News Highlights: PM unveils vision for next term - Big decisions, new schemes to eradicate poverty and boost growth

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Congress MP Manish Tewari on the tabling of White Paper in Parliament, said, "The government appears to be nervous because it is uncommon for a government that has been in power for 10 years to introduce a White Paper to discredit a previous government that left office 10 years ago, especially when they (BJP) have no achievements to showcase."

BJP MP Jayant Sinha on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s reply in the Lok Sabha on Govt's White Paper said, "Truth is a bitter pill to swallow. When we showed our colleagues in opposition the truth, they did not like it. We have brought the train of progress on the right path in the last ten years.”

Former Miss World Toni-Ann Singh says, "We call it ninja training. Miss Worlds get, what is called ninja training. Five years after my crown, I am much stronger and much more developed in my ability to advocate on my own behalf, my ability to represent the groups that I represent in my blood, the shade of my skin, where I live and where I am from. This platform is so much more than just us help a lot of people, which is wonderful. We get so much training and opportunities to find our voice and to exercise it to the point where it is now."

Reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska says, "I couldn't be more excited to have the 71st Miss World festival here in India because I know how much impact it can have for all the contestants. India is leading in so many areas - in education, in health, in technology. We can learn so much from you. So, I believe that bringing so many young leaders here to your country, we can take inspiration and create a change that we like to see in the world."

Department of Telecom blocks about 1.4 lakh mobile handsets linked to financial frauds

More than 500 arrested, and about 3.08 lakh SIMs, 50 thousand IMEI blocked since April 2023 through Pratibimb portal

Banks and financial institutions to phase out use of regular 10-digit numbers and use specific number series such as '140xxx' for commercial/ promotional activities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi elaborated on the big decisions that the BJP government wants to take in the next term if voted back to power. He said, "New schemes are being prepared for the past 1-1/2 years to eradicate poverty, and push growth, which will be finalised soon. I have sought suggestions from over 15 lakh people for this. The new India will work at super speed."

“There are many sectors in which the work done in the last 10 years has been more than in the previous 70 years. In the seven decades until 2014, around 20,000 kilometres of rail lines had been electrified. In 10 years, this government has electrified more than 40,000 kilometres of rail lines. Now tell me, is there any competition? I am not talking about May,” says PM Modi.

After 2014, the industry that dined on wine and cheese and gave advice on how to alleviate poverty was shut down. I rose from poverty and became Prime Minister, so I know how to fight the poverty. In the last 10 years, 25 crore people have been lifted from poverty.

Addressing a business summit on February 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “…I also want to protect the future of coming generations. I stay miles away from the politics of getting a few more votes by emptying the government’s coffers. That's why we have given fiscal discipline paramount importance in our policies and decisions.”

“In the last one year, just through ethanol blending in petrol we have saved Rs 24,000 crore. And our cleanliness drive has earned us Rs 1,100 crore just by selling the garbage from government buildings. This is all helping us save the public’s money,” says PM Narendra Modi.

The government has saved money by using technology. Under the Congress government, there were 10 crore fake beneficiaries on paper – beneficiaries who were not even born. We removed these 10 crore fake beneficiaries, PM Modi says at a summit on February 9.

Nearly Rs 3 lakh crore has been saved by the use of the direct benefit transfers, he added

“Every budget of this government has had four important features – record capital expenditure, unprecedented spending on welfare schemes, control over wasteful expenditure, and financial discipline,” says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi says, “The way we handled the economy since the pandemic struck means inflation has been under control. Experts constantly told us to print money. But we didn’t. And our methods are being praised now.”

“The interim Budget for 2024-25 has been praised by experts and media both. The first principles of our Budget and overall policy are stability, consistency, and continuity,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 9 said a virtuous cycle has begun in India and explained, “Inflation is under control, opportunities and income are both rising, poverty is falling. Consumption and corporate profitability are both rising. Banks’ NPAs are at record lows. Production and productivity are both increasing and our critics are at an all-time low.”

