Tag: politics

  • PML-N ministers almost hit each other, use abusive language during National Assembly session

    PML-N ministers almost hit each other, use abusive language during National Assembly session

    Two leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)- federal ministers Murtaza Javed Abbasi and Mian Javed Latif — almost came to blows in a heated debate on Wednesday during the National Assembly (NA) session.

    The debate led to a point where the two senior members tried to hit each other and used abusive language, dismantling the decorum of the House.

    However, witnessing the tense situation several lawmakers including Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Adviser to the Prime Minister (PM) Qamar Zaman Kaira intervened.

    After the matter settled down, Azam Tarar made Murtaza sit with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

    Some media reports have suggested that the altercation began when Latif was not allowed to speak in the House. But there is no official confirmation of what led to the argument.

    Both ministers haven’t commented on the situation as of yet. However, Murtaza Javed’s official Twitter account posted his pictures inside the National Assembly in which Javed Latif is also present. Both of them can be seen talking to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

  • Audio leak: Is Saqib Nisar discussing contempt of court case against Shehbaz Sharif?

    Audio leak: Is Saqib Nisar discussing contempt of court case against Shehbaz Sharif?

    The season of audio leaks continues as a new one has hit the interwebs on Tuesday, involving an alleged conversation between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Khawaja Tariq Rahim and former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar.

    The former head of the apex court can be heard speaking about the judgement of a seven-member bench on a “suo moto” notice taken by the apex court in 2010 to Rahim and asking him to look into the matter.

    Moreover, Nisar also refers to the ouster of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sardar Tanveer Ilyas as the Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister over contempt of court.

    At this, the senior lawyer said that they were planning to file another contempt case.

    Here is the content of the audio leak:

    Nisar: Khawaja Sahab, I wanted to tell you something.

    Khawaja Tariq: Yes.

    Nisar: A judgement, please look into that. This is a seven-member judgement.

    Khawaja Tariq: By whom?

    Nisar: This is the sou moto (notice) number 4 of 2010, sir. This seven-member judgement, 2012, has been reported on page number 553 of the Supreme Court.

    Khawaja Tariq: Okay

    Nisar: This is okay, right?

    Khawaja Tariq: I will look into it.

    Nisar: Whoever is your lawyer, tell him to check it out. It states that if… never mind, you’ll know when you will read it.

    Khawaja Tariq: I will read. I have seen the seven-member bench judgement. They have stated in it that until the act is not formulated… if you read it carefully, clause three has it…

    Nisar: Yeah, yeah.

    Khawaja Tariq: They have given a way in it as well. Just see that.

    Nisar: Yes sir, I have seen that. That is the way out for you.

    Khawaja Tariq: That is the way out.

    Nisar: That is the way out or else there is no case.

    Khawaja Tariq: Yes exactly. I will see that as well.

    Nisar: And secondly Khawaja sahab, if someone is ready from your side, then use Muneer Ahmed Khan’s [case] as well. It is a very clear case of contempt of court.

    Khawaja Tariq: We are working on it.

    Nisar: Whatever happened in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, after that any…

    Khawaja Tariq: We are only waiting for the three-member bench’s verdict. It can take another half an hour. After that, we are filing another contempt of court case.

    Nisar: Okay then. Thank you, sir, thank you. 

    The leaked conversation has prompted online speculation that the former Chief Justice is discussing a contempt of court charge against current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

    In March, another alleged audio clip of Nisar and Rahim surfaced online in which the two talked about formulating a case against Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz.

  • ‘Mere aziz hum watno’: Shahid Khaqan says today’s situation is complete script for martial law

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and seasoned politician Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has warned of the possibility of martial law in Pakistan, citing political polarisation and economic crisis.

    Speaking on Dawn News‘ English show ‘Spotlight’, Khaqan said that the country “has never witnessed a more severe economic and political situation before. In much less severe circumstances the military has taken over.”

    The former Prime Minister (PM) hoped that the military isn’t considering taking over Pakistan, however, he said that “when they are left with no choice then the old famous speech, ‘mere aiziz hum watno’, if you read the situation today it’s a complete script for a speech like that.”

    He clarified that if the army were to take over, it would make things worse instead of doing any good.

    “When the system fails, when there is no interaction between the institutions, and when there is a conflict between them, then martial law always remains a possibility”, he said.

    He stressed the importance of dialogue and strong leadership but stated that the environment has become so toxic that even the parliament doesn’t discuss national issues.

    According to him, elections are not the kind of solution they used to be in the past.

