Tag: Atta Tarar

  • “Emotions, Complaints, Rebuttals: Lawmakers express outrage over arrests of PTI MNAs from prliament

    “Emotions, Complaints, Rebuttals: Lawmakers express outrage over arrests of PTI MNAs from prliament

    Discussion at the National Assembly (NA) turned heated following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers from the Parliament premises. At the same time, chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Khan announced a boycott of the NA proceeding.

    Commenting on the First Information Report (FIR) registered against PTI lawmakers based on a new Public Order Act, Barrister Gohar said that no other country has a law to register complaints against the delay of a rally.

    He cleared that complaints had been lodged against him for carrying a gun and pistols alongside him, raising the question of FIR authenticity.

    He stated that the rally was delayed amid road blockages, which prevented the Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Gandapur, from reaching the Sangjani area for the rally.

    Recording a party protest, Barrister stressed, “Except nine to ten PTI lawmakers, no other MNA would attend the NA proceedings until the September 10 inquiry.”

    Responding to Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto’s concerns about the PTI’s lawmaker resignation from Parliament, Gohar clarified: “Under no circumstance would the PTI resign from the parliament or any assembly, nor have we announced as such.”

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar has claimed that CCTV footage evidence shows no Member National Assembly (MNA) were arrested from parliament premises by federal capital police, which the opposition vehemently rejected.

    Responding to the MNA’s arrest from parliament premises, Bilawal said, “If the government functions only to plan who to arrest today, don’t be happy; we (all lawmakers) are next in the queue.”

    “Opposition shining his politics by the harsh language against journalists and judges,” he said.

    He said the PTI’s leadership can fight the case for Imran Khan but, in parliament, serve the people of Pakistan.

    “Constructively criticise the incumbent government instead of abusing,” he further advised.

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif remarked, “No MNA would have been apprehended if CM KP Gandapur hadn’t used controversial language.”

    “Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders have been imprisoned in the past to save democracy, but why is there so much drama on Khan’s arrest?” he concluded.

  • ‘Low chance of PTI Islamabad rally’: Atta Tarar

    ‘Low chance of PTI Islamabad rally’: Atta Tarar

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has responded to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat’s claim of holding a rally on August 22 in Islamabad, saying that there are low chances that the opposition will be granted permission for the rally.

    Talking on Geo News’ ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’, Tarar stated, “Considering their violent track record, I don’t think they will be allowed to rally in the federal capital.”

    Tarar also blamed PTI for not holding a peaceful protest, citing the context of the May 9 riots. He added, “One has to prove that they are peaceful.”

    “They also came here when Pervaiz Khattak was Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with heavy machinery aiming to remove obstacles,” the minister concluded.

    Earlier, Marwat said, ‘’We will show the High Court’s permission if the police file a case against us after the August 22 power show.”

  • PM Shehbaz arrives in UAE on important visit

    PM Shehbaz arrives in UAE on important visit

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has reached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a one-day-long visit to hold discussions with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding the shared interests of both countries.

    The vice president and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received PM Shehbaz at the airport. Multiple individuals, including Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid, were also present at the airport.

    This is Shehbaz Sharif’s first visit to the UAE after becoming prime minister of the country. Top federal ministers, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, are accompanying Shehbaz on his visit

  • PTI hired lobbyists to malign Pakistan, alleges Attaullah Tarar

    PTI hired lobbyists to malign Pakistan, alleges Attaullah Tarar

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday denounced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for allegedly masterminding the cipher conspiracy for his own gains. He said that the party hired a lobbying firm for the recent US Congress hearing involving Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State.

    Testifying before a Congressional panel yesterday, the top US diplomat said: “I wanna be very clear on this point [that] this conspiracy theory is a lie [and] it is a complete falsehood.”
    The federal information minister condemned PTI for its anti-state narrative, including recent protests that took place outside the headquarters of International Monetary Fund (IMF). He said the sole purpose of the protests were to derail the debt agreement talks currently being finalized.

    “The PTI hired lobbyists in the United States for a congress hearing on the so-called regime change conspiracy, but their leader could not evade divine justice,” he said citing a proverb “man proposes and God disposes”.

    He pointed out that historically Pakistan had rarely witnessed an instance where a person would jeopardize national interests for his own ego, pointing towards Imran Khan.

    PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan talked with the media outside the High Court and said that the protests outside the IMF’S headquarters in the US were organized by overseas Pakistanis and that the party did not send anyone from Pakistan to organize it.

  • EU denies receiving any communication from PTI regarding GSP+

    EU denies receiving any communication from PTI regarding GSP+

    European Union’s delegation has expressed that they have not yet received any official communication from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) about the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade status currently held by Pakistan.

    Samar Saeed Akhtar, the Press Officer for the EU Delegation, clarified the EU’s stance to Dawn, stating, “We have not received any official communication from PTI regarding GSP+.”

