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PTI remains most popular party in Pakistan: report

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  • Difference in popularity came down to around 5% in Punjab.
  • Countrywide popularity of PTI is higher than its popularity in 2018.
  • PML-N’s post-April 2022 unpopularity seen improvement. 

Some latest on-ground assessments about the standing of different political leaders and political parties still show Imran Khan and PTI as the most popular countrywide. Punjab has, however, started changing its mood.

Informed sources said that the vast popularity gap between PTI and PMLN in Punjab has started shrinking in favour of the latter. The difference in terms of their popularity, which was around 15% high for the PTI a few months back, has come down to around 5% in the province.

The countrywide popularity gap between the two leading political parties still shows PTI considerably far more popular than the PML-N. However, in the case of Punjab, PMLN has shown improvement and is close to giving good competition to the PTI in the general elections in the province.

These sources, while referring to the latest survey, said that the countrywide present popularity of the PTI is higher than its popularity in 2018, when the last general election was held. In the case of PMLN, the party’s popularity is less than where it stood in 2018.

It is believed that the PML-N’s post-April 2022 unpopularity in Punjab, which has been its stronghold, has seen improvement during the recent months and after the return of Nawaz Sharif from self-exile.

Next five weeks, before the Feb 8 general elections, are said to be critically important for the political parties as well as the voters. As the election campaign by the political parties will gain momentum with every passing day, it is said, that the voters’ trend will also change. The surveys and assessments about the election results become more relevant when done close to the polling day. 

A survey conducted by Gallup in June-July last year, had shown that 38% respondents strongly like PTI, 16%  strongly like PMLN, 10% strongly like PPP, 15% strongly like TLP, 9% strongly liked JI, 6% strongly like MQMP.

Among politicians, according to last year survey, the positive approval rating of Imran Khan was the highest at 60% followed by Saad Rizvi and Pervaiz Elahi 38% each, Shah Mehmood Qureshi 37%, Nawaz Sharif 36%, Shehbaz Sharif 35%, Maryam Nawaz 30%, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi 28% and others.

In Punjab, the positive approval rating of Imran Khan was 58%, Saad Rizvi 49%, Pervaiz Elahi 49%, Shah Mehmood Qureshi 43%, Shehbaz Sharif 43%, Nawaz Sharif 41%, Maryam Nawaz 37%, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi 33% and others. Bilawal Bhutto’s name is missing from the list because he was not assessed in the survey.

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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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