PM Narendra Modi addresses ET Now Global Business Summit 2024 and says: “A virtuous cycle has begun for India. Our growth rate is continuously rising and our fiscal deficit is falling. Our exports are increasing and the current account deficit is falling.”

Former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Nawaz Sharif says, "...We want our relations with the world to be better...We will improve our relations with them and resolve all our issues with them..."

Former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Nawaz Sharif says, "We do not have the majority to form government on our own. So, we will invite other parties, that we form a government together...I have assigned this duty to Shehbaz Sharif - meet Asif Zardari, Fazal-ur-Rehman, MQM, Dr Siddiqui and tell them that the current situation in Pakistan demands that we bring the country out of crisis, together."

Former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Nawaz Sharif says, “We congratulate you all because, with God's blessings, Pakistan Muslim League (N) has emerged as the largest party...We respect the mandate given to every party...We invite them to sit with us to take the injured Pakistan out of crisis."

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has reportedly claimed victory in the elections, stating it has emerged as the single-largest party.

His supporters could be seen celebrating at the party office in Lahore.

Nawaz Sharif won his seat with 1,71,024 votes.

The Jharkhand Congress on February 9 lauded the Centre's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao, contending that even the BJP now believes that the grand old party and its leaders contributed to nation-building.

Rao, former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.

FM Sitharaman says:

- From 2004-2014, average retail inflation was 8.2% when global inflation for 3-4%

- Under BJP, retail inflation never crossed 8%

- In 9 years, over 8 lakh central central govt jobs filled transparently

- PM Ujjawala scheme beneficiaries take 11 lakh refills everyday

FM Sitharaman says:

- In 2013, in WTO ministerial declaration in Bali, UPA govt agreed to end procurement, buffer stock, public distribution system by 2017. It was changed by BJP govt later.

- Rs 1.07 lakh cr investment has come via PLI scheme which has generated 7 lakh employment.

FM Sitharaman says:

- Number of persons convicted by ED were zero under UPA. 58 convictions by ED happened during BJP

- Amount of restitution during UPA was zero. Under BJP, in 9 years Rs 16,333 crore was the amount of restitution

- Red corner notices was issued on 24 people during BJP while zero notices under UPA

- 12 people were declared as fugitives under BJP, while it was zero under UPA

- Number of persons extradited during UPA is zero, while under BJP 4 persons are being extradited

FM Sitharaman: UPA had rejected UIDAI, BJP was the one to implement it. During Covid, Aadhaar authenticated direct benefit transfer saved Rs 2.7 lakh crore of the govt under BJP rule.

National Advisory Council (NAC) was non-constitutional body which was running a kitchen cabinet

FM Sitharaman: Planning Commission rejected funding for UIDAI during UPA regime.

FM Sitharaman: Central ministries, namely civil supplies, rural dev, labour, food were opposed to real time biometric authentication during UPA regime

White Paper news updates Live: 'Extra-Constitutional authority to Sonia Gandhi pressurized governance'

- Leadership was the core issue for UPA mismangement, crony capitalism

- Governance was pressurised because of extra constiutional authority to Sonia Gandhi, which was unaccountable and unanswerable power

- National Green hydrogen mission was brought in 2020. Rooftop solar, PM Kusum schemes were brought in for environment. Average time for environmental clearance by Center is reduced to 70 days from over 300 days. Forest cover has increased.

- Target of achieving 40% renewable energy has been achieved 9 years ahead of schedule

- Job opportunities were hurt during UPA regime. Jayanti tax was well known to gain environmental clearances in UPA regime.

- BJP brought in transparency, online system for green clearance for timely, standardised approvals.

- Defence production in India is over Rs 1 lakh crore. India is exporting defence equipment worth Rs 16,000 crore to 85 countries

- 350 files on environmental clearance were pending during UPA regime.

