Imported Government : London Branch session....

[daytrader]

PM Shehbaz likely to meet Nawaz in London
Premier will head to New York after to speak at the UN General Assembly

ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for London on September 17, where he is expected to meet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former premier Nawaz Sharif.

According to Express News, PM Shehbaz will meet his brother on September 18 and will brief him on the current political and economic situation of the country among other issues.

Three important members of the cabinet are also expected to accompany the prime minister for his visit to London.

The premier will also attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. On the eve of September 19, he will depart from London for New York to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Nawaz’s return

Despite claims that Nawaz Sharif was returning to the country next month, party leaders have denied that the PML-N leader was appearing on the political firmament anytime soon, while some suggested it could be a mere 'red herring' to counter PTI's rising popularity.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, two party leaders revealed to The Express Tribune that there was no definitive decision regarding Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan. They admitted that there was a consensus among party leaders that he should return at the earliest but beyond this, there was no word as to when.

Both party leaders said that the party has neither officially confirmed nor denied the said claim, but that alone does not lend this speculation any credence.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met former premier and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Sunday during his visit to London to attend the state funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II.

The premier arrived at the office of his nephew Hussain Nawaz in London to meet his brother, accompanied by former finance minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his son Suleman Shahbaz.

 

[Bewal Express]

The PK of PM is meeting an absconder from PK law. Let thay sink in. Can there be anything more shameful than this

 

[cric_man]

Sad state of affairs.

 

[daytrader]

Polls to be held on time, decides London huddle
Both PML-N leaders agreed to steer country out of multiple crises with the help of allies

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PMLN) supremo Nawaz Sharif made it clear that the general elections will be held on time and no pressure in this regard will be accepted.

PM Shehbaz on Sunday called on Nawaz Sharif in London. Former finance minister Ishaq Dar and Salman Shehbaz were also present during the meeting.

Shehbaz Sharif informed Nawaz Sharif about the consultations with Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Both the PMLN leaders agreed to steer the country out of multiple crises with the help of allies.

The premier said that at present the federal government was focused on rehabilitating the flood victims and improving the economy.

All allies are in favour of holding general elections on time and they vowed that the incumbent government will not accept any pressure and will complete its constitutional term.

Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif also held talks on the appointment of new army chief and change of government in the Punjab.

Nawaz Sharif urged the premier to take measures for controlling the rising inflation in the country and said that steps should be taken to provide relief to the people.

“Shehbaz Sharif is making tireless efforts to rehabilitate the flood victims,” the PMLN supremo added.

Though Minister for Defence Khwaja Asif and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb were part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation but they did not attend the meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the entire nation was united for relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people and the government was determined to completing the rehabilitation phase at the earliest.

Talking to media persons, he said that the government has allocated Rs70 billion to provide relief to the flood-affected people.

The prime minister said a cash assistance of Rs25,000 was being provided to each flood-affected family in the country through the Benazir Income Support Programme. He said the federal government, in collaboration with provinces, is providing food, tents, blankets and other essential items to the flood victims.

Shehbaz Sharif said people are generously contributing to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund and all state institutions are working tirelessly for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims. He appreciated the role of the armed forces in helping the flood-hit people. He also thanked the friendly countries and humanitarian organisations for their assistance to help the flood-affected people of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government was focusing on relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people, but some political orphans wanted chaos in the country. She said the government was fully committed to the rehabilitation of flood victims.

Answering a question regarding PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s demand for an early general election, she said the general election cannot be held on the wishes of an individual and it will be held according to schedule.

The prime minister, meanwhile, attended a reception hosted by King Charles III at the Buckingham Palace for dignitaries from around the world.

During the reception, Shehbaz met King Charles. Extending condolences over the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, the prime minister observed that the late monarch was a source of inspiration and strength for generations of Commonwealth citizens. He recalled that the people of Pakistan had fond memories of Queen’s two visits to the country. The bond of affection between the royal family and the Pakistani nation had only strengthened with time.

On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, the prime minister conveyed best wishes to the king on his accession to the throne and expressed the hope that he would carry on the legacy of his mother in further strengthening friendship among Commonwealth nations. The people of Pakistan held the king in high esteem and looked forward to welcoming him in Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.

