Parties deny representation to transgender community

 For a political landscape where elected leaders unabashedly belittle the opposition by taking a pejorative dig at their effete demeanour, gender has emerged as a highly binarised category, with a strict set of attributes and behaviours defining both masculinity and femininity, leaving no room for candidates belonging to the third gender, who in their inability to fit the dual gender identities are strategically excluded by cisnormative parties from participating in the democratic process.  Despite several central leftist political parties upholding the banner of inclusivity in their elaborate manifestos and glib addresses, no party including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has been successful in issuing a single ticket among thousands of vacancies for the National and Provincial Assemblies, to a candidate from the marginalised transgender community, which has been consistently denied a chance at representing its grievances at the state level.  “No party has given an election ticket to a transgender candidate from any constituency. I was expecting at least the PPP to consider including our community in its party but they too have turned a blind eye,” confirmed Shahzadi Rai, a transgender councillor based in Karachi.  The situation was quite similar in Lahore, where Jannat Ali, a transgender activist, challenged the unfair denial of electoral representation by mainstream parties to the transgender community, which was in dire need of delegation.  “Only a transgender elective can truly understand the plight of other transgender people in the country. Just the way women, religious minorities and differently-abled individuals are assigned a special quota of seats to ensure their representation, the transgender community too must be accommodated in the electoral process,” urged Jannat, who was quick to despondently add that the current electoral system had no room for members of the third gender.  Qamar Naseem, a trans rights activist from Peshawar believed that the denial of electoral representation to the transgender community by political parties in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa reflected a broader socio-political prejudice in society, where despite legal recognition and increasing awareness on the rights of the transgender community, inclusion was still a major challenge.  “Our political landscape must actively incorporate the diverse voices of all communities, including the transgender population, in order to ensure equitable representation and policy-making,” asserted Naseem. Read also: Trans people call for voting rights  The reality of the political landscape however, is far removed from Naseem’s utopian suggestion, as sources from the Express Tribune and data from the Population and Housing Census of 2017 reveal that for the upcoming General Elections 2024, only five independent candidates from across Pakistan will be representing the country’s transgender community, which comprises a sizeable population of 21,774 people.  “Parties assign tickets to candidates on the basis of their social standing and influence. Most parties fear that if they issue a ticket to a transgender candidate, either the public will ridicule them or the opposition will mock them. Since our society in general is utterly dismissive of persons with an unconventional gender identity and demeanor, how can we expect political parties and politicians to nurture a different mindset?,” questioned Nayab Ali, one of the few independent candidates contesting for the elections from NA-46 and NA-47 in Lahore.  Nayab’s assessment of the cisnormative political culture is evident in documented instances of mockery by politicians, who have used transphobic slur to target the opposition leaders. For instance, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, have openly taunted PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari by referring to him as “sahiba” and “billo rani” during their speeches.  According to Dr Asma Seemi Malik, Head of the Department of Sociology at the Lahore College for Women University, the exhibition of such attitudes towards the transgender community is regrettable to say the least.  “The socio-political arena must show sensitivity towards the transgender population. Until or unless they gain acceptance in our society, they would not be able to enter politics and work for the betterment of their community,” opined Dr Malik.  Furthermore, what has left most transgender politicians in a quandary is the sheer irreverence with which even the seemingly inclusive parties have disregarded transgender representation. Read: Trans people say will contest upcoming polls “No party is willing to represent more than one million transgender persons in K-P,” lamented Sobia Khan, a trans rights activist from K-P.  The lack of attention given to the safety and wellbeing of transgender persons in K-P is evident in the high rate of crime against the community. As per a report by the Trans Alliance Action, more than 100 transgender persons have been killed across K-P during the past three years but the accused were not convicted due to the weak, discriminatory judicial system.  “PTI is the only party which has devised a plan for uplifting the status of the transgender community in K-P,” claimed Naseem.  However, Farzana Jan, President of the Transgender Community K-P, was quick to dismiss Naseem’s assertion when she confirmed that although the previous PTI government had passed a bill for the rights of the transgender community, it could not be implemented.  “Political parties like the PTI, PPP and ANP talk about transgender rights in their manifestos but no action is taken to improve their status or offer them membership,” discerned Farzana.  An attempt was made to contact the ANP spokesperson to take their stance on the issue but they were preoccupied with the election campaign and thus could not respond.  Speaking to the Express Tribune on the matter, Taj Haider, in-charge of the PPP's election cell said,” We will take the necessary steps to ensure representation to the transgender community in the National and Provincial assemblies.”

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HRCP condemns killing of PTI-affiliated poll candidate in Bajaur

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned the assassination of a political candidate, Rehan Zeb Khan, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district on Wednesday. The incident is believed to be a targeted killing.  Zeb, affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a member of HRCP, fell victim to the brutal attack, highlighting the dangers faced by political figures in the lead-up to the general elections. The HRCP in a statement expressed deep concern over the situation stating: "HRCP is increasingly alarmed by the escalation in violence that has targeted the PTI in Sibi, the PPP in Quetta and the NDM in North Waziristan in January alone." HRCP strongly condemns the assassination of independent political candidate, Rehan Zeb, who was shot dead by unknown assailants in #Bajaur earlier today in what is being reported as a targeted killing. Mr Zeb was affiliated with the PTI and was also an HRCP member. As the general… — Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) January 31, 2024 The human rights watchdog urged both the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure the perpetrators behind this attack are identified and brought to justice. Read also: PTI-affiliated election candidate from Bajaur shot dead Khan was the candidate from NA-8 Bajaur. He was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Siddiqabad Phatak Bazar area earlier in the day. The district police officer and SHO Rashid Khan confirmed the reports of PTI leader's murder. Khan, contesting as an independent, was also a candidate for provincial assembly seat PK-22. Khan was at Siddiqabad Gate canvassing for the upcoming general elections when he was attacked by unidentified attackers while he was in his personal vehicle.

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FIA to move Interpol for Moonis’ extradition

The Anti-Money Laundering Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore has approached its Islamabad-based headquarters for the issuance of a red notice with the help of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister Moonis Elahi in a money laundering and corruption case. The agency has completed the legal process to arrest Moonis, the son of PTI president Chauhdry Pavez Elahi, abroad and bring him back to Pakistan. It is requested in the official correspondence that the Interpol be contacted for the red notice after getting approval from the Ministry of Interior (MoI). The FIA’s Anti-Money Laundering Circle Lahore had lodged an FIR 18 of 2023 against Moonis on charges of money laundering and corruption and is continuing the investigation. Moonis has failed to join the investigation despite repeated reminders. A Special Judge Central Lahore had previously issued a permanent arrest warrant for the accused as an absconder. FIA Lahore Director Sarfaraz Khan Virk has sent recommendations including complete case history and detailed red notice performa to the Additional Director General FIA. Read Elahi moves SC against papers rejection The agency pleaded in the recommendations that Moonis fled to Spain on December 28, 2022, via Flight No VIP755. The Special Judge Central-1, Lahore issued a perpetual warrant against the absconder on Jan 18, 2024. Approval has been sought from the Interior Ministry to arrest the accused from abroad. A senior FIA officer said that all the processes for the red notice are complete and that the FIA headquarters after getting the ministry’s approval would send a request to the Inperol headquarters to issue a red notice to arrest Moonis. The investigation process would be further extended after the PTI leader’s return, he added. FIA gets new DG Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir, formerly Additional IG of the Police Service, has taken charge as FIA Director General. Immediately after assuming the charge, Jahangir announced his commitment to take action against the ongoing epidemic of human trafficking and cybercrime challenges in the country. He especially pointed out that “Strict legal action will be taken against those who share fake, objectionable and hateful content on social media and a zero-tolerance policy will be upheld against corruption.” Read  Elahi seeks replacement of election symbol The newly appointed DG FIA was previously serving in the police and had also served as Additional Director General in the Cyber Crime Wing. He was welcomed to FIA headquarters by a contingent of FIA armed forces who saluted him. On the occasion, the DG FIA visited the martyrs' memorial and laid flowers. Later, he also held a meeting with the heads of various departments and senior officers of FIA. The DG issued orders to pay special attention to the professional training of investigation and senior officers. “FIA should ensure honesty, duty and law enforcement and measures should be taken on an emergency basis to improve public service delivery,” he further added. Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2024.