- Defence budget has increased under Modi govt. 75% of capital acquisition in defence will be spent on domestic manufacturing

- FDI in defence has been raised. Due to Make in India push Tejas, Bhramos missile are manufactured in India

- Under BJP rule, Rs 4 lakh crore business given to HAL. HAL is manufacturing Tejas to boost Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Augusta Westland chopper scam happened in 2013. Defence was compromised and Armed forces were ignored in UPA regime, says FM Sitharaman

National security was compromised, environment clearances were not obtainable during 2004-05 and 2013-14, says FM in the Lok Sabha

FM says: Undeveloped border is safer than a developed border, so many years no construction of roads in border areas, said former defence minister AK Antony

From fragile state of economy, India has reached to become the 5th largest economy. We are soon heading towards becoming 3rd largest economy, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

FM Sitharaman in Lok Sabha: PM in 2015-16 had said that there is a lot of suggestions coming that a white paper on economy should be put out, but did not do in favour of national interest and would have scared away investors.

Citizens, govt officials would have been disillusioned if white paper on condition of economy was released in 2015-16, says FM

FM Sitharaman in Lok Sabha: Supreme Court verdicts, CAG reports are included in the White Paper to document evidence

Nothing in the white paper is baseless, but based on evidence, says the FM

The white paper is a serious document with documentary evidence placed in the House with the intent to bring transparency, says FM in Lok Sabha

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says in Perth, "It is truly an increasingly consequential relationship, we are today officially comprehensive strategic partners...Our bilateral architecture caters to regular meetings of foreign defence, trade, power, education and skilled ministers. We do two plus two meetings, we conduct exercise 'Malabar' amongst many others, we collaborate on a maritime fusion centre and we reciprocally host deployments. The Indian community in Australia has expanded significantly and the ECTA (Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement) has visibly boosted our trade. Every Australian PM in the last decade has met his Indian counterpart, a far cry from the past. The current ones have actually met seven times... we have a strong, comfortable and deepening relationship."

Congress MP & former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram issued statement - "The White Paper put out by the government is a hatchet job. It is a white-lie paper. Even the authors will not claim that it is an academic, well-researched or scholarly paper. It is a political exercise intended to damn the previous government and hide the present government’s broken promises, monumental failures and betrayal of the poor."

Rajya Sabha passes the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Bill provides amendment in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (IX of 1989), the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000 (XX of 2000) and Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 (XXI of 2000). It was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announces 'One Time Water Bill Settlement Scheme'. The proposal will be brought before the Delhi Cabinet soon

Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi on Bharat Ratna being conferred on former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao, says, "They are the national icons...they are the pride of the nation...Sonia Gandhi could have become the PM but she respected the intelligence and sacrifices of Narasimha Rao for the Congress, she pointed out that Narasimha Rao should become the PM...country was in turmoil economically, but he lifted the country financially, brought reforms and he contributed to the growth you are seeing right now, that time Manmohan Singh was his Finance Minister, together they built this nation's economy...BJP is only adding up the floors and claiming it is all because of them"

Over 96.88 crore electors registered across the country for 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 6 percent increase has been witnessed in registered voters from 2019.

Over 2 crore young electors in age group 18-29 added in voters list, says EC

"We look at it positively. The truth is that they (former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh as well as agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan) should have been honoured (with Bharat Ratna) way before, but this is the first time any government has taken cognisance of it," says Union Minister Rajnath Singh on PM Modi's announcement that former PMs PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh as well as agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.

RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary reacts to the announcement of Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh.

'Dil jeet liya', says RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary

Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Modi says, "Narasimha Rao was the PM of India but even after staying in power for so many years, they (Congress) didn't think of honouring him with the Bharat Ratna. Narendra Modi should get the praise for his decision to honour Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh, and M S Swaminathan.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expresses gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for honoring the iconic statesman PV Narasimha Rao with the Bharat Ratna, recognizing his contributions in guiding the nation's economy through challenging times towards inclusive progress.

