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Tag: Imran Khan

  • Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in prison

    Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi sentenced to 10 years in prison

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard the cipher case and delivered the verdict at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

    Both politicians denied that they were involved in misusing diplomatic cables and leaking state documents for political purposes.

    Before announcing the verdict, Judge Zulqarnain, reminded the PTI leaders that their lawyers were not appearing in court and they were given state lawyers.

    During the hearing, Imran and Qureshi were given questions under 342. However, both leaders said that their lawyers are not present, asking how can they record their statement.

    The decision comes a day after the hearing was postponed because Imran Khan disrupted the last hearing by shouting angrily.

    What is cipher case?

    Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, dubbed the Cipher, sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later. At a public rally in 2023, held just days before his ouster from the Prime Minister’s office, Khan waved a folded piece of paper from the podium, stating that it is the cable.

    Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government, which was then in power in Pakistan.

    Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.

  • Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    Imran Khan is in jail for 10 years: what does he want you to do?

    In a recent message issued from jail, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has told his supporters what to do in case he is sentenced in the cipher case.

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years each in the cipher case today. Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain heard delivered the verdict orally at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

    Khan expressed concerns about the ongoing trial and other alleged false cases in a post on X (former Twitter). He highlighted the challenges faced in ensuring a fair trial, emphasizing the manipulation of legal proceedings and attempts to prematurely conclude the case.

    “Cipher case has twice been declared null and void by the Islamabad High Court followed by orders of a retrial because both times this case was being tried outside of law and constitution,” Prime Minister Khan stated.

    He further pointed out that despite the central witnesses’ testimonies yielding no substantial evidence against him and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the orchestrators of the ‘London Plan’ seem determined to conclude the trial without following proper legal procedures.

    “It’s not a trial; it’s a fixed match, with results predetermined by the architects of the London Plan and their cohorts. Hence, I am aware of the outcome even before the trial concludes,” Khan asserted.

    Addressing his supporters, Khan cautioned against falling into the trap set by those who wish to exploit the situation for their interests. He urged them to stay vigilant and not be swayed by provocations aiming to incite protests on the streets.

    “Some want me to receive a harsh punishment in this case to fuel public outrage, leading to street protests akin to the May 8 scenario. Others hope for a sense of despair and disappointment among you, keeping you confined to your homes on February 8,” he stated.

    Khan called upon the people to view the situation as a test of their resilience and commitment to justice. He reminded them of the power of their vote, urging them to stand against the manipulative forces and ensure a fair electoral process.

    “My faith is that just as you broke free from the chains of fear in the past, you will come out in millions on election day, defeating the architects of the London Plan and showing them that we are not helpless animals to be herded. I believe February 8 will be a day of victory, Insha’Allah,” concluded Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    What is a Cipher case?

    Imran Khan faced allegations that he violated the Official Secrets Act when he disclosed a secret diplomatic cable, called the Cipher. This was sent by Pakistan’s embassy in Washington in March 2022. Khan reportedly lost possession of the diplomatic cable later.

    Both Khan and Qureshi claimed that the cable had a threat from the US to topple the PTI government which was then in power in Pakistan.

    Khan was ousted from the prime ministerial office in April 2022 after a no-confidence vote. Since being relieved of the premier post, more than 150 cases have been slapped against him.

  • ‘I am strongly against stopping criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution,’ Chief Justice Faez Isa

    ‘I am strongly against stopping criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution,’ Chief Justice Faez Isa

    The Supreme Court (SC) has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to promptly withdraw notices sent to journalists involved in a “malicious campaign” against the judiciary and institutions on social media as per Geo News.

    A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the case pertaining to harassment of journalists by FIA.

    CJP ISA told Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan that verbal abuse was a different matter and that the FIA should not take action against journalists, especially on criticism.

    The AGP assured the Chief Justice of Pakistan that journalists would not face any action.

    The chief justice remarked that he is strongly against curtailing criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution. “I don’t care if you make fun of me, but if you make fun of the judiciary, the country will suffer. You can criticise the Supreme Court, but the Constitution also has some limitations,” he said.

    “If you think that you are benefiting me or the Supreme Court by stopping criticism, then you are harming [the institution],” CJP Isa remarked.

    Qazi Faez Isa also said that media persons are allowed to criticise, but the matter of incitement is different. “We can never restrain a common man or a journalist from criticising.”

    Justice Musarrat Hilali stated that there is no issue with fair criticism, but the language used is wrong.

