Tag: Top News

  • Voices of the Future: Youth’s Perspective on Elections 2024

    Voices of the Future: Youth’s Perspective on Elections 2024

    by Hareem Nauman and Huba Shahid

    Pakistan’s political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the country prepares for critical elections. The young, energetic youth, a demographic powerhouse, holds significant potential to shape the country’s political future, making their thoughts, worries, and aspirations crucial.

    Youth Voter Turnout 2018:

    According to empirical Analysis of Elections in Pakistan done by Gallup Pakistan, average Youth voter turnout estimates are a mere 31.5% compared to 40% for women voter turnout and 53% for average national voter turnout during the last two elections in 2013 and 2018.

    Youth Driven Digital Democracy:

    To help the voices of the future, we also need to explore the influence of social media on political opinions and decisions driven by the youth. In the diverse society we are living in, social media is the strongest tool at the disposal of Pakistani political parties which can have a profound effect on youth’s minds and political parties and vice versa. Social media platforms enable young people to participate in conversations, express their opinions, and contribute to an active online political dialogue. Hashtags and trending topics frequently serve as vehicles for political speech, emphasizing certain concerns and establishing a virtual arena for political discourse.

    Critical issues for upcoming 2024 election:

    The 2024 elections survey by The Current Forum in Pakistan raised important concerns: 51.8% prioritized economic stability, 32.6% emphasized governance and accountability, 8.5%% focused on social services such as education and healthcare, 3.5% were conscious of climate change, and 3.5% were concerned about national security. Instagram polls echoed similar sentiments: 45% prioritized governance and accountability, 42% emphasized economic stability, 11% supported education and healthcare, and 2% were concerned about climate change. These findings highlight the different electorate objectives, emphasizing the necessity for policymakers to develop comprehensive policies that meet several issues

    Request for political candidates for immediate impact on universities and student bodies:

    The Current Forum’s 2024 elections survey found a wide range of student demands: 40.4% emphasized active engagement in decision-making for inclusive governance, 32.6% requested immediate financial assistance, and 24.8% increased funding for education. Notably, 2.1% prioritized increased campus security. According to Instagram surveys, 43% priorities student assistance, 34% advocate for student involvement in decision-making, 19% demand increased education financing, and 4% emphasize enhanced campus security.

    Concerns about the electoral process in Pakistan that need attention and improvement:

    Initiatives or strategies that could encourage greater political awareness and participation among the youth in Pakistan:

    The study indicates a variety of opinions on improving political engagement among Pakistani young. Notably, 29.8% prefer youth-focused political participation events, while 30.5% support greater young representation. 18.4% favor expanding civic education programs, while 21.3% support easily available information platforms.

    According to Instagram polls, 25% prefer greater civic education, while 24% support youth-focused engagement activities. A majority (35%) advocate for expanded youth representation, while 16% support accessible information platforms.

    Immediate Priorities for Universities and Students: Requests to Political Candidates in Pakistan’s 2024 Elections

    The survey responses highlight a range of concerns and requests from students in Pakistan for political candidates to address in the 2024 elections. Key issues include the restoration of student unions, regulation of private institution fees, compulsory on-campus jobs, and student policies that positively impact the student body. The lack of governance in certain regions, particularly in Balochistan, is also a concern. Students advocate for changes in grading systems, tackling harassment issues, ensure affordable fees, and creating job opportunities post-graduation. They also advocate for free education, scholarships, and support for those unable to afford fees. The survey participants urged candidates to address the specific needs and concerns voiced by the student community, fostering a more responsive and accountable approach to policymaking.

  • I had good working relationship with Shehbaz Sharif, says Bilawal Bhutto

    I had good working relationship with Shehbaz Sharif, says Bilawal Bhutto

    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while talking to GEO News, said that he had a good working relationship with Shehbaz Sharif. The former foreign minister also said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are doing ‘politics of hate’.

    Bilawal also stated that the politics of hate needs to end, as all politicians should respect each other. On the question of missing persons in the country, a young politician said his party will try to resolve this issue He was also not satisfied with what the caretaker federal government did to the Baloch Long March protesters in December.

