Tag: Prime Minister Imran Khan

  • ‘Go back or things will be out of my hands,’ Sheikh Rasheed warns TLP protesters

    ‘Go back or things will be out of my hands,’ Sheikh Rasheed warns TLP protesters

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, while speaking on Geo News‘ programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, said: “Things will be out of my hands”, adding that Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) should stick to the promises it had made with the government.

    “Your loss is the government’s loss. But we will not allow Pakistan’s loss at any cost,” the minister said, adding that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan will not allow Pakistan to be held hostage by anyone.

    “Pakistan is an atomic power, therefore, internal powers are trying to weaken the country,” Rasheed maintained. “Pakistan is the defensive line of Islam.”

    The prime minister had shown as much flexibility as was possible on the matter, the minister said. He added that the government couldn’t be forced to do something.

    “Our agreement with you still stands, but if you keep moving [towards Islamabad], the government will have to establish its writ,” he said while addressing the protesters.

    “The government is being mocked across the world [for not establishing its writ],” he said, adding that “matters should not reach a point of no-return”.

    “This time, PM Imran has decided that enough is enough.”

    Commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda’s statement that PM Khan was not aware of the government’s agreement with TLP, which was signed in November 2020, Rasheed said, “I have told Faisal Vawda that what you have said is wrong. The agreement I signed with TLP was in line with the Prime Minister’s directives.”

    “We are ready to go through with our agreement with the TLP,” the minister said, warning the TLP of consequences if it didn’t follow through with its commitments. “I don’t want matters to worsen, and if that happens, those out on the road would be harmed.”

  • PM Imran Khan calls National Security Committee meeting on Friday

    PM Imran Khan calls National Security Committee meeting on Friday

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter and announced, “In view of the current situation due to the unlawful activities of the banned party [Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP)], Prime Minister Imran Khan will convene a meeting of the National Security Committee tomorrow, Friday.

    Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali on Wednesday called the situation alarming, saying it was a matter of serious concern that the violent protesters of the banned TLP were armed with weapons and opened straight fire on police.

    Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday in a hard-hitting press conference on TLP’s ongoing protests, said, “No one has the guts to blackmail the state.”

  • ‘I wrote a letter to PM Khan about women’s rights in Afghanistan, have not received any response’: Malala Yousafzai

    ‘I wrote a letter to PM Khan about women’s rights in Afghanistan, have not received any response’: Malala Yousafzai

    Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai, during a conversation with Dawn News programme, ‘Live with Adil Shahzeb’, said, “I wrote a letter to the prime minister about women’s rights in Afghanistan but so far have not received any response.”

    Anchorperson Adil Shahzeb questioned Malala on girls’ education, a cause she has been advocating and supporting for years. Malala expressed her worry over the situation in Afghanistan.

    “The current temporary restriction on girls’ education [in Afghanistan] shouldn’t turn out to be as long as in their (Taliban’s) first tenure [in the government], when the ban stretched for five years,” she said, adding that she feared something similar. “We don’t want a repeat of their previous rule.”

    When asked about Pakistan’s role for girls’ education in Afghanistan, she said “I am very much hopeful that Prime Minister Imran Khan would … champion [the cause],” she said, urging him to push the Taliban to ensure female education and women’s rights in Afghanistan.

    Speaking about the Taliban in general, the Nobel laureate said, “One should not differentiate between the good and bad [Taliban] as their thinking is the same — of repression [and] forcing their own laws,” further adding, “I do not see any justice system in their governance, but Islam is based on [the principles of] justice,” she said.

  • ‘No one has the guts to blackmail the state, TLP will be treated as a militant party in Pak’: Fawad Chaudhry

    ‘No one has the guts to blackmail the state, TLP will be treated as a militant party in Pak’: Fawad Chaudhry

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry in a hard-hitting press conference on Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan’s (TLP) ongoing protests, said, “No one has the guts to blackmail the state.”

