Current Final

Tag: Imran Khan

  • Khawaja Asif shifts blame of assassination attempt onto Khan

    Khawaja Asif shifts blame of assassination attempt onto Khan

    Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif, has shifted the blame for Thursday’s assassination attempt on former Prime Minister Imran Khan onto the man himself, citing what he described as “crossing the red lines of religion”.

    “The suspect’s videos that have surfaced … they show that religious fanaticism motivated the attack. Time and time again, the former prime minister came close to crossing boundaries — or he crossed the boundaries — he crossed the red lines of religion because of which a man attacked him,” Khawaja Asif said on Friday. The minister quoted the suspect as proof that Khan had brought the attack upon himself.

    He began his speech by saying that the incident was a “Cause of embarrassment for the nation”.

    “And we, the federal government, want that if there is a conspiracy behind it, then it should be brought to light,” he stated.

    The defence minister stressed that “We should not refrain from taking any step that will prove to be helpful for us in this matter” and that the investigation into the incident and efforts to get to the bottom of the matter should not be politicised.

    “Don’t let this incident fall victim to politics,” he reiterated, while adding, “They should go after the suspects, but all that they have been doing [demonstrates] that they are not interested in the investigation. They have made Rana Sanaullah, the prime minister and DGC the culprits.”

    He recalled that Imran previously said he had contacts in the establishment. “And now those contacts are being named in the murder attempt [case],” the minister said. “By naming politicians and a senior army officer, they are taking the matter in a direction where they will not find any clue or suspect.”

    Imran Khan was shot at thrice in Punjab’s Wazirabad on Thursday, November 3. The suspect, Naveed ,is in police custody and has confessed to the crime on a video where he says that he had planned to kill the former Prime Minister ever since his long march left Lahore.

  • ‘PM Shehbaz visiting Khan is under discussion’: Rana Sanaullah

    ‘PM Shehbaz visiting Khan is under discussion’: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has once again strongly condemned the assassination attempt on former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan which took place on November 3 in Wazirabad during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.

    In a press conference, the minister called the incident an act of “religious extremism”. However, he was of the view that “PTI’s attitude towards the incident is also regrettable and condemnable.”

    He revealed that so far four deaths have been reported due to the unfortunate incident, adding that PM Shehbaz Sharif has announced compensation for the people who have lost their lives.

    He said that the federal government has asked the Punjab government to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

    He, further said that “we consider Khan a political opponent and not an enemy, but he [Khan] considers us his enemies.”

    About the accusations made by the PTI chief, implicating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah himself and Major General Faisal Naseer of plotting the assassination attempt, the Interior Minister said that it is “very saddening” that Khan has named people without any investigation or proof.

    Talking about the alleged confession video of the shooter, the minister said that the allegations levelled by him are extremely alarming.

    The minister also hinted at the possibility of PM Shehbaz visiting Imran Khan to inquire about his health.

    “If the environment gets better, PM Shehbaz might visit Khan but right now we have been blamed. So the discussion is under consideration, PM Shehbaz will decide this matter,” he stated.

  • ‘Siyasat mein violence ki koyi jagah nahin,’ Condemnations pour in after assassination attempt on Imran Khan

    ‘Siyasat mein violence ki koyi jagah nahin,’ Condemnations pour in after assassination attempt on Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday while leading his party’s long march in Wazirabad. The Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was shot in the leg and is currently receiving medical treatment at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Lahore. According to media reports, one person was killed while seven people sustained injuries.

    Other than Khan, PTI leaders Faisal Javed and Ahmad Chattha were also injured. Following the tragic incident, leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the attack on Khan.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the firing incident and said that an immediate report of the incident has been sought from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

    In a tweet, he said, “I strongly condemn the firing at Imran Khan’s rally. An immediate report of the incident has been sought from the Interior Minister. We pray for the speedy recovery of Imran and other injured. The federal government will provide all possible support to the Punjab government in the security/investigation of the incident. Violence should have no place in country’s politics.”

    President Dr Arif Alvi took to Twitter to express his concern, saying that “This attack was sad, alarming, deceitful and cowardly”.

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said that the firing incident during PTI’s long march near Gujranwala is “highly condemnable”.

    “Sincere prayers for precious life lost and speedy recovery and well-being of Imran Khan and all those injured in this unfortunate incident,” the military’s media wing said.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif also condemned the attack and prayed for Khan’s and other party leaders’ recovery.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto said, “Strongly condemn the attack on Imran Khan. Praying for his swift recovery.”

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)’s Twitter account tweeted that Former President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the firing incident. He said, “I pray to God that Imran Khan recovers soon”.

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz also condemned the unfortunate incident.

