Coalition govt conspiring to pit PTI against Pakistan Army: Imran Khan

[MenInG]

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that a conspiracy has been hatched to pit his party against the military.

Addressing his party workers and supporters via a video link on Wednesday, Imran said that the coalition government is conspiring that the country's biggest party fights its own army.

"It is being done under a plan and they want to give an impression that the PTI is anti-army," he added.

The former premier said that when his government was ousted, India, Israel and many western countries were the happiest. "India used to say Imran Khan is a puppet of the army but during our tenure army and government were on the same page."

He said that PTI workers unearthed the disinformation campaign against the country.

"After the Mumbai attacks, Asif Ali Zardari said the DG ISPR should be sent to India. On other hand, we have Nawaz Sharif who, in Dawn leaks, said the ISI was involved in terrorism in India," he added.

Imran said that Nawaz Sharif even invited Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to the family wedding. "These people are calling us traitors. All their money is abroad and they have numerous corruption cases but still, they call themselves patriotic."

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2370394/coalition-govt-conspiring-to-pit-pti-against-army-imran

 

[MenInG]

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has summoned the session of the Joint Inquiry Team on the Anti-Army propaganda case, and major decisions are expected, ARY News reported.

According to details, Rana Sanaullah has summoned the JIC session for a briefing on the case’s progress and issued directions for further investigations. The Cyber Crime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would inform regarding the case’s progress.

The Interior Minister reconstituted the Joint Inquiry committee (JIC) on Sunday. The team now includes representatives of the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) along with the FIA. Secretary Interior Ministry, Director General FIA and other team members would attend the session.

Sources say the team would make important decisions regarding the anti-Army Propaganda after the Lasbela attack.

A statement issued by ISPR said that the propaganda hurt the sentiments of the families of the martyrs. Pakistan Army’s ranks and files have expressed severe displeasure over the negative propaganda, ISPR said.

They added that the nation stands with the Pakistan Army in this difficult time. The negative callous propaganda is unbearable and condemnable, they added.

The wreckage of an unfortunate Army helicopter that went missing during a relief and rescue operation in the flood-hit Balochistan area has been found in Musa Goth, Winder.

DG ISPR, Major General Babar Iftikhar confirmed the news that all the six officers and soldiers including Corps Commander Southern Command, Lt General Sarfraz Ali embraced martyrdom.

 

[Bewal Express]

Kaptaan knows the truth that Bajwa isn't a separate entity from the mafia. They are all willing partner. These chumps are doing everything with the full connivance of Bajwa. Kaptaan PK needs to hear it from you. You will betray future generations by not speaking the truth

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secretary general Asad Umar said on Wednesday that a case was being made against the PTI to portray it as a 'threat' to Pakistan, adding that a rift was being created between the party and the army.

Addressing a presser in Lahore, the PTI leader said claimed that Shahbaz Gill was arrested by “force” and his arrest was “illegal” as it “misinterpreted the law”.

“A warrant is issued before an arrest. You may disagree with what Shahbaz Gill said, but the use of force is inappropriate,” he said. In a veiled reference to party chief Imran Khan, Umar said that a "true leader has stood up against closed-door conspiracies".

He reiterated that a case against the PTI was being constructed to depict it as a threat to the country.

According to the former minister, the nation’s conscience was “bought by the powerful elite sitting in closed rooms”. However, he said the people of the country kept coming to the streets on PTI chief Imran Khan’s calls.

“People voted for the PTI in the by-elections in Punjab. We snatched the power in Punjab from the powerful,” he said, maintaining that after the by-election the “imported” government was in fear.

Prohibited funding

Commenting on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision regarding the prohibited funding case, Umar said that the ECP gave its verdict on a false affidavit. He also complained about the term “foreign funding” being constantly mentioned in press conferences held by the government.

“The Election Commission has itself stopped using the words foreign funding [when referring to the case],” he said.

He claimed that the electoral watchdog’s decision was contrary to the facts and that the commission had misinterpreted Pakistani and foreign laws.

“The Election Commission made false allegations and, in their decision, had written that Imran Khan had given an affidavit when in reality he had submitted a certificate, not an affidavit,” the PTI leader said.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

And then there is this thing....

 

[Major]

This statement shows that imran wants the establishment to back him and he is being careful with his statements now

You were the one that admitted armies backing and than lost their support, after which got thrown out of the govt in an embarrassing fashion.

Opposition was just more experienced my friend. They knew this would happen, you didnt. This is why you should had not given the extention, now pay the price

Your own party members gave these statements, you yourself gave such statements.

 

[Bewal Express]

This statement shows that imran wants the establishment to back him and he is being careful with his statements now

You were the one that admitted armies backing and than lost their support, after which got thrown out of the govt in an embarrassing fashion.

Opposition was just more experienced my friend. They knew this would happen, you didnt. This is why you should had not given the extention, now pay the price

Your own party members gave these statements, you yourself gave such statements.

The statement shows that IK wants elections when he can wipe the floor with your pathetic crooks, who not only have no support, they are actually hated. We have a 2 regional parties run by crooks, holding 200mn hostage because they fear accountability.

 

[Browncaps]

And then there is this thing....

This chor hiding from open and shut money laundering court case and haram khor daughter of his coward fugitive brother created fake accounts using PTIs name to insult army and then uses such propaganda to publish his false tweets. This is crime ministers real auqat.

 

[MenInG]

Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi has advised the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership to disassociate itself from the anti-army statement given by Shahbaz Gill, chief of staff to PTI chairman Imran Khan.

“I have given a statement against Shahbaz Gill’s tirade against Pakistan Army, which is an important national institution, and asked him whether he had gone out of his senses,” Mr Elahi stated in an interview to a news channel on Wednesday.

Mr Elahi asserted that Gill’s statement had done more damage than good and added that he had no right to go against the party policy. He said he and his son Moonis Elahi had convinced PTI chairman that there was no “step forward” without the support of Pakistan Army. He said the Pakistan Army was not only defending Pakistani borders but also first defence line against any natural calamity in the country.

In another interview to a news channel, the chief minister said Mr Khan had been convinced to mend relations with the army and matters were being sorted out. He said every Pakistani patriot was asking Imran Khan to keep cool relations with the army to achieve success. “Imran Khan has shown flexibility in this case and given a statement that any person, who gives statement against Pakistan Army was not a patriot Pakistani,” CM Elahi added.

“This renewal of PTI’s relationship with the Pakistan Army is hurting the PML-N and PPP leaders,” he claimed.

About Punjab government’s relationship with the federal government, Mr Elahi said he had neither spoken to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif nor would speak to him in future. However, he said, he had instructed the chief secretary and police chief to give due protocol to the prime minister and implement his orders in the province. He said he wanted the prime minister to reciprocrate and do the needful.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2022

 

[MenInG]

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman (PTI) Imran Khan claimed on Wednesday that a conspiracy was being hatched to ban PTI following the verdict of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in prohibited funding case, ARY News reported.

Addressing his party workers and supporters via a video link on Wednesday, Imran Khan accused the coalition government of hatching a conspiracy to pit his party against the army.

“They have prepared a plan to crush the PTI and the election commission of Pakistan is also involved in the conspiracy,” he alleged.

 

[daytrader]

Asif says politicians required to respect national institutions
Recounts progress in production of tanks, UAVs, armoured vehicles after soft launch of defence expo

ISLAMABAD:
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Thursday that leaders of all political parties were required to respect the national security institutions, warning that if anyone showed disrespect, he would definitely face the law.

The defence minister had a chat with the media after addressing the soft launch ceremony of the 11th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS)-2022, organised by the Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) at a local hotel.

“Respect for the institutions that guarantee national security is mandatory for everyone,” he said.

“Respect for the institutions is mandatory for the leaders of all political parties. Politicians should keep in mind the sanctity of reputable institutions, including Pakistan Army,” he said while responding to a question about the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill.

“Any violation of the law will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said. “Gill should not have said what he said [in a TV interview]. Yesterday, I heard, Gill had said that the army is his life. If so, then it is good,” he added.

The minister urged politicians to remain within their bounds while fighting each other politically. “This fight should not be taken to someone else’s territory, because any disorder will create problems for everyone. There should be political stability in the country to bring economic stability.”

Earlier, addressing the launching ceremony, the defence minister emphasised that Pakistan harboured no aggressive designs against any state but the country was determined to defend its territorial integrity and safeguard its sovereignty for which it would continue to develop its military potential.

“Pakistan will Insha Allah continue to develop its military potential that guarantees peace with honour and dignity. Towards this end, we have been able to develop significant capabilities of indigenous production of sophisticated weapons and equipment,” he said.

He said the armed forces of Pakistan were battle-hardened and known for their professionalism the world over. “Our contribution towards the United Nations peacekeeping missions and our performance around the globe is the clear manifestation of devotion to duty and professional skills.”

According to Asif, the motto of IDEAS-2022 ‘Arms for Peace’ highlighted “our commitment to the international community for peace and harmony”. He added: “Besides meeting the domestic requirements our defence products are now gaining market shares at the international level as well.”

The minister mentioned praiseworthy progress in the production of complex systems such as main battle tanks, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), armoured vehicles, air-launched munitions, fast-track missile craft, maritime battle vessels, fleet tankers, modern jet aircraft and aircraft-related technology.

“I see great potential in our defence industry to export its products on a competitive basis through the responsible arms trade. Having overcome the effects of the unprecedented and devastating Covid-19 pandemic, we are back in business with renewed zeal and enthusiasm.”

Asif said that the IDEAS had grown in scope and stature in the last 22 years. Over the years, he added, IDEAS had become a great meeting place for the defence exhibitors to high-level defence delegations and enlisted trade visitors from around the world.

“This IDEAS rendezvous provides an excellent opportunity to develop better understanding and friendship network in defence industry for trade and joint ventures,” he said. He also welcomed foreign delegates and trade visitors to IDEAS-2022 – to be held in November after a gap of four years.

Earlier, in his address of welcome, DEPO Director General Major General Arif Malik said the first IDEAS was organised in 2000 and over the past two decades it had steadily grown in space, volume, exhibitors and foreign delegates.

In IDEAS-2018, he added, it had witnessed a record participation of 524 exhibitors, 231 delegates, representing 44 countries. Despite a gap of four years, he said, it had received over 70% booking of available space till now and it would be the largest exhibition in its history.

On the occasion, DEPO Director Coordination Brig Naveed Azam Cheema gave a brief presentation on DEPO’s history and its journey over the past two decades. He also presented a short documentary on the overview of the upcoming IDEAS-2022 and DEPO’s journey of success.

At the end of the ceremony, the defence minister released a commemorative stamp of the Pakistan Post on the occasion of the country’s 75th Independence Day, which adds to the importance of holding IDEAS-2022 in the diamond jubilee year of the independence.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice President Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Thursday claimed that they were being pressurised and coerced into accepting the government but they would not do it because the people of Pakistan had not elected it.

