Ramazan in Pakistan: A Tapestry of Faith and Community

 THE SPIRITUAL ESSENCE OF RAMAZAN IN PAKISTAN

As the crescent moon heralds the arrival of Ramazan, Pakistan transforms into a realm of divine serenity and communal harmony. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar marks not just a period of fasting from dawn until dusk, but a festival of faith that envelops the entire nation.

FASTING AND FEASTING: A BALANCE OF DEVOTION

During Ramazan, the people of Pakistan engage in a daily fast, abstaining from food and drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. It's a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and sacrifice. Yet, as the sun sets, the fast breaks with the sweetness of dates and the refreshing taste of Rooh Afzah, leading to a feast that celebrates the day's spiritual journey.

Cultural Delights and Culinary Celebrations

The pre-dawn meal, Sehri, varies across communities, with some indulging in rich sweets like Jalebis soaked in milk, while others prefer a lighter fare of eggs, toast, and tea¹. Post-dusk, Iftar becomes a social event where families and friends gather to share a meal. The air fills with the aroma of fried snacks like samosas and pakoras, and the sweetness of Gulab Jamun, a beloved treat during this holy month.

Charity and Compassion: The Spirit of Giving

Ramazan is also a time for charity and acts of kindness. Pakistanis, known for their generosity, participate in charitable activities, providing for those less fortunate and embodying the true spirit of the month.

Cities That Never Sleep: Nighttime Vibrancy

After Iftar, cities burst into life. Markets stay open late, and people enjoy the cooler evening air. Restaurants and rooftop eateries offer special Ramazan deals, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts throughout the night.

Conclusion: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Ramazan in Pakistan is more than just fasting; it's a time for spiritual renewal and community. It's a period when the entire country unites in a shared experience of faith, reflection, and joy. As the month progresses, the anticipation for Eid-ul-Fitr builds, promising a grand celebration of the blessings received and the trials overcome.

Source:

The Glory of Ramdan in Pakistan - IslamOnline - إسلام أون لاين

Things We Look Forward To During Ramadan: Pakistan Edition - HalalTrip

Ramadan traditions in Pakistan | Pure Wilayah | Resistance Media

What It’s Like To Travel In Pakistan During Ramadan

Explore the spiritual essence of Ramazan in Pakistan through our article that delves into the traditions and practices of this holy month. From the communal Sehri and Iftar meals to the vibrant nightlife post-Iftar, discover how Pakistanis balance devotion with celebration. Learn about the significance of charity and the festive atmosphere in markets and eateries, all under the soft glow of the Badshahi Mosque. Join us in understanding how Ramazan is a time for reflection, community, and renewal in Pakistan. Embrace the cultural tapestry that weaves faith into the daily lives of Pakistanis during this sacred time.

Various forms of charity: cash donations, food parcels, and clothing donations, symbolizing the diverse ways to support those in need. Compassionate giving during Ramadan: Zakat contributions depicted as cash, food, and clothing, fulfilling one of the pillars of Islam to aid those in need.

#RamazanInPakistan #SpiritualRamazan #PakistaniTraditions #RamadanReflections #RamazanInPakistan #SpiritualRamazan #PakistaniTraditions #RamadanReflections #FastingAndFeasting #SehriDelights #IftarCelebrations #CharityInRamazan #EidCountdown #CulturalRamazan

Navigating Pollution: Rohri’s Struggle for Clean Air and Water

Pollution in Rohri, Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan: A Tale of Urban and Rural Challenges

INTRODUCTION

Rohri, a historic city nestled along the banks of the mighty Indus River, faces a dual battle against pollution. As part of the Sukkur district in Sindh, Pakistan, Rohri grapples with environmental issues that impact both its urban and rural communities. Let's delve into the complexities of pollution in this region.

Urban vs. Rural: A Dichotomy

Urban Areas

1. Karachi – The City of Lights:

Characteristics: Known for its mesmerizing night time glow and pristine shoreline, Karachi is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions.

