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President Trump repeated his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voice-of-karachi-chairman-lauds-trumps-comments-about-pakistans-role-in-promoting-terrorism-178160">Pakistan tirade in a Twitter</a> blast asserting that the US should have got the al-Qaida chief earlier.

On Monday, the president had told a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108"> television channel that the US </a>had given $1.3 billion a year to Pakistan but they didn't do " a damn thing" for the United States.

Trump said he has ended the yearly aid to Pakistan. Trump's latest potshot wasn't taken well by Pakistan PM Imran Khan who said that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror."

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Of course we should have captured Osama Bin Laden long before we did. I pointed him out in my book just BEFORE the attack on the World Trade Center. President Clinton famously missed his shot. We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars &amp; they never told us he was living there. Fools!..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1064540462848098304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Imran Khan said that "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion."&nbsp;

In his latest tweet, Trump once again took a swipe at Pakistan saying: "we no longer pay Pakistan the $Billions because they would take our money and do nothing for us, Bin Laden being a prime example."

"Of course we should have captured Osama Bin Laden long before we did."

"We paid Pakistan billions of Dollars &amp; they never told us he was living there. Fools!" he said.

"Afghanistan being another. They were just one of many countries that take from the United States without giving anything in return. That’s ENDING!," he added.

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....We no longer pay Pakistan the $Billions because they would take our money and do nothing for us, Bin Laden being a prime example, Afghanistan being another. They were just one of many countries that take from the United States without giving anything in return. That’s ENDING!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1064544156960387072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari reacting to President Trump's comments on Monday had said that US president "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

In August, the US had decided to cut financial aid to Pakistan from $1 billion to $150 million after passing the Defence Authorisation bill which stated that the US government could reduce aid to Pakistan if it took no action agains the Haqqani Network or the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).&nbsp;

In a January 1 tweet, the US president had said earlier in the year that Pakistan has given the US nothing but "lies &amp; deceit" while giving safe haven to terrorists in &nbsp;Afghanistan.

"The loss of Pak lives in US 'war on terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks, the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment and isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," the Pakistan human rights minister said. 
&nbsp;

President Trump repeated his Pakistan tirade in a Twitter blast asserting that the US should have got the al-Qaida chief earlier. On Monday, the president had told a television channel that the US had given $1.

President Trump repeated his Pakistan tirade in a Twitter blast asserting that the US should have got the al-Qaida chief earlier. On Monday, the president had told a television channel that the US had given $1.3 billion a year to Pakistan but they didn't do " a damn thing" for the United States. Trump said he has ended the yearly aid to Pakistan. Trump's latest potshot wasn't taken well by Pakistan PM Imran Khan who said that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror." Of course we should have captured Osama Bin Laden long before we did. I pointed him out in my book just BEFORE the attack on the World Trade Center. President Clinton famously missed his shot. We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars & they never told us he was living there. Fools!.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2018 × PM Imran Khan said that "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion." In his latest tweet, Trump once again took a swipe at Pakistan saying: "we no longer pay Pakistan the $Billions because they would take our money and do nothing for us, Bin Laden being a prime example." "Of course we should have captured Osama Bin Laden long before we did." "We paid Pakistan billions of Dollars & they never told us he was living there. Fools!" he said. "Afghanistan being another. They were just one of many countries that take from the United States without giving anything in return. That’s ENDING!," he added. ....We no longer pay Pakistan the $Billions because they would take our money and do nothing for us, Bin Laden being a prime example, Afghanistan being another. They were just one of many countries that take from the United States without giving anything in return. That’s ENDING! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari reacting to President Trump's comments on Monday had said that US president "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" In August, the US had decided to cut financial aid to Pakistan from $1 billion to $150 million after passing the Defence Authorisation bill which stated that the US government could reduce aid to Pakistan if it took no action agains the Haqqani Network or the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In a January 1 tweet, the US president had said earlier in the year that Pakistan has given the US nothing but "lies & deceit" while giving safe haven to terrorists in Afghanistan. "The loss of Pak lives in US 'war on terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks, the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment and isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," the Pakistan human rights minister said.

