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Tag: Imran Khan

  • 24 PTI members at PPP Sindh House, Fawad Chaudhry says ‘lotay’ identified

    24 PTI members at PPP Sindh House, Fawad Chaudhry says ‘lotay’ identified

    Around 24 members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are currently staying at the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh House.

    PTI’s disgruntled member of the National Assembly (NA) Raja Riaz, who is part of the Jahangir Khan Tareen Group (JKT) claimed on Wednesday while speaking with senior journalist Hamid Mir said that if Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan assures all MNAs that no action will be taken against those who decided to vote against him on the day of the no-confidence motion, they are ready to go back to the Parliament Lodges.

    As per media reports, PTI members who are currently staying at the Sindh House include Raja Riaz, Nawab Sher Waseer, Rana Qasim Noon, Ghaffar Wattoo, Noor Alam Khan, Riaz Mazari, Basit Bukhari, Khawaja Sheraz, Ahmad Hasan Dehar, Nuzhat Pathan, and Wajeeha Akram. 

    Sources added that a list containing the names of the MNAs staying at the Sindh House has been sent to PM Imran Khan.

    Riaz told journalist Mir that the disgruntled members would vote for the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan in “accordance with their conscience.”

    PTI MNAs Malik Nawab Sher Waseer and Riaz said that around 24 PTI members have been staying in the Sindh House right now. He further said that many other ministers are ready to come here, however, PML-N is unable to accommodate all the members.

    “The disgruntled members fear that the government will take action against them similar to the March-10 raid by police on the Parliament Lodges,” Mir confirmed.

    Reacting to Riaz’s statement, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said that some “lotay” have been identified after they feared that action would be taken against them.

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government was “planning strong action” against alleged horse-trading and detention of MNAs at Sindh House.

    In a video shared by the PTI on Twitter, he said the government has received information that a large amount of money had been shifted to Sindh House, which he termed the “capital of horse-trading at the moment”.

    The premier said in a public address on Wednesday that opposition leaders were sitting in Sindh House with “heaps of money” to purchase loyalties of treasury lawmakers and had asked the election commission to take action against the alleged horse-trading.

  • ‘If horse-trading takes place, then I will be responsible for it’: Shehbaz Sharif

    Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif rubbished claims of horse-trading in the build-up to the no-confidence motion session and said when politicians were “being loaded on to a private aircraft, then what was that all about”.

    Shehbaz said that if the allegations of horse-trading turned out to be true, then he would apologise to the nation and step down from office. “If horse-trading takes place, then I will be responsible for it.”

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan took to Twitter and also hinted at horse-trading. Congratulating Pakistan Captain Baber Azam, the premier tweeted, “Unfortunately I could not watch this match as I am fighting on another front against match fixing where huge amounts of money are being used to lure my players!”

    Shehbaz’s comments came during an interview on Geo News’ programme “Capital Talk”. Speaking about the PTI’s plan to hold a rally before the no-confidence motion, the Opposition leader said that the government was “warning” lawmakers against voting in favour of the no-confidence motion.

    “They (government) are warning them of violence, but we do not plan on resorting to violence. They want to clash with the constitution and the law,” he said.

    “The national government minus PTI should be formed for the next five years,” said Shehbaz to anchorperson Hamid Mir.

    Mentioning that it was his personal idea of forming such a government, Shehbaz said that the new leadership that comes into power should work with all the dedication to uplift Pakistan.

    Both the government and the Opposition are set to hold massive rallies in Islamabad — with the government’s gathering scheduled for March 27, while the Opposition’s long march will take place after March 25.

  • ‘Arresting Moonis Elahi is out of the question’: NAB denies Pervaiz Elahi’s allegations

    ‘Arresting Moonis Elahi is out of the question’: NAB denies Pervaiz Elahi’s allegations

    The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday denied allegations of receiving orders to arrest Moonis Elahi, Minister for Water Resources, and son of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader and Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.

