Tag: Shehbaz Sharif

  • Maulana Parliament Lodges showdown: What happened in Islamabad last night?

    Maulana Parliament Lodges showdown: What happened in Islamabad last night?

    On Thursday (March 10), a heavy contingent of the police raided the Parliament Lodges to expel members of the Ansarul Islam — a volunteer force of the Jamat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) — who were invited to provide security to Opposition lawmakers.

    At least four legislators and more than a dozen Ansarul Islam volunteers were arrested during the operation. As per reports, MNA Maulana Jamaluddin, Salahuddin Ayubi, and spokesperson Mufti Abdullah were also arrested.

    After the release of JUI-F workers and lawmakers, Maulana Fazlur Rehman directed party workers to open the highways they had earlier blocked in protest against the police operation. He had set a deadline of 9am for the government to release arrested parliamentarians and party workers.

    In an audio message shared on Twitter, Maulana Fazl said there was “no need” to block the roads now since all parliamentarians and workers have been released.

    Addressing a press conference after the police action, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed had said the Opposition was bringing “mobs” into parliament, adding that “no one is allowed to keep private militia”.

    The federal minister had said the government conducted “five-hour long talks with the Opposition” as Pakistan was not a “banana state”.

    “I have directed all chief secretaries and inspector generals to take those into custody who attempt to take the law into their hands.”

    Rasheed warned that no one should take the law into their hands, otherwise action would be taken

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry took to Twitter and said, “The Jamiat goons apologised by holding their ears and left. They are part of a specific mafia group that is working for their own interests.”

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill said that Maulana Fazl had been “making calls all night and asking for forgiveness and for his workers to be released so he could have some honour left”.

    Opposition Leader and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said that raiding the residence of members of parliament was dictatorship and fascism.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the attack on parliamentarians cannot be tolerated. “This police attack is proof that Imran Khan is panicking,” Bilawal said, “Imran Khan, enough is enough,” he warned.

    The incident happened just days after the Opposition filed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

  • ‘NA speaker has right to disqualify any PTI MNA who will vote for other party’: Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘NA speaker has right to disqualify any PTI MNA who will vote for other party’: Sheikh Rasheed

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Thursday said National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser has the right to disqualify any Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Members of National Assembly (MNA) who “crossed floor” (to vote against your party) in the lower house and that “no one can challenge that”.

    According to the federal minister, all political parties gave this right to the Speaker in the 18th Amendment in an effort to stop horse-trading.

    “Let them [Opposition] fulfil their desire. Imran Khan is on his way towards winning. The Speaker has the right to disqualify any ruling party MNA who disrespects the votes they got due to IK,” he said.

    Talking to the media, the minister said the no-confidence move would be a “moment of satisfaction” for the premier. He also termed the week from March 23 to 30 as important.

    In a tweet, Rasheed urged PTI supporters to be present at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on the day of the vote to celebrate a “day of thanksgiving” for the PM’s success.

    Speaking on ARY News, Supreme Court lawyer Faisal Hussain gave a detailed analysis on the no-confidence motion and the government’s options.

    After submission of the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan, the government has come up with a strategy of not showing up on the D-Day. Asad Umar said that it is the Opposition’s job to show that they have the support of 172 MNAs and therefore government lawmakers would not attend the no-confidence vote.

    Talking to 92 News, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the Speaker will not count the votes of PTI members who vote against the PM.

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1501629055359143944
  • ‘Do you know about the corruption stories of First Lady,’ Bilawal launches attack on Bushra Bibi

    ‘Do you know about the corruption stories of First Lady,’ Bilawal launches attack on Bushra Bibi

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in a hard-hitting press conference against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that he respects First Lady Bushra Bibi and has never used foul language against her.

    Bilawal said that people have told him stories about how things are happening in Punjab and said, “Do you know about the corruption stories of First Lady?”

    He further alleged that no transfer and posting is done in Punjab without permission and giving money to the First Lady.

    “We are told that your candidate for the chief minister [could not give enough money], but Buzdar invested in the right place — and this problem (Buzdar) has been imposed on us,” said Bilawal.

    Threats not tolerable, I am not a child anymore: Bilawal Bhutto

    “I am not a child anymore,” Bilawal said in reference to his young age at the time of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

    “We will not tolerate this anymore; I am here now,” Bilawal said responding to PM Khan’s remark about having former president Asif Ali Zardari being his next target.

