<p>The government of Pakistan has been advised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose an 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on food, medicine, petroleum items, and stationery, reported ARY news.</p>

<p>The IMF experts in a report to Islamabad have suggested Pakistan's newly elected government put an end to sales tax relaxation.</p>

<p>Following its December 2023 visit to Pakistan, the IMF team sent out a report in February 2024 that included several suggestions ahead of the FY2024–2025 budget.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IMF has suggested placing a number of goods, such as unprocessed food, stationery, medicine, POL products, and others, under the standard 18 per cent GST rate.</p>

<p>It assessed that rationalising GST rates could generate 1.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) revenue which equals Rs 1,300 billion in the national exchequer.</p>

<p>The IMF has overall demanded the removal of all the distortionary tax policy changes related to compliance, which includes the abolition of minimum taxes and additional taxes, as well as the abolition of the Ninth and Tenth Schedules.</p>

<p>In February, there were reports that Pakistan would seek a loan package from the International Monetary Fund in addition to $1.5 billion in climate finance.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/meet-pakistans-pm-shehbaz-sharif-militarys-new-favourite-to-run-crisis-ridden-nation-696331">Meet Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, military's new favourite to run crisis-ridden nation</a></p>

<h2><strong>Shehbaz Sharif aims to join G20 after being 'elected' Pakistan PM</strong></h2>

<p>Shehbaz Sharif, leader and brother of the three-time ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, won enough votes in the country’s National Assembly to retake the premiership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He delivered the victory speech on Sunday (Mar 3) and said that he would conduct what he called a “deep surgery” and bring changes to the system to get the cash-strapped country out of the economic crisis and secure membership in the Group of 20 (G20) countries by 2030.</p>

<p>Shehbaz spoke about the alarming debt crisis that Pakistan is facing and noted how even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“But if we decide to do a deep surgery and bring changes in the system, basic reform…I have no doubt…we can either get rid of a life of debt or we move forward with heads down in shame,” said the PM-designate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan has long struggled with a heavy debt load. Recently,&nbsp;it secured another bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which was Pakistan’s 23rd since it gained independence in 1947.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inflation rate in the country reached 29.7 per cent in December, and in 2023, the Pakistani rupee was Asia’s worst-performing currency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The government of Pakistan has been advised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose an 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on food, medicine, petroleum items, and stationery, reported ARY news.

The government of Pakistan has been advised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose an 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on food, medicine, petroleum items, and stationery, reported ARY news. The IMF experts in a report to Islamabad have suggested Pakistan's newly elected government put an end to sales tax relaxation. Following its December 2023 visit to Pakistan, the IMF team sent out a report in February 2024 that included several suggestions ahead of the FY2024–2025 budget. The IMF has suggested placing a number of goods, such as unprocessed food, stationery, medicine, POL products, and others, under the standard 18 per cent GST rate. It assessed that rationalising GST rates could generate 1.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) revenue which equals Rs 1,300 billion in the national exchequer. The IMF has overall demanded the removal of all the distortionary tax policy changes related to compliance, which includes the abolition of minimum taxes and additional taxes, as well as the abolition of the Ninth and Tenth Schedules. In February, there were reports that Pakistan would seek a loan package from the International Monetary Fund in addition to $1.5 billion in climate finance. Also read: Meet Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, military's new favourite to run crisis-ridden nation Shehbaz Sharif aims to join G20 after being 'elected' Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, leader and brother of the three-time ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, won enough votes in the country’s National Assembly to retake the premiership. He delivered the victory speech on Sunday (Mar 3) and said that he would conduct what he called a “deep surgery” and bring changes to the system to get the cash-strapped country out of the economic crisis and secure membership in the Group of 20 (G20) countries by 2030. Shehbaz spoke about the alarming debt crisis that Pakistan is facing and noted how even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money. “But if we decide to do a deep surgery and bring changes in the system, basic reform…I have no doubt…we can either get rid of a life of debt or we move forward with heads down in shame,” said the PM-designate. Pakistan has long struggled with a heavy debt load. Recently, it secured another bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which was Pakistan’s 23rd since it gained independence in 1947. The inflation rate in the country reached 29.7 per cent in December, and in 2023, the Pakistani rupee was Asia’s worst-performing currency. (With inputs from agencies)

IMF suggests Pakistan impose 18 per cent GST on food, medicines, petroleum: Report

<p>Weeks after the contentious February 8 elections and the political crisis that followed, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) leader and brother of the three-time ex-PM Nawaz Sharif won enough votes in the country’s National Assembly to retake the premiership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shehbaz Sharif delivered the victory speech&nbsp;on Sunday (Mar 3) amid widespread uproar and sloganeering by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed lawmakers who called him a ‘thief’&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Aim to join G20, tackle economic crisis</strong></h2>

<p>In his speech, the PM-designate said that he would conduct what he called a “deep surgery” and bring changes to the system and get the cash-strapped country out of the economic crisis and secure membership of the Group of 20 (G20) countries by 2030.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: EAM Jaishankar slams Pakistan, says 'SAARC in trouble due to Pakistan's terrorism</strong></p>

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<p>Shehbaz spoke about the alarming debt crisis that Pakistan is facing and noted how even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“But if we decide to do a deep surgery and bring changes in the system, basic reform…I have no doubt…we can either get rid of a life of debt or we move forward with heads down in shame,” said the PM-designate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan has long struggled with a heavy debt load, recently it secured another bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which was Pakistan’s 23rd since it gained independence in 1947.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inflation rate in the country reached 29.7 per cent in December, and in 2023, the Pakistani rupee was Asia’s worst-performing currency.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-elected-pakistan-pm-weeks-after-disputed-elections-696118">Shehbaz Sharif 'elected' Pakistan PM weeks after disputed polls</a></strong></p>

<p>“Our goal is to secure G20 membership by 2030,” said Shehbaz.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 developed and developing countries, including India and regional government bodies&nbsp;the African Union and the European Union, which play a critical role in steering the global economy through the significant challenges it faces.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Freedom for Kashmiris and Palestinians’</strong></h2>

<p>In his speech, Shehbaz also called on the National Assembly to pass a resolution for&nbsp;Kashmiris and Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-pakistan-a-country-soaked-in-red-after-latter-rakes-up-jk-at-un-694955">war of words</a> with Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, India asserted that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an “integral and inalienable part of India” and measures taken by New Delhi “ensure socio-economic development and good governance.”</p>

<p>“Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are internal to India,” said India’s First Secretary Anupama Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Will steer Pakistan’s ship to the shore’</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about PML-N lawmakers, Shehbaz also said that the party and its allies will play their role as Pakistanis, Muslims and human beings, according to Dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-proposes-14-billion-budget-for-jammu-and-kashmir-dwarfing-pakistans-3-billion-imf-bailout-687268">India proposes $14 billion budget for Jammu and Kashmir, dwarfing Pakistan’s $3 billion IMF bailout</a></strong></p>

<p>“There are talented people sitting in this Parliament who can steer Pakistan’s ship to the shore…these include journalists, intellectuals, politicians, religious leaders.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PM-elect has also promised subsidies directly to farmers, including providing seeds free of cost. The government will work with all four provinces for agriculture, said Shehbaz.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has also vowed to build state-of-the-art hospitals and medical facilities as well as improve the judicial system to provide swift justice. He announced that women and children who have been sentenced for less than two years will be freed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weeks after the contentious February 8 elections and the political crisis that followed, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) leader and brother of the three-time ex-PM Nawaz Sharif won enough votes in the country’s National Assembly to retake the premiership.

Weeks after the contentious February 8 elections and the political crisis that followed, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) leader and brother of the three-time ex-PM Nawaz Sharif won enough votes in the country’s National Assembly to retake the premiership. Shehbaz Sharif delivered the victory speech on Sunday (Mar 3) amid widespread uproar and sloganeering by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed lawmakers who called him a ‘thief’ Aim to join G20, tackle economic crisis In his speech, the PM-designate said that he would conduct what he called a “deep surgery” and bring changes to the system and get the cash-strapped country out of the economic crisis and secure membership of the Group of 20 (G20) countries by 2030. WATCH | India: EAM Jaishankar slams Pakistan, says 'SAARC in trouble due to Pakistan's terrorism Shehbaz spoke about the alarming debt crisis that Pakistan is facing and noted how even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money. “But if we decide to do a deep surgery and bring changes in the system, basic reform…I have no doubt…we can either get rid of a life of debt or we move forward with heads down in shame,” said the PM-designate. Pakistan has long struggled with a heavy debt load, recently it secured another bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which was Pakistan’s 23rd since it gained independence in 1947. The inflation rate in the country reached 29.7 per cent in December, and in 2023, the Pakistani rupee was Asia’s worst-performing currency. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif 'elected' Pakistan PM weeks after disputed polls “Our goal is to secure G20 membership by 2030,” said Shehbaz. The G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 developed and developing countries, including India and regional government bodies the African Union and the European Union, which play a critical role in steering the global economy through the significant challenges it faces. ‘Freedom for Kashmiris and Palestinians’ In his speech, Shehbaz also called on the National Assembly to pass a resolution for Kashmiris and Palestinians. Last week, in a war of words with Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, India asserted that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an “integral and inalienable part of India” and measures taken by New Delhi “ensure socio-economic development and good governance.” “Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are internal to India,” said India’s First Secretary Anupama Singh. ‘Will steer Pakistan’s ship to the shore’ Speaking about PML-N lawmakers, Shehbaz also said that the party and its allies will play their role as Pakistanis, Muslims and human beings, according to Dawn. Also Read | India proposes $14 billion budget for Jammu and Kashmir, dwarfing Pakistan’s $3 billion IMF bailout “There are talented people sitting in this Parliament who can steer Pakistan’s ship to the shore…these include journalists, intellectuals, politicians, religious leaders.” The PM-elect has also promised subsidies directly to farmers, including providing seeds free of cost. The government will work with all four provinces for agriculture, said Shehbaz. He has also vowed to build state-of-the-art hospitals and medical facilities as well as improve the judicial system to provide swift justice. He announced that women and children who have been sentenced for less than two years will be freed. (With inputs from agencies)

Shehbaz Sharif announces aim to join G20, rakes up Kashmir after being 'elected' Pakistan PM: Top points

<p>In a war of words with Pakistan at the High-Level Segment of the 55th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council, India said that its neighbouring country has institutionalised the systemic persecution of its minorities and that it has a truly abysmal human rights record which gives it no right to comment on New Delhi's internal matters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India was exercising its 'Right of Reply'&nbsp;while responding to the references made to New Delhi on Wednesday (Feb 28).&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's First Secretary Anupama Singh said that regarding the lengthy mentions of India made by Pakistan, the Council's forum has once again regrettably been abused to propagate flagrantly false accusations regarding New Delhi.</p>

<p>"With regard to the extensive references to India made by Pakistan, we note that it is deeply unfortunate for the Council's platform to have once again been misused to make patently false allegations against India," Singh said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-stops-flow-of-ravi-river-into-pakistan-by-building-new-barrage-69372">Bonanza for farmers as India stops flow of Ravi river into Pakistan</a></p>

<p>"The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and the constitutional measures taken by the Government of India to ensure socio-economic development and good governance in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are matters internal to India. Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are internal to India," the first secretary added.</p>

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<p>Calling the human rights record of Pakistan "truly abysmal," the first secretary said, "A country that has institutionalised the systemic persecution of its own minorities and has a truly abysmal human rights record, commenting on India, which is demonstrably making great strides in achieving economic progress and social justice, is not merely ironical but perverse."</p>

<p>"A glaring example was the large scale brutality perpetrated against the minority Christian community in Jaranwala city, Pakistan in August 2023, when 19 churches were gutted and 89 Christian houses burnt down. A country that hosts and even celebrates UNSC-sanctioned terrorists, commenting on India whose pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials are exemplars for the world, is a contrast for everyone to see," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan sponsors terrorism across the world: India's staunch reply&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Singh said that the Pakistani government has failed to fulfil the actual interests of its citizens and that it also sponsors terrorism throughout the world.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;How new sanctions imposed against Russia can affect India</strong></p>

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<p>"We cannot pay any further attention to a country that speaks while being soaked in red, the red of the bloodshed from the terrorism it sponsors around the world; the red of its debt-riddled national balance sheets; and the red of the shame its own people feel for their government having failed to serve their actual interests," Singh concluded.</p>

<p>The UN Human Rights Council's 55th Regular Session is being held from February 26-April 5.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a war of words with Pakistan at the High-Level Segment of the 55th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council, India said that its neighbouring country has institutionalised the systemic persecution of its minorities and that it has a truly abysmal human rights record which gives it no right to comment on New Delhi's internal matters.

In a war of words with Pakistan at the High-Level Segment of the 55th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council, India said that its neighbouring country has institutionalised the systemic persecution of its minorities and that it has a truly abysmal human rights record which gives it no right to comment on New Delhi's internal matters. India was exercising its 'Right of Reply' while responding to the references made to New Delhi on Wednesday (Feb 28). India's First Secretary Anupama Singh said that regarding the lengthy mentions of India made by Pakistan, the Council's forum has once again regrettably been abused to propagate flagrantly false accusations regarding New Delhi. "With regard to the extensive references to India made by Pakistan, we note that it is deeply unfortunate for the Council's platform to have once again been misused to make patently false allegations against India," Singh said. Also Read: Bonanza for farmers as India stops flow of Ravi river into Pakistan "The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and the constitutional measures taken by the Government of India to ensure socio-economic development and good governance in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are matters internal to India. Pakistan has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are internal to India," the first secretary added. India exercises Right of Reply against Pakistan at #HRC55 pic.twitter.com/rdTMVWYmFT — India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) February 28, 2024 × Calling the human rights record of Pakistan "truly abysmal," the first secretary said, "A country that has institutionalised the systemic persecution of its own minorities and has a truly abysmal human rights record, commenting on India, which is demonstrably making great strides in achieving economic progress and social justice, is not merely ironical but perverse." "A glaring example was the large scale brutality perpetrated against the minority Christian community in Jaranwala city, Pakistan in August 2023, when 19 churches were gutted and 89 Christian houses burnt down. A country that hosts and even celebrates UNSC-sanctioned terrorists, commenting on India whose pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials are exemplars for the world, is a contrast for everyone to see," she said. Pakistan sponsors terrorism across the world: India's staunch reply Singh said that the Pakistani government has failed to fulfil the actual interests of its citizens and that it also sponsors terrorism throughout the world. Watch: How new sanctions imposed against Russia can affect India "We cannot pay any further attention to a country that speaks while being soaked in red, the red of the bloodshed from the terrorism it sponsors around the world; the red of its debt-riddled national balance sheets; and the red of the shame its own people feel for their government having failed to serve their actual interests," Singh concluded. The UN Human Rights Council's 55th Regular Session is being held from February 26-April 5. (With inputs from agencies)

India calls Pakistan 'a country soaked in red' after latter rakes up J&K at UN

<p>Jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has opposed the&nbsp;prospect of securing any relief from his legal troubles via presidential pardon by President Arif Alvi, according to Pakistani media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI's Information Secretary Raoof Hasan told <em>The News </em>that in light of the demand for pardon from Imran's supporters and well-wishers on various platforms, including social media, the PTI boss had conveyed to President Alvi not to consider any such request.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Article 45 of the Pakistani Constitution empowers the president to pardon any convict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President shall have power to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal or other authority," it reads.</p>

<p>The cricketer-turned-politician has been embroiled in a host of legal cases since his ouster as the prime minister of the country. In the last few months, he has been convicted in the Cipher,&nbsp;Toshakhana and un-Islamic nikah case, inviting a collective 31-year prison sentence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-imran-khans-rivals-strike-deal-on-coalition-government-can-they-survive-692477"><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Imran Khan's rivals strike deal on coalition government | Can they survive?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Alvi's soft spot for Imran</strong></h2>

<p>Alvi, who was among the founding members of Imran's party, has been known to display a soft spot towards PTI and the former cricketer. Prior to the elections, he had asked the caretaker government to address concerns raised by Imran's party regarding the "erosion of fundamental rights" and lack of equal opportunities for candidates.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday (Feb 26) Alvi reportedly rejected a move to summon the first session of the newly elected National Assembly&nbsp;on February 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alvi rejected the summary from the caretaker parliamentary affairs ministry and maintained that all reserved seats be allocated before the summoning of the session.</p>

<p>Owing to his connections with Imran, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court in November last year seeking Arif's removal as the president.&nbsp;Filed by Ghulam Murtaza Khan, the petition demanded his removal on grounds of "misconduct" and that he had&nbsp;shirked his constitutional responsibilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petition added that Alvi had utilised his office and resources to host&nbsp;party meetings, in support of the PTI, which contends to&nbsp;misuse of presidential powers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-2800-to-4000-president-of-cash-strapped-pakistan-demands-massive-hike-in-monthly-salary-630580"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, Alvi's five-year presidential term officially concluded in September last year but he is currently holding the position under&nbsp;Article 44 of Pakistan's Constitution due to the dissolution of both provincial and national assemblies. Experts believe that before stepping down, Alvi might attempt to give Imran some breathing space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has opposed the prospect of securing any relief from his legal troubles via presidential pardon by President Arif Alvi, according to Pakistani media reports.

Jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has opposed the prospect of securing any relief from his legal troubles via presidential pardon by President Arif Alvi, according to Pakistani media reports. PTI's Information Secretary Raoof Hasan told The News that in light of the demand for pardon from Imran's supporters and well-wishers on various platforms, including social media, the PTI boss had conveyed to President Alvi not to consider any such request. Notably, Article 45 of the Pakistani Constitution empowers the president to pardon any convict. "The President shall have power to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal or other authority," it reads. The cricketer-turned-politician has been embroiled in a host of legal cases since his ouster as the prime minister of the country. In the last few months, he has been convicted in the Cipher, Toshakhana and un-Islamic nikah case, inviting a collective 31-year prison sentence. Watch | Gravitas: Imran Khan's rivals strike deal on coalition government | Can they survive? × Alvi's soft spot for Imran Alvi, who was among the founding members of Imran's party, has been known to display a soft spot towards PTI and the former cricketer. Prior to the elections, he had asked the caretaker government to address concerns raised by Imran's party regarding the "erosion of fundamental rights" and lack of equal opportunities for candidates. On Monday (Feb 26) Alvi reportedly rejected a move to summon the first session of the newly elected National Assembly on February 29. Alvi rejected the summary from the caretaker parliamentary affairs ministry and maintained that all reserved seats be allocated before the summoning of the session. Owing to his connections with Imran, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court in November last year seeking Arif's removal as the president. Filed by Ghulam Murtaza Khan, the petition demanded his removal on grounds of "misconduct" and that he had shirked his constitutional responsibilities. The petition added that Alvi had utilised his office and resources to host party meetings, in support of the PTI, which contends to misuse of presidential powers. Also read | From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary Notably, Alvi's five-year presidential term officially concluded in September last year but he is currently holding the position under Article 44 of Pakistan's Constitution due to the dissolution of both provincial and national assemblies. Experts believe that before stepping down, Alvi might attempt to give Imran some breathing space. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Will Arif Alvi grant presidential pardon to PTI chief Imran Khan?

<p>Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said on Friday (Feb 23) that he has written a letter to International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the world body to not approve new loan to Pakistan before an audit of the recently concluded elections, said reports in Pakistani media.</p>

<p>"The letter has been written to the IMF and will be dispatched today. If the country gets a loan in such a situation, then who will return it?," said Khan during hearing of GBP 190 million corruption case against him in Adiala jail, as per media reports.</p>

<p>The News International reports&nbsp;Khan saying&nbsp;that additional loan would be burdensome for the South Asian nation and would increase poverty.</p>

<p>A senator of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had said just a day ago that Khan would write such a letter to IMF urging it for an audit of the February 8 elections.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Shehbaz Sharif set to return as Pak PM | No photograph of living things in Afghanistan</strong></p>

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<p>The IMF, meanwhile, has indicated that it was ready to work with the new government in Pakistan.</p>

<p>IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said that the global body was ready to work "on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all of Pakistan’s citizens."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-pak-government-likely-by-march-2-presidential-poll-before-march-9-report-693357">New Pak government likely by March 2; presidential poll before March 9: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Imran Khan's party has alleged that the elections were rigged. When the counting of votes began, the PTI registered an impressive performance as candidates affiliated to it won 95 of 265 seats in Pakistan parliament. However, former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has emerged as the largest party. PMLN now has 108 lawmakers in the parliament.</p>

<p>PTI claims that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials engaged in widespread rigging of poll and declared defeat of PTI-linked candidates on dozens of seats in spite of their victory. The ECP has denied these allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PMLN has now joined hands with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and is in a process to form the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said on Friday (Feb 23) that he has written a letter to International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the world body to not approve new loan to Pakistan before an audit of the recently concluded elections, said reports in Pakistani media.

Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said on Friday (Feb 23) that he has written a letter to International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging the world body to not approve new loan to Pakistan before an audit of the recently concluded elections, said reports in Pakistani media. "The letter has been written to the IMF and will be dispatched today. If the country gets a loan in such a situation, then who will return it?," said Khan during hearing of GBP 190 million corruption case against him in Adiala jail, as per media reports. The News International reports Khan saying that additional loan would be burdensome for the South Asian nation and would increase poverty. A senator of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had said just a day ago that Khan would write such a letter to IMF urging it for an audit of the February 8 elections. Watch | Shehbaz Sharif set to return as Pak PM | No photograph of living things in Afghanistan × The IMF, meanwhile, has indicated that it was ready to work with the new government in Pakistan. IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said that the global body was ready to work "on policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and prosperity for all of Pakistan’s citizens." Also Read | New Pak government likely by March 2; presidential poll before March 9: Report Imran Khan's party has alleged that the elections were rigged. When the counting of votes began, the PTI registered an impressive performance as candidates affiliated to it won 95 of 265 seats in Pakistan parliament. However, former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has emerged as the largest party. PMLN now has 108 lawmakers in the parliament. PTI claims that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials engaged in widespread rigging of poll and declared defeat of PTI-linked candidates on dozens of seats in spite of their victory. The ECP has denied these allegations. PMLN has now joined hands with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and is in a process to form the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan asks IMF to hold election audit before new loan: Reports

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner. ARY News reported on Wednesday (Feb 21) citing sources that the committee has already recorded statements of District Returning Officers (DRO) and Returning Officers (ROs) of 13 National Assembly constituencies and 26 assembly constituencies of Rawalpindi division.</p>

<p>The findings, including the statements of DROs and ROs will be compiled and submitted to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. The party alleges that Raja failed to conduct free and fair elections.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | PML-N &amp; PPP to form coalition government, Sharif set to become PM</strong></p>

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<p>PTI had also&nbsp;demanded investigation into former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha's allegations. Chatha resigned from his post on February 17 saying that Pakistan's chief election commissioner and chief justice were involved in poll rigging. Both, the CEC and the Chief Justice of Pakistan have denied the allegations.</p>

<p>PTI is saying that an impartial inquiry into the claims would only be possible if CEC steps down from his position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following his allegations against the chief election commissioner, the former Rawalpindi commissioner was transferred and Rawalpindi Development Authority DG Saif Anwar Jappa was assigned the additional charge.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-pmln-and-ppp-reach-coalition-agreement-after-much-tussle-692139">Pakistan Elections: PML-N and PPP reach coalition agreement after much tussle</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently concluded general elections in Pakistan continue to generate controversy. In months before the elections, Pakistani authorities cracked down on PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan himself is in jail currently and faces a barrage of legal cases still pending against him. PTI was even removed from the election ballot forcing the party candidates to contest as independents.</p>

<p>In spite of huge odds stacked against the party, the candidates affiliated to it registered good performance in the elections. But former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif claimed victory for his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is looking into allegations of poll rigging and has formed a high-level committee to probe the matter. The investigation was triggered by allegations of poll rigging made by former Rawalpindi commissioner. ARY News reported on Wednesday (Feb 21) citing sources that the committee has already recorded statements of District Returning Officers (DRO) and Returning Officers (ROs) of 13 National Assembly constituencies and 26 assembly constituencies of Rawalpindi division. The findings, including the statements of DROs and ROs will be compiled and submitted to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has demanded immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. The party alleges that Raja failed to conduct free and fair elections. Watch | PML-N & PPP to form coalition government, Sharif set to become PM × PTI had also demanded investigation into former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha's allegations. Chatha resigned from his post on February 17 saying that Pakistan's chief election commissioner and chief justice were involved in poll rigging. Both, the CEC and the Chief Justice of Pakistan have denied the allegations. PTI is saying that an impartial inquiry into the claims would only be possible if CEC steps down from his position. Following his allegations against the chief election commissioner, the former Rawalpindi commissioner was transferred and Rawalpindi Development Authority DG Saif Anwar Jappa was assigned the additional charge. Also Read | Pakistan Elections: PML-N and PPP reach coalition agreement after much tussle Recently concluded general elections in Pakistan continue to generate controversy. In months before the elections, Pakistani authorities cracked down on PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan himself is in jail currently and faces a barrage of legal cases still pending against him. PTI was even removed from the election ballot forcing the party candidates to contest as independents. In spite of huge odds stacked against the party, the candidates affiliated to it registered good performance in the elections. But former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif claimed victory for his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan election body sets up committee to probe poll rigging allegations

<p>After nearly two weeks of tussle,&nbsp;the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) announced late Tuesday that a power-sharing arrangement had been reached. The elections held earlier this month failed to produce a decisive winner, forcing the dynastic parties to cobble together a coalition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PML-N and PPP agreed to put forward Shehbaz Sharif as the new prime minister while&nbsp;Asif Ali Zardari will take over as the president of the economically fragile country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz have attained the numbers and we will form a government," said PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of Zardari and the late Benazir&nbsp;Bhutto, at a late-night press conference.</p>

<p>"We are hopeful that Shehbaz Sharif will soon become the prime minister of the country and the whole of Pakistan should pray that the government should be successful.”</p>

<p>Sharif, sitting beside Bhutto added there were significant challenges ahead and that the coalition needed to "take Pakistan out of these challenges".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bilawal added the details of the sharing of key constitutional offices between the PPP and PML-N will come at a later date.</p>

<p>Notably, the alliance talks had hit a snag after PPP reportedly demanded key&nbsp;constitutional positions of president, chairman senate, and speaker of the National Assembly for its support to PML-N.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-elections-2024-imran-backed-pti-join-hands-with-sunni-ittehad-council-691962"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran backed PTI join hands with Sunni Ittehad council</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Controversial election results</h2>

<p>Pakistan's national elections have been controversial with several serious accusations of widespread rigging to alter the results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan won the maximum number of seats in Parliament, PML-N and PPP managed to combine forces and keep the former PM out of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To form a government, a party or coalition must have 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-petitioner-absent-pakistan-top-court-postpones-hearing-on-case-seeking-to-annul-feb-8-election-results-691620">Pakistan top court postpones hearing on case seeking to annul Feb 8 election results</a></strong></p>

<p>Independent candidates, most of whom are&nbsp;backed by the PTI, won 93 National Assembly seats in the election.</p>

<p>The PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has also agreed to support them with their 17 seats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After nearly two weeks of tussle, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) announced late Tuesday that a power-sharing arrangement had been reached.

After nearly two weeks of tussle, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) announced late Tuesday that a power-sharing arrangement had been reached. The elections held earlier this month failed to produce a decisive winner, forcing the dynastic parties to cobble together a coalition. The PML-N and PPP agreed to put forward Shehbaz Sharif as the new prime minister while Asif Ali Zardari will take over as the president of the economically fragile country. "The Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz have attained the numbers and we will form a government," said PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of Zardari and the late Benazir Bhutto, at a late-night press conference. "We are hopeful that Shehbaz Sharif will soon become the prime minister of the country and the whole of Pakistan should pray that the government should be successful.” Sharif, sitting beside Bhutto added there were significant challenges ahead and that the coalition needed to "take Pakistan out of these challenges". Bilawal added the details of the sharing of key constitutional offices between the PPP and PML-N will come at a later date. Notably, the alliance talks had hit a snag after PPP reportedly demanded key constitutional positions of president, chairman senate, and speaker of the National Assembly for its support to PML-N. Watch | Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran backed PTI join hands with Sunni Ittehad council × Controversial election results Pakistan's national elections have been controversial with several serious accusations of widespread rigging to alter the results. While the independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan won the maximum number of seats in Parliament, PML-N and PPP managed to combine forces and keep the former PM out of power. To form a government, a party or coalition must have 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Also read | Pakistan top court postpones hearing on case seeking to annul Feb 8 election results Independent candidates, most of whom are backed by the PTI, won 93 National Assembly seats in the election. The PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has also agreed to support them with their 17 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections: PML-N, PPP reach coalition deal; Shehbaz named PM, Zardari president

<p>Artificial intelligence has entered Pakistani electoral politics. Former prime minister Imran Khan claimed victory in the just-concluded election in an audiovisual message that contained his AI-generated voice.</p>

<p>The video posted in the early hours of Saturday (Feb 10) on the official X handle of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had a watermark saying "4th authorised AI voice of Imran Khan'.<br />
<br />
The PTI chief, currently in jail, appeared to congratulate Pakistani voters and denounce Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nawaz Sharif's claim of election victory.</p>

<p>The video had past visuals of Khan speaking in front of a camera, but the voice did not always sync with his lip movements.</p>

<p>In the message, Imran Khan's voice&nbsp;tells the voters that the huge turnout on election day has scared those in power and commends the courage of voters despite what he calls the prevalence of 'two years of tyranny'.</p>

<p>Almost immediately after it was posted, the video was seen by tens of thousands of social media users.</p>

<p>Here is the full audio-visual message.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chairman Imran Khan's victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTI’s landslide victory in General Elections 2024. <a href="https://t.co/Z6GiLwCVCR">pic.twitter.com/Z6GiLwCVCR</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1756025235575320995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Friday, loyalists&nbsp;of Imran Khan's PTI party appeared&nbsp;to take lead just when about half of the votes were counted. PTI loyalists' tally surpassed that of PML (N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP).</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates allege tampering of poll results</strong></p>

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<p>However, just hours later, Nawaz Sharif claimed victory and addressed his supporters saying that his party would form government with the help of other major parties such as Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan).</p>

<p>Authorities in Pakistan have been undertaking a sweeping crackdown against PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan's party was barred from contesting elections and removed from the ballot. As a result, PTI candidates contested elections as independents.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-imran-khan-allies-take-lead-at-half-way-point-688680">Pakistan elections: Imran Khan's allies take lead at half-way point of counting</a></strong></p>

<p>In Pakistan, independent candidates need to declare party affiliation within 72 hours of their victory. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"...even if PTI is unable to form a government, the elections show there are limits to political engineering," said Bilal Gilani, executive director of polling group Gallup Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It shows that the military does not always get their way -- that is the silver lining," Gilani was quoted as saying by AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Artificial intelligence has entered Pakistani electoral politics. Former prime minister Imran Khan claimed victory in the just-concluded election in an audiovisual message that contained his AI-generated voice.

