In preparation for the general election on February 8, the Punjab Home Department has deployed the army in Kasur and Sheikhupura to guarantee a peaceful conduct of the electoral process. Pakistan Army troops, leaving their garrisons in various cities, will perform security duties in different parts of Punjab, reaching districts like Mandi Bahauddin, Chakwal, and Sargodha by tomorrow. The home department emphasizes that maintaining law and order during the election is the top priority, with all districts in constant communication with the army. Election arrangements are closely monitored, and CCTV cameras are being installed at sensitive polling stations. The army’s…
Author: Saifullah
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The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has strengthened its communication channels by appointing two spokespersons, as per a recent notification. Nighat Siddiqui, serving as Additional Deputy General Gender Election Commission, and Hamid Raza Khan, appointed as Director Media Coordination and Outreach, will take on the role of spokespersons for the Election Commission. Read More: Gas Tariff Hike Adds to Citizens’ Economic Burden in Islamabad This move is aimed at enhancing transparency and facilitating effective communication within the department.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has increased gas tariffs by Rs 435 per MMBTU, addressing a Rs 98 billion shortfall, exacerbating the financial strain on citizens already grappling with inflation. Effective from January 1 to June 30, this marks the second increase in gas prices for the current financial year 2023-24. Sui Northern gas tariff surged to Rs 1,673.82 per MMBTU from Rs 1,238.68, and Sui Southern’s tariff rose to Rs 1,466.40 per MMBTU from Rs 1,350.68. OGRA’s recommended average increase of 23.16% aims to alleviate circular debt, currently at Rs 1,250 billion, per the IMF’s urging for…
Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab, Ijaz Anwar Chauhan, assured full readiness of the Election Commission during a news conference in Lahore. He stated that election materials for polling staff will be distributed tomorrow, with complete arrangements and issued SOPs for officials on police duty. Control rooms have been set up across Punjab, totaling 51,000 polling stations. An emphasis on adherence to SOPs was stressed, ensuring a secure environment at polling stations, with special security arrangements and the involvement of the Pakistan Army in Punjab. Clear instructions were issued to the Punjab government and federal institutions to follow Election Commission guidelines under…
In response to the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8, the Ministry of Health in Islamabad has issued a notification placing all government hospitals on high alert from February 7 to February 9. This proactive measure aims to ensure the readiness and response capability of healthcare facilities in the capital city during the crucial period surrounding the electoral process. The notification directs hospitals to maintain heightened vigilance, aligning with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s deadline for the conclusion of election campaigning, set for tonight at midnight.
Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, addressing troops along the Line of Control in the Sarian sector near Muzaffarabad, reiterated Pakistan’s strong stance against any aggression or violation of territorial sovereignty. He emphasized the Pakistan Army’s readiness to respond effectively to threats across the spectrum and condemned India’s state-sponsored terrorism, extending to targeting individual Pakistani citizens. General Munir highlighted the increasing global condemnation of India’s actions, exposing its disregard for international law. The Army Chief, briefed on the Line of Control situation, praised troops for their operational readiness and effective responses to Indian ceasefire violations. Earlier, alongside Caretaker Prime Minister…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to raise gas tariffs, with sources revealing a proposed increase of up to 41 percent by mid-February. The IMF reportedly rejected additional subsidies on power tariffs beyond budget allocations. Approximately Rs 1000 billion is earmarked for the petroleum sector, Rs 250 billion for power, Rs 600 billion for OGDCL, and Rs 150 billion for PPL. Pakistan had submitted a proposal to the IMF regarding electricity tariffs for the export sector, aiming to reduce the tariff from 14 cents to 9 cents. Pending approval from the international lender, the plan is poised for…
As the stage is set for the February 8 general elections, tensions rise between Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), with the former accusing the latter of resorting to illegal means to secure a fourth term in power. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, also the prime ministerial candidate, alleges in a foreign media interview that Nawaz Sharif seeks to pressure the administration to influence election results, accusing him of attempting a backdoor return to power. Bilawal, who has consistently accused Nawaz of pursuing alternative means to become PM, criticizes the caretaker government and administration for bias towards…
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar vehemently denounces the terrorist assault on Daraban police station in an official statement from Islamabad. Expressing profound sorrow, he offers prayers for the elevated status of the martyred police personnel and extends heartfelt condolences to their grieving families. Anwaar-ul-Haq emphasizes the need for all possible medical aid to be provided promptly to the injured personnel, declaring that the cowardly acts of the terrorists will not undermine the nation’s resolve. In a resolute stance, he asserts that the entire nation stands firmly with the police and security forces. The Daraban police station, situated in Dera Ismail,…
Leadership Shifts: In 2018, Imran Khan led Tehreek-e-Insaf to power, but a no-confidence motion ousted him in April 2022 before completing his term. A similar fate befell Nawaz Sharif before the 2018 elections due to convictions and disqualification. Imran Khan, elected in 2018, faced legal issues before completing his term in the 2024 elections, mirroring Nawaz Sharif’s predicament. Imprisonment of Former Prime Ministers: Nawaz Sharif was jailed before the 2018 elections, and in a parallel turn of events, another former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, faced imprisonment preceding the 2024 elections. Use of Recorded Calls for Voter Outreach: In 2018, PTI…
