A fact-finding committee that is currently investigating the murder of senior journalist Arshad Sharif has asked Murad Saeed, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, (PTI) to provide the slain newsman’s laptop to the committee on November 28.
Geo Newshas reported that the fact-finding committee has written to Saeed that, “During the proceedings of the finding team it has come on record that you are in possession of the Apple MacBook of deceased senior journalist Arshad Sharif. Therefore you are requested to provide the device of the deceased enabling the fact-finding team to ascertain the facts.”
The committee has also requested Saeed to cooperate.
In his letter to the FIA fact-finding committee written on November 21, Saeed expressed reservations and refused to cooperate.
”The mother of Shaheed Arshad Sharif has already expressed her reservations and expressed dissatisfaction over the govt of Pakistan’s handling of the matter”, Saeed wrote.
However, he said that he is “willing to appear before the judicial commission constituted by the august SC and present all the information he has with respect to the matter.”
Earlier this month, the fact-finding committee summoned Murad Saeed and ex-member of PTI, Faisal Vawda.
Saeed also said that he knew who was threatening the slain journalist in Pakistan, forcing him to flee the country.
On October 23, Sharif was killed by local police in Kenya in what they said was a case of “mistaken identity”.
A fact-finding committee set up by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the murder of senior journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif has Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed and ex-member of the party, Faisal Vawda.
The two politicians have been directed to appear before the committee next week on November 21.
The FIA has said that since both politicians have claimed to have known about the threats that Sharif was facing, it is important that they provide all the details they know to the authorities. The agency sent notices to the two leaders to appear before FIA headquarters with evidence.
Faisal Vawda has claimed he knew who was behind Sharif’s murder. During a press conference, he also claimed that he was in contact with Sharif and stated that he will share evidence with the Military Intelligence (MI) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Subsequently, his party membership was revoked. PTI said that he would not be allowed to hold any party office or represent the party in the media as he had “grossly violated discipline by giving statements against party policies and guidelines”.
Saeed has also said that he knew who was threatening the slain journalist in Pakistan, forcing him to flee the country.
Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, on Tuesday, passed sexist comments about journalist Gharidah Farooqi, saying: “Woh mardon mei ghussay gi toh aisa hi hoga” (If she will enter into men’s sphere, then this is what will happen).
During a meeting with the delegation of the National Press Club and the Rawalpindi/Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), Khan said that “Farooqi goes into the crowd and then says that she is being harassed”.
Along with these remarks, he stated that he will also ask his party workers to act in right manner.
عمران خان سے آج نیشنل پریس کلب/راولپنڈی اسلام آباد یونین آف جرنلسٹس کے عہدیداران کی ملاقات؛
صحافیوں کی ٹرولنگ/اُن پر ہونیوالے حملوں سے متعلق سوال؛ عمران خان کا جواب : غریدہ فاروقی مردوں میں گھُسے گی تو ایسا تو ہو گا۔
Imran’s statement about Ghareeda Farooqui shows his deeply misogynistic mindset. Utterly shameful for a man who boasts about presence of female supporters in his rallies. Shameful for his young male supporters too whose character has been tarnished by their own leader.
No doubt that @GFarooqi is an energetic and well known journalist of Pakistan, but it is shameful for a former prime minister Imran Khan to use such words for her. pic.twitter.com/M5g3oqbaRz
Never expected such *highly condemnable attack* on women seriously it’s coming from Pakistan former Prime Mininister.@GFarooqi stays more Stronger today. pic.twitter.com/TdvYKUiIc3
‘Agar ilzaam saabit huva toh mai sahafat chorr doonga’: Saleem Safi challenges IK for calling him a ‘lifafa’
On the same occasion, Khan alleged that Journalist Saleem Safi is a lifafa (biased) journalist.
When asked by a journalist that why he [Imran Khan] called journalists lifafa, he responded by saying that he has never called any journalist lifafa except for Saleem Safi.
