Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested on Tuesday (Jan 9) in a case linked to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi on May 9, 2023. It was announced hours after his release warrant was issued in the Cypher case.&nbsp;

Khan has already been imprisoned since August 2023 after facing a conviction in a case related to selling state gifts.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Khan was summoned by the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi for the May 9 cases.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-leader-demands-ouster-of-president-muizzu-amid-india-row-678224">Maldives leader demands ouster of President Muizzu over strained ties with India</a>&nbsp;

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder attended the court's proceedings via video link.&nbsp;

Local reports mentioned that the former prime minister could not be produced in court by Adiala jail authorities because of security concerns.&nbsp;

Police asked for a physical remand of Khan in the GHQ attack case during the hearing, but the request was ruled out by ATC Judge Malik Aijaz Asif, who also directed the police to interrogate Khan in Adiala prison.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-2024-how-did-us-and-other-nations-react-to-poll-results-678215">Bangladesh election 2024: How did US and other nations react to poll results?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Cypher case update</h2>

Earlier on Monday, release orders in the Cypher case were issued by the special court, which was formed to hear cases under the Official Secrets Act.&nbsp;

Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, who issued the release order, said as quoted by local reports that Khan's bail had been approved. He added that he should be released if not wanted in any other case.&nbsp;

However, he remained imprisoned because of the arrest in the Toshakhna and 190 million pound Al-Qadir Trust scandal.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life'&nbsp;

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<h2>Attack on Pakistan Army headquarters&nbsp;</h2>

A mob of people had attacked Pakistan's army headquarters on May 9, hours after Khan was arrested from inside a court in Islamabad.&nbsp;

More than 20 military installations and state buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, were damaged or destroyed in the violent protests that erupted after Khan's arrest.&nbsp;

Khan is facing dozens of criminal cases since he was ousted from power in April 2022 following a parliamentary no-trust vote. The most prominent of these cases include the Toshakhana case, the Cypher case, and the Al-Qadir Trust case.&nbsp;

Not just Khan, other party members have also been facing numerous cases since the ouster of the party from power in April 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested on Tuesday (Jan 9) in a case linked to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi on May 9, 2023.

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested on Tuesday (Jan 9) in a case linked to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi on May 9, 2023. It was announced hours after his release warrant was issued in the Cypher case. Khan has already been imprisoned since August 2023 after facing a conviction in a case related to selling state gifts. On Tuesday, Khan was summoned by the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi for the May 9 cases. Also read: Maldives leader demands ouster of President Muizzu over strained ties with India The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder attended the court's proceedings via video link. Local reports mentioned that the former prime minister could not be produced in court by Adiala jail authorities because of security concerns. Police asked for a physical remand of Khan in the GHQ attack case during the hearing, but the request was ruled out by ATC Judge Malik Aijaz Asif, who also directed the police to interrogate Khan in Adiala prison. Also read: Bangladesh election 2024: How did US and other nations react to poll results? Cypher case update Earlier on Monday, release orders in the Cypher case were issued by the special court, which was formed to hear cases under the Official Secrets Act. Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, who issued the release order, said as quoted by local reports that Khan's bail had been approved. He added that he should be released if not wanted in any other case. However, he remained imprisoned because of the arrest in the Toshakhna and 190 million pound Al-Qadir Trust scandal. Watch: Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life' × Attack on Pakistan Army headquarters A mob of people had attacked Pakistan's army headquarters on May 9, hours after Khan was arrested from inside a court in Islamabad. More than 20 military installations and state buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, were damaged or destroyed in the violent protests that erupted after Khan's arrest. Khan is facing dozens of criminal cases since he was ousted from power in April 2022 following a parliamentary no-trust vote. The most prominent of these cases include the Toshakhana case, the Cypher case, and the Al-Qadir Trust case. Not just Khan, other party members have also been facing numerous cases since the ouster of the party from power in April 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrested in case linked to 2023 Army headquarters attack

Pakistan's Senate on Friday (Jan 5) approved a resolution that seeks to delay the general elections which were originally scheduled for Feb 8.

The decision was taken citing security concerns and harsh weather conditions.&nbsp;

The resolution, presented by Senator Dilawar Khan, received the approval of a majority of lawmakers.

The move was however opposed by Pakistan Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah, who were present in the House.

The resolution stated, "The Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan and the Election Commission of Pakistan was bound to conduct free and fair polls contingent upon inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all regional people."

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Resolution passed by majority in the Senate today....! <a href="https://twitter.com/appcsocialmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@appcsocialmedia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GovtofPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovtofPakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoIB_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoIB_Official</a> <a href="https://t.co/K1OnrldizV">pic.twitter.com/K1OnrldizV</a>
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&nbsp;

Various political parties, as per the resolution, had raised concerns related to weather conditions and how it would lead to difficulties in ensuring participation of voters in the cold areas at the time of the electoral process.

"The vote turnout in colder areas remains notably high during the moderate weather conditions. January and February are recognised as the coldest months in the majority of the areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," it stated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-issues-arrest-warrants-to-over-100-activists-of-imran-khans-party-over-may-9-violence-676967">Pak court issues arrest warrants to over 100 activists of Imran Khan's party over May 9 violence</a>

<h2>‘Security Concerns’</h2>

Senator Khan expressed "great concern" over recent attacks targeting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar, and other political figures.

"Recent attempts on the lives of JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar, and other political figures have&nbsp;raised concerns about the safety of political leaders."

"The Ministry of Interior has conveyed serious threats to the lives of prominent politicians increasing the challenges faced by political parties in exercising their right to a free and fair election," the resolution noted.

It further highlighted that there was an increase in the number of attacks on security forces and citizens, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.&nbsp;

The senator said alerts had been issued by intelligence agencies indicating "imminent threats" of militant attacks on election rallies, which could have a potential impact on the safety of citizens and the democratic electoral process.

"The intelligence agencies have warned of militant attacks threats on election rallies in both provinces".

"The Senate of Pakistan hereby resolves that the conduct in elections without addressing legitimate concerns, facilitating sufficient opportunities for election campaign and guaranteeing the safety of politicians and citizens would amount to violation of fundamental rights," the resolution stated.

"The election schedule may be postponed to facilitate the effective participation of people from all areas of&nbsp;Pakistan and belonging to all political shades,"&nbsp;it demanded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Senate on Friday (Jan 5) approved a resolution that seeks to delay the general elections which were originally scheduled for Feb 8. The decision was taken citing security concerns and harsh weather conditions.

Pakistan's Senate on Friday (Jan 5) approved a resolution that seeks to delay the general elections which were originally scheduled for Feb 8. The decision was taken citing security concerns and harsh weather conditions. The resolution, presented by Senator Dilawar Khan, received the approval of a majority of lawmakers. The move was however opposed by Pakistan Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah, who were present in the House. The resolution stated, "The Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan and the Election Commission of Pakistan was bound to conduct free and fair polls contingent upon inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all regional people." Resolution passed by majority in the Senate today....! @appcsocialmedia @GovtofPakistan @MoIB_Official pic.twitter.com/K1OnrldizV — Senate of Pakistan (@SenatePakistan) January 5, 2024 × Various political parties, as per the resolution, had raised concerns related to weather conditions and how it would lead to difficulties in ensuring participation of voters in the cold areas at the time of the electoral process. "The vote turnout in colder areas remains notably high during the moderate weather conditions. January and February are recognised as the coldest months in the majority of the areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," it stated. Also read: Pak court issues arrest warrants to over 100 activists of Imran Khan's party over May 9 violence ‘Security Concerns’ Senator Khan expressed "great concern" over recent attacks targeting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar, and other political figures. "Recent attempts on the lives of JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, former lawmaker Mohsin Dawar, and other political figures have raised concerns about the safety of political leaders." "The Ministry of Interior has conveyed serious threats to the lives of prominent politicians increasing the challenges faced by political parties in exercising their right to a free and fair election," the resolution noted. It further highlighted that there was an increase in the number of attacks on security forces and citizens, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The senator said alerts had been issued by intelligence agencies indicating "imminent threats" of militant attacks on election rallies, which could have a potential impact on the safety of citizens and the democratic electoral process. "The intelligence agencies have warned of militant attacks threats on election rallies in both provinces". "The Senate of Pakistan hereby resolves that the conduct in elections without addressing legitimate concerns, facilitating sufficient opportunities for election campaign and guaranteeing the safety of politicians and citizens would amount to violation of fundamental rights," the resolution stated. "The election schedule may be postponed to facilitate the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all political shades," it demanded. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Senate approves resolution seeking to delay general elections scheduled for Feb 8

Pakistan's senate passed a resolution on Friday (Jan 5) to delay the South Asian country's national elections slated for February 8. While the resolution is non-binding since the senate forms just one&nbsp;of the organs of the Pakistani parliament, the spotlight is back on the attempts to delay the elections that should have been held months back. Pakistan's last national elections were held in 2018 when the Members of the National Assembly (MNA) were elected for a five-year tenure.&nbsp;

The resolution came days after Pakistan's only World Cup-winning former cricket captain-turned-politician Imran&nbsp;Khan's&nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost cricket bat&nbsp;as its election symbol after Pakistan's election commission deemed its&nbsp;intra-party polls 'unconstitutional'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khans-party-says-loss-of-election-symbol-part-of-london-plan-672811">Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party says loss of election symbol part of 'London plan'</a>

Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia, with some of Imran Khan's strongholds in the predominantly tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province particularly backward in terms of Human Development Indicators. Voters in these tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its bat symbol.

Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party had been identified with the cricket bat across Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khans-election-nomination-rejected-from-two-constituencies-675068">Pakistan: Imran Khan’s election nomination rejected from two constituencies</a>

At the end of 2023, Khan's nomination was rejected from the two National Assembly constituencies in Mianwali and Lahore. His fate on a third national assembly seat currently remains inconclusive.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-election-commission-spells-endgame-for-imran-khan-till-2028-623623">Endgame for Imran Khan as Pakistan's election commission bars him from politics till 2028</a>

But even if Khan can contest elections, he remains&nbsp;formally disqualified from holding public office until 2028.&nbsp;

<h2>Between 2018 and 2024: Who held Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office</h2>

In July 2018, Imran Khan's PTI&nbsp;won the most seats in Pakistan's National Assembly. Khan managed to forge an alliance that kept him in power until April 2022, when he&nbsp;lost a&nbsp;vote of no confidence in the parliament. The PTI leader&nbsp;blamed the military and the United States for plotting to remove him.

After Imran Khan's ouster from power, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Shehbaz Sharif, the brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was chosen as leader of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance chiefly consisting of the PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party. Shehbaz Sharif served as Pakistani prime minister between April 2022 and August 2023.&nbsp;

In between, the ousted Pakistani leader&nbsp;Imran Khan called for snap elections as he deemed his ouster 'illegal'.&nbsp;

In January 2023, Khan got the provincial&nbsp;assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces&nbsp;dissolved in a bid to force nationwide snap elections. This coincided with a devastating economic crisis that Pakistan faced amid attempts by Shehbaz Sharif's administration to secure a loan tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).&nbsp;

A dozen&nbsp;cases and an assassination attempt later, in May 2023,&nbsp;hours after Imran Khan was&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;from a courtroom in the capital Islamabad, his supporters pushed through the gates of army headquarters in Rawalpindi. The violent attack in Rawalpindi,&nbsp;long deemed the real nucleus of power in Pakistan behind the semblance of democracy that exists in the capital Islamabad, expanded the political instability in the nation. Khan's supporters continued to call for early elections.&nbsp;

Imran Khan was sentenced to three years&nbsp;in prison in August 2023&nbsp;after being convicted of selling state gifts when he was prime minister.

In August 2023,&nbsp;Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, a teacher-turned-politician from Pakistan's restive province of Balochistan, became&nbsp;Pakistan's caretaker prime minister after the National Assembly was dissolved.

Kakar, Pakistan's 24th&nbsp;prime minister since the country's existence in 1947, heads the Balochistan Awami Party formed in 2018. According to Pakistani law, the elections should have been held within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. The elections by that timeline should have been held in October 2023.&nbsp;

But in October 2023, Nawaz Sharif returned from his self-imposed exile in London after four years, and secured bail on corruption cases he was facing convictions in. Sharif, a four-time prime minister of Pakistan, will now reportedly contest the February elections.

The elections now stand&nbsp;postponed to February due to the re-demarcation of constituencies following a new census.

Amidst fears from political analysts that an extended period without an elected government could lead to military consolidation, the continued attempts to postpone Pakistani elections raise concerns about the balance of power in a nation where the military has remained the real power behind Pakistan's Prime Minister Office.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls

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For the elections slated in February, Imran Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), assassinated former Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party and Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) are the top contenders.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's senate passed a resolution on Friday (Jan 5) to delay the South Asian country's national elections slated for February 8. While the resolution is non-binding since the senate forms just one of the organs of the Pakistani parliament, the spotlight is back on the attempts to delay the elections that should have been held months back.

Pakistan's senate passed a resolution on Friday (Jan 5) to delay the South Asian country's national elections slated for February 8. While the resolution is non-binding since the senate forms just one of the organs of the Pakistani parliament, the spotlight is back on the attempts to delay the elections that should have been held months back. Pakistan's last national elections were held in 2018 when the Members of the National Assembly (MNA) were elected for a five-year tenure. The resolution came days after Pakistan's only World Cup-winning former cricket captain-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost cricket bat as its election symbol after Pakistan's election commission deemed its intra-party polls 'unconstitutional'. Also read | Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party says loss of election symbol part of 'London plan' Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia, with some of Imran Khan's strongholds in the predominantly tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province particularly backward in terms of Human Development Indicators. Voters in these tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its bat symbol. Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party had been identified with the cricket bat across Pakistan. Also read | Pakistan: Imran Khan’s election nomination rejected from two constituencies At the end of 2023, Khan's nomination was rejected from the two National Assembly constituencies in Mianwali and Lahore. His fate on a third national assembly seat currently remains inconclusive. Also read | Endgame for Imran Khan as Pakistan's election commission bars him from politics till 2028 But even if Khan can contest elections, he remains formally disqualified from holding public office until 2028. Between 2018 and 2024: Who held Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office In July 2018, Imran Khan's PTI won the most seats in Pakistan's National Assembly. Khan managed to forge an alliance that kept him in power until April 2022, when he lost a vote of no confidence in the parliament. The PTI leader blamed the military and the United States for plotting to remove him. After Imran Khan's ouster from power, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Shehbaz Sharif, the brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was chosen as leader of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance chiefly consisting of the PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party. Shehbaz Sharif served as Pakistani prime minister between April 2022 and August 2023. In between, the ousted Pakistani leader Imran Khan called for snap elections as he deemed his ouster 'illegal'. In January 2023, Khan got the provincial assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces dissolved in a bid to force nationwide snap elections. This coincided with a devastating economic crisis that Pakistan faced amid attempts by Shehbaz Sharif's administration to secure a loan tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A dozen cases and an assassination attempt later, in May 2023, hours after Imran Khan was arrested from a courtroom in the capital Islamabad, his supporters pushed through the gates of army headquarters in Rawalpindi. The violent attack in Rawalpindi, long deemed the real nucleus of power in Pakistan behind the semblance of democracy that exists in the capital Islamabad, expanded the political instability in the nation. Khan's supporters continued to call for early elections. Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison in August 2023 after being convicted of selling state gifts when he was prime minister. In August 2023, Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, a teacher-turned-politician from Pakistan's restive province of Balochistan, became Pakistan's caretaker prime minister after the National Assembly was dissolved. Kakar, Pakistan's 24th prime minister since the country's existence in 1947, heads the Balochistan Awami Party formed in 2018. According to Pakistani law, the elections should have been held within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. The elections by that timeline should have been held in October 2023. But in October 2023, Nawaz Sharif returned from his self-imposed exile in London after four years, and secured bail on corruption cases he was facing convictions in. Sharif, a four-time prime minister of Pakistan, will now reportedly contest the February elections. The elections now stand postponed to February due to the re-demarcation of constituencies following a new census. Amidst fears from political analysts that an extended period without an elected government could lead to military consolidation, the continued attempts to postpone Pakistani elections raise concerns about the balance of power in a nation where the military has remained the real power behind Pakistan's Prime Minister Office. Watch | Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls × For the elections slated in February, Imran Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), assassinated former Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party and Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) are the top contenders. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Why Pakistan’s national elections remain a delayed affair

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Friday issued arrest warrants to more than 100 activists of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party for their alleged involvement in the attack on the ISI building in Punjab province during the anti-government protests.

On May 9, violent protests erupted after the arrest of Khan, the former prime minister and PTI party chief, by paramilitary Rangers from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in connection with an alleged corruption case.

His party workers vandalised a dozen military installations, including the Jinnah House (Lahore Corps Commander House), Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time.

"The Anti-Terrorism Court issued arrest warrants of over 100 PTI leaders and workers allegedly involved in the attack on Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) offices in Faisalabad city (some 130kms from Lahore) during riots on May 9, 2023," a court official told PTI here on Friday.

The PTI leaders who are contesting next month's general elections from the Faisalabad district are also among those whose arrest warrants have been issued, he said. The wanted men of the PTI have reportedly been hiding since May.

