Tag: PML-N

  • Nawaz Sharif’s close aide Chaudhry Nisar refuses to join PTI

    Nawaz Sharif’s close aide Chaudhry Nisar refuses to join PTI

    Estranged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party member and former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan revealed that he will not join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) despite his meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, according to Daily Jang.

    “Nisar will neither return to PML-N nor work under Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, hence will maintain his independent status,” said the news outlet’s sources.

    On Wednesday, PM Khan said that he met Chaudhry. “I have had an association with him [Chaudhry] for the last 40 years,” he revealed, adding that Nisar will be “taking all political decisions himself”.

    Jang report further reveals that Chaudhry was offered chief ministership of Punjab when PTI came to power. However, at the time, Nisar refused it and thought that in an assembly, where the PML-N is in the Opposition, he would not be able to speak against PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif.

  • ‘NAB is a fraud through and through’: Broadsheet CEO apologises to Nawaz, says no corruption found

    ‘NAB is a fraud through and through’: Broadsheet CEO apologises to Nawaz, says no corruption found

    Assets recovery firm Broadsheet’s CEO Kaveh Moussavi has issued an apology to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, withdrawing all corruption allegations and for being part of a “witch hunt”.

    Moussavi issued an apology to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader through a video interview with GEO News on allegations of corruption.

    “We found a lot of plundered wealth [linked to others], but I can categorically state after virtually 21 years of investigation that not one rupee was related to Mr Nawaz Sharif or any member of his family. If anyone says otherwise they are lying,” Kaveh Moussavi said.

    “I have no hesitation in issuing an apology to the former prime minister for my being party to a scam and scandalous nonsense masquerading as the National Accountability Bureau,” Moussavi said, adding: “NAB is a fraud through and through.”

    Kaveh Moussavi repeated his apology addressing Nawaz Sharif directly. “I repeat it: Mr Sharif, we owe you an apology because Mr Sharif you clearly were the victim of a massive organised scandalous witch-hunt. There’s no question about that. When facts change, I change my views.”

    “Twenty-two years ago when Pervez Musharraf had asked us to investigate you, we were led to believe and we started investigating and at every turn we found that investigation was sabotaged not because we were getting close to things but because the intention was something else. That actually was a witch hunt and the intention was not to find any looted assets,” said Moussavi.

    Kaveh Moussavi revealed that he was in touch with Prime Minister Imran Khan through Shipping and Ports Minister Ali Zaidi and that he had evidence to prove his conversations with Ali Zaidi.

    “I was in direct contact with the government. I sat and had lunch with minister Shehzad Akbar directly in London. I had a telephone chat with another minister, Ali Zaidi, who was commissioned by Prime Minister Imran Khan to speak with me and to cooperate but they showed not a scintilla of evidence that they were interested in going after the stolen money,” said Broadsheet’s CEO.

    “They were interested in using whatever we found as a political capital against their enemies, which I am afraid, was my experience with the NAB right from day one. From day one we insisted that we are not going to be an instrument of witch-hunt. Very soon it became clear that the NAB was nothing but an instrument of witch-hunt – a very incompetent and corrupt one. The reason why Imran khan promised the moon and didn’t get anywhere was because they had no intention of going anywhere,” said Mousaavi.

    PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter and said, “Corruption allegations were made to keep him out of public life. Now the whole edifice of lies, deceit & character assassination stands demolished.”

  • Ex-Bestie’s wish: PTI requests Tareen group not to take extreme steps

    Ex-Bestie’s wish: PTI requests Tareen group not to take extreme steps

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) disgruntled Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT) group leader Aun Chaudhry claimed that Defense Minister Pervez Khattak contacted him last night (Friday) and urged Chaudhry not to take decisions immediately as the government will soon update them regarding the latest developments.

    According to Geo News, Tareen group leaders announced that they wouldn’t meet the ruling party’s members after which Governor Sindh Imran Ismail tried to contact Jahangir Tareen but he was unable to get in touch with him.

    However, the disgruntled group is holding meetings with the Opposition.

    Recently, Minister for Water Resources and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q)’s leader Moonis Elahi went to London, where both Tareen and Nawaz Sharif are currently residing.

    Earlier this month, Tareen was discharged from a private clinic. To convey his best wishes, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif sent him a bouquet.

