Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • More voters, less turnout: FAFEN on Feb 8 polls

    More voters, less turnout: FAFEN on Feb 8 polls

    The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has reported that around 60.6 million Pakistanis voted in the country’s 12th general elections, held on February 8. This number was higher than 2018 elections, in which least 54.8 million citizens participated. The number this increased by 5.8 million voters, according to FAFEN post-election analysis report.

    The election watchdog reported that fewer people voted in the recent general polls compared to the total number of registered voters. In 2018, 52.1 percent of registered voters participated in the polls whereas this year, only 47.6 percent turned out to vote.

    The decrease in turnout, however, can be largely attributed to the increase in registered voters from 106 million in 2018 to 128.6 million in 2024. A considerable rise of 22.6 million registered voters between the 2018 and 2024 elections was highlighted in the report.

    The report suggested that the turnout might have been affected by several factors, including severe winter in some areas, concerns about violence and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, and uncertainty regarding how the elections would be conducted.

    The analysis report on voter turnout reveals that KP had the lowest turnout. The report also notes that voter turnout varies across National Assembly (NA) constituencies, with Islamabad Capital Territory recording the highest turnout.

  • Arrest warrants issued for future Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur

    Arrest warrants issued for future Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur

    The Azad Kashmir Election Commission has issued an arrest warrant for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominated Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur.

    A case was filed Gandapur for violation of code of conduct in Azad Kashmir elections. Deputy Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan has also been issued an arrest warrant for the PTI leader,in which he has been directed to appear before the Election Commission of Azad Kashmir on February 28.

    The petition against Ali Amin was filed by lawyer Raja Zulqarnain during the 2021 election.

    Differences have emerged in PTI over the nomination of the controversial leader for the highest post in the province.

    According to sources, Asad Qaiser, Mushtaq Ghani, Atif Khan and Shehram Tarkai are unhappy with the nomination.

  • ECC greenlights 25% sales tax increase on domestic cars

    ECC greenlights 25% sales tax increase on domestic cars

    In a significant development, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has given its nod to a proposal for increasing the sales tax on vehicles manufactured and assembled within the borders of Pakistan.

    The decision was finalised during a pivotal ECC meeting held in the capital city on Wednesday.

    The proposal, presented by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), suggested an elevation in the sales tax applicable to the auto sector, particularly on vehicles produced and assembled domestically.

    Following a comprehensive deliberation, the ECC cabinet sanctioned the process for determining a 25 per cent sales tax rate on locally manufactured and assembled vehicles.

    As per the endorsed proposal, vehicles valued at Rs4 million or equipped with 1400 cc engines will be subject to a 25 per cent sales tax.

    This taxation structure is anticipated to persist in the upcoming budget, signalling potential implications for consumers as a result of the price hike.

    The imposition of a 25 per cent sales tax on 1400cc vehicles is expected to have a direct impact on the pricing structure, leading to a potential surge in vehicle costs. The ECC’s decision aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline fiscal policies in the country.

    In addition to this decision, the ECC also greenlit a substantial subsidy of Rs7,492.75 million under the Ramazan Relief Package 2024.

    Chaired by Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, the meeting aimed to address the financial aspects of the relief package, particularly subsidising the targeted beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

    According to a press statement issued by the finance ministry, the subsidy allocation is part of the budget for 2023–24, with a primary focus on providing support to those identified under the BISP. This move underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare initiatives.

    Furthermore, the ECC approved a proposal related to the “Permission to Import Wheat and Export of Wheat Flour under the Export Facilitation Scheme 2021.” This decision, brought forth by the Ministry of Commerce, reflects the government’s strategic measures to balance wheat supply and demand dynamics in the country.

    The ECC meeting signifies a pivotal moment in shaping economic policies, with decisions that carry far-reaching implications for both the automotive sector and social welfare initiatives in Pakistan.

    The approved proposals are poised to contribute to the broader economic landscape and address pertinent challenges in the nation’s fiscal framework.

