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ECP rejects PTI’s claim of appointing retired officers as DROs, ROs

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  • Media reports on appointment of DROs/ROs baseless, says ECP.
  • The commission is yet to take any such decision, says ECP.
  • PTI alleged retd officers appointment for pre-poll rigging.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) claims that the watchdog was appointing retired officers as district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) for the February 8 elections as baseless and contrary to the facts, reported The News on Tuesday.

The ECP Media Coordination and Outreach Wing, in a statement issued on Monday, maintained that the watchdog is yet to take any such decision.

“All media reports regarding the appointment of District Returning Officers/ Returning Officers are baseless and contrary to the facts. The media ran misleading news about the appointment of retired officers as District Returning Officers/Returning Officers. The commission is yet to take any such decision,” the ECP spokesperson said.

He explained the ECP has written letters to the provincial election commissioners to share lists of of DROs and ROs so that updated lists can be finalised. This is an ongoing process in which the ECP considers the appointment of DROs and ROs very important to ensure free, fair and impartial general elections.

“It is being looked at from different angles so that the general elections are fair and transparent. The Election Commission is well aware of all its constitutional responsibilities,” the Election Commission said.

The ECP issued a statement after PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub, in a post on X, had alleged that the retired officers were being appointed as DROs and ROs for pre-poll rigging.

Separately, the PTI’s Core Committee warned that the people will resist if their election mandate was stolen.

In its meeting, the core committee emphasised that the ECP, in consultation with the President Dr Arif Alvi and under the supervision of the Supreme Court, has fixed February 8 as the date for the general elections.

The party said fair elections are the basic requirements for supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, restoration and stability of democracy and peaceful transition of power, it noted.

The party alleged open interference of the state institutions in politics against the constitution and law is causing the worst kind of deterioration in the electoral environment while the “brutal campaign of atrocities and revenge” against the party leaders and workers of PTI is going on without any fear and consideration of the law.

The Supreme Court, the party argued, should take suo motu cognizance of what it alleged the discriminatory state actions against the PTI and ensure equal opportunities for all parties to participate in the elections.

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

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Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

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PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

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According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

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In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

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Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

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