Artificial intelligence has entered Pakistani electoral politics. Former prime minister Imran Khan claimed victory in the just-concluded election in an audiovisual message that contained his AI-generated voice. The video posted in the early hours of Saturday (Feb 10) on the official X handle of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had a watermark saying "4th authorised AI voice of Imran Khan'. The PTI chief, currently in jail, appeared to congratulate Pakistani voters and denounce Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nawaz Sharif's claim of election victory. The video had past visuals of Khan speaking in front of a camera, but the voice did not always sync with his lip movements. In the message, Imran Khan's voice tells the voters that the huge turnout on election day has scared those in power and commends the courage of voters despite what he calls the prevalence of 'two years of tyranny'. Almost immediately after it was posted, the video was seen by tens of thousands of social media users. Here is the full audio-visual message. Chairman Imran Khan's victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTI’s landslide victory in General Elections 2024. pic.twitter.com/Z6GiLwCVCR — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 9, 2024 × On Friday, loyalists of Imran Khan's PTI party appeared to take lead just when about half of the votes were counted. PTI loyalists' tally surpassed that of PML (N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Watch | Pakistan elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates allege tampering of poll results × However, just hours later, Nawaz Sharif claimed victory and addressed his supporters saying that his party would form government with the help of other major parties such as Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan). Authorities in Pakistan have been undertaking a sweeping crackdown against PTI leaders and cadre. Imran Khan's party was barred from contesting elections and removed from the ballot. As a result, PTI candidates contested elections as independents. Also Read | Pakistan elections: Imran Khan's allies take lead at half-way point of counting In Pakistan, independent candidates need to declare party affiliation within 72 hours of their victory. "...even if PTI is unable to form a government, the elections show there are limits to political engineering," said Bilal Gilani, executive director of polling group Gallup Pakistan. "It shows that the military does not always get their way -- that is the silver lining," Gilani was quoted as saying by AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan election: Imran Khan claims victory through AI-generated message on X

<p>The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has offered the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to choose the country’s next prime minister in exchange for occupying some of the key ministries in the government, sources told WION&nbsp;on Monday (Feb 12).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who will be the next PM?</strong></h2>

<p>The PML-N has offered the PPP the PM’s position and, in exchange, said that they would take some of the key ministries in the Pakistan government, but the so-called&nbsp;'key ministries'&nbsp;were not immediately known.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the PPP has instead reportedly offered them unconditional support and given them the option to stay out of the government and show support from outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-imran-khans-supporters-take-to-streets-after-controversial-poll-results-689256">&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan’s supporters take to streets after controversial poll results</a></strong></p>

<p>On Sunday (Feb 11), members and leaders from Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N and PPP held a meeting in the city of Lahore to discuss how to form the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Geo News citing sources said that the two parties discussed the possibility of appointing PMs from their parties for a three- and two-year term under a power-sharing formula.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PPP meeting</strong></h2>

<p>The former President of Pakistan and PPP chief Asif Ali Zardari and the party’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chaired a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at Zardari House in the capital city of Islamabad, said the PPP&nbsp;in a statement&nbsp;on late Monday (Feb 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the CEC discussed general elections and the future of the country. The members also exchanged views on the country’s current political and economic situation, said the PPP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the meeting, the vice president of the party, Sherry Rehman told the press that the CEC meeting will continue tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-report-says-transparency-was-largely-maintained-at-polling-stations-689159">&nbsp;Pakistan elections: Report says transparency was largely maintained at polling stations</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Uncertainty over next government</strong></h2>

<p>In the aftermath of the February 8 elections in Pakistan and competing claims of victory by both jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N, the son of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has asserted his party’s role as a potential kingmaker.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the talks between PML-N and PPP have raised tensions among PTI supporters who took to the streets in Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar&nbsp;on Saturday (Feb 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election results revealed that Imran Khan-backed candidates, running as independents, secured the most seats but fell short of a majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has offered the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to choose the country’s next prime minister in exchange for occupying some of the key ministries in the government, sources told WION on Monday (Feb 12).

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has offered the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to choose the country’s next prime minister in exchange for occupying some of the key ministries in the government, sources told WION on Monday (Feb 12). Who will be the next PM? The PML-N has offered the PPP the PM’s position and, in exchange, said that they would take some of the key ministries in the Pakistan government, but the so-called 'key ministries' were not immediately known. Meanwhile, the PPP has instead reportedly offered them unconditional support and given them the option to stay out of the government and show support from outside. ALSO READ | Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan’s supporters take to streets after controversial poll results On Sunday (Feb 11), members and leaders from Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N and PPP held a meeting in the city of Lahore to discuss how to form the government. A report by Geo News citing sources said that the two parties discussed the possibility of appointing PMs from their parties for a three- and two-year term under a power-sharing formula. PPP meeting The former President of Pakistan and PPP chief Asif Ali Zardari and the party’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chaired a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at Zardari House in the capital city of Islamabad, said the PPP in a statement on late Monday (Feb 12). It added that the CEC discussed general elections and the future of the country. The members also exchanged views on the country’s current political and economic situation, said the PPP. After the meeting, the vice president of the party, Sherry Rehman told the press that the CEC meeting will continue tomorrow. ALSO READ | Pakistan elections: Report says transparency was largely maintained at polling stations Uncertainty over next government In the aftermath of the February 8 elections in Pakistan and competing claims of victory by both jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N, the son of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has asserted his party’s role as a potential kingmaker. Meanwhile, the talks between PML-N and PPP have raised tensions among PTI supporters who took to the streets in Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar on Saturday (Feb 10). The election results revealed that Imran Khan-backed candidates, running as independents, secured the most seats but fell short of a majority. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan elections: Who will be the next PM? PML-N asks PPP to decide, sources tell WION

<p>Mohsin Dawar, former chairman of the Pakistan National Assembly’s standing committee on Foreign Affairs and candidate from NA-40 constituency was wounded in a firing in North Waziristan's Miran Shah on Saturday (Feb 10) as the country awaits the result of elections held on Thursday (Feb 8).</p>

<p>The incident took place when Dawar's supporters were staging a demonstration against the delay in&nbsp;the results of the elections.</p>

<p>As per Geo News channel, the police began firing and shelled tear gas during the demonstration.</p>

<p>Dawar was contesting from the NA-40 constituency in North Waziristan for a seat in the National Assembly and lost against a PTI-backed independent candidate Aurangzeb Khan, who won the seat with 20,443 votes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-army-chief-calls-for-freeing-nation-from-anarchy-and-polarisation-after-election-688859">Pakistan army chief calls for freeing nation from 'anarchy and polarisation' after election</a></p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan's party rejects Sharif's claim to power</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday (Feb 10) claimed that the party is assured that it has 'won' over 170 seats in the 252-seat National Assembly of Pakistan.</p>

<p>Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party was stripped of its popular cricket bat symbol and the politicians backed by it contested elections as independent candidates.</p>

<p>According to the latest seat figures available at the time of filing this report, the independent candidates (most of them backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) have won about 100 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's PML (N) with 54 seats and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's PPP's 17 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday evening, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of PML (N) first laid claim to power and said efforts have already begun for an alliance with PPP and others.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Pakistani media reported that the PPP and the PML (N) have agreed to form an alliance.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mohsin Dawar, former chairman of the Pakistan National Assembly’s standing committee on Foreign Affairs and candidate from NA-40 constituency was wounded in a firing in North Waziristan's Miran Shah on Saturday (Feb 10) as the country awaits the result of elections held on Thursday (Feb 8).

Mohsin Dawar, former chairman of the Pakistan National Assembly’s standing committee on Foreign Affairs and candidate from NA-40 constituency was wounded in a firing in North Waziristan's Miran Shah on Saturday (Feb 10) as the country awaits the result of elections held on Thursday (Feb 8). The incident took place when Dawar's supporters were staging a demonstration against the delay in the results of the elections. As per Geo News channel, the police began firing and shelled tear gas during the demonstration. Dawar was contesting from the NA-40 constituency in North Waziristan for a seat in the National Assembly and lost against a PTI-backed independent candidate Aurangzeb Khan, who won the seat with 20,443 votes. Also read: Pakistan army chief calls for freeing nation from 'anarchy and polarisation' after election Imran Khan's party rejects Sharif's claim to power Meanwhile, Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday (Feb 10) claimed that the party is assured that it has 'won' over 170 seats in the 252-seat National Assembly of Pakistan. Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party was stripped of its popular cricket bat symbol and the politicians backed by it contested elections as independent candidates. According to the latest seat figures available at the time of filing this report, the independent candidates (most of them backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) have won about 100 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's PML (N) with 54 seats and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's PPP's 17 seats. On Friday evening, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of PML (N) first laid claim to power and said efforts have already begun for an alliance with PPP and others. On Saturday, Pakistani media reported that the PPP and the PML (N) have agreed to form an alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections: Candidate Mohsin Dawar injured in shooting incident in North Waziristan

<p>Pakistan Elections: As&nbsp;the results of general elections held in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) lingers on, three recently elected independents to&nbsp;the National Assembly, on Saturday (Feb 10) declared they would&nbsp;join&nbsp;the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as per the Express Tribune.</p>

<p>As per the report, Barrister Aqeel, Raja Khurram Nawaz, and Mian Khan Bugti made an official announcement about their decision to join the PML-N, further strengthening the party's growing tally of elected members to the National Assembly.</p>

<p>Barrister Aqeel released a video message expressing gratitude to the constituents of NA-54, Taxila Wah, for their 'unwavering support' whilst accrediting their hard work and dedication behind his victory.</p>

<p>Aqeel further claimed that the seats rightfully belong to Nawaz Sharif and dedicated his success to the PML-N leadership, including Nawaz, his brother Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz, substantiating his loyalty to the party, The Express Tribune reported.</p>

<p>Raja Khurram Nawaz, who is the newly elected MNA from NA-48, Islamabad, also extended his heartfelt gratitude to voters and supporters across the constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While making the announcement about his decision to join the PML-N, he affirmed his commitment to make efforts for the development of the area as a member of the new government.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Mian Khan Bugti, who is an Independent candidate from NA-253 in Sibi Division, Balochistan, also joined the PML-N.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cast-from-the-past-how-pakistans-bat-less-election-in-2024-followed-zia-ul-haqs-dictatorship-script-688707">Cast From The Past: How Pakistan's bat-less election in 2024 followed Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship script</a></p>

<h2><strong>Supporters of PTI to stage protests&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The supporters of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and other political outfits are set to hold a nationwide demonstration on Sunday against the alleged rigging in the elections.</p>

<p>The decision, as per ARY News, came after the party's core committee held a meeting and announced to stage 'peaceful protests' across the country on Sunday afternoon in order to protect the sanctity of the vote.</p>

<p>"The people have given their verdict in a peaceful and constitutional manner," the PTI said, adding that&nbsp;it's time to protect the mandate.</p>

<p>Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday (Feb 10) claimed that the party is assured that it has 'won' over 170 seats in the 252-seat Pakistan National Assembly.</p>

<p>"Yesterday we saw that a person presuming himself as Prime Minister-elect gave a premature statement. He has no majority," Barrister Gohar said while denouncing the three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's claim to victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to a question by WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, the PTI chief Gohar Khan said that the party will conduct "no negotiations with anyone" to cross the majority mark in the National Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are not fighting with any institutions. All we do is respect the will of the people," Khan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Elections: As the results of general elections held in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) lingers on, three recently elected independents to the National Assembly, on Saturday (Feb 10) declared they would join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as per the Express Tribune.

Pakistan Elections: As the results of general elections held in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) lingers on, three recently elected independents to the National Assembly, on Saturday (Feb 10) declared they would join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as per the Express Tribune. As per the report, Barrister Aqeel, Raja Khurram Nawaz, and Mian Khan Bugti made an official announcement about their decision to join the PML-N, further strengthening the party's growing tally of elected members to the National Assembly. Barrister Aqeel released a video message expressing gratitude to the constituents of NA-54, Taxila Wah, for their 'unwavering support' whilst accrediting their hard work and dedication behind his victory. Aqeel further claimed that the seats rightfully belong to Nawaz Sharif and dedicated his success to the PML-N leadership, including Nawaz, his brother Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz, substantiating his loyalty to the party, The Express Tribune reported. Raja Khurram Nawaz, who is the newly elected MNA from NA-48, Islamabad, also extended his heartfelt gratitude to voters and supporters across the constituency. While making the announcement about his decision to join the PML-N, he affirmed his commitment to make efforts for the development of the area as a member of the new government. Meanwhile, Mian Khan Bugti, who is an Independent candidate from NA-253 in Sibi Division, Balochistan, also joined the PML-N. Also read: Cast From The Past: How Pakistan's bat-less election in 2024 followed Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship script Supporters of PTI to stage protests The supporters of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and other political outfits are set to hold a nationwide demonstration on Sunday against the alleged rigging in the elections. The decision, as per ARY News, came after the party's core committee held a meeting and announced to stage 'peaceful protests' across the country on Sunday afternoon in order to protect the sanctity of the vote. "The people have given their verdict in a peaceful and constitutional manner," the PTI said, adding that it's time to protect the mandate. Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday (Feb 10) claimed that the party is assured that it has 'won' over 170 seats in the 252-seat Pakistan National Assembly. "Yesterday we saw that a person presuming himself as Prime Minister-elect gave a premature statement. He has no majority," Barrister Gohar said while denouncing the three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's claim to victory. Responding to a question by WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, the PTI chief Gohar Khan said that the party will conduct "no negotiations with anyone" to cross the majority mark in the National Assembly. "We are not fighting with any institutions. All we do is respect the will of the people," Khan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections: Three newly elected Independents announce support for Nawaz Sharif's PML-N

<p>Pakistan's army chief General Syed Asim Munir said that the country needs to move on from the politics of "anarchy and polarisation", as the final results of the general elections came in.</p>

<p>The military has played a dominant role in the political landscape of Pakistan and several political analysts have alleged that the generals have been running the country for nearly half its history since its partition from India in 1947.</p>

<p>"The nation needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation, which does not suit a progressive country of 250 million people," said General Syed Asim Munir, as per the statement issued by the military.</p>

<p>The election results on Saturday (Feb 10) showed no clear majority and the country is now likely to face political horse-trading. However, a strong performance was seen by independent candidates, who were supporting jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nawaz-sharif-hints-at-improving-ties-with-india-as-poll-results-drag-on-688825">Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on</a></p>

<p>After the delayed results came in, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which enjoys the support of the army, declared victory as they said that they had the maximum&nbsp;number of seats.</p>

<p>"Elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people," Munir was quoted as saying in the military statement.</p>

<p>"Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people, which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US, EU, and UK express concern over irregularities in Pakistan elections</strong></h2>

<p>The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process in the wake of voting and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif invites rivals for coalition government</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-election-result-2024-nawaz-sharif-invites-rivals-for-coalition-government-688810/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The United States and the European Union both made statements regarding allegations of interference, which included arrests of activists and said that claims of interference, fraud and irregularities should be fully investigated.</p>

<p>The US State Department said Pakistan faced "undue restrictions on freedoms of expression" during the polls and also spoke about violence and attacks on media workers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's army chief General Syed Asim Munir said that the country needs to move on from the politics of "anarchy and polarisation", as the final results of the general elections came in.

Pakistan's army chief General Syed Asim Munir said that the country needs to move on from the politics of "anarchy and polarisation", as the final results of the general elections came in. The military has played a dominant role in the political landscape of Pakistan and several political analysts have alleged that the generals have been running the country for nearly half its history since its partition from India in 1947. "The nation needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation, which does not suit a progressive country of 250 million people," said General Syed Asim Munir, as per the statement issued by the military. The election results on Saturday (Feb 10) showed no clear majority and the country is now likely to face political horse-trading. However, a strong performance was seen by independent candidates, who were supporting jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Also Read: Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on After the delayed results came in, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which enjoys the support of the army, declared victory as they said that they had the maximum number of seats. "Elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people," Munir was quoted as saying in the military statement. "Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people, which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful," he added. US, EU, and UK express concern over irregularities in Pakistan elections The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process in the wake of voting and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities. Watch: Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif invites rivals for coalition government The United States and the European Union both made statements regarding allegations of interference, which included arrests of activists and said that claims of interference, fraud and irregularities should be fully investigated. The US State Department said Pakistan faced "undue restrictions on freedoms of expression" during the polls and also spoke about violence and attacks on media workers. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan army chief calls for freeing nation from 'anarchy and polarisation' after election

<p lang="en-US">The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process&nbsp;in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities.<br />
<br />
The election results still remains&nbsp;indecisive as both, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party and ex-prime minister Imran Khan declared victory.<br />
<br />
The elections were held on&nbsp;265&nbsp;national assembly seats, and to gain simple majority to form the government a party has&nbsp;to secure&nbsp;133 seats.</p>

<p lang="en-US">Till now, of 250 seats officially announced, Independents have 99 seats, PMLN has 71, PPP 53, MQM 17, PMLQ 3, IPP 2, JUI 2, MWM 1, BNP 1 and PMLZ has 1 seat and the&nbsp;results of 15 seats are awaited.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nawaz-sharif-hints-at-improving-ties-with-india-as-poll-results-drag-on-688825">Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on</a><br />
<br />
The United States and the European Union both made statements regarding allegations of interference, which included arrests of activists and said that claims of interference, fraud and irregularities should be fully investigated.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>US says 'undue restrictions&nbsp;on freedom&nbsp;of expression" during&nbsp;polls</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The US State Department said Pakistan faced "undue restrictions&nbsp;on freedoms of expression" during the&nbsp; polls and also spoke about violence and attacks on media workers.<br />
<br />
"We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated," said the United States, in a statement.<br />
<br />
The EU, in a statement, emphasised a "lack of a level playing field", and attributed it to "the inability of some political actors to contest the elections" and also emphasised restrictions imposed on freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and internet access.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif invites rivals for coalition government</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-election-result-2024-nawaz-sharif-invites-rivals-for-coalition-government-688810/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">The UN human rights office, earlier this week, denounced violence against candidates and political parties. It also raised concern over the "pattern of harassment, arrests and prolonged detentions of leaders and supporters" of Khan's party.<br />
<br />
The United States, European Union and Britain said that they are willing to work with Pakistan's next government and did not congratulate any party or candidate.<br />
<br />
In a statement, British Foreign Minister David Cameron noted "serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections."<br />
<br />
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has been facing multiple legal cases because of which he was disqualified as a candidate and sentenced to long prison terms.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Pakistan retorts back</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the statements, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said,&nbsp;"We have taken note of statements from certain countries and organizations on the general elections held in Pakistan on 8 February 2024. We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process, nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis."</p>

<p>"These statements ignore the undeniable fact that Pakistan has held general elections, peacefully and successfully, while dealing with serious security threats resulting primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism.&nbsp;Some statements are not even factual. There was no nationwide internet shutdown. Only mobile services were suspended for the day to avoid terrorist incidents on the polling day. The elections exercise has demonstrated that the concerns of many commentators were misplaced," it added.</p>

<p>"Pakistan held the elections as part of its commitment to building a stable and democratic society. While we value constructive advice from our friends, making negative commentary even before the completion of the electoral process is neither constructive nor objective. Pakistan will continue to work towards building a vibrant democratic polity. Every election and peaceful transition of power brings us closer to that goal. We do this not on account of the concerns expressed by others but because that is the aspiration of our people and the vision of our founding fathers," the ministry stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities.

