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Tag: Nawaz Sharif

  • ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially withdrawn its petition from the Supreme Court in which it sought a level playing field in the upcoming general elections.

    The party’s decision was revealed during the hearing on Monday, after counsel Latif Khosa conveyed the PTI’s intention to pursue the matter through what he referred to as the “court of 250 million people.”

    The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and including Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali, presided over the hearing.

    During the proceedings, Khosa gave words to PTI’s discontent, claiming that the court had deprived the party of 230 seats through a previous judgment.
    “We do not want to fight this case in your [Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s] court. Thank you very much,” said Khosa.

    He highlighted the alleged humiliation faced by the party, citing instances where symbols like glass, eggplant, and a bowl were assigned to PTI candidates.

    CJP Qazi Faez Isa inquired whether the PTI intended to pursue the case, to which Khosa responded that he had been instructed to withdraw the application. “We came to you for a level playing field for fair and transparent elections,” he remarked.

    Chief Justice Isa reminded the PTI that the court had repeatedly sought evidence of intra-party elections, emphasizing that the judges should not be held responsible for the verdict.

    He asserted that the court’s role is to ensure elections are conducted within the confines of the law, and if the PTI disliked the decision, they should consider legislative changes.

    Khosa argued that the court’s decision would undermine democracy and claimed that the PTI was being pushed out of parliamentary politics. He disclosed that the party’s leaders would now participate in elections as independent candidates.
    “You are destroying all the institutions of Pakistan,” the CJP told Khosa.
    Meanwhile, Justice Musarrat Hilali raised reservations over the ECP’s conduct and its handling of matters related to PTI ahead of the polls on February 8.
    “The Election Commission is not fair. It is running behind one party,” she remarked during the hearing, asking whether the electoral body can see any other parties or not. “Does the Election Commission not see other parties?”

    The Supreme Court had previously revoked PTI’s cricket bat symbol, citing irregularities in the party’s internal elections held in the preceding year. The court asserted that the PTI failed to comply with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directive to conduct intra-party polls in 2021.

  • Family ties; PML-N candidate list favours relatives

    Family ties; PML-N candidate list favours relatives

    As the general elections loom closer, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has disclosed its roster of candidates for both the National and Punjab Assemblies, drawing attention for granting tickets to more than 30 family members, as reported by The News.

    The announcement was made by Ishaq Dar, PML-N’s Head of Election Cell, marking a pivotal moment in the party’s preparations for the upcoming political showdown.

    In a notable revelation, 36 candidates have familial ties, including father-son, father-daughter, husband-wife, brother-in-law, mother-son, father-in-law, and uncle-nephew relationships among them.

    PML-N stalwarts Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz are set to contest the National Assembly polls from Lahore, while PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz will participate in both the National Assembly and provincial assembly polls.

    Malik Saif ul Mulook Khokhar, the President of PML-N Lahore, and his son Faisal Ayub, have secured tickets for the National and provincial assemblies, respectively.

    Afzal Khokhar and his nephew Irfan Shafi Khokhar from Lahore are also contesting on PML-N tickets.

    From Dera Ghazi Khan, former minister Awais Leghari and his son Amar Leghari are nominated for National Assembly seats in Rajanpur.

    Additionally, former minister Khawaja Saad Rafique is vying for a National Assembly seat, while his brother Salman Rafiq is contesting for a provincial assembly seat, both from Lahore.

    In Muzaffargarh, former minister Syed Basit Bukhari and his daughter Syeda Shahr Bano Bukhari have been fielded as candidates.

    From Bahawalpur, Iqbal Chanar is nominated for a National Assembly seat, with his son Zaheer Iqbal Chanar is contending for a provincial assembly seat.

    Chaudhry Khalid Javed Waraich and his son Uqba Waraich are PML-N’s candidates for the National and provincial assemblies from Toba Tek Singh, respectively.

    Yaqoob Shaikh is contesting for the National Assembly from Jhang, while his wife Rashida Yaqoob is running for a provincial assembly seat.

    Notable leaders like Daniyal Aziz didn’t make it to the list.

