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Pakistan regulator receives nearly 450,000 postal ballot applications for Feb. 8 polls

Pakistan regulator receives nearly 450,000 postal ballot applications for Feb. 8 polls
Commuters move past the election banners of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) parties hung over a street ahead of the upcoming general elections, in Karachi on January 24, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 26 January 2024
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Pakistan regulator receives nearly 450,000 postal ballot applications for Feb. 8 polls

Pakistan regulator receives nearly 450,000 postal ballot applications for Feb. 8 polls
  • Postal balloting allows government officials, security personnel and other specified individuals to vote ahead of polling day 
  • Highest number of postal ballot requests for national, provincial elections received from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Updated 26 January 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s election regulator has received nearly 450,000 applications for postal ballots from across the country for both national and provincial assembly elections, it said on Thursday.
The provision allows voting ahead of polling day to government officials, soldiers and other government servants as well as their spouses and children who live outside of their constituencies. Individuals in detention and those with physical disabilities, provided they hold a computerized national identity card (CNIC) with a disability logo issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), are also eligible.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) initiated the postal ballot process on Jan. 6 for eligible individuals to get ballot papers for both national and provincial assembly elections, scheduled for Feb. 8. The regulator set Jan. 22 as the deadline to submit applications.
“The total number of applications received for postal ballot papers is 449,287, including 206,533 for the national assembly and 242,754 for the four provincial assemblies,” an ECP document seen by Arab News said.
The document showed the highest number of applications, 154,050, had been received from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province for both national and provincial assemblies, followed by Punjab with 147,860, Balochistan with 96,308, and Sindh with 51,069 applications.
“For the National Assembly, election officials received 73,586 applications from Punjab, 72,769 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 35,758 from Balochistan, and 24,420 from Sindh,” the document read.
The ECP received 81,281 postal ballot applications for provincial assembly elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 74,274 for Punjab, 60,550 for Balochistan, and 26,649 for Sindh provincial polls.
According to the Elections Act 2017, upon receiving an application from a voter, the returning officer is required to send a ballot paper and an envelope to the voter by post. The envelope should include a form of certificate of posting on its face, indicating the posting date, to be filled in by the relevant post office official when the voter sends it.
Once a postal ballot is received, the act says, a voter is supposed to record their vote as prescribed and then post the ballot paper to the relevant returning officer in the provided envelope, ensuring it reaches its destination before the consolidation of election results.

Topics: Pakistan elections 2024 elections 2024 Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)

Pakistan PM announces anti-riots force to deal with violent protesters

Pakistan PM announces anti-riots force to deal with violent protesters
Updated 8 sec ago
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Pakistan PM announces anti-riots force to deal with violent protesters

Pakistan PM announces anti-riots force to deal with violent protesters
  • The development came after ex-PM Imran Khan’s party staged a protest in Islamabad leading to clashes with law enforcers
  • PM Shehbaz Sharif says the anti-riots force should be equipped with professional training, tools of international standards
Updated 8 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to establish an anti-riots force in Pakistan to deal with violent protesters, Pakistani state media reported on Thursday.
The development came after former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party this week led a march to the federal capital of Islamabad to demand Khan’s release among other things, resulting in clashes between Khan supporters and law enforcers.
Pakistan’s government said three paramilitary soldiers and a police officer were killed in clashes. The protesters were dispersed after a late-night raid on Wednesday, following which the PTI said at least 20 of its supporters had been killed after being shot by law enforcers, an allegation denied by authorities.
Presiding over a meeting to review law-and-order situation in Islamabad, Sharif said those involved in “historical corruption and conspiracies to bankrupt the country” were making repeated attempts to spread chaos in the country, the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“The [anti-riots] force should be equipped with professional training and necessary tools of international level,” Sharif was quoted as saying at the meeting.
Sharif said immediate legal action should be taken against the ones who clashed with law enforcers in the capital, adding that the whole nation paid tribute to the security personnel who were killed while discharging their duties during the march.
On Thursday, lawmakers of the PTI’s political rivals, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), tabled a joint resolution in the Balochistan provincial assembly, calling on the federal government to ban Khan’s party.
“This august house of the Balochistan Assembly calls upon the federal government to impose an immediate ban on the PTI for spreading chaos in the country, and for attempting to make the armed forces of Pakistan and security forces fight with the people,” a copy of the resolution seen by Arab News said.
The resolution accused the PTI of being involved in violent activities in the country, saying it has adversely affected the country’s economy.
“Attacking the capital with provincial machinery and resources was a clear proof of the non-political agenda of a political party,” provincial lawmaker Meer Saleem Khosa said while presenting the motion.
Opposition parties such as the National Party (NP), Jamat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) opposed the resolution.
Khan’s PTI has staged several protests this year to demand the release of the ex-premier, who has been in jail since August last year on a slew of charges, as well as to challenge results of the Feb. 8 national election.