The United States, the European Union and Britain on Friday (Feb 9) separately expressed concerns over Pakistan's electoral process in the wake of voting which took place on Thursday (Feb 8) and appealed for an investigation into reported irregularities. The election results still remains indecisive as both, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party and ex-prime minister Imran Khan declared victory. The elections were held on 265 national assembly seats, and to gain simple majority to form the government a party has to secure 133 seats. Till now, of 250 seats officially announced, Independents have 99 seats, PMLN has 71, PPP 53, MQM 17, PMLQ 3, IPP 2, JUI 2, MWM 1, BNP 1 and PMLZ has 1 seat and the results of 15 seats are awaited. Also Read: Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif hints at improving ties with India as poll results drag on The United States and the European Union both made statements regarding allegations of interference, which included arrests of activists and said that claims of interference, fraud and irregularities should be fully investigated. US says 'undue restrictions on freedom of expression" during polls The US State Department said Pakistan faced "undue restrictions on freedoms of expression" during the polls and also spoke about violence and attacks on media workers. "We join credible international and local election observers in their assessment that these elections included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process. Claims of interference or fraud should be fully investigated," said the United States, in a statement. The EU, in a statement, emphasised a "lack of a level playing field", and attributed it to "the inability of some political actors to contest the elections" and also emphasised restrictions imposed on freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and internet access. Watch: Pakistan Election Result 2024: Nawaz Sharif invites rivals for coalition government The UN human rights office, earlier this week, denounced violence against candidates and political parties. It also raised concern over the "pattern of harassment, arrests and prolonged detentions of leaders and supporters" of Khan's party. The United States, European Union and Britain said that they are willing to work with Pakistan's next government and did not congratulate any party or candidate. In a statement, British Foreign Minister David Cameron noted "serious concerns raised about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections." Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has been facing multiple legal cases because of which he was disqualified as a candidate and sentenced to long prison terms. Pakistan retorts back Reacting to the statements, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We have taken note of statements from certain countries and organizations on the general elections held in Pakistan on 8 February 2024. We are surprised by the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process, nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis." "These statements ignore the undeniable fact that Pakistan has held general elections, peacefully and successfully, while dealing with serious security threats resulting primarily from foreign-sponsored terrorism. Some statements are not even factual. There was no nationwide internet shutdown. Only mobile services were suspended for the day to avoid terrorist incidents on the polling day. The elections exercise has demonstrated that the concerns of many commentators were misplaced," it added. "Pakistan held the elections as part of its commitment to building a stable and democratic society. While we value constructive advice from our friends, making negative commentary even before the completion of the electoral process is neither constructive nor objective. Pakistan will continue to work towards building a vibrant democratic polity. Every election and peaceful transition of power brings us closer to that goal. We do this not on account of the concerns expressed by others but because that is the aspiration of our people and the vision of our founding fathers," the ministry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

US, EU, UK express concern over irregularities in Pakistan elections, urge for probe

<p><strong>Pakistan elections:</strong> Political turmoil in Pakistan following recently concluded elections continued on Saturday (February 10) and social media platform X faced nationwide disruption. Multiple reports in Pakistani media and internet blockage tracker Netblocks have confirmed this.</p>

<p>"Confirmed: Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to X/Twitter across #Pakistan; the incident comes amid political turmoil after a controversial election held under an internet and mobile network blackout," said Netblocks.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚠️ Confirmed: Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to X/Twitter across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>; the incident comes amid political turmoil after a controversial election held under an internet and mobile network blackout 📉 <a href="https://t.co/1sZpkbWN6L">pic.twitter.com/1sZpkbWN6L</a></p>
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/1756283124978257991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What's latest in Pakistan elections?</strong></h2>

<p>As reported by Pakistani news outlet Dawn, results for 253 out of 264 seats in the National Assembly of Pakistan have been declared and candidates loyal to former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan' Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are in the lead with 92 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) on 71. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is at third place with 54 seats. Other parties and unaffiliated independents have bagged a total of 33 seats.</p>

<p>On Friday (February 9) former Pakistan prime minister and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif declared victory for his party even before official statement from Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nawaz-sharif-hints-at-improving-ties-with-india-as-poll-results-drag-on-688825">Pakistan elections: PML-N, PPP agree to form coalition govt at Centre, Punjab, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>Within hours of Sharif's claim, an audio-visual message was tweeted from Imran Khan's official handle in which his voice could be heard congratulating Pakistani voters and claiming victory for PTI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chairman Imran Khan's victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTI’s landslide victory in General Elections 2024. <a href="https://t.co/Z6GiLwCVCR">pic.twitter.com/Z6GiLwCVCR</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1756025235575320995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Saturday, other PTI leaders&nbsp;strongly rejected Sharif's claim of victory.</p>

<p>"Yesterday we saw that a person presuming himself as Prime Minister-elect gave a premature statement. He has no majority," said Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, chief of PTI.</p>

<p>"According to [Imran] Khan sahib’s instructions, the areas in which our results were withheld and delayed — we will share that list with you — and intentionally our majority is being converted… to turn a winning seat into a defeat."</p>

<p>"This is why, God-willing, the areas in which the results were not declared, we will hold protests tomorrow in those constituencies outside the relevant RO offices."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-imran-khans-party-rejects-sharifs-claim-to-power-as-pti-backed-candidates-win-big-688939">Pakistan Elections: Imran Khan's party rejects Sharif's claim to power as PTI-backed candidates win big</a></strong></p>

<p>Imran Khan is currently in jail following in conviction of charges of treason, graft and having an un-Islamic marriage. The cricket icon-turned-politician faces nearly 200 cases. Khan and his supporters claim that all charges and convictions are 'politically motivated'.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan Elections 2024: Which alliance will inherit Pakistan's financial crisis?</strong></p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-elections-2024-which-alliance-will-inherit-pakistans-financial-crisis-688962/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<p>In recent months, authorities in Pakistan have been cracking down on PTI leadership and cadre. The party was barred from contesting elections and removed from the ballot. The party candidates hence contested elections as independents.</p>

<p>In Pakistan, an independent candidate needs to declare his party affiliation within 72 hours of election victory.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan elections: Political turmoil in Pakistan following recently concluded elections continued on Saturday (February 10) and social media platform X faced nationwide disruption.

Pakistan elections: Political turmoil in Pakistan following recently concluded elections continued on Saturday (February 10) and social media platform X faced nationwide disruption. Multiple reports in Pakistani media and internet blockage tracker Netblocks have confirmed this. "Confirmed: Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to X/Twitter across #Pakistan; the incident comes amid political turmoil after a controversial election held under an internet and mobile network blackout," said Netblocks. ⚠️ Confirmed: Live metrics show a nation-scale disruption to X/Twitter across #Pakistan; the incident comes amid political turmoil after a controversial election held under an internet and mobile network blackout 📉 pic.twitter.com/1sZpkbWN6L — NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 10, 2024 × What's latest in Pakistan elections? As reported by Pakistani news outlet Dawn, results for 253 out of 264 seats in the National Assembly of Pakistan have been declared and candidates loyal to former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan' Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are in the lead with 92 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) on 71. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is at third place with 54 seats. Other parties and unaffiliated independents have bagged a total of 33 seats. On Friday (February 9) former Pakistan prime minister and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif declared victory for his party even before official statement from Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Also Read | Pakistan elections: PML-N, PPP agree to form coalition govt at Centre, Punjab, says report Within hours of Sharif's claim, an audio-visual message was tweeted from Imran Khan's official handle in which his voice could be heard congratulating Pakistani voters and claiming victory for PTI. Chairman Imran Khan's victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTI’s landslide victory in General Elections 2024. pic.twitter.com/Z6GiLwCVCR — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 9, 2024 × On Saturday, other PTI leaders strongly rejected Sharif's claim of victory. "Yesterday we saw that a person presuming himself as Prime Minister-elect gave a premature statement. He has no majority," said Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, chief of PTI. "According to [Imran] Khan sahib’s instructions, the areas in which our results were withheld and delayed — we will share that list with you — and intentionally our majority is being converted… to turn a winning seat into a defeat." "This is why, God-willing, the areas in which the results were not declared, we will hold protests tomorrow in those constituencies outside the relevant RO offices." Also Read | Pakistan Elections: Imran Khan's party rejects Sharif's claim to power as PTI-backed candidates win big Imran Khan is currently in jail following in conviction of charges of treason, graft and having an un-Islamic marriage. The cricket icon-turned-politician faces nearly 200 cases. Khan and his supporters claim that all charges and convictions are 'politically motivated'. Watch | Pakistan Elections 2024: Which alliance will inherit Pakistan's financial crisis? × In recent months, authorities in Pakistan have been cracking down on PTI leadership and cadre. The party was barred from contesting elections and removed from the ballot. The party candidates hence contested elections as independents. In Pakistan, an independent candidate needs to declare his party affiliation within 72 hours of election victory. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Social media platform X blocked amid political turmoil

<p>Imran Khan, former prime minister of Pakistan and cricketer-turned-politician may be in jail but halfway into the counting of votes&nbsp;in Pakistan national elections, candidates loyal to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have taken lead. PTI has won around 49 seats so far. Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) is leading on 42 and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has bagged 34, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p>Imran Khan is&nbsp;in jail after being convicted of treason, graft and having an un-Islamic marriage. He is also facing about 200 cases. But Khan and his supporters say that cases against him are politically motivated.</p>

<p>Authorities launched sweeping crackdown on PTI in last few months and the party was barred from contesting elections and&nbsp;holding rallies. As PTI was taken off ballot, the candidates were forced to contest elections as independents.</p>

<p>In Pakistan, independent candidates have to declare their support to party within 72 hours of their victory. This often leads to 'horse-trading' and deal-making.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates allege tampering of poll results</strong></p>

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<p>As reported by AFP most of PTI loyalists have bagged seats in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region. Results from Pakistani Punjab province weren't fully declared. It is the most populous province and wields great political power in the country. Punjab has traditionally been a stronghold of the Sharif family.</p>

<p>"...even if PTI is unable to form a government, the elections show there are limits to political engineering," said Bilal Gilani, executive director of polling group Gallup Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It shows that the military does not always get their way -- that is the silver lining,"&nbsp;Gilani was quoted as saying by AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-counts-votes-to-decide-leader-of-crisis-hit-nation-688413">Pakistan counts votes to decide leader of crisis-hit nation</a></strong></p>

<p>The elections, held on Thursday (February 8) were hit by violence. As per the tally released by Pakistan's interior ministry, there were 61 attacks across the country, most of them were carried out in regions sharing border with Afghanistan.</p>

<p>There were at least 16 deaths, which included 10 security personnel. Fifty four people were also wounded in attacks across the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Elections 'rigged'</strong></h2>

<p>The delay in vote counting is being perceived by some voters as a sign of the elections being rigged.</p>

<p>"The delaying tactics speak loudly of the results being rigged and there is no other reason behind the delay," Nisar Ahmed (45) a shop owner told AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-nawaz-sharifs-seat-results-rigged-former-pm-accused-of-stealing-public-mandate-688675">Pakistan Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif's seat results rigged? Former PM accused of 'stealing public mandate'</a></strong></p>

<p>In the run-up to the elections, it was expected that PML(N) would bag most seats, but initial results indicate that PML(N) and PPP, both dynastic parties are involved in a tough fight.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Imran Khan, former prime minister of Pakistan and cricketer-turned-politician may be in jail but halfway into the counting of votes in Pakistan national elections, candidates loyal to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have taken lead.

Imran Khan, former prime minister of Pakistan and cricketer-turned-politician may be in jail but halfway into the counting of votes in Pakistan national elections, candidates loyal to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have taken lead. PTI has won around 49 seats so far. Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) is leading on 42 and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has bagged 34, as reported by AFP. Imran Khan is in jail after being convicted of treason, graft and having an un-Islamic marriage. He is also facing about 200 cases. But Khan and his supporters say that cases against him are politically motivated. Authorities launched sweeping crackdown on PTI in last few months and the party was barred from contesting elections and holding rallies. As PTI was taken off ballot, the candidates were forced to contest elections as independents. In Pakistan, independent candidates have to declare their support to party within 72 hours of their victory. This often leads to 'horse-trading' and deal-making. Watch | Pakistan elections 2024: PTI-backed candidates allege tampering of poll results × As reported by AFP most of PTI loyalists have bagged seats in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region. Results from Pakistani Punjab province weren't fully declared. It is the most populous province and wields great political power in the country. Punjab has traditionally been a stronghold of the Sharif family. "...even if PTI is unable to form a government, the elections show there are limits to political engineering," said Bilal Gilani, executive director of polling group Gallup Pakistan. "It shows that the military does not always get their way -- that is the silver lining," Gilani was quoted as saying by AFP. Also Read | Pakistan counts votes to decide leader of crisis-hit nation The elections, held on Thursday (February 8) were hit by violence. As per the tally released by Pakistan's interior ministry, there were 61 attacks across the country, most of them were carried out in regions sharing border with Afghanistan. There were at least 16 deaths, which included 10 security personnel. Fifty four people were also wounded in attacks across the country. Elections 'rigged' The delay in vote counting is being perceived by some voters as a sign of the elections being rigged. "The delaying tactics speak loudly of the results being rigged and there is no other reason behind the delay," Nisar Ahmed (45) a shop owner told AFP. Also Read | Pakistan Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif's seat results rigged? Former PM accused of 'stealing public mandate' In the run-up to the elections, it was expected that PML(N) would bag most seats, but initial results indicate that PML(N) and PPP, both dynastic parties are involved in a tough fight. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan elections: Imran Khan's allies take lead at half-way point of counting

<p>Terror outfit Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin blasts that shook Pakistan on Wednesday (February 7) just a day before the South Asian country is to hold national elections.</p>

<p>The group took to Telegram to claim that IS fighters detonated the explosives&nbsp;"in the middle of an election gathering...in the Killa Saifullah area in Balochistan" province, not long before claiming authority for a similar attack in the Pishin district of the province.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fact that a million security officers were deployed across the nation did not stop perpetrators from carrying out the blasts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The aim of today's blasts was to sabotage the election," said Jan Achakzai, caretaker information minister for Balochistan province, where the blasts happened.</p>

<p>"Despite today's blasts, the election will take place tomorrow. People of Balochistan will come out tomorrow without any fear."</p>

<p>The first blast involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that killed 16 people in the Pishin district of Balochistan. Those killed were standing outside the office of an independent candidate. The location is 50 kilometres from Quetta, the largest city in Balochistan province.</p>

<p>The second blast took place in the city of Killa Saifullah which is about 120 kilometres east. This blast killed 12 people near the office of a candidate from the Islamist Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party.</p>

<p>AFP reported that the candidate's office is located in the main bazaar of the city.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-troubled-nation-goes-to-polls-after-day-of-violence-roiled-by-vengeful-politics-shattered-economy-687984">Pakistan: Troubled nation goes to polls after day of violence, roiled by vengeful politics, crisis-hit economy</a></strong></p>

<p>A total of 34 people were injured in both attacks, according to Achakzai.</p>

<p>This is not the first attack against the (JUI-F) party. Last year in July, a suicide bomber attack at the party's rally&nbsp;claimed 44 lives. The rally was held in northwestern Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas | Pakistan: 1 dead and 3 injured in Karachi explosion</strong></p>

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<p>The third blast was reported from Karachi. As per reports in Pakistani media, one person was killed and a child sustained minor injuries in the blast. The blast took place in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area.</p>

<p>Campaigning for the Pakistan polls officially ended on Tuesday night. The voting is slated to begin at 8 am on Thursday (0300 GMT). It will conclude at 5 pm. Out of the total population of 240 million, the number of eligible voters is 128 million.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Terror outfit Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin blasts that shook Pakistan on Wednesday (February 7) just a day before the South Asian country is to hold national elections.

