Current Final

Category: Politics

  • ‘Mainay dekha, suna nahi’: Shah Mahmood Qureshi denies having heard Khan on army

    ‘Mainay dekha, suna nahi’: Shah Mahmood Qureshi denies having heard Khan on army

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, distancing from party Chairman Imran Khan’s anti-establishment remarks has said that he hasn’t seen or heard Khan’s controversial remarks.

    “Mainay bayaan ko suna nahi hai, mainay dekha nahi hai. Main apsay sun raha hon. [I have not heard or seen his comments. I am listening to them from you]. Once I know the background of the story I will be able to comment on this,” he said on a news show. The remark earned him a few smiles from the program host.

    “However, I know he [Imran Khan] knows the importance of this institution. He has always protected this institution as well,” he added.

    Khan on September 4, alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” was appointed, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    Earlier today, Khan has said that he has had enough of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) “cabal of crooks” who are trying to launch propaganda against him.

    In a tweet, the PTI chairman said, “Am following intense propaganda launched by PDM cabal of crooks against me.This stems from their being petrified of PTI’s soaring popularity.”

    “Today in Peshawar jalsa I will give proper reply to all those who have deliberately been distorting my words to malign me. Enough is enough,” said Khan.

    President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi has also said that the chairman of his party, Khan “apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karey ke in ka kya maqsad tha”. (Imran Khan should himself clarify what he meant.)

  • ‘Enough is enough’: Khan to reply to ‘PDM crooks’ at 5pm today

    ‘Enough is enough’: Khan to reply to ‘PDM crooks’ at 5pm today

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that he has had enough of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) “cabal of crooks” who are trying to launch propaganda against him.

    Khan on September 4, alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” was appointed, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    In a tweet, the PTI chairman said, “Am following intense propaganda launched by PDM cabal of crooks against me.This stems from their being petrified of PTI’s soaring popularity.”

    “Today in Peshawar jalsa I will give proper reply to all those who have deliberately been distorting my words to malign me. Enough is enough,” said Khan.

    Pakistani Army on Monday, August 5, expressed extreme displeasure over Khan’s recent statement against the establishment and said that the institution was “aghast” over it.

    Read more: ‘Disappointing’, Pak Army says Khan should not ‘scandalise’ Army Chief selection

    “Pakistan Army is aghast at the defamatory and uncalled for statement about the senior leadership of Pakistan Army by Chairman PTI during a political rally at Faisalabad. Regrettably, an attempt has been made to discredit and undermine senior leadership of Pakistan Army at a time when the institution is laying lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan every day,” said the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

  • ‘Imran Khan apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karein ke in ka kya maqsad tha’: President Alvi

    ‘Imran Khan apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karein ke in ka kya maqsad tha’: President Alvi

    President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi has said that the chairman of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan “apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karey ke in ka kya maqsad tha”. (Imran Khan should himself clarify what he meant.)

    While talking to media at Governor House in Peshawar, Alvi stressed that all soldiers including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) are patriots. He said that Pakistan Army is busy in helping flood affectees of the country and no one can doubt their patriotism.

    “Including the incumbent government, every institution is patriotic”, the President added.

    Alvi claimed that he is trying to clear all the misunderstandings between the stakeholders.

    Addressing a jalsa in Faislabad on Sunday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as COAS because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” was appointed, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    “The army chief of this country should be appointed on merit. The one who is on merit should become the next army chief,” said Khan.

    It is pertinent to mention that Khan drew fire from government leaders over his remarks about the appointment of the next chief of army staff. PTI leaders have been trying to clarify their chairman’s remarks.

    Former Human Rights Minister and PTI leader Shireen Mazari called Nawaz and Zardari “criminals”. She said, “Chairman PTI’s statement was about merit & merit in the selection of COAS cannot be made by two criminals whose only priority is to save their billions stashed abroad and who have zero credibility. Remember DawnLeaks & Memogate?”

    Fawad Chaudhry denied the fact that Khan called the army unpatriotic.

    He said, “As far as I remember, Imran Khan did not mention unpatriotic, every general and Pakistani citizen is a patriot. Imran Khan talked about appointment on merit. Anyway, this is a political matter, not a judicial one. Commenting on the topic is inappropriate.”

    Irked by Imran Khan’s recent remarks about the appointment of a new COAS, the Chief Justice (CJ) of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Athar Minallah minced no words.

    “Did you hear Imran Khan’s speech from yesterday,” the Chief Justice asked the former prime minister’s lawyer on Monday. “Do political leaders deliver such speeches? Will everything be put at stake just for the sake of “game of thrones?” The honourable judge asked during the hearing of a petition filed by the PTI against a ban imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on the live telecast of the speeches of Khan.

    Pakistani Army also expressed extreme displeasure over Imran Khan’s recent statement against the establishment and said that the institution was “aghast” over it.

  • Justice Minallah questions whether Khan will put everything at stake for ‘game of thrones’

    Justice Minallah questions whether Khan will put everything at stake for ‘game of thrones’

    Irked by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s recent remarks about the appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Chief Justice (CJ) of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Athar Minallah minced no words.

