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ARY NEWS

Zahid Mashwani

  • ECP summons meeting after PHC restores PTI ‘bat’ symbol

    ECP summons meeting after PHC restores PTI ‘bat’ symbol

    ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned an important meeting to mull over the PHC verdict which restored the “bat” symbol for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ahead of the February 8 polls, ARY News reported.

    Sources privy to the matter told ARY News that the ECP huddle will mull over whether to challenge the PHC order in the Supreme Court (SC).

    The meeting will be attended by all provincial ECP members and special secretaries.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Wednesday got back ‘bat’ as its election symbol after the Peshawar High Court (PHC) nullified the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) order of stripping the party of using the ‘bat’ symbol.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf moved Peshawar High Court to challenge the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision declaring the intra-party election as null and void and revoking their electoral symbol “bat”.

    A two-member Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Arshad Ali announced the verdict.

    The PHC while nullifying the order of the ECP, allowed the PTI to contest elections on ‘bat’ symbol. The verdict further directed the electoral body to upload the PTI’s certificate on its website.

    On January 3, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) revoked the stay order and restored the ECP decision to declare PTI intra-party polls null and void and strip it of its election symbol — bat.

    A single-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz Khan announced the reserved verdict on a review plea filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the December 26 single-member bench order.

  • ECP activates EMS across Pakistan ahead of elections 2024

    ECP activates EMS across Pakistan ahead of elections 2024

    ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday activated the Election Management System (EMS) for the returning officers (ROs) ahead of the general elections 2024, ARY News reported.

    According to sources, the ROs have started working on the Election Management System for the completion of the final phase of the electoral schedule.

    The ROs will forward a final list to the Election Commission of Pakistan using EMS and a PDF copy of the candidates’ credentials will be available for ROs on the system, the sources said.

    Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) assured smooth operations for the upcoming general elections 2024, saying that all its operational and IT systems were working “satisfactorily”.

    Read more: ECP ensures smooth operations for general elections 2024

    In a statement, the electoral watchdog said that it wasn’t facing any difficulty in conducting the upcoming general election.

    The ECP further said that it has developed an automated and modern Election Management System (EMS) that would be used to “transform and compile election results from Presiding to Returning officers”.

    It added that the system had been tasted several times for the mentioned purpose. ‘Besides, some additional functions and features had been included to the EMS to facilitate the Returning Officers (ROs) so that the data can be used in future even during the initial phases of the polling process,” it noted.

  • Omar Hamid resigns as ECP secretary

    Omar Hamid resigns as ECP secretary

    ISLAMABAD: Omar Hamid on Sunday resigned as Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) secretary citing health issues, sources told ARY News.  

    Sources said Omar Hamid was hospitalised for new days in the recent past and he is currently being treated at his home.

    The sources revealed that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan has not yet accepted Khan’s resignation as the electoral body’s secretary.

    Omar Hamid has over 30 years of experience in socio-economic analysis both on international and domestic issues. He is specialized in the political economies of developing countries.

    Thorough understanding of the Government of Pakistan’s governance issues, policies and procedures. Senior-level experience in policy formulation, strategy development and program design and re-engineering of govt departments.

    Read more: ECP rejects PTI’s claims against level playing field

    Omar Hamid is well-versed in the dynamics of building a successful interactive relationship between the government and the development partners.

    ECP rejects PTI’s level-playing field allegations

    On Saturday it emerged that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s claims against a level playing field for the general election 2024.

    According to sources, over 76 percent of the nomination papers of PTI candidates have been approved by the ECP.

    Sources revealed that the commission submitted a detailed report regarding the level playing field to the Supreme Court registrar.

  • ECP rejects PTI’s claims against level playing field

    ECP rejects PTI’s claims against level playing field

    ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s claims against level playing field for general election 2024, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to sources, over 76 percent of the nomination papers of PTI candidates have been approved by the ECP.

    Sources revealed that the commission submitted the detailed report regarding the level playing field to Supreme Court registrar.

    Earlier, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Inspector General Police (IGP) of Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, chief secretary and AG Punjab on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) petition seeking contempt of court proceedings against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for failing to address the party concerns regarding level-playing field ahead of the upcoming polls.

    On Dec 22, the Supreme Court (SC) directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to address PTI’s complaints regarding a level playing field in the general election 2024.

    Related: Level playing field: SC issues notices to Punjab IG, chief secretary on PTI’s plea

    Following SC orders, the ECP took notice of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) reservations regarding the lack of a level playing field in the run-up to the upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 8, 2024.

