Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of conducting the scheduled general elections on February 8 next year.
Speaking to reporters after his appearance before an accountability court in Lahore regarding the Ramzan Sugar Mills reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Shehbaz said, “[Holding the elections on time] is the requirement of law and democracy.”
The NAB reference alleges that Shehbaz, the former chief minister of Punjab, misused his authority by utilizing public funds to construct a bridge to benefit mills owned by his sons.
Despite the legal challenges, Shehbaz expressed confidence in the PML-N’s upcoming election campaign, announcing that party leader Nawaz Sharif will unveil the manifesto during the electoral activities.
Addressing concerns raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding equal opportunities in the polls, Shehbaz cited, “I went to court today and this is called the level-playing field and Nawaz Sharif will also produce himself in an Islamabad court today.”
Shehbaz also delved into recent events, including the May 9 incidents and the subsequent arrest of Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. “A conspiracy to overthrow the army was hatched on May 9 and any democratic government will not tolerate treason,” he stressed.
During the court hearing, Shehbaz clarified the charges against him, referring to his summoning in the clean water case and subsequent arrest in the Ashiana reference
“I will not discuss the merits of the case, my lawyer will do it,” he told the court, adding that the court gave him justice in the Ashiana case.
“After that, NAB arrested me in the sewer case. I was told that I had issued a directive for the construction of a drain which was built by an MPA,” he said.
The PML-N president told the court that they have installed thousands of clean water projects during his tenure.
Shehbaz said that he transferred their inherited sugar mill to his son and the government did not give subsidies to sugar mills in his tenure.
PPP hopeful about timely elections
Meanwhile, PPP expressed optimism that Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa would ensure the timely holding of the next general elections on February 8.
“We are hopeful that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will not let the elections be delayed,” PPP leader Faisal Karim Kundi told in a press conference.
Echoing concerns about a level playing field previously voiced by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Kundi asserted that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is poised to become the next prime minister.
سیکرٹری جنرل پیلپلز پارٹی سید نیر حسین ںخاری کی صدارت میں پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کی مزاکراتی کمیٹی اجلاس کا انعقاد
مزاکراتی کمیٹی اجلاس میں۔ ملک کی مجموعی سیاسی صورت حال اور آمدہ انتخابات پر تفصیلی غور و خوض ہوا۔
قومی اور صوبائی سطح کی اہم ترین سیاسی شخصیات سے رابطے کیلئے فیصلہ…
Mr Kundi claimed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will be the next prime minister of the country and he would announce the party’s future line of action about the next elections at a public meeting in Quetta on Nov 30 on the occasion of the 56th foundation day of the PPP.
“Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari will both address the public meeting,” he said, adding that Bilawal’s sister Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari would conduct the election campaign of his brother.
Additionally, PPP leader Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari was appointed as the secretary general of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP).
The President, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, @AAliZardari has appointed Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari as Secretary General, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/EEZvUCg4qH
As general elections in Pakistan draw near, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has set its dialogue committee into action, assigning them crucial tasks related to discussions with other political parties and politicians.
The committee has been mandated to schedule meetings with national and provincial figures to explore possibilities of seat adjustments in the upcoming polls slated for February 8 next year.
Chaired by PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, the committee convened on Monday, with PPP President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Muhammad Bacha and PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi in attendance.
Qamar Zaman Kaira and Sajid Turi participated through video link.
During the inaugural meeting focused on Punjab and KP, the committee delved into the overall political situation in the country and the upcoming elections.
Bukhari, in the meeting, delegated responsibilities to committee members, tasking them with arranging meetings with key national and provincial political figures.
The committee collectively resolved to organise separate negotiation committee meetings for each of the four provinces, aiming to forge alliances and discuss potential collaborations.
The formation of the committee was approved by Asif Ali Zardari last week on November 25, with a well-planned strategy to engage in discussions with various political entities.
According to a notification released on Saturday, a five-member committee formed for Punjab and K-P includes Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Faisal Karim Kundi, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha and Sajid Toori.
A two-member committee for Sindh includes Saeed Ghani and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah while a three-member committee for Baluchistan includes Changez Khan Jamali, Rozi Khan Kakar and Sabir Ali Baloch.
This move comes in response to the efforts of the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to form alliances with political parties, particularly in Sindh, considered a PPP stronghold. PML-N members recently initiated talks on alliances and seat adjustments with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to counter the PPP’s influence in Sindh.
