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"I tried my best not to take any step which could create chaos in the country": Imran Khan
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Savak
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The doctors who signed off Nawaz Sharifs declining platelets were trustworthy but the ones showing IK bullet wounds are compromised.
Only in Mamoon land
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Our resident forensic expert Mamoon has cracked the case everyone. A special episode of CSI: Pindi will air on PTV where Mamoon will explain the physics behind bullet trajectories, the mind of an assassin and last but not least reveal the actual date of his ustaad Mian Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan.
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PTI seals fate of K-P, Punjab assemblies
Party decision sounds death knell to ruling coalition plans to avoid early polls
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday announced that the party’s senior leadership has assented to the decision to dissolve the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies in a bid to ratchet up pressures against the ruling coalition to announce early elections.
Former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, addressing the media, confirmed the development.
“As you know that we have already announced that we are exiting provincial assemblies. A decision to dissolve both the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies has been approved,” Fawad announced.
The party leaders are confident that the strategic move would sound the “death knell” for the ruling coalition and trigger fresh polls amid heightened tensions. On the other hand, the ruling coalition has also swung into action to bar PTI from dissolving the assemblies, mulling several options at its disposal to beat back the move, including a no-trust motion.
PTI chief Imran Khan had sprung the much-touted surprise on the government during his first in-person address to the mammoth rally in Rawalpindi on Saturday after he escaped an assassination attempt earlier this month.
Upping the ante in his drive to force the coalition government into early elections, the former prime minister said he had decided to opt out of a “corrupt system and quit all assemblies”.
“My party has decided not to remain part of the current political system and will instead resign from all the assemblies,” Imran said.
Flurry of political activities
Meanwhile, a flurry of political activities was witnessed on Monday as the party began its labour to put the word into action.
Fawad also revealed Imran held a meeting with K-P Chief Minister Mehmood Khan earlier in the day and will meet with Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday (today) to discuss the dissolution of the provincial legislatures.
“Parliamentary boards have also been formed to award the party tickets [for elections],” he said.
Fawad said the assemblies will be dissolved following the Punjab and K-P’s parliamentary meetings scheduled to be held on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
It may be noted here that CM Pervez Elahi had on Sunday brushed aside concerns of any resistance from him regarding PTI’s planned dissolution of Punjab assembly, acknowledging that he owed his government to Imran Khan and would oblige to his instructions immediately.
Earlier, all 26 PTI MPAs from Sindh submitted their resignations to the party's parliamentary leader Khurram Sher Zaman at the directives of party chief Imran Khan.
Khurram, while confirming the development, said that opposition leader Haleem Adil Shaikh is also aware of the situation and he will submit the resignations to the Sindh Assembly as soon as he instructs.
Imran – whose party is at the helm of affairs in power in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan – sprung the surprise card on the government at the Rawalpindi rally in an apparently proverbial ‘burn-the-boats’ decision, staking his provincial governments on a bid to trigger early elections “as the nation stands at the crossroads”.
It was being reported that the 'masterstroke' was up Imran's sleeve until Saturday's mega rally and even the party workers were not filled in on the plan.
“They [government] cannot afford Islamabad march... they cannot stop millions from entering Islamabad. We could have created Sri Lanka-like situation,” Imran had said while announcing the decision at the rally.
“If riots take place then things will get out of everyone’s hands. I tried my best not to take any step which could create chaos in the country,” he stressed and said that instead of causing harm to our country, it was better to “leave this corrupt system”.
Imran further said that his party did not come to Rawalpindi for elections or politics but emphasised that it was the need of the country to have fresh elections. He added he did not care about elections since they would be held in nine months and his party would win them anyway.
The former prime minister – ousted in April through an assemblage of opposition parties – had embarked on the long march in October from Lahore with the demand. The march was temporarily halted after the gun attack on him on November 3.
Azam Swati’s re-arrest condemned
Meanwhile, Fawad, during the media interaction, said that the party’s central leadership condemned the re-arrest of PTI Senator Azam Swati, who was taken into custody on Sunday for allegedly tweeting against senior military officials.
The PTI leader said his party workers and supporters had been subjected to “oppression and victimisation” since May this year and criticised the courts for overlooking the alleged torture on party leaders.
“Before Azam Swati, Shahbaz Gill was arrested and tortured before being stripped naked but no one took notice and the court turned a blind eye.”
Likewise, Fawad said 75-year-old Swati was “abducted” merely for asking questions from powerful quarters.
An FIR against Swati was registered by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing on November 26, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, over ‘controversial’ tweets he had posted recently allegedly against government functionaries, including the chief of the army staff (COAS).
The report maintained that the PTI leader had started a “highly obnoxious campaign of intimidating tweets” against state institutions, including the army chief “with mala fide intentions and ulterior motives”.
The FIR was registered on the complaint of the state through Islamabad Cyber Crime Reporting Centre Technical Assistant Aneesur Rehman.
Express Tribune
Party decision sounds death knell to ruling coalition plans to avoid early polls
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday announced that the party’s senior leadership has assented to the decision to dissolve the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies in a bid to ratchet up pressures against the ruling coalition to announce early elections.
Former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, addressing the media, confirmed the development.
“As you know that we have already announced that we are exiting provincial assemblies. A decision to dissolve both the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies has been approved,” Fawad announced.
The party leaders are confident that the strategic move would sound the “death knell” for the ruling coalition and trigger fresh polls amid heightened tensions. On the other hand, the ruling coalition has also swung into action to bar PTI from dissolving the assemblies, mulling several options at its disposal to beat back the move, including a no-trust motion.
PTI chief Imran Khan had sprung the much-touted surprise on the government during his first in-person address to the mammoth rally in Rawalpindi on Saturday after he escaped an assassination attempt earlier this month.
Upping the ante in his drive to force the coalition government into early elections, the former prime minister said he had decided to opt out of a “corrupt system and quit all assemblies”.
“My party has decided not to remain part of the current political system and will instead resign from all the assemblies,” Imran said.
Flurry of political activities
Meanwhile, a flurry of political activities was witnessed on Monday as the party began its labour to put the word into action.
Fawad also revealed Imran held a meeting with K-P Chief Minister Mehmood Khan earlier in the day and will meet with Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday (today) to discuss the dissolution of the provincial legislatures.
“Parliamentary boards have also been formed to award the party tickets [for elections],” he said.
