Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

Ruckus mars maiden KP session as MPAs sworn in

29 Feb 2024  |  www.dawn.com  |  English  |  Elections

116 newly elected members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly took the oath amid protests and disruptions by PTI supporters and lawmakers. The session, summoned by KP Governor Ghulam Ali, saw significant disorder, with slogans supporting Imran Khan and disruptions in the assembly hall. Despite the chaos, Speaker Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani managed to administer the oath. In Balochistan, 57 out of 65 newly elected members took the oath in a session presided over by senior MPA Zamrak Khan Piralizai. The session was marked by tight security due to protests against alleged vote rigging. The election for the speaker and deputy speaker in both assemblies is scheduled for today.

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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Balochistan Assembly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M)

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I’m currently working with Geo Television Network and The News International as Special Correspondent in Islamabad, Pakistan. I’m also contributing for The Washington Post and CNN International in Islamabad. I do cover important issues ranging from war on terrorism to politics and human rights in ...

PTI faces exodus: 230 former MPs abandon ship in wake of May 9 turmoil

23 Nov 2023  |  HUM News  |  English  |  Party Defections

A significant political shift has occurred within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as over 230 former members of parliament have left the party following the May 9 incidents, representing 42% of its former MPs. This exodus has created a substantial challenge for PTI, which now faces a loss of trust and support. The defectors have joined various other political parties, including the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, and Pakistan People’s Party. Despite this, 183 former MPs remain loyal to PTI, showcasing the party's enduring support. The political landscape in Pakistan remains highly fluid, with shifting alliances and uncertain futures.

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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarian Pakistan People’s Party Muttahida Qaumi Movement Awami National Party

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Kaswar KLasra is a journalist from Pakistan with more than 19 years experience in print and electronic ( Tv & radio). Currently, Kaswar Klasra is working with The Islamabad Telegraph. 

During 19 years of journalism, Mr Klasra worked as Reporter for a number of publications and TV channels ...

Threatened with violence and intimidation, Pakistani women still vow to march

07 Mar 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Protests

Despite threats of violence and conservative opposition, Pakistani women are determined to hold International Women's Day rallies, known as Aurat Marches, in major cities. Activists highlight the country's poor gender equality ranking and recent high-profile cases of violence against women as motivators for the march. The movement faces threats from Islamist hard-liners and a coordinated online campaign, but continues to grow in strength, advocating for structural change and greater protection against discrimination and harassment. The government has expressed support for the march, promising security, but past incidents of violence and criticism from religious conservatives underscore the challenges faced by organizers.

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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Aurat March World Economic Forum Government of Pakistan

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Haider Sherazi(Haider Shirazi) حیدر شیرازی is a Pakistani journalist and Geo News correspondent, known for his bold and incisive reporting style. He has conducted exclusive interviews with high-profile figures, including:

- Imran Khan
- Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
- Nawaz Sharif
- Shahbaz Sharif
- ...

Alvi tries to win over Fazl as PTI ramps up push to halt disputed legislation

17 Sept 2024  |  www.geo.tv  |  English  |  Political Negotiations

Dr Arif Alvi, a PTI leader, met with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the contentious judiciary-centric constitutional amendments. The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeks a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass these amendments, which include extending the tenure of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. However, the ruling coalition lacks the necessary votes, leading to an indefinite postponement of the legislation. Opposition parties, including PTI and JUI-F, criticize the government's secrecy and demand a parliamentary debate. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the PPP also engaged in discussions with Fazl, but no conclusive agreement was reached. The JUI-F agreed on forming a constitutional court but has reservations about its implementation.

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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan Peoples Party National Assembly Senate

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

Anti-PPP alliance in Sindh may not be heading for a smooth sail

05 Dec 2023  |  www.thenews.com.pk  |  English  |  Elections

Political parties in Sindh, including PML-N, MQM-P, GDA, ANP, and JUI-F, are discussing a joint electoral strategy against the PPP for the upcoming general elections. However, internal differences and individual interests are hindering the formation of a formal alliance. Despite several meetings and the formation of a committee to expedite talks, no tangible developments have occurred. Each party is focused on securing its interests in various constituencies, with the PML-N and MQM-P unable to agree on a joint candidate for the Baldia Town constituency. GDA leaders have revealed that they were encouraged to form an alliance against the PPP's rule in Sindh, but internal disagreements within the GDA have arisen. The ANP and JUI-F are also negotiating their terms for joining the alliance. Political analyst Faizullah Khan suggests that without the inclusion of PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami, the alliance may not significantly impact the PPP's hold in Sindh.

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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan Grand Democratic Alliance Awami National Party Pakistan Peoples Party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

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I'm Asad Zia, a freelance journalist based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. With a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, I have honed my skills and knowledge in the field of media.

With over 13 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working on various journalistic ...

Disgruntled PTI candidates decry favouritism, nepotism

26 Jun 2018  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Party Dynamics

Activists and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have criticized the party leadership for awarding electoral tickets based on favouritism and nepotism, which they warn could harm the party's image in the upcoming general elections. Disgruntled members plan to contest as independents or defect to other parties. The revised list of candidates has led to significant dissatisfaction, with accusations of deals and nepotism influencing ticket allocations. Key figures and constituencies affected include Ali Mohammad Khan, Iftikhar Khan Mashwani, Shah Farman, Nasir Khan Musazai, and others. The situation has led to defections to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and criticism from within the party.

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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Awami National Party Jamaat-e-Islami Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal

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