Just days before the February 8 general elections, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari launched criticism at all opposing political parties as election campaigning reached its peak.
While addressing an election rally in Hyderabad, Bilawal asked his audience to vote for arrow, the symbol of the PPP, if they want to block the lion, the symbol of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Stressing the need for hard work, the ex-foreign minister asked the participants, “You just get PPP to win [elections]. I will handle this lion.”
The PPP chairman also criticised the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). “If people ask you to vote for ‘kite’, then tell them, ‘We will not vote for those who raise anti-Pakistan slogans.’”
Reply that the kite will be ripped apart, he added. The PPP leader urged the people not to waste their vote on any independent candidate — an apparent reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidates.
PTI candidates are taking part in the upcoming general elections as independent candidates after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) didn’t allot them their election symbol (bat).
The trial court at Adiala jail today sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to seven-year prison terms each in the “un-Islamic nikah” case.
Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah pronounced the verdict. Yesterday, the case was heard inside the jail premises for 14 hours.
The judge announced the court’s decision about the plea Khawar Maneka, Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband, made. He claimed that her marriage to the former prime minister was against Islamic law and illegal.
The complainant’s counsel, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, Khan’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, and Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Usman Gul, also gave their final arguments a day earlier.
Maneka accused Bushra and Khan of committing fraud in their nikkah ceremony, claiming that they got married while Bushra was still in her iddat period.
“That above said nikah, and the marriage ceremony was neither legal nor Islamic as it was solemnised without observing the iddat period,” read the petition available with Geo.tv.
1. The proceedings + convictions in the “iddat case” (or specifically, “going through a marriage ceremony fraudulently without being lawfully married”) are a damning blot on our justice system
Horrifying the State stooped this low seemingly just to humiliate IK, Bushra Bibi
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif criticised supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying in a rally that the country’s “real youth” stands behind his party, if not the “mummy-daddy” ones.
PML-N and other political opponents have always accused PTI of attracting “privileged youth” or “wannabes,” who they say lack traditional values and commitments. They use phrases like “mummy-daddy” to suggest that the party’s supporters aren’t genuine.
“Some people say the youth support someone else. But no, youth, not the mummy-daddy ones, are with Muslim League Noon. The real Pakistani youth. That’s why Nawaz Sharif loves you,” the ex-prime minister told a rally in Faisalabad on Friday.
Nawaz Sharif is aiming to become prime minister for the fourth time, after receiving legal relief from courts in multiple cases. After the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision, the PML-N supremo is now eligible to contest elections.
The competition in the upcoming general elections is seemingly between PML-N and its former ally, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), as the popular PTI is seemingly out of the election race, with it’s candidates contesting as independents. The founder of PTI, Imran Khan, is currently in Adiala jail.
Earlier, an accountability court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, to 14 years in prison in the Toshakhana reference.
Being young adults, we never participated actively in politics. PTI’s election 2018 campaign was so effective that it captivated the attention of young people and encouraged them to get involved in politics.
The voter turnout among young people was incredibly high, with an estimated 20 to 30 percent of people voting for the first time in the 2018 elections. Imran Khan and his team ensured that the youth became the driving force of his campaign.
The 2018 manifesto’s major part was dedicated to youth. Another element for targeting the youth was the ratio of youth in Pakistan and how they actively use digital platforms, and Khan and his team, made sure to persuade us to make the most of it.
In 2018, Pakistan was filled with excitement and hope for a new political tradition, with new leadership promising a better Pakistan. PTI’s anti-corruption narrative inspired young people to participate in the election. The urban middle class, which had historically been excluded from family dynasties, saw an opportunity to rebuild the country’s political structure through a merit-based reward system.
Activists of Imran Khan party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) enjoy at the thanksgiving day rally in Islamabad on November 2, 2016.
A Pakistani opposition party has abruptly called off a planned “lockdown” of the capital after the Supreme Court paved the way for an investigation into allegations of corruption against the prime minister’s family.
A Pakistani opposition party has abruptly called off a planned “lockdown” of the capital after the Supreme Court paved the way for an investigation into allegations of corruption against the prime minister’s family. / AFP PHOTO / ASIF HASSAN
The phrase ‘Naya Pakistan’ resonated with educated youth. There were two categories of people who joined the PTI: those who wanted a meritocratic, inclusive, and successful Pakistan, and those who were disillusioned with previous leaders.
