Tag: Imran Khan

  • Is everyone naraaz with Imran? Another PTI member leaves party

    In a major setback to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party’s former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Aamir Kayani has announced that he is quitting the party after the attacks of May 9 on the security forces as he has to “rethink” his politics.

    Addressing a presser in Islamabad, he expressed regret over the May 9 violent protests by PTI leaders, workers and supporters.

    “I made my decision two months ago, but will formally announce it today,” he said.

    “My entire family, including my grandfather and everyone, we belong to an army family,” the MNA said.

    “Our domain is politics, and we should stay in it,” he added.

    Kiani has not only decided to quit PTI but also announced to end his political career. He emphasised that he will not join any political party.

    On Tuesday, the party faced another major blow when Karachi’s Mahmood Baqi Moulvi quit the party.

    In a statement, Moulvi had said he was leaving the party due to “differences with the leadership”.

  • Agar PTI churrwaana chaahtay ho toh goli maar do: Ali Zaidi sheds tears

    Agar PTI churrwaana chaahtay ho toh goli maar do: Ali Zaidi sheds tears

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Ali Zaidi held a press conference on Wednesday to clear the air about rumours of him resigning from the party.

    Stating clearly that he is not leaving the party, Zaidi said that it is unfortunate that the speculations are coming from within PTI.

    “Agar PTI churrwaana chaahtay ho toh mujhe mathy par goli maar do” (If you want me to leave PTI, shoot me in the head) he said, adding that “no one can force me to take this step.”

    Getting emotional and teary-eyed, he said that he served the party for 23 years and that PTI is his party. “I will leave PTI when Imran does,” he said of his party chairman.

    Talking about May 9, Zaidi said that he also comes from an army background hence the episode that took place after Imran Khan’s arrest was condemnable.

    The PTI leader said that he will never allow violence.

    Zaidi is under house arrest by the Sindh government.

    It was being speculated that special treatment is being given to Zaidi in comparison to his party fellows.

  • Imran Khan condemns ‘arrest, abduction’ of PTI workers, leaders

    Imran Khan condemns ‘arrest, abduction’ of PTI workers, leaders

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has condemned the “arrest” and “abduction” of party leaders, and workers.
    “I strongly condemn the illegal arrests and abduction of our workers and leaders. Our Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Secy General Asad Umar have also been incarcerated for more than a week now. Also, despite court orders journalist Imran Riaz Khan has not been presented in court and there are confirmed reports of torture against him,” wrote PTI chairman in a tweet on Wednesday.

    He demanded the immediate release of all female leaders, workers and the female family members of our leaders and workers of his party.
    “How could Shehrayar Afridi’s wife be jailed? This is purely to spread terror amongst the people so that they don’t stand up for their constitutional rights?,” questioned Khan.

    “I am deeply disturbed after hearing of Dr. Shireen Mazari, the former Human Rights Minister’s treatment and her daughter being physically assaulted by male police officers. After the IHC granted bail to Dr Mazari and Senator Falak Chitrali they were abducted from within Adyala Jail and taken to thana secretariat where Dr Mazari’s screams were heard.,” he added.

    “The video evidence coming forward of the barbaric treatment meted out to our female supporters is reprehensible. Many of our female MNAs, supporters, and workers are being held in jails across Pakistan under inhumane conditions, vulnerable to police excesses. These abductions and the treatment being meted out to women by this fascist government are not only grave human rights violations but are strictly against our culture and Islamic teachings. All these women must be immediately released. Their continued incarceration is unconscionable. I am also raising this with International Human Rights Organizations.”

    Yesterday, Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, the daughter of Shireen Mazari, expressed her disappointment in Imran Khan for not speaking up about the arrest, which she labels as an abduction.

    Imran’s tweet did not mention Fawad Chaudhry who last night condemned the May 9 riots while talking yo the media.

  • Imran Khan cannot be arrested before May 31: IHC

    Imran Khan cannot be arrested before May 31: IHC

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has extended bail for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan till May 31.

    The decision was made during a hearing of PTI’s plea to provide details of more than 100 cases in which Imran is booked.

    The former Prime Minister was represented by Barrister Gohar in court today. The government’s attorney asked for extra time to disclose details regarding the charges brought against the PTI chief.

    The court, while approving the request of the government’s attorney, postponed the hearing until May 31, passing orders not to arrest Imran Khan until then.

    Earlier IHC, barred authorities from arresting Imran Khan till May 17 in any new case registered against him after May 9.

  • ‘Aik lafz nahin bola’: Shireen Mazari’s daughter disappointed in IK for not speaking up for her mother

    ‘Aik lafz nahin bola’: Shireen Mazari’s daughter disappointed in IK for not speaking up for her mother

    Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, the daughter of Shireen Mazari, appeared on Spot Light at AajTv with Munizae Jahangir on Tuesday, where she expressed her disappointment in PTI chief Imran Khan for not speaking up about the arrest, which she labels as an abduction.

    During the show, the anchor asked Imaan if Imran Khan had shown any support to her upon her mother’s arrest. The human rights activist replied, “I’m very disappointed, even though my mother always stood by Imran Khan, he did not utter a single word at her abduction”.

    During the show Imaan further revealed that instead of releasing her mother from Adiala Jail, the Islamabad police abducted her and took her to another police station.

    She continued by saying that she reached the secretariat police station after she received unverified information about her mother’s location with her lawyer.

    When she reached there, officials asked her to go to and meet G-11 Superintendent, but Imaan said that she entered the police station forcefully screaming her mother’s name and she then saw her mother behind prison shouting that she was being beaten. Imaan said that her mother advised her to leave the police station.