Facing challenges in its historical stronghold, particularly with the formation of an anti-PPP coalition, the PPP aims to solidify its political position by actively seeking alliances and seat-to-seat adjustments ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Anchorperson Mansoor Ali Khan has recently revealed details about what incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) women leaders do in jail.
Talking on a vlog published on his YouTube channel on November 22 titled “In the line of interviews: Who is next? | Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s message to Mansoor Ali Khan from jail”, he explained that he got a call from a woman who said that she wants to deliver Dr. Yasmeen Rashid’s message to him.
According to him, Yasmeen, PTI Central Punjab’s President, is taking care of other PTI-related women incarcerated in Central Jail Lahore.
Interestingly, they play Scrabble to pass their time in jail.
He further revealed that Dr. Yasmeen Rashid is doing well and feels healthy.
The Lahore police registered a case against the PTI leader for allegedly setting vehicles on fire on May 9, the day the PTI chairman was arrested from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Mansoor Ali Khan stated during his vlog that Yasmeen Rashid will not only contest the election against Nawaz Sharif but Shehbaz Sharif too.
Previously, she contested the election from National Assembly (NA) 130 which is the same constituency as Nawaz but this time she intends to be a contestant in NA 132 which is Shehbaz’s constituency.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has yet to finalise the delimitation process but these are the areas that fell under NA 130 and NA 132.
NA 130
3-4 Gulberg F.F.C A.B.C.Q Block flates , Model town extention A-3 gulberg 3 Abu Bakr Block, New Garden Town Abu Bakr Street Shah Kamal Road Achra Baba Azam Chowk Aebak block new garden town Ahata Mol chand Feroz pur road ichra Ahata Mol Chand Ichra Ahmed Block, New Garden Town Akram Park Guromangat Akram Park Guromangat 3 Alhamd colony Alhamd Colony Allama Iqbal Town Ali Block New Garden Town Ali Park new samanbad Allama Iqbal Block Town Ravi Block Anayat colony , L block ANC Model Town A-one Nabi Pura gulberg 3 A-one Nabi Pura gulberg 4 Asif Block Allah Iqbal Town Askari 5, Flates Gulberg- 3 Askari Gulberg 3 Askari housing complex Gulberg 3 Askari-5, Gulberg 3 Ataturk Block, New Garden Town Atiq Street Shah Kamal Road A-Two Ghalib Market gulberg 3 Aurangzeb Block, New Garden Town Aurangzeb Block, Tariq Block New Garden Town Avenue civil Services academy Azeez park Ichra B-1 Gulberg 3 B-2 Audit Colony gulberg B-2 Gulberg 3 B-3 Gulberg 3 Babar Block, New Garden Town Baddar Block Allama Iqbal town Bahar Colony No.2 kot Lakhpat Bank Colony Bhabra Gulberg 3 Bhatti colony link road Moon street B-J-K Block Gulberg 3 Bloc k Model Town Block A Faisal Town Block B Faisal Town Block B-2 Gulberg Block C Faisal Town Block C-E gulberg 3 Block C-E Gulberg-3 Block D Faisal Town Block D New Muslim Town Block L Model Town Extension Block N LDA Flat Model Town Block N model town Block P Model Town Bukhari Market Rehmanpur Busti Allah Hoo Gulberg- C Block Model Town C Block New Muslim C-1, C-2, gulberg 3 Canal Park Canal Park Gulberg, 2 Canal Park, Ahata Bashi Ram Canal Park, Gulberg colony, D. Block Chah Mughal Chakian Ichra Chaudhary colony Samanabad Chaudhary colony samanbad Chenab Block Allama Iqbal Town Clifton Colony Cristian colony , Khan colony gulberg-3 D Blcok Model town D block Model Town D Block safdar Market Model Town Dohata Colony Ichra Dohata Colony Muhammad Ali road ichra E Block Model Ton E Block Model town E Block Model town, K Block Edin Villas, Q Block Model