Tag: Asif Ali Zardari

  • ‘Disappointing’, Pak Army says Khan should not ‘scandalise’ Army Chief selection

    ‘Disappointing’, Pak Army says Khan should not ‘scandalise’ Army Chief selection

    Pakistani Army expressing extreme displeasure over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s recent statement against the establishment and said that the institution was “aghast” over it.

    “Pakistan Army is aghast at the defamatory and uncalled for statement about the senior leadership of Pakistan Army by Chairman PTI during a political rally at Faisalabad. Regrettably, an attempt has been made to discredit and undermine senior leadership of Pakistan Army at a time when the institution is laying lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan every day,” said the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

    “Senior politicians trying to stir controversies on appointment of COAS of Pakistan Army, the procedure for which is well defined in the constitution, is most unfortunate and disappointing. Senior leadership of Army has decades long impeccable meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt,” read the statement.

    “Politicising the senior leadership of Pakistan Army and scandalizing the process of selection of COAS is neither in the interest of the state of Pakistan nor of the institution. Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

    Khan on Sunday, September 4, alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as COAS because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    ‘Hamari fauj taggri hai’: Shehbaz, Zardari, Shujaat react to Khan’s anti-military remarks

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, and veteran politician Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain have slammed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for his remarks on the incoming Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    Criticising the federal government on delaying elections, Imran Khan said that the government is buying time to “appoint an army chief of their own choice.”

    Questioning the incumbent , Khan asked “Why are they [government] afraid of fresh elections”? He said that it was because they knew that they would be eliminated in transparent elections.

    “The army chief of this country should be on merit. The one who is on merit should become the next army chief,” said Khan.

    Reactions of Shehbaz, Zardari and Shujaat over Khan’s remarks

    Reacting to Khan’s statement, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that Niazi’s despicable utterances to “malign institutions” are touching new levels every day.

    “He is now indulging in direct mud-slinging & poisonous allegations against Armed Forces & its leadership. His nefarious agenda is clearly to disrupt & undermine Pakistan,” tweeted the premier.

    PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari said that they will not allow the institutions and generals to become controversial for Khan’s lust for power.

    “Today everyone has come to know who the man and the beast are. This person [Imran Khan] has taken a contract from somewhere to weaken this country which cannot happen in our lifetime,” tweeted Zardari.

    Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain reacting to Khan’s statement said, “In Pakistan every General is a patriot. From a soldier to general no one needs a certificate of patriotism from anyone. The country will not allow any one to involve the establishment in their jalsa for their own politics.”

    Shujaat concluded by saying that the Pakistan army is strong.

  • Can a ‘power hungry mad man’ trample the law, asks Zardari

    Can a ‘power hungry mad man’ trample the law, asks Zardari

    Former President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is “mad for power” ands said that the judiciary must see “whether this person is above the law”.

    “He is now targeting the judiciary and has threatened a woman judge in Islamabad. The judiciary has to see whether this person is above the law,” said Zardari.

    Zardari said that at the moment, one man’s hunger to be back in power is driving him mad with each passing day.

    “This man is subjecting our army to criticism on a daily basis and the same army is battling terrorists and sacrificing their lives for the country,” the PPP co-chairperson said.

    Zardari called upon the government to establish its writ.

    “Otherwise institutions will continue to be under attack from him,” warned Asif Zardari.

    Addressing a political gathering at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh on Sunday (August 21), Khan said that according to the reports he had received, the neutrals were responsible for the crackdown against his party.

    Read more: ‘Neutrals ka pressure tha’: Imran Khan blames the establishment for crackdown on PTI

    “On May 25, when the police used violence against us, I was told by insiders that the police were ordered from above, which means that neutrals pressurised them to give PTI workers a thrashing,” said Khan. 

  • ‘I am an easy target’: Miftah Ismail reacts to criticism after another petroleum hike

    ‘I am an easy target’: Miftah Ismail reacts to criticism after another petroleum hike

    Finance Minister (FM) Miftah Ismail once again explained how the petrol prices are calculated after receiving criticism for the increase in petroleum prices.

    Responding to senior journalist Hamid Mir on Twitter, he said the government has not imposed any tax on petroleum products.

    Clarifying his position, the minister said that he did not say that the price will not be increased.

    “Mir sahib I said I will not add one penny of new taxes or levies to the price. And I have not. But you know Hamid sahib that the fuel price summary is moved by OGRA and sent to Finance division through the Petroleum division. We get it only a few hours before prices are set.”

    “I am an easy target. Which is fine. But this price change only reflects the change in PSO costs and doesn’t have any new taxes,” said Miftah Ismail.

    The finance minister added that people are welcome to critique or criticise him.

    “I know I am sincere to my country and have saved it from default and working to the best of my ability.”

    Zardari unhappy with govt’s decision to increase petrol prices

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari distanced himself from the recent increase in the petroleum prices by the government.

    Zardari said the PPP is a part of the government and supports it, but there must be consultations on such decisions.

