Tag: Punjab

  • PML-Q unanimously decides to remove Chaudhry Shujaat as party head

    PML-Q unanimously decides to remove Chaudhry Shujaat as party head

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid’s (PML-Q) Central Working Committee (CWC) has decided to remove Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Federal Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema from their party positions.

    The decision to remove Shujaat from the party command was taken at a CWC meeting headed by Senator Kamil Ali Agha in the chair at the Muslim League House on Thursday. Shujaat has been the PML-Q president for the last two decades after Mian Azhar. He also served as a prime minister and senator.

    “It has become necessary to isolate Chaudhry Shujaat to save the party from destruction,” said Kamil Ali Agha while talking to the media after the CWC meeting. He said that due to a conspiracy hatched by Salik Hussain and Cheema, a letter was used to ask PML-Q MPAs to vote for the PML-N, damaging the party’s reputation.

    Chaudhry Shafaat Hussain said that the PML-Q’s central committee meeting cannot be held without the approval of Shujaat as no decision had been taken to convene the meeting of PML-Q’s central committee.

    He said that Kamil Ali Agha was the general secretary of PML-Q’s Punjab chapter and he cannot act against the central president. He said that the PML-Q’s central working committee does not exist and there was no central working committee nor an executive committee and there was no information about the party meeting.

  • ‘Can talk to TTP, not with thieves’: Imran Khan rules out possibility of talks with the govt

    ‘Can talk to TTP, not with thieves’: Imran Khan rules out possibility of talks with the govt

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan addressed his supporters on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court verdict declared Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as the new chief minister of Punjab. He demanded immediate elections that should be free and fair. Khan ruled out any possibility of holding talks with the coalition government.

    ‘Can talk to the TTP and separatists but not with thieves’

    “I can talk to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the separatists of Balochistan and Sindh, but not with thieves,” said Khan while ruling out the possibility of holding talks with the coalition government.

    “Will you speak to someone who robs your home?” 

    ‘A new Election Commission should be formed’

    Once again, Khan expressed his complete lack of trust in the incumbent Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja. Khan accused the ECP of supporting former CM Punjab Hamza Shehbaz.

    “The Election Commission was involved and tried to defeat us in the by-polls.”

    Terming his party’s win in the Punjab by-elections a “miracle”, he said that despite the government’s attempts, his party managed to win because of the people.

    “First of all, Hamza was illegally imposed on us, and even when he was ordered by the top court to refrain from using any state machinery and administration for personal gains, he used all of the aforementioned to rig the elections.”

    He demanded that a new Election Commission should be formed.

    “Such an Election Commission should be formed that no political party should have an issue with it.”

    ‘Yeh jo bikay hain hamaray log, yeh bhi aik shirk hai’

    Khan said that those who defected from his party committed shirk.

    “Jab yeh apni naukri ko bachanay ke liye ghalat kaam kartay hain, gunnah kartay hain, yeh bhi aik shirk hai. Aap apnay zameer ko bechtay hain, laalach de kar jo aap ko khareedta hai, yeh jo bikay hain hamaray log bhairr baqriyon ki tarah, yeh bhi aik shirq hai kyun ke Allah Al-Haqq hai.”

    (Those who do wrong things to save their jobs commit sin, it is shirk [idolatry]. Those who sell their self-respect and themselves, it is also counted as shirk because Allah is Al-Haqq).

    Azadi March and Haqeeqi Azadi

    Khan recalled that when his party announced its “Azadi March” on May 25, the coalition government attacked the women, children, and families who came out to support PTI.

    “They tried to silence us.”

    “Today, I want to thank the Almighty that despite all the impediments, people came out to show support rather than staying at home out of fear,” adding that he is glad that the people of Pakistan have started becoming a nation now.

    ‘Free and fair elections should be held immediately‘

    Khan stressed that there is only one way forward and that is through immediately holding free and fair elections.