town F.C college Ferozpur road F.C college Kachi Abadi Falcon Colony Falcon Colony Gulberg 3 Fazila Colony Ichra Fazila Colony Shah Jamal Feroz Pur Road ichra Flate Block GOR-2 Model Town G,H Block Model town Garden Block, Ali Block Garden Block, Garden Town Ghazali Khushnama Flate Block GOR-2 Model Town Ghazali Park Ghos Azam Colony Gulberg-2 Gopal Nager GOR 3 SHADMAN Gulab Devi Hospital , Civil Eveation Quarters Gulberg 3, Block No4 Gulberg Block G,H Gulshan Block Allama Iqbal town Hafeez center Halli road Hameed Ali park Hameed park Hassanine Street Ashiqabad Hinray Kay gulber3 Hinza Block Allama block town Huma Block Allama Iqbal town Ichara Main Bazar Ichra Marbel Market, Muneer Shaheed Road Ichra Mata Rani Ichra Millat park Ichra sultan Ahmed Road Rehman pura Shah Jamal Chowk Ichra Sultan Ahmed Road Zaildar Road Shah Din Scheme Islam abad colony paki thathi Ithaad Colony Ithaad colony gulberg 3 Ithaad Colony Ichra J Block Model Tonw Jail road Shadman Market Jamia Asharfia / Asharfia Park J-Block gulberg 3 Jevan Hana Garden Town Jinnah Park Gulberg-2 Kacha Ferozpur Road Kachi Abadi F. C Collge Gulberg 3 Kachi Abadi Shah Jamal Kamboh Street Ichra Kamran Block Allama block town Karamabad Rehmanpur Karim Block Allama Iqbal Town Kashmir Blcok Allama Iqbal Block Khan colony Q Block Kothy Pind Faisal Town Kousar colony, Model Town L Block , Kalma Chowk L, J, K Wahdat Colony Lala Zar Colony LDA Flat Model Town Link Road Model Town M Block , Bulberg 3 , Bhabra M block , Gublerg 3 M Block , Gulberg Ferozpur road M. Block Wahidat M. Block Wahidat Colony M.M Alam Road Gulberg-3 Main Bazar Gopal Nagar gulberg 3 Main Bazar ichra Madina Bazar Main Bazar Zaildar Road Ichra Main Bluavard Gulberg- 2, P-Block Main Bluavard Gulberg-2, P-Block Main Gulberg Makkah colony , gulberg Makkah Colony block-1-Gulberg 3 Makkah Colony block-2 Gulberg 3 Makkah colony gulberg Makkah colony Street No.17-18 Makkah colony Street No.19-22 Maqbool Road Ichra Mehran Block Allama Iqbal Town Miraj Street ichra Model colony , Makkah Colony Model colony , Makkah colony Gulberg 3 Model Colony gulberg Model Colony Model Model Colony Model town Near Q block Model Town Block A Model Town Block B Model Town Block F Model Town Block F, E Block Model Town Block F, K Block Model Town Block G Model Town Block H Mohammad pur Faisal Mohammadpur Faisal Muhallah Sultan Ahmed Road Muhallah usman street , Muhallah usman street , nawab street Bhatti colony link Road Muhammad Pura Ichra Mumdoot Block Mustafa town Wahdat Road Muslim Block Allama Block town Mustafa abad , gulberg N block model town Nabi pura Two gulberg 3-2 Najaf colony Najaf colony , Hinza Block Naqsha Stop New Muslim Town Nargis Block Allama Iqbal Block Town Nasir Colony gulberg 2 Nawab Pura Ichra nawab street Bhatti colony link Road Nawaz Shareef Colony Nawaz Shareef Colony, Ferozpur Road Neelam Block Allama Iqbal Town New Muslim Town New Muslim Town EGC Colony New Muslim Town EGC Colony New union park New union park samanabad Nishtar Block Allama Iqbal Town Nishtar Park Allama Iqbal Town Nizam Block Allama Iqbal Block Town Nizam Block, Bhekay wal Nizamuddin Road Ashiq P Block, gulberg 3 P-3, link road BGECHS, Model town PAF Falcon Colony Gulberg 3 PAF Falcon Complex Pak Block Allama Iqbal Town Pakistani chowk Ichra Pakistani chowk Ichra Hamiyon Street Pakistani Chowk Ichra, Peer Ghazi Road Ichra Phase B-3, GECHS Pind Bhekay Wal Punjab University New Campus Pura Air Port , PIA colony PWD colony , Bhekay wal Q Blcok Model town Extention Q Blcok Model town Flates Q Block Model town Q Block Model town extention Q Block Umer Colony Kousar colony Qurban line , Iqbal Qurban line , Iqbal colony , gulberg Qurban line, kachi abadi R Blcok Model