Pakistan's ruling alliance have agreed to dissolve the incumbent national assembly 4 days before it is slated to expire by august 12 midnight. The move calls for fresh elections to be held within 90 days of the dissolution.

Pakistan: National assembly dissolution finalised

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hinted that the general elections might be held in November after saying that he will hand over the charge to the caretaker set-up next month before the completion of the assembly’s tenure.

“Next month our government will complete its tenure, [but] we will leave before the completion of our tenure and an interim government will come in,” the prime minister said while speaking at the Government College Women’s University in Sialkot on Sunday, reported Dawn.

The five-year term of the incumbent parliament, the National Assembly, will end on August 12 at midnight.

According to Pakistani election laws, general elections should take place within 60 days if the elected house completes its constitutional tenure of five years.

If the National Assembly is dissolved prematurely, then elections are held within 90 days of the dissolution.

A few days ago, the prime minister had said that his government would complete its tenure which is ending on August 13.

According to reports, Shehbaz decided to end his tenure early on the advice of his ally Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari.

''Zardari in a meeting with PM Shehbaz on Saturday asked him to dissolve the National Assembly a couple of days before the government completes its tenure so that elections can be held in November,'' a senior PPP leader told PTI on Sunday.

The five-year term of the National Assembly began when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was elected as the prime minister on August 12, 2018.

After his ouster due to a no-confidence motion passed in the parliament, a coalition of parties under the leadership of Shehbaz took over.

<h2>Nawaz might fight elections</h2>

On July 7, Pakistan’s law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the lifetime disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif—who is on a self-imposed exile in London —has ended and he can now contest elections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-may-contest-elections-this-year-says-law-minister-azam-nazeer-tarar-613137">Pak ex-PM Nawaz Sharif may contest elections this year, says law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar</a>

The 73-year-old has been living in London since November 2019 for medical treatment after a court allowed him a four-week reprieve.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-new-law-paves-way-for-former-pm-nawaz-sharifs-return-report-609308">Pakistan passes new law, paves way for former PM Nawaz Sharif’s return: Report</a>

The supremo of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail when the high court allowed him to leave the country on medical grounds in November 2019.

Ever since the PML(N) came to power, there have been talks of Nawaz returning to Pakistan. Speculations have also been rife about Nawaz contesting for the premiership in this year’s general elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hinted that the general elections might be held in November after saying that he will hand over the charge to the caretaker set-up next month before the completion of the assembly’s tenure.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hinted that the general elections might be held in November after saying that he will hand over the charge to the caretaker set-up next month before the completion of the assembly’s tenure. “Next month our government will complete its tenure, [but] we will leave before the completion of our tenure and an interim government will come in,” the prime minister said while speaking at the Government College Women’s University in Sialkot on Sunday, reported Dawn. The five-year term of the incumbent parliament, the National Assembly, will end on August 12 at midnight. According to Pakistani election laws, general elections should take place within 60 days if the elected house completes its constitutional tenure of five years. If the National Assembly is dissolved prematurely, then elections are held within 90 days of the dissolution. A few days ago, the prime minister had said that his government would complete its tenure which is ending on August 13. According to reports, Shehbaz decided to end his tenure early on the advice of his ally Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari. ''Zardari in a meeting with PM Shehbaz on Saturday asked him to dissolve the National Assembly a couple of days before the government completes its tenure so that elections can be held in November,'' a senior PPP leader told PTI on Sunday. The five-year term of the National Assembly began when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was elected as the prime minister on August 12, 2018. After his ouster due to a no-confidence motion passed in the parliament, a coalition of parties under the leadership of Shehbaz took over. Nawaz might fight elections On July 7, Pakistan’s law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the lifetime disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif—who is on a self-imposed exile in London —has ended and he can now contest elections. Also read | Pak ex-PM Nawaz Sharif may contest elections this year, says law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar The 73-year-old has been living in London since November 2019 for medical treatment after a court allowed him a four-week reprieve. Also read | Pakistan passes new law, paves way for former PM Nawaz Sharif’s return: Report The supremo of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail when the high court allowed him to leave the country on medical grounds in November 2019. Ever since the PML(N) came to power, there have been talks of Nawaz returning to Pakistan. Speculations have also been rife about Nawaz contesting for the premiership in this year’s general elections. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan likely to go to polls in November, hints PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan’s law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that the lifetime disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif—who is on a self-imposed exile in London —has ended and he can now contest elections.

The 73-year-old has been living in London since November 2019 for medical treatment after a court allowed him a four-week reprieve.

The supremo of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail when the high court allowed him to leave the country on medical grounds in November 2019.

<h2>Disqualified in Panama case</h2>

The three-time PM was disqualified by the Supreme Court in 2017 on the Panama Papers case. The PML-N has repeatedly contested that Nawaz was unjustly disqualified.&nbsp;

Ever since the PML(N) came to power, there have been talks of Nawaz returning to Pakistan. Speculations have also been rife of Nawaz contesting for the premiership in this year’s general elections, which might take place in October.

Talking about Nawaz’s return, Tarar said that he will not face lifetime disqualification anymore as the maximum disqualification period is five years.

"If someone thinks that a person is a beneficiary of these amendments, then it would be someone else tomorrow. It is the constitutional jurisdiction of the Parliament to legislate and amend laws. The legislation work cannot be carried out by any institutions other than the Parliament," he was quoted as saying by ARY News.

He added that all the decisions will be taken after consulting with the coalition partners. The minister, however, did not elaborate on their plans.

<h2>Crisis-hit Pakistan strikes $3bn IMF bailout deal</h2>

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<h2>Pak Parliament might dissolve early </h2>

Talking about the dissolution of Pakistan's national assembly, the minister did not rule out the possibility citing the current political situation.

“Once the tenure ends, a caretaker set up will be established,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-charged-over-attack-on-army-hq-612735">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan charged over attack on army headquarters</a>

The Pakistan National Assembly is scheduled to complete its constitutional term on August 13 this year.

ARY News citing sources reported that the ruling coalition government is consulting dissolving the house, a few days earlier on August 9-10.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-orders-closure-of-hair-and-beauty-salons-in-afghanistan-further-restricting-womens-rights-611826">Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights</a>

Last month, the incumbent prime minister and Nawaz’s brother, Shehbaz Sharif, urged his brother Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan and take charge of the party's election campaign, Geo News reported.

"You will see that the map of politics will change when Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan," Shehbaz was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan’s law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that the lifetime disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif—who is on a self-imposed exile in London —has ended and he can now contest elections.

Pakistan’s law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that the lifetime disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif—who is on a self-imposed exile in London —has ended and he can now contest elections. The 73-year-old has been living in London since November 2019 for medical treatment after a court allowed him a four-week reprieve. The supremo of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail when the high court allowed him to leave the country on medical grounds in November 2019. Disqualified in Panama case The three-time PM was disqualified by the Supreme Court in 2017 on the Panama Papers case. The PML-N has repeatedly contested that Nawaz was unjustly disqualified. Ever since the PML(N) came to power, there have been talks of Nawaz returning to Pakistan. Speculations have also been rife of Nawaz contesting for the premiership in this year’s general elections, which might take place in October. Talking about Nawaz’s return, Tarar said that he will not face lifetime disqualification anymore as the maximum disqualification period is five years. "If someone thinks that a person is a beneficiary of these amendments, then it would be someone else tomorrow. It is the constitutional jurisdiction of the Parliament to legislate and amend laws. The legislation work cannot be carried out by any institutions other than the Parliament," he was quoted as saying by ARY News. He added that all the decisions will be taken after consulting with the coalition partners. The minister, however, did not elaborate on their plans. Crisis-hit Pakistan strikes $3bn IMF bailout deal Pak Parliament might dissolve early Talking about the dissolution of Pakistan's national assembly, the minister did not rule out the possibility citing the current political situation. “Once the tenure ends, a caretaker set up will be established,” he said. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan charged over attack on army headquarters The Pakistan National Assembly is scheduled to complete its constitutional term on August 13 this year. ARY News citing sources reported that the ruling coalition government is consulting dissolving the house, a few days earlier on August 9-10. Also read | Taliban order closure of hair and beauty salons in Afghanistan, further restricting women's rights Last month, the incumbent prime minister and Nawaz’s brother, Shehbaz Sharif, urged his brother Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan and take charge of the party's election campaign, Geo News reported. "You will see that the map of politics will change when Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan," Shehbaz was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pak ex-PM Nawaz Sharif may contest elections this year, says law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar

Pakistan's former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has warned that the current crisis in the country is enough to lead to a military takeover. Is Pakistan headed for military rule once again? Is a coup on the cards? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas : Former Pak PM Abbasi warns of military takeover

The State Bank of Pakistan is caught in a cross-fire between the Pakistani Parliament and Supreme Court. The SC's order to dispense funds for the upcoming polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been sent back to the Parliament to debate whether the Supreme Court's order should be deferred or not.