    In a press conference held on Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that PTI spokespersons, purportedly receiving directives from incarcerated party members, are orchestrating a scheme to undermine Pakistan’s GSP+ status. He claimed that PTI’s criticism of the government’s treatment of its founder, Imran Khan, in prison serves as a pretext for their efforts to jeopardize the country’s trade privileges.

    Furthermore, Tarar accused PTI of engaging in a conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan’s economy, citing PTI’s alleged correspondence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence. He emphasized the incumbent government’s commitment to economic recovery and lambasted PTI for purportedly prioritizing political gain over national interests.

    In response to Tarar’s claims, a PTI spokesperson categorically denied any intention of petitioning the EU to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status, dismissing the allegations as baseless and accusing Tarar of disseminating falsehoods. The spokesperson highlighted PTI’s dedication to national prosperity and defended Imran Khan’s role in facilitating the IMF program, attributing delays to the incompetence of previous administrations.

    Pakistan has been benefiting from the GSP+ program since 2014. This initiative, devised by the EU, aims to incentivize developing countries to uphold human rights principles, labor rights, environmental conservation, and good governance through trade incentives, including reduced tariffs for exports to the EU market. However, this preferential status is contingent upon the country demonstrating significant progress in implementing 27 international conventions covering various rights and governance issues.

    The EU meticulously monitors compliance with these conventions, relying on reports from the UN and other international bodies, and conducts regular assessments through on-ground missions. These evaluations are then reflected in reports to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, with biennial reviews conducted in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. The latest review highlighted ongoing concerns regarding enforced disappearances and declining media freedom.

    In October, the European Parliament extended Pakistan’s GSP+ status until 2027, allowing duty-free exports on 66 percent of product tariff lines to the European market.

    However, the EU retains the authority to withdraw the GSP+ status if a beneficiary country fails to meet the program’s stringent criteria. This withdrawal process typically involves a period of dialogue aimed at rectification but may result in the suspension of benefits if issues are not adequately addressed, as evidenced by the case of Sri Lanka in 2010 over human rights concerns.

    The European Parliament, in April 2021, adopted a resolution urging a review of Pakistan’s GSP+ status due to an “alarming” increase in blasphemy allegations and mounting attacks on journalists and civil society.

    Read more: Understanding GSP+ status: What it means for Pakistan’s trade relations

  • Is Imran Khan living a ‘luxurious’ life in jail? Atta Tarar explains

    Is Imran Khan living a ‘luxurious’ life in jail? Atta Tarar explains

    In a press conference held on Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted that incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan is living a luxurious life in jail.

    The former Prime Minister has three rooms, a kitchen, and access to exercise equipment, among other amenities desired by the detained leader, Tarrar elaborated.

    The minister said that PTI has been actively seeking the revocation of the country’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus status from the European Union (EU). The GSP+ status, initiated in 2014 and recently extended until 2027, grants Pakistan favorable trade terms, including duty-free or minimal-duty exports to the European market, to foster good governance and sustainable development.

    Minister Tarar alleged that PTI spokespersons, purportedly receiving directives from incarcerated party members, are orchestrating a scheme to undermine Pakistan’s GSP+ status. He claimed that PTI’s criticism of the government’s treatment of its founder, Imran Khan, in prison serves as a pretext for their efforts to jeopardize the country’s trade privileges.

    Furthermore, Tarar accused PTI of engaging in a conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan’s economy, citing PTI’s alleged correspondence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence. He emphasized the incumbent government’s commitment to economic recovery and lambasted PTI for purportedly prioritizing political gain over national interests.

    In response to Tarar’s claims, a PTI spokesperson categorically denied any intention of petitioning the EU to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status, dismissing the allegations as baseless and accusing Tarar of disseminating falsehoods. The spokesperson highlighted PTI’s dedication to national prosperity and defended Imran Khan’s role in facilitating the IMF program, attributing delays to the incompetence of previous administrations.

    The exchange underscores escalating tensions between the ruling government and the opposition party, with both sides trading accusations amid mounting economic challenges. As Pakistan navigates through critical issues, including inflation and unemployment, political discord continues to cast a shadow over efforts to steer the nation towards stability and growth.

    When asked about the ban on X (former Twitter) in Pakistan, the information minister claimed that there is no ban on the platform and people are using it.

    We counter-checked his claim and X is still not accessible in Pakistan without a virtual private network (VPN).

  • PPP claims police detained Bilawal Bhutto’s supporters in NA-127 Lahore

    PPP claims police detained Bilawal Bhutto’s supporters in NA-127 Lahore

    The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, claiming that police are arresting their supporters in Lahore’s NA-127 constituency, where party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is contesting in the February 8 elections.

    PPP Secretary General Taj Haider wrote a letter to ECP claiming that detention of PPP supporters by the police has instilled fear in the constituency.

    The letter mentioned that the police arrested Shahbaz and Shahzad, workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for joining the PPP. They also arrested Khalida Parveen, a former counsellor of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), for supporting the PPP. When they reached out to the police, they were told that Parveen had been arrested in a case filed against her four months ago.