  • New CM Punjab: Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi

    New CM Punjab: Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi

    Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is now the chief minister (CM) of Punjab as per the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Punjab CM election case.

    The apex court has directed Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman to administer oath to Pervaiz Elahi by 11:30pm tonight.

    Punjab CM election: Supreme Court to announce verdict in a while

    In a plea filed by PML-Q’s Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the Supreme Court (SC) heard the case regarding Chief Minister (CM) Punjab election and reserved its decision.

    The plea was filed against the Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker’s ruling on the day of the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) election (July 22).

    The top court will announce the final verdict at 5:45pm today.

    A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial was hearing the case.

    Punjab CM election: PPP and Mazari’s lawyers excuse themselves from SC hearing

    Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari and Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) lawyers have declined to participate in the Supreme Court (SC) proceedings as they had demanded a full court bench in the case pertaining to the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) election.

    Deputy Speaker Mazari’s counsel Irfan Qadir told the bench that his client had told him not to be part of the proceedings. PPP lawyer Farooq H. Naek also came to the rostrum and informed Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial that he would not be part of the proceedings.

    At this, the CJP told him that he “is not a party in the case”.

    Coalition govt to boycott court proceedings if full bench not constituted

    All political parties in the coalition announced that they will boycott court proceedings till a full bench is constituted.

    Announcing the decision, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that since the coalition government’s request for the formation of a full court bench was rejected, they have also rejected this decision of the court.

    “We will not appear before this bench and will boycott it.”

    Punjab CM case: Full court bench rejected

    The Supreme Court has rejected the request for a full court bench.

    Earlier today, the coalition government had demanded the formation of a full court bench in the case pertaining to Punjab chief minister election.

    The three-member SC bench will resume hearing the deputy speaker Punjab Assembly case tomorrow (July 26) at 11am.

    More legal clarification needed, CJP Bandial on the formation of full court bench

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has said that the court will decide whether to form a full court bench or not after listening to more legal clarification.

    The top court has also said it is uncertain whether the decision on the formation of a full bench will be made today or not.

    CJP also remarked that if the situation gets out of hand will we make full bench court.

    Full court bench can only be formed in September

    During today’s hearing, CJP Bandial remarked that the full court bench can only be formed in September, questioning that should all work be stopped till then?

    ‘If there is no full court bench, we will boycott the proceedings’: Rana Sanaullah

    Prior to the SC’s decision on the formation of full court bench, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that “if the Supreme Court does not form a full court bench, we will boycott the proceedings.” He added that if the full court is not formed then Hamza Shehbaz will not become a party in this case.

    Rana Sanaullah gave a reference, he said that in 2015 eight judges had given a decision regarding the party chief.

    Along with Rana, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the way the constitution has been interpreted, it is beyond understanding.

    Supreme Court reserves verdict on formation of full court bench

    After a joint press conference by the members of the ruling coalition and requests made by SCBA and lawyers, the top court has reportedly reserved its verdict on the formation of a full court bench. The hearing has been adjourned till 5:30pm.

    PTI’s leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the top court will announce whether they are hearing the petition or a full court bench. Taking a jibe at the government and its coalition partners’ lawyers, Chaudhry said that they didn’t have any solid arguments.

    The Supreme Court (SC) has resumed its hearing on a plea filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s petition challenging Punjab Assembly (PA) Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari’s decision in the Chief Minister (CM) run-off election on July 22.

    SC resumes the hearing

    A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial along with Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, is holding the hearing at SC’s Room 1.

    On Saturday, the top court said that Hamza Shehbaz would work as trustee CM till Monday and adjourned the hearing.

    Petition on Article 63-A should be heard: Ahsan Bhoon

    Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Ahsan Bhoon requested the Supreme Court on Sunday to take up the Bar’s already filed review petition against the “short judgment passed by the apex court” on May 17 in the presidential reference over the interpretation of Article 63-A.

