Tag: topnews

  • PPP, PML-N ready to befriend PTI

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday agreed to engage in delegation-level dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a bid to find a way out of the present political crisis in Pakistan, reports Samaa.

    According to the news outlet, Yousaf Raza Gilani, Naveed Qamar and Qamar Zaman Kaira from PPP and Rana Sanaullah, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Khawaja Saad Rafique from PML-N attended a crucial meeting between the two parties.

    Talking to media after the meeting, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that politicians must not shy away from negotiations.

    PPP leader Yousaf Raza Gilani called for dialogue between political parties to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has also called a meeting of coalition partners today to evaluate the country’s political situation and Jamat-e-Islami’s negotiation efforts between the government and PTI reports Geo News.

    According to Geo News, the meeting will be held today at 3:30pm at the PM House.

  • Another police operation planned at Zaman Park on Eid, claims Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday that he fears the government may launch another “operation” during Eid ul Fitr holidays at his Zaman Park residence in a bid to arrest him.

    “There is risk of bloodshed,” he claimed.

    A two-member bench of the high court recommended that Imran Khan’s petition be placed before a larger bench against the registration of similar cases and disciplinary proceedings against him.

    The bench, comprising of Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh and Justice Farooq Haider, sent the file to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court.

    Khan testified in court that despite court orders, the police had previously damaged his home during the Zaman Park operation, adding that the court had ordered the police not to launch an operation in Zaman Park, yet it had happened.

    “Now during the holidays, they will launch an operation. I have credible reports that they will launch an operation. The court must stop them,” Khan urged, adding that the “law of the jungle” prevails where people are first arrested and then they are informed about the accusations.

    “I am just informing you about the threats beforehand,” Khan said and returned to his seat.

  • ‘Election won’t be held on May 14’: Rana Sanaullah

    Contrary to the Supreme Court’s (SC) order to hold elections in Punjab on May 14, federal Minister for Interior, Rana Sanaullah has said that polls will not be held on the said date.

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said that elections would be “held together” throughout the country, under a caretaker setup.

    “If elections are not held in May, then October is not too far away either,” said Sanaullah.

    Calling Khan a “fitna”, Sanaullah said that he had been brought to power through a “conspiracy”. “Their [PTI’s] policies over four years created a crisis for the country.”

    “It was [Imran Khan’s] government that signed the agreement with the IMF, not us. The difficulties are only due to the previous government’s agreement.”

    Sanaullah also said that party supremo Nawaz Sharif would reach the country as soon as electoral preparations begin, adding that he would supervise the party’s election campaign.

    “The PML-N has always taken the country out of the crisis,” he emphasized.

  • ‘Ill-informed, ignorant, wanted to blame Pakistan for Pulwama’: Former Indian Governor on Modi

    ‘Ill-informed, ignorant, wanted to blame Pakistan for Pulwama’: Former Indian Governor on Modi

    Satya Pal Malik, the last governor of the now Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) before it was divided has claimed that Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is extremely “ill-informed’.

    Malik, who was governor during the Pulwama terror attack of February 2019 and during the scrapping of Article 370 in August the same year, said that Modi is “ignorant” about Kashmir and told him [Malik] not to speak about the Union home ministry’s lapses which led to the killing of dozens of paramilitary troops in India-held Jammu and Kashmir.

    He said removing Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood was a mistake and it should be restored immediately. He said, “Modi mast hain apne mein – to hell with it! This is his attitude.”

    Conversing with acclaimed Indian journalist Karan Thapar, Malik said during the interview with The Wire, that he immediately realised that Modi wanted to use the Pulwama attack to blame Pakis­tan for the benefit of his government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    The former Indian governor said, “Mein safely keh sakta hoon Prime Minister ko corruption se bahut nafrat nahin hain” (‘I can safely say the PM has no real problem with corruption’). 

