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ECP dismisses Senate resolution on poll delay [Update on Post#234]

Will the next General Election be free and fair one?

  • Yes, elections will be totally free and fair

    Votes: 1 2.7%

  • No, I expect wide-spread rigging

    Votes: 36 97.3%
  • Total voters
    37
MenInG

MenInG

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The polls in Sindh have a left a lot to be desired and the below report also shed light on it.

Question is will the same be repeated in the next GE?

==

The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) said on Thursday that controversies regarding the quality of the electoral process in the recently held Sindh local government polls “do not augur well”, especially when political parties are preparing for general elections.

In an observation report, Fafen noted that many controversies in the LG polls stemmed from weaknesses in the legislative framework that governed elections, adding that these needed to be rectified through negotiations among all political actors.

“Unless elections lead to political stability, the process of democratisation will continue to weaken and so will the public trust in democracy and its ability to improve the social and economic well-being of the people,” the report said.

At the same time, the Election Commission of Pakistan needs to open up to political actors and address their legitimate concerns, the report added.

DAWN
 
There needs to be a third option, ie. no elections but a govt. by appointment.

There will be a reshuffle and a so called 'technocrat-government' in place with the establishment's blessing.
 
They will attempt to steal it as usual. Bilawal is the new demand from the yanks and our baba jees will obey..the international order wants a week ghisa pitta mulk. Just below the brink and poor..but just stable enough..nothing will change..I'll be on this forum in 20 years if Allah swt wills it talking about junaid safdar...this mulk isn't going anywhere.
 
No point in elections if the corrupt fauj is going to decide who will be in government.


If anyone has the means then Pakistan se zinda bhaag
 
Election will be the last effort for the neutrals to stop Imran from coming back to power and they will do more than ever to hijack.
 
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that general elections will be held in October this year.

Iqbal said that the elections would take place after the completion of the population census and subsequent delimitation of the constituencies.
 
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the assemblies will be dissolved on August 9, ARY News reported.

As per details, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted the farewell dinner for the member of parliament.

PM Shehbaz said that consultation will be held with the coalition parties and together with the opposition leader the name of the caretaker prime minister will be finalized.

He said that the PDM came into power in a tough time when the country was on the verge of default but despite all the criticism, the government saved Pakistan within 15 months.

PM Shehbaz lambasted the PTI chief saying that the former prime minister had damaged the institutions and the PDM government had to deal with the crisis they have created.

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that the upcoming general elections will be held on 2023 census.

He said the government would complete its term on August 12, and a committee had already been formed for the caretaker setup. Consultation with Nawaz Sharif is also going on and opposition leader Raja Riaz would also be consulted after finalisation of the name.

PM Shehbaz said after consultation and as per the decision by the leadership, his party could go for seat adjustment with coalition parties in some of the constituencies.
 
Nah.No chance of Imran coming back as PakMil does not want him.
It will be rigged as usual with no majority.
 
They will be rigged as usual. I've heard that they are trying to make Bilawal as PM.

Would be the worst decision, he knows next to nothing about the country and Prince Harry can probably speak better Urdu than him.
 
No chance. The Nooras are scoring around 15% and the PPP less than that. Any elections will destroy them and their handlers. As I said back in Jan, I don't expect any elections until PTI is off the ballot, and if they are off the ballot, and if they are off the ballot, it's not free or fair
 
Sher Khan said:
They will be rigged as usual. I've heard that they are trying to make Bilawal as PM.

Would be the worst decision, he knows next to nothing about the country and Prince Harry can probably speak better Urdu than him.
Click to expand...
Will this NS govt over the last 16 months has been a disaster, so how much worse can the LGBQT candidate be.
 
I saw a dream when Imran Khan was in power and Putin did not attack Ukraine.

I was shown two scenes in the dream by Allah swt. Dreams can be false. Take them with a grain of salt.

I was shown that Imran Khan would be ousted and would be the next prime minister in the next elections by the power of Pakistan awam. Pakistan and Russia friendship would be at the next level that was never seen before. With this friendship matchup Pakistan would progress in many domains. First part of the dream turned out to be true and he was ousted. The second part I am not sure when will it be fulfilled. Given the current scenario it seems like a far fetched idea unless Pakistan awam takes things into their own hands for Imran Khan. Only Allah Knows better.

Another part of the dream I was shown that "there would be be a third world war". I saw bodies flying in the air and my eyes could not take radioactive and then I woke up from my dream."

Let's see we have to wait and see until the next elections and how things turn out in the near future. I still believe in my dreams. In the past I was shown things in my dreams that turned out to be true.

I am just letting the word out. I am still rooting out for him as the next prime minister.
 
ISLAMABAD: The Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved the results of the 2023 digital census on Saturday, making it almost certain that general elections may not be held this year as a fresh delimitation, which may take months, has now become compulsory.

Although some of the ruling allies, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), earlier opposed holding the next general elections under the fresh census, its silence in the CCI meeting has raised questions.
 
Federal Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Shah has said that the PPP will have to “take a stand” if general elections were delayed.

The government has announced that assemblies will be dissolved on August 9, following which elections should be held within 90 days of the end of the assemblies’ tenure.
 
President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday dissolved the National Assembly on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, setting the stage for general elections latest by November 9.
 
Pakistan's parliament has been formally dissolved, but polls meant to be held within 90 days will likely be delayed.

The electoral commission says electoral boundaries must be redrawn to reflect fresh census data, a months-long process.

Last week, former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested and jailed, and then barred from politics for five years.

He had openly challenged the powerful military establishment and claimed it was "petrified" of elections.

With President Arif Alvi's order on Wednesday to dissolve the National Assembly, a caretaker government will take charge. Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government have been given three days to name an interim leader.

A Election Commission of Pakistan official told the BBC: "The elections will be held once the census is done, which will take about four months' time. As a result, the elections may be delayed till next year."

Mr Sharif, who warned that the country cannot progress without "national unity", also told reporters recently that polls may not be held this year.

Some feel the election is being delayed as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) coalition isn't confident about winning at the polls, due to Mr Khan's enduring popularity, as well as the effects of runaway inflation despite a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Despite their once close relationship, Mr Khan has rattled the military like no other politician before him. Senior analyst Rasool Bakhsh Raees even reckons that the former cricket star's detention will increase his popularity.

In May, Mr Khan's arrest on corruption charges sparked nationwide protests that saw at least eight deaths and some 1,400 arrests, amid unprecedented attacks on military property and buildings.

The 70-year old, who is appealing his conviction on graft charges, has claimed that the military's goal was to "eventually put me into prison and to crush my party."

But the rule remains the same: anyone who challenges Pakistan's military, even someone with the charisma and international stature of Mr Khan, must go. The former cricket star is simply the latest politician since the 1970s to find this out the hard way.

As former senator Afrasiab Khattak told the BBC, there are two systems of government operating in parallel. Now, "the unsanctioned, de facto force wants to take over the parliamentary process," said Mr Khattak. "Pakistan's military has always been powerful, but they want more powers so that their unsanctioned rule is not challenged either by politicians, activists, or journalists."

Pakistan's military has dominated the country's politics behind the scenes for decades

Two draconian laws were tabled in the National Assembly last week, in a bid to further enhance the powers of the military and intelligence agencies.

Proposed amendments to the century-old Official Secrets Act will broadly empower the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) to arrest citizens over "suspected breach of official secrets". In addition, a new bill recommends a three-year jail term for anyone who discloses the identity of an intelligence official.

The amendments provoked a ruckus in parliament, with both the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PML-N's coalition partners calling the government out for passing "draconian laws in haste" and without discussion.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-e-Islami also warned that the Official Secrets Act amendment will grant intelligence agencies "extraordinary powers" of arrest and search without warrant. "This will have an impact on the human rights, individual rights and press freedom across the country."

The Pakistani intelligence services are regularly accused of illegally detaining opposition members, politicians, activists and journalists, with human rights organisations noting the increasing number of enforced disappearances every month.

In the month of July alone, 157 more cases of enforced disappearances were reported, according to the government-led Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.

The bills have been sent to President Alvi, a co-founder of the PTI, and must be signed by him before they can be legislated into law.

Courtesy: BBC
 
WicketLord said:
Pakistan's parliament has been formally dissolved, but polls meant to be held within 90 days will likely be delayed.

The electoral commission says electoral boundaries must be redrawn to reflect fresh census data, a months-long process.

Last week, former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested and jailed, and then barred from politics for five years.

He had openly challenged the powerful military establishment and claimed it was "petrified" of elections.

With President Arif Alvi's order on Wednesday to dissolve the National Assembly, a caretaker government will take charge. Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government have been given three days to name an interim leader.

A Election Commission of Pakistan official told the BBC: "The elections will be held once the census is done, which will take about four months' time. As a result, the elections may be delayed till next year."

Mr Sharif, who warned that the country cannot progress without "national unity", also told reporters recently that polls may not be held this year.