The Pakistan Army is already conducting the trial of 102 suspects involved in the attacks on military installations including the ISI building in Faisalabad during violent protests that erupted on May 9 across the country following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI supremo Khan.

PTI central spokesperson Raoof Hasan said that "every draconian measure" has been employed by the state to have the party decimated and Imran Khan deleted from people's memory.

"This includes driving Khan out of office using the influence of pelf and power, registering over 180 fake and fraudulent cases against him from corruption to jeopardising national interests, arresting him and convicting him on one count with proceedings moving at an accelerated pace in others, and subjecting him to maltreatment and humiliation."&nbsp;

Raoof further said such measures also include exerting pressure on the PTI leaders to leave him, incarcerating them for prolonged periods and thwarting their bail by re-arresting them in other cases, abducting and torturing others to change political loyalties, denying it the right to hold political rallies and depriving it of its election symbol.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the deterioration in the state of human rights in the country.

“The blatant manipulation of the electoral landscape has been witnessed in which one political party among others has been singled out for systematic dismemberment. The state's clampdown on dissent, whether on freedom of opinion, expression or assembly, has further constricted civic spaces in the country at a time when people must be allowed to express their will freely ahead of the national election next month,” the HRCP said.

Currently over 10,000 PTI workers and leaders are languishing in jails in different parts of the country after May 9 events. Imran Khan is also detained at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi since August last in different cases.

The PTI alleges that under the 'London Plan' PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif will be made prime minister in the wake of the February 8, 2024 polls with the blessing of the military establishment and Khan and his party will be crushed.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Friday issued arrest warrants to more than 100 activists of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party for their alleged involvement in the attack on the ISI building in Punjab province during the anti-government protests.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Friday issued arrest warrants to more than 100 activists of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party for their alleged involvement in the attack on the ISI building in Punjab province during the anti-government protests. On May 9, violent protests erupted after the arrest of Khan, the former prime minister and PTI party chief, by paramilitary Rangers from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in connection with an alleged corruption case. His party workers vandalised a dozen military installations, including the Jinnah House (Lahore Corps Commander House), Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. "The Anti-Terrorism Court issued arrest warrants of over 100 PTI leaders and workers allegedly involved in the attack on Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) offices in Faisalabad city (some 130kms from Lahore) during riots on May 9, 2023," a court official told PTI here on Friday. The PTI leaders who are contesting next month's general elections from the Faisalabad district are also among those whose arrest warrants have been issued, he said. The wanted men of the PTI have reportedly been hiding since May. The Pakistan Army is already conducting the trial of 102 suspects involved in the attacks on military installations including the ISI building in Faisalabad during violent protests that erupted on May 9 across the country following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI supremo Khan. PTI central spokesperson Raoof Hasan said that "every draconian measure" has been employed by the state to have the party decimated and Imran Khan deleted from people's memory. "This includes driving Khan out of office using the influence of pelf and power, registering over 180 fake and fraudulent cases against him from corruption to jeopardising national interests, arresting him and convicting him on one count with proceedings moving at an accelerated pace in others, and subjecting him to maltreatment and humiliation." Raoof further said such measures also include exerting pressure on the PTI leaders to leave him, incarcerating them for prolonged periods and thwarting their bail by re-arresting them in other cases, abducting and torturing others to change political loyalties, denying it the right to hold political rallies and depriving it of its election symbol. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the deterioration in the state of human rights in the country. “The blatant manipulation of the electoral landscape has been witnessed in which one political party among others has been singled out for systematic dismemberment. The state's clampdown on dissent, whether on freedom of opinion, expression or assembly, has further constricted civic spaces in the country at a time when people must be allowed to express their will freely ahead of the national election next month,” the HRCP said. Currently over 10,000 PTI workers and leaders are languishing in jails in different parts of the country after May 9 events. Imran Khan is also detained at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi since August last in different cases. The PTI alleges that under the 'London Plan' PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif will be made prime minister in the wake of the February 8, 2024 polls with the blessing of the military establishment and Khan and his party will be crushed.

Pak court issues arrest warrants to over 100 activists of Imran Khan's party over May 9 violence

Pakistan's former World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan, once again finds himself on a treacherous pitch – Pakistan's political minefield. Imran is battered &amp; bruised but more than his opponent it's the umpire in the political arena, the Pakistan military, which is determined to ensure he returns to the pavilion and is consigned to oblivion even before the first ball is bowled.

Much like a batsman stripped of his prized blade, Khan's party, the Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI), has been dealt a crippling blow – the loss of its iconic electoral symbol, the cricket bat. His unending legal woes and facing the wrath of the military have vanquished him ahead of his most important political innings.

Khan's dismissal from power in April 2023 felt like a cruel LBW decision, one he vehemently challenged, alleging the Pakistani military establishment had orchestrated his removal. But like the umpire, the most important establishment in the South Asian nation had made up its mind. They want the skipper to retire, but the fighting spirit of Imran is refusing him to take the final bow.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/relief-for-imran-khans-party-peshawar-high-court-restores-ptis-bat-election-symbol-673753">Relief for Imran Khan’s party: Peshawar High Court restores PTI’s ‘bat’ election symbol</a>

The 'caught behind' narrative, of a puppet government and a corrupt elite, fuelled Imran Khan's fiery speeches and rallies, resonating deeply with many Pakistanis, especially the youth. He rose to power vowing to play a 'clean game' and put the country on the world map. The Pakistani public believed in Imran Khan as the captain who could bring glory to the nation as he did by lifting the World Cup in 1992. His all-rounder performance on the cricket field is lacquered into immortality with his charisma.

But for the enigmatic all-rounder, the second and the most crucial innings of his political career is proving to be a non-starter. His teammates have been forced to retire hurt. Most PTI leaders have either quit or are behind bars.&nbsp;

The 'Kaptaan' is facing a barrage of legal cases, over 100 in total, ranging from corruption charges to selling state gifts to revealing state secrets. The general elections are only a month away, but Imran remains behind bars and is hopping from one court to another without any hope of release from prison.

Imran Khan is barred from contesting elections due to the conviction in corruption cases and now his party PTI's iconic bat symbol has been snatched. The election commission ruled the party's internal elections null and void, effectively taking the bat out of his hands. This symbol, a potent reminder of Khan's past cricketing glory and populist appeal, was a key driver of voter mobilisation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-in-2023-imran-khans-arrest-return-of-nawaz-sharif-and-baloch-uprising-672947">Imran Khan's arrest to Nawaz Sharif's return and Baloch uprising, events that shook Pakistan in 2023</a>

Imran Khan promised 'Naya Pakistan' but the old guard has effectively dislodged his bails. His downfall started when he decided to cross paths with the all-powerful Pakistani army, which not so long ago blessed him with power. His public criticism and accusations of interference by the men in yellowish khaki (Pakistan army uniform) were crossing the Rubicon.

Imran was a crafty bowler in his heyday. He knew the strengths &amp; weaknesses of his opponents. But on the political pitch, he made the cardinal sin of underestimating the absolute power of the military. From General Ayub Khan in 1958 to General Zia ul Haq in 1977 to General Pervez Musharraf in 1999, Pakistan has spent several decades under military dictators. In between the civilian government bides its time by abiding by the diktats from Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

The former Pakistan Prime Minister has an albatross around his neck. The Pakistani army is not known to keep any prisoners and the riot act has been read. However, like die-hard cricket fans, many Pakistanis still believe in the fighting spirit of Imran which enabled him to conquer the 22 yards. Imran has provided Pakistan with its most memorable sporting glory by claiming the last wicket in the final over to secure their first-ever World Cup victory. But politics is a different ball game.&nbsp;

Pakistan's former World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan, once again finds himself on a treacherous pitch – Pakistan's political minefield. Imran is battered & bruised but more than his opponent it's the umpire in the political arena, the Pakistan military, which is determined to ensure he returns to the pavilion and is consigned to oblivion even before the first ball is bowled.

