'CJP Bandial guilty, deserves punishment', Maryam announces verdict

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">وزیر اعظم کی Leaked Call کئ حوالوں سے انتہائ تشویشناک ہے ہمیشہ کی طرح خاندانی کاروبارکےتحفظ کیلئے قوانین کو بالائے پشت رکھنا تو شریف فیملی کا پرانا وطیرہ ہے ہی لیکن ایکسپریس اور جیو کے نیوز ہیڈز کی شہباز شریف اور حکومتی مشورہ سازی میں کردار میڈیا پر ایک اور کلنک کا ٹیکا ہے <a href="https://t.co/bvgZIdMlls">https://t.co/bvgZIdMlls</a></p>— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1573681160919855104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

LAHORE: An audio recording of an alleged conversation, purportedly between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a government official, was leaked on social media on Saturday, with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders claiming that it shows the PM putting his family’s business interests before those of the state.

In the over two-minute-long audio clip, shared by PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry on his Twitter account on Saturday, a voice — said to be that of PM Sharif — can be heard saying that Maryam Nawaz Sharif had asked him to facilitate her son-in-law Raheel with the import of machinery for a power plant, from India.

“If we do so, we will get a lot of flak when this matter goes to the ECC and cabinet,” the official can be heard saying.

At this, the voice thought to belong to the PM says: “The son-in-law is very dear to Maryam Nawaz. Tell her very logically about this and then I will talk to her.”

The same voice also agrees with the perception that this would be bad for optics and may cause a lot of trouble, politically.

It is worth noting that Maryam Nawaz’s daughter Mehrunnisa married industrialist Chaudhry Munir’s son Raheel in December 2015. The wedding was notable because it was also attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The other voice in the clip then brings up another matter related to the housing society belonging to Ms Nawaz’s son-in-law.

He says a grid station had to be installed in the Ittehad Park Housing Society, which the PM said should be dealt with in a “national way”.

The government official also suggested that former finance minister Ishaq Dar should be engaged to deal with this matter, who could handle it in a better way.

At the end of the purported audio, there is a mention of former Justice Maqbool Baqir, whose name was being considered as the next head of the National Accountability Bureau. The official is heard conveying to the premier the ‘suggestion’ of two media persons, asking him not to consider the former judge for the slot of NAB chairman, in view of their experience with former NAB chief Javed Iqbal, who was also a retired judge appointed by the PML-N government.

This exchange helps to put a timeline on the purported audio, as the matter of the NAB chief’s appointment was in the news around two months ago. Subsequently, former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Aftab Sultan was picked to lead the anti-corruption watchdog.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s aide Zeeshan Malik did not respond to requests for comment, despite several attempts.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2022

 

[Colorblind Genius]

The only reason I can think of, why the army is leaking these audios?

Looks the army is planning to take over and impose Marshall Law.

 

[MenInG]

In a turn of events straight out of a spy movie, more purported audio clips featuring leaders of the ruling coalition surfaced on Sunday amid fears data had been “hacked” from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Just a day earlier, an audio recording of an alleged conversation, purportedly between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a government official, was leaked on social media.

In the over two-minute-long audio clip, shared by PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry on his Twitter account, a voice — said to be that of PM Shehbaz — could be heard saying that Maryam Nawaz had asked him to facilitate her son-in-law Raheel with the import of machinery for a power plant, from India.

The clips which surfaced today, shared on Twitter by several PTI leaders, concerned embattled Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly.


The first clip purportedly features a conversation between PML-N Vice President Maryam and the premier about Miftah, who has reportedly faced criticism from within the party for taking tough economic measures.

The PML-N vice president has publicly stated that she does not agree with the decision to hike petrol and electricity prices, saying she did not own such decisions, whether her party was in government or not.

“He doesn’t take responsibility […] says strange things on TV which people make fun of him for […] he doesn’t know what he is doing,” the voice said to be Maryam’s says in the alleged clip.

“He clearly cut corners,” the voice said to be PM Shehbaz’s is heard as saying.

“Uncle, he doesn’t know what he is doing,” Maryam purportedly says, as she wishes for the return of PML-N stalwart Ishaq Dar.

Former finance minister Dar is set to return to the country next week to facilitate PM Shehbaz on the economic front.

The second clip allegedly concerns a conversation between the premier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Tarar, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and former NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq about the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the lower house of parliament.

PTI questions PMO’s security
While the government maintained its silence on the matter on Sunday, PTI leaders were in overdrive questioning the PMO’s security.

PTI’s Fawad said that the way the PMO data was offered up for sale on the dark web showed the state of the country’s cybersecurity.

“This is a failure of our intelligence agencies, especially the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Obviously, apart from political issues, important discussions on security and foreign issues are now in everyone’s hands,” he remarked.

KP minister Taimur Khan Jhagra, who has also been a victim of an audio leak, said: “8GB of hacked leaks from PMO. Regardless of who is speaking, this Orwellian culture of recordings is disgusting.”

Will someone answer under what law and who is taping the conversations of the political leadership, whether in the PMO or on the phone, he questioned. “And who is accountable for the security of this data?”

Ex-human rights minister Shireen Mazari said one of the alleged audios showed the laying down of groundwork for Dar’s return.

“The leaked audios certainly reveal the influence of convict Nawaz Sharif and his convict-on-bail daughter in the running of this imported government itself a cabal of crooks,” she said.

She went on to say that the “real issue” was who bugged the PMO or the Prime Minister House in the first place.

“The hacking happened because devices were placed in these locations. So who is responsible and where did orders or decision come from? That is a question that must also be focused on,” she said.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz’s another alleged audio conversation has leaked in which she can be heard advising PM Shehbaz to jack up fuel prices, ARY News reported.

Maryam Nawaz who had been opposing increase in fuel prices on media in an alleged audio leak can be heard suggesting PM Shehbaz Sharif to raise fuel prices.

Jacking up fuel prices is inevitable, the PML-N leader can be heard in the alleged audio leak.

The PML-N stalwart also complained about Finance Minister Miftah Ismail in an alleged leaked audio conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif.

Uncle! US dollar is increasing and Miftah Ismail even not taking responsibility of the hike. Praising Ishaq Dar, Maryam can be heard in the audio leak, saying Dar sahab has control on things, he knows what to do, but Miftah don’t.

She said Miftah Ismail even does not know what he is doing and what results his actions will bring in the future.

He has disappointed, his complaints are coming from everywhere, said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz vice president in the alleged audio leak.

 

[Vatta]

Who knows?
If real, Good cop/bad cop between the corrupts.
Neutrals putting them in their places
Either way, shows the Sharifs for the grifting, thieves that they are. Plastic surgery to be the lying, leeching criminal **** that she is. Also a data breach, amongst others, that shows that Pakistan is also hugely at risk in cyber warfare.

 

[Bewal Express]

So the audio shows Nani and the family as as corrupt as ever. They abuse power like Kings and they have learnt nothing from their previous times in office.

 

[Varun]

The only reason I can think of, why the army is leaking these audios?

Looks the army is planning to take over and impose Marshall Law.

Don't need to. They are perfectly fine with the status quo.

 

[Bewal Express]

So Nani wants her son in laws housing society Power projects speeded up and wants him to be allowed to import Machinery. Some things never change.

 

[BhootKhan]

So Nani wants her son in laws housing society Power projects speeded up and wants him to be allowed to import Machinery. Some things never change.

OSINT gave a detail review that how this breached happened how Indian hackers did this. Its matter of concern plus shame for these crooks.

Full thread (Mods pls dont delete it because OSINT is well reputtable and verified as well)

https://twitter.com/OSINT_Insider/status/1573733082674483200?t=en-UXue5wc7N5DPfCOzzbg&s=19

 

[BhootKhan]

So Nani wants her son in laws housing society Power projects speeded up and wants him to be allowed to import Machinery. Some things never change.

Machinery from India, and Shehbaz told her to use some other UNFAIR means to buy the machinery. According to Nani "Bohat mehenga parrega"

Also did you listen voice clip about Miftah and petrol prices?

Also how Nani was singing songs of some media housed as well.

Its horrendous

 

[Gayle_Force]

Interesting that these leaks come out now when their is a rumour going around that Dar is coming back as Finance Minister. Surely not a coincidence, neutrals showing what happens when you don’t toe the line.

 

[Bewal Express]

Interesting that these leaks come out now when their is a rumour going around that Dar is coming back as Finance Minister. Surely not a coincidence, neutrals showing what happens when you don’t toe the line.

Expect IHC and LHC to start some action( on cases that are real but are used to blackmail by our neutrals).

 

[Bewal Express]

OSINT gave a detail review that how this breached happened how Indian hackers did this. Its matter of concern plus shame for these crooks.

Full thread (Mods pls dont delete it because OSINT is well reputtable and verified as well)

https://twitter.com/OSINT_Insider/status/1573733082674483200?t=en-UXue5wc7N5DPfCOzzbg&s=19

I am not buying that. These are recorded by IB and ISI and released when they want something done.

 

[MenInG]

An audio clip involving a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and attended by the top PML-N leadership at the Prime Minister’s House has leaked online, raising questions over the security of the premises.

A day earlier, a leaked audio had gone viral on social media — allegedly featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — containing a discussion regarding PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz asking for a power plant from India to be imported for her son-in-law.

This is the second leaked audio that has gone viral in quick succession on social media — allegedly featuring PM Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and others — containing a discussion regarding PTI’s resignations.

In it, PML-N leaders can allegedly be heard giving their opinions over PTI’s resignations. They are also talking about London's permission to accept the resignations.

The leaked audio clip has rung alarm bells and raised serious questions about the security of PM House.

It is also being said that there are secret recording systems installed at PM House which even government representatives are unaware of.

However, PML-N members and federal ministers are reluctant to speak on the matter.

‘PM House date put on sale on dark web’

PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, while raising questions over the cyber security situation in the country, said that PM House’s data has been put on sale on the dark web.

Taking to his Twitter handle, the PTI leader said, “It is a major failure of our intelligence agencies, especially the Intelligence Bureau (IB).”