Some feel the election is being delayed as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) coalition isn't confident about winning at the polls, due to Mr Khan's enduring popularity, as well as the effects of runaway inflation despite a bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Despite their once close relationship, Mr Khan has rattled the military like no other politician before him. Senior analyst Rasool Bakhsh Raees even reckons that the former cricket star's detention will increase his popularity.

In May, Mr Khan's arrest on corruption charges sparked nationwide protests that saw at least eight deaths and some 1,400 arrests, amid unprecedented attacks on military property and buildings.

The 70-year old, who is appealing his conviction on graft charges, has claimed that the military's goal was to "eventually put me into prison and to crush my party."

But the rule remains the same: anyone who challenges Pakistan's military, even someone with the charisma and international stature of Mr Khan, must go. The former cricket star is simply the latest politician since the 1970s to find this out the hard way.

As former senator Afrasiab Khattak told the BBC, there are two systems of government operating in parallel. Now, "the unsanctioned, de facto force wants to take over the parliamentary process," said Mr Khattak. "Pakistan's military has always been powerful, but they want more powers so that their unsanctioned rule is not challenged either by politicians, activists, or journalists."

Pakistan's military has dominated the country's politics behind the scenes for decades

Two draconian laws were tabled in the National Assembly last week, in a bid to further enhance the powers of the military and intelligence agencies.

Proposed amendments to the century-old Official Secrets Act will broadly empower the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) to arrest citizens over "suspected breach of official secrets". In addition, a new bill recommends a three-year jail term for anyone who discloses the identity of an intelligence official.

The amendments provoked a ruckus in parliament, with both the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PML-N's coalition partners calling the government out for passing "draconian laws in haste" and without discussion.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-e-Islami also warned that the Official Secrets Act amendment will grant intelligence agencies "extraordinary powers" of arrest and search without warrant. "This will have an impact on the human rights, individual rights and press freedom across the country."

The Pakistani intelligence services are regularly accused of illegally detaining opposition members, politicians, activists and journalists, with human rights organisations noting the increasing number of enforced disappearances every month.

In the month of July alone, 157 more cases of enforced disappearances were reported, according to the government-led Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.

The bills have been sent to President Alvi, a co-founder of the PTI, and must be signed by him before they can be legislated into law.

Courtesy: BBC
Click to expand...
When have elections ever been fair in Pakistan????
 
Free and fair is a different matter; first, we need to see when the elections will take place. It's possible that the elections may not happen for a long time, just like what happened with the Punjab Assembly elections, which were held unconstitutionally.
 
As eyes remain fixated on the ongoing consultations of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over the electoral roadmap, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday intensified its demand for conducting elections within the constitutionally mandated 90-day period following the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9.

The party renewed its call for timely elections during a meeting with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) at its secretariat in Islamabad. The demand from the PPP came as the ECP has ruled out elections this year, despite the 90-day limit for holding polls ending on November 9.

The electoral watchdog justifies its decision to delay elections by citing the notification of results of the new digital 2023 census and Section 17(2) of the Elections Act, which states that delimitation of constituencies should be done after every officially published census.

However, PPP after Tuesday's meeting contended that Article 224 of the Constitution mandates a timeframe for elections following the dissolution of an assembly and that this should be adhered to.
 
WASHINGTON: Pakistani institutions need to work through the electoral process in consultation with the political parties to ensure fair and free elections, said Elizabeth Horst, the lead US diplomat for South and Central Asian affairs.

“We feel very strongly that Pakistan’s future leadership is for the Pakistani people to decide, that the Pakistani people deserve their day at the polls. Pakistani institutions need to work through that process in consultation with the political parties,” she said.

“We want to see the (electoral) process advance in a way that facilitates broad participation, with respect for freedom of expression, assembly, and association,” responding to a set of questions from Dawn, Ms Horst said.

“It’s important to keep in mind that the electoral process is being overseen and administered by Pakistani institutions. Our interest is in the democratic process,” said Ms Horst when asked if the US would support the demand for holding elections now.

“We want to see elections that are free and fair and conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and constitution,” she added.

About measures to stop rights violations, she said: “Respect for human rights features prominently in US assistance to Pakistan, not only in our development assistance programs, but also in our security and law enforcement cooperation.”

“Our senior officials routinely raise human rights issues with Pakistani counterparts. That includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Acting Deputy Secretary Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary Lu, and US Ambassador Donald Blome,” Ms Horst said while explaining US interests in upholding human rights.

Ambassador Blome, she said, has raised this issue in his meetings and discussions with caretaker government officials, including Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar.

The US, she said, “has and will continue to raise … our concerns about restrictions on free speech and a free press, including threats and harassment of journalists and their families” with Pakistani authorities.

US officials, she said, also continue to discuss issues like “censorship of criticism of the military and armed forces, restrictions on freedom of movement, defamation and blasphemy laws, and use of local law and regulation to silence independent media by suspending licenses” with their Pakistani counterparts.

“As I mentioned before, we have and will continue to raise these concerns with the government of Pakistan. Free, independent media is a key pillar of every democratic society,” she added.

The other issues that are discussed regularly in bilateral meetings with Pakistani officials include “freedom … for peaceful assembly and association, especially in the lead-up to national elections,” she added.

Responding to the perception that the US brought down Imran Khan and wants to keep him out of power, the US official said, “Pakistan’s future leadership is for the people of Pakistan to decide. The electoral process is led and decided by Pakistan’s institutions, in close consultation with the political parties. Our interest is in the democratic process: to see free, fair, and inclusive elections, conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and constitution in an environment of safety and security that allows broad participation.”

The US, she said, was surprised to see Pakistani media continue to report false narratives, that were plainly untrue. “We don’t support any one candidate or party over any other, and we will work to further strengthen the US-Pakistan partnership with whomever the people of Pakistan choose,” she asserted.

About the arrest of Pakistani Americans in Pakistan for participating in political activities, she said: “Promoting the safety of US citizens abroad is at the core of everything we do as diplomats, and this, of course, applies to Pakistan. When a US citizen is detained abroad, US consular officers seek to provide all appropriate assistance, including by working to ensure that detained US citizens “are treated fairly and in accordance with the local law and relevant international law”.

www.dawn.com

US wants institutions to advance electoral process

“We feel very strongly that Pakistan’s future leadership is for the Pakistani people to decide," says diplomat Elizabeth Horst.
www.dawn.com
 
Only 2013 was the year when we had free and fair elections. Then again Imran Khan and gang conspired to make it most controversial elections in Pak history. 2018 was most corrupted and scripted elections as generals and company wanted to select their own person forcefully otherwise PMLN would have taken majority of seats and formed government in alliance.
 
Vardi is committing a grave mistake by having a puppet interim government in place and taking ownership of running the country for a prolonged period. Every adult and child knows the country is currently under the Army's rule.

It's a mistake because they are not equipped in any manner whatsoever to guide the country through the current socio-economic mess, this is waaay beyond their capabilities. There has been a big loss of reputation already, and taking on even more blame will put them on very very loose footing.

Managing PTI/Imran is way way easier than an angry population. Let elections happen or things will be way beyond the establishment's control.
 
WASHINGTON: The State Department said on Monday that the United States was not trying to influence the outcome of the expected elections in Pakistan as it did not support any party or candidate.

The department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller offered this assurance while responding to a question from a journalist, who asked why an ambassador should meet the chief election official of a country.

US Ambassador Donald Blome met Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja in Islamabad recently.

“I would refer you to the embassy for specific comments on that meeting, which, I am sure, they will be happy to provide. But I think I see where you are going with the question,” Mr Miller told the journalist.

“So, I would reiterate what I have said a number of times, which is that the United States does not take any position with respect to the outcome of an election in Pakistan.”

The United States, he said, did not support any political party or candidate in Pakistan but “of course, we urge free and fair elections in Pakistan as we do throughout the world.”


DAWN
 
Everyone in Pakistan knows that every government here comes and goes basis on at what America want. What he is saying just a joke.
 
Non of any elections occured in Pakistan fairly neither its going to happen.
Current situation of the country demonstrate it very well that what are the reasons of it.
 
Pakistani people are spineless, not just first and second generation but also now third generation Pakistani. Despite ample amount of undisputed evidence against the elite and army, the most significant entities in destroying Pakistan to the point of no return, the people of Pak are not protesting on the streets, not even after they illegally arrested on trumped up charges and unsuccessful assassination of a only person who is standing up for Pakistan.

No one is going to come from outside of Pakistan to save you from the enemies within Pakistan.
 
ISLAMABAD: Just weeks after US Ambassador Donald Blome met Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja to reaffirm his country’s support for free and fair elections, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott had an “important introductory meeting” with the CEC, which raised many eyebrows.

“We agreed that it’s crucial the country sees free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in line with the law,” Ms Marriott posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The meeting kicked up a storm, with many questioning meetings of diplomats with the CEC, terming it an uncalled-for interference in the internal affairs of the country.

