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PTI may approach LHC for stay order revocation amid fears of polls delay

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  • Zafar says he did not realise party was trying to get a stay order.
  • Says it was time they should learn to accept election results.
  • PTI may withdraw stay order to expedite case hearing, he says.

The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) has admitted that securing stay order from the Lahore High Court against Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) appointments for general elections was a wrong move, while hinting that the party may approach the court for the withdrawal of its order.

Speaking on Geo News’ ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ show, PTI Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar has said the PTI could move LHC to seek withdrawal of the stay order, on the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs) from the bureaucracy for the general elections.

“The PTI may withdraw the stay order to speed up the case hearing on merits to decide the fate of appointment of DROs and ROs,” he remarked.

He said the impression against the PTI regarding the delay in the elections because of stay order as a result of its plea was somewhat correct and the criticism seemed right.

However, the PTI leader said as far as filing the petition against appointments of officers from bureaucracy was concerned, his party stance on the matter was right.

Nevertheless, admitting to miscommunication or lack of communication in the party, the PTI senator said he did not realise that the party was trying to get a stay order in the reference as there was no need for it.

The LHC issued a stay order on appointment of ROs and DROs from bureaucracy on a petition filed by the PTI. Consequently, the ECP stopped training of the election officers which sparked fears of deferment in polls.

To a query, whether the PTI would accept the poll results if they were conducted by judicial officers reminding him that the PTI did not accept the 2013 election results and the other major parties did not accept the 2018 elections while both the polls were conducted by ROs and DROs from judiciary, Ali Zafar replied it was time that they should learn to accept the election results.

“Even though we want elections to be held by judicial officers and the ECP probably wants them to be conducted by bureaucracy, whatever the results are we should accept them as it is the mandate of the masses,” he said.

Explaining how his party would tackle rigging, the barrister said it was mentioned in the Election Act how evidence had to be provided of rigging in certain constituency. 

A day earlier, the ECP stopped the training of district returning officers and returning officers who were appointed for the upcoming general elections on the LHC order.

PML-N accuses PTI of conspiring to delay elections

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday accused the PTI of hatching a conspiracy to delay the February 8 general elections.

In a statement, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif had said the PTI was conspiring to defer the general elections scheduled to be held on February 8 next year.

Referring to the PTI petition in the LHC against hiring DROs from bureaucracy, the PML-N president said the plea amounted to sabotaging people’s representation.

“The PTI’s petition in the high court is a plot to run away from the elections. PTI is hatching a conspiracy against the February 8 general elections just like cipher. As always, the PTI is applying double-standard and hypocritical policy here,” he said.

The former prime minister further said the PTI was filing petitions in the courts to postpone the polls, while publicly demanding to hold elections on time.

“Even in the 2018 elections, the bureaucracy had carried out the responsibility of DROs. Then the PTI did not object to bureaucratic DROs performing their duty,” he said adding that if the elections of February 8, 2024 were delayed, the PTI would be responsible.

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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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