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ECP declares PTI’s intra-party election void, revokes ‘bat’ symbol

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ECP
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP):The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday declared the intra-party elections of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as void and stripped it the ‘bat’ symbol for the upcoming elections.
A five-member bench comprising Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and ECP members Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Babar Hassan Bharwana and Justice (r) Ikramullah Khan announced the 11-page order on the petition of Akbar S. Babar, a former PTI member, alleging that the PTI election were not conducted in  accordance with its regulations.
The ECP, in its order, observed,”The PTI did not adhere to the Commission’s directives outlined in the order dated 23rd November 2023 and failed to conduct intra-party elections in accordance with the PTI’s prevailing Constitution, 2019, and the Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017.
“Therefore, the certificate dated 4th December 2023, and Form-65 filed by the alleged Chairman, are hereby regretted and rejected accordingly. The provisions of Section 215 of the Election Act, 2017 are hereby invoked, and PTI is declared ineligible to obtain the election symbol for which they have applied.”
The ECP had reserved the verdict last week and announced it following the Peshawar High Court directive to decide the matter by Friday (Dec 22).

Student theatre takes center stage, Vibrant three-day drama festival kicks off at PNCA

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PNCA
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): In a burst of creativity and talent, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Friday kicked off a dynamic three-day drama festival.
Makhlaf University students set the stage on fire with laughter-inducing plays, while also engaging the audience with spontaneous sketches, Director PR Dr Bilal Karim said while talking to APP.
Student theatre takes center stage, Vibrant three-day drama festival kicks off at PNCA
He said that the festival, a collaborative effort with Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, NUML Dramatic Club, features 23 university students and theatre groups, highlighting social issues through thought-provoking performances.
The festival’s opening ceremony, graced by PNCA’s Dr Waqar Azeem, showcased the impressive talents of the NUML Dramatic Club and Arid Dramatic Club on its inaugural day.
Student theatre takes center stage, Vibrant three-day drama festival kicks off at PNCA
Director General Muhammad Ayub Jamali emphasized the importance of theatre in addressing societal challenges, considering it a powerful tool for education and social awareness, he added.
Dr Bilal said that beyond offering quality entertainment, the event aims to foster healthy activities among youth, revitalizing the concept of theatre in the twin cities. With a theme centred on promoting peace, love, and harmony, the festival seeks to harness the unique educational value of stage drama in addressing social issues through an engaging and entertaining lens.

Governor Sindh inaugurates Ethiopian tourism desk at Karachi Feast

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Governor Sindh

ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Governor of Sindh Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori and Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula
opened the Ethiopian Tourism Desk on Friday.

This grand occasion, set to culminate on December 24, 2023, was attended by a diverse audience, including Honorary Consul of Ethiopia in Karachi Ibrahim Tawab, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business community, media, and representatives from civil society, said a news release of the Ethiopian Embassy issued here.

The pavilion, giving a captivating display of Ethiopia’s multifaceted culture, rich heritage, and unparalleled tourism offerings, was a testament to the enduring bond between Ethiopia and Pakistan.

Governor Tessori, addressing the media, emphasized the longstanding relations between the two nations, rooted in shared history, values, culture, and religion.

He commended Ambassador Abdula for his tireless efforts in fortifying the bilateral relations, noting the impactful presence of the Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan despite being established just a year ago.

Moreover, the Governor expressed gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia for launching Ethiopian Airlines in Karachi which played a critical role in connecting Pakistan with the whole African continent.

The Governor expressed commitment to elevating the relations between the two countries to new heights.
Ambassador Abdula, in his address, highlighted how the Ethiopian Embassy had effectively brought Africa closer to Pakistan through the commencement of Ethiopian Airlines operations in Karachi.

Describing Ethiopia as a land of breathtaking beauty, abundant natural resources, picturesque landscapes, lakes, mountains, and over 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, he urged the people of Karachi to savor Ethiopian taste through Ethiopian coffee by visiting the tourism desk.

The Ambassador underscored that this experience would serve as a bridge connecting them with their ancestral roots, emphasizing Ethiopia as the land of King Nejashi and Bilal Habeshi.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi unveiled the sculptures of Chairman Mao and Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers of China and Pakistan respectively during ceremony at Pakistan Embassy

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Ambassador Khalil Hashmi unveiled the sculptures of Chairman Mao and Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers of China and Pakistan respectively during ceremony at Pakistan Embassy
APP59-221223 BEIJING: December 22 – Ambassador Khalil Hashmi unveiled the sculptures of Chairman Mao and Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers of China and Pakistan respectively during ceremony at Pakistan Embassy. APP/ZID
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi unveiled the sculptures of Chairman Mao and Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers of China and Pakistan respectively during ceremony at Pakistan Embassy
APP59-221223
BEIJING: December 22 – .