    He further revealed that the attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama was a result of “incompetence” and “carelessness” by the Indian system, specifically the CRPF and the home min­i­­stry. Malik gave details of how the CRPF had asked for aircraft to transport its personnel, but was refused by the home ministry.

    He said all of these lapses were raised by him directly when Modi called him from outside Corbett Park, shortly after the Pulwama attack. He said the prime minister told him to keep quiet about this and not tell anyone.

  • After federal govt, Punjab also gives five days off for Eid

    After federal govt, Punjab also gives five days off for Eid

    The Punjab government on Friday announced that holidays will extend from April 21 to 25 on account of Eid ul Fitr.

    On Thursday, the federal government had also announced a five-day holiday for Eid.

    The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to meet on April 20 for sighting of the Eid ul Fitr crescent moon, a statement from the religious affairs ministry said on Tuesday.

    This year, the holy month of Ramazan started on March 23.

  • ‘Nawaz was given assurances PTI would be crushed’: Khan lashes out after security chief’s arrest

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s security chief, Iftikhar Rasool Ghumman in a case pertaining to charges of money laundering.

    Condemning the arrest, the PTI chief said people close to him were being harassed, abducted and tortured.

    Taking to his official Twitter account, Imran wrote: “When Ali Amin was abducted, the DPO told sessions judge in DIK [Dera Ismail Khan] that he would take a contempt charge but had to take custody of Ali Amin as orders came from above.

    “Today, my security in-charge Iftikhar Ghumman has been abducted. This is all part of the London Plan where Nawaz Sharif was given assurances PTI would be crushed.”

    “So now people close to me, along with my leadership, are being harassed, abducted, tortured and confronted with sham cases across Pakistan in total violation of the Constitution and rule of law.”

  • Govt vs Supreme Court: Ruling alliance rejects ‘controversial’ bench constituted to hear pleas on SC bill

    Govt vs Supreme Court: Ruling alliance rejects ‘controversial’ bench constituted to hear pleas on SC bill

    The ruling alliance on Thursday rejected the eight-member bench constituted earlier in the day to hear petitions challenging the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023.

    In a harshly worded statement, the coalition government vowed to resist attempts to remove parliament’s authority and interfere in its constitutional scope. The ruling parties further said, “such a move was never seen in the history of Pakistan and the Supreme Court”.

    The statement mentioned that top court judges — Justice Faez Isa and Justice Aminuddin Khan  — had in their earlier judgments openly expressed their objection to the “one-man show”, biased and dictatorial behaviour and the formation of special benches, while criticising the unchecked powers the Chief Justice of the apex court holds.

    “The constitution of the controversial bench in haste and fixing the bill for hearing, apart from the will and intent, also clearly expresses the decision to come, which is sad and tantamount to murder of justice,” the ruling alliance maintained.

    “With the formation of the eight-member controversial bench, the facts stated in the judgments of these honourable judges have become clearer,” the statement read.

    “The constitution of the controversial bench in haste and fixing the bill for hearing, apart from the will and intent, also clearly expresses the decision to come which is sad and tantamount to murder of justice,” the ruling alliance maintained.

    The bench set to hear plea against the bill comprises of Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bnadial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A. Malik, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed.

    The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023, is aimed at depriving the office of the CJP of powers to take suo motu notice in an individual capacity. It was initially passed by both houses of parliament and sent to the president for his assent. However, President Dr Arif Alvi had sent it back, saying that the proposed law travelled “beyond the competence of parliament”.

    The formation of the bench was met with surprise from the legal fraternity as the bill is yet to become law.

  • ‘I did not chose to sit there’: Justice Faez Isa speaks up on criticism

    ‘I did not chose to sit there’: Justice Faez Isa speaks up on criticism

    Justice Qazi Faez Isa of the Supreme Court has spoken up about why he was present at the National Assembly’s (NA) special session on Monday in honour of the 50 years of the Constitution.

    The future Chief Justice was criticised by certain sections of the political class and legal fraternity for attending the celebration.

