Tag: Asif Ali Zardari

  • ‘Baksh dey yaar’: Feroze grills Maryam Nawaz for terming Asif Zardari as ‘Naik’, ‘Paak Daman’

    ‘Baksh dey yaar’: Feroze grills Maryam Nawaz for terming Asif Zardari as ‘Naik’, ‘Paak Daman’

    Actor Feroze Khan took to his Instagram stories to take a dig at vice president of PML-N, Maryam Nawaz. The Tich Button star shared a statement of Maryam in which she is referring to former President Asif Ali Zardari as “Naik seerat and Paak Daman.”

    Feroze stated, “Mujhe baksh dey yaar.”

    Recently he complimented former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s physical appearance. The Habs star termed Imran as a “sexy beast” by attaching an old interview of PTI chairman.

    The Khaani hero also shared a rare interview of Khan.

    The Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 hero has often expressed his support for PTI and Imran Khan.

    Feroze Khan, Saba Qamar and other celebs react to PM Imran Khan ‘surprise’

    Recently when Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Wednesday that he was forced into politics at a young age. “I didn’t choose this life, it chose me,” said Bilawal in interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson.

    After this interview of his went viral, Feroze termed him as a cartoon.

    Actress Mathira was quick to slam him for his derogatory remarks for the young politician. Taking to her Instagram stories, the Blind Love star called out the Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 hero for bully labeling Bilawal as ‘cartoon’. She added that its a very mean thing to say to anyone.

    Mathira concluded by saying that Bilawal is different but he’s the best.

    Recently when Writer and former journalist, Reham Khan shared a video with PML-N leaders, in which the Janaan producer can be seen saying to Imran Khan, “Kidhar hai Niazi? Dar gaya kya?”, Feroze and Adeel Chaudhry slammed Reham for the video.

    While the Gul-e-Rana star termed her as ‘snake’, Adeel claimed that she is a horrible person.

  • ‘Comments on Faiz Hameed made by politicians very inappropriate’: ISPR

    ‘Comments on Faiz Hameed made by politicians very inappropriate’: ISPR

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said that the Peshawar Corps was an “illustrious formation” of the army and was spearheading the national war against terrorism for over two decades.

    “One of the most competent and professional officers is entrusted with the responsibility to lead this prestigious formation. Imprudent comments made by important senior politicians recently about [the] Peshawar Corps commander are very inappropriate,” the ISPR said.

    “It is expected that the senior political leadership of [the] country refrains from passing objectionable remarks against the institution, whose brave officers and men are constantly putting their lives on the line to guard the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan,” read the statement.

    ISPR Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar reiterated that “many statements” were made in the last few days by the country’s politicians and termed them “highly inappropriate”.

    “It must be clarified that there is no problem with fair criticism,” the military spokesperson said, lamenting that social media was being used to create propaganda instead of mere criticism.

    “We, as an institution, have nothing to do with the political situation of the country,” he said, adding that the institution was showing “tolerance and restraint and requesting that the army is not dragged into politics”.

    The appointment of the next army chief should not be made “controversial” by turning it into a topic of debate. He said the procedure for the appointment of the army chief had been outlined in the Constitution, adding that it would take place in accordance with the law.

    On Wednesday, Pakistan People’s Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari had been asked about Lt Gen Hameed at a press conference in Karachi and had replied with: “The helpless Faiz Hameed has been sidelined.”

    Maryam Nawaz on Thursday said that the army chief should be a person who had a “flawless reputation”, free from any criticism or doubts.

    Maryam made these remarks in a press conference outside the Islamabad High Court on Thursday while answering a question about Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s comments, wherein he had said that former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s name could be considered for the new army chief.

    She said that the Pakistan Army is a respected institution and added that “the whole nation looks at the armed forces for the stability and security of the country”.

    The PML-N leader reiterated that the army chief should be a person who has a “flawless reputation” and who is good for the people, country, and the institution.

  • ‘Gen Bajwa should be saluted or should he be criticised?’ Zardari

    ‘Gen Bajwa should be saluted or should he be criticised?’ Zardari

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday said that the army was “apolitical” for the first time, asking whether the situation warranted saluting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa or “fighting” with him.

    “Should Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa be saluted for [keeping] the army apolitical or shall he be criticised?” asked Zardari, adding that the government will try to make sure “they” remain apolitical and neutral in the future.

