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Tag: Shahbaz Sharif

  • PM Shehbaz rejects fuel price hike again

    PM Shehbaz rejects fuel price hike again

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that he has turned down a summary proposing an increase in the prices of petrol and High-Speed Diesel (HSD), stating that the government will continue to absorb the financial impact.

    Addressing the nation on Friday, the premier said that he was advised to approve an increase of Rs95 per litre in petrol and Rs203 per litre in HSD. “However, I have rejected it,” he said.

    The announcement comes days after he declined a similar proposal involving an increase of Rs76 per litre for petrol and Rs177 per litre for HSD. He had earlier also referred to rejecting another recommendation following a rise in global oil prices on March 13.

    The latest decision comes amid a global fuel crisis linked to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28. The government had already introduced austerity measures on March 9 and raised petroleum prices earlier in the month as part of its response.

    During his address, the prime minister said that the country was facing a difficult economic environment. “Even developed countries, which have resources in abundance, are facing an extreme economic crisis,” he said.

    He said that the government had taken advance steps to manage the situation, including reducing development spending. According to him, a Rs100 billion cut in the development budget and other austerity measures had helped limit the burden on the public.

    Shehbaz Sharif said that the government would bear a financial burden of Rs56 billion for the current week to avoid passing the increase on to consumers. He added that based on international market rates, petrol should be priced at Rs544 per litre but was being sold at Rs322.


    Similarly, he said that the price of HSD should stand at Rs790 per litre but was being provided at Rs335. He stated that over the past three weeks, the government had absorbed a total impact of Rs125 billion.

    “These figures may seem mere numbers, but the government has borne the historic burden, so that you don’t have to bear it,” he stated. 

    He also urged citizens to limit fuel consumption, asking them to assess whether travel was necessary. “Think before travelling whether it is necessary,” he advised, adding that austerity required collective participation.

    Separately, the federal and provincial governments agreed to introduce a mobile application-based quota system to provide targeted fuel subsidies to users of two- and three-wheelers.

    At the start of his address, the prime minister also spoke about Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement regarding the Middle East situation. He said that Pakistan was making efforts for de-escalation through dialogue, adding that he had held discussions with leadership in Iran and Gulf countries.

  • Shandana Gulzar booked for ‘spreading fake news’ about PM Shehbaz meeting Netanyahu in Egypt

    Shandana Gulzar booked for ‘spreading fake news’ about PM Shehbaz meeting Netanyahu in Egypt

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) announced on Wednesday that it had registered a case against PTI MNA Shandana Gulzar under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws for allegedly spreading false information regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Egypt for the signing of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz was present at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt earlier in the month where a peace agreement to end the genocide in Gaza was signed. He also met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

    The fact-checking organization iVerify Pakistan claims that since October 13, numerous posts, primarily from PTI supporters, have gone viral on social media platform X, falsely claiming to show PM Shehbaz with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the summit. These posts featured a blurry, low-quality photo of the prime minister’s meeting with the Armenian premier. Netanyahu did not attend the event.

    Gulzar also reposted the image with the same claim in a now-deleted post that read: “Article 6! Treason! Pakistan does not recognise Israel let alone a genocidal murderer like Netanyahu.” 

    “I have deleted my tweet on Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Netanyahu as the picture is not 100 percent clear,” she later clarified in a follow-up post. 

    The PTI lawmaker went on to allege: “What is 200pc clear and proof is available with ‘concerned’ people, a meeting was arranged between Shehbaz Sharif and Netanyahu. I will be demanding logs from Foreign Office of these secret meetings between Shehbaz Sharif and Netanyahu in summer 2025 to discuss Abraham Accords. Good luck on obtaining those. Meeting was arranged beforehand by friends of Israel. Full delegation from both sides present.” 

    Soon after, Gulzar shared a copy of the first information report (FIR) filed against her at the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre. The complaint, submitted by Technical Assistant Aneesur Rehman, was registered under Sections 11 (hate speech), 20 (offences against dignity of a natural person), and 26A (punishment for false and fake information) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.


    The FIR cited her X posts accusing the prime minister of meeting Netanyahu, among other related content.

    In a statement released on Wednesday, the NCCIA said that investigations had found that the PTI MNA had circulated “several fake and misleading tweets and videos.”


    “Shandana Gulzar spread fake images and false information regarding the prime minister of Pakistan. The false report alleged a meeting with the Israeli prime minister. The fake news spread fear, anxiety, and distrust among the public towards state institutions,” the NCCIA said.

