Tag: foreign conspiracy

  • PM Shehbaz directs Interior Ministry to provide tight security to Imran

    PM Shehbaz directs Interior Ministry to provide tight security to Imran

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Interior Ministry to provide water-tight security to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan at his home in Islamabad and during political rallies.

    A statement given by a spokesperson of the Interior Ministry said that the police and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure the complete deployment of security personnel assigned to the former PM.

    94 security personnel of police and FC have been deployed for the security of Khan’s Bani Gala House. In addition, 36 personnel of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and six personnel of Gilgit-Baltistan Police have also been deployed by their governments for Khan’s security.

    35 personnel of two security companies are also deployed for the security of Bani Gala House.

    During the movement of Imran Khan outside Islamabad, four vehicles and 23 personnel of Islamabad Police while one vehicle and five personnel of FC always accompany him.

    Under the supervision of the Interior Ministry, the threat assessment company is constantly reviewing matters pertaining to the security of Imran Khan.

    ‘I will tell you about poison added to food that causes heart attack’: Khan

    Imran Khan on Sunday said that if anything happened to him, the Pakistani nation will seek justice on his behalf. 

    Addressing a jalsa in Faisalabad, Khan said that the Supreme Court (SC) must take suo motu on the heart attack of Dr Rizwan, former director of the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA), who died of a heart attack. Dr Rizwan was an investigating officer in PM Shehbaz’s money laundering case.

    “I want the SC to take suo motu on the heart attack of Dr Rizwan. I will also tell you about the poison that causes a heart attack when mixed with food.”

     Khan claimed that he had recorded a video of the characters behind the “conspiracy” against his government, and if something happens to him, it will be released. 

    “If anything happens to me, the Pakistani nation will seek justice on my behalf,” said Khan.

    Criticising Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Khan said that since he is now going to meet United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, he will “beg him for money” so that “Imran Khan could not come back into power,” adding that the US never helps any country without seeing its own interest.

    “The US will tell Pakistan to stop talking about Palestine,” he said, adding that the US cannot dare to dictate India because it is a free country. 

    “The US has made Pakistan a slave without having to invade it,” Khan said. “The people of Pakistan will never accept this imported government.”

  • ‘Gen Bajwa should be saluted or should he be criticised?’ Zardari

    ‘Gen Bajwa should be saluted or should he be criticised?’ Zardari

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday said that the army was “apolitical” for the first time, asking whether the situation warranted saluting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa or “fighting” with him.

    “Should Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa be saluted for [keeping] the army apolitical or shall he be criticised?” asked Zardari, adding that the government will try to make sure “they” remain apolitical and neutral in the future.

    Faiz Hameed has been khuddi laen (sidelined)

    When asked whether he would salute former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, Zardari replied, “he has been khuddi laen (sidelined).”

    Talking about the judiciary, which has been criticised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Zardari said he had never run a campaign against them.

    “[Former military ruler] Pervez Musharraf kept me in jail for five years but we did not attack his house and I have said internationally, I want to see Musharraf alive.”

    “I think we should let the institution do its work and help them.”

    General elections only after the government introduces electoral reforms

    Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan would move towards general elections only after the government introduces electoral reforms.

    “Electoral and NAB (National Accountability Bureau) reforms are included in our game plan,” the ex-president said during a a meeting with journalists, noting that if polls are held before reforms, then any government that comes into power will face the issues that the past and present regimes are facing.

    “We have to change laws and improve them and then go to elections. Whether it takes three or four months, we have to work on implementation of policies and improving the electoral process,” Zardari said at a press conference in Karachi.

    He said he had consulted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Mian Nawaz Sharif and “made him understand that as soon as our reforms and low-hanging fruit targets are complete [we can go to polls]”.

    When will the new army chief be appointed?

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in a recent interview said that there was a possibility of holding elections before November. In response, Zardari said the PML-N leader had his own thoughts and was bound to listen to his party’s directives.

    “The PML-N decided with me that until electoral reforms were brought, there would be no [talk] about the new army chief’s appointment.” Once the electoral reforms had been introduced and the economic situation had improved and the parliament believes it is time to go for elections, polls can then be held, he added.