    The electoral watchdog has sent a letter to provincial election commissioners, chief secretaries, and inspector-generals (IGs), ordering them to remove PTI’s complaints about mishandling of its candidates and facing difficulties in filing nomination papers.

    Ahead of today’s hearing, the PTI submitted additional documents containing evidence of the alleged denial of the level-playing field before the apex court.

    In the documents, the SC was informed that the nomination papers of as many as 668 PTI candidates were rejected by returning officers appointed by the ECP.

    The plea

    The plea moved on behalf of Barrister Gohar Ali Khan through Shaheen, sought a direction from the Supreme Court to ensure a level playing field by not arresting PTI candidates, workers, and leaders. seconders should not be harassed.

    The petitioner urged the apex court to direct the respondents to provide a level playing field to the PTI for free and fair elections, in the interest of justice.

  • Senate passes resolution seeking delay in elections 2024

    Senate passes resolution seeking delay in elections 2024

    ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Friday approved a resolution seeking a delay in the February 8 general elections, citing security concerns, ARY News reported.

    The resolution, presented by Senator Dilawar Khan, was approved by the majority of lawmakers.

    However, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah, who were present in the house, opposed the move.

    The resolution

    “The Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan and the Election Commission of Pakistan was bound to conduct free and fair polls in contingent upon inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all regional people.”

    “The vote turnout in colder areas remains notably high during the moderate weather conditions. January and February are recognised as the coldest months in the majority of the areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” it stated.

    The resolution said various political parties had expressed their reservations regarding difficulties in ensuring participation in cold areas during the electoral process.

    “Recent attempts on the lives of JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar, and other political figures had raised concerns about the safety of political leaders.”

    “The Ministry of Interior has conveyed serious threats to the lives of prominent politicians increasing the challenges faced by political parties in exercising their right to a free and fair election,” the resolution noted.

    It added that there had been a spike in attacks on security forces and citizens, particularly in KP and Balochistan.

    “The Senate of Pakistan hereby resolves that the conduct in elections without addressing legitimate concerns, facilitating sufficient opportunities for election campaign and guaranteeing the safety of politicians and citizens would amount to violation of fundamental rights.”

    “The election schedule may be postponed to facilitate the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all political shades”, it demanded.

  • ECP ‘reviews’ security measures ahead of general elections 2024

    ECP ‘reviews’ security measures ahead of general elections 2024

    ISLAMABAD: An important meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was held on Tuesday to review security measures ahead of the general elections 2024, scheduled to take place next month, ARY News reported, citing sources.

    The meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Sikandar Sultan Raja was attended by its members, the secretary and Secretary of Interior, Aftab Akbar Durrani.

    Sources said the meeting discussed the matters related to security during the general elections and transfers of IGs and DCs.

    Following the meeting, Aftab Akbar Durrani left for the Prime Minister’s House. In his informal talk, Durrani said the numbers regarding security personnel for elections will be met.

    Read more: Election 2024: Over 3,000 aspiring candidates face rejection

    On Monday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released official data, showing 3,240 candidates aspiring to contest elections at national and provincial levels had their nomination papers rejected by returning officers (ROs).

    As per data released by the ECP,  1,024 candidates were denied eligibility to contest National Assembly elections. Additionally, 2,216 individuals, failed to secure approval for the provincial assembly race.

    Out of 25,951 submissions, the ROs green-lighted 22,711 candidates. For the National Assembly, 6,449 candidates received approval, while 1,024 faced rejection.

    The ROs accepted 16,262 nominations for various provincial assembly seats. Punjab witnessed the highest number of rejections (521) for National Assembly nominations, followed by Sindh (166), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (152), Balochistan (92), and Islamabad Capital Territory (93).

  • Election 2024: Over 3,000 aspiring candidates face rejection

    Election 2024: Over 3,000 aspiring candidates face rejection

    ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday released official data, showing 3,240 candidates aspiring to contest elections at national and provincial levels had their nomination papers rejected by returning officers (ROs) in the recently concluded scrutiny process.

    As per data released by the ECP,  1,024 candidates were denied eligibility to contest National Assembly elections. Additionally, 2,216 individuals, failed to secure approval for the provincial assembly race.

    Out of 25,951 submissions, the ROs green-lighted 22,711 candidates. For the National Assembly, 6,449 candidates received approval, while 1,024 faced rejection.

