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Tag: Punjab

  • PTI all set to hold intra-party elections

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has given the green light for intra-party polls as general elections loom closer.

    The decision was made during a PTI Core Committee meeting, where the party’s legal team proposed the holding of intra-party elections.

    Intra-party elections will be held on Friday.

    The committee approved the schedule and deliberated on the prevailing political situation, organizational activities, and ongoing cases against party members.

    Barrister Ali Zafar, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the Senate, said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had earlier declared the party’s intra-party election null and void due to technicalities.

    “To avoid any discrepancies with the ECP, another leader may temporarily stand in for the PTI Chairman during this election,” he said.

    The PTI core committee expressed its commitment to democratic processes within the party and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values in all aspects of political engagement.

    Previously slated for June 13, 2021, under PTI’s constitutional framework, the intra-party elections faced postponements, drawing a show-cause notice to Imran Khan from the ECP in May 2021 due to the delay.

    The ECP granted PTI an extended deadline, shifting the intra-party elections to June 13, 2022. Yet, the party failed to meet this revised timeline, prolonging the unresolved status of its intra-party polls.

    The commission had issued warnings, citing potential repercussions under the Elections Act, 2017, that could render the party ineligible for future polls if non-compliance persisted.

    What is an Intra-Party election?

    Intra-party elections in Pakistan refer to the process of electing leaders and representatives within a political party. This is distinct from general elections where the public votes for candidates from different parties. Intra-party elections are a key aspect of internal party democracy and governance.

  • Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar wants to rejoin PTI

    Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar wants to rejoin PTI

    Senior politician Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar is reportedly seeking a return to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as per Geo News.

    Having previously been associated with the PTI, Sarwar, currently the chief organizer of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), parted ways with Imran Khan’s party during last year’s no-confidence motion in April, leaving when Imran Khan was ousted from the prime minister’s office.

    In March this year, Sarwar joined the PML-Q in the presence of its president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.
    In December 2021, Sarwar slammed Khan’s government by saying that the PTI had handed over everything to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    During the no-confidence motion, Sarwar, as the chief organizer of the PML-Q, defied Khan’s orders and explored the possibility of joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    However, this idea was rejected by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, citing Sarwar’s earlier defection to the PTI after the failed 2014 sit-in led by Khan and Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri.

    Sarwar joined the PML-Q in March of the current year, assuming the role of chief organizer.

    However, he has been residing in Scotland since several months, showing little interest in party affairs.

    Despite initial hopes of the PML-Q gaining prominence, especially without Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi, it appears that Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan’s Istehekam Pakistan Party (IPP) is currently the frontrunner.

    Sources reveal that Sarwar, for the past two weeks, has been reaching out to PTI leaders directly and indirectly, discussing his potential return to the party from his base in Scotland.

    A senior PTI leader disclosed that Sarwar had expressed a desire to rejoin the party, but the PTI has not responded to the overtures thus far.

    “The only person who can allow re-entry of Chaudhary Sarwar is Imran Khan but he has made it clear he will not forgive and forget those dozens of leaders who let him down in difficult times. Those who lobbied against Imran Khan and the PTI are not acceptable.”

    Chaudhary Sarwar wants to join the PTI again because his family members want to run for elections on the party’s tickets in Faisalabad, as there are no seats vacant in PML-N ranks and no other option, said a source close to Sarwar.

    The source also said that the senior politician’s son Anas, the Scottish Labour leader, also has an election coming up in Glasgow and there is a considerable Pakistani vote in the local constituency.

    Another source said that so far the PTI had not shown any interest in the offer and it had no time to even consider it given the circumstances the PTI was facing in Pakistan.

    When asked about efforts to rejoin the PTI, Sarwar didn’t deny it.

    He said: “All options are on the table. Discussions at various levels are ongoing. I have not made a final decision yet. I will make the final decision soon.”

    Sarwar joined PTI in 2015 after criticising Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, days after resigning as the Punjab governor. However, he was appointed to the post for a second time once the PTI came to power in 2018.

    Sarwar’s allies said he was not happy as Punjab governor and didn’t like Usman Buzdar. He was sacked from the post around the no-confidence vote by the PTI government, with Omer Sarfraz Cheema being appointed as his replacement.

  • Artificial rain in Lahore to cost Rs 350 million

    Artificial rain in Lahore to cost Rs 350 million

    As Lahore battles with hazardous levels of smog, Punjab has been mulling artificial rain to dispel toxic pollution. The Punjab government has planned to carry out cloud seeding in Lahore to cause artificial rain, estimated to cost a whopping Rs 350 million.

    A summary for the same has been moved to the finance division.


    Earlier this week, Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam said that artificial rain is expected in Lahore next month and preparations are underway as the government raises its efforts to curb smog, reports The News.


