Tag: Shehbaz Sharif

  • ‘Why is Shehbaz happy if the judgment is against Nawaz’ asks Asad Umar

    ‘Why is Shehbaz happy if the judgment is against Nawaz’ asks Asad Umar

    The Supreme Court (SC) has on Wednesday evening issued a verdict in favour of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, dismissing petitions challenging its validity.

    The decision was upheld by 10-5 majority. However, by an 8-7 decision, the majority of judges decided against the provision of law wherein retrospective right of appeal was given in the Act.

    Key Provisions of Act

    The act makes a number of significant changes to the way the Supreme Court operates. These include:

    • Requiring a three-member committee of senior judges, including the CJP, to approve all suo moto notices.
    • Establishing a transparent process for the formation of benches for hearing crucial constitutional issues.
    • Giving parties the right to appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days of a final order from a lower court.
    • Requiring the apex court to hear applications alleging urgency or requesting interim relief within 14 days of filing.

    Reaction to the decision

    Former Prime Minister and President of _ (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision.

    “The Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the Practice and Procedure Act 2023 is a welcome step,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

    Interestingly, when Asad Umar, PTI’s former secretary general, was asked about the judgment, he stated that it was the right decision but was intrigued to know if Nawaz Sharif would come back after the decision or not.

    “My question is, everyone is saying this is not a good judgment for Nawaz Sharif, why is Shehbaz Sharif liking this decision so much? I’m just asking an innocent question,” he said while talking to the media on Thursday morning.

    The verdict has caused a rift in the legal world. The decision, which involves Article 184(3), has led to intense discussions about what it means for the PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif.

    As per Dawn, lawyer Mohammad Ikram Chaudhry explained that in cases where no review has been filed, it’s possible to request a “condonation of delay,” which means the court might accept an appeal or application even if it’s late.

    Mohammad Akram Sheikh noted that according to the law, a review must be requested within 30 days of the judgment. He mentioned that in some cases, the highest court has allowed for delays but stressed that the applicant would need to provide a valid reason for the delay.

    Senior lawyer Raja Inam Ameen Minhas mentioned that the Supreme Court Bar Association has an ongoing review petition against the disqualification of politicians. He argued that since the matter of disqualification is still under consideration, it’s “still appealable.”

    Barrister Zafarullah Khan, the former special assistant on law to the ex-PM, pointed out that the Supreme Court’s decision wouldn’t affect Mr. Sharif’s cases because he wasn’t seeking relief from the highest court. Instead, he intends to pursue his appeals against convictions, which would eventually reach the Supreme Court.

    Some lawyers believe that the decision is a setback for Nawaz Sharif, who recently planned to return to Lahore after spending four years in London.

    The decision declared Section 5(2) of an act as ultra vires, meaning that the lifetime disqualification in the Panama case remains in effect.

    Lawyer Abdul Moiz Jafferi questioned who really won in this matter.

    Lawyer Usama Khawar Ghumman argues that Nawaz Sharif and Jehangir Tareen can still contest elections.

    “Despite Supreme Court’s decision to strike down retrospective rights of appeal, Nawaz Sharif & Jehangir Tareen can, in the short run, contest elections due to the PDM-led Parliament’s amendment to Section 232 of the Election Act, 2017,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

  • Chartered plane booked for Nawaz Sharif’s return on October 21

    Chartered plane booked for Nawaz Sharif’s return on October 21

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will travel on a chartered plane to reach Pakistan from Dubai on October 21.

    According to a report filed by Geo News, the flight carrying Nawaz will be named ‘Umeed-e-Pakistan’. It can carry approximately 150 passengers.

    The former prime minister will leave Dubai for Pakistan on October 21, along with senior and close party members. Nawaz Sharif’s flight will land in Islamabad for a 30 minute long stay, with the PML-N supremo then flying to Lahore to address a gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan.

    Before the final leg of the journey, Nawaz Sharif will reach Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and perform Umrah there. He will stay in Saudi Arabia for a week and hold important meetings.

    Earlier, former finance minister Ishaq Dar said there is no chance of Nawaz’s arrest upon his arrival in the country.

    Dar also said that PML-N’s narrative will be about the economy, adding that, “recovery of the economy is the best revenge.”

  • Not going to take part in  upcoming elections, says Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    Not going to take part in  upcoming elections, says Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    Former Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has revealed in an interview with Nadeem Malik on Samma TV that he is not going to take part in the upcoming elections in the current political environment.

    The senior politician said that he is unable to give a final word on elections as he has not consulted the people of his constituency on this matter.

