Counting of votes began in Pakistan after the polling, marred by violence and terror attacks, ended on Thursday evening. According to Interior Ministry, the internet services have been partially restored in parts of the country. Amid the unrest and violence in many constituencies, the government had suspended mobile and internet services across the nation.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Counting underway, internet services partially restored in some areas

Pakistan Elections 2024: Internet services partially restored as counting gets underway

Polls opened in Pakistan’s general election at 8 a.m. (0300GMT) on Thursday (February 8) morning, as authorities temporarily suspended mobile phone services to strengthen security.

Pakistan general elections 2024: Many Pakistanis make a perilous journey to vote | BREAKING

Political personalities who are detained, including former prime minister Imran Khan, have cast their ballots via postal ballot from Adiala Jail. But Bushra Bibi, Mr. Khan's wife, was not allowed to vote since, following the postal voting process, she was found guilty and taken into custody.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts his vote from Adiala jail, wife Bushra misses out

Pakistan temporarily suspended mobile phone services on Thursday to strengthen security as voting began in the country's national election, the interior ministry said.

Pakistan general elections 2024: Mobile phone services suspended across Pakistan as voting begins

February 8: Pakistan Election 2024 In the past 77 years, no Pakistani PM has ever completed a full-term. Will the next PM change the course? With Imran Khan behind bars, the big question is who will emerge as the winner in this election? #NawazSharif or #BilawalBhutto ? Amid multiple #Blasts and security concerns, Pakistan goes to polls. Watch #WIONWideangle

Pakistan Power Play: 77 years and no full-term Prime Minister | WION Wideangle

Pakistanis head to polls to vote in general elections, vote counting starts after polls close.

Pakistan elections 2024: Pakistanis head to polls to vote in general elections

Pakistan votes on Thursday in an election scarred by rising militant attacks, an economic crisis and a deeply polarised political environment. Internet and telecom services have been temporarily suspended to strengthen security.

Pakistan Elections 2024: PPP approaches poll body against suspension of internet services

Millions of Pakistanis vote on Thursday in an election marred by violence that has killed dozens, allegations of pre-poll rigging, and the jailing of the country's most popular politician, Imran Khan.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mars polls

Pakistan Elections 2024: Mobile services suspended across Pakistan for election day

Pakistan votes for high stakes election amid rising militant attacks

Pakistanis are voting in the country's general election. Internet and telecom services have been temporarily suspended to strengthen security. The decision follows a rise in militant attacks in the run-up to the election.

Pakistan elections 2024: Opposition in Pakistan cries foul over mobile shutdown on election day

With over 120 million registered voters ready to cast their ballot on Feb 8, there are some who won't be allowed to exercise their right. This is a story of a village in Pakistan, holding back it's women voters.

Pakistan Election 2024: A village where women are barred from voting

On Thursday (February 8), 128 million Pakistanis will get to elect their country’s next government, and also the legislatures of the nation’s four provinces. These are Pakistan’s 12th general elections and the country’s latest attempt to deepen democratic roots.

Pakistan Elections 2024: 28 million voters preparing to elect a new government

Pakistan has responded to the remarks made by the United Nations regarding the general elections, saying that the country has finalised the security plans as per its electoral laws. A day earlier, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over violent incidents ahead of the upcoming general elections set to take place on February 8.

Pakistan responds to UN on violence against candidates ahead of polls

The battleground is ready. Pakistan is set to go to polls in just over 24 hours. And before the clock strikes midnight, top leaders are leading mega roadshows in a last-ditch effort to woo the vote bank.

Pakistan's major political parties carry out mega-rally on last day of the campaign

Ahead of polls, what is the mood on the ground? Who will Pakistan vote in 2024 General Elections? Will Nawaz Sharif lead PML-N to victory? Watch to know more!

Pakistan gears up for polls | WION visits Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ahead of polls

Pakistan: Last leg of campaigning before polls on February 8

Pakistan village disallows its women to vote in elections

In the upcoming Pakistan elections, women are breaking the age-old tradition. Major political parties have fielded various women as their candidates in different constituencies. WION tells you more in this report about women candidates in Pakistan's general election 2024.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Women candidates all set to contest polls

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

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

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

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

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the opposition Raja Riaz, have chosen Senator Anwar Ul Haq Kakar to become the country’s caretaker PM following their meeting on Saturday (August 12), announced the leaders. This comes after the two sides met in a final bid to reach an agreement on a name for a caretaker premier ahead of a general election. Subsequently, the two leaders sent an advice regarding Kakar’s appointment as the caretaker PM to President Arif Alvi, who gave his assent. 
 
Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar chosen as the interim prime minister has to keep the country running until a new government is elected in Pakistan.

<h2>About the selection process&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

“We had earlier decided that the caretaker PM should be someone from a smaller province and a non-controversial personality. Our aim was to remove the sense of deprivation in small provinces,” said Riaz after a meeting with the outgoing premier, as quoted by the Dawn.

He added, “We have finally reached a consensus that Anwaarul Haq Kakar will be the caretaker PM.”&nbsp;

“I had given this name and the PM has consented to this name…I and the PM have signed on the summary,” he told reporters, adding Kakar would take oath as the head of the interim set-up on Sunday, August 13.

This comes a day after Shehbaz said that the Constitution of Pakistan gives eight days to appoint the caretaker PM after the dissolution of assemblies. The National Assembly was dissolved by President Arif Alvi, on August 9 on the advice of the incumbent premier.&nbsp;

According to Pakistan law, since Pakistan’s parliament was dissolved on Wednesday, election should be held within 90 days. However, the results of the latest census released last week means more time will likely be needed to redraw constituencies.

The decision, on Saturday, also comes after the first meeting between the incumbent PM and the leader of the opposition which was held on August 10, during which they both exchanged a list of possible candidates.&nbsp;

This was followed by a second round of talks, on Friday (August 11) night during a dinner hosted by PM Shehbaz for leaders of the outgoing ruling alliance.

<h2>What do we know about the interim PM?</h2>

Kakar began his journey as an independent senator from Balochistan back in 2018 and his six-year term will conclude in March 2024. He is also the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and a member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Science and Technology, as per Dawn.&nbsp;

The Pakistan senator also became the parliamentary leader for the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) which was formed in 2018 but five months ago was replaced as the party opted for new leadership.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the opposition Raja Riaz, have chosen Senator Anwar Ul Haq Kakar to become the country’s caretaker PM following their meeting on Saturday (August 12), announced the leaders.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the opposition Raja Riaz, have chosen Senator Anwar Ul Haq Kakar to become the country’s caretaker PM following their meeting on Saturday (August 12), announced the leaders. This comes after the two sides met in a final bid to reach an agreement on a name for a caretaker premier ahead of a general election. Subsequently, the two leaders sent an advice regarding Kakar’s appointment as the caretaker PM to President Arif Alvi, who gave his assent. Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar chosen as the interim prime minister has to keep the country running until a new government is elected in Pakistan. About the selection process “We had earlier decided that the caretaker PM should be someone from a smaller province and a non-controversial personality. Our aim was to remove the sense of deprivation in small provinces,” said Riaz after a meeting with the outgoing premier, as quoted by the Dawn. He added, “We have finally reached a consensus that Anwaarul Haq Kakar will be the caretaker PM.” “I had given this name and the PM has consented to this name…I and the PM have signed on the summary,” he told reporters, adding Kakar would take oath as the head of the interim set-up on Sunday, August 13. This comes a day after Shehbaz said that the Constitution of Pakistan gives eight days to appoint the caretaker PM after the dissolution of assemblies. The National Assembly was dissolved by President Arif Alvi, on August 9 on the advice of the incumbent premier. According to Pakistan law, since Pakistan’s parliament was dissolved on Wednesday, election should be held within 90 days. However, the results of the latest census released last week means more time will likely be needed to redraw constituencies. The decision, on Saturday, also comes after the first meeting between the incumbent PM and the leader of the opposition which was held on August 10, during which they both exchanged a list of possible candidates. This was followed by a second round of talks, on Friday (August 11) night during a dinner hosted by PM Shehbaz for leaders of the outgoing ruling alliance. What do we know about the interim PM? Kakar began his journey as an independent senator from Balochistan back in 2018 and his six-year term will conclude in March 2024. He is also the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and a member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Science and Technology, as per Dawn. The Pakistan senator also became the parliamentary leader for the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) which was formed in 2018 but five months ago was replaced as the party opted for new leadership. (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: Balochistan lawmaker Anwar Ul Haq Kakar chosen as caretaker prime minister

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that general elections would likely happen before the appointment of the new chief of Pakistani Army, which is scheduled to take place in November.

