Tag: Pakistan

  • Names of opposition Senators revealed who may vote in favour of the Constitutional Amendments

    Names of opposition Senators revealed who may vote in favour of the Constitutional Amendments

    Veteran journalist Azaz Syed has revealed the names of opposition senators who might vote in favour of the government’s proposed Constitutional Amendments.

    Speaking on the YouTube channel Talk SHOCK, Azaz Syed disclosed that there is a possibility that Senator Faisal Saleem, Senator Ahmad Khan, Senator Abdul Shakoor Qasim, Senator Naseema Ehsan, Senator Dr Zarka Suharwardy Taimur and Senator Saifullah Abro might vote in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendments in the Upper House.

    “Although, these Senators did not confirm their support for the government,” he added.

    Commenting on the suggestion of military court inclusion in the 26th Constitutional Amendment draft, Syed cleared that it is not part of the coalition government’s proposed Constitutional Amendment draft.

    Meanwhile, talking to media outside the parliament, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif today claimed that the coalition government has achieved the magic number to pass the Constitutional Amendments from parliament.

  • PTI MNA speaks out on harassment ahead of Constitutional Amendments

    PTI MNA speaks out on harassment ahead of Constitutional Amendments

    Journalist Hamid Mir, while talking to Aaj News on October 18, revealed that an unnamed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA is allegedly being subjected to harassment to get him to vote for the upcoming constitutional amendments in the parliament.

    “A PTI MNA from Punjab called me from a different number. He is currently hiding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Not only was his house demolished, but also the women of his family were subjected to severe pressure,” revealed Hamid Mir.

    However, Mir also stated, “This has been done so that they [PTI MNAs] show their detachment from PTI and vote for the constitutional amendment in favour of the government. However, despite oppression and repression, these MNAs are steadfast and will not vote for the government under any circumstances.”

    Mir narrated that he received calls from an Indonesian number, but he did not pick up. Then he received a message from a UK number telling him the identity of who was calling.

    Hamid Mir further stated that this PTI MNA belongs to Punjab, but currently, he is hiding in Peshawar. Mir said, “I asked him why he was calling me. He replied: I am calling you to make you a witness that I am resisting and won’t go to Islamabad to participate in any voting.”

    On October 16, PTI member Meher Bano Qureshi, the daughter of former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, posted on X that her sister-in-law, the wife of PTI MNA Zain Qureshi, was abducted from near their home by “masked men in plain clothes and multiple cars.”

    “They have not been able to break us for the last year and a half despite all kinds of threats and are now resorting to such low-level tactics. Mine & my family’s faith in Allah is unbreakable. He will see us & Pakistan through this fascism,” she wrote.

    A few hours later, Qureshi posted a photo with the caption: “Alhamdulillah, she’s home. Thank you for your prayers and support!”

    In a separate post, the PTI member also revealed on X: “She was taken literally yards away from interior minister’s @MohsinnaqviC42 house who happens to be our neighbour.”

    Furthermore, Chairman Balochistan National Party (BNP) Akhtar Mengal, who recently handed over his resignation as an MNA citing unheard grievances of Balochistan, took to X (formerly Twitter) to write that his lodges in Islamabad had been raided.

    Mengal also wrote: “My party Senator Naseema Ehsan is confined to her apartment, and her son has been abducted. Meanwhile, my party’s other Senator Qasim Roonjo, who went for his dialysis at 8 a.m. in Islamabad, has been untraceable along with his son since then. Is this what democracy looks like?!!!”

    Mengal also showed solidarity with PTI’s Meher Bano Qureshi, writing, “All boundaries have been breached to ensure the votes get pushed through. It’s a déjà vu of Musharaf’s dictatorship. Shameful act.”

  • Will PTI lawmakers support the 26th Constitutional Amendments?

    Will PTI lawmakers support the 26th Constitutional Amendments?

    A day after Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Khan claimed that seven lawmakers of the ruling coalition lawmakers will vote against the 26th constitutional amendments, the incumbent government reportedly played its card and brought over opposition members to its side.

