Barrister Gohar elected unopposed as PTI chairman

ISLAMABAD: Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has been elected unopposed as the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after other candidates withdrew from the intra-party elections, ARY News reported.

Omar Ayub has also been elected unopposed as the General Secretary while Yasmeen Rashid emerged as President PTI Punjab chapter.

The PTI announced in a statement that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub are declared for the party’s top two positions  after the withdrawal phase

The announcement said, “The Federal Election Commissioner will, however, declare the election’s final result on March 3 at the conclusion of the election process.”

The PTI decided to hold intra-party polls after the Supreme Court decision, upholding the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) verdict that that resulted in the party losing its electoral symbol bat.

Meanwhile, Ali Amin Gandapur and Haleem Adil Sheikh have been elected unopposed as Presidents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh respectively.

The election for the Balochistan presidency will be held on March 3 between three candidates.

Read More: Barrister Gohar among others in a run for PTI’s chairmanship

Earlier, different candidates including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan submitted nomination papers for the chairman slot in the PTI’s intra-party elections.

Ashraf Qureshi, Mohammad Aslam, and Naveed Anjum have also submitted their nomination papers for the post of chairman.

The nomination papers of the 15-member panel headed by secretary general candidate Umar Ayub were also submitted.

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FIA arrests man ‘involved’ in Hawala-Hundi

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a man allegedly involved in Hawala-Hundi and selling smuggled mobile phones in Karachi, ARY News reported.

As per details, the arrested accused is running a Hawala-Hundi and mobile phone smuggling network along with his accomplices based in Dubai.

FIA in an operation conducted at Star City Mobile Mall also seized smuggled mobile phones and accessories from the accused named Umair Jaffer.  Foreign currency has also been recovered from the arrested accused possession.

The FIA sources said that records related to telegraphic transfer were also recovered from the accused.

A case has been registered against the suspect in the anti-corruption circle. The FIA said that raids are being conducted for the arrest of other suspects.

Read More: FIA nabs ‘gang leader’ operating Hawala Hundi business in Karachi

Earlier on December 2, the FIA conducted an operation and arrested the leader of the gang involved in illegal currency exchange and Hawala Hundi business.

The FIA spokesperson stated that the main leader of the gang, Noor Muhammad, was arrested from Karachi’s Garden East Area, allegedly involved in an illegal currency exchange business.

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PTI’s letter to IMF won’t harm Pakistan’s interest: Ali Muhammad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Muhammad Khan on Wednesday clarified that a letter written to International Monetary Fund (IMF) by party founder Imran Khan will not harm interest of Pakistan, ARY News reported.

Speaking at ARY News programme ‘Khabar’, the PTI leader said that his party never acted against the country’s interest, adding that they only wanted audit of the February 8 general elections.

“We have told IMF not to audit the election itself, instead use the platforms present in Pakistan, such as FAFEN,” Ali Muhammad Khan said, adding that the PTI was seeking justice within the system.

Responding to a question, Khan said they sacrificed their government by not accepting external interference, expressing hope that the courts will give them justice.

He further said that the PTI has reminded the Fund of an assurance made during last interaction between Imran Khan and IMF delegation in 2023.

Read More: PTI founder’s letter to IMF comes to light

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Imran Khan-founded PTI asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to factor in the country’s political stability in any further bailout talks.

According to international news agency Reuters, PTI has sent a letter to the IMF detailing its position, two senior sources in the party said, adding more details would be made public in due course.

Last week, the IMF declined to comment on the country’s political situation after Khan’s aides said they would urge the lender to call for an independent audit of Pakistan’s disputed Feb. 8 elections before engaging in further talks with Islamabad.

Pakistan’s economy is struggling to stabilise after securing a $3 billion standby arrangement from the IMF last summer, with record inflation, rupee devaluation and shrinking foreign reserves.

Read More: IMF says ready to work with Pakistan’s new govt

An IMF spokesperson said last week that it was focused on the completion of the standby programme but was available to support the post-election government through a new arrangement to address Pakistan’s ongoing challenges if requested.

 

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Petrol price in Pakistan likely to jack up

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has sent a summary to the federal government for increasing petrol to Rs3 per litre, ARY News reported citing sources.

As per the details, the OGRA suggested increasing the prices of petroleum products from March 1. According to the proposal, the petrol price might jack up Rs3 per litre.

The OGRA has also suggested an Rs1 per litre increase in the price of high-speed diesel. The regulatory body also suggested the federal government to jack up kerosene oil by Rs1 per litre.

Meanwhile, the OGRA asked the government to reduce light-speed diesel prices by Rs0.70 per litre.

The decision regarding the new prices for petroleum products will be made on February 29.

Read More: Govt hikes petrol price by Rs2, diesel by Rs8

Earlier on February 15, the caretaker government approved a hike in the price of petrol by Rs2.73 per litre following the recommendation of the OGRA.

