Tag: establishment

  • ‘Kabhi kehtay hain yeh chor hain, kabhi inko paak kardiya, aap humein janwar mat samjhain’: Khan to establishment

    ‘Kabhi kehtay hain yeh chor hain, kabhi inko paak kardiya, aap humein janwar mat samjhain’: Khan to establishment

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has addressed the establishment to state that the people of Pakistan are not animals. “Stop considering us cows and buffalos,” he said while addressing the participants of his long march.

    Referring to the former President and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Pervez Musharraf, the former Premier said that he was holding meetings with the then-opposition parties. “Now you have dry cleaned them and imposed them on our heads. There were times you used to call them [coalition government] thieves and corrupt. Now you say they aren’t. For God’s sake … Stop considering us cows and buffalos,” he stressed.

    In his message to “those with power”, Khan said a country’s “establishment never stands against the nation”.

    Referring to his win in recent by-polls, he added, “See where the nation is standing. The country’s establishment never stands against the nation because they strengthen the country together.”

    He emphasized that the country would strengthen when its institution would strengthen. “And institutions strengthen when the nation stands by it,” he said.

    Addressing his criticism of the army, he said he that he criticised them as “a Pakistani who lives in and would die in Pakistan”.

    The PTI chief once again questioned the authority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling him powerless.

    He also said that those who make decisions behind closed doors do not treat the people like animals. They are not sheep that once you say they are clean that “they” will follow them, he added.

  • Rana Sanaullah denies PTI’s Swati’s claim of being tortured in custody by military officials

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has dismissed claims made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and Senator, Azam Swati, that he had been subjected to custodial torture and stripping by two military officials.

    In a joint press conference today (Friday), Sanaullah along with Additional Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Ayaz Khan and Head of Cybercrime Waqaruddin Syed responded to Swati’s allegations.

    The minister said that the FIA did not hand Swati over to any other institutions and denied allegations of torture, alleging that Swati and PTI were instigating mischief. “It is important to put facts before the nation, as they lie brazenly,” the minister added.

    He also invited the additional director of FIA to present the “facts” behind the raid that was conducted to arrest Swati in October.

    Ayaz said that the First Information Report (FIR) which was registered against Swati was for “a cognisable offence” after obtaining “proper” search, seizure and arrest warrants.

    He clarified that Swati was not arrested in front of his grandchildren. He further said his team went to Swati’s house with the police and before entering the house they “properly introduced” themselves at the gate.

    Talking about PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s allegations regarding the torture and stripping of his party members including Swati and Shahbaz Gill, Sanaullah said that he doesn’t understand why Khan keeps repeating the same narrative.

    “Imran Khan has adopted an anti-national agenda and instigates propaganda. He wants to take the country toward chaos and anarchy. His propaganda will be countered at all levels,” the minister said.

    Earlier today, Swati alleged that “Major General Faisal” and “Sector Commander Fahim” were the “two culprits” behind his abuse and custodial torture. During the press conference, he also showed the alleged torture marks present on his hands.

    He also demanded that “the infamous ISI political wing be buried” as he was of the view that it is responsible for the “insult and notoriety” for the country.

    Earlier this month, Swati was arrested in a case registered against him over a controversial tweet thought to be against the armed forces. Since his arrest, Swati has alleged he was stripped and tortured while in custody.

  • ‘Institutional desire to transition must be encouraged’: Bilawal on DG ISI’s conference

    ‘Institutional desire to transition must be encouraged’: Bilawal on DG ISI’s conference

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari commented on the explosive first-ever press conference of Director General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant (Lt) Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum.

    On his official Twitter handle, the foreign minister said that the press conference is “unprecedented and historic”, saying that his party has struggled for this for three generations.

    “Transition of establishment from controversial to the constitutional role is vital for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. PPP has struggled for this for three generations. Press conference by DGISI and ISPR is unprecedented and historic. Institutional desire to transition must be encouraged,” Bilawal said.

    Similarly, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also commented on the rare appearance of Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, saying that this clearly conveyed to the nation that the institution intended to work within its constitutional limits.

    “The nation is witness to the institution’s decision to keep in its jurisdiction,” the interior minister added.