    Pointing out that dialogues were supposed to have a purpose, Abbasi stated if they benefited only one political party, they would defeat their purpose. “If the intent is just to decide a date for the elections or the political benefits of one, it’s not a proper dialogue.”

    “Dialogue in media is all about abusing each other”, said the politician.

    According to him, it is unfortunate that his own party isn’t ready for dialogue. He said that he fears today that even the “youth has become delusional with this whole system” adding that Pakistanis themselves don’t recognise the potential of their country.

    At the last, he again stressed the responsibility of leadership, and that they should try to step in.

  • Pervez Ashraf warns Supreme Court not to interfere in politics

    Pervez Ashraf warns Supreme Court not to interfere in politics

    Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Raja Pervez Ashraf has taken a strong stance against what he has termed “interference” by the Supreme Court in the affairs of the parliament.

    In an interview, the Speaker said that if the Parliament is restricted to legislating only what the Supreme Court wants, then what is the need for elections.

    Ashraf said that “[the superior judiciary] should take over the legislative business if parliament’s lawmaking authority is unacceptable.”

    He also warned the top court against intruding in the parliament’s domain, saying “others will also try to enter your domain”.

    He asserted that parliamentarians themselves should resolve all political matters in the parliament or at any other forum on their own.

    Referring to alleged differences between Supreme Court judges, the former Prime Minister (PM) said: “Division in politics is necessary, but division in Supreme Court is dangerous.” He said the Supreme Court can’t function if it is divided.

  • ‘One year in power’: PM Shehbaz talks about challenges and difficulties

    ‘One year in power’: PM Shehbaz talks about challenges and difficulties

    On the one-year anniversary of assuming power as the head of the coalition government, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that this has been a successful tenure that resulted in Pakistan’s restored credibility and overcoming of the country’s financial and energy challenges.

    In a series of tweets, the Premier wrote, “Today marks the completion of one year since I took oath as PM of a coalition government. This has been a time of massive challenges & difficulties. Here’s my perspective on this year.”

    “The passage of No-Confidence Vote against Imran Niazi’s government was unprecedented not because PDM came into power but because almost all of Pakistan’s political forces came together to use the forum of Parliament to vote out an unpopular govt through constitutional means,” tweeted Shehbaz.

    The premier further said that the coming together of political parties with different manifestos for a common national cause represented a major step forward in the country’s political evolution. “Reconciliation & cooperation, not confrontation & vendetta mark the new politics post-April ’22,” tweeted Shehbaz.

    He said that despite the economic landmines laid by Imran Khan and disruptions in global fuel and food supply lines, Pakistan’s economy continued to stay afloat. “All predictions of default have turned out to be false alarms. Sincere efforts are underway to revive the economy,” wrote the premier.

    “Coalition govt has been at pains to repair, rebuild & deepen Pakistan’s diplomatic relations that were dealt a severe blow by Niazi regime. I can inform people that over the last one year, we have largely succeeded in establishing Pakistan’s credibility as a partner & friend.”

    Talking about challenges, PM Shehbaz said, “Pakistan faced unprecedented floods last year. The decisiveness with which the government undertook rescue, relief & rehabilitation efforts, provided social protection to millions of people & mobilized international community has been acknowledged by the world as outstanding.”

    “Government employed climate diplomacy to present Pakistan’s case on the international stage. As Chair of G77 plus China, we were instrumental in the establishment of loss & damage fund. Pledges of USD 9 billion at Geneva moot are evidence of our successful diplomacy.”

    “In the last one year, we have made efforts to diversify the energy mix with an aim to provide relief to the citizens. The renewed focus on solar, hydel, and coal power projects is aimed at replacing the costlier sources of power generation with cheaper ones.”

    “Inflation has hit people hard globally. Geo-strategic rivalries, increase in prices of the fuel & food commodities & historic floods are some of the key factors responsible for inflation. Mindful of its impact, govt has expanded social safety net & provided targeted subsidies,” tweeted Shehbaz.

    “Under the watch of the PDM government, Pakistan managed to exit the FATF grey list, thanks to the excellent inter-ministerial coordination as well as support extended by our military leadership. It was a long journey but sustained efforts made it possible.”

    “Building on the public transport infrastructure, govt., since its inception in April last year, focused on early completion of the development and transport infrastructure projects in Islamabad.”

    “Idea was to provide ease, comfort & affordable mobility to the people Pakistan,” said PM Shehbaz.

