LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party senior leader and former federal minister Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat Wednesday joined the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) reposing full confidence in the leadership of the PML-N.

Faisal Saleh Hayat announced the decision after a meeting with the former Prime Minister and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday.

Talking to media along with Faisal Saleh Hayat, Shehbaz Sharif said that he is very happy to be present in Shah Jewna today. He welcomed Faisal Saleh Hayat in PML-N and said that his inclusion will help the party to win polls in Jhang. “We have started a new journey,” he added.

Shehbaz Sharif claimed that Mian Nawaz Sharif will become Prime Minister for the fourth time and once again they will come to power and serve the nation.

It may be noted that Faisal Saleh Hayat had quit the PPP during the Musharraf regime and later joined the PML-Q. He rejoined the PPP in 2017. In the 2018 general elections, he was the PPP candidate but lost the election to PTI’s Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan by just 600 votes in the recount. The PML-N could not field any candidate in his constituency in the last election. Out of the three constituencies of Jhang, the party had fielded only one candidate, Muhammad Saleem Tahir in NA-115 who had lost the election with a big margin.

Faisal Saleh Hayat has previously been elected to the National Assembly in 1988, 1990, and 1993, on the PPP ticket. He contested the 2008 elections on the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid’s (PML-Q) ticket. He has also served in the executive in multiple capacities including Federal Minister for Commerce (1988-1990) Federal Minister for Interior (2002-2004), Kashmir Affairs (2004-2007), and Federal Minister Housing & Works (2011-12).

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday vehemently condemned the draconian manner of re-arrest of PTI vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi by Punjab police from Adiala Jail premises by tossing the Supreme Court’s order in the trash, demanding the top court to take notice of such blatant transgressions and ensure his immediate release from unlawful detention.

Reacting to Qureshi’s re-arrest and shifting him to an unknown location immediately after his release from Adiala Jail, PTI Spokesperson Raoof Hasan said that the mistreatment of Qureshi by Punjab police officers was absolutely shameful and disgusting, which was a clear indication that there was a complete breakdown of rule of law in the country. He said that the violent and disgraceful arrest of the PTI vice chairman after SC granted him bail was a slap in the face of the judiciary and the justice system of the country.

He pointed out that the visible and certain signs of PTI landslide victory in forthcoming general elections and the failure to smash the unbreakable bond between the PTI Founding Chairman Imran Khan and the nation had sent the state into frenzy; hence it was crossing all limits of brutality and fascism against PTI and its leaders and workers.

He emphasized that after the announcement of the election schedule, an alarming upsurge had been witnessed in the state oppression and fascism against the PTI leadership, candidates, and workers. He reminded that Qureshi was one of the main candidates of PTI in the election; hence shameful attempts were being made to keep him in custody in order to push him out of the election race.

He noted that after the practical death of the concocted and frivolous case such as the cipher, the detention order of Qureshi by the deputy commissioner, who was bound to perform election duties, and his immediate re-arrest soon after his release was also a clear violation of the SC’s order directing to provide the level playing fields to all political parties in the next polls.

Hasan was of the view that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was directly responsible for unleashing of atrocities and barbarities against PTI by the unconstitutional, illegal, undemocratic and unrepresentative caretaker governments. He stressed that Qureshi’s re-arrest testified PTI’s stance regarding the appointment of government officials as ROs, adding Chief Justice of Pakistan should take immediate notice of the rising fascism in the country and flouting of the court’s orders.

He made it clear that people were fully united and ready for accountability of those who plunged the country into the a quagmire of problems and they would take revenge from them by inflicting humiliating and crushing defeat on their candidates in the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

This is apropos a Business Recorder news item “Budgetary support during Jul 1-Dec 16, 2023 period: Govt borrowing jumps 200pc to Rs2.876trn YoY” carried by the newspaper yesterday.

According to the news item, “the cumulative borrowing by the federal and provincial governments for budgetary support from the domestic banking system rose by 200 percent during this fiscal year (FY24) so far.”

The news report quoting State Bank of Pakistan has added that “the federal and provincial governments cumulatively borrowed Rs 2.876 trillion during July 1, to Dec 16, 2023 from the domestic banking system against Rs 961 billion in the same period of last fiscal year (FY23), depicting an increase of Rs 1.915 trillion. The entire amount was borrowed from the SBP and scheduled banks to finance the fiscal deficit.

The major borrowing was made by the cash-strapped federal government for budgetary support”. Though credible, these statistics appear unbelievable mainly because of the fact that this cardinal sin has been committed by our federal and provincial governments alike when the country was and still is in the throes of an economic crisis.

Ironically, this overt reckless extravagance has taken place under the caretaker setup ahead of the general elections. That the fact there is no conceivable justification for such fiscal profligacy cannot be overemphasized.

In other words, the profligacy of the caretakers has shocked the entire nation. In my view, the parliament that emerges from the results of the upcoming general election must hold all those in power in the country to account for contributing to country’s economic woes on such a huge scale.

Needless to say, the caretakers have clearly exceeded their limits in such an horrendous manner.

Abu Adnan, (Karachi)

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH, (Larkana): Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has tabled his 10-point top priorities to the nation to deal with the challenges facing the country and provide relief to the people, and said that if these 10 points, included in the election manifesto of his party, are implemented, then the skyrocketed inflation, unemployment and poverty faced by the country can be solved to a large extent.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while addressing his rivals, said that the PPP is not afraid of elections, rather it is ready to contest and, of course, determined to win.

According to the press release issued by media cell Bilawal House Karachi, the PPP Chairman, while addressing the historic public gathering held on the 16th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto here on Wednesday, said that the workers have given a message to the world by gathering in large numbers that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is alive.

“Some forces martyred Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto thinking that by doing so they would destroy the PPP, thereby suppressing the voice of the poor, farmers, workers, students and youth,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that at present, if any political party can save the country by confronting the challenges, it is only the PPP. He pointed out some of the important achievements of his party during the last 16 years and said that the restoration of the constitution in its original form, the autonomy of the provinces in the form of NFC award, the launch of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and the removal of the former dictator from power, are important achievements of the party.

“Today where Pakistan is standing, it is standing in difficulty and the people are suffering,” he said, adding that for the solution of these problems it is necessary that the PPP should come into power. “If Allah Almighty wills, and the people give us the opportunity, we will address public issues,” he vowed.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while presenting the 10 top priorities included in his party’s election manifesto for the February 8 polls, said that if these points are implemented, the problems facing the country will be solved to a large extent.

He said that if his party wins the upcoming elections, his first priority will be to ensure that salaries in the country are doubled over the next five years. He said that due to unending loadshedding and heavy bills, people have become disgusted with the name of electricity.

Talking about his second priority, he said that green energy parks will be established at the district level and up to 300 units of the electricity will be provided free of cost to poor families. He stated that the third point of his ten-point agenda is to ensure the provision of quality education to the people across the country, while the fourth point is the provision of free world-class health facilities, and added: “just as we are providing free health facilities to the public through NICVD, Gambat Hospital, SIUT and JPMC in Sindh, we will extend the same program to every district of the country.”

He said that under ‘Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar Program’, 3 million Pakka houses and their ownership rights will be provided to the homeless families across the country. He said that when the BISP was launched, the opponents used to make fun of it, but now the whole world believes that BISP is a revolutionary program. He announced that the BISP will be expanded and more focus will be placed on components like ‘Wasela-e-Rozgar’, ‘Wasela-e-Sehat’, and ‘Wasela-e-Taleem’.

Providing details about his ten-point agenda, the PPP Chairman said that Kisan Card will be issued, and through it the subsidy will be directly transferred to the pockets of the farmers instead of the mill owners, adding that the Benazir Mazdoor Card will be introduced for all the workers across the country.

He announced that through Youth Card, educated unemployed youth will be financially supported.

He said that youth centres will be established at the division level, and facilities like library, free Wi-Fi, space for cultural activities, vocational trainings, career counselling will be available in the said centres. He said that we will fight inflation through ‘Bhook Mittaao Program (hunger eradication programme)’.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has admitted having faced slight difficulties in the transmission of relevant information to the returning officers through the Election Management System (EMS), being used for upcoming general polls, in the far-flung areas—but insisted that the said system has not failed.

Amidst the reports suggesting a complete failure of the ECP’s much-hyped EMS, the poll entity on Wednesday said, some additional functions have been added to the EMS to assist the ROs.

“However, in the far-flung areas where the problems related to internet connectivity have been experienced, slight difficulties have been faced there in the transmission of the lists of the general polls’ contestants to the ROs by the ECP, provincial, regional and district election commissioners,” the electoral organisation said in a statement.

ECP warns govt employees against political participation in elections

The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and internet voting, commonly known as i-voting for overseas Pakistanis, were at the forefront of the electoral reforms agenda introduced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI’s) former federal government through significant parliamentary legislation on the pretext of bringing transparency in the polls process.

However, the former Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, that succeeded the PTI government, reversed the introduction of the EVMs and i-voting for overseas Pakistanis in the next general polls — a move strongly criticised by several public and political circles.