“Besides political matters, important discussion on security and foreign affairs are in their hands,” he added.

'8GB of hacked leaks from PMO’

Raising questions over the security of the PM Office, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra said: “8GB of hacked leaks from PMO. Regardless of who is speaking, this Orwellian culture of recordings is disgusting.”

The minister asked, “Who is accountable for the security of this data?”

'Leaked audios reveal influence of convict Nawaz '

Reacting to the leaked audio, PTI’s leader Shireen Mazari said one of the alleged audios showed the laying down of groundwork for “absconder Dar’s return”.

“The leaked audios certainly reveal the influence of convict Nawaz Sharif and his convict-on-bail daughter in the running of this imported government itself a cabal of crooks,” she added.

The “real issue” is who bugged the PMO or PM House in the first place, she went on to say.

“The hacking happened because devices were placed in these locations. So who is responsible and where did orders or decision come from? That is a question that must also be focused on,” she said.

TheNews

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I am not buying that. These are recorded by IB and ISI and released when they want something done.

Same as the call between Malik Riaz and Zardari.

The intelligence establishment is the biggest destabilising force in Pakistan.

We all know about the Shareefs corruption, but these goons brought them back and now are embarrassing the country further by showing we don't have an IT security infrastructure.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Ofc the other scenario which is entirely plausible is there a pro Imran lobby in the IB and ISI that is seeking the ouster of the government.

Could be inter departmental skirmishes as play here too - which is an even more worrying scenario.

 

[Bewal Express]

Same as the call between Malik Riaz and Zardari.

The intelligence establishment is the biggest destabilising force in Pakistan.

We all know about the Shareefs corruption, but these goons brought them back and now are embarrassing the country further by showing we don't have an IT security infrastructure.

Its am absolute shambles. We are in the middle of some destructive experiment by the neutrals. Except the experiment involves the lives of a country of 220mn people

 

[Bewal Express]

Ofc the other scenario which is entirely plausible is there a pro Imran lobby in the IB and ISI that is seeking the ouster of the government.

Could be inter departmental skirmishes as play here too - which is an even more worrying scenario.

Can't be done without Bajwa and Nadeem, so it's officially authorised

 

[daytrader]

More purported audio clips of govt surface; PTI raises questions over security of PMO

In a turn of events straight out of a spy movie, more purported audio clips featuring leaders of the ruling coalition surfaced on Sunday as the opposition PTI questioned the security of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) while the government maintained that there was “nothing illegal” in the audio leaks.

Just a day earlier, an audio recording of an alleged conversation, purportedly between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a government official, was leaked on social media.

In the over two-minute-long audio clip, shared by PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry on his Twitter account, a voice — said to be that of PM Shehbaz — could be heard saying that Maryam Nawaz had asked him to facilitate her son-in-law Raheel with the import of machinery for a power plant, from India.

The clips which surfaced today, shared on Twitter by several PTI leaders, concerned embattled Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly.

The first clip purportedly features a conversation between PML-N Vice President Maryam and the premier about Miftah, who has reportedly faced criticism from within the party for taking tough economic measures.

The PML-N vice president has publicly stated that she does not agree with the decision to hike petrol and electricity prices, saying she did not own such decisions, whether her party was in government or not.

“He doesn’t take responsibility […] says strange things on TV which people make fun of him for […] he doesn’t know what he is doing,” the voice said to be Maryam’s says in the alleged clip.

“He clearly cut corners,” the voice said to be PM Shehbaz’s is heard as saying.

“Uncle, he doesn’t know what he is doing,” Maryam purportedly says, as she wishes for the return of PML-N stalwart Ishaq Dar.

Former finance minister Dar is set to return to the country next week to facilitate PM Shehbaz on the economic front.

The second clip allegedly concerns a conversation between the premier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Tarar, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and former NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq about the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the lower house of parliament.

A third clip purportedly features a conversation between Maryam and PM Shehbaz regarding the return of former army chief retired Gen Pervez Mushar*raf.

The former military ruler’s family publicly confirmed in June that he was “going through a difficult stage” where recovery was not possible while Inter-Services Pub*lic Relations (ISPR) Director Gen*eral Maj Gen Babar Iftik*har said Mushar*raf’s family was in contact with the military regarding his planned return.

Discussing this in the alleged clip, the voice alleged to be Maryam’s can be heard saying that she “sees this coming”, adding that she said the same to Nawaz in a phone call.

“I told him to tweet this. He listened to me immediately,” the PML-N vice president allegedly says, adding that the move was “opposed” by several people. She allegedly reasons that showing “magnanimity” in this situation would help the government save face.

Hours after Gen Iftik*har’s comments were aired in June, Nawaz had tweeted, saying: “I have no personal enmity or animosity towards Pervez Musharraf. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the trauma I have had to endure.”

According to a statement from the Ministry of Information, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the audio leaks were “proof that nothing illegal happened” and neither was any unfair advantage provided to anyone.

She said that there was nothing in the leaks that was similar to the “anti-Pakistan conspiracy of Shaukat Tarin”, referring to the audio clips attributed to Tarin regarding the International Monetary Fund programme.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah appeared to play down the matter while speaking on Geo News show “Naya Pakistan”, saying that nothing definitive could be said about the prime minister house’s security being breached until the leaks were investigated.

“I don’t think we should take them so seriously since this is so common,” he added.

“If the probe proves that it’s not safe to talk in the prime minister house and somebody has done this [spying] arrangement, then it’s really serious but it is inappropriate to say this without proof.”

Sanaullah did not reject the content of the audios, instead, saying that the current setup’s “good governance” was reflected through them.

He also said that the prime minister had taken notice of the leaks and would consult his cabinet on the issue tomorrow, adding that the matter would be sorted out in the next few days.

On the leak where Maryam could allegedly be heard criticising the finance minister, the interior minister said expression of opinion was allowed in democratic and political systems, adding that Ismail was criticised by outsiders so it made no difference if Maryam or some others in the PML-N did so as well.

“What was wrong if Maryam said some of his decisions cost us politically.”

Sanaullah also seemingly blamed the finance minister for the recent high fuel adjustment charges, asking why they couldn’t have been spread over a period of months.

Govt taking the leaks ‘very seriously’: Talal
Meanwhile, PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry, who holds no official position, said the government was taking the leaks “very seriously” and demanded an investigation into it.

Addressing a press conference in Faisalabad, he questioned the violation of the secrecy of official correspondences, saying it was shocking to note that “even the PM House is not safe”.

“Does it mean that details of all national security meetings will be leaked internationally?” he asked.

The PML-N leader also sought to expose the elements behind the leaks.

“Who is doing all this? who is targeting the PM House? Are these same elements who had brought Imran into power?” he questioned.

He said the leaks were also a matter of shame for the PTI chief, pointing out that “even our private discussions are in fact transparent and merit is being discussed in it”.

The PML-N leader, however, did not question the authenticity of the audio at any point in his presser.

Fazl demands ‘strict action’
Later, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also mentioned the leaks at a press conference in Multan and said the matter was “very concerning” which he said required “strict action”.

“Today, audio calls of the Prime Minister House are surfacing, therefore I will urge the premier to take strict action and inquire as to who hacked the conversation,” he said.

‘PML-N’s corruption exposed in the wake of audio leaks,’ claims Imran
While the government maintained its silence on the matter on Sunday, PTI leaders were in overdrive questioning the PMO’s security.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan, at a rally in Karak, chastised Maryam, alleging that “she is involved in corruption and illegal acts since coming into power.”

He claimed that the incumbent coalition government was now trying to revive trade ties with India for its own mileage.

“The trade between the two countries hasn’t resumed, but Maryam’s son-in-law is illegally procuring machinery from India, which shows that they worship money,” he said, while alleging the PML-N “will ignore the sacrifices of Kashmiris for money as well”.

Imran said that the leaks had also made it clear that the “PML-N came into power only to make money” and claimed that its whole political dynasty was involved in corruption.

Soon after, the PML-N tweeted a response about the allegation regarding the grid station that was talked about in the leaked audio, saying that its installation order was given by the Lahore High Court in 2020 during the PTI’s government.

Meanwhile, the information minister claimed that Imran had “become mad with anger because no illegal action was done”. She criticised Imran’s Karak address as being “shameless”.

Earlier, PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry said that the way the PMO data was offered up for sale on the dark web showed the state of the country’s cybersecurity.

“This is a failure of our intelligence agencies, especially the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Obviously, apart from political issues, important discussions on security and foreign issues are now in everyone’s hands,” he remarked.

KP minister Taimur Khan Jhagra, who has also been a victim of an audio leak, said: “8GB of hacked leaks from PMO. Regardless of who is speaking, this Orwellian culture of recordings is disgusting.”

Will someone answer under what law and who is taping the conversations of the political leadership, whether in the PMO or on the phone, he questioned. “And who is accountable for the security of this data?”

Ex-human rights minister Shireen Mazari said one of the alleged audios showed the laying down of groundwork for Dar’s return.

“The leaked audios certainly reveal the influence of convict Nawaz Sharif and his convict-on-bail daughter in the running of this imported government itself a cabal of crooks,” she said.

She went on to say that the “real issue” was who bugged the PMO or the Prime Minister House in the first place.

“The hacking happened because devices were placed in these locations. So who is responsible and where did orders or decision come from? That is a question that must also be focused on,” she said.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

The Crime Minister advising crooked Nani how to break PK law. Its surreal.

 

[Bewal Express]

 

[Vatta]

Where are Misbah's beard and Van Gogh's ear, to give us an expert analysis that this all above board and that the thieves should be commended?

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The manner in which Marriyum Aurangzeb dealt with the harassment from the PTI supporters shows her grace. By her calm & honorable conduct, she exposed the ugly face of the harassers & their promoters. <br><br>We are proud of her.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1574116460988956673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry on Monday termed the slew of audio recordings allegedly featuring conversations between key figures in the coalition government a “major security lapse” and demanded a “thorough investigation” to expose those responsible.