Shehbaz also thanked the British monarch for the royal family’s expression of sympathy and support in the wake of unprecedented floods. The appeal for help and the response from both the British government and public were deeply appreciated in Pakistan.

The News PK

 

[Vatta]

The PK of PM is meeting an absconder from PK law. Let thay sink in. Can there be anything more shameful than this

Seems very strange that Frank from ISpy was aghast at Person A suggesting that corrupts shouldn't decide who be the new Chief Scout and that the appointment should be on merit.

The aghast Frank from ISpy seems not to have recovered from this devastating low blow by Person A to comment on the latest shenanigans from the Cherry Blossom and the Platelets, Heart Attacks and Fraud branch.

 

[MenInG]

Gets better now....

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is exactly what Imran Khan had expressed his concerns about and he was immediately targeted by Imported govt & its handlers! As it happens he has been proven right. Convict making sensitive decisions regarding State institutions in complete violation of Official Secrets Act. <a href="https://t.co/MY4d2FNWgu">https://t.co/MY4d2FNWgu</a></p>— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1571734766361407494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Bewal Express]

Gets better now....

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is exactly what Imran Khan had expressed his concerns about and he was immediately targeted by Imported govt & its handlers! As it happens he has been proven right. Convict making sensitive decisions regarding State institutions in complete violation of Official Secrets Act. <a href="https://t.co/MY4d2FNWgu">https://t.co/MY4d2FNWgu</a></p>— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1571734766361407494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Baba ji from you know where has managed to recover and isn't "aghast" at this. Its OK to meet compromised criminals and tell us secrets.

 

[MenInG]

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has decided to take full legal action against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consulting a convicted person – his elder brother and PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif – over the “appointment of the new army chief”, saying that it is a “clear violation of the Official Secrets Act”.

Premier Shehbaz had flown to London on Saturday night to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral where he met Nawaz on Sunday and discussed matters of national interest.

“Shahbaz’s meeting with Nawaz and another notorious criminal Ishaq Dar is a clear violation of the prime minister's oath,” PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry told media persons after attending the legal committee meeting of the PTI chaired by former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday.

Fawad said important legal matters, including Shehbaz’s meeting with absconders, custodial torture case against Dr Shahbaz Gill, and telephone calls harassing PTI workers, were discussed during the meeting.

It has been decided to take the matter of telephone calls from unknown numbers to harass PTI workers to the court, Fawad said, adding that the legal committee resolved to bring the custodial torture case against Gill to a logical conclusion.

Fawad said he would approach the court regarding the shameful incident of torture of Gill during custody.

“The details of Shahbaz’s visit to London are very alarming and a clear deviation from the Constitution and law,” Fawad said. “Nawaz and Dar are absconders and meeting with convicts and consulting with them on the most important state issues are very worrying and apprehensive.”

Fawad said that the members of Shehbaz’s cabinet were constantly pointing out Nawaz’s role in appointing the army chief.

“It is hoped that the Supreme Court will organise an immediate hearing on these cases of deviation from the Constitution and law,” Fawad said. “The nation's hopes for justice are connected with the Supreme Court.”

 

[daytrader]

Group of Londoners harass Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb in coffee shop
The minister termed harassment "toxic impact" of Imran Khan’s "politics of hate and divisiveness"

LONDON: Minister of Information Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday was heckled and harassed by a group of PML-N's political opponents in London while she was in a coffee shop in London, United Kingdom.

The minister went to buy coffee from a café near the Marble Arch station where a group of PTI supporters surrounded her, began yelling at her and videotaping her.

The women supporters of PTI continued to target her with inappropriate allegations, while also accusing her of being a thief.

Shouting in the coffee shop, a woman claimed: "Marriyum Aurangzeb is spending Pakistan's looted money in London."

The PTI protestors swarmed around Marriyum and did not let her be during what appeared to be her time off from her official duties as a minister.

After the video of the incident went viral on social media, netizens including Mariyum's PML-N colleague Miftah Ismail and Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari — the daughter of PPP co-chairperson Asif Zardari — came to the minister's defence and criticised the PTI for instigating hatred and propagating misbehaviour among its supporters who harass people that don't agree with their party's ideology.

Mariyum herself also called out the attack and harassment she faced in the coffee shop, terming it a "toxic impact" of Imran Khan’s "politics of hate and divisiveness".