    “We are all here in this government to give relief to the people and that should be our top priority. We are with the prime minister and will meet him soon and talk about the economic team,” he added.

    ‘I am not involved in this decision’: Nawaz Sharif leaves party meeting over increase in petrol prices

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter and said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was unhappy with the government increasing the petrol prices and as a result left the meeting.

    “Mian Sahib strongly opposed this decision and even said that I cannot burden the people with one more penny. And if there is any compulsion of the government, I am not involved in this decision and he left the meeting,” tweeted Maryam.

    She further tweeted, “I stand with the people. Cannot support this decision.”

    The government increased the price of petrol by Rs6.72 per litre and decreased the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs0.51 and kerosene oil by Rs1.67 per litre.

    Read more: Govt raises petrol price by Rs6.72 to Rs233.91 per litre

    The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was raised by Rs0.43 per litre by the government.

    Prior to this, the coalition administration had decreased the cost of petrol and LDO starting on August 1 by Rs3.05 and Rs0.12, respectively.

  • ‘We are no less than anyone in the world’: PM Shehbaz on Independence Day

    Pakistanis all across the world are celebrating the diamond jubilee of Pakistan’s independence. The day dawned with 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

    National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters, and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

    On occasion, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and other politicians wished the entire nation.

    Addressing a national flag-hoisting and unveiling of re-recording ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz said that like their forefathers, on this 75th Independence Day, they vowed to transform Pakistan into an economic power.

    “If we can become a nuclear power, we can also become an economic power but for it we have to strive day and night and prove to the world that we are no less than anyone in the world,” he added.

    On Twitter, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of economic sovereignty. He said, “Time has come for the nation to understand what true freedom means. It is a freedom from want, hunger and poverty. Without economic sovereignty, our freedom is incomplete. Our greatest strength is our people. It is about time we place their welfare at the center of public policy.”

    “While we celebrate our hard-earned independence, Pakistan at 75 calls for deep reflection. We have yet to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed,” he added.

    The premier went to meet the orphans of the Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad. A video shared by PM Office on Twitter showed PM Shehbaz and children cutting the cake.

    https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1558751616773173248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1558751616773173248%7Ctwgr%5E306d44900a005e0c517f096de9b9ea28a4a08c24%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F433640-child-melts-pm-shehbaz-sharifs-heart-at-independence-day-ceremony

    President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country.

    “We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.

    The president spent his day at Kashana Orphanage. Sharing a picture, he said, “I spent my 75th Independence Day at Kashana Orphanage, a shelter for girls. These happy faces are the real future of my country. I dream of a Pakatan where every girl is educated and becomes a contributor to the national economy.”

    Foriegn Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in his message to the nation also offered his felicitations to the nation. He said, “Pakistan stands tall today as the amalgamation of both ancient and modern. While preserving our historical identity, we are a nation with our eyes on the future.”

    In his messages on the eve of Independence Day, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the supremacy of elected parliament of the people is essential for a free, independent and dignified Pakistan. “Now the time has come to make sustainable decisions for the country and the nation by fully implementing the Charter of Democracy.”

  • ‘Matters have been decided, elections in October’: Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘Matters have been decided, elections in October’: Sheikh Rasheed

    Former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed said that an “agreement” has been reached, and the general elections will be held in October.

    “Instead of by-elections, matters on new elections have been settled. The nation will soon hear about the date for the elections in October, the formation of a new election commission and a caretaker government,” said Rasheed.

    “Even those in quarantine have agreed to elections,” said Rasheed taking a jibe at Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari.

    Sheikh added that only JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is left.

    Criticising the coalition government, Rasheed said that their political credibility had come to an end and they cannot flee, cannot go to the people, and neither can they bring their people back to the country. Rasheed was alluding to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    “Now, the people will decide. They [government] have made a mockery of the assembly and democracy. The crisis is now shifting from Sri Lanka to Pakistan,” he added.

    Rasheed’s statement came after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of holding talks with the coalition government.

    “I can talk to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the separatists of Balochistan and Sindh, but not with thieves. Will you speak to someone who robs your home?”

  • Asif Ali Zardari tests positive for Covid-19

    Asif Ali Zardari tests positive for Covid-19

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for Covid-19.

    “He is fully vaccinated, boosted, isolating with mild symptoms and undergoing treatment,” tweeted Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

    “We are praying for his swift recovery.”

    Bakhtawar Bhutto said that when her father landed in Dubai, his PCR test was positive.

    “His symptoms are mild – he is resting & isolating (Day 4) & will return when recovered,”

    “Thank u 4 your prayers & remind everyone to remain precautions,” she said.

    Asif Ali Zardari left for Dubai four days ago to celebrate his 67th birthday with his nine-month-old grandson, Mir Hakim Mahmood Choudhry.

    Zardari turned 67 on July 26.

