PTI’s Request for Election Audit Draws Criticism from Opponents

In a recent turn of events, the European Union‘s mission in Islamabad has clarified that it has not received any “official communication” from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party regarding the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) special trade scheme.

This clarification follows accusations made by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar during a press conference, where he alleged that the PTI had approached the EU and initiated online petitions urging European authorities to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status.

The GSP+ status is a crucial trade arrangement offered to developing economies, including Pakistan, in exchange for their commitment to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, environmental protection, and governance.

Despite the expiration of the current GSP framework in December 2023, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in October to extend the scheme for another four years for developing countries.

Samar Saeed Akhtar, the EU Press and Information Officer in Islamabad, emphasized, “We have not received any official communication from PTI regarding GSP+.”

Similarly, the PTI has refuted claims of sending any communication to the EU regarding Pakistan’s GSP+ status. PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan clarified, “During a recent visit, both EU and Commonwealth delegations met with various political parties, including PTI, and no further engagement with the EU occurred beyond this.”

Read more: PTI Admits Losing 80+ Seats Due to Flawed Decisions

In a separate incident, last month, the PTI wrote a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging for an audit of the disputed February 8 elections before engaging in further bailout talks with Islamabad. However, this action was criticized by Khan’s opponents as an assault on Pakistan’s efforts to achieve economic stability.

CM Maryam Nawaz grants access to official helicopter for emergency patients

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz grants access to her official helicopter for emergency use for patients in remote areas.

Maryam has also pledged to introduce air-ambulance service across Punjab very soon.

Presiding over a meeting, Maryam Nawaz said she felt the pain and sufferings of patients and recalled her encounter with a patient who died of heart attack in a Sargodha hospital.

She asserted that timely response was inevitable to save life, as patients lose life for not having timely access to hospitals.

The chief minister announced that the Rescue 1122 service would be operationalised on motorways.

Maryam Nawaz is the first woman chief minister in any province in the country. She has already pledged many people-centric projects.