Tag: first lady

  • Bushra Bibi files petition to avoid possible arrest

    Bushra Bibi files petition to avoid possible arrest

    Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, has moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) to stop authorities from arresting her, asking for details of all the cases including undisclosed first information reports (FIRs) registered against her.

    The petition, filed through Advocate Mushtaq Ahmad Mohal on Monday, states that after the illegal removal of the petitioner’s husband from the office of the prime minister, political victimization of the petitioner, her husband and other family members has been initiated by federal and provincial governments as well as law enforcement agencies, all of whom are respondents in the petition.

    Bushra Bibi has pleaded that FIRs against her have been kept secret by the respondents to bar her from seeking pre-arrest bail. The respondents include the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab, and police.

    “That act of the respondents regarding lodging false, frivolous, baseless and concocted FIRs against the petitioner and to conceal the FIRs numbers, police stations, districts, dates and provinces clearly indicates that the respondents intend to arrest the petitioner without providing an opportunity to get the relief from competent courts of law in the shape of anticipatory bails and pre-arrest bails and to get the FIRs secret against the petitioner at the behest of the respondents is not warranted by law, so law and justice demand that the respondents be directed to submit list of all criminal cases registered against the petitioner throughout in Pakistan, so that the petitioner may approach the competent courts of law, for redress of her grievances,” the petition read.

    It further requested for an order against arresting Bushra Bibi in any case till the provision of the details of case. The hearing of the petition is fixed before the court of Justice Alia Neelum.

    READ MORE: PDM is not ready to talk with Imran

  • From ‘Pinky Peerni’ to ‘Hum qabrain khodain ge agar hamaray gharon tak gaye’: PTI, PML-N’s heated debate on talk show

    From ‘Pinky Peerni’ to ‘Hum qabrain khodain ge agar hamaray gharon tak gaye’: PTI, PML-N’s heated debate on talk show

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar and Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Attaullah Tarar got into a heated debate during Dunya News programme, ‘On the Front with Kamran Shahid’.

    As the discussion veered towards corruption, Usman Dar said that he does not have prove the corruption allegations against his leader, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, as he is an honest man unlike Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N’s supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    The debate then turned quite heated when Tarar called the former First Lady, Bushra Bibi, “Pinky Peerni”. Dar called out Tarar for referring to the former First Lady as Pinky Peerni.

    “Have some shame, my brother, have some shame. Don’t act like this and [call her pinky peerni]. If I start taking on homes/families, I will not spare any person from PML-N. Don’t go to my leaders family. Don’t commit this mistake,” said Dar.

    Kamran Shahid, the host of the programme interjected and with a smile on his face, said, “He has blackmailed you [Tarar].”

    “I cannot tell you the background of Maryam Nawaz on the talk show, come and meet me privately, I will tell you everything. Are you listening to me,” asked Dar, continuing in the same vein.

    Kamran Shahid interjected yet again and said that the past and present of Maryam Nawaz is not relevant, however, the question here is on corruption. “Neither of you should say such things,” he admonished.

    Dar kept speaking while Shahid was talking and said, “I will beat you in your own house. Never even think about any of this. That woman does not do politics; she observes pardah [veil]. You guys don’t have any argument; that’s why you enter people’s homes.”

    Tarar reiterated that he took Bushra Bibi’s name because her name was present in the documents presented by the Prime Minister’s Office.

    In response, Dar said, “Bring the lists which have the name of late Kalsoom Nawaz [wife of Nawaz Shairf].”

    Tarar said someone observing or not observing pardahh shouldn’t be part of the debate.

    “If you guys go into our houses, we will start digging graves in this country,” replied Usman Dar, adding that Tarar should have addressed Bushra Bibi as First Lady.

  • First Lady distributes specially built rickshaws among those with disabilities

    First Lady distributes specially built rickshaws among those with disabilities

    On Sunday, First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi distributed rickshaws to individuals with disabilities. The rickshaws could be entirely operated by hand and were designed especially for special persons.

    This will make it possible for people with disabilities to earn money on their own, without being dependent on anyone. Since they were designed specifically for those with disabilities, these rickshaws will be simpler for them to operate than regular rickshaws.

    According to APP, Begum Alvi added in her brief remarks that these modern rickshaws would help the disabled in becoming self-sufficient.

    She stated that every step should be taken to include special individuals in society on a large scale. She continued, “All segments of society should play their role in achieving this objective.”