The PTI lodged the strongest protest.

The aims and objectives of the British high commissioner’s visit to the ECP’s headquarters are completely incomprehensible, a spokesperson for the PTI said and expressed concern over the Foreign Office’s silence on such visits.

“The Foreign Office should tell the world that the ECP was averse to discharging its constitutional duty to hold elections within 90 days after dissolution of an Assembly,” he said.

DAWN
 
PPP says being pushed against the wall
After CEC meeting, party accuses caretakers of unfairness and partisanship and demands level playing field
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) took an assertive stance on Thursday, leveling accusations against the caretaker federal government of unfairness and partisanship. The party firmly stated that it would not entertain any excuses for delaying the upcoming elections, alleging a conspiracy to corner them and demanded a fair and level playing field.

During a press conference held after the PPP's Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting in Lahore, PPP leaders, including Shazia Marri and Faisal Karim Kundi, asserted that a deliberate state of confusion was being manufactured regarding the election schedule. They specifically referred to President Arif Alvi's recent letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, proposing November 6 as the date for the next general elections.

Notably, the CEC meeting was attended by PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, both of whom had previously held differing views on the election date.

Marri, addressing the presser, stated that the CEC meeting was a continuation of previous discussions concerning the country's overall situation, including economic matters. She mentioned that a comprehensive policy statement would be shared with the media following the conclusion of the meeting.

She emphasised that the PPP was not lacking in strength in any province and reiterated the party's demand for a level playing field. She questioned why Sindh had been subjected to bureaucratic reshuffling when other provinces had not faced similar actions.

tribune.com.pk

PPP says being pushed against the wall | The Express Tribune

After CEC meeting, party accuses caretakers of unfairness and partisanship and demands level playing field
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
How are they being pushed against the wall? They have full support of the institutions, and how much more do they need?


Look PTI how they are being treated unfair
 
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Friday suspended the party membership of seasoned politician and former Punjab governor Senator Sardar Latif Khosa.

The former senator was also kicked out of the PPP's central executive committee (CEC).

According to PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari, the decision was taken after lawyer Khosa failed to reply to the show-cause notice issued to him by the party last week.

On September 14, the seasoned leader was issued a show-cause notice for defending/pleading and representing the head of another political party without prior approval of the party's leadership.

"You being a member of Central Executive Committee of Pakistan [Peoples Party] are defending/ pleading/ representing a head of another political party without prior approval of leadership in corruption cases in which he has been convicted and in a case against him under official secret Act, while delivering a speech in lawyers function you criticized the state policy regarding cipher," said the notice served to Mr Khosa.

Dunya News
 
PPP raises level playing field issue with ‘quarters concerned’
In a bid to seek a level playing field in the run-up to elections likely to be held in January, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has approached the quarters concerned to relay ‘serious concerns’ expressed by his party, particularly the so-called preferential treatment meted out to the PML-N allegedly by the caretaker governments in Punjab and Centre.

On the other hand, PML-N has endorsed PPP’s demand seeking a level-playing field, with its key leader terming it a fair demand.

The contact with the powers-that-be came almost a month after the central executive committee of the party, including its chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, expressed reservations over the lack of a level playing field in the lead-up to polls as well as the inclusion of ‘pro-Sharif men’ in the caretaker federal cabinet.

It had also alleged the caretaker government in Punjab led by Mohsin Naqvi was acting as a ‘B team’ of PML-N.

The PPP has already expressed its concerns over bids to delay elections — a stance that has put it at odds with its former allies — JUI-F and PML-N.

“Zardari sahib has held some meetings regarding the level playing field and will soon brief the party on it,” PPP senior leader Qamar Zaman Kaira told Dawn on Saturday.

“We will come to know once Zardari sahib takes the party into confidence and before that I can’t comment on the matter further,” he said in response to a question about the outcome of these meetings.

The PPP leaders have also questioned some decisions of the ‘partisan’ caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi; although Mr Zardari used to call him “his son”.

“Mohsin Naqvi was not our man. He is with those who had placed him on the chair of the CM,” PPP senior leader Khursheed Shah recently said.

www.dawn.com

PPP raises level playing field issue with ‘quarters concerned’

Describing PPP’s demand as "fair", PML-N says it is not "darling" of establishment, caretakers.
www.dawn.com
 
I don't think that the establishment will offer a fair platform to the PTI in General Elections.
 
PTI is finished. Anyone that stands on a PTI seat will be forced out of the party.

it’s Nawaz vs Zardari.
 
No.

Pakistani awam hasn't earned the right to have their voice matter. Theirs is a dead qaum.
 
Elections in Pakistan can never be fair, to be honest until the establishment is not part of it.
 
Polls cannot be delayed on wishes of two political parties: PPP
Decision to delay elections should be made in accordance with constitutional principles, says Faisal Karim Kundi

In an apparent reference to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Information Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday contended that the general elections cannot be delayed on the wishes of two political parties, Express News reported.

The statement comes in the wake of PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif returning to the country after ending his almost four-year exile a day earlier.

In a statement, Kundi said that any decision to delay the elections should be made in accordance with constitutional principles rather than on the wishes of two political personalities.

He expressed concerns that delaying the elections might serve as a covert strategy to manipulate the final electoral outcome.

In the recent past, the PPP had voiced its apprehensions on the alleged lack of level playing field, accusing the electoral body and caretaker government of facilitating the PML-N.

The PPP’s central executive committee also objected to the inclusion of certain individuals in the federal cabinet, who they alleged had biases in favour of the PML-N.

Kundi, the other day, also castigated the PML-N supreme leader for not mentioning anything about the holding of upcoming general elections during his address at Minar-e-Pakistan rally in Lahore.

Sarcastically, Kundi said, when “one blue-eyed boy (Imran Khan) was put in jail the other one (Nawaz) came from outside”.

tribune.com.pk

Conspiracy being hatched to rig polls: PPP | The Express Tribune

Party official says elections can’t be delayed on wishes of two parties
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
ECP to enlist 1 million staff for election duty
Sources say list of presiding officers (POs), assistant presiding officers (APOs) and other polling staff compiled

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) prepared plans to enlist nearly 1 million individuals to fill essential roles for the polling, a source said on Sunday, the polls supervisor geared up for the upcoming general elections in the country.

The sources said that the list of presiding officers (POs), assistant presiding officers (APOs) and other polling staff had been compiled, adding that a total of 107,361 officers were set to be deployed nationwide for duty on the polling day.

“There will be approximately 700,000 polling officers and staff members, and the count may increase to around 900,000 to 1 million when security personnel are included. However, the final number will be confirmed once the election schedule is announced,” an ECP sources said.

According to preliminary estimates, approximately 526,123 staff – 54,706 POs, 310,968 APOs, and 160,445 staff -- will be assigned election duties in Punjab, while 264,100 staff, including 20,315 POs, 162,523 APOs and 81,262 other staff will be appointed in Sindh.

Similarly, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 16,525 POs, 100,085 APOs and 50,045 polling staff will be appointed, making their combined strength to 166,655. In Balochistan, a total of 50,491 people will be designated, including 5,266 POs, 30,150 APOs and 15,075 other staff.

tribune.com.pk

ECP to enlist 1 million staff for election duty | The Express Tribune

Sources say list of presiding officers (POs), assistant presiding officers (APOs) and other polling staff compiled
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Pakistan People's Party has decided to start the preparations for the general elections and completed the consultation.

Party sources said that the People's Party leadership will visit Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before the election. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will visit KP in the first phase and Punjab in the second.

Sources said that the purpose of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's visits is to activate the party in both the provinces, workers' conventions will be held in the provinces before the election.

Instructions were issued to the provincial organizations regarding preparations for the workers' conventions. Chairman People's Party will pay a five-day visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on November 15 next month.

According to sources, conventions will be held in Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, South Waziristan and Kohat, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will address these conventions.

Party sources said that in the second phase, workers' conventions will be held in Punjab for which the schedule is being prepared, the chairman will meet party officials in both provinces.

Source: ARY
 
The Election Commission has issued an invitation letter to foreign observers. Foreign observers can submit their application form on the "Pakistan Online Portal" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get a visa quickly.

According to the details, the Election Commission of Pakistan has issued an invitation letter for foreign observers. Will be.

The Election Commission said that the foreign observers can submit their CV on the "Pakistan Online Portal" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get a visa quickly.

The Election Commission said that the accreditation forms can be downloaded from the website of the Election Commission, however, accreditation will not be issued to people with political affiliations, while security clearance has been made mandatory for foreign observers.

In the ongoing invitation, it is said that foreign observers should submit a report on election irregularities, foreign observers can also give suggestions to improve the election process in the report.

Source: ARY
 
Pakistan Muslim League (N) has decided to conduct the election campaign with full force, party leader Nawaz Sharif directed the party to prepare an election manifesto under the nine-point agenda.