According to Dawn newspaper, Asif made these remarks in an interview with BBC Urdu.

"It is possible that we hold elections before the [new] army chief's appointment, before November. There will be a caretaker government at that time. It is also possible that the caretaker government is gone, and the new government is [in power] before November," Dawn quoted Asif as saying in Urdu.

The current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, will remain in office till November 29 this year, when his second three-year tenure will end.

Gen Bajwa was given an extension by the previous Imran Khan government in 2019.

It is speculated that Imran Khan had a fallout with four-star general Bajwa over the appointment of new ISI spy chief, following which he lost the support of the Pakistani Army. And as result, Khan-led PTI government lost the no-confidence motion in the Parliament which resulted in his ouster.

There were also reports that Khan, before the proceedings of the no-trust motion, had sacked Bajwa, but no notification on this was released by the defence ministry.

In response to a question about whether the PML-N-led coalition government could give Bajwa another extension, Asif said Bajwa had already announced that he does not want his tenure to be extended.

Watch |&nbsp;'People of Pakistan deserve clarity,' President Arif Alvi calls for a judicial commission to probe 'regime change'

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The defence minister said he welcomed the announcement because it had "closed the doors of speculation" and noted that the previous army chief, General (retd) Raheel Sharif, too, had not "directly or indirectly demanded an extension".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-vows-to-take-legal-action-against-his-predecessor-imran-khan-477809" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif vows to take legal action against his predecessor</a>

The minister’s remarks assume significance as Imran Khan had been demanding general elections after he was unceremoniously ousted from power last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-former-prime-minister-imran-khan-compare-himself-to-a-donkey-watch-video-476933" hreflang="en">Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan compare himself to a donkey</a>

Since then, he has been holding several rallies to garner support from the public.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that general elections would likely happen before the appointment of the new chief of Pakistani Army, which is scheduled to take place in November.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that general elections would likely happen before the appointment of the new chief of Pakistani Army, which is scheduled to take place in November. According to Dawn newspaper, Asif made these remarks in an interview with BBC Urdu. "It is possible that we hold elections before the [new] army chief's appointment, before November. There will be a caretaker government at that time. It is also possible that the caretaker government is gone, and the new government is [in power] before November," Dawn quoted Asif as saying in Urdu. The current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, will remain in office till November 29 this year, when his second three-year tenure will end. Gen Bajwa was given an extension by the previous Imran Khan government in 2019. It is speculated that Imran Khan had a fallout with four-star general Bajwa over the appointment of new ISI spy chief, following which he lost the support of the Pakistani Army. And as result, Khan-led PTI government lost the no-confidence motion in the Parliament which resulted in his ouster. There were also reports that Khan, before the proceedings of the no-trust motion, had sacked Bajwa, but no notification on this was released by the defence ministry. In response to a question about whether the PML-N-led coalition government could give Bajwa another extension, Asif said Bajwa had already announced that he does not want his tenure to be extended. Watch | 'People of Pakistan deserve clarity,' President Arif Alvi calls for a judicial commission to probe 'regime change' The defence minister said he welcomed the announcement because it had "closed the doors of speculation" and noted that the previous army chief, General (retd) Raheel Sharif, too, had not "directly or indirectly demanded an extension". Also read | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif vows to take legal action against his predecessor The minister’s remarks assume significance as Imran Khan had been demanding general elections after he was unceremoniously ousted from power last month. Also read | Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan compare himself to a donkey Since then, he has been holding several rallies to garner support from the public. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan general elections may take place before November: Defence Minister Asif

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced a conditional boycott of the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan and forwarded the consensus decision of the Coordination Committee to MQM founding leader Altaf Hussain.

The announcement of conditional boycotting the country's general elections was made public by the Coordination Committee Convener Dr&nbspNadeem Ehsan in a video briefing held at the party's International Secretariat here on Monday evening.