    “Did you hear Imran Khan’s speech from yesterday,” the Chief Justice asked the former prime minister’s lawyer on Monday. “Do political leaders deliver such speeches? Will everything be put at stake just for the sake of “game of thrones’?” The honourable judge asked during the hearing of a petition filed by the PTI against a ban imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on the live telecast of the speeches of Khan.

    Khan on Sunday said that the government is buying time to “appoint an army chief of their own choice.” He alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as COAS because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    Read more: ‘Hamari fauj taggri hai’: Shehbaz, Zardari, Shujaat react to Khan’s anti-military remarks

    At today’s hearing, PEMRA’s lawyer informed the court that the regulator issued a show-cause notice to delay the airing of Khan’s live speeches. In response, the IHC CJ asked why the regulator did not ensure that the rule of delaying live speeches was followed.

    The media watchdog’s lawyer said that PEMRA’s orders were not aimed at a particular person.

    The court, addressing PTI’s lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, remarked “Let’s not make things difficult as your client also made irresponsible statements.”

    Justice Minallah said that the armed forces personnel were getting martyred “and you [Imran] are bringing their morale down”.

    He also asked the PTI counsel as to why [his party] was harming constitutional institutions. “You will only invite difficulties as a result of your statements,” he observed.

    IHC CJ Minallah said that the armed forces lay their lives for the nation and in case someone is involved in illegal activity, everyone should not be criticised over it.

    “Hold yourself accountable for your actions. You [Khan] want to issue statements as per your wishes and don’t want the regulator to do its job,” the CJ said.

    Meanwhile, the IHC ordered PEMRA to regulate in light of Supreme Court of Pakistan’s verdict and wrapped up Imran Khan’s application.

    On August 29 IHC suspended PEMRA’s recent notification that banned television channels from airing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s live speeches.

    Read more: IK back on live TV: High Court suspends ban on IK’s speeches

    IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah suspended the notification till September 5 after hearing the arguments and issued notices to the regulatory authority and Attorney-General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali.

  • ‘Disappointing’, Pak Army says Khan should not ‘scandalise’ Army Chief selection

    ‘Disappointing’, Pak Army says Khan should not ‘scandalise’ Army Chief selection

    Pakistani Army expressing extreme displeasure over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s recent statement against the establishment and said that the institution was “aghast” over it.

    “Pakistan Army is aghast at the defamatory and uncalled for statement about the senior leadership of Pakistan Army by Chairman PTI during a political rally at Faisalabad. Regrettably, an attempt has been made to discredit and undermine senior leadership of Pakistan Army at a time when the institution is laying lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan every day,” said the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

    “Senior politicians trying to stir controversies on appointment of COAS of Pakistan Army, the procedure for which is well defined in the constitution, is most unfortunate and disappointing. Senior leadership of Army has decades long impeccable meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt,” read the statement.

    “Politicising the senior leadership of Pakistan Army and scandalizing the process of selection of COAS is neither in the interest of the state of Pakistan nor of the institution. Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

    Khan on Sunday, September 4, alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as COAS because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    ‘Hamari fauj taggri hai’: Shehbaz, Zardari, Shujaat react to Khan’s anti-military remarks

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, and veteran politician Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain have slammed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for his remarks on the incoming Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    Criticising the federal government on delaying elections, Imran Khan said that the government is buying time to “appoint an army chief of their own choice.”

    Questioning the incumbent , Khan asked “Why are they [government] afraid of fresh elections”? He said that it was because they knew that they would be eliminated in transparent elections.

    “The army chief of this country should be on merit. The one who is on merit should become the next army chief,” said Khan.

    Reactions of Shehbaz, Zardari and Shujaat over Khan’s remarks

    Reacting to Khan’s statement, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that Niazi’s despicable utterances to “malign institutions” are touching new levels every day.

    “He is now indulging in direct mud-slinging & poisonous allegations against Armed Forces & its leadership. His nefarious agenda is clearly to disrupt & undermine Pakistan,” tweeted the premier.

    PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari said that they will not allow the institutions and generals to become controversial for Khan’s lust for power.

    “Today everyone has come to know who the man and the beast are. This person [Imran Khan] has taken a contract from somewhere to weaken this country which cannot happen in our lifetime,” tweeted Zardari.

    Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain reacting to Khan’s statement said, “In Pakistan every General is a patriot. From a soldier to general no one needs a certificate of patriotism from anyone. The country will not allow any one to involve the establishment in their jalsa for their own politics.”

    Shujaat concluded by saying that the Pakistan army is strong.

  • ‘September sitamgar hoga’: Sheikh Rasheed announces Khan’s march in Islamabad

    ‘September sitamgar hoga’: Sheikh Rasheed announces Khan’s march in Islamabad

    Former interior minister and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed said on Sunday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan will give a call to his supporters to march towards Islamabad once the flood situation eases down.

    Rasheed took to his Twitter handle and warned: “Sitambar Sitamgar ho ga (September will be cruel)”.

    The former federal minister pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has made yet another agreement of Rs608 billion with the government. “First they robbed the treasury and now the people’s pockets”, he said.

