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Category: Politics

  • ‘Khan sb koi nayee baat hai’ Social media reacts to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the nation

    ‘Khan sb koi nayee baat hai’ Social media reacts to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the nation

    Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the nation yesterday (March 31). During the speech, among many things, PM Khan again talked about the threat letter and also criticised the Opposition for allegedly being part of a foreign conspiracy against Pakistan.

    “Those who played cricket with me know that I will not give up,” said Khan. “Sunday will decide which way the country is headed,” he added. “When I played cricket for 20 years, the world and those who played cricket with me saw that I played till the last ball. I’ve never accepted defeat in life. Nobody should think that I will sit at home. I’ll come back stronger, whatever may the result be,” he said.

    “The letter says if the no-confidence motion succeeds, bilateral relations will return to normalcy. These people (the Opposition) have become their blue-eyed guys because they are easy to manipulate due to their ill-gotten money stashed abroad.”

    Khan’s speech has left the internet questioning if there was anything new in the speech. In addition, many have some interesting and hilarious things to say about the live address.

    Have a look at some of the tweets:

    https://twitter.com/RantsPakistani/status/1509559392018046976

    https://twitter.com/LahoriElite/status/1509549576130371594
  • Opposition leaders claim PM Khan wants an NRO

    Opposition leaders claim PM Khan wants an NRO

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that it is time for Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to exit honourably.

    “You have played your innings. Show sportsman spirit and leave,” said Bilawal while talking to the media in Parliament House

    “An honourable way to exit is to step down and let the vote of no-confidence motion happen and allow the Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif to take a vote of confidence.”

    “We will not give any NRO to Imran Khan nor will we withdraw the no-confidence motion,” said Bilawal.

    During the meeting of the Opposition leaders today ahead of the crucial National Assembly (NA) session for a debate on the no-confidence motion, it was shared that the premier has asked for a “safe passage” amid a deepening political crisis, reported Geo News.

    PM Khan has said that if the Opposition doesn’t agree with his suggestion, he is ready to face any situation.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “#NoNROforNiazi”.

    PML-N leader Miftah Ismail took to Twitter and asked, “Guess who is pleading for an NRO now?

    PML-N leader Saad Rafique tweeted, “On the one hand, you are asking for face-saving, and on the other hand foreign conspiracy drama, naked abuses, threats of bringing one lakh people cannot go together.”

  • MNA Ali Wazir granted bail ahead of no-confidence motion vote against PM Khan

    MNA Ali Wazir granted bail ahead of no-confidence motion vote against PM Khan

    Member of National Assembly (MNA) Ali Wazir from South Waziristan has been released from Karachi’s central prison on parole to participate in the no-trust vote against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    Members of the Opposition had submitted a written request on March 25, asking the NA Speaker to issue the production order for every detained lawmaker — irrespective of their party affiliation — allowing them to exercise their right to vote.

    Ali Wazir will be in Sindh House in Islamabad. A room in Sindh House has been declared as a sub-jail for Wazir.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MNA Jam Abdul Karim from Karachi has been granted protective bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000 by the Sindh High Court.

     The no-confidence motion against PM Khan will be discussed in the National Assembly during the Lower House session today (Thursday), scheduled to start at 4pm.

    The NA Secretariat issued the order of the day for today on Wednesday night, with a discussion on the no-trust move against the premier on the session’s agenda.

  • MNA Jam Karim, allegedly involved in Nazim Jokhio murder comes back to cast vote against PM

    MNA Jam Karim, allegedly involved in Nazim Jokhio murder comes back to cast vote against PM

    Pakistan People’s Party MNA Jam Abdul Karim, nominated for the murder of Journalist Nazim Jokhio, has reached Pakistan. His name was placed on the Provisional National Identity List (PNIL). However,  Sindh High Court granted him protective bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000.

