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ASIF ZARDARI ‘ENTERS’ PRESIDENT HOUSE FOR 2ND TIME
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Sunday, 10 March, 2024 I 28 Sha’ban, 1445
ECP NOTIFIES ZARDARI’S VICTORY WHO RECEIVED 411 VOTES AGAINST ACHAKZAI’S 181
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ISLAMABAD
LAWMAKERS FROM JUI-F, GDA AND JI BOYCOTT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
SALEEM JADOON
SIF Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and candidate of the coalition parties, was elected as the 14th President of Pakistan on Saturday, grabbing the coveted post for the second time. Following the presidential election, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) notified victory of Asif Ali Zardari, saying he received 411 votes in the presidential election against his opponent PkMAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who managed to get only 181 votes. In a statement issued by the electoral watchdog, the ECP said presidential polls were carried out in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Islamabad. It added that the results prepared by the
presiding officers from all five locations were received at the ECP secretariat. “The total number of seats in the electoral
First time votes neither bought nor sold in Presidential polls: Achakzai
ISLAMABAD: SIC-backed Mahmood Khan Achakzai, after losing the presidential election to PPP’s Asif Zardari on Saturday, said that the presidential election was generally fair. “The most unusual thing about this election was that the first time it has happened votes were neither bought nor sold,” he said while speaking to the media In Islamabad. “There are some people in Pakistan who think that everything can be bought and sold in Pakistan,” he said, adding that there is a distinction growing between people who could be bought and those can be not. He also expressed his gratitude to the PTI leadership for their support. The PkMAP Chairman further said that many lawmakers expressed their willingness to cast vote in his favour. STAFF REPORT
SIC nominates Omar Ayub as opposition leader in NA ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
In a surprising turn of events, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), a party predominantly composed of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, submitted the name of Omar Ayub Khan for the position of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly. The nomination was formally presented to the office of the National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, on Saturday. Malik Amir Dogar presented documents of Ayub’s nomination to the NA speaker. Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Ali Muhammad Khan, Riaz Fatiana, and Dr Nisar Jat, among other opposition members were also present on the occasion. The realisation that the formal process of appointing a leader of the opposition had not been completed struck the PTI-SIC coalition during the National Assembly session on Friday. The revelation occurred when former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser urged the current NA Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, to give the floor to the leader of the opposition, as was the tradition during Qaiser’s tenure. Qaiser pointed out that the opposition leader should be given the floor whenever demanded, as per past practice. Sadiq, in response, questioned who had declared Omar Ayub as the opposition leader, humorously suggesting that Omar Ayub had assumed the role on his own. The speaker guided the PTI-SIC lawmakers, stating that they needed to follow the formal process, and only then would Omar Ayub officially become the opposition leader. As a result, officials from the PTI-SIC coalition promptly submitted the required documents to the Speaker’s office today, ensuring that the necessary procedural steps were taken to formalise Omar Ayub Khan’s candidacy for the position of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly.
Senator Faisal Saleem becomes first Pakistani on IMF, World Bank boards ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
In a historic development for Pakistan, Senator Faisal Saleem has been elected as a member of the Boards of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. This marks the first time in the country’s history that a Pakistani parliamentarian has attained such a position of influence within these prestigious international institutions. Senator Saleem, representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ascended to the upper house in March 2021 and is slated to serve until March 2027. His election to the Parliamentary Board of the IMF and the World Bank is a significant milestone, as he joins the ranks of influential figures from around the globe in formulating recommendations for poverty alleviation and economic stability. With 140 countries worldwide participating in the Parliamentary Network on the IMF and the World Bank, Senator Saleem’s appointment underscores Pakistan’s growing prominence on the global stage. His role is expected to contribute to shaping policy discussions and reforms aimed at addressing pressing economic challenges and fostering sustainable development.