    Earlier in the day, a joint press conference by Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum and DG of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar was held in Islamabad to talk about journalist Arshad Sharif’s killing and former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s confrontational narrative against the military.

    The ISI chief said, “The military has been under a lot of pressure since March but they decided to limit themselves to its constitutional role.”

    Lt Gen Anjum also made the revelation that in March, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was given a “lucrative offer” for an extension in his tenure by Imran Khan. “The offer was made in front of me. He rejected it because he wanted the institution to move forward from a controversial role to a constitutional role.”

    He said that he would have addressed the media earlier if it was for personal reasons. “Those sacrificing their lives should not have to face these lies. Hence, remaining silent was morally unacceptable to me,” he firmly stated.

  • ‘Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment’: Saleem Safi

    ‘Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment’: Saleem Safi

    Journalist Saleem Safi has revealed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has sent a message to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Shairf.

    “They contacted Nawaz Sharif,” Safi said about PTI. “Imran Khan sent a message to Nawaz Sharif to team up against the establishment. However, Nawaz Sharif did not accept the proposal,” said Safi while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Report Card.’

    “Khan Saab sent a messenger to Nawaz Sharif, you heard this in Khan’s [leaked audio] as well that no matter what happens, whether it is fair, legal or illegal, so he will continue to do such things. He will continue to blackmail,” stated Safi.

    When the anchor asked what was the message sent to the elder Sharif, Safi replied, “The message was that we two should shake hands, including [Asif Ali] Zardari and that we all team up against the establishment. However, he [Sharif] rejected the offer.”

    Giving a reason as to why Nawaz rejected the offer Safi revealed that his matters are set with the establishment, “Why would he want to make matters worse now,” wondered the senior journalist.

  • No decision has been reached so far on COAS appointment: Khawaja Asif

    No decision has been reached so far on COAS appointment: Khawaja Asif

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed that no decision has been reached by the federal government yet about the appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    According to the defence minister, the selection process for the new army chief will likely begin within the next five to seven days.

    Talking in Geo News’ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath”, the minister said five names will be forwarded and then Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif will pick one of those names. He was of the view that the appointment is quite a simple method as this exercise has been conducted several times in the past too.

    The appointment for the COAS position is due to take place in November.

    About the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march, the federal minister said that the government will not be blackmailed by the PTI if the party comes to Islamabad.

    The minister also said that no negotiations have taken place with PTI. “A couple of meetings took place because of Imran’s old acquaintances”, he added.

    On the contrary, Khan has claimed that negotiations were indeed held. He also warned the government to give a date for early general elections or else he will announce a date for the long march within the current month.

    Discussing the recent by-elections held on the past Sunday, Asif said that if Khan had let his party candidates run from their respective constituencies instead of contesting himself, the results would have been different.

    During the show, he also hinted towards keeping the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance in place in the next elections.

  • Fawad Chaudhry wants civil-military dosti, says let’s agree on rules of game

    Fawad Chaudhry wants civil-military dosti, says let’s agree on rules of game

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter to extend a hand of friendship between the civil and military forces.

    Chaudhry suggested that “Power should be transferred to the people of Pakistan.”

    “I call upon political parties and establishment let’s rewrite political framework Let’s agree on rules of game. Present system has failed Pak, we need to look up for fair rules,” tweeted Chaudhry.

    Chaudhry’s tweet comes after PTI Chairman Imran Khan instigated the public to revolt against ones who are making “threatening calls.”

    “Those who call you from unknown numbers and threaten you, you threaten them back. Who ever tries to scare you, scare them back,” said Khan.

    “I am asking Pakistanis to break the fear of idols, those threatening you by calling from unknown numbers and frightening you, threat and scare them in return,” said Khan.

    He claimed that since ‘Mr X and Mr Y’ have been issuing threats to people, they should be on the receiving end of their own medicine.

    “Frighten people by calling them from unknown numbers, and threaten them with inflicting harm,” he stated.

    Although the former Prime Minister has stopped short of naming the individuals he alleges are behind removing his government and threatening people, it is widely believed that he is talking about the security establishment of the country. At various times in his interviews and speeches, Imran Khan has referred to “neutrals”, “Mir Jaffar”, “Mir Sadiq”, “Mr. X” and “Mr. Y”.