    Faiz Hameed has been khuddi laen (sidelined)

    When asked whether he would salute former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, Zardari replied, “he has been khuddi laen (sidelined).”

    Talking about the judiciary, which has been criticised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Zardari said he had never run a campaign against them.

    “[Former military ruler] Pervez Musharraf kept me in jail for five years but we did not attack his house and I have said internationally, I want to see Musharraf alive.”

    “I think we should let the institution do its work and help them.”

    General elections only after the government introduces electoral reforms

    Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan would move towards general elections only after the government introduces electoral reforms.

    “Electoral and NAB (National Accountability Bureau) reforms are included in our game plan,” the ex-president said during a a meeting with journalists, noting that if polls are held before reforms, then any government that comes into power will face the issues that the past and present regimes are facing.

    “We have to change laws and improve them and then go to elections. Whether it takes three or four months, we have to work on implementation of policies and improving the electoral process,” Zardari said at a press conference in Karachi.

    He said he had consulted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Mian Nawaz Sharif and “made him understand that as soon as our reforms and low-hanging fruit targets are complete [we can go to polls]”.

    When will the new army chief be appointed?

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in a recent interview said that there was a possibility of holding elections before November. In response, Zardari said the PML-N leader had his own thoughts and was bound to listen to his party’s directives.

    “The PML-N decided with me that until electoral reforms were brought, there would be no [talk] about the new army chief’s appointment.” Once the electoral reforms had been introduced and the economic situation had improved and the parliament believes it is time to go for elections, polls can then be held, he added.

    ‘Out of box solutions to fix economy’

    Speaking on the economy, Zardari said, “We did not take any votes from the PTI’s dissident lawmakers,” he said, adding that he has come to power to know the prices of “aaloo, tamatar, unlike Khan.”

    Zardari also called for “out of the box” solutions to fix Pakistan’s economy as the country faces an uphill task on the fiscal front.

    He maintained that the new government will take some time to control the situation. Asif Zardari said that the nation will have to face problems until the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme is finalised.

    He said he had a lot of “out-of-the-box thought processes”, including about the State Life Insurance Corporation. “It is an investment of more than Rs100 billion. Give 26 per cent of it to a business house with a good track record and float 26pc [of its shares] in the market. You will get at least Rs8 to 10bn.”

     There is no such thing. He (Imran) has created a political myth:

    Zardari, while responding to a question, said he had not read the cable that Imran claimed contained proof of a “foreign conspiracy” to oust him.

    “I do not believe any [US] State Department official is irresponsible enough to [say] what you have read out to me. There is no such thing. He (Imran) has created a political myth. What need does the US have [to interfere]?”

    The former president said Pakistan needs to correct its policies and portray itself as a safe haven so the international community would consider it as a partner.

    He slammed Imran for labelling his opponents as Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs. “If anyone can run the country, it is us, not him. His own friends left him because they (PTI) could not fulfil their political commitments.”

  • Which reptile is Imran Khan most scared of? Zardari reveals all

    Which reptile is Imran Khan most scared of? Zardari reveals all

    Former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari revealed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan is afraid of lizards.

    Taking a jibe at the PTI chairman, Zardari said Khan was detained for eight hours in 2007 and over there, it came to light that he was afraid of lizards.

    “If Imran Khan will be put in jail, then it will be an enormous problem for this gora (white) sahab,” he added.

    “We have an issue with Imran Khan’s mindset. We have an issue with how Imran Khan has provoked the people of Pakistan. Individually, I don’t care for him, ” said Zardari.

    “Imran Khan has been lying since the beginning. He exaggerates a lot. His ” said Asif Zardari on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’.

    Talking about a secret meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari, the PPP leader was questioned if it was this secrecy that led to Khan losing his position. “I don’t know what is in Imran Khan’s mind. But his advisers are novices, they are not political beings. They don’t understand politics. You know politicians make terrible bedfellows. So this can happen anytime.”

    Responding to becoming a part of PM Shehbaz’s cabinet, Asif Zardari said Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s inclusion will be decided according to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).

    “Bilawal Bhutto as Foreign Minister of Pakistan will be decided in PPP’s CEC meeting,” he said.

