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Tag: Pakistan

  • Vote register karwaayein October 28 tak

    Vote register karwaayein October 28 tak

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday extended the deadline for the voter registration and information update from October 25 to October 28 (Saturday).

    The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.

    CEC Raja called upon the general public to utilise this final opportunity to ensure their registration, transfers, exclusions, and vote accuracy by October 28.

    How to register your vote:

    You can submit your application along with a copy of CNIC to the District Election Commissioner (DEC) or Registration Officer or Assistant Registration Officer of the district where you want to get your name enrolled.

    The prescribed Form (Enrolment / Transfer of Vote) is available online at the ECP website or it can be obtained free of cost from the office of the District Election Commissioner or Registration Officer or Assistant Registration Officer or Display Centre Incharge.

    How to check the details of your vote registration:

    Please type your CNIC without Hyphen (-) and spaces on your mobile and send it to 8300.

    After sending an SMS to 8300, an automated response will be generated, furnishing information such as the name of the electoral area, block code, and serial number.

    Each registered voter has the option to verify their details by visiting the District Election Commissioner’s (DEC) office in their respective area, where the complete electoral roll is accessible.

    How to transfer your vote

    There are two ways to transfer your vote:

    1. Visit the NADRA office and renew or modify your CNIC and ensure that the option to transfer your vote either at a temporary or permanent address is marked properly.
    2. Visit the office of the DEC Concerned and submit Form-21 (Click here to download Form-21). You can also submit the same form to the Form Submission Centers at the tehsil level. (Click here to check the list of Form Submission Centres).

    Eligibility to be a voter:

    A person shall be entitled to be enrolled as a voter in an electoral area if he—

    (a) is a citizen of Pakistan;

    (b) is not less than 18 years of age;

    (c) possesses a National Identity Card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) at any time till the last day fixed for inviting claims, objections and applications for preparation, revision or correction of electoral rolls;

    (d) is not declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind; and

    (e) is or is deemed under section 27 to be resident in the electoral area.

    Explanation: The National Identity Card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) shall be deemed to be valid for the purpose of registration as a voter or for casting vote in an election, notwithstanding the expiry of its validity period.

  • Bilawal Bhutto ki mulaqaatein, Kya ho rahi hain baatein

    Bilawal Bhutto ki mulaqaatein, Kya ho rahi hain baatein

    Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met his party leaders on Tuesday in Islamabad to deliberate on the current political landscape of the country.

    In a notable development, Robina Shaheen Wattoo, a former member of the Assembly representing Okara, officially joined PPP. Her inclusion was warmly embraced by Bhutto-Zardari, marking an important addition to the party.

    On the occasion, former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf were present.

    The meeting delved into the intricate political dynamics of Punjab, with a particular focus on the situation in Okara.

    Several prominent PPP leaders including Sardar Omar Goraya, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, and Shazi Khan were present in the meeting.

    Focused on dissecting the current political climate of the nation, the discussions centred on navigating Pakistan’s complex political situation.

  • Out of 687 staff members, only 45 women are employed in the Supreme Court

    Out of 687 staff members, only 45 women are employed in the Supreme Court

    New details reveal that among the total staff members of 687 in the Supreme Court, only 45 are women.

    The information came to light as a judicial order directed Supreme Court Registrar Jazeela Aslam to give details on staff following a petition filed in 2019, appealing the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 and Article 19-A of the Constitution.

    The apex court reportedly has 894 sanctioned positions at the moment but 207 of them are vacant and 687 employees were working as of September 25.

    146 are employed on a daily wage basis.

    84 new positions have been created since January 2017.

    The details also reveal that out of all the 45 women working in the apex court, 33 hold regular positions while 12 are contingent employees.

    Additionally, only two people with disabilities and two transgenders are employed.

  • ‘Congratulations Nawaz Sharif on becoming Ladla Plus’: PPP

    ‘Congratulations Nawaz Sharif on becoming Ladla Plus’: PPP

    The recent decision by the Punjab caretaker government to suspend the sentence of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference has triggered a political firestorm, with major parties, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), vehemently opposing the move.

