News

Imran Khan’s PTI surges in Pakistani elections despite imprisonment

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2024

editor

Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is set to emerge as the leading force in Pakistan’s parliamentary elections, although falling short of an absolute majority, according to reports from Pakistani media.

As of Saturday morning, the latest vote count revealed that PTI-affiliated independent candidates had secured 99 out of the 266 seats, while Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) won 71 and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) obtained 53 seats.

A majority requires 133 seats, leaving 43 seats yet to be determined.

Imran Khan, currently in prison, delivered an unexpected victory speech generated by artificial intelligence.

This unprecedented move comes amidst a crackdown on the opposition, resulting in the imprisonment of Khan and several other party leaders.

Khan faced convictions in three cases over the past two weeks, involving alleged false marriage, divulging state secrets (connected to a leaked official message he denies), and purportedly selling presents gifted by foreign leaders during his tenure as Prime Minister.

The victory for PTI has stunned many observers, as the party appeared to be in disarray due to the imprisonment of its leader and other prominent figures. Notably, PTI candidates were compelled to run as independents after the Election Commission of Pakistan stripped the party of its familiar cricket bat symbol.

In response to the unexpected results, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who initially claimed victory for PMLN, has now expressed his intention to explore forming a coalition government with the rival PPP led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The outcome of these elections marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political landscape, with the unexpected success of PTI challenging conventional expectations despite the challenges faced by its leadership.

As the country awaits the final seat tally and potential coalition negotiations, the political future of Pakistan hangs in the balance.

News

Court grants leave to proceed with petition against MP Archuna

Published

2 minutes ago

May 14, 2025

editor

The Court of Appeal has scheduled June 26 as the date to consider the petition seeking the revocation of MP Ramanathan Archuna’s parliamentary seat.

The petition was taken up today (May 14) before a bench comprising Justices Mayadunne Koraya and Mahen Gopallawa.

The court ordered that the petition be called again on June 26 for confirmation.
The petition was filed by social activist Oshala Herath, requesting legal intervention regarding the MP’s parliamentary position.

News

Train services operate as usual from today

Published

8 minutes ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Starting today (May 14), train services will operate as usual, according to the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union of Sri Lanka Railways.

Due to a shortage of train drivers and their leave requests, about 23 train services were canceled over the past 02 days, affecting key routes like the Main, Coastal, Puttalam, and Kelani Valley lines.

The Railway Drivers Association claims that the cancellation of trains is primarily due to the government and the administration’s failure to address the long-standing shortage of railway drivers.