According to a notification by the finance ministry, the price of petrol increased by Rs 2.73 per litre and High-Speed Diesel by Rs 8.37 per liter.

The price of Kerosene oil also increased by Rs10.08 per litre, according to the notification.

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Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi have nothing to do with PTI: Marwat

ISLAMABAD: PTI Senior Vice President Sher Afzal Marwat on Tuesday disassociated his party from social media activists Adil Farooq Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi, both former army officers with large following on YouTube, calling them ‘wrong numbers’, ARY News reported.

Addressing a press conference, the PTI MNA-elect, while referring to the YouTubers, said that some ‘fugitives’ are maligning the state of Pakistan and its armed forces.

Sher Afzal Marwat said that following the May 9 events – wherein military institutions came under attack after arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan – Adil Raja conducted a marathon live broadcast.

“He [Raja] gives an impression of being PTI’s well-wisher,” he said, telling the PTI workers and supporters that Adil Raja and Haider Mehdi are wrong numbers.

He recalled that he raised slogans of ‘Pakistan Army Zindabad’ in a PTI convention – which according to him is the narrative of PTI founder Imran Khan. “PTI is not against Pakistan Army,” he said, calling his party a ‘patriotic one’.

Following May 9, Marwat regretted, various political parties accused the PTI of being anti-state, saying that these people left no stone unturned in spreading such narratives.

“Adil Raja and Haider Mehdi are fugitives and court martialed”, he said, noting that their job is to mislead the PTI’s youth. “They are defaming our party,” he said, disassociating his party from the YouTubers.

“We will continue our struggle by staying within the legal framework”, Sher Afzal Marwat reiterated, asking his party workers and supporters to reject them.

Last year in November, Adil Farooq Raja and Haider Raza Mehdi were handed 14 and 12 years of jail sentence respectively following their Field General Court Martial for “inciting sedition”, the military’s media wing said.

The Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said both retired officers were convicted and sentenced “under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 for the charges of inciting sedition among army personnel from discharge of duties and violation of the provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 related to espionage and acts prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state”.

Read More: Shaheen Sehbai, Adil Raja others booked over sedition charges

The ISPR said that Major (rtd) Raja was sentenced to “14 years rigorous punishment” while Captain (rtd) Mehdi was handed “12 years rigorous punishment”.

“The court of competent jurisdiction convicted and adjudged both the individuals on the date of Oct 7 and Oct 9, 2023, through due judicial process,” the military said.

“Pursuant to the awarded sentence, the ranks of both officers have been forfeited on Nov 21, 2023,” the statement said.

Neither Raja, nor Mehdi served the sentence as they are based outside of Pakistan.

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Electricity tariff increased by Rs7.5 per unit

ISLAMABAD: In another shock to the already overburdened power consumers, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has notified a hike of Rs7.5 per unit in the price of electricity as part of the fuel price adjustment (FCA).

According to NEPRA notification, the power sector’s regulatory authority approved increase in the electricity tariff by Rs7.5 per kilowatt hour (kWh) under the head FCA of January 2024 and this hike in power tariff will be charged to power consumers during the month of March 2024.

The increase will be applicable to all the consumer categories except lifeline consumers and the power consumers of K-Electric (KE). The hike in the power tariff will cause Rs66 billion worth additional burden on the already burdened power consumers.

Earlier, it was reported that the power tariff is likely to go up as the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to hike the electricity rate by Rs 7.13/unit on account of fuel price adjustment.

The petition was moved by CPPA before the NEPRA, stating that 11.12 percent of total power generation in January came from hydropower plants, 16.51 percent from coal-fired plants, 12.45 percent from natural gas and 20.78 percent of total power was generated from nuclear plants.

Read more: Power tariff jacked up by Rs5.62/unit in Pakistan

Earlier, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) increased the electricity tariff by Rs5.63 per unit on account of monthly fuel adjustment (MFA).

The decision was announced after the NEPRA completed a hearing on the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) petition seeking a hike in electricity tariff by Rs5.63 per unit under fuel monthly adjustment for December 2023.

 

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PML-N clinches another seat after vote recount

LODHRAN: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) clinched one more National Assembly seat after a vote recount in NA-154 Lodhran, ARY News reported.

As per details, the Returning Officer (RO) ordered the recounting of votes on request of PML-N Abdul Rahman Kanju’s request. After the recount of votes, the PML-N candidate emerged victorious with a lead of 7301 votes against independent candidate Rana Faraz Noon.

As per revised results, PML-N’s Abdul Rahman Kanju bagged 127,984 votes while independent candidate Rana Faraz Noon got 120,683 votes.

