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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>JUI-F won't support CJP Isa in constitutional amendments due to Mubarak Sani verdict</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2499100/jui-f-wont-support-cjp-isa-in-constitutional-amendments-due-to-mubarak-sani-verdict</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2499100/jui-f-wont-support-cjp-isa-in-constitutional-amendments-due-to-mubarak-sani-verdict#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Sep 24 11:01:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2499100</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri declares that JUI-F will not back Justice Qazi Faez Isa in constitutional amendments.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Secretary General and National Assembly member Abdul Ghafoor Haideri has declared that his party will not support Justice Qazi Faez Isa in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor expressed this stance while speaking informally with journalists at Parliament House.

Abdul Ghafoor criticised Justice Qazi Faez Isa&#39;s decision in the Mubarak Sani case, stating that it was &#39;deliberately&#39; made to hurt the sentiments of many Muslims.

He explained that the decision was reversed only due to public pressure.

&quot;How can we support such a person in constitutional amendments?&quot; Abdul Ghafoor questioned.

The JUI-F leader also voiced concerns over the government&#39;s haste in pushing forward with constitutional amendments, saying that coalition parties were not properly consulted.

&quot;We requested negotiations on the amendments, but the draft was shared with us under an oath of secrecy,&quot; he added.

Abdul Ghafoor further highlighted the lack of transparency in the legislative process, particularly regarding human rights violations found in the government&rsquo;s draft.

He noted that the Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) had requested to see the draft before engaging in negotiations, but the government did not take the process seriously.

Reflecting on the ongoing debate about the constitutional court, Abdul Ghafoor said that JUI-F will form its stance once it receives the official draft and can review its contents. He added that his party would not compromise on principles for political positions like governorships.

Abdul Ghafoor also touched on the involvement of the establishment in the current amendments, noting that any attempt to make institutions controversial would not send a positive message.

This development underscores the growing tensions within the ruling coalition and highlights the challenges facing the constitutional amendments process.

Mubarak Sani Case

Mubarak Sani, the appellant, was accused of distributing literature deemed offensive to religious sentiments.

He was named in a First Information Report (FIR) on December 6, 2022, in Chiniot, under Sections 295-B (Defiling the Holy Quran) and 298-C (charges related to members of the Ahmadiyya community for identifying as Muslims or promoting their faith) of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as Section 9(1A) of the Punjab Holy Quran (Printing and Recording) Act, 2011.

The Supreme Court&rsquo;s ruling on the case sparked significant controversy, drawing strong reactions from religious groups. The review, submitted by Additional Prosecutor General Ahmad Raza Gilani, claimed the court&#39;s conclusions were based on a &quot;misinterpretation of material facts.&quot;

Chief Justice of Pakistan, after closing the proceedings, stated that the case would be resolved after thorough deliberation, with the possibility of additional hearings if further clarification was required.

Sani&rsquo;s alleged offence had occurred before the enactment of the relevant law, leading to his bail and release. However, the Punjab government filed a review petition seeking clarifications on constitutional rights related to law, public order, and morality.

On July 24, the Supreme Court upheld the Punjab government&#39;s petition, asserting that religious freedom and the right to profess one&rsquo;s faith are subject to the constraints of law, morality, and public order.

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) also raised concerns, urging the court to reconsider aspects of its decision.

The court ordered the expunging of all &quot;controversial paragraphs&quot; from its previous ruling. Specifically, the court removed paragraphs 7, 42, and 49-C, following requests from religious scholars present during the hearing.

These paragraphs referenced a banned book and the proselytisation activities of the Ahmadiyya community.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F to hold own protests, avoid PTI</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2492779/jui-f-to-hold-own-protests-avoid-pti</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2492779/jui-f-to-hold-own-protests-avoid-pti#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Sep 24 19:23:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2492779</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Senator Murtaza says party will not align with PTI’s current demos]]>
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				<![CDATA[Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza said on Sunday that his party plans to stage its own protests on issues of its choosing but will refrain from participating in demonstrations organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Speaking to a private news channel, Senator Murtaza described recent meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari as &ldquo;social&rdquo; rather than political.

&ldquo;There were political conversations definitely, but you could call this more of a social meet than a political one,&rdquo; he noted.

Murtaza clarified that during these discussions, JUI-F made it clear to PTI the extent of their cooperation.

The meetings, which included PTI leaders such as Senator Shibli Faraz, Lawyer Gohar Khan, and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, were used to delineate the boundaries of their collaboration.

&ldquo;We have told them some things with clarity as to how far we would go with them and to what end we would not,&rdquo; he said.

JUI-F&rsquo;s position remains that while they will engage in protests on their own terms, they will not align with PTI&rsquo;s current demonstrations.

&ldquo;The party (JUI-F) would protest on the streets on their issues but, for the time being, they won&rsquo;t be a party to another party&rsquo;s protest,&rdquo; Murtaza affirmed.

Earlier, on August 23, PTI leaders visited JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss cooperation on an &ldquo;issue to issue and agenda to agenda&rdquo; basis. This was followed by another meeting between the parties.

As tensions increased, both PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari made separate visits to Fazl, who had declared a &ldquo;solo flight&rdquo; against the government.

Zardari&#39;s visit came a day after Fazl reportedly agreed with PTI to formulate a joint strategy, while Shehbaz&rsquo;s visit aimed to dissuade Fazl from joining any anti-government agitation.]]>
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			<title>'Strings pulled by others,' JUI-F chief questions govt's sovereignty</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487279/strings-pulled-by-others-jui-f-chief-questions-govts-sovereignty</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487279/strings-pulled-by-others-jui-f-chief-questions-govts-sovereignty#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 Aug 24 14:17:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2487279</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Fazlur Rehman asserts that Pakistan's governance is undermined by external control and flawed economic policies]]>
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				<![CDATA[Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman launched a scathing critique of the government on Saturday, stating that while some may appear to be in control, the real power lies elsewhere.

Addressing a traders&#39; convention in Peshawar, Fazlur Rehman expressed concerns over the fragile economic situation in Pakistan, asserting that the country&rsquo;s governance and sovereignty are being undermined.

&quot;The front row is occupied by others, but the strings are pulled by someone else,&quot; Fazlur Rehman remarked, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of genuine control by the current leadership. He emphasised that Pakistan&#39;s economic foundation is crumbling, and it&rsquo;s beyond the capacity of the current rulers to salvage it.

Fazl pointed to the deteriorating law and order situation and questioned whether the ideals for which Pakistan was created are being upheld. &quot;Our homeland lacks both peace and economic stability,&quot; he said, attributing these challenges to the country&rsquo;s collective deviation from Islamic principles. He stressed that the disobedience of divine commands has led to the nation&#39;s current plight.

Criticising the legitimacy of the current assemblies, he claimed that the representatives sitting in the parliament are not genuine. He also condemned the imposition of oppressive taxes and the government&#39;s failure to use public funds effectively, stating, &quot;People know that their taxes are being used to repay loans. First, take the nation into confidence that their money will be spent on them.&quot;

Read also:&nbsp;JUI-F chief warns govt of public uprising

Fazl also questioned the involvement of foreign technocrats in Pakistan&rsquo;s economic management, noting that even the finance ministers are not local. &quot;Our rulers have made arrangements abroad to flee when the situation worsens,&quot; he added, criticising the lack of long-term commitment to the country&rsquo;s welfare.

He expressed dismay over the government&rsquo;s agricultural policies, noting that despite the country having ample wheat, it was imported from abroad. &quot;When we had wheat in the country, why was it imported?&quot; he questioned.

The JUI-F chief also touched on international relations, expressing concern over Pakistan&#39;s diminishing autonomy. He pointed out that the conflict between major powers like the US, Russia, and China has put Pakistan in a precarious position, particularly as China emerges as a significant economic force.

He concluded by addressing the issue of Israel and Palestine, reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s stance on not recognising Israel and supporting the Palestinian cause. &quot;The issue is not about recognising Israel but recognising Palestine. The occupation is in Palestine, and we must work to free it,&quot; he said, recalling the words of Pakistan&#39;s founder, who called Israel the &quot;illegitimate child of the West.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Fazl says PTI ready to dissolve K-P Assembly for fresh polls</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2481361/fazl-says-pti-ready-to-dissolve-k-p-assembly-for-fresh-polls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2481361/fazl-says-pti-ready-to-dissolve-k-p-assembly-for-fresh-polls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Jul 24 16:26:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2481361</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F leader says his party would collaborate with PTI for political stability.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has agreed to dissolve the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and resign from other assemblies to pave the way for new elections.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Rehman revealed the formation of a committee to negotiate with PTI, headed by Kamran Murtaza and including members Maulana Lutf Rehman, Fazl Ghafoor, Aslam Ghori, and Maulana Amjad.

Rehman emphasised that despite past conflicts, JUI-F is ready to normalise relations with PTI.&nbsp;

He stressed that PTI&#39;s willingness to dissolve K-P Assembly and resign from other assemblies is crucial for holding transparent elections.&nbsp;

He further called for parliamentary and local body elections to be held simultaneously and suggested the abolition of the caretaker setup.

Addressing the current political instability, Rehman criticised the economic policies and the high electricity bills that have burdened the public.&nbsp;

He urged &#39;decision-makers&#39; to prioritise the welfare of the people and ensure fair elections for political stability.

Rehman also condemned the establishment&#39;s role in perpetuating political instability and called for a change in their approach.&nbsp;

He warned that the country&#39;s current path could lead to further division and emphasised the need for responsible governance.

In addition to political remarks, Rehman announced a series of public peace conventions, including a nationwide black day on August 5 to protest India&#39;s actions in Kashmir, a farmer&#39;s convention in Mardan on August 10, a trader&#39;s convention in Peshawar on August 11, and a peace convention in Lakki Marwat on August 18.

He stressed that peace and political stability are essential for economic progress and warned against any further political adventures or martial law.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PTI forms panel for talks with JUI-F</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475507/pti-forms-panel-for-talks-with-jui-f</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475507/pti-forms-panel-for-talks-with-jui-f#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 24 00:33:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2475507</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources reveal PTI finalized five-member committee to form broader opposition alliance]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finalised a five-member committee, led by its Chairman Gohar Ali Khan to hold talks with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) with a view to form a broader opposition alliance, sources said.

According to the sources, the team comprised PTI chief Gohar, party spokesperson Raoof Hassan, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub, Opposition Leader in Senate Shibli Faraz and former speaker Asad Qaiser.

In Apri, the PTI had formed a six-party opposition alliance in a bid to give tough time to the government.]]>
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			<title>JI’s Baloch discusses politics with leaders</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472518/jis-baloch-discusses-politics-with-leaders</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472518/jis-baloch-discusses-politics-with-leaders#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 24 23:14:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472518</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The JI leader condemned Israel’s brutal bombing of Gaza even during the Eid days]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) central leader Liaquat Baloch on Wednesday held telephonic conversations with several key political leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of an anti-government alliance, PTI leader Asad Qaiser, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

According to a statement issued by the party, Baloch discussed the current political situation with Achakzai and Qaiser, stating that the JI will continue its struggle for the protection and supremacy of the Constitution. He said any opposition party could start a protest against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections.

Baloch also called JUI-F&rsquo;s Fazl and expressed condolences over the assassination of JUI-F North Waziristan leader Maulana Jan Mirza. Fazl noted that no one&rsquo;s life, property, or honor is safe in the country while the government&rsquo;s writ is nowhere to be seen in North Waziristan and the merged districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

Palestinian leader Dr Khaled Qaddoumi also called Liaqat Baloch. The JI leader condemned Israel&rsquo;s brutal bombing of Gaza even during the Eid days.]]>
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			<title>‘If it's war, so be it’: Fazl plans to announce new strategy post-Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471050/if-its-war-so-be-it-fazl-plans-to-announce-new-strategy-post-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471050/if-its-war-so-be-it-fazl-plans-to-announce-new-strategy-post-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 24 15:42:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2471050</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief denies having any contact with Imran in Adiala Jail, says lies are being spread on social media about this]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has denied having any contact with the PTI founding chairman, Imran Khan, dismissing such claims as false. He also announced plans to unveil a new strategy after Eid, stating that his party is prepared to face all consequences.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Rehman asserted, &quot;We believe in a positive democratic struggle and aim to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. We have chosen the path of peace and will continue to advance along this route.&quot;

He highlighted that global powers aim to control Pakistan economically and politically. &quot;We will resist these global powers through our struggle,&quot; he added.

Rehman criticised intelligence agencies for becoming active during elections, stating that JUI-F rejected the results of 2018 and 2024 elections. He mentioned that the JUI-F&#39;s executive and advisory councils would meet after Eid ul Adha to devise their strategy.

The JUI-F chief lamented that his former allies accepted power after what he termed rigged elections, but vowed that his party would not accept this and was ready to bear all consequences of their struggle. &quot;If it&#39;s war, then so be it,&quot; he declared.

Also read:&nbsp;PTI, JUI-F &lsquo;on the verge of alliance&rsquo;

Rehman expressed his dismay, saying, &quot;It pains me to say that the government&#39;s writ has ended in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Tribal area resources are being seized. We want a strong military and national defence, but they want to weaken us and the parliament.&quot; He pointed out that women are selling their windows and doors for bread.

He also commented on the situation in Palestine, noting that over 40,000 people have been martyred and that attacks on Palestinian camps continue. &quot;The International Court of Justice has called Israel&#39;s actions oppressive. Why are international human rights organisations silent on Israel&#39;s atrocities?&quot; he asked. He urged the Muslim Ummah to provide financial support to Palestine, adding that European countries are now recognising Palestine.

The JUI-F leader criticised enforced disappearances in Pakistan, stating, &quot;This is an Islamic state, yet people are being disappeared. We have previously tried to legislate against enforced disappearances, but those efforts were blocked, and the obstruction did not come from a politician.&quot;

He added that people in tribal areas are being oppressed and young people are being forcibly disappeared.

Rehman announced that JUI-F would celebrate the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Ahmadis as non-Muslims on September 7, 1974, as a day of victory.

In response to a question, Rehman said, &quot;I have no contact with the person in Adiala Jail. Lies are being spread on social media about this.&quot;]]>
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			<title>PTI, JUI-F ‘on the verge of alliance’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470556/pti-jui-f-on-the-verge-of-alliance</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470556/pti-jui-f-on-the-verge-of-alliance#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jun 24 06:01:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Usama Iqbal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470556</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Imran gives his word to address Fazl’s concerns]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), erstwhile rivals in the political arena, seem to be on the brink of burying the hatchet and joining hands against the government, according to sources on Saturday.

Sources revealed that the former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has given his word to address the concerns of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while a three-member committee has been formed and tasked with ironing out differences between the two parties.

The message from the former prime minister has been relayed to Fazl, and if all goes well, both leaders are poised to sign the alliance agreement, the sources further revealed.&nbsp;

It is noteworthy that speculations of a potential alliance between these former adversaries, which have long been at loggerheads, have been rife in the media for some time now, especially in the wake of recent general elections.

Allegations of election rigging in the February 8 general elections seem to have brought PTI and JUI-F closer together, surprising many who had not anticipated such a thaw in their relations. Meetings between delegations from both parties have been reported several times.

The newfound camaraderie has even led Maulana Fazl to retract his past statements labelling the PTI founder as a pawn of external forces, citing them as &quot;merely political rhetoric&quot;.&nbsp;

The reconciliatory tone has also prompted overtures from the PML-N towards Maulana Fazl, although the latter has shown no inclination to relent.

A day earlier, Maulana Ahmad Ali Darwesh, the provincial leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suggested the potential for an alliance with the PTI amid the current political landscape.

Addressing attendees at the launch event for JUI-F&#39;s membership drive at Nowshera Press Club, Maulana Darwesh remarked, &quot;The recent meeting between a PTI delegation and the JUIF chief reflects the fluidity of politics. In this realm, adversaries of yesterday may become allies of today.&quot;]]>
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			<title>PTI, JUI-F inch closer to opposition alliance</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470441/pti-jui-f-inch-closer-to-opposition-alliance</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470441/pti-jui-f-inch-closer-to-opposition-alliance#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 24 09:47:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470441</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Asad Qaiser led committee formed to determine the agreed strategy for their collaboration]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman, once political rivals are now coming together for a joint effort against the incumbent PML-N led government.&nbsp;

A committee has been formed&nbsp;to address common issues and have begun to mend their past differences.&nbsp;

Imran assured Maulana to address his concerns, and this message has been conveyed to the JUI chief.

The former premier has proposed the formation of a three-member committee, chaired by senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser, to resolve the issues between the two parties.&nbsp;

This committee will determine the agreed strategy for their collaboration.

It&#39;s reported that before finalizing any plans, both parties will agree on other points, including any possible protest movement.&nbsp;

Once settled, Imran and Maulana will sign off on the agreement, signaling their united front against the government.

