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.
Tag: Shehbaz Sharif
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Maryam Nawaz tells PTI supporters to end politics of hate
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‘Vote ko Izzat Do’ with a new twist
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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Imran’s government more corrupt than Shehbaz Sharif’s: Transparency International
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.
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‘Pakistan’s economy performed best under Nawaz Sharif’: Bloomberg
An analysis by Bloomberg Economics reveals that Pakistan’s economy witnessed its best performance in the past three decades under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, who served as Prime Minister thrice.
The report compares economic indicators during Sharif’s tenure with those of his rivals, including Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), using a misery index that combines inflation and unemployment rates.
According to Bloomberg Economics, the analysis utilized an average of the misery index values over the years when each major political party ruled Pakistan since 1990.
The results indicate that Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) outperformed both PTI and PPP in managing economic challenges.
With general elections scheduled for February 8, Bloomberg suggests that Nawaz Sharif seems poised to return to power for the fourth time, especially as Imran Khan faces legal issues and incarceration.
Despite Khan’s popularity, with a 57% approval rating according to a recent Gallup poll, Sharif has experienced a surge in popularity from 36% to 52% in the past six months.
The past three decades saw the PML-N rule Pakistan four times under Sharif and his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif. The PPP under the Bhutto dynasty has held power three times, while Khan was in office for a four-year term ending in April 2022 when he was ousted from power in a parliamentary no-trust vote.
“Bloomberg Economics used an average of the index values over the respective years when each of the major political parties ruled the country since 1990. A higher value indicates more economic hardship for citizens,” the publication said, explaining its conclusions.
Bloomberg Economics Misery Index Results for Pakistan showed the Pakistan Muslim League scored 14.5 percent, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf 16.1 percent, and the Pakistan Peoples Party 17.2 percent.
Pakistan is currently grappling with economic challenges, including seeking a financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Inflation is close to 30 percent in Pakistan, the currency was Asia’s worst performer last year and foreign exchange reserves have slumped.
The incoming government, as per IMF conditions, will need to implement potentially unpopular policies such as withdrawing subsidies and raising taxes. The IMF forecasts a 2% growth in Pakistan’s economy for the current fiscal year after experiencing a contraction in the previous year.
Despite the positive economic indicators during Sharif’s governance, the report underscores the formidable tasks awaiting the new government in addressing the country’s economic hardships.
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Nawaz Sharif will decide the next Chief Minister of Punjab, says Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif has said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will decide who will be the next Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab.
In a meeting with senior journalists in Lahore, Shahbaz Sharif said that if PML-N comes to power, it will reduce unemployment, inflation, and electricity prices on an emergency basis.
He said that Nawaz Sharif was overthrown by the former chief justice Saqib Nisar, adding that his party has never been pampered. “The credit goes to 13 parties for saving Pakistan from bankruptcy and restoring diplomatic relations.”
The former prime minister said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has poisoned society, and it is a big challenge to end this hatred in a couple of years.
He further said that Nawaz Sharif will decide who will be the next chief minister of Punjab.
He also said that Nawaz Sharif is of the firm opinion that Pakistan should be taken forward through consultation.
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Family ties; PML-N candidate list favours relatives
As the general elections loom closer, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has disclosed its roster of candidates for both the National and Punjab Assemblies, drawing attention for granting tickets to more than 30 family members, as reported by The News.
The announcement was made by Ishaq Dar, PML-N’s Head of Election Cell, marking a pivotal moment in the party’s preparations for the upcoming political showdown.
In a notable revelation, 36 candidates have familial ties, including father-son, father-daughter, husband-wife, brother-in-law, mother-son, father-in-law, and uncle-nephew relationships among them.
PML-N stalwarts Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz are set to contest the National Assembly polls from Lahore, while PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz will participate in both the National Assembly and provincial assembly polls.
Malik Saif ul Mulook Khokhar, the President of PML-N Lahore, and his son Faisal Ayub, have secured tickets for the National and provincial assemblies, respectively.
