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.

  • What is bhambhal bhoochiyan? PM Shehbaz left us all confused

    What is bhambhal bhoochiyan? PM Shehbaz left us all confused

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif not only comprehensively won a vote of confidence on Thursday but also unwittingly gave us a lesson in language.

    While addressing the House, the premier used a word that left the internet scratching its head.

    “Woh kaam humein karny diye jaye, humein in bhambhal bhoochiyoon mei na uljhaya jaye,” he said.

    As soon as he used the expression, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique burst into laughter. PM Shehbaz turned around to look at the members seated closest to him. He asked if he pronounced the word correctly, to which they laughed and nodded.

    Former President Asif Ali Zardari can also be seen smiling up at Shehbaz Sharif from his chair.

    However, the exact meaning of the word eluded many. So we did some sleuthing on Twitter.

    According to one social media user ‘Bhambhal bhoochiyan‘ means putting someone in trouble or confusion.

    Another user suggested it may be the antonym of Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Another one said that it means leading someone on.

  • Country could face constitutional crisis if elections not held on May 14, warns Imran Khan

    Country could face constitutional crisis if elections not held on May 14, warns Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan appeared before Islamabad High Court on Friday to seek bail in a case pertaining to allegations against top officers of state institutions and inciting mutiny. The court approved Imran Khan’s interim bail till May 3.

    During an informal conversation with journalists after appearing at the Islamabad High Court, Imran Khan expressed concerns that if the upcoming elections were not held on May 14 as scheduled, it could result in a constitutional crisis.

    He stated that a failure to hold elections in a timely manner would amount to a violation of the constitution, suggesting that if the constitution were to be breached, the outcome would be determined by whoever was the strongest.

    Imran further said that any discussion of elections in September or October would be pointless. He emphasised that the government should take action and hold elections as soon as possible, as the constitution should always take precedence over the parliament. The responsibility of holding timely elections now rests with the government, the former Prime Minister observed.

    On Thursday evening, Imran Khan tweeted that a “bizarre” FIR has been registered against him because of “Tauheen-i-Dirty Harry and Tayheen-i-Psycopath”.

    It is pertinent to mention that Khan has often referred ro Major General Faisal Naseer as Dirty Harry and accused him of being involved in assassination attempt on his life.

  • PTI wants general elections in July, amendment in constitution and much more

    PTI wants general elections in July, amendment in constitution and much more

    The Pakistan Democratic Movement-led government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finally sat together to discuss the matter of elections on Thursday.

    According to Geo News, the former ruling party PTI has put forward three conditions for reaching a consensus. One of them is that they want general elections in July instead of October.

    Other than this, PTI has asked the government to dissolve Balochistan and Sindh Assembly as well as National Assembly (NA) in May. Thirdly, the party wants an amendment in the constitution for simultaneous elections and for that, the resignations of their Member of National Assembly (MNA) have to be withdrawn.

    The first round of the negotiations lasted for two hours while the second round will be held today.

    It is important to mention that Supreme Cout (SC) gave May 14 as the date for polls in Punjab and KP, but later asked the political parties to negotiate with each other to reach a conclusion.

  • PM Shehbaz Sharif smoothly wins vote of confidence

    PM Shehbaz Sharif smoothly wins vote of confidence

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has managed to secure a vote of confidence from the National Assembly (NA) on Thursday.

    A total of 180 lawmakers reposed confidence in the prime minister. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari presented a resolution in the House for the prime minister to seek a vote of confidence.

    The counting of vote of confidence lasted less than 10 mins.

    After IK, PM Shehbaz to seek vote of confidence today

    Earlier, PM decided to take a vote of confidence from the NA.

    According to several media reports, the premier consulted with allies on the matter and they advised him to take a vote of confidence.

    They also affirmed their confidence in him and assured him that he can always take a vote of confidence from the House.

    Reportedly, this development is to send a message to dispell the image that the Prime Minister is weak or that the parliament is not with PM Shehbaz.

    However, reports from earlier in the week that a vote of confidence would take place were rubbished by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    PM Shehbaz isn’t seeking vote of confidence, clarifies minister

    In a tweet, she said, “The prime minister did not decide to take a vote of confidence. There were no such consultations and there is no need for the vote of confidence.”

    The minister termed Shehbaz as the “unanimous” candidate of the people, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its coalition parties. 

    She also asked the media not to run such news stories “without verification”.

    The last time a PM took a vote of confidence was in April 2022 when Imran Khan was ousted from power, becoming the first premier to be removed from government in such a manner.

