[VIDEO] Are General Elections likely in the coming few months?

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: A couple of marathon meetings of the country’s civilian and military high command took an extremely unfavourable view of the PTI’s ongoing protest movement, terming the party “a gang of miscreants trained by banned organisations rather than a political party” and vowing to proceed against it as per law.

The huddles decided to take stern action against the protesting leaders and workers of the PTI who, when Imran Khan was supposed to appear before a court hearing the Toshakhana case, “brutally beat police personnel, set official vehicles on fire, used petrol bombs against police and created unrest”.

The first meeting, chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, was attended by ministers and representatives of ruling coalition partners and lasted around five hours. The second meeting, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the media on Monday night, lasted an hour and was also attended by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

‘BUDGET FOR NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS TO BE ALLOCATED IN JUNE’

Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Monday that the fiscal budget for the next general elections would be allocated in June 2023.

Talking to the media outside the Supreme Court’s building, he said the voice raised by the media and politicians should be heard by the judges of the Supreme Court to constitute a full-court bench.

He further said the Supreme Court should give them (political parties) chance to present their viewpoint, the state news agency reported.

Kaira also stressed holding parleys to resolve this political quagmire. ”We are continuously saying to resolve political issues through negotiation,” he stressed.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary-General Asad Umar lambasted the government over the ‘refusal of funds’ for elections.

As per details, the Vice Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Shah Mahmood Qureshi and PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar talked to the media outside the Supreme court.

Asad Umar said that the government of atomic power has no funds for elections.

ARY

 

[Major]

There you go, SC saved the constitution, and we dont mind, thats their job.

Unlike PTI fans who think SC only credible when decision is in their favor, and when decision is against PTI than same fans doubt the credibility of SC. ) Hypocrites

 

[saeedhk]

This was expected. Good decision.

 

[Bewal Express]

The CJP has shown some balls by standing with the constitution and against the mafia led by the Generals. If only the CJP had done this last year, the disaster of these clowns would have been avoided and PK would have been in far better position than the meltdown we have seen

 

[Bewal Express]

There you go, SC saved the constitution, and we dont mind, thats their job.

Unlike PTI fans who think SC only credible when decision is in their favor, and when decision is against PTI than same fans doubt the credibility of SC. ) Hypocrites

Its great that you are celebrating the upholding of the law but from whom did it need saving. The SC saved the constitution from whom? The mafia? But who do support, the mafia. And the elections werent in the 90 days, more like a 120 days. So even the SC broke the constitution

 

[Major]

Its great that you are celebrating the upholding of the law but from whom did it need saving. The SC saved the constitution from whom? The mafia? But who do support, the mafia. And the elections werent in the 90 days, more like a 120 days. So even the SC broke the constitution

Na, SC gave it some justification where the extra days period were covered in litigation.

But you are right, this can create issues in future elections.

 

[Major]

The CJP has shown some balls by standing with the constitution and against the mafia led by the Generals. If only the CJP had done this last year, the disaster of these clowns would have been avoided and PK would have been in far better position than the meltdown we have seen

CJP followed the constitution last year.

Any other decision last year would had been against the constitution,

 

[Bewal Express]

CJP followed the constitution last year.

Any other decision last year would had been against the constitution,

No he didn't. He isn't allowed to interfere in the rulings of the speaker-Article 63a. Its not as if IK had run from the people, he called an election. Look at the attack on the SC judges by the mafia. He hasn't made IK PM, he called an election which is what IK did last year

 

[Major]

No he didn't. He isn't allowed to interfere in the rulings of the speaker-Article 63a. Its not as if IK had run from the people, he called an election. Look at the attack on the SC judges by the mafia. He hasn't made IK PM, he called an election which is what IK did last year

bro plz understand the branches of govt. Judiciary is aprt of the govt, and its judiciarys job to interpret the law, especially the constitution.

Last year, the judge made sure that the constitution was followed. Speaker isn't above judiciary.

 

[MenInG]

OK have been watching this thread since my morning and frankly speaking some of the posts and the rudeness is above charts

You guys can either learn to speak properly or dont post in this thread.

If I see more of these types of posts we will restrict your access to TimePass.

 

[Bewal Express]

bro plz understand the branches of govt. Judiciary is aprt of the govt, and its judiciarys job to interpret the law, especially the constitution.

Last year, the judge made sure that the constitution was followed. Speaker isn't above judiciary.

The mafia pressurised the CJP and the SC. Article 63a disallowed the interference and its not as IK was running from an election, he would stopped the disaster that has unfolded at the hands of the mafia.

 

[Major]

The mafia pressurised the CJP and the SC. Article 63a disallowed the interference and its not as IK was running from an election, he would stopped the disaster that has unfolded at the hands of the mafia.

umm, again, govt has three branches which includes judiciary and judiciary job is to interpret the law. THe constitution was interpreted that night, just like how the constitution was again interpretted today.

Speaker is a political appointe, a speaker never over rules the Judiciary especially in the case of constitutional crises. Also, during the same night, Qaiser and the other guy whose name i forgot would had not resigned or ran had it not been a constitutional crises. At the last minuted as the day ended they had to resign as they knew the court had final standing on it.

PLz understand the three branches of govt.

 

[Bewal Express]

umm, again, govt has three branches which includes judiciary and judiciary job is to interpret the law. THe constitution was interpreted that night, just like how the constitution was again interpretted today.

Speaker is a political appointe, a speaker never over rules the Judiciary especially in the case of constitutional crises. Also, during the same night, Qaiser and the other guy whose name i forgot would had not resigned or ran had it not been a constitutional crises. At the last minuted as the day ended they had to resign as they knew the court had final standing on it.

PLz understand the three branches of govt.

The constitution was interpreted but wrongly and under duress. Bajwa forced the courts to open at midnight,Minullah admitted that it was done to prevent Martial Law. This time the CJP took a stance against the mafia and to my surprise, he told them to get stuffed. He was wrong last year, he should have let the elections happen and all the subsequent disaster would never have happened. Today your govt is saying PK is under terrorist control, and they don't have 20bn Rps to hold an election and we are bankrupt. Soon they will declare either an economic emergency or Martial law,after they kill someone famous or blow up places. The mafia don't give in too easily, and I am still not convinced we will get an election. The mafia are a threat to PKs existence

 

[Stewie]

The constitution was interpreted but wrongly and under duress. Bajwa forced the courts to open at midnight,Minullah admitted that it was done to prevent Martial Law. This time the CJP took a stance against the mafia and to my surprise, he told them to get stuffed. He was wrong last year, he should have let the elections happen and all the subsequent disaster would never have happened. Today your govt is saying PK is under terrorist control, and they don't have 20bn Rps to hold an election and we are bankrupt. Soon they will declare either an economic emergency or Martial law,after they kill someone famous or blow up places. The mafia don't give in too easily, and I am still not convinced we will get an election. The mafia are a threat to PKs existence

Yeah i dont think there will be elections. They will never let go of control that easy

 

[gazza619]

There you go, SC saved the constitution, and we dont mind, thats their job.

Unlike PTI fans who think SC only credible when decision is in their favor, and when decision is against PTI than same fans doubt the credibility of SC. ) Hypocrites

The current Supreme Court has no power to decide on anything.

