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Tag: Imran Khan

  • Pray Faiz Hamid gets life imprisonment, not the death penalty: Faisal Vawda

    Pray Faiz Hamid gets life imprisonment, not the death penalty: Faisal Vawda

    Senator Faisal Vawda, while appearing on ARY News’ programme 11th Hour on Tuesday, hinted at the possible punishment for former spymaster General (Retd) Faiz Hameed in connection with his alleged involvement in political activities.

    Vawda said, “We can pray that he [Faiz Hameed] would not be rewarded the death penalty,” alongside former premier Imran Khan.

    “All evidence regarding the crime Faiz Hameed committed has been collected,” the senator stated, adding that Hameed had provided proof and testimonies against the imprisoned Imran Khan.

    The host questioned whether the former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) would face trial for the assassination attempt on PTI founder Imran Khan in Wazirabad and the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, to which Vawda replied, “Not only Faiz Hameed, but others will also come under trial,” and questioned why PTI leaders Murad Saeed and Hammad Azhar were fugitives.

    Vawda also alleged that Faiz Hameed had full support from the Imran Khan-led government, adding, “Bushra Bibi, the wife of Imran Khan, is determined to eliminate the PTI founder.”

    These remarks come as Hameed has been formally indicted on multiple charges, including his involvement in political activities.

    Former spymaster Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed was formally charged with engaging in political activities and misusing his authority as the head of the country’s premier intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Tuesday.

    According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the former spymaster was also charged with violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful losses to individuals.

    “These actions have compromised state security and interests,” ISPR added.

    The statement also confirmed that the process for Hameed’s field general court martial (FGCM) was initiated on August 12 under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.

    Former DG ISI Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed was reportedly in contact with around 50 politicians, most of whom belonged to the former ruling party, The News has reported.

    The News, quoting sources, highlighted that the ex-spymaster continued to be in contact with Khan through “numerous links” even after May 9 and following the arrest of the former prime minister. The nature of these links, whether direct or indirect, is still under investigation.

    Sources revealed that prior to the arrest of the ex-spymaster, Hameed had been warned multiple times by military authorities about his objectionable activities post-retirement, but he did not stop.

    Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, appearing on Geo News’ Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath on Tuesday, alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan and former spymaster Faiz Hameed were “partners in crime.”

    “[Faiz’s] personal benefits aside, his and the PTI founder’s interests had converged,” the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said.

    When asked further about the charge sheet, the minister stated that it was backed by solid evidence. “This case will continue,” the defence minister, whose party is a major rival to the PTI, claimed.

  • Barrister Gohar refutes Aleema’s claim that govt offered Imran Khan’s release to PTI

    Barrister Gohar refutes Aleema’s claim that govt offered Imran Khan’s release to PTI

    Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Sunday refuted Aleema Khan’s recent claim that her brother, party founder Imran Khan, was to be released within 20 days by the government as part of a deal in exchange for ending the recent sit-in at the federal capital.

    “I had neither mentioned anything about the release nor did the government promise to release Imran Khan within 20 days,” Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told Geo News.

    The PTI chairman clarified that he had not been in contact with anyone in this regard on November 24 or before, and no discussion was held with the government about meeting Imran. 

    Former premier Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, on Saturday (November 7), claimed that the government offered to release the incarcerated former prime minister (PM) if the party shifted its Islamabad protest from D-Chowk to Sangjani, outskirts of Islamabad.

    “They [the government] panicked after seeing so many protesters in Islamabad and sent [PTI chief] Barrister Gohar and [KP govt adviser] Barrister Saif to meet Khan in jail,” Aleema said while speaking to reporters outside an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore.

    PTI’s “decisive” march on the federal capital last month ended inconclusively after a massive crackdown by law enforcement at D-Chowk. The grand clearance operation had come as PTI leaders and workers continued with their protests amid deadly clashes with police and Rangers, rejecting the government’s offer to shift the demonstration to Sangjani.

    During the former ruling party’s three-day-long protest march, demonstrators and security officials had clashed, leading to three Rangers personnel, one police cop death and multiple wounded.

    According to PTI, 12 party followers were dead. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government denied that there were casualties.

