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Congratulations, Pakistan!

May 21st, 2013 | 62 Comments

By Saad hafiz: Despite allegations of polling irregularities, Pakistanis can be rightly proud of the outcome of the electoral process that culminated on May 11. An unprecedented turnout around 60 percent Pakistan’s 86 million registered voters, and the exceptional enthusiasm and political maturity shown by the voters who braved Taliban threats and violence have bolstered the democratic process. President Asif Zardari and Mr Nawaz Sharif, who shunned the past practice of using political violence by civilian leaders against each other, deserve the most credit for the orderly civilian transition. The moderation shown by the political leadership can help build a peaceful political tradition that, hopefully, will filter down into the society at large. This can only strengthen … Read entire article »

Political parties and elections

May 17th, 2013 | 52 Comments

by Saad Hafiz Pakistan’s historic path has been ridden by intrigue, strife and bloodshed overseen by power-hungry generals and money grubbing politicians. The chaos in the country also proves that a common religious identity is not a guarantee of stability, security, democracy and free elections. Past elections have not been able to foster a feeling of common destiny. Some elections were so widely and flagrantly rigged that civil rebellion broke out requiring the army to be called in, thus exposing the weakness of political leadership in the country. The army simply shoved the political leadership aside through a coup d’état when it realised that political power depended on it. The Pakistani electorate has an opportunity this … Read entire article »

Fairer Election, Darker Result

May 14th, 2013 | 11 Comments

Pakistan Elections 2013 have finally concluded. After years of complaints, protests, campaigning, Pakistan has elected a new party to rule over them for potentially five years. Before discussing the election results, it is incumbent to discuss the actual election process and media coverage. Election was very impressive in terms of being ‘free and fair.’ The process closely resembles the process of Federal Election in Canada. From standing in line to giving proof that you are on the voters list to the standing behind a cardboard box to cast your vote. Everything is in-line with a Democratic country like Canada. Now back to discussing ‘free and fair’ because we all know there are complaints right across the board … Read entire article »

PTI and PPP: What Went Wrong?

May 14th, 2013 | 58 Comments

Raza Habib Raja I must admit one thing: I had never expected around two years ago that Imran Khan’s Facebook supporters will actually come out on the polling day and vote. In fact not only they came out but they actually instilled passion and enthusiasm in the entire election campaign. Imran has motivated them and touched the raw visceral nerve of the class which previously has largely been apolitical. His appeal also influenced many of the youngsters from major urban cities who all came out during the campaign filling huge venues like Minar-e-Pakistan. Apart from that Imran’s influence was also dominant in conservative belt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KP). These three set of demographics formed the core constituency of … Read entire article »

Some Thoughts on Imran Khan

May 9th, 2013 | 31 Comments

By Nadeem Bajwa Although I respect and admire Khan for the cricketing hero he once was, for the philanthropist he still is and for the revolutionary leader he aspires to be, I fail to follow him blindly as many of my fellow countrymen do. But to some extent their actions are justifiable by our political culture and the depths that we have driven our country into. He might be patriotic, untainted by financial corruption and charismatic, but does that make him worthy of leading a nation or a country? The road to revolution is not paved with fundamental contradictions, U-turns and half-baked theories. It is forged, inch by inch, by character, self-sacrifice, unswerving principles and passion for the … Read entire article »

Brave or Foolhardy?

May 8th, 2013 | 3 Comments

Brave or Foolhardy?

by: Hafsa Khawaja There are usually, if not always, a certain set of characteristics and qualities that a people expect their leader to have. Amongst the numerous of honesty, integrity and dignity that Pakistanis seek in a leader, is also bravery. With the elections approaching fast, the idea of bravery seems to have been accorded quite a role with populism … Read entire article »

Elections 2013: A guide for the perplexed

May 6th, 2013 | 23 Comments

by Ghazala Akbar: General Election! Which Election? Depends on where you are. Contrary to popular belief there is not one but are several elections simultaneously taking place in Pakistan. First and foremost there is the contest in the populous province of Punjab often described as the heart of Pakistan. This is where the political heavyweights, the Establishment and the majority of the electorate reside. In electoral terms, the Punjab is the decisive battleground. Whosoever has the bulk of the seats here will be in a strong position to direct the shape and composition of the next government. That is the crux of the matter. Like it or lump it. Presently there is a right royal battle raging … Read entire article »

Why is Imran Khan Endorsing Purana Pakistan?

