Latest news with #PML-N
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
FAFEN gives Sialkot by-poll all clear
During a by-election at Sialkot PP-52 constituency on Sunday, observers belonging to the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) documented persistent instances of illegal campaigning near polling stations, isolated violations of voter identification, ballot processing, and counting procedures. In a three-page report issued on Tuesday, Fafen, however, noted that the general environment around polling stations remained largely peaceful on the polling day. PML-N's candidate Hina Arshad Warraich received the highest number of votes in the by-election held after the seat fell vacant because of the demise of her father Arshad Warraich. Both the PTI and the PPP had later accused the ruling party of using state machinery to win the polls. The report said the by-election was marked by a slight decrease in voter turnout and a reduction in the number of invalid votes compared to the 2024 General Elections amidst isolated procedural irregularities, including the disruption of the counting process by police officials at a polling station. Despite a decline in turnout – from 50% to 45% – the margin of victory increased significantly, from 8,535 votes in GE-2024 to 39,684 in the by-poll. The Provisional Consolidated Statement of the Results of Count (Form-47) was finalized at approximately 1:15 am, well within the legal deadline of 2:00 am. The report cited a particularly serious incident, in which a police contingent entered the premises of Polling Station No 169 when the count of ballots was underway. "They removed the party agents and observers present in the counting hall and took the election materials and polling staff away with them without waiting for the process to be completed. Fafen was unable to obtain a copy of the result of the count of the polling station for the by-election." The report noted that while voter turnout in the by-election was lower than in GE-2024, it was slightly higher than the turnout recorded in the recent NA-213 Umerkot by-election held in April 2025. Female voter turnout dropped from 47 percent in GE-2024 to 39 percent, while male turnout decreased from 53 percent to 50 percent in the by-election. "According to Form-47, the PML-N's vote share rose from 41 percent in GE-2024 to 59 percent in the by-election. The runner-up independent candidate, backed by PTI, saw his vote share decline from 35 percent to 29 percent." Fafen had deployed ten trained observers including seven men and three women, who observed voting and counting processes at 39 of the 185 polling stations established in the constituency. According to Fafen observers, around 79 percent of the observed polling stations had party's/candidate's camps in the close vicinity of polling stations while 85 percent polling stations had banners or flags of contesting candidates or parties displayed in their surroundings. The party camps around polling stations were also displaying campaign materials and distributing voter chits and food to visitors around 23 percent of the observed polling stations. Party-supported vehicles were seen providing transport to voters outside 46 percent of the observed polling stations. It said the polling officers were observed to be checking the National Identity Cards (NICs), marking the thumbs of the eligible voters with indelible ink, obtaining their thumb impressions on electoral rolls and striking off their names on the electoral rolls at almost all of the observed polling booths. "However, they were observed to be skipping to loudly call out the name of the voters so that the polling agents could know the identity of incoming voters and match it with their copy of electoral rolls at 49 percent of the observed polling booths," it added.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab CM announces up to 40pc relief in power tariffs
LAHORE: Punjab Cabinet, which met here Tuesday with the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in the chair, accorded approval for reduction in tariffs of Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Private Limited and Punjab Thermal Power Private Limited. The Chief Minister also announced to reduce power tariffs in order to reduce electricity bills so as to provide maximum relief to the people. The Chief Minister approved to reduce the tariffs of Punjab's power companies. On the direction of Chief Minister, the tariffs may be reduced by 30 to 40 percent. Punjab became the first province to voluntarily reduce electricity tariffs. The Chief Minister said that people repose their complete trust in the leadership and government of PML-N. The provincial cabinet extended congratulations to the CM on party's win in the by-election at Sambrial. It was apprised that the victory gained with a huge majority in 80 percent rural provincial constituencies is a manifestation of farmers' complete confidence in the policies of Chief Minister Punjab. A large number of youth and women cast their votes in the Sambrial by-election. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Provincial Minister Zeeshan Rafique and Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik. Minister Zeeshan Rafique informed the cabinet that the people voted in large numbers due to public welfare initiatives and projects of Chief Minister Punjab. Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik said that people came out of their homes in a large number and voted for PML-N. The Chief Minister congratulated the Minister for Health, Minister for Communications and relevant secretaries for ensuring improvements in the conditions of hospital and roads in Layyah. She directed to take necessary steps for the establishment of a medical college in Layyah. The cabinet approved a grant-in-aid of Rs 400 million to the Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation. The PJHF will pay RUDA for the land of Lahore Press Club Housing Scheme Phase II. The CM said that a huge package is going to be given to the wheat farmers. It was informed in the meeting that the payment of Rs 5,000 per acre subsidy has been completed to 514,000 wheat farmers in Punjab. The payment will be made after the verification process of another 500,000 wheat farmers is completed. An amount of Rs. 63 billion was provided in the second phase