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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

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul-ul-Mulk has been named the caretaker prime minister after the announcement of general elections to be held in July.

"No Pakistani can lift a finger (against) such a name," Abbasi told reporters, seated next to opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah.

Pakistan president's office had said on Sunday that general elections would be held in the country&nbsp;on July 25th.

The country faced a tumultuous last 12 months with Nawaz Sharif forced to step down as prime minister after the Supreme Court implicated him in corruption cases.

After Sharif's ouster, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who belongs to Sharif's PML(N) was made the prime minister.

Earlier, A Pakistan court had disqualified Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws.

Nasir–ul–Mulk was the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan. He had also served as the acting&nbsp;chief election commissioner of Pakistan.

Nasir–ul–Mulk was the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan. He had also served as the acting chief election commissioner of Pakistan.

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul-ul-Mulk has been named the caretaker prime minister after the announcement of general elections to be held in July. "No Pakistani can lift a finger (against) such a name," Abbasi told reporters, seated next to opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah. Pakistan president's office had said on Sunday that general elections would be held in the country on July 25th. The country faced a tumultuous last 12 months with Nawaz Sharif forced to step down as prime minister after the Supreme Court implicated him in corruption cases. After Sharif's ouster, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who belongs to Sharif's PML(N) was made the prime minister. Earlier, A Pakistan court had disqualified Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws. Nasir–ul–Mulk was the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan. He had also served as the acting chief election commissioner of Pakistan.

Ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk to be caretaker PM

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Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader.

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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick and a long distance strike to give them a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday (May 26), delivering a remarkable third consecutive title for the Spaniards.

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Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report.

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US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-general-elections-on-july-25-140056">Pakistan announces general elections on July 25</a>

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

&nbsp

Kim Jong Un hopes Trump summit will 'end history of confrontation': South Korea president Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader. Champions League: Super Bale sinks Liverpool as Madrid make it three in a row Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick and a long distance strike to give them a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday (May 26), delivering a remarkable third consecutive title for the Spaniards. India one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks & data theft third behind Canada, US Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report. Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pakistan announces general elections on July 25 Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

"The president has approved July 25 as the date for holding general elections in the country," a spokesman from Mamnoon Hussain's office told AFP.

The announcement comes as the current government enters its final week in office. It is expected to hand over power to a caretaker administration in the coming days.

Turmoil continues to rock the country after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court last July on corruption charges and later barred from politics for life.

Sharif was the 15th prime minister in Pakistan's seven-decade history -- roughly half of it under military rule -- to be removed before completing a full term.

After Sharif was ousted from power, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party (PML-N) took over the premiership.

Pakistan completed its first ever democratic transfer of power following elections in 2013, when the government headed by the Pakistan People's Party handed over to the PML-N, following a landslide victory.

"This is the second consecutive parliament to complete its tenure and we are now looking forward to go to the people to get their verdict on our performance," Finance Minister Miftah Ismail told AFP.

Increasing pressure

The general elections are expected to pit the PML-N against its main rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led by former cricket star Imran Khan.

PTI is vowing to clean up the country’s rampant corruption, while investing in education and healthcare as Khan inches closer to his years-long dream of leading the country as prime minister.

With Sharif out, the PML-N continue to boast of their investment in the country’s rickety infrastructure and courting billions of dollars in Chinese investment.

Since he was ousted, Sharif and the PML-N have become increasingly vocal in their confrontation with the country’s military establishment and courts, claiming they are victims of a conspiracy to reduce the power of their party.

Despite the numerous court rulings against the PML-N, the party has won a string of recent by-elections proving it will likely remain a powerful force.

The PML-N continues to enjoy large swathes of support in the country's most populous Punjab province, but will enter the election under increasing pressure.&nbsp

In April, a Pakistan court disqualified Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws, while interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot in the arm in a suspected assassination attempt in early May by an Islamist gunman.&nbsp

Sharif also sparked a firestorm earlier this month after suggesting Pakistani militants were behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, approaching what is seen as a red line in the country by touching on criticism of Pakistan's armed forces.