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Merged districts gear up for another milestone

The merged districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) region are gearing up for another historic moment as the next general elections approach on February 8 as for the first time in their history, polling for both National Assembly and provincial legislature seats will take place simultaneously. The earlier milestone was achieved in 2019, when 16 seats of the tribal districts in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly -- following their merger with the province -- were contested for the first time. The inaugural elections for the provincial assembly seats from the merged districts took place on July 18, 2019 -- a year after the general polls of July 25, 2018. Notably, Bajaur had two NA seats in the 2018 general elections -- a number that has now been reduced to one following the delimitation of constituencies last year. In 2019, independent candidates dominated the provincial polls by securing six seats, followed by the PTI with five. The candidates of the JUI-F bagged three seats while the ANP and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) both won one each. Three independent candidates joined the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and formed a new parliamentary party in the province. Read also: Mansehra candidates contest NA, K-P seats Of the four reserved seats for women from the merged districts, the PTI secured two while the JUI-F and BAP both acquired one each. The lone reserved seat for minorities was also bagged by the PTI. According to the results of the 2019 polls, the winners included PTI’s Anwar Zeb Khan from PK-100 Bajaur-I, PTI’s Ajmal Khan from PK-101 Bajaur-II, JI’s Sirajuddin Khan from PK-102 Bajaur-III, ANP’s Nisar Ahmed from PK-103 Mohmand-I, independent candidate Abbas Rehman from PK-104 Mohmand-II, and independent candidate Shafiq Afridi from PK-105 Khyber-I. Others who emerged victorious included independent candidate Bilawal Afridi from PK-106 Khyber-II, independent candidate Mohammad Shafiq from PK-107 Khyber-III, JUI-F’s Muhammad Riaz from PK-108 Kurram-I, and PTI’s Syed Iqbal Mian from PK-109 Kurram-I. The list continues with independent candidate Syed Ghazi Ghazan Jamal securing a win from PK-110 Orakzai, PTI’s Muhammad Iqbal Khan from PK-111 North Waziristan-I, independent candidate Mir Kalam Wazir from PK-112 North Waziristan-II, JUI-F’s Hafiz Isamuddin from PK-113 South Waziristan-I, PTI’s Naseerullah Khan from PK-114 South Waziristan-II, and JUI-F’s Muhammad Shoaib from PK-115 Ex-Frontier Regions. As the February 8 elections draw closer, the merged districts brace for yet another chapter in their political journey.

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PTI considers renewed intra-party polls

Reeling from the legal blow to its intra-party elections, the central leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is considering the prospect of conducting polls afresh, seeking to address legal flaws and setbacks surrounding its electoral symbol. In a unanimous decision, PTI leaders have opted for intra-party elections, with sources indicating the likelihood of these polls taking place before the upcoming general elections slated for February 8. According to the sources, a panel is in the works for these elections, with Barrister Gohar Khan again picked as a candidate for the chairmanship. The intra-party election is anticipated to take place within the next four to five days. The decision to revisit the intra-party polls follows the nullification of the previous elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) due to legal irregularities. Read more: PTI's websites 'blocked' in Pakistan The ruling not only stung the former ruling party but also cost the PTI its electoral symbol. This blow resulted in the loss of its electoral symbol and endangered its prospects of returning to power. In response, PTI approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC), which temporarily reinstated the party's electoral symbol until January 9, pending a review by a divisional bench. However, the situation took a turn when the PHC withdrew the stay on the ECP order, once again depriving PTI of its symbol. Later, PTI escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which ultimately overturned the PHC order, reinstating the ECP's ruling and forcing PTI's ticket holders to participate in the upcoming general elections as independent candidates. Also read: PTI announces public rallies in a lead-up to Feb 8 polls Meanwhile, the PTI is scheduled to convene a crucial meeting of the central leadership on Wednesday (today). The meeting, taking place simultaneously in Islamabad and the four provincial capitals, will delve into essential organisational matters, including the potential scheduling of intra-party elections. Members from all corners of the country are expected to participate in this general body meeting, with appointed convenors overseeing proceedings at both the central and provincial levels.

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Terrorist killed in North Waziristan IBO

Security forces on Monday killed a terrorist during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military said in a statement. During the conduct of the operation, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intense fire exchange took place between Pakistani troops and terrorists as a result of which a terrorist named Naikman Ullah was killed. Read more: Seven terrorists killed in Zhob IBO The statement said that the killed terrorist remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities including target killing of innocent civilians. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorist, it added. ISPR said that a sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. It further said that the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.

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‘Change my name if I fail to turn South Punjab into mini-Lahore’, says Shehbaz

In a bold assertion on Monday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif declares his commitment to transform South Punjab into a miniature version of Lahore, stating, "Change my name if I fail to achieve this." Addressing a rally in Rajanpur, he stated that PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif had decided that if Lahore could have high-standard educational institutes like Aitchison College for the children of the rich, then similar quality schools should be built for the children of the poor. "We fulfilled that commitment by establishing 20 Daanish schools, out of which 16 are in South Punjab,” he said. Read more: Political feud heats up as PML-N retaliates to Bilawal’s tirade Shehbaz criticised former PTI leader Usman Buzdar, saying that he was chief minister for four years, with everything in his hands, but he did nothing for South Punjab. “If someone else were in Buzdar's place, the fate of this region would have changed. In four years, South Punjab should have been turned into a blooming garden." Highlighting his efforts during the flood days, he said, "Day and night, I worked for your service during floods. Nawaz Sharif told me that I must not return to Lahore until the difficulties of people ease." "If you want the betterment of Rajanpur, put a stamp on the tiger on February 8 and elect Nawaz Sharif as your prime minister for the fourth time,” he concluded.

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Survival in democracy, not in raising arms: Zardari

Former president Asif Ali Zardari stressed the need for explaining to those elements in Balochistan who had taken up arms, that their survival lay in democracy. Addressing an election rally in Hub, Zardari, also the president of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), said that the town was located at a one-hour drive from the country’s biggest city of Karachi, therefore it should have the facilities like a metropolis. “Hub's budget is not visible here, maybe it has gone to the pockets of friends. There should be hospitals in Hub, there should be water facilities and universities. Hub should also be like Karachi,” Zardari told the gathering. “Explain to the friends, who are taking up arms that your survival is in democracy. Improve law and order and bring peace, investors will come,” he said. صدر پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی پارلیمنٹرینز صدر آصف علی زرداری پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے ضلع حب میں انتخابی جلسہ عام سے خطاب کررہے ہیں۔@AAliZardari #چنو_نئی_سوچ_کو pic.twitter.com/783w0p6Q1u — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) January 28, 2024 He added that everyone here thought that he knew the solution to Pakistan's problems but in fact, only political forces knew the solution to the problems. “These great political powers that have been created or are being created will understand this,” he said. Zardari said that the PPP suffered oppression but it never resorted to fighting. He assured that Baloch people would be given the right to their land. “Balochistan's survival lies in democracy,” he said, appealing to the people to vote for the PPP on the election day. Earlier, local people gave a warm welcome to Zardari upon his arrival at the venue. PPP leaders, including former chief minister Qudous Bizenjo, Ali Hassan Zehri, Hassan Jamote, Wahab Bizenjo, Karim Marri, Sabir Baloch, Iqbal Shah and others were present in the rally. لائیو: صدر پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی پارلیمنٹرینز آصف علی زرداری بلوچستان کے ضلع حب میں انتخابی جلسہ عام سے خطاب کررہے ہیں۔ https://t.co/9ez9uirbN8 — Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) January 28, 2024 (WITH INPUT FROM NNI)

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‘Malicious campaign’ against top judiciary being probed as per law: Solangi

Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Sunday said the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was investigating the “malicious campaign” against the top judiciary on social media in accordance with the law. Addressing a press conference along with officials of the FIA, PTA and other relevant institutions, the minister said the JIT was formed on January 16 to probe into the anti-judiciary campaign on the social media networking sites. He said the JIT’s first meeting was held on January 17 while the second one convened on January 23. The process to probe into the drive was still underway, he added. So far, 600 social media accounts were investigated, he said, adding as many as 100 inquiries were registered. Read more: JIT formed to probe malicious campaign against judges The minister said that notices were served to 110 individuals that included 32 journalists and 22 political workers. The notices to the identified individuals were served in accordance with the law, Solangi said while brushing aside the reports regarding the harassment of journalists in the matter related to a “malicious campaign” against top judges. The minister said that it was imperative to bring forth the facts in this regard. So far no First Investigation Report (FIR) was lodged against anybody, nor was anyone arrested in this matter. Solangi said that the law would take its course and actions against those who were involved in running the campaign against the judiciary would be taken in accordance with the law. To a query, he said that the law of the land prohibited from running campaigns against the judiciary and armed forces. “This is not about criticism rather it is related to character assassination and ridiculing [of the judiciary],” he said in response to another query. “What has been done against the judges of the apex court during the last couple of days on social media, it does not come under the pretext of criticism,” he said while clarifying that there should be a difference between criticism and ridiculing someone. To another query, he said the caretaker government could only take measures in accordance with its mandate. However, the legislation on any issue was the job of the Parliament whose lower house did not exist as of now. “Nobody has been picked up since the JIT is formed,” he said while dispelling the impression of a witch-hunt under the garb of the JIT. He said the intensity of the malicious campaign had decreased significantly since the formation of the JIT. Director-General FIA Ahmad Ishaque Jahangir said that notices were served to give an opportunity to the identified individuals to give their side of version on the issue.

