Current Final

Tag: Shehbaz Sharif

  • Khan becomes the first prime minister in Pakistan’s history to be voted out of power

    Khan becomes the first prime minister in Pakistan’s history to be voted out of power

    Imran Khan makes history as he becomes the first prime minister in Pakistan’s history to be voted out of power. The Constitution of Pakistan witnessed historic moments as the country saw a transfer of power and made it clear: The Law is Supreme.

    The Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan succeeded on Sunday, April 10, with 174 members voting in favour of the motion. The magic number to oust Khan was ‘172’. National Assembly debated on the matter for more than 12 hours and the political situation in the country took a critical turn.

    Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said, “We cannot thank Allah enough for allowing us to see this new day,” said Shehbaz. “We thank everyone for their sacrifices, and now, once again, a Pakistan based on Constitution and law is about to come into existence,” the PML-N president said, hoping that the alliance would move the country towards progress.

    “I would like to congratulate the whole nation and this House, as for the first time in the history of the country, a no-confidence motion has succeeded and we have made history,” said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto.

    “On April 10, 1986, Benazir Bhutto ended her self-imposed exile and arrived in Lahore to launch her struggle against Ziaul haq,” said Bilawal.

    The PPP chairman said that on April 10, 2022, the person who was declared “selected” by the Opposition and proved himself to be an “undemocratic burden” on the country saw the end of his rule. 

    “Today [on] April 20, 2022, we welcome [you] back to the purana Pakistan,” said Bilawal

    What happened in NA from April 9 to 10

    The historic and crucial session of the National Assembly (NA) session to decide the fate of Khan was held on April 9, as per the Supreme Court’s orders given on April 8. However, Khan never showed up.

    Voting on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran has begun as PML-N Ayaz Sadiq chaired the session. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser resigned from his post on Saturday, saying he could not take part in a foreign conspiracy to oust the prime minister.

    Before announcing his resignation, Qaiser said that he had received “important documents” from the cabinet, which he invited the leader of the opposition and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to see. “In line with our laws and the need to stand for our country, I have decided that I can’t remain on the position of the speaker and thereby resign,” he said. Because this is a national duty and it is the Supreme Court’s decision, I will ask the panel chairman Ayaz Sadiq to run the session.

    Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial open the Supreme Court’s doors in light of the current political situation. The chief justice instructed the relevant officials of the top court to open the doors at 12am, as the National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser was yet to allow voting on the no-confidence motion against PM Khan.

    Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) doors opened on the instructions of IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah.

    Prior to this, the NA session was adjourned again and was expected to resume at 9:30pm after Isha prayers. The latest adjournment was the fourth of the day as the Opposition’s clamour for immediate voting throughout the day has fallen on deaf ears.

    Speaker NA Asad Qaiser delayed the session until 12:30pm, but the break had been prolonged and the voting is now expected to take place at 8pm, i.e. after iftaar.The NA session resumed at 2:32pm. However, the session was also adjourned for Asar and Maghrib prayers.

    Shehbaz Sharif takes the floor:

    The session started at 10:30am today with Quranic recitation, followed by naat recitation. At 10:40am, the national anthem was played.

    At 10:43am, Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif took to the floor of the House and started addressing. He called on NA Speaker Asad Qaiser to conduct proceedings in accordance with SC directives, stating that the parliament would be writing history today. “Today, parliament is going to defeat a selected prime minister in a constitutional manner,” he declared.

    Shehbaz urged the Speaker to play his role and to have his name “written in history in golden words”.

    “You must cash in on this moment with conviction and with your heart and your mind. Don’t follow the dictation of a selected prime minister,” he urged Qaiser, adding that the apex court’s directives were clear.

     Qaiser interjected the Opposition leader and said that he would conduct proceedings according to the law and the Constitution.

    “[But] the important thing is that there has been discussion of an international conspiracy. This should also be discussed,” said Qaiser.

    On this, Shehbaz told Qaiser that he would be violating the law and order of the SC.

    “Under the court’s directives, you are bound to take up this agenda item and no other item. That is the intent of the order and you cannot deviate from it,” he said, calling on the Speaker to hold voting on the motion forthwith.

