Tag: politics

  • Iran Ambassador fears US may hinder Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

    Iran Ambassador fears US may hinder Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

    Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moqaddam has said that the United States may create obstructions in the payment procedure of Pak-Iran gas project, however, both countries could find a solution to this.

    The Ambassador’s statement came after US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, in a congressional hearing, gave caustic remarks regarding the gas pipeline project and emphasized that the US would try to halt the mega project.

    “I fully support the efforts by the US government to prevent this pipeline from happening,” he said during a congressional hearing on 19 March. “We are working toward that goal.”
    “We are tracking this planned pipeline between Iran and Pakistan … Honestly, I don’t know where the financing for such a project would come from. I don’t think that many international donors would be interested in funding such an endeavor,” the US official added, highlighting that the White House “will uphold both in letter and spirit all sanction laws related to Iran.”

    The Iranian envoy pointed out that Iran had already completed its side of the agreement by constructing a 1,000 kilometers gas pipeline on its side and Pakistan had yet to start it. “The Iranian gas pipeline is in the wider interest of people of both countries,” he added.

  • SIC warns PTI against public conflicts after Marwat’s statement

    SIC warns PTI against public conflicts after Marwat’s statement

    Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), issued a stern warning to leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), cautioning them against airing internal grievances publicly.

    Raza’s remarks came in response to PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat’s statement, where he criticized the decision to ally with the SIC, attributing it to the loss of 80 seats.

    Marwat said the first major mistake was committed when party founder Imran Khan gave instructions for a political alliance with the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Sherani and the second major mistake was the announcement of the inclusion into the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, adding that some people gave a sectarian colour to the issue and gave threatening messages to the PTI leadership.

    Expressing strong disapproval of Marwat’s comments, Raza advised PTI to resolve its internal issues internally, underscoring that the decision to collaborate with the SIC was endorsed by PTI founder Imran Khan.

    Raza wrote on X (former Twitter), ” It is better that PTI friends resolve the matters internally and Imran Khan made the decision of Sunni Ittehad Council, I didn’t make any request. From electoral symbol to reserve seats I have so much to tell that if I say something in a talk show then these people won’t be able to show their faces.”

    In a statement made during the Geo News talk show ‘Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal Kay Sath,’ PTI leader Senator Barrister Ali Zafar shed light on the decision-making process regarding alliances for reserved seats.

    Zafar revealed that initially, the plan was to merge with Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), but it was later altered in favor of the SIC following discussions with Imran Khan.

    Expressing his astonishment on the development, Zafar said: “When I asked Imran Khan about this, he said he had not changed the decision.”

    Ali Zafar, however, emphasised: “The decision will have to be revised no matter how it was taken; it was our mistake; as to where and how this miscommunication was committed.”

    He conceded that Sher Afzal Marwat was right.

    “At first, a decision was made to join the MWM. Prior to that, a decision was also made to unite with Maulana Sheerani’s party as Sheerani’s group also participated in the election and had also given a list of reserved seats.”

    Zafar emphasized the need for clarity in decision-making, noting discrepancies in interpreting constitutional provisions and the Elections Act.

    He indicated that the matter may need adjudication by the Supreme Court to resolve conflicting opinions.

    The Supreme Court has to decide whether our interpretation is correct or the verdict of the ECP or the Peshawar High Court.

    “We also referred to the Election Commission’s decision to give specific seats to the BAP party in the court. To which, the ECP said that they do not know why they gave reserved seats to the BAP, so this decision cannot be used as an example here,” he said.

  • Maryam Nawaz to launch free WiFi pilot project in Lahore

    Maryam Nawaz to launch free WiFi pilot project in Lahore

    A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, in which it was decided that a free WiFi project will be launched in 10 different places in the provincial capital in two weeks while free WiFi points will be set up at 516 places in the city.

    Maryam Nawaz has directed officials to start free WiFi preferably at educational institutions, airports, railway stations and bus stands.

    She has also approved the construction of the 21-storey Arfa Karim Tower 2.

    While briefing the meeting, it was said that the IT, Education and Film City project will start soon; while Microsoft, Oracle and other big companies have expressed their willingness for IT City.

    Maryam Nawaz has also directed authorities to invite Chinese IT companies to build offices, adding that the best IT companies of the world will be provided business opportunities in the IT City.

