Tag: JUIF

  • ‘Company CEO more respected than us’: BNP, JUI-F not happy with PM Shehbaz led govt

    ‘Company CEO more respected than us’: BNP, JUI-F not happy with PM Shehbaz led govt

    Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-Mengal) — boycotted a federal cabinet meeting over a controversial bill regarding the revival of the Reko Diq copper and gold mine project in Balochistan.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif formed a cabinet committee to address the grievances of JUI-F and BNP-M while assuring them that an amendment bill would soon be tabled in the parliament after consulting the two allies.

    Both JUI-F and BNP-Mengal were of the view that the recently passed Reko Diq related bill — the Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Bill, 2022, in the Senate, was against the rights of the people of Balochistan and that both parties had not been taken on board during the preparation of the bill.

    Chairman BNP Akhtar Mengal has signalled that he may separate his party from the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government at the centre.

    Discussing his reservations during Geo News programme “Capital Talk”, the BNP-M leader said that the coalition government, instead of taking allies into confidence, takes investors into confidence. “More importance is given to companies instead of the parliament. We will have to think about the basis of our unity,” he warned.

    Expressing his displeasure, Mengal said that a CEO of a company is respected more than the allies. He added that his province was “looted” by everyone. “The resources change people’s lives, but it is Balochistan’s misfortune that the way the resources were discovered there, they became a disaster for the people,” he said.

    During the programme, another ally of the government Jamaat-e-Islami-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza said that the Foreign Investment Bill has been passed forcefully and with deceit which is a threat to Pakistan.

  • Sindh local govt elections turn into a bloody ground with two deaths

    Sindh local govt elections turn into a bloody ground with two deaths

    The first phase of Sindh local government in 14 districts has been completed. According to unofficial results, the provincial ruling party Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is ahead of all the parties with the highest number of winning candidates as 885 out of 946 representatives were already elected unopposed when the polling started.

    The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) came second, independents third, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) fourth, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) secured the fifth position.

    According to media outlets, several complaints of missing ballot papers and changes in the election symbols were reported from many districts of the province, which eventually led to chaos.

    However, the provincial government ruled out such a possibility and described the demand as an “escape” from Opposition parties after they “failed” to field candidates in all districts, reports Dawn.

    Voting started at 9am and ended at 5pm on Sunday. The elections in the rest of the districts of Sindh will be held next month, i.e. July 24.

    Violence at the scene:

    During the election polling when clashes broke out between political parties, it led to deaths and multiple injuries. Two people, including the brother of a PTI candidate, were killed and at least 20 people were injured.

    PTI’s divisional president from Tando Adam, Mushtaq Junejo, said, “I can confirm the death of Qaiser, the brother of our party’s candidate Asghar Gandapur in Tando Adam.” The candidate was contesting in ward-13 of the Tando Adam municipal committee.

    In Nawabshah, the situation became tense when a group of armed people attacked social security. Later, the group fled the polling station along with the election material.

    Kashmore was among the most-affected districts in terms of violence.

    In Durrani Mahar, reports were received that around 10 polling staff members were kidnapped. However, the issue was resolved and police tried to cover up the issue as the polling staff was only released after successful negotiations between the police and the kidnappers.

    Misprinting of ballot papers:



    On Sunday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that some districts had incorrect candidate names printed on the ballot papers. In a tweet, the ECP said that polls in these regions would be postponed and a new schedule would be presented for them.

  • ‘FC, Rangers will handle security on the day of no-confidence vote’: Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘FC, Rangers will handle security on the day of no-confidence vote’: Sheikh Rasheed

    In a press conference, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) will handle the security of Parliament House, Parliament Lodges, and MNA Hostel in the capital on the day the National Assembly (NA) votes on the no-trust motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    Sheikh also warned that he will not take into consideration the stature of a leader and take all-out action against anyone who disrespects the law.

    “I will trample those who take the law in their hands next time,” he said.

    The minister’s statement came a day after Parliament Lodges’ showdown on Thursday. A heavy contingent of the police raided the Parliament Lodges and arrested members of the Ansarul Islam — a volunteer force of the Jamat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) — who were invited to provide security to Opposition lawmakers.

