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Tag: Imran Khan

  • Intraday update: Pakistani rupee plunges to historic low of Rs290 against dollar amid political turmoil

    Intraday update: Pakistani rupee plunges to historic low of Rs290 against dollar amid political turmoil

    On Wednesday, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) reached a historic low against the US dollar, falling to Rs290 during intraday trading at the interbank foreign exchange market. This decline is a major setback to Pakistan’s economy, as the rupee lost Rs5.16 in a single day compared to the previous day’s closing rate of Rs284.84.

    The previous record low of Rs288.43 was set in April. The sharp decline in the Pakistani rupee raises concerns about the country’s financial stability, and several factors have contributed to this depreciation.

    The arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges has led to increased uncertainty and added pressure on the Pakistani rupee. This political turmoil has negatively impacted investor confidence and the value of the local currency.

    Furthermore, the uncertain status of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme has further exacerbated the decline of the Pakistani rupee. Although the government had anticipated an installment of $1.2 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, delays in loan disbursement and recent developments in negotiations have raised concerns about Pakistan’s ability to meet its financial obligations. These doubts have put additional strain on the rupee’s value.

    Currency experts are closely monitoring these developments and expressing caution about the future outlook of the Pakistani rupee. The government must take decisive measures to stabilize the currency and restore investor confidence. This may involve implementing effective economic policies, addressing corruption concerns, and ensuring a more transparent and predictable investment environment.

    It is crucial for the Pakistani government to engage in constructive dialogue with the IMF to secure the much-needed loan program. Demonstrating a commitment to fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and good governance can potentially alleviate concerns surrounding the economy and enhance the rupee’s value in the international market.

    While the situation appears challenging, it is important to note that currency fluctuations are not unique to Pakistan. Several emerging economies have faced similar issues in recent years. The government’s response and its ability to address the underlying causes of the rupee’s depreciation will be critical.

  • Big victory for PTI: SC declares IK’s arrest Illegal

    SC declares IK’s arrest Illegal

    Supreme Court has declared Khan’s arrest “illegal” and ordered the authorities to release him immediately.

    Supreme Court will hear Imran Khan’s plea against arrest at 2pm

    In an unexpected development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was arrested from inside Islamabad High Court (IHC) by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday.

    Supreme Court will hear Imran Khan’s plea against arrest at 2pm:

    A three-member Supreme Court (SC) bench will hear PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s plea against his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case at 2pm.

    The bench will comprise Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah.

    Shah Mahmood Qureshi Arrest:

    PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been arrested in Islamabad and moved to an undisclosed location, according to the party.

    Fawad Chaudhry was arrested late last night and Asad Umar is already in custody.

    PM’s address to the nation:

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in an address to the nation on Thursday termed damaging public property an “act of terrorism” and “enmity” towards the country.

    In a short address, the premier said that he would like to warn “terrorists” who are harming the country to stop, otherwise strict actions will be taken against them.

    Any further attack on the army, state will result in a strong reaction: ISPR

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said on Wednesday that the institution will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands.

    In a harshly worded statement, the army’s media wing said that Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court “in line with the NAB statement and law”.

    “Immediately after this arrest, attacks were perpetrated on the army’s properties and installations anti-army slogans were raised,” it added.

    The statement also warned that, “Any further attack on the army and state will result in an extreme reaction.”

    ISPR also said that May 9 will be remembered as a “black chapter”

    Khan to stay with NAB for 8 days:

    NAB has gotten physical remand of PTI Chairman Imran Khan for eight days in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    Army enters Punjab with govt permission:

    The Punjab Home Department has given permission to the Pakistan army to maintain law and order across the province amid civil unrest.

    Currently, internet service is suspended and protests are being carried out to show support for Imran Khan who was arrested from the premises of Islamabad High Court yesterday.

    NAB requests 14-day physical remand of Imran Khan:

    National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has requested physical remand of Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI, in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

    Additional Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar heard the Al-Qadir Trust case against Imran Khan at New Guest House, Police Line.

    During the hearing, the NAB prosecutor asked the court for a 14-day physical remand of Imran Khan.

    Asad Umar arrested:

    Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi went to the Islamabad High Court to submit a petition pleading to meet Imran Khan.
    He has been arrested by Anti-Terrorist squad of Islamabad Police.

    PML-N Secretariat office in Model Town in flames:

    The protests against Imran Khan’s arrest have turned violent as the PML-N Model Town secretariat in Lahore has been set on fire by protesters.
    According to reports, a violent mob is heading to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal residence in Lahore.

    PTI to challenge Khan’s arrest in Supreme Court: Fawad Ch

    Fawad Chaudhry has said that PTI will challenge Imran Khan’s arrest in the Supreme Court in the morning.

    In his tweet, senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry labelled Khan’s arrest “illegal”.

    Twitter down in Pakistan:

    Amid the protest across the country in support of Khan, many mobile services have been suspended and now Twitter is also not working.