    “TLP will be treated as a militant party and not a political party in Pakistan. Other institutions [in Pakistan] should also realise their role in this matter. It is the duty of all the institutions to fulfil their duty in this regard,” said Fawad.

    “Just like we dealt with all terrorist organisations, TLP shall be dealt in the same manner,” said the minister.

    “In today’s cabinet meeting, it was decided that such activities will not be tolerated. We will not tolerate those who challenge the writ of the state,” he said, adding that the Pakistani state had defeated major terrorist organisation such as Al Qaeda.

    “No one should make the mistake of thinking that the state is weak. Those who made this mistake later realised they were wrong.”

    “No one has the guts to blackmail the state. We have acted in a restrained manner and not once used power. This is a matter of respect for our country and the safety of every citizen,” added Fawad.

    Warning the people spreading fake news on the matter, Fawad said, “We will come hard on you. And this will not be tolerated.”

    The minister’s remarks came as fresh violence erupted between law enforcers and TLP supporters near Sadhoke in Punjab’s Gujranwala district on Wednesday. At least four policemen were martyred and dozens injured.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands, reports Geo News.

    “The government will not allow violence for political purposes,” PM Khan.

    “The government and the state are on one page regarding the protests, the protesters will be dealt with severely if they try to enter Islamabad,” said the premier.

    On the other hand, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, “If Imran Khan’s sit-in was legitimate when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was in the Opposition, then why isn’t TLP’s long march justified.”

  • Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum to take charge as DG ISI on Nov 20

    Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum to take charge as DG ISI on Nov 20

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan issued a notification on October 26 for the appointment of a new director-general (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum has been appointed as the new DG ISI and will take charge on November 20.

    Notification for the appointment of the General Officers

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today.

    The meeting was part of the ongoing consultation process between the premier and army chief about the timing of change of command in ISI and selection of the new DG ISI.

    During this process, a list of officers was received from the Ministry of Defence. Prime Minister interviewed all the nominees. A final round of consultation was held between the Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff today.

    After this detailed consultative process, the name of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum was approved as the new DG ISI.

    The designated DG ISI shall assume charge on November 20.

    October 6: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced a reshuffle in the army, in which Lt Gen Anjum replaced Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who has been posted as Commander of Peshawar-based Corps XI.

    October 12: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday confirmed the meeting between PM Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and said, “PM Khan is the authority in appointing the DG ISI,” further adding that “all legal methods will be adopted in the appointment of the new director-general”.

    October 13: Fawad took to Twitter and said, “The process of consultation between PM Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa over the appointment of the new DG ISI has been completed and the process for the new appointment is now underway.”

    However, rumours started circulating that PM Khan wanted Lt Gen Faiz Hameed to continue serving as the spymaster for some time due to the critical situation in neighbouring Afghanistan.

    October 14: PM Khan convened an emergency meeting of the ruling party’s parliamentary group at Parliament House. Journalists questioned PM Khan about the appointment of the DG ISI. PM Khan did not answer the questions but laughed in response.

    Prior to this, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairperson and former President Asif Ali Zardari, made an appearance before an accountability court in Islamabad today, where journalists questioned him about the appointment of DG ISI and he responded with laughter as well.

    October 15: Fawad told the media that the notification regarding the appointment of the new DG ISI would be issued in two to three days.

    News started circulating that PM Khan would take interviews of the potential candidates for the appointment of the new DG ISI and that a new summary with names of candidates for the position of ISI chief had been sent to the Prime Minister. Fawad denied the news and said, “Prime Minister Imran Khan will just meet all candidates (for the slot of DG ISI).”

    October 19: Fawad said, “All the matters have been resolved” and announced that the notification of the new DG ISI would be issued this week.

    “It [Opposition] is thinking that there are some differences between the government and security institutions but its euphoria is gradually fading,” said Fawad.