    On November 3 last year, Nazim’s tortured body was found in PPP MPA Jam Awais’ farmhouse in Karachi’s Malir area, a day after he filmed a group of foreigners hunting the endangered houbara bustard in his Achar Salaar village in Thatta. According to Nazim Jokhio’s brother, Nazim had broadcast a live stream on social media of a hunting expedition involving foreign guests of PPP MPA Jam Awais, after which Jam Awais called Nazim to the house where he was allegedly murdered.

    Jam Karim is the elder brother of Jam Awais. In November, he was nominated as a suspect with ten others in the murder case.

    The victim’s widow, Shiren Jokhio has pardoned the accused involved in the murder of her husband. In a video statement that was released on Wednesday, she said that she had left the decision at the mercy of Almighty Allah. She added that she has taken the decision for the sake of the safety of her children.

    Many think that the video statement was forced and Nazim’s widow was made to drop the case, a case she had been pursuing for six months.

    Muhammad Jibran Nasir, lawyer and social activist took to Twitter and wrote: “Congratulations to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and to all your jiyalas and supporters your governance has successfully managed to submit a poor widow to a compromise with your MNA Jam Karim and MPA Jam Awais the murderers of her husband Nazim Jokhio after 6 months of resistance.”

    PPP leader are yet to comment on the matter. Social media users are expressing their anger over the matter:

    https://twitter.com/JiyaEss/status/1509425830237294594
  • PM Khan to present ‘secret letter’ in parliament today

    PM Khan to present ‘secret letter’ in parliament today

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has decided to present a ‘secret letter’ before parliament, as the National Assembly (NA) session will resume on Thursday (today) after a recess of three days. The secret “threat letter” was shown to the cabinet members on a TV screen.


    PM Khan also called a selected group of TV anchors and informed them about the contents of the letter. However, the letter was not shown to them.

    National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar in a tweet said, “If the parliamentary leaders from the government and the opposition side agree, the issue of the sensitive letter can be discussed at an in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.”

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry while speaking with Dawn said, “An in-camera session of the National Assembly or a joint sitting of parliament will be held in which the letter will be shared not only with the treasury benchers but also with those MNAs sitting on the opposition benches.”

    State Department says no US government agency or official sent a letter to Pakistan

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government confirmed on Wednesday that its allegation about a foreign conspiracy against the premier was based on a “diplomatic cable”.

    During the meeting with journalists, the media persons were informed that a Pakistani envoy was told by a senior official of the host country that they had issues with PM Khan’s foreign policy, especially his visit to Russia and the stance on the ongoing Ukrainian war.

    The Pakistani envoy was further conveyed that the future trajectory of relations between the two countries was dependent upon the fate of the no-confidence motion that the Opposition parties were then planning to bring against the premier. The envoy was warned of serious implications if PM Khan survived the no-trust vote.

    It was also reported that the cable was sent by Pakistan’s then-ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed Khan on the basis of his meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.

    Meanwhile, Americans deny in private discussions that any specific message was delivered to the Pakistani envoy, says Dawn.

    Responding to questions from Dawn about the alleged letter and US involvement in the no-confidence motion against the PTI government, a State Department spokesperson said: “There is no truth to these allegations.”

    Dawn further quotes a discussion with a few diplomats in accordance with the letter.

    According to some diplomatic sources in Washington, the letter could be a diplomatic cable from Washington, drafted by a senior Pakistani diplomat. “The contents of the letter, apparently, are based on informal discussions between Pakistani and other officials,” one diplomatic source said.

    A Western diplomat thinks that it has happened because someone had to be scapegoated for the current political crisis and there could have been no better option than the United States.

  • Exclusive: How did PM Khan act when telling journalists about the ‘threat letter’?

    Exclusive: How did PM Khan act when telling journalists about the ‘threat letter’?

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan called senior journalists to meet him on Wednesday and to inform them about the contents of the “foreign country threat letter.”

    During the meeting, the contents of the confidential letter were shared with the journalists present, which included Kashif Abbasi, Arshad Sharif, Muhammad Malick, Fareeha Idrees, Shahzad Iqbal, and Imran Riaz Khan among others.