On April 2, in a bid to give tough time to the government, the PTI formed a &ldquo;grand opposition alliance&rdquo;, which reportedly, will be led by Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

A meeting of five opposition parties was held in this regard.

PTI Chairman Gohar Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami acting amir Liaquat Baloch, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) President Akhtar Mengal, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Nasir Abbas, PTI leader Asad Qaiser and Achakzai attended the huddle.

Fazl had already issued a call for opposition against the government.

It was reported that after the JUI-F joins the grand opposition alliance, the PTI along with the party would announce protest demonstrations under the leadership of Achakzai, and will move forward in unison.

JI was also likely to secure a major position in the alliance.]]>
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			<title>Fazl urges govt to step down, hold fresh polls</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466760/fazl-urges-govt-to-step-down-hold-fresh-polls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466760/fazl-urges-govt-to-step-down-hold-fresh-polls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 24 15:45:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief insists army should stay away from polls]]>
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				<![CDATA[Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), demanded on Wednesday that the government resign and hold new elections in Pakistan, stressing that the military should play no role in the electoral process.

Addressing a press conference in Multan, Fazl vehemently criticized the current governance system, asserting that it was unacceptable for parliament, the supreme body according to the Constitution, to be relegated to a subordinate position. He called upon the public to stand up for the protection of their democratic rights.

&ldquo;If we truly believe in democracy and have sworn allegiance to the Constitution, then the Constitution must be upheld, and constitutional institutions respected,&rdquo; the JUI-F chief said. &ldquo;It is impossible for the establishment to remain subordinate while simultaneously governing,&rdquo; he added.

According to Fazlur Rehman, the current administration does not represent a legitimate government but rather a select few enjoying positions of power. &ldquo;We demand fresh elections. The government must step down, and the military should refrain from interfering in the electoral process,&rdquo; he emphasized in response to inquiries.

He further alleged that the 2024 elections lacked credibility, describing them as not true democratic exercises but rather instances marred by widespread corruption and the sale of assembly seats. &ldquo;Our stance is unequivocal; we aim to rectify the situation and address the underlying issues,&rdquo; he asserted.

When questioned about the possibility of reconciliation with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the JUI-F chief emphasized the importance of standing firm on one&#39;s principles, stating, &ldquo;While reconciliation is a noble concept, when your own allies forsake you, it becomes imperative to uphold your stance.&rdquo; He further asserted, &ldquo;Our resolve remains unwavering, buoyed by the steadfast support of the nation.&rdquo;

Also read: I will criticise institutions if they &lsquo;meddle&rsquo; in politics: Fazl

Responding to questions about any purported offers of presidency during elections, he underscored his commitment to principled politics, affirming, &ldquo;I do not subscribe to politics based on offers. It would go against my beliefs to engage in such practices.&rdquo; Emphasizing the importance of democratic process, he added, &ldquo;I firmly believe that positions such as president, prime minister, or chief minister are earned through the will of the people. If elected, it is my constitutional and legal right to assume such roles. Doing politics driven solely by personal ambition is not my principle.&rdquo;

&ldquo;My politics is rooted in the people&#39;s mandate. With five seats or fifty, it is the electorate&#39;s decision that determines leadership, not arbitrary claims.&rdquo;

Addressing various local concerns, Fazl expressed solidarity with farmers, particularly those from Punjab, who were grappling with the aftermath of unharvested wheat crops due to government procurement delays, resulting in significant financial losses.

&ldquo;We stand shoulder to shoulder with the farmers through their hardships,&rdquo; he affirmed. &ldquo;The plight of our farmers is distressing. Why, despite a surplus of 4.5 million tonnes of wheat in storage, did the government resort to importing an equivalent amount? Who will be held accountable for this oversight?&rdquo; he demanded.

Turning to the protests against price hikes and inflation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Fazl decried the government&#39;s mishandling of the situation. &ldquo;Our initial aim was Srinagar, yet Muzaffarabad&rsquo;s turmoil is evidence of our faltering politics,&rdquo; he lamented.

In a scathing critique of the government&#39;s foreign policy, Fazl questioned the handling of key alliances, particularly with China, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). &ldquo;We entered into significant agreements with China, only to respond poorly to our commitments,&rdquo; he remarked. &ldquo;Today, crucial infrastructural projects are at a standstill.&rdquo;

Highlighting Pakistan&#39;s strained relations with Afghanistan, Fazl warned of the geopolitical repercussions, foreseeing China establishing direct links with Afghanistan via the Wakhan corridor to reach Chabahar in Iran through Helmand, bypassing Pakistan entirely. &ldquo;Despite two decades of support for the Taliban, we risk squandering our strategic advantages,&rdquo; he cautioned.

&ldquo;We only have the fighting ability,&rdquo; Fazl said. &ldquo;We have neglected the aspects of the national development because our authoritative body is a fighting body. Those who are trained to fight the enemy can never lead you politically and economically.&rdquo;

(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)]]>
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			<title>Fazl threatens to run ‘freedom movement’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2464349/fazl-threatens-to-run-freedom-movement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2464349/fazl-threatens-to-run-freedom-movement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 24 15:15:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2464349</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief says party will announce future action plan on May 9]]>
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				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday said his party would save the country by running a freedom movement to abolish the &ldquo;imposed system&rdquo; and restore &ldquo;real democracy&rdquo;.

&ldquo;The country is being run by fake assemblies,&rdquo; the JUI-F chief claimed while addressing via a video link an organisational meeting of his party held at Mufti Mehmood Centre in Peshawar.

Fazl, who claims that general elections held in February this year were rigged, said the JUI-F&rsquo;s future action plan would be announced in Peshawar on May 9.

The JUI-F chief maintained that his party had always played a leading role against election rigging.

He added that his father and former party chief Mufti Mehmood had led the movement against polls rigging in 1977, the worst manipulation of elections took place in 2018 and the &ldquo;same drama&rdquo; was repeated now in 2024.

&ldquo;Why are those who raised their voice against rigging in the past silent on the manipulation of the elections now?&rdquo; he asked, apparently referring to his party&rsquo;s former ally, the PML-N.

The JUI-F chief claimed that those who fought for power gained it by poll rigging.

Read also: Protest drive will spell doom for &lsquo;fake govt&rsquo;, says Fazl

He continued that his party would never accept &ldquo;slavery&rdquo;, in a veiled reference to the &lsquo;powerful circles&rsquo;.

Fazl warned that those who had kept the JUI-F away from parliament should listen that the party would raise its voice against their oppression in the grounds.

He noted that for the last 76 years, the country had been irreparably damaged politically, economically and democratically.

The JUF-F chief continued that they had stepped out to save the country and launch a freedom movement to restore true democracy by abolishing the &ldquo;imposed system&rdquo;.

He said after Quetta and Karachi, a public gathering would be staged in Peshawar on May 9 where the nation would be informed about the conspiracies against the country.

He continued that some forces not only trampled the people&rsquo;s right to vote but held it &ldquo;hostage&rdquo;.

Fazl said as long as the political parties were not on the same page, the JUI-F would run the freedom movement from its own platform.

Read:&nbsp;I will criticise institutions if they &lsquo;meddle&rsquo; in politics: Fazl

Fazl pointed out that today Israel and its followers had stepped up their atrocities against the oppressed Muslims of Gaza.

&ldquo;Innocent children, women and the elderly are being targeted [in Gaza].&rdquo;

He added that the JUI-F had always stood with the oppressed Palestinian people and would continue to raise its voice against the atrocities they were being subjected to.

He highlighted that India was dreaming of becoming a superpower of the world while Pakistan was struggling to avoid defaulting on its loans.

Fazl said the JUI-F was entrusted to them by its elders.

He continued that the party&rsquo;s elders had entrusted them with their freedom movement.

&ldquo;We have to loosen the grip of the forces on the country responsible for its slavery today.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>PAC chief slot widens PTI-JUI-F gap</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463365/pac-chief-slot-widens-pti-jui-f-gap</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463365/pac-chief-slot-widens-pti-jui-f-gap#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 24 05:18:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2463365</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Maulana-led party floats name of Noor Alam Khan for post]]>
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				<![CDATA[The opposition is divided over the position of the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee as after PTI&rsquo;s Sher Afzal Marwat, JUI-F&rsquo;s Noor Alam Khan has also joined the race for the slot.

The ruling alliance seems to be throwing its weight behind the JUI-F contender for the race.

The appointment of the PAC chief after the National Assembly leader of the opposition has opened a new Pandora&#39;s Box.

After Marwat&rsquo;s nomination for the PAC chairman position by PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, the name of JUI-F&rsquo;s Noor Alam Khan also started circulating for the slot on the opposition&rsquo;s side.

According to sources, Noor has started back doors contacts for the PAC chief&rsquo;s slot, while the ruling alliance parties are also leaning towards him instead of giving the chairmanship of the important committee to a PTI nominee.

The PAC of parliament will comprise 10 members each from the National Assembly and Senate.

According to the NA rules, the chairpersonship of the PAC is supposed to be with the opposition.

However, there is a possibility that the number of government members in the PAC will increase because of their two-thirds majority in the parliament.

It is because of this reason that Noor&rsquo;s chances are brighter than Marwat to clinch the PAC top slot as the government members are likely to vote for the JUI-F candidate rather than the PTI leader.

According to the sources, after the formation of the PAC, its chairperson will be elected. However, both the government and opposition have not yet presented any names for the members of any parliamentary committee including the PAC.

Seeds of discord were sown between the PTI and JUI-F recently after slogans were shouted against the latter&rsquo;s chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in the six-party opposition alliance&rsquo;s first rally in Pishin town of Balochistan against the ruling parties over the alleged &ldquo;theft of mandate&rdquo;.

Both the PTI and JUI-F have remained at loggerheads with one another for a long time.

Imran and other party leaders would call the JUI-F chief &ldquo;diesel&rdquo; in rallies and media interactions, referring to an accusation that Fazl had purportedly benefitted financially by receiving fuel permits during the PPP government in the 1990s.

The thaw in relations between the two bitter political arch-rivals was seen when both sides finally sat together to discuss the situation in the country and initiate dialogue with other political forces in October last year.

The first formal contact between the two sides came after Imran gave his nod to proceed with the move.

It was seen as a major political U-turn by the PTI to lower tensions between the two sides when its leaders visited the JUI-F chief&rsquo;s residence.

Following the meeting, PTI leaders including Asad Qaiser, Ali Muhammad Khan, and Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, even offered prayers behind Fazl -- that too keeping in view the sentiments that their party and its leadership had for him.

Before and after the elections, both sides have held several meetings and were seen coming closer to each other as well as mulling to start a joint movement against the government over what they called &ldquo;massive rigging&rdquo; in the general elections.

However, on the day of their first rally, the JUI-F accused PTI&rsquo;s Marwat of insulting the Maulana, demanding that party must control its leaders.

During the rally, Marwat was seen asking people not to chant the slogan of &ldquo;diesel&rdquo; as talks were still under way with the JUI-F.

While accusing the PTI of having double standards, a JUI-F spokesperson said that its &ldquo;hypocrisy&rdquo; had come to the fore at the opposition parties&rsquo; first rally.]]>
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			<title>BAP’s political clout dwindles in Balochistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459263/baps-political-clout-dwindles-in-balochistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459263/baps-political-clout-dwindles-in-balochistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 24 17:25:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Ali Shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2459263</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Party's once-unassailable position now eroding, holds a mere five seats in Balochistan Assembly]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), once enjoying its heyday as the harbinger of change in the provincial political realm, now finds itself in choppy waters after the February 8 general elections.

Having soared to the top as the big fish in 2018, BAP&#39;s recent setback indicates a seismic shift in the province&#39;s political tides.

Retiring Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani found himself outmanoeuvred in the race for chief minister as the political tactics of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, stole the spotlight.

Sanjrani currently sits in the Balochistan Assembly.

Founded in 2018, BAP swiftly rose to prominence under the leadership of influential figures such as Jam Kamal Khan and Mir Quddus Bizenjo, both of whom served as Chief Ministers of Balochistan. With a promise of development and progress, BAP secured a substantial mandate, positioning itself as a dominant force in provincial and federal politics.

However, the party&#39;s once-unassailable position has been eroded, as evidenced by its diminished presence in the provincial assembly, where it now holds a mere five seats. The defection of key figures, including former presidents Jam Kamal Khan and Mir Quddus Bizenjo, has further weakened BAP&#39;s stronghold.

Read also:&nbsp;Sanjrani quits Senate, takes oath as MPA

Their decision to switch allegiance to rival factions such as the PPP, Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) underscores the depth of BAP&#39;s crisis.

The erosion of BAP&#39;s support base highlights the fluid nature of Balochistan&#39;s political landscape, characterized by shifting alliances and allegiances. The party&#39;s inability to retain key figures and navigate the intricate webs of regional politics has left it vulnerable to the machinations of its competitors. Moreover, BAP&#39;s decline offers an opportunity for other parties to assert their influence and shape the province&#39;s future picture.

As BAP grapples with diminishing influence, Balochistan&#39;s political scene enters a phase of transition. The recent general elections have not only redrawn the political map but have also set the stage for renewed competition and strategic manoeuvring among various factions.

How BAP responds to these challenges will be crucial in determining its future relevance in the province&#39;s political landscape.

Once heralded as the vanguard of change, BAP&#39;s fall from grace underscores the volatile nature of Balochistan&#39;s politics. As new power dynamics emerge, the stage is set for a period of intense competition and realignment, reshaping the contours of Balochistan&#39;s political landscape for years to come.]]>
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			<title>PPP, JUI-F join hands for Senate polls</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459163/ppp-jui-f-join-hands-for-senate-polls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459163/ppp-jui-f-join-hands-for-senate-polls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 24 17:46:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2459163</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F agrees to back Gilani in Senate by-polls.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have forged an alliance for the upcoming Senate elections.

Addressing a press conference alongside Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani and JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Bukhari revealed that PPP will throw its weight behind the JUI-F candidate for the Senate polls in Balochistan, reciprocated by JUI-F&#39;s support for Yousaf Raza Gillani in Islamabad.

Highlighting the importance of the Senate by-election scheduled for March 14, Bukhari underscored that Balochistan&#39;s three Senate seats have been vacated, prompting JUI-F&#39;s appeal for PPP&#39;s backing in the province.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, speaking on the occasion, clarified that while JUI-F would refrain from direct involvement in government formation, it would actively fulfil its role within the parliament.

Echoing similar sentiments, Yusuf Raza Gillani emphasised the mutual support between the two parties, affirming their commitment to collaborative efforts within the house.

&ldquo;We are supporting to each other for the parliament and will work in tandem in the house,&rdquo; Gillani said.

Read also:&nbsp;JUI-F announces it will sit on opposition benches

The six seats in the general category became vacant as senators stepped down from their positions, having been elected as members of the National Assembly or provincial assemblies in Sindh and Balochistan. Specifically, one seat opened up in the federal capital, two in Sindh, and three in Balochistan.

In addition, the Election Commission of Pakistan has declared that a poll will be held on April 2 to fill 48 vacant seats in the Senate.

Earlier on Tuesday, a delegation led by JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri convened with former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani and other PPP senators, including Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani.

Discussions during the meeting centred around the prevailing political landscape in the country and the upcoming Senate by-polls.

Post-session, Gillani declared the alliance between the two parties, underscoring the importance of mutual cooperation in navigating the forthcoming political challenges.

He also expressed gratitude for the continued engagement with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, extending a warm welcome to his party&#39;s delegation.

Read:&nbsp;ECP announces schedule for Senate polls

Meanwhile, nine candidates including, Alia Hamza from PTI and Kamran Michael from PML-N, received nomination papers for participating in the Senate election from Punjab.

Alia Hamza&rsquo;s nomination papers for the Senate candidacy in Punjab were submitted to the election commissioner&rsquo;s office by her husband, Jameel Malik.

Alia Hamza and Kamran Michael received nomination papers from the provincial election commissioner.

In Punjab, elections are being held for 7 general seats, 2 women seats, 2 technocrats&rsquo; seats, and one minority seat. The schedule for the Senate elections will be announced on March 14.

Candidates interested in contesting the elections have been asked to obtain nomination papers from the ECP headquarters and provincial election commissioners of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Nomination papers can be deposited with the relevant returning officers on March 15 and 16. The ECP will issue the schedule on March 14.

(With input from APP)]]>
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			<title>Fazl rejects supremacy of ‘one institution’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458678/fazl-rejects-supremacy-of-one-institution</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458678/fazl-rejects-supremacy-of-one-institution#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 24 15:43:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[BILAL GHAURI]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2458678</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says their mandate was rigged not by political parties but by establishment]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Toughening his stance against the establishment, the chief of his eponymous faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday refused to &ldquo;acknowledge supremacy of one institution&rdquo;. Issuing a stern warning, he urged those in power to &ldquo;stay within their limits&rdquo;, while also alleging widespread coercion of voters to support &ldquo;preferred candidates&rdquo; nationwide.

