In today’s oath-taking ceremony at the National Assembly (NA), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported candidates appeared wearing Imran Khan masks. Newly-elected members took oath today at the inaugural ceremony of the 16th NA.
In solidarity with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PTI leaders Ali Muhammad Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, Zartaj Gul, and Shandana Gulzar, were wearing masks in today’s session at the lower house.
Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), joined by independent candidates from PTI, began chanting slogans during the inaugural ceremony.
The session is being held today under Article 91(2) of the Constitution, with President Arif Alvi refusing to sign an earlier summary for summoning the session on the reported grounds of non-allocation of reserved seats to SIC.
Imran Khan, the founder chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has endorsed President Arif Alvi’s choice to abstain from calling the session of the National Assembly.
Imran conveyed these sentiments during an informal exchange with journalists at Adiala Jail on Tuesday.
First and foremost, he said, he had personally dictated the letter addressed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He clarified that, following the drafting of the letter, there have been no meetings with other party leaders.
However, he said that after consultations with the party’s leadership, the letter would be dispatched to the IMF today (Tuesday). In his discussion on the prevailing political climate, Imran Khan reiterated his call for the resignation of the chief election commissioner, citing concerns over impartiality during elections.
He accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of engaging in rigging even after the conclusion of elections, stressing the imperative of fair and transparent electoral processes.
Commenting on the recent developments, the former prime minister lauded the decision of President Arif Alvi to refrain from convening a meeting of the National Assembly. He reiterated concerns about the allocation of specific seats despite the PTI’s electoral victories, alleging efforts to undermine the party’s success.
“Every attempt was made during the elections to eliminate the PTI,” he alleged.
“We are gathering all the parties that have been made to lose through rigging. and will hold country-wide protests against rigging,” Imran announced.
Amidst ongoing challenges and political tensions, the founder of PTI remains steadfast in advocating for fair governance and democratic principles, vowing to address electoral irregularities and promote accountability across all levels of government.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently under arrest, has said that he will ask the court to summon General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former Army Chief, in connection with the cipher case. Imran Khan shared this information during an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail.
Imran Khan explained the circumstances of his arrest, stating that it was all part of London’s plan. He drew a parallel with Nawaz Sharif, stating that after the London plan, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. He further claimed that Nawaz Sharif is responsible for 9 May incidents.
Breaking : عمران خان نے 9 مئی واقعے کی زمہ داری نوازشریف پر عائد کردی۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ 9 مئی لندن پلان کا حصہ ہے۔ یہ معاملہ تحریری معاہدے کی صورت میں موجود ہے۔ نوازشریف اسی پلان کے بعد وطن واپس آئے۔ جیل رہنا عبادت سمجھتا ہوں۔ (جیل میں سائفر کیس کی سماعت کے دوران صحافیوں سے…
Journalist Azaz Syed posted in a tweet that, “Imran Khan while talking to reporters in the jail (during the jail trial) said that I will summon Gen Bajwa to the court , he (Bajwa) did all on the directions of Donald Lu , I will also bring US Embassy officials and Gen Bajwa in doc (as witness).He said that Donald Lu took the cypher to Gen Bajwa, it was meant for Bajwa. “They wanted to remove me. They are trying to do with me what they did with Sheikh Mujib,” Imran reportedly said. He added that he can give in writing that his party will win the elections.
Imran Khan while talking to reporters in the jail (during the jail trial) said that I will summon Gen Bajwa to the court , he (Bajwa) did all on the directions of Donald Lu , I will also bring US Embassy officials and Gen Bajwa in doc (as witness).He said that Donald Lu took the…
Imran Khan, also the former Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleged that General Bajwa had acted on the instructions of US diplomat Donald Lu, asserting that he would ensure that General Bajwa faced the court for his actions.
Responding to a question, Imran Khan emphasized that he had not engaged in any negotiations for a deal, declaring his readiness to submit a written statement affirming that PTI would emerge victorious in the elections.
He further stated that he has faced no difficulties in jail and considers incarceration a form of worship.
عمران خان کا بہت بڑا بیان!
