Author: Sajjad Ali

ISLAMABAD: Voting for Pakistan’s one-day general elections has started at 8 am at polling stations across the country as over 128 million registered voters exercise their right to vote till 5 pm. Voters have started reaching polling stations to cast their votes to elect a new government for the next five years. Long queues have been seen inside the polling stations set up to facilitate voters cast their votes with the nation hoping of economic progress and stability in the country. Voting in Pakistan’s one-day general elections commenced at 8 am today, with polling stations welcoming over 128 million registered…

ISLAMABAD: In response to concerns over potential internet shutdowns during the upcoming election, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a statement to clarify the situation and allay fears. The government, via the PTA, has firmly stated that there are no plans to suspend internet services on election day. Users can expect uninterrupted access to the internet throughout the electoral process. The PTA has reassured the public that internet services will remain fully operational on election day, ensuring that online activities can proceed without disruption. Additionally, they have guaranteed a seamless internet experience without any downtime. This announcement provides a…

QUETTA: Five people have been killed and 10 injured in a blast outside Jamiat Ulema Islam-F (JUI-F) candidate Maulana Wasiah’s office in Qila Saifullah. Initial reports confirm the casualties, with the injured being transported to the District Headquarter Hospital for medical treatment. Fortunately, PP-3 candidate Maulana Wasiah was not present in the office at the time of the blast. In response to the incident, emergency measures have been implemented across hospitals in Quetta, with additional staff summoned to assist. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has swiftly reacted to the blast, demanding a report from the Balochistan chief secretary and…

PISHIN: At least 15 people were martyred and 25 others wounded in a suicide blast that hit an election office in PB-47 constituency of Khanozai in Pishin district on Wednesday. Levies sources confirmed the devastating attack, which targeted the election office of former provincial minister Asfandyar Khan Kakar, who is a candidate for this constituency. Casualties and Rescue Efforts: According to initial reports, eight individuals had lost their lives in the blast, while 10 others sustained injuries of varying severity. Later, the death toll was revised to 12, with at least 25 injured, as per Levies officials. Rescue teams are…

WANA: An explosion rocked South Waziristan on Wednesday, near the car of former Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Naseerullah Wazir, injuring five people. According to media reports, the blast occurred in close proximity to Wazir’s parked vehicle, though the exact nature of the explosion and its intended target remain uncertain. The injured parties are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital, with the severity of their injuries yet to be determined. Law enforcement authorities swiftly responded to the scene and have initiated an investigation into the incident. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Naseerullah…

A large group of premium tobacco producers and workers from a few tobacco growers’ countries, Colombia, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua, have protested on February 5th in front of the Panama Convention Centre where the tenth Conference of the Parties (COP) of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), is currently taking place. The FCTC aims at protecting present and future generations from the impact of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke by reducing both demand and supply of tobacco. Article 17 of the Convention requires parties to promote economically viable alternatives to tobacco. It states…

PESHAWAR: In the lead-up to Pakistan’s general elections on Thursday, a concerning reality emerges regarding the inadequate prioritization of women’s representation within political parties. According to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), which monitors polls in the country, out of a total of 6,037 candidates competing for general seats nationwide, only 275 are women, reflecting a mere 4.6 percent participation rate in the elections. This falls below the legal requirement of a minimum five percent representation mandated by Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, extending to elective offices, including seats in the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and Provincial Assemblies. FAFEN’s…

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan prepares for general elections on Thursday, over 127 million registered voters are poised to exercise their fundamental right to vote. This crucial democratic exercise will empower citizens to choose their representatives for both national and provincial assemblies, shaping the future direction of the country. However, how to prevent your vote from being rejected? In the aftermath of the 2018 elections in Pakistan, numerous votes were left uncounted for various reasons. Media reports indicate that approximately 1.67 million votes were excluded from the final tally. The Elections Act of 2017 stipulates conditions under which votes may be rejected,…

Voting commenced at 8:00 (GMT+4) for the presidential election in Azerbaijan, with seven candidates vying for the position, among them the incumbent President Ilham Aliyev. The Central Election Commission (CEC) Secretariat’s Information Center is tasked with providing updates on the voting progress and results. Of the seven candidates, five represent political parties while two are running independently. Candidate registrations closed on January 9 for this significant electoral event in the Central Asian nation. Notably, President Ilham Aliyev, representing the New Azerbaijan Party, is seeking reelection. The other candidates include independent contenders Zahid Oruj and Fuad Aliyev, Fazil Mustafa from the…

ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan wife Bushra Bibi has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging the notification declaring Banigala as a sub-jail in the Toshakhana case verdict. In her plea, Bushra Bibi requests to be transferred to Adiala Jail as originally ordered in the Toshakhana case. She also urges the court to revoke the January 31 notification issued by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration declaring Banigala as a sub-jail. In related news, Bushra Bibi was arrested by women police from Adiala Jail in connection with the Toshakhana reference case. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB)…