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Tag: pml-n

  • ‘Prefer To Remain In Jail Rather Than…’: Imran Khan Says No Negotiation, No Deal With Pakistan Govt | world news

    Lahore: Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan has said that he would prefer to remain in jail for nine more years than strike a deal with those who have enslaved his country. The PTI boss has categorically ruled out an agreement with those ”who have enslaved the country.” In a message for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers on the party’s 28th Foundation Day, Khan said that the “ worst dictatorship” was imposed on the country which was becoming the basis for the “destruction” of the economy, government rule, democracy and judiciary”. Khan also called on every individual to play their role in stopping this descent towards the country’s ruin.

    “It is my message for the nation that I will give any sacrifice required for actual freedom but will never compromise on my or my nation’s freedom,” the former Pakistan PM said. The cricketer-politician further alleged that he has been kept behind bars for the past nine months due to “fake and concocted cases”.

    “I will remain in jail if I have to for nine more years, or more, but I will never strike a deal with those who have enslaved my nation,” he said in his message.

    On April 25, 1996, Chairman Imran Khan laid the foundation of Pakistan Movement on the principles of justice, humanity and self-control. Despite the hardships, difficulties and continuing oppression and exploitation, Pakistan Movement continues its patient struggle for the real freedom of Pakistan. #28YearsOfStruggle pic.twitter.com/DCAgkir1hS — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 25, 2024


    Since losing power in April 2022, the 71-year-old former cricketer-politician has been found guilty in at least four cases. Khan is currently lodged in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi because of these convictions. After disagreements with the powerful military, Khan’s political party has faced a crackdown. Many party members have been arrested or left the party after violence erupted following Khan’s arrest last year.

    Khan’s party leader, Shehryar Afridi, recently said they are willing to talk with the Army chief and other military leaders for the country’s security. They won’t talk with other political parties like the PPP or PML-N. Afridi called these parties “rejected” and said they can only talk with the military leadership. He also said that if these parties abandon their positions, then PTI will decide whether to work with them or not.

    Afridi mentioned that Khan wanted to talk with the military from the beginning, but there was no response. If there had been a response, they would have made it public.

    Earlier, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said Khan was being pressured to accept a deal, but PTI denied having any secret talks with the military. In the February 8 election, independent candidates supported by PTI won over 90 seats in the National Assembly. However, the PMN-L and PPP formed an alliance after the election, keeping Khan’s party from forming a government.”

  • Who Is Mian Javed Latif? Senior Nawaz Sharif Party Leader Who Has Called Shehbaz A 'Puppet' Of Military | world news

    LAHORE: A senior Pakistani politician has stirred a big controversy by making a bold statement against the incumbent PML-N government in the country that has caught everyone's attention. Mian Javed Latif – the man at the center of the controversy – is a close aide of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He has suggested that the current government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is merely a “puppet” regime, indirectly implying that the military holds the reins.

    Latif, a stalwart from Nawaz Sharif's PML-N and a former federal minister, made these remarks during a television interview. He pointed out that the PML-N failed to secure a simple majority in the National Assembly during the recent general elections. Latif asserted that the current government is effectively controlled by the military, regardless of which party appears to be in power.

    PML-N Mum Over 'Puppet' Remark

    Despite the significance of Latif's statements, the PML-N has not officially responded. This is the first time a senior leader from the ruling party has openly acknowledged the government's status as a “puppet setup” orchestrated by the military.

    In the aftermath of the February polls, where independent candidates supported by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged victorious, the PML-N formed a coalition with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other smaller parties. This alliance secured key positions in the government, including the prime ministerial and presidential posts.

    Allegations Of Rigging In Pakistan Polls

    Imran Khan and PTI have persistently accused the military establishment of electoral manipulation, labeling the elections as massively rigged. Pakistan has a history of military involvement in governance, either directly or indirectly.

    During the television interview, Latif stood by his remarks despite being questioned by the anchor. He insisted that he was speaking the truth, maintaining his stance even when prompted about potential personal motivations.

    Who Is Mian Javed Latif?

    Mian Javed Latif, born on January 1, 1964, in Sheikhupura, is a seasoned Pakistani politician. He has been associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) since 2008 and has consistently won elections, serving as a member of the National Assembly. Latif comes from a politically active family background, with his father also a politician. He has held various positions within the PML-N and has contested and won seats in multiple general elections, displaying a strong electoral track record.