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Pakistan, Iran to discuss new ‘terms of engagement’ after missile exchanges

Foreign Ministers of Iran and Pakistan will hold crucial talks on Monday as part of efforts to repair their ties damaged by tit-for-tat missile strikes a fortnight ago. Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian arrived in Islamabad late Sunday evening. As the two countries were reeling from the missile exchanges, the killing of nine Pakistani labourers in the Sistan-Blaochistan province of Iran on Saturday highlighted the fault lines in the bilateral ties. Before leaving for Islamabad, the Iranian FM sought to assure Pakistan that Tehran would not allow "enemies" to target "friendship, peace and security in the region," according to IRNA Pakistan asked Iran to investigate the Saravan incident and bring the perpetrators of heinous crime to justice. Read more: Iran, Pakistan envoys set to resume duties Tehran was quick to condemn the killing of Pakistani workers, who were from South Punjab. Observers feel Baloch terrorist outfits, who were targeted in the Pakistani missile strikes, might be behind the gruesome murder of poor workers. Officials said that the visit of the Iranian FM is crucial as the two sides would discuss the "new terms of engagement" after the recent events. Tensions may have eased but officials in Islamabad said the rupture caused in the relationship due to missile exchanges may take some time to heal. The Iranian FM will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart at the foreign office. The two foreign ministers will address a joint press conference, suggesting both sides want to send a message of reconciliation. Read more: Pakistan-Iran border remains open: official The unusual military standoff was triggered by Iran's missile strikes on January 16, targeting what it claimed were the hideouts of Jaish al-Adl in remote region of Balochistan. Jaish-al-Adl, formed in 2012, is a militant group involved in several attacks on the Iranian security forces. The group claimed responsibility for killing 11 Iranian police officials in December last year in Sistan-Blaochistan. Tehran claims the group also has hideouts across the border in Pakistan. Islamabad, however, denied Iranian missile strikes killed terrorists. According to Pakistan, strikes left two innocent children dead and injured three girls. Two days later Pakistan mounted its own reply, hitting what it said were terrorist bases of Baloch terrorist outfits. Iran admitted those killed in Pakistan strikes were not Iranian nationals. Following Pakistan's retaliation, the two sides were quick to climb down the escalation ladder. Ahead of the Iranian foreign minister’s visit, the ambassadors of Iran and Pakistan returned to their assigned capitals on Friday. The two countries have often boasted of their "friendly and brotherly" ties but underneath certain problems do exist. The major issue is the presence of non-state actors in the border region which has been the cause of mistrust. However, very few thought Iran would resort to missile strikes in Pakistan. Officials said that both sides would now need to move cautiously and agree on a new framework that ensures such incidents do not happen in the future.

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Pneumonia death toll in Punjab crosses 250

Over 250 children have died of pneumonia in Punjab since the beginning of this year, the provincial health department said in a statement on Sunday. On Sunday, 18 children became the latest victims of the disease in the province, said the statement. Around 870 cases have been reported in the province in the last 24 hours, the statement said, adding that about 177 patients were diagnosed in the provincial capital Lahore. The health department attributed the rapid increase in cases and deaths to environmental pollution caused by smog during the ongoing winter season. The health authorities said that they are working to address the surge in pneumonia cases. Read also: Pneumonia death toll rises to 66 The health department called for an urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures to curb the spread of the infection. Earlier, Caretaker Provincial Health Minister Dr Javed Akram, told media that apart from the chilly weather, the major causes of pneumonia and deaths among kids include low rate of mother feeding and vaccination. He said that scores of children die of the disease during the winter season each year, but this year, a ten per cent surge in the mortality rate has been witnessed due to worsening air quality. The minister added that the situation will improve when the intensity of the winter season subsides in the coming months.

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PTI’s 2018 glory faces test in new battles

 As the political tempest swirls and the upcoming February 8 general elections draw near, the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finds itself at the epicentre of a shifting political landscape, with its political fortunes likely to experience an unusual scenario in its own stronghold, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Rewind to the 2018 elections, the party’s tsunami had ripped through most constituencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), leaving national leaders and heavyweights in the dust. However, a lot has changed since former prime minister Imran Khan's ouster, with the party reduced to a shadow of its former self. While all eyes were on Imran Khan, the PTI secured an impressive 36 out of 51 National Assembly seats in the provincial and tribal districts in the 2018 elections. The political battlefield witnessed stunning defeats for heavyweight contenders, including former premier Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Jamaat-e-Islami emir Sirajul Haq, and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao. The MMA secured 7 seats, PML-N managed three, while PPP and ANP each claimed one, while three independent candidates were successful. The electoral race saw surprising defeats, with JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PML-N’s Engineer Amir Muqam tasting defeat in two seats each. Even heavyweights like Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stumbled in the challenging terrains of the Malakand Division. Meanwhile, ANP’s Asfandyar Wali Khan and Qaumi Watan Party’s Aftab Sherpao, along with Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sirajul Haq, faced setbacks in Dir. JUI-F’s Akram Durrani in Bannu lost despite garnering over 100,000 votes. In the heart of Peshawar, senior politician Ghulam Bilour succumbed to defeat against Shaukat Ali, while Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and former advisor Asma Arbab Alamgir also faced setbacks. However, heavyweights Asad Qaiser and Pervez Khattak emerged victorious, adding to the PTI's triumph. The nail-biting contests continued, with former chief minister Amir Haider Hoti narrowly defeated by PTI’s Atif Khan, leaving a bitter aftertaste in the political arena. Meanwhile, Khattak's son-in-law celebrated victory, and Ali Amin Gandapur secured success in DI Khan. Similarly, PTI's Saleem Rehman defeated Shehbaz Sharif in Swat while PTI's Murad Saeed emerged victorious in the battlefield of NA-4 Swat-III and Sahibzada Sibghatullah claimed NA-5 Upper Dir. Moreover, PTI's Mehboob Shah secured victory in NA-6 Lower Dir, while former PPP provincial general secretary Ahmed Hassan faced a defeat. NA-7 Dir Lower witnessed a showdown where PTI's Muhammad Bashir Khan emerged victorious, defeating JI emir Sirajul Haq. The drama continued in NA-8 Malakand as PTI's Junaid Akbar defeated heavyweights Bilawal Bhutto and JUI-F's Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan. PTI's Sher Akbar Khan celebrated a win in NA-9 Buner, but in NA-10 Shangla, Ibadullah Khan of PML-N, and brother of Engineer Amir Makam, secured the victory for his party. A riveting competition unfolded in NA-13 Mansehra-I, where independent candidate Saleh Muhammad triumphed over Sardar Shah Jahan Yusuf, later joining PTI after a fierce contest. Meanwhile, in NA-14 Mansehra, PML-N's Muhammad Sajjad defeated Zargul Khan and MMA's Mufti Kifayatullah. In NA-15 Abbottabad I, former deputy speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi emerged victorious against Ali Asghar Khan, son of Air Marshal (retd) Asghar Khan, and the current provincial general secretary of PTI. The momentum continued with PTI's Ali Khan Jadoon securing NA-16 Abbottabad-II, Umar Ayub Khan winning NA-17 Haripur, and former speaker of National Assembly Asad Qaiser triumphing in NA-18 Swabi-I. PTI's Usman Khan Tarakai secured NA-19 Swabi-II, while Mujahid Ali of PTI defeated former federal minister Nawabzada Khawaja Hoti in NA-20 Mardan-I. NA-21 Mardan witnessed a gripping contest, with ANP's Amir Haider Khan Hoti clinching victory over PTI's Atif Khan by a mere 152 votes. In NA-22 Mardan-III, PTI's Ali Muhammad Khan defeated MMA's Maulana Muhammad Qasim, and in NA-23 Charsada-I, PTI's Anwar Taj outpaced QWP’s chief Aftab Sherpao. In Charsadda, Fazal Mohammad Khan of PTI in NA-24 defeated ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan and former MNA Maulana Muhammad Gohar Shah. Moving on, in NA-25 Nowshera-I, Pervez Khattak, the incumbent chairman of PTI-Parliamentarians, secured victory. His son-in-law Imran Khattak triumphed over Asif Luqman Qazi on a PTI ticket in NA-26 Nowshera-II. In NA-27 Peshawar-I, Noor Alam Khan defeated the current governor, Haji Ghulam Ali, who contested on the MMA ticket, while Asma Alamgir faced defeat in the same constituency. PTI's Shaukat Ali emerged victorious in a fierce contest against senior politician Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour on NA-31 Peshawar-IV. The excitement continued in NA-32 Kohat, where PTI's Shehryar Afridi defeated former senator Abbas Afridi, and in NA-33 Hangu, PTI's Khayal Zaman Orakzai triumphed over Atiqur Rehman. Meanwhile, in NA-34 Karak, PTI's Shahid Ahmad defeated former president Nawabzada Mohsin Ali Khan. The spotlight then shifted to the intense battle on NA-35 Bannu, where PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan defeated Akram Khan Durrani, the former chief minister, in a nail-biting contest. MMA's Muhammad Anwar secured victory in NA-36 Lakki Marwat, and Maulana Asad Mehmood, son of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, triumphed in NA-37 Tank. However, Maulana Fazlur Rehman himself faced defeat in two seats, losing to PTI's Ali Amin Gandapur on NA-38 Dera Ismail Khan-I, where PPP’s Faisal Karim Kundi also tasted defeat. In NA-39 Dera Ismail Khan-II, Muhammad Yaqoob Shaikh of PTI sealed the victory.