Audio recordings of purported conversations between key government figures — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and some members of the federal cabinet — discussing governance matters privately surfaced over the weekend, prompting concerns over the security of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry on Sunday had said the government was taking the leaks “very seriously”, however, he stopped short of denying the veracity of the audios.

The content of the recordings, which appear to be informal conversations in the PM Office — as opposed to recorded phone conversations — has not been denied or disputed by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who instead insisted that these only showed that “nothing illegal had happened”.


Addressing a press conference in Islamabad today, PTI’s Chaudhry lamented that phone tapping had “unfortunately become a common occurrence in Pakistan”. He said the current leaks had caused a “national security crisis” in the country.

This shows that the PMO is quite weak in terms of cybersecurity and anything can be leaked from there, he stated.

The ex-minister claimed that the hacker who was in possession of the alleged recordings was saying he had more important audios which had not yet surfaced.

Chaudhry quoted BOL TV as reporting that the government was now “holding talks with the hacker to block the release of more recordings”.

The PTI leader also played the recordings during his presser as he castigated PM Shehbaz and the PML-N for “not being able to run the government” effectively.

“We are going to place these audios before the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” he said, demanding an independent probe.

He also sought the government’s official statement on the matter.

Chaudhry also demanded action against the prime minister for allegedly facilitating the procurement of machinery from India on Maryam’s insistence, as revealed in one of the audio recordings.

“A new National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference must be filed against the prime minister for the alleged misuse of authority. I also ask the National Assembly speaker to summon the premier and other MNAs before the privilege committee to answer about it,” he said.

What began as an alleged and potentially embarrassing audio leak seems to have turned into an all-out national security incident as a slew of audio recordings of conversations between key government figures were released over the weekend.

Sources in PM House told Dawn the issue was “quite serious” and it was being investigated by the relevant quarters on the directives of PM Shehbaz, who was in London when the leaks were first reported.

When asked whether the leaks featured in any conversations in London, a senior PML-N leader privy to the talks said that PM Shehbaz would handle the issue upon his return to Pakistan.

On Saturday, a recording of PM Shehbaz surfaced where he was discussing with an unidentified official the possibility of facilitating the import of Indian machinery for a power project that was a concern of Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law, Raheel.

On Sunday, further recordings surfaced, which were shared on social media by several PTI leaders, concerning Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly.

One clip purportedly features a conversation between PML-N Vice President Maryam and the premier about Ismail, wherein a voice thought to belong to the former says the erstwhile finance minister “doesn’t know what he is doing” and wishes for the return of PML-N stalwart Ishaq Dar.

A second clip allegedly concerns a conversation between the prime minister, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Ayaz Sadiq about the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly.

A third clip purportedly features a conversation between Maryam Nawaz and PM Shehbaz regarding the return of former army chief retired Gen Pervez Musharraf.

The possibility that this may be the result of a cyberattack was mentioned by Fawad on Sunday, who tweeted: “In a major cyber attack on PM Office 100 hours of conversations of PM and cabinet members have been leaked to an international hacker website”.

“The hacker has asked for $345,000 for detailed record, that is about 8 GB. The conversations include political, economic and security related issues.”

Fawad’s claim of a hacker making off with the data seems to originate from reports that a hacker or a collective — that has been involved in previous cyberattacks on behalf of neighbouring India — listed for sale a data dump containing conversations from the Pakistani PM Office.

Users claimed that the clips leaked online were shared by the alleged hacker(s) as proof that they were indeed in the possession of sensitive data and set a minimum bid of around 18 0BTC, or Etherscan tokens, worth around $345,000.

Some users also suggested that the purported hacker(s) — who originally posted sometime in August — claimed to have more records, including conversations of both the current and former prime ministers, i.e. Shehbaz Sharif and Imran Khan. However, Dawn has been unable to independently verify these claims.

Some IT experts Dawn spoke to said the issue was “quite serious” and blamed the lack of an effective strategy to counter cyberattacks of this scale.

When contacted, a senior military official in the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) also held the Intelligence Bureau (IB) responsible for the leak and said the military and its spy agencies have nothing to do with that department.

“The entire PM Office is looked after by the IB in terms of security,” the official said.

Information Technology expert Shahzad Ahmed told Dawn that it was difficult to say anything with authority on when and how the conversations were hacked, unless a thorough investigation was conducted.

However, he blamed the lack of government policy and interest in thwarting cyberattacks on important state institutions as one of the causes of the breach. He hoped that the incident would prove to be a wake-up call for the government, and it won’t simply be forgotten or brushed under the carpet.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The manner in which Marriyum Aurangzeb dealt with the harassment from the PTI supporters shows her grace. By her calm & honorable conduct, she exposed the ugly face of the harassers & their promoters. <br><br>We are proud of her.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1574116460988956673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Disgusting loser- your govt has arrested children and beaten women and your getting upset with the chant of chore. Loser

 

[Bewal Express]

So the head of ECP is taking orders from a criminal just like the LHC judges. [MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] is the CEC neutral? lol

 

[Major]

The only reason I can think of, why the army is leaking these audios?

Looks the army is planning to take over and impose Marshall Law.

This is not the army. This is actually the pm secretariat lower staff. The lower staff of govt offices support pti and they are probably being paid by the party to do this.

The millitary might start taking strict action against pti for this

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said on Monday that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja would have resigned “if he had any shame” in lieu of the Prime Minister Office (PMO) audio leaks that surfaced on social media a day earlier.

While addressing a ceremony at Government College University Lahore, Imran said “now new audio leaks have come forward where the chief election commissioner has been proven to be the house-servant of Nawaz Sharif”.
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The PTI chief claimed that in another audio leak the CEC apparently asks the PML-N supremo “who should be disqualified” and that he will “disqualify Imran in the Toskhakhana case”.

Read 'National security crisis': PTI demands probe into govt audio leaks

“If he [CEC] had any shame, he would resign,” taunted Imran, “but he has no shame. That is why we will have to get him to resign.”

Imran said that the country’s “biggest fraudster” is returning to Pakistan, in an apparent jab at Pakistan Mulsim League- Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar, who is expected to take over after PML-N leader Miftah Ismail stepped down from the post of finance minister yesterday.

“When the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) asked him [Dar] how he got all this money when his father was simply a bicycle shop owner, he boarded the prime minister’s plane and fled the country with the excuse that he was going to seek medical treatment,” Imran said, while claiming that the former finance minister was retuning under “a deal”.

Imran also said that “there is more that will be revealed in the audio leaks” and asked the audience to “wait for the coming episodes”.

It may be noted here that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and key members of his party and family had become the centre of attention on Sunday after audio recordings from the Prime Minister Office (PMO), purportedly of their conversations, surfaced on social media.

The audios drew sharp criticism from the opposition, which expressed concerns over the security of the PMO. However, several government ministers had insisted that the audios pointed to no wrongdoing.Speaking at the university event today,

“I have declared jihad against these thieves,” added Imran as he asked “everyone to prepare themselves”. “As long as I am alive, I will fight them and God willing, I will win,” he vowed.

In his speech at a political rally a day earlier, Imran had also criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party Co-Chairman and former president Asif Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman.

“The wickets of Shahbaz, Zardari and Fazl are about to fall,” Imran, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, said. “For them, I have prepared an in-swing yorker,” he added. “Rana Sana and Shehbaz Sharif have made a plan for us, but they don’t know about my plan,” he stated.

Express Tribune

 

[Gayle_Force]

This is not the army. This is actually the pm secretariat lower staff. The lower staff of govt offices support pti and they are probably being paid by the party to do this.

The millitary might start taking strict action against pti for this

So you are saying our so called top of the line intelligence was outsmarted by the lower staff of the PM secretariat?

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting to discuss matters related to national security including audio leaks allegedly featuring conversation of the premier with high-profile government officials.

PM Shehbaz and key members of his party and family became the centre of attention on Sunday after audio recordings purportedly of their conversation surfaced on social media.

The audios drew sharp criticism from the opposition, which expressed concerns over the security of the Prime Minister Office (PMO). However, several government ministers insisted that the audios pointed to no wrongdoing.

Soon after the audios surfaced, there was a storm on social media, many bashing the government and expressing shock at the way sensitive audios had purportedly leaked from the PMO. Also several TV channels also splashed their screens with the leaks.

According to an official statement issued on Monday, the NSC meeting will take place at the PM House on Wednesday.

The top military and civilian leadership including defence minister, interior minister, information minister, finance minister and other important cabinet members will participate in the meeting.

The huddle will discuss flood situation, national security and other matters. According to the sources, the NSC meeting is expected to make important decisions in view of the audio leaks.

The participants will also be briefed on the law and order situation of the country in the meeting.

By Sunday night, the government didn’t order any inquiry into the leaks, however, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb told The Express Tribune that Prime Minister Shehbaz would look into it and might order an inquiry on his return from London.

“The decision to hold an inquiry into the audio leaks will be taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz once he returns to Pakistan,” the government’s spokesperson said via phone from London, without denying the authenticity of the leaked audios.

Reiterating that no inquiry had thus far been ordered by the prime minister, Aurangzeb said that the audio leaks were a proof of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) policy of promoting merit.

“Nowhere in those audio was anyone talking about diamonds and gifts,” the information minister quipped. Another cabinet member, while speaking on condition of anonymity, also said that there was nothing controversial in the audio from the ruling party’s perspective.

For a long time, successive governments have been embroiled in audio and video leak scandals but there has never been a comprehensive inquiry into any such incident. On every occasion, the truth lay somewhere between the allegations and denials.

In the latest audio leaks, a voice, purported to be of Prime Minister Shehbaz, informed “a government official” about Maryam Nawaz looking to import machinery from India for a power plant, on the request of her son-in-law Raheel.

A media report about the audio stated that “the official” was apprised that half of the machinery had already arrived.

It added that the purported officer could be heard saying that this was a matter of “grave concern” as being a relative of the prime minister, the issue could “wreak havoc if it comes to the knowledge of the ECC (Economic Coordination Committee) and then of the cabinet”.

