The incarcerated Preside of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, has claimed on Thursday that officers from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union “routinely” visit party chief Imran Khan in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi.
The claim was categorically rejected by the spokesman of Punjab prisons department, declaring it “baseless and against the facts”.
Speaking to journalists in a courtroom in Lahore, the PTI president said that Imran Khan was locked up in a cell next to his in jail.
“Representatives from the EU and the IMF [routinely] visit Imran,” he claimed.
The former chief minister also said, while responding to a question about upcoming elections, that Khan will get unusual votes in the forthcoming polls.
“There will be no rigging in this election,” he said, adding that the polls’ date was announced at the orders of the top court.
Chaudhry Parvez Elahi further said that he is with Imran Khan and will continue to support the former prime minister.
Chaudhry Moonis Elahi purchased several properties in Spain on the day his father, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, took oath as Chief Minister (CM) Punjab on July 27 last year.
Writing for The News, Umer Cheema has revealed that this information has been obtained by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from Spanish authorities.
Moonis confirmed holding benami properties in Spain, which includes an apartment, a Range Rover and a company among the newly made assets apart from a bank account and previously incorporated companies.
Moonis admitted to their ownership and said he would declare them in his next year’s tax return. He said it was nothing more than a coincidence that the purchase of properties occurred on the day his father took the oath.
National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore had written a letter to the authorities in Spain for an ongoing investigation of alleged corruption, looting and ill-gotten properties against the family.
It has been found that Barcelo hotel in Barcelona is also owned by Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi family, while another multi-story plaza is also said to be owned by Elahi family—with a person named Saqib Tahir appointed as caretaker, reports Samaa News.
The Canary Islands in Spain are also said to be home to various historic buildings, plazas and orchards, owned by Eahi family.
Moonis Elahi has recently started a taxi service in Barcelona by obtaining 250 taxi vehicles on bank lease.
In Spain, Chaudhary Pervez is known as the frontman of the Elahi Family.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday revealed that former Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi told that him that a bureaucrat had collected Rs72 crores as salami [gift money] on his daughter’s wedding.
Without revealing the name, Khawaja said, “Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi told me himself that he went to a bureaucrat’s daughter’s wedding where a man of his [Elahi’s] constituency was collecting salami. Elahi asked him how much salami had been collected so far. The person told Elahi that around Rs72 crore had been collected while more salami was pouring in.”
“The same bureaucrat on his elder daughter’s wedding collected Rs1billion 20 crores,” narrated Khawaja. However, he did not reveal the name of the bureaucrat.
خواجہ آصف نے کل چوہدری پرویز الٰہی کو قوٹ کرکے بتایا کہ ایک بیوروکریٹ کی بیٹی ایک شادی پر 72 کروڑ روپے اور پہلی بیٹی کی ایک ارب 20کروڑ روے سلامی اکٹھی کی تھی @KhawajaMAsif نے اس افسر نام نہیں بتایا جرنلسٹ @KlasraRauf نے بتایا کہ وہ افسر طاہر خورشید TKعثمان بزدار کے ساتھ تھا 1/2 pic.twitter.com/Ejfe6UbhR1
Journalist Rauf Klasra has now revealed the name of the bureaucrat on his Vlog.
“Tahir Khurshid aka TK, Principal Secretary to former Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, was the one whom Pervaiz Elahi was talking about. He had collected Rs72 crore as salami on his daughter’s wedding.”
“One should ask Imran Khan and Usman Buzdar who was TK?” said Klasra.
ا @KlasraRauf نے بتایا طاہر خورشیدTK کے نام سے مشہور ہیں۔ وزیراعلی عثمان بزدار کے پرنسپل سیکرٹری تھے۔TK کو NAB کانوٹس ملا تو عمران حکومت وہاں سے اسلام آباد سیکرٹری لگا دیا آج بھی بیٹھا ہوا۔ اس ملک کی اصل حکمران سول، ملٹری بیوروکریسی اور جوڈیشری ہے اور وہ خوب لوٹتے ہیں 2/3 pic.twitter.com/SvcFcvK0pE
Punjab is once again caught up in a controversy over the filing of cases against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders as the Lahore police chief has refused to relinquish his charge, saying he will not do so unless directed by the provincial government, reports The News.
The federal government, withdrawing the services of Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mahmood Dogar, directed him to report to the Establishment Division for further order.
However, Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, refusing to abide by the orders, said that the Centre had no power to order the transfer.
“Removing or transferring the CCPO is my authority,” said Elahi in a tweet.
سی سی پی او لاہور کو چارج چھوڑنے سے روک دیا ہے۔ وفاقی حکومت انتقام میں اندھی ہو چکی ہے۔ سی سی پی او لاہور کو وفاقی حکومت نہ ہٹاسکتی ہے نہ تبادلہ کی مجاز ہے۔ وفاقی حکومت کے ہر غیر قانونی اقدام کو ماننے سے انکار کرتے ہیں۔
Speaking to Geo News, Ghulam Dogar said that he will not relinquish his charge until and unless asked by the Punjab government.
Speaking to Geo News, Ghulam Dogar said that he will not relinquish his charge until and unless asked by the Punjab government.
The development came after a case was filed against PML-N leaders Javed Latif and Marriyum Aurangzeb for allegedly “using religion to instil and spread hatred” against PTI chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi commented on the recent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.
Talking on Geo News’ programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Elahi said, “I have given a statement against him [Shahbaz],” adding that these are honourable institutions.
“The Pakistan army protects the border of our country, Aqal hai tumhaaray mein (Are you in your senses?).”
When asked if PTI should distance itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement, Elahi said, “Definitely yes.”
He further said Khan himself says that “a person who speaks against the army is not a Pakistani”.
فوج مخالف بیان پر شہباز گل کو ڈانٹا کہ یہ بڑی بری بات ہے، تحریک انصاف کی قیادت کو بالکل شہبازگل کے بیان سے الگ ہونا چاہیے، وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب چوہدری پرویز الٰہی#GeoNews#GeoPakistanpic.twitter.com/GBtRTZuWtp
Commenting on Gill’s arrest, Imran Khan termed it an ‘abduction’. He said, “Shahbaz Gill was arrested without any arrest warrant. His driver was tortured and his vehicle was damaged. He should have been given a chance to defend himself.”
About the rumours about his arrest, Khan said that his arrest is a small thing, he can “sacrifice” his life for haqeeqi azadi.
“If someone breaks the law, then there must be an action. Has any show-cause notice been issued to ARY News or given any reason for its suspension? The channel’s transmission was suspended without giving any chance to give a clarification. This is not acceptable in a democratic society. Democracy does not allow someone to take a decision solely and close the channel.”
While Speaking on ARY News, PTI leader Asad Umar said Gill’s words have been misinterpreted.
He further claimed that personally, he has “never heard Gill giving anti-army statements”.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Murad Saeed lashed out at the government after the arrest of his fellow party member. He claimed that this is all the government’s propaganda against PTI as they themselves talk against the army and then link it to PTI.
He further said that the government registers fake FIRs.
The PTI leader said that “handlers and facilitators” can’t compete with the public as they come out on roads whenever Khan asked them to.
“Imran Khan is our redline, don’t cross it, or else you will suffer the consequences.”
ملک کی خودداری کا سودا کرنے والو نے شہباز گل کو اغوا کیا۔ کل رات بھی جانثاران عمران خان نے واضح پیغام دیا اور پلان ناکام بنا دیا۔ بارہا بتایا کہ امریکی غلام رجیم چینج آپریشن کے تحت ہمارے ملک کو نئ جنگ میں دھکیل رہے ہیں لیکن مجرمانہ خاموشی https://t.co/DcsUg9rIhc
‘Script was prepared under the supervision of Imran Khan’: Rana Sanuallah
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, August 9, Interior Minister Rana Snaullah said, “The comments were according to the script prepared under the supervision of PTI Chairman Imran Khan which was carried forward by Fawad Chaudhry and Shahbaz Gill.”
Sanaullah went on to say that “hateful and seditious” remarks made by Gill were in line with the conspiracy in which a private news channel was also involved.
“Inquiry will be held regarding who are the people behind Gill and the private channel as no further investigation is needed on Gill’s statement,” he added.
The interior minister further alleged that the incident proves that the PTI was responsible for running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash in Balochistan.
A day after Punjab Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly on Monday also approved a motion expressing no-trust in Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.
The development was shared by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) official Twitter handle.
پنجاب کے بعد KPK اسمبلی میں بھی چیف الیکشن کمشنر پر عدم اعتماد کی قرارد منظور- pic.twitter.com/q56W0CNPvx
The resolution demanded immediate general elections in the country and called for the ECP members and CEC to step down.