  • ‘Never seen such a thing’: Armeena Khan slams PML-N for sharing photo of her holding her baby

    Actor Armeena Khan has slammed Pakistan Muslim League Noon (PML-N) for harassing her by sharing a picture of her with her newborn daughter from the party’s media Twitter account. Khan had defended people’s right to call out politicians, in response to the viral video where a woman was seen trolling Maryam Nawaz. The actress wote that freedom of speech was an essential right, because in Pakistan people are kidnapped for holding politicians accountable.

    “Had this happened in Pakistan, the selfie lady would’ve ‘disappeared.’ ;),” wrote Khan. “I’m glad we have such freedoms in the U.K where we hold our politicians to account. If you’re going to live on British soil then it is OUR rules. We have freedom of speech.”

    https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1645020915124649985?s=20

    In response to this comment, an account associated with PMLN shared a picture of Khan with her daughter with a huge cross drawn around it, with the caption saying “How will the sick minded youthias train the coming generation and the fifth generation youthia will be at the lowest level.”

    Khan slammed PMLN supporters for harassing her by what she said was an attempt at invading her personal life, especially by targeting her daughter, saying that she had never seen such a vile act committed by a political party before.

    “Maryam Nawaz hates babies I guess. Poor thing couldn’t take it with her thin skin so sent her official goons to harass a private citizen of another country. I’ve never seen such a thing before from a mainstream political party before,” Khan tweeted.

    https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1645059402242686978?s=20

    Khan’s husband, Fesl Raza-Khan critcised PML-N and demanded that the political party send them an apology for targeting their daughter.

    “PMLN leadership, you are responsible for this account. You have posted a photo of my infant, just to troll my wife, thus crossing all bounds of decency. My daughter & I have no interest in PK politics. But as a Father I will protect my child. Apologise immediately,” he wrote.

    Twitter users criticised PMLN politicians for refusing to condemn this heinous act, and for choosing to stoop so low to even target an infant child of a critic. Because political opinions aside, choosing to target the personal life of an individual is completely wrong and demonstrates how classless and disgraceful your morals are.

  • All-out comprehensive operation so Pakistan can get rid of terrorism: NSC

    All-out comprehensive operation so Pakistan can get rid of terrorism: NSC

    A National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Friday agreed to launch an “all-out comprehensive operation” so the country can get rid of terrorism.

    The moot agreed to initiate the operation with [the participation of] the entire nation and government to rid the country of the menace of terrorism with renewed vigour and determination.

    The operation is to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms from Pakistan and would incorporate measures at political, diplomatic, security, economic and social levels.

    The participants of the meeting emphasised the need for “comprehensive national security”, with a focus on relief for the people. They were informed that the government is taking necessary steps in this regard.

    The NSC concluded that the recent spate of terrorism in the country is a consequence of a “soft corner” for the banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and a “thoughtless policy” towards the terror outfit, both of which were “contrary to the public’s expectations”.

    PM Shehbaz chairs NSC meeting amid political chaos and security issues

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif chaired a two-hours-long of NSC on Friday.

    The meeting takes place at a time when pressing security issues and heightened political tensions between the government and its rival political parties are reaching a crescendo.

    According to media reports, the meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC), heads of armed forces, federal ministers for defence, finance and information and senior military leadership. Director General of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum gave a detailed briefing on the ongoing operations against terrorism and the security situation of the country.

    According to Dawn, the government once again asked the top brass for a briefing on potential threats from militants in case elections were held in Punjab on May 14 as per the Supreme Court’s order.

    The news outlet also reported that military authorities had given a detailed briefing to the government that terrorist outfits have regrouped in tribal districts bordering Afghanistan due to which conditions were not conducive for electioneering.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also briefed the NSC on the economic situation of the country. 

    The detailed statement on the NSC meeting is yet to be issued.

  • ‘My father is not anti-women’: Nadir Gabol defends PPP’s Nabil Gabol after backlash to rape comment

    After facing severe backlash for the past three days on his disgusting comments about rape, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) politician Nabil Gabol offered an apology but then put up a bizarre rant comparing himself to Imran Khan.

    Now, Gabol’s son Nadir has come out to defend his father in a Twitter thread.

    https://twitter.com/NadirGabol/status/1644198554506870784?s=20

    Regarding the controversial comment ‘When rape is inevitable, just enjoy it’, Gabol said his father had intended to say ‘Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”

    “My father used inappropriate words but what he intended to say is a common teaching in psychology: “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” Just Google it….”

    https://twitter.com/NadirGabol/status/1644198557077913605?s=20

    Gabol went on to say that rape was not gender specific, and that his father was not talking about women:

    “All feminist sisters, is rape gender specific? First, you are wrong in assuming he was literally talking about rape. Second that he was talking about women. Both assumptions are your mistake not his!”

    https://twitter.com/NadirGabol/status/1644198561381335046?s=20

    Gabol defended the PPP politician by saying that his father was not a misogynist and cares for his daughters and granddaughters:

    “My father is not a misogynist. He does way more for his daughters than he does for his sons. I can’t forget his happiness at the birth of his granddaughter Hafsanur and the way he loves her more than anyone else in the world.”

    https://twitter.com/NadirGabol/status/1644198566594838529?s=20

    Gabol offered an explanation of his father’s controversial comments on YouTuber Nadir Ali’s channel, saying that those comments were only meant for the audience of that show.