    “The SC’s orders will be followed in true letter and spirit,” Qaiser replied, giving the floor to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    Foreign Minister Qureshi addresses the floor of the House

    At 10:51am Qureshi took to the floor and accepted that according to the Constitution, it is the right of the Opposition to submit a no-confidence motion, while it is the government’s responsibility to defend itself from the motion.

    Citing PM Khan’s April 8 address to the nation, Qureshi said that just like the premier said, although we are disappointed with Supreme Court’s judgment but respected the court’s orders. He added that NA proceedings were being conducted in accordance with the directives issued by the court.

    “Today is Saturday and the session has started at 10:30am. The court said the session will not be prorogued unless the process of Article 95 and rule 37 is concluded.”

    Highlighting the seriousness of the “threat letter” controversy, Qureshi said: “The National Security Committee (NSC) took two decisions. First, they acknowledged there was interference in Pakistan’s internal matters and that a demarche must be issued,” he said, adding that the Foreign Office followed these directives.

    “The second was to immediately summon the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and for the matter to be presented before elected representatives,” he said, adding that the Opposition was also invited.

    Session adjourned till 12:30pm

    The Opposition benches started protesting and shouting. Shah Mahmood Qureshi asked why they were “nervous”. Meanwhile, the Opposition continued to chant the slogan “voting karwao, voting karwao” during Qureshi’s speech. Amidst all this ruckus, Qaiser at11:03am adjourned the session till 12:30pm.

    Number of Opposition members

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Marriyum Aurangzeb tweeted the total number of Opposition members present in NA.

    Meanwhile, the session was to start at 12:30pm, but it has still not started.

    Voting will take place at 8:00pm: reports

    Journalist Nasim Zehra, who is currently inside Parliament, has tweeted that the Speaker is reportedly going to return by 2:00pm to announce that the voting will take place at 8:00pm.

    Bilawal holds Qureshi responsible for PM’s troubles

    Bilawal began by telling Niazi he was violating the Constitution and the court’s orders. “You cannot take up anything else except for what is on the agenda. Not only you, but the speaker also did the same,” he told him, demanding that voting is held on the no-confidence motion.

    Turning his guns on PM Imran, Bilawal said that the premier was breaking the law on his way out of office. “If you want to be involved in it, then it’s your choice. But I had warned the prime minister to stay away from the man speaking before me,” he said, referring to the foreign minister.

    The PPP chairman alleged that FM Qureshi was responsible for the premier’s troubles, again calling for voting to be held on the no-confidence motion. “If you don’t come to today’s agenda, then you should know that the opposition will not leave […] we will snatch our constitutional rights from you.”

    ‘SC’s ruling interference in proceedings of Parliament’: Asad Umar

    Planning Minister Asad Umar claimed that the Supreme Court’s declaration of the deputy speaker’s ruling was “interference in the proceedings of the Parliament.” “If Supreme Court has to decide on which day and at what time the session will be summoned then we should do away with assembly,” said Umar. He added that the apex court’s decision was “an interference in Parliament’s matters”.

    “Would it have been right if the Parliament had intervened in Supreme Court’s matters?” asked Umar. He also questioned whether it would have been right if the Parliament decided which judge comes and goes in the Parliament.

    Zardari calls for voting on no-trust motion

    In his speech, former president Asif Ali Zardari said, “I just want to make a request to hold voting on the no-confidence motion. Don’t waste time.” He said that the stock market rose after the apex court issued its verdict while the dollar also fell, once again calling on the speaker to hold the vote.

    “I don’t want to go to the court against you tomorrow. We have to live in Pakistan. We have to maintain links with every political party. So hold the vote and end this. Let’s move forward so that Pakistan can prosper,” he told Qaiser.

    ‘Opposition is a part of US conspiracy’

    Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen Mazari’s speech revolved around the alleged US influence on Pakistani politics. “It is this nation’s misfortune that America has always been successful in [changing] the leaders of Pakistan.”

    The Supreme Court had on Thursday, April 8, ordered the government to hold voting on the motion on Saturday, April 9, at all costs according to the agenda issued for April 3 session when the deputy speaker rejected the motion through a ruling declaring it “unconstitutional” and a “foreign conspiracy”. 