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier Rana Faraz Noon was declared the winner with 134,937 votes and the PML-N candidate finished runner-up with 128,438 votes

Aggrieved with the results, the PML-N candidate approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and requested for vote recount

Read More: PML-N beats PTI-backed candidate to win PP-7 seat in vote recount

Earlier on February 14, the PML-N grabbed another seat in the Punjab Assembly after a recount on the PP-7 Kahuta seat, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

As per details, Raja Sagher Ahmed of PML-N was declared the winner over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed candidate Shabbir Awan with the lead of 317 votes.

Raja Sagher emerged victorious on the PP-7 seat with 66331 votes while his opponent, PTI-backed independent candidate Shabir Awan got 63014 votes.

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BISP launches WhatsApp channel

ISLAMABAD: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) launched a WhatsApp channel to facilitate its beneficiaries as well as common citizens by providing the details of all initiatives and counter fake messages.

The BISP urged the existing and intending beneficiaries to follow the official WhatsApp channel to get all the information about the programme.

The citizens can follow the BISP WhatsApp channel through the web link below

https://ift.tt/G3MD4UH

Earlier the BISP launched a modern call center in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Corporation to provide authentic information related to the programme and the grievances.

The individuals can contact the call center at 080026477 to register complaints or seek information about the program.

Read More: BISP’s mobile registration centers to be operational soon

In January, the BISP said that the Mobile Registration Vehicle Centers to facilitate the registration process for the intending beneficiaries of the programme belonging to the remote areas of the country, are likely to be operational soon.

The Mobile Registration Centers would enable the deserving women residing in the far-flung areas to access the registration facilities through mobile vehicles, the state news agency reported.

According to an official source, the process of induction of Mobile Vans, which started in August, has entered into its last stages.

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Ahsan Iqbal criticises PTI founder over letter to IMF

NAROWAL: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday castigated former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan for writing a letter to International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding an audit of the general elections.

Addressing a ceremony here, the former planning minister dubbed the PTI founder’s move as “enmity with the country’, saying that another attempt was made to obstruct loan programme by writing a letter to the IMF.

On Friday, PTI founder Imran Khan confirmed that he had penned a letter to the global lender, urging the global lender to give the poll results a thorough once-over before cutting any new cheques for Islamabad.

Speaking to journalists at the Adiala Jail, Imran Khan raised alarms about the potential consequences of obtaining a loan under the current circumstances.

“If the country gets a loan in such a situation, then who will return it?” he questioned, expressing concerns that such a loan could lead to increase in poverty.

Read More: IMF says ready to work with Pakistan’s new govt

The PTI has faced a strong backlash over the letter’s timing as the country is embroiled in a severe economic crisis, and the upcoming government is already eying a new IMF programme.

Speaking of the recently held elections, Ahsan Iqbal said that the three provinces of the country denounced the politics of PTI in the polls. “The PML-N had bagged a majority in Punjab. However, we got to form the coalition government in the centre,” he added.

He expressed optimism that Punjab will witness a revolution following the appointment of PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz as the next chief minister. “The PTI elected lawmakers should play a positive role in the National Assembly.”

Admitting the economic crunch faced by the country, Iqbal said, “It is up to everyone to steer the country out of the crisis.”

 

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Pakistan Railways plans to procure 230 passenger coaches

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is finalising a plan to procure 230 passenger coaches and 820 High Capacity Wagons under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) aiming help to improve the speed of the trains and ensure adherence to fixed timings.

“Out of the total, around 46 Completely-Built-Up (CBU) passenger coaches have been procured up till now while the remaining 184 would be manufactured in the country and the coaches would be able to travel at the speed of 160km/h,” said an official in the Ministry of Railways.

He said Pakistan Railways is putting maximum efforts to complete rehabilitation and reconstruction work on the railway track along with improving the speed of the locomotives to carry passengers to their respective destinations on time.

The infrastructure, including the track and signaling system from Karachi to Peshawar, Main Line-I (ML-I), and doubling of track from Lahore to Peshawar (462.20 Km) was also being revamped, he added.

The official noted that the length of the track was 1,726 kilometers and the department has planned to improve speed up to 160 kilometers per hour in the project of up-gradation of ML-I under the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He said the rolling stock being procured under this project would be capable of running at a speed of 160 km/h whereas the department had a dedicated fleet of 55 diesel-electric locomotives of 4000-4500 HP for freight operation to cater maximum haulage at higher speed.

“The Computer Based Interlocking (CBI) system is installed on 48 stations of ML-I, to improve signaling and interlocking for higher speed and safety of train operation,” the official added.

To a question, he said Pakistan Railways was a big organization comprising around 63,000 employees, and its network was spread throughout the country.

The official said the employees were well cared for owing to having several welfare activities, including healthcare facilities through an intensive network of hospitals, dispensaries, and child healthcare units.

He said the provision of government accommodation according to entitlement and priority list, staff benevolent funds, benefits, and incentives provided through the Prime Minister’s Family Assistance Package policy for deceased employees’ families were part of these facilities.

