Latest news with #PP-52
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab Unwanted Cooperative Societies (Repeal, Reorganization) Bill passed
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed the Punjab Unwanted Cooperative Societies (Repeal and Reorganization) Bill, 2025, presented by Law Minister Sohaib Ahmad Bherth. The Punjab Assembly session began one hour and 48 minutes late under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. During the session, Hina Arshad Warraich, the newly elected member of the provincial assembly from PP-52 in the recent by-election in Sialkot, took the oath of membership. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan administered the oath to Hina Arshad Warraich. During the session, Parliamentary Secretary Sultan Tariq Bajwa answered questions regarding the Housing, Urban Development, and Public Health Engineering Department. In response to a question, the parliamentary secretary stated that due to road damage, traffic problems and accidents have become common on Sheikhupura Road in Faisalabad. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan remarked that urban development design maps have been prepared across Punjab, and societies have been established accordingly. Government member Amjad Ali Javed pointed out that there is no electricity supply in Toba Tek Singh Housing Colony No. 3, to which the speaker responded that if there is no electricity in the colony, the residents must be managing somehow, and a solution should be found. In reply, the parliamentary secretary stated that if the department receives two billion rupees in funds, the issue in the area will be resolved. Regarding the water treatment plant installed in 2022-23, 25 million rupees were spent on it, but it remains non-operational due to the lack of electricity. Talks are ongoing with WAPDA, and he will provide updates on when electricity will be restored. He further stated that the government is committed to provide sewerage facilities in villages where they are currently lacking at the earliest. Government member Amjad Ali Javed stated that presenting bills in the Assembly in any language other than Urdu is a violation of Pakistan's Constitution. The Speaker had ruled that no bill would be presented without an Urdu version, and the responsibility for this would lie with the department, not the Secretariat. In response, Law Minister Sohaib Ahmad Bherth assured the House that in the future, whenever an agenda is presented, an Urdu version would also be included. Newly elected Punjab Assembly member Hina Arshad, in her first speech after taking the oath, said that this was not just her victory but the entire party's election, and she expressed gratitude to Maryam Nawaz for allowing her to contest. She stated that she defeated her opponent by a lead of 38,000 votes on the platform of PML-N. Addressing those who raise slogans about Form 47, she challenged them to first demonstrate their own performance. Instead of mere talk, they must now prove themselves through actions, just as Maryam Nawaz has done by delivering results rather than empty rhetoric. Speaking on a point of order, PPP member Mumtaz Ali Chang challenged PTI's Sajjad Ahmed to resign and contest elections from Sadiqabad, declaring, "If I lie or make false allegations, may I be cursed; otherwise, may the liar be cursed." He announced his own resignation and demanded that PTI member Sajjad Ahmed also resign, saying, "If my party has done good work, it will win; otherwise, he will win." He reminded that PTI had previously lost a by-election by 30,000 votes and asserted, "I am not a thief of flour, sugar, or diesel." He further stated that when Asif Ali Zardari and his sister were in jail, no one spoke up, but now he would not remain silent. He criticized PTI leaders for commenting on others while their own leader has been in jail for a year. He dared PTI to face him in the electoral field, questioning whether PPP or PTI would win in Sadiqabad. He also accused corrupt police officers of being "black sheep" who wear uniforms while betraying their duty, vowing to respond forcefully if PTI members attacked PPP's leadership. Panel of Chairman Chairman Samiullah Khan intervened, noting that Sajjad Ahmed was not present in the House and therefore Mumtaz Chang should refrain from addressing remarks toward him. In the Punjab Assembly, chaos erupted over the resolution presented by government member Naeem Safdar Ansari regarding cleanliness on Eid-ul-Adha. Opposition members stood on their chairs and began shouting loudly. Panel of Chairman Samiullah Khan stated that when the "Clean Punjab" resolution was passed, no one had opposed it at the time. Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman remarked that the opposition did not stand up when it was time, and now they could satisfy their desire by holding a vote. In response, opposition member Rana Aftab argued that the assembly proceedings should not be bulldozed, claiming that their protest during the resolution was ignored. Subsequently, the resolution presented by government member Naeem Safdar Ansari was approved by a majority vote. The text of the resolution mentioned that, for the first time in Punjab, coordinated planning ensured the removal of waste and filth from the city during Eid-ul-Adha. Immediate action was taken on public complaints regarding cleanliness during Eid-ul-Adha, with the police, district administration, Rescue 1122, the health department, and other departments working together to demonstrate professional efficiency. The government's excellent policies provided the public with a better environment. The resolution demanded that Maryam Nawaz's "Clean Punjab Program" set an example of cleanliness in the city, and citizens want this policy to continue. Meanwhile, the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to provide education, public health, and other facilities for the children of 71 members of the press gallery. Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bukhari presented the resolution, which had been forwarded by the Speaker's Office. The text of the resolution called for health facilities, special grants for bereavement and marriage, and educational scholarships to be provided to the 71 members of the Press Gallery Committee. It also demanded the formulation of a comprehensive policy, rules, and legislation to ensure annual special grants for the Press Gallery Committee. During the Punjab Assembly session, Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar stated that they would have to be heard, and if not, they should be expelled. He mentioned that when the resolution on cleanliness was being presented, three of them stood up in protest. In response, Panel of Chairman Samiullah Khan remarked that he had also been in the opposition, but if three people stand up against one, how could he listen to anyone? He swore that he did not hear any objection from the opposition regarding the resolution. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan noted that chairs (positions) keep changing, but they all remain custodians of traditions. Amid the opposition's uproar, the Speaker reread the resolution in the assembly. At this point, government member Ahsan Raza criticized PTI and its founder, triggering another round of noise from the opposition, who stood on their seats and continued protesting. Upon the Speaker's instructions, government member Ahsan Raza spoke on the resolution, stating that the chaos instigated by a certain ringleader, who is still in jail, had spread unrest across Pakistan. His sharp criticism of the opposition further angered the Speaker, who grew frustrated with the opposition's disruptions. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan then passed the resolution on cleanliness for Eid-ul-Adha with a majority vote, while opposition members remained standing and shouting. The Speaker urged the opposition to gather courage and listen. Government member Ahsan Raza claimed that Maryam Nawaz's "Clean Punjab" initiative proved to be the best plan for Eid-ul-Adha, earning global praise for her policies. He added that while filth was being discussed, they had cleaned up the NAB's mess and were still clearing the debris of the past four and a half years—eliminating political filth through politics, beautifying Punjab's political landscape. He questioned who had led Pakistan toward progress or decline, reminding everyone who saved the country from default, made it a nuclear power, eradicated terrorism, and brightened Pakistan's future. He stated that they were cleaning up the filth spread by others with their own hands, praising LMWC workers, police, local government, and district administration, saying they deserved appreciation, not just awards. He remarked that Punjab was now on its way to becoming like Europe, but some harbored hatred for Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz. After completing the agenda, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan adjourned the Punjab Assembly session until Friday at 3 p.m. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Zardari chastises PPP over Sialkot loss
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed strong displeasure over the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) defeat in the PP-52 Sialkot (Sambrial) by-election, pulling up senior party officials for underwhelming performance. Zardari aired his concerns during his recent political engagements at the Governor House in Lahore, where he also held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other key political figures. During his interaction with PPP Punjab's leadership, President Zardari openly rapped party officials for their handling of the by-election campaign in PP-52, expressing concern over the party's continued weak footing in the province. He issued fresh instructions to both central and provincial leadership aimed at rebuilding the party's strength across Punjab. Meanwhile, PPP's Central Punjab Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema has clarified that there was no discussion regarding the PP-52 Sambrial by-election during President Asif Ali Zardari's recent meeting with party officials in Lahore. He also dismissed reports of Zardari chastising party officials over the by-election defeat, claiming that the party secured more votes than in the previous polls. During a meeting with the family of the late PPP Punjab president Sheikh Rafiq Ahmad, Zardari expressed regret over not appointing the late Sheikh Rafiq as president of Pakistan, saying that had the party made that choice instead of Farooq Leghari, the party might have been spared the crises it later endured, and no one would have dared to betray it from within. Centre-Punjab cooperation In a separate meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the two leaders discussed the growing Pakistan-India tensions and the broader political landscape of the country. According to insiders, they reached an understanding to address the concerns of provinces and coalition partners in the upcoming 202526 federal budget. Sources also revealed that PM Shehbaz commended Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for effectively articulating Pakistan's position on India at international forums, particularly in light of the ongoing regional strain.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N's Hina Arshad Warraich wins PP-52 Sialkot by-election