Dr&nbspEhsan was flanked by Coordination Committee Deputy Convener Qasim Ali Raza, members Manzoor Ahmed, Syed Mustafa Azizabadi and Sufyan Yousuf.

Dr&nbspEhsan in his video briefing included variety of topics including All Pakistan Muttahidda Students Organisation (APMSO), MQM's creation and reasons behind, the injustices done to Mohajirs, their deprivation, state-sponsored atrocities and repression on Mohajirs, their massacre and military crackdowns for their genocide, grudge and bias of the media, and negligence of the judiciary in the dispensation of justice to Mohajirs.

He further said that since Jun 19, 1992, at least 22,000 MQM workers have been extrajudicially executed by the military establishment and its paramilitary forces. He claimed that even today, 500 workers are missing as they have been enforced to disappear after their abductions from their homes and workplaces, while a thousand others are in jail without any lawful charge.

Dr&nbspEhsan added that due to the failure to crush the MQM, the ISI created factions in MQM and raised the "packs of traitors and time-servants" to defeat and eliminate the party.

He claimed that the "traitors" were prior to their shift to ISI trained and raised by Altaf Husain but at the behest of ISI, they demanded the execution of him under Article 6 of the constitution for treason.

Dr&nbspEhsan further said that they also betrayed Altaf Hussain and removed him from the party's constitution. However, he added that as per the constitution of the MQM, not a single letter could be changed, altered or removed from it sans prior approval of Altaf Hussain.

"Despite all plots and conspiracies, all atrocities and injustices, the ISI could not eliminate the Movement (MQM) and the Movement gained more strength and unity instead", Dr&nbspEhsan said.

He added, "MQM and Mr. Hussain are one and correlative to each other. Mr&nbspHussain is the founder of the MQM and would always remain the same."

Dr&nbspEhsan said, "Those who have betrayed the founder of the Movement (Altaf Hussain) and are playing a nasty game against the MQM would fall head down and would find no place to hide and that they have earned shame and disrespect, which they would carry along till their last breath."

He said that the Mohajirs and MQM workers have known only one as their leader, who is Altaf Hussain.

"It was not new that Mr. Hussain had criticised the corrupt military junta of Pakistan, as almost all politicians and clerics in Pakistan have also slammed them for their wrongdoing. But the military establishment only dared to lock Mr&nbspHussain's residence and bulldozed party offices. The military establishment had only chased MQM workers, but kidnapped them, jailed them sans and lawful charge, executed them in custody and crossed all limits of human rights violations."

Dr&nbspEhsan said that even ex-ISI Director General Asad Durrani sought help from India's spy agency RAW chief, but he still remained a "patriot Pakistani."

"The corrupt military establishment has imposed an embargo on speech of Mr&nbspHussain, and Pakistani media is restricted to carry or telecast any of his words or statement or picture. The corrupt military junta has shut his residence, the Nine Zero and locked down party's Khursheed Begum Secretariat at Karachi adjacent to his residence. MQM offices have been destroyed and those left have been allowed to be occupied by the traitors," he said.

"The repression has reached a limit where the military establishment does not allow Mohajir men and women to recite the holy Quran for the prayers to the departed souls of MQM's martyrs. The unlawfully detained or jailed workers are not produced in any court of law and they have been denied of right to fair trial," he added.

Keeping in view the long chain of injustices and atrocities, the MQM decided that it would not fight general elections until all restrictions are relaxed and embargos are lifted.

Dr&nbspEhsan said that the proposal of conditional boycott of Pakistan's general elections would be laid before the founder of the MQM for his due endorsement, after which the Coordination Committee of the MQM would give its full and final line of action.

He added that a gigantic campaign would be kicked off in Pakistan and across the world.

Dr&nbspEhsan appealed to the Commonwealth Elections Observer, EU Elections Observer Mission, UN Election Commission, UN Census Mission and UNDP to take notice of pre-poll rigging in Pakistan by the military establishment of the country and their plans for keeping MQM deprived of their rights.

