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Election Commission of Pakistan

Legal notice serves to ECP, Governor Punjab demanding polls schedule

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Legal notice
  • A citizen has sent a legal notice to ECP and Governor.
  • ECP has to issue the election schedule within seven days.
  • Earlier, LHC ordered ECP to hold elections in 90 days.

LAHORE: A legal notice has been sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Governor of Punjab demanding the release of the election schedule.

A citizen has sent a legal notice to the Election Commission and the Governor of Punjab through his lawyer Azhar Siddique Advocate.

It has been stated in the notice that the Lahore High Court has ordered the Election Commission to conduct the elections in ninety days, according to which it is a legal requirement to follow the court order before twelve o’clock on February 12th, but after this time, the court order will not be implemented which is contempt of court.

It has been clarified in the notice that under the Election Act, the Election Commission has to issue the election schedule within seven days and the commission needs 54 days to conduct the election.
It has been stated in the notice that issuing the election schedule is a constitutional requirement, while the governor has broken his oath before and did not give the election date and the governor will be guilty of contempt of court for not consulting for the release of the election schedule.

The notice has demanded that the Election Commission should also issue the election schedule by fulfilling its constitutional responsibility and if the election schedule is not issued, a contempt of court petition will be filed against the Election Commission and the Governor of Punjab.

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ECP issues code of conduct for by-polls on 33 NA seats

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ECP issues
  • By-elections on 33 NA seats will be held on March 16.
  • Political parties will not speak against the  state institutions.
  • Candidates will fully implement the rules of the ECP.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a code of conduct for by-elections to 33 seats of the National Assembly.

The by-elections on 33 National Assembly seats will be held on March 16.

According to the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission, political parties, candidates, and polling agents will not speak against the Pakistan Army, judiciary, and ideology of Pakistan.

The code of conduct states that political parties, candidates, and polling agents will fully implement the rules of the Election Commission regarding the conduct of elections, and giving gifts to a person for participating in the election or withdrawing from the election is a corrupt practice.

The Election Commission said that full support will be provided by law enforcement agencies for the security of election equipment and staff on the day of the election. Political parties will take steps to ensure maximum participation of women on election day.

According to the code of conduct, political parties and polling agents will prevent their candidates from marking or tearing the ballot paper on election day. A candidate seeking help from a government or non-government official would be considered corrupt.

Apart from this, all the candidates will open a special bank account for the election in which the transactions related to the election drive will be done.

The code of conduct said that after the release of the final list of candidates, all the candidates will submit the details of election expenses to the returning officer within 15 days and the successful candidates will submit the details of election expenses on Form C to the returning officer within ten days of the election.

The Election Commission said that there will be a ban on the display or use of weapons on election day and twenty-four hours after that, members of the National Assembly, Provincial Assembly, Senate, and local government representatives will be able to participate in the election campaign.

In addition, the president, prime minister, chairman and deputy chairman of the senate, speaker, and deputy speaker of the national assembly will be banned from participating in the election campaign. No person holding office will participate in the election campaign.

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Ministry of Defence refuses to provide security for elections

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Ministry of Defence
  • Defence ministry’s response came after ECP requested.
  • The deployment of the armed forces was not feasible.
  • Armed forces will be engaged in the census process.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Defence has excused itself from providing security for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Assembly elections and the by-elections of National Assembly constituencies.

The defence ministry’s response came after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) requested the interior ministry to seek assistance from the armed forces to provide security cover during the elections.

In its letter to the interior ministry, the Defence Ministry apologised that it could not provide the static deployment of rangers and Frontier Corps for the upcoming by-elections, as, according to them, the deployment of the armed forces was not feasible.

The defense ministry told the interior secretary that the armed forces and civil armed forces were currently engaged in border management and internal security management.

Threats of terrorism are on the rise in the country, said the ministry. Moreover, the armed forces will be engaged in the census process from February 27 to April 3 this year, it was said.

However, the Punjab Rangers will be available as the Quick Response Force during these elections.

On the other hand, replying to the ECP’s letter, the Finance Ministry has asked the election-conducting authority to postpone its demand for the additional grant in the wider national interest.

