Category: Politics

News stories of Politics, for the topics that matter the most to young professionals and college students, political news reported with a different angle.

  • Where are former PTI members going?

    Where are former PTI members going?

    Following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 in connection with a corruption case, the country saw violent protests as his supporters clashed with law-enforcement agencies. The protests also targeted state and military installations, which resulted in a severe crackdown on the party.

    Many prominent PTI leaders were arrested including Shireen Mazari, Fawad Chahudry, Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
    The arrests and the criticism of the party led many PTI members to quit. Most of them left the party after holding press conferences or releasing video messages condemning the events of May 9. At least 100 Members of PTI have left the party.

    The member who have left the party are now joining new alliances and some are joining other parties.

    Democrats Group:
    This group is formed by Hashim Dogar and Murad Raas
    There are reports that this group has 35 former MPAs and MNAs

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Haqiqi:
    PTI haqiqi has been formed by Rao Yasir, who previously served as PTI Multan district Youth Wing president.

    What parties and already established groups are these members joining?

    Jahangir Khan Tareen group:
    There are reports of dissident PTI members joining Jahangir Khan Tareen group. Tareen used to be a close aide of PTI chief Imran Khan.

    PML-Q Group
    Many including Ayesha Gulalai have decided to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q).

  • Fact Check: Has US issued any travel advisory for citizens travelling to Pakistan?

    Fact Check: Has US issued any travel advisory for citizens travelling to Pakistan?

    Claim: A travelling advisory issued by the United States State Department for its citizens who are travelling to Pakistan, has been circulating on social media.

    “If you are traveling to Pakistan from the USA, Canada you should not use NICOP. Instead get a Pakistani visa on USA / Canadian passport.

    Anyone entering Pakistan with a USA / Canadian passport will legally be considered a USA / Canadian citizen and will be entered into Pakistani Immigration Official Records as a USA / Canadian Citizen. He or she will be entitled to all the benefits and facilities available for USA / Canadian citizens”

    The advisory further read:
    Here are some additional tips for staying safe while traveling to Pakistan:
    Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential threats.
    Avoid travel to areas that are known to be dangerous: The State Department has a website that lists dangerous areas. You can check this website before you travel to Pakistan.

    Be careful about what you say and do: Be careful about what you say and do in public. Avoid discussing sensitive topics, such as politics or religion.
    Be aware of the local customs: Be respectful of the local customs and traditions.

    Carry a copy of your passport and visa: Carry a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times.

    Stay in touch with your family and friends: Let your family and friends know where you are going and when you expect to return.
    By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Pakistan.

    Fact:
    The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) in Pakistan has clarified that the advisory is fake.
    https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1665127708957761538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1665127708957761538%7Ctwgr%5E8dc4e19d6d19e00887a321029e53f7ad8ae48414%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthecurrent.pk%2F%3Fp%3D225138

    Verdict: The claim is false.

  • Not in contact with Tareen, Fawad stays in touch: Asad Umar

    Former Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Asad Umar has said that he has no contact with Jahangir Tareen but does stay in contact with former colleague Fawad Chaudhry.

    Talking to journalists outside a court in Islamabad, Asad Umar said that Tareen, who is rumoured to be forming a political party, has not contacted him.

    However, he did say that Fawad Chaudhry “remains in touch with me from time to time.”

    Asad Umar is one of the few central leaders who have not quit PTI. But, on May 24, he did resign from his post and from the core committee of the party.

  • May 9 targets were pre-determined, strong evidence against PTI leaders: IG Punjab

    May 9 targets were pre-determined, strong evidence against PTI leaders: IG Punjab

    The Inspector General Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, said in a press conference on Sunday that the police have data of the calls of March 8 and 9 May, adding that the call data shows similarities between both events, helping police in arresting those responsible for the riots.

    PTI claimed that Ali Bilal (Zillay Shah) died during police custody when he was captured during a crackdown on party workers and supporters protesting near Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence on March 8.

    “We have records of each call made during these incidents and we are presenting them as evidence in court,” he added.

    He further said that law enforcement agencies had solid evidence that PTI leaders, in­cluding Dr. Yasmin Rashid, were in­volved in May 9 attacks and the tar­gets were pre-determined. “The May 9 incidents were carried out at a specific time as planned, the targets for the attacks were pre-determined”.

    While denying the accusations of PTI women being mistreated in jail, the IG said, “only lady police officers had interrogated women in custody.”

  • ‘Polls in October’; Khwaja Asif rules out delay in general elections

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected any possibility of a delay in general elections, stating that polls will be held in October.

    “The assemblies will complete their five-year term in August and polls will take place within the next 60 days. Elections will be held on time,” Asif said on Sunday while talking to The Express Tribune.

    When asked what he meant by “on time”, the minister clarified that he meant October.

    The federal government is readying up to present the budget for the next fiscal year, scheduled to be tabled on June 9 before the National Assembly.

  • PM Shehbaz, FM Bilawal express sorrow on Indian train accident

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in Friday’s horrific train accident in Odisha, India.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also sent condolences to the families of the victims.

    “Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured,” the foreign minister tweeted.

    At least 233 people have been killed as the result of the train accident, while scores more are injured.

    As per local authorities, the death toll is expected to rise.

