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Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 228 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
FAZL REJECTS POLLS RESULTS; ANNOUNCES COUNTRYWIDE PROTEST MOVEMENT thursday, 15 february, 2024 I 4 Sha'ban, 1445
JUI-F CHIEF ALSO JOINS OPPOSITION’S BANDWAGON
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Invites Nawaz Sharif to join him on opposition benches in Parliament ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
AMIAT Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday rejected the ‘rigged’ results of the general elections, inviting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to join him on opposition benches in the parliament. “If the establishment thinks the election has been transparent, then their narrative of May 9 tragedy is over,” he stated, challenging the credibility of the electoral process. He extended an invitation to Nawaz Sharif, urging him to join the opposition in their protest against the alleged irregularities. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday. Fazl raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process and criticised the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The JUI-F chief stated, “Today, our cen-
tral committee met, which has rejected the election results and expressed reservations about the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan, but JUI-F will play its role in the parliament and will attend it with reservations.” He accused the election process of being manipulated at the behest of “anti-Islamic forces”. He emphasised the party’s commitment to maintaining strong relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stating that their efforts in this regard were not accepted by the United States and Israel. “JUI-F is an ideological force, which will not compromise on national issues. We will run the movement for our greater goals,” Faazl declared, adding, “The role of the ECP has been suspicious since day one.” He went on to claim that the election results indicated widespread bribery and asserted that the party’s candidates and workers faced threats and intimidation. Maulana Fazl accused the police of being
taken hostage in several villages, creating a tense environment for the elections. Responding to questions, he clarified that the conflict was a matter of minds with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and not of bodies. He expressed the possibility of
reconciliation if the PTI’s stance changed. Fazl concluded by stating that the JUIF would initiate a protest movement across the country to press for the approval of their demands. Fazl emphasised that the extent of rig-
Nawaz Sharif won’t step away from politics, says Maryam Nawaz LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Maryam Nawaz, Chief Organiser of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has refuted claims about former prime minister Nawaz Sharif stepping away from politics, stating there is no truth to the speculation. Taking to X, Maryam posted, “If not accepting the prime minister’s position creating an impression that Nawaz Sharif is distancing himself from politics. There is no truth to that.” She asserted that in the next five years, the PML-N supremo not only plans to actively participate in politics but also aims to supervise government affairs both at the Centre and in Punjab. Explaining Nawaz’s decision not to become the prime minister, she said that PML-N had a clear majority during his father’s three terms. “He (Nawaz) had even said during his speeches [before elections] that he would not become part of a coalition government. Those familiar with Nawaz Sharif’s principles would un-
derstand his stance,” she added. Furthermore, she affirmed, “Shehbaz Sharif and I are his soldiers, bound by his command. We will work under his leadership and supervision. May Allah grant us success. Ameen.” For years, PML-N and its leaders have been shouting slogans of “Wazeere-Azam, Nawaz Sharif” – PM [would be]
Nawaz Sharif. Even, when Shehbaz was the prime minister and during the election campaign, the party projected Nawaz as the next prime minister if PML-N comes to power. However, it seems, the split mandate and the last-minute adjustments left him with no other option but to nominate his brother assume a new role
for himself: the person who nominates people on key positions. “Nawaz Sharif will assist both Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz,” Marriyum Aurangzeb, PML-N spokesperson said, adding, “He will help both in their jobs.” To a question if the jailed PTI founding chairman, Imran Khan, just ended Nawaz’s political career by forcing him to change plans seeing the split mandate in the polls, Marriyum refuted by saying that it is Nawaz, who is still nominating people on the premium and most powerful positions in the country. “Nawaz Sharif is very much playing on the front foot,” Marriyum said in response to a question if he would continue playing his political role from behind the scene. Soon after the PML-N decided that Shehbaz and Maryam would lead the federal and Punjab governments, the social media was abuzz with questions if Nawaz’s political career was finally over. To the question if Nawaz was eying the office of President for himself, Marriyum replied in negative.
25-member ‘coalition’ federal cabinet likely in initial phase LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
Hectic parleys are underway between the PML-N, PPP and the MQM-P for the formation of a coalition government in the Centre, and initially, the new federal cabinet is likely to be comprised of 25 members in the first phase. According to insiders in the PML-N, the party has outlined an initial power-sharing formula for the upcoming federal government. The formula suggests that if the coalition agrees to appoint a PML-N candidate as the prime minister, the posts of the president and National Assembly speaker would be given to the PPP. Yesterday, Shehbaz emerged as a leading contender for the premiership, garnering support from former coalition partners, including PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, BAP, and IPP. Nawaz Sharif strategically nominated his younger brother for the premiership and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, for the role of Punjab chief minister.
