LHC dismisses Sheikh Rasheed?s plea, upholds ECP's decision on NA-60 polls

ISLAMABAD: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday rejected Sheikh Rasheed’s plea challenging Election Commission’s order of postponing polls in NA-60 Rawalpindi following sentence of life imprisonment of PML-N candidate Hanif Abbasi.The Awami Muslim League chief challenged the ECP order in Rawalpindi Bench of the LHC and the Supreme Court.Justice Mujahid Mustakeem of Rawalpindi bench upheld the election commission's decision regarding postponement of the elections in NA-60. "Our petition has been rejected by the high court. We will go to the Supreme Court tomorrow," Rasheed's lawyer told Geo TV. Sheikh Rasheed said that his party was full prepared to contest the election in the Rawalpindi constituency. Earlier in the day, Sheikh Rasheed said postponement of election was unconstitutional and illegal as ECP did not postpone the election in Lahore and Manshera after the disqualification of Maryam Nawaz and Capt (R) Safdar.The Pakistan Peoples' Party also challenged the ECP order in Islamabad High Court. The ECP Sunday notified postponement of the election in this constituency of Rawalpindi.The commission said that while preparations for the general elections were in their final stages and ballot papers for the constituency were already printed with Hanif Abbasi's election symbol on them, the ECP is bound to provide a level playing field to all candidates. It said the election in NA-60 is postponed and will be conducted after the scheduled general elections, along with other postponed elections.Hanif Abbasi was contesting the election mainly against the Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed from NA-60. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not have a covering candidate in the constituency. Sheikh Rasheed enjoys full support of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as well.“Whereas only two days are left to the conduct of the elections, when Hanif Abbasi, a potential candidate from NA-60 has been disqualified, which has resulted into a heated debate in the media and political circles rendering the atmosphere as full and negativelycharged and; whereas the serious criticism is afloat qua the provision of level-playing field in the general election…and whereas the Election Commission of Pakistan, having taken cognisance of all attending circumstances is bound to provide a level playing field to the contestants under the Constitution and the law, particularly the Section 4 of the Elections Act, 2017 read with Article 218(3) of the Constitution and the powers of the Election Commission defined by the August Supreme Court of Pakistan in famous Workers Party case…”, the notification says.It is pertinent to mention that the law provides for postponement of election in case of death of a candidate. Section 73 of the Elections Act, 2017, says that “if a contesting candidate dies before commencement of the poll or during the polling hours, the returning officer shall, by public notice, terminate the proceedings relating to that election”.Under this law, polls have been also delayed in PS-87 Malir, following death of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan candidate Sharif Ahmed Khan in a road accident, PK-78 Peshawar after death of Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Haroon Bilour in a suicide attack and NA-103 and PP-103 constituencies of Peshawar due to death of independent candidate Mirza Mughal.Elections were also delayed in PB-35 Mastung after a terrorist attack, which claimed at least 149 lives including that of Balochistan Awami Party candidate Siraj Raisani.

Justice Tahira Safdar becomes first female chief justice of Balochistan high court

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar on Monday appointed Justice Tahira Safdar, the first ever woman chief justice, to take charge of Balochistan high court.Justice Safar will be taking on her new role subsequent to the retirement of the present Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Mohammad Noor Muskanzai who reaches superannuation on August 31st. Born on October 5th 1957 in Quetta, the daughter of renowned lawyer Syed Imtiaz Hussain Baqri Hanafi has made history before as well when she became the first female civil judge in Baluchistan in 1982.Gaining her basic education from Cantonment Public School in Quetta, Justice Safar completed her bachelor’s degree from University Law College in 1980.Following her feat in a competitive examination held by the Baluchistan Public Service Commission, she scored herself a spot as a senior civil judge in February of 1991.She went on to get promoted as a district and sessions judge in 1996 and was also employed as a presiding officer in the Labour Court.In 1998 she was selected as a member of the Balochistan Services Tribunal before she became the chairperson in 2009.She later advanced to the position of additional judge of the high court and formalized as a BHC judge in 2011.Presently Justice Safdar is part of three-judge special court that is carrying out the trial of Pervaiz Musharraf under the case of treason when he proclaiming a state of emergency in November of 2007.

