ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former ruling party conceded defeat to cricket star-turned-politician Imran Khan ahead of final results from the country’s disputed election, which European Union monitors said on Friday had not been fought on a level playing field.
But several smaller parties with tens of thousands of supporters threatened nationwide street protests unless the entire election was re-run, though it was not made clear when they might begin.
Khan, during a speech declaring victory on Thursday, offered to investigate opposition allegations of vote-rigging and said he wanted to “unite” the country under his leadership.
The party of jailed ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif initially rejected the so far incomplete results, but by Friday its leaders appeared to accept that Khan would be the next prime minister.
“We are going to sit on opposition benches, despite all the reservations,” said Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, a parliamentarian and the nephew of Nawaz Sharif, who is in prison after being convicted on corruption charges he disputes.
The allegations of rigging in Wednesday’s election followed a bitter campaign in which Pakistan’s powerful military was accused of tilting the race in favor of Khan, and trying to erase democratic gains made since the most recent spell of military rule ended in 2008. The army has repeatedly denied any interference.
The EU Election Observation Mission, in its preliminary findings, said the electoral process was “not as good” as the 2013 election and campaign week featured a “lack of equality” that meant it was not a level playing field for all parties.
“Many of our interlocutors acknowledged a systematic effort to undermine the former ruling party through cases of corruption, contempt of court and terrorist charges against its leaders and candidates,” chief EU observer Michael Gahler told a news conference.
The mission included 120 observers who visited 582 polling stations in all the provinces except Baluchistan.
CURRENCY CRDaesh
Gahler said EU observers had not witnessed any military interference in polling stations they assessed.
“On election day, polling was assessed as well conducted and transparent,” he said. “However, counting was somewhat problematic with staff not always following the procedures.”
He added later: “The credibility or the legitimacy of this process, that is for the people of Pakistan.”
The US State Department said it concurred with the observation mission’s conclusions that positive changes to the election framework were “overshadowed by restrictions on freedom of expression and unequal campaign opportunities” and shared its concerns about “flaws in the pre-voting electoral process.”
Although Khan appeared likely to fall short of the 137 seats needed for a majority in the National Assembly, his better-than-expected results mean he should be able to form a government with small coalition partners.
One of the first tasks for Khan, once he forms the government, will be to avert a currency crisis, following four devaluations of the rupee currency since December, which will likely require Islamabad to seek Pakistan’s second International Monetary Fund bailout since 2013.
The latest Election Commission of Pakistan official partial results showed Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), or Pakistan Movement for Justice party, had won 115 seats out of the 268 seats counted. The National Assembly has 272 seats in total but two have been postponed and results of two are awaited.
FULL RESULTS
The commission was expected to announce full results sometime on Saturday, nearly three days later than scheduled.
Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)had 63 seats, the results showed. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was third with 43 seats.
“(PML-N) would play the role of a strong opposition,” said Shehbaz Sharif, the PML-N president and brother of Nawaz Sharif, according to the English-language Dawn newspaper.
Later on Friday, however, Shehbaz Sharif joined several smaller parties who also alleged rigging met in capital Islamabad in a statement that rejected the results, though the PPP was not present.
Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to offer evidence to the election commission.
Both the PML-N and PPP say their party monitors at many voting centers were either kicked out during counting or had not received the official notifications of the precincts’ results, instead being given handwritten tallies they could not verify.
The smaller parties — including the Islamist coalition Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal with tens of thousands of supporters, said they would launch protests and boycott parliament, but Shehbaz Sharif said he would consult his party before taking such action.
“We do not consider this election to be the mandate of the public, but a theft of the people’s mandate,” said Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman from the Jamiat Ulma-e-islam (JUI) party, part of the MMA coalition.
“We will organize protest rallies, he said.
Nearly finalized results also indicated religious parties that fielded more candidates than ever before failed to win any National Assembly seats.
The Allahu Akbar Tehreek party of Hafiz Saeed, who is accused of masterminding the 2008 attacks that killed 166 people in the Indian city of Mumbai, did not win a single seat. Neither did candidates linked to Sunni extremist group Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat.
Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, which campaigns under the rallying cry “Death to Blasphemers” also failed to win any seats, although results indicate it garnered a large following across Punjab.
Main parties concede Pakistan election to Imran Khan; protests threatened by others
Main parties concede Pakistan election to Imran Khan; protests threatened by others
- Several smaller parties threaten street protests
- Khan offers investigation of allegations of vote-rigging
Islamabad to repatriate 22 Pakistani survivors of Morocco boat capsize in batches
- The migrant boat capsized near Morocco’s coast on Jan. 15 while carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistani nationals
- The tragedy has once again underscored the perilous journeys many migrants embark on due to conflict, instability at home
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will repatriate 22 survivors of a boat capsize off Morocco this month, the Pakistani foreign office said on Saturday, adding that verifying national identities of these individuals remained a critical component of the repatriation process.
The boat capsized near Morocco’s coast on Jan. 15 while carrying 86 migrants, including 66 Pakistanis, according to migrant rights group Walking Borders.
Moroccan authorities said a day later 36 people were rescued from the vessel that left Mauritania on Jan. 2, while the foreign office confirmed the survivors included 22 Pakistanis.
Pakistan’s embassy in Rabat has been working closely with Moroccan authorities to oversee the relief efforts and finalize the complex repatriation procedure, according to the Pakistani foreign office.
“Following thorough investigations and careful coordination with Moroccan authorities, these individuals will be returned to Pakistan in batches,” it said in a statement.
The Pakistani foreign office said its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) was actively engaged in monitoring the situation and providing necessary support to the affected individuals, maintaining active communication with their families.
The national identity verification process was completed expeditiously in coordination with the Pakistani interior ministry and relevant departments, it added.
The Morocco tragedy has once again underscored the perilous journeys many migrants, including Pakistanis, embark on due to conflict and economic instability in their home countries.
In 2023, hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek town of Pylos, marking one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. More recently, five Pakistani nationals died in a shipwreck off the southern Greek island of Gavdos on Dec. 14.
The Pakistani government has ramped up efforts in recent months to combat human smugglers facilitating dangerous journeys for illegal immigrants to Europe, resulting in several arrests. On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also formed a special task force to curb human smuggling, promising to bring human traffickers to justice.
Separately, the foreign office said on Saturday, it was facilitating the return of another 11 Pakistani nationals from Mauritania, who had voluntarily chosen to return home.
“The welfare of Pakistani nationals abroad remains an important priority of the government and it will continue to work to extend all possible facilitation in this regard,” it added.
Pakistani Taliban release kidnapped worker of atomic energy commission, body of another — police
- Over a dozen Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission workers were kidnapped from Lakki Marwat on Jan. 9, with eight of them released later
- No immediate confirmation of the release of one more worker by the government, police official says eight workers still remain in captivity
PESHAWAR: The Pakistani Taliban on Saturday freed a worker of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), who was kidnapped among more than a dozen others this month in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, and handed over body of another employee who had died in captivity, police said.
The Pakistani Taliban, which have recently stepped up attacks in Pakistan’s restive northwest, had kidnapped more than a dozen workers of the sensitive government agency, responsible for nuclear energy projects, from the volatile Lakki Marwat district on Jan. 9.
Eight of them were later released through joint efforts by tribal elders and amid a search operation conducted by police and security forces in the dense forest area where the militants had reportedly taken the kidnapped employees.
While the Pakistani government had not issued a statement on the incident, Shahid Marwat, the Lakki Marwat police spokesperson, had confirmed that a group of nearly 18 “civilians” working on “atomic and mining projects” had been kidnapped by armed gunmen.
“Following hectic efforts by local administration and [tribal] elders, one of the abductees has been set free, while they [kidnappers] have handed over dead body of another abductee to the elders,” Marwat told Arab News on Saturday.
“Eight employees are still in kidnappers’ captivity.”
There was no immediate confirmation of the development by the Pakistani government or the PAEC, but the Pakistani Taliban said they released the worker as a “goodwill gesture.”
“An atomic energy commission official was released as a goodwill gesture at the request of tribal elders,” they said in a statement.
Marwat said it wasn’t immediately clear how one of the abductees had died in captivity.