    PPP’s Punjab chapter leader, Hasan Murtaza, lashed out at the decision, referring to Sharif as ‘Ladla Plus’ and labelling the suspension as a ‘cowardly’ act.

    “The caretaker government is doing everything it should not do,” the PPP leader said.

    “The caretaker government is not here to give relief to criminals, but to hold elections.” He added: “It is not the task of the caretaker Punjab cabinet to approve the suspension of Nawaz Sharif’s sentence.”

    He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of the partiality of the caretaker government.

    Simultaneously, PTI’s legal affairs spokesperson, Barrister Gohar Khan, condemned the decision as a direct violation of the law.

    He took to X (former Twitter) and said, “Provincial Government has no power whatsoever to extend any relief regarding sentence under CrPC to someone convicted by NAB Court – period.”

    In response to the criticism, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the government had not directly suspended Sharif’s sentence but had instead referred the case to the court of law under Section 401, leaving the final decision on bail to the judiciary.

    Section 401 of the criminal procedure code says, “When any person has been sentenced to punishment of an offence, the provincial government may at any time without conditions or upon any conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he has been sentenced.”

  • Bilateral trade talks: Pakistan and US aim to boost economic cooperation

    Bilateral trade talks: Pakistan and US aim to boost economic cooperation

    On Tuesday, Pakistan and the United States (US) reached a consensus to foster close collaboration in various facets of bilateral trade and investment, with the primary objective of amplifying economic cooperation between the two nations.

    Dr Gohar Ejaz, Minister for Commerce and Industries, and Ambassador Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative, convened a virtual meeting to assess the progress achieved subsequent to the 9th Pakistan-United States Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting held earlier in the year.

    Ambassador Tai underscored the significance of Pakistan as a pivotal trading partner for the US, recognising the enduring engagement between both countries as an encouraging sign.

    Minister Ejaz apprised Ambassador Tai of the government’s endeavours to enhance the business environment. He proposed the consideration of duty-free access for textile and garment exports to the US, given that Pakistan imports a substantial portion of its cotton from the United States.

    Furthermore, Minister Gohar Ejaz recommended exploring opportunities for joint ventures in textile and industrial manufacturing to enhance bilateral trade.

    The interim minister emphasised that the US serves as a prime destination for IT and ITeS exports from Pakistan, suggesting that both nations can reap mutual benefits from the immense potential in the field of information technology.

  • Toyota car prices reduced by up to Rs1.3 million in Pakistan

    Toyota car prices reduced by up to Rs1.3 million in Pakistan

    Indus Motor Company, the leading assembler of Toyota-brand vehicles in Pakistan, has made a significant move to benefit its customers. 

    In a recent announcement sent to its dealers on Tuesday, the company revealed a substantial reduction in car prices, effective October 24. This decision was prompted by the recent strengthening of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar.

    Following this development, the basic Yaris model 1.3MT LO is now more affordable, with a price decrease of Rs100,000, or 2.2 per cent, bringing its new price to Rs4.399 million. 

    Similarly, the top variant, 1.5 CVT Aero, will now be available at Rs5.849 million after a reduction of Rs120,000. 

    The Toyota Corolla’s variant prices have been reduced between Rs200,000 and Rs250,000. Furthermore, Toyota’s pickup Revotrucks are now more budget-friendly, with price reductions ranging from Rs450,000 to Rs790,000.

    One of the most notable changes is seen in the Fortuner G4x2 Petrol STD, which will now be priced at Rs14.499 million after a substantial reduction of Rs1.31 million, or 8.3 per cent.

    This price adjustment follows the footsteps of other major players in the industry, including MG Motors and Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC), both of which have also announced price reductions for their vehicles.

    The automobile sector in Pakistan has faced challenges recently, mainly due to fluctuating exchange rates and restrictions on imports. 

    The rupee experienced a significant depreciation against the dollar, reaching a record low of Rs307.1 on September 5. 