He said the other facilities included benefits and incentives provided through policy for disabled employees’ families, monthly grants to widows scale-wise, the establishment of primary and high schools, industrial schools to teach handicrafts, sports activities, pick and drop facility for schools/offices, installation of water filters plants, a special provision of five medical seats in Riphah Islamic Universities with the reduction of 50 percent in admission and tuition fees.

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Anti-polio drive to kick off in Balochistan tomorrow

QUETTA: A seven-day anti-polio dive is all set to kick off across Balochistan from tomorrow (Monday), ARY News reported.

The provincial task force on polio eradication said that over 2.655 million children across the province would be immunized during the week-long drive.

The children will also be given Vitamin A drops during the campaign.

It is important to note here that no polio case has been registered in Balochistan since 2021

However on January 21, Ministry of Health sources confirmed the presence of poliovirus in sewage samples of the Lasbela district of Balochistan.

Read More: Poliovirus detected in Lasbela Balochistan sewage samples

According to sources within the Health Ministry, Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) was detected in sewage samples collected from Lasbela district.

“The genome sequencing of the virus, found in samples collected from Lasbela and Hub, showed that it belonged to Gadap Karachi.

Last month, the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of poliovirus in environmental samples from nine districts of the country.

Earlier, countrywide anti-polio vaccination campaign to immunise more than 40 million children under the age of five was conducted on January 8 in three phases

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PTI changes candidate for Punjab chief minister

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday changed its candidate for the Punjab chief minister’s slot after holding consultations citing current political situation, ARY News reported.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PTI Secretary General Hammad Azhar announced Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan as the party’s new candidate for the Punjab chief minister.

ضروری اعلان :

میاں اسلم اقبال کو بانی چیرمین عمران خان نے وزیر اعلی پنجاب کے عہدے کے لئے نامزد کیا تھا۔ ان کو گرفتار کرنے لے لئے سارے صوبے کی پولیس اسمبلی کے گرد موجود ہے۔ اس صورتحال میں میاں اسلم اقبال کی مشاورت سے پاڑٹی قیادت اور میاں اسلم اقبال نے نے وزیراعلی کے انتخاب کے… pic.twitter.com/nkJYhCwApY

— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) February 24, 2024

He noted that party founder Imran Khan had earlier nominated Mian Aslam Iqbal for the post but heavy contingents of the police force were deployed outside the Punjab Assembly to arrest him.

Citing the situation, Hammad Azhar said that the party leadership decided to nominate Rana Aftab after holding consultations with the former.

It is pertinent to mention here that PTI nominated Mian Aslam Iqbal for Punjab chief minister, Salar Khan for Balochistan chief minister, and Ali Amin Gandapur for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief executive.

The announcement was made by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan following meeting at Adiala Jail with PTI founder Imran Khan.

Read More: PTI’s Mian Aslam gets transit bail from PHC

Iqbal was among the several PTI leaders who were declared absconders in the May 9 case. An anti-terrorism court in Lahore had labeled 11 PTI candidates as absconders on May 9, 2023.

In Friday’s maiden session, 85 members of the PTI who have joined the Sunni Ittehad Council were sworn in.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has fielded Maryam Nawaz as its candidate for chief minister.

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JUI-F mulling to form government in Balochistan

QUETTA: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) is mulling forming the government in Balochistan as the party formally started talks with other parties, ARY News reported citing sources.

According to details, after being ignored by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in government formation in the province, the JUI-F would be fielding its nominee for the chief minister slot.

The sources privy to the development said that JUI-F, Awami National Party (ANP), National Party, and others held a meeting and discussed to field joint candidates for main positions in the province including chief minister,  speaker and deputy speaker.

It is pertinent to mention here that the JUI-F emerged as the joint single-largest party with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Balochistan after the elections.

Out of 51 general seats of the Balochistan Assembly, the JUI-F and the PPP secured 11 seats each in the 8th February General Elections. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) bagged also bagged 10 seats.

After the joining of some independent candidates, the PPP and the PML-N managed to surpass the JUI-F in the Balochistan Assembly.

Read More: PML-N excuses from ‘sharing power’ with JUI-F in Balochistan

Earlier on February 21, the PML-N refused to form a coalition government with JJUI-F in Balochistan, with the former ready to share power with Pakistan People’s People (PPP) in the province too.

JUI-F Secretary-General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri held a meeting with PML-N Senator Ishaq Dar regarding the government formation in Balochistan.

Sources told ARY News that Abdul Ghafoor Haideri offered its former ally to form a coalition government in Balochistan.

However, Ishaq Dar rejected the offer and said his party was going to form a coalition government with PPP as the power-sharing agreement between the two parties had already been reached in the Centre.

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Pakistan, Iran vow to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

The resolve was expressed in a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, today.

The Iranian Foreign Minister congratulated the caretaker government on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections and Jalil Abbas Jilani deeply appreciated the warm wishes from the brotherly people of Iran.

