2008 Election Results
EU hopes for new Pakistani government quickly BRUSSELS, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The European Union urged Pakistan on Friday to move quickly to form a new government and called for the immediate release of political prisoners. A statement from the Slovenian EU presidency welcoming the holding of parliamentary elections last Monday said the government would need to address issues such as strengthening the democratic system, reestablishment of an independent judiciary, respect for human rights, and regional peace and stability. The statement said the presidency “deeply regrets” that not all political detainees, including judges and lawyers, had been freed and so had been prevented from participating in the polls. “The EU renews its call for their immediate release. It also reiterates the need for freedom of the media,” the statement said. (Posted @ 20:56 PST)
Pakistan coalition partners thrash out PM choice ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (AFP) - Pakistan's two biggest opposition parties sought to thrash out their choice for premier Friday after agreeing to form a coalition government that could drive President Pervez Musharraf from power. Nawaz Sharif (PML-N) and Asif Ali Zardari (PPP) said their parties, once bitter rivals, would join forces. Officials from both parties said the frontrunner to be prime minister was Makhdoom Amin Fahim, the widely respected vice president of PPP. a senior PPP official said. Asif Ali Zardari and Sharif “discussed the name of Makhdoom Amin Fahim as the future premier” during their meeting late Thursday. Another name under consideration to be PM is senior PPP member Shah Mehmood Qureshi, another PPP official said. A decision, however, had not yet been taken on Friday. “It is not expected today,” a PPP official told AFP. All the PPP's members of parliament were gathering Friday in Islamabad to discuss the agreement between Zardari and Sharif, party spokesman Farhatullah Babar told AFP. (Posted @ 20:48 PST)
JUI-F takes policy decisions Peshawar, Pakistan, Feb 22 (PPI) - JUI’s NWFP executive council and newly elected candidates of JUI in their joint meeting on Friday suggested to the party’s Central Executive Council that instead of joining coalition in NWFP the JUI would prefer to sit in the opposition. Provincial Amir Senator Gull Naseeb chaired the meeting which was also participated by former Chief Minister of NWFP Akram Khan Durrani, brother of Maulana Fazal Rahman, Maulana Atta-ur- Rahman, senior member Qari Abdullah, the newly elected members of National and provincial Assemblies. Taking to media Akram Durrani said that MMA could have won upto 50 seats had the JI not boycotted the elections. He regretted that the winning parties were making claims of national consensus government but were ignoring Maulana Fazal-ur-Rahman who could play an important role in contentious issues. Durrani said that MMA during its rule in the province strongly resisted military operation in the province. The strategy was successful but the secret agencies intentionally spoiled' the situation in the final year of MMAs tenure. He claimed that JUI-F would get support of 22 members in the provincial assembly and give tough time to the government but would also support the positive steps of the new government. (Posted @ 21:52 PST)
Feb 18 elections victory of democracy, moderation RAWALPINDI, Feb 22 (PPI):- President Pervez Musharraf Friday said the February 18 elections were “a victory for democratic process and moderation” in the country and could prove to be “a major stabilizing factor.” Talking to visiting United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Congressman Michael Burgess, he stressed the need to continue with goals of political stability, economic growth and for fighting terrorism. Senator Hutchison and Congressman Burgess congratulated the President on holding of free, fair elections which they said would lead to stable political environment in the country. They lauded his leadership and Pakistan's role in fight against terrorism. Musharraf briefed the U.S. legislators on Pakistan's comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism which combined military action with political and socio-economic measures. He said Pakistan was fighting terrorism in its own interest and was pursuing right course that needed to have a political dimension and socio-economic programme. He appreciated U.S. assistance to Pakistan and underscored importance of role of Appropriations Committee. (Posted @ 21:28 PST)
PML-Q newly elected MNAs, top leaders, senators meeting to evolve future strategy ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (PPI): PML-Q President, Ch. Shujaat Hussain will chair an extraordinary meeting here Saturday of newly elected MNAs, top leaders, senators, ticket holders, and senior members to evolve future strategy of the party. The leaders of party wings have also been invited to discuss pre and post election scenario in the country. Ch. Shujaat would take into confidence party leaders on developments in post-polls scenario. PML-Q Chief will brief on his recent meetings with President Pervez Musharraf and other leaders. The meeting would explore possibility of alliance with other parties to form government in Balochistan province where PML-Q emerged largest party. (Posted @ 21:26 PST)