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ECP calls political parties for consultation on code of conduct

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ECP calls
  • Consultation meeting with parties will be held today.
  • ECP will seek feedback on the draft code of conduct for polls.
  • ECP sent invitations to  PTI, PML-N, PPP and other parties.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has called the political leaders for consultation on the code of conduct for the upcoming general elections.

According to the details, a consultation meeting with political parties will be held today under the chairmanship of the Chief Election Commissioner, in which the Election Commission will seek feedback on the draft code of conduct for elections.

The Election Commission has called the heads of 21 major political parties today. The Election Commission will seek suggestions from the political parties after consultation on the code of conduct.

The ECP has sent invitations to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PML-N, PPP, MMA, MQM-Pakistan, Q-League, BAP, ANP, PKMAP, and GDA.

Apart from this, TLP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Party, BNP, Jamoori Watan Party, JUI, Rah e Haq, PML-F, Hazara Democrat Party, and Awami Muslim League have also been invited.

It should be noted that the Election Commission had already sent the draft of the code of conduct to the political parties.

On the other hand, the federal government has released Rs 18 billion to the Election Commission for the upcoming general elections.

In this regard, the sources said that the money released by the federal government for the general elections has been received by the Election Commission.

Sources said that the government has provided money to the Election Commission for pre-election expenses, while the Election Commission has decided to use this money for the elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the sources, due to separate elections in two assemblies, the expenditure on the general elections has increased by more than Rs10 billion, however, the Election Commission has decided to send a new estimate regarding the election expenditure.

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LHC suspends ECP order to de-notify 43 PTI MNAs

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LHC suspends
  • LHC Judge Justice Shahid Karim heard the case.
  • Court also issued notices to the ECP and federal Govt.
  • Court restricted the ECP from holding by-elections.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s notification that de-notified 43 MNAs of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Justice Shahid Karim heard the case and restricted the ECP from holding by-elections in the 43 constituencies until further orders.

The court also issued notices to the federal government, NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The LHC issued directives on a petition filed by Riaz Fatyana, Nasarullah Khan, and other PTI leaders challenging the acceptance of their resignations as MNAs by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

In the petition, the PTI leaders accused the NA speaker of accepting resignations to ‘politically victimize’ the opponents. They pleaded with the court to nullify the decision of speaker Raja Pervaiz Asharaf and the order of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

PTI’s lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, argued that after withdrawing the resignations, the Speaker has no authority to accept the resignations. Accepting the resignation of the members of the assembly is against the law and based on malice. He said resignations of members of the National Assembly will be accepted contrary to the rules laid down by the Supreme Court.

The petitioner’s lawyer said that Speaker National Assembly accepted the resignations to take political revenge. Before accepting the resignation, the Speaker did not call the members and ask for their position.

In the petition, it was requested that the court nullify the move of accepting the resignation of the Speaker of the National Assembly. The court declared the notification of the Speaker and the Election Commission null and void.

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IHC constitutes larger bench to hear Khan’s disqualification petition

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IHC
  • A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Farooq.
  • Imran’s counsel urged the court to adjourn the hearing till March.
  • IHC larger bench will hear the case on February 9.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) formed a larger bench for hearing a petition seeking the disqualification of former prime minister Imran Khan for not mentioning his daughter Tyrian Jade White in his nomination papers submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in 2018.

A three-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Farooq and comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir would hear the case on February 9.

During a last hearing, his associate lawyer Salman Butt informed the court that Salman Akram Raja skipped proceedings as he has to appear in Supreme Court in another case.

He told court that Imran Khan had submitted his reply in Tyrian White case through his counsel Salman Akram Raja.

To this, IHC chief justice said that Imran Khan in his reply had contended that he is no more a parliamentarian.

Imran’s counsel urged the court to adjourn the hearing of the case till March.

Court adjourned the hearing for February 9 and decided to form larger bench in the case.

In his reply submitted through lawyer Salman Akram Raja, the PTI chief contended that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) while exercising constitutional jurisdiction could not examine any affidavit issued by him as he has already resigned as a member of the National Assembly.

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ECP fails to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities: SMQ

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ECP fails
  • He said transfers and postings are being done in Multan.
  • SMQ said appointments are being made for political purposes.
  • He said PTI has decided to participate in the by-elections.

MULTAN: Senior Vice Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that it is understood how the caretaker government wants to conduct the elections.