    It further stated that “investigations confirmed that the accused deliberately advanced an anti-state narrative through fake news,” adding that efforts were underway to trace “other individuals and accomplices behind the anti-state campaign.”

  • Shahbaz Sharif, US Secretary of State emphasize promoting ‘durable’ peace between Iran, Israel

    Shahbaz Sharif, US Secretary of State emphasize promoting ‘durable’ peace between Iran, Israel

    United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif about the recent Iran-Israel conflict.


    US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, “Secretary Rubio emphasised that Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”

    “The two leaders [Sharif and Rubio] acknowledged the importance of working together to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran to maintain regional stability,” Bruce said, describing the telephonic conversation in a statement.

    The call might point to the growing significance of cooperation and communications between Pakistan and the US, prompted by the conflict between Israel and Iran, the latter of which is Pakistan’s neighbour, giving Washington DC all the more reason to turn their attention to Islamabad to understand and potentially quell tensions in the Middle East.

    Rubio’s statement during the call about not allowing Iran to develop and use nuclear weapons highlights the importance of Pakistan’s role. 

    President Trump had also recently praised Pakistan’s knowledge of neighbouring Iran. “The Pakistanis know Iran very well, better than most,” Trump said in White House after lunch with Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Asim Muneir.

    Trump’s praise for Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir at The Hague after the NATO conference as ‘very impressive’ and his detailing his cooperation in reducing various global tensions, especially the war scare between India and Pakistan—all point towards the US President’s willingness to continue cooperation with Pakistan. 

    The call brings a spotlight to the United States’ growing interest in Pakistan as well as Pakistan’s significant international standing given the context of the conflict in the Middle East.

  • What happened during the Shehbaz-Bilawal meeting?

    What happened during the Shehbaz-Bilawal meeting?

    Inside details of the meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif and the Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have been unveiled.

    The incumbent government has taken a PPP delegation, including former diplomat Sherry Rahman, former Prime Minister Pakistan Raja Parvez Ashraf, and Naveed Qamar, in confidence regarding legislation to be presented in the National Assembly on Monday.

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) members included the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

    PPP complained to the government that they were being neglected in Punjab.

    Rehabilitation and relief activities for flood victims in Sindh was also discussed during the meeting.

  • Bilawal Nawaz Debate: Who do you think will win?

    Bilawal Nawaz Debate: Who do you think will win?

    PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to avoid escalating political tensions and refrain from taking political rivalries to extremes.

    The appeal comes in response to Bilawal’s proposal for a debate between him and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif ahead of the February 8 general elections.

    Bilawal, during his election trail, has been critical of the PML-N, prompting responses from the top leadership of the opposing party. On Friday, Bilawal proposed a televised debate between him and Nawaz Sharif, citing the global practice of such debates to provide voters with crucial insights into candidates’ plans.

    Shehbaz Sharif, in apparent response to the challenge, suggested that it would have been more meaningful if the invitation had been extended to Nawaz Sharif for an inspection of Sindh rather than a debate.

    In a subsequent exchange, Bilawal demanded clarification on the city and date for the proposed debate. He also suggested Nawaz Sharif could visit Gambat in Khairpur to inspect the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences and compare it with Punjab’s hospitals.

    “Mian Nawaz Sharif can debate with me in Gambat, Khairpur. He can come and visit the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, a hospital that surpasses any hospital in Punjab, and where all treatment is absolutely free,” Bilawal said.

    He claimed that despite being the prime minister thrice, Nawaz had never once visited Gambat. “Or perhaps he would prefer to come to Tharparkar, where we can also inspect the infrastructure, and compare Thar with Cholistan. The coal project in Thar, which you and your brother opposed, is providing cheap electricity not to Karachi, but to Faisalabad,” he said.

    In an interview on the Dawn News show ‘Live with Adil Shahzeb’ aired on Saturday night, Shehbaz Sharif commented on Bilawal’s proposal, acknowledging him as an educated youngster with a future in the country but cautioned against making the political situation tense and taking rivalries too far.

    “I feel that the real thing to do at the end of the day is what we are thinking about the public and what will we end up doing for them. This is what people want to hear from us. They don’t want to hear someone bashing his rivals,” he said.

    “The poor man is drowning in poverty and unemployment. He has been crushed and this is a ‘do-or-die situation’ for Pakistan,” Shehbaz concluded.

    Shehbaz suggested that Bilawal could take Nawaz Sharif on a tour of Sindh instead of a formal debate, allowing for a discussion and comparison of the province. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the public and addressing their concerns, urging political discourse that revolves around the welfare of the people.

