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### Supreme Court Stays Re-Polling Order in Key Electoral Challenge
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued an order suspending the Election Tribunal’s directive for fresh balloting at 22 polling stations within the National Assembly constituency NA-251.
The two-member bench, comprising Justice Naim Akhtar and Justice Shehzad Ahmed, heard the challenge against the tribunal’s decision. Advocate Kamran Murtaza represented Syed Samiullah of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), who had been declared the successful candidate in NA-251 during the general elections.
The Election Tribunal had previously ordered re-polling at the 22 stations due to the reported absence of Form 45s (Statement of the Count). Following the Supreme Court’s issuance of a stay order (injunction) against this decision, the court adjourned the proceedings until after the upcoming winter judicial recess.
### Governance and Diplomacy Focus on Economic Ties
President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of office to Zafar Hijazi as the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in Islamabad. Separately, the President met with Maryam Madiha Aftab, Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Ireland, during which he emphasized the need to expand economic partnership between Pakistan and Ireland.
In Sindh, Governor Kamran Tessori welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, to Governor House Karachi. Their discussion focused on strengthening Pakistan-UAE ties, boosting bilateral investment, and other matters of mutual interest.
### Security and Law Enforcement Updates
Security forces successfully recovered all 14 passengers who had been abducted from a commercial bus traveling from Sadiqabad to Quetta.
In Karachi, Additional Inspector General Javed Alam Odho chaired a critical security meeting to review and finalize arrangements for Christmas celebrations across the metropolitan area. Despite security reviews, two separate robberies were reported within two days at two different superstores in the Gulshan-e-Hadeed area of the city.
Separately, a railway track near Humayun, Shikarpur, was damaged following an explosion. In a local administrative action, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Usman Haider was suspended following his arrest on charges related to the alleged murder of his wife and daughter.
### Provincial Initiatives and Political Dynamics
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, visited Central Jail Peshawar where he announced a special two-month remission in the sentences of eligible prisoners.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, raised serious concerns over the escalating drought conditions gripping the province, confirming that comprehensive planning is underway to address the crisis. In Peshawar High Court, a petition was filed seeking the removal of provincial minister Amjad Ali’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and the Provincial National Identity List (PNIL).
In the Sindh Assembly, a resolution was introduced focusing on modernizing the province’s fire brigade system. Another resolution was presented to commemorate the tragedy of East Pakistan, paying homage to the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Bihari community during that period.
Politically, delegations from the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTA-P) held meetings with leadership, including a visit to the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) office in Islamabad and a separate meeting with Aftab Sherpao, the head of the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP).
### Human Rights and International Events
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a sharp condemnation following reports of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reportedly pulling the veil (Niqab) from a Muslim woman doctor.
In international news, the father of the citizen who intervened to subdue the attacker at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Muhammad Fateh, stated that his son’s bravery saved the lives of dozens of innocent people. Australian police also released a statement concerning Sajid Akram, an individual suspected of involvement in terrorism related to the Bondi Beach incident.
In miscellaneous reports, a CNG station caught fire in Nowshera. Bollywood actor Anupam Kher shared his unique experience of taking a train journey after missing a connecting Indigo flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, describing the rail travel as interesting. Finally, the family confirmed the passing of veteran politician Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo.
