Minal Khan and Ahsan enjoy Disneyland Paris trip with son

  Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to delist the Awaam Pakistan Party. In his letter, Abbasi expressed concern over what he described as an unjustified decision by the Election Commission to remove the party from its list of registered political parties. He said he was surprised that Awaam Pakistan had been delisted on the grounds that it had failed to conduct intra-party elections. Abbasi rejected the allegation and maintained that the party had already conducted intra-party elections for its National General Council and national office-bearers. According to him, the elections were held between March 26 and April 2, within the deadline provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The former prime minister said that Awaam Pakistan fulfilled the requirements set by the electoral body and completed its intra-party election process within the prescribed period. He added that the party submitted the election results along with detailed documentation to the Election Commission on April 6. Abbasi argued that the party had therefore complied with the Election Commission’s instructions and questioned the basis on which it was subsequently delisted. The letter stated that a total of 12,084 members participated in Awaam Pakistan’s intra-party elections. Abbasi described the electoral process as democratic and transparent, saying that the participation of thousands of party members demonstrated the party’s commitment to democratic procedures. He further expressed concern over what he termed the unfair and unusual manner in which an active political party had been delisted. According to Abbasi, the decision was difficult to understand, particularly because the party had conducted its intra-party elections and submitted the required documents to the Election Commission. Abbasi also objected to the fact that the party was delisted without being given an adequate opportunity to present its position. He said that removing an active political party from the electoral list without hearing its case was beyond comprehension and raised questions about due process. The former prime minister urged Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and the Election Commission to conduct an immediate hearing into the matter. He requested that Awaam Pakistan be provided an opportunity to explain its position and present the relevant evidence regarding the intra-party elections. Abbasi’s letter comes amid continued debate over the legal and procedural requirements that political parties must meet to remain registered with the Election Commission. Intra-party elections are an important requirement under Pakistan’s political and electoral framework, as they are intended to ensure democratic participation and accountability within political parties. The former prime minister maintained that Awaam Pakistan had fulfilled this requirement within the deadline and had provided the Election Commission with the necessary election results and supporting documents. He called on the electoral body to review its decision and hear the party’s case before taking any further action. Abbasi stressed that Awaam Pakistan should be given a fair opportunity to clarify the circumstances surrounding its intra-party elections and the documents submitted to the Commission. The controversy has placed renewed focus on the relationship between political parties and the Election Commission, particularly regarding compliance with electoral laws and the right of political parties to be heard before facing major administrative decisions. Abbasi’s appeal now seeks an immediate hearing and a review of the delisting decision, with the party arguing that it followed the prescribed procedure and conducted its intra-party elections in a democratic and transparent manner.

  National Assembly Member Sher Afzal Marwat has said that the government appears to be stuck on an issue that could negatively affect its public image and political standing. Marwat said the government needed to carefully consider its decisions and avoid taking positions that could ultimately damage its reputation among the public. He emphasized that decisions involving ordinary citizens, particularly matters related to healthcare, should be approached with greater understanding and consideration.   Commenting on the issue of medical treatment, Marwat said there was nothing wrong with a patient choosing to receive treatment at a private hospital at their own expense. He argued that if an individual is willing and able to pay for medical services privately, the government should not necessarily object to that choice.   According to Marwat, people should have the freedom to decide where and how they want to receive medical treatment, particularly when they are using their own resources. He suggested that restricting such choices could create unnecessary controversy and may not serve the interests of either the government or the public.   Marwat further stressed that the government must think carefully before making decisions that could have political or social consequences. He said that authorities should assess both the immediate and long-term impact of their policies instead of becoming fixated on a single issue. His comments come amid ongoing public debate over government decisions concerning healthcare and access to medical facilities. The issue has drawn attention because healthcare remains a sensitive matter for citizens, particularly those who seek timely treatment and may prefer private hospitals because of availability, facilities, or personal choice. Marwat’s remarks also highlight the broader question of how governments should balance public-sector policies with individual rights and choices. While governments have a responsibility to regulate healthcare and ensure that citizens have access to affordable and quality treatment, individuals may also want the option of using private healthcare services when they can afford them. The lawmaker maintained that the government should adopt a practical and carefully considered approach rather than allowing political disagreements to influence decisions that directly affect citizens. In his view, policies should be designed in a way that protects public interests while also respecting individual choices. He warned that continuing to remain focused on an issue without considering its wider implications could harm the government’s political standing. According to him, the government needs to recognize how its decisions are perceived by the public and make choices accordingly. Marwat’s statement reflects growing calls for greater flexibility and careful decision-making in matters that affect ordinary people. His comments suggest that governments can avoid unnecessary criticism by taking public concerns into account and ensuring that their policies remain focused on practical solutions. The National Assembly member ultimately urged the government to reconsider its approach and make decisions after carefully examining their possible consequences. He emphasized that thoughtful policymaking is essential to maintaining public confidence and avoiding decisions that could damage the government’s image. The remarks underline the importance of balancing government policy with the rights, needs, and preferences of citizens, particularly in sensitive areas such as healthcare.