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Tag: PTI

  • Maryam hits at PM Khan after clash with Pervez Khattak, says this is just the beginning

    Maryam hits at PM Khan after clash with Pervez Khattak, says this is just the beginning

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz took a jibe at Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday after reports about his bitter clash with Defence Minister Pervez Khattak surfaced on the media. 

    Taking to Twitter, the PML-N leader called PM Khan a “liar, conspiratorial and cruel person.”

    Maryam said that the treatment of some Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members towards the premier was a clear reversal of fortunes. 

    She further criticised the PM and said that “getting your hands dirty for a few days of premiership is an utter loss”.

    Referring to the events that unfolded during the PTI’s parliamentary meeting earlier today, the PML-N vice-president wrote that “this is just the beginning” for the [prime minister].

    Earlier, Maryam while speaking to journalists after inquiring after party leader Bilal Yasin at his residence said that seeing the “misery of the people” at the hands of the ruling PTI had changed her mind and now she wanted the government to be sent home immediately.

    Later in the day, PM Khan and Khattak had an exchange of bitter words during a parliamentary party meeting chaired by the premier himself.

    It was reported that Pervez Khattak said in the meeting that, “we have made you the prime minister.”

    “Gas is banned in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we generate gas and electricity and we are the ones who are suffering,” said Khattak, adding, “We will not be able to get votes if this is your attitude.”

    After hearing Khattak, PM Khan got up to leave and said that if you are not satisfied with me then he will give the government to someone else.

    Later while talking to journalists Khattak said, “No one spoke harshly, I spoke for my right.”

    When asked why Khattak got up and walked out of the meeting, he said that he was not angry with anyone during the meeting but went out to smoke.

  • No PTI minister present in front row of Parliament, Opposition lashes out at non-seriousness of govt

    No PTI minister present in front row of Parliament, Opposition lashes out at non-seriousness of govt

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif took to Twitter to lash out at the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and said, “The ongoing session of the Assembly, which has been called to pass the catastrophic budget and the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) slavery bill, is currently suspended due to lack of quorum.”

    “Neither the government has its members beside it nor its allies,” tweeted Asif, adding, “How will both, the budget and the SBP’s bill will get passed.”

    “No minister is present in the front row,” said Asif.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari during his speech in the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday lamented how the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has imposed taxes on the people of Pakistan. He further said that PTI was bringing a “tsunami of taxes” through the mini-budget.

    He also criticised the government over the SBP Amendment Bill 2021, which was approved by a National Assembly panel on Monday, saying that the IMF had demanded the central bank’s autonomy during the eras of PPP and PML-N as well but neither party had agreed.

    He said Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif had talked about a national dialogue on the country’s economy but the government refused because of its “stubbornness”.

    PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah pointed out the lack of quorum as the opposition walked out in protest over the absence of Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin. The session was subsequently suspended for a short while.

    When the opposition returned, Federal Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar defended the government’s economic performance and blamed its predecessors for the country’s financial problems.

  • ‘Whole human disappears in 10 feet’: Twitter schools PTI’s Shahbaz Gill for ludicrous statement

    ‘Whole human disappears in 10 feet’: Twitter schools PTI’s Shahbaz Gill for ludicrous statement

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication, Dr Shahbaz Gill took to Twitter to comment on why the Governor House in Murree was not opened for the people stuck in Murree since many started providing assistance to the ones stuck in the snow-covered area, where at least 22 people were killed.

    Gill tweeted, “Some people are criticising that there is a Governor House in Murree, why it has not been opened?”

    “I have just returned from a failed attempt to enter the Governor House,” tweeted Gill, adding, “there is 10 feet snow and there is no way to get inside. When I tried to walk, my whole leg sank in the snow.”

    Gill’s statement of his leg sinking into ten feet of snow caught the attention of netizens. Twitterati schooled Gill that it was impossible for a human to walk through ten feet of snow, as the entire body sinks in that much snow.

    https://twitter.com/Raza1512/status/1480347122813734913
  • ‘If five thousand guests come to someone’s house without telling him what he can do’: Fawad on Murree

    ‘If five thousand guests come to someone’s house without telling him what he can do’: Fawad on Murree

    Federal Minister for information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry addressed the tragic Murree incident and said when tens of thousand vehicles enter an area simultaneously there would be chaos.

    According to him, all the vehicles entered Murree within 24 hours despite several warnings from the administration.

    In a press conference along with the Federal Minister of Education Shafqat Mahmood, Fawad said, “If five thousand guests come to someone’s house without telling him what he can do.”