"I stayed & answered each & every question they had. Sadly, they are victims of IK’s propaganda. We will continue our work to counter IK’s toxic politics & bring people together," she tweeted.

Taking to Twitter, Miftah wrote: "I salute my sister [MENTION=147211]MaRR[/MENTION]iyum_A for her grace and composure in the face of such harassment and baseless lies from that uncouth woman (who can be heard but thankfully cannot be seen)."

"Ugly trolls silent on Imran Khan caught stealing from charity, calling OBL a Shaheed, calling victims of terrorism blackmailers & justifying rape on clothing," Bakhtawar tweeted, supporting Mariyum for her resilience against the "trolls".

One Twitter user wrote, "Massive respect."

This is not the first time that the information minister has been harassed by the PTI chairman's party supporters. Earlier this year, Aurangzeb was surrounded by a mob that hurled abuses and insulted her and Minister for Narcotics Control Shahzain Bugti at the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. At least five Pakistani nationals were later arrested for the said incident.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

After three years Maryam and Nawaz reunite in London

LONDON: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, PMLN vice president, reunited in London after three years on Thursday.

Late on Thursday evening, Maryam Nawaz arrived at the Avenfield flats with his son Junaid Safdar, Dr Adnan and brother Hassan Nawaz, who had received her at the Heathrow airport. Maryam Nawaz hugged her brother Hussain Nawaz at the steps of Avenfield flats before thanking PMLN supporters who had gathered in large numbers to welcome the PMLN vice president. The party workers danced on drum beats and distributed sweets to celebrate the reunion of Sharif family and Maryam Nawaz’s acquittal in the Avenfield Reference by the Islamabad High Court.

Maryam Nawaz is in London for a month to spend time with her father. They have met each other after 2019. Maryam has met brothers Hassan and Hussain after over four years. There are speculations that Nawaz Sharif may return to Pakistan with Maryam Nawaz.

At the Heathrow airport, PTI supporters gathered at Terminal 3 for protest but Maryam Nawaz left the airport from a different route. A group of PMLN protesters also arrived at the airport where both scuffled with each other. Heathrow airport’s security controlled the situation. Both the sides insulted each other with abusive slurs.

Prior to Maryam’s arrival, Nawaz Sharif thanked supporters outside his office who had gathered to greet Maryam. On Wednesday, Hussain Nawaz said the family looked forward to spending time together. “The last time I met my sister was when she left with Nawaz Sharif for Pakistan, where upon arrival at Lahore airport she was arrested. Since then, we have borne the devastating losses of our mother, our grandmother, but we endured those tragedies apart from each other.

“It was heart wrenching to see Maryam go to jail because of Imran Khan and his government. It is painful for any brother to see his sister go through that. When she arrives, we will talk to each other and share our grief.”

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

Nawaz meets Aleem Khan alongside daughter Maryam in London

LONDON: For the first time since he came to London in 2019, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif spoke publicly about the personal and political challenges he and his family have faced since the passing of his wife, Kulsoom.

In a pre-recorded interview with a handful of journalists which was aired on Sunday, the Sharif patriarch spoke at length about the pain of losing his wife, the vilification the family endured in her last days, and the toll his incarceration took on them.

Though he has spoken about his tribulations in the last three years in private on occasion, he has shied away from taking on the subject publicly, and has denied requests for interviews.

Now, with Maryam Nawaz by his side, the elder Sharif appeared to be in a mood to engage and speak candidly. A source who met him ahead of Maryam’s arrival said he was greatly anticipating their reunion, and that her arrival has emboldened him.

Calls for action against judges behind ‘injustices’ meted out to Sharif family; meets Aleem Khan alongside daughter Maryam

Back home, as Imran Khan threatens to march to the capital, and the all-important retirement of the army chief inches closer, London is once again becoming a hub of political activity.

The prime minister was in Lon*don twice last month to hold imp*ortant discussions with his bro*ther. Ahead of Maryam’s arrival, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, too, was seen in London. While rumours of a possible meeting with Nawaz swirled, they have been roundly denied.

On Monday, disgruntled PTI leader Aleem Khan was also seen leaving Stanhope House after a meeting with Mr Sharif and his daughter, but all participants remained tight-lipped about what was discussed.

Mr Khan was seen leaving Hus*sain Nawaz’s office in Stanhope House, but when asked by reporters to share what was discussed in the meeting, he responded by saying, “please ask me about the weather”.