'We no longer pay Pak because they take our money and do nothing for us,' repeats Trump

Imran Khan's aide has denied the existence of an interview where the prime minister had said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">Pakistan was "desperate" for financial help from Saudi</a>.&nbsp;

"PM did not give any interview. A delegation of foreigners touring Pakistan called on him and were told about the state of affairs we are faced with. Why can't senior journalists like you get our version",&nbsp;Special Assistant to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque said.

In an interview to journalists on October 20 Imran Khan had said that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia.

Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month.&nbsp;He has however not been able to secure significant financial assistance to stave off a looming balance of payments crisis in Pakistan.

In response to Haque, Amanda Coakley, a freelance Irish journalist who was a part of a UK media delegation that conducted the interview, stated that Naeem ul Haque was present in the room when the "on-the-record interview" took place.

She tweeted, "I beg to differ Mr ul Haque. On Sunday 14th three British journalists and myself an Irish journalist went to Pak as part of a UK Media Delegation and were offered an interview with PM Khan. On Saturday 20th we met the PM and conducted an on-the-record interview which lasted 1 hour and 12 minutes. You were in attendance as was Mr Fawad Chaudhry and Mr Sarfraz Hussain, picture attached".

She also mentioned that the interview had been recorded on "different devices" by "all journalists present".

(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan's aide has denied the existence of an interview where the prime minister had said that Pakistan was "desperate" for financial help from Saudi. "PM did not give any interview.

Imran Khan's aide has denied the existence of an interview where the prime minister had said that Pakistan was "desperate" for financial help from Saudi. "PM did not give any interview. A delegation of foreigners touring Pakistan called on him and were told about the state of affairs we are faced with. Why can't senior journalists like you get our version", Special Assistant to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque said. In an interview to journalists on October 20 Imran Khan had said that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia. Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month. He has however not been able to secure significant financial assistance to stave off a looming balance of payments crisis in Pakistan. In response to Haque, Amanda Coakley, a freelance Irish journalist who was a part of a UK media delegation that conducted the interview, stated that Naeem ul Haque was present in the room when the "on-the-record interview" took place. She tweeted, "I beg to differ Mr ul Haque. On Sunday 14th three British journalists and myself an Irish journalist went to Pak as part of a UK Media Delegation and were offered an interview with PM Khan. On Saturday 20th we met the PM and conducted an on-the-record interview which lasted 1 hour and 12 minutes. You were in attendance as was Mr Fawad Chaudhry and Mr Sarfraz Hussain, picture attached". She also mentioned that the interview had been recorded on "different devices" by "all journalists present". (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan's aide denies interview where the PM said, 'desperate for help from Saudi'

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday arrived in Saudi Arabia and addressed the investment conference in Riyadh.

"The struggle to educate our people, strengthen our institutions especially our justice, some of the principles are more republic than ideal Muslim state was supposed to be," said Pakistan PM.

"We have been in power for 60 days, we have inherited for fiscal deficits, the current challenge is to increase our exports because of a shortage of Foreign Reserves, there are about 8-9 millions of Pakistani's who work abroad, immediate improvement in export, improvement of Pakistan Banking challenges, clamping down on money laundering and then create investment opportunities. These are the immediate measures that we have taken in these 2 months," he said. 
&nbsp; 
"Right now we need to have loans for repaying or servicing our debts. 
We are talking to IMF and also talking to Friendly states," Imran added.

On being asked if you are going for a loan to International Monetary fund Imran said: Yes we are talking to IMF and also have some loans from friendly governments. 
&nbsp; 
"Corruption is what makes a country poor, corruption is the main difference between a developed and developing the world. For eg: Congo is very rich in resources as compared to Switzerland.&nbsp;Corruption destroys state institutions, corruption diverts money from human developments to mega projects with mega kickbacks. With Pakistan, the challenge is how do we strengthen our institutions enough to put a crackdown on corruption," said Pakistan&nbsp;PM Imran Khan.