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Qureshi terms upcoming polls ‘mock elections’

Former foreign minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Senior Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi has termed the upcoming polls “mock elections”, saying that the exercise is a waste of money “Democracy is being strangled and the Constitution is being mocked,” Qureshi said while talking to the media at the Adiala Jail on Saturday. The former minister appealed to the chief justice of Pakistan and the chief election commissioner to consider the PTI’s demand of providing a level-playing field. Targeting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Qureshi said that the Pakistan Peoples Party chairman was supporting the PTI's stand that the Avenfield apartments in London were built with corruption money. On the other hand, Qureshi accused the PPP of using the resources of the Sindh local government for the upcoming general elections, adding that PML-N’s Nehal Hashmi and the Grand Democratic Alliance were saying the same. On the issue of level-playing field, Qureshi said eight people were arrested during a raid at his house in Multan and the election material of his daughter and son was taken away. Read also: State counsels appointed for Imran, Qureshi in cypher case “What is happening against us is not a level-playing field. Where will we take our complaint? From where will we get justice?” Qureshi said, “Even the British and Ranjit Singh had not crossed the threshold of my 125-year-old house.” On the “injustice being meted out to the PTI”, Qureshi said veteran politician Javed Hashmi's house was attacked and “our meeting was stopped”. Comparing the treatment with that being provided to other political parties, the PTI senior vice chairman said the PML-N and the PPP had been given open permission to hold meetings. “What kind of election is this?” he asked, adding that the nation and the world would not accept the elections in such an environment as “our fundamental rights are being violated”.

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Internet outages aim to target one political party: HRCP

On concluding its 75th council meeting, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called on political parties to develop a human rights charter in the face of receding democracy, pre-poll electoral manipulation, and severe challenges to human rights. Escalating levels of censorship on the media and seemingly deliberate internet outages to curtail digital assemblies appear to target a particular political party and its voter base. The notices issued by the FIA to scores of social media users for an allegedly “malicious campaign” against the superior judiciary (after it upheld the ECP’s decision to deprive the PTI of its electoral symbol) underscore an increasing assault on the people’s right to freedom of expression. Rumours of restricted or no access to the internet during the elections will infringe not only on the people’s right to information, but also their right to a peaceful assembly. Several resolutions passed recently by the Senate calling for delays in the elections and supporting the use of military courts, as well as the recent move to give an army-backed company over 52,000 acres of land in Sindh for “corporate farming” are worrying indications of the overreach of military establishment. Read also: Nationwide disruption hits social media platforms during PTI virtual rally The fact that an estimated 10 million women lack national identity cards and cannot therefore vote in the upcoming elections implies that the state perceives citizenship as a responsibility of the individual, not a right it is obligated to uphold. The HRCP also believes strongly that there should be reserved seats for transgender political representatives. The HRCP is dismayed by the state’s continuing and wilful neglect of the Baloch people, which has resulted in a dangerous disconnect between the two—evident from the treatment accorded to the women-led march to Islamabad to protest against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Indeed, the perpetrators of alleged extrajudicial killings in Turbat and Sakrand (Sindh) have yet to be held to account. Similarly, the state’s deliberate indifference to the concerns being raised by the protesters in Gilgit-Baltistan is a cause for concern. Read: HRCP sounds alarms over ‘troubled election climate’ The HRCP is also deeply concerned to learn that participants at GM Syed’s birth anniversary rallies, including women, have FIRs registered again them on charges of treason. The recent revelation that over 26 million children in Pakistan are out of school implies a crisis in education that the state can no longer afford to ignore. The HRCP is also seriously concerned over continued reports of forced conversions of young women from religious minorities as well as deteriorating law and order in Sindh’s katcha areas. There are worrying reports that at least seven miners have been killed in mining accidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the last month alone. The HRCP considers the continued use of internment centres and private jails a human rights travesty.

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Will ‘improve economy’ with Nawaz, Shehbaz’s help

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Chairman Jahangir Tareen has announced joining hands with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Nawaz Sharif and President Shehbaz Sharif to improve the country’s economy. The businessman-cum-politician accused the former rulers of neglecting NA-149 Multan, which made it a hotbed of problems, vowing to solve all the problems like that of sewage, roads, and slums. “If the economy is managed well, employment opportunities will increase,” Tareen said while addressing the workers of Union Council VIII on Friday. The IPP chairman said if the “economy shines”, income would increase. Terming improvement in the country's economy “the most important”, Tareen vowed to provide employment opportunities to people, saying that they would do things that would make the masses happy. On the IPP manifesto, the IPP chairman said that it would solve all the problems. “I will solve the problems whether big or small of the constituency. I will fulfil the expectations of the people.” He said, “Multan's problems are many but now they are all my own problems. This country has given us everything so it is our responsibility to beautify it.” He hoped that Feb 8, the election day, would bring good news for them. Former Union Council chairman Rana Mairaj Khalid expressed trust in the leadership of Tareen, announcing joining the IPP. On reaching different areas, Tareen was given a grand welcome, with flowers being showered on him. Earlier, Tareen met well-known businessman Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Anjum at his office and discussed various issues. The IPP chairman visited the mausoleum of Hazrat Shah Shams and offered prayers. Sajjada Nasheen Makhdoom Syed Naveed Shamsi prayed. Tareen met Pir Syed Asad Abbas and condoled the death of his son. On the occasion, Pir Asad and his brother Naveed Shah declared their full support for Tareen. Meanwhile, Tareen met with district PML-N President Bilal Butt at his residence. Former chairmen of 11 different union councils were also present. Former PTI chairman Rafiq Sandila also joined the PML-N and announced his full support for the joint candidate of IPP and PML-N

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Over 1.07m polling staff ready for action

As the electoral clock ticks down, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday catapulted preparations into their final phase, revealing the polling scheme for constituencies for the Feb 8 polls. Putting final touches to the much-anticipated polls, the electoral body said that over 1.07 million polling staff members were primed and ready to fulfil their duties on the election day. Among them, 96,812 presiding officers are set to oversee proceedings at 91,809 polling stations. In the heartland of Punjab, 526,123 polling staff members are set to manage operations at 51,821 polling stations, while Sindh will see 264,100 polling officers in action at 19,236 polling stations. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 166,000 polling officers will oversee 15,737 polling stations, while 50,491 officers will preside over 5,015 polling stations in Balochistan. The federal capital will have a dedicated force of 8,704 polling officers assigned to handle 990 polling stations. Ballot printing hits overdrive Meanwhile, the printing of specialised ballot papers also gained momentum. In a proactive move, the ECP has intensified the printing of ballot papers to facilitate a seamless voting experience. Racing against a Jan 31 deadline, the commission aims to complete the printing of 25.77 million ballot papers, utilising a substantial 21 tons of specialised paper procured from international sources. To uphold the highest standards of quality, the ballot papers are being produced on specific imported paper, surpassing the eight tons used in the previous election. With an increased number of candidates in some constituencies, longer ballot papers are now in use, accommodating up to 40 hopefuls in certain regions. Also read: Election expenses may exceed Rs49 billion However, with the onset of cold and foggy weather, potential obstacles to the swift and secure distribution of printed ballot papers have arisen. To overcome the hurdle, the ECP plans to employ air transport for the delivery of ballot papers, ensuring a timely and efficient distribution across the nation. Following the Jan 31 deadline, the commission will kickstart the rapid dispatch of ballot papers, with remote regions set to receive their ballots via aerial transport. DROs get magisterial authority In a related development, the ECP delegated the powers of a first-class magistrate to district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) to ensure the seamless execution of the general elections in 2024. According to the ECP notification released on Friday, magisterial powers were conferred upon DROs and ROs in accordance with Section 193 of the Elections Act, 2017. These powers can be utilised by ROs and DROs during the general elections for national and provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, K-P and Balochistan until the official announcement of final results for the candidates. The ROs and DROs have the authority to initiate action against candidates who breach the code of conduct prescribed by the ECP. The aforesaid officers will exercise the powers of the magistrate first class in respect of the offences defined in sections 169 and 171 and take cognisance of any such offence under Section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and shall try it summarily under Chapter XX of the code.

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PM hints at ‘regulating’ social media in future to curb its ‘misuse’

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday highlighted concerns about social media, indicating plans for regulations to curb its alleged misuse. In an interview with a private TV channel, the premier said that the previous governments worked to control negative aspects of social media and in future, a “national firewall” through the use of technology would be created to subdue the negative tendencies of social media. Reflecting on the May 9 events, Kakar criticised the elements involved, clarifying that his government did not target any specific political party. He stressed the importance of maintaining social order as a foundation for political stability. “May 9 [incident] was an attack on the concept of the state of Pakistan and from the very start I was very critical of the elements involved in the incidents,” he said. However, he added that the entire Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could not be kept away from Pakistani politics, adding that only specific members of PTI were involved in the chaos. Also read: PM rules out ban on social media, internet during polls PM Kakar said that the political parties needed to democratise themselves and decrease the influence of individuals. “The Supreme Court’s decision on the intra-party elections of PTI was a welcome step and would increase the opportunities for politicians from the middle class to make a mark on the political landscape,” he opined. Regarding Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's visit to Afghanistan, PM Kakar clarified it was a private undertaking, with the state of Pakistan not directly involved. However, he added that the Foreign Office (FO) did brief him on the situation in the neighbouring country. He said that the citizens of neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, had to adhere to the immigration laws of Pakistan as it is a common practice throughout the world. Commenting on Iran's attack on Pakistani soil, Kakar expressed shock and condemned the aggression. He affirmed that both nations agreed on the necessity for de-escalation after the incident. Read: PM urges youth to collectively fight enemies’ propaganda “Iran’s attack on Pakistani soil was absolutely wrong and Pakistan responded appropriately to the aggression. We were shocked by Iran's attack. We were not expecting this,” he said. The premier said that both sides had agreed to the need for de-escalation. On February 8 general elections, the interim prime minister said that they would bring political stability to the country, saying that after the polls, the new government would work to achieve political and economic stability. He said his government successfully achieved most of the targets set by it and a white paper would be issued to enlist those successes. “The biggest challenges were economic issues,” he said, adding the next government would have to work with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and bring reforms in the taxation system to take the economy forward. He said that the government carried forward the process of privatisation of state-owned entities, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The process of privatisation was almost complete, he added. The prime minister said that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) led the effort to sign $25 billion worth of memorandums of understanding with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The SIFC was formed by the previous government after the enactment of a law in the Parliament, he recalled.