    Opposition biggest party, on the “final call” of party founder Imran Khan, initiated the protest march on November 24, which was led by CM Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and former First Lady Bushra Bibi, demanding the repeal of the recently passed 26th Constitutional Amendment, release of the political prisoners, including Imran Khan, and return of the “stolen mandate” believing that the February 8 General election was unfair and rigged.


    Weeks after PTI led an apparently failed protest march to the federal capital, founder PTI Imran Khan, on Thursday (November 5), warned the federal government on X (formerly Twitter) that his party would begin a civil disobedience movement if two demands—the formation of a judicial commission for a transparent investigation of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, and the release of under-trial political prisoners are not met.

    “If these two demands are not accepted, a civil disobedience movement will be launched from December 14,” the founder of the former ruling party warned, adding that the government would be responsible for the results of the movement.

  • Mahira Khan praises Imran Khan at event as crowd bursts into applause

    Mahira Khan praises Imran Khan at event as crowd bursts into applause

    Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has long admired Imran Khan’s leadership. She has been vocal about her support for him.

    During the Aalmi Urdu Conference in Karachi, Mahira praised Imran Khan, calling him “very brave.” Her remarks were met with loud chants and applause from the audience.

    In a fun rapid-fire game hosted by Waseem Badami, Mahira had to respond with one word to various prompts. When Badami said “Karachi,” she responded with “home.” For “Lahore,” she said “Maula Jutt.” When asked about herself, Mahira paused, prompting Badami to call her a “superstar.” Finally, when asked about Imran Khan, she responded with “brave.”

    She has actively participated in events organized by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, consistently showing her admiration for Imran Khan’s efforts. Mahira paid tribute to designer Khadija Shah by wearing an Elan sari at her wedding function. 

    In an interview with Amna, she talked about Khadija Shah, highlighting her work and influence. Khadija Shah, a staunch PTI supporter, faced jail time for protesting in the violent riots on May 9. Despite these challenges, she remains a leading designer in the Pakistani fashion industry and continues to support PTI.

    Earlier, Mahira Khan has cleared the air regarding claims that she is always spotted talking about Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.


    Recently, during the Aalami Urdu Conference 2024, she was asked if she ever gets tired of being asked about the ‘King of Bollywood’.


    “Do you ever get annoyed with this topic… that whenever there’s an interview, they always ask how it felt to work with Shah Rukh Khan? Do you think it’s fine? I mean he’s a superstar… so people ask… but do you think it’s too much?” host Waseem Badami asked.


    To which Mahira said she could never have “enough of him”.


    “Well, I will never have enough of him, but I think when someone asks me, I answer. Then people think I’m talking about him, which I never do… what I feel is that they shouldn’t even ask me.”


    Mahira is the only Pakistani actress to work with Shah Rukh. Consequently, The Raees actress is also the only Pakistani star who has repeatedly been asked about her experience of working with him.

  • ‘Decision on charges against Gen (r) Faiz Hameed likely next week’

    ‘Decision on charges against Gen (r) Faiz Hameed likely next week’

    Decision on charges against ex-spymaster General (r) Faiz Hameed will be announced before December 14, senator and former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda has predicted.

    Appearing on ARY News programme ‘Aiteraz Hai’ on Friday, Vawda said that PTI founder Imran Khan had “miscalculated” the date of framing of charges against the former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). “I’d say big news regarding him will soon be out,” he added.

    Vawda went on to predict that the former ISI chief would be found guilty of mutiny among other charges.

    It merits a mention that ex-director general (DG) of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, Faiz Hameed, was taken into military custody on August 12, 2024. Following the arrest of the ex-spymaster, court martial proceedings were initiated against him.

    “Multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act have been established [against him],” the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) had said in a statement issued after the arrest.

    On Friday, Vawda also responded to question regarding ex-prime minister Imran’s possible military trial along with Faiz. “I won’t be surprised if it happened,” he said.

    Senator Vawda’s remarks come soon after incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan announced launching a civil disobedience movement if his party’s demands weren’t met by December 14.

    The demands include the formation of a judicial commission for transparent investigation into May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024 incidents, besides the release of under-trial political prisoners arrested in connection with violent protests by the PTI.

    Advisor to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, on the other hand, has ruled out holding “conditional talks” with the PTI.

    “We haven’t shut the door on negotiations,” he said, adding that they were ready for political talks with the opposition party to resolve disputes on contentious matters.