قسم اٹھانے اور قرآن پر ہاتھ رکھنے کیلئے تیار ہوں کہ بشری بی بی کو اُس دن دیکھا جس نے اُن سے نکاح کیا، عمران خان
In response to queries about PTI leaders leaving the party, Imran Khan expressed gratitude for those departing, considering it a positive development.
عمران خان کی کمرہ عدالت میں صحافیوں سے گفتگو حالات بتاتے ہیں آپ کو طویل عرصے تک جیل میں رہنا پڑے گا۔ صحافی کا سوال
“مجھے کوئی فرق نہیں پڑتا، قوم کو پیغام دینا چاہتا ہوں آپ کا کپتان آخری سانس تک لڑنے کیلئے تیار ہے۔ مجھ سے نہ کوئی ملا نہ مزاکرات کی۔ نو مئی لندن پلان کا حصہ تھا۔…
— Rizwan Ghilzai (Student of Arshad Sharif) (@RizwanGhilzai) December 4, 2023
It’s important to note that a special court, established under the Secret Act, has set December 12 as the date to formally charge Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Safdar case. The case involves the alleged altercation with law enforcement at the Quaid’s mausoleum during Maryam Nawaz’s rally.
Former prime minister Imran Khan has claimed that neither he met anyone in jail nor did somebody negotiate with him. He also stressed that the PTI will win the elections.
Khan made these remarks while answering a reporter’s question, in his first interaction with the media since being imprisoned, about whether someone held negotiations with him.
Recalling the events of May 9, the former PTI chairman said Dr Yasmin Rashid can be clearly seen asking people not to go inside the Lahore Corps Commander House. He added that CCTV footage could be seen to check who led the miscreants inside.
Furthermore, Khan said false accusations had been made through Khawar Maneka, adding that these were morally corrupt people.
“I can say on oath that I saw Bushra Bibi on the day of the marriage,” he insisted.
Imran Khan said he wanted to convey a message that the “kaptaan” was ready to fight till his last breath. He further alleged that the so-called London Plan was meant to bring back PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, jail all PTI officials and finish the party.
“I am making it clear to you today that the PTI will win the elections,” the former PTI chief said, adding that looking at the situation, it was feared they would run away from elections.
He further commented on the economy, saying that growth has dropped from 6.17 to zero. “People are not mad; they know what these people have done.”
On the other hand, Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a reporter he did not need any office within the party. The former minister was responding to a journalist’s statement that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had been made the PTI chairman.
“I stood by Khan yesterday; I am standing today and will continue to do so in the future,” Qureshi asserted. He added that he was at a stage where he did not need a position.
He further urged the supporters of the former PTI chairman to go out of their houses and cast their votes. He added that he was in the hearts of Imran Khan and the people of the PTI.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against President Arif Alvi for misconduct and failing to carry out his constitutional duties by Ghulam Murtaza under Article 184 section 3.
The President, Secretary, and the Ministry of Law have been made respondents in the petition.
In the petition, the Supreme Court has been requested to carry out an inquiry into President Arif Alvi’s conduct, summoning him after investigations, and subsequently removing him from office.
The petitioner argues that Dr Arif Alvi misused his powers as the president and insulted the office of the president. He states that the president belongs to the entire nation and not just one political party.
The petitioner alleges that Dr Arif Alvi is guilty of unconstitutional action of having misused his office. He contends that the president neglected his constitutional responsibility, adding that it was the president’s job to give the date for the next general elections, but he failed to do so.
The petitioner argues that the president was also guilty of illegally dissolving the assembly. He contends that Dr Arif Alvi did not ensure the implementation of the Constitution under Article 5 of the Constitution.
The petitioner has requested the court to stop Dr Arif Alvi from working as the president and action be taken against him for alleged violations of the constitution and law.
Alima Khan, the sister of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has claimed that the cipher case involves the complete complicity of the US Embassy.
While talking to the media, she said that they will file a case against Donald Lu in American courts.
Donald Lu, a US diplomat in the State Department, was blamed by Imran Khan for orchestrating the no-confidence vote that led to his ouster in April 2022.
Donald Lu’s talks with a Pakistani diplomat were conveyed in a diplomatic cipher sent to Islamabad that caused uproar in Pakistan.