Pakistan's former World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan, once again finds himself on a treacherous pitch – Pakistan's political minefield. Imran is battered & bruised but more than his opponent it's the umpire in the political arena, the Pakistan military, which is determined to ensure he returns to the pavilion and is consigned to oblivion even before the first ball is bowled. Much like a batsman stripped of his prized blade, Khan's party, the Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI), has been dealt a crippling blow – the loss of its iconic electoral symbol, the cricket bat. His unending legal woes and facing the wrath of the military have vanquished him ahead of his most important political innings. Khan's dismissal from power in April 2023 felt like a cruel LBW decision, one he vehemently challenged, alleging the Pakistani military establishment had orchestrated his removal. But like the umpire, the most important establishment in the South Asian nation had made up its mind. They want the skipper to retire, but the fighting spirit of Imran is refusing him to take the final bow. Also read: Relief for Imran Khan’s party: Peshawar High Court restores PTI’s ‘bat’ election symbol The 'caught behind' narrative, of a puppet government and a corrupt elite, fuelled Imran Khan's fiery speeches and rallies, resonating deeply with many Pakistanis, especially the youth. He rose to power vowing to play a 'clean game' and put the country on the world map. The Pakistani public believed in Imran Khan as the captain who could bring glory to the nation as he did by lifting the World Cup in 1992. His all-rounder performance on the cricket field is lacquered into immortality with his charisma. But for the enigmatic all-rounder, the second and the most crucial innings of his political career is proving to be a non-starter. His teammates have been forced to retire hurt. Most PTI leaders have either quit or are behind bars. The 'Kaptaan' is facing a barrage of legal cases, over 100 in total, ranging from corruption charges to selling state gifts to revealing state secrets. The general elections are only a month away, but Imran remains behind bars and is hopping from one court to another without any hope of release from prison. Imran Khan is barred from contesting elections due to the conviction in corruption cases and now his party PTI's iconic bat symbol has been snatched. The election commission ruled the party's internal elections null and void, effectively taking the bat out of his hands. This symbol, a potent reminder of Khan's past cricketing glory and populist appeal, was a key driver of voter mobilisation. Also read: Imran Khan's arrest to Nawaz Sharif's return and Baloch uprising, events that shook Pakistan in 2023 Imran Khan promised 'Naya Pakistan' but the old guard has effectively dislodged his bails. His downfall started when he decided to cross paths with the all-powerful Pakistani army, which not so long ago blessed him with power. His public criticism and accusations of interference by the men in yellowish khaki (Pakistan army uniform) were crossing the Rubicon. Imran was a crafty bowler in his heyday. He knew the strengths & weaknesses of his opponents. But on the political pitch, he made the cardinal sin of underestimating the absolute power of the military. From General Ayub Khan in 1958 to General Zia ul Haq in 1977 to General Pervez Musharraf in 1999, Pakistan has spent several decades under military dictators. In between the civilian government bides its time by abiding by the diktats from Rawalpindi. The former Pakistan Prime Minister has an albatross around his neck. The Pakistani army is not known to keep any prisoners and the riot act has been read. However, like die-hard cricket fans, many Pakistanis still believe in the fighting spirit of Imran which enabled him to conquer the 22 yards. Imran has provided Pakistan with its most memorable sporting glory by claiming the last wicket in the final over to secure their first-ever World Cup victory. But politics is a different ball game.

Imran Khan forced to play without his 'bat'

The Peshawar High Court has ruled against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf about its election symbol and nominations ahead of the 2024 polls. The party will now approach the Pakistani Supreme Court for relief.

Troubles mount for Imran Khan's PTI

The Pakistan election body rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination to run in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Khan's Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has accused authorities of stopping its candidates from participating in the February elections. Pakistan's rights body has said there is little chance of fair polls.

Will Nawaz Sharif be able to wrest back support base from Imran Khan?

Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls

The Pakistan election body rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination to run in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Khan's Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has accused authorities of stopping most of its candidates from participating in the February elections.

Pakistan: PTI leaders move to Supreme Court after ECP rejects nominations

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to move election tribunals in the country a day after nomination papers of most of the party candidates were rejected. The list of rejected candidates includes Imran Khan as well.

Pakistani news outlet Dawn quoted PTI's central information secretary Raoof Hasan who said that all rejections will be challenged. He added that the appeals will first be made to election tribunals as per procedure and other options will be explored later.

“The candidates have collected the certified copies of ‘rejection decisions’ from respective ROs on Sunday and will begin filing appeals with the appellate tribunals from today,” he said, as quoted by Dawn.

Elections in Pakistan are due on February 8.

Watch | US, India, UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan: 2024 the Biggest Election Year ever?

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Khan is currently in jail. He is facing a barrage of legal cases which he and his party say are politically motivated and have been filed to prevent him from contesting the election.

<h2>There is an 'agenda', PTI alleges</h2>

PTI spokesman Raoof Hasan said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that nomination papers of "90 to 95 per cent" of PTI candidates were rejected.

He told AFP that there was an "agenda" to prevent PTI from contesting the elections.

"All tactics are being tried for this purpose but, under any circumstances, we will not leave the political ground and will not boycott the elections," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-election-body-accepts-nawaz-sharifs-nomination-papers-for-na-130-lahore-674344">Pakistan’s election body accepts Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers for NA-130 Lahore</a>

Hasan Askari, a political analyst, told AFP that such widespread action against a single party was "unprecedented".

"This is the first time in the country's history that a political party has been excluded from the electoral process on such a large scale even before the election," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-son-of-un-designated-terrorist-gearing-up-for-elections-india-slams-675045">Pakistan: Son of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed to contest polls, India slams development</a>

State institutions want to keep PTI from contesting polls "at any cost" and "the chances of PTI getting relief are very slim", he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to move election tribunals in the country a day after nomination papers of most of the party candidates were rejected.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to move election tribunals in the country a day after nomination papers of most of the party candidates were rejected. The list of rejected candidates includes Imran Khan as well. Pakistani news outlet Dawn quoted PTI's central information secretary Raoof Hasan who said that all rejections will be challenged. He added that the appeals will first be made to election tribunals as per procedure and other options will be explored later. “The candidates have collected the certified copies of ‘rejection decisions’ from respective ROs on Sunday and will begin filing appeals with the appellate tribunals from today,” he said, as quoted by Dawn. Elections in Pakistan are due on February 8. Watch | US, India, UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan: 2024 the Biggest Election Year ever? × Khan is currently in jail. He is facing a barrage of legal cases which he and his party say are politically motivated and have been filed to prevent him from contesting the election. There is an 'agenda', PTI alleges PTI spokesman Raoof Hasan said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that nomination papers of "90 to 95 per cent" of PTI candidates were rejected. He told AFP that there was an "agenda" to prevent PTI from contesting the elections. "All tactics are being tried for this purpose but, under any circumstances, we will not leave the political ground and will not boycott the elections," he said. Also Read | Pakistan’s election body accepts Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers for NA-130 Lahore Hasan Askari, a political analyst, told AFP that such widespread action against a single party was "unprecedented". "This is the first time in the country's history that a political party has been excluded from the electoral process on such a large scale even before the election," he said. Also Read | Pakistan: Son of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed to contest polls, India slams development State institutions want to keep PTI from contesting polls "at any cost" and "the chances of PTI getting relief are very slim", he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party to approach election tribunals against poll disqualification

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination was rejected from the two National Assembly constituencies in Mianwali and Lahore. The elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held in February.&nbsp;

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Almost 90% of the nomination papers of PTI's important leaders including Imran Khan were rejected, 100% of the nomination papers of other parties were accepted. 
 
ROs, police, caretakers and ECP have played the role of facilitators for Nawaz Sharif in the first phase of elections…
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1741092126929064200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The 71-year-old former cricket star has been embroiled in a tangle of political and legal battles since he was ousted as prime minister in April 2022. He has not been seen in public since he was jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022.

Imran Khan has been disqualified from contesting the national elections scheduled for Feb. 8 because of the corruption conviction, but he nevertheless filed nomination papers for the elections on Friday, his media team said.

In a list of rejected candidates from Lahore, the Election Commission of Pakistan said Imran Khan's nomination was rejected because he was not a registered voter of the constituency and because he is "convicted by the court of law and has been disqualified".

His media team said the commission had also rejected his nomination to contest the elections from his hometown, Mianwali.

Imran Khan, who is widely seen as the country's most popular leader, says he is being targeted by the powerful military, which wants to keep him out of the polls. The military denies the charge.

Pakistan's Supreme Court granted Imran Khan bail in a case related to a leak of state secrets last Friday, a day after a high court refused to suspend his disqualification from contesting the elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination was rejected from the two National Assembly constituencies in Mianwali and Lahore. The elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held in February.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination was rejected from the two National Assembly constituencies in Mianwali and Lahore. The elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held in February. Almost 90% of the nomination papers of PTI's important leaders including Imran Khan were rejected, 100% of the nomination papers of other parties were accepted. ROs, police, caretakers and ECP have played the role of facilitators for Nawaz Sharif in the first phase of elections… — PTI (@PTIofficial) December 30, 2023 × The 71-year-old former cricket star has been embroiled in a tangle of political and legal battles since he was ousted as prime minister in April 2022. He has not been seen in public since he was jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022. Imran Khan has been disqualified from contesting the national elections scheduled for Feb. 8 because of the corruption conviction, but he nevertheless filed nomination papers for the elections on Friday, his media team said. In a list of rejected candidates from Lahore, the Election Commission of Pakistan said Imran Khan's nomination was rejected because he was not a registered voter of the constituency and because he is "convicted by the court of law and has been disqualified". His media team said the commission had also rejected his nomination to contest the elections from his hometown, Mianwali. Imran Khan, who is widely seen as the country's most popular leader, says he is being targeted by the powerful military, which wants to keep him out of the polls. The military denies the charge. Pakistan's Supreme Court granted Imran Khan bail in a case related to a leak of state secrets last Friday, a day after a high court refused to suspend his disqualification from contesting the elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s election nomination rejected from two constituencies

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announces 10 10-pointer party manifesto for 8th Feb 2024 elections during a party gathering at Garhi Khuda Bux. Bilawal Bhutto announces candidacy for Prime Ministerhip subject to his party’s Central Executive Committee’s approval.