    Punjab Government imposes section 144

    The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 throughout the province amid the protest happening against the arrest of Imran Khan.

    The Home Department has released a notice stating that Rangers have been called in to aid the police in managing the situation.

    Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi in a tweet said that the government will not spare anyone involved in attack on the state of Pakistan.

    Rana Sanaullah’s press conference:

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed Khan’s arrest by NAB, adding that there are “dozens” of other cases with corruption inquiries in progress against the former premier.

    “Look at this person’s hypocrisy that when he was making false corruption cases against people, he himself was [involved] in such disgusting corruption,” he said.

    The interior minister said evidence is present for all of the above developments.

    Protests by Khan’s loyalists:

    Later, protests started across the country and several roads are blocked.

    Rangers and Khan:

    Around 3pm, Khan was arrested. Here is a video of Khan being pushed by rangers as they arrest him in Islamabad.

    Moments before arrest:

    Following is the video of Khan before his arrest.

    PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said that the party wanted the IHC to form a full court to hear the case. However, no action has been taken so far by the court.

    PTI leaders reaction

    Following are the tweets by PTI leaders who strongly condemned the arrest of their chief and urged people to come out of the street.

  • Imran Khan arrest kyun huvay hain?

    Imran Khan arrest kyun huvay hain?

    In an unexpected development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has been arrested from inside Islamabad High Court (IHC) by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today (Tuesday).

    NAB bought arrest warrants with them, which were issued by the accountability watchdog’s Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt on May 1. As per details, Khan was taken into custody under Section 9A of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999. 

    According to Islamabad police, Imran has been arrested in a case in which Bahria Town allegedly gave land worth Rs530 million to Khan and Bushra Bibi’s Al-Qadir Trust in return for a settlement.

    What is the Al-Qadir Trust case?

    In 2019, more than £190m of assets were seized from Malik Riaz by National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK.

    Later, NCA returned this amount to Pakistan’s national treasury, however, the Khan-led cabinet of the time decided to submit millions of pounds to Supreme Court on behalf of Malik Riaz.

    A few weeks later, the Al-Qadir Trust was founded by Khan, Bushra Bibi, Zulfi Bukhari, and Babar Awan. Malik allotted 458 kanals to them to establish a university that apparently has only 35 students.

    However, according to senior journalist Kamran Khan, the former Prime Minister (PM) was arrested for making accusations against the top brass in the army including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

    Earlier, Khan made serious allegations that General Faisal Naseer plotted his assassination. Later, when Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) condemned his words, he said that he can prove that ISI took over the judicial complex in Islamabad to murder him.

  • Asad Umar suggests that Asim Munir and Khan should be locked in one room so they can talk

    Asad Umar suggests that Asim Munir and Khan should be locked in one room so they can talk

    Senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Asad Umar has suggested that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and his party’s chief Imran Khan should have a one-on-one discussion in a room and that room should be locked so they can sort out the matter alone.

    Speaking on Meher Bokhari’s show on ARY News: Khabar, Umar said that an open discussion should take place and whatever reservations they have for each other, should be placed on the table.

    He also noted that it is possible that there are some actors who are trying to create distance between Imran and General Munir.

    When asked about Khan’s recent allegations against General Faisal Naseer, Umar admitted Khan has serious reservations about him, however, he doesn’t have a problem with the establishment.

    It is pertinent to mention that Khan’s repeated criticism of the establishment has created barriers for him to now amend his relations with the institution.

    Last week Khan levelled serious allegations that General Faisal had plotted his assassination attempt. He also alleged that he is behind journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder and Swati’s custodial torture.

  • ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has termed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s allegations against General Faisal Naseer “highly irresponsible”.

    Strongly condemning his allegations, the media wing of the army said that the accusations are baseless and noted that, “This has been a consistent pattern for last one year wherein military and intelligence agencies officials are targeted”.

    Moreover, ISPR warned Khan to “stop making false allegations” because the “institution reserves the right to take legal course of action against patently false and malafide statements and propaganda.”

    Zardari, Shehbaz defend General Faisal also known as Khan’s ‘Dirty Harry’ after Khan’s allegations

    Earlier, prominent politicians including Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari strongly denounced the accusations made by Khan against General Faisal Naseer.

    In a tweet, Shehbaz condemned the accusations, writing that, “Khan’s leveling of allegations without any proof against Gen Faisal Naseer and officers of our Intelligence Agency cannot be allowed and will not be tolerated.”

    Replying to Shehbaz, Imran Khan asked whether he has a right as a citizen “to nominate those who he feels are responsible for assassination attacks.”

    Former President Zardari also slammed Khan, saying that the allegations against General Faisal are actually an attack on the institution with which the whole of Pakistan stands.

    “A person is fooling his innocent workers with lies and deceit, I see the downfall of this person”, Zardari added.