&ldquo;We cannot build a nation through oppression. Let us remain a nation grounded in ethics and intellect. Establishment should listen that this is the voice of Fazlur Rehman and of his party,&rdquo; he said while addressing the JUI-F Punjab General Council in Lahore.

The JUI-F chief, who faced defeat in the Feb 8 elections in his home district, had been accusing the powerful quarters of rigging the ballot and forming a government of their choice.


He decided to abstain from participating in the parliamentary elections and sit on the opposition benches.

Read more: Fazl foresees collapse of &lsquo;system&rsquo;

The JUI-F chief emphasised their adherence to the concept of democracy defined by senior religious scholars and questioned the deviation from democratic norms.

&quot;Parliament is being brought into existence according to western interests. Do not expect anything from the rulers. They have buried their dignity before their demise,&quot; he remarked.
Fazl questioned the credibility of the United States in advocating the human rights after its actions in Afghanistan and Palestine.

&quot;Our manifesto states that we become the voice of the oppressed. I told Shehbaz Sharif, join the opposition, lest you become a target of our movement,&quot; he added.

The JUI-F chief warned that they could not only &ldquo;create trouble&rdquo; in the parliament but also outside the House.

He concluded by saying that their mandate was not rigged by political parties but by the establishment.

Also read: Fazl won&rsquo;t &lsquo;lick boots&rsquo; to get to dummy parliament

Without naming anyone, the JUI-F leader stated they would not &ldquo;accept supremacy of one institution&rdquo; while cautioning those in power to &ldquo;stay within their boundaries&rdquo;.

Fazl said people in villages and rural areas were frequently forced to vote for certain candidates against their will. &quot;Our party is often told to withdraw our candidate for someone, money is also demanded from our candidates. If we present evidence, there will be no refuge for you,&rdquo; he said.

Expressing apprehension about the state of democracy, the JUI-F leader remarked, &quot;Regrettably, I see this country heading towards the situation in Bengal. Parliament is merely a symbolic institution, and democracy is losing its ground&quot;.

Challenging those who label their struggle against democracy, he asserted, &quot;We are fighting against those who declare democracy as infidelity, but we are being cornered. If parliament continues to be formed through rigging, it will lose its significance&quot;.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Maulana to rev up anti-rigging crusade</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458529/maulana-to-rev-up-anti-rigging-crusade</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458529/maulana-to-rev-up-anti-rigging-crusade#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 24 05:06:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2458529</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief is expected to address a lawyers' convention today]]>
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				<![CDATA[&nbsp;

The JUI-F, unyielding in its refusal to join forces with its former allies in the government, showed no intentions of relenting in its accusations of election rigging, escalating its challenge to the legitimacy of the recently elected parliament.

The emir of the politico-religious party, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, arrived in Lahore on Tuesday night for a two-day visit, signalling a strategic move in his protest against the electoral process.

Accompanied by central spokesperson Muhammad Aslam Ghori and Tariq Khan Baloch, JUI-F Punjab spokesperson Hafiz Ghazanfar Aziz announced Maulana Fazlur Rahman&#39;s schedule for the two-day visit.

The JUI-F chief is expected to address a lawyers&#39; convention on Wednesday (today), with various party leaders and renowned lawyers slated to speak at the event.

Furthermore, Maulana Fazlur Rahman will attend a dinner hosted for the newly elected MNAs and MPAs.

On March 7 (Thursday), he is scheduled to address a party gathering, shedding light on the future course of action.

Hafiz Ghazanfar Aziz affirmed that all arrangements for Maulana Fazlur Rahman&#39;s visit to Lahore have been finalized, setting the stage for a series of impactful engagements.

The JUI-F chief has firmly ruled out joining the treasury benches on numerous occasions, opting instead to be a part of the opposition in the parliament. He has also hinted at the launch of a &quot;countrywide protest campaign&quot; against the perceived election irregularities.

Reiterating his stance on the February 8 elections, Maulana Fazlur Rahman has accused the establishment of orchestrating the &quot;stealing and managing&quot; of the people&#39;s mandate in Pakistan.

He has claimed that the people were once again betrayed in 2024, similar to the events of 2018.]]>
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			<title>SIC announces forming ‘grand alliance’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458051/sic-announces-forming-grand-alliance</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458051/sic-announces-forming-grand-alliance#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 24 04:55:41 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief praises decision of opposition parties to act in unison against poll rigging]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), after meeting the JUI-F, has announced the formation of a grand alliance aimed at ensuring election results according to Form 45.

According to details, SIC leaders Asad Qaiser, Omar Ayub Khan, Malik Amir Dogar and Junaid Akbar Khan arrived at JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman&rsquo;s residence in the federal capital.

Fazl was asked to vote for Omar, Amir and Junaid for the positions of prime minister, speaker and deputy speaker, respectively.

The JUI-F chief praised the decision of the opposition parties to act in unison.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Qaiser maintained that the Feb 8 polls had been rigged, and that they had been working on the formation of a grand alliance for acquiring results according to Form 45.

Qaiser said communication was being intensified to bring all the parties affected by Form 45 onto a single platform.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F again rejects poll results</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457942/jui-f-again-rejects-poll-results</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457942/jui-f-again-rejects-poll-results#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 24 21:21:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Senator Derwaish laments interference in election process leading to misappropriation of their electoral success]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Shura has vehemently rejected the recent election outcomes, denouncing the February 8 vote as the nation&rsquo;s most contentious.

In its forthcoming session, the central general council of JUI-F will deliberate on the prospect of continued participation in parliamentary politics. Meanwhile, the party&rsquo;s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter stands ready to act upon the council&rsquo;s directives regarding protest demonstrations.

Read&nbsp;Fazl rejects &lsquo;rigged&rsquo; election results

During the shura&rsquo;s meeting on Wednesday, JUI-F Provincial Amir, Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, announced the party&rsquo;s stance. He highlighted that in the recent general elections, JUI-F garnered significant support, but due to alleged manipulation in the electoral process, their mandate was usurped and awarded to another party.

Senator Attaul Haq Derwaish, speaking at the gathering, reiterated these sentiments, emphasizing the unprecedented level of votes secured by JUI-F. However, he lamented the apparent interference in the election process that led to the misappropriation of their electoral success.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, February 29th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F, ANP shun elections of top offices</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457984/jui-f-anp-shun-elections-of-top-offices</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457984/jui-f-anp-shun-elections-of-top-offices#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Feb 24 10:29:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[MQM-P noncommittal on voting for Zardari]]>
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				<![CDATA[&nbsp;

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and the Awami National Party (ANP) on Thursday announced that they would boycott the election process for the prime minister, president, speaker and deputy speaker.

The JUI-F also disclosed its plan to sit on the opposition benches.

Sources revealed that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) was also not willing to participate in the elections for the president and the Senate chairman until its demands were met.

Speaking to the media at the Parliament House, Fazl asserted his skepticism regarding the new government&#39;s ability to complete its five-year term.

When questioned about his party&#39;s stance on joining the PTI protest or initiating their own protest movement, he responded: &ldquo;Wait and watch. We will protest alongside you.&rdquo;

Fazl was among the newly elected members to take oath on Thursday during the inaugural session of the 16th National Assembly.

He said he considered parliament &ldquo;more representative of establishment than the people&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We will sit in the opposition. We will not become part of the voting process for president, National Assembly speaker and prime minister,&rdquo; he said.

Speaking sarcastically, he said, &ldquo;It is not an assembly but something else.&rdquo;

He said the JUI-F&rsquo;s policy dictated that they would not vote for anyone in the house, adding that the party would not participate in further proceedings of parliament.

Earlier, the JUI-F chief warned of a potential &ldquo;system collapse&rdquo; in the country, citing &ldquo;excessive interference from the powers that be&rdquo; as the primary cause.

Meanwhile, the ANP also decided to refrain from participating in the parliamentary elections.


In a statement on Thursday, ANP leader Asfandary Wali Khan maintained that their members would refrain from participating in the election process of any assembly as well as the Senate.

He emphasised his party&rsquo;s commitment to civilian supremacy, democracy, and strengthening of parliament in the country.
He expressed concern about the &ldquo;unprecedented use of money in the recent elections&rdquo;, stating that the ANP was not inclined to cast votes in the provincial assemblies and the Senate under the current circumstances.

Asfandyar said the ANP was offered positions by the current majority parties, but they did not engage in politics focused on power and seats.

He reiterated the ANP&#39;s principled stance, advocating for the retrieval of the mandate from &ldquo;mandate thieves&rdquo; and its rightful allocation to &ldquo;true representatives&rdquo;.

Asfandyar stated that further decisions regarding their role in parliament would be made through mutual consultation later.
Separately, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday agreed to support the coalition government in electing the National Assembly speaker and deputy speaker, as well as the prime minister.

The MQM-P was expected to hold a final round of negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) before taking its decision about joining the coalition government, according to party sources.

According to sources, the PML-N is ready to give only one ministry to the MQM-P while it is demanding four ministries. They said the MQM-P also wanted to allow Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to continue on the post, otherwise, according to some sources, the party would prefer to sit on the opposition benches.

However, MQM-P&rsquo;s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the party had affirmed its support in exchange for the National Finance Commission Award to be fairly distributed in &ldquo;every district and to every local body&rdquo;.

The development came during a meeting between the MQM-P leaders and members of a delegation, including Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Aleem Khan, Sadiq Sanjrani, Yusuf Raza Gillani, Khursheed Shah and Khalid Magsi.

Speaking to the media outside the Parliament House, Sadiq said that his party, PPP, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid met with MQM-P&rsquo;s Siddiqui.

&ldquo;We asked them for their vote for [the election of] NA speaker and deputy speaker, the prime minister and the president,&rdquo; he said.

Sadiq said that the MQM-P had assured the delegation of casting its vote in their favour for the NA speaker and deputy speaker, and the prime minister.

&ldquo;We will come to them again for the vote for [the election of] the president and the Senate chairman,&rdquo; he said.
Sadiq said that the PML-N would work on the MQM-P&rsquo;s demand for a constitutional amendment regarding the distribution of the NFC Award.

Meanwhile, addressing media persons, Siddiqui said that they made this request &ldquo;keeping in view the people&rsquo;s rights in the Constitution&rdquo; and they wanted &ldquo;a place for those rights in the Constitution&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Democracy is the only way forward in Pakistan,&rdquo; Siddiqui added, emphasising that the people should participate for democracy to take root in the country.

&ldquo;The party&#39;s focus is not on governorship or ministries, but on delivering benefits of democracy.&rdquo;
Siddiqui clarified that decisions regarding cabinet positions had been finalised, but the party had not sought any specific roles.

In various media interviews, MQM-P Senior Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar and newly elected National Assembly member (MNA) Mustafa Kamal both expressed their optimism about the ongoing coalition talks with the PML-N, hoping to reach consensus on all issues very soon.

&ldquo;Kamran Tessori is the MQM&rsquo;s choice for the governor&rsquo;s post,&rdquo; Sattar told a private TV channel in an interview.
Regarding the ongoing discussions with the PML-N on forming the coalition, he expressed his optimism about reaching a consensus soon.

Despite the challenges in joining the government, Sattar affirmed the MQM-P&#39;s dedication to political stability and national progress, pledging cooperation wherever necessary. He highlighted the PML-N&#39;s recognition of the MQM&#39;s pivotal role in parliamentary politics and its status as an important ally.

Kamal said, &ldquo;The cabinet will come after that [the oath-taking by the elected members].&rdquo;

He said, &ldquo;The procedure is being processed and both the parties are moving in the right direction. There is no deadlock.&rdquo;

However, sources maintained that the MQM-P was ready to cast its vote in the election of National Assembly speaker and prime minister. However, the party was not willing to vote in the election of Senate chairman and president.

Meanwhile, Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Akhtar Mengal decided to sit on the independent benches.]]>
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			<title>GDA, JUI-F, JI mark black day against ‘polls rigging’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457822/gda-jui-f-ji-mark-black-day-against-polls-rigging</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457822/gda-jui-f-ji-mark-black-day-against-polls-rigging#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Feb 24 21:23:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Z Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Opposition stages protests outside press clubs across Sindh]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Jamaat-e-Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and their allies observed a black day across the province on Tuesday against alleged rigging in the general election.

The conglomerate of anti-PPP parties staged protest demonstrations in various cities to denounce the gerrymandering of poll results.

In Hyderabad, the participants of a protest rally walked for over half a kilometer from Haider Chowk to Society Chowk before staging a token sit-in outside the Hyderabad Press Club.

GDA leader Roshan Burriro said that once again allegedly corrupt and inept rulers had been imposed on the country through farce elections. He deplored that workers of the opposition parties who are taking to streets in protest are being booked in FIRs to harass them.

JUI-F&#39;s Maulana Taj Muhammad Nahiyon said the coalition government which has been built on the basis of massive rigging in the polls will not last longer in power. &quot;We will send them home soon.&quot; Qomi Awami Tehreek&#39;s Altaf Khaskheli said adding the elections should be organised anew while declaring the recent polls as being marred by rigging.

Read&nbsp;Protests erupt across Sindh over alleged poll rigging

Meanwhile, addressing a protest rally outside Larkana Press Club, JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Channa alleged that PPP used police and the provincial establishment along with billions of rupees in bribes to decide the outcome of the February 8 polls. 

He asserted that the people of Sindh will never accept the rule in the province by the PPP whose 15 consecutive years of bad governance and corruption in the province are known to all and sundry.

The protesters chanted slogans, condemning the police for assaulting peaceful political protesters who were gathering outside the Sindh Assembly. Molana Muhammad Saleh Indarh of JUI-F said at a rally outside Sukkur Press Club that teargas shelling and baton charge on peaceful protesters amounted to silencing the opposition. He demanded that the stolen mandate should be returned to the public through fresh snap polls.

In Benazirabad the protesters gathered outside Nawabshah Press Club and chanted slogans against the Election Commission of Pakistan and the province&#39;s bureaucracy and police for abetting the crime of stealing the public&#39;s mandate in the recent elections. Jamaat-e-Islami&#39;s Sarwar Qureshi denounced the highhandedness and brutality of Karachi police which he said had unnecessarily charged upon peaceful protesters.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Fazl foresees collapse of ‘system’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457781/fazl-foresees-collapse-of-system</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457781/fazl-foresees-collapse-of-system#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Feb 24 14:43:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief opposes arrest of politicians]]>
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				<![CDATA[Warning of a &ldquo;system collapse&rdquo; in the country because of excessive interference from the establishment, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman announced on Tuesday his party would stay away from the upcoming elections of the speakers and other higher posts.

Speaking at a news conference in Peshawar, Fazl departed from his oft-repeated stance against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, saying that he reiterated his longstanding opposition to the imprisonment of political figures.

The &ldquo;system will collapse&rdquo; because of the excessive interference from the establishment, Fazl told reporters, adding that the establishment wanted that the people elected to the assemblies were aligned to their preferences.

He recalled his party&rsquo;s protests against rigging in the 2018 elections and expressed concerns over what he deemed as excessive interference in the country&rsquo;s politics. Raising alarms, he said the interference had reached a point where even election candidates faced undue influence.

&ldquo;They cannot run the country, and the system will collapse. Those who are sticking to the system will be crying in the coming days,&rdquo; he said. He claimed that he had the information before the elections that his party would be suppressed in the February 8 vote for links to Afghanistan, and opposing Israel.

The JUI-F leader, who faced drubbing in the recent elections, also announced his decision to remain &ldquo;neutral&rdquo; in the upcoming presidential elections, adding that the party would also stay away from the elections of speakers, deputy speakers, and the leaders of the house.

Furthermore, he revealed the party would resign from the opposition benches in the assemblies. &ldquo;We do not want to join any government and have decided to stay out of the flawed system,&rdquo; the JUI-F chief said. &ldquo;Those who are part of the system will cry.&rdquo;

Highlighting that the arrests of political figures were not a new thing, he said that irrespective of political differences, he had consistently disapproved of the incarceration of politicians. &ldquo;On a personal level, the arrests of political figures do not bring me joy,&rdquo; he said.

Fazl recalled that he had had his share of incarceration too. &ldquo;I have spent years in jail myself&rdquo;. However, he maintained that he recognised legal proceedings and that the courts had to decide on the merit in each case.

Without explicitly mentioning PTI founder Imran Khan, who penned a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urging an election audit, Fazl stressed that political stakeholders must avoid engagement with foreign institutions on the internal affairs of the country.

