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Tag: Imran Khan

  • ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    The killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif late Sunday night has sent shockwaves across the country. Kenyan authorities have confirmed that the renowned television anchor was killed by local police, in what they have said was a case of mistaken identity.

    According to reports, the journalist left Pakistan in August for Dubai. It is unclear when did he go to Kenya.

    Following the tragic news, politicians, journalists extended condolences and expressed shock at the sudden demise of the leading newsman.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a tweet, “I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of journalist Arshad Sharif’s tragic death. May Allah SWT grant him a place in Heaven. My deep condolences and prayers for the bereaved family.”

    President Dr Arif Alvi termed Arshad’s death as “A great loss to journalism and Pakistan”. In a tweet, he extended his condolences on the journalist’s death.

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, too turned to Twitter to express his shock, stating that that today the entire nation mourns Arshad Sharif’s death. He said, “Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth – his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful.”

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo spoke to the media in London. About Arshad’s death, he said, “I am really saddened by the news”.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the killing and extended his deepest condolences to “his family and loved ones”.

    Former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari shared a Quranic verse through her Twitter account.

    More politicians and senior journalists including Arshad’s colleagues expressed their shock on Twitter when the news broke out in the early hours of Monday.

  • High court says Imran Khan is not restricted from contesting in future elections

    High court says Imran Khan is not restricted from contesting in future elections

    After the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) verdict de-seating Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) approached Islamabad High Court (IHC) to challenge the commission’s decision to disqualify him.

    On Monday, the high court rejected Imran Khan’s request to suspend the ECP order instantly in the Toshakhana reference on the basis of which he had been disqualified.

    However, IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah observed that Khan had not been barred from contesting in future elections, adding that he “won’t face any problems” to contest in the NA-45 (Kurram-I) by-election. The by-election is scheduled to be held on October 30.

    Moreover, CJ said that Khan’s disqualification by the ECP is only to the extent of the seat he was notified on.

    During the hearing today, Khan’s lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar said that his client had been disqualified ahead of the by-election in Kurram and a stay order is needed because the PTI chairman is contesting from the seat.

    The IHC chief justice then observed, “Imran Khan is not disqualified for that election”, adding that he would not face any problems in this regard.

    Justice Minallah also pointed out that the ECP’s detailed judgment is not available yet.

    The chief justice observed that it is normal practice to issue a detailed judgment later.

    “Wait for the [written] verdict. This is a routine matter. The Election Commission is not delaying it,” he stated.

    On October 21, ECP in a consensus verdict, disqualified former Prime Minister Khan and ruled that he is no more a member of the National Assembly (NA) in Toshakhana reference.

    Khan was disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) for misdeclaration.

  • ‘Certified liar and a thief’: PM Shehbaz berates Khan after his disqualification

    ‘Certified liar and a thief’: PM Shehbaz berates Khan after his disqualification

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has said that his predecessor, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, had been proven to be a “certified liar and a thief”. However, he cautioned that this was not a moment of happiness, but one of “reflection”.

    The Premier’s comments came after Khan’s disqualification in the Toshakhana reference for making “false statements and incorrect declaration”.

    Addressing a news conference in Lahore alongside Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and adviser Attaullah Tarar, Shehbaz Sharif said that Friday was a “lucky day”, as the country received “great successes”.

    “This is not my success but Pakistan’s collective success,” he reiterated, thanking and congratulating those who worked day and night to achieve this result, as Pakistan exited from the Financial Action Task Force’s so-called grey list.

    He also specifically congratulated Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, and the officials of the Foreign Office who worked tirelessly to achieve their goal.

    “Imran Khan has been proven to be a certified liar. He has been disqualified due to corruption,” PM Shehbaz said, advising the PTI chairman that ongoing issues cannot be resolved through jalsas and rallies.

    “Imran Khan was made the prime minister through rigging. His conversation about the judiciary is in front of everyone,” the premier remarked.

    He alleged that Imran came into power after the “worst rigging”, adding that the PTI chief auctioned off state gifts after claiming the proceeds would go to the treasury.

    “The nation would have saluted you if you had deposited money from selling state gifts in the treasury. I, too, would have despite being your political opponent,” he said, adding that Imran had disrespected Pakistan.

    Comparing himself to Imran, PM Shehbaz said that he had once received a letter from the Cabinet Division about being able to buy a state gift after paying a certain amount.

    “I answered back to the letter saying, ‘No, thank you and deposited [the gift] in the Toshakhana.”

    He said state gifts were now being displayed at the Prime Minister’s House to dispel the impression that they go missing. “Now, I have them [displayed] in PM House so the people know who sold the gifts and pocketed the money.”

    “We were mocked saying we were seeking a NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) […] but we bore it and did not compromise on Pakistan’s interest.”

    “Imran Khan should fear God; this should be a lesson for him to [remember],” PM Shehbaz said.

  • Punjab, KP CMs give Khan authority to dissolve assemblies: report

    Punjab, KP CMs give Khan authority to dissolve assemblies: report

    After the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s disqualification in the Toshakhana case, the Chief Ministers (CM) of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) authorised Khan to dissolve their respective assemblies, reports Geo News.