Pakistan Parliament holds Finance Committee meeting over election funds | WION Dispatch

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, on Sunday (April 9) said that the country’s general elections should be held across Pakistan at the same time in October, later this year, reported Geo News. This comes after another PML-N official said that the party would agree to hold general elections after the incumbent government completes its term if they are given a ‘level playing field’.

The current government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will complete its five-year constitutional term in August 2023. Iqbal’s remarks were made while addressing a ceremony in Narowal. The PML-N senior leader said that the federal and provincial elections should be held at the same time in the country, reported Geo News.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cash-strapped-pakistan-owes-77-billion-to-china-saudi-arabia-report-580412">Cash-strapped Pakistan owes $77bn to China, Saudi Arabia, needs to repay by 2026: Report</a>

The Federal Minister for Planning also spoke about how there will be issues in early elections in Punjab and it will be equivalent to weakening the federation considering that the country is witnessing a constitutional and political crisis. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), last week announced that the elections in the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region will be held on the same day as Punjab which is October 8.&nbsp;

Echoing a similar sentiment as his party senior leader, Interior Minist­­er Rana Sanaullah, on Saturday also said that given the country’s current financial situation general elections should be held in October. Sanaullah’s remarks were made during a TV interview with a private news channel where he also spoke about how the judiciary should constitute a full court to hear petitions of political parties regarding the elections, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regime-change-conspiracy-was-hatched-in-pakistan-not-us-pti-chief-imran-khan-580797">One year since the regime change Imran Khan levies heavy charges against Shehbaz Sharif govt</a>

This was in reference to a request that political parties in Pakistan have made to the Supreme Court for constituting a larger bench to listen to the genuine complaints of public representatives regarding elections in Punjab. Meanwhile, Federal minister and senior PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif said that his party would accept the general elections if his party is given a ‘level playing field’ in the political process.&nbsp;

What has the opposition PTI said about the elections in October? 
 
The ousted former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan has been demanding early national elections since he was removed from office following a no-confidence motion, last year. However, he has reportedly also said that his decision would depend on the PDM-led government’s plan for the upcoming elections and if they ensure that everything would be in order, adding that then he would wait till October for the elections. 
 
&nbsp;

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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, on Sunday (April 9) said that the country’s general elections should be held across Pakistan at the same time in October, later this year, reported Geo News.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, on Sunday (April 9) said that the country’s general elections should be held across Pakistan at the same time in October, later this year, reported Geo News. This comes after another PML-N official said that the party would agree to hold general elections after the incumbent government completes its term if they are given a ‘level playing field’. The current government led by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will complete its five-year constitutional term in August 2023. Iqbal’s remarks were made while addressing a ceremony in Narowal. The PML-N senior leader said that the federal and provincial elections should be held at the same time in the country, reported Geo News. ALSO READ | Cash-strapped Pakistan owes $77bn to China, Saudi Arabia, needs to repay by 2026: Report The Federal Minister for Planning also spoke about how there will be issues in early elections in Punjab and it will be equivalent to weakening the federation considering that the country is witnessing a constitutional and political crisis. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), last week announced that the elections in the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region will be held on the same day as Punjab which is October 8. Echoing a similar sentiment as his party senior leader, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, on Saturday also said that given the country’s current financial situation general elections should be held in October. Sanaullah’s remarks were made during a TV interview with a private news channel where he also spoke about how the judiciary should constitute a full court to hear petitions of political parties regarding the elections, reported Dawn. ALSO READ | One year since the regime change Imran Khan levies heavy charges against Shehbaz Sharif govt This was in reference to a request that political parties in Pakistan have made to the Supreme Court for constituting a larger bench to listen to the genuine complaints of public representatives regarding elections in Punjab. Meanwhile, Federal minister and senior PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif said that his party would accept the general elections if his party is given a ‘level playing field’ in the political process. What has the opposition PTI said about the elections in October? The ousted former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan has been demanding early national elections since he was removed from office following a no-confidence motion, last year. However, he has reportedly also said that his decision would depend on the PDM-led government’s plan for the upcoming elections and if they ensure that everything would be in order, adding that then he would wait till October for the elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: PML-N says general elections must be held across the country, at the same time in October

The federal cabinet was called to a "emergency" meeting on Sunday to decide whether to contest the Supreme Court's rulings or provide funding to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the May 14 provincial elections in Punjab.

Pakistan cabinet holds emergency meet to discuss funding for elections

A storm has engulfed Pakistan, critics say history is repeating itself in the South Asian country. Today’s political turmoil and crisis have strong echoes of the past. Pakistan faces formidable challenges in a deeply divided and politically fractured state. The Shehbaz Sharif government has a huge task at their hand as the country faces economic, political, security & constitutional crises.

Pakistan's perfect storm: Economic crisis meets a political one

Pakistan's President Arif Alvi pushed the country's election commission on Monday to hold elections for the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Reports in the Pakistani media said that Alvi "unilaterally" fixed April 9 as the date of polls in the two provinces.&nbsp;In a letter to Pakistan's&nbsp;Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Alvi said that he was under oath to preserve and protect the country's constitution and there was no impediment in invoking his power and authority to announce the date of the elections after consulting the ECP.&nbsp;

The letter was written after the president did not receive a response from the country's electoral watchdog&nbsp;on his previous letter written on February 8. In the second letter, the president expressed his displeasure over the “apathy and inaction” on the part of Pakistan's electoral watchdog.

<h2>Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly polls: Political uproar follows</h2>

In separate statements, the interior, defence and law ministers criticised the president, citing his political allegiance with the ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

"Arif Alvi should act as president of Pakistan. You should not act as Imran Khan’s spokesperson,” Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune newspaper.

"The president has nothing to do with announcing the election date," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ecp-to-appoint-mohsin-naqvi-as-punjabs-caretaker-cm-554952">Pakistan: ECP to appoint Mohsin Naqvi as Punjab's caretaker CM</a>

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also criticised the president for "interfering" in the electoral watchdog’s affairs.

"Mr. Arif Alvi, stay within your constitutional limits," Asif tweeted.

"Don't do politics. If not [for] your own, think about the honour of your position,"&nbsp;he added.

Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reminded the president that the Constitution did not authorise him to give dates for the provincial assembly elections.

He said Alvi should not criticise the ECP on the directives of his “leader”.

The provincial assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was dissolved January 18 after Governor Haji Ghulam Ali accepted the request for dissolution by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, a leader of Imran Khan's PTI party. The development occurred days after the provincial assembly in Punjab was dissolved on Khan's order.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Former Pakistan Prime Minister calls for early elections in the Islamic republic

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Imran Khan has been calling for early national elections since his ouster from the&nbsp;Prime Minister's Office following the loss of a no-trust-vote in the National Assembly in Islamabad last April.&nbsp;The dissolution of the two provincial assemblies has been widely seen as a bid by Khan to push for national elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan's President Arif Alvi pushed the country's election commission on Monday to hold elections for the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

Pakistan's President Arif Alvi pushed the country's election commission on Monday to hold elections for the provincial assemblies of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Reports in the Pakistani media said that Alvi "unilaterally" fixed April 9 as the date of polls in the two provinces. In a letter to Pakistan's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Alvi said that he was under oath to preserve and protect the country's constitution and there was no impediment in invoking his power and authority to announce the date of the elections after consulting the ECP. The letter was written after the president did not receive a response from the country's electoral watchdog on his previous letter written on February 8. In the second letter, the president expressed his displeasure over the “apathy and inaction” on the part of Pakistan's electoral watchdog. Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly polls: Political uproar follows In separate statements, the interior, defence and law ministers criticised the president, citing his political allegiance with the ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. "Arif Alvi should act as president of Pakistan. You should not act as Imran Khan’s spokesperson,” Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune newspaper. "The president has nothing to do with announcing the election date," he said. ALSO READ | Pakistan: ECP to appoint Mohsin Naqvi as Punjab's caretaker CM Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also criticised the president for "interfering" in the electoral watchdog’s affairs. "Mr. Arif Alvi, stay within your constitutional limits," Asif tweeted. "Don't do politics. If not [for] your own, think about the honour of your position," he added. Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reminded the president that the Constitution did not authorise him to give dates for the provincial assembly elections. He said Alvi should not criticise the ECP on the directives of his “leader”. The provincial assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was dissolved January 18 after Governor Haji Ghulam Ali accepted the request for dissolution by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, a leader of Imran Khan's PTI party. The development occurred days after the provincial assembly in Punjab was dissolved on Khan's order. ALSO WATCH | Former Pakistan Prime Minister calls for early elections in the Islamic republic × Imran Khan has been calling for early national elections since his ouster from the Prime Minister's Office following the loss of a no-trust-vote in the National Assembly in Islamabad last April. The dissolution of the two provincial assemblies has been widely seen as a bid by Khan to push for national elections. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan president 'unilaterally' announces election dates for provincial assemblies

A day after disqualification from the National Assembly, the former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has challenged the Election Commission's verdict in the Islamabad High Court. Khan was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan in the Toshakhana case.

