Current Final

Category: Politics

  • ‘NAB is a fraud through and through’: Broadsheet CEO apologises to Nawaz, says no corruption found

    ‘NAB is a fraud through and through’: Broadsheet CEO apologises to Nawaz, says no corruption found

    Assets recovery firm Broadsheet’s CEO Kaveh Moussavi has issued an apology to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, withdrawing all corruption allegations and for being part of a “witch hunt”.

    Moussavi issued an apology to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader through a video interview with GEO News on allegations of corruption.

    “We found a lot of plundered wealth [linked to others], but I can categorically state after virtually 21 years of investigation that not one rupee was related to Mr Nawaz Sharif or any member of his family. If anyone says otherwise they are lying,” Kaveh Moussavi said.

    “I have no hesitation in issuing an apology to the former prime minister for my being party to a scam and scandalous nonsense masquerading as the National Accountability Bureau,” Moussavi said, adding: “NAB is a fraud through and through.”

    Kaveh Moussavi repeated his apology addressing Nawaz Sharif directly. “I repeat it: Mr Sharif, we owe you an apology because Mr Sharif you clearly were the victim of a massive organised scandalous witch-hunt. There’s no question about that. When facts change, I change my views.”

    “Twenty-two years ago when Pervez Musharraf had asked us to investigate you, we were led to believe and we started investigating and at every turn we found that investigation was sabotaged not because we were getting close to things but because the intention was something else. That actually was a witch hunt and the intention was not to find any looted assets,” said Moussavi.

    Kaveh Moussavi revealed that he was in touch with Prime Minister Imran Khan through Shipping and Ports Minister Ali Zaidi and that he had evidence to prove his conversations with Ali Zaidi.

    “I was in direct contact with the government. I sat and had lunch with minister Shehzad Akbar directly in London. I had a telephone chat with another minister, Ali Zaidi, who was commissioned by Prime Minister Imran Khan to speak with me and to cooperate but they showed not a scintilla of evidence that they were interested in going after the stolen money,” said Broadsheet’s CEO.

    “They were interested in using whatever we found as a political capital against their enemies, which I am afraid, was my experience with the NAB right from day one. From day one we insisted that we are not going to be an instrument of witch-hunt. Very soon it became clear that the NAB was nothing but an instrument of witch-hunt – a very incompetent and corrupt one. The reason why Imran khan promised the moon and didn’t get anywhere was because they had no intention of going anywhere,” said Mousaavi.

    PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter and said, “Corruption allegations were made to keep him out of public life. Now the whole edifice of lies, deceit & character assassination stands demolished.”

  • ‘The battle should be fought inside Assembly’: SC

    ‘The battle should be fought inside Assembly’: SC

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard a plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday about the lawful proceeding of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly (NA).

    During the hearing, which was attended by three bigwigs of the Opposition — PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, SCBA counsel argued that NA Speaker Asad Qaiser summoned the session 17 days after the submission of the no-confidence motion. However, according to Article 95, the session has to be called within 14 days.

    He further argued that the no-confidence motion could not be adjourned before voting. To this, CJ observed that it is an “internal matter” and it would be “better if the assembly’s fight is fought inside the assembly”.

    Justice Bandial further remarked that the court will not interfere in the assembly’s proceedings.

    Moreover, SC said that no one can be prevented from voting by bringing people. About the upcoming marches, the court added that the Opposition will keep the same distance as the government’s from parliament.

    According to the SC, a member’s individual vote has no “status”. Justice Munib Akhtar said after joining a political party, a member’s vote is considered a “collective” right.

    The petition, which was filed by SCBA says circumstances involving a confrontation between the government and the Opposition could trigger an “anarchic situation” in the country.

    About the recent Sindh House attack, Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jamilur Rehman gave the incident’s briefing to the court.

    Chief Justice Bandial remarked that what happened at the Sindh House did “not seem to be the police’s failure”.

    “The main issue is related to stopping Members of National Assembly (MNAs) from voting,” he said.