    Previously, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s old friend Aleem Khan joined the JKT group. Later, he visited Tareen and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

  • 44% say Khan should resign before no-confidence motion: survey

    44% say Khan should resign before no-confidence motion: survey

    According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, 44 per cent of respondents are of the view that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan should resign ahead of the no-confidence motion while 33 per cent think he should fight it, reports Geo News.

    42 per cent of respondents are of the opinion that the no-trust motion would succeed against PM Khan while 26 per cent say the government would successfully defeat the motion and 31 per cent say that they are unsure about the outcome.

    To a question that if the no-confidence motion becomes successful, 27 per cent think Leader of the Opposition and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif should be the PM until new elections, 17 per cent say PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto and 6 per cent prefer PML-N’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the new premier.

    However, after the general elections, 18 per cent want PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to become PM, 16 per cent voted for Imran Khan, and 14 per cent for Shehbaz Sharif.

    According to the survey, a significant number of 48 per cent think that PTI’s allies should support the party’s rival, while only 27 per cent of the respondents said that the PTI coalition partners should come back to Khan.

  • ‘Sari zindagi nappy change kartay rahainge kya, bachay ko neechay utarainge tu seekhe ga’: Pervaiz Elahi

    ‘Sari zindagi nappy change kartay rahainge kya, bachay ko neechay utarainge tu seekhe ga’: Pervaiz Elahi

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said that it is important to put the baby down and let him/her learn to walk on its own.

    Without naming any names, the PML-Q leader said that “the work carried out on the government’s behalf never allowed it to learn things for itself.”

    “The child will learn to walk only when you put him down,” he said metaphorically. “Would you keep on changing nappies all his life?”

    Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi, while speaking on HUM News programme “Hum Meher Bokhari Kay Sath”, said that PM Khan was “100 per cent” in trouble because of the no-confidence motion against him.

    “The government 100 per cent lacks wisdom and understanding. They are going door to door, this is indication enough how troubled they are.”

    He further went on to share PML-Q’s grievances with the government. He said that all we have been showing is loyalty to the government and in return, all that is coming from their side is “dushmani“.

    The PML-Q leader said that they were still receiving threats and being blackmailed. “A week ago they said to NAB [National Accountability Bureau] to arrest Moonis [Minister for Water Resources and Pervaiz Elahi’s son].”

    Elahi said that he has already been offered Punjab’s chief ministership as well as electoral alliance — including seat-to-seat adjustment — by the Opposition alliance but the government has yet to make that offer.

    Elahi said: “We are waiting to see what the government has to offer. Maybe the government might do the same.”

     “The government 100 per cent lacks wisdom and understanding. The prime minister has a great desire for revenge, which is evident from the fact that he puts everyone in NAB and FIA. This is not how you govern,” he added.

    Elahi said that all that the government has done is ruin its relations with everyone. Without taking the PM’s name, the PML-Q leader said, “He has spoiled his relations with his own people as well. It is because of his own people that they are so worried. Tongue is one thing that can make or break things forever.”

    Elahi said that the Opposition alliance has the support of “more than required” lawmakers to pass the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly, warning that there are “plenty of surprises in store”.

    Talking about establishment, Elahi said, “DG ISPR has said on record that the establishment has nothing to do with politics, we are neutral in this. But did you see how he [PM] defined neutral, and said animals are neutral. Who was he saying this to?”

    He urged the government to move first and call off its planned political gathering for March 27, saying that it would put pressure on the Opposition to do the same.

  • Pakistanis prefer to sink with me than support the ‘three stooges’: PM Khan

    Pakistanis prefer to sink with me than support the ‘three stooges’: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday called the Opposition leaders Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shehbaz Sharif, and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari the “three stooges”, referring to a classic American program. He told party members the Opposition’s no-trust move was a “blessing” as it had “lifted” the entire party and now all ready to ready for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally.

    Addressing the Pakistan Overseas Convention in Islamabad he said, “When the people saw the faces of the three stooges — they decided against supporting them and expressed their desire to go down with [me],” PM Khan.

    I challenge media, economists, and Opposition parties to debate with govt over performance

    PM Khan challenged media organisations, economists, and Opposition parties to debate with the government over its performance in the last three and half years, saying that “nobody served Pakistan as we did”.