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Abbasi urges political leaders to make polls non-controversial

Former prime minister Shahid Abbasi has said that the upcoming general elections will be the most “controversial” ones in the country’s history, urging the political leadership to make them “non-controversial”. The estranged PML-N leader made the remarks while speaking to the media in Rawalpindi. Abbasi had developed differences with the party leadership over the last year. In February last year, he had resigned as the party’s senior vice president in an effort to give Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz an “open field”. During the media talk, Abbasi also said he had decided against contesting the Feb 8 polls but had not quit politics, terming the elections “useless”. The former prime minister highlighted that it was the responsibility of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and caretaker premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar to ensure that the upcoming elections were “non-controversial”. “I become more satisfied with each passing day that I made the right decision of no playing a part in such an election, which does not give the country anything other than incitement and flaws,” he said. Abbasi criticised the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), saying that it was a “misfortune” that they had become the “most corrupt institutions”. Read also: Abbasi says will not contest polls Alleging that these institutions were now solely used for breaking and distorting elections, he said the entities themselves were the ones contesting the polls. “We have stolen every election since 1947. A country where the public’s opinion is not respected can never make progress,” he said, adding that if the politics of garnering votes through pressure was not rejected, the country could not move forward. When asked about reports of him and other leaders —Mustafa Khokhar and Miftah Ismail — forming a new party, Abbasi said, “A political party is not formed in such an environment.” In an apparent reference to the PML-N, the PTI and the PPP, the seasoned politician said, “The three major political parties in Pakistan today have failed.” He further said he would decide on his political future after the February 8 polls. When asked if the perpetrators behind the violence in the country on May 9 — when riots broke out following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan — should be provided with a level-playing field, Abbasi said that action should have been taken against the individuals by collecting evidence and following the legal process.

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Troops to stay ‘outside’ polling stations

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued a code of conduct for the troops to be deployed outside polling stations on the election day, informing them that they must remain neutral throughout the process and not interfere in the counting of votes. On Wednesday, the federal cabinet gave the nod to the deployment of troops outside sensitive polling stations. The code of conduct read that the security personnel belonging to the armed forces shall perform their duties in accordance with their role defined in Article 245 of the Constitution, law and within the confines of the mandate assigned to them to assist the ECP in conducting the general elections by providing a secure environment for easy and secure access of voters to polling stations. It added that the police would be the first-tier responders while civil armed forces and armed as second- and third-tier ones, respectively. It read that the armed forces would be deployed outside the selected “most sensitive polling stations” and they would ensure the security of printing presses during the printing of ballot papers. The code of conduct stated that the troops would provide security during the transportation of ballot papers from the printing presses to the offices of district returning officers. Similarly, they will also be responsible for the security during transportation of election material from offices of returning officers to polling stations and back after completion of polling and counting. “[The troops will] perform their functions under articles 220 and 245 (inclusive of all clauses/sub clauses) of the Constitution of Pakistan, sections four and five of Anti-Terrorist Act (ATA),1997 (as amended) and Section V read with Section 193 of the Elections Act, 2017,” it read. “Each officer and junior commissioned officer of the armed forces of Pakistan and civil armed forces shall exercise powers delegated to them vide Notification No F21 (1)12023-Elec-l dated 25th January, 2024 issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan,” it continued. The code read that the troops would facilitate in the provision of a secure environment so as to enable district returning officers, returning officers, presiding officers and polling staff in the accomplishment of their assigned tasks. Read also: ECP instructs cops to stay outside polling stations It told the troops to remain “impartial and neutral throughout the election process in general” and during the “voting process in particular” and not act in favour of or against any political party or candidate. The ECP told the troops to observe politeness while dealing with voters and election staff and display immaculate behaviour while remaining firm. It added that just in dealing, they must act in accordance with the law while addressing any situation. The commission told the troops to identify suspicious voters for frisking by the police personnel before entering the premises of a polling station to ensure that no person could bring with them any weapon, explosives or undesirable item. “While performing duty outside the selected most sensitive polling stations, [the troops should] exclusively concentrate on ensuring [a] secure environment. While performing their duties, [they] are supposed to first report to the presiding officer along with informing in [their] own chain of command of any irregularity/issue/malpractice having the potential to create [a] law and order/security situation,” the code of conduct continued. “In case, the presiding officer does not act to prevent the commission of any reported irregularity/issue/malpractice, the security staff will immediately inform [the] concerned returning officer,” it further read. The ECP instructed the troops to abide by all the relevant laws and continuously work to gain general public's trust by ensuring a safe environment as well as maintaining law and order during the election process. It warned that that a district returning officer or returning officer could visit a polling station at any time. The commission further told the troops that accredited observers and media personnel were allowed to enter a polling station. It also told them not to prevent any eligible voter from entering a polling station, except those who were found in possession of a weapon, explosives or undesirable items or the ones who created disturbance and incitement to an act of violence or an action which was prejudice to national safety and the interests of Pakistan. Read: Over 5,000 polling stations sensitive The troops were told that they could not in any case assume the duties of the polling staff. They were further instructed that they could not take into their custody any election material, including ballot papers, marking aid stamps, official code mark stamps, electoral rolls, ballot boxes, Form-45 and Form-46, etc. The ECP told them that they could not enter into arguments or altercation with any candidate, election agent, polling agent, observer or media person in any manner. The troops were told not to interfere in any manner in the functions of a presiding officer, assistant presiding officer or polling officer. The code further instructed the troops not to respond on their own to an apparent irregularity outside a polling station and bring the matter to the knowledge of the presiding officer, taking necessary direction from him on the issue. “In case, [the] irregularity or malpractice continues, [the troops] shall inform their officer in-charge immediately, so that necessary legal action can be taken,” it added. Finally, the code instructed the troops not to interfere in the counting process in any manner. Instead, they should perform their duties outside polling stations in a peaceful manner and diligently so that the counting process could be completed in a cordial way. The federal cabinet also used a notification that read that the troops – deployed outside sensitive polling stations from Feb 5 till 10 – would serve as a rapid response force. It added that the deployment of army personnel would play a major role in the transparent and peaceful polling process. The notification continued that the civil armed forces would also be deployed at the Printing Corporation of Pakistan and the Pakistan Post Foundation.

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Final candidates for NA reserved seats notified

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has notified the final list of 31 candidates in the race for the National Assembly’s reserved seats in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. A total of 10 of them belong to the PML-N, seven to the PPP, five to the JUI-F, four to the Jamaat-e-Islami, three to the MQM-P, and two to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. However, the list for the NA reserved seats does not carry the name of any PTI candidate. Separately, according to a statement issued by the ECP spokesperson, it has come to knowledge of the commission that that the elected representatives and officials of the local governments were depriving the candidates for the upcoming general elections of equal opportunities by helping them during their polls campaigns by providing them with manpower and state machinery. Read also: Parties field 44 females for 47 PS, 22 NA seats The spokesperson added that this act fell under the category of violation of the code of conduct. Taking strict notice, the ECP has ordered all the chief secretaries and provincial election commissioners through letter to warn the local government representatives and officials to refrain from these practices. Otherwise, the commission warned that they would face action and punishment. Apart from this, the ECP has instructed the district monitoring teams to strictly monitor the election campaigns and take disciplinary action if they witnessed any illegal activity.