The establishment has realised that their shenanigans have made things worse and hence to calm things down, the general elections are the best way forward.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

The current Supreme Court has no power to decide on anything.

The establishment has realised that their shenanigans have made things worse and hence to calm things down, the general elections are the best way forward.

I still think this could go either way.

An "Emergency deployment" is on the cards to trump SC's decision and delay the election for as long as PDM wants.

 

[Bewal Express]

The elections are the death knell of these mafia, at least for a few years but just like Corona they aren't going away. Too many people with too much to lose. It will be an amazing victory for PK if we can ever start to control the mafia but the only people that could do it is the Generals but as we know now, they are at the apex of this PK Narcos

 

[Bewal Express]

An interesting story that has circulated recently is that The Hafiz tried to get rid of DG ISI khusra Nadeem, but SS refused to sanction the transfer. I am not sure what to make of it, but its certainly interesting

 

[Colorblind Genius]

And even if the election is held, what's the likelihood of PDM/Establishment and their swamp rat, Sikander Sultan Raja, are going to let PTI get a fair result? Not in a million years.

 

[moghul]

I still think this could go either way.

An "Emergency deployment" is on the cards to trump SC's decision and delay the election for as long as PDM wants.

And that can be easily challenged in the court,

 

[moghul]

If not accepting the SC verdict was that an easy option , as claimed by the PDM government , why IK didn't do the same with SC verdict to remove him from PM.

 

[bones]

And even if the election is held, what's the likelihood of PDM/Establishment and their swamp rat, Sikander Sultan Raja, are going to let PTI get a fair result? Not in a million years.

It would require rigging at a scale unseen. I think it's possible but in 2023 with social media and everyone with camera phones it's significantly more difficult than it would have been 30 years ago.

The thing is that IK is so popular that everyone knows that their best chance was to take him out before the elections. If IK was not in the running, the elections would have been on time no complaints.

PDM and many of their supporters are petrified of elections with IK.

 

[Major]

The constitution was interpreted but wrongly and under duress. Bajwa forced the courts to open at midnight,Minullah admitted that it was done to prevent Martial Law. This time the CJP took a stance against the mafia and to my surprise, he told them to get stuffed. He was wrong last year, he should have let the elections happen and all the subsequent disaster would never have happened. Today your govt is saying PK is under terrorist control, and they don't have 20bn Rps to hold an election and we are bankrupt. Soon they will declare either an economic emergency or Martial law,after they kill someone famous or blow up places. The mafia don't give in too easily, and I am still not convinced we will get an election. The mafia are a threat to PKs existence

how can elections happen last year when VONC was called? Like i said, you guys lack the knowledge of parliament and constitution and think its a free for all.

 

[daytrader]

ECP sees over 120m registered voters in country
Reports figure increased by 14m in five years since 2018 general elections

With the 2023 general elections just around the corner, the Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday issued a report, stating that the number of registered voters in the country had exceeded 120 million – an increase of over 14 million in the last five years.

During the previous 2018 general elections when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf came to power, the number of registered voters was 106 million.

The ECP released the number of total registered voters till March 28, 2023, according to which, the total number of voters across Pakistan has exceeded 120.56 million.

The ECP also released the percentage of voters in terms of age. The highest number of voters are in the age group of 26 to 35 years, which make up 26 per cent of the total number of voters.

According to the report, the ratio of male voters in Pakistan is 54 per cent while that of female voters is 46 per cent.

The total number of registered voters in Islamabad is over one million while Punjab tops the list with 71.5 million voters.

Islamabad

The number of registered voters in the federal capital is over one million, of which 536,200 are male voters and 484,753 female.

Balochistan

The number of registered voters in Balochistan is 5.2 million of which 2.9 million are males and 2.2 million are females.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

The number of registered voters in K-P is 20.1 million of which 10.16 million are male voters while 9.72 million are females.

Punjab

In Punjab, the largest province of the country population-wise, the number of registered voters is 71.5 million, of which 38.4 million are men and 33.1 million women.

Sindh

Similarly, the number of registered voters in Sindh is 20.63 million, of which 10.43 million are males while 10.2 million are females.

...
Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that his party “does not have any objection to elections but its timing”, citing multiple reasons as to why provincial and general elections in the country should be held on the same day.

He stressed that the elections should be held on the same day with an even playing field for all parties and that all political parties should hold talks to decide on a single date for the polls.

The former president, whose party is an important ally in the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led ruling coalition at the centre, expressed these views while answering questions about elections in Punjab during an interview on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’.

 

[aqeelPK]

The more important question today should be are our political parties ready for the election? Have they prepared their manifestos/policies/implementation plans to overcome challenges our country is facing today? In my opinion, the most important issues we are facing are as below.

1. Economy
2. Baluchistan
3. TTP/Extremism
4. Non functional public sector
5. Corruption
6. Ideology & constitutional challenges
7. Identity crisis
8. Education
9. Health
10. Energy crisis

My honest request to all die hard supporters of political parties, lets make this thread into a healthy discussion by sharing your favorite party's policies & implementation plans to solve above issues. Provide official/authentic documents to ppl like me who are open to vote the party with the best plan.

 

[Bewal Express]

The more important question today should be are our political parties ready for the election? Have they prepared their manifestos/policies/implementation plans to overcome challenges our country is facing today? In my opinion, the most important issues we are facing are as below.

1. Economy
2. Baluchistan
3. TTP/Extremism
4. Non functional public sector
5. Corruption
6. Ideology & constitutional challenges
7. Identity crisis
8. Education
9. Health
10. Energy crisis

My honest request to all die hard supporters of political parties, lets make this thread into a healthy discussion by sharing your favorite party's policies & implementation plans to solve above issues. Provide official/authentic documents to ppl like me who are open to vote the party with the best plan.

Why don't we start with a simple question- why have the 2 family businesses become totally fascist. Killing people to avoid elections

 

[Bewal Express]

PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that his party “does not have any objection to elections but its timing”, citing multiple reasons as to why provincial and general elections in the country should be held on the same day.

He stressed that the elections should be held on the same day with an even playing field for all parties and that all political parties should hold talks to decide on a single date for the polls.

The former president, whose party is an important ally in the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led ruling coalition at the centre, expressed these views while answering questions about elections in Punjab during an interview on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’.

It's not for this old crook to decide the timings in Punjab and KP. The constitution allowed the dissolution and elections to be held in 90 days so where is the problem

 

[aqeelPK]

Why don't we start with a simple question- why have the 2 family businesses become totally fascist. Killing people to avoid elections

There is nothing much to discuss on it. If 2 families have murdered ppl, then go to the courts, file cases against them & fight the legal battle. PTI as I believe, has full faith on judiciary anyways.
On the elections, no person who believes in democracy & constitution can support PDM's stance. Voting is our very basic right provided by the constitution. Elections must be held on time in the concerned provinces, followed by the NA election on time again under the caretaker setup in both provinces. That's my take on election crisis. Now please enlighten me with PTI's policies/plans on mentioned issues.

 

[Bewal Express]

There is nothing much to discuss on it. If 2 families have murdered ppl, then go to the courts, file cases against them & fight the legal battle. PTI as I believe, has full faith on judiciary anyways.
On the elections, no person who believes in democracy & constitution can support PDM's stance. Voting is our very basic right provided by the constitution. Elections must be held on time in the concerned provinces, followed by the NA election on time again under the caretaker setup in both provinces. That's my take on election crisis. Now please enlighten me with PTI's policies/plans on mentioned issues.