    However, it has since recovered, stabilising around the Rs279–280 level. This positive trend aligns with the efforts of the caretaker government, which took measures against smugglers and hoarders, contributing to the currency’s recovery.

    Apart from currency fluctuations, the auto sector was affected by previous government policies, including import restrictions aimed at preserving foreign exchange reserves. 

    Additionally, higher finance costs and a considerable rise in car prices led to a decrease in consumer demand. In the first quarter of FY24, car sales in Pakistan plummeted to 20,983 units, marking a 40 per cent decline compared to the same period the previous year.

    Here are the latest prices of all Toyota cars in Pakistan:

    Car ModelVariantOld Price (Rs.)New Price (Rs.)Price Reduction (Rs.)
    Yaris1.3 MT LO4,499,0004,399,000100,000
     1.3 CVT LO4,789,0004,689,000100,000
     1.3 MT Hi4,759,0004,659,000100,000
     1.3 CVT Hi4,999,0004,899,000100,000
     1.3 CVT Aero5,199,0005,099,000100,000
     1.5 MT5,429,0005,309,000120,000
     1.5 CVT5,769,0005,649,000120,000
     1.5 CVT Aero5,969,0005,849,000120,000
    Corolla1.6 MT6,169,0005,969,000200,000
     1.6 CVT6,769,0006,559,000210,000
     1.6 CVT SR7,429,0007,189,000240,000
     1.8 CVT7,119,0006,889,000230,000
     1.8 CVT SR7,759,0007,509,000250,000
     1.8 CVT SR BLK7,799,0007,549,000250,000
    Hilux RevoE11,439,00011,039,000400,000
     G12,409,00011,959,000450,000
     G13,019,00012,549,000470,000
     V AT 2.814,389,00013,849,000540,000
     V AT Rocco15,179,00014,419,000760,000
     GR S16,149,00015,359,000790,000
    Fortuner2.7 G Petrol15,809,00014,499,0001,310,000
     2.7 V Petrol18,099,00016,999,0001,100,000
     2.8 Sigma 5 Diesel19,079,00017,999,0001,080,000
     Legender Diesel20,129,00018,999,0001,130,000
     GRS21,089,00019,899,0001,190,000

  • Pakistan’s struggle continues on World Polio Day with four cases in 2023

    Pakistan’s struggle continues on World Polio Day with four cases in 2023

    October 23 marks the date when the world celebrates World Polio Day. Unfortunately, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries which have not been able to get rid of the virus completely.

    This year, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has pledged to “Make Polio History”.

    Sadly, the news of sewer samples being found in different cities of the world keep surfacing more often than usual. Statistics reveal that a total of four cases have been reported in the year 2023 while 11 new samples have been detected in seven new cities of Pakistan.

    The most recent is the discovery of a two-year-old infected with the virus in the union council of Gujro, North-East Karachi. It’s the first case reported in the city since June this year. Before that, a case was confirmed in Landhi.

    Head of the Polio Eradication Programme in Punjab, Khizer Afzaal, on Monday pronounced Punjab-the country’s biggest province-to be polio-free for the last three years. He simultaneously cautioned about the looming threat that is evident after the identification of genomic samples of virus in different districts of Rawalpindi and Lahore.

    It is important to understand that along with immunisation, sanitation is equally a part of thwarting the paralysis of children from polio. Experts have stressed the absolute need of a proper sewage system which serves as the breeding ground of this virus and impair the kids for life.

    Aggressive measures, awareness campaigns and prioritisation can clear out the black spot from Pakistan’s name.

  • All ‘good news’ for Nawaz Sharif

    All ‘good news’ for Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s legal battles continued as the accountability court in Islamabad undertook the hearing of the Toshakhana reference today. The proceedings, overseen by Judge Muhammad Bashir, saw significant developments and stringent security measures.

    Rana Muhammad Irfan, the designated pleader, was present at the court. The lawyer representing Nawaz assured the court of his client’s compliance with any orders issued by the court. The judge subsequently postponed the Toshakhana reference hearing until November 20, calling for arguments on the appeal concerning property confiscation.