It is Khan’s second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month, but he has not succeeded in securing significant financial assistance to stave off a looming balance of payments crisis.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday arrived in Saudi Arabia and addressed the investment conference in Riyadh. "The struggle to educate our people, strengthen our institutions especially our justice, some of the principles are more republic than ideal Muslim state was supposed to be," said Pakistan PM.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday arrived in Saudi Arabia and addressed the investment conference in Riyadh. "The struggle to educate our people, strengthen our institutions especially our justice, some of the principles are more republic than ideal Muslim state was supposed to be," said Pakistan PM. "We have been in power for 60 days, we have inherited for fiscal deficits, the current challenge is to increase our exports because of a shortage of Foreign Reserves, there are about 8-9 millions of Pakistani's who work abroad, immediate improvement in export, improvement of Pakistan Banking challenges, clamping down on money laundering and then create investment opportunities. These are the immediate measures that we have taken in these 2 months," he said. "Right now we need to have loans for repaying or servicing our debts. We are talking to IMF and also talking to Friendly states," Imran added. On being asked if you are going for a loan to International Monetary fund Imran said: Yes we are talking to IMF and also have some loans from friendly governments. "Corruption is what makes a country poor, corruption is the main difference between a developed and developing the world. For eg: Congo is very rich in resources as compared to Switzerland. Corruption destroys state institutions, corruption diverts money from human developments to mega projects with mega kickbacks. With Pakistan, the challenge is how do we strengthen our institutions enough to put a crackdown on corruption," said Pakistan PM Imran Khan. It is Khan’s second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month, but he has not succeeded in securing significant financial assistance to stave off a looming balance of payments crisis.

Pakistan desperately looking for loans: Imran Khan at Saudi investment conference

IMF chief Christine Lagarde met with Pakistani officials Thursday and said a team would visit Islamabad for talks on a possible bailout of its shaky economy.

Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar, who is attending the Fund's annual meeting in Bali, announced earlier this week that the government would seek talks with the IMF on a "stabilisation recovery programme".

Lagarde earlier Thursday said the IMF had yet to receive anything formal from Islamabad but that she would meet with the Pakistani delegation in Bali.

"During the meeting, they requested financial assistance from the IMF to help address Pakistan's economic challenges," Lagarde said in a statement.

"An IMF team will visit Islamabad in the coming weeks to initiate discussions for a possible IMF-supported economic programme." Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday vowed to steer the country out of a looming balance-of-payments crisis, saying it needs US $10-12 billion.

"We will get out of this. I will take (the country) out of this," he said.

Khan's new administration took office in August vowing to weigh up whether to seek an IMF bailout as it sought other avenues of financing.

He has sought loans from friendly countries, promised to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of populist austerity measures.

But help has been in short supply and economists' warnings have grown increasingly urgent.

Pakistan has gone to the IMF several times since the late 1980s. The most recent was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis.&nbsp;

IMF chief Christine Lagarde met with Pakistani officials Thursday and said a team would visit Islamabad for talks on a possible bailout of its shaky economy. Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar, who is attending the Fund's annual meeting in Bali, announced earlier this week that the government would seek talks with the IMF on a "stabilisation recovery programme".

IMF chief Christine Lagarde met with Pakistani officials Thursday and said a team would visit Islamabad for talks on a possible bailout of its shaky economy. Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar, who is attending the Fund's annual meeting in Bali, announced earlier this week that the government would seek talks with the IMF on a "stabilisation recovery programme". Lagarde earlier Thursday said the IMF had yet to receive anything formal from Islamabad but that she would meet with the Pakistani delegation in Bali. "During the meeting, they requested financial assistance from the IMF to help address Pakistan's economic challenges," Lagarde said in a statement. "An IMF team will visit Islamabad in the coming weeks to initiate discussions for a possible IMF-supported economic programme." Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday vowed to steer the country out of a looming balance-of-payments crisis, saying it needs US $10-12 billion. "We will get out of this. I will take (the country) out of this," he said. Khan's new administration took office in August vowing to weigh up whether to seek an IMF bailout as it sought other avenues of financing. He has sought loans from friendly countries, promised to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of populist austerity measures. But help has been in short supply and economists' warnings have grown increasingly urgent. Pakistan has gone to the IMF several times since the late 1980s. The most recent was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis.

