Blaze News - Pakistan

PTI leader Raoof Hassan on Tuesday announced that former premier and party founder Imran Khan was open to considering any "constructive suggestions" brought forward by Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai through his dialogue with the government. About Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Hassan stated, “Regarding Mehmood Khan Achakzai [...] Imran said that if he wanted to talk [to the opposition] on his own then he is allowed.” He further added, “We cannot pressure any party [...] if they think that they can play a constructive role then they should try.” “Imran said today that if they bring forward constructive suggestions, we would consider them. It is an open-ended policy.” Read:Gandapur meets Imran Khan in Adiala Jail to discuss K-P matters When asked if the PTI had given Achakzai the authority to negotiate, Raoof Hassan was crystal clear: “No, PTI’s position is clear. Do not confuse two things together. PTI’s position is clear that we don’t want any co...

In a bid to alleviate escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a delegation of religious scholars, headed by the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F) chief Mullana Fazal Ur Rehman, is set to depart for the Afghan capital on January 3, a reliable source from Kabul confirmed. The source, in a conversation over the phone, told The Express Tribune that the Ministry of Interior and the Foreign Office have finalised the arrangements for various meetings, focusing primarily on addressing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue and resolving tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. The strategy reportedly involves leveraging religious influence to meet Islamabad's demands. It is anticipated that the religious scholars, under the leadership of Fazl, will engage in private discussions with representatives of the TTP. The aim is to formulate the framework for dialogue and gather perspectives on a range of topics, the source added. Read more: Fazl invited to Kabul amid rising tensions The...

In a big blow to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ahead of February 8 general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday nullified the intra-party elections of the former ruling party, taking back the party's famous "cricket bat" symbol. The reserved verdict was announced by a five-member ECP bench — headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The decision came hours after PTI representatives met with the ECP officials following a Supreme Court order to remove the party's reservations regarding the lack of a level playing field. “So keeping in view, the clear mandate of Elections Act, 2017 read with PTI constitution 2019, it is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017,” the ECP’s written order, available with The Express Tribune, stated....

President Arif Alvi on Saturday signed the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 into law. After the approval from the National Assembly, both the bills were presented in the Senate. The treasury members criticised the bills, after which the Senate chairman referred the bills to the standing committee. Later, some controversial clauses of the two bills were taken out and the bills were re-presented in the Senate. After approval, they were sent to President Alvi for his signature. Official Secrets Act According to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, a person will be guilty of an offense if he intentionally creates a problem of public order or acts against the state. In addition, if a person attacks or damages a prohibited place and the purpose of this is to directly or indirectly benefit the enemy, then it is also punishable. Under the said amendment bill, the accused will be tried in a special court and a decision will be taken after co...

Pakistan on Thursday said its engagement with the US in the area of mutual concern was “productive and fruitful”, same as it was with several other friendly countries in the region and outside.During its regular weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Islamabad welcomed peace and dialogue between countries, especially those friendly with Pakistan.At the briefing, she was asked about a US statement about regional stability.“We believe that Pakistan’s engagement with the United States on aspects of mutual concern has been quite productive and fruitful,” Mumtaz told reporters.“Pakistan has always said that it would like to partner with all friendly countries to promote peace and dialogue in South Asia, Afghanistan and in the context of Pakistan-India relations,” she added. To another question about some latest reported developments in the Iran-US relations, Mumtaz “welcomed peace and dialogue between countries, especially between our friends”. ...