Connect with us

Politics

Pakistan facing ‘unprecedented uncertainty’ ahead of polls: ANP

Published

on

  • PTI should tell on what agenda it wants to make alliance, Hoti asks.
  • ANP leader predicts coalition govt in KP, Centre.
  • “We cannot support the May 9 agenda,” he says.

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) Central Senior Vice President Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has raised concerns over the “unprecedented uncertainty” prevailing in the country ahead of the February 8 elections, which he said was never seen before.   

Ostensibly, the comments came echoing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s fear that he expressed a day ago that he did not foresee the February 8 elections happening as the country’s security situation was not suitable for polls. 

Maulana Fazl’s convoy came under attack from multiple sides at Yarik interchange in Dera Ismail Khan on December 31, luckily, the JUI-F chief was not present in the vehicles at the time.

Fazl has been constantly calling on the interim government and the election commission to ensure the law and order situation. He also stressed that it wasn’t the right time to be holding the polls.

Talking to Geo News in Peshawar, Hoti said his party would decide about forging an alliance with political parties in the general elections by January 13. To a query, he said the ANP could enter into an alliance with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) if democracy was the focus of the agenda.

“The PTI should tell on what agenda it wants to make an alliance with us. We cannot support the May 9 agenda,” the ANP leader said pointing towards the violent incidents of May 9, 2023, that unfolded following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case. 

Citing the PTI’s consistent demand for a level-playing field, he said they were not even provided a field in the general elections of 2013 and 2018. All the favours were extended to the PTI in those elections, he maintained.

Hoti said the convicts and accused should not be allowed to participate in elections. 

He predicted that no single party would make government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the centre. Coalition governments would be formed in KP and the centre, the ANP leader added.

On December 26, Hoti had expressed fears that snatching of his party’s electoral symbol was also being pondered in a balancing act to prove another judgment right.

Latest News

Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Latest News

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Latest News

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending