Pakistan General Elections 2024: Which political party will be your pick to win the upcoming general elections?

[The Bald Eagle]

Finally General Elections are going to take place in Pakistan after a delay of 6 months from usual time. All political parties have already finalized their candidates for the upcoming elections and the fever of election is already catching up with each passing day.

The Former Prime Minister & Charismatic leader Imran Khan would be calling the shots for his party from behind the bars this election but to contrary PMLN would be free to proselytize it's political campaign without any hurdles and along with the added advantage of PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif services at their disposal. Bilawal would lead the PPP this team and Fazal ur Rehman and Siraj ul Haq would toe the lines for their parties too.

So in your estimation who would win the upcoming general elections?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

PTI are the obvious winners the elections are free and fair and the establishment does not poke its nose in elections.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

If PTI gets even a 50% level playing field, I am sure nobody can come closer to them.

 

[hassan918]

At least 90% of my relatives and friends are the supporters of PTI. I live in Lahore and most people I meet with are Imran Khan supporters so in normal circumstances it looks very obvious that PTI is going to win by a big margin at least in Punjab and with a fair margin in the national assembly as well.

 

[Arzy8]

Even with the unprecented levels of pre-poll rigging we have seen, I still doubt that the PML-N have enough support (even artificial) to topple PTI. Their heartland of Punjab has been eaten up by PTI, as seen in the by-elections of 2022. Maybe Nadeem Anjum is cooking up something behind the scenes for the PPP to get enough (artificial) votes in order for Billo’s boys to form a coalition govt.

Goes without saying but in a remotely free and fair election, PTI win with an unprecedented majority.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Even with the unprecented levels of pre-poll rigging we have seen, I still doubt that the PML-N have enough support (even artificial) to topple PTI. Their heartland of Punjab has been eaten up by PTI, as seen in the by-elections of 2022. Maybe Nadeem Anjum is cooking up something behind the scenes for the PPP to get enough (artificial) votes in order for Billo’s boys to form a coalition govt.

Goes without saying but in a remotely free and fair election, PTI win with an unprecedented majority.

Yep it appears the establishment is also wary of it and that's why are unwilling to afford PTI any room.

 

[Varun]

PML and Nawaz Sharif.

The BCCI is nothing compared to the Pakistani establishment. The BCCI can't make India win a World Cup despite everything in it's favour. But the Pakistani establishment gets what it wants each and every time.

 

[BouncerGuy]

The way things are going on, I do not see any election happening at all. If it does, there will be no 2 third majority but PMLN and PTI will lead the charts.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The way things are going on, I do not see any election happening at all. If it does, there will be no 2 third majority but PMLN and PTI will lead the charts.

Indeed it appears that establishment wants a hung parliament so they could tweak the arms of politicians whenever they want.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Campaigning on hold as PML-N sorts out ticket dilemma​

Despite Nawaz’s clearance from all cases, party yet to embark on campaign trail
Leaders ‘more concerned’ with securing tickets; move to accommodate IPP leaders ‘divides’ Sharif camp

LAHORE: With less than a month to go for the general election, PML-N is yet to kick-start its campaign as it is still sorting out ticket distribution and seat adjustment with the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and PML-Q.

The party appears to be in no rush regarding the launch of its election campaign, and the confidence is apparently due to their “good equation” with the powers that be.

For now, the party’s only concern appears to be getting its candidates right for the national and provincial assemblies’ seats, especially in Punjab.

This is in stark contrast with the charged campaign by the PML-N’s erstwhile ally, the PPP, whose Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari remained in Lahore last week, openly campaigning in the city’s NA-127 constituency and calling out the Sharifs almost daily.

Unperturbed by this, the PML-N leadership, for now, is apparently content with ‘public addresses’ in indoor party meetings and media statements.

“Either the leadership knows that the polls are not taking place on Feb 8, or it is confident that only a couple of weeks will be enough for canvassing to emerge as the majority party,” a PML-N leader from Punjab told Dawn on Monday.

He also said that party leaders were less concerned about the election campaign and more preoccupied with securing their tickets.

“The party is likely to announce tickets for the National and Punjab assemblies in a couple of days. Perhaps after that, it may think about kicking off the election campaign.”

The leader expressed hope that the party will enter the campaign mode with the launch of its manifesto on Jan 15 or 16.

Earlier, PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal had told Dawn the party would kick-start its campaign once the appeals of former premier Nawaz Sharif were decided.

However, it has been over a month since Mr Sharif’s acquittal in Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases, but the party has yet to launch a concerted push towards electioneering.

The Supreme Court’s verdict of Monday, throwing out lifetime disqualification for lawmakers under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, has also effectively rendered the PML-N supremo free to contest the elections.

When contacted on Monday, Mr Iqbal did not comment on the delay in his party’s election campaign.

Ticket dilemma

The party’s seat adjustment with the IPP, in particular, has exacerbated its predicament regarding the distribution of tickets.

The party is “compelled” to accommodate key candidates of IPP, and ticket distribution in this way is likely to create resentment among PML-N loyalists, as well as IPP ranks, especially in Punjab.

A source in the IPP said that the party’s president, Aleem Khan, had requested the Sharifs to ask Maryam Nawaz Sharif to vacate the NA-119 seat in Lahore for him as he had already launched his campaign from there. “However, Ms Sharif told the leadership to adjust the IPP leader in NA-117, as even this would be a favour to him,” the source said.

Similarly, IPP patron-in-chief and sugar baron Jahangir Khan Tareen is keen to contest the National Assembly election from Lodhran, but the Sharifs want him to contest from Multan. Once of the reasons is that they don’t want to provoke the ire of Sadique Baloch, a strong candidate, who has threatened to contest independently if he is not awarded a ticket from Lodhran.

Separately, Awn Chaudhry, once a close confidant of PTI leader Imran Khan and now a central IPP leader, is vying for a National Assembly seat from Lahore. “He may be considered for NA-124 as he is close to Shehbaz Sharif,” sources said.

The PML-N has reportedly told the IPP that it would not accommodate PTI members who joined the party after the May 9 attacks.

“In such a scenario, IPP will get a very limited number of national and Punjab assembly seats,” said the IPP source, adding that the party had earlier sought over 100 seats from PML-N, which in turn had termed it a “non-serious demand”.

On the PML-N’s side, the powerful Khokhar group of Lahore has reportedly managed to secure at least two national and one Punjab assembly seats.

A big financier of the party, Saiful Malook Khokhar, is also a blue-eyed leader of the party’s chief organiser, Ms Sharif.

The president of PML-N’s Lahore chapter Mr Khokhar has secured National Assembly seats for himself and his brother, Afzal Khokhar.

With a Punjab Assembly seat also secured for his relative Imran Shafi Khokhar, Mr Khokhar is said to be lobbying for the accommodation of his cousin Faisal Khokhar in the PP-168 constituency.

This has resulted in disagreements among the Sharif family, with Ms Nawaz supporting Mr Faisal and her cousin, Hamza Shahbaz, putting his weight behind a party worker, Shabbir Khokhar.

“Even in a parliamentary board meeting, a question was raised whether the leadership is surrendering to the will of the wealthy Khokhars,” a party insider said.

To placate the malcontents, the party has promised candidates who might miss out on tickets that they would be accommodated in the Senate or given tickets for by-polls, the PML-N insider told Dawn.

Source: Dawn News

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Sindh ‘grand alliance’ agrees on joint struggle against PPP

KARACHI: As the February 8 general elections draw near, the newfound alliance in Sindh has agreed on a ‘joint struggle’ against Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) – which has a stronghold in the province, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

A meeting between politicians of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQMP), Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (Fazl) and Awami National Party (PPP) was held to discuss election alliance against PPP.

Sources told ARY News that the meeting deliberated on fielding joint candidates across the province and a ‘common plan of action’. The meeting vowed to free people of Sindh from ‘corruption, incompetence and mismanagement”.

The alliance was of the view that they would fight those who believed in “horse-trading” with the power of vote.

The meeting was attended by PML-N leaders Rana Mashhood, Bashir Memon and Khaildas Kohistani, MQM-P leaders Anis Qaimkhani, Javed Hanif and Hassan Sabir, JUI’s Rashid Soomro and ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed and GDA’s Dr Safdar Abbasi and Sardar Abdul Rahim.

It is pertinent to mention here that PML-N and MQM-P have already agreed on forming a grand alliance in Sindh, with both parties striking deal on seat adjustments.

Meanwhile, PML-N and GDA also reached an agreement to collaborate and support each other in the upcoming general elections.

The agreement came during a meeting between PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and GDA chief Pir Pagara, with PML-N leaders Khawaja Saad Rafique and Ayaz Sadiq also in attendance.

The primary objective of this electoral alliance was to challenge the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in its political stronghold of Sindh, reportedly.

Source : Ary News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sindh ‘grand alliance’ agrees on joint struggle against PPP

KARACHI: As the February 8 general elections draw near, the newfound alliance in Sindh has agreed on a ‘joint struggle’ against Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) – which has a stronghold in the province, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

A meeting between politicians of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQMP), Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (Fazl) and Awami National Party (PPP) was held to discuss election alliance against PPP.

Sources told ARY News that the meeting deliberated on fielding joint candidates across the province and a ‘common plan of action’. The meeting vowed to free people of Sindh from ‘corruption, incompetence and mismanagement”.

The alliance was of the view that they would fight those who believed in “horse-trading” with the power of vote.

The meeting was attended by PML-N leaders Rana Mashhood, Bashir Memon and Khaildas Kohistani, MQM-P leaders Anis Qaimkhani, Javed Hanif and Hassan Sabir, JUI’s Rashid Soomro and ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed and GDA’s Dr Safdar Abbasi and Sardar Abdul Rahim.

It is pertinent to mention here that PML-N and MQM-P have already agreed on forming a grand alliance in Sindh, with both parties striking deal on seat adjustments.

Meanwhile, PML-N and GDA also reached an agreement to collaborate and support each other in the upcoming general elections.

The agreement came during a meeting between PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and GDA chief Pir Pagara, with PML-N leaders Khawaja Saad Rafique and Ayaz Sadiq also in attendance.

The primary objective of this electoral alliance was to challenge the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in its political stronghold of Sindh, reportedly.

Source : Ary News

Nothing is going to happen with such an alliance when mentally enslaved people of interior Sindh will keep giving them votes and bringing them into the assembly.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Poll says Imran leads approval ratings​

Despite being in jail, former prime minister Imran Khan led the approval ratings for political leaders at the national level, with three times former prime minister Nawaz Sharif narrowly behind him, the Gallup Pakistan’s survey finding revealed on Thursday.

Though Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) founder is leading the survey, the survey findings have showed that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif’s ratings have improved, while Imran’s ratings have remained consistent more or less.

Also, the survey results stated that the gap between the PML-N and the PTI has been narrowing in the last eight months, slowly and consistently, as shown by surveys done in March, June, November and December 2023.

The organisation said that the sample size of the latest round of survey marked as December 2023 throughout the report was around 5,000 men and women. Between June and December, 2023, the survey said, the gap between Imran and Nawaz in terms of approval rating has reduced considerably.

Just a month before the general elections, the Gallup Pakistan issued its political weather report for 2024, carrying key findings about political leaders and parties, among other things. In terms of approval ratings for leaders, it read, Imran leads with Nawaz narrowly behind at the national level.

“Within Punjab,” it said, “Nawaz Sharif [is] ahead of Imran Khan.” It added that while Nawaz’s ratings had improved, Imran’s remained almost consistent. The survey showed that the gap between PML-N and PTI has been narrowing in the last eight months slowly but consistently.

In March 2023, the gap between PML-N and PTI was 21% in Punjab with PTI in the lead. The gap is now around 2% in December 2023 surveys. In the crucial 30 days up to the election in February 2024, it adds, it would be important to see if the trend continues or is reversed.

In Punjab, the electoral contest one month before the election seems competitive and close to general election 2018 situation in terms of popular voting intentions. The survey said that 34% and 32% of surveyed voters in December 2023 said they would vote for the PTI and the PML-N, respectively.

The gap between the two parties is 2%, it noted, which is within the error margin of the survey and statistically insignificant. In Punjab, it said, different regions showed varying support for the two main parties – PTI led with reasonable margin in north Punjab, but was neck-to-neck in west and central Punjab.

The PML-N seems to be in a lead in south Punjab and the PPP also having reasonable support there. “In central Punjab,” it said, “The TLP [Tehreek-e-Labbaik, Pakistan] had a spoiler vote.” Since north Punjab was 10% of total Punjab seats, it maintained, it was safe to say that electoral race was quite competitive.

In Sindh, the Gallup Pakistan said, het PPP was the largest political party with the PTI being the second. “The PPP leads in Sindh over other parties,” it read. However, it added, its support was less strong in Karachi region as opposed to the interior or rural Sindh.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the report said, the PTI was in lead but would have considerable challenges given the emergence of alliances, adding that 45% of the voters surveyed in K-P in December 2023 claimed that they would like to vote for PTI.

In general election 2018, it said, the PTI had a vote share of 37%, meaning “there is a rise in the PTI popularity”, however not very significant. Vote of parties other than PTI was concentrated in different regions, which could help them win seats despite lagging behind in terms of KP-wide popular vote.

For example, the JUI-F has significant vote share in south K-P and the PML-N has significant vote share in Hazara. The survey added that an alliance between parties can, therefore, give a reasonable competition to the PTI in various territories.

Source : The Express Tribune

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif withdrew from National Assembly constituency NA-242, Karachi, due to the differences with MQM-Pakistan leader Mustafa Kamal.

PML-N leader Rana Mashhood revealed that amid growing confusion, Shehbaz Sharif would now contest from Punjab and Khawaja Shoaib will be the PML-N candidate from NA-242.