    Latif has faced controversies despite his political successes, including a public altercation with fellow politician Murad Saeed in 2017. However, he later apologized for his actions. Mian Javed Latif's recent comments have sparked debate and scrutiny within Pakistani political circles, highlighting the ongoing tensions between civilian leadership and military influence in the country's governance.

  • Maryam Nawaz Makes History As First Female Chief Minister Of Pakistan’s Punjab Province. world news

    LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has made history by becoming the first woman chief minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province. The announcement came following a decisive victory in the election, where she secured a remarkable 220 votes, leaving her opponent, Rana Aftab Ahmad of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), without a single vote due to the boycott by SIC members.

    Opposition Boycott

    The Punjab Assembly session, overseen by the newly-elected Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, saw members of the Sunni Ittehad Council boycotting the proceedings. Speaker Khan, in response, restricted the session solely to the chief ministerial elections, disallowing any speeches by lawmakers. Efforts to resolve the boycott led to the formation of a committee tasked with persuading the boycotting legislators to return to the Assembly.

    Clear Majority Ensures Victory

    Maryam Nawaz’s candidacy faced opposition from Rana Aftab Ahmed of the Sunni Ittehad Council. Despite the competition, the PML-N’s significant presence ensured Maryam Nawaz’s triumph, securing a clear majority within the house.

    PML-N Dominance Punjab Assembly

    Prior to Maryam Nawaz’s historic win, the PML-N had already showcased its strength in the Punjab Assembly by securing victories in the speaker and deputy speaker elections. Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan clinched the speaker’s position with 224 votes, while Malik Zaheer Ahmed Channer secured the deputy speaker’s post with 220 votes, solidifying the party’s dominance.

    Maryam Nawaz: A Brief Background

    Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, began her journey in politics after being actively involved in the family’s philanthropic endeavors. Her political career gained momentum in 2012, and she played a pivotal role in the PML-N’s election campaign during the 2013 general elections. Despite facing challenges, including a brief stint as the Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, she continued to rise within the political sphere.

    Parliamentary Debut

    Maryam Nawaz’s victory in the 2024 Pakistani general election marked her parliamentary debut, as she secured seats in both the National Assembly of Pakistan (NA) and the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, further solidifying her position as a key figure within the political landscape of Pakistan.

  • Amid Announcement Of Pakistan Election Results, Imran Khan Gets Bail In May 9-Linked Violence Cases | world news

    Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan was granted bail in 12 cases related to May 9 riots by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, according to The Express Tribune. Additionally, Khan’s close aide and the former foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmud Qureshi was granted bail in 13 cases, the daily reported.

    Imran was also granted bail in the GHQ and Army Museum attacks, with the court requiring a PKR0.1 million surety bond in all 12 cases. The bail applications were considered by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. The court ruled that there was no rationale for keeping the PTI founder in custody, and all suspects in the May 9 cases were granted bail.

    Imran and Qureshi were indicted as per charges on February 6. The duo was brought before the court, and the former prime minister informed the judge that he had been unjustly arrested on May 9 from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), according to The Express Tribune.

    Imran was booked in many cases relating to the rioting that erupted throughout the country on May 9, following his detention in a corruption case. The complaints filed in Rawalpindi included an attack on the gate of General Headquarters (GHQ), rioting at a sensitive institution’s office, and other incidents.

    He rejected the claims included in the cases’ first information reports (FIRs). It should be mentioned that, following his release from Adiala jail, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi was hauled away by Punjab police in connection with the attack on the GHQ, according to The Express Tribune.

    In July last year, a high-level joint investigative team (JIT) looking into the May 9 violence decided to designate the former premier in two terrorist cases, including an attack on GHQ.

    With the inclusion of new sections to the proceedings, the PTI head was charged with planning and inciting violence. The bail has been granted to Imran Khan at a time when the results of the Pakistan General Elections that took place on February 8 are highly anticipated.

    The counting for the elections held on Thursday is underway, and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the single-largest party but is trailing behind the independent candidates, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). .

    Meanwhile, amid the Election Commission of Pakistan drawing flak over the delay in declaration of the results of the general elections, former PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday released a ‘victory speech’ in his AI- enabled voice, saying that the ‘London Plan’ of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day, as he also claimed victory in the general elections.