Later, when Maryam Nawaz exited the building, she did not divulge details about the meeting either. When a reporter asked about the possibility of a change in the Punjab government, she was evasive.

This is not Aleem Khan’s first meeting with Nawaz Sharif. In March this year, as the then-opposition geared for a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan, Aleem Khan met with Mr Sharif at his son’s office.

Though Mr Sharif has largely kept his cards close to his chest for the major part of the last three years, speculations are high that Maryam’s characteristic outspokenness will rub off on him, and the coming days will see more revelations.

The former prime minister, who spoke to journalists alongside his daughter, said that he and his sons had met Maryam after three years, Dawn.com reported.

“I remember all those scenes, how my wife was on her deathbed and how cruelly we were treated,” he said.

Recounting his tribulations, Mr Sharif described one occasion, in Judge Arshad Malik’s court, when he was informed that his wife’s health had worsened and that she was in intensive care. “I was worried… so I went to the jail and in the room of the jail superintendent I asked him to allow me to talk [to my family], but they told me ‘we can’t’.

“I pleaded with them, but they didn’t allow it… after three hours, they came and said ‘we are very sorry your wife has died’.”

He said he had insisted on being the one to inform his daughter who was also in Kot Lakhpat at the time.

“These are events that are never forgotten. This loss can never be repaired or forgotten,” he said, adding: “Today, Maryam came after winning her case and proved the case and punishment were false.”

To a question regarding the cases against him allegedly being part of a “political vendetta”, Nawaz quipped that the question contained the answer itself and referred to the alleged leaked audio clip of former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar regarding Nawaz and Maryam’s trial.

“There is an audio leak and you can’t deny it, its forensic [analysis] has also been carried out… do you need any greater evidence than this? Is there any bigger evidence than the things that judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said?”

He alleged that he was punished and disqualified for life to keep him away from elections and yet, today, the lifetime disqualification clause was being criticised as “draconian”.

“So where is the rectification for [what happened with me],” Nawaz asked, adding that such matters should be brought before the nation.

He claimed that in the process of “taking revenge” against him, he alleged the country’s fortunes were also sunk.

Nawaz said that the judges who had committed such “injustices” should be held accountable.

Talking about the recent alleged audio leaks about Imran Khan, Nawaz chalked them up to karma, adding: “the one who plotted has turned out to be the biggest conspirator” and wondered what else would come to light.

DAWN

 

[Colorblind Genius]

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=WA-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&v=1313106159500428

 

[MenInG]

Former prime minister and ruling PML-N’s supremo Nawaz Sharif has expressed annoyance over his party’s “worst defeat” in Sunday’s by-elections, directing the party officials to set up a fact-finding committee on the by-poll drubbing.

Express News quoting PML-N sources reported on Monday that chaotic scenes were witnessed at party huddles with after Nawaz expressed dissatisfaction over the party leadership’s performance in yesterday’s by-elections in three provinces of the country and directed the ministers and senior party leaders to submit the report on the thumping defeat.

The PML-N leadership submitted a preliminary report on election defeat to Nawaz Sharif, in which rising inflation and massive increase in electricity prices were quoted as major reasons behind the defeat.

The insiders added the report also held party’s renewed ‘conciliatory narrative’ and lack of senior leadership interest in the party affairs responsible for the upset in by-polls.

Last night, Imran Khan won six National Assembly seats for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the by-election that was seen as a direct contest between the former ruling party and the current ruling coalition led by PML-N.

Out of the eight National Assembly seats previously held by the PTI, Imran contested on seven, while Meher Bano Qureshi was to defend the party’s bastion in Multan. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) made inroads, with Hakeem Baloch winning in Karachi and Ali Musa Gilani in Multan.

Also read: Fatalism in air as PML-N sees no hope in by-polls

According to the unofficial results announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Imran won the National Assembly seats from Mardan, Charsadda and Peshawar in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib in Punjab and the Korangi district of Karachi in Sindh.

The PPP won in Multan, Punjab and Malir district of Karachi. Besides, by-polls were also held on three seats of the Punjab Assembly previously held by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). According to the unofficial results, the PTI emerged victorious on two seats, while the PML-N retained one.