Language Diversity: While most people speak Sindhi, Seraiki, Thari, and Balochi in rural districts, urban Karachi boasts a linguistic tapestry that includes Urdu, Punjabi, and Pashto.

  Challenges: Despite its vibrancy, Karachi faces significant environmental hurdles. Air pollution, inadequate healthcare facilities, and traffic congestion are pressing concerns.

2. Hyderabad and Khairpur:

 Part of Sindh Urban: These regions exhibit better access to goods, services, and resources. They are hubs of commerce, education, and infrastructure development.

Rural Areas

1. Sindh Rural Districts:

  Badin, Sanghar, Tharparker, and Dadu: These districts epitomize the challenges faced by rural Sindh.

   Resource Deficit: Inadequate medical facilities, high poverty rates, and unemployment plague these areas.

Healthcare Struggles: Millions of rural dwellers battle health issues, including Hepatitis C and measles. Infant mortality remains a grim reality.

Education and Development: While some progress has been made in terms of schools, libraries, and roads, development indicators remain stubbornly low.

2. AIR QUALITY IN ROHRI:

Unhealthy Air:  Rohri's Air Quality Index (AQI) often registers as unhealthy³. Factors like industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and dust contribute to this alarming situation.

Water Quality: Groundwater and surface water quality also warrant attention. Monitoring total coliform, E. coli, and heterotrophic plate count (HPC) levels is crucial⁴.

The Road Ahead

1. Collaboration: Addressing pollution requires collective efforts. Government agencies, NGOs, and citizens must collaborate to improve air and water quality.

2. Sustainable Practices:  Encouraging sustainable practices, promoting green spaces, and investing in clean energy are essential steps.

3. Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about pollution's impact and advocating for responsible behaviour can drive positive change.

References:

Sindh Rural Vs Sindh Urban - Major Differences

Why pollution is so high in Pakistan's cities

Rohri Air Quality Index (AQI) and Pakistan Air Pollution

Drinking water quality in Rohri City, Sindh, Pakistan

#Pollution, #Environment, #Sustainability, #CleanAir, #WaterQuality, #ClimateChange, #EcoFriendly, #GreenLiving, #Conservation, #HealthAndEnvironment

How Pakistan’s Healthy Food Exports Reach the Global Market

Pakistan is a country blessed with a rich and diverse agricultural sector, producing a variety of crops that are not only consumed domestically, but also exported to many countries around the world. Some of the most popular and nutritious exports from Pakistan include grains, dates, bananas, rice, and onions. In this article, we will explore how these foods are grown, processed, and transported from different regions of Pakistan to the international markets.

Grains Urdu: گندم  Sindhi: ڪڻڪ

Grains are one of the staple foods in Pakistan, and also a major export commodity. Pakistan produces wheat, maize, rice, barley, millet, and sorghum, among other grains. Wheat is the most widely cultivated crop, accounting for about 60% of the total grain production¹. Wheat is mainly grown in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, where the climate and soil are suitable for its cultivation. Wheat is harvested in April and May, and then stored in silos or warehouses until it is ready for export. Wheat is mainly exported to Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and some African countries.

Maize is another important grain crop in Pakistan, especially for animal feed and industrial uses. Maize is grown in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Baluchistan provinces, where the rainfall and temperature are favourable for its growth. Maize is harvested in October and November, and then dried and shelled before being exported. Maize is mainly exported to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and some Middle Eastern countries.

Rice is the third most important grain crop in Pakistan, and also a major source of foreign exchange earnings. Pakistan is the world's fourth largest producer and exporter of rice, with basmati rice being the most famous and sought-after variety. Rice is grown in the Punjab, Sindh, and Baluchistan provinces, where the irrigation facilities and soil fertility are adequate for its cultivation. Rice is harvested in September and October, and then milled and polished before being exported. Rice is mainly exported to China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, and some European countries.