    As per The Current’s sources, the PM’s body language was ‘positive’ during the meeting.

    The Current’s sources revealed that a journalist asked the PM: “How far away is the country where the letter originated from? An 18-hour flight away or 6-hour flight away?” The question was posed after the name of the concerned country was not revealed. However, it was stated that the letter was written by a Pakistani official based on the contents of the letter and it referred to a conversation with officials of the other country.

    Sources added that the “mood was very relaxed” but the PM was very serious about the threat.

    The letter was shown to journalists from afar, so much so that it was not readable from the naked eye. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Asad Umar was holding the letter.

    On March 27, PM Khan waved a letter during PTI’s power show in Islamabad and talked about a foreign conspiracy to oust his government.

  • Which journalists were present during the meeting with PM Khan?

    Which journalists were present during the meeting with PM Khan?

     Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan called senior journalists in Islamabad to meet him and revealed the contents of the ‘foreign country threat letter’.

    Here’s a list of journalists who were present during the meeting.

    1. Mohammad Malick – Anchor Hum News.

    2. Moeed Pirzada- Anchor, Channel 92 News.

    3. Arshad Sharif – ARY News Anchor

    4. Kashif Abbasi – ARY News Anchor

    5. Imran Khan – News Anchor

    6. Fareeha Idrees – Abb Tak Anchor

    7. Shehzad Iqbal – Geo News Anchor

    Express News’ Azhar Zuhair and PTV’s Asad Rana were also present.

    PM Khan told journalists that he would give a briefing to Parliament on the letter and admitted that the letter was written by Pakistan’s ambassador, not naming the country the ambassador was present in. He said that national security rules apply to the letter and he could not reveal any more details.

    On March 27, PM Khan had waved a letter during PTI’s power show in Islamabad and talked about a foreign conspiracy to oust his government.

  • What’s in the ‘threat letter’? PM Khan reveals content to journalists

    What’s in the ‘threat letter’? PM Khan reveals content to journalists

    Keeping his word, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan called senior journalists in Islamabad to meet him and revealed the contents of the ‘foreign country threat letter’. However, he didn’t mention which country the letter referred to and did not show the letter to anyone either.

     The premier announced that he would show the “threat letter” reportedly containing evidence of a “foreign conspiracy” against the government to senior journalists and one member each of the government’s allied parties.

    PM Khan told journalists that he would give a briefing to Parliament on the letter and admitted that the letter was written by Pakistan’s ambassador, not naming the country the ambassador was present in. He said that national security rules apply to the letter and he could not reveal any more details.

    The Prime Minister said that the letter has been shared with the military leadership and that he could not explain the language used in the letter.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Javed Khan speaking in relevance to the letter has said that the letter is an attack on the sovereignty of Pakistan.

    “If he brings Imran Khan brings the letter forward, the Opposition will get destroyed,” Senator Javed stated.

    On March 27, PM Khan had waved a letter during PTI’s power show in Islamabad and talked about a foreign conspiracy to oust his government.

  • MQM nay ‘dil aur darwazay’ Opposition kay liye khol diye

    MQM nay ‘dil aur darwazay’ Opposition kay liye khol diye

    The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has decided to part ways with the government in principle. The final decision was announced today during a press conference, flanked by leaders of the joint Opposition, MQM-P. MQM is a government ally at the Centre.

    The development was “historic”

    MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui at the beginning of the conference said the development was “historic” and at the same time, it was a “test for the political leadership of the country” as the coming days would pose several challenges to them.

    “Today, we are gathered here to vow that we should work beyond promises and ensure that the decisions we take impact common Pakistanis,” Siddiqui said.

    A national jirga of the opposition … has come together: Shehbaz

    Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif said: “Today is an important day in Pakistan’s history because a joint opposition … a national jirga of the opposition … has come together and efforts have been made for national unity.

    “This agreement will be implemented in letter and spirit,” added Shehbaz.