Last December, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja claimed at an event that the ECP intended to launch pilot testing of EVMs in the next general elections or local government polls - besides working on i-voting for overseas Pakistanis, for which, the CEC said, funds were sought from the then federal government.

But, contrary to this claim, in July this year, the poll body refused to hold the LG elections in Punjab on EVMs and i-voting for overseas Pakistanis, deciding to ask the provincial caretaker government to amend the related electoral rules —to allow the polls on the manual voting method.

Finally, the apparently controversial EMS is in place in the upcoming general elections and several serious technical glitches have been reported in this system—a scenario that is likely to greatly undermine the credibility of the general elections.

The electoral body’s statement regarding EMS is issued at a time when the ECP is already facing strong criticism from mainstream political parties including PTI, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Awami National Party (ANP) over alleged denial of level playing field to them in the wake of upcoming general elections.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday unveiled a 10-point election manifesto with an emphasis on welfare schemes, Aaj News reported.

Addressing an event in Garhi Khuda Bukhsh on the 16th death anniversary of his mother Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated on December 27, 2007, in Rawalpindi, Bilawal promised free education, health, cash handouts, and food for farmers and labourers.

“It will be in our plan to double the salaries within five years. We will provide 300 units of solar energy to the underserved free of cost,” he said.

He promised to provide a free-of-cost health facility to the masses in every district across the country.

The PPP chairman unveiled a plan to build 2 million homes in the flood-affected areas in Sindh.

Bilawal fired a fresh salvo against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, saying he was relying on “others” for the upcoming polls, in the same manner they had done so in the past.

Reiterating his resolve to contest the elections regardless of the challenges, the PPP chairman said that he would face his political opponents in Lahore.

“I had told my team that I wanted to contest from Lahore. I’ll take the battle to Lahore. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

“Is it Lahore’s destiny that the same person will be installed for the fourth time?” Bilawal said while taking a jibe at the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, who is eying a record-fourth term as the country’s prime minister.

Bilawal said his party always wanted elections compared with “other parties who attempted to extend the date of elections or snatch nomination papers from their political opponents.”

“Our message to other parties is to contest election against us despite using others’ shoulders to do politics,” he added.

In an apparent jibe at both Imran and Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal said one of his opponents was contesting elections to get out of jail while the other was doing it to avoid going to jail.

Without naming PML-N, he said that the PPP formed a coalition government to oust Imran Khan, however, he claimed that “they [PML-N] was never interested in democracy or to control inflation. We have now decided to part ways with them.”

LAHORE: The nomination papers of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for NA-130 and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for NA-127 have been accepted for February 8 general elections.

PML-N leader Bilal Yasin, who submitted the nomination papers for Nawaz Sharif, told media that the PML-N supremo’s nomination papers were presented to the Returning Officer’s office where he asked some questions and sanctioned the approval of the papers. He stated that Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Amjad Parvez also appeared in the RO’s office along with him.

Meanwhile, nomination papers of Bilawal Bhutto were approved from NA-127 as nobody raised any objection to Bilawal’s nomination papers.

Former prime minister and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the party meeting on Tuesday said that the general elections scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024, are going to be historic. He maintained that the return of Nawaz Sharif had infused a new spirit in the party workers. “Under the leadership of Nawaz, we will emerge victorious in the elections,” he said. “The golden era of Nawaz Sharif will return.”

“It was the last PML-N government, which led by Nawaz Sharif, eliminated 10-hour load-shedding from the country. The credit for the restoration of peace in Karachi also goes to the PML-N supremo,” Shehbaz said. “Terrorism was eliminated from the country courtesy the steps taken by Nawaz when he was at the helm of affairs.”

Shehbaz emphasized the need of bringing political stability, saying only those countries progressed where there was political stability. He expressed the resolve to devote energies for the betterment of the country and the countrymen.

On the other hand, PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry while talking to media ruled out any possibility of a delay in general elections. Talal said their opponents are the experts in creating fake narratives. The PML-N had never given the level playing field, he said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday filed a petition in Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking contempt of court proceedings against Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and other state functionaries for violating court orders to ensure a level playing field to it in February 08, 2024 general elections.

The petition was filed by PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen on behalf of party chairman Gohar Ali Khan, making secretaries interior, ECP, four provincial chief secretaries and four inspectors general police as respondents in the case.

In the petition, Shaheen contended that the authorities were acting against the PTI and its members in a determined and serious manner, despite the apex court’s orders to ensure a level playing field to the party.

The petition said that the ECP is constitutionally bound to take action against those creating hurdles for the party as it is yet to be provided a level playing field.

It said that the ECP was turning a blind to the open injustice the PTI was facing, adding the ECP had become party to the unfortunate mistreatment of the party.

Last week, a three-judge bench of the apex court had directed the ECP to address PTI’s reservations regarding lack of a level playing field in upcoming general elections.

PTI claimed that despite the clear and unambiguous directions of the top court, the ECP has failed to implement the apex court orders in letter and spirit.

It contended that the ECP’s failure to address the grievances of PTI was unprecedented and unbecoming, which is clear contempt of court.

“Under Article 218(3) and Article 220 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold and conduct free and fair elections and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with the law,” the petition noted.

“The arresting, harassing and snatching of nomination forms obtained from different returning officers from the workers and leaders of PTI is illegal, unlawful, and against the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973,” the PTI further stated.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to retain “bat” as its electoral symbol as it has suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision regarding withdrawal of the symbol over flawed intra-party polls.

PHC Justice Kamran Hayat issued the ruling and suspended the ECP’s verdict on petitions filed against the intra-party polls of PTI.

Justice Hayat remarked that ECP was not authorised to issue verdict on the intra-party elections. Issuing notices to the parties, he adjourned the hearing till January 9.

During hearing of the PTI plea against ECP ruling on intra-party polls, the commission asked how it could halt awarding of electoral symbols to a party following issuance of schedule.

As the proceedings started, Justice Kamran Hayat asked under which law the ECP could declare party polls null and void.

Justice Hayat observed, “You gave a 20-day deadline, the elections were held and documents were submitted. Does the Election Commission have powers to declare elections unlawful?”

ECP lawyer Naveed Akhtar submitted, “Our claim was that the PTI did not conduct elections on time.”

Earlier, talking to media persons outside Peshawar High Court, PTI leader Babar Awan said his party’s electoral symbol was bat which would remain with it in future too.

Awan said his party was going to challenge the decision in the PHC and would also move a contempt case in the Supreme Court against the Election Commission of Pakistan.

He said as per the apex court order, whoever would impede smooth conduct of general elections would be proceeded against.

The PTI leader said pre-poll rigging was underway in Punjab against his party. He said nomination papers were snatched from his party workers and leaders.

Talking to the media outside PHC in Peshawar, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said even a single bench can suspend the ECP’s decision as there were winter vacations going on in the high court.

Responding to a question, he said a political party “ceases to exist” if its election symbol is withdrawn.

The PTI recently declared its intention to challenge the ECP’s ruling in both the Supreme Court and the PHC. Gohar Ali Khan expressed disappointment in the ECP’s verdict, citing flaws in the ruling.

On December 22, a five-member ECP bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, invalidated PTI’s intra-party elections, stripping the former ruling party of its iconic cricket bat electoral symbol.

This decision was announced after PTI representatives met with ECP officials, expressing concerns about an unfair playing field ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.

Despite his disappointment with the ECP’s decision, Gohar Ali Khan said he remained hopeful for justice from the courts. He instructed candidates to submit their nomination papers and assured that the party has contingency plans, intending to pursue legal recourse if needed.

The PTI conducted intra-party elections earlier this month to comply with an ECP requirement for retaining the party’s electoral symbol.

Earlier, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC) challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to invalidate its intra-party elections and deprived the party of “bat” symbol.

After admitting the plea, the PHC decided to take up the PTI’s challenge to the ECP verdict, fixing the petition for hearing. Justice Kamran Hayat Mian will conduct the hearing.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described the February 8 elections as the most important in Pakistan’s history and promised that they would emerge victorious under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif – the party supremo who is eyeing a record fourth term as Prime Minister.

He listed the achievements of the last Nawaz government, including restoration of peace in Karachi and ending hours-long power outages after winning the 2013 elections.

It was Nawaz who tackled the menace of terrorism, Shehbaz said, adding that people still remembered the development works carried out during that period across Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari eloquently commemorates the indelible legacy of Benazir Bhutto, the first democratically elected woman Prime Minister of the Islamic world as well as esteemed leader of the world, saying that the “Daughter of the East” stands not only as a historical figure but as a living movement and a radiant torch, her nationalistic spirit, enduring struggle, and steadfast leadership destined to be ingrained in the hearts and minds of the Pakistani nation.”

According to the press release issued by Media Cell of the Bilawal House, the chairman PPP shares a reflective message on the occasion of Benazir Bhutto’s 16th martyrdom anniversary due on Wednesday, saying that her mother remained ardently dedicated to the noble cause of transforming the country into a genuine welfare state, guided by the visionary ideals of nation’s founding father.