Responding to this, Safi challenged Imran Khan to prove himself. The senior journalist said in a statement that a committee consisting of PTI’s Murad Saeed, Shibli Faraz and Fawad Chaudhry should be formed under the leadership of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) president to investigate this matter.
He said that if he is proved to be a liar, then the punishment of a thief will be his punishment and he will leave journalism and if Imran Khan is proved to be a liar, then he will have to leave politics and apologise.
He also said that he will get to the end of this matter.
نیازی صاحب!جب آپکوحکومت دی گئی توپہلےہفتےٹی وی پربیٹھ کرمیں نے آپ سےکہاتھاکہ کمیشن بناکرمجھ سےاحتساب کاآغازکروجوآپ نےنہیں کیا اورصرف ایجنسیوں سےمجھےتنگ کرتےرہے۔زیرنظرچیلنج آپکوتین ماہ قبل(۲۰ اگست) کوجنگ کےکالم اوروی بلاگ میں دیاتھاجوآپ نےقبول نہیں کیا۔اب یہ فیصلہ عدالت میں ہوگا۔ https://t.co/wBQin2rAMApic.twitter.com/Af91rsiCPI
A new First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his other party members at the Abpara police station in Islamabad.
Asad Umar, Murad Saeed, Fawad Chaudhry, Faisal Javed Khan, Sheikh Rasheed and others have also been booked over violation of Section 144 and named in the FIR.
The FIR states that Khan along with his party leaders violated Section 144. It adds that the PTI leaders and their almost 1,000 supporters blocked the road at Imran Khan’s instructions. The FIR says that the party used loudspeakers as well.
Earlier, an FIR was filed against Khan under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for “threatening” Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry and senior police officers during his speech on August 20. However, he was granted transit bail till August 25.
On Monday (August 22), the Islamabad High Court (IHC)decided to initiate contempt proceedingsagainst Imran Khan for passing controversial remarks about Judge Zeba Chaudhry.
A day later, the IHC issued a show-cause notice to Imran Khan and summoned him on August 31 in contempt proceedings.
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi commented on the recent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.
Talking on Geo News’ programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Elahi said, “I have given a statement against him [Shahbaz],” adding that these are honourable institutions.
“The Pakistan army protects the border of our country, Aqal hai tumhaaray mein (Are you in your senses?).”
When asked if PTI should distance itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement, Elahi said, “Definitely yes.”
He further said Khan himself says that “a person who speaks against the army is not a Pakistani”.
فوج مخالف بیان پر شہباز گل کو ڈانٹا کہ یہ بڑی بری بات ہے، تحریک انصاف کی قیادت کو بالکل شہبازگل کے بیان سے الگ ہونا چاہیے، وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب چوہدری پرویز الٰہی#GeoNews#GeoPakistanpic.twitter.com/GBtRTZuWtp
Commenting on Gill’s arrest, Imran Khan termed it an ‘abduction’. He said, “Shahbaz Gill was arrested without any arrest warrant. His driver was tortured and his vehicle was damaged. He should have been given a chance to defend himself.”
About the rumours about his arrest, Khan said that his arrest is a small thing, he can “sacrifice” his life for haqeeqi azadi.
“If someone breaks the law, then there must be an action. Has any show-cause notice been issued to ARY News or given any reason for its suspension? The channel’s transmission was suspended without giving any chance to give a clarification. This is not acceptable in a democratic society. Democracy does not allow someone to take a decision solely and close the channel.”
While Speaking on ARY News, PTI leader Asad Umar said Gill’s words have been misinterpreted.
He further claimed that personally, he has “never heard Gill giving anti-army statements”.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Murad Saeed lashed out at the government after the arrest of his fellow party member. He claimed that this is all the government’s propaganda against PTI as they themselves talk against the army and then link it to PTI.
He further said that the government registers fake FIRs.
The PTI leader said that “handlers and facilitators” can’t compete with the public as they come out on roads whenever Khan asked them to.
“Imran Khan is our redline, don’t cross it, or else you will suffer the consequences.”
