Tag: Pakistan Tehreek e insaf

  • Faisal Vawda no more a Senator, ECP disqualifies in Dual Nationality Case

    Faisal Vawda no more a Senator, ECP disqualifies in Dual Nationality Case

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday disqualified Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Vawda as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) over his dual nationality at the time of contesting the NA election on a Karachi seat in the 2018 general elections.

    The commission said Vawda had submitted a “false affidavit” when submitting nomination papers.

    The ECP also declared him ineligible for holding the seat of a senator and ordered to withdraw the notification appointing him as senator.

    However, Vawda can approach the Supreme Court (SC) against the verdict, said the ECP.

    ECP had reserved the verdict on Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MNA Qadir Khan Mandokhel’s plea seeking Vawda’s disqualification on December 23, 2021.

    During the last hearing, Mandokhel and Vawda had appeared before an ECP bench. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had asked Mandokhel whether he wanted to present more documents or give additional arguments.

    Mandokhel had said it was the 30th hearing of the case but he could not get the answers to his questions. The PPP leader had said, “ECP has been issuing warnings for the last one-and-a-half years.”

    Mandokhel was of the view that Faisal Vawda had held United States (US) nationality at the time of filing his election nomination papers. He said that the concerned residing officer (RO) was not punished as he had rejected his papers instead of disqualifying Vawda.

    The PPP leader said that Vawda had falsely declared in an oath to the ECP that he did not hold any foreign nationality. The PTI leader had concealed his dual nationality during the scrutiny of his nomination papers, said Mandokhel.

    Vawda’s counsel rejected the allegations, saying that his client had never applied for another country’s nationality. He said Vawda was born in the US and that his client had cancelled his American passport.

    After hearing the arguments of both sides, the ECP reserved its verdict in Vawda’s disqualification case.

    The News reported in January 2020 that Vawda was a dual national at the time of filing his nomination papers to the ECP to contest the 2018 general elections. Vawda submitted his nomination papers on June 11, 2018, which were approved by the election body a week later on June 18, the report said.

    However, the Vawda applied for the renunciation of his nationality with the US consulate at Karachi four days after his nomination papers were approved act on June 22, 2018, the report revealed.

  • PM Khan says people have no better option than PTI, party set to launch election campaign

    PM Khan says people have no better option than PTI, party set to launch election campaign

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Monday said the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will contest Punjab’s local bodies elections.

    While chairing the Central Executive Committee’s (CEC) meeting, the premier decided to speed up and mobilise people at the grassroots level.

    The premier has decided to hold public gatherings in different parts of the country to mobilise workers and voters of the ruling PTI for the upcoming local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [second phase] and in Punjab, expected to be held in May.

    PM Khan during the CEC meeting said that the people of Pakistan have “no better option than the PTI”. It is being reported that during the meeting, the distribution of tickets during the elections and considered recommendations for mayors in major cities was also discussed

    During the meeting, the PM said that the organisational structure of the party would be formed. “Our workers are a valuable asset to the party and the tickets will be distributed on the basis of merit.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that the two Opposition parties — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) — have united towards achieving their common goal of sending the government packing.

    PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif hosted PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at his Lahore residence on Saturday, January 5, to discuss the present political situation.

    Speaking after the lunch, Shehbaz said, “Broken hearts can be united again. Both PPP and PML-N are united to take Prime Minister (PM), Imran Khan, out.”

  • ‘Broken hearts not united’, Khaqan says PML-N will give PPP tough time in elections

    ‘Broken hearts not united’, Khaqan says PML-N will give PPP tough time in elections

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Sunday said that his party and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) are on the same page to send the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government packing despite being political rivals.

    Khaqan further added that the PML-N will contest the elections in Sindh against the PPP. He said the PML-N is focusing on Sindh and will give a tough time to the opponents in the local bodies as well as general elections.

    Khaqan said that the political strategy of the PPP and PML-N was separate. He said the PML-N will contest the elections in Jhol and Sanghar.