In a news conference, he said only a government formed by the people of Pakistan would be recognised. “Whatever Imran Khan has done, it has been for the people of Pakistan, but an attempt is being made to divide it. It is very foolish and the way it is being implemented, there are very sad scenes that are coming out,” he maintained. “Justice will prevail in Pakistan only when the rich and poor are given an equal punishment. There are foolish people who create a divide between the Pakistan Army and us, and they will fail,” he asserted.

Fawad claimed that the cabinet was not able to meet people because “they take off their shoes after seeing them. “They have increased the prices of electricity so much that the life of the poor has become difficult.”

He said: “The PTI had reduced human interference in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting by computerising advertising issues, but it has also been reversed. Although, we inherited the state TV facing loss of Rs410 million but we took it to a profit of about Rs4 billion. My fear is that if it continues for another two-three months, the state TV will go into losses again,” he warned.

Fawad pointed out that Musadik Malik, in a press conference, had asked about Arif Naqvi. “He should have asked Miftah Ismail because he was his close friend.” The PTI leader said that there were many allegations against Nawaz Sharif but they had two parts and the Supreme Court referred the criminal cases to the NAB court while he was disqualified because companies had been set up in Dubai and crores of rupees were transferred from the companies to employees, including Nawaz Sharif.

He said that Nawaz Sharif had been disqualified because he was the director of one of the companies and did not disclose the companies in his assets because he was laundering money through them. “The money laundering of Shehbaz Sharif’s family came later, but he was made prime minister and his son chief minister.” Fawad alleged that they come to Pakistan only to rule; “their family home is in London, so the whole family went to the family house.”

 

[MenInG]

President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday called upon political parties to refrain from bringing the Pakistan Army into political discourse, saying the military was the guarantor of national security and "it should not be made controversial".

The president's statement comes days after PTI leader Shahbaz Gill was arrested by the Islamabad police on charges of sedition and inciting the public against the state institutions, following his controversial remarks about the armed forces on a news channel.

Speaking to reporters at the Governor House in Lahore today, Dr Alvi said that there was a need to initiate a "consultative process" to bring all the important stakeholders of the country to a negotiation table.

"However, the constitutional role of a president does not allow him to officially reach out to the stakeholders."


Dr Alvi stated that it was the primary responsibility of the government, opposition, and all the other relevant institutions to deliberate upon defusing the rising polarisation in the country.

He said political parties and stakeholders needed to sit together and chalk out a way forward, especially with regard to holding free and fair elections and developing a charter of economy that could help ease out the current political and economic situation.

"Everyone will have to think about the situation we are currently embroiled into."

Offer to mediate between Imran, PM Shehbaz
The president also offered to mediate between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PTI Chairman Imran Khan "for the sake of the country".

"It will be my endeavor to reduce tensions between the two leaders and make the environment feasible for early elections."

Also read: No harm in appointing next army chief ahead of time: President Alvi

Dr Alvi stressed that a conflict between the federal government and provinces was unfavourable for the country, stressing that it should be settled.

He added that he had been "reminding all the stakeholders that the things are not right".

The president went on to say that he had also been informing Imran about the management issues in Pakistan, adding that "he had his own viewpoint over the matter."

He also stressed that stakeholders within Pakistan should only be involved in hammering out issues confronting the country without any involvement of any foreign persons or a country.

'Cordial relationship with Shehbaz'
During the talk today, the president insisted that he had a very cordial relationship with the incumbent government, saying he accorded timely approval to all summaries sent by PM Shehbaz, except for four which were delayed.

He also revealed that he held more discussions with the incumbent prime minister as compared to Imran.

Separately, the president highlighted corruption as "a major reason for the backwardness of any country".

"One of the best ways to counter corruption is to make all financial transactions through formal banking channels, especially when it comes to political parties while receiving and managing donations," he suggested.

Dr Alvi opined that 90 per cent of social media was "good" as "it provides huge chunk of information and we should learn to deal with the remaining 10pc by filtering out fake news and hearsay".

'Proponent of EVMs'
The president said he was the main proponent of electronic voting machines since long even during the governments of the PPP and the PML-N.

"It was me who convinced the PTI for the use of technology during elections. EVM provides extremely simple solutions to conduct free and fair elections."

He emphasised the need for consensus on the use of the technology during the election process which, he said, would strengthen the democratic process in the country.

While commenting on the government talks with the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, he said he was of the opinion that any such negotiations should be mandated by the parliament and they ought to be pursued in confidence to reach some amicable outcome.

"The result should be reported back to the parliament before making them public," he said.

Dr Alvi said he respected all institutions being the head of the state.

He said he also agreed with the remarks of chief justice when he had said there should be a standard for appointment of judges in the judiciary.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: After repeatedly calling for a consultative process before picking the new army chief, ousted prime minister Imran Khan now does not see any problem if the appointment is made by the Shehbaz Sharif government.

In an interaction with journalists at his Zaman Park residence on Tuesday, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman offered a fresh take on the issue of appointing a new chief of army staff.

When asked whether he had demanded that the appointment of a new chief be made in consultation with him and/or his party, Mr Khan said: “No… they can appoint whoever they want.”

Earlier, in several public meetings and remarks made over the course of the past sev*eral months, Mr Khan had declared that “the Sha*rifs and the Zardaris” were unfit to make the appointment to the top military slot on the basis that “thieves cannot be allowed to appoint the next army chief”.

But when a journalist asked Mr Khan on Tuesday whether incumbent army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was being given an extension, the former premier responded with: “This is a billion-dollar question.”

Mr Khan also revealed that his relations with the military establishment became strained on the issue of “accountability”, adding that the premier should be empowered if the country was to run smoothly.

“I had no issue with the army. Problems only cropped up on accountability matters. However, the army can play a positive role. I believe if the country is to run smoothly, then the prime minister should also be given power along with the management,” Mr Khan said.

He was of the opinion that a coalition government had to make many compromises. “The prime minister can be blackmailed in a coalition... a two-third majority gives strength to the premier,” he maintained.

Talking to Dawn, a senior PTI leader also confirmed the impression that relations between Mr Khan and the military leadership soured during the PTI government when the latter advised the PM to shift focus from accountability of opposition leaders to fixing the economy. “Not budging from his stance, Imran Khan invited trouble,” he said.

‘Farcical FIR’

Mr Khan was not happy over the FIR registered over the attempt on his life, as it did not name any of suspects he had nominated.

“On the issue of the farcical FIR, my lawyers will give my position,” Mr Khan said in a tweet.

He told journalists he would challenge the FIR in the court to get the three persons – Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and ISI Counter Intelligence Wing head Maj-Gen Faisal Naseer – nominated in the case. But, if an investigation proves their innocence, he said, their names should be struck off the FIR. He also claimed that the statement given by the shooting suspect, Naveed Ahmad, was a lie, adding that he had asked the Punjab government to ‘protect’ Ahmad while he is in police custody.”

Separately, in an interview with TRT World, Imran Khan called on the chief justice of Pakistan to be “more assertive” when it comes to dispensing justice.

“Justice persists when every person, even the most powerful, is brought under the rule of law. I, as the head of a province, can’t get the three people to be investigated, imagine what the situation will be for the common man,” he said, adding that PTI’s movement for “real struggle” demanded rule of law.”

He also said that he would receive the forensic report of the Wazirabad attack on Tuesday night, which would prove that “there was more than one shooter”.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2022

https://www.dawn.com/news/1719865/imran-abandons-designs-to-sway-chiefs-selection

 

[daytrader]

Alvi and Bajwa descend on Lahore

ISLAMABAD: With Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returning from London after consulting his elder brother and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on the political quagmire in the country and appointment of a new army chief, all eyes were once again trained on Lahore, as President Arif Alvi and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa were in the city for the night on Friday.

PTI chief Imran Khan is already in Lahore, recuperating from the wounds he suffered in an assassination attempt on him earlier this month.

President Alvi has emerged as the leading figure in the army’s ongoing “backchannel talks” with the PTI. He has already facilitated at least one direct meeting between Gen Bajwa and Mr Khan at the Presidency.

PTI sources, moreover, confirmed that the president delivered Gen Bajwa’s message to Mr Khan when he visited him last weekend to inquire about his health.

Read more: Imran calls on President Alvi to define ‘clear operational lines’ for ISPR

Gen Bajwa, returning from a farewell trip to the troops and officers stationed in Multan Garrison, stopped over in Lahore for a night. The army chief “commended their extraordinary professional competence and devotion to duty in the service of motherland”, the ISPR said on Friday.

Sources in the PTI did not rule out the possibility of a meeting between the three or President Alvi coming with a new message from the military leadership. Mr Alvi is scheduled to meet both Mr Khan and Gen Bajwa on Saturday, a source said.

The meeting(s) would be taking place against the backdrop of reports that ex-premier Nawaz Sharif had refused to give any “concessions” for easing political tensions. Earlier reports suggested that the army had been pressuring both the PTI and PML-N to back off so that the coming transition could go ahead smoothly.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto has said that PTI chief Imran Khan’s politics was only revolving around the appointment of next army chief.

Speaking to the media in Karachi on Tuesday, Bilawal said the appointment should be made according to the law and Constitution while advising against politicising the sensitive issue.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the party has taken a step back on the issue of the army chief's appointment.

The former premier made the comments while in conversation with senior journalists at his residence in Lahore.

The PTI chief also said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif wants an army chief of his choice to be appointed, "who will take care of his cases".

The former prime minister added that no army chief will ever go against the institution, state or the people.

Regarding the allegations in the Toshakhana case - after a Dubai-based businessperson claimed in an interview to a private TV channel that he had bought some of the state's gifts from Farah Gogi and Shahzad Akbar, the deposed prime minister said that he will file a case against the relevant persons in Dubai, London and Pakistan.

Imran also said that the gifts sold in the Toshakhana case were sold in Islamabad, adding that receipts and dates were in the government’s treasury and that the case will be over once evidence is presented.

Talking about relations with the United States, the PTI chairman said that he does not want a fight with the US and wants positive and better relations.

Imran reiterated that his statement on the “foreign conspiracy narrative” was misrepresented.

During the talk, the deposed premier maintained that a country that does not have rule of law will never progress, adding that only implementation of rule of law could make a nation 'free'.

Speaking about talks with the government, the PTI chief said that the party was being approached for negotiations, but "we have asked them to announce the date of elections".

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

Decision on COAS ‘very shortly’ as president assures no ‘mischief’
Consultations going on in corridors of power to develop consensus among stakeholders for appointment, say sources

ISLAMABAD:
The formal process to appoint the next army chief is all set to kick off “very shortly” as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who otherwise spends his weekends in Lahore, stayed in the capital in anticipation of taking an imminent decision.

While Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told a private television channel that the process for the appointment of a new army chief would start on Monday, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed on Friday that the announcement of the new army chief would be made in the next couple of days.

The conflicting statements being given by ministers suggest the government seems under serious stress as some observers are of the view that this may indicate a possible deadlock between the civil and military authorities on the choice of the next army chief.

With all eyes on the prime minister, official sources said closed-door consultations were going on in the corridors of power in order to develop consensus among the stakeholders for the key appointment.

The process, sources said, for the appointment of a new chief will begin “very shortly” though they did not elaborate if the decision was imminent on Friday night or within the next couple of days.

However, some sources claim the Prime Minister's Office may announce the appointment of new army chief within 24 hours.

Although the appointment of the army chief is the sole prerogative of the premier, the coalition government is keen to consult all stakeholders before the final decision is made.

The move is aimed at reaching a broader consensus among the key stakeholders so that the decision serves the interests of the institution and the country.

Hectic political activities were witnessed in Islamabad in the last couple of days with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar holding a series of meetings including with President Dr Arif Alvi, former president Asif Ali Zardari and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in what appears to be part of efforts aimed at ensuring a smooth transition in the army command.

Read more: Who Pakistan picks as army chief matters far beyond its borders

His meeting with Alvi on Friday was seen as significant as the summary of the army chief appointment has to be signed by the president. There were rumours that the president, who happens to be a PTI leader, might block the summary at the behest of his party chief Imran Khan.

Dar met the president and leaders of coalition partners on behalf of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz, who because of Covid-19 cannot meet them in person.

While Dar had a busy day, all eyes were on the ministry of defence, which has to send a summary containing eligible candidates for the posts of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the army chief to the Prime Minister Office.

The government, sources said, called back the defence secretary, who was abroad, in order to kick-start the process.

The summary is likely to carry the names of the five senior-most generals. Traditionally, the prime minister holds consultations with the outgoing army chief on the new appointment. However, the outgoing army chief’s advice is not binding on the premier.

In 2013 and 2016 then prime minister Nawaz Sharif had ignored the advice of the outgoing army chiefs.

Read: Process to appoint COAS to begin on Nov 18: Asif

There is one difference this time though that the political situation is volatile and the PML-N does not have its man at the presidency. In the past opposition has never raised any questions about the appointment of new army chief. But the current opposition leader Imran Khan is taking keen interest. In fact, many observers believe that one of the main objectives of Imran’s long march is to influence the appointment of new chief.

Against this backdrop, there are concerns that the presidency may play mischief.

Because of these concerns, the PML-N-led government geared up on Friday its efforts to smoothly conclude the appointment of the military chief as Dar called on President Alvi a day after he met Zardari and Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Zardari issued a separate statement regarding the military chief’s appointment while the JUI-F chief called on PM Shehbaz despite the latter being in quarantine.

Sources in the ruling alliance said that the finance minister and the president deliberated upon the prevailing political situation and key appointment, discussing that there should not be a deadlock on constitutional and legal issues. Soon after Dar’s meeting with the president, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani also called on the president.

Flurry of meetings in the last couple of days suggested that the political leadership has accelerated its efforts to end any possible deadlock on the appointment of the military czar. The political elite also deliberated upon PTI’s long march, which is expected to converge soon in twin cities with the demand of snap polls.

Though Imran Khan has announced that he has taken a step back on the military chief’s appointment, the recent meetings have taken place against the backdrop of the concerns being expressed that the president might block the government’s decision when the summary is finally sent by the prime minister to the president for approval.

The concerns were strengthened when PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that Dr Alvi would fulfil his constitutional responsibilities in connection with the army chief’s appointment. “It should be clarified that whatever steps the president takes will have the full backing of Imran Khan,” Fawad stated.

Despite announcing to take a step back from COAS’ appointment, Imran once again spoke on the issue by saying that Nawaz Sharif wanted to appoint an army chief who would disqualify him [Imran] when he met a legion of journalists in Lahore.

Meanwhile, Zardari separately issued on Friday a statement, saying that all three-star generals were equal and fully qualified to head the army. However, Zardari said politicisation of the issue of appointment of the next army chief should be avoided at all costs as the same would harm the institution.

The discussion over the army chief’s appointment also pushed Maulana Fazlur Rehman to rush to PM House to meet PM Shehbaz, who contracted Covid-19 right after returning from London and is currently quarantined.

The official press release issued after the meeting between Dar and Alvi stated that the minister briefed the president on the overall economic and financial outlook of the country.

It said that the financial czar also briefed the president on various steps taken by the government to provide relief to the people, especially to the unprivileged population of the underserved areas of the country as well as the flood-affected people.

It also said that the two also discussed various matters concerning finance and the economy.

Express Tribune

 

[Varun]

Even after getting shot Imran can't seem to speak against the military.

 

[daytrader]

Imran rejects army chief’s ‘false narrative’ remarks

• PTI leader claims next COAS’s neutrality already affected due to Nawaz’s involvement
• Rejects Bajwa’s ‘false narrative’ remarks
• Claims resentment within army on the rise

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has claimed that President Dr Arif Alvi will “definitely” consult him as soon as the summary for the appointment of next army chief reaches his office.

“President Dr Arif Alvi will definitely consult me on the summary for the appointment of army chief and take a decision as per the law and Constitution. I am head of the party that Dr Alvi belongs to,” he remarked.

Mr Khan’s comments come in the wake of statements by several government figures that only the prime minister enjoys the constitutional authority to appoint an army chief, with no requirement for any consultation, and that the president should play his constitutional role in the process rather than create hurdles.

As PTI is scheduled to resume its long march from Rawalpindi on Nov 26, Mr Khan, while responding to a question about plans for a sit-in in the garrison city, said he would like to maintain the “suspense and reveal my next plan while addressing the masses on Saturday”.

Speaking to a select group of journalists at his Zaman Park residence on Wednesday, the PTI chief claimed the new army chief’s neutrality had already been affected with the involvement of the “convict” PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in the process and him having a say in a matter of national security.

“Nawaz Sharif would have sought commitments from whoever they want to appoint that he would push the PTI against the wall and ensure all cases against him are closed.”

He said he had been consistently saying the army chief should be appointed on merit, and clearly stated that PTI would not approach a court following the appointment.

Answering a question, the PTI chairman rejected army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s statement about a “false narrative” around the regime change conspiracy, and asserted the cipher had been presented before the National Security Committee when he was still the premier, and later Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also discussed it in another meeting of the committee.

The NSC as well as Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US Asad Majeed Khan accepted that the tone of the document was ‘threatening’ and a conspiracy hatched.

After this, he said, the NSC decided to demarche the US ambassador here in Islamabad. “So, how come a ‘false narrative’ was created?” he questioned.

He further said President Alvi had also written a letter to the chief justice of Pakistan about the cipher however there was no development on the subject.

Mr Khan claimed he knew the army very well and that resentment within the institution was on the rise. Although a fake narrative had been built that the establishment helped the PTI come to power, he said, he always believed in the power of people who had elected him.

“I have defeated the whole establishment and an 11-party alliance with public support and will do so again in the next elections,” he maintained confidently.

“I do not know whether the PTI will be given a level-playing field in the next general elections, but I still believe in the power of the people.”

He also commented that the political system in vogue needed a “major surgery” to ensure implementation of the rule of law where every powerful individual was answerable.

To a question about the next general elections, the PTI chief said the nation would definitely go to polls by next October as a worst case scenario.

“The general elections in October will not harm the PTI and its popularity in any way, but the PDM government, an alliance of 11 parties, will continue sinking and face the public wrath during polling,” he remarked.

He said the climax of his long march movement on Nov 26 would be evident of the massive public support for him and his party.

Answering a question about whether he planned to stage a sit-in in Rawalpindi, Mr Khan said he would maintain the “suspense” and reveal it in his address to the “mammoth” gathering of people from across the country.

Replying to a question about a leak of Gen Bajwa and his family’s asset details allegedly from the FBR, the former prime minister said the government had amended the accountability law that made it impossible to catch a white-collar crime.

“If a public-office holder deposits looted money in the accounts of his family members or establishes an offshore company, those stashing the wealth beyond their means cannot be held accountable,” he regretted, adding the onus of proving assets beyond means was no more on a suspect, but the complainant needed to provide all the evidence.

He further claimed the coalition government had ruined the economy and the country was fast heading towards a default, adding the “corrupt” rulers would soon face public wrath in the form of votes against them in the general elections.

“The country’s economy is sinking with the perceived default risk factor touching 105 per cent though the PTI left it at 5pc just eight months ago,” he said and added that terrorism was increasing by 53pc, pushing foreign investment and businesses on the backburner.

Responding to a question about his statement that the alleged ‘US-backed regime change conspiracy’ was behind him, the PTI chairman said a state’s relationship was with another state and not on a personal basis. “I always spoke against the master-slave relationship and wanted that the two sovereign countries meet and deal on an equal footing.”

Mr Khan said he would have convinced the US that Pakistan should purchase cheaper oil from Russia as India did, but his government was toppled through a regime change conspiracy.

Brushing aside the rumours about PTI electables switching loyalties around the general elections, Mr Khan said the nation was fully aware and had condemned the “turncoats” in the by-elections earlier this year. He said this time he would personally award tickets after selecting the candidates.

“The party faced a great setback in 2018 when I sublet the power to some party leaders to select party candidates for the general elections,” he recalled.

Answering a question, Mr Khan regretted that the military spread hatred against the Baloch, and referred to Maj Gen Faisal Naseer’s role during his posting in Balochistan and later his “Dirty Harry” function against the PTI leadership in Islamabad.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

No-trust move against Imran Khan: Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa asked us to back PTI, reveals Moonis Elahi
Elahi says there were offers from PDM, PTI when no-trust motion situation was critic

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PMLQ) leader Moonis Elahi said on Thursday that former Chief of the Army Staff Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa had advised them to stand with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

In an interview with a private TV channel, the son of Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said that they had offers from both the camps (PDM and PTI) when the situation was critical in the wake of no-confidence motion against former prime minister Imran Khan but General (retd) Bajwa advised them to back the PTI.

“Certain elements are busy on social media bashing Bajwa Sahib without any reason. This is the same Bajwa who changed the course of rivers for the PTI. Then he [Bajwa] was right, but now he is not. I’ve a total disagreement with those who are now talking against him,” Moonis said.

“When he was giving you all-out support, he was right,” the PMLQ MNA said, wondering that if Bajwa had now become a traitor for them.

“I’ve asked PTI office-bearers to sit with me on a TV show and prove that he is a traitor, and I will tell you exactly what he [Bajwa] has done for you.”

Moonis said that there was no doubt that former COAS Bajwa fully supported the PTI, but when he withdrew his support, he had become a bad person. “This is a bad example and I have a disagreement with them on it. He [Bajwa] was never against the PTI,” Moonis added.