    PML-N ticket distribution extends to various regions, including Kasur, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Lodhran, Khanewal, and Sheikhupura, with candidates such as Rana Hayat, Begum Tahmina Daultana, Amjad Farooq Khosa, Siddique Baloch, and Mian Javed Latif, among others.

    Notably, the PML-N has introduced eight new faces in Punjab for National Assembly tickets, including Bilal Azhar Kayani and Attaullah Tarar. The party has also allocated tickets to six women for the National Assembly and three for the provincial assembly in Punjab, showcasing a diverse candidate pool.

  • ‘If I can’t contest election, I will go to Supreme Court’: Imran Khan

    ‘If I can’t contest election, I will go to Supreme Court’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan said on Friday that he will go to the Supreme Court (SC) if he is not allowed to contest the upcoming elections set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Talking to journalists inside Adiala Jail, the former prime minister said in the courtroom that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif, the party’s president Shehbaz Sharif, and PML-N’s senior vice president Maryam Nawaz are certified money launderers.

    Asked about the Al-Qadir case against his wife Bushra Bibi, Imran pointed out that the former First Lady is a trustee. “How can the police arrest her,” he asked.

    He also explained that trust land cannot be owned by anyone; Shaukat Khanum has land worth billions of rupees. “That too is not my property. Bushra Bibi is also a trustee; not even a single penny is ours.”

    Imran Khan further said that all laws were abolished by force; what is happening to PTI has not happened to any party.

  • Who is going to run under a PML-N ticket? Key announcements suggest surprising political shift

    Who is going to run under a PML-N ticket? Key announcements suggest surprising political shift

    In a strategic move ahead of the 2024 general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has officially revealed its powerhouse lineup. The announcement was made by Ishaq Dar, who is the PML-N’s Head of Election Cell, marks a pivotal moment in the party’s preparations for the upcoming political showdown.

    Tickets fiasco?

    Former federal minister Daniyal Aziz, after his differences with the party, has decided to contest the 2024 elections as an independent candidate. His decision comes after PML-N released its list of election candidates.

    X (former Twitter) user Dilawar Hussain wrote, “Disappointed with PML N’s decision not to grant a party ticket to Daniyal Aziz in Narowal. His courage in facing oppression and commitment to party deserves acknowledgment. Wishing for a reconsideration at the senior party level. ”

    The only elected woman MNA from the PML-N in 2018, Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, didn’t get a ticket this time from Narowal (NA 77). Mehnaz Akbar has announced to contest the election as an independent candidate in NA 75, Shakargarh.

    Former PML-N MNA Ch Jaffar Iqbal from NA 106 didn’t get the ticket this time. Instead it was given to the air chief’s brother Naseer Sidhu as per Alag Digital.

    Ch Hamid Hameed from Sargodha didn’t get the ticket. User Mehr Mohsin wrote, “He
    @ChHamidHameed has 40 year’s affiliation with @pmln_org and has been victimised several times for his loyalty with party – I also witnessed 2018 – but no ticket in 2024, what you have learned through your political experience? @MaryamNSharif @NawazSharifMNS @CMShehbaz.”

    User Ali Zain commented, “Hamid Hameed has been winning elections with massive margins in NA 84 (Sargodha City) for the past two elections and yet #PMLN didn’t award a ticket to their best candidate!! This is a huge opportunity for #PTI now to win this seat!”

    User Samraiz Ali pointed out that Khawar Maneka’s brother has been awarded a ticket, “PMLN Ticket of NA 139 Ahmad Raza Maneka. Khawar Maneka’s brother Ahmad Raza Maneka is currently a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and is affiliated with the PML-N.”

    While criticising the PML-N’s decision on awarding of the ticket to Ghulam Sarwar, user Najam Ali said, “This man bankrupted PIA and he gets the nod. I am speechless.”

    User Rowdy Rana said, “Nominated PMLN ticket holder PP-197 Sardar Masab Ali Dogar is still on bail in 9th May Terrorism FIR case pending.”

