Tag: PML-N

  • ‘I am as much part of PPP as Miftah Ismail is of PML-N’: Mustafa Khokhar

    ‘I am as much part of PPP as Miftah Ismail is of PML-N’: Mustafa Khokhar

    Former senator, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, calling the coalition government a “hybrid 2.0” setup announced quitting Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) after differences arose between him and the leadership over his stance on government policies.

    “I am as much part of PPP as Miftah Ismail is of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Let’s see where I head next from here,” Khokhar said while speaking on Geo News’ programme “Naya Pakistan”.

    “I wish the best for Peoples Party. I feel honoured to serve as a member of the party, but I am no longer a part of it,” he confirmed.

    Khokhar said if the party’s members do not talk about ongoing issues, then it would look like it’s more of a “monarchy than a political party”.

    Criticising the current coalition government, Khokhar said that what happened during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tenure when Imran Khan was the Prime Minister, continues to happen in the present government as well.

    “We managed what happened at Sindh House. [Some were out of free will], and some were forced. But whatever happened in [Khan’s] tenure is still happening today,” he lamented.

    Taking a jibe at the incumbent government, Khokhar called it “hybrid 2.0” and noted that it was “resorting to the wrong moves” in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati’s case — who is being transferred from one jail to another over his controversial tweets.

    Khokhar formally resigned as a senator on November 10, stressing that he would try hard to maintain his “independence”.

  • Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in January 2023, says Ayaz Sadiq

    Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in January 2023, says Ayaz Sadiq

    Ayaz Sadiq, former Speaker of the National Assembly and senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has claimed that the party supremo, Nawaz Sharif, will return to Pakistan in January 2023.

    The PML-N leader made the claim while speaking on Geo News’ programme ‘Capital Talk’ while talking about his party head, who has been living in London in self-exile for the past almost four years.

    Nawaz will allocate tickets to candidates for the next general elections, Ayaz Sadiq said, adding that polls would be held in the country in 2023.

    “It seems that the assemblies would be dissolved between March-June 2023,” he predicted.

    The PML-N supremo had left for London in November 2019 following an illness in jail after then prime minister Imran Khan had permitted him to go abroad for medical treatment.

  • Name of new COAS will be revealed by Tuesday or Wednesday, says Khawaja Asif

    Name of new COAS will be revealed by Tuesday or Wednesday, says Khawaja Asif

    Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the name of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will be revealed by Tuesday or Wednesday.

    Discussing the all-important appointment on Geo News’ programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath”, the defence minister said that the process to appoint a new head of the armed forces would start on Monday.

    During the show, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said that the change of command ceremony would be held on November 29. He also predicted that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march would suffer a severe blow the day the appointment decision was finalised.

    COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the incumbent army chief, is set to retire later this month. On multiple instances, he has ruled out an extension in his tenure — and so has the military.

    Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said the matter of the next army chief’s appointment would be settled in a day or two.

    “I believe the Prime Minister has completed this process (of consultation) and will bring it to paper, today or tomorrow or the next two days, [it] takes no time,” he said.

    “I will also request you that this is a matter of a day or two so don’t ask questions which can lead to unnecessary speculation,” he said, adding that “there is not a lot of time left to this decision and it will come before you.”

  • ‘Qanoon ke saamnay sar jhukay’: PM and others react to IK’s disqualification

    ‘Qanoon ke saamnay sar jhukay’: PM and others react to IK’s disqualification

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday disqualified Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan under Article 63(1)(p) of the constitution in the Toshakhana reference.

    Article 63 (1)(p) of the Constitution states that an individual is, “for the time being, disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or of a provincial assembly under any law for the time being in force”.

    According to the verdict, criminal proceedings will be initiated against Imran for misdeclaration.

    A four-member bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, unanimously announced the verdict. The PTI chairman is no more a member of the National Assembly.

    The commission stated that Imran Khan submitted a false affidavit and was found involved in corrupt practices in the reference.

    Following the announcement, Khan’s party leaders and the coalition government parties reacted to this major ruling.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that PTI should refrain from violence and bow its head before the law.

    “The Election Commission did justice in the Toshakhana reference. The nation has seen that the post of Prime Minister has been made a source of personal income through corrupt practices. The idol of honesty and trust was shattered,” the premier added.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz spoke to the media in London. She said, “Khan is Pakistan’s first certified liar with irrefutable evidence of theft.”