    The top court’s directives came after Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial took suo motu notice of Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling and the subsequent dissolution of the assembly, declaring all the decisions unconstitutional.

  • Hamza Shehbaz moves High Court for new Punjab CM’s election

    Hamza Shehbaz moves High Court for new Punjab CM’s election

    Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shehbaz moved Lahore High Court (LHC) to seek the court’s help for the in-house election of a new Chief Minister (CM) Punjab after the resignation of Usman Buzdar.

    The petition said the nomination papers of Hamza and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid’s (PML-Q) Pervaiz Elahi were submitted for the CM’s seat and later a session of the assembly was convened for voting on April 3 but it was adjourned.

    Consequently, the Deputy Speaker of Punjab Assembly Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari directed to hold the session on April 6 at 07:30 pm but the assembly premises were sealed. Hamza requested the court to ensure that there is no interference in the house.

    During the hearing, chaired by LHC Chief Justice (CJ) Amir Bhatti, Hamza’s counsel Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said the Punjab advocate general had assured the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) on April 5 that the session would be held the next day i.e. April 6th. At this, the CJ summoned the Punjab advocate general only to know that he is in Islamabad.

    CJ Bhatti decided to issue notices to all respondents including; Elahi, Mazari, the Punjab chief secretary, and the provincial police chief for Monday (April 11) and adjourned the hearing.

    On April 6th, Mazari summoned a crucial session of the assembly for the election of new CM Punjab. However, the PML-Q submitted a no-confidence motion against the deputy speaker.

    After the Punjab Assembly was sealed off with barbed wires and the building’s main gate was locked while the Opposition lawmakers, led by the PML-N, held a session of their own at a private hotel, with PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz claiming that Hamza Shehbaz has been “elected” as the Punjab CM.

    In the Punjab Assembly, the govt has 183 lawmakers, PML-Q 10, PML-N 165, PPP seven, five are independent and one belongs to Rah-i-Haq party.

  • ‘Imran Khan stumped’: What led Khan to this point?

    ‘Imran Khan stumped’: What led Khan to this point?

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) has “stumped” Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan through its historic verdict on April 7. The verdict seems to have cleaned bowled Khan as the National Assembly (NA) was restored after the apex court declared the government’s decision to dissolve the assembly and NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling against the Constitution. This decision is being described as a win for the Constitution of Pakistan.

    In its verdict, the top court has called for convening the NA session on April 9, at 10:00am.

    Court order

    The apex court’s five-member larger bench — headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Aijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel — heard the case and then later issued the ruling. The decision was unanimously given by 5-0 judges.

    Here is what the court order has to say:

    “In consequence of the foregoing, it is declared that at all material times the Prime Minister was under the bar imposed by the Explanation to clause (1) of Article 58 of the Constitution and continues to remain so restricted. He could not, therefore, have at any time advised the President to dissolve the Assembly as contemplated by clause (1) of Article 58.”

    “In consequence of the foregoing, it is declared that the advice tendered by the Prime Minister on or about 03.04.2022 to the President to dissolve the Assembly was contrary to the Constitution and of no legal effect,” said the order.

    The Supreme Court also “declared that the assembly was in existence at all times, and continues to remain and be so”.

    SC ordered for the session of NA to reconvene on Saturday, April 9 no later than 10:30am, saying that the session cannot be prorogued without the conclusion of the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Pledge to fight for Pakistan “till the last ball”: PM Khan

    After the verdict was announced, PM Khan took to Twitter and said that he pledged to fight for Pakistan till the last ball.

    “I have called a cabinet mtg tomorrow as well as our parliamentary party meeting, and tomorrow evening I will address the nation. My message to our nation is I have always and will continue to fight for Pakistan till the last ball.”

    Government’s reaction to the decision:

    Information and Law minister Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter and said, “This unfortunate decision has exacerbated the political crisis in Pakistan.”

    “Immediate elections could have brought stability to the country. Unfortunately, the importance of the people has been overlooked,” said Chaudhry.

    Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari tweeted, “A judicial coup happened last night down to ordering how & even at what time NA session must be held, ending parliamentary supremacy!”

