ISLAMABAD, April 26: The Pakistan People’s Party apprised the Commonwealth delegation about the “unconstitutionality” of the referendum being held on April 30, 2002 and “how it is against the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.”

A delegation of the Commonwealth Secretariat consisting of Ms K. Falkner and Mr John Shepard of the Political Division, held a meeting at the Central Secretariat of Pakistan People’s Party, with Acting Secretary-General of PPP Mian Raza Rabbani, Secretary of Finance Ehsanul Haq Paracha and Vice President of Punjab Raja Pervez Ashraf.

The delegation was informed that alleged State and local bodies funding of the referendum campaign falls within the ambit of the definition of corruption and corrupt practices as defined in the NAB Ordinance.

The delegation was further informed that in sheer desperation the government had now waived the condition of National Identity Card production at the time of casting of votes.

The team members were further informed that the October polls will be rigged and those supporting the regime will be elected. In this regard, various statements of the President were quoted.

Opinion

Editorial

A new chokepoint
Updated 24 Jul, 2026

A new chokepoint

WITH free transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz blocked due to the US-Iran conflict, a new chokepoint has...
Improved rating
24 Jul, 2026

Improved rating

S&P GLOBAL’S decision to upgrade Pakistan’s long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘B’ with a stable...
More firetraps
24 Jul, 2026

More firetraps

WHILE it was already apparent that death traps dot Karachi, a safety audit by the Sindh government has thrown up...
De-escalation efforts
23 Jul, 2026

De-escalation efforts

WHILE the exchange of fire across the Gulf — and the wider Middle East — continues between the US and Iran,...
Time to integrate
23 Jul, 2026

Time to integrate

PAKISTAN remains one of the least regionally integrated economies in Asia. The trade figures for the last fiscal ...
Modi unnerved
23 Jul, 2026

Modi unnerved

DISCONTENT is visible in India. Delhi has been on the boil since last month. As thousands took to the streets ...