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Tag: Fawad Chaudhry

  • VIDEO: ‘Kiraye pay aatay hain’, Fawad Chaudhry’s heated phadda with journalist

    VIDEO: ‘Kiraye pay aatay hain’, Fawad Chaudhry’s heated phadda with journalist

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, while speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday, lost his cool and called journalist Matiullah Jan “kiraye ka aadmi [ a hired man]. The statement of the former minister came as he was questioned about First Lady Bushra Bibi’s friend Farah Khan.

    Here is what happened.

    Fawad Chaudhry: “I will take questions later … Commando Saab one minute …. Statement of facts has been submitted by Prime Minister…”

    Matiullah can be heard speaking in the background, “Where did Farah Khan go? Why did she run away from the country?”

    READ MORE: Who’s Farah Khan, why is she the talk of the net?

    Fawad Chaudhry: “Yaar let me talk. Let me talk.” the journalist says let me ask one question, Fawad says, “This will not happen.”

    Matiullah Jan: “Where did Farah go?”

    Fawad Chaudhry: “I will talk first, and then you will speak.”

    Matiullah kept asking his questions and that’s when Fawad called him out and said, “Kiraye pay aatay hain is tarha kay loug, [People like him are hired].”

    Matiullah got angry at being called ” a hired man” and then said that it was actually Fawad who is a ‘kiraye ka tattu,” [a hired fool] and that’s when the heated argument geared up.

    https://youtu.be/hxraSNPtJJw
    Fawad and Matiullah abusing each other

    Though other journalists tried to settle the matter, both Fawad and Matiullah hurled continuous derogatory remarks and abusive words at each other.

    Fawad was asked to apologise but refused. His refusal to offer an apology ended up with journalists announcing that they are boycotting media talks of all PTI leaders.

  • Legal Battle: Is what Prime Minister Imran Khan did today, legal?

    Legal Battle: Is what Prime Minister Imran Khan did today, legal?

    After the National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri on Sunday “dismissed” the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, terming it against Article 5 of the Constitution, the legal war began. PM Khan then addressed the nation, saying he had advised the President to dissolve the National Assembly, which the President approved. The country is in a state of shock and the main question is: Is what is going on, legal?

    BUT FIRST, WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ASSEMBLY SESSION?

    Loyalty to the state is the basic duty of every citizen under Article 5: Fawad Chaudhry

    The much-awaited and crucial NA session started after a delay to hold the vote on the no-confidence motion against Khan.

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said, “On March 7, our official ambassador was invited to a meeting attended by the representatives of other countries. The meeting was informed that a motion against PM Imran was being presented,” he said, adding that this happened a day before the Opposition filed the no-trust move.

    “We were told that relations with Pakistan were dependent on the success of the no-confidence motion. We were told that if the motion fails, then Pakistan’s path would be very difficult. This is an operation for a regime change by a foreign government,” he alleged.

    NA speaker dismisses no-confidence motion against PM Imran, terms it contradictory to Article 5

    After Fawad Chaudhry spoke, Deputy Speaker Suri agreed with Fawad and said that the no-confidence motion was presented on March 8 and should be according to the law and the Constitution. “No foreign power shall be allowed to topple an elected government through a conspiracy,” he said, adding that the points raised by the minister were “valid”.

    He dismissed the motion, ruling that it was “contradictory” to the law, the Constitution, and the rules. The session ended and the government representatives walked out.

    LET’S GET LEGAL: What is Article 5?

    According to Article 5, “Loyalty to the State is the basic duty of every citizen.”

    “Obedience to the Constitution and law is the [inviolable] obligation of every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan.”

    THEN WHAT HAPPENED: On PM Imran Khan’s advice, President Arif Alvi approved the dissolution of the assembly

    In a surprise move, the premier on Sunday said that he has advised President Alvi to dissolve all the assemblies.

    President Dr Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly on the proposal of PM Khan.

