Tag: Opposition

  • ‘My Urdu is weak at 30, your Urdu is not good even at 70’: Bilawal on PM Khan

    Taking a jibe at Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that “PM Khan criticises my Urdu, I admit that my Urdu is not good. However, my Urdu is weak at the age of 30 but your [PM Khan] Urdu is not good even at the age of 70,” adding that before you fix my Urdu, teach Urdu to your three children.

    Bilawal addressed a public gathering in Parachinar today (Saturday), where he said that the Opposition has shown that Imran Khan has lost the majority in the house. Therefore, he is no longer the prime minister. “Opposition will consider Imran Khan as the PM if he manages to bring 172 members,” he added.

    He further said that the Opposition has tabled the no-confidence motion against PM Khan since March 8. “The prime minister should show sportsmanship and face us if he is brave enough to do so,” he said.

    While addressing, the PPP chairperson said,” Next elections will be free and fair and no institutions will be made controversial for one person.”

    He further claimed, “Imran Khan violates the Constitution and the democracy. He doesn’t want the rule of law in Pakistan. He rather wants all institutions to work like his Tiger Force.”

    Criticising the PM, Bilawal said: “The PM used to say that he would become the ambassador of Kashmir, but he ended up becoming the lawyer of Kulbhushan Jadhav.”

    “What kind of Riyasat-e-Madina is this which provides relief to the rich and inflation to the poor,” Bilawal posed a question.

    He also alleged that PM Imran has been conspiring and making efforts to turn all institutions — be it the NAB (National Accountability Bureau), be it the ISI (Inter-Service Intelligence), be it our armed forces, be it our police — into his Tiger Force.

  • PM Khan says PTI more popular now, like in the 2014 dharna, all thanks to the Opposition

    PM Khan says PTI more popular now, like in the 2014 dharna, all thanks to the Opposition

     Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan Friday said that institutions are neutral in this political fight between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and the Opposition.

    The premier made these comments during a meeting he had with senior journalists.

    “The PM was confident that he would defeat the no-trust motion,” said Geo News anchor Shahzad Iqbal.

    “Since the Opposition had submitted the no-trust motion, our popularity has increased manifold, the same we had during our 2014 dharna,” said PM Khan. 

    “Some people feared that the popularity of PTI was declining but it has increased in the last two weeks. A massive rally will be held on March 27 that would show how popular is our party. Those who think our government will be toppled should change their mind,” said the premier.

    “I think the umpire is neutral and the Opposition has brought this no-trust motion to save their corruption and especially the cases of Shehbaz Sharif,” the PM was quoted by the anchor. 

  • Speaker Asad Qaiser is ‘Imran Khan’s stooge’, says Opposition after Qaiser adjourns NA session till Monday

    Speaker Asad Qaiser is ‘Imran Khan’s stooge’, says Opposition after Qaiser adjourns NA session till Monday

    The much-awaited and critical National Assembly (NA) session on the vote of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was adjourned till Monday (March 28) by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser.

    “Since this is the tradition of this house, that whenever a respectable member [of the assembly] passes away, the [NA] session is adjourned till the next [working] day in their honour,” said Qaiser. “This has happened for years and this had happened a total of 24 times in the past.”

    Addressing a press conference outside Parliament House right after the session was adjourned, Leader of the Opposition in NA Shehbaz Sharif said that the Speaker has become a “stooge” of PM Khan.

     “This was a constitutional obligation and he violated the Constitution by not doing this,” said Shehbaz adding, “The Constitution and the law is above tradition and voting should have been allowed … tradition aside, the Speaker should have taken up the motion [but] he did not listen and left.”

    Shehbaz tweeted, “This partisan behaviour does not suit the custodian of the House. U cannot stop the inevitable through such underhand tactics!”

    Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that PM Khan was “fleeing the pitch”.

    Taking to Twitter, Bilawal wrote, “Speaker provided another weak excuse to avoid tabling the no-trust move.”

    “Imran can’t run forever. PM has no sportsman spirit and cannot face defeat with grace. The once great Kaptaan will go down like a rat on a sinking ship,” he said.

    Prior to the session, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “Nothing will happen in the assembly session today.”

  • ‘I pray that the government allies will walk with Imran Khan’: Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘I pray that the government allies will walk with Imran Khan’: Sheikh Rasheed

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed speaking with reporters outside Prime Minister House has said that he prays to God that the allies of the government support Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on the day of the no-confidence vote.

    Rasheed said that it is for the public to decide who will win the vote, on March 27 people will come out in support of Khan and the Opposition will see it as well.

