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Tag: PTI

  • Politicians express condolences after reporter’s death, IK stops march for a day

    Politicians express condolences after reporter’s death, IK stops march for a day

    Sadaf Naeem, a reporter with Channel Five, died in an unfortunate accident near Sadhoke while reporting on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.

    She reportedly fell from the container after which she was crushed by the vehicle and passed away on the spot.

    Shortly after the incident, Khan announced that the long march has been postponed for the day and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

    “I say this with utmost regret that due to an accident we are postponing the march today. We pray for the patience and strength of the woman’s family to deal with the tragedy,” he told his supporters.

    The PTI chief also took to Twitter to extend his condolences. “I have no words to express my sorrow. My prayers and condolences go to the family at this tragic time. We have cancelled our march for today”, he said.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif also expressed regret over the death, saying that he was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

    Extending his condolences to the reporter’s family, PM Shehbaz praised Naeem as a “dynamic and hardworking reporter”.

    The President of Pakistan’s official Twitter handle said that President Dr Arif Alvi expressed regret over the death of Naeem and extend his sympathies to the deceased family.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif prayed for the departed soul.

    “I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of the precious life of a TV reporter Sadaf in the line of duty. My prayers are for the bereaved family. May she rest in eternal peace,” she said in a tweet.

    PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was also present along with his party chairman during the long march, recalled the last interview between Sadaf and Imran which was recorded yesterday.

    He said: “I have rarely seen a more courageous and hardworking reporter than Sadaf, a brave girl, after an interview with Imran Khan yesterday, when Sadaf was introduced as the bravest and hardworking reporter in Lahore, her eyes lit up. Who knew that this meeting would be the last one, God bless you.”

    Fawad also requested the public to take caution while walking along Imran’s container, adding that the lives of all people contributing to the march were “precious and respected”.

  • ‘Let’s appoint army chief together’: Shehbaz says Khan wanted to make a secret deal with him

    ‘Let’s appoint army chief together’: Shehbaz says Khan wanted to make a secret deal with him

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has made a claim that Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) offered to conduct talks with the government through a mutual businessman friend, reports Geo News.

    During a meet-up with vloggers in Lahore, the premier said that the PTI chief approached him a month ago and wanted to settle two issues through dialogue.

    PM Shehbaz said, “The first matter was the army chief’s appointment and the second was holding elections. However, I refused,” he stated.

    Shehbaz Sharif said that he instead offered Imran Khan a discussion on the Charter of Democracy and the Charter of Economy.

    The prime minister shared that Khan offered to send him three names for the Chief’s slot and sought three from him to appoint the next army chief. The Premier said that Khan told him through the intermediary, “Let’s appoint the army chief together.”

    “I sent a message to him [Khan] that is a constitutional duty that the prime minister has to perform,” said PM Shehbaz.

    About the press conference by Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Nadeem Anjum, the premier said: “General Nadeem Anjum held the press conference with my permission.”

    Earlier this month, Khan himself said that COAS appointment should be on merit. “COAS should neither be my man nor someone else’s”, said Khan.

    This revelation has come at a time when the retirement date of current COAS, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, looms closer.

    General Bajwa will be completing his extended term in November this year. He was appointed to this position in 2016.

    COAS Bajwa has reiterated his promise to leave office after completing his second three-year term in November.

  • Rana Sanaullah shares alleged audio of PTI’s Gandapur talking about bringing guns during long march

    Rana Sanaullah shares alleged audio of PTI’s Gandapur talking about bringing guns during long march

    During a press conference on Saturday, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah played an audio purportedly of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur in which the PTI leader can be heard talking about bringing guns and men to the long march.

    In the audio clip, a man believed to be Gandapur is heard asking an unidentified person named “Asad Ali” about the number of available guns and individuals.

    Citing the audio, Sanaullah alleged that the PTI intends to spread “violence” and “chaos” during its long march to Islamabad.

    He further claimed that as per initial investigations, details of this conversation have been secured by the ministry, however, he refused to reveal the identity of the unknown person allegedly speaking to the PTI leader.

    Sanaullah said that the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) should immediately arrest Gandapur and the unknown person.

    The script of the audio goes as follows:


    Asad Khan: Yes, Ali Khan?

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Mr president, what’s the position?

    Asad Khan: Sir, the position is A-one, what about you?

    Ali Amin Gandapur: How many guns are there?

    Asad Khan: There are several.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: License?

    Asad Khan: There are several licenses also.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Men?

    Asad Khan: There will be as many men as required, sir.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Okay. We are camping here in a nearby colony.

    Asad Khan: Yes.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: What is the nearest place here at the end here? Which colony is adjacent to it?

    Asad Khan: At ours?