    In a brief address to the nation after the no-confidence motion was rejected, the premier congratulated the nation and said that he had sent a proposal to the President to dissolve the NA and the nation should prepare for the next election.

    WAS WHAT HAPPENED LEGAL?

    What do the legal experts have to say?

    The Current reached out to legal experts to understand and get better clarity on the constitutional process in relevance to dismissing the no-trust move against PM Khan.

    Senior Lawyer and Journalist Muneeb Farooq terming the dismissal of the no-trust move “absolute nonsense” said, “The court will decide if what the speaker did is illegal and the no-confidence motion will likely move on. Today the court is closed, they [the Opposition] will take it to the court tomorrow.”

    Farooq further said, “Article 69 says that the court cannot question parliament proceedings, but there are exceptions,” adding that certain things were taken to court and the Supreme Court has ruled on them.

    WHAT’S FAROOQ’S MAIN POINT?

    Farooq said that the Prime Minister does not have the right to ask the President to dissolve the national assembly when there is a motion of no-confidence against him. He also added that the Speaker cannot dismiss a motion against the PM when the motion is already a part of the agenda. He added that Article 5 cannot be used in this situation, the way the government has used it.

    THE OTHER SIDE:

    Supreme Court Lawyer Chaudhry Faisal Hussain said, “The Deputy Speaker gave the ruling to dismiss the no-confidence motion. It is in his power to discard the no-confidence motion against the prime minister. Hence the motion gets dismissed and PM Khan still remains the prime minister.”

    WHAT’S HUSSAIN’S MAIN POINT?

    “Since Imran Khan is still Prime Minister, he can call for fresh elections, after dissolving the assembly, which he has done. The issue now will be that PM Khan has already moved past the no-confidence motion. If the assembly had not been dissolved, then perhaps the Supreme Court could make a ruling on the no-confidence issue.”

    ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW

    Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) Salman Akram Raja speaking to Geo News said that what happened in the National Assembly today was “highly unconstitutional”.

    He further said that SCP will look into the ruling given by the deputy speaker and could decide on allowing early elections or letting the no-confidence motion vote happen.

    The Joint Opposition had submitted the no-confidence motion to kick out PM Khan on March 8. According to reports, Chief Justice Umar Bandial has called his fellow justices to his place to discuss what is going on in the country.

    Meanwhile, sources say the Supreme Court may hold special proceedings today as well.

  • Punjab Governor Sarwar removed early in the morning: What really happened?

    Punjab Governor Sarwar removed early in the morning: What really happened?

    Federal Information and Law Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted in the morning around 9am that Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has been removed from his position. “A new governor will be announced later. According to the Constitution, the Deputy Speaker will be the acting Governor.”

    Senior journalist Hamid Mir tweeted that he spoke to Chaudhry Sarwar, who told him that the Prime Minister’s Office was forcing him to do unconstitutional things that he refused. “He said Fed Govt wanted me to delay today’s session of the Punjab Assembly when he resisted they sacked him on the demand of Ch Pervez Elahi,” added Mir.

    However, Mir deleted his tweet and later tweeted a new one saying, “Governor @ChMSarwar called me and said he is still governor.”

    Rumour has it that Governor Sarwar was allegedly helping Hamza Shehbaz in today’s chief minister elections in Punjab.

    In November 2018, a video surfaced in which Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Tariq Bashir Cheema could be seen complaining to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Khan Tareen that Chaudhry Sarwar should be controlled as he was not letting Usman Buzdar work.

    “Sir, control Sarwar! He will not let your chief minister continue,” Cheema could be heard telling Tareen.

    https://twitter.com/PakPressWatch/status/1061957553251405824
  • Plot to assassinate PM Khan, report security agencies: Fawad Chaudhry

    Plot to assassinate PM Khan, report security agencies: Fawad Chaudhry

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that a plot to assassinate Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has been reported by security agencies. Therefore, PM Khan’s security has also been increased.