Which counts are these that we should go to. You mean the courts that don't even have the power to enforce the constitution, the courts whose orders are ignored. Even IK can't get an FIR registered, Zille Shahs dad was murdered and his father couldn't get an FIR was registered. The reality is that we are under soft Martial law and its due to the bravery and sacrifices of PTI workers that we aren't under full martial law.
From memory you were a Noora supporter, why do you think they have thrown their lot in with the Generals and thrown PK constitution into the bin?

 

[aqeelPK]

Which counts are these that we should go to. You mean the courts that don't even have the power to enforce the constitution, the courts whose orders are ignored. Even IK can't get an FIR registered, Zille Shahs dad was murdered and his father couldn't get an FIR was registered. The reality is that we are under soft Martial law and its due to the bravery and sacrifices of PTI workers that we aren't under full martial law.
From memory you were a Noora supporter, why do you think they have thrown their lot in with the Generals and thrown PK constitution into the bin?

If Imran Khan can not even register an FIR or protect his own constitutional rights, then what makes you believe he can protect yours & solve your problems?

Still waiting for PTI's policies & plans to be shared.

 

[the Great Khan]

If Imran Khan can not even register an FIR or protect his own constitutional rights, then what makes you believe he can protect yours & solve your problems?

Still waiting for PTI's policies & plans to be shared.

No you first. Everyone knows ptis plans..Khan Revealed his ten point plan and a manifesto with costings will come too..but why don't you start things off since your so eager to talk "plaans". What plaans does the mighty baghora have to take us out of the crisis of their making? Let me guess build more roads..

 

[Bewal Express]

If Imran Khan can not even register an FIR or protect his own constitutional rights, then what makes you believe he can protect yours & solve your problems?

Still waiting for PTI's policies & plans to be shared.

He can't because the people that tried to kill him( the Generals)were scared of being caught. The SHO that was a witness has been killed,just like Arshad Sharif, Dr Rizwan, Maqsood Ch and other witnesses to criminality.
What you are saying is that we should vote for people who perpetrate crimes because the victims aren't good at stopping the crime. That is logic and a half. If only I could be as callous as you, I too would think the same way.

 

[daytrader]

PM Shehbaz has not decided to seek vote of confidence: Marriyum

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Monday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had not decided to seek a vote of confidence from Parliament.

The minister’s tweet came after several media outlets, citing sources, reported that the premier had decided to take a vote of confidence from the National Assembly.

In a tweet, Aurangzeb said that no consultation had taken place on the topic, adding that there was no need for it.

“The unanimous candidate of the people, the party [and] the coalition parties, Shehbaz Sharif, had taken a vote for being the leader of House in the National Assembly on April 11, 2022,” she said, referring to the date the PML-N president was elected prime minister.

The information minister went on to say that a fabricated rumour was not a fact. She urged the media to refrain from reporting things concerning the premier without first verifying them.

The statement comes days after the National Assembly, perhaps for the first time in the country’s parliamentary history, rejected a money bill that the government had tabled to seek funds for conducting polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — where the provincial assemblies have been dissolved — in line with directives issued by the top court.

On April 13, the NA rejected the Charged Sums for General Election (Provincial Assemblies of the Punjab and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Bill 2023 with a majority vote after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar informed the house that the standing committee had recommended not to approve the bill he introduced on April 10.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court on April 19, while declaring the defence ministry’s plea to hold general elections across Pakistan simultaneously inadmissible, had stated that the premier must hold the majority in the lower house of Parliament at all times.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1749045/pm-shehbaz-has-not-decided-to-seek-vote-of-confidence-marriyum

 

[daytrader]

PDM doesn’t want general polls during sitting CJP’s tenure
PDM is ready for early elections but not before September 16, 2023, which is the date of retirement of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Umar Ata Bandial

The PDM is ready for early elections but not before September 16, 2023, which is the date of retirement of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Umar Ata Bandial.

An informed PDM source said the ruling coalition would be prepared for an elections date any time after September 16. He also ruled out extending the term of the parliament as has been indicated in the past by certain ruling coalition leaders.

“We will not go beyond August 13”, the source said. On August 13, the present National Assembly will complete its term. Going beyond this date, it is said, will badly damage the ruling coalition politically.

If the two sides – PDM and PTI – continue to talk to reach an agreement on elections date, dissolution of National Assembly can be possible in July but not in June in any manner, the source said.

It is said the government will not compromise on the budget, which it wants to present and get approved by the parliament in line with the limitations set by the IMF. The budget, it is said, cannot be left for the caretaker government as the ruling coalition fears the interim regime will not be able to deal with IMF at such a critical juncture where the country cannot be risked to default.

He dispelled the impression a popular elections budget violating terms of the IMF will be presented.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1067566-pdm-doesn-t-want-general-polls-during-sitting-cjp-s-tenure

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Chief Justice adjourned the hearing by ordering the Election Commission to consult with the President today.

When the hearing started after the break, the Election Commission counsel informed the court about the decision to consult with the President of the country and said that the officials of the Election Commission will meet the President of Pakistan, and the Election Commission will consult with the President in the shortest possible time. There will be a consultation on the date of general elections.

The Chief Justice remarked that the President should not answer, you must knock, contact the President today, pick up the phone and meet the President's Military Secretary, the Attorney General should be on board in the consultation process.

The Chief Justice remarked that whatever date is given, it has to be implemented, the Supreme Court wants to hold elections without any discussion.

The Supreme Court while ordering the announcement of general elections today said that the court should be informed tomorrow after the announcement of the date of the elections.

The Chief Justice remarked that he is expected to tell the court tomorrow after consulting the President, whatever date is fixed for the elections, it should be signed by all. Farooq Naik and Election Commission lawyers can also accompany the Attorney General.

Source: AAJ News

 

[hassan918]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday reached consensus to hold general elections in the country on February 8.

According to the statement issued by the electoral watchdog, the consensus was reached in a meeting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and President Dr Arif Alvi.

The President's House has also issued a statement on the agreed date of the elections. The delegation of the ECP visited President House for the meeting on the orders of the Supreme Court, the statement said.

Source: Samaa

 

[BouncerGuy]

ECP to apprise SC of final poll date today

A day after it agreed to hold general elections in the country on February 8, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will on Friday apprise the Supreme Court of the final poll date — which has been “set in stone”.

After months of anticipation and uncertainty, the electoral body and President Dr Arif Alvi agreed on the date for elections yesterday. The development came after Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja visited the Presidency on orders of the apex court, which had taken up pleas regarding elections.

During the hearing, the ECP had proposed Feb 11 as the date for polls but it was asked by the SC to approach the president for consultations.

The commission will formally inform the top court about the fresh development at the hearing of separate petitions — moved by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the PTI, Munir Ahmad, and Ibad-ur-Rehman — today.

The case is being heard by a three-member bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan.

During the hearing today, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan told the bench that the minutes of President Alvi and the ECP’s meeting would be submitted in court shortly.

“Okay, then we will take up the case in the end,” Justice Isa said, adding that the SC would first conduct routine hearings and then take up the elections case.

