Tag: topnews

  • ‘September 21 rally is do-or-die for PTI,’ declares Imran Khan

    ‘September 21 rally is do-or-die for PTI,’ declares Imran Khan

    Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Thursday declared the party’s pre scheduled rally to be held in Lahore on September 21 a do-or-die event.

    Speaking to journalists at Adiala jail Rawalpindi, the former Prime Minister said, “The Constitution gives us the right to assemble,” he said, warning that jails will be filled if PTI gets barred from holding the Lahore rally.

    He stated, “I ask the nation to come out for their future on September 21 in Lahore.”

    Citing the judiciary’s role in society, Khan remarked, “The Supreme Court (SC) is the last institution from which people have expectations. If the SC is also destroyed, Pakistan will become a banana republic.”

    Responding to the government’s proposed constitutional amendments, he stated, “To destroy the Supreme Court is to destroy democracy, and to destroy democracy is to destroy freedom. When freedom is destroyed, people become slaves.”

    Lambasting President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, Khan said that both will flee again and stressed that everyone is aware of their money which is lying abroad.

  • Speaker directs election commission to dismiss Supreme Court’s ruling on reserved seats

    Speaker directs election commission to dismiss Supreme Court’s ruling on reserved seats

    Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, has penned a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on September 19 stating that after the Elections Act Amendments, 2024, passed by the parliament, the Supreme Court’s reserved seats verdict of July 12 can no longer be implemented.

    On July 12, in a significant political and symbolic win for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a thirteen-member bench of the Supreme Court ruled that PTI had the legal and constitutional right to reserved seats.

    However, on September 14, an eight-judge bench of the Supreme Court sternly criticised the ECP for delaying its ruling on the reserved seats case and warned of serious consequences.

    “After the Judgement of SC, the Parliament has been pleased to pass the Elections Act, 2024 which received the assent of the President on 7th August 2024 and was published in the Gazette of Pakistan on 9th August 2024,” stated the letter by Speaker NA.

    The senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member Ayaz Sadiq further wrote, “In view of this backdrop, it is stated that independent returned candidates who have already given a joining to a political party can’t be allowed to now switch parties in terms of the Amended Election Act.”

    The speaker clarified that the amended act “shall prevail and supersede” the Supreme Court’s July 12 verdict.

  • All eyes on Maulana Fazlur Rehman as success of constitutional amendments hangs in balance

    All eyes on Maulana Fazlur Rehman as success of constitutional amendments hangs in balance

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman may win a lot of seats or not a lot, but his political importance stays intact.

    Senator of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Irfan Siddique has said that constitutional amendments cannot be passed without Chief Jamiat-e-Ulema Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s cooperation.

    Appearing on the Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada kay Saath’, Siddiqui stated, “As soon as Maulana Fazl is satisfied, the constitutional amendments will be tabled.”

    Responding to Rehman’s concerns over the constitutional amendments, Siddiqui cleared, “Maulana had no objection to the constitutional court or formula of appointment of judges.”

    In opposition, speaking to journalists following a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaisar in Islamabad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman remarked, “They (opposition parties) completely rejected the government proposed amendments draft.”

    Interestingly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is still hopeful of winning Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s confidence for the judiciary-centric legislation.

    Appearing on the Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk,’ Asif said, “Fazl is a shrewd politician, and we will definitely find a resolution.”

    Meanwhile, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, said that he couldn’t comment on anything regarding the JUIF stance.

    Speaking to journalists at Adiala jail Rawalpindi on Wednesday, he remarked, “All political forces have to unite for democracy. If Maulana is standing with democracy, it is a good thing.”

    To pass the controversial constitutional amendments, the incumbent government lacks thirteen votes in the National Assembly (NA) and nine in the Senate.

  • Joe Biden appreciates Pakistan’s efforts in tackling terrorism

    Joe Biden appreciates Pakistan’s efforts in tackling terrorism

    President of the United States (US) Joe Biden has highlighted the significance of Washington’s relations with Pakistan for “regional stability and security” after he received a Letter of Credence from the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Shiekh.

    At a ceremony at Blair House in Washington DC, Biden said, “The relationship between our two countries remains important for regional stability and security. We appreciate US-Pakistan cooperation on countering terrorist threats,” a statement released by the Pakistan embassy in the US read.

    “The United States will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time,” he added.

    The US President’s statement comes at a crucial time when the US imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies and a Chinese research institute that had assisted Pakistan in developing the Shaheen Three and Ababeel missile systems.

    During a press briefing from Washington yesterday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller had stated, “We have been clear and consistent about our concerns with Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme for many years.”

  • ‘He’s acting like the CM of Afghanistan’: KP Governor criticises Gandapur

    ‘He’s acting like the CM of Afghanistan’: KP Governor criticises Gandapur

    Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi criticised KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for defending Afghan diplomats and their disrespect of the national anthem yesterday.

    “He is acting like the chief minister of a province of Afghanistan rather than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said the PPP affiliated Governor.