    The minister’s words come a day after PM Khan, during a live address to the nation, said that “an international conspiracy” is being hatched against his government.

    Fawad is not the only Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader who has talked about the assassination being plotted against PM Khan.

    PTI leader Faisal Vawda said that a conspiracy was being hatched to assassinate the premier over his refusal to “sell the country”.

    Vawda made these claims on ARY News show “Off the Record” in response to a question about a letter that PM Khan brandished at the PTI’s March 27 power show in Islamabad and claimed it contained “evidence” of a “foreign conspiracy” to topple his government.

    He also said that the prime minister was told multiple times that bulletproof glass needed to be installed before his dais at the March 27 rally. “But as always and as usual, he said my [death] will come when Allah wills. Don’t worry about it,” Vawda quoted him as saying.

  • PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    PM Khan ready to share ‘written letter of foreign conspiracy’ with CJP Bandial: Asad Umar

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is ready to share the “threat letter” with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial. PM Khan claimed during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) March 27 rally that he had evidence of a “foreign-funded conspiracy” to topple his government and showed a letter to the audience.

    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”.

    Chief justice has a very good reputation

    Asad Umar said that after the masses questioned the credibility of the letter, the prime minister deliberated over sharing the letter with someone, and he thought that it would be right to share it with the CJP — as he is a credible person.

    “He holds a high office […] and the chief justice himself is a well-respected man,” the federal minister said, noting that it would be shared with the CJP when the need might arise.

    “Obviously, it is the highest office of justice in Pakistan, it is a huge position that has respect in this country. Personally too, the chief justice has a very good reputation. The prime minister said that on the nation’s behalf, if necessary, and for the people’s satisfaction, he is ready to present the letter to the chief justice of the Supreme Court.”

    Letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”

    “This is a very concerning thing and it is important because this letter clearly mentions the no-confidence resolution. There is no ambiguity that the no-confidence motion is being talked about.”

    Umar further said the letter stated that if Imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”.

    ‘Letter shared with top civil, military leadership’

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Nawaz Sharif is involved in the “conspiracy” against PM Imran Khan

    Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to Opposition leaders, Umar referred to demands sharing contents of the letter.

    “They are asking why can we not share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws on with whom these could be shared”.

    Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

    “I bear witness to it,” he said.

    Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

    Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people

    “Until now, they were unaware, but now, they have been informed about the letter. So, it is up to them to decide whether they will side with forces working against Pakistan or not,” added Chaudhry.

    Chaudhry said this is “not a new thing” as earlier ex-prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated, former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was prosecuted, and former military ruler Gen Zia-ul-Haq lost his life in a plane crash.

    The information minister said that the decisions taken in the past were part of Pakistan’s history. “But now, Pakistan has a leader who is not attending foreign phone calls and is connected with the people.”

  • 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.

  • Fawad Chaudhry says govt to file reference in SC for interpretation of Article 63 (A)

    Fawad Chaudhry says govt to file reference in SC for interpretation of Article 63 (A)

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said on Friday that the government would file a reference in the Supreme Court, asking it to interpret Article 63 (A) of the Constitution.

    The minister took to Twitter and in a series of tweets said, “The Supreme Court will be asked about the legal status of the vote of party members when they are clearly involved in horse-trading and changed their loyalties in exchange for money.”

    Fawad said that the government would seek the apex court’s guidance on whether a person, who shifts loyalty for monetary benefit, should be ineligible for lifetime to become a lawmaker or whether they could contest polls again and be elected to parliament.

    “The Supreme Court will be requested to hear the case on a daily basis,” he said.

    Fawad’s words come a day after several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, who were staying at the Sindh House in Islamabad, revealed that they were in the Opposition camp now.

    Article 65-A

    According to Article 63 (A) of the Constitution, a parliamentarian can be disqualified on grounds of defection if he “votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to any direction issued by the parliamentary party to which he belongs, in relation to election of the prime minister or chief minister; or a vote of confidence or a vote of no-confidence; or a money bill or a Constitution (amendment) bill”.

