Tag: PM House

  • Islamabad, Karachi put under high alert after Peshawar attack

    Islamabad, Karachi put under high alert after Peshawar attack

    Following the suicide bombing in a mosque in Peshawar on Monday, officials have raked up the security of Islamabad and Karachi.

    Special measures have been taken at key sensitive buildings in Islamabad, including the President House, Prime Minister (PM) House and Parliament among other places.

    Moreover, high security was also beefed up at all the entry points of the capital, Islamabad police’s Twitter account said on Monday.

    Snipers have been deployed at all locations and residents are instructed to carry identity cards and essential documents along with them while travelling.

    Meanwhile, the Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police has also ordered officials to start patrolling and snap checking in Karachi.

    A day earlier, Peshawar was attacked by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which claimed the lives of 93 people and left more than 200 injured. In a surprise turn of events, the TTP later claimed that it had nothing to do with the bombing.

    Pakistan is currently facing a resurgence in terrorist activities.

    After the Peshawar attack, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that such cowardly terror attacks will not weaken the nation’s resolve and that all the terrorists and their facilitators involved in the attacks will be punished.

  • PTI to form JIT to determine intelligence agency behind ‘bugging’ PM House and audio leaks: Khan

    PTI to form JIT to determine intelligence agency behind ‘bugging’ PM House and audio leaks: Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Monday said that his party intends to approach courts over the matter of audio leaks and will seek the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe which intelligence agency is involved in the “bugging” of the Prime Minister House and Office.

    Khan took to Twitter and said, “The Audio Leaks are a serious breach of national security as they call into question the entire security of the PMO, PMH. As PM my secure line at my residence was also bugged. We intend to go to Court to estab authenticity of Leaks & then form JIT to investigate which Intel agency is responsible for the bugging & who is leaking out the audios many of which are edited/doctored.” [sic]

    “This is critical bec sensitive security issues are & have been illegally recorded & subsequently hacked, implying confidentiality of Pak’s national security has been exposed globally,” [sic] said Khan.

    The comments made by the former premier in the purported audio suggested that it was recorded before the voting on the no-confidence motion was held against him.

    Khan said that it is a critical matter as “sensitive security issues are and have been illegally recorded and subsequently hacked”, which implies that the confidentiality of the country’s national security has been “exposed” globally. 

    The federal cabinet has already formed a committee to investigate the breach of security. 

  • ‘Khan has confessed his involvement in horse trading in audio leak’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Khan has confessed his involvement in horse trading in audio leak’: PM Shehbaz

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s involvement in horse trading has been confirmed in the alleged audio leak that surfaced a day earlier.

    “Imran Khan has confessed that he was involved in horse trading in the audio,” said PM Shehbaz while lambasting Khan for accusing his opponents of getting an NRO.

    The premier said that no one is above the law, adding that his family suffered the worst cruelty and yet have been appearing before the court.

    “Did any court summon Imran Khan?” he asked.

    “Pakistan’s prime minister was bidding [for people] in the PM house,” PM Shehbaz said outside Special Central Court in Lahore.

    “He had set up a market to buy and sell, and consciences were being sold. Could there be a bigger crime than this by a sitting PM?” the prime minister questioned, referring to the recent audio leaks in which Imran can be allegedly heard talking about buying “five” MNA’s.

    Terming Khan the world’s worst fraud, Shehbaz Sharif asked why the then NAB chairman did not take notice of the £190 million robbery.

    He accused the PTI chairman of hatching a conspiracy against the nation and asked where did he get the money to buy the conscience of five lawmakers?

    “Imran Niazi now you have to answer the nation,” the PM declared.

  • Former DG FIA Bashir Memon was locked in PM House’s washroom on Khan’s order

    Former DG FIA Bashir Memon was locked in PM House’s washroom on Khan’s order

    Former Director-General (DG) Federal Investigations Agency (FIA), Bashir Memon, has confirmed the claims made by a hacker that he was locked in a washroom on then-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s orders.

