riaz Khan, often called Imran Riaz, was trying to flee the country over fears of his arrest. At the time, authorities accused him of inciting people to violence through his reporting.
He was said to have been freed a few days later, but there was no trace of him and police denied keeping him in custody.
On September 25, 2023, his lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq took to X (former Tiwtter) and posted a picture of Imran Riaz, after his return, stating that the recovery took a long time due to “countless difficulties, a weak judiciary” and the ineffectiveness of the Constitution. He also shared a photo of him with Khan.
The rift between Zardari and Bilawal
On November 23, 2023, the former president of Pakistan and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari‘s father, Asif Ali Zardari, during an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk”, said that Bilawal is “inexperienced” and that it would take some time for him to gain more exposure, on Thursday.
“Bilawal is much more talented than I am, but he isn’t experienced,” he said.
On November 24, 2023, in a seeming act of defiance to his father, Bilawal changed his profile picture on X on Friday afternoon, to a photo with his mother Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister and head of the PPP till her assassination in 2017.
PPP denied all the claims of a rift between the father-son duo.
Afghan Refugees Repatriation
On October 3, 2023, Pakistan’s caretaker government announced it would carry out mass deportations — known under domestic law as an Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan — asking all concerned to leave the country before 1 November. Although the plan purported to apply to all foreigners residing in the country illegally, it appears designed to target Afghans, millions of whom have sought refuge in Pakistan over the years.
As of December 29, 2023, the total number of allegedly illegal Afghans who left Pakistan reached 453,480 and the process is still underway.
Nawaz Sharif Returns
On October 21, 2023, Pakistan’s thrice-elected former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) supremo Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan, ending four years of self-imposed exile in London.
Nawaz Sharif was disqualified when the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) announced its decision on July 28, 2017, in the Panama Papers case. After that, Nawaz Sharif and three of his children were referred to an accountability court, which was ordered to file corruption cases against Sharif’s family within six weeks.
In July 2018, the expelled prime minister was imprisoned for 10 years in the Avenfield properties corruption case, an assets-beyond-means trial.
In the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case, the PML-N supremo was sentenced to seven years in jail on December 24, 2018. Nawaz Sharif was taken to Adiala jail in this case, and then he was shifted to Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail on the very next day. He was also fined Rs1.5 billion and US$25 million in this case.
The former prime minister was released from jail in March 2019. After that, the Lahore High Court (LHC) allowed Nawaz Sharif to go to London for treatment for fast-depleting platelet levels, and then he left for London in November 2019.
Elections Date Announced
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced on November 3, 2023, that 8th February 2024 is the poll date for the General Elections for the National Assembly of Pakistan and Provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The date was announced by the President House in a statement following a meeting between the top election officials and President Alvi, hours after the election commission lawyer told the Supreme Court that elections will be held on February 11.
PTI New Chairman
On December 2, 2023, The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) on Saturday elected Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as the new chairman in the intra-party elections held on the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Gohar won the chairman’s position unopposed.
The change was forced on the party after the Election Commission of Pakistan warned the PTI last month that it risked losing its emblem – a cricket bat – unless an internal ballot was held for party officers.
Election symbols are crucial in a country where the adult literacy rate is 58 percent, according to World Bank data.
Baloch Long March
Demanding the release of all “missing persons” and an end to “extrajudicial killing” in Balochistan under the leadership of activist Dr Mahrang Baloch and Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), the march started in Turbat, Balochistan, on December 6 after the alleged extrajudicial killing of 24-year-old Balach Baloch.
According to BYC, when the march reached the capital, the city administration didn’t allow them to protest in front of the press club. Maharng Baloch said in her live video from the Facebook page of BYC that Islamabad police arrested 300 male protesters, eight women, and 10 children.
The Returning Officer (RO) for NA-4 on Friday rejected the nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed as the candidate was on the absconder’s list.
Murad Saeed has been absconding since the May 9 incidents.
PTI’s lawyer has said that he has completed all the documents required by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and will appeal against the verdict in Peshawar High Court (PHC).
Meanwhile, the Provincial election commissioner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has directed returning officers across different districts to recover unpaid fines from various political leaders, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as per Dawn.
These fines, imposed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), are under scrutiny as part of the nomination paper review process for the upcoming February 8 elections.
A letter dated December 28, issued by the provincial election commissioner and obtained by Dawn.com, reveals that a total of 62 political figures from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab have outstanding fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000.