college was 1,185 out of which 92 were vacant […],” the ECP said. “The remaining 1,093 voters were to exercise their right to vote.” The election commission highlighted that 1,044 votes were cast of which nine were declared invalid. “Thus, the total number of valid votes cast is 1,035.” It concluded that the official Result of Count on Form-VII shall be prepared and forwarded to the federal government tomorrow after receipt of the original record from the presiding officers. Zardari, who was the joint candidate of the PPP, PML-N, MQM-P and other coalition parties, defeated Sunni Ittehad Councilbacked Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the presidential race. It would be his second stint as president of the country as he also remained in the of-
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Felicitations pour in for Zardari ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The ruling coalition’s candidate for president, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Cochairman Asif Ali Zardari, won the election for the head of the state with an overwhelming majority on Saturday, receiving felicitations from politicians across the country. Zardari became the only civilian president to be elected for a historic second time after bagging 411 votes from the electoral college, beating Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) backed Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Congratulating the president-elect on his success, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the elected members of all provincial and national legislatives expressed confidence in the ruling coalition’s candidate. He expressed hope that Zardari will fulfil his responsibilities as the president in a good way and will represent the strength of the Centre. “Zardari’s election as president is the continuity of democratic values,” PM Shehbaz said, pledging on the ruling coali-
fice during 2008 to 2013. He will replace outgoing President Dr Arif Alvi. The JUI-F, GDA and JI lawmakers abstained from participating in the process to elect next president of the country. Of the 398 votes cast in the National Assembly and Senate, Asif Zardari received 255 votes, while Achakzai got 119. In Punjab Assembly, Zardari obtained 246 votes, whereas Achakzai received 100 votes. In 118-member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
tion’s behalf to work for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also felicitated Zardari on becoming the president a second term. In a statement released by CM Office, Shah said that Zardari’s success with an overwhelming majority was the “victory of democracy.” The newly-elected president would put the country on the path of prosperity by combining all state units, he added. Moreover, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also congratulated Zardari in separate statements. Tessori said that Zardari’s election as president was a “proof for successful conduct of democratic process”. Meanwhile, Wahab also lauded the “victory of democracy” in Zardari’s success. “Zardari has always prioritised Constitution and country,” he added. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said that termed today’s presidential poll “legacy election” that saw Zardari becoming the “history-making President of Pakistan for a second time”.
Assembly, Achakzai led the race with 91 votes, whereas Zardari received 17 votes; one vote was rejected. In 62-member Balochistan Assembly, Asif Ali Zardari bagged 47 votes while SICbacked Achakzai received not a single vote. In Sindh Assembly, Zardari bagged 151 votes while the SIC candidate received only nine votes.
PTI leaders condemn ‘illegal’ presidential election ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance on Saturday, raising serious questions about the recently concluded presidential election. The PTI leaders expressed their dissatisfaction following the defeat of their candidate, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, at the hands of the ruling coalition’s nominee, Asif Ali Zardari. Addressing the media outside the Parliament House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan took a direct jab at Zardari, referring to him as the ‘king of corrupt elements’ and asserting that he is being imposed on the country.
Another PTI leader, Asad Qaiser, criticised the entire election process, deeming it controversial. Qaiser argued that presidential elections are deemed illegal when the assembly is incomplete. He added that the PTI is gearing up for a legal battle and will also seek justice from the people. Barrister Ali Zafar, also speaking on the occasion, questioned how individuals were allowed to vote when the issue of reserved seats was still under court scrutiny. PTI leaders contended that the ruling coalition has a history of acquiring positions through questionable means, referencing Shehbaz Sharif becoming the prime minister on what they allege was a fake mandate. PTI General Secretary Omar
Ayub Khan accused those rejected by the people of being given positions in an illegitimate manner. Barrister Gohar emphasised that occupying constitutional positions unconstitutionally violates the Constitution. He expressed concern over the growing influence of two prominent families, the Sharifs and Zardaris, not only on the country’s resources but now on democratic institutions as well. Amir Dogar, addressing the gathering, asserted that the ruling coalition had stolen the PTI’s mandate, labeling the elections as controversial. In a statement, the PTI spokesperson announced a peaceful protest to be held across the country tomorrow, aiming to reclaim what they referred to as the ‘stolen mandate.’