Dates Urdu: کجور ، Sindhi: خارڪ

Dates are one of the most nutritious and delicious fruits in the world, and Pakistan is the world's fifth largest producer and exporter of dates. Dates are grown in the Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab provinces, where the climate and soil are ideal for date palm trees. Dates are harvested in July and August, and then sorted, graded, and packed before being exported. Dates are mainly exported to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and some European countries.

Dates have many health benefits, such as providing energy, fibre, antioxidants, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Dates can also help prevent constipation, improve heart health, regulate blood pressure, enhance sexual power, promote brain health, and support healthy weight gain.

Bananas Urdu: کیلا  Sindhi: ڪيلا

Bananas are one of the most popular and widely consumed fruits in the world, and Pakistan is the world's 11th largest producer and exporter of bananas. Bananas are grown in the Sindh and Balochistan provinces, where the temperature and humidity are optimal for banana plants. Bananas are harvested throughout the year, and then washed, ripened, and packed before being exported. Bananas are mainly exported to Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, and some African countries.

Bananas have many health benefits, such as providing carbohydrates, fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. Bananas can also help improve digestion, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, enhance mood, and prevent muscle cramps.

Rice Urdu: چاول  Sindhi: چانور

Rice is one of the most important and versatile foods in the world, and Pakistan is the world's fourth largest producer and exporter of rice. Rice is grown in the Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces, where the irrigation facilities and soil fertility are adequate for its cultivation. Rice is harvested in September and October, and then milled and polished before being exported. Rice is mainly exported to China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, and some European countries.

Rice has many health benefits, such as providing carbohydrates, protein, fiber, iron, zinc, and vitamin B. Rice can also help prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, support liver function, and prevent cancer.

Onions 🧅 Urdu: پیاز  Sindhi: بصر 

Onions are one of the most widely used and versatile vegetables in the world, and Pakistan is the world's 11th largest producer and exporter of onions. Onions are grown in the Punjab, Sindh, and Baluchistan provinces, where the climate and soil are suitable for onion cultivation. Onions are harvested in March and April, and then dried, sorted, and packed before being exported. Onions are mainly exported to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and some Middle Eastern countries.

Onions have many health benefits, such as providing antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and manganese. Onions can also help fight infections, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and prevent cancer.

How Pakistan Exports Its Nutritious Produce to the World

Pakistan has a well-developed and efficient system

Source: 

Proven Health Benefits of Dates.

Potassium Rich Foods: 18 Foods High in Potassium - Healthline

Gone are the days of traditional farming methods. Today, vegetable farmers are embracing hydroponics and vertical farming, enabling them to grow crops year-round in limited spaces. This efficient and cost-effective approach revolutionizes the way we think about agriculture.

#onions #vegetables #Pakistan #agriculture #export #health #nutrition

How to Use PayPal in Pakistan: A Guide to Alternative Methods and Solutions

 

PayPal is an online platform that allows individuals and businesses to make and receive payments, as well as other financial services. Pakistan is a South Asian country with about 220 million inhabitants. It ranks fifth in the world by population and second by Muslim population. PayPal is currently unavailable in Pakistan. This means that you cannot create a PayPal account, link a Pakistani bank account or credit card, or use PayPal to send or receive money from Pakistan. The main reason why PayPal does not operate in Pakistan is the lack of a legal and regulatory framework for online payments and e-commerce in the country. PayPal requires a high level of compliance and security from its partner countries, which Pakistan has not achieved. There is no official news about PayPal’s launch in Pakistan as of now. The Pakistani government has been trying to persuade PayPal to enter the Pakistani market for several years, but there has been no substantial progress or agreement so far. If you want to use PayPal from Pakistan, you will have to use some alternative ways or solutions. Some of these include: Using a service that acts as a mediator between you and PayPal, such as Payoneer, Skrill, or Xoom. These services allow you to create a virtual bank account or card that you can connect to PayPal and use to transfer or receive money. However, these services may have fees, limitations, or risks of fraud or scams. Using a friend or relative who lives in a country where PayPal is available, and asking them to create a PayPal account for you or move money to or from your account. This method requires trust and cooperation from the other person, and may also involve fees or taxes. Using a VPN or a proxy to access PayPal from a different country’s IP address. This method may allow you to create a PayPal account or use some of its features, but it is not recommended as it violates PayPal’s terms of service and may result in your account being blocked or banned.