  • PTI’s Shahbaz Gill’s entry in press clubs to be banned for maligning journalist Asma Shirazi

    PTI’s Shahbaz Gill’s entry in press clubs to be banned for maligning journalist Asma Shirazi

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill in a press conference on Thursday allegedly accused senior journalist Asma Shirazi of maligning First Lady Bushra Bibi in an article about the existing political situation and the government’s handling of it.

    Gill held a presser in connection with the article written by Shirazi for BBC Urdu, which criticised the government without naming any individual, including Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife.

    Critising Shirazi for her article, Gill said, “While criticising, people forget that First Lady Bushra Bibi is a daughter of Pakistan first, then she is a mother and then a wife. If you have any proof Asma Shirzai Sahiba of all the things you have accused her of, then you have every right to report news if you have the proof of it, but don’t make news out of assumptions.”

    “If you dislike the prime minister’s family, you can hold a grudge against them, but there are ethical limits.”

    Gill expressed resentment with some senior journalists for supporting Shirazi [on Twitter] with the hashtag ‘I stand with Asma Shirazi’.

    He asked whether she was doing “all this after failing to find any scandal of the PM in the last three years”.

    Gill’s presser was widely critised. Press clubs in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta will ban Gill’s entry unless he apologises to Asma Shirazi for baseless allegations.

    Lahore Press Club released a statement condemning the vile comments of PM’s aide and said, “All Press Clubs of Pakistan will ban the entry of Shahbaz Gill, and the media will boycott him.”

    Human Rights Commission of Pakistan tweeted, “HRCP is appalled by @SHABAZGIL’s slurs against senior journalist @asmashirazi and his attempts to disparage her professional and personal integrity. Such behaviour reflects the govt’s regrettable antipathy towards critical reportage, which is every journalist’s right.”

    Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) warned of serious consequences for the use of abusive and intimidating language against Asma Shirazi by Shahbaz Gill.

    Journalist Benazir Shah tweeted, “The special assistant to the prime minister for political communication just held a press conference against journalist Asma Shirazi, who is already being viciously trolled and attacked since yesterday. This is what targeted harassment looks like by govt officials.”

    Lawyer Reema Omer tweeted, “Shahbaz Gill’s vile press conference against @asmashirazi is a new low for this Government And given their already atrocious record on media freedom, this is saying a lot.”

    Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) official Twitter account posted a video of an old telephonic conversation between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and journalist Asma Shirazi during a telephonic press conference. The tweet came after journalists condemned the ruling party for targeted harassment.

    PTI’s official account also asked social media users to mention the names of the journalists who have blocked them for ‘questioning’ the journalists.

    “We have received a lot of feedback from folks who have been blocked unfairly by journalists for asking questions (no abuse or harsh language at all). If you suffered an unfair block, mention in this thread. We will request journalists to unblock you,” the tweet from the official Twitter handle of the ruling party read.

  • Fawad Chaudhry says PM Khan will meet all candidates for DG ISI slot

    Fawad Chaudhry says PM Khan will meet all candidates for DG ISI slot

    Following the emergency meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) parliamentary group at Parliament House yesterday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told the media that the notification regarding the appointment of new director-general (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency would be issued in two to three days, reports Dawn.

    Fawad denied that the premier would take interviews of the potential candidates but said: “Prime Minister Imran Khan will just meet all candidates (for the slot of DG ISI)”.

    No such interviews have been taken in the past by any prime minister. Rather the official who is selected as head of the ISI pays a goodwill visit to the prime minister after his appointment.

    However, during the parliamentary meeting, PM Khan assured the party leaders that the issue of the appointment of the new ISI chief has been amicably settled by him and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and that the government will complete its five-year term.

    Prior to the party meeting, Fawad Chaudhry while talking to reporters at Parliament House, said, “Everyone, at the turn of every hour, is trying to twist the matter to gain some popularity.”

  • Watch: Zardari reacts to question, ‘Who will be next DG ISI?’

    Watch: Zardari reacts to question, ‘Who will be next DG ISI?’

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairperson and former President Asif Ali Zardari, when questioned about the appointment of Director General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, responded with laughter.

