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Tag: shehbaz sharif

  • Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit China from June 4-8; Will there be discussions to upgrade CPEC?

    New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, from June 4 to 8, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif will hold meetings with the Chinese President along with other officials.

    “At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to China from June 4 to 8. The visit will have three segments,” Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a press briefing.

    The Pakistan PM and Chinese president will hold discussions to upgrade China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. CPEC is a USD 50 billion Pakistani component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The 3,000 km Chinese infrastructure network project is under construction in Pakistan and aims to connect Pakistan’s Gwadar and Karachi ports to China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region by land.

    “The two sides will further undertake discussions to strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, upgrade China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, advance trade and investment and enhance cooperation in defence, energy space, science and technology and education,” Baloch said.

    Besides Beijing, the Pakistan PM will visit the cities of Xian and Shenzhen.

    In Beijing, Shehbaz Sharif will meet Xi Jinping and hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang.

    Further, he will also hold meetings with the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji and heads of key government Department, Baloch said.

    Moreover, Shehbaz Sharif will address the Pakistan-China Business Forum in Shenzhen with leading business entrepreneurs and investors from both countries.

    “An important part of PM’s visit will be meetings with corporate executives of leading Chinese companies, dealing in oil and gas, energy, ICT, and emerging technologies,” Baloch said.

    He will also visit economic and agricultural zones in China.

    Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson emphasised that the PM’s visit is a manifestation of the iron-clad China-Pakistan friendship characterized by frequent high-level exchanges and dialogues.

  • ‘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.”

  • In Joint Communique With Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Supports India’s Position On Kashmir Issue. India News

    New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi de-facto ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently convened for an official meeting at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca on April 7. During the meeting, they emphasized the importance of discussions between Islamabad and New Delhi. to settle their “outstanding issues,” with a particular focus on the Kashmir matter. The statement came in a joint statement which was issued a day after the meeting, reported news agency PTI.

    The statement comes at a time when for a long time, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a matter to be resolved directly between India and Pakistan, without any involvement or interference from external parties.

    Saudi Arabia and Pakistan talked about strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries and finding ways to work together better in different areas. They also talked about issues in the region, like Kashmir, as mentioned in their statement.

    “The two sides stressed the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to ensure peace and stability in the region,” PTI reported quoting the statement.

    The relationship between the two countries took a downturn after India scrapped Article 370 of its Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and divided the region into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.

    Pakistan reacted strongly to India’s decision, reducing diplomatic relations and expelling the Indian ambassador. India has consistently informed Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country, both historically and in the future.

    India has expressed its desire for normal, friendly relations with Pakistan, provided there is an absence of terrorism, hostility, and violence.

  • 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.

  • Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls For 'Freedom Of Kashmiris, Palestinians' In Victory Speech | world news

    ISLAMABAD: Addressing the National Assembly after being picked as the next prime minister of the ruling coalition of the PML(N), PPP and other small outfits, Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called out the 'global silence' on the prevailing situation in Gaza while seeking a bipartisan resolution in the House advocating 'freedom' for Kashmiris and Palestinians, Dawn reported.

    “Let's all come together…and the National Assembly should pass a resolution for the freedom of Kashmiris and Palestinians,” PM-designate Shehbaz said in a 'victory speech' at the Assembly. The Pakistan National Assembly on Sunday elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif as the 24th elected Prime Minister of the country, during a session that started with Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members creating a ruckus by shouting slogans.

    The PM-designate stated further that amid the severe economic downturn in the country and livelihood concerns of the people, even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money, Dawn reported. He replied that the biggest challenge for Pakistan was that “all of the expenditure was being met via loans only”, the report noted.

    “All of these (expenses for running the House) is being met via loans over the last few years. This is the biggest challenge faced by the country today,” he said. “All of our salaries are being paid via taxes. Does such a situation warrant such hooliganism?” he added, in a veiled dig at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and other rival voices who have been contesting the results of the February 8 general elections.

    He also rued the debt crisis that the country is grappling with, Dawn added in its report. Meanwhile, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said his party leadership decided to go to the Parliament despite its reservations over the poll outcome in the country.

    Despite its decision to participate in the session of the newly elected National Assembly, Rehman said his party's original position to reject the 2024 elections was being proven right. “In the history of Pakistan, we used to think that 2018 was the biggest rigging that took place in the general election, however, 2024 has broken that record,” Rehman said in Karachi.

  • DNA Exclusive: Analysis Of Bilawal Bhutto-Shehbaz Sharif’s ‘Deal’ To Form Government In Pakistan | India News

    New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, Bilawal Bhutto, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has given up his ambition to become the prime minister of Pakistan and instead secured the president’s post for his father, Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the co-chairman of PPP. Bilawal has struck a deal with Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), to form a coalition government in the country, ending the political uncertainty that prevailed for 12 days after the general elections.

    In today’s DNA, Zee News analyzed the deal between PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto and PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif to form a coalition government in Pakistan, ending the political uncertainty that prevailed for 12 days after the general elections.