If you want to buy from international e-commerce sites like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, AliExpress, Minecraft, Xbox, iTunes, PubG, PlayStation, Google Play Store, Spotify, and more, you can use e-vouchers.

SadaPay is a digital wallet that provides online payment solutions for individuals and businesses in Pakistan. It enables users to open an account from the app and get a numberless Mastercard debit card without any registration fees. Users can also send and receive money, pay bills, top up mobile balance, and manage remittances through the app.

SadaPay is regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan and is a subsidiary of SadaPay Technologies Ltd., registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre. SadaPay aims to offer financial freedom and convenience to the Pakistani people, especially the unbanked and underbanked segments of the population

However, SadaPay is not yet fully functional in Pakistan. It has received an “in-principle” approval for the Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the State Bank of Pakistan, but it is still in the process of launching its services to the public. Currently, SadaPay is running a pilot program with a limited number of users who can test its features and provide feedback.

If you are interested in using SadaPay, but you are not part of the pilot program, you will have to wait until it is officially launched in Pakistan. However, there are some alternative methods and solutions that you can use in the meantime to access online payment services in Pakistan.

SadaPay is the Sada way of paying online.

If you are interested here is invited link SadaPay Refer Freelancer 

#SadaPay #OnlinePayment #Pakistan #DigitalWallet #EMI

Shab e Barat: The Night of Forgiveness and Blessings

 

Shab e Barat is a night when Muslims believe that Allah forgives the sins of those who repent and ask for His mercy, and decides the fate of every living being for the next year. It is celebrated on the 15th of the Islamic month of Shaban, which falls on February 25, 2024 in the Gregorian calendar. On this night, Muslims perform extra prayers, recite the Quran, make dua, give charity, visit the graves of their relatives, and distribute sweets and food to their loved ones. Shab e Barat is considered a major event in South Asia, especially in Pakistan, where people light candles and fireworks, and decorate their homes and mosques. In Rohri sukkur, a city in Sindh province, people also observe a ritual called Shab-e-Barat-e-Muqaddas, in which they walk barefoot on burning coals to show their devotion and faith.

     Shab e Barat, also known as Mid-Shaban, is a sacred night observed by many Muslims around the world. It is the night between the 14th and 15th of the Islamic month of Shaban, which falls on February 25, 2024 in the Gregorian calendar. On this night, Muslims believe that Allah (SWT) forgives the sins of those who repent and ask for His mercy, and decides the fate of every living being for the next year.

The Meaning and Significance of Shab e Barat

The phrase Shab e Barat is Persian, meaning the Night of Forgiveness or the Night of Deliverance. It is also known by other names, such as Lailatul Barat, Berat Kandili, Nisfu Syaaban, and Cheragh e Barat. The Arabic name for this night is Lailatul Qadr, meaning the Night of Decree or the Night of Power.

Shab e Barat is a night of worship, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. It is a night when Allah (SWT) showers His blessings and mercy upon His servants, and grants them forgiveness for their past sins and mistakes. It is also a night when Allah (SWT) writes the destiny of every creature for the next year, such as their life span, health, wealth, and happiness.

Muslims believe that on this night, the gates of heaven are opened, the angels descend to the earth, and the records of deeds are updated. Therefore, Muslims seek to spend this night in devotion, supplication, and charity, hoping to attain Allah's (SWT) favor and acceptance. Muslims also pray for their deceased relatives and friends, and ask Allah (SWT) to grant them peace and mercy in the hereafter. 

The Origin and History of Shab e Barat.

     Shab e Barat is a night that has been mentioned in various Islamic sources, such as the Quran, the Hadith, and the historical accounts of the early Muslims. Some of the evidences for the importance and virtue of this night are as follows:

- In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says: "Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise matter." (44:3-4)  Many scholars interpret this verse to refer to Shab e Barat, as it is the night when Allah (SWT) decrees every matter for the next year.