Toshakhana row: Imran Khan challenges poll panel decision amid disqualification

The Pakistan president's office wrote to the country's Election Commission on Wednesday to hold elections after the National Assembly was dissolved on April 3.

The notification said the "president shall appoint a date, no later than 90 days from the date of dissolution of National Assembly" to hold the general election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-security-agencies-found-no-credible-evidence-of-foreign-plot-against-imran-govt-468619">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan's security agencies found no credible evidence of ‘foreign plot’</a>

The letter requested&nbsp;the Election Commission on the proposed dates for holding the election in accordance to the provisions of the constitution.

The move comes even as Pakistan's Supreme Court is hearing an argument related to the dissolution of the National Assembly. PM Imran Khan has been named the caretaker prime minister until a new name is proposed.

Watch: Pakistan's political crisis reaches Supreme Court

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Khan's key ally the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) had walked out of the government ahead of the vote on Sunday.

PM Imran Khan faced a no-confidence vote in Parliament however the deputy speaker dismissed the motion as the prime minister called for a dissolution of the house in a dramatic TV appearance as the Parliament was in session.

The opposition then challenged the decision to block the vote in the Supreme Court. The five-judge panel is currently hearing the argument from both sides, however, the exact date of the final ruling is unconfirmed.

On Wednesday, the Pakistan Supreme Court adjourned the hearing which was taken up again on Wednesday as opposition lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan said Prime Minister Imran Khan's move was in violation of the constitution.

"This is not just a matter of procedure but it is in negation of parliamentary democracy," Makhdoom Ali Khan told the court. The court is hearing PM Imran Khan's side today.

Imran Khan came to power in 2018 promising a "Naya(naya) Pakistan",&nbsp;however, the country has been hit by high inflation and economic crisis.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Pakistan president's office wrote to the country's Election Commission on Wednesday to hold elections after the National Assembly was dissolved on April 3. The notification said the "president shall appoint a date, no later than 90 days from the date of dissolution of National Assembly" to hold the general election.

The Pakistan president's office wrote to the country's Election Commission on Wednesday to hold elections after the National Assembly was dissolved on April 3. The notification said the "president shall appoint a date, no later than 90 days from the date of dissolution of National Assembly" to hold the general election. Also Read: Pakistan's security agencies found no credible evidence of ‘foreign plot’ The letter requested the Election Commission on the proposed dates for holding the election in accordance to the provisions of the constitution. The move comes even as Pakistan's Supreme Court is hearing an argument related to the dissolution of the National Assembly. PM Imran Khan has been named the caretaker prime minister until a new name is proposed. Watch: Pakistan's political crisis reaches Supreme Court Khan's key ally the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) had walked out of the government ahead of the vote on Sunday. PM Imran Khan faced a no-confidence vote in Parliament however the deputy speaker dismissed the motion as the prime minister called for a dissolution of the house in a dramatic TV appearance as the Parliament was in session. The opposition then challenged the decision to block the vote in the Supreme Court. The five-judge panel is currently hearing the argument from both sides, however, the exact date of the final ruling is unconfirmed. On Wednesday, the Pakistan Supreme Court adjourned the hearing which was taken up again on Wednesday as opposition lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan said Prime Minister Imran Khan's move was in violation of the constitution. "This is not just a matter of procedure but it is in negation of parliamentary democracy," Makhdoom Ali Khan told the court. The court is hearing PM Imran Khan's side today. Imran Khan came to power in 2018 promising a "Naya(naya) Pakistan", however, the country has been hit by high inflation and economic crisis. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pakistan President's office writes to Election Commission to hold polls

Tension is building for Pakistan's ruling party in Islamabad. The two main opposition parties have decided to leave their thorny differences behind and work towards a common goal ousting prime minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan: Arch-rivals come together to defeat Imran Khan

The chief of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the radical Islamist party whose supporters are accused of lynching a Sri Lankan man over blasphemy charges, has predicted that his party would be a “kingmaker” in the 2023 general elections.

In an interview with Newsweek Pakistan, TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, who was recently released from jail after nearly seven months, said that their vote bank will likely get a massive boost in Punjab and Sindh regions, provided that the “polls are held in a free and fair manner”.

“No opposition will be able to function, and no party will be able to make government without the support of the TLP,” Rizvi said while claiming that his party's vote banks in Punjab and Sindh had experienced a massive boost since the last general elections.

“The TLP enjoys good support in both provinces and its vote bank has increased manifold compared to last elections,” he told the magazine on Thursday.

When asked whether any major political parties have reached out to him after his release and the possibility of an electoral alliance, Saad said the TLP’s doors were open to all parties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tlp-to-end-sit-in-protest-as-pakistan-lifts-ban-on-group-427738">TLP to end sit-in protest as Pakistan lifts ban on group</a>

When asked for his views regarding last week’s mob lynching of Priyantha Kumara in Sialkot over allegations of blasphemy, Rizvi sought to distance TLP from the incident.

He claimed that such incidents were linked to the TLP by the media to harm it.

Police had arrested Rizvi on April 12 as a “pre-emptive measure", ahead of planned protests by the TLP for the implementation of its demands, including the expulsion the French ambassador, severing ties with France and boycotting French products over blasphemous sketches of the Prophet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bowing-down-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-approves-tlps-de-proscription-427362">Bowing down? Pakistan PM Imran Khan approves TLP's de-proscription</a>

The next day, police had registered a first information report (FIR) against the TLP chief under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997.

Later on November 18, Rizvi was released from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the aftermath of an agreement with the Imran Khan-led government.

The agreement was reached following days of protest by his party workers, who also clashed with police, and were marching towards the capital, Islamabad.

The details of the agreement have not been made public.

On November 7, the Imran Khan-led government had dropped TLP from the list of proscribed group.

(With inputs from agencies)

The chief of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the radical Islamist party whose supporters are accused of lynching a Sri Lankan man over blasphemy charges, has predicted that his party would be a “kingmaker” in the 2023 general elections.

The chief of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the radical Islamist party whose supporters are accused of lynching a Sri Lankan man over blasphemy charges, has predicted that his party would be a “kingmaker” in the 2023 general elections. In an interview with Newsweek Pakistan, TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, who was recently released from jail after nearly seven months, said that their vote bank will likely get a massive boost in Punjab and Sindh regions, provided that the “polls are held in a free and fair manner”. “No opposition will be able to function, and no party will be able to make government without the support of the TLP,” Rizvi said while claiming that his party's vote banks in Punjab and Sindh had experienced a massive boost since the last general elections. “The TLP enjoys good support in both provinces and its vote bank has increased manifold compared to last elections,” he told the magazine on Thursday. When asked whether any major political parties have reached out to him after his release and the possibility of an electoral alliance, Saad said the TLP’s doors were open to all parties. Also read | TLP to end sit-in protest as Pakistan lifts ban on group When asked for his views regarding last week’s mob lynching of Priyantha Kumara in Sialkot over allegations of blasphemy, Rizvi sought to distance TLP from the incident. He claimed that such incidents were linked to the TLP by the media to harm it. Police had arrested Rizvi on April 12 as a “pre-emptive measure", ahead of planned protests by the TLP for the implementation of its demands, including the expulsion the French ambassador, severing ties with France and boycotting French products over blasphemous sketches of the Prophet. Also read | Bowing down? Pakistan PM Imran Khan approves TLP's de-proscription The next day, police had registered a first information report (FIR) against the TLP chief under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. Later on November 18, Rizvi was released from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the aftermath of an agreement with the Imran Khan-led government. The agreement was reached following days of protest by his party workers, who also clashed with police, and were marching towards the capital, Islamabad. The details of the agreement have not been made public. On November 7, the Imran Khan-led government had dropped TLP from the list of proscribed group. (With inputs from agencies)

Chief of hardline Islamist party TLP aims to become ‘kingmaker’ in 2023 Pak general elections

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday lashed out at the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for "making a mockery of democracy", while also calling out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Imran made these remarks in an address to the nation where he explained the political situation in the country that emerged after Wednesday's Senate elections in which the opposition managed to stage an upset.