Former Federal Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while talking to the media in Multan said that the transfers and postings are being done in violation of the code of conduct, the constitution, and the law are being violated.

He said that only the judiciary can defend the constitution and the law, now the Election Commission and the judiciary are being tested.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the Election Commission of Pakistan failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibility, such situations have not been seen in 40 years.

The senior Leader of PTI said RO does not change after the release of the election schedule and it is understood how the caretaker government wants to conduct the elections. He said appointments are being made in Punjab for political purposes.

The former federal minister said that those who understand the political situation are watching what is happening in the field to expose the plans of the government.

He said that pressure is being put on PTI people and cases are being registered against party workers while arrests are being made and revenge actions are being taken against supporters.

The PTI leader said that the current government is responsible for the inflation and they have new agreements with the IMF. He said people were being treated without discrimination with the Insaaf Health Card but this government has also taken away the Insaaf Health Card from the people. He said the people of Pakistan are having nightmares after the arrival of Dar.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that he has to appear in court tomorrow and so far six cases have been registered against him. He said if he does not appear tomorrow, maybe an arrest warrant will be issued.

The former federal minister said the decision of the Jail Bharo Movement was made by Imran Khan, the day Imran Khan started the movement. He said, “I will fulfill my responsibility and present the arrest.”

The former federal minister said that he is contesting elections from NA 156 Multan, ADCR was supposed to collect nomination papers but the government changed the person collecting nomination papers overnight.

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Court serves notice to ECP, Govt on PTI’s petition seeking polls date

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Court serves
  • PTI moved PHC for elections in the province within 90 days.
  • PHC bench heard the PTI’s plea seeking election date.
  • Court ordered ECP and others to submit reply on Feb 14.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) served notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan and the caretaker provincial government on Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf’s plea seeking election within 90 days after the dissolution of the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Assembly.

Earlier, KP Assembly was dissolved on January 18 after Governor Haji Ghulam Ali signed the advice for the dissolution of the provincial assembly sent to him by the then Chief Minister Mahmood Khan a day ago.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf moved PHC for elections in the province within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly.

PTI in its plea said as per the constitution, elections are to be held within 90 days but the KP governor has so far not given any date, citing law and order issues.

The governor said elections cannot be held due to the law and order situation, Moazzam But said and asked when the situation is not favorable how come by-elections on 33 seats are being?

The PHC bench comprising Justice SM Atique Shah and Justice Ishtaique Ibrahim remarked elections should be held within 90 as per the law.

Advocate General Aamir Javed in his remarks before the court said the governor can consult with the ECP for 36 days and added PTI filed the plea in haste.

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ECP fails to announce schedule for elections

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by-elections
  • ECP meeting will be held again for consultation.
  • ECP’s Law Wing briefed the members on the letters.
  • ECP have vowed to clear all the legal hurdles before polls.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has failed to decide schedule for polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The ECP meeting will be held again for consultation on the election date in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in line with the letters forwarded by the governors.

The ECP’s  Law Wing briefed the members on the letters written by the governors of Punjab and KP for the by-elections.

The sources within the ECP have vowed to clear all the legal hurdles for the by-polls in the provincial assemblies.

Earlier, Election Commission of Pakistan wrote letters to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governors on January 25.

The ECP in its letters recommended to Governor Punjab Baligh ur Rehman to hold elections in Punjab between April 09 to 13.

Similarly, the election body had suggested the KP governor for holding elections in the province between April 15 to 17.

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IHC dismisses PTI plea against ECP’s decision in funding case

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IHC dismisses
  • PTI challenged the ECP ruling in the IHC.
  • PTI requested court to revoke the ECP’s notice.
  • Petitioner requested to the court nullify Aug 2 ECP ruling.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) ruling in a funding case.

The court had reserved its verdict on the party’s petition against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) ruling last month.

The verdict on PTI’s plea was reserved by a larger bench of the IHC comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Miangul Hassan, and Justice Babar Sattar.

On August 10, 2022, the PTI challenged the ECP ruling in the IHC, seeking annulment of the order in the prohibited funding case.

In his petition filed with the IHC, PTI Additional Secretary-General Omar Ayub had asked the court to revoke the ECP’s show-cause notice sent to PTI Chairman Imran Khan and nullify Aug 2 ECP ruling.

