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Showing posts from December, 2023

Election Landscape Takes Shape as Nomination Papers Face Scrutiny in Pakistan

As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming elections on February 8, 2024, the recent scrutiny process conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has unveiled a myriad of challenges and dynamics that will profoundly impact the electoral landscape. The rejection of 3,240 nomination papers at both national and provincial levels has set the stage for a closely watched and potentially transformative electoral contest. Scrutiny Statistics: The scrutiny process, a pivotal step in ensuring the eligibility and credibility of candidates, revealed that out of the 25,951 submissions, only 22,711 candidates secured approval from the returning officers (ROs). The National Assembly saw 6,449 candidates receiving approval, while the provincial assemblies accepted 16,262 nominations. The figures underscore the stringent evaluation of candidates, ensuring that only those meeting the prescribed criteria proceed to the next stage. Regional Variations: The rejection statistics varied across regions,...

Islam: A Divine Path to Peace and Oneness

  Islam, which translates to "submission" or "surrender," is a monotheistic Abrahamic faith that traces its roots back to the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. Central to Islamic belief is the concept that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, the Arabic term for God. This article aims to explore the claim that Islam is the only true divine religion chosen by Allah for humanity, emphasizing the themes of peace and the oneness of the Creator. The Concept of Allah: Islam asserts the absolute oneness of Allah, highlighting the Tawhid, or the belief in the unity and uniqueness of God. The Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, repeatedly emphasizes that there is no deity except Allah and that worship and devotion should be directed solely to Him. This oneness forms the foundation of Islamic theology and underscores the exclusivity of Allah as the one true Creator. Peace as the Essence of Islam: The very etymology of the word "Islam" signifies pe...

Election Drama Unfolds in Pakistan: A Bollywood Blockbuster in the Making

In a plot twist that could rival the most suspenseful Bollywood dramas, the political landscape in Pakistan has taken a cinematic turn, leaving citizens on the edge of their seats, popcorn in hand. The elections, scheduled for February 8, are shaping up to be a blockbuster filled with unexpected twists, heart-stopping rejections, and a cast of characters that could give Bollywood's finest a run for their money. Picture this: The once-mighty Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), led by the charismatic Imran Khan, finds itself in a real-life soap opera. Almost "90 per cent of nominations from important leaders" have been shown the exit door, reminiscent of a classic Bollywood scene where the hero faces insurmountable odds. Imran Khan, the dashing founder of PTI, has had his nomination papers rejected not once but twice, in NA-122 (Lahore) and NA-89 (Mianwali). It seems even his superhero cape couldn't save him from the clutches of electoral scrutiny. Rumor has it that the rej...

A Call for Peace Amidst the Ravages of Conflict

  In the heart of the Bajaur tribal areas of Pakistan, an organization with a profound commitment to peace, Voice For Peace, stands as a resolute voice against the horrors of war. As the majority of people around the world yearn for tranquility, there exists a stark contrast embodied by those whose survival is entwined with the grim business of arms dealing. The current global landscape is marred by conflict, and one of the recent hotspots is the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian issue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent vow to retake control of the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt signals an escalation in an already tense situation. As the conflict intensifies, Voice For Peace urges world leaders to exercise caution and wisdom in navigating these complex issues. Netanyahu's assertion that the Philadelphi Corridor must be in Israeli hands reflects a strategic shift, potentially reversing the 2005 withdrawal from Gaza. This move, if implemented, would place the ...

Unity-Democratic Alliance Panel Sweeps Peshawar Press Club Elections, Pledging to Uphold Journalist Welfare

In a resounding victory, the Unity-Democratic Alliance Panel solidified its dominance in the Peshawar Press Club (PPC) annual elections for the year 2024. The panel managed to secure all 15 seats, including the crucial five main seats, further emphasizing its influence and support within the journalist community. This triumph not only reflects the confidence reposed in the panel's leadership but also sets the stage for a renewed commitment to the welfare of journalists in Peshawar. The Leadership Lineup: The newly elected panel members, led by President Arshad Aziz Malik, form a dynamic team dedicated to steering the Peshawar Press Club towards continued success. Arshad Aziz Malik, an experienced figure, assumes the role of President, with Irfan Musazai as the General Secretary, Tayyab Usman as Vice President, Rizwan Sheikh as Finance Secretary, and Gul Rehman Haqqani as Joint Secretary. This well-rounded leadership promises a balanced and comprehensive approach to addressing the d...

The Comedy of Candidates: PTI's Political Circus Behind Bars

  In an unexpected twist of fate, the echoing walls of Adiala Jail have become the stage for a tragicomic political drama, starring none other than the founder chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, and the incumbent party chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan. A court order, acting as the director of this peculiar production, has allowed the clinking of pens against paper, turning the cold prison confines into an unlikely political arena. As the pens dance to the rhythm of newfound freedom, Imran and Gohar find themselves engaged in the intricate ballet of candidate selection for the upcoming general elections. One can almost picture the duo, pens in hand, waltzing through the complexities of political maneuvering amidst the unforgiving backdrop of incarceration. The recent court order, akin to a plot twist in a tragicomedy, overturned earlier restrictions, offering a breath of fresh air to the imprisoned politicians. The party officials, ever the storytellers, gleefully...

Political Circus Unveiled: Pakistan's Absurd Dance of Detentions and Elections

In a bizarre twist of events, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) recently declared a 1980 presidential order illegal, sending shockwaves through the political landscape. The order, known as PO No. 18, bestowed powers upon the chief commissioner of the federal capital, resembling a political superhero with authority over detention orders under the Maintenance of Public Order. Cue the entrance of PTI leaders Shandana Gulzar and Sharyar Afridi, armed with petitions and a flair for legal theatrics. The courtroom saga, starring Justice Babar Sattar as the no-nonsense protagonist, unfolded with the declaration that only the federal cabinet should wield the mighty pen of detention orders. The plot thickened as the IHC restrained the Islamabad deputy commissioner from unleashing Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order, leaving legal scholars and political spectators on the edge of their seats. Enter the legal virtuoso, Babar Awan, a PTI luminary, who proclaimed the verdict a victory against t...

Maulana Fazlur Rehman's Guide to Surviving Election Season: A Comedic Perspective

  In a stunning revelation, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the charismatic leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), has declared that an unprecedented "judicial martial law" is gripping the nation, creating an atmosphere more electrifying than a cat on a trampoline. As the political drama unfolds ahead of the general elections, Fazlur Rehman has taken center stage with his unique blend of concern, caution, and a touch of theatrical flair. In a recent news conference that had more suspense than a Netflix thriller, Fazlur Rehman questioned the independence of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) with all the fervor of a contestant on a reality TV show. "When will the ECP become independent if the polls schedule is issued on the court’s orders?" he pondered, leaving the nation on the edge of their seats, or at least those who weren't napping through his press conference. The JUI-F chief then brought attention to the Supreme Court judges summoning the Chief Ele...

Pakistan Army Commits to Ensuring Security for 2024 Elections Amid Rising Challenges

  In a bid to uphold the democratic process in Pakistan, the country's military leadership, during the 261st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), pledged full support to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. The decision was made against a backdrop of security concerns, as political actors warned of potential threats and escalating militancy, making the provision of military assistance imperative to maintain a conducive law and order situation during the elections. Security Challenges and Election Preparedness: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted the surge in militancy in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. With the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ending its truce with Islamabad, the number of militant attacks increased significantly from 380 in 2022 to 623 in 2023, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Stud...