In a nationwide address, Imran Khan questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) saying, "Your (ECP) major responsibility was transparency (during Senate polls) but why did you ask for a close ballot."This comes as the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured 18 seats.&nbsp;

He also announced that he will take a vote of confidence from Parliament on Saturday, adding that he will sit in opposition if failed to get a vote of confidence from the lower house.

However, the win was watered-down as the opposition's Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate defeated PTI from the Islamabad general seat. Yousaf Raza Gilani, the joint candidate of opposition parties, was elected senator from Islamabad, by defeating PTI's Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

Further blaming the opposition parties, Khan said, "They (the opposition) staged the entire drama on Hafeez Shaikh. "Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said the win of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on the general seat of the Senate from Islamabad was a "negation of democracy".

"The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has unanimously decided that Prime Minister Imran Khan will seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. Pakistan prime minister is now set to seek a confidence vote in the country's National Assembly on Saturday to prove the legitimacy of his government.

As Imran Khan attempted to sway public opinion, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari today said the "beginning of the end" had started for the incumbent PTI-led government and it was "too late" for anyone to attempt to save the government now.

"Now this puppet spectacle won't continue, now this drama won't continue, [Prime Minister] Imran Khan will have to correct his behaviour," said Bilawal, as quoted by Dawn."It is well and truly the beginning of the end and now no one can save this government," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday lashed out at the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for "making a mockery of democracy", while also calling out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday lashed out at the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for "making a mockery of democracy", while also calling out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Imran made these remarks in an address to the nation where he explained the political situation in the country that emerged after Wednesday's Senate elections in which the opposition managed to stage an upset. In a nationwide address, Imran Khan questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) saying, "Your (ECP) major responsibility was transparency (during Senate polls) but why did you ask for a close ballot."This comes as the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured 18 seats. He also announced that he will take a vote of confidence from Parliament on Saturday, adding that he will sit in opposition if failed to get a vote of confidence from the lower house. However, the win was watered-down as the opposition's Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate defeated PTI from the Islamabad general seat. Yousaf Raza Gilani, the joint candidate of opposition parties, was elected senator from Islamabad, by defeating PTI's Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. Further blaming the opposition parties, Khan said, "They (the opposition) staged the entire drama on Hafeez Shaikh. "Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said the win of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on the general seat of the Senate from Islamabad was a "negation of democracy". "The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has unanimously decided that Prime Minister Imran Khan will seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. Pakistan prime minister is now set to seek a confidence vote in the country's National Assembly on Saturday to prove the legitimacy of his government. As Imran Khan attempted to sway public opinion, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari today said the "beginning of the end" had started for the incumbent PTI-led government and it was "too late" for anyone to attempt to save the government now. "Now this puppet spectacle won't continue, now this drama won't continue, [Prime Minister] Imran Khan will have to correct his behaviour," said Bilawal, as quoted by Dawn."It is well and truly the beginning of the end and now no one can save this government," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ready to sit on opposition benches, says Imran Khan; questions ECP's responsibility

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament after the ruling Pakistan&nbsp;Tehreek-e-insaaf(PTI) lost a key&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/polling-for-pakistan-senates-37-seats-underway-after-weeks-of-acrimony-367695">Senate </a>seat&nbsp;in Islamabad.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-sindh-assembly-turns-into-a-wrestling-ring-367454/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistan's finance minister and PM Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to the jointly hosted opposition candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-ex-premier-gilani-defeats-finance-minister-in-hotly-contested-senate-election-367765">Yousuf Raza Gilani</a>, a PPP candidate as the PTI party suffered setbacks. The Pakistan PM had personally campaigned for his cabinet colleague.

"Yusuf Raza Gilani got 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. Seven votes were rejected. A total number of polled votes was 340," the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced.

Gilani was supported by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of eleven opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party(PPP).

The Pakistan prime minister's PTI party had made serious voter fraud, bribery and corruption allegations amid the losses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Addressing the media, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asked Prime Minister Khan to step down even as several other opposition leaders heavily criticised PM Imran Khan after Gilani's win&nbsp;calling for him to resign as the prime minister.

"Imran Khan should resign, this is not only the Opposition's demand but of the government's own members," Bilawal said, adding that a new era was starting in Pakistan's democratic journey.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaaf(PTI) lost a key Senate seat in Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaaf(PTI) lost a key Senate seat in Islamabad. Watch: Pakistan's finance minister and PM Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to the jointly hosted opposition candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani, a PPP candidate as the PTI party suffered setbacks. The Pakistan PM had personally campaigned for his cabinet colleague. "Yusuf Raza Gilani got 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. Seven votes were rejected. A total number of polled votes was 340," the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced. Gilani was supported by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of eleven opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party(PPP). The Pakistan prime minister's PTI party had made serious voter fraud, bribery and corruption allegations amid the losses. Addressing the media, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asked Prime Minister Khan to step down even as several other opposition leaders heavily criticised PM Imran Khan after Gilani's win calling for him to resign as the prime minister. "Imran Khan should resign, this is not only the Opposition's demand but of the government's own members," Bilawal said, adding that a new era was starting in Pakistan's democratic journey.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to seek vote of confidence after Senate election defeat

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has sent advice to President Alvi under article 91 to summon special session of the National Assembly for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-seek-vote-of-confidence-after-senate-election-defeat-367799">vote of confidence </a>which is likely to take place on Saturday.

The vote comes as PM Imran Khan's party suffered a setback in the Senate elections after Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to opposition candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Under the article 91 of the Pakistani constitution, the president must approve the confidence motion, however, the motion is yet to be passed currently. After it gets passed then either the prime minister can ask the president or the president himself can call a special assembly session to seek the confidence vote.

Reports say PM Imran Khan is likely to be present during the confidence vote. The Pakistan PM is set to address the nation later today, reports said.

The move follows after Imran's PTI lost the key Islamabad seat, hours after the results were declared, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the PM Imran Khan had decided to seek a vote of confidence.

The decision was taken in the meeting of the party after consultations, Qureshi asserted. Members of Pakistan’s 96-member Upper House are elected for six-year terms and after almost every three years, elections are held for half of the House seats where Senators are elected by provincial lawmakers and members of the lower house.

Although the PTI had won the 2018 general elections, PM Imran Khan's coalition does not have a majority in the Senate.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has sent advice to President Alvi under article 91 to summon special session of the National Assembly for a vote of confidence which is likely to take place on Saturday.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has sent advice to President Alvi under article 91 to summon special session of the National Assembly for a vote of confidence which is likely to take place on Saturday. The vote comes as PM Imran Khan's party suffered a setback in the Senate elections after Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to opposition candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani. Under the article 91 of the Pakistani constitution, the president must approve the confidence motion, however, the motion is yet to be passed currently. After it gets passed then either the prime minister can ask the president or the president himself can call a special assembly session to seek the confidence vote. Reports say PM Imran Khan is likely to be present during the confidence vote. The Pakistan PM is set to address the nation later today, reports said. The move follows after Imran's PTI lost the key Islamabad seat, hours after the results were declared, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the PM Imran Khan had decided to seek a vote of confidence. The decision was taken in the meeting of the party after consultations, Qureshi asserted. Members of Pakistan’s 96-member Upper House are elected for six-year terms and after almost every three years, elections are held for half of the House seats where Senators are elected by provincial lawmakers and members of the lower house. Although the PTI had won the 2018 general elections, PM Imran Khan's coalition does not have a majority in the Senate.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan seeks vote of confidence after Senate election debacle

Protests are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir for more than 4 days. Pakistan has carried out assembly elections. India has already slammed the elections held in illegally occupied territory.&nbsp;

The protests started after initial result of the elections. Pakistani opposition is leading these people into the protest. Opposition leaders are claiming that the mandate has been stolen.

The elections were held on November 15 for 23 seats of 3rd legislative assembly in Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party is said to be leading in eight to nine seats. Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party has bagged two seats. Two seats have gone to Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).

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The final result is still not known, the election authorities say it will take more time. But Opposition says the outcome will be a foregone conclusion. It claims election officials are making backdoor attempts to make PTI attain a majority.

An unverified image of Gilgit-Baltistan election commissioner Raja Shahbaz meeting PTI minister is being widely circulated. The Opposition leaders are hinting at foul play.

The election commissioner has reiterated the polls were transparent. But this hasn't found many takers.

Meanwhile, another news that made waves in Pakistan was 'blasphemy activist' Khadim Hussain Rizvi's death. Rizvi was the chief of Tehreek-I-Labbaik Pakistan, a radical islamist party. Rizvi was a notorious political figure.

