Tag: Prime Minister

  • Government decides to give extension to NAB chairman

    The government has decided to give an extension to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal and a draft ordinance has been prepared, Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai reports for Geo News.

    Law Minister Dr Farogh Naseem, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan, and Adviser on Interior and Accountability Mirza Shahzad Akbar suggested changes in the law.

    According to sources privy to the matter, more than one amendment has been proposed.

    Geo reports that Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair a meeting today (Tuesday), in which a final approval will be given to the proposal drafted in consultation with federal ministers.

    The tenure of a NAB chairman cannot be extended under section 6(b) of the NAB Ordinance 1999.

    Earlier, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari tweeted that the PPP will forcefully oppose the illegal extension in the tenure of Chairman NAB.

  • Fact Check: PM Khan misquoted Ronald Reagan at the 76th UNGA?

    Fact Check: PM Khan misquoted Ronald Reagan at the 76th UNGA?

    Claim: Imran Khan misquoted President Ronald Reagan’s statement at the UN General Assembly session

    Fact: Imran Khan misquoted President Ronald Reagan’s statement at the UN General Assembly session

    Prime Minister Imran Khan misquoted United States President Ronald Reagan’s statement, while delivering his address to the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25, 2021,

    PM Khan claimed that in the 1980s, former US President Ronald Reagan compared the Afghan mujahideen fighting against Soviet forces to the Founding Fathers of the United States.

    Focal person to Chief Minister Punjab, Azhar Mashwani, took to Twitter and shared the video clip where the former president can be heard comparing Afghan Mujahideen as “moral equals of founding fathers of USA”.

    https://twitter.com/MashwaniAzhar/status/1441534425758502912

    If you watch the video attentively, you will find a minor glitch. The video is 0:48 seconds long.

    At 0:37-0:45 seconds, Reagan says: “They are our brothers, these freedom fighters, who we owe them our help. You know the truth about them, you know who they are fighting and why.”

    However, from 0:45 seconds to 0:48 seconds, there is a slight change in the sound of the president. The pitch of the sound is a bit higher as compared to the entire video. The words spoken by the president during these seconds are, “They are the moral equal of our founding fathers.”

    Actual quote of the former US President, “In making mention of freedom fighters, all of us are privileged to have in our midst tonight one of the brave commanders who lead the Afghan freedom fighters—Abdul Haq. Abdul Haq, we are with you.”

    “They are our brothers, these freedom fighters, and we owe them our help. I’ve spoken recently of the freedom fighters of Nicaragua. You know the truth about them. You know who they’re fighting and why. They are the moral equal of our Founding Fathers and the brave men and women of the French Resistance,” said Reagan.

    The anecdote that PM Khan shared about Ronald Reagan comparing the mujahideen to the Founding Fathers is a commonly made mistake and there is actually no truth to it. Reagan had actually compared Nicaraguan rebel fighters to the Founding Fathers, a comment which has since been wrongly connected to the mujahideen.

    However, this is not the first time that the premier made this mistake. In 2019, PM Khan while speaking at an event at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) think tank in New York on Monday, September 23, claimed that in the 1980’s former Ronald Reagan compared the Afghan Mujahideen fighting against Soviet forces to the Founding Fathers of the United States.

    Journalist Gharidah Farooqi raised this issue initially. She took to Twitter and said, “What an international embarrassment that too at the #UNGA forum this time. US Pres RonaldRegan NEVER compared ‘mujahideen’ to Founding Fathers. It’s a FAKE NEWS. PM Khan refers to a fake “news item” to launch a case at such a prestigious forum! Who wrote speech for PM Khan? Fire him.”

    VERDICT: TRUE

  • NAB Chairman explainer: why is the govt not talking to Shehbaz?

    NAB Chairman explainer: why is the govt not talking to Shehbaz?

    The four-year tenure of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Javed Iqbal will end early next month.

    The non-extendable tenure of the NAB chairman has led to rumours as Prime Minister Imran Khan refuses to consult the Leader of the Opposition and the President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Shehbaz Sharif.

    PM Khan has refused to hold talks with Shehbaz Sharif as the latter is accused of corruption references filed against him by NAB.

    Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, while speaking on HUM News programme ‘Hum Meher Bokhari Kay Sath’, said: “The government has decided not to consult Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif for the appointment of NAB chairman since he (Sharif) is accused in several corruption references filed by the bureau (in accountability courts).”

    “The attorney general and the law minister have been tasked to check how can one do the consultation from an accused Leader of the Opposition by weighing other legal options as the tenure of the NAB chairman is about to end,” added Fawad.

