Tag: Shahbaz Gill

  • ‘He was stripped naked’: Imran Khan reveals Shahbaz Gill was tortured in custody

    ‘He was stripped naked’: Imran Khan reveals Shahbaz Gill was tortured in custody

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has revealed that his chief of staff Shahbaz Gill was stripped naked and beaten up in custody.

    Gill was arrested for inciting the public against the state institutions.

    ‘He should not have said that,’ Khan on Gill’s remarks

    “Yes, he should not have said what he did. It seems like he is inciting rebellion in the armed forces. It was wrong. We want to see a strong military,” said Khan when asked if he condemns Gill’s remarks.

    “Gill was beaten and asked how many times did General Faiz meet Imran Khan and what does Imran Khan eat,” revealed Khan.

    ‘I am a professor, not a criminal’: Shahbaz Gill

    On August 12, Gill told a court in Islamabad that he is being subjected to extreme torture in custody. He added that he is not permitted to sleep and not even allowed to meet his lawyers. He alleged that no medical examination was conducted as claimed by the authorities. The Islamabad Police had earlier claimed that Gill underwent medical examination at the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the medical report revealed that he was not tortured.

    Shahbaz Gill was taken into custody on August 9 from Bani Gala Chowk for inciting the public against state institutions.

    Read more- ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    ‘PTI stands with Gill’: Fawad Chaudhry

    Fawad Chaudhry said recently the party is standing with Gill, adding that PTI chief Imran Khan had also raised the issue during Saturday’s rally in Lahore.

    He went on to say that the current government had also used indiscriminate force against children, women and unarmed citizens. “The same is happening with Shahbaz Gill.”

    “This is the policy of Rana Sanaullah which is being practiced in the country,” he added.

    He further claimed that the government wants to recover Gill’s mobile phone and wants custody of him so that they can torture him again. He went on to say that Gill made the controversial comments on Muharram 10 when mobile phone services were suspended.

    “The phone call was made via landline and you have that number. The statement was broadcast live on ARY News and you have that too,” he said.

    He went on to say that the current government had also used indiscriminate force against children, women and unarmed citizens. “The same is happening with Shahbaz Gill.”

    “This is the policy of Rana Sanaullah which is being practiced in the country,” he added.

    He further claimed that the government wants to recover Gill’s mobile phone and wants custody of him so that they can torture him again. He went on to say that Gill made the controversial comments on Muharram 10 when mobile phone services were suspended.

    “The phone call was made via landline and you have that number. The statement was broadcast live on ARY News and you have that too,” he said.

    High court adjourned hearing over his physical remand extension

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a notice to senior PTI leader Shahbaz Gill and adjourned the hearing on the matter of an extension in Gill’s physical remand today (August 15).

    The court adjourned the hearing after seeking a reply from Gill by tomorrow (Tuesday, August 16).

    On August 13, a judicial magistrate rejected the police’s request to extend Gill’s physical remand and sent him to jail on judicial remand. The same day, the prosecution filed an appeal in a sessions court, which was also dismissed. Subsequently, the government filed a petition in the IHC for Gill’s physical custody, arguing that the ongoing investigation against him and collection of evidence could not be completed without it.

    While hearing arguments from the prosecution today, Acting IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq questioned why authorities are seeking PTI leader Shahbaz Gill’s physical custody.

    “You are saying that an extension in the suspect’s physical remand is necessary? What will you do after getting the extension?” Justice Farooq questioned.

    The prosecution maintained that the ongoing investigation against Gill and the collection of evidence cannot be completed without an extension of his remand in police custody.

    Islamabad Advocate General Jadoon informed the judge of the lower courts’ decisions regarding the PTI leader’s physical remand. He added that the government had taken “serious notice” of Gill’s comments on television that “targeted the country’s institutions” and registered a case against him.

    Court seeks Shahbaz Gill’s bail plea matter

    Shahbaz Gill filed a petition before an Islamabad district and sessions judge seeking post-arrest bail on Sunday, August 14, in the sedition case against him.

