Local bodies elections may be held in 2012

Secretary Election Commission called on the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and apprised him on the preparation of reforms being undertaken by the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure fair, transparent and credible elections in the country.

He mentioned the Election Commission of Pakistan Strategic Plan 2010-14 which has been prepared in consultation with all the stakeholders including all political parties, civil society and media. He informed the prime minister that the Computerized Electoral Rolls are being prepared in collaboration with NADRA and current door to door verification throughout Pakistan is underway until September 2011, and that final Computerized Electoral Rolls will be ready by April 2012.

Secretary Election Commission thanked the prime minister for extending full support to make Election Commission of Pakistan autonomous, independence and also to implement reforms agenda.

Regarding the Local Bodies Elections, the Secretary informed the Prime Minister that after the 18 Amendment, holding of Local Bodies Elections were also the responsibility of Election Commission of Pakistan and the Provincial Governments are being asked to make necessary legislation in this regard so that Elections could be held accordingly.

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts being made by the Election Commission of Pakistan under the guidance of Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Hamid Ali Mirza in order to complete the reforms agenda.

The Prime Minister also directed that instructions should be issued to all the Ministries/Divisions to prepare a strategic plan for five years on the pattern of election Commission of Pakistan so that all Ministries have goals/objectives and sense of direction.

In terms of good governance, the Prime Minister observed that there was a need to create a mechanism at Prime Minister’s Secretariat to remove the disconnect between the national institutions of the state so they sit together and find out solutions pertaining to security, strategic issues and good governance. The Prime Minister said local bodies’ elections may be held in 2012 after the finalization of Computerized Electoral Rolls in April 2012.

Eidul Fitr being observed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas

PESHAWAR: The tradition of two separate Eids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is intact this year as well, as various districts and tribal areas of the province are observing Eidul Fitr today (Tuesday) on announcement by Masjid Qasim Khan.

The Eid prayers have been offered in various Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas including Bannu, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Hangu, Kohat, Kirk, North Waziristan Agency (NWA), South Waziristan Agency (SWA) and other tribal areas.

Meantime, the provincial government decided to observe Eid day in pursuance of announcement by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Strict security arrangements have been made across the province on the occasion of Eidul Fitr today. TrendPK

SC rejects plea to shift Karachi killings case

 The larger bench has reportedly rejected the Sindh government plea that the hearing be shifted to Islamabad.

A five-member bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is hearing the case at the SC Karachi Registry. The media have been given permission to enter the premises of the Supreme Court Registry. The Sindh Bar Council and the Karachi Bar Association have filed an application to be a party in the case.

 

Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, appearing for the Sindh government, said that ethnic violence has increased in the city following the restoration of the commissionerate system. He said many people from varied ethnicities are living in Karachi illegally. He requested the court to shift hearing to Islamabad as it had put strain on the provincial government for law and order.

Upon this, members of various political parties present in the court objected, saying the presence of the SC larger bench in the city has restored peace to a great extent. They pleaded that the SC should not shift the hearing venue. The parties that requested to be party in the case included ANP, JI and Baloch Ittehad in addition to Karachi Bar Association and Sindh High Court Bar Association.

The SC rejected the plea of Pirzada to shift venue for the case. Babar Awan is expected to present his arguments as a counsel for the federal government.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that the court could meet on the Eid day if need be.

On the first day of the hearing yesterday, the Attorney General had submitted inquiry reports of the FIA and the Special Branch. The CJ declared the reports insufficient, directing preparation of a comprehensive report.

The IG Sindh had also submitted his inquiry report before the court. This report too was rejected as it didn’t have details from intelligence reports.

PPP activists protest against Taseer’s abduction

LAHORE: Following the anger of the leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over alleged negligence rendered by Punjab government in connection with kidnapping of Shahbaz Taseer, the son of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer, the PPP’s activists staged protest in Lahore, TrendPK reported Friday night.

According to details, political workers, hailing from PPP Lahore chapter, took to street and staged demonstration outside provincial assembly building against inefficiency of Punjab government over rendering negligence which led to likelihood of kidnapping of Taseer junior.

Agitators raised slogans against Shahbaz Sharif government, calling for immediate recovery of Shahbaz Taseer.

On the occasion, talking to media, provincial party leader Samiullah said none can anticipate any good from Punjab government, adding that instead of advising Sindh government, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif should ensure security of people dwelling in Lahore. TrendPK

China agrees to control Gwadar Port, Raisani rejects decision

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar said that China and Pakistan have agreed to work jointly to establish peace in the region. China will be handed over the control of Gwadar Port when Singapore Auhtority’s tenure would come to an end.

He revealed that China has also decided to give FC-20 jets to Pak Air Force while Pakistan had requested China to give a frigate of 44,000 tonnes weight on credit.

On the other hand, Balochistan Chief Minister Nawaz Aslam Raisani has rejected the decision of handing over the Gwadar Port to China because the federal government did not take the provincial government into confidence. He said that Balochistan government has ability to handle the port.

NATO troops kill six civilians in north – Afghan official

MAZAR-I-SHARIF: NATO troops killed six civilians during a night raid on a house in northern Afghanistan’s Sar-e Pul province late, the provincial governor told Reuters.

PA calls for IRSA restructuring

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution, calling for restructuring of Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to ensure fair distribution of water among provinces.

The resolution demands that the fifth member of the IRSA board should be selected from a neutral territory, either from Islamabad or Azad Kashmir.

In another resolution passed by the provincial assembly, the federal government has been asked to end the continuing gas outages for Punjab’s industries.

Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the Punjab government has not been consulted about appointment of new governor.

Responding to a question, he said that PML-N has no objection to appointment of Babar Awan or any other person as Governor of Punjab. TrendPK

Quaid-e-Azams 135th birthday being celebrated today

The 135th birthday of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is being marked today throughout the country with zeal and fervor.

A change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation. Cadets of the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul mounted the guard at the Mazar-e-Quaid. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah along with the provincial cabinet and representatives of all three forces laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha at the Mazar-e-Quaid. People from various walks of life will visit the Mazar-e-Quaid to pay homage to the Father of the Nation. A number of organisations have chalked out programmes to mark the birth anniversary of the Founder of the Nation.

Ban on Pillion Riding in Karachi to Continue

Karachi, trendpk: The duration of ban on pillion riding in Karachi has come to an end today but provincial Minister for Interior Affairs has decided to extend this duration till Chehlum. Notification for this extension might be issued today.

In order to avoid any sort of terrorist activities, a ban on pillion riding in most of the major cities including Karachi was imposed during the month of Muharram. A notification was issued by Ministry of Interior, Sindh, for ban of pillion riding under the act 144 from 2nd December 2010 till 19th December 2010. However the provincial Minister for Interior Affairs has announced to extend this ban till Chehlum but no notification in this regard has been so far issued. According to the sources of Ministry of Interior, a notification can be issued in this regard today. Earlier to this, a ban on pillion riding in Karachi was lifted on 23rd November 2010. This ban on pillion riding has also been lifted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Mirza bitterly criticizes MQM

KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulifqar Mirza accepting the responsibility of the prevailing condition of Karachi said that other coalition partners of the provincial government, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Awami National Party (ANP), should also accept the responsibility.

While addressing the business community at Karachi Chambers of Commerce on Monday, Mirza bitterly criticized the MQM.

Mirza said that he had the list of 60 target killers, adding that 26 belonged to the biggest political party of the city. “I haven’t said that foreign elements are behind such activities. We are responsible for crime and target killings in the city”

Sindh home minister also pointed out that the banned organizations are given money by the business community of the city in the name of charity.

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