    Speaking with reporters he further said that Khan has got cards in his hand as well. He will reveal them on March 27 and everyone will see them.

    Earlier it was reported that three major coalition partners of the government, Mutahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), have decided to part ways with the government ahead of the no-trust motion against PM Khan.

  • ‘Will surprise one day before the vote of no-confidence’: Khan announces he will not resign

    ‘Will surprise one day before the vote of no-confidence’: Khan announces he will not resign

    Announcing that he will not resign in any case, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that he will fight the Opposition till the last ball and will give a surprise one day before the voting on the no-confidence motion, reports Geo News.

    Talking with journalists at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Khan said that the word “neutral” was misinterpreted. He said that the context of the word “neutral” was to promote goodwill and to prevent evil.

    PM Imran Khan said it was wrong to consistently attack and criticise the army as a powerful military was crucial for Pakistan. “Had the army not been here, the country would have split into three parts.”

    “The army should not be criticised for politicking,” he said.

    PM Khan further said that the politics of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is to cover up their theft.

    “Someone may have misunderstood that I will sit at home. I will not resign under any circumstances. I will not pull out from a fight,” said PM Khan.

    The premier said that he will win the match of no-confidence, and that he will not resign at the request of the corrupt gang.

    “The people are with me, 60 to 65 per cent of the honourable people are with me,” said the premier.

    The Prime Minister said that after March 27, his support will go above 90 per cent. “My trump card is that I have not shown any card yet,” said Khan.

    PM Imran Khan was asked about shaking hands with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, to which he responded that he could not shake hands with a person steeped in corruption. “His [Shehbaz Sharif’s] politics will come to an end after his no-confidence motion.”

    “In which constitution is it to overthrow the government by spending money?” questioned the prime minister.

    The prime minister said he would “never” hold a consultative meeting with Shahbaz, as he stressed that the Sharif brothers — Shahbaz and Nawaz Sharif — and Asif Ali Zardari were “corruption brands” of Pakistan.

    When asked about former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar, PM Khan said that he met Chaudhry Nisar and has a 40-year-old relationship with him.

  • Key government allies decide to join Opposition alliance

    Key government allies decide to join Opposition alliance

    Three major coalition partners of the government, Mutahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), have decided to part ways ahead of the no-trust motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, reports Azaz Syed for Geo News.

    All three allies of the government, including two MNAs of GDA, will soon [expectedly till March 25] announce to join the Opposition in the campaign to oust PM Khan.

    Sources privy to the matter said that the coalition partners of the government will announce their decision collectively at the Chaudhrys of Gujrat’s residence in a press conference.

    Government allies are devising their strategy to announce their decision about supporting the opposition, however, allies have yet to confirm the reports.

    Earlier 24 lawmaker announced to vote in favour of the no-trust move and dissociated themselves from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI

  • ‘MQM-P will announce they are with us in a day or two,’ Fazl claims

    ‘MQM-P will announce they are with us in a day or two,’ Fazl claims

    After meeting with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the party [MQM-P] will announce that they are with the Opposition in a day or two.

    Fazl made the announcement alongside MQM-P’s party members in Karachi where he further said that the government allies are no more with them, adding that he is completely satisfied that the no-confidence motion will be successful.

    The PDM chief said the language Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has used during the recent rallies in Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP) is not of an “honourable person”. “I think it is disrespectful to have such people assume such big offices,” he added.

    With the no-confidence motion date approaching soon, both the Opposition and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are trying to woo government allies ahead of no-confidence motion which is to take place on March 25.

    It is pertinent to mention that the government’s ally in the Centre, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), has assured PM Imran Khan of complete support on the motion, while other allies i.e Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), MQM-P, and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) are still indecisive.

  • ‘Political unrest’: Will there be a clash between govt and Opposition?

    ‘Political unrest’: Will there be a clash between govt and Opposition?

    The federal capital is bracing for trouble as both government and Opposition are in full action. Since the no-confidence motion has been submitted, the political chessboard has been a mess.

    From witnessing a thundering prime minister and rather threatening federal ministers to equally vocal Opposition leaders, Pakistan politics has had much to offer in the month of March. Political analysts are calling the government ‘rather desperate’ and the Opposition ‘aggressive’.

    Who will win the tug of war to power is yet to be decided as Islamabad might witness two long marches, the OIC, Pakistan Day Parade, and the vote of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will enter Islamabad on March 25 instead of March 23.

    PM Khan has announced to hold a historic gathering on March 27.

    The Current reached out to political analysts and senior journalists and asked whether there will be a clash on March 27.