Pakistan finance minister meets IMF chief to seek bailout

Pakistan's&nbsp;new prime minister Imran Khan has pledged to steer the country out of the looming financial crisis by taking help from the IMF and "friendly countries".

Khan said that his country has two options, it can either go to friendly countries or&nbsp;it can also seek help from IMF.

"We will get out of this. I will take (the country) out of this. We have two options: one, we can go to friendly countries and ask them to bridge this gap; and second, that we go to the IMF," he said, adding that the government has decided to do "both".

Khan said the country needs $10-12 billion, which he dismissed as "not a major issue" in televised comments.

Blaming the condition of Pakistan on previous governments he said his government was forced to borrow money to pay back.

He said Pakistan is burdened due to debts incurred by the previous government and his government is constrained to borrow more money to pay back those debts.

Since he assumed office in August, Khan has pledged to take the country out of the balance of payments crisis.

He has taken several measures including auctioning of government properties and crowd funding to stabilise the shaky economy.

Khan also promised to&nbsp;recover funds stolen by corrupt officials.

Pakistan has gone to the IMF multiple times since the late 1980s. The last time was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis.

Khan, who came to power on an anti-corruption agenda and promises of building an Islamic welfare state, encouraged citizens not to get frustrated.

"This is a very small period (of crisis). Our country is a rich country, it is blessed by Allah. This country will come out of crisis," he said.

Khan also announced that his government will begin a massive low-cost housing scheme with the aim of building five million homes in five years.

He clarified that the government is seeking funds from external sources only for the short term, as the economic reforms and austerity measures initiated by his government "will take six months to show results".&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

His government has come under heavy criticism after the decision to seek a bailout package from the IMF as Khan in the past had vowed never to seek such assistance and also attacked previous government for going to IMF for loans.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's new prime minister Imran Khan has pledged to steer the country out of the looming financial crisis by taking help from the IMF and "friendly countries".

Pakistan's new prime minister Imran Khan has pledged to steer the country out of the looming financial crisis by taking help from the IMF and "friendly countries". Khan said that his country has two options, it can either go to friendly countries or it can also seek help from IMF. "We will get out of this. I will take (the country) out of this. We have two options: one, we can go to friendly countries and ask them to bridge this gap; and second, that we go to the IMF," he said, adding that the government has decided to do "both". Khan said the country needs $10-12 billion, which he dismissed as "not a major issue" in televised comments. Blaming the condition of Pakistan on previous governments he said his government was forced to borrow money to pay back. He said Pakistan is burdened due to debts incurred by the previous government and his government is constrained to borrow more money to pay back those debts. Since he assumed office in August, Khan has pledged to take the country out of the balance of payments crisis. He has taken several measures including auctioning of government properties and crowd funding to stabilise the shaky economy. Khan also promised to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials. Pakistan has gone to the IMF multiple times since the late 1980s. The last time was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis. Khan, who came to power on an anti-corruption agenda and promises of building an Islamic welfare state, encouraged citizens not to get frustrated. "This is a very small period (of crisis). Our country is a rich country, it is blessed by Allah. This country will come out of crisis," he said. Khan also announced that his government will begin a massive low-cost housing scheme with the aim of building five million homes in five years. He clarified that the government is seeking funds from external sources only for the short term, as the economic reforms and austerity measures initiated by his government "will take six months to show results". His government has come under heavy criticism after the decision to seek a bailout package from the IMF as Khan in the past had vowed never to seek such assistance and also attacked previous government for going to IMF for loans. (With inputs from agencies)

Will approach both friendly countries, IMF to overcome economic crisis: Imran Khan

The chairman of Voice of Karachi, Nadeem Nusrat hit out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while terming Islamabad government as "military stooge".

Nusrat also called Khan a weak leader and said that he can only design policies but execution and decisions are in the hands of the military.

"Pakistan has been a military state since its inception. Imran Khan can design foreign policies but the question is will he be given enough room to work and execute these policies," Nusrat told ANI.

