Elections are around the corner and ECP has upgraded its helpline number with details of polling stations one can go to cast his or her vote.
Voters are required to send their CNIC number on 8300. Details of the constituencies, both provincial and central, along with the address of the polling station for the polls on Feburary 8 will be revealed.
Previously, sending CNIC only showed the constituencies and registration numbers but now it shows the assigned polling stations too.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the cipher case and delivered the verdict at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Both politicians denied that they were involved in misusing diplomatic cables and leaking state documents for political purposes.
Before announcing the verdict, Judge Zulqarnain, reminded the PTI leaders that their lawyers were not appearing in court and they were given state lawyers.
During the hearing, Imran and Qureshi were given questions under 342. However, both leaders said that their lawyers are not present, asking how can they record their statement.
The decision comes a day after the hearing was postponed because Imran Khan disrupted the last hearing by shouting angrily.
What is cipher case?
Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, dubbed the Cipher, sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later. At a public rally in 2023, held just days before his ouster from the Prime Minister’s office, Khan waved a folded piece of paper from the podium, stating that it is the cable.
Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government, which was then in power in Pakistan.
Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.
In a recent message issued from jail, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has told his supporters what to do in case he is sentenced in the cipher case.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard delivered the verdict orally at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Khan expressed concerns about the ongoing trial and other alleged false cases in a post on X (former Twitter). He highlighted the challenges faced in ensuring a fair trial, emphasizing the manipulation of legal proceedings and attempts to prematurely conclude the case.
“Cipher case has twice been declared null and void by the Islamabad High Court followed by orders of a retrial because both times this case was being tried outside of law and constitution,” Prime Minister Khan stated.
He further pointed out that despite the central witnesses’ testimonies yielding no substantial evidence against him and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the orchestrators of the ‘London Plan’ seem determined to conclude the trial without following proper legal procedures.
“It’s not a trial; it’s a fixed match, with results predetermined by the architects of the London Plan and their cohorts. Hence, I am aware of the outcome even before the trial concludes,” Khan asserted.
Addressing his supporters, Khan cautioned against falling into the trap set by those who wish to exploit the situation for their interests. He urged them to stay vigilant and not be swayed by provocations aiming to incite protests on the streets.
“Some want me to receive a harsh punishment in this case to fuel public outrage, leading to street protests akin to the May 8 scenario. Others hope for a sense of despair and disappointment among you, keeping you confined to your homes on February 8,” he stated.
Khan called upon the people to view the situation as a test of their resilience and commitment to justice. He reminded them of the power of their vote, urging them to stand against the manipulative forces and ensure a fair electoral process.
“My faith is that just as you broke free from the chains of fear in the past, you will come out in millions on election day, defeating the architects of the London Plan and showing them that we are not helpless animals to be herded. I believe February 8 will be a day of victory, Insha’Allah,” concluded Prime Minister Imran Khan.
What is a Cipher case?
Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the Cipher. This was sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later.
Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan.
Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Tuesday that it will complete the process of printing ballot papers by February 2, as the upcoming elections are set to take place on February 8, 2024.
Electoral authorities directed security officials to deliver ballot papers in all provinces across the country.
The ECP spokesperson said that three government press institutes are currently printing ballot papers, and the process is going well.
“The printing work, which started on January 16 after the allotment of election symbols by returning officers (ROs), will be completed in the next four days, i.e. by February 2,” the ECP official said.
He also stated that returning officers (ROs) and district administrations have started the delivery process of ballot papers with the help of security officials. The ballot papers will be delivered by both road and air.
Other than that, the ECP official also said that people can send SMS at 8300 to get information about their polling station.
Voters will have to send their identity card number to 8300 to get their vote information. All voters have been requested to get details of their and their families’ votes on time so that they do not face any problems finding polling stations.
Heartthrob actor Ahsan Khan recently shared a video of a guard who is fond of calling out to crows and it will be the most baffling thing you will ever see.
In the video, Ahsan showed a clear sky to indicate that there are no crows flying about in the sky nor are they perched on trees. He then lets the man do magic with his voice. The man shouts out as if he is cawing. Within seconds, the sky gets filled with a large number of crows, all gearing up to settle on the trees around.
Ahsan expressed amazement after seeing the crows. To this, the security guard humbly says, “Mujhay shouq hai inn say baatein karne ka”, implying that he loves talking to the birds.
Famous Pakistani guitarist Adnan Afaq passed away in Karachi yesterday. The Arts Council of Pakistan confirmed the sad news on their official Instagram account. Adnan Afaq had been battling stomach cancer and was getting treatment at a private hospital in Karachi.
Adnan Afaq was not only a renowned guitarist but also the Head of the Music Department at the Arts Council of Pakistan. He taught music to many talented young artists, helping them enter the music scene in Pakistan.
For many years, Adnan Afaq contributed to the music industry in Pakistan. The Arts Council of Pakistan honored his services at the conclusion of its first Alumni Festival.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited controversy by announcing his intent to “liberate” the 700-year-old Haji Malang dargah, a historic Muslim shrine situated on the outskirts of Mumbai, exclusively for Hindus. The shrine, known for its Sufi heritage and cultural significance, has become the focal point of a heated religious dispute.