He was infamous for protesting any reforms to Pakistan's ultra-conservative blasphemy laws. He was last seen in an anti-France rally in Lahore. His party says he died of fever a severe chest pain.

Protests are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir for more than 4 days. Pakistan has carried out assembly elections. India has already slammed the elections held in illegally occupied territory.

Protests are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir for more than 4 days. Pakistan has carried out assembly elections. India has already slammed the elections held in illegally occupied territory. The protests started after initial result of the elections. Pakistani opposition is leading these people into the protest. Opposition leaders are claiming that the mandate has been stolen. The elections were held on November 15 for 23 seats of 3rd legislative assembly in Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party is said to be leading in eight to nine seats. Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party has bagged two seats. Two seats have gone to Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). × The final result is still not known, the election authorities say it will take more time. But Opposition says the outcome will be a foregone conclusion. It claims election officials are making backdoor attempts to make PTI attain a majority. An unverified image of Gilgit-Baltistan election commissioner Raja Shahbaz meeting PTI minister is being widely circulated. The Opposition leaders are hinting at foul play. The election commissioner has reiterated the polls were transparent. But this hasn't found many takers. Meanwhile, another news that made waves in Pakistan was 'blasphemy activist' Khadim Hussain Rizvi's death. Rizvi was the chief of Tehreek-I-Labbaik Pakistan, a radical islamist party. Rizvi was a notorious political figure. He was infamous for protesting any reforms to Pakistan's ultra-conservative blasphemy laws. He was last seen in an anti-France rally in Lahore. His party says he died of fever a severe chest pain.

Gilgit-Baltistan sees continued protests over elections

By Renee Coulouris

Despite recent success in Tunisia, which elected the capital’s first female mayor in July, many women around the world continue to experience significant violence around election time. This type of violence is not exclusive to one region of the world, but is experienced by women globally as seen in the recent elections in Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Mexico. Both female voters and politicians have experienced increased harassment, violence and psychological abuse. Electoral violence against women must be addressed and ultimately prevented as it is damaging for states attempting to maintain inclusive governance and democratic societies.

Harassment against women, including acts of domestic violence, tends to increase during electoral periods and is not limited to a single culture or context. In 2016, an Inter-Parliamentary Union report discovered that 44 per cent of surveyed elected female officials experienced threats of rape, death and abductions while in office. Threats of violence and acts of violence dissuade female politicians from continuing to run for political positions and also discourages women from voting. Research has confirmed that hindering female political participation negatively impacts constituencies and undermines the overall political process in countries around the world.

During Zimbabwe’s contentious 2018 general election, female politicians faced multiple barriers when competing for office. In many cases, women received frequent&nbsp;threats from opponents, members of their own party and even from their own family members. During the election period, female politicians experience intense psycho-social violence, particularly with the growing prevalence and importance of social media. Unlike their male counterparts, female politicians are called demeaning names and subjected to gender stereotyping. For example, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) quotes one interviewee noting that “A woman still cannot question an MP in parliament without being [told] her thighs are too big.”

Female voters also experience similar cruelty during electoral periods. Throughout ultra-conservative regions of Pakistan, such as in a village near Khubab, in the Punjab region, many women were only able to vote for the first time since independence in 1947 in the 2018 general election even though they have been legally enfranchised since 1956. Despite this milestone, Pakistani women continue to face violence and restrictions when attempting to exercise their right to vote. They are hindered by discrimination that takes place at polling booths as well as outright declarations from the jirgas, or councils of elders, forbidding women to vote, threatening to be shunned from their communities.

These traditional and religious barriers, plus the lack of segregated voting stations, means Pakistani women tend to stay at home instead of exercising their right to vote due to fear of retribution, backlash and even threats to their personal safety. Globally, Pakistan is ranked last when it comes to female participation in elections.

It is critical to promote peaceful and violence-free elections, which necessitates full gender inclusivity at every step of the electoral process. An example of a positive innovation for women within electoral periods is the creation of IFES’ Women against Violence in Elections Advisory Group in Bangladesh, which is an innovative community forum that empowers community members — both women and men — to discuss ways to mitigate electoral violence against women and how to promote overall peaceful elections. The use of community forums and awareness trainings equips women, and also men, with the tools to respond to violent threats and effectively report them back to the authorities.

Legislation can be utilized to protect women against harassment and violence during elections. However, many countries do not have extensive laws protecting women during electoral periods, such as is the reality in Zimbabwe and Pakistan; and if they do, the laws are often not enforced. A positive example of useful legislation is the case of Bolivia, which passed Law 243 specifically focusing on how to address violence against women surrounding elections. Unfortunately, limited financial resources prevent the law from being fully be implemented.

Impunity is an egregious injustice that allows electoral violence against women to continue. In many cases, women are unable to report acts of violence to authorities without fear of backlash or lack of confidence in the officials to do their jobs. Beyond legislation, governments need to support and work with community forums and local non-governmental organizations to both combat electoral violence as well as empower women during electoral periods, whether in their roles as voters or politicians. For instance, governments can hold community forums with security officials, female and male politicians, and other community members to collectively discuss the violence women face during elections and the obstacles they face in finding justice. Including security officials may build more solid relationships between women and those who are supposed to protect them and uphold their rights during electoral times.

In the atmosphere of fear and violence against women voters and politicians during election periods, a country’s overall ability to represent its citizens is diminished as women’s voices are prevented from being represented within the elected governments. This discrepancy perpetuates a vicious circle wherein women will continue to be underrepresented and often outright harmed by legislation that they had no say in. 
 
(Renee Coulouris is the 2018 gender in foreign policy fellow at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy)

(This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/more/global_change/women-in-politics-election-violence-sexual-harassment-womens-rights-news-17612/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By Renee Coulouris Despite recent success in Tunisia, which elected the capital’s first female mayor in July, many women around the world continue to experience significant violence around election time.

By Renee Coulouris Despite recent success in Tunisia, which elected the capital’s first female mayor in July, many women around the world continue to experience significant violence around election time. This type of violence is not exclusive to one region of the world, but is experienced by women globally as seen in the recent elections in Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Mexico. Both female voters and politicians have experienced increased harassment, violence and psychological abuse. Electoral violence against women must be addressed and ultimately prevented as it is damaging for states attempting to maintain inclusive governance and democratic societies. Harassment against women, including acts of domestic violence, tends to increase during electoral periods and is not limited to a single culture or context. In 2016, an Inter-Parliamentary Union report discovered that 44 per cent of surveyed elected female officials experienced threats of rape, death and abductions while in office. Threats of violence and acts of violence dissuade female politicians from continuing to run for political positions and also discourages women from voting. Research has confirmed that hindering female political participation negatively impacts constituencies and undermines the overall political process in countries around the world. During Zimbabwe’s contentious 2018 general election, female politicians faced multiple barriers when competing for office. In many cases, women received frequent threats from opponents, members of their own party and even from their own family members. During the election period, female politicians experience intense psycho-social violence, particularly with the growing prevalence and importance of social media. Unlike their male counterparts, female politicians are called demeaning names and subjected to gender stereotyping. For example, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) quotes one interviewee noting that “A woman still cannot question an MP in parliament without being [told] her thighs are too big.” Female voters also experience similar cruelty during electoral periods. Throughout ultra-conservative regions of Pakistan, such as in a village near Khubab, in the Punjab region, many women were only able to vote for the first time since independence in 1947 in the 2018 general election even though they have been legally enfranchised since 1956. Despite this milestone, Pakistani women continue to face violence and restrictions when attempting to exercise their right to vote. They are hindered by discrimination that takes place at polling booths as well as outright declarations from the jirgas, or councils of elders, forbidding women to vote, threatening to be shunned from their communities. These traditional and religious barriers, plus the lack of segregated voting stations, means Pakistani women tend to stay at home instead of exercising their right to vote due to fear of retribution, backlash and even threats to their personal safety. Globally, Pakistan is ranked last when it comes to female participation in elections. It is critical to promote peaceful and violence-free elections, which necessitates full gender inclusivity at every step of the electoral process. An example of a positive innovation for women within electoral periods is the creation of IFES’ Women against Violence in Elections Advisory Group in Bangladesh, which is an innovative community forum that empowers community members — both women and men — to discuss ways to mitigate electoral violence against women and how to promote overall peaceful elections. The use of community forums and awareness trainings equips women, and also men, with the tools to respond to violent threats and effectively report them back to the authorities. Legislation can be utilized to protect women against harassment and violence during elections. However, many countries do not have extensive laws protecting women during electoral periods, such as is the reality in Zimbabwe and Pakistan; and if they do, the laws are often not enforced. A positive example of useful legislation is the case of Bolivia, which passed Law 243 specifically focusing on how to address violence against women surrounding elections. Unfortunately, limited financial resources prevent the law from being fully be implemented. Impunity is an egregious injustice that allows electoral violence against women to continue. In many cases, women are unable to report acts of violence to authorities without fear of backlash or lack of confidence in the officials to do their jobs. Beyond legislation, governments need to support and work with community forums and local non-governmental organizations to both combat electoral violence as well as empower women during electoral periods, whether in their roles as voters or politicians. For instance, governments can hold community forums with security officials, female and male politicians, and other community members to collectively discuss the violence women face during elections and the obstacles they face in finding justice. Including security officials may build more solid relationships between women and those who are supposed to protect them and uphold their rights during electoral times. In the atmosphere of fear and violence against women voters and politicians during election periods, a country’s overall ability to represent its citizens is diminished as women’s voices are prevented from being represented within the elected governments. This discrepancy perpetuates a vicious circle wherein women will continue to be underrepresented and often outright harmed by legislation that they had no say in. (Renee Coulouris is the 2018 gender in foreign policy fellow at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy) (This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Electoral violence against women hinders Democracy worldwide