    “What I will do to you will be remembered by your generations,” Bilawal warned PM Khan.

    “We never used guns but we know how to use them,” Bilawal said, adding that he is a peaceful person and will remain the same.

    “However, we will respond in the same language if they keep pressurising us,” he said, referring to the prime minister’s “foul language”.

    “Using foul language will not save PM Imran Khan’s seat but he would curse more when he sees his position in danger.” 

    PM Khan uses donations from cancer hospital to run his kitchen: Bilawal

    “You used the donations from the cancer hospital to run your kitchen and your party […] you are a culprit; a United States court has convicted you,” said Bilawal.

    Ohh, Imran, the cases that will be filed against you; you have no idea: Bilawal

    Bilawal said he was not Zardari, who “says that let his opponents lie as much as they want”, as due to their allegations, he would “go to paradise”.

    “Should we still believe that you are meeting ends by selling your cricketing days’ toys […] Ohh, Imran, the cases that will be filed against you; you have no idea,” Bilawal warned the premier.

    Bilawal said neither Imran nor anyone could “break” Zardari through allegations or misuse of power.

    “It was a plan that Zardari and Faryal Talpur be first put behind bars and it was also assumed that PPP would remain silent, but that did not happen.”

    The more pressure comes, the more the premier will abuse: PPP Chairperson

    Reacting to the prime minister’s speech, Bilawal said, “The more pressure comes, the more the premier will abuse.” He maintained that PM Imran will hurl more abuses after sensing a threat to his government.

    “PPP always stood against the tyrants in every era,” he said, adding that those who think that he will get scared and step back, don’t know that Zardari and Benazir’s blood flows in his veins.

    We consider the attack on Aseefa a message for us: Bilawal

    The PPP chairman said that there have been two such incidents that are unbearable for him. The threats to his father and an “attack” on his sister, Aseefa, are intolerable for him.

    “We believe that the drone incident was a message for us,” he said and demanded of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency and other agencies to investigate the incident.

    Will Shehbaz be the next PM?

    Giving hints about the next prime minister, Bilawal asked PM Khan to pray and ask the First Lady to pray that no one else but Zardari forms government again. “We will request Shehbaz Sharif at the right time to appoint an interior minister.”

    People made Awami March historic: Bilawal

    Bilawal also thanked the PPP supporters for joining the “Awami March” he led, saying that their participation has made the march historic.

    “The people brought a no-confidence motion against the selected [prime minister] and proved that they stand by the democracy,” Bilawal said.

  • ‘Asif Zardari tumhara waqt agaya hai,’ PM Khan roars at the Opposition in the face of no-confidence motion

    ‘Asif Zardari tumhara waqt agaya hai,’ PM Khan roars at the Opposition in the face of no-confidence motion

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Wednesday delivered a fiery speech in Karachi against the Opposition. He said that the submission of the no-confidence motion is the “political death” of the Opposition.

    The prime minister said, “I was thinking that somehow if only I could get a hold of their neck, and God listened to my prayers and they submitted a no-trust move. Now they have been trapped and their no-confidence move is going to backfire.”

    The prime minister announced he was going to tour interior Sindh soon and that it was his mission to rid the region of the injustices done to it.

    “I won’t stop when we hopefully win [against] the no-confidence motion. I will go after them (the Opposition) and won’t spare them. My hands, which had been chained, will now be untied,” the PM thundered.

    “Now my first target, who has been under my radar for a long time, is Asif Ali Zardari,” the prime minister said.

    The premier also accused the former president of using “police and thugs to get people killed”, engaging in theft and corruption, and laundering money abroad.

    “Asif Zardari your time is near,” he warned.

    He alleged that the former president roams around with “buckets of money” and has kept Rs200 million to buy PTI parliamentarians.

    The premier alleged that when one of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNAs informed him that he was offered Rs200 million, he told the lawmaker to take the money and open a panahgaah or orphanage with it.

    Turning his guns on the leader of Opposition in National Assembly (NA) Shehbaz Sharif, PM Khan called the former a “boot polisher” and said, “Your time has come as well. You know that after the next three months, you will be behind the bars,” the premier said.

    He said Shehbaz had laundered billions of rupees to his son abroad, adding “I will further reduce electricity prices by retrieving public money from his son and son-in-law.”