    DNA: Kingmaker Bilawal made father king! Inside Story of Bilawal-Shahbaz deal#DNA #DNAWithSourabh #PakistanPolitics @saurabhraajjain pic.twitter.com/yFCK2x7gTz — Zee News (@ZeeNews) February 21, 2024

    According to the deal, Nawaz Sharif’s younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, will be the prime minister for the first three years, while Bilawal will be the deputy prime minister. In the last two years, Bilawal will take over as the prime minister, while Shahbaz will become the deputy prime minister. Zardari will be the president for the entire five-year term.

    The coalition partners have also decided to share the key ministries among themselves, with PML-N getting the finance, foreign affairs, defence, and interior portfolios, while PPP getting the information, law, energy, and railways portfolios. The coalition will also include the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), who have won 17 and 4 seats respectively in the National Assembly.

    The coalition has a comfortable majority of 150 seats in the 272-member National Assembly, while the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, has only 31 seats. The PTI has alleged massive rigging in the elections and has refused to accept the results. It has also announced that it will boycott the oath-taking ceremony of the new government and launch a nationwide protest.

    The coalition has been welcomed by the international community, especially by the United States and China, who are the major allies and investors of Pakistan. The coalition has also expressed its willingness to improve its relations with India, Afghanistan, and other neighboring countries, and to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and extremism. However, the coalition also faces many challenges, such as the economic crisis, the energy shortage, the security situation, and the judicial activism. It remains to be seen how the coalition will overcome these hurdles and deliver on its promises to the people of Pakistan.

    Watch Today’s DNA for a detailed analysis of Bilawal Bhutto-Nawaz Sharif’s deal to form government in Pakistan elections:

    Farmers Vs Government… War-like atmosphere. Inside story of Bilawal-Shahbaz deal.

    Watch #DNA LIVE with Sourabh Raaj Jain #ZeeLive #ZeeNews #DNAWithSourabh #KisanAndolan #PakistanPolitics #FarmersProtest #MSP @saurabhraajjain https://t.co/DI0NxpiqCN — Zee News (@ZeeNews) February 21, 2024

  • Pakistan: PML-N And PPP To Form Coalition Government; Shehbaz Sharif To Be PM, Asif Ali Zardari President | world news

    After almost two weeks of poll results, two key political parties in Pakistan have agreed to form a coalition government, bringing an end to the deadlock and keeping Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf in the opposition. Addressing the media, PML-N President and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the parties have agreed on a power-sharing formula.

    As per the deal, it has been decided that Shehbaz Sharif will be the joint candidate for both parties for the slot of Prime Minister and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari will be the joint candidate for the President’s slot, informed Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

    Shehbaz Sharif said that the independent candidates, who emerged victorious in the majority by securing more than 100 seats, were invited to form the government, but they failed to achieve the required numbers. He added that other parties such as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, the Pakistan Muslim League, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party supported PML-N and PPP in the government-making endeavour.

    The upcoming government will work together to pull the country out of the ongoing crises, said Shehbaz Sharif, expressing the hope to be able to deliver. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto said the details of the sharing of key constitutional offices between the PPP and PML-N will be announced in the coming days.

    Previously, the Election Commission of Pakistan released the outcomes for 265 out of 266 seats in the National Assembly following the general elections held on February 8. No single political party attained a simple majority, necessitating alliances among parties to establish the central government for the next. five-year term.

  • Asif Ali Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif finalized terms to form government in Pakistan, claims PML-N leader

    PML-N leader Raja Riaz revealed that decisions about the formation of the government have already been made by PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari and former PM Shehbaz Sharif.

  • Pakistan to lawfully punish Would possibly 9 arsonists as US did to Capitol Hill rioters: PM Sharif

    Via Press Agree with of India: Pakistan High Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday mentioned his executive has each and every proper to lawfully punish the folks answerable for the unparalleled violent incidents on Would possibly 9, very similar to the movements taken by means of the United States executive in opposition to its voters who stormed the Capitol Hill construction on January 6, 2021.

    Violent protests sparked around the nation on Would possibly 9 after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan used to be arrested from the premises of the Islamabad Prime Courtroom. The federal government later introduced a large crackdown in opposition to the PTI leaders and employees and rounded up hundreds of folks on fees of attacking civil and army installations.

    Addressing the groundbreaking rite of a water provide venture right here, Sharif mentioned the politics of chaos culminated on Would possibly 9 within the type of the desecration of the country’s martyrs and safety installations.

    Additionally Learn: Imran Khan’s scientific record displays cocaine use, claims Pak well being minister

    Khan’s supporters vandalised a dozen army installations, together with the Lahore Corps Commander’s Space, the Mianwali airbase and the ISI construction in Faisalabad in keeping with Khan’s arrest.

    The mob additionally stormed the Military headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi for the primary time.

    Police put the demise toll in violent clashes to ten whilst Khan’s celebration claims 40 of its employees misplaced their lives within the firing by means of safety team of workers.

    “Nowadays, within the town of Quaid, all of us are ashamed of what came about on Would possibly 9 in Lahore. Justice calls for punishing the perpetrators just like the rioters of the Capitol construction on January 6, 2021. If that punishment used to be prison, then no person must object if we achieve this beneath our regulation for the desecration of our martyrs,” High Minister Sharif mentioned.

