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Tag: PTI

  • PPP gears up for seat adjustment and alliances

    PPP gears up for seat adjustment and alliances

    As general elections in Pakistan draw near, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has set its dialogue committee into action, assigning them crucial tasks related to discussions with other political parties and politicians.

    The committee has been mandated to schedule meetings with national and provincial figures to explore possibilities of seat adjustments in the upcoming polls slated for February 8 next year.

    Chaired by PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, the committee convened on Monday, with PPP President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Muhammad Bacha and PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi in attendance.

    Qamar Zaman Kaira and Sajid Turi participated through video link.

    During the inaugural meeting focused on Punjab and KP, the committee delved into the overall political situation in the country and the upcoming elections.

    Bukhari, in the meeting, delegated responsibilities to committee members, tasking them with arranging meetings with key national and provincial political figures.

    The committee collectively resolved to organise separate negotiation committee meetings for each of the four provinces, aiming to forge alliances and discuss potential collaborations.

    The formation of the committee was approved by Asif Ali Zardari last week on November 25, with a well-planned strategy to engage in discussions with various political entities.

    According to a notification released on Saturday, a five-member committee formed for Punjab and K-P includes Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Faisal Karim Kundi, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha and Sajid Toori.

    A two-member committee for Sindh includes Saeed Ghani and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah while a three-member committee for Baluchistan includes Changez Khan Jamali, Rozi Khan Kakar and Sabir Ali Baloch.

    This move comes in response to the efforts of the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to form alliances with political parties, particularly in Sindh, considered a PPP stronghold. PML-N members recently initiated talks on alliances and seat adjustments with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to counter the PPP’s influence in Sindh.

    Facing challenges in its historical stronghold, particularly with the formation of an anti-PPP coalition, the PPP aims to solidify its political position by actively seeking alliances and seat-to-seat adjustments ahead of the upcoming general elections.

  • PTI all set to hold intra-party elections

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has given the green light for intra-party polls as general elections loom closer.

    The decision was made during a PTI Core Committee meeting, where the party’s legal team proposed the holding of intra-party elections.

    Intra-party elections will be held on Friday.

    The committee approved the schedule and deliberated on the prevailing political situation, organizational activities, and ongoing cases against party members.

    Barrister Ali Zafar, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the Senate, said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had earlier declared the party’s intra-party election null and void due to technicalities.

    “To avoid any discrepancies with the ECP, another leader may temporarily stand in for the PTI Chairman during this election,” he said.

    The PTI core committee expressed its commitment to democratic processes within the party and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values in all aspects of political engagement.

    Previously slated for June 13, 2021, under PTI’s constitutional framework, the intra-party elections faced postponements, drawing a show-cause notice to Imran Khan from the ECP in May 2021 due to the delay.

    The ECP granted PTI an extended deadline, shifting the intra-party elections to June 13, 2022. Yet, the party failed to meet this revised timeline, prolonging the unresolved status of its intra-party polls.

    The commission had issued warnings, citing potential repercussions under the Elections Act, 2017, that could render the party ineligible for future polls if non-compliance persisted.

    What is an Intra-Party election?

    Intra-party elections in Pakistan refer to the process of electing leaders and representatives within a political party. This is distinct from general elections where the public votes for candidates from different parties. Intra-party elections are a key aspect of internal party democracy and governance.

  • We won’t see Imran Khan’s trial in open court

    We won’t see Imran Khan’s trial in open court

    A special court declared on Tuesday that the trial proceedings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case will be conducted at Adiala Jail.

    Today, Judge Zulqarnain presided over the hearing at the FJC, where Barrister Salman Safdar appeared as Imran’s counsel while Advocate Ali Bukhari was present as Qureshi’s lawyer. FIA’s prosecutors Shah Khawar and Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi also appeared before the court.

    This decision comes after Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain emphasized the importance of security, prompting the trial to be held within jail premises.

    The court previously ordered that the former prime minister and Shah Mahmood Qureshi be present at Islamabad’s Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) for today’s hearing.

    However, Adiala jail authorities, citing “security risks” in their report, failed to produce Imran Khan, despite the court’s directives.

    The initial orders for a jail trial were issued in the first hearing of the cipher case outside the Adiala jail following the Islamabad High Court’s decision to nullify the August 29 notification for a jail trial.

    Judge Zulqarnain has been conducting the trial within the jail premises due to security concerns since Khan’s indictment last month.

    Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 in the cipher case in August.

    The case revolves around a missing diplomatic cable allegedly containing a threat from the United States to topple the PTI government.

    The court’s decision to hold the trial within Adiala Jail, in an open court setting, aims to ensure transparency and accessibility for those interested in the proceedings.

    During the hearing, the jail authorities submitted their report to the court, which Judge Zulqarnain reviewed. The judge then said, “The jail officials are saying that he (Imran) cannot be presented.”

    According to reports by intelligence agencies and the police, the PTI chairman faces threats to life, the report stated. It further said, “It has been informed that the PTI chairman faces security risks of a serious scale”.

    The special court stated that those who wished to attend the court proceedings would not be stopped from doing so and that journalists would also be permitted to witness the case.

    It further said that five family members of each suspect would also be allowed inside the courtroom. The hearing was adjourned till Dec 1 (Friday).

    Both Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted in the cipher case on October 23, with the trial initially held at Adiala Jail.

    However, the proceedings were deemed “erroneous” by an Islamabad High Court division bench, leading to the initiation of a fresh trial. The court’s decision to approve an open jail trial addresses concerns about transparency and legal protocols.

  • Imran Khan wants 14 kg dumbbells

    Imran Khan wants 14 kg dumbbells

    Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s lawyer Abuzar Salman Niazi revealed that Imran Khan is worried about his biceps while in jail.

    He took to X (formerly Twitter) and said, “A lot of people are asking me whether this is true or not. Let me narrate what actually happened. As I and @BarristrUKNiazi were waiting for khan sb to come and see us on Thursday. As soon as he came, when we asked him if he is facing any problem in Jail. He said I am not affected by anything, even i can sleep on floor. But I can’t comprise on my muscles.”

    He further stated that Khan said his biceps are getting a little out of shape due to the non-availability of dumbbells.

    He explained that he had requested many times for the provision of the same but was denied for no apparent reason.

    Due to security issues, Khan can’t go to Gym like other poisoners.

    He further stated, “All I have asked for is pair of heavy dumbles from my own expense which has been denied. In nutshell, jail has made Khan sab more determined and strong. All machinations of Govt to Pester him are counter productive and making him stronger.”

    The Cases

    The former prime minister is currently being held in Adiala Jail after his arrest from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on August 5.

    He was moved to the prison on September 26 from Attock Jail where he was initially kept after his arrest.

    Khan was first convicted by a lower court in the Toshakhana case in August and sentenced to three years of imprisonment. The IHC suspended his sentence the same month.

    The Islamabad accountability court issued arrest warrants for PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana and 190 million Al-Qadir Trust cases.

    Khan was arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9 for the first time.

    The 190 million (approximately Rs60 billion) settlement case pertains to the money of property tycoon, Malik Riaz, being laundered and caught by the UK authorities during Imran’s government in 2019.

    The UK government had informed the Pakistani authorities regarding the money being caught.

    The former premier is already in prison as he was subsequently booked in the ‘cipher’ case.

    In the cipher case, Khan, along with his close aide and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has been accused of leaking state secrets.

  • Shahzad Akbar allegedly attacked with acid in UK

    Shahzad Akbar allegedly attacked with acid in UK

    Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Assets Recovery Unit (ARU) head Shahzad Akbar has revealed in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) that an unidentified man threw acid on his face at the front door of his home in the United Kingdom.

    The incident took place in an area near London outside the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader’s residence.

    He wrote, “Last evening I was attacked at my address in England (where I am living in exile with my family) by unknown assailant/s who threw acidic liquid at me. Thankfully my wife and children are safe, however I got some injuries but nothing life-threatening. Police and emergency services arrived instantly and house being protected now. I will not be intimidated nor bow down to those who are doing this.”