Listen to article Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Hina Arshad Warraich has secured a decisive victory in the PP-52 Sialkot by-election, winning 78,419 votes, Radio Pakistan reported. Her closest rival, Fakhir Nishat Ghumman, was significantly behind with 40,037 votes, according to unofficial results from all 185 polling stations. PTI has decried alleged rigging. Congratulations to Hina Arshad Warraich. I hope she will carry the legacy of her father and that legacy is helping the people of the constituency. Good luck 🍀 #PMLN — Sunny 🏆🇵🇸 (@Its_SuNnYzzZ_77) June 2, 2025 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated Warraich on her success, describing the victory as a clear reflection of public trust in the government's policies. Both leaders expressed their gratitude towards the electorate for showing overwhelming support for the ruling party. The by-election, which was closely watched, further strengthens PML-N's position in the Punjab Assembly, with analysts pointing out the magnitude of Warraich's victory as a significant political win for the party. Earlier, she was leading with 78,702 votes in PP-52 Sialkot by-elections, according to unofficial and incomplete results from 165 out of 185 polling stations received in the late hours of Sunday. Hina was fielded as the ruling party's candidate in the by-elections announced after the death of MPA Chaudhry Arshad Warraich, who had won the seat in the Feb 8 general elections on the PML-N's ticket. Hina held a clear lead over candidates from other parties, including the PTI-backed independent candidate Fakhir Nishat Ghumman, who secured 39,018 votes, according to the unofficial tally. Speaking to a private TV channel, Hina said the people did not elect her for politics but for service. "I stand here today because of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz," she stated. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who also belongs to Sialkot, visited the residence of Hina Warraich. Addressing party workers, he thanked those who participated in the election campaign across Punjab, adding that based on results from 165 polling stations, Hina is securing a decisive victory. "Sialkot was, is, and will remain a stronghold of the PML-N," he said. PTI's Central Secretary for Information, Sheikh Waqas Akram, during a press conference in Islamabad, however, alleged that the by-election in PP-52 Sambrial witnessed "thuggery under police patronage". "The turnout at our rally in Sambrial was unforgettable. People came out early in the morning to protect the mandate, but the PML-N's goons resorted to violence," he claimed. He alleged that under police protection, PTI supporters were forcibly removed from polling stations and subjected to violence. "PML-N forcibly entered polling stations and cast fake votes," he said. PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also accused the PML-N of resorting to rigging in a press conference held in Sambrial. "The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must take notice of the rigging in the PP-52 by-election. Our polling agents and workers were attacked in Roliya, Begowal, Mitranwali, and Babundoki Chamiyan. "Local PML-N leadership should not have resorted to such actions this undermines the credibility of the entire electoral process," he added. Elections should be free and fair. Our people were harassed and forced out of polling stations." PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza also claimed that the PML-N cannot contest elections "without siding with the umpires". The 2024 elections, he said, witnessed the worst rigging in history." After the press conference, the ECP issued a statement describing Raja Pervaiz Ashraf's allegations of rigging in PP-52 Sialkot as baseless. It advised PPP leaders to file a formal complaint with solid evidence. "The ECP will address all complaints promptly," it said, adding that the reports about the administration shutting down various polling stations are completely false.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N leads in Sialkot by-elections
PML-N's Hina Arshad Warraich was leading with 78,702 votes in PP-52 Sialkot by-elections, according to unofficial and incomplete results from 165 out of 185 polling stations received in the late hours of Sunday. Hina was fielded as the ruling party's candidate in the by-elections announced after the death of MPA Chaudhry Arshad Warraich who had won the seat in the Feb 8 general elections on the PML-N's ticket. Hina held a clear lead over candidates from other parties including the PTI-backed independent candidate Fakhar Nishat Ghumman, who secured 39,018 votes, according to the unofficial tally. Speaking to a private TV channel, Hina said the people did not elect her for politics but for service. "I stand here today because of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz," she stated. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who also belongs to Sialkot, visited the residence of Hina Warraich. Addressing party workers, he thanked those who participated in the election campaign across Punjab, adding that based on results from 165 polling stations, Hina is securing a decisive victory. "Sialkot was, is, and will remain a stronghold of the PML-N," he said. PTI's Central Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, during a press conference in Islamabad, however, alleged that the by-election in PP-52 Sambrial witnessed "thuggery under police patronage". "The turnout at our rally in Sambrial was unforgettable. People came out early in the morning to protect the mandate, but the PML-N's goons resorted to violence," he claimed. He alleged that under police protection, PTI supporters were forcibly removed from polling stations and subjected to violence. "PML-N forcibly entered polling stations and cast fake votes," he said. PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also accused the PML-N of resorting to rigging in a press conference held in Sambrial. "The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must take notice of the rigging in the PP-52 by-election. Our polling agents and workers were attacked in Roliya, Begowal, Mitranwali, and Babundoki Chamiyan. "Local PML-N leadership should not have resorted to such actionsthis undermines the credibility of the entire electoral process," he added. "Elections should be free and fair. Our people were harassed and forced out of polling stations." PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza also claimed that the PML-N cannot contest elections "without siding with the umpires". The 2024 elections, he said, witnessed the worst rigging in history." After the press conference, the ECP issued a statement describing Raja Pervaiz Ashraf's allegations of rigging in PP-52 Sialkot as baseless. It advised PPP leaders to file a formal complaint with solid evidence. "The ECP will address all complaints promptly," it said, adding that the reports about the administration shutting down various polling stations are completely false.