Punjab Assembly approves motion for ECP chief’s resignation
On Sunday, the Punjab Assembly (PA) approved a motion today on Sunday calling for CEC Sikandar’s resignation.
This development came after PTI candidate Sibtain Khan was elected the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly.
The session of the provincial assembly began with newly-elected PA Speaker Khan administering the oath to his deputy, Wasiq Qayyum.
Later, PTI Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Syed Abbas Shah presented the motion against Sultan. After the motion was approved, the Assembly was adjourned till August 15.
PTI Information Secretary Farrukh Habib issued a statement on Saturday and said the party had prepared to file a disqualification reference in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against the CEC. He said the CEC met PDM leaders after reserving a judgment in the prohibited funding case.
“By doing so, the chief election commissioner violated his oath, the code of conduct as well as his constitutional duty,” he added.
In an address to his supporters, PTI Chairman Imran Khan expressed his complete lack of trust in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and CEC Raja. Khan accused the ECP of supporting former Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Hamza Shehbaz.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan addressed his supporters on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court verdict declared Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as the new chief minister of Punjab. He demanded immediate elections that should be free and fair. Khan ruled out any possibility of holding talks with the coalition government.
‘Can talk to the TTP and separatists but not with thieves’
“I can talk to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the separatists of Balochistan and Sindh, but not with thieves,” said Khan while ruling out the possibility of holding talks with the coalition government.
Once again, Khan expressed his complete lack of trust in the incumbent Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja. Khan accused the ECP of supporting former CM Punjab Hamza Shehbaz.
“The Election Commission was involved and tried to defeat us in the by-polls.”
Terming his party’s win in the Punjab by-elections a “miracle”, he said that despite the government’s attempts, his party managed to win because of the people.
“First of all, Hamza was illegally imposed on us, and even when he was ordered by the top court to refrain from using any state machinery and administration for personal gains, he used all of the aforementioned to rig the elections.”
‘Yeh jo bikay hain hamaray log, yeh bhi aik shirk hai’
Khan said that those who defected from his party committed shirk.
“Jab yehapni naukri ko bachanay ke liye ghalat kaam kartay hain, gunnah kartay hain, yeh bhi aik shirk hai. Aap apnay zameer ko bechtay hain, laalach de kar jo aap ko khareedta hai, yeh jo bikay hain hamaray log bhairr baqriyon ki tarah, yeh bhi aik shirq hai kyun ke Allah Al-Haqq hai.”
(Those who do wrong things to save their jobs commit sin, it is shirk [idolatry]. Those who sell their self-respect and themselves, it is also counted as shirk because Allah is Al-Haqq).
Those from PTI who defected to the opposition parties committed Shirq, says Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/bBBzaJjsGN
Khan recalled that when his party announced its “Azadi March” on May 25, the coalition government attacked the women, children, and families who came out to support PTI.
“They tried to silence us.”
“Today, I want to thank the Almighty that despite all the impediments, people came out to show support rather than staying at home out of fear,” adding that he is glad that the people of Pakistan have started becoming a nation now.
The ruling coalition has demanded that a full court bench should hear the petitions filed in reference to the election of the Punjab chief minister (CM) election.
In a statement, the coalition parties said it will be fair that a full court bench comprising all the honourable judges of the Supreme Court should review the hear Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) review request, the present petition, and other related applications together, and schedule them for hearing together and issue a single ruling because these are matters of national, political and constitutional importance.
حکمران اتحاد کا مشترکہ متفقہ اعلامیہ جاری
حکمران اتحاد میں شامل تمام جماعتیں چیف جسٹس پاکستان سے پر زور مطالبہ کرتی ہیں کہ وزیر اعلی پنجاب کے انتخاب سے متعلق مقدمے کی سماعت فل کورٹ کرے۔ pic.twitter.com/WUtqozDoQc
Criticising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, the joint statement said that he wants to move Pakistan’s democracy and right to governance towards “default”, “just as he did with the economy”.
“Imran Khan’s attitude and thoughts are like a ‘termite’ eating away at Pakistan […] but the ruling coalition reiterates its commitment that there will be no compromise on the constitution, democracy, and people’s right to rule,” they said.
They added that the coalition parties will move forward on every forum together and they will “fight against the darkness of fascism”.