    Before the hearing, Bilawal Bhutto avoided making any political statement. Meanwhile, Maulana Fazl said that it is the first time that he is appearing before the SC.

    “This government is illegitimate. Do you want to create sympathy for such an incompetent government,” Fazl asked.

  • Islamabad Police issues traffic plan for OIC summit

    Islamabad Police issues traffic plan for OIC summit

    Islamabad Police has issued a complete traffic plan from March 21-March 24 for the 48th session of the Organisation of Islamic Council (OIC) summit. It is set to begin in the federal capital on March 22.

    The Red Zone will be closed for the general public from March 21 to March 24.

    According to a spokesperson of traffic police, Serena Chowk, State Bank Chowk, Express Chowk and Ayyub Chowk will be closed for normal traffic. People are advised to use Margalla Road for entry and exit from the Red Zone. Only those people can enter the Red Zone who have special permits.

    In another tweet, Islamabad Police said, “Due to movements of foreign delegations arriving for OIC Conference, short term unannounced diversions may be observed at Srinagar Highway, Murree Road, and Islamabad Expressway. Therefore, keep margin time of 20 to 30 minutes while travelling to avoid delays.”

  • ‘You are a victim of your own arrogance, makafat-e-amal’: Maryam Nawaz tells Khan

    ‘You are a victim of your own arrogance, makafat-e-amal’: Maryam Nawaz tells Khan

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice-president Maryam Nawaz has said to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan that his “game is now over”.

    During a media talk outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Maryam Nawaz said, “Imran Khan believes there to be an international conspiracy against him, but he conspires against himself. Had he fulfilled his duty, there would be no reason to mobilise one million people. You just need to bring 10 people and complete your number.”

    “Four years are sufficient to show the performance of a person. Imran Khan should know that people have shown him the red card.”

    “You are the victim of your own arrogance, makafat-e-amal [karma], and not any conspiracy,” said Maryam.

     “You called out Nawaz’s politics. Today, the same Nawaz has beaten you by entering your homes while sitting abroad. Now you are the one paying visits to people with one or two seats.”

    Maryam said that Khan refused to visit the Hazaras and said he wouldn’t get blackmailed.

    Maryam said there is a “wave of neutrality” in the air these days. “We have heard this has upset some people. I didn’t realise a single word would bring down your 22-year struggle.”

    The PML-N leader further said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and Imran Khan never allowed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to stay neutral.

    “You have always conspired. You want someone to complete your numbers, someone to keep you in the game, someone to manage the media for you, and someone to manage all the institutions for you,” said Maryam, adding, “If someone refuses to do this for you or doesn’t agree to do this, you call them animal. What message are you giving to the world?”

     Slamming the premier for his foul language and choice of words against the Opposition in his speeches, Maryam said, “I have heard his speeches and he sounds like a defeated man.”

    “You ridicule opponents. You oppose Maulana Fazlur Rehman. You mimic Bilawal. No one has ever used foul language the way Imran Khan does,” said Maryam.

    “PM looks like a joker while he’s at it. I urge mothers of my country not to let their children watch such speeches. I don’t want that our children should learn this culture of misbehavior,” said the PML-N leader.

  • ‘Political unrest’: Will there be a clash between govt and Opposition?

    ‘Political unrest’: Will there be a clash between govt and Opposition?

    The federal capital is bracing for trouble as both government and Opposition are in full action. Since the no-confidence motion has been submitted, the political chessboard has been a mess.

    From witnessing a thundering prime minister and rather threatening federal ministers to equally vocal Opposition leaders, Pakistan politics has had much to offer in the month of March. Political analysts are calling the government ‘rather desperate’ and the Opposition ‘aggressive’.

    Who will win the tug of war to power is yet to be decided as Islamabad might witness two long marches, the OIC, Pakistan Day Parade, and the vote of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will enter Islamabad on March 25 instead of March 23.

    PM Khan has announced to hold a historic gathering on March 27.