  • ‘No one is interested in Careem’s shit’; Rana Sanaullah’s office account hates on ride app Careem after Careem’s tweet

    ‘No one is interested in Careem’s shit’; Rana Sanaullah’s office account hates on ride app Careem after Careem’s tweet

    Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) has posted a tweet against ride sharing company Careem after the app put up a cryptic post on their social media account.

    After February 8 elections, PML-N secured 79 seats, the PPP 54 seats, and independent candidates who were supported by the PTI led the field with 93 seats in the National Assembly, according to preliminary results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

    The PML-N, which was sure it would have a majority to establish its own government in the Center and Punjab, did not appear to be anticipating the outcomes.

    Careem found itself in a sticky situation following the sharing of a mysterious yet hilarious tweet.

    The post features PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat’s well-known statement, “Program to war gaya” (Game is over).

    The PML-N took exception at the post and began pushing for Careem to be boycotted for its “shameful” act.

    “This isn’t the first time they have done this. @CareemPAK showing its true colors again. More interested in pushing political agendas. Shameful,” the account said.

    There was mixed response,, with some people applauding it and others criticizing the ride-sharing firm for becoming involved in politics.

    However President of PML-N punjab Rana Sanaullah shared an angry post stating, “Relax!! Everyone is using InDrive and Uber; no one is interested in Careem’s shit; that’s why they try useless marketing tactics to be relevant since the ride-sharing company is already trembling.”

  • Will PTI secure reserved seats in National Assembly?

    Will PTI secure reserved seats in National Assembly?

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has confirmed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will not get reserve seats despite an alliance with other political parties, including Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), ARY News reported on Wednesday.

    ECP sources revealed that the MWM did not submit a list of reserved seats for women as required by Section 104 of the Election Act, and they missed the submission deadline.

    Furthermore, it was revealed that political parties are allowed to submit the list of reserved seats until the deadline for the submission of nomination papers. 

    However, once the deadline passes, no political party can submit a list of reserved seats.

    A day earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to form an alliance with MWM to create a government in the centre.

  • Behroze Sabzwari, Javed Sheikh have a simple secret for staying fit

    Behroze Sabzwari, Javed Sheikh have a simple secret for staying fit

    Javed Sheikh and Behroze Sabzwari have been acting since decades yet both the veteran actors are still fit as a fiddle. The two have been friends since long and their friendship got stronger when Behroze Sabzwari married Javed Sheikh’s sister Safina.

    The two recently appeared on The Knock Knock Show, hosted by Mohib Mirza. They talked about how they stay fit and shared advice for people who want to have successful careers in acting.
    Javed Sheikh said, “Staying fit is something we can control. We make a lot of effort, watch what we eat, and avoid thinking negatively about others. I count my calories from breakfast to dinner and skip lunch so I’m really hungry by dinner time.” Behroze Sabzwari added that he eats everything but in small amounts. Javed Sheikh also mentioned that he enjoys eating traditional Pakistani foods like paaye.
    When it comes to being successful, Javed Sheikh had some advice for young actors: “I tell everyone, ‘if you want to reach high, stay grounded’. And for young actors, I advise three things: passion, patience, and punctuality.”

  • ‘Nawaz will oversee PML-N-led governments’: Maryam Nawaz

    ‘Nawaz will oversee PML-N-led governments’: Maryam Nawaz

    Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), has dismissed speculations suggesting that party head Nawaz Sharif has withdrawn from active politics following his nomination of younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the prime ministerial post.

    Maryam Nawaz has been nominated as the party’s candidate for Chief Minister of Punjab.

    In a statement shared on X (former Twitter), Maryam emphasized that Nawaz Sharif is poised to remain actively engaged in politics for the next five years. She declared that Nawaz Sharif will not only participate in political affairs but will also oversee the PML-N-led administrations in both Punjab and at the federal level.

    Addressing concerns over Nawaz Sharif’s future role, Maryam pointed out that her party has secured clear mandates in the three previous governments under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.