Alima Khan confirmed that the case will be filed in the US while talking to the media outside Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is currently held under tight security.
“خان صاحب اچھی صحت میں ہیں، خان صاحب نے کہا کہ میری قوم کو بتاو کہ یہ ایسی دفعات مجھ پر لگانے کی کوشش کرہے ہیں جس میں عمر قید یا سزائے موت بھی ہوسکتی ہے، اگر عدالتوں سے انصاف نہیں ملتا تو ہم امریکہ میں ڈونلڈ لُو پر کیس کریں گے” علیمہ خان #ناحق_قید_عمران_خانpic.twitter.com/r6wejQ4UE0
She assured the public that Imran Khan’s health was in good condition, emphasizing his well-established routine and the absence of any complaints about the food provided by the authorities.
She also said that the High Court has issued a stay order in the cipher case, and clauses are being added which carry the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Alima Khan demanded that authorities specify the charges against Imran Khan that led to these serious allegations and probable punishments. She urged for justice to be served in Pakistan.
Alima Khan claimed that Imran Khan asserted that the American Embassy was fully involved in the conspiracy, and if justice is not served in Pakistani courts, they will pursue the case against Donald Lu in the United States.
The Cases
The former prime minister is currently being held in Adiala Jail after his arrest from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on August 5.
He was moved to the prison on September 26 from Attock Jail where he was initially kept after his arrest.
Khan was first convicted by a lower court in the Toshakhana case in August and sentenced to three years of imprisonment. The IHC suspended his sentence the same month.
The Islamabad accountability court issued arrest warrants for PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana and £ 190 million Al-Qadir Trust cases on Tuesday.
Khan was arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9 for the first time.
The £ 190 million (approximately Rs60 billion) settlement case pertains to the money of property tycoon, Malik Riaz, being laundered and caught by the UK authorities during Imran’s government in 2019.
The UK government had informed the Pakistani authorities regarding the money being caught.
The former premier is already in prison as he was subsequently booked in the ‘cipher’ case. The hearing of the cipher case in the special court has been adjourned without proceeding till November 21.
In the cipher case, Khan, along with his close aide and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has been accused of leaking state secrets.
An Accountability Court in Islamabad on Monday issued arrest warrants for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in cases pertaining to the Toshakhana and 190-million-pound Al-Qadir Trust.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed an application to comply with the arrest warrants of Chairman PTI.
Judge Mohammad Bashir conducted the hearing on the two cases where NABfiled an application seeking Khan’s arrest warrants.
Judge Bashir approved the issuance of the warrants while directing the jail superintendent to take measures to ensure the warrants were complied with.
Deputy Prosecutor General NAB Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, Prosecutor Irfan Bhola, Investigation Officers Mohsin, Waqarul Hasan, Mian Umar Nadeem, and others appeared before the court.
The court asked the prosecutor what the High Court did in these cases.
To which the prosecutor replied that the matter was pending, mentioning that the court neither suspended the order nor issued a standing order.
The warrants are expected to be complied with in jail today. Imran Khan will be provided with a copy of the warrant as well as briefed about the reasons for his arrest.
Sources said that the NAB has decided to immediately arrest Khan after the issuance of his arrest warrants, as per Aaj News.
The anti-graft body is likely to arrest the PTI chief today from Adiala jail where a team including investigation officers of the Bureau will arrive to ensure compliance with the warrants, they added.
The former prime minister is currently being held in Adiala jail after his arrest from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on August 5.
He was moved to the prison on September 26 from Attock jail where he was initially kept after his arrest.
Bushra Bibi in trouble
Earlier today, former First Lady Bushra Bibi was summoned by NAB in a £190 million case, and as per media reports her arrest could be on the cards.
Bushra was summoned at 2 pm to the NAB office in G-6 in Islamabad. Farhat Shahzadi, alias Farah Gogi, a former close aide of Bushra, has also been summoned in the same case today.
Moreover, NAB also provided Bushra Bibi with an 11-point questionnaire in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
During her appearance in the NAB office, Bushra Bibi was questioned about Farah Gogi.