The voice thought to be of Shehbaz responded by saying that he would talk to Maryam himself after his return from Turkey, to which the purported official suggested leaving the matter to former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

Express Tribune

 

[Bewal Express]

This is not the army. This is actually the pm secretariat lower staff. The lower staff of govt offices support pti and they are probably being paid by the party to do this.

The millitary might start taking strict action against pti for this

And you believe that? Our intelligence agencies outsmarted by lower level civil servants. Lol

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday termed the surfacing of audio leaks featuring candid conversations between key figures in the coalition government was a “very serious lapse” as he announced that a high-level committee would be constituted to probe the matter.

The premier made these remarks alongside other federal cabinet members at a news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Responding to a question regarding the audio leaks, he said that such security breaches were a “big question mark”.

“Who will come to meet the prime minister at the PM House now? Be it a sympathiser or a friend, they will think 100 times before talking. This is about the respect of 220 million people of the country.

“I am taking notice of this and a committee will be formed and reach the depth of this matter,” PM Shehbaz said.

Audio recordings of conversations between key government figures — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and some members of the federal cabinet — discussing governance matters privately surfaced over the weekend, prompting concerns over the security of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

On Saturday, a recording of PM Shehbaz surfaced where he could be heard speaking with an unidentified official about the possibility of facilitating the import of Indian machinery for a power project that was a concern of Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law, Raheel.

Responding to the matter today, the prime minister said that Maryam never talked to him about any favours or her son-in-law.

“Dr Tauqeer spoke to me about it and said half of the machinery was imported during the PTI tenure. I don’t know what amount was spent and how much loss they will have to bear if half the machinery is left. Dr Tauqeer told me that the provision is banned and it will have to be taken to the ECC (Economic Coordination Committee).”

Shehbaz went on that he didn’t find it appropriate to take the matter to the cabinet. “I said I will convey this to my daughter [Maryam]. Now tell me what is wrong with this?”

He said that previously several audios relating to PTI chief Imran Khan were leaked but no questions were raised on that. “Have you heard the conversation about diamonds? About the piece of land that was given to them as a gift. You don’t talk about it but you are discussing this matter.”

Imran Niazi, Shehbaz went on to allege, brutally used “his force” to target opponents.

“He called [ex-FIA DG] Bashir Memon to his office and asked him to file cases against his rivals. This is on record. Did I amend the policy, there is no question about it. You must do justice. I will apologise to the nation if I did something wrong.”

Imran also sold the Toshakhana gifts, why aren’t those audios being leaked, the PM asked. “The audios on the increase in sugar prices should surface […] this is a billion-rupee scam.

“Imran said he will form a commission. Was anyone caught, was anyone punished? Billions of dollars from Pakistan were wasted,” the prime minister pointed out, claiming that Imran’s “corruption is a long saga”.

Shehbaz said that Imran did not spare any opportunity in “dividing the army and institutions”, highlighting that the PTI chief was creating polarisation which could take the country towards destruction.

“This is an alarm bell. This man is a risk to the country.”

Army chief’s appointment
Responding to a question about the army chief’s appointment, which is due in November, Shehbaz stressed that the “law and Constitution” had to be followed and “everyone is going to follow it”.

In the past few days, Imran has lambasted the coalition government for trying to “appoint an army chief of their choice” in November to save their skin in corruption cases.

“They want to bring their own army chief… they are afraid that if a strong and patriotic army chief is appointed then he would ask them about the looted wealth,” the PTI chief had said at a rally in Faisalabad earlier this month.

Imran had also called out the incumbent government for consulting an “absconder” and “convict” — Nawaz Sharif — for the crucial decision, claiming that it was against the Constitution.

At the press conference today, Shehbaz asked: “Did Imran consult us before giving an extension to the army chief?”

He also said that he didn’t see anything wrong in consulting Nawaz. “What’s the point of criticising my talks with Nawaz? He is my leader and I discussed Pakistan issues with him,” he asserted.

Responding to another question regarding purported secret meetings between the army chief and Imran, PM Shehbaz said that he doesn’t get time to look into matters other than the economy.

“I am surrounded by [affairs of] the economy and IMF (International Monetary Fund)-related matters. Institutions are working, and I tell them to work under the ambit of the law.”

He also stated that there was “no threat” to the country, adding that the elections would be held on time.

Ishaq Dar’s return
Talking about the return of senior PML-N leader Ishaq Dar, Shehbaz said that the politician was a “hardworking and capable” man.

A few hours before the premier’s press conference, Dar was sworn in as a senator and is set to take over the finance ministry. Earlier today, Miftah Ismail tendered his resignation to pave way for Dar.

Referring to the transition today, Shehbaz said that Dar was an honest politician. “He will work diligently and play his role in making this situation better.”

He said that Miftah’s services for the country were commendable as he saved Pakistan from default.

“Miftah is an honourable party member and he wanted to resign. We allowed him to do so and we told him we will ask for his services in other areas too.”

‘Pakistan out of isolation’
At the outset of the press conference, the prime minister said that Pakistan was out of the isolation it was previously pushed in because of the “bad decisions” and foreign policy of the PTI government.

“It was teamwork and everyone helped me in this. Pakistan has come out of isolation due to this coalition government. The last government affected our foreign policy and upset our friendly countries.

“The ex-prime minister thought he was everything and he would think himself to be Einstein. That approach hurt Pakistan a lot,” the premier highlighted.

However, he said that the incumbent government has steered the country out of isolation and “is holding respectable conversations with countries now”.

Briefing the media about his meetings at the United Nations General Assembly, Shehbaz said that he talked about the flood devastation in Pakistan.

“I told all world leaders about these losses. I thanked President Biden for his support and he assured me of all possible cooperation.”

He said that he presented the Kashmir stance assertively and discussed other important issues concerning Islamophobia and Palestine.

“I also took part in the reception of King Charles and he expressed best wishes for the people of Pakistan. He said he was about to visit Pakistan but due to responsibilities, he postponed it. I told him about floods. He announced 15m pounds for flood victims. I also met Lizz Truss and other former British PMs. I had a good discussion with all of them,” Shehbaz said.

PTI calls for Shehbaz’s disqualification

After the prime minister’s press conference, several PTI leaders took to Twitter and said that Shehbaz had “confirmed his conversation in the audio leaks”, as they called for the Election Commission of Pakistan to initiate proceedings against him.

PTI general-secretary Asad Umar said that the nexus between PML-N and the chief election commissioner had now been exposed. “Now what is the justification for the CEC to stay on the post?’

In a tweet, he called for legal action to be taken against Shehbaz and the ministers who are involved in collusion with the electoral watchdog.

Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry said that after Shehbaz’s press conference, “there is no need for further investigation”.

“The ECP should immediately send a reference to the election tribunal for his [Shehbaz’s] disqualification,” he tweeted.

PTI leader Shahbaz Gill also called for the prime minister’s disqualification under articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari said that the prime minister had violated the Official Secrets Act by consulting Nawaz Sharif regarding the appointment of the army chief.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

So no Suo Motto from CJP on the incompetent, useless Crime Minister discussing how to abet a crime. No investigation into crooked Nani using offices of state to help another leech from the family wanting favours.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

This is not the army. This is actually the pm secretariat lower staff. The lower staff of govt offices support pti and they are probably being paid by the party to do this.

The millitary might start taking strict action against pti for this

lollll ^^

 

[Bewal Express]

Where are Misbah's beard and Van Gogh's ear, to give us an expert analysis that this all above board and that the thieves should be commended?

Are you really expecting some mental midgets to be here and face the humiliation. No chance, they bailed because there is only a certain number times you can be made to look like an idiot.

 

[Bewal Express]

This is not the army. This is actually the pm secretariat lower staff. The lower staff of govt offices support pti and they are probably being paid by the party to do this.

The millitary might start taking strict action against pti for this

Do you think it's right that Nani asking for favours for her son in law? Isn't this how you guys always operate? Is it right that the PM and his croooks making decisions on resignations, whatever happened to your constitution? Is it right the PM advising someone how to commit a crime? Shameful from the mafia but not a single surprise

 

[MenInG]

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday claimed to have seen videos of PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan, which he claimed were "neither worthy of being seen nor being shown".

Commenting on Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's alleged audio leak during Geo News' show "Capital Talk", the minister said that recording something in today's day and age was no big deal.

"The alleged audio does not damage the premier's reputation because there is nothing wrong in it," he said.

The interior minister claimed that he has viewed the videos that Khan warned his workers to be mentally prepared for.

"The videos are neither worthy of being seen nor being shown," Rana alleged.

The minister further claimed to have "a lot" to reveal about Azad Kashmir's prime minister as well.

Taking a jibe at the PTI chief, Rana said that if Imran Khan arrives in Islamabad now, he will make complete arrangements for him.

 

[Bewal Express]

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday claimed to have seen videos of PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan, which he claimed were "neither worthy of being seen nor being shown".

Commenting on Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's alleged audio leak during Geo News' show "Capital Talk", the minister said that recording something in today's day and age was no big deal.

"The alleged audio does not damage the premier's reputation because there is nothing wrong in it," he said.

The interior minister claimed that he has viewed the videos that Khan warned his workers to be mentally prepared for.

"The videos are neither worthy of being seen nor being shown," Rana alleged.

The minister further claimed to have "a lot" to reveal about Azad Kashmir's prime minister as well.

Taking a jibe at the PTI chief, Rana said that if Imran Khan arrives in Islamabad now, he will make complete arrangements for him.

You would have shown them if you had them. Let's see them. But your pathetic criminal party can't escape from its criminality.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday claimed to have seen videos of PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan, which he claimed were "neither worthy of being seen nor being shown".

Commenting on Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's alleged audio leak during Geo News' show "Capital Talk", the minister said that recording something in today's day and age was no big deal.

"The alleged audio does not damage the premier's reputation because there is nothing wrong in it," he said.

The interior minister claimed that he has viewed the videos that Khan warned his workers to be mentally prepared for.