Not afraid of undemocratic tactics, says Bilawal Bhutto

Pakistan People’s Party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has commented on Monday that undemocratic tactics do not scare him. Amidst his corner meeting in the Qambar region conducted on the final day of campaigning, Bilawal while urging voters to show the same support for him as was received by his grandfather Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.Addressing the crowd in Ratodero, the PPP chairman stated: “The general election will play an integral role in the strengthening of country’s democracy.” He went on to declare: “I will complete the mission of Benazir Bhutto.” Adding further he observed that ‘scam’ politicians have joined hands to hurl difficulties in his way, also mentioning that the forces operating in opposition of the country will be overpowered in the upcoming general elections. The party supremo will be contesting the polls on July 25th from NA-8 in Malakand, NA-200 in Larkana and NA-246 in Karachi.

Stamp on Lion to give respect to your vote: Nawaz Sharif's message from Jail

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the nation from Adiala Jail to come out of their houses to cast their votes to him. This was stated by his daughter Maryam Nawaz, who is also in jail with Nawaz Sharif, stated in a tweet on Monday.The tweet came just two days before the General Elections which will be held on Wednesday, July 25.The former prime minister has been sentenced for 11years while his daughter is serving a seven-year imprisonment and her husband Captain (retired) Safdar has been jailed for one year.Maryam’s tweet said that Nawaz asked the people to come out of their houses on July 25 and stamp on the sign of Lion for the protection of their rights and honour of their vote.The tweet said:

Justice Shaukat Siddiqui will also get justice, says CJP Saqib Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar has assured Islamabad High Court puisne Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui for justice.In his remarks over plea filed for taking suo moto notice against Shaukat Siddiqui for his statement in which he alleged interference of intelligence agencies of the country in judicial matters.CJP Saqbi Nisar said “Justice Shaukat Siddiqui will also get justice.” Hearing the plea, the Chief Justice read out the verses of their oath from the Constitution, and said “Allah will continue his blessing over Pakistan till this powerful judiciary is present. Injustice will be done with no one.”The Chief Justice assured the petitioner that nothing is being done against the country, however, if he wants to file petition he can do so.Justice Saqib Nisar went on to say he was not taking suo moto on the matter of Justice Shaukat Siddiqui.IHC senior Judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui Saturday alleged that an agency was interfering in the superior judiciary’s matters."I was told that if I pass judgments on ‘their’ directives, then the references against me will be withdrawn," he said, while addressing at the Rawalpindi District Bar Association (RDBA) officer here."I was also assured that I will be made chief justice of Pakistan in September and not even November. But I don’t care about my job, as you do not become a judge through your post but through just ways," Justice Siddiqui upheld.He said the judiciary was 50 per cent responsible for the country’s current situation while the institutions were responsible for the rest."For a while now I have been wanting to present myself before the bar for accountability. I wanted to do that because only my bar can hold me accountable and there have been no corruption charges against me to date.""Whenever I pass a judgment in a crucial case, a group starts a campaign, claiming that there are corruption references ongoing against me," he added."However, I am clean and thus requested the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to conduct my open trial and invite lawyers to see if there is any truth in the corruption allegations. If any corruption charges are proven then I will resign," Justice Siddiqui continued.He has requested Chief Justice Saqib Nisar to set up a judicial commission to investigate his allegations of agencies meddling in judicial affairs.

ECP issues list of things that could invalidate a vote

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a statement on Monday clarifying the ways in which a vote could be nullified. The electoral body has deemed ballot papers invalid in the following cases:• It's missing the official code mark or assistant presiding officer's signature• It's missing the ECP's watermark• It's missing the official nine-matrix seal• It has a paper or anything else attached to it• It has stamps on more than one candidate's election symbols• It appears equally in more than one candidates' boxes Nevertheless, it also clarified that the vote will remain valid as long as the stamp appears to be in multiple boxes with a major portion of it remaining in one specific candidate’s box. Furthermore, ECP informed that polling process will continue for incessant 10 hours, the longest polling period in history, from 8am till 6pm.

Kamran Tessori pulls out of election race

KARACHI: Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Kamran Tessori has withdrawn from July 25 parliamentary elections. “The entire authority of the MQM-Pakistan falls under Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. So the responsibility for the results will also fall on him,” said the disgruntled party member while addressing a press conference in Karachi on Monday.The former MQM leader said he doesn’t have any ideological differences with the party.“I don’t want to give any excuse to MQM-P Bahadurabad faction,” said Kamran Tessori, adding he had reservations over the census and delimitation of constituencies in Sindh.Tessori had been contesting the elections as an independent candidate. 