    Khaqan’s statement comes a day after PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif hosted PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at his Lahore residence on Saturday to discuss the present political situation.

    Speaking after the lunch, Shehbaz said, “Broken hearts can be united again. Both PPP and PML-N are united to take Prime Minister (PM), Imran Khan, out.”

    Whereas Bilawal said, “The government is incompetent and the more the Opposition unites and works in coordination, the more we will be able to pressurise the government.”

  • Bilawal says PPP entered battlefield, Fawad Chaudhry offers to provide ‘camels and horses’ to PPP

    Bilawal says PPP entered battlefield, Fawad Chaudhry offers to provide ‘camels and horses’ to PPP

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday said that it was “time for Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to start panicking”.

    “The time has come for the PTI government to be accountable before the masses,” he said, adding that since people have lost their confidence in the premier, parliament must also follow suit.

    He added he had sent a message to “the puppet” to inform him that the PPP had “entered the battlefield” to oust the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

    “The kaptaan has snatched roti, kapra, aur makaan from the masses,” Bilawal said. “Khan sahib has robbed the citizens of their economic rights and their right to vote. We can’t stand it any longer, so we have declared war against this government.”

    The PPP chairman further said: “We know how to snatch our rights, but we will opt for a democratic and constitutional way to take revenge from the government in the National Assembly.”

    Taking a jibe at the PPP for not having enough supporters for its anti-government campaign, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday offered to provide “camels and horses” for the Opposition party’s long march.

    Commenting on the recent meeting of Opposition parties, he said that “it was a meeting to cover up thefts and they have now turned into regional parties”.

    Fawad said that “criminals” showed solidarity with each other on Kashmir Solidarity Day.

    He said that ever since the issue of bank accounts came up, “love has been growing in the Opposition parties”.

  • Nawaz Sharif’s son claims an ‘almost official’ person contacted Nawaz’s doctor, sent abusive e-mail

    Nawaz Sharif’s son claims an ‘almost official’ person contacted Nawaz’s doctor, sent abusive e-mail

    Hussain Nawaz, son of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, lashed out at the government and said that neither Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan nor his party members have any say when it comes to Nawaz’s health. He was speaking on Geo News‘ programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’.

    Anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada asked Hussain why the medical reports of Nawaz Sharif are not being sent to Pakistan and why was the family sending a doctor’s opinion and not legitimate reports for the medical boards to examine. “We don’t need it, Dr Shawl is a world-renowned doctor. Whatever he says is enough,” responded Hussain.

    Khanzada further questioned that Sharif addresses the people, gives speeches, visits restaurants but just doesn’t come back to Pakistan. He asked if the family didn’t trust the courts of Pakistan anymore, to which Hussain said, “There must be a reason as to which Nawaz Sharif is not coming back. Everyone is concerned about his health.”

    Hussain further said the courts have not yet asked for the medical reports of Nawaz Sharif, adding, “Let’s not talk about what has not happened yet.”

    Referring to the contact of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and the doctors in London written in the affidavit signed by the family on Nawaz’s departure to London, Hussain said, “They [government] should reveal who did they contact to ask about Nawaz’s health. Did they write a letter? They should provide names of the people they contacted.”

    Hussain further said that the family doesn’t care about these contacts anymore. He also revealed that Dr Shawl was contacted and abusive e-mails were sent to him.

    “An abusive, disrespectful e-mail was sent to a professional like Dr Shawl. He has complained about it to us as well. Who did this?” said Hussain.

    Khanzada, interjecting Hussain, said, “Did someone from the officials sent the e-mail to Dr Shawl?” Hussain responded, “It’s almost official. Ask any neutral person, who can have a problem with Dr Shawl. Who can take out his/her anger and frustration on a professional?”

    Khanzada said that it is indeed disrespectful and further asked if the government contacts Dr Shawl, will he present his medical opinion on Nawaz Sharif? “He will stand by the content mentioned in the report and will co-operate,” responded Hussain.