    Furthermore, Nawaz Sharif also announced his intention to form a united government with the help of his former allies – Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) amid a fractured mandate.

    Nawaz and his brother Shehbaz Sharif’s party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form a coalition government in the Center and Punjab, Geo TV reported on Saturday.

    Elections were held for 265 seats in the national assembly and a political party needs 133 seats for a simple majority. Voting in Pakistan concluded at 5 pm on Thursday amid escalating militant attacks and allegations of electoral misconduct.

    After the parliamentary polls, the newly elected parliament will select a prime minister. If no single party secures a majority, the party with the largest portion of assembly seats can form a coalition government.

    Meanwhile, a senior aide of Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan said if complete poll results are not announced by tonight, we will hold peaceful protests tomorrow, Reuters reported.

  • Pakistan Elections 2024: With No Clear Winner In Sight, Political Parties Begin ‘Wheeling And Dealing’ world news

    Islamabad: The recent elections in Pakistan have left the political landscape in uncertainty, with no clear winner emerging as the counting of votes nears completion. Despite the lack of a decisive outcome, major political parties have already begun negotiations and discussions in an attempt to secure enough support to form governments at both the national and provincial levels.

    PML-N Takes Initiative

    Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has assigned his brother, former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to initiate talks with key parties like the PPP and MQM-P to explore possibilities of forming alliances.

    Previous Coalition Dynamics

    Interestingly, the PML-N and PPP were previously part of the ruling coalition government following Imran Khan’s removal in April 2022. However, tensions between the two parties escalated during the election campaign, complicating the path to coalition-building.

    Independent Candidates In The Lead

    Preliminary results suggest that independent candidates, largely supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), are leading on a significant number of seats. This has added complexity to the political equation, requiring parties to negotiate and strategize effectively.

    Coalition Building Efforts

    Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly met with PPP leaders – Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto – at the residence of Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the election results and potential post-election scenarios, indicating a willingness to explore coalition possibilities.

    MQM-P’s Exploring All Options

    The MQM-P, initially inclined to support Nawaz Sharif, is reassessing its options in light of the electoral outcomes. The party’s convener, Siddiqui has extended invitations to independent candidates to join forces, signaling a shift in strategy.

    Delay In Declaring Election Results

    While political manoeuvring unfolds, concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of the electoral process. Criticisms from international actors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, highlight issues such as violence, alleged lack of fairness, and disruptions like internet outages during the voting process.

    Imran Khan’s Victory Speech

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, despite facing criticism over the handling of the elections, has released a statement claiming victory, citing a high voter turnout as evidence of the failure of his opponents’ strategies. In his AI-enabled voice, Khan said that the ‘London Plan’ of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters on polling day.

    In a related development, Imran Khan was granted bail in 12 cases related to the May 9 riots by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, according to The Express Tribune. Additionally, Khan’s close aide and the former foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmud Qureshi was also granted bail in 13 cases, the daily reported.

    Imran was also granted bail in the GHQ and Army Museum attacks, with the court requiring a PKR0.1 million surety bond in all 12 cases. The bail applications were considered by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. The court ruled that there was no rationale for keeping the PTI founder in custody, and all suspects in the May 9 cases were granted bail.

    With no clear winner emerging from the elections, Pakistan finds itself in a phase of political uncertainty and negotiation, as parties strive to form viable coalitions amid concerns about the electoral process’s integrity.

  • Explained: Nawaz Sharif Or Bilawal Bhutto – Who Is Better Or India-Pakistan Relation | world news

    New Delhi: Pakistan is holding its 12th national general elections today on February 8, to elect a new government amid multiple crises. The country of 241 million people, which possesses nuclear weapons, faces political and economic turmoil, as well as the threat of terrorism. The outcome of the elections will have implications for Pakistan’s relations with India, its neighbor and rival.

    The main contenders in the Pakistan elections are Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PML-N is expected to be the largest party, followed by PPP, PTI, and other parties.

    Imran Khan, the former prime minister, is still in prison, while Nawaz Sharif is seen as the frontrunner for the top job. PTI is running without its famous cricket ‘bat’ symbol, after the Supreme Court confirmed the election commission’s decision to take it away.