Terror outfit Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin blasts that shook Pakistan on Wednesday (February 7) just a day before the South Asian country is to hold national elections. The group took to Telegram to claim that IS fighters detonated the explosives "in the middle of an election gathering...in the Killa Saifullah area in Balochistan" province, not long before claiming authority for a similar attack in the Pishin district of the province. The fact that a million security officers were deployed across the nation did not stop perpetrators from carrying out the blasts. "The aim of today's blasts was to sabotage the election," said Jan Achakzai, caretaker information minister for Balochistan province, where the blasts happened. "Despite today's blasts, the election will take place tomorrow. People of Balochistan will come out tomorrow without any fear." The first blast involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that killed 16 people in the Pishin district of Balochistan. Those killed were standing outside the office of an independent candidate. The location is 50 kilometres from Quetta, the largest city in Balochistan province. The second blast took place in the city of Killa Saifullah which is about 120 kilometres east. This blast killed 12 people near the office of a candidate from the Islamist Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party. AFP reported that the candidate's office is located in the main bazaar of the city. Also Read | Pakistan: Troubled nation goes to polls after day of violence, roiled by vengeful politics, crisis-hit economy A total of 34 people were injured in both attacks, according to Achakzai. This is not the first attack against the (JUI-F) party. Last year in July, a suicide bomber attack at the party's rally claimed 44 lives. The rally was held in northwestern Pakistan. Gravitas | Pakistan: 1 dead and 3 injured in Karachi explosion × The third blast was reported from Karachi. As per reports in Pakistani media, one person was killed and a child sustained minor injuries in the blast. The blast took place in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. Campaigning for the Pakistan polls officially ended on Tuesday night. The voting is slated to begin at 8 am on Thursday (0300 GMT). It will conclude at 5 pm. Out of the total population of 240 million, the number of eligible voters is 128 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State claims responsibility for multiple blasts in Pakistan on election eve

<p>The caretaker government in Pakistan will consider shutting down the internet connections on the polling day on Thursday only if there is a request from a district or a province, interim Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>“So far, there has been no decision made regarding the suspension of internet services at any place. The caretaker government will consider shutting down the internet connections only if there is a request,” The News International newspaper reported, quoting him as saying.</p>

<p>Ejaz was addressing a press conference along with the caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi.</p>

<p>Ejaz’s announcement is important as just a day earlier, Solangi had turned down the possibility of an internet shutdown on February 8.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-will-imran-khan-bowl-out-army-from-prison-687168">Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison?</a></strong></p>

<p>“Local administrations have the authority to decide on an internet shutdown in light of the law and order situation, however, no such situation has so far been reported,” Solangi had said on Monday.</p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai had announced that the internet service will remain temporarily restricted in the sensitive polling booths in the province on the polling day.</p>

<p>Ejaz, while talking about the law and order situation on Tuesday, said that the government was making efforts to hold peaceful elections without any loss of lives.</p>

<p>“The election atmosphere in Sindh is full of excitement and it does not seem that any political party has enmity with another,” the newspaper quoted Ejaz as saying, and added that he did not see any tension between the candidates in Balochistan during his visit.</p>

<p>The interior minister said that the government will provide security in three layers – police, civil armed forces, and the army. “The commandos will be deployed in Balochistan to respond in the shortest possible time,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-70-per-cent-pakistanis-pessimistic-about-their-economy-ahead-of-elections-687542">Around 70 per cent Pakistanis pessimistic about their economy ahead of elections</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday upheld its stay order under which it had directed the authorities to provide uninterrupted internet service including mobile internet service across the country till the February 8 elections, Geo News reported.</p>

<p>On January 24, the SHC directed the authorities concerned to ensure uninterrupted access to internet services to all citizens till the February 8 elections.</p>

<p>During the hearing of a case today, SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi expressed dismay over the suspension of internet services, saying: “How would the internet work anywhere else when it's not even working for them [judges].”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-this-pakistani-village-women-are-barred-from-voting-by-their-husbands-687502">In this Pakistani village, women are barred from voting by their husbands</a></strong></p>

<p>“He remarked that it seemed as if the internet would function properly after the elections,” Geo News added.</p>

<p>The high court adjourned the hearing till February 21 as the lawyer for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) failed to appear before the court.</p>

<p>An independent candidate and rights activist Advocate Jibran Nasir had filed the petition in the SHC against the frequent suspension of internet services in the country ahead of the general elections.</p>


The caretaker government in Pakistan will consider shutting down the internet connections on the polling day on Thursday only if there is a request from a district or a province, interim Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz said on Tuesday.

The caretaker government in Pakistan will consider shutting down the internet connections on the polling day on Thursday only if there is a request from a district or a province, interim Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz said on Tuesday. “So far, there has been no decision made regarding the suspension of internet services at any place. The caretaker government will consider shutting down the internet connections only if there is a request,” The News International newspaper reported, quoting him as saying. Ejaz was addressing a press conference along with the caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi. Ejaz’s announcement is important as just a day earlier, Solangi had turned down the possibility of an internet shutdown on February 8. ALSO READ | Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison? “Local administrations have the authority to decide on an internet shutdown in light of the law and order situation, however, no such situation has so far been reported,” Solangi had said on Monday. Earlier on Sunday, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai had announced that the internet service will remain temporarily restricted in the sensitive polling booths in the province on the polling day. Ejaz, while talking about the law and order situation on Tuesday, said that the government was making efforts to hold peaceful elections without any loss of lives. “The election atmosphere in Sindh is full of excitement and it does not seem that any political party has enmity with another,” the newspaper quoted Ejaz as saying, and added that he did not see any tension between the candidates in Balochistan during his visit. The interior minister said that the government will provide security in three layers – police, civil armed forces, and the army. “The commandos will be deployed in Balochistan to respond in the shortest possible time,” he said. ALSO READ | Around 70 per cent Pakistanis pessimistic about their economy ahead of elections Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday upheld its stay order under which it had directed the authorities to provide uninterrupted internet service including mobile internet service across the country till the February 8 elections, Geo News reported. On January 24, the SHC directed the authorities concerned to ensure uninterrupted access to internet services to all citizens till the February 8 elections. During the hearing of a case today, SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi expressed dismay over the suspension of internet services, saying: “How would the internet work anywhere else when it's not even working for them [judges].” ALSO READ | In this Pakistani village, women are barred from voting by their husbands “He remarked that it seemed as if the internet would function properly after the elections,” Geo News added. The high court adjourned the hearing till February 21 as the lawyer for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) failed to appear before the court. An independent candidate and rights activist Advocate Jibran Nasir had filed the petition in the SHC against the frequent suspension of internet services in the country ahead of the general elections.

Pakistan elections: Govt to consider internet shut down if requested by any district or province on Feb 8

<p lang="en-US">At least 27 people were killed on Wednesday (Feb 7) and 40 others injured in twin blasts which rocked&nbsp;southwestern Balochistan province&nbsp;on the eve of Pakistan's general election.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The first blast took place outside a political party's office&nbsp;of independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar in Pishin, southwestern Balochistan province in which at least 15 people were killed and 30 others were injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The blast took place in the office of the candidate of Nokandi area of Pishin district,” said Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p lang="en-US">As per the&nbsp;Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) electoral list, Kakar is an independent candidate who is contesting for PB-47 with ‘bowl’ as his electoral symbol.</p>

<p lang="en-US">The second blast took place&nbsp;outside the office of&nbsp;Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) in the Killa Saifullah district, in which at&nbsp;least 12 people were killed and several others were&nbsp;injured,&nbsp;according to Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai.</p>

<h2><strong>Election Commission of Pakistan seeks report on blasts</strong></h2>

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan took notice of the blast in Pishin and immediately sought reports from the provincial police chief and provincial chief secretary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The election commission has sought immediate reports from the chief secretary and the Balochistan police chief and directed them to take action against those involved in the incident,” said the commission, as reported by Dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Balochistan’s caretaker Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zubair Khan Jamali took notice of the blast in Pishin.</p>

<p>In his statement, Jamali expressed regret over the lives which were lost in the blast and asked the deputy commissioner to submit a report.</p>

<p>He said that the enemies of the country have been looking to create instability. “The election process will not be affected by such an attack,” Jamali said.</p>

<h2><strong>Balochistan minister appeals people to vote</strong></h2>

<p>Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz strongly condemned the blast which took place outside the independent candidate’s election office in Pishin.</p>

<p>In a post shared on X, the interim minister offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.</p>

<p>The blast in Pishin was condemned by Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki and he sought a report from the interior ministry.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Bomb explosion near Peshawar public school, 5 injured in blast</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, the minister expressed deep sorrow and regret over those killed and instructed officials to arrest those involved in the incidents.</p>

<p>“Such incidents are a conspiracy to undermine the process of peaceful elections […] the elements involved in such incidents should be brought to justice […] All the resources are being used to provide complete security to the people,” Domki said.</p>

<p>He further encouraged people to not be afraid and exercise their right to vote tomorrow.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 27 people were killed on Wednesday (Feb 7) and 40 others injured in twin blasts which rocked southwestern Balochistan province on the eve of Pakistan's general election.

At least 27 people were killed on Wednesday (Feb 7) and 40 others injured in twin blasts which rocked southwestern Balochistan province on the eve of Pakistan's general election. The first blast took place outside a political party's office of independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar in Pishin, southwestern Balochistan province in which at least 15 people were killed and 30 others were injured. “The blast took place in the office of the candidate of Nokandi area of Pishin district,” said Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan, as reported by Reuters. As per the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) electoral list, Kakar is an independent candidate who is contesting for PB-47 with ‘bowl’ as his electoral symbol. The second blast took place outside the office of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) in the Killa Saifullah district, in which at least 12 people were killed and several others were injured, according to Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai. Election Commission of Pakistan seeks report on blasts The Election Commission of Pakistan took notice of the blast in Pishin and immediately sought reports from the provincial police chief and provincial chief secretary. “The election commission has sought immediate reports from the chief secretary and the Balochistan police chief and directed them to take action against those involved in the incident,” said the commission, as reported by Dawn. Balochistan’s caretaker Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zubair Khan Jamali took notice of the blast in Pishin. In his statement, Jamali expressed regret over the lives which were lost in the blast and asked the deputy commissioner to submit a report. He said that the enemies of the country have been looking to create instability. “The election process will not be affected by such an attack,” Jamali said. Balochistan minister appeals people to vote Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz strongly condemned the blast which took place outside the independent candidate’s election office in Pishin. In a post shared on X, the interim minister offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The blast in Pishin was condemned by Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki and he sought a report from the interior ministry. Watch: Pakistan: Bomb explosion near Peshawar public school, 5 injured in blast In a statement, the minister expressed deep sorrow and regret over those killed and instructed officials to arrest those involved in the incidents. “Such incidents are a conspiracy to undermine the process of peaceful elections […] the elements involved in such incidents should be brought to justice […] All the resources are being used to provide complete security to the people,” Domki said. He further encouraged people to not be afraid and exercise their right to vote tomorrow. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak: 27 killed as twin blasts rock areas near offices of Balochistan candidates on eve of elections

<p>A record 70 per cent of voters in Pakistan said ahead of general elections on Thursday (Feb 8) that they are pessimistic about their economy in the coming years,&nbsp;according to a new poll. The survey conducted by the United States-based global analytics and advisory firm Gallup also indicates a general rise in discontent about a multitude of economic, political and security challenges that Pakistan faces.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the economy</strong></h2>

<p>The survey conducted in late 2023 showed that Pakistanis were more pessimistic about their economy than at any point in the 18 years that Gallup polled them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report published on Tuesday (Feb 6) is based on data collected by Gallup after it conducted face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 1,000 adults aged 15 and older in Pakistan between September and October last year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-this-pakistani-village-women-are-barred-from-voting-by-their-husbands-687502">In this Pakistani village, women are barred from voting by their husbands</a></strong></p>

<p>A record-high 70 per cent of people said economic conditions are getting worse and nearly half said it was hard to make ends meet on their present income, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inflation rate in the country had reached 29.7 per cent&nbsp;in December, and in 2023 Pakistani rupee was Asia’s worst-performing currency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation did not change much in the last month as consumer prices rose 28 per cent in January compared to the year before which was by far the highest level of any country in Asia, reported Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Gallup poll, 70 per cent believe that their local economy and around 61 per cent said their personal standard of living was getting worse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Islamabad has long struggled with a heavy debt load, recently it secured another bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which was Pakistan’s 23rd since it gained independence in 1947. It has also relied on countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for financial support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The country of 241 million requires considerable political and economic reform to remedy the structural nature of its fiscal debts,” authors Hashim Pasha and Benedict Vigers wrote in the report published on Tuesday (Feb 6). They added, “For whoever wins the election, reform will be difficult without a popular mandate.”</p>

<h2>70 per cent lack trust in elections</h2>

<p>Around seven in 10 Pakistanis or 70 per cent “lack confidence in the honesty of their elections,” the survey found ahead of the elections describing the political atmosphere ahead of Pakistan’s first general election since 2018 as “glum”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-will-imran-khan-bowl-out-army-from-prison-687168">Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>According to the survey, 88 per cent believe that corruption within their government is widespread which is only two per cent higher than the year before, a record high for the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also noted that Pakistan’s political landscape has “remained unsettled” since the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Anti-immigrant sentiment and security situation</strong></h2>

<p>The survey found that Pakistanis have grown hostile toward immigrants last year, with only 37 per cent saying that it was a “good thing,” as opposed to the 53 per cent in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it reportedly seems to be in tandem with the country’s economic and security challenges, including a number of attacks and violence particularly in the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s border regions with Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A record 70 per cent of voters in Pakistan said ahead of general elections on Thursday (Feb 8) that they are pessimistic about their economy in the coming years, according to a new poll.