    NAB has said that all speculations about a rumoured inquiry against the politician are baseless.

    “Arresting PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi is out of the question,” said NAB in a statement.

    Elahi, while speaking on HUM News programme “Hum Meher Bokhari Kay Sath”, alleged that they were still receiving threats and being blackmailed. “A week ago they said to NAB to arrest Moonis.”

    Elahi further said, “The government 100 per cent lacks wisdom and understanding. The prime minister has a great desire for revenge, which is evident from the fact that he puts everyone in NAB and FIA. This is not how you govern.”

  • ‘Maulana, you are acting like Maula Jutt. You will have to pay the price,’ warns Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘Maulana, you are acting like Maula Jutt. You will have to pay the price,’ warns Sheikh Rasheed

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Wednesday warned Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman that he would have to “pay the price” if the joint Opposition’s move to overthrow Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan pushes the country into anarchy.

    “[The] Opposition should fear lest this no-confidence motion pushes the country towards destabilisation,” Rasheed said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

    “We will not touch you, but if you disturb the law and order, then we will not spare you,” warned Rasheed.

    The minister said that it’s the first time Maulana Fazl has become furious and is playing the role of Maula Jutt.

    “It’s a shame. You have huge respect as a religious leader but the language you are using is not highlighting the principles of Islam.”

    “If it causes civil war and anarchy in the country, you’ll have to pay for it.”

    Rasheed said that PM Imran Khan will be benefitting even if he loses or wins in the vote of no-confidence against him as his popularity among the masses has increased massively during the last three weeks.

     Rasheed said that all members of parliament will be protected ahead of the voting on the no-confidence motion.

  • ‘Sari zindagi nappy change kartay rahainge kya, bachay ko neechay utarainge tu seekhe ga’: Pervaiz Elahi

    ‘Sari zindagi nappy change kartay rahainge kya, bachay ko neechay utarainge tu seekhe ga’: Pervaiz Elahi

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said that it is important to put the baby down and let him/her learn to walk on its own.

    Without naming any names, the PML-Q leader said that “the work carried out on the government’s behalf never allowed it to learn things for itself.”

    “The child will learn to walk only when you put him down,” he said metaphorically. “Would you keep on changing nappies all his life?”

    Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi, while speaking on HUM News programme “Hum Meher Bokhari Kay Sath”, said that PM Khan was “100 per cent” in trouble because of the no-confidence motion against him.

    “The government 100 per cent lacks wisdom and understanding. They are going door to door, this is indication enough how troubled they are.”

    He further went on to share PML-Q’s grievances with the government. He said that all we have been showing is loyalty to the government and in return, all that is coming from their side is “dushmani“.

    The PML-Q leader said that they were still receiving threats and being blackmailed. “A week ago they said to NAB [National Accountability Bureau] to arrest Moonis [Minister for Water Resources and Pervaiz Elahi’s son].”

    Elahi said that he has already been offered Punjab’s chief ministership as well as electoral alliance — including seat-to-seat adjustment — by the Opposition alliance but the government has yet to make that offer.

    Elahi said: “We are waiting to see what the government has to offer. Maybe the government might do the same.”

     “The government 100 per cent lacks wisdom and understanding. The prime minister has a great desire for revenge, which is evident from the fact that he puts everyone in NAB and FIA. This is not how you govern,” he added.

    Elahi said that all that the government has done is ruin its relations with everyone. Without taking the PM’s name, the PML-Q leader said, “He has spoiled his relations with his own people as well. It is because of his own people that they are so worried. Tongue is one thing that can make or break things forever.”

    Elahi said that the Opposition alliance has the support of “more than required” lawmakers to pass the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly, warning that there are “plenty of surprises in store”.

    Talking about establishment, Elahi said, “DG ISPR has said on record that the establishment has nothing to do with politics, we are neutral in this. But did you see how he [PM] defined neutral, and said animals are neutral. Who was he saying this to?”

    He urged the government to move first and call off its planned political gathering for March 27, saying that it would put pressure on the Opposition to do the same.