    Abbasi emphasized that he asked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to find a solution for the bad economic situation in the country.

    “I have told Nawaz Sharif that all political leaders can sit together and solve the country’s problems,” he added.

    The former prime minister stated that PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President Maryam Nawaz are not his leaders. “Nawaz Sharif is my leader,” Abbasi firmly stated.

  • Is Nawaz Sharif leaving the London office?

    Is Nawaz Sharif leaving the London office?

    Former Pakistan Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, announced that October 6 is his last day at the London office, indicating his imminent departure to Pakistan.

    While talking to journalists, Nawaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to all reporters who have covered his activities in London, regardless of their stance, be it in favor or against him.

    Recognizing the pivotal role journalism plays in society, Nawaz Sharif stressed the significance of the public’s reliance on journalists’ opinions. He underscored the importance of journalists avoiding sensationalism and defamation, instead calling for constructive criticism and reform.

    Notably, Nawaz Sharif questioned the effectiveness of protests staged by Pakistanis in London over the past four years, particularly those involving figures like Maryam Aurangzeb. He suggested that if people wished to engage in protests, they should do so within Pakistan.

    During a press conference in Lahore, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the question regarding Nawaz’s return shouldn’t be repeated since he will be coming back.

    He also redefined the party’s slogan of ‘vote ko izzat do’.

    “Giving respect to the ballot doesn’t mean it is an anti-establishment slogan. It means serving the voters,” he said, asking whether raising anti-establishment slogans would help overcome the people’s problems.

    He also clarified a comment which was “wrongly attributed” to him. “I had never said that I am a darling of the (military) establishment. Actually, a journalist during a media interaction the other day had said that I had been a darling of the establishment for decades.”

    It is pertinent to know that the former three-time prime minister will return to Pakistan on October 21 and address a public gathering at 6 p.m. at Minar-e-Pakistan on the same day, senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah revealed on Tuesday.

  • Is Nawaz Sharif ‘fit’ to travel to Pakistan?

    Is Nawaz Sharif ‘fit’ to travel to Pakistan?

    Just days ahead of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s anticipated return to Pakistan, a new medical report has been submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday by the legal team of the former Prime Minister, Geo has said.

    Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had been granted permission by the LHC in November 2019 to travel abroad for medical treatment based on his deteriorating health.

    Since then, Nawaz Sharif has resided in London. The court, meanwhile, has ordered him to regularly submit medical reports to keep authorities updated about his health conditions.

    In September 2023, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif announced that his elder brother would be ending his self-imposed exile of four years and returning to Pakistan on October 21.

    The latest medical report, filed by Nawaz Sharif’s legal team, features insights from Professor Carlo di Mario of London’s Royal Brompton Hospital, who has been providing medical care to the former Prime Minister throughout his stay in London over the past years.

    Professor Carlo di Mario, an expert in Interventional Cardiology, detailed Nawaz Sharif’s medical history, stating, “We initially attempted medical treatment, strengthening his antianginal therapy.”

    However, due to persistent anginal symptoms and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to perform an angioplasty in November 2022 to cure a blocked left circumflex artery.

    The procedure included rotational atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, and the deployment of multiple stents under IVUS guidance. Despite these interventions, the medical report indicates that Nawaz Sharif still experiences some residual anginal symptoms, and continuous monitoring is recommended.

    The report also highlights the complexity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition, mentioning “diffuse distal coronary disease in a patient with diabetes and multiple other comorbidities that would require frequent follow-up investigations both in London and Pakistan.”

    With this fresh medical report submitted to the Lahore High Court, Nawaz Sharif’s health status remains a focal point as the date of his return to Pakistan draws nearer.

  • Nawaz Sharif will address gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on October 21, Rana Sanaullah confirms

    Nawaz Sharif will address gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on October 21, Rana Sanaullah confirms

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former interior minister Rana Sanaullah disclosed on Tuesday that party head Nawaz Sharif will address a rally after arriving in the country on October 21 at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore.

    While addressing a press conference in Lahore, Sanaullah said, “Nawaz Sharif will arrive in Lahore on October 21 at 5:30 p.m.”

    Pakistan needs an experienced leader to take the country out of the crisis, the former federal minister emphasized in the presser, adding that Nawaz Shaif is coming back to lead the country.

    While addressing speculations pertaining to any deal, Sanaullah maintained that Nawaz, “neither made a deal while leaving nor is coming back under any deal”.

    According to the former security czar, Nawaz Sharif’s legal team is ready to request prior bail from the court upon his return.