    Bhoon underlined that it was the right time for the apex court to take up the SCBA petition and decide the matter once and for all “so that no one dares to point finger towards the apex court”.

    “What’s the hurry Bhoon Sahab, let us hear this case first,” said CJP Bandial during today’s proceedings.

    The bench called former SCBA head Advocate Latif Afridi who said that the country’s current political situation is “very complicated” at the moment and requested a full court bench.

    Elahi’s lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar said the Bar presidents should not be involved in such matters.

    The deputy speaker’s lawyer, Irfan Qadir, also requested the court to constitute a full bench. At this, the CJP asked him the grounds on which a full court bench should be constituted.

    Qadir requested the bench to read paragraphs one and two of its decision on the presidential reference seeking interpretation of Article 63-A, stating that everything would then be clarified.

    Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the court that he has received some important information. At this, the top court asked him to sit. The court also directed Hamza’s lawyer Mansoor Awan not to take directions from Tarar.

    SC shouldn’t be blackmailed: Fawad Chaudhry

    While talking to the media, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry said that PTI has no issue with a full court bench.

    “The party has reservations that SC shouldn’t be blackmailed. Otherwise, it is up to the chief justice to make a full court bench,” said Chaudhry.

    SC hearing on Punjab CM election: Political leaders banned to enter court

    Before the hearing, all the political leaders were banned from entering SC for the hearing on the matter of the election of the Punjab CM. Strict security arrangements were also being made

    An official of the Islamabad police said only leaders of respondent parties would be allowed to enter the court premises with the permission of the SC administration. He added that political parties had provided lists of leaders in this regard.

    “No rally, procession, or gathering will be allowed in the Red Zone, including around the Supreme Court”, he said.*

  • ‘Bench-fixing a crime like match-fixing’: Coalition govt demands full court bench

    ‘Bench-fixing a crime like match-fixing’: Coalition govt demands full court bench

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that “bench-fixing” is a crime similar to “match-fixing” and suo motu notice should be taken over it as a “specific” anti-PML-N bench being constituted for one-sided decisions.

    “One or two judges, who have always been anti-PML-N and anti-government, are repeatedly included in the bench. Bench-fixing is a crime just like match-fixing,” said Maryam.

    In a joint press conference alongside the coalition government leaders, including Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz said, “Institutions are insulted from within, not outside. One wrong decision blows up an entire case. Criticism isn’t needed where the right decisions are taken.”

    Referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition against the chief minister’s July 22 election, Maryam said that the Supreme Court’s (SC) doors were opened late at night and the registrar gave “sufficient time” to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to draft its appeal.

    “This is not what happens in our justice system. PTI was given ample time to draft its petition by the registrar, while the common man is given months for the date of hearing.”

    ‘Have you ever heard of a trustee chief minister?‘

    Maryam gave several examples of the PML-N’s legal woes, claiming that the party’s leaders were being discriminated against.

    “Have you ever heard of a trustee chief minister?”

    She said that since Hamza was elected chief minister of Punjab, he was not being allowed to work. “He goes from parliament to court, and back and forth. What justice is this?”

    ‘Did any court take suo motu notice against Khan? Are the suo motus only for the PML-N and its allies?’

    Maryam also alleged that court decisions were favouring the PTI even though they were mocking the judicial system. She questioned the state of the judicial system and where the country was headed if decisions were given in favour of those who “abuse and bully institutions”.

    Maryam said that during former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure, the country witnessed a downfall in all sectors and the courts played “an important” role in that. The PML-N leader asked which crime had Khan not committed — he was involved in inciting violence, attacking property, and in the attack on parliament and PTV.

    “Did any court take suo motu notice against Khan? Are the suo motus only for the PML-N and its allies?” she asked.

    Criticising the judges for the recent remarks during the “Azadi March” hearing, Maryam said that despite PTI blatantly violating the court’s orders, the party was still given leverage.