Zardari authorized to decide PM candidate ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb 22 (APP): Parliamentary Party of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Friday authorized party's co- chairman Asif Ali Zardari to decide about the Leader of the House in the National Assembly. After three-hour marathon deliberations the meeting also unanimously authorized Asif Zardari to take a decision about the choice of Leader of the House in consultation with the provincial parliamentary parties. The meeting was attended by the newly elected national assembly and some provincial assembly members of the party. “The decision on nomination for premiership candidate has not been taken yet as the party leadership intends to discuss it with the provincial parliamentary parties,” said Shah Mahmood Qureshi, PPP Punjab President. “Our parliamentary party has authorized co-chairman to decide about Leader of the House and for dialogue with the other parties to form coalition government. We all reposed confidence in him,” he added. Qureshi said the co-chairman briefed the MNAs and MPAs elect about on-going dialogue with the other political parties including Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Awami National Party to form coalition governments in the centre and provinces. Replying to a question, he said, PPP is struggling for strengthening democratic institutions and independence of the judiciary. “We shall also chalk out comprehensive strategy to resolve the economic problems and invite the business community to come forward and cooperate with us for economic uplift of the country,” he added. Another senior PPP leader, Sayed Yousaf Raza Gillani said there is no dispute over nomination of the Leader of the House and it would be announced soon .“I am not the candidate for post of the prime minister,” he said in reply to a question, adding, “we have full consensus over all the issues.” Another party leader, Syed Naveed Qamar when asked about expected coalitions, hinted at readiness of his party to form coalition government with any party including MQM but made it clear that MQM would have to “join us on our terms and conditions.” (Posted @ 21:24 PST)
Zardari asks PPP candidates to pursue rigging cases ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari Friday asked the party members to pursue the rigging cases with the Election Commission through party's Monitoring Cell. “We need to pursue these cases with the Election Commission and other legal fora,” he told the participants of the party’s Parliamentary Party meeting. Zardari alleged pre-poll rigging in certain areas and said incidents of interference and violence in some constituencies affected smooth electioneering. The participants expressed views on the prevailing situation in the country and vowed to work for the restoration of the parliament's supremacy. They also resolved to play their democratic role in the post-election period, sticking to the party's manifesto and declarations and go along with other democratic parties in resolving the myriad problems facing the country. Zardari said similar consultative meetings will continue during the next three days for taking some important political decisions. He said he had invited the MPAs from Punjab and NWFP for a meeting on Saturday and the MPAs of Balochistan and Sindh on Sunday for similar consultations. A meeting of all losing candidates has been summoned for Monday. (Posted @ 21:10 PST)
Imran Khan, Aitzaz Ahsan press conference LAHORE, February 22, Speaking at a joint press conference in Lahore, PTI chief Imran Khan and president of the supreme court bar association Aitzaz Ahsan, stated that the public had rejected the dictatorial rule of President Pervez Musharraf, and voted overwhelmingly for the forces of democracy in Pakistan. They were unanimous in declaring that, they wanted Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and the 60 judges dismissed by Musharraf to be reinstated, because they took a stand not only for the constitution, but for the people of Pakistan, and thus there would be no negotiation on this issue. Imran khan and Aitzaz Ahsan also welcomed the statement made by the opposition parties that they would work together in order to restore the judiciary. Aitzaz Ahsan also called on the lawyers’ movement and the civil society to participate in a long march on March 9th, in support of the dismissed judges. Imran Khan gave his full support to the march and stated that he would do his part in order to make it a success. (Posted @ 19:52 PST)
Russia expects majority parties in Pakistan to form broad-based coalition govt ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): Russia expects that majority parties in Pakistan would form the next government by establishing a broad-based coalition, according to a Russian Embassy press release. “We expect the political parties enjoying the majority in the parliament to reach an agreement to establish a broad-based coalition,” the mission quoted Mikhail Kamynin, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as saying. “We hope that the new government will be able to find a solution to the problems of crucial importance for Pakistan such as getting the combat with terrorism as the main threat for the country running more efficiently and creating social and economic environment conducive to bolstering of the state stability,” Kamynin said. “It is important for Pakistan itself as well as for regional and international security,” the spokesman said. (Posted @ 18:05 PST)
British, French ambassadors meet Nawaz Sharif ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley and French Ambassador to Pakistan Regisde Belenet separately met Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif Friday and exchanged views on the political scenario in the wake of February 18 elections. According to party sources Nawaz Sharif briefed the envoys about the party's agenda including restoration of pre-emergency status of judiciary, supremacy of the parliament and strengthening of democracy. PML-N leader Ch. Nisar Ali Khan was also present at the meetings. Meanwhile, the parliamentary party of PML-N met on Friday and nominated Nawaz Sharif as its parliamentary leader. The former prime minister is expected to seek a seat in the National Assembly through a by-election. (Posted @ 18:00 PST)
