Tag: Top News

  • More voters, less turnout: FAFEN on Feb 8 polls

    More voters, less turnout: FAFEN on Feb 8 polls

    The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has reported that around 60.6 million Pakistanis voted in the country’s 12th general elections, held on February 8. This number was higher than 2018 elections, in which least 54.8 million citizens participated. The number this increased by 5.8 million voters, according to FAFEN post-election analysis report.

    The election watchdog reported that fewer people voted in the recent general polls compared to the total number of registered voters. In 2018, 52.1 percent of registered voters participated in the polls whereas this year, only 47.6 percent turned out to vote.

    The decrease in turnout, however, can be largely attributed to the increase in registered voters from 106 million in 2018 to 128.6 million in 2024. A considerable rise of 22.6 million registered voters between the 2018 and 2024 elections was highlighted in the report.

    The report suggested that the turnout might have been affected by several factors, including severe winter in some areas, concerns about violence and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, and uncertainty regarding how the elections would be conducted.

    The analysis report on voter turnout reveals that KP had the lowest turnout. The report also notes that voter turnout varies across National Assembly (NA) constituencies, with Islamabad Capital Territory recording the highest turnout.

  • Will PTI secure reserved seats in National Assembly?

    Will PTI secure reserved seats in National Assembly?

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has confirmed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will not get reserve seats despite an alliance with other political parties, including Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), ARY News reported on Wednesday.

    ECP sources revealed that the MWM did not submit a list of reserved seats for women as required by Section 104 of the Election Act, and they missed the submission deadline.

    Furthermore, it was revealed that political parties are allowed to submit the list of reserved seats until the deadline for the submission of nomination papers. 

    However, once the deadline passes, no political party can submit a list of reserved seats.

    A day earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to form an alliance with MWM to create a government in the centre.

  • Behroze Sabzwari, Javed Sheikh have a simple secret for staying fit

    Behroze Sabzwari, Javed Sheikh have a simple secret for staying fit

    Javed Sheikh and Behroze Sabzwari have been acting since decades yet both the veteran actors are still fit as a fiddle. The two have been friends since long and their friendship got stronger when Behroze Sabzwari married Javed Sheikh’s sister Safina.

    The two recently appeared on The Knock Knock Show, hosted by Mohib Mirza. They talked about how they stay fit and shared advice for people who want to have successful careers in acting.
    Javed Sheikh said, “Staying fit is something we can control. We make a lot of effort, watch what we eat, and avoid thinking negatively about others. I count my calories from breakfast to dinner and skip lunch so I’m really hungry by dinner time.” Behroze Sabzwari added that he eats everything but in small amounts. Javed Sheikh also mentioned that he enjoys eating traditional Pakistani foods like paaye.
    When it comes to being successful, Javed Sheikh had some advice for young actors: “I tell everyone, ‘if you want to reach high, stay grounded’. And for young actors, I advise three things: passion, patience, and punctuality.”

  • ‘Nawaz will oversee PML-N-led governments’: Maryam Nawaz

    ‘Nawaz will oversee PML-N-led governments’: Maryam Nawaz

    Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), has dismissed speculations suggesting that party head Nawaz Sharif has withdrawn from active politics following his nomination of younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the prime ministerial post.

    Maryam Nawaz has been nominated as the party’s candidate for Chief Minister of Punjab.

    In a statement shared on X (former Twitter), Maryam emphasized that Nawaz Sharif is poised to remain actively engaged in politics for the next five years. She declared that Nawaz Sharif will not only participate in political affairs but will also oversee the PML-N-led administrations in both Punjab and at the federal level.

    Addressing concerns over Nawaz Sharif’s future role, Maryam pointed out that her party has secured clear mandates in the three previous governments under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.

    She highlighted Nawaz’s explicit stance during election speeches, affirming his intention to refrain from joining any coalition government.
    “… he has made it clear in his election speeches that he will not be a part of any coalition government.”
    She added that those who are aware of Nawaz’s nature know his principled stance.
    “Shehbaz Sharif and I are his soldiers, bound by his orders and will work under his leadership and supervision. May Allah grant us success. Ameen,” Maryam said.
    Maryam Nawaz’s statement comes amid widespread speculation regarding Nawaz Sharif’s political future, with many expressing disappointment over his decision to step back from the prime ministerial race in favor of Shehbaz Sharif.

