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ECP, not president, empowered to announce election date: PM

Published

1 year ago

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  • Parliament passed law authorising ECP to fix date, says PM.
  • “We have no intention to prolong tenure of caretaker govt.”
  • Idea of Dr Alvi’s likelihood of appointing a date is “wrong”.

ISLAMABAD: Amid speculations regarding the announcement of the election date, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday said the president is not empowered to do so and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would make the decision in this regard.

His statement comes as President Arif Alvi, sources said, is expected to announce the date of the election and he discussed the matter of the election schedule with the caretaker law minister earlier in the day — their second meeting in 10 days.

However, sources within the Presidential Palace claimed that the idea of Dr Alvi’s likelihood of appointing a date is “wrong” as the deliberation on the matter of polls is still underway.

Kakar, in an interview with a private television, said the parliament had passed a law according to which the ECP had the power to announce the date for new elections.

Speculations regarding the elections should end which would be held according to the prevalent law, he said, adding, “We have no intention to prolong the tenure of the caretaker government.”

PM Kakar said there was no restriction on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for taking part in the elections. He said Nawaz Sharif was a thrice elected prime minister and when he would come back to Pakistan he would be treated according to the law.

He clarified that he had no intention to start meetings with the leadership of political parties. 

Kakar said sports including cricket should not be politicised and the issues concerning cricket with India should only be raised by officials of the cricket board.

MBS visit

To a question, he said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman would visit Pakistan at a mutually agreed time when both sides would be ready to announce projects for investment.

Responding to a question, he said Kashmir was part of body, soul and collective memory of Pakistan and Kashmiris aligned themselves with Pakistan.

The prime minister said that action against smuggling would continue and the writ of the state would be established. “We are taking these actions so that the new government with its mandate can easily continue our work for public interest.”

He said the Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) included current military leadership, thus making the council a strong constitutional and legal body that was taking firm actions and implementing decisions.

PM Kakar said Pakistan had multifaceted relations with Afghanistan and had regular discussions with it on issues of trade, terrorism, security and regional connectivity. Both sides were talking with the realisation that neighbours could not be changed, he added.

To a question about rising incidents of terrorism in the country, he said the terrorists had now latest weapons, night vision goggles and other equipment which had increased their capacity to fight.

However, he made it clear that the terrorists could not take away an inch of the territory of Pakistan and that the security forces would respond and manage the situation. The state would show its firmness against terrorists as in no condition anyone would be allowed to resort to violence, he stressed.

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On Friday, PTI calls for nationwide protests.

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1 day ago

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PTI called for a nationwide walkout on Friday (tomorrow) in opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment package, citing its founder Imran Khan’s incarceration as unfair treatment, and demanding access to the jailed leader for attorneys, PTI leaders, and supporters.

Within a meeting, the PTI’s leaders resolved to stage a nationwide protest, the party claimed in a statement released on Wednesday.

In both houses of the parliament, every effort was decided to be made to obstruct the path of modification, according to the statement.

As well as advocate Intizar Hussain Panjotha, Azam Swati, and all other jailed leaders, activists, and members of parliament—including the president of Tehreek-e-Insaf Balochistan—the party’s political committee demanded their release. Aleema and Uzma Khanum are the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan.

The PTI requested that following Friday prayers, regional organizations stage a nonviolent demonstration at district headquarters.

It argued that the constitutional change is an unacceptable attempt by the administration to distort the Constitution.

In a statement, it was stated that Imran Khan’s release was sought and that both chambers of parliament had decided to do all within their power to obstruct the amendment.

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The National Assembly is expected to assemble on October 18 to approve proposed constitutional modifications.

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2 days ago

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It is anticipated that the National Assembly will meet on October 18 or 19 to ratify the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.

The National Assembly Secretariat has reportedly been instructed to get ready for the important gathering, according to sources.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed strong opposition to the proposal, which seeks to overhaul the judiciary. The government coalition is pushing through its legislative agenda in spite of this opposition.

In the 342-member National Assembly, the constitutional modification bill needs 224 votes, or a two-thirds majority, to be approved. But with only 215 members, the ruling coalition is now not strong enough to form a majority.

111 members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), 70 members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), 22 members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), five members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and smaller numbers from other affiliated parties like the National Party, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and the Pakistan Muslim League-Zia make up the breakdown.

Political analysts speculate that the recent verdict by the Supreme Court on Article 63-A, which permits the votes of dissident members, may be crucial in obtaining the necessary majority given the size of the ruling coalition.

To get their support for the amendment, the administration might try to influence PTI-aligned lawmakers.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), has become a crucial player in this political equation. The backing of his party may be essential to guaranteeing the bill’s passing.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced yesterday that the constitutional amendment draft has been agreed upon. In an effort to strengthen his party’s position, he is scheduled to meet with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif tomorrow and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari today.

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C’MAN PPP Addresses Ceremony In Karachi: Following The Impact Of Climate Change, The Agriculture Sector Needs To Be Regulated

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3 days ago

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Amid the consequences of climate change, the agriculture industry need regulation, according to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

According to Bilawal Bhutto, agriculture is the backbone of the nation, as she stated during a ceremony in Karachi.

He claimed that during his first tenure in office, President Asif Ali Zardari moved historic measures to ensure the prosperity of farmers in the nation and supported small-scale farming.

According to Bilawal, the rights of the nation’s farmers and laborers have always been upheld by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

He emphasized that the Pakistan People’s Party has consistently supported the rights of the poor and that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto made courageous choices to defend the rights of farmers.

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