    Sanaullah’s office’s official account said that on the instructions of PM Shehbaz, a report of the incident was sought from the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IG) Police Punjab.

    From PML-N leaders, Ahsan Iqbal also came forward to condemn the attack.

    He tweeted, “Thank God Imran Niazi is safe. There is no room for violence in politics. I strongly condemn the incident of firing on Imran Niazi’s container in Wazirabad. The Punjab government should review the security arrangements.”

    Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai wished the PTI chief a full recovery.

    “Attacks on leaders of any political belief or party are always wrong. And violence is never an acceptable protest”, she said in a tweet

  • Imran Khan par qatilana hamla: what we know so far about the assassination attempt on Khan

    Imran Khan par qatilana hamla: what we know so far about the assassination attempt on Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan survived an assassination attempt on Day seven of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ‘Haqeeqi Long March’ as his container moved through Punjab’s Wazirabad.

    Here is a timeline of what happened.

    4:21PM – Firing near Imran’s container during the long march
    An unidentified assailant opens fire on PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s container near the Allah Ho Chowk

    4:37PM – Reports of Khan shot at and injured
    PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry confirms that Khan was shot in the leg in a targeted attack during the long march in Wazirabad today. Footage of Imran, with a bandaged leg, being moved from the container to a vehicle with the help of his security team surface.

    4:43PM – Imran injured, waves at supporters after injury, moved to a car
    Khan is rushed to a safe place as per initial reports. He is shot in the leg but is stable while being taken to hospital. He waves at supporters too.

    5:25PM – Prime Minister Shehbaz seeks immediate report on issue
    Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of and “severely condemns” the firing incident at Imran Khan’s long march.

    He instructs Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to seek an immediate report on the incident from the IGP and chief secretary Punjab.

    6:00PM – Shooter confesses to crime
    The suspect/shooter, caught by police on the scene, says that he wants to kill PTI Chairman Imran Khan because “Khan was misleading the public.”

    “He (Imran) was misleading the people and I could not bear watching it so I killed him… attempted to kill him,” the shooter says in a video statement.

    “I tried my best to kill him. I wanted to kill just Imran Khan and no one else.”

    6:20PM – Reports of Khan being treated at Shaukat Khanum Hospital surface
    Khan is taken to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Lahore for immediate treatment.

    6:50PM – Punjab IG wants report on attack
    According to Dawn News, Inspector-General of Punjab Police, Faisal Shahkar, took notice of the attack on PTI chairman Imran Khan and summons a report from Gujrat regional police officers.

    Meanwhile, the deputy police officer of Gujrat is instructed to reach the attack site.

    According to a statement from a police spokesperson, the attack will be investigated from all angles and the perpetrators will be arrested immediately.

    7:00PM – Khan out of danger, being treated at Hospital
    Dr Faisal Sultan, while talking to the media, says that Khan is out of danger and is being treated at the hospital.

    8:15PM – Khan names three suspects behind today’s attack: Asad Umar

    PTI leader Asad Umar, in a video message today, reveals Khan named three suspects who could be behind today’s attack.

    “Shortly before this video, Imran Khan called us and told us to convey this message to the nation on his behalf. He said that he had received some information earlier as well.”

    “He said that he believes three people were involved in the attack […] and those three people are Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and Major General Faisal,” Umar said.

    He also said that the PTI chief has demanded that Shehbaz, Sanaullah and General Faisal be immediately removed from their posts. “Otherwise, a protest will be held across the country.”

    8:53PM – Punjab CM orders constitution of JIT to probe attack

    Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi instructs the police to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the attack on PTI’s convoy in Wazirabad today.

    Elahi says that the counter-terrorism department will be placed on the team to investigate the motives of the incident.

    “We want to know who is behind the incident, who trained the accused, how much money was he given and where did he get it from,” the chief minister said.

    9:10PM – Federal govt to ask Punjab govt to form JIT to probe attack on Imran

    The federal government decides to ask Punjab government to form a joint investigation team comprising senior officers to investigate the attack on Imran Khan, according to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

    Sanaullah, in a press conference alongside Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb in Islamabad, said the entire government condemned the firing incident.

    He said the federal government has assured the Punjab government of “assistance of any kind” during the investigation.

  • Rana Sanaullah wants to send Khan to ‘Mirchi ward’ of the ‘Machh jail’ in Balochistan

    Rana Sanaullah wants to send Khan to ‘Mirchi ward’ of the ‘Machh jail’ in Balochistan

    Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), would be kept in the ‘Mirchi ward’ of the Machh Jail in Balochistan.