Topics: Islamabad Protest anti-riot force

Pakistan Deputy PM to visit Iran on Dec. 2-3 to attend ECO meeting

Pakistan Deputy PM to visit Iran on Dec. 2-3 to attend ECO meeting
Updated 8 min 28 sec ago
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Pakistan Deputy PM to visit Iran on Dec. 2-3 to attend ECO meeting

Pakistan Deputy PM to visit Iran on Dec. 2-3 to attend ECO meeting
  • Pakistan and Iran have had a history of rocky relations despite a number of commercial agreements
  • In Jan., both countries came to the brink of war launched cross-border strikes on militant hideouts
Updated 8 min 28 sec ago
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, will undertake a two-day official visit to Iran on Dec. 2-3 to attend the 28th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers, the Pakistani foreign office said on Friday.
Pakistan and Iran have had a history of rocky relations despite a number of commercial pacts. In 2004, both countries signed the $7 billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project agreement but 20 years on, the project remains incomplete.
Tehran has completed the gas pipeline’s construction on its side of the border while Pakistan is seeking a United States (US) waiver to go ahead with it due to international sanctions targeting Iran.
In his address with the ECO meeting in Mashhad, Dar would highlight the potential of greater connectivity in the ECO region, according to Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
“Deputy PM will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO charter and highlight the potential of greater connectivity in the ECO region to development of road and rail networks, liberalization of visa regimes, simplification of border procedures and to maintain sustainable growth and enhance geo-economic potential of the ECO region,” Baloch said at a weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
“Deputy PM will sign the charter for ECO clean energy center and hold bilateral meetings with participating ministers and other dignitaries on the sidelines.”
Dar would also reiterate Pakistan’s concerns over hostilities in the Middle East endangering peace and security.
The development comes weeks after Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s two-day visit to Islamabad to hold consultations with the Pakistani leadership on the Middle East situation following Israel’s invasion of Gaza and Lebanon, and to discuss bilateral ties with Pakistan.
Despite several agreements between them, Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border and routinely trade blame for not rooting out militancy. Tensions surged in January when Pakistan and Iran exchanged airstrikes, both claiming to target alleged militant hideouts in each other’s territory.
Late Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi had later traveled to Pakistan on a three-day visit in April to ease tensions and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides had also signed memorandums of understanding in the fields of trade, science technology, agriculture, health, culture, and judicial matters.

ICC board to meet virtually today amid Pakistan-India Champions Trophy impasse

ICC board to meet virtually today amid Pakistan-India Champions Trophy impasse
Updated 29 November 2024
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ICC board to meet virtually today amid Pakistan-India Champions Trophy impasse