    Referring to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s statement, “We are looking into the situation. We should learn from such incidents.”

    The federal minister also defended his previous statement that the common man traveling to Murree shows they’re getting rich by saying that the economy is getting “stronger”.

    He urged the media to advise people, not to go to northern areas as they are already full. Moreover, he updated that Express Highway is cleared and the evacuation process is underway.

    Talking about the Opposition’s criticism, he said they just did politics and pointed out Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz and leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

    As of now, 22 deaths have been reported in Murree. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said the authorities would evacuate 1,000 vehicles by today evening, while the roads would remain closed to Murree till tomorrow 9pm.

  • Politics on Murree tragedy: Opposition criticises PTI for negligence, incompetence

    Politics on Murree tragedy: Opposition criticises PTI for negligence, incompetence

    Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, condemning the massive tragedy in Murree said, “What a massive tragedy Murree is turning out to be! Heartbroken to learn about the loss of so many precious lives.”

    Taking to Twitter the PMLN leader wrote, “My profound condolences & sympathies are with the bereaved families.”

    Criticising the government for its negligence and not ensuring the safety of the people, Shehbaz tweeted, “Where do you pin the responsibility of these deaths? Where was the government all the while? What arrangements did it make to deal with such an influx? Incompetence is fast turning into criminality.”

    “Prior arrangements & round the clock supervision were the normal SOPs in the past,” said Shehbaz.

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz paying her respects to the ones who have lost their lives said, “The tragic death of entire families in Murree, helpless in the snow, has shaken my heart.”

    “There is no point in cursing the government because this dead conscience government has died long ago,” further wrote Maryam.

    Reminding the government of its negligence, Maryam said, “The job of governments is not only to count tourists but also to make advance arrangements and security measures for them.”

    “These deaths are not due to snowfall, but due to government negligence,” tweeted Maryam.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman tweeted, “Heartbreaking, Govts surely need to be more vigilant about the flood of tourists on the Galiat routes in extreme weather.

    “Instead of seeking more tourists, Govt should have given a warning for jammed roads. This is the norm in perilous weather in all such destinations,” said Sherry.

    Meanwhile, the federal government has deployed the Pakistan Army and other civil-armed forces for rescue operations after 16-19 tourists died in their vehicles in Murree due to heavy snowfall in the hill station.

  • Is ‘jahaz owner’ Jahangir Tareen hinting at joining PML-N?

    Is ‘jahaz owner’ Jahangir Tareen hinting at joining PML-N?

    The wedding ceremony of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khawaja Saad Rafique’s daughter took place in Lahore which was attended by disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen.

    In an informal conversation with reporters on the occasion, Tareen said that Saad Rafique is a brother and we are like a family. “Friendship with PML-N is old and will continue like this,” said Tareen.

    When a reporter asked If Tareen’s plane could ever go towards the PML-N, Tareen responded by saying “Jahaz tou hur jagah ja sakta hai [The plane can go anywhere]”.

    Jahangir Tareen was all smiles when the reporter asked him about joining PML-N, to which PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq said that “whether it was Jahangir Tareen or some other PTI leader, everyone except Imran Khan are smiling.”

  • Opposition confused? Bilawal plans February protest in Islamabad, Maulana in March

    Opposition confused? Bilawal plans February protest in Islamabad, Maulana in March

    The season of ‘the long march’ is back on in Pakistani politics. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday announced that he will lead a “long march” against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from Karachi to Islamabad on February 27.

    Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Bilawal said that the nation wants to get rid of the “selected” government and a transparent election is the only solution.

    Bilawal lashed out at the government and said that their “intentions are clear to get it approved by force” in Parliament.

    Terming the “mini-budget” as an “anti-state bill”, the PPP chairman said that we will protest in front of the Parliament House on the day voting is held.

    Contrary to the PPP, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is determined to hold a long march on Pakistan Day, March 23.

    The Opposition alliance pledged to reach Islamabad on March 23 and warned the authorities against any attempt to use force to prevent the marchers from entering the federal capital. The announcement was made by Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman, president of PDM, in December 2021.

    While talking to the media and PPP’s former alliance with the Opposition’s PDM, Bilawal said that PPP is not a part of PDM anymore.

    “Now it is up to them whether they resign from parliament or not,” he said, adding, “PDM has not consulted with us on its long march against PTI.”

    Reportedly, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz is yet to decide whether she will be marching along with Maulana or not.