A record 70 per cent of voters in Pakistan said ahead of general elections on Thursday (Feb 8) that they are pessimistic about their economy in the coming years, according to a new poll. The survey conducted by the United States-based global analytics and advisory firm Gallup also indicates a general rise in discontent about a multitude of economic, political and security challenges that Pakistan faces. About the economy The survey conducted in late 2023 showed that Pakistanis were more pessimistic about their economy than at any point in the 18 years that Gallup polled them. The report published on Tuesday (Feb 6) is based on data collected by Gallup after it conducted face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 1,000 adults aged 15 and older in Pakistan between September and October last year. ALSO READ | In this Pakistani village, women are barred from voting by their husbands A record-high 70 per cent of people said economic conditions are getting worse and nearly half said it was hard to make ends meet on their present income, according to the report. The inflation rate in the country had reached 29.7 per cent in December, and in 2023 Pakistani rupee was Asia’s worst-performing currency. The situation did not change much in the last month as consumer prices rose 28 per cent in January compared to the year before which was by far the highest level of any country in Asia, reported Bloomberg. According to the Gallup poll, 70 per cent believe that their local economy and around 61 per cent said their personal standard of living was getting worse. Islamabad has long struggled with a heavy debt load, recently it secured another bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which was Pakistan’s 23rd since it gained independence in 1947. It has also relied on countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for financial support. “The country of 241 million requires considerable political and economic reform to remedy the structural nature of its fiscal debts,” authors Hashim Pasha and Benedict Vigers wrote in the report published on Tuesday (Feb 6). They added, “For whoever wins the election, reform will be difficult without a popular mandate.” 70 per cent lack trust in elections Around seven in 10 Pakistanis or 70 per cent “lack confidence in the honesty of their elections,” the survey found ahead of the elections describing the political atmosphere ahead of Pakistan’s first general election since 2018 as “glum”. ALSO READ | Pakistan Elections 2024: Will Imran Khan bowl out army from prison? According to the survey, 88 per cent believe that corruption within their government is widespread which is only two per cent higher than the year before, a record high for the country. The report also noted that Pakistan’s political landscape has “remained unsettled” since the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022. Anti-immigrant sentiment and security situation The survey found that Pakistanis have grown hostile toward immigrants last year, with only 37 per cent saying that it was a “good thing,” as opposed to the 53 per cent in 2022. However, it reportedly seems to be in tandem with the country’s economic and security challenges, including a number of attacks and violence particularly in the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s border regions with Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Around 70 per cent Pakistanis pessimistic about their economy ahead of elections

<p>In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of&nbsp;&nbsp; Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accused, identified as&nbsp;Satyendra Siwal, a native of the northern Indian city of Hapur in Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;had&nbsp;been posted at the Embassy since 2021 and worked as an MTS (multi-tasking&nbsp;staff) at the Ministry of External Affairs.</p>

<p>According to reports, he was arrested after ATS received intelligence from confidential sources that an ISI spy was operating from the Embassy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Acting on the information, UP ATS questioned Siwal, who initially gave unsatisfactory answers. However, later he confessed to spying and was arrested in Meerut.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-paks-isi-spooked-after-mystery-killings-of-terrorists-641069"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pak's ISI spooked after mystery killings of terrorists</strong></a></p>

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<p>Siwal was allegedly extracting confidential documents by exploiting his position within the Indian Embassy.&nbsp;Motivated by greed for money, he extracted critical information about the Indian Army and its day-to-day functioning.</p>

<p>Additionally, he also passed&nbsp;critical information concerning the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments to ISI handlers.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous incidents</strong></h2>

<p>In October last year, a Pakistani man who had been granted Indian citizenship in 2005 was caught by the&nbsp;ATS for&nbsp;allegedly spying on Indian defence personnel via WhatsApp.</p>

<p>The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Labhshankar Maheshwari, hailed from Tarapur town in Anand district in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The snooping was done to allegedly help Pakistani authorities. The plot involved sending spyware to the WhatsApp of Indian defence personnel in the garb of a fake 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, which sought to encourage every Indian household to sport the national flag.</p>

<p>The accused had&nbsp;been booked under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Act&nbsp;section 123 (concealing with intent to facilitate a design to wage war against the government) and 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against the government) and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ISI’s nefarious plans</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the ISI has been notorious for attempting to infiltrate the Indian bureaucratic setups with its spies. When not busy planting moles, ISI lays the groundwork to stoke the separatism cause in India and abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, several intel reports found that ISI had been providing funds to intensify&nbsp;Khalistani activities in Canada.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistans-inter-services-intelligence-isi-funding-khalistan-activities-in-canada-report-637939"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence funding Khalistan activities in Canada: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>The funding, according to the report, has been utilised to take people to the protest site, make posters and banners, and also to instigate youth against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The accused, identified as Satyendra Siwal, a native of the northern Indian city of Hapur in Uttar Pradesh had been posted at the Embassy since 2021 and worked as an MTS (multi-tasking staff) at the Ministry of External Affairs. According to reports, he was arrested after ATS received intelligence from confidential sources that an ISI spy was operating from the Embassy. Acting on the information, UP ATS questioned Siwal, who initially gave unsatisfactory answers. However, later he confessed to spying and was arrested in Meerut. Watch | Gravitas: Pak's ISI spooked after mystery killings of terrorists × Siwal was allegedly extracting confidential documents by exploiting his position within the Indian Embassy. Motivated by greed for money, he extracted critical information about the Indian Army and its day-to-day functioning. Additionally, he also passed critical information concerning the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments to ISI handlers. Previous incidents In October last year, a Pakistani man who had been granted Indian citizenship in 2005 was caught by the ATS for allegedly spying on Indian defence personnel via WhatsApp. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Labhshankar Maheshwari, hailed from Tarapur town in Anand district in Gujarat. The snooping was done to allegedly help Pakistani authorities. The plot involved sending spyware to the WhatsApp of Indian defence personnel in the garb of a fake 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, which sought to encourage every Indian household to sport the national flag. The accused had been booked under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Act section 123 (concealing with intent to facilitate a design to wage war against the government) and 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against the government) and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. ISI’s nefarious plans Notably, the ISI has been notorious for attempting to infiltrate the Indian bureaucratic setups with its spies. When not busy planting moles, ISI lays the groundwork to stoke the separatism cause in India and abroad. Last year, several intel reports found that ISI had been providing funds to intensify Khalistani activities in Canada. Also read | Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence funding Khalistan activities in Canada: Report The funding, according to the report, has been utilised to take people to the protest site, make posters and banners, and also to instigate youth against India. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Embassy employee in Moscow arrested for spying, links to Pakistan’s ISI

<p>As Pakistan gears up for its general elections scheduled to take place on February 8, the government of Balochistan has implemented a ban on public meetings and election gatherings after a threat alert with the “potential involvement of a female suicide bomber.” The ban comes days after the province was rattled by at least 10 bomb and grenade attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the ban</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, Jan Achakzai, Balochistan’s Minister of Information and Public Relations said that the ban was imposed following a bomb threat and urged all political parties and candidates to hold meetings indoors to “minimise the risk”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The govt of Balochistan has implemented a ban on public meetings and election gatherings in Quetta, in response to a threat alert regarding the potential involvement of a female suicide bomber,” said Achakzai in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “All political parties and candidates have been urged to conduct their meetings indoors to minimise the risk. The GOB places great importance on public safety, while also recognising the necessity of election campaigns.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-blast-during-pti-rally-kills-at-least-four-people-in-balochistans-sibi-685243">Pakistan: Blast during PTI rally kills at least four people in Balochistan's Sibi</a></strong></p>

<p>The statement also comes amid a series of bomb blasts that Pakistan has witnessed over the past couple of months as well as days ahead of the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Blasts and threats across Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>The upcoming February 8 general elections in Pakistan have been marred by violence. Balochistan witnessed at least 10 bomb and grenade attacks on Thursday (Feb 1) that also claimed the life of one person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bombs were said to be placed along a footpath on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) road in the Spinny area of Quetta, reported news agency PTI citing Quetta SSP (operations) Jawad Tariq.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in the Pakistani province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, several prominent political figures have been given threats. The law enforcement agencies in the country have also been grappling with acts of terrorism and violence across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan ahead of the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-blast-rocks-election-commissions-office-in-karachi-686507">Pakistan Elections 2024: Blast rocks Election Commission's office in Karachi</a></strong></p>

<p>On Friday (Feb 2), at least six people&nbsp;were injured in multiple hand grenade attacks in different towns across Balochistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the same day, a low-intensity explosion was reported near the Provincial Election Commission (PEC) office in Pakistan’s city of Karachi’s Saddar area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 18,000 candidates are contesting for the upcoming National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies, reported PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


As Pakistan gears up for its general elections scheduled to take place on February 8, the government of Balochistan has implemented a ban on public meetings and election gatherings after a threat alert with the “potential involvement of a female suicide bomber.

As Pakistan gears up for its general elections scheduled to take place on February 8, the government of Balochistan has implemented a ban on public meetings and election gatherings after a threat alert with the “potential involvement of a female suicide bomber.” The ban comes days after the province was rattled by at least 10 bomb and grenade attacks. About the ban In a statement, Jan Achakzai, Balochistan’s Minister of Information and Public Relations said that the ban was imposed following a bomb threat and urged all political parties and candidates to hold meetings indoors to “minimise the risk”. “The govt of Balochistan has implemented a ban on public meetings and election gatherings in Quetta, in response to a threat alert regarding the potential involvement of a female suicide bomber,” said Achakzai in a post on X. He added, “All political parties and candidates have been urged to conduct their meetings indoors to minimise the risk. The GOB places great importance on public safety, while also recognising the necessity of election campaigns.” ALSO READ | Pakistan: Blast during PTI rally kills at least four people in Balochistan's Sibi The statement also comes amid a series of bomb blasts that Pakistan has witnessed over the past couple of months as well as days ahead of the general elections. Blasts and threats across Pakistan The upcoming February 8 general elections in Pakistan have been marred by violence. Balochistan witnessed at least 10 bomb and grenade attacks on Thursday (Feb 1) that also claimed the life of one person. The bombs were said to be placed along a footpath on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) road in the Spinny area of Quetta, reported news agency PTI citing Quetta SSP (operations) Jawad Tariq. Meanwhile, in the Pakistani province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, several prominent political figures have been given threats. The law enforcement agencies in the country have also been grappling with acts of terrorism and violence across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan ahead of the elections. ALSO READ | Pakistan Elections 2024: Blast rocks Election Commission's office in Karachi On Friday (Feb 2), at least six people were injured in multiple hand grenade attacks in different towns across Balochistan. On the same day, a low-intensity explosion was reported near the Provincial Election Commission (PEC) office in Pakistan’s city of Karachi’s Saddar area. Around 18,000 candidates are contesting for the upcoming National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies, reported PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan elections: Balochistan govt bans public meetings, electoral gatherings after ‘suicide bomber’ threat

<p>An explosion occurred near Pakistan's Election Commission office in Karachi on Friday (Feb 2), WION can confirm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that no casualties were reported in the blast and that a probe has been launched into the incident.</p>

<p>As per local media reports, the explosive materials were kept in a shopping bag adjoining the poll panel office located in Karachi's red zone area.</p>

<p>The bomb disposal squad, according to ARY News, had been summoned to the site where the blast occurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nature of the explosion and its intensity were yet to be ascertained.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-female-genital-mutilation-regressive-practice-that-killed-young-girls-in-sierra-leone-686426">What is Female Genital Mutilation, regressive practice that killed young girls in Sierra Leone?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Multiple attacks reported in Balochistan ahead of elections</strong></h2>

<p>A slew of attacks have been reported across Pakistan's Balochistan ahead of the general elections.</p>

<p>These include bomb blasts and shootings, causing numerous casualties and property damage, reported the Balochistan Post.</p>

<p>A blast was reported in Balochistan's capital Quetta, claiming the life of one near the police post on Sabzal Road, said the police.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-promising-to-end-politics-of-hate-bilawal-bhutto-optimistic-about-pakistan-election-result-686332">Exclusive: An optimistic Bilawal Bhutto promises to end politics of hate post elections in Pakistan</a></p>

<p>In another incident, two consecutive blasts occurred on Qambarani Road in Quetta, targeting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) election office and a Police Eagle Force vehicle.</p>

<p>The Election Commission also took notice of the incidents and sought detailed reports from the Balochistan inspector general of police and chief secretary over the bombings.</p>

<p>"At least 10 bomb and grenade attacks happened across Balochistan, including provincial capital Quetta," the senior official<br />
said.</p>

<p>In the attacks in Quetta, Khuzdar and Turbat, the offices of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and National Party, and a joint office of Balochistan National Party- Mengal (BNP-M) and Jamiat-e-Islami-Faizal (JUI-F) were targeted with grenades. However, no loss of life was reported. The offices of deputy commissioners in Dhadar and Panjgur were also targeted with hand grenades.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An explosion occurred near Pakistan's Election Commission office in Karachi on Friday (Feb 2), WION can confirm. The police said that no casualties were reported in the blast and that a probe has been launched into the incident.

An explosion occurred near Pakistan's Election Commission office in Karachi on Friday (Feb 2), WION can confirm. The police said that no casualties were reported in the blast and that a probe has been launched into the incident. As per local media reports, the explosive materials were kept in a shopping bag adjoining the poll panel office located in Karachi's red zone area. The bomb disposal squad, according to ARY News, had been summoned to the site where the blast occurred. The nature of the explosion and its intensity were yet to be ascertained. Also read: What is Female Genital Mutilation, regressive practice that killed young girls in Sierra Leone? Multiple attacks reported in Balochistan ahead of elections A slew of attacks have been reported across Pakistan's Balochistan ahead of the general elections. These include bomb blasts and shootings, causing numerous casualties and property damage, reported the Balochistan Post. A blast was reported in Balochistan's capital Quetta, claiming the life of one near the police post on Sabzal Road, said the police. Also read: Exclusive: An optimistic Bilawal Bhutto promises to end politics of hate post elections in Pakistan In another incident, two consecutive blasts occurred on Qambarani Road in Quetta, targeting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) election office and a Police Eagle Force vehicle. The Election Commission also took notice of the incidents and sought detailed reports from the Balochistan inspector general of police and chief secretary over the bombings. "At least 10 bomb and grenade attacks happened across Balochistan, including provincial capital Quetta," the senior official said. In the attacks in Quetta, Khuzdar and Turbat, the offices of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and National Party, and a joint office of Balochistan National Party- Mengal (BNP-M) and Jamiat-e-Islami-Faizal (JUI-F) were targeted with grenades. However, no loss of life was reported. The offices of deputy commissioners in Dhadar and Panjgur were also targeted with hand grenades. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections 2024: Blast rocks Election Commission's office in Karachi

<p>Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison over the Toshakhana reference case, has now been moved to Bani Gala, which is the Islamabad residence of the former Pakistan prime minister declared as a sub-jail, according to Pakistani media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bibi surrendered before the accountability court in Rawalpindi's Adiala prison voluntarily. This is where the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team took her into custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Islamabad Chief Commissioner issued a statement declaring the residence of convict Bushra Bibi in Bani Gala as a sub-jail until further orders.</p>

<p>"The Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory is pleased to declare the residence of convict Bushra Bibi (Residential Compound, Khan House Banigala, Mohra Noor, Islamabad) as Sub-Jail till further orders," stated the notification.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, stringent measures are in place to ensure security, with jail staff deployed inside and Bani Gala and Islamabad police officials stationed outside the residence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-bushra-bibi-the-mystical-wife-of-ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-685993">Also read: Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles</strong></h2>

<p>Bot Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Decoding the criminal cases against ex-Pak PM Imran Khan</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from imposing rigorous imprisonment, the court has also disqualified Khan from holding any public office for the next 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple was fined PKR 1.573 billion as part of the judgement.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>Along with this, Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication.</p>

<p>Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison over the Toshakhana reference case, has now been moved to Bani Gala, which is the Islamabad residence of the former Pakistan prime minister declared as a sub-jail, according to Pakistani media reports.

Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison over the Toshakhana reference case, has now been moved to Bani Gala, which is the Islamabad residence of the former Pakistan prime minister declared as a sub-jail, according to Pakistani media reports. Bibi surrendered before the accountability court in Rawalpindi's Adiala prison voluntarily. This is where the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team took her into custody. The Islamabad Chief Commissioner issued a statement declaring the residence of convict Bushra Bibi in Bani Gala as a sub-jail until further orders. "The Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Capital Territory is pleased to declare the residence of convict Bushra Bibi (Residential Compound, Khan House Banigala, Mohra Noor, Islamabad) as Sub-Jail till further orders," stated the notification. According to local media reports, stringent measures are in place to ensure security, with jail staff deployed inside and Bani Gala and Islamabad police officials stationed outside the residence. Also read: Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan? Both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles Bot Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case. Watch | Decoding the criminal cases against ex-Pak PM Imran Khan × Apart from imposing rigorous imprisonment, the court has also disqualified Khan from holding any public office for the next 10 years. The couple was fined PKR 1.573 billion as part of the judgement. Also read: Imran Khan remains disqualified from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails Along with this, Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication. Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case. (With inputs from agencies)

Bushra Bibi to serve prison sentence in husband Imran Khan’s residence designated as ‘sub-jail’

<p>Pakistan's elections will go ahead as planned, the interior minister said Thursday, after the country's vote body held a meeting with government and intelligence officials to discuss a spike in violence.</p>

<p>Polls in the South Asian nation are often marred by violence, with candidates and rallies targeted by militant groups as well as over personal vendettas.</p>

<p>"Elections will take place on the 8th of February," Gohar Ijaz, the caretaker interior minister, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that a spate of attacks in the southwestern Balochistan province, where Islamabad has fought a decades-long insurgency, posed "no security threat".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will provide proper security for the elections," Ijaz said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past few days, a dozen separate attacks have been reported across Balochistan, at least five of which targeted candidates from different political parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, at least four people were killed by a bomb blast near a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in the provincial capital Quetta.</p>

<p>"Security is currently on high alert, all our teams are carrying out extra patrols, snap-checks are also being done, everyone knows that there is a threat in the entire province," said Tariq Jawad, a police official in Quetta, on Thursday. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rich mineral deposits in Pakistan's largest but poorest province have been at the centre of Islamabad's battle with ethnic Baloch separatist factions there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Locals say they do not get their fair share of wealth from the oil and gas reserves, with the region consistently ranking at the bottom of Pakistan's human development indicators.</p>

<p>In northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, at least two candidates have been shot dead since the start of January, including Rehan Zeb Khan, a PTI-backed independent who was shot dead on Wednesday after leaving a stump gathering in the former tribal district of Bajaur.</p>

<p>"The killing of Rehan Zeb is a targeted killing aimed at creating chaos during the elections," district police officer Kashif Zulfiqar told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fifteen political figures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced death threats from militants over the past two months, a senior officer from the Counter Terrorism&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan's elections will go ahead as planned, the interior minister said Thursday, after the country's vote body held a meeting with government and intelligence officials to discuss a spike in violence.

Pakistan's elections will go ahead as planned, the interior minister said Thursday, after the country's vote body held a meeting with government and intelligence officials to discuss a spike in violence. Polls in the South Asian nation are often marred by violence, with candidates and rallies targeted by militant groups as well as over personal vendettas. "Elections will take place on the 8th of February," Gohar Ijaz, the caretaker interior minister, said. He added that a spate of attacks in the southwestern Balochistan province, where Islamabad has fought a decades-long insurgency, posed "no security threat". "We will provide proper security for the elections," Ijaz said. In the past few days, a dozen separate attacks have been reported across Balochistan, at least five of which targeted candidates from different political parties. On Tuesday, at least four people were killed by a bomb blast near a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in the provincial capital Quetta. "Security is currently on high alert, all our teams are carrying out extra patrols, snap-checks are also being done, everyone knows that there is a threat in the entire province," said Tariq Jawad, a police official in Quetta, on Thursday. Rich mineral deposits in Pakistan's largest but poorest province have been at the centre of Islamabad's battle with ethnic Baloch separatist factions there. Locals say they do not get their fair share of wealth from the oil and gas reserves, with the region consistently ranking at the bottom of Pakistan's human development indicators. In northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, at least two candidates have been shot dead since the start of January, including Rehan Zeb Khan, a PTI-backed independent who was shot dead on Wednesday after leaving a stump gathering in the former tribal district of Bajaur. "The killing of Rehan Zeb is a targeted killing aimed at creating chaos during the elections," district police officer Kashif Zulfiqar told AFP. Fifteen political figures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced death threats from militants over the past two months, a senior officer from the Counter Terrorism

No delay in Pakistan polls after security meeting

<p>Former Pakistan prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday (January 27) released his party's election manifesto. The much-anticipated election manifesto has been unveiled just weeks before general elections are due in Pakistan on February 8. Interestingly, Nawaz Sharif has said in his manifesto that if he voted back to power, he would send 'message of peace' to other countries, including India, as reported by Pakistani news outlet Dawn.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan elections: Will Nawaz Sharif get clear majority?</strong></p>

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<p>As he launched his manifesto, Sharif said at a party event in Lahore that the manifesto has been&nbsp;made with "great efforts". He vowed that promises in the manifesto will be fully implemented if his party is voted to power.</p>

<p>Stressing that Pakistan's economy was the most important aspect, Sharif said that on Saturday, he was talking neither to “express his grievances” nor was he “in a mood to complain today”.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-seeks-rollover-of-2-billion-loan-from-china-report-684210">Pakistan seeks rollover of $2 billion loan from China: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>He took a dig at former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, without mentioning his name.</p>

<p>“If I was there in the previous government instead of the person who you saw, I would have never done what he did,” said Sharif as quoted by Pakistani news outlet Dawn.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-federal-investigator-summons-journalists-for-expressing-opinion-about-sitting-chief-justice-684238">Pakistan’s Federal Investigator summons journalists for expressing opinion about sitting Chief Justice</a></strong></p>

<p>Khan is currently beset with legal troubles and there is also a question of whether his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) would be able to contest upcoming elections because of the&nbsp;battle with election commission on technical aspects.</p>

<h2><strong>Here are some of the promises Nawaz Sharif's PML (N) made in its poll manifesto</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>If voted to power, the party said that it will provide “cheap and increased electricity” to the public and would ensure. “speedy development”. It has said that this will result in 20 to 30 per cent reduction in electricity bills. Additionally, the manifesto said that that there will be 15,000 megawatt boost in electricity production and 10,000 megawatt increase in production of solar energy.</li>
	<li>The party has promised that it will ensure greater representation of youth in national politics as well as in local governments. PML (N) has said that it would restore student unions and expand the scope of the National Youth Scheme which would include financial help for IT start-ups and entrepreneurship.</li>
	<li>The manifesto says that Sharif's government would establish "Pakistan's first sports university"</li>
	<li>About foreign policy, the manifesto says that Pakistan will send “message of peace” to other countries including India. But there is a condition. The manifesto said that PML(N) wanted India to reverse actions it took in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.</li>
</ul>

<p>In August 2019, India abrogated Section 370 of the Indian Constitution that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and changed status of J&amp;K from a state to a union territory.</p>

<h2><strong>PPP releases manifesto as well</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari shared the party's manifesto on X (formerly Twitter). The manifesto is called "Chuno Nai Soch Ko" (Choose new thinking).</p>

<p>"The PPP is the only party with a plan to combat poverty, unemployment &amp; inflation," he wrote in his post on X.</p>

<p>The manifesto mainly deals with poverty eradication and facilities for lower and working classes, healthcare, education, food security, women's empowerment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Pakistan prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday (January 27) released his party's election manifesto. The much-anticipated election manifesto has been unveiled just weeks before general elections are due in Pakistan on February 8.

Former Pakistan prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday (January 27) released his party's election manifesto. The much-anticipated election manifesto has been unveiled just weeks before general elections are due in Pakistan on February 8. Interestingly, Nawaz Sharif has said in his manifesto that if he voted back to power, he would send 'message of peace' to other countries, including India, as reported by Pakistani news outlet Dawn. Watch | Pakistan elections: Will Nawaz Sharif get clear majority? × As he launched his manifesto, Sharif said at a party event in Lahore that the manifesto has been made with "great efforts". He vowed that promises in the manifesto will be fully implemented if his party is voted to power. Stressing that Pakistan's economy was the most important aspect, Sharif said that on Saturday, he was talking neither to “express his grievances” nor was he “in a mood to complain today”. Also Read | Pakistan seeks rollover of $2 billion loan from China: Report He took a dig at former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, without mentioning his name. “If I was there in the previous government instead of the person who you saw, I would have never done what he did,” said Sharif as quoted by Pakistani news outlet Dawn. Also Read | Pakistan’s Federal Investigator summons journalists for expressing opinion about sitting Chief Justice Khan is currently beset with legal troubles and there is also a question of whether his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) would be able to contest upcoming elections because of the battle with election commission on technical aspects. Here are some of the promises Nawaz Sharif's PML (N) made in its poll manifesto If voted to power, the party said that it will provide “cheap and increased electricity” to the public and would ensure. “speedy development”. It has said that this will result in 20 to 30 per cent reduction in electricity bills. Additionally, the manifesto said that that there will be 15,000 megawatt boost in electricity production and 10,000 megawatt increase in production of solar energy. The party has promised that it will ensure greater representation of youth in national politics as well as in local governments. PML (N) has said that it would restore student unions and expand the scope of the National Youth Scheme which would include financial help for IT start-ups and entrepreneurship. The manifesto says that Sharif's government would establish "Pakistan's first sports university" About foreign policy, the manifesto says that Pakistan will send “message of peace” to other countries including India. But there is a condition. The manifesto said that PML(N) wanted India to reverse actions it took in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. In August 2019, India abrogated Section 370 of the Indian Constitution that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and changed status of J&K from a state to a union territory. PPP releases manifesto as well Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari shared the party's manifesto on X (formerly Twitter). The manifesto is called "Chuno Nai Soch Ko" (Choose new thinking). "The PPP is the only party with a plan to combat poverty, unemployment & inflation," he wrote in his post on X. The manifesto mainly deals with poverty eradication and facilities for lower and working classes, healthcare, education, food security, women's empowerment. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's party manifesto talks of ‘message of peace’ for India, but conditions apply

<p>Less than two weeks after Iran and Pakistan exchanged deadly cross-border strikes, gunmen in southeastern Iran have killed nine foreign nationals, according to reports in Iranian media. A&nbsp;subsequent statement from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs protesting the incident indicated that the foreign nationals may have been Pakistani.</p>

<p>"According to witnesses, this morning unknown armed men killed nine non-Iranians in a house in the Sirkan neighbourhood of Saravan city&nbsp;in Sistan-Baluchistan province," the Mehr news agency reported.</p>

<p>The agency further said that no group or individuals had claimed responsibility for the attack.<br />
<br />
Pakistan's&nbsp;ambassador to Tehran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu&nbsp;posted on X&nbsp;that he was "deeply shocked by horrifying killing of 9 Pakistanis in Saravan".</p>

<p>"Embassy will extend full support to bereaved families... We called upon Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter."</p>

<p>Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of Pakistan's foreign ministry condemned the incident in Iran in a statement.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is a horrifying and despicable incident and we condemn it unequivocally. We are in touch with Iranian authorities and have underscored the need to immediately investigate the incident and hold to account those involved in this heinous crime. Moreover, our Consul in Zahedan is on way to the hospital where injured people are being treated and will reach there in a few hours due to long distances and security imperatives involved. He will also meet local authorities, and among other things, impress upon them the urgent need for strong action against the perpetrators of this crime. We are fully seized of this grave matter and are taking all necessary measures in this regard. The embassy will do its best to repatriate dead bodies at the earliest..." she said.<br />
<br />
She added that the Pakistani embassy in Iran "will do its best to repatriate dead bodies at the earliest". She further said that "such cowardly attacks cannot deter Pakistan from its determination to fight terrorism".</p>

<p>Sistan-Baluchistan province is few of Sunni Muslim-dominated provinces in Shia-dominated Iran. The Iranian province shares border with Pakistan's Baluchistan province.</p>

<p>The border, splitting the region of Baluchistan between the two nations is porous. Armed rebel groups demanding an independent Baloch nation are active, stoking unrest, cross-border drug smuggling and more. The rebel groups claim to be fighting for the cause of Baluchi ethnic minority but also have jihadist elements in their ranks.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits Turkey amid Israel-Hamas war</strong></p>

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<p>The border region saw a rare military action from both nations earlier this month. On January 18, Pakistan launched airstrikes on targets on the Iranian side of the border. The 'militants targets' as Pakistan put them, were attacked two&nbsp;days after Iranian military strikes on the Pakistani side of the border.</p>

<p>Iran claimed that it was targetting Jaish al-Adl which has carried out deadly attacks in Iran. The jihadist group was formed in 2012 and Iran has deemed it to be a "terrorist" organisation.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-seeks-rollover-of-2-billion-loan-from-china-report-684210">Pakistan seeks rollover of $2 billion loan from China: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The strikes had strained diplomatic relations between the neighbours. Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran and even blocked Iranian envoy from coming to Islamabad. Iran summoned Pakistan's charge d'affaires over Pakistan's strikes.</p>

<p>The tensions appeared to subside somewhat after both, Iran and Pakistan said on Monday that both countries had agreed to de-escalate and the two ambassadors returned to their posts.</p>

<p>The tension between Iran and Pakistan added to those in the region already inflamed by Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Less than two weeks after Iran and Pakistan exchanged deadly cross-border strikes, gunmen in southeastern Iran have killed nine foreign nationals, according to reports in Iranian media.

Less than two weeks after Iran and Pakistan exchanged deadly cross-border strikes, gunmen in southeastern Iran have killed nine foreign nationals, according to reports in Iranian media. A subsequent statement from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs protesting the incident indicated that the foreign nationals may have been Pakistani. "According to witnesses, this morning unknown armed men killed nine non-Iranians in a house in the Sirkan neighbourhood of Saravan city in Sistan-Baluchistan province," the Mehr news agency reported. The agency further said that no group or individuals had claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan's ambassador to Tehran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu posted on X that he was "deeply shocked by horrifying killing of 9 Pakistanis in Saravan". "Embassy will extend full support to bereaved families... We called upon Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter." Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of Pakistan's foreign ministry condemned the incident in Iran in a statement. “It is a horrifying and despicable incident and we condemn it unequivocally. We are in touch with Iranian authorities and have underscored the need to immediately investigate the incident and hold to account those involved in this heinous crime. Moreover, our Consul in Zahedan is on way to the hospital where injured people are being treated and will reach there in a few hours due to long distances and security imperatives involved. He will also meet local authorities, and among other things, impress upon them the urgent need for strong action against the perpetrators of this crime. We are fully seized of this grave matter and are taking all necessary measures in this regard. The embassy will do its best to repatriate dead bodies at the earliest..." she said. She added that the Pakistani embassy in Iran "will do its best to repatriate dead bodies at the earliest". She further said that "such cowardly attacks cannot deter Pakistan from its determination to fight terrorism". Sistan-Baluchistan province is few of Sunni Muslim-dominated provinces in Shia-dominated Iran. The Iranian province shares border with Pakistan's Baluchistan province. The border, splitting the region of Baluchistan between the two nations is porous. Armed rebel groups demanding an independent Baloch nation are active, stoking unrest, cross-border drug smuggling and more. The rebel groups claim to be fighting for the cause of Baluchi ethnic minority but also have jihadist elements in their ranks. Watch | Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits Turkey amid Israel-Hamas war × The border region saw a rare military action from both nations earlier this month. On January 18, Pakistan launched airstrikes on targets on the Iranian side of the border. The 'militants targets' as Pakistan put them, were attacked two days after Iranian military strikes on the Pakistani side of the border. Iran claimed that it was targetting Jaish al-Adl which has carried out deadly attacks in Iran. The jihadist group was formed in 2012 and Iran has deemed it to be a "terrorist" organisation. Also Read | Pakistan seeks rollover of $2 billion loan from China: Report The strikes had strained diplomatic relations between the neighbours. Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran and even blocked Iranian envoy from coming to Islamabad. Iran summoned Pakistan's charge d'affaires over Pakistan's strikes. The tensions appeared to subside somewhat after both, Iran and Pakistan said on Monday that both countries had agreed to de-escalate and the two ambassadors returned to their posts. The tension between Iran and Pakistan added to those in the region already inflamed by Israel-Hamas war. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan reacts strongly after gunmen kill 9 Pakistanis in Iran near border, tensions spike again

<p>India on Thursday (Jan 25) slammed claims&nbsp;made by a Pakistani official of India having had a role in the killing of two Pakistani citizens in the country as "anti-India propaganda".</p>

<p>"We have seen media reports regarding certain remarks by Pakistan Foreign Secretary. It is Pakistan’s latest attempt at peddling false and malicious anti-India propaganda. As the world knows, Pakistan has long been the epicentre of terrorism, organised crime, and illegal transnational activities," external affairs ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In response to media queries regarding remarks made by Pakistan Foreign Ministry, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have seen media reports regarding certain remarks by Pakistan Foreign Secretary. It is Pakistan’s latest attempt at peddling false and malicious… <a href="https://t.co/AkRoRTIq0x">pic.twitter.com/AkRoRTIq0x</a></p>
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<p>“India and many other countries have publicly warned Pakistan, cautioning that it would be consumed by its own culture of terror and violence. Pakistan will reap what it sows. To blame others for its own misdeeds can neither be a justification nor a solution,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan foreign secretary's claims</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson made the comments after Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi claimed to have "credible evidence" linking what he called &nbsp;"Indian agents" and the killings of two Pakistani citizens.</p>

<p>"We have confirmed evidence that two Pakistani citizens were killed by India. Confirmed links of the killer to India have been found," he claimed at a press conference.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reopens-border-crossing-with-afghanistan-after-deadlock-over-visa-requirements-683062">Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements</a></p>

<p>“Indian agents used technology and safe havens on foreign soil to commit assassinations in Pakistan. They recruited, financed, and supported criminals, terrorists, and unsuspecting civilians to play defined roles in these assassinations,” Qazi alleged.</p>

<p>He referred to one Shahid Latif’s killing, claiming that a detailed investigation revealed that an "Indian agent" based in a third country "orchestrated the assassination.”</p>

<p>He also claimed that a labourer was "sent to Pakistan to carry out the assassination.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan silent on terror links of those who were killed</strong></h2>

<p>Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;chief Masood Azhar's key aide Shahid Latif, who was the mastermind of the 2016 attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, was killed on October 11, 2023, in a mosque in Sialkot in Punjab province.</p>

<p>It is not clear if the Pakistani official was referring to the same person.</p>

<p>A second claim made by Qazi involved the killing of one Muhammad Riaz in Rawalakot.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Imran Khan cries foul over election transparency | Pakistan Elections</strong></p>

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<p>On September 8, 2023, Riyaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim, affiliated with the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit and&nbsp;one of the main conspirators of&nbsp;the Dhangri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on January 1, 2023 was shot dead by unidentified gunmen inside the Al-Qudus mosque during pre-dawn prayers in the Rawalakot area in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>In his remarks, however, Qazi was silent about the terror links of the second person mentioned in his claims.</p>

<p>At this point, therefore, it cannot be independently ascertained if he was speaking about the same people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India on Thursday (Jan 25) slammed claims made by a Pakistani official of India having had a role in the killing of two Pakistani citizens in the country as "anti-India propaganda".

