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Tag: PTI

  • PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    In a tragic turn of events, Rehan Zeb Khan, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and independent candidate from NA-8 Bajaur, was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in the Siddiqabad Phatak Bazar area on Wednesday.

    The district police officer and SHO Rashid Khan have confirmed the news of the PTI leader’s murder.

    Khan, who was contesting as an independent, was also a candidate for the provincial assembly seat PK-22. Reports suggest that he had tried to get a PTI ticket but had been refused by the party.

    The official candidate for PTI from NA 8 is Gul Zafar Khan, as per a reply from Imran Khan’s Facebook page message, “Halqa: NA-8, Bajaur, Candidate: Gul Zafar Khan, Symbol: SHOWER شاور”

    The incident occurred when Khan was at Siddiqabad Gate, engaging in canvassing activities for the upcoming general elections. The assailants targeted him while he was in his vehicle, marking a disturbing incident of violence against a political figure.

    This unfortunate incident comes on the heels of another attack on PTI’s electioneering within the past 24 hours. A day earlier, a bomb detonated at a PTI rally in Sibi, claiming the lives of at least four people and injuring five others, as reported by both police and witnesses.

    Saddam Tareen, the PTI candidate for the National Assembly constituency of NA-253, who was leading the rally on Jinnah Road in Sibi, fortunately escaped unharmed. The injured individuals were promptly transported to the Sibi district headquarters (DHQ) hospital for urgent medical attention.

    Unidentified Persons shot dead Awami National Party (ANP) local leader Zahoor Ahmed and injured another in a firing raid attacking the ANP office, in Chaman district, Balochistan as per officials.

    At least three were injured in a grenade attack on the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) election office in Quetta, ARY News reported.

    According to police officials, the attack occurred on Saryab Road Quetta where a hand grenade attack was launched on the PPP election office that injured three people.

    Reacting to the incident, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of the attack and sought a report from the chief secretary and IG Balochistan.

    The ECP spokesperson said that suspects involved in such incidents will be tried under the election laws.

    The incidents underscore the growing concerns over the safety of political candidates and campaigners as the general elections approach.

  • ‘Vote ko Izzat Do’ with a new twist

    ‘Vote ko Izzat Do’ with a new twist

    In a recent appearance on the Hum News program ‘Faisala Aap Ka with Asma Shirazi,’ Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif stated that ‘Vote Ko Izzat Do’ has a different meaning.

    When asked why the civilian supremacy narrative of ‘Vote ko Izzat do’ can’t be heard anymore, he said, “It means respecting the person who voted for me and fulfilling the trust they have shown in me.”

    He claimed that the May 9 riots were a deliberate conspiracy against Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, masterminded by Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and his party.

    Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the distinction between statements and conspiracies. He alleged that on May 9, the founder of PTI and his team conspired to create divisions within the military, leading to betrayal against Pakistan. He criticized PTI for diverting the nation from progress to chaos.

    Sharif expressed his views on various matters, including the loss of PTI’s iconic electoral symbol ‘Bat,’ attributing it to the party’s missteps. He also commented on Imran Khan’s recent 10-year jail sentence, emphasizing that the issue is about upholding the law, irrespective of whether decisions are perceived as good or bad.

    Responding to a question about PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s invitation for a public debate, Shehbaz Sharif said, “I’m in favor of Bilawal’s debate challenge but let him extend the invitation in his province for a fair comparison.”

    Regarding political decisions, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that if the majority is not attained through elections, consultations would be held. He confirmed that Nawaz Sharif would be the candidate for the premiership, subject to consultation, and the decision on the Chief Executive of Punjab would be made through consultation with Nawaz Sharif. The decision for the presidency would be made by the parliament.

    Stressing the importance of political and economic negotiations, Shehbaz Sharif called for the completion of the five-year term in Parliament. He recounted an incident during tensions with India, where the founder of PTI allegedly refused to attend a meeting, leading the then head of the army, General Bajwa, to return in disappointment.

  • Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case

    Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case

    An accountability court on Wednesday morning sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, to 14 years in prison in the Toshakhana reference.

    The Accountability Court’s Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict and disqualified Imran Khan for 10 years, imposing a fine of Rs1.573 billion (787 million each) on the couple.

    At the last hearing, which took place at Adiala jail, the court recorded Bushra Bibi’s statement under Section 342.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Khan also told the court that his wife has nothing to do with the case and is being dragged into it against her will.

    At the beginning of today’s hearing, Judge Muhammad Bashir asked Imran Khan if he had submitted his statement. To this, Imran Khan said he will submit his statement once his lawyers arrive.

    “I have been deceived, as I was only called to mark my attendance for the hearing,” said the PTI founder.

  • Imran’s government more corrupt than Shehbaz Sharif’s: Transparency International

    Imran’s government more corrupt than Shehbaz Sharif’s: Transparency International

    During the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government in 2023, Pakistan made improvements in its ranking on the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).

    The improvement in ranking shows that corruption decreased during the Shehbaz Sharif-led government as compared to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s tenure from 2018–2022.

    According to TI’s previous report, corruption in Pakistan increased since 2018.

    Imran Khan promised to wipe out corruption in Pakistan when he came into power. However, during his tenure, Pakistan’s ranking on the global corruption index went down, the opposite of what he had promised.

    According to a TI report released on Tuesday, Pakistan is now on number 133 among 180 countries.

    The previous report ranked Pakistan at 140, while the country’s overall score fell to 27 in the same year — the lowest since 2012.