- In a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "When the night of the middle of Shaban comes, spend its night in prayer and observe a fast on that day. For Allah descends at sunset on that night to the lowest heaven and says: 'Is there no one who will ask Me for forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is there no one who will ask Me for provision, that I may provide for him? Is there no one who is afflicted by trouble, that I may relieve him?' And so on, until dawn breaks." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

- In another Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Allah looks at His creation in the night of mid-Shaban and He forgives all His creation except for a polytheist or a quarrelsome person." (Sahih Muslim)

- In a narration, Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), said: "I missed the Prophet (SAW) one night, so I went out looking for him. I found him at the Baqi' (the cemetery of Medina) raising his head towards the sky. He said: 'O Aisha, were you afraid that Allah and His Messenger would wrong you?' I said: 'No, but I thought you had gone to one of your other wives.' He said: 'Allah descends on the night of mid-Shaban to the lowest heaven and forgives more people than the number of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb.'" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

Shab e Barat is also a night that has been celebrated by Muslims throughout history and across cultures. According to some scholars, Shab e Barat has its roots in the pre-Islamic religions of the Middle East and Persia, where people used to commemorate their ancestors and light fires on this night.  Later, Muslims adopted this night as a night of worship and remembrance of Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW).

Shab e Barat is celebrated in different ways by different Muslim communities. Some of the common practices and traditions are:

- Fasting on the day of Shab e Barat, as it is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and a means of expiating sins.

- Performing extra prayers and reciting the Quran on the night of Shab e Barat, especially the Surah Yasin, which is known as the heart of the Quran.

- Making dua and asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness, guidance, protection, and provision for oneself and one's loved ones.

- Giving charity and helping the poor and needy, as it is a way of attaining Allah's (SWT) mercy and reward.

- Visiting the graves of the deceased and praying for their souls, as it is a way of honoring them and seeking Allah's (SWT) forgiveness for them.

- Distributing sweets and food to family, friends, and neighbors, as it is a way of expressing love and gratitude.

- Sending greetings and wishes to fellow Muslims, such as Shab e Barat Mubarak, meaning blessed Shab e Barat.

The Benefits and Blessings of Shab e Barat

Shab e Barat is a night of immense grace and bounty for the believers. It is a night when Allah (SWT) bestows His favors and gifts upon His servants, and grants them their wishes and desires. Some of the 

benefits and blessings of Shab e Barat are:

- Forgiveness of sins and removal of burdens, as Allah (SWT) pardons those who repent and seek His pardon.

- Acceptance of supplications and fulfillment of needs, as Allah (SWT) responds to those who call upon Him and ask Him for anything.

- Increase of sustenance and provision, as Allah (SWT) enriches those who trust in Him and rely on Him.

- Protection from calamities and misfortunes, as Allah (SWT) safeguards those who seek His refuge and assistance.

- Peace of mind and heart, as Allah (SWT) grants those who remember Him and glorify Him.

 

- Happiness and joy, as Allah (SWT) blesses those who thank Him and praise Him.

The Quotes and Sayings about Shab e Barat

Shab e Barat is a night that has inspired many Muslims to express their feelings and thoughts about it. Some of the quotes and sayings about Shab e Barat are:

- "Shab e Barat is the night of forgiveness. Let us forgive and forget each other's faults and start a new life of love and brotherhood." - Anonymous

- "Shab e Barat is the night of blessings. Let us seek Allah's blessings and mercy for ourselves and for the whole Ummah." - Anonymous

- "Shab e Barat is the night of destiny. Let us pray to Allah to write our destiny in the best way possible." - Anonymous

- "Shab e Barat is the night of light. Let us illuminate our hearts with the light of faith and good deeds." - Anonymous

- "Shab e Barat is the night of hope. Let us never lose hope in Allah's mercy and forgiveness, for He is the Most Merciful and the Most Forgiving." - Anonymous