  • Clashes between PTI workers and police amid general elections

    Clashes between PTI workers and police amid general elections

    Clashes have been reported between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and police officers, after imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan gave calls for rallies ahead of the February 8 general elections.

    Numerous PTI supporters attempting to organize rallies in cities like Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar were taken into custody during the crackdown, adding to mounting political tension. Reports also indicate police raids on election offices, confiscation of party paraphernalia, and the removal of banners and panaflexes, allegedly aimed at intimidating party workers and voters.

    In Lahore, former Punjab governor and PTI candidate for NA-129, Mian Muhammad Azhar, was arrested by the police during an attempt to lead an election rally in his constituency. He was reportedly released later in the day.

    His son, PTI Central Punjab General Secretary Hammad Azhar, took to X (formerly Twitter) and stated, “My 82-year-old father was arrested. He wanted to lead a rally as per his democratic and constitutional rights”.

    “Pakistan has today been reduced to a total fascist state with zero human rights or rule of law. One Nawaz Sharif and his daughter calling the shots and ruining the country,” he added.

    Despite the challenges, Mian Muhammad Azhar, upon his release, maintained that he had not committed any crime, asserting that his sole offense was organizing an election rally. He highlighted the apparent disparity in treatment, alleging that all political parties were allowed to conduct rallies and public gatherings, except the PTI.

    In Karachi, over 20 PTI workers were arrested as the party attempted to conduct an election rally near Clifton Teen Talwar. Violent clashes erupted between PTI workers and the police, turning the area into a battleground. The confrontations resulted in injuries to police officials, including SHO Boat Basin Riaz Niazi, whose jaw was reportedly broken.

    Police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse the PTI workers, leading to further injuries among the protesters. The clash disrupted traffic near Teen Talwar, Clifton, for a significant period.

    SSP South Sajid Amir Sadozai told Express Tribune that no prior permission was taken by PTI workers to hold a rally in Clifton.

    The PTI workers had blocked the road, following which the police asked them to clear the road.

    In reply, they attacked the police with stones and sticks as a result more than 10 police personnel including SHO Boat Basin and a lady SHO were injured. SHO Boat Basin’s jaw was broken and he is in critical condition.

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) chief organiser took to X and said, “They should be dealt with iron hands.”

    PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan condemned the actions of Karachi Police, emphasizing the constitutional right of every citizen to hold a peaceful rally during the election campaign.

    Similarly, in Peshawar, PTI workers held rallies across various locations in the city, including Ring Road. The police apprehended 30 individuals from Pahari Pura, Faqieerabad, Sharqi, Hayatabad, Khazana, and Sarband.

    Moreover, cases were filed against over fifty workers and community leaders.

    Seventeen individuals were mentioned in the FIR within the jurisdiction of Paharipura police station, with seven of them being taken into custody. Likewise, Faqeerabad police station detained seven workers.

    Sarband police arrested 17 individuals, while Hayatabad and Sharqi police each apprehended three PTI workers.

    Earlier, PTI Chakwal candidate Ayyaz Amir reported a peculiar situation emerging in Chakwal involving the police. He highlighted instances of police raids on the homes of prominent local citizens, arrests of their family members, and acts of vandalism against local leaders.

    Major election rallies were observed in various constituencies, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Okara, Chakwal, Mandi Bahudin, Layyah, Bahawal Nagar, Mansehra, Gagu Mandi, Chitral, Banu, Peshawar, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities.

  • Social media campaigns for general elections; Hit or miss?

    Social media campaigns for general elections; Hit or miss?

    Social media is heavily flooded with election-related content as the country is heading towards poll in less than two weeks. All the major political parties and even independent candidates have released songs and campaigns on social media to impress the audience with catchy tunes.


    For us, the Haqooq-e-Khalq Party takes the trophy. Ammar Ali Jan’s “Loudspeaker” is riveting and hits all the right chords. “Haqooq-e-Khalq hai awaz muzdooron aur kisanaon ki” ticks the boxes of aims and ambitions needed to be a part of a manifesto.

    https://youtu.be/N8NLGnu5MJ8?si=n_cmM12RVx7jhnDZ

    Ammar’s social media team is also venturing into using popular songs as they put famous Punjabi song like “Teer te taj” as a background score to appeal the voters of all backgrounds.


    Using the pun of “Tera Mera hai Pyar Amar” is quirky and smart on their part.


    Using Inqilab by Waqas Akram Chaudhary is a win in every possible way.


    Following Ammar Jan’s effort is the PTI, the party without a symbol. Their campaign is screaming creativity as they have got their songs made separately for the symbols allotted to them be it a fork (kaanta) or a radio.


