Tag: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

  • ‘My Urdu is weak at 30, your Urdu is not good even at 70’: Bilawal on PM Khan

    Taking a jibe at Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that “PM Khan criticises my Urdu, I admit that my Urdu is not good. However, my Urdu is weak at the age of 30 but your [PM Khan] Urdu is not good even at the age of 70,” adding that before you fix my Urdu, teach Urdu to your three children.

    Bilawal addressed a public gathering in Parachinar today (Saturday), where he said that the Opposition has shown that Imran Khan has lost the majority in the house. Therefore, he is no longer the prime minister. “Opposition will consider Imran Khan as the PM if he manages to bring 172 members,” he added.

    He further said that the Opposition has tabled the no-confidence motion against PM Khan since March 8. “The prime minister should show sportsmanship and face us if he is brave enough to do so,” he said.

    While addressing, the PPP chairperson said,” Next elections will be free and fair and no institutions will be made controversial for one person.”

    He further claimed, “Imran Khan violates the Constitution and the democracy. He doesn’t want the rule of law in Pakistan. He rather wants all institutions to work like his Tiger Force.”

    Criticising the PM, Bilawal said: “The PM used to say that he would become the ambassador of Kashmir, but he ended up becoming the lawyer of Kulbhushan Jadhav.”

    “What kind of Riyasat-e-Madina is this which provides relief to the rich and inflation to the poor,” Bilawal posed a question.

    He also alleged that PM Imran has been conspiring and making efforts to turn all institutions — be it the NAB (National Accountability Bureau), be it the ISI (Inter-Service Intelligence), be it our armed forces, be it our police — into his Tiger Force.

  • Speaker Asad Qaiser is ‘Imran Khan’s stooge’, says Opposition after Qaiser adjourns NA session till Monday

    Speaker Asad Qaiser is ‘Imran Khan’s stooge’, says Opposition after Qaiser adjourns NA session till Monday

    The much-awaited and critical National Assembly (NA) session on the vote of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was adjourned till Monday (March 28) by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser.

    “Since this is the tradition of this house, that whenever a respectable member [of the assembly] passes away, the [NA] session is adjourned till the next [working] day in their honour,” said Qaiser. “This has happened for years and this had happened a total of 24 times in the past.”

    Addressing a press conference outside Parliament House right after the session was adjourned, Leader of the Opposition in NA Shehbaz Sharif said that the Speaker has become a “stooge” of PM Khan.

     “This was a constitutional obligation and he violated the Constitution by not doing this,” said Shehbaz adding, “The Constitution and the law is above tradition and voting should have been allowed … tradition aside, the Speaker should have taken up the motion [but] he did not listen and left.”

    Shehbaz tweeted, “This partisan behaviour does not suit the custodian of the House. U cannot stop the inevitable through such underhand tactics!”

    Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that PM Khan was “fleeing the pitch”.

    Taking to Twitter, Bilawal wrote, “Speaker provided another weak excuse to avoid tabling the no-trust move.”

    “Imran can’t run forever. PM has no sportsman spirit and cannot face defeat with grace. The once great Kaptaan will go down like a rat on a sinking ship,” he said.

    Prior to the session, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “Nothing will happen in the assembly session today.”

  • Nawaz Sharif’s close aide Chaudhry Nisar refuses to join PTI

    Nawaz Sharif’s close aide Chaudhry Nisar refuses to join PTI

    Estranged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party member and former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan revealed that he will not join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) despite his meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, according to Daily Jang.

    “Nisar will neither return to PML-N nor work under Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, hence will maintain his independent status,” said the news outlet’s sources.

    On Wednesday, PM Khan said that he met Chaudhry. “I have had an association with him [Chaudhry] for the last 40 years,” he revealed, adding that Nisar will be “taking all political decisions himself”.

    Jang report further reveals that Chaudhry was offered chief ministership of Punjab when PTI came to power. However, at the time, Nisar refused it and thought that in an assembly, where the PML-N is in the Opposition, he would not be able to speak against PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif.