    Responding to Shehbaz’s comments, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on Sunday, reiterated his challenge for a debate and requested information on when and where Nawaz Sharif wishes to engage. He affirmed his readiness for any debate and scrutiny, asserting that deflecting from the challenge would not be effective.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal emphasized the global norm of televised debates and the transparency they provide to voters. He stated that such transparency is crucial for an informed electorate before the voting process. The challenge for a debate continues to add a dynamic element to the political landscape as the general elections draw closer.

  • ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    ‘Thank you very much’; PTI doesn’t want level playing field from Supreme Court

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially withdrawn its petition from the Supreme Court in which it sought a level playing field in the upcoming general elections.

    The party’s decision was revealed during the hearing on Monday, after counsel Latif Khosa conveyed the PTI’s intention to pursue the matter through what he referred to as the “court of 250 million people.”

    The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and including Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali, presided over the hearing.

    During the proceedings, Khosa gave words to PTI’s discontent, claiming that the court had deprived the party of 230 seats through a previous judgment.
    “We do not want to fight this case in your [Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s] court. Thank you very much,” said Khosa.

    He highlighted the alleged humiliation faced by the party, citing instances where symbols like glass, eggplant, and a bowl were assigned to PTI candidates.

    CJP Qazi Faez Isa inquired whether the PTI intended to pursue the case, to which Khosa responded that he had been instructed to withdraw the application. “We came to you for a level playing field for fair and transparent elections,” he remarked.

    Chief Justice Isa reminded the PTI that the court had repeatedly sought evidence of intra-party elections, emphasizing that the judges should not be held responsible for the verdict.

    He asserted that the court’s role is to ensure elections are conducted within the confines of the law, and if the PTI disliked the decision, they should consider legislative changes.

    Khosa argued that the court’s decision would undermine democracy and claimed that the PTI was being pushed out of parliamentary politics. He disclosed that the party’s leaders would now participate in elections as independent candidates.
    “You are destroying all the institutions of Pakistan,” the CJP told Khosa.
    Meanwhile, Justice Musarrat Hilali raised reservations over the ECP’s conduct and its handling of matters related to PTI ahead of the polls on February 8.
    “The Election Commission is not fair. It is running behind one party,” she remarked during the hearing, asking whether the electoral body can see any other parties or not. “Does the Election Commission not see other parties?”

    The Supreme Court had previously revoked PTI’s cricket bat symbol, citing irregularities in the party’s internal elections held in the preceding year. The court asserted that the PTI failed to comply with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directive to conduct intra-party polls in 2021.

  • ‘If I can’t contest election, I will go to Supreme Court’: Imran Khan

    ‘If I can’t contest election, I will go to Supreme Court’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan said on Friday that he will go to the Supreme Court (SC) if he is not allowed to contest the upcoming elections set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Talking to journalists inside Adiala Jail, the former prime minister said in the courtroom that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif, the party’s president Shehbaz Sharif, and PML-N’s senior vice president Maryam Nawaz are certified money launderers.

    Asked about the Al-Qadir case against his wife Bushra Bibi, Imran pointed out that the former First Lady is a trustee. “How can the police arrest her,” he asked.

    He also explained that trust land cannot be owned by anyone; Shaukat Khanum has land worth billions of rupees. “That too is not my property. Bushra Bibi is also a trustee; not even a single penny is ours.”

    Imran Khan further said that all laws were abolished by force; what is happening to PTI has not happened to any party.

  • PML-N to release final list of candidates by today or tomorrow, says Rana Sanaullah

    PML-N to release final list of candidates by today or tomorrow, says Rana Sanaullah

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah has said on Wednesday that the party has finalized the list of its candidates for general elections 2024, and will release the names by today evening or tomorrow morning.

    “We will issue the list today evening or tomorrow,” Sanaullah said during an appearance on Geo News show Geo Pakistan.

    He also confirmed that the matter of seat adjustment between PML-N and the Jahngir Tareen-led Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has been settled.

    The former interior minister also stated that PML-N has now agreed to provide seven National Assembly (NA) seats and 11 provincial assembly seats, against the IPP’s demand for 13 NA seats and 22 provincial seats.

    PML-N has also agreed on seat adjustments with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), he acknowledged.

    “PML-N will hold 60 rallies in the country,” said Sanaullah while sharing details of the party’s election campaign, confirming that party head Nawaz Sharif will start his own election campaign on January 17.

  • ‘Why is Shehbaz happy if the judgment is against Nawaz’ asks Asad Umar

    ‘Why is Shehbaz happy if the judgment is against Nawaz’ asks Asad Umar

    The Supreme Court (SC) has on Wednesday evening issued a verdict in favour of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, dismissing petitions challenging its validity.