The ECP bench in its reserved verdict said prohibited funding against PTI had been proven. ECP, in its unanimous verdict, ruled that the party received funds from business tycoon and 34 foreign nationals.

The ECP had also stated in its verdict that former prime minister Imran Khan submitted a misdeclaration in the PTI prohibited funding case.

The funds were also in violation of Article 6 of the Political Parties Act.

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Legal notice sent to ECP for not announcing election schedule of KP

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elections
  • Lawyer Azhar Siddique sent a legal notice to the ECP.
  • Despite the Governor’s letter, ECP did not issue date.
  • Court will be approached if schedule not announced.

PESHAWAR: A legal notice has been sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) for not releasing the election schedule of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Azhar Siddique, the head of the Judicial Activism Panel sent a legal notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP).

The text of the letter stated that the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali wrote a letter to the Election Commission for the election schedule. Despite the Governor’s letter, the Election Commission did not issue the election schedule.

According to the text of the letter, political justice is the basis of the constitution, and the issuance of an election scheduled for transparent elections is the basis of democracy.

In the letter, it was clarified that contrary to Article 105 of the Constitution, the Election Commission is not issuing the election schedule due to malice, by delaying the election schedule, the Election Commission is violating the Constitution.

The letter further stated, “ If the election schedule is not released despite the legal notice, the judiciary will be approached for legal proceedings.”

Earlier, the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa replied to the letter of the Election Commission of Pakistan in which the date of the elections was discussed.

He raised the question in his letter and said that the Election Commission should determine whether elections are possible in the current situation. However, the date of the election will be announced after consultation with political parties and security agencies.

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ECP fixes date of by-polls on 33 vacant seats

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ECP
  • The NA seats had fallen vacant earlier this month.
  • Candidates can file their nomination papers from Feb 6-8.
  • The names of the candidates will be published on Feb 9.

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that it will hold by-polls on 33 vacant National Assembly (NA) seats on March 16.

The NA seats had fallen vacant earlier this month when NA Speaker Raja Parvez Ashraf accepted the resignations of 34 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid.

The PTI resigned en masse in April last year after the ouster of Imran Khan but only 11 resignations were accepted in July.

The speaker had announced that he would verify all the remaining resignations individually but he moved swiftly accepting 113 resignations after the PTI chief announced to return to the assembly.

According to the election schedule announced by the ECP today, candidates will be able to file their nomination papers between February 6-8.

The names of the candidates will be published on February 9 and the returning officers (RO) will carry out the scrutiny of the nomination papers till February 13.

The last date to file appeals against the RO’s decision on the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is February 16.

According to the election schedule, the last date for the appellate tribunal to decide on the appeals is February 20. After this, the revised list of candidates will be published on February 21.

The last date to withdraw candidature and release of revised list of candidates is February 22 while the election symbols will be allotted on February 23 and the polls will be held on March 16.

So far, the resignations of 123 PTI MNAs have been accepted and all have been denotified.

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Petition filed in court for bail of Fawad Chaudhry in sedition case

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LHC

Petition filed soon after he was sent on judicial remand. The petition states that the PTI leader falsely involved. The additional judge issued notices to all parties. ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in Islamabad’s judicial magistrate seeking post-arrest bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry in a sedition case filed against him for … Read more

ECP summons heads of political parties for consultation

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ECP summons
  • Code of conduct draft for next elections has been finalsied.
  • Consultation meeting will be held on February 02.
  • CEC of Pakistan Sikandar Sultan Raja will chair the meeting.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has decided to consult political parties on the code of conduct draft finalised for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan.

The code of conduct draft for the next general elections in the country has been finalsied and the ECP has summoned the head of 21 political parties of the country on February 2 for consultation and seek their recommendations.

Chief Election Commissioner(CEC) of Pakistan Sikandar Sultan Raja will chair the meeting on February 2 for which invitations to political parties including Pakistan People’s Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, Awami National Party, Balochistan National Party, Awami Muslim League, Jamhoori Wattan Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami, Pashtunkhwa PKMAP, Raah-e-Haq, Pakistan Muslim League-Functional, and others.