The two countries have fully restored official engagements since the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Pakistan earlier this month.

Earlier, China also congratulated Pakistan for holding general elections of the national and provincial assemblies steadily and smoothly and hoped that the political parties could work together to form a new government after the polls.

“We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” China’s spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing.

It may be mentioned here that general elections of the national assembly and the provincial assemblies were held in Pakistan on February 8. After announcing the results, the political parties are now working on forming a government.

Political stakeholders were making efforts to forge alliances and secure 169 seats in the 336-member lower house of parliament.

PTI-backed Independent candidates consolidated their lead in the general elections 2024 over mainstream political parties, especially in the National and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assemblies, throughout the result announcement process.

Read More: Elections 2024 Pakistan results: PTI-backed IND candidates lead in NA

According to the results announced so far, PTI-backed independent candidates have managed to win 92 seats. PML-N is in the second position with 79 seats, while the PPP has won 54 seats.

The MQM-P won in 17 constituencies, JUI-F in four, and PML-Q in three, while IPP and BNP won two seats each.

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Double murder accused arrested from Faisalabad airport

FAISALABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested double murder accused from Faisalabad International Airport upon his return from the United Arab Emirates, ARY News reported.

According to details, Ali Khan has been nominated in the murder case for killing a couple in the name of honour in Mianwali.

The accused has been handed over to Kamar Mashani police. According to police Ali Khan had killed Naseer and his wife Shumaila in the name of honour and fled to the United Arab Emirates.

Separately, Lahore police arrested an accused nominated in a murder case. The police said that accused Amir Shehzad had shot a man named Shoaib dead over a dispute of just Rs1000.

The accused had managed to flee after opening fire on Shoaib who later succumbed to injuries.

The police said that a pistol used in the killing import was also recovered from the accused possession.

Read More: Passenger arrested at Karachi airport over fake visa

Earlier in the day, the FIA immigration apprehended a passenger – having a counterfeit visa – who arrived at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi from Iran.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the passenger, named Tayyab Hussain, went to Iran through an illegal route and arrived at Karachi airport from an international flight FZ-335.

The immigration authorities detained the passenger upon discovering a counterfeit Iraqi visa affixed to his passport.

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Bogie of freight train derailed near Ghotki

GHOTKI: A bogie of a freight train derailed near Ghotki railway station on Thursday, ARY News reported.

The derailment of the freight train wagons caused the suspension of rail traffic as the down track remained blocked.

The railway administration rushed to the derailment site and started work for clearance of up track.

Meanwhile, the railway authorities closed the down tracks due to the accident, which affected the railway operations at various stations.

The authorities stated that the track clearance work is underway which will take some time to restore the affected railway operations.

Earlier this week, an accident was reported where two bogies of a freight train derailed near Dera Nawab railway station.

According to the details, the freight train was en route from Karachi to Lahore when two of its bogies derailed near Dera Nawab railway station.

The railway authorities closed the up and down tracks due to the accident, which affected the railway operations at various stations.

The authorities stated that the track clearance work is underway which will take some time to restore the affected railway operations.

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ECP rejects Salman Akram Raja’s plea against election results

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidate Salman Akram Raja’s plea, challenging the victory of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party‘s(IPP) Aun Chaudhry, ARY News reported

As per details, Salman Akram Raja moved to the ECP, maintaining that he won the NA-128 Lahore seat as per Forms 45 of the constituency. He requested the ECP to declare Aun Chaudhry’s victory null and void.

The ECP, however, rejected the plea and maintained that the PTI-backed independent candidate may approach the election tribunal.

It is pertinent to mention here that according to ECP results, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Awn Chaudhry was backed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured victory in NA-128 Lahore with 172,576 votes, against PTI backed independent candidate with 159,024 votes.

Read More: Salman Akram Raja moves LHC against election results

Salman Akram Raja had also moved to the Lahore High Court (LHC) and Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the Returning Officer’s decision.

In the petition at the Lahore High Court (LHC), Salman Akram Raja maintained that the Returning Officer violated the Election Act by not releasing the election results on time.

The plea urged the court to order the Returning Officer to compile the election in the plaintiff’s presence.

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Indian-German female marries Pakistani friend, converts to Islam

An Indian-origin German national girl reportedly married a young man from Sialkot, Pakistan after accepting Islam, ARY News reported on Thursday.

According to the details, Arsalan, a young man from Sialkot, and Jaspreet Kaur, a German girl of Indian origin, used to work together in Germany.

Following her conversion to Islam, Jaspreet Kaur adopted the name Zainab, meanwhile, reports indicate she hails from Ludhiana, Punjab, India.

READ: Indian woman Anju marries Pakistani friend, converts to Islam

Jaspreet Kaur, who came to Pakistan on January 16 for a religious pilgrimage, has been issued a single-entry visa till April 15. Jasprit Kaur holds an Indian passport which she obtained in Munich, Germany.