  • PM Khan special adviser, donor awarded multi-million dollar hotel deal in Nathiagali: report

    PM Khan special adviser, donor awarded multi-million dollar hotel deal in Nathiagali: report

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) received funding from an individual Mumtaz Ahmed Muslim who owns an offshore company named Dreshak Security Solutions Inc. The security firm claims it has provided around 15,000 specialised non-combat security personnel to the American forces in the Iraq war, reports The News.

    The PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) returned the ‘favor’ to its donor by awarding a multi-million dollars contract to build a luxury hotel in the tourist destination Nathiagali in October 2021.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s scrutiny committee report reveals that Mumtaz Ahmed Muslim is one of the party donors who gifted $24,979 to the PTI.

    Mumtaz Muslim is the president and owner of the hotel chain. Mumtaz is not just a party donor but he also has close ties with PTI leadership.

    On April 15, 2018, he met Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan at his Banigala residence. After this meeting, PM Khan decided to appoint him as his special adviser. On April 26, 2018, the PTI chief signed a notification to appoint Mumtaz Muslim as a special adviser to the chairman on special projects on April 26, 2018. Mumtaz’s name also appeared in the media as a PTI leader when the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) released a list of Pakistanis who own properties in the UAE.

    The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) recently released the Pandora Papers containing around 12 million confidential files from 14 offshore services firms. One of the leaked files contains Mumtaz Ahmed Muslim’s name who owns an offshore company Dreshak Security Solutions Inc.

    The Pandora Papers documents reveal that on August 06, 2006, Mumtaz Ahmed Muslim incorporated an offshore company Dreshak Security Solutions Inc. in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction. As per the documents, Mumtaz Ahmed Muslim and Imtiaz Ahmed Muslim are the officers and shareholders of the company. Imtiaz Ahmed Muslim is also the managing director of Dreshak Security Solutions Inc.

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, while talking to The News, said he has no information about Mumtaz Muslim’s security company. About the hotel contract, he said Mumtaz Muslim won it in open bidding.

    When asked about Mumtaz Muslim’s meeting with Chief Minister KP a month prior to the contract awarding, he said as far as he knows, the KP government did not award the contract but the army did. Talking about his affiliation with Imran Khan, the information minister said Mumtaz Muslim is a staunch party supporter and a former party member.

  • PM Khan wants similar ECP scrutiny on bank accounts and funding of PPP, PMLN

    PM Khan wants similar ECP scrutiny on bank accounts and funding of PPP, PMLN

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Wednesday welcomed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) scrutiny of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) funding, money which he said came through donations from overseas Pakistanis.

    Taking to Twitter, the premier wrote, “I welcome ECP’s scrutiny of PTI’s funding through donations from Overseas Pakistanis. The more our accounts are scrutinised the more factual clarity will emerge for [the] nation to see how PTI is the only political party with proper donor base premised on proper political fundraising.”

    In another tweet, PM Khan said he looked forward to seeing similar ECP scrutiny on funding of the other two major political parties, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    His comments come a day after the report compiled by the scrutiny committee of the ECP noted that the ruling party had received funding from foreign nationals and companies, under-reported funds, and concealed dozens of its bank accounts.

    PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif criticising PM Khan said, “Truth has a strange way of exposing people. The facade of “Sadiq aur Ameen” has been shredded into pieces.”

    PPP Chairman took to Twitter and said, “Tax records reveal @ImranKhanPTI income increased more than 50 times since gaining power. Pakistan has become poorer but Imran is richer.”

  • PTI did not disclose funding worth Rs310 million, hid bank accounts: report

    PTI did not disclose funding worth Rs310 million, hid bank accounts: report

    The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hid 53 bank accounts and funds worth millions of rupees from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    The report of an ECP scrutiny committee probing the party’s funds revealed the following details.

    The committee’s report showed that the PTI had only disclosed 12 out of its 65 accounts, which are registered with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    The report stated that in the years 2008/2009 and 2012/2013, the PTI disclosed funding worth Rs1.33 billion against an actual amount of Rs1.64 billion which was reflected in SBP’s bank statement. Therefore, the party did not disclose funding worth Rs310 million.

    A scrutiny committee of the ECP constituted in March 2019 to audit foreign funds of the PTI had finally submitted its report to the commission on November 26, 2021, about six months after the last deadline was given.

    The PTI foreign funding case continues to linger since November 2014 when it was filed by Akbar S. Babar, the party’s founding member.

    In his petition, Babar alleged financial irregularities in the party’s accounts, including illegal sources of funding, concealment of bank accounts in the country and abroad, money laundering and use of private bank accounts of party employees as a front to receive illegal donations from the Middle East.