through Kisan Card and farmers have purchased fertilizer worth Rs 18 billion. The cabinet approved the Chief Minister Wheat Program 2025. The establishment of Punjab's first 'Air Punjab Private Limited Company' was also approved. The CM set a target of starting 'Air Punjab' within one year. She directed to take immediate steps for closing vaping centres in the province. She directed to ensure 'safety gear' for labourers and workers and assigned the Labour Department a target of implementing safety SOPs for workers within a month. The provincial cabinet approved ration cards for workers and miners registered with the Labour Department. The meeting also approved the provision of electric buses in nine divisions of Punjab. The CM directed to establish charging stations in all major cities as soon as possible. The meeting approved the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Lahore Act 2025. The CM directed to admit all sick children to the autism centre without any discrimination. The cabinet approved the transfer of land to establish Pakistan's first Nawaz Sharif Medical District in Lahore. The medical District will have blood diseases, bone marrow and all other specialized centers on a five thousand kanals of land. Parks, hotels, food court, play area and urban forest will be established in the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. A globally renowned institution has contacted for the establishment of a children hospital in the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. The Chief Minister set a target of providing essential facilities in all schools across Punjab. Classrooms, toilet blocks, furniture and laboratories will be built in every school worth Rs. 40 billion. The provincial cabinet approved the provision of 1100 interest-free electric taxis in Lahore. The meeting approved Punjab's first child protection policy to determine the responsibilities of institutions to ensure the safety of children. Special grant-in-aid was approved for the heirs of those killed in the attack in the Attock District Courts. Eco-tourism projects were approved in Changa Manga Wildlife, Lal Sohanra National Park. The cabinet approved the construction, repair and upgradation of bus shelters in Lahore. Approval was also given to build depots for electric buses at Thokar Niaz Baig and Railway Station. The meeting approved an Rs 100 billion Chief Minister Punjab Special Financing Facility to assist flour mills and food grains license holders. The implementation of the Electronic Warehouse Reset System (EWR) was approved to facilitate farmers. The cabinet approved the presentation of the annual report of the Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (P-TEVTA) for 2022-23 in the Punjab Assembly. The proposal to delegate the powers of sub-registrars to Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars was also approved. The formation of agencies to be established under the Punjab Road Safety Authority Act 2023 was approved. The cabinet approved the Measurement Book in the Public Works Department. The Punjab Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2025 was also approved. Amendments to the Punjab Motor Vehicle Rules 1969 were approved for the provision of reflective number plates. Approval for issuance of Personalized Vanity Plates (PVP) in Punjab/ Reserve Price and Transfer Fee was approved. The provincial cabinet approved the registration of electric vehicles in Punjab. Reward system for officers/ officials and informers of the Excise Taxation and Narcotics Department was approved. Amendments to the Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities Act, 2024 were approved. The meeting approved the Mines and Minerals Act, 2025, to harmonize the regulatory framework of the mineral resources sector. A service level agreement for technical assistance between the Punjab Information Technology Board and the Higher Education Department was approved. The Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services Bill, 2025 was approved. The dissolution of the Board of Management of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health, Lahore and the formation of an Administration Committee under the Punjab Medical and Health Institutions Act, 2003 were approved. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N's Hina Arshad Warraich wins PP-52 Sialkot by-election
Listen to article Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Hina Arshad Warraich has secured a decisive victory in the PP-52 Sialkot by-election, winning 78,419 votes, Radio Pakistan reported. Her closest rival, Fakhir Nishat Ghumman, was significantly behind with 40,037 votes, according to unofficial results from all 185 polling stations. PTI has decried alleged rigging. Congratulations to Hina Arshad Warraich. I hope she will carry the legacy of her father and that legacy is helping the people of the constituency. Good luck 🍀 #PMLN — Sunny 🏆🇵🇸 (@Its_SuNnYzzZ_77) June 2, 2025 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated Warraich on her success, describing the victory as a clear reflection of public trust in the government's policies. Both leaders expressed their gratitude towards the electorate for showing overwhelming support for the ruling party. The by-election, which was closely watched, further strengthens PML-N's position in the Punjab Assembly, with analysts pointing out the magnitude of Warraich's victory as a significant political win for the party. Earlier, she was leading with 78,702 votes in PP-52 Sialkot by-elections, according to unofficial and incomplete results from 165 out of 185 polling stations received in the late hours of Sunday. Hina was fielded as the ruling party's candidate in the by-elections announced after the death of MPA Chaudhry Arshad Warraich, who had won the seat in the Feb 8 general elections on the PML-N's ticket. Hina held a clear lead over candidates from other parties, including the PTI-backed independent candidate Fakhir Nishat Ghumman, who secured 39,018 votes, according to the unofficial tally. Speaking to a private TV channel, Hina said the people did not elect her for politics but for service. "I stand here today because of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz," she stated. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who also belongs to Sialkot, visited the residence of Hina Warraich. Addressing party workers, he thanked those who participated in the election campaign across Punjab, adding that based on results from 165 polling stations, Hina is securing a decisive victory. "Sialkot was, is, and will remain a stronghold of the PML-N," he said. PTI's Central Secretary for Information, Sheikh Waqas Akram, during a press conference in Islamabad, however, alleged that the by-election in PP-52 Sambrial witnessed "thuggery under police patronage". "The turnout at our rally in Sambrial was unforgettable. People came out early in the morning to protect the mandate, but the PML-N's goons resorted to violence," he claimed. He alleged that under police protection, PTI supporters were forcibly removed from polling stations and subjected to violence. "PML-N forcibly entered polling stations and cast fake votes," he said. PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also accused the PML-N of resorting to rigging in a press conference held in Sambrial. "The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must take notice of the rigging in the PP-52 by-election. Our polling agents and workers were attacked in Roliya, Begowal, Mitranwali, and Babundoki Chamiyan. "Local PML-N leadership should not have resorted to such actions this undermines the credibility of the entire electoral process," he added. Elections should be free and fair. Our people were harassed and forced out of polling stations." PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza also claimed that the PML-N cannot contest elections "without siding with the umpires". The 2024 elections, he said, witnessed the worst rigging in history." After the press conference, the ECP issued a statement describing Raja Pervaiz Ashraf's allegations of rigging in PP-52 Sialkot as baseless. It advised PPP leaders to file a formal complaint with solid evidence. "The ECP will address all complaints promptly," it said, adding that the reports about the administration shutting down various polling stations are completely false.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Field Marshal must act on Kashmir, Palestine too: Hafiz Naeem
Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has called on the country's military leadership to actively take up the causes of Kashmir and Palestine. Addressing a large rally titled "Down with Israel and India" at Koh-i-Noor Chowk, he said Pakistan must go beyond statements and play a leading role in supporting oppressed Muslims globally. He said, "If we don't raise our voice for Gaza and Kashmir, we will lose the nation's support. One who saves a life saves all humanity-this is our duty." He also criticised Pakistan's political elite for remaining silent on Israeli aggression, accusing PML-N, PPP and PTI of fearing US displeasure. Hafiz Naeem praised countries like South Africa, Spain and Ireland for taking a bold stand against Israel, and urged Pakistan to lead a Muslim world summit, both political and military, to demand an end to Israeli atrocities and Indian occupation in Kashmir. He warned that continued silence and inaction from Muslim rulers and Pakistan's own establishment would erode public trust. "People backed you against India despite their grievances. But if you stay quiet on Palestine and Kashmir, the nation will stop standing with you," he said.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N leads in Sialkot by-elections
PML-N's Hina Arshad Warraich was leading with 78,702 votes in PP-52 Sialkot by-elections, according to unofficial and incomplete results from 165 out of 185 polling stations received in the late hours of Sunday. Hina was fielded as the ruling party's candidate in the by-elections announced after the death of MPA Chaudhry Arshad Warraich who had won the seat in the Feb 8 general elections on the PML-N's ticket. Hina held a clear lead over candidates from other parties including the PTI-backed independent candidate Fakhar Nishat Ghumman, who secured 39,018 votes, according to the unofficial tally. Speaking to a private TV channel, Hina said the people did not elect her for politics but for service. "I stand here today because of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz," she stated. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who also belongs to Sialkot, visited the residence of Hina Warraich. Addressing party workers, he thanked those who participated in the election campaign across Punjab, adding that based on results from 165 polling stations, Hina is securing a decisive victory. "Sialkot was, is, and will remain a stronghold of the PML-N," he said. PTI's Central Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, during a press conference in Islamabad, however, alleged that the by-election in PP-52 Sambrial witnessed "thuggery under police patronage". "The turnout at our rally in Sambrial was unforgettable. People came out early in the morning to protect the mandate, but the PML-N's goons resorted to violence," he claimed. He alleged that under police protection, PTI supporters were forcibly removed from polling stations and subjected to violence. "PML-N forcibly entered polling stations and cast fake votes," he said. PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also accused the PML-N of resorting to rigging in a press conference held in Sambrial. "The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must take notice of the rigging in the PP-52 by-election. Our polling agents and workers were attacked in Roliya, Begowal, Mitranwali, and Babundoki Chamiyan. "Local PML-N leadership should not have resorted to such actionsthis undermines the credibility of the entire electoral process," he added. "Elections should be free and fair. Our people were harassed and forced out of polling stations." PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza also claimed that the PML-N cannot contest elections "without siding with the umpires". The 2024 elections, he said, witnessed the worst rigging in history." After the press conference, the ECP issued a statement describing Raja Pervaiz Ashraf's allegations of rigging in PP-52 Sialkot as baseless. It advised PPP leaders to file a formal complaint with solid evidence. "The ECP will address all complaints promptly," it said, adding that the reports about the administration shutting down various polling stations are completely false.