    The decision was upheld by 10-5 majority. However, by an 8-7 decision, the majority of judges decided against the provision of law wherein retrospective right of appeal was given in the Act.

    Key Provisions of Act

    The act makes a number of significant changes to the way the Supreme Court operates. These include:

    • Requiring a three-member committee of senior judges, including the CJP, to approve all suo moto notices.
    • Establishing a transparent process for the formation of benches for hearing crucial constitutional issues.
    • Giving parties the right to appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days of a final order from a lower court.
    • Requiring the apex court to hear applications alleging urgency or requesting interim relief within 14 days of filing.

    Reaction to the decision

    Former Prime Minister and President of _ (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision.

    “The Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the Practice and Procedure Act 2023 is a welcome step,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

    Interestingly, when Asad Umar, PTI’s former secretary general, was asked about the judgment, he stated that it was the right decision but was intrigued to know if Nawaz Sharif would come back after the decision or not.

    “My question is, everyone is saying this is not a good judgment for Nawaz Sharif, why is Shehbaz Sharif liking this decision so much? I’m just asking an innocent question,” he said while talking to the media on Thursday morning.

    The verdict has caused a rift in the legal world. The decision, which involves Article 184(3), has led to intense discussions about what it means for the PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif.

    As per Dawn, lawyer Mohammad Ikram Chaudhry explained that in cases where no review has been filed, it’s possible to request a “condonation of delay,” which means the court might accept an appeal or application even if it’s late.

    Mohammad Akram Sheikh noted that according to the law, a review must be requested within 30 days of the judgment. He mentioned that in some cases, the highest court has allowed for delays but stressed that the applicant would need to provide a valid reason for the delay.

    Senior lawyer Raja Inam Ameen Minhas mentioned that the Supreme Court Bar Association has an ongoing review petition against the disqualification of politicians. He argued that since the matter of disqualification is still under consideration, it’s “still appealable.”

    Barrister Zafarullah Khan, the former special assistant on law to the ex-PM, pointed out that the Supreme Court’s decision wouldn’t affect Mr. Sharif’s cases because he wasn’t seeking relief from the highest court. Instead, he intends to pursue his appeals against convictions, which would eventually reach the Supreme Court.

    Some lawyers believe that the decision is a setback for Nawaz Sharif, who recently planned to return to Lahore after spending four years in London.

    The decision declared Section 5(2) of an act as ultra vires, meaning that the lifetime disqualification in the Panama case remains in effect.

    Lawyer Abdul Moiz Jafferi questioned who really won in this matter.

    Lawyer Usama Khawar Ghumman argues that Nawaz Sharif and Jehangir Tareen can still contest elections.

    “Despite Supreme Court’s decision to strike down retrospective rights of appeal, Nawaz Sharif & Jehangir Tareen can, in the short run, contest elections due to the PDM-led Parliament’s amendment to Section 232 of the Election Act, 2017,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

  • Is Nawaz Sharif leaving the London office?

    Is Nawaz Sharif leaving the London office?

    Former Pakistan Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, announced that October 6 is his last day at the London office, indicating his imminent departure to Pakistan.

    While talking to journalists, Nawaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to all reporters who have covered his activities in London, regardless of their stance, be it in favor or against him.

    Recognizing the pivotal role journalism plays in society, Nawaz Sharif stressed the significance of the public’s reliance on journalists’ opinions. He underscored the importance of journalists avoiding sensationalism and defamation, instead calling for constructive criticism and reform.

    Notably, Nawaz Sharif questioned the effectiveness of protests staged by Pakistanis in London over the past four years, particularly those involving figures like Maryam Aurangzeb. He suggested that if people wished to engage in protests, they should do so within Pakistan.

    During a press conference in Lahore, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the question regarding Nawaz’s return shouldn’t be repeated since he will be coming back.

    He also redefined the party’s slogan of ‘vote ko izzat do’.

    “Giving respect to the ballot doesn’t mean it is an anti-establishment slogan. It means serving the voters,” he said, asking whether raising anti-establishment slogans would help overcome the people’s problems.

    He also clarified a comment which was “wrongly attributed” to him. “I had never said that I am a darling of the (military) establishment. Actually, a journalist during a media interaction the other day had said that I had been a darling of the establishment for decades.”

    It is pertinent to know that the former three-time prime minister will return to Pakistan on October 21 and address a public gathering at 6 p.m. at Minar-e-Pakistan on the same day, senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah revealed on Tuesday.