    On January 6, 2021, following the defeat of Donald Trump within the 2020 presidential election, a mob of his supporters attacked the USA Capitol Construction in Washington, D.C.

    The chaos erupted as the United States Senate and Space of Representatives met to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over Trump, a Republican, within the 2020 presidential election.

    In the meantime, Minister of State for International Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar has defended the government’s choice to carry the trial of folks fascinated with assaults on state and military installations beneath the Pakistan Military Act, 1952, pronouncing that no state can condone incidents of arson and vandalism.

    “Is there any state on this planet that doesn’t reply to arson and vandalism? Everybody noticed the reaction to the assault on Capitol Hill in The us,” she mentioned on Tuesday.

    Pakistan’s civil and army leaders on Would possibly 17 recommended a call made an afternoon previous right through a gathering of the Corps Commanders to invoke the stringent Pakistan Military Act, 1952 and the Reputable Secrets and techniques Act, 1923 in opposition to folks concerned within the Would possibly 9 riots.

    The federal government has introduced a large crackdown in opposition to the PTI leaders and employees and rounded up hundreds of folks on fees of attacking civil and army installations.

    Khar claimed that no nation gave her any recommendation with reference to the trial of arsonists beneath the Military Act. “All nations have been, on the other hand, involved in regards to the rioting in Pakistan,” she added.

    Additionally Learn: 16 activists of Imran Khan’s celebration passed over to military for trial beneath army regulations

    Reacting to the political disaster in Pakistan, the United States has mentioned that it used to be tracking the location.

    “We proceed to observe the location in Pakistan very intently. We don’t have a place on one political candidate or every other inside of Pakistan,” state division spokesperson Matthew Miller mentioned on Tuesday.

    “We name for the honor and equivalent utility of democratic ideas, freedom of expression and rule of regulation all over the world, and naturally in Pakistan we urge that those ideas be revered for all folks,” he mentioned.

    Additionally Learn: Pakistan places Imran Khan, spouse Bushra and over 80 individuals of his celebration on no-fly checklist

  • Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says protesters to be handled ‘iron fist’

    Through Press Believe of India: Pakistan Top Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned the fatal protests by way of the supporters of former premier Imran Khan after his arrest in a corruption case and warned to maintain demonstrators with an iron fist.

    The top minister made a short lived deal with to the country after the rustic was once rocked by way of fatal violence all over the final two days which noticed assaults on army installations and state houses.

    “Assault on public assets is an act of terrorism and enmity against the rustic,” the top minister stated, including that the ones taking the regulation into their very own arms can be handled an iron fist.

    “They’ll be given an exemplary punishment,” he stated.

    ALSO READ: Korma, Coke, bhindi and peacock: Imran Khan supporters raid best common’s area and refrigerator

    The premier stated the “coverage of the State and beliefs of Pakistan is extra treasured to us than our lives and we will be able to now not permit someone to conspire towards it” and vowed to defeat the “nefarious designs” of enemies.

    He accused Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of inflicting serious injury to delicate installations within the nation.

    “One of these scene had by no means been witnessed in 75 years. Many lives have been endangered. Even ambulances have been set on hearth. Swat toll road was once set on hearth. Just like the enemy, installations of military have been attacked,” he stated.

    The top minister alleged that households and kinfolk of political fighters weren’t spared when Khan was once ruling the rustic, including that the ministers of cricketer-turned-politician Khan used to air main points of circumstances towards political fighters and the previous premier used to are expecting arrests.

    “Now not best political fighters however circle of relatives and kinfolk weren’t forgiven too,” the PM stated, including that the political historical past of the rustic have been very sour.

    ALSO READ | What’s Al-Qadir Believe case during which ex-Pak PM Imran Khan was once arrested?

    Shehbaz additionally stated that by no means in historical past the revengeful acts in politics rendered just right effects.

    He stated that underneath the outdated duty regulation, any individual might be arrested for 90 days and getting bail was once “unimaginable” however his executive amended this regulation and decreased the remand duration from 90 to fifteen days.

    Speaking concerning the arrest of Khan, Shehbaz stated that “all proof” within the Al-Qadir Believe case towards the PTI chairman was once to be had and the cupboard was once saved at the hours of darkness.

    ALSO READ | Rangeela Kaptaan: Story of Imran Khan’s 3 other halves, allegations of infidelity and illegitimate youngsters

    “How may it’s the verdict of the cupboard when the subject is set Rs 60 billion of the nationwide treasury?” he requested.

    Violent clashes between Imran Khan’s supporters and safety forces have left no less than seven other folks useless and just about 300 injured throughout Pakistan as the military was once deployed within the nation’s capital Islamabad, in addition to in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces on Wednesday to handle regulation and order.

    Khan was once taken into custody by way of the paramilitary Rangers on Tuesday at the orders of the Nationwide Duty Bureau (NAB) from the premises of the Islamabad Top Court docket the place he got here to wait a corruption case listening to.

    Additionally Learn | Pakistan Military slams Imran Khan for ‘irresponsible and baseless’ allegations towards ISI officer