Tag: politics latest

  • ‘Congratulations Nawaz Sharif on becoming Ladla Plus’: PPP

    ‘Congratulations Nawaz Sharif on becoming Ladla Plus’: PPP

    The recent decision by the Punjab caretaker government to suspend the sentence of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia reference has triggered a political firestorm, with major parties, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), vehemently opposing the move.

    PPP’s Punjab chapter leader, Hasan Murtaza, lashed out at the decision, referring to Sharif as ‘Ladla Plus’ and labelling the suspension as a ‘cowardly’ act.

    “The caretaker government is doing everything it should not do,” the PPP leader said.

    “The caretaker government is not here to give relief to criminals, but to hold elections.” He added: “It is not the task of the caretaker Punjab cabinet to approve the suspension of Nawaz Sharif’s sentence.”

    He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of the partiality of the caretaker government.

    Simultaneously, PTI’s legal affairs spokesperson, Barrister Gohar Khan, condemned the decision as a direct violation of the law.

    He took to X (former Twitter) and said, “Provincial Government has no power whatsoever to extend any relief regarding sentence under CrPC to someone convicted by NAB Court – period.”

    In response to the criticism, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the government had not directly suspended Sharif’s sentence but had instead referred the case to the court of law under Section 401, leaving the final decision on bail to the judiciary.

    Section 401 of the criminal procedure code says, “When any person has been sentenced to punishment of an offence, the provincial government may at any time without conditions or upon any conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he has been sentenced.”

  • All ‘good news’ for Nawaz Sharif

    All ‘good news’ for Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s legal battles continued as the accountability court in Islamabad undertook the hearing of the Toshakhana reference today. The proceedings, overseen by Judge Muhammad Bashir, saw significant developments and stringent security measures.

    Rana Muhammad Irfan, the designated pleader, was present at the court. The lawyer representing Nawaz assured the court of his client’s compliance with any orders issued by the court. The judge subsequently postponed the Toshakhana reference hearing until November 20, calling for arguments on the appeal concerning property confiscation.

    Additionally, the judge honored the request made by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor to suspend Nawaz’s warrant in the case.

    The court made it clear that copies of relevant documents would be distributed during the upcoming session, while also issuing a notice to the NAB regarding the property confiscation request.

    Ahead of the hearing, strict security protocols were observed, with a bomb disposal squad conducting a thorough sweep of the courtroom premises. The Federal Judicial Complex in Islamabad was heavily guarded by police, allowing only relevant legal representatives and journalists to access the accountability court.

    Notably, the case also involves Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman Asif Zardari and former Prime Minister, Senator Yusuf Raza, Gilani as co-accused.

    Nawaz’s legal representative, Qazi Misbah, filed several applications on his behalf, including the restoration of annexed property, the appointment of a pleader, and the submission of bail bonds.

    Meanwhile, Asif Zardari’s lawyer and senior PPP leader Farooq H Naek sought an exemption from attending the hearing on his client’s behalf.

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) extended Nawaz’s bail pleas in the Al-Azizia and Avenfield references till October 26 (Thursday), after issuing notice to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) over the pleas seeking restoration of appeals in the graft cases.

    A special bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Gul Hassan Aurangzeb had taken up the pleas seeking restoration of appeals against the accountability courts’ verdicts in the graft cases.

    The high court had granted protective bail to the three-time prime minister — who returned to Pakistan after four-years-long self-imposed exile on Saturday — prohibiting his arrest in the case.

    The anti-graft body had not objected to Nawaz getting the security bond.

    His counsel filed the petitions, requesting the court to hear the appeals on merit as earlier they were discarded for non-compliance when the PML-N supremo did not return from London after he was granted permission by the court in November 2019 to go abroad for medical treatment.

  • ‘No Comments’ by PM Kakar on ‘extraordinary protocol’ for Nawaz Sharif

    ‘No Comments’ by PM Kakar on ‘extraordinary protocol’ for Nawaz Sharif

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar didn’t comment on the extraordinary protocol given to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif on his return to Pakistan. 

    He was addressing a news conference three days after returning from China, where he attended the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) conference on the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

    The Pakistani high commissioner in the UK was at the airport to see Nawaz Sharif off, however, Mr Kakar didn’t comment on that either.

    When asked why the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) had to take a biometrics machine to the Islamabad airport to scan Mr Sharif’s fingerprints, the PM said being a citizen of the country, Mr Sharif has a right to undergo biometrics at the airport.

    He then added: “If someone thinks that an atmosphere of level playing field should be created for a particular party, which many want, this I can’t do. If Mian Nawaz Sharif is a Pakistani citizen, which I think he is, then he has a right to have biometric scans.” 