He said that throughout her lifetime, Bibi Shaheed bound together Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan like a harmonious chain. “Her tragic assassination was a malevolent scheme, strategically targeting the momentum of advancement and the realization of Pakistan’s vision for enlightened moderation and a democratic society,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that on the one hand, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as the PPP chairperson, took the ideology of the Quaid-e-Awam and his party to new heights through her philosophy and unparalleled struggle, while as a political leader, she always represented the real populace by becoming the voice of the common man and the downtrodden classes of the country.

“On the other hand, as Prime Minister, where she strengthened the national defence by giving the gift of ballistic missile technology, there she protected the rights and took far-reaching measures ensuring the welfare and development of country’s salaried class, farmers, workers, minorities, women, children and the elderly,” he added.

Bilawal assured the nation that the election manifesto to be presented by the PPP in the fast-approaching general elections will resonate with the visionary aspirations and missions set forth by the Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

Expressing unwavering dedication, he affirmed that his party staunchly upholds the cherished philosophy of its martyred leadership saying, “PPP is determined to make the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto a reality, that Pakistan should be the model of excellence for the world as a prosperous, progressive, egalitarian and strong democratic federal state.”

In order to a pay a befitting tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary, the caretaker government of Sindh has declared a public holiday across the province for today. The announcement, approved by Caretaker Chief Minister Justice Muqbool Baqir, will see a shutdown of government offices, private institutions, local councils, and administrative offices throughout Sindh.

The caretaker setup in the province, in my view, has taken the right step for it certainly marks the continuation of the tradition of observing her death anniversary as a public holiday in the late leader’s home province. In my view, in addition to Sindh’s, all the provincial should have treated this day as a public holiday mainly due to three broad reasons.

One, she was a national leader of global stature; secondly, her death anniversary is taking place in the midst of electoral campaigns ahead of the February 2024 elections; and thirdly, she, along with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif and others, was a signatory to the Charter of Democracy.

Announcing public holiday by the federal government or provincial governments of KPK, Punjab and Balochistan would not have necessarily added to the electoral prospects of Pakistan People’s Party, which is in the fray under the leadership of Benazir’s son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

This gesture would have certainly added to the sanctity or credibility of the seemingly controversial process, given the late former prime minister, the first woman prime minister of Pakistan, had rendered unmatched sacrifices towards achieving ideal democracy in Pakistan.

Needless to say, like her father ZA Bhutto, she had always advocated the greater cause of democracy, arguing that democracy is really superior to any other form of government as it ensures people a broader range of personal freedoms than other forms of government do.

According to her, democracy helps people to protect their fundamental interests. Moreover, it is only under democratic dispensations people’s rights are guaranteed. No doubt, she was profound, so to speak. May Almighty God always shower His blessings on the departed soul. Aaameen.

Hasan Khalid Nizamani (Karachi)

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

“Nawaz Sharif is…”

“I hope you were not going to say something disrespectful – he is the next prime minister from what I hear…why are you laughing?”

“I wasn’t going to say something disrespectful for a man who is single-handedly taking on by far the most revered physicist of this century.”

“Are we talking of the same Nawaz Sharif? The man into Pakistani politics – I mean if he was in politics in any other country where general elections are held he would have had to explain the source of wealth of his children none of whom are highly educated or talented or…”

“Granddaddy!”

“For your information that narrative never sold to at least the swing voters - the narrative of being de-seated as prime minister for not taking a salary from his son has resonated with swing voters, but one has to give credit where due – to the five judges who passed that judgment.”

“Stop, isn’t that contempt of the judiciary?”

“Nah they are retired…wait, Justice Ahsan…oh is that why Nawaz Sharif is so scathing in his criticism of the decision that led to his being de-seated for the third time.”

“One would think he would be used to the de-seating by now. I mean three times prime minister, three times de-seated, shows a consistency of policy….”

“Don’t be facetious anyway, when I said he singlehandedly was bent upon proving the most revered physicist of this century wrong I was referring to Einstein and his comment that insanity is making the same mistakes and expecting different results.”

“You are referring to the mistake of going back into the lap of…”

“Stop right there. Nawaz Sharif was always sitting in the lap of luxury.”

“I was thinking of another lap, a lap that is warm in winters and cool in summers and…”

“And in spring?”

“In spring you can sit outside, but spring is of such a short duration in this country…”

“Hmm, so Nawaz Sharif arrived back after four years on 21 October and within less than two and half months he reckons it’s spring and has left the lap but its winter you know.”

“No one told him, I guess.”

“Indeed.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Once again refusing to implement the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over the removal of DC, IGP ICT, the caretaker government has urged the electoral body to review its decisions keeping in view the Interior Ministry’s report suggesting security threats.

A five-member bench, led by the chief election commissioner, reviewed the cases concerning the dismissal of Adviser to the Prime Minister Ahad Cheema, and the Islamabad police chief and deputy commissioner from their posts.

Establishment Division Secretary Inamullah requested the commission to review the decisions regarding the removal of the Islamabad DC and IGP. He added that the Interior Ministry had issued a report from the Intelligence Bureau on terrorist incidents.

Elections: IGP, DC Islamabad removed

The commission was informed that the notification of Ahad Cheema’s removal from the post was issued on Monday night.

The secretary told the commission that the Interior Ministry wanted the ECP to reconsider the decision regarding the removal of the two officers and that the officers should be retained.

He also said that the prime minister had given his approval for the replacement of both officers at the direction of the election commission. He then sought to have the ECP reconsider its decision. The chief election commissioner remarked that the commission would see the Interior Ministry’s report and asked the secretary to look at a panel for posting in both slots.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday issued a pre-general election advisory, instructing government officers and employees to refrain from participating in political activities, APP reported.

Government officials and employees are prohibited from participating in election activities, according to the advisory.

Officials seeking leave must obtain permission from Returning Officers (ROs), while district officers must seek permission from District Returning Officers (DROs).

Federal government employees up to grade 19 can have their leave sanctioned by DROs, according to the ECP advisory.

According to the advisory, officers in Grades 20 and above must obtain leave approval directly from the Commission.

In a related development, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) suspended on Tuesday the ECP decision of revocation of the bat symbol for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The ECP deadline for filing nomination papers ended on Sunday. The scrutiny process of the nomination papers will last between December 25 and 30, as specified in the schedule.

“All activities as listed in the election schedule released on Dec 15 will be held as planned,” the ECP said.

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) suspended on Tuesday the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision of revocation of the bat symbol for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The PHC began hearing on PTI’s petition challenging the ECP of nullifying intra-party polls as unconstitutional and the revocation of the bat symbol.

Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel presided over the hearing.

During the last hearing, PHC had ordered the ECP to decide the case by December 22 in “accordance with the law”.

Background

PTI’s intraparty elections, in which Barrister Gohar Khan was elected as chairman of the party after being nominated by PTI founder and former chairman Imran Khan, were held on December 2 on directives issued by the electoral body.

However, the polls had drawn sharp criticism as estranged PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar announced that he would challenge the entire process.

He had alleged that the PTI had carried out a selection process aimed at throwing out party workers to give the reins to a few lawyers.

On December 2, the electoral body nullified the former ruling party’s intra-party elections, for the third time since last year, declaring the PTI ineligible for obtaining its traditional electoral symbol of ‘bat’.

In its verdict, the ECP said, “So keeping in view the clear mandate of Elections Act 2017 - it is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution 2019 and Elections Act 2017, and Election Rules, 2017.

Therefore, the certificate dated 4th December, 2023 and Form-65 filed by the alleged chairman, is hereby regretted and rejected accordingly.

The provisions of Section 215 of the Election Act 2017 are hereby invoked and PTI is hereby declared ineligible to obtain the election symbol for which they have applied for.“

On Saturday, PTI now-former chairman Gohar Ali Khan declared that the party would approach the PHC or Supreme Court against the ECP decision to deprive the party of its traditional electoral symbol of bat.

Speaking at a presser, he said that PTI’s petition regaining the ‘bat’ electoral symbol would be filed on Tuesday morning (today), adding that consultation in this regard had almost been completed.

Without naming the ECP, Gohar said that all its efforts were aimed at depriving his party of the reserved seats.

KARACHI: Three times MPA from Sindh on women seat during three consecutive general elections, Nusrat Sehar Abbasi quits politics.

According to details, from 2002 to 2018, Nusrat Sehar Abbasi contested elections on PML-F ticket and elected member Sindh Assembly on special seat. She remained top among the women participating in the Sindh Assembly’s proceedings.

As an opposition member, Nusrat Sehar raised the public issues, corruption, fake appointments and problems faced by women.

She quitted the politics and has shifted to Canada.

LAHORE: As many as 1878 candidates including former premiers Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif and Imran Khan, former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Maryam Nawaz, have submitted their nomination papers, for 14 NA and 30 Punjab Assembly seats of Lahore in February 8 general elections.

Other prominent candidates are: former Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, IPP leader Aleem Khan, former NA speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Bilal Yasin, Hamad Azher, Dr Yasmin Rashid and Sanam Javed.

As per information made available, a total of 470 candidates submitted nomination papers for 14 National Assembly constituencies of Lahore while 1,408 candidates filed nomination papers for the 30 seats of Punjab Assembly.

