ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan’s claim that it would ensure the timely announcement of results without depending on the internet fell flat on its face when the absence of connectivity brought forth a set of unexpected yet familiar challenges, mainly for Presiding Officers at a number of polling stations on Thursday evening, who found themselves unable to transmit the …

ISLAMABAD: Standing in a long queue of mostly young voters inside a polling station here, Zoha Mir, 23, was eagerly awaiting to cast the first vote of her life in Pakistan’s general elections 2024. “I am so excited to vote because by using the power of vote I can play a vital role in quelling the prevailing uncertainty and political …

President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday cast his vote and urged the countrymen to use their voting right saying that the country needed their opinion as never before. The president, who reached the polling station along with his family members, awaited his turn in the queue and cast his vote. Later, he wrote on his X timeline, “The Islamic Republic …

Shortly after polling concluded across Pakistan, interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar congratulated the nation for the “successful conduct” of the general elections. In a post on X, he said the high voter turnout today was a clear indication of the public commitment to shaping the future of the country. “The voices, expressed through the votes, will contribute to the …

The central control room of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) became inactive due to the shutdown of mobile phone and internet services. The central control room of the ECP became inactive due to the shutdown of mobile phone and internet service. According to the spokesperson of the control room, no complaint has been received yet. ECP Control spokesperson Room …

In Lahore’s constituency NA-125, reports have emerged of a violation of the Election Commission’s Code of Conduct. Concerns were raised regarding instances in Raiwand where voters were observed taking pictures with their mobile phones after casting their votes. The specific incident involved citizens capturing images of their ballot papers, a practice strictly prohibited by the Election Commission. It’s worth noting …

ISLAMABAD: Polling for Pakistan’s general elections started across the country on Thursday morning, said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Spokesperson of the ECP Syed Nadeem Haider told Xinhua that polling had started at 8:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) without a delay, adding that the voting process would continue uninterrupted till 5:00 p.m. local time (1200 GMT). People were …

LAHORE, Pakistan: Okasha, a 24-year-old electrical engineer, feels delighted to drive the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) built in Pakistan’s eastern Lahore city under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. “It’s a wonderful experience, I am so proud that I am serving the nation by working as a driver in Pakistan’s first-ever mass rapid urban transit train service. I consider …

At least 26 people were killed while over 30 suffered injuries after back-to-back blasts hit Balochistan’s Pishin and Qila Saifullah on Wednesday, officials said. The incidents came a day before general elections are scheduled to be held in the country. Pakistan has recently witnessed an uptick in terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, raising security concerns. The first blast …

Pakistan is all set to have general elections on February 8, under strict security measures. During the electoral process, there are several forms used to file the results of a constituency. Here we will try to explore the importance of the several forms that play a vital role in the election process. Form 45: It is commonly referred to as …

Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has reiterated the commitment to fostering an inclusive democratic process amidst concerns raised by the United Nations regarding pre-election violence. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch assured that Pakistan has finalized security arrangements by its electoral laws. The reassurance comes in response to the United Nations’ expression of apprehension regarding the escalation of violence leading up to …

In a bitter power struggle between the Directorate of Municipal Governance (DMG) and law enforcement officers, the efficacy of the anti-corruption establishment has been severely compromised, leaving provincial institutions vulnerable to malpractice and graft. The longstanding rivalry between these influential factions within the civil service has rendered the anti-corruption department inactive, failing in its mandate to hold provincial institutions accountable. …

In the wake of police duties during tomorrow’s general elections, reports have emerged that the prisoners detained in jails will not be produced in court. According to reports, sessions courts, anti-terrorism courts, and other courtrooms across the country are wearing a deserted look due to the non-production of detained accused. Jail authorities reportedly informed the Admin Judge of the sessions …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready for the general elections on Feb. 8, with polling stations set up and security personnel arranged across the country. During the elections, about 127 million voters will cast their votes for national and provincial assembly candidates competing in 859 constituencies across the country, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan. Security personnel are seen outside the …

The caretaker government of Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has made a record borrowing of almost Rs4 trillion from banks so far. The economy, already crushed under a huge debt burden, may witness an unprecedented increase in borrowings at the end of 2023-24 on June 30 as the amount has already surpassed the total borrowed in the entire FY23. The …

Two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday. According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an IBO last night on the reported presence of terrorists. “During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own …

The Punjab government’s decision to allocate residential plots to journalists under the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has been challenged in the Lahore High Court. A petition has been filed and action has been taken in response to a petition filed by Information Department employees who claim they were excluded from the allotment process. The court has implemented the advertisement …

Caretaker Information and Broadcasting Minister Murtaza Solangi reassured on Tuesday the masses that there will be no suspension of mobile or internet services on polling day, urging citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote wisely. In a statement issued today, Solangi underscored the importance of voting as a reflection of patriotism and commitment to the democratic process in the …

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has challenged the Supreme Court’s decision to withdraw their “bat” symbol in a review petition filed on Tuesday. The party seeks a reversal of the ruling and restoration of the Peshawar High Court’s verdict that allowed them to keep the symbol for intra-party elections. The party cites irregularities in the legal proceedings and unfair treatment by …

Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day on Monday to reaffirm the nation’s unwavering support to the relentless struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination under United Nations (UN) resolutions. The people and the government of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir observe Solidarity Day every year not only to renew their love and affection with the …

At least 10 policemen were martyred and six others sustained injuries as terrorists attacked Chaudhvan police station Dera Ismail Khan. As per details, the terrorists carried out the attack at midnight on Monday which continued for more than two hours and 10 cops were martyred as a result. According to police officials, the six injured personnel have been shifted to …