ملک کی خودداری کا سودا کرنے والو نے شہباز گل کو اغوا کیا۔ کل رات بھی جانثاران عمران خان نے واضح پیغام دیا اور پلان ناکام بنا دیا۔ بارہا بتایا کہ امریکی غلام رجیم چینج آپریشن کے تحت ہمارے ملک کو نئ جنگ میں دھکیل رہے ہیں لیکن مجرمانہ خاموشی https://t.co/DcsUg9rIhc
‘Script was prepared under the supervision of Imran Khan’: Rana Sanuallah
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, August 9, Interior Minister Rana Snaullah said, “The comments were according to the script prepared under the supervision of PTI Chairman Imran Khan which was carried forward by Fawad Chaudhry and Shahbaz Gill.”
Sanaullah went on to say that “hateful and seditious” remarks made by Gill were in line with the conspiracy in which a private news channel was also involved.
“Inquiry will be held regarding who are the people behind Gill and the private channel as no further investigation is needed on Gill’s statement,” he added.
The interior minister further alleged that the incident proves that the PTI was responsible for running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash in Balochistan.
Federal Minister for Communications Murad Saeed on Sunday served a legal notice to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s former wife, Reham Khan.
Saeed has said that Reham has hurled false allegations against him and done dirty propaganda in her book, “Reham Khan (memoir)“.
Saeed asked for an unconditional apology from Reham within 14 days; otherwise, a defamation suit of Rs1 billion will be filed against her, reports Dawn.
“Tender apology within 14 days from this notice otherwise the court will be requested for her stern punishment and Rs1 billion damages,” said the official announcement.
The news outlet also reports that the minister did not mention the name of Reham Khan while addressing her in the press release.
“Your book was used as a reference for launching malicious propaganda and false allegations,” read the press release.
Last week, Murad Saeed, during a meeting held in the presence of the premier, said that he would file a lawsuit against Reham in London for writing “offensive content” against the prime minister. “Posting false content should be stopped,” he added.
However, PM Khan advised Saeed “not to worry about such matters and focus on his performance as the Opposition is worried these days.”
Murad Saeed, during a meeting held in the presence of the premier, said that he would file a lawsuit against Reham in London for writing “offensive content” against the prime minister. “Posting false content should be stopped,” he added.
The news outlet revealed that PM Khan advised Saeed “not to worry about such matters and focus on his performance as the Opposition is worried these days.”
The issue came to light after the Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) cybercrime wing and the police arrested Daily Jinnah and Online news agency Editor Mohsin Jamil Baig. FIA raided the journalist’s house in the federal capital along with the police and took him into custody.
Baig was accused of initiating a debate on a television show with some controversial references towards PM Khan and Saeed.
The government has decided to file a reference against Islamabad’s Additional Session Judge Zafar Iqbal for declaring the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raid illegal at senior journalist Mohsin Baig’s home.
Advocate General (AG) Islamabad Niazullah Niazi met Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and briefed him about the case hearing.
Niazullah Niazi said that a reference would be filed against the judge soon. He said that Mohsin Baig had pointed a gun at FIA and police officials besides threatening the on-duty officers. “Being a media person does not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands.”
AG Islamabad further stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that no one is above the law.
“Everyone is equal before the law. Constructive criticism is beneficial for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government,” said PM Khan.
Speaking on Geo News Programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, AG Islamabad Niazullah Niazi said, “We will approach Chief Justice Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the session court judge’s verdict.”
حکومت کا ایک اور جج کے خلاف کارروائی کا فیصلہ ۔ کل محسن بیگ کے گھر پر چھاپے کو غیرقانونی قرار دینے والے جج ظفر اقبال کے خلاف شکایت کی جائے گی۔ ایڈووکیٹ جنرل اسلام آباد نیاز اللہ نیازی کا وزیر اعظم سے ملاقات کے بعد اعلان. انکا انٹرویو دیکھئے
Anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada questioned Advocate General Niazi if all this is really about the rule of law or is it what the government wants.
Niazi responded: “We all know how much the prime minister has worked for the rule of law. If a proceeding is happening against someone, and the law is there in the constitution, why would someone want that the proceeding to stop?”