    “So what extra steps the government has taken in this regard. If NADRA facilitated him, has he gained any political advantage through this process? A normal database procedure was portrayed in a way that level playing field is not available. Do you remember what level playing field was given in 2018?” he asked. 

    PM Kakar also said that he did not believe in giving government ads to print media.

    At one point, Mr Kakar lamented that ghee manufacturers and real estate dealers had opened media houses and thus they did not follow the norms of journalism.

  • ‘If the Ministry of Interior cannot provide security to one person, how will it conduct elections’: Election Commission

    ‘If the Ministry of Interior cannot provide security to one person, how will it conduct elections’: Election Commission

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) faced a setback on Tuesday as PTI Chairman Imran Khan couldn’t make it to a hearing due to security concerns. The Interior Ministry and Islamabad police were worried about the risks involved in bringing him to the commission, as he’s currently in jail for cipher case.

    Although the commission had earlier ordered that Imran Khan’s appear in person, the police and the ministry raised serious concerns about the safety of such a move.

    The commission was hearing a defamation case against the PTI chief, Asad Umar, and Fawad Chaudhry. A four-member commission headed by Nisar Durrani adjourned the hearing till November 13.

    Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar appeared before the commission, while Imran Khan was not brought to the election commission from Adiala Jail.

    PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen said the real insult to the election commission has taken place today.

    The operations assistant inspector general of police (AIG) submitted a report regarding Imran Khan, stating that Rawalpindi was a densely populated area, which is not without dangers.

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan has himself said there are threats to his life, the report stated.

    ECP’s member from Sindh, Nisar Durrani, asked the AIG if he believed whatever Imran Khan said was true.

    The Interior Ministry suggested that the election commission go to Adiala Jail to conduct the hearing to which the commission questioned how the ministry ordered them, ordering the interior secretary to appear before the commission.

    The commission asked the ministry to get it in writing from Imran Khan that he was sorry.

    “If the Ministry of Interior cannot provide security to one person, how will it conduct elections?” the commission questioned.

    ECP’s production order stated, “Since the respondent is in Adiala Jail […] and his personal appearance is mandatory to proceed further with the matter. In such view of the matter, there is no alternate except to issue production order of respondent namely Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi.”

  • Bilawal demands general elections as soon as possible

    Bilawal demands general elections as soon as possible

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has demanded again that general elections be conducted as soon as possible, stating that delaying polls is to deny them.

    “Elections delayed are election denied,” Bilawal said while addressing the celebration of the golden jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan in an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday.

    The former foreign minister again demanded an election schedule and a “level playing field” for all the political parties.

    While talking about the lawyer’s movement in 2009, Bilawal said that it was an important event for the restoration of judiciary and had a far-reaching impact on dynamics between the judiciary and parliament.

    The PPP chairman stressed that general elections in 2013 and 2018 were not free and fair.

    “It is hoped, that this time it will be different,” he added.

  • Sheikh Rashid is back after a hard ‘40-day chilla’

    Sheikh Rashid is back after a hard ‘40-day chilla’

    President Awami Muslim League and PTI’s ally Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Friday made a comeback on TV in an interview with anchorperson Muneeb Farooq. 

    When asked about his long absence and reported arrest, Sheikh Rashid said that he had gone for a “40-day chilla” just like a tableegi mission where he was studying Quran. Sheikh said it was hard but he is thankful to the Almighty that he got this opportunity. Sheikh Rashid said he did not even get a chance to inform his family about it. “No one harmed me, everyone cooperated with me on this chilla,” added Rashid.

    Sheikh Rashid talked about his relations with the armed forces of Pakistan. He attributed his political career to General Akhtar Abdur Rehman. “I will always be proud to call myself a spokesperson of the army.” He said he had even advised Imran Khan to work in close coordination with them. 

    Rashid recalled that when the MQM talked to him during the no-confidence motion, he realised then that “PTI government is over”. However, he did maintain that he was part of the cabinet and was one of the signatories of the National Security Council (NSC) on the cipher. 

    Answering a question regarding Imran’s criticism of the army, Rashid said that he personally believes that nobody should criticise army officers and military institutions like that. Rashid said that he had condemned the May 9 violence but “it was not highlighted much”.

    Rashid reiterated that institutions are imperative for Pakistan and the biggest mistake of the PTI government was to criticise the army and hampering the appointment of Army Chief General Asim Munir. He has deduced from his experience that politicians should not meddle in the affairs of the army — their postings and transfers. Sheikh said that Imran Khan is a “stubborn” politician.