  • Nawaz will be PM if we get a simple majority in elections: Shehbaz Sharif

    Nawaz will be PM if we get a simple majority in elections: Shehbaz Sharif

    The former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, while talking to GEO News, said that if Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) gets a simple majority in elections, then PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif will be the next prime minister of Pakistan.

    The former prime minister also said that PML-N needs to do more work for women’s empowerment, as the party is lacking in addressing this issue. He also said that the party is geared up to fix the economy when they win the election.

  • First time voters, here’s all you need to know.

    First time voters, here’s all you need to know.

    Uff, so exciting, aapka first vote! If you’re confused about how to do it, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what you need to do on Feb 8 to cast a vote.

    Step-I: See if you are eligible

    You need to be

    1. A citizen of Pakistan
    2. 18 years of age
    3. Have an original CNIC
    4. Are not declared of unsound mind by a competent court
    5. A resident of your area.

    Step 2:: Find your Polling station

    To find out your constituency and polling station, text your CNIC number (without spaces or dashes) to 8300 — the only official code for the ECP.

    You will receive an automated response with the name of the electoral area, block code, and serial number.

    Step 3: Time to vote

    Polling starts at 8 am on Thursday, Feb 8, and will typically end by 5 pm. Anyone who enters the polling station after the cut-off time will not be allowed to cast their vote so make sure you get there on time. Get it done as early as possible and enjoy the rest of the holiday.

    Step 4: Dress comfortably and carry only CNIC to the polling station

    On Feb 8, make sure to carry your original CNIC. Photocopies, duplicates, or any other document will not be accepted.

    Another important thing to remember is that you will not be allowed to take your cell phone inside the polling station so best to leave it at home.

    Step 5: Male-female segregation in a polling station

    As you enter the polling station — men and women will enter separately — you will be checked by a security officer. 

    Step 6: Inside the polling station 

    1. Once inside, look for a list that has voter names (your name) and designated polling booths on it. Go to the polling booth listed next to your name.
    2. You will meet the polling officer, who will ask to see your original CNIC.
    3. The polling officer will mark your thumb with ink to obtain your thumb impression on the electoral rolls as proof that you have exercised your right to vote.
    4. Then the assistant presiding officer will hand you two ballot papers: one for the national and one for provincial assemblies. You will stamp your thumb impression on the counterfoil. 
    5. Make sure that the assistant presiding officer has signed on the back of each ballot paper as well as on the counterfoil. If this isn’t done, a polling agent can call your votes into question and have them cancelled during the counting process. Therefore, make sure your ballots are valid before you stamp them.
    6. Please remember that the green ballot paper is for the National Assembly, while the white ballot paper is for the Provincial Assembly.
    7. Head to the polling booth. It is usually placed behind a screen for privacy purposes. You will not be issued a replacement ballot paper, so before you head to the polling booth, make up your mind about who you are voting for. Once the paper has been stamped, you cannot change your decision.

    Precaution: Do not attach any kind of object to the ballot paper. It will be rejected. Revealing your identity on the ballot paper will also result in the ballot papers being rejected. 

    Let the ink dry, and fold the ballot paper according to how you are instructed. The green paper goes into the box with the green lid, and the white paper goes into the box with the white lid.

    Step 7: Go home and chill

    As you step out of the polling station, get some snacks, head back home chill for the rest of the day, and be happy – you voted for the Pakistan you wanted. Now you have the right to complain!

  • Guests in Indian wedding given the most unique gifts

    Guests in Indian wedding given the most unique gifts

    A man from Chattisgarh in India surprised the guests at his daughter’s wedding by gifting them helmets.

    Sed Yadav has gifted around 60 helmets to the guests at his daughter’s wedding.

    When he chose a helmet instead of expensive goods for the guests, Sed Yadav said it was to create awareness about road safety.

    Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, “I felt my daughter’s wedding was the best occasion to raise awareness about road safety. I told the guests that life is precious, and I appealed to them not to drink and drive as most road accidents occur due to drunk driving.” He said twelve members of his family also decided to dance wearing helmets during the wedding to support the cause.

    “I distributed around 60 helmets to guests along with sweets,” he said.

  • ‘Star Wars’ actor sues Disney with funding from Elon Musk’s X

    ‘Star Wars’ actor sues Disney with funding from Elon Musk’s X

     A “Star Wars” actor backed by Elon Musk’s X is suing Disney for firing her over inflammatory social media posts about the Holocaust, the pandemic and trans rights.