  • Pakistanis prefer to sink with me than support the ‘three stooges’: PM Khan

    Pakistanis prefer to sink with me than support the ‘three stooges’: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday called the Opposition leaders Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shehbaz Sharif, and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari the “three stooges”, referring to a classic American program. He told party members the Opposition’s no-trust move was a “blessing” as it had “lifted” the entire party and now all ready to ready for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally.

    Addressing the Pakistan Overseas Convention in Islamabad he said, “When the people saw the faces of the three stooges — they decided against supporting them and expressed their desire to go down with [me],” PM Khan.

    I challenge media, economists, and Opposition parties to debate with govt over performance

    PM Khan challenged media organisations, economists, and Opposition parties to debate with the government over its performance in the last three and half years, saying that “nobody served Pakistan as we did”.

    “[Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana] Fazlur Rehman sold religion for 30 years,” he thundered. “In my 3.5 years, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has said you cannot disrespect Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in the name of freedom of expression. [Canadian Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau has given a statement [against Islamophobia]. This has happened for the first time.”

    The premier said there had been a debate at the United Nations and a resolution would be passed against Islamophobia, adding that it was “because of us” and how the government raised the matter at different forums.

    The premier said that the Opposition parties had been taking turns in governing Pakistan during the last 30 years but the PTI government would “prove” that it had built the nation.

    They cannot defeat us: PM Khan

    The premier said he and his team were always trying to figure out ways to reduce the impact of inflation on the masses, but after the Opposition’s no-confidence motion, the focus shifted to mainstream politics rather than inflation.

    PM Khan said neither of the three parties — PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F — worked at the grass-root levels and did “actual politics”, while the PTI struggled for more than two decades to get to where it is today. “They cannot defeat us.”

    “Nawaz became the chief minister through General Jilani; Shehbaz, who used to give bribes to get his work done, Zardari became the president by ‘showing’ a fake paper; Fazl has been selling the religion from the last 30 years,” he said.

    If they are the ones to save Pakistan, it is better to drown with Imran Khan

    “I was thinking of how the country changed suddenly in 10 days, inflation was forgotten and my entire party was lifted.”

    All the Opposition politicians used to call each other corrupt, he said, thanking them for coming together so the nation could see that “if they are the ones to save Pakistan, it is better to drown with Imran Khan”.

    The premier said that PTI had risen from the grassroots which is why the Opposition parties could not compete with it.

    Fallen into captains trap

    PM Imran Khan said the Opposition leaders were under the “false impression that the people had forgotten their corruption”, but they were wrong as now, they had fallen into the “captain’s trap”.

    “I predict that not only is their no-confidence motion going to fail, but they will taste defeat in the 2023 general elections as well,” he said, foreseeing his party’s triumph in the polls.

    PM Khan said due to the corruption of the politicians, the country had become a “slave” to the foreign powers. “When our then prime minister [Nawaz Sharif] met then US president Barack Obama, his legs were shaking as he was cautious against saying something his ‘master’ might feel bad”.

    “Because they know [those countries] can catch their [corrupt Pakistani politicians’] money laundering whenever they want,” the prime minister said.

    Not anti-US, UK and India

    “You [Nawaz and Zardari] should have at least said that no law in the world allows anyone to play the role of judge, jury, and executioner,” he said, stressing “never have I been anti-American, anti-Britain or anti-India”.

    “I pray that a sensible leadership comes into power in India so that we can hold talks with them after revoking the August 5, 2019, decision on Kashmir.”

    Only an uneducated man would be against a country, he elaborated, adding that he was against their policies. “I was against the war on terror from day one and I will remain so.”

    The premier said 100 drone strikes had been conducted in Pakistan during the governments of Nawaz Sharif and Zardari and PTI leaders had staged sit-ins to protest but “they had no shame”.

    He also mentioned India’s “Hindutva” policy, expressing the wish that a “better government” comes to power in the neighbouring country that would grant rights to Kashmiris.