No trouble for PML-N, PPP to work together in national interest: Dar ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): A central leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Friday said there will be no trouble for PML-N and PPP to work together to put the country on road to progress and real democracy. Ishaq Dar said in a tv interview that his party is not ambitious to form government in the center; rather it is the right of PPP. He said Charter of Democracy provides guideline to both parties and added that CoD once implemented would bring positive change and strengthen institutions. (Posted @ 19:48 PST)
Recounting of votes fails to help ex-minister DERA GHAZI KHAN, Pakistan, Feb 22 (APP)- Recounting of votes in NA -173 D.G. Khan-III on Friday did not alter the earlier announced election victory of success of Sardar Saifuddin Khosa of PML-N against ex-minister Awais Leghari. PML-Q candidate and former federal minister Sardar Awais Leghari had demanded recounting which was carried out by Returning Officer Akhter Bahadur in the presence of the candidates. As a result, Sardar Saifuddin Khosa got another 44 votes while Awais Leghari bagged another 21 votes. As such, their total vote count stands at 56,475 and 56,074 respectively, official sources said. (Posted @ 19:36 PST)
'Election process was transparent, satisfactory': HRSP ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb 22 (APP): Human Rights Society of Pakistan Friday termed the election process transparent and satisfactory. The HRSP in a report said that the turnout was between 40 to 50 per cent. (Posted @ 19:06 PST)
ANP consulting parties to form govt in NWFP ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb 22 (APP): Awami National Party (ANP) is in touch with other parties to form government in North West Frontier Province, party’s provincial secretary general Mian Iftikhar Hussain said Friday. ANP has contacted Muslim League (N), People's Party and independent candidates, but so far no picture has emerged yet. The party leadership would take the final decision in due course, he said. (Posted @ 18:48 PST)
I accept peoples verdict despite massive rigging: Mumtaz Bhutto Ratodero, Pakistan, Feb.22 (PPI): Chairman, Sindh National Front, Sardar Mumtaz Ali Bhutto Friday said he accepts the verdict of people despite massive rigging in the elections. During visit to different villages to thank people who voted for his son Ameer Bux Bhutto, he said, “Getting elected to the assemblies is not so important for us, as SNF manifesto clearly states that assemblies of this country benefit only the rulers and not the masses.” “However, we contested the polls to raise the voice for the rights of Sindh and its people in the assembly, but unfortunately the people of Sindh have elected not a single person that could speak for them.” Mumtaz Bhutto highlighted problems like corruption, unemployment, price-hike, lawlessness, shortage of essential commodities etc and said: “Now we have to see how the new government tackles these issues”. (Posted @ 16:45 PST)
Forming Pakistan's coalition government Islamabad, Feb 22(Reuters)- Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, the leaders of Pakistan's two main parties, have decided in principle to forge a coalition government following their resounding election victory. If they succeed, it will be the first time the two main parties in Pakistan have come together. As the two parties and their leadership work out the modalities of the coalition arrangement, the Election Commission will be ready to formally notify the election results which is expected by March 1. This will be followed by President Musharraf summoning the inaugural session of the National Assembly. How soon after depends on whether there is a government ready. In 2002, Musharraf convened the assembly session more than a month after the election, to give time to political parties to agree on a coalition. The president will thereafter invite a member of the National Assembly who commands the confidence of the majority of the members to become prime minister and form the government. Before the formal election of the leader of the house/prime minister, the newly elected members will be sworn in, and they will elect the Speaker and his deputy. (Posted @ 15:50 PST)
Musharraf pledges to work with new parliament WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (AFP) - President Pervez Musharraf vowed in a US newspaper opinion piece published Friday that he would work with Pakistan's new parliament after opposition parties agreed to form a coalition government. Musharraf wrote in the Washington Post that Pakistan required continued US support to defeat terrorism, forge a stable government and create the foundation for economic growth. “Because these goals are shared by the vast majority of Pakistanis, I am certain we can and will accomplish them, and I stand ready to work with the newly elected parliament to achieve these objectives,” he wrote. In the opinion piece, Musharraf described the vote as a “milestone in our nation's 60-year history” and said the transition to democracy was vital for “reconciliation” and to help the country face an array of challenges. “But our success will require the continued support of the United States,” he added. “I would ask Americans to remember that building democracy is difficult in the best of conditions”. The White House said on Wednesday that it hoped the new parliament would continue to work with Musharraf, giving its backing to the embattled former general. (Posted @ 15:05 PST)
Panjgur-PPP, Independents hold rally against alleged rigging of polls PANJGUR, Pakistan, Feb 22 (PPI): PPP and independent candidates took out a rally here Thursday to protest against tampering of the results of successful candidates, rigging of polls and success of pro government parties through harassment of voters by police. Demonstration was led by PPP’s candidate for NA-271 Sabir Ali Baloch and included Sabir Baloch, Attaullah Baloch and others They demanded of the Election Commission to announce fresh poll. NNN (Posted @ 14:50 PST)
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