Mashhood further said that the PML-N leadership would develop Sindh after securing victory in the Feb 8 polls.

Former PM Shehbaz Sharif, upset with Mustafa Kamal's behaviour, had offered MQM alternative adjustments after the election if they withdrew the nomination papers.

Source: Dunya News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Heavyweights to square off in polls

LAHORE: As the clock ticks towards February 9 general elections, the electoral battleground has transformed into a spectacle of political rivalries after the unveiling of party tickets, setting the stage for a fierce showdown among heavyweights in the upcoming polls.

With the closing of the nomination withdrawal window by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday, prominent figures from various parties are bracing for intense face-offs in several key constituencies. The politicos found themselves pitted against each other as parties have already wrapped up awarding of tickets, throwing their hat in the ring.

In the political capital, Lahore, political giants will collide as PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PTI’s Yasmin Rashid prepare for a showdown in NA-130, while Hamza Shehbaz and Aliya Hamza Malik are set for a head-to-head in NA-18.

Similarly, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party’s chief Jahangir Tareen and PTI's Malik Amir Dogar are poised for a contest in NA-149.

Meanwhile, the recently PTI-converted Sardar Latif Khosa will face PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafique in NA-122, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will go head-to-head with PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur in NA-44.

Furthermore, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and PTI’s Ghulam Qadir Sanjrani are set for a contest in NA-260.

In NA-128, PTI's Salman Akram Raja and IPP's Awn Chaudhry will lock horns.

As for NA-123 Lahore, the stage is set for a fierce contest between Shehbaz Sharif and PTI's Afzal Azim.

Moreover, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is set to take on PTI's Gustasif Khan in NA-15 Mansehra.

Three-way tussles

In NA-56 Rawalpindi, Sheikh Rasheed, PML-N's Hanif Abbasi, and PTI's Shehryar Riaz will compete for dominance while, in NA-54, Chaudhry Nisar, IPP's Ghulam Sarwar Khan, and PTI's Colonel (retd) Ajmal Saber will vie for victory.

In NA-47 Islamabad, PML-N's Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, IPP's Aamir Kayani, PTI's Shoaib Shaheen, and Jamaat-e-Islami's Mian Aslam are set for a riveting contest.

In NA-55 Rawalpindi, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry of PML-N and Raja Basharat of PTI prepare for a political duel.

Meanwhile, in NA-52, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Raja Javed Ikhlas of PML-N, and Tariq Uzair Bhatti of PTI are ready for a three-way tussle.

NA-58 Rawalpindi sees PTI's Ayaz Amir and PML-N Major (retd) Tahir Iqbal engage in a political battle. Similarly, the stakes are also high in NA-49, with PML-N's Sheikh Aftab and PTI's Major (retd) Tahir Sadiq facing off.

Meanwhile in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in NA-33, Parvez Khattak and PTI's Shahid Ahad Khattak brace for a fierce contest. The political battleground extends to NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad, where former president Asif Ali Zardari and PTI's Sardar Sher Mohammad Rind Baloch will lock horns.

As for the provincial constituencies, in PP-147 Lahore, Hamza Shehbaz and Mohammad Khan Madani of PTI are set for a face-off. PP-159 Lahore will witness a political duel between Maryam Nawaz and PTI's Mehr Sharafat Ali.

In PP-164 Lahore, Shehbaz Sharif and PTI's Yousaf Mayo prepare for a political battle, while Shehbaz Sharif and PTI's Chaudhry Yusuf Ali brace for a contest in PP-158 Lahore.
​

Heavyweights to square off in polls | The Express Tribune

Nawaz Sharif and Yasmin Rashid prepare for showdown in NA-130; Tareen and PTI’s Malik Amir to lock horns in NA-149

tribune.com.pk

 

[Manager101]

This election will be the most rotten and rigged in the entire history of the universe.

Yes I have intentionally written "universe" because it is been shamelessly rigged to the pathetic levels.

The hypocrite establishment of Pakistan has destroyed Pakistan and its system shamelessly.

 

[Arzy8]

This election will be the most rotten and rigged in the entire history of the universe.

Yes I have intentionally written "universe" because it is been shamelessly rigged to the pathetic levels.

The hypocrite establishment of Pakistan has destroyed Pakistan and its system shamelessly.

I hate to say, but it feels like we’re getting to a point of “what’s the point?” As in, what is the point of the Nation, State of Pakistan? What have we achieved? Where are we heading? It is incredulous that such a substantial portion of Pakistanis, who have been patriotic all their lives, now couldn’t care less if the nation state dissolves.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday barred the returning officers (ROs) from allotting ‘alternative symbol’ to such candidates, seeking election symbol of other political parties, ARY News reported.

The directives came after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – sensing danger of losing its iconic symbol ‘bat’ – chalked out a Plan B by ordering its candidates to submit nominations under the PTI-Nazriati group, whose election symbol is ‘batsman.’

In a post on X, PTI’s official account said: “Whoever has PTI-Nazriati tickets should immediately submit them and take any kind of hindrance to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and high courts.”

The party issued the directives while the Supreme Court heard ECP’s petition challenging the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) decision to restore the PTI’s electoral symbol, the “bat”.

Meanwhile, the electoral watchdog issued a stern order prohibiting candidates from seeking election symbols affiliated with parties other than their own.

In the order, the election commission clarified the legal stance on reports of PTI’s symbol being utilized as a ‘batsman’ emphasising the need for adherence to electoral regulations.

“Numerous applications from candidates, attempting to manipulate the system, have flooded the Election Commission, prompting concerns of deception and violations of electoral laws,” it said.

The order stated that any attempt to deceive the election commission by seeking an election symbol from a party other than one’s own constitutes a breach of the law.

The ECP’s order explicitly states that candidates, who are already members of a political party, are prohibited from requesting the symbol of another party, directing returning officers (ROs) not to grant any alternative election symbol to such candidates.

Referring to the Election Act, it highlighted that a candidate must present a party affiliation certificate, emphasising that an individual cannot simultaneously belong to more than one political party.

The Commission reiterated the importance of following legal procedures, citing the Supreme Court decision in the Habib Akram case.

“Violation of Section 66 of the Election Act, 2017, was emphasized by the spokesperson, underscoring that candidates submitting incomplete nomination papers, particularly those neglecting to submit the required affidavit, will face rejection,” it added.

The Election Commission emphasised that candidates must bear the consequences for any false statements made in the affidavit attached to their nomination papers.

The commission pointed out that misrepresentation in the affidavit is clearly defined in the constitution and the law. Referring to the Supreme Court’s order, it was highlighted that the submission of the candidate’s affidavit is mandatory.

Any misrepresentation in the nomination papers will be treated as a misrepresentation before the Supreme Court, subjecting the candidate to the same consequences as making false statements before the highest judicial authority.

ARY

ECP bars ROs from allotting ‘alternative symbol’ to candidates

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday barred the returning officers (ROs) from allotting ‘alternative symbol’ to such

arynews.tv

 

[RidiculousMan]

I hate to say, but it feels like we’re getting to a point of “what’s the point?” As in, what is the point of the Nation, State of Pakistan? What have we achieved? Where are we heading? It is incredulous that such a substantial portion of Pakistanis, who have been patriotic all their lives, now couldn’t care less if the nation state dissolves.

The handlers are ready to spin another wheel of the same show

 

[The Bald Eagle]

NA-143: A four-way battle in Sahiwal to benefit PTI-backed candidate

The NA-143 constituency witnesses an intriguing clash as two former PML-N parliamentarians, Tufail Jutt and Chaudhry Zahid Iqbal, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Nauman Langrial, and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) backed candidate Rai Hasan Nawaz are in the field.

The presence of two PML-N leaders in the field challenges the perception of a seat adjustment between the IPP and the PML-N. Political observers say that the PML-N has indirectly left the constituency open.

The PPP has no candidate for NA-143, and its leader in the area, Shahzad Saeed Cheema, is contesting as MPA on a PPP ticket. Observers speculate that the absence of the PPP and the PML-N’s indecisiveness may benefit PTI’s Rai in winning the seat.

Mr Jutt served as tehsil nazim of Chichawatni in 2001 and 2005 after parting ways with the Rai brothers. He was elected as a PML-N MNA in 2016 in a by-election for NA-162 (now NA-143) but lost the general elections in 2018 as PML-N candidate against Rai Murtaza Iqbal by a margin of 25,000 votes. Mr Jutt faced another defeat in a 2018 by-election for PP-201 against Pir Samsam Bukhari.

Denied a PML-N ticket due to IPP-PML-N seat adjustment arrangements, Mr Jutt is now contesting the election under the Ittehad Group, forming an alliance with Adil Saeed Gujar, who was denied a PTI ticket for PP-203.

Zahid Iqbal, initially elected as a PPP MNA in the 2008 election from NA-162, was deseated in 2012 for holding dual citizenship. He joined the PML-N in 2013 and is now contesting elections for NA-143 and PP-203 under his political group named “Aman Group”.

The Rais of Chichawatni – Rai Hasan Nawaz, Rai Murtaza Iqbal, and retired Maj Ghulam Sarwar – who did not abandon PTI, are contesting the election for NA-143, PP-203, and PP-204. Many believe that the division in the PML-N leadership will pave the way for the PTI to win the NA-143 seat, as this is the only seat the PTI won from Sahiwal district in the 2013 and 2018 elections.

NA-143, Sahiwal III, is the largest constituency with 584,698 registered voters in the Sahiwal district.

Source : Dawn News

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Google unveils search trends page for Pakistan's upcoming Elections 2024​

As the much-anticipated Pakistan General Elections 2024 approach, Google has taken a significant step by introducing a dedicated trends page to showcase the search behaviors of the Pakistani populace.

The technology giant unveiled the "Google Trends Pakistan General Election" page in preparation for the polls scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024.

This innovative platform offers valuable insights into the questions people in Pakistan are actively searching for regarding political parties, election topics, and general interests.

The trends page not only highlights the top election-related topics but also categorizes them based on regions, providing a comprehensive view of the concerns and interests prevalent across the country.

Among the featured topics are key aspects such as the economy, taxes, and wages, shedding light on the issues that resonate most with voters in different parts of the nation.

The live charts available on the Google Trends page are designed to be easily embedded on any website, offering media outlets and the public direct access to real-time data.

Source : Samaa News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

ECP releases details of candidates for election 2024

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the details of candidates participating in the general elections 2024, ARY News reported.

According to ECP, a staggering 17,816 candidates including 5,121 candidates for National Assembly seats, while 12,695 candidates will compete in Provincial Assemblies elections.

Notably, 11,785 independent candidates, along with 3,748 candidates from 1,873 political parties will contest for NA seats whereas 8,537 candidates from 4,158 political parties for Provincial Assembly seats.

Province-wise statistics indicate 6,710 candidates for the Punjab Assembly, 2,878 for the Sindh Assembly, 1,834 for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and 1,273 for the Balochistan Assembly.

Earlier today, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) summoned an important meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to finalise matters about security arrangements for general elections 2024.

The high-level meeting will be chaired by CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja and will be attended by all four provincial secretaries. All IGs, and officials from defence and interior ministries will be among the attendees.

ECP releases details of candidates for election 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the details of candidates participating in the general elections 2024, ARY News

arynews.tv

 

[Bewal Express]

ECP releases details of candidates for election 2024

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the details of candidates participating in the general elections 2024, ARY News reported.

According to ECP, a staggering 17,816 candidates including 5,121 candidates for National Assembly seats, while 12,695 candidates will compete in Provincial Assemblies elections.

Notably, 11,785 independent candidates, along with 3,748 candidates from 1,873 political parties will contest for NA seats whereas 8,537 candidates from 4,158 political parties for Provincial Assembly seats.

Province-wise statistics indicate 6,710 candidates for the Punjab Assembly, 2,878 for the Sindh Assembly, 1,834 for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and 1,273 for the Balochistan Assembly.

Earlier today, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) summoned an important meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to finalise matters about security arrangements for general elections 2024.

The high-level meeting will be chaired by CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja and will be attended by all four provincial secretaries. All IGs, and officials from defence and interior ministries will be among the attendees.

ECP releases details of candidates for election 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the details of candidates participating in the general elections 2024, ARY News

arynews.tv

The ECP is a front for the mafia. These clowns have played a full part in destroying a fledgling democracy. I hope PKs abroad are given full details of Sultsns new address in Canada

 

[FearlessRoar]

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq on Thursday formed a seven-member to ensure smooth conduct of upcoming general elections, ARY News reported.

The newly constituted committee comprises seven members headed by Minister of Communications Maritime Affairs and Railways Shahid Ashraf Tarar.

The chief secretaries of the four provinces are members of the committee to oversee general elections.

The committee will assess and provide support for the requirements for conducting general elections.

It will also be responsible for immediate decision-making to provide additional security for effective control over the law and order situation.

The committee will implement the instructions of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the effective conduct of the general elections.

Yesterday, caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has reiterated that the general elections will take place in Pakistan on February 8.

Source: ARY

PM Kakar forms 7-member committee on general elections

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq on Thursday formed a seven-member to ensure smooth conduct of upcoming general elections, ARY News

arynews.tv

 

[Major]

Political difference aside, all there mistakes aside, you cannot ban PTI or place its leader in jail or any other ex PM in jail or exile.

This election will be the biggest joke of elections in the country's history. Maybe bigger than the ones where the army tried to sabotage Fatima Jinnah.

Does it even make any sense to show up to the election booth and vote?

PPers in Pakistan, would you be showing up to cast ur vote?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

As many as 581 candidates are vying for 22 National Assembly seats in Karachi, according to the final list of candidates issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), ARY News reported.