    The hacker, in a series of tweets which have now been deleted, shared details of the meeting between Memon and Khan on Monday. The hacker tweeted that Memon was locked in the washroom on Khan’s orders.

    Memon, responding to the claims, confirmed the details on Channel 24, saying the former premier used abusive language, and insulted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz which made him angry and he responded harshly.

    At this, Memon added, the then-Principle Secretary to the PM, Azam Khan, grabbed his hand, took him out of the room and locked him in the washroom.

    “Azam Khan then scolded me over my conduct with the prime minister” said Memon.

  • ‘Agar PM house ko secure karna hai, toh mobile phones ko band karna hoga’: Khurram Dastgir

    ‘Agar PM house ko secure karna hai, toh mobile phones ko band karna hoga’: Khurram Dastgir

    Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan has said that “Agar PM house ko secure karna hai, toh mobile phones ko band karna hoga.” (If one wants to secure the Prime Minister’s (PM) house, the use of mobile phones should not be permitted within the premises.)

    The minister’s remarks came after several audio leaks allegedly of PM Shehbaz Sharif have surfaced on the internet.

    Dastagir was of the view that “These security necessities are important as high-level talks take place at the PM office”, adding that that’s why “we need to secure it”.

    About his fellow party member Senator Ishaq Dar, Dastgir said, “Dar has remained finance minister twice in emergency situations. We hope that nation will benefit from his vast experience.”

    Dar took oath as a senator today (Tuesday) and will take over the finance ministry tomorrow.

    After the audio leaks surfaced online, the federal government constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the data hack.

    An investigation has been initiated to probe the leak from the PM House, with one member each in the JIT to be included from the country’s intelligence agencies.

    The premier also called a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Wednesday, September 27, to discuss the matter.

    On Saturday, September 24, alleged audios of PM Shehbaz and other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including some federal ministers and Vice-President PML-N Maryam Nawaz, appeared online.

  • Timeline of audio leaks: When and whose conversations were tapped?

    Timeline of audio leaks: When and whose conversations were tapped?

    Alarm bells have been ringing across Islamabad after leaked audio clips called into question the security of the Prime Minister (PM) House. A total of six audio clips of private conversations between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders leaked over the last few days.

    The audio leaks contain telephonic and in-person conversations between the PM and the other leaders including federal ministers. The government has maintained that there is “nothing illegal” in the audio leaks.

    Here is a timeline of audio leaks:

    1- ‘Health card khatam ho jana chahiye’: Maryam Nawaz

    The audio leak allegedly belonging to PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PM Shehbaz has leaked today (September 27).

    In the new audio leak, Maryam Nawaz is allegedly insisting that PM Shehbaz should shutdown the health insurance scheme (Sehat Card) initiated by the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Maryam can allegedly be heard saying that PTI Chief Imran Khan has achieved nothing but the health card program. To this, PM Shehbaz allegedly responded that it would not be a big problem.

    2- Discussion regarding PTI’s MNAs resignations

    The second clip allegedly concerns a conversation between PM Shehbaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Tarar, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and former National Assembly (NA) speaker Ayaz Sadiq about the resignations of PTI MNAs. The audio is said to be a recording of a cabinet meeting.

    Party leaders can be allegedly heard discussing whose resignations from PTI will be accepted. Moreover, the leaders can be heard saying that the final decision will be taken by PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif who is in London.

    At one point, Ayaz Sadiq can be heard saying that “Will tell them that the signatures were not correct,” allegedly talking about those PTI members whose resignations they did not want to accept.

    3- ‘Petrol ki qeemtayein bharhana ho gee’: Maryam Nawaz to PM Shehbaz

    In another audio leak, Maryam Nawaz can be heard allegedly advising PM Shehbaz to jack up fuel prices.

    Maryam Nawaz who had been opposing an increase in fuel prices on media in an alleged audio leak can be heard allegedly suggesting to PM Shehbaz Sharif that fuel prices should be raised.