As many as 38 candidates submitted nomination papers for NA-117, 19 for NA-118, 29 for NA-119, 38 for NA-120, 24 for NA-21, 36 for NA-122, 20 for NA-123, 23 for NA-124, 27 for NA-125, 22 for NA-126, 36 for NA-127, 33 for NA-128, 28 for NA-129 and 28 candidates filed nomination papers for NA-130.

Moreover, 48 candidates submitted nomination papers for Punjab Assembly constituency PP-145, 43 for PP-146, 34 for PP-147, 20 for PP-148, 445 for PP-a49, 21 for PP-150, 27 for PP-151, 49 for PP-152, 30 for PP-153, 47 for PP-154, 35 for PP-155, 36 for PP-156, 40 for PP-157, 41 for PP-158, 32 for PP-159, 36 for PP-160, 71 for PP-161, 65 for PP-162, 52 for PP-163, 52 for PP-164, 44 for PP-165, 54 for PP-166, 55 for PP-167, 26 for PP-168, 45 for PP-169, 68 for PP-170, 52 for PP-171, 42 for PP-172, 43 for PP-173 and 37 candidates filed nomination papers for PP-174 constituency.

The process of scrutiny of nomination papers has been started which will continue till December 30.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The electoral organisation has announced to have set up a facilitation centre, to be assisted by the government bodies; FBR, NAB, SBP, FIA and NADRA, for the related scrutiny of nominations for the general elections.

The facilitation centre would work 24/7, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Monday.

The related credentials of the general polls’ contestants would be sent by the relevant returning officers to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the poll entity said in a statement.

ECP extends deadline for filing nomination papers for general elections

The ECP has also written to the secretaries of Power Division, Petroleum Division, National Telecommunication Division, Housing and Works Division, chief secretaries of the provinces, and Capital Development Authority (CDA) in connection with the scrutiny of the nominations, the statement added.

Sunday was the last date for the nominations’ submissions. The scrutiny of the nominations started yesterday (Monday) and it would continue till coming Saturday, as per poll body’s revised schedule.

The nominations’ data issued by the ECP on Monday suggested that 28,626 submissions were received by the ROs for the general and reserved seats of the five assemblies.

Reports surfacing from different parts across the country suggested that the candidates of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who wanted to submit their nominations to the ROs, as PTI candidates for general polls, were mostly not allowed to do so through intimidating and coercive methods, by the officials of some “powerful” state institutions, in order to prevent them from contesting the polls on PTI tickets.

Scores of footages are doing rounds on the social media wherein the officials of law enforcement agencies can be seen snatching nominations papers from the PTI candidates, manhandling them through torture and verbal abuse, arresting these candidates and intimidating them by launching late-night raids at their residences.

The videos also reveal that families of the PTI candidates are being harassed by unidentified plain-clothed men apparently to dissuade them from supporting the PTI.

In addition, on Friday, in the midst of the nominations’ submission process (December 20-24), the ECP nullified the former ruling party’s intra-party elections, for the third time since last year, declaring the PTI ineligible for obtaining its traditional electoral symbol of bat.

The ECP issued this verdict shortly after assuring a PTI delegation, which visited the ECP headquarters and met senior ECP officials on Friday, of level playing field in the general elections.

The development implies that the PTI is practically out of the general elections - and its candidates would have to contest the polls as independents - unless the former ruling party moves superior courts that decide otherwise.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Over 28,626 candidates for both national and provincial assemblies have submitted their nomination papers for the General Elections 2024.

The final day for submitting nomination papers for the general elections was Sunday. The scrutiny process for these papers commenced on December 25 and will persist until December 31.

According to the ECP documents, 7,913 nomination papers were submitted for the general seats of the National Assembly, while a total of 18,546 nomination papers were submitted for the general seats of the provincial assemblies.

General election: Nomination papers filing deadline ends

According to the Election Commission, a total of 13,823 nomination papers were submitted from Punjab, 6,498 from Sindh, 5,278 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 2,669 from Balochistan.

As per ECP, 459 women have filed nomination papers for the 60 reserved seats for women in the National Assembly. Additionally, 140 male and 10 female candidates are vying for the 10 minority seats.

Apart from this, 358 nomination papers were submitted for three general and specific seats of the National Assembly from Islamabad.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has appointed 24 appellate tribunals to adjudicate appeals concerning the acceptance or rejection of candidates’ nomination papers, decisions originally made by returning officers for the upcoming general elections.

According to the notification, nine judges will act as tribunals in Punjab, six in Sindh, five in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two each in Balochistan and Islamabad.

The tribunals will take appeals on National Assem­­bly, all provincial assembly constituencies and seats reserved for women and non-Muslims with the jurisdiction mentioned against each tribunal.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released on Monday details regarding the nomination papers filed by the candidates aiming to participate in the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, stating that a total of 28,626 papers were filed from across the country for the national and provincial assemblies.

The security of the nomination papers began today, which will continue untill December 31.

According to details, 7,242 men along with 471 women filed nomination papers for the national assembly’s general seats, whereas for provincial assemblies, the number stands at 17,744 and 802, respectively.

General election: Nomination papers filing deadline ends

A total of 13,823 nomination papers were collected from Punjab for the general and reserved seats of national and provincial assemblies, followed by 6,498 from Sindh, 5,278 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 2,669 from Balochistan.

In addition, 358 nomination papers were collected from Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD: The mainstream political parties including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Ideological group, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and other parties submitted the priority list of women for reserved seats in the National Assembly to the Election Commission of Pakistan on Sunday.

According to a private television channel report, the PML-N has submitted the priority list for reserved seats in the National Assembly to the ECP in which Tahira Aurangzeb, Shaista Parvez Malik, Maryam Aurangzeb, Nuzhat Sadiq, Musrat Asif Khawaja, Wajiha Qamar, Zeb Jafar, Anoushe Rehman Khan, Kiran Imran Dar, Zahra Wadood Fatehi, Aasia Naz Tanoli, Saba Sadiq, Farah Naz Akbar, Shahnaz Saleem, Muniba Iqbal, Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi, and Iftat Naeem are included.

The IPP leadership submitted a priority list of only three women on the reserved seats in the National Assembly.

Manza Hassan, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Aasia Azeem were nominated in the priority list of the IPP.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released a fresh list of registered political parties in the country.

According to the fresh list, the number of registered political parties in Pakistan has reached 175. The election commission removed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s name from the party heads. The list mentioned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a leaderless political party.

Pervez Khattak-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Parliamentarians has been included in the list.

ECP decides against letting PTI retain ‘bat’ symbol

Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost their electoral symbol ‘bat’ as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the reserved verdict on the party’s intra-party elections.

The election commission earlier reserved its verdict on pleas challenging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party elections after hearing arguments from all the parties.

Announcing the reserved verdict, a five-member bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan, headed by Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja, declared the PTI’s intra-party elections null and void.

Following the ECP verdict, the newly elected PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan who replaced Imran Khan earlier, will no longer remain as the party’s head.

ISLAMABAD: Candidates aspiring to contest the upcoming general elections on February 8 rushed to submit their nomination papers, as the extended deadline by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was expired at 4:30 pm on Sunday.

Several political leaders including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)‘s Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, Pir Adil Gillani, Sheikh Ansar Aziz, federal capital’s ex-deputy mayors, Zeeshan Naqvi and Chaudhry Riffat Javed among others submitted their nomination papers on Sunday. PPP’s Raja Imran Ashraf also filed his nomination papers.

The ECP, on Friday, extended its deadline till Sunday for candidates wishing to file nomination papers by two days after various political parties appealed an extension in the submission deadline.

ECP extends deadline for filing nomination papers for general elections

Once the deadline ends, the ECP is set to conduct scrutiny of the nomination papers from Monday (December 25) through December 30, as per the commission’s updated schedule.

Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted until January 3, 2024 with decisions expected by January 10.

The ECP is set to release the updated list of candidates on January 11, and candidates can withdraw their papers till January 12.

The allocation of electoral symbols will take place on January 13, and the general elections are scheduled for February 08.

Meanwhile, the ECP has given more time to foreign observers who want to monitor the general elections. Now, they can submit their applications from December 31, 2023 to January 20, 2024.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Organiser and Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz set to contest the next general elections from two National Assembly seats and three provincial Assembly seats.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has assured that the government would investigate the complaints about hurdles to stop some people from taking part in the electoral process.

In an interview with a private TV channel, he said people are free to vote for the candidates of their choice and there is no policy to oust anyone from the political process. He said in his opinion those who showed disruptive behavior and were involved in the incidents of May 9 should not be allowed to hold public office.

Govt determined to conduct free, fair polls: PM Kakar

However, he said, the Election Commission of Pakistan will decide about qualification and disqualification of candidates. The prime minister said state is a guarantor of the social order and when anyone challenges this order he is an anarchist.

Talking about the protesters from Balochistan who came to Islamabad, he said everyone had the right to protest with lawful behavior. However, if a situation of law and order would be created then law enforcement agencies would come into action.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has said that the future of country is linked with the constitution and democracy.