    Gina Carano, who had a major role in the wildly popular Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” until 2021, filed a lawsuit in California on Tuesday claiming wrongful termination.

    The suit says Carano was expressing personal political views but was hounded by an “extreme progressive” online mob, and alleges that Disney’s actions and comments had damaged her reputation and ability to find work in the future. 

    The lawsuit is being funded by X, a spokesman for the company confirmed to AFP.

    Carano, an outspoken former martial arts fighter-turned-actor, was fired by Disney for what the company at the time dubbed “abhorrent and unacceptable” social media posts “denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities.”

    One particularly controversial post shared by Carano appeared to liken being a conservative in the United States to being Jewish in Nazi Germany.

    Another post appeared to mock a person for wearing multiple masks during the Covid-19 pandemic in California.

    And Carano had earlier drawn the wrath of members of the trans community for adding “boop/bop/beep” as preferred pronouns on her Twitter profile.

    In a statement, Carano said she had “never even used aggressive language” but had shared “thought provoking” posts with “respect & the occasional comedy.”

    Both her statement and the lawsuit allege that Carano was afforded less right to exercise her freedom of speech than some of her male colleagues.

    Carano said she had been contacted by an X lawyer offering to take on her case after she publicly replied to an open offer from Musk to help anyone fired after using X to exercise free speech.

    “As a sign of X Corp’s commitment to free speech, we’re proud to provide financial support for Gina Carano’s lawsuit,” said an official post by X on Tuesday.

    The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages Carano is seeking, but claims she lost a role on planned “Mandalorian” spin-off “Rangers of the New Republic” that would have been worth “$150,000 to $250,000 per episode.”

  • PML-N will emerge as the biggest party in election, government survey

    PML-N will emerge as the biggest party in election, government survey

    A review report of a government organization has revealed that in the general elections to be held on February 8, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will emerge as the largest party, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The third in line is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) while other parties will follow.

    Geo’s Umar Cheema reported an official who spoke to The News on the condition of anonymity and said that the government body came up with the analysis based on information gathered through interviews with police sources, revenue department, labor unions and professionals in various sectors.

    He explained that the review has been carried out at the police station and union council level. The survey has been done scientifically to remove the possibility of wrong estimates, although the popularity rate of PML-N has been lower in the surveys conducted so far. An optimistic estimate has been made as the party has recorded an increase in popularity since the return of Nawaz Sharif, but no one has so far given an estimate of how many seats the party can win.

    International media has also presented Nawaz Sharif as the future prime minister, but whether he will be able to get a simple majority or not is not clear. According to this official assessment, the PML-N will bag between 115 and 132 seats in the National Assembly.

    The inclusion of reserved seats for women and minorities would mean that the party would have a chance to form a government alone with a simple majority. It can get close seats, which means PML-N can get a complete majority in the provincial assembly.

    PML-N can make a clean sweep in Punjab except for a few districts, says the survey.

    According to the estimate, PML-N will form a government with a possible two-thirds majority in Punjab, PML-N will succeed in forming coalition governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while the PPP has the possibility of forming a government only in Sindh.

    The review report says that PPP can get 35 to 40 seats at the center while the independent candidates of PTI can get between 23 to 29 seats. MQM may get 12 to 14 seats, JUI six to eight seats, Q-League and Satwat Pakistan Party are expected to get two to three seats in the National Assembly.

  • Imran Khan could be the next chancellor of Oxford University

    Imran Khan could be the next chancellor of Oxford University

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan is among the candidates being considered to be elected the next Chancellor of Oxford University following the resignation of Chris Patten. The seat is vacant after 80-year-old Patten, who held the post for 21 years, resigned.

    The position of Chancellor is largely ceremonial and is typically awarded to a former politician. Patten was the governor of Hong Kong and a Tory deputy prime minister.

    For the first time, elections for the chancellor will be held online compared to the traditional process in which graduates were required to attend the process in full academic dress. The prestigious chancellorship goes to graduates of the university, usually politicians.