  • ‘Do you know about the corruption stories of First Lady,’ Bilawal launches attack on Bushra Bibi

    ‘Do you know about the corruption stories of First Lady,’ Bilawal launches attack on Bushra Bibi

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in a hard-hitting press conference against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that he respects First Lady Bushra Bibi and has never used foul language against her.

    Bilawal said that people have told him stories about how things are happening in Punjab and said, “Do you know about the corruption stories of First Lady?”

    He further alleged that no transfer and posting is done in Punjab without permission and giving money to the First Lady.

    “We are told that your candidate for the chief minister [could not give enough money], but Buzdar invested in the right place — and this problem (Buzdar) has been imposed on us,” said Bilawal.

    Threats not tolerable, I am not a child anymore: Bilawal Bhutto

    “I am not a child anymore,” Bilawal said in reference to his young age at the time of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

    “We will not tolerate this anymore; I am here now,” Bilawal said responding to PM Khan’s remark about having former president Asif Ali Zardari being his next target.

    “What I will do to you will be remembered by your generations,” Bilawal warned PM Khan.

    “We never used guns but we know how to use them,” Bilawal said, adding that he is a peaceful person and will remain the same.

    “However, we will respond in the same language if they keep pressurising us,” he said, referring to the prime minister’s “foul language”.

    “Using foul language will not save PM Imran Khan’s seat but he would curse more when he sees his position in danger.” 

    PM Khan uses donations from cancer hospital to run his kitchen: Bilawal

    “You used the donations from the cancer hospital to run your kitchen and your party […] you are a culprit; a United States court has convicted you,” said Bilawal.

    Ohh, Imran, the cases that will be filed against you; you have no idea: Bilawal

    Bilawal said he was not Zardari, who “says that let his opponents lie as much as they want”, as due to their allegations, he would “go to paradise”.

    “Should we still believe that you are meeting ends by selling your cricketing days’ toys […] Ohh, Imran, the cases that will be filed against you; you have no idea,” Bilawal warned the premier.

    Bilawal said neither Imran nor anyone could “break” Zardari through allegations or misuse of power.

    “It was a plan that Zardari and Faryal Talpur be first put behind bars and it was also assumed that PPP would remain silent, but that did not happen.”

    The more pressure comes, the more the premier will abuse: PPP Chairperson

    Reacting to the prime minister’s speech, Bilawal said, “The more pressure comes, the more the premier will abuse.” He maintained that PM Imran will hurl more abuses after sensing a threat to his government.

    “PPP always stood against the tyrants in every era,” he said, adding that those who think that he will get scared and step back, don’t know that Zardari and Benazir’s blood flows in his veins.

    We consider the attack on Aseefa a message for us: Bilawal

    The PPP chairman said that there have been two such incidents that are unbearable for him. The threats to his father and an “attack” on his sister, Aseefa, are intolerable for him.

    “We believe that the drone incident was a message for us,” he said and demanded of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency and other agencies to investigate the incident.

    Will Shehbaz be the next PM?

    Giving hints about the next prime minister, Bilawal asked PM Khan to pray and ask the First Lady to pray that no one else but Zardari forms government again. “We will request Shehbaz Sharif at the right time to appoint an interior minister.”

    People made Awami March historic: Bilawal

    Bilawal also thanked the PPP supporters for joining the “Awami March” he led, saying that their participation has made the march historic.

    “The people brought a no-confidence motion against the selected [prime minister] and proved that they stand by the democracy,” Bilawal said.

  • PTI’s Shahbaz Gill’s entry in press clubs to be banned for maligning journalist Asma Shirazi

    PTI’s Shahbaz Gill’s entry in press clubs to be banned for maligning journalist Asma Shirazi

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill in a press conference on Thursday allegedly accused senior journalist Asma Shirazi of maligning First Lady Bushra Bibi in an article about the existing political situation and the government’s handling of it.

    Gill held a presser in connection with the article written by Shirazi for BBC Urdu, which criticised the government without naming any individual, including Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife.

    Critising Shirazi for her article, Gill said, “While criticising, people forget that First Lady Bushra Bibi is a daughter of Pakistan first, then she is a mother and then a wife. If you have any proof Asma Shirzai Sahiba of all the things you have accused her of, then you have every right to report news if you have the proof of it, but don’t make news out of assumptions.”

    “If you dislike the prime minister’s family, you can hold a grudge against them, but there are ethical limits.”

    Gill expressed resentment with some senior journalists for supporting Shirazi [on Twitter] with the hashtag ‘I stand with Asma Shirazi’.