"The videos are neither worthy of being seen nor being shown," Rana alleged.

The minister further claimed to have "a lot" to reveal about Azad Kashmir's prime minister as well.

Taking a jibe at the PTI chief, Rana said that if Imran Khan arrives in Islamabad now, he will make complete arrangements for him.

To this manhoos shakkal Rana.

The video could be Imran drinking, having sex, and dancing naked with hot blondes who keep it shaved, and I don't care, because it's his personal matter between him and his God.

Show us the video and evidence where he has looted the nation's money, and then we will talk.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

The entire focus of the media is on "how/why these audios got leaked". No one is talking about the content which completely exposed Sharif family. Truth will eventually come out and zulm won't last long.

 

[Kianig89]

twisted knickers it is, another leak revealed regarding Musharaff return hypocrites, Govt. totally lost its authority

 

[Bewal Express]

twisted knickers it is, another leak revealed regarding Musharaff return hypocrites, Govt. totally lost its authority

Remember [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] and his support for this thick women because she told him she was anti army.

 

[Bewal Express]

The entire focus of the media is on "how/why these audios got leaked". No one is talking about the content which completely exposed Sharif family. Truth will eventually come out and zulm won't last long.

I saw that. Its what you get when the media isn't free and has been brought with tax payers money

 

[JaDed]

Pak Political class is like PCB before PSL.

 

[daytrader]

NSC approves formation of high-powered panel to probe audio leaks
Committee will be led by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah

ISLAMABAD:
The National Security Committee (NSC), in its meeting held in Islamabad on Wednesday with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in chair, approved the constitution of a high-powered committee led by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to probe the issue of audio leaks.

The meeting – which besides federal ministers was attended by services chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies and other senior officials – pondered over the matter of the audio leaks.

After consultation, the meeting also decided to prepare a “legal framework” about cyber-security and in that respect directed the Ministry of Law and Justice for the preparation of a legal framework.

The meeting agreed to review the security, safety and protection of official communications in view of the current changed environment of modern technology and cyberspace so as to check for any interruption in the security system.

Read more: NSC convened to pore over damning audio leaks

The heads of intelligence agencies gave a detailed briefing about the security of important places including the PM House, cyberspace and other related aspects.

The meeting was told that investigations about the audios circulating on social media were underway. It was also told about the fool-proof security arrangements at PM House, after the identification of some aspects regarding the security.

The meeting was apprised of emergency steps being taken to ensure the security of important places and buildings including the PM House and ministries so as to avoid any such situation in future.

Also read: 'National security crisis': PTI demands probe into govt audio leaks

The high-level huddle also reviewed the historic flood devastation, rescue and relief measures and the current security situation.

The participants expressed their grief over the loss of lives since June 14 due to floods and offered condolences to the bereaved families. They also offered prayers for the departed souls.

The meeting also reviewed the steps taken for immediate support of 33 million flood affectees, their shifting to safe places, supply of food, medical treatment and provision of other necessary items.

They also lauded the role played by the civil administration and the relevant departments, and especially of the army, navy and air force for saving the lives of those trapped in floods, their safe evacuation, and provision of food and other items and appreciated their passion to serve even in the most difficult situation.

The participants also acknowledged civil society, media and philanthropists for their role and support for the affected people and expressed the hope that they would continue contributing to this noble cause with such a display of spirit.

The meeting also paid tribute to the martyred army officers and soldiers of the Lasbela army aviation helicopter crash incident in Balochistan and said that the nation saluted their martyrs and their families.

The participants reiterated the resolve that support and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people would remain a priority as a national agenda and expressed determination that these efforts would continue with the same display of passion, focus and coordination till the rehabilitation of the countrymen.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood gave a briefing about the prime minister’s recent participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and 77th United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

He also apprised the meeting of the prime minister’s bilateral meetings with different heads and leaders of the member countries.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

PM House implements measures to plug future leaks

ISLAMABAD:

Mr Khan’s audio leak was discussed in the federal cabinet after which Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah held a press conference and said the PTI’s suspected plot “caused unbearable harm [to Pakistan] and vowed to take legal action against those involved in the leak”.

The interior minister read out from a transcript of the leaked conversation and said that the clip revealed that Mr Khan had hatched a conspiracy to fulfill his “anti-state agenda”.

Mr Sanaullah claimed that “power hungry” Imran Khan was creating anarchy and chaos in the country and the audio leak had fully exposed him before the nation.

He said Mr Khan misguided students in his address at the Government College University, Lahore that his government was ousted through a foreign conspiracy, but his leaked audio revealed the “real story”.

“If he has some moral fibre then he should approach the Supreme Court for an inquiry into his own audio leak,” he said while taking a jibe at the former premier for his persistent demand of probing the foreign conspiracy against his government. According to Mr Sanaullah, the government would ensure a forensic audit of the audio clip.

Strict measures at PM House

Meanwhile, as conversations happened in the Prime Minister’s House continue to be leaked, strict measures have been put in place to plug any possible future leaks. These security measures include keeping a “vigilant eye on lower staff” while their movement has also been minimised. No one is allowed to take mobile phones inside the PM’s House and a director general the cybersecurity is being appointed to prevent such leaks in the future.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his opening remarks in the cabinet meeting appreciated his cabinet members and senior government officers for the success of his visits to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Samarkand as well as the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Prime Minister Shehbaz also welcome Ishaq Dar who assumed the office of finance minister earlier in the day.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday said that state institutions have taken steps to secure the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and changed some standard operating procedures (SOPs) after multiple audio leaks featuring the incumbent prime minister surfaced on social media.

On Saturday, a recording of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif started doing rounds where he was discussing with an unidentified official the possibility of facilitating the import of Indian machinery for a power project that was a concern of PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law, Raheel.

On Sunday, further recordings surfaced, which were shared on social media by several PTI leaders, concerning former finance minister Miftah Ismail and the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly. A day ago, another leak surfaced but this time, former prime minister Imran Khan and his much-touted ‘threat cypher’ were the subjects of the leaked clip.

Subsequently, in a meeting on Wednesday, the National Security Committee decided to probe the audio leaks and formed a high-level forum for this purpose, which will be led by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.


Elaborating on security measures taken in wake of the leaks at a press conference today, the law minister said: “Our state institutions have carried out an exercise to secure the PMO, ensure [security].

“Some SOPs have been changed which I think is a government responsibility as oftentimes many sensitive matters are discussed in such places and there should be an environment where you are 100 per cent satisfied that you’re making national decisions in a secure environment,” he told reporters.

Tarar said that talks regarding a “cleansing” process were underway, elaborating that the government was mulling on steps that should be taken in the future.

He explained that basic SOPs were already in place for “sensitive buildings”, adding that orders have further been given to make security measures effective and prevent any such breaches in the future.

“It will be an effort to introduce a culture and environment, not just in the PMO, but in all departments where you can ensure that sensitive information will not be leaked.”

The law minister rubbished reports of the prime minister considering staying somewhere else other than the PMO and called the rumours “baseless”.

Tarar also castigated the PTI chief over yesterday’s audio leak.

“The painful thing is, when you’re in high constitutional offices, more than the political interest, your oath makes you bound to take decisions in the greater national interest,” he said.

The law minister said that the government will want to further investigate the matter and then decide on exercising any legal or constitutional actions so “in the future, no person in any office can impose their own opinion on matters of national security and sensitive issues to expose matters such that it harms the state”.

He said Imran had played a “dangerous game” with the country, adding that then principal secretary Azam Khan should have realised he was a state servant and not advanced a political party’s agenda.

“It would’ve been much better if he made Imran understand that this is not an issue that can be played with, instead he should have shut it down and told the Foreign Office to do whatever appropriate action since it is its domain,” Tarar added.

 

[daytrader]

PM House ‘debugged’ to bar further leaks

• Mobile phone data, laptops of employees being monitored
• No staffers allowed to take mobile phones inside
• Minister says orders given to make security measures effective

ISLAMABAD: A high-powered committee constituted to probe into the leak of informal conversations from the Prime Minister House is said to have combed and debugged the entire premises, which was also confirmed by a federal minister during a press conference on Thursday.

“They have conducted thorough inspection of the building,” a source told Dawn. The team was also monitoring mobile phone data and laptops of employees and officers of the PM House and Office.

Following a series of audio leaks over the last week, also featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and former PM Imran Khan, a new standard operating procedure (SOP) has been implemented at the PM House under which no staff and officer was allowed to take their mobile phone inside the building. “The phones are collected at the entrance and retur*ned after office hours,” the source added.

PM Sharif had on Tuesday at a press conference called the controversial audio leaks a serious ‘security lapse’ and said a high-powered inquiry committee would probe into the fiasco.

On the other hand, a new cyber security department is being formed at the PM House to be headed by a director general. Waiters and low-ranked staff there were under a strict watch and their access to Prime Minister Sharif has been restricted.

Law minister’s presser

Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said in a press conference on Thursday that state institutions had conducted an exercise to secure the PMO’s security, and confirmed some SOP of the PM House’s security had been changed. He also said legislation was the need of the hour in the context of modern technology, especially cyber security.

“Many sensitive matters are discussed in important places where the environment should be such that everyone is 100 per cent satisfied with making national decisions in a secure environment,” he commented.

The minister further said talks regarding a “cleansing process” were under way, and the government was mulling over the steps to take in the future. Basic SOP was already in place for sensitive buildings and further orders have been given to make the security measures effective and prevent such breaches in the future, he added.

“Pakistan is a responsible state and we have to move forward keeping a balance between state laws and fundamental human rights,” he commented, adding the meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) held on Wednesday reviewed the issue of audio leaks in detail, and determined decisions and priorities regarding the future.

“The government has formed a special committee headed by the interior minister. The committee will review these audio leaks and secret recordings,” he said, adding the whole world was facing a cyber security challenge as there were various ways of online attacks.

Imran’s narrative

Mr Tarar rejected Imran Khan’s narrative of a foreign conspiracy behind his ouster from power in April, claiming one of the leaked audio conversations had brought facts about the diplomatic cipher at the centre of the controversy on record.