  • ‘PPP was offered to bring down PML-N with the help of PTI’: Hamid Mir

    ‘PPP was offered to bring down PML-N with the help of PTI’: Hamid Mir

    Senior journalist Hamid Mir revealed that last year, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was offered that along to give a tough time to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with the help of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after some backdoor meetings.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’, Hamid Mir said, “The PPP knows the full truth. Last year, the PPP convinced the PML-N to bring a no-confidence motion. This is because last year in September/October, the PPP was contacted. I revealed in your show Shahzeb saab that Asif Ali Zardari was being contacted to leave Pakistan just like Nawaz Sharif left on medical grounds. However, Asif Ali Zardari refused to go abroad. This is where the story started and the PPP has never revealed who conveyed this message. One-on-one meetings were held with the PPP leadership.”

    Hamid Mir further revealed that some backchannel contacts were made between the PPP and PTI.

    “The PPP was told that it should bring down the PML-N with the help of the PTI. However, the PPP did not take any of this seriously. After this, there were some other developments. They learned that a formula was being formed to adjust PTI in Sindh and similarly the PPP in the federal government, and that election will be held in October 2022. However, an important appointment will take place in April 2022. When the party started probing the suggestions, it realised that this was a long process. During this time Kala Bagh Dam was also to be made, the 18 Amendment would be rolled back, and talks of having a Presidential system too came to the surface and that’s when PPP ki kanpaain tangna shuru hogai. [That’s when the PPP was alarmed].”

    “When the PPP realised this, they decided to contact Nawaz Sharif. Then Shehbaz Sharif saab was involved. And they were informed that before the elections, which were to be held in 0ctober 2022, the plan was to send the PML-N leadership to jail,” said Mir.

    “Both the PPP and PML-N never really told anyone that they were bringing in the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. They kept it a secret.”

  • China’s population expected to start reducing before 2025

    China’s population expected to start reducing before 2025

    China’s population is expected to start to shrink before 2025 as the country’s birth data showed that the number of new births in 2021 was the lowest in decades in several provinces. Currently, China is the most populous country with nearly 1.4 billion residents.

    The head of population and family affairs at the National Health Commission said that China’s population is expected to start to shrink in 2021-2025.

    In recent years, the population of the country has slowed significantly. According to the state-backed Global Times, the number of births in central Hunan province fell below 500,000 for the first time in nearly 60 years.

    The change in China’s laws last year that allowed women to have three children has not helped the country in any way. Many Chinese women have argued that the change comes too late and they are facing problems like insufficient job security and gender equality.

    According to a United Nations (UN) report, India will become the world’s most populous country next year, i.e 2023, beating China.

  • Asif Zardari will celebrate his 67th birthday in Dubai with his 9-month-old grandson: Bakhtawar Bhutto

    Asif Zardari will celebrate his 67th birthday in Dubai with his 9-month-old grandson: Bakhtawar Bhutto

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari left for Dubai, which led to some questions about why he had gone abroad at a crucial time for the coalition government.

    Taking to Twitter, Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari clarified why her father is in Dubai.

    “My father will be spending his 67th birthday (& first as a grandfather) with his 9 month old grandson,” tweeted Bakhtawar.

    Asif Zardari will celebrate his 67th birthday tomorrow (July 26).

    In an earlier tweet, Bakhtawar said that Zardari did not run away for “11+ YEARS of jail” so why would he now.

    “[Zardari] faced courts under every regime including our wannabe dictator Select but never ran. 1st bday as a grandfather he’s here to spend with his grandson (who due to a medical procedure last month could not fly himself).”

    Bakhtawar Bhutto gave birth to a baby boy, Mir Hakim Mahmood Choudhry, on October 10, 2021.

  • ‘Tumhare baap ka hai Lahore?’: Shazia Marri lashes out at Khan

    ‘Tumhare baap ka hai Lahore?’: Shazia Marri lashes out at Khan

    Federal Minister Shazia Atta Marri in a press conference lashed out at former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and said that the abusive culture that Khan has nurtured in Pakistan does not represent our values.

    Commenting on the criticism at Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari by Khan and his party leaders for visiting Lahore before the chief minister Punjab election, Marri said, “Tumhare baap ka nahi hai Lahore. Woh [Asif Ali Zardari] Pakistan kay kisi bhi hissay mein jaa saakte hain.” [Lahore is not owned by your father. He can visit any place in Pakistan.]

    “Will Asif Ali Zardari ask a person like Imran Khan whether he should visit Lahore or not to meet his political coalition partners?” questioned Marri.

    “This is a ridiculous reaction that we are witnessing. There is a way to talk. Imran Khan has made the public blind with his abusive narrative of disrespecting his opponents,” said Marri.

    “Imran Khan, apni hudood mein raho”: Maulana Fazl

    Jamat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan that he needs to stay within his limits.

    “Imran Khan, apni hudood main raho, Jamiat walay zinda hain.” [Imran Khan, stay in your limits, the people of JUI-F are alive.]

    “We will make it very difficult for the PTI supporters to come out and support you,” said Maulana.