    There was much talk on why Justice Isa was seated in the front row in the National Assembly. Issuing a clarification on his presence, speech and seating arrangement, the justice said that he accepted the invitation because he wanted to show solidarity with the Constitution.

    Talking about the backlash he received, Isa said, “I would have preferred to sit in the hall on one side or in the gallery but respect was shown to a member of the judiciary by seating me at the centre; I did not chose to sit there.”

    The justice also said that prior to accepting the invitation, inquires were made as to whether there would be political speeches, and assurances were extended that only the Constitution and its making would be spoken about; the programme sent to him also confirmed this.

    “I had been asked if I would like to speak and I had declined. However, when political statements were made [in a few of the speeches), I requested to speak to correct any misconceptions that may arise, and I did so,” said Justice Isa

    “The Golden Jubilee of the Constitution is a celebration of all citizens; it is not exclusive domain of any political party or institution,” said Justice Isa.

    Justice Faez Isa’s presence in National Assembly triggers heated debate

    Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s presence at the National Assembly triggered a heated debate among politicians, lawmakers and analysts.

    Speaking on the occasion, Justice Isa said — on behalf of the Supreme Court — that the apex court “stood by the Constitution”.

    “After God, we are under the protection of the Constitution,” he said. “As you are experts in politics, the law is my field,” the Justice of the apex court stated, adding, “You can comment and criticise when you deem it right as you have done, and that critique was heard.”

    Holding a booklet of the constitution of Pakistan in his hand, Justice Isa said: “This book is the identity of Pakistan and its people.”

    Emphasising that there was a need to truly cherish the Constitution, “Not because it guarantees my salary, but because it is essential for us and safeguards our rights,” he made is clear that he will speak about the constitution and will not endorse political views.

    However, being seen sitting in the front row along with the politicians belonging to the ruling coalition created stir on social media, where politicians, lawmakers and analysts in equal parts criticised and appreciated his presence in the NA moot.

    https://twitter.com/RealWaqarMaliks/status/1645373259267883009?s=20

    Talking to The News, Supreme Court lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said: “First of all, the issue is that Justice Qazi Faez Isa does not represent the SC; it is always the CJP [who does so]. 

    “And Justice Isa was not nominated by the CJP to represent the SC either. And then it seems other judges opted not to go to the event so it was not a wise decision [for Justice Isa] to go there at such a charged time. And then they made him sit right with all these politicians. The problem is: when you go to political events, it invites political commentary. Why make things controversial?”

    SAPM on Interior and Legal Affairs Attaullah Tarar said, “I don’t understand what this criticism is about. Had he spoken about politics or political parties, they could have criticised him in whatever manner they deemed fit. But here a judge is speaking just about the constitution and is not endorsing any political views.

    Anchorperson Muneeb Farooq while speaking with The News said that he does “not have any objection with regard to Justice Isa’s presence at the convention. It was a day to celebrate and he gave a decent speech [during which] not once but twice he distanced himself by saying he did not subscribe to any of the political speeches being made in parliament.”

  • Kya Shehbaz Sharif, Imran Khan ko aglay jummay iftari pe bula rahay hain?

    An important figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Barrister Zafarullah Khan, has suggested to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif that he invite bitter rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for Iftar next Friday.

    Speaking on Geo News programme, ‘Capital Talk’, Zafarullah said that Imran Khan should go and meet the prime minister. “If he [Imran Khan] turns up, well and good. If not, then it should be bye-bye.”

    Journalist Hamid Mir said that he has information that backdoor efforts are being made to establish contacts between the government and PTI. However, Mir said that according to what he knows Shahbaz and Khan are not ready to sit together.

    Meanwhile, President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Abid Zuberi said that if the prime minister calls, Khan must go to Iftar.

    Speaking in the same program, the Chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Hina Jilani said that if Khan really wants dialogue, he should go to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

  • Husain Haqqani kaun hain aur Khan kyun unhein PTI govt giraanay ka zimmedaar samajhtay hain?

