Pakistan regulator completes printing of 260 million ballot papers for Feb. 8 national elections

Pakistan regulator completes printing of 260 million ballot papers for Feb. 8 national elections
Workers prepare ballot boxes before sending it to different polling stations for the upcoming general elections, at the Election Commission office in Peshawar on February 4, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 04 February 2024
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Pakistan regulator completes printing of 260 million ballot papers for Feb. 8 national elections

Pakistan regulator completes printing of 260 million ballot papers for Feb. 8 national elections
  • More than 17,000 candidates are contesting elections for 266 national, 593 provincial seats
  • A total of 128.6 million Pakistanis are expected to exercise their right to vote in the elections

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s election oversight body has completed the printing of 260 million ballot papers for 859 national and provincial assembly constituencies across the country, it said on Sunday, three days before the South Asian country heads to national elections.
Pakistan is scheduled to hold the elections on February 8, with 17,800 candidates running for 266 national and 593 provincial seats and a total of 128.6 million voters expected to exercise their right to vote in the elections.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said it had finished the printing process even in the constituencies where ballot papers had to be reprinted due to court verdicts on petitions filed by political parties and candidates with regard to election nominations.
“Now the process of delivery of ballot papers has begun across the country which will be completed by tomorrow (Monday),” the ECP said in a statement.
In the 2018 general elections, the ECP said it had printed 220 million ballot papers, using 800 tons of special security paper.
“However, 2,170 tons of paper were used for the printing of 260 million ballot papers for the 2024 general elections, mainly due to the increased number of candidates in the constituencies which is 150 times more than the 2018 elections,” the ECP said.
The regulator said it encountered many challenges, including court cases, during the process of printing of ballot papers, but fulfilled its responsibility in limited time.
“By timely completing the printing of ballot papers, it has been ensured that all voters can exercise their right to vote in the February 8 elections,” it added.
Like the past several elections, the upcoming polls in Pakistan have also been marred by allegations of pre-poll rigging, mainly by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Several members of the PTI, which says it is facing a state-backed crackdown, were able to submit their election nominations after challenging their rejection by the election regulator in courts.
Khan, who has been in jail on graft charges since August and was sentenced in multiple cases this week, says the campaign against him is an attempt by the caretaker government and the military to keep him from returning to power after analysts say he fell out with the generals that led to his ouster in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022.
The military denies the allegation, while the caretaker government overseeing the polls says it has no favorites.


IMF delegation discusses Islamabad’s $7 billion loan performance with Pakistani officials

IMF delegation discusses Islamabad’s $7 billion loan performance with Pakistani officials
Updated 1 min 29 sec ago
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IMF delegation discusses Islamabad’s $7 billion loan performance with Pakistani officials

IMF delegation discusses Islamabad’s $7 billion loan performance with Pakistani officials
  • IMF Pakistan Mission Chief Nathan Porter meets Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb 
  • International lender approved 37-month, $7 billion loan program for Pakistan in September 

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Pakistan Mission Chief Nathan Porter met Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday, the finance ministry said, as he arrived in the country to discuss Islamabad’s performance regarding the $7 billion bailout program approved earlier. 
The IMF said last week Porter would arrive in Islamabad from Nov. 11-15 to discuss recent developments and Pakistan’s loan “program performance to date.” The IMF had clarified that Porter’s visit was not part of the first review of the loan program, which it said would take place not before the first quarter of 2025.
Porter’s visit takes place amid Islamabad’s efforts to overcome ongoing economic challenges, reform its fiscal policies and bring about structural reforms as part of its commitments to the global lender. 
In July, the IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan for a 37-month $7 billion bailout package while in September, the Fund’s Executive Board approved the 25th loan program that Pakistan has obtained since 1958.
“A delegation led by IMF Mission Chief Nathan Porter had an initial meeting with Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb,” the Ministry of Finance said. 
Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervez Malik, Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmed, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and senior finance ministry officials were also present in the meeting, the ministry said. 
Islamabad secured the $7 billion loan, critical to keeping its $350 billion fragile economy afloat, after taking painful measures such as hiking fuel and food prices and implementing reforms to broaden the country’s tax base and privatize state-owned entities. 
The country’s stock market has also seen a bullish trend in recent weeks, which government and financial analysts have attributed to Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic conditions and improved investor sentiments.


