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PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday that party supremo Nawaz Sharif always steered the country out of crisis. Addressing a workers' convention here on Sunday, he said the residents of the provincial capital admired Nawaz and supported the PML-N through thick and thin. He maintained that the PML-N Quaid started the journey of serving people in 1980. He questioned Bilawal’s contesting from Lahore's constituency NA-127 and asked what PPP had done in Karachi for the welfare of the people. Speaking on the occasion, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique said, "February 8 is a day when there will be a competition between those who believe in country's development and who put the country's progress in the reverse gear." Read also: PML-N stands united as never before: Nawaz He said Nawaz and his brother Shehbaz Sharif believed in practical work instead of making hollow slogans. Saad said he recently visited Karachi, adding that the metropolis been badly neglected. ...

Pakistan’s 31 state-owned commercial companies caused colossal losses of Rs730 billion with the National Highway Authority topping the list, revealed a report released by the finance ministry as part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition. Titled ‘The Federal Footprint, SOE [state-owned enterprises] consolidated report for fiscal year 2021 and 2022’, the report has ended many myths. All the power distribution companies, including four based in Punjab, suffered losses in the year 2022. The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is not the highest loss-making entity. Surprisingly, the closed Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) was the 14th highest profit-making company of the government. The findings of the report, prepared and released on the instructions of the IMF, indicated that the privatisation ministry was not working on the area, where it should have done so urgently – the power sector. The interim government had excluded the power sector from its priority and just focused on t...

At least three terrorists were killed, and a soldier of the Pakistan Army, Naik Abdul Rauf, embraced martyrdom in two separate clashes near the Afghanistan border, the military said in a statement on Sunday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first incident occurred today when security forces detected the movement of three terrorists attempting to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the general area of Batwar, Bajaur district. Following a fierce exchange of fire, all three terrorists were neutralised, and security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the eliminated militants. In a second incident on the night of December 30/31, terrorists from inside Afghanistan targeted a Pakistani border post in the general area of Spinwam, North Waziristan district. In response, Pakistani troops retaliated effectively, causing considerable losses to the attackers. Also read: Five terrorists killed in Balochistan’s Aw...

At least 566 terrorists were neutralised during 18,736 intelligence-based operations (IBO) executed by security forces across the country in 2023, it emerged on Saturday. The IBOs also resulted in the arrest of 5,161 terrorists. The evidence of recent terrorist incidents were traced back to sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Throughout the year, security forces acted decisively, bringing many wanted terrorists to justice swiftly. The operations yielded tangible outcomes, marking a significant dent in the operational capabilities of these nefarious elements. The efficacy of intelligence operations also extended to facilitating the reintegration of key figures into the national mainstream. Gulzar Imam Shambay and Sarfraz Bangulzai, key commanders of the banned militant organisation Baloch National Army, chose to leave the path of terrorism, showcasing the potential for rehabilitation and reconciliation. Read more: Security forces kill five terrorists in North Waziristan IBO: ISPR Balochista...

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) filed an intra-court appeal on Saturday challenging the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) suspension of the ECP ruling on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party polls and the abrogation of the party's 'cricket bat' electoral symbol. The electoral body, following internal discussions, consulted with legal experts regarding the PHC’s ruling against the ECP decision. The petition was filed after these deliberations. The application, filed by a lawyer of the ECP, has requested the appointment of a special two-member bench for an early hearing. On December 26, the PHC suspended the declaration of PTI's internal polls as "unconstitutional" and restored the party's 'cricket bat' electoral symbol. In its order, the court had directed the election commission to publish PTI’s certificate on its website and restore the party's electoral symbol. Read PTI blasts political rivals for attacking high court "As ele...

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) alleged on Saturday that Umar Dar, the brother of former party leader Usman Dar, has been 'abducted' in Lahore and accused PML-N leader Khawaja Asif of orchestrating the incident to undermine the Dar family’s position in the upcoming elections. In a video shared by PTI on social media, Umar’s mother revealed her son’s 'abduction' and urgently appealed to the chief justice of Pakistan to intervene and take notice of the situation. "I am a mother and a widow. I am deeply distressed by the current situation. I appeal to the CJP to ensure the appearance of my son in court," she stated in the video. Expressing her concerns, she emphasised, "I am facing all these challenges solely to prevent me from participating in elections. I have been denied the opportunity to submit my papers, and there are police personnel stationed outside my residence. I assert the truth that these actions are aimed at hindering my candidacy in the pol...