    Ali Amin Gandapur: At the border… at the border… at the Islamabad-Pindi border.

    Asad Khan: Top [City] is also there, Capital is also there. There are several.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Top is at the airport.

    Asad Khan: Top is on the airport’s side, right… I sent you the entire map.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: I received it, I have it. You just keep the men and equipment ready there.

    Asad Khan: Sir, no problem, Insha’Allah.

    Ali Amin Gandapur: Just stay in contact then, Insha’Allah.

    Asad Khan: Okay sir, Insha’Allah.

  • Asad Umar responds to viral video of heated conversation with Hammad Azhar

    Asad Umar responds to viral video of heated conversation with Hammad Azhar

    Senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Asad Umar, has issued a clarification after a video of him having a ‘heated’ conversation with his party fellow Hammad Azhar during the party’s long march went viral.

    In a tweet, Umar said that he was “Only angry because the generator had broken down”.

    “They are shocked to see yesterday’s Lahore show solidarity with their captain [Imran Khan] and determination for real freedom. There is a clip circulating about possible differences. I was only angry because the generator had broken down and the second one was taking longer to arrive,” he said.

    In the viral video, Umar can be seen having a ‘heated’ discussion with Azhar. PTI Chairman Imran Khan and the party’s vice president Shah Mahmood Qureshi can also be seen standing at the back.

    It was speculated that there may be a rift between Azhar and Umar but now the latter has put rest to the rumours.

  • PTI terminates Faisal Vawda’s basic membership

    PTI terminates Faisal Vawda’s basic membership

    Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, on Saturday announced that the membership of party leader Faisal Vawda stands terminated for failing to respond to the show-cause notice issued to him on October 26.

    PTI confirmed the termination of Vawda’s basic membership from the official party account on Twitter.

    Earlier in the week, Vawda had made claims that the party’s long march would “witness bloodshed, death, and funerals.” After this, the PTI suspended Vawda and said that he would not be allowed to hold any party office or represent the party in the media as he had “grossly violated discipline by giving statements against party policies and guidelines”.

    Shortly after his hard-hitting presser, a show-cause notice was sent to him on the instructions of Khan, and Vawda’s party membership was suspended.

    The notification, shared by PTI’s Sindh chapter President Ali Zaidi, says, “You have grossly violated discipline by giving statements against party policies and guidelines.”

    “You are not allowed to hold any party office or represent the party in the media,” it added.

  • ‘Workers ko kaha hai ke Imran Khan ko dekh kar gharri chor, Toshakhana chor ke naray lagaayein’: Rana Sanaullah

    ‘Workers ko kaha hai ke Imran Khan ko dekh kar gharri chor, Toshakhana chor ke naray lagaayein’: Rana Sanaullah

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that he has instructed his party workers to “chant slogans of gharri chor (watch stealer) and Toshakhana chor,” whenever they see Imran Khan, Chairman of their rival party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    During an appearance on Geo News’ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath,” the federal minister said: “He is the biggest thief, the most corrupt. Mei nay apnay workers ko kaha hai yeh [Imran Khan] aap ko jahan bhi nazar aye, gharri chor aur Toshkhana chor ke narey is ke khilaf lagaye jain.” (I have told my workers that whenever they see him [Imran Khan], they should chant ‘watch thief’ and ‘Toshkhana thief’ slogans against him.)

    On Thursday, Khan was heckled with gharri chor chants within the vicinity of the civil courts in the provincial capital of Punjab.

    The federal minister was of the view that Khan should feel pain when such slogans are raised against him. “He only knows the politics of hate as he calls his opponents thieves and continues his loose talk against them”, said Sanaullah.

    He also hinted towards the possibility of negotiations between the government and PTI over the election date. He said both parties could find a middle way.

    Moreover, Sanaullah claimed that Imran Khan wants to be the establishment’s ladla (favourite) again, however, he added that the establishment won’t agree to it.

    About the long march, the minister said, “Imran Khan has no popularity, it is all propaganda”. He also warned that PTI will face difficulties if they try to enter secure areas.

  • Rana Sanaullah denies PTI’s Swati’s claim of being tortured in custody by military officials

    Rana Sanaullah denies PTI’s Swati’s claim of being tortured in custody by military officials

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has dismissed claims made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and Senator, Azam Swati, that he had been subjected to custodial torture and stripping by two military officials.

    In a joint press conference today (Friday), Sanaullah along with Additional Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Ayaz Khan and Head of Cybercrime Waqaruddin Syed responded to Swati’s allegations.

    The minister said that the FIA did not hand Swati over to any other institutions and denied allegations of torture, alleging that Swati and PTI were instigating mischief. “It is important to put facts before the nation, as they lie brazenly,” the minister added.