“Had he [Bajwa] been against them [PTI] at that juncture, he just had to give a signal, and we would have been sitting with them [PDM],” Moonis said.

The PMLQ leader added that his inclination was with the PTI and he also talked to his father on the matter.

On dissolution of assemblies, Moonis said that his party was of the opinion that general elections should be held as soon as possible because the popularity of Imran Khan was at the peak at the time. “This is favourable for both the PTI and its allies,” he added.

He said that if the elections are held only in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after dissolution of assemblies, they would return with more majority for the next five years.

Moonis said the judiciary has established its neutrality and everyone knows this. “Courts have removed their blemishes.”

He said that they had no contact with the new establishment.

Moonis said when the establishment says that they have nothing to do with politics, he buys that because they have not influenced the Punjab government.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

Gen (retd) Bajwa 'showed path' to Imran's PTI, says CM Elahi
CM Elahi endorses Moonis' claim, says despite PDM's offer, he sided with PTI on ex-COAS' advice

Chief Minister of Punjab Chaudhry Pervez Elahi Sunday disclosed that the former chief of army staff (COAS) General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa asked the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) to back Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) when the vote of no confidence was moved against ex-prime minister Imran Khan in April.

CM Punjab's statement comes after his son and PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi spoke about Gen (retd) Bajwa advising their party to support Khan.

In the run-up to the no-confidence motion, the Punjab chief minister said that both PTI and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) made offers to PML-Q; however, the party supported the former on General (retd) Bajwa's advice.

CM Elahi, in an interview with a private TV channel, endorsed a claim made by Moonis about the former COAS and said: "God changed our path at the last moment when they were heading towards PML-N and sent Gen (retd) Bajwa to show us the way."

He maintained that Gen (retd) Bajwa advised them that the path towards the Khan-led party is better for them.

Responding to a question, Elahi said that he received offers from both camps — PTI and PDM — but in line with the advice of the former army chief, his party preferred to choose Khan.

The chief minister maintained that his son Moonis also suggested siding with the PTI.

Commenting on his past experience with the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, CM Elahi said that there were always apprehensions about the Sharifs “lying”.

“I was with the Sharifs for 18 years, they always lied to us. I would [often] say the Sharifs won’t let me do anything for the province,” he said recalling his discussion with the “institution” on whom to support following the no-confidence motion.

“When we discussed with the institution, they suggested thinking about what was better for us. We consult the institution when a situation arises,” Elahi said, adding that the institution told them that choosing PTI was a “respectable and better option”.

He maintained that it was the institution’s kindness for guiding the PML-Q.

The chief minister asserted that his party has always supported all the chiefs of the institution and never gave a statement against them.

Responding to whether PML-Q’s supremo Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has had similar encounters with the institution, Elahi said that he has not had any conversation with General (retd) Bajwa.

Punjab’s chief minister further said that neither the PTI chief nor the ex-army chief has played a “double game”.

“Circumstances and events leave one in such a place that no way is left to take a decision. The decision could be right or wrong,” he said highlighting that both the PML-Q and Khan’s decision was right.

In response to his stern statement about Khan's close relations with the establishment, he expressed: "The thing is, I made the 'nappy' remark in anger. It damaged me as well."

Khan accuses former COAS of betrayal
A day earlier, for the first time since spending three and a half years with former chief of army staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the PTI chief said: "Giving extension to him [Gen Bajwa] was my biggest mistake."

“I would trust whatever ex-COAS General Bajwa said. I would tell him that both of us are [thinking about] the country; our purpose is one — to save the country,” Khan added.

The former prime minister added that he didn’t know how he was being lied to and betrayed.

“I knew during the last days and also received a report from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) about a game being played,” Khan said, adding that his informant from the IB would notify him verbally and not in writing following fears.

Accusing the ex-army chief of betrayal, Khan said that whenever he asked Bajwa about the conspiracy, he replied that they want continuity.

The former prime minister said that he complained to Bajwa that his allies were hinting that the army is forcing them to change their loyalty and you are saying that forces are "neutral".

He revealed that leaders from MQM-P and other parties had also told them about the ex-COAS Gen Bajwa’s role.

“We were astonished that they were telling me something else and we were getting other signals from there [allies],” Khan said.

Govt reprimands Khan
PM Shehbaz Sharif castigated PTI Chairman Khan for aiming to seek power even if it means undermining the country's foundations.

"Imran’s recent diatribe against parliamentary democracy is the latest in a series of attacks that fly in the face of how democracy functions in modern nation-states," the premier said in a tweet.

PM Shehbaz believes that his politics' sole aim was coming back into power through any means necessary.

"His (Khan's) politics is aimed at making his way to power even if it means undermining foundations this country stands on," the prime minister expressed.

Commenting on Khan deeming the extension to former chief of army staff a “big mistake”, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, earlier today asked: “If giving the extension was a mistake, then why was it offered again?”

The News PK

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had instructed lawyers in UK, incldng Leading Counsel,to start legal proceedings against Geo TV Limited pursuant to the Pre Action Protocol for Media & Communications Claims.A<br>formal letter of claim has been served today on Geo TV Limited in London & they have 14 days to respond</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1599773636675907585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[daytrader]

General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa wanted Usman Buzdar’s removal as CM: Imran Khan
Imran claimed that Gen (retd) Bajwa told him to replace Usman Buzdar with Aleem Khan as Punjab chief minister

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Saturday claimed that former chief of the army staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa told him to replace Usman Buzdar with Aleem Khan as Punjab chief minister, Geo News reported.

“General (retd) Bajwa’s demand to remove Buzdar was strange,” Imran Khan — who levelled allegations against the ex-COAS recently -— said in an interview with a private television channel.

Imran Khan, who was removed from the prime minister’s office through a no-confidence vote in April, said: “General (retd) Bajwa asked to remove Usman Buzdar. He would insist on making Aleem Khan the chief minister of Punjab.”

The ex-prime minister said that he informed General (retd) Bajwa that Aleem had a lot of allegations levelled against him and in the light of those claims, he couldn’t appoint him as the chief minister.

The former prime minister revealed that the incumbent CM of Punjab, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, did not want Aleem as the province’s chief minister.

Calling all those people involved in ousting his government as Mir Jaffer and Mir Sadiq, Imran Khan said: “Whatever happened with PTI during the last seven months was all because of ex-COAS Gen Bajwa’s policies.”

“Gen (retd) Bajwa would say nobody will take a ticket from PTI and PMLN would form the new government,” he claimed.

Imran Khan alleged that during his government’s tenure, General (retd) Bajwa controlled the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

“NAB was under Bajwa’s control; therefore, he decided who would go in and who will be released. It was not in our hands,” the PTI chief said.

He alleged that the former army chief would oversee who should be arrested and who shouldn’t.

“We did not have the authority. Those who did, they provided relief to them. NAB was not under our control. They [military] had influence everywhere,” he said.

The former prime minister added that he was asked to deal with the economy and leave accountability to them.

Commenting on the dissolution of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, Imran Khan revealed that he would dissolve the assemblies in the ongoing month.

The PTI chief further shared that while CM Elahi believes the government should run a little longer, he will adhere to the PTI’s decision of dissolving the assembly.

“Pervaiz Elahi has said he will do as I say regarding the termination of the Punjab government. He has not demanded becoming the chief minister again,” the former premier said.

Berating the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government, Imran Khan said the multi-party alliance was “trying hard” to get him disqualified.

“[PMLN] supremo Nawaz Sharif is trying to close all cases against himself and disqualify me,” he added.

Shedding light on the prevailing situation in the country, Imran Khan reiterated his demand for elections, linking economic growth to political stability. “Whether they hold elections now or after 10 months or a year, they [PDM] will lose,” he claimed.

While referring to the Punjab by-polls results that were held in July, the PTI chief said that those who left the party to join the PDM were punished for doing so in the by-polls as the party won the majority of the seats up for grabs.

Condemning the dismissal of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s supremo Nawaz Sharif’s cases, Imran Khan said: “Nawaz Sharif will not return until his cases are dismissed. If he comes to Punjab, then he will be arrested.”

The former premier added that General (retd) Bajwa considered Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a “genius”.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

Imran’s take on army’s ‘immunity’ sought

• PTI chief’s lawyer will try to satisfy SC bench today on lawmakers’ discretion to quit, take public issues to streets
• Changes to accountability law tackled the issue of 90-day detention before probe, CJP remarks

ISLAMABAD: While taking up a challenge by former premier Imran Khan to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) amendments, the Supreme Court on Monday sought his opinion on exclusion of armed forces from the accountability law’s purview.

“Since the counsel has emphasised before the court how significant accountability process is in the progress of a society, especially in view of religion, fundamental rights and other factors then what is his client’s opinion about Section 5(iv) of NAO?” Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah asked Mr Khan’s lawyer Khawaja Haris Ahmed, adding that if the former premier considered it ‘discriminatory’.

Justice Shah — a member of a three-judge SC bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and also comprising Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan — also wondered when even the superior court judges were amenable to the purview of the accountability law, how such exemption to members of the armed forces was justified.

Besides coming up with Mr Khan’s opinion on the matter on Tuesday, the senior counsel is also supposed to satisfy the bench if a member elected to parliament by voters as their trustee was at liberty or had the prerogative to take issues concerning their rights to streets rather than raising voice in the parliament.

“Won’t it be against the concept of parliamentary democracy and how the parliamentary system can work if members decide to quit parliament,” Justice Shah remarked.

He wondered if an SC decision in the present matter would render infructuous a similar petition pending before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), especially when the apex court had not yet heard their opinion.

When he said if the court should send the matter to the high court and wait for their wisdom before deciding it, the counsel for Mr Khan reminded the bench about precedence in similar matters when the SC summoned the entire record of the case for their determination or stayed the proceeding before the high court until the final decision by the top court.

“It is the choice of the parties which approached the high court,” the counsel explained, “not to join the present proceedings before the apex court”. He said they could have become party in the present matter.

Citing several judgements, the counsel also emphasised it was for the court to determine whether the present matter falls within the domain of the public importance, adding that even the vires of the amendment can be examined by courts if they were bulldozed.

Mr Khan’s lawyer then cited the example of 2020 army chief’s extension case to emphasise that though there was legal vacuum concerning chief’s tenure, the SC intervened in the matter and endorsed the extension while referring the issue of COAS tenure and other terms of his service to the parliament for legislation.

When he read out excerpts from the judgement, also authored by Justice Shah, to lend strength to his argument, the bench member asked the counsel to also read out the following paragraph for clarity.

The counsel then continued to read out, “this exercise of judicial restraint may not be mixed up or confused with the infamous and unpopular application of the doctrine of necessity, which amounts to going against the law of the land to attend to some political or other goal… This is not so in the present case where there is no law, in fact there is a total legal vacuum regarding the tenure of a general… It is also instructive to refer to the spirit of Article 203D of the Constitution, where the court can direct the federal government to initiate process for making appropriate legislative amendments in the relevant law and can grant reasonable time for doing the needful.”