    Former spokesperson for Nawaz Sharif, Mohammad Zubair, expressed his disappointment saying: “He was the one who inspired me to join politics. Whatever name I made in politics & positions earned were all due to his confidence. Sad to see him go like this. The votes N got were all due to him but the party did not do justice to him. Was this his last political battle?”

  • Need the government to give assurances that the army will not do business: CJ Isa

    Need the government to give assurances that the army will not do business: CJ Isa

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has raised concerns over commercial activities being conducted on military land and sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would solely focus on defense-related matters, refraining from engaging in business ventures.

    The request came up during a hearing of a petition regarding commercial activities on military-owned land.

    CJP Isa highlighted instances where the army had ventured into business activities, including the establishment of marriage halls on military premises.

    The Chief Justice then sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would remain the “protector” and not do any business.

    “Can you get this assurance?” CJP Isa asked the attorney general. He also added that everyone should work as per their mandate.
    “The army should do its own work and courts will do their job,” said CJP Isa.

    In response, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan stated that as per principle, everyone should do their job.

    However, CJP Isa insisted on receiving a direct assurance from the attorney general regarding the military’s commitment to refrain from business activities.

    During the proceedings, the lawyer representing the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) intervened, shedding light on the dispute involving a building constructed on ETPB-owned land. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked on the ETPB’s passive role during the building’s construction.

    CJP Isa underscored the necessity of investigating the involvement of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in the construction process. He called for a thorough examination of assets belonging to SBCA officers above the rank of inspector, emphasizing the need for transparency.

    “The Karachi sub registry’s assets should also be audited by the FBR. The residents of demolished buildings should receive money from all assets beyond means,” said the CJP. He also added that the Sindh government would never do an inquiry on this.

    The DG informed the court that currently there are 1,400 employees with the SCBA out of which 600 are building inspectors and 300 are senior inspectors.

  • Jamat-e-Islami will not join hands with PTI to form government in centre

    Jamat-e-Islami will not join hands with PTI to form government in centre

    Jamat-e-Islami (JI) confirmed on Wednesday that they will not form a government with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite PTI-backed independent candidates leading with higher number of seats in the February 8 general elections.

    JI leader Amir Liaqat Baloch said while talking to Geo News that his party is not going to join hands with the PTI for the formation of a government in centre.

    “There is no reason for us to form an alliance with PTI only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said Baloch, adding that talks with PTI were related to both governments — federal and provincial. 

    PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that there is no point of forming a government with JI as it has no representative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
    A day earlier, the PTI founder said that his party will not talk with mainstream political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

  • Video: What does Sanam Jung miss most about home?

    Video: What does Sanam Jung miss most about home?

    Sanam Jung is a famous actress and TV host from Pakistan. She started her career as a TV presenter and then became an actress. You might know her from shows like “Dil E Muztar” and “Mere Humdam Mere Dost”.
    Recently, Sanam Jung moved to Houston with her family because of her husband’s job. She’s enjoying time with her family there, but she really misses her home, parents, and country. She shared a touching video where she talks about being far from home and how hard it is to go back. It’s clear she’s feeling emotional about it. You can watch the video here:

  • Why Sonya Hussyn isn’t interested in tying the knot

    Why Sonya Hussyn isn’t interested in tying the knot

    Sonya Hussyn has been in a lot of TV shows and movies and people love her acting.

    The ‘Tich Button’ actress is currently starring in a show called ‘Akhara’ with Feroze Khan, and fans are loving the series.

    But even though she’s doing so well in her career, Sonya doesn’t want to get married. She recently talked about marriage on a TV show hosted by Nadia Khan. “Everyone asks about my marriage. They say, ‘You’ve finished studying, you’re really successful, you even have your own house. So why aren’t you married?’ I feel like I don’t fit in with this generation. People don’t have good manners or respect for each other. They don’t know how to talk to girls or treat women well. They also don’t know how to respect older people. I can’t accept these things because I come from a different background. Now, I only feel inspired by people who have good qualities and treat others nicely.”