Rawalpindi swamped after heavy rainfall

RAWALPINDI: Heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi led to a state of emergency getting declared as multiple low-lying regions of the city were left flooded.A spokesperson for the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASWA) revealed that their managing director had also stepped on field after the situation turned dire. He went on to explain that 70 millimeters (mm) of heavy downpour had been recorded in the catchment areas of Nullah Leh where the water flow had regained normality.In spite of the surge regaining a standard pattern, numerous of WASA teams had been allotted at several points around the city, who are working to drain out the water lying dormant which had caused various nuisances for inhabitants. Furthermore the representative also added that a team has also been deployed at the underpass near Committee Chowk which was flooded.Moreover, he informed that the water altitude had reached five and seven feet at the stream in Gawalmandi and Katarian localities respectively. The water elevation at Nullah Leh is known to hit perilous levels amidst monsoon seasons which conclude to flash floods. 

President asks caretaker PM to ensure timely treatment of Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has directed caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk to extend timely treatment to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.The president telephoned the caretaker premier and urged, "Nawaz should be provided with all medical facilities."The president expressed concern over the former premier's health, who is presently serving 11-year jail term at Adiala. Meanwhile, a five-member medical board formed by Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) conducted Nawaz’s medical check-up earlier today.The caretaker government wanted the medical board to cross-check the report of Major General (retd) Dr Azhar Mehmood Kiyani, head of Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), on Nawaz's health, sources said.A team of health officials led by Dr Kiyani carried out the former premier's medical check-up at Central Jail Rawalpindi on Sunday.As per last night's medical report, a copy of which is available with Geo News, there is a risk of Nawaz's kidneys failing due to a lack of water. "Heat and lack of sleep have also affected the former premier's health," the report stated. It added, "If conditions do not improve then Nawaz's heart problem can worsen."

SHC approves pre-arrest bail of Faryal Talpur in money-laundering case

LARKANA: Sindh High Court Larkana Circuit bench has approved pre-arrest bail of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and former president Asif Ali Zardari’s sister Faryal Talpur in money-laundering case.The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday declared former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur absconders in the money laundering case.The duo was declared absconders in the case which also nominated others including Zardari’s close aide and Pakistan Stock Exchange Chairman Hussain Lawai. The FIA on Saturday also submitted interim challan of the case against Hussain Lawai and other suspects in the court. The FIA also declared 20 people including Anwar Majeed and his son absconder in the money laundering case.Faryal Talpur, through her counsel Farooq H Naek, had filed for pre-arrest bail in SHC Larkana Circuit bench, contending that the FIA registered case on political base and move was to prevent them from contesting the elections 2018. The two member bench comprises Justice Irshad Ahmed Shah and Justice Rasheed Soomro accepted PPP leader’s viewpoint and accepted pre-arrest bail for six days.

Shahid Afridi's daughters voice their support for PTI

With multiple distinguished names of the country from all walks of life stepping forward in support of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lately, the party seems to have gained two new charming little supporters as well.A tweet posted on the party’s official Twitter account shows Pakistan’s lauded cricket star Shahid Afridi’s daughters Ajwa and Asmara urging the public to cast their votes in favor of the former cricketer Imran Khan.In spite of the two sisters being evidently underage to be casting their votes, they seem to be quite sure of whom they want to see as their next prime minister. “Pakistan will be changed by Imran Khan Insha’Allah,” says one while the other chimes in saying “You all should vote for Imran Khan, thank you.” The Afridi clan is not the only one standing up for the PTI chief, as earlier famed cricket stars Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Yasir Hameed had also voiced their support for Khan pledging to vote for the bat. 