Talking to media persons here on Saturday, he said that it was written in the preamble of the constitution of Pakistan that this country will be run by its elected representatives.

Murtaza Solangi categorically dismissed doubts about change in the election schedule and said that general elections will be held on 8th February, 2024.

He said the constitution doesn’t allow the extension in caretaker government’s term. Only the Election Commission of Pakistan has the authority to change and extend the date of polling for elections.

KARACHI: Sindh High Court has constituted tribunals to hear appeals of election candidates against returning officers decisions on Saturday.

The high court has nominated six judges for appellate tribunals. The court announced that Justice Arshad Hussain, Justice Khadim Hussain Tunio and Justice Adnan Karim will hear appeals in Karachi and Hyderabad.

Justice Irshad Ali and Justice Zulfiqar Sanghi will hear appeals in Sukkur, while Justice Saleem Jessar will preside over the tribunal in Larkana to hear appeals about the ROs decisions on nomination papers of election candidates.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday revised the nomination papers schedule for the general elections to be held on February 08, 2024.

The election body extended the date of submission of nomination papers by two days and announced that the nomination papers can be submitted up to December 24.

Following the nomination paper submission, the preliminary list of the candidates will be published on December 24.

The returning officers will scrutinize the candidates’ nomination papers from December 25 till December 30.

The polling will be held on February 08, 2024.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wrote a letter to the ECP requesting to extend the date of submitting nomination papers by two days.

Earlier, MQM Pakistan and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam had also pleaded to the election commission to extend the date for submission of nomination papers.

ISLAMABAD: Former Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan approached the Supreme Court against the judgment of Islamabad High Court (IHC), praying to suspend his conviction in Toshakhana case.

However, the SC Registrar Office raising objections returned former prime minister’s appeal directing to remove the deficiencies and file the appeal within 14 days.

Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa, on Saturday, filed an appeal before the Supreme Court against the IHC’ decision.

Imran requested the apex court to nullify the IHC’s decision and suspend the sentencing in the Toshakhana case. He urged the apex court to expedite proceedings, in light of the upcoming general elections.

Khosa stated that the leader of the country’s “largest political party” should not be excluded from participating in the electoral process and requested the suspension of the decision in the Toshakhana case to enable his participation.

He maintained that challenging this ruling is his prerogative and argued that being declared ineligible before the elections infringes upon his fundamental rights. The PTI founder raised concerns about the election commission’s swift decision which he contended displayed bias.

The High Court on Tuesday dismissed Imran’s application seeking suspension of his conviction in Toshakhana case. This order has effectively eliminated the possibility of the PTI founder contesting the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

A trial court on August 5 convicted the PTI founder in a case related to misuse of the state’s gift repository—Toshakhana—and sentenced him to three years in prison. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on August 8 disqualified Imran as a lawmaker given his conviction.

The IHC stated in its written judgment that in appropriate cases, section 561-A CrPC can be invoked to correct error or prevent the abuse of process of the Court or to secure the ends of justice while “bare reading of the application for suspension filed by the appellant shows that it was for suspension of the sentence only.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has reaffirmed that general elections in the country will be held on February 8, 2024.

He said this while talking to the media in Islamabad, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Solangi refuted talks of a delay in the polls saying no administrative or financial reason could obstruct timely elections.

ECP reacts strongly to election ‘delay’ reports

The interim minister said the caretaker government has to maintain cordial relations with all political parties to create a conducive environment for the elections.

The interim government has full confidence in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in fulfilling its legal and constitutional responsibilities, he added.

Answering a question, the info minister said the government was trying its best to resolve the issues of the Baloch people.

HRCP condemns crackdown on Baloch protesters

He said all women and children of the protest sit-in by the Baloch people in the federal capital had been released while remaining people would also be released after fulfilling legal procedures.

Earlier, speaking at the graduating ceremony of a training of civil servants at Information Services Academy, Solangi urged civil servants to work with dedication in fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

He said disseminating correct information was a multifaceted and challenging job due to the changing landscape of media.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Friday said the government is committed to the hold free, fair, and transparent general elections on February 8 next year.

Talking to the media, he ruled out any possibility of delay in elections. He said the general elections would be held under the schedule, already given by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The minister further said that Chief Election Commissioner Raja Sultan did enjoy the confidence of majority people and there was no question of his resignation.

To a question, Solangi said he could not comment on internal issues of political parties as the caretaker government wanted to maintain cordial relations with all political forces.

On a question about termination of service of some employees, he said that media channels initially gave feasibility reports to PEMRA which was also required at the time of issuance of licence. He said that under PEMRA Amendment Act 2023, the journalist job was protected.

Talking about the protest of the people of Balochistan, he said an unpleasant situation had arisen regarding the protesters from Balochistan and their demands were long-standing.

He said all women and children had been released besides most of the men, adding their protection was being fully ensured. He said consultations with governor Balochistan are under way.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday strongly reacted to Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to withdraw its electoral symbol of “bat”, terming it “biased” and part of “famous London Plan”.

In a message on X, minutes after the ECP announced its verdict withdrawing the “bat” electoral symbol for the party, the PTI declared the decision part of the “famous London Plan” and a “disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI from participating in the election.”

It claimed that the party would still win the general elections, adding it would appeal the decision at every forum, asserting that its candidates would indeed contest the polls with the ‘bat’ symbol.

“Ladla Sharif cannot compete on ground… he knows he stands no chance to win when the voters are Pakistanis. This yet another part of the famous London Plan, a disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI from election. Insha-Allah, the bat is not dead. Long live the bat. We will inshaAllah win on 8th February,” said the PTI on a post on X, formerly twitter.

Talking to journalists, the PTI Chairman Gohar said that the party already had concerns about the ECP.

He accused the top electoral body of looking at the PTI’s case in far greater detail as opposed to those concerning other political parties.

“We conducted our elections according to the law and the Constitution. We told the ECP to tell us which section and law was violated,” he said.

The PTI chairman said that the ECP had filed a reply with the PHC and “said not one word” about which constitutional provision or section of the rules were violated,” he said.

“This is a political decision based on personal vendetta (…) this is a conspiracy. What are the elements behind this that you take the symbol from a big party and turn all its candidates into independents,” he added.

He said the conspiracy was meant to “take revenge from us” and confuse the party’s candidates and voters, adding the party would approach the high court and challenge the verdict. He also said the party had a “Plan B” but did not elaborate further.

PTI’s Taimur Khan Jhagra noted that the ECP had committed before the SC that it would meet PTI and provide a level playing field.

“Only hours later, they took away PTI’s symbol of the bat. It still won’t work. And the bat will still be back,” he said.

Lawyer Abuzar Salman Niazi, meanwhile, said that the party was without the ‘bat’ for only two to three days.

“No Court will uphold this absurd decision. It will remain a shame for ECP for all times to come,” he said.

In an intra-party elections held earlier this month on the ECP’s order, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected the PTI’s new chairman.

Gohar was nominated by Imran Khan – the PTI’s founding chairman, who was currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.

However, PTI founding member Akbar S Babar, who later developed differences with its leadership, challenged the party’s intra-party polls.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, he requested that the PTI should not be allowed to use the ‘cricket bat’ as its electoral symbol until it holds transparent intra-party polls.

He also asked the commission to appoint an independent third-party monitor to conduct the PTI’s fresh intra-party polls.

Babar further contended that the PTI had not disclosed the rules and regulations of the intra-party polls; their schedule and procedure; and time for the submission of nomination papers.

On Monday, the ECP had reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the intra-party polls of PTI.

A day later on Tuesday, the commission also reserved its judgment over the allotment of the electoral symbol of the ‘cricket bat’ to the PTI.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Shortly after assuring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of a level playing field in the upcoming general elections, the electoral body, Friday, nullified the former ruling party’s intra-party elections, for the third time since last year, declaring the PTI

ineligible for obtaining its traditional electoral symbol of ‘bat’.

The development that surfaces at a time when the general elections-related activities have gained momentum implies that the PTI that is regarded as one of the largest political parties of the country is practically out of the general elections - and its candidates would now have to contest the polls as independents - unless the PTI moves superior courts that decide otherwise.

Prior to the issuance of its verdict on PTI intra-party elections case, a PTI delegation visited Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) headquarters where the visiting delegates were assured by senior ECP officials of a level playing field in the general elections.

But, the verdict on intra-party elections that was reserved earlier, and issued Friday night, stated, “So keeping in view the clear mandate of Elections Act 2017 - it is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution 2019 and Elections Act 2017, and Election Rules, 2017.

Therefore, the certificate dated 4th December, 2023 and Form-65 filed by the alleged chairman, is hereby regretted and rejected accordingly.

The provisions of Section 215 of the Election Act 2017 are hereby invoked and PTI is hereby declared ineligible to obtain the election symbol for which they have applied for.”

The five-member ECP bench hearing PTI intra-party elections case issued the verdict.

On November 23, in an apparent U-turn, the electoral body nullified the intra-party elections of the PTI despite earlier verbally declaring these polls as legitimate, and directed the former ruling party to hold the intra-party elections in 20 days.