Afzal Khokhar and his nephew Irfan Shafi Khokhar from Lahore are also contesting on PML-N tickets.
From Dera Ghazi Khan, former minister Awais Leghari and his son Amar Leghari are nominated for National Assembly seats in Rajanpur.
Additionally, former minister Khawaja Saad Rafique is vying for a National Assembly seat, while his brother Salman Rafiq is contesting for a provincial assembly seat, both from Lahore.
In Muzaffargarh, former minister Syed Basit Bukhari and his daughter Syeda Shahr Bano Bukhari have been fielded as candidates.
From Bahawalpur, Iqbal Chanar is nominated for a National Assembly seat, with his son Zaheer Iqbal Chanar is contending for a provincial assembly seat.
Chaudhry Khalid Javed Waraich and his son Uqba Waraich are PML-N’s candidates for the National and provincial assemblies from Toba Tek Singh, respectively.
Yaqoob Shaikh is contesting for the National Assembly from Jhang, while his wife Rashida Yaqoob is running for a provincial assembly seat.
Notable leaders like Daniyal Aziz didn’t make it to the list.
PML-N ticket distribution extends to various regions, including Kasur, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Lodhran, Khanewal, and Sheikhupura, with candidates such as Rana Hayat, Begum Tahmina Daultana, Amjad Farooq Khosa, Siddique Baloch, and Mian Javed Latif, among others.
Notably, the PML-N has introduced eight new faces in Punjab for National Assembly tickets, including Bilal Azhar Kayani and Attaullah Tarar. The party has also allocated tickets to six women for the National Assembly and three for the provincial assembly in Punjab, showcasing a diverse candidate pool.
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Who is going to run under a PML-N ticket? Key announcements suggest surprising political shift
In a strategic move ahead of the 2024 general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has officially revealed its powerhouse lineup. The announcement was made by Ishaq Dar, who is the PML-N’s Head of Election Cell, marks a pivotal moment in the party’s preparations for the upcoming political showdown.
Tickets fiasco?
Former federal minister Daniyal Aziz, after his differences with the party, has decided to contest the 2024 elections as an independent candidate. His decision comes after PML-N released its list of election candidates.
X (former Twitter) user Dilawar Hussain wrote, “Disappointed with PML N’s decision not to grant a party ticket to Daniyal Aziz in Narowal. His courage in facing oppression and commitment to party deserves acknowledgment. Wishing for a reconsideration at the senior party level. ”
The only elected woman MNA from the PML-N in 2018, Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, didn’t get a ticket this time from Narowal (NA 77). Mehnaz Akbar has announced to contest the election as an independent candidate in NA 75, Shakargarh.
Former PML-N MNA Ch Jaffar Iqbal from NA 106 didn’t get the ticket this time. Instead it was given to the air chief’s brother Naseer Sidhu as per Alag Digital.
Ch Hamid Hameed from Sargodha didn’t get the ticket. User Mehr Mohsin wrote, “He
@ChHamidHameed has 40 year’s affiliation with @pmln_org and has been victimised several times for his loyalty with party – I also witnessed 2018 – but no ticket in 2024, what you have learned through your political experience? @MaryamNSharif @NawazSharifMNS @CMShehbaz.”User Ali Zain commented, “Hamid Hameed has been winning elections with massive margins in NA 84 (Sargodha City) for the past two elections and yet #PMLN didn’t award a ticket to their best candidate!! This is a huge opportunity for #PTI now to win this seat!”
User Samraiz Ali pointed out that Khawar Maneka’s brother has been awarded a ticket, “PMLN Ticket of NA 139 Ahmad Raza Maneka. Khawar Maneka’s brother Ahmad Raza Maneka is currently a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and is affiliated with the PML-N.”
While criticising the PML-N’s decision on awarding of the ticket to Ghulam Sarwar, user Najam Ali said, “This man bankrupted PIA and he gets the nod. I am speechless.”