    On Monday, the court sought arguments on the bail plea. Gill’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry requested the court to issue a verdict on the plea, maintaining that his arguments are ready.

    At this, the judge responded that a similar case is under trial in the IHC as well. Faisal answered that the matter under trial in the IHC is related to the order of the judicial magistrate and, therefore, this court can hear the case regardless of the case in the high court.

    During the hearing, Gill’s lawyer stated, “It is a declared law that no one can be kept in jail for a single minute without reason.”

    At this, the court directed the investigation officer to appear in court with records at 11am. It also ordered the lawyer to submit a power of attorney on Gill’s behalf, and sought arguments from the parties upon resumption of the hearing at 11am.

    However, the hearing was further adjourned till 2pm. Meanwhile, the prosecution has requested the court to keep the case adjourned.

  • ‘He shouldn’t have said that,’ Imran Khan distances himself from Shahbaz Gill’s remark

    ‘He shouldn’t have said that,’ Imran Khan distances himself from Shahbaz Gill’s remark

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has distanced himself from Shahbaz Gill’s controversial remarks.

    There was an objectionable sentence in Shahbaz Gill’s statement. “He shouldn’t have said that,” he stressed.

    It is being reported that Gill reportedly made a confession during interrogation. According to Geo News, Gill said, “I think I did not give the statement in digression from the party’s policy. I gave the statement after contemplation.”

    Gill was taken into custody by the Islamabad police officers for inciting the public against state institutions, on August 9. 

    Police said the inquiry regarding at whose behest Shahbaz Gill gave the statement is underway.

    Police also said that the phone recovered from Gill was a dummy set. His phone was taken away by his driver while he was being arrested, said police.

  • President Alvi advises politicians not to discuss the army

    President Alvi advises politicians not to discuss the army

    President Arif Alvi on Friday, August 12, stressed against making the Pakistan Army “controversial”. He made these remarks in connection to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill’s comments about the establishment.

    “Time and again, I have been telling politicians not to bring the armed forces under discussion,” said the president, adding that it was the armed forces’ job to win the battle against terrorism; they should be respected.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Gill was arrested on August 9 for inciting the public against state institutions.

    The president, addressing all stakeholders of the country, said that the situation “was not ideal” and that it was crucial for politicians to sit at the talking table.

    “Politicians are not sitting together at the talking table; they have to unite. If I don’t see the situation getting better, I will ask them to sit at the table. As the president, I can only ask, not order,” Alvi noted.

  • Wife of Gill’s driver granted bail

    Wife of Gill’s driver granted bail

    A judicial magistrate in Islamabad on Friday granted bail to Gill’s driver Izhar’s wife, Mehreen, who had been arrested under charges of rioting, assaulting a police party and theft during a raid on the house she was staying in.

    Speaking on Geo News’ programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ on Thursday, PML-N’s Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the police was wrong to a arrest a woman. “Rana Sanaullah should take notice of the incident and dispose of the issue by arranging a bail for the woman.”

    PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that she has spoken to Rana Sanaullah that the woman should be released.

    She tweeted: “She should also be released. I have spoken to Rana Sahab. No one should be abused — not even our abusers.”

    Wife of Shahbaz Gill’s driver arrested, Khan condemns ‘fascist illegal abductions’

    The Islamabad Police on Thursday raided the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill’s driver, Izhar, to recover Gill’s mobile phone. A sedition case was filed against Gill.

    During Gill’s interrogation, he revealed that he had given his mobile phone to his driver/assistant, Izhar. His mobile phone has material related to the case against him

    Read More: Shahbaz Gill behind bars: CCTV footage contradicts claims of torture

    A first information report (FIR) has been filed against Izhar. He was with Gill at the time of his arrest and claimed he had been subjected to violence during Gill’s arrest. The FIR said Gill told the police that Izhar still had his mobile.

    What’s in the FIR?

    “The man identified himself as Izharullah while the woman identified herself as his wife, Mehreen,” reports Dawn.

    The FIR said both Izhar and his wife created a lot of fuss after seeing the police party and called five to six more people from inside the house.