Commenting on the relationship with PTI, Fazl remarked: &ldquo;There was a &lsquo;mountain&rsquo;, and not a wall, between us and PTI.&rdquo; However, he added that the JUI-F has consistently maintained an open-door policy for dialogue if any party demonstrated genuine intent to addressing its concerns.

Fazl highlighted that his party adhered to political traditions by treating the delegation of its rival, PTI, with respect. The JUI-F leader disclosed that the party&rsquo;s Central General Council would convene to deliberate upon the future course of action in parliamentary politics.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F announces movement against 'poll rigging'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457278/jui-f-announces-movement-against-poll-rigging</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457278/jui-f-announces-movement-against-poll-rigging#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 24 09:40:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rizwan Shehzad  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Rigging in these elections has put 2018's rigging to shame, says party leader]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has announced that it will commence a movement against alleged rigging during the February 8 general elections.&nbsp;

JUI-F leader Aslam Ghauri, in a&nbsp;statement, said that in the initial phase of the movement, meetings at different party levels will be held.

According to Ghauri, party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will&nbsp;address the meetings and the first of such assemblies is set to take place on Thursday (today)&nbsp;in Islamabad.

&quot;The rigging in these elections has put 2018&#39;s rigging to shame,&quot;&nbsp;said the and added that a &quot;mockery has been made of the public mandate&quot;.

Protests against electoral fraud 

Previously on February 16,&nbsp;JUI-F Sindh staged a protest demonstration outside the Provincial Election Commission office in Karachi against the alleged electoral fraud.

JUI-F Sindh Secretary General Allama Rashid Mahmood Soomro addressed the gathering, stating that JUI-F has decided to launch a nationwide movement against &ldquo;doctored election results.&rdquo;

He asserted that Sindh has witnessed the worst electoral fraud, with constituency delimitations made to favour the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and appointments of Returning Officers (ROs) and the District Returning Officers (DROs) influenced by Wadera Shahi.

He lampooned the Sindh Election Commission, the bureaucracy and the state institutions, which according to him were helpless against the powerful waderas of Sindh on election day.

Maulana Soomro, while addressing the crowd, highlighted that police, Rangers, and army were not deployed at the sensitive constituencies in Sindh.

Read JUI-F eyes a slice out of power pie

On February 17 workers from Ghotki and Kashmore blocked roads from Kashmore, and workers from Sukkur blocked roads from Sukkur. The Sindh-Punjab border was also closed for an indefinite period. He demanded that NA-191 Kashmore, PS-02 Panu Aqil, and PS-22 Thul results be released according to Form 45.

Fazl rejects &#39;rigged&#39; election results 

Earlier, Fazl threw a political curveball by rejecting the &quot;rigged&quot; election results while extending an invitation to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to join him on the opposition benches instead of pursuing government ambitions.

The JUI-F refused to accept the electoral outcome lying down. He announced the party would kickstart nationwide protests against alleged electoral manipulation by &quot;anti-Islamic forces.&quot;

During a press conference, Fazl expressed reservations about the Election Commission of Pakistan&#39;s (ECP) role, alleging it had been &ldquo;dubious from day one.&rdquo;

&quot;Our central committee has rejected the election results and expressed reservations about the role of the ECP, but JUI-F will play its role in the parliament and will attend it with reservations,&rdquo; he stated.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F eyes a slice out of power pie</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457243/jui-f-eyes-a-slice-out-of-power-pie</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457243/jui-f-eyes-a-slice-out-of-power-pie#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 24 04:14:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondents]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Maulana Haideri discusses alliance with Dar]]>
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				<![CDATA[In an apparent change of heart, the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), after playing hardball and signalling its intention to embrace the opposition benches, on Wednesday appeared to be swallowing its own words, eyeing a slice out of the power pie in the upcoming coalition setup crafted by the PML-N and the PPP.

Seemingly singing a different tune, the party engaged in discussions with PML-N leaders to explore the possibility of hitching a ride on the PPP-PML-N agreement bandwagon to establish a coalition government at the Centre.

According to reports, the party&#39;s delegation, led by Central Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, convened with Balochistan Awami Party&#39;s Mir Khalid Khan Magsi and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani to delve into the prevailing political landscape, particularly in Balochistan.

Meanwhile, inside sources revealed that during the meeting between PML-N leader Ishaq Dar and JUI-F&#39;s Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the latter extended an offer to form a coalition government in Balochistan. &ldquo;The PML-N and the JUI-F can at least form a coalition government in Balochistan,&rdquo; sources quoted Haideri as saying.

However, Dar conveyed that the PML-N had already solidified a power-sharing agreement with the PPP in the province. &quot;We wanted to go together, but Maulana, you are too late,&quot; Dar responded, expressing frustration over unsuccessful attempts to engage with the JUI-F.

He informed Haideri that an agreement with the PPP had been reached, leaving the final decision regarding the JUI-F&#39;s offer to the party leadership. The development follows Maulana Fazl&#39;s bombshell claims, asserting that the no-confidence motion against PTI founder Imran Khan in March 2022 was orchestrated by former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The claims put the JUI-F&#39;s former allies, PPP and PML-N, on the defensive, as they had consistently denied the PTI founder&#39;s allegations of engineered ouster. Following his refusal to accept the results of the February 8 elections, Maulana Fazl claimed that his party had been deliberately defeated in multiple constituencies through rigging and irregularities.

In an unexpected turn of events, he even held discussions with his arch-rivals from the PTI, contemplating joint protests against the alleged rigging in the elections. The JUI-F chief faced criticism from the PPP and PML-N for his claims, with both parties rejecting his allegations of rigging and the subsequent no-confidence motion.

&nbsp;

&#39;Baseless rumours&#39;

However, PML-N&#39;s Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb refuted media reports about PML-N and JUI-F, dismissing them as baseless.

She emphasised the mutual respect and cooperation between the two parties and urged the media to refrain from speculating about their meetings.

A subsequent official statement from the PML-N clarified that, considering the challenges faced by Balochistan, a strong democratic government is imperative.

The meeting participants, recognising the need for various political forces to unite in Balochistan, affirmed their commitment to cooperation, as outlined in the official declaration.

PPP, PML-N forge coalition pact for Balochistan govt

In a related development, the PPP and the PML-N reached a consensus to establish a coalition government in Balochistan.

A key PPP leader in Balochistan confirmed to The Express Tribune that the PPP is set to claim the position of chief minister, while the governor&#39;s role will be handed over to the PML-N.

The distribution of portfolios between the two major political entities is pending, with the leader providing no further details.

&quot;CM from PPP and Governor from PML N&quot;, he mentioned.

The next 24 hours are anticipated to be crucial as the nomination for the chief minister&rsquo;s position in Balochistan is expected to be announced. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is slated to make the official announcement regarding the new CM from PPP.

Several notable figures are being considered for the chief ministerial role, including Mir Sadiq Umrani, a member of the PPP central executive committee, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri &ndash; who is also considered an &lsquo;old jiyala&rsquo; &ndash; the former chief minister of Balochistan, and Sarfaraz Bugti, the former caretaker interior minister.

The potential candidates are vigorously vying for the coveted position.

Meanwhile, the former ruling party, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), is also expected to be part of the forthcoming coalition government in Balochistan.

Jam Kamal Khan, the former CM of Balochistan and a PML-N leader, recently met with Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, aiming to garner support from the BAP. Jam Kamal is considered a strong contender from the PML-N for the position of CM in Balochistan.

The PML-N has emerged as the second-largest parliamentary party in the Balochistan Assembly, boasting 13 lawmakers, while the PPP claims the top spot with 14 members in the house.

Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, the PML-N Balochistan president, expressed the party&#39;s strong desire to secure the CM position in Balochistan, citing robust representation in the assembly.

On the other hand, the Jamiat ul Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) with 11 lawmakers is yet to make a decision regarding government formation.

Sources within the JUI-F revealed that the party plans to sit on the opposition benches following the directives and decision of its chief, Maulana Fazalur Rehman.

The development came a day after a consensus was reached between the PML-N and the PPP to share power to form the next government, claiming a comfortable majority in the lower house of parliament to clinch the slot of the prime minister.]]>
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			<title>Fazl won’t ‘lick boots’ to get to dummy parliament</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457298/fazl-wont-lick-boots-to-get-to-dummy-parliament</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457298/fazl-wont-lick-boots-to-get-to-dummy-parliament#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 24 15:31:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F announces countrywide movement against alleged rigging in Feb 8 polls]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Castigating the military establishment for what he termed the &quot;most rigged elections&quot; in Pakistan&rsquo;s history, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has declared that his party will not &quot;lick boots&quot; just to secure membership in a nominal parliament. Fazl&rsquo;s party, the JUI-F, has, in the meanwhile, also announced a nationwide movement against alleged rigging in February 8 general elections.

Addressing his party members and supporters after a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, Fazl said he expected that the February 8 elections would be free and fair.

However, he lamented, those hopes and the country&rsquo;s Constitution got trampled on&mdash;on the election day. The JUI-F chief wondered what was the credibility of parliament in the wake of two consecutive controversial elections.

&quot;If the establishment directly intervenes and chooses representatives from each constituency according to its own will, then they won&#39;t be representatives of the people. What kind of parliament would that be?&rdquo; he said, adding that the candidacy of every lawmaker in such a parliament will become dubious.

He predicted that in the coalition government that is likely to be formed in the center, the two major parties&mdash;the PML-N and the PPP&mdash;will keep blackmailing each other while &ldquo;someone else&rdquo; will be pulling the strings behind the scenes.
The JUI-F chief said they are the flag-bearers of democracy and their elders are the founders of this Constitution. He said they want to safeguard the Constitution. However, he lamented that the Constitution has no significance now; it is just a piece of paper which holds no value.

He said even the parliament is not supreme as sovereignty rests with God. &ldquo;But in Pakistan, we don&rsquo;t even witness supremacy of parliament &ldquo;as here our servants are our sovereigns.&rdquo;

He claimed that in the February 8 elections, the establishment broke all records of rigging in the 75-year history of the country. Addressing the military leaders, he said: &quot;Uniforms do not confer respect on a person; rather, it is the character within a uniform which inspires respect.&quot;

Fazl questioned the utility of joining a parliament which could not pass a legislation on its own and which only stamps its seal of approval on pieces of legislation imposed on it by the establishment.

He also questioned why his party should now continue electoral politics. &ldquo;In the parliament, my power will depend on someone else but on the street, I will not need anyone else,&rdquo; he said.

The JUI-F chief said militancy in the country is one the rise but the establishment is engaged in &ldquo;other games&rdquo;. He said the establishment considered itself beyond criticism and gets offended when people point the finger at it.

&ldquo;They say we are defense forces and it is not justified to criticize us. I clarify that I do not criticize the country&rsquo;s defense forces as long as they remain defense forces. But when they become political forces they become liable to be criticized.&rdquo;
Fazl also criticized the mainstream political parties for their dual standards with regard to rigging.

He said the PML-N won almost a similar number of seats in both 2018 elections and 2024 elections. &ldquo;in 2018, it had claimed that the elections were rigged but now [when it is able to lead a government] it says the elections are fair.&rdquo;
He said the same was the case with the PTI as it also got almost the same number of seats in the 2018 and 2014 elections. &ldquo;However, now that the PTI is not able to form a government, it says the polls were unfair.&rdquo;

Fazl said only the JUI-F is the party which protested against rigging in 2018 polls and which also called these elections massively rigged.

Separately, the JU-F announced launching a movement against alleged rigging during the February 8 general elections.&nbsp; JUI-F leader Aslam Ghauri, in a statement, said in the initial phase of the movement, meetings will be held at party level.
According to Ghauri, Maulana Fazlur Rehman will address these meetings and the first of such assemblies is set to take place on Thursday (today) in Islamabad. &quot;Rigging in these elections has put 2018&#39;s rigging to shame,&quot; he said. &quot;A mockery has been made of the public mandate&quot;.

Previously on February 16, the JUI-F Sindh staged a protest demonstration outside the provincial office of the Election Commission of Pakistan in Karachi against alleged electoral fraud.

JUI-F Sindh Secretary General Rashid Mahmood Soomro addressed the gathering, stating that the JUI-F had decided to launch a nationwide movement against &ldquo;doctored election results.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Vawda puts Maulana and commissioner on the back foot</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456817/vawda-puts-maulana-and-commissioner-on-the-back-foot</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456817/vawda-puts-maulana-and-commissioner-on-the-back-foot#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 18 Feb 24 06:12:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456817</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says poll results did not match Fazl’s ‘wish list’, terms Rwp commissioner’s remarks ‘drama’]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former federal minister Faisal Vawda on Saturday took a dig at JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying the general elections results did not match the latter&rsquo;s &ldquo;wish list&rdquo;, and that his &ldquo;file&rdquo; had become quite heavy and had gone as far as &ldquo;Turkiye&rdquo;.

Talking to a private TV channel, the former federal minister said everyone saw Maulana&rsquo;s &ldquo;game&rdquo;.

&ldquo;He (Fazl) did not get [poll] results according to his wish list. He will agree soon. His file has become quite heavy and has gone as far as Turkiye.&rdquo;

Vawda said it was to be seen whether all the &ldquo;expired leaders&rdquo; are on &ldquo;one container or locked inside it&rdquo;.

Commenting on Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha over his &ldquo;confession&rdquo; to being involved in &ldquo;polls rigging&rdquo;, the former federal minister said the latter&rsquo;s revelation was only a &ldquo;drama&rdquo;.

The former minister opined there was a possibility that the PML-N had &ldquo;launched&rdquo; and &ldquo;given money&rdquo; to the Rawalpindi commissioner. &ldquo;Here, the entire game is of money. Everyone has self-interest here.&rdquo;

Vawda said the commissioner was about to retire in 10-12 days, questioning how could a &ldquo;normal person&rdquo; admit after ten days of elections that the ballot was rigged.

&ldquo;If it (confession) was after ten minutes, or even after ten hours, one could have admitted it. After ten days you are saying your conscience has awakened.&rdquo;

On Chattha&rsquo;s remarks that he was willing to commit suicide over &ldquo;his involvement in polls rigging&rdquo;, Vawda said people in the country were willing to take their lives but no one &ldquo;actually commits it&rdquo;.

He said a person who was retiring after ten days was himself questionable. &ldquo;From where did he (Rawalpindi commissioner) get so much property? Where did his property files come from? Who is he friends with?&rdquo;

He termed Chattha&rsquo;s remarks of conscience &ldquo;non-sense&rdquo;.]]>
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			<title>PML-N awakening to its empty victory</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456624/pml-n-awakening-to-its-empty-victory</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456624/pml-n-awakening-to-its-empty-victory#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 24 04:25:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[RAMEEZ KHAN.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456624</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Leader admits party may not complete five-year term if forms a government]]>
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				<![CDATA[As initial excitement for forming a coalition government recedes, a serious realization of the credibility of the very elections that the PML-N is a beneficiary of has started to dawn upon the party, especially after the reaction of its former ally, Maulana Fazlur Rehman led JUI-F.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a second-generation PML-N leader said almost all parties have raised questions about the credibility of the elections, which means the election process has zero legitimacy.

&ldquo;How can any government formed as a consequence of such a visibly tainted exercise survive? [PML-N President] Shehbaz Sharif completed his term as the prime minister earlier, but this time around things are different,&rdquo; he said.

Talking with reference to the seats that the party lost, he questioned whether the party&rsquo;s loss in the elections was organic or someone deliberately engineered a hung parliament to steal their mandate.

&quot;We couldn&#39;t take a definitive position on this now, particularly after the party decided to pursue forming a government.&quot; He said the party needed to introspect if it even wanted to form a government.

He said as the dust of the elections settles, the fate of the incoming government will be more visible, but as of now, it appeared that the PML-N will not be able to complete its term.

The PML-N is the only party that came out in support of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and accepted the election outcome, while all the while raising questions of its own about the elections process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), where the PTI won a landslide victory.

When asked if the party will reconsider its position on the polls at some stage, the leader said if the JUI-F chief continued his charge against these elections, then the PML-N will also have to modify its position.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday rejected the Feb 8 election results while announcing a country-wide protest movement against alleged rigging.

When asked if Nawaz Sharif&#39;s decision not to become prime minister for the fourth time was solely motivated by the election outcomes, he said there were various external factors taken into account before making such a decision.
He accepted that Nawaz&#39;s decision disappointed many within the party for different reasons.

As far as the public reaction was concerned, the PML-N&rsquo;s entire election campaign was based on Nawaz becoming the premier, so when he decided to nominate Shehbaz for the position, people felt betrayed and sad, he said.