Thirteen members of the transgender community will be contesting the&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;elections on various seats across Pakistan, the All Pakistan Transgender Election Network (Apten) said today.

It said two transgender leaders - Nayab Ali and Lubna Lal - will contest on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Gulalai (PTI-G) tickets, while the remaining 11 candidates will run as independents, Dawn reported.

However, they said, at least two transgender people - one in Peshawar and another in Haripur - were unable to submit nomination papers because they were beaten up and harassed after their intentions to contest elections became public knowledge.

Apten, a rights group focusing on the invisibility of leaders from the transgender community, comprises TransAction KP, the Sindh Transgender Welfare Network, the Balochistan Alliance for Transgender and Intersex Community and the Punjab Transgender Foundation.

The group, led by TransAction KP President Farzana Jan, also demanded removal of systemic barriers to entry of transgender people into politics, and for political parties to induct more members of the community into their ranks.

It said the network would form its own political party after the elections. The group said that it was aiming for the party to be registered before local body elections.

In 2009, Pakistan became one of the first countries in the world to legally recognise a third sex, allowing transgenders to obtain identity cards. They number at least half a million people in the country, according to several studies, but their representation in politics and many other spheres of life remains negligible.

It said two transgender leaders - Nayab Ali and Lubna Lal - will contest on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Gulalai (PTI-G) tickets

Thirteen members of the transgender community will be contesting the July 25 elections on various seats across Pakistan, the All Pakistan Transgender Election Network (Apten) said today. It said two transgender leaders - Nayab Ali and Lubna Lal - will contest on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Gulalai (PTI-G) tickets, while the remaining 11 candidates will run as independents, Dawn reported. However, they said, at least two transgender people - one in Peshawar and another in Haripur - were unable to submit nomination papers because they were beaten up and harassed after their intentions to contest elections became public knowledge. Apten, a rights group focusing on the invisibility of leaders from the transgender community, comprises TransAction KP, the Sindh Transgender Welfare Network, the Balochistan Alliance for Transgender and Intersex Community and the Punjab Transgender Foundation. The group, led by TransAction KP President Farzana Jan, also demanded removal of systemic barriers to entry of transgender people into politics, and for political parties to induct more members of the community into their ranks. It said the network would form its own political party after the elections. The group said that it was aiming for the party to be registered before local body elections. In 2009, Pakistan became one of the first countries in the world to legally recognise a third sex, allowing transgenders to obtain identity cards. They number at least half a million people in the country, according to several studies, but their representation in politics and many other spheres of life remains negligible.

13 transgenders to contest July 25 elections in Pakistan

Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar on Monday filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from Taxila and Rawalpindi to contest upcoming elections on July 25.

As reported by the Dawn, Nisar, who has been associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while speaking to media appeared miffed with the party for choosing 'politically orphan' people over him and said that he would no longer be working for the party.

He further made a scathing remark at ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, who is going to fight elections from the Karachi constituency.

Nisar said, "These Sharifs will not able to show their faces anywhere if I decide to open my mouth" and that he had been silent all this while because of his 34-year association with the Sharifs.

Continuing his attack on the father-daughter duo, Nisar said, "An opponent of Aurat Raj (women holding political office) has now imposed his daughter on the party."

Talking about whether he would be joining PML(N) opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaaf (PTI) in the future, Nisar said: "While there might be ten faults within the PTI, there are more than 100 flaws in the N-league."

This comes after former federal information minister Pervaiz Rashid said that only those would be considered for award of party tickets who have formally applied for it and were appearing before the board.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz uploaded a video showing PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif appearing before the parliamentary board to qualify for a party ticket.

Nisar, who has been associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while speaking to media appeared miffed with the party for choosing 'politically orphan' people over him and said that he would no longer be working for the party

Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar on Monday filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from Taxila and Rawalpindi to contest upcoming elections on July 25. As reported by the Dawn, Nisar, who has been associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while speaking to media appeared miffed with the party for choosing 'politically orphan' people over him and said that he would no longer be working for the party. He further made a scathing remark at ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, who is going to fight elections from the Karachi constituency. Nisar said, "These Sharifs will not able to show their faces anywhere if I decide to open my mouth" and that he had been silent all this while because of his 34-year association with the Sharifs. Continuing his attack on the father-daughter duo, Nisar said, "An opponent of Aurat Raj (women holding political office) has now imposed his daughter on the party." Talking about whether he would be joining PML(N) opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaaf (PTI) in the future, Nisar said: "While there might be ten faults within the PTI, there are more than 100 flaws in the N-league." This comes after former federal information minister Pervaiz Rashid said that only those would be considered for award of party tickets who have formally applied for it and were appearing before the board. Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz uploaded a video showing PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif appearing before the parliamentary board to qualify for a party ticket.

Former interior minister to fight Pakistan general polls as independent candidate

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/any-agreement-with-north-korea-will-be-spur-of-the-moment-trump-143374">Any agreement with North Korea will be 'spur of the moment': Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday any agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at next week's summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368">battle</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368"> of tweets, Canada's Trudeau dismisses Trump critique</a>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">Priyanka Chopra </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">apologises</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390"> for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">controversial</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390"> episode on 'Quantico', says she's proud to be Indian</a>

Actress Priyanka Chopra on Saturday took to Twitter to issue an apology for the recent controversy over an episode in the American TV Quantico, in which she plays the lead, which showed Indians as terrorists.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369">Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369">daughter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369"> to 'appease Allah during Ramzan'</a>

A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-imran-file-nomination-papers-from-karachi-constituencies-143389">Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies</a>

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

Any agreement with North Korea will be 'spur of the moment': Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said on Saturday any agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at next week's summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace." In battle of tweets, Canada's Trudeau dismisses Trump critique Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit. Priyanka Chopra apologises for controversial episode on 'Quantico', says she's proud to be Indian Actress Priyanka Chopra on Saturday took to Twitter to issue an apology for the recent controversy over an episode in the American TV Quantico, in which she plays the lead, which showed Indians as terrorists. Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing daughter to 'appease Allah during Ramzan' A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said. Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

Based in Paris, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF has placed Pakistan on the global terror financing watch-list.

Pakistan was listed as grey in 2012 but was removed in 2015 after strenuous efforts to address the concerns of the group.

Nasir chaired his first National Security Committee meeting at the Prime Minister's House.

Minister for Finance Shamshad Akhtar gave a detailed presentation to the meeting about the upcoming FATF in Paris and the administrative and legal measures taken so far to meet the global watchdog's requirements, said a statement by the PMO.&nbsp

"While reviewing various actions taken towards fulfilling country's international responsibilities under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework, the meeting expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far," it said.

Pakistan Foreign Office confirmed in February that the country would go on a 'grey-list' from June this year.

"Pakistan will be assigned to the 'grey-list' in June, once an Action Plan has been mutually negotiated," Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

He, however, said that it was not true that the country would be transferred from the 'grey' to 'black' list in June this year.

The National Security Committee noted that the progress should be shared with the FATF Secretariat in the upcoming meeting.

It reaffirmed the commitment of the country to work with FATF and other international organisations in achieving common goals and shared objectives.

The Prime Minister also shared with the Committee members contents of his telephonic discussion with US Vice President Mike Pence on June 7, the statement said.

The meeting reviewed overall security situation in the country, it said.

FATF was set up in 1989 with a primary aim to set standards to combat money laundering, but in 2001 its mandate was expanded to include countering terror financing.

It can take action against any country by including a country in black or grey lists.

