Voice For Peace

  In the latest episode of the gripping political sitcom, "As the Election Symbol Turns," the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seems to have developed an unexpected phobia – an acute fear of bats. No, not the flying nocturnal creatures, but the electoral symbol of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). It all started when the Peshawar High Court (PHC) delivered a verdict that left the ECP in a state of shock and awe. The court, channeling its inner superhero, swooped in and decreed that PTI could keep its beloved 'bat' symbol, much to the dismay of the ECP, which is now contemplating its own superhero move – a daring appeal to the Supreme Court. Picture this: ECP officials in capes, armed with legal briefs and grappling hooks, preparing to challenge the mighty 'bat' in the hallowed halls of justice. It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's the ECP, ready to face the daunting foe – a winged mammal holding a cricket bat. The high-stakes saga began when the ...

  In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court of Pakistan seems to have decided to try its hand at stand-up comedy. The stage? The ongoing legal drama surrounding the disqualification period for lawmakers. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, the lead comedian in this political circus, recently lamented the "encroachments" into the Constitution, expressing a longing for the good old days when the "original Constitution" had greater sanctity. The seven-member larger bench, headed by CJP Isa, is on a mission to settle the debate on whether the disqualification period should be a mere five years or a lifetime. It's like the courtroom version of a reality TV show, with live broadcasts on the apex court's website – grab your popcorn, folks! The plot thickens as the court revisits the 2018 judgment in the Samiullah Baloch case, where a lifetime disqualification was deemed "permanent." Hold on to your hats, because in June 2023, the Electi...

  In recent days, the political landscape in Pakistan has been marred by a heated dispute between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over the party's election symbol, the 'bat.' The controversy has escalated to the point where the matter is now expected to reach the Supreme Court, adding another layer of complexity to an already intricate legal saga. This article delves into the key arguments presented by both parties and explores the legal implications of the PTI symbol controversy. Background: The controversy originated from the ECP's decision to strip the PTI of its electoral symbol following the annulment of its intra-party elections. The ECP argued that the PTI failed to comply with the Elections Act and its own constitution during these internal polls. Kanwar Dilshad, a former ECP secretary, supported this move, citing the PTI's alleged failure to justify the source of its funding as a reason for withholding the ...

In the whimsical world of Pakistani politics, where even Shakespeare would have scratched his head in confusion, Shah Mahmood Qureshi finds himself caught in a legal carousel that seems to spin faster than a chai vendor's blender on a busy street. Picture this: Qureshi, fresh from the embrace of Adiala Jail, eagerly dusting off imaginary legal cobwebs, only to be nabbed by the Rawalpindi Police faster than you can say "democracy." It's the classic tale of one step forward, two steps into a police van. The cypher case, like a mischievous imp, refuses to let our protagonist go. It all started with Imran Khan waving a cryptic piece of paper at a rally, claiming it was the blueprint of an international conspiracy. Next thing you know, Qureshi is juggling legal acrobatics while trying to decipher the real meaning of "cypher." Spoiler alert: It's not a secret code for unlocking a politician's release. But fear not, dear reader, for the drama doesn't st...

  In a plot twist that seems ripped from the pages of a tragicomic script, former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, along with his wife Bushra Bibi, find themselves entangled in the web of the Toshakhana case. As the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) throws its legal gauntlet, the political drama takes on a tone of both humor and tragedy. Picture this: Imran Khan, the cricketing legend turned politician, and his better half, Bushra Bibi, accused not of political maneuvering but of keeping a rather sparkly secret. It appears that the couple has a penchant for holding on to gifts received during their official escapades around the globe. Move over political intrigue; here comes the jewelry scandal of the century! The NAB, armed with allegations of graft, has honed in on the couple's alleged reluctance to part with their foreign gifts. Instead of dutifully depositing these treasures in the Toshakhana, as protocol dictates, the couple chose to keep them. But it...

  In a significant diplomatic move, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir recently visited the United States, marking a crucial milestone in Pakistan-US relations. The high-level meetings and discussions during the visit underscore the shared interests and the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation in regional security matters. This editorial aims to delve into the key aspects of COAS Asim Munir's visit, analyzing the discussions held, the implications for regional security, and the broader context of Pakistan-US relations. Military Diplomacy and Regional Security: The meeting between COAS Asim Munir and Gen Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of the US Central Command (Centcom), is indicative of the growing importance of military diplomacy in shaping international relations. The discussions focused on shared interests, with a particular emphasis on cooperation in regional security matters. In an era marked by complex geopolitical challenges, collaboration between Pakist...

  In a democratic society, the integrity of the electoral process is paramount, ensuring the voice of the people is accurately represented. Recently, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) have expressed apprehensions about the transparency, integrity, and fairness of the electoral process under the current chief election commissioner (CEC). This raises significant concerns about the upcoming general elections and the need for urgent intervention by the Supreme Court (SC) to address these issues. The PBC's Concerns: Leaders from the PBC have articulated their concerns regarding discrepancies in election procedures, delimitations, and seat allocations. Haroon-ur-Rashid and Hassan Raza Pasha, representing the PBC, contend that the general elections lack fairness in the presence of the incumbent CEC. The emphasis is on the importance of transparent elections, advocating for a level-playing field and equal opportunities to ensure transparency and fairne...