    She added that after this verdict criminal proceedings should start against Khan and he should be punished for his theft.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that Khan has been caught “red-handed”. In a tweet, he stated: “He who would spread lies about the alleged corruption of his political opponents has been caught red-handed.”

    The former planning minister, Asad Umar, made an announcement, saying: “The decision will be challenged in court. The dream of ‘minus Imran Khan’ will never come true.”

    Umar’s party mate Fawad Chaudhry asked the people to come out of their houses for their rights.

    He called the ECP’s ruling a “slap on the face of 220 million people”.

    “Not just anyone cannot disqualify Imran Khan. Only the public can do that,” the PTI leader said.

    He alleged that today’s verdict was “written by Nawaz Sharif and signed by his servants”.

    Alongside him, PTI leader Shahbaz Gill said the PTI would approach “every forum” against the verdict. “Imran has been disqualified from just one seat, not politics,” he added.

    Minister for Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman, took to Twitter to say that Imran Khan’s disqualification case is no different as he is not the only one who has been disqualified.

    In a series of tweets, she said, “Those who claim to bring a neutral umpire want the umpire to decide in their favour, otherwise the decision will not be accepted.”

  • ‘Removing, transferring CCPO is upto me’: CM Punjab takes stand over CCPO’s transfer

    ‘Removing, transferring CCPO is upto me’: CM Punjab takes stand over CCPO’s transfer

    Punjab is once again caught up in a controversy over the filing of cases against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders as the Lahore police chief has refused to relinquish his charge, saying he will not do so unless directed by the provincial government, reports The News.

    The federal government, withdrawing the services of Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mahmood Dogar, directed him to report to the Establishment Division for further order.

    However, Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, refusing to abide by the orders, said that the Centre had no power to order the transfer.

    “Removing or transferring the CCPO is my authority,” said Elahi in a tweet.

    Later, Elahi’s son, Moonis Elahi, took to Twitter and shared a video of a meeting between the CM and Dogar.

    In the video, the CM can be heard saying, “We will not let you go anywhere.”

    Speaking to Geo News, Ghulam Dogar said that he will not relinquish his charge until and unless asked by the Punjab government.

    Speaking to Geo News, Ghulam Dogar said that he will not relinquish his charge until and unless asked by the Punjab government.

    The development came after a case was filed against PML-N leaders Javed Latif and Marriyum Aurangzeb for allegedly “using religion to instil and spread hatred” against PTI chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

  • ‘Disappointing’, Pak Army says Khan should not ‘scandalise’ Army Chief selection

    ‘Disappointing’, Pak Army says Khan should not ‘scandalise’ Army Chief selection

    Pakistani Army expressing extreme displeasure over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s recent statement against the establishment and said that the institution was “aghast” over it.

    “Pakistan Army is aghast at the defamatory and uncalled for statement about the senior leadership of Pakistan Army by Chairman PTI during a political rally at Faisalabad. Regrettably, an attempt has been made to discredit and undermine senior leadership of Pakistan Army at a time when the institution is laying lives for the security and safety of the people of Pakistan every day,” said the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

    “Senior politicians trying to stir controversies on appointment of COAS of Pakistan Army, the procedure for which is well defined in the constitution, is most unfortunate and disappointing. Senior leadership of Army has decades long impeccable meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt,” read the statement.

    “Politicising the senior leadership of Pakistan Army and scandalizing the process of selection of COAS is neither in the interest of the state of Pakistan nor of the institution. Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

    Khan on Sunday, September 4, alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as COAS because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” came, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    ‘Hamari fauj taggri hai’: Shehbaz, Zardari, Shujaat react to Khan’s anti-military remarks

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, and veteran politician Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain have slammed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for his remarks on the incoming Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    Criticising the federal government on delaying elections, Imran Khan said that the government is buying time to “appoint an army chief of their own choice.”

    Questioning the incumbent , Khan asked “Why are they [government] afraid of fresh elections”? He said that it was because they knew that they would be eliminated in transparent elections.

    “The army chief of this country should be on merit. The one who is on merit should become the next army chief,” said Khan.