    He also invited the additional director of FIA to present the “facts” behind the raid that was conducted to arrest Swati in October.

    Ayaz said that the First Information Report (FIR) which was registered against Swati was for “a cognisable offence” after obtaining “proper” search, seizure and arrest warrants.

    He clarified that Swati was not arrested in front of his grandchildren. He further said his team went to Swati’s house with the police and before entering the house they “properly introduced” themselves at the gate.

    Talking about PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s allegations regarding the torture and stripping of his party members including Swati and Shahbaz Gill, Sanaullah said that he doesn’t understand why Khan keeps repeating the same narrative.

    “Imran Khan has adopted an anti-national agenda and instigates propaganda. He wants to take the country toward chaos and anarchy. His propaganda will be countered at all levels,” the minister said.

    Earlier today, Swati alleged that “Major General Faisal” and “Sector Commander Fahim” were the “two culprits” behind his abuse and custodial torture. During the press conference, he also showed the alleged torture marks present on his hands.

    He also demanded that “the infamous ISI political wing be buried” as he was of the view that it is responsible for the “insult and notoriety” for the country.

    Earlier this month, Swati was arrested in a case registered against him over a controversial tweet thought to be against the armed forces. Since his arrest, Swati has alleged he was stripped and tortured while in custody.

  • Khan asking institutions to pressurise govt for early elections is not unconstitutional: Asad Umar responds to DG ISI

    Khan asking institutions to pressurise govt for early elections is not unconstitutional: Asad Umar responds to DG ISI

    The top leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a joint presser addressed the many thing pointed out by the Director General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum and DG of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Major General Babar Iftikhar in an unprecedented press conference which took place earlier today.

    Asad Umar started by stating that Khan “owned” both the army and the country, stressing that the PTI Chairman has never uttered a word to weaken the institution. “But will Imran Khan agree with every decision taken by the army? Are there actions or decisions that he criticises it on? Absolutely. This is his constitutional right,” he insisted.

    “Imran Khan [does not] agree with every decision of the armed forces. Are there some decisions or actions [of the armed forces] that he criticises? Yes, he definitely does that,” said Asad Umar.

    Umar said the Constitution empowers the PTI chief to criticise the military. “But all that criticism, in Khan’s eyes, is directed towards the betterment of the country and the military,” he said.

    Talking about Imran’s backdoor meetings that the DG ISI had disclosed, the PTI leader asked: “What were the unconstitutional demands made in those meetings? The demands have been in front of the public since forever.”


    “We believe there is immense political and economic instability in Pakistan, which will only be sorted with early elections. For this, if one tells the institutions, as they hold a lot of power and influence politically, to hold general elections, it might not be okay with you [establishment]. Still, there is nothing unconstitutional in this demand,” said Umar to DG ISI’s accusations of Khan making unconstitutional demands.

    When talking about Imran’s thinly veiled criticism of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) the DG ISI in his press conference earlier today had asked, “If you see him as a traitor, then why do you meet him through the back door? […] Don’t meet him quietly at night through the back door and express your unconstitutional wishes but call him a traitor in broad daylight. That’s a big contradiction between your words and your actions.”

    Umar said the PTI chairman owns the armed forces and the nation and he has “never” maligned the armed forces abroad — whether in the United Kingdom or the United States.

    Answering a question Asad said that there is a lot of closed door talk which Imran Khan knows but hasn’t revealed. Discussing what the party leader had told Umar, the former Minister said that his leader said he too has a lot to speak about but isn’t doing so.

    “[In their press conference, the military officials] said that levelling allegations against the institution’s leadership was inappropriate […] but I would like to ask that if the leadership of the armed forces has its importance, then doesn’t the reputation of country’s biggest leader matter?” questioned Umar in relevance to Khan.

    The PTI leader praised the armed forces for sticking to their Constitutional role, but asked the military what were the unconstitutional demands that Khan made during closed-door meetings.

    “The political, economic, and social crises that are taking place in the country are unprecedented and early elections are the only solution for it,” Umar said.

    But Umar noted that Khan had demanded the military to use its influence for stability in the country, and it is not “unconstitutional”. “All the things that are being discussed behind closed doors aren’t secret. Imran Khan has discussed them in rallies and press conferences.”

    “However, it is important to seek answers as to why this situation is arising in the country. We need to think about it, but when we will take a look at the events that transpired, we will see that institutions have also made some mistakes,” he added.

    “DG ISI said that then-prime minister Imran Khan told him that the then-opposition leader was the biggest problem in the country. He was right, it has been proven via literature that the law should be upheld otherwise a country cannot progress,” Umar said.

    Umar added that the DG ISI mentioned that in the past, Pakistan was divided into two parts due to “hatred”. “It happened because the wishes of the people were not respected,” he said.