“His dead body is in hospital for postmortem to know if he was killed by the kidnappers or he had died of natural causes,” he told Arab News.
Earlier this month, the militants released a video of the abductees, in which a man was seen reading out the demands laid by the kidnappers, requesting the government to “immediately” accept them.
The demands included the release of militants arrested in Lakki Marwat, the release of families of militants allegedly in government custody, a commitment not to demolish the homes of militants and their relatives in the future, and compensation for the homes already demolished in the region.
Lakki Marwat is situated on the edge of Pakistan’s northwestern tribal districts bordering Afghanistan, where the TTP has frequently targeted security force convoys and check-posts, in addition to engaging in targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.
Pakistani court sentences four people to death for blasphemy
- Under Pakistan’s laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or its figures can be sentenced to death
- Authorities have yet to carry out such a penalty, although opposition to the law can incite reprisals
MULTAN: A Pakistani court Saturday sentenced four people to death for blasphemy, allegedly because they posted sacrilegious material on social media about Islamic religious figures and the Holy Qur’an. Their lawyer said appeal preparations are underway.
Under the country’s blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or its religious figures can be sentenced to death. Authorities have yet to carry out such a penalty, although the accusation of blasphemy and opposition to the law can incite mob violence or reprisals.
Judge Tariq Ayub in the city of Rawalpindi declared that blasphemy, disrespect to holy figures, and desecration of the Holy Qur’an were unforgivable offenses and left no room for leniency.
Along with the death sentences, the judge imposed collective fines of 4.6 million rupees (around $16,500) and handed down jail terms to each of the four should a higher court overturn their death sentences.
The men’s lawyer, Manzoor Rahmani, criticized the court’s decision and investigating authorities’ lack of evidence.
“The doubts and uncertainties that arise in such cases are ignored by the courts, likely due to the fear of religious backlash and potential mob violence against the judge if the accused is acquitted,” said Rahmani.
“We are preparing our appeals against the decision and will go to the High Court.”
Anti-blasphemy measures introduced in Pakistan in the 1980s made it illegal to insult Islam.
Since then, people have been accused of insulting the religion, desecrating its texts, or writing offensive remarks on the walls of mosques. Critics of the law say it is used to settle personal disputes.
Pakistan’s Sindh province bans vehicles without Ajrak-inscribed plates on roads from Apr. 3
- The provincial government introduced white registration plates that feature an Ajrak-inscribed design in July 2021, replacing the old, yellow plates
- While some motorists adopted the new plates, owners of more than 3 million vehicles continue to use the old ones, the Sindh excise department says
KARACHI: The government in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province has banned vehicles without the ancient Ajrak-inscribed registration plates from plying the roads from April 3, the Sindh excise department said on Saturday.
Ajrak, a vibrant block-printed cotton cloth with striking crimson and indigo hues, is deeply ingrained in the Sindhi culture. Adorned with symmetrical patterns and sparkling white motifs, primarily stars, it is believed to have roots in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
The cherished fabric accompanies every stage of life in Sindh, from infant cradles to grand ceremonial occasions. Its versatility is reflected in its wide array of uses as a hammock for infants, bridal accessory, turban, shawl, bed cover, tablecloth, meaningful gift, and as a token of respect for honored guests.
The Sindh government had decided to replace the old, yellow-colored registration plates with white, Ajrak-inscribed plates in July 2021, keeping the province’s traditions in view. While some motorists adopted the new plates, owners of more than 3 million vehicles continue to use the old ones, according to the excise department.
“This will not only allow vehicles from Sindh to represent their province wherever they travel, but also showcase the region’s 6,000-year-old history of peace and civilization,” Shabbir bin Babar, a spokesperson of the Sindh excise department, told Arab News.
In December last year, the excise and taxation department had made it mandatory for all private and commercial vehicles to obtain the new plates.
The significance of Ajrak in Sindh’s culture can also be gauged from a bust of the Priest-King excavated at Mohenjo-daro, a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest settlement of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization that flourished around 2,500 BCE, that is currently housed in the National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi, depicting his one shoulder draped in a cloth resembling Ajrak.