Sources have told Express News that Nawaz Sharif has directed the party to conduct election campaigns across the country vigorously and using all resources, under which rallies, workers' conventions and other events will be held across the country, while Preparation of schedule of election activities was also started.

According to the sources, Nawaz Sharif has given the task to the committee to prepare the party's election manifesto. This election manifesto will be prepared in the light of Nawaz Sharif's 9-point manifesto. But in his address to the general meeting, he gave a 9-point agenda to save the country from crises and the people from inflation, unemployment and poverty.

The 9-point agenda includes reduction of government and administrative expenditure, independent foreign policy, increase in revenues and fundamental reforms in the tax system.

Urgent and urgent measures to increase exports, revolution in information technology, reducing energy (electricity gas) prices are part of the nine-point agenda.

Management of loss-making public institutions, employment opportunities for youth and women, revolution in agriculture through modern technology and reforms in justice system are also included in the nine-point agenda.

Source: Express News
 
At the moment most of the things are seem to favor PMLN and Nawaz Sharif and other big parties like PPP and PTI have shown their concerns regarding the level playing field. So, it looks unlikely that we have a free and fair election.
 
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Our military has perfected the art of rigging. It’s not about vote hera phiri only. They shift the whole political scene through horse trading, coercion, threats and torture, other means.

Wonderful stuff for a wonderful democracy
 
Before the general elections, MQM Pakistan has decided to increase political contacts. MQM and Muslim League-N leaders will meet soon.

According to the sources, the delegation of MQM Pakistan will soon meet former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in the important meeting, there will be consultations on various issues including the dates of general elections.

Regarding the expected meeting with Nawaz Sharif, the sources say that there will be consultations on forming a political alliance before the general elections. MQM is in contact with various political parties in recent days.

Source: AAJ News
 

Punjab approves Rs2.07 trillion budget for next four months​

The Caretaker Punjab Cabinet on Monday approved a surplus budget of Rs2.07 trillion, including an allocation of Rs351 billion for development expenditures, covering the upcoming four months.

In the 31st session of the interim provincial cabinet meeting, presided over by Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday, several significant decisions were made. Notably, an allocation of Rs50 billion was sanctioned to provide relief to the residents of the province.

Earlier this year in June, the government presented a four-month budget under the relevant clause of the Constitution with the signatures of the caretaker chief minister as it lacked the authority to approve a full-year budget in the absence of an elected government.

However, it was essential to ensure that ongoing expenses got accounted for and the daily affairs of the province were managed.

In this new four-month budget, allocations were also prominently directed towards critical sectors, with Rs208 billion earmarked for the health sector, and Rs222 billion for the education sector.

Additionally, Rs10 billion was assigned for the progress of the agricultural sector.

Addressing various challenges, the cabinet also committed Rs1.80 billion for the National Health Support Programme, along with Rs5 billion for the Punjab Textbook Board. Furthermore, an allocation of Rs7.30 billion was designated to tackle climate change issues.

The finance secretary presented a comprehensive overview of the forthcoming four-month budget, highlighting the robust financial position and surplus resources of the Punjab government.

A significant milestone was achieved with the approval of a minimum wage of Rs32,000 for workers, effective from July 1, 2023.

The meeting also underscored the importance of anti-smog measures in areas including Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, and Kasur, with Chief Minister Naqvi urging strict enforcement of regulations on smoke-emitting vehicles and brick kilns by commissioners and deputy commissioners.

Stringent measures were also advised for ongoing construction projects, emphasising the regular use of water sprinklers and a strict ban on crop residue burning.

The Punjab Price Control for Essential Commodities Ordinance, 2023 also received the cabinet’s approval.

The Punjab cabinet commended Finance Secretary Mujahid Sher Dil and his team for their efforts in preparing the four-month budget.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, the chief secretary, inspector general of police, advocate general Punjab, chairman of the Planning and Development Board, secretaries, and other senior officers.

CEC meets Punjab CM

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja convened a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and cabinet members at his office to deliberate on ensuring free, fair and impartial elections.

The meeting, jointly chaired by Punjab CM Naqvi and CEC Raja at the CM Office, was also attended by interim ministers.

A comprehensive review was conducted, assessing the arrangements made by the Election Commission of Pakistan and gauging the readiness of the Punjab government for the upcoming general elections.

Participants were briefed on the security measures in place.

The caretaker Punjab government and the Election Commission of Pakistan affirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful, impartial, and fair elections. It was decided that the Punjab government would designate a focal person for coordination with the ECP.

CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja underscored the proximity of general elections, emphasising the collective responsibility to ensure that they are conducted freely and fairly within the stipulated timeframe.

The caretaker Punjab government will receive complete support in conducting transparent elections.

The delimitation phase is set to conclude by November 30, and the ECP is prepared to oversee transparent, free, and fair elections.

The CEC expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the Punjab government led by caretaker Chief Minister Naqvi.

CM Naqvi pledged unwavering support to the election commission, ensuring peaceful and transparent general elections.

He affirmed that foolproof arrangements would be implemented to guarantee transparency in Punjab, following the guidelines set by the ECP.

He emphasised that conducting transparent, free, and fair elections is a national obligation that will be fulfiled with the utmost diligence.

The meeting was attended by ECP members Nisar Ahmad Durrani (Sindh), Shah Muhammad Jatoi (Balochistan), Justice (r) Ikram Ullah Khan (KPK), Babar Hassan Bharwana (Punjab), special secretaries Dr Asif Hussain and Zafar Iqbal Hussain, Provincial Election Commissioner (Punjab) Saeed Gull, CS, IGP, ACS, ACS (Home), administrative secretaries, and others.

tribune.com.pk

Punjab approves Rs2.07 trillion budget for next four months | The Express Tribune

The provincial cabinet also gives approval of minimum wage of Rs32,000 for workers, effective from July 1, 2023
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

No move in place to restrict PTI from contesting polls: Kakar​

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday reiterated that there were no moves by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to restrict the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from participating in the upcoming general elections.

During an interaction with members of the media at Mayo Hospital in Lahore, the prime minister underlined the significance of adhering to legal constitutional provisions and ensuring a level playing field for all political entities during the electoral process.

Kakar assured that the ECP's main responsibility was to oversee free and fair elections, emphasising that the allocation of election symbols rested solely with the election commission.

The PTI had previously submitted a request to the ECP to release the written order of a judgment passed on August 30, which granted the party the bat symbol for the upcoming elections. Barrister Ali Zafar, a central leader of the PTI, had urged the commission to promptly provide a detailed decision in line with the verbal order given in August.

During the press conference, Kakar also emphasised the ECP's role as a constitutional body responsible for setting the date for the general elections, reiterating that the delimitation process was a constitutional requirement following the notification of census results.

He reaffirmed the caretaker government's commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all registered political parties to participate in the upcoming polls, stressing the importance of a fair electoral playing field.

The reassurance from the caretaker prime minister comes amid rising concerns and speculations about the PTI's participation in the upcoming general elections.

tribune.com.pk

No move in place to restrict PTI from contesting polls: Kakar | The Express Tribune

Interim PM says SIFC is a statutory body and its decisions cannot be challenged or undone
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
ECP delists Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has delisted All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), political party of late former president General Pervez Musharraf, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In this regard, the ECP has issued a notification of delisting of APML on Wednesday.

It is pertinent to mention here that former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf had passed away in February this year and was laid to rest with full military honours at the military cemetery near Kala Pul area of Karachi.

Source: 24 News
 

Ex-PM Khan calls on Pakistani legal community to launch movement amid election delay fears​


ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday urged Pakistan’s legal community to launch a movement to uphold people’s rights, particularly the right to vote amid widespread fears general elections due in January may be delayed.

Pakistani lawyers have launched anti-government protests in the past, most notably in 2007 after former military ruler Pervez Musharraf sacked ex-chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Thousands of lawyers joined by civil society activists, students and politicians took part in protest demonstrations and strikes across the country that often resulted in clashes with law enforcers until Chaudhry was finally reinstated in 2009.

Khan, whose government was ousted in April 2022 via a parliamentary no-trust vote, has been in jail since Aug. 5 after he was convicted in a case involving the sale of state gifts. He has also been remanded in jail custody in another case in which he is charged with leaking state secrets. Khan says the cases against him are politically motivated and are an attempt by his political rivals and the military to keep him from winning the upcoming general elections. Both deny the allegations.

Before being jailed and since his ouster, Khan had led a campaign, including through holding marches and addressing large public and virtual gatherings, calling for early elections. Polls were due in Pakistan in November but have been delayed until January as the election commission redraws hundreds of new constituency boundaries after a fresh census.

“Legal fraternity must start and lead a movement for upholding the rights of the people of Pakistan, foremost their fundamental right to vote, to choose their leaders and to define their future themselves,” read a message by Khan, posted through his family on social media.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said it was not important whom the people chose as their leader but that they were allowed the right to do so as per the country’s constitution.

He warned that Pakistan was witnessing the “steady destruction and dismantling” of its judicial system.