When CJP Bandial cited the Darshan Maseeh case to explain the apex court took up the matter despite the fact that none of the brick kiln workers were before it, Justice Shah noted that the issue regarding enforced labour and brick kiln workers’ exploitation was taken up as a community was being affected and there was an uproar in society over it, with media highlighting it in newspapers and articles.

However, in the present case, three judges sitting in the bench could not determine whether the issue before it was of public importance when the entire country was silent about it and there was no protest in this regard, Justice Shah wondered.

The counsel then urged the court to strike down the changes to the NAO, because certain provisions had been taken away without any plausible reasons while rendering it impossible to convict an offender, despite the fact that corruption was considered cancerous for any society.

The CJP then remarked the NAB law was also considered “a stumbling block impeding the country’s progress”. He observed that the amendments to the law had taken care of the previous practice of detaining a suspect for 90 days, and arresting him before initiating an inquiry against him.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

Imran vows no action against Bajwa if voted back to power
PTI chief says holding provincial election in 90 days will be biggest test of army’s neutrality

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan dismissed any notion of taking action against Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa if he was voted back to power, and stressed that coming elections of the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies would be the biggest test of army’s “neutrality”.

Talking to a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Imran clarified that he had a personal dispute with Gen (retd) Bajwa but “it would be wrong to say that I would take action against him after coming into power”.

The PTI chief said COAS Gen Asim Munir had categorically stated that he would remain neutral. After the dissolution of two provincial assemblies, holding elections in the stipulated period of three months would be the biggest test of this neutrality, he added.

Imran disclosed that the plan to topple his government came to the fore when Faiz Hameed was removed from the post of the director general of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI). “I told Gen Bajwa that if the plan to change the regime succeeds nobody will be able to control the economy,” Imran said.

“I asked Gen Bajwa how could he give clean chit to Shehbaz Sharif, who was involved in Rs16 billion corruption cases. At that point, it became clear that Gen Bajwa had no issue with corruption,” the PTI chief claimed.

The PTI chief repeated the allegation that Gen Bajwa wanted to appoint former PTI leader Aleem Khan as the Punjab chief minister but “I refused because of his [Aleem Khan’s] corruption and land grabbing” cases. “Aleem Khan even sold land of the river,” he added.

He also claimed that the national economy was performing well during the tenures of the PTI government and the “three dictatorships”. He added that the economy would have performed even better if the coronavirus pandemic had not swept across the world.

He warned that in case of economic default Pakistan would be dragged several years behind. The federation had already crashed. After the dissolution of two provincial assemblies, elections will be held in 66% of the country. “The incumbent rulers should come to their senses,” he maintained.

He questioned when the country’s economy was falling and incomes were shrinking how could “we payback our loans”, adding: “How prosperity is possible in a country where there is no rule of law. Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari are doing politics in Pakistan but all their assets are in foreign lands.”

The PTI chairman disclosed that he had told Gen Bajwa that if 10-12 corrupt people came under the law, everything would be alright. “NAB [National Accountability Bureau] was established in 1999. I ask them to tell me will it help reduce corruption in Pakistan.”

Imran stated that initially, the PTI government had good relations with Gen Bajwa but “all of a sudden everything changed”. He emphasised that accountability was not possible when there was no difference between evil and good.

He said the army was an institution which, if used properly, could drive the country out of crises. Unfortunately, mafias were operating in every institution, he continued. “When the country is handed over to thieves how could you expect development,” he asked.

About the Toshakhana case, Imran said they could only find out the alleged corruption of his government in the watch transaction. “If I didn’t buy this watch, anyone else would have bought it in auction. It was all legal but Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari had illegally bought cars for the Toshakhana,” he added.

Imran further said he would not accept a weak government because he had learnt that it was impossible to deliver anything with a weak control. He insisted that provincial election must take place within 90 days of the dissolution. “If elections go beyond 90 days, it would be a violation of the Constitution.”

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

When under-fire Bajwa speaks...
Former COAS could not respond to what PTI chief alleges because of some codal limitations, sources say

Former Army Chief Gen (R) Qamar Javed Bajwa has a lot to tell about Imran Khan, his rise and rise in politics and how he ran his government.

Sources close to General Bajwa said that the recently retired former Army Chief could not respond in public to what PTI chairman alleges against him because of some codal limitations but it is insisted what Khan mostly says about Bajwa is untrue.

Bajwa is now the focused target of Imran Khan who not only sees Bajwa as the sole reason for all his failures in the government but also alleges that the general had removed his government as part of a US conspiracy.

While Imran Khan says it was General Bajwa who was controlling the NAB and deciding the arrest and release of politicians, the other side insists that Khan during his premiership was paranoid towards his opposition and wanted to see all his key opponents behind the bars.

These sources said when General (R) Bajwa will speak, he would have no different tale to tell than what the former DG FIA Bashir Memon had alleged about the-then prime minister Imran Khan.

Like Bashir Memon, who had alleged to have been pressurised by the-then prime minister to arrest his opponents, according to the sources the former premier had also been asking General (R) Bajwa to get a number of the-then opposition politicians arrested.

The sources said that when Bajwa said how he could do it, Khan had referred to General Musharraf and his fashion of dealing with his political opponents during his rule. On this, Bajwa had reportedly told Imran that Musharraf was a dictator. Bajwa told Khan to order him in writing what he desired. Khan, however, did not do it.

These sources allege that the NAB was controlled and managed by the-then prime minister through a duo, Barrister Shehzad Akbar and a key spymaster. These sources claimed when new DG ISI called on the-then prime minister Imran Khan, the latter asked the top spymaster about the major problem of Pakistan. Khan was told, according to these sources, “It’s the economy”. But Khan responded “No, it’s the opposition”.

On one occasion in the presence of several PTI ministers, the sources close to the retired General said, Bajwa reportedly warned Imran Khan against his wish of fixing all his opponents as well as many of his own party leaders. These sources, however, confirm that Bajwa had been advising the former prime minister to focus on economy instead of his opposition.

During his government, Imran Khan himself has been heard complaining about the fear of NAB and its negative impact on economy and civilian bureaucracy. But his urge to fix the opposition did not let him reform the NAB.

General Bajwa is mostly blamed for keenly pursuing what is generally referred to as “Imran Khan project.”

It is alleged by Khan’s opponents and many media commentators that the establishment initiated supporting Imran Khan almost a decade back.

PTI’s 2014 sit-in was also alleged to have been a part of the Imran Khan project, which reportedly saw its height in 2017 and 2018. The 2018 elections were considered as massively “managed” and “engineered” in favour of Imran Khan.

During Imran Khan’s tenure, the establishment supported him like never before and being the prime minister, Khan repeatedly admitted it and used to praise General Bajwa as the best-ever Army Chief.

Khan gave three years extension to Gen Bajwa, had offered another extension in March this year to save his government and later even suggested in October 2022 to let Bajwa continue till the holding of next general elections and formation of a new elected government.

General (R) Bajwa, shortly before his retirement, admitted that the establishment had made mistakes in the past. He had disclosed that as an institution, the Army decided in February 2021 to get apolitical.

The News PK

 

[MenInG]

In yet another hard-hitting statement against the former army chief, PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Monday said that General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa was “solely responsible for the country’s prevailing political and economic crises” — including his ouster from power in April this year.

Speaking to foreign correspondents at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore, the former premier alleged that Gen (retd) Bajwa was controlling the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He claimed that the former army chief granted NRO — relief in corruption cases — to the incumbent rulers despite his opposition.

The ex-PM claimed that initially, Gen (retd) Bajwa did not oppose his anti-corruption drive to hold culprits accountable “but eventually asked me to focus on the economy and to move away from accountability”.

Commenting Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi's statement favouring the former army chief, Imran clarified that the PTI and the PML-Q were two independent political parties and hence the latter has its different policy on Gen (retd) Bajwa.

“The Punjab chief minister has handed over a summary for the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly to me and I will send this advice to the Punjab Governor on Friday,” he added.

He maintained that the PML-Q was an independent party and thus it can hold negotiations with the PML-N.

The deposed PM said that he could not say to what extent the Americans were involved in the removal of his government. “Hence, I had demanded an inquiry into the cipher,” he said.

Separately in a meeting with PTI Punjab lawmakers, the former prime minister assured them that PML-Q would stand by his party’s decision to dissolve the provincial legislature.

“He (Elahi) stands with the PTI and despite the differences we will contest the upcoming elections together,” the sources quoted the former premier as saying in the huddle.

“[The PML-Q senior leader] Moonis Elahi has assured me of the PML-Q’s full support; hence, there would be ‘dama dam mast qalandar’ on coming Friday (December 23),” he added.

Commenting on the Punjab CM tirade against the PTI over anti-Bajwa statements, Imran observed that Pervaiz Elahi has a habit of taking pressure, adding that the latter “firmly stands” with the PTI and would dissolve the Punjab Assembly when the PTI decides to do so.

“The provincial legislators should not to get confused with the chief minister’s statement and hence should not change their narrative,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PTI chief formed a three-member committee to discuss seat adjustment with the PML-Q for the next elections, insiders added.

PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi will head the committee while former Defence Minister Parvez Khattak and PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry will be its members.

“The committee would hold its first meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi on Tuesday (tomorrow) to decide the SOPs for the negotiations. It would also review the electoral position of the PTI in constituencies where the PML-Q was asking for seat adjustments. It would later submit a final report on the negotiations to the PTI chief,” sources added.

It was reported in the media that the PML-Q had demanded seat adjustments in more than two dozen constituencies with the PTI before the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly. The PML-Q wanted that the PTI finalise an agreement on the seat adjustment before the dissolution of the assemblies.

(With input from Imran Adnan in Lahore)

 

[Bewal Express]

In yet another hard-hitting statement against the former army chief, PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Monday said that General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa was “solely responsible for the country’s prevailing political and economic crises” — including his ouster from power in April this year.

Speaking to foreign correspondents at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore, the former premier alleged that Gen (retd) Bajwa was controlling the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He claimed that the former army chief granted NRO — relief in corruption cases — to the incumbent rulers despite his opposition.

The ex-PM claimed that initially, Gen (retd) Bajwa did not oppose his anti-corruption drive to hold culprits accountable “but eventually asked me to focus on the economy and to move away from accountability”.

Commenting Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi's statement favouring the former army chief, Imran clarified that the PTI and the PML-Q were two independent political parties and hence the latter has its different policy on Gen (retd) Bajwa.

“The Punjab chief minister has handed over a summary for the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly to me and I will send this advice to the Punjab Governor on Friday,” he added.

He maintained that the PML-Q was an independent party and thus it can hold negotiations with the PML-N.

