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ECP rejects PTI’s claim of appointing retired officers as DROs, ROs

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  • Media reports on appointment of DROs/ROs baseless, says ECP.
  • The commission is yet to take any such decision, says ECP.
  • PTI alleged retd officers appointment for pre-poll rigging.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) claims that the watchdog was appointing retired officers as district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) for the February 8 elections as baseless and contrary to the facts, reported The News on Tuesday.

The ECP Media Coordination and Outreach Wing, in a statement issued on Monday, maintained that the watchdog is yet to take any such decision.

“All media reports regarding the appointment of District Returning Officers/ Returning Officers are baseless and contrary to the facts. The media ran misleading news about the appointment of retired officers as District Returning Officers/Returning Officers. The commission is yet to take any such decision,” the ECP spokesperson said.

He explained the ECP has written letters to the provincial election commissioners to share lists of of DROs and ROs so that updated lists can be finalised. This is an ongoing process in which the ECP considers the appointment of DROs and ROs very important to ensure free, fair and impartial general elections.

“It is being looked at from different angles so that the general elections are fair and transparent. The Election Commission is well aware of all its constitutional responsibilities,” the Election Commission said.

The ECP issued a statement after PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub, in a post on X, had alleged that the retired officers were being appointed as DROs and ROs for pre-poll rigging.

Separately, the PTI’s Core Committee warned that the people will resist if their election mandate was stolen.

In its meeting, the core committee emphasised that the ECP, in consultation with the President Dr Arif Alvi and under the supervision of the Supreme Court, has fixed February 8 as the date for the general elections.

The party said fair elections are the basic requirements for supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, restoration and stability of democracy and peaceful transition of power, it noted.

The party alleged open interference of the state institutions in politics against the constitution and law is causing the worst kind of deterioration in the electoral environment while the “brutal campaign of atrocities and revenge” against the party leaders and workers of PTI is going on without any fear and consideration of the law.

The Supreme Court, the party argued, should take suo motu cognizance of what it alleged the discriminatory state actions against the PTI and ensure equal opportunities for all parties to participate in the elections.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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