“If we do not fight for justice and stand behind our judges, we will not be able to establish Constitutional supremacy in this country or stand up against this rule of might, where only the fittest and the richest survive,” the statement said.

Khan’s party has faced a widening crackdown since May 9, when angry supporters took to the streets and attacked military properties and torched government buildings following his brief arrest in a separate land graft case.

Authorities rounded up hundreds of Khan supporters across the country after the protests and many of his oldest and closest aides announced they were leaving Khan, quitting politics, or joining other parties.

www.arabnews.com

Ex-PM Khan calls on Pakistani legal community to launch movement amid election delay fears

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday urged Pakistan’s legal community to launch a movement to uphold people’s rights, particularly the right to vote amid widespread fears general elections due in January may be delayed. Pakistani lawyers have launched anti-government protests...
www.arabnews.com www.arabnews.com
 
PPP will win elections, predicts Murad Ali Sindh

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Murad Ali Shah predicted on Wednesday that his party will win the elections.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Murad said: ‘’The PPP will snatch the level-playing field in the upcoming elections. We [PPP] will emerge as the country’s biggest political party''.

The former Sindh chief minister recounted the contributions made by the PPP. ‘’We came up with the world’s biggest project in terms of constructing the houses,’’ he maintained.

He lavished praise on former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. ‘’The PPP chairman had raised the voice for rehabilitation," he stated.

Sindh former minister Saeed Ghani said on Sunday that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will emerge as the largest party in Karachi.

Speaking to media in Karachi, Ghani stated, “The PPP candidates will achieve success in both the Central and Korangi districts."

PPP senior leader Saeed Ghani on Sunday asserted that the political landscape was favouring Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

Expressing his thoughts in Karachi, Ghani said: "The PML-N had believed in empowering the nation to choose its own leaders. But country, the perception is making rounds that the situation is being made favourable for Nawaz Sharif, particularly."

He cautioned against any situation that heavily favoured one individual, deeming it unsuitable.


www.samaa.tv

PPP will win elections, predicts Murad Ali Sindh

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Murad Ali Shah predicted on Wednesday that his party will win the elections.
www.samaa.tv www.samaa.tv
 
PPP open to electoral alliance with PTI against PML-N
LAHORE: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed its willingness to form an electoral alliance with its arch-rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), to counter its former ally, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

“We may enter into an (electoral) alliance with other parties, including the PTI, against the PML-N,” said Punjab PPP acting president Rana Farooq Saeed at a press conference here on Wednesday.

This statement appears to be a response to a PML-N leader’s statement that they intend to contest elections in Sindh by collaborating with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and the Grand Democratic Alliance.

Mr Saeed, accompanied by Shehzad Cheema and others, said the PPP is prepared to confront the challenges posed by political rivals regarding electoral alliances with other parties.

He added that in politics, electoral alliances are formed and dissolved, as it’s a part of the political process and not driven by personal enmity. He said that the world would not accept the election results if any party was kept out of the January 2024 electoral contest.

In a reference to the PTI role in May 9 attacks on military installations, he said those who were involved in the hooliganism must be penalised but those who had been only silent spectators during the incidents should be forgiven and that innocent PTI workers should not be barred from taking part in the elections.

“Don’t do pick and choose. Allow all to contest the polls. Ensure free and fair polls if you wish the save the state.”

He blamed the PML-N for attempting to keep the PTI out of the electoral race.

Mr Saeed said that it seemed that the polls would be held because some forces had been active.

www.dawn.com

PPP open to electoral alliance with PTI against PML-N

“Don’t do pick and choose. Allow all to contest the polls. Ensure free and fair polls if you wish the save the state," says party's Punjab acting president.
www.dawn.com
 

PML-N never given level playing field in elections: Ishaq Dar​


ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday regretted that his party was never given level playing field in electoral process, calling for free and transparent polls in the country, ARY News reported.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Leader of the House Ishaq Dar said that PML-N was not given a level playing field in 2002, 2008 and 2018 [elections].

“Even in 2018, we didn’t get any fair playing field. Nevertheless, the PML-N bravely contested the election despite facing numerous challenges,” the former finance czar added.

He stressed the importance of ensuring a level-playing field for all political parties participating in the electoral process. “Elections in the country should be free, fair, and transparent, leaving no room for doubt about their credibility,” they asserted.

In response to a point, Dar explained that the constitution mandates that elections be held within 90 days in the event of the assembly’s dissolution.

However, he pointed out that following the unanimous approval of the new census by the Council of Common Interest, it became incumbent upon the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to carry out delimitation. He further clarified that delimitation is also a constitutional requirement for the ECP.

Furthermore, Ishaq Dar revealed that the government had not allocated any funds for holding elections in the fiscal year 2022-23. However, he said that the required funding had been allocated for the fiscal year 2023-24 by the PDM government.

Regarding not releasing funds for holding elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he explained that he was bound to follow the resolution passed by the National Assembly, stating, “I have no choice but to follow the resolution of the National Assembly.”

Source: ARY News
 
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar pledged on Friday fairness and equal opportunities for all parties in the upcoming general elections.

In an interview with a private channel, Mr Kakar assured that all political parties will have an equal chance in the upcoming general elections.

He reaffirmed that all parties are permitted to hold rallies within the bounds of the law.

Furthermore, the interim premier emphasised that the election date is set by the Election Commission, and consultation is essential.

"No political party has been prevented from holding meetings, as long as they adhere to the law," added Mr Kakar.


Samaa TV
 
Elections date case ‘unnecessarily’ brought to SC: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has lamented that a decision on the date for general elections should have been made by the president and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and the matter was “unnecessarily” brought to the court.

The observation was made in the detailed order of Friday’s hearing on petitions seeking a date for the general elections.

“A matter which should have been dealt with by the President and the ECP was quite unnecessarily brought to this Court,” the CJP said in the verdict issued on Saturday.

He added that the court was “fully aware of our constitutional jurisdiction” and was “careful not to encroach on the jurisdiction of the President, nor that of the ECP”.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court directed the electoral watchdog to decide an election date in consultation with the president.

Later that day, an ECP delegation, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, met President Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-i-Sadr and agreed on holding general elections on February 8.

...
www.dawn.com

Elections date case ‘unnecessarily’ brought to SC: CJP

Justice Isa says the court was "fully aware of our constitutional jurisdiction", was "careful not to encroach" on the jurisdiction of president, nor ECP.
www.dawn.com
 

Nawaz, Zardari decide to work together for Pakistan's sake​

In the run-up to next general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) – former allies from the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led coalition government – have once again decided to work together to save the state by taking crucial decisions.

Sources said this development was the outcome of a telephonic conversation between PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

Zardari also congratulated Nawaz Sharif on his return to Pakistan, added sources.

The two leaders were of considered opinion that all stakeholders should play their role in saving the state. They also agreed that crucial decisions would have to be taken to provide relief to inflation-hit populace.

According to sources, an important meeting between the two political heavyweights is likely to be convened in near future.

It is noteworthy that the PML-N is already in election gear.

Sources said that Nawaz Sharif’s phone call to Asif Zardari was in line with PML-N’s election campaign.

They said the PML-N supremo was also scheduled to hold meetings with leaders of other political parties.

According to sources, Nawaz Sharif will embark on a whirlwind tour of all four provinces, commencing with a public rally in Mansehra after November 10.

Having already set the party's tone for the upcoming elections in his powerful address during the Lahore rally on October 21, the former prime minister is now set to formally flex his muscles, starting next week.

The Pakistan Peoples Party, on the other hand, is also gearing up to campaign across Pakistan.

PPP leader Asif Zardari said on Saturday his party would enter the political arena with a strong manifesto in the upcoming general elections.

Source: Dunya News
 
PML-N, MQM agree to contest general elections together

In an unexpected turn of events, the PML-N and MQM announced on Tuesday that they would contest the upcoming general elections together.

The development comes days after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and President Arif Alvi agreed on February 8, 2024, as the date for polls — an announcement that has stirred activity in the camps of major political parties.

In the run-up to polls, the rivalry between the Nawaz-led party and the PPP has gained momentum as the latter alleged the PML-N has a hidden alliance with the current caretaker government.

Source: DAWN
 

PTI chief demands level-playing field in elections​


ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan demanded a level-playing field in upcoming general elections, ARY News reported.

As per details, the PTI chairman’s counsel held a media talk after meeting the former prime minister in jail.

PTI chairman Imran Khan stated that Nawaz Sharif is making efforts to keep PTI out of the upcoming general elections, Barrister Gohar added.

He said that the former prime minister is in good health. Imran Khan said if fair and transparent elections are not held then it will be controversial, the counsel added.

Source: ARY News
 

PPP to win polls ‘with or without level-playing field’: Bilawal​

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that his party would emerge victorious in the February 8 elections “with or without a level-playing field”.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, flanked by former Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Bilawal asserted that PPP will not only form government in the province but also at the Centre. “It will be the first time that a jiyala would be a prime minister, [Sindh] chief minister, and [Karachi] mayor,” he added.