- "Shab e Barat is the night of gratitude. Let us thank Allah for all His favors and gifts, and for giving us this opportunity to worship Him." - Anonymous

Conclusion

Shab e Barat is a night of great significance and value for Muslims. It is a night when Allah (SWT) showers His mercy and forgiveness upon His servants, and decides their fate for the next year. It is a night when Muslims should strive to worship Allah (SWT) and seek His pleasure and approval. It is a night when Muslims should also remember their deceased and pray for their salvation. It is a night when Muslims should also spread love and kindness among their fellow Muslims and humanity at large. May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and deeds on this night, and grant us His forgiveness and blessings. Ameen.

Reference:

Shab-e-Barat - Wikipedia

Shab e-Barat 2024 in Pakistan

What Is Shab e Barat? Zakat Foundation of America.

Shab-e-Barat: Observing a Sacred Night Tradition - Muslim Aid

Blessed Shab e Barat Night | Explore Shab e Barat in Islam

Understanding the Recent Political Protests in Pakistan

In recent news, there have been protests against the government of Pakistan led by various political parties. These protests have sparked debates and discussions among the people regarding the legitimacy and intentions behind such actions. Let's delve into the details of these protests and try to understand the underlying issues that have led to such unrest.

The Allegations and Counterclaims

One of the main allegations put forth by the protesting parties is the claim of electoral fraud and misconduct by the ruling party. They argue that the ruling party has engaged in corrupt practices to manipulate election results in their favour. On the other hand, the government officials have refuted these claims and stated that the protests are merely attempts to undermine the authority of the elected government.

The Role of the Supreme Court

Amidst these protests, the role of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has also come under scrutiny. The protesters have demanded justice and fair treatment from the court, while the government has accused the court of bias and unfair judgments against them. It is crucial to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in all legal proceedings to maintain the integrity of the judicial system.

The Importance of Peaceful Protests

While protests are a fundamental right in a democratic society, it is essential to conduct them peacefully and within the boundaries of the law. Resorting to violence or disruption of public order only undermines the legitimacy of the protest and detracts from the actual issues at hand. It is crucial for both the protesters and the authorities to engage in constructive dialogue and find peaceful solutions to address grievances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, political protests are an integral part of a functioning democracy, but they must be carried out responsibly and in accordance with the law. It is essential for all parties involved to respect the rule of law and work towards resolving conflicts through peaceful means. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive society for all citizens.

Protests in Karachi: Opposition Parties Demand Re-Election After Alleged Rigging

• Introduction: Give some background on the February 8 general elections in Pakistan, and the allegations of rigging by the opposition parties, especially in Karachi. Mention the main parties involved, such as PTI, JI, GDA, and MQM-P.

• Body: Describe the protests that took place in Karachi on February 24 and 25, and the clashes with the police. Use quotes and statistics from the news sources

• Highlight the main demands of the protesters, such as re-election, resignation of the Sindh government, and implementation of the Local Government Amendment Bill. Also mention the reactions of the federal government and the ruling PPP.

• Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the article, and discuss the implications of the protests for the political stability and democracy in Pakistan. Provide some context on the history of electoral disputes and violence in Karachi, and the challenges faced by the city.

Source: Media 

Note: A large rally is coming to Karachi from all over Sindh.

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Note Jalsa coming Karachi from whole the Sindh 

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Election Commission of Pakistan under scrutiny after rigging allegations

 

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is facing a crisis of credibility after a senior official resigned and confessed to manipulating the results of the general elections held in February 2024. The ECP has launched a probe into the allegations and formed a high-level committee to investigate the matter.

     The scandal erupted on Saturday, when Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha, who was also the district returning officer, submitted his resignation and admitted to tampering with the polling data. He claimed that he was pressured by some influential politicians and bureaucrats to change the votes in favor of certain candidates. He also alleged that the ECP's electronic system was hacked and the data was altered.