In this regard, the administrators of Jamia Hanifia revealed that the girl and her parents are Indian but they live in Germany.

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Illegal immigrants involved in serious crimes in Karachi: Police chief

KARACHI: Karachi police chief on Wednesday claimed that the illegal Afghan immigrants were involved in some heinous criminal activities in the metropolis, ARY News reported.

During an exclusive interview with ARY News, the Karachi police chief – Khadim Hussain Rind – asserted that more than 43,000 illegal Afghan immigrants, involved in activities such as street crimes and house robberies in the city, were deported.

“After the cleanup operation against illegal aliens the crime ratio in the city cut off by 4.9 percent,” he maintained.

The city police chief stated that a crackdown against drug dealers was also conducted in Karachi.

While responding to a question, Rind stated that a plan is being cooked regarding the security of PSL.

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‘Pakistan’s Constitution offers solution if parties fail to forge consensus’

ISLAMABAD: With no breakthrough in talks between the PPP and PML-N over formation of government, Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi on Tuesday asserted that the Constitution is very comprehensive and offers solutions if political parties fail to forge consensus.  

Talking to journalists, the interim minister said that political parties are holding negotiations over the formation of new government, adding that there is “no deadlock” in this regard.

“No party could secure a simple majority in the February 8 general elections and that is why political forces are engaging with one another,” he added.

He said, “Under the Constitution, the last date to summon a session of the National Assembly is the 29th of this month and we still have some days to convene the sitting of the newly elected lower house of parliament.”

Uncertainty looms over Pakistan’s political future as none of the major political parties – PML-N, PPP, or the PTI-backed independent candidates – secured a simple majority in the National Assembly in the February 8 general elections.

Political stakeholders were making efforts to forge alliances and secure 169 seats in the 336-member lower house of parliament.

PTI-backed Independent candidates consolidated their lead in the general elections 2024 over mainstream political parties, especially in the National and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assemblies, throughout the result announcement process.

Read More: Elections 2024 Pakistan results: PTI-backed IND candidates lead in NA

According to the results announced so far, PTI-backed independent candidates have managed to win 92 seats. PML-N is in the second position with 79 seats, while the PPP has won 54 seats.

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Faisal Vawda thinks PML-N’s coming govt to be its last

ISLAMABAD: Senior politician Faisal Vawda believes that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz would become Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of Punjab, saying that the PML-N’s forthcoming government in Centre would be its last, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

“In future, PML-N would become Punjab’s MQM and will be used just to form alliance,” the former PTI leader said while speaking at ARY News programme ‘Off the Record’.

Faisal Vawda said matters related to formation of government would be solved within six to seven days. “A coalition government would be formed and everyone will relish the power,” he added.

In response to a question, he claimed that the next Senate Chairman will come from a “high position” and will be neutral. “The official will step down from a high post and become Senate chairman,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vawda said that Sarfraz Bugti and Sanaullah Zehri were in race for Balochistan Chief Minister’s slot.

Responding to PPP spokesperson Faisal Karim Kundi’s statement, Faisal Vawda said the PPP would take two ministries in Punjab and four in Centre. “PPP is also the kingmaker, as the independents,” he added.

“If PTI is working for the country, then it has to become part of the system and fix the situation”, he said, adding that ‘politics of revenge and violence’ cannot be of any use.

Read More: Faisal Vawda foresees ‘Asif Zardari’s pictures’ in President House

Uncertainty looms over Pakistan’s political future as none of the major political parties – PML-N, PPP, or the PTI-backed independent candidates – secured a simple majority in the National Assembly in the February 8 general elections.

Political stakeholders were making efforts to forge alliances and secure 169 seats in the 336-member lower house of parliament.

PTI-backed Independent candidates consolidated their lead in the general elections 2024 over mainstream political parties, especially in the National and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assemblies, throughout the result announcement process.

Read More: Elections 2024 Pakistan results: PTI-backed IND candidates lead in NA

According to the results announced so far, PTI-backed independent candidates have managed to win 92 seats. PML-N is in the second position with 79 seats, while the PPP has won 54 seats.

 

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Under-construction building collapses in Lahore

LAHORE: A tragic incident was reported from Lahore, where the roof of an under-construction building collapsed on the neighboring house, resulting in the death of a three-year-old minor and two others injured, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

The rescue officials revealed that a 3-year-old girl lost her life meanwhile the father of the deceased and his other daughter, aged seven, suffered injuries.

Upon getting information related to the incident, the rescue authorities, along with local law enforcement, were quick to respond to the scene.

While law enforcement apprehended the laborers at the construction site, the victim took legal action by filing a complaint against the building owner.

Back in 2020, at least three persons lost their lives and five others were wounded when the roof of a madrassah collapsed in Lahore.

