Pakistan

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday termed the allegations of rigging in November 23 by-elections, particularly in NA-18 Haripur, as “baseless”. By-elections were held for six National Assembly and seven Punjab Assembly seats earlier this month. The PML-N fielded its candidates on all seats except a provincial one in Muzaffargarh, and secured victory on all 12 of them. However, opposition party PTI alleged rigging with leader Asad Qaiser rejecting the results. “As usual, certain specific elements are levelling baseless allegations to make the recent by-elections (particularly NA-18 Haripur) controversial. These allegations include portraying the appointment of the district returning officer (DRO) and returning officer (RO) in NA-18 Haripur as a conspiracy,” the election regulator said in a statement. Terming such claims “entirely contrary to the facts”, the ECP explained that due to a shortage of staff during general elections, it was not possible for the Commission to appoint ROs and DROs its...

JUI-F chief says war is not a solution to any problem

Says ground realities not reflected in statement

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Security forces killed at least three terrorists on Sunday in retaliatory action after one of the attackers blew himself up at the main gate of the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Balochistan’s Nokkundi, according to a statement issued by the spokesperson for FC Balochistan South. The FC spokesperson’s statement said terrorists from Fitna-al-Khawarij “attempted the attack”. Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term that the state uses for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. The statement by the FC spokesperson said one of the “suicide attackers” blew himself up at the headquarters’ main gate, following which quick response force personnel retaliated and killed three terrorists. It added that security forces were carrying out a clearance operation and the “last of the terrorists will also be” dealt with soon. Reports said at least six armed attackers had entered the headquarters after one of the terrorists blew himself up at the entrance. According to last reports received after midnight, the clearance operation was ...

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ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday reiterated its unwavering solidarity with China during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

ISLAMABAD - The federal government announced a reduction in petroleum prices, lowering high-speed diesel by Rs 4.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to significantly enhance their economic and strategic partnership by establishing a Pakistan–Egypt Business Council, aimed at institutionalizing private-sector cooperation and boosting bilateral trade and investment.

ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday expressed hope for expanded economic and people-to-people engagement with Egypt, noting that the 77th anniversary of bilateral ties in 2025 provides an opportunity to renew longstanding cooperation.

Slams PTI founder’s sister for interviews to Indian, Afghan media.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday strongly rejected what it called a “baseless” and “misplaced” statement issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding the recently adopted 27th Constitutional Amendment.

Governor Kundi says he’s not consulted on the matter ISLAMABAD - Preparations for imposing governor rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are reportedly underway, with political and administrative circles considering several potential candidates for the post.

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the protection of health is a fundamental civil right and providing equal opportunities for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care especially to vulnerable and marginalized groups, remained a priority of the government.

PPP chairman says party thwarted push to strip provinces of NFC protection Those playing with NFC award or 18th amend playing with fire PPP won’t support any action that weakens federation.

ISLAMABAD - Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected what he called “unnecessary and irresponsible speculations” surrounding the upcoming appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

Multiple elite clusters capture system as each extracts benefits in different ways