    4- ‘Army has decided to bring Musharraf back to Pakistan’: Maryam Nawaz

    The fourth clip is allegedly a conversation between Maryam Nawaz and the PM where they are discussing the return of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

    A voice said to be Maryam’s can be heard saying that “Army has decided to bring Musharraf back to Pakistan so before it looks like that they have imposed a decision on us, I asked Abu (Nawaz Sharif) to tweet in favor of Musharraf’s return.”

    At the time, Nawaz had tweeted, saying: “I have no personal enmity or animosity towards Pervez Musharraf. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the trauma I have had to endure.”

    5- ‘TV par ulti baatein karta hai’: Maryam Nawaz about Miftah Ismail

    In one of the audio clips, PML-N Vice-president allegedly can be heard complaining to her uncle [PM Shehbaz] about Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. “

    “TV par ulti baatein karta hai” (He says strange things on television), she allegedly says.

    “He doesn’t take responsibility, says strange things on TV which people make fun of, he doesn’t know what he is doing,” the voice said to be Maryam’s says in the clip.

    “He clearly cut corners,” the voice said to be PM Shehbaz can be heard saying as she wishes for the return of former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

    6- ‘Her son-in-law is very dear to her’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Her son-in-law is very dear to her’: PM Shehbaz allegedly says in another audio leak, referring to Maryam Nawaz’s son-in-law.

    In that clip, PM Shehbaz and an unidentified man can be heard allegedly discussing facilitating Maryam Nawaz’s son-in-law Raheel.

    The unidentified man can be heard briefing the person, alleged to be the premier, about the consequences of taking the decision.

    At this, the voice thought to belong to the PM says: “The son-in-law is very dear to Maryam Nawaz. Tell her very logically about this and then I will talk to her.” He also said that he would personally meet him once he returns from Turkey.

    At this, the other person allegedly advises PM Shehbaz to get this work done from former finance minister Ishaq Dar, to which he agrees.

    More audio leaks to come

    A Twitter account named Indishell hinted at more audio leaks, saying that “all audios will be released on September 30”.

    https://twitter.com/Indishellgp/status/1574517518722797569?s=20&t=Vi3nYVzTO8SDFXzdThIolg

    In a series of tweets, the users claimed that the upcoming audios which will be leaked are allegedly a conversation between former finance minister Miftah Ismail and PM Shehbaz. Not only this, the user claimed to have the audio of PM Shehbaz and COAS Bajwa.

    https://twitter.com/Indishellgp/status/1574669828492709889?s=20&t=9Xw_4iI0q3aRJmKOveOS4A
    https://twitter.com/Indishellgp/status/1574536969811415040?s=20&t=9Xw_4iI0q3aRJmKOveOS4A

  • UN Chief António says climate change has attacked wrong targets

    UN Chief António says climate change has attacked wrong targets

    United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has said that Pakistan was one of the countries most severely affected by climate change despite its minimal contribution to the phenomenon.

    “Pakistan has had little contribution to climate change but [it] is one of the most dramatically impacted by the consequences of climate change,” Guterres said.

    Guterres during a briefing at the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Secretary General said that there was “no memory of anything similar to what has happened with the impact of climate change in Pakistan”.

    Pakistan needs massive financial support

    “The numbers are appalling. But beyond the numbers, I see the families that have lost their loved ones, houses, crops, jobs and are living in desperate conditions,” he expressed.

    “Pakistan needs massive financial support to respond to this crisis as according to initial estimates the losses are around $30 billion,” observed Guterres.

    “Effective solidarity and justice is shown by mobilising massive support,” the UN chief said.

    Nature has attacked the wrong targets

    “It is like nature has attacked the wrong targets. Those that are more responsible for climate change should have to face these kind of challenges,” he stated.

    Guterres stressed that it is the international community’s obligation to drastically reduce emissions and support countries that need to invest in resilience and recovery.

    “My voice is entirely at the service of Pakistan and its people. We know our contribution is limited […] but we are totally committed.”

    Challenge is absolutely beyond human capacities, yet humans have to handle it and we are

    Speaking at the briefing, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the UN chief’s empathy and support was great encouragement for Pakistan, as he expressed gratitude towards the visiting dignitary.