  • Supreme Court to take up presidential reference on Article 63-A today

    Supreme Court to take up presidential reference on Article 63-A today

    The Supreme court (SC) will take up the presidential reference seeking opinion on Article 63-A of the Constitution – which deals with the disqualification of parliamentarians over defection – at 1pm on Thursday, reports Dawn.

    A five-member bench of the SC comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial will head the bench, which also includes Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail.

    Earlier, on Monday, a two-member bench of the apex court comprising CJP Bandial and Justice Akhtar took up the presidential reference and declared that a larger bench would hear the case.

    Justice Faez Isa “perplexed” over CJP Bandial’s decision to hear the presidential reference

    The senior-most judge of SC Justice Faez Isa has said that he is “perplexed” over CJP Bandial’s decision to hear the presidential reference for the interpretation of Article 63-A together with the SCBA petition over the no-confidence motion.

    In a three-page letter to the top judge, dated March 22, Justice Isa has questioned multiple legal aspects along with the formation of a larger bench “without the inclusion of senior-most judges”.

    “On 19 March 2022, a two-member bench headed by yourself and an hon’ble judge 8 in seniority, heard CP No. 2/2022 in Court on a Saturday, despite the filing of the petition on Thursday. On the said date it was ordered that CP No. 2/2022 be heard ‘along with a Reference, if any, that is filed under Article 186 of the Constitution and the petition and the proposed reference were ordered to be fixed together for hearing. I am perplexed as to how a matter which had not been filed was ordered to be fixed for hearing,” the letter said.

    Justice Isa further stated that the apex court rules demand that the constitution of a bench is done fairly and as per the law, referring to Article IV of the Code of Conduct, which says:

    “[…] a judge must avoid all possibility of his opinion or action, in any case, being swayed by any consideration of personal advantage, either direct or indirect.”

    “The Constitution specifically recognises the most senior Judge of the Supreme Court (including in Article 175A(3) and Article 180), and with seniority comes responsibility, which must not be shirked. The most senior Judge also ensures the continuity of the Supreme Court as an institution,” Justice Isa wrote.

    Better if the assembly’s fight is fought inside the assembly: CJP Bandial

    Justice Bandial on Monday heard a plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) about the lawful proceeding of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly (NA).

    During the hearing, which was attended by three bigwigs of the Opposition — PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, SCBA counsel argued that NA Speaker Asad Qaiser summoned the session 17 days after the submission of the no-confidence motion. However, according to Article 95, the session has to be called within 14 days.

    He further argued that the no-confidence motion could not be adjourned before voting. To this, CJ observed that it is an “internal matter” and it would be “better if the assembly’s fight is fought inside the assembly”.

    According to Justice Munib, a member’s individual vote has no “status”. Justice Munib Akhtar said after joining a political party, a member’s vote is considered a “collective” right.

    SCBA writes a reply to the apex court

    On Thursday, the SCBA submitted a written reply to the apex court ahead of today’s hearing in accordance with the court’s directives.

    In its reply, the SCBA said that the votes of MNAs “cannot possibly be construed as a collective right of a political party”, citing Article 95 of the Constitution, which deals with the procedure to bring in a no-confidence motion against the prime minister.

    Fawad Chaudhry responds to SCBA’s reply to the apex court

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter and reacted to SCBA’s response.

    Fawad said, “Reading SCBA’s answer, it seems that Supreme Court bar body is a subsidiary of Noon League,” says Fawad Chaudhry, adding, “Ordinary lawyers are dissatisfied with the role of lawyers’ organisations and the defeat of this group in the Lahore Bar elections is the result of the lawyers’ reaction.”

    Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan had submitted the reference seeking the SC’s opinion on Article 63-A of the Constitution on March 21.

  • ‘Bilawal dil ka jaani hai’: Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘Bilawal dil ka jaani hai’: Sheikh Rasheed

    “Bilawal dil ka jaani hai,” said Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed about Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

    Speaking about the Opposition’s long march towards the federal capital, the minister said that they are coming here to do “Duma Dum Mast Qalandar“.