    Speaking on the YouTube channel ‘Talk SHOCK,’ veteran journalist Azaz Syed disclosed that 11 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) of PTI are with the incumbent government. “The government will only use four to five PTI lawmakers” to vote in favour of Constitutional Amendments in parliament, he said.

    Speaking about the possible timing of tabling the 26th Constitutional Amendments in parliament, Syed predicted that in the next 48 hours, the Constitutional Amendments will be passed from the Senate (Upper House).

    “Chief Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman will support the constitutional amendments in the Senate,” Syed predicted.

    JUI-F on Thursday disclosed its key suggestions for the 26th Constitutional Amendment, suggesting the establishment of a constitutional bench within the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan as well as at high courts, reports said.

    According to reports, all political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have reached a consensus on the formation of a constitutional bench at the top court, and no party has objected to this suggestion.

  • Look up tonight: It’s Supermoon time in Pakistan

    Look up tonight: It’s Supermoon time in Pakistan

    Pakistan is getting ready for a stunning sight as the third supermoon of the year 2024, light up the sky tonight, Thursday.

    The super moon will be visible after sunset, it will visible starting at 4.26 PM, allowing everyone to witness the moon its brightest and biggest.  

    A supermoon happens when the moon is closet to earth about 226,000kilometer away, during this time, it shine 14 % brighter and appears 7% larger than usual.

      Astronomers says that when the distance between the moon and Earth decreases, it creates a mesmerizing view that captures everyone’s attention.

    People in Pakistan, as well as those in New Zealand, Japan, and Australia can see this beautiful supermooon.Gazing the supermoon creates a delightful experience, bringing wonder and excitement to everyone who takes the time to look up at the night sky. 

    If you miss this supermoon, don’t worry, the next one will brighten our skies on November 15, 2024.Earlier, the first super blue moon of the year was seen in Pakistan at 11:26 PM tonight (Monday).

    Pakistan’s space research agency SUPARCO has announced that the next three super moons will be seen on September 18, October 17 and November 15.A blue moon does not mean that the moon will turn blue. The name is rooted in an incident that happened centuries ago.

    A volcanic eruption in the 19th century caused a change in the colour of the sky, causing the full moon to appear blue, known as the Blue Moon.

    Types of Blue moon

    There are 2 types of blue moon, one is seasonal blue moon and the other is monthly blue moon.A seasonal blue moon is the third of four full moons in a season, and a similar blue moon will appear on the horizon on August 19 in Pakistan.The occurrence of the second full moon in a month of the Gregorian calendar is called the Monthly Blue Moon.

    Blue Moon in Pakistan The moon that will rise in the sky on August 19 will be at a distance of 226,000 miles from the Earth, which will appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than usual.

    This month’s seasonal super blue moon is also special because it will take until 2037 to see one after that, but the seasonal blue moon will happen much sooner.

  • Punjab College ‘rape’: CM Maryam orders crackdown on those spreading fake news

    Punjab College ‘rape’: CM Maryam orders crackdown on those spreading fake news

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday directed to initiate a crackdown on individuals involved in spreading fake news concerning the alleged rape of a student at Punjab College of Women.

    During a press conference, the Punjab Chief Minister remarked that a crackdown should be initiated “regardless of whether they belong to the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) or Chaudhry Pervez Elahi’s Q-League.”

    Maryam Nawaz criticises the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for spreading disinformation and unrest in the country at a time when the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit was taking place in Islamabad.

    “I call them [PTI] a terrorist organisation for some reason. Who will compensate for the loss that the child and her family suffered as a result of her name being used to spark unrest,” she added.

    “I know very well who is behind this incident and will not leave anyone who was involved in this,” the CM said

    A report from a high-level committee established by the Punjab government has confirmed that the girl was not raped, and her injuries were sustained at her home.