    The Chief Minister of Punjab has set a deadline for the plan of the establishment of Lahore Knowledge Park and IT City.

  • What a month!

    What a month!

    While February flew by quite quickly in comparison to January (which felt like it lasted a century), looking back at the month, it feels like the general elections that took place on February 8 happened ages ago… Time can really mind-boggling like that.

    But, hold up! It has been one hell of a month in Pakistan’s politics for sure! Despite the polls, our federal government is yet to be formed; tensions between political parties aren’t cooling down; and as for our country’s future, it remains as unpredictable and worrisome as always.

    Let’s see how long this drama lasts until we are introduced to a new ‘twist’!

    POLITICS

    The results of February 8 polls were surprising for many after PTI-affiliated candidates won the most number of National Assembly seats compared to other political parties. The PML-N as a party had the highest number of seats but not enough to form the government. In fact, no party had enough numbers to form a government at the Centre.

    The PPP for its part tried to engage the PTI leadership for the formation of a coalition government but as expected, PTI founder Imran Khan declined their offer. After a lot of back and forth, the PML-N and the PPP finally decided to form a coalition government but the PPP has decided not to be part of the cabinet. As per this formula, Shehbaz Sharif will be their joint candidate for the Prime Minister while Asif Zardari will be the president.

    The PML-N formed the government in Punjab; the country’s largest province has its first female Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz. The PPP has formed a government in Sindh and Murad Ali Shah is the CM, again. Yesterday, the newly elected members of the Balochistan Assembly and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly were also sworn in. KP will have a PTI government with Ali Amin Gandapur as its CM candidate while Balochistan will have a coalition government between the PPP and PML-N. 

    Today, the National Assembly’s maiden session of the legislative will begin at 10am and the newly-elected MNAs will be sworn in. After the PTI-affiliated independent candidates joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), there has been a lot of debate whether they will get reserved seats or not.

    Yesterday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reserved its verdict on the petitions filed by the SIC seeking the allocation of women and minority seats. Some have predicted that the SIC with PTI-affiliated independents may not get these seats while others are hopeful of a positive outcome. 

    Unfortunately, allegations of rigging in the elections have been made by several political parties and candidates, which has certainly raised doubts about the legitimacy of the 2024 elections results. These allegations must be addressed by the ECP at the earliest. Political uncertainty will not end anytime soon due to these allegations. Let’s hope we see an end to this uncertainty in the coming months. 

    BUSINESS

    by Sadaan Khan

    In the tumultuous start of February 2024, Pakistan grappled with economic challenges that profoundly impacted its citizens. 

    The month commenced with a considerable blow to the already burdened masses as the government increased petrol prices by Rs13.55 per litre, reaching Rs272.89 per litre. Simultaneously, diesel prices rose by Rs2.75, escalating to Rs278.96 per litre.

    The following day added to the predicament with an increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) raised the price by Rs1.17 per kg, setting the consumer price for February at Rs257.59 per kg.

    The common populace bore the brunt of inflation, particularly in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where fruit and vegetable prices surged by 28 per cent in the initial two weeks of February 2024.

    Amidst these economic struggles, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a decrease of $172.5 million (2.1 per cent WoW) in foreign exchange reserves during the week ending February 02, 2024. This decline was attributed to debt repayments, as indicated by the central bank.

    Unfortunately, Pakistan witnessed an increase in external debt and liabilities, reaching $131.159 billion at the end of 1HFY24, marking a 1.09 per cent QoQ rise. On a yearly basis, this amounted to a 1.99 per cent YoY increase.

    As the government aimed to raise Rs2.845 trillion in the next three months through auctions, it faced challenges as OGRA approved gas price hikes for Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by 5 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively, for FY24.

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved Rs10 billion for the Digital Information Infrastructure Initiative, focusing on enhancing cyber threat identification capabilities. 

    To provide relief during Ramzan, the ECC approved the Ramzan Relief Package-2024, allocating Rs7.49 billion for targeted beneficiaries of BISP.

    On February 15, in response to global oil price trends, the government raised petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices by Rs2.73 and Rs8.37 per litre, respectively, for the remaining days of the month.