    Recalling last night’s incident, the minister said, “Around 362 families live there [Parliament Lodges]. Of them, 53 are senators and 278 are MNAs. I don’t want to spread terror but we do not have some good reports as recently we caught a group from Bara Kahu planning terror activities in Islamabad.”

    Moreover, Rasheed claimed that there is video evidence that shows Senator Kamran Murtaza using extremely foul language against the police but the cops continued to calm him down. He blamed the Opposition for creating a scene.

  • Today’s highlights: Opposition submits no-confidence while PM remains unfazed

    Today’s highlights: Opposition submits no-confidence while PM remains unfazed

    A total of 86 lawmakers from the Opposition parties signed the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Tuesday in an effort to oust the PM.

    Opposition leaders — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed the submission in a joint press conference.

    The government’s current number of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) stands at 179 while the Opposition has the support of 162 MNAs but they claim to have 186 members on their side.

    While addressing the conference, Zardari laughed when asked how many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) assembly members are with him. He sarcastically said, “Naam bhi bata doon?” (Should I reveal the names also?)

    PM Khan remains unfazed

    PM Khan reportedly met with the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) to discuss legal aspects after the Opposition’s submission of a no-confidence motion against him. Not only this, the premier also had a meeting with YouTubers, in which he made several claims. He said that the army stands with the government, it will never support thieves.

    “After this, nothing will happen against this government till 2028. The Opposition will face a humiliating defeat,” he added.

    PM Khan is all set to visit Karachi tomorrow (Wednesday).

    Will Shehbaz Sharif become the new PM?

    Addressing the ‘Awami March’, former President Zardari hinted that Shehbaz Sharif might become the new PM (if the no-confidence motion is successful). He said, “It is time we bring a Shareef admi to replace the prime minister.”

    Another PPP leader, Naveed Qamar, said that it is likely that Shehbaz Sharif will be the next prime minister.

    CM Buzdar resignation matter

    As per reports, Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Usman Buzdar presented his resignation to the PM but he didn’t accept the resignation and reportedly said that Buzdar will always be CM of Punjab. Buzdar also vowed that even if he is no longer CM, he will always stand by Khan.

    Moreover, there are several media reports which suggest that members within PTI aren’t really happy with Buzdar. Aleem Khan and Jahangir Tareen group said that the only way to move forward in Punjab is minus-Buzdar.

    Awami March reaches Islamabad

    PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s Awami March has reached Islamabad. In an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ programme Capital Talk, Bilawal said that the capital’s police is blocking its party convoy. “Until the whole caravan is allowed to come with me, we will protest,” he said.

    Tareen-Aleem partnership

    Top leaders of the disgruntled Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT) group, including PTI’s Aleem Khan, are going to London to meet Tareen.

    On Monday, Aleem Khan formally joined Jahangir Tareen’s group. Aleem said the aim is to “save” the party after “loyalists who had been integral in PTI’s 10-year struggle were sidelined without any reason.”

    In response, PM Khan claimed that Tareen would never support “thieves”.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Decision on when to kick out PM Khan to be announced in one hour

    EXCLUSIVE: Decision on when to kick out PM Khan to be announced in one hour

    The three notable Opposition leaders — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, and Jamat-e-Ulema Islami-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman — have decided the date for moving a no-confidence motion, confirms senior journalist Hamid Mir to The Current.

    Mir without revealing names took to Twitter and hinted upon ‘big news’ coming from the Opposition.

    Mir while talking to The Current said, “Wait for an hour and big news shall be revealed to all. The date on when to present a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan will be announced.”

    It is also being reported that the Opposition troika, Shehbaz, Zardari, and Maulana are scheduled to do a combined presser at around 4:30pm.

    The no-confidence motion is being moved to remove PM Khan and his party from the government.

  • Fazl to host dinner for Zardari to discuss no-confidence motion today

    Fazl to host dinner for Zardari to discuss no-confidence motion today

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari will meet Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad to discuss the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, reports Geo News.

    According to the media outlet’s sources, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief will also host a dinner in honour of the former president.

    The two leaders are also likely to discuss a plan of action regarding the no-confidence motion, which will be tabled by Opposition parties to oust PM Khan’s government.

    Zardari has been staying in the capital for a couple of days and holding low-profile meetings. 

    It is pertinent to mention that the meeting of the two leaders will be the first since PPP’s exit from PDM. 