    User Israr Ahmed pointed out, “@pmln_org Supreme Leader @NawazSharifMNS awarded party ticket from PP-10 to illegal Blue World City Director Ch Nahim Ijaz for #GE2024 despite the candidate is involved in more than 200 criminals cases registered with @RwpPolice under multiple charges including terrorism, kidnapping, dacoity, robbery, firing on policemen, possessing illegal weapons and land grabbing. PML-N candidate is nominated in 49 FIRs out of 200.”

    Tickets Details

    Islamabad Capital Territory NA 46 Anjum Aqeel Khan, NA 48 Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry

    Rawalpindi Division

    District Attock NA 49 Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, PP 1 Jahangir Khanzada, PP 2 Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, PP 3 Hameed Akbar, NA 50 Malik Sohail Khan, PP 4 Sher Ali Khan, PP 5 Malik Aitebar Khan.

    District Rawalpindi NA 51 Raja Osama Sarwar, PP 6 Mohammad Bilal Yamin, PP 7 Raja Saghir Ahmed, NA 52 Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas, PP 8 Iftikhar Ahmad, PP 9 Shaukat Raja (Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti), NA 53 Raja Qamar ul Islam, PP 10 Chaudhry Naeem Ejaz, PP 11 Imran Ilyas Chaudhary, NA 55 Malik Ibrar Ahmed, PP 14 Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, PP 15 Malik Mansoor Afsar, NA 56 Mohammad Hanif Abbasi, PP 16 Zia Ullah Shah, PP 17 Raja Abdul Hanif, NA 57 Danyal Chaudhary, PP 18 Sajjad Khan, PP 19 Haji Pervaiz Khan, PP 13 Malik Umar Farooq.

    District Chakwal NA 58 Maj. (Rid) Tahir Iqbal, PP 20 Sultan Haider Ali Khan, PP 21 Tanvir Aslam Malik.

    District Talagang NA 59 Sardar Ghulam Abbas, PP 23 Shehryar Mailk.

    District Jehlum PP 25 Chaudhary Nadeem Khadim, PP 26 Nasir Mahmood Lilla

    Gujranwala Division

    District Gujrat NA 62 Chaudhary Abid Raza, PP 27 Muhammad Hanif Malik, PP 28 Shabbir Ahmed, NA 63 Nawabzada Ghanznfar Ali Gul, PP 29 Nawabzada Haider Mehdi, PP 30, Maj (Rtd) Moin Nawaz Warraich, NA 65, Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Abbas Siddhu, PP 33 Mohammad Ali, PP 34 Mian Tariq Mehmood.

    District Wazirabad NA 66 Nisar Ahmed Cheema, PP 35 Waqar Ahmed Cheema, PP 36 Adnan Afzal Chattha.

    District Hafizabad NA 67 Saira Afzal Tarrar, PP 37 Mian Shahid Hussain Khan, PP 38 Sheikh Gulzar Ahmed, PP 39 Mohammad Aoun Jahangir.

    District Mandi Bahauddin NA 68 Mushahid Raza, PP 40 Hameeda Mian, PP 41 Syed Tariq Yaqoob, NA 69 Nasir Iqbal Bosal, PP 42 Khalid Mehmood Ranjha, PP 43 Chaudhary Akhtar Abbas Bosal.

    District Sialkot NA 70 Chaudhary Armaghan Subhani, PP 44 Arif Iqbal, PP 45 Tariq Subhani, NA 71 Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PP 47 Mansha Ullah Butt, NA 72 Ali Zahid, PP 48 Rana Liaqat Ali, PP 49 Rana Muhammad Afzal, NA 73 Nosheen Iftikhar, PP 50 Chaudhary Naveed Ashraf, PP 51 Zeeshan Rafique, NA 74 Rama Shameem Ahmed Khan, PP 52 Chaudhary Arshad Javed Warraich, PP 53 Rana Abdul Sattar.

    District Narowal NA 75 Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq, PP 54 Ahsan Iqbal, NA 76 Ahsan Iqbal, PP 56 Mannan Khan, PP 57, Khawaja Muhammad Waseem PP 58 Bilal Akbar Khan.