User Rowdy Rana said, “Nominated PMLN ticket holder PP-197 Sardar Masab Ali Dogar is still on bail in 9th May Terrorism FIR case pending.”
User Israr Ahmed pointed out, “@pmln_org Supreme Leader @NawazSharifMNS awarded party ticket from PP-10 to illegal Blue World City Director Ch Nahim Ijaz for #GE2024 despite the candidate is involved in more than 200 criminals cases registered with @RwpPolice under multiple charges including terrorism, kidnapping, dacoity, robbery, firing on policemen, possessing illegal weapons and land grabbing. PML-N candidate is nominated in 49 FIRs out of 200.”
Tickets Details
Islamabad Capital Territory NA 46 Anjum Aqeel Khan, NA 48 Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
Rawalpindi Division
District Attock NA 49 Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, PP 1 Jahangir Khanzada, PP 2 Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, PP 3 Hameed Akbar, NA 50 Malik Sohail Khan, PP 4 Sher Ali Khan, PP 5 Malik Aitebar Khan.
District Rawalpindi NA 51 Raja Osama Sarwar, PP 6 Mohammad Bilal Yamin, PP 7 Raja Saghir Ahmed, NA 52 Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas, PP 8 Iftikhar Ahmad, PP 9 Shaukat Raja (Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti), NA 53 Raja Qamar ul Islam, PP 10 Chaudhry Naeem Ejaz, PP 11 Imran Ilyas Chaudhary, NA 55 Malik Ibrar Ahmed, PP 14 Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, PP 15 Malik Mansoor Afsar, NA 56 Mohammad Hanif Abbasi, PP 16 Zia Ullah Shah, PP 17 Raja Abdul Hanif, NA 57 Danyal Chaudhary, PP 18 Sajjad Khan, PP 19 Haji Pervaiz Khan, PP 13 Malik Umar Farooq.
District Chakwal NA 58 Maj. (Rid) Tahir Iqbal, PP 20 Sultan Haider Ali Khan, PP 21 Tanvir Aslam Malik.
District Talagang NA 59 Sardar Ghulam Abbas, PP 23 Shehryar Mailk.
District Jehlum PP 25 Chaudhary Nadeem Khadim, PP 26 Nasir Mahmood Lilla
Gujranwala Division
District Gujrat NA 62 Chaudhary Abid Raza, PP 27 Muhammad Hanif Malik, PP 28 Shabbir Ahmed, NA 63 Nawabzada Ghanznfar Ali Gul, PP 29 Nawabzada Haider Mehdi, PP 30, Maj (Rtd) Moin Nawaz Warraich, NA 65, Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Abbas Siddhu, PP 33 Mohammad Ali, PP 34 Mian Tariq Mehmood.
District Wazirabad NA 66 Nisar Ahmed Cheema, PP 35 Waqar Ahmed Cheema, PP 36 Adnan Afzal Chattha.
District Hafizabad NA 67 Saira Afzal Tarrar, PP 37 Mian Shahid Hussain Khan, PP 38 Sheikh Gulzar Ahmed, PP 39 Mohammad Aoun Jahangir.
District Mandi Bahauddin NA 68 Mushahid Raza, PP 40 Hameeda Mian, PP 41 Syed Tariq Yaqoob, NA 69 Nasir Iqbal Bosal, PP 42 Khalid Mehmood Ranjha, PP 43 Chaudhary Akhtar Abbas Bosal.
District Sialkot NA 70 Chaudhary Armaghan Subhani, PP 44 Arif Iqbal, PP 45 Tariq Subhani, NA 71 Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PP 47 Mansha Ullah Butt, NA 72 Ali Zahid, PP 48 Rana Liaqat Ali, PP 49 Rana Muhammad Afzal, NA 73 Nosheen Iftikhar, PP 50 Chaudhary Naveed Ashraf, PP 51 Zeeshan Rafique, NA 74 Rama Shameem Ahmed Khan, PP 52 Chaudhary Arshad Javed Warraich, PP 53 Rana Abdul Sattar.