    Talking about the 22-year political journey of Khan, Zardari said, ” Once Bibi [Benazir Bhutto] was asked what does she think about Imran Khan in politics, she said that as long as the ball is not tempered, he is welcome.”

    Zardari said that Khan’s propaganda machinery was very strong. “He has hired people internationally. He has the complete support of the Goldsmith family.”

    Talking about National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Zardari said that it is important to bring sensibility to NAB. So before the next elections, “we will decide to dilute some of the powers of NAB”.

    Talking about wooing Khan’s allies to vote against him in the no-trust motion, the former president went on to say, “I am a guarantor in all agreements made with allies and we will fulfill all of their legitimate demands.”

    “I am also a guarantor with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). However, someone has misguided Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), but we still want them to join us,” he said.

    Zardari said it was also his responsibility to oversee the implementation of the agreements signed with all allies, including the MQM-P, Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) of Akhtar Mengal, Shahzain Bugti of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) and Khalid Magsi of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ‘Sari zindagi nappy change kartay rahainge kya, bachay ko neechay utarainge tu seekhe ga’: Pervaiz Elahi

    ‘Sari zindagi nappy change kartay rahainge kya, bachay ko neechay utarainge tu seekhe ga’: Pervaiz Elahi

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said that it is important to put the baby down and let him/her learn to walk on its own.

    Without naming any names, the PML-Q leader said that “the work carried out on the government’s behalf never allowed it to learn things for itself.”

    “The child will learn to walk only when you put him down,” he said metaphorically. “Would you keep on changing nappies all his life?”

    Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi, while speaking on HUM News programme “Hum Meher Bokhari Kay Sath”, said that PM Khan was “100 per cent” in trouble because of the no-confidence motion against him.

    “The government 100 per cent lacks wisdom and understanding. They are going door to door, this is indication enough how troubled they are.”

    He further went on to share PML-Q’s grievances with the government. He said that all we have been showing is loyalty to the government and in return, all that is coming from their side is “dushmani“.

    The PML-Q leader said that they were still receiving threats and being blackmailed. “A week ago they said to NAB [National Accountability Bureau] to arrest Moonis [Minister for Water Resources and Pervaiz Elahi’s son].”

    Elahi said that he has already been offered Punjab’s chief ministership as well as electoral alliance — including seat-to-seat adjustment — by the Opposition alliance but the government has yet to make that offer.

    Elahi said: “We are waiting to see what the government has to offer. Maybe the government might do the same.”

     “The government 100 per cent lacks wisdom and understanding. The prime minister has a great desire for revenge, which is evident from the fact that he puts everyone in NAB and FIA. This is not how you govern,” he added.

    Elahi said that all that the government has done is ruin its relations with everyone. Without taking the PM’s name, the PML-Q leader said, “He has spoiled his relations with his own people as well. It is because of his own people that they are so worried. Tongue is one thing that can make or break things forever.”

    Elahi said that the Opposition alliance has the support of “more than required” lawmakers to pass the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly, warning that there are “plenty of surprises in store”.

    Talking about establishment, Elahi said, “DG ISPR has said on record that the establishment has nothing to do with politics, we are neutral in this. But did you see how he [PM] defined neutral, and said animals are neutral. Who was he saying this to?”

    He urged the government to move first and call off its planned political gathering for March 27, saying that it would put pressure on the Opposition to do the same.

  • Bye bye PTI? PPP, MQM-P to work together

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari met the incumbent government’s Sindh ally Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Monday.

    In the meeting, both parties have agreed to work together in the interest of the country. PPP has also reportedly agreed to all points of MQM-P.

    PPP’s senior leader Yousuf Raza Gillani said that Bilawal Bhutto will brief the public on all matters which have been settled in the meeting.

    It is pertinent to mention that the meeting is quite important as the no-confidence date is approaching fast.

    Last week, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan himself went to Karachi to meet the MQM- P leadership.

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Gen Bajwa told me not to call Maulana Fazlur Rehman ‘diesel’: PM Khan
    
			
    Gen Bajwa told me not to call Maulana Fazlur Rehman ‘diesel’: PM Khan
    
			
    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major-General Qamar Javed Bajwa has asked him not to call Jamiat-Ulema-eIslam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman “diesel”.
    