  • More than 30 Pakistanis living in Sudan safely reach Jeddah

    More than 30 Pakistanis living in Sudan safely reach Jeddah

    Amid the intensifying conflict in Sudan, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that a ship carrying 37 citizens has arrived in Jeddah from Port Sudan.

    On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari confirmed that the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Sudan had evacuated 700 countrymen to safety, and the status of the remaining nearly 1,500 Pakistanis currently in the African country was being closely monitored.

    Sudan has a long history of civil wars. However, the latest escalation in fighting came on April 15, which has turned residential areas into battlefields.

    Air strikes and artillery have killed at least 512 people and wounded nearly 4,200.

    The violence between the military and the well-armed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has triggered a humanitarian crisis.

    Tensions began when members of the RSF were redeployed around the country in a move that the army saw as a threat.

  • ‘Propaganda’: DG ISPR dismisses social media reports of possible martial law

    ‘Propaganda’: DG ISPR dismisses social media reports of possible martial law

    Director-General (DG) of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, on Tuesday, held a press conference solely to brief the media on terrorist attacks that have recently taken place in the country.

    However, a journalist asked the DG about social media reports that claimed that martial law is going to be imposed in the country.

    Terming the reports as “baseless”, the general said that every day and night there are accounts on social media with or without names that spread this kind of this propaganda.

    Pointing out that every person is entitled to have an opinion, he stated, “we think the talks on social media against the army, institutions and their officeholders are not only irresponsible and unwise but unconstitutional.”

    “Our discipline doesn’t give us permission to respond to each and every speculation”, he stated at one point.

    He also reaffirmed that the army doesn’t support any particular political party. “All political parties and all leaders are respectable for us”, the Major General said.

    He was also of the view that it is not in the best interest of the country that the army should be involved in political matters.

    Talking about India, Sharif said New Delhi’s “aggressive designs and baseless accusations and claims” would not change history or occupied Kashmir’s internationally recognised status.

    “If need be, we can take this battle into the enemy’s territory. I also feel it is important to say that if India thinks of any misadventure due to any miscalculation or misunderstanding, then let there be no doubt that the army would give a befitting response with national support.”

  • Audio leak: Is Saqib Nisar discussing contempt of court case against Shehbaz Sharif?

    Audio leak: Is Saqib Nisar discussing contempt of court case against Shehbaz Sharif?

    The season of audio leaks continues as a new one has hit the interwebs on Tuesday, involving an alleged conversation between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Khawaja Tariq Rahim and former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar.

    The former head of the apex court can be heard speaking about the judgement of a seven-member bench on a “suo moto” notice taken by the apex court in 2010 to Rahim and asking him to look into the matter.

    Moreover, Nisar also refers to the ouster of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sardar Tanveer Ilyas as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister over contempt of court.

    At this, the senior lawyer said that they were planning to file another contempt case.

    Here is the content of the audio leak:

    Nisar: Khawaja Sahab, I wanted to tell you something.

    Khawaja Tariq: Yes.

    Nisar: A judgement, please look into that. This is a seven-member judgement.

    Khawaja Tariq: By whom?

    Nisar: This is the sou moto (notice) number 4 of 2010, sir. This seven-member judgement, 2012, has been reported on page number 553 of the Supreme Court.

    Khawaja Tariq: Okay

    Nisar: This is okay, right?

    Khawaja Tariq: I will look into it.

    Nisar: Whoever is your lawyer, tell him to check it out. It states that if… never mind, you’ll know when you will read it.

    Khawaja Tariq: I will read. I have seen the seven-member bench judgement. They have stated in it that until the act is not formulated… if you read it carefully, clause three has it…

    Nisar: Yeah, yeah.

    Khawaja Tariq: They have given a way in it as well. Just see that.

    Nisar: Yes sir, I have seen that. That is the way out for you.

    Khawaja Tariq: That is the way out.

    Nisar: That is the way out or else there is no case.

    Khawaja Tariq: Yes exactly. I will see that as well.

    Nisar: And secondly Khawaja sahab, if someone is ready from your side, then use Muneer Ahmed Khan’s [case] as well. It is a very clear case of contempt of court.

    Khawaja Tariq: We are working on it.

    Nisar: Whatever happened in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, after that any…

    Khawaja Tariq: We are only waiting for the three-member bench’s verdict. It can take another half an hour. After that, we are filing another contempt of court case.

    Nisar: Okay then. Thank you, sir, thank you. 

    The leaked conversation has prompted online speculation that the former Chief Justice is discussing a contempt of court charge against current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    In March, another alleged audio clip of Nisar and Rahim surfaced online in which the two talked about formulating a case against Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz.