    According to the details of the news report, CM KP Mehmood Khan and Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi attended a meeting through a video link and gave the former prime minister the authority to dissolve both provincial assemblies.

    A PTI leader told Geo News that dissolving provincial assemblies is more necessary than a long march as the purpose of the long march is new elections.

    “Therefore, if assemblies get dissolved, a new election will have to be called,” said the PTI leader.

    In a major legal victory for the ruling coalition on Friday, the ECP, in a consensus verdict in Toshakhana reference, disqualified former prime minister Imran Khan and ruled that the PTI chairman is no more a member of the National Assembly.

    Criminal proceedings will be initiated against the PTI chairman for misdeclaration, the verdict said.

    The ECP stated that Imran Khan submitted a false affidavit and was found involved in corrupt practices under Article 63(1)(p).

  • ‘Insaaf ka nizam aik hota hai, mumkin nahi ke Nawaz ke liye dusra nizam hai, Imran ke liye dusra’: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    ‘Insaaf ka nizam aik hota hai, mumkin nahi ke Nawaz ke liye dusra nizam hai, Imran ke liye dusra’: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader talked about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s disqualification on October 21.

    Discussing the topic on Geo News’ programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath‘, Abbasi said: “The one who accused others of corruption has been proven corrupt himself. It is a test for the Supreme Court now. Let’s see what it decides “

    He said that it is clear that Imran Khan was found involved in corrupt practices. Abbasi was of the view that it is inappropriate to be happy about making false statements and concealing facts while being the prime minister.

    During the show, he stressed on the fact that Khan’s Toshakhana case is far more legitimate than Nawaz Sharif’s case on the basis of which the three-times former Prime Minister was disqualified for life.

    Recalling his party chief’s disqualification, Khaqan Abbasi said, “Supreme Court (SC) deposed a prime minister and disqualified Sharif for lifetime on minor charges as compared to Khan’s Toshakhana matter.”

    When asked about the seeming recent change of heart in the SC about disqualifying a politician for life, the PML-N leader responded: “Insaaf ka nizam aik hota hai, mumkin nahi ke Nawaz ke liye dusra nizam hai, Imran ke liye dusra.” (Justice is the same for all. It is not possible that the justice system is different for Khan and different for Sharig. Law should be the same for all.”

    While talking about PTI’s planned long march, he criticised Imran Khan, accusing him of destabilising the country for his own sake.

    On October 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in a consensus verdict in the Toshakhana reference, disqualified Imran Khan and ruled that he is no longer a member of the National Assembly. The Election Commission also directed criminal proceedings to be initiated against Imran for misdeclaration.

    The ECP ruled that Imran Khan submitted a false affidavit and was involved in corrupt practices under Article 63(1)(p).

  • ECP verdict: PTI Chairman Imran Khan disqualified

    ECP verdict: PTI Chairman Imran Khan disqualified

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in a consensus verdict, disqualified former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and ruled that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman is no more a member of the National Assembly (NA).

    Khan is disqualified under Article 63(1)(p) for misdeclaration.

    Article 63 (1) (p) of the Constitution states that an individual is, “for the time being, disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or of a provincial assembly under any law for the time being in force”.

    What happened today?

    A four-member bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja, announced the verdict at the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad.

    The decision was taken unanimously by the five-member bench. However, the member from Punjab was not present for today’s announcement.

    According to the verdict, criminal proceedings will be initiated against Imran for misdeclaration.

    The verdict was announced amid tight security in the Red Zone where at least 1,100 police officials were deployed under the command of a senior superintendent of police to control the law and order situation in the area. The officer was assisted by five superintendents and six deputy superintendents of police.

    Ahead of the verdict, PTI leaders intensified their criticism of the ECP, repeating their allegations of the electoral watchdog being partial against them.

    What is the case?

    The ECP had reserved its verdict in the Toshakhana case on September 19 after arguments were completed from both sides. A five-member bench of the ECP, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case.

    In August 2022, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf sent a reference to the ECP under Articles 62A, 63A, and 223, seeking former prime minister Imran Khan’s disqualification in the light of the Toshakhana scam.

    The disqualification reference was filed by Ali Gohar Khan, PML-N’s Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, and five others.

    The 28-page reference identified 52 gift items of Toshakhana received by the former prime minister Khan, violating the law and rules, taken away at nominal prices and most of the gifts were sold in the market, including some precious watches.

    The assessed value of the gifts has been put at Rs 142,042,100. The gifts were received between August 2018 and December 2021.

    What is Toshakhana?

    Established in 1974, the Tosha­khana is a department under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division and stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by heads of other governments and states and foreign dignitaries.

    According to Toshakhana rules, gifts/presents and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules apply shall be reported to the Cabinet Division.

  • ‘Chaar saal haath nahin milaya, abb aakay kehtay hain hamaaray sath baat karein’: Shehbaz Sharif

    ‘Chaar saal haath nahin milaya, abb aakay kehtay hain hamaaray sath baat karein’: Shehbaz Sharif

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has said that Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), did not shake hands with the Opposition for four years while he was in power but now he wants to talk.