    “I was just talking to Gen Bajwa and he told me not to refer to Fazl as diesel. But I am not the one who is saying that. The people have named him diesel,” the prime minister said. He was addressing a public gathering in Dir.
    

    The premier said that in a recent media talk, Fazl had said when he comes to power, he would “mend an institution”. This, the premier said, was a reference to Pakistan Army.
    

    

    
https://twitter.com/UmerNaseem_/status/1502251719526424582

    

    

    “Today, Pakistan exists because of the army,” the prime minister said. “Will these people fix the army?”
    

    If today the world does not recognise Pakistan’s green passport, it’s because of these three stooges: Imran Khan
    

    Speaking about the three “stooges” — leaders of JUI-F, PPP, PML-N — who have joined hands against him, PM Imran said the chiefs of these three parties are among those who have been ruling the county for the last 30-35 years.
    

    

    
https://twitter.com/ChicoJahangir/status/1502267420504899584

    

    

    “If today the world does not recognise Pakistan’s green passport, it is because of these three because these three mortgaged Pakistan,” he claimed.
    

    

    


    

    

    

    Speaking about the no-trust motion filed against him, he said he had been praying that the Opposition would take such a step
    

    I will take all three wickets with one inswing yorker: PM Khan
    

    “This has given me a chance to take three wickets in one ball,” he said, three wickets being a reference to Zardari, Shehbaz, and Fazl. “I am competing against these three dacoits and … I will take all three wickets with one inswing yorker.”
    

    He alleged that the Opposition had been demanding an NRO from him.
    

    “They tell me that they will topple my government if I don’t close corruption cases against them. But I tell them that I will not close the cases even if I have to give my life for it. I am not doing politics against you but fighting a jihad.”
    

    He continued that he had called on people to gather at Islamabad’s D-Chowk a day before the session for voting on the no-confidence motion, which is yet to be scheduled.
    

    The person who met Modi; how will he fix the Pakistan army?
    

    Without mentioning the name of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, PM Imran Khan said that the “biggest coward and the biggest liar” of Pakistan is residing outside the country.
    

    “They say I shouldn’t call him fugitive but the fact is that he is a fugitive and liar,” the premier said, adding that he started lifafa (envelope) journalism in Pakistan.
    

    “The person who tried to bribe former army chief Asif Nawaz Janjua with a BMW is planning to fix the Pakistan army,” he said, taking a jibe at the PML-N supremo.
    

    “The person who met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nepal and invited the person who is torturing the Kashmiris to a wedding; how will he fix the Pakistan Army,” he questioned.
    

    Once again criticising them, he questioned: “Who will fix the army — PDM chief, who told the American ambassador that he is ready to serve him if given one chance, or PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari, who wrote a letter to the Americans to protect him from the army?”
    

    “Or will Shehbaz Sharif, who said that I did wrong by criticising the European Union, fix the institute?”
    

    PM Khan says only ‘animals are neutral’
    

    Speaking about PPP’s “Awaami March”, he said that after so much they brought people to Islamabad from Sindh and what was the message that he gave: “kaanpein tang rahi hain.”
    

    Taking a jibe at PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the PM said that by the time Bilawal leaves politics, new words will be added to the dictionary like “kaanpein tang rahi hain, cheeni ugg rahi hai.”
    

    

    


    

    

    

    “This is what happens when you forcefully try to make a person a leader…kaanpein taangti hain,” he stated.
    

    He further added that Allah did not allow us [PTI] to be neutral as only “animals are neutral” because the animals do not distinguish between good and evil. “Humans stand with the good,” he concluded.
    

    Restrain your tongue: Shehbaz Sharif
    

    Responding to PM Khan’s speech, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif said, “You are talking about sisters and daughters in a way that is not allowed in the civilised world and Islamic society. I want to warn you, restrain your tongue or we have to restrain.”
    

    

    


    

    

    

    Keep your fight political: Maulana Fazl
    

    Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday took a swipe at PM Khan and told him to “keep his fight political,” after the premier launched a verbal assault at the Opposition during a public gathering in Lower Dir.
    

    Fazl said: “Your foul language makes you ineligible to hold the post of the prime minister as there is no nobility in you.”
    

    The PDM chief claimed to have the majority to overthrow the PTI-led government and went on to call the premier “crazy.” 
    

    “We have experience in dealing with such situations,” he warned.