  • Jemima’s heartfelt appeal for Imran Khan draws global attention

    Jemima’s heartfelt appeal for Imran Khan draws global attention

    In an interesting development, Jemima Goldsmith, the former wife of Imran Khan, took to X (formerly Twitter) on October 15 to write a long post showing serious concerns about restrictions on Khan and his health in prison.

    “The Pakistan authorities have stopped all visits to him by his family and his lawyers. They have also postponed all court hearings. He is now completely isolated, in solitary confinement, literally in the dark, with no contact with the outside world. His lawyers are concerned about his safety and well-being,” warned Jemima in a post that garnered global attention.

    Her post comes amidst PTI’s postponement of October 15 protest in D-Chowk after government allowed a team of doctors to visit Khan in jail to allay the party’s concerns about his health.

    PTI had set a condition for calling off its protest on October 15, which coincided with the day Pakistan was set to host the SCO summit in Islamabad.

    There was internal opposition, including by CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar Ali, in the PTI for announcing the protest on the same day as the SCO summit was going to take place. While some leaders, including Hammad Azhar and Salman Akram, advocated for holding the protest in any case.

    Last night, Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar posted on X that former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was in good health after doctor teams examined him.

    “We were informed a while ago that Alhamdulillah, Khan Saab is in good health and had exercised for an hour today. We shall get medical reports from them soon, and I will share with you, InshaAllah,” wrote Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.

    However, in a twist to the story, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja last night posted on X: “Dr. Asim Yusuf returned immediately from abroad yesterday on my request. Today they stood outside Adiala Jail for hours. He was not allowed to meet Khan Sahib. Basic human behavior and the sentiments of millions of people were mocked.”

    Similarly, another PTI leader, Meher Bano Qureshi, also shared concerns about the credibility of the government-appointed team of doctors that visited Imran Khan in Adiala Jail on Tuesday morning.

    She wrote on X: “Dr. Asim was not allowed to meet Imran Khan today, he was kept waiting in the prison and had to leave without meeting Imran Khan. There have been serious concerns regarding his wellbeing and safety in prison and while we are being told he was seen to by two doctor’s from PIMs, how can we just take their word? Medical Reports are awaited. A better step would have been to grant Dr Faisal access. The government has shown little character or responsibility whilst PTI has shown great flexibility and maturity. Let that be known.”

    Furthermore, Jemima Khan also wrote: “These actions come in the context of ongoing targeting of Imran’s family, as well as his party (PTI) members and supporters in an attempt to silence them and all political opposition in Pakistan.”

    Her post, as of now, has 7.5 million views, 78 thousand likes and 59 thousand re-tweets. Some of the notables who showed support to Jemima’s post include Piers Morgan and George Galloway.

    She also drew criticism from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders and supporters.

  • Khawaja Asif reacts to Jemima’s Imran Khan plea

    Khawaja Asif reacts to Jemima’s Imran Khan plea

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has responded to Jemima Goldsmith’s post on X (formerly Twitter) concerning the health of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi.

    Goldsmith, while alleging the incumbent government of misconduct towards Imran Khan in jail, wrote on X, “The Pakistan authorities have stopped all visits to him by his family and his lawyers. They have also postponed all court hearings.”

    The post sparked a strong reaction on social media.

    Responding to Jemima Goldsmith’s concern, Khawaja Asif said that Imran Khan was treated with constant leniency, adding that the incarcerated Khan had never shown mercy towards his opponents.

    Recalling the Imran Khan-led government’s aggressiveness towards the opposition, the Defence Minister claimed that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was not even allowed to phone call his wife Kulsoom Nawaz when she was on her deathbed while the opposition leader was in jail without any allegation.

    Similarly, British Journalist Piers Morgan also reacted to Jemima Goldsmith’s post, “This is outrageous, and appalling. Please RT Jemima’s tweet to raise awareness of this shocking development.”

    Asif stated that Piers Morgan was disappointed over the case of a convicted prisoner in Pakistan but turned a blind eye to the plight of thousands of Palestinian hostages in Zionist prisons and the brutal genocide in Gaza.