Referring to the audio leak featuring Mr Khan, he said the then principal secretary Azam Khan should have realised he was a state servant and not advanced a political party’s agenda. It would have been much better if the principal secretary had made Imran understand this was not an issue that could be played with and instead told the Foreign Office to take appropriate action since it was its domain, he added.

Tarar said when a lawmaker takes oath as a member of parliament or prime minister, they pledge not to give priority to personal interests over national interest. But Imran Khan’s conspiracy narrative had exposed that the former PM preferred personal interest.

“We should take decisions in the interest of the state. Mr Khan played a dangerous game against the country’s interest,” the law minister said, adding Pakistan had a decades-long history of diplomatic relations with the US.

He said the present government had not yet withdrawn the letter sent by the former prime minister to the Supreme Court to form a judicial commission to investigate the US cipher, adding the Supreme Court considered it inappropriate to take action after its decision.

Earlier on Wednesday, the NSC had constituted a high-powered committee to probe into the leak of informal conversations from the PM House and take precautionary measures to prevent such a national security breach from top government offices in the future.

The team, headed by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, comprised officials from the Inter-Services Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

The authorities on Monday arrested two suspects involved in the bugging and phone hacking of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), ARY News reported citing sources.

Sources privy to the development told ARY News that an intelligence agency has apprehended two hackers. Among the two suspects, one hacker belongs to Rawalpindi while the other hails from a city in Central Punjab.

Government sources have also confirmed the arrest of two suspects. Both suspects were in contact with the staff deployed on the PMO security, it emerged.

 

[daytrader]

Sana claims leaks ‘resolved’; says staffers ‘did it for money’

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed on Monday that the leaks controversy, which had put the cyber security of the PM’s official residence and the office at stake, had been resolved and that no “hostile intelligence agency” was involved.

The comments came made during a TV show hours after former prime minister Imran Khan, one of the primary characters in the leaked clips, announced that he would approach the courts for a probe into the matter.

The interior minister said the controversy was resolved, adding that there was no proof of the involvement of a foreign spy agency in the episode. “Some staff members of the PM’s House have been identified… such things are done for money,” the minister added.

The minister added that a “tiny” recording device was regularly planted on the premises to record telephonic conversations and informal chats at the PM’s Office. The interior minister added that the findings of the investigations being carried out could also be shared with courts through an in-camera briefing.

According to Mr Sanaullah, the probe would continue. He added that there was no harm in making the report of this investigation public, but a final decision in this regard will depend on PM Shehbaz Sharif, the federal cabinet, and the National Security Committee (NSC).

Interestingly, the government had formed three separate investigation and oversight bodies to probe the audio leaks; one team comprised officials of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB); the second one included officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to ascertain how the US cipher went missing from the PM’s House; while a third team was an oversight committee headed by the interior minister to supervise the investigations.

Though Mr Sanaullah confirmed the involvement of some individuals in the leaks, he did not confirm whether any arrests had been made. Earlier in the day, media reports claimed that two suspects had been taken into custody over their involvement in the leaked clips.

However, there was no official confirmation from the government and relevant quarters in this regard.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

Imran hints at moving court over audio leaks
PTI chief urges probe to know which agency bugged PM House

ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan hinted on Monday his party would approach courts on the audio leaks and seek formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe which “intelligence agency” was involved in the bugging of the Prime Minister House and the Prime Minister Office.

Speaking at a workers' convention of the party, the former prime minister also claimed that the secure line at his residence was also bugged when he was in the office. He termed the audio leaks a serious breach of national security.

"We intend to go to court to establish authenticity of leaks and then form a JIT to investigate which intelligence agency is responsible for the bugging and who is leaking out the audios, many of which are edited and doctored," Imran said.

"Audio leaks are a serious breach of national security as they call into question the entire security of the Prime Minister House and the Prime Minister Office," he said. “It is a critical matter as sensitive security issues were and have been illegally recorded and subsequently hacked".

Imran warned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah that “a sea of people” would march on Islamabad, which the government would not be able stop. “They can plan whatever they want, the sea of people will be unstoppable” he told his party’s workers.

The PTI chief said that he was planning and preparing the workers for the historic long march very carefully because they were doing jihad to rid the country of these thieves. “I know the planning of Rana Sanaullah and Shehbaz but they don’t know about my game plan,” he added.

He went on to say that phones were being tapped everywhere, therefore, he did not disclose his planning to anyone. However, he stressed that the work of agencies was not to tap the phone or to intimidate, as people of social media were being threatened.

Imran fired a broadside against his arch political foes – the leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). These people, he said, “cannot come out in public, they are running away from the elections because they know the mood of the people”.

Imran said that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were complaining of great injustice but they could not give the money trail of their London flats till date. He added that Ishaq Dar escaped the country in the prime minister's plane and returned in the Prime Minister’s plane.

Also read: High-powered panel to probe audio leaks

He said that after Maryam’s acquittal, now Asif Ali Zardari would also be acquitted, because these thieves made person-specific amendments to the accountability laws to save the skin of Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and many others.

“If this system works in this fashion, then your children will have no future in the country. The nations will be destroyed if the big robbers are not caught,” he said. “All these bandits are taking Pakistan towards destruction,” he added.

“Now I will meet you in the long march, I am preparing my nation, this long march will be the biggest march in history, we will protest peacefully while living within the Constitution and law.” At the convention, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz took oath from the workers to participate in the “Freedom March”.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

New audio tape purportedly featuring PM Shehbaz leaked on social media
In latest audio leak, PM Shehbaz can allegedly be heard conversing with unidentified person over race to become special assistant to PM

Another alleged audio of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been leaked on social media platforms.

In recent days, several audios, allegedly featuring government officials and PTI leaders, have surfaced. The PM has instituted a high-power investigation committee to probe the issue, particularly the leaks that involved the PM House. Former PM Imran Khan also demanded a JIT investigate the issue of bugging the PM House.

In the latest audio leak, PM Shehbaz can be heard conversing with an unidentified person regarding the race to become the Special Assistant to PM.

The person is heard telling the premier in the audio that Ayaz Sadiq claims the PPP members are demanding a share from the quota of the SAPM [Special Assistant to PM."] Shehbaz Sharif is heard replying, "Yes, of course. Bilawal said so."

Later, the person says, "Let's see now. Then, we have to appoint Zafar Mahmood and Jahanzeb. I will tell you a final number later on." Shehbaz Sharif responds, asking him to share [the details] with the doctor. "Share with others as well, not just PPP people," he said.

The unidentified person is heard continuing, "Then, the JUI and MQM will also demand. One MQM member, Malik Ahmad Ali says that he had a critical role in making this whole deal possible.

Shehbaz Sharif asks about the MQM man. The other person replies that he is from Karachi.

The audio leak saga
On October 11, Interior Minister Rana Sanauallah said the culprits behind the audio leaks had been identified, adding that the modus operandi of stealing those sound bites was not bugging but telephone tapping.

The first tape allegedly featured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a senior official. It contained a discussion regarding PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz asking her uncle for a power plant to be imported from India for her son-in-law.

On September 25, two more audios were leaked on social media. One of them was related to a discussion about the PTI lawmakers’ resignations and the other was about former finance minister Miftah Ismail.

The first audio related to PTI was leaked on September 28, in which Khan allegedly told his then-principal secretary Azam Khan to "play" on the US cypher.

The second PTI audio leak came to the fore on September 30, which allegedly exposed Khan's conspiracy narrative.

In it, the then-prime minister Khan, ex-minister Asad Umar, and the then-principal secretary Azam could allegedly be heard discussing the US cypher in a meeting and how to use it to their (PTI’s) advantage.

Following the back-to-back leaks, the National Security Council (NSC) approved the formation of a high-level committee under the leadership of Sanauallah to investigate the matter.

In its meeting just a day after on September 30, the federal cabinet also endorsed NSC's decision to probe the matter thoroughly.

However, despite the government's decision to investigate the matter, a couple more audios were leaked featuring Khan and his aides.

In the first of the two audios leaked on October 7, Khan could allegedly be heard speaking about horse-trading and discussing ‘buying five’ and ‘numbers game’. However, he was speaking alone and no one else could be heard.

In another audio leaked later in the same day, the former prime minister was allegedly talking about making a plan ahead of the no-confidence motion with PTI leaders Shireen Mazari and Asad Umar.

The News PK

 

[MenInG]

In the seemingly never-ending saga of audio leaks linked to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), another recording, purportedly of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, surfaced on Thursday in which a voice believed to be of the premier was heard discussing the appointment of his special assistants.

Since last month, several purportedly leaked audio recordings of PM Shehbaz, his immediate predecessor Imran, bigwigs from the PML-N and PTI and other officials have emerged, raising questions on national security.

In the latest recording, an unidentified person is heard telling the prime minister that PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq said that the PPP — which is part of the ruling coalition led by PM Shehbaz — was also “asking for a share among SAPMs”.

In reply, the person believed to be Shehbaz replies, “Yes, Bilawal spoke to me about it.”


The other person responds by saying that “see, we have to appoint Zafar Mahmood and Jahanzaib sahib.

“I will tell you the final number today, sir.”

In turn, the person on the other end, supposedly Shehbaz, asks him to share the document.

“It’s not just the Peoples Party. There are others.”

The unidentified man replies that the “JUI and MQM will ask for it too”.

He adds: “In the MQM there is a man named Malik Ahmed Ali. They are saying he had a critical role in reaching a deal with them [unintelligible].

When the man believed to be PM Shehbaz asks him who was he talking about, he replies that “Ali” was from Karachi.

Leaks reveal massive breach in security at PM Office
What began as an alleged and potentially embarrassing audio leak seems to have turned into an all-out national security incident as a slew of audio recordings of conversations between key government figures — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and some members of the federal cabinet — were released last month.

The content of the recordings appear to be informal conversations in the PM Office — as opposed to recorded phone conversations.

First, a recording of PM Shehbaz surfaced where he was discussing with an unidentified official the possibility of facilitating the import of Indian machinery for a power project that was a concern of Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law, Raheel.