May 6th, 2013 | 30 Comments

Most of you have probably by now heard of the Ahmadi-Imran Khan brouhaha of the past few days where the PTI central media cell, and then Imran Khan himself, issued statements that they are in no way soliciting the support of the Ahmadi community, that Khan has “an absolute belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad PBUH”, and that PTI “totally subscribes to” and has no plans to amend the clauses of the Constitution that brand Ahmadis non-Muslims and liars (you can see a good summary of the whole episode here). I assume most of you are deeply troubled by this. I am, to the extent that I’m questioning my (until yesterday) almost-made decision to vote … Read entire article »

Election Update – 1st May to 3rd May, 2013

May 5th, 2013 | Add a Comment

1st May, 2013   Elections to occur on schedule stresses Kayani Pakistan will go to polls as scheduled as it is a golden opportunity to usher in an era of true democratic values in the country, Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said amid mounting attacks by the Taliban to derail the historic general elections. < Read More – http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-01/pakistan/38956617_1_ashfaq-parvez-kayani-pakistani-taliban-polls >   Gilgit-Baltistan observing elections from the fringes Gilgit-Baltistan might be the last thing on the minds of Pakistan’s election-contesting parties — none of them have included these far-flung northern areas in their manifestos — but its more politically inclined residents are keeping a close eye on who gets to form a government in Islamabad come May 11. < Read More – … Read entire article »

Election Update – 30th April, 2013

May 3rd, 2013 | 8 Comments

Court bans Musharraf from contesting polls for life Virtually sealing his political comeback plans, a provincial High Court today banned former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf from contesting elections for the rest of his life on a day another put him in judicial custody till three days after the general elections on May 11. < Read More – http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/pak-court-bans-musharraf-from-contesting-polls-for-life_845685.html >   ECP postpones election in Jhal Magsi after candidate’s death ECP postponed the election in PB 32 after body of an independent candidate Abdul Fateh Magsi from Balochistan’s Jhal Magsi area was recovered. According to initial details, the candidate and eight were kidnapped last night. The bodies of Magsi and three others were recovered while five others remain missing. The … Read entire article »

Election Update – 29th April, 2013

May 3rd, 2013 | 1 Comment

PPP could offer PM slot to Imran: Wattoo A senior leader of the PPP predicts that his party and PTI could form the next coalition government at the centre. He also foresees the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz as coalition partners in Punjab. “The PPP could also offer Imran Khan the office of prime minister in the coalition government,” Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, the president of PPP’s central Punjab chapter, said in a candid interview. < Read More – http://tribune.com.pk/story/541943/ppp-willing-to-offer-pm-slot-to-imran-wattoo/ >   ANP candidate’s brother shot dead by militants Brother of the Awami National Party candidate of PK-35, who was attacked Saturday night by unknown suspected militants, succumbed to his injuries at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, said party … Read entire article »

Imran Khan, Taliban and Ahmedis

May 3rd, 2013 | 230 Comments

Raza Habib Raja Recently once again Imran Khan is in news for all the wrong reasons. First, he denied TTP’s involvement in Benazir Bhutto’s assassination and then followed it up with refuting “rumors” that he had sought Ahmedis support in the coming election. He also categorically denied that he will change 1973’s constitution (which made Islam a state religion) or repeal the controversial Second Amendment. Understandably, both these news have created uproar at least among those who consider themselves as liberals in Pakistan. Since our liberalism is now restricted to Facebook and Twitter, I saw tweets as well as status FB updates expressing horror over Imran Khan’s recent statements. First of all, let me make one thing … Read entire article »

Election Update – 28th April, 2013

May 2nd, 2013 | Add a Comment

Imran asks Taliban to stop deadly attacks PTI Chairman Imran Khan, condemning a recent wave of terror attacks at the offices of political parties, especially in Karachi, has asked the Taliban to stop targeting people during elections and allow them to choose their future leaders. “I strongly condemn deadly attacks carried out by the Taliban in Karachi,” Imran said. < Read More – http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-22546-Imran-asks-Taliban-to-stop-killing-people >   PML-N worker dies in scuffle with PPP workers At least one person died in a fight between workers of the PPP and PML-N in Dadu on Sunday. According to initial reports, the fight broke out over an issue of putting up party banners and flags in an area. The brawl led to an exchange … Read entire article »

Election Update – 27th April, 2013

May 1st, 2013 | Add a Comment

Pre-poll attacks continue with six killed and dozens injured At least six people were killed and dozens others injured in explosions on Saturday, as terrorists continue to target political parties across the country in a bid to delay general election. In the latest incident, an explosion near a corner meeting of the PPP in the Lyari area of Karachi killed at least four people, including a minor girl, and injured more than 17 others, including women and children. Earlier, a bomb planted near the office of MQM in Qasba Colony killed two people and wounded 25 others. < Read More – http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013%5C04%5C28%5Cstory_28-4-2013_pg1_1 >   11 killed in bomb attack on ANP offices in Karachi Eleven people were killed and 40 others, … Read entire article »

Election Update – 26th April, 2013

May 1st, 2013 | 2 Comments

ECP vows not to delay polls as TTP attacks continue The election commission of Pakistan  vowed not to delay the elections even by a ‘single day’ as polls related attacks killed at least six more people while Taliban distributed pamphlets in some cities warning citizens against participating in the elections. A bike bomb explosion at an MQM election office in Karachi’s Nusrat Bhutto Colony at around 10pm on Thursday killed at least five people and injured 15 others. Earlier, in the day, two bikers hurled a grenade on an election office of a PPP candidate in Baluchistan’s in Nushki district, killing one person and injuring another. < Read More – http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Apr-2013/ttp-hits-mqm-on-heels-of-ecp-pledge >   ANP protests against JI’s use of … Read entire article »

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