    Despite the government accumulating additional debt, there was a glimmer of positivity with a 4.29 per cent MoM increase in total textile exports to $1.37 billion in January 2024.
    On the fiscal front, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported substantial growth of almost 30 per cent in tax revenue, collecting Rs5.15 trillion from July 2023 to mid-February 2024, compared to Rs3.97 trillion in the corresponding period last fiscal year.

    Furthermore, the US dollar remained relatively stable against the Pakistani rupee, with no major changes reported in the interbank rates. The Pakistani rupee exhibited minor fluctuations, being reported a few paisas up and some down.

    As February concludes, Pakistan faces a delicate economic landscape with challenges and glimpses of hope, underscoring the need for strategic measures to navigate through these complexities.

    LIFESTYLE

    by Urwa Khurshid

    February was quite a month. There were moments of bewilderment and complete shock along with the ones that were oddly satisfying. It started off with the election hustle that seemed to last a fortnight until we acclimatised to live in that dust because we learned that it would not settle. 

    The election campaigns over social media were a delight and the results of the elections were a surprise. It was predicted before the elections that people have lost interest in the process and the turnout would be low but the enthusiasm we got to witness on February 8 was a satisfying surprise indeed. However, internet blockade continues to spoil the fun and leaves a question mark over the condition of democracy in the country.

    That being said, nationally this month brought to light many instances of crime, illiteracy and intolerance. The wife of a famous anchor of a leading news channel Ashfaque Ishaq Satti came forward about the violence she had to endure at the hands of her husband. It was appalling to see how a public personality could be the proponent of a heinous crime. Yet there was a section of society criticising the woman for speaking out.

    Just like that when The Current published a feature about the legal and religious interpretation of the conviction on Marital Rape, so many flooded the comment section to school that this does not exist. 

    Another case of intolerance has been the Ichhra mob case where seemingly religious men decided to halt and heckle a woman for wearing a dress that had Arabic written on it without verifying that it was not a Qur’anic script. The incident made waves both nationally and internationally but the way a woman ASP rescued her from that charged crowd showed us how a woman in power can handle things rather bravely and responsibly. 

    It can be agreed that all of this stems from the kind of upbringing one has had. In this regard, the most shocking incident has been from Karachi where a boy living with his uncle’s family and divorced mother killed his seven-year-old cousin by slitting his throat only because he used to complain to his father about this elder cousin. An American parenting vlogger was sentenced for abusing her children. The bottom line in all of this is a simple fact that surely humans are complex but as a society we have to ensure that we are raising them right.

    SPORTS

    By Waseem Sarwar

    In the mid of February, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) started, which is the most enjoyable event for Pakistani fans. Six different teams from the country participate in this event but this month was not good for Lahore fans as Lahore Qalandars are almost out of this tournament due to bad performance in the event.

    Babar Azam became the fastest batter to complete 10,000 runs in T20 in just 271 innings. Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam scored a century after a long time in a match against Islamabad United on February 26.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) terminated the central contract of fast bowler Haris Rauf due to his refusal to be included in Pakistan’s Test squad for the 2023-24 tour of Australia. Australia won the Under-19 world cup this month. A tragic news this month: Marathon’s world record holder athlete Kelvin Kaptam died in a car accident.

    Pakistan’s Hamza Saeed won the gold medal in the 33rd Fajr Open Taekwondo Championship in Tehran. 

    India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli and wife Anushka Sharma announced that they welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on February 15. Pakistan’s right-arm fast bowler Hassan Ali — who is married to an Indian girl — also became a father for the second time.

    ENTERTAINMENT

    By Kainat Alvi

    The entertainment world has been full of interesting events taking place this month. First off, the wedding of Jannat Mirza’s sister, Sehar Mirza, made headlines as the rukhsati was held without the groom.

    And guess who was spotted together? None other than famous actor Ahsan Khan and Indian actress Sonam Bajwa! They teamed up for a clothing brand’s photoshoot.

    Yumna Zaidi delighted her fans once again by performing at a wedding, dancing to the viral song ‘Teri Baaton Main Aisa Uljha Jiya’. She always knows how to steal the show!