    “All of them attacked the police party, put up resistance, began creating a hue and cry, and threatened the police party. As a result, more people gathered at the scene,” says the FIR.

    According to the FIR, while the suspects were putting up resistance, some of the suspects tore the shirt of a constable, Sajjad Shahid. They also tore buttons off his shirt and snatched his mobile phone and wallet, which contained his ATM card, service card, and Rs15,000 cash.

    Audio of Gill’s driver:

    In an audio clip posted on PTI’s official Twitter account, a man who identified himself as Gill’s assistant said: “The police have raided my house, harassed my wife and family members, and taken away our mobile phones.”

    “They are repeatedly asking me to bring Shahbaz Gill’s belongings. I don’t have anything,” he said.

    Fascist illegal abductions in shadows of late night: Imran Khan

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan “strongly” condemned the arrests, describing them as “fascist illegal abductions in shadows of late night”.

    Raid and arrests were legal: Islamabad Police

    Islamabad police said in a statement on Twitter that the raid and arrests were “legal”.

    “Wherever legal action is needed, the police will do their job.”

    Read More: Shahbaz Gill behind bars: Court approves two-day physical remand

    Gill, who is PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff, was taken into custody on August 9 from Bani Gala Chowk for inciting the public against state institutions.

  • ‘I am a professor, not a criminal,’ Shahbaz Gill says he is being subjected to extreme torture

    ‘I am a professor, not a criminal,’ Shahbaz Gill says he is being subjected to extreme torture

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill told a court in Islamabad today (Friday, August 12) that he is being subjected to extreme torture in custody.

    “I am a professor, not a criminal.” Gill said that he is not permitted to sleep and not even allowed to meet his lawyers. He alleged that no medical examination was conducted as claimed by the authorities. The Islamabad Police had earlier claimed that Gill underwent medical examination at the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the medical report revealed that he was not tortured.

    Shahbaz Gill was taken into custody on August 9 from Bani Gala Chowk for inciting the public against state institutions.

    A district and sessions court in Islamabad hearing a sedition case against Gill on Friday (August 12) rejected the prosecution’s request to extend Gill’s physical remand. Instead, the court sent him to jail on judicial remand.

    Gill was presented in a court earlier today after the completion of two-day physical remand. On August 10, a court approved a two-day physical remand of Dr Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.

    Read more – Islamabad court sends Gill to jail on judicial remand

    Strongly condemn the torture being inflicted on Shahbaz Gill: Imran Khan

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan said he strongly condemns the torture being inflicted on Shahbaz Gill.

    “Under what law & under who’s orders is this being done? If he broke any law then he shd be given a fair hearing.”

    Imran Khan added: “A climate of fear is being spread to make ppl kowtow before cabal of crooks.”

  • ‘Even Army Chief receives gifts’: Imran Khan demands investigation of Toshakhana gifts

    ‘Even Army Chief receives gifts’: Imran Khan demands investigation of Toshakhana gifts

    Addressing his supporters via video link, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan talked about the Toshakhana controversy. Khan said that all those who were appointed to higher ranks in government offices receive gifts and even the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) receives them.

    “Even the army chief gets gifts. Asif Zardari took three expensive cars from the Toshakhana. I also received one car while Nawaz Sharif took one car,” he added while demanding that all of them should be investigated.

    Khan said that the government is trying to malign his reputation. He also revealed that PTI leaders are receiving threats from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

    Foreign funding case

    Talking about the party’s foreign funding case, Khan said that it is “baseless”.

    The PTI chief said that the party had provided the names of 40,000 donors, who are now being termed “foreigners” by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    “Despite a court order to investigate other parties’ cases, it was only the PTI that was put under a trial,” added the PTI chairman.

    Imran Khan said that the only way to take the country out of the current crisis was through “free and fair elections”.

    ‘Gill should be given a chance to clarify’: Imran Khan

    Talking about his aide Shahbaz Gill’s arrest, Khan said he should be given a chance to clarify in court.

    “Gill should be charged if he has said anything that goes against the law,” said Khan, defending his party member by saying that his driver was attacked and his vehicle’s glass was smashed.

