Twenty-four former parliamentarians – 10 members of the National Assembly (MNA) and 7 members of provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan each – have been disqualified for not declaring details of their assets for the year 2022-23 to the Election Commission (ECP).

The ECP issued verdict of case of parliamentarians who did not file declaration of their wealth for the year 2022-23.

The ECP stated in its ruling that these former members will not be able to participate in general, by-elections, or Senate elections until they submit required details.

The former MNAs who were declared ineligible include Khurram Dastgir Khan, Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, Muhammad Adil, Rana Ishaq Khan, Kamaluddin, and Ismatullah. Four women – Samina Matloob, Nasiba, Shameem Ara Panhwar and Rubina Irfan – have also been disqualified.

The ECP declared former members of the Sindh Assembly, including Adil Ahmed, Hizbullah Bhayo, Arsalan Taj Hussain, Arif Mustafa Jatoi, Imran Ali Shah, Ali Ghulam and Tahira as disqualified.

Similarly, provincial assembly of Balochistan’s former members Mir Sikandar Ali, Mir Muhammad Akbar, Sardar Yar Rind, Abdul Rashid, Abdul Wahid Siddiqui, Mir Hamaal and Bibi Shaheena were also declared disqualified.

A federal anti-corruption court on Friday acquitted Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani in three cases pertaining to corruption in Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

The former prime minister was also present in court when the decision was announced on his acquittal pleas.

Talking to media after the hearing, the Senate chairman said the case was registered against him 2009, adding that it came as all approvers have become culprits and fleeing the country.

He recalled that the case was made against him by our current allied government but he has no complaint about it.
Gilani said they will fully support the government and will not backstab it.

He said another Senate member had been arrested, urging the federal and Punjab governments to present him in the House. He said a production order would be issued if he did not attend the today’s session.

The Senate chairman said he always acted in accordance with the Constitution and law. He also lamented over talks shows, saying planted people were invited for criticism of lawmakers over official tours.

Gilani said official tours are necessary, adding that they could not defame the country.

Astronomers have predicted Eidul Fitr will be held in Pakistan on March 31.

The holy month of Ramazan is likely to have 29 days and Eid will fall on March 31 (Monday), say astronomers.

They say the age of crescent on March 30 night will be 26 hours therefore, it will be visible in the sky.

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The final decision will be announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after moon sighting in line with the tradition.

Meanwhile, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee also expects Eid on March 31 on the basis of age of crescent.