India on Thursday (Jan 25) slammed claims made by a Pakistani official of India having had a role in the killing of two Pakistani citizens in the country as "anti-India propaganda". "We have seen media reports regarding certain remarks by Pakistan Foreign Secretary. It is Pakistan’s latest attempt at peddling false and malicious anti-India propaganda. As the world knows, Pakistan has long been the epicentre of terrorism, organised crime, and illegal transnational activities," external affairs ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. In response to media queries regarding remarks made by Pakistan Foreign Ministry, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have seen media reports regarding certain remarks by Pakistan Foreign Secretary. It is Pakistan’s latest attempt at peddling false and malicious… pic.twitter.com/AkRoRTIq0x — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024 × “India and many other countries have publicly warned Pakistan, cautioning that it would be consumed by its own culture of terror and violence. Pakistan will reap what it sows. To blame others for its own misdeeds can neither be a justification nor a solution,” he added. Pakistan foreign secretary's claims The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson made the comments after Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi claimed to have "credible evidence" linking what he called "Indian agents" and the killings of two Pakistani citizens. "We have confirmed evidence that two Pakistani citizens were killed by India. Confirmed links of the killer to India have been found," he claimed at a press conference. Also read: Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements “Indian agents used technology and safe havens on foreign soil to commit assassinations in Pakistan. They recruited, financed, and supported criminals, terrorists, and unsuspecting civilians to play defined roles in these assassinations,” Qazi alleged. He referred to one Shahid Latif’s killing, claiming that a detailed investigation revealed that an "Indian agent" based in a third country "orchestrated the assassination.” He also claimed that a labourer was "sent to Pakistan to carry out the assassination.” Pakistan silent on terror links of those who were killed Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's key aide Shahid Latif, who was the mastermind of the 2016 attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, was killed on October 11, 2023, in a mosque in Sialkot in Punjab province. It is not clear if the Pakistani official was referring to the same person. A second claim made by Qazi involved the killing of one Muhammad Riaz in Rawalakot. Watch: Imran Khan cries foul over election transparency | Pakistan Elections On September 8, 2023, Riyaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim, affiliated with the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit and one of the main conspirators of the Dhangri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on January 1, 2023 was shot dead by unidentified gunmen inside the Al-Qudus mosque during pre-dawn prayers in the Rawalakot area in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. In his remarks, however, Qazi was silent about the terror links of the second person mentioned in his claims. At this point, therefore, it cannot be independently ascertained if he was speaking about the same people. (With inputs from agencies)

India slams Pakistan for 'peddling false anti-India propaganda' over deaths in country

<p>Schools and universities in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad were declared shut on Monday (Jan 22) over security threats, according to media reports citing the local police. The closure order was issued amid reports that the law enforcement had received the threat of a suicide attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the&nbsp;Islamabad police, in a post on X, late Monday asked people not to believe the "fake" notification being issued for the closure of businesses and educational institutions and being attributed to their officials.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What we know so far</strong></h2>

<p>Inspector Inamullah Khan at Islamabad’s police control told Bloomberg that the police received the threat of a suicide attack. However, he did not identify the terrorist group that issued the threat.</p>

<p>Parents received messages&nbsp;from&nbsp;schools on Monday morning,&nbsp;urging them to pick up their children a few hours after they had dropped them off,&nbsp;according to Arab News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, an Islamabad police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that three universities affiliated with Pakistan’s military, the National Defence University, Bahria University and Air University in Islamabad were “shut down because of potential threats”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The institutions, tied to Pakistan’s army, navy and air force, respectively, have been closed indefinitely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple media reports citing sources said that the attack was planned at&nbsp;Bahria University and could involve sending a female suicide bomber.</p>

<p>“Due to security reasons...all faculty and staff, except security and necessary admin staff, will work from home,” said a text sent to Bahria University students and seen by AFP.</p>

<p>The fourth university which received the threat was a&nbsp;public institute&nbsp;named&nbsp;Quaid e Azam University, which will reportedly be closed for a week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls</strong></p>

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<p>The closure also comes after Pakistan’s security agencies conducted a search operation in the suburbs of Islamabad late Sunday (Jan 21), reported Geo News.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-attack-in-iran-day-after-deadly-balochistan-strike-report-681019">Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack</a></strong></p>

<p>According to media reports, the university administration told the students about the indefinite closure late Sunday night.&nbsp;The announcement will also affect the upcoming exams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several messages sent to students and parents informing&nbsp;them about the closure also said that the exams and tests are postponed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Islamabad police issued a statement late Monday asking people not to&nbsp;believe the "fake" notification about the closure of schools, colleges, and business centres attributed to Deputy Commissioner Islamabad circulating on social media.</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in violence, upcoming&nbsp;elections</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan is set to vote in general elections on February 8 amid overlapping political, economic and security crises. Islamabad has recently witnessed a rise in violence along its border regions since the Taliban surged back to power in Afghanistan in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violence-linked-deaths-in-2023-at-a-six-year-high-shows-data-675496">Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2014, the Pakistan Taliban stormed an army public school in the northwestern provincial capital of Peshawar and killed more than 150 people, most of them children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan recorded an alarming surge in incidents of violence in 2023 with 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1463 injuries from as many as 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. This also included nearly 1,000 deaths among civilians and security personnel.</p>

<p>Overall deaths have been at a record six-year high since 2017, according to a report by the Centre for the Research and Security Studies (CRSS).&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Schools and universities in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad were declared shut on Monday (Jan 22) over security threats, according to media reports citing the local police.

Schools and universities in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad were declared shut on Monday (Jan 22) over security threats, according to media reports citing the local police. The closure order was issued amid reports that the law enforcement had received the threat of a suicide attack. Meanwhile, the Islamabad police, in a post on X, late Monday asked people not to believe the "fake" notification being issued for the closure of businesses and educational institutions and being attributed to their officials. What we know so far Inspector Inamullah Khan at Islamabad’s police control told Bloomberg that the police received the threat of a suicide attack. However, he did not identify the terrorist group that issued the threat. Parents received messages from schools on Monday morning, urging them to pick up their children a few hours after they had dropped them off, according to Arab News. Additionally, an Islamabad police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that three universities affiliated with Pakistan’s military, the National Defence University, Bahria University and Air University in Islamabad were “shut down because of potential threats”. The institutions, tied to Pakistan’s army, navy and air force, respectively, have been closed indefinitely. Multiple media reports citing sources said that the attack was planned at Bahria University and could involve sending a female suicide bomber. “Due to security reasons...all faculty and staff, except security and necessary admin staff, will work from home,” said a text sent to Bahria University students and seen by AFP. The fourth university which received the threat was a public institute named Quaid e Azam University, which will reportedly be closed for a week. WATCH | Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls The closure also comes after Pakistan’s security agencies conducted a search operation in the suburbs of Islamabad late Sunday (Jan 21), reported Geo News. ALSO READ | Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack According to media reports, the university administration told the students about the indefinite closure late Sunday night. The announcement will also affect the upcoming exams. Several messages sent to students and parents informing them about the closure also said that the exams and tests are postponed. The Islamabad police issued a statement late Monday asking people not to believe the "fake" notification about the closure of schools, colleges, and business centres attributed to Deputy Commissioner Islamabad circulating on social media. Rise in violence, upcoming elections Pakistan is set to vote in general elections on February 8 amid overlapping political, economic and security crises. Islamabad has recently witnessed a rise in violence along its border regions since the Taliban surged back to power in Afghanistan in 2021. ALSO READ | Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data In 2014, the Pakistan Taliban stormed an army public school in the northwestern provincial capital of Peshawar and killed more than 150 people, most of them children. Pakistan recorded an alarming surge in incidents of violence in 2023 with 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1463 injuries from as many as 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. This also included nearly 1,000 deaths among civilians and security personnel. Overall deaths have been at a record six-year high since 2017, according to a report by the Centre for the Research and Security Studies (CRSS). (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Schools and universities across capital shut over ‘suicide attack’ threat

<p>The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis.</p>

<p>Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.</p>

<p>Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later&nbsp;the same day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-tensions-why-yemens-houthis-could-become-americas-terrorists-once-again-680920">Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again</a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation</strong></h2>

<p>Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region.</p>

<p>"As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes."</p>

<p>The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation.</p>

<p>"We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran.</p>

<p>"Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.

The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea. "We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. 'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. Also read: Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region. "As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop. Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel × He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes." The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation. "We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran. "Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue

<p>Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the visit by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner was an "infringement" of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity calling the development "unacceptable".</p>

<p>"India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10," said India's Ministry of External Affairs.</p>

<p>British envoy Jane Marriott visited Mirpur in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>"Such infringement of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable," said the MEA.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India</strong></p>

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<p>The Indian ministry made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been and shall always remain an integral part of India."</p>

<p>Marriott, who visited Mirpur, even shared a post about her visit on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) attempting to trace roots of 'British Pakistani' population in the United Kingdom.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Salaam from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people to people ties! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests. Thank you for your hospitality! <a href="https://t.co/3LyNFQan9H">pic.twitter.com/3LyNFQan9H</a></p>
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaneMarriottUK/status/1745078793989956042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>India has expressed its strong displeasure to British High Commissioner in India. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra conveyed India's objection.</p>

<p><strong>Exclusive | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-ram-temple-ceremony-is-a-global-event-a-second-diwali-mauritius-fm-maneesh-gobin-679644">Ram temple ceremony is a global event, a second Diwali: Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin</a></strong></p>

<p>This is not the first time senior official of a prominent Western country has chosen to visit Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-arrested-after-attack-on-ed-officials-in-west-bengal-679631">India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal</a></strong></p>

<p>Just last year, in the month of October, the US envoy to Pakistan Donald Blome visited PoK. Even at that time, India conveyed its 'strong objection' to the United States and urged all countries to respect India's "sovereignty and territorial integrity".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official.

Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the visit by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner was an "infringement" of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity calling the development "unacceptable". "India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10," said India's Ministry of External Affairs. British envoy Jane Marriott visited Mirpur in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir. "Such infringement of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable," said the MEA. Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India × The Indian ministry made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been and shall always remain an integral part of India." Marriott, who visited Mirpur, even shared a post about her visit on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) attempting to trace roots of 'British Pakistani' population in the United Kingdom. Salaam from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people to people ties! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests. Thank you for your hospitality! pic.twitter.com/3LyNFQan9H — Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) January 10, 2024 × India has expressed its strong displeasure to British High Commissioner in India. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra conveyed India's objection. Exclusive | Ram temple ceremony is a global event, a second Diwali: Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin This is not the first time senior official of a prominent Western country has chosen to visit Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also Read | India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal Just last year, in the month of October, the US envoy to Pakistan Donald Blome visited PoK. Even at that time, India conveyed its 'strong objection' to the United States and urged all countries to respect India's "sovereignty and territorial integrity". (With inputs from agencies)

India lodges ‘strong protest’ after British envoy visits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

<p>The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday (January 10) upheld the death sentence for Pakistan's former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf. The verdict has come a year after his death. The supreme court maintained the death sentence handed to Musharraf by a special court in the country in a high treason case in 2019. Musharraf died on February 5, 2023 in Dubai after long illness. The 79-year-old was receiving treatment for amyloidosis in Dubai. He was living in Dubai in self-imposed exile since 2016 in order to avoid criminal charges in Pakistan.</p>

<p>The hearing in the Supreme Court of Pakistan was held by four-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life'</strong></p>

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<p>The high treason case against Musharraf was filed during the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) against his decision to impose an emergency in November 2007. A special court handed Musharraf a death sentence on December 17, 2019. Musharraf had filed an appeal against this decision. The Lahore High Court had deemed the decision by the special court 'unconstitutional' in 2020. But Pakistan Bar Council and some senior lawyers in the country challenged the decision of the Lahore High Court.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-arrested-in-case-linked-to-2023-army-headquarters-attack-678297">Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrested in case linked to 2023 Army headquarters attack</a></strong></p>

<p>The Supreme Court of Pakistan, while rejecting Musharraf's appeal, said, "Pervez Musharraf's heirs did not follow the case even on multiple notices," as per Geo TV.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorist-hafiz-saeed-is-serving-78-year-prison-sentence-in-pakistan-un-678406">Terrorist Hafiz Saeed is serving 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan: UN</a></strong></p>

<p>Musharraf toppled civilian government headed by then-PM Nawaz Sharif in 1999. After ruling the country as a military leader in the initial years, Musharraf appointed himself President of Pakistan in 2001. He remained a major player in Pakistani politics for years and during his dictatorship, he had a fairly effective grip on political developments and manoeuvres in Pakistan. Musharraf agreed to hold elections in 2002.</p>

<p>Musharraf was considered the architect of Kargil war against India months before the military coup.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday (January 10) upheld the death sentence for Pakistan's former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf. The verdict has come a year after his death.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday (January 10) upheld the death sentence for Pakistan's former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf. The verdict has come a year after his death. The supreme court maintained the death sentence handed to Musharraf by a special court in the country in a high treason case in 2019. Musharraf died on February 5, 2023 in Dubai after long illness. The 79-year-old was receiving treatment for amyloidosis in Dubai. He was living in Dubai in self-imposed exile since 2016 in order to avoid criminal charges in Pakistan. The hearing in the Supreme Court of Pakistan was held by four-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah. Watch | Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life' × The high treason case against Musharraf was filed during the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) against his decision to impose an emergency in November 2007. A special court handed Musharraf a death sentence on December 17, 2019. Musharraf had filed an appeal against this decision. The Lahore High Court had deemed the decision by the special court 'unconstitutional' in 2020. But Pakistan Bar Council and some senior lawyers in the country challenged the decision of the Lahore High Court. Also Read | Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrested in case linked to 2023 Army headquarters attack The Supreme Court of Pakistan, while rejecting Musharraf's appeal, said, "Pervez Musharraf's heirs did not follow the case even on multiple notices," as per Geo TV. Also Read | Terrorist Hafiz Saeed is serving 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan: UN Musharraf toppled civilian government headed by then-PM Nawaz Sharif in 1999. After ruling the country as a military leader in the initial years, Musharraf appointed himself President of Pakistan in 2001. He remained a major player in Pakistani politics for years and during his dictatorship, he had a fairly effective grip on political developments and manoeuvres in Pakistan. Musharraf agreed to hold elections in 2002. Musharraf was considered the architect of Kargil war against India months before the military coup. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan supreme court upholds General Musharraf’s death sentence, a year after his death

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