    The government is not going in the right direction: Hamid Mir

    Senior journalist Hamid Mir, while speaking with The Current, said that seeing how Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is doing its governance, the government is not headed in the right direction.

    There will definitely be a clash: Asma Shirazi

    Senior political analyst Asma Shirazi said that seeing the unrest in the country, a clash between the government and opposition is “definitely possible”.

    Shirazi said that seeing the ministers and how they are reacting and giving statements, it seems unlikely that a clash can be avoided. “The government needs to understand that maintaining law and order is highly important,” said Shirazi.

    Agar million na bhi aye, 10 hazar bhi aye tu system ko khatra hai: Sabir Shakir

    Anchorperson Sabir Shakir said that both the government and Opposition want a power show. Their display of power will be the problem.

    Commenting on how the government officials are saying that they will gather one million people on D-Chowk on March 27, Shakir said, “Agar million na bhi ain, 10 hazar bhi aye tu system ko khatra hai [Even if a million people don’t turn up, 10 thousand people too can prove dangerous for law and order.]”

    Followers of PM Khan learn from his misbehaving tone and apply the same: Sana Bucha

    Journalist Sana Bucha categorically said that Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf and Prime Minister Imran Khan seem rather aggressive and desperate right now. In the past, we have seen them misbehaving and even now PM Khan is saying that the people of Pakistan need to do ‘Jihad’ against the Opposition, she said.

    “The followers of PM Khan learn from his misbehaving tone and apply the same [when given a chance],” said Bucha.

    “I am very certain that batamizi will happen,” added Bucha.

    If all is well and the house is in order, why is the government trying to be hostile: Ajmal Jami

    Anchorperson Ajmal Jami, commenting on the recent political temperature, questioned the government for showing aggression.

    “If all is well and the house is in order, why is the government trying to be hostile?” questioned Jami.

    Jami also commented on the PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s statement where he asked the government and Opposition to call off the long marches as it was not the job of the government to hold marches. Jami said that it was a heavy statement.

    “Chaudhry’s statement carried a lot of importance and weightage here, the government must not take it as a filler but consider it by all means,” said Jami.

    There is worry and tension on the government’s end: Ayesha Baksh

    Anchorperson Ayesha Baksh has said that both the Opposition and the government are challenging each other.

    “There is worry and tension on the government’s end,” said Baksh.

    “All concerned people should be active in the federal capital, the government is bringing matters on the road,” said Baksh.

  • ‘Apkay bachon se koyi shadi nahi karega’: PM warns MNAs, Twitter reacts

    ‘Apkay bachon se koyi shadi nahi karega’: PM warns MNAs, Twitter reacts

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan took a jibe at dissident party MNAs who had “sought refuge” at the Sindh House and said, “You will not be able to attend public gatherings and no one will marry your children when they grow up.”

    “Your children will be made fun of at their school,” added PM Khan.

     “We all make mistakes. Allah also forgives his slaves. I am just like a father figure to you all.”

    “But for God’s sake, don’t make such a big mistake by joining hands with the corrupt Opposition. Think about your children’s future,” said PM Khan.

    Twitterati reacted to PM Khan’s words. Some Twitter users called PM Khan a “bully”, while many had hilarious replies to his speech.

    https://twitter.com/abdullahsultan/status/1505522553732755457

  • Asad Qaiser summons NA session on March 25, Opposition calls for trial of Speaker under Article 6

    Asad Qaiser summons NA session on March 25, Opposition calls for trial of Speaker under Article 6

    National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser has summoned a session of the lower house of parliament on March 25. The NA session will be held at the Parliament House on Friday at 11am. The 14-day constitutional deadline to convene the NA session on the Opposition’s requisition will expire on March 21 (today).

    Sources told the media that the session will offer fateha for PTI MNA Haji Khayal Zaman who recently passed away, after which the Speaker has the “discretionary power” to continue or adjourn the session.

    Opposition parties on Sunday slammed Qaiser for not convening the assembly session within 14 days of its requisition, demanding that he should be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed hope that the Supreme Court would take notice of the violation of the Constitution by the Speaker.

    “This coward captain [the PM] is running away from the vote of no confidence. He is escaping to the extent that he has made the speaker abrogate the Constitution,” said Bilawal.

    Article 6 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan states, “Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.”

    The second clause adds that any person aiding, abetting, or collaborating in the acts will also be considered guilty of high treason.

    Clause 2A says that an act of high treason cannot be validated by any court, including the Supreme Court (SC) and a High Court.”