After winning in 2018, Khan announced big plans for the benefit of the youth. PTI’s government launched various revolutionary projects to empower and advance the youth.
Khan initiated the “Kamiyaab Jawan” Program on 11th July 2019 for the youth’s betterment and another initiative was the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the “Ehsaas Programme.”
Prime Minister Imran Khan addressing after distribution of Cheques at a Ceremony under “Kamyab Jawan Program” in Karachi on January 27, 2020
From 2018 to 2022, Khan actively worked for the welfare and involvement of the youth and the poor. He never surrendered his state’s sovereignty, and when a no-confidence motion was launched against him, he became extremely active on social media, encouraging youth involvement and participation to support him on digital platforms.
After the no-confidence motion, the youth were devastated and out on the streets for their leader.
Imran Khan received widespread support, both nationally and internationally. Digital campaigns were launched to support the injustices committed against the PTI. PTI launched campaigns involving peaceful protests around the country. But the opposition was outraged by the enormous support for the PTI and launched a crackdown.
In spite of all the cases and propaganda against Khan, we are still standing behind him. The youth continue to provide him with unmatched support. His youth-oriented ideology is the motivation behind his support. Despite the chaos, supporters do not back down or fear anything.
We, as young adults, continue to support Imran Khan and will always do so. No matter what happens, we will vote for him.
The central media department of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced on Thursday that the party has issued the official schedule for its intra-party elections, set to take place on February 5.
The party’s spokesperson has been named as the federal election commissioner.
“The PTI Federal Election Commission is pleased to announce the Election Schedule for the Intra-party Elections (IPE) of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to elect the Chairman, Central and Provincial Organisations,” the statement read.
According to the released statement, all party members registered before January 31 will be allowed to vote for their favourite panel as well as for the chairman candidate. Party members can use the ‘Raabta Application Intra Party Election Module’ to record their votes.
Details regarding all the panels participating in the intra-party elections as well as the procedure of the elections are explained in the Election Rules, 2020, which will be available on the party’s official website and Raabta application.
The polling will begin at 10am and end at 4pm.
The last date for submission of nomination papers will be February 2, 2024, until 10pm. Candidates can submit their nomination papers at central and provincial secretariats and also digitally through email.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has on Wednesday ordered equal media attention for all candidates taking part in the February 8 general elections, including jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Lahore High Court issued a directive in response to a plea filed by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who claimed there was a ban on media coverage of his speeches.
Earlier this month, the LHC disposed of the PTI founder’s petition with the observation that directions with regard to telecasting the speeches of the PTI leader would be issued in a detailed judgement.
LHC’s Justice Shams Mirza Mehmood issued a 10-page written verdict on Imran Khan’s appeal regarding a ban on media coverage.
The LHC verdict stated that, according to Article 17, every citizen has freedom of speech.
The LHC also said that running an election campaign and promoting a party’s manifesto are fundamental rights of political parties.
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.
Rehan zaib, a fabulous young & passionate upcoming PTI leader was martyred today by so called unknowns. He was threathned so many times but he never backed down.
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.
ALERT: Unidentified Persons shot dead Awami National Party (ANP) local leader Zahoor Ahmed and injured another in a firing raid attacking the the ANP office, Chaman district, Balochistan: Officials pic.twitter.com/46VOK044Kf
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.
At least 3 injured in a grenade attack on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) election office in Quetta. According to media reports, the attack occurred on Saryab Road Quetta where hand grenade attack was launched on PPP election office that injured 3 people.https://t.co/RpD3Ssy1CE
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.
In a recent appearance on the Hum News program ‘Faisala Aap Ka with Asma Shirazi,’ Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif stated that ‘Vote Ko Izzat Do’ has a different meaning.
When asked why the civilian supremacy narrative of ‘Vote ko Izzat do’ can’t be heard anymore, he said, “It means respecting the person who voted for me and fulfilling the trust they have shown in me.”
“ووٹ کو عزت دو” کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ جس نے مجھے ووٹ دیا ہے میں اس کی عزت کروں۔”
He claimed that the May 9 riots were a deliberate conspiracy against Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, masterminded by Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his party.