    The Current reached out to political analysts and senior journalists and asked whether there will be a clash on March 27.

    The government is not going in the right direction: Hamid Mir

    Senior journalist Hamid Mir, while speaking with The Current, said that seeing how Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is doing its governance, the government is not headed in the right direction.

    There will definitely be a clash: Asma Shirazi

    Senior political analyst Asma Shirazi said that seeing the unrest in the country, a clash between the government and opposition is “definitely possible”.

    Shirazi said that seeing the ministers and how they are reacting and giving statements, it seems unlikely that a clash can be avoided. “The government needs to understand that maintaining law and order is highly important,” said Shirazi.

    Agar million na bhi aye, 10 hazar bhi aye tu system ko khatra hai: Sabir Shakir

    Anchorperson Sabir Shakir said that both the government and Opposition want a power show. Their display of power will be the problem.

    Commenting on how the government officials are saying that they will gather one million people on D-Chowk on March 27, Shakir said, “Agar million na bhi ain, 10 hazar bhi aye tu system ko khatra hai [Even if a million people don’t turn up, 10 thousand people too can prove dangerous for law and order.]”

    Followers of PM Khan learn from his misbehaving tone and apply the same: Sana Bucha

    Journalist Sana Bucha categorically said that Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf and Prime Minister Imran Khan seem rather aggressive and desperate right now. In the past, we have seen them misbehaving and even now PM Khan is saying that the people of Pakistan need to do ‘Jihad’ against the Opposition, she said.

    “The followers of PM Khan learn from his misbehaving tone and apply the same [when given a chance],” said Bucha.

    “I am very certain that batamizi will happen,” added Bucha.

    If all is well and the house is in order, why is the government trying to be hostile: Ajmal Jami

    Anchorperson Ajmal Jami, commenting on the recent political temperature, questioned the government for showing aggression.

    “If all is well and the house is in order, why is the government trying to be hostile?” questioned Jami.

    Jami also commented on the PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s statement where he asked the government and Opposition to call off the long marches as it was not the job of the government to hold marches. Jami said that it was a heavy statement.

    “Chaudhry’s statement carried a lot of importance and weightage here, the government must not take it as a filler but consider it by all means,” said Jami.

    There is worry and tension on the government’s end: Ayesha Baksh

    Anchorperson Ayesha Baksh has said that both the Opposition and the government are challenging each other.

    “There is worry and tension on the government’s end,” said Baksh.

    “All concerned people should be active in the federal capital, the government is bringing matters on the road,” said Baksh.

  • ‘Apkay bachon se koyi shadi nahi karega’: PM warns MNAs, Twitter reacts

    ‘Apkay bachon se koyi shadi nahi karega’: PM warns MNAs, Twitter reacts

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan took a jibe at dissident party MNAs who had “sought refuge” at the Sindh House and said, “You will not be able to attend public gatherings and no one will marry your children when they grow up.”

    “Your children will be made fun of at their school,” added PM Khan.

     “We all make mistakes. Allah also forgives his slaves. I am just like a father figure to you all.”

    “But for God’s sake, don’t make such a big mistake by joining hands with the corrupt Opposition. Think about your children’s future,” said PM Khan.

    Twitterati reacted to PM Khan’s words. Some Twitter users called PM Khan a “bully”, while many had hilarious replies to his speech.

    https://twitter.com/abdullahsultan/status/1505522553732755457
  • Asad Qaiser summons NA session on March 25, Opposition calls for trial of Speaker under Article 6

    Asad Qaiser summons NA session on March 25, Opposition calls for trial of Speaker under Article 6

    National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser has summoned a session of the lower house of parliament on March 25. The NA session will be held at the Parliament House on Friday at 11am. The 14-day constitutional deadline to convene the NA session on the Opposition’s requisition will expire on March 21 (today).

    Sources told the media that the session will offer fateha for PTI MNA Haji Khayal Zaman who recently passed away, after which the Speaker has the “discretionary power” to continue or adjourn the session.

