Pakistan hits back at criticism of election conduct and insists cellphone curbs were necessary
Feb 10, 2024
Pakistan has hit back at criticism over the conduct of its parliamentary elections, which were held amid sporadic militant attacks and an unprecedented suspension of all mobile phone services
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan on Saturday hit back at criticism over the
conduct of its parliamentary elections,
which were held amid sporadic militant attacks and an unprecedented stoppage of all mobile phone services.The strongly worded reaction from the Foreign Ministry insisted the vote was peaceful and successful.
The U.S. State Department said that
Thursday's vote was held under undue restrictions
on freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. The European Union has also said it regrets the lack of a level playing field due to the inability of some political actors to contest the elections.The ministry said it was surprised by "the negative tone of some of these statements, which neither take into account the complexity of the electoral process, nor acknowledge the free and enthusiastic exercise of the right to vote by tens of millions of Pakistanis”.
It said such statements “ignore the undeniable fact that Pakistan has held general elections, peacefully and successfully, while dealing with serious security threats resulting primarily from foreign sponsored terrorism."
It said there was no nationwide internet shutdown and “only mobile services were suspended for the day to avoid terrorist incidents on polling day."
In Thursday's vote, no political party gained a simple majority and independent candidates backed by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan took a lead in the vote count.
It forced Khan's main rival,
three-time premier Nawaz Sharif
, to announce plans to try to form a coalition government.Khan was disqualified
from running because of criminal convictions.Candidates backed by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party won 100 out of the 266 seats up for grabs in the National Assembly. Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party captured 71 seats.
Also Saturday, the leader of a political party was wounded and two police officers killed in a clash in the country's northwest.
The violence broke out in North Waziristan when Mohsin Dawar and his supporters tried to march toward an army facility while protesting delays in announcing the election result, police official Zahid Khan said.
MORE NEWS
Babus who call late meetings, delay files face scrutiny as cabinet secretary lists 12 types of secretaries
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan highlighted issues with bureaucratic efficiency at a recent performance review meeting. He presented a list of problematic behaviors affecting government productivity using cartoons. Somanathan emphasized the necessity of timely decision-making and better communication between ministries. Another topic addressed was the improper usage of ration cards by railway employees.
Delhi starts online liquor booking app: How to order favourite brands without waiting in queues, check process, outlet availability, and key rules
Delhi's latest initiative introduces an online liquor booking app, letting users select their favorite brands and make payments seamlessly. To streamline the process, residents have 48 hours to pick up their orders from one of the 208 designated shops. While home delivery isn’t an option, the app aims to eliminate long queues and enhance transparency.
1st batch of Agniveers retiring soon: What's the retirement money, career options and benefits they will get
By 2026, approximately 18,300 Agniveers will finish their service in the armed forces, marking a pivotal transition. To ease their shift into civilian life, numerous states have initiated job quotas specifically for ex-Agniveers across different uniformed services and police departments. These initiatives stem from the Agnipath scheme launched in June 2022, which focuses on enlisting younger individuals in military roles.
GST clarification on foreign investor brokerage offers sentiment boost, analysts say
The Indian government has clarified that brokerage paid by overseas clients may qualify as an export service. This could help foreign investors avoid the 18% goods and services tax on brokerage fees. Analysts suggest this clarification is sentimentally positive amid significant foreign outflows from Indian stocks. There is ongoing speculation regarding potential cuts in capital gains tax ahead of the federal budget.
'Copying China's manufacturing model may not pay off': Ashwini Vaishnaw hits back with ‘Cope harder’ remark, cites Rs 3 lakh crore PLI returns
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has hit back at criticism of India's mobile phone manufacturing strategy with a blunt “Cope harder” remark. Citing figures from the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, he said the government paid Rs 19,000 crore in incentives and collected Rs 25,000 crore in direct taxes, alongside Rs 3 lakh crore in GST. His response followed a Bloomberg Opinion video questioning India's iPhone manufacturing model, its dependence on imported components and the cost of government subsidies.
Ministry of Civil Aviation reviews Cyclone 'Arnab' situation, operational readiness
Cyclonic Storm Arnab is expected to intensify as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has organized a meeting to ensure aviation safety during this period. Flights to and from coastal regions, including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry, are facing significant disruptions. Airlines have been advised to assist passengers and adhere to operational guidelines amid adverse weather.
Ministry of Civil Aviation reviews Cyclone 'Arnab' situation, operational readiness
Cyclonic Storm Arnab is expected to intensify as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has organized a meeting to ensure aviation safety during this period. Flights to and from coastal regions, including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry, are facing significant disruptions. Airlines have been advised to assist passengers and adhere to operational guidelines amid adverse weather.