    On Tuesday, intense criticism was directed towards Afghan Acting Consul General Muhib Ullah Shakil and his aide when they refused to stand up for Pakistan’s national anthem, defying diplomatic norms, at the National Rehmat-ul-Lil-Aalamin (PBUH) Conference in Peshawar.

    Afghan Consulate Peshawar later clarified that the gentlemen did not stand up for the anthem due to the “music in them.”

    Gandapur later defended the diplomat, saying, “There was no disrespect intended, and they explained why they didn’t stand up for the national anthem.”

    Governor KP, while speaking on the Geo News programme last night, recalled, “ I spoke positively with the CM KP Gandapur, but he took advantage of that.”

    “I am sitting on a constitutional position, I will not allow anything against the constitution, but if anyone works for the peace and development of the province, I will support him,” said Kundi.

    He also emphasised that states talk to other states rather than a provincial chief minister.

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt plans to remove most checkposts

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt plans to remove most checkposts

    Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur has announced the removal of several checkpoints across the province.

    Citing the convenience of the people, he stated that the KP government intends to demolish the majority of check posts and urges the public to cooperate in maintaining law and order.

    He also clarified that the government plans to reinstate the elder jirga system in KP after reaching a consensus at district-level meetings.

    In response to Afghan Acting Consul General Muhib Ullah Shakil and his aide’s refusal to stand for Pakistan’s national anthem at the Peshawar conference, Gandapur stated, “It is their policy not to stand before any anthem that includes music.”

    However, Afghan Consulate Peshawar spokesperson Shahid Ullah clarified, “The Consul General did not stand due to the music in the anthem. We have even banned our own national anthem for the same reason.”

  • US gives ridiculous justification to embargo Pakistan’s missile programme

    US gives ridiculous justification to embargo Pakistan’s missile programme

    The United States (US) has reiterated its double standards in the international world, emphasizing its stance on Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, citing the absurd reason of strengthening the international non-proliferating regime.

    In a press briefing from Washington, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We have been clear and consistent about our concerns with Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme for many years.”

    “Pakistan has been a long-term partner of ours, and I think what this action shows is that there continue to be places where we have disagreement, and when we have disagreements, we won’t hesitate to act on those to protect America’s interests,” Miller added.

    Responding to Miller’s statement, Pakistan stated, “Such double standards and discriminatory practices undermine the credibility of global nonproliferation regimes, increase military asymmetries, and endanger international peace and security.”

    The US imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies and a Chinese research institute that had assisted Pakistan in developing the Shaheen Three and Ababeel missile systems.

    In a statement, the spokesperson of the State Department had cleared that these embargos were imposed under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and Export Control Reform Act (ECRA).

  • Government clarifies no military trial for Imran Khan

    Government clarifies no military trial for Imran Khan

    The federal government clarified to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the possibility of a military trial for founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, is not under consideration.

    Additional Attorney General (AAG) Barrister Munawar Iqbal Duggal remarked before the IHC that the defence ministry has not yet provided any information regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s military trial.

    However, the AAG Duggal cleared to the IHC bench headed by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb that Khan’s military trial would be per the law if the military court tried him.

    Law official for Ministry of Defence, Brigadier Falak Naz remarked that civilian trials by the military court are possible for certain offences under Section 2(1) (d) of the Pakistan Army Act.

    Earlier, ex-PM Khan filed a petition against his possible military trial in connection with the May 9 violent protest cases, upon which IHC directed the incumbent government to submit its answer by September 24.

  • ‘Constitutional amendments will destroy Pakistan’s future,’ warns Imran Khan

    ‘Constitutional amendments will destroy Pakistan’s future,’ warns Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that new constitutional amendments will jeopardise the country’s future.

    Talking to journalists in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said that the formation of a new Federal Constitutional Court is originates from the incumbent government’s fear of the Supreme Court (SC).

    He also claimed that the purpose of constitutional amendments is to keep him in jail.

    “Sitting members in government don’t want to perceive the judiciary as independent,” he added.

    He also alleged that the money and properties of those proposing the amendments are abroad.

    Criticising the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, he said, “The incumbent government wanted to destroy judiciary by reinstating CJP Isa.”

    Khan also said that he had predicted that PTI rally in Lahore on September 21 would be peaceful and historical.

  • Maryam Nawaz halts pink salt export; industry leader concerned

    Maryam Nawaz halts pink salt export; industry leader concerned

    Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure that the export of pink raw salt is halted.

    Chairing a meeting to review proposals on maximising revenue from the export of pink salt, she stated, “Pink salt is like a treasure trove for Pakistan.”

    She ordered the preparation of a plan to form a value-added industry of pink salt aiming to generate up to thirteen billion dollars in the next three to five years and suggested a comprehensive strategy to improve the export of pink salt.

    For the extraction of minerals in Punjab, CM Punjab Maryam directed to ensure the safety of mining workers and advised them to use modern technology for better output.

    The Founding Chairman of the Salts Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), Ismail Suttar declared the announcement “immature.”

    Suttar said, “It is very unfortunate to witness repeated mistakes by the government, leading the industry towards a destructive path.”

    “I am surprised at such a remark from the Office of the Chief Minister without considering the opinion of the salt industry stakeholders,” he concluded.