    PPP and MQM-P have to work together under any condition if we want to work for Karachi and Pakistan’s prosperity: Bilawal

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thanked MQM-P and described its decision of teaming up with the opposition as “historic”.

    “I want to repeat that PPP and MQM-P’s working relationship is not related to the no-confidence motion. PPP and MQM-P have to work together under any condition if we want to work for Karachi and Pakistan’s prosperity,” he said.

    “Imran Khan has now lost his majority. He is not the prime minister anymore. The parliament session is tomorrow. Let’s hold voting tomorrow and settle this matter. We can then start working on transparent elections and the journey towards restoration of democracy and an end to economic crisis can then begin.”

    Following the formal announcement, MQM-P’s Siddiqui signed the agreement with the opposition parties.

    MQM-P’s Farogh Naseem, Aminul Haque step down as federal ministers

    Both members of MQM-P serving as federal ministers, Farogh Naseem and Aminul Haque, have stepped down from their posts, hours after the party’s announcement to side with the Opposition in the vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Opposition congratulates Pakistan

    Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari congratulated Pakistan on the latest development.

    “The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement. Rabta committee MQM & PPP CEC will ratify the said agreement. We will then share details with the media in a press conference tomorrow IA. Congratulations Pakistan.”

    Rabta Committee meeting today

    A draft agreement had been finalised between the two sides in the early hours today but MQM will publicly announce its final decision once the Rabta Committee has ratified the agreement. MQM-P will convene a meeting at their Bahadurabad office today at 2pm to discuss the agreement with the Opposition. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui will preside over the Rabta Committee meeting.

    MQM’s list of demands

    Journalist Gharidah Farooqi tweeted the list of demands made by the MQM.

    The government ally has asked the Opposition that the local government law will be made in accordance with Article 140-A, the Sindh government will present a draft amendment in the local body law in the assembly within a month, Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab will resign from his post, put an end to fake domiciles in Sindh, an increase in the powers of local bodies, and administrators of local bodies in Hyderabad, Karachi to be appointed in consultation with PPP and MQM.

    PTI’s offer

    After the Opposition’s meeting, a delegation of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also reached Parliament Lodges to convince the MQM, not to part ways with the government.

    Governor Sindh Imran Ismail told the media that the government has made a better offer than the Opposition.

    “We offered one more ministry and are willing to give whatever they will ask for. Our doors are open,” said Governor Sindh.

    Previously, the government had offered to give another ministry to the MQM.

  • PM Khan to reveal ‘threat letter’ to senior journalists, allied parties

    PM Khan to reveal ‘threat letter’ to senior journalists, allied parties

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan announced that he would show the “threat letter” reportedly containing evidence of a “foreign conspiracy” against the government to senior journalists and one member each of the government’s allied parties. On March 27, PM Khan had waved a letter during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) power show in Islamabad and talked about a foreign conspiracy to oust his government.

    “The document that I have, I will show it to senior journalists today. We want to protect the nation and can’t divulge details in public. People think this is a joke and I have decided to share it with top journalists,” adding that he would call one member of each allied party and show them the document and “prove that it is real”.

    PM Khan’s comments came during a ceremony for the launch of the E-passport facility in Islamabad.

    “People can take whatever decision they want to. But beware of the fact that, directly or indirectly, you may become a part of a huge international conspiracy,” he said, adding that the document would provide proof of the same.

    “Foreign funding is being used to change the government. Money is coming from abroad and people inside the country are being used. Some of them are unaware they are being used and some are intentionally using this money against us,” said PM Khan.

    “But this is a foreign imported conspiracy. And it started when people from abroad started controlling Pakistan through telephone calls. They cannot tolerate a leadership that works in the people’s interest.”

    “We sacrificed our interests for those abroad but they never valued it,” he said.

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said yesterday that Khan was ready to share the “threat letter” with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial. 

    Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Minister for Planning and Development Umar said he has seen the letter himself, adding that if someone had doubts, the “prime minister is ready … he thought we can share with the chief justice of the Supreme Court”.