    “After he blatantly violated the orders, the judge said that maybe he didn’t receive the order; they also said maybe they burnt the green belt to save themselves from tear gas.”

    ’Three people cannot decide country’s fate’: Bilawal Bhutto

    Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asserted that the country’s democratic parties had only one demand: the formation of a full court bench.

    “We all want full court bench. Whatever you decide then will be according to the law and Constitution and we will trust it.”

    “It cannot happen that only three people decide this country’s fate. That only they decide whether this country is run through a democratic system, an elected system or a selected system.”

    Bilawal said that all the parties in the coalition government wanted a democratic system. “It cannot be possible that three people change Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution with just the stroke of a pen,” said Bilawal.

    “And it has been three months and some powers, people, political parties and conspirators are unable to tolerate […] a campaign is being run in the country to keep Imran Khan at the forefront,” said Bhutto.

    “We did not let any conspiracy succeed in the past and we will not let it happen now. We want institutions to remain uncontroversial. If only three judges give a decision, then we will not be able to control the political situation that will develop in this country.”

    “Institutions meddle in political affairs to protect the state but do they ever think that the state is weakened due to their interference?” Maulana Fazl

    “Institutions meddle in political affairs to protect the state but do they ever think that the state is weakened due to their interference?”

    “You are sitting behind a wall. You may decide whatever you want […] and make politicians the culprit in the eyes of the public and defame them. But hold yourself accountable,” added Maulana Fazl.

    He went on to say that the government supported what Maryam said earlier, saying that this was their “united stance”.

    “Don’t take this nation to a point where people rebel against institutions,” he said.

    The JUI-F chief said that it was very easy to “create difficulties”.

    “If you expect us to not create any difficulties for you, then it is also your obligation to not create difficulties for us […] if there’s support for parliament, institutions and the government, the country will stabilise.”

  • ‘Tumhare baap ka hai Lahore?’: Shazia Marri lashes out at Khan

    ‘Tumhare baap ka hai Lahore?’: Shazia Marri lashes out at Khan

    Federal Minister Shazia Atta Marri in a press conference lashed out at former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and said that the abusive culture that Khan has nurtured in Pakistan does not represent our values.

    Commenting on the criticism at Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari by Khan and his party leaders for visiting Lahore before the chief minister Punjab election, Marri said, “Tumhare baap ka nahi hai Lahore. Woh [Asif Ali Zardari] Pakistan kay kisi bhi hissay mein jaa saakte hain.” [Lahore is not owned by your father. He can visit any place in Pakistan.]

    “Will Asif Ali Zardari ask a person like Imran Khan whether he should visit Lahore or not to meet his political coalition partners?” questioned Marri.

    “This is a ridiculous reaction that we are witnessing. There is a way to talk. Imran Khan has made the public blind with his abusive narrative of disrespecting his opponents,” said Marri.

    “Imran Khan, apni hudood mein raho”: Maulana Fazl

    Jamat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan that he needs to stay within his limits.

    “Imran Khan, apni hudood main raho, Jamiat walay zinda hain.” [Imran Khan, stay in your limits, the people of JUI-F are alive.]

    “We will make it very difficult for the PTI supporters to come out and support you,” said Maulana.

  • ’Aik Zardari sab pe bhari’: Twitter filled with memes after Zardari-Shujaat meeting

    ’Aik Zardari sab pe bhari’: Twitter filled with memes after Zardari-Shujaat meeting

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari met Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain last night (Thursday).

    The two leaders held a meeting for hours but it is not known what they discussed. However, it is being speculated that Zardari met Shujaat to convince him to be on Hamza Shehbaz’s side for the election of Chief Minister (CM) Punjab today (Friday). Shujaat had already announced his support for Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi who is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate for the CM seat.

    The Punjab Assembly (PA) session for the CM election is scheduled to take place at 4pm today.