The results gave both sides something to go ahead. Based on PTI’s popularity and its momentum, many expected that the party would clean sweep but this didn’t happen. Victories in Multan and Karachi for the joint candidates for PPP and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) also gave face-saving to the PPP.

Express Tribune

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Former prime minister and ruling PML-N’s supremo Nawaz Sharif has expressed annoyance over his party’s “worst defeat” in Sunday’s by-elections, directing the party officials to set up a fact-finding committee on the by-poll drubbing.

Express News quoting PML-N sources reported on Monday that chaotic scenes were witnessed at party huddles with after Nawaz expressed dissatisfaction over the party leadership’s performance in yesterday’s by-elections in three provinces of the country and directed the ministers and senior party leaders to submit the report on the thumping defeat.

The PML-N leadership submitted a preliminary report on election defeat to Nawaz Sharif, in which rising inflation and massive increase in electricity prices were quoted as major reasons behind the defeat.

The insiders added the report also held party’s renewed ‘conciliatory narrative’ and lack of senior leadership interest in the party affairs responsible for the upset in by-polls.

Last night, Imran Khan won six National Assembly seats for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the by-election that was seen as a direct contest between the former ruling party and the current ruling coalition led by PML-N.

Out of the eight National Assembly seats previously held by the PTI, Imran contested on seven, while Meher Bano Qureshi was to defend the party’s bastion in Multan. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) made inroads, with Hakeem Baloch winning in Karachi and Ali Musa Gilani in Multan.

Also read: Fatalism in air as PML-N sees no hope in by-polls

According to the unofficial results announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Imran won the National Assembly seats from Mardan, Charsadda and Peshawar in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib in Punjab and the Korangi district of Karachi in Sindh.

The PPP won in Multan, Punjab and Malir district of Karachi. Besides, by-polls were also held on three seats of the Punjab Assembly previously held by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). According to the unofficial results, the PTI emerged victorious on two seats, while the PML-N retained one.

The results gave both sides something to go ahead. Based on PTI’s popularity and its momentum, many expected that the party would clean sweep but this didn’t happen. Victories in Multan and Karachi for the joint candidates for PPP and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) also gave face-saving to the PPP.

Express Tribune

The fact that even a SINGLE vote was casted to PPP/PDM/PML tells us the sorry tale of some truly sick, evil corrupt and/or dumb facets in the nation. If the current scheme of things didn't wake them up, nothing will.

 

[daytrader]

PML-N blames defeat on external factors

• PDM refuses to be forced into early elections, says PM will pick army chief as per Constitution
• Rana Sanaullah warns Imran against defying law during march on capital

ISLAMABAD: Despite a dismal showing in the recent by-elections, the PML-N leadership appeared to be on the offensive rather than being in an introspective mood as it blamed everything from inflation to Imran Khan for its poor electoral showing.

However, members of the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement coalition, in a defiant statement on Monday, roundly rejected PTI chief Imran Khan’s call for early elections, saying that both decisions — regarding the timing of the next polls and the appointment of a new chief of army staff — will be taken by the government and no one else.

When asked by reporters on Monday to comment on the outcome of the by-elections, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif maintained his silence. Maryam Nawaz, however, said: “We’ll sit down and explain everything, eventually.”

Both were seen leaving Hussain Nawaz’s office in Stanhope House, where they have held several meetings over the past week and even spoken candidly about past tribulations.

The silence of the Sharifs on the electoral blow dealt to PML-N comes days after the Sharif patriarch was quoted by a source saying in a meeting that the party had lost political capital.

This meeting took place a day before Ishaq Dar returned to ******tan to assume charge as finance minister, and the source said the PML-N leaders felt Dar could regain the lost political capital.

In a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah blamed the price hike and increa*sed power tariffs for PML-N’s defeat in the Oct 16 by-elections, but said that harsh decisions had to be taken to avert the threat of default that loomed over the country.

He claimed that high electricity bills had netted PTI 10,000 to 12,000 more votes in each constituency.

Explaining the reasons behind the unpopular measures that cost the PDM government dearly in the by-polls, he held out an assurance that the price hike would be controlled and power tariffs brought down “in the days ahead”.

He also hoped things would be different in the general election, when the PTI would not enjoy the support of any provincial government.

He also announced that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif would lead the party’s campaign in the general election, scheduled to take place next year.