Balochistan Police on Friday conducted a raid at the residence of former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Qasim Khan Suri, located in the Hanna Urak area of Quetta, according to police sources. However, they added that Suri was not present at his residence at the time of the raid. The police action came after an Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the former NA deputy speaker. A senior police officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that the raid was conducted after Suri failed to appear before the court. He said that the PTI leader was wanted in two cases in connection with his alleged role in the May 9 incidents. Read more: Election festivities missing this time Earlier in the day, Ali Hassan Advocate, the counsel for Suri, submitted a bail application in the Balochistan High Court (BHC). However, the court rejected the application. Hassan, talking to the media, said that the police were hesitant to furnish c...

Former premier Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said the upcoming elections will determine the fate of Karachi as he called for collective efforts to deal with issues plaguing the port city.  The PML-N president arrived in Karachi on Thursday to meet MQM-P leaders to finalise the electoral alliance between the two parties in the run-up to general elections scheduled for February 8.  Addressing the media today alongside leaders of MQM-P, Shehbaz said he found the MQM-P leaders very "enthusiastic" as he highlighted the collective achievements of both parties.  پاکستان مسلم لیگ ن اور ایم کیو ایم پاکستان کے رہنماؤں کی مشترکہ پریس کانفرنس۔۔۔ https://t.co/lw0rR69Q42 — PMLN (@pmln_org) December 29, 2023 Shehbaz said the upcoming elections will have to prove if the political leadership of the country can resolve the issues with mutual consultation. The PML-N president also questioned if Nawaz was the ladla, as he was someone who was arrested and stripped of his premiership. Taking a dig ...

The nomination papers of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for NA-15 Mansehra were accepted by the returning office on Thursday.  The RO, Hajra Sami, heard arguments from both sides and rejected the objection raised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).  PTI senator Azam Swati challenged Nawaz's nomination papers and the objections were filed by PTI leader Shahid Rafiq and citizen Zakaria Tariq. Swati argued that the RO was not authorised to declare Nawaz eligible for the upcoming elections as he was found dishonest under Article 62 (1OF) of the Constitution for corruption. The PTI leader further argued that the PML-N chief was also disqualified by a five-member apex court bench for life. He added that no forum can deviate from the decision of the apex court.  Read ECP deadline for candidates to submit nomination papers for polls expires Legal conundrum The former premier was disqualified in the Panama Papers case in July 2017 by the Supreme Court (SC). The judges of the a...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday informed the court that he was "tortured" by the authorities in prison last night and said a police officer "punched and kicked" him. The former foreign minister gave his account of what he had to endure during a hearing for his physical remand, presided over by Duty Magistrate Syed Jahangir Ali at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC). Qureshi was briefly released and then re-arrested by police from Adiala jail on Wednesday. Footage of the incident, widely circulated on social media, depicts policemen forcefully ushering the PTI leader towards an armoured vehicle.  Today, he was brought to court under a heavy police escort, with a video shared by PTI on its social media page showing the former minister handcuffed while walking towards the courtroom.  شاہ محمود قریشی صاحب 40 سال سے سیاست میں ہیں، بطور وزیر خارجہ دو بار پاکستان کی دنیا بھر میں نمائندگی کر چکے ہیں، پارلیمانی لیڈر بھی رہ چکے ہی ...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday rejected a request by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seeking a stay order on incarcerated former premier Imran Khan's in-camera trial in the cypher case. The plea, challenging the trial court's December 12 order, was heard by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, who also issued a notice to the federation during the hearing and sought responses to the PTI petition.  Imran's lawyer, Salman Usman Gul, urged for the immediate cessation of the trial, however, the request was rejected as Justice Aurangzeb stated that notices would first be issued to respondents, and the matter would be examined later. The court then inquired from the defence counsel of an authorized government officer could approach the court and file a complaint. The PTI counsel highlighted that a first information report, and not a complaint, had been registered in the case.  He added that the case is being heard daily and 25 witnesses have recor...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) asked the federal capital's police on Wednesday to not treat the Baloch protesters as "enemies". Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb's remarks came as he heard a petition filed last week challenging the protestors' arrests and denying them the right to protest in Islamabad. The hearing was attended by the senior superintendent of police (SSP) operations, the advocate general (AG) Islamabad and the lawyer representing the oragnisers of the protest, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Expressing his indignation, Justice Aurangzeb asked the SSP operations whether the order to treat the protestors ‘harshly’ was given by him. “You make some people sit in your lap while you treat others like this”, the judge remarked as he referred to the mass arrests the protestors were subjected to on reaching Islamabad on foot from Kech, in Balochistan. "They have come [here]. Let them sit". During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel stated tha...