    Punjab Interim Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi also came to rescue General Faisal, stating that, “We will not allow anyone to humiliate or threaten our institutions and Intelligence agencies in Punjab.”

    Earlier, Khan made serious allegations that the general plotted his assassination. Khan alleged that he is behind journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder and Swati’s custodial torture.

  • Bye bye Buzdar? Elahi says Khan has promised him the CM seat

    Bye bye Buzdar? Elahi says Khan has promised him the CM seat

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Pervaiz Elahi has claimed that party chief Imran Khan has “promised” to give him the chief minister’s post once again if their party wins the election in Punjab.

    Discussing the current political crisis, Elahi said that when he agreed to dissolve the assembly, Khan offered him the post of the central president of the party and promised him that he or his son Moonis Elahi would be the next CM of the province.

    When asked that Imran has said that Punjab dissolution took place on former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s directives, Elahi said that he had “no discussion with him over this issue.”

    He clarfied that PTI respects the real establishment, however, there are some intruders, so the party cannot side with them.

    He admitted that Khan’s fight was with Bajwa, adding that now that the former army chief is gone, new people had come in, so Khan doesn’t want more fights.

    About the raid at his homes in Lahore and Gujrat last week, the PTI leader chose not to name who he thinks are responsible, saying “Everyone knows who they are”.

    Last month, PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry said that the senior leadership of the party, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Hammad Azhar, and himself didn’t get party tickets for the upcoming Punjab election although it was widely speculated that they wanted one for the CM seat. Meanwhile, both former CMs of Punjab, Pervaiz Elahi and Usman Buzdar were given a ticket.

  • Oops! Imran will be formally charged in Toshakhana case next week

    Oops! Imran will be formally charged in Toshakhana case next week

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan will be inducted in the Toshakhana case on May 10 (Wednesday), a judge of the Islamabad District and Sessions Courts Additional Sessions decided on Friday.

    The court also summoned Khan on May 10 to appear in person before the court, rejecting both applications by Imran Khan while giving a verdict in favour of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    PTI’s lawyers argued that the court can’t directly hear the Toshakhana case. However, the verdict was served.

    Recently, Khan got an extension in bail from Islamabad High Court (IHC) in multiple cases.

    Toshakhana has been at the center of a political storm since 2021 when Khan was accused of hiding details of state gifts he received during his tenure. A case and an investigation pertaining to the same are currently going on.

    Last year, ECP disqualified the PTI chief as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) in the case after he was found involved in corrupt practices under Article 63(1)(p).

  • Islamabad High Court provides relief to Khan, extends bail

    Islamabad High Court provides relief to Khan, extends bail

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday approved an extension in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s bail in nine different cases.

    The former Prime Minister appeared before the court after travelling from Lahore to Islamabad amid tight security as a warning from the court of bail revocation over his continuous absence loomed ahead.

    Khan entered the court in a wheelchair. On the previous day, his doctors had advised him to bed rest, citing insufficient healing of his injured leg.

    Earlier in the day, the PTI chief revealed in a video message that he was the target of a second murder attempt on March 18 in the judicial complex in Islamabad.

    In a video message, the former Prime Minister said, “If anything happenes to me, I believe Dirty Harry and his gang will be responsible,” adding that he is not under threat by an outside enemy.

  • ‘Has spent 6 months in one room, no shopping, no international tours’: Imran Khan about wife Bushra Bibi

    ‘Has spent 6 months in one room, no shopping, no international tours’: Imran Khan about wife Bushra Bibi

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan sat down with Orya Maqbool Jan for an interview that covered politics and his personal life. The Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) praised the lifestyle of his wife Bushra Bibi, revealing what her private life is like. During the interview Khan said that his wife strictly follows the Quran and Sunnah. The former PM went on to add that Bushra Bibi considers the fact that Allah is watching her before deciding on any action or move.

    He said that his wife has spent the last six months in one room adding, “I have spent my last six months in two rooms, and I consider it a big sacrifice for my country.”
    Imran Khan also said that his wife has not gone out for shopping in the last six months.

    Talking about his time as Prime Minister, Khan said that Bushra Bibi never showed any interest in accompanying him to international tours except to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina.

    Earlier this year, talking about his wife Bushra Bibi, Imran said that she is not like his political opponent Maryam Nawaz because, “she does not wear make-up”.

  • Imran Khan spent more than 11 billion on foreign tours during his three-year tenure

    Imran Khan spent more than 11 billion on foreign tours during his three-year tenure

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan along with his delegations spent more than Rs11 billion on foreign tours during his three-year term as the head of government.

    The figure includes all foreign trips taken by Khan until March 2022. The total amount spent on these trips adds up to Rs11.15 billion.

    During the first year of Imran Khan’s tenure, he and his delegation spent more than two billion while in the first year in government PM Shehbaz Sharif spent more than one billion.

    The total budget allocation in the financial year 2022-23 for foreign tours is Rs2.86 billion.