    ‘Out of box solutions to fix economy’

    Speaking on the economy, Zardari said, “We did not take any votes from the PTI’s dissident lawmakers,” he said, adding that he has come to power to know the prices of “aaloo, tamatar, unlike Khan.”

    Zardari also called for “out of the box” solutions to fix Pakistan’s economy as the country faces an uphill task on the fiscal front.

    He maintained that the new government will take some time to control the situation. Asif Zardari said that the nation will have to face problems until the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme is finalised.

    He said he had a lot of “out-of-the-box thought processes”, including about the State Life Insurance Corporation. “It is an investment of more than Rs100 billion. Give 26 per cent of it to a business house with a good track record and float 26pc [of its shares] in the market. You will get at least Rs8 to 10bn.”

     There is no such thing. He (Imran) has created a political myth:

    Zardari, while responding to a question, said he had not read the cable that Imran claimed contained proof of a “foreign conspiracy” to oust him.

    “I do not believe any [US] State Department official is irresponsible enough to [say] what you have read out to me. There is no such thing. He (Imran) has created a political myth. What need does the US have [to interfere]?”

    The former president said Pakistan needs to correct its policies and portray itself as a safe haven so the international community would consider it as a partner.

    He slammed Imran for labelling his opponents as Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs. “If anyone can run the country, it is us, not him. His own friends left him because they (PTI) could not fulfil their political commitments.”

  • ‘Establishment offered us three options, not us’, Imran Khan maintains his stance

    ‘Establishment offered us three options, not us’, Imran Khan maintains his stance

    While talking to reporters, former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan insisted that the establishment gave him three options, contradicting the Pakistan military’s statement that the options were presented by Khan himself.

    Khan said, “The establishment gave me three options, so I agreed with the election proposal. How could I accept the resignation and no-confidence suggestion?”

    Last week, Director-General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the PM Office had contacted the military leadership to help resolve the ongoing political crisis. He added that the army chief and DG ISI visited the PM office at “their” request to play the role of “mediator”.

    The former prime minister said that the military was onboard over the Russia visit. He said, “Gen Bajwa said we must visit Russia.” The army has also confirmed that they agreed with the decision to visit Russia.

    Responding to the recent Toshakhana (state gifts) controversy, the PTI chairman said they were his gifts, so it was his choice whether to keep them or not. “Meray tohfay, meri marzi [my gift, my choice],” he added.

    According to media reports, the former PM received gifts worth more than Rs140 million from world leaders during his tenure and he kept them all either by paying a minor amount or without any payment.

    “Whatever I took from Toshakhana is on record. I purchased the gifts after paying 50 per cent of the cost,” Khan said.

    Regarding Farah Khan, he said that she had no position or ministry, how could she take money, if anyone has any evidence, bring it forward.

    About his party’s rallies in Peshawar and Karachi after the removal of his government, Imran Khan said: “I have never seen such a large number of people coming out in Pakistan.”

    He maintained his stance that the PTI government was removed as part of an “international conspiracy” and urged the nation to not accept this.

    The former prime minister also admitted that the filing of a reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa was a “mistake”. The reference against the SC judge should not have been filed, I have no personal enmity with anyone, it was sent by the law ministry”, the PTI chairman cleared.

  • ‘Breath of fresh air’: Opposition reacts to DG ISPR’s press conference

    ‘Breath of fresh air’: Opposition reacts to DG ISPR’s press conference

    Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar’s presser on Thursday is being appreciated by the Opposition after weeks of political drama.

    Reacting to DG ISPR declaring that the word “conspiracy” had not been used in the statement issued after the March 31 meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari termed the news conference of the military spokesman a “breath of fresh air for democracy”.

    “It is [the] responsibility not only of every institution but every Pakistani to support democracy, constitution, and rule of law,” tweeted Bilawal.

    “Parliament , Judiciary & establishment transition from controversial to constitutional roles will not be easy. The answer to all of Pakistans problems is democracy, democracy and more democracy. If we continue on this path no power on earth can stop Pakistan’s progress,” said Bilawal.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “It is time to make you accountable for your condemnable efforts […] to play with the national security in a bid to save [your] regime.”

