pakistan

Ruling alliance meets in Lahore today amid political, legal challenges

Published

2 months ago

April 1, 2023

admin

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a key meeting of the ruling partners today (Saturday) to devise a strategy to handle the ongoing political crisis and legal challenges.

Sources said the meeting would be held at the premier’s Model Town residence in Lahore, where the participants would be briefed on the elections’ delay case being heard by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz is expected to take the coalition partners into confidence over the prevalent political situation. The huddle comes a day after the top court rejected a petition filed by the coalition government seeking formation of a full court bench to hear the case regarding delay in elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s party has challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) order to put off the Punjab polls till Oct 8. The electoral body cited security and financial constraints as reasons to defer the elections.

Later, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali also asked the ECP to hold general elections in the province along with Punjab polls given the security situation in the province.

During Friday’s hearing, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that the proceedings could be halted temporarily if the government and the opposition engaged in dialogue. “We will play our constitutional role if dialogue is not held,” he said, adding: “Constitution is the spirit of democracy”.

The judges of the apex court were being targeted, the chief justice lamented. “We are showing tolerance but we will look into this matter”. “What I have done till today is aligned with Constitution,” he maintained.

At one point, the chief justice said he would hold some important meeting after the hearing and remarked that there would be new dawn of hope on Monday.

The apex court has also summoned secretaries of interior and finance on April 3 (Monday) after it turned down a government’s plea for constitution of the full bench.

When Attorney General Usman Mansoor Awan again pleaded the court to form a full bench to hear the case, the CJP remarked that certain factors had to be reviewed before constituting the full bench as sometimes there were issues regarding availability of all judges. “We also don’t want to affect the proceedings of other cases pending with the apex court,” he said.

The attorney general also told the SC that Pakistan was facing a deficit of billions of rupees and it was difficult to go for elections in these trying times. He came up with the argument on why the finance ministry had refused to provide funds to the ECP for elections. He also claimed that the interest rate was expected to rise to 22 per cent, which would further increase the country’s debt.

Post Views: 48

Related Topics:Pakistan Politics PDM Shehbaz Sharif

Up Next

PTI resumes contacts with political parties

Don't Miss

Islamabad court again defers Shahbaz Gill’s indictment in sedition case

Click to comment

pakistan

Usman Dar’s brother quits politics citing ‘business commitment’

Published

6 hours ago

June 1, 2023

admin

Usman Dar's brother quits politics citing 'business commitment'

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar’s brother Amir Dar on Thursday decided to leave the embattled party and quit politics.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Dar condemned the events that unfolded on May 9, adding that he was deciding to quit politics due to business commitments.

“I suffered losses in business because of politics. I have no conflict with any institution,” he added.”

Speaking about the political future of his brothers, Mr Dar said, “It is up to Usman Dar and Asad Dar to stay or leave the party”.

Earlier today, PTI Sindh President Ameer Bakhsh Bhutto relinquished his post. Addressing a press conference along with PTI Sindh Vice President Allah Bakhsh Unar, Mr Bhutto said, “Now I am not interested in politics. I am ready to sacrifice for the sake of the country and my companions”.

He added, “I will decide the political future in consultation with my companions”.

Speaking about the events that transpired on May 9, Mr Bhutto said, “The vandalism on May 9 is condemnable.”

Taking a jibe at the embattled party, Mr Bhutto said, “Why were military installations attacked?”

Meanwhile, Mr Unar also relinquished his posts following the May 9 mayhem.

Post Views: 8

pakistan

PTI Sindh President Amir Bakhsh Bhutto relinquishes his posts

Published

6 hours ago

June 1, 2023

admin

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Ameer Bakhsh Bhutto relinquished his post on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference along with PTI Sindh Vice President Allah Bakhsh Unar, Mr Bhutto said, “Now I am not interested in politics. I am ready to sacrifice for the sake of the country and my companions”.

He added, “I will decide the political future in consultation with my companions”.

Speaking about the events that transpired on May 9, Mr Bhutto said, “The vandalism on May 9 is condemnable.”

Taking a jibe at the embattled party, Mr Bhutto said, “Why were military installations attacked?”

Meanwhile, Mr Unar also relinquished his posts following the May 9 mayhem.

Post Views: 10

pakistan

Zoo elephant ‘Madhubala’ infected with blood parasite

Published

6 hours ago

June 1, 2023

admin

Zoo elephant 'Madhubala' infected with blood parasite

In a concerning development, the beloved zoo elephant, Madhubala, has been diagnosed with a blood parasite infection on Thursday.

The authorities have swiftly taken action to safeguard the elephant’s health and prevent the spread of the infection.

Today, the first dose of a vaccine was administered to Madhubala in order to protect her from further complications caused by the parasite. The dedicated veterinary team will closely monitor her progress, and the second dose of the vaccine is scheduled to be given after a period of 15 days.

To ensure a comprehensive assessment of Madhubala condition, zoo authorities have decided to send her blood samples for laboratory testing precisely 15 days after the administration of the vaccine.

Based on the results of these tests, a decision will be made regarding Madhubala relocation to the Safari Park.

The director of the zoo highlighted the significance of taking immediate action to mitigate the spread of the infection. As a preventive measure, a disinfectant spray campaign has been initiated throughout the zoo premises.

The authorities are working on an emergency basis, focusing not only on the health of Madhubala but also on the well-being of other rare species of animals housed within the zoo.

Post Views: 10