Khanzada interjected and asked: “You say that the prime minister has done a lot for rule of law. The premier always reiterates that nations are destroyed where there is one law for the strong and another for the weak. A federal minister files a complaint at 9am in Lahore and at 9:30am, a raid takes place in Islamabad. Several cases are pending but prompt action was taken in this case. A judge who declared the raid illegal face references. Is this what rule of law is?”
“No illegal action will be taken against any judge,” responded Niazullah Niazi.
“You are pressuring the judiciary in this manner, the judge who gives verdict against you, you are taking action against them in return,” added Khanzada.
Niazi further stated that the reference against the session judge will not jeopardise the independence of the judiciary.
Neither the prime minister nor the lawyer accepts any kind of pressure on the judiciary, but no one should be above the law, he said.
Khanzada further said, “Is this really rule of law or fascism?”
The FIA cybercrime wing and the police arrested Daily Jinnah and Online news agency Editor Mohsin Jamil Baig on Wednesday. FIA raided the journalist’s house in the federal capital along with the police and took him into custody.
Baig was accused of initiating a debate on a television show with some controversial references towards PM Imran Khan and Minister for Communication Murad Saeed.
The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime wing and the police arrested Daily Jinnah and Online news agency Editor Mohsin Jamil Baig on Wednesday.
According to details, the FIA Cybercrime wing raided the journalist’s house in the federal capital along with the police and took him into custody, confirmed Baig’s son.
Baig’s son told Geo News that FIA officials in plainclothes came to the house earlier today and arrested his father.
“Initially, we thought that they (FIA personnel) are thieves and opened fire in the air but later they introduce themselves as law enforcers. We also asked them to show arrest warrants but they didn’t have any. Meanwhile, a police party also came to our house.”
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued a show-cause notice to News Onefor airing “derogatory/demeaning remarks” about federal Minister for Communications Murad Saeed “without any editorial check” in a programme, ‘G for Gharidah’. Baig was part of the panelists on the show.
The panelists were discussing the premier’s awarding of certificates to the top ten ministries over their performance in which Saeed’s ministry was awarded the first rank.
Baig is blamed for initiating a debate on a television show with obscene references towards Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and Murad Saeed.
Anchorperson Gharida Farooqi asked the panelists on her show: “The Prime Minister seems satisfied with Murad Saeed. He is in the top position, what could be the reason?”
Analyst Mohsin Baig responded, “The reason [for Murad Saeed being at the top place] is written in Reham Khan’s book. I don’t really know about the projects.”
Meanwhile, it is being reported that Mohsin Baig was arrested after Murad Saeed filed a complaint against him.
According to an FIA source, Moshin Baig was arrested after @MuradSaeedPTI filed a complaint against him.
Renowned journalist Hamid Mir shared pictures of Baig’s house in the morning when the police and FIA officials surrounded his home in Islamabad, adding that Baig’s “arrest is a sign of weakness not strength of @ImranKhanPTI”.
Police commandos are standing outside the house of journalist Mohsin Baig in Islamabad.He was arrested this morning,now police want to enter in his house for search. Lady police is also there. Son of Mohsin Baig is injured and police want to arrest him for resisting against FIA. pic.twitter.com/CJXRtK1M4z
Journalist Hamza Salam tweeted, “Without any warrants or due cause, former PTI supporter #MohsinBaig has been arrested by FIA Cyber Crime reflecting the panic of the government in the wake of criticism.”
Without any warrants or due cause, former PTI supporter #MohsinBaig has been arrested by FIA Cyber Crime reflecting the panic of the government in the wake of criticism.
First News One was banned, then Sabir Mehmood Hashmi was kidnapped, it seems some truths have struck a chord. pic.twitter.com/V6hlorexnU
Journalist Munizae Jahangir said, “We condemn the government for using law enforcement agencies to attack journalists in this manner.”