The questionnaire given to her also included queries about her relations with Farah Gogi, the reasons for creating Al-Qadir Trust, whether she took any courses in jurisprudence or pedagogy, whether she continued to receive benefits from Al-Qadir Trust as a teacher, whether she was satisfied with Farah Gogi’s financial affairs and if Malik Riaz himself showed interest in Al-Qadir Trust or she contacted him.
The caretaker federal cabinet has given the green light for the jail trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case, as per Geo News.
The decision comes in response to security concerns, prompting the Ministry of Law to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the trial on August 29, following requests from the Interior Ministry and Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain.
The Ministry of Law emphasized that the jail trial for the PTI chairman was deemed necessary due to security considerations.
This approval sets the stage for an intra-court appeal filed by Imran Khan against the trial, scheduled to be heard by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on November 14. The court has invited arguments from the attorney general.
Imran Khan, who was ousted from the prime minister’s office in April last year through a no-confidence motion, initially contested the jail trial through a petition in the IHC.
However, the court’s single bench, led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, dismissed the appeal on October 16, citing no apparent malice in conducting the jail trial and advising Khan to address his concerns in the trial court.
The cipher case, invoking the Official Secrets Act 1923, was registered against Khan and Qureshi in August of this year by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), using Section 5 of the aforementioned law.
The case revolves around a missing diplomatic cable allegedly containing a threat from the United States to overthrow the PTI government, according to the former ruling party.
Both Imran Khan and Qureshi face allegations under the Official Secrets Act 1923 in the cipher case, related to a missing diplomatic cable, and are currently detained in Adiala jail.
The IHC had earlier suspended Imran Khan’s three-year sentence in the Toshakhana case on August 29.
The legal saga surrounding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s jail trial and the controversial cipher case took center stage in Islamabad this week.
On Tuesday, three witnesses provided their testimonies against the PTI chief and his party’s Vice Chairman, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Judge Zulqarnain presided over the proceedings at Adiala jail under the special Official Secrets Act court. PTI legal representatives included Barristers Salman Safdar, Taimur, and Gohar Ali Khan, while special prosecutors comprised of Shah Khawar, Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi, and Raja Rizwan Abbasi.
During the proceedings, PTI’s lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, representing Khan, raised concerns over the trial’s confined space within the jail premises, emphasizing that it wasn’t in line with legal protocols.
Family members met the two leaders before witnesses’ statements and cross-examination were conducted; legal teams consulted with Khan and Qureshi. The PTI chief met with his wife Bushra Bibi and sisters Aleema Khan, Noreen Khanum, and Uzma Khan, within the jail premises.
Qureshi’s daughter, Meharbano, was also present during the trial. She also spoke with the media outside the jail, and demanded justice and a fair trial for her father.
“Let the family in; no one can have security concerns from their family. Fair trial is my father’s right and as a daughter, I have the right to see the trial,” she added.
Contempt of court petition
Adiala jail superintendent responded to the contempt of court petition filed by Khan on Wednesday, requesting the court to dismiss the contempt of court petition.
“Can’t even think of disobeying the court order,” he stated in his reply.
The superintendent told the court there is no permanent facility to make phone calls abroad on WhatsApp. He informed the court that the PTI chief spoke with his children on October 18, after the jail took special measures to make the call possible.
“Arrangements are made for prisoners to speak with family and lawyers at the jail PCO,” he said, adding that the court can direct the Punjab Home Department to amend the rules with regard to making phone calls.
The court, meanwhile, adjourned the hearing of the contempt petition till Monday due to the absence of Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain.
Islamabad High Court
Islamabad High Court’s Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb asked the Attorney General of Pakistan to ensure that the cipher case trial was not conducted in an inappropriate manner, otherwise, it might collapse like a house of cards.
An IHC bench, comprising Justice Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, heard the intra-court appeal filed by Khan against his jail trial and the appointment of the special court’s judge in the cipher case.
The court adjourned the proceedings to November 14, allowing time for the attorney general to present arguments.
Nawaz wants his own umpires
Talking to media persons outside Adiala Jail, Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Umair Niazi said the PTI chief had criticised PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and also rejected the trial of civilians in military courts.