When asked if people within the PML-N felt there were internal factors or a conspiracy against Nawaz Sharif that influenced his decision, he gave a cryptic reply, stating that &quot;they have indeed betrayed Nawaz Sharif.&quot;

Another senior PML-N leader said things were not as hunky-dory as they seemed. He, however, refused any further comments.]]>
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			<title>'JUI-F not to become part of any govt'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456635/jui-f-not-to-become-part-of-any-govt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456635/jui-f-not-to-become-part-of-any-govt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 24 05:31:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456635</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Maulana Abdul Wasay confirms party won't form government in Balochistan]]>
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				<![CDATA[The JUI-F will not participate in the government, neither at the federal level nor in Balochistan, announced Maulana Abdul Wasay, the party&rsquo;s Balochistan president, on Thursday.

&ldquo;The JUI-F is not going to form a government in the province. The party has decided not to become part of any government,&rdquo; stated Wasay.

In the February 8 general elections, JUI-F secured 10 seats in the provincial assembly of Balochistan. However, despite being part of the last coalition government, the party managed to secure only 4 seats in the National Assembly, much to the dismay of JUI-F chief, Fazlur Rehman.

On Wednesday, Fazl threw a political curveball by rejecting the &quot;rigged&quot; election results while extending an invitation to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to join him on the opposition benches instead of pursuing government ambitions.

The JUI-F refused to accept the electoral outcome lying down. He announced the party would kickstart nationwide protests against alleged electoral manipulation by &quot;anti-Islamic forces.&quot;

During a press conference, Fazl expressed reservations about the Election Commission of Pakistan&#39;s (ECP) role, alleging it had been &ldquo;dubious from day one.&rdquo;

&quot;Our central committee has rejected the election results and expressed reservations about the role of the ECP, but JUI-F will play its role in the parliament and will attend it with reservations,&rdquo; he stated.

He accused the election process of being manipulated at the behest of &ldquo;anti-Islamic forces&rdquo; and emphasized the party&#39;s commitment to maintaining strong relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He noted that their efforts in this regard were not accepted by the United States and Israel.

On Thursday, the JUI-F chief claimed that he was against the idea of removing the PTI government from power through a vote of no confidence. However, he felt compelled to align with other political parties as he was leading the multi-party alliance, the PDM. Later that day, he also met with a PTI delegation.]]>
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			<title>Fazl interview makes jaw-dropping claims</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456570/fazl-interview-makes-jaw-dropping-claims</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456570/fazl-interview-makes-jaw-dropping-claims#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Feb 24 16:49:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456570</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief says Bajwa, Faiz orchestrated no-trust vote against Imran]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Feeling left out of the government race following the inconclusive vote on Feb 8 in which his party showed poorly, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday accused former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and ex-director general Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed of orchestrating the downfall of the PTI government led by Imran Khan in 2022.

The Maulana&rsquo;s allegations made during an interview with a private TV channel came a day after his party rejected the election results as &ldquo;rigged&rdquo; and decided to sit on the opposition benches in parliament in &ldquo;protest mode&rdquo;.

&ldquo;I was opposed to the idea of tabling a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan,&rdquo; the Maulana said while referring to the events unfolded in 2022 as the country saw for the first time in its history the ouster of a prime minister through a no-confidence vote. Maulana Fazl was among top opposition leaders who spearheaded the efforts to oust the PTI founder under the banner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

Coming on the heels of rapidly changing political landscape in the country and particularly at a time when the political parties who once were part of the PDM have been in the process of forming a new coalition at the Centre &ndash; a la PDM 2.0 -- the revelations would add to the controversy of removing an elected by the opposition with the help of the military establishment.

Moreover, just before his retirement the former army chief prided himself in claiming that the armed forces had learnt from history and become apolitical, adding the &ldquo;political quarantine of the armed forces&rdquo; will bode well for Pakistan in the long term.

&ldquo;Despite some criticism and undue vilification of the armed forces through mass propaganda and meticulously crafted false narratives, the institutional resolve to remain apolitical will remain steadfast,&rdquo; Bajwa had said in an interview with the UAE-based publication, Gulf News, just a day before doffing his uniform.

For its part, the PTI accused the country&rsquo;s then-rulers of colluding with the US and hatching a regime change conspiracy to topple Imran&rsquo;s government and blamed the military, which was led by retired Gen Bajwa at the time, for letting the then-dispensation in Islamabad go ahead with the alleged conspiracy.

In the interview, the JUI-F chief, who described himself as &ldquo;a fighter and not a quitter&rdquo;, elaborated on the events of the no-confidence vote and said: &ldquo;They (Gen Bajwa and Gen Faiz) were in contact with all political parties regarding the no-confidence motion and they told us the way of going about it.&rdquo;

Directing a fusillade of criticism at his former coalition partners, Fazl claimed that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spearheaded the no-confidence move against Imran, with Bajwa and Faiz providing directives to the political parties. &quot;I was not in favour of it, but I supported it because then the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) would have said that I saved Imran Khan,&quot; he stated.

He emphasised his preference to proceed with the &ldquo;power of the movement&rdquo;, noting that the PPP was spearheading the no-confidence motion. &ldquo;Gen Faiz had come to me and he asked me to go ahead [with the no-confidence vote], but only within the system, but not out of the system. Though I refused it,&rdquo; he claimed.

Fazl further explained that he changed his stance once representatives from various parties approached him for a joint action. &ldquo;If I had refused it again, they would say I am saving Imran.&rdquo;
He insisted that all political parties were convened in the presence of the two generals, who allegedly provided directions on the matter.

The JUI-F leader alleged that Lt Gen (retd) Faiz also supported the no-confidence motion, claiming, &quot;Gen Bajwa and Gen Faiz gave instructions about the no-confidence motion and PML-N and PPP sealed it. Gen Faiz said that we can do everything within the limits of the system and he had no objection to it&rdquo;.

Fazl&#39;s remarks have caught political analysts off guard, given his reputation as a staunch supporter of the establishment. Some speculate that his comments about Bajwa and Hameed stem from his sheer frustration over his recent defeat in general elections.

During the interview, Fazl maintained that both the 2018 and 2024 elections were rigged. &quot;We have decided to protest against this vote theft. Now the decisions would be taken on the ground rather than in the assembly,&quot; he declared.
Regarding discussions with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on government formation, the JUI-F chief disclosed his refusal to participate. &quot;I believe whatever happened during the 2024 elections, it benefitted PML-N. There are rumours that Nawaz Sharif was given the Lahore seat,&quot; he added.

He cautioned that if PML-N and other political parties proceed to form the government, they would be held accountable for the consequences. &quot;I don&rsquo;t see a [bright] future for the parliament, therefore, I invited PML-N to sit with us,&quot; he stressed.
Fazl also expressed optimism about resolving differences with the PTI, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F senator submits calling attention notice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456305/jui-f-senator-submits-calling-attention-notice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456305/jui-f-senator-submits-calling-attention-notice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Feb 24 04:42:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456305</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Senator Murtaza emphasises need for debate in upper house to pre-empt potential, upcoming political, economic crisis]]>
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				<![CDATA[Jamiat Ulema-E-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza on Monday drew the Senate&#39;s focus to the &quot;situation arising from recently held elections in the country&quot; through a calling attention notice.

In the notice submitted to the Senate, Senator Murtaza posed the following concerns: 1)&nbsp;How were the elections conducted in the country by the Election Commission (ECP), the caretaker government, and other institutions? 2) Did the election results align with the public&#39;s expectations? 3) How many political parties accepted the election results? 4) What situation has unfolded in the country following the release of the poll results?

Senator Murtaza emphasised the need for a comprehensive debate in the upper house to pre-empt any potential political or economic crisis in the coming days. He expressed optimism that such discussions would pave the way for finding viable solutions to the challenges at hand.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F prepares report on election defeat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456151/jui-f-prepares-report-on-election-defeat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456151/jui-f-prepares-report-on-election-defeat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 Feb 24 18:57:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahid Hamid]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456151</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Central cabinet meeting convened on 14th to discuss matter]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) cabinet of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) has prepared a comprehensive report about the party&rsquo;s crushing defeat in the February 8 general elections in the province.

Sources within the JUI-F told The Express Tribune that the initial report has been prepared but it has been decided not to make it public till policy guidelines are given by the central leadership.

The provincial cabinet held its meeting on Sunday evening in Peshawar. The meeting was presided over by provincial Amir Maulana Attaur Rehman.

&ldquo;The meeting discussed the different aspects and reasons which led to the party&rsquo;s complete defeat in the recent general elections at the hand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and also reviewed reports submitted by the district administrations,&rdquo; said an official of JUI-F, adding that the meeting was informed that the report has been finalized but it would be released once a clear-cut policy is given by the central leaders.

Read:&nbsp;JUI-F&rsquo;s Kifayat says polls were clean

&ldquo;Once the policy is given then the provincial cabinet would also present its report,&rdquo; he added.

Meanwhile, a gathering is set to convene in Islamabad, bringing together the leadership of JUI-F, including members of the central cabinet, to analyze the party&rsquo;s recent electoral setback.

Aslam Ghuri, the central spokesperson of JUI-F, disclosed that the meeting, scheduled for February 14, will be attended by Majlis Amala from all provinces and the central cabinet. Central Amir Maulana Fazl Rehman will preside over the discussions.

Expressing concerns over the election outcome, Ghuri stated, &ldquo;JUI-F is apprehensive about the final results. The party feels marginalized, with seats seemingly allocated by external forces.

However, we are determined to confront this challenge, and a comprehensive strategy will be formulated following thorough deliberations.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F’s Akram Durrani expected to be next K-P opposition leader</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456092/jui-fs-akram-durrani-expected-to-be-next-k-p-opposition-leader</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456092/jui-fs-akram-durrani-expected-to-be-next-k-p-opposition-leader#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 10 Feb 24 20:47:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456092</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[His last two years in power were difficult with province experiencing rise in militancy]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Akram Khan Durrani of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) could once again be the leader of the opposition in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. He has already served as opposition leader for two terms--from 2008 to 2013 and 2018 to 2023.

If elected leader of the opposition, he would serve in the position for a third time. The JUI-F has the largest number of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) among all opposition parties. Durrani also has the seniority for the post.

The JUI-F has seven MPAs in the K-P Assembly.

Durrani had contested provincial as well as National Assembly seats in the February 8 elections and had won provincial assembly seats from his home district of Bannu.

It may be recalled that Akram Khan Durrani had also served as K-P chief minister from 2002 to 2008 during the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) government, a stint during which he had kept the ruling alliance alive against heavy odds. His last two years in power had been especially difficult with the province experiencing a rise in militancy in both rural and urban areas for the first time, a trend that had worsened despite all his efforts.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th 2024.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F’s Kifayat says polls were clean</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456099/jui-fs-kifayat-says-polls-were-clean</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456099/jui-fs-kifayat-says-polls-were-clean#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 Feb 24 04:35:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2456099</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NA-15 contender asks Nawaz to gracefully accept defeat]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In an unprecedented move, JUI-F contender for NA-15 Mufti Kifayatullah has declared that there were no malicious activities during the elections, and the public had voted in favour of the PTI-backed independent candidate Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasip Khan.

&ldquo;I have observed the polls closely,&rdquo; he told the media in Mansehra.

The JUI-F leader said he was personally present in the control room and the party&rsquo;s polling agents were present in all the constituencies.

He added that they had noted nothing suspicious about the polls.

However, he conceded that the PTI had put in greater energy and mobilised its voters.

&ldquo;In my opinion, when the people have given their mandate to them [PTI], it should be respected and the results shouldn&rsquo;t be changed at all,&rdquo; he continued.

He recalled that in the election of 1970 before the creation of Bangladesh, Awami League chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was not handed over power despite his party bagging over 160 seats and that led to the splitting up of the country.

He warned that if the people&rsquo;s decision was not accepted, it would create raise a major question over the country&rsquo;s integrity.

Kifayat said he had accepted his defeated in the elections and urged PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to gracefully acknowledge his failure.

He claimed that the former premier&rsquo;s case was notably weak if he took the legal course.

The JUI-F leader congratulated his rival in the polls and asked the PML-N supremo to so the same as well, adding that it would increase Nawaz&rsquo;s stature.]]>
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			<title>PPP, NP strengthen position in Balochistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455962/ppp-np-strengthen-position-in-balochistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455962/ppp-np-strengthen-position-in-balochistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 24 21:07:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Ali Shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455962</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[BAP, BNP suffer major blows; most heavyweights retain seats]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as expected, performed well in the provincial assembly elections, securing nine seats in the 65-member house. However, Thursday&#39;s election results dealt a significant blow to the former ruling party, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), which was reduced to just two seats.

While official results were pending from the election authorities at the time of this report, tallies compiled by the concerned candidates and other sources indicate that overall, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) performed well in Baloch-dominated areas rather than its traditional stronghold in the Pashtun belt.

Throughout Friday, conflicting reports about the victory and defeat of candidates dominated the social media platforms with supporters of every party and candidate claiming victory. Also, there was a demonstration outside the Quetta Press Club by the Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party (PNAP).

In the provincial assembly, the PPP emerged as the frontrunner, securing nine seats, while the National Party (NP), a Baloch nationalist party, experienced a modest resurgence. Conversely, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the Balochistan National Party (BNP) faced significant setbacks in Quetta and other regions of Balochistan.

However, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the chief of BNP-Mengal, leveled serious allegations against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government, accusing them of favoring &quot;blue-eyed&quot; candidates over those from his party across the province.

Read also:&nbsp;Election concludes amid low turnout, security concerns in Balochistan

Most of the political heavyweights retained their seats in the provincial assembly, including former chief ministers, Nawab Aslam Raisani, Jam Kamal Khan, and Dr Abdul Malik Baloch. Besides former caretaker interior minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani also won the elections.

Other notable figures who secured seats in the Balochistan Assembly include Sardar Saleh Bhootani, Sardar Sarfaraz Domki, Mir Sadiq Umrani, Sardar Masood Luni, Sardar Abdul Rehman Kheteran, and several others. Among them, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) had managed to secure two seats, won by Bhootani and Tariq Magsi.

On the National Assembly contests, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who lost the election in his hometown of Dera Ismail Khan, won from Balochistan. Fazl defeated PNAP chief Khushal Khan Kakar on the contest for NA 265, Pishin.

Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) emerged victorious on NA-266 Chaman-Killa Abdullah. Meanwhile, the PNAP protested outside the Quetta Press Club, demanding immediate announcement of the result of the NA-251 Zhob-Killa Saifullah constituency.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F’s Hafiz Hamdullah survives gun attack in Chaman</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455768/jui-fs-hafiz-hamdullah-survives-gun-attack-in-chaman</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455768/jui-fs-hafiz-hamdullah-survives-gun-attack-in-chaman#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Feb 24 15:41:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455768</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Unknown assailants fled the scene following retaliatory firing by Hamdullah's guards]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Unknown assailants on Wednesday targeted the senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Hafiz Hamdullah Saboor in Chaman, but he remained safe due to the retaliatory action of his guards, Express News reported.

According to details, unidentified individuals opened fire on the vehicle of Hamdullah, with the firing continuing for five minutes.

The attackers fled following the retaliatory firing by Hamdullah&#39;s guards. Fortunately, the JUI-F leader remained completely unharmed in the attack.

Read more:&nbsp;At least 26 killed as twin bombings rock Balochistan&#39;s Pishin, Qilla Saifullah

A surge in terrorism is being witnessed in Balochistan a day before the general elections in the country.

Earlier in the day, at least 26 people were killed and scores injured in twin bomb explosions in Balochistan&#39;s Pishin and Qilla Saifullah districts.

The blast in Pishin targeted the election campaign office of independent candidate Asfandyar Khan Kakar in the Khanozai Tehsil of Pishin district, in PB-47 constituency of Pishin district while the bombing in Qilla Saifullah occurred outside the election office of JUI-F.

The explosion in Pishin claimed the lives of at least 14 people and 12 people people succumbed to the terrorist attack in Qilla Saifullah.

Also read:&nbsp;JUI-F&rsquo;s Hafiz Hamdullah survives bomb attack

The JUI-F leader also survived a bomb attack in September last year, while travelling in the Mastung district of the province.

The bomb blast targeted Hamdullah&rsquo;s vehicle in the Choto area, while he was going to Mangochar via Mastung Road.

Police sources said that at least 11 people, including Hamdullah, were injured in the explosion. The injured were taken to Mastung hospital but Hamdullah was later shifted to Quetta.]]>
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			<title>Election campaign culminates today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455580/election-campaign-culminates-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455580/election-campaign-culminates-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Feb 24 19:07:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Waqas Ahmed]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455580</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Parties, candidates set to make last-ditch efforts to sway minds of 128 million voters on final day]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In anticipation of the upcoming general elections scheduled for Thursday, February 8, Tuesday (today) marks the culmination of an intense campaign period as political parties and candidates make their final push to sway voters.

As per the election schedule, the political parties and candidates are required to wrap up their campaigns by midnight tonight. Hence, final rallies and events have been organised by the candidates this evening to make a last-ditch effort to attract the voters.