The fines are linked to violations committed during election campaigns, with the severity of the violations determining the penalty amount.
According to the letter, Imran Khan faces a substantial debt of Rs200,000 to the ECP, making him the highest debtor on the list.
The former premier allegedly committed four separate violations in March 2022, each resulting in a fine of Rs50,000. Notably, these violations occurred just a month before Imran Khan’s removal through a parliamentary vote.
Other prominent figures on the list include former Chief Minister of KP Mahmood Khan, who owes Rs150,000 for three violations, and ex-federal minister Murad Saeed, facing a fine of Rs100,000 for two violations.
Several members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-P) are also included, with outstanding amounts ranging from Rs50,000.
The ECP letter states, “Candidates and public office holders [in the past] violated the code of conduct during election campaigns of various previous elections… fines were imposed upon them under Section 234 sub-section (3) of the Election Act 2017.”
It further notes that some individuals failed to deposit the fines and others filed appeals that were rejected by the ECP.
The competent authority has directed returning officers to share the list of defaulters and ensure the recovery of unpaid fines during the scrutiny of nomination papers. The deadline for scrutinizing nomination papers is December 30, with the process commencing on December 24.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Friday that it will display the final list of the candidates’ list on January 23 (Tuesday).
According to the electoral watchdog, the candidates will be able to withdraw their nomination papers until Monday, January 22.
The ECP is expected to display the candidate list on January 20. The appellate tribunals will decide on the appeals until January 19.
The appeals against RO’s verdict on the special seats can be filed until January 16.
The electoral watchdog had revised the election schedule for the special seats. The scrutiny of the nomination papers of women and minorities candidates will continue until January 13.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to take part in the upcoming general elections from Karachi’s NA-242 constituencies, Geo News reported on Friday.
In the last general elections, Shehbaz Sharif contested from NA-249 constituency of Karachi, but former Pakistan Thereek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda defeated him by a slim margin.
However, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) announced on December 23 that no agreement had been reached for seat adjustments with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding the NA-242 constituency in the Kemari district.
The party’s representative dismissed all claims about a seat arrangement with the Shehbaz Sharif-led party.
The spokesperson added that MQM-P Senior Deputy Convenor Mustafa Kamal is the party’s candidate for the seat.
Shehbaz Sharif said while addressing a press conference in Karachi that PML-N will resolve the issue of transport in Karachi after winning the election on February 8 next year.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has revoked the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, prohibiting them from hosting a fundraising event at a local hotel in Islamabad.
The event, scheduled for Friday, aimed to gather support for the construction of a cancer facility in Karachi.
Another low!
NOC for fundraiser of Shaukat Khanum Hospital was cancelled by Islamabad administration just a day before the event. This was to raise funds for the treatment of cancer patients. pic.twitter.com/hy8LEJRFFX
The NOC, initially issued by the district administration, was withdrawn without providing any reasons for the sudden decision.
The fundraising gala dinner, featuring a musical concert, was intended to generate funds for the development of the largest cancer treatment facility in the country.
Despite efforts by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Faisal Sultan and other officials to secure permission, their attempts proved unsuccessful.
The Shaukat Khanum Hospital official emphasized that the fundraising initiative was non-political and solely aimed at charitable purposes.
Despite efforts to seek clarity on the reasons behind the NOC cancellation, the hospital administration formally announced the cancellation of the fundraising gala dinner late on Thursday.
They cited “unavoidable reasons” for the cancellation and assured that a new date for the event would be announced soon.
Social Media users started a trend on X (former Twitter) “Shaukat Khanum” and started urging people to donate online.
“I’ve just made a donation to SKMH. I request all Pakistanis to do the same, even if it’s just a few Rupees. Let’s raise more money than the fundraising event canceled or refused for Shaukat Khanum. Save this hospital. Kindly share the screenshots.”
I’ve just made a donation to SKMH. I request all Pakistanis to do the same, even if it’s just a few Rupees. Let’s raise more money than the fundraising event canceled or refused for Shaukat Khanum. Save this hospital. Kindly share the screenshots. pic.twitter.com/qw71C26NHm
“#SMS 7770 Strong reaction to the cancellation of the permission of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi,s Fundraising event by the caretaker government. Now social media users launched a compaign to send SMS to 7770.”
#SMS 7770 Strong reaction to the cancellation of the permission of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi,s Fundraising event by the caretaker government. Now social media users launched a compaign to send SMS to 7770.@TeamiPianspic.twitter.com/NlOCSU8YRu