Pakistani-American investors pledge $20 million for Pakistan’s IT sector at California conference

Pakistani-American investors pledge $20 million for Pakistan’s IT sector at California conference
Updated 12 November 2024
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Pakistani-American investors pledge $20 million for Pakistan’s IT sector at California conference

Pakistani-American investors pledge $20 million for Pakistan’s IT sector at California conference
  • Investment conference draws IT firms, venture capitalists and tech professionals from Pakistani diaspora
  • Pakistan’s IT exports face significant challenges from Internet connectivity issues due to firewall installations

ISLAMABAD: A recently held Pakistan-US Tech Investment Conference in California yielded initial commitments of over $20 million by US-based companies led by Pakistani American entrepreneurs, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported this week, describing the development as a “pivotal moment” for the country’s information technology sector.
The event was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh on Sunday and was organized by the Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles. It was supported by Pakistan’s Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
The conference was held at Stanford University and drew a broad range of participants, including IT firms, venture capitalists, tech professionals and prominent members of the Pakistani diaspora, the APP reported. Government officials and journalists were also in attendance. 
“A Pakistan-US Tech Investment Conference, held in California, on Sunday, marked a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s IT sector with an initial commitment of over $20 million by American companies led by Pakistani-American entrepreneurs,” APP reported on Monday. 

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh speaks during Pakistan-US Tech Investment Conference in California on November 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Embassy US)

Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the IT sector and achieving an ambitious $25 billion export target during her keynote address. She highlighted strategic initiatives fostering an investor-friendly environment, urging the Pakistani diaspora to seize these opportunities, the state-run media said. 
“Ms. Khawaja said Pakistan’s IT sector was thriving, with exports already exceeding $3 billion,” APP said. “She noted that the government remained fully committed to supporting the IT industry, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the momentum continues to fuel both technological and economic progress.”

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh (3L), sitting with Pakistan-American investors, speaks during a press briefing at the Pakistan-US Tech Investment Conference in California on November 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Embassy US)

The conference featured projects in diverse areas including artificial intelligence, fintech, health tech, e-commerce and software development. These initiatives were aimed at generating employment, attracting foreign investment and seamlessly integrating Pakistan’s IT landscape into the global market.
Sheikh urged American businesses to explore Pakistan’s vibrant market and called on the Pakistani-American tech community to act as a bridge for deeper economic collaboration between the two countries. He also addressed common misconceptions, reaffirming Pakistan’s reputation as a flourishing investment destination which he said was also being recognized at the global level.
The PSEB delegation, led by its chief executive officer, included 11 Pakistani startups. A representative from the US State Department’s economic team for Pakistan also attended the event, reinforcing bilateral support from Washington, the state media said. 

Participants gesture for a group photo with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh during Pakistan-US Tech Investment Conference in California on November 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Embassy US)

While Pakistan collaborates with countries such as Saudi Arabia and others in IT frequently, its IT exports face significant challenges due to Internet connectivity issues stemming from firewall installations to regulate content and social media platforms. This hinders local tech firms’ ability to communicate with international clients and results in delayed deliveries, loss of business opportunities and a tarnished reputation for Pakistan’s IT industry, ultimately stifling growth and costing millions of rupees in losses.


Pakistan PM praises Muslim World League for advocating Muslim causes, fostering unity

Pakistan PM praises Muslim World League for advocating Muslim causes, fostering unity
Updated 12 November 2024
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Pakistan PM praises Muslim World League for advocating Muslim causes, fostering unity

Pakistan PM praises Muslim World League for advocating Muslim causes, fostering unity
  • Shehbaz Sharif met with MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa in Riyadh
  • The two figures discussed various projects and initiatives that were being planned by the two sides

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met with Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and praised his organization for advocating the causes of and fostering unity among Muslim countries, Sharif’s office said.
Sharif met the secretary-general of the MWL, a Makkah-based non-governmental organization that represents followers of Islam around the world, in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, where the Pakistan premier was attending an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit on the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, and rising tensions in the Middle East amid ongoing Israeli military campaigns.
He appreciated the “remarkable” work being done by the MWL in promoting the true image of Islam around the world, particularly lauding the leadership of the secretary-general in steering the organization.
“Muslim World League had a critical role in advocating for Muslim causes and spreading the message of fraternity, tolerance and mutual respect,” he said. “[This] is particularly important during the ongoing conflict in Gaza and various other challenges confronting the Muslim world.”
The Prime Minister recalled the secretary-general’s visit to Pakistan in April this year and said he was looking forward to early completion of various projects and initiatives that were being planned by the two sides.
He mentioned the establishment of the Seerat Musuem in Pakistan and said this noble project would be instrumental in highlighting various aspects of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Sharif laid the foundation stone of the museum that would exhibit relics related to the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) at a ceremony in Islamabad on April 14, which was also attended by the MWL secretary-general.
Through these projects, Sharif said, the MWL was attracting the attention of younger generation and reinforcing the timeless message of Islam by using latest digital technologies. He hoped to receive the secretary-general soon in Pakistan to build on the momentum and fast track implementation of ongoing projects.
“The Secretary General of Muslim World League praised the Prime Minister for his commitment and efforts to further strengthen ties between Pakistan and Muslim Ummah,” Sharif’s office said. “He also congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of his recent visits to Saudi Arabia.”