So far, the election campaign has been marked by intense political rivalry, heated debates, fiery speeches and massive rallies. The candidates have tried to woo the voters with their promises, slogans and manifestos.

Across the nation, candidates scrambled in a bid to sway the minds of the over 128 million registered voters from bustling Punjab to rugged Balochistan. During this period, the political landscape resembled a vibrant tapestry woven with rallies, speeches, and passionate pleas for votes.

A staggering total of 5,121 candidates, including 4,807 males, 312 females, and two transgender individuals &ndash; representing a diverse spectrum of parties and ideologies &ndash; are vying for the 266 general seats in the National Assembly.

Simultaneously, 12,695 candidates, comprising 12,123 males, 570 females, and two transgenders, are contesting the 593 general seats across the four provincial assemblies. Voting for both the National and the provincial assemblies will be held on the same day.

Read also:&nbsp;Parties deny representation to transgender community

The nation boasts a formidable 128,585,760 registered voters, with Punjab leading the count at 73,207,896, followed by Sindh with 26,994,769, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) with 21,928,119, Balochistan with 5,371,947, and Islamabad with 1,083,029 registered voters.

The parties in the fray are the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and several others regional and religious parties.

However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is also in the contest but not as a party, as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declined to allocate its election symbol of bat, after objecting to its intra-party elections. Instead, the PTI&rsquo;s candidates are contesting as independents.

On the last day of the campaigning, political parties have finalised their plans for their last power shows before the voting. The PML-N will hold a rally in Kasur and then conclude the campaign with a big power show in Lahore, which would be addressed by Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and others.

The PPP will conclude its election campaign with a rally in Larkana, which will be addressed by party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Co-Chairman Asif Zardari. Maulana Fazlur Rehman will address a JUI-F rally in Dera Ismail Khan and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Sirajul Haq will address a rally in Peshawar.

Robust security

According to the ECP, after the end of the campaigning at the midnight between Feb 6 and 7, the election materials would be dispatched to the polling staff under police security. The transport plan for the election material has been finalised, they added.

In a significant development related to election security in Punjab, an announcement has been made regarding the involvement of more than 53,000 retired police officers and soldiers. This decision aims to ensure a robust security presence during the electoral process.

The security arrangements also include 31,000 male employees and 22,000 female employees alongside the police force. An order has been issued for employees from various departments, including rescue, civil defence, forest, and irrigation, to report to their respective district police officers (DPOs).]]>
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			<title>K-P gearing up for an interesting election</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455372/k-p-gearing-up-for-an-interesting-election</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455372/k-p-gearing-up-for-an-interesting-election#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Feb 24 18:29:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Wisal Yousafzai]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2455372</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI seems to be the party to beat in the province, however its legal troubles will aid the likes of JUI-F]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[After much ado, a general election is merely days away now; and the populace of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) will get to decide whether the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secures an unprecedented third term in the province or if a new sheriff will come into town.

Albeit the PTI is engulfed in a myriad of legal crises, which includes the recent loss of its popular electoral cricket bat symbol, the party&rsquo;s popularity does not seem to have dwindled in the northwestern province of the country. However, the loss of its electoral symbol means that those who were running for the election on the party&rsquo;s ticket are now being considered as independent candidates. Be that as it may, the PTI backed independent candidates have a tough fight on their hands as they will compete for the province&rsquo;s 45 National Assembly seats and 145 K-P Assembly seats with parties such as the Jamiat Ulema Islam Fazal (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party (PPP), and the recently formed Pakistan Tehreek Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P).

One of these tough electoral fights will be seen on NA-30, where the PTI&rsquo;s candidate of choice, Shandana Gulzar, will go head-to-head against the JUI-F&rsquo;s Nasir Musazai, and the ANP&rsquo;s Arbab Zain Umer. This constituency, which was previously referred to as NA-29, was won by Nasir in the 2018 general election, who was associated with the PTI at that point. With Nasir now having joined the JUI-F, it remains to be seen whether he will get to retain his PTI vote bank.

Another interesting constituency is NA-31, which has a headcount of some 953,000 people, and consists of the posh areas of Peshawar, such as Hayatabad, University Road, Peshawar Cantt, and University Town. PTI&rsquo;s Hamidul Haq and Sher Ali Arbab won this constituency in 2013 and 2018, respectively. This time around Sher Ali is contesting again as the PTI backed independent candidate, and will face off against JUI-F&rsquo;s Maulana Syedullah Jan, ANP&rsquo;s Pir Haroon Shah, PPP&rsquo;s Arbab Alamgir, and PML-N&rsquo;s Sobia Shahid.

Similarly, NA-32 is also a key constituency and has the potential to be a standout contest in K-P&rsquo;s electoral race. It is pertinent to mention that two former prime ministers, Benazir Bhutto and Imran Khan, have both contested from this constituency in the past. It is also worthwhile mentioning that in the 2008 general election the ANP&rsquo;s central leader Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour won from this constituency, whereas in 2013 the PTI&rsquo;s founding chairman Khan took the seat; however, when Imran vacated the seat, Ghulam Ahmed won it in the subsequent by-election. Nevertheless, Ghulam Ahmed could not retain the seat as in the 2018 general election PTI&rsquo;s Shaukat Ali won the seat. This time around Ghulam Ahmed of the ANP will be up against the PTI backed Asif Khan, JUI-F&rsquo;s Hussain Ahmad Madani, and the PML-N&rsquo;s Sher Rehman.

Read also:&nbsp;Polls postponed on three K-P seats

Likewise, political analysts also expect a cracker of a contest in the NA-28 constituency. In the general election of 2013 PTI&rsquo;s Sajid Nawaz won this constituency from the ANP and then the PTI&rsquo;s Noor Alam Khan was able to retain it in the 2018 general election. Noor, who has now joined the JUI-F and who was a central figure amongst PTI&rsquo;s defectors of 2022, will face off against PTI backed Sajid, PPP&rsquo;s Kiramatullah Chagharmati, Jamaat-e-Islami&rsquo;s (JI) Hafiz Hashmat, and ANP&rsquo;s Muhammad Fayyaz.

Further away NA-28, NA-20 of Swabi will also have an interesting contest, as Usman Khan Tarakai has been winning the constituency for the past three general elections. Usman first won the constituency in the 2008 general elections against the ANP&rsquo;s Asfandyar Wali Khan, then won as the candidate of Awami Jamhuri Ittehad Pakistan (AJIP) in the 2013 general elections, and won again in the 2018 general election as the PTI&rsquo;s candidate. This time around Usman is contesting from the PPP and that too against his own PTI backed nephew Shahram Khan Tarakai. Both Usman and Shahram will be joined in the exciting electoral contest by JUI-F&rsquo;s Abdur Raheem, JI&rsquo;s Mehmood ul Hassan, and other independent candidates.

Some 80 kilometres away from Swabi, in NA-24 of Charsadda, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherapo, who is the Chairman of the Qaumi Watan Party, will take on Anwar Taj. It is pertinent to mention that Anwar defeated Aftab Ahmed in the 2018 general election on the PTI&rsquo;s ticket.

Another important Charsadda constituency is NA-25, especially for the ANP, as its provincial president Aimal Wali Khan, who is the son of party&rsquo;s President Asfandyar Wali Khan, will contest against the PTI&rsquo;s Fazal Khan. This constituency was won by Maulan Gohar Shah of the JUI-F in the 2013 general election, who was not able to retain it as PTI&rsquo;s Fazal won it in the 2018 general election and that too against Aimal. This time around Aimal and Fazal will compete again in the constituency in what is expected to be a nail-biting contest.

Further away from Charsadda, NA-44 is an important constituency of Dera Ismail Khan. In this constituency JUI-F chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, will take on Ali Amin Gandapur of the PTI, Faisal Karim Kundi of the PPP, Syed Mehmood Jawad of the PTI-P, and Sherullah Khan of the ANP. Fazl won this constituency back in 2002 but in the 2008 general election lost to Faisal of the PPP. He then won the constituency again in the 2013 general election but lost it to PTI&rsquo;s Ali. A three-way contest is expected again between Fazl, Faisal and Ali from this constituency.

Interesting contests are also expected on the provincial seats. For instance, PK-72, where PTI&rsquo;s Mehmood Jan, will take on the PPP&rsquo;s Karamatullah, ANP&rsquo;s Aziz Ghaffar Khan, and PML-N&rsquo;s Azmat Khan. A similarly exciting contest is also expected in PK-74, where PTI&rsquo;s Arbab Jahandad will contest against PTI-P&rsquo;s Muhammad Sharif. It is pertinent to mention that Arbab has won this constituency for the PTI twice before.

Read:&nbsp;K-P voters to decide fate of five party chiefs

Another important constituency is PK-83, both for the PTI and the ANP, and a fierce contest is expected here by political analysts. PTI backed Meena Khan Afridi will take on Samar Haroon Bilour of the ANP in this constituency. A fierce contest is also expected in PK-58 of Mardan, former chief minister Haider Khan Hoti, who is associated with the ANP, will take on Abdus Salam Wazir, who is an independent candidate backed by the PTI.

Commenting on the general election, former head of the political science department of the University of Peshawar, Dr Abdul Rauf, was of the view that the election results would be surprising for many. &ldquo;Even though PTI is popular in the province, its political activities have been hindered and it is also handicapped due to the arrest of its main leaders. Therefore it is hard to predict which party will emerge victorious in K-P,&rdquo; Dr Abdul opined.

&ldquo;While I cannot predict a winner, it is a fact that the country is going through a very challenging situation and only a free and fair elections can help steer the country towards stability,&rdquo; the former head of the political science department of the University of Peshawar, added.

Senior journalist, Lehaz Ali, concurring with Dr Abdul&rsquo;s assessment of the elections in K-P, remarked that it was no doubt that the PTI was a popular party in the province but since the party was not being allowed to campaign freely it would hamper the party&rsquo;s prospect on February 8th. &ldquo;Most of the PTI&rsquo;s candidates have been forced to campaign silently as they could not conduct rallies or jalsas. Had they been allowed to campaign freely, the political situation in K-P would be different,&rdquo; observed Lehaz.

&ldquo;Given the PTI&rsquo;s predicament in the province, I expect that the JUI-F might be able to carve out space for itself as a majority party, after all the JUI-F did well in the local bodies election and won the mayoral election of Peshawar,&rdquo; the journalist predicted while talking to The Express Tribune.]]>
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			<title>Final candidates for NA reserved seats notified</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454285/final-candidates-for-na-reserved-seats-notified</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454285/final-candidates-for-na-reserved-seats-notified#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jan 24 19:05:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2454285</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Of total 31 in list, none of them belong to PTI]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has notified the final list of 31 candidates in the race for the National Assembly&rsquo;s reserved seats in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.

A total of 10 of them belong to the PML-N, seven to the PPP, five to the JUI-F, four to the Jamaat-e-Islami, three to the MQM-P, and two to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.

However, the list for the NA reserved seats does not carry the name of any PTI candidate.

Separately, according to a statement issued by the ECP spokesperson, it has come to knowledge of the commission that that the elected representatives and officials of the local governments were depriving the candidates for the upcoming general elections of equal opportunities by helping them during their polls campaigns by providing them with manpower and state machinery.

Read also:&nbsp;Parties field 44 females for 47 PS, 22 NA seats

The spokesperson added that this act fell under the category of violation of the code of conduct.

Taking strict notice, the ECP has ordered all the chief secretaries and provincial election commissioners through letter to warn the local government representatives and officials to refrain from these practices.

Otherwise, the commission warned that they would face action and punishment.

Apart from this, the ECP has instructed the district monitoring teams to strictly monitor the election campaigns and take disciplinary action if they witnessed any illegal activity.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F chief slams aspirants seeking PTI ticket</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454131/jui-f-chief-slams-aspirants-seeking-pti-ticket</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454131/jui-f-chief-slams-aspirants-seeking-pti-ticket#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jan 24 05:04:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2454131</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Fazl says only his party stood for Palestinian people]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the eponymous faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), on Monday said that those who were complaining against rigging in the 2018 elections, were looking for the ticket of the same party, which came to power five years ago, to contest the elections this time.

Addressing an election rally in Lakki Marwat, Fazl said that other parties always put the people into trouble, as they promoted and filled the bellies of a certain class of people.

However, he stressed that it was the only the JUI-F which never legitimised the illegitimate.

&ldquo;The 2018 elections were rigged and as a result, the government came,&rdquo; he said, referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). &ldquo;Those who stood with us against the rigging, want to contest the election by taking the ticket of the same party today.&rdquo;

He lamented, &ldquo;Voting is the easiest forum in an ideological war. But even in this Jihad we go around. Our assemblies are full of people who pass bills that contradicted the Quran and the Sunnah. People sitting in assemblies are not interested in Islamic laws.&rdquo;

The JUI-F chief told the crowd that his party spoke the truth not only in Pakistan, but across the globe.
&ldquo;We raised the voice of truth in front of big powers like America and Europe. When America invaded Afghanistan, no party was seen in the streets except the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam,&rdquo; he said.

Fazl also slammed Israel, terming it &ldquo;a monster that forcibly occupies the land of Palestine&rdquo;.

He said that people in Palestine were being bombarded &ndash; most of them are children and women, yet, America and Western powers &ldquo;teach us human rights&rdquo;.

He added that no one wanted to anger America and no one was speaking in favour of Palestine but &ldquo;we met with the leadership of Hamas and told the world that we stand by the Muslims&rdquo; against the Jews.

&ldquo;Have other contestants the courage to stand by the side of our Muslim brothers?&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>K-P voters to decide fate of five party chiefs</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453785/k-p-voters-to-decide-fate-of-five-party-chiefs</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453785/k-p-voters-to-decide-fate-of-five-party-chiefs#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 24 19:50:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shahid.hameed]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2453785</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nawaz, Gohar, Fazl, Siraj, Sherpao among top leaders in fray]]>
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				<![CDATA[The general elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa offer several key contests as the province&rsquo;s voters will decide the fate of at least five political party chiefs and six former chief ministers, besides a number of ex-federal and provincial ministers on February 8.

The previous elections in the province proved disastrous for several party chiefs, who lost to PTI candidates.

Naturally, the only party chief to secure a victory in the polls was the then-PTI chairman Imran Khan himself, who defeated former K-P chief minister Akram Durrani in Bannu.

Those who lost the elections to the PTI candidates in 2018 include PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif in Swat, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Malakand, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Dera Ismail Khan; Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Sirajul Haq in Dir as well as both ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan and Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Sherpao in Charsadda.

However, this time the situation is different. All the PTI candidates are contesting as independent candidates. Shehbaz and Bilawal are not contesting in K-P. However, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif has entered the race for NA-15 Mansehra.

Nawaz&rsquo;s son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar, who belongs to the Mansehra district, is running the election campaign for the PML-N supremo, who is scheduled to address a polls rally there soon.

The main rivals against Nawaz in the constituency will be former provincial minister Shahzada Gustasap Khan and JUI-F&rsquo;s Mufti Kifayatullah. The PTI candidate in the constituency, Azam Swati, has already pulled out of the contest.

Former PML-N K-P president Engineer Amir Muqam is a candidate for two National Assembly seats &ndash; one in Swat and the other in Shangla.

Read also:&nbsp;30 political bigwigs in the race from K-P

He is also running the race for a provincial assembly seat from the Swat district.

The JUI-F chief, who is a candidate for a National Assembly seat in the Pishin district of Balochistan, is also contesting for the constituency of NA-44 in his home district of Dera Ismail Khan. His main rivals are PPP&rsquo;s Faisal Karim Kundi and PTI provincial president Ali Amin Gandapur, who is contesting the election as an independent candidate.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan is trying his luck in NA-10 Buner as an independent candidate, facing a serious challenge from the candidates of the JI, ANP and JUI-F.

Gohar has contested elections from this constituency in the past. As a PPP candidate at that time, he turned out to be the runner-up.

PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan is contesting as an independent candidate for NA-18 Haripur, competing against Babar Nawaz of the PML-N. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser of the PTI is running the race for NA-19 Swabi independently.

Senior PTI leader Sher Afazl Marwat, who has also filed his nomination papers for a constituency in the federal capital, is contesting as an independent candidate for NA-41 Lakki Marwat, where he expects a tough challenge from former federal minister Salim Saifullah Khan.

ANP provincial president Aimal Wali Khan, grandson of the late Wali Khan, is contesting against Maulana Gohar Shah of the JUI-F in NA-25 Charsadda. The late Wali Khan as well as his son Asfandyar Wali Khan &ndash; father of Aimal &ndash; both had contested in this constituency with mixed results.

QWP chief Sherpao is also a candidate for NA-24 Charsadda, while his son, the party&rsquo;s provincial president, Sikandar Hayat Sherpao, is a candidate for a provincial assembly from the same district.