After an hour-long recess, AGP Awan presented CEC Raja’s letter regarding the election date before the bench along with the minutes of his meeting with the president.

However, the CJP objected that Alvi’s signatures were missing from the record presented in court. “Get these documents signed and then we will listen to you,” Justice Isa added and adjourned the hearing for another hour.

DAWN​

 

[BouncerGuy]

Alvi should resign after CJP’s remarks in election case: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) senior leader and former finance minister Senator Ishaq Dar has urged President Arif Alvi to step down after the chief justice’s observations against him in the election delay case.

“It would be suitable for the president to step down voluntarily as his constitutional tenure has ended,” said the PMLN stalwart while speaking in the Geo News programme Jirga hosted by Saleem Safi on Sunday.

Dar apparently referred to Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s recent remarks that President Alvi violated the Constitution by not announcing a date for the general elections. The top judge made these remarks while hearing a set of petitions seeking timely elections within 90 days of the dissolution of assemblies last week.

“Following the Supreme Court’s remarks, it would be better if the president resigns voluntarily,” Dar said.

Speaking about the upcoming general elections slated to be held on February 8 next year, the former finance czar said it was feared that the polls could be further delayed until the end of February due to delimitation of constituencies.

However, he said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) saved time in carrying out the process to draw new boundaries. Dar said the establishment had facilitated the leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the past and demanded that a truth and reconciliation commission should be formed to ascertain the facts.

“I will demand constituting a truth and reconciliation commission if the PMLN is elected to power,” he remarked.

He further said no party has done as much development work as the PMLN in the country and added that a 16-month PMLN-led coalition government was not enough to stabilise the economy.

“It was a difficult decision for Nawaz Sharif whether to take the government for 16 months or not,” Dar said, adding that Pakistan would have defaulted if the coalition government had not come to power after the PTI-led regime’s ouster. The Imran Khan-led government was removed from power via a no-confidence motion in April last year.

He said the PDM government averted a Sri Lanka-like situation in Pakistan by rescuing the economy from default. “Some international forces also wanted Pakistan to default,” Dar claimed.

Responding to a question related to the electoral alliance, Dar ruled out forging an alliance with any political party at the national level. However, he said seat-to-seat adjustment was possible. “Seat adjustment is also possible with the PPP.”

Alvi should resign after CJP’s remarks in election case: Dar

It would be suitable for the president to step down voluntarily as his constitutional tenure has ended,” he says

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has frozen the voter lists, meaning that no further additions or removals of voters can be made in preparation for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

According to sources within the oversight authority for polls, the ECP will finalise the voter lists by November 25, the date on which the lists will also be published.

The "voter lists publication" refers to the process of making the voter lists, which contain the names and details of eligible voters, available to the public.

ECP freezes voter lists | The Express Tribune

Will finalise and publish lists on November 25

tribune.com.pk

 

[hassan918]

Finance Ministry assures ECP of releasing ‘election funds’​

ISLAMABAD: Following concerns raised by the electoral watchdog, the Ministry of Finance assured Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that funds for the upcoming general elections, scheduled to be held in February 2024, will be released soon, ARY News reported on Monday.

The assurance came during a meeting between ECP officials and Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal, who was summoned after the finance ministry failed to release funds to the electoral watchdog despite repeated reminders.

Sources told ARY News that the ECP summoned the finance secretary before the commission to determine reasons for delaying the fund release as it was earlier allocated in the budget.

Sources further claimed that a total of Rs42 billion was allocated for holding general elections but the finance ministry only released Rs10 billion so far. The remaining amount has been delayed without any explanation, they added.

The electoral watchdog said it immediately needs Rs17 billion to hold general elections on February 8, 2024, sources added.

During the meeting today, finance secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal apprised the ECP officials of the delay in provision of funds, allocated for the polls, in the budget.

Talking to journalists after the meeting, the secretary said that finance ministry will release the required funds by the Election Commission soon. “Disbursement of funds requires approval at various levels,” he added.

‘No crisis’

Meanwhile, Caretaker Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi ruled out any “crisis on meeting the financial needs of the ECP” in order to hold free, fair and transparent general elections in the country.

“The Cabinet had approved Rs 42 billion for the budgetary needs of the ECP. An amount of Rs10 billion was already released,” the minister wrote on X.

He said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had approached to release Rs17.4 billion, out of the budgeted amount.

“Whatever budgeted amount is needed by the ECP, will be released as per its needs accordingly,” Solangi added. He said the caretaker government firmly stood behind the ECP in holding free and fair elections as mandated by Article 218(3) of the Constitution.

General elections

It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday notified general elections on February 8, 2024.

According to details, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued a notification of the date of the general election under Section 57 of the Election Act۔

The notification said that in light of the Supreme Court’s order, the general elections will take place on February 8, 2024.

Source: ARY

 

[hassan918]

It is important that the elections will be held on the given date but it is more important that these elections will be done without any rigging and favoritism.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

SC suspends LHC order on ROs appointment, orders ECP to issue election schedule tonight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political parties announce to become party

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

SC suspends LHC order on ROs appointment, orders ECP to issue election schedule tonight

On PTI's petition, Lahore High Court (LHC) had halted appointment of district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) from bureaucracy of Punjab for general polls

www.brecorder.com

 

[Bewal Express]

SC suspends LHC order on ROs appointment, orders ECP to issue election schedule tonight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political parties announce to become party

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

SC suspends LHC order on ROs appointment, orders ECP to issue election schedule tonight

On PTI's petition, Lahore High Court (LHC) had halted appointment of district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) from bureaucracy of Punjab for general polls

www.brecorder.com

So the SC stops independent ROs in the election. Beghairat Qazi, the most evil and corrupt CJP in PK history.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan elections 2024 update: ECP announces schedule after SC quashes LHC verdict

The Election Commission of Pakistan has taken a significant step by unveiling the schedule for the upcoming general elections, marking February 8, 2024, as the date for the nationwide electoral process.

The released schedule outlines a series of crucial dates and procedures leading up to the elections. According to the announced timeline, the nomination papers' submission window for candidates is set from December 20 to 22. The comprehensive list of candidates' names is slated to be revealed by December 23, setting the stage for the subsequent phases of scrutiny and appeals.

Commencing from January 1 and continuing until December 24 to December 30, the returning officers will meticulously scrutinize the submitted nomination papers. Appeals regarding the acceptance or rejection of these papers are scheduled to be heard on January 3, 2024.

The Election Commission has designated January 10, 2024, as the final day for decisions by the Appellate Authority on the appeals, following which a revised list of candidates will be published on January 11, 2024.

Moreover, January 12, 2024, has been declared as the deadline for the withdrawal of nomination papers, setting the stage for the allocation of election symbols to candidates on January 13, 2024.

Source : Samaa News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Salik Hussain said on Sunday that there was no room for delaying the general elections.

Speaking to the media in Gujrat, Hussain said: “Anybody else had remained ladla every time. It is useless to hurl allegations at Nawaz Sharif of being ladla”.

“If efforts are made to change the country based on the old formula, then it will not be possible to bring about change,” he said.

Hussain stated, “Now I also believe that the elections will be held on time.”.

“We up till now had reached no seat adjustment with any of the political parties,” the PML-Q leader stated.