    “They [Opposition] are coming since the last four months. Let them come. If anything happens, the loss will be of the Opposition. Imran Khan has finished his four years, he has one year left and he will work through that one year,” said Rasheed, adding that the Opposition has only created confusion in the past four years.

    The reporter asked Rasheed that Bilawal’s Awami March pulled a large crowd and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman too has street power, to which Rasheed interjected and said that he provided more security to Bilawal than the people attending his ‘Awami March’.

    Rasheed again reiterated the fact that Prime Minister Imran Khan is going nowhere. On being asked about the governance in Punjab, Rasheed said, “I don’t do Punjab politics.”

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a ‘public meeting’ at D-Chowk on March 27.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called the entire nation to march towards the federal capital on March 23 for an anti-government long march.

  • Ab tou dharnay hongay: Govt, Opposition set to do jalsas on same day in Islamabad

    Ab tou dharnay hongay: Govt, Opposition set to do jalsas on same day in Islamabad

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a massive, what they are calling, a ‘public meeting’ at D-Chowk on March 27.

    As per media reports, the government has cautioned lawmakers that they will have to make their way through the crowd of ‘one million’ to enter Parliament House for casting their vote on the no-trust motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, which is expected to take place on March 28.

    The decision to gather PTI workers at D-Chowk on March 27 was made in the ruling party’s core committee meeting, which was presided by PM Khan himself.

    It is being reported that the core committee was also attended by National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called the entire nation to march towards the federal capital on March 23 for an anti-government long march.

    “People should be ready for staying in Islamabad […] we are not sure till when will the long march last,” said Fazl.

    “From the door of the Parliament House to Shahrah-e-Dastoor, we will hold a historic rally. Through this, we will give a safe passage to all lawmakers for reaching the [assembly] safely and casting their vote,” said Maulana Fazl.

    PDM chief made the announcement after a meeting of Opposition parties which was hosted by Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif.

    In response to the PDM chief’s announcement, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said he had already stated that the Opposition was against the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) session in Islamabad.

    “I had already said that Fazlur Rehman’s real agenda was against the OIC conference. They are not able to accept that OIC foreign minister’s meeting will take place here after 15 years,” tweeted Fawad.

    PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan said on Monday announced that the voting on the no-confidence motion against PM Khan will take place after March 27.

  • 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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    Guess which movie Bilawal Bhutto went to watch in Islamabad yesterday?
    
			
    Guess which movie Bilawal Bhutto went to watch in Islamabad yesterday?
    
			
    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari seemed quite relaxed on Sunday despite high political temperature in the country by taking a little break and going to the movies. 
    

    The PPP chairperson on Sunday went to watch a movie with his party members who are currently in the federal capital because of the no-confidence motion.
    

    Bilawal Bhutto and PPP stalwarts went to watch “The Batman”, starring Robert Pattison and Zoë Kravitz in the lead.  
    

    PPP leader Nabil Gabol took to Twitter and shared a selfie clicked within the cinema. Bilawal can be seen sitting in between Gabol and Khursheed Shah.
    

    

    


    

    

    

    PPP Senator Sherry Rehman took to her Instagram stories and shared a glimpse of the movie night with Bilawal Bhutto. 
    

    

    Screenshot of Sherry Rehman’s Instagram story
    

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan
    
			
    Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan
    
			
    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday said that he did not join politics to know the prices of aaloo and tamatar (potatoes and tomatoes) but decided to become a politician for the sake of the country’s youth. 
    

    Addressing a rally in Hafizabad, the premier promised the people of Punjab that his government will work on the development of the province, something which he claimed would be “unprecedented” in the history of the country.
    

    I joined politics for the sake of the country’s youth: Khan
    

    “I didn’t join politics to know the prices of potatoes and tomatoes. I joined it for the sake of the country’s youth,” the premier said. “If we want to become a great nation, we will have to support the truth, and this is what I have been preaching for the last 25 years.”
    