Nasir was named as the caretaker prime minister last month until the general elections on July 25 to oversee the second-ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan ruled by the powerful army for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago.&nbsp

Based in Paris, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF has placed Pakistan on the global terror financing watch-list

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing. Based in Paris, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF has placed Pakistan on the global terror financing watch-list. Pakistan was listed as grey in 2012 but was removed in 2015 after strenuous efforts to address the concerns of the group. Nasir chaired his first National Security Committee meeting at the Prime Minister's House. Minister for Finance Shamshad Akhtar gave a detailed presentation to the meeting about the upcoming FATF in Paris and the administrative and legal measures taken so far to meet the global watchdog's requirements, said a statement by the PMO. "While reviewing various actions taken towards fulfilling country's international responsibilities under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework, the meeting expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far," it said. Pakistan Foreign Office confirmed in February that the country would go on a 'grey-list' from June this year. "Pakistan will be assigned to the 'grey-list' in June, once an Action Plan has been mutually negotiated," Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. He, however, said that it was not true that the country would be transferred from the 'grey' to 'black' list in June this year. The National Security Committee noted that the progress should be shared with the FATF Secretariat in the upcoming meeting. It reaffirmed the commitment of the country to work with FATF and other international organisations in achieving common goals and shared objectives. The Prime Minister also shared with the Committee members contents of his telephonic discussion with US Vice President Mike Pence on June 7, the statement said. The meeting reviewed overall security situation in the country, it said. FATF was set up in 1989 with a primary aim to set standards to combat money laundering, but in 2001 its mandate was expanded to include countering terror financing. It can take action against any country by including a country in black or grey lists. Nasir was named as the caretaker prime minister last month until the general elections on July 25 to oversee the second-ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan ruled by the powerful army for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago.

Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing

Former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf's party announced that he will be running for a seat in Parliament in the country's upcoming elections in July media reports said on Saturday.

Currently living in exile in Dubai, Musharraf will participate from Chitral district in Khyber.

Meanwhile on Friday media reports sais that his national identity card and his passport are suspended following the order by a special court hearing treason case against him.

Musharraf, 74, was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing emergency in 2007 which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

On March 18, 2016, the former president travelled to Dubai for medical treatment.

According to reports, after suspension of passport, he won't be allowed to travel in any country. His stay in Dubai also becomes illegal.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. He is wanted in Pakistan in several criminal cases including in the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

(With inputs from PTI)

Currently living in exile in Dubai, Musharraf will participate from Chitral district in Khyber

Former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf's party announced that he will be running for a seat in Parliament in the country's upcoming elections in July media reports said on Saturday. Currently living in exile in Dubai, Musharraf will participate from Chitral district in Khyber. Meanwhile on Friday media reports sais that his national identity card and his passport are suspended following the order by a special court hearing treason case against him. Musharraf, 74, was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing emergency in 2007 which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. On March 18, 2016, the former president travelled to Dubai for medical treatment. According to reports, after suspension of passport, he won't be allowed to travel in any country. His stay in Dubai also becomes illegal. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. He is wanted in Pakistan in several criminal cases including in the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. (With inputs from PTI)

Pervez Musharraf to run for parliament seat in upcoming election

Pakistan's cricketer-turned-politician and Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has filed nomination papers from Karachi for the upcoming general elections due on July 25.

He had during a visit to Karachi last month announced his intention to contest a National Assembly seat from Pakistan's biggest city, which since 1988 has been dominated by the Mutthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party in national and provincial elections.&nbsp;

Khan filed his nomination papers from NA-243 constituency but PTI's senior leader Asad Umar said he would also be contesting on other NA seats.

Umar added that the PTI chairman would contest the elections from four or five different constituencies scattered across the country.

In the 2013 elections, Khan had contested from NA-1 (Peshawar - II), NA- 56 (Rawalpindi VII), NA-71 (Mianwali - I) and NA-126 (Lahore - IX).

Karachi has assumed significance in the coming elections as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) vice chairman Bilawal Bhutto has also filed his nomination papers day from NA-246.

Bilawal's sister Aseefa Bhutto and father Asif Ali Zardari will also contest elections from seats in Karachi.

Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir has also announced he will be contesting a seat from Karachi as an independent candidate.

Political analysts believe that with the MQM now scattered into several groups and their founder-leader Altaf Hussain banned from politics in Pakistan, other political parties now see an opportune moment to end the MQM's stronghold on Karachi.

Since 1988, the MQM has won the majority of the national assembly and provincial assembly seats from Karachi and dominated the city's political landscape.

He had during a visit to Karachi last month announced his intention to contest a National Assembly seat from Pakistan's biggest city, which since 1988 has been dominated by the Mutthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party in national and provincial elections.

Pakistan's cricketer-turned-politician and Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has filed nomination papers from Karachi for the upcoming general elections due on July 25. He had during a visit to Karachi last month announced his intention to contest a National Assembly seat from Pakistan's biggest city, which since 1988 has been dominated by the Mutthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party in national and provincial elections. Khan filed his nomination papers from NA-243 constituency but PTI's senior leader Asad Umar said he would also be contesting on other NA seats. Umar added that the PTI chairman would contest the elections from four or five different constituencies scattered across the country. In the 2013 elections, Khan had contested from NA-1 (Peshawar - II), NA- 56 (Rawalpindi VII), NA-71 (Mianwali - I) and NA-126 (Lahore - IX). Karachi has assumed significance in the coming elections as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) vice chairman Bilawal Bhutto has also filed his nomination papers day from NA-246. Bilawal's sister Aseefa Bhutto and father Asif Ali Zardari will also contest elections from seats in Karachi. Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir has also announced he will be contesting a seat from Karachi as an independent candidate. Political analysts believe that with the MQM now scattered into several groups and their founder-leader Altaf Hussain banned from politics in Pakistan, other political parties now see an opportune moment to end the MQM's stronghold on Karachi. Since 1988, the MQM has won the majority of the national assembly and provincial assembly seats from Karachi and dominated the city's political landscape.

Pak elections: Imran Khan files nomination for Karachi seat

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jammat-ud-Dawah will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said on Saturday.

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba militant group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP.

"It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI.

"Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said.

MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added.

The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'.

"Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said.

He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country.

"But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said.

The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol.

"We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI.

"We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said.

Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT.

"Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added.

The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is objection regarding the MML.

"I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said.

Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC.

The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML.

Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order.

The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry.

The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution.

The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act.

The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.&nbsp;

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba militant group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jammat-ud-Dawah will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said on Saturday. Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba militant group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP. "It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI. "Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said. MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added. The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'. "Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said. He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country. "But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said. The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol. "We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI. "We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said. Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT. "Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added. The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is objection regarding the MML. "I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said. Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC. The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML. Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order. The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry. The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution. The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act. The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.

Hafiz Saeed's JuD to contest Pakistan general elections on AAT platform

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and exiled leader Altaf Hussain on Saturday announced his resolution to boycott the upcoming 2018 Pakistan General Elections, scheduled to be held on July 25, citing incidents of injustice meted out to the party workers at the hands of the Pakistan Army.

This came after the MQM on Friday announced a conditional boycott of the elections and the application for the same was forwarded to Hussain.

With the announcement of boycott, Hussain also appealed to the Mohajirs and MQM workers to stay at home on the day of polling and not be a part of the election proceedings.

Hussain made this announcement in an address from London. He cited incidents of various state-sponsored injustices like arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings of Mohajirs and MQM workers, the embargo against him, and closure of his party headquarters Nine Zero in Karachi as the reasons behind his decision.

He also mentioned that the party offices that have not been destroyed were occupied by the Pakistani military establishment, and in an attempt to eliminate the movement, thousands of MQM workers have been arrested and given life imprisonment.

While accusing the Pakistani military of suppressing the rights of the minority groups including Balochs, Pashtoons, and Mohajirs, Hussain said "MQM on participating in the country`s politics also accounts for the boycott as when the movement is allowed to do politics in Pakistan then how would it be possible for them to appoint candidates."

He also accused the army of assassinating Pakistan`s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah and conducting atrocities on the women, as he said, "More than 250 women factory workers were kidnapped and had not been returned back to their families.

"Instead of repeated requests put forward by the Mohajirs to look into the incidents of disappearances of women, the Pakistani government, police, media, and the military remained silent on the issue, as claimed by Hussain.

Further, Hussain blamed former Pakistan`s military chief Ayub Khan for sending troops to kill numerous unarmed and innocent Mohajirs, and to rape women.

He then took on the government of former Pakistani president late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for massacring Mohajirs and imposing biased quota system to suppress the minority and support the Sindhi community.