  • Faisal removed: PTI kicks out Faisal Vawda from WhatsApp group

    Faisal removed: PTI kicks out Faisal Vawda from WhatsApp group

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda held a press conference on Wednesday in which he made huge claims regarding the death of senior journalist Arshad Sharif and said the party’s upcoming long march to Islamabad would be a “bloody” one with “bodies falling” and deaths of innocent people.

    “Imran Khan’s peaceful march is our right but I am clearly telling you I am seeing blood, deaths and funerals in this march,” said Vawda.

    Shortly after his hard-hitting presser, a show-cause notice was sent to him on the instructions of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his party membership was suspended.

    The notification, shared by PTI’s Sindh chapter President Ali Zaidi, says, “You have grossly violated discipline by giving statements against party policies and guidelines.”

    “You are not allowed to hold any party office or represent the party in the media,” it added.

    After Vawda’s press conference, Zaidi tweeted: “Interestingly all channels and PTV covered the presser so it’s clear that Imported Government launched him. But he made no sense.”

    PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry said, “Frankly, I am surprised and confused at Faisal Vawda’s press conference.” He revealed that the party members didn’t know about the press conference.

    In a tweet, PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar said Vawda’s statement does not represent party policy and views.

    According to ARY journalist Abdul Qadir, PTI also kicked out Vawda from the party’s core committee WhatsApp group.

    Vawda repeatedly said that PTI is his party and he would always remain in PTI.

    Talking about Arshad Sharif’s tragic killing, the PTI leader dismissed the version of the Kenyan police about Arshad being killed in a case of “mistaken identity”.

    “The establishment has no role in this killing,” Vawda said, adding that the establishment had been in contact with Arshad Sharif.

    “Now you will all ask me how do I know all this and why. When Arshad Sharif went from this country, from that day to his last days, I was in contact with him and my phone is available for forensic analysis,” he added.

    He repeatedly said that Sharif’s murder was plotted in Pakistan and claimed to know about the details. Vawda stated that he is ready to share evidence with the Military Intelligence (MI) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

  • ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Khan is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics’: PM Shehbaz

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif—who is currently in Saudi Arabia—has said that Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is using the tragic killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif for “petty politics”.

    His statement has come after Khan’s comments about Sharif’s death, terming it “a targeted killing”.

    Taking to Twitter, the Premier said: “Imran Niazi is playing a dangerous game. He is using the tragic killing of Arshad Sharif for petty politics and going to the extent of casting aspersions on state institutions.”

    PM Shehbaz further said that the PTI chief should wait for the findings of the Judicial Commission which was constituted to probe the death of the slain journalist.

    ‘Mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai’: Imran Khan on Arshad Sharif’s death

    On October 25, Khan claimed that the killing of journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was a targeted killing, stressing that he himself warned the newsman that his life was under threat.

    Addressing an Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) convention in Peshawar, Khan said, “Jo marzi log kahein, mujhe pata hai target killing ki gayi hai” (Whatever people say, I know it was target killing), adding that “Arshad knew that his life was in danger, he was repeatedly warned. I told him too but despite that, he didnt step back even once or get scared,” he said in the speech.

    During the convention, Khan further said Arshad Sharif was the journalist he respected the most, using the term “martyred” for the late television host.

    Imran Khan heaped laurels on the slain journalist, calling him brave and pointing out that he put his life in danger but stayed on the path of justice “People threatened him, offered him money but he didnt change his stance,” Imran Khan revealed.

    “I told him to leave the country, but he did not listen,” Khan shared.

    “Sharif also criticised me, when he used to think I was wrong”, the PTI chief said.

    “Then I received information that they were about to kill him. They invaded his home and scared him in front of his family just so that he doesn’t speak the truth,” the former premier claimed.

    Imran said Sharif left the country but was being called back when his visa in the UAE was about to expire. “Not because he committed a crime but just so he doesn’t speak the truth. And they wanted to do the same with him what they did with Azam Swati, Shahbaz Gill and Jameel Farooqui,” Imran added.

    He repeatedly urged the lawyers’ community at the convention to take a stand. “You people have more responsibility because you know justice and the role of law more than the citizens.”

    “I will fight these cruel people till my last breath”, he said, adding that Allah has not given us the choice of being neutral.

    On Monday, Khan tweeted: “Arshad Sharif’s murder has sent shockwaves across Pakistan. It has highlighted an ongoing targeting of anyone who dares to criticise or question those holding power. When will our senior Judiciary act to ensure our citizens’ fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution are protected”.

    On October 23, Arshad Sharif was killed in Kenya in a reported shooting incident by the country’s police.