    Pakistan military was the reason behind the country’s stability

    The Pakistan military was the reason behind the country’s stability, as he gave an example of other Muslim countries — Libya, Syria, and Yemen — where the situation was dismal.

    Noting that despite having differences with former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, PM Imran Khan lauded him and acknowledged that he was a self-reliant leader.

  • Ab tou dharnay hongay: Govt, Opposition set to do jalsas on same day in Islamabad

    Ab tou dharnay hongay: Govt, Opposition set to do jalsas on same day in Islamabad

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a massive, what they are calling, a ‘public meeting’ at D-Chowk on March 27.

    As per media reports, the government has cautioned lawmakers that they will have to make their way through the crowd of ‘one million’ to enter Parliament House for casting their vote on the no-trust motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, which is expected to take place on March 28.

    The decision to gather PTI workers at D-Chowk on March 27 was made in the ruling party’s core committee meeting, which was presided by PM Khan himself.

    It is being reported that the core committee was also attended by National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called the entire nation to march towards the federal capital on March 23 for an anti-government long march.

    “People should be ready for staying in Islamabad […] we are not sure till when will the long march last,” said Fazl.

    “From the door of the Parliament House to Shahrah-e-Dastoor, we will hold a historic rally. Through this, we will give a safe passage to all lawmakers for reaching the [assembly] safely and casting their vote,” said Maulana Fazl.

    PDM chief made the announcement after a meeting of Opposition parties which was hosted by Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif.

    In response to the PDM chief’s announcement, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said he had already stated that the Opposition was against the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) session in Islamabad.

    “I had already said that Fazlur Rehman’s real agenda was against the OIC conference. They are not able to accept that OIC foreign minister’s meeting will take place here after 15 years,” tweeted Fawad.

    PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan said on Monday announced that the voting on the no-confidence motion against PM Khan will take place after March 27.

  • Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan

    Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday said that he did not join politics to know the prices of aaloo and tamatar (potatoes and tomatoes) but decided to become a politician for the sake of the country’s youth. 

    Addressing a rally in Hafizabad, the premier promised the people of Punjab that his government will work on the development of the province, something which he claimed would be “unprecedented” in the history of the country.

    I joined politics for the sake of the country’s youth: Khan

    “I didn’t join politics to know the prices of potatoes and tomatoes. I joined it for the sake of the country’s youth,” the premier said. “If we want to become a great nation, we will have to support the truth, and this is what I have been preaching for the last 25 years.”

    The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan wanted equal ties with all the countries. “But as a prime minister of a country with a 220 million population, it is my first and foremost duty to protect people’s rights and interests of the country. I will not allow any policy that harms our motherland. I will not compromise on the national interests just for seeking the pleasure of any country,” he stressed.

    Past PMs of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president

    Taking a dig at the Opposition and how leaders of different parties criticised him for issuing statements against the European Union (EU) envoys, the premier said that in the past, prime ministers of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president and used Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal’s slip of the tongue “kaanpein taang rahi hoti thein” as an example. 

    The premier went on to say that when he rebuked the envoys of European countries for asking Pakistan to explicitly condemn Russia for attacking Ukraine, Shehbaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were “trembling”.

    “My criticism of EU was justified,” the premier said, adding that Opposition leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Shehbaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thought it was “grave injustice” to chide EU envoys.

    The prime minister said that whenever a foreign diplomat came to meet Shehbaz Sharif, he would quickly change into a suit and a tie.

    “Since I know the West better than everyone else, I can assure that they do not respect people who polish their boots,” he said. “They respect nations who stand up for themselves.” 

    On the ‘terrorist’ living in London

    PM Imran Khan also spoke about the US War on Terror and the ensuing drone attacks in Pakistan, calling it a “violation of human rights”. He also talked about a “terrorist” living in London for the last 30 years, saying that this terrorist was responsible for the killing of more people than those killed by US drones. 