PPP'S Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announces candidature for Pak PM

With its new anti-immigration policy Pakistan has so far deported thousands of Afghans to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Unfortunately, it has uh repatriated scores of Afghans awaiting resettlement in the US under this drive quoting sources from advocacy groups.

Afghans awaiting US resettlement deported by Pakistan: Reports

Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) will be breathing easy after the Peshawar High Court on Tuesday (Dec 26) suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) declaration of the PTI’s intra-party polls as unconstitutional whilst calling for revocation of the party's 'bat' election symbol.&nbsp;

Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel presided over the case and delivered the verdict after PTI filed a petition, objecting the ECP decision.&nbsp;

“PTI lawyers informed [the court] that intra-party polls were carried out over the orders of the election commission," said Justice Miankhel, who directed that notices be issued to the ECP and other respondents in the case. 
 
The court said the party's election symbol will be restored in a final decision by the double bench that will hear the matter after winter vacations.&nbsp;

After the decision, PTI counsel&nbsp;Barrister Ali Zafar said the court said the election symbol was the “life” of any party and a basic constitutional right of the organisation and its workers, supporters and voters.

“Today the high court has upheld that basic right and declared that the ‘bat’ symbol belongs to the PTI and restored it.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khans-party-says-loss-of-election-symbol-part-of-london-plan-672811">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party says loss of election symbol part of ‘London plan’</a>

<h2>What did ECP do?</h2>

It was last week that the five-member ECP bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, declared PTI's intra-party elections unlawful.&nbsp;

The electoral watchdog voided PTI's internal elections for the second time in which Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected as the party's new chairman.&nbsp;

"It is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017," the ECP said in its 11-page order.

The ECP also&nbsp;declared the PTI ineligible to obtain an electoral symbol under the Elections Act, 2017. It added that PTI never submitted any record of any competent authority to exercise the intra-party elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-bat-symbol-taken-away-from-imran-khans-pti-672719">Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Bat symbol taken away from Imran Khan's PTI</a>

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<h2>'London plan'</h2>

After the order by the ECP, PTI called the decision a "part of the famous London plan" and a "disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI" from participating in the general elections.&nbsp; 
 
"The Election Commission of Pakistan has tried to destroy the constitution, democracy and transparency of elections in the country through its decision...This biased and biased decision of the Commission cannot stand in its place and we will challenge it before the Supreme Court," said the party on X.

With the all-important elections approaching, the loss of the election symbol would have meant that Khan's party and its connection to the public would have broken down.&nbsp;

Voters in tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its bat symbol. Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party is identified with the cricket bat across the country.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) will be breathing easy after the Peshawar High Court on Tuesday (Dec 26) suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) declaration of the PTI’s intra-party polls as unconstitutional whilst calling for revocation of the party's 'bat' election symbol.

Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) will be breathing easy after the Peshawar High Court on Tuesday (Dec 26) suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) declaration of the PTI’s intra-party polls as unconstitutional whilst calling for revocation of the party's 'bat' election symbol. Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel presided over the case and delivered the verdict after PTI filed a petition, objecting the ECP decision. “PTI lawyers informed [the court] that intra-party polls were carried out over the orders of the election commission," said Justice Miankhel, who directed that notices be issued to the ECP and other respondents in the case. The court said the party's election symbol will be restored in a final decision by the double bench that will hear the matter after winter vacations. After the decision, PTI counsel Barrister Ali Zafar said the court said the election symbol was the “life” of any party and a basic constitutional right of the organisation and its workers, supporters and voters. “Today the high court has upheld that basic right and declared that the ‘bat’ symbol belongs to the PTI and restored it.” Also read | Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party says loss of election symbol part of ‘London plan’ What did ECP do? It was last week that the five-member ECP bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, declared PTI's intra-party elections unlawful. The electoral watchdog voided PTI's internal elections for the second time in which Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected as the party's new chairman. "It is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017," the ECP said in its 11-page order. The ECP also declared the PTI ineligible to obtain an electoral symbol under the Elections Act, 2017. It added that PTI never submitted any record of any competent authority to exercise the intra-party elections. Watch | Pakistan: Bat symbol taken away from Imran Khan's PTI × 'London plan' After the order by the ECP, PTI called the decision a "part of the famous London plan" and a "disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI" from participating in the general elections. "The Election Commission of Pakistan has tried to destroy the constitution, democracy and transparency of elections in the country through its decision...This biased and biased decision of the Commission cannot stand in its place and we will challenge it before the Supreme Court," said the party on X. With the all-important elections approaching, the loss of the election symbol would have meant that Khan's party and its connection to the public would have broken down. Voters in tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its bat symbol. Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party is identified with the cricket bat across the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Relief for Imran Khan’s party: Peshawar High Court restores PTI’s ‘bat’ election symbol

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) declaration of the PTI’s intra-party polls as unconstitutional and the revocation of the party’s ‘bat’ election symbol.

Peshawar High Court restores PTI's bat election symbol

Big relief for Imran Khan's party with the Peshawar high court now suspending the election commission's rulings and restoring the PTI's election symbol, the cricket bat.

Big relief for ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's party as HC restores PTI's bat symbol

An economic meltdown that put the nation on the brink of collapse, the arrest of a former prime minister, the return of another former prime minister from exile, a celebrity wedding that earned praises for its photographic symbolism of feminism, and the revival of a long-running insurgency by the end of the year -&nbsp;Pakistan had it all in 2023.

In January,&nbsp;the country's foreign reserves with the State Bank of Pakistan (SPB) dropped to an alarming level — at $3.1 billion in January 2023. Thousands of containers with essential supplies were stuck at different Pakistani seaports. Inflation rose to nearly 30 per cent.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;country struggled to unlock funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In June, Islamabad finally reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on a $3 billion "nine-month Stand-by Arrangement (SBA)".&nbsp;The IMF executive board will finally meet on January 11, 2024, to consider the final approval to hand out to Pakistan the next $700 million tranche of its loan programme.

On March 31, a deadly stampede in Pakistan's Karachi killed over 10 people at a free food distribution centre in Pakistan's Karachi.

<h2>Imran Khan's 'mini-intifada'</h2>

On May 9, 2023, hundreds of enraged supporters of ousted Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan pushed through the gates of army headquarters in Rawalpindi. The development occurred hours after&nbsp;Khan was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qadir-trust-case-everything-about-the-case-that-led-to-former-pak-pm-imran-khans-arrest-590646">arrested</a>&nbsp;from a courtroom in the capital Islamabad, where he had sought bail for one of over 142 corruption cases filed against him through the Army-run National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-coup-or-not-coup-pakistan-armys-options-after-imran-khans-mini-intifada-592986">To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada'</a>

The visuals from Rawalpindi, long deemed the real nucleus of power in Pakistan behind the semblance of democracy that exists in the capital Islamabad, were unprecedented.&nbsp;

For the first time since 2007, Pakistan looked at what appeared to be an impending state of Emergency when the fundamental rights are suspended for the common citizens.&nbsp;

A proposal for the imposition of a state of Emergency was laid out in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A national state of Emergency could give authority to the army without the boots formally taking&nbsp;over.

But the army took its time.&nbsp;

<h2>Imran Khan's arrest, Nawaz Sharif's return</h2>

Imran Khan was arrested in August in a graft case. Two months later, the supremo of&nbsp;Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. The two major political events will decide the political future of Pakistan in the upcoming elections set to take place on February 8 next year.

After his ouster from power, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI)&nbsp;former chairman Imran Khan had been making statements against the then-Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified former Pakistan PM Imran Khan for five years from holding any public office after his conviction in the Toshakhana case.

In November, the Islamabad High Court acquitted Nawaz Sharif in the Avenfield Apartments corruption case, more than five years after he was convicted by an accountability court before the general elections in July 2018. The IHC also acquitted him in the Al-Azizia case — one of the three references filed against him in light of the Panama Papers scandal.