    Meanwhile, political analyst Muneeb Farooq claimed that the establishment had communicated to the Shehbaz Sharif-led government that it would not hold a dialogue with the PTI under any circumstances.

    He explained that if the dialogue ever takes place, it would be between the incumbent government and former premier Imran Khan’s party.

    Citing the official statement of the 84th Formation Commanders Conference issued by the military’s media wing, the political analyst claimed that there was no room left for the PTI, adding, “The best bet is Ali Amin Gandapur because he maintained occasional contact with the establishment at different levels.” 

    During the conference, the attendees expressed concern over the “malicious propaganda” carried out in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the Pakistan Army in the federal capital to “secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for the valued visiting delegations,” Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

  • Establishment won’t hold dialogues with PTI, claims Muneeb Farooq

    Establishment won’t hold dialogues with PTI, claims Muneeb Farooq

    Political analyst Muneeb Farooq on Thursday claimed that the establishment had communicated to the Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif-led government that it will not hold a dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under any circumstances.

    Appearing on the Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Muneeb Farooq explained that if the dialogue ever takes place, it would be between the incumbent government and the former premier Imran Khan’s party.

    Citing the official statement of the 84th Formation Commanders Conference issued by the military’s media wing, the political analyst claimed that there is no room left for the PTI, adding, “The best bet is Ali Amin Gandapur because he [Gandapur] maintained occasional contact with the establishment at different levels.”

    The conference was held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on November 5, chaired by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir and was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers, and all formation commanders of the Pakistan Army.

    During the conference, the attendees expressed concern over the “malicious propaganda” carried out in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the Pakistan Army in the federal capital to “secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for the valued visiting delegations,” Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.


    As per ISPR’s statement, the attendees condemned the coordinated efforts by certain political elements to undermine the Army’s reputation and its relationship with the public. The forum labelled this attempt as part of a larger, externally-fueled plot, which it vowed would fail.

    “This pre-planned coordinated and premeditated propaganda reflects the continuity of a sinister design by certain political elements as an attempt to drive a wedge between the public [and] armed forces and institutions of Pakistan,” the ISPR statement read.

    Responding to the programme host Shahzeb Khanzada’s observation that Imran Khan’s wife’s bail was not the result of the understanding between the government and Bushra Bibi, Muneeb Farooq asserted that Bushra Bibi was “100 per cent released through understanding.”

    “It was a surprise factor for the establishment and Mohsin Naqvi that she did not honour the commitment and agreement on which she came out,” Farooq added.

    Recalling Bushra Bibi’s insistence on marching towards the D Chowk last week, Farooq mentioned that Bushra Bibi’s decision was outside the syllabus for the establishment and the government.

    Bushra Bibi, on her imprisoned Imran Khan “final call,” had marched towards Islamabad along with Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur on November 24.

  • ‘Civil disobedience if demands are not met,’ warns Imran Khan

    ‘Civil disobedience if demands are not met,’ warns Imran Khan

    Days after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led a failed protest march to the federal capital last week, founder PTI Imran Khan, on Thursday, warned the government on X (formerly Twitter) that his party will begin a civil disobedience movement if two demands are not met.

    He demanded the formation of a judicial commission for a transparent investigation of May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, and the release of under-trial political prisoners. 

    “If these two demands are not accepted, a civil disobedience movement will be launched from December 14,” the founder of the former ruling party warned, adding that the government would be responsible for the results of the movement.

    Pakistan’s biggest opposition party ended its three-day-long march on Tuesday (November 26) after security forces initiated a crackdown on PTI demonstrators. However, after the protest march concluded, several casualties were reported, including the three Rangers personnel and a police official.

    According to PTI, 12 party followers were dead. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government denied that there were casualties.

    On May 9, 2023, hours after Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Al Qadir Trust case, his supporters came out across the country. However, the demonstrations shortly turned violent, which lasted more than 24 hours.

    Reportedly, ten individuals died, and approximately 40 public buildings and military installations, including Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower in Lahore and General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, were damaged.

    However, after the protest concluded, thousands of rioters were arrested in connection with the violence.

