Senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser expressed grave concerns over what he perceives as electoral malpractice, alleging that Tehreek-e-Insaf’s mandate was compromised during the elections. Speaking at a ceremony in Swabi, Qaiser lamented the absence of a congratulatory message from the US President in a letter—an omission he found significant.
Qaiser voiced skepticism regarding the sustainability of the current government, suggesting it might struggle to endure beyond a mere six months. He attributed this prognosis to what he sees as an array of tactics deployed to undermine PTI’s electoral mandate.
Asserting his party’s resolve, Qaiser declared that PTI would not permit the government to function if its mandate was not reinstated through legal avenues. He emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring the integrity of electoral processes.
In response to Qaiser’s remarks, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari defended the government’s track record, citing public welfare initiatives spearheaded by Maryam Nawaz. Bukhari criticized PTI’s stance, accusing the party of seeking excuses to boycott the upcoming Senate elections.
Meanwhile, amidst political tensions, a video of Sher Afzal Marwat slapping a person at a PTI rally went viral, highlighting internal discord within the party ranks. In Karachi, preparations for Yom-e-Ali saw the release of a traffic plan by local authorities to manage the anticipated crowds. Additionally, the National Assembly convened to address a seven-point agenda, focusing on issues such as smuggling and under-invoicing of steel imports.
As the political landscape remains tumultuous, more than 300 lawyers nationwide petitioned the Supreme Court to take notice of a letter penned by six judges of the Islamabad High Court—a testament to growing concerns over the state of judicial affairs.
In another development, the abduction of two children in Sumanabad, Karachi, was resolved with the arrest of five suspects, including the mastermind—a relative of the victims. However, a dacoit apprehended for robbery in Faisalabad tragically passed away while being transported to the hospital.
Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with the United States for global peace, highlighting the significance of bilateral relations. Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came under scrutiny for its decision to remove Shaheen Shah Afridi from captaincy, with the cricketer himself expressing unawareness of the board’s statement attributed to him.
As political tensions escalate and social issues persist, Pakistan navigates a complex landscape marked by electoral disputes, governance challenges, and societal concerns.