    “I will keep him [Khan] in the Mirchi Ward at Machh Jail as several politicians have lived there previously,” he said during Geo News’ programme ‘Capital Talk’ as the war of words between the government and PTI showed no signs of cooling down.

    Sanauallah vowed that if he laid his hands on Khan, he won’t “spare him”.

    Discussing the political stand-off on a talk show, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Akhtar Mengal has taken a promise from him that Imran Khan, if arrested, would be kept in Machh jail in Balochistan.

    Rana said that a lot of politicians have been detained at the Machh jail. Imran Khan would have been behind bars by now if the cabinet agreed with him, he added.

    Recalling the incidents that took place on May 25 this year, during Khan’s first long march towards Islamabad, the interior minister lamented not arresting him on that day.

    “I wish a case should have been filed instead of forming a sub-committee,” he said, adding that if the cabinet had paid attention to his words the authorities would have arrested the PTI chief.

    Responding to Sanaullah’s remarks PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said, ” Rana Sanaullah’s statement is more of a gunda (goon) than that of an interior minister.”

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1588046664111202305?s=20&t=fNFbYwuhOuHx5n7Iml3UMQ

    Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s long march toward Islamabad has entered its seventh day on Thursday.

  • Social media hater? You could go to prison for seven years

    Social media hater? You could go to prison for seven years

    The federal cabinet has approved an amendment seeking seven-year imprisonment for those who spread hateful content on social media.

    Under the amendment, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been authorised to take action against such people. The final approval of the amendment will be taken by Parliament.

    However, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah decided to consult journalists and other stakeholders on the amendment. The minister said that if the amendment leads to restrictions on people’s freedom of expression, then the government will withdraw the bill

    The interior minister also stressed that if the bill is against the freedom of expression then “we won’t pass it”.

    Sanaullah said people’s private lives are being affected due to social media which is a “serious matter”.

    He further added that the issue is an important one, therefore, the government is hoping that the amendments will not create hurdles in the way of people’s right to freedom of expression.

    Earlier this year, during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tenure, President Arif Alvi approved an ordinance of a similar nature proposing amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, (PECA) 2016. It proposed a five-year sentence for criticising state institutions, including the Pakistan Army and judiciary on electronic media

    At the time, Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared the ordinance “unconstitutional” and directed the federal government to probe abuse of the law and submit a report. The law also faced backlash from the media fraternity.

  • Supreme Court seeks reply from Imran on violation of May 25 order

    Supreme Court seeks reply from Imran on violation of May 25 order

    The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday sought a detailed reply from Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the violation of the apex court’s May 25 order, which restricted the party’s Azadi March from entering D-Chowk in Islamabad.

    A five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Ata Bandial, heard the contempt of court petition filed by the government against the PTI chief over his violation of previous orders. The government argued that the former ruling party went against SC’s order and entered D-chowk.

    In May, the top court had issued clear instructions to hold its Azadi March protest near Peshawar Mor between the H-9 and G-9 areas of Islamabad. However, Imran Khan and his protestors made their way to D-Chowk, prompting the government to call in the Pakistan Army for the security of the capital’s Red Zone.

    During the hearing, the CJ said, “We are giving another chance to Imran for an explanation”, adding that the court had been proceeding with “caution” and “patience” in this case.

    “According to the material available with the court, a notice should be issued to Imran Khan. We are still giving him a chance to explain,” he said.

    The bench further expressed disappointment to the two PTI lawyers present in the court, Babar Awan and Chaudhary Faisal Hussain, over violating the court’s trust in the May 25 order.

    “When our trust is breached then it is very wrong,” said Justice Bandial and he noted that it seemed that the apex court was misled through the two counsels.

    Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan also noted that the SC order was misused. The hearing of the case was then adjourned until next week.

    Earlier, in a reply to the SC over the contempt of court plea, Khan had maintained that he was unaware of any statement or undertaking having been submitted to the court on behalf of the “senior leadership” of the party ahead of its May 25 long march.

    In a video shared by journalist Talat Hussain, Imran Khan, standing on top of his container on May 25, can be heard directing his supporters to reach D-chowk. He told the public that Supreme Court has said that would be no hurdles.

  • Dosti khatam? Khan reveals reasons for having rift with Gen Bajwa

    Dosti khatam? Khan reveals reasons for having rift with Gen Bajwa

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has disclosed the reasons as to why he is no longer on the same page with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, claiming that the head of the armed forces did not consider corruption a bad thing.

    Talking about why there is a plausible rift between the army chief and Khan and why he has started talking against him, Khan said, “This should be asked from Gen Bajwa. He didn’t consider corruption bad as I did. He was not ready to do accountability.”