Further recordings surfaced a day later, which were shared on social media by several PTI leaders, concerning former finance minister Miftah Ismail and the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly.

One clip purportedly features a conversation between PML-N Vice President Maryam and the premier about Miftah, wherein a voice thought to belong to the former says he “doesn’t know what he is doing” and wishes for the return of PML-N stalwart Ishaq Dar.

A second clip allegedly concerns a conversation between the prime minister, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Ayaz Sadiq about the resignations of PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly.

A third clip purportedly features a conversation between Maryam Nawaz and PM Shehbaz regarding the return of former army chief retired Gen Pervez Musharraf.

It followed an audio clip purportedly revealing a conversation between former PM Imran and then-principal secretary Azam Khan about the cipher — shared by Asad Majeed, the then envoy to the US — which Imran has used to peddle his foreign conspiracy narrative.

In the clip, the former prime minister allegedly tells Azam to “play up” the cipher and turn it into a foreign plot to oust his government but adds that there is no need to name any country.

Later, another clip surfaced — supposedly a continuation of the conversation in the previous recording — purportedly featuring PTI leaders Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi discussing the “foreign conspiracy” cipher with the former premier and ex-principal secretary.

Then, yet another audio clip surfaced, purportedly of Imran, discussing “buying votes”, following by another recording purportedly featuring the PTI chief talking about the cipher with PTI leaders Shireen Mazari and Asad Umar.

PM Shehbaz has termed the surfacing of audio leaks a “very serious lapse” and announced that a high-level committee would be constituted to probe the matter.

 

[MenInG]

In the context of audio leaks on the alleged cipher and the decision of the cabinet sub-committee, the ongoing investigation in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been accelerated and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has also been summoned.

According to the details available with The Express Tribune, on the orders of the Ministry of Interior, the FIA director general formed a five-member inquiry team headed by FIA Islamabad Zone Director Rana Abdul Jabbar on October 5 to investigate the cipher and audio leaks.

The committee also includes FIA Cyber Crime Islamabad additional director and Counter-Terrorism Wing deputy director, among others.

Similarly, one **-19 officer from three intelligence agencies was also included in the inquiry team.

The inquiry team is engaged in fast-tracking the investigation. The FIA also issued a summons notice to senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Qureshi on Friday.

Qureshi has been asked to appear before the inquiry team at FIA Counter-Terrorism Headquarters Islamabad on November 1 at 12 pm.
According to sources, the FIA team asked questions from the former foreign secretary and also gave him a written questionnaire. He has been asked to submit his answers.

FIA had also issued a second summons notice to the former prime minister's principal secretary Azam Khan for October 28. Khan could not attend the inquiry due to being abroad.

Sources say that he has told the FIA that he would reach home by mid-November and join the inquiry.

Express Tribune

 

[Bewal Express]

In the context of audio leaks on the alleged cipher and the decision of the cabinet sub-committee, the ongoing investigation in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been accelerated and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has also been summoned.

According to the details available with The Express Tribune, on the orders of the Ministry of Interior, the FIA director general formed a five-member inquiry team headed by FIA Islamabad Zone Director Rana Abdul Jabbar on October 5 to investigate the cipher and audio leaks.

The committee also includes FIA Cyber Crime Islamabad additional director and Counter-Terrorism Wing deputy director, among others.

Similarly, one **-19 officer from three intelligence agencies was also included in the inquiry team.

The inquiry team is engaged in fast-tracking the investigation. The FIA also issued a summons notice to senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Qureshi on Friday.

Qureshi has been asked to appear before the inquiry team at FIA Counter-Terrorism Headquarters Islamabad on November 1 at 12 pm.
According to sources, the FIA team asked questions from the former foreign secretary and also gave him a written questionnaire. He has been asked to submit his answers.

FIA had also issued a second summons notice to the former prime minister's principal secretary Azam Khan for October 28. Khan could not attend the inquiry due to being abroad.

Sources say that he has told the FIA that he would reach home by mid-November and join the inquiry.

Express Tribune

A total waste of time. The ones that leaked the audios will be on the committees deciding who leaked it. And the conclusion they will come to is that it was IK

 

[daytrader]

Ex-employee of PM House detained over Shehbaz’s audio leak
A man has been detained in connection with the audio leak of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

A man has been detained in connection with the audio leak of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A media report has claimed that a former employee of the Prime Minister’s House was found involved in the audio leaks of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who has been detained.

According to the media report, the detained person was one of the prime minister’s staff and a committee has been formed to investigate the detained person.

It may be recalled that the audios of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were leaked in September and October this year.

The News PK

 

[Bewal Express]

Ex-employee of PM House detained over Shehbaz’s audio leak
A man has been detained in connection with the audio leak of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

A man has been detained in connection with the audio leak of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A media report has claimed that a former employee of the Prime Minister’s House was found involved in the audio leaks of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who has been detained.

According to the media report, the detained person was one of the prime minister’s staff and a committee has been formed to investigate the detained person.

It may be recalled that the audios of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were leaked in September and October this year.

The News PK

So SS is telling Nani to hell her son in law how to break the law. I am confused as to why the FIA havent taken SS and Nani in

 

[MenInG]

As audio tapes purportedly featuring private telephonic conversations of notable personalities continue to emerge, the PTI on Sunday renewed calls for investigation into these clips and urged the Supreme Court to take notice of the leaks.

Of late, a slew of audio leaks featuring key government and opposition figures — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, and others — have surfaced on social media.

The clips, seemingly featuring informal conversations, had raised serious concerns regarding the security of government offices — particularly the Prime Minister’s Office.

PM Shehbaz had termed the surfacing of audio leaks a “very serious lapse” and announced that a high-level committee would be constituted to probe the matter.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

After a lull of several days, a new leaked conversation has stirred up a storm in the country’s political landscape, but this time the people involved aren’t key political players.

The latest leaked audio purportedly features a conversation between two women, one of whom is said to be the mother-in-law of a top-ranking serving judge of the Supreme Court, while the other is spouse of one of the PTI’s legal advisers — Khawaja Tariq Rahim.

While the identities of the women in question could not be independently verified, the clip — which has been widely circula*ted on social and mainstream media — has evoked a stern reaction from across the political divide, along with calls for a thorough probe.

In their conversation, the two women were purportedly discussing a sub juice matter regarding the suo motu notice by CJP Umar Ata Bandial on the delay of elections to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.


Fresh clip purportedly features SC judge’s relative, PTI leader’s wife discussing early elections, bill to regulate top judge’s power and martial law

A three-member Supreme Court judge — comprising the chief justice, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar — is hearing the said case.

In the leaked conversation, the two women can be heard discussing the chief justice’s prerogative to take suo motu notice, the law regulating the top judge’s power and the possibility of snap elections and martial law.

The voice believed to belong to Mr Rahim’s wife could be heard saying that she had sent a message to CJP Bandial stating that there were hundreds of thousands of people supporting and praying for him.

“I was present at the Lahore rally [and] hundreds of thousands of people were there,” she said while referring to the PTI’s rally at Minar-i-Pakistan last month.

“Just like that there are hundreds of thousands of people in every city and you can imagine how many people are praying for you,” said the voice.

In reply, the voice of a woman said to be related to a serving Supreme Court justice, criticised the government whom she said was questioning the CJP’s decision to exercise his power of taking the suo motu notice.

“Now they are saying why we got the authority to do it … and also questioning why suo motu was taken,” the voice says.

“This was his [the CJP’s] right,” the other voice replies while calling the chief justice’s critics “traitors of this country”.

The two women also discussed early elections, with one purportedly expressing the desire for polls “as early as possible”.

“If elections are not held, then martial law will be enforced,” the PTI leader’s wife replied. “They [the incumbent government] can’t stay. That’s it”

“They are not ready to enforce martial law,” the judge’s relative replied in an apparent reference to the military’s reluctance to intervene.

“They’re completely ready,” the voice said to be a PTI leader’s wife said before the clip ends.

‘Unfortunate and serious offence’

Reacting to the leaked conversation, senior lawyer Shuaib Shaheen termed it “unfortunate” adding that recording a private conversation was “a serious offence”.

He urged CJP Bandial to take notice of the matter and seek answers from the state.

He also censured the media for broadcasting an unverified audio.

“For the sake of argument, if we presume the audio to be genuine, even then no one could point fingers towards the [senior SC judge],” said Mr Shaheen.

Another senior lawyer Raja Inam Ameen Minhas called for a thorough investigation into the issue.

“It should be investigated as it is not a routine audio leak. It is apparently related to the final arbitrator of Pakistan, therefore, this is a highly sensitive matter as well,” said Mr Minhas who was the former president of Islamabad High Court Bar Association.

“A comprehensive investigation is indispensable to restore the trust of the judiciary in the eyes of a common man,” he added.

“If the audio is found to be fake, then exemplary punishment should be handed to those who tried to benefit from it.”

“In case the clip is genuine, then the law should take its course,” Mr Minhas added.He said that the chief justice was due to retire in the next few months and he must clear his name before leaving the office.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2023

 

[MenInG]

The federal government formed a three-member judicial commission, led by Supreme Court senior puisne judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa, to probe the veracity of audio leaks and their impact on the independence of the judiciary.

The decision was made on Friday during the federal cabinet’s meeting. The commission includes Balochistan High Court (BHC) Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq.

However, the consent of the judges is yet to be taken.

The commission was formed under Section 3 of the Inquiry Commission Act 2017, which states that “whenever it is expedient to conduct an inquiry into any definite matter of public importance, the Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute a Commission of Inquiry in accordance with the provisions of this Act”.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Federal Government has formed Inquiry Commission under Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2017 to investigate into the issue of Audio Leaks. However, the Terms of Reference formed by the Federal Government suffer from a deliberate omission. They fail to take into…</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1659897996576710658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday challenged audio leaks judicial commission in the Supreme Court, ARY News reported.

Last week, the federal government formed the judicial commission to probe the matter of the alleged audio leaks.