The final list was issued by the electoral body after passing the last day of withdrawal of nomination papers by the candidates for the general elections, scheduled to take place on February 8.
Leaders and workers of various political and religious parties as well as those willing to contest the Feb 8 elections as independent candidates have already launched their election campaign in the city.

According to the ECP list of candidates, the highest number of aspirants, 120, are contesting the election for the four NA seats in district East, followed by 113 vying for five NA seats in district Central of the port city.
87 candidates are contesting polls on three NA seats in Korangi, 76 on three seats of district South, 72 on three NA seats in district West, 65 in the run on three NA seats in district Malir and 48 candidates are contesting elections on two NA seats in district Keamari.

District Malir
Karachi’s first constituency is NA-229, where 15 candidates, including PPP’s Jam Abdul Karim Bajar, PML-N’s Qadir Bakhsh, MQM-Pakistan’s Fauzia Hameed, ANP’s Sajid Mehmood, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mumtaz Hussain, TLP’s Muhammad Ejaz, Markazi Muslim League’s Abdul Rahim, and PTI candidate Wali Muhammad. Independents Bakht Amin Shah, Shazia Sabohi, Shahid Hussain, Sher Muhammad, Iram Wahab Butt, Junaid Anwar, and Farooq Khan are also in the race.
In NA-230, PPP’s Syed Rafiulalh, PML-N’s Muzaffar Ali Shujra, Dr Masroor Sial of the PTI, Aurangzeb Farooqui of Pakistan Rah-i-Haq Party and others are in the field.

In NA-231, Abdul Hakeem Baloch of PPP, Jameel Ahmed Khan of PML-N, Dr Masroor Sial and Umer Farooq of the JI are among the candidates.

District Korangi
There are three National Assembly seats from Korangi district.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement- Pakistan’s Aasia Ishaq and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Taufeeq Siddiqui are prominent among many candidates in NA-232.
MQM-P Javed Hanif, JI’s Abdul Jameel Khan and others are contesting polls on NA-233.
On NA-234, PML-N’s Saleem Zia, Moin Amer Pirzada of the MQM-P, former PTI’s MNA Faheem Khan, PPP’s Ali Rashid and others will try their luck.

District East
National Assembly seats from NA-235 to 238 fall in Karachi’s East district.
JI’s Meraj-ul-Huda Siddiqui, MQM-P’s Mohammad Iqbal Khan, former PTI MNA Saif-ur-Rahman and many other candidates are vying for NA-235.
PTI leader Syed Firdous Shamim Naqvi, MQM-P’s Hassan Sabir, JI’s Osama Razi, PPP’s Muzammil Qureshi are among the contestants on NA-236.
On the NA-237 seat, MQM-P’s Rauf Siddiqui is in the run against JI’s Irfan Ahmed, PPP’s Asad Niazi and PTI’s Zahoor Mehsud.
PTI’s Sindh chief Haleem Adil Sheikh is contesting from NA-238, now as an independent candidate against MQM-P’s Sadiq Iftikhar and Saifuddin of the JI and others.

District South
From NA-239, Nabil Gabol of the PPP, Fazal-ur-Rehman Niazi of the JI and others are contenting.
On NA-240, Dr Arshad Vohra of the MQM-P, PPP’s Saleem Mandviwalla, Syed Abdul Rasheed of the JI, Haleem Adil Sheikh’s brother Aleem Adil and several others will contest the election.
Dr Farooq Sattar of the MQM-P is also in run from NA-241 against Mirza Ikhtiar Baig of the PPP, PTI’s Karachi president Khurram Sher Zaman and others.

District West
Syed Mustafa Kamal of the MQM-P is running for NA-242 against PPP’s Qadir Mandokhail, Khawaja Shoaib of the PML-N, Fazal Ahad of the JI and others.
At NA-243, Abdul Qadir Patel of the PPP, PML-N’s Akhtar Jadoon, Shiraz Jadoon of the JI, Humayun Sultan of the MQM-P and PTI’s Shujaat Ali Khan are contesting the polls.
At NA-244, MQM-P’s Dr Farooq Sattar, former PTI MNA Aftab Jahangir, JI’s Irfan Ahmed and others are in the field.
From NA-245, former PTI MNA Attaullah, MQM-P’s Syed Hafeezuddin, PPP’s Siddique Akbar and Ishaq Khan of the JI are in the run.

District Central
On five National Assembly seats tough competition is expected between the candidates.
According to ECP list of candidates, JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is contesting from NA-246 against MQM-P’s Syed Amin-ul-Haq and others.

MQM-P’s Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan is in the run from NA-247 against Monem Zafar Khan of the JI, Naheed Parveen of the PML-N, PPP’s Sheikh Maaz Feroz and Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan’s Mohammad Farooq.
MQM-P convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui is contesting from NA-248 against JI’s Mohammad Babar Khan, Mohammad Hassan Khan of PPP, Arsalan Khalid of the PTI and many others.

JI’s Muslim Pervez is in the run against MQM-P’s Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, TLP’s Hafiz Hamid Mehmood Kagani, Syed Ansub Raza Patmi of PML-N and PPP’s Abdul Waheed from NA-249.
NA-250 is the last constituency of Karachi from where JI’s Karachi chief Hafiz Naeem, MQM-P’s Farhan Chishti and PPP’s Khwaja Sohail Mansoor are among several candidates.

Source : Ary News

 

[Varun]

Pakistan does take "general elections" quite literally.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

if PTI gets 30% of level playing field to contest these general elections peoperly so i am 100% sure they will get the majority of the seats

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz said on Friday that nobody was there to compete with her party in the political landscape.

Addressing the public gathering in Khanewal, the PML-N stalwart rued, “The elections were rigged in 2018 to defeat Nawaz Sharif in 2018. The masses are aware of who is responsible for the ballooning inflation in the country. It had been said, Who will be out for the election campaign amid the skyrocketing inflation?"

“In the field of politics, good and bad things happen to every political party,” she said.

She praised the party workers in Khanewal for attending the gathering in large numbers, saying, “I had no idea that the people of Khanewal would not bother about the intensifying cold and would attend the public gathering in large numbers.”

Source : Samaa News

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorized over 17,500 polling stations as highly sensitive, 32,508 as sensitive, and 42,500 as normal out of a total of 92,500 polling stations nationwide.

Polling stations are categorized into A, B, and C groups, determined by their sensitivity levels, sources said.

From over 17,500 polling stations designated as highly sensitive across the country due to concerns of potential unrest, 6,599 are in Punjab, and 4,430 are in Sindh, all set to be monitored by CCTV cameras.

A total of 2,038 polling stations in Balochistan and 4,344 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been categorized as highly sensitive.

In Punjab, 15,829 polling stations are classified as sensitive, 8,030 in Sindh, 2,068 in Balochistan, and over 6,000 polling stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fall under the sensitive category. Responding to a question he said official polling scheme to be revealed 15 days before the scheduled February 8 general elections.

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released code of conduct for security officials who will be deployed during the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

The code of conduct binds the security officials, excluding Armed Forces and Civil Armed Forces, to perform their duty in accordance with the law and cooperate with the presiding officers, returning officers (ROs) and polling staff.

Source: ARY

Election 2024: Over 17,000 polling stations declared highly sensitive

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorized over 17,500 polling stations as highly sensitive, 32,508 as sensitive, and 42,500 as

arynews.tv

 

[Sher Khan]

I have no interest in these elections if they are not free and fair. It will only cause more instability in the country by conducting rigged elections.

The people's mandate should be respected.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

PTI NA-119 candidate withdraws in Maryam’s favour​

In a significant political development ahead of general elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Mehr Muhammad Waseem on Sunday declared his withdrawal in favour of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz in Lahore's NA-119, Express News reported.

Waseem along with numerous PTI members also defected to PML-N, pledging their allegiance to Maryam Nawaz. The development came following a meeting between Waseem and his associates and PML-N leadership.

Maryam Nawaz, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Maryam Aurangzeb, Ali Pervez Malik, Khawaja Imran Nazir, and other prominent PML-N leaders were present during the meeting.

Waseem will officially announce his inclusion in PML-N during a rally on January 25. Maryam Nawaz will also address the gathering.

Expressing her gratitude, Maryam welcomed Waseem and his associates to the PML-N fold. She remarked, "You have chosen to be part of the caravan of progress. From 2018 to 2022, Pakistan witnessed the consequences of incompetence."

The PML-N leader highlighted the challenges faced by women, such as the scarcity of gas in homes, and attributed Pakistan's current state to issues created by those desiring political vendettas.

She praised the exemplary progress during the Nawaz Sharif era and cited Lahore as a model of development, contrasting it with the current issues.

She emphasised PML-N's resilience, stating, "The party has endured difficult times. Leaders, workers, councillors – none have deserted. PML-N is not just a party; it's a family. All party workers are like brothers.”

Maryam assured the public that her party’s agenda for the next five years is centred on addressing the people's issues, including water, electricity, and gas. She urged party members to join hands for the service of the nation and to alleviate the public from inflation and problems.

"Our future and progress are intertwined with Nawaz Sharif. Removing Nawaz Sharif will leave nothing but chaos in the country. Under Shehbaz Sharif's tenure in Punjab, every project and job was based on merit, while the province now suffers from corruption and bribery,” she further said.

She vowed to solve every problem faced by the public in the coming five years, promising a focused agenda for the welfare of the people.

Source :The Express Tribune

 

[The Bald Eagle]

I have no interest in these elections if they are not free and fair. It will only cause more instability in the country by conducting rigged elections.

The people's mandate should be respected.

yep the upcoming elections would be bogus even if pti candidates win they wont join their party due to pressure from establishment.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorized over 17,500 polling stations as highly sensitive, 32,508 as sensitive, and 42,500 as normal out of a total of 92,500 polling stations nationwide.

Polling stations are categorized into A, B, and C groups, determined by their sensitivity levels, sources said.

From over 17,500 polling stations designated as highly sensitive across the country due to concerns of potential unrest, 6,599 are in Punjab, and 4,430 are in Sindh, all set to be monitored by CCTV cameras.

A total of 2,038 polling stations in Balochistan and 4,344 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been categorized as highly sensitive.

In Punjab, 15,829 polling stations are classified as sensitive, 8,030 in Sindh, 2,068 in Balochistan, and over 6,000 polling stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fall under the sensitive category. Responding to a question he said official polling scheme to be revealed 15 days before the scheduled February 8 general elections.

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released code of conduct for security officials who will be deployed during the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

The code of conduct binds the security officials, excluding Armed Forces and Civil Armed Forces, to perform their duty in accordance with the law and cooperate with the presiding officers, returning officers (ROs) and polling staff.

Source: ARY

Election 2024: Over 17,000 polling stations declared highly sensitive

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorized over 17,500 polling stations as highly sensitive, 32,508 as sensitive, and 42,500 as

arynews.tv

As general elections 2024 inching closer, the Punjab government has decided to install CCTV cameras at every booth of highly sensitive polling stations across the province, ARY News reported on Monday.

According to details, the decision was taken during a meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Provincial Election Commissioner Ejaz Anwar Chauhan and Chief Secretary Punjab.

Secretary Local Government Punjab apprised the meeting of the preparations for the elections and security, transport, and communication plans for the elections were discussed.

Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab Ejaz Anwar Chauhan said that proper arrangements should be made for the training of security personnel and all district returning officers should supervise the process of preparing polling bags.

Ejaz Anwar Chauhan said that all the basic facilities should be ensured at the polling stations and control rooms should be made more active for redressal of complaints.

He said that up to 570,000 staff will be deployed on the election day and the training of the election staff will be completed by January 29.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) categorised over 17,500 polling stations as highly sensitive, 32,508 as sensitive, and 42,500 as normal out of a total of 92,500 polling stations nationwide.

Polling stations are categorized into A, B, and C groups, determined by their sensitivity levels, sources said.

From over 17,500 polling stations designated as highly sensitive across the country due to concerns of potential unrest, 6,599 are in Punjab, and 4,430 are in Sindh, all set to be monitored by CCTV cameras.

A total of 2,038 polling stations in Balochistan and 4,344 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been categorized as highly sensitive.

In Punjab, 15,829 polling stations are classified as sensitive, 8,030 in Sindh, 2,068 in Balochistan, and over 6,000 polling stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fall under the sensitive category. Responding to a question he said official polling scheme to be revealed 15 days before the scheduled February 8 general elections.

Source: ARY

Election 2024: CCTV to be installed at ‘highly sensitive’ polling stations

LAHORE: As general elections 2024 inching closer, the Punjab government has decided to install CCTV cameras at every booth of highly sensitive polling

arynews.tv

 

[The Bald Eagle]

NA-235 may see low turnout of voters​

NA-235, the premier seat of district east and the fifth-largest in Karachi by population, holds the unique distinction of being the second constituency with the fewest number of voters.

Despite encompassing a diverse landscape with goths, narrow streets, flats, and densely populated areas, NA-235 faces an intriguing challenge in terms of voter representation.

The boundaries of the constituency span Ayub Goth, New Quetta Cooperative Society, Jamali Goth, Gabol Goth, Al Asif Square, Jannat Gul Town, New Sabzi Mandi, Machar Colony, Gujru, Junejo Colony Gujru, Mubeenabad, Qayyumabad Gujru, Yusuf Goth, Gulshan Kaniz Fatima, Abbas Town, Rabia Flower, Abul Hasan Isfahani Road, Johar Complex, and other areas.

Although the population of NA-235 totals 1,024,024 people, registered voters are 170,176-comprising 97,741 men and 72,435 women. This accounts for only 16.61 per-cent of the population.

Experts attribute this low turnout to a significant number of residents lacking permanent addresses in Karachi.