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PTI candidates face loyalty oath dilemma

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders find themselves navigating another oath-taking spree, leaving candidates treading on a double-edged sword to prove their loyalty to the party’s founder Imran Khan ahead of general elections. Not too long ago, several PTI leaders recorded video statements under oath as evidence, attesting that the former prime minister never issued any instructions to them before or after May 9 to attack or vandalise state institutions, buildings, and military installations. What began as a pre-emptive measure to shield against potential arrests and coercion to testify against Imran has turned into a spectacle where PTI voters demand their candidates take a renewed oath on the Holy Quran and win their trust. This has left many party candidates caught in the crossfire between powerful stakeholders and party supporters. On one hand, they, along with the party leadership, are confronting the wrath of powerful stakeholders; on the other hand, party voters and supporters are compelling them to take an oath on the Holy Quran, pledging their enduring loyalty to Imran even after winning elections. The scenario has triggered a debate on whether swearing upon the Holy Quran could be the ultimate solution for PTI if it can save the party from the wrath of concerned quarters, and if it is the appropriate method to bridge the trust gap between PTI candidates and voters. This debate becomes more pertinent, particularly when the candidates are steadfastly standing with the party amid pressure and various challenges. “I think it is not just insulting, it is humiliating for those who have been asked to publicly take oath,” renowned political expert Zaigham Khan said, adding that we keep hearing that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also takes oath from its members; sometimes the party members are asked to say it on oath that they would not disclose the contents of a specific meeting. Zaigham said that the oath-taking ceremonies show two things: first, the PTI is facing tremendous pressure; and second, the newcomers who have been awarded election tickets do not have the required trust level with the decision-makers in the party, especially, Imran Khan. “[People] feel that they do not have any other option than asking people to take oath,” he said. Read also: PTI leader Hammad Azhar dodges arrest attempt in Lahore Referring to PTI candidates’ oath-taking on the Holy Quran, Zaigham said that “this is very public; clips of the oath-taking are being made and then circulated,” adding “It’s quite humiliating for people like, for example, Salman Akram Raja, who is a respected lawyer and constitutionalist.” However, he said, one has to see that voters are feeling insecure about people contesting as independent candidates because no floor-crossing or party’s disciplinary laws apply to them and, once they are in the assembly, they can switch. “Taking an oath on Holy Quran in the public is a difficult thing to do as one loses face in Pakistan for deviating from the oath and it becomes extremely difficult to face the public afterwards,” Zaigham said, adding let’s see what kind of turn the situation takes. Eminent scholar Professor Dr Hassan Askari while commenting on the situation said that the political history of elections reveals that the big parties entice the independent candidates to join them either by offering positions or pressurizing them after polls, saying the security establishment also encourages them to join the big parties. To avoid such a situation, he incorporated, that people have taken oaths from the candidates. To the question of whether it could solve all the problems that PTI was currently facing, the professor said that it could lead to some relief if PTI wins a good number of seats in the elections. He, however, added that winning a sizable number of seats seems difficult for PTI in the current situation. Responding to the question if PTI candidates would be able to bear the pressure, Askari said that things largely depend on how many seats PTI wins in the general elections. Only time will tell, he said, how much pressure would be exerted if PTI manages to win a good number of seats. Askari, however, said that the need to take an oath on the Holy Quran shouldn’t have arisen, especially, when the ticket holders were still standing with the party in its difficult time. “There was no need to doubt candidates’ loyalty but, as I earlier said, people want to make sure that loyalties are not switched after winning elections,” he concluded.

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Pakistan, Iran envoys set to resume their duties

The ambassadors of Pakistan and Iran would return to their respective capitals on Thursday, days after the two neighbours were on the brink of a major conflict in the wake of tit-for-tat missile strikes. Official sources told The Express Tribune on Wednesday that Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu would return to Tehran on January 25. Similarly, the Iranian envoy Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam will resume his duties this week. Pakistan withdrew its envoy and asked the Iranian Ambassador to stay back in protest over Iran’s missile strikes in Panjgur, Balochistan on January 16. Iran claimed the strikes hit the alleged hideouts of the Jaish-al Adl group, a militant outfit operating from Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan province. Pakistan, shocked by the Iranian violation of its air space, condemned the transgression and contested its claims that strikes killed terrorists. Islamabad said those strikes only killed two innocent children and injured three girls. Read more: Pakistan-Iran border remains open: official Two days later, Pakistan mounted its own reply, targeting what it said were hideouts of Baloch terrorist organisations. Iran admitted those killed in Pakistani strikes were not its nationals. After Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes, the two sides were quick to climb down the escalation ladder. Both sides established contacts and agreed to de-escalate tensions. The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Iran spoke thrice by telephone as part of hectic efforts to defuse tensions. The two countries then agreed to restore full diplomatic ties with the return of ambassadors to each other’s capitals. To take the normalisation process forward, the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian will visit Pakistan on January 29. Sources said tensions may have eased between the two countries but the military standoff shook the foundation of their ties. Sources said the two sides during the visit of the Iranian FM would discuss ways and means to prevent the recurrence of such a situation in the future. One source said the rupture caused by last week’s tit-for-tat attacks would take time to heal. The two countries often boast their “friendly and brotherly” ties but underneath do exist certain issues that undermine their cooperation. At the heart of the issue is the presence of certain militant groups on both sides of the border. Read more: ‘Volatile region faces heightened risk of chaos’ The recent tension has brought that issue to the public more pronouncedly, the source explained, saying the two sides would have to agree on new terms of engagement. The source said that without a new arrangement given the last week’s hiccup, there may remain a possibility of tensions erupting in the future. The two sides have been working quietly to agree on a new framework dealing with the threat of terrorism since the de-escalation of tensions. The visit of the Iranian FM is seen as significant as that would set the direction for the future.

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Imran rejects May 9 probe under caretakers, anticipates public outcry on poll day

Former prime minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation into the May 9 incidents under the supervision of the caretaker federal government. Speaking informally to journalists at the court in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, Khan stated that the PTI does not accept the inquiry and suggested that public discontent would be evident on February 8, the day of the upcoming elections. In reference to the May 9 events, Khan asserted that there had been no independent inquiry. He accused the caretaker government, the establishment, and the Election Commission of collaborating against the PTI. Khan emphasised the need for an independent investigation before apprehending those responsible for stealing CCTV footage related to attacks on GHQ, Jinnah House (Corps Commander house in Lahore), and other facilities. The PTI founder alleged that CCTV footage of Corps Commander House, GHQ, and Islamabad High Court had been made to disappear. Drawing parallels with the Capitol Hill attack in the United States, Khan highlighted the contrast in swiftly arresting the accused with the help of CCTV footage. He claimed to possess videos showing PTI leader Yasmeen Rashid urging workers not to approach the Corps Commander's House. Also read: COAS Munir warns youth against pitfalls of social media Asserting PTI's strength, Khan stated that 80 per cent of the army supports PTI. Despite potential rigging on Election Day and snatching election symbols, he declared that the PTI cannot be defeated. Khan accused the powers-that-be of engaging in unprecedented pre-poll rigging, claiming that the people's anger would manifest on February 8. Responding to a question about forging deals, Khan stated that his only deal was to ensure clean and transparent elections, emphasising that the establishment's current approach would harm the country. He characterised the current scenario not as an election but as a freedom struggle. Regarding the imposition of Section 144, Khan claimed it was a response to his call for protesting against alleged high-handed tactics against PTI. He predicted that PTI would face restrictions in holding public meetings and rallies under Section 144. Also read: 'Won't take U-turns': Nawaz promises to deliver if voted to power Khan claimed low attendance at Nawaz Sharif's rallies, asserting that PTI slogans were resonating even there. “Nawaz Sharif himself is sitting at home saying that they are selecting me, so there is no need for a campaign,” he remarked. Addressing PTI candidates, Khan urged readiness and warned that those detained would be swiftly replaced. He accused opponents of hindering PTI's campaign by restricting the display of his picture and even the mention of "prisoner number 804" on posters. Khan, currently in prison, asserted his right to vote by applying for a postal ballot. He ruled out any possibility of striking deals with powerful circles, emphasising that the sole deal was to ensure clean and transparent elections in the country. On the issue of a meeting with Sheikh Rashid, Khan clarified that no such meeting occurred as he has been detained in jail.

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Sidhu to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib today

India’s cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is scheduled to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib via the Kartarpur Corridor on Wednesday (today). The corridor facilitates visa-free border crossing for Indian Sikhs and enables them to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib near Lahore. It links the shrine in Pakistan to Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur district in Indian Punjab. Read also: Birth of Sikh leader commemorated Sidhu played an important role in the establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor along with then prime minister Imran Khan and Pakistan’s army chief in 2019 which made him hugely popular in both Pakistan and India. In a message on his social media platform, Sidhu said he would reach Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at 11am on Wednesday. He said he would continue to spread the message of peace and universal brotherhood. Will visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Saheb tomorrow 24th Wednesday… Grateful to the Great Guru for making me an instrument of his Goodwill- will continue to propagate his message of peace ,Universal brotherhood and sarbat ka bhala … group should assemble at 11 am at the Kartarpur… pic.twitter.com/HZOjE5hqpy — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 23, 2024  

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Ban on ex-judges' accountability challenged

The federal government has filed an intra-court appeal against the Supreme Court’s verdict barring any misconduct proceedings against retired and former judges. In its petition, the government has named the Supreme Court registrar and the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) secretary as respondents and requested the court to set aside the Afiya Shehrbano Zia case verdict. A civil society activist, Afiya Shehrbano Zia, had filed a complaint against former chief justice of Pakistan (CJ) Mian Saqib Nisar under Article 209 of the Constitution—that deals with misconduct by superior court judges—over alleged breach of the judges’ code of conduct. However, a division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, on June 27, 2023 set aside the complaint, declaring that judges who retire or resign do not fall within the ambit of Article 209. Read more: SC reserves verdict in ex-IHC judge Shaukat Siddiqui removal case The development took place against the background of the resignation of Supreme Court judge Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, who relinquished his post on January 10 when the SJC was about to conclude its misconduct proceedings against him. At the last meeting of the SJC on January 13, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan had told the council that the government was contemplating filing an appeal against the verdict and the federal govt filed an appeal on Tuesday. The petition said the SC’s June 27 verdict failed to make a distinction between the consequences upon resignation of a judge under Article 206, retirement under Article 179 and removal under Article 209. “The judgement has rendered the functionality of the SJC redundant by making Article 209 inapplicable to a judge who has retired or resigned while inquiry proceedings were pending against him and/or a show-cause notice has been issued to him,” it said. The petition said it is a legal question as to whether the findings in the judgment undermine the principles of transparency, accountability and quality guaranteed under Article 4, 10A and 25 of the Constitution. “Whether non-issuance of mandatory notice under Order XXVIIA of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 to the AGP and Advocate generals of the provinces renders the impugned judgment a nullity,” the petitioner questioned. The petitioner requested the court to set aside the division bench’s order and allow the SJC to carry on misconduct proceedings against judges who resign during the proceedings.