    Saif ur Rehman is a contesting election from NA 235. He incorporated a Bollywood song ‘Kaanta laga’ for his campaign. It is hilarious and attention-grabbing at the same time.


    Khurram Sher Zaman’s dhool from NA-241 incorporates Bollywood’s ‘Mohabbatein’ in a creative way.


    Usman Dar’s mother Rehana Dar is contesting on PTI’s ticket under the symbol of baby cot for which they have twisted Arif Lohar’s party song, “Aa tenon mouj karawan” seamlessly as “Maan tujhe Salam”.


    Former Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi’s wife Qaisera Ilahi is now contesting in his place for which Mazhar Rahi has sung an upbeat song.


    Folk singer Malko’s ‘Nak da Koka’ went viral for his one verse about “Qaidi 804”. This prompted him to sing part two, titled ‘Murshid’, dedicating it to Imran Khan. This went on to create a spree of songs, all dedicated to PTI, acquiring millions of views.


    The popularity of this song influenced PML-N to make a rip-off for their party’s election campaign.

    https://youtu.be/sJGK1aPfmYs?si=kpnrImL1ANlPXIhk


    ‘Umeed se Yakeen Tak’ is slowly growing on the people.

    https://youtu.be/WDftWHB_Lso?si=Rm2Mh2JB2r7lSm2Y


    Another rip-off of Malko’s ‘Chas Bari Aye Ae’ is groovy all thanks to the original song.

    https://youtu.be/xiqx-wjnBaE?si=8N2-IjE_UnnkhMc-


    N-League deserves the credit of having an integrated campaign as a YouTube channel is dedicated to songs but most are just rip-offs.


    Pakistan People’s Party has recently released a newer version of their widely popular ‘Utho Utho’.


    ‘Chuno Nayi Soch Ko’ has all there needs to be to appeal to gen-z audience and all the elements of a catchy election campaign.


    PPP is not using this song in jalsas anymore but we found a hidden gem with the name of ‘Jiyalay Teer Chala’ on YouTube. It is not just uber-cool but has all the potential for mass appeal.


    In a nutshell, the campaigns are in full swing and all the parties are trying their best to have more reach but our observation says that the one that explores more mediums and does not hesitate in experimenting manages to gather more ears and eyeballs.

  • Tempers fly high in court as Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi are given state lawyers

    Tempers fly high in court as Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi are given state lawyers

    In a surprising turn of events, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi found themselves represented by state-appointed lawyers in the ongoing cipher case, after their legal representatives failed to show up in court.

    A special court formed to hear cases under the Official Secrets Act appointed on Saturday state counsels for former premier Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    The decision was announced by special court Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain after the counsels representing the accused were absent from court proceedings on Friday.

    Malik Abdul Rehman is set to represent Imran Khan, while Hazrat Younus will stand in for Shah Mahmood Qureshi, both undertaking the responsibility of cross-examining the witnesses in the high-profile case. Both PTI leaders are presently detained at Adiala jail.

    Deliberating on the facts and circumstances, the court emphasised that it provided ample opportunities for the accused’s legal representation to be present in court. However, with no senior lawyer appearing on behalf of either Imran or Qureshi, the court had no recourse but to appoint state defense counsel.

    Tensions escalated during the hearing as Qureshi, dissatisfied with the situation, took the file from the state-appointed lawyer and, in an unexpected move, threw it against the wall.

    The development transpired following the absence of PTI founder and vice chairman’s counsels in the special court, established under the Official Secrets Act. The prosecution had filed a petition seeking to terminate the right to cross-examine witnesses, prompting a reserved verdict by Special court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain on Friday.

    During today’s proceedings, special prosecutors Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi and Raja Rizwan Abbasi were present, while the accused lawyers remained conspicuously absent. Assistant lawyers Qamar Anayat Raja and Khalid Yusuf Chaudhary took on the defense in their absence.

    In response to inquiries about the senior lawyers’ non-appearance, Raja, in an application seeking to postpone the hearing, explained that senior counsel Sikander Zulqarnain was undergoing dental surgery, rendering him unable to attend.

    Expressing concern over repeated adjournment requests, Prosecutor Naqvi questioned the regularity of lawyers’ appearances, suggesting a deliberate pattern of delays. Despite Raja’s defense of unintentional delays, Judge Zulqarnain expressed frustration, citing the case’s significance.