The deposed PM said that he could not say to what extent the Americans were involved in the removal of his government. “Hence, I had demanded an inquiry into the cipher,” he said.

Separately in a meeting with PTI Punjab lawmakers, the former prime minister assured them that PML-Q would stand by his party’s decision to dissolve the provincial legislature.

“He (Elahi) stands with the PTI and despite the differences we will contest the upcoming elections together,” the sources quoted the former premier as saying in the huddle.

“[The PML-Q senior leader] Moonis Elahi has assured me of the PML-Q’s full support; hence, there would be ‘dama dam mast qalandar’ on coming Friday (December 23),” he added.

Commenting on the Punjab CM tirade against the PTI over anti-Bajwa statements, Imran observed that Pervaiz Elahi has a habit of taking pressure, adding that the latter “firmly stands” with the PTI and would dissolve the Punjab Assembly when the PTI decides to do so.

“The provincial legislators should not to get confused with the chief minister’s statement and hence should not change their narrative,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PTI chief formed a three-member committee to discuss seat adjustment with the PML-Q for the next elections, insiders added.

PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi will head the committee while former Defence Minister Parvez Khattak and PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry will be its members.

“The committee would hold its first meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi on Tuesday (tomorrow) to decide the SOPs for the negotiations. It would also review the electoral position of the PTI in constituencies where the PML-Q was asking for seat adjustments. It would later submit a final report on the negotiations to the PTI chief,” sources added.

It was reported in the media that the PML-Q had demanded seat adjustments in more than two dozen constituencies with the PTI before the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly. The PML-Q wanted that the PTI finalise an agreement on the seat adjustment before the dissolution of the assemblies.

(With input from Imran Adnan in Lahore)

Bajwa has set PK back by decades with his NRO. The judiciary is and was fully complicit and both the Generals and the Judiciary need to be held accountable for their criminality. PK can't move forward until Bajwa, Zardari and NS are hanged.

 

[ex-q-zit]

"Wanted To Improve Strained Ties With India During My Tenure": Imran Khan

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Imran Khan on Monday said he wanted to improve strained relations with India during his tenure but the revocation of Kashmir's special status became a "hurdle." Khan, the 70-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician, also said that then Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was even more inclined to have better ties with India.

"I wanted to improve relations with India during my three-and-a-half year tenure but the RSS ideology and revocation of (Jammu and Kashmir) special status became a hurdle," the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party chairman said during his interaction with a group of foreign journalists at his Zaman Park residence here.

Khan said after India revoked Kashmir's status in 2019 his government did not push for talks. "We wanted India to reverse its decision first and hold peace talks," he said.

Responding to a question from the Press Trust of India about who was running foreign policy towards India during his tenure, he or then Gen Bajwa, Khan replied: "I was the boss...I was running the foreign policy. However, let me tell you that Gen Bajwa was even more inclined to have better ties with India." Khan recently said he did not have the power during his tenure as Gen Bajwa was the man who was calling the shots.

When reminded that he had expressed his wish ahead of elections in India that Narendra Modi should win and as he would resolve the Kashmir issue, Khan said: "I still believe that a leader from the right-wing party can resolve a conflict. Modi was from the right-wing party which was why I wanted him to return to power and resolve the Kashmir issue. The right-wing party in a country opposes resolution of any such issue." Relations between India and Pakistan have often been strained over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

However, the ties between the two countries nosedived after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the State into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.

Khan also launched a scathing criticism of Gen Bajwa who retired late last month.

"Gen Bajwa unleashed a reign of terror on us during the last seven months as our leaders were brutally tortured (at his behest). Gen Bajwa is also responsible for economic disaster in the country," he alleged.

When asked who was responsible for ousting him from power - the US or Gen Bajwa - Khan said: "Gen Bajwa was mainly responsible for sending my government home despite we were performing well on the economic front. He wanted to give NRO (favour) to the thieves -- Sharifs and Zardaris -- that was why he conspired against my government. The role of the US should be determined through investigation of a cypher in this respect by a judicial commission." Earlier, Khan had blamed the US for conspiring to oust him from power, a charge denied by Washington.

Khan also raised an alarm about the Afghan conflict.

"Currently, no one at the helm knows how to handle the Afghan situation. Pakistan cannot afford conflict with Afghanistan. Our foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari must go to Afghanistan instead of roaming around in the world as it is a very serious matter," he added.

The attacks at the border have strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban rulers in recent months. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,600-km volatile border.

Earlier this month, Pakistan's Embassy in Kabul came under gunfire in an attack that was later claimed by the Islamic State group. Pakistani officials at the time had called the incident an attack on its envoy there. Islamabad also has said Afghanistan's rulers are sheltering terrorists who carry out deadly attacks on its soil.

NDTV

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday leveled fresh allegations against former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and claimed the retired general had 'made a deal' with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah.

Talking to senior journalists in Lahore, the former prime minister said that during the past year, he found out that Gen (retd) Bajwa 'does not want accountability'.

The PTI chief further claimed that the former army chief probably thought that PTI's popularity would see a decline "but that did not happen", adding that if a “right army chief” was present, his government would have “cleaned” the country.

Express tribune

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Dr. Arif Alvi has taken notice of the statement wrongly attributed to him about the alleged help extended by the former Chief of Army Staff, General (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa, and his team in the Senate, and their help to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during the elections. <a href="https://t.co/LGTKhBwyYU">pic.twitter.com/LGTKhBwyYU</a></p>— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1607312707878805506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[PakLFC]

Well it would help if IK didn't make so many anti military comments. By all means criticize the generals for accumulating illegal wealth yet show respect to the common soldier.

Perhaps he can get his two sons living the high life in London to come and guard our borders or do it himself.

 

[daytrader]

Politician seen close to ex-COAS claims: ‘Bajwa helped Imran get NRO for Banigala house’
PM's special assistant alleges ex-COAS influenced then CJP Saqib Nisar to decide Imran’s Bani Gala residence case in his favour

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Special Assistant Malik Ahmad Khan has alleged that the former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa had influenced the-then Chief Justice Saqib Nisar to decide Imran Khan’s Banigala residence case in his favour. In the same case, Khan was declared Sadiq and Ameen.

The former Chief Justice, when contacted, however, said it’s all rubbish, total ******** and completely baseless. Justice (retd) Saqib Nisar insisted that he was never influenced, directly or indirectly, in his judicial work by the-then Army Chief. Saqib Nisar said that the entire Banigala was illegally built and the case he had decided on was about the regularisation of all properties there as they could not be razed to the ground.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/10...bajwa-helped-imran-get-nro-for-banigala-house

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday once again lashed out at the former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and alleged that ex-envoy Hussain Haqqani was "hired" by Bajwa in the US to lobby against Imran.

While talking to journalists in Lahore, the PTI chief said Pakistan's former ambassador to Washington “Haqqani kept campaigning against me and kept promoting General [retd] Bajwa.”

It is pertinent to note that Imran and his party have time and again claimed that a foreign conspiracy was hatched to remove him from power, wherein he had accused the US of engineering his ouster by supporting the then opposition’s no-confidence motion in April last year. A claim that the US has categorically denied.

During the talk, the former premier also claimed that the relations between him and the former army chief soured because Gen (retd) Bajwa “did not want accountability in the country”.

Recalling the last meeting that took place between him and the ex-COAS, Imran said “Bajwa said that you are a playboy”. To which, the ousted prime minister said that "yes I have been a playboy.”

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

Former army chief’s ‘set-up’ still active, alleges Imran

• Accuses establishment of ‘pressurising’ three MPAs over Elahi trust vote
• Says Hussain Haqqani was hired to lobby against him

LAHORE: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Sunday lashed out at the former army chief again, alleging that Qamar Javed Bajwa stabbed him in the back and that his “set-up” was still active in the establishment purportedly to stop the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) from coming back to power.

Speaking to reporters, the PTI chairman claimed that Mr Bajwa “stabbed me in the back” but now he was expressing sympathies for him. Mr Khan said the ex-chief was not interested in accountability of the corrupt which led to terse relations with him. “I felt the change of attitude in [retired] Gen Bajwa after he was given an extension and slowly I was hammered with a message that I should give up on the matter of accountability,” he said.

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1729469/former-army-chiefs-set-up-still-active-alleges-imran

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday alleged that former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was brought into power with “full force” but did nothing in return and instead "wasted the efforts of the Pakistan Army".

Talking at the ceremony of the Hazara Electric Supply Company, the incumbent premier maintained that he had nothing to do with and was unconcerned by former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa helping the PTI leader.

 

[Bewal Express]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday alleged that former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was brought into power with “full force” but did nothing in return and instead "wasted the efforts of the Pakistan Army".

Talking at the ceremony of the Hazara Electric Supply Company, the incumbent premier maintained that he had nothing to do with and was unconcerned by former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa helping the PTI leader.

No that's you, you old crook. All the power but no idea about anything

 

[MenInG]

PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry has claimed that “some army generals, as well as ex-chief Gen [Qamar Javed] Bajwa were actively involved in sending the PTI government home”.

The former information minister made the claim during a BBC HardTalk interview yesterday.

When host Stephen Sackur challenged Chaudhry about how the military helped PTI come to power, the former minister insisted that his party came to power on its own over a 22-year effort.

He, however, minced no words saying his party was removed from power through a conspiracy.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

PTI Chairman Imran Khan said on Sunday that the establishment had not learned from past mistakes as “political engineering” was still underway in the country.

Addressing a women workers convention in Karachi via video link, Imran reiterated that the PTI desired free and fair elections. Once that happens, a new government will come if political engineering is not carried out, he said.

“I fear that unfortunately, our establishment has not learnt from the past. Today, we are seeing political engineering being carried out,” he said as he pointed to the rumoured merger of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s factions and Balochistan Awami Party members joining the PPP.

Imran alleged that similar efforts were afoot to bring the PML-N into power in Punjab while a “different game” was being played in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa“ — all in an effort to weaken the PTI.

 

[daytrader]

Alvi blames social media for gulf between Imran, ex-COAS Bajwa

President Dr Arif Alvi has said that social media was one of the reasons for differences between former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-army chief General (retired) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In an interview with BBC Urdu, the president said that misunderstandings were created by giving “undue importance to social media” and said that the country’s “decision-making powers” were unable to “handle” social media.

Alvi, who also offered to mediate between Imran and the current coalition government in the interview, said that problems arise when social media is given “too much importance”.

“YouTube was shut down in Pakistan for two years. The reason for this was that decision-makers were unable to handle it.”

He said that those “making decisions in the country” were unable to handle social media the correct way. “In my opinion, they should handle it in a better way.”