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Torkham border crossing reopens after 10-day closure

Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was reopened for trade after a 10-day closure, as announced by authorities on Tuesday. Officials reported that Afghanistan’s consular general in Peshawar engaged in discussions with Pakistani authorities and the issue of opening the Torkham Border for unlicensed drivers was conditionally resolved. The first truck carrying goods from Afghanistan has already crossed into Pakistan, the border authorities said. As part of the new agreement, Afghan drivers now have a deadline of 1st March to ensure that their documents are in complete order as after 1st April drivers without the necessary documentation will be denied entry from Afghanistan into Pakistan. The border sources said the federal government had mandated cargo vehicles to have complete documentation before entering Pakistan. Read also: Pak-Afghan border at Torkham set to reopen However, when this decision was set to be enforced on January 13, the Afghan side closed the border. Reports also indicated that despite having complete documentation, several Pakistanis were stranded in Afghanistan. The closure of trade routes had resulted in thousands of vehicles being stranded, carrying items such as vegetables, onions, and fruits from Iran and Central Asia, as well as coals. During the closure, Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan remained at zero, a customs official told The Express Tribune. The closure persisted for ten days, impacting trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, causing a significant daily loss estimated at Rs680 million for both sides.

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Half a million Afghans return from Pakistan: IOM

More than 500,000 Afghans have left Pakistan in the four months since Islamabad ordered undocumented migrants to leave or face arrest, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday. According to the latest figures reported by the UN migration agency, 500,200 Afghans left Pakistan between September 15, 2023 and January 13, 2024. Most rushed to the border in the days leading up to a November 1 exit deadline Islamabad set for the 1.7 million Afghans it said were living illegally in Pakistan, and as police opened dozens of holding centres. "Since the initial peak around November 1, the number of individuals crossing these official border points have consistently decreased but remains higher than pre-September 15th," an IOM statement said. Pakistan defended the crackdown by pointing to security concerns in its regions bordering Afghanistan and pressure on its struggling economy. Read also: Pak-Afghan trade at Torkham border stops over visa dispute "Some Afghans forced to return may be at risk of persecution, arbitrary arrest and detention and/or torture or ill-treatment," the UN's Afghan mission said in a report on Monday. Meanwhile, the busiest border crossing between the two countries remained closed for the tenth day running in a dispute over document rules for commercial drivers. The row centres on demands for drivers from both sides to have visas and passports -- documents many Afghans do not have -- as Pakistan cracks down on cross-border movements. More than 400 trucks were stranded on the Pakistan side of the Torkham crossing on Monday, according to a border official who asked not to be named. Upon arrival, migrants have received modest assistance from the government and NGOs in a country contending with one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

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Pakistan fully committed to success of CPEC, PM assures Chinese vice FM

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday said that Pakistan was fully committed to the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and stressed the need for both sides to continue to work closely to ensure timely completion of the ongoing projects. He was talking to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who paid a courtesy call on him. The prime minister welcomed the Chinese vice foreign minister as well as members of his delegation and said Pakistan deeply valued its all-weather, strategic, cooperative partnership with China. Recalling his visit to Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum in October 2023, he said that he was deeply touched by the warm sentiments of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang towards Pakistan. He also conveyed his best wishes to the Chinese leadership. Read more: China's vice FM visits GHQ, discusses defence ties with COAS In addition to Pakistan-China relations, the regional situation also came under discussion during the meeting. The Chinese vice foreign minister thanked the prime minister for the courtesy call and briefed him regarding various meetings held during the visit. 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 🇵🇰 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 🇨🇳 🔺#Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong paid a courtesy call on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar @anwaar_kakar earlier today. The Prime Minister… pic.twitter.com/MUMnnL1l2X — Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) January 22, 2024 He conveyed special greetings of the Chinese leadership to the prime minister. He said that China and Pakistan were “iron-brothers”. He assured that China would always remain a reliable partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress. Earlier in the day,  Weidong also met with General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters (GHQ).  The meeting involved discussions on matters of mutual interest and measures to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation between Pakistan and China, according to an Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) statement. During the meeting, the Chinese diplomat reiterated the strong and enduring nature of the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China and said that Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic partners. He acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in promoting regional peace and stability and expressed China's satisfaction with the security arrangements for the CPEC projects. Last week, VFM Sun visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and along with Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi inaugurated the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Corner at the library of MoFA.

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Contesting to 'bury old politics of hate': Bilawal

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday reiterated his rallying cry of “burying the old politics” and ushering in a new era to address the challenges faced by the people, asserting that only his party was able to do that. Speaking at an election rally in Sahiwal, Bilawal, who is cruising through Punjab on a campaign trail, lashed out at other parties for engaging in divisive politics, accusing them of promoting hatred and animosity. He warned that if these parties were to come into power, they would likely victimise their political opponents. “I am contesting to bury the politics of hate and division,” he asserted. “Other parties want to divide us, whereas we are contesting elections on our manifesto … we will not use foul language against our political opponents,” the PPP chief added. Read more: Bilawal says Imran should not be in jail if innocent Bilawal further reiterated that his party aimed to introduce a new era of politics centered around serving the people, asserting that the PPP would transform the nation's destiny within a single term without the need for four terms in government to fulfil their promises and reshape the fate of both the nation and the country. پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے تحت ضلع ساہیوال کے ہاکی اسٹیڈیم میں ہونے والے جلسہ عام میں عوام اور کارکنان شریک ہیں@BBhuttoZardari #چنو_نئی_سوچ_کو pic.twitter.com/gyH3F8HnOX — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) January 22, 2024 "We should embrace a new form of politics, whose primary objective is to serve the people, farmers, labourers, youth, and the marginalised masses of the country. In these elections, only two parties are vying for your support. If you aspire to bury the politics of hate and division, then you must choose the PPP," the PPP chief stated. If the people desire new leadership, then "they should stamp on the ‘arrow’ of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. If they believe those adhering to traditional politics should step aside, then again, the symbol of the ‘arrow’ should be stamped”. He went on to tout the PPP’s 10-point Awami economic agreement as a key strategy to tackle the country's problems. The Bhutto scion invoked the ideologies of his late mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “We need the ideology of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto at this difficult period of our history.” پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری ساہیوال کے ہاکی اسٹیڈیم میں جلسہ عام سے خطاب کررہے ہیں@BBhuttoZardari #چنو_نئی_سوچ_کو pic.twitter.com/WyXfucGyuO — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) January 22, 2024 Bilawal said, "We will address poverty and inflation through the party’s agenda”, adding that the country needed to follow the same path as the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in caring for farmers, labourers, and youth, and confronting the challenges of poverty and inflation." Bilawal also drew attention to the party's past initiatives, such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), designed to support women. He announced plans to not only extend this program but also provide interest-free loans to empower women to start their own businesses, contributing to the country's economy. Also read: Bilawal decries ‘traditional politicians’ He pledged to introduce the "Benazir Kissan Card" for the farmers of Sahiwal and Pakistan. The PPP's philosophy has been "Kissan Khushhal, Pakistan Khushhal" (Happy farmer, prosperous Pakistan). The former foreign minister further promised that his party would provide crop insurance for smaller farmers and offer financial assistance to them through the "Benazir Kissan Card," instead of providing a subsidy of Rs1500 billion to the elite. “The PPP will provide help to the labourers through ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’ so that they get their rights. This facility will be extended to every kind of labour force.” The PPP chief further said that once elected, the party will also provide the "Youth Card" to the young population to assist them financially for a year and also aim to provide them training and other facilities to acquire expertise. “We will look after the youth until they get employment.” “We think that health is the right of every citizen. We will provide a system of health which allows for the establishment of free healthcare institutions all over the country, a feat we have already achieved in Sindh. We will establish universities and campuses for the youth at their doorstep in their own district.” These are all promises included in the 10-point Awami economic agreement, Bilawal added. The PPP chairman then directed all those in attendance at the gathering to take the party’s manifesto to every doorstep and make them aware that the PPP is the only party which serves the people. “You have to work hard and take this message to every brother and sister of Sahiwal in the next 18 days,” he said while addressing the party workers. Bilawal said that he desired to complete the incomplete mission of Benazir Bhutto. “When the PPP will be victorious, the people will be victorious,” he added. لائیو: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کا ساہیوال شہر کے ہاکی اسٹیڈیم میں جلسہ عام https://t.co/UK8KH7d0Um — Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) January 22, 2024  

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Coalition formed to ensure free media