    Under the NAB Ordinance, the prime minister has to consult the Opposition Leader for the appointment of the NAB chairman, reports Dawn.

    The ordinance says: “There shall be a Chairman NAB to be appointed by the President in consultation with the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly for a non-extendable period of four years on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the President and shall not be removed except on the grounds of removal of Judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan.”

    Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), told Dawn that it would be ‘illegal’ if the government did not consult the Opposition Leader for the appointment of the NAB chairman.

    To a question about the government’s plea that the Opposition Leader was a NAB suspect, Mr Mehboob said: “There is no issue of being a NAB suspect or accused. Unless the opposition leader is convicted the premier can consult him on the matter in accordance with the law.”

    He further said that not only the NAB ordinance demanded consultation with the Opposition Leader but also there was a decision of the apex court in this regard. “To consult the Opposition Leader for the purpose is not a choice but a legal binding,” he maintained.

    NAB has accused Shehbaz of laundering money and owning more assets than his known sources of income.

    In December last year, the anti-graft watchdog had issued orders to freeze 23 properties owned by former Punjab chief executive and his sons, Hamza and Suleman, over claims they had acquired assets beyond their known sources of income and committed money-laundering.

    According to NAB, an investigation against Shehbaz, Hamza, Suleman, and others had revealed that the PML-N president had acquired properties in the name of his wives Nusrat and Tehmina Durrani.

  • Conspiracy behind NZ tour cancellation, says Sheikh Rasheed

    Conspiracy behind NZ tour cancellation, says Sheikh Rasheed

    Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed in a press conference said, “The New Zealand (NZ)authorities do not have substantive proof of threat in Pakistan.”

    “New Zealand took a unilateral decision to cancel the Pakistan tour despite the country’s tight security arrangements for the team,” said Rasheed.

    The interior minister said NZ team’s security in-charge spoke to government officials in the morning and informed them of a threat. When the officials asked for further details, the NZ security in-charge “did not have any”, he added.

    Pakistan had deployed commandos from Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG), soldiers, and 4,000 policemen for the matches in Rawalpindi, Sheikh Rasheed said.

    “We also tried to convince them to play the match without spectators. But they did not agree to it,” he disclosed.

    “None of our intelligence agencies, which are among the best in the world, have any information about a threat. Pakistan is playing a major role in the region and they do not want us to prosper.”

    Indian media was “defaming Pakistan”, said the interior minister, adding that its designs would be foiled.

    “We have sacrificed before and peace will prevail here at all costs,” he stressed.

    Following this, the Pakistani officials spoke to Prime Minister Imran Khan — who is currently in Tajikistan.

    “The prime minister was briefed on the matter. He then called New Zealand Prime Minister [Jacinda Ardern] and assured her that there was no security threat,” the interior minister said.

    However, Ardern said the NZ government had “received intelligence that the team could be attacked when it steps out to go to the stadium”, Sheikh Rasheed added.

    “It is their decision. We had deployed heavy security for the team. Pakistan is a peace promoter in the world. And this tour was cancelled through a conspiracy. It is their (NZ’s) problem and what they decide.”

  • ‘More than half of Pakistanis dissatisfied with govt’s performance on all issues,’ survey reveals

    A survey conducted by lpsos has revealed that “More than half of Pakistanis are dissatisfied with federal government’s performance on all issues.”

    Key results of the survey:

    1 in 2 Pakistanis seem unhappy with the federal government’s performance on dealing with COVID-19; males, top elite, Sindh and Balochistan are even more dissatisfied

    Only 1 in 4 Pakistanis consider the PTI regime to have succeeded in eradicating corruption in Pakistan

    Majority (62%) Pakistanis expressed dissatisfaction with the PTI government’s performance on controlling inflation:

    Majority (53%) Pakistanis are dissatisfied with PTI’s delivery on providing justice, dissatisfaction even higher in less educated Pakistanis.

    Only 1 in 5 Pakistanis think that the current government has been able to eradicate poverty. Same trend prevalent across all segments and provinces:

    The sample size of the survey was 1020, and “random CATI interviews (Computer-assisted telephone interviewing )” were conducted between August 26 to September 2, 2021. The survey was named, “PTI’s three years in Federal Government.

  • Nawaz Sharif modifies milli naghma to make a point against establishment

    Nawaz Sharif modifies milli naghma to make a point against establishment

    At the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) jalsa in Karachi on Sunday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif blamed “a few hundred thousand” of hijacking the country’s democratic system. Sharif was addressing the PDM jalsa from London via video link.