    Among the candidates competing for the position is Imran Khan who studied Economics and Politics at Kelbe College, Oxford in 1972. He captained Oxford’s cricket team in 1974, and previously served as the chancellor of Braddford University for eight years before stepping down in November 2014.

    Other contenders include former British Prime Ministers Theresa May, Tony Blair, and Boris Johnson.

  • Sahiba opens up about life without her father

    Sahiba opens up about life without her father

    Former actress and television host Sahiba Afzal, daughter of yesteryears’ superstar Nisho, has recently shared surprising details about her life.

    The star admitted that she has never seen or met her biological father.

    During an episode of Meri Maa, hosted by veteran actor Sajid Hasan, Sahiba said that although she never had the chance to meet her real father, she had a wonderful relationship with her step-father until he passed away.
    The ‘Kanpain Tang Rahi Hain’ actor said, “I’ve never seen or met my real father. My mother had split up with him before I was born. My step-father, who I don’t even like to call ‘step,’ because he means more to me than my biological father, gave me a lot of love and affection.”

    She added that it’s been five years since her beloved step-father passed away, and until his very last moment, she had a strong connection with him. “He was like a friend to me, someone I confided in with all my secrets, even ones I didn’t share with my mother. Because of him, I never felt the absence of a father in my life.”

    “His name was Jamal Pasha, and he used to be a pilot. He also worked for TV channels,” Sahiba explained.

    The setback of not knowing her biological father has not stopped Sahiba from enjoying success. Not only did she become an A-list star in films but also went on to have a happy marriage with Jan Rambo, and raising two sons.

  • Nawaz, Shehbaz, Hamza sher ko vote nahin dein gay

    Nawaz, Shehbaz, Hamza sher ko vote nahin dein gay

    After a hectic election campaign, prominent leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) find themselves in an a quandary, as they gear up for the upcoming general elections.

    Despite urging voters to support the party’s ‘sher’ electoral symbol, key figures within the PML-N will be unable to cast their votes for the animal on the National Assembly seat. Instead, they might vote for another animal.

    Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz, all integral figures within the PML-N, are registered to vote in NA-128, where the party has entered into a seat adjustment agreement with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP) party.

    Interestingly, in NA-128, the PML-N has decided not to field a candidate for the National Assembly seat, instead throwing their support behind IPP leader Aun Chaudhry, whose symbol is an eagle.

    However, despite this alliance, the three PML-N leaders will still exercise their voting rights for PML-N candidate,Umar Sohail in PP-161.

    The PML-N’s election strategy spans across the country, with the party contesting 212 NA constituencies on February 8, while leaving 51 NA seats open for rivals or allies.

    Notable among their candidates are Nawaz Sharif, who will be contesting in NA-15 (Mansehra) and NA-130 (Lahore), Maryam Nawaz in NA-119 (Lahore), and Hamza Shehbaz in NA-118 (Lahore). Shehbaz Sharif is set to participate in the elections from NA-123 (Lahore) and NA-132(Kasur).

    However, there are several constituencies where the PML-N has chosen not to field candidates, including NA-4 (Swat-III), NA-19 (Swabi-I), and NA-117 (Lahore-I), among others, as part of their strategic alliances and considerations for bolstering their position in the province.

    The constituencies where the PML-N has not fielded its candidates are: NA-4 (Swat-III), NA-19 (Swabi-I), NA-20 (Swabi-II), NA-21 (Mardan-I), NA-22 (Mardan-III), NA-44 (Dera Ismail Khan-I), NA-45 (Dera Ismail Khan-II), NA-48 (Islamabad-III), NA-54 (Islamabad-III), NA-64 (Gujrat-III), NA-88 (Khushab-II), NA-92 (Bhakkar-II), NA-117 (Lahore-I), NA-128 (Lahore-XII), NA-143 (Sahiwal-III), NA-149 (Multan-II).

    Moreover, the candidates are also not contesting on NA-165, NA-185, NA-190 to NA-204, NA-206 to NA-210, NA-212, NA-214, NA-215, NA-217, NA-218, NA-221, NA-223, NA-224, NA-228, NA-239, NA-245, NA-264 and NA-266.

    The former ruling party, in its bid to strengthen its position in the province ahead of the upcoming elections, had entered a seat adjustment agreement with Jahangir Tareen’s IPP.