    “[Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana] Fazlur Rehman sold religion for 30 years,” he thundered. “In my 3.5 years, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has said you cannot disrespect Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in the name of freedom of expression. [Canadian Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau has given a statement [against Islamophobia]. This has happened for the first time.”

    The premier said there had been a debate at the United Nations and a resolution would be passed against Islamophobia, adding that it was “because of us” and how the government raised the matter at different forums.

    The premier said that the Opposition parties had been taking turns in governing Pakistan during the last 30 years but the PTI government would “prove” that it had built the nation.

    They cannot defeat us: PM Khan

    The premier said he and his team were always trying to figure out ways to reduce the impact of inflation on the masses, but after the Opposition’s no-confidence motion, the focus shifted to mainstream politics rather than inflation.

    PM Khan said neither of the three parties — PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F — worked at the grass-root levels and did “actual politics”, while the PTI struggled for more than two decades to get to where it is today. “They cannot defeat us.”

    “Nawaz became the chief minister through General Jilani; Shehbaz, who used to give bribes to get his work done, Zardari became the president by ‘showing’ a fake paper; Fazl has been selling the religion from the last 30 years,” he said.

    If they are the ones to save Pakistan, it is better to drown with Imran Khan

    “I was thinking of how the country changed suddenly in 10 days, inflation was forgotten and my entire party was lifted.”

    All the Opposition politicians used to call each other corrupt, he said, thanking them for coming together so the nation could see that “if they are the ones to save Pakistan, it is better to drown with Imran Khan”.

    The premier said that PTI had risen from the grassroots which is why the Opposition parties could not compete with it.

    Fallen into captains trap

    PM Imran Khan said the Opposition leaders were under the “false impression that the people had forgotten their corruption”, but they were wrong as now, they had fallen into the “captain’s trap”.

    “I predict that not only is their no-confidence motion going to fail, but they will taste defeat in the 2023 general elections as well,” he said, foreseeing his party’s triumph in the polls.

    PM Khan said due to the corruption of the politicians, the country had become a “slave” to the foreign powers. “When our then prime minister [Nawaz Sharif] met then US president Barack Obama, his legs were shaking as he was cautious against saying something his ‘master’ might feel bad”.

    “Because they know [those countries] can catch their [corrupt Pakistani politicians’] money laundering whenever they want,” the prime minister said.

    Not anti-US, UK and India

    “You [Nawaz and Zardari] should have at least said that no law in the world allows anyone to play the role of judge, jury, and executioner,” he said, stressing “never have I been anti-American, anti-Britain or anti-India”.

    “I pray that a sensible leadership comes into power in India so that we can hold talks with them after revoking the August 5, 2019, decision on Kashmir.”

    Only an uneducated man would be against a country, he elaborated, adding that he was against their policies. “I was against the war on terror from day one and I will remain so.”

    The premier said 100 drone strikes had been conducted in Pakistan during the governments of Nawaz Sharif and Zardari and PTI leaders had staged sit-ins to protest but “they had no shame”.

    He also mentioned India’s “Hindutva” policy, expressing the wish that a “better government” comes to power in the neighbouring country that would grant rights to Kashmiris.

    Pakistan military was the reason behind the country’s stability

    The Pakistan military was the reason behind the country’s stability, as he gave an example of other Muslim countries — Libya, Syria, and Yemen — where the situation was dismal.

    Noting that despite having differences with former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, PM Imran Khan lauded him and acknowledged that he was a self-reliant leader.

  • Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan

    Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday said that he did not join politics to know the prices of aaloo and tamatar (potatoes and tomatoes) but decided to become a politician for the sake of the country’s youth. 

    Addressing a rally in Hafizabad, the premier promised the people of Punjab that his government will work on the development of the province, something which he claimed would be “unprecedented” in the history of the country.

    I joined politics for the sake of the country’s youth: Khan

    “I didn’t join politics to know the prices of potatoes and tomatoes. I joined it for the sake of the country’s youth,” the premier said. “If we want to become a great nation, we will have to support the truth, and this is what I have been preaching for the last 25 years.”