Shocking news today, things are getting from bad to worse for the media in Pakistan. #mohsinbaig must be released and we condemn the government for using law enforcement agencies to attack journalists in this manner. https://t.co/xzRdF0CWN1
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Friday issued a show-cause notice to News One for airing “derogatory/demeaning remarks” about federal Minister for Communications Murad Saeed “without any editorial check” in a programme.
On Thursday, News One aired a show, ‘G for Gharidah’, at 10:05pm in which anchorperson Gharidah Farooqi questioned the decision of Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to award appreciation certificate to Murad Saeed as the top minister in his team for his outstanding performance.
Gharida asked the panelists on her show: “The Prime Minister seems satisfied with Murad Saeed. He is in the top position, what could be the reason?”
Analyst Mohsin Baig responded, “The reason [for Murad Saeed being at the top place] is written in Reham Khan’s book. I don’t really know about the projects.”
مرادسعید کی جس کارکردگی پر پہلانمبر ملا ہے وہ ریحام کی کتاب میں ہے؛ محسن بیگ مرادسعید نےکارکردگی میں سب کو پیچھےچھوڑدیا مزید نہ پوچھیں پیمرا موجود ہے؛طارق محمود مرادسعید کی کارکردگی کےالزامات سب کےسامنےموجود ہیں؛افتخاراحمد میں مرادسعید کی کارکردگی بارے اتفاق کرتاہوں؛ جنرل امجد pic.twitter.com/TzGv09EZeN
Senior journalist and analyst Iftikhar Ahmed said, “You took the name of the person on the top position,” Gharida interjected and said, “Murad Saeed Saab,” Ahmed continued, “Yes, everyone is aware of his [Murad Saeed’s] performance and the accusations against him.”
Journalist and analyst Tariq Mehmood said, “Two people are serious in this, one Imran Khan Sahib, second Murad Saeed Sahib. We shouldn’t be so serious about this. One conducted the ceremony, second came on the first place,” adding, “Some things are self-explanatory, Pemra will be keeping a close eye, don’t make us say all the things. A book has been mentioned.”
“He [Murad Saeed] is a very hardworking minister and very close to the prime minister. Once again he has proved through his performance and left everyone behind,” said Mehmood.
Senior defence analyst General (retired) Amjad Shoaib said, “I have not read the book that was being discussed. However, I will agree with Mohsin Baig’s analysis, which he just made.”
Twitterati started a debate with trends against the host of the show. Some questioned why was Gharidah Farooqi the subject of criticism as she had not said anything but just asked a question.
I don’t understand why so many are angry with @GFarooqiBasically Reham Khan wrote a book. Even those who couldn’t stand her seem to have read it.
If what she wrote was untrue, she could’ve easily been sued 4 defamation by Imran Khan and other PTI members but they didn’t sue!
کیا پیمرا یہ بتانا پسند کرے گی کہ کسی وفاقی وزیر کی کارکردگی پر سوال اٹھانا اس کی تضحیک کیسے ہے۔ اگر ریحام خان کی کتاب کے ضمن میں کچھ کہا گیا ہے تو ریحام سے پوچھا جائے۔ اخلاقی مسئلہ تو ہوسکتا ہے قانونی کیسے ہوگیا؟@reportpemra@GFarooqi#Pemra
However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf official Twitter handle shared a clip of the show and wrote, “Extremely shameful on Ghareeda Farooqi’s part to lead a program with such derogatory language.”
Extremely shameful on Ghareeda Farooqi’s part to lead a program with such derogatory language. This is probably the reason why people have been calling this program #GForGhatya today! We hope to see an apology for such irresponsible journalism. pic.twitter.com/gdOZ20KIsV
Several political parties condemned News One being taken off-air.
نیوز ون کی نشریات کو بند کرنے سے ہزاروں میڈیا ورکرز کے خاندان متاثر ہوں گے، ہم نیوز ون نیوز سے مکمل یکجہتی کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے مطالبہ کرتے ہیں کہ فوری طور پر ملک بھر میں نیوز ون کی نشریات کو بحال کیا جائے۔ مولانا فضل الرحمٰن@newsonepk@MoulanaOfficial