On the other hand, Election Commission of Pakistan wrote letters to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governors regarding the holding of elections in both provinces.

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PTI moves SC against appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as Caretaker CM

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  • The petition filed by Secretary General PTI Asad Umar.
  • Lawyer requested the court to stop Mohsin Naqvi from working.
  • PTI also challenged the notification Raja Riaz as leader of opposition.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) moved Supreme Court against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to appoint Mohsin Naqvi as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab.

The petition was filed by Secretary General Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Asad Umar in the supreme court.

The PTI lawyer requested the court to stop Mohsin Naqvi from working as caretaker chief minister.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also challenged the notification of making Raja Riaz the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly.

The PTI lawyer requested that the appointment of Election Commission members Babar Hassan Bharwana and Ikramullah Khan should be declared unconstitutional.

The petitioner said Mohsin Naqvi’s notification of appointment as chief minister of Punjab should be declared unconstitutional.

On other hand, Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed requested the Supreme Court of Pakistan to declare the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi unconstitutional.

Sheikh Rasheed filed a petition in the Supreme Court through Sardar Abdul Raziq Advocate.

The petitioner stated that Mohsin Naqvi emerged as an anti-opposition and government helper. He said Mohsin Naqvi is the main character of the operation to topple the PTI government.

Sheikh Rasheed’s lawyer said in the presence of Mohsin Naqvi, clean and transparent elections cannot be held in Punjab.

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ECP de-notifies 43 more PTI MNAs

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ECP de
  • Speaker National Assembly has accepted the resignations.
  • NA Speaker sent resignations to ECP for de-notification.
  • PTI had decided to resign from the NA on April 11 last year.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday de-notified 43 more Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members of the National Assembly(MNAs) after the acceptance of their resignations by NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

After the announcement of PTI MNAs’ return to the National Assembly, the federal government made a move to accept their resignations in an apparent bid to reduce the number of opposition lawmakers.

The de-notified PTI MNAs include Riaz Fatyana, Sardar Tariq Hussain, Mohammad Yaqub Sheikh, Murtaza Iqbal, Sardar Mohammad Khan Leghari, Zile Humma, Rukhsana Naveed, Ghazala Saifi, Nousheen Hamid, Sobia Kamal Khan, and others.

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) received the resignations of 43 more MNAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has accepted the resignations of 43 more members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf National Assembly.

According to the details, the resignations of 43 members of PTI have been approved by the Speaker National Assembly.

The Speaker National Assembly has accepted the resignations and sent them to the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) while also issuing instructions to de-notify the PTI members.

It is pertinent to mention here that after the announcement of PTI MNAs’ return to the National Assembly, the federal government made a move to accept their resignations in an apparent bid to reduce the strength of opposition lawmakers.

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ECP proposes dates for elections in Punjab, KP

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ECP proposes
  • ECP written letter to the Governor Punjab and KP.
  • ECP is bound to hold elections within 90 days.
  • Elections in Punjab must be held before April 13.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed dates for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Election Commission has written a letter to the Governor of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the matter of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In the letter written by the Election Commission, it was said that the Punjab Assembly was dissolved on January 14. In case of dissolution of the Assembly, the Election Commission is bound to hold elections within 90 days.

According to the text of the letter, it is the constitutional authority of the Governor to announce the date of elections under Article 105, but consultation with the Election Commission is necessary for the date of the elections.

The letter said that the elections in Punjab must be held before April 13, the dates for the elections in Punjab are from April 9 to 13. Governor Punjab should announce the date between April 09 to 13 for the election.

The Election Commission said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was dissolved on January 18. The date for elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is proposed to be April 15 to 17.

The letter further said that the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should announce the election date from April 15 to 17.

The Election Commission will conduct the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly elections in April, while the Punjab and KP assembly elections will increase expenses by more than Rs 15 billion.

Sources said, “If Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab elections are held before the general elections, the expenses will increase by Rs 20 billion.”

On the other hand, on the issue of elections of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, the federal government is considering not to hold the elections of the provincial assemblies until the results of the new census.