    On Friday, the concentration of PM 2.5, or tiny particulate matter, in the air hit 269, considered very unhealthy, according to Swiss-based IQ Air. “PM2.5 concentration in Lahore is currently 43.8 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.”


    In a press conference, Punjab Interim Information Minister Amir Mir said that the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, wants to experiment with artificial rain during the current year. In this context, he announced, “Chinese experts will soon visit Pakistan.”


    Lahore and other cities of Punjab have been engulfed by heavy smog in the past month or so turning into a “poisonous gas chamber” where citizens continue to face serious health problems. Artificial rain is the most effective solution to reduce the toxicity of the air.

    To know more about cloud-seeding: How does the artificial rain happen?

  • Cold rainy weekend ahead for Sindh and Balochistan

    Cold rainy weekend ahead for Sindh and Balochistan

    The Metrological Department has predicted rain in areas of Sindh and Balochistan.


    Punjab is to have overcast conditions in the plain regions but it will largely be covered with smog and fog earlier in the day.


    Tharparker, Umarkot, Badeen, Mirpurkhas, and Thatta will face heavy rain with thunderstorms. Light rain is possible in Karachi and Jamshoro as well.


    The Meteorological Department has said that a system of winds has entered the country from the west which will cause gales in the western and southern regions of Balochistan along with thunderstorms.

  • PTI ko ‘ballay’ ka nishan milna mushki hogaya

    PTI ko ‘ballay’ ka nishan milna mushki hogaya

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ruled against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a matter related to the party’s intra-party elections and the issuance of election symbols, as per Geo News.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday ruled that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party polls were not transparent, ordering the party to hold new elections if it wishes to retain its ‘bat’ symbol.

    The PTI has been asked by the commission to hold fresh elections within 20 days in a reserved verdict announced today.

    “PTI’s intra-party elections cannot be accepted,” stated the verdict, directing it to hold polls and submit the record within seven days.

    “If PTI fails to hold elections within 20 days then it will have to face severe consequences. In case of failure to hold [intra-party] elections, the [PTI] will not be eligible to secure an election symbol,” said the verdict.

    During the hearing, PTI’s legal counsel, Barrister Gohar, revealed that the intra-party elections were conducted before amendments to the party constitution and were later reverted.

    According to the Election Commission’s previous reserved decision on September 13, it was stated that PTI’s intra-party elections were not transparent and did not adhere to the party constitution.

    Speaking to Geo News, PTI spokesperson Barrister Gohar Ali asserted that the PTI Chairman can contest elections and will do so as long as the ballot symbol remains with them.

    He emphasized that the Chairman cannot be disqualified, and the Election Act, under Articles 62 and 63, does not bar Imran Khan from participating in elections.

    Barrister Gohar further clarified that the Chairman was only penalized in one case, which was declared void by the High Court, and he remains eligible for all offices. He reiterated that the Chairman has the authority to lead the elections and will continue to do so.

    In response to the Election Commission’s decision, the PTI spokesperson expressed disappointment, stating that the commission did not fulfill the demands of justice, and the decision seemed to be delayed for some specific purpose.

    He announced that they would challenge the order at the appropriate forum and asserted that the ballot symbol will remain with them.

  • Schools, colleges to be closed in Punjab on Friday, Saturday

    Schools, colleges to be closed in Punjab on Friday, Saturday


    The caretaker government in Punjab has announced a long weekend off due to uncontrolled toxic smog. The Punjab Cabinet Anti-Smog Committee has announced the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities on Friday, while markets, gyms, cinemas, theatres, and factories are to be completely shut on Saturday as well.

    Restaurants will also be told to close for dine-in on Saturday with permission to be granted only for takeaway and home delivery. The government identified six districts that are stricken by smog the most. These are Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal and Sargodha.


    The meeting also proposed limiting public and private vehicles in Lahore, they said, adding that in government offices, only half of the employees will be asked to come to work.

    “Only cycles will be allowed till five in the evening on Lahore’s Mall Road,” added caretaker Chief Minister Punjab.

  • Saturdays off and artificial rains for Lahoris: Punjab Government

    Saturdays off and artificial rains for Lahoris: Punjab Government

    Lahore once again topped global charts in air pollution on Wednesday while the caretaker chief minister of Punjab called an important meeting to deal with the smog situation.

    Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi discussed the closure of schools, colleges and universities in Punjab on Saturdays and fixed working hours for businesses that remain operational on Saturdays.

    For now, he announced that schools and offices will be closed this Saturday, November 18.

    During the meeting, it was decided that business centres, theatres and cinemas across Punjab will also be able to open after 3 pm on Saturday.