    District Gujranwala NA 77 Chaudhary Muhammad Bashir Virk, PP 59 Bilal Farooq Tarrar, PP 63 Muhammad Taufeeq Butt, PP 64 Umer Farooq Dar, PP 68 Chaudhary Muhammad Iqbal, PP 70 Amanullah Warraich, NA 78 Khurram Dastagir Khan, PP 60
    Moazzam Rauf Mughal, PP 61 Imran Khalid Butt, PP 65 Sahibzada Ghulam Fareed, NA 79 Zulfiqar Ali Bhindar, PP 66, Qaiser Iqbal Sindhu, PP 67 Akhtar Ali Khan, NA 80 Shahid Usman, PP 62 Muhammad Nawaz Chohan, NA 81Azhar Qayyun Nehra, PP 69 Irfan Bashir Gujjar.

    Faisalabad Division

    District Chiniot NA 93 Syed Muhammad Raza Bukhari, PP 94 Mehr Shah Behram Baral, NA 94 Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, PP 95 Muhammad Ilyas, PP 97 Muhammad Saqlain Anwar Sipra.

    District Faisalabad NA 95 Azad Ali Tabassum, PP 99 Muhammad Shoaib Idrees, NA 97 Ali Gohar Khan, PP102 Jaffar Ali Hocha, PP103 Muhammad Safdar Shakir, NA 98 Chaudhary Muhammad Shahbaz Babar, PP104 Arif Mahmood Gill, PP 105 Rao Kashif Rahim Khan, NA 99 Mohammad Qasim Farooq, PP 107 Khalid Pervaiz Gill, NA 100 Rana Sana Ullah Khan, PP 108 Muhammad Ajmal, PP 109 Chaudhary Zafar Iqbal Nagra, NA 101 Irfan Manan, PP 111 Chaudhary Fugir Hussain Dogar, PP 113 Ali Abbas Khan, PP 114 Sheikh Mohammad Yousaf, NA 102 Chaudhary Abid Sher Ali, PP 115 Mohammad Tahir Pervaiz, PP 116 Ahmed Shehryar, NA103 Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari, PP117 Malik Muhammad Nawaz, PP 118 Sheikh Ejaz Ahmad, NA 104 Raja Riaz Ahmed, PP 110
    Mehr Hamid Rasheed, PP 112 Israr Ahmad Khan.

    District Toba Tek Singh NA105 Chaudhary Khalid Javaid, PP 119 Uqbah Ali, PP 120 Abdul Qadeer Alvi, NA 106 Muhammad Junaid Anwaar Chaudhary, PP 121
    Amjad Ali, PP 122 Col. (Rtd) Muhammad Ayub Gadhi, NA107 Chaudhary Asad ur Rehman, PP 123 Nazia Raheel, PP124 Syed Qutab Ali Shah.

    District Jhang NA108 Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, PP 125 Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, PP 126 Mehr Muhammad Aslam Bharwana, PP 128 Khalid Muhammad Sargana, NA 110 Muhammad Asif Muawia, PP 129 Khalid Ghani, PP 130 Ameer Abbas Sial, PP131Faisal Hayat

    Lahore Division

    Nankana Sahib NA 11 Chaudhary Muhammad Barjees Tahir, PP 132 Mian Ijaz Hussain Bhatti, PP 133 Rana Muhammad Arshad, NA 112 Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharral, PP 134 Mehr Kashif, PP 135 Agha Haider Ali Khan.

    District Sheikhupura NA 113 Ahmed Attique Anwar, PP 136 Muhammad Hassan Riaz, PP 137 Muhammad Arshad, NA 114, Rana Tanvir Hussain, PP 138 Pir Muhammad Ashraf Rasool, PP 139, Rana Tanveer Hussain, PP 140 Mian Abdul Rauf, NA 115 Mian Javed Latif, PP 141 Amjad Latif, NA 116, Sardar Muhammad Irfan Dogar, PP 142 Mehmood ul Haq, PP 143 Mumtaz Mehmood Khan, PP 144 Chaudhry Sajjad Haider Guijar.