    How India Views Pakistan Elections?

    India, which is also heading for its Lok Sabha elections by May, could pose more problems for Pakistan’s new government if the Narendra Modi-led government wins a strong majority. New Delhi has been keeping a close watch on its neighbour’s activities before the elections, especially the role of the Pakistan Army in picking the next prime minister.

    India has repeatedly expressed its worries about Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism, leading the Narendra Modi-led government to take a tougher approach on national security issues.

    Army’s Blessing For Nawaz Sharif

    The Pakistan Army’s sway over the country’s politics is well-known, with accusations of election rigging to favor its chosen candidates. In the 2018 elections, the Pakistan Army effectively “picked” Imran Khan, a former cricket star-turned-politician, to replace Nawaz Sharif as the leader of the PML(N).

    Imran Khan became the prime minister after Nawaz Sharif’s conviction, but Nawaz Sharif was later allowed to leave the country, and came back in October 2023, when all of a sudden all the cases against him disappeared. Experts have suggested that this time, Nawaz Sharif has the army’s support.

    In the Pakistan election 2024, Pakistan Army chief general Asim Munir will strengthen his control over the political leadership of the country. The elections are important as for the first time in Pakistan’s history, the popularity of a civilian leader (Imran Khan) challenged the army’s dominance.

    Experts’ Take On Pak Elections

    Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian has said that the elections in Pakistan will be neither free nor fair, and that the real power will be held by the army chief. He said that whoever becomes prime minister, the army chief will have the final say. He also said that Pakistan is in deep disarray politically, economically, and socially because of terrorism.

    He criticized the imprisonment of Imran Khan and his wife, saying that the charges against him do not stand scrutiny. He also said that the justice system in Pakistan has disappeared.

    Meanwhile, Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has said that the elections are the most predictable and the most rigged, because the army is manipulating the process to get the government it wants. He said that it is widely expected that Nawaz Sharif and his PML-N party will be the army’s choice. He said that this is fairly accurate.

  • PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif information nomination for Pak PM’s publish; Khan’s celebration threatens to withdraw lawmakers

    Pakistan’s Opposition chief Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday nominated himself for the publish of high minister after the ouster of Imran Khan, whose celebration threatened to withdraw its lawmakers from Parliament if the previous Punjab leader minister used to be allowed to contest the election for the highest publish on Monday.

    The method of electing the brand new chief of the home started on Sunday after Khan used to be got rid of from workplace via a no-confidence vote, changing into the primary premier within the nation’s historical past to be despatched house after dropping the believe of the Area.

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    The joint Opposition – a rainbow of socialist, liberal and radically spiritual events – has nominated 70-year-old Sharif for the premier’s publish whilst ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi used to be named via Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as its candidate.

    The nomination papers of Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president had been accredited via the Nationwide Meeting Secretariat after objections raised via the PTI had been rejected. Qureshi’s nomination papers had been additionally accredited.

    Senior PTI chief Babar Awan challenged Sharif’s candidature, pronouncing that the PML-N leader confronted a number of courtroom instances.

    Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political celebration show a playcard and chant in toughen of former Pakistani Top Minister Imran Khan, after he misplaced a self assurance vote within the decrease space of parliament, all the way through a rally in Peshawar. (Reuters)

    In the meantime, the PTI has made up our minds to withdraw its lawmakers from the Nationwide Meeting and release a motion in opposition to the brand new upcoming govt, which could be headed via Sharif, who has served because the Leader Minister of Punjab thrice.

    “The core committee has beneficial to Imran Khan that we will have to surrender from the assemblies. We’re ranging from the Nationwide Meeting. If our objections in opposition to Shehbaz Sharif’s nomination papers don’t seem to be [entertained], we will be able to put up the resignations the next day,” PTI chief and previous minister Fawad Chaudhry instructed newshounds after the celebration held a core committee assembly on the place of abode of Khan.

    Khan’s successor will likely be elected within the Nationwide Meeting on Monday and a distinct consultation has been summoned. In the home of 342, the winner would wish 172 votes to change into the brand new high minister.

    On Sunday, the Opposition had mustered 174 votes to ouster Khan. Sharif is predicted to be elected the brand new Chief of the Area.