    Husain Haqqani kaun hain aur Khan kyun unhein PTI govt giraanay ka zimmedaar samajhtay hain?

    Husain Haqqani, a name we have often heard but most recently has been in limelight since Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan blamed him for being a key figure behind the foreign conspiracy to remove him from power as prime minister.

    So the question remains; who is Haqqani, and why is he the recent target of Khan’s blame game?

    Who is Hussain Haqqani?

    Haqqani is Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States of America (USA), serving from 2008 to 2011. He currently serves as Director of South and Central Asia at Hudson Institute.

    Haqqani was a central character in the Memogate controversy wherein, in May 2011, it was claimed that he played a central role in the drafting of a memo of a message from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government which was seeking the Obama administration’s support to reign in the Pakistan military after the Osama bin Laden raid in Abbottabad. The controversy eventually led to Haqqani resigning as ambassador and significantly weakening the PPP government.

    Why does Khan blame Haqqani for his ouster?

    After one year of being ousted from power, Khan blamed Haqqani for conspiring with Gen Bajwa and removing his government.

    Background:

    In January, Khan accused former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa of hiring the services of Haqqani for lobbying in the US while he was army chief. He also said Haqqani launched a campaign against him and had been promoting the former army chief in the US.

    Last year in December, it was reported that a former CIA station manager in Islamabad, Robert Grenier, and Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Haqqani, were hired to lobby for PTI in Washington. Soon this information changed course and many PTI insiders claimed that these men were lobbying against their own government and played a key role in bringing it down.

    According to media reports PTI officials in the US also claimed that both men — Grenier and Haqqani — were working for a senior figure in the military establishment. Dawn reported that the two men were hired to lobby by a Pakistani government official, Iftikhar Durrani, who had served as a special assistant to then-prime minister Imran Khan.

    Journalist Waqas Ahmed claimed in December 2022 that Haqqani met a top Pakistani official in Dubai months before the PTI government was toppled, but the former ambassador denied the claim. The meeting which Ahmed reported was allegedly with the then COAS Gen Bajwa.

    Backing Ahmed’s claims, PTI’s Senior Vice President Shireen Marzari said that the Haqqani-Bajwa files, now in public, clearly indicated that the whole project of regime change conspiracy was done covertly, and that “Haqqani was hired to undermine the PTI government.”

    What does Haqqani say about Khan’s blame game?

    The former ambassador has finally addressed the allegations on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’. “It is stupid to say that I ended his [Imran Khan] government. I am neither a lobbyist nor have I received any payment in this regard. I have good relations with people in the US,” he said.

    Stating firmly that the US does not need him to evaluate Imran Khan’s image, Haqqani said, “My research is related to the politics in Pakistan.”

    Calling out Khan for having paranoid delusions, Haqqani said that the PTI chief says things without any proof and if he has evidence, he should very much bring it to light rather just blaming people.

    “I don’t take U-turns like Khan sahib,” said Haqqani, adding that a lot of people contact think tanks in the US for research. He added that the role of lobbies, journalists and scholars are different from each other.

    Pointing out that Khan even called him a traitor because of his stance, Hussain Haqqani stressed that the former Premier was removed from power through the votes of 174 members of the assembly and that he has “nothing to do with any of these MNAs”.

    In the last 26 years, Haqqani said Khan created his anti-American image, adding, “I did not stand on a container and swore at anyone, later asking for forgiveness.”

    The former ambassador further said that Gen (retd) Bajwa and his organisation convinced the nation for many years that his opinion is “anti-Pakistan”. 

    “You [Khan] should accept the vote of no-confidence why are you dragging me into it,” asked Haqqani on the show. “I haven’t been to Pakistan for 11 years and if someone came to meet me then they should be questioned,” said Haqqani regarding the meeting with Gen Bajwa, adding that he himself was appearing on a Pakistani news channel after 11 years.