    He said he once told a group of European representatives whether they would allow the use of drones against a terrorist and criminal sitting in London who had killed scores of people in Karachi. The premier was apparently referring to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain.

    PM Imran further said the United States carried out 400 drone strikes inside Pakistan from 2008 to 2013 but governments led by PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) never opposed them.

    “We want cordial relations with all countries but will not compromise on national interest… I would not bow down to anyone nor would I allow the nation to give in before anyone.”

    On the contrary, the prime minister said, he had always opposed those attacks, staged sit-ins, and gave statements in the United States and the United Kingdom, calling these attacks a grave violation of basic human rights and global principles.

    ‘One-million-strong’ power show at D-Chowk

    The premier then talked about transforming Pakistan into an exemplary welfare society, based on the model of the State of Madinah.

    “I formed Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen Authority in the country so that every Pakistani child becomes aware of the life and teaching of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and stay on the path of the truth.”

    As part of the PTI-led government’s strategy to thwart the Opposition’s no-trust bid, it was decided during the meeting that a one-million strong rally would be staged at Islamabad’s D-Chowk ahead of the no-confidence motion in the lower house of parliament.

  • ‘Neutral tou janwar hota hai’: Opposition reacts to PM Khan’s neutral comment

    ‘Neutral tou janwar hota hai’: Opposition reacts to PM Khan’s neutral comment

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman hit out at Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and said that the premier’s recent use of tone and language was “shocking”.

    “If someone from the Opposition would have translated neutral the way [PM Khan] did, the government would have created a ruckus.”

    “The government has been saying for three and a half years that institutions are neutral,” said Rehman.

    “The prime minister himself says he is not part of any bloc and is neutral. He claims to have introduced a neutral umpire in cricket” said Sherry Rehman.

    She further accused PM Khan of pushing the country towards a crisis in his attempts to avoid the joint Opposition’s no-confidence motion against him.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Marriyum Aurangzeb tweeted, “Imran Sahib has put dirt and filth in politics. By cleaning up this filth and filthiness, we will get rid of the stench and suffocation in society.”

    Aurangzeb even responded to Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry’s recent comment that democracy is not a system of extreme divisions, it is based on political consensus. Fawad also said, “I don’t think there should be such extreme division that conversations become difficult.”

    “Explain these things to Imran Sahib who has turned politics into enmity. Talks happen with politicians, not abusive thugs.”

    “The one who created division, chaos, and disorder in the society, his name is Imran Khan,” said Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    PM Khan’s recent comments have heightened the political temperature in the country.

    Prime Minister during his address in Lower Dir said, “Humans either side with good or evil. Only animals remain neutral.”

    His remarks had come a day after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (

    DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar categorically stated that the army had nothing to do with politics and called for avoiding unnecessary discussion and speculation about the army’s alleged involvement in political affairs.

  • ‘Fighting isn’t difficult, reconciliation is,’ Fawad Chaudhry trying to bring down political temperature?

    ‘Fighting isn’t difficult, reconciliation is,’ Fawad Chaudhry trying to bring down political temperature?

    Amidst all political chaos and unrest, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “The unintentional no-confidence motion presented by the Opposition has caused bitterness in politics.”

    “Democracy is not a system of extreme divisions, it is based on political consensus,” said Fawad, adding, “I don’t think there should be such extreme division that conversations become difficult.”

    The minister further wrote, “Fighting isn’t difficult, reconciliation is.”

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed’s recent comments on the no-confidence motion suggest mending ways with the Opposition.

    “I think we should go towards making peace with the Opposition,” said Rasheed.

    Fawad and Rasheed’s words come at a time when the political temperature is quite high.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to Twitter yesterday and responded to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent criticism hurled at the Opposition.

    “Imran Khan’s abusive language is the biggest proof he knows he’s losing. Have you ever heard a winning captain abuse his opponents?”

    “His reference to the army in public jalsa while no confidence is pending is pathetic, desperate, and will not work,” tweeted Bilawal.