There have been increasing fears that media outlets are under heavy pressure from the security establishment heading into the elections, spurring accusations of self censorship by Pakistan's leading television news broadcasters. &nbsp

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country. "The president has approved July 25 as the date for holding general elections in the country," a spokesman from Mamnoon Hussain's office told AFP. The announcement comes as the current government enters its final week in office. It is expected to hand over power to a caretaker administration in the coming days. Turmoil continues to rock the country after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court last July on corruption charges and later barred from politics for life. Sharif was the 15th prime minister in Pakistan's seven-decade history -- roughly half of it under military rule -- to be removed before completing a full term. After Sharif was ousted from power, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party (PML-N) took over the premiership. Pakistan completed its first ever democratic transfer of power following elections in 2013, when the government headed by the Pakistan People's Party handed over to the PML-N, following a landslide victory. "This is the second consecutive parliament to complete its tenure and we are now looking forward to go to the people to get their verdict on our performance," Finance Minister Miftah Ismail told AFP. Increasing pressure The general elections are expected to pit the PML-N against its main rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led by former cricket star Imran Khan. PTI is vowing to clean up the country’s rampant corruption, while investing in education and healthcare as Khan inches closer to his years-long dream of leading the country as prime minister. With Sharif out, the PML-N continue to boast of their investment in the country’s rickety infrastructure and courting billions of dollars in Chinese investment. Since he was ousted, Sharif and the PML-N have become increasingly vocal in their confrontation with the country’s military establishment and courts, claiming they are victims of a conspiracy to reduce the power of their party. Despite the numerous court rulings against the PML-N, the party has won a string of recent by-elections proving it will likely remain a powerful force. The PML-N continues to enjoy large swathes of support in the country's most populous Punjab province, but will enter the election under increasing pressure. In April, a Pakistan court disqualified Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws, while interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot in the arm in a suspected assassination attempt in early May by an Islamist gunman. Sharif also sparked a firestorm earlier this month after suggesting Pakistani militants were behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, approaching what is seen as a red line in the country by touching on criticism of Pakistan's armed forces. There have been increasing fears that media outlets are under heavy pressure from the security establishment heading into the elections, spurring accusations of self censorship by Pakistan's leading television news broadcasters.

Pakistan announces general elections on July 25

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of ousted Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif will reportedly contest from the Lahore seat in the forthcoming Pakistan general elections later this year.

She is set to contest the election from the NA-120 (National Assembly of Pakistan) constituency in Lahore, where her father was elected in the 2013 polls. She further plans to campaign for the provincial assembly from the PP-140 (Constituency of Provincial Assembly of Punjab) seat.

However, no confirmation has yet been made by her.&nbsp;

Maryam, 44, was being groomed as the second generation leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by Mr Sharif. The 68-year-old three-time prime minister had to resign last year after the Supreme Court disqualified him in the Panama Papers case.

Maryam has been in the spotlight over corruption references since the Panama Paper leaks saga was unearthed last year.

Also, she has been directed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for filing references related to cases on offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, Al-Azizia Steel Mills, and London&#39;s Avenfield properties, during a recent hearing by the accountability court.

General elections are scheduled to be held in Pakistan in mid-2018.

Earlier on Friday, former Pakistan President and co-chairman of Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari had announced that he would contest the elections from his native Nawabshah in Sindh province.

He had also announced that his party would not support PML-N in the upcoming elections in Pakistan.

(With ANI inputs)

Nawaz Sharif's daughter is set to contest the election from the NA-120 constituency in Lahore, where her father was elected in the 2013 polls. She further plans to campaign or the provincial assembly from the PP-140 seat.

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of ousted Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif will reportedly contest from the Lahore seat in the forthcoming Pakistan general elections later this year. She is set to contest the election from the NA-120 (National Assembly of Pakistan) constituency in Lahore, where her father was elected in the 2013 polls. She further plans to campaign for the provincial assembly from the PP-140 (Constituency of Provincial Assembly of Punjab) seat. However, no confirmation has yet been made by her. Maryam, 44, was being groomed as the second generation leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by Mr Sharif. The 68-year-old three-time prime minister had to resign last year after the Supreme Court disqualified him in the Panama Papers case. Maryam has been in the spotlight over corruption references since the Panama Paper leaks saga was unearthed last year. Also, she has been directed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for filing references related to cases on offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, Al-Azizia Steel Mills, and London's Avenfield properties, during a recent hearing by the accountability court. General elections are scheduled to be held in Pakistan in mid-2018. Earlier on Friday, former Pakistan President and co-chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari had announced that he would contest the elections from his native Nawabshah in Sindh province. He had also announced that his party would not support PML-N in the upcoming elections in Pakistan. (With ANI inputs)

Maryam Nawaz to contest from father's seat in Pakistan general elections

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