    Sheikh Rashid appeared on TV a day after the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court ordered the police to recover him by October 26. He was allegedly picked up from his residence in Rawalpindi on September 17 according to his lawyer.

  • PML-N competent enough to solve country’s problems, says Nawaz Sharif

    PML-N competent enough to solve country’s problems, says Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has stated that he is returning back to Pakistan after “vindication”, expressing confidence in his party’s ability to navigate the country through its current challenges.

    “I am returning to Pakistan after being vindicated with the grace of Almighty Allah,” he said on Saturday while speaking to the journalists at Dubai airport ahead of Pakistan departure.

    The three time former prime minister is coming back to Pakistan after voluntarily living in self-imposed exile in London for four years. He aims to stage a political comeback in the forthcoming general elections, which are expected to take place in the last week of January next year.
    The ex-Prime Minister expressed confidence that his party can address the concerns of the public if they are elected into power. When asked about the upcoming general elections, Nawaz offered support to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    “Only the Election Commission can make a better decision regarding the elections. What the Election Commission thinks is right is my preference on the elections,” said Nawaz when he was asked about the January polls.

  • How can a convicted man address a jalsa at Minar-e-Pakistan, asks Faisal Karim Kundi

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Faisal Karim Kundi appeared on Shahzeb Khanzada’s show on Geo News on Thursday night. The PPP leader criticised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, stating that Imran Khan was ‘selected’, but now PML-N is giving the impression that they are also going to be selected, stressing that Pakistani youth will not accept this.

    The PPP leader also asked how a convicted man can address a Jalsa in Minar-e-Pakistan after his return on October 21. PPP is not sure that general elections are going to be held in January next year, he said.

    On the other hand, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Wednesday that general elections have been put on hold because of just one person [Nawaz Sharif].

    PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah criticised Bilawal Bhutto’s statement while speaking on Khanzada’s show on Thursday that Nawaz Sharif is the only hope for nation and elections have been delayed due to delimitation process.

  • Nawaz Sharif reaches Dubai to return to Pakistan

    Nawaz Sharif reaches Dubai to return to Pakistan

    Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Dubai on Thursday ahead of his much-anticipated return to Pakistan.

    After four years of self-exile in London, the former three-time prime minister is scheduled to come back to Pakistan on Saturday, October 21, even though he has been sentenced to prison.

    He arrived a few hours late due to an important meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as reported by Geo News. Upon his arrival at the Dubai airport, he received “special protocol”.

    Nawaz is scheduled to have meetings with a specific set of individuals while staying in Dubai for two days. He will for Pakistan on Saturday morning, initially heading to Islamabad and then continuing on to Lahore.

    Nawaz is set to return to Pakistan on a chartered plane, with approximately 150 individuals, including journalists, politicians, and activists, who have booked tickets to accompany him on his journey.

    The three-time premier went to London on November 19, 2019, when he fell critically ill in prison.

  • PTI ko chahiye sirf ‘ballay’ ka nishan

    PTI ko chahiye sirf ‘ballay’ ka nishan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to promptly release a detailed written order regarding the issuance of the party’s election symbol.

    Highlighting the importance of justice and fairness, Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, the party’s counsel, submitted an application on Wednesday to the Commission, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive decision in the interest of transparency.

    Senator Zafar underscored that the Election Commission’s earlier notice to the PTI, rejecting the allocation of the cricket bat symbol due to purported intra-party election discrepancies, was a misstep. He contended that the PTI had indeed conducted intra-party elections on June 9, 2022, in accordance with its constitution.

    According to Senator Zafar, the Election Commission’s subsequent decision on August 30, 2023, had validated the PTI’s stance on the legitimacy of the intra-party elections and had signaled the allocation of the bat symbol.

    However, despite the Commission’s initial commitment to issue a detailed decision following the verbal announcement, the order had not been provided even after 41 days.

    “PTI is the largest political party in the country, which is contesting the upcoming elections. Not issuing a detailed decision even after 41 days is a clear violation of fundamental rights, including articles 4, 9, 10A, 15, 16, 17 and 26 of the Constitution,” he said.

    Ali Zafar insisted that according to the Constitution, ECP was bound to hold free, fair, impartial, and transparent elections, while avoiding detailed decisions was a deviation from this constitutional mandate.

    He further added that under the Constitution of Pakistan, the ECP was bound to organize and conduct the election in a manner that was honest, just, fair, and in accordance with the law, but the non-issuance of the detailed written order was contrary to this.

    “The entire world is watching the proceedings of the ECP and the delay in the decision is unnecessarily creating contrary false rumors as if the decision orally announced on Aug 30, 2023, is going to be varied,” he said.