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Election Tribunal Decisions
The political temperature in the country remained high this week as decision of three constituencies was announced by the Election tribunal. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had filed an application to re-open these constituencies. All three decisions came in favour of PTI and against the ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League, as irregularities in these constituencies have been proved and three of its candidates have been de-seated.
In the latest verdict of NA-154, tribunal has annulled the membership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Siddique Baloch and has ordered re- election in the constituency. The election tribunal has also disqualified and banned Siddique Baloch from taking part in elections for life due to his fake degree. Ayaz Sadiq and Saad Rafique – were also de-seated by the election tribunal from NA-122 and NA-125. Meanwhile PTI Chief Imran Khan has announced to celebrate ‘Gratitude Day’ on August 30th following the decisions.
Imran Khan, after the decision, also came up with another demand of resignation of all four provincial election commissioners from their posts as he blamed them for poll- rigging in 2013 general elections.
Meanwhile Election Commission of Pakistan has come up with the reply to the letter submitted by PTI, seeking an explanation on the failures in the organisation and conduct of the 2013 general elections. In its reply, Election Commission declared that it is an independent and constitutional institution and not answerable to any political party and expressed dismay over the “tone and tenor” of Imran’s letter.
Terrorism
Operation and raids against criminal elements and terrorists is in full swing across the country. In a recent operation in Balochistan, security forces killed at least 12 militants, including two leaders, belonging to two banned organizations in Quetta and Sui area of Dera Bugti
According to FC Balochistan the militants who belonged to the banned Baloch Republican Army fired rockets, hand-grenades and mortars on security forces. Meanwhile, four suspected militants, including a commander of the banned Lashker-i-Jhangvi, were killed during the operation in the outskirts of Quetta. According to media reports the terrorists were involved in suicide bombings in Hazara town and attacks on convoys of Shia pilgrims and security forces in Quetta and other areas. Over in North Waziristan Agency (NWA), five soldiers embraced martyrdom and six Taliban terrorists were killed during raids on Pakistan Army checkpoints.
Meanwhile the government expressed commitment to end all kind of terrorism from the country as Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that cracking down on religious and sectarian terrorist groups is the government’s top priority. Chaudhry Nisar also came out strong against those slamming the government for inaction on the National Action Plan.
Amid military operation against militants in the country, firing and attacks are continued by Afghanistan. In a recent incident a rocket fired into Pakistan from Afghanistan killed four soldiers and injured several others according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Afghan Ambassador Janan Mosazai was also summoned for the second time in a week by the Pakistani government to register protest.
Pak- India Talks Suspended
Peace talks between Pakistan and India at security advisers’ level were suspended hours before they were to start on Sunday over the agenda of meeting. Pakistan decided to cancel the planned meeting, citing New Delhi’s refusal to allow an expanded agenda and a meeting with Kashmiri leaders. This is the second time the countries have cancelled talks since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in May last year. However despite a thaw in talks, Pakistani and Indian border security force chiefs are scheduled to meet in New Delhi next month. The chiefs of the Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force will meet in New Delhi from Sept 9 to 13.
Representatives from the two border forces held a meeting at the Wagah-Attari border to discuss agendas of September meeting. The agenda for the meeting would include firing over the Line of Control as well as cross-border smuggling.
Meanwhile the United States expressed disappointment over the cancellation of talks between the national security advisers of Pakistan and India. The US also encourage India and Pakistan to resume formal dialogue.
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