‘Enough is enough. Don’t expect us to follow one-sided decisions, says Maryam Nawaz
Reacting to the events of last night, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz said that she disapproved of how things were unfolding said that the party will not accept “one-sided” decisions by the Supreme Court of Pakistan,
“Amid pressure due to bullying, threats, misbehaviour and abuses, if the house of justice makes specific decisions via the same bench and negates itself, negate its own decisions, puts its weight behind a single side then do not expect us to bow our heads before such one-sided decisions. Enough is Enough!” tweeted the PML-N leader.
اگر انصاف کے ایوان بھی دھونس، دھمکی،بدتمیزی اور گالیوں کےدباؤ میں آ کر بار بار ایک ہی بنچ کے ذریعے مخصوص فیصلے کرتےہیں،اپنے ہی دیے فیصلوں کی نفی کرتے ہیں،سارا وزن ترازو کے ایک ہی پلڑے میں ڈال دیتے ہیں تو ایسے یکطرفہ فیصلوں کے سامنے سر جھکانے کی توقع ہم سے نا رکھی جائے۔بہت ہو گیا!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 23, 2022
The PML-N leader said that the current political chaos and instability started with the Supreme Court’s court decision on Article 63A, adding that it made an “arbitrary interpretation” of the constitution to not count the MPAs that voted voluntarily.
موجودہ سیاسی انتشار اور عدم استحکام کا سلسلہ اس عدالتی فیصلے سے شروع ہوتا ہے جس کے ذریعے آئین کی من مانی تشریح کرتے ہوئے اپنی مرضی سے ووٹ دینے والوں کے ووٹ نہ گننے کا حکم جاری ہوا ۔آج اس کی ایک نئی تشریح کی جا رہی ہے تاکہ اب بھی اسی لاڈلے کو فائدہ پہچنے جسے کل پہنچا تھا!نا منظور!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 23, 2022
“With utmost respect, I request that a full bench be constituted”: Atta Tarar
PML-N leader Ataullah Tarar demanded that since this is a matter related to the interpretation of the Constitution, a full bench should hear the petition.
The PML-N leader said that court hearings related to constitutional matters that have taken place recently — since the no-confidence motion against ex-prime minister Imran Khan — warrant a full bench.
“Therefore, with the utmost respect, I request that a full bench be constituted to hear this case as well,” the PML-N leader said.
‘How long will State institutions continue to allow this? We are not far from Sri Lanka moment’: Imran Khan
PTI Chairman Imran Khan, in a series of tweets, said that Pakistan was “not far” from defaulting and the state would soon depict a likeness to Sri Lanka, which has defaulted on its external debt.
Khan said in just over three months — from the time he was ousted from power — the “Zardari-Sharifs mafia” has “brought the country to its knees”, politically and economically.
In just over 3 mths the Zardari – Sharifs’ mafia has brought the country to its knees politically & economically; simply to save their illegally accumulated wealth amassed over 30 yrs of plundering Pakistan. My question is:how long will State institutions continue to allow this?
Hamza Shehbaz elected Chief Minister (CM) Punjab again after Deputy Speaker Dost Mazari rejected 10 Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) votes.
10 PML-Q votes will not be counted: Dost Mazari
Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Dost Mazari says 10 PML-Q votes will not be counted because of Chaudhry Shujaat’s letter.
According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Raas, Hamza received 179 votes whereas Elahi got 186 votes. After Mazari rejected 10 PML-Q votes, Elahi was left with 176 votes, which turned the tables in Hamza’s favour.
While announcing the result, Mazari read Shujaat’s letter out loud. “As party head of Pakistan Muslim League, I have issued directions to all my provincial members to cast their votes in favour of Muhammad Hamza Shehbaz Sharif,” Mazari quoted Hussain as saying.
His ruling was countered by PTI MPA Raja Basharat, who said that the law states that the parliamentary party could issue instructions to party members.
“The head of the parliamentary party is Pervaiz Elahi,” he contended.
However, Mazari said that the matter had been clarified by the Supreme Court, subsequently proroguing the session.
Will not support the PTI candidate for the CM slot., confirms Moonis Elahi to Hamid Mir
Moonis Elahi has confirmed to senior journalist Hamid Mir that Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has indeed written a letter to the Deputy Speaker. He has said that he will not support the PTI candidate for the CM slot.
Senior journalist Hamid Mir originally broke the story about Chaudhry Shujaat’s letter, which was later confirmed by Moonis Elahi to him as well.