Bilawal said that his party would change the fortunes of Karachi, as well as the province, if elected during the polls.

“We will create sports facilities in each district of Karachi. We want youth to take interest in sports so they don’t get involved in bad activities,” he added.

The PPP chairman said the people of Karachi and Malir were with his party, urging them to use the power of vote to bring prosperity to the metropolis.

“We want the youth to attain skills so they can earn a livelihood. PPP’s first duty is to help the masses in need and if we are voted into power, we will continue our mission,” he maintained.

To a question about level-playing field, Bilawal said that PPP has never been provided one in the past as well.

“We were not given it during the 1998 elections but people made their decision and we formed the government. We were also not provided it during the 2008 elections. Many of our workers were martyred during Karsaz [tragedy]. Benazir Bhutto was also martyred in Rawalpindi.

“I would ask workers not to complain about level-playing field because we are never provided one. But I assure you that only PPP will emerge victorious in elections,” he further said.

tribune.com.pk

PPP to win polls ‘with or without level-playing field’: Bilawal | The Express Tribune

Ex-FM asks workers not to complain about level-playing field as party was never given one
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
New darling of ‘selectors’?

KARACHI: A gulf between the PML-N and PPP appeared to widen on Wednesday, with the Pakistan Peoples Party accusing its past ally of abandoning the vote ko izzat do narrative and being in cahoots with “selectors” — a term the party used to refer to the establishment for allegedly supporting ex-premier Imran Khan.

With such overt criticism, the PPP probably for the first time since the dissolution of the assemblies on Aug 9 and the emergence of cracks in the past ruling coalition has put direct blame on the PML-N, using a tone it once reserved for the PTI.

The fresh thoughts within the PPP ranks became public through its chairman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who came up with a spontaneous reply to a question about the reasons behind the end of “political romanticism” between the two parties.

“We are always in contact with the people while they [PML-N] are in contact with selectors,” he said in reply to a question about the prospects of his party in the upcoming elections when it’s not found in cordial relations with the “selectors”.

“And they (PML-N) are quite expert in getting selected. But one thing which the PPP owns is (political) experience. We know how to defeat all those forces that are aligning again. And we would let everyone show this in the upcoming elections,” Mr Bhutto-Zardari said.

The PPP chairman also accused the PML-N of abandoning its “democratic” narrative, which promised the supremacy of the Constitution and a system based on justice and equality.

He was confident that despite a delay in the announcement of a poll date, the general elections would no longer be delayed beyond Feb 8, 2024, particularly because of the Supreme Court’s backing.

“I hope that now no one can run away from the elections,” he said. “Even (Chief) Justice Faez Isa has made it clear that the elections should be held on Feb 8.”

On the PPP’s partnership with the PML-N, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said his party was with them when they had a narrative based on the slogan vote ko izzat do (respect the vote).

“When they abandoned their own narrative and preferred to look the other way, it was not possible for us to go along with them,” he said.

However, despite all his reservations about the “special treatment” enjoyed by the PML-N, the PPP chairman was confident that his party would emerge victorious in the coming elections “with or without a level playing field”.

“Frankly speaking, I have even stopped making complaints about the level playing field,” he said. “There’s nothing new. The PPP was never offered a level playing field in any of the elections.”

Asked about an “electoral alliance” announced by the PML-N and MQM-P a day ago, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said it was “damaging” for both parties.

He sounded hopeful for the party’s performance in Karachi in the upcoming elections, where it had recently won a majority in the local bodies’ polls and brought its mayor for the first time since the party’s founding over 50 years ago.

www.dawn.com

New darling of ‘selectors’?

For the first time since NA dissolution, PPP has put direct blame on the PML-N, using a tone it once reserved for the PTI.
www.dawn.com
 
controversial_man said:
I saw a dream when Imran Khan was in power and Putin did not attack Ukraine.

I was shown two scenes in the dream by Allah swt. Dreams can be false. Take them with a grain of salt.

I was shown that Imran Khan would be ousted and would be the next prime minister in the next elections by the power of Pakistan awam. Pakistan and Russia friendship would be at the next level that was never seen before. With this friendship matchup Pakistan would progress in many domains. First part of the dream turned out to be true and he was ousted. The second part I am not sure when will it be fulfilled. Given the current scenario it seems like a far fetched idea unless Pakistan awam takes things into their own hands for Imran Khan. Only Allah Knows better.

Another part of the dream I was shown that "there would be be a third world war". I saw bodies flying in the air and my eyes could not take radioactive and then I woke up from my dream."

Let's see we have to wait and see until the next elections and how things turn out in the near future. I still believe in my dreams. In the past I was shown things in my dreams that turned out to be true.

I am just letting the word out. I am still rooting out for him as the next prime minister.
Click to expand...

Came across your post brother. What we are seeing in Palestine at the moment isn't far from what you described above. Dreams are unknown territories that no one has so far figured out or decipher. However where we are heading is definitely towards a third world war and internally since regime change we as united Pakistan have only gone on weaker and weaker.
 

'King's party' will face PPP challenge in upcoming elections: Bilawal​


Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the King's Party would encounter challenges in the upcoming general elections.

Speaking at Safari Park in Karachi, Bilawal expressed trust in his party's success in both the general elections and local bodies polls, stressing the capacity to contend with Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Highlighting the party's success in local bodies elections, particularly in Karachi, Bilawal hoped that the PPP would also win on Feb 8. He recounted a call from General (r) Bajwa two days prior to the no-confidence motion, urging withdrawal of it.

He said that he worked hard to make Shehbaz Sharif the prime minister.

Bilawal voiced concerns over the economic and political crisis, emphasising Sindh's rights and the harassment of resources.

Criticising PTI's past stance on democracy, he asserted commitment to holding elections on Feb 8 and advocated for a strong approach towards the Tehreek-e-Taliban in the context of Afghanistan.

Talking about disloyalty within political parties, Bilawal warned that those abandoning their parties would face consequences in the elections. He criticised slogans in Punjab favouring bureaucrats, stating that PTI now recognises the importance of the constitution and law, underscoring the need for a collective learning experience.

The PPP chairman also expressed a commitment to enhancing facilities for Karachi's citizens, particularly in terms of travel and recreation, citing the positive impact of Dino Safari Park on KMC's income.

Source: Dunya News
 
All those parties who were ruling the country together are going to compete against each other in the upcoming election and those who were like brothers a few months ago will be fierce rivals now.
 
Tickets issue: PML-N may see defections in Rahim Yar Khan

RAHIM YAR KHAN: The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) may face defection of some of its diehard leaders/workers in the district politics over the tickets issue for the coming general election.

Sources say former MPA from PP-256 (Liaqatpur) Mian Islam Aslam, having 23 years association with the party, has decide to switch over to another party in a couple of days due to denial of ticket.

Aslam was called by Chaudhry Muhammad Munir, a prominent businessman close to the Sharifs, to Lahore and told him that he would be made a councilor in the next local bodies elections to enable him to become Chairman of the Municipal Committee, Liaqatpur.

Two former MPAs and brothers from Liaqatpur city Chaudhary Masood Ahmed (who resigned from the MPA seat during the PTI rule) and Chaudhry Mehmood Ahmed (of PML-Q) met the PML-N leadership in Lahore a few days ago where they were told Mehmood Ahmed would be the party ticket holder from PP-256.

Most PML-N ticket applicants from RYK, especially of the Arian clan, follow the instructions of Ch Munir because he is considered an elder of the clan.

Aslam confirmed these political developments and told Dawn that if he was ignored by the MPL-N for PP-256 ticket, he had the choice to switching over to any other party, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) or Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) and it would be announced in three days.

Some local political figures of Liaqatpur believe that Aslam has close relations with PPP south Punjab president Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood and the Makhdooms of Taranda Muhammad Pannah.

Aslam’s position, according to them, was strong in the constituency due to his personal votebank.

On the other hand, differences surfaced between MPL-N district general secretary Mian Imtiaz Ahmed and former NA deputy speaker Chaudhry Jaffar Iqbal Gujjar over RYK tehsil tickets.

If both groups agree on a formula that Imtiaz will contest from NA-172 with Umar Jaffar Gujjar (PP-262) and Mehmood Cheema (PP-263), the party position will be strong.

But Mian Ijaz Aamir, former RYK Municipal Committee chairman and younger brother of Imtiaz, said being an old member of the PML-N, he had the right to get PP-262 ticket.

He told Dawn that if the party grants him a ticket, he will win the seat. “But if party doesn’t, I will immediately decide to join any other party except PPP.

Mian Aamir has support of 30 former MPL-N councillors who can play the main role for his success.

Another prominent businessman and chairman of Founder Friends Alliance in RYKCCI Mian Aamir Shehbaz will also give a tough time to his rivals in PP-262. he is a favourite candidate for the PPP ticket.
​
DAWN
 
Not long before we see Baby Zardari calling Nawaz Sharif a “selected prime minister”.