Elections 2018: campaign to end today at midnight

Islamabad: The election campaign by political parties for general elections 2018, scheduled on Wednesday July 25, will end across the country at midnight tonight.The campaign will end in accordance with section 182 of the Election Act of 2017.No political party or independent candidate is allowed to continue poll drive after midnight.According to an ECP official electronic and print media would also avoid telecasting or publishing advertisements for the purpose of political campaign.Under Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017 no person would convene hold or attend any public meeting and promote or join any procession within the area of the constituency during a period of 48 hours ending at midnight following the conclusion of poll. A monitoring and control room headed by Director General Administration has also been established in ECP to address the complaints.Candidates and political leaders candidates are making last ditch efforts through public gatherings, corner meetings and door to door campaigns to garner maximum public support, Radio Pakistan reported.Over 12,570 candidates are in the run for seats of National and four provincial assemblies.Against the National Assembly's seats, about 3,675 candidates are in the electoral race whereas about 8,895 for the provincial legislatures of all four provinces.According to the data shared by the ECP, 1,696 candidates are vying for the National Assembly's constituencies from Punjab and 4,242 for the provincial legislature.From Sindh, 872 are contesting for the National Assembly seats and 2,382 for the provincial assembly.Total contesting candidates for the National Assembly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are 760 and 1,264 for the provincial assembly.For Balochistan’s National Assembly seats, there are a total of 303 candidates and 1,007 for its provincial assembly seats.In Islamabad, 76 candidates are in the race for three seats of National Assembly.According to the electoral rolls, 105.96 million voters are eligible to cast the vote.In all, 85,307 polling stations have been set up across the country.Over 20,000 polling stations have been declared sensitive and CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside all the sensitive polling stations.It will be public holiday on the election day whilst the ministry of water and power has also been directed by the election commission not to carry out loadshedding on the polling day.

Pakistan elections 2018: What you need to know

Here are all the details you want to know about Pakistan Election 2018.The overview of general elections 2018 in Pakistan, arrays 272 contestable seats in which 60+ are reserved for women and about 10+ are for minorities. With a total of 39 seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province stretches to 15,316,299 voters. Meanwhile, there are 141 seats in Punjab, 61 seats in Sindh and 16 seats in Baluchistan. 'Voting at a glance'According to the latest demographics there are 105, 955,407 registered voters, out of which:• 46,731,145 are female voters, and • 59,224,262 are male voters . The voters in each province amount to: 60,672,868 (Punjab) 22,391,244 (Sindh)4,229,494  (Baluchistan)Whereas, with 3 seats in federal capital, there are 765,348 voters and 2,510,154 voters in tribal areas with total 12 seats.In a deeper dive, there are 105,955,407 registered voters including 46,731,145 females and 59,224,262 male voters with 3,765 National Assembly candidates standing for these elections.In a nutshell, with 110 political parties registered, there are 30 active political parties with 85,000 polling stations. Moreover,  the electoral turnout during elections 2013 stood at 55% of  leaving us expecting a little more from the forth coming elections.

