Balochistan stuck in a time warp as ‘rolling stones’ rock and roll – Pakistan
Observers say there is no difference between Balochistan-based and mainstream parties, thanks to the politics of electables. DURING PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, Quetta’s only four-star Serena Hotel was buzzing. Mr Sharif, who had been absent from Quetta for six years, returned to a […]
Reflections from elections past: Will Feb 8 be any different? – Pakistan
Reflecting on the last eight elections, a lingering thought consumes me; will we ever witness a truly democratic election or are we doomed to an eternal loop of deja vu in the democratic realm? On a Thursday morning, I casually strolled into a cafe near the Dawn office for a cup of coffee. As I […]
Annie Lennox calls for ceasefire in Gaza
As Israeli brutality continues to target Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, protesters across the world are rallying for the cause. Celebrities and influential showbiz names are increasingly using their platform to speak truth to power, underscoring the staggering death toll in Palestine. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli attacks have killed at least 27,585 […]
Bilawal’s candidature challenged in SC – Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court was on Tuesday requested to take notice of alleged violation by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of the country’s election law since he is member of two registered political parties. Advocate Shah Mohammad Zaman moved the apex court after his similar petition was rejected by the Sindh High Court’s Larkana circuit branch. […]
US voices concern over lack of freedom in electoral process – World
WASHINGTON: The US State Department has voiced apprehension over observed challenges to freedom during Pakistan’s current electoral process. Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, in a news briefing on Monday, affirmed, “We want to see that process take place in a way that facilitates broad participation with respect for freedom of expression, assembly, and association.” Mr Patel […]
Swinging between the victor and the vanquished – Newspaper
‘Swing constituencies’ are those that can be won by influencing very small changes in voter preferences. Map Design: Farooq Dawood “Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat” — Sun Tzu, The Art of War GIVEN the complexity of Pakistan’s electoral dynamics and unpredictability of the role the various ‘external’ stakeholders […]
Nine grenade attacks rock Balochistan towns – Pakistan
QUETTA/GWADAR: At least nine grenade attacks, targeting election offices of candidates and polling stations, were carried out in various areas of Makran division and the provincial capital, on Tuesday. According to police reports, individuals riding motorcycles threw hand grenades at a government school in Killi Ahmedzai, located on the outskirts of Quetta, late in the […]
Barriers for women, attacks on candidates irk UN panel – Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: As the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern over the violation of law requiring political parties to award five per cent of tickets to women, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought reply from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over the matter. Ahead of Thursday’s general elections, the UN […]
Poll campaigns conclude after lacklustre run – Pakistan
HYDERABAD: Personnel of the Pakistan Army, Rangers and police carry out a flag march, on Tuesday. Two days before the nation goes to the polls, security has been beefed up across the country to avert any untoward situation during the Feb 8 vote.—Umair Ali • Nawaz woos youth in Kasur; Bilawal makes tall claims in […]
Govt hints at shutting down internet over ‘security’ issue – Pakistan
KARACHI: Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz on Tuesday hinted at the possible suspension of the internet service in case of security issues in any area on the election day (tomorrow) while Amnesty International called for uninterrupted internet access across the country during the polling process. The minister said the government would consider suspending the internet […]