    The ROs accepted 16,262 nominations for various provincial assembly seats. Punjab witnessed the highest number of rejections (521) for National Assembly nominations, followed by Sindh (166), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (152), Balochistan (92), and Islamabad Capital Territory (93).

    Read more: Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers from NA-130 approved

    For provincial assembly seats, the ROs rejected nomination papers of 943 candidates in Punjab; 520 in Sindh; 386 in Balochistan and 367 in the K-P, making a total of 2,216. The total number of people who filed nomination papers to contest provincial assembly elections was 18,478.

    Following the completion of two phases of election process, in the third phase, appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted by Wednesday and decisions on these appeals will be made by the 10th of this month.

    The preliminary list of candidates will be displayed on 11th and candidates can withdraw their nomination papers by the 12th of this month.

    The electoral symbols will be allotted on the 13th of this month while polling for the general elections will be held on the 8th of next month.

  • Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s convoy comes under gun attack

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s convoy comes under gun attack

    DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) head Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s convoy came under gun attack in DI Khan, ARY News reported citing sources. 

    According to sources, the convoy of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was attacked near DI Khan Yarik interchange however he remained safe with no loss of life reported so far.

    However, RPO Nasir Mehmood Dasti refuted reports of attack on Maulana Fazl’s convoy saying the Yarik interchange police checkpost was attacked in DI Khan.

    He said that the assailants fled the spot of incident after a strong response from the interchange police.

    The RPO maintained that Maulana Fazl was not in the convoy which the JUI-F claimed was attacked. The convoy was passing by near the interchange when the attack occurred, he added.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the interior ministry earlier warned Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl head Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Awami National Party provincial president Aimal Wali Khan of serious threats to their lives.

    In a letter to the chief secretaries and inspector general of police of all provinces, the interior ministry stated that reports have been received from sources alarming of serious threats to the life of both political leaders.

    “It is requested that extreme caution and vigilance is exercised and necessary security arrangements are made at their [Mr Fazl and Mr Aimal’s] residences and during movement and public gatherings to avert any untoward incident,” the letter stated.

    Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorist attacks since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021. Over 271 militant attacks took place during the first half of 2023, resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuring 656 individuals. There has been a 73 per cent increase in terrorist incidents in Pakistan as compared to the corresponding period preceding the Taliban’s seizure of power.

  • Foreign ministry granted permission to appoint ambassadors

    Foreign ministry granted permission to appoint ambassadors

    ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has granted permission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to appoint ambassadors, citing sources, ARY News reported on Friday.

    The foreign ministry has been granted permission by the election commission to appoint ambassadors, said sources, adding that the ECP sent a letter to the foreign secretary.

    The letter stated that the appointment of ambassadors was a routine matter and in interest of the national security.

    Related: PM approves appointment of ambassadors at world capitals

    Prior to the development, the ECP raised objections to the appointment of envoys after the issuance of the election schedule and stopped the foreign ministry from executing the planned appointments two days ago.

    Sources told ARY News that the decision was taken after meetings held between the ECP and foreign ministry officials.

    Earlier, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar had approved the foreign ministry’s summary for the appointment of 18 envoys.

  • ECP revises stages of Election Programme for reserved seats

    ECP revises stages of Election Programme for reserved seats

    ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has revised various stages of the Election Programme for reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the National and provincial assemblies, ARY News reported on Friday.

    According to the revised schedule, last date for the scrutiny of the nomination papers will be held on 13th of the next month, while the last date for filing of appeals against decisions of the Returning officer is 16th January 2024.

    Revised list of candidates will be published on 20th of the next month. Candidates can withdraw their names by 22nd of the next month and the final list of the contesting candidates will be issued on 23rd of January 2024.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the election process entered its second phase on Monday with the returning officers embarking upon the weeklong task of scrutinising the thousands of nomination papers filed during December 22-24 period for the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies.

    The process of scrutiny of the nomination papers would continue until December 30 after which the candidates could challenge the decisions of the returning officers, if any, in appellate tribunals until January 3, 2024, which would be decided by January 10, according to the election schedule.

    Read More: Nomination papers of 109 candidates face intense scrutiny

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released the data of papers, which showed that the number of candidates in this election is the highest ever in the country.

    Overall 28,626 candidates for both national and provincial assemblies submitted their nomination papers – 7,913 for the 266 general seats of the National Assembly and 18,546 for the 593 general seats of the four provincial assemblies.

    The numbers are way more than the nomination papers filed in the 2018 general elections. In the previous election five year ago a total of 21,482 nomination papers were submitted, including 5,473 for the general seats of the National Assembly.