Read:&nbsp;K-P 56,000 personnel short for election duty

ANP&rsquo;s provincial general secretary, Sardar Hussain Babak, is contesting for a provincial assembly seat, PK-27 Buner for the fifth consecutive time.

In this constituency, he lost the elections in 2002 but won all the polls since 2008.

ANP Senior Vice President Ameer Haider Khan Hoti is contesting for NA-22 Mardan, a seat he won in the 2018 general elections by narrowly defeating Atif Khan of the PTI.

ANP General Secretary Iftikhar Hussain is contesting for PK-89 Nowshera, facing Imran Khattak, son of PTI-Parliamentarian chief Pervez Khattak.

NA-32 of Peshawar constituency has a history. This constituency used to be NA-1 in the past where two former prime ministers, the late Benazir Bhutto, and now-incarcerated Imran Khan had contested. Former K-P chief minister Aftab Sherpao had also ran for this seat.

Senior ANP politician Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour is participating in the elections for a record 11th time. He faces PPP&rsquo;s Abidullah Yousafzai, PML-N&rsquo;s Sher Rehman, JI&rsquo;s Tariq Mateen and PTI&rsquo;s Asif Khan, who is contesting as an independent candidate.

Former PPP provincial presidents Najamuddin Khan for NA-5 Upper Dir and Anwar Saifullah for NA-43 Tank are in the fray. Another former provincial president Syed Zahir Ali Shah is contesting for PK-83, Peshawar against ANP&rsquo;s Samar Haroon Bilour, JUI-F&rsquo;s Haji Umar Ali and PML-N&rsquo;s Sher Rehman.

The current provincial president of the party, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha and former president Humayun Khan, both are candidates for the provincial constituencies in Malakand.

Also read:&nbsp;PTI notifies candidates for K-P NA seats

PPP provincial general secretary Shuja Khan is in the field against Sardar Yusuf of the PML-N from Mansehra.

Among other PPP office-bearers, provincial information secretary Amjad Afridi is a candidate for a provincial assembly seat from Kohat, while his brother Abbas Afridi is a candidate for the National Assembly seat from the same district on a PML-N ticket.

JI chief Sirajul Haq is in the fray for NA-6 Dir Lower, while the provincial amir of the party, Prof Mohammad Ibrahim is a candidate for PK-102.

Former senior minister Inayatullah Khan is trying his luck in PK-13 constituency of the provincial assembly.

PTI-Parliamentarians Chairman Pervez Khattak is a candidate for NA-33 Nowshera and provincial assembly seat of PK-88.

In NA-33, he is competing against PML-N&rsquo;s provincial information secretary Akhtar Wali Khan, ANP&rsquo;s Khan Pervez, PTI&rsquo;s Barrister Sarwar, who is running as an independent candidate.

JUI-F&rsquo;s Ijazul Haq is contesting against Ibrahim Khattak and Ismail Khan, two sons of Pervez Khattak, for PK-85 and PK-86 Nowshera.

Former chief ministers Akram Khan Durrani and Mahmood Khan are trying their luck from Bannu and Swat, respectively.]]>
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			<title>30 political bigwigs in the race from K-P</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453399/30-political-bigwigs-in-the-race-from-k-p</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453399/30-political-bigwigs-in-the-race-from-k-p#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jan 24 20:47:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2453399</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[According to ECP, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif is vying from NA-15 Mansehra]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Like the previous general elections, about 30 heavyweights of various political and religious parties are again in the field in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for the general elections scheduled to be held on the 8th of next month.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), besides others stalwarts, PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Shahzada Ghustasip Khan are contesting polls from NA-15 Mansehra. 

PML-N K-P President Engr Amir Muqam filed his nomination papers for two National Assembly and one provincial seats, including his home district Shangla and Swat.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is trying luck in his home district &ndash; NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan where he will face Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Faisal Karim Kundi and former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The latter is contesting election as an independent candidate.

Gandapur had won 2018 election from the same constituency, while PPP&rsquo;s Faisal Karim Kundi and Maulana Fazlur Rehman were elected in the past polls.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan is in the field for NA-10 Buner, Umar Ayub Khan for NA-18 Haripur, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaisar Khan for NA-19 Swabi, and Sher Afzal Marwat for NA-41 Lakki Marwat as independent candidates.

ANP&#39;s central senior vice president and former chief minister Ameer Haider Hoti will contest for NA-22 Mardan, central general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain for PK-89 in Nowshera, and senior leader Ghulam Ahmad Bilour for NA-32 in Peshawar. 

ANP provincial president Aimal Wali Khan will contest for NA-25 in Charssadda, and provincial general secretary Sardar Hussain Babak for PK-27 Buner.

The PPP awarded tickets to its provincial president Najmuddin Khan for NA-5 Upper Dir, Anwar Saifullah Khan for NA-43 Tank, and Faisal Karim Kundi for NA-44, D I Khan.

Read&nbsp;Female voters hold key in K-P election

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir and former senator Sirajul Haq will contest the election for the National Assembly from his native Dir district, while K-P amir Prof Ibrahim will try his luck from PK-102 Bannu, and former senior provincial minister Inayatullah Khan for PK-13, Upper Dir.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarian (PTI-P) Chairman and former chief minister Pervez Khattak will contest the polls from NA-33 and PK-88 from his native district Nowshera. 

On NA-33 Nowshera-I, a tough electoral battle is expected among Pervez Khattak, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber-Pakthunkhwa Information Secretary and former member provincial assembly, Ikhtair Wali Khan, Awami National Party&rsquo;s Khan Pervez, Barrister Sarwar of Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf and Ijazul Haq of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F.

A unique phenomenon of 2024 general election is the participation of all family members of PTIP chief, Pervez Khattak, including his son-in-law Dr Imran Khattak and his sons whose nomination papers were accepted for all the national and provincial assemblies&rsquo; seats.

Pervez Khattak filed nomination papers for NA-33, PK-87 and PK-88 while nomination papers of his nephew and son-in-law Dr Imran Khattak were accepted for NA-34 and PK-89 respectively.

Pervez Khattak&rsquo;s sons Ibrahim Khattak and Ismail Khattak are contesting from PK-85 and PK-86, respectively. Former K-P Information Minister and Awami National Party leader, Mian Iftikhar Hussain is eying on PK-89 while PMLN&rsquo;s Ikhtiyar Wali filed nomination papers for NA-33 and PK-88.

The papers of Awami National Party&rsquo;s Khan Pervez, Barrister Sarwar Khan, Mustafa Anwar, Fayyazur Rahman of PML-N, Mufti Shakatullah and Ijazul Haq of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F were accepted for NA-33 Nowshera-1.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Fazl pledges to revive govt-TTP talks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452884/fazl-pledges-to-revive-govt-ttp-talks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452884/fazl-pledges-to-revive-govt-ttp-talks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 24 05:58:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahabullah Yousafzai]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452884</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief meets Afghanistan’s supreme leader]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday met with Afghanistan&rsquo;s supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada in Kabul wherein it was assured that the next elections in Pakistan would be held peacefully and efforts would be made for the resumption of Islamabad&rsquo;s talks with the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The Afghan government also demanded that Islamabad would have to play its role in the elimination of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) as well as chalk out a visa-free policy on the Chaman border alongside a soft plan on the expulsion of its refugees.

Kandahar Governor Mullah Shirin Akhund had promised a meeting of Haibatullah with the JUI-F chief on his visit to Kabul, but declined a huddle with other delegates.

Fazl and Haibatullah discussed the TTP, ISKP, border management, soft visa policy, and refugees during their one-on-one meeting.

The JUI-F chief promised that he would take up the issues of Kabul with the relevant quarters in Islamabad, but pressed the sureties of a ceasefire till peaceful elections in Pakistan, a source said.

The meeting was scheduled by former Kandahar governor Haji Yousuf Wafa. He is currently the governor of the Balkh province.

The source confirmed that Fazl took flight to Kandahar later in the day accompanied by Mullah Idrees and met with some members of the former Quetta Shura.

The overall visit of Fazl will bring a positive impact on the tense relationship between the two neighbouring countries. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been simmering for months over Kabul&rsquo;s failure to stop the TTP-sponsored attacks from across the border.

Soon a short-term ceasefire with the TTP will be announced or there will be an unannounced one between the two sides.

Sources from the delegation also confirmed that a meeting of Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group is also on the agenda.

It has also been learnt that a day might also be added to the unannounced period of the JUI-F chief&rsquo;s visit to Afghanistan.

Many Afghan Taliban members including those who are in the government have studied from seminaries run by the JUI-F. Observers believe that Pakistan may use the influence of the JUI-F chief to sort out the issue of the TTP.

An 11-member delegation, headed by the JUI-F chief, and including former South Waziristan MNA Maulana Jamaluddin Mehsud, Mufti Ibrar and members from the Haqqani religious seminary, are in Afghanistan since January 7.

Despite repeated attempts, the JUI-F spokesperson, who otherwise had been giving regular updates about Fazl&rsquo;s engagements in Afghanistan, could not be reached.

The Afghan Taliban chief rarely meets leaders from outside. This was the only second known meeting he held with any foreign leader following his interaction with the Qatari Prime Minister last year.

The meeting could be a turning point in the bilateral ties between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government. The two governments are at loggerheads over the issue of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Sources familiar with the development said Maulana Fazl was given a brief and talking points about Pakistan&rsquo;s stance before he traveled to Afghanistan. The sources said Maulana Fazl was told to convey a clear message to the Taliban chief that Kabul had to choose between Pakistan and the TTP.

The JUI-F chief was also told to inform the Taliban chief that without resolution of the TTP problem bilateral relationship could not move forward.

The Afghan Taliban government has so far not given any indication to take on the TTP. In fact, Maulana Fazl was told during a meeting with the Afghan Interim Prime Minister that the TTP was an internal problem of Pakistan and that it should find a solution from within.

One source, who deals with the Afghan issue, said if this was an attitude of the Taliban government then there won&rsquo;t be any breakthrough. The source said the Taliban government was well aware that the TTP and its leadership were in Afghanistan. They had the &ldquo;sanctuaries&rdquo; and this was also corroborated by the UN and other countries, according to sources.

The JUI-F chief wanted to travel to Kabul to congratulate the Afghan Taliban for their return to power in August 2021 but he could not due to various reasons.

The sources, nevertheless, claimed that the Afghan Taliban, earlier, were not keen to extend him the invitation. Since Pakistan virtually severed high-level contacts with the Kabul regime, the Afghan Taliban decided to invite Maulana Fazl to share its perspective on the TTP and other issues.

Officials are skeptical about any major breakthrough because of the close links between the Afghan Taliban and the TTP. The visit may lower the temperature between the two sides but the prospects of any major headway are slim, according to sources.

Pakistani policymakers would now be waiting for the JUI-F chief&rsquo;s briefing on his return to know what exactly transpired in his meeting with the Taliban supreme leader.

Some observers see the meeting as a last ditch effort to sort out the issue of TTP.With additional input from Kamran Yousaf in Islamabad]]>
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			<title>Pakistan ‘not interested’ in talks with TTP</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452906/pakistan-not-interested-in-talks-with-ttp</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452906/pakistan-not-interested-in-talks-with-ttp#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 24 09:25:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Kamran Yousuf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452906</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[FO spokesperson says Afghan authorities must eliminate terrorist sanctuaries inside Afghanistan]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[&nbsp;

&nbsp;A day after a reported meeting between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada, Pakistan made it clear on Thursday that it had no interest whatsoever in holding talks with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistani officials also clarified that the visit by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief was a private one, and he was not representing the government of Pakistan.

The statements from the Foreign Office spokesperson and the information minister came against the backdrop of reports that Fazl&rsquo;s visit might lead to the resumption of talks with the TTP and that he had gone there with the blessing of the government.

In a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, while clarifying Pakistan&rsquo;s stance, stated that the TTP had accepted responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks in the country.
&ldquo;First, Maulana Fazlur Rahman is a private citizen, who is visiting Afghanistan on a private visit at the invitation of the Afghan authorities. This is not a visit sponsored by the government of Pakistan,&rdquo; she explained.

&ldquo;Secondly, before his travel to Afghanistan, he visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed him on our policy towards Afghanistan,&rdquo; the spokesperson added.

&ldquo;This is a normal practice whenever a senior official or political figure wishes to receive a briefing from the Foreign Office, we provide those briefings.&rdquo;

However, the spokesperson stressed that Fazl was not visiting Afghanistan as an emissary of the government of Pakistan and that he was there in his individual capacity.

&ldquo;As far as Pakistan&rsquo;s position with respect to dialogue with TTP is concerned, we have articulated our position several times and reiterated it in this forum and gathering on many occasions. Our position hasn&rsquo;t changed,&rdquo; the spokesperson told reporters.

She went on to say that Pakistan was not interested in dialogue with TTP. &ldquo;We have no dialogue taking place, nor do we intend to have a dialogue with TTP, which is responsible for several terrorist incidents inside Pakistan and is responsible for killing of Pakistani civilians and law-enforcement officials.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Our demands from the Afghan authorities haven&rsquo;t changed, they remain the same, which is that the Afghan authorities should take action, effective action against terrorist elements inside Afghanistan, including TTP leadership,&rdquo; according to the spokesperson.

Afghan authorities, she continued, should &ldquo;ensure that the hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan for these terrorist groups are eliminated and those responsible for terrorist incidents in Pakistan are handed over to Pakistan&rdquo;. She said: &ldquo;Our demand &hellip; is that they take action against the terrorists.&rdquo;

Separately, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said in a statement there would not be any talks with the TTP. He also said the visit of the JUI-F chief to Afghanistan was private but added that the government would welcome if his engagements in Kabul would bring any positive outcome.

Fazl went to Kabul on Sunday, and on Wednesday he travelled to Kandhar on a chartered plane along with a prominent cleric from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to meet the Taliban chief. This was the first known meeting between any Pakistani leader and the reclusive Afghan Taliban chief.

Haibatullah Akhundazada, who took over the reign of Afghan Taliban in 2016 after the assassination of his predecessor Mullah Mansur in the US drone strike, rarely meets people from outside. Since the Taliban returning to power in August 2021, the cleric runs the country from Kandahar.

This was only the second known meeting Akhundazada held with any outsider, following his interaction with the Qatari prime minister last year. Even though the JUI-F chief went there in a private capacity but his visit was seen as significant in view of the brewing tensions between the two countries.

Officials said the outcome of the visit depended on what message the JUI-F chief would bring for Pakistan. They added that the Taliban leadership was aware of Pakistan&rsquo;s concerns and demands and hence unless they come up with a workable solution to the TTP issue, there won&rsquo;t be any change in Pakistan&rsquo;s stance.

Tensions have been simmering between the two countries in recent months primarily over the lack of action against the TTP by the Afghan Taliban government.

Even during the visit of Fazl, the Taliban government spokesperson reiterated Kabul&rsquo;s stance that the TTP was Pakistan&rsquo;s internal issue, and therefore, it had to find a solution from within. Pakistan, however, does not share the Taliban&rsquo;s perspective.

Previously, Islamabad shared &lsquo;irrefutable evidence&rsquo; of the TTP presence on Afghan soil. Publically, the Taliban government may have been denying the presence of TTP on Afghan soil but privately they have been pushing for the resumption of talks. However, Pakistan is adamant that it would no longer hold talks with the TTP.]]>
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			<title>JUI-F leader injured in gun attack</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452743/jui-f-leader-injured-in-gun-attack</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452743/jui-f-leader-injured-in-gun-attack#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jan 24 20:45:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452743</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police rule out sectarian factors behind violence]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Maulana Rehan Jameel, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) candidate for NA-46, sustained injuries in a gun attack in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

According to a police spokesperson, the incident occurred within the Naseerabad police station&rsquo;s jurisdiction when Maulana Rehan attempted to intervene in the case of an abduction involving a boy named Tayyab and his abductor, Salman.

Maulana Rehan Jameel, a member of the general council of JUI was shot and injured by armed men during the confrontation. The armed assailant managed to escape after the incident.

Read&nbsp;JUI-F leader survives bomb attack in Bajaur

The spokesperson said Maulana Rehan was promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention.

The Rawalpindi police, in a press note, clarified that the incident had no religious or political motive.

The police spokesperson emphasised that the incident was related to a case of abduction registered on January 4 involving a boy named Tayyab, which was under investigation.

According to the police spokesperson, Maulana Rehan Jameel noticed the abducted boy Tayyab and the kidnapper Salman together, and when he attempted to intervene, the assailant opened fire, injuring Maulana Rehan.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>IPP says seat adjustment with PML-N finalised</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452494/ipp-says-seat-adjustment-with-pml-n-finalised</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452494/ipp-says-seat-adjustment-with-pml-n-finalised#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jan 24 19:32:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rameez.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452494</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Marriyum denies any such move made in Punjab so far]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party has finalised a seat adjustment formula with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, senior IPP leader Malik Nouman Ahmad Langrial, who was part of negotiation committee, revealed.