The upcoming elections for NA-235 witness a competitive field of 24 candidates. Among them are Mohammad Asif Khan from PPP, Mohammad Iqbal Khan from MQM, Merajul Hadi JI, Sharafat Khan from PMLN, Mohammad Arif TLP, and Syed Ali Hussain Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).

Notably, the constituency was won by PTI in the 2018 general elections.

Source : The Express Tribune

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Sehat Card Plus Tehreek-i-Insaf’s ‘trump card’

The health insurance programme Sehat Card Plus introduced by the PTI after taking over the reins of power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the 2018 elections is likely to give former prime minister Imran Khan’s party the edge over others in the upcoming electoral exercise, claim political observers.

They told Dawn that the SCP gained widespread appreciation in Swat district by effectively catering for healthcare needs of Swat residents, so its impact in the Feb 8 polls would be significant.

The observers claimed the programme transcended “traditional healthcare barriers to provide government and private hospitals with facilities” and ensure that everyone has access to quality medical care swiftly and without any financial burdens.

In their opinion, the SCP has taken the PTI’s appeal beyond its traditional base of youth and women to the elderly, so it is likely to sway voter sentiment in favour of the former ruling party.

Analysts insist health insurance scheme to sway voter sentiment in favour of former ruling party

Khadija of Mingora area in Swat, told Dawn she never thought she would be able to afford her knee surgery.

“Thanks to the Sehat Card Plus, I received the necessary medical attention promptly and underwent surgery without any financial burden. It’s a game-changer for people like me.”

Another beneficiary of the insurance programme is Shazia Begam, an elderly woman from the area, who didn’t have money for an operation to improve eyesight.

“When I learned about free surgeries performed in private hospitals under the Sehat Card Plus, I opted for it,” she said, praising the last government for the initiative.

For Swat residents, the inclusivity of the programme is not just about politics.

“It is about our health and well-being. I underwent an ‘unaffordable’ heart surgery. The Sehat Card Plus has brought a real change to our lives,” Said Ali Khan of Saidu Sharif told Dawn.

Dr Farhan, a medical professional in Swat, claimed the SCP had “revolutionised healthcare accessibility.”

He said the programme provided quality care to a broader spectrum of society.

Source : Dawn News

 

[Red-Indian]

I've been looking for good Podcasts/Blogs/Vlogs that could help me understand the current and forecasted future scenarios in Pakistan politically and perhaps economically given the upcoming elections.

So far, the best I've found have been
Pakistonomy by Uzair Yunus: Bit economy focused but seems knowledgeable and fairly neutral. Bit dry though and lacks colour
The Pakistan Experience by Shehzad Ghias Shaikh: A little biased (seems anti-PTI from a neutral eye) but much more passionate and colourful

Any good recommendations?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Cabinet approves troops deployment during polls

The caretaker federal cabinet approved on Tuesday the deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces troops for the peaceful conduct of general elections on the recommendation of the Interior Ministry, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

These forces will perform duties at sensitive constituencies and polling stations and will also act as a rapid response force, it added.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. Discussions revolving around the current economic, political, and electoral situation in the country also came under discussion during the meeting.

Last month, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had requested the federal government for the deployment of the army and civil armed forces personnel at polling stations during the upcoming general elections on February 8.

The request, made through a letter addressed to Federal Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani, invoked Article 220 of the Constitution, emphasising the duty of all executive authorities to support the ECP in fulfilling its functions.

Later, during a corps commanders conference held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi with Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir in the chair, the top military brass said they would provide the “requisite and necessary” support to the ECP for the elections.

Meanwhile, the interim cabinet today also held a thorough discussion on the proposals made regarding the restructuring and digitisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The prime minister directed the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee under the supervision of the finance minister in light of the opinions of the cabinet members regarding the proposals presented for the FBR reforms.

Other members of the committee will include federal ministers for privatisation, foreign affairs, commerce, energy, law and justice, and information technology. The committee will present its recommendations regarding these proposals at the next meeting of the federal cabinet.

The cabinet appreciated the efforts of the Caretaker Finance Minister, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, for increasing tax revenue, improving the tax-to-GDP ratio, and presenting detailed proposals regarding the administrative structure of the FBR.

The official statement said that the prime minister and all members of the cabinet jointly supported the proposals for the FBR reforms and reiterated that the caretaker government would continue to play its full role in completing the FBR reform agenda.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454172/cabinet-approves-troops-deployment-during-polls

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Sindh govt announces strict measures against weapon display during polls​

In a significant move to ensure a fair and secure electoral process, Sindh's Caretaker Interior Minister Haris Nawaz declared on Wednesday ban on the display of weapons during elections.

Addressing the media in Karachi, Nawaz highlighted the responsibility of the Election Commission to oversee the elections, asserting the government's commitment to providing full support in maintaining law and order.

During a meeting between provincial officials and Election Commission representatives, efforts were made to address concerns across various departments.

Minister Nawaz emphasised the need for a foolproof system, backed by ample funds, to eliminate any hurdles in the electoral process. He revealed that Chief Minister funds had been allocated to the police, rangers, and schools to ensure adequate resources.

Polling stations and security personnel

With 5,954 normal polling stations and over 12,000 sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations, Minister Nawaz outlined a comprehensive security plan.

A total of 122,000 security personnel, including police and rangers, will be deployed outside polling stations. Only authorized polling staff will be allowed inside, with the option to call in additional support from the Rangers if necessary.

Highlighting the collaboration with various departments, Minister Nawaz disclosed that 1,984 soldiers from the Pakistan Army, along with personnel from the anti-corruption, forest department, FC, and lady health workers, will contribute to the security efforts.

Source: Samaa News

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalised the scheme for polling stations, with sources claiming that over 92,000 polling stations would be set up across the country for the upcoming general elections, slated for Feb 8, 2024, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

The comprehensive polling scheme will be publicly released days before the election date, currently scheduled for February 8th. This transparent approach aims to ensure informed participation and address any potential concerns well in advance of polling day.

The plan delineates the distribution of polling stations across all four provinces and the federal capital. The polling stations have been categorized as normal, sensitive, and highly sensitive based on the security situation and the history of electoral violence.

Sources told ARY that a total of 92,353 polling stations would be set up across the country.

According to the draft of the scheme prepared by the ECP, a total of 52,412 polling stations will be established in Punjab for the general elections.

Of the total, 6,040 polling stations in Punjab have been declared highly sensitive. Whereas, 15,617 polling stations in the province have been declared sensitive.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a total of 15,737 polling stations will be set up. Of these, 4,726 have been declared highly sensitive while 6,180 declared sensitive.

In Sindh, 4,718 polling stations have been declared as normal, 6,576 as sensitive, and 7,802 as highly sensitive. Similarly, 5,015 polling stations will be set up in Balochistan.

The Election Commission has said that it will ensure the provision of all necessary facilities and security arrangements at the polling stations to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.

Earlier, the ECP warned the candidates vying for the General Elections 2024 of legal action if they fail to end the election campaign by 6th February as per the Elections Act, 2017.

According to the ECP spokesman, all the candidates belonging to each political party as well as independents have been directed not to hold or attend any public gathering, corner meeting or any other political activity pertaining to the election campaign after midnight of 6th and 7th February.

The ECP maintained that Section 182 of the Elections Act, 2017 bound the candidates to conclude their election campaign a day before the polling day. “Legal action will be taken against violators of the law,” the ECP warned.

Source: ARY

Elections 2024: Over 92,000 polling stations to be set up across country

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalised the scheme for polling stations, with sources claiming that over 92,000 polling

arynews.tv

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Jahangir Tareen, the Patron-in-chief of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), addressed a fervent crowd of workers in Lodhran on Wednesday, injecting a vibrant dose of optimism into the political landscape. Propelling his vision for Pakistan’s future, Tareen unveiled his ambition to not just lead the country, but to fundamentally transform it.

He dismissed the viability of short-term governments, stating, "Two-three-year governments cannot work." His pitch resonated with the crowd, eager for stability and long-term development. "The next government should be one that completes five years," he emphasized, a promise dripping with ambition for himself and his party.

Tareen, a native of Lodhran himself, promised to shower his hometown with attention if elected. "Five times more work will be done in Lodhran than before," he declared, painting a picture of a flourishing district. His grand vision extended beyond Lodhran, encompassing the entire nation. "The next five years will make Lodhran and Pakistan ideal," he proclaimed, igniting cheers from the crowd.

He dismissed the viability of short-term governments, stating, "Two-three-year governments cannot work." His pitch resonated with the crowd, eager for stability and long-term development. "The next government should be one that completes five years," he emphasized, a promise dripping with ambition for himself and his party.

Tareen, a native of Lodhran himself, promised to shower his hometown with attention if elected. "Five times more work will be done in Lodhran than before," he declared, painting a picture of a flourishing district. His grand vision extended beyond Lodhran, encompassing the entire nation. "The next five years will make Lodhran and Pakistan ideal," he proclaimed, igniting cheers from the crowd.

The former minister presented himself as an agent of change, capable of transforming both his hometown and the nation. "If the people give me a chance, I will change the face of Lodhran and the country," he vowed, his words dripping with conviction. His bold promises resonated with the gathering, eager for a fresh political landscape and a leader who understands their needs.

While Tareen's speech focused heavily on his future plans, it also contained veiled criticism of the current political climate. He subtly questioned the effectiveness of short-term governments and hinted at a desire for a more stable and committed leadership.

Source : Samaa News

 

[YousafTheBeast]

if they are not free and fair.

What makes you think there’s a possibility of the elections being free and fair, lol?

 

[Kianig89]

Vawda the unofficial rep of Co has predicted around 70 seats for "N" and that PDM 2 will form the government..

 

[Major]

This time the rigging is being done in a new way. This is just like the Russian elections, where Putin finds a way to get elected unopposed

Last time around they used the RTS way of rigging, where the system was to broke down and than number of votes were changed in favor of PTI. Ballot stuffing

This time around the rigging is much more different. By having no PTI bat symbol, and all the PTI candidates being forced to fight independently, the Army is hoping that the voter wont know who the candidate is. Now PTI is fighting this back by using Imran Khans fb messager to let you know who the independent candidate is for each constituency. I am pretty sure the army will not allow PTI to even have their stall outside polling stations.

If, and thats a big iff, if, PTI independent candidates somehow are winning during the count, than the army will use plan b which is what they did in favor of PTI back in 2018. Cancelling votes and stuffing fake votes in the ballot. THis is done with the help of the polling station people and yes army soldiers that are deployed are also involved in this like they were in 2018.

Than there is Plan C. If by some miracle the PTI independents win and have enough seats to form a govt, than thats when the horse trading will start. Like how PTI did trading in 2018 through Tareen, this time it will be reverse.

Anyways, ECP has lost all credibility and so has the supreme court. The elections will be a joke and it will all be about by how many seats PMLN wins.

Even PPP is being targeted aswell by ECP.

However, if PMLN manages to still lose or not form govt, that will be the death of PMLN officially. If they lose center they also lose Punjab as that is there main vote bank

 

[Major]

yep the upcoming elections would be bogus even if pti candidates win they wont join their party due to pressure from establishment.

PTI will have to rely on PPP, that is the only way they can target establishment and PMLN.

Without any major party's support PTI is doomed.

They will have to choose their enemy wisely, and will need to partner with a major party that knows how to run the parliament.

PTI and PPP have a common enemy, which is the PMLN and Army. The army is keeping this in check which is why some ppp candidates are not being given their election symbols.

 

[Major]

I've been looking for good Podcasts/Blogs/Vlogs that could help me understand the current and forecasted future scenarios in Pakistan politically and perhaps economically given the upcoming elections.

So far, the best I've found have been
Pakistonomy by Uzair Yunus: Bit economy focused but seems knowledgeable and fairly neutral. Bit dry though and lacks colour
The Pakistan Experience by Shehzad Ghias Shaikh: A little biased (seems anti-PTI from a neutral eye) but much more passionate and colourful

Any good recommendations?

Shehzad Ghias is good.

Also try Syed Muzammil Official, great analysis.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Awami National Party (ANP) has announced to support Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidates in Punjab for upcoming general elections.

ANP Punjab General Secretary Amir Bahadur Khan met IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan and announced support for Aleem and his panel throughout Punjab.

Abdul Aleem Khan, the National Assembly candidate, expressed his commitment to serving the common man without any discrimination and working towards the welfare of the public.

Abdul Aleem Khan has already managed to get support of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) from NA-117.

PML-N decided to withdraw the candidate from NA-117 Lahore as they struck seat adjustment on another National assembly seat with IPP.

ANP to support IPP candidates in elections 2024

Awami National Party (ANP) has announced to support Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidates in Punjab for upcoming general elections. ANP Punjab

arynews.tv

 

[The Bald Eagle]

PTI issues show-cause notice to Senator Saifullah Abro for withdrawing from NA-194 in Bilawal’s favour​

The PTI on Friday issued a show-cause notice to Senator Saifullah Abro — a party-affiliated candidate contesting for the February 8 elections from NA-194 — after he withdrew from the constituency in favour of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to revoke the PTI’s iconic electoral symbol ‘bat’ and declare its intra-party polls as “unconstitutional”.

Subsequently, the PTI fielded its leaders as independent candidates with a variety of electoral symbols.

Abro’s decision to switch parties came after he met Bilawal a day earlier in Lahore, according to the PPP.

In a post on social media platform X today, Abro confirmed the meeting and said he had decided to withdraw from the election race in the constituency. “I am withdrawing in favour of Bilawal and have decided to compete with the tiger (PML-N),” he said.

Meanwhile, Bilawal thanked Abro for his support. “PTI workers across the country are beginning to understand that the only way to stop PML-N is to vote for PPP’s arrow on Feb 8,” he wrote on X.