  • KP LG polls: PTI loses, Shibli Faraz says party lost because of ‘PTI vs PTI’

    In the first phase of local government elections held in Khyber Pakhtun­khwa (KP), Opposition parties have had a combined lead over the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to unofficial results.

    Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz said that the ruling party lost because “PTI was contesting against PTI”.

    “If it was not PTI vs PTI, we would have really won the elections. The results are still being announced. It was a crucial election but our performance has been really good,” said Shibli.

    The PTI is ahead on 15 seats followed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) 13, Awami National Party (ANP) nine, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) two, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) one each — which totals up to 26 seats for the Opposition parties as per unofficial and unverified results. Meanwhile, independent candidates are in the lead on 13 seats, reports Dawn.

    In all, 12.668 million voters — seven million male and five and a half million female — were registered for the polls in the 17 KP districts.

    In the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), local government elections were held for the first time in Khyber, Mohmand and Bajaur districts.

  • KP LG polls: JUI-F leader accidentally kills himself with celebratory gunfire

    KP LG polls: JUI-F leader accidentally kills himself with celebratory gunfire

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Zakariya Khan accidentally took his own life on Sunday when he fired a gun in celebration of his victory in the local government elections in Khyber district.

    Police said they would thoroughly investigate Zakariya’s death before registering a case. 

    Rocket attacks, firing, and suicide bombings at various locations in Khyber district caused six casualties yesterday while several were injured. 

    Polling stations for women were also attacked in Nowshera and Buner.

  • Jamaat-e-Islami proposes law to ban gender reassignment surgeries, condemns current law

    Jamaat-e-Islami proposes law to ban gender reassignment surgeries, condemns current law

    Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) presented a bill in the upper house of Parliament Senate seeking an amendment in the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, for the creation of a medical board that would recommend “whether a person’s gender should change, instead of them seeking a reassignment on the basis of their personal identity”, reports Dawn.

    The bill was presented by JI’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmad who recommended the formation of such boards at the district level comprising of a professor doctor, a psychologist, a male general surgeon, a female general surgeon, and a chief medical officer after the approval by the Prime Minister (PM) and provincial Chief Ministers (CM).

    The proposed law also seeks a ban of gender reassignment surgeries or any other treatment to change genital features on the basis of “any psychological disorder or gender dysphoria”. It also states that the law in its present form could lead to the “legalisation of homosexual marriages”.

    However, the present law states: “A person recognised as transgender shall have the right to get himself or herself registered as per self-perceived gender identity with all government departments including, but not limited to NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority).”

    According to the JI, under the current law, a person could get themselves registered as a man or a woman not on the basis of their biology but their “personal thoughts”.

    Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari strongly opposed the proposed bill which was presented by JI and said the proposed amendment was aimed at “victimising” transgenders. She defended the current law and argued that it gave Transgenders Persons the right to identity.

    “Till date, not a single complaint has been received regarding the misuse of this existing law,” she said.

    JI and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) senators protested Mazari’s remarks, following which Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, sent the bill to the relevant standing committee for discussion.

    According to data shared with the house, 16,530 cases of gender change from male to female were processed, 12,154 cases of female to male, 21 cases of transgender to male, nine cases of male to transgender and as many cases of transgender to female.

  • Fazl summons meeting to finalise PDM’s anti-govt strategy, Nawaz will attend

    Fazl summons meeting to finalise PDM’s anti-govt strategy, Nawaz will attend

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah disclosed that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) head Maulana Fazlur Rehman had called for a virtual meeting, which is reportedly to finalise its anti-government strategy today (Monday), reports Geo News.

    Hamdullah said leaders of the Opposition alliance will consult each other on anti-government protests and finalise PDM’s strategy. 

    Major political figures will participate in the meeting, which includes former Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, Former Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Aftab Sherpao, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Professor Sajid Mir, and Shah Owais Noorani.

    The official Twitter handle of PML-N shared a glimpse of the meeting.

    The meeting will discuss important issues such as the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), electoral reforms, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance, and granting the right to vote to overseas Pakistanis. 

    The PDM has started its anti-government protests. The stage will be set in Karachi first. The next one will be held in Quetta on November 17 and in Peshawar on November 20.