    ‘Govt conspired to cause rifts between PTI, army’: Imran Khan

    Khan said that the coalition government has hatched a plan to create a rift between the PTI and the Pakistan Army. Khan added that the incumbent government has “conspired against the biggest party in Pakistan”.

    “They [government] had issues with the fact that the army and the PTI were on the same page. Even India used to acknowledge that,” said Khan.

    The PTI leader went on to say that his party exposed the disinformation campaigns against the country.

    “Today, it’s being said that we are against the army and now they’ve [the government people] become the patriots who are calling us traitors,” he said, adding that he cares about Pakistan, and those who care about the country want their army to be strong.

  • ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    ’Aqal hai tumhaaray mein,’ CM Punjab Pervaiz Elahi to Shahbaz Gill

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi commented on the recent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill in a sedition case.

    Talking on Geo News’ programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Elahi said, “I have given a statement against him [Shahbaz],” adding that these are honourable institutions.

    “The Pakistan army protects the border of our country, Aqal hai tumhaaray mein (Are you in your senses?).”

    When asked if PTI should distance itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement, Elahi said, “Definitely yes.”

    He further said Khan himself says that “a person who speaks against the army is not a Pakistani”.

    PTI leaders reactions

    Commenting on Gill’s arrest, Imran Khan termed it an ‘abduction’. He said, “Shahbaz Gill was arrested without any arrest warrant. His driver was tortured and his vehicle was damaged. He should have been given a chance to defend himself.”

    About the rumours about his arrest, Khan said that his arrest is a small thing, he can “sacrifice” his life for haqeeqi azadi.

    “If someone breaks the law, then there must be an action. Has any show-cause notice been issued to ARY News or given any reason for its suspension? The channel’s transmission was suspended without giving any chance to give a clarification. This is not acceptable in a democratic society. Democracy does not allow someone to take a decision solely and close the channel.”

    While Speaking on ARY News, PTI leader Asad Umar said Gill’s words have been misinterpreted.

    He further claimed that personally, he has “never heard Gill giving anti-army statements”.

    Meanwhile, PTI leader Murad Saeed lashed out at the government after the arrest of his fellow party member. He claimed that this is all the government’s propaganda against PTI as they themselves talk against the army and then link it to PTI.

    He further said that the government registers fake FIRs.

    The PTI leader said that “handlers and facilitators” can’t compete with the public as they come out on roads whenever Khan asked them to.

    “Imran Khan is our redline, don’t cross it, or else you will suffer the consequences.”

    ‘Script was prepared under the supervision of Imran Khan’: Rana Sanuallah

    Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, August 9, Interior Minister Rana Snaullah said, “The comments were according to the script prepared under the supervision of PTI Chairman Imran Khan which was carried forward by Fawad Chaudhry and Shahbaz Gill.”

    Sanaullah went on to say that “hateful and seditious” remarks made by Gill were in line with the conspiracy in which a private news channel was also involved.

    “Inquiry will be held regarding who are the people behind Gill and the private channel as no further investigation is needed on Gill’s statement,” he added.

    The interior minister further alleged that the incident proves that the PTI was responsible for running a negative social media campaign on the tragic incident of an army helicopter crash in Balochistan.

  • ARY News taken off air, CEO, journalists booked, head of news arrested

    ARY News taken off air, CEO, journalists booked, head of news arrested

    Karachi police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against ARY Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Iqbal in connection with the controversial remarks made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill during a news transmission.

    The police have also arrested Ammad Yousuf, the head of news and Senior Executive Vice President of ARY News.

    The FIR said that a clip of a news bulletin, aired on August 8 by ARY News, had gone viral on social media, in which Gill had made “hateful remarks” against the Pakistan Army. Producer Adeel Raja, Yousaf, and anchorpersons Arshad Sharif and Khawar Ghumman have also been nominated in the case registered on August 8.

    Meanwhile, ARY News reported that Yousaf was arrested in Karachi late on Tuesday night (August 9). Yousaf was arrested without a warrant from his residence located in Karachi’s DHA.