    In another tweet, Mazari wrote, “The long shadows hanging over this judicial decision think the game has been won but frankly it has just started.”

    Special Assistant to the PM Dr Shahbaz Gill said, “Our forefathers cut off their necks in 1947 and crossed the Wagah border to live in an independent country.”

    “Looks like they’re back in the 1947 situation,” said Gill.

    Opposition’s reaction to the SCP ruling

    Reacting to the decision of the top court, the Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif tweeted, “Mubarak to all who supported, defended & campaigned for the supremacy of the Constitution. Today, politics of lies, deceit & allegations has been buried.”

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to Twitter and celebrated the Opposition’s win by writing: “Democracy is the best revenge.”

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz said, “Congratulations to Pakistan for getting rid of the most incompetent and most failed government.”

    Timeline of the events since April 3

    The legal battle against NA dissolution raged on for five consecutive days.

    April 3:

    National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri on April 3 said that the no-confidence motion, presented on March 8, should be according to the law and the Constitution. “No foreign power shall be allowed to topple an elected government through a conspiracy,” he said, adding that the points raised by the law minister about Article 5 were “valid”.

    After Suri on Sunday “dismissed” the no-confidence motion against PM Khan, terming it against Article 5 of the Constitution, the legal war began. PM Khan then addressed the nation, saying he had advised President Dr Arif Alvi to dissolve the National Assembly, which the President approved. 

    CJP Umar Ata Bandial took suo motu of the dismissal of the no-confidence motion.

    April 4:

    On Monday, April 4 the CJP had remarked that the court would issue a “reasonable order on the issue”, but the hearing was adjourned after Farooq H. Naek, the counsel of PPP and other Opposition parties, presented his arguments.

    April 5:

    The Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 5 sought a record of the National Assembly proceedings conducted on the no-confidence motion filed against Prime Minister Imran Khan and adjourned the proceedings till April 6.

    PPP Senator Raza Rabbani quoted media reports about the ECP had said it was not possible to hold general elections within three months. However, the ECP denied issuing any statement concerning elections.

    April 6:

    CJP Bandial on Wednesday, April 6, said, “We first want to wrap up the case on what happened in the NA on April 3,” the CJP remarked.

    The chief justice said that “negative statements” are being issued against the court and it is being said that the court is delaying the matter.

    April 7:

    The court, in its short order, on Thursday, April 7, ruled that the deputy speaker’s ruling was “contrary to the Constitution and the law and of no legal effect, and the same are hereby set aside”.

  • Name your candidate: President asks Khan, Shehbaz to give names for caretaker Prime Minister

    Name your candidate: President asks Khan, Shehbaz to give names for caretaker Prime Minister

    President Dr Arif Alvi has sent letters to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif to seek suggestions for the appointment of a caretaker PM.

    The letter states that the caretaker PM will be appointed after the mutual consultation of the President, current PM, and Leader of the Opposition.

    The letter also mentions that if consultations fail, both government and the Opposition will nominate one person for the seat to a committee comprising both Govt and the Opposition.

    However, responding to the letter, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari questioned the President, saying that if there is no Assembly, then how can the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition exist name any caretaker prime minister? What would be the status of consultation between them?

    Bilawal also asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop this ‘coup’.

    A day earlier, Deputy Speaker National Assembly (NA) Qasim Suri dismissed the no-confidence motion against Khan, terming it “unconstitutional”, saying that it was backed by “foreign powers” under Article 5.

    Following this development, Executives [Khan and Alvi] announced the dismissal of the National Assembly under Article 58. However, Imran Khan will remain seated as PM till the appointment of a caretaker PM.

  • Legal Battle: Is what Prime Minister Imran Khan did today, legal?

    Legal Battle: Is what Prime Minister Imran Khan did today, legal?

    After the National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri on Sunday “dismissed” the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, terming it against Article 5 of the Constitution, the legal war began. PM Khan then addressed the nation, saying he had advised the President to dissolve the National Assembly, which the President approved. The country is in a state of shock and the main question is: Is what is going on, legal?

    BUT FIRST, WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ASSEMBLY SESSION?