    Haider said PPP’s Zulfiqar Badar contacted high officials for the release of the party activists, but to no avail. He feared that the fascist measures would multiply if police were not stopped.

    The PPP leader requested that the CEC issue an order for releasing PPP workers and take action against the culprits.

    The PPP chairman is contesting elections from the same constituency against PML-N’s Atta Tarar.

  • PMLN aur IPP ka breakup ho gaya?

    PMLN aur IPP ka breakup ho gaya?

    Discussions between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and the Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) about a potential electoral alliance have hit a roadblock.

    PML-N is hesitant to forge partnerships on a significant number of its seats, sources cited by The News have said.

    As per sources, PML-N is not ready to make adjustments on the seats where its top leaders will contest elections.

    Sources also disclosed that the party is cautious about entering into alliances on numerous other seats.

    IPP reportedly proposed adjustments on 50 provincial assembly seats and 26 National Assembly seats during talks between the two parties. However, negotiations have failed to yield any substantial breakthrough, leading to a standstill in the alliance talks.

    Maryam Nawaz and Aleem Khan will face each other in the election for NA-119 (Lahore-III), sources said. NA-119 is a stronghold of the PML-N as it won the seat back-to-back in 2013 and 2018 elections.

    To explore potential alliances, the PML-N is reportedly considering an electoral partnership on NA-117 (Lahore-I) for Abdul Aleem Khan and contemplating NA-127 for Aun Chaudhry. It can also go for an alliance on the Lodhran seat for Jahangir Tareen.

    Meanwhile, complications have also arisen in Karachi as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is reportedly hesitant to concede the NA-242 seat to PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif. In response, Shehbaz Sharif is anticipated to visit Karachi for crucial talks with MQM leaders, addressing this matter and other pertinent issues.

  • Friendship ended with PPP, now PML-N and IPP are best friends

    Friendship ended with PPP, now PML-N and IPP are best friends

    The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) took a significant step on Thursday by submitting a list to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) committee, outlining its demands for seat adjustment ahead of the upcoming elections.

    The IPP is pushing for seat adjustments in 45 constituencies of the Punjab Assembly and 27 constituencies of the National Assembly.

    The deliberations unfolded during a joint meeting of the committees from both parties, hosted at the residence of former Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq. The meeting saw the participation of prominent PML-N figures including Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Atta Tarar, and Malik Ahmed Khan, while IPP was represented by Ishaq Khakwani, Aun Chaudhary and Nauman Langriyal.

    The discussions primarily revolved around seat adjustments for the National Assembly constituencies, with the IPP formally handing over its list to the PML-N committee. Both parties explored various options during the joint meeting, demonstrating a commitment to finding common ground.

    IPP has decided to field Jahangir Tareen from Lodhran, Aleem Khan and Aun Chaudhry from Lahore, Farrukh Habib from Faisalabad, Ghulam Sarwar Khan from Taxila, Aamir Kiyani and Ali Nawaz Awan from Islamabad, Firdous Ashiq Awan from Sialkot and Imran Ismail, Mahmood Maulvi will be party’s candidates from PML-N.

    Both parties agreed to continue talks on seat adjustment while another meeting is scheduled for Friday.

  • ‘Pervaiz Elahi and Punjab government being controlled through remote control from Bani Gala’: Tarar

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Attaullah Tarar warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Punjab government that “all of you” will be arrested if a single PML-N worker is sent behind bars.

    Tarar, who was speaking to the media, warned Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Pervaiz Elahi’s government that they “will face the consequences of the trend of revenge they had set”.

    “Pervaiz Elahi sahib, you and your son (Moonis Elahi) will face the consequences of this new trend that you have set,” warned Tarar, claiming that Moonis had been issuing instructions for action against PML-N leaders despite not having any official authority.

    “Pervaiz Elahi and his Punjab government are being controlled through remote control from Bani Gala. This is his old habit. For God’s sake, stop this, the country has already borne much loss.”

    He also linked the action against his party’s members to the “promotion of an anti-state narrative”, alluding to PTI leader Dr Shahbaz Gill’s remarks against institutions.

    Tarar alleged that CM Elahi had “fully facilitated [former Prime Minister] Imran Khan in promoting this anti-state narrative”, adding that Elahi was “at the forefront of exacting revenge from us”.

    He went on to claim that Elahi and Moonis had directed jail officials not to hand over Gill to Islamabad police even when the court had approved his remand in police custody.

    Court issues arrest warrants for Ata Tarar, 11 other PML-N leaders

    A judicial magistrate Friday, August 19, issued the arrest warrants for a dozen PML-N leaders, including prime minister’s special assistant Atta Tarar, in relation to a ruckus created at the Punjab Assembly.

    A case was registered against the PML-N leaders over the ruckus which took place in April during the chief minister’s election — when Hamza Shehbaz was elected to the top office.