عمران خان کی سزا پر شہباز شریف کا رد عمل: بات اچھے برے کی نہیں قانون کی ہے، یہ سرکاری راز کو افشا کرنے کا معاملہ ہے جو قانونی نوعیت کا ہے، یہ سب کے لیے سبق ہے، وزیراعظم کو سرکاری راز کو راز رکھنا چاہیے، قومی راز سینے میں دفن رہنے چاہئیں، شہباز شریف۔۔۔فیصلہ آپ کا۔۔ ہم نیوز… pic.twitter.com/5Dz6GVEx4O
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the distinction between statements and conspiracies. He alleged that on May 9, the founder of PTI and his team conspired to create divisions within the military, leading to betrayal against Pakistan. He criticized PTI for diverting the nation from progress to chaos.
نو مئی ایک منظم غداری کا منصوبہ تھا یہ چاہتے تھے جنرل عاصم منیر کو ہٹایا جائے، فوج میں تقسیم پیدا کی جائے، فوج بغاوت کر دے اور ان کی مرضی کے لوگ آ جائیں، کئی حاضر فوجی اور ریٹائر فوجی جو اس میں ملوث تھے، انہیں اریسٹ کیا۔ کور کمانڈر لاہور کو ریٹائرڈ کردیا گیا۔ نو مئی سازش تھی… pic.twitter.com/rq2NAGWpvF
Sharif expressed his views on various matters, including the loss of PTI’s iconic electoral symbol ‘Bat,’ attributing it to the party’s missteps. He also commented on Imran Khan’s recent 10-year jail sentence, emphasizing that the issue is about upholding the law, irrespective of whether decisions are perceived as good or bad.
Responding to a question about PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s invitation for a public debate, Shehbaz Sharif said, “I’m in favor of Bilawal’s debate challenge but let him extend the invitation in his province for a fair comparison.”
بلاول بھٹو کا مناظرے کا چیلنج شہباز شریف نے قبول کر لیا: میں بلاول کے مناظرے کے حق میں ہوں، مگر وہ دعوت دیں اپنے صوبے میں تاکہ مناظرہ بھی ہو جائے اور موازنہ بھی ہو جائے۔چیلنج کرتا ہوں راجن پور میں جو ہم نے اسپتال بنایا اس کے برابر کا کوئی اسپتال اپنے صوبے کے کسی شہر میں بتا دیں۔… pic.twitter.com/3TwJ6iqG8h
Regarding political decisions, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that if the majority is not attained through elections, consultations would be held. He confirmed that Nawaz Sharif would be the candidate for the premiership, subject to consultation, and the decision on the Chief Executive of Punjab would be made through consultation with Nawaz Sharif. The decision for the presidency would be made by the parliament.
Stressing the importance of political and economic negotiations, Shehbaz Sharif called for the completion of the five-year term in Parliament. He recounted an incident during tensions with India, where the founder of PTI allegedly refused to attend a meeting, leading the then head of the army, General Bajwa, to return in disappointment.
An accountability court on Wednesday morning sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, to 14 years in prison in the Toshakhana reference.
The Accountability Court’s Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict and disqualified Imran Khan for 10 years, imposing a fine of Rs1.573 billion (787 million each) on the couple.
At the last hearing, which took place at Adiala jail, the court recorded Bushra Bibi’s statement under Section 342.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Khan also told the court that his wife has nothing to do with the case and is being dragged into it against her will.
At the beginning of today’s hearing, Judge Muhammad Bashir asked Imran Khan if he had submitted his statement. To this, Imran Khan said he will submit his statement once his lawyers arrive.
“I have been deceived, as I was only called to mark my attendance for the hearing,” said the PTI founder.
During the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government in 2023, Pakistan made improvements in its ranking on the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
The improvement in ranking shows that corruption decreased during the Shehbaz Sharif-led government as compared to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s tenure from 2018–2022.
According to TI’s previous report, corruption in Pakistan increased since 2018.
Imran Khan promised to wipe out corruption in Pakistan when he came into power. However, during his tenure, Pakistan’s ranking on the global corruption index went down, the opposite of what he had promised.
According to a TI report released on Tuesday, Pakistan is now on number 133 among 180 countries.
The previous report ranked Pakistan at 140, while the country’s overall score fell to 27 in the same year — the lowest since 2012.
The recent report from TI indicates that Pakistan’s score on CPI increased by two points from 27 to 29. Additionally, the country’s rank has improved by 7 positions.
