Deposed prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has reiterated his trust in Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari after stalwart Khawaja Asif attacked the former president saying he could not be trusted.
“I have a lot of respect for Asif Zardari in my heart. Zardari is part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and I absolutely respect him in my heart and I don’t know if Khawaja Asif made a statement against Zardari or not,” the PML-N supreme leader told The News.
When told that Khawaja Asif had actually said that he doesn’t trust Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz said that his party leader’s remarks about the former president were not PML-N’s party policy. “I have expressed to you the sentiments I have in my heart.”
Nawaz Sharif disagrees with statement by @KhawajaMAsif about Asif Ali Zardar and says he has a lot of respect for AAZ and fully trusts Zardari and has faith in him, he’s part of PDM and valuable @BBhuttoZardaripic.twitter.com/YdQPapF1TN
Statements by Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday, who claimed Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif and Shahbaz Sharif had held meetings with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa and head of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, upset many opposition leaders and prompted the military high-ups to step forward to counter his claims.
Shortly after the All Party Conference (APC) and the directions by Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the government to produce Nawaz Sharif, the railways minister predicted an implosion of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), claiming that the process has already started.
He disclosed that some senior politicians of the party had held two meetings with the military leadership. Speaking indirectly, Rasheed seemed to predict a coup or a split. wherein PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif would take over the party.
Rasheed alleged that the arrest warrants and Nawaz Sharif’s anti-establishment statements have caused troubles for the party, a sentiment supposedly held by many members of the PML-N. He predicted that a Shehbaz-led faction will soon arise.
The minister added that PML-N’s senior politicians held two meetings with the military leadership, with the first meeting lasting for five hours. and the second for three. “In one meeting, Khawaja Asif and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal held an hours long meeting with military leadership while in other meeting Shehbaz Sharif and I sat on same table and ate dinner,” he said.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at a press conference in Karachi said that those conversations are meant to be confidential, and that certain people need to refrain from revealing their details.
“Whenever there s a national security issue, whether it concerns India, AJK [Azad Jammu and Kashmir], GB [Gilgit-Baltistan], FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas], extremism and terrorism, we were, are today and will be together on these in the future,” he said, adding that the PPP and other political parties were approached on September 18 or 19 and invited to a national security briefing on GB.
Bilawal commented that these meeting are officially ‘off-the-record’, and said that he had no choice but to talk about the it “out of helplessness”.
“Some irresponsible persons [Rasheed] who have nothing to do with national security, GB, AJK or foreign policy, and who did not say a word in this meeting, are giving statements on every TV channel these days,” he said.
“I think such actions make national security and foreign policy issues controversial. And whoever’s spokesperson this [person] is, they should immediately ask them to shut up and not say anything irresponsible,” Bilawal said. “You can never be able to create consensus on any issue if such things happen,” he added.
PML-N Ahsan Iqbal denied reports of any one-on-one meeting with army leadership and said that Rasheed was lying about the meeting.
On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz denied reports of a meeting between Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and representative of former premier Nawaz. She was at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for a hearing of an appeal against her conviction in the Avenfield House reference. When asked about the meeting, she said, “I do not know about dinner, maybe it was not a dinner [but] I heard about the meeting.”
She further said political decisions should be made in the parliament and not at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
سیاسی معملات پر جس نے بات کرنی ہے ان کو پارلیمنٹ آنا چاہیے، مسلم لیگ (ن) نائب صدر مریم نواز شریف pic.twitter.com/UuLGy3KWAG
“From what I understand it was called to discuss Gilgit-Baltistan which is a political issue, an issue of the people’s representatives, for them to solve and deliberate upon,” she said.
Maryam said that political issues should be discussed in the parliament and political leadership should be allowed to resolve problems of political nature.
Later, replying to Maryam’s statement, the railways minister remarked, “The day Maryam Safdar starts speaking the truth will be the end of her political career”.
The Pakistan Army finally broke its silence over the controversial statements made about the alleged meetings of political leadership with the military leadership, confirming that the opposition leaders had met with the military top brass twice in past few months.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Major-General Babar Iftikhar told a private television channel that former Sindh governor and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mohammad Zubair had met with the army chief not once but twice in past some weeks.