    He asked whether she was doing “all this after failing to find any scandal of the PM in the last three years”.

    Gill’s presser was widely critised. Press clubs in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta will ban Gill’s entry unless he apologises to Asma Shirazi for baseless allegations.

    Lahore Press Club released a statement condemning the vile comments of PM’s aide and said, “All Press Clubs of Pakistan will ban the entry of Shahbaz Gill, and the media will boycott him.”

    Human Rights Commission of Pakistan tweeted, “HRCP is appalled by @SHABAZGIL’s slurs against senior journalist @asmashirazi and his attempts to disparage her professional and personal integrity. Such behaviour reflects the govt’s regrettable antipathy towards critical reportage, which is every journalist’s right.”

    Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) warned of serious consequences for the use of abusive and intimidating language against Asma Shirazi by Shahbaz Gill.

    Journalist Benazir Shah tweeted, “The special assistant to the prime minister for political communication just held a press conference against journalist Asma Shirazi, who is already being viciously trolled and attacked since yesterday. This is what targeted harassment looks like by govt officials.”

    Lawyer Reema Omer tweeted, “Shahbaz Gill’s vile press conference against @asmashirazi is a new low for this Government And given their already atrocious record on media freedom, this is saying a lot.”

    Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) official Twitter account posted a video of an old telephonic conversation between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and journalist Asma Shirazi during a telephonic press conference. The tweet came after journalists condemned the ruling party for targeted harassment.

    PTI’s official account also asked social media users to mention the names of the journalists who have blocked them for ‘questioning’ the journalists.

    “We have received a lot of feedback from folks who have been blocked unfairly by journalists for asking questions (no abuse or harsh language at all). If you suffered an unfair block, mention in this thread. We will request journalists to unblock you,” the tweet from the official Twitter handle of the ruling party read.

  • VIDEO: Bushra Bibi visits Punjab Institute of Mental Health in Lahore

    VIDEO: Bushra Bibi visits Punjab Institute of Mental Health in Lahore

    First Lady Bushra Bibi visited the Punjab Institute of Mental Health in Lahore on Wednesday. The video shows Bushra Bibi visiting different departments and checking the facilities.

    Bushra Bibi was briefed about the facilities provided by the institute. The staff told her about the timings when patients are fed and the activities of the women admitted there.

    Earlier, Bushra Bibi visited a Panah Gah (shelter home) in Lahore to inspect the facilities given to the people residing there.

  • Journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat ‘arrested’ by FIA

    Journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat ‘arrested’ by FIA

    Senior journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat went missing on Saturday morning from Lahore.

    Hamid took to Twitter and confirmed the news. “Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crimes Wing Lahore kidnapped journalist Amir Mir in Lahore this morning.”

    “We came to know about his location after 5 hours. FIA snatched his [Amir Mir’s] phone and laptop,” read the tweet. Amir Mir is Hamid Mir’s brother.

    Hamid Mir also wrote about the disappearance of Imran Shafqat, stating that FIA arrested him as well.

    Meanwhile, Imran Shafqat was arrested from his house by use of force. As per reports, around10 people, both men, and women barged into his residence, raided his place, and took him away.

    Talking to BBC, Imran Shafqat’s sister Anum Noor said, “The bell rang at our house in Mughalpura area of Lahore at 12:30pm today. My brother Imran Shafqat opened the door after which 10 people entered our house.”

    Anum Noor said eight of the 10 people were without uniforms and two were wearing “white uniforms”.

    “They said we came from the FIA. Didn’t say more than that. Neither did they show an arrest warrant,” added Noor.

    “They dragged my brother out of the house,” said Noor Anum.

    Journalist Shahid Aslam confirmed that both Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat are in the custody of FIA.

    Director FIA Cyber Crimes Wing Lahore, DIG Babar Bakht is supervising the investigation, as per Shahid Aslam.

    Reportedly Imran Shafqat is accused of doing a Vlog against the “First Lady” whereas the reasons to arrest Amir Mir are still unknown.

    Some say Amir Mir has been arrested for a news story that ran on his YouTube channel, Googly News.

    Twitter reacted to the alleged abduction of both Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir.

    Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) tweeted, “We demand safe return and an immediate inquiry into the circumstances of his disappearance.”

     Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto strongly condemned the arrest of journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat and demanded their release.

    Journalist Raza Rumi tweeted, “I have spent about 18 summers of my life in England. I have seen the British media, they are very open and free. But the Pakistan media, in my opinion, is freer than the British media: PM Imran Khan.”