    Speaking to Geo News, Akbar said a delivery person came to his house and threw acid on him as soon as he opened the door. However, he said, most of the acid landed on the door and only a small amount landed on him.

    “My wife and children remained unharmed, only I got some injuries,” said the former PTI leader.

    Akbar told Geo News that he is currently living in a small village outside of London where he shifted about 1.5 months ago. He said that his new address had been leaked.

    The politician, who has been in self-exile in the UK, said that he was at home with his kids on Sunday when a delivery man wearing a helmet rang the doorbell.

    He said that as soon as he opened the door, the man threw acid on him from a bottle, adding that one side of his face and body were injured.

    He said that the suspect was dressed as a delivery boy and was traveling on a bike.

  • Arrest orders issued for PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb

    Arrest orders issued for PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday issued arrest orders for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Marriyum Aurangzeb in a hate speech case, directing authorities to produce the former federal minister in court on December 9.

    ATC Judge Abher Gul Khan issued the arrest warrant for the PML-N leader and ordered the concerned station house officer (SHO) to execute the orders of her arrest.

    The non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against the former information minister for not appearing before the court.

    A terrorism case had been registered against Aurangzeb, PML-N stalwart Mian Javed Latif, state-run Pakistan Television’s Managing Director Sohail Khan and others for allegedly trying to incite hatred by using the religion card against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

    In the previous hearing, the ATC judge canceled the non-bailable arrest warrant against Latif after he appeared before the court.
    On November 25, Advocate Farhad Ali Shah representing Javed Latif and Marriyum Aurangzeb appeared before the court.

    During the hearing, Judge Khan inquired about the whereabouts of the PML-N leaders and was informed that Latif had appeared while Aurangzeb had not.

    Consequently, the judge issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for the former information minister and directed all suspects named in the case to appear before the court on December 9.

    The case, registered on September 19, 2022, implicated both Aurangzeb and senior PML-N leader Javed Latif for allegedly “using religion to instill and spread hatred” against Imran Khan, the chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and former prime minister.

    According to the FIR, the complainant had said Latif accused the PTI chief of “attacking the basic principles of Islam” by “supporting” the Ahmadiyya community during his tenure.

    “When Imran made the Naya Pakistan, units of Qadianis became active in Karachi […] Did Imran not give interviews to the foreign media in which he said that Qadianis will be given religious freedom,” Latif had said.

    The FIR had said Latif made the controversial remarks at the behest of the party leadership as well as Aurangzeb in order to spread religious hatred against Imran.

    The complainant had said he watched another presser by Latif a day later wherein he insisted that he stood by his earlier statement.
    The complainant said, “The world knows Imran Khan for his welfare work. He is a true Muslim, a Prophet (PBUH) lover and a patriotic Pakistani.

    “He (Imran) made Quranic teachings in schools compulsory and also constituted Rehmatullil Alameen Authority. He also made it clear before the world through his speech at the United Nations that we will not tolerate blasphemy at any cost and raised his voice against Islamophobia which is matchless.

    “In his news conference, Latif declared Imran a non-Muslim and deliberately used words to incite his followers to create a law and order situation.”

    The FIR added that the PTI chief’s followers and supporters were enraged by the derogatory remarks of the PML-N leader.
    “Latif made the controversial remarks at the behest of his party leadership as well as Marriyum in order to spread religious hatred against Imran.”

    Complainant Rehman said that he had watched another news conference a day later in which Latif said that he stood by his earlier statement.

    He demanded action be taken against the PML-N leaders and others nominated in the complaint under the law.

  • Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar wants to rejoin PTI

    Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar wants to rejoin PTI

    Senior politician Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar is reportedly seeking a return to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as per Geo News.

    Having previously been associated with the PTI, Sarwar, currently the chief organizer of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), parted ways with Imran Khan’s party during last year’s no-confidence motion in April, leaving when Imran Khan was ousted from the prime minister’s office.