    The article says that the party head has to declare in writing that the MNA concerned has defected but before making the declaration, the party head will “provide such member with an opportunity to show cause as to why such declaration may not be made against him”.

    After giving the member a chance to explain their reasons, the party head will forward the declaration to the speaker, who will forward it to the chief election commissioner (CEC). The CEC will then have 30 days to confirm the declaration. If confirmed by the CEC, the member “shall cease to be a member of the House and his seat shall become vacant”.

    The government has already indicated that it will use Article 63 (A) to “crush” the no-confidence motion against PM Imran.

  • ‘PM Khan will de-seat PTI turncoats before vote on no-trust motion’: Fawad Chaudhry

    ‘PM Khan will de-seat PTI turncoats before vote on no-trust motion’: Fawad Chaudhry

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that the decision to summon a National Assembly (NA) session would be taken by NA Speaker Asad Qaiser and not Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    The minister while speaking with Dawn News said that the possible action against what he termed ‘Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) turncoats’, would be that, “PM Khan has decided to de-seat them before voting on the no-trust motion.”

    The minister’s comments came after around 24 members of the PTI were reportedly found to be staying at the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) run Sindh House.

    After the news became public on Thursday, PM Khan called a meeting attended by Attorney General of Pakistan Khalid Javed Khan and the NA Speaker.

    The premier directed Qaiser to commence the sitting of the lower house on March 21 and take action against “PTI’s possible turncoats”.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said that it is empowered to take action only after receiving a declaration from the NA speaker about the members voting against party policy or crossing the floor.

    In a joint press conference with the information minister and Energy Minister Hammad Azhar, PTI Secretary General Asad Umar said that PM Khan could also throw money at Opposition lawmakers, but would not do so because he does not stand for the “politics of blackmailing and bribery”.

    “Imran Khan is in politics not for himself, but for the nation,” he added. He also claimed some opposition MNAs were also in close contact with the government.

    “We want to make it clear that we will not do any deals and will not disburse ministries to stay in power. We will remain engaged with our allies but there will be no wheeling and dealing,” said Azhar.

  • ‘Mother of all jalsas will be held in Islamabad’: Fawad

    ‘Mother of all jalsas will be held in Islamabad’: Fawad

    A meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) core committee was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan in which ruling party members discussed the ongoing political situation in the country. The meeting took place in the wake of the no-confidence motion which is likely to happen next week.

    After the meeting, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said PTI rejected the Opposition’s “lotacracy” and their efforts to bribe its party lawmakers. He claimed that PTI MPAs are being offered millions of rupees and all party members have strongly condemned this unethical act.

    Fawad said that the “mother of all jalsas” will be held in Islamabad.

    Taking a jibe at Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) “Awaami March”, he said that those who are bringing a limited number of supporters should now know that PTI is the only federal party and PM Khan is the only federal leader and this is the reason why their “kaanpein tang rahi hain.”

    “All party members, including the lawmakers, believe that only Khan can rule the country during these challenging times,” he said, adding that the recent public gatherings held at various locations in the last few days have once again proved that PTI is a “federal party and not a divisional party”.

  • Dosti kar letay hain? Fawad Chaudhry says let’s see what the Opposition gets if they drop no-trust motion

    Dosti kar letay hain? Fawad Chaudhry says let’s see what the Opposition gets if they drop no-trust motion

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry is trying to extend reconciliation offers to the Opposition.

    The minister said, “If the Opposition withdraws the no-confidence motion, let’s see what can be given to them in return.”

    Fawad said that the Opposition should withdraw the no-trust motion as it had caused bitterness in politics. He feared that the soaring political situation could harm the country.

    The minister said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) upcoming public gathering at Islamabad D-Chowk will turn out to be a “mini referendum” over the no-trust motion.

    He hoped that over one million people will attend the public meeting on the call of Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.