    “Floods have opened the eyes of the people of Sindh, the floods have destroyed the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) reputation. How will other countries give aid when the people of the country refuse to give money to money launderers?”

    He said that the people can not bear the burden of increasing petrol and power prices, yet the “government continues to raise them”.

    In a series of tweets, he said that IMF knows that there is a weak majority of the government and people can come to the streets.

    “The time is not far when factories and shops will be closed, people will be on the streets”, he warned again while adding that floods have become a matter of “political point scoring”.

    Rasheed’s statement came a day after Imran Khan warned the government to stop the “persecution” of his party workers otherwise he will again march on Islamabad.

    He said the government would have “no place to hide” in the event he comes to Islamabad.

  • PM’s flood relief fund to be audited to ‘ensure transparency’

    PM’s flood relief fund to be audited to ‘ensure transparency’

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced that the government will conduct an audit of the PM Flood Relief Fund to maintain transparency.

    The fund will be audited by the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenues (AGPR) and a private audit firm of “global standing”.

    “As per my commitment to ensure transparency, the government has decided to get the PM Flood Relief Fund audited by AGPR and a private audit firm of global standing. They will audit all incoming and outgoing funds, including where and how the money is spent. The audit reports will be made public,” PM wrote in a tweet.

    Pakistan is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history. In the last 24 hours, 26 more deaths have occurred, which has taken the death toll to 1,290.

    The floods have wreaked havoc across all four provinces. The scale of devastation has been estimated to be upwards of $10 billion.

    Many countries are coming forward to help Pakistan. So far, the country has received aid from China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates among others.

    On Thursday, the UK announced an additional £15 million of lifesaving support for flood victims in Pakistan.

    This week, the United States announced it would provide $30 million for flood victims.

    United Nations (UN) chief Antonio Guterres called the floods a “climate catastrophe” and launched an appeal for $160 million in emergency funding. Meanwhile, western countries have also donated millions of dollars to Pakistan.

  • US Congress members to visit flood affected areas tomorrow

    US Congress members to visit flood affected areas tomorrow

    Members of the United States (US) Congress, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee and Rep. Tom Suozzi will arrive in Pakistan on Sunday to visit flood-affected areas in the country.

    Before departing for Pakistan, Jackson said that they would visit disaster-struck zones and will take “all possible steps” to help flood victims.

    Separately, the Commander of US Central Command, General Michael Erik Kurilla, expressed grief over the catastrophic floods that killed over 1000 people and submerged a third of the country.

    General Michael talked to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa via telephone and offered condolences.

    United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres is also set to pay a ‘solidarity visit‘ to the flood-affected areas of Pakistan on September 9.

    The secretary-general will arrive in Islamabad and will visit the areas most impacted by the unprecedented climate catastrophe. He will also have conversations with displaced families and humanitarian agencies working on the ground.

    According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), nearly 57 people have died in the last 24 hours.

    The overall death toll has crossed the 1,200 mark.

  • ‘Floods are a lesson’: Ahsan Iqbal criticises construction on waterways

    ‘Floods are a lesson’: Ahsan Iqbal criticises construction on waterways

    Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal along with the representatives of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Pakistan Army briefed media personnel at the National Flood Response and Coordination Center, Islamabad regarding flood relief work today (Saturday), reports Radio Pakistan.

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Akhtar Nawaz said that the year 2022 showed the realities of climate change in Pakistan. “We saw four heatwaves that caused forest fires and monsoon rains began prematurely,” he said.


    “We had predicted 25 percent more rainfall this year but it turned out to be 190 percent higher. We saw glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) as well,” he explained.
    Ahsan Iqbal, while talking to the media said, “Pakistan’s carbon emission is less than 1 per cent however, we are among the countries that are most vulnerable to the climatic disasters.

    “The scale of the floods warrants a major humanitarian response for which the support of the international community has started pouring in and we are extremely grateful. However, the scale of devastation is massive and requires a large humanitarian response,” he remarked.


    “The floods are a lesson for Pakistan as it proves that buildings should be constructed on waterways,” he added.

    Pakistan is experiencing one of the worst floods of its history. In the last 24 hours, 57 more deaths have occurred which has taken the death toll to 1,265.

  • ‘I am going to leave PTI’: Did Fawad Chaudhry really say this?

    ‘I am going to leave PTI’: Did Fawad Chaudhry really say this?

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry’s Twitter account got hacked in the early hours of Saturday morning.

    PTI ‘s official Twitter account confirmed the news and said efforts are being made to recover his account.

    “Please note that Fawad Chaudhry’s account has been hacked. Recovery in process,” tweeted PTI.

    Hackers also posted inappropriate tweets on Chaudhry’s account.

    Among the tweets posted by hackers was one which said, “I am going to leave PTI.”

    https://twitter.com/Abbasxkhan/status/1565806086707355651?s=20&t=ZKaUy_6oVxEbiuTGiWUOFg

    However, the account has now been recovered.

    Read more: Imran Khan’s Instagram account was hacked, now recovered

    Earlier last month, PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s Instagram account was hacked. Prior to that Asad Umar’s Twitter account and Hammad Azhar’s e-mail, Twitter, and Apple accounts were also hacked.