  • ‘Mere aziz hum watno’: Shahid Khaqan says today’s situation is complete script for martial law

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and seasoned politician Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has warned of the possibility of martial law in Pakistan, citing political polarisation and economic crisis.

    Speaking on Dawn News‘ English show ‘Spotlight’, Khaqan said that the country “has never witnessed a more severe economic and political situation before. In much less severe circumstances the military has taken over.”

    The former Prime Minister (PM) hoped that the military isn’t considering taking over Pakistan, however, he said that “when they are left with no choice then the old famous speech, ‘mere aiziz hum watno’, if you read the situation today it’s a complete script for a speech like that.”

    He clarified that if the army were to take over, it would make things worse instead of doing any good.

    “When the system fails, when there is no interaction between the institutions, and when there is a conflict between them, then martial law always remains a possibility”, he said.

    He stressed the importance of dialogue and strong leadership but stated that the environment has become so toxic that even the parliament doesn’t discuss national issues.

    According to him, elections are not the kind of solution they used to be in the past.

    Pointing out that dialogues were supposed to have a purpose, Abbasi stated if they benefited only one political party, they would defeat their purpose. “If the intent is just to decide a date for the elections or the political benefits of one, it’s not a proper dialogue.”

    “Dialogue in media is all about abusing each other”, said the politician.

    According to him, it is unfortunate that his own party isn’t ready for dialogue. He said that he fears today that even the “youth has become delusional with this whole system” adding that Pakistanis themselves don’t recognise the potential of their country.

    At the last, he again stressed the responsibility of leadership, and that they should try to step in.

  • Judges mein bol chaal khatam, ghar se iftariyaan waapis kardi, claims journalist

    Senior court reporter Hasnaat Malik has claimed that the differences between the Supreme Court (SC) judges have reached the point of no return.

    Speaking to Journalist Absa Komal on Dawn News programme ‘News Eye’, the journalist said, “Bol chaal khatam ho gai hai, iftariyaan bheji judges ne aik dosry ke ghar woh wapis kardi gai “(They aren’t on talking terms, the judges even returned iftaris which they sent to each other’s homes).

    Malik also revealed that arguments have also taken place in person between the senior judges and that consensus is impossible at the moment.

    Hasnaat Malik said that seven judges are on one side while the other eight are on another, pointing out that the fight is about absolute power given to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial as one side wants to regulate his authority.

    He said that as of yet CJP has unquestionable power in the SC and he can do whatever he wants in cases or matters related to benches.

    It is pertinent to mention that questions related to the supreme power given to CJP Bandial were raised when election suo moto was taken by him despite the opposition by many senior judges including the next CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Since then it has been widely speculated that judges aren’t happy with CJP Bandial.

  • Oh, Punjab walon, Fawad Chaudhry suggests Buzdar can become chief minister again

    Oh, Punjab walon, Fawad Chaudhry suggests Buzdar can become chief minister again

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Fawad Chaudhry has said that he will be surprised to see Usman Buzdar as Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab again, however, he stressed that the decision will be up to the party chairman, Imran Khan.

    Talking to Journalist Kashif Abbasi on ARY News programme ‘Off the Record’, Fawad said: “What can I say,” when asked if Buzdar is the leading candidate for the slot. Chaudhry repeated himself again, saying that the decision will be made by Imran Khan.

    The PTI leader didn’t seem happy when asked that why he didn’t get a Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) party ticket from Imran Khan.

    It was revealed that senior leadership of the party, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Hammad Azhar, and Fawad, didn’t get party tickets for the upcoming Punjab election although it was widely speculated that they wanted one. Meanwhile, according to Fawad, both former CMs of Punjab, Pervaiz Elahi and Usman Buzdar, were given a ticket.

    “We should have gotten them”, Fawad said when asked about tickets. He also agreed that there are many party members who want to apply for the Punjab CM candidacy including Hammad Azhar and Shah Mahmood.

    Shahbaz Gill, who also didn’t get a MPA ticket, said that he and other leaders including Fawad and Hammad submitted papers for the provincial assembly, however, Khan decided not to give them tickets.

    However, he accepted Khan’s decision wholeheartedly, saying “I am not with Khan for the ticket and not for the position.”

    Khan’s social media focal person Azhar Mashwani also came forward to reveal that “many former federal ministers and MNAs of PTI wanted to contest elections on the Punjab Assembly seats as well.”

    However, according to Azhar, Khan decided that the “federal team will remain in the federation.”