The notification states that investigations will also be conducted into the alleged audio leaks related to former Chief Ministers and the current Supreme Court judge, and potential audio leaks related to the former Chief Justice.

 

[daytrader]

Judicial body probing audio leaks gets transcripts
Names, addresses, and portfolios of persons in alleged audios provided

The federal government on Wednesday provided four sets of transcripts of audio to the Judicial Commission formed for probing into the veracity of audio leaks.

It was learnt that the office of the Attorney General (AG), in pursuant of the commission directives, provided sets of transcripts of alleged audios, dually, signed by the relevant authority.

As per sources, the Attorney General provided transcripts of 8 audios besides providing names, contact addresses and portfolios of the persons in the alleged audios.

The AG office also provided to the Judicial Commission names of former prime minister Imran Khan, former chief minister Punjab, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, advocate Khawaja Tariq Rahim, Abid S Zubairi, President Supreme Court Bar Association, former chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar, his son Najam Saqib, Mahjabeen Noon, mother-in-law of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Rafia Tariq, wife of advocate Khawaja Tariq Raheem, Jamshed Cheema as well as journalist Qayyum Siddiqui. Sources further said that the name of incumbent judge of the Supreme Court was also provided to the Judicial Commission. It is pertinent to mention here that the Judicial Commission appointed to probe into the veracity of recent audio leaks had directed the federal government to provide an android cell phone with SIM to the secretary immediately; the secretary’s contact details will be shared with all.

On May 22, a three-member Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Chief Justice Balochistan High Court Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Justice Aamir Farooq, after holding a preliminary meeting on the matter in the Supreme Court issued directives. The commission had directed the Attorney General to provide to the commission the particulars of the department/agency, including the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, whose services may be required in case the person making the statement regarding any audio recording denies that the same is his/her voice or states that the same has been manipulated/ fabricated/ tampered. “Whenever the concerned/witness statement is being recorded, an expert of such department/agency should be in attendance,” the commission had directed in its order.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1073749-judicial-body-probing-audio-leaks-gets-transcripts

 

[daytrader]

AGP opposes larger bench hearing pleas against constitution of panel probing audio leaks

Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan on Friday objected to the five-member larger bench hearing a set of pleas challenging the constitution of a government-appointed judicial formed last week to probe audio leaks which have surfaced on social media over the last few months.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, a five-judge panel consisting of Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed is hearing four petitions moved by Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Abid Shahid Zuberi, SCBA Secretary Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir, PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi.

All four petitions seek to declare the constitution of the audio commission illegal.

The commission, headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, was formed on May 20 under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017 and is required to conclude the task within a month.

Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq are also included in the commission which will have “all the power to fix responsibility against the delinquents for their alleged role behind phone tapping and could exercise authority to constitute special teams consisting of experts, or form an international team and seek international cooperation or exercise powers” under the Criminal Code of Procedure.

Earlier this week, the commission had conducted its maiden session in which it decided to make its proceedings public to ensure transparency and openness. The next session will be held on May 27 (tomorrow).

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1755908/a...nst-constitution-of-panel-probing-audio-leaks

 

[MenInG]

Reacting to the stay order issued by the Supreme Court on the proceedings of the audio-leaks inquiry commission, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial is "is guilty and deserves punishment".

In a statement released on the social networking site Twitter, the chief organiser of the PML-N claimed that preventing the commission from functioning is a proof and admission of his guilt.

Maryam stated that the person occupying the highest chair of justice is shamelessly using his position to evade accountability. "If you and your mother-in-law are innocent, shouldn't you face the law? Or is it that the chief justice’s post exempts you from accountability," she questioned.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2418858/cjp-bandial-guilty-deserves-punishment-maryam-announces-verdict

 

[MenInG]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday asked Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan which “public authority or agency” should be held accountable for tapping phones without legal cover.

The court raised the question in a seven-page order issued on a petition filed by Najam Saqib, son of former chief justice Saqib Nisar, against a National Assembly committee tasked with investigating his purported audio leak, wherein a voice said to be his could be heard demanding a “reward” from a PTI leader for securing him the party ticket to contest Punjab elections.

In his petition, Najam had requested the court to stop the proceedings of the parliamentary panel headed by Aslam Bhootani, claiming that the body was formed in violation of the National Assembly rules.

A day earlier, the IHC had taken up the plea and asked, “Who records the audios.” It also sought a response from the government by June 19 and barred the NA committee from taking any action against the ex-CJP’s son.


In a detailed order issued today, Justice Babar Sattar raised multiple questions regarding the entities accountable for surveillance and the regulatory framework governing recording and surveillance activities, specifically inquiring about the legality of such actions.

“To the extent that recording of phone calls is permitted, which public authority or agency is authorised to do so, how is the right of a citizen to liberty and privacy balanced against the interest of the state in recording phone calls or undertaking surveillance and which agency is vested with legal authority to undertake such balancing exercise?” the judge asked.

He also inquired if the Constitution empowered the government for surveilling phone calls or telecommunication between private citizens.

“…If so, the supervisory and regulatory legal regime within which such recording and surveillance can take place?”

Justice Sattar also questioned the mandate of the Parliament in forming committees to look into matters pertaining to private individuals.

“Does the Constitution and the rules framed under it to regulate parliamentary procedure vest in the office of the Speaker of National Assembly the authority to constitute a special committee to investigate actions attributable to a private citizen who is not a member of Parliament or a public officeholder?”

“… Which public authority or agency is to be held liable for such surveillance and encroachment over the right of citizens to liberty and privacy and/or release of illegally recorded private conversations to the public?” it asked.

“Is the Parliament vested with legal authority to inquire into and investigate acts of private citizens who hold no public office or whether assuming such power intrudes into the domain of the executive?” the court inquired.

It also directed the ministries of interior and defence, the Federation through the Prime Minister’s Office and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to be made respondents in the case.

The respondents were further instructed to submit point-by-point comments to the court within two weeks from the date of the order.

The petition
Najam had also challenged the “legality and validity” of the National Assembly speaker’s decision to form the special committee to “audit, inquire and investigate” his alleged audio clip.

“Under the garb of these audio leaks, a campaign has been launched against the petitioner and his father that some kind of gratification has been obtained by Abuzar Chaddhar for the said ticket,” he said.

While he conceded that his father played a role in the award of a PTI ticket to Chaddhar, the petition, however, stated that Chaddhar explored other avenues as well to secure the party ticket.

Najam said, “the petitioner is very clear in his mind that Abuzar Chaddhar was given the ticker on the basis of positive decision taken in the appeal on merit”.

According to the petition, “The audio leak is a result of illegal surveillance of the petitioner’s privacy which can neither be disseminated nor be used for incriminating the petitioner”. Citing its evidential value, the petition said “any document or audio leak cannot be used in any trial or inquiry” unless it is clear that who recorded it or for what purpose.

Alleged audio

In the audio in question, a voice purported to be that of Najam can be heard saying to the person on the other end that his father had worked very hard to get the job done and the caller on the other side, said to be PTI ticket hopeful Abuzar Chaddhar, can be heard saying he would come to meet Najam’s father after submitting the ticket.

In the clip, the voice said to be Najam’s can also be heard asking Chaddhar to meet his father the same day and, in conversation with another caller — identified as Mian Uzair — asking for “not only delivery of the goods, don’t take less than 120”.

Chaddhar was granted a PTI ticket in the second phase when party chairman Imran Khan reviewed and changed his earlier decision for 22 seats.

In the audio, a voice purported to be Chaddhar’s can be heard as saying that “your efforts have paid off” and he would come straight to meet him [ex-CJP] after submitting the ticket [with the ECP] before 12 noon.

According to Geo News, the former CJP confirmed that the audio was of his son’s but that the facts had been “doctored”.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and former federal minister Aitzaz Ahsan said on Tuesday that two women were talking to each other and their talk was leaked on social media but interestingly, no audio about the PML-N had come to the fore.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Ahsan said that it was not possible to prove the audio of Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial’s mother-in-law. “The point to ponder is that there is no audio of the N-League,” he told reporters.

Ahsan stated that an audio claimed that he [Ahsan] was turned away from the gates of Bilawal House. “If that happened to me, a video should come out. If there is no video, then those who run this news should correct themselves.”

The senior PPP leader was critical of the caretaker Punjab government. He said that the job of a caretaker setup is to remain neutral, but instead, the caretaker information minister spoke against the judge who had acquitted PTI leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.

Ahsan also opposed the military court trials, saying that the Supreme Court had held in two cases that “according to our laws, military courts cannot be held”. Instead, he suggested, the trial of May 9 rioters should be held in anti-terrorism courts.

When asked why political parties were being asked to agree to the elections on the same day, the former minister replied: “There are the Constitution and the law.” He urged the Supreme Court chief justice not to hesitate and give an election date.

Ahsan pointed out that there was no provision in the Constitution about the same-day elections and added that a province could not be left without government while waiting for the election.

Speaking about the ongoing political scenario, Ahsan opined that not all voters had ditched Imran Khan. He also said that PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz would further increase Imran’s vote bank. “Imran Khan should thank Maryam Nawaz for that.”

He opined that Imran’s biggest mistake was to leave parliament with his 140 National Assembly members. “Had those people been sitting there [National Assembly], the game would have been different today,” he added.

He also said that Imran delayed the dissolution of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies. “PML-N members also played big politics on this issue. PML-N members made Imran emotional about dissolving the assemblies.”

Speaking about the ruling PML-N, he believed that actual power was in Nawaz Sharif’s hands. “Nawaz Sharif will decide about the budget, and the negotiations with Imran,” he said, adding that whatever Maryam Nawaz said was accepted.

About the PPP’s performance, he said that his party’s ministries were doing “very well.” He also praised PPP Co-Chairman Asif Zardari, calling him a wise politician. “Shahbaz Sharif recognising late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a martyr is an achievement of Zardari.”

When asked about the future of politics in the country, the senior politician replied: “Nothing can be predicted in Pakistan except the past. No one can talk about the future here.”