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ECP to issue notice to PM Kakar over interim ministers’ involvement in influencing polls

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  • Decision taken during five-member ECP panel meeting headed by CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja.
  • Decision taken in 5-member ECP panel meeting headed by CEC Raja.
  • AAG stated ECP hadn’t previously issued any notice about case.
  • Commission also issued eagle as party symbol to IPP in meeting.

ISLAMABAD: Taking action against interim ministers for allegedly interfering in matters related to the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has instructed the issuance of a notice to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, The News reported on Friday.

Headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, a five-member ECP panel, convened to address the aforementioned issue on Thursday.

During the session, the additional advocate general (AAG) said that the electoral authority had not previously issued any notice regarding the case, following which the commission directed the issuance of a notice to the caretaker prime minister and adjourned the hearing of the case until the following Tuesday.

Moreover, the ECP assigned Eagle as a symbol to the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), which was formerly associated with the now-delisted All Pakistan Muslim League (APM-L), a political party founded by the late president Pervez Musharraf.

A three-member ECP bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and consisting of ECP members Nisar Ahmed Durrani and Justice (R) Ikram Ullah Khan, issued the order in the case, which was heard on October 23 and the verdict was reserved.

The electoral body also issued an order in relation to the implementation of the code of conduct for by-election in NA-24, Charsadda-II, last year. On notice were PTI Chairman Imran Khan and then chief minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan.

The order was issued by a three-member bench, led by Nisar Ahmed Durrani, which read: “The language of above said clauses is unambiguous, that Chief Minister can neither participate in election campaign in favour of a particular candidate nor can use state resources. Also the Chief Minister is/was legally bound to abide by the code of conduct (COC) in letter and spirit.

“However, plea taken by the learned counsel for respondents seems genuine in the circumstances of the case, which is accepted, hence the notice issued to the respondents on September 19, 2022 is withdrawn”.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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