    There’s also been a lot of buzz surrounding the film ‘Taxali Gate’.  Fans are raving about it on social media, with many saying it’s Abu Aleeha’s best work yet. Definitely one to watch!

    Looking for something heartwarming? ‘Ishq Murshid’ is the perfect show for you. Follow Shahmeer as he embarks on a scheme to capture Shibra’s heart, which involves disguising himself as a poor man and starting anew. And let’s not forget the beautiful dance performance at actress Arisha Razi Khan’s wedding with her husband. It was a sight to behold!

    Wrapping up the month on a high note, the Pakistani short movie ‘Jamun ka Darakht’ won the award for Best Social Justice Short Film at the Cannes World Film Festival.

    And also get ready to amp up your Ramzan with a lineup of exciting and comedic dramas that promise to keep you entertained throughout the holy month! From heartfelt stories to hilarious antics, here’s what to watch: Dil Pe Dastak, Tere Mere Sapne,Chand Nagar Drama, Babu Ki Dulahni,Goll Chakar.

    With these exciting dramas on your watchlist, Ramzan is set to be filled with laughter, joy, and memorable moments for the whole family!

    FOREIGN NEWS

    Starting with the Israeli genocide in Gaza, the death toll has hit 30,000 while more than 70,000 people have been injured by the end of February as the Israeli attacks throughout the strip remained relentless as ever, but the international community is still mum about it.Palestine also reached out to the UN’s top court — International Court of Justice (ICJ) — where Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki asserted that his people were enduring “colonialism and apartheid” under the Israelis, and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasing of the occupation.

    But pro-ceasefire voices always fall on deaf ears and the authority to stop the Israeli barbarity remains with the powerful who have failed to make it possible to-date. For the fourth time since October 7, the US vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

    On the other hand, US President Joe Biden, while he enjoyed an ice-cream, casually stated that he hoped a ceasefire in Gaza could start by the beginning of March, adding that Israel was ready to halt operations during the Muslim month of Ramzan as part of any deal.

    As for the tensions in the Middle East, Yemen’s Houthis reported the first civilian death in US and British air strikes in one of the rounds of joint raids which have been at odds with the West with their support of Palestine.

    February also marked the second anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war but this month, all eyes were on Russian President Vladimir Putin after his incarcerated political opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison — and his wife accused Putin for his demise. 

    Additionally, there have been protests by farmers worldwide, from India to Europe, separately, for their rights and to register their rebellion with the sitting governments against soaring fuel, and fertiliser costs, lower prices of their produce, and restrictive regulations. The protests shed light on the very pertinent issues faced by the primary food-producing sector of countries owning big agricultural markets.

  • ‘Meri Age, Meri Marzi’; Iffat Omar has had enough

    ‘Meri Age, Meri Marzi’; Iffat Omar has had enough

    In the entertainment world, women often get treated unfairly because of their age. Now, model Iffat Omar is speaking out against ageism, posting a video on Instagram wearing a lovely pink saree.
    In the caption, she wrote, “I’ll do what I want at my age, so you do your thing and stop telling me how to behave.” Known for her independence, she’s showing that it’s perfectly fine to be yourself, no matter your age.

    Iffat has also shared her views on feminism and politics in Pakistan, as well as her experiences in the media industry.
    She has also talked about the culture surrounding Urdu dramas in Pakistan. The ‘Berukhi’ actor mentioned facing criticism in Karachi for her Punjabi accent, limited Urdu skills, and not being fluent in English.

  • Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison

    Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison

    Moscow, Russia – Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died Friday in the Arctic prison colony where he was serving a 19-year-term, Russia’s federal penitentiary service said.

    Western governments immediately attacked the Kremlin over the death of the most outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin.

    Navalny lost consciousness after a walk and could not be revived by medics, the prison service said.

    “Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called,” it said.

    “Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established.”

    The 47-year-old was Russia’s most prominent opposition leader and won a huge following with his criticism of corruption in Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

    Russia’s Investigative Committee said it had opened an investigation into the death.

    Navalny’s press secretary Kira Yarmysh said his team had not been informed of his death.

    “Alexei’s lawyer is now flying to Kharp,” where his prison colony is, she said in a post on social media.

    Citing his spokesman, Russian news agencies reported that Putin had been informed of Navalny’s death.