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has established the Election Monitoring and Complaint Centre (EMCC) to facilitate and address the voters' grievances pertaining to the upcoming general elections in 2024. #ECP pic.twitter.com/tMGhAXVcR4 — Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL) (@ECP_Pakistan) December 27, 2023 According to the ECP spokesperson, the EMCC will initially work from 8am to 6pm and will functional around the clock from mid-January until the elections. People can register their complaints via email at compalaints@ecp.gov.pk, WhatsApp number 0327-5050610, or the special helpline number 111-327-000. Read Scrutiny of 800 nominations finalised The @ECP_Pakistan establishes Election Monitoring & Complaint Center to facilitate people@NAofPakistan #RadioPakistan #News pic.twitter.com/bVFx3PShUy — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) December 27, 2023 Moreover, the election watchdog has also established control rooms at its secretariat and provincial, divisio...

The Sindh government has announced a public holiday across the province on December 27 (Wednesday) on account of the death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Express News reported. Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, granted approval for a province-wide public holiday on this occasion. A spokesperson for the Sindh CM stated that the entire province will observe a public holiday in honour of the late Benazir Bhutto. A notification has also been issued in this regard. Read more: Govt announces public holidays for 2024 All offices, autonomous or semi-autonomous, working under the Sindh government will remain closed as per the notification. On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun and suicide bomb attack after an election rally in Rawalpindi, weeks after she returned to Pakistan from years in self-imposed exile.   from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://if...

The returning officer of NA-130 Lahore accepted the nomination papers of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday. The RO, Asghar Joya, completed the scrutiny of the papers, allowing the PML-N chief to contest from the constituency in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. No objections were against Nawaz's nomination papers.   Speaking to the media, PML-N leader Bilal Yasin said Nawaz will emerge victorious from NA-130 on February 8 and will "become prime minister of Pakistan for the fourth time". “All legal obligations are fulfilled in Nawaz Sharif’s case,” lawyer Amjad Parvez informed the media and added that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had established a portal for the scrutiny of nomination papers. “Nawaz has fulfilled all the requirements available on the election commission’s portal," Parvez said and added the RO was satisfied with all requirements. The former premier will now contest against Paki...

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday said that if his party is elected during the upcoming general elections, the PPP government will abolish 17 ministries in the centre, which are not constitutionally required after the 18th amendment.  Addressing the annual function of Bakhtawar Cadet College for Women as chief guest, Bilawal said that Pakistan has so many resources that the problems faced by the nation can be solved.  “Babus (bureaucracy) of Islamabad say that there is not enough funds in the country, but let me tell you that from where we can save money and spend it on the welfare of public,” he said. نواب شاہ: بختاور کیڈٹ کالج برائے خواتین میں طالبات اپنے فن کا مظاہرہ کررہی ہیں pic.twitter.com/4qoj6UC62o — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) December 25, 2023 He pointed out that by closing those 17 ministries in the centre, Rs300 billion can be saved annually and such money could be spent on the development and welfare of the people.  “If traditiona...

The caretaker federal government on Monday claimed to have released all the remaining 290 Baloch protestors, in light of the deliberations of the committee formed by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.  The protestors were taken into custody during a crackdown on demonstration demanding an end to enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in Islamabad. The decision to release the arrested protestors was taken in view of the directions of the honourable court, an interior ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Monday. He said that peaceful protest was the right of every citizen, but no one was allowed to take the law into their hands. The security of the Capital’s Red Zone, where constitutional institutions and the Diplomatic Enclave were located, would be ensured at all costs, the spokesperson added. Read more: Talks with Baloch protestors hit stalemate  He said that a special assistance centre was set up by the Islamabad Police, which could be con...