Fawad said the assemblies will be dissolved following the Punjab and K-P’s parliamentary meetings scheduled to be held on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
It may be noted here that CM Pervez Elahi had on Sunday brushed aside concerns of any resistance from him regarding PTI’s planned dissolution of Punjab assembly, acknowledging that he owed his government to Imran Khan and would oblige to his instructions immediately.
Earlier, all 26 PTI MPAs from Sindh submitted their resignations to the party's parliamentary leader Khurram Sher Zaman at the directives of party chief Imran Khan.
Khurram, while confirming the development, said that opposition leader Haleem Adil Shaikh is also aware of the situation and he will submit the resignations to the Sindh Assembly as soon as he instructs.
Imran – whose party is at the helm of affairs in power in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan – sprung the surprise card on the government at the Rawalpindi rally in an apparently proverbial ‘burn-the-boats’ decision, staking his provincial governments on a bid to trigger early elections “as the nation stands at the crossroads”.
It was being reported that the 'masterstroke' was up Imran's sleeve until Saturday's mega rally and even the party workers were not filled in on the plan.
“They [government] cannot afford Islamabad march... they cannot stop millions from entering Islamabad. We could have created Sri Lanka-like situation,” Imran had said while announcing the decision at the rally.
“If riots take place then things will get out of everyone’s hands. I tried my best not to take any step which could create chaos in the country,” he stressed and said that instead of causing harm to our country, it was better to “leave this corrupt system”.
Imran further said that his party did not come to Rawalpindi for elections or politics but emphasised that it was the need of the country to have fresh elections. He added he did not care about elections since they would be held in nine months and his party would win them anyway.
The former prime minister – ousted in April through an assemblage of opposition parties – had embarked on the long march in October from Lahore with the demand. The march was temporarily halted after the gun attack on him on November 3.
Azam Swati’s re-arrest condemned
Meanwhile, Fawad, during the media interaction, said that the party’s central leadership condemned the re-arrest of PTI Senator Azam Swati, who was taken into custody on Sunday for allegedly tweeting against senior military officials.
The PTI leader said his party workers and supporters had been subjected to “oppression and victimisation” since May this year and criticised the courts for overlooking the alleged torture on party leaders.
“Before Azam Swati, Shahbaz Gill was arrested and tortured before being stripped naked but no one took notice and the court turned a blind eye.”
Likewise, Fawad said 75-year-old Swati was “abducted” merely for asking questions from powerful quarters.
An FIR against Swati was registered by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing on November 26, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, over ‘controversial’ tweets he had posted recently allegedly against government functionaries, including the chief of the army staff (COAS).
The report maintained that the PTI leader had started a “highly obnoxious campaign of intimidating tweets” against state institutions, including the army chief “with mala fide intentions and ulterior motives”.
The FIR was registered on the complaint of the state through Islamabad Cyber Crime Reporting Centre Technical Assistant Aneesur Rehman.
Express Tribune
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ALL PTI MPAS FROM SINDH SUBMIT RESIGNATIONS TO PARTY
KARACHI: All 26 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPAs from Sindh have submitted their resignations to the party’s parliamentary leader on the directives of former prime minister and party chief Imran Khan.
The development was confirmed by the leader of the opposition in the Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh.
Taking to Twitter, the PTI leader expressed full support for Imran’s decision to exit from the provincial assemblies in a bid to trigger elections. “All Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh MPAs have submitted their resignations.”
Earlier, PTI MPA from KP Azizullah Garan sent his resignation to KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. He was elected from PK-4 Swat.
On Saturday, PTI chief Imran Khan had announced to dissolve the provincial assemblies while addressing a massive public gathering in Rawalpindi. The PTI chairman will formally announce the date of the dissolution of assemblies after holding consultations with the parliamentary party.
ARY
KARACHI: All 26 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPAs from Sindh have submitted their resignations to the party’s parliamentary leader on the directives of former prime minister and party chief Imran Khan.
The development was confirmed by the leader of the opposition in the Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh.
Taking to Twitter, the PTI leader expressed full support for Imran’s decision to exit from the provincial assemblies in a bid to trigger elections. “All Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh MPAs have submitted their resignations.”
Earlier, PTI MPA from KP Azizullah Garan sent his resignation to KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. He was elected from PK-4 Swat.
On Saturday, PTI chief Imran Khan had announced to dissolve the provincial assemblies while addressing a massive public gathering in Rawalpindi. The PTI chairman will formally announce the date of the dissolution of assemblies after holding consultations with the parliamentary party.
ARY
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The doctors who examined Nawaz were handpicked by PTI government. If they were lying then it exposes the incompetency of PTI.
When Imran was “shot”, he was immediately taken to his own hospital and his own doctors made the reports. How convenient.
We demand an independent body to investigate what really happened. This script has more loopholes than a flop movie & a lot of things are not adding up. It seems like Imran & others did not rehearse properly.
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Some comedy gold from the defenders of the corrupts/absconders/thieves of Pakistan.
From the absurd to the delusional.
If some of it wasn't just trolling, I would question if some of the posters had any decency, humanity or any other wish than to see Pakistan destroyed.
From the absurd to the delusional.
If some of it wasn't just trolling, I would question if some of the posters had any decency, humanity or any other wish than to see Pakistan destroyed.
Cpt. Rishwat
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Stopped reading right there. Amazing how all the same critics who mock Pakistani conspiracy theories are only too eager to jump on the bandwagon when it suits their own purposes.
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PM Shehbaz, Asif Ali Zardari weigh options to foil Imran Khan’s plan
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari discussed political developments in the country after Imran Khan’s announcement of quitting all assemblies
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the political developments in the country after Imran Khan’s announcement of quitting all assemblies.
According to sources, Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have maintained contacts on a daily basis. They are also in contact through different party leaders. Consultation was held on the political aspects of constitutional and legal points brought forward to save the Punjab Assembly from dissolution.
Sources said the focus of the discussion was on constitutional and legal options with regard to the ongoing session of the Punjab Assembly due to which the no-confidence motion and vote of confidence could not be moved against the chief minister. Both considered various options to thwart Imran Khan’s strategy.
In the meeting, the rehabilitation of flood victims and relief process in view of the onset of winter were also reviewed. The two leaders agreed to speed up the process of rehabilitation of flood-affected people. They also discussed matters related to economic improvement, relief for masses and development process.