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1731276/alvi-blames-social-media-for-gulf-between-imran-ex-coas-bajwa

 

[Cricket-lion]

Alvi blames social media for gulf between Imran, ex-COAS Bajwa

President Dr Arif Alvi has said that social media was one of the reasons for differences between former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-army chief General (retired) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In an interview with BBC Urdu, the president said that misunderstandings were created by giving “undue importance to social media” and said that the country’s “decision-making powers” were unable to “handle” social media.

Alvi, who also offered to mediate between Imran and the current coalition government in the interview, said that problems arise when social media is given “too much importance”.

“YouTube was shut down in Pakistan for two years. The reason for this was that decision-makers were unable to handle it.”

He said that those “making decisions in the country” were unable to handle social media the correct way. “In my opinion, they should handle it in a better way.”

...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1731276/alvi-blames-social-media-for-gulf-between-imran-ex-coas-bajwa

I think Alvi is being dismissive or naive.

 

[MenInG]

Predicting that the general elections might take place in the country in April, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday said that his party had “no relationship with the new military leadership yet”.

He was responding to a question during an interview with BBC Urdu about PTI's relationship with the new army chief General Syed Asim Munir and whether the party had established contact with the military leadership via President Arif Alvi.

"Look, we don't have any relationship with (the new military leadership) at the moment," the ex-premier replied, who has been critical of the former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa for his alleged role in overthrowing the PTI government.

"Someone needs to ask them why they overthrew our government via a conspiracy despite giving the best performance in the past 17 years. What mistake were we making that they brought down our government in collusion with an army chief. They have not been able to handle it (economy) since then," he added.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

No 'relationship' with new military leadership yet: Imran
Ex-premier says govt will be 'forced to hold elections in April'

Predicting that the general elections might take place in the country in April, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday said that his party had “no relationship with the new military leadership yet”.

He was responding to a question during an interview with BBC Urdu about PTI's relationship with the new army chief General Syed Asim Munir and whether the party had established contact with the military leadership via President Arif Alvi.

"Look, we don't have any relationship with (the new military leadership) at the moment," the ex-premier replied, who has been critical of the former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa for his alleged role in overthrowing the PTI government.

"Someone needs to ask them why they overthrew our government via a conspiracy despite giving the best performance in the past 17 years. What mistake were we making that they brought down our government in collusion with an army chief. They have not been able to handle it (economy) since then," he added.

...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2396584/no-relationship-with-new-military-leadership-yet-imran

 

[MenInG]

PTI Chair*man Imran Khan on Sat*urday laid the blame of getting deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif disqualified in the Panama Papers case on former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

During an interview on Bol News, the former premier shed light on how there were two Gen Bajwas — one before the extension and one after it. “He (Bajwa) had sent two brigadiers who proved Nawaz was involved in the Panama case,” the PTI chief said. “This is why Nawaz is not forgiving Bajwa.”

Mr Khan added that the ex-army chief and all the agencies used to tell the media and his government members how corrupt Pakistan Democratic Movement leaders were.

“Then they imposed those same people on us.”

Commenting on the Tosh*a**khana case against him, the PTI chief said the government and “handlers” made a big deal out of it for no reason. He lambasted the government for terming Toshakhana gifts a “state secret” when the apex court had sought details of all gifts received since the country’s independence.

Asked about why Mr Sha*rif was allowed to leave, Imran said the PML-N supremo’s medical reports were manipulated. “Ima*gine the extent of the deep state’s power,” he said.

Speaking about how the local government elections in Karachi were rigged, Imran deplored the tactics employed by PPP to steal the polls by collaborating with the local police, administration, and the election commission.

“Educated business-minded people live in Karachi,” he said, asking: “how can they vote for PPP”.

DAWN

 

[ex-q-zit]

"He Changed...": Imran Khan's Latest Charge Against Pak's Former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa

Former Pakistan's army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa's behaviour changed after being granted an extension as the military's head in 2019, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan claimed, The News International reported.

While speaking in an interview with a private channel, the former Prime Minister said, "General Bajwa changed after the extension and compromised with the Sharifs. He decided, at that time, to give them the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO)."

Mr Khan also claimed that General Bajwa hired Hussain Haqqani as the then ambassador of Pakistan to the United States and said that Mr Haqqani joined the office through the Foreign Office, without any information.

"They met Haqqani in Dubai and hired him in September 2021," Khan said.

Mr Khan added that the former diplomat began lobbying against him in the United States and promoted General (retd) Bajwa, according to The News International.

The ousted prime minister, who departed from office following a no-confidence motion last spring, linked the alleged cypher by US diplomat Donald Lu, which Mr Khan claimed was part of a conspiracy to topple his government, was the result of the lobbying in America.

"Gen Bajwa would repeatedly tell us to focus on the economy and forget about accountability," Mr Khan said.

Speaking about the attempted assassination attack on him,Mr Khan alleged that he knew that PM Shehbaz Shehbaz, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and a senior officer had planned the attack.

Speaking on the names proposed for the interim chief minister in Punjab, Mr Khan said that his party and allies gave trustworthy names for the post in the province. He also slammed the candidates named by the opposition claiming that one is Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Zardari's frontman, while the other is Shehbaz Sharif's, reported The News International.

"One name was involved in regime change against us. If the election commission appoints such a man, we won't accept it," the PTI chairman asserted.

Although the caretaker CM in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken his oath, the opposition and government in Punjab are still at odds over the appointment. As a result of the contention, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will now decide the matter.

Commenting on the problems of Sindh, Khan said that the province's situation was "the worst" across the country. "PPP's corruption has brought Sindh to ruins," he said.

The former PM termed the people of Sindh and Karachi as the most oppressed given the city's state and the delays in its progress. Mr Khan said he knew he "had to" go to Karachi, as per The News International.

NDTV

 

[Browncaps]

Speaking about how the local government elections in Karachi were rigged, Imran deplored the tactics employed by PPP to steal the polls by collaborating with the local police, administration, and the election commission.

“Educated business-minded people live in Karachi,” he said, asking: “how can they vote for PPP”.

DAWN

Excellent point by Imran.

Only trolls, corrupt thieves, mafia members, thugs and criminals vote for ppp and then cry when their loser pdm delays elections like true cowards as they can't compete with PTI as intelligence reports show at least 70% of Pakistanis support PTI.

 

[daytrader]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I want to ask a question to the establishment of Pakistan: it’s clear that there’s a cross on me, you won’t let come me into power.. but do you even have a plan to save Pakistan?”-<a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%AD%D9%82%DB%8C%D9%82%DB%8C_%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C_%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3%DB%81?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#حقیقی_آزادی_جلسہ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ka3lDTFuE6">pic.twitter.com/ka3lDTFuE6</a></p>— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1639728022797406209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[daytrader]

Won’t allow corruption in army if I regain power: Imran
PTI chief Imran Khan believes only his party can solve woes of the country

Launching the election campaign of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) on the eve of its 27th Foundation Day, PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday promised to make Pakistan an investor-friendly country once his party forms the government again.

Addressing his supporters through video link on the occasion of the party’s 27th Foundation Day, Imran Khan said the party would celebrate its next Foundation Day while in power. The PTI chairman said that no investor was ready to invest in Pakistan due to the corruption of mafias. He said former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa gave an NRO to these corrupt leaders who had already caused huge losses to Pakistan.

He said 0.9 million people, including professionals, had left Pakistan due to the prevailing circumstances caused by the present rulers who themselves had received an NRO to protect the looted Rs1,100 bn. Imran Khan went on to say that 27 years ago when he founded the PTI, his purpose was to put the country on the track of justice like Britain.

Citing the example of Great Britain, Imran Khan said that no one could even think of committing corruption because the system of that country never encouraged this menace. He said the police of that country could not even think of violating the law whereas here, this force was used to target opponents. He said a British policeman was suspended for using a stick against a dog but here, the local police was involved in oppression.

He added when the PTI was launched 27 years ago, people used to make fun of them and many who were with them at the time of its launching in 1996 left us. In the 1997 general elections, we could not win a single seat and in 2008 when PTI decided to boycott the polls, many more left it. The PTI, he said, became a real game changer after 2010 when a bulk of politicians called ‘electables’ who were tired of siding with the PMLN and PPP supported the PTI.

In the 2013 general elections, Imran said the PTI won a good number of seats but the then establishment rigged the polls in favour of PMLN. He further said the PTI protested strongly and demanded to review the result of four NA constituencies which was done with delay and rigging was proven there.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1064067-won-t-allow-corruption-in-army-if-i-regain-power-imran

 

[daytrader]

IN SECRET MEETING, PAKISTANI MILITARY ORDERED PRESS TO STOP COVERING IMRAN KHAN
News about Khan, a former prime minister at the center of a political crisis roiling Pakistan, mostly disappeared from the country’s media.

THE PAKISTANI MILITARY invited the owners of the country’s major media organizations to Islamabad this week for a secret meeting to discuss coverage of the ongoing political and constitutional crisis, Pakistani journalists familiar with the gathering told The Intercept. The invitation was not one that could be refused, and the message was equally direct: Cease all coverage of former Prime Minister Imran Khan amid his ongoing clash with the military.

Following the meeting, which has not been previously reported, top editors at news organizations across Pakistan issued directives to their journalists to pause coverage of Khan, said the Pakistani journalists, who requested anonymity for fear of their safety. An inspection of Pakistani media sites reveals a stark change. Earlier this week and every day for years before, Khan was a leading subject of coverage. He has effectively vanished from the news. The ban was confirmed by more than a half-dozen Pakistani journalists.

“They have lots of levers to hurt media companies,” said one Pakistani journalist who, like the others, asked for anonymity for fear of arrest, torture, and prosecution. “Messing with their print distribution, messing with their cable distribution are just some. Blackmail is another tool.”

Khan is at the center of a political crisis that has paralyzed Pakistani cities, prompted clashes and riots targeting the all-powerful military, and seen tens of thousands of his political supporters sent to prison. You wouldn’t know that from reading the Pakistani press today, even as he continues a campaign against an attempt by the military to exclude him and his party from contesting upcoming elections.

The recent crisis began when Khan was hit with corruption charges, which he and supporters of his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, claim to be a political exercise aimed at excluding him from politics.

...
https://theintercept.com/2023/06/02/imran-khan-pakistan-military-coverage-ban/

 

[MenInG]

In recent days, Imran Khan has cut an increasingly isolated figure. Since Pakistan’s former prime minister was released from jail, after a brief but explosive attempt to arrest him last month, his return has been marked by a mass exodus of the top leadership of his party, on a scale that has surprised even his critics.

Late on Thursday night, Pervez Khattak, the former chief minister and defence minister, became the latest high-profile resignation from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. He followed in the path of Khan’s former finance minister, his former human rights minister, his former information minister and his former shipping minister, who all stepped down from senior posts or left PTI altogether in recent weeks. Dozens of other federal and state ministers have followed suit.