The announcement of conditional boycotting the country's general elections was made public by the Coordination Committee Convener Dr Nadeem Ehsan in a video briefing held at the party's International Secretariat here on Monday evening

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced a conditional boycott of the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan and forwarded the consensus decision of the Coordination Committee to MQM founding leader Altaf Hussain. The announcement of conditional boycotting the country's general elections was made public by the Coordination Committee Convener Dr&nbspNadeem Ehsan in a video briefing held at the party's International Secretariat here on Monday evening. Dr&nbspEhsan was flanked by Coordination Committee Deputy Convener Qasim Ali Raza, members Manzoor Ahmed, Syed Mustafa Azizabadi and Sufyan Yousuf. Dr&nbspEhsan in his video briefing included variety of topics including All Pakistan Muttahidda Students Organisation (APMSO), MQM's creation and reasons behind, the injustices done to Mohajirs, their deprivation, state-sponsored atrocities and repression on Mohajirs, their massacre and military crackdowns for their genocide, grudge and bias of the media, and negligence of the judiciary in the dispensation of justice to Mohajirs. He further said that since Jun 19, 1992, at least 22,000 MQM workers have been extrajudicially executed by the military establishment and its paramilitary forces. He claimed that even today, 500 workers are missing as they have been enforced to disappear after their abductions from their homes and workplaces, while a thousand others are in jail without any lawful charge. Dr&nbspEhsan added that due to the failure to crush the MQM, the ISI created factions in MQM and raised the "packs of traitors and time-servants" to defeat and eliminate the party. He claimed that the "traitors" were prior to their shift to ISI trained and raised by Altaf Husain but at the behest of ISI, they demanded the execution of him under Article 6 of the constitution for treason. Dr&nbspEhsan further said that they also betrayed Altaf Hussain and removed him from the party's constitution. However, he added that as per the constitution of the MQM, not a single letter could be changed, altered or removed from it sans prior approval of Altaf Hussain. "Despite all plots and conspiracies, all atrocities and injustices, the ISI could not eliminate the Movement (MQM) and the Movement gained more strength and unity instead", Dr&nbspEhsan said. He added, "MQM and Mr. Hussain are one and correlative to each other. Mr&nbspHussain is the founder of the MQM and would always remain the same." Dr&nbspEhsan said, "Those who have betrayed the founder of the Movement (Altaf Hussain) and are playing a nasty game against the MQM would fall head down and would find no place to hide and that they have earned shame and disrespect, which they would carry along till their last breath." He said that the Mohajirs and MQM workers have known only one as their leader, who is Altaf Hussain. "It was not new that Mr. Hussain had criticised the corrupt military junta of Pakistan, as almost all politicians and clerics in Pakistan have also slammed them for their wrongdoing. But the military establishment only dared to lock Mr&nbspHussain's residence and bulldozed party offices. The military establishment had only chased MQM workers, but kidnapped them, jailed them sans and lawful charge, executed them in custody and crossed all limits of human rights violations." Dr&nbspEhsan said that even ex-ISI Director General Asad Durrani sought help from India's spy agency RAW chief, but he still remained a "patriot Pakistani." "The corrupt military establishment has imposed an embargo on speech of Mr&nbspHussain, and Pakistani media is restricted to carry or telecast any of his words or statement or picture. The corrupt military junta has shut his residence, the Nine Zero and locked down party's Khursheed Begum Secretariat at Karachi adjacent to his residence. MQM offices have been destroyed and those left have been allowed to be occupied by the traitors," he said. "The repression has reached a limit where the military establishment does not allow Mohajir men and women to recite the holy Quran for the prayers to the departed souls of MQM's martyrs. The unlawfully detained or jailed workers are not produced in any court of law and they have been denied of right to fair trial," he added. Keeping in view the long chain of injustices and atrocities, the MQM decided that it would not fight general elections until all restrictions are relaxed and embargos are lifted. Dr&nbspEhsan said that the proposal of conditional boycott of Pakistan's general elections would be laid before the founder of the MQM for his due endorsement, after which the Coordination Committee of the MQM would give its full and final line of action. He added that a gigantic campaign would be kicked off in Pakistan and across the world. Dr&nbspEhsan appealed to the Commonwealth Elections Observer, EU Elections Observer Mission, UN Election Commission, UN Census Mission and UNDP to take notice of pre-poll rigging in Pakistan by the military establishment of the country and their plans for keeping MQM deprived of their rights.

MQM announces conditional boycott of Pakistan general elections

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