town Bahar Colony R Block Model Town R Block Model Town Extention R, Block Model town R, Block Model town Bahar colony Rachna Block Allama Block Rahat Park Rakh Chandray Rasool park Samanabad Ravi Block Allama Iqbal Town Rawan Abadi Raza Block Allama Iqbal Town Rehman Pura Akbar Street Rehmanpura Rehmanpura Ichra Rehmanpura Karam Abad Research Staff Colony New Campus Sadiq Trade Center, H- Block Sadiq Trade Center, H-Block Sait merry Colony Gulberg 3 Sakindria Block Allama Iqbal Town samanabad Sardar pura Ichra Satlej Block Allama Iqbal Town Search Colony New Campus Search Colony New Campus Shadman colony Shadman Colony 1 Shadman Colony Jail road Shadman colony No.1 Shadman II Shah Di Khui New Shah Di Khui New Campus Shah Jamal Shah Jamal Colony Shah Jamal Colony Shadman Shah Jamal Colony Shadman I, II Shah Kamal Road (Ithaad Park) Shair Shah Colony Sher Shah Block New Garden Town Shora Kothi Rehman park Sultan Ahmed road , Sultan Ahmed road , Zaildar Road Shah Din Scheme Ichra Tariq Block, New Garden Town Thay Pind Firdos Market Tipo block, Garden Town T-P block Guberg 2 T-P Block Gulberg-2 ulberg Block G,H Umer Block Allama Iqbal Town Umer Street , usman street, Link Road Union park samanabad Union park samanbad Usman Block, New Garden Town Usmana Bazar ichra Wahdat Colony Wahdat Park Wahdat Road Wahidat Colony Shah Kamal Road Z.Blcok flates Model town Zafar Ali road , Azeez Zafar Colony Nadeem Shaheed Road Zahoor Ilahi Road Gulberg 3 Zaildar Park Ichra Ahata Mol Chand Zaildar Road Ichra Zeenat Blcok Allama Block
NA 132
Araiyan Main Bazar Hidyara Muhallah Aahilo Wali Gali Kahna Nau Aahiloo Aasil Karogy Aasil Suleman Aatoo Asil Air Avenue Phase-8 DHA Airport Road Sehjpal Chowk Amam Bargah Araiyan Esayan Badhoki, centeral Park Badoki Badoki, centeral park Badoki, Haveli Mochiyan Baduwar Baho Bholy Baoo Wala Baoo Wala Barki Road Baoo Wala Barki Road Main Bazar Baoo Wala Caras Colony Baoo Wala Darbar Khawaja Wali Road Bar Ka Khurd Barki Barki Government Barki Koheryan Barki Muhallah Koyan Barki Muhallah. Basti Eid Gah , Kachwana road kahna Basti kachwana Basti kahna Nau Bawa Wala Bawa Wala Main Bazar Bay Dag, Jalal Abad Berhaman Abad Bhangali Bhatta Kohar Badian Road Bhatta Kohar Juggian Alfa Bheeni Sandhu Burhaman Abad Burka Kalan Chak Aahiloo Chak Dheera Chaneeko Mondi Chapa Dara Iqbal Butt Chapa Masjid Hafiz Sahib wali Class Mari Dara Abdul Rehman Aahilo road kahna Nau Dara Chahil Dera Pindi Dev Sani Dhala Dhaloke Dhaloky Dhalwan Dheerkay Dhori Dogran Khurd Drag Pura Chak Bhart Fatah Jhung Sing wala Fazal Park Chacho Wali Khurd Sharqi Gaga Gajjumata Gajjumata ( Afzal Park / Millat Town) Gajjumata ( Asif town No.12) Gajjumata ( Faisal Town/ Shalimar Town) Gajjumata ( Ghosia park) Gajjumata ( Ghosia Park/ Niko Wali Haveli) Gajjumata ( Ghulam Hussain colony) Gajjumata ( Green Scheme cap Housing Scheme) Gajjumata ( Gulshan Muneer Housing scheme Street No.3-4) Gajjumata ( Gulshan Muneer Housing scheme) Gajjumata ( Gulzar colony) Gajjumata ( Haveli Hakim Wali / Haroon Park) Gajjumata ( Haveli Samanbad) Gajjumata ( Millat / Gulshan Muneer Housing Scheme) Gajjumata ( Muhammad Pura / Haroon Park) Gajjumata ( Muhammad Pura Sawa) Gajjumata ( New Avenue colony/ gulshan Muneer Colony) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park / Khalid town) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park / Millat Town) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park) Gajjumata ( Rehmat Park/ Millat Town) Gajjumata ( Shahzad colony) Gajjumata ( Tiba Ansarian) Gajjumata (Khalid Town) Gajjumata (Robi Nala Madina town) Ghali Mohammad Ali Tail Wala Kahna Nau Gheenay Ghillar Colony Ghohawa Ghohawa Badian Road Ghond Ghondi Gooband Pur Guli Haji Alam Ansari, Gulzar