Current Final

Category: Politics

  • ‘Vote ko izzat do’ dumped? PML-N to adopt new aggressive narrative against Bajwa, Faiz, Khan, Saqib Nisar, Asif Khosa

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will soon adopt an aggressive narrative against five individuals as it prepares for elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    According to a news report, the five individuals against whom the PML-N will turn its guns with full ferocity are General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, former Chief Justices of Pakistan Saqib Nisar and Asif Saeed Khosa along with former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The report states that the senior leadership of PML-N have recommended to party supremo Nawaz Sharif that the PML-N’s focus should be on Bajwa, Faiz, Khan, Nisar and Khosa for being solely responsible for conspiring to dislodge the Nawaz-led government in 2017 and rigging polls in 2018 to install the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

    After ‘vote ko izzat dou’ [Give respect to the vote], almost everyone in the PML-N agrees that attacks on these five individuals should be the new narrative of the party.

    Quoting a senior unnamed member of PML-N, the report shared, “Almost everyone is of the view that the rebranded narrative cannot succeed unless it takes the fight directly to the main characters of the political events of the last six years, who played a key role in bringing about the Tabdeeli project in the shape of Imran Khan. This is a project which could never have succeeded without full support from Saqib Nisar, General Bajwa, General Faiz Hameed, Asif Khosa and Saqib Nisar. Everyone in Pakistan is aware of the role these characters played violating rules, Constitution, law and oath.”

  • Bilawal blames PTI policies for TTP attacks

    Bilawal blames PTI policies for TTP attacks

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari— who is currently in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting— has spoken to Al Jazeera about the recently held conference in Geneva for Pakistan’s devasting flood losses, a looming economic crisis and the soaring threats of terrorism.

    In his interview, the 34-year-old minister blamed the previous government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its wrong approach and “policy of appeasement” towards the Taliban.

    He said, “I believe that the previous government had the wrong approach. Its policy of appeasement towards the Taliban has created problems for the people of Pakistan”, adding that this approach has been ended by the incumbent government.

    He said that recently the government also had a national security meeting and it was decided then that Pakistan would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against terrorist groups.

    Talking about the oppressive Taliban reign in Afghanistan, Bilawal urged the world to continue engaging with Afghanistan as it is the only solution. He said, “We [Pakistan] are neighbours, we couldn’t separate if we wanted to. The only way to enhance leverage on both sides is to continue to engage with them.”

    “I do not think turning our back and disengaging is an option. And it’s certainly not an option for Pakistan which shares such a long and porous border with Afghanistan”, he said, highlighting that both “Pakistanis and Afghanis are victims of terrorism”.

    About the economic and food crisis back home, the minister pointed out that Pakistan is not alone in facing the economic crisis as the world is also suffering and these all are the result of post-covid and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    However, he hoped that the situation will get better in the coming days. `

    Terming the Geneva conference “resilient”, he thanked the international community for pledging more than $9 billion for Pakistan’s flood rehabilitation and climate resilience building.

  • No suit, no service; Islamabad club will not entertain you if you’re wearing a dhoti

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member National Assembly (MNA) and member Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Sheikh Rohail Asghar was denied service at the Islamabad Club for wearing a Dhoti, the traditional Punjabi attire.

    Expressing his anger, Asghar said, “Shalwar Kameez is our national dress and Dhoti a cultural dress. If I don’t wear a suit, then no one serves food in the club.” He tainted the club’s management, remarking that the British left the country, but their “remnants” still followed their rules.

    The club’s secretary said that a formal dress code was applicable in the formal dining hall, as it was part of the club’s tradition and hence Asghar was denied service. He observed that Islamabad Club is not a cultural club.

    PAC directed the management of Islamabad Club to call a board meeting to review the dress code and resolve the issue. There were also concerns over the financial affairs of the Islamabad Club and the committee sought an audit report in the next meeting.

  • Is Imran Khan coming back to National Assembly to take PM Shehbaz out?

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has hinted at the possibility that his party may return to the National Assembly (NA) to table a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

    The PTI fears that its dissenting member Raja Riaz who is holding the parliamentary party leader’s position in the NA may decide to vote in favour of PM Shehbaz if President Dr Arif Alvi asks Shehbaz Sharif to take the trust vote.

    Talking to the media at his Lahore residence, Khan said planning and consultations with party leaders and legal experts are going on to strategise how PTI’s turncoats can be stopped from siding with the ruling coalition of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

    “He [Shehbaz Sharif] will have sleepless nights in the days to come”, Khan reportedly said to journalists.

    He claimed that some Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNAs want to join the PTI.