“I also appeal to political workers from all parties to vote smartly and we can pull off a surprise on Election Day,” the PPP chairman added.

Responding to the development, the PTI issued a show-cause notice to Abro for going against the party policy.

“You being elected as a senator on the party’s ticket in the Senate of Pakistan and also awarded party ticket to contest General Elections 2024 have shown grave indiscipline by violating the party’s discipline,” the notice, issued by PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan, said.

It directed Abro to provide a written response within three days on why action should not be taken against him.

“If your reply is unsatisfactory or you do not respond, further action will be taken as per party policy and rules,” the notice added.

At a rally a day earlier, Bilawal had urged PTI workers not to “waste” their votes on independent candidates and instead opt for his party’s candidates on Feb 8.

He said if PTI supporters wished to stop PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif from becoming the prime minister for a fourth time, they could either waste their vote by opting for independent candidates, “which amounts to supporting the PML-N” or “strategically use their right to vote”.

“They [PTI supporters] should consider this a contest between two parties, and to stop the lion in its path, they should stamp the arrow of PPP,” Bilawal said while referring to the electoral symbols of PML-N and PPP.

Source: Dawn News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sindh govt announces strict measures against weapon display during polls​

In a significant move to ensure a fair and secure electoral process, Sindh's Caretaker Interior Minister Haris Nawaz declared on Wednesday ban on the display of weapons during elections.

Addressing the media in Karachi, Nawaz highlighted the responsibility of the Election Commission to oversee the elections, asserting the government's commitment to providing full support in maintaining law and order.

During a meeting between provincial officials and Election Commission representatives, efforts were made to address concerns across various departments.

Minister Nawaz emphasised the need for a foolproof system, backed by ample funds, to eliminate any hurdles in the electoral process. He revealed that Chief Minister funds had been allocated to the police, rangers, and schools to ensure adequate resources.

Polling stations and security personnel

With 5,954 normal polling stations and over 12,000 sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations, Minister Nawaz outlined a comprehensive security plan.

A total of 122,000 security personnel, including police and rangers, will be deployed outside polling stations. Only authorized polling staff will be allowed inside, with the option to call in additional support from the Rangers if necessary.

Highlighting the collaboration with various departments, Minister Nawaz disclosed that 1,984 soldiers from the Pakistan Army, along with personnel from the anti-corruption, forest department, FC, and lady health workers, will contribute to the security efforts.

Source: Samaa News

most of the PPP Jiyalas would be carrying weapons with them for their badmashi.

 

[MenInG]

Under what circumstances can PTI get into a position of power?

 

[shortbread]

Under what circumstances can PTI get into a position of power?

Unlikely this election but I'll tell you exactly when.

A few years after this election, munir and his establishment cohorts will have a fall out with the government/PM. Soon new cases will come up, people will be encouraged to rally in the streets and finally the government will be bought down.

At that point a deal will be made and a window shall open up for the PTI. I think around 2027.

 

[Red-Indian]

Shehzad Ghias is good.

Also try Syed Muzammil Official, great analysis.

Thanks. I've seen a couple of his interviews. While he's obviously very knowledgeable and well-spoken, I get a little put off by his know it all attitude.

In general, I prefer analysts or thinkers who admit the ambiguity and lack of clarity but are able to still make their point with evidence.

 

[Bewal Express]

PTI issues show-cause notice to Senator Saifullah Abro for withdrawing from NA-194 in Bilawal’s favour​

The PTI on Friday issued a show-cause notice to Senator Saifullah Abro — a party-affiliated candidate contesting for the February 8 elections from NA-194 — after he withdrew from the constituency in favour of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to revoke the PTI’s iconic electoral symbol ‘bat’ and declare its intra-party polls as “unconstitutional”.

Subsequently, the PTI fielded its leaders as independent candidates with a variety of electoral symbols.

Abro’s decision to switch parties came after he met Bilawal a day earlier in Lahore, according to the PPP.

In a post on social media platform X today, Abro confirmed the meeting and said he had decided to withdraw from the election race in the constituency. “I am withdrawing in favour of Bilawal and have decided to compete with the tiger (PML-N),” he said.

Meanwhile, Bilawal thanked Abro for his support. “PTI workers across the country are beginning to understand that the only way to stop PML-N is to vote for PPP’s arrow on Feb 8,” he wrote on X.

“I also appeal to political workers from all parties to vote smartly and we can pull off a surprise on Election Day,” the PPP chairman added.

Responding to the development, the PTI issued a show-cause notice to Abro for going against the party policy.

“You being elected as a senator on the party’s ticket in the Senate of Pakistan and also awarded party ticket to contest General Elections 2024 have shown grave indiscipline by violating the party’s discipline,” the notice, issued by PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan, said.

It directed Abro to provide a written response within three days on why action should not be taken against him.

“If your reply is unsatisfactory or you do not respond, further action will be taken as per party policy and rules,” the notice added.

At a rally a day earlier, Bilawal had urged PTI workers not to “waste” their votes on independent candidates and instead opt for his party’s candidates on Feb 8.

He said if PTI supporters wished to stop PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif from becoming the prime minister for a fourth time, they could either waste their vote by opting for independent candidates, “which amounts to supporting the PML-N” or “strategically use their right to vote”.

“They [PTI supporters] should consider this a contest between two parties, and to stop the lion in its path, they should stamp the arrow of PPP,” Bilawal said while referring to the electoral symbols of PML-N and PPP.

Source: Dawn News

Billo is like a child playing a mans game- bribing and threatening some and begging others for votes.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Elections 2024: 90,675 polling station to be established across Pakistan

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released complete polling schemes for the upcoming General Elections 2024 according to which total 90,675 polling stations would be established across the country, ARY News reported.

According to the data released by the ECP, 25, 320 polling stations are designated for men while 23,952 are for women. The ECP said that 41, 403 joint polling stations would also be established for both men and women.

Giving breakup, the ECP maintained the most number of polling stations i,e 50,944 are to establish in Punjab while Sindh would have 19,006 polling stations.

Similarly, 15,697 polling stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 5,028 would be established in Balochistan.

As per the ECP data, total 276,398 polling booths will be established across the country. “128,846 polling booths will be established for women, 1 47,552 polling booths will be established for men.

Elections 2024: 90,675 polling station to be established across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released complete polling schemes for the upcoming General Elections 2024 according to which

arynews.tv

 

[YousafTheBeast]

PTI and PPP have a common enemy, which is the PMLN and Army

PPP’s common enemy was PMLN and Establishment so they decided to form an alliance (PDM) with their enemy to oust IK with the orders coming from the Establishment.

Interesting…

 

[The Bald Eagle]

‘Last-minute’ registration drive deprives many inmates of right to vote​

DESPITE ‘eleventh hour’ efforts by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and jail authorities to facilitate inmates across the country’s prisons to cast their votes in the upcoming elections, a sizeable number of prisoners would still be unable to exercise their right to franchise.

This, Dawn has learnt, is mainly due to a delayed awareness campaign and arrangements being made at the last minute, including the fact that a number of inmates do not have valid identity cards.

According to the law, a prison inmate can cast their vote via postal ballot. Those eligible to vote under sections 26 and 96-D of the Elections Act 2017 can send a request to the relevant returning officer (RO) of their constituency before the deadline for finalising mail-in ballots.

The RO will verify the request with the help of the voting list of their area, and if the names of the aspiring votes are in the same constituency, the concerned RO will send two envelopes to the jail administration.

One will contain the address of the RO, with a small and a large envelope inside it. After casting their vote, the inmate has to hand over the envelope to the jail administration, which is bound to return it to the concerned RO through the post, ensuring that the votes are counted.

However, according to an official from Karachi’s Central Prison, the run-up to these elections marks the “first time” that the ECP had formally communicated with jail authorities and asked them to guide inmates about the procedure of casting votes.

An ECP spokesperson told Dawn the commission had written to the officials of Karachi Central Jail to facilitate inmates and make them aware of all formalities so that all of them are able to vote through postal ballots.

However, this exercise was carried out hardly a week before the expiry of the deadline for submission of applications for postal ballots, which was January 22.

In a statement issued on Jan 17, ECP had said it had conducted a pre-poll exercise in the women’s section of Karachi’s largest prison to guide inmates on the process of exercising their right to vote through postal ballots. This too was done only a few days before the deadline.

According to data issued by the ECP, 449,287 people from around the country had applied for postal ballots this time around.

Besides prisoners, the applicants include differently-abled persons, polling and security staff on election duty and other government officials. But only 145 inmates from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail sent in such applications. DSP Ammad Chandio of Karachi’s Central Jail did not provide exact numbers, but said that ‘hundreds of inmates’ had applied to cast their votes through postal ballots.

Currently, the facility has over 6,800 inmates. Of these, more than 5,880 are under trial and over 950 have been convicted. The estimate of ‘hundreds’ provided by the official shows that even now, a majority of inmates will still be unable to vote.

The most common hurdle to inmates casting their votes is the absence of a valid CNIC, or their ID cards having expired.

Thus, for many of them, voting for their favorite parties and candidates would still be a distant dream.

During a recent visit to the prison, Dawn spoke to a number of inmates – who were among those sitting for exams of the Sindh technical board on the day – who narrated how nobody was serious to ensure that inmates got the right to vote.

These inmates are not only learning different IT skills, but also languages such as English and Chinese. But despite being educated, most would remain deprived of their right to vote.

One prisoner said that Nadra was a major hurdle in this regard, as it asked for “too many documents” to make a fresh CNIC or renew an old one.

When asked to comment on this claim, a Nadra spokesperson said nothing was done unnecessarily and that the authority tried to facilitate inmates for the resolution of their issues. However, the spokesperson said, the authority could not issue CNICs unless the inmates provided the required documents.

Barrister Haya Emaan Zahid, who is CEO of the Legal Aid Society (LAS) and Secretary of the Sindh Committee for the Welfare of Prisoners (CWP), told Dawn that the procedure for filling out postal ballot forms was quite lengthy, and many prisoners, being illiterate, were unable to comply with it.

To address this issue, an administrative task force was needed, she said, adding that ultimately, the entire responsibility lay with the jail administration.

Ms Zahid said that there were several literate prisoners in Sindh who had undergone paralegal courses, and suggested that they could have been utilised to help their fellow inmates navigate the postal ballot procedure.

Another inmate, who has been in jail since 2009, said that he had applied for a postal ballot in 2013, but never received a response. The European Union Election Observation Mission’s report on the 2018 general elections in Pakistan also highlighted the ECP’s failure to inform all entitled voters, including prisoners, about postal voting procedures.

Ms Zahid recalled that after several CNIC-related issues in 2013, a collaboration with Nadra was initiated to resolve such issues. Data provided by CWP indicated that a campaign was conducted in two prisons of Karachi and Hyderabad between Nov 2019 to Jan 2020. In this drive, out of 951 applications, over 100 were resolved.

However, in her words, it was unlikely that there had been any awareness campaign for prisoners’ verification in the last six months.

Source: Dawn News

 

[The Bald Eagle]

On a vibrant political landscape of Sindh, women politicians are taking the centre stage, actively engaging with their female voters, during the ongoing election campaigns.

Notable figures such as Nafisa Shah from Khairpur Mirs, Shazia Atta Marri from Sanghar, Faryal Talpur from Lakaran, all of the of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), besides Rahila Magsi of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) from Tando Allahyar, Dr Fehmida Mirza from Badin, and Sahira Bano from Sanghar have emerged as influential contenders in their constituencies.

Dr Azrah Fazal Pechuho, Nazia Bhatti, Afroze Shoro, Sanam Talpur, and several others are also vying for victory in the 2024 general elections, specifically from districts in the mid and lower regions of Sindh, where tribal influences hold a lesser sway.

The focal points of interest for political analysts lie in the intriguing contests unfolding in Badin, Tando Allahyar, Sanghar, Khairpur, and Larkano.

Dr Mirza, a former National Assembly speaker, who secured victory in the last three general elections in Badin, finds herself in a precarious position this time. Despite being part of the federal government under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Dr Mirza has struggled to mobilise her supporters effectively.

Badin-based journalist Mohammad Suleman attributes Dr Mirza’s weakened position to a delayed entry in the electoral fray. Suleman suggests that the Mirza family’s historical connection with their supporters has been a key factor in their previous victories, and this time, the dynamics would have been different had they commenced their campaign from the outset.

“Despite her late arrival, she holds a grip in Badin’s politics,” he said, adding her husband Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, could change the whole scenario within a few days.

Another factor contributing to Dr Mirza’s vulnerability is the GDA’s election symbol, which she did not receive. Hence she is standing as an independent candidate under the symbol of airplane, which poses additional challenges.

According to district observers, PPP’s Haji Rasool Bux Chandio is in a favourable position in Badin, and a victory for him could mark the end of the Mirza family’s decades-long reign. Despite holding power for over two decades, the Mirza family’s stronghold appears to be slipping.

In Tando Allahyar, Rahila Magsi, credited with the district’s establishment in 2005 during Pervez Musharraf’s tenure, faces a tough challenge. Initially joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, Magsi later joined the PML-N in 2013 and became a senator in 2015.

After parting ways with the PML-N following the Senate elections, last year she joined the GDA and is contesting for NA-211 and PS-58. When contacted, analyst Ashfaq Laghari spoke of her weakened position in the current elections. “I do not see if she contests general election this time,” he said.

Despite Magsi’s historical ties with the MQM in the urban areas, Laghari suggested that she might struggle to attract voters this time, with PPP dominating the district government and influential personalities supporting PPP candidates. PPP’s Zulfiqar Sattar Bachani is considered a strong contender, but the battle for the seat is expected to be challenging.