Slamming Imran Khan for launching what he called “venomous and contemptuous” propaganda against the chief election commissioner and the ECP, the minister praised the commission for remaining neutral throughout the electoral process.

“If we accept the decisions of PTI voters, Imran Khan should also respect our voters,” he said, pointing out that while PTI secured 0.547 million votes in the by-polls, the PML-N bagged 0.475m.

Without mentioning the PTI’s planned long march on Islamabad, the interior minister made it clear that winning by-elections does not mean that Mr Khan had a licence to go against the law.

“If you take any unlawful step, I warn you that you will face the full force of law,” he said.

PDM meeting
Although the PM Office had earlier only confirmed a meeting between PM Shehbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the JUI-F, the joint statement regarding PDM’s stance did not mention if it was released after a meeting of all coalition partners.

Referring to PTI’s proposed long march on the federal capital to force the government to hold early elections, the coalition statement said: “No group will be allowed to impose its decision on the basis of aggression and those who will take law in their hands will be dealt with an iron hand.”

The joint statement also condemned allegations leveled by Mr Khan against Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.

Imran Khan, in a press conference on Monday, said both Nawaz and Zardari were “corrupt” and “looters” and thus they have no right to appoint the new army chief.

The statement said that PTI’s targeting the army chief, the leadership and officials of key national institutions, the chief election commissioner and others was an exercise in blackmail and didn’t indicate a political disposition, rather a “conspiracy” that would never be allowed to succeed.

“It is obvious in the Constitution that appointment of army chief and other top positions is a sole prerogative of the prime minister. A man out of power is targeting state institutions under a pre-planned agenda,” the statement added.

The PDM statement further said: “The derogatory campaign against Pakistan Army martyrs, statements regarding mutiny in the army and actions which encourage such acts are tantamount to an enmity with the country and therefore, such acts will be dealt with accordingly.”

It also mentioned in the statement that the government’s present top priority was stability of economy and the rehabilitation of flood-hit people. “There can be no compromise on these actions.”

The joint statement said after the Oct 16 by-elections [on eight National Assembly and three Punjab Assembly seats], the total number of seats of the ruling coalition in the National Assembly has increased from 174 to 176.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

 

[MenInG]

Too scared to comeback to Pakistan?

==

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has said that former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan is no more a stakeholder in Pakistan’s politics and the coalition government is unperturbed in his long march, which kicked off on Oct 28, towards Islamabad.

“Whether they [PTI] bring 2,000 or 20,0000 people we will not listen to the demands of ‘armed groups’. They are not democratic people. They are political terrorists,” she said while addressing a press conference in London on Tuesday.

 

[daytrader]

PM Shehbaz jets off for London on ‘private flight’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for London after concluding his two-day trip to Egypt on Wednesday, where he attended the COP27 climate conference.

The update was shared by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb in a tweet, saying that the premier had left for the British capital on a “private visit via a private flight”.

With PML-N supremo and elder brother Nawaz Sharif residing in London since November 2019 and the party’s vice-president, Maryam Nawaz joining her father in October, the premier’s trip to the metropolis has given rise to speculation that important decisions would be made during the visit.

This is PM Shehbaz’s third trip to London since he assumed the country’s top office in April and comes ahead of the appointment of the new army chief, with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure set to end on November 29.

Earlier, it was reported that PM Shehbaz would consult Nawaz on the appointment and Power Minister Khurram Dastgir had, in fact, substantiated the reports.

Taking exception to the reports, PTI chief Imran Khan had castigated the PM for discussing the appointment of the next army chief with his elder brother, terming it a violation of the Official Secrets Act and a breach of the PM’s oath of office.

Earlier, the premier had visited London in September, primarily to represent Pakistan at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

It was also reported at the time that PM Shehbaz had consulted Nawaz on an appointment in November — an apparent reference to the selection of the new army chief.

Moreover, he was accompanied by PML-N leader and now finance minister Ishaq Dar on his return.

Dar, who had been in a self-exile in London for nearly five years, replaced PML-N’s Miftah Ismail as the country’s finance czar following months of speculation that he was favoured by some of the party’s top leaders for the post.

Prior to that, he, along with a delegation of federal ministers, had first visited his brother in May. It was reported at the time that the PM-led delegation had sought Nawaz’s guidance on key decisions, including whether or not to go for early elections.