Park Gulvera Gulzar Park Guru Mangat Nau Abad Hadyara Muhallah Arayan Hair ( Ahmadi colony) Hair ( Badian road) Hair ( Fareed Kot) Hair ( Khandyala) Hair ( Khandyanwala) Hair ( Meeran town ) Hair ( Sabzi wala pul) Hair ( Saddique town) Hair ( Wara Jattan) Haji Park Badian Road Harpalkay Hassan Abad Health Center Manhala Hidyara Hidyara Basti Jan Hidyara Basti Jan Muhammad Hidyara Boher wali Masjid Hidyara Muhallah Hidyara Muhallah Araiyan Esayan Hidyara Muhallah Araiyan Main Bazar Hidyara Muhallah Awan Hidyaran Jattan Imran Wali Street, Shahzada road Ismail Pura Ghohawa Jhaliyan Jhalo Jhalo Health center Jhalo Kashmir Muhallah Jhalo Khokhar House Jhalo P/S girls Jhalo Jhalo Phatik Railway Jhamin Jhandeer Jhulkay Jhulkay ( Post office kahna Nau) Jhulkay ( Shareef park) Jhulkay (Anwar Wali Haveli / Central park) Jhulkay (Anwar WaliHaveli / Central park) Jowad Town Ghohawa dian Road Juggian Alfa Kachwana Basti, eid Gah Kachwana Basti, eid Gah Basti kahna Nau Kahna Kuhna Kahna Kuhna ( Gulshan Shafiq colony) Kahna Kuhna ( Kashmir Pati) Kahna Kuhna ( Muhallah/ Muhallah Meowatian) Kahna Kuhna ( Purana Muhallah) Kahna Nau Kahna Nau, Town Committee Karankay Karbath Kark Keerka Keet Keet ( Gaon) Khand Khanokharni Khar Maliyan Khawaja Khaliq Kheera Khuda Buksh Colony Bhatta Chowk Khushal singh Wala Koheriya Gujjar Muhallah Koheriya Malik Muhallah Kot Islam pura Kot Mela Ram Kot Nabi Baksh Kot Purs Ram ( Azad town) Ladhaykay Bhullar Ladhykay Ladhykay, Bhullar , Lakhoky Lalwa Lehna Singh Wala Lidher Main Bazar Baoo Wala Barki Road Main Bazar Manhala kalan Malik Chohar Wali Malik Chohar Wali Street Ameen Wali Street malik Pura Malik Pura Bhatta Kohar Malik Pura Bilal Town Maliyan Malkhoki Mandyala Manhala kalan Meer Colony Kahna Nau Mohalla Manawala Mohalla Rehmat Pura Badian Road Mojokay chak Danokay Mota singh wala Moya Kalan Moya Khurd Moza Bhatta Kohar Khuda Buksh Colony Ghazi Road Moza Ghohawa Moza Ghohawa Gulshan Scheme Muhallah Baabywal Muhallah Main Bazar Muhallah Meowatian Muhammad Muhammadi pur Munhala Kalan Munhala Khurd Mustafabad, lalyani Nai Abadi Class Mari Nai Abadi Ghohawa Nai Abadi Ghohawa Badian Road Nalka Stap Baoo Wala Naror Lailah pur Naseeb Abad Naseem Abad , Bilal Nagar Natha singh wala Nathoki Nawa Pind Gujjaran Nayab Colony Bhatta Chowk Near Aatta Floor Masjid Kahna Nau Noor Pur Noorani Masjid Street Chairman Wali Nurwar – Londo Khan Nurwar -Dara Ghory Khan Nurwar- Dara Moj Khan Nurwar govt girls high school Nurwar-Dara Muhammad Ismail Opal Paday Dara Lal Din Pandoki, Haveli Khokhran Pandoki, Mashmola Sultan Pura Pandoki, Muhallah Araiyan Pandoki, Muhallah Baba Bhullay Shah Pandoki, Muhallah Khokhran Pathankay Phadhana Phadhana Gharki Phadhana Muhallah Jattan DA Phularwan Phulrwan Pudri Qila Jeewan Singh Rahman Pura Raja Bhola Rakh Rakh Bangali Rakh Banikat Rakh Bhangali Rakh Dara Chahil Rakh Dhori Rakh Herdut Singh Rakh Padri Rakh Teda Rakh Teda Berhaman Ram Pura Kalan Ram Pura Khurd Road Nepal Bohigen Roadanwala Rustam Park Kahna Nau Sangat pura School Shahzad Shahzada Road , Deri Pura Shahzada Road Kahna Nau Shajpal Shajpal Bhatta Kohar Shankay Soora Sraich Street Gorgeous Warrior Street Street Master Amaad ul Street Master Amaad ul Din Kahna Nau Taqi Pur Dara Yousaf Chaki Wala Terda Thatha Khurd Thather Thay Pura The Sija Mirja Theh Janib Tiba Ghohawa Tiba Ghohawa Badian Road Tiba Ghohawa Badian Road Tiba Ghohawa Badian Road Masjid Bilal Tiba Ghohawa Bhatta Kohar Tiba Ghohawa Bhatta Kohar Main Bazar Tiba Ghohawa Pind Titlay
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Rana Sanaullah has said that former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif will be the party’s next candidate for Punjab’s chief ministership.