    “I don’t agree with his sense of humor and you don’t have to either. Whatever he said on Nadir Ali’s show was meant for the audience of that show. Not for you and me!”

    https://twitter.com/NadirGabol/status/1644198571258920960?s=20

    Nabil Gabol faced intense backlash for a viral clip that trended on social media where the politician was talking on the YouTube channel ‘The Pakistan Experience’ with host Shehzad Ghias, stating ”When rape is imminent, just enjoy it’.

    Other clips of his interview with Nadir Ali also went viral where the politician was seen making sexual comments about the TikTok dancer Ayesha, and also boasting about kidnapping girls he liked.

    The PPP politician apologized for his remarks in an interview with AAJ news, saying that he regretted if his words had hurt women. But then he went on to blame PTI supporters for launching a social media campaign against him.

    However, on Wednesday, Gabol shared a screenshot from Time Magazine’s article on Imran Khan detailing his past scandals, and in the caption he wrote that had he also been as good looking as Khan, his words would not have gained this much scrutiny:

    “Hum kare tu saala charecter deela hai …. This is what Time magazine say about Imran khan .Iam surprised not a single person such as @FifaHaroon or @MunizaeJahangir or @sharmilafaruqi or@farehaaltaf and Aurat march organisers said anything against khan . I think i need to lose weight and look handsome like khan and bcm Ladla so that no one criticise me.”

  • ‘Whether I am in jail or not, party will sweep elections’: Imran Khan

    ‘Whether I am in jail or not, party will sweep elections’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has claimed that whether he is in jail or not, his party will “sweep” the elections.

    The former prime minister said he does not know if he will end up getting disqualified or not, but stressed that it “doesn’t matter” because he believes his party has a popularity wave that is “unprecedented” in Pakistan’s history. He made these remarks in a chat with American media group National Public Radio (NPR).

    “What is happening is that the government is petrified of elections. They’re scared that we’re going to win the elections. Therefore, they are trying everything to get me out of the way, including assassination, because I survived an assassination attempt – [and am] very lucky to be alive,” Khan told NPR.

    Speaking with Steve Inskeep, Khan said that in his tenure, there was maximum media freedom.

    “Steve, my three and a half years were the most liberal three and a half years in our history. I mean, the – we never interfered with the judiciary, which was always the case in the past. We never interfered with the media. The only time there were problems with the media was not because of us, because of the army, because of the army establishment,” Khan responded.

    Talking about ‘rule of law’ Khan said that it is his “firm belief” that because he’s been all over the world as a professional international sportsman, the difference between rich countries and poor countries is not lack of resources, but rule of law. 

    “Countries that have rule of law prosper, countries that don’t have rule of law become banana republics. So our fight in Pakistan is to bring the powerful elite under the law,” he said.

  • SBP issues commemorative coin of Rs50 to celebrate golden jubilee of Senate of Pakistan

    SBP issues commemorative coin of Rs50 to celebrate golden jubilee of Senate of Pakistan

    The Federal Government of Pakistan has authorised the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to issue a commemorative coin of Rs50 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Senate of Pakistan in 2023.

    The coin, which has a round shape milled with a dimension of 30.0 mm, weight of 13.5 grammes, and Cupro-Nickel metal contents (Copper 75 per cent & Nickel 25  per cent), shall be issued through the exchange counters of all field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation starting from March 17, 2023.

    The Senate of Pakistan, also known as Aiwan-e-Bala Pakistan and constitutionally referred to as the House of the Federation, is the upper legislative chamber of the bicameral parliament of Pakistan. As a permanent House with equal representatives from all provinces of the country, the Senate symbolizes continuity in national affairs.

    The issuance of the commemorative coin is a fitting tribute to the Golden Jubilee of the Senate of Pakistan and underscores the significance of this occasion. It is expected to serve as a lasting reminder of the Senate’s contribution to Pakistan’s democratic process and its role in shaping the country’s political landscape.