Pakistan PM arrives in Baku to present Pakistan’s ‘climate priorities’ at COP29

Pakistan PM arrives in Baku to present Pakistan’s ‘climate priorities’ at COP29
Updated 12 November 2024
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Pakistan PM arrives in Baku to present Pakistan’s ‘climate priorities’ at COP29

Pakistan PM arrives in Baku to present Pakistan’s ‘climate priorities’ at COP29
  • The annual UN climate summit, which opened on Monday, is expected to see tough talks on finance and trade
  • PM Shehbaz Sharif will call on developed nations to undertake deeper emission cuts, Pakistani foreign office says

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday to attend the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), where the premier said Pakistan would present its climate priorities and call for commitments that usher in “real, measurable impact.”
The annual UN climate summit, which opened on Monday, is expected to see tough talks on finance and trade, following a year of weather disasters that have emboldened developing countries in their demands for climate cash. Nearly 200 countries are gathering for the summit, where reaching a consensus for a deal among so many will be difficult.
Sharif will address the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on Nov. 13, while he will also attend several high-level events on the sidelines of the summit and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, Pakistan’s foreign office said in an earlier statement. 
“Just landed in Baku, a city that beautifully bridges cultures and continents — symbolizing the unity we need to overcome our shared climate challenges,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X. “At #COP29, Pakistan will present its climate priorities, calling for commitments that bring real, measurable impact.” 
Pakistan is ranked the 5th most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. In 2022, devastating floods killed over 1,700 people and affected over 33 million, with economic losses exceeding $30 billion. International donors last January committed over $9 billion to help Pakistan recover from the ruinous floods but little of that cash has yet to trickle in, according to officials.
Pakistan also regularly faces other climate change-induced effects such as droughts, cyclones, torrential rainstorms and heatwaves. Currently, record-high air pollution levels have triggered hundreds of hospitalizations, school closures and stay-at-home orders in the eastern city of Lahore and other cities in the populous Punjab province, which has been enveloped in a thick, toxic smog since last month.
A mix of low-grade fuel emissions from factories and vehicles, exacerbated by agricultural stubble burning, blanket Lahore and its surroundings each winter, trapped by cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds. The city of 14 million people stuffed with factories on the border with India regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, but it has hit record levels this month, as has New Delhi.
“At the COP29, Pakistan will call for balanced and ambitious progress on all issues such as loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation. It will seek predictable financing to address developing countries’ climate goals,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in an earlier statement. 
“Pakistan will also underscore the historical responsibility and the principle of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibility and call on developed nations to undertake deeper emission cuts.”
Officials said this month Pakistan will urge developed countries at COP29, being held from Nov. 11 till Nov. 22, to fulfill past pledges and provide easy access to climate funding without attaching conditions.
“Pakistan is very clear on our stance on what we need from all the developed countries when it comes to the pledges, one, they need to complete their pledges, they need to fulfill their pledges, and two, easy access to the fundings,” Romina Khurshid Alam, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s coordinator on climate change, told Arab News in an interview on Nov. 8.


UN warns toxic smog in Pakistan’s Punjab province is endangering children

UN warns toxic smog in Pakistan’s Punjab province is endangering children
Updated 11 November 2024
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UN warns toxic smog in Pakistan’s Punjab province is endangering children

UN warns toxic smog in Pakistan’s Punjab province is endangering children
  • Toxic smog has shrouded Lahore and 17 other districts in Punjab since last month
  • Health officials say over 40,000 people have been treated for respiratory ailments

ISLAMABAD: The UN children’s agency on Monday warned that the health of 11 million children in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province is in danger because of air pollution that experts say has become a fifth season in recent years.
Toxic smog has shrouded Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore and 17 other districts in Punjab since last month. Health officials say more than 40,000 people have been treated for respiratory ailments.
UNICEF’s representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, in a statement urged the government to make urgent and greater efforts to reduce air pollution for the 11 million affected children under the age of 5 and others.
“Prior to these record-breaking levels of air pollution, about 12 percent of deaths in children under 5 in Pakistan were due to air pollution,” Fadil said. “The impact of this year’s extraordinary smog will take time to assess, but we know that doubling and tripling the amount of pollution in the air will have devastating effects, particularly on children and pregnant women.”
Pakistan has shut schools until Nov. 17 in parts of Punjab as part of measures aimed at protecting children’s health. Authorities on Friday ordered the closure of all parks and museums for 10 days, and they have been urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.
According to the Environmental Protection Department in Punjab, Multan remained the most polluted city on Monday, with air quality index readings of about 800. Anything over 300 is considered hazardous to health.
Though the government has ordered the mandatory wearing of face masks, that has been widely disregarded. The government has also said it was looking into methods to induce artificial rainfall to combat the pollution.