    Talking about Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, “I thank my countrymen for giving record taxes this year. It is because of these taxes that I was able to reduce the price of petrol and Fazlur Rehman [taking a jibe at Maulana by calling his name instead of diesel].”

    Talking about Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, PM Khan said, ” I request to you Zardari, for god’s sake teach your son Urdu.”

    Talking about European Union (EU) and the criticism hurled at PM Khan for his recent speech questioning the EU envoys in Pakistan, the premier said, “I have not said anything to EU, I was only reminding them of the sacrifices we had made in the past.”

    The premier said that Pakistan should pursue friendships with every country and wasn’t against anyone but “I will never allow any country to take action against my nation’s interests.”

    “I am a supporter of peace and will not take part in any war,” said PM Khan.

  • Today’s highlights: Opposition submits no-confidence while PM remains unfazed

    Today’s highlights: Opposition submits no-confidence while PM remains unfazed

    A total of 86 lawmakers from the Opposition parties signed the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Tuesday in an effort to oust the PM.

    Opposition leaders — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed the submission in a joint press conference.

    The government’s current number of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) stands at 179 while the Opposition has the support of 162 MNAs but they claim to have 186 members on their side.

    While addressing the conference, Zardari laughed when asked how many Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) assembly members are with him. He sarcastically said, “Naam bhi bata doon?” (Should I reveal the names also?)

    PM Khan remains unfazed

    PM Khan reportedly met with the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) to discuss legal aspects after the Opposition’s submission of a no-confidence motion against him. Not only this, the premier also had a meeting with YouTubers, in which he made several claims. He said that the army stands with the government, it will never support thieves.

    “After this, nothing will happen against this government till 2028. The Opposition will face a humiliating defeat,” he added.

    PM Khan is all set to visit Karachi tomorrow (Wednesday).

    Will Shehbaz Sharif become the new PM?

    Addressing the ‘Awami March’, former President Zardari hinted that Shehbaz Sharif might become the new PM (if the no-confidence motion is successful). He said, “It is time we bring a Shareef admi to replace the prime minister.”

    Another PPP leader, Naveed Qamar, said that it is likely that Shehbaz Sharif will be the next prime minister.

    CM Buzdar resignation matter

    As per reports, Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Usman Buzdar presented his resignation to the PM but he didn’t accept the resignation and reportedly said that Buzdar will always be CM of Punjab. Buzdar also vowed that even if he is no longer CM, he will always stand by Khan.

    Moreover, there are several media reports which suggest that members within PTI aren’t really happy with Buzdar. Aleem Khan and Jahangir Tareen group said that the only way to move forward in Punjab is minus-Buzdar.

    Awami March reaches Islamabad

    PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s Awami March has reached Islamabad. In an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ programme Capital Talk, Bilawal said that the capital’s police is blocking its party convoy. “Until the whole caravan is allowed to come with me, we will protest,” he said.

    Tareen-Aleem partnership

    Top leaders of the disgruntled Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT) group, including PTI’s Aleem Khan, are going to London to meet Tareen.

    On Monday, Aleem Khan formally joined Jahangir Tareen’s group. Aleem said the aim is to “save” the party after “loyalists who had been integral in PTI’s 10-year struggle were sidelined without any reason.”

    In response, PM Khan claimed that Tareen would never support “thieves”.

  • ‘Shareef admi ko laayein’: Zardari hints at Shehbaz Sharif becoming new prime minister

    ‘Shareef admi ko laayein’: Zardari hints at Shehbaz Sharif becoming new prime minister

    Former President Asif Ali Zardari, addressing the ‘Awami March’ said, “Now is the time to overthrow this unholy ruler,” alluding to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    “It is time we bring a Shareef admi to replace the prime minister,” added Zardari.

    It is being said that Zardari is hinting that Shehbaz Sharif will be the new prime minister, since he used the word “shareef” in his speech.

    Speaking with Geo News, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader, Naveed Qamar said that it is likely that Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly (NA) Shehbaz Sharif will become the new prime minister after the no-confidence motion is passed against the premier.

    The Opposition has submitted the no-confidence motion against PM Khan in the National Assembly Secretariat.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Decision on when to kick out PM Khan to be announced in one hour

    EXCLUSIVE: Decision on when to kick out PM Khan to be announced in one hour

    The three notable Opposition leaders — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, and Jamat-e-Ulema Islami-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman — have decided the date for moving a no-confidence motion, confirms senior journalist Hamid Mir to The Current.