Shehbaz Sharif has served as a three-time chief minister of Punjab, as well as being Prime Minister for around 16 months when the Pakistan Democratic Movement came into power after ousting the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan.
“In my personal opinion, given the destruction during the Buzdar regime and in the manner in which Punjab was progressing till 2018, it is Punjab’s need that Shehbaz Sharif take charge of Punjab’s affairs,” PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah told Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada.
“Had Shehbaz Sharif got the opportunity to [serve as the chief minister] after the 2018 elections as well, then Punjab would have become an example for the rest of Pakistan,” Sanaullah, who served as the interior minister under Shehbaz in the Centre, said.
According to the PML-N leadership, Shehbaz Sharif can work in any capacity under the leadership of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.
“My assessment says that Shehbaz Sharif will be ready to work with Nawaz Sharif in any capacity. He will not complain about it,” the ex-interior minister said.
Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with 10 co-accused, have been acquitted in the Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme reference by a Lahore accountability court, as per Geo News.
The list of the acquitted individuals includes the incumbent federal minister Ahad Cheema and Fawad Hassan Fawad.
The court, headed by Judge Malik Ali Zulqarnain Awan, reserved the verdict on November 2 after the conclusion of final arguments presented by counsels and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutors on acquittal pleas.
Acquittal applications contended that all prosecution witnesses and approvers had retracted their statements, signaling a lack of grounds for conviction in the reference. The applicants urged the court to approve the applications and absolve them of the charges.
A report filed by NAB in May stated that there was no evidence of financial corruption or misuse of authority by Shehbaz Sharif. The allegations of misuse of authority and corruption against the former prime minister, according to the report, were not substantiated under the National Accountability Ordinance of 1999.
NAB had filed the reference in 2018, alleging that Shehbaz Sharif and other accused had caused a significant financial loss to the national treasury by awarding the contract for the housing scheme to a construction firm without a competitive bidding process.
Sharif was arrested on Oct 5, 2018, in connection with the case when he appeared before the accountability bureau in another matter while Cheema was taken into custody on February 21 of the same year. Both of them were later released on bail.
Earlier, Kamran Kiyani, the brother of former army chief Ashfaque Parvez Kiyani, and Nadeem Zia of Paragon City were acquitted by the court due to a “lack of evidence”.
The NAB alleged that Cheema received illegal benefits from the owners of Paragon City Developers as a reward for awarding the housing scheme contract to their proxy firm, Bismillah Engineering.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and former prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has described Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as a “younger brother”, a day after Bilawal advised PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to “focus on Lahore”.
While mentioning the coalition government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Shehbaz said that “Bilawal Bhutto is like a younger brother. [We have] worked together for 16 months.”
Shehbaz Sharif’s comment came during a press conference in Quetta where the other PML-N leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, were gathered.
The PML-N president’s statement was a response to Bilawal’s advice to Nawaz Sharif to “focus on Lahore”.
“We should move towards mature politics. Crying and blaming will do nothing,” the PML-N president said.
“Mian sahib has been advised to go to other provinces. I suggest he should stay in Lahore,” said the former foreign minister while addressing a presser in Mithi.
Bilawal also said that Nawaz Sharif should focus on Punjab and address issues within the party.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has successfully garnered the support of more than 30 influential electables from Balochistan, Geo News reports.
The seasoned politician, who recently returned to Pakistan after a four-year self-imposed exile, orchestrated the feat during his visit to Quetta.
Accompanied by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz engaged in discussions with leaders from various political factions during his visit to Balochistan.