    The recent report from TI indicates that Pakistan’s score on CPI increased by two points from 27 to 29. Additionally, the country’s rank has improved by 7 positions.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ‘Country can never make progress if elections become controversial’: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    ‘Country can never make progress if elections become controversial’: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    In a statement spoken outside the anti-corruption department office in Rawalpindi, veteran politician and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi voiced apprehensions about the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, asserting that the current electoral landscape could lead to chaos in the country.

    “Making an election purposeful is the job of the political leadership. This election has become purposeless. The political, military, and judicial leadership of the country should sit together on the table and determine the way forward for the country,” Abbasi said while talking to media.

    He showed up in the office for interrogation in a case related to alleged embezzlement in the Ghora Gali and Marri Road projects.

    Abbasi highlighted that it was the responsibility of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, and caretaker Premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar to ensure that the upcoming elections were “non-controversial”.

    “With each passing day, I become more satisfied that I made the right decision. Such an election, which does not give the country anything other than incitement and flaws; at least I did not play a part in this misdeed,” he said.

    He stressed that politicians “should realize that the country can never make progress if its elections become controversial”.

    Expressing concern over the potential controversy surrounding the elections, Abbasi stressed that elections are a sacred process and should not be made contentious. He pointed to alleged rigging in the 2018 elections, stating that the system did not function then and is unlikely to do so now.

    The former Prime Minister criticized the three largest political parties in the country, asserting that they have failed to address and resolve critical issues. Abbasi predicted the emergence of multiple political parties in Pakistan shortly.

    Despite leaving electoral politics, Abbasi clarified that he has not abandoned politics altogether. He mentioned that a decision regarding the formation of a new political party would be made after the upcoming elections.

    Addressing concerns about the National Accountability Board (NAB) and other anti-corruption institutes, Abbasi questioned who would hold them accountable, labeling them as the country’s most corrupt organization.

    Highlighting the decline in Pakistan’s development graph, Abbasi stressed on an uncontroversial election process.

    “Today people ask if the world is making progress then why is Pakistan declining in development graph? Since, 1947 every election has been stolen. The masses are disappointed in the election process. You still have time to make this process uncontroversial,” he said.

  • ‘You will not find any army in the world running at such a low budget’; COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir

    ‘You will not find any army in the world running at such a low budget’; COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir

    In a candid address to students from various public and private sector universities, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir urged the youth of the country to carefully elect their future representatives in the upcoming elections, scheduled for February 8.

    General Munir emphasized the importance of making choices based on merit rather than succumbing to the influence of money or propaganda, expressing concerns about the impact of social media on political decision-making, referring to it as “vicious media.”

    “Researching the news on social media is critical. Without research and positive thinking, a society remains in chaos,” the army chief remarked.

    The COAS stressed the importance of holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that incompetent individuals are not chosen to represent the people.

    “Elections will be held on February 8. People should carefully choose their representatives without selling their votes for Rs5,000.”

    He questioned the idea that a five-year constitutional term should give political governments the license to misgovern for the entire duration, emphasizing the need for continuous accountability.

    Addressing a question about the instability of political governments completing their five-year terms, General Munir questioned the actions of a dislodged political party that chose to resign from parliament and take to the streets.

    “Should political parties be allowed to break Pakistan? Should people keep waiting for the end of the five-year term?” he asked in response to a question about the inability of political governments in the country to complete their five-year terms.

    Without naming the PTI, the military chief said: “If a government was dislodged by the majority members of the National Assembly through constitutional means, then why did it become an issue?”

    Discussing the role of social media, General Munir warned against blindly believing content and encouraged the youth to conduct thorough research before forming opinions. He described social media as a source of chaos and divisions in society, with a high level of inaccuracy.

    “Governance cannot be performed virtually. It has to be performed on the ground. So do not make your decisions based on a six-inch mobile screen,” he advised.

    Touching on the Westernization of society, the COAS reminded the youth about the reasons behind the creation of Pakistan and cautioned against blindly adopting Western civilization.

    “If we want to adopt Western civilization, then why did we get rid of Hindu civilization?” he questioned while urging the country’s youth not to blindly follow the West.

    He advised young people to build character for the good of society. “You have earned your degrees, now it is time to build your character.” He said people want governance of Hazrat Umar’s era, but they do not have the character of that era.

    General Munir addressed concerns about brain drain from Pakistan, urging youngsters to strike a balance between materialism and progression. He emphasized the importance of not leaving the country permanently if one chooses to migrate, discouraging individuals from returning solely for opportunities.

    Highlighting the army’s contribution to the nation, General Munir mentioned that the military is the highest taxpayer in Pakistan, with half of its budget going back to the government in the form of various taxes

    “With the rest of the half, we run our affairs, and you will not find any army in the world running at such a low budget,” he said.

    The COAS said the military does not get any grant from the government for the Combined Military Hospitals (CMH) and the Defense Housing Authority (DHA). Some people criticize the CMH and the DHA but want to be treated in the military hospitals and live in the DHAs, he said.

    He said Pakistan has $10 trillion worth of reserves in the shape of mines, minerals, and rare earth metals, compared to just $128 billion in foreign debt. He said these resources would be augmented by the Green Pakistan Initiative–a military-run project to end the country’s reliance on imported food and make it self-sustainable.

    The cotton production this year increased to 13 million bales from last year’s 5 million bales, while the rice production has also doubled, he added. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also attended the youth conference.