Good times ahead 😆
 
Nawaz wants to get rid of ladla tag ahead of polls

LAHORE: PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, apparently perturbed at being tagged by his opponents as ladla (blue-eyed) and his party a ‘favourite’ of the military establishment, asked party’s new manifesto committee to address this matter while finalising it later this month.

On the other hand, PML-N has defended its current equation with the powers that be, wondering why such a question is being raised now when the party had never been provided a level playing field in elections.

“Nawaz Sharif is upset over the impression created by the PPP and PTI that he is a [new] blue-eyed of the military establishment and is set to return to power after getting a clean chit from courts in the cases he was convicted and disqualified,” a party insider told Dawn on Saturday.

He said Mr Sharif had directed the party’s new manifesto committee comprising over 40 members to come up with a narrative to counter this impression of being the “establishment’s party and the ladla tag”.

“The elder Sharif is keen to dilute this impression ahead of Feb 8 polls,” he added.

The PML-N on Saturday also formed 30 sub-committees, asking them to provide recommendations by Nov 20 for devising a new manifesto that could appeal to the masses.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently launched a scathing criticism of the Sharifs, accusing them of abandoning their vote ko izzat do narrative and being in cahoots with “selectors” — a term the PML-N used to refer to the establishment for supporting former PM Imran Khan during his tenure — to regain power.

He even called the PML-N a “king’s party” saying as far as the politics of selection and ladla were concerned, “I think we still have to struggle more so that this tradition of selection and choosing blue-eyed [politicians] comes to an end.”

PML-N Punjab president Rana Sanaullah defended his party vis-a-vis the establishment’s backing.

“I wonder why there is a talk of facilitation [provided to the PML-N by the establishment]. Be it election during the Musharraf regime or 2018, the PML-N always faced tough situation — denial of level playing field,” Mr Sanaullah told a presser on Saturday.

“If today we are not facing that situation, it is being said that facilitation is being provided to us,” he wondered.
​
DAWN
 
Establishment: No, it will not be.

Pakistan awaam: OK.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
‘No talks yet on seat adjustment,’ says PML-N’s Saad Rafique after meeting MQM-P leadership in Karachi

PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Sunday that there had been no talks as yet on seat adjustment with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan.

Rafique made the comments after a PML-N delegation, including Ayaz Sadiq and Bashir Memon, called on the MQM-P leadership at its office in Karachi’s Bahadurabad.

His remarks come after, in a surprising turn of developments, the “electoral alliance” announced by the PML-N and MQM-P on Tuesday appeared to have been downgraded to “seat adjustments”.

On Tuesday, a three-member MQM-P delegation comprising Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Farooq Sattar, and Mustafa Kamal called on the Sharif brothers — Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif — in Model Town Lahore.

After the meeting, the PML-N declared that both parties had decided to form an electoral alliance in light of an understanding reached in April last year when the MQM had joined the Shehbaz-led coalition government.

Late in the night, however, senior MQM-P leader and former federal minister Aminul Haque clarified that it was not an electoral alliance as both parties would contest the election on their respective election symbol.

Subsequently, MQM-P convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui had stated that the party had developed a “consensus” on issues facing the country in a recent meeting with the PML-N and not an electoral alliance.

At the outset of today’s press conference in Karachi, Siddiqui welcomed the PML-N delegation. He expressed the hope that relations between the two parties would prove to be an “important step” for Pakistan’s democracy and security.

Siddiqui then invited Rafique to speak. Thanking the MQM-P leadership for welcoming the PML-N leadership, Rafique said, “Both the parties think that democracy in Pakistan needs to be transformed into the democracy of the common man. The time has come to decide formulas for the equal distribution of resources and to give it legal and Constitutional protection.”

He said that this matter did not just concern Karachi but all cities in the country. “So this partnership between PML-N and MQM will benefit not just Karachi but all of Pakistan,” he said.

Rafique said that the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) award should also be “made a reality” and implemented. He said that the equal distribution of resources should now move from the provinces to local governments.

He regretted the lack of implementation of the local government system, adding that mainstream political parties would have to play a role in this regard in the future. He said that Pakistan was facing political and economic crises.

The PML-N leader said political parties should sit down together and do “electoral adjustments” ahead of polls where possible. He said that where this was not possible, then the government and opposition formed after the elections should work on the Charter of Democracy and agree on a Charter of Economy.

“So two teams are working, of MQM and PML-N [and] the names of which will be announced in a few days, so that we can talk on legal and constitutional reforms needed in the interest of the common man through the next Parliament that will be formed,” he said.

Rafique further said, “There were no talks between us on seat adjustments. In the past, talks started with the topic of seat adjustments.

“Now, we have all travelled so far in our political journey that seat adjustment will keep happening but the primary work is to move forward towards reforms,” he said.

Rafique said talks were also held with other stakeholders in Sindh, including the Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, adding that the PML-N wished to create an alliance in Sindh that would represent national wishes and prevent the “neglect” shown to Karachi and other cities of the province.

To achieve this, Rafique said it was necessary that rigging does not take place and votes cast translate into results. “So this is not just the responsibility of PML-N and the MQM. It is the responsibility of all state institutions and all political powers,” he said.

Rafique further said that the “new manifesto” being prepared by the PML-N, which would also be presented to the MQM-P, would also talk about judicial reforms for the appointment of judges as well as bureaucratic reforms.

“Then there is a chapter on accountability. We don’t recognise the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) law. If there is a need for an institution of accountability, then it needs to be free of pressure and [free of] political engineering and arm-twisting,” he said.

“So there is a lot of work to be done [and] there is little time. Our own manifestos are being prepared and we will also try to come before the public with a common political agenda,” he said.

Questioned about the partnership between the two parties and if it would successfully continue, Rafique said it would not “walk but run”.

Meanwhile, Siddiqui said Pakistan was subject to “every kind of crisis” at the moment. But he said the actual crisis afflicting the country had more to do with “intentions”.

He said the Constitution should be strengthened for the people’s benefit and to protect their rights instead of favouring those in power.

Stressing that local governments should be empowered to provide the fruits of democracy to the common man, Siddiqui demanded that the third tier of governance — including district, city and local governments — should be provided with the same legal and constitutional cover as federal and provincial governments.

He said there should be caretaker mayors and district chairmen to ensure that polls are conducted in 90 days. Siddiqui called on all stakeholders to have the third tier of government intact as a condition for holding general elections.

Siddiqui further said that the roles, resources and departments under the control of the third tier of government should be constitutionally enshrined. Lastly, the MQM-P convener said the National Finance Commission Award should be linked to the PFC award and both should be calculated through the same method and released simultaneously.

Earlier in the day, Rafique had said the purpose of today’s meeting was to advance last week’s talks on constitutional and legal reforms, particularly those related to Karachi’s degradation and local governments.

Speaking to the media at the Karachi Press Club, Rafique was also asked about the recent back-and-forth between the PML-N and the PPP. To this, he said that the current focus should be on political manifestos and how to rid the country of the issues it is facing.

Source: DAWN
 
At one end, all these parties are meeting with each other and making their plans for the general election and on the other end, there is a party whose workers are getting arrested on almost daily basis. This should not be happening ahead of the a free and fair election.
 
PML-Q says no merger, only seat adjustment with PML-N

LAHORE/GUJRAT: Senior leader of PML-Q Chaudhry Shafay Hussain says his party is not being merged into any other political entity.

In a statement issued in Lahore on Sunday, the former federal minister in the PDM government said his party would maintain its separate identity instead of merging with the PML-N. However, both the parties could strike seat adjustments in the general election, he said.

Shafay added that the PML-Q candidates would contest on the election symbol of tractor.

Meanwhile, PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat says the people of Pakistan have pinned many hopes on the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the future government would have to work for the restoration of the economy, eliminating unemployment and price hike. He says the country needs national harmony and reconciliation more than ever and one should let bygones be bygones and move forward instead of indulging in politics of vendetta.

On the other hand, PML-Q leader and former federal minister Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and his son ex-MNA Hussain Elahi criticised the economic policies of PML-N during its 16 months in the federal government, saying it was only due to the strict action initiated by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir that the national economy and currency had started to improve a bit.

The criticism of the PML-N by both the former PML-Q lawmakers and close family members of the party chief, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, has surfaced just when the leadership of both factions of the Pakistan Muslim League are hinting at making a seat adjustment in the election on Feb 8, 2024.

Speaking to a gathering of party workers at his Nutt House in Gujrat, Wajahat said the masses were witness to the statement of PML-N leadership regarding being the beggars and that wherever they went to seek financial assistance, the other side would consider them as beggars.

Wajahat announced to kick off the election campaign of his son, Hussain Elahi, and two Punjab Assembly candidates of his party, Abdullah Yousaf Warraich and Khalid Asghar Ghural, asking his supporters to work for their victory.