    “Some PML-N members of the National Assembly are in contact with the PTI and they have expressed their interest in joining our camp. We will test them before giving them party membership,” Imran said, adding that he saw elections taking place in March or April.

    The former ruling party is considering “testing” PM Sharif’s strength in the house sensing that cracks are appearing in PDM’s ranks.

    PTI’s senior leader Fawad Chaud­hry has said that the party’s return to the National Assembly was linked with its plan to oust PM Sharif, reports Dawn.

    He said PTI was seeking legal opinion on how it could bind its MNAs to vote in line with the party policy in case of a no-trust move, and if that can be achieved without joining the assembly.

  • No decision yet: CM Elahi addresses PTI and PML-Q merger reports

    No decision yet: CM Elahi addresses PTI and PML-Q merger reports

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Pervaiz Elahi on Monday clarified that no final decision has been taken yet on a merger between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).

    Clarifying that consultations are still underway, Pervaiz Elahi said that Imran Khan first offered Moonis the invitation to merge the two parties and then asked to be the president of the party.

    However, he added that yesterday a meeting between the two parties took place in which all 10 PML-Q Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) were present. “It was mutually decided that we will ask the people in our constituents first,” he said.

    Reacting to the show-cause notice sent to him by PML-Q, he said “Nothing as such has happened yet and they already have a problem,” he retorted.

    Earlier, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain suspended Elahi’s party membership after he hinted at a merger between his party and ally PTI.

    The PML-Q issued show-cause notices to Elahi as well as Moonis Elahi, Hussain Elahi and Senator Kamil Ali Agha.

    The notice gave Elahi seven days to provide an explanation for his comments, otherwise, proceedings would be initiated against him.

    PML-Q electoral college office-bearers authorised Elahi, the party’s provincial president, to make decisions on behalf of the party with regard to its merger into the PTI.

    However, Express Tribune has reported that according to sources within the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the PML-Q could not be merged with the PTI on Elahi’s wish as the party is registered in Shujaat’s name.

    PML-Q ready to merge with PTI, decision expected today

    On Monday, it was reported that PML-Q is ready to merge with PTI.

    According to news reports, the majority of PML-Q is in favour of the merger. Elahi summoned a meeting to discuss the matter with his party.

    PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi, son of Pervaiz Elahi, was reportedly ready to merge with PTI and a formal announcement was expected on Monday.

    Earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan had proposed that PML-Q should merge with it.

    The PTI chief praised the Elahis and said they stood by the PTI despite pressure from powerful quarters.

  • ‘Rethink and reimagine Pakistan’: Politicians, bureaucrats call for political consensus

    Former Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has announced that he along with a group of politicians and bureaucrats, will be organising a series of seminars across Pakistan aimed at bringing about a “political consensus for restructuring the governance structures of Pakistan”.

    Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, Fawad Hasan Fawad, Asad Ali Shah, Haji Lashkari Raisini, Mir Humayun Kurd, Khawaja Mohammad Hoti, along with others, will be part of this effort to create political consensus.

    Khokhar tweeted, “In a nonpartisan effort, I have been talking to friends & colleagues about the current economic, political and social crisis of Pakistan which are now striking at the core foundations of the state and the society.”

    “At the same time individual and collective rights are under severe stress causing a widespread dissatisfaction of people across the regional and ethnic divides in Pakistan. These trying times require us to “rethink” or “reimagine” Pakistan.”

    Talking to The News, Khokar said, “From political uncertainty to economic meltdown to polarisation in society that has reached dangerous levels of intolerance, Pakistan is not facing just one crisis but multiple crises at the same time. Today we are at a juncture where we are actually at a ‘naazuk morr’ — a phrase that we always hear but only when powerful quarters don’t want something to be talked about”.

    Ismail too took to Twitter and said, ” I and many other colleagues are trying to bring about a national consensus on major issues. Thus we are starting with holding seminars across Pakistan.”

  • KP CM to forward Assembly dissolution advice today

    KP CM to forward Assembly dissolution advice today

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan has said on Tuesday that he will sign the summary for the dissolution of the provincial assembly by tonight.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has asked the CM to send the summary for the assembly’s dissolution to the KP governor, Haji Ghulam Ali.

    “The last four years were very pleasant, and I thank all the members, government and Opposition members and bureaucracy,” said the KP chief minister.

    Mahmood said that his party will form the government by winning two-thirds of the majority in the general elections.

    He blamed the incumbent government for instability in the country, saying that getting rid of the “corrupt group” has become necessary.

    Last week, Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi had sent the summary to the governor, Baligh Ur Rehman, for the Punjab Assembly’s dissolution. However, Rehman refused to sign it, and the legislative was automatically dissolved after 48 hours.