ICC board to meet virtually today amid Pakistan-India Champions Trophy impasse
  • World cricket body to consider various options to end the stalemate between the two neighbors
  • ICC Champions Trophy tournament will be held from Feb. 19 till Mar. 9 after an eight-year hiatus
Updated 29 November 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) board is set to meet virtually today, Friday, to discuss three options to end a stalemate between Pakistan and India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy tournament that is slated to be held in February next year, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 till March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament following the refusal by Indian authorities to allow their team to play in Pakistan.
Last week, the ICC informed Pakistan of India’s decision, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to seek a clarification. Pakistan has already ruled out a hybrid model to host the tournament, unlike last year’s Asia Cup, wherein all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.
The situation created uncertainty and tension until the ICC released the tournament promo, visually reaffirming that Pakistan will host the championship. According to AP, the ICC board could decide on the issue by voting among members.
“The ICC board will congregate on Friday in the hopes of ending the saga of where and how the 2025 Champions Trophy will be played with less than three months to the scheduled start of the event,” ESPNcricinfo reported. “They will consider three options.”
The first option would be to adopt a hybrid model that has already been ruled out by Pakistan, while the second option revolves around the PCB retaining hosting rights and the tournament being played “entirely out of Pakistan,” according to the report.
The third option would be to hold the entire tournament in Pakistan, “but without India.”
“The last of those options is almost a non-starter, given the negative financial and commercial impact it will have on the tournament,” the report read. “The chances of a hybrid model were reduced on Thursday after a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo they had informed the ICC once again that it was off the table.”
The report quoted the official as saying that the PCB had asked for a “reasonable or acceptable” proposal to Pakistan before the ICC board meeting. It said the chances of a hybrid model had increased, quoting PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi as saying that he would discuss the ICC board’s decision with the Pakistani government.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Naqvi as saying. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”
Naqvi also doubled down on Pakistan not being willing to play in India any longer. India will be hosting the Women’s World Cup next year, Asia Cup in 2025, Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and Champions Trophy in 2029.
Pakistan could consider a hybrid model if the ICC gave the PCB the same option for tournaments being hosted by India, according to ESPNcricinfo.
It quoted the PCB chairman as saying that Pakistan would not be motivated by any financial settlement.
“We’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan,” he said.
A decades-long tense political situation between the two South Asian countries hasn’t seen India playing international cricket in Pakistan since 2008 when it competed in the Asia Cup. Both nations have competed in ICC tournaments, with Pakistan touring India last year for the 50-over World Cup.
The ICC is in talks with the PCB and the participating boards before finalizing the schedule of the eight-team tournament. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour kicked off on Saturday after the trophy was displayed at the Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.

Topics: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Champions Trophy 2025

Authorities issue rain, snowfall alert for upper parts of Pakistan

Authorities issue rain, snowfall alert for upper parts of Pakistan
Updated 29 November 2024
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Authorities issue rain, snowfall alert for upper parts of Pakistan

Authorities issue rain, snowfall alert for upper parts of Pakistan
  • Local authorities, emergency responders and public have been asked to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions
  • Residents of hilly areas should exercise caution while traveling due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, authorities say
Updated 29 November 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert for upper parts of the country, predicting rain, thunderstorms and snowfall as a result of a westerly wave.
The western and upper parts of the country are likely to experience rain, wind and thunderstorms, with snowfall expected in mountainous areas, according to the NDMA.
"Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Malakand and Hazara divisions, is expected to receive rain and thunderstorms, along with snowfall in [areas with] higher altitudes," the NDMA said in a statement.
"The plains of Punjab will largely experience dry conditions, although smog and fog are likely to persist, especially during early morning and nighttime."
Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in the Pothohar region and its surroundings.
The NDMA said it had advised local authorities, emergency responders and the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
"Residents in northern and hilly areas should exercise caution while traveling due to the risk of slippery roads and reduced visibility," it said.
"Farmers are encouraged to safeguard their crops against potential weather impacts."
Additionally, the NDMA asked people in smog-affected areas to minimize outdoor exposure and take protective measures during low-visibility conditions.