    Loyalty to the state is the basic duty of every citizen under Article 5: Fawad Chaudhry

    The much-awaited and crucial NA session started after a delay to hold the vote on the no-confidence motion against Khan.

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said, “On March 7, our official ambassador was invited to a meeting attended by the representatives of other countries. The meeting was informed that a motion against PM Imran was being presented,” he said, adding that this happened a day before the Opposition filed the no-trust move.

    “We were told that relations with Pakistan were dependent on the success of the no-confidence motion. We were told that if the motion fails, then Pakistan’s path would be very difficult. This is an operation for a regime change by a foreign government,” he alleged.

    NA speaker dismisses no-confidence motion against PM Imran, terms it contradictory to Article 5

    After Fawad Chaudhry spoke, Deputy Speaker Suri agreed with Fawad and said that the no-confidence motion was presented on March 8 and should be according to the law and the Constitution. “No foreign power shall be allowed to topple an elected government through a conspiracy,” he said, adding that the points raised by the minister were “valid”.

    He dismissed the motion, ruling that it was “contradictory” to the law, the Constitution, and the rules. The session ended and the government representatives walked out.

    LET’S GET LEGAL: What is Article 5?

    According to Article 5, “Loyalty to the State is the basic duty of every citizen.”

    “Obedience to the Constitution and law is the [inviolable] obligation of every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being within Pakistan.”

    THEN WHAT HAPPENED: On PM Imran Khan’s advice, President Arif Alvi approved the dissolution of the assembly

    In a surprise move, the premier on Sunday said that he has advised President Alvi to dissolve all the assemblies.

    President Dr Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly on the proposal of PM Khan.

    In a brief address to the nation after the no-confidence motion was rejected, the premier congratulated the nation and said that he had sent a proposal to the President to dissolve the NA and the nation should prepare for the next election.

    WAS WHAT HAPPENED LEGAL?

    What do the legal experts have to say?

    The Current reached out to legal experts to understand and get better clarity on the constitutional process in relevance to dismissing the no-trust move against PM Khan.

    Senior Lawyer and Journalist Muneeb Farooq terming the dismissal of the no-trust move “absolute nonsense” said, “The court will decide if what the speaker did is illegal and the no-confidence motion will likely move on. Today the court is closed, they [the Opposition] will take it to the court tomorrow.”

    Farooq further said, “Article 69 says that the court cannot question parliament proceedings, but there are exceptions,” adding that certain things were taken to court and the Supreme Court has ruled on them.

    WHAT’S FAROOQ’S MAIN POINT?

    Farooq said that the Prime Minister does not have the right to ask the President to dissolve the national assembly when there is a motion of no-confidence against him. He also added that the Speaker cannot dismiss a motion against the PM when the motion is already a part of the agenda. He added that Article 5 cannot be used in this situation, the way the government has used it.

    THE OTHER SIDE:

    Supreme Court Lawyer Chaudhry Faisal Hussain said, “The Deputy Speaker gave the ruling to dismiss the no-confidence motion. It is in his power to discard the no-confidence motion against the prime minister. Hence the motion gets dismissed and PM Khan still remains the prime minister.”

    WHAT’S HUSSAIN’S MAIN POINT?

    “Since Imran Khan is still Prime Minister, he can call for fresh elections, after dissolving the assembly, which he has done. The issue now will be that PM Khan has already moved past the no-confidence motion. If the assembly had not been dissolved, then perhaps the Supreme Court could make a ruling on the no-confidence issue.”

    ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW

    Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) Salman Akram Raja speaking to Geo News said that what happened in the National Assembly today was “highly unconstitutional”.

    He further said that SCP will look into the ruling given by the deputy speaker and could decide on allowing early elections or letting the no-confidence motion vote happen.

    The Joint Opposition had submitted the no-confidence motion to kick out PM Khan on March 8. According to reports, Chief Justice Umar Bandial has called his fellow justices to his place to discuss what is going on in the country.

    Meanwhile, sources say the Supreme Court may hold special proceedings today as well.

  • MQM’s wishlist: Sindh govt decides to remove PPP’s Murtaza Wahab as Karachi administrator

    MQM’s wishlist: Sindh govt decides to remove PPP’s Murtaza Wahab as Karachi administrator

    The Sindh government has reportedly decided to remove their party member Murtaza Wahab as Karachi administrator following a Pakistan People’s Pakistan (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) deal, states ARY News’ sources.

