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Elections to be held on Feb 8: Gen Asim Munir

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Thursday, December 21, 2023

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Elections to be held on Feb 8: Gen Asim Munir

Army chief’s assurance to overseas Pakistanis came hours before Supreme Court verdict suspending LHC order

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. — ISPR
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. — ISPR
  • Army chief’s remarks came in meeting with Pakistani businessmen.
  • Assurance by COAS to overseas Pakistanis came before SC verdict.
  • Gen Asim says if delayed, elections won’t go beyond senate polls.

KARACHI: In a meeting with the Pakistani-American business community in the United States last week, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir assured them that elections “will be held on February 8”.

The army chief’s remark came hours before the Supreme Court verdict on the conduct of polls on February 8 was issued on Friday evening.

The issue was raised during General Asim Munir’s interaction with overseas Pakistanis at a dinner reception hosted by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington when a businessman posed the question to the army chief.

Speaking with Geo News, Tanveer Ahmed, a Texas-based Pakistani businessman who was among the participants, quoted the army chief as saying, “As far as I know general elections will be held on the 8th of February.”

Texas-based Pakistani businessman Tanveer Ahmed (left) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. — Geo News/ISPR
Texas-based Pakistani businessman Tanveer Ahmed (left) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. — Geo News/ISPR

While referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) petition, which at the time was heard in the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the ECP, the army chief said, “If elections get delayed due to that it won’t be beyond the limit when Senate elections are to be held,” Ahmed shared.

The next Senate elections in Pakistan are likely to be held in March 2024.

The LHC had suspended the electoral body’s notification to requisition returning officers (ROs) from bureaucracy on December 13, which created doubts over the holding of elections on time.

However, the apex court suspended the high court verdict and directed the commission to proceed as per plan.

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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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