    In March this year, Sarwar joined the PML-Q in the presence of its president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.
    In December 2021, Sarwar slammed Khan’s government by saying that the PTI had handed over everything to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    During the no-confidence motion, Sarwar, as the chief organizer of the PML-Q, defied Khan’s orders and explored the possibility of joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    However, this idea was rejected by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, citing Sarwar’s earlier defection to the PTI after the failed 2014 sit-in led by Khan and Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri.

    Sarwar joined the PML-Q in March of the current year, assuming the role of chief organizer.

    However, he has been residing in Scotland since several months, showing little interest in party affairs.

    Despite initial hopes of the PML-Q gaining prominence, especially without Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi, it appears that Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan’s Istehekam Pakistan Party (IPP) is currently the frontrunner.

    Sources reveal that Sarwar, for the past two weeks, has been reaching out to PTI leaders directly and indirectly, discussing his potential return to the party from his base in Scotland.

    A senior PTI leader disclosed that Sarwar had expressed a desire to rejoin the party, but the PTI has not responded to the overtures thus far.

    “The only person who can allow re-entry of Chaudhary Sarwar is Imran Khan but he has made it clear he will not forgive and forget those dozens of leaders who let him down in difficult times. Those who lobbied against Imran Khan and the PTI are not acceptable.”

    Chaudhary Sarwar wants to join the PTI again because his family members want to run for elections on the party’s tickets in Faisalabad, as there are no seats vacant in PML-N ranks and no other option, said a source close to Sarwar.

    The source also said that the senior politician’s son Anas, the Scottish Labour leader, also has an election coming up in Glasgow and there is a considerable Pakistani vote in the local constituency.

    Another source said that so far the PTI had not shown any interest in the offer and it had no time to even consider it given the circumstances the PTI was facing in Pakistan.

    When asked about efforts to rejoin the PTI, Sarwar didn’t deny it.

    He said: “All options are on the table. Discussions at various levels are ongoing. I have not made a final decision yet. I will make the final decision soon.”

    Sarwar joined PTI in 2015 after criticising Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, days after resigning as the Punjab governor. However, he was appointed to the post for a second time once the PTI came to power in 2018.

    Sarwar’s allies said he was not happy as Punjab governor and didn’t like Usman Buzdar. He was sacked from the post around the no-confidence vote by the PTI government, with Omer Sarfraz Cheema being appointed as his replacement.

  • Fawad Chaudhry allowed to meet his wife

    Fawad Chaudhry allowed to meet his wife

    Following an intervention by the court, Fawad Chaudhry’s wife has been granted permission to visit him during incarceration.

    Additionally, the court has issued an order directing the provision of medical facilities to Chaudhry in accordance with the jail manual.

    Presiding over the case, Justice Gul Hasan Aurangzeb emphasized the paramount importance of upholding the petitioner’s dignity.

    Expressing concern over incidents akin to Chaudhry’s case, the court referenced the restrictions placed on Asif Zardari and the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, underscoring the need to ensure access for individuals to meet their families and lawyers.

    Justice Aurangzeb remarked that such incidents bring shame to the officers involved, highlighting the significance of respecting the rights and dignity of those under legal scrutiny.

    Chief Commissioner Anwar-ul-Haq presented a report before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the implementation status of Fawad Chaudhary’s plea for permission to meet with lawyers and family members.

    The report revealed that former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has been granted B-class facilities in jail, and as per the court’s directives, he has been permitted to meet with family and legal representatives.

    In addition, the court sought details regarding the number of cases Chaudhry is involved in, to which his lawyer replied that he only had knowledge of one case. Fawad Chaudhry, a former leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, was arrested on November 4 from his residence on charges of allegedly accepting bribes after promising a job.

    What are the facilities provided to class A or B?

    Superior class prisoners are entitled to books and newspapers, a 21-inch television, a table and a chair, a mattress, personal bedding and clothing and food. The prisoners have to pay for all this themselves. The government is only obligated to provide them security in a high-security ward where they will be kept away from other prisoners.