<h2>Baloch uprising</h2>

The year ended with the revival of the Baloch insurgency. The all-women's march was met with force in the capital Islamabad, teasing what 2024 holds for India's neighbour.

While the&nbsp;government claimed to have released '90 per cent'&nbsp;of the protesters, including all women and children, several Baloch demonstrators were still being held in custody following Islamabad police’s brutal crackdown on them during a protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the resource-rich province.&nbsp;

Journalist Declan Walsh, in his 2021 book&nbsp;Nine Live of Pakistan,&nbsp;describes the consequences of Pakistan's&nbsp;2013&nbsp;crackdown on Baloch dissidents.

"Not for the first time, the army was trying to hold Pakistan together by force, crushing its critics instead of talking to them. And not for the first time, in squeezing too hard, it seemed to be pulling the country even further apart," Walsh wrote.

At the end of 2023, the current crackdown appears to be another addition to Pakistan's record of harsh crackdown on Baloch dissidents. This occurs ahead of a national election where divisions exist within Pakistan's polity. The 2023 has set the background for an even more tumultuous 2024&nbsp;for India's western neighbour.

(With inputs from agencies)

An economic meltdown that put the nation on the brink of collapse, the arrest of a former prime minister, the return of another former prime minister from exile, a celebrity wedding that earned praises for its photographic symbolism of feminism, and the revival of a long-running insurgency by the end of the year - Pakistan had it all in 2023.

An economic meltdown that put the nation on the brink of collapse, the arrest of a former prime minister, the return of another former prime minister from exile, a celebrity wedding that earned praises for its photographic symbolism of feminism, and the revival of a long-running insurgency by the end of the year - Pakistan had it all in 2023. In January, the country's foreign reserves with the State Bank of Pakistan (SPB) dropped to an alarming level — at $3.1 billion in January 2023. Thousands of containers with essential supplies were stuck at different Pakistani seaports. Inflation rose to nearly 30 per cent. The country struggled to unlock funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In June, Islamabad finally reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on a $3 billion "nine-month Stand-by Arrangement (SBA)". The IMF executive board will finally meet on January 11, 2024, to consider the final approval to hand out to Pakistan the next $700 million tranche of its loan programme. On March 31, a deadly stampede in Pakistan's Karachi killed over 10 people at a free food distribution centre in Pakistan's Karachi. Imran Khan's 'mini-intifada' On May 9, 2023, hundreds of enraged supporters of ousted Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan pushed through the gates of army headquarters in Rawalpindi. The development occurred hours after Khan was arrested from a courtroom in the capital Islamabad, where he had sought bail for one of over 142 corruption cases filed against him through the Army-run National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Also read | To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada' The visuals from Rawalpindi, long deemed the real nucleus of power in Pakistan behind the semblance of democracy that exists in the capital Islamabad, were unprecedented. For the first time since 2007, Pakistan looked at what appeared to be an impending state of Emergency when the fundamental rights are suspended for the common citizens. A proposal for the imposition of a state of Emergency was laid out in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A national state of Emergency could give authority to the army without the boots formally taking over. But the army took its time. Imran Khan's arrest, Nawaz Sharif's return Imran Khan was arrested in August in a graft case. Two months later, the supremo of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. The two major political events will decide the political future of Pakistan in the upcoming elections set to take place on February 8 next year. After his ouster from power, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) former chairman Imran Khan had been making statements against the then-Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified former Pakistan PM Imran Khan for five years from holding any public office after his conviction in the Toshakhana case. In November, the Islamabad High Court acquitted Nawaz Sharif in the Avenfield Apartments corruption case, more than five years after he was convicted by an accountability court before the general elections in July 2018. The IHC also acquitted him in the Al-Azizia case — one of the three references filed against him in light of the Panama Papers scandal. Baloch uprising The year ended with the revival of the Baloch insurgency. The all-women's march was met with force in the capital Islamabad, teasing what 2024 holds for India's neighbour. While the government claimed to have released '90 per cent' of the protesters, including all women and children, several Baloch demonstrators were still being held in custody following Islamabad police’s brutal crackdown on them during a protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the resource-rich province. Journalist Declan Walsh, in his 2021 book Nine Live of Pakistan, describes the consequences of Pakistan's 2013 crackdown on Baloch dissidents. "Not for the first time, the army was trying to hold Pakistan together by force, crushing its critics instead of talking to them. And not for the first time, in squeezing too hard, it seemed to be pulling the country even further apart," Walsh wrote. At the end of 2023, the current crackdown appears to be another addition to Pakistan's record of harsh crackdown on Baloch dissidents. This occurs ahead of a national election where divisions exist within Pakistan's polity. The 2023 has set the background for an even more tumultuous 2024 for India's western neighbour. (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan's arrest to Nawaz Sharif's return and Baloch uprising, events that shook Pakistan in 2023

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said on Monday (Dec 25) that it would challenge Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to consider intra-party polls unconstitutional and revoke the 'cricket bat' symbol

ECP's five-member panel on Friday last week, rejected the party's internal elections and also denied its plea to have cricket bat as electoral symbol for upcoming general elections.

Mohammad Muazzam Butt, lawyer of PTI and the party's central information secretary was quoted by Dawn newspaper saying that the party would move Peshawar High Court and will file a writ petition on December 26.

Watch | Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River

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Butt reportedly termed ECP's decision to be "legally flawed" and claimed that the commission had failed to deliver justice.

Pakistan's electoral watchdog has held PTI's internal elections void in less than a month. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected as party chairman in the internal elections.

Gohar Khan who is close to Imran Khan (71) lost his chairmanship within days due to decision by the ECP.

<h2>Why the 'bat'?</h2>

Imran Khan, the famous former cricketer-turned-politician is currently in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He is facing multiple cases which the former PM claims are politically motivated. His stature as a cricketer may likely help him in elections if his party fights polls with a cricket-related electoral symbol.

But ECP has denied the permission.

“It is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated November 23 and failed to hold intra-party election following PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017,” it said in its decision.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/security-nightmare-in-pakistan-country-reports-highest-instances-of-suicide-attacks-since-2014-673296">Security nightmare in Pakistan? Country reports highest instances of suicide attacks since 2014</a>

The PTI has slammed the decision as being part of the “famous London Plan” and a “disgusting and shameful attempt to stop the party from [participating in the] election”. The party says it has enough support among Pakistan public which will hand it victory in general elections in February next year.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-in-2023-imran-khans-arrest-return-of-nawaz-sharif-and-baloch-uprising-672947">Imran Khan's arrest to Nawaz Sharif's return and Baloch uprising, events that shook Pakistan in 2023</a>

The party has decided to appeal the decision at every forum and has even said that its candidates will contest elections with the 'bat' symbol, come what may.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said on Monday (Dec 25) that it would challenge Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to consider intra-party polls unconstitutional and revoke the 'cricket bat' symbol ECP's five-member panel on Friday last week, rejected the party's internal elections and also denied its plea to have cricket bat as electoral symbol for upcoming general elections.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said on Monday (Dec 25) that it would challenge Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to consider intra-party polls unconstitutional and revoke the 'cricket bat' symbol ECP's five-member panel on Friday last week, rejected the party's internal elections and also denied its plea to have cricket bat as electoral symbol for upcoming general elections. Mohammad Muazzam Butt, lawyer of PTI and the party's central information secretary was quoted by Dawn newspaper saying that the party would move Peshawar High Court and will file a writ petition on December 26. Watch | Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River × Butt reportedly termed ECP's decision to be "legally flawed" and claimed that the commission had failed to deliver justice. Pakistan's electoral watchdog has held PTI's internal elections void in less than a month. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected as party chairman in the internal elections. Gohar Khan who is close to Imran Khan (71) lost his chairmanship within days due to decision by the ECP. Why the 'bat'? Imran Khan, the famous former cricketer-turned-politician is currently in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He is facing multiple cases which the former PM claims are politically motivated. His stature as a cricketer may likely help him in elections if his party fights polls with a cricket-related electoral symbol. But ECP has denied the permission. “It is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated November 23 and failed to hold intra-party election following PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017,” it said in its decision. Also Read | Security nightmare in Pakistan? Country reports highest instances of suicide attacks since 2014 The PTI has slammed the decision as being part of the “famous London Plan” and a “disgusting and shameful attempt to stop the party from [participating in the] election”. The party says it has enough support among Pakistan public which will hand it victory in general elections in February next year. Also Read | Imran Khan's arrest to Nawaz Sharif's return and Baloch uprising, events that shook Pakistan in 2023 The party has decided to appeal the decision at every forum and has even said that its candidates will contest elections with the 'bat' symbol, come what may. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party to approach high court against 'flawed' verdict from polls watchdog

The year 2023 has been one of the most tumultuous for Pakistan. In decades a massive surge in Terror attacks an unprecedented economic crisis an equally unprecedented challenge to the military and finally a devastating crackdown on the main opposition party.