    District Kasur NA 131 Saad Waseem Sheikh, PP 176 Chaudhary Muhammad Ilyas Khan, PP 177, Muhammad Naeem Safdar, PP 178, Malik Ahmed Saeed Khan, PP 179 Malik Mohammad Ahmad Khan, NA 133, Rana Mohammad Ishaq Khan, PP 181Sheikh Alla Uddin, PP 182 Mehmood Anwar, NA 134 Rana Mohammad Hayat Khan, PP 183 Rana Sikandar Hayat, PP 184 Rana Mohammad Iqbal Khan.

    Sahiwal Division

    District Okara NA 135 Nadeem Abbas Rabera, PP 185 Javed Allauddin Sajjid, PP
    192 Ghulam Raza Rabera, NA136 Riaz ul Haq, PP 190 Mian Yawar Zaman, PP 191 Mian Mohammad Munir, NA137 Rao Muhammad Aimal Khan, PP 186 Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, PP 189 Ali Abbas, NA138 Mohammad Moeen Watto, PP 187 Chaudhry IRikhar Hussain Chachar, PP 188 Noor ul Amin Watto.

    District Pakpattan NA 139 Ahmad Raza Maneka, PP 197 Sardar Mansab Ali Dogar, NA 140 Rana Iradat Sharif, PP 195 Kashif Ali Chishti, PP 196 Farrukh Javed.

    District Sahiwal NA141 Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, PP 198, Walayat Shah, PP 199
    Qasim Nadeem, PP 200 Muhammad Arshad Malik, NA 142 Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, PP 201 Naveed Aslam Khan Lodhi.

    Sargodha Division

    District Sargodha NA 82 Doctor Mukhtar Ahmed Malik, PP 71 Sohaib Ahmad Malik, PP 72 Mansoor Azam Sindhu, NA 83 Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, PP 73 Mian Manzar Hussain Ranjha, NA 84 Doctor Liaqat Ali Khan, PP 75 Abdul Razzaq Dhillon, PP 76 Mahr Ghulam Dastgir Lak, NA 85 Doctor Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, PP 78 Rana Munawar Hussain, NA 86 Syed Javaid Hussain, PP 79 Taimoor Ali Khan Baloch, PP 80 Sardar Mohammad Asim Sher Maken.

    District Khushab NA 87 Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, PP 82 Malik Mohammad Asif Bha Awan, PP 83 Muhammad Moazzam Sher, PP 84 Karam Elahi Bandial

    District Mianwali NA 89 Obaid Ullah Khan Shadikhel, PP 85 Amanat Ullah Khan, NA 90 Humair Hayat Khan Rokari, PP 87 Inam ullah Khan Niazi, PP 88 Malik Muhammad Feroz Joya.

    District Bhakkar NA 91 Abdul Majeed Khan Khanan Khel, PP 89 Abdul Majeed Khan Khanan Khel.

    Multan Division

    District Khanewal NA 144 Syed Mohammad Mukhtar Hussain, PP 205 Imran Iftikhar Hiraj, PP 212 Irfan Ahmad Alias Rana Irfan Mahmood Khan, NA 145 Mohammad Khan Daha, PP 206 Barrister Chaudhry Osama Afzal, PP 211 Rana Mohammad Saleem, NA
    146 Pir Mohammad Aslam Bodla Siddique, PP 207 Amir Hayat Hiraj, PP 208 Babar Hussain Abid, NA 147 Chaudhry Iftikhar Nazir, PP 209 Chaudhry Zia ur Rahman.

    District Multan NA 148 Ahmad Hussain, PP 214 Mian Shehzad Magbool Bhutta, PP
    215 Shahid Mahmood Khan, PP 218 Salman Naeem, NA 151 Abdul Ghaffar, PP 219 Doctor Mohammad Akhtar Malik, PP 220, Rai Mansab Ali NA, 152 Syed Javed Ali Shah, PP 221 Mian Tariq Abdullah, PP 222 Rana Ejaz Ahmad Noon, NA 153 Rana Mohammad Qasim Noon, PP 223 Mehdi Abbas Khan

    District Lodhran NA 154 Abdul Rahman Khan Kanju, PP 226 Malik Shah Mohammad Joya, NA 155 Siddique Baloch, PP 227 Umair Baloch, PP 228 Syed Mohammad Rafiuddin Bokhari.