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir stressed the need to promote interfaith harmony for a united and progressive Pakistan, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday.  The army chief joined the Christian community at Christ Church, Rawalpindi to celebrate Christmas. “Islam teaches us the lesson of peace, and friendship and encourages interfaith harmony which is the need of the hour," said Gen Munir. He also wished a merry Christmas to the entire Christian community of Pakistan. Read Christian community celebrates Xmas today General Munir further emphasised the importance of having the correct perspective, truth and knowledge-based opinions about national issues rather than following rhetoric and propaganda, to address complex challenges and issues. “Enemies of Pakistan are hell-bent towards creating fissures using religious, ethnic and political vulnerabilities. We have to stand together and united to rise as a resolute and strong ...

President Arif Alvi and interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar urged unity on the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam’s 147th birth anniversary for the continuity of democracy and peaceful coexistence.  “Quaid-e-Azam was the great benefactor of the nation whose tireless efforts led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent,” President Alvi said in a message and added that Jinnah advocated for the rights of the Muslim community. Stressing upon hope and justice for the promotion of Islamic ideals, moral values and brotherhood, Alvi said: “The ongoing situation in the country beckons to follow the vision of the father of the nation and his guiding principles”. Message from President Dr. Arif Alvi on the occasion of 147th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. pic.twitter.com/g4Ok9jOmgi — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 25, 2023 Meanwhile, in a statement, the caretaker PM maintained that Quaid’s principles of...

Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned the barbaric custodial killing of three Kashmiri civilians in Baffliaz, Poonch district of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).  One day prior, the Associated Press had disclosed an account detailing the alleged torture to death of three Kashmiris while under the custody of the Indian army.   As per the report, the army had apprehended "at least eight civilians" for questioning following an attack on two army vehicles in Poonch.  Read more: Three Indian soldiers killed in IIOJK gunfight The report indicated that locals accused army personnel of causing the demise of the three individuals through torture within a nearby military camp.   Subsequently, the bodies were delivered to the local police, who then informed the families. Residents asserted that the bodies exhibited signs of severe torture.  The Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in a statement today, said the slain civilians were ...

The first phase of the general elections concluded after the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) deadline for filing nomination papers ended on Sunday, Express News reported.  The process of filing nominations was supposed to be completed on Friday, but the ECP extended the three-day time period to five days at the request of the various political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).  Despite the Sunday break, officials, assistant officers, and staff were present at ECP offices nationwide. Stringent security measures were implemented outside the Returning Officers' and Assistant Returning Officers' offices on this occasion.  The scrutiny process for nomination papers will commence on December 25 and will continue until December 31.  Read: Candidates continue to file nominations Nawaz Sharif, the supreme leader of the PML-N, submitted nomination papers for NA-130. Sharif has been summoned for scrutiny on December 26....

Former federal minister and senior politician Muhammad Ali Durrani has expressed concern about the current ground realities leading up to the general elections scheduled for February 8, stating that they evoke memories of the 1977 elections, which were marred by the worst rigging in the country's history. In a statement on Sunday, Durrani asserted, "Revocation of electoral symbols, snatching of nomination papers, curtailing the right to campaign, and suppressing freedom of expression is not an election but a selection". “This war against democracy will result in the defeat for everyone,” he warned. Durrani highlighted that pre-poll rigging by the Punjab administration is reminiscent of the shameful manipulation during the 1977 elections, which were universally rejected by the nation. Read First phase of general election concludes today Durrani cautioned against expecting different results in the upcoming elections if the controversial tactics of 1977 are used. "If th...

The Islamabad police on Sunday said that detained Baloch protesters, who were taken into custody during a crackdown on demonstration demanding an end to enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings, are being released after their bail was approved.  The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), the main organiser of the long march, delivered a three-day ultimatum to authorities. Their demands included the dismissal of cases against students and activists and the release of all protesters. The march initiated in Turbat on December 6 following the alleged extra-judicial killing of a Baloch youth, reached the federal capital on Wednesday. The Islamabad police's use of force to disperse and detain the demonstrators, with over 200 taken into custody, drew widespread condemnation from human rights organisations, politicians, the Islamabad High Court (IHC), and even the highest offices, including President Dr. Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.  A judicial ...