Shazia Atta Marri, a former federal minister, who gained attention during the floods in her constituency, is challenging the GDA’s male candidate in Sanghar, while GDA’s Sahira Bano contests against PPP’s male candidate in the same district.

Both women are regarded as strong candidates, and their active engagement in their areas adds an interesting dynamic to the elections. Bano, who previously held a seat in the Sindh Assembly on GDA’s women reserved seat, staunchly defends her party.

Analysts believe Marri could secure victory, but the spiritual connection of majority voters in her constituency with GDA’s head, Pir Pagaro, could impact the outcome. “It is an interesting election in this district and women politicians seem more active than male candidates,” commented Sanghar’s journalist Mohammad Ali.

Marri’s direct connection, especially with women workers, is seen as a potential game-changer, making the election in this district particularly intriguing, with women politicians displaying more activity than their male counterparts.

In Larkana, a stronghold of the PPP, Faryal Talpur, the provincial president for the party’s women’s wing, is in a favourable position, according to local residents. With her traditional rival, Amir Bux Bhutto, not contesting, and the Abro family offering indirect support, Talpur appears poised for an easy victory.

Political analyst Sheeraz Shaikh suggests that only the JUI-F stands a chance to compete with her, emphasising Talpur’s strategic engagement with local leaders.

Unfortunately, the northern districts of Sindh witness limited participation from prominent women politicians. Jacobabad-based journalist Junaid Zulfiqar attributes this to the tribal belt’s dynamics, where women’s involvement is constrained.

Women activist Prof Arfana Mallah emphasises the unfavourable scenario for women politicians in Sindh, noting that political parties typically allocate seats based on quotas. She urges parties to encourage middle-class and women workers to actively contest elections, particularly in rural areas, where women voters participate more actively but receive less political attention.

Comparing the urban-rural situation, Prof Mallah points out that woman voters in rural areas participate more actively than their urban counterparts, yet receive less attention in politics.

Discussing the tribal districts of Sindh, including Ghotki, Jacobabad, Kashmore-Kandhkot, and Shikarpur, Prof Mallah notes that tribal chiefs and their male followers do not support any woman in these areas, making it almost impossible for women to contest elections independently.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) senior leader Sunday brushed aside Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zaradri's "debate challenge" to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

"This is not a debatable subject. There's no match [between Nawaz and Bilawal]," Dar said while speaking on Geo News' programme "Naya Pakistan", as he referred to the PML-N supremo as a statesman and the PPP chief as a "child".

The politico's remarks come as the verbal showdown between the former allies has increased in recent weeks with both parties striving to gain political grounds in Punjab, especially Lahore, which has become the battleground for upcoming polls.

Bilawal, who has been leading the party's electoral campaign, has time again lambasted Nawaz for doing "politics of revenge" and even challenging him for a debate ahead of the upcoming February 8 elections.

"I invite the PM candidate of PML-N Nawaz Sharif to engage in a debate with me anytime, anywhere [...] Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates participate in televised debates, providing voters with crucial insights into their plans. This transparency is vital for an informed electorate ahead of the voting process," Bilawal said in a social media post.

However, the challenge was rebuffed by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif who maintained that the PPP chairman should've invited Nawaz to visit Sindh — where the Bilawal-led party has been in power since 2008.

In response, Bilawal invited the PML-N leader to visit Karachi, Khairpur District's Tehsil Gambat and Tharparkar, and see what his party has achieved in these areas.

When asked about the former foreign minister's remarks wherein he said that his party, if voted into power, would have anyone but Dar as finance minister, the PML-N senator said: "I would like to refrain from reacting to his comments."

"He [Bilawal] is like my child. I don't want to comment [on what he said], the PML-N leader said, adding that it would be inappropriate for him to stoop to Bilawal's level.

"This is the same Bilawal who on the floor [of the parliament] a few months back used to say that for him I'm Dar uncle," he noted.

His mother, Benazir Bhutto, used to ask him to greet me before going to his room, Dar noted. "This is nothing but politics," the PML-N senator said while lamenting that the political parties have stooped to a despicable level.

Taking a jibe at the PPP chairman, the former finance czar said that Bilawal is on record praising Nawaz and wanting to work under his experienced leadership.

His remarks refer to the PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, of which the PPP was a key coalition partner of, that came into power after ousting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Imran Khan-led government via a vote of no-confidence.

Source : Geo News

 

[Major]

How was the digital census conducted?

 

[Rana]

The guy’s ticket hasn’t been revoked

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Four people were killed and five others injured on Tuesday in southwestern Pakistan’s Sibi city, as a rally organized by former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party passed through a busy road, an official confirmed.

Sibi deputy commissioner Khuda e Rahim told Arab News an explosives-laden motorcycle exploded as scores of PTI supporters, who were taking part in the election rally, passed through the city’s Jinnah Road.

“Four people have been killed in the attack and five injured, who were referred to District Headquarters Hospital Sibi,” Rahim said. “It is premature to say the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf’s rally was targeted, but police teams have commenced their investigation,” he added.

Sibi’s district health officer, Dr. Imran Baloch, said the hospital received four bodies after the explosion. Five people were injured who were in stable condition, Baloch said.

PTI’s provincial additional secretary-general of Balochistan, Alam Khan Kakar, demanded authorities hold a fair investigation and arrest those responsible for the blast. He said the blast had targeted the party’s candidate in Sibi, Sadam Khan Tareen.

“Unfortunately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is not given a free ground for election activities across the country,” Kakar told Arab News.

“I request the Supreme Court to intervene against the countrywide crackdown against the PTI ahead of general elections,” he added.

The blast took place hours after a Pakistani court sentenced Khan and his deputy, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, to 10 years in prison on charges of leaking the contents of a secret diplomatic cable to unauthorized individuals.

Khan denies any wrongdoing and says that the cases against him are politically motivated to keep him away from elections.

Electioneering has gained momentum in Pakistan in recent weeks, with national polls scheduled to be held across the country on Feb. 8.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence, particularly in its western provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the weeks leading to national polls.

Two people were injured on Sunday evening in Mastung district in a grenade attack that targeted the National Party’s election office while another grenade and gun attack at the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) office in Turbat last week killed one police officer.

A spokesperson for the government said on Tuesday six militants had been killed in an operation launched by security forces against “coordinated attacks” while hospital officials reported five injured.

The attacks were claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), separatist militants, who stormed the small towns of Mach and Kolpur on Monday night with heavy weapons and rockets.

Gas-rich Balochistan province at the border with Afghanistan and Iran has been the scene of a low-level insurgency by Baloch nationalists for more than two decades. They initially wanted a share of provincial resources, but later demanded independence.

Source: Arab News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan election 2024: Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan reverse roles

Pakistan is in unprecedented times. Anger, disappointment, and hope are all intertwined.

This Muslim-majority country of 241 million is about to vote in a civilian parliament for the third time in a row. It is a first for a state where no prime minister has ever finished their term and, with a long history of military rule and dictatorship, it should be a moment to celebrate.

But the 8 February vote is still taking place in the shadows of alleged military interference.

No election in the country's history has been without its controversies, but this one seems to be racking up more than most - not least the fact one former prime minister sits behind bars, unable to stand, while another re-emerges from self-imposed exile, his criminal convictions swept away.

Here is what you need to know about the poll in Pakistan.

Why is this election important?

Pakistan is an arch-rival to India, shares volatile borders with Iran and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, has a love-hate relationship with the USA and is a close friend of China - whoever comes to power in this nuclear-armed state matters.

For the last few years, the country's politicians have been busy wrangling over who gets that power. They ousted Imran Khan, the last elected prime minister, in 2022 and replaced his administration with a coalition government.

That coalition was replaced by an unelected caretaker government last August, which should have held elections by November. After delays officials said were caused by the census, the vote is now going ahead.

What many think is needed now is stable government - not only to deal with things like the recent ***-for-tat missile strikes with Iran, which many feared might boil over into something worse, but also to continue to secure the financial aid and investment the government is so reliant on.

However, a quick look at the front runners suggests anything but stability.

This three-time prime minister did not stand in the 2018 election, for the simple fact he was in prison and was banned from running for office after a corruption scandal involving multimillion pound London apartments.

Six years later - following a period in exile in a luxury London flat - Sharif is back.

His PML-N party, under his brother's leadership, took control after Khan's ousting in 2022.

Meanwhile, in the last two months - just in time for the 2024 election - he has been cleared of all charges, the lifetime ban deemed unconstitutional.

Many speculate that the support he garnered from the military establishment and the judiciary, after a fallout with Khan, has paved the way for his potential fourth term as prime minister.

But Sharif knows well that the army can turn. His strained relations with them during his third stint in office, which began in 2013, were followed by his ousting. His second term was cut short by a military coup in 1999.

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, 71, will not be on this year's ballot, because this time he's the one behind bars during an election, serving a sentence he and his supporters decry as "politically motivated" and "a conspiracy".

His rise to power - and fall from grace - have both been attributed to the army, despite denials by both parties. His opponents in 2018 accused him of being their proxy, while his supporters allege the army chief is behind his jailing.

Back in 2018, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was portrayed as a change candidate, promising to end dynastic politics, ensure accountability of corrupt politicians, reform the judiciary and create jobs for young people as part of a revamped economy.

But under his rule, the economy collapsed, the cost of living soared, many of his political opponents were jailed, media freedoms were curbed and human rights violations and attacks against journalists increased.

Mr Khan was also widely criticised for giving a nod to signing a peace deal with the Pakistani Taliban that backfired, and for supporting Taliban rule in Afghanistan - not to mention controversial remarks justifying the violence against women in Pakistan and denial of education to girls in Afghanistan.

Some political analysts argue his support has dipped so much in recent years that he would have been defeated if an election had been held (as he called for) in 2023 - prison or no prison.

And yet, a Gallup poll - released in January 2024 - found he was still the most popular politician nationally, though Mr Sharif had closed the gap considerably in the last six months.

There are real concerns the PTI is not being given a fair chance to campaign. Many of its leaders are behind bars or have defected, its candidates are having to stand as independents and others are on the run. The party was also stripped of its cricket bat symbol, essential to help millions of illiterate voters choose where to mark their ballots.

At just 35, Bhutto-Zardari is the chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which came third at the last election.

But then that should come as little surprise in a country where dynastic politicians are the norm, rather than the exception.

The Oxford-educated son of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto - assassinated in 2007 - and former president Asif Ali Zardari, he served as foreign minister during the coalition government which followed Imran Khan's ousting.

Now, he and his party have produced a manifesto making a series of expensive pledges, like doubling wages, claiming the budget could be found through government cuts and subsidies for the wealthy.

It is unlikely the party will win the chance to enact these policies. But political pundits have suggested it could end up a kingmaker in a governing alliance.

However, speaking to the BBC, he said he felt that a decision between the PMLN and PTI put him "between the devil and the deep blue sea".

What will the winner be facing?

To those looking at the 2024 election, it may appear not much has changed from six years before. Scores of candidates disqualified, jailed or coerced away from standing, journalists harassed and targeted, media on its knees and only social platforms active against a judicial-military nexus apparently supporting a chosen leader.

But in many ways, things are worse. The public is seeking relief from the chaotic politics, increasing inflation, collapsing economy and worsening security situation.

For the electorate, fights between the political elite matter little in comparison to actually reducing inflation, creating jobs for young people and securing investment for Pakistan's long term future.

Whoever takes control in February will be facing a long to-do list.

BBC​

 

[FearlessRoar]

Yes, they win elections by speaking against each other, and after the elections, they become allies

===========================================

Former president Asif Ali Zardari has said that the People’s Party could enter in alliance with any party after elections, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

In an informal conversation with his visitors, Zardari said that he was working on a strategy for Bilawal Bhutto to become prime minister of the country.

“It has been decided that the party that will win the majority, will be offered first opportunity to form its government,” PPP co-chairman said.

“The independents would become important for all parties,” Zardari said.

“The PPP will win more seats across the country this time in comparison to the past,” he claimed. “It will win representation in all four provinces,” he said.

“Bilawal is correct when he is saying that mothers or sisters of anyone should not be sent to jail,” PPP leader said. “A wrong tradition was set in the past when me and my sister were sent to jail,” he said.

“There will be no political prisoner in country if Bilawal Bhutto becomes prime minister,” he promised. “Anyone commits a crime has to face trial in court,” Zardari said.

“We will set good traditions after coming into power. There were no political prisoners when I was the president,” he said. “The People’s Party don’t believe in political victimization like others,” he added.

Source: ARY

PPP could enter in alliance with any party after election: Asif Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari has said that the People's Party could enter in alliance with any party after elections, ARY News reported on

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

As many as 38 former lawmakers from various parties are vying for 22 seats in the National Assembly in Karachi, while two senators are also throwing their hats into the ring. A total of 1,981 candidates are also in the fray for the upcoming general elections.

As per details, former PPP MNA Jam Abdul Kareem Bajar will face off against Qadir Bakhsh of the PML-N in NA-229. A tough contest is expected in NA-230 between former MNA Syed Rafiullah and Haji Muzaffar Ali Shajra of the PML-N. In NA-231, a challenging contest awaits between former MNA Abdul Hakeem Baloch and Captain (retd) Jameel Ahmed Khan. Khan, who won the 2018 election from the same constituency on a PTI ticket, is now a nominee of the PML-N.

In NA-232, a fierce contest is expected between MQM-Pakistan's Asia Ishaq, JUP Imam Noorani Group's candidate Muhammad Owais Siddique, and independent candidate Adeel Ahmed. Siddiqui also has the backing of the PML-N and the PPP.

In NA-233, former MQM-Pakistan MPA Javed Hanif Khan will contest for the National Assembly seat against PPP's Nida Asim, Jamaat-e-Islami's Abdul Jameel Khan, Mahajir Qaumi Movement's Syed Rafiuddin, and PML-N's Zainul Abidin Ansari.