    The sources further state that the new administrator of Karachi would be nominated in light of the deal between these two parties.

    It has been reported that MQM-P will be part of the Sindh government as two ministers from the provincial cabinet will resign in the next few days.

    The 18-point-agreement between the MQM-P and PPP, known as the ‘Charter of Rights’, was signed on March 30.

    The agreement was signed in the presence of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, while Shehbaz Sharif, Fazlur Rehman, Akhtar Mengal and Khalid Magsi have signed the agreement as guarantor.

  • Opposition leaders claim PM Khan wants an NRO

    Opposition leaders claim PM Khan wants an NRO

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that it is time for Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to exit honourably.

    “You have played your innings. Show sportsman spirit and leave,” said Bilawal while talking to the media in Parliament House

    “An honourable way to exit is to step down and let the vote of no-confidence motion happen and allow the Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif to take a vote of confidence.”

    “We will not give any NRO to Imran Khan nor will we withdraw the no-confidence motion,” said Bilawal.

    During the meeting of the Opposition leaders today ahead of the crucial National Assembly (NA) session for a debate on the no-confidence motion, it was shared that the premier has asked for a “safe passage” amid a deepening political crisis, reported Geo News.

    PM Khan has said that if the Opposition doesn’t agree with his suggestion, he is ready to face any situation.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “#NoNROforNiazi”.

    PML-N leader Miftah Ismail took to Twitter and asked, “Guess who is pleading for an NRO now?

    PML-N leader Saad Rafique tweeted, “On the one hand, you are asking for face-saving, and on the other hand foreign conspiracy drama, naked abuses, threats of bringing one lakh people cannot go together.”

  • MQM nay ‘dil aur darwazay’ Opposition kay liye khol diye

    MQM nay ‘dil aur darwazay’ Opposition kay liye khol diye

    The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has decided to part ways with the government in principle. The final decision was announced today during a press conference, flanked by leaders of the joint Opposition, MQM-P. MQM is a government ally at the Centre.

    The development was “historic”

    MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui at the beginning of the conference said the development was “historic” and at the same time, it was a “test for the political leadership of the country” as the coming days would pose several challenges to them.

    “Today, we are gathered here to vow that we should work beyond promises and ensure that the decisions we take impact common Pakistanis,” Siddiqui said.

    A national jirga of the opposition … has come together: Shehbaz

    Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif said: “Today is an important day in Pakistan’s history because a joint opposition … a national jirga of the opposition … has come together and efforts have been made for national unity.

    “This agreement will be implemented in letter and spirit,” added Shehbaz.

    PPP and MQM-P have to work together under any condition if we want to work for Karachi and Pakistan’s prosperity: Bilawal

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thanked MQM-P and described its decision of teaming up with the opposition as “historic”.

    “I want to repeat that PPP and MQM-P’s working relationship is not related to the no-confidence motion. PPP and MQM-P have to work together under any condition if we want to work for Karachi and Pakistan’s prosperity,” he said.

    “Imran Khan has now lost his majority. He is not the prime minister anymore. The parliament session is tomorrow. Let’s hold voting tomorrow and settle this matter. We can then start working on transparent elections and the journey towards restoration of democracy and an end to economic crisis can then begin.”

    Following the formal announcement, MQM-P’s Siddiqui signed the agreement with the opposition parties.

    MQM-P’s Farogh Naseem, Aminul Haque step down as federal ministers

    Both members of MQM-P serving as federal ministers, Farogh Naseem and Aminul Haque, have stepped down from their posts, hours after the party’s announcement to side with the Opposition in the vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Opposition congratulates Pakistan

    Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari congratulated Pakistan on the latest development.

    “The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement. Rabta committee MQM & PPP CEC will ratify the said agreement. We will then share details with the media in a press conference tomorrow IA. Congratulations Pakistan.”

    Rabta Committee meeting today

    A draft agreement had been finalised between the two sides in the early hours today but MQM will publicly announce its final decision once the Rabta Committee has ratified the agreement. MQM-P will convene a meeting at their Bahadurabad office today at 2pm to discuss the agreement with the Opposition. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui will preside over the Rabta Committee meeting.