PV Narasimha Rao's significant contributions, guiding the economy through turbulent times to an era of inclusivity, will be forever remembered, said Amit Shah

"Bharat Ratna to Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao Garu is a befitting tribute to the legendary statesman who shaped the history of our nation with an iconoclastic vision, intellect, and statesmanship. The contributions of PV Narasimha Rao Ji in navigating our economy safely through one of the most turbulent times to an era of inclusive progress will always be remembered. As we celebrate the versatile leadership of PV Narasimha Rao Ji, I also express my heartfelt gratitude to PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji for the decision to honor the political and intellectual giant with the most prestigious award," posts Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Former PM PV Narasimha Rao’s grandson Natcharaju Venkata Subhash, says, “I got a call from Delhi saying that your grandfather has been conferred the highest civilian award- Bharat Ratna. First of all, I would like to thank PM Modi’s goodwill gesture where he has recognised the contributions of people who have really contributed to the development of this country.”

Surabhi Vani Devi, BRS MLC and daughter of PV Narasimha Rao on father and former PM PV Narasimha Rao being conferred with the Bharat Ratna, says, "This is a very happy moment. Great recognition. I am so excited."

BJP MP Prakash Javadekar says, "It is great news that Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao Garu and M S Swaminathan are being honoured with Bharat Ratna. PM Modi thinks about the nation, not just the party and so such people are being honoured."

Union Minister Kailash Choudhary on Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao and M S Swaminathan being conferred the Bharat Ratna, says, "Today is definitely dedicated to farmers. The messiah of farmers, who spent his life for the farmers of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and also MS Swaminathan, an agricultural scientist who produced the Swaminathan report have been honoured... I would thank PM Modi for honouring these great men who have worked extensively for the farmers... Congress did not honour their Prime Minister but PM Modi did that. This tells a lot about Congress that they cannot think of anyone except the Gandhi family."

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, daughter of father MS Swaminathan being conferred the Bharat Ratna, says, "I am sure that he would have also been happy if the news had come during his lifetime. But he was never somebody who worked for awards or waited for recognition. He was motivated more by the results of what he did on the ground."

Pakistan's sovereign dollar bonds experience further decline amidst election uncertainty, with losses exceeding 5 cents, as reported by Reuters citing Tradeweb data. Notably, all sovereign dollar bonds witnessed a decline, with the September 2025 maturity registering the most significant drop, trading at 82.4 cents on the dollar by 0751 GMT.

According to the latest update by Dawn, PMLN leads in 12 seats, PPP in 11, while PTI-backed Independents trail with nine seats. Winning 134 seats ensures a simple majority in the National Assembly.

"I welcome this decision of PM Modi. I had raised this demand in the Parliament in 2020," said BJP MP Harnath Yadav.

"I know. We welcome it," says Sonia Gandhi on Bharat Ratna awards conferred to Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao Garu and M S Swaminathan

On the violence in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani, Chief Secretary of State Radha Raturi said, "We held a meeting and took stock of the situation here. The government will soon restore peace in the region, law of the land will be implemented. And soon, things will return to normalcy. I appeal to all citizens to not spread or pay heed to any kinds of rumours and help maintain peace."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr MS Swaminathan, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encourage learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country Chaudhary Charan Singh is being honoured with Bharat Ratna. This honour is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country and even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation-building. He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring to the entire nation."

SC agrees to consider appeals by a bunch of start ups against Google’s billing policy.

"India suffered a huge loss because of the coal scam under the UPA rule. We turned coal into ash, we turned it into diamond with our policies.”

In the previous regime banks did not recognise bad loans. The current government facilitated recapitalisation, reform of banks with the help of RBI

Paytm fiasco not to shatter confidence of digital payments: CAIT. Amid the current Paytm fiasco, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has strongly asserted that such an unprecedented event in the fintech ecosystem of the country will not shatter the confidence of traders and others in the digital payment system built over the years.