قومی سیاسی منظرنامے میں بڑی ہلچل
پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کے قائد محمد نواز شریف کا دورہ کوئٹہ
درجنوں ممتاز سیاسی شخصیات کا مسلم لیگ (ن) میں شمولیت کا اعلان
سابق وزیر اعلی جام کمال، سابق وفاقی وزراء سردار فتح محمد حسنی، مجیب الرحمن محمد حسنی، میر عاصم کرد، میر دوستین ڈومکی مسلم… pic.twitter.com/fYxtbdliq7
Following these deliberations, over 30 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Balochistan National Party–Mengal (BNP-M), National Party (NP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) joined the ranks of PML-N.
From BAP, former Balochistan chief minister Jam Kamal Khan, Mir Saleem Khosa, Noor Mohammad, Baba Buledi, Sardar Masood Luni, Rubaba Buledi, Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, Shoaib Nosherwani, Ramin Jan Muhammad Hassni and Muhammad Khan Lehrijoined the PML-N ranks.
PPP leaders Saeedul Hassan Mandokhail, Sardar Fateh Muhammad, and Faiq Jamali jumped ship to join the PML-N. From the National Party, Mujib Mohammad Hassni and former senator Dr Ashok Kumar, while Zeenat Shahwani of BNP-M and PTI’s Muhammad Jamali and Sardar Atif Sanjrani also joined the PML-N.
The PML-N delegation, which held discussions with a BAP delegation led by Nawabzada Khalid Magsi, also marked a noteworthy reconciliation between the historically contentious parties. BAP, founded in 2018, has roots in political dissidents from both PML-N and the PML-Q.
To strengthen its position in the province, PML-N is reportedly exploring electoral alliances, including with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F).
Talks suggest that, if successful, the parties may jointly contest the general elections, with a shared decision on the chief minister’s candidacy.
Sources said that the JUI-F has also put forward the name of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri conditioning their support if he is made the province’s chief executive.
The development comes as earlier this month the PML-N and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) announced their electoral alliance to jointly contest the upcoming general elections in Sindh.
In response to these developments, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari offered a suggestion to Nawaz Sharif, urging him to “focus on Lahore,” on Tuesday.
“Mian sahab has been adviced to visit other provinces. I would suggest that he should stay in Lahore and focus on its problems,” said the PPP chairman during a presser in Mithi, calling on PML-N to do politics on its own and stop relying on others.
In the run-up to the February 8 general elections in Pakistan, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif is embarking on a two-day visit to Balochistan, following the party’s strategy to form alliances in all provinces.
The move aligns with the recent invitation extended by senior MQM-P leaders to the party to forge an alliance against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sindh.
Sources reveal that during a visit to Lahore, Balochistan leaders urged Nawaz Sharif to visit Quetta and align with them for the upcoming polls, as per Dawn.
“Since some of the BAP leaders earlier remained with the PML-N and incumbent Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, a former member of BAP, had a good working relationship with PML-N, the party of Sharifs may not face much problems in exploring strategic partners in Balochistan ahead of the polls,” they said.
The party is eyeing at least 25 sardars/electables from Balochistan, crucial players in the region’s elections.
PML-N Balochistan chapter president Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail said Mr Sharif would hold meetings with PkMAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai, National Party President Dr Malik Baloch, former CM Jam Kamal and BAP leaders, including Nawabzada Khalid Magsi, Sardar Muhammad Saleh Bhootani and some of the party’s senators, ex-MNAs and MPAs.
Nawaz Sharif will also attend an event in which various ‘electables’ will announce joining PML-N, including former MNAs and MPAs belonging to BAP.
Tension arises in PMLN
Meanwhile, in Muzaffargarh, internal tensions arise within the PML-N as former municipal committee chairman Akram Chandia and his brother Ajmal Chandia join the party, potentially securing tickets for the upcoming elections.
The move has irked former PML-N MPA Hamad Nawaz Tipu, who announced his candidacy, vying for both MPA and National Assembly seats.
On the National Assembly seat, he lost to PPP’s Mehr Irshad Sial, who received 53,054 votes, with the runner-up being Jamshed Dasti securing 50,566 votes. Mr Tipu stood third with 47,642 votes. The MPA election also witnessed a close contest where winner Abdul Hayee Dasti received 17,686 votes, followed by Ajmal Chandia with 17,669 votes and Mr Tipu with 16,358 votes.
Ajmal Chandia was a candidate for PP-270 as a candidate of Jamshed Dasti’s party in the 2018 elections and stood as the runner-up behind Abdul Hayee Dasti.
While Mr Tipu and the Chandia brothers are in contention for the PML-N ticket, former MPA Chunnu Laghari has also announced joining the PML-N, and he is unlikely to face any resistance in obtaining an MPA ticket under Basit Sultan’s National Assembly constituency in Jatoi tehsil.
