Tag: The Current

  • Bilawal urges people to vote for “arrow” if they want to stop lion

    Bilawal urges people to vote for “arrow” if they want to stop lion

    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).

  • A shameful verdict

    A shameful verdict

    Last week, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were handed a seven-year sentence each by a trial court in the iddat or ‘un-Islamic nikah’ case. Senior civil judge Qudratullah pronounced the verdict during proceedings at Adiala jail, on a petition filed by Bushra Bibi’s former husband Khawar Maneka, against the couple’s marriage. The verdict has been termed shameful and an assault on women’s rights by legal experts and civil society.

    From The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Women’s Action Forum (WAF) to Aurat March and legal experts, many have condemned the verdict vociferously. WAF Lahore in its statement said that the verdict “is an assault on women’s autonomy over their bodies, dignity and privacy, setting dangerous precedent for state’s intrusion into the private lives of citizens”. HRCP said that the verdict “could also set a precedent for Section 496 to be weaponised for political purposes”.

    Lawyer Reema Omer made a pertinent point that by making a woman’s menstrual cycle the subject of criminal inquiry, “this case has cast a blow to women’s freedom to make decisions about divorce and marriage without fear of being dragged in court”. Aurat March Islamabad will hold a protest tomorrow against this unjust verdict, which has made a mockery of the legal system in Pakistan. This is not the first time that frivolous cases have been made against politicians but it is the first time that a disgusting and vindictive accusation by an ex-husband of a former first lady was levelled and the courts actually gave a verdict in favour of the shameless man while humiliating a woman in the process by taking away her agency.
    It was good to see that Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took a firm stand against the verdict and said that we should not stoop to this level in politics.

    He also highlighted how this verdict can impact the efforts made in the past to safeguard women’s rights. Mr. Bhutto is not wrong in his assertion. The low level to which the state has stooped in order to humiliate a politician who has fallen out of favour is a blot on the justice system as well as score-settling. The verdict has set a precedent that judges and courts can now monitor women’s menstrual cycles, with some saying that the country might as well let all gynaecologists go and let the judges and courts give their expertise in this department.

    From Fatima Jinnah to Benazir Bhutto to Bushra Bibi, we have seen how men hold the power to slander women for their personal gains and get away with it. No Pakistani citizen should remain silent on this shameful verdict and we all must register our protest at how this has taken our entire struggle and progress years back. It is not the state’s business to declare a marriage null and void in this shameless manner. At the end of the day, this verdict can impact each and every woman with a vindictive ex-husband. We hope that this sham of a verdict will be overturned as soon as possible in a high court. No woman will forgive the trial court that gave this verdict and no woman should ever trust the justice system again if this is not overturned and an apology issued not just to Bushra Bibi but all women of Pakistan.

  • ECP completes printing of 260 million ballot papers

    ECP completes printing of 260 million ballot papers

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Monday that it finished printing 260 million ballot papers for all 859 constituencies across the country, as reported by The News.

    The spokesperson of the electoral body stated that they also completed the reprinting of some ballot papers for a few constituencies on time, as ordered by the Supreme Court (SC).

    He also explained that after printing, the process of delivering ballot papers across the country is in progress and will be completed today.

    The spokesman highlighted that for the 2018 general elections, they printed 220 million ballot papers using 800 tonnes of special security paper. However, for the 2024 general election, they printed 260 million ballot papers, requiring 2,170 tonnes of paper.

    According to the spokesperson, the electoral body faced many challenges during the printing process, but ECP fulfilled its responsibility with honesty and completed the printing of ballot papers on time.

  • Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 7 years each in ‘un-Islamic nikah’ case

    Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 7 years each in ‘un-Islamic nikah’ case

    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.

  • ‘Real youth, not ‘mummy daddy’ ones, support PML-N, says Nawaz Sharif

    ‘Real youth, not ‘mummy daddy’ ones, support PML-N, says Nawaz Sharif

    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.

  • ECP ready to conduct polls on February 8, despite security challenges

    ECP ready to conduct polls on February 8, despite security challenges

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declared on Thursday that it is determined and ready to conduct upcoming elections on February 8 as per schedule, despite facing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

    With only one week remaining until the February 8 polls, election preparations and campaigns are in full swing. However, the country is grappling with a series of violent incidents that have led to multiple deaths, particularly at political party rallies in the two provinces most affected by terrorism.