    Nawaz vowed he would not stay silent anymore.

    Reciting a few lines from the milli naghma (national song) ‘Yeh watan tumhara hai’, Nawaz Sharif changed a few lines to: “Yeh watan tumhara hai, hum hain khawamkhah iss mein [This country is yours and we are living in it for no reason].”

    “Ai chand lakh logo, yeh watan tumhara hai, baaqi 21 crore hain khawamkhah iss mein [Dear few lakh people, this country is yours, the rest of the 21 crore people are living here for no reason],” further added Nawaz.

    “It’s a crime to stay silent under the current circumstances,” said Nawaz.

    “A few generals and elite of the society have made this democratic system a hostage. We remained silent when the elected prime minister was thrown out. We stayed silent when votes were snatched and blue-eyed people were imposed over the country to rule. We stayed silent when honest and God-fearing judges were implicated in false cases,” said Nawaz.

    The PML-N leader said, “We stayed silent when the RTS [results transmission system] collapsed [in 2018 elections] and we stayed silent when the country’s poor segment of society was deprived of food. Now you have to decide that whether you want to stand with those who are suffering and scared or with those who raise their voice against injustice.”

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin calls PM Imran Khan

    Russian President Vladimir Putin calls PM Imran Khan

    Prime Minister Imran Khan received a telephone call from Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (August 25).

    The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and bilateral relations.

    PM Khan stressed that a peaceful, secure, and stable Afghanistan was vitally important for Pakistan and regional stability. Besides ensuring safety, security, and protection of rights of Afghans, an inclusive political settlement was the best way forward.

    PM Khan also underscored that the international community must stay positively engaged in support of the people of Afghanistan, to help address humanitarian needs and ensure economic sustenance.

    PM Khan said highlighted the importance of coordinated approaches in addressing the evolving situation and noted that Pakistan attached high importance to the role of the Troika Plus format.

    PM Khan expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations, with increased high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in diverse fields.

    He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen trade relations as well as bilateral collaboration in the energy sector, including the early realisation of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.

    The two leaders agreed to closely cooperate within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for promoting regional peace and security.

    PM Khan reiterated his invitation to President Putin to visit Pakistan.

  • PM Khan, President Alvi and others share messages to mark Ashura

    Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi have shared messages to mark Ashura.

    PM Khan urged the nation not to desist from sacrificing their lives for the supremacy of the principles of truth and justice for what Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) sacrificed his life, Radio Pakistan has reported.

    He further urged people to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) by supporting truth and justice, besides thwarting every falsehood.

    President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to rise above hatred, malice and sectarianism in line with the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

    He said the nation should prepare for all kinds of sacrifices as a metaphor for determination.

    Other politicians including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, ministers Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar shared messages on the day of Ashura.

  • Abdul Qayyum Niazi nominated as PTI’s candidate for AJK PM

    Abdul Qayyum Niazi nominated as PTI’s candidate for AJK PM

    Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry announced that Prime Minister Imran Khan has nominated Abdul Qayyum Niazi as the next premier of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

    The information minister took to Twitter and said that the premier made the decision after “considerable consultations and suggestions”.

    In a tweet, the minister wrote, “He [Abdul Qayyum Niazi] is a dynamic and genuine political activist and his heart beats for the people.”

    Abdul Qayyum Niazi was a member of the AJK Legislative Assembly from border area Abbaspur Poonch. He is also Central Joint Secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Last week, PM Khan started interviewing some of the elected members of the Azad Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly for the slot of AJK prime minister.

    PM Khan took lengthy interviews of the candidates in which he asked questions about the environment, tourism, economy, border issues, and their future plans.

  • PM Khan shares throwback childhood picture from cousin’s wedding

    PM Khan shares throwback childhood picture from cousin’s wedding

    Prime Minister Imran Khan shared a childhood picture of the wedding ceremony of his cousin, Jamshaid Burki — a former diplomat of Pakistan.

    PM Khan took to Instagram to post a picture with the caption: “Wedding of my cousin Jamshaid Burki Year 1962.”

    Earlier, the premier shared a photo of him standing with his uncle at his cousin’s wedding.

    Prime Minister keeps sharing photos from his archives with the hashtag, #MemoriesFromPast.

    Read More: PM Khan remembers his past in unseen photos

    PM Khan is very active on social media platforms with 5.1 million followers on Instagram. He also has 14 million followers on Twitter, which is the highest number of followers for any Pakistani politician.