The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) claimed on Sunday that its founder and head, Manzoor Pashteen, was arrested while traveling from Chaman to Turbat in Balochistan. The party’s social media team posted a statement on Pashteen’s account alleging that the army and police opened fire on his car during the journey.
Subsequently, the police confirmed Pashteen’s arrest from the Qilla Abdullah district and announced plans to deport him from the province, citing concerns about his potential impact on the law and order situation.
Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai clarified that authorities did not intend to file charges against Manzoor Pashteen but would deport him through Zhob due to a ban on his entry into Balochistan.
Achakzai mentioned that despite the provincial government’s notification banning Pashteen’s entry into the province, he had addressed the Chaman sit-in multiple times. The PTM has urged its members and supporters to remain calm and await further decisions from the central committee regarding the next course of action.
Finance Secretary Commits to Swift Release of Election Funds Amidst ECP Concerns
Meanwhile, in response to concerns raised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal assured the electoral watchdog on Monday that funds for the upcoming general elections would be released within a day or two.
Bosal appeared before the electoral body after the Finance Ministry failed to respond to inquiries about the allocation of funds for the polls in the budget.
This development arises as Pakistan prepares for the general polls scheduled for February 8, 2024.
The secretary stated that the Finance Ministry would release the funds requested by the Election Commission. The ministry claimed to have received the electoral body’s letter on November 18, four days after it was sent on November 14.
“The disbursement of funds requires approval at various levels,” added the secretary.
Following a meeting with the ECP, the secretary addressed the media.
His appearance at the ECP came after sources informed that the ECP had taken notice of the government’s failure to provide funds.
According to sources, the government had allocated Rs42 billion for the general elections in the current financial year’s budget. However, the Finance Ministry has only provided Rs10 billion to the ECP so far.
The sources stated that the disbursement of the remaining amount was unreasonably delayed.