‘Toughest elections’
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif’s son Hamza Shehbaz said the Feb 8 polls were going to be the most difficult ones in the country’s history.
Talking to journalists in Lahore on Monday, the PML-N leader said all parties should work together to steer the country out of crisis.
In reply to a question about the role of the establishment and the PML-N’s relations with it, he said it was a good sign if the establishment supported the government.
“It is also a good thing if there are cordial relations with the establishment,” Hamza added.
Asked whether Nawaz Sharif was new blue-eyed of the military establishment, Hamza said: “When I was in the opposition, the people would call Imran Khan their blue-eyed.”
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat has said that the people of Pakistan have pinned many hopes on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, adding that the future government will have to work for the restoration of the economy, eliminating unemployment and inflation.
Shujaat Hussain said, ‘By overcoming the bitterness of the past, we should utilize our full capabilities to solve the issues facing the people.”
“Our collective responsibility is not for revenge politics but for building a strong economy, providing relief to the people, and safeguarding national interests,” he added.
PML-Q also quashed rumors of an impending merger with PML-N on Sunday.
Instead, the party confirmed its intention to pursue seat adjustments with the Nawaz Sharif-led faction in specific constituencies.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, PML-Q Punjab General Secretary, clarified the party’s position, asserting its commitment to maintaining an independent identity.
Notably, PML-Q candidates are set to participate in the upcoming elections, carrying the party’s symbol – the tractor.
Speculations about a potential merger were rife, with talks centering around seat allocations for Chaudhry Shujaat’s sons and Tariq Bashir Cheema, the party’s secretary-general.
However, these speculations were dispelled by Chaudhry Shafay Hussain.
The political landscape is witnessing increased activity, with PML-N actively seeking alliances.
Last week, they announced a joint participation in the polls with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).
A recent meeting between a PML-N delegation and MQM-P leadership in Karachi delved into discussions on electoral alliances and future strategies.
While PML-N explores collaborative ventures, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has voiced discontent. Sharjeel Memon, a PPP leader, criticized PML-N’s historical ascent to power, alleging rigging.
Despite this, Memon expressed confidence in PPP’s electoral prospects, anticipating a clean sweep in the upcoming elections.
Simultaneously, PML-Q leader Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and his son, ex-MNA Hussain Elahi, critiqued PML-N’s economic policies.
They credited the recent improvements in the national economy and currency to strict measures initiated by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir.
The criticism of the PML-N by both the former PML-Q lawmakers and close family members of the party chief, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, has surfaced just when the leadership of both factions of the Pakistan Muslim League is hinting at making a seat adjustment in the election on Feb 8, 2024.
Speaking to a gathering of party workers at his Nutt House in Gujrat, Wajahat said the masses were witness to the statement of PML-N leadership regarding being beggars and that wherever they went to seek financial assistance, the other side would consider them as beggars.
Wajahat announced to kick off the election campaign of his son, Hussain Elahi, and two Punjab Assembly candidates of his party, Abdullah Yousaf Warraich and Khalid Asghar Ghural, asking his supporters to work for their victory.
Sources have told Dawn that by criticizing the PML-N policies, the Wajahat camp has tried to attract the PTI vote bank with an anti-PML-N narrative as his traditional rival, Nawabzada family, has already been in the PML-N and the voters might not be easily won by the PML-Q in that constituency.
They say Hussain Elahi would assess the ground position of his constituency for the future course of action.
It’s pertinent to mention that both Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and his son Hussain Elahi were in the PTI before the May 9 incidents when many of the party leaders had started quitting the party. The duo also quit the PTI and joined the PML-Q.
Commenting on the electoral alliance recently formed between Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), asserted on Friday that the coalition would prove advantageous for his party in the upcoming general election.
Earlier this week, PML-N and MQM-P, former allies of the PPP in the Centre, declared their intention to collaborate in the upcoming general elections. This alliance has the potential to influence election outcome in urban areas of Sindh.
The development occurred amidst the escalating war of words between the PPP and PML-N, following the announcement by the Election Commission of Pakistan to conduct elections in the country on February 8, 2024.
The romance between the two former allies ended after the PDM-led coalition government completed its term in August, and both the PPP and PML-N locked horns over election-related issues.
During an interaction with journalists in Safari Park, they PPP chairman said: “We worked hard to make him [Shehbaz Sharif] prime minister. It was the need of the hour.”
He emphasised that the decision was intended to address the ongoing political and democratic crisis in the country. The PPP leader highlighted that, during the government led by the PDM, his party contributed to the betterment of Sindh.