When asked about Pakistan Foreign Minister Mehmood Shah Qureshi's statement on India's call for the conducive environment, Nusrat asserted that Pakistan is answerable for several things including the freedom given to the leaders of terrorist outfit like Lashkar-e-Taiba.

He also stated that it will be difficult for Pakistan to blame other countries until it resolves its own issues. "It is sad that Pakistan finds it problematic that India helps Afghanistan and accuses Islamabad of spying. Pakistan considers Afghanistan as its backyard and forgets that it is a sovereign state. Pakistan should be held accountable for the killing of 25,000 people in Karachi, abduction of Balochs and Sindhis. Rather than talking about the so-called human rights violation in Kashmir, Pakistan should first resolve these issues," he said.

He further advised Pakistan to work on confidence-building measures "if it wants to improve relations with the neighbouring countries".

The chairman of Voice of Karachi, Nadeem Nusrat hit out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while terming Islamabad government as "military stooge". Nusrat also called Khan a weak leader and said that he can only design policies but execution and decisions are in the hands of the military.

The chairman of Voice of Karachi, Nadeem Nusrat hit out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while terming Islamabad government as "military stooge". Nusrat also called Khan a weak leader and said that he can only design policies but execution and decisions are in the hands of the military. "Pakistan has been a military state since its inception. Imran Khan can design foreign policies but the question is will he be given enough room to work and execute these policies," Nusrat told ANI. When asked about Pakistan Foreign Minister Mehmood Shah Qureshi's statement on India's call for the conducive environment, Nusrat asserted that Pakistan is answerable for several things including the freedom given to the leaders of terrorist outfit like Lashkar-e-Taiba. He also stated that it will be difficult for Pakistan to blame other countries until it resolves its own issues. "It is sad that Pakistan finds it problematic that India helps Afghanistan and accuses Islamabad of spying. Pakistan considers Afghanistan as its backyard and forgets that it is a sovereign state. Pakistan should be held accountable for the killing of 25,000 people in Karachi, abduction of Balochs and Sindhis. Rather than talking about the so-called human rights violation in Kashmir, Pakistan should first resolve these issues," he said. He further advised Pakistan to work on confidence-building measures "if it wants to improve relations with the neighbouring countries".

Pakistan government a military stooge: Nadeem Nusrat

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district.&nbsp

In his first election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the scion of the storied Bhutto family who now heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is attempting to recapture the support his mother, two-time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, enjoyed on her return from exile in 2007, before she was assassinated on the campaign trail.

Party leaders insist the 29-year-old Bhutto, Oxford-educated like his mother and grandfather — also a former prime minister — brings a fresh new appeal to the party as it attempts to revive its waning fortunes in a general election called for July 25.

Further, Bilawal's sister Asefa Bhutto also filed nomination forms to contest from Rato Dera of the Sindh assembly. She is also a covering candidate of Bilawal Bhutto in Larkana.

Earlier PTI's Imran had announced party candidates for the majority of the assemblies. Khan would himself contest elections from five constituencies including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Mianwali, and Bannu.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms.

The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship.

It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers.

The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8.

The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19.

Meanwhile, the number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections.

The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document.

The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25. As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district. In his first election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the scion of the storied Bhutto family who now heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is attempting to recapture the support his mother, two-time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, enjoyed on her return from exile in 2007, before she was assassinated on the campaign trail. Party leaders insist the 29-year-old Bhutto, Oxford-educated like his mother and grandfather — also a former prime minister — brings a fresh new appeal to the party as it attempts to revive its waning fortunes in a general election called for July 25. Further, Bilawal's sister Asefa Bhutto also filed nomination forms to contest from Rato Dera of the Sindh assembly. She is also a covering candidate of Bilawal Bhutto in Larkana. Earlier PTI's Imran had announced party candidates for the majority of the assemblies. Khan would himself contest elections from five constituencies including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Mianwali, and Bannu. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms. The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship. It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers. The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8. The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19. Meanwhile, the number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections. The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document.

Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies

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