Representatives of CPNE, AEMEND, various press clubs, unions and associations of journalists and media workers on Saturday established an alliance — Coalition for Free Media — to jointly resist media curbs through pressure tactics and trolling on social media and to ensure freedom of expression, a CPNE press release said.  Almost all groups and factions affiliated with media professionals, including Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (APNEC), press clubs of four provincial capitals and the National Press Club, attended a meeting where the initiative by the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) to form the “Coalition for Free Media” was endorsed by the participants.  The joint meeting also decided to establish a "steering committee" of the coalition to resist the continuous degradation of the freedom of information in the country. It decided to seek cooperation from human rights activists and lawyers and create deterrence over the safety of journalists and “shrinking space” for free speech in the media.  Read more: Honorary PhD conferred on poet, journalist The meeting was moderated by AEMEND President Azhar Abbas, who after a consensus among the participants including those who had joined through an online link announced that freedom of speech did not mean unregulated and unethical media practices.  Fraternity decides to jointly resist “attack on media from state or non-state actors.”  The participants noted that character assassination of journalists on social and mainstream media had become a norm in recent years.  PFUJ (Barna) President Afzal Butt said many countries had placed curbs on media but it seemed too obvious and blatant in Pakistan. He believed that regressive policies were being followed, even by political parties, against media freedom.  Campaign to tarnish image  According to a statement issued by the coalition, successive governments, political parties and some state institutions have adopted the policy to defame independent journalists and tarnish their image through a sustained campaign.  Also read: Renowned journalist Ghouse Mohiuddin's funeral today Unfortunately, it added, even some media persons and journalists also joined hands with powerful institutions in this campaign. Some TV channels and newspapers allegedly tried to justify such defamatory campaigns, accusing the media organisations and professional journalists of committing treason and even blasphemy, it noted.  “There is an urgent need to not only condemn this practice, but also to act collectively to put a stop to it,” the statement added.  Black sheep  It was agreed that media organisations and journalists could have different editorial policies and report the same stories differently, and there could be fair and justified criticism on these stories and opinions.  “But if media organisations start to run campaigns against journalists, they themselves are likely to become a threat to media freedom in this county,” the coalition warned.  The other key demands of the collation included “ensuring free speech and freedom of media” as no society can progress without free media. Freedom of speech generates dialogue and debate which is essential in every democratic society, it noted, recalling that journalists’ organisations have been campaigning long for this constitutional right.  Safety of journalists  Coalition members also discussed the issue of safety and protection of journalists. It noted scores of journalists have been killed, and several abducted or incarcerated by state and non-state actors, during the past many years.  At the same time, it noted, many continue to face pressures and persecution while performing their professional duties. It demanded the implementation of the “Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act” in letter and spirit.   The coalition decided to jointly resist any attack on media houses from state or non-state actors.  The participants agreed that there was undue pressure as well as demands to discontinue the publication of columns and articles of certain writers, or to stop airing certain television programmes, or to sack journalists and it had become the order of the day.  They noted that those resisting such undue pressures from the government and state institutions had often been subjected to different types of persecution, including stoppage of government advertisements and blocking of TV channel transmission. “This is completely unacceptable,” the coalition declared. 

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Pakistan, Iran working discreetly to prevent future border crisis

Pakistan and Iran have been quietly working to evolve a new mechanism preventing the recurrence of events of the last week that for a moment jeopardise their longstanding relationship.  Official sources told The Express Tribune on Sunday that the two countries might have agreed to de-escalate tensions but were aware of the rupture the tit-for-tat missile attacks caused to the bilateral ties.  Pakistan is busy assessing the situation and trying to find answers as to what prompted Iran to conduct missile strikes. One source said that the two countries were pulled from the brink, but it would take some time before the bilateral ties were put on track.  The key concern is how the crisis would shape the future ties between the two countries.   It would be an understatement to say that the Iranian missile strikes put the bilateral ties at stake, the source added.  Read more: Jilani speaks to Iranian counterpart to defuse tensions According to sources, Pakistan is carefully analysing the situation to understand the long-term implications of the crisis that was dealt with quickly as far as de-escalation was concerned.  Pakistan and Iran may often boast about the "friendly and brotherly" relations but underneath does exist certain issues that cause suspicion in both the capitals.  At the heart of the problem are the concerns both sides often expressed privately about the use of each other’s soil by certain terrorist groups.  Pakistan has longstanding concerns that Baloch terrorist outfits find refuge across the border in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran. Tehran on the other hand pointed a finger at anti-Iran militant groups such as Jaish al-Adl having hideouts in Balochistan province in Pakistan. Iran gave the same justification for carrying out cross-border missile strikes under the pretext that it was aimed at Jaish al-Adl hideouts.  Read more: De-escalation imminent as friends engage in hectic diplomacy Pakistan, in retaliation, conducted strikes and pounded with bombs what it said were the sanctuaries of Baloch terrorists. Iran admitted that those killed in Pakistani strikes were not Iranians.  The problem of these militant groups existed for many years and has been the cause of friction between the two neighbours, though Iran and Pakistan tried to downplay the crisis in the past.  In order to avoid any hiccup, the two countries in recent years undertook several measures including fencing the border, better coordination between the two border security forces and frequent high-level exchanges.  That was the reason Pakistan was baffled by the fact that Iran opted for missile strikes despite having existing bilateral mechanisms to discuss and resolve such issues.  However, the Iranian strikes made those bilateral arrangements irrelevant for the time being.  In the aftermath of the tit-for-tat attacks, Pakistan is keen to work with Iran on a new arrangement that prevents such incidents in the future. One proposal is to strengthen the existing mechanisms to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Instead of violating each other’s sovereignty, the two countries may deepen intelligence cooperation, according to sources.  These proposals would be discussed during the engagements between the two countries. Foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan spoke twice since the tit-for-tat attacks and agreed to work closely to deal with the matter.   It is expected the two foreign ministers may take reciprocal visits to each other’s countries to discuss the way forward.  Pakistan, on its part, has no intention to escalate tensions. The National Security Committee (NSC) in its meeting on Friday carefully used language to send a message of conciliation and cooperation.  The high-powered civil military forum termed the tit-for-tat attacks as "minor irritants." This, according to sources, was done purposely to avoid any further escalation.  Iran too, after Pakistan's retaliatory strikes, toned down its rhetoric. Tehran stressed that it was adhering to the policy of friendly ties with Islamabad and that no external enemies could strain their cooperation. 

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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.   Read more: Maryam terms PTI’s predicament self-inflicted Waseem will officially announce his inclusion in PML-N during a rally on January 25. Maryam Nawaz will also address the gathering.   چیف آرگنائزر مسلم لیگ ن مریم نوازشریف کے حلقہ NA-119 میں مسلم لیگ ن خواتین ونگ کی جانب سے بھی بھرپور طریقے سے انتخابی مہم جاری pic.twitter.com/mZHDs7iXD7 — PMLN (@pmln_org) January 21, 2024 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.  Also read: Maryam vows to end inflation, restart uplift work 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.  لاہور:21 جنوری پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کی سینئر نائب صدر اور چیف آرگنائزر مریم نوازشریف کا حلقہ این اے 119 میں انتخابی مہم ٹیم کے اجلاس سے خطاب مریم نوازشریف نے این اے 119 سے امیدوار قومی اسمبلی کے طورپر اپنی انتخابی مہم کا باضابطہ آغاز کردیا مریم نوازشریف کی الیکشن مہم کے… pic.twitter.com/LxvfSCwovi — PMLN (@pmln_org) January 21, 2024  

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PBC demands late judge’s plea should be taken up

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Saturday demanded that Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa should schedule at the earliest the petition of the late Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth pending before the Supreme Court, wherein the elevation of judges to the superior judiciary against the principle of seniority had been challenged. According to a news statement, PBC Vice-Chairman Haroon-ur-Rashid and its Executive Committee Chairman Hassan Raza Pasha said the bar had consistently “stood with the seniority principle” for the elevation of judges to the superior courts. It further read that the PBC office-bearers had shown their “full respect” to the judiciary and Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). They pointed out that in the past, elevations to the superior courts were made on the basis of pick and choose in violation of the judgment of the SC passed in the Al-Jehad Trust case and against the spirit of the Constitution, adding that the bar had always raised its voice against this practice and opposed it. The PBC office-bearers continued that the practice of elevating judges against the seniority principle was also challenged by the late Peshawar High Court chief justice Waqar Ahmed Seth before the SC and his petition was still pending. They said the bar had consistently demanded the setting of the criteria for the elevation of judges not only to the SC but also to the high courts and Federal Shariat Court. The PBC office-bearers added that they expected that the criteria would be finalised soon. Read also: PBC advocates long-term reforms in IMF negotiations The legal fraternity have been demanding that judges should be appointed on the basis of the seniority principle and those elevated out-of-turn be removed. The elevation of Justice Mussarat Hilali to the top court -- backed by a unanimous approval -- breezed through the process without any deadlock that marred the previous ones over ignoring the seniority principle in picking the names of judges for their elevation to the SC. Now with a CJP who shares similar views on the matter, the legal fraternity feels that it finally has a chance to have their demand met. Before taking over as the CJP, Justice Isa also strongly advocated appointments to the Supreme Court on the basis of the seniority principle in the absence of objective criteria. Last year in a letter to ex-CJP Umar Ata Bandial, he explained the advantages of the appointment of chief justices of high courts as SC judges. He also gave the reasons as why to why junior high court judges should not be elevated to the SC.

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