Prior to that, in the final hearing of the case in August, the ECP accepted PTI’s submissions related to intra-party elections. The bench members verbally conveyed their decision to the defence side that the PTI intra-party polls were valid, duly held on June 9, 2022— and that the matter stood resolved.

On ECP’s directives, the PTI held its intra-party elections earlier this month. However, as many as 15 petitioners including former PTI member Akbar Sher Babar, who was expelled by the PTI some 12 years ago, challenged the intra-party polls, terming them as fraudulent.

Generally, intra-party elections of the political parties are regarded as a ceremonial exercise— and the ECP mostly accepts the related certificates submitted to it by the political parties regarding completion of the party polls, a mandatory requirement under the relevant election laws.

But, in case of the PTI intra-party polls, the matter remained lingering since last year when the PTI held its intra-party elections but the ECP refused to accept these polls, that were first held in June last year, raising procedural objections.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

PESHAWAR: The KP cabinet has reiterated its commitment to provide a level playing field to all political parties and asked them to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) during their election campaigns.

Besides the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan, these SOPs included holding large political gatherings in designated areas notified by the provincial government during daylight to ensure efficient security and safety of the participants.

The cabinet met under the chairmanship of the caretaker Chief Minister Arshad Hussain Shah finalised preparations for the upcoming general elections in light of the directives of the ECP reiterating that every effort will be made to ensure free and fair elections in the province.

The chief minister said that all resources have been mobilized for the purpose and every effort is being made to ensure transparency and efficient utilisation of the taxpayers’ money.

The cabinet was briefed in detail about the preparations for the upcoming general elections, including availability and placement of human resources, mapping of missing facilities, availability and placement of IT staff and equipment, provision of ramps at polling stations to facilitate persons with disabilities, rationalization of sensitive and most sensitive polling stations, security arrangements, needs of CCTV cameras, transport arrangements for polling staff & equipment, security plan, SOPs for political gatherings, identification of spots in every district for political gatherings.

The upcoming general elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be held for 55 National Assembly constituencies and 145 Provincial Assembly seats for which 15,737 polling stations will be set up across the province, out of which 4843 will be for men and 4285 for female voters.

The cabinet was informed that 4812 polling stations have been identified as the most sensitive, whereas 6581 have been identified as sensitive polling stations. Similarly, 1919 polling stations fall in snowbound areas.

Statistics made available by the Election Commission of Pakistan indicated that 54.54% of the voters are men whereas 45.46% of the registered voters are female.

It was informed that 8 detailed sessions have already been held by the chief minister and chief secretary to work out the arrangements and preparations for the upcoming general elections in addition to notifying gathering spaces in every tehsil of the province and permitting 100 government spaces for holding large political gatherings.

As for the security arrangements, it was informed that additional security personnel will also be mobilized from the Population Welfare, Excise, Forest and Tourism departments to meet the shortage of security personnel.

Similarly, an emergency plan has also been prepared which will be notified by the Health department soon. It was also informed that as many as 11,668 CCTV cameras are required to be installed inside and outside the polling stations.

The cabinet was informed that 1280 IT experts have been identified and committed to ensuring free and fair elections.

Similarly, security guidelines have been placed for political gatherings which include guidelines for corner and public meetings, identification of venues, time observance, use of loudspeakers, hate and defamatory speech, affixing of promotional materials, and security of political leadership as per the directives of Election Commission, local administration and law enforcement agencies.

As these preparations will require the appropriation of funds and procurement, the chief minister stressed ensuring transparency in the processes and efficient utilisation of available resources.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had assured to provide a level playing field to the party after the top court of the country issued directives to the electoral body to address the issue.

Speaking at a presser here after holding a meeting with senior ECP officials, PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen following the apex court’s directives earlier in the day, said that it was a fruitful meeting as we were assured that level playing field will be provided to the PTI.

The SC had instructed the ECP to address PTI’s reservations about the lack of level playing field. It had also directed the PTI to submit its complaint with the electoral watchdog and ordered Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan to play his role in resolving the issue.

“They [ECP officials] have assured us that our grievances will be addressed as directed by the top court,” said Shaheen. He said that the ECP officials have promised to take action against all personnel and police officers who had attempted to impede the process leading up to the general elections or had carried out any illegal activity to create obstacles in the smooth functioning of the electoral process. He said that the commission had assured the party that all the complaints that had been raised would be resolved, adding “we are optimistic that the ECP would play its due role in ensuring free and fair elections”.

The lawyer said that all federal and provincial authorities were bound to assist the ECP in conducting fair and free elections, adding the ECP had established complaint cells in the provinces and empowered its provincial offices to take immediate action on any complaint.

He said “We also talked about issuance of our electoral symbol of bat. Today is the last day; they have to decide on our intra-party elections. They have said they will decide at every cost before 12am today and we hope that our problem will be solved.”

Earlier in the day, a three-judge SC bench comprising the acting Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah heard the PTI’s plea seeking a level playing field in the February 08 elections.

At the onset of the hearing, the apex court had summoned AGP Awan as well as the electoral watchdog. As the court initiated the proceedings, it instructed the AGP to act as a facilitator in the matter.

In the petition filed a day earlier, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said the party should be allowed to contest elections without any discrimination.

The request was made in a petition filed through Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, which named the federation, the electoral watchdog, and the chief secretaries of KP, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, as respondents.

Earlier, on December 19, the PTI had approached the ECP, but it failed to issue any order to ensure transparency and fairness of the elections. This situation is damaging the integrity of the country, the petition argued, adding that feeling aggrieved, the petitioner then filed a plea before the LHC, Rawalpindi bench, which is yet to hear the case.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

LAHORE: The possibility of alliance or seat adjustment between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) for the February 8, elections hangs in balance, as both parties remain unable to reach an agreement.

The IPP has sought seat adjustments based on the 10 NA and 24 PA seats, but the PML-N has not yet accepted the proposal.

The sources claimed that the PML-N has sent a message to IPP to revise the lists and assured that it would accommodate the IPP leadership. However, the final decision could not be taken yet as Nawaz Sharif, the supremo of PML-N, has not met with the IPP leadership.

The sources from IPP said that if there is seat adjustment, it would be done on all seats and not selected seats.

The sources in the PML-N said that the party cannot ignore it’s die-hard workers just for the sake of seat adjustment with the IPP.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

Elections are just round the corner. The famous English proverb says that “There is many a slip between the cup and the lip” but in this case all slippery obstacles have been removed and the elections fixed for 8th February.

The most important part of the elections are the finances required for this massive exercise across the nation and a substantial amount of this already rests with the Election Commission of Pakistan.

This might be one of the most talked-about elections in our history but they are not the only one. Pakistan has a long history of elections and each had its controversies but surprisingly the best, most impartial and fair elections, as regarded by most critics, have been the ones in 1970 which unfortunately also led to the breakup of the country, bringing Bangladesh into existence.

A quick glance at the history of elections in Pakistan will reveal that the first general elections in Pakistan were held after 22 years of its coming into existence.

These elections in 1970 were followed by 9 more elections till 2018. The elections in 1977 were rejected by the opposition, leading to a massive protest movement which resulted in martial law in the country. In other elections that followed, the PPP (Pakistan People’s Party) formed the government 3 times as did the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) while the PML-Q (Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid) once in 2002 and PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) once in 2018.

As we approach the polling day it is evident that these will be dramatically different elections than the ones this nation has experienced so far. Social media has changed the entire landscape even though in some localities the local newspaper familiar to the local population still has a certain advantage.

I remember, in the last elections my friend was contesting from one of the poorer localities in the city and found out that a large percentage of voters get their news from a local newspaper.

This was one newspaper he had not heard of and he had to run from pillar to post to get connected to the concerned reporters. Social media also played an important role at that time but not as significant as expected this time around.

Over the years election contests have become extremely bitter and personal attacks have replaced problems and solutions offered by different parties. This has happened gradually over the years and a major factor is lack of political training that was once imparted through elections of students unions in the educational institutions of the country. The present generation has no idea what a great impact these elections had on the political psyche of the young and the overall conduct of politicians in the country.

Elections to students unions were held on a fixed date in all participating institutions and the city bustled with activity. Young boys and girls displaying their badges adorned with the names and pictures of their candidates were seen canvassing spiritedly.

In St. Patrick’s College where I studied and also contested elections it was not a time for confrontation but of festivity and creativity. Boys and girls would create innovative and colorful posters for their candidates and college administration would arrange speaking engagements where candidates could offer their vision of how the student union should operate and provide services to the students. Votes were sought to fix the problems of students and not to fix opponents.

When I won the elections for the post of Vice President my opponent was the first to come over and shake my hand and congratulate. It was not uncommon to select students as heads of different committees based on their abilities even though during election days they may have opposed you.

It was indeed sound training for grooming future leaders of the country but all that was trashed after banning the student unions because some ruler feared they might jeopardize his rule. Now that these nurseries for future politicians are closed so are the doors to training our youth to groom them into sensible political leaders to conduct the affairs of the state and contest elections in a responsible manner.