    Western governments and Russian opposition figures on Friday said the Kremlin was responsible for his death.

    Latvia’s president said he had been “brutally murdered by the Kremlin”.

    “The Russian government bears a heavy responsibility,” Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

    France’s foreign minister said Navalny had paid with his life for resisting oppression.

    Opposition leader

    Navalny’s exposes, posted on his YouTube channel racked up millions of views and brought tens of thousands of Russians to the streets, despite Russia’s harsh anti-protests laws.

    He was jailed in early 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was recuperating from a near-fatal poisoning attack with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent.

    In a string of cases he was sentenced to 19 years in prison on charges widely condemned by independent rights groups and in the West as retribution for his opposition to the Kremlin.

    His return to Russia despite facing jail put him on a collision course with Putin, after Navalny blamed the poisoning attack in Siberia on the Kremlin.

    “I’m not afraid and I call on you not to be afraid,” he said in an appeal to supporters as he landed in Moscow, moments before being detained on charges linked to an old fraud conviction.

    His 2021 arrest spurred some of the largest demonstrations Russia had seen in decades, and thousands were detained at rallies nationwide calling for his release.

    In prison, Navalny’s team said he had been harassed and repeatedly moved to a punitive solitary confinement cell.

    He said guards had subjected him and other inmates to “torture by Putin”, making them listen to the president’s speeches.

    From behind bars he was a staunch opponent of Moscow’s full-scale military offensive against Ukraine.

    The Kremlin moved to dismantle his organisation, locking up his allies and sending dozens of others into exile.

    Late last year he was moved to a remove Arctic prison colony in Russia’s Yamalo-Nenets region in northern Siberia.

    The last post on Navalny’s Telegram channel, which he managed through his lawyers and team in exile, was a tribute to his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, posted on Valentine’s Day.

  • Democracy slides amid wars and political polarisation, study says

    Democracy slides amid wars and political polarisation, study says

    Democratic standards across the world fell in 2023 amid the spread of wars, authoritarian crackdowns and declining levels of trust in mainstream political parties, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said on Thursday.

    While the number of countries categorized as democracies increased by two last year, the global average index score fell to 5.23 in 2023 from 5.29 the year before, its lowest level since the first study was published in 2006.

    “The world has entered an age of conflict, and the contours of a future major war are already visible,” said the study titled “Age of Conflict.”

    “Today’s wars are concentrated in countries where democracy is absent or in trouble.”

    Western Europe was the only region to improve its score, moving ahead of North America. The study said it was the first time that North America has not placed as the world’s highest-scoring region.

    Joan Hoey, the editor of the report, said scores fell for “not only those nations prosecuting wars (Azerbaijan and Russia), but for those on the receiving end (Armenia and Ukraine).”

    “However, growing democratic resilience and consolidation in EU member states in Central Europe, as well as in Balkan and Baltic countries, ensured that the overall regional score did not significantly fall,” Hoey added.

    “The narrative of democracy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia can be best summed up as a tale of resilience.”

    The London-based analysis group pointed to intensifying anti-immigration sentiment in many countries, saying the political landscape in the Americas and Europe has become increasingly polarised.

    “Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a rollback of freedoms around the globe, the results for 2023 point to a continuing democratic malaise and lack of forward momentum.”

    “More countries are experiencing declining levels of trust in mainstream political parties and leaders, and succumbing to ‘culture wars’ of the sort that have long characterised the U.S.,” the study said.

    “Western Europe is plagued by low levels of trust in government.”

    The 27-nation EU holds elections for its European Parliament later this year and polls suggest the far-right could rise to become the third-biggest grouping in the legislature.

    The report said that Ukraine’s battle to repel Russia’s two-year invasion was taking a toll on its democratic institutions and practices, while Russia continued its steady slide toward “outright dictatorship.”

    Only 7.8% of the global population reside in a “full democracy” and substantially more than one-third live under authoritarian rule.

    The number of democracies increased by two in 2023, with Paraguay and Papua New Guinea being upgraded from “hybrid regimes” to “flawed democracies.”

    Greece became a “full democracy” while Pakistan was downgraded to an “authoritarian regime.” The United States remains a “flawed democracy.”