    “Face accountability, do not run away like always because this nation won’t let you this time,” said Maryam. Her words were directed at former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    “You played a dangerous game to cling to power and used the NSC forum for your conspiracy plot. You built a fake narrative of absolutely not for the bases that were never demanded. You begged the establishment for an NRO and lied that they gave you those options,” tweeted Maryam.

    Addressing a press conference on the recently held 79th Formation Commanders’ Conference, the DG ISPR said he cannot discuss what was discussed in the NSC meeting, but noted that the word “conspiracy” was not used.

    DG ISPR said that the establishment did not put forth options before Khan. He, however, said that during the deadlock, Prime Minister’s Office contacted the military leadership to resolve the matter.

    “The political parties were not ready for talks with each other to end the deadlock at that time,” he said. “The army chief and DG ISI visited the PM’s Office at their request to play the role of mediator.”

  • Political use of ‘diplomatic cable’ to haunt Pakistan’s Foreign Office for many years: report

    Political use of ‘diplomatic cable’ to haunt Pakistan’s Foreign Office for many years: report

    The ‘diplomatic cable’ which has plunged Pakistan into a constitutional crisis, also attracted fair resentment from the Foreign Office (FO) against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for using the communique for gaining ‘political mileage’.

    Kamran Yousaf in his report for The Express Tribune writes, “Two Foreign Office officials, spoke to The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the issue, revealed that the diplomats were not happy with the controversy.”

    One diplomatic on condition of anonymity told Yousaf that the repercussions of the way the government used “secret and classified communication” to achieve its “political objectives and its negative impact” would be felt in the FO for “many years” to come.

    “Diplomats are eyes and ears of Pakistan who give frank and honest feedback from the countries where they serve,” the official added.

    “Such honest and candid assessments are meant for policymakers to devise a strategy accordingly,” the official explained.

    “But if governments start using such secret communications for their political gains, then the diplomats would be reluctant to write honest assessments,” the official cautioned.

    “If the Foreign Office start making public diplomatic cables, people would be blown away,” the official said, insisting such candid discussions between diplomats are common.

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on April 3, named Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu as the United States (US) representative who had a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador in the US, which led to the “threatening diplomatic cable”.

    PM Khan on March 27 claimed that the Opposition’s no-trust move is part of an alleged “foreign-funded conspiracy” hatched against his government. It is pertinent to mention here that the Opposition tabled the no-confidence motion against PM Khan on March 8. The government claims to have received the threatening communique on March 7.

  • 64% Pakistanis believe there is no US conspiracy to overthrow PTI government

    64 per cent Pakistanis believe that there is no US conspiracy to overthrow the PTI government, Gallup survey has revealed. The survey was conducted between April 3 and 4, according to which 64 per cent Pakistanis cited inflation as the main reason behind the fall of the PTI government.

    Those who participated in the survey said that the main reason behind the Opposition’s efforts to remove the government is inflation and lack of relief for the people.

    Only 36 per cent of the participants said that the US was behind the fall of the government.

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has named Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu as the United States (US) representative who had a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador in the US, which led to the ‘threatening’ diplomatic cable.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan is in a state of political chaos as the no-confidence motion against Khan was dismissed abruptly on Sunday. The move came after Suri termed it “unconstitutional”, saying that it was backed by “foreign powers”.

  • US official Khan named behind ‘foreign conspiracy’ key person in IMF deals last year

    US official Khan named behind ‘foreign conspiracy’ key person in IMF deals last year

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has named Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu as the United States (US) representative who had the a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador in the US, which led to the ‘threatening’ diplomatic cable.

    Khan said that the US had sent a threatening message through Pakistan’s Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan. He was quoted as saying that Donald Lu had reportedly in a meeting with Majeed warned that there could be implications if he survived the Opposition’s no-confidence motion tabled against him in the National Assembly.

    We are following developments in Pakistan and we respect and support Pakistan’s constitutional process and the rule of law: Lu

    Indian newspaper, The Hindustan Times, interviewed Lu in Washington this Friday and asked him about reports that he was the US official to warn the Pakistani ambassador of the consequences if Imran Khan stays in power.