    Additionally, the judge honored the request made by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor to suspend Nawaz’s warrant in the case.

    The court made it clear that copies of relevant documents would be distributed during the upcoming session, while also issuing a notice to the NAB regarding the property confiscation request.

    Ahead of the hearing, strict security protocols were observed, with a bomb disposal squad conducting a thorough sweep of the courtroom premises. The Federal Judicial Complex in Islamabad was heavily guarded by police, allowing only relevant legal representatives and journalists to access the accountability court.

    Notably, the case also involves Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman Asif Zardari and former Prime Minister, Senator Yusuf Raza, Gilani as co-accused.

    Nawaz’s legal representative, Qazi Misbah, filed several applications on his behalf, including the restoration of annexed property, the appointment of a pleader, and the submission of bail bonds.

    Meanwhile, Asif Zardari’s lawyer and senior PPP leader Farooq H Naek sought an exemption from attending the hearing on his client’s behalf.

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) extended Nawaz’s bail pleas in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield references till October 26 (Thursday), after issuing notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) over the pleas seeking restoration of appeals in the graft cases.

    A special bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Gul Hassan Aurangzeb had taken up the pleas seeking restoration of appeals against the accountability courts’ verdicts in the graft cases.

    The high court had granted protective bail to the three-time prime minister — who returned to Pakistan after four-years-long self-imposed exile on Saturday — prohibiting his arrest in the case.

    The anti-graft body had not objected to Nawaz getting the security bond.

    His counsel filed the petitions, requesting the court to hear the appeals on merit as earlier they were discarded for non-compliance when the PML-N supremo did not return from London after he was granted permission by the court in November 2019 to go abroad for medical treatment.

  • Court rejects Khan’s intra-court appeal against jail trial

    Court rejects Khan’s intra-court appeal against jail trial

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s intra-court appeal against jail trial in the cipher case got rejected by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday.

    A two-member IHC bench heard the case.

    PTI chief’s counsel Salman Akram Raja contended before the bench that the federal government did not have the authority to issue a notification for holding Khan’s trial in prison.
    Raja told the court that the federal government has no power to issue a notification for conducting Imran Khan’s trial in jail.

    The lawyer further stated before the court that issuing a notification is the responsibility of Islamabad commissioner, adding that a single bench of IHC had decided in favour of the federal government that it could appoint a judge of its choice.

    “They are judicial officers. The federal government does not have any authority to ‘pick and choose’ [judges],” he added.

  • COAS Gen Asim Munir meets Ambassador of Palestine

    COAS Gen Asim Munir meets Ambassador of Palestine

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir met the Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, Ahmad Jawad Rabei, at General Headquarters today.

    COAS offered his condolences on the loss of Palestinian lives in the ongoing war Israel has declared on Gaza.

    According to the official statement, “COAS expressed grave concern over unabated violence and willful, indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians by the Israeli Defence Forces in the war. Incessant attacks on civilian population, schools, universities, aid workers, hospitals and the forced exodus of Palestinians from Gaza are manifest crimes against humanity.”

    He also reasserted the need to call for immediate cessation of hostilities, open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, protect civilians and adhere to the International Humanitarian Law.

    COAS also highlighted Pakistan’s “principled support for an independent, viable and contiguous state of Palestine established on the basis of pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital”.

    “Pakistan believes that the fresh spate of violence in Gaza is the result of unabated repression, continued human rights violations and state-sponsored sacrilege of Al Aqsa mosque. Conflating this war with terrorism would be naïve; taking a narrow and self-serving view of the issue as an isolated attack, obscures brutal oppression spanning decades that has led to this outcome” he said.

    “At this critical juncture, it is imperative that the international community mobilizes to put an early end to unfolding human tragedy due to disproportionate and unlawful use of force by Israeli Defence Forces and desist from encouraging them to continue perpetrating atrocities in manifest violation of all norms of civility and humane conduct”.