For the time being, Pakistan is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and exiled leader Altaf Hussain on Saturday announced his resolution to boycott the upcoming 2018 Pakistan General Elections, scheduled to be held on July 25, citing incidents of injustice meted out to the party workers at the hands of the Pakistan Army

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and exiled leader Altaf Hussain on Saturday announced his resolution to boycott the upcoming 2018 Pakistan General Elections, scheduled to be held on July 25, citing incidents of injustice meted out to the party workers at the hands of the Pakistan Army. This came after the MQM on Friday announced a conditional boycott of the elections and the application for the same was forwarded to Hussain. With the announcement of boycott, Hussain also appealed to the Mohajirs and MQM workers to stay at home on the day of polling and not be a part of the election proceedings. Hussain made this announcement in an address from London. He cited incidents of various state-sponsored injustices like arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings of Mohajirs and MQM workers, the embargo against him, and closure of his party headquarters Nine Zero in Karachi as the reasons behind his decision. He also mentioned that the party offices that have not been destroyed were occupied by the Pakistani military establishment, and in an attempt to eliminate the movement, thousands of MQM workers have been arrested and given life imprisonment. While accusing the Pakistani military of suppressing the rights of the minority groups including Balochs, Pashtoons, and Mohajirs, Hussain said "MQM on participating in the country`s politics also accounts for the boycott as when the movement is allowed to do politics in Pakistan then how would it be possible for them to appoint candidates." He also accused the army of assassinating Pakistan`s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah and conducting atrocities on the women, as he said, "More than 250 women factory workers were kidnapped and had not been returned back to their families. "Instead of repeated requests put forward by the Mohajirs to look into the incidents of disappearances of women, the Pakistani government, police, media, and the military remained silent on the issue, as claimed by Hussain. Further, Hussain blamed former Pakistan`s military chief Ayub Khan for sending troops to kill numerous unarmed and innocent Mohajirs, and to rape women. He then took on the government of former Pakistani president late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for massacring Mohajirs and imposing biased quota system to suppress the minority and support the Sindhi community. For the time being, Pakistan is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk.

MQM will boycott Pakistan's 2018 elections, confirms exiled leader Altaf Hussain

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Asif, a staunch ally of ousted prime minister and PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from parliament by a lower court in April as he was deemed not "honest" under a constitutional provision also used to oust Sharif.

Asif was removed for not declaring his employment and a source income from a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, but the top court overturned the earlier ruling, which carried a lifetime ban from politics.

"God has granted mercy on a sinner like me, there is no count of God’s blessings. I am thankful to the judiciary," Khawaja Asif tweeted shortly after the verdict was announced.

Munir Malik, a senior member of Asif's counsel, told the English-language Dawn newspaper that Asif "can contest the upcoming election" after the ruling.

Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part.

He earlier headed the defence and power ministries and was foreign minister until the court disqualified him.

The Supreme Court's decision will have come as a surprise to many PML-N figures who have criticised the judiciary for bringing about a slew of cases against party officials and alleged bias from judges.

The judiciary and in particular the chief justice, Saqib Nisar, who has embraced an activist role in politics and the running of government, deny favouring any party.

Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part.

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. Asif, a staunch ally of ousted prime minister and PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from parliament by a lower court in April as he was deemed not "honest" under a constitutional provision also used to oust Sharif. Asif was removed for not declaring his employment and a source income from a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, but the top court overturned the earlier ruling, which carried a lifetime ban from politics. "God has granted mercy on a sinner like me, there is no count of God’s blessings. I am thankful to the judiciary," Khawaja Asif tweeted shortly after the verdict was announced. Munir Malik, a senior member of Asif's counsel, told the English-language Dawn newspaper that Asif "can contest the upcoming election" after the ruling. Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part. He earlier headed the defence and power ministries and was foreign minister until the court disqualified him. The Supreme Court's decision will have come as a surprise to many PML-N figures who have criticised the judiciary for bringing about a slew of cases against party officials and alleged bias from judges. The judiciary and in particular the chief justice, Saqib Nisar, who has embraced an activist role in politics and the running of government, deny favouring any party.

Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections

The number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections.

The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document.

The number of voters belonging to religious minorities has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 from 2.77 million as registered in electoral rolls for the 2013 general elections, it said.

According to the report, the number of Hindu voters before 2013 polls was 1.40 million, higher than the collective number of all other minorities.

The number of Hindu voters now stands at 1.77 million.&nbsp

Hindu voters continue to maintain their majority among the minorities, but they no more constitute over half of total non-Muslim voters as was the case in 2013, according to the report.

They are mostly concentrated in the Sindh province, where in two districts they form over 40 per cent of total registered voters.

The current government led by the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) will complete its tenure on May 31 post which a caretaker regime will oversee the election which is proposed to be held on July 25.

A total of 105 million -- 59.2 million males and 46.7 million females -- constitute the electoral roll across the six provinces of Pakistan, which has a population of over 200 million, according to data on the website of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

A triangular contest between the governing PML-N led by prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan's PTI and former president Asif Ali Zardari's PPP is on the cards.&nbsp

Christians form the second largest group of non-Muslim voters, totalling 1.64 million with over 1 million settled in Punjab followed by over 200,000 in Sindh. Their number has grown at a relatively high pace as compared to Hindu voters as it was 1.23 million before the 2013 general polls.

The total number of Ahmadi voters is 167,505 ?- most of whom dwell in Punjab, followed by Sindh and Islamabad. The number in 2013 stood at 115,966.

Of the total 8,852 Sikh voters, most are settled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed by Sindh and Punjab. Their presence in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas is more than their combined strength in Balochistan and Islamabad. They numbered 5,934 in 2013.

The number of Parsi voters has grown from 3,650 in 2013 to 4,235. Majority of them are settled in Sindh followed by KP. The number of Buddhist voters has increased from 1,452 in 2013 to 1,884. Most of them live in Sindh and Punjab.

There are a total of 31,543 voters from the Bahai community on the electoral rolls.

The report, based on an official document, makes no mention of Jewish voters in Pakistan, though in 2013 there were 809 Jewish voters in the country&nbsp427 women and 382 men.

While the district-wise data of non-Muslim voters is yet to be prepared, according to official statistics related to 2013 elections, Umerkot and Tharparkar districts in Sindh had as high percentage as 49 per cent and 46 per cent of total voters, respectively.

The voting lists have been updated ahead of an election scheduled to be held on July 25.&nbsp

The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years

The number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections. The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document. The number of voters belonging to religious minorities has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 from 2.77 million as registered in electoral rolls for the 2013 general elections, it said. According to the report, the number of Hindu voters before 2013 polls was 1.40 million, higher than the collective number of all other minorities. The number of Hindu voters now stands at 1.77 million. Hindu voters continue to maintain their majority among the minorities, but they no more constitute over half of total non-Muslim voters as was the case in 2013, according to the report. They are mostly concentrated in the Sindh province, where in two districts they form over 40 per cent of total registered voters. The current government led by the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) will complete its tenure on May 31 post which a caretaker regime will oversee the election which is proposed to be held on July 25. A total of 105 million -- 59.2 million males and 46.7 million females -- constitute the electoral roll across the six provinces of Pakistan, which has a population of over 200 million, according to data on the website of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). A triangular contest between the governing PML-N led by prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan's PTI and former president Asif Ali Zardari's PPP is on the cards. Christians form the second largest group of non-Muslim voters, totalling 1.64 million with over 1 million settled in Punjab followed by over 200,000 in Sindh. Their number has grown at a relatively high pace as compared to Hindu voters as it was 1.23 million before the 2013 general polls. The total number of Ahmadi voters is 167,505 ?- most of whom dwell in Punjab, followed by Sindh and Islamabad. The number in 2013 stood at 115,966. Of the total 8,852 Sikh voters, most are settled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed by Sindh and Punjab. Their presence in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas is more than their combined strength in Balochistan and Islamabad. They numbered 5,934 in 2013. The number of Parsi voters has grown from 3,650 in 2013 to 4,235. Majority of them are settled in Sindh followed by KP. The number of Buddhist voters has increased from 1,452 in 2013 to 1,884. Most of them live in Sindh and Punjab. There are a total of 31,543 voters from the Bahai community on the electoral rolls. The report, based on an official document, makes no mention of Jewish voters in Pakistan, though in 2013 there were 809 Jewish voters in the country&nbsp427 women and 382 men. While the district-wise data of non-Muslim voters is yet to be prepared, according to official statistics related to 2013 elections, Umerkot and Tharparkar districts in Sindh had as high percentage as 49 per cent and 46 per cent of total voters, respectively. The voting lists have been updated ahead of an election scheduled to be held on July 25.