Topics: Winters

Iraq tries to stem influx of illegal foreign workers from Pakistan, other nations

Iraq tries to stem influx of illegal foreign workers from Pakistan, other nations
Updated 29 November 2024
AFP
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Iraq tries to stem influx of illegal foreign workers from Pakistan, other nations

Iraq tries to stem influx of illegal foreign workers from Pakistan, other nations
  • The Iraqi labor ministry says the influx is mainly from Pakistan, Syria and Bangladesh, also citing 40,000 registered immigrant workers
  • Authorities are trying to regulate the number of foreign workers as Iraq seeks to diversify from the currently dominant hydrocarbons sector
Updated 29 November 2024
AFP

KARBALA: Rami, a Syrian worker in Iraq, spends his 16-hour shifts at a restaurant fearing arrest as authorities crack down on undocumented migrants in the country better known for its own exodus.
He is one of hundreds of thousands of foreigners working without permits in Iraq, which after emerging from decades of conflict has become an unexpected destination for many seeking opportunities.
“I’ve been able to avoid the security forces and checkpoints,” said the 27-year-old, who has lived in Iraq for seven years and asked that AFP use a pseudonym to protect his identity.
Between 10 in the morning and 2:00 am the next day, he toils at a shawarma shop in the holy city of Karbala, where millions of Shiite pilgrims congregate every year.
“My greatest fear is to be expelled back to Syria where I’d have to do military service,” he said.
The labor ministry says the influx is mainly from Syria, Pakistan and Bangladesh, also citing 40,000 registered immigrant workers.
Now the authorities are trying to regulate the number of foreign workers, as the country seeks to diversify from the currently dominant hydrocarbons sector.
Many like Rami work in the service industry in Iraq.
One Baghdad restaurant owner admitted to AFP that he has to play cat and mouse with the authorities during inspections, asking some employees to make themselves scarce.
Not all those who work for him are registered, he said, because of the costly fees involved.
Some of the undocumented workers in Iraq first came as pilgrims. In July, Labour Minister Ahmed Assadi said his services were investigating information that “50,000 Pakistani visitors” stayed on “to work illegally.”
Despite threats of expulsion because of the scale of issue, the authorities at the end of November launched a scheme for “Syrian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani workers” to regularise their employment by applying online before December 25.
The ministry says it will take legal action against anyone who brings in or employs undocumented foreign workers.
Rami has decided to play safe, even though “I really want” to acquire legal employment status.
“But I’m afraid,” he said. “I’m waiting to see what my friends do, and then I’ll do the same.”
Current Iraqi law caps the number of foreign workers a company can employ at 50 percent, but the authorities now want to lower this to 30 percent.
“Today we allow in only qualified workers for jobs requiring skills” that are not currently available, labor ministry spokesman Nijm Al-Aqabi told AFP.
It’s a sensitive issue — for the past two decades, even the powerful oil sector has been dominated by a foreign workforce. But now the authorities are seeking to favor Iraqis.
“There are large companies contracted to the government” which have been asked to limit “foreign worker numbers to 30 percent,” said Aqabi.
“This is in the interests of the domestic labor market,” he said, as 1.6 million Iraqis are unemployed.
He recognized that each household has the right to employ a foreign domestic worker, claiming this was work Iraqis did not want to do.
One agency launched in 2021 that brings in domestic workers from Niger, Ghana and Ethiopia confirms the high demand.
“Before we used to bring in 40 women, but now it’s around 100” a year, said an employee at the agency, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity.
It was a trend picked up from rich countries in the Gulf, the employee said.
“The situation in Iraq is getting better, and with salaries now higher, Iraqi home owners are looking for comfort.”
A domestic worker earns about $230 a month, but the authorities have quintupled the registration fee, with a work permit now costing more than $800.
In the summer, Human Rights Watch denounced what it called a campaign of arbitrary arrests and expulsions targeting Syrians, even those with the necessary paperwork.
HRW said that both homes and work places had been targeted by raids.
Ahmed — another pseudonym — is a 31-year-old Syrian who has been undocumented in Iraq for the past year and a half.
He began as a cook in Baghdad and later moved to Karbala.
“Life is hard here — we don’t have any rights,” he told AFP. “We come in illegally, and the security forces are after us.”
His wife did not accompany him. She stayed in Syria.
“I’d go back if I could,” said Ahmed. “But life there is very difficult. There’s no work.”

Topics: karbala Baghdad

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