    Law enforcers have tightened security across the country to maintain law and order during the upcoming general elections.

    “The February 8 polls will take place on time. Though the security challenges exist but the election commission is fully ready [to hold the elections], and with the help of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and Pakistan Army, the elements involved in hindering the electoral process and disrupting security situation will be dealt strictly,” Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja said during the ECP’s security meeting.

    On Thursday evening, the electoral body held an important meeting on the worsening law and order situation in two provinces.

    After the meeting ended, the ECP released a statement saying that the CEC voiced concerns about the worsening security situation in KP and Balochistan. However, he emphasised that the electoral process will continue despite the challenges.

  • One dead, four injured in multiple blasts in Balochistan

    One dead, four injured in multiple blasts in Balochistan

    At least one person was killed and four injured as multiple blasts occurred on Thursday in different areas of Balochistan, including the provincial capital, Quetta, the police confirmed.

    The blast took place in the Spinny Road area of Quetta. Police have cordoned off the area and are figuring out what caused the explosion.

    Blasts also happened in Turbat and Naseerabad district.

    According to the police, at least three people were injured when a hand grenade exploded at the Dera Allah Yar Bhatti gate area in Naseerabad, while one person was injured in a grenade blast in Turbat’s main market.

    Bomb disposal squads and rescue teams have arrived at the site of the blast in Quetta, where, according to police, at least one person has died in the explosion.

    According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Quetta, Tariq Jawad, eight to 10 kg of explosives were used in the blast in Quetta.

  • PTI will hold new intra-party polls

    PTI will hold new intra-party polls

    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.

  • ECP calls emergency meeting over worsening law and order

    ECP calls emergency meeting over worsening law and order

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to conduct a crucial meeting today, focusing on the worsening state of law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, as general elections are set to take place on February 8, The News reported on Thursday.

    In the past few weeks, there has been a significant increase in attacks on political rallies, camp offices, and candidates, as well as terror incidents, especially in the two restive provinces.

    The ECP directed KP’s chief secretary and inspector general of police to submit a detailed report on the murder of independent candidate, Rehan Zeb Khan, contesting for the National Assembly (NA) seat from NA-8 Bajur.

    The unidentified persons gunned down the young political activist on Wednesday in his hometown while he was canvassing for votes.

    An ECP notification stated that “The scheduled meeting in Islamabad on Thursday at 3pm will be attended by the minister and secretary of interior, chief secretaries, inspectors general of KP and Balochistan, and officials from intelligence agencies.”

    ECP also asked for an immediate report from the Balochistan chief secretary and inspector general of police on the bomb attack at a political party’s election office.

  • General Syed Asim Munir presides 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference

    General Syed Asim Munir presides 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference

    General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over the 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ, today. Forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and the citizens who have laid their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country.

    Forum resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, will be dealt with full might of the state. COAS stated that Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacrosanct and inviolable. Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all states, however, there would never be any compromise over country’s sovereignty, national honour and aspirations of Pakistani people.

    The forum was briefed on the callous Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings, perpetuating state-sponsored terrorism and targeting Pakistani citizens. The forum agreed that blatant violation of international laws by India and its real face be exposed to the world. The international community has already shown serious concerns over the criminal behaviour of India and its use of state apparatus for killing spree around the world.

    The forum reiterated unequivocal support for Palestine and the people of Gaza while noting the extremely negative fallout of the conflict and the potential to spill over in the wider region. The immediate need for a permanent ceasefire and enduring solution to the Palestinian question was unanimously recognised. In the same vein, Pakistan’s resolve to support the people of IIOJK for their right of self determination was reiterated.

    Pakistan would continue to morally, politically and diplomatically support Kashmir brothers and sisters till justice is served in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions. The forum also discussed deployment of Pakistan Army to assist Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the peaceful conduct of General Elections 2024.

    Pakistan Army will perform assigned duties as per the Constitutional mandate, under the guidelines of ECP. No one would be allowed to indulge in violence in the name of political activity and sabotage the quintessential democratic exercise of conduct of free and fair elections. The forum acknowledged and appreciated the steps taken against spectrum of illegal activities and criminal mafias including smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft and illegal aliens. The participants emphasised that such actions and their positive impact on the economy and well being of the people need to continue without any let up. The forum was briefed on operational preparedness of the formations. COAS asked formation commanders to continue their focus on the training, administration and morale of the soldiers.