    Reactions of Shehbaz, Zardari and Shujaat over Khan’s remarks

    Reacting to Khan’s statement, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that Niazi’s despicable utterances to “malign institutions” are touching new levels every day.

    “He is now indulging in direct mud-slinging & poisonous allegations against Armed Forces & its leadership. His nefarious agenda is clearly to disrupt & undermine Pakistan,” tweeted the premier.

    PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari said that they will not allow the institutions and generals to become controversial for Khan’s lust for power.

    “Today everyone has come to know who the man and the beast are. This person [Imran Khan] has taken a contract from somewhere to weaken this country which cannot happen in our lifetime,” tweeted Zardari.

    Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain reacting to Khan’s statement said, “In Pakistan every General is a patriot. From a soldier to general no one needs a certificate of patriotism from anyone. The country will not allow any one to involve the establishment in their jalsa for their own politics.”

    Shujaat concluded by saying that the Pakistan army is strong.

  • ‘Govt has 13 months but I may not have that much time’: Miftah Ismail

    ‘Govt has 13 months but I may not have that much time’: Miftah Ismail

    Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Friday, September 2, said that the government has 13 months more of its tenure but he may not have that much time left.

    Addressing a seminar in Karachi, the Finance Minister said, “The government has 13 months but I may not have that much time,” said Ismail, hinting at the increasing criticism and dissatisfaction that his party has expressed over his performance.

    In recent times, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has shown dissatisfaction in how Miftah is handling the country’s economy.

    ‘Misleading and incorrect’: Nawaz Sharif reacts to reports that he is ‘dissatisfied with Shehbaz’

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has distanced himself from statements attributed to him regarding his brother and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said that they are “misleading and incorrect”.

    “I remain hopeful that the sincere and tireless efforts by SS under the most challenging circumstances will bear fruit and he will steer the country out of the mess created by Imran Khan,” tweeted Nawaz Sharif.

    Nawaz Sharif’s tweet came after senior analyst Suhail Warraich revealed that he is not satisfied with the performance of his brother Shehbaz Sharif or Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. Warraich said Nawaz wants Shehbaz to review his policies.

    “Nawaz had already said that they should not take over the government and go towards elections. It seems like he [Nawaz Sharif] has made up his mind that he wants the economic policies reviewed, and he would want Ishaq Dar to manage it. He [Nawaz Sharif] does not trust Miftah Sahib,” said Warraich on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’.

    “Mian Sahab repeatedly kept telling me to go and meet Shehbaz Sharif and ask him what are these policies and that he [Shehbaz Shairf] needs to review his policies,” said Warraich.

    Warraich said that Nawaz is not happy with PML-N’s present narrative.

    Warraich further revealed that Nawaz’s next narrative will be directed against the judiciary, not the army. He said Nawaz will write a letter to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to complain about the delay in hearing of his cases.

    The senior analyst said that Nawaz Sharif believes that like Quaid-e-Azam, cases should be faced without being jailed, and added the former premier is of the view that he should return once the jail issue is resolved.

    “Nawaz believes Imran is a fascist who needs to be dealt with first, while matters of democracy can be taken care of later,” Warraich added.

    Suhail Warraich recently met Nawaz Sharif in London.

    This is not the first time Nawaz Sharif has reacted to his brother’s policies and government. Earlier this month, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz tweeted that Nawaz Sharif was unhappy with the government for increasing petrol prices.

    Read more: ‘I am an easy target’: Miftah Ismail reacts to criticism after another petroleum hike

    “Mian Sahib strongly opposed this decision and even said that I cannot burden the people with one more penny. And if there is any compulsion of the government, I am not involved in this decision and he left the meeting,” tweeted Maryam.

  • ‘I am an easy target’: Miftah Ismail reacts to criticism after another petroleum hike

    ‘I am an easy target’: Miftah Ismail reacts to criticism after another petroleum hike

    Finance Minister (FM) Miftah Ismail once again explained how the petrol prices are calculated after receiving criticism for the increase in petroleum prices.

    Responding to senior journalist Hamid Mir on Twitter, he said the government has not imposed any tax on petroleum products.

    Clarifying his position, the minister said that he did not say that the price will not be increased.