  • ‘Nawaz Sharif will start a new era of progress and peace’: Maryam

    ‘Nawaz Sharif will start a new era of progress and peace’: Maryam

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz has ended uncertainty about three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan by stating that he will return on October 21 with even greater strength.

    Maryam Nawaz further said that “He will start a new era of progress, peace, and employment for the youth and rid [the nation] of inflation.”

    “An individual is not returning on October 21, but the country’s progress and peace,” she added.

    Maryam Nawaz shared her thoughts while addressing a public gathering organised by the PML-N Youth Volunteer on Sunday.

    Last month, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the date of his brother’s return to Pakistan, saying, “Nawaz Sharif will reach Pakistan on October 21.”

    The PML-N supremo got permanently disqualified in 2017 for not declaring an outstanding salary. After that, Nawaz Sharif went to London in 2019 for a medical checkup and hasn’t come back yet.

    The PML-N, with the assistance of its legal team, intends to petition the Lahore High Court (LHC) for Nawaz’s bail prior to his arrival in Pakistan. This decision has been made in order to prevent Nawaz from being arrested at Lahore airport, as he has been declared a proclaimed offender.

  • PML-N worker announces valuable prize for bringing people to welcome Nawaz

    PML-N worker announces valuable prize for bringing people to welcome Nawaz

    The Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) is preparing for the return of party head and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on October, ending a four year long stay in London.

    One of the PML-N’s workers has announced that a brand new Honda 125 motorcycle will be given to those individuals who bring more people to welcome their leader.

    A video that has gone viral on social media, shows an unidentified party worker making the announcement during a public event.

    While addressing a political gathering, he said, “This is a big announcement. I hope my team will win. You are all being told that whoever brings more people to welcome Nawaz Sharif on October 21 will get a Honda 125″.

    Furthermore, the unnamed party worker clarified the geographical scope of the prize by stating, “This is NA 135, and it covers two provincial constituencies.”

  • Nawaz Sharif will be arrested if not granted bail, says Sarfraz Bugti

    Nawaz Sharif will be arrested if not granted bail, says Sarfraz Bugti

    The caretaker interior minister, Sarfraz Bugti, has said that Pakistan Muslim Leauge- Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will be arrested on his return in case he is not granted bail.

    The former prime minister has been in London since 2019, and recently he announced his return on October 21.

    On the other hand, PML-N leader and former interior minister Rana Sanaullah responded to Sarfraz Bugti’s statement by saying that the interior minister should not cross his limits.

    Bugti said on Tuesday that if Nawaz Sharif is not granted bail, officials can arrest him at the airport.

    Reacting to Bugti’s statement, Rana Sanaullah said, “Sarfraz Bugti should see the fate of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid before issuing such remarks”.

    “Don’t try to elevate your political stature by making statements about Nawaz Sharif,” Sanaullah said, asking Bugti to stop worrying about Nawaz and concentrate on his duties.

    The former interior minister has also stated that on October 21, the interior minister will not decide where Nawaz would go from the airport.

    PML-N information secretary, Marriyum Aurangzeb, also gave a warning to Sarfraz Bugti by saying, “Mr Sarfraz Bugti, speak according to your political stature. Where Nawaz Sharif has to go from the airport is neither your problem nor your decision”. 

    In response to all the statements given by the PML-N leader, the caretaker interior minister clarified his statement and said, “My statement was given a political colour, out of context. The caretaker government has no political agenda”.

    He also observed that a larger number of PML-N supporters will welcome Nawaz Sharif on October 21.

  • No change in Nawaz Sharif’s return to country, says Shehbaz Sharif

    No change in Nawaz Sharif’s return to country, says Shehbaz Sharif

    Shehbaz Sharif, the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has said that he went to London to discuss legal and political initiatives regarding the arrival of the former prime minister and his brother Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan on October 21.

    The PML-N President said while talking to the media that an important meeting of the party was attended by Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Ishaq Dar, Talal Chaudhary, and others at the Stanhope House in the British capital.

    Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that there is “zero substance” in speculations about going back to London in a rush and receiving “a special message” for Nawaz Sharif.
    The reports indicated that earlier this week, Shehbaz Sharif had received a message in a special meeting in Gujranwala.

    “Imran Khan taught vulgarity to the nation. Nawaz will end this poison and will educate the youth and will give them employment”, Shehbaz added. Sharif also said that his brother Nawaz is a “ray of hope” for Pakistan.

    On the other hand, Maryam Nawaz has said in media interactions that her father will get a historic reception on his arrival in Pakistan next month.