    Shehbaz Sharif was referring to reports of the government holding talks with the PTI chief.

    The Premier, while addressing an event of the Planning Division, said that he and the government were ready to take tough decisions for the sake of the country and its betterment.

    Without talking Khan’s name, the Prime Minister said, ” You labeled us as thieves and corrupt. Had you taken steps for the betterment of our youth, and introduced innovative programmes for their improvement, I would be standing here and praising you instead.”

    Accusing the former prime minister of dividing the country, Shehbaz Sharif said that this is not how great nations are made. “For four years, you said you don’t want to shake hands with the Opposition, but now, in present times and conditions, you say that we should talk,” said the prime minister.

    “For how long will this duplexity continue? For the national interest [of the country] we are ready [to hold talks]. I am not going into details here, but what I am saying here is that I am ready to give any sacrifice for my country,” he stated.

    Journalist Saleem Safi has also revealed that the PTI Chairman Imran Khan has sent a message to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Shairf.

    “They contacted Nawaz Sharif,” Safi said about PTI. “Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment. However, Nawaz Sharif did not accept the proposal,” said Safi while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Report Card.’

    “Khan Saab sent a messenger to Nawaz Sharif, you heard this in Khan’s [leaked audio] as well that no matter what happens, whether it is fair, legal or illegal, so he will continue to do such things. He will continue to blackmail,” stated Safi.

    When the anchor asked what was the message sent to the elder Sharif, Safi replied, “The message was that we two should shake hands, including [Asif Ali] Zardari and that we all team up against the establishment. However, he [Sharif] rejected the offer.”

  • ‘Mai PPP mein hoon, Imran mera dost hai’: Aitzaz Ahsan

    ‘Mai PPP mein hoon, Imran mera dost hai’: Aitzaz Ahsan

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) stalwart Aitzaz Ahsan has said that he is a member of the PPP and that Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Chairman is a friend of his.

    “I am part of PPP, but having said that, Imran Khan and I are friends,” said Aitzaz.

    “PPP is my family. We have differences of opinion on things at times. And that is healthy, and a good thing as PPP is a democratic party, and we value opinions,” said Aitzaz while addressing a press conference.

    “Among all the national parties, PPP is the only one which does not involve religion into politics,” said Aitzaz.

    Prior to this, PTI leader Farrukh Habib invited Aitzaz to join the party, saying, “He is a role model for political workers.”

    “Aitzaz Ahsan openly disagrees with his party’s decision while no one can dare to disagree in PPP and PML-N,” he said.

    Farrukh Habib said that if Aitzaz Ahsan wanted to join PTI, he was welcome. “We have opened our doors for every good person,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Pakistani Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Caption retd Safdar, who also happens to be Maryam Nawaz’s husband, has alleged that Aitzaz Ahsan was trying to become a senator on a PTI ticket.

    “Aitzaz Ahsan has made the judgment of this respectful court very controversial. He has spent 40 years as a lawyer and yet he did this,” Safdar said while talking to media outside Lahore High Court.

  • ‘Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment’: Saleem Safi

    ‘Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment’: Saleem Safi

    Journalist Saleem Safi has revealed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has sent a message to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Shairf.

    “They contacted Nawaz Sharif,” Safi said about PTI. “Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment. However, Nawaz Sharif did not accept the proposal,” said Safi while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Report Card.’

    “Khan Saab sent a messenger to Nawaz Sharif, you heard this in Khan’s [leaked audio] as well that no matter what happens, whether it is fair, legal or illegal, so he will continue to do such things. He will continue to blackmail,” stated Safi.

    When the anchor asked what was the message sent to the elder Sharif, Safi replied, “The message was that we two should shake hands, including [Asif Ali] Zardari and that we all team up against the establishment. However, he [Sharif] rejected the offer.”

    Giving a reason as to why Nawaz rejected the offer Safi revealed that his matters are set with the establishment, “Why would he want to make matters worse now,” wondered the senior journalist.

  • No decision has been reached so far on COAS appointment: Khawaja Asif

    No decision has been reached so far on COAS appointment: Khawaja Asif

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed that no decision has been reached by the federal government yet about the appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    According to the defence minister, the selection process for the new army chief will likely begin within the next five to seven days.

    Talking in Geo News’ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath”, the minister said five names will be forwarded and then Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif will pick one of those names. He was of the view that the appointment is quite a simple method as this exercise has been conducted several times in the past too.

    The appointment for the COAS position is due to take place in November.

    About the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march, the federal minister said that the government will not be blackmailed by the PTI if the party comes to Islamabad.

    The minister also said that no negotiations have taken place with PTI. “A couple of meetings took place because of Imran’s old acquaintances”, he added.

    On the contrary, Khan has claimed that negotiations were indeed held. He also warned the government to give a date for early general elections or else he will announce a date for the long march within the current month.

    Discussing the recent by-elections held on the past Sunday, Asif said that if Khan had let his party candidates run from their respective constituencies instead of contesting himself, the results would have been different.

    During the show, he also hinted towards keeping the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance in place in the next elections.