The News PK
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Zardari discussed political developments in the country after Imran Khan’s announcement of quitting all assemblies
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the political developments in the country after Imran Khan’s announcement of quitting all assemblies.
According to sources, Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have maintained contacts on a daily basis. They are also in contact through different party leaders. Consultation was held on the political aspects of constitutional and legal points brought forward to save the Punjab Assembly from dissolution.
Sources said the focus of the discussion was on constitutional and legal options with regard to the ongoing session of the Punjab Assembly due to which the no-confidence motion and vote of confidence could not be moved against the chief minister. Both considered various options to thwart Imran Khan’s strategy.
In the meeting, the rehabilitation of flood victims and relief process in view of the onset of winter were also reviewed. The two leaders agreed to speed up the process of rehabilitation of flood-affected people. They also discussed matters related to economic improvement, relief for masses and development process.
The News PK
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DISSOLUTION ISSUE: PML-N WAITS FOR IMRAN KHAN, PERVAIZ ELAHI MEETING
LAHORE: PML-N and the PPP have decided to wait for the outcome of a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday (today), citing sources ARY News reported.
The opposition parties in Punjab Assembly had earlier decided to move with the no-confidence motion and the vote of confidence on Dec 1 (today), to avoid dissolution of the legislature, according to party sources.
PML-N contacted the People’s Party again, party sources said. “Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and Asif Ali Zardari have been entrusted the task to prevent dissolution of Punjab Assembly”, sources said.
“Asif Zardari and PML-N leaders will contact estranged members of the PTI. These PTI members will also be consulted over the confidence vote move,” according to sources.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Sibtain Khan Wednesday said that Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi and Imran Khan will meet Thursday (today). He said in a press conference after meeting with Imran Khan, that the decisions of the meeting will be disclosed at an appropriate time.
He said Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi is adamant in his stance to dissolve the provincial assembly.
Sibtain Khan said all political personalities including the president are in contact with each other. All political parties are present in all four provinces of the country, he added.
According to earlier reports, PML-N and allies will likely to use two options in hand to thwart a bid to dissolve the provincial legislature. Governor Baligh ur Rehman will ask Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on December 1st, to get fresh vote of confidence from the house, while with a break of one to two hours, the opposition parties’ MPAs will file a no-confidence motion against the chief minister.
ARY
LAHORE: PML-N and the PPP have decided to wait for the outcome of a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday (today), citing sources ARY News reported.
The opposition parties in Punjab Assembly had earlier decided to move with the no-confidence motion and the vote of confidence on Dec 1 (today), to avoid dissolution of the legislature, according to party sources.
PML-N contacted the People’s Party again, party sources said. “Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and Asif Ali Zardari have been entrusted the task to prevent dissolution of Punjab Assembly”, sources said.
“Asif Zardari and PML-N leaders will contact estranged members of the PTI. These PTI members will also be consulted over the confidence vote move,” according to sources.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Sibtain Khan Wednesday said that Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi and Imran Khan will meet Thursday (today). He said in a press conference after meeting with Imran Khan, that the decisions of the meeting will be disclosed at an appropriate time.
He said Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi is adamant in his stance to dissolve the provincial assembly.
Sibtain Khan said all political personalities including the president are in contact with each other. All political parties are present in all four provinces of the country, he added.
According to earlier reports, PML-N and allies will likely to use two options in hand to thwart a bid to dissolve the provincial legislature. Governor Baligh ur Rehman will ask Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on December 1st, to get fresh vote of confidence from the house, while with a break of one to two hours, the opposition parties’ MPAs will file a no-confidence motion against the chief minister.
ARY
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Zardari says PDM to file no-trust in KP, Punjab assemblies
Zardari said PDM decided to file no-confidence motions in the Punjab and KP assemblies
ISLAMABAD: PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said Thursday the multi-party alliance of PDM has decided to file no-confidence motions in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assemblies.
In an interview with a private news channel on Thursday, the former president insisted that holding early general elections in the country was neither good for the PTI nor democracy.
The PPP leader also said that they would contest the elections if PTI succeeds in dissolving the Punjab and KP assemblies. “We shall see how many MPAs can the PTI get elected.”
He added that they would continue to play the role of the opposition if the assemblies are not dissolved.
The PPP insisted that there should be a change of government in Punjab as the coalition parties had the numbers, and they could be increased in the days to come.
“We will speak to Pervez Elahi but we have other choices as well.”
In response to a question regarding the no-confidence motion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — where the PTI has been in power since 2013 — Zardari said: “We [PDM] have seats in KP as well but some of our friends were misguided and we only need to bring them back.”
Zardari, addressing allegations levelled against him for being involved in horse trading at the time when a no-confidence motion was tabled against Khan, questioned which National Assembly members were bought by the PDM, adding that these matters aren’t just about bribing the people and dissolving assemblies. “I didn’t buy anybody, there was no need,” he asserted.
The statement from the PPP co-chairman comes at a time when several PTI lawmakers in Punjab, according to sources, have advised the party’s Chairman, Imran Khan, against dissolving the provincial assembly immediately.
The development came after the PTI’s high-level committee submitted a report in relation to the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly to Khan, sources told the Geo News.
Taking a jibe at Khan, the ex-president said in the last two months, he had himself shot and then just managed to gather 25,000 people. “Is this your popularity?”
The PPP leader said his party was ready to face Khan “anywhere and everywhere” as it was not an issue. He added that the PPP was strong in Punjab as the leaders were with the party for the last 40 years.
“Since we did not come into power for the last 30 years, we have fallen a bit weak there, and we are trying to overcome those setbacks,” he said.
The former president said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should hold Khan accountable and the government would not resort to the politics of revenge.
“Also, anyone can get arrested before the elections, even Imran Khan. His [Khan’s] game is big, and its foundations are abroad,” the PPP co-chairman said.
Responding to a question regarding President Dr Arif Alvi, who belongs to PTI, Zardari said that to comment on the president’s impeachment would be too early.
“The president has no power what are we going to take from him,” he said. However, the PPP chairman didn’t rule out the possibility of tabling a no-trust motion against the president.
Regarding negotiations with PTI, Zardari said that dialogue can be held with PTI as well, “but for negotiations, people need to fix their characters.”
“If they [PTI] want to talk to the coalition government, they can talk to Mian [Nawaz Sharif] sahib,” he said.
Expressing his unfamiliarity with the newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Zardari said he did not know “the person who has been appointed as the new army chief”.