    Zardari and Shujaat’s meeting spread like fire on social media and this is what Twitter had to say about the duo.

    https://twitter.com/MrMiRzaPAK/status/1550195491429834752?s=20&t=1vY8JBvQjG0ruSYl5Oc_fQ
  • ‘Take your obsession with proof to court’: Bakhtawar Bhutto blasts Khan for allegations against Zardari

    ‘Take your obsession with proof to court’: Bakhtawar Bhutto blasts Khan for allegations against Zardari

    Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, the daughter of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, hit back at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for levelling allegations against her father.

    Bakhtawar took to Twitter and warned Khan: “Why don’t you take your obsession with proof to the court, otherwise you will be hearing from our lawyers for defamation and lies.”

    “Still not over the absolutely no phone call? Why don’t you take your obsession with proof to the court,” wrote Bakhtawar, adding that she pities Khan as he has never read the Constitution and that nothing can save the PTI chairman “for committing treason”.

    On July 20, Khan alleged that Asif Ali Zardari was the “main architect” behind horse-trading in Lahore, adding that the former president has secured an “NRO for his corruption and purchases people with looted wealth”.

    READ MORE: PTI rejects ECP decision to defer Sindh local body elections, plans to challenge it

    Khan further claimed that after his government was toppled with stolen money from Sindh and NRO 2 achieved, “certified criminal Asif Zardari in cahoots with the Sharif mafia was now seeking to steal people’s mandate in Punjab by trying to purchase MPAs”.

  • PTI rejects ECP decision to defer Sindh local body elections, plans to challenge it

    PTI rejects ECP decision to defer Sindh local body elections, plans to challenge it

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone the Sindh local body elections and plans to challenge it in court.

    PTI leader Ali Zaidi said the party condemns ECP’s decision, adding that the electoral body was already controversial. “The ECP decision will be challenged in the Sindh High Court,” he said.

    The ECP announced the postponement of polls owing to Muharram and rainy weather.

    PTI leadership decides to stick around in Lahore till the election of Punjab CM

    Later, PTI Chairman Imran Khan postponed his Karachi visit ahead of Punjab’s chief minister election tomorrow, July 22.

    “Before the postponement of polls in Sindh, a PTI spokesman insisted that it was the party’s consensus decision that Khan should focus more on Punjab, and because of this he couldn’t spare two days — July 21 and 22 — for Karachi and Hyderabad,” reports Dawn.

    Lahore seeing a repetition of Sindh House horse-trading: Imran Khan

    On July 20, Khan claimed that horse-trading was happening in Lahore with MPAs being offered Rs500 million to switch their loyalty.

    “Today, Lahore is seeing a repetition of the Sindh House horse-trading episode that happened in Islamabad, with up to Rs500 million being offered to buy MPAs,” tweeted the PTI chairman. He alleged that PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari was the “main architect” behind this, adding that the former president has secured an “NRO for his corruption and purchases people with looted wealth”.

    “This is not only an attack on our democracy but also on the moral fabric of our society. Had Supreme Court taken action and debarred these turncoats for life, it would have acted as a deterrent,” claimed the PTI chairman.

    Khan further claimed that after his government was “toppled with stolen money from Sindh and NRO 2 achieved, certified criminal Asif Zardari in cahoots with Sharif mafia now seeking to steal Punjab people’s mandate by trying to purchase MPAs”.

    “Want to ask the Honourable Supreme Court: are they not cogniscant of the damage being wreaked? Isn’t destruction of our democracy, Constitution and nation’s morality a fit case for Suo Moto action? Are the ‘neutrals’ not realising how our beloved country is literally being destroyed on all fronts by the Imported government brought in through US regime change conspiracy?”

    PTI to move Supreme Court against horse-trading: Fawad Chaudhry

    On the other hand, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the party will move the Supreme Court against horse-trading.

    “We want Rana Sanaullah, Zardari, and Ataullah Tarar to get arrested and the court to conduct an immediate inquiry into the matter,” he added.