It is not too far to election date but I have yet to see the manifesto of any party about their perceived problems that plague the nation and how they intend to address them. I will keep my fingers crossed and wait for that miracle.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

What has warranted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to voice its full support to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)? This question needs a plausible answer.

Through a statement, the electoral watchdog has stated that its Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja has the “unflinching confidence” of the ECP members — and that the commission’s decisions are taken with mutual consultation. …ECP takes all decision with mutual consultation keeping in view the legal requirements — all the four members of the ECP have expressed their unflinching confidence on chief election commissioner.”

However, what increasingly appears is the pressure that country’s lawyers’ bodies have exerted on the ECP through which they have sought the removal of its head, the CEC. The bodies are Supreme Court Bar Association, Pakistan Bar Council, Punjab Bar Council and Sindh High Court Bar Association.

They have questioned the credibility of CEC by claiming that he has not been dealing with the electoral affairs properly and judiciously.

It should come as no surprise as the CEC has already been facing criticism mainly because of the election delay.

Little do, however, we appreciate the fact that the delay has been caused by the issue of delimitation of constituencies for which the last government led by Shehbaz Sharif should be held responsible.

Since the task of delimitation of constituencies required certain time for its accomplishment, general elections could not be held by November 2023. I would urge the learned lawyers to review their approach to the CEC.

Certainly, their opposition would ultimately collide with their own values and tarnish their image in case the general elections are further delayed on account of various reasons; one of which would be the removal of CEC at this point in time.

Last but not least, it is quite unfortunate that the President of Pakistan, too, has attracted criticism for purportedly delaying the polls.

Shariatullah Quadri (Karachi)

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has extended the date for the submission of nominations for general elections by two days — from December 22 to 24. The decision has been taken to facilitate the contesting candidates, the electoral body announced on Friday.

Accordingly, the related general elections schedule has been revised.

According to the revised schedule, the date for the publication of the names of the contesting candidates has been revised from December 23 to December 24. Scrutiny of the nomination papers would continue from December 25 to December 30. Previously, the scrutiny period was from December 24 to December 30.

The rest of the schedule would remain unchanged, which is as follows: Date of filing of appeals against acceptance/rejection of the nomination papers: January 3. Deciding of appeals by the appellate tribunals: January 10. Publication of revised list of candidates: January 11. Withdrawal of candidature(s) and publication of final list of candidates: January 12. Allotment of election symbols: January 13. And polling date: February 8.

Presently, reports surfacing from different parts across the country suggest that the candidates of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who want to submit their nominations to the returning officers (ROs) as PTI candidates for general polls, are not being allowed to do so through intimidating and coercive methods in order to prevent them from contesting the polls on PTI tickets.

Scores of footages are doing rounds on the social media wherein the officials of law enforcement agencies are seen snatching nominations papers from the PTI candidates, manhandling them through torture and verbal abuse, arresting these candidates and intimidating them by launching late night raids at their residences. The videos also reveal that families of the PTI candidates are being harassed by unidentified plain-clothed men apparently to dissuade them from supporting the PTI.

The former ruling party has repeatedly appealed to the superior judiciary and the ECP to take notice of this situation and ensure level playing field for its candidates in the general elections.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) denied on Friday the iconic ‘bat’ symbol to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the general elections scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024, Aaj News reported.

A five-member ECP bench, headed by Chief Election Commis­sioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, had reserved the judgement on Tuesday on the matter linked to the allocation of the bat as the PTI’s electoral symbol.

PTI’s concerns on not having level playing field seem valid: SC

The development comes hours after a PTI lawyer, Shoaib Shaheen said the electoral watchdog had assured PTI that it would address the party’s concerns regarding “a lack of a level playing field” in the run up to the general elections.

In its verdict announced today, the ECP also termed the PTI’s intra-party elections unlawful saying the party had not complied with its directions and “failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019, and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017”.

Imran Khan nomination papers filed from Mianwali

It may be noted that the ECP announced the decision on a petition of Akbar S Babar, a former PTI member, who claimed that PTI did not stage the intra-party elections in line with the rules.

Criticising over the ECP’s decision, PTI’s official account on X wrote, “The bat is not dead. Long live the bat. We will inshAllah win on 8th February!”.

PTI announced that it will challenge the ECP’s decision in court to retain its bat symbol.

“We will not boycott the elections […] we have a plan B,” Barrister Gohar, who was elected as the PTI’s chairman in the intra-party elections, said while speaking to Geo News.

Another PTI laywer, Naeem Haider Panjutha wrote in a post on X that the party will challenge the ECP verdict in court.

The Supreme Court (SC) said on Friday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) concerns about not having a level playing field in the upcoming elections seem valid.

A three-member bench comprising Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali took up a PTI plea seeking level playing field in the elections.

On Thursday, the PTI approached the SC to get a level playing field in the general elections amid reports of hurdles in the filing of nomination papers.

Filed through lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, the petition made federal and provincial governments as well as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) its respondents.

“It is most respectfully prayed that this Honourable Court may be graciously pleased to direct the respondents to provide a level playing field to the PTI for free and fair election, in the interest of justice,” the petition said.

The petition also requested the court to order the government to refrain from harassing PTI’s workers and leaders and letting them participate in the election without discrimination.

The petition was filed after a similar complaint regarding the snatching of nomination papers was filed in the ECP by the party.

Meanwhile, during the hearing today, the apex court summoned Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan and instructed the AGP to act as a facilitator in the matter.

The director general law of the ECP was also present in the court.

Meanwhile, the ECP in a press release issued today extended its deadline for filing nomination papers for the general elections by two days.

The decision was taken in response to requests from political parties and to facilitate the candidacy process, the press release said.

“The statement underscored that “all activities as listed in the election schedule released on Dec 15 will be held as planned.”

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) extended on Friday its deadline for filing nomination papers for the general elections by two days.

The process to file nomination papers for national and provincial assemblies seats commenced on December 20 with the deadline for the filing of papers due to expire at 4:30pm today.

However, in a press release, the ECP announced that nomination papers can now be filed till December 24 (Sunday).

ECP issues guidelines for candidates filing nomination papers

The decision was taken in response to requests from political parties and to facilitate the candidacy process, the press release said.

“The statement underscored that “all activities as listed in the election schedule released on Dec 15 will be held as planned.”

On Thursday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sought a two-day extension in time to file nomination papers for the general elections to “facilitate the candidates”.

PML-N leader Ishaq Dar wrote a letter to the ECP, which he also shared in a post on X, requesting an extension in the deadline for filing nomination papers.

“…in order to facilitate thousands of candidates desirous to take part in elections, it would be appreciated if only two days extension is granted in filing of nomination papers by amending the schedule issued on 15-12-2023 without changing the polling day i.e 8th Feb, 2024,” the letter read.

The ECP on December 15 issued the schedule for 2024’s general elections confirming that the elections will take place on February 8 next year.

Appeals to the scrutiny process will have to be filed by January 3 and will be heard by January 10.

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) has sought a two-day extension in time to file nomination papers for the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, to "facilitate the candidates".

PML-N leader Ishaq Dar wrote a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which he also shared in a post on X, requesting an extension in the deadline for filing nomination papers.

"...in order to facilitate thousands of candidates desirous to take part in elections, it would be appreciated if only two days extension is granted in filing of nomination papers by amending the schedule issued on 15-12-2023 without changing the polling day i.e 8th Feb, 2024," the letter read.

ECP issues schedule for Feb 8 general elections

As per schedule, the candidates aspiring to contest elections for National and Provincial assemblies are required to file nomination papers from December 20 to December 22, whereas the dates for scrutiny are fixed from December 24 to December 30, the letter mentioned.

"That perusal of schedule reveals that only 03 days have been allocated for filling of nomination papers whereas 07 days have been allocated for the scrutiny of the same.

"The process of filing nomination papers requires multiple details as well as documents to be annexed with the same which also includes NOCs/NECs from various public sector department. Such exercise is indeed time consuming and any lapse can lead to rejection of nomination papers," Ishaq Dar wrote.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has formally directed candidates from across the country to submit their nomination papers for contesting the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

In a statement, PML-N secretary information Marriyum Aurangzeb said that party President Shehbaz Sharif had extended formal permission to aspirants seeking party tickets to submit their nomination papers across all national and provincial assembly constituencies.

Acknowledging the significance of the impending elections, she highlighted that the party was actively facilitating potential candidates to participate in the electoral process. In accordance with the instructions provided by Shehbaz Sharif, candidates aspiring to contest on PML-N tickets are urged to submit their nomination papers promptly following the announcement of the election schedule.

She said PMLN-endorsed candidates will step forward to represent the party in the respective constituencies, while other PML-N candidates would withdraw their nomination in favour of the party ticket holder.

Aurangzeb reiterated that the withdrawal of nomination papers by candidates in the absence of a party ticket is a strategic move to ensure the strongest representation for PML-N in each constituency.

She said Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting on Wednesday, directed all hopeful candidates to initiate the submission of their nomination papers. “This proactive measure has been taken in anticipation of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s forthcoming schedule for the filing and collection of nomination papers,” she further stated.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

In compliance with the Supreme Court’s (SC) order, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday issued the schedule for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had earlier confirmed that the election schedule would be announced tonight.