Former Punjab chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Chaudhary Pervez Elahi was transferred to the hospital from Adiala Jail on Saturday due to heart issues. According to Adiala Jail officials, Elahi underwent an initial examination at the jail hospital, following which he was relocated to Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology due to heart troubles. Officials disclosed that Elahi had been experiencing heart pain since the previous night, coupled with a chest infection. In October, authorities at Adiala Jail had informed a special central court that Elahi was medically unfit to appear before it. The court was hearing a case against Elahi and others, involving various charges such as money laundering. The case questioned the flow of millions of rupees into the bank account of a low-wage employee of the Punjab Assembly, as well as inexplicable banking transactions. A prolonged legal battle unfolded between Elahi and government authorities. In September, Islamabad police re-...

The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed on Saturday to have neutralised a terrorist wanted for 50 murders and attack on the Inter Services Intelligence agency’s office in Faisalabad. The man, identified as Ghazanfar Nadeem, was killed along with his accomplice in Chiniot, in an intelligence-based operation, the CTD claimed. The identity of the accomplice is not yet known. According to CTD officials, the men opened fire at the police, and were shot and killed in retaliatory fire. The security officials were reportedly in search of Nadeem since 2011. He was said to have a head money of Rs2.5 million, and was involved in masterminding sectarian attacks. The terrorist was reportedly involved in 11 major operations including the attack on the ISI office in Faisalabad as well as a suicide attack in Dera Ismal Khan. He was also involved in target killings. They also claimed to have found explosives and other weapons from their hideout. Read Terrorism: K-P’s year-round menace...

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Saturday that the party was "deeply upset" over the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to nullify the PTI's intra-party polls and taking away the party’s official symbol. However, while speaking to Express News, Barrister Gohar stated that the party had a 'plan B'. He said the PTI will approach the Supreme Court (SC) as well as the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to challenge the electoral watchdog's decision. Gohoar said the, “Election Commission’s decision is very weak," adding that the matter was urgent for which the PTI "will go to courts”. Regarding the upcoming general elections in February, 2024, he said that the party has instructed its candidates to submit their nomination papers to contest in the general elections. It should be noted that yesterday the electoral watchdog nullified the intra-party elections of the former ruling party, taking back the party's f...

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to remove reservations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the lack of a level playing field in the run-up to general elections.  The instructions were also passed to provincial inspector generals of police and government officials to not harass the party's candidates and asked Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan to play his role in the matter.  A three-member bench of the apex court led by acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah passed the directives.  The court further ordered the electoral body to resolve any complaints that members of the former ruling party have and to ensure they are able to submit their nomination papers without any hurdles.  Read Hopes of PTI supporters dashed “The party’s concerns about not having a level playing field seem valid, considering that the events at Usman Dar’s r...

In a shocking incident reported on Friday, the manager of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine, Zubair Baloch, stands accused of orchestrating a brazen robbery, making off with gold valued at over Rs10 million. Sindh Caretaker Minister for Law, Religious Affairs and Human Rights Omar Soomro dismissed the manager and directed the authorities to register a robbery case against him. Read more: Sehwan enlivens as devotees celebrate Urs of Shahbaz Qalandar Auqaf department disclosed that a staggering sum of Rs12,372,863 worth of gold was pilfered from the revered Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine over the past month. A spokesperson for the department revealed that Baloch, in a shocking turn of events, admitted to the robbery while being questioned by an inquiry committee. Soomro directed to halt of the pension of the manager and also referred the case to the Anti-Corruption Department.   from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift....

The Supreme Court (SC) granted bail to former prime minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday in the cypher case. The bails have been granted against a surety bond of Rs100,000. A three-member bench of the SC comprising acting Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah. Imran Khan, the PTI’s founder, had approached the apex court for a bail relief in the case after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) rejected his post arrest bail application on October 27. It is pertinent to note that the bail in cypher case will not result in the former premier being released from jail. Imran is currently under judicial remand in the £190 million case, and also under arrest in the Toshakhana case. The cypher case is related to a piece of paper that Imran had waved at a public rally last year ahead of a vote of confidence that he lost. The former premier, later naming the US, had claimed that the cypher was 'e...