The PPP leader said that in line with the decision of the institution, the senior officer has been appointed as the army chief. He maintained that the former army chief had never asked him for an extension in the tenure of his service.
“A new thought and wind will blow in the country,” Zardari stated.
Berating the PTI, Zardari said: “If Khan had taken a wrong decision, it would have been more difficult for the nation.” He maintained that they have restrained the PTI chairman from doing so.
“Conspiracy narrative and waving paper [US cipher] are non-serious things,” he added.
Referring to PTI’s allegations about the diplomatic cable, the PPP leader asked, “Why did you want to get into the bad books of the US for your whole life? Go alone in their bad books, why do you [Khan] want to take Pakistan along with you.”
The PPP leader said Pakistan faces several uphill challenges, including the economy, but the issues faced there could be resolved through prudent steps.
“We cannot resolve the issue by pushing a button. We have Iran and Afghanistan as our neighbours and then we have Central Asian countries, but we can also increase our exports.”
Zardari said for the last six months, he has been advocating for the export of sugar as it was crucial for the economy’s revival.
“We have to fix the economy forever; winning elections isn’t important,” he said, adding that if Pakistan’s exports were worth billions, then no country would dare dictate it.
The former president, while shedding light on Pakistan-India relations, said that the neighbouring country was a “difficult subject.”
“India have annexed Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as if it wasn’t a big deal at all,” he said, calling them “narrow-minded people”.
The News PK
Zardari said PDM decided to file no-confidence motions in the Punjab and KP assemblies
ISLAMABAD: PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said Thursday the multi-party alliance of PDM has decided to file no-confidence motions in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assemblies.
In an interview with a private news channel on Thursday, the former president insisted that holding early general elections in the country was neither good for the PTI nor democracy.
The PPP leader also said that they would contest the elections if PTI succeeds in dissolving the Punjab and KP assemblies. “We shall see how many MPAs can the PTI get elected.”
He added that they would continue to play the role of the opposition if the assemblies are not dissolved.
The PPP insisted that there should be a change of government in Punjab as the coalition parties had the numbers, and they could be increased in the days to come.
“We will speak to Pervez Elahi but we have other choices as well.”
In response to a question regarding the no-confidence motion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — where the PTI has been in power since 2013 — Zardari said: “We [PDM] have seats in KP as well but some of our friends were misguided and we only need to bring them back.”
Zardari, addressing allegations levelled against him for being involved in horse trading at the time when a no-confidence motion was tabled against Khan, questioned which National Assembly members were bought by the PDM, adding that these matters aren’t just about bribing the people and dissolving assemblies. “I didn’t buy anybody, there was no need,” he asserted.
The statement from the PPP co-chairman comes at a time when several PTI lawmakers in Punjab, according to sources, have advised the party’s Chairman, Imran Khan, against dissolving the provincial assembly immediately.
The development came after the PTI’s high-level committee submitted a report in relation to the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly to Khan, sources told the Geo News.
Taking a jibe at Khan, the ex-president said in the last two months, he had himself shot and then just managed to gather 25,000 people. “Is this your popularity?”
The PPP leader said his party was ready to face Khan “anywhere and everywhere” as it was not an issue. He added that the PPP was strong in Punjab as the leaders were with the party for the last 40 years.
“Since we did not come into power for the last 30 years, we have fallen a bit weak there, and we are trying to overcome those setbacks,” he said.
The former president said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should hold Khan accountable and the government would not resort to the politics of revenge.
“Also, anyone can get arrested before the elections, even Imran Khan. His [Khan’s] game is big, and its foundations are abroad,” the PPP co-chairman said.
Responding to a question regarding President Dr Arif Alvi, who belongs to PTI, Zardari said that to comment on the president’s impeachment would be too early.
“The president has no power what are we going to take from him,” he said. However, the PPP chairman didn’t rule out the possibility of tabling a no-trust motion against the president.
Regarding negotiations with PTI, Zardari said that dialogue can be held with PTI as well, “but for negotiations, people need to fix their characters.”
“If they [PTI] want to talk to the coalition government, they can talk to Mian [Nawaz Sharif] sahib,” he said.
Expressing his unfamiliarity with the newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Zardari said he did not know “the person who has been appointed as the new army chief”.
The PPP leader said that in line with the decision of the institution, the senior officer has been appointed as the army chief. He maintained that the former army chief had never asked him for an extension in the tenure of his service.
“A new thought and wind will blow in the country,” Zardari stated.
Berating the PTI, Zardari said: “If Khan had taken a wrong decision, it would have been more difficult for the nation.” He maintained that they have restrained the PTI chairman from doing so.
“Conspiracy narrative and waving paper [US cipher] are non-serious things,” he added.
Referring to PTI’s allegations about the diplomatic cable, the PPP leader asked, “Why did you want to get into the bad books of the US for your whole life? Go alone in their bad books, why do you [Khan] want to take Pakistan along with you.”
The PPP leader said Pakistan faces several uphill challenges, including the economy, but the issues faced there could be resolved through prudent steps.
“We cannot resolve the issue by pushing a button. We have Iran and Afghanistan as our neighbours and then we have Central Asian countries, but we can also increase our exports.”
Zardari said for the last six months, he has been advocating for the export of sugar as it was crucial for the economy’s revival.
“We have to fix the economy forever; winning elections isn’t important,” he said, adding that if Pakistan’s exports were worth billions, then no country would dare dictate it.
The former president, while shedding light on Pakistan-India relations, said that the neighbouring country was a “difficult subject.”
“India have annexed Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as if it wasn’t a big deal at all,” he said, calling them “narrow-minded people”.
The News PK
"In 66% Of Pakistan...": How Imran Khan Plans To Force Polls In Pakistan
Islamabad: Imran Khan on Friday warned that he will dissolve the assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces ruled by his party if the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif does not sit down for talks and announce dates for the general elections.
Khan, 70, the chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, last week announced that his lawmakers will resign from the provincial assemblies as he withdrew a threat to march on the capital Islamabad by saying that it would result in destruction.
During a speech to the Punjab Parliamentary Party on Friday, Khan said: “Considering all this, I have decided that either this will happen that they sit with us [and decide a date for the polls or] imagine that there will be an election in almost 66 per cent of Pakistan — in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab — if we dissolve the assemblies.” “All these sitting 12-13 parties of the PDM will be taken out in the elections so, then the government will be frozen [if we dissolve the assemblies],” the former premier said.