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ECP bans transfers and posting in Punjab

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ECP bans
  • ECP issued instructions to the caretaker set-up in a letter.
  • A complete ban was imposed on transfers and postings.
  • ECP also directed the Ex-CM Punjab to return the protocol.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has banned the transfers, postings and new developments projects across Punjab after caretaker set-up in the province.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued instructions to the caretaker set-up in a letter sent to Punjab’s chief secretary, inspector general (IG) and all relevant officials.

A complete ban was imposed on transfers, postings and new development projects across the country, according to the letter issued by the provincial election commissioner.

The ECP also directed the former chief minister Punjab and ministers to return the protocol, government vehicles, residences, hostels and guest houses. As per the ECP’s order, the caretaker set-up will continue performing its routine duties.

Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi took oath as the caretaker Punjab Chief Minister in a ceremony held in Governor House.

Punjab Governor Baligh-ur-Rehman administered oath to Mohsin Naqvi who was nominated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as the caretaker Punjab chief minister.

On the other hand, Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has announced protest drive against the appointment of Caretaker Chief Minister for Punjab Mohsin Naqvi throughout the country from today.

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ECP to decide name of Caretaker CM of Punjab today

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ECP to decide
  • ECP has called an important meeting to decide the name.
  • Election Commission will appoint the caretaker chief minister.
  • Secretary ECP will give briefing on the four names proposed for CM.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will announce its decision regarding Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab on Sunday (today).

The Chief Election Commissioner has called an important meeting in the Election Commission at 6:30 this evening for the appointment of the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, in which the names of the Caretaker Chief Minister will be considered.

Sources said that the name of the caretaker chief minister of Punjab will be decided in the meeting and the Election Commission will appoint the caretaker chief minister and send the notification to the Governor of Punjab.

Sources said that the Election Commission has time till 10 pm tonight to appoint the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab.

According to the sources, the names of Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera and Naveed Akram Cheema have been recommended by the ruling coalition, while the opposition has nominated Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Ahad Cheema. The Election Commission will finalize one of these names.

On this occasion, the four members, Secretary Election Commission, Special Secretary and DG Law will participate in the meeting and the Secretary Election Commission will give a briefing on the four names proposed for the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab.

The Secretary Election Commission will also brief the full details of the four names and their service in the respective fields in the meeting.

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Federal Govt releases Rs18bn for general elections

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Federal Govt
  • ECP will use this amount for elections in Punjab and KP.
  • ECP has decided to send a new estimate of election expenses.
  • Expenses on general elections increased by more than Rs 10 billion.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has provided Rs18 billion to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the upcoming general elections in the country.

The ECP has asked for Rs18 billion for pre-election preparations as the commission is facing difficulties in preparing for the elections.

Sources said that the ECP will use this amount for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The Election Commission has decided to send a new estimate of election expenses.

Sources said due to separate elections in two assemblies, expenses on general elections increased by more than Rs 10 billion.

The Election Commission had previously sent an estimate of Rs 47 billion for the general elections. However, due to separate elections in two assemblies, the total expenditure will now be more than Rs 57 billion.

The ECP has sought Rs57 billion from the government for the next general elections. Of this amount, Rs27 billion will be received in the current financial year.

The commission will receive the remaining Rs20 billion in the next fiscal year.

It is pertinent to mention here that overall expenditures of the 2018 general polls were Rs31 billion.

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ECP rejects Sindh Govt request to postpone LG elections

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Karachi
  • The Sindh Govt requested  ECP to postpone LG elections.
  • The ECP decided to hold LG polls as per schedule on Jan 15.
  • ECP has directed the provincial Govt to ensure foolproof security.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) once again rejected the Sindh government’s latest request to postpone the second phase of local government (LG) elections in Sindh.

Earlier, the Sindh government once again requested the Election Commission of Pakistan to postpone the LG elections in Karachi and Hyderabad over security issues.

In a letter to the ECP, the Sindh government requested to postpone LG elections as the number of army and Rangers personnel required for elections is not available.

The decision to hold LG elections per schedule was taken in an important ECP meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.

In a statement, the ECP has also directed the Sindh government to ensure foolproof security measures during LG polls in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions.

On other hand, a security plan has been prepared by the police for the local government elections in Karachi under which more than 52,000 policemen will perform their duties.

According to the details, the police security plan has been finalized for the LG elections in Karachi.