On the other hand, the PML-N&rsquo;s trusted ally Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) at least at the provincial level seems agitated at their former coalition partner for underestimating its strength in the province and for not giving it any elbow room.

As the day for allotment of election symbols to contesting candidates draws nearer, the PML-N that took its time to deliberate on the issue is expected to announce its candidates in the coming two to three days. This announcement will be significant not only for the PML-N as a party and its candidates but also its allies, as at least three parties the IPP, the JUI-F and the PML-Q wanted the PML-N to give them some space in Punjab by agreeing to a seat adjustment formula.

The PML-N in a bid to work out a way forward, formed joint committees with each party. Thus far, it was being rumoured that the PML-N was not ready to give up the seats these political parties were seeking.

The PML-N ally with which they took down the PTI government and remained in coalition for 16 long months, even fielded its candidates from the Punjab province, as a consequence of the deadlock, according to its own leaders.

Meanwhile, IPP&rsquo;s Langrial on Sunday told The Express Tribune that they had finally worked out a seat adjustment formula with the PML-N.

He said that the party was given a descent number of seats by the PML-N though he was not at liberty to divulge how many.

He said the party would hold a news conference soon, to announce the exact number of seats.

Read also:&nbsp;Ex-PTI leader Humayun joins IPP

When asked that has the PML-N agreed to give IPP President Aleem Khan and Aun Chaudhry tickets from National Assembly seats from Lahore, he responded in the affirmative.

PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb while talking to The Express Tribune said that they had not taken any decision regarding any seat adjustment with any party in Punjab thus far.

She said that all the rumour-mongering being done in this regard was regrettable.

She said, &ldquo;The PML-N will announce its candidates by Thursday.&rdquo;

To a question if PML-N would give Aleem and Aun space in Lahore, she said that she would not be able to comment on it.

A JUI-F source, on the other hand, sounded annoyed at the PML-N saying that it was over evaluating its own strength in Punjab and under-evaluating the JUI-F&rsquo;s position in the province.

He said that the JUI-F asked them to reconsider this in the light of the post-Azadi March scenario.

He said that the Azadi march was a testament to their street strength.

Read:&nbsp;PML-N put country on right track: Tarar

He said, &ldquo;If the PML-N thinks they are in a strong position in Punjab, they are dead wrong. The PML-N&rsquo;s popularity is waning.&rdquo;

He said that they still wanted a seat adjustment with the PML-N and if the party agreed, they would withdraw their candidates. &ldquo;Otherwise, they will remain in the field and contest the elections.&rdquo;

JUI-F leader Maulana Amjad told The Express Tribune that the JUI-F was open to alliances with several parties across the country such as, GDA, MQM and PPP in Sindh and ANP, PPP and QWP in K-P.

He said that they had tasked their district level leadership to decide seat adjustments at local level, which he claimed would be worked out at that level. When asked about an alliance with the PML-N, he said that they hoped things would clear once the scrutiny process was over, adding that nothing had been decided so far.

He said that they had remained a leading ally during a three-and-a-half-year struggle and then in the government with the PML-N. &ldquo;All political parties recognise the role played by the JUI-F.&rdquo;

He said no party should underestimate its position in Punjab. When asked about whether the JUI-F fielded candidates from NA-130 from where Nawaz was expected to contest the elections, he said they had not known about that fact as the decision to file nomination papers was taken by its leaders.

The JUI-F on Saturday announced fielding candidates from 53 NA seats and 138 PA seats in Punjab, including three NA seats in Lahore.

The JUI-F fielded candidates from NA-130 from where PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif is expected to contest the elections and NA-118 from where Hamza Shehbaz is expected to contest.]]>
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			<title>Kabul upbeat as Fazl meets Taliban officials</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452474/kabul-upbeat-as-fazl-meets-taliban-officials</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452474/kabul-upbeat-as-fazl-meets-taliban-officials#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jan 24 14:57:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[kamran.yousaf]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief opens talks with Afghan vice president, Muttaqi hopes positive outcome of visit]]>
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				<![CDATA[Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F), reached Kabul on Sunday on a visit being seen as part of efforts by the Afghan Taliban government to convince Pakistan that it was not supporting the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been simmering for months over Kabul&rsquo;s failure to stop the TTP-sponsored attacks from across the border. Islamabad virtually severed high-level contacts with Kabul before Taliban regime sent a senior aide of Taliban supreme leader to defuse tensions.

Mullah Shirin, the governor of Kandahar and deputy head of military and intelligence of Afghan Taliban government, visited Islamabad last week and held crucial talks with Pakistani authorities. Now, the JUI-F chief is in Kabul.



کابل :جےیوآئی سربراہ مولانا فضل الرحمان کی نائب وزیراعظم مولانا عبدالکبیر سے ملاقات
افغان وزیر خارجہ مولوی امیر متقی ، مولوی عبد الطیف منصور ودیگر موجود pic.twitter.com/tQOZdiNp15
&mdash; Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) January 7, 2024


A Foreign Office official said that the visit of Maulana Fazl was in a private capacity. The official added that the visit was being closely followed and the authorities would assess what would transpire from the visit.

On the opening day of his trip, Fazl met with Maulavi Kabir, the Vice President of Afghan Taliban government, according to the JUI-F spokesperson. The meeting was also attended by Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and other Taliban officials.

Read: TTP aimed to control former FATA: official

According to the spokesperson, Muttaqi was upbeat about the positive impact of Fazl&rsquo;s visit. Taliban officials said they would brief one of Pakistan&rsquo;s prominent political and religious figures about the steps Kabul had taken to stop cross-border terrorism.



سربراہ جےیوآئی مولانا فضل الرحمان وفد کے ہمراہ کابل پہنچ گئے ۔
جےیوآئی سربراہ مولانا فضل الرحمان کی نائب وزیراعظم مولانا عبدالکبیر سے ملاقات
افغان وزیر خارجہ مولوی امیر متقی ، مولوی عبد الطیف منصور ودیگر موجود pic.twitter.com/EEoEmxDjYj
&mdash; Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) January 7, 2024


Many Afghan Taliban members including those who are in the government have studied from seminaries run by the JUI-F. Observers believe that Pakistan may use the influence of the JUI-F chief to sort out the issue of TTP.

JUI-F Sources said a meeting with the TTP representatives during Fazl&rsquo;s visit was not on the agenda. The JUI-F chief had previously visited Qatar to meet Afghan Taliban leaders when the US was trying to negotiate a peace deal.



Pakistan has been seeking a decisive action against the TTP and its affiliates. But the Afghan Taliban are reluctant to use force and instead are still keen that Pakistan pursue the option of talks. Islamabad, nevertheless, insists that talks are no more an option.

Pakistan&rsquo;s stance stems from the fact that previous round of peace talks only emboldened the TTP. Pakistan also found some of the TTP demands unconstitutional. Observers believe that it remains to be seen if the Afghan Taliban come up with any new idea to tackle the TTP during the visit of JUI-F chief.



قائد جمعیت مولانا فضل الرحمٰن مدظلہ وفد کے ہمراہ کابل پہنچ گئے ۔ pic.twitter.com/cDPKE18loi
&mdash; Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) January 7, 2024


According to Afghanistan&rsquo;s Tolonews, acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi said after the meeting that they would discuss with the JUI-F delegation the issues of interest to both sides, including economic and security issues. He hoped that the delegation would help solve the existing bilateral problems.

&quot;As far as we know, the arrival of the delegation may have some message from the other side, and they will share it with the elders here, and from this side, they will share what they hear and see,&quot; Muttaqi was quoted by Tolonews as saying.

(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)]]>
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			<title>JUI-F leader survives bomb attack in Bajaur</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452058/jui-f-leader-survives-bomb-attack-in-bajaur</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452058/jui-f-leader-survives-bomb-attack-in-bajaur#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jan 24 13:36:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452058</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Spokesperson says JUI-F being targeted as some forces were afraid of its popularity]]>
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				<![CDATA[A Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) candidate for the general elections survived a bomb attack on Wednesday when his vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled device in Bajaur, Express News reported.

The incident occurred in Mamund tehsil of the Malakand division in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, where the JUI-F nominee for PK-19 constituency, Qari Khairullah, was the intended target.

Khairullah&rsquo;s vehicle was damaged as a result of the blast, but fortunately, the JUI-F leader remained unharmed.

JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, while condemning the attack, accused the Ministry of Interior for not fulfilling its responsibilities.

&ldquo;Why is JUI-F being targeted? Where is the Election Commission and why it is not fulfilling its role,&rdquo; he questioned.

He said that new ways of rigging were being adopted by undermining the peace and security of the region, adding that some forces were afraid of the JUI-F&rsquo;s popularity.

Read more: No harm if polls pushed ahead for a few days: Fazl

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the motive behind it remains unclear. Further investigation in this regard is underway.

The incident comes days after JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who had also survived an attack on Sunday, stated that the law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan was not conducive for electioneering, and suggested that no harm would come if the election date was pushed ahead for a few days.

Talking to the media in Dera Ismail Khan, the JUI-F claimed that shots were fired at his vehicle the other day, adding that it was insignificant to say that he was not in that vehicle when it was hit by bullets.

However, he said that the incident itself was a reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation.]]>
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			<title>PPP gears up for solo flight in K-P</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452022/ppp-gears-up-for-solo-flight-in-k-p</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452022/ppp-gears-up-for-solo-flight-in-k-p#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jan 24 04:59:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2452022</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Party finalises names of candidates in province as seat-adjustment talks falter]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) geared up on Tuesday to take a solo flight in the upcoming general elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa following collapse of the seat-adjustment talks with the Awami National Party (ANP) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

According to the PPP sources, the party had forwarded the names of candidates for the electoral contests in the provinces to the Central Parliamentary Board for the award of tickets for the general elections scheduled for February 8.

&ldquo;The PPP will enter the field alone because the seat adjustment with the JUI-F or the ANP is not happening,&rdquo; a PPP sources told The Express Tribune. &ldquo;The party has finalised the names of its candidates, and sent the recommendations to the central leadership for approval.&rdquo;

It was learned that the names of the party candidates were finalised in a meeting of the PPP Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary board. The meeting was held with PPP Provincial President Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha in the chair.

Read&nbsp;&nbsp;&lsquo;PPP&rsquo;s 10-point election agenda ensures peoples uplift&rsquo;

The board nominated Syed Zahir Ali Shah, Arbab Alamgir, Zarak Arbab from Peshawar, Anwar Saifullah Khan from Lakki Marwat, Najamuddin Khan and Sahibzada Sanaullah from Dir, Engineer Humayun Khan and Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha from Malakand and Shuja Khan from Mansehra.

The other names included Amjad Afridi from Kohat, Saleem Khan from Chitral, General Secretary of PPP Women Wing Shazia Tehmas from Charsadda, Information Secretary of Women Wing Meher Sultana from Kirk, Sajida Tabsum from Abbottabad, and Dr Ghazala from Swabi.

Meanwhile, the UI-F lashed out at PPP leadership, alleging that the PPP-Parliamentarians President Asif Zardari&rsquo;s politics contained &ldquo;tricks and conspiracies&rdquo; and that the &ldquo;Zardari and company&rdquo; could never come to power without conspiracies.

In a statement, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri alleged that the PPP didn&rsquo;t even have &ldquo;candidates available on rent&rdquo; for contesting the elections from Punjab, adding that it had become difficult for the PPP to save itself in Sindh.

Ghauri said that the PPP should first get its chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari elected as a National Assembly member and then hope for electing him as the prime minister. &ldquo;The PPP has nothing but mere allegations and criticism against others.&rdquo;

(WITH INPUT FROM OUR ISLAMABAD CORRESPONDENT)]]>
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			<title>No harm if polls pushed ahead for a few days: Fazl</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451844/no-harm-if-polls-pushed-ahead-for-a-few-days-fazl</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451844/no-harm-if-polls-pushed-ahead-for-a-few-days-fazl#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jan 24 16:57:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2451844</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief says peaceful environment should be ensured in K-P and Balochistan first]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman warned on Monday that the law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan was not conducive for electioneering, and suggested that no harm would come if the election date was pushed ahead for a few days.

Talking to the media in Dera Ismail Khan, the JUI-F claimed that shots were fired at his vehicle the other day, adding that it was insignificant to say that he was not in that vehicle when it was hit by bullets.

However, he said that the incident itself was a reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation.
&ldquo;The situation in both K-P and Balochistan is very bad. The situation in Bajaur, Tank and other districts [of K-P] is in front of everyone, where attacks are happening frequently. &ldquo;In such a situation, how will the election campaign be run,&rdquo; Fazl told reporters.

&ldquo;We want elections, this is a constitutional requirement, but a peaceful environment should be provided. People and businessmen are worried about security. Though security is provided to us, but not to every candidate,&rdquo; he added.

According to Fazl, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidates were also worried about the security issue. He added that when he held a press conference in Islamabad, highlighting his concerns about the security situation &ldquo;a threat letter came for me&rdquo;.

For a peaceful environment, there is no harm if the elections are moved forward by a few days,&rdquo; the JUI-F chief told reporters. In the present situation, he added: &ldquo;If the turnout [in the February 8 vote] remains low for any reason, it will raise the possibility of rigging allegations.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Fazl slams ‘judicial martial law’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451503/fazl-slams-judicial-martial-law</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451503/fazl-slams-judicial-martial-law#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Dec 23 04:19:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2451503</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief asks when ECP will become independent]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday maintained that an environment of &ldquo;judicial martial law&rdquo; had been created in the country as he raised security concerns ahead of the next general elections.

&ldquo;When will the Election Commission of Pakistan [ECP] become independent if the polls schedule is issued on the court&rsquo;s orders?&rdquo; the JUI-F chief raised the question while addressing a news conference in Islamabad.

Fazl pointed out that three judges of the Supreme Court had summoned Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and directed him to file a plea for the polls.

He added that the top court later opened at the time of Isha prayers and ordered the CEC to issue the election schedule, followed by the ECP implementing the directives.

The JUI-F chief warned that he would hold Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and the CEC responsible even if one of his party activists was martyred in a terrorist attack while campaigning for the upcoming elections.

Read&nbsp;&nbsp;Maulana Fazlur Rehman to contest elections from NA-265 Pishin

Fazl said his party had been notified by the district administration that the situation was dangerous and the JUI-F could not campaign for the elections.

&ldquo;If we contest the elections, at least the environment should be made conducive,&rdquo; he continued. The JUI-F chief noted that if the security situation and weather were not favourable, it would affect the polls.

&ldquo;What will happen when the turnout will be affected because of the weather?&rdquo; he raised the question Fazl said his party was accused of running away from the elections when it expressed its reservations over these factors.

The JUI-F chief said the apex court should have heard the matter of election security first. &ldquo;At least we are not satisfied [over the security situation],&rdquo; he added]]>
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			<title>Sher Afzal Marwat to run for NA-32 Peshawar</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451017/sher-afzal-marwat-to-run-for-na-32-peshawar</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451017/sher-afzal-marwat-to-run-for-na-32-peshawar#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Dec 23 05:02:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2451017</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former PAC chairman Noor Alam Khan shifted his allegiance to JUI-F]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[PTI&rsquo;s Senior Vice President Sher Afzal Marwat has officially announced his bid to contest the upcoming elections in Peshawar, submitting his nomination papers for the NA-32 constituency.

The PTI leader&rsquo;s cousin, Salahuddin, submitted the nomination papers on behalf of Sher Afzal Marwat.

It is pertinent to note that PTI founder Imran Khan clinched victory in NA-32 (now NA-31) by securing over 32,000 votes, triumphing over ANP&#39;s Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, supported by the PDM, during the October 2022 by-elections.

Meanwhile, former PAC chairman Noor Alam Khan shifted his allegiance to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar alongside JUI-F&#39;s Provincial Amir Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman, the ex-National Assembly member officially announced his decision to join the ranks of JUI-F.

Expressing unwavering confidence in JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman&#39;s leadership, Khan said he deeply admired the Maulana&#39;s adept leadership skills.

Reflecting on the timing of his move, Khan stated, &quot;There was a delay, otherwise I would have joined JUI earlier.&quot;He also condemned the events of May 9, labelling them as shameful, and emphasised his longstanding opposition to those actions, citing disagreement with the mindset that prompts such riots.

Asserting his stance on the May 9 events, he stressed, &quot;Everyone protests, but institutions should not be targeted.&quot;
He further underlined his commitment to upholding Pakistan&#39;s integrity, irrespective of his party affiliation, stating, &quot;We are not slaves and will work against any actions that undermine the unity of Pakistan.&quot;]]>
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