The PML-Q leader said: “Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has kept good relations with everybody throughout his life. Chaudhry Shujaat has always tried to promote unity in his political career.”.

He asserted: “Parvez Elahi wanted to emerge the PML-Q in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), but then himself left the PML-Q.”

Hussain made it clear that he will contest the election from Gujrat, not Chakwal.

No room for delaying elections: Chaudhry Salik Hussain

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Salik Hussain said on Sunday that there was no room for delaying the general elections.

www.samaa.tv

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Number of registered voters in Pakistan exceeds 128.5 million: ECP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday unveiled the data outlining the total number of registered voters across the nation.

According to the latest data, the total number of registered voters now exceeds 128.5 million, out of which, 53.87% of the country’s voters are male, while 46.13% are female.

Within this demographic, over 69.2 million individuals identify as male, constituting a significant portion of the electorate.

Simultaneously, the female voter count is recorded at over 59.3 million, showcasing a strong and active participation of women in the electoral process.

In Islamabad, the overall voter count is 1.083 million, with 568,406 male voters and 514,623 female voters.

In Punjab, the total voter count exceeds 73.278 million, with over 39.122 million male voters and more than 34.085 million female voters, according to the ECP.

In Sindh, the total voter count is 26.994 million, with 14.4612 million male voters and over 12.382 million female voters.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the total number of voters is 21.928 million, with 11.944 million male voters and 9.98 million female voters.

Number of registered voters in Pakistan exceeds 128.5 million: ECP

Female voter clock-in at 46.13% of the total voters in the country

www.aajenglish.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

Nomination papers can be filed from tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: Setting aside misgivings about holding general elections as per schedule, the process of filing nomination papers will finally begin tomorrow (on Wednesday) after 144 district returning officers (DROs) and 859 returning officers (ROs) across the country take their oath today (Tuesday), to be followed by the issuance of public notices to formally invite nominations.

The Election Commission of Pakistan, meanwhile, has invited the attention of political parties towards Section 104 of the Elections Act, advising them to submit priority lists of their candidates on the seats reserved for women and non-Muslims on or before Dec 22. According to the timeline already notified by the ECP, all prospective electoral candidates can file their nomination papers between Dec 20 and Dec 22.

Section 104(1) reads “For the purpose of election to seats reserved for women and non-Muslims in an Assembly, the political parties contesting election for such seats shall, within the period fixed by the Commission for submission of nomination papers, file separate lists of their candidates in order of priority for seats reserved for women and non-Muslims with the Commission or, as it may direct, with the Provincial Election Commissioner or other authorised officer of the Commission, who shall forthwith cause such lists to be published for information of the public: Provided that the list submitted by a political party shall not be subject to change or alteration either in the order of priority or through addition of new names in the list or omission of any name after expiry of the date of submission of nomination papers”.

The parties’ lists may contain as many names of additional candidates as a political party may deem necessary for contesting seats reserved for women and non-Muslims, to provide for any disqualification of candidates during scrutiny of nomination papers or for filling of any vacant seats during the term of an assembly.

Explaining the oath-taking procedure, an ECP official said the provincial election commissioners would administer the oath to DROs, who would then administer the oath to each RO and assistant RO in their respective district. Similarly, he added, the ROs would administer the oath to each presiding officer under their jurisdiction; and the presiding officer would administer the oath to each member of polling staff under their jurisdiction before the commencement of poll, and the head of the law enforcement agency or an officer authorised by him would administer the oath to each official of that agency deputed in connection with an election duty.
​

Nomination papers can be filed from tomorrow

ECP says all prospective electoral candidates can file their nomination papers between Dec 20 and Dec 22.

www.dawn.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued guidelines for candidates filing nomination papers for seats of national and provincial assemblies for the general election to be held on February 8, 2024.

The nomination papers could be obtained from respective returning officers at office working hours from 8:30am to 4:30pm from December 20 to December 22, 2023.

As per the ECP guidelines, the fee for obtaining one nomination paper’s form is fixed at Rs10, and one candidate can submit a maximum of five nomination papers with different proposers/seconders.

The fee for submission of a nomination paper for a National Assembly seat is Rs30,000 and Rs 20,000 for a provincial assembly seat is non-refundable.


The fee for the nomination paper could either be submitted directly to the Returning Officer or through a bank draft in his name in any National Bank of Pakistan branch and its receipt should be attached to the nomination form.

The attested copies of CNICs of the candidates and their proposers /seconders besides vote certificates issued by the concerned office of the district election commissioner and income tax returns of the last three years and passport should be attached with the nomination papers.

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

Appeals to the scrutiny process will have to be filed by January 3, and will be heard by January 10. A day later on January 11, the ECP will issue a revised list of candidates and will give candidates another day to withdraw their papers.

ECP issues guidelines for candidates filing nomination papers

Paper can be obtained from Dec 20 to 22

www.aajenglish.tv

 

[Cricket Warrior]

No doubts about general elections on Feb 8: PM Kakar

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Thursday said there should be no doubt about polls on February 8 as the election process had started with the candidates filing their nomination papers and the political parties busy in building narratives to attract voters.

In an interview with a private television channel, he said it was a constitutional requirement to hold elections which would be held on February 8 after which a newly elected government would be formed.

To a question, he said the government would provide security to political leaders, including the three time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz, Imran Khan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and others.

Prominent political leaders could be targeted and the government would be blamed for any lapse in their security, he continued.

“It is the responsibility of the government to provide security to political leaders and voters of Pakistan.” He said the caretaker government would fulfil its responsibility during the holding of elections.

It would be illegal to stop the Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf (PTI) from taking part in the elections, PM Kakar said and clarified there was no policy to stop the PTI from organizing public meetings.

On the election day, the candidates of PTI would be in the field and the voters would be voting for them, he commented. He said those who were involved in the incidents of May 9 were facing the law of the land. He was of the view that those involved in the May 9 incidents should not be public office-holders.

He said the Election Commission should look into complaints made by political parties about maladministration.

To a question, he said overall political circumstances triggered the actions against the PTI and lessons were learnt by the State.

He said, “It is not our job to tell overseas Pakistanis which political party they should support.”

However, the people should vote for a party which had an agenda for the economic revival of Pakistan, he opined. “I will vote for a party which has an agenda to revive the economy,” he asserted.

The prime minister said there was a wave of terrorism in the country and there were forces which wanted to cause disruption in Pakistan and the government would make all efforts to protect the lives of people.



Source: ARY

 

[BouncerGuy]

Candidates race to file nomination papers as deadline approaches

LAHORE: Several candidates, both backed by political parties and the independent ones, submitted their nomination papers on Thursday for the coming general elections, scheduled for Feb 8.

The process to receive and submit nomination papers, which began on Wednesday, gained momentum on Thursday after many candidates rushed to the offices of their respective returning officers appointed by the Election Commission of Pakistan to obtain papers before the Dec 22 (today) deadline.

In Lahore, PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reportedly received nomination papers. She is expected to contest elections on a national or provincial assembly constituency from Lahore and submit nomination papers today.

According to sources, as many as 300 candidates received nomination papers on the second day of the ECP schedule in this regard.

Those who submitted papers on Thursday included PTI leader and lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa, who will contest from the NA-122 constituency. Another lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, is reportedly set to submit papers for NA-128. Liaqat Baloch, the vice emir of Jamaat-i-Islami, submitted papers for both NA-123 and NA-128 seats.

Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Shoaib Siddiqi filed nomination papers for NA-119 and PP-170. He also submitted papers for PP-149 and PP-150.

PPP’s Shagufta Javaid and Munazza Sonia Khan also filed their papers, while the PTI’s Dr Shaheena, Shahida Ahmad and PML-N’s Uzma Kardar also submitted papers.

Since former premier Shehbaz Sharif has also obtained papers for NA-123, he is expected to submit them today. PML-N’s Saba Sadiq, Fatima Begum and Shahid Butt also filed their papers.

From the Sargodha division, former MNA Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath and Mohsin Shah Nawaz Ranjha submitted their nomination papers for NA-82 and NA-83. Tasneem Ahmad Qureshi also submitted his nomination paper for NA-84.

Suhaib Bharath, Rana Muhammad Hanif, Arif Hussain Tatla, Azizul Haq Piracha and others also filed papers.

In the Faisalabad division, Riaz Fatiana and Ashfa Riaz filed nomination papers for NA-107. Several others who either received or submitted papers in various constituencies of the division included Rana Sanaullah, Abid Sher Ali, Amir Hayat, Muhammad Haris, Hafiz Ataullah, Abdul Idris, and Jahanzeb Imtiaz Gill.

In Multan, as many as 72 candidates submitted nomination papers., including PML-N candidate Tahir Rasheed, who filed his papers for NA-149.

Those who received or filed papers in Bahawalpur and other districts included Samiullah Chaudhry, Safdar Malik, Rizwan Rasheed, Mian Shahid Iqbal, Tauqeer Ahmad, Alamgir Mansha, Ch Nazir Arain, Saeed Manais, Mehmood Hayat Toochi, Jahanzeb Khichi, Azmat Ullah, Khizar Hayat Bhabha, Ghazala Wyne, Aslam Bodla and Adnan Lurka.

Sanjrani to contest from NA-262

In Balochistan, the filing of nomination papers for 16 national and 51 provincial assembly seats continued on Thursday. Prominent among those who submitted their nomination papers were the Senate Chairman and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader Sadiq Sanjrani, who will contest from Quetta’s NA-262 and PB-32.

BAP’s secretary general, Senator Manzoor Kakar, has filed nomination papers for PB-39 in Quetta, while the party’s chief organiser, Mir Jan Mohammad Khan Jamali, has submitted papers for this traditional home constituency of PB-17- in Jafarabad.

Former PPP Balochistan president Mir Sadiq Umrani and former provincial minister Babu Amin Umrani of PPP have also submitted their nomination papers from Jafarabad.

PML-N’s provincial president, Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, will also submit his nomination papers from his traditional provincial assembly seat of PB-2 in Zhob.

Two-day extension sought

Meanwhile, the PML-N has written a letter to the ECP seeking a two-day extension in the deadline to submit nomination papers.

“It is requested to allow only a two-day extension in filing of nomination papers by amending the schedule issued on Dec 15 without changing the polling day,” PML-N election cell chairman Ishaq Dar said in the letter.
​

Candidates race to file nomination papers as deadline approaches

Latif Khosa, Liaquat Baloch, Sadiq Sanjrani among prominent politicians to submit papers.

www.dawn.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

ECP sends poll symbols of 145 parties to ROs

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) has sent a list of electoral symbols of 145 political parties to the returning officers (ROs).

Sources told Dawn the list does not include ‘bat’ — PTI’s electoral symbol. Around a dozen other parties, including ANP, have also not been allotted symbols due to legal deficiencies.

PTI has been deprived of the symbol as ECP has declared its intra-party elections null and void, while the ANP failed to conduct the elections and thus became ineligible to obtain election symbols under the law.

Major parties, which have been allotted symbols, include PPPP (arrow), PML-N (tiger), PTI-Nazriyati (batsman), PTI-Parliamentarians (turban), Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (eagle), MQM-P (kite), JUI-F (book), BNP-Mengal (axe), Jamaat-i-Islami (scale), Sunni Ittehad Council (horse), BAP (human eye), Pakistan Muslim League (tractor) and PkMAP Party (tree).

The list of contesting candidates will be published tomorrow (January 11), and returning officers are to allot symbols to the contesting candidates on Jan 13.

It has been highlighted that election symbols of political parties shall in no case be allotted to any independent candidate. The list of separate election symbols for independent candidates has also been sent to the ROs.

The Election Commission has directed the returning officers not to allot symbols other than those mentioned in the list.
​

DAWN

 

[Cricket Warrior]

EC are doing their best to keep people calm by doing such goody goody things but I am sure in the end they will surprisingly postpone the elections with some lame excuse.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Despite threats, arrangements in place for peaceful polls, ECP told

ISLAMABAD: Acknowledging the presence of threats in various parts of the country, top government and security officials assured the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday of their readiness to hold general elections.

Reviewing preparations for the Feb 8 polls, with a focus on the law and order situation, the meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was given assurances that all arrangements were in place to hold elections and deal with “any kind of situation”.

Senior official such as the interior secretary, chief secretaries and inspectors general of the four provinces, Islamabad’s chief commissioner, members and secretary of the Election Commission, and representatives of other law enforcement agencies attended the huddle.

The chief election commissioner emphasised that safety and security for political parties, candidates and voters must be ensured and a conducive environment for the elections should be created so that citizens could exercise their right to vote without fear.

Despite threat alerts in certain areas, the officials pledged unwavering commitment to peaceful elections, highlighting the installation of CCTV cameras at sensitive polling stations and the timely supply of funds to relevant agencies.

Mr Raja directed that the security of political leaders and voters be prioritised, with strict adherence to the election code of conduct.

Balochistan’s chief secretary discussed the formation of peace committees at polling stations, while Punjab’s chief secretary called for clear policy instructions concerning changes in the allotment of election symbols to avoid delays.

The chief election commissioner revealed that the printing of ballot papers was already underway, noting that any changes to election symbols could potentially disrupt the schedule and make it difficult to hold polls in those constituencies.

The interior secretary informed the participants that control rooms had been set up at federal level for elections. He said the interior ministry was in touch with all institutions and all measures were in place to help the ECP hold peaceful elections.

The meeting also addressed the shortage of police personnel, with assurances of support from other security agencies if needed. The participants emphasised that negligence of any institution or polling staff in the peaceful conduct of elections would not be tolerated.

Mr Raja said that if any candidate or person violated the law and the code of conduct, strict action would be taken against them as per the law. “There will be strict monitoring of elections and elections will be held on the scheduled date,” he said.

The meeting was also informed that repair work on flood-affected polling stations is being expedited, with assurances of accessibility to snow-affected districts on election day. The KP chief secretary said all roads and routes would be kept open and public access to polling stations would be ensured on Feb 8 in the snow-affected districts.

PPP wants symbol issues fixed

Meanwhile, Senator Sherry Rehman has reiterated the PPP’s dedication to a timely electoral process and stressed that a level playing field in the polls could only be guaranteed once all PPP candidates receive their electoral symbols on time.

Her remarks came in response to concerns raised by the ECP on Tuesday regarding potential delays in certain constituencies. While ballot paper printing for the 2024 elections has started, apprehensions linger over possible polling delays due to requests for a change of election symbols in several constituencies.