    “For the past 26 years, I have been saying that without the rule of law, a nation cannot progress. This was not his ‘thing’. We had other conflicts as well. He wanted to make Aleem Khan Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab in place of Usman Buzdar,” revealed Khan.

    PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry hit back at criticism that the party’s long march was moving slowly, saying it would proceed at its own pace, adding “We will also keep changing our plan to reach Islamabad to baffle the government.”

    Replying to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice president Maryam Nawaz and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah observations that the march is proceeding slowly, Fawad said, “I want to tell them [that] we will move according to our own pace, not according to yours.”

    He said that the party could give dates for reaching Rawalpindi and Islamabad one day and change them the next. “You will have to do the guesswork daily.”

    A day prior to this Imran Khan had said in an interview, “Let them impose martial law.” On the fourth day of his long march, his statement was addressed to the establishment in reply to a question asked by journalist Imran Riaz Khan.

    “Impose martial law. If they want to impose, It doesn’t affect me,” said Khan.

    Khan further added that the current political scenario in the country was worst than former President and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Pervez Musharraf’s martial law. Khan added that when PTI leaders Azam Swati and Shahbaz Gill were tortured they were told that, “Imran would face the same.”

  • Maryam Nawaz calls IK’s long march ‘part-time march’

    Maryam Nawaz calls IK’s long march ‘part-time march’

    Maryam Nawaz, Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), took a jibe at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s ongoing long march, calling it a “part-time march”.

    “It should be called a part-time long march because he leaves his abode in Lahore after eating lunch and goes out for two or three hours to come back in time for his evening tea. After every 10 miles, he comes back to Lahore,” said the PML-N leader, addressing a press conference in London.

    The PML-N leader said the “part-time” march ends within two hours of starting, and it is still stuck in Lahore despite the passage of five days since it’s commencement. “And now, we are hearing reports that it will take eight to ten more days to reach Islamabad,” she said.

    The daughter of PML-N head, Nawaz Sharif, said that no institution was supporting Imran Khan’s march, however, she said that one or two individuals could be behind it.

    She further alleged that Khan is still searching for people in the establishment who will continue to support him but said that the nation was aware of this. “Your lies are unravelling and your time has ended”, she said, addressing Khan.

    ‘A precious life was lost’: Maryam about deceased journalist Sadaf Naeem

    Maryam sent condolences to the family of deceased journalist Sadaf Naeem who was crushed to death under Imran Khan’s container on October 30.

    Offering condolences. Maryam Nawaz said that the incident forced her to think about the purpose of PTI’s long march.

    “A precious life was lost. A mother of young children passed away while covering the long march. It forced me to ponder over the purpose of the long march,” she said.

    ‘Major scandal’: Maryam Nawaz about Khan’s Toshakhana case

    Regarding the Toshakhana reference, Maryam alleged that another “major scandal” related to the issue is soon coming to light.

    According to her, a British multinational jeweller, Graff, had gifted a diamond set that Imran had paid “Rs20 million for and sold in Dubai for Rs220m”.

    Maryam further said that in total, Khan had looted up to Rs. 50 million from the Toshakhana, which is the property of the nation.

  • ‘Deny Imran face saving’: Nawaz instructs Shehbaz

    ‘Deny Imran face saving’: Nawaz instructs Shehbaz

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Monday prohibited his younger brother, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, from accepting the demands of Imran Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Taking to Twitter, Nawaz taunted Imran Khan for the relatively sparse crowds in the march. “The one who claimed to bring one million people out on the streets couldn’t even manage to gather 2,000 workers,” the former Prime Minister wrote.

    He said that he has instructed PM Shehbaz not to bow before Khan’s demands at any cost. “Whether he instigates a mob of 2,000 people or 20,000 people, neither to listen to any demand of this fitna (rabble-rouser) nor to give him any chance to save face.”

    He added that the prime minister should “focus all of his energy on serving the public”.

    Nawaz went on to say that ever since Khan’s lies have been exposed, the nation has become apathetic to his narrative. “He told one lie after another so brutally and brazenly that the DG ISI [Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum] was forced to break his silence and tell the truth to the nation”.

    He said that despite the passage of many days, Khan could not come up with a clarification. “That is why all his emphasis is habitually limited to swearing.”

    On the other hand, Imran Khan, in an interview has said , “Let them impose martial law.” On the fourth day of his long march, his statement was addressed to the establishment in reply to a question asked by journalist Imran Riaz Khan.

    “Impose martial law. If they want to impose, It doesn’t affect me,” said Khan.

    Khan further added that the current political scenario in the country was worst than former President and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Pervez Musharraf’s martial law. Khan added that when PTI leaders Azam Swati and Shahbaz Gill were tortured they were told that, “Imran would face the same.”