Congress in opposition asks a thousand questions, which the government answers. But when we answer their questions they do not listen or stage walk outs: FM Sitharaman

"...10 years of one government with some crisis & 10 years of a different government with different crisis. The comparison shown in this 'White Paper' clearly says how if the government handles it with true sincerity, transparency and putting the nation first, the results are there for everybody to see. When you don't put the nation first, when you put your first family first, and when you have other consideration than transparency, the results are out there for you to see. So what happened after 2008 when there was a global financial crisis and what happened post-Covid shows clearly that if the intent of the government is sincere results will be good..."

In her introductory comments on the 'White Paper on the Indian Economy and its impact on the lives of people of India' in the Lok Sabha, the finance minister emphasised the responsible presentation of the paper. She stated that it aims to provide factual information on the economy for the records, serving as a testament for future generations, particularly the youth, to understand the efforts made by a visionary Prime Minister in restoring India to its glory.

The Common Wealth Games scam during the UPA government's tenure brought humiliation to the entire country, said the Union finance minister.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government aims to revive India's prosperity, asserting that the Modi government's intentions are genuine. Rebuffing criticism, she highlighted the UPA's alleged mishandling of the 2008 crisis, emphasizing a decade-long effort to rectify past errors. Sitharaman touted successes like G20 participation while criticizing the Commonwealth's mismanagement.

"'White Paper' has been laid on the table by the government, after 10 years of pulling out an Indian Economy which was in fragile five to reach the stage of top five. It is a statement laid with responsibility..."

-Pakistan People's Party (PPP): 6 seats
-Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN): 10 seats
-Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) affiliates:9 seats
-Others: 2 seats

As Pakistan awaits election results, speculation surrounds the potential return of Nawaz Sharif and his PML(N) party to power. While the PTI faces setbacks, early trends suggest a competitive race. The historical influence of the military in Pakistani politics casts doubt on civilian governance. Economic challenges await the new government, with a possible PML(N) victory anticipated. An outright PTI win would challenge military influence. Commodore C Uday Bhaskar (Retd.) offers insights on potential outcomes. Read more

Should a clear landslide victory occur for the apparent frontrunner, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), this week's elections will further diminish the already limited credibility it held prior to the campaign. Landslides in polling are not unprecedented in Pakistan. In 1960, the nation's inaugural dictator, General Ayub Khan, purportedly garnered 95.6 percent of the votes in a referendum, legitimizing his coup d'état from two years prior. Read more

Mohammed Sohail, CEO of Topline Securities Ltd, noted that pre-election surveys had led the market to anticipate a PML-N-led coalition government. Ali Malik, CEO of First National Equity, highlighted market expectations for a politically stable government post-elections, but noted uncertainty due to potential independent candidates forming the government. Investors hesitated amid political instability, resulting in selling pressure and market decline. Faran Rizvi, JS Global's Head of Equity, emphasized political uncertainty as a reason for caution, stressing the importance of stability for long-term market growth.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange's (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index experienced a significant drop of 1,700 points in early trading on Friday due to political uncertainty surrounding the delayed announcement of general election results. The index further plummeted by 2,278 points shortly after trading commenced but partially recovered, ultimately losing 1,720.27 points (2.68%) to settle at 62,423.60 points by 9:30 am.

PML(N)'s Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif wins his seat with 1,71,024 votes, Pakistan's Geo News reports

A recent government circular, reviewed by Moneycontrol, alerts to Pakistan-based intelligence operatives targeting sensitive Indian establishments via malicious emails. The circular, issued on February 7 by the Controller General of Defence Accounts, warns of cyber attacks aimed at extracting strategic information. Operatives are disguising malware within seemingly legitimate documents to breach security. Read on

As we anticipate the outcome of Pakistan’s 12th general election amidst speculations of electoral fraud and instances of unrest, it's pertinent to acknowledge the nation's tumultuous political past. With three constitutions and military coups, none of the 30 prime ministers have served a full term.