In a notification issued late on Friday, the ECP said the public notice would be issued by the Returning Officers (ROs) on December 19.

The ECP said candidates can file their nomination papers with ROs from December 20 to 22. The list of the nominated candidates would be published on December 23 and the last date for scrutiny of their nomination papers would be from Dec 24-30.

The deadline for filing appeals against the RO’s decisions on rejecting or accepting nomination papers is January 3, 2024, with the last date for deciding the appeals by an appellate tribunal on January 10. The revised list of candidates will be published on Jan 11 and the last date for withdrawing one’s candidature is January 12.

The ECP said election symbols will be allotted to political parties on Jan 13 with polls set for Feb 8.

The electoral watchdog added that the election programme shall also apply to the seats reserved for women and non-Muslims in the National and provincial assemblies.

“Last date of filling of separate priority list for seats reserved for women and non-Muslims before the ROs is Dec 22,” the notification read.

The development comes hours after the top court ordered the electoral watchdog to announce the election schedule by tonight after it suspended a Lahore High Court order that had stayed the appointment of returning officers and district returning officers from the bureaucracy.

In a major development, the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday suspended an order of the Lahore High Court (LHC) regarding the appointment of election officers and asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to issue the election schedule tonight, Aaj News reported.

The apex court on Friday night began hearing on an appeal filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order of suspending the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs) from the bureaucracy.

A 3-member bench, headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Sardar Tariq and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, heard the plea.

In its petition, the electoral watchdog asked the apex court to declare the LHC’s judgement null and void to ensure that the polls take place on time.

The development came after the ECP halted the the training of ROs and DROs, which caused serious concerns about a likely delay in the general elections, scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024.

The ECP said it had taken the the pause following the LHC order.

On December 6, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) approached the LHC to challenge the appointment of bureaucrats by Punjab’s interim government to act as returning officers (ROs) for the upcoming polls.

The LHC’s Justice Ali Baqar Najafi gave its order in favour of PTI and halted bureaucrat deployment for the polls. The court also recommended formation of larger bench and sent the file to the LHC chief justice.

However, the LHC’s order created confusion about how the ECP would start training of ROs and DROs to ensure timely elections.

Political parties announce to become party

Major political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) announced to become party in the case if is heard by a larger bench in the LHC.

LAHORE: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has called the party’s candidates from Sindh to Lahore for their interview on December 18.

There are over 200 aspirants for the PML-N tickets from Sindh for the next general elections scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024, sources said.

The sources added that Nawaz would visit Sindh after the election campaign for general elections is started.

The sources claimed that the PML-N supremo has assigned special task to party Sindh President Bashir Memon for strengthening roots of the party in Sindh.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

Former President Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari “could” be his party’s candidate for the premiership, Aaj News reported.

Zardari made these remarks in ‘Faisla Aap Ka with Asma Shirazi’ on Aaj News.

During the interview, Zardari shared an ambitious plan to bring water to Balochistan from Tajikistan. When asked if he would be in power to implement it, he said there could be others in power with the same vision.

He went on to say that at the very least; PPP could be able to get its own prime minister in office.

When the programme host asked if Bilawal would be a candidate for the PM slot, Zardari said: “Time would tell.” He added that Bilawal “could” be a candidate.

Former president said the military establishment and political stakeholders needed to work together in future, adding that the democratic fight and the process of “recycling” must go on.

“Establishment, God forgive them, for they know not,” Zardari said. He added that going forward; he intended to educate the establishment as well.

Zardari said the democracy had a lot of strength and what was needed was “to control it, understand it and use it.”

‘Afghans registered as PTI voters’

When asked about former PTI chairman Imran Khan’s statement regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees, Zardari claimed that Imran talked about Afghans because he had issued them identity cards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and had their votes registered.

“The voters had been part of the last elections as well,” he added.

When asked if he would approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over the issue, Zardari said he believed the ECP was already looking into the matter.

However, he did not say whether this meant that things in KP were suitable for elections adding that the matter of polls was a “larger” debate.

Without naming Imran Khan, Zardari added that the “ladla” had been launched by General (r) Hameed Gul but had gone back and forth as different projects were brought to power.

When asked why Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was identifying Nawaz as the “ladla”, Zardari denied that his son had named anyone. He went on to say that it was Imran Khan who was still the “favourite” of the powers that be.

He added that PTI’s candidates were only lawyers who were fighting Imran Khan’s cases. He also said that all of PTI’s leaders were from PPP’s nursery.

General Elections on Feb 8

When asked if the election would take place on February 8, Zardari replied that “they would happen.”

He added that elections would take place, “whether today, tomorrow or the day after.”

Asked if the date could be moved around, Zardari said everything regarding elections was in the power of the ECP.

He said that elections happened differently in areas formerly called FATA and PATA. He added that the weather would not be good there at the time of elections and the area was also facing war.

Bhutto reference

Zardari said that getting justice in democracy was a matter of “patience”. He added that Benazir Bhutto had said that she had avenged her father when she took an oath of office for the first time.

He added that God had graced him with the opportunity of filing the reference on Bhutto’s murder and the matter had been picked up by the fourth chief justice.

Asked if there would be accountability based on the reference, Zardari said that most people involved in the incident had passed away but symbolic justice could be done.

He praised the chief justice for taking up the matter saying it was indicative of the judge’s democratic approach.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, on Friday, said that maximum security would be provided for the peaceful conduct of general elections scheduled for February 8 in the country.

“The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will be provided full security for general elections,” he said while addressing at a press conference.

He said that paramilitary forces including Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) which is under the control of the Ministry of Interior are conducting operations in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan but despite that maximum security will be provided for elections as per the requirements of the ECP.

To a question about security threats to political leadership during the election campaign, he said that there are general threats to the political leadership of the country except JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman about whom the government has received security-specific threats.

“It is part of politics for leaders to go out and meet their people. We cannot force anyone to stay home. But we can ensure peaceful elections,” he said.

Responding to a question about reports of the issuance of Pakistani passports to Afghanistan’s acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and other foreign nationals, he said that an inquiry is underway in this regard and strict will action will be taken against people involved in it. Identity theft is a big crime and those involved in it will be brought to justice, he said.

The minister said that there is a ban on foreign nationals from taking part in local politics. Foreigners found involved in local political activities are being deported, he said, adding that initially, 10 such people have been identified who were involved in political activities.

They are being deported, he said, adding that the actual number of such individuals involved in domestic politics was more than the initial figures.

Bugti said that the repatriation plan is not country-specific. He said that illegal foreigners including Afghans are being deported. He said everybody with a valid passport and visa is welcome to Pakistan. About 482,000 immigrants who were living illegally in Pakistan have returned to their native country, he said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday tightened media conditions for election coverage in Russia, ahead of a March 2024 presidential vote expected to prolong his rule until 2030.

Moscow has hugely cracked down on media freedom since launching its Ukraine offensive in February last year.

Putin – in power since 2000 – has not yet announced he will run for a fifth term, but the Kremlin has said his power is unrivalled.

According to a government decree, journalists who are not employed by media outlets registered with the authorities will be barred from taking part in electoral commission meetings.

Putin may soon announce run in Russia’s 2024 election: Kommersant

Only reporters who “have the right in accordance with federal law” to work will be able to take photographs and videos inside polling stations, the decree said.

The measures thereby bar bloggers and reporters working for exiled independent media from accessing voting stations.

The vast majority of Russian independent media fled the country last year, with authorities launching a massive crackdown on dissent and passing strict censorship laws around the conflict in Ukraine.

But some exiled media outlets still have reporters working in Russia and regional outlets have also been able to continue some independent reporting.

The decree is also meant to cover areas of Ukraine that Russia claims to have annexed.

According to Russian law, the date of the first round of the presidential election – which should be held in March 2024 – is due to be announced by mid-December.

Putin held a referendum in 2020 to amend the constitution allowing him to serve two more terms, meaning he could stay in power until 2036 – when he would be 84 years old.

The constitution had previously required him to step down after his current six-year term expires in 2024.

Russia only allows positive coverage of the longtime leader and most of his political opponents are in exile or prison.

LAHORE: Under the auspices of the Women Media Center, a five-day training workshop was organized, where special guest, former governor Chaudhry Sarwar, emphasized that in elections, all political parties should have a level playing field.

It is essential to eliminate corruption in Pakistan and end the laundering of honest individuals by making corruption transparent and accountable.

During the address in the program, Chaudhry Sarwar, a leader of the PML-Q, further stated that corruption is increasing in the country, and there is a rise in poverty. Inflation is on the rise, and the business community is shifting capital out of the country.

In response to a question, the former Governor of Punjab stated that media freedom is essential for transparent elections. Politics is heading towards loss, and trade has come to a halt.

In Lahore, female students from major universities participated in a workshop on “Democracy & General Elections 2024”.

The purpose of this workshop is to provide female students with opportunities to work in the practical field of media. This program will continue until November 17th.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023