“One meeting was held in the last week of August and the second meeting was held on September 7. ISI DG was also present in both meetings. Both the meetings were held on request made by Mohammad Zubair and in both the meetings, Zubair raised issues regarding Mian Nawaz Sharif sahib and Maryam Nawaz sahiba,” the military’s spokesperson said.
It is good that DG ISPR, has named PML (N) leader who net not once but twice with army chief and discussed Nawaz and Maryam’s cases. Zubair’s version was too weak. The PML (N) has to come out with explanation or admit NRO request.
“In these meetings, the army chief made it clear to him that the legal issues of both of them would be resolved in Pakistani courts and political issues would be resolved in Pakistani parliament. Army should be kept away from these issues,” the ISPR DG said, adding that he would make no more comments over the issue.
Following ISPR DG’s comments, PML-N leader Muhammad Zubair also confirmed his meetings with the COAS Bajwa.
“Army chief termed matters against the PML-N leaders as legal affairs and said that courts should decide on them,” he said while quoting General Bajwa, and further added that such meetings are held in secret.
I just love how Maryam Safdar keeps exposing herself.
1. Meri London mein tou kia, Pakistan mein bhi koi property nahi
The second meeting was held in the presence of ISI DG, the PML-N leader said. He denied seeking any relief for Nawaz and Maryam during the meetings and said that they discussed political matters.
Zubair claimed that Maryam was unaware of the meetings initially but he later apprised her regarding the contacts made by him. “If I had been seeking relief for Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz then they would have known prior to the meeting,” Zubair said.
He further expressed his ignorance as to why details regarding the meetings are being conveyed to the media.
Cracks have yet again emerged among opposition leaders before they could execute their plans of giving a hard time to the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
According to reports, this time it wasn’t the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), differences among which have led to the opposition’s failure to take on the ruling party ever since the formation of the current government.
But this time, Sunday’s all parties conference (APC) witnessed an unpleasant situation when Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who had earlier played a pivotal role in bringing both the PML-N and PPP to talks table, registered a protest for not airing his speech.
“The government used to censor my speech but now in the APC my speech was also censored and this is highly unreasonable,” he complained.
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari clarified it was on the request of a JUI-F lawmaker as they kept it an in-camera session and would hold a press conference later on; however, Maulana was not convinced.
Senator Sherry Rehman of the PPP said the party was told to arrange for an in-camera address by the JUI-F leader, to which Maulana said, “We did not make such a request.”
Later on during the presser, PPP senior leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Maulana’s address was streamed on social media and electronic media may air it by extracting it from the internet.
An All-Parties Conference (APC) took place on Sunday. Hosted by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the moot was attended by all major opposition parties.
Former president Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif addressed the conference via video link. PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Vice President Maryam Nawaz, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Mahmood Khan Achakzai of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Mohsin Dawar and several other opposition leaders also participated.
It was, however, Nawaz’s speech that set the tone, reflecting in the APC’s joint resolution.
Just days ago, the APC was being dismissed as just another show without much substance but the former prime minister’s speech changed that perception. The foremost reason why the APC was being dubbed a mere show was due to the opposition’s failure in the Senate (no-confidence move) and the passage of the recent FATF bills in the joint session despite protests. The opposition may not have been successful in these two endeavours but they seem to be on a mission now and they want to do it before the Senate elections in March 2021.
Nawaz said their struggle is not against Imran Khan but against those who brought Imran Khan to power by manipulating the elections. He said there is now a parallel government because there is “a state above the state now”.
The 26-point charter of demands by the APC announced the formation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), which will be an anti-government movement. APC resolution states that the establishment’s role in politics must end. All state institutions should stay within their constitutional limitations. It also mentions how media is facing the worst censorship, the opposition demands that accountability of Lt Gen (r) Asim Bajwa be ensured, among other things.
The way the government has reacted to the APC and especially Nawaz’s speech shows there is panic among their ranks. From calling the APC “a flimsy attempt to put pressure on the government to back off on accountability” to asking institutions to take notice of Nawaz’s speech, it is quite evident that the opposition has unnerved the government.