District Narowal NA 75 Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq, PP 54 Ahsan Iqbal, NA 76 Ahsan Iqbal, PP 56 Mannan Khan, PP 57, Khawaja Muhammad Waseem PP 58 Bilal Akbar Khan.
District Gujranwala NA 77 Chaudhary Muhammad Bashir Virk, PP 59 Bilal Farooq Tarrar, PP 63 Muhammad Taufeeq Butt, PP 64 Umer Farooq Dar, PP 68 Chaudhary Muhammad Iqbal, PP 70 Amanullah Warraich, NA 78 Khurram Dastagir Khan, PP 60
Moazzam Rauf Mughal, PP 61 Imran Khalid Butt, PP 65 Sahibzada Ghulam Fareed, NA 79 Zulfiqar Ali Bhindar, PP 66, Qaiser Iqbal Sindhu, PP 67 Akhtar Ali Khan, NA 80 Shahid Usman, PP 62 Muhammad Nawaz Chohan, NA 81Azhar Qayyun Nehra, PP 69 Irfan Bashir Gujjar.Faisalabad Division
District Chiniot NA 93 Syed Muhammad Raza Bukhari, PP 94 Mehr Shah Behram Baral, NA 94 Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, PP 95 Muhammad Ilyas, PP 97 Muhammad Saqlain Anwar Sipra.
District Faisalabad NA 95 Azad Ali Tabassum, PP 99 Muhammad Shoaib Idrees, NA 97 Ali Gohar Khan, PP102 Jaffar Ali Hocha, PP103 Muhammad Safdar Shakir, NA 98 Chaudhary Muhammad Shahbaz Babar, PP104 Arif Mahmood Gill, PP 105 Rao Kashif Rahim Khan, NA 99 Mohammad Qasim Farooq, PP 107 Khalid Pervaiz Gill, NA 100 Rana Sana Ullah Khan, PP 108 Muhammad Ajmal, PP 109 Chaudhary Zafar Iqbal Nagra, NA 101 Irfan Manan, PP 111 Chaudhary Fugir Hussain Dogar, PP 113 Ali Abbas Khan, PP 114 Sheikh Mohammad Yousaf, NA 102 Chaudhary Abid Sher Ali, PP 115 Mohammad Tahir Pervaiz, PP 116 Ahmed Shehryar, NA103 Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari, PP117 Malik Muhammad Nawaz, PP 118 Sheikh Ejaz Ahmad, NA 104 Raja Riaz Ahmed, PP 110
Mehr Hamid Rasheed, PP 112 Israr Ahmad Khan.District Toba Tek Singh NA105 Chaudhary Khalid Javaid, PP 119 Uqbah Ali, PP 120 Abdul Qadeer Alvi, NA 106 Muhammad Junaid Anwaar Chaudhary, PP 121
Amjad Ali, PP 122 Col. (Rtd) Muhammad Ayub Gadhi, NA107 Chaudhary Asad ur Rehman, PP 123 Nazia Raheel, PP124 Syed Qutab Ali Shah.District Jhang NA108 Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, PP 125 Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, PP 126 Mehr Muhammad Aslam Bharwana, PP 128 Khalid Muhammad Sargana, NA 110 Muhammad Asif Muawia, PP 129 Khalid Ghani, PP 130 Ameer Abbas Sial, PP131Faisal Hayat
Lahore Division
Nankana Sahib NA 11 Chaudhary Muhammad Barjees Tahir, PP 132 Mian Ijaz Hussain Bhatti, PP 133 Rana Muhammad Arshad, NA 112 Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharral, PP 134 Mehr Kashif, PP 135 Agha Haider Ali Khan.
District Sheikhupura NA 113 Ahmed Attique Anwar, PP 136 Muhammad Hassan Riaz, PP 137 Muhammad Arshad, NA 114, Rana Tanvir Hussain, PP 138 Pir Muhammad Ashraf Rasool, PP 139, Rana Tanveer Hussain, PP 140 Mian Abdul Rauf, NA 115 Mian Javed Latif, PP 141 Amjad Latif, NA 116, Sardar Muhammad Irfan Dogar, PP 142 Mehmood ul Haq, PP 143 Mumtaz Mehmood Khan, PP 144 Chaudhry Sajjad Haider Guijar.
