DNA

DUSHANBE, the Founder of Peace and National unity, the Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, dear Emomali Rahmon, sent a congratulatory telegram to the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, dear Shahboz Sharif, which reads:

 “Your Excellency, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your election to the high post of Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. I wish you, dear friend and brother, good health and new great successes in implementing your plans for the sustainable socio-economic development of Pakistan, improving the well-being of the people of our friendly country, as well as strengthening its authority in the international arena. Tajikistan and Pakistan have long-standing traditions of friendly ties, mutual understanding, mutual respect and trust. It is gratifying that on the basis of these good traditions, the multifaceted cooperation between our countries is now steadily developing and enriched with new content. Underlining our continued interest in continuing the interstate dialogue, interaction and coordination with you in the fruitful promotion of this process, I am pleased to invite you to pay a visit to Tajikistan. I am confident that through further joint efforts we will strengthen and expand the long-term partnership of our countries for the benefit of our peoples.”

Voting for the three vacant Senate seats will take place on March 14

DNA

QUETTA: As many as 12 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for the three vacant Senate seats from Balochistan.

According to the announcement of the Election Commission of Pakistan on Sunday, the submission of nomination papers to the Returning Officer for the three vacant seats of the Senate from Balochistan has been completed.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declared that the voting for the three vacant Senate seats from Balochistan will take place on March 14, 2024, within the premises of the Balochistan Assembly.

The Senate seats from Balochistan have become vacant due to the resignation of Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Prince Ahmad Umar Ahmadzai and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari.

Muhammad Farid Afridi, serving as the Provincial Election Commissioner of Balochistan, has been designated as the returning officer for the Senate elections slated for March 14th.

The Returning Officer was issued a public notice on March 1, with candidates scheduled to submit their nomination papers on March 2 and 3, from 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.

The deadline for scrutinizing nomination papers is March 5, while the deadline for lodging appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is March 7, 2024.

The tribunal is required to resolve appeals by March 9, and the revised list of candidates will be published on the same day.

Likewise, March 10 has been designated as the final date for withdrawal of nomination papers.

According to the schedule, the voting for three seats will take place on March 14, 2024, from 9am to 4pm, with no interruption.

Says masses will not remain silent in the face of such blatant disregard for their rights

Nazir Siyal

KARACHI: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that he wants to vote for Mahmood Achakzai — the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) candidate for the presidential election — but his party’s decision demands otherwise.

He, however, ruled out the possibility of joining hands with the allied parties, saying that the environment for a grand alliance is not yet there.

“We will be where the opposition benches are. We will go to parliament and protest,” he added while speaking to a gathering at Jamia Anwarul Uloom in Karachi on Sunday.

Achakzai, the chief of Pashtun­khwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), has been nominated as the presidential candidate against Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, who is a joint candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other political parties part of the coalition set to form a government at the Centre.

The National Assembly today elected PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif as the 24th prime minister of Pakistan in a ruckus-hit session. This will be followed by the election of the country’s president on March 9, with Zardari as the strongest candidate, having the support of several parties in the parliament.

In a veiled jibe, Fazl said that those who knew he would be the presidential candidate against them offered money.

He said that the politicians should stand by their commitments, therefore, he still has the same stance regarding the Imran Khan-founded party — the PTI.

“We want to have an environment where differences could be removed,” he added.

Continuing his criticism of the alleged rigged polls, Fazl said that the “establishment has divided itself in the elections” and “adjusted some in one place and some in another”.

Pakistan staged the biggest election of its history last month, which was extraordinary in various aspects. However, the outcome of the polls did not turn out to be as expected by the political actors as none of them got a simple majority.

Subsequently, many parties including the PTI, JUI-F and others rejected the general elections.

Fazl said that his party has rejected the election results and the facts emerging with time are confirming the party’s stance.

“We believe that 2024 elections broke rigging records of the 2018 polls,” Fazl said, adding that the current parliament was an outcome of rigging.

He said that some people would call themselves the rulers but wouldn’t rule the hearts of the nation. “Democracy is losing its case, parliament is losing its importance.”

Fazl further stated that the JUI-F doesn’t have personal issues with anyone but “these rulers have taken rule as power”.

“They think that they will buy assemblies with money,” he added.

TEHRAN, MAR 3 /DNA/ – The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Amirabdolahian, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif for his recent election as the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In a statement issued today, Minister Amirabdolahian expressed his optimism for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan under Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership.