He reiterated that “either they can sit with us and talk, give us a date for the general elections […] or else we will dissolve our assemblies.” Khan's PTI is in power in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces.
However, the party is yet to announce a date for the dissolution of assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“We can give you the chance to sit with us and tell us if you want elections to take place in only 66 per cent of Pakistan and you keep sitting at the Centre?”, he said.
The federal government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition has threatened to impose Governor's rule in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, however, offered a cautious welcome to Khan's offer for talks.
“When politicians sit tighter, issues are sorted out," Sanaullah said.
“Khan used to say that it is better for me to die than sitting with the government for talks. There is change in him. Our government always believes in talks," he added. Khan, the former cricketer-turned-politician, who was ousted as prime minister in April this year after a no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly, is seeking fresh general elections in Pakistan.
However, the federal government led by Prime Minister Sharif is opposed to holding elections now.
The term of the current National Assembly will end in August 2023.
NDTV
Islamabad: Imran Khan on Friday warned that he will dissolve the assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces ruled by his party if the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif does not sit down for talks and announce dates for the general elections.
Khan, 70, the chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, last week announced that his lawmakers will resign from the provincial assemblies as he withdrew a threat to march on the capital Islamabad by saying that it would result in destruction.
During a speech to the Punjab Parliamentary Party on Friday, Khan said: “Considering all this, I have decided that either this will happen that they sit with us [and decide a date for the polls or] imagine that there will be an election in almost 66 per cent of Pakistan — in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab — if we dissolve the assemblies.” “All these sitting 12-13 parties of the PDM will be taken out in the elections so, then the government will be frozen [if we dissolve the assemblies],” the former premier said.
He reiterated that “either they can sit with us and talk, give us a date for the general elections […] or else we will dissolve our assemblies.” Khan's PTI is in power in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces.
However, the party is yet to announce a date for the dissolution of assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“We can give you the chance to sit with us and tell us if you want elections to take place in only 66 per cent of Pakistan and you keep sitting at the Centre?”, he said.
The federal government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition has threatened to impose Governor's rule in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, however, offered a cautious welcome to Khan's offer for talks.
“When politicians sit tighter, issues are sorted out," Sanaullah said.
“Khan used to say that it is better for me to die than sitting with the government for talks. There is change in him. Our government always believes in talks," he added. Khan, the former cricketer-turned-politician, who was ousted as prime minister in April this year after a no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly, is seeking fresh general elections in Pakistan.
However, the federal government led by Prime Minister Sharif is opposed to holding elections now.
The term of the current National Assembly will end in August 2023.
NDTV
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The entire nation is shocked at the vindictive cruelty Senator Azam Swati is being subjected to & for what crime? For intemperate language & asking questions which is the right of anyone in a democracy? Internationally Pak & esp our mly is being perceived increasingly negatively</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1598982772458393600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
James
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">bec the present Imported govt is seen as a mere puppet govt. One had hoped the new mly ldrship would have immed disassociated from the 8 mths of Bajwa's fascist actions against PTI, the media & critical journalists. The 74 yr old heart patient Senator Swati must be released immed</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1598982775025340416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
James
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">not only bec he has committed no crime to deserve this mental & physical torture, but also because this petulant & vengeful targeting is undermining our mly's credibility which is critical for a strong Pakistan.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1598982780649897986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Pakistan Government Invites Imran Khan's Party For "Unconditional Talks"
Islamabad: The Pakistan government on Saturday invited Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party for holding "unconditional talks", saying negotiations are part of the political process and complex problems are resolved when two sides hear each other out.
Addressing a joint press conference with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party should sit down and negotiate with the government to resolve the impasse over holding early general elections.
At the same time, they said that threats and talks cannot go together.
The development comes after PTI chief Imran Khan on Friday warned that he would dissolve the assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces ruled by his party if the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not sit down for talks and announce dates for the general elections.
The federal government led by Prime Minister Sharif is opposed to holding elections now. The term of the current National Assembly will end in August 2023.
Mr Khan, 70, last week announced that his lawmakers would resign from the provincial assemblies as he withdrew a threat to march on the capital Islamabad by saying that it would result in destruction.
"They should sit with us for unconditional talks,"Mr Rafique said.
"It is them, who need talks, not us. They start the talk of talks and then shy away from even talking about it," he said, adding, "Negotiations are part of the political process and complex problems are resolved when two sides hear each other out." The minister also said that dissolution of assemblies was not an act to be proud of for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government.
"We want the assemblies to complete their constitutional term," he said.
Mr Rafique also asserted that if Mr Khan is serious, he should understand that "threats and negotiations are mutually exclusive".
Mr Khan, the former cricketer-turned-politician, who was ousted as prime minister in April this year after a no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly, is seeking fresh general elections in Pakistan.
He had warned that around 66 per cent of Pakistan would have to vote for by-polls if the government in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dissolved the assemblies.
The railway minister further said the government's allies have severe concerns about holding talks with the PTI.
He added that the government will hold unofficial talks with PTI, but the party was told that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will be the one to decide if they wanted a dialogue.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had on Friday offered a cautious welcome to Mr Khan's offer for talks.
"When politicians sit tighter, issues are sorted out. Imran Khan used to say that it is better for me to die than sitting with the government for talks. There is change in him. Our government always believes in talks," he had said.
Mr Khan is the only Pakistani prime minister to be ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He had alleged that the no-confidence vote was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China, and Afghanistan. The US has denied the allegations.
NDTV
Islamabad: The Pakistan government on Saturday invited Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party for holding "unconditional talks", saying negotiations are part of the political process and complex problems are resolved when two sides hear each other out.
Addressing a joint press conference with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party should sit down and negotiate with the government to resolve the impasse over holding early general elections.
At the same time, they said that threats and talks cannot go together.
The development comes after PTI chief Imran Khan on Friday warned that he would dissolve the assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces ruled by his party if the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not sit down for talks and announce dates for the general elections.
The federal government led by Prime Minister Sharif is opposed to holding elections now. The term of the current National Assembly will end in August 2023.
Mr Khan, 70, last week announced that his lawmakers would resign from the provincial assemblies as he withdrew a threat to march on the capital Islamabad by saying that it would result in destruction.
"They should sit with us for unconditional talks,"Mr Rafique said.