District Kasur NA 131 Saad Waseem Sheikh, PP 176 Chaudhary Muhammad Ilyas Khan, PP 177, Muhammad Naeem Safdar, PP 178, Malik Ahmed Saeed Khan, PP 179 Malik Mohammad Ahmad Khan, NA 133, Rana Mohammad Ishaq Khan, PP 181Sheikh Alla Uddin, PP 182 Mehmood Anwar, NA 134 Rana Mohammad Hayat Khan, PP 183 Rana Sikandar Hayat, PP 184 Rana Mohammad Iqbal Khan.
Sahiwal Division
District Okara NA 135 Nadeem Abbas Rabera, PP 185 Javed Allauddin Sajjid, PP
192 Ghulam Raza Rabera, NA136 Riaz ul Haq, PP 190 Mian Yawar Zaman, PP 191 Mian Mohammad Munir, NA137 Rao Muhammad Aimal Khan, PP 186 Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, PP 189 Ali Abbas, NA138 Mohammad Moeen Watto, PP 187 Chaudhry IRikhar Hussain Chachar, PP 188 Noor ul Amin Watto.District Pakpattan NA 139 Ahmad Raza Maneka, PP 197 Sardar Mansab Ali Dogar, NA 140 Rana Iradat Sharif, PP 195 Kashif Ali Chishti, PP 196 Farrukh Javed.
District Sahiwal NA141 Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, PP 198, Walayat Shah, PP 199
Qasim Nadeem, PP 200 Muhammad Arshad Malik, NA 142 Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, PP 201 Naveed Aslam Khan Lodhi.Sargodha Division
District Sargodha NA 82 Doctor Mukhtar Ahmed Malik, PP 71 Sohaib Ahmad Malik, PP 72 Mansoor Azam Sindhu, NA 83 Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, PP 73 Mian Manzar Hussain Ranjha, NA 84 Doctor Liaqat Ali Khan, PP 75 Abdul Razzaq Dhillon, PP 76 Mahr Ghulam Dastgir Lak, NA 85 Doctor Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, PP 78 Rana Munawar Hussain, NA 86 Syed Javaid Hussain, PP 79 Taimoor Ali Khan Baloch, PP 80 Sardar Mohammad Asim Sher Maken.
District Khushab NA 87 Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, PP 82 Malik Mohammad Asif Bha Awan, PP 83 Muhammad Moazzam Sher, PP 84 Karam Elahi Bandial
District Mianwali NA 89 Obaid Ullah Khan Shadikhel, PP 85 Amanat Ullah Khan, NA 90 Humair Hayat Khan Rokari, PP 87 Inam ullah Khan Niazi, PP 88 Malik Muhammad Feroz Joya.
District Bhakkar NA 91 Abdul Majeed Khan Khanan Khel, PP 89 Abdul Majeed Khan Khanan Khel.
Multan Division
District Khanewal NA 144 Syed Mohammad Mukhtar Hussain, PP 205 Imran Iftikhar Hiraj, PP 212 Irfan Ahmad Alias Rana Irfan Mahmood Khan, NA 145 Mohammad Khan Daha, PP 206 Barrister Chaudhry Osama Afzal, PP 211 Rana Mohammad Saleem, NA
146 Pir Mohammad Aslam Bodla Siddique, PP 207 Amir Hayat Hiraj, PP 208 Babar Hussain Abid, NA 147 Chaudhry Iftikhar Nazir, PP 209 Chaudhry Zia ur Rahman.District Multan NA 148 Ahmad Hussain, PP 214 Mian Shehzad Magbool Bhutta, PP
215 Shahid Mahmood Khan, PP 218 Salman Naeem, NA 151 Abdul Ghaffar, PP 219 Doctor Mohammad Akhtar Malik, PP 220, Rai Mansab Ali NA, 152 Syed Javed Ali Shah, PP 221 Mian Tariq Abdullah, PP 222 Rana Ejaz Ahmad Noon, NA 153 Rana Mohammad Qasim Noon, PP 223 Mehdi Abbas KhanDistrict Lodhran NA 154 Abdul Rahman Khan Kanju, PP 226 Malik Shah Mohammad Joya, NA 155 Siddique Baloch, PP 227 Umair Baloch, PP 228 Syed Mohammad Rafiuddin Bokhari.