    Mir without revealing names took to Twitter and hinted upon ‘big news’ coming from the Opposition.

    Mir while talking to The Current said, “Wait for an hour and big news shall be revealed to all. The date on when to present a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan will be announced.”

    It is also being reported that the Opposition troika, Shehbaz, Zardari, and Maulana are scheduled to do a combined presser at around 4:30pm.

    The no-confidence motion is being moved to remove PM Khan and his party from the government.

  • Shehbaz Sharif sends bouquet to Jahangir Tareen

    Shehbaz Sharif sends bouquet to Jahangir Tareen

    Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly sent a bouquet to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) disgruntled leader Jahangir Khan Tareen in London and conveyed his best wishes and prayers for Tareen’s speedy recovery, journalist Murtaza Ali Shah has tweeted.

    Tareen, who is currently in London for medical treatment. He was discharged from a private clinic on Saturday.

    It has been reported that PTI’s Aleem Khan, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s close friend, was contacted by PML-N. He has reached Jahangir Tareen’s residence where Tareen is expected to address the meeting through a video link.

    It is pertinent to mention that Tareen had left for London on February 26 after his health deteriorated. But despite being away from home, he has been in touch with his political allies in Pakistan throughout.

    Tareen will stay in the United Kingdom (UK) for around a week more and will travel to Pakistan depending on his doctors’ advice.

  • ‘Resign before we table no-confidence,’ Bilawal Bhutto gives an ultimatum to PM Khan

    ‘Resign before we table no-confidence,’ Bilawal Bhutto gives an ultimatum to PM Khan

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asked Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to resign before the vote of no-confidence is tabled in the National Assembly. He also challenged PM Khan to dissolve the assembly as “he has always threatened to do”.

    “Even if he does not resign and dissolve the assembly, the Opposition is well prepared. We will bring the no-confidence motion and take this democratic war to parliament. We will be successful,” said Bilawal Bhutto on Sunday. He said he cannot guarantee 100 per cent success of the no-confidence move.

    “If we succeed, it will be a great achievement but even if we do not, I will not back down and continue my struggle.”

    The PPP Chairman was speaking in Lahore at Nadeem Afzal Chan’s residence.

    Nadeem Afzal Chan rejoins PPP

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Nadeem Afzal Chan rejoined the PPP on Sunday (March 6) in Lahore. Chan had quit the PPP for the PTI in April 2018 and contested the general elections but said he made the “wrong decision” by leaving PPP. Chan said he was very happy to be back ‘home’ in the PPP.

    Balochistan’s Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind meets Zardari

    Former PTI Balochistan President Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind called on PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday, days after quitting as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, reported Dawn.

    PPP in Lahore

    Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that through the 18th Amendment and NFC (National Finance Commission) Award, the PPP made Punjab the owner of its own resources.

    Awami March in Gujrat

    PPP Awami March has reached Gujrat today (March 7) and will reach Islamabad either tonight or tomorrow (March 8). Last week, senior journalist Saleem Safi tweeted that the Chaudhries of Gujrat had offered to host Bilawal Bhutto’s Awami March in Gujrat but due to the PML-Q’s refusal to go to Shehbaz Sharif’s house, Asif Zardari refused their offer.

  • Nawaz Sharif gives green signal to kick out PM Khan, PPP agrees to early elections

    Nawaz Sharif gives green signal to kick out PM Khan, PPP agrees to early elections

    Former Prime Minister (PM) and leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif has given a green signal to the Opposition on the issue of a no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan.

    The success of the no-confidence motion raises the possibility of a consensus among the three main Opposition parties for immediate elections, reports Geo Urdu.

    Nawaz Sharif has given a green signal to Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and former president Asif Ali Zardari to bring a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan.

    The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was adamant about completing the constitutional term instead of holding immediate elections and the coalition parties of the government had also given a charter of demands to complete the constitutional term.

    The deadlock in the Opposition over the no-confidence motion against PM Khan has ended and PDM has persuaded the PPP to hold immediate elections.

    Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) leader and official spokesman for PDM Hafiz Hamdullah said that the joint Opposition would submit the no-confidence motion in the next 48 hours.

    According to Maulana, the Opposition will make a final decision regarding submitting a vote of the no-confidence motion in the next two to three days.