In NA-234, MQM-Pakistan's Muhammad Moin Amir Pirzada, TLP's Abdul Sattar, and independent candidate Faheem Khan will engage in the electoral battle, while in NA-235, MQM's Muhammad Iqbal Khan, PPP's Muhammad Asif Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami's Merajul Huda Siddiqui, and independent candidate Saifur Rahman are expected to have a close contest.

In NA-236, MQM-Pakistan's Hasaan Sabir, Jamaat-e-Islami's Muhammad Osama Razi Khan, and independent candidate Muhammad Alamgir Khan will be in the electoral fray. In NA-237, MQM-Pakistan's Abdul Rauf Siddiqui, PPP's Asad Alam Niazi, PML-N's Rehan Qaiser Shaikh, and independent candidate Zahooruddin Mehsud, while in NA-238, MQM-Pakistan's Sadiq Iftikhar, IPP's Mahmood Baqi Maulvi, and independent candidate Haleem Adil Shaikh will be in the run.

In NA-239, PPP's Nabeel Gabol, TLP's Sharjeel Gopalani, and independent candidate Abdul Shakoor, while in NA-240, PPP's Senator Salim Mandviwala and MQM-Pakistan's Arshad Abdullah Wahra will face a tough election battle.

In NA-241, a tough contest is expected between MQM-Pakistan's Farooq Sattar, PPP's Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, and PTI-backed independent candidate Khurram Sher Zaman. In NA-242, MQM-Pakistan's Mustafa Kamal, PPP's Qadir Mandokhail, and PML-N's Ghulam Shoaib are expected to face each other.

In NA-243, PPP's Abdul Qadir Patel, PML-N's Akhtar Hussain Jadoon, and MQM-Pakistan's Humayun Sultan, in NA-244, MQM-Pakistan's Farooq Sattar, Jamaat-e-Islami's Irfan Ahmed, and PPP's Abdul Bari, in NA-245, Syed Hafeezuddin of MQM-Pakistan and Muhammad Ishaq Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami, while in NA-246, a tight contest is expected between Aminul Haq of MQM-Pakistan and Hafiz Naeemur Rahman of Jamaat-e-Islami.

In NA-247, MQM-Pakistan's Khawaja Izharul Hasan, Jamaat-e-Islami's Munim Zafar, TLP's Muhammad Farooq, and independent candidate Syed Abbas Hasnain, in NA-248, MQM-Pakistan's convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Jamaat-e-Islami's Muhammad Babar Khan, and independent candidate Arsalan Khalid, in NA-249, MQM-Pakistan's Ahmed Salim Siddiqui, Jamaat-e-Islami's Mian Muslim Parvez, and independent candidate Aziz Ali Khan, while in NA-250 MQM-Pakistan's Farhan Chishti, Jamaat-e-Islami's Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, and independent candidate Muhammad Riaz Haider are expecting to have a tough battle

Source: Express Tribune

38 ex-lawmakers vie for 22 NA seats | The Express Tribune

Total of 1,981 candidates are also in fray for upcoming general elections

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

With the General Elections barely a week away, many political parties and independent candidates have magnified the scale and vehemence of their political campaigning drives by hiring sound trucks for publicizing their manifestos to more and more people across residential areas however, the ebullient strategy for garnering votes has blatantly ruined the sleep of school going children and the peace of bedridden elderly.

For instance, Hina, a resident of Kemari, expressed her concerns for the health of her sick, elderly mother, who was constantly disturbed by the trumpeting sounds of the sound truck passing across their house. “My mother is a patient of chronic hypertension and clinical depression. Since the past few days her condition has aggravated due to the loud noises emanating from the campaigning sound trucks,” complained Hina, who urged political parties to show sensitivity to the concerns of the public and lower the volumes of the speakers during the campaigning drives.

Similarly, Kamran, a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, alluded to the fact that blaring party anthems played on sound trucks not only disturbed the peace of the sick and the elderly but also pestered school going children. “Children cannot sleep at night due to the noisy announcements and blasting music of sound trucks,” lamented Kamran, who haplessly discerned that citizens will have to endure these conditions until Election Day.

According to Asghar, a transport service provider, and Muhammad Ali, a sound system seller, several mainstream parties including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), and Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JIP) among other parties and candidates have hired the services of sound trucks for a last minute amplification of their election campaigns. “Party flags and candidate pictures are displayed on these trucks, which play the anthems and manifestos of the party through echo systems across different localities from 5pm onwards until midnight,” revealed Ali.

In addition to the concerns of disturbed residents, auditory experts like Professor Dr. Abdul Razzaq Dogar, Head of the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Department at the Jinnah Hospital also expressed their worries for the hearing capacities of the individuals constantly exposed to the blaring noise of sound trucks.

“Nowadays, various parties are using echo sound systems for their election campaigns. The range of sound in a normal conversation between two people remains between 30 to 40 decibels. The human ear cannot tolerate any sound above 80 decibels. When these sound trucks play their songs and announcements, they usually keep the volume full, and the sound level crosses 100 decibels in no time. This can badly affect the eardrum and ear bones of the listeners, and if the sound is continuously loud, their hearing ability may be hampered too since the ear is a very sensitive part of the body and it is important to take care of it. Furthermore, loud noises can also elevate the levels of anger among people, who start becoming readily flustered,” alerted Dr Dogar, who further requested all contesting parties and independent candidates to take note of these hazards during their campaigning drives on sound trucks.

Speaking to the Express Tribune on the matter, the local spokespersons of the MQM-P, JIP and PPP conceded to the claims that vehicles equipped with sound systems were being used for their election campaigns. “We have instructed the sound truck drivers to limit the volume of the sound systems so that the public is not disturbed,” they assured.

On the other hand the spokesperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) claimed that no such sound trucks were used in their publicity campaigns.

Source: Express Tribune

Campaigning sound trucks spread nuisance | The Express Tribune

Music, announcements delivered through high pitched sound systems have disturbed the peace of residents

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Election Commission of Pakistan has summoned an emergency meeting amid deteriorating law and order conditions ahead of the election 2024.

“The ECP has called an emergency meeting tomorrow (Thursday, February 1) at 3:00pm in the wake of worsening law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ahead of the general elections 2024,” the electoral watchdog said in a statement on Wednesday.

High-ranking officials from Balochistan and KP’s including caretaker interior ministers, home secretaries, chief secretaries and Inspector General of Police (IGPs) will participate in the meeting, it added

The ECP has also invited officials of the intelligence agencies to participate in the emergency meeting.

Meanwhile, the ECP postponed elections on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s National Assembly’s NA-8 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PK-22 constituencies after a PTI-affiliated candidate was gunned down earlier today.

Rehan Zeb Khan, who was contesting from NA-8 and PK-22, was shot dead in KP’s Bajaur district while travelling to Sadeeqabad Phatak for election campaign when unidentified assailants opened fire on him.

Source: AAJ News

ECP calls emergency meeting over worsening law and order situation

A PTI-affiliated candidate was shot dead in KP's Bajaur

www.aajenglish.tv

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Is this how the election campaigns will be conducted now??

 

[BouncerGuy]

There will be no individual party victory this time as well in the Pakistan election. A 2/3rd majority is not a chance for any party. There will be another crippled and khichri type of government formed backed by some particular guys and the whole situation of the economy and poor people in Pakistan will remain the same.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Interim Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has said general elections will take place in the country on Feb 8 “no matter what happens”.

“Elections are on Feb 8,” he said while speaking to the media after attending a high-level meeting called by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to overview the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

“No one should have any doubt regarding the elections,” Ejaz said, adding that the ECP and the caretaker government would ensure that the elections take place on Feb 8.

Source: Dawn

Interior minister says elections to take place on Feb 8 ‘no matter what happens’

Interim Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has said that elections will take place on Feb 8 no matter what happens....

www.dawn.com

 

[Bewal Express]

He should have said that Establishment will decide and i am just here to make money.

Interim Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has said general elections will take place in the country on Feb 8 “no matter what happens”.

“Elections are on Feb 8,” he said while speaking to the media after attending a high-level meeting called by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to overview the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

“No one should have any doubt regarding the elections,” Ejaz said, adding that the ECP and the caretaker government would ensure that the elections take place on Feb 8.

Source: Dawn

Interior minister says elections to take place on Feb 8 ‘no matter what happens’

Interim Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has said that elections will take place on Feb 8 no matter what happens....

www.dawn.com

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja has said that there is no possibility of postponing elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Sikandar Sultan Raja, speaking informally to journalists after the Election Commission meeting, said that it had been decided in the meeting that the elections would be held on February 8.

He said that the Election Commission has provided a level playing field to all political parties, using the Election Management System (EMS) instead of RTS for transparent elections.

It should be noted as an important meeting in view of the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Bolochistan.

Earlier, the ECP has stopped the caretaker federal government from reforming the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Advertisement
Earlier, the Federal Cabinet meeting chaired by the Caretaker Prime Minister where the Cabinet approved the summary of FBR restructuring and reforms.

However, the Election Commission of Pakistan stopped the caretaker federal government from reforming the FBR.

Source: Bol News

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced a public holiday on February 8, the day general elections are scheduled to be held in the country.

A notification issued by the electoral watchdog stated that all workplaces including offices and educational institutes - both public and private - will remain closed on the day.

The election body stated that the decision had been taken to ensure a positive voter turnout on polling day, with voting scheduled to commence at 8am and end at 6pm.

Earlier, the ECP released the polling blueprint for the polls slated for February 8.

In a detailed breakdown, the ECP announced the establishment of 90,675 polling stations nationwide. Among these, 522 are situated in non-permanent structures.

Of the total polling stations, 25,320 are designated for male voters, 23,950 for female voters, and 41,405 as joint polling stations.

The polling scheme delineates that the province of Punjab boasts 50,944 polling stations, with 35 of them strategically located in non-permanent buildings.

Out of these stations, 14,556 will be for men, and 14,036 for women, while 22,352 polling stations would be for both men and women.

Similarly, Sindh has 14,556 polling stations, including 344 housed in non-permanent structures while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will house a total of 15,697 polling stations have been established, with 73 housed in non-permanent buildings.

Balochistan, with 5,028 polling stations, has 70 constructed in non-permanent buildings.

The ECP revealed that out of the 276,402 polling booths erected nationwide, 147,560 are designated for male voters, and 127,842 for female voters. This strategic distribution aims to facilitate a smooth and accessible voting experience for citizens across the country.

Breaking down the booth statistics, Punjab leads with 149,434 booths, followed by Sindh with 65,005 booths, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 47,081 booths, and Balochistan with 14,882 booth.

The ECP has introduced a WhatsApp helpline, aiming to offer citizens a platform to voice their poll-related grievances.

With over 128 million voters set to cast their ballots on February 8, and a record number of candidates vying for positions, the electoral body’s move aims to address the need for a streamlined communication channel during this crucial electoral period.

The newly launched WhatsApp helpline, accessible through the number 0327 5050610, particularly caters to individuals with speech and hearing impairments, allowing them to submit their complaints through video messages.

The initiative is part of the Election Monitoring and Complaint Centre (EMCC) set up by the ECP to effectively manage and address voters' concerns in the lead-up to the general elections. The move is expected to significantly enhance accessibility and responsiveness in handling complaints.

In addition to WhatsApp, the ECP has provided alternative channels for lodging complaints. Citizens can submit their grievances via email at complaints@ecp.gov.pk or through the dedicated helpline at 111-327-000, ensuring multiple avenues for communication.

To streamline the complaint registration process, control rooms have been established at the ECP secretariat, as well as at provincial, divisional, and district-level offices. These control rooms will play a crucial role in handling the registration and resolution of complaints from concerned citizens.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Caretaker Government of Pakistan has allocated a budget of Rs 47.4 billion for the general election scheduled to be held on February 08, 2024, ARY News reported on Thursday, citing sources.

Sources close to the development revealed that the federal government allocated a budget of Rs 47.4 billion for the general election of 2024, out of which Rs 15 billion will be spent on the security of general elections.

Sources indicated that Rs 4.83 billion will be used for printing ballot papers and Rs 270 million will be spent on voter lists whereas Rs 1.89 billion will spent on the training wing and Rs 500 million on media coordination.

Additionally, the government allocated Rs 20.4 million in admin expenses and Rs 5.6 billion for project management units and voting.

The government has allocated Rs 1 billion for allocated to honorees for the elections, while Rs 9.65 billion for election in Punjab, Rs 3.65 billion for Sindh, Rs 3.95 billion for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Rs 1.11 billion for Balochistan.

Source: Ary News

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Jamiat Ulemae Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has announced withdraw its candidates from three constituencies of Karachi in favour of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), ARY News reported.

As per reports, the JUI-F withdrew its candidates from NA-232, PS-90 and PS-91 after the MQM-P delegation visited its office in Shah Faisal Town. JUI-F’s Qazi Muhammad Idrees withdrew from NA-232 in favour of MQM-P’s Asia Ishaq.

JUI-F’s Janab Muhammad stepped down in favour of MQM-P’s Muhammad Abu Bakar. The MQM-P’s candidate Shariq Jamal also managed to get the JUI-F’s support in PS-90.

Earlier on January 16, the MQM-P managed to get the support of Jamiat Ulemae Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on another provincial assembly constituency from Karachi.

Both the parties strike seat adjustment on PS-99 as JUI-F’s nominee Babar Qamar has withdrawn in favour of the MQM-P candidate. The JUI-F announced to support Farhan Ansari of the MQM-P from PS-99.

Babar Qamar and Farhan Ansari in their meeting also discussed issues of the constituency.