    Rooms are supplied with a cot, one chair, one teapot, one lantern if there is no electric light, and necessary washing and sanitary appliances. ‘A class’ prisoners may supplement the furniture by other articles within reasonable limit at their own cost, at the discretion of the Superintendent.

    When several superior class prisoners are confined together, two ‘C class’ prisoners may be provided to cook food for them. If a superior class prisoner is confined individually he may be permitted a ‘C class’ prisoner for cooking. One attendant and one cook prisoner may be allowed to superior class prisoners up to 10 in number.

  • Imran Khan grilled for nine hours by NAB

    Imran Khan grilled for nine hours by NAB

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan faced intense questioning from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Adiala jail on Sunday in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) UK and Al-Qadir University Trust cases as per Geo news.

    Sources revealed that four distinct NAB teams conducted separate interrogations spanning over nine hours, delving into various documents and posing a multitude of questions to the former prime minister.

    The initial team, comprised of an assistant director from NAB Rawalpindi and a member of the Combined Investigation Team, spent approximately two-and-a-half hours investigating Khan.

    Subsequently, a two-member team continued the interrogation, focusing on the £190 million and Al-Qadir University Trust cases.

    Imran Khan is slated to appear in different courts in Islamabad on November 28 and 30 for separate cases.

    Judge Abual Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain of the Official Secrets Act special court mandated Khan’s presence on November 28 for the cipher case, while his appeal against the Toshakhana criminal case conviction is scheduled for a hearing on November 30 before an Islamabad High Court(IHC) bench.

    Despite the Islamabad High Court declaring his jail trial null and void, doubts persist regarding Khan’s appearance for an open trial on November 28 and 30.

    The 71-year-old, who has been in jail since August 5 following a three-year conviction in the Toshakhana case, had his sentence suspended by the IHC on August 29.

    However, a trial court subsequently ordered his rearrest in the cipher case and initiated a trial in jail.

    Khan is sceduled to appear in the special court at the Federal Judicial Complex on Tuesday (tomorrow) for a hearing of cipher case.

    The police, administration and other departments concerned would hold a meeting on Monday to finalise the security plan for him, according to Online.

    Sources said the Special Branch of the police and other relevant departments had started collecting classified information which would help them in planning security for the former premier.

    Police sources said there were three routes to bring Imran Khan to the FJC — one is Peshawar Road, the second is Islamabad Expressway and the third is Murree Road.

    According to sources, Peshawar Road would be the preferred option to bring Imran Khan from jail to the Judicial Complex. The Red Zone is likely to be partially sealed on Tuesday besides important installations in and around the area.

    Sources said the judicial complex would be surrounded by the police and paramilitary forces.

    Important points and roads leading to the judicial complex would likely be sealed. Troops are also likely to be deployed near important places of the capital like Faizabad Zero Point, Srinagar Highway and Red Zone.

  • Petition filed for removal of President Arif Alvi

    Petition filed for removal of President Arif Alvi

    A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against President Arif Alvi for misconduct and failing to carry out his constitutional duties by Ghulam Murtaza under Article 184 section 3.

    The President, Secretary, and the Ministry of Law have been made respondents in the petition.

    In the petition, the Supreme Court has been requested to carry out an inquiry into President Arif Alvi’s conduct, summoning him after investigations, and subsequently removing him from office.

    The petitioner argues that Dr Arif Alvi misused his powers as the president and insulted the office of the president. He states that the president belongs to the entire nation and not just one political party.

    The petitioner alleges that Dr Arif Alvi is guilty of unconstitutional action of having misused his office. He contends that the president neglected his constitutional responsibility, adding that it was the president’s job to give the date for the next general elections, but he failed to do so.

    The petitioner argues that the president was also guilty of illegally dissolving the assembly. He contends that Dr Arif Alvi did not ensure the implementation of the Constitution under Article 5 of the Constitution.

    The petitioner has requested the court to stop Dr Arif Alvi from working as the president and action be taken against him for alleged violations of the constitution and law.