ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday demanded that the ongoing proceedings of unconstitutional trial in the false and fabricated cypher case should be annulled instantly and PTI Chairman-for-life Imran Khan and PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi should be forthwith.

PTI Spokesperson stressed the need for an immediate halt on the ongoing malicious and nefarious process of targeting former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi through an unfair and unjust trial in the baseless and false cipher case.

He said that the cipher was a fabricated and baseless case in every aspect, which was just being used to subject against PTI founding Chairman Imran Khan and Qureshi for political vendetta.

PTI Spokesperson stated that it had no more a secret that Imran Khan and Qureshi were being subjected to political revenge in the cipher case through unfair and unconstitutional trial under Article 10A. He recalled that the court had already declared the trial of the cipher case null and void twice, which was enough to prove that the case and the trial had no legal status.

PTI Spokesperson went on to say that the international media had also brought all the facts related to the fake and fabricated cipher case before the world, adding that insisting on this unjust proceedings of the cipher case despite the court verdicts was a clear reflective of the malice intentions of the state against Imran Khan and Qureshi.

Pakistan, a country with a rich cultural tapestry and a history shaped by various influences, faces considerable challenges in its healthcare sector. Despite commendable efforts, several factors contribute to the complexities that hinder the delivery of effective and accessible healthcare to all citizens.

One of the fundamental issues is the inadequacy of healthcare infrastructure and resources. Insufficient hospitals, clinics, and trained medical personnel in some regions create barriers to healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. This disparity exacerbates health inequalities, leaving a significant portion of the population underserved. Pakistan grapples with a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. While infectious diseases pose persistent threats, the rise of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions requires a shift towards preventive healthcare., there is notably a lack of Unfortunately Emphasis on preventive measures, education, and public health awareness.

Affordability remains a key challenge for many Pakistanis seeking healthcare. High out-of-pocket expenses, coupled with limited health insurance coverage, make quality medical services a luxury for some. This financial burden can deter from individuals seeking timely medical attention, exacerbating health conditions and contributing to a cycle of poverty. Maternal and child health outcomes in Pakistan highlight significant concerns. Maternal mortality rates remain relatively high, and there is a need for improved access to prenatal and postnatal care. Malnutrition among children is another critical issue that requires focused interventions and nutritional education.

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday said that no solid reason had yet come to the fore to justify a delay in the general elections, assuring that the government was committed to holding polls as freely and fairly as possible.

The prime minister, in an interview with a newly launched television channel (Aik News) said the candidates were canvassing and all the rumours would fall to rest by the evening of February 8 – the date for general elections in the country.

Regarding the usual complaints of rigging before or after the elections, he said that learning lessons from the past, the parliament needed to address all the flaws regarding the laws, administration, or the Election Commission.

He said the observers would monitor and local and international media would report on the activity, assuring that as per the standards in the region, the elections would by and large be free and fair.

He observed that the political parties were also involved in the poll rigging by making fake ID cards and casting the votes of deceased persons. He said time would be from 9 am to 5 pm on February 8 and everyone should use his constitutional right to vote to ensure a good turnout.

Emphasizing the key focus on the improvement of the national economy, he said unfortunately no political party had yet come up with an agenda to boost the country's economic health. He said all the electoral claims made by the parties including jobs, shelters, cheap electricity, food security, and others were directly related to a stable economy.

He said the political parties needed to come up with a plan for revenue generation and widen the tax net. Exemplifying a 91% tax-to-GDP ratio in the Scandinavian countries, he said Pakistan's ratio stood at just 9%, adding that enhanced taxation would also make the government accountable to the masses.

Responding to a question about his foreign visits, he recalled that soon after assuming the office, he attended the UN General Assembly session – “a forum which cannot be ignored” and later interactions in Europe where he had a stopover for plane refuelling. He also mentioned attending the BRI Forum in China, the ECO Summit, and the COP28 session where he got the opportunity to interact with world leaders and sign bilateral agreements.

He explained that the caretaker government had to play a role to run day-to-day affairs, including foreign policy matters. About the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals, he said Pakistan had expelled only those with no identity and record and that such individuals would be allowed to return after obtaining valid passports and visas.