    On May 7, 2024, Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif, in a press conference at Rawalpindi, asserted, “There is only one way back for such political anarchists that it (PTI) asks for an earnest apology in front of the nation and promises that it will forgo politics of hate and adopt constructive [style of] politics. In any case, such dialogue should take place between political parties. It is not appropriate for the army to be involved.”

    Additionally, the former premier on Thursday post also announced a “grand gathering” in Peshawar on December 13 to “pay homage to the martyrs” that PTI believe were the victims of the state offensive grand operation during last week’s party protest at Islamabad, adding, “all opposition parties will be invited to attend.”

    Imran Khan claimed that hundreds of his party workers were “still missing,” urging the Supreme Court to take notice of the incidents and “play its constitutional role.”

    “We approached the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court over serious violations of human rights, but no action was taken,” he added.

  • Trump might tweet about Imran Khan in coming days: Nusrat Javed

    Trump might tweet about Imran Khan in coming days: Nusrat Javed

    Senior journalist Nusrat Javed has said on the Public TV programme Khabar Nashar that strong sources that he has access to claim that United States President-elect Donald Trump “might tweet about Imran Khan in the future.”

    “There is a person named Sajjad Barki in Texas who is a member of the overseas PTI community who has met with Donald Trump recently. A very well-informed diplomat told me that a high-placed government official had told him about a meeting between overseas PTI leader Sajjad Barki and Donald Trump,” stated Nusrat Javed.

    Programme analyst Adnan Haider asked Nusrat: “What’s the big deal about that? It’s just a meeting.”

    Nusrat replied, “The news is that Donald Trump might make a post on Twitter which is now known as X. Obviously, this post can be about only one person.”

    It is worth mentioning that on April 25 this year, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf officially appointed Mr. Sajjad Barki as the Secretary of Organisations of the International Chapter (OIC). PTI’s official page on X made the announcement, saying the appointment had been made “as per the instructions of the Founder Chairman Imran Khan.”

    “Sajjad Barki has allegedly told the PTI leadership or whoever he’s in contact with usually that he has held a meeting with Donald Trump and told them to stop worrying,” remarked Nusrat Javed.

    Interestingly, ever since Donald Trump won a landslide victory in the Presidential election, PTI leaders have pinned all their hopes on Trump to take their party out of the doldrums. 

    Ironically, PTI blamed the US for conspiring against its government when Imran Khan was ousted from power through a no-confidence motion in 2022. Imran Khan, in an infamous rally, waved a page in front of a charged crowd, which was allegedly the cypher sent to Islamabad by Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington.

    The Intercept, a US-based news website, in August 2023 published what it claimed to be the “cypher” that hinted the US administration wanted to remove Khan from power. 

    However, later, Khan and his party changed their narratives multiple times while the American-Pakistani community continuously lobbied among US politicians to pressure the Pakistani government to release Imran Khan.

    The PTI overseas leadership also endorsed Donald Trump in last month’s presidential elections, calling out the Biden-Harris administration for not listening to their concerns.

  • ‘I didn’t know that Sangjani is not in the middle of Islamabad’: Imran Khan tells Faisal Chaudhary

    ‘I didn’t know that Sangjani is not in the middle of Islamabad’: Imran Khan tells Faisal Chaudhary

    Faisal Chaudhry, lawyer of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, while appearing on the Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, claimed that Khan told him, “I did not know  that Sangjani was not in the middle of Islamabad.”

    Responding to the journalist’s question about whether Imran Khan had instructed the former First Lady to lead last week’s protest march, Faisal Chaudhry remarked, “If Imran Khan is saying he instructed Bushra Bibi to lead the convoy, then he is correct; other claims don’t matter.”

    Imran Khan also spoke to the media on Tuesday at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, saying, “I instructed Bushra Bibi on how to take the protest to Islamabad. Whatever she did was in accordance with my instructions.”          

    However, Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Khan recently remarked that Imran Khan had instructed party leaders to stage the sit-in at Sangjani, in the outskirts of Islamabad.

    The comment seems all the more incredulous given that PTI held a rally in Sangjani on September 8 this year.

    The development came after the former ruling party’s leaders raised objections over Imran Khan’s wife’s influence in leading last week’s protest march beside Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur towards the D Chowk in the capital.

    Responding to former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri’s recent tweets that Imran Khan was unwell while incarcerated at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, Faisal Chaudhry advised Suri to consult with Salman Akram Raja or Aleema Khanum before posting any message about Khan.