    In 2019, the Nationwide Responsibility Bureau had arrested Shehbaz and his son, Hamza Sharif, accusing them of cash laundering.

    It’s going to be an actual problem for Sharif to shepherd the motley herd that still contains 4 impartial applicants and make allowance Parliament to finish its five-year time period that can lead to August subsequent 12 months.

    Supporters of an opposition celebration have fun the good fortune of a no-confidence vote in opposition to Top Minister Imran Khan in Karachi. (AP)

    Ahead of submitting nomination, Sharif introduced “particular thank you” to people who stood up “for the Charter!” “I don’t need to return to the bitterness of the previous. We need to put out of your mind them and transfer ahead. We can now not take revenge or do injustice; we will be able to now not ship folks to prison for no explanation why, legislation and justice will take its direction,” he mentioned whilst addressing the Nationwide Meeting early Sunday.

    Ex-president and Pakistan Peoples Birthday celebration (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari had proposed Sharif’s title for high minister in a joint opposition’s assembly. Zardari’s son Bilawal Bhutto could be appointed as the brand new overseas minister.

    In keeping with media reviews, within the run as much as the no-trust vote, Khan made a botched try to exchange Military leader Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa with a purpose to deliver any person extra pliant and sympathetic to his concept of “overseas conspiracy” and adhere directly to energy.

    BBC Urdu reported {that a} helicopter wearing “two uninvited visitors” landed within the PM Area on Saturday evening they usually met by myself for 45 mins with Khan. No main points had been equipped in regards to the assembly however it used to be now not held in a cordial surroundings, it mentioned.

    “The Top Minister had issued orders an hour in the past to take away one of the vital prime officers who got here to fulfill him. So the uninvited arrival of those visitors used to be sudden for the Top Minister. Khan used to be looking ahead to a helicopter however the ones arriving at the helicopter had been in opposition to his estimate and expectancies,” it mentioned.

    It additional added that Khan used to be anticipating that the helicopter would deliver his “newly appointed respectable” whose arrival would put down all political disturbance.

    Supporters of former Pakistani Top Minister Imran Khan participate in a rally to sentence the ouster in their chief’s govt in Lahore. (AP)

    Alternatively, the tried effort for a “alternate” failed because the defence ministry didn’t factor the essential notification for the brand new appointment. The BBC didn’t determine the “uninvited visitor” however the selection of phrases, tenor and tone of the record unmistakably display that they may well be Gen Bajwa and ISI leader Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum.

    The military’s media wing Inter-Products and services Public Family members rejected the BBC Urdu article and termed it as “utterly baseless and a pack of lies”.

    Pakistan has struggled with political instability since its formation in 1947 with more than one regime adjustments and army coups. No high minister has ever finished a complete five-year time period.

    Khan, alternatively, instructed a bunch of his favorite newshounds that there used to be no fact within the hearsay that he used to be seeking to exchange the Military leader.

    Khan it sounds as if misplaced toughen of the robust Military after he refused to endorse the appointment of the ISI secret agent company leader ultimate 12 months. In the end he agreed however it soured his ties with the military, which has hitherto wielded really extensive energy within the issues of safety and overseas coverage.

    Gen Bajwa ultimate week gave the impression to distance himself from Khan’s anti-US stance and mentioned Pakistan needs just right members of the family with Washington, its biggest export buying and selling spouse and with China, Islamabad’s all-weather best friend.

    Khan has been claiming that the Opposition’s no-trust movement in opposition to him used to be the results of a “overseas conspiracy” on account of his impartial overseas coverage. He has named the USA as the rustic at the back of the conspiracy, a price denied via Washington.

    Khan, who got here to energy in 2018 with guarantees to create a ‘Naya Pakistan’, used to be dogged via claims of financial mismanagement and his govt battled depleting foreign currency echange reserves and double-digit inflation.

    Khan will even chaired a gathering of the celebration’s core committee to announce the long run plan of action. “Pakistan become an impartial state in 1947; however the freedom battle starts once more nowadays in opposition to a overseas conspiracy of regime alternate. It’s at all times the folks of the rustic who shield their sovereignty & democracy,” Khan tweeted in his first feedback since his ouster.

    He’s anticipated to handle his supporters later this night.

    On Friday, Khan had mentioned that he’s going to now not settle for an “imported govt” in Pakistan.