    The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan wanted equal ties with all the countries. “But as a prime minister of a country with a 220 million population, it is my first and foremost duty to protect people’s rights and interests of the country. I will not allow any policy that harms our motherland. I will not compromise on the national interests just for seeking the pleasure of any country,” he stressed.
    

    Past PMs of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president
    

    Taking a dig at the Opposition and how leaders of different parties criticised him for issuing statements against the European Union (EU) envoys, the premier said that in the past, prime ministers of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president and used Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal’s slip of the tongue “kaanpein taang rahi hoti thein” as an example. 
    

    The premier went on to say that when he rebuked the envoys of European countries for asking Pakistan to explicitly condemn Russia for attacking Ukraine, Shehbaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were “trembling”.
    

    “My criticism of EU was justified,” the premier said, adding that Opposition leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Shehbaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thought it was “grave injustice” to chide EU envoys.
    

    The prime minister said that whenever a foreign diplomat came to meet Shehbaz Sharif, he would quickly change into a suit and a tie.
    

    “Since I know the West better than everyone else, I can assure that they do not respect people who polish their boots,” he said. “They respect nations who stand up for themselves.” 
    

    On the ‘terrorist’ living in London
    

    PM Imran Khan also spoke about the US War on Terror and the ensuing drone attacks in Pakistan, calling it a “violation of human rights”. He also talked about a “terrorist” living in London for the last 30 years, saying that this terrorist was responsible for the killing of more people than those killed by US drones. 
    

    He said he once told a group of European representatives whether they would allow the use of drones against a terrorist and criminal sitting in London who had killed scores of people in Karachi. The premier was apparently referring to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain.
    

    PM Imran further said the United States carried out 400 drone strikes inside Pakistan from 2008 to 2013 but governments led by PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) never opposed them.
    

    “We want cordial relations with all countries but will not compromise on national interest… I would not bow down to anyone nor would I allow the nation to give in before anyone.”
    

    On the contrary, the prime minister said, he had always opposed those attacks, staged sit-ins, and gave statements in the United States and the United Kingdom, calling these attacks a grave violation of basic human rights and global principles.
    

    ‘One-million-strong’ power show at D-Chowk
    

    The premier then talked about transforming Pakistan into an exemplary welfare society, based on the model of the State of Madinah.
    

    “I formed Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen Authority in the country so that every Pakistani child becomes aware of the life and teaching of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and stay on the path of the truth.”
    

    As part of the PTI-led government’s strategy to thwart the Opposition’s no-trust bid, it was decided during the meeting that a one-million strong rally would be staged at Islamabad’s D-Chowk ahead of the no-confidence motion in the lower house of parliament.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    ‘Fighting isn’t difficult, reconciliation is,’ Fawad Chaudhry trying to bring down political temperature?
    
			
    ‘Fighting isn’t difficult, reconciliation is,’ Fawad Chaudhry trying to bring down political temperature?
    
			
    Amidst all political chaos and unrest,  Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “The unintentional no-confidence motion presented by the Opposition has caused bitterness in politics.”
    

    “Democracy is not a system of extreme divisions, it is based on political consensus,” said Fawad, adding, “I don’t think there should be such extreme division that conversations become difficult.”
    

    

    


    

    

    

    The minister further wrote, “Fighting isn’t difficult, reconciliation is.”
    

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed’s recent comments on the no-confidence motion suggest mending ways with the Opposition.
    

    “I think we should go towards making peace with the Opposition,” said Rasheed.
    

    Fawad and Rasheed’s words come at a time when the political temperature is quite high.
    

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to Twitter yesterday and responded to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent criticism hurled at the Opposition.
    

    “Imran Khan’s abusive language is the biggest proof he knows he’s losing. Have you ever heard a winning captain abuse his opponents?”
    

    

    


    

    

    

    “His reference to the army in public jalsa while no confidence is pending is pathetic, desperate, and will not work,” tweeted Bilawal.