In this regard, police officials said that 52,591 personnel will perform security duties across the city, of which 35,360 personnel are from Karachi and 17,231 personnel have been brought to Karachi from other districts of the province.

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Contempt of court petition moved in SHC

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Contempt of court
  • ECP, Sindh Chief Minister and other made parties.
  • The petitioner has sought action against the CM Sindh.
  • The petition has been filed on behalf of JI’s Munim Zafar.

KARACHI: A contempt of court petition moved in Sindh High Court (SHC) by the Jamaat-e-Islami(JI) against postponement of second phase of local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.

Election Commission of Pakistan, Sindh Chief Minister, Provincial Minister Nasir Hussain and Sharjeel Inam Memon were made parties in the petition.

The petitioner has sought action against the Chief Minister of Sindh and others for writing a letter to postpone the elections.

The petition has been filed on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Munim Zafar and Saifuddin.

The petitioner said the term of local bodies has ended on 30 August 2020 and elections have to be held in 120 days as per law. However, Chief Minister of Sindh has withdrawn the delimitation of constituencies on January 12.

JI Lawyer submitted that Election Commission has rejected the Sindh government’s request to postpone the local government elections.

The petitioner said Sindh government has postponed the election due to the threat of ending the alliance with the Pakistan People’s Party by the MQM.

The lawyer said not holding local government elections is clearly contempt of court.

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Sindh cabinet withdraws notification of demarcations

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Sindh Cabinet set to approve Agriculture Income Tax tomorrow
  • MQM delegation met with Chief Minister Sindh at CM House.
  • Murad Ali Shah personally welcomed the MQM delegation.
  • Farooq Sattar thanked Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet has withdrawn the notification of demarcations in Karachi and Hyderabad and a letter has been issued to the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) in this regard.

The inside story of the meeting of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) delegation with Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah after the announcement of the postponement of local government(LG) elections by the Sindh government in Karachi has come to light.

Sources said that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah personally welcomed the MQM delegation to the Chief Minister’s House.

Speaking to the MQM delegation in the meeting, Sindh Chief Minister said that the Sindh Cabinet has withdrawn the notification of demarcations of Karachi and Hyderabad. He said MQM is ally of PPP and will go with them.

Sources said that the MQM delegation thanked the Sindh government, especially Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Co-Chairman PPP Asif Zardari for this decision.

Meanwhile, Farooq Sattar said that Asif Zardari fulfilled his promise.

According to sources, the withdrawn notification of the Sindh government regarding demarcations has been handed over to the MQM delegation.

Sources said that MQM Pakistan withdrew the protest call, and the MQM delegation informed the Sindh Chief Minister about the withdrawal of the protest call.

It should be noted that after the announcement of the postponement of local body elections by the Sindh government last night, a delegation of MQM, led by Farooq Sattar, met with the Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, which included Faisal Subzwari, Mustafa Kamal, Waseem Akhtar, and Javed Hanif.

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ECP urges IG Sindh to ensure foolproof security during LG elections

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ECP urges
  • Second phase of LG elections is scheduled  on January 15.
  • IG Sindh has been instructed to prepare a security plan.
  • ECP also sent a letter to the Interior Secretary.

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) has written a letter to the Inspector General of Sindh Police to ensure fool-proof security during the second phase of local government(LG) elections.

The letter states that the second phase of municipal elections is scheduled to be held in Karachi and Hyderabad on January 15, therefore ensuring the security of the city and the citizens.

In the letter from the Election Commission, IG Sindh has been instructed to prepare a comprehensive security plan for the protection of polling staff and voters.

The ECP has also instructed to take strict measures to make it possible to hold a transparent election and it has been mentioned that any kind of lapse in security measures can help the malicious elements to achieve their objectives.

It should be noted that the Election Commission has announced to conduct the second phase of local government elections in Sindh as per schedule on January 15.

In this regard, instructions have been issued to the Chief Secretary and IG Sindh to conduct that local general elections  in Karachi and Hyderabad.

On the other hand, the Election Commission has sent a letter to the Interior Secretary for the deployment of the army and rangers at the most sensitive polling stations during the local government elections.