    MQM’s list of demands

    Journalist Gharidah Farooqi tweeted the list of demands made by the MQM.

    The government ally has asked the Opposition that the local government law will be made in accordance with Article 140-A, the Sindh government will present a draft amendment in the local body law in the assembly within a month, Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab will resign from his post, put an end to fake domiciles in Sindh, an increase in the powers of local bodies, and administrators of local bodies in Hyderabad, Karachi to be appointed in consultation with PPP and MQM.

    PTI’s offer

    After the Opposition’s meeting, a delegation of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also reached Parliament Lodges to convince the MQM, not to part ways with the government.

    Governor Sindh Imran Ismail told the media that the government has made a better offer than the Opposition.

    “We offered one more ministry and are willing to give whatever they will ask for. Our doors are open,” said Governor Sindh.

    Previously, the government had offered to give another ministry to the MQM.

  • ‘Letter I have is proof’: Khan says details of ‘foreign conspiracy’ will be brought forward ‘at the right time’

    ‘Letter I have is proof’: Khan says details of ‘foreign conspiracy’ will be brought forward ‘at the right time’

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has claimed that the Opposition’s no-trust move is part of an alleged “foreign-funded conspiracy” hatched against his government.

    In what was a marathon speech lasting almost two hours on Sunday night, Khan discussed his struggling time as a politician, the achievements of PTI, his political ideology, and criticism on the Opposition.

    PM Khan further added that attempts were being made to topple his government and said, “some of our own people” are being used in this regard. The premier’s remarks came during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) power show titled Amr Bil Maroof (enjoin the good) at Parade Ground in Islamabad.

    We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest

    “Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. Mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us. We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest,” said PM Khan.

    “This is the era of social media. Nothing can be hidden. We will not accept anyone’s dictation. We will have friendships with everyone but we will not submit ourselves to anyone,” said PM Khan, adding, “Attempts are being made to influence our foreign policy from abroad. We have been aware of this conspiracy for months. We also know about those who have assembled these people (the opposition parties) but the time has changed. This is not the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.”

    The PM told the crowd that when former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto tried giving Pakistan an “independent foreign policy to the country”, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Nawaz Sharif launched a movement against him.

    “And situations like today’s were created due to those conditions Bhutto was hanged,” said PM Imran. He added that today’s Bhutto’s son in law, Asif Ali Zardari, and grandson, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, are sitting with his murderers in thirst of a chair.

    “They do not have any shame they do politics on their grandfather and for the sake of their seat they are with the people who got him hanged,” said PM Imran.

     “I am placing the case of Pakistan’s independence before you. The letter I have is proof and I want to dare anyone who is doubting this letter. I will invite them off the record. We have to decide for how long we will have to live like this. We are getting threats. There are many things about the foreign conspiracy which will be shared very soon.”

    “We know who is behind it,” the premier said, adding that “there are a lot of things that will be revealed before the nation but at the right time.”

    “The nation wants to know who the man sitting in London is meeting with and whose directions the characters based in Pakistan are following? I am revealing the proofs we have. I cannot talk more in detail because I have to protect the interest of my country. I cannot talk about anything that harms my country. I could have told you about it. I do not fear anyone but I care about Pakistan’s interest.

    ‘I want to speak my heart out and I want you to listen’

    At the beginning of his address, the premier thanked the attendees of the jalsa for responding to his call and gathered in Islamabad from every part of the country.  The premier also lauded his team for arranging the jalsa.

    “I pay tribute to my team and the nation [for making this jalsa possible]. Thank you for making me happy,” he said. “Today, I will have a heart-to-heart conversation with the nation.”

    Prime Minister Imran Khan while responding to the criticism about him using religious references during his political speeches, said that when he joined politics 25 years ago, it was for the sake of the ideology of Pakistan.

    “Nations are built on ideologies, and the ideology on the basis of which Pakistan came into being was Islam,” he said. The premier then added that he learned through his experience of living in the West that the true teachings of Islam were followed over there instead of Pakistan.

