Politics

ECP to ‘announce’ much-awaited election schedule on Dec 17

Published

11 months ago

Farwa

ECP organised training sessions for the officers.
Sources pointed out that 40 training sittings have been scheduled.
ECP imposed ban on transfers, postings of deputy commissioners.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will announce the election schedule on December 17 (Sunday) and nomination papers will be submitted on the next day of the schedule’s announcement, The News quoted sources as saying on Thursday.

As per the publication, the electoral watchdog will take 54 days to complete the process to finally hold balloting for the provincial and national assemblies on February 8, 2024.

Under Article 220 of the Constitution, the federal and provincial governments would be bound to assist the ECP in conducting the elections after the announcement of the schedule.

The Constitution provides under “Executive authorities to assist Commission, etc.” Article 220 of the Constitution that reads: “It shall be the duty of all executive authorities in the Federation and in the provinces to assist the Commissioner and the Election Commission in the discharge of his or their functions.”

The election body has sped up its preparations for the polls. The chief election commissioner (CEC), whose engagements have been increased on several counts, has set up a hotline in his office to maintain contact with all offices of the commission. Training for the district returning officers and returning officers started on December 13, and it would last till December 16. ECP organised training sessions for the officers with the assistance of the authorities concerned, sources said.

The officers will be imparted the best possible training so that they can satisfactorily perform their duties. They would be also briefed about the most sophisticated communication system that has been put in place to undertake the election duties. Sources pointed out that 40 training sittings have been scheduled for imparting all-round training to the officers.

The commission is providing training to 142 district returning officers and 859 returning officers. In the meanwhile, the commission sources said the ECP was fully prepared to hold free, fair and transparent elections in the country and no doubt should be left to hold polls according to the announced date.

The ECP also imposed a ban on transfers and postings of deputy commissioners throughout the country. The Establishment Division has been informed about it, the sources added.

Meanwhile, the ECP has drawn the attention of the members of parliament and provincial assemblies, Sindh and Balochistan to submit to the ECP by December 31, 2023, yearly statements of assets and liabilities including their spouse and dependent children as on the preceding 30th day of June on Form-B for the financial years 2022-2023 being a mandatory requirement under Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017.

A statement issued by the Media Coordination and Outreach Wing of the ECP, the prescribed Form-B along with instructions/guidelines prepared in this regard can be obtained free of cost from the ECP Secretariat, Islamabad, offices of provincial election commissioners of respective province, Senate Secretariat, National Assembly Secretariat and secretariats of concerned provincial assemblies. Moreover, Form-B can also be downloaded from the ECP’s website i.e. www.ecp.gov.pk.

It may be pointed out that presently, only the Senate of Pakistan is in existence while the National Assembly and four provincial legislatures will come into being after the February 8 general elections.

Latest News

Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

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.

Latest News

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

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

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.

Latest News

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

Published

4 days ago

Farwa

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.