Rejecting the anti-army narrative, Hussain Elahi, who returned from a self-imposed exile of 10 months the other day, said the PML-N had stopped the uplift schemes of his constituency in Gujrat during its 16 months tenure. He vowed to relaunch these projects after winning the next election for which he had started to reach out to the people for electioneering. He announced to contest the next election under the leadership of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on the party symbol of tractor.

Sources say that by criticising the PML N policies, the Wajahat camp has tried to attract the PTI vote bank with an anti-PML-N narrative as his traditional rival, Nawabzada family, has already been in the PML-N and the voters might not be easily won by the PML-Q in that constituency. They say Hussain Elahi would assess the ground position of his constituency for the future course of action.

It’s pertinent to mention that both Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and his son Hussain Elahi were in the PTI before the May 9 incidents when many of the party leaders had started quitting the party. The duo also quit the PTI and joined the PML-Q.

The PML-N Gujrat chapter has already opposed the seat adjustment with the PML-Q whereas Punjab PML-N president Rana Sanaullah has told the media his party is ready to make adjustments for the PML-Q in Gujrat and Bahawalpur and also hinted at accommodating the scions of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Tariq Bashir Cheeema.

However, settlement between both the parties about the constituencies in question is yet to be made while PML-N may not field its candidates to extend support to the PML-Q in Gujrat district.
​
DAWN
 

Jam Kamal among 30 politicians join forces with PML-N for election​


Over 30 political figures, including former members of the National Assembly and former Chief Minister of Balochistan, have formally announced their joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

A ceremony was held in Quetta on Tuesday where political leaders joined the former ruling party. Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Pervez Rashid, and other PML-N leaders were also present on the occasion.

Former Balochistan chief minister Jam Kamal from Balochistan Awami Party, former ministers Mir Saleem Khosa, Noor Muhammad Dummar, and Rubaba Bilidi have also joined the PML-N.

Former minister Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, Muhammad Khan Lehri, Masood Loni and Noor Muhammad Domar were among the prominent BAP leaders who joined the PML-N.

Majid Hussaini from the National Party, former member of assembly Zainat Shahwani from BNP, former MNA Khan Muhammad Jamal from PTI also joined the PML-N.

Sardar Atif Ali Sanjrani from PTI, former Senator Dr Ashok Kumar from the National Party, former Senator from PPP Syed Al-Hassan Mandokhail also joined the PML-N, while Sardar Fatah Muhammad Hassani, Saleem Khosa, and Faiq Jamali have formally announced their inclusion in the PML-N.

Source: Dunya News
 
President Arif Alvi has said that the constitution does not allow the president to take administrative measures but he is sure that the elections will be held on February 8.

The president has also said that it is the responsibility of the caretaker government and the Election Commission to provide a level playing field.

While giving a special interview to the American broadcaster ‘Voice of America’, President Dr Arif Alvi said that the judiciary, administration and political leaders are in agreement on the timely holding of elections and there is no doubt that the elections should not be held on February 8.

President Arif Alvi said that providing a level playing field is the responsibility of the caretaker government and the Election Commission.

Arif Alvi said that he was not the spokesperson of any political party, but of every Pakistani. “Wherever I see problems, I will continue to point them out,” he said.

The President further said that the decision of PTI chairman’s participation in the election is in the court.

He also said that he had condemned the May 9 violence but that the government should also create conducive environment for political parties. “Yes, I do not believe in the politics of violence, but governments should also not create such conditions that protests turn violent.”

President Arif Alvi said that the decision to send back illegal refugees to their countries is an appropriate move, because the economy is no longer able to bear the burden of refugees.

The Afghan Taliban failed to stop infiltration and despite repeated assurances action against TTP was not taken, he said.

Alvi said the COAS had told him that evidence of TTP involvement in terror attacks was shared with the Afghan Taliban. There is no lack of communication with Kabul, but the Taliban should take practical measures, he said.

The President said that if Nawaz Sharif is elected prime minister of the country, he will fulfill the requirement administering oath to him.

If the administration and the establishment work together, the problems can be solved, he said.

Source: AAJ News


www.aajenglish.tv

President Alvi says constitutional restricts him from taking administrative action over elections

Alvi will administer the oath to Nawaz Sharif if he gets elected prime minister
www.aajenglish.tv
 
I really hope that elections will be held on 8th February 2024, and we see a stable government. With a stable government, we can control our derailing economy, which has affected many lives in Pakistan.
 
Bilawal urges nation to ‘give someone new a chance’ in upcoming general elections

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday called on the public to give someone new a chance in the February 8 general election instead of choosing the same prime minister for the “second or 14th time”.

“Instead of making someone the prime minister for the second or 14th time, we should give a chance to someone who hasn’t been given the chance before,” he said while addressing a PPP workers’ convention in Abbottabad.

The former foreign minister said “new politics” would have to be pursued to transform Pakistan into a modern nation. “We will have to make old politicians sit at home,” he said. “Now the time has come that you all rest now,” he said.

Terming “old politics” and decisions taken in backdoor rooms the country’s biggest enemy, the PPP chief said Pakistan could not grow or succeed till the public’s vote was not respected. He said that the solution to the country’s problems lay in serving the public with the right intention, ideology, manifesto and will.

“I am only looking at the public, I want to become the laadla (favourite) of the public,” Bilawal said.

Commenting on his tenure as the foreign minister, he said that he had proved that youngsters performed when they were given a chance to deliver. “If you give us a chance, I promise you that I will never disappoint you and I will serve you day and night,” he told the people attending the convention.

He said 70 per cent of Pakistan’s population was comprised of youngsters below the age of 30.

“We now need to think about whether we will vote for septuagenarians and leave our future in the hands of those who only think of themselves or if we should give a chance to the PPP, the party that thinks about the future,” he said.

Bilawal said if the PPP was given a chance again, it would increase the amount allocated to the Benazair Income Support Programme and would also introduce new social welfare programmes.

Concluding his address, Bilawal said he only believed in his politics and manifesto, adding “this is why I don’t look at anyone for support”. He said “old politics” destroyed the country in 2018 and vowed to not accept the same again.

Source: DAWN
 
Since Imran Khan is in Jail so it seems once against a battle between PML(N) and PPP in the upcoming elections. However, people of Pakistan still going to vote in large numbers to any PTI candidate but I doubt that it will be in the majority as the chairman PTI is currently in Jail.
 
GDA demands level-playing field for contesting parties in general elections

KARACHI: The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) on Thursday said that the people would reject the upcoming general election if a level playing field was not given to contesting parties in Sindh.

According to a GDA press release, a consultative meeting with GDA chief coordinator Pir Syed Sadruddin Shah Rashidi at his residence, expressed its concern over the situation where the “Election Commission of Pakistan is not ensuring level playing field for political parties”.

Pir Rashidi, addressing the meeting, said that if a level playing field was not provided to contesting parties in Sindh, the masses would reject results of the upcoming general elections.

He observed that the ECP appeared indifferent while the interim provincial government was “working as the B-team of Pakistan Peoples Party”.

He said that it would be useless to hold elections through government officials running “the system of Pakistan Peoples Party mafia”.

Regarding a recent meeting between a PML-N delegation and Pir Pagara, he said that the GDA apprised the visitors about its position on various issues.

The meeting was informed that separate consultations with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl were under way for coordination and cooperation in the forthcoming elections.

Pir Syed Sadruddin Shah Rashidi said that the GDA would work hard to speed up the communication and contacts with the people.

“Victory in the upcoming elections is the destiny of GDA,” he remarked.

Other GDA leaders present at the meeting were Dr Safdar Abbasi, Syed Zain Shah, Sardar Abdul Rahim, Irfanullah Marwat, Abdul Razzaq Rahimo and others.

Later, speaking to Dawn, GDA information secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim expressed his optimism about GDA’s performance in the 2024 elections.

He said that on the one hand, not only PPP’s 15-year rule in Sindh was utter failure in improving standard of life in the province and, on the other, “the ruling Zardari mafia deceived the poor and usurped and looted Sindh’s resources to fill up their personal coffers”.

He added: “GDA will soon make its manifesto public which will be realistically pro-people as well as development- and welfare-oriented.”

Safdar Rahim said that recent GDA workers’ conventions through district coordination committees were a great success which showed tremendous enthusiasm among participants. They fully backed the alliance and its political stand, he added.
​
SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
 
PM Kakar reiterates ‘caretaker set-up to ensure free, fair elections’

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday reiterated the government’s resolve to fulfil its duty of ensuring free, fair and transparent elections while remaining impartial.

Dispelling the impression that a certain political party was being favoured by the caretakers, he said the political parties normally tried to attract their voters in different ways and such allegations might be their tactics.

“We are fully focused on holding the elections in a free, fair and transparent manner and are fully supporting the Election Commission for the purpose,” he added.



arynews.tv

PM Kakar reiterates ‘caretaker set-up to ensure free, fair elections’

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday reiterated the government’s resolve to fulfil its duty of ensuring free, fair and
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
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