The Nation : Headline News

Balochistan package discussed with PM, says Nawaz

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0300

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), quaid Mian Nawaz Shairf has said that he presented his viewpoint on the governmental package for Balochistan in the meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani held at PM House on Thursday, report said. Addressing a news conference in the Punjab House following his meeting, PML-N chief said there were no political problems in Balochistan in the tenure of democratic governments. �There had not been any loss of lives of Pakistan army troops and police in the restive tribal areas and Balochistan as well, if there would have not been dictatorship in the country,� he said.

Gilani, Nawaz meet in Islamabad

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0300

The meeting between Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Nawaz Sharif, leader Pakistan Muslim League(N) began at the PM House here on Thursday. The Prime Minister invited the PML(N) leader to take him into confidence over the Balochistan package, to be announced soon. The two leaders will also discuss the overall political situation, the ongoing operation in Waziristan and the law and order situation in the country. Senator Babar Awan, Khurshid Shah, Raza Rabbani, Raja Zafarul Haq and Ishaq Dar are also present in the meeting. Prime Minister Gilani and Nawaz Sharif last met on March 22 in Raiwind and discussed various political issues including Charter of Democracy, Article 58-2(b) and 17th Amendment.

Historic polls in Gilgit-Baltistan today

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0300

SKARDU � All arrangements have been made to hold free, fair, and transparent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan today (Thursday) for 23 seats out of 24 constituencies of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.
Election Commission spokesman told TheNation on Wednesday that 253 candidates are contesting for 23 slots. The candidates include 23 from the PPP, 15 from the PML(N), 14 from PML(Q), and 19 from MQM, whereas some candidates of ANP, JUI, and TIP are also contesting elections in Gilgit and Diamar districts.
2164 ballot boxes were sent for 982 polling stations along with polling staff. 687,229 voters will cast their votes from 08:00am till 04:00pm without any interval.
Foolproof security arrangements have also been made with the cooperation of Northern Scouts and the Armed Forces at all polling stations, especially the sensitive ones. Polling staff along with polling material was sent to Gultari Tehsil of Skardu district through two Army helicopters because the road between Skardu and Gultari was blocked due to snowfall.
These elections are special because women are contesting in the general elections for the first time in the history of Gilgit-Baltistan, as females were members on special seats in the previous assembly.
30 candidates are contesting the election in Skardu district while in Ghangche district 10 candidates are in the run.