    The top three places in the index are occupied by Norway, New Zealand and Iceland, while the final three countries are North Korea, Myanmar and Afghanistan.

  • If Nawaz wants PPP, Bilawal will be Prime Minister: Zardari

    If Nawaz wants PPP, Bilawal will be Prime Minister: Zardari

    In a surprising move, PPP’s Zardari has set his sights on the Prime Minister chair for his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif told his party leaders that Zardari wants the PM slot and major ministries, if PMLN wants PPP’s support.

    According to The News’ sources, Shehbaz told party leaders that if they gave Zardari what he wanted, the PPP would support PML-N to make its government in Punjab.

    WHAT PML-N OFFERED PPP

    ARY sources claim that PML-N offered three positions to the PPP to gain its support. PPP has been offered the presidency, speaker of the National Assembly and Senate chairman, while PML-N also agreed to give the slot for chief minister Balochistan to the PPP.

    MQM AND PML-N JOIN HANDS

    After a meeting in Lahore Sunday morning, PML-N and MQM have reached a decision to work together on basic points for cooperation in the best “interest of the nation and country”.

    PMLN’s Marriyum Aurangzeb, while announcing the news, did not say what the two parties had agreed upon but said that an alliance between them was in affect.

    With the PPP, a decision on whether to give Bilawal Bhutto the Prime Minister chair is yet to be made.

    SHOCKING

    Party sources have told GEO News that, the PML-N leadership was in a shock as the election results did not meet their expectations at all. Sources said that Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and other PML-N leaders were overconfident, the party leadership didn’t pay much attention to public rallies, door-to-door campaigns, mass public campaigns and direct contact with voters.

    Sources claimed that if there was a fallout with the PPP, PML-N would make a coalition government with MQM, JUI-F and other smaller parties, including independents and electable. They further claimed that in this scenario, PML-N will make Shehbaz Sharif the prime minister and Maryam Nawaz the Chief Minister of Punjab.

    In the PML-N meeting when Maryam Nawaz’s name was finalised for Chief Minister punjab, according to ARY sources, all members agreed and said she had done a commendable job campaigning for the party. They also said that it would be a first for Pakistan to have a female chief minister for Punjab.

  • 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.

  • PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    In a tragic turn of events, Rehan Zeb Khan, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and independent candidate from NA-8 Bajaur, was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in the Siddiqabad Phatak Bazar area on Wednesday.

    The district police officer and SHO Rashid Khan have confirmed the news of the PTI leader’s murder.

    Khan, who was contesting as an independent, was also a candidate for the provincial assembly seat PK-22. Reports suggest that he had tried to get a PTI ticket but had been refused by the party.

    The official candidate for PTI from NA 8 is Gul Zafar Khan, as per a reply from Imran Khan’s Facebook page message, “Halqa: NA-8, Bajaur, Candidate: Gul Zafar Khan, Symbol: SHOWER شاور”

    The incident occurred when Khan was at Siddiqabad Gate, engaging in canvassing activities for the upcoming general elections. The assailants targeted him while he was in his vehicle, marking a disturbing incident of violence against a political figure.

    This unfortunate incident comes on the heels of another attack on PTI’s electioneering within the past 24 hours. A day earlier, a bomb detonated at a PTI rally in Sibi, claiming the lives of at least four people and injuring five others, as reported by both police and witnesses.

    Saddam Tareen, the PTI candidate for the National Assembly constituency of NA-253, who was leading the rally on Jinnah Road in Sibi, fortunately escaped unharmed. The injured individuals were promptly transported to the Sibi district headquarters (DHQ) hospital for urgent medical attention.

    Unidentified Persons shot dead Awami National Party (ANP) local leader Zahoor Ahmed and injured another in a firing raid attacking the ANP office, in Chaman district, Balochistan as per officials.

    At least three were injured in a grenade attack on the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) election office in Quetta, ARY News reported.

    According to police officials, the attack occurred on Saryab Road Quetta where a hand grenade attack was launched on the PPP election office that injured three people.

    Reacting to the incident, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of the attack and sought a report from the chief secretary and IG Balochistan.

    The ECP spokesperson said that suspects involved in such incidents will be tried under the election laws.

    The incidents underscore the growing concerns over the safety of political candidates and campaigners as the general elections approach.