Asif Ali Zardari to meet Chaudhry Shujaat, again: Hamid Mir
Senior journalist Hamid Mir says that Asif Zardari is about to meet PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.
Reports suggest that Moonis Elahi has also left the Punjab Assembly.
‘Now the rules of the game will be the same for everyone, else PML-N knows how to play it better’: Maryam Nawaz
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz has tweeted that the PML-N has not forgotten the treatment meted out to them. “Now the rules of the game will be the same for everyone, else PMLN knows how to play it better. Insha’Allah.”
PMLN has NOT forgotten the treatment meted out to them. Now the rules of the game will be the same for everyone, else PMLN knows how to play it better. Insha’Allah.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 22, 2022
PTI to file contempt of court petition against Dost Mazari: Fawad Chaudhry
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry has tweeted that the unnecessary delay in starting the Punjab Assembly session is a violation of the Supreme Court’s orders. He said that the party has directed its lawyers to file a contempt of court petition against Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari.
صوبائی اسمبلی کے اجلاس میں غیر ضروری تاخیر سپریم کورٹ کے واضع احکامات کی خلاف ورزی ہے، وکلاء کو توہین عدالت کی کاروائ کے لئے کہ دیا ہے، اب سے کچھ دیر بعد ڈپٹی اسپیکر کیخلاف توہین عدالت کی درخواست سپریم کورٹ میں دائر کی جارہی ہے۔
Today, the Punjab Assembly will vote in the runoff election and decide who gets to be the next chief minister of the province: Hamza Shehbaz or Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. The Punjab Assembly session started at 4pm today as per the Supreme Court’s orders.
Hamza Shehbaz is the incumbent chief minister and CM candidate of the PML-N and its coalition partners, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The total number game of the PML-N-led ruling coalition is179.
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi of the PML-Q is the CM candidate of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PTI and PML-Q have a total of 187 members on their side.
Pakistan will become another Sri Lanka if Elahi not allowed to become CM Punjab: Imran Khan
Yesterday, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said yesterday that if Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is not allowed to become CM Punjab, Pakistan will become another Sri Lanka.
“I will never forget what happened to us on May 25. We will never forget,” added Khan.
#Pakistan Punjab Assembly session to elect CM will be held today. If people’s mandate is stolen in the Assembly during the CM election,then I am warning that the country would head towards a condition like Sri Lanka & after that,it would not be my responsibility,Say’s Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/O3v1pMDVTX
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) July 21, 2022
Credit goes to Zardari for first destroying the PPP and now the PML-N: Fawad Chaudhry
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the Maryam Nawaz group’s gesture by accepting the results of the Punjab by-polls was good but the Shehbaz Sharif group is most probably working under the influence of Asif Ali Zardari. He alleged that Shehbaz Sharif is consulting Zardari these days for major decisions.
“Credit goes to Zardari for destroying two parties, first the PPP and now the PML-N,” added Fawad Chaudhry.
PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari met PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain once again last night. Zardari had already held two meetings with Chaudhry Shujaat earlier in an effort to get his support for Hamza Shehbaz.
The former president had sent a message for a meeting with Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi. However, they both refused to meet him according to The News.
Moonis Elahi said that it’s “game over” for the government.
“They can do whatever they want, they have lost the game,” said Moonis Elahi.
50 PTI MPAs can vote for Hamza Shehbaz: Rana Sanaullah
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has claimed that 50 PTI MPAs can vote for Hamza Shehbaz in the CM Punjab election today.
“Not five, but 50 PTI MPAs can either use their right to vote or abstain from casting their votes,” said Rana Sanaullah.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) is considering the polls for the Punjab chief minister’s (CM) slot again, the court remarked on Tuesday while hearing the case challenging CM Hamza Shehbaz’s election, reports Geo News.
The court while hearing the arguments from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) counsel asked how a political crisis would be avoided if matters are taken back to the Punjab Assembly session on April 16 and polls are held again.
“In this case, the same presiding officer will hold the polls who was on duty during the April 16 polling,” the court said.
The court adjourned the hearing till 10am on June 29.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in his plea challenging Hamza’s election maintained that Hamza does not have the number of votes required to be elected as the chief minister in light of the Supreme Court’s order.
Hamza was elected as chief minister of Punjab in a session of the Punjab Assembly in complete ruckus on April 16, 2022.