    “The government of Pakistan, along with the provincial governments and all stakeholders […] are working together to provide relief and rescue to millions,” the premier said.

    PM Shehbaz said that efforts were underway and flood affectees were being moved to safer areas while also being provided food and shelter. “The challenge is absolutely beyond human capacity, yet humans have to handle it and so we are.”

    UN chief in Pakistan on solidarity visit after catastrophic flooding

    The prime minister had welcomed the UN secretary general as he arrived at the PM House along with his delegation.

    Guterres arrived in the capital during the early hours of Friday. The secretary general had announced his plan for a solidarity trip to Pakistan soon after the launch of the $160 million UN Flash Appeal for helping the people most affected by the floods caused by what he had called “monsoon on steroids”.

    He will be back in New York on September 11 where the 77th session of the UN General Assembly is starting on September 13.

  • PM Shehbaz deposits gifts worth Rs270 million in Toshakhana

    PM Shehbaz deposits gifts worth Rs270 million in Toshakhana

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has deposited all the gifts that he has received from foreign leaders worth Rs270 million permanently into the Toshakhana.

    According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, “The premier does not wish to retain any of the gift items presented to him during his visits to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, dated April 28 to April 30, 2022.”

    “The Prime Minister desires that as a policy, all precious gifts should be taken on charge by Toshakhana and consequently be permanently displayed at the PM House. The gifts would be displayed in secure display cabinets, equipped with alarm systems, under the responsibility of the Toshakhana.”

    The gifts included a pair of wristwatches (A. LANGE & SOHNE Datograph Fly back — No 242655 and Rolex — model No 326259TBR Sr No 85C423E3), pair of cufflinks (Chopard), one pen (Chopard), a ring (Chopard) and a rosary (Chopard)

    Furthermore, the PM Shehbaz has directed concerned authorities to make arrangements for displaying the gifts so that the general public can be given knowledge of fraternal ties with friendly countries.

    Formed in 1974, the Toshakhana is a government owned department under the control of Cabinet Division of Pakistan. Its main purpose is to secure gifts received by members of parliament, ministers, foreign secretaries, president and prime minister from foreign dignitaries.

  • Pakistan to choose its new Prime Minister today

    Pakistan to choose its new Prime Minister today

    The National Assembly is set to choose a new Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan today (Monday) at 2pm after the removal of Imran Khan from the premiership in a no-confidence vote.

    On Sunday, the Joint Opposition’s candidate and Pakistan Muslim-League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s nomination papers were accepted.

    The former minister for information and broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry also announced that PTI’s MNA will resign from their posts on Monday.

    In the early hours of Sunday, Imran Khan was ousted as the PM of Pakistan from office through a no-confidence motion after a 12-hour heated NA session.

    The session was chaired by Ayaz Sadiq after the resignation of NA speaker Asad Qasier.

    “174 members have recorded their votes in favour of the resolution, consequently the resolution for the vote on no-confidence against Mr Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan, has been passed by a majority,” Ayaz Sadiq announced after the process of voting was completed.

  • ‘Much needed’: Pak cricketers motivated after meeting PM ahead of T20 World Cup

    ‘Much needed’: Pak cricketers motivated after meeting PM ahead of T20 World Cup

    Pakistan T20 World Cup team met Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday. The cricketers were motivated after having a pep-talk with the premier.

    Taking to their social media, Pakistani cricketers expressed their joy at meeting Imran Khan.

    “Had a great meeting with the PM. Always a pleasure to learn from legend of the game himself,” wrote the captain of Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam on Twitter.

    Mohammad Hafeez took to his Twitter and wrote: “Always inspirational to meet my Hero & PM of our country @ImranKhanPTI. Pakistan Zindabad.”

    “An absolute pleasure to have attended a meeting with Prime Minister,” wrote pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    Hassan Ali wrote: “A great and much needed meeting with Pakistan’s greatest cricket hero of all-times. Thank you honourable prime minister @ImranKhanPTI for your time and the words of motivation. Pleasure meeting you always.”

    While the PM also took to Instagram to share a picture of their meeting.