17.8 million voters to elect 97 MPAs, 51 MNAs in KP

PESHAWAR: As many as 17.827 million registered voters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including tribal districts will exercise their right to elect 51 MNAs and 97 MPAs amongst 1993 candidates for next five years 2018-23 amid tight security arrangements on Wednesday (July 25).Of total 99 general seats of the KP Assembly, election is being held on 97 seats as polling on two constituencies have been postponed after assassination of the running candidates including Haroon Bilour (PK-78 Peshawar) and Ikramullah Khan Gandapur (PK-99DI Khan).The number of national assembly constituencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been increased from 35 to 39 after fresh delimitations of the constituencies.Whereas 12 MNAs will be elected from the seven recently merged tribal districts and frontier regions, thus making the total tally to 51 MNAs.A total of 1993 candidates of different political parties and independents are running for 51 national and 97 provincial assembly seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including seven tribal districts and frontier regions.In KP, around 87,269 policemen would be engaged in election duties to provide safe environment to voters in 11,132 polling stations.Out of 11,132 polling stations, 2,572 have been declared most sensitive and 4,427 sensitive to be guarded by security personnel for smooth conduct of elections.A total 25,720 personnel would be deployed on most sensitive polling stations in the province as 10 personnel would be guarding each most sensitive polling station.Likewise, a total of 30,989 personnel would guard 4,427 sensitive polling stations in the province as seven to be deployed on each sensitive polling station.As many as 20,680 security personnel would be deployed at 4136 normal polling stations, while five personnel would be deployed at each normal polling station in the province. In overall 15,316,299 registered voters including 8,705,831 male and 6,610,468 female voters would exercise right of franchise for 39 general seats of national assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 2,510,154 registered voters for 12 national assembly seats of tribal districts merged into KP, thus raising totally number of voters to 17.826 million in KP.The newly included tribal districts including Bajaur district has 492,732 registered voters followed by Khyber 491,844 voters, Kurram 337,865 voters, South Waziristan 324,165, Mohmand 255,523, North Waziristan 274,205, Orakzai 167,206, Frontier Regions (FR) Bannu 12446, FR DI Khan 28764, FR Kohat 59037, FR Lakki Marwat 12494, FR Peshawar 32937 and FR Tank 20936 respectively.In KP, Peshawar has topped the list with highest number of registered voters as 1693386 followed by Mardan 1239939 voters and Swat 1193111 voters respectively.Torghar is the only KP district where only 90414 voters registered would exercise their right of vote on Wednesday.In Abbottabad, the total registered voters are 838726, Bannu 578872, Batagram 258155, Buner 445474, Charsadda 881017, Chitral 269579, DI Khan 719985, Hangu 275947, Haripur 657648, Karak 404475, Kohat 506699, Kohistan 154620, Lakki Marwat 421224, Lower Dir 681841, Malakand 386449, Manshera 947076, Nowshera 756364, Shangla 374343, Swabi 912669, Tank 180872 and Upper Dir 447414.For the first time, heads of all the major political parties are contesting from KP constituencies including Bilawal Bhutto ( Malakand) Shehbaz Sharif (Swat), Fazlur Rehman (DI Khan), Imran Khan (Bannu), Asfandyar Wali Khan and Aftab Sherpao (Charssada) and Sirajul Haq( Dir Lower).Similarly, four former Chief Ministers including Akram Khan Durrani, Haider Khan Hoti, Aftab Sherpao and Pervez Khattak are also in the fields from their respective home districts.Former Governor KP, Gen Retd Iftikhar Hussain Shah is also contesting from his home constituency Kohat as independent candidate after he was refused ticket by the PTI.All Deputy Commissioners have been nominated as District Monitoring Officers (DMCs) who would be assisted by monitoring teams comprising senior officials of district administration and others lines departments including Assistant Commissioners, Additional Assistant Commissioners, Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMO) officers etc for smooth and transparent conduct of elections.ECP has requisitioned Armed Forces of Pakistan under Article 220&245 of constitution to assist them in free, fair & transparent conduct of election besides enabling people of KP to freely exercise their democratic right in safe and secure environment.As many as 14,530 presiding officers, 83,692 assistant presiding officers and 41,846 polling officers will perform duties in KP and tribal districts and frontier regions recently merged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Around 10,351 closed-circuit television cameras have been installed at 2,572 most sensitive polling stations and 7,779 polling booths in the province.The election campaign will end 12am tonight and no political parties would be allowed to hold rallies and addressing public meetings after it.The Government has declared July 25 as public holiday for facilitation of voters.The voting process will formally start at 8am and will continue till 6pm without any break.The voters in premises of polling stations would be allowed to cast their votes and the counting would begin soon after completion of the polling process.