    She highlighted Nawaz’s explicit stance during election speeches, affirming his intention to refrain from joining any coalition government.
    “… he has made it clear in his election speeches that he will not be a part of any coalition government.”
    She added that those who are aware of Nawaz’s nature know his principled stance.
    “Shehbaz Sharif and I are his soldiers, bound by his orders and will work under his leadership and supervision. May Allah grant us success. Ameen,” Maryam said.
    Maryam Nawaz’s statement comes amid widespread speculation regarding Nawaz Sharif’s political future, with many expressing disappointment over his decision to step back from the prime ministerial race in favor of Shehbaz Sharif.

    Former spokesperson for Nawaz Sharif, Mohammad Zubair, expressed his disappointment saying: “He was the one who inspired me to join politics. Whatever name I made in politics & positions earned were all due to his confidence. Sad to see him go like this. The votes N got were all due to him but the party did not do justice to him. Was this his last political battle?”

  • Need the government to give assurances that the army will not do business: CJ Isa

    Need the government to give assurances that the army will not do business: CJ Isa

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has raised concerns over commercial activities being conducted on military land and sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would solely focus on defense-related matters, refraining from engaging in business ventures.

    The request came up during a hearing of a petition regarding commercial activities on military-owned land.

    CJP Isa highlighted instances where the army had ventured into business activities, including the establishment of marriage halls on military premises.

    The Chief Justice then sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would remain the “protector” and not do any business.

    “Can you get this assurance?” CJP Isa asked the attorney general. He also added that everyone should work as per their mandate.
    “The army should do its own work and courts will do their job,” said CJP Isa.

    In response, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan stated that as per principle, everyone should do their job.

    However, CJP Isa insisted on receiving a direct assurance from the attorney general regarding the military’s commitment to refrain from business activities.

    During the proceedings, the lawyer representing the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) intervened, shedding light on the dispute involving a building constructed on ETPB-owned land. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked on the ETPB’s passive role during the building’s construction.

    CJP Isa underscored the necessity of investigating the involvement of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in the construction process. He called for a thorough examination of assets belonging to SBCA officers above the rank of inspector, emphasizing the need for transparency.

    “The Karachi sub registry’s assets should also be audited by the FBR. The residents of demolished buildings should receive money from all assets beyond means,” said the CJP. He also added that the Sindh government would never do an inquiry on this.

    The DG informed the court that currently there are 1,400 employees with the SCBA out of which 600 are building inspectors and 300 are senior inspectors.

  • Jamat-e-Islami will not join hands with PTI to form government in centre

    Jamat-e-Islami will not join hands with PTI to form government in centre

    Jamat-e-Islami (JI) confirmed on Wednesday that they will not form a government with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite PTI-backed independent candidates leading with higher number of seats in the February 8 general elections.

    JI leader Amir Liaqat Baloch said while talking to Geo News that his party is not going to join hands with the PTI for the formation of a government in centre.

    “There is no reason for us to form an alliance with PTI only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said Baloch, adding that talks with PTI were related to both governments — federal and provincial. 

    PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that there is no point of forming a government with JI as it has no representative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
    A day earlier, the PTI founder said that his party will not talk with mainstream political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

  • Babar Azam only player in top 5 batsmen across formats

    Babar Azam only player in top 5 batsmen across formats

    Pakistan cricket team’s former captain and star batsman Babar Azam is the only player in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) top fiver ranking across all formats.

    With 824 rating points, Azam still holds the first position in ODI rankings. Shubman Gill is second with 801 rating points and Virat Kohli is third with 768 rating points.

    In the T20 batting rankings, Babar Azam is at the fourth position with 764 points. Surya Kumar Yadav currently holds the top position with 861 rating points.

    Babar Azam is fifth in Test rankings with 768 rating points.

    Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi has overtaken Shakib Al Hasan to take the top spot in the latest ICC Men’s ODI All-rounder Rankings. Shakib-al-Hasan held the number one spot in 50-over cricket for over five years but after constant injuries and good recent form from Nabi, he lost his position.