"It is them, who need talks, not us. They start the talk of talks and then shy away from even talking about it," he said, adding, "Negotiations are part of the political process and complex problems are resolved when two sides hear each other out." The minister also said that dissolution of assemblies was not an act to be proud of for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government.
"We want the assemblies to complete their constitutional term," he said.
Mr Rafique also asserted that if Mr Khan is serious, he should understand that "threats and negotiations are mutually exclusive".
Mr Khan, the former cricketer-turned-politician, who was ousted as prime minister in April this year after a no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly, is seeking fresh general elections in Pakistan.
He had warned that around 66 per cent of Pakistan would have to vote for by-polls if the government in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dissolved the assemblies.
The railway minister further said the government's allies have severe concerns about holding talks with the PTI.
He added that the government will hold unofficial talks with PTI, but the party was told that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will be the one to decide if they wanted a dialogue.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had on Friday offered a cautious welcome to Mr Khan's offer for talks.
"When politicians sit tighter, issues are sorted out. Imran Khan used to say that it is better for me to die than sitting with the government for talks. There is change in him. Our government always believes in talks," he had said.
Mr Khan is the only Pakistani prime minister to be ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He had alleged that the no-confidence vote was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China, and Afghanistan. The US has denied the allegations.
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Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has asked his provincial legislators in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to start preparing for the elections, saying, “We would dissolve the assemblies in K-P and Punjab this month”.
While addressing K-P lawmakers through a video link from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on Saturday, the former prime minister lamented that the coalition government rejected his offer for talks.
“My offer was in good faith for the sake of our nation,” he said while referring to his earlier invitation to the government to hold talks for the next elections.
While addressing K-P lawmakers through a video link from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on Saturday, the former prime minister lamented that the coalition government rejected his offer for talks.
“My offer was in good faith for the sake of our nation,” he said while referring to his earlier invitation to the government to hold talks for the next elections.
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Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has completed deliberations on the dissolution of provincial assemblies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) “as it has become clear that the country is heading towards snap polls in light of the current economic situation”.
Senior PTI leader and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry made these remarks while speaking to the media on Saturday.
Fawad highlighted that in wake of Punjab and K-P’s assemblies dissolution, the election commission has to conduct elections on 567 seats out of total 859 seats.
“We hope that all institutions, including the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), will perform their constitutional duty and ensure free and fair elections in the country,” he added.
The PTI leader’s statement came a day after party chief Imran Khan ‘warned’ the federal government to sit and discuss a date for the next general elections or “we will dissolve the assemblies”.
Judiciary
Moreover, during his media talk, Fawad said that the Supreme Court also has to perform its constitutional role to ensure the implementation of the rule of law and justice in the country. Currently, the majority of citizens believe that the apex court is not performing its constitutional function, he added.
He added that the public was aware of the fact that the top court can be opened on the "direction of merely a brigadier or colonel rank officer" but the apex court registrar does not permit an elected senator to enter the court premises.
The PTI senior leader further pointed out that “the current impression of the top court was not right” and the country can move forward if decisions continued to be made “behind closed doors”.
Commenting on the role of the military establishment, Fawad said that the establishment has to review its policy and decide whether they want to make the country prosper or remain Pakistan on the list of under-developed countries.
He disclosed the PTI has completed the deliberation process of the dissolution of two provincial assemblies. A meeting of the Sindh parliamentary party meeting is scheduled, he revealed.
"Now it will be the decision of the federal government to cooperate or pull the ‘political corpses’ of Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari," he said. “Our decision-making has been completed and all legal and constitutional experts are of the view that no hurdle, neither governor rule nor regime change, is possible in Punjab or K-P.''
Responding to a question, Fawad said that consolidation of looted wealth is the core objective of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). They are in the government just to pass the appeal period of their closed corruption cases, he claimed.
"They have no stake in Pakistan; all their looted assets are abroad and ultimately they will run from the country after consolidating their ill-gotten wealth," he alleged.
Senior PTI leader and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry made these remarks while speaking to the media on Saturday.
Fawad highlighted that in wake of Punjab and K-P’s assemblies dissolution, the election commission has to conduct elections on 567 seats out of total 859 seats.
“We hope that all institutions, including the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), will perform their constitutional duty and ensure free and fair elections in the country,” he added.
The PTI leader’s statement came a day after party chief Imran Khan ‘warned’ the federal government to sit and discuss a date for the next general elections or “we will dissolve the assemblies”.
Judiciary
Moreover, during his media talk, Fawad said that the Supreme Court also has to perform its constitutional role to ensure the implementation of the rule of law and justice in the country. Currently, the majority of citizens believe that the apex court is not performing its constitutional function, he added.
He added that the public was aware of the fact that the top court can be opened on the "direction of merely a brigadier or colonel rank officer" but the apex court registrar does not permit an elected senator to enter the court premises.
The PTI senior leader further pointed out that “the current impression of the top court was not right” and the country can move forward if decisions continued to be made “behind closed doors”.
Commenting on the role of the military establishment, Fawad said that the establishment has to review its policy and decide whether they want to make the country prosper or remain Pakistan on the list of under-developed countries.
He disclosed the PTI has completed the deliberation process of the dissolution of two provincial assemblies. A meeting of the Sindh parliamentary party meeting is scheduled, he revealed.
"Now it will be the decision of the federal government to cooperate or pull the ‘political corpses’ of Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari," he said. “Our decision-making has been completed and all legal and constitutional experts are of the view that no hurdle, neither governor rule nor regime change, is possible in Punjab or K-P.''
Responding to a question, Fawad said that consolidation of looted wealth is the core objective of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). They are in the government just to pass the appeal period of their closed corruption cases, he claimed.
"They have no stake in Pakistan; all their looted assets are abroad and ultimately they will run from the country after consolidating their ill-gotten wealth," he alleged.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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. His politics is aimed at making his way to power even if it means undermining foundations this country stands on.</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1599370890591862784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Please can mods upload this video here:_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDQoWDfQPeA
Huge difference between a great leader like Imran Khan and low class traitors like chor pmln which is well described here by Moeed Pirzada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDQoWDfQPeA
Huge difference between a great leader like Imran Khan and low class traitors like chor pmln which is well described here by Moeed Pirzada.
daytrader
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daytrader
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Uncertainty abounds around dissolution of assemblies
Elahi rules out dissolving assemblies until March as PTI leading lights insist otherwise
Political temperature rose a few more notches up on Monday after a steady stream of conflicting statements and ‘ambiguous’ developments around PTI’s plan to dissolve provincial assemblies seeded more uncertainty.