WION Rewind 2023: May 9 riots and the fate of Imran Khan

Fresh tensions have emerged between Afghanistan and Pakistan as Afghanistan's Taliban government is planning to build a hydroelectric dam in the eastern part of Afghanistan. This has raised a lot of concerns within Pakistan.

Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River

Pakistan's Supreme Court office has returned an appeal seeking to set aside the three-year conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Toshakhana corruption case. The Toshakhana case is based on the allegations that the former premier violated the Toshakhana or state repository rules.

Pakistan Supreme Court: Imran's plea in Toshakhana case suffers from deficiencies

Pakistan: Supreme Court returns Imran Khan's appeal in Toshakhana case

Pakistan’s election regulator on Friday stripped former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of its iconic election symbol, a cricket bat, less than two months before Pakistan heads to the polls, with analysts saying the move would hurt the party’s chances of winning seats in the upcoming elections.

Pakistan: Bat symbol taken away from Imran Khan's PTI

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday (Dec 22) declared the intra-party elections of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as 'unconstitutional'. The election commission of India's western neighbour in South Asia also&nbsp;revoked PTI's claim on its 'bat' electoral symbol, ahead of the general elections scheduled on February.

The development comes weeks after the Election Commission of Pakistan had warned PTI to hold intra-party polls within three weeks or it will lose its electoral symbol.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-admits-losing-cipher-during-interrogation-by-fia-in-attock-jail-629664">Imran Khan admits losing cipher during interrogation by FIA in Attock jail</a>

"It is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017," the ECP said in its 11-page order.

The ECP also rejected a certificate and form by newly-appointed party chairman Gohar Khan who replaced&nbsp; Imran Khan as PTI chief. It also&nbsp;declared the PTI ineligible to obtain an electoral symbol under the Elections Act, 2017.

It said that PTI never submitted any record of any competent authority to exercise the intra-party elections.

<h2>PTI says it's 'part of the famous London plan'</h2>

Reacting to the ECP's order, the PTI called the decision a "part of the famous London plan" and a "disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI" from participating in the general elections, in a purported reference to the alleged collusion between former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistani deep state. Sharif, before his return to Pakistan in October, was stationed in London since 2019.&nbsp;

"The Election Commission of Pakistan has tried to destroy the constitution, democracy and transparency of elections in the country through its decision...This biased and biased decision of the Commission cannot stand in its place and we will challenge it before the Supreme Court," said the party on X.

<h2>No 'bat' for Imran Khan's party: What does it mean?</h2>

Pakistan is a country with&nbsp;one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia. Some of Imran Khan's strongholds in the predominantly tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are particularly backward in terms of Human Development Indicators.

Voters in these tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its bat symbol. Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party is identified with the cricket bat across Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-bat-for-imran-khan-pakistans-election-commission-may-take-away-ptis-electoral-symbol-662157">No bat for Imran Khan? Pakistan's election commission may take away PTI's electoral symbol</a>

In fact, 'Ballay pe thappa' (Stamp on the Bat) was the rallying call for Khan's supporters in 2018 when the PTI chief, then backed by Pakistan's army-intelligence complex, forged a coalition to be in Islamabad's Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;

The loss of the bat may very well translate into a loss of identity for embattled Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday (Dec 22) declared the intra-party elections of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as 'unconstitutional'.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday (Dec 22) declared the intra-party elections of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as 'unconstitutional'. The election commission of India's western neighbour in South Asia also revoked PTI's claim on its 'bat' electoral symbol, ahead of the general elections scheduled on February. The development comes weeks after the Election Commission of Pakistan had warned PTI to hold intra-party polls within three weeks or it will lose its electoral symbol. Also read | Imran Khan admits losing cipher during interrogation by FIA in Attock jail "It is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017," the ECP said in its 11-page order. The ECP also rejected a certificate and form by newly-appointed party chairman Gohar Khan who replaced Imran Khan as PTI chief. It also declared the PTI ineligible to obtain an electoral symbol under the Elections Act, 2017. It said that PTI never submitted any record of any competent authority to exercise the intra-party elections. PTI says it's 'part of the famous London plan' Reacting to the ECP's order, the PTI called the decision a "part of the famous London plan" and a "disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI" from participating in the general elections, in a purported reference to the alleged collusion between former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistani deep state. Sharif, before his return to Pakistan in October, was stationed in London since 2019. "The Election Commission of Pakistan has tried to destroy the constitution, democracy and transparency of elections in the country through its decision...This biased and biased decision of the Commission cannot stand in its place and we will challenge it before the Supreme Court," said the party on X. No 'bat' for Imran Khan's party: What does it mean? Pakistan is a country with one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia. Some of Imran Khan's strongholds in the predominantly tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are particularly backward in terms of Human Development Indicators. Voters in these tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its bat symbol. Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party is identified with the cricket bat across Pakistan. Also read | No bat for Imran Khan? Pakistan's election commission may take away PTI's electoral symbol In fact, 'Ballay pe thappa' (Stamp on the Bat) was the rallying call for Khan's supporters in 2018 when the PTI chief, then backed by Pakistan's army-intelligence complex, forged a coalition to be in Islamabad's Prime Minister's Office. The loss of the bat may very well translate into a loss of identity for embattled Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party says loss of election symbol part of ‘London plan’

The Pakistan Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 22) approved former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's bail in the cipher case against surety bonds of Rs 1 million each.&nbsp;

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah presided over the hearing and delivered the verdict.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief and his aide were indicted in the cipher case once again earlier this month by the special court, established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared their jail trial null and void.&nbsp;

Despite the repeated indictment, both have pleaded not guilty in the case and alleged&nbsp;that "powerful people" behind the cipher case had made them the scapegoat.

During the hearing on Friday, Khan's counsel argued that&nbsp;the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had acted in haste to arrest the former PM.&nbsp;

"The FIA remained silent in the case for seven months and then arrested the PTI leader as soon as he [Imran Khan] was granted bail in the Toshakhana case," the counsel told the bench.

While Khan has been granted bail, it remains unclear at this stage if he will be released from jail as there are&nbsp;multiple arrest warrants against&nbsp;his name in several other high-profile cases. The PTI leader has been in prison since August,&nbsp;after a conviction in another corruption case.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-imran-khan-and-mahmood-qureshi-indicted-again-in-cipher-case-669407">Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Imran Khan and Mahmood Qureshi indicted again in Cipher case</a>

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<h2>The cipher case</h2>

In the cipher case, Imran Khan faces allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the cipher. This was sent by Pakistan's embassy in Washington last year in March. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later.

Both Khan and Qureshi had claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-remains-disqualified-from-contesting-elections-after-conviction-appeal-fails-672275">Also read |&nbsp;Imran Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails</a>

Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April last year after a no-confidence vote. Since being relived of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Pakistan Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 22) approved former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's bail in the cipher case against surety bonds of Rs 1 million each.

The Pakistan Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 22) approved former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's bail in the cipher case against surety bonds of Rs 1 million each. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah presided over the hearing and delivered the verdict. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief and his aide were indicted in the cipher case once again earlier this month by the special court, established under the Official Secrets Act 2023 after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared their jail trial null and void. Despite the repeated indictment, both have pleaded not guilty in the case and alleged that "powerful people" behind the cipher case had made them the scapegoat. During the hearing on Friday, Khan's counsel argued that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had acted in haste to arrest the former PM. "The FIA remained silent in the case for seven months and then arrested the PTI leader as soon as he [Imran Khan] was granted bail in the Toshakhana case," the counsel told the bench. While Khan has been granted bail, it remains unclear at this stage if he will be released from jail as there are multiple arrest warrants against his name in several other high-profile cases. The PTI leader has been in prison since August, after a conviction in another corruption case. Watch | Pakistan: Imran Khan and Mahmood Qureshi indicted again in Cipher case × The cipher case In the cipher case, Imran Khan faces allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the cipher. This was sent by Pakistan's embassy in Washington last year in March. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later. Both Khan and Qureshi had claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan. Also read | Imran Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April last year after a no-confidence vote. Since being relived of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi granted bail by SC in cipher case

Pakistan’s former premier Imran Khan will run in upcoming parliamentary elections from prison, his party said Wednesday, which legal experts said is possible while his appeal of his conviction in a corruption case is being considered.

Will Imran Khan be allowed to contest polls?