    The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan wanted equal ties with all the countries. “But as a prime minister of a country with a 220 million population, it is my first and foremost duty to protect people’s rights and interests of the country. I will not allow any policy that harms our motherland. I will not compromise on the national interests just for seeking the pleasure of any country,” he stressed.

    Past PMs of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president

    Taking a dig at the Opposition and how leaders of different parties criticised him for issuing statements against the European Union (EU) envoys, the premier said that in the past, prime ministers of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president and used Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal’s slip of the tongue “kaanpein taang rahi hoti thein” as an example. 

    The premier went on to say that when he rebuked the envoys of European countries for asking Pakistan to explicitly condemn Russia for attacking Ukraine, Shehbaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were “trembling”.

    “My criticism of EU was justified,” the premier said, adding that Opposition leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Shehbaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thought it was “grave injustice” to chide EU envoys.

    The prime minister said that whenever a foreign diplomat came to meet Shehbaz Sharif, he would quickly change into a suit and a tie.

    “Since I know the West better than everyone else, I can assure that they do not respect people who polish their boots,” he said. “They respect nations who stand up for themselves.” 

    On the ‘terrorist’ living in London

    PM Imran Khan also spoke about the US War on Terror and the ensuing drone attacks in Pakistan, calling it a “violation of human rights”. He also talked about a “terrorist” living in London for the last 30 years, saying that this terrorist was responsible for the killing of more people than those killed by US drones. 

    He said he once told a group of European representatives whether they would allow the use of drones against a terrorist and criminal sitting in London who had killed scores of people in Karachi. The premier was apparently referring to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain.

    PM Imran further said the United States carried out 400 drone strikes inside Pakistan from 2008 to 2013 but governments led by PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) never opposed them.

    “We want cordial relations with all countries but will not compromise on national interest… I would not bow down to anyone nor would I allow the nation to give in before anyone.”

    On the contrary, the prime minister said, he had always opposed those attacks, staged sit-ins, and gave statements in the United States and the United Kingdom, calling these attacks a grave violation of basic human rights and global principles.

    ‘One-million-strong’ power show at D-Chowk

    The premier then talked about transforming Pakistan into an exemplary welfare society, based on the model of the State of Madinah.

    “I formed Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen Authority in the country so that every Pakistani child becomes aware of the life and teaching of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and stay on the path of the truth.”

    As part of the PTI-led government’s strategy to thwart the Opposition’s no-trust bid, it was decided during the meeting that a one-million strong rally would be staged at Islamabad’s D-Chowk ahead of the no-confidence motion in the lower house of parliament.

  • ‘Asif Zardari tumhara waqt agaya hai,’ PM Khan roars at the Opposition in the face of no-confidence motion

    ‘Asif Zardari tumhara waqt agaya hai,’ PM Khan roars at the Opposition in the face of no-confidence motion

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Wednesday delivered a fiery speech in Karachi against the Opposition. He said that the submission of the no-confidence motion is the “political death” of the Opposition.

    The prime minister said, “I was thinking that somehow if only I could get a hold of their neck, and God listened to my prayers and they submitted a no-trust move. Now they have been trapped and their no-confidence move is going to backfire.”

    The prime minister announced he was going to tour interior Sindh soon and that it was his mission to rid the region of the injustices done to it.

    “I won’t stop when we hopefully win [against] the no-confidence motion. I will go after them (the Opposition) and won’t spare them. My hands, which had been chained, will now be untied,” the PM thundered.

    “Now my first target, who has been under my radar for a long time, is Asif Ali Zardari,” the prime minister said.

    The premier also accused the former president of using “police and thugs to get people killed”, engaging in theft and corruption, and laundering money abroad.

    “Asif Zardari your time is near,” he warned.

    He alleged that the former president roams around with “buckets of money” and has kept Rs200 million to buy PTI parliamentarians.

    The premier alleged that when one of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNAs informed him that he was offered Rs200 million, he told the lawmaker to take the money and open a panahgaah or orphanage with it.

    Turning his guns on the leader of Opposition in National Assembly (NA) Shehbaz Sharif, PM Khan called the former a “boot polisher” and said, “Your time has come as well. You know that after the next three months, you will be behind the bars,” the premier said.

    He said Shehbaz had laundered billions of rupees to his son abroad, adding “I will further reduce electricity prices by retrieving public money from his son and son-in-law.”