While the leading lights of the PTI insisted they were going to dissolve the provincial assemblies on December 20 with the “full support” vowed by the PML-Q if elections talks failed, the PML-Q took a line completely inconsistent with its ally in Punjab.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, while confirming that “informal communications” between the party and government had begun, said that Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi, too, wanted the assembly's dissolution and elections within 90 days after they are dissolved.
"Pervaiz Elahi and Monis Elahi have assured us that they will dissolve the assembly whenever we ask," Fawad said.
On the other hand, Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi, in an interview on a television channel, said that the provincial assembly will "continue the same way for the next four months till March” – a statement that appeared to militate against Imran’s resolve to scuttle assemblies this month.
"My stance is the same ... I will dissolve [the assembly] whenever he (Imran) tells me to," he said. "That decision has been taken. However, now you'd have to think of its pros and cons. For that, we will have to hold talks."
Elahi said that from now till March would be "the best time for the opposition to initiate talks", adding that homework also needs to be done on how the election would be conducted.
“We have reservations with the chief election commissioner,” the chief minister said. “He is trying to disqualify Imran Khan.”
Replying to a question on whether he saw the assembly completing its term, the Punjab CM said “No it’s not like that. [It] depends on the opposition’s behaviour.”
A senior PTI leader confirmed to The Express Tribune that no one from the government's side had thus far reached out to PTI chief Imran Khan for dialogue on the early general elections.
He claimed that the political parties did not want the elections as they dreaded its consequences for their political fortunes. "The government functionaries want that in case the country defaults then the caretaker government will be formed for a long period which will suit them," he said.
The PTI leader also rejected the perception that there was a clash between CM Punjab and PTI regarding the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly.
PTI adamant about dissolving assemblies
Meanwhile, the PTI insisted on its earlier hardline tactic to dissolve the assemblies this month.
“We have tried to make them understand that no system other than elections can bring stability in the country,” Fawad told reporters.
He said that the party had decided to hold a meeting with the senior leadership on Tuesday (today) and admitted that there was "a difference of opinion among lawmakers over submitting their resignations" but said that the PTI chief had the final call on the matter.
“In this regard, we have kicked off meetings. We have called Lahore’s MNAs and MPAs to hear them out. Tomorrow, Imran has called a meeting of the party’s senior leaders to mull the strategy relating to politics and dissolution [of assemblies].”
The PTI leader also said that the party was receiving notices from the Federal Investigation Agency. “There are reports in the media suggesting that the Election Commission of Pakistan is initiating action for the disqualification of Imran as the party chief.
“It is a mistake […] the political scene in Pakistan is incomplete without Imran Khan,” he added.
Fawad further said that PTI was seeking “betterment” in ties with the armed forces and judiciary, not “deterioration” of their relationship and alleged that “maybe the government are trying to ruin the relations we are trying to improve”.
“We don’t want our differences with the army or judiciary to increase,” he said. “We are trying continuously that our differences with the institutions decrease.
“But we are seeing that constantly, despite our efforts for betterment, [there is] deterioration in ties with the judiciary and the armed forces. Some elements are exacerbating the differences,” the PTI leader claimed.
Elahi's 'go-slow approach'
A PTI leader told The Express Tribune that Elahi has advised against the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly for two reasons. Firstly, the chief minister believed that there was a need to examine the conduct of the incumbent establishment after the change of guard.
Secondly, Elahi wanted some time to grant development funds to PTI MPAs, the party leader said. Nonetheless, the chief minister has given full authority to Imran regarding the final call, he added.
Meanwhile, a senior cabinet member also confirmed that no negotiations were underway between the government and PTI regarding the early polls. He added that the government would be happy to contest Punjab Assembly's elections in case of dissolution.
Zardari-Shujaat mull over new political moves
Meanwhile, former president Asif Ali Zardari called on PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at his residence in Islamabad.
The ex-president, who is the president of the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians, met the PML-Q chief to discuss the political situation of the country and the current political situation of Punjab in detail.
During the meeting, General Secretary PML-Q and Federal Minister for Food Security Tariq Bashir Cheema and former president's political secretary Rukhsana Bangash were also present.
Sources in both parties said that both the leaders met to mull over the ongoing political volatility and gauged their options. They said the seasoned politicians deliberated on different options, including tabling the vote of no-confidence against CM Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and decided to keep the cards close to their chest until a final decision was taken.
In the meeting, both leaders contemplated the situation that arose after the PTI chairman Imran Khan’s announcement that PTI would opt out of a “corrupt system” and subsequent decision that PTI would go for the dissolution of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies to force elections on the PML-N- led ruling alliance.
However, PTI has yet to announce a date for the dissolution of assemblies in Punjab and KP, where the party is in power.
In response to PTI’s threat, Zardari said on Thursday that the coalition government had decided to table no-confidence motions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab assemblies.
Zardari had ruled out snap polls saying that it would neither suit the government nor democracy, saying it was way too early to say anything about the elections.
While also ruling out the possibility of the establishment forcing early elections on the ruling alliance, he had, however, said that the coalition parties would contest polls if PTI finally dissolved the provincial assemblies. “I will see how many MPAs Imran is able to get,” he had said.
PML-N leadership has also lately said that the party was ready to contest elections if PTI goes ahead with its decision to dissolve the assemblies.
Earlier this year, Zardari had met Shujaat in a bid to woo him to support the then PML-N’s candidate Hamza Shehbaz as the chief minister of Punjab. On the eve of the CM Punjab polls, Zardari had pulled a rabbit out of his hat when he had convinced Shujaat to write a letter that members of PML-Q will not vote for anyone.
The once-united family had shown signs of widening gaps. While reports hinted toward this time and time again, the suspicions were only confirmed when Shujaat’s letter against Elahi’s candidature for the provincial chief minister slot hindered his chances of success — but only for a few days.
Following the PTI victory in the by-elections, Elahi had the required numbers to clinch Punjab’s top slot, but Shujaat directed his party’s lawmakers to vote for PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz.
Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari had accepted Shujaat’s stance and rejected the votes of 10 PML-Q lawmakers. This ruling was, however, dismissed by the Supreme Court, which declared Elahi the winner of the election.