  • PTI chief updates on Imran Khan’s health in jail

    PTI chief updates on Imran Khan’s health in jail

    Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Khan said on Tuesday that former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was in good health after doctor teams examined him.

    A team from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), including an ENT specialist and a medical specialist, visited Adiala Jail Rawalpindi and inspected Imran Khan’s health condition.

    Barrister Gohar Khan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “We were informed a while ago that Alhamdulillah, Khan Saab is in good health and had exercised for an hour today. We shall get medical reports from them soon, and I will share with you, InshaAllah.”

    He also conveyed his appreciation to the PTI workers and supporters who had shown concern for the party founder’s well-being.

    The development came after PTI leadership postponed the protests at Islamabad amid the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the federal capital after the assurance of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi that the doctors would examine the founder of PTI.

    In another tweet, the party chairman wrote, “He is otherwise fit & healthy and does not need any further medication at the moment.”

    However, the PTI founder’s personal physician, Dr Asim Yusuf, was not allowed to meet Imran Khan after waiting outside the Adiala jail for more than one hour and despite submitting their credentials to the security staff.

  • Punjab College ‘rape’ case: CM Maryam forms investigation committee

    Punjab College ‘rape’ case: CM Maryam forms investigation committee

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has formed a high-level seven-member committee to investigate the alleged rape of a student at Punjab College in Lahore.

    The investigative committee chaired by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman has been tasked to present findings of the alleged rape incident before the CM within 48 hours.

    The other members of the committee include the Secretary of Home Affairs, the Advocate General of Punjab, the Secretary of Higher Education, the Secretary of Special Education, and the Secretary of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education.

    According to the notification, the committee will examine all elements, including the college administration’s initial response and the manner in which the police managed the situation.

    Earlier, social media reports claimed that a student of Punjab College’s Campus 10 in Lahore was subjected to rape by a college guard named Aun, prompting mass protests across the city.

    Meanwhile, In the wake of this incident, celebrities from the entertainment industry, such as Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Maya Ali, Dure Fishan Saleem, Yumna Zaidi, Bilal Abbas Khan and Amar Khan, stepped up to voice their concern. They all shared on their Instagram stories to support the protesting students and demand accountability from the authorities.

  • ‘You are in hiding, yet asking workers to come out’; Ali Amin Gandapur lambasts Hammad Azhar

    ‘You are in hiding, yet asking workers to come out’; Ali Amin Gandapur lambasts Hammad Azhar

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar and Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur exchanged fierce words on the decision to call off a party protest scheduled for October 15 in Islamabad, Geo News has reported.

    During a political committee meeting, Hammad Azhar insisted on holding the protest at Islamabad’s D Chowk during the SCO summit. In response, Ali Amin Gandapur said, “You are in hiding yet are telling workers to come out for the protest,” the Chief Minister reportedly said.

    “I came to Islamabad two times, but PTI’s Punjab leadership was out of sight. Our members of the provincial assembly are in custody, and provincial workers had to be saved,” Gandapur said.

    “Don’t blame us; hold the protest. I will lead from the Punjab side,” Hammad Azhar aggressively responded.

    The party’s senior members were divided on Sunday on the scheduled protest at Islamabad D Chowk on the same day on which the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit was to begin.

    Saner elements in the PTI group, including Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur and party Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, were in favour of calling off protests at Islamabad amid the SCO summit in Pakistan, Ansar Abbasi told Geo News.

    Moreover, former Speakers of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, Hamid Khan, Raoof Hassan, and Ali Muhammad Khan, were also against holding the protest on October 15 in Islamabad.

    Hammad Azhar, Shehbaz Gill, Khalid Khurshid, and Hafiz Farhat remained adamant about holding a protest at D Chowk, while Advocate Salman Akram Raja also endorsed the idea of protest.

    Shehbaz Gill and Hammad Azhar alike used the party’s social media to criticise the PTI groups who were resisting the decision to hold protests in Islamabad’s red zone.

    Chairman Barrister Gohar officially said that on the assurance of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, peaceful protests had been called off.