It has been mentioned in the letter that on January 15, Sindh is holding the second phase of municipal elections, however, keeping in mind the sensitivity of the areas, the army and rangers should be deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

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PTI decides to approach court against ECP’s decision

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PTI decides
  • Fawad Chaudhry said ECP’s decision is an insult of court’s decision.
  • He said ECP changed the date overnight and gave a decision today.
  • PT leader further said that the ECP’s warrant has no legal status.

ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry said that PTI will approach the court against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decision in contempt case.

In his Twitter message, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the Election Commission’s decision to issue a bailable warrant is an insult to the High Court’s decision.

He said that the date of hearing of the case in the Election Commission was January 17, the Election Commission changed the date overnight and gave a decision today against the rules. He said this is another biased decision of the Election Commission.

Fawad Chaudhry further said that the Election Commission’s warrant has no legal status, and he will go to court against this decision and file a contempt of court case.

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued bail-able arrest warrants for PTI leaders and Chief Imran Khan in contempt of the electoral body case.

Arrest warrants are being issued for Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry along with the PTI Chief. The commission has also rejected the plea for exemption from appearance in court.

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ECP finalizes arrangements to hold LG elections in Karachi

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ECP finalizes
  • ECP will announce the reserved decision on January 09.
  • CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja reserved its verdict on Friday.
  • ECP has rejected MQM-P’s allegations regarding dual voter lists.

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalized all the arrangements to hold the local government (LG) polls in Karachi and Hyderabad on January 15.

Sources said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will announce the reserved decision on holding the repeatedly-delayed local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad January 09.

The ECP had reserved verdict on petitions filed by MQM-Pakistan, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) over local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.

The ECP bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja reserved its verdict on Friday.

Sources said that the Election Commission has rejected MQM-P’s allegations regarding using dual voter lists and completed all preparations for the LG polls in Karachi and Hyderabad. The local body elections in Sindh’s two most populous cities will be held on the old voter lists.

It should be noted that the CEC, during the hearing on MQM’s request, said that local elections in Karachi could not be postponed anymore.

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LG elections in Karachi will not be delayed: ECP

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ECP Sindh government
  • A three-member bench conducted the hearing of the plea.
  • CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja heard the MQM-P reference.
  •  He said it’s the ECP’s job to conduct the local government polls.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reserved the verdict on the reference filed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) about dual electoral lists.

A three-member bench conducted the hearing of the plea under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja pertaining to the dual electoral lists related to local body elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.
During the hearing, the chief election commissioner told the lawyer representing MQM-P that he has gone to various forums, however, this issue was never raised before.

He told the lawyer to raise any other issue so that they can be clubbed.

The CEC further remarked that the lawyer is giving a wrong statement regarding the dual electoral rolls, rejecting his statement.

“You think you can get the elections delayed when your arguments are irrelevant so far,” he told the lawyer.

Sikandar Sultan Raja also stressed that the local government elections in Karachi will not be delayed, saying that it’s the Election Commission of Pakistan’s job to conduct the polls.

 

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LHC restrains ECP to take action against Imran Khan

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LHC denotification
  • The court issued notices to the federal government, ECP and others.
  • Justice Jawad Hasan issued interim decision on Imran Khan’s petition.
  • The lawyer said that chairman PTI Imran Khan hid his assets from the ECP.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has adjourned the hearing of the case till January 11 while restraining the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from taking action against chairman PTI Imran Khan.

The hearing of the case against the notice of removal of the former prime minister Imran Khan from the post of the party chairman resumed in the Lahore High Court, the court remarked that the reference of the Speaker was decided or dealt with by the Election Commission.

During the hearing, the lawyer of the ECP read the decision of the Election Commission.

The court directed the federal government and the speaker to make the petitioning members of parliament parties, after which Imran Khan’s lawyer made the federal government and the speaker the petitioning members of parliament parties.

The court issued notices to the federal government, the Election Commission, and the six members of parliament who complained about Imran Khan and sought a written response from all the parties.

Justice Jawad Hasan issued interim decision on Imran Khan’s petition while Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar and Azhar Siddique argued.

The election commission lawyer said that Imran Khan hid his assets from the election commission. The facts regarding Toshakhana were also hidden. The Commission can disqualify any parliamentarian under Article 62, the court asked how the Election Commission decided.

The lawyer of the Election Commission replied that before this, a complaint was also filed regarding the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif.

 

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