  • ‘Don’t bypass me’: IK warns party members against meeting the establishment without his knowledge

    ‘Don’t bypass me’: IK warns party members against meeting the establishment without his knowledge

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has warned his party members to not “bypass” him to meet the establishment.

    His remarks came during the PTI core committee meeting, in which he said that he is aware that some PTI members are in contact with the establishment and issued the warning that no one should bypass him.

    It has been reported that Imran Khan was visibly angry at the meeting, lashing out at the unnamed party members.

    He instructed his party members to clearly inform and get approval from him before establishing any contact.

    The PTI chairman directed core committee members to tweet according to PTI policy. He gave charge of implementing party policy to senior leader and former minister Shireen Mazari.

    “People are more active in the campaign against the government than party’s bodies,” Imran Khan said adding that there is a possibility that people may outpace the efforts of PTI bodies.

    He instructed core committee members to play an effective role in the upcoming long march in Islamabad.

  • ‘Tomorrow jalsa will be last of our present phase of Haqiqi Azadi Movement’: Imran Khan

    ‘Tomorrow jalsa will be last of our present phase of Haqiqi Azadi Movement’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan announced on Friday that he will share the “next critical phase” of his party’s “haqiqi azadi movement” (movement for real freedom) during his Gujranwala rally tomorrow.

    “Tomorrow our Gujranwala jalsa will be last of our present phase of Haqiqi Azadi Movement. I will announce the next critical phase at the jalsa,” tweeted Khan.

    Khan claimed that the incumbent government and “its handlers” are “petrified that nation is standing firmly behind PTI” which is why they are moving on a “minus 1 formula”.

    Prior to Khan’s tweet, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry in a press conference said, “There are attempts being made to knock out Imran Khan politically. FIRs are being registered against him at a time when there are floods in the country,” said Fawad, claiming that the incumbent government does not have a “public mandate”.

    Chaudhry said that the government wants to push Imran Khan out of the “political arena”.

    “This government is a dummy and real decisions are being made somewhere else. There is only one political party that is in the opposition,” said Fawad, adding that the ECP delayed the elections when there were no floods.

  • ‘Mainay dekha, suna nahi’: Shah Mahmood Qureshi denies having heard Khan on army

    ‘Mainay dekha, suna nahi’: Shah Mahmood Qureshi denies having heard Khan on army

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, distancing from party Chairman Imran Khan’s anti-establishment remarks has said that he hasn’t seen or heard Khan’s controversial remarks.

    “Mainay bayaan ko suna nahi hai, mainay dekha nahi hai. Main apsay sun raha hon. [I have not heard or seen his comments. I am listening to them from you]. Once I know the background of the story I will be able to comment on this,” he said on a news show. The remark earned him a few smiles from the program host.

    “However, I know he [Imran Khan] knows the importance of this institution. He has always protected this institution as well,” he added.

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

    Earlier today, Khan has said that he has had enough of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) “cabal of crooks” who are trying to launch propaganda against him.

    In a tweet, the PTI chairman said, “Am following intense propaganda launched by PDM cabal of crooks against me.This stems from their being petrified of PTI’s soaring popularity.”

    “Today in Peshawar jalsa I will give proper reply to all those who have deliberately been distorting my words to malign me. Enough is enough,” said Khan.

    President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi has also said that the chairman of his party, Khan “apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karey ke in ka kya maqsad tha”. (Imran Khan should himself clarify what he meant.)

  • ‘Enough is enough’: Khan to reply to ‘PDM crooks’ at 5pm today

    ‘Enough is enough’: Khan to reply to ‘PDM crooks’ at 5pm today

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that he has had enough of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) “cabal of crooks” who are trying to launch propaganda against him.

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

    In a tweet, the PTI chairman said, “Am following intense propaganda launched by PDM cabal of crooks against me.This stems from their being petrified of PTI’s soaring popularity.”

    “Today in Peshawar jalsa I will give proper reply to all those who have deliberately been distorting my words to malign me. Enough is enough,” said Khan.

    Pakistani Army on Monday, August 5, expressed extreme displeasure over Khan’s recent statement against the establishment and said that the institution was “aghast” over it.

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

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