Source: Ary News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Jamiat Ulemae Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has announced withdraw its candidates from three constituencies of Karachi in favour of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), ARY News reported.

As per reports, the JUI-F withdrew its candidates from NA-232, PS-90 and PS-91 after the MQM-P delegation visited its office in Shah Faisal Town. JUI-F’s Qazi Muhammad Idrees withdrew from NA-232 in favour of MQM-P’s Asia Ishaq.

JUI-F’s Janab Muhammad stepped down in favour of MQM-P’s Muhammad Abu Bakar. The MQM-P’s candidate Shariq Jamal also managed to get the JUI-F’s support in PS-90.

Earlier on January 16, the MQM-P managed to get the support of Jamiat Ulemae Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on another provincial assembly constituency from Karachi.

Both the parties strike seat adjustment on PS-99 as JUI-F’s nominee Babar Qamar has withdrawn in favour of the MQM-P candidate. The JUI-F announced to support Farhan Ansari of the MQM-P from PS-99.

Babar Qamar and Farhan Ansari in their meeting also discussed issues of the constituency.

Source: Ary News

This one is called "zabardasti k jor tor" because JUIF knows there is not even a chance in karachi so why not do some political point scoring here.

 

[BouncerGuy]

JUI is like a shopper bag, where the wind goes they go. Pathetic one of them all.

 

[BouncerGuy]

JUI-F to support Chaudhry Nisar in NA-53

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) on Thursday announced to support former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in NA-53 and in return got support from him in the provincial assembly seat of PP-19 in the garrison city.

The decision was announced at a press conference by JUI-F district emir Dr Ziaur Rehman at Jamia Islamia Mosque Kamran Market, Saddar.

However, Chaudhry Nisar, once a close aide to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and opposition leader in National Assembly from 2008 to 2013, did not arrive at the press conference and sent his secretary Sheikh Sajid instead.

When contacted, JUI-F Rawalpindi chapter’s Hafiz Ziaullah Khan said Chaudhry Nisar had to attend a funeral prayer in his constituency so he changed the plan on Thursday morning.

The nomination papers of the JUI-F candidate for NA-53 were rejected by the returning officer and the party had no other option but to support a suitable candidate. But in return, it got support of Chaudhry Nisar in PP-19, consisting of Dhoke Munshi, Chaklala and adjoining areas.

JUI-F to support Chaudhry Nisar in NA-53

Nisar vows to support JUI-F in PP-19 in return.

www.dawn.com

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari vs Ataullah Tarar​

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is contesting the 2024 general elections from three NA constituencies: two from his home province of Sindh and one from NA-127 Lahore in what will be his electoral debut in Punjab. In Lahore, he will be facing PML-N firebrand Ataullah Tarar as well as Chaudhry Shabbir Gujjar — an independent associated with the PTI.

Despite Bilawal’s stature in Pakistani politics, he has yet to personally win an electoral battle outside the comfort zone of Larkana. In 2018, his attempt for NA seats in Karachi and Malakand was thwarted. For this reason alone, his decision to try his luck in the uncharted waters of Lahore is an even bigger risk.

Tarar has already criticised Bilawal’s foray into Lahore, saying, “What kind of significant project had been completed in Karachi that you (Bilawal) now make your way to Lahore? How dare they (PPP) come to Lahore?”

“Lahore is the stronghold of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. The people of the city love Nawaz Sharif. PML-N had clinched victory in Lahore even in difficult circumstances,” the former SAPM said.

Bilawal has remained undeterred in his speeches, and urged the people of Lahore to vote for the PPP, saying, “For the last 30 years, a party (PML-N) has ruled Lahore, but its condition is worse than any other city in the country. That party, in fact, represented the elite and not the common man, and therefore, it served only the former’s interests.

“On the contrary, the PPP is a party representing all segments of society and works for their welfare,” he said.

Maryam Nawaz vs Mian Abaad Farooque vs Iftikhar Shahid

One of the most anticipated battles will be seen in Lahore’s NA-119 where Maryam Nawaz, the apparent political heir of three-time premier Nawaz, will be contesting the general elections for the first time this year against Mian Abaad Farooque of the PTI and Iftikhar Shahid of the PPP.

The last time polls were held in 2018, Maryam was given party tickets for one National Assembly and one Punjab Assembly seat. But ahead of the elections, Maryam, along with Nawaz and her husband, was convicted in the Avenfield reference, in which she was accused of being “instrumental in concealment of the properties of her father” and given a seven-year prison term.

She was subsequently disqualified from contesting elections for a decade.

Ali Musa Gilani vs Mehr Bano Qureshi

The rivalry between the Qureshis and the Gilanis goes back decades long before any elections as both are ‘spiritual’ families. In Multan, as in many rural parts of the country, the Makhdooms are seen as intercessors. Their status, as custodians of revered local shrines, can also lend candidates an advantage in the “city of saints”.

This year PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s daughter Mehr Bano Qureshi will face PPP’s Ali Musa Gilani — son of former PM Yousuf Raza Gilani in Multan’s NA-151.

Source : The Express Tribune

 

[The Bald Eagle]

A proposal to suspend cellular and internet services in sensitive areas on February 8, the day when Pakistanis will vote to elect the new assembly, has come to light, ARY News reported, citing sources.

The proposal was put forward during the ECP’s meeting held to review the law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The sources privy to the development said, the proposal to subspend internet and mobile services in sensitive areas of the country during the general elections 2024 was forward.

The meeting also discussed the security of the election candidates, while CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja expressed concerns over increasing attacks on political gatherings in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Read more: Elections 2024 to be held on time: CEC

In a press statement after the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja said that those who are trying obstruct the polls by disturbing the peace would be dealt with strictly.

“There should be no confusion or misunderstanding as the General Elections 2024 will be held on time,” the CEC made it clear. He said that terrorism is the biggest enemy of the electoral process.

Sikandar Sultan Raja said that despite the security challenges, the ECP is fully prepared to hold the elections on February 8. The CEC also expressed full confidence in the law enforcement agencies.

Source: Ary News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Winning hand of king's party

The result management system in Pakistan – which remains a festering source of most electoral controversies – seems to have a mind of its own, leaving most voters scratching their heads at the end of the polling day and election outcomes shrouded in mystery.

The “king’s party” ends up playing a winning hand, snagging more seats than its fair slice of the voting pie.

Regardless of candidates' meticulous calculations and prevailing conditions, the outcome of elections seems to defy both logic and proportional representation.

The number of votes for mainstream parties frequently fails to align harmoniously with the seats they secure.

In this political chessboard where the establishment pulls out all the stops, a comprehensive analysis of the last four elections reveals a pattern where the “king’s party” bags more seats than its proportionate vote share on the polling day.

The establishment's playbook includes deft pre-poll and post-poll strategies, including seat adjustments, vote division using "manufactured" smaller parties, and the creation of splinter groups, to influence results in favour of particular parties.

Notably, none of the major political parties forming the government after the last four elections managed to secure more than 33 per cent of the total cast votes, allowing ample room for establishment manoeuvres.

When traditional methods prove insufficient, rejected votes become a strategic tool, especially in closely contested races.

Rejected votes in many cases surpass the margin between the winner and the runner-up, and this trend is on the rise with each election.

2002 general elections

Examining the 2002 elections under then-military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) emerged as the largest party with 78 seats.

This happened despite the fact that they secured fewer votes than the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which participated in the elections under the banner of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P).

The opposition vote was further neutralised through alliances, with smaller pro-establishment groups securing seats beyond their vote share.

The PPP had bagged more votes compared to the PML-Q.

The king’s party, the PML-Q, had received 7.5 million votes compared to PPP’s 7.6 million.
The PPP could get 63 general seats.

Nawaz Sharif’s broken PML-N secured 3.4 million votes, which by percentage of votes was 12 per cent of the total polled votes, and bagged only 15 seats.

This opposition vote was neutralised through a new alliance of some smaller pro-establishment groups contested on the platform of National Alliance, which got 1.3 million votes (five per cent), but it bagged 13 seats.

Most of the 28 independents joined the PML-Q, strengthening the party's tally to increase its number for reserved seats for women and non-Muslims.

When the PML-Q and the National Alliance still could not make the required numbers, a new splinter group from PPP-P comprising many of the party's stalwarts from Punjab was created with the name Pakistan Peoples Party-Patriots to join the coalition government.

In the 2002 elections, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) had bagged only 3.3 million votes (11 per cent) but secured 45 general seats.

The MMA served as friendly opposition and helped pass a constitutional amendment package Legal Framework Order (LFO) that validated all the actions of the military ruler.



2008 general elections

In the 2008 elections, held amid the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto and the declining rule of General Musharraf, of the 80.7 million voters in the electoral rolls, 35.6 million polled their votes with 44 per cent turnout.

The PML-Q was not the first choice of the powerful quarters this time. Led by Asif Zardari, the PPP secured 10.6 million votes which was 30.7 per cent of the total votes polled across the country on the election day. With 89 general seats, it emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly.

On the other hand, the PML-Q this time bagged 7.9 million votes (23 per cent) but it could muster only 42 general seats while the PML-N though secured 6.9 million votes (20 per cent), however its tally of seats was 68- showcasing a discrepancy in proportionate votes versus seats.

Later on, the PML-Q had to join the PPP-led coalition government which was initially formed with the help of independents and smaller groups.

2013 general elections

The trend continued in the 2013 elections, which saw 55 per cent turnout.

Imran Khan-led PTI for the first time emerged as a serious contender.

On the polling day, the PML-N bagged 14.7 million votes with the highest percentage of the last four elections - 32.7 per cent of the total votes and secured 124 seats in the lower house of parliament.

The PTI secured second highest 7.7 million votes (17 per cent) and bagged 26 general seats while the PPP though had 6.9 million votes (15 per cent), it bagged 31 general seats – again a discrepancy in proportionate votes versus seats.

Similarly, the combined tally of votes of the PPP and the PTI was almost the same as the PML-N, but if one combines their number of seats, they were much less, emphasising the disparities.

2018 general election

The 2018 elections witnessed a shift in establishment preferences, favouring Imran Khan's PTI.

Of 106 million registered voters across the country, 51.7 percent polled their votes.

Imran’s PTI emerged as the largest party bagging 16.9 million (32 per cent) votes, securing 116 general seats. The PML-N which had falling out with the powerful quarters secured 12.9 million votes (24 per cent), however its number of general seats was only 64, while the PPP with 6.9 million votes (13 per cent) secured 43 general seats in the lower house.



Role of 'manufactured parties' and independents

In every election, novel strategies are employed to influence outcomes.

Independents consistently play a pivotal role, securing the fourth or fifth-largest votes and seats in the last four general elections.

In 2002, independents secured nine per cent of the total votes with 29 seats, supporting the king's party (PML-Q).
Religious party alliances, like the MMA, served as friendly opposition to facilitate smooth governance for the ruling party.
In 2008, besides other factors, including inside tussle with powerful quarters, sudden power and gas outrages affected the PML-Q vote while Benazir’s assignation had mustard sympathy for the PPP.

In 2013, the PPP had to suffer due to poor performance and was limited to Sindh.

The media campaign against the party, corruption charges, and general law and order in the country did not allow the PPP to campaign freely tilting the edge for the PML-N.

In the 2018 elections, the PTI was facilitated in every manner to ensure its victory.

Many electable from South Punjab were conjured in a "manufactured alliance" tagged as “Janoobi Punjab Mahaz” to later join hands with Imran’s party to form the government.

Khadim Rizvi’s Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was there to dent the PML-N which had lost the blessings of the establishment.

Campaigning on the blasphemy card played against the PML-N, as it is estimated that the TLP cost the PML-N at least 15 seats in the National Assembly.

Still short of numbers, the PTI had to rely on smaller pro-establishment groups like MQM, PML-Q, BAP, GDA and independents to form a fragile government which crumbled when these groups withdrew their support.

Of 13 independents who secured 11 per cent of the votes, the majority joined the PTI.

In 2008, around 30 MNAs were elected as independents securing nine per cent of the votes while in 2013, 29 independents got elected securing 14 per cent votes.

These independents had a crucial role to play in the formation of the PPP and the PML-N’s respective governments at the Centre.

Rejected votes

Despite perceived increasing awareness about the election process, the percentage of rejected votes has steadily risen.

In 2002, approximately 2.5 per cent of the votes were rejected; in 2008, 2.7 per cent; in 2013, it was 3.11 per cent, reaching 3.13 per cent in the 2018 elections.

Though seemingly a small percentage, rejected votes have had a significant impact on results, changing outcomes in many constituencies.

In the 2018 elections, 1.6 million votes were rejected, influencing results in at least 30 National Assembly constituencies.

In many constituencies, the number of rejected ballots was greater than the margin of victory during the last four elections.

ECP’s election management system

While technology was expected to enhance the integrity of elections, this has not been the case in our situation.

In the 2013 elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) implemented a system that captured the thumb impressions of each voter to prevent fraudulent voting.

However, when the results faced scrutiny, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) system struggled to trace a significant number of contested thumb impressions, citing various technical reasons.

In 2018, the ECP introduced what it called an integrated ‘Result Transmission System’ (RTS) which crumbled within a few hours after the vote count started.

For the 2024 elections, the ECP is introducing a new system tagged ‘Election Management System’ (EMS), developed by a private company, to compile results electronically along with manual count.

The ECP had its first large-scale mock test of the new system only a week ago – around two weeks before the polling day.

It is to be seen how successful the new system would prove in bringing transparency in vote count.

As Pakistan braces for the upcoming elections, understanding these intricacies becomes crucial in deciphering the political chessboard where manoeuvring and strategy shape electoral outcomes.
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SOURCE: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455418/winning-hand-of-kings-party