A joint news conference held in Islamabad featured prominent political figures, including Shehbaz, Asif Ali Zardari from PPP, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui from MQMP, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain from PML-Q, Sadiq Sanjrani (representing BAP), and Aleem Khan from IPP. They expressed unequivocal support for Shehbaz and pledged to address the country’s challenges collaboratively in a coalition government. On Wednesday, the PML-N leadership – Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif – held a crucial meeting to review the party’s interactions with various allies and considered the names of potential cabinet members. During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif briefed his elder brother on the party’s alliances and deliberated on potential candidates for the federal cabinet. In the first phase, the cabinet is expected to have 25 members, with MQMP likely to secure three to five ministries. Leaders from MQM-P, including Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, Aminul Haque, and Khawaja Izharul Hasan, are being considered for key positions within the federal cabinet, according to PML-
N sources. PML-N has shortlisted 15 senior leaders for ministerial roles, including Ishaq Dar, Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Riazul Haq Juj, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Qamarul Islam Raja, and Rana Tanveer Hussain. Awn Chaudry from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) is expected to be appointed as the special assistant to the prime minister. While the details of the power-sharing formula remain undisclosed, the conference hinted at Zardari’s potential candidacy for the presidency in the near future.
ging in the recent election surpassed even that of the 2018 polls. He accused the Election Commission of Pakistan of being under the control of the establishment, claiming that the entire election process was manipulated. “The election process was held hostage, with bribes influencing both victories and defeats. In response, we are initiating a nationwide protest movement to advocate for democracy. The decisions will now be made in the field, not just within the confines of parliament,” Fazl declared. Clarifying the party’s stance, he emphasised their preparedness and independence, asserting, “We did not come to the field hastily; we have made thorough preparations. We are not aligned with any political party, including PML-N. We will not endorse Shehbaz Sharif as the prime minister candidate in parliament, as our party has prohibited him from forming the government. Therefore, we will not be part of any government. Those who believe in the rigged nature of elections should join our cause, while others can choose to remain indifferent.”
CJP seeks govt’s assurance over ‘no army role in business’ ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would only work on defense-related matters and not run any business. The assurance was sought from CJP Isa during a hearing of a petition filed against commercial activity being done on military land. During the hearing, CJP Isa remarked that the army was conducting business and had set up marriage halls on military lands. He then sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would remain the “protector” and not do any business. “Can you get this assurance?” CJP Isa asked the attorney general. He also added that everyone should work as per their mandate. “The army should do its own work and courts will do their job,” said CJP Isa. In response, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan stated that as per principle, everyone should do their job. However, CJP Isa insisted that if the AGP had the directives then he should give the assurance to the court. On this point lawyer for the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) intervened and told the court that the building from which the dispute started belonged to his client. He added that the allottees sold the land based on fake documents and now a fivestory building sits there. At this, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that the ETPB was a bystander when the five-story building was being constructed. However, CJP Isa observed that it would not have been possible without the involvement of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). He then further remarked that the assets of officers above the rank of inspector at the SBCA should be checked. “The Karachi sub registry’s assets should also be audited by the FBR. The residents of demolished buildings should receive money from all assets beyond means,” said the CJP. He also added that the Sindh government would never do an inquiry on this. On this point, the director general of the SCBA appeared in court and the CJP inquired how many inspectors and officers were part of the department. The DG informed the court that currently there are 1,400 employees with the SCBA out of which 600 are building inspectors and 300 are senior inspectors.
‘Unlike public announcement,’ PPP likely to join federal cabinet in second phase ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Unlike Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s claim of “support without any share in federal govt”, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is likely to get ministries in the second phase. “Unlike the public posture of only support for PML-N candidate to become the prime minister, the PPP will share the power with induction its ministers in the federal capital in the second phase”, sources privy to the development informed on Wednesday. Yesterday after PPP CEC’s meeting, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced it would support the PML-N in government formation without being part of the federal cabinet. Addressing a press conference on the conclusion of the two-day Central Executive Committee of the PPP, Bilawal said the party would be willing to support on an
issue-to-issue basis and in the case of important votes for the candidate of the prime minister of Pakistan, to ensure that a government is formed and political stability is restored. “The PPP has decided that while we are not in a position to join the federal government ourselves, nor will we be interested in taking ministries in such a set-up, we also do not want to see political chaos in the country. We do not want to see perpetual crisis in the country,” he said. According to sources who observed the “allies meeting” at the hosted by PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain in Islamabad on Tuesday night, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif told the allies that he was nominated for the slot of prime minister before the PMLN publicly announced the decision. Announcing the six-party alliance for the next coalition government in a press conference, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali
Zardari said that it was decided to form the government together. The party heads included Shujaat Hussain, Shehbaz, Asif Zardari, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Aleem Khan, Senate Chairman and BAP representative Sadiq Sanjrani. Soon after the presser ended, PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on social media platform X that party supremo Nawaz Sharif nominated Shehbaz Sharif for the post of prime minister and Maryam Nawaz for the Punjab chief minister. Before the announcement of Shehbaz’s nomination for the post of PM, the PML-N president told allies he had been nominated for the coveted slot and said he would make the decision public if allies agreed to vote for him in the National Assembly. The sources said the heads of all parties assured Shehbaz that they would vote for him in the election of the prime minister.
PPP to enjoy key posts sans ‘any responsibility,’ says Zubair KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will accept all key positions, but “will not take responsibility for anything.” In an exclusive interview with a private Tv news channel, Muhammad Zubair stated that there is no alternative for the PML-N other than accepting the conditions of the PPP, and the PML-N will attempt to
include the PPP in the cabinet. He mentioned that without the cooperation of the PPP, a simple majority cannot be achieved for forming the government in the centre. Zubair stated that the PPP will only vote to elect the Leader of the House, and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members will sit in the opposition. In my opinion, the PML-N faces significant challenges similar to the 16-month government, he added.
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