Verdict reserved on Sh Rasheed?s plea against poll postponement in NA-60

ISLAMABAD: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday reserved the verdict on Sheikh Rasheed’s plea challenging Election Commission’s order of postponing polls in NA-60 Rawalpindi following sentence of life imprisonment of PML-N candidate Hanif Abbasi.Also read: Hanif Abbasi’s disqualification: ECP postpones election in NA-60The Awami Muslim League chief challenged the ECP order   in Rawalpindi Bench of the LHC and the Supreme Court.Addressing a press conference here at the SC premises, Sh Rasheed said postponement of election was unconstitutional and illegal as ECP did not postpone the election in Lahore and Manshera after the disqualification of Maryam Nawaz and Capt (R) Safdar.The Pakistan Peoples' Party also challenged the ECP order in Islamabad High Court. The ECP Sunday notified postponement of the election in this constituency of Rawalpindi.The Election Commission said that while preparations for the general elections were in their final stages and ballot papers for the constituency were already printed with Hanif Abbasi's election symbol on them, the ECP is bound to provide a level playing field to all candidates. It said the election in NA-60 is postponed and will be conducted after the scheduled general elections, along with other postponed elections.Hanif Abbasi was contesting the election mainly against the Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed from NA-60. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not have a covering candidate in the constituency. Sheikh Rasheed enjoys full support of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as well.“Whereas only two days are left to the conduct of the elections, when Hanif Abbasi, a potential candidate from NA-60 has been disqualified, which has resulted into a heated debate in the media and political circles rendering the atmosphere as full and negativelycharged and; whereas the serious criticism is afloat qua the provision of level-playing field in the general election…and whereas the Election Commission of Pakistan, having taken cognisance of all attending circumstances is bound to provide a level playing field to the contestants under the Constitution and the law, particularly the Section 4 of the Elections Act, 2017 read with Article 218(3) of the Constitution and the powers of the Election Commission defined by the August Supreme Court of Pakistan in famous Workers Party case…”, the notification says.It is pertinent to mention that the law provides for postponement of election in case of death of a candidate. Section 73 of the Elections Act, 2017, says that “if a contesting candidate dies before commencement of the poll or during the polling hours, the returning officer shall, by public notice, terminate the proceedings relating to that election”.Under this law, polls have been also delayed in PS-87 Malir, following death of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan candidate Sharif Ahmed Khan in a road accident, PK-78 Peshawar after death of Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Haroon Bilour in a suicide attack and NA-103 and PP-103 constituencies of Peshawar due to death of independent candidate Mirza Mughal.Elections were also delayed in PB-35 Mastung after a terrorist attack, which claimed at least 149 lives including that of Balochistan Awami Party candidate Siraj Raisani. Similarly, polls have been postponed in PP-87 Mianwali after death of Ahmed Khan, a candidate of Pakistan Justice and Democratic Party. Some candidates have been also disqualified already but polling will take place as usual; they include Rana Asif Tausif, Sardar Ghulam Abbas and Rai Hasan Nawaz.

Rock the vote: Pakistani political music keeps the party going

In this picture taken on July 17, 2018, Asif Butt, better known by his stage persona DJ Butt, performs during a rally of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Islamabad. Pakistani political rallies have been transformed in recent years to festive blowouts, designed to entertain as much as inspire supporters to vote. ISLAMABAD: As the crowd swells with anticipation for their leader Shahbaz Sharif’s arrival a DJ blares the anthem "Respect the vote", while supporters chant slogans and sway to the synth-driven dance track."We are enjoying it a lot," shouts Nauman Khan over the ear-splitting volume as he dances with friends at the rally in Punjab province, days ahead of Pakistan’s national elections."We really like the songs of Nawaz Sharif," he screams, referring to Shahbaz’s brother, the jailed former premier who continues to inspire his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters from behind bars.Pakistani political rallies have been transformed in recent years to festive blowouts, designed to entertain as much as inspire supporters to vote.The formula was first perfected by Asif Butt -- better known by his stage persona DJ Butt -- an erstwhile wedding DJ who first shot to fame when he played a rally for cricketer-turned-opposition leader Imran Khan in 2011.It was there that the Lahore-based DJ began to perfect his craft, playing contemporary songs to warm up the crowd and musical interludes to the speeches on stage -- injecting some dramatic theatre into long stretches of oratory."Imran Khan is a quick learner. He understood quickly where he had to pause for music and where he should continue speaking," says Butt.The mashup was a hit, paving the way for continued collaboration between Butt and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during the 2013 election season as the party reached out to younger and more urban voters.Political parties in Pakistan have used music as a way of spreading slogans and unifying supporters since the rise of pop music in the late 1980s, following the end of a military dictatorship.But increasingly, and thanks to DJs like Butt, the rhythms of political rallies are filling a vital space in the deeply conservative Islamic country, providing the music-obsessed masses with a space to dance and cut loose.- Play to the crowd -Butt’s career resembles that of an ambitious upstart in the country’s chaotic political landscape.He has played to crowds numbering tens of thousands, spent time in jail, and even manned the decks during a riot as police cracked down on a PTI protest with batons and tear gas.Butt’s blueprint for success is simple: play to the crowd.In Punjab, he belts out tunes to suit the province’s homegrown Bhangra dance style. In the rural northwest he sticks to traditional folk tunes, while in urban areas the playlist is exclusively pop."DJ Butt and the PTI are the spiritual heads of this," says pop culture writer Ahmer Naqvi on music’s shaping of Pakistani politics.His success has since sparked a cottage industry, with political parties across the country hiring DJs on the campaign trail to attract voters.At a PTI rally in Lahore, portions of the crowd resemble a mosh pit as men spin in circles, hands flailing in response to deafening political anthems."The younger generation likes music at Imran Khan’s rallies because there is enthusiasm and fervour in it," says PTI supporter Muhammad Ali."And there’s DJs there and the music is good."But not all are fans.Back in Punjab province’s Pindi Gheb, Sharif supporter Abdul Ghaffar slams the "singing and dancing" witnessed at Imran Khan’s rallies for involving both men and women."We don’t have anything like dancing by women in our public meetings," he scoffs.- ‘Arrow to the heart’ -For those upset with the ways of the young, there are still the classic songs of old, with the lyrics largely centred on the personalities of party leaders."Arrow to the heart", an ode to the late former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and her Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), remains the gold standard for political anthems in the eyes of many."That bassline could bring down empires. It’s so powerful," says pop culture writer Naqvi of the song’s timelessness."I don’t know what is so special in this song but there is something that still attracts party leaders and workers alike," says Shabana Noshi, who provided vocals on the now iconic track.Since being recorded almost 30 years ago, the song has outgrown its political mandate and is now a staple at weddings in southern Pakistan’s Sindh province, where the PPP draws its support, Noshi says.And for the faithful, a PPP rally is not complete without the song."No rally during the elections could be successful if the party song is not played on big speakers," says PPP supporter Naqash Saeed in Karachi."Whenever it is played my partisanship gets stronger."

