News Updates Pk

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), has urged all political parties to express a spirit of sacrifice and unity to steer Pakistan out of its current crisis, cautioning against targeting the military establishment as detrimental to the nation's well-being and democratic stability. Speaking at a press conference held in Karachi, Siddiqui underscored the challenges Pakistan faces, including economic woes and the persistent threat of terrorism, against the backdrop of recent elections. "This is the time to sacrifice one's part to get the country out of the worst crisis," he emphasised, stressing the need for political parties to prioritise the national interest over partisan agendas. Read more: Electoral process internal sovereign affair: FO Expressing satisfaction over the conduct of the elections amidst challenges, Siddiqui remarked, "Many people were worried that the elections might not be held on time, but the ins...

PTI founder Imran Khan has assigned former NA speaker Asad Qaiser the task of approaching other political parties protesting against election rigging. Speaking to the media after meeting the party founder in Adiala jail, he said the party has completed its consultations and Imran will "shortly" announce a date for countrywide protests against "election rigging". “I have been assigned with the task of holding discussion with all political parties on this matter,” said Qasier, adding “I will talk to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, ANP, and other parties.” “The matter of election rigging is not being taken seriously on the international level, and will we hold nationwide protests against poll fraud.” Qaiser stressed respecting the Constitution and said the chief justice must take notice of this issue. “Our leader is Imran Khan, what he decides is accepted,” he added. Read JI gives thumbs down to PTI’s offer PTI counsel Barrister Saif said Imran has nominated Qaiser's brothe...

The Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday that the electoral process in Pakistan is an internal sovereign matter and that the country is committed to fulfilling its constitutional obligations. Western capitals called into question the "undue restrictions" put in place during the February 8 elections in Pakistan and expressed concern over allegations of vote-rigging, but pledged to work with whoever formed the next government. The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, in their separate statements, called upon the relevant Pakistani authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all the reported irregularities in Thursday’s elections. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasised the "democratic nature" of the polls and added that millions of Pakistanis exercised their right to vote on February 8. Highlighting that the country had welcomed foreign observers, the FO said it demonstrates the country's commitment to a transparent elector...

Maryam Nawaz, Chief Organiser of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has refuted claims about former prime minister Nawaz Sharif stepping away from politics, stating there is no truth to the speculation. Taking to X, Maryam posted, "If not accepting the prime minister’s position creating an impression that Nawaz Sharif is distancing himself from politics. There is no truth to that." وزارت عظمیٰ کا عہدہ قبول نا کرنے کا مطلب اگر یہ اخذ کیا جا رہا ہے کہ نواز شریف سیاست سے کنارہ کش ہو رہے ہیں تو اس میں کوئی سچائی نہیں۔ اگلے ۵ سال وہ نا صرف بھرپور سیاست کریں گے بلکہ وفاق و پنجاب میں اپنی حکومتوں کی سرپرستی کریں گے انشاءاللّہ۔ نوازشریف کی تینوں حکومتوں میں عوام… — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 14, 2024 She asserted that in the next five years, the PML-N supremo not only plans to actively participate in politics but also aims to supervise government affairs both at the Centre and in Punjab. Explaining Nawaz’s decision not to become the prime minister, she said that...

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved its verdict on Wednesday on petitions challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) notifications of successful candidates from NA-46, 47, and 48 of the National Assembly constituencies. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard petitions filed by PTI-backed candidates Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari, and Aamir Mughal. The court is expected to announce the verdict tomorrow. During the hearing today, CJ Farooq remarked that the ECP was aware of having received appeals challenging the electoral results. It would have been reasonable for the commission to first decide on them. The electoral watchdog’s lawyer argued that “the commission had issued notices on the petitions, and according to Form 47, postal ballots were not included in the results, and the allegations of the petitioners are limited to Form 47”. The IHC CJ reasserted that the “commission had a pending request therefore, a decision should first have been made on it". In respons...

Deputy Amir Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Liaquat Baloch confirmed on Tuesday that the party has been in contact with PTI on the matter of forming the government. Baloch had a telephonic conversation with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Senator Azam Swati in this regard, following which JI gave its consent for unified action. Sources claims that leaders of the two parties will meet soon in Islamabad to hammer out further details and options available to form a government or take the role of the opposition. Read: Tareen, Siraj & Khattak throw in the towel “We are in touch with PTI leaders, if PTI needs JI to protect their independent candidates, we will welcome them," said Baloch while talking to Express News. “As a political party, we are open and don't have any demand,s PTI has yet to put forward their demands.” Earlier, the Pakistan Peoples Party-Parliamentarian (PPPP), acknowledging the PTI-backed candidates' winning spree, contemplated a potential offer...

The Pakistan Tehree-e-Insaf (PTI) will challenge the results of the February 8 elections in the Supreme Court, said party founder Imran Khan during an informal talk with the media in Adiala jail. A day earlier, the party demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, accusing him of dereliction of his constitutional and legal duties and playing the role of a facilitator in what it termed as 'poll fraud.' The PTI further insisted that not only should CEC Raja step down, but the members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should also tender their resignations. It alleged that they colluded to strip PTI-backed candidates of the mandate bestowed upon them by the people in the February 8 general elections, marred by widespread reports of vote rigging. The PTI chief dismissed any notion of an alliance with either PML-N, PPP or MQM-P and instructed Secretary Information PTI Raof Hassan him to gather all political parties ex...