Foreign Minister Mr.Jalil Abbas Jilani, Minister for Human Rights Mr. Khalil George along with Christian, Hindu, Sikh communities and Muslim scholars cutting cake on the eve of Christmas Celebrations at PM Office

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Foreign Minister Mr.Jalil Abbas Jilani, Minister for Human Rights Mr. Khalil George along with Christian, Hindu, Sikh communities and Muslim scholars cutting cake on the eve of Christmas Celebrations at PM Office
APP58-221223 ISLAMABAD: December 22 – Foreign Minister Mr.Jalil Abbas Jilani, Minister for Human Rights Mr. Khalil George along with Christian, Hindu, Sikh communities and Muslim scholars cutting cake on the eve of Christmas Celebrations at PM Office. APP/ZID
Foreign Minister Mr.Jalil Abbas Jilani, Minister for Human Rights Mr. Khalil George along with Christian, Hindu, Sikh communities and Muslim scholars cutting cake on the eve of Christmas Celebrations at PM Office
APP58-221223
ISLAMABAD: December 22 – . 

Ambassador Amna Baloch, Spanish envoy discuss ties

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Amna Baloch

BRUSSELS , Dec 22 (APP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Amna Baloch here on Friday met the Permanent Representative of Spain to the European Union Marcos Alonso.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on areas of bilateral interest. They agreed to continue dialogue to enhance cooperation and strengthen the partnership between Pakistan and Spain in all domains.

Sports activities too important for young generation: Mayor Karachi

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Mayor Karachi
KARACHI, Dec 22 (APP): Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that sports activities are very important for our young generation, that  is the reason we are trying to establish sports fields and stadiums in every part of the city.
He said this while addressing the opening ceremony of the renovated football stadium in Korangi Nasir Colony on Friday.
Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Vice Chairman of Korangi Town, local leaders of PPP and other personalities were also present on this occasion.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that there is excellent football talent in this area of Korangi and there was a need for a quality football stadium.
Sensing this need we have completed the repair and renovation work on of this stadium on a priority basis to provide better facilities for sports and recreation to the youth.
He said that we are soon going to build the first metropolitan university of Pakistan which will be the first university of its kind.
Youths will be greatly helped in building their future, today he also approves Korangi University campus where he will make the program according to the requirements of the residents of Korangi.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a group photo with the President, Directing Staff of National Defence University and graduating Civil Service officers of National Security Course-2024

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Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a group photo with the President, Directing Staff of National Defence University and graduating Civil Service officers of National Security Course-2024
APP57-221223 ISLAMABAD: December 22 – Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a group photo with the President, Directing Staff of National Defence University and graduating Civil Service officers of National Security Course-2024. APP/ABB
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a group photo with the President, Directing Staff of National Defence University and graduating Civil Service officers of National Security Course-2024
APP57-221223
ISLAMABAD: December 22 – .

Bilawal condemns firing incident in South Waziristan

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Bilawal
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday strongly condemned the killing of five labourers in firing at the under-construction police station in South Waziristan.
The PPP chairman, in a statement, demanded that the incident should be investigated and the accused brought to book immediately.
Bilawal Bhutto expressed sympathy and solidarity with the families of martyred workers.
Meanwhile, President of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Asif Ali Zardari also expressed his grief over the killing of five laborers.
Terming it a “very brutal act”, he called for bringing the terrorists and planners involved in the killing of workers to justice.

ECP extends date for filing nomination papers on political parties’ demand: Solangi

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Murtaza Solangi

ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said on Friday the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP extended the date for submission of nomination papers by two days on the demand of various political parties.

Talking to the “Dawn News”, he said the ECP had not made any changes in the date of elections, which would be held on February 8, 2024.

Solangi said the Commission had also taken notice of the candidates’ complaints regarding nomination papers, and the legitimate ones were being redressed.

“We are trying our best to find a remedy for the issues of which the Election Commission has taken notice.”

The minister said that law enforcement was a provincial matter and the provincial governments acted under the law.

“We are bound to help the Election Commission,” Solangi reaffirmed.

About the protestors from Balochistan, he said that the caretaker government would try its best to solve the issue in its limited term.

The minister said the government had decided to immediately release the women and children involved in the Baloch protests and some protestors were provided medical facilities.

He said most of the protestors included people who had no homes or relatives in Islamabad.

“We decided to send them back to Quetta safely but the protestors refused to go back,” Murtaza Solangi said. ” Our aim was to send the protestors safely to their homes.”

He said the caretaker regime assured the protesters to consider their long-standing demands as well.