The opposition has also given a roadmap and an action plan for the future. From countrywide protests starting soon to resignations from assemblies to vote of no-confidence to a long march in January, the opposition says all democratic options to get rid of the government are on the cards.
It seems that the opposition has decided to finally get serious. It remains to be seen how it all pans out and whether they will give real tough time to the government in the coming weeks and months. But the opposition cannot be written off.
Following are some snippets that stood out from Urdu newspapers on August 19, 2020, which The Current takes no responsibility for.
‘People’s Party Walay Kamray Mein Aur, Bahar Aur’
Daily Jang has quoted Information Minister Shibli Faraz as saying, “People’s Party walay kamray mein baat maan letay hain magar bahar jaa kr kuch aur kehtay hain.”
‘Opposition Aur Hukoomat Ka Sath’
According to Daily Dunya, Jamat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq has said, “Opposition ki dono barri partiyaan ankhein band kr k hukoomat ka sath de rahi hain.”
‘Jamhooriyat K Khilaaf Saazishein‘
It has been reported by Daily Dunya that Awami National Party (ANP) President Asfandyar Wali Khan, while reacting to the completion of two years of PTI government said, “Dou saal k dauraan jamhooriyat k khilaaf saazishon mein mazeed taizi aayi. 18th Amendment pr bhi kai hamlay huway. 50 lakh ghar denay k daway dharay k dharay reh gaye balkeh ghurbat ne lakho afraad ko beghar kr dia.”
Following are some snippets that stood out from Urdu newspapers on August 18, 2020, which The Current takes no responsibility for.
‘Idaaron Ko Dhamkiyan’
Daily Janghas reported that Federal Minister for Communication Murad Saeed has accused PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of threatening institutions. He said “Chori ka hisaab denay k liye bulaya jata hai tou karkuno ko dhaal banaa kr idaaron ko dhamkanay k liye aa jatay hain.”
‘Shikayat Ka Mauqa Nahi Milega’
It has been reported by Daily Dunya that Nawaz Sharif has called Fazlur Rehman up. “Nawaz Sharif ne Maulana Fazlur Rehman ko bharpoor opposition ka kirdaar adaa krnay ki yakeen dahani krwatay huay kahaa hai k inhein ainda shikayat ka mauqa nahi milega.”
‘Hukoomat Aur Corona Ki Beemari Mein Koi Farq Nahi’
Daily Dunya has quoted PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal as saying, “Wazire Azam Imran Khan Pakistan ko ujaarna, jab k Nawaz Sharif taraqqi dena jantay hain. PML-N taraqqi ki jamaat hai aur PTI tabahi ki jamaat. Hukoomat aur corona ki beemari mein koi farq nahi.”
Following are some snippets that stood out from Urdu newspapers on August 17, 2020, which The Current takes no responsibility for.
‘Punjab Chief Minister K Liye 300 Se Zaid Umeedwaar’
Daily Jang has quoted Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry as saying, “Punjab mein tabdeali aayi tou phri poori assembly hi wazire aala ki umeedwaar hai.”
His statement comes amid rumours that Punjab might soon get a new chief executive.
‘Ghulami Kya Hoti Hai’
Prominent Journalist Hamid Mir, in his column for Daily Jang, has written, “Mein 2009 mein Gaza mein tha. Mujhe Falasteeni currency chaheye thi tou mein aik bank gya jahaan local currency jo mujhe mili woh Israeli Shekel. Mein hairaan reh gya k aik Falasteeni bank k paas Falasteeni currency nahi thi aur pehli bar ehsaas hua ghulami kya hoti hai.”
‘Opposition Ka Flop Drama’
It was reported by Daily Jang that Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar has said, ”Opposition jamaato ki jaanib se APC ka drama lagny se pehle he flop ho gya. Opposition rehnumao ne sirf zati mufaad k liye APC ka shosha chora.”
CM Buzdar was referring to opposition parties’ plan of holding a joint moot to decide on the fate of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Following are some snippets that stood out from Urdu newspapers on July 29, 2020, which The Current takes no responsibility for.