    “We are providing loans to families for housing, technical education, and small businesses. As soon as our tax was enhanced, I announced a subsidy and reduced rates of petrol and ‘Fazlur Rehman’,” he said. “I also offered a subsidy in power tariff. I promise I will spend more money on my people as our government collects more capital in taxes.”

    He said that Muslims ruled the world for a long time as they followed in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

    “Based on those ideals, I envisioned a welfare state in Pakistan and Alhamdulillah, we have already started a journey on that path. I am proud of the fact that we have introduced a health system in the country based on the principles of welfare.”

    ‘I will not forgive them even if my government goes or even if I lose my life‘

    “Poor countries are backward because the law there fails to catch the rich who are involved in white-collar crimes. They transfer stolen and looted money to offshore accounts. Small thieves do not destroy a country like the way big thieves do.”

    “These ‘three stooges’ are looting the country for years and all this drama is being done to have Imran Khan surrender like former President General Pervez Musharraf. They are trying to blackmail the government. General Musharraf tried to save his government and gave these thieves NRO and it resulted in the destruction of Pakistan.” The PM uses the term “stooges” in reference to Asif Ali Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

    “Come what may, I will not forgive them even if my government goes or even if I lose my life,” he added.

    PTI government’s achievements 

    The premier recapped the achievements of his government, including how the country steered itself out of the coronavirus pandemic and how its economy remained stable while the whole world was struggling.

    “Today, I assure you that as I will continue to collect money through taxes, I will utilise that money for the betterment of the country.”

    “InshaAllah, once we complete our five-year term, history will show that no other government worked as much as the PTI government did [for the development of the country].

    The premier said, “Our exports reached a historic high. We collected unprecedented tax. We gave incentives to overseas Pakistanis and received record remittances. We formed an ease-of-business model for the construction sector that led to the growth of 30 other allied industries.”

    “Covid erupted that led to closure of the world but I did not shut my country and faced criticism. I can proudly say that Pakistan’s steps were acknowledged by the world as they helped save the economy,” he said.

    “We saw record crops. It happened because we facilitated our farmers. We protected them. Now Pakistan’s industries are growing rapidly. Textile industries are struggling to find labour because all industries are working at their full capacity. This is the first time government is supporting its industries.”

    He urged TV anchors to invite economic experts on their shows and conduct a comparison of his government’s performance with the previous ones.

    The premier had said that he would “surprise” the Opposition a day before the no-confidence motion session, adding that he is yet to lay his cards on the table. 

    It is pertiennt to mention here that on March 8, the Opposition submitted a no-trust motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan in National Assembly (NA), which is likely to be tabled on Monday in a crucial NA session.

  • Speaker Asad Qaiser is ‘Imran Khan’s stooge’, says Opposition after Qaiser adjourns NA session till Monday

    Speaker Asad Qaiser is ‘Imran Khan’s stooge’, says Opposition after Qaiser adjourns NA session till Monday

    The much-awaited and critical National Assembly (NA) session on the vote of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was adjourned till Monday (March 28) by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser.

    “Since this is the tradition of this house, that whenever a respectable member [of the assembly] passes away, the [NA] session is adjourned till the next [working] day in their honour,” said Qaiser. “This has happened for years and this had happened a total of 24 times in the past.”

    Addressing a press conference outside Parliament House right after the session was adjourned, Leader of the Opposition in NA Shehbaz Sharif said that the Speaker has become a “stooge” of PM Khan.

     “This was a constitutional obligation and he violated the Constitution by not doing this,” said Shehbaz adding, “The Constitution and the law is above tradition and voting should have been allowed … tradition aside, the Speaker should have taken up the motion [but] he did not listen and left.”

    Shehbaz tweeted, “This partisan behaviour does not suit the custodian of the House. U cannot stop the inevitable through such underhand tactics!”

    Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that PM Khan was “fleeing the pitch”.

    Taking to Twitter, Bilawal wrote, “Speaker provided another weak excuse to avoid tabling the no-trust move.”

    “Imran can’t run forever. PM has no sportsman spirit and cannot face defeat with grace. The once great Kaptaan will go down like a rat on a sinking ship,” he said.

    Prior to the session, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “Nothing will happen in the assembly session today.”