-Rana Mubashir Iqbal of PML-N wins NA-124 Lahore (VIII) with 55,387 votes.
-Chaudhry Salik Hussain of PML-Q emerges victorious in NA-64 Gujrat III with 105,205 votes.
-Qaisara Elahi, an independent candidate backed by PTI and wife of Pervez Elahi, secures second place with 80,946 votes.
-Muhammad Atif, supported by PTI, wins NA-22 Mardan II with 114,748 votes.
-Chaudhry Salik Hussain from PML-Q clinches victory in PP-32 Gujrat-VI with 55,615 votes.

Unofficial results reported by Bloomberg indicated a surprising victory for Imran Khan's incarcerated PTI, surpassing Nawaz Sharif's PML-N. PTI urged Sharif to accept defeat, emphasizing the nation's rejection of alleged electoral malpractice. Both parties claimed victory, with PTI stating a lead in over 150 seats while PML-N asserted its position for forming a government.

“Show some grace @NawazSharifMNS, accept the defeat! People of Pakistan will never accept you. This is a golden opportunity to regain some credibility as a democrat. Daylight robbery is going to be rejected massively by Pakistan! #PTIWon #RespectMandate,” PTI wrote on X.

The significant delay of over 9 hours in announcing election results sparked controversy, with PTI alleging vote rigging. Election Commission's Zafar Iqbal cited "internet issues" as the cause. Mobile services suspension was attributed to security measures.

Former PML-N minister Marriyum Aurangzeb expressed optimism, asserting her party's potential to govern both nationally and in Punjab, despite communication challenges. She emphasized PML-N's strength and commitment to serving the people.

"Due to non-availability of mobile and internet services, it became difficult to get the results," she said on X, adding, "The position of Muslim League (N) is strong. By the grace and grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan Muslim League (N) will fulfill its solemn commitment to serve the people and relieve them from their problems as always."

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has emerged victorious in two National Assembly seats: Sadiq Ali Memon in NA 225 (Thatta, Sindh province) and Syed Ali Musa Gilani in NA 151 (Multan, Punjab province). As per official results, PPP and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are tied for the lead with five seats each, while the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) has secured four seats in the National Assembly.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over election-related violence and mobile service suspensions in Pakistan, urging calm and adherence to human rights and legal procedures, according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, as reported by Reuters.

As of now, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) stand at 4 seats each, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) affiliates stand at 5 seats.

Four fatalities occurred in the violence-stricken area of Banbhoolpura, with over 100 policemen sustaining injuries, stated State ADG Law & Order AP Anshuman. Following the unrest in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura, resulting in casualties and numerous police injuries, internet services were suspended. Additionally, the Nainital District Administration has mandated the closure of all schools and colleges.

PTI-supported candidate Fazal Muhammad Khan clinches victory in NA-25 Charsadda II, garnering 100,713 votes, per Dawn and the election commission. Aimal Wali Khan of the Awami National Party secures second place with 67,876 votes.

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N secures victory in two parliamentary seats, while independents emerge triumphant in two additional constituencies.

PPP candidate Nazir Ahmed Bughio secured victory in the NA-195 Larkana-II constituency, marking the party's third representation in the federal parliament. This win, consistent with PPP's stronghold in Sindh province, aligns with their previous successful candidacies in the region.

Manipur-based tribal groups expressed opposition to the central government's decision to abolish the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR) on Thursday. The FMR permitted individuals living near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without documentation. This response follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement that the FMR would be terminated to safeguard India's internal security and preserve the demographic composition of northeastern states.

Candidates supported by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's PTI have secured victory in four seats, while the Pakistan People's Party led by Bilawal Zardari Bhutto has won one seat, Dawn reported.

Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emerges victorious in Lahore, while Independents supported by Imran Khan's PTI are leading in six constituencies.

Pakistan's election commission has started releasing results for the National Assembly, a process that began almost 12 hours after polls closed. The election was overshadowed by violence from armed groups and widespread criticism over the suspension of mobile phone services. Early reports suggest candidates linked to imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party are leading, as indicated by local media projections.