    On the question of a viral video of Nawaz Sharif where he was spotted visiting a factory with his son Hussain Nawaz and former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other people, Hussain said that the video was four to five months old, adding that he took his father outside for a “change in environment” as he was not feeling well.

    Hussain clarified and said that due to Covid-19 SOPs, factories in the United Kingdom (UK) are understaffed.

    Hussain further added that visiting someone’s factory is not a sin and Nawaz Sharif went out for just two hours.

    Hussain Nawaz also lashed out at the incumbent government over the leaked video of PML-N supremo Nawaz, asking why the government did not bring this video to the media before.

    Nawaz Sharif’s latest medical report was submitted in the Lahore High Court on February 1. According to the submitted report, Nawaz’s doctor has stopped him from travelling.

    Nawaz Sharif’s medical report was been prepared by Dr Fayaz Shawl, Director Interventional Cardiology, and has been submitted to the court through Amjad Pervez Advocate.

  • Prime Minister House to be converted to university in 72 months

    Prime Minister House to be converted to university in 72 months

    The bill seeking the establishment of a university at the Prime Minister (PM) House finally reached the Senate on Tuesday, reports Dawn.

    According to the bill, which has already been passed by the National Assembly (NA), the project once started, will take 72 months to complete.

    Last year, officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the direction of the PM Office, had visited Sir Syed Memorial Society building in G-5. The HEC and CDA had later shared a report with the PM office, stating the building was suitable for starting the university.

    The University of Engineering and Emerging Technology Bill 2022 was tabled in the Senate by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan on behalf of Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood.

    Chairman Mohammad Sadiq Sanjrani referred the bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Education for consideration.

    In October last year, the NA standing committee had approved the bill and last month the National Assembly passed it along the mini-budget and some other bills.

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has already entered its fourth year in office, implying Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan may not be able to see his dream project completed during his tenure.

  • 84 per cent Pakistanis consider inflation biggest problem: survey

    84 per cent Pakistanis consider inflation biggest problem: survey

    Quarterly Performance Evaluation Survey (QPES), a Pulse Consultant’s indigenous tracking tool of public perceptions and opinions about the government’s performance and current political situation, states that 84 per cent of Pakistanis consider inflation as the biggest problem of the country.

    Almost every Pakistani has been hit by inflation and 99 per cent are reporting that ‘Inflation increased in past three months’, reveals the survey.

    According to the survey, 65 per cent of Pakistanis blame the current sitting government for the country’s poor economic conditions, while 29 per cent blame previous governments.

    18 per cent of the country is satisfied by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s performance — 56 per cent believe PM Khan’s claim that Pakistan is out of the economic crisis. Just 15 per cent think that inflation will be reduced in the next three months.

    About the problems in the country, 80 per cent of the people think that unemployment is the biggest problem of the country while 37 per cent of the people have of opinion that corruption is the main problem of Pakistan.

    Similarly, 70 per cent Pakistanis believe that the economic situation of the country is going downhill as well.

    Read More- 59% traders consider Pakistan is not ‘moving in right direction’: Gallup Survey

    Furthermore, 69 per cent of Pakistanis believe that the country is going in the wrong direction.

    Respondents of the survey did not buy the government’s narrative where all blame was hurled at the previous regime that the current economic crises are due to previous governments’ loans. The majority of the respondents — 65 per cent — believe that it’s all due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) wrong economic policies.

    When it comes to the provincial province’s performance, 55 per cent of Pakistanis in Punjab are dissatisfied and just 9 per cent are satisfied – 34 per cent are in between. Talking about Sindh, 42 per cent are dissatisfied and just 18 per cent are happy; the remaining 39 per cent are in-between.

    In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 55 per cent are dissatisfied and just 24 per cent are satisfied –20 per cent are in-between. Whereas in Balochistan, 55 per cent are dissatisfied and just 10 per cent are satisfied – 35 per cent are in-between.