    A journalist asked Zardari, “Appointments are being made, a summon has not been issued, what will you say?”

    “My summon?” asked Zardari in response.

    “Who will be the new DG ISI?” asked the journalist.

    Zardari responded by laughing out loud.

    Zardari made an appearance before an accountability court in Islamabad on Thursday and said that the “next turn” to form a government in the country will be that of the PPP.

    Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday tweeted that consultation between Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on the appointment of a new DG ISI had been completed and the process for the appointment had begun.

    According to experts in defence matters, the procedure for the appointment is not mentioned in the Constitution or the Army Act, and all past appointments were made as per traditions under which the army chief proposes three names to the premier who then makes a final decision, reports Dawn.

  • Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passes away at 85

    Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passes away at 85

    Pakistan’s nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away in Islamabad on Sunday morning at the age of 85.

    Dr Khan was admitted to a local hospital where his health deteriorated early morning. PTV said that the nuclear scientist died after being transferred to a hospital with lung problems, reports Radio Pakistan.

    “Under the directions issued by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dr Khan would be given a state funeral,” said Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter and wrote Dr Khan was loved by the nation because of his critical contribution to making Pakistan a nuclear weapon state.

    “This has provided us security against an aggressive much larger nuclear neighbour. For the people of Pakistan he was a national icon,” he said, adding that he would be buried in Faisal Mosque “as per his wishes”.

    President Dr Arif Alvi said, “He helped us develop nation-saving nuclear deterrence, and a grateful nation will never forget his services in this regard.”

    Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif said that the nation had lost “a true benefactor who served the motherland with heart and soul”.

    According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza and all services chiefs expressed sorrow over Dr Khan’s passing.

    The ISPR statement also quoted Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying that he had rendered invaluable services to strengthen Pakistan’s defence capabilities.

    Born in 1936 in Bhopal, India, Dr Khan had immigrated along with his family to Pakistan in 1947 after the partition of the subcontinent.

    After learning of India’s nuclear test in 1974, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan joined his nation’s clandestine efforts to develop nuclear power, read Radio Pakistan’s statement.

    He founded the Khan Research Laboratories in 1976 and was both its chief scientist and director for many years.

    He was awarded Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his services to the country.

  • 90 per cent institutions, including PM Khan’s office, decline RTI requests

    The majority of government institutions and departments have declined to respond to hundreds of queries by Geo News, which were sent to them under the Right To Information (RTI) laws, Investigative Reporter Zahid Gishkori reports for The News.

    According to the Punjab Information Commission, RTI is the right that you have, as a citizen, to access information from your government and private bodies that receive public funds. It is based on the principle that information belongs to the people. Under Article 19-A of the Constitution, RTI is a fundamental right in Pakistan.

    The media outlet reportedly sent approximately 400 different queries to 36 key institutions in the last nine months but 90 per cent of them didn’t respond or simply declined. Only 10 per cent of queries were partially responded to by the institutions, providing either very little or patchy information.

    According to the report, a few of the institutions provided factually incorrect and cooked-up information.

    Over 100 queries were sent to the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Punjab, both have not responded. Similarly, Sindh and Balochistan did not receive the correspondent’s queries.

    The departments that simply refused to share any information includes the offices of the Prime Minister, President, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Members, Supreme and High Courts, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority, National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Assets Recovery Unit (ARU), Parliament, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the report states.

    The Cabinet Division (CD) refused to share any information regarding gifts and the use of helicopters by PM Khan. The ARU and NAB refused to share information on the Broadsheet scandal, as per the report.

    Furthermore, it says that the Ministry of Interior even shared false information by saying no official is facing inquiry in issuing bogus visas to Chinese nationals. despite the fact that the interior ministry itself referred an inquiry against its own officials allegedly involved in a visa scam to the FIA for probe.

    During the process, Gishkori was approached by four cabinet members and half a dozen senior civil servants to withdraw the requests.