Sindh Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla told Arab News the initiative is aimed at celebrating the region’s rich culture.
“No weapons have ever been found among the artifacts unearthed at Mohenjo-daro, which sets it apart from other ancient discoveries worldwide,” he said.
“But we have the discovery of beautiful Ajrak, which signifies that the inhabitants of Sindh were always a peace-loving and civilized people.”
Chawla said Ajrak is an integral part of Sindh’s rich culture that reflects the region’s hospitality.
“The people of Sindh are considered some of the most hospitable globally,” he said. “[Ajrak is] a reflection of these traditions and their deep connection with the land.”
Death of Indian fisherman in Pakistan prison renews calls for release of detainees
- Babu Kana, 55, died of cardiac arrest in Karachi’s Malir prison this week, according to a Pakistani jail official
- Of over 200 Indian prisoners, majority have completed their terms and 30 are suffering from various diseases
KARACHI: An Indian fisherman, who had been detained in Pakistan for nearly three years, died of cardiac arrest at Karachi’s Malir Prison this week, a jail official confirmed on Saturday, with the death renewing calls from human rights advocates in both countries for greater empathy and speedy procedures for the release of fisher folk who unintentionally cross maritime borders.
Indian and Pakistani fishermen are routinely detained by both maritime agencies for allegedly entering each other’s territorial waters. The poorly defined maritime boundary in the Arabian Sea, coupled with the limited navigational capabilities of many fishing boats, frequently leads to unintentional crossings.
Malir Prison, where 55-year-old Indian fisherman Babu Kana died on Thursday, has faced scrutiny in recent years over the deaths of several detainees due to health complications. In 2023 alone, two Indian fishermen, Balo Jetha and Soma Deva, died as their health deteriorated during incarceration.
Kana was detained by Pakistani authorities in 2022 after his boat strayed into Pakistani waters. Despite completing his sentence the same year, he remained imprisoned due to procedural delays in the deportation process, according to Malir Prison Superintendent Arshad Shah.
“His health suddenly deteriorated on Thursday and he was taken to the prison hospital where he passed away,” Shah told Arab News, adding that the inmate had no medical history.
The prison official said the Indian detainee had been granted consular access, but he couldn’t be deported due to a “delay in his verification from the Indian side.”
A spokesperson for the Indian high commission in Pakistan did not respond to Arab News’ request for comment as to what led to the significant delay that hindered Kana’s chances to reunite with his family.
More than 200 Indian fishermen have been languishing in Malir prison and a large number of them have completed their sentences, while 30 fishermen are suffering from different diseases, according to the jail superintendent.
“We are providing them best available treatment, but those who have completed their term should be taken back to their country,” Shah added.
Jatin Desai, an Indian rights activist who campaigns for the release of fishermen from both countries, said Kana was one of 217 Indian fishermen currently incarcerated in Pakistani prisons.
“According to our records, 216 Indian fishermen are still languishing in Pakistani jails, while 81 Pakistani fishermen are imprisoned in India,” Desai told Arab News over the phone from Mumbai.
He said the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access mandates the release and repatriation of people within one month of confirming their nationality and sentence completion.
“In Babu’s case, his consular access was granted, and his identity was confirmed,” Desai said, urging both countries to adhere to the agreement and expedite the release of all detainees.
Faisal Edhi, chairman of Pakistan’s Edhi Foundation charity, said delays in the repatriation of detained fishermen often extend even after a fisherman’s death.
“We have received the deceased’s body, but it will take over two weeks to send it back to India,” Edhi said, highlighting the plight of the families of these fishermen.
Edhi, who has been part of repatriation of nearly 400 Indian fishermen in recent years, urged both countries to immediately confirm the identities of fishermen and send them back to their countries.
Khizar Qazi, vice-chair of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), said most of these fishermen come from poor families and, in most cases, they are the sole breadwinners of their families.
“Fishermen from both sides endure harsh jail conditions that severely impact their mental health,” Qazi told Arab News.
“Upon arrest, they should be promptly handed over. If necessary, they should be detained for a short term, and upon release, their boats should be returned – a practice we have yet to witness from either side.”