    “Police officers along with plain-clothed persons forcibly entered the house of Ammad Yousaf. The raiding team diverted the CCTV cameras of Yousaf’s house, and jumped into the house from the top of the main entrance,” reported ARY News.

    Arshad Sharif flies to Dubai

    After Yousaf got arrested, anchorperson Arshad Sharif left the country after his name was nominated in the FIR.

    ARY News distances itself from Shahbaz Gill’s statement about army

    ARY News and Salman Iqbal distanced themselves from Gill’s statement.

    In a statement read out by ARY’s senior anchorperson Kashif Abbasi on his show, ‘Off the Record’, said that Salman Iqbal and the management condemns Shahbaz Gill’s statement.

    Pemra issues show-cause notice to ARY News for airing ‘hateful, seditious’ content against govt

    The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to ARY News for airing what it called “false, hateful and seditious” content based on “absolute disinformation with a clear and present threat to national security by instigating rebellion within the armed forces”.

    Prior to the issuance of the notice, ARY News went off air in many parts of the country on Monday (August 8).

  • Man caught installing spy device in Khan’s bedroom

    Man caught installing spy device in Khan’s bedroom

    Staff at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence on Saturday night caught a man red-handed while installing a spy device in his bedroom.

    ARY News reported that an employee of Bani Gala was paid to install a device in the former prime minister’s bedroom. However, the spying attempt was foiled after another employee informed the security team about the installation of the device.

    PTI leader and the chief of staff of the former premier, Dr Shahbaz Gill, handed over the suspect, an employee of Bani Gala, to the police.

    Shahbaz Gill claimed, “An employee – who cleans the former premier’s room – was paid to install a spy device,” terming the act ‘ heinous and unfortunate’.

    “Our people are being threatened to get information. Such shameful acts should be avoided,” he added. The PTI leader further said that the ‘arrested’ employee has made several revelations – which he refused to share at the moment.

    Many from PTI have been asserting that Imran Khan’s life is in danger. “In this regard, we have informed all relevant agencies, including the government,” Gill said.

    However, Islamabad police said that a media person had handed over the alleged spy to the police but the suspect was not able to speak properly.

    “The suspect could not be identified as he cannot speak properly. It has been decided that a medical test will be conducted on him to ascertain his physical and mental condition. The suspect was kept in Bani Gala house for a day. The person who handed over the suspect to the police has not provided any evidence or proof of spying. Police are investigating the matter and will soon reach the conclusion,” said the police.

  • Twitter reacts to Shahbaz Gill’s wife’s PhD controversy

    Twitter reacts to Shahbaz Gill’s wife’s PhD controversy

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill’s wife Izza Asad Rasool is reportedly found to be owing around Rs18.6 million to the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) University of Islamabad.

    According to Geo News‘ reporter Azaz Syed, a show-cause notice has been sent to Rasool in this regard. The university has demanded the payment of official expenses worth $99,000 and Rs86,000, spent on account of Rasool’s tuition fees, her living allowance and airfare.

    According to the notice, Rasool went to the United States (US) in 2011 to pursue an MS leading to PhD studies in the field of Labour and Industrial Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). She was supposed to complete her studies by 2016 and come back to the country but she didn’t. She has been living there since she left for the US.

    Moreover, the notice stated that Rasool could not complete her studies by the due date and she was also irregular in submitting her academic progress reports.

    It is pertinent to mention that at the time when Rasool left for her studies, she was not married to Gill who is an employee of the same American university.

    COMSATS has warned Rasool to respond to the notice within 15 days or they will initiate legal and administrative action against her.

    As per the media outlet, GIll has allegedly been using his influence to threaten COMSATS’ administration in order to avoid action against his wife.

    Responding to the news, Gill termed the news as false. He said that her wife’s PhD is still going on and she will be back as soon as her degree finishes.

    “There is a campaign going on against me and this news is also a part of it. I know who is doing it”, he claimed.

    Following the news, Twitter questioned the unusually long period of Rasool’s degree completion.