    She told the anchor that officials dragged her out, adding that she is unsure of what really happened.

    Shireen Mazari was arrested by the police in the early hours of the previous Friday. Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday deemed the detention of Shireen under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) as unlawful and ordered her immediate release. However, she was arrested again by police shortly after her release from Adiala Jail. In a tweet, Imaan Mazari said that she does not know about the whereabouts of her mother.

  • Dil toots: Chief Justice isn’t happy with criticism for saying ‘good to see you’ to IK

    Dil toots: Chief Justice isn’t happy with criticism for saying ‘good to see you’ to IK

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has clarified that he uses the phrase “good to see you” to greet everyone.

    During a hearing of another case, the CJP had an interaction with lawyer Asghar Sabzwari on Tuesday afternoon. He initiated the exchange by saying, “I am pleased to see you as you have appeared in my court after a considerable period.”

    The remark came after the judge was heavily criticised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), analysts and commentators for saying “good to see you” to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan when he appeared before the court after being arrested.

    Bandial then said that he says “good to see you” to everyone, not just to Imran Khan. He said that he had faced a lot of criticism for using the phrase. Justice Bandial said he holds a deep respect for everyone, adding that “etiquette and manners” are necessary for everyone.

    PML-N Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, however, remained unimpressed with the Chief Justice’s explanation. Addressing Justice Bandial in a tweet, she asked if he says ‘good to see you’ to everyone who has stolen billions.

    She went on to ask, “Do you send everyone to rest houses,” adding another question about whether the Chief Justice allows every suspect to meet friends in the guest house as he did for Imran Khan.

    Last week, when Imran Khan appeared before Supreme Court to get relief against his arrest, the CJP said “good to see you”. His comment became a point of controversy with many arguing that special treatment was given to Khan.

     

  • National Assembly wants to remove Chief Justice

    National Assembly wants to remove Chief Justice

    The National Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a motion seeking the formation of a special committee to file a reference against Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) for “misconduct and deviating from oath”.

    During a fiery session, lawmakers strongly condemned attacks on military installations and state buildings across the country.

    Speaking on the floor of the house, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the time had come for the Parliament to play its constitutional role in the prevailing political crisis.

    “The time has come for the Parliament to send a reference of misconduct to the Supreme Judicial Council, under the authority and law given to it by the Constitution,” Asif stated unequivocally.

    He stressed that recently a section of the judiciary had started supporting a political party.

    The reference motion was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Dr Shazia Sobia.

    The parliamentarians also demanded that PTI Chairman Imran Khan be tried under the Army Act.

    Last week, Khan’s arrest from Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday, prompted his supporters to come out on roads in support of their leader. They have been alleged to have not just damaged properties but also use inappropriate language for top military officials.

  • Amid political chaos, UAE President telephones army chief

    Amid political chaos, UAE President telephones army chief

    United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has telephoned Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

    According to media reports, bilateral defense and military relations were discussed, with both emphasising the need to further promote mutual defense and military cooperation.

    The conversation has taken place while the country is gripped in political chaos. Recently, after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest, his supporters attacked military installations.

    Khan has also openly named COAS Munir for his arrest and accused him of spreading anarchy just to save his seat.

  • ‘Kaptaan, aap larae jeet gaye’; celebrities congratulate Khan on being set free

    ‘Kaptaan, aap larae jeet gaye’; celebrities congratulate Khan on being set free

    After the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the cricket fraternity came together to support the ex-cricketer. Khan was one of the greatest all-rounder of the cricket and mentored such players las Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzimam UL Haq and Aqib Javed.

    Former fast bowler Waqar Younis tweeted right after Imran Khan’s release and congratulated him.

    “Won the fight but long way from winning the War. Congratulations Skipper @ImranKhanPTI ALLAH pak aap ko apna hifzoimaan main rakha #Ameen #PakistanZindabad “

    A day earlier, the PTI chairman got blanket relief from the IHC as authorities have been barred from arresting the deposed prime minister in any case till Monday morning (May 15).

    In the first relief, a two-member special divisional bench granted two-week bail to the former prime minister in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, and later, the court barred authorities from arresting him till May 17 in any new case filed against him till May 9 — the day he was detained in the corruption case, which led to deadly protests.

    Then, he sought transitory bail in four cases lodged against him in Lahore, in which the court awarded him bail till May 22 in the Zille Shah murder case, then, another bench barred authorities from arresting the former prime minister till the morning of May 15 while hearing the bail petition filed against three terrorism cases.

    Khan was arrested in a corruption case involving a property tycoon. The former prime minister had immediately approached the high court for release but it had declared his arrest “legal”.

    However, the apex court released him on May 11 after concluding that he was taken into custody in violation of rules by law enforcement agencies.

    Since being ousted from office last April, Khan has waged a tempestuous campaign for snap elections and fired unprecedented criticism at the coalition government and military who he blames for pulling him from power.

    He has accused senior military and government officials of plotting a November assassination attempt that saw him shot in the leg during a rally.

  • PM Shehbaz will visit Corps Commander House in Lahore to show unity

    PM Shehbaz will visit Corps Commander House in Lahore to show unity

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif will visit Lahore today to examine the aftermath of the protests Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held in the Cantt area.

    Along with Interim Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi, he will visit the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore, with the PM scheduled to go to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) to meet injured officials in order to show his support to the army.

    It is pertinent to mention that after PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, many of his supporters barged into the Corps Commander’s House and damaged the property, burning the building and looting personal possessions.

    The Corps Commander House is Jinnah House, a property owned by the founder of the country which he willed to the state.

    In an unusually harsh-worded statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that May 9 would go down in history as a “dark chapter”.