Most of those who have not defected are now behind bars. On Thursday night, the president of PTI, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi – who recently said he would stand behind Khan during these “difficult times” – was arrested by anti-terrorism police at his home in Lahore. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Khan’s former foreign minister, still remains in prison after his arrest in May, along with several other key ministers and thousands of rank and file PTI members.

There is little question among analysts who is orchestrating the arrests and resignations. Since Khan’s relationship with the all-powerful military establishment fell apart and led to his fall from power, he has been on a crusade against the army leadership. He has accused them of attempting to assassinate him and of being behind his arrest in May, before he was released when the courts declared his detention illegal.

In response, say analysts and PTI members, the army chief is now trying to systematically break up Khan’s party, before arresting him and putting him on trial in a military court. The likelihood of Khan being allowed to contest Pakistan’s next election, due by October, is considered by most to be very slim.

“This dramatic crackdown is a clear strategy by the military to break down all the support structures that Khan has,” said Avinash Paliwal, an associate professor in international relations at Soas University of London. “Once those structures are gone, Khan is next in line.”

Yet despite Khan’s claims that this is a “crackdown never seen before in Pakistan’s history”, Paliwal said this was instead a continuation of a pattern by the military that has marred the country’s pathway to democracy since 1958, when the first military coup took place.

Since then, the military has routinely asserted itself as the most powerful political player in Pakistan, either through direct rule or by controlling and masterminding things behind the scenes. All of the country’s most powerful political parties have fallen foul of military crackdowns and arrests. Before Khan, it was the prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, who in 2017, after falling out with the military, was toppled from power and jailed for corruption, as were several others before him.

“This is no anomaly, it is something that the military does occasionally whenever it feels that it needs to tame a civilian political outlet which is getting too big for its boots,” said Paliwal. “The military is the only party that is ruling the country.”

Khan would not be the first prime minister to be put on trial by the military. In 1977, the prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was deposed in a military coup, put on trial under martial law and then executed.

Guardian

 

[MenInG]

It started off as a regular Tuesday evening. Komal, the wife of a Pakistani army officer stationed in a conflict zone, was chopping vegetables for dinner while her two young daughters watched TV.

But their military compound, arguably one of the safest places in Pakistan, was about to feel very unsafe.

Komal was surprised when her husband rang, much earlier than usual. He told her to keep the doors locked, because military quarters across the country were being attacked by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In Lahore, the residence of a lieutenant general had already been set ablaze.

"If they could brazenly attack a general's house, will ours be next? The thought of it sent shivers down my spine," says Komal, who doesn't want to use her real name.

She immediately locked the doors and windows and put food in the storeroom in case they had to hide. She even thought about how to exit the apartment if it was set on fire - could she jump out of the second-floor window with her daughters?

"When I watched videos of the protests, it terrified me," Komal says. "I have never felt so insecure and vulnerable."

But she was also torn - as a staunch Khan supporter, she felt let down.

"I and many others had supported Imran Khan, hoping for a change, but now, I feel betrayed by the very person I had championed. His irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric fuelled the hatred and violence that has rocked this country," she says.

Deep-rooted narrative

The protests were an unprecedented challenge to Pakistan's powerful military who have ruled the country for several decades, with three military coups since independence in 1947. Although military rule officially ended in 2008, many believe that the army remains the kingmaker behind politicians. And Mr Khan was widely believed to have their blessing.

Even before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party came to power in 2018, Khan was known as the "military's darling". His critics say that he was portrayed by the army's social media teams as Pakistan's saviour, and the only leader who would stand up to dynastic politicians and a corrupt ruling elite.

After Khan and the powerful military establishment fell out and he was ousted from power last year, the narrative was so deep-rooted that it didn't change the minds of many in the army's rank and files.

Army medical officer Gul, who speaks on the condition of anonymity, is apolitical but now furious at Khan's supporters. On the night of the riots she was away on duty while her parents were home with her children.

"I wished I were with them. I thought, what if they are attacked or injured or, God forbid, killed? I can't express what was going in my head. I couldn't sleep the whole night. This was all traumatising, especially for a mother who is away from her children," she says.

But many in the army continue to support Mr Khan, who has remained the most popular political figure not just among civilians, but also within military rank and file.

"If given a choice, among the current politicians, it is no-one else but Imran Khan I'll vote for," one officer told me, on condition of anonymity.

Another officer also still supports the former prime minister.

"I really feel sorry for what happened at the general's residence in Lahore, but we don't know who did it - Imran Khan says his party workers didn't initiate the attack. But nothing has changed my opinion towards Imran Khan. I still support him as a voter and will continue to do so. For me, he is a motivation and a true leader," she says.

A senior officer from a security agency, who did not want to be named, says he regularly fields political questions from his subordinates, whose opinions are also informed by the internet and social media - and who sometimes question the military's influence in how the country is run.

"They want concrete evidence that the military establishment does not meddle in politics. They ask questions about its role and we have to answer them convincingly," he says.

Retired officers, influential in shaping the army's image, also strongly support Mr Khan. Raja Shahryar, a former officer who retired 15 years ago, voted for him in 2018 - the first time he had ever cast a ballot.

"My perspective has not changed but the events of the past few days have angered me because the PTI leadership failed to contain the protesters from attacking government installations and property. They should have acted better than the rest," he says.

After the attacks, the army was quick to show a united front. A spokesperson for the armed forces appeared on the Pakistani TV channel Geo News saying the army and its chief believed in democracy.

"The army is united, despite propaganda by extremists and enemies both inside and outside the country," he says.

Resentment against the military

But the country is divided. Shahryar says he has never before witnessed "this level of political polarisation and expression of resentment against the military".

And while many military families feel a line was crossed when their cantonments were attacked, and some police officers injured, PTI supporters feel law enforcement went too far.

More than 10 protesters were killed during the demonstrations on 9 May.

Tariq Nasir spent an hour searching for his brother Omer in a government hospital in Quetta. The 26-year-old had been protesting outside the military's cantonment area in the city, when he was killed.

"There was a lot of teargas shelling. Omer was holding salt and water in his hands for people who were affected. He was unarmed, and peaceful, only exercising his right to hold a peaceful protest. They shot him right in his head. Why was he shot when he was unarmed?" he asks.

Like many others, including Mr Khan himself, Nasir claimed that those who threw stones at police or attacked army installations were not really PTI supporters. He suspects foul play.

The army has announced that those involved in attacks on army installations will be tried in military and anti-terrorism courts.

Videos of men apologising for vandalism, claiming it was at the request of PTI leadership, are being circulated by police authorities. But many allege they are being coerced into recording such videos.

Mr Khan has said those who attacked military installations were not PTI members and has asked the judiciary to form a commission to investigate the matter.

However, dozens of his party leaders and close aides - some of whom were arrested and later released - have also abandoned Mr Khan, condemning the attacks on a general's house and other military installations.

"My brother died while doing a peaceful protest," says Nasir. "When he was killed, he had Khan's flag around his neck. He lived for him and he died for him. He wanted a better Pakistan and Khan was his hope. One day, his dream will come true. And maybe, only then, we will get justice."

Pakistan's powerful military establishment has long been blamed for interfering in politics, installing and removing governments. Ruling parties have also been accused of using state machinery to violently remove political opponents.

Resentment at both the army and the politicians is rising within law enforcement, too.

"Like them, I also wear uniform, and I know them all. They think they are above the law. Only Khan can correct them," a police officer told me.

"And what do we expect from these politicians? Just a decent salary each month to afford our basic needs. Is that too much to ask for? They have also failed us. The military or politicians, they are all too busy fighting amongst themselves, and the country is going to the gallows."

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan’s embattled former Prime Minister Imran Khan has accused the powerful military and its intelligence agency of openly trying to destroy his political party, saying he has “no doubt” he will be tried in a military court and thrown in jail.

Khan has hinted previously at the military’s hand in a crackdown on his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, but his comments in an interview at his Lahore home on Saturday night were the most blunt yet.

“It is completely the establishment,” the former cricket hero told Reuters news agency when asked who was behind the crackdown. “Establishment obviously means the military establishment, because they are really now openly – I mean, it’s not even hidden now – they’re just out in the open.”

A spokesman for the military – which has run the country directly or indirectly for its 75-year history, and which has seldom faced the sort of public challenge to its power that it has from Khan – did not respond to a request for comment.

A bruising year-long standoff between Khan, Pakistan’s most popular leader according to polls, and the army came to a head when military buildings and property were ransacked last month, allegedly by his supporters.

The political unrest has increased uncertainty in the nuclear-armed country of 220 million, which is also beset by financial turmoil. Its $350bn economy is struggling to stave off default, control record inflation and deal with a plummeting currency.

Khan described the violent protests, which erupted after he was briefly arrested, a “false flag operation” meant to target him.

Authorities have begun the process of trying dozens of people, including members of Khan’s party, suspected of involvement in the protests in military court – usually reserved for service members or those categorised as enemies of the state.

“That’s the only way they are going to get me into prison,” Khan said, adding the military wanted to stop him from returning to power in elections due by November.

He said about 150 criminal cases filed against him were frivolous and would get thrown out in any civilian court.

“So their only hope, and because they are determined to get me out of the way, I think they will, their whole charade of military courts is to imprison me,” he said. “I have absolutely no doubt that the military courts are meant for me,” added Khan, who is out on bail.

Amnesty International says Pakistan’s military courts have previously shown disregard for due process, lack of transparency, coerced confessions and executions after unfair trials.

Spy agency
Khan said the country’s most powerful spy agency, the military’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was deeply involved in the crackdown.

He said two senior members of his party were called by the agency for talks. “And when they went there, just they shut them up and said ‘You [won’t] leave unless you renounce being part of PTI.'”

Khan said he has tried to contact the military for talks to find a way out of the current crisis but got no response, and he did not know why the army chief, General Asim Munir, was “fixated” on sidelining him.

Before becoming army chief in November 2022, Munir was the head of the ISI – a post from which he was suddenly removed in 2019 while Khan was prime minister.

Khan himself was ousted from office in a parliamentary vote last year that he said was orchestrated by Pakistan’s top generals. The military denies this.

No official reason was given for Munir’s removal, but Khan acknowledged in the interview, for the first time, that he had wanted him gone from the role.

“I think that maybe he has a grudge because I asked him to resign” as ISI chief, Khan said. “I don’t know.”

When asked why he had asked Munir to resign, Khan said: “You know, I, as prime minister, felt that how the intelligence agency was run … I had my issues with that.” He did not elaborate.

Munir was later selected as the country’s top general by Khan’s successor and political rival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“He shouldn’t have issues with that now because he is the army chief,” Khan said, referring to Munir’s removal as ISI head. “So why would he harbour that grudge?”

Khan said he was puzzled by the campaign against him.

“[I am] someone who’s been known in this country for 50 years, who’s probably won all the awards in this country and probably the most well-known Pakistani, and suddenly being treated as a sort of alien, as an enemy of the state.”


Al Jazeera