Pakistan goes to the polls on Thursday following a lacklustre election campaign overshadowed by court battles and accusations by rights groups that the vote is not being held on a level playing field. Here is a look at the main players: Nawaz Sharif Dubbed the “Lion of Punjab”, Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is expected to win enough seats to …

Caretaker Federal Minister of Information Murtaza Solangi inaugurated on Monday the cutting-edge Media Compliance application designed to streamline the reporting process for journalists and media personnel. The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone in ensuring a transparent and accountable electoral process. The Media Compliance application provides a user-friendly platform that enables journalists to file complaints seamlessly through various devices, including …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Latif Khosa accused on Monday the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of orchestrating a conspiracy in tandem with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to manipulate the upcoming elections. Speaking to media persons in Lahore, Khosa claimed that he, as the NA-122 constituency candidate, has been confronted with irregularities orchestrated by PML-N’s election staff. Khosa asserted that …

Tomorrow, February 6, marks the final curtain call for candidates across Pakistan as the 2024 election campaign officially concludes at midnight. With the clock ticking down, candidates are making last-ditch efforts to sway voters across the country in their favour. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declared the period following February 6 and 7 as a pre-poll silence period, …

Several main arteries in Karachi flooded after heavy rains triggered traffic jams leaving many parts of the metropolis without power as the country’s largest city has been facing urban flooding each year. Every year people die from drowning and electrocution. Heavy rainfall left many parts of the city submerged with rain water including the Shahrah-e-Faisal road, Old City area, Drigh …

President Dr Arif Alvi has called for promoting chess in the country, especially at the grassroots level in collaboration with international organizations and the private sector. A delegation of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) called on the President at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The delegation included President FIDE and former Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the Asian …

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi affirmed on Saturday the government’s unwavering commitment to a democratic process, ensuring thorough security arrangements as the nation approaches the imminent elections in four days. Adressing a presser in Islamabad, Mr Solangi joined by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Information Ministry’s Publicity Wing representative Amberin Jan, and Election Commission Spokesperson, the minister highlighted the …

A senior civil judge has pronounced the verdict in the illegal nikah case involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. Senior Civil Judge Qudratullah sentenced Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to seven-year imprisonment each. Their nikah, said to have taken place during her iddat after divorce from former husband Khawar Maneka, has also been declared …

Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its demand for Afghanistan to extradite the leaders of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a designated terrorist group, while underscoring the need for bringing to justice those responsible for terrorism and maintaining regional security. “We urge Afghanistan to take immediate and effective action against these terrorist entities, hand over their leadership to Pakistan, and those individuals who …

In a harrowing incident on January 29, 2024, terrorists launched a brutal attack on the Mach region of Balochistan, initially targeting security forces and later taking civilians and hotel staff hostage. The shocking assault left local residents injured and scarred, with heart-wrenching revelations emerging from the victims. The terrorists, numbering ten, attempted to strike security forces before seizing control of …

A somber cloud hangs over the upcoming elections as news emerges that 88 candidates vying for National and provincial assembly seats have passed away before the polls. This includes nine National Assembly candidates and 79 provincial assembly hopefuls. The tragedy has forced the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to postpone elections in three crucial constituencies: NA-8 Bajaur, PK-22, and PK-91 …

Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Jameel Khan has tendered on Friday his resignation to President Dr Arif Alvi.  Justice Shahid Jameel Khan, who was slated to retire in 2029, submitted his resignation to the President citing personal reasons for his abrupt departure. In a formal statement, Justice Shahid Jameel Khan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to postpone its much-anticipated intra-party elections scheduled for February 5. Citing the overwhelming busyness of party workers engaged in the ongoing general elections and following the advice of key party leaders, PTI officials confirmed the postponement. A proposal to conduct intra-party elections immediately after the conclusion of the general elections is reportedly under consideration. The …

The caretaker government is making binding plans for the new set-up to sell loss-making Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), according to the privatisation minister and other officials. In the past, elected governments have shied away from undertaking unpopular reforms, including the sale of the flag carrier. But Pakistan, in deep economic crisis, agreed in June to overhaul loss-making state-owned enterprises under …

A special court on Thursday released a detailed verdict against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in cipher case. Both PTI founder and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were awarded 10 years in jail in cipher case on Tuesday. The detailed verdict said the counsel of the former prime minister and ex-FM were ‘non-serious’ during cipher case hearing. The convicts continued …

Caretaker Interior Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz says the government is committed to ensuring that the elections are held freely, fairly, and peacefully. He was chairing a review meeting in Quetta today to assess the overall security situation ahead of the upcoming elections. During the meeting, the administration provided a detailed briefing on the security situation. Speaking on the occasion, the …

History is being made in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Assembly Constituency PK-69 Khyber I, as Shakira Shinwari becomes the first woman candidate to contest the general elections. Running on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI) ticket, Shinwari faces not only the usual campaign challenges but also unique hurdles as a woman from a tribal area. Priorities and Obstacles: Shinwari prioritizes addressing the constituency’s …

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has established a gender desk in the Sindh ECP office in Karachi for general elections. The ECP spokesperson said that the desk will be active from Feb 1 to Feb 10 while it will be operational for 24 hours from Feb 6 to Feb 10. The desk has been set up for the immediate …

Four separate blasts occurred in Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta, Turbat, and Dera Allah Yar city of Jaffarabad district, injuring four people who have been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment. One person was killed while four people sustained injuries in the wake of the blasts. The deceased was identified as 79-year-old Abdul Khaliq. The security situation continues to pose a …