Medical board reviews Nawaz Sharif?s health at Adiala

ISLAMABAD: A five-member medical team has reached Adiala jail to assess the condition of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif after his health deteriorated Saturday due to ‘intense heat’ in the cell where he is incarcerated.The medical board comprising Dr Aijaz Qadeer, as chairman; Dr Naeem Malik, PIMS Head of Cardiology; Dr Shajee Siddiqui, Medical Specialist; Dr Sohail Tanvir and Dr Mashood arrived at the prison Monday along with a mobile laboratory.A team of doctors from the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, led by Major General (R) Azhar Kayani, carried out medical examination of Nawaz Sharif on Sunday and recommended to shift him to the RIC.General Kayani told The News that Nawaz Sharif was already diabetic and a heart patient.He said the PML-N leader’s health deteriorated due to intense heat. An ECG test was conducted that’s not satisfactory. Kayani said doctors had advised administration of drips to overcome dehydration from exposure to intense heat.The Interior Ministry approved a summary forwarded by the Punjab Home Ministry Sunday night seeking Nawaz Sharif’s shifting to the hospital. On the other hand, sources said tests showed that Nawaz had high sugar level being diabetic and heart patient.He also had high Urea concentration in blood that could be damaging for the kidneys. Sources claimed that the former premier was not provided with air condition or room cooler exposing him to dehydration.They claimed that the jail administration did not allow Nawaz’s personnel physician Dr Adnan to treat him. IG Jail Shahid Saleem Baig visited Nawaz last Friday to convince him to send Maryam Nawaz to the Sihala Rest House.Nawaz asked Baig to allow his medical check-up, but he did not heed his request. The sources said Nawaz Sharif was not even allowed to offer Juma prayers. After deterioration in health, the jail doctors examined him but his health did not improve after which Major General (R) Kayani was requested to visit the jail along with a team and carry out medical check-up of Nawaz Sharif.The team suggested his immediate shifting to the hospital as delay in shifting might damage his kidneys. A report to this effect was dispatched to the authorities concerned after which it was decided that since Nawaz was sentenced by a NAB court of Islamabad; therefore, a medical board of PIMS should give his medical report by carrying out his medical examination. The decision to shift him to hospital would be taken in the light of this report.