    Opposition parties on Sunday slammed Qaiser for not convening the assembly session within 14 days of its requisition, demanding that he should be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed hope that the Supreme Court would take notice of the violation of the Constitution by the Speaker.

    “This coward captain [the PM] is running away from the vote of no confidence. He is escaping to the extent that he has made the speaker abrogate the Constitution,” said Bilawal.

    Article 6 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan states, “Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.”

    The second clause adds that any person aiding, abetting, or collaborating in the acts will also be considered guilty of high treason.

    Clause 2A says that an act of high treason cannot be validated by any court, including the Supreme Court (SC) and a High Court.”

  • Hopeful PM Khan: public pressure will force PTI members to come back

    Hopeful PM Khan: public pressure will force PTI members to come back

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project has said that ‘mark my words all the members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who have left will come back due to the party’.

    “And mark my words, as the no-confidence motion comes near, all those who are in talks with the Opposition will return as the people are angry at the lawmakers for venality,” the premier said.

    “The public would force the dissident PTI lawmakers — who are around a dozen — to come back to their party,” said PM Khan.

    “Times have changed […] and on March 27 — when PTI will stage a rally in Islamabad — everyone will witness a historic gathering.”

    Talking about the PTI workers who stormed the Sindh House in the capital where the disgruntled lawmakers were residing, he said what is the Opposition fearing and why so much security is being provided.

    PM Khan further said if the PPP is “buying” the loyalties of the PTI lawmakers, then it must be through the funds given to the Sindh government — “it is illegal as the people’s money cannot to used to lure in other party lawmakers”.

    The premier further said that “never in the history of Pakistan” has any provincial force been deployed “just to safeguard” the MNAs of other parties.

    “So why did they need Sindh police over there [Sindh House]? Because illegal activities were taking place there. People have now seen their reality,” the premier said.

    “They are so afraid of public pressure that no one [in the UK] can do the things that are happening at the Sindh House,” PM Imran Khan said but noted that no one was allowed to resort to violence.

  • Ex-Bestie’s wish: PTI requests Tareen group not to take extreme steps

    Ex-Bestie’s wish: PTI requests Tareen group not to take extreme steps

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) disgruntled Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT) group leader Aun Chaudhry claimed that Defense Minister Pervez Khattak contacted him last night (Friday) and urged Chaudhry not to take decisions immediately as the government will soon update them regarding the latest developments.

    According to Geo News, Tareen group leaders announced that they wouldn’t meet the ruling party’s members after which Governor Sindh Imran Ismail tried to contact Jahangir Tareen but he was unable to get in touch with him.

    However, the disgruntled group is holding meetings with the Opposition.

    Recently, Minister for Water Resources and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q)’s leader Moonis Elahi went to London, where both Tareen and Nawaz Sharif are currently residing.

    Earlier this month, Tareen was discharged from a private clinic. To convey his best wishes, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif sent him a bouquet.

    Previously, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s old friend Aleem Khan joined the JKT group. Later, he visited Tareen and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

  • CJP Bandial to hear petition seeking SC’s involvement to prevent ‘anarchic situation’ ahead of no-trust vote

    CJP Bandial to hear petition seeking SC’s involvement to prevent ‘anarchic situation’ ahead of no-trust vote

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) will shortly begin hearing a petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), urging the court to direct a peaceful execution of proceedings for the no-confidence vote in the National Assembly against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Munib Akhtar are scheduled to start hearing the petition at 1pm on Saturday.

    The plea filed by SCBA with the Supreme Court on Thursday said that circumstances involving a confrontation between the government and the opposition could trigger an “anarchic situation” in the country.

    “It is evident from the political history of our country that preventing the constitutional process from taking its course has produced dire consequence for democracy and rule of law,”said the petition.

    The SCBA sought the court’s directions for all state functionaries “to act strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law and they be restrained from acting in any manner detrimental to and unwarranted by the Constitution and the law”.