“The PPP is the only party in the country that adopted a proactive approach to electioneering by launching its formal campaign on Dec 27,” Ms Rehman told reporters. She, however, said concerns persisted regarding the allocation of electoral symbols to some PPP candidates in Punjab.

She said that of the seven party candidates who had faced challenges in getting electoral symbols, the issues of three candidates — Sajida Abbas Kharral from NA-107, Nosheen Begum from PP-122, and Mujahid Islam from PP-119 — remain unresolved.

“The PPP demands prompt resolution of these matters without further delay,” Ms Rehman said.
​

Despite threats, arrangements in place for peaceful polls, ECP told

Top govt, security officials meet CEC to confirm readiness for Feb 8 election; Sherry Rehman seeks timely issuance of symbols.

www.dawn.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I don't think elections are going to happen... all this security buildup will help them to delay elections further.

 

[BouncerGuy]

ECP instructs cops to stay outside polling stations

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued guidelines for law enforcement agencies deployed for election duty and provision of foolproof security during the upcoming general elections on Feb 8.

As per the Code of Conduct issued in pursuance of Article 220 of the Constitution read with sections five and 233 of the Elections Act, 2017, the police personnel would stay on duty outside the polling stations and “not act in favour of or against any political party or candidate in any manner whatsoever”.

The directions from the poll supervisor came after caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar constituted a seven-member committee mandated with ensuring the smooth conduct of the upcoming general elections as well as overseeing their security arrangements.

The ECP clarified that its Code of Conduct would not apply to the armed forces and civil armed forces, as a separate one was being issued for them.

“[The police personnel will] not ask the voters to produce their ‘Perchees’ or prove their identity as it is the duty of polling officer.

“… not disallow any eligible voter to enter the polling station as entering a polling station to cast his/her vote is an inviolable right of the voter who has been assigned to vote at that polling station,” according to the code.

The ECP guidelines bar security personnel from acting in such a manner, which may draw an impression of being partial or biased, as well as assuming the duties of polling staff in any case whatsoever.

“… not take into custody any election material including ballot papers, marking aid stamps, official code mark stamps, electoral rolls, ballot boxes etc.

“… not enter into arguments/altercations with any contesting candidates, election agents, polling agents, observers or media persons in any manner. Not interfere in any manner whatsoever in the function of Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding Officer or Polling Officer. Not respond at their own to an apparent irregularity outside polling station rather they shall bring the matter to the knowledge of Presiding Officer and take necessary direction from him in the matter.”

As per the code, the security personnel will “not object on the presence of the candidate, his/her election agent or his/her polling agent or observer if any, during the counting process”.

They will “not arrest any person at the polling station unless explicitly instructed by the Presiding Officer to do so, and not interfere in the counting process in any manner rather shall continue to provide peaceful environment outside the polling station for completion of counting process unless a malpractice in counting process has been identified. ln that case, he shall inform his officer ln-Charge through the fastest means available, who will inform the Returning Officer”.

They will allow the accredited observers and media persons to enter a polling station.

Meanwhile, the ECP has provided the police force a new formula for the security of highly sensitive, sensitive and C Category polling stations.

“Five officials will be deployed at highly sensitive, four at sensitive and three at C Category polling stations.”

Earlier, the commission had given the formula of appointing six officials for highly sensitive, five for sensitive and four for C Category stations. However, the police had informed the ECP that it lacked manpower.

Of 49,817 polling stations, the Punjab police has declared 5,624 highly sensitive, 14,072 sensitive and 30,000 normal.

Up to 130,000 young policemen will perform duty on the election day.

The Punjab police demanded Rs1.19 billion of the provincial government for the election security duty. Of the total amount, Rs530 million has been asked for petrol and Rs660 million for the purchase of food and security equipment.

There are more than 4,300 polling stations in Lahore, of which more than 3,800 in the highly sensitive and sensitive category.

The Lahore CCPO ordered deployment of CIA and Investigation Wing personnel for election duty.

A control room has been set up at the IG office to monitor the election process.

The police officials said the AIG operations would supervise the control room, adding that 15 additional data operators had been deployed at the control room.

They said that the control room would also take reports regarding any violation during the election rallies.

Police inspectors in all districts have been appointed as focal persons for timely reports at the control room.
​

ECP instructs cops to stay outside polling stations | The Express Tribune

Poll supervisor says five officials will be at highly sensitive, four at sensitive, three at C Category stations

tribune.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

ECP banks on technology to make polls fair

ISLAMABAD: As the general elections drew nearer, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday issued various deadlines for the voting process, including the final stage of the elections – the transmission of the results.

The ECP told all political parties and independent candidates in the election fray that their canvassing campaign must end 48 hours before the voting day, which would be the midnight between Feb 6 and 7.

As per the law, the ECP reminded the candidates, after 12am between Feb 6 and 7, no person would organise or participate in any meeting, procession, corner meeting or any such political activity.
“Legal action will be taken against those who violate the law,” it warned.

The ECP instructed all the returning officers and the presiding officers that the election results of the Feb 8 vote must be sent by 2am. However, if the results remained incomplete by that time, those could be relayed by 10:00am the next morning.

Technology will be fully used to make the general elections 2024 transparent and impartial, the ECP said in a statement.

For that purpose, it added, the Election Management System (EMS) would be used, through which the presiding officer concerned would forward the picture of ‘Form 45’ to the RO immediately.

The statement said that the presiding officers would be obliged to send the results of all the polling stations electronically or through available means.

In this regard, data operators would be provided to the ROs in all circles.

For a smooth transmission of the results electronically, the ECP would provide the fibre optics facility to the ROs. Besides, the ECP said, as an alternate, they would also be provided with Wi-Fi devices. It warned that action would be taken against those who would not submit results in time.

Separately, the ECP stopped all local governments and cantonments boards in Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan from releasing funds for development schemes ahead of the general elections.

The ECP said that the ban aimed at ensuring transparent and fair elections.

The government on Monday said special permits were issued to the foreign media for the coverage of the general elections 2024 scheduled for Feb 8.

In the first phase, the government had issued permits to 49 foreign journalists from 13 different countries for election coverage, a statement said.

The foreign journalists were from multiple countries, including China, Japan, America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Serbia, Sweden, France, Germany, Australia, Thailand and Singapore.

According to the statement, about 136 foreign journalists have applied for permission to cover the elections to be held on Feb 8. Those Foreign journalists who have not yet been issued permits for coverage will get the permission passes soon.

Besides, delegations from the European Union and the Commonwealth countries will also come to observe the election.

The ECP has printed 200,000 accreditation cards.
​

ECP banks on technology to make polls fair | The Express Tribune

Commission issues guidelines for prompt relay of polls results

tribune.com.pk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I am still convinced that the ECP will postpone the elections at the last moment and will give some lame excuse.

All the money and efforts would go down the drain because of these clowns.

 

[BouncerGuy]

ECP plans test run of result transmission system

With only 16 days left in the general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to conduct a mock test of its system to transmit and tabulate results.

The ECP has written to all four provincial election commissioners and issued SOPs and guidelines regarding the mock exercise for the Election Management System (EMS) on January 26.

The letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn, stated that returning officers (RO) must certify and finalise Forms 28 and 33 in the EMS and map the presiding officers to polling stations till Jan 25.