He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and collaboration between the two nations for mutual prosperity and regional stability.

Minister Amirabdolahian’s message underscores the commitment of Iran to fostering constructive diplomatic ties with Pakistan and highlights the shared goals and values that bind the two nations together. =DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAR 3 /DNA/ – Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub Khan have been elected as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and Secretary General unopposed respectively in the intra-party elections.

The results of the party’s top slots were formally declared by PTI Federal Election Commissioner Raoof Hasan during a press conference here on Sunday.

He further stated that PTI’s Sindh, Punjab, and KP elections commissioners would formally announce the results of the provincial presidents, while elections for the slot of Balochistan President was underway.  

Raoof Hassan said the PTI intra-party elections were held for the third time as per the guidelines set by the Supreme Court.

Ashraf Jabbar and Muhammad Aslam, who voluntarily withdrew their nomination papers as candidates for the slot of PTI Chairman, as well as Returning Officers for conducting the Chairman and Secretary General elections Ayesha Khalid and Amina Ali were also present on the occasion.

During the press conference, he announced that Barrister Gohar Khan had been elected the PTI Chairman unopposed, while Omar Ayub secured the position of PTI General Secretary uncontested.

Raoof Hasan said that Gohar Ali Khan was elected PTI chairman unopposed after three other candidates withdrew their nomination, adding that the panel of Gohar Ali Khan and Omar Ayub was nominated by the PTI founder.

PTI Election Commissioner said that four candidates filed their nominations papers for the slot of Chairman PTI of which nomination papers of three candidates were accepted and one were rejected.

He thanked Ashraf Jabbar and Doctor Muhammad Aslam, who were constants for Chairman penal but they were voluntarily withdrew their nomination papers voluntarily and graciously in favour of Barrister Gohar for the interest of the party’s harmony and unity.

Raoof Hasan said that Naveed Anjum Khan’s nomination papers were rejected because he contested general elections 2024 as an opponent of PTI’s supported candidate and therefore his party membership was canceled by District President on February 11, 2024.

“As per PTI’s constitution, in order to be eligible to contest for intra-party elections, it is mandatory to have uninterrupted 6 months PTI’s membership; however, he got himself registered again as PTI member on February 24, 2024 to contest the intra-party elections,” he added.    

“Therefore, after the voluntarily withdrawal of the two contestants, there was no candidate in the field against Gohar; hence we have declared him the uncontested winner for the position of the party Chairman,” Raoof announced.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashraf Jabbar congratulated PTI Federal Election Commissioner and the entire team for successfully and transparently conducting the intra-party elections.

“I am a founding member of PTI and he voluntarily withdrew his nomination papers in favour of Barrister Gohar because he was the nominee of PTI Chairman-for-life Imran Khan and performed will during his precious tenure as Chairman PTI,” he added.

However, Asharaf Jabbar stressed the need that the PTI and the nation’s first demand from Barrister Gohar after electing as Chairman PTI to leave no stone unturned to ensure the release of Imran Khan at the earliest.

Talking on the occasion, Doctor Muhmmad Aslam, who was also the founding member of the party, said that he withdrew his nomination papers because it was high time and they needed to work like a unit to deal with the prevailing challenges.

He said that around 90 percent of representatives of the fake government reached the parliament through results tampering which was unacceptable and condemnable.

He demanded that the elections results should be announced as per the form 45 and give the people should be given them their stolen mandate forthwith.

BEIJING, Mar 3 /DNA/ – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on his election as prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 3: Newly-elected 24th Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a madien speech in the National Assembly vowed to rebuild Pakistan with the support of allies parties.

Shehbaz Sharif thanked Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan, Pakistan People’s Party and all of PMLN’s allies parties for the support and vote. He began his speech with the name of the Allah Almighty. He congratulated the speaker and deputy speaker and the entire House on elections.

Sunni Ittehad Council members staged strong protest during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s maiden speech.

“Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari never ever thought of damaging the interests of the Pakistan,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

“I congratulates Nawaz Sharif for nominated me for this post. I thank Bilawal Bhutto, Khalid Muqoob Siddiqui, Chaudhry Shujaat, Salik Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, Sardar Khalid Magsi and all the party members for supporting in the elections.

Opposition continued sloganeering during the speech of the newly elected Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the premier had to use headphones to avoid the ruckus.

PML-N members stood around the Shehbaz Sharif to build a ‘protective wall’ amid the strong sloganeering from the opposition benches. NA speaker called the security personnel in the House as members of the Sunni Ittehad Council protested in front of speaker seat. PML-N members also raised slogans in response to SIC members.