     Chatha's confession sparked widespread protests and unrest across the country, as the opposition parties and civil society groups demanded a re-election and an independent inquiry into the matter. They accused the ruling party of rigging the elections and stealing the mandate of the people. They also questioned the role and performance of the ECP, which is supposed to be an independent and impartial body responsible for conducting free and fair elections.

     The ECP, on its part, has denied any involvement in the rigging and expressed its commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. It has set up a high-level committee, comprising of senior ECP officials and representatives of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), to probe the allegations and record the statements of the district polling officials. The committee is expected to submit its report within three days.

     The ECP has also sought the assistance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to trace the source of the hacking and identify the culprits. It has assured the public that it will take strict action against anyone found guilty of violating the election laws and rules.

     The ECP has also appealed to the media and the public to refrain from spreading rumour's and misinformation about the elections and to wait for the official results and the findings of the investigation. It has urged the political parties and the candidates to respect the electoral process and to cooperate with the ECP in resolving the issue.

     The ECP has also requested the international observers and the media to share their observations and feedback on the conduct of the elections. The ECP had invited several international organizations and media outlets to monitor and cover the elections, which were held on February 8, 2024. According to the ECP, the elections were held in a peaceful and transparent manner, with a high voter turnout of 67 percent.

     The general elections 2024 were the third consecutive democratic elections in Pakistan, after the restoration of democracy in 2008. The elections were contested by 3,459 candidates for 342 seats in the National Assembly and 8,396 candidates for 728 seats in the four provincial assemblies. The ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claimed to have won the majority of the seats, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and other smaller parties and independent candidates.

     However, the results of the elections have been challenged by the opposition parties and the civil society groups, who have alleged massive rigging and irregularities in the polling process. They have demanded a re-counting of the votes and a verification of the thumb impressions of the voters. They have also called for a nationwide protest and a boycott of the parliament until their demands are met.

     The rigging allegations have cast a shadow over the credibility and legitimacy of the elections and the ECP, which is the constitutional body entrusted with the task of ensuring free and fair elections in Pakistan. The ECP was established in 1956 under Article 218 of the Constitution of Pakistan, and consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and four members, one from each province. The ECP is responsible for preparing the electoral rolls, delimiting the constituencies, conducting the elections, and announcing the results.

     The ECP has faced criticism and controversy in the past as well, especially after the general elections of 2013, which were also marred by allegations of rigging and manipulation. The ECP had introduced several reforms and measures to improve the electoral system and to enhance its transparency and accountability. Some of these measures included the use of biometric verification machines, electronic voting machines, postal ballots, and result transmission system. The ECP had also issued a code of conduct for the political parties, the candidates, the media, and the observers, and had established a complaint management system and a monitoring and control center.

     However, despite these efforts, the ECP has failed to win the trust and confidence of the stakeholders and the public, who have questioned its independence and impartiality. The ECP has been accused of being influenced by the government and the establishment, and of being incompetent and inefficient. The ECP has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, and for its failure to address the complaints and grievances of the aggrieved parties and candidates.

     The current crisis has exposed the weaknesses and flaws of the electoral system and the ECP, and has raised serious concerns over the future of democracy and stability in Pakistan. The ECP has a huge responsibility and a challenge to restore its credibility and to ensure that the elections are fair and credible. The ECP has to take swift and decisive action to investigate the allegations and to punish the culprits. The ECP has to also take steps to reform and improve the electoral system and to enhance its transparency and accountability. The ECP has to also engage and consult with the political parties and the civil society groups, and to address their concerns and demands. The ECP has to also cooperate and coordinate with the other state institutions and the international community, and to seek their support and guidance.

     The ECP has a vital role to play in strengthening and sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan, which is essential for the peace and prosperity of the country and the region. The ECP has to fulfill its constitutional mandate and to uphold the will and the rights of the people of Pakistan, who are the ultimate source of power and authority in a democratic system.

Source:

Senior Election Official in Pakistan Resigns Over Election Rigging Confession

Pakistan’s election commission launches probe into poll rigging allegations after official’s resignation

General Elections 2024