    Hindustan Times: “Let me move to the rest of the region and start with Pakistan. Imran Khan seems to suggest that you had a conversation with the Pakistani ambassador in the US and told him that if Imran Khan survives the no-confidence motion, Pakistan is in trouble and the US won’t forgive Pakistan. Any response?”

    Donald Lu said, “We are following developments in Pakistan and we respect and support Pakistan’s constitutional process and the rule of law.”

    The assistant secretary was asked, “Did you have such a conversation?” Lu replied, “That’s all I have for you on that question.”

    Who is Donald Lu?

    Donald Lu became Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs on September 15, 2021. Prior to this assignment, Assistant Secretary Lu served as the US Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic from 2018 to 2021.

    Lu is a Foreign Service Officer with more than 30 years of US government service.

    Samaa News reported, “Donald Lu’s last major interaction with a Pakistani official came in October 2021 when a Pakistani finance ministry delegation was holding talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington.”

    On October 15, Shaukat Tarin and Donald Lu held talks at the Pakistan embassy in Washington and the finance minister assured the US official that the PTI government would live up to its promise of economic reforms.

    Pakistan embassy also issued a statement on the meeting between Donald Lu and Shaukat Tarin.

    Ten days after the March 7 meeting, the date on which the government alleges to have received the threatening communique, Lu attended an event organised by the Pakistan Embassy on March 16 to recognise and appreciate prominent women who are leading in their respective fields.

    He addressed the event along with Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. In his tweet, Ambassador Majeed thanked Lu and Lee for sharing their perspectives.

  • Govt to set up a commission to look into foreign conspiracy issue

    Federal Minister for Information and newly appointed Law Minister Fawad Chaudhry has reportedly given directions to set up a commission on the foreign conspiracy issue.

    The commission will look into factors such as the change of government and the no-confidence motion through a foreign conspiracy and will compile a report on it.

    The federal minister also has issued orders to replace dozens of legal officers in major cities, i.e. Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore and has directed them to perform their duties in an efficient manner.

    On April 1, Chaudhry was given additional charge of the law ministry.

    Earlier, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan claimed that the Opposition’s no-trust move is part of an alleged “foreign-funded conspiracy” hatched against his government.

    Later, in an address, PM Khan named the United States of America (USA) behind this conspiracy.

    However, White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said, “There is absolutely no truth to the allegation.”

  • Rejected: White House says they have nothing to do with Khan’s allegation of a US-backed ‘foreign conspiracy’

    Rejected: White House says they have nothing to do with Khan’s allegation of a US-backed ‘foreign conspiracy’

    The White House has rejected Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s allegations of the United States government’s involvement in a plot to remove him.

    Responding to media questions regarding the issue, White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said, “There is absolutely no truth to the allegation.”

    US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price said, “We are closely following developments in Pakistan. We respect and support Pakistan’s constitutional process and the rule of law. But when it comes to those allegations, there is no truth to them.”

    On Thursday evening, PM Khan named the US as the country that threatened to remove him in a live address. 

  • Exclusive: How did PM Khan act when telling journalists about the ‘threat letter’?

    Exclusive: How did PM Khan act when telling journalists about the ‘threat letter’?

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan called senior journalists to meet him on Wednesday and to inform them about the contents of the “foreign country threat letter.”

    During the meeting, the contents of the confidential letter were shared with the journalists present, which included Kashif Abbasi, Arshad Sharif, Muhammad Malick, Fareeha Idrees, Shahzad Iqbal, and Imran Riaz Khan among others.

    As per The Current’s sources, the PM’s body language was ‘positive’ during the meeting.

    The Current’s sources revealed that a journalist asked the PM: “How far away is the country where the letter originated from? An 18-hour flight away or 6-hour flight away?” The question was posed after the name of the concerned country was not revealed. However, it was stated that the letter was written by a Pakistani official based on the contents of the letter and it referred to a conversation with officials of the other country.

    Sources added that the “mood was very relaxed” but the PM was very serious about the threat.

    The letter was shown to journalists from afar, so much so that it was not readable from the naked eye. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Asad Umar was holding the letter.

    On March 27, PM Khan waved a letter during PTI’s power show in Islamabad and talked about a foreign conspiracy to oust his government.