    Sonya used to be married to gym owner Wasif Muhammad, but their marriage didn’t last long. Now that she’s flying high, we say she deserves all the time she wants before deciding upon marriage.

  • Zardari might be our next president; Bilawal wants Murad as CM Sindh

    Zardari might be our next president; Bilawal wants Murad as CM Sindh

    In a recent development reported by Geo News, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chief of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has expressed his preference for Murad Ali Shah to serve as the Chief Minister of Sindh for the third consecutive term.

    Sources revealed that alongside Shah, other names under consideration for the Sindh CM post include Faryal Talpur, Nasir Hussain Shah, and Sharjeel Memon.

    It’s noted that some leaders within the PPP advocate for Faryal Talpur to potentially become Sindh’s first woman chief minister, adding an intriguing dynamic to the selection process.

    Furthermore, amidst political alliances forming in the country, a six-party coalition consisting of PML-N, PPP, MQMP, PML-Q, IPP, and BAP has been announced.

    This alliance, reminiscent of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), aims to form the next government at the federal level.

    Notably, Asif Ali Zardari, the former president, is expected to lead the country for the second time, pending the coalition’s success.

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari affirmed PPP’s support for PML-N in electing its prime minister, though without direct involvement in the federal government.

    However, discussions surrounding key constitutional posts, including the National Assembly speaker, Senate chairman, and president, have ensued. Bilawal expressed his desire for Asif Ali Zardari to assume the presidency, citing the need for experienced leadership in addressing the country’s challenges.

    In addition to the presidency, PPP is reportedly eyeing the post of Balochistan chief minister, with Sarfraz Bugti briefing the party on the province’s political landscape.

    Sources suggest that PML-N leadership has agreed to support Zardari for the presidency in exchange for PPP’s backing of Shehbaz Sharif for the prime minister’s post, potentially shaping the future political landscape with a PML-N prime minister and a PPP president.

    Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Rana Sanaullah said PPP did not not demand the top constitutional post of president.
    In a statement, Sanaullah said that Shehbaz had experience of working with allies, while Asif Ali Zardari has the political acumen to take prudent decisions.

    He said that neither the PPP demanded the position of the president nor did they make any commitment. “We hope that [JUI-F chief] Fazlur Rehman will become part of the government,” he added.

  • Candidates awarded better grades in 2022 than in 2023, reports Geo

    Candidates awarded better grades in 2022 than in 2023, reports Geo

    It has been revealed that there is a clear difference in grading of the first year (Inter) 2023 and 2022 examinations under Higher Secondary Education Board Karachi.

    More A1, A, and B grades were awarded to candidates in 2022 than in 2023.

    According to details reported by Geo, the percentage of success of A1 and A1 grade candidates in science pre-medical, pre-engineering, and general science last year was high, with 1539 in pre-medical results in the 2020 exams. Candidates succeeded in A-1, 3712 with an A grade, and 4573 with a B grade.

    However, in the 2023 examinations, 654 candidates passed with an A1 grade, 2418 with an A grade, and 3753 secured a B grade.

    In the 2020 pre-engineering results, 1125 candidates passed with A 1, 2468 with an A grade and 3304 with a B grade while in the 2023 exams, 461 candidates passed with A 1, 1566 with an A grade and 2479 with a B grade.

    In the science general result of the 2020 examinations, 216 candidates succeeded with an A grade, while 918 candidates secured an A grade and 1573 candidates with a B grade.

    In the 2023 examinations, 178 candidates passed with an A1 grade and 853 candidates passed with an A grade.

    Background

    The results for the first-year (Part-I) examination announced by the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) on January 24 raised concerns as more than 50 per cent of the students failed.

    According to the Inter board spokesperson, 72 per cent of the candidates failed in arts first year (private) and 80 per cent in arts (regular).

    In this context, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) also announced a sit-in outside the Board of Intermediate Education office in Karachi (BIEK) following the announcement of inter results which revealed that about 80 per cent Arts students had failed.