  • Overseas Pakistanis used like ATM in PTI, says former information secretary

    Overseas Pakistanis used like ATM in PTI, says former information secretary

    Former central information secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Ahmad Jawad on Sunday announced that he will file a lawsuit against the party for terminating his membership.

    The ruling PTI had expelled Jawad from the party for “violating the party’s constitution” on social media and “slandering” senior leadership.

    Talking to Geo News, Jawad said that his termination from the party’s membership is “illegal”, adding that, “PTI voters and workers have seen the true colours of Imran Khan now.”

    The ex-PTI member said that in the last 74 years, “No one ha deceived the nation like PTI did, while overseas Pakistanis were used like Automated Teller Machines (ATM).”

    Taking to his Twitter, Ahmad said, “Imran Niazi Sahib your assumption will be proved wrong. The nation will not be fooled again, your container role will never be successful again in this country.”

    According to a statement issued by the PTI’s Standing Committee on Accountability and Discipline (SCAD) on January 12, a show-cause notice was served to Ahmad Jawad, asking him to explain his position within seven days of the receipt of the notice but the disgruntled leader did not respond to the notice.

    ” A House of garbage which started as an ideology of Change A deception which wasted two decades of this nation You can walk on toughest path with open eyes, but you will fall on a flat path with closed eyes,” tweeted Ahmad to the accusations written in the show-cause notice.

  • PML-N’s Khaqan Abbasi knows 22 NA members who want to leave PTI govt

    PML-N’s Khaqan Abbasi knows 22 NA members who want to leave PTI govt

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi while speaking on Geo News programme, ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khandaza Kay Sath’, said, “I know 22 members of the National Assembly who don’t want to remain part of the incumbent government anymore.”

    Abbasi said that if those 22 people step aside, the government will lose its majority in the House.

    Responding to Fawad Chaudhry’s claim that four PML-N leaders are “hell-bent on removing Nawaz Sharif from the party,” Abbasi said: “I am unable to understand Fawad’s statements as he is just trying to seek attention.”

    He said that “no one desires the throne in PML-N”, adding that party leaders “just want the implementation of the Constitution in the country”.

    “I never had the desire to become the prime minister,” Abbasi added.

    The former premier said that the “government itself is walking with the help of crutches and can’t stand without it even for a single day”.

    On being asked why did the four names turn up, Abbasi said the government is lying.

    On the other hand, responding to Abbasi’s comments during the show, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz said that “without taking any names, we had just hinted at four senior leaders of PML-N, and now people can guess themselves who we were referring to.”

    “PML-N is an incompetent party with an incomplete narrative and its leadership lacks democratic thoughts,” added Faraz.

  • ‘[PTI leaders] spent winter nights in heated bedrooms,’ Maryam blasts govt, says no rift in party

    ‘[PTI leaders] spent winter nights in heated bedrooms,’ Maryam blasts govt, says no rift in party

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday rejected the claims of the government of having a forward bloc within the party and said that the government was fabricating such stories to divert attention from its incompetence.

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday claimed that four PML-N leaders were “hell-bent on removing the party supremo Nawaz Sharif from the party.”

    Addressing a gathering in Lahore, Fawad said that there is a “rat race going on among senior PML-N members as to who would lead the party next,” adding that, “four top-most party leaders want to remove PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in a bid to take over the party’s leadership.”

    When asked about the reported attempt by her party leaders to replace the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Maryam said that Fawad’s statement was a way to hide from the questions of media about rising inflation and the government’s inabilities that led to the recent Murree tragedy.

    She said that after the death of tourists, instead of providing a balm to the wounds of the bereaved families, the inconsiderate ministers and government machinery started victim-blaming.

    Criticising the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership who used to make fun of PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam said, “Instead of following his example and borrowing the boots from him, they [PTI leaders] spent winter nights in the heated bedrooms of their official residences, maintained on public expense while tourists were dying in the snow.”