  • Hamza contacts Elahi over appointment of caretaker CM in Punjab

    Hamza contacts Elahi over appointment of caretaker CM in Punjab

    Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shehbaz, has instructed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Malik Ahmed Khan to consult and contact Chief Minister (CM) Pervaiz Elahi over the appointment of a caretaker setup in Punjab.

    Governor Punjab Baligh Ur Rehman while forwarding the names sent by Pervez Elahi to Hamza Shehbaz tweeted, “I have received three names from Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi, which are being forwarded to Opposition Leader Hamza Shehbaz Sharif. I would like to see both of the leaders jointly agree on any name within the stipulated period.”

    One of Elahi’s nominees, former civil servant Nasir Mehmood Khosa, when contacted by the PML-N, excused himself from accepting the post of caretaker CM.

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif took to Twitter and confirmed that Nasir Khosa excused himself from the offer and declined to take the chair.

    It is pertinent to mention that if both Elahi and Hamza CM fail to reach a consensus, then the Punjab Assembly speaker would constitute a parliamentary committee, finalising the name within three days.

    If the committee also fails to reach an accord then the Election Commission will decide the name for the interim CM from the names forwarded by the government and Opposition.

  • ‘Let us sit, have serious and sincere talks’: PM Shehbaz extends olive branch to Modi

    ‘Let us sit, have serious and sincere talks’: PM Shehbaz extends olive branch to Modi

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, extending an olive branch to his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi has said that both leaders should hold serious and sincere talks.

    “My message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that let us sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning issues like Kashmir,” said PM Shehbaz in an interview with Al Arabiya news channel.

    “In Kashmir, flagrant human rights violations are taking place day in and day out,” he pointed out.

    The Premier further added that the neighbouring country had usurped any semblance of autonomy given to the Kashmiris according to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The autonomy was revoked in August 2019.

    Reminding the world that both Pakistan and India were neighbouring countries who had to find a way to live together, Shehbaz Sharif said, ” “It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other, and waste time and resources. We have three wars with India and it only brought more misery, poverty and unemployment to the people. We have learnt our lesson and we want to live in peace provided we are able to resolve our genuine problems. We want to alleviate poverty, achieve prosperity, and provide education and health facilities and employment to our people and not waste our resources on bombs and ammunition, that is the message I want to give to PM Modi.”

    The Premier remarked that both countries are nuclear powers and armed to teeth. “If God forbid a war breaks out who will live to tell what happened,” he said.

    He said the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could play a vital role in bringing Pakistan and India together., adding he would hold talks with the Indian leadership with sincerity of purpose.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Fawad Chaudhry rejected PM Shehbaz’s approach of holding talks with Modi and tweeted, “Shehbaz Sharif cannot be allowed to sell Kashmir”.

    Later, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) gave a statement on the issue and said, “The Prime Minister has repeatedly stated on record that talks can only take place after India has reversed its illegal action of August 5, 2019. Without India’s revocation of this step, negotiations are not possible.”

  • ‘Law and order situation in KP alarming’: Politicians and journalists condemn Senior Lawyer Latif Afridi’s assassination

    Former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and renowned jurist Abdul Latif Afridi has been assassinated on Monday in a firing incident inside the Peshawar High Court bar room.

    Despite the regular tight deployment of forces at the entrance of the high court, the incident took place when Latif Afridi was sitting with other lawyers in the bar room when a gunman opened fire at him.

    According to Geo News, the lawyer was shot six times. Latif Afridi was 79.

    The assailant is currently in police custody. “The police have arrested the accused and identified him as Adnan Afridi,” the officer said, revealing that the attacker was related to the slain jurist. Adnan is the son of Judge Aftab Afridi who was killed in 2021.

    It is pertinent to mention that Latif Afridi was acquitted in the murder case of Adnan’s father.

    In 2021, the judge was attacked as unknown assailants opened fire on his car. However, Latif, the then-SCBA president, had denied his involvement in the incident and assured his full cooperation in the investigation.

    A few media reports have said that the police have termed the murder a matter of personal enmity between the two families while further investigations are underway.

    However, several politicians and journalists came forward to condemn the attack.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and grief over the “brutal killing” of the senior lawyer.

    “I pray that the bereaved family bear this loss with fortitude. The worsening law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is alarming,” the PM noted, adding that the provincial government should take immediate measures in this regard.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan also expressed his condolences and prayers.

    Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari condemned the murder, calling Latif a strong supporter of democracy and a staunch opponent of extremism.

    Other politicians also condemned the tragic episode.

    Similarly, lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir, Journalist Asma Shirazi, and others expressed grief at the killing.