    “Officials said several carriages from the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed in Balasore district, hit a stationary goods train and several of its coaches ended up on the opposite track”, BBC has reported.

    “Another train – the Howrah Superfast Express travelling from Yesvantpur to Howrah – then hit the overturned carriages.”

    The exact reason for the accident is still unclear.

  • Imran Khan’s name and picture to be banned on TV? Babar Awan expresses concern

    Imran Khan’s name and picture to be banned on TV? Babar Awan expresses concern

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Babar Awan has expressed concern over a possible ban on airing pictures and names of Party chairman Imran Khan.

    “Due to fear of Imran Khan, there is news of banning his name and picture on TV channels,” Babar tweeted on Wednesday.

    He further said that the government should file a review appeal against the results of the 1992 World Cup.
    “if Shehbaz and Maryam will not mention Imran in their speeches what else will they talk about?” his tweet added.

    Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) PEMRA has urged TV channels to boycott people “damaging peace” and not to promote people “inciting hatred” in relevance to the incidents of May 9 when PTI supporters clashed with law enforcement agencies. However, the media regulatory authority did not specifically mention Imran Khan’s name.

    It is being assumed by commentators that the notification was referring to the PTI chairman.

    “As per Article 19 of The Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence,” the notification issued by PEMRA read.
    “It is crucial to strike a balance between protecting freedom of speech and maintaining public order,” the notification added.

  • It is our responsibility to get our workers out from jails: Fawad Ch

    It is our responsibility to get our workers out from jails: Fawad Ch

    Former Pakistan Tehreek–e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahboob Maulvi held a press conference outside Central Jail Rawalpindi (also known as Adiala Jail) on Wednesday, after meeting Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    Former PTI leader Aamir Kiani was also present in the meeting in which reportedly, the four leaders asked Qureshi to leave the party.

    However in the presser, Fawad said that he had a detailed discussion with Qureshi regarding the current political situation, adding that “we” have to find a solution.

    The former minister said that many PTI supporters are in jail, and it is their responsibility to get them out.

    “We cannot leave open ground for the opposition in present circumstances,” he remarked, adding that the group had also had discussions with Asad Umar, Parvez Khattak, Asad Qaiser, Hammad Azhar and Ali Zaidi.

  • HRCP expresses concern over conducting trials of civilians in military courts

    HRCP expresses concern over conducting trials of civilians in military courts

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in a statement has warned all political stakeholders that unless they desist from any further measures that could imperil the country’s fragile democracy, they may find themselves unable to steer the country safely through the multiple crises it is facing.

    “HRCP has closely monitored the ongoing political crisis and notes with great alarm that civilian supremacy has emerged as the greatest casualty. The government’s inability—or unwillingness—to safeguard civilian supremacy or to preserve the dignity of Parliament has proven tremendously disappointing. At the same time, the political opposition’s history of hostile politics and contempt for the rule of law has played no small part in triggering the wanton destruction of property during 9–10 May. These were not peaceful protests. The evidence points to acts of arson, rioting, looting, vandalism and trespass onto state and private property,” the statement issued by the human rights watchdog of Pakistan read.
    HRCP also expressed its disappointment in the judiciary. “HRCP regrets that the failure of the judiciary to credibly maintain its independence and impartiality has exacerbated the rule-of-law crisis in the country.”

    HRCP also demanded an independent investigation of the allegations of violence against PTI workers.

    HRCP reminded authorities that torture or any form of degrading treatment of persons in custody are serious violations of human rights. The disappearance of at least two journalists must also be investigated in a transparent manner, the findings made public and the perpetrators held strictly to account.
    The human rights organization also expressed concern for conducting military trials of civilians. “While those responsible for the destruction of public and private property must undoubtedly be held accountable, there is ample provision in civilian laws for this. Any government seriously committed to upholding civilian supremacy would strongly consider repealing Article 2(1)(d) of the Act, which allows civilians to be tried in military courts, thereby denying them their constitutional right to a fair trial. HRCP also objects to the arbitrary manner in which certain cases are selected to be tried by military courts, thereby violating the principle of equality before the law and equal protection of the law,” read the statement

  • Imran Khan’s medical reports do not hint at use of alcohol and cocaine: NAB

    Imran Khan’s medical reports do not hint at use of alcohol and cocaine: NAB

    The medical reports of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan with National Accountability Bureau (NAB) do not hint at alcohol and cocaine use, Ansar Abbasi has reported for The News.

    The source quoted by the reporter claimed to have reviewed the medical records, and said that Imran Khan’s health was normal.

    He said that Imran’s blood and urine samples were taken while he was in NAB’s custody.

    “The medical reports as available with NAB do not endorse what the health minister alleged,” the news report quoted a source.

    Imran Khan on Tuesday sent a Rs10 Billion defamation notice to Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel for sharing details about an alleged medical test conducted during his arrest, stating that the PTI chief had faked his fracture and that he is mentally unstable.

    Imran Khan asked the minister through the legal notice to, “retract his statements in the same mode and manner in which he made them in the first place”.

    The private medical reports of the tests that the government is said to have conducted on PTI leader Imran Khan earlier this month while he was under arrest were made public on Friday.

    The reports stated that Imran Khan’s mental stability was under question and that while no leg fractures were found, there was evidence of alcohol and an illicit substance in his urine.