The incident took place in Lahore’s Chungi Amar Sadhu area where three persons died including 50-year-old Karim, 50-year-old Irshad, and 23-year-old Nadeem.

Rescue officials rushed to the scene immediately and shifted the affected people to a nearby hospital.

Rescue sources told the media that the incident occurred due to digging land inside the seminary.

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MQM-P demands empowered LG system to join federal govt

ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) demanded ‘empowered’ local governments in Sindh to join the coalition government in the centre led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N), ARY News reported.

According to details, the MQM-P delegation headed by Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui met the PML-N leaders at Ishaq Dar’s residence to discuss matters related to government formation.

The MQM-P spokesman later confirmed that the party sought the PML-N’s support for its proposed three constitutional amendments aimed at ‘empowering’ local governments to join the coalition government.

“Constitutional protection to the devolution of powers and resources to grassroots level is essential,” the sources said quoting the MQM-P leaders.

Leaders of both parties agreed to continue talks for government formation in the centre.

The MQM-P delegation also comprised Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Syed Mustafa Kamal, and Dr Farooq Sattar.

Read More: MQM-P to table LG constitutional amendments in Parliament’s first session: Kamal

Earlier on Sunday, MQM-P Senior Deputy Convener Syed Mustafa Kamal said that his party would table the constitutional amendment in the first session of the parliament.

Speaking to ARY News, the MQM-P leader said that political parties are leveling allegations against each other which he said could create an untoward situation in the country.

“We will hold dialogue with all parties of the parliament including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to get our constitutional amendments passed,” Kamal said.

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Suspect wanted for six murders arrested from Dubai

LAHORE: A special operation cell of Punjab police claimed to have arrested an individual from Dubai allegedly wanted in several murder charges, ARY News reported on Sunday.

According to police officials, the notorious shooter identified as Tayyab Ejaz was booked under six murder cases in Punjab before he fled the country.

The police officials claimed that the accused, Tayyaz Ejaz, is under custody and being transported to Pakistan with the assistance of Interpol.

Earlier in December, the FIA arrested three fugitives, wanted in murder case, from United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the help of Interpol.

In a statement, the FIA spokesperson said that it has arrested three wanted fugitives from UAE with the help of Interpol and shifted them to Lahore International Airport.

The suspects – identified as Zeeshan Yousuf, Hidayatullah and Akram – were wanted in murder case to Punjab police.

Last year, Interpol Pakistan issued 117 red notices for the suspects’ arrest which was made possible due to the close coordination of Interpol Islamabad with Interpol UAE.

Earlier in Dec, the FIA arrested a fugitive from UAE, who was wanted in cases of murder and dacoity, with the help of the international police.

The accused against whom cases were registered under the provisions of murder and dacoity was brought to Islamabad Airport before being handed over to the police concerned by the FIA Immigration Wing.

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FAFEN proposes three-stage methodology to audit 2024 election results

ISLAMABAD: The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has proposed a three-stage methodology for the audit of election results 2024 amid allegations of rigging, ARY News reported on Sunday.

According to a press statement issued today, the non-government poll observer urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to scrutinise the results of constituencies that have been duly challenged by political parties and candidates at the appropriate legal fora using data analytics and forensics to establish the “legitimacy of the outcome of General Election 2024”.

“Such an audit must include representatives nominated by the political parties concerned as well as independent observers to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process,” the statement added.

“FAFEN has been advocating since 2013 for the Election Commission to conduct scrutiny of results of all constituencies before the notification of winners in an effort to strengthen the integrity of election outcomes and to minimize the post-election disputes that linger on in election tribunals beyond legally stipulated deadlines,” it stated.

The watchdog noted that post-election situation warrants an urgent and prompt response by the Election Commission to ascertain the veracity of the claims of illegalities and irregularities by political parties and candidates, and as a prerequisite to establish that the GE-2024 results truly reflect the will of the people.

“Fafen’s proposed audit is a technical investigation that is purely based on the physical evidence i.e. official election documentation available with the election commission under Section 99 of the Elections Act, 2017,” it read.

These documents include: tamper-evident bags containing (a) the packets containing the ballot papers each of which shall be sealed with the seal of the presiding officer or, if opened by the returning officer, with the seal of the returning officer; (b) the packets containing the counterfoils of issued ballot papers; (c) the packets containing the marked copies of the electoral rolls used in the poll; (d) the packets containing the Ballot Paper Account; (e) the packets containing results of the count, provisional and final consolidated statement of results of the count and final consolidated results; (f) the packets containing the Tendered Ballot Papers included in the count; the Tendered Ballot Papers excluded from the count; the Tendered Votes List, and the Challenged Ballot Papers included in the count; the Challenged Ballot Papers excluded from the count; the Challenged Votes List; and the Spoilt Ballot Papers; and (g) such other papers as the commission may direct.