    Talking about Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, “I thank my countrymen for giving record taxes this year. It is because of these taxes that I was able to reduce the price of petrol and Fazlur Rehman [taking a jibe at Maulana by calling his name instead of diesel].”

    Talking about Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, PM Khan said, ” I request to you Zardari, for god’s sake teach your son Urdu.”

    Talking about European Union (EU) and the criticism hurled at PM Khan for his recent speech questioning the EU envoys in Pakistan, the premier said, “I have not said anything to EU, I was only reminding them of the sacrifices we had made in the past.”

    The premier said that Pakistan should pursue friendships with every country and wasn’t against anyone but “I will never allow any country to take action against my nation’s interests.”

    “I am a supporter of peace and will not take part in any war,” said PM Khan.

  • Today’s highlights: Opposition submits no-confidence while PM remains unfazed

    Today’s highlights: Opposition submits no-confidence while PM remains unfazed

    A total of 86 lawmakers from the Opposition parties signed the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Tuesday in an effort to oust the PM.

    Opposition leaders — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed the submission in a joint press conference.

    The government’s current number of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) stands at 179 while the Opposition has the support of 162 MNAs but they claim to have 186 members on their side.

    While addressing the conference, Zardari laughed when asked how many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) assembly members are with him. He sarcastically said, “Naam bhi bata doon?” (Should I reveal the names also?)

    PM Khan remains unfazed

    PM Khan reportedly met with the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) to discuss legal aspects after the Opposition’s submission of a no-confidence motion against him. Not only this, the premier also had a meeting with YouTubers, in which he made several claims. He said that the army stands with the government, it will never support thieves.

    “After this, nothing will happen against this government till 2028. The Opposition will face a humiliating defeat,” he added.

    PM Khan is all set to visit Karachi tomorrow (Wednesday).

    Will Shehbaz Sharif become the new PM?

    Addressing the ‘Awami March’, former President Zardari hinted that Shehbaz Sharif might become the new PM (if the no-confidence motion is successful). He said, “It is time we bring a Shareef admi to replace the prime minister.”

    Another PPP leader, Naveed Qamar, said that it is likely that Shehbaz Sharif will be the next prime minister.

    CM Buzdar resignation matter

    As per reports, Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Usman Buzdar presented his resignation to the PM but he didn’t accept the resignation and reportedly said that Buzdar will always be CM of Punjab. Buzdar also vowed that even if he is no longer CM, he will always stand by Khan.

    Moreover, there are several media reports which suggest that members within PTI aren’t really happy with Buzdar. Aleem Khan and Jahangir Tareen group said that the only way to move forward in Punjab is minus-Buzdar.

    Awami March reaches Islamabad

    PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s Awami March has reached Islamabad. In an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ programme Capital Talk, Bilawal said that the capital’s police is blocking its party convoy. “Until the whole caravan is allowed to come with me, we will protest,” he said.

    Tareen-Aleem partnership

    Top leaders of the disgruntled Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT) group, including PTI’s Aleem Khan, are going to London to meet Tareen.

    On Monday, Aleem Khan formally joined Jahangir Tareen’s group. Aleem said the aim is to “save” the party after “loyalists who had been integral in PTI’s 10-year struggle were sidelined without any reason.”

    In response, PM Khan claimed that Tareen would never support “thieves”.

  • Shehbaz Sharif sends bouquet to Jahangir Tareen

    Shehbaz Sharif sends bouquet to Jahangir Tareen

    Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly sent a bouquet to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) disgruntled leader Jahangir Khan Tareen in London and conveyed his best wishes and prayers for Tareen’s speedy recovery, journalist Murtaza Ali Shah has tweeted.

    Tareen, who is currently in London for medical treatment. He was discharged from a private clinic on Saturday.

    It has been reported that PTI’s Aleem Khan, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s close friend, was contacted by PML-N. He has reached Jahangir Tareen’s residence where Tareen is expected to address the meeting through a video link.

    It is pertinent to mention that Tareen had left for London on February 26 after his health deteriorated. But despite being away from home, he has been in touch with his political allies in Pakistan throughout.

    Tareen will stay in the United Kingdom (UK) for around a week more and will travel to Pakistan depending on his doctors’ advice.