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced on Thursday that he will contest the upcoming general elections from NA-265 Pishin. He said the decision was taken on the insistence of the people of Balochistan and JUI workers. "The people of Balochistan have expressed gratitude towards the candidacy decision." Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, speaking on behalf of the central media cell of JUI-F, anticipates a significant victory for the party chief and urged party workers to accelerate their preparations for the upcoming elections. Preparing for February 8 The country formally embarked on an extensive election journey on December 20, witnessing over 1,000 aspiring candidates obtaining nomination papers from returning officers (ROs) nationwide. Concurrently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued the Election Code of Conduct, setting the stage for political fervour that will culminate on February 8 next year when millions will cast their ballots. Thes...

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sought a two-day extension on Thursday for filing of nomination papers for the upcoming February, 2024 elections. In a letter written to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Senator Ishaq Dar, also chairman of the party's election cell, maintained that it is "requested that to facilitate thousands of candidates desirous of taking part in elections, it would be appreciated if only a two-day extension is granted in filing nomination papers by amending the schedule issued on December 15, 2023, without changing the polling day, i.e., February 8, 2024”. “That perusal of the schedule reveals that only 03 days have been allocated for filing nomination papers, whereas 07 days have been allocated for the scrutiny of the same," the letter stated. For facilitation of candidates for General Elections 2024! pic.twitter.com/O1oiE1Dx4K — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) December 21, 2023 According to the schedule issued by the electoral watchdog, a...

The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday expressed profound concern over the atrocities in the besieged Palestine enclave of Gaza and strongly condemned Israel’s brutality against innocent Palestinians. . The FO has continued to criticise Israel's actions which have unfolded a “tragedy of epic proportions” in Gaza and has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to fulfil its responsibility to uphold peace as well as call for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire, lifting of siege and commencement of rapid, unhindered humanitarian assistance. The Gaza health ministry today revealed that the death toll in Palestine had reached 20,000. Regarding the Indian Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to uphold the suspension of Article 370 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch said last week interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani had written letters to the heads of international organisations, informing them about India’s illegal and uni...

The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) awarded lifetime membership on Wednesday to anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan in recognition of his "bravery... for raising his voice for human rights without worrying for his life". This is the first time a journalist has been granted membership of a lawyers' association. Addressing the LBA, Riaz said, “You can forcefully silence people, but you can never change their thoughts." He said those sitting inside offices don't make decisions, the people make their own decisions. LBA president Rana Intizar Hussain said that Riaz was the first journalist in history to be granted lifetime membership. Read Imran Riaz’s pre-arrest bail confirmed after IO fails to establish case "The judicial system of Pakistan has completely failed in dispensing justice to the public," Hussain maintained. He also demanded resignations from the chief justices (CJs) of the Supreme Court (SC), and the Lahore High Court (LHC) "over their failure to en...

Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has called upon the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to ensure complete freedom of speech and the non-imposition of bans or prohibition orders on the speeches of any political party leader. This directive was issued during the hearing of a plea filed by Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), against the ban on his name and speeches on television channels. In his instructions, Justice Mirza specifically directed PEMRA to ensure a level playing field for all political parties in broadcasting their content and speeches, especially in the context of the upcoming general elections. Expressing concern over the credibility of the upcoming elections, Justice Mirza remarked that the 'nature of the elections is widely known'. The petitioner's counsel, Advocate Muhammad Ahmad Pansota, shed light on the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) general election schedule, fix...

In a significant development on Tuesday, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a reference with the accountability court against former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in connection to the Toshakhana case. The registrar office of the accountability court is set to take further action after scrutinising the case. The NAB Rawalpindi, acting on allegations of graft, has named only two accused in the reference – Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The NAB prosecutor, Sohail Arif, along with Investigation Officer Mohsin Haroon, submitted the reference to the registrar office for further legal proceedings. This development comes after the accountability court on Saturday rejected NAB's request for an extended physical remand of Khan in the Toshakhana case. The court, dismissing the bureau's plea, declared a 21-day judicial remand for the former PTI chairman. The hearing was adjourned until January 6. Also read: Imran se...