Express Tribune
Elahi rules out dissolving assemblies until March as PTI leading lights insist otherwise
Political temperature rose a few more notches up on Monday after a steady stream of conflicting statements and ‘ambiguous’ developments around PTI’s plan to dissolve provincial assemblies seeded more uncertainty.
While the leading lights of the PTI insisted they were going to dissolve the provincial assemblies on December 20 with the “full support” vowed by the PML-Q if elections talks failed, the PML-Q took a line completely inconsistent with its ally in Punjab.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, while confirming that “informal communications” between the party and government had begun, said that Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi, too, wanted the assembly's dissolution and elections within 90 days after they are dissolved.
"Pervaiz Elahi and Monis Elahi have assured us that they will dissolve the assembly whenever we ask," Fawad said.
On the other hand, Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi, in an interview on a television channel, said that the provincial assembly will "continue the same way for the next four months till March” – a statement that appeared to militate against Imran’s resolve to scuttle assemblies this month.
"My stance is the same ... I will dissolve [the assembly] whenever he (Imran) tells me to," he said. "That decision has been taken. However, now you'd have to think of its pros and cons. For that, we will have to hold talks."
Elahi said that from now till March would be "the best time for the opposition to initiate talks", adding that homework also needs to be done on how the election would be conducted.
“We have reservations with the chief election commissioner,” the chief minister said. “He is trying to disqualify Imran Khan.”
Replying to a question on whether he saw the assembly completing its term, the Punjab CM said “No it’s not like that. [It] depends on the opposition’s behaviour.”
A senior PTI leader confirmed to The Express Tribune that no one from the government's side had thus far reached out to PTI chief Imran Khan for dialogue on the early general elections.
He claimed that the political parties did not want the elections as they dreaded its consequences for their political fortunes. "The government functionaries want that in case the country defaults then the caretaker government will be formed for a long period which will suit them," he said.
The PTI leader also rejected the perception that there was a clash between CM Punjab and PTI regarding the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly.
PTI adamant about dissolving assemblies
Meanwhile, the PTI insisted on its earlier hardline tactic to dissolve the assemblies this month.
“We have tried to make them understand that no system other than elections can bring stability in the country,” Fawad told reporters.
He said that the party had decided to hold a meeting with the senior leadership on Tuesday (today) and admitted that there was "a difference of opinion among lawmakers over submitting their resignations" but said that the PTI chief had the final call on the matter.
“In this regard, we have kicked off meetings. We have called Lahore’s MNAs and MPAs to hear them out. Tomorrow, Imran has called a meeting of the party’s senior leaders to mull the strategy relating to politics and dissolution [of assemblies].”
The PTI leader also said that the party was receiving notices from the Federal Investigation Agency. “There are reports in the media suggesting that the Election Commission of Pakistan is initiating action for the disqualification of Imran as the party chief.
“It is a mistake […] the political scene in Pakistan is incomplete without Imran Khan,” he added.
Fawad further said that PTI was seeking “betterment” in ties with the armed forces and judiciary, not “deterioration” of their relationship and alleged that “maybe the government are trying to ruin the relations we are trying to improve”.
“We don’t want our differences with the army or judiciary to increase,” he said. “We are trying continuously that our differences with the institutions decrease.
“But we are seeing that constantly, despite our efforts for betterment, [there is] deterioration in ties with the judiciary and the armed forces. Some elements are exacerbating the differences,” the PTI leader claimed.
Elahi's 'go-slow approach'
A PTI leader told The Express Tribune that Elahi has advised against the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly for two reasons. Firstly, the chief minister believed that there was a need to examine the conduct of the incumbent establishment after the change of guard.
Secondly, Elahi wanted some time to grant development funds to PTI MPAs, the party leader said. Nonetheless, the chief minister has given full authority to Imran regarding the final call, he added.
Meanwhile, a senior cabinet member also confirmed that no negotiations were underway between the government and PTI regarding the early polls. He added that the government would be happy to contest Punjab Assembly's elections in case of dissolution.
Zardari-Shujaat mull over new political moves
Meanwhile, former president Asif Ali Zardari called on PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at his residence in Islamabad.
The ex-president, who is the president of the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians, met the PML-Q chief to discuss the political situation of the country and the current political situation of Punjab in detail.
During the meeting, General Secretary PML-Q and Federal Minister for Food Security Tariq Bashir Cheema and former president's political secretary Rukhsana Bangash were also present.
Sources in both parties said that both the leaders met to mull over the ongoing political volatility and gauged their options. They said the seasoned politicians deliberated on different options, including tabling the vote of no-confidence against CM Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and decided to keep the cards close to their chest until a final decision was taken.
In the meeting, both leaders contemplated the situation that arose after the PTI chairman Imran Khan’s announcement that PTI would opt out of a “corrupt system” and subsequent decision that PTI would go for the dissolution of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies to force elections on the PML-N- led ruling alliance.
However, PTI has yet to announce a date for the dissolution of assemblies in Punjab and KP, where the party is in power.
In response to PTI’s threat, Zardari said on Thursday that the coalition government had decided to table no-confidence motions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab assemblies.
Zardari had ruled out snap polls saying that it would neither suit the government nor democracy, saying it was way too early to say anything about the elections.
While also ruling out the possibility of the establishment forcing early elections on the ruling alliance, he had, however, said that the coalition parties would contest polls if PTI finally dissolved the provincial assemblies. “I will see how many MPAs Imran is able to get,” he had said.
PML-N leadership has also lately said that the party was ready to contest elections if PTI goes ahead with its decision to dissolve the assemblies.
Earlier this year, Zardari had met Shujaat in a bid to woo him to support the then PML-N’s candidate Hamza Shehbaz as the chief minister of Punjab. On the eve of the CM Punjab polls, Zardari had pulled a rabbit out of his hat when he had convinced Shujaat to write a letter that members of PML-Q will not vote for anyone.
The once-united family had shown signs of widening gaps. While reports hinted toward this time and time again, the suspicions were only confirmed when Shujaat’s letter against Elahi’s candidature for the provincial chief minister slot hindered his chances of success — but only for a few days.
Following the PTI victory in the by-elections, Elahi had the required numbers to clinch Punjab’s top slot, but Shujaat directed his party’s lawmakers to vote for PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz.
Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari had accepted Shujaat’s stance and rejected the votes of 10 PML-Q lawmakers. This ruling was, however, dismissed by the Supreme Court, which declared Elahi the winner of the election.
Express Tribune
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