    As tensions mounted, the court instructed assistant lawyers to contact the absent senior lawyers by 12:30 pm, warning that proceedings would continue according to the law if they failed to appear. After the expiration of the two-time deadline, the court reserved its decision and adjourned the hearing until today. The legal saga continues to unfold as the case takes center stage.

  • Bilawal shows the ‘reality’ of NA 127

    Bilawal shows the ‘reality’ of NA 127

    In an interesting interaction on X (former Twitter), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shared videos highlighting the ‘reality’ of NA 127, an important constituency in Lahore.

    Elections are around the corner and candidates from different constituencies are using social media platforms to convince voters to vote for them. Journalist and anchor person Mansoor Ali Khan took to X and shared an image of a banner.

    “Banners displayed in Bilawal’s constituency,” the tweet said while banner stated, “Karachi nahi Lahore Chahiye”.

    Bilawal quote tweeted this with two videos stating, “Meanwhile the ground reality of Lahore NA127.”

    The videos showed debris and garbage in the constituency along with sewerage issues.

    https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1750825107382300907?s=20
  • Imran Abbas new film seems like a romantic journey of a lifetime

    Imran Abbas new film seems like a romantic journey of a lifetime

    Imran Abbass is gearing up for the release of his Punjabi film, and his fans, who have been eagerly waiting since he shared behind-the-scenes pictures, can finally rejoice as the trailer is now out. We can catch a sneak peek of the movie :Jee Ve Sohneya Jee with its fantastic trailer, featuring Simi Chahal.

    The movie, directed by Thaparr and produced by Sunny Raj, Varun Arora, Amit Juneja, and Dr. Prabhjot Sidhu, with co-production by Sarla Rani, is set to hit theaters on February 16, 2024.

    The film’s trailer and music, released under U&I Music, promise an exciting love story featuring Simi Chahal and Imran Abbas in their first-ever on-screen collaboration.
    The movie tells the story of a boy who travels a long way to win the love of someone from across the border, whom he met abroad. Throughout his journey, he encounters adventures and challenges, but he remains devoted to his love. The film’s songs are catchy and may become the next big thing.

    Check out the trailer for “Jee Ve Sohneya Jee,” :

  • Supreme Court allows Parvez Elahi to contest elections from Gujrat

    Supreme Court allows Parvez Elahi to contest elections from Gujrat

    The Supreme Court (SC) has on Friday granted major relief to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) by allowing three of its frontline candidates, including incarcerated party president Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, to contest the upcoming February 8 elections.

    The top court on Friday approved appeals of PTI candidates Umer Aslam, Major (retd) Tahir Sadiq, and Elahi against Returning Officer decisions to reject their nomination papers from multiple constituencies.

    Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has been allowed to contest from Gujarat district’s PP-32 seat.

    The former chief minister of Punjab had filed a petition in the apex court to challenge the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) verdict of upholding the decision of the Election Tribunal to reject his nomination paper.

    A three-member bench of the SC, comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Justice Athar Minallah, heard Elahi’s plea.

  • ‘I used to be critical of DAWN but surprised at its coverage nowadays’: Imran Khan

    ‘I used to be critical of DAWN but surprised at its coverage nowadays’: Imran Khan

    Journalists at Dawn reporting on Imran Khan’s trial in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, shared on Twitter that the former Prime Minister said that although he was critical of the newspaper while he was in power, he is surprised at the outlet’s coverage since his ouster from the government. The editor at Dawn shared this on Twitter.

    Dawn reporters Saqib Bashir, Asad Malik and Amir Saeed Abbasi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Imran Khan said to reporter Asad Malik, “I have always been critical of Dawn but the coverage is stupendous now, which is surprising for me.”


    The statement spurred many, including journalists, to react. Norbert Almeida tweeted, “Always covered him he just didn’t like what was said in the past and now likes it.”


    Omar R Qureshi also joined in to share his two cents, writing, “Proof that for Imran Khan a good paper praises him and writes editorials favouring him and his party”. He went on to add that in case the former Prime Minister comes to power again, Dawn has nothing to worry about.


    Lawyer and Columnist Abdul Moiz Jaferri tweeted, “Imran Khan still doesn’t get it. Everything is not about him. Journalists were not after him when they criticised him, and they were not with him when they report on his current plight. Journalism is a duty to the people. He should recognise its value.”


    A follower jumped into the discussion as many others shared a Cartoon published on January 23 in Dawn that mocked the duplicity of Imran Khan’s stance.

    Dawn, long considered Pakistan’s ‘paper of record’, was repeatedly targeted by PTI followers for criticising Imran Khan’s government.