    Previously, the former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, claimed: “Imran Khan has been given something that threatens to disrupt his mental balance, locked in a small room and sprayed with a poisonous substance whose smell is affecting his mind. Imran Khan’s health is bad, and there are serious threats to his life.”

    However, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan refuted the claims that Khan’s health deteriorated in the prison, stating he is in good health.

    Aleema Khanum, Imran Khan’s sister, also spoke to the media on Tuesday following her visit to Adiala Jail Rawalpindi and refuted claims that her brother’s health had deteriorated, saying, “Imran Khan is absolutely fine.”

  • I have the last card, but I will not use it now: Imran Khan

    I have the last card, but I will not use it now: Imran Khan

    Aleema Khanum, the sister of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, while speaking to media outside Adiala Jail Rawalpindi on Tuesday, quoted her brother as saying, “I have the last card, but I will not use it now.”

    Accompanied by her sisters, Noreen Khanum and Uzma Khanum, Aleema conveyed her brother’s message after visiting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on December 3.

    Aleema Khanum stated that the party will approach the Supreme Court of Pakistan and international institutions regarding the government’s brutal use of force against their party workers at D Chowk during the party’s protest last week. 

    Aleema Khanum defended Bushra Bibi when a journalist asked a question regarding the former First Lady’s ability to lead the party protest, saying, “Indeed, Bushra Bibi led the protest, and she was on the container.”

    Earlier, contrary to the above claim, Aleema Khanum, in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) on Tuesday, while responding to a question that Bushra Bibi is gradually taking the party leadership into her own hands, asserted, “There is only one leader, and that is Imran Khan.”

    She also stressed that the officials who allegedly ordered that gunfire be opened on protestors during Imran Khan’s recent party protest in the federal capital must be held accountable.

    Ruling out the widespread claims that incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s health had deteriorated in prison, Aleema Khan emphasised that her brother was absolutely fine.

     
    “He [Imran Khan] was in shock when we told him about the crackdown in D Chowk on party demonstrators,” Aleema Khanum added.

    Meanwhile, Imran Khan, in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, noted, “I have demanded from the Supreme Court to form a neutral judicial commission to investigate the massacre of unarmed and peaceful citizens, and to ensure the harshest punishments for those who ordered and were involved in the killings.”

    “I instructed Bushra Bibi on how to take the protest to Islamabad. Whatever she did was in accordance with my instructions,” read a message posted on X.

    Imran Khan’s message further added that the workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf should unite and organise to prepare for the next phase of their struggle for “true freedom” against the mafia imposed on the country.

  • November 26 crackdown: How did Omer Ayub escape with Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur?

    November 26 crackdown: How did Omer Ayub escape with Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur?

    Opposition Leader of the National Assembly Omer Ayub Khan, while appearing on the Geo News programme Capital Talk on Monday, narrated the tale of his escape from Islamabad along with Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur and former First Lady Bushra Bibi during the operation on Tuesday night (November 26).

    Omer Ayub Khan stated that security officials “fired the first tear gas canister around 8:30, lights were turned off, and trees ahead of us were ablaze.”

    Security forces on Tuesday night (November 27) launched a grand operation against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstrators. The party claims that 12 people died and multiple supporters were injured. At least five security personnel lost their lives in the lead up to the clash. 

    Prior to the operation, the federal government had deployed the army in Islamabad under Article 245 of the constitution to maintain law and order, giving them sweeping power to impose a curfew in any locality they [army] deemed necessary to control the situation.

    Omer Ayub said that after security forces started firing tear gas shells, he, along with Imran Khan’s spouse, Bushra Bibi and CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur, headed towards Centaurus Mall, getting “stuck there for three hours” because party followers halted their vehicles from moving ahead.

    “Ali Amin Gandpur’s car came under fire,” Omer Ayub Khan claimed.

    When asked about whether he had changed cars while escaping from Islamabad, the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly stated that he was in CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur’s car. However, Bushra Bibi had changed her vehicle, he confirmed.

    Hours after fleeing from the federal capital, Ali Amin Gandapur held a press conference at Mansehra, saying, “Our sit-in at D-Chowk will continue, and we will not end it until our leader Imran Khan calls it off.”