  • What next for the PML-N? Experts weigh in

    What next for the PML-N? Experts weigh in

    On July 17, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) suffered a heavy loss in the by-elections as it only managed to win four seats out of 20 while its rival party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won 75 per cent (15 seats) of the Punjab constituencies.

    Despite the PML-N’s disastrous performance in Punjab, the federal government has decided to complete its constitutional tenure till August 2023. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday (July 19). The coalition partners also agreed that they will give a tough time to Imran Khan.

    The Current reached out to experts to ask their opinion on what the PML-N should do next and what will be PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s next move.

    Here is what they have to say.

    PML-N is no longer popular among the masses: Shafqat Mahmood

    “PML-N is no longer popular among the masses. The people of Pakistan have realised that these people are “bhayaanak” [horrible]. It is because of their history of corruption and bad governance during the last three months that they have been badly defeated,” said PTI leader and former Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood.

    Talking about Khan and his future plans after winning the Punjab by-polls Mahmood said, “PTI only wants fair and free elections. On July 22, PTI will be in power in Punjab once again.”

    PML-N needs to go to the drawing board: Mansoor Ali Khan

    Senior journalist Mansoor Ali Khan said that the PML-N needs to go to the drawing board to fix its problems and start the process all over again.

    “They have to go back to the drawing board and start the process again. The most important thing in the present situation for the PML-N to think about is when can Nawaz Sharif come back to Pakistan. His absence has already caused a lot of damage. The party really needs to take a look at all the mistakes committed by them, which led to its defeat in the Punjab by-polls.”

    “I think this is Imran Khan’s winning moment and he will only want early elections. Khan will keep putting pressure on the government and will only want elections. Since the last two months, we have already witnessed him doing this and the Punjab by-polls result is evidence enough that Khan’s plan is working.”

    Federal capital without Punjab is nothing: Kashif Abbasi

    Senior journalist Kashif Abbasi said that the federal capital without Punjab is nothing.

    “The PML-N should talk to the PTI and find a way to work towards early elections. There is no point in running the federal capital without Punjab.”

    Abbasi said that Khan has all the cards at the moment while the PML-N is in trouble.

    “Early elections will possibly favour the PTI as well. So at present, early elections are the solution both for the PTI and PML-N.”

    Early elections should be called: Absa Komal

    Journalist Absa Komal said that the PTI secured a clear mandate in Punjab by sweeping the by-polls in PML-N’s home ground.

    “Ideally, sanity should prevail within the PML-N and early elections should be called.”

    “Khan sahib will keep on resisting, especially if the government creates problems in making Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi chief minister. Meanwhile, he will continue to build a narrative about the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Khan will continue to use his victory in Punjab for building his future narrative,” said Komal.

    PML-N reaction

    Meanwhile, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that these by-elections cannot measure the popularity or unpopularity of the PML-N. 

    Finance Minister Miftah Ismail stated in an interview that the government would keep making difficult choices in an effort to save the economy and keep the nation from going bankrupt.

    The finance minister also noted that it was crucial for the government to take unpopular measures, which also resulted in political setbacks. “But if need be, we will take more tough decisions,” he said.

  • PML-N decides not to hold early elections

    PML-N decides not to hold early elections

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided not to hold early general elections in the country and to complete its constitutional term, reports Geo News.

    In a meeting on Monday under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, the PML-N’s defeat in Punjab by-polls and other political matters were discussed.

    On July 17, the ruling party suffered a heavy loss as it only managed to win four seats out of 20 while its rival party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won 75 per cent (15 seats) of the Punjab constituencies.

    The decision regarding elections has been taken by the PML-N. The party is yet to discuss the matter with its coalition partners and for that, a meeting is scheduled for today (Tuesday).

    A day earlier, PTI Chairman Imran Khan addressed the nation after his party’s landslide victory in Punjab. He highlighted that the only way out of the current political crisis is free and fair elections.