    District Vehari NA 156 Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad, PP 229 Chaudhry Mohammad Yousaf Kasela, PP 231 Sardar Khalid Mahmood Dogar, NA 157 Sajid Mehdi, PP 230 Mian Irfan Aqeel Daultan, PP 232 Malik Nousher Khan Anjum Langrial, NA 158 Begum Tehmina Daultana, PP 233 Mian Mohammad Saqib Khursheed, PP 234 Mohammad Naeem Akhtar Khan, NA 159 Saeed Ahmad Minhias, PP 235 Mian Khaliq Nawaz, PP 236 Asif Saeed.

  • PML-N to release final list of candidates by today or tomorrow, says Rana Sanaullah

    PML-N to release final list of candidates by today or tomorrow, says Rana Sanaullah

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah has said on Wednesday that the party has finalized the list of its candidates for general elections 2024, and will release the names by today evening or tomorrow morning.

    “We will issue the list today evening or tomorrow,” Sanaullah said during an appearance on Geo News show Geo Pakistan.

    He also confirmed that the matter of seat adjustment between PML-N and the Jahngir Tareen-led Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has been settled.

    The former interior minister also stated that PML-N has now agreed to provide seven National Assembly (NA) seats and 11 provincial assembly seats, against the IPP’s demand for 13 NA seats and 22 provincial seats.

    PML-N has also agreed on seat adjustments with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), he acknowledged.

    “PML-N will hold 60 rallies in the country,” said Sanaullah while sharing details of the party’s election campaign, confirming that party head Nawaz Sharif will start his own election campaign on January 17.

  • No more NAB cases against Sharif Family

    No more NAB cases against Sharif Family

    National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) Executive Board, chaired by the NAB Chairman, approved the closing of an investigation into the Sharif Trust case involving Sharif’s family including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    The meeting convened on January 1 to approve the closure of corruption cases, including those against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and his family.

    The meeting approved shutting down six corruption cases, notably a 24-year-old case against Nawaz Sharif and his family in the Sharif Trust case. This decision brings relief to the former premier and his family members.

    Among the closed cases was an inquiry into Islamabad Inspector General Akbar Nasir in the Safe City corruption case. Additionally, the board decided to conclude the investigation into the Park Enclave Housing Society, involving officers of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Another inquiry against federal officers for alleged preferential recruitment was also approved for closure.

    Furthermore, the NAB board approved to close an inquiry against Shahid Malik and Shahbaz Yasin Malik, the CEO of Hilton Pharma.

    The investigation into the Sharif family regarding the Sharif Trust Case was initiated on March 31, 2000, based on allegations of receiving funds through illicit means, lack of audits, misappropriation of funds, and benami property acquisition by the Sharif family in the name of the Trust.

    The Panama Papers Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report, submitted to the Supreme Court, had criticized NAB for delays in the investigation and urged prioritization.

    Under the recently amended National Accountability Act 2002 by the previous PDM government, the NAB has concluded the Sharif Trust investigation under Section 31-B.

    This decision by the NAB’s Executive Board marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against the Sharif family, as they receive a respite from multiple longstanding corruption cases.

  • Bilawal predicts a ‘coalition government’, addresses rumoured rift with father

    Bilawal predicts a ‘coalition government’, addresses rumoured rift with father

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto on Monday predicted the formation of a coalition government after the upcoming election set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    In an interview with Kashif Abbasi of ARY News, the former Foreign Minister said: “Whether it is led by PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz] or any other party, the next government will be a coalition [regime].”

    Last year, in November, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Zardari also anticipated the formation of a “national unity government” after elections. He believed that no single party will be able to get a two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls.