‘Bilawal k jawaan kandhay’
It has been reported by Daily Jang that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in a press conference with opposition bigwig Shehbaz Sharif, said,“Ab Shehbaz Sharif tandrust hain aur hukoomat mukhalif tehreek ki inqalabi qiyadat krnay k liye tayaar hain.” Shehbaz, in response to this, said, “Bilawal k jawaan kandho par zimadari dali hai… yeh humein lead karein ge.”
While opposition alliance is once again gearing to get rid of the government, many believe this attempt too wouldn’t be successful for the PPP and the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) won’t be able to work together.
‘Ab kya gul khilayga?’
According to Daily Jang, Punjab Information Minister Punjab Fayazul Hasan Chohan has termed the meeting between Shehbaz and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazulur Rehman as the between “political orphans”. “Sindh mein Maulana ki Asif Ali Zardari aur Bilawal se mulaqaat ka chand Ziaur Rehman ki bataur deputy commissioner tayinaati ki surat mein charrha tha… ab dekhein Maulana ki Shehbaz se maulaqaat kia gul khilati hai.”
Fazl’s brother had been appointed the deputy commissioner of Karachi’s District Central despite not being a qualified CSS officer. Amid severe backlash and criticism, the federal government on Monday approved a letter by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government requesting the repatriation of his services back to the province.
‘Coronavirus k khilaf Allah ki ghayebi maddad’
Daily Dunya has quoted the Corona Expert Advisory Group as saying that, “Corona cases aur amwaat mein kami Allah ki ghayebi maddad hai kyun k kami ki hatmi waja samnay nahi aa saki.”
The statement comes as both COVID-19 cases and deaths in Pakistan continue to drop over the past three weeks. While some are praising the government for its efforts aimed at curbing the outbreak, others believe lower testing and people choosing to stay back home is the actual reason.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said he will seek an explanation from Senator Rehman Malik over his meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
“I will seek an explanation from Rehman Malik Sahib,” said Bilawal when a reporter asked him about the meeting between Malik and General Bajwa on Monday.
He added that the senator may have met the army chief as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Interior. “But I will certainly ask him,” said Bilawal while speaking to reporters with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
On Monday, PPP’s Senator Rehman Malik met the army chief in Rawalpindi. According to the military’s media wing, the two men discussed “matters related to defence and internal security”.
“Rehman Malik appreciated Pakistan Army’s success in bringing peace to the country and pledged support of the Senate Committee on Internal Security towards consolidating the gains,” the army said a statement.
Meanwhile, Bilawal on Tuesday had a busy day in Lahore as after meeting Fazl, he also went to see Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif.
Among other things, the two discussed the current political situation in the country and the opposition’s plans of launching another anti-government campaign after Eid.
Following are some snippets that stood out from Urdu newspapers on July 23, 2020, which The Current takes no responsibility for.
Bilawalgifts mangoes to Maryam Nawaz
It has been reported by Daily Dunya that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has gifted mangoes to former prime minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz
The mango delivery comes at a time when the two largest opposition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PPP, are in talks to work out a strategy and take entire opposition on board to get rid of the current government. Maryam is one of PML-N’s vice presidents.
‘Mein apni he sarzameen pr marna chahta hun’
In his column for Daily Jang, renowned senior journalist and analyst Saleem Safi has narrated his experience of being abducted from Afghanistan by Taliban in 1999. After his release, he was offered political asylum in the United States (US) and Norway but he said,“Mein apni he sarzameen pr rehna aur marna chahta hun.”
‘Mujhe siyasi wali tasleem kr lein’
Daily Dunya has quoted Punjab Information Minister Punjab Fayazul Hasan Chohan as saying that, “Meri paishgoiyan sach saabit honay pr opposition mujhe siyasi wali tasleem kr le.”
Fayaz had predicted that the PML-N and PPP would not be able to work together as seen in the past as well, and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) believes that the opposition’s latest alliance for the ouster of the government has turned out to be futile amid differences between leadership of both the parties.