After the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked a significant amount of “divine” support from his followers for upcoming elections. The next target to double the effect is the Sufi shrine. This is aimed to polarize the voters even more.
CM Shinde while speaking at the annual Malang-gad Harinam Mahotsav in Thane distinct, broke away from the late Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to lead a BJP-backed coalition, said he is “committed to liberate Malang-gad”, adding he would not rest till he has fulfilled the promise.
Malang-gad (’gad’ means a fort in Marathi) is famous for its 12th-century shrine of Sufi saint Haji Abdul Rahman, popularly known as ‘Haji Malang’. According to Kashmir Media Service, Haji Malang dargah, atop a hill, is believed to house the tomb of an Arab missionary who arrived in India over seven centuries ago. On the contrary, Hindus believe the place holds the samadhi of Machindranath, a revered deity in the Nathpanthi sect, which was later converted into a dargah.
An article published in The Times of India on Feb 14, 1993 reveals the arrest of Thane’s top Shiv Sena leader late Anand Dighe while leading an agitation demanding the renaming of Malang-gad as Shri Malang. Dighe was Mr Shinde’s mentor and the promise to liberate Malang-gad is a logical political move on the chief minister’s part to claim his master’s legacy, quotes Dawn.
Nasir Khan, chairman of the Peer Haji Malang Saheb Trust, refers to the Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency which mentions the structure as the shrine built in honour of Arab missionary Haji Abd-ul-Rahman. “It is only in the 1980s that the Shiv Sena began making claims of it being a Hindu temple. If it was a Hindu temple, why did the Peshwa kings send gifts to the shrine?” asks Mr Khan.
According to the chairman of the Trust, Haji Malang is equally revered by Hindu and Muslims. He says that even Christians and Parsis visit the shrine to seek blessings.
We all know Shehzad Roy is refusing to age. While the world marches past him on the endless loop of time, the singer, social worker, and humanitarian stays put, refusing to let time ravage him. Roy, actively involved in promoting education and child rights through his organization, Zindagi Trust, is revered and adored for his altruistic projects and, you know, being ageless.
Recently he took to his X (formerly Twitter) account and shares a photo with Fatima, who he said is like a little sister to him. He wrote: “Fatima, just like my younger sister, grew up in front of me, and now she’s stepping into a new chapter as she gets married. Time flies so fast. May she stay happy always, and all my best wishes are with her.”
Fatima, just like my younger sister, grew up in front of me and is now getting married. Time flies. May she stay happy, and all my prayers are with her. pic.twitter.com/xFfIoc2wEq
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) January 29, 2024
Well, the photo and post was adorable enough but Roy’s reference to time flying triggered his fans into reminding him that time has no effect on him.
Here are some funny reactions from twitter:
Sir even her children will grow up in front of you and then their children will grow up in front of you and you will still be the same.
— Tweeep (@tweeep_) January 29, 2024
Everyone grew up, but you!
— Hihi Gadid • (@bigbrownenergy) January 29, 2024
Its a sign dude……….
— Sadia A (@Dr_SadiaAz) January 29, 2024
Start ageing
ek din mere bachon ki b shadi hojaegi aur aap aese hi Fresh raho ge MashAllah
— Waqar Afridi (@WakaAfridi) January 29, 2024
During a protest in the French capital Paris, two demonstrators threw soup at the famous painting of the Mona Lisa, preserved in glass, and demanded that French citizens be given the “right to healthy food”.
According to the Louvre Museum, the painting was not damaged, the protective glass in front of it taking the brunt of the impact. A viral video shows two female protesters, wearing T-shirts, throwing soup on the painting.
The protestors then stood in front of the painting and said, “What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?, Your agricultural system is sick, our farmers are dying”.
Climate lunatics attack the
— Mississippi Sambo (@MS_Sambo_) January 28, 2024
Mona Lisa, these people have near to zero support with the public. It’s a mental disorder.#MonaLisa #TaylorSwiftAl pic.twitter.com/554CIyJ6tL
A group called Food Counter-Attack later claimed responsibility for the stunt, saying in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the protest was part of efforts to provide general social protection for food.
The group also called for a food card worth 150 euros to be provided to citizens every month to be used for food.
Meanwhile, French Culture Minister Richida Dati said that “no reason” can justify targeting the Mona Lisa, calling France’s historical heritage.
Former South Africa batsman Dean Elgar has alleged that India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, spat on him during his first tour of the South Asian country.
Elgar, who recently retired from Test cricket, when Kohli spat at him, he too responded in kind. The former opening batsman immediately reacted and threatened to hit the then Indian captain with his bat.
Speaking in a podcast, Dean Elgar said that, “The first time I faced Kohli in India, the wickets there were a joke and was difficult to play at that level.”
When he came to the crease to bat, Elgar narrated, he had trouble playing Ashwin and Jadeja while Kohli spat at him.
“I told Virat Kohli if you keep doing this, I will hit you with this bat,” the former batsman told the host of The Boys podcast.
“However, when you play in India, you have to be a bit careful,” said the former South African batsman.
Notably, Dean Elgar came to play Test matches for the first time in 2015 on a tour of an Asian country. In the same year, Virat became the full-time captain of the Indian Test team.