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Govt assures ECP of ‘full security’ for general elections

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  • Interior minister says will ensure security for peaceful polls.
  • Bugti says govt to provide all facilities to ECP for elections.
  • He advises parties to ensure timely correspondence with LEAs.

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmad Bugti said Tuesday that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would have “full security” for holding the general elections in a peaceful environment.

In conversation with a private television channel, the interim minister said the caretaker government would take necessary measures to provide all required facilities to ECP for conducting general elections in a transparent manner.

The minister’s comments came after the commission sought the Pakistan Army’s help in ensuring the law and order situation for the polls — slated to take place on February 8, 2024.

During the elections, the security situation is a grave concern for the authorities concerned and to ensure that nothing goes south, law enforcers are deployed at polling stations and they are also on patrol.

The ECP has informed the interior ministry that it faces a total shortfall of more than 270,000 police personnel, prompting it to request for the army’s assistance “in static mode”.

Some political parties have also raised concerns over the security situation, wondering whether it was feasible to hold the elections or not, but the ECP has clarified that intends to stage the polls on February 8 next year.

In the conversation, the minister also told political parties to cooperate with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) before arranging any public or corner meeting for their election campaign.

“Timely information about public gatherings or meetings would help security institutions make better arrangements for them,” the caretaker interior minister added.

Commenting on rising terrorism incidents in different parts of the country, he said that the LEAs were “fully alert to control the menace of terrorism”.

He said enemies are trying to sabotage the peaceful environment of Pakistan. Bugti added that the security institutions are taking all possible steps to defeat terrorism in a befitting manner.

Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) data showed that the country saw a notable surge in militant activities in November as the attacks rose by 34% following a two-month decline.

A total of 63 attacks took place which resulted in 83 fatalities, including 37 security forces personnel and 33 civilians.

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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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