The opposition members also tore up the copies of the agenda of NA session.

“But if we decide to do a deep surgery and bring changes in the system, basic reform […] and I have no doubt that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari and others will agree that we can either get rid of a life of debt or we move forward with heads down in shame.

“No this will not happen, we will rise and we will make Pakistan self-sufficient,” he says.

Newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the PML-N and allies will play their role as Pakistanis, Muslims and human beings.

“There are talented people sitting in this Parliament who can steer Pakistan’s ship to the shore […] these include journalists, intellectuals, politicians, religious leaders,” he said.

Shehbaz said Pakistan had a big challenge and opportunity before it. “If we come together and decide to change the fate of Pakistan […] then God willing, we will defeat these challenges and take Pakistan to its rightful position,” he said.

He highlighted that this job was difficult but not impossible.

Must Read: Shehbaz Sharif elected as 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan

“My leader Nawaz Sharif was elected Prime Minister three times who brought revolution of development and prosperity under his leadership of Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif is the architect of Pakistan. He ended 20-hour long electricity load shedding.

“Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of nuclear power in Pakistan. Nation will always remember his services. Benazir Bhutto Shaheed sacrificed his life for democracy, law and justice.

“Nawaz Sharif was punished for bringing a development and prosperity in the country. Some forces did not accept this.”

Nawaz Sharif’s government overthrew the Nawaz Sharif government three times and sent Nawaz Sharif behind the bars on made baseless cases he added.

“Nawaz Sharif was forced into exile,” the younger Sharif said about his elder brother Nawaz Sharif.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 3 /DNA/ – Former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt, said on Sunday that the nation is gradually approaching political stability.

He said that the rupee’s value has been stable for several months, exports are increasing, and inflation is declining, which is encouraging.

He demanded that the incoming government should immediately sign a five-year deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to improve the overall economic situation.

Shahid Rasheed Butt said in a statement issued here today that the general situation is improving, which has given some hope to the masses and the business community.

He said that the new government should ensure the success of the IMF’s review, after which it must sign a five-year agreement with the IMF to improve the situation.

He observed that a three-year or four-year program with the lender could not help achieve the required objectives, so a five-year agreement with the IMF can be made to stop the draining of the country’s resources for some time.

The IMF preconditions must include a reduction in the size of the government, sale of loss-making state-owned companies, complete restoration of the electricity and gas sector, increase in the tax net, and undertaking other necessary reforms.

Shahid Rashid Butt said that the IMF’s new program should also be subject to proper taxes on wholesale, retail, property, agricultural income and transport sectors.

According to official data, he said, the inflation rate fell to 23.1 percent in February from 28.3 percent in January. It was 38 percent in May.

However, he said, interest rates should not be reduced because of the fall in inflation, as this may not be acceptable to the IMF.

The business leader said that some export increase has been observed, which is reassuring. There has been no reduction in the value of the rupee for several months, but some black sheep are spreading rumors of the possibility of a reduction in its value against the dollar.

The currency mafia plans to earn billions of rupees by artificially appreciating the dollar’s value in the country. He said that an artificial shortage of dollars is also being planned for the purpose, adding that these elements should be treated according to the law with no leniency.

He added that social media is being misused, which has become a big problem for which a permanent solution should be found as it damages society and the economy. 

KARACHI, MAR 3 /DNA/ – Pakistan Navy has extended relief and rescue operations to various small coastal villages of Balochistan affected by recent flash flooding.

Pakistan Navy has expedited rescue and relief operations by stationing helicopters in flood-affected areas of Gwadar District. Pakistan Navy helicopters undertook multiple hops from Gwadar to the flood affected villages of Pishukan and Kappar. Relief teams delivered ration bags, clean drinking water and food items near people stranded in their villages.

Moreover, ration and relief goods distribution conducted by Pakistan Navy personnel amongst flood affectees of Gwadar city. In addition, large numbers of medical supplies and ration bags have also been dispatched to different other flood-affected villages through road where land connectivity is restored.

Further, in assistance to civil administration, Pakistan Navy troops are wholeheartedly undertaking rescue and relief operations utilizing all available equipment and resources. In this regard, de-flooding operations are being conducted on various localities of Gwadar city to clear flood water.

Pakistan Navy is resolutely committed to supporting our flood-affected brethren during this difficult time.