The said forms carry details of candidates and the number of polling stations in each constituency.

The letter added that dummy Form-45 will be provided to all ROs on Jan 25, and they will ask the presiding officers to send results of 1-2 pages of each NA and PA constituency from their mobile app on Jan 26 at 5pm.

Orders local bodies not to announce development schemes until polls

For the purpose of the exercise, presiding officers can take snapshots of any page, considering it Form-45, which carries results from each polling station.

EMS operators will start data entry from 5pm on Jan 26, and upon completion, ROs will generate Form-47 — the final result.

According to the letter, after the mock exercise, ROs will ensure that all presiding officers have cleared cache data as per ECP’s guidelines.

All EMS operators have also been asked to facilitate presiding officers in clearing the cache on their smartphones.

The provincial election commissioners have been directed to circulate the SoPs with mock exercise guidelines to all ROs.

Guidelines have also been issued for clearing cache from the EMS Mobile App after the mock trial.

“Mock poll data/result may be cleared and your phone will be ready for actual result on poll day i.e. 8th Feb, 2024,” the letter added.

ECP freezes funds

Separately, ECP has frozen all development funds of local governments with “immediate effect” till the general election’s results are announced.

The commission issued the directives in a notification issued last week. The electoral watchdog said that it is responsible for ensuring that polls are conducted “honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with the law”.

It further said that it was imperative for the commission to take all necessary steps to prevent local government institutions and cantonment boards from taking any such action which amounted to “influencing” the results.

It was also necessary to provide a level playing field for all political parties and contesting candidates, the notification added.

In light of this, the ECP has directed all local government bodies in the provinces, including cantonments, to perform their day-to-day duties of sanitation and cleanliness, “which were necessary to run the affairs of local governments”.

The local bodies were ordered not to announce or execute any development scheme except those approved before the election schedule was announced on December 15.

The ECP local governments and cantonment boards were also instructed not to issue tenders for any schemes till the culmination of the general elections and without prior approval from the commission.
​

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

Fair polls to ensure political stability: Sherpao

Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao here on Wednesday stressed the need for holding free, fair and peaceful elections to address the challenges faced by the country.

Addressing a gathering in Dhakki union council, he said that the country was facing a host of problems including rising inflation, poverty, poor law and order and unemployment.

Mr Sherpao said any political party coming to power after the general elections would have to make concerted efforts to revive economy and put the country on the path to development.

He said that political instability coupled with skyrocketing inflation halted progress of country. “We cannot afford to be distracted from the challenges at hand,” he said, urging political forces to join hands to steer the country out of the prevalent problems and ensure political and economic stability.

Expressing concern over what he called stepmother’s treatment being meted out to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the QWP leader said that the province lagged behind in the race of development as the previous government comprised on its rights.

He said that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were facing record loadshedding of electricity and gas despite the fact that the province was self-sufficient in both commodities. “We will not rest until the province gets its due rights,” he said.

Mr Sherpao said that QWP would not let the people down and would come up to their expectations by honouring the pledges made with them during election campaign.

He said that QWP would spare no effort to work for the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the wellbeing of its residents.

He said that his party believed in serving people without any consideration for their political affiliations.

He advised voters to check the track record of the candidates before casting their ballots.

To find your constituency and location of your polling booth, SMS your NIC number (no spaces) to 8300. Once you know your constituency, visit the ECP website here for candidates.

Fair polls to ensure political stability: Sherpao

Urges political forces to join hands to steer the country out of prevalent problems and ensure political and economic stability.

www.dawn.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

ECP leaves no ambiguity about Feb 8 elections

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja declared on Thursday that general elections scheduled for Feb 8 will proceed as planned despite security challenges, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the worsening law and order situation in the two provinces, Mr Raja said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was fully prepared to hold elections on time and there should be no ambiguity about it.

He said that with the help of law enforcement agencies and the Pakistan Army, the elements obstructing the elections and disturbing peace would be dealt with strictly and no leniency would be shown to anyone in this regard.

Mr Raja expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the two provinces, particularly the unabated attacks on the offices of ECP and political rallies.

He identified terrorism as the primary threat to the electoral process and expressed his full confidence in the security forces’ capability to manage the situation effectively. He underscored the necessity of ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for political parties, candidates and voters to enable them to participate in the electoral process without fear.

He urged the law enforcement agencies to beware of attempts by various elements to take the law into their own hands on the election day, especially during the counting process and declaration of results.

The meeting was attended by the caretaker interior minister, interior secretary, director general of the Intelligence Bureau, chief secretaries and police chiefs of KP and Balochistan, representatives of other agencies, ECP’s secretary and other senior officials.

The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation with particular reference to Balochistan and KP and its impact on the nationwide electoral exercise to be held next week.

Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz said he had returned from a visit to Balochistan, where he reviewed the security situation.

He stressed that the federal and provincial governments were fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections.

“All preparations in this regard are complete, and full cooperation and resources will be provided to the Election Commission for the conduct of the general elections, and there will be no negligence at any level in this regard,” he assured the meeting.

The interior secretary, chief secretaries and IGs of KP and Balochistan, and representatives of other agencies apprised the ECP of the law and order situation across the country, especially in the two provinces, and all the security and administrative measures taken for the safe and peaceful conduct of the general elections.

The chief secretary and IG Balochistan informed the meeting that the provincial administration and security agencies are fully alert and ready to fight terrorism. They apprised the commission of the ongoing operation against terrorists in the province and assured that no political or non-political force would be allowed to obstruct the election process and those doing so would be dealt with strictly.

Likewise, the KP’s chief secretary and IG highlighted the security measures taken while highlighting the threats faced by the elections in the province.

The meeting was informed that elections are being held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the first time after the merger of erstwhile Fata with the province, but preparations at the administrative level are complete and all resources have been provided to the law enforcement agencies.

Election Management System

After the meeting, CEC Sikandar Raja told reporters that the ECP would use the Election Management System (EMS) despite voices of concern from political parties fearing a repeat of the 2018 Result Transmission System (RTS) fiasco.

He said the system would function even if the issue of internet connectivity arose on the polling day.

He said there was no discussion regarding the internet shutdown on the polling day, but the Election Management System would work offline in case of internet service disruption.

In reply to a question, Mr Raja said that ballot papers were not available for the by-elections at present. He contended that reducing the size of the ballot paper would not make any difference and the box where the ballot is to be stamped by the voters would be sufficient in size.

He noted that due to court decisions, the plan for printing ballot papers had to be changed and they had to be reprinted in many constituencies. He claimed that the Election Commission provided a level playing field to all political parties and submitted a report to the Supreme Court in this regard. He said that instructions were issued to the chief secretaries and IGs to provide equal opportunities to all.

Meanwhile, the ECP has taken notice of the blasts in Quetta, Turbat and Jafarabad and has sought an immediate report from Balochistan’s chief secretary and IG.

It has also taken notice of the presence of guns and incidents of aerial firing during the election campaign of a political party in Sindh’s Kashmore and Sukkur districts and sought an immediate report from Sindh’s chief secretary and IG and directed them to take immediate legal action against all those involved in it.

SOURCE: https://www.dawn.com/news/1810547/ecp-leaves-no-ambiguity-about-feb-8-elections