District Vehari NA 156 Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad, PP 229 Chaudhry Mohammad Yousaf Kasela, PP 231 Sardar Khalid Mahmood Dogar, NA 157 Sajid Mehdi, PP 230 Mian Irfan Aqeel Daultan, PP 232 Malik Nousher Khan Anjum Langrial, NA 158 Begum Tehmina Daultana, PP 233 Mian Mohammad Saqib Khursheed, PP 234 Mohammad Naeem Akhtar Khan, NA 159 Saeed Ahmad Minhias, PP 235 Mian Khaliq Nawaz, PP 236 Asif Saeed.
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No more NAB cases against Sharif Family
National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Executive Board, chaired by the NAB Chairman, approved the closing of an investigation into the Sharif Trust case involving Sharif’s family including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.
The meeting convened on January 1 to approve the closure of corruption cases, including those against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and his family.
The meeting approved shutting down six corruption cases, notably a 24-year-old case against Nawaz Sharif and his family in the Sharif Trust case. This decision brings relief to the former premier and his family members.
Among the closed cases was an inquiry into Islamabad Inspector General Akbar Nasir in the Safe City corruption case. Additionally, the board decided to conclude the investigation into the Park Enclave Housing Society, involving officers of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Another inquiry against federal officers for alleged preferential recruitment was also approved for closure.
Furthermore, the NAB board approved to close an inquiry against Shahid Malik and Shahbaz Yasin Malik, the CEO of Hilton Pharma.
The investigation into the Sharif family regarding the Sharif Trust Case was initiated on March 31, 2000, based on allegations of receiving funds through illicit means, lack of audits, misappropriation of funds, and benami property acquisition by the Sharif family in the name of the Trust.
The Panama Papers Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report, submitted to the Supreme Court, had criticized NAB for delays in the investigation and urged prioritization.
Under the recently amended National Accountability Act 2002 by the previous PDM government, the NAB has concluded the Sharif Trust investigation under Section 31-B.
This decision by the NAB’s Executive Board marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against the Sharif family, as they receive a respite from multiple longstanding corruption cases.
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Shehbaz Sharif will contest elections from Karachi’s NA-242
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.
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Nawaz Sharif receives clean chit to contest elections from NA-15 Mansehra
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif received clearance on Friday to take part in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8, 2024, from the NA-15 (Mansehra-II) constituency, despite objections raised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as per The News.
Hajra Sami, the Returning Officer (RO), rejected the objections raised by PTI leaders and declared the nomination papers of the former prime minister valid according to the rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
“The scrutiny process of the nomination papers of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has been completed, and all objections raised by PTI leader Azam Khan Swati and two others have been set aside, and he has been declared eligible to contest elections from here,” Jahangir Jadoon, the legal advisor to Nawaz Sharif, told reporters outside the RO offices.
Sami reviewed the concerns raised by PTI senators Azam Khan Swati, Shahid Rafique, and Zakria Tariq in the presence of PML-N and PTI lawyers and leaders. After that, the RO gave clearance to Nawaz Sharif.
The PTI legal team, headed by Waqar Khan Jehangira and Amir Shah, and the PML-N team, led by Jadoon, presented their arguments for two hours.
“Nawaz Sharif is disqualified for holding any public office or contesting general elections by the Supreme Court’s five-member bench, so that he is not eligible to run in Feb 8, general elections from NA-15,” PTI’s counsel Waqar Khan Jehangiri told the RO during the proceedings.