The Director General of Passports Pakistan, Mustafa Jamal Qazi, announced that 6.5 million passports will be issued in 2023, emphasizing the transition to e-passports by 2027. During a visit to the Karachi Passport Office, he revealed that necessary preparations have been completed, with plans to install the new system in the next six to seven months. Read More: Punjab Govt Seeks Pak Army Deployment for Election Security Responding to concerns, Qazi mentioned a high-level task force investigating 12,000 Pakistani passports issued to Afghans. He assured that delays in passport issuance have been resolved, citing the procurement of ample lamination paper,…
Author: Saifullah
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The Punjab government has made a strategic decision to seek the assistance of the federal government in deploying the Pakistan army for enhanced security measures during the upcoming general election. A senior official revealed that a formal letter is in the works, requesting the deployment of 0.25 million army personnel to collaborate with Punjab police and other security agencies on the crucial polling day. This significant resolution emerged from a high-stakes security meeting led by the caretaker chief minister of Punjab. The rationale behind this decision, as explained by the official, stems from the imperative need for an additional 0.25…
Noor Bukhari, renowned for her past in Pakistani showbiz, has officially stepped into politics, aligning herself with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). The actress, also the wife of IPP leader Aun Chaudhry, recently submitted nomination papers for a reserved seat for women, marking a significant shift in her career. Having bid farewell to showbiz, Noor personally oversaw the scrutiny of her nomination papers at the Punjab Election Commission office. The 41-year-old actress, who has been married four times, is gearing up for this new chapter in her life, representing IPP in the upcoming elections. In a notable parallel, Tiktoker Sandal Khattak…
The Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability – Free and Fair Election Network (TDEA-FAFEN) marked the successful conclusion of its four-year program “WE’RE Leaders,” funded by Global Affairs Canada. The initiative focused on empowering women in politics, reducing the gender gap on electoral rolls, and enhancing leadership skills. The project collaborated with various institutions, rights-based commissions, and media to address women’s issues and strengthen their participation in the political process. Despite progress, challenges persist, with around 13,000 female voters still missing in each of the 266 National Assembly constituencies. The project received praise for its achievements and commitment to…
The caretaker federal government in Islamabad has released 34 Baloch protesters, who were detained during a police crackdown last week. The decision, made on the advice of the negotiation committee led by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, follows talks between the government’s team, headed by Privatization Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad, and the protesting marchers. The demonstrators had demanded the immediate release of those arrested. The protest originally stemmed from the alleged “extra-judicial killing” of a Baloch youth by Counter-Terrorism Department officials in Turbat. The crackdown on the Baloch marchers in Islamabad sparked nationwide condemnation from human rights organizations, politicians, and…
Renowned fashion designer and social media activist Khadija Shah has been granted post-arrest bail by a local court in Quetta. Accused of involvement in the May 9 riots, Shah faced charges of murder and attempted murder related to the violent protests. The anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge approved her bail application after her counsel argued that she was innocent, emphasizing that Shah was a victim of a political vendetta with fabricated cases against her. The court ordered her release while instructing Shah to cooperate with the police in the ongoing investigation and appear when summoned.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday, filing a petition that calls for the transfer of Inspector General (IG) and Chief Secretary Punjab. The petition, submitted by lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, alleges that these officials have been engaging in harassment against PTI leaders and workers. In their plea, PTI urged the ECP to halt the arrests of nominated candidates and supporters, emphasizing the inclusion of PTI candidates in the vetting process. Election Commissioner Punjab Saeed Gul intervened in the matter by contacting IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar regarding the reported snatching of…
President Arif Alvi has strongly condemned the mistreatment of former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi by police officials during his re-arrest outside Adiala Jail. In a social media post on platform ‘X’, President Alvi expressed concern about the infringement of human rights and dignity, urging authorities to address incidents like paper snatching, brutal actions on protestors, and the undignified treatment of a former foreign minister. The president emphasized that arguments based on similar incidents in the past are insufficient, asserting that Pakistan must undergo positive change. The post concluded with a call for the nation to agree on the need…
The Cabinet Division in Islamabad has acquired eight luxury vehicles valued at over Rs70 million for protocol duties, despite the ban on new car purchases imposed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These vehicles, including a 29-seater VIP Coaster, a 14-seater high-roof, and six 1800 CC cars, were procured between April 2022 and February 2023. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier declared austerity measures in 2022, emphasizing the auction of luxury cars used by cabinet members, economy class travel for officials on domestic and international trips, and reduced security for government officials. However, despite…
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), unveiled a comprehensive 10-point manifesto for the upcoming 2024 general election. This announcement, made on the 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, outlines the following key points: Double people’s salaries as the top priority. Provide free electricity for up to 300 units. Ensure universal access to education for every child. Establish a nationwide free healthcare system. Construct 3 million houses for those unable to afford homes. Enhance the Benazir Income Support Program for poverty alleviation. Introduce a card for farmers, akin to the Benazir Income Support Program. Introduction…