The proposed audit methodology comprises the following three stages:

• The first stage involves assessing the availability, authentication, completeness and correctness of the election documentation including the result forms, and the consistency of information within and amongst these forms.
• The second stage involves ascertainment of material effect of unverified forms on election outcome and taking corrective action.
• The third stage involves determination of the omission and commission and accountability of election officials.

“For the conduct of election, the ECP performs its duties through its staff as well as with the support of the human resources taken from the executive and judiciary. The extensive logistical undertaking involved in conducting general elections for both federal and provincial assemblies requires the deployment of hundreds of thousands of officials seconded by the federal and provincial governments. For GE-2024, nearly 1.5 million election and polling officials were appointed. These officials managed the election operations including the counting, tabulation, and consolidation of results, which has led to controversies and disputes,” the statement said.

The election process entails an exhaustive list of forms to be maintained to document every step of the process including the results. This documentation establishes an entire trail of the results to refer to in case of any controversy. However, these forms are never referred to after their preparation, save in case of an election petition that also remain undecided in many cases for several years.

Since most challenges to election results revolve around Form-45 and their subsequent consolidation, FAFEN urges the ECP to also clarify the legality of multiple copies of the forms that are generated on the Election Day.

FAFEN has also called upon the Election Commission to encourage the political parties and candidates to promptly reach out to it with their complaints of illegalities and violations of the Elections Act, 2017.

 

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ECP decides to probe former Commissioner Rawalpindi’s allegations

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to form a high-level committee to probe into the allegations of former Commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Ali Chatta, ARY News reported.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sultan Akram Raja presided over the ECP’s emergent meeting called in the wake of Commissioner Rawalpindi’s allegations.

In a press statement after the meeting, the ECP said that the allegations of former Commissioner Rawalpindi were discussed.

 

It was decided that a committee led by a senior member of the ECP would be formed. The Secretary, special secretary, and Additional Director General of the law department would also be part of the committee.

Statements of Rawalpindi’s District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) would be recorded by the committee.

“The committee would submit a report to the ECP within three days after being notified,” the statement read. 

It added that in the light of the committee’s report, legal action and contempt of ECP proceedings might be initiated against former Commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Chatta.

Read More: Rawalpindi commissioner resigns over alleged election rigging

Earlier in the day, Liaqat Ali Chatha resigned as Commissioner Rawalpindi over alleged rigging in elections 2024.

Addressing a press conference the Rawalpindi commissioner surrendered to police saying “I accept responsibility for rigging the election 2024”.

Liaqat Ali Chattha admitted that the rigging took place in the election and candidates who were leading in their constituencies with over 70,000 votes were converted to losers with the help of fake seals under his watch.

He also apologized to his subordinates for compelling them to rig elections saying that they were crying when they were directed to carry out the rigging.

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Shoaib Malik joins Karachi Kings squad in Multan

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has joined the Karachi Kings squad in Multan for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.

Watch ARY News live on live.arynews.tv

Shoaib Malik and his actress wife Sana Javed have arrived in Multan for the tournament. The pictures of the couple’s arrival are making rounds on the visual sharing application Instagram.

 

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Related – Sana Javed drops unseen wedding picture with Shoaib Malik

Karachi Kings, who won the PSL in 2020, will start their 2024 campaign against former champions Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

 

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Shoaib Malik is the second cricketer, and Asia’s first, to score more than 13,000 runs in the shortest version of the game. The spinner bagged 28 wickets in the shortest format.

The veteran cricketer has represented Green Shirts in 124 T20Is and scored 2,435 runs with nine half-centuries to his name. He batted at an average of 31.2 and a strike rate of 125.6.

 

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Earlier, he announced his availability for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States.

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PTI denied permission to hold protest

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Commissioner Islamabad refused to grant permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a protest demonstration in the capital city on Saturday.

The administration rejected the PTI’s application, maintaining that demonstration cannot be allowed given Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which is in force in the city.

The administration has also asked the citizens to avoid being a part of any political gathering. “Islamabad police should take action against those participating in the protest demonstration,” it added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI called for nationwide protests on Saturday against what it called ‘rigging’ in the elections.

Read More: Sher Afzal Marwat says will lead Islamabad protest

Earlier in the day, PTI Senior Vice President Sher Afzal Marwat said he would lead Saturday’s demonstration from Islamabad’s F9 park to the National Press Club.

Talking to journalists, Marwat said that PTI founder Imran Khan wants supporters to come out and protest on Saturday at 11:30 am in the same numbers as they came out on February 8.

Sher Afzal Marwat said that the protest would remain peaceful, warning that if the police clamped down it then the movement would continue until “the results are not changed”.

Read More: PTI calls for nationwide protests tomorrow against ‘election rigging’

Separately speaking to journalists after meeting Jamat-e-Islami (JI) leadership in Islamabad, PTI leader Asad Qaiser invited different political parties that believed that there was “rigging” in the elections to join the country-wide protest.

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