    Caretaker CM Naqvi also talked about the installation of smog air filter ioniser units at 12 places in Lahore. He additionally said that LWMC and WASA were spraying water on an area of 400 km daily and that consultations are also going on about artificial rain.

    It was also decided that a special meteorological laboratory will be established in Punjab.

    Previously, Lahore High Court ordered the closure of private and government schools and colleges on Saturday to control smog, adding that government and private offices should adopt a policy of working from home two days a week.

    During the hearing of petitions for the prevention of smog, the court remarked that smog is no longer the problem of just Lahore, it has become the problem of all of the Punjab.

  • Lockdown restrictions revised in Punjab

    Lockdown restrictions revised in Punjab

    The Punjab government on Thursday revised the terms of the lockdown imposed in multiple districts of the province as major cities grapple with crippling fog.

    In its amended notification, the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department of the province notified that call centres and international information technology companies will be allowed to operate during the lockdown.

    While markets in the eight smog-hit districts will be allowed to operate today and tomorrow; however, shopping malls and markets will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

    The notification also states that cinema halls, restaurants and gyms will remain open today as per routine.

    The decision will remain in effect in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala Narowal, Hafizabad and Sialkot.

    Previous Notification

    A day earlier, an environmental and health emergency had been declared in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions for four days due to the prevailing smog conditions.

    Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday when the air quality index (AQI) in the city measured 390, falling under the category of hazardous.

    At this AQI level, the city maintained its position as one of the most polluted cities with citizens experiencing a hazy and smoggy atmosphere throughout the day. The air quality was severely poor, making it nearly impossible to breathe normally outdoors.

    Notification issued on Tuesday detailed that from Thursday to Sunday i.e., November 9, 2023, to November 12, 2023, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools (public and private), and offices (public and private) will remain closed in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala Narowal, Hafizabad and Sialkot.

    Also, the movement of people will be limited to and from these areas by public and private transport.

    The following will be exempted from closure:

    • Pharmacies/ Medical Stores
    • Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers
    • Petrol Pumps
    • Oil Depots
    • Tandoors
    • Bakeries,
    • Grocery / Karyana stores
    • Milk / Dairy Shops
    • Sweet Shops,
    • Vegetable / Fruit Shops
    • Chicken / Meat Shops
    • E-commerce
    • Postal / Courier Services
    • Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks /Telecom.

    Large departmental stores will only keep their grocery /pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed.

    It has been suggested by the government that people buy groceries and medicines within the vicinity of their residence.

  • SBP orders bank closures in smog-affected Punjab districts

    SBP orders bank closures in smog-affected Punjab districts

    On Wednesday, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced the closure of bank branches in Lahore division and certain districts of Punjab severely affected by smog.

    According to a statement issued by the central bank, all banks and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) are required to keep their branches closed in Lahore Division, including Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, and Kasur districts, as well as Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Narowal districts, on November 10.

    This decision was made in accordance with a notification from the Punjab government dated November 8, 2023. The Punjab government declared an “environmental and health emergency” in Lahore and two other divisions from November 9 to 12 to address the smog’s impact.

    According to the notification, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools, and both public and private offices will remain closed for four days in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions. Public and private transport to and from these areas will also be restricted.

    Section-144 and health emergencies have been imposed in the Lahore division to control smog, following deteriorating air quality in the region over the past few days. Section 144 has been imposed in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib districts.

    During environmental and health emergencies, educational institutions, government and private offices, cinemas, parks, and restaurants will remain closed, and markets will be shut on Saturday, as specified in the notification.

  • Punjab imposes partial smart lockdown for four days

    Punjab imposes partial smart lockdown for four days

    The Government of Punjab, after approval from the Chief Minister, has ordered “restricted movement” in some areas of Punjab to combat smog. 

    The areas of Lahore Division (District Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur), District Gujranwala, District Hafizabad, and District Narowal, have the worst Air Quality Index (AQI), becoming potential hotspots for Conjunctivitis, and will go under lockdown.

    From Thursday to Sunday i.e., November 9, 2023, to November 12, 2023, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools

    (public and private), and offices (public and private) will remain closed in these areas.

    Also, movement of people will be limited to and from these areas by public and private transport.

    The following will be exempted from closure:

    •           Pharmacies/ Medical Stores

    •           Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers

    •           Petrol Pumps

    •           Oil Depots

    •           Tandoors

    •           Bakeries,

    •           Grocery / Karyana stores

    •           Milk / Dairy Shops

    •           Sweet Shops,

    •           Vegetable / Fruit Shops

    •           Chicken / Meat Shops

    •           E-commerce 

    •           Postal / Courier Services

    •           Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks /Telecom.

    Large departmental stores will only keep their grocery /pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed.

    It has been suggested by the government that people buy groceries and medicines within the vicinity of their residence.