    “Mir sahib I said I will not add one penny of new taxes or levies to the price. And I have not. But you know Hamid sahib that the fuel price summary is moved by OGRA and sent to Finance division through the Petroleum division. We get it only a few hours before prices are set.”

    “I am an easy target. Which is fine. But this price change only reflects the change in PSO costs and doesn’t have any new taxes,” said Miftah Ismail.

    The finance minister added that people are welcome to critique or criticise him.

    “I know I am sincere to my country and have saved it from default and working to the best of my ability.”

    Zardari unhappy with govt’s decision to increase petrol prices

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari distanced himself from the recent increase in the petroleum prices by the government.

    Zardari said the PPP is a part of the government and supports it, but there must be consultations on such decisions.

    “We are all here in this government to give relief to the people and that should be our top priority. We are with the prime minister and will meet him soon and talk about the economic team,” he added.

    ‘I am not involved in this decision’: Nawaz Sharif leaves party meeting over increase in petrol prices

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter and said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was unhappy with the government increasing the petrol prices and as a result left the meeting.

    “Mian Sahib strongly opposed this decision and even said that I cannot burden the people with one more penny. And if there is any compulsion of the government, I am not involved in this decision and he left the meeting,” tweeted Maryam.

    She further tweeted, “I stand with the people. Cannot support this decision.”

    The government increased the price of petrol by Rs6.72 per litre and decreased the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs0.51 and kerosene oil by Rs1.67 per litre.

    Read more: Govt raises petrol price by Rs6.72 to Rs233.91 per litre

    The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was raised by Rs0.43 per litre by the government.

    Prior to this, the coalition administration had decreased the cost of petrol and LDO starting on August 1 by Rs3.05 and Rs0.12, respectively.

  • The real story behind Imran Khan sitting on CM Punjab seat

    The real story behind Imran Khan sitting on CM Punjab seat

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan met Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and former federal minister Moonis Elahi at the Chief Minister’s Office on Sunday in Lahore and discussed matters of mutual interest, the political situation, the administrative affairs of Punjab, and the law and order situation.

    A picture of their meeting was shared by Moonis Elahi on social media where Khan can be seen sitting on the CM’s seat while the chief minister sat opposite him. The picture went viral and was widely criticised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders.

    “No self-respecting, dignified man would sit on someone else’s official seat/chair but this man is hungry for power,” tweeted Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

    “

    “Rude Tosha Fitna Khan sits on the chair of Chief Minister of Punjab,” tweeted PML-N leader Saad Rafique.

    The real story

    However, senior journalist Hamid Mir explained the real reason why Khan was sitting on the CM seat.

    Hamid Mir said that when Khan reached Elahi’s office to congratulate him, Pervaiz Elahi asked the PTI chairman to sit on the CM seat but Khan replied that it is Elahi’s seat.

    Moonis Elahi said to the PTI chairman that they got this seat because of him, so he should sit on it. After Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Moonis Elahi’s insistence, finally Imran Khan sat on the chair of the Punjab Chief Minister.

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    PML-Q unanimously decides to remove Chaudhry Shujaat as party head
    
			
    PML-Q unanimously decides to remove Chaudhry Shujaat as party head
    
			
    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid’s (PML-Q) Central Working Committee (CWC) has decided to remove Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Federal Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema from their party positions.
    

    The decision to remove Shujaat from the party command was taken at a CWC meeting headed by Senator Kamil Ali Agha in the chair at the Muslim League House on Thursday. Shujaat has been the PML-Q president for the last two decades after Mian Azhar. He also served as a prime minister and senator.
    

    “It has become necessary to isolate Chaudhry Shujaat to save the party from destruction,” said Kamil Ali Agha while talking to the media after the CWC meeting. He said that due to a conspiracy hatched by Salik Hussain and Cheema, a letter was used to ask PML-Q MPAs to vote for the PML-N, damaging the party’s reputation.
    

    Chaudhry Shafaat Hussain said that the PML-Q’s central committee meeting cannot be held without the approval of Shujaat as no decision had been taken to convene the meeting of PML-Q’s central committee.
    

    He said that Kamil Ali Agha was the general secretary of PML-Q’s Punjab chapter and he cannot act against the central president. He said that the PML-Q’s central working committee does not exist and there was no central working committee nor an executive committee and there was no information about the party meeting.