    When asked by Abbasi about the rumoured rift with his father, Bilawal Bhutto said that he is not angry and has no disagreements with his father. “I am not contesting elections against Zardari Sahib,” he said, smiling.

    The former foreign minister also said that every father including politicians, train their sons, stressing that he will never speak against his father.

    “The PPP and my father himself nominated me as a candidate for the slot of prime minister,” Bilawal added.

    He also said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will take revenge on those who ousted him from government, if he returns to power.

  • Supreme Court ends lifetime disqualification

    Supreme Court ends lifetime disqualification

    In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday overturned the lifetime disqualification of lawmakers, rescinding its previous order that barred politicians from seeking office indefinitely.

    The decision came during the hearing of a case presented by former PML-N provincial member Sardar Meer Badshah Khan Qaisrani. The top court identified inconsistencies between the Election Act of 2017 and a previous Supreme Court ruling regarding the duration of disqualification.

    The Supreme Court declared that no person can be barred for a lifetime from running in elections if they are disqualified under Article 62 (1)(f), setting aside its landmark judgment in the Samiullah Baloch case.

    Sardar Meer Badshah Khan Qaisrani had filed a petition in 2007 challenging his lifetime disqualification over allegations related to a fake degree.

    Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, announced that the Supreme Court aims to conclude proceedings on the lifetime disqualification case by January 4 (Thursday). This crucial decision will determine whether the amendment to the Election Act 2017 aligns with Article 62(1)(F) and establish whether lawmakers’ disqualification from contesting polls should be lifelong or limited to five years.

    The seven-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and consisting of Justices Mansoor Ali Shah, Yahya Afridi, Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Musarrat Hilali, deliberated on the matter of lifetime disqualification for lawmakers during today’s proceedings.

    The apex court acknowledged the contradiction in the Election Act of 2017 and the earlier Supreme Court verdict and took this step after careful consideration. The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over the length of disqualification for politicians and its alignment with constitutional provisions.

  • PML-N internal rifts cause delays in ticket announcements

    PML-N internal rifts cause delays in ticket announcements

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates for the upcoming general elections hang in limbo as internal disagreements and seat adjustments cause delays in announcement of final ticket announcements, The News has reported on Monday.

    A source within PML-N told The News that it was expected that the party’s top leadership will award final party tickets on Sunday, however, the announcement got postponed due to seat adjustments with multiple political parties and internal disagreements between PML-N leaders.

    According to sources in the party, the matter of tickets is creating difficulties for aspirants who have yet to start their election campaigns.

    In Lahore, a rift between stalwarts Ayaz Sadiq and Sheikh Rohail Ashgar over party tickets has not been resolved, as both were not ready to give up. Similar is the case at Narowal, where Daniyal Aziz and Ahsan Iqbal are entangled in a rift over tickets for their blue-eyed candidates.

    PML-N leader Rohail Asghar said that he doesn’t know the destiny of the seat, but he enjoyed good relations with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and has no disagreements with party leadership.

  • Seat adjustment expected between PML-N, PML-Q on multiple seats

    Seat adjustment expected between PML-N, PML-Q on multiple seats

    Former rivals Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) are expected to agree to seat adjustments for the upcoming general elections set to take place on February 8, 2024, as discussions on the matter between the two Punjab-based parties is in process, The News has reported.

    According to the report, PML-Q wanted seat adjustment on multiple seats in Punjab as well as on the seats where the party won in the 2018 polls. PML-Q won four National Assembly (NA) seats and eight provincial assembly seats in 2018.

    PML-Q leaders Salik Hussain, Monis Elahi, Hussain Elahi, and Tariq Bashir Cheema succeeded in those NA constituencies.

    PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat’s son Shafay Hussain submitted nomination papers for two provincial assembly seats from the family stronghold of Gujrat.

    Sources claimed that seat adjustment is expected on Salik and Shafay Hussain’s seats.

    On the other hand, PML-Q leader Tariq Bashir Cheema will face PML-N’s Saud Majeed in Bahawalpur.

    However, discussion on the matter of seat adjustment between PML-N and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) are still going on.