Medal board reviews Nawaz Sharif?s health at Adiala

ISLAMABAD: A five-member medical team has reached Adiala jail to assess the condition of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif after his health deteriorated Saturday due to ‘intense heat’ in the cell where he is incarcerated.The medical board comprising Dr Aijaz Qadeer, as chairman; Dr Naeem Malik, PIMS Head of Cardiology; Dr Shajee Siddiqui, Medical Specialist; Dr Sohail Tanvir and Dr Mashood arrived at the prison Monday along with a mobile laboratory.A team of doctors from the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, led by Major General (R) Azhar Kayani, carried out medical examination of Nawaz Sharif on Sunday and recommended to shift him to the RIC.General Kayani told The News that Nawaz Sharif was already diabetic and a heart patient.He said the PML-N leader’s health deteriorated due to intense heat. An ECG test was conducted that’s not satisfactory. Kayani said doctors had advised administration of drips to overcome dehydration from exposure to intense heat.The Interior Ministry approved a summary forwarded by the Punjab Home Ministry Sunday night seeking Nawaz Sharif’s shifting to the hospital. On the other hand, sources said tests showed that Nawaz had high sugar level being diabetic and heart patient.He also had high Urea concentration in blood that could be damaging for the kidneys. Sources claimed that the former premier was not provided with air condition or room cooler exposing him to dehydration.They claimed that the jail administration did not allow Nawaz’s personnel physician Dr Adnan to treat him. IG Jail Shahid Saleem Baig visited Nawaz last Friday to convince him to send Maryam Nawaz to the Sihala Rest House.Nawaz asked Baig to allow his medical check-up, but he did not heed his request. The sources said Nawaz Sharif was not even allowed to offer Juma prayers. After deterioration in health, the jail doctors examined him but his health did not improve after which Major General (R) Kayani was requested to visit the jail along with a team and carry out medical check-up of Nawaz Sharif.The team suggested his immediate shifting to the hospital as delay in shifting might damage his kidneys. A report to this effect was dispatched to the authorities concerned after which it was decided that since Nawaz was sentenced by a NAB court of Islamabad; therefore, a medical board of PIMS should give his medical report by carrying out his medical examination. The decision to shift him to hospital would be taken in the light of this report.

Donkey who was tortured brutally by political supporters of a party passes away

Hailed as Hero, the donkey who faced immense wrath as a result of political rivalry displayed by  political supporters of a party, passed away Monday morning, animal rescue Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation confirmed. In a heart wrenching post shared by the NGO on social media, Hero was unable to cope up with the physical and mental pain he was inflicted with and succumbed to his injuries today:“He was doing a lot better until yesterday, he managed to stand up on his own, eat powdered food although he had a broken jaw, and drink water on his own. He had been on IV drips, multivitamins and antibiotics. His external wounds were healing. He was just skin and bones and unbelievably weak and malnourished, like he was starved for days. And constipated at the same time. He had colic that can be fatal in donkeys although his seemed to be getting better.We kept his temperature under control, massaged and cuddled him to calm down him as he would try take faltering steps, distressed, suffering from post traumatic stress, his heart pounding a mile a minute.However, this morning, his blood pressure was too high, his temperature kept fluctuating hence he was under constant observation, he started bleeding from his nose and he couldn’t breathe properly anymore.His internal injuries due to the violence he faced, were too much for him to bear,” shared ACF. The post further reads: "He just saw a week of happiness, peace and love with us, and we saw this beautiful, intelligent personality who was abused and tortured for absolutely no reason, for no fault of his own."On July 17, Hero was taken in by the animal rescue center  after he was brutally tortured, injured and beaten by supporters of a party after they wrote the opponent's name on his body. 

Donkey who was tortured brutally by political supporters of a party passes away

Hailed as Hero, the donkey who faced immense wrath as a result of political rivalry displayed by  political supporters of a party, passed away Monday morning, animal rescue Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation confirmed. In a heart wrenching post shared by the NGO on social media, Hero was unable to cope up with the physical and mental pain he was inflicted with and succumbed to his injuries today:“He was doing a lot better until yesterday, he managed to stand up on his own, eat powdered food although he had a broken jaw, and drink water on his own. He had been on IV drips, multivitamins and antibiotics. His external wounds were healing. He was just skin and bones and unbelievably weak and malnourished, like he was starved for days. And constipated at the same time. He had colic that can be fatal in donkeys although his seemed to be getting better.We kept his temperature under control, massaged and cuddled him to calm down him as he would try take faltering steps, distressed, suffering from post traumatic stress, his heart pounding a mile a minute.However, this morning, his blood pressure was too high, his temperature kept fluctuating hence he was under constant observation, he started bleeding from his nose and he couldn’t breathe properly anymore.His internal injuries due to the violence he faced, were too much for him to bear,” shared ACF. The post further reads: "He just saw a week of happiness, peace and love with us, and we saw this beautiful, intelligent personality who was abused and tortured for absolutely no reason, for no fault of his own."On July 17, Hero was taken in by the animal rescue center  after he was brutally tortured, injured and beaten by supporters of a party after they wrote the opponent's name on his body.