    Journalist Asma Shirazi questions, “When will the disappearance of journalists stop?”

    Journalist Zebunnia Burki tweeted, ” I’d say unbelievable, but it’s really not.”

  • PM Imran, First Lady land barefoot in Madina

    PM Imran, First Lady land barefoot in Madina

    Prime Minister Imran Khan and First Lady Bushra Bibi landed in Madina wearing no shoes in order to pay their respects to the Holy City.

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry appreciated PM Khan’s gesture of not wearing shoes, saying: “This is the level of respect, that [PM Imran] opts not to step on the holy soil of Madina with shoes on.”

    “Respect is the first source of love,” added Chaudhry.

    Meanwhile, this is not the first time that PM Khan was seen without his shoes. During his previous visits to the Holy City, the PM opted to walk barefoot.

    2018:PM Imran Khan arrives in Madina on official tour to Saudi Arabia

    PM Khan has carried all his activities barefoot, which happens to be a usual norm for the premier whenever he is in Madina.

    Imran Khan in Madina meeting with officials

    During this vist, PM Khan also visited Masjid al Nabawi as part of his tour activities and was photographed sitting within the premises of Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH).

    PM Imran is currently in Saudi Arabia for a three-day visit. The PM is visiting the Kingdom upon the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

  • Ignore conspiracy theories; get vaccinated!

    Prime Minister Imran Khan and First Lady Bushra Bibi tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. They are both self-isolating at home and are feeling “comfortable with mild symptoms” according to government spokespersons.

    the news of PM Imran testing positive was announced by Dr Faisal Sultan on Twitter, we saw that a lot of people started questioning the efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine as the premier had just been administered the first dose two days ago.

    It also led to a lot of conspiracy theories. In a country where the anti-vaxxers have led a vicious campaign against polio drops, it is extremely crucial that these myths be busted. Thus it was good to see the Government of Pakistan’s official social media accounts as well the Ministry of National Health’s social media account give a clarification about the vaccination process.

    They tweeted that PM Imran “was not fully vaccinated when he contracted the virus”. They explained that he only got the first dose merely two days ago, which is too soon for any vaccine to become effective. They also clarified that anti-bodies develop 2-3 weeks after the second dose.

    We have seen the mistrust surrounding the global pandemic in our country. When the pandemic broke out, many people bought into the false theories that this was some kind of conspiracy by the west. Then we saw how many people refused to follow SOPs like wearing masks because they thought it was just a “flu”.

    It was only when a strict lockdown was imposed and when we saw deaths around the world that it was taken seriously. Luckily, Pakistan managed to control the virus after the first wave. When lockdowns were relaxed, we saw another wave, though that too was relatively controlled. Now there is a third wave and this time the UK-variant, which is said to be quite deadly, has also been found in the country. The government has started a vaccination drive for the elderly — those who are above 60 are eligible and need to register themselves to get the vaccine.

    While many people have opted to get themselves vaccinated, there is still hesitation among some. And when the PM got COVID-positive, just two days after his first vaccine dose, it led to some unbelievable theories.

    The government has so far countered the false propaganda about vaccines but it should also start countrywide awareness campaigns busting these myths.

    We hope that all those affected by coronavirus remain healthy. Our prayers are with the PM and First Lady as well as all patients. And we hope that all those who are eligible for vaccination do get vaccinated at the earliest.

  • President Dr Arif Alvi, First Lady receive COVID-19 vaccine

    President Dr Arif Alvi, First Lady receive COVID-19 vaccine

    President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and his wife Samina Arif Alvi have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Islamabad on Monday.

    As per details, President Alvi and Mrs Samina Alvi got their COVID-19 vaccination administered after they registered themselves for the vaccine. They received the confirmation message on Sunday along with the designated vaccination centre.

    Speaking to the media after getting vaccinated, Dr Alvi said: “Elites around the world broke the line for the vaccination. The vaccine is being administered to senior citizens in Pakistan as per age categories.”

    The President added that he registered himself on the 1166 helpline and got the shots “as per my turn”.

    Dr Alvi further said: “The government has introduced an easy and the best mechanism to avoid long queues.”

    The President also advised those who have received the vaccine to exercise precaution and follow the SOPs even after getting the shot.

    Read more – Samina Peerzada gets vaccinated, praises government

    “In wake of third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, people should continue wearing face masks, wash their hand frequently and maintain social distancing.”

    He also lauded the PTI regime’s efforts and strategies in light of the pandemic, saying the government’s smart lockdown policy “reduced economic losses”.