The PTI lawyer quoted Mr Khan as saying that Nawaz Sharif cannot play without his own umpires and is again looking towards them. All political parties, except the PML-N, are calling for a level playing field, he added.
Khan expressed concern over the fresh wave of terrorism in the country and said this was because of a “weak” Afghan policy as Mr Bhutto-Zardari, being the foreign minister, did not visit Kabul to address the issue of terrorism.
Former ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared its intention to participate in the upcoming general elections across all constituencies in the country.
The decision was made following a key meeting of the party’s core committee.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had previously confirmed that the general elections will take place on February 8, 2024, after the Supreme Court’s instructions.
ECP announces 8th February,2024 as poll date for the General Elections to the National Assembly of Pakistan and Provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan #ECPpic.twitter.com/pbSpLF9Z9o
— Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL) (@ECP_Pakistan) November 3, 2023
The announcement followed consultations with President Arif Alvi in response to the apex court’s directives.
Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr. Sikandar Sultan Raja, along with the Attorney General for Pakistan, Mr. Mansoor Usman Awan, and four members of the Election Commission of Pakistan, came to meet President Dr. Arif Alvi, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/wsPqo5tIxl
The Imran Khan-led party, in its statement, reiterated its determination to take part in electoral politics, adding that “Coercion and fascism will not deter [PTI] from contesting the elections.”
Addressing former prime minister and party chairman Imran Khan’s incarceration, the statement said: “The PTI chairman will lead the nation after being released [from Adiala jail]”.
“If the chairman is kept incarcerated, [then] he will lead the nation from the jail,” it added.
As per Imran Khan’s instructions, the party is set to actively engage in the national and provincial assembly elections, undeterred by any form of coercion or suppression, the core committee affirmed.
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It is the fiduciary duty of the judiciary and the lawyers to protect the Constitution, upon which rests the progress of…
The committee paid glowing tributes to the party chairman for demonstrating “unparalleled courage, resilience, and determination”.
Imran Khan stands as an embodiment of struggle, resistance, maturity, determination, and perseverance in the pursuit of genuine liberation for the nation, the committee noted, highlighting the chairman’s “unwavering resolve” despite his nearly 100-day “unjust incarceration”.
Members of the committee highlighted that Imran Khan’s “bravery and unwavering commitment” to not compromise on the true freedom of the nation serve as a wellspring of inspiration for the 240 million Pakistanis.
The PTI also plans to release a ‘White Paper’ outlining the alleged failures of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and the caretaker government, which, they claim, have contributed to the country’s economic crisis.
Notably, the PTI has voiced concerns about the lack of a level playing field in the upcoming elections, a sentiment echoed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Both parties have alleged biased treatment favoring the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Meanwhile, as political parties gear up for the elections, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the PML-N, has directed party members to begin their preparations for the upcoming polls during a recent meeting in Lahore.
Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, issued a firm warning to the country’s media during a hearing of multiple pleas seeking timely elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the assemblies.
“If media raises suspicions about the elections, they will be committing a violation of the constitution,” he remarked, adding that journalists cannot simply grab a microphone and say there are doubts about the elections.
“An anchor or reporter cannot raise doubts about whether the elections will happen or not,” he stated.
Faez Isa warned that if rumors or speculations are spread about the elections, action will be taken by PEMRA.
The head of the apex court stressed that, “Media outlets should know that they do not have the right to lie. Media freedom has been granted in the constitution.”
He further said that if a media person has suspicions about the elections, he will not tell the public, but he can tell his wife.
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the government to ensure the conduct of general elections on February 8, a day after President Arif Alvi and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja unanimously agreed on the aforementioned date during a meeting held at the President’s House.
A three-member bench headed by CJP Isa and comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan heard the case.
The court, in its order, mentioned that the notification of the general election date has also been issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), stating that no party has any objection to holding elections on February 8.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa asked everyone in the courtroom as well as the Attorney-General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, if they had any objection to the election date, but all replied in the negative.
“After all the requirements are fulfilled, the Election Commission should announce the election schedule,” CJP Isa said. The chief justice said: “Elections will definitely be held on February 8, God willing.”