Authorities have blocked X either partially or fully - since February 17 after protests swept the country over allegations of vote rigging in a general election, according to the Netblocks global internet monitor. When users try to access X, they often see this message: “Something went wrong, but don’t fret – let’s give it another shot”. But Shaista Ayesha, who runs Karachi-based social enterprise SEED Ventures, is fretting. "We do our social media postings through X, and connect with other organisations and funders so there is definitely social media outreach loss and one avenue of strategic visibility gone," Ayesha told the Thomson Reuters
Foundation. She said she had not yet calculated the financial cost of the X ban, which is just the latest in a series of internet restrictions linked to the Feb 8 election. The vote was marred by a mobile internet shutdown on polling day and unusually delayed results, leading to accusations of vote tampering. The United States, Britain and the European Union have separately expressed concerns about the electoral process and said reported irregularities should be investigated. The US State Department has also condemned the internet shutdowns and urged the federal government to lift restrictions and respect freedom of expression.
X ban ‘costing businesses, news in Pakistan dear’ KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan entered on Saturday its fourth week of nationwide disruption to social media platform X, with activists waging a court battle to get it restored. The platform, formerly known as Twitter, was downed after jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party called for protests against a government official's admission of vote manipulation in last month's election. From business owners fretting over lost clients to journalists seeking new sources, Pakistanis want the government to restore regular access to the social media platform.
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Ishaq Dar ‘losing’ race for finance czar in Shehbaz cabinet ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif after consultation with PML-N supremo, has finalised names for federal cabinet, with Ishaq Dar dropping out of race to become finance minister. According to sources privy to the development, close Sharif family’s associate and four-time finance minister, Ishaq Dar will be handed over the portfolio of foreign minister. However, the ruling party is yet to finalise its finance minister, the person who has to lead an immediate effort to negotiate a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. Pakistan has a narrow path to recovery and the current IMF agreement expires on April 11. According to sources, renowned banker Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan and Shamshad Akhtar are likely to become the advis-
ers to prime minister on finance and revenue. Akhtar has been a key part of the recent caretaker government that has been praised by the IMF for “decisive policy efforts” to maintain stability. Furthermore, sources claimed that Khawaja Muhammad Asif will retain the charge of defence ministry. Ahsan Iqbal is in line for planning minister, Ataullah Tarar for information minister, Musadik Malik for energy ministry. Meanwhile, Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tariq Fatemi will become adviser and special assistant on foreign affairs, respectively. Former Punjab chief minister Mohsin Naqvi will be appointed as adviser on interior ministry. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), a key ally in the coalition government, had expressed opposition to appointment of Ishaq Dar as the finance minister.
Fully prepared to defend motherland against full spectrum of threats: COAS RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir has stated that the armed forces are fully prepared to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan against the “full spectrum of threats”. The army chief was visiting troops engaged in an exercise in the area of Rahim Yar Khan. He was also briefed on the “Shamsheer-e-Sehra” exercise, said a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday. During the visit, the COAS witnessed integrated fire and battle manoeuvres of various elements including armour, infantry, mechanized infantry, artillery, air defence, and anti-tank guided missiles. Pakistan Air Force aircraft also
participated in the exercise. The exercise is aimed at augmenting professional expertise and enhancing battlefield procedures essential for addressing future challenges in operational environments, added the military’s media wing. Furthermore, the exercise incorporated electronic warfare capabilities and information operations to “subdue the enemy’s communications capabilities and disinformation campaigns during war”. While spending the day with the troops participating in the exercise, the army chief lauded all ranks’ training standards, operational preparedness, and high morale. According to the statement released by ISPR, Gen Munir emphasised that the armed forces remain “prepared against any misadventure by the enemy”.
The army chief was received by Corps Commander Karachi and Inspec-
tor General Training and Evaluation upon his arrival at the field training area.