Former PM Imran Khan wants to contest polls from three constituencies | Race to Power

On Tuesday, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif cleared yet another legal hurdle ahead of the Feb 8 general election after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted him in the Al-Azizia reference. The Al-Azizia case was one of the two graft references that Nawaz was convicted in. He was acquitted in the Avenfield reference on Nov 29 by the same bench.

‘India not responsible for Pakistan’s economy woes’, says Former-PM Nawaz Sharif, blames army

Whether Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan will be released from jail before the commencement of the general elections is anyone’s guess, but that won’t stop him from campaigning.

On Sunday evening (Dec 17), the leaders of&nbsp;his party,&nbsp;the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), released a voice clone of the cricketer-turned-politician that was made using artificial intelligence (AI).

Calling it a “virtual rally”, a 4-minute message of the 71-year-old leader was played out on social media despite nationwide internet disruptions monitored by NetBlocks.

It was viewed by more than 4.5 million people across Facebook, X and YouTube.

PTI told AFP news agency that Khan sent a shorthand script through lawyers that was meshed out into his rhetorical style.

The text was then dubbed into audio using a tool from the AI firm ElevenLabs, which boasts the ability to create a “voice clone” from existing speech samples.

<h2>AI makes debut in Pakistan's politics&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

“My fellow Pakistanis, I would first like to praise the social media team for this historic attempt,” the voice mimicking Khan said. “Maybe you all are wondering how I am doing in jail. Today, my determination for real freedom is very strong.”

According to PTI, the audio was bookended with genuine video clips from the Khan’s former speeches. However, the caption appearing at regular intervals said that it was the “AI voice of Imran Khan based on his notes”.

“This was a no-brainer for us, when Imran Khan is no longer there to meet at a political rally,” said the PTI social media chief Jibran Ilyas who is based in the US. “It was to get over the suppression.”

<h2>Parties gear up for Feb 8</h2>

The use of AI reflects PTI’s focus on its digital reach which has aided them to target younger audiences, who carried them to power five years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-big-blow-to-china-year-long-moratorium-on-entry-of-spy-ships-671275">Sri Lanka’s big blow to China: Year-long moratorium on entry of ‘spy ships’</a>

“We wanted to get in election mode. No PTI political rally is complete without Imran Khan,” Ilyas told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-grants-judges-spouses-airport-body-search-exemption-report-670583">Pakistan grants judges, their spouses exemption from body search at airports: Report</a>

Even as political parties are gearing up for the elections that will be held on February 8, Khan’s PTI party has been in disarray after several of its leaders were jailed and many defected in the aftermath the violent protests targeting army installations.

While behind bars Khan was replaced as the leader of PTI, his supporters still consider the former premier to be the figurehead of the party.

(With inputs from agencies)

Whether Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan will be released from jail before the commencement of the general elections is anyone’s guess, but that won’t stop him from campaigning.

Whether Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan will be released from jail before the commencement of the general elections is anyone’s guess, but that won’t stop him from campaigning. On Sunday evening (Dec 17), the leaders of his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), released a voice clone of the cricketer-turned-politician that was made using artificial intelligence (AI). Calling it a “virtual rally”, a 4-minute message of the 71-year-old leader was played out on social media despite nationwide internet disruptions monitored by NetBlocks. It was viewed by more than 4.5 million people across Facebook, X and YouTube. PTI told AFP news agency that Khan sent a shorthand script through lawyers that was meshed out into his rhetorical style. The text was then dubbed into audio using a tool from the AI firm ElevenLabs, which boasts the ability to create a “voice clone” from existing speech samples. AI makes debut in Pakistan's politics “My fellow Pakistanis, I would first like to praise the social media team for this historic attempt,” the voice mimicking Khan said. “Maybe you all are wondering how I am doing in jail. Today, my determination for real freedom is very strong.” According to PTI, the audio was bookended with genuine video clips from the Khan’s former speeches. However, the caption appearing at regular intervals said that it was the “AI voice of Imran Khan based on his notes”. “This was a no-brainer for us, when Imran Khan is no longer there to meet at a political rally,” said the PTI social media chief Jibran Ilyas who is based in the US. “It was to get over the suppression.” Parties gear up for Feb 8 The use of AI reflects PTI’s focus on its digital reach which has aided them to target younger audiences, who carried them to power five years ago. Also read | Sri Lanka’s big blow to China: Year-long moratorium on entry of ‘spy ships’ “We wanted to get in election mode. No PTI political rally is complete without Imran Khan,” Ilyas told AFP. Also read | Pakistan grants judges, their spouses exemption from body search at airports: Report Even as political parties are gearing up for the elections that will be held on February 8, Khan’s PTI party has been in disarray after several of its leaders were jailed and many defected in the aftermath the violent protests targeting army installations. While behind bars Khan was replaced as the leader of PTI, his supporters still consider the former premier to be the figurehead of the party. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s ex-PM Imran Khan starts campaign from prison using AI voice clone

Pakistan has shut down access to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube ahead of "virtual jalsa" by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Users across Pakistan reported finding it difficult to access social media platforms in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad since 8 pm (local time).&nbsp;

Users also complained about internet services being slow.&nbsp;

"Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across #Pakistan, including X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube," the internet tracking agency Netblocks wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) did not respond to the widespread complaints, which indicated the stifling of the political expression of individuals owing allegiance to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and his Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-lets-go-founder-imran-khan-as-party-captain-to-save-bat-for-elections-665466">PTI lets go founder Imran Khan as party captain to save 'bat' for elections</a>

Pakistani&nbsp;lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir said: "They actually messed with the internet affecting millions of subscribers and hundreds of thousands of businesses only to oppose PTI virtual rally. This is beyond madness."

In Pakistan, the military-intelligence nexus, dubbed as establishment, continues to remain the real power behind the semblance of democracy that emerges from Islamabad's Prime Minister's Office.

The South Asian country is scheduled to hold elections in February 2024,&nbsp;nearly two years after Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan was ousted from power after a parliamentary no-trust-vote which Khan <a href="&lt;blockquote class=&quot;twitter-tweet&quot; data-media-max-width=&quot;560&quot;&gt;&lt;p lang=&quot;en&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&amp;quot;America ney ik ...America nahi bahar se mulk..matalb kis aur mulk se..(America...no not America some other country)&amp;quot;, Pakistan PM Imran Khan during his address to nation indicating foreign hand in destabilizing his govt. &lt;a href=&quot;https://t.co/5Npq1fTbjg&quot;&gt;pic.twitter.com/5Npq1fTbjg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) &lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1509571970903719938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;&gt;March 31, 2022&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src=&quot;https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js&quot; charset=&quot;utf-8&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;">alleged</a> was orchestrated at the US' behest.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: PTI leaders announce possibility of talks with PML-N &amp; PPP

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Since August 2023, Imran Khan has remained jailed following a conviction in a corruption case. Earlier this week,&nbsp;a special court once again indicted former prime minister as well as&nbsp;ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case for allegedly leaking state secrets and violating the laws of the country.

Besides, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has prohibited the registration of new voters, as well as the deletion, revision, and correction of votes on electoral rolls, ARY News reported on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has shut down access to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube ahead of "virtual jalsa" by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Pakistan has shut down access to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube ahead of "virtual jalsa" by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Users across Pakistan reported finding it difficult to access social media platforms in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad since 8 pm (local time). Users also complained about internet services being slow. "Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across #Pakistan, including X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube," the internet tracking agency Netblocks wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) did not respond to the widespread complaints, which indicated the stifling of the political expression of individuals owing allegiance to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and his Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Also read | PTI lets go founder Imran Khan as party captain to save 'bat' for elections Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir said: "They actually messed with the internet affecting millions of subscribers and hundreds of thousands of businesses only to oppose PTI virtual rally. This is beyond madness." In Pakistan, the military-intelligence nexus, dubbed as establishment, continues to remain the real power behind the semblance of democracy that emerges from Islamabad's Prime Minister's Office. The South Asian country is scheduled to hold elections in February 2024, nearly two years after Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan was ousted from power after a parliamentary no-trust-vote which Khan alleged was orchestrated at the US' behest. Also watch | Pakistan: PTI leaders announce possibility of talks with PML-N & PPP × Since August 2023, Imran Khan has remained jailed following a conviction in a corruption case. Earlier this week, a special court once again indicted former prime minister as well as ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case for allegedly leaking state secrets and violating the laws of the country. Besides, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has prohibited the registration of new voters, as well as the deletion, revision, and correction of votes on electoral rolls, ARY News reported on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Social media platforms face disruption ahead of virtual gathering of Imran Khan's supporters

PTI's online gathering faces disruptions. Users reported having difficulty accessing social media platforms in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad shortly after 8 pm. Users also complained about internet services being slow.

Pakistan: Disruptions at PTI's virtual gathering | Race To Power

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