Eventually, the ruling coalition decided against opting for snap polls and giving into PTI chief Imran Khan’s demand.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

PM Shehbaz jets off for London on ‘private flight’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for London after concluding his two-day trip to Egypt on Wednesday, where he attended the COP27 climate conference.

The update was shared by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb in a tweet, saying that the premier had left for the British capital on a “private visit via a private flight”.

With PML-N supremo and elder brother Nawaz Sharif residing in London since November 2019 and the party’s vice-president, Maryam Nawaz joining her father in October, the premier’s trip to the metropolis has given rise to speculation that important decisions would be made during the visit.

This is PM Shehbaz’s third trip to London since he assumed the country’s top office in April and comes ahead of the appointment of the new army chief, with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure set to end on November 29.

Earlier, it was reported that PM Shehbaz would consult Nawaz on the appointment and Power Minister Khurram Dastgir had, in fact, substantiated the reports.

Taking exception to the reports, PTI chief Imran Khan had castigated the PM for discussing the appointment of the next army chief with his elder brother, terming it a violation of the Official Secrets Act and a breach of the PM’s oath of office.

Earlier, the premier had visited London in September, primarily to represent Pakistan at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

It was also reported at the time that PM Shehbaz had consulted Nawaz on an appointment in November — an apparent reference to the selection of the new army chief.

Moreover, he was accompanied by PML-N leader and now finance minister Ishaq Dar on his return.

Dar, who had been in a self-exile in London for nearly five years, replaced PML-N’s Miftah Ismail as the country’s finance czar following months of speculation that he was favoured by some of the party’s top leaders for the post.

Prior to that, he, along with a delegation of federal ministers, had first visited his brother in May. It was reported at the time that the PM-led delegation had sought Nawaz’s guidance on key decisions, including whether or not to go for early elections.

Eventually, the ruling coalition decided against opting for snap polls and giving into PTI chief Imran Khan’s demand.

DAWN

So our village idiot after attending a meeting on climate etc decides to fly 7 hours to London in a jet for an audience with the real ruler....

Does he actually understand how stupid this looks?

 

[daytrader]

Govt not to knuckle under PTI pressure: Sharifs
PM Shehbaz, Nawaz resolve there'll be timely elections, Imran's march will be dealt with through legal means

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PMLN supreme leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif have resolved that the coalition government will not succumb to PTI’s pressure, especially on its demand for early elections and dissolution of the National Assembly, it has been learnt.

The two siblings met at the Avenfield flats four hours after the younger Sharif arrived here after concluding his trip to Egypt for the COP27 climate conference. According to a source, only Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Suleman Sharif, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Nawaz and rest of the family members were present in the meeting that lasted for over three hours.

Nawaz told Shehbaz to “continue doing his best to take Pakistan out of the economic crisis” and “not succumb to any kind of pressure”. The two brothers resolved that the elections will be held on time and Imran Khan’s planned march on Islamabad will be dealt with through legal means.

Talking to the media on arrival at the Avenfield, Shehbaz said, “Pakistan has won the match against New Zealand, Alhamdullilah. Let’s pray that Pakistan wins in the final as well. Congratulations to the whole nation on this victory”.

When Geo News asked if he will be discussing the next army chief’s appointment with Nawaz, he said: “I have come today to meet my elder brother and my family. I am meeting them and their children after a long time.”

He didn’t discuss anything further. After the end of the meeting, when the same question was put to the premier, he said: “It was a family meeting with my brother, my nieces and my nephews and rest of the family joined too. We had a lunch and gup shup (chit chat) and congratulations to all of you on Pakistan’s win.”

Shehbaz will again meet Nawaz and some party leaders on Thursday (today). This was his third trip to London after becoming the prime minister in April. His visit to London comes two weeks before the end of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure on November 29. It has been reported that Shehbaz would consult Nawaz on the appointment.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

Consensus in London: ‘our way or the highway’

• Only PM to appoint army chief ‘at any cost’, London huddle decides
• Sharifs agree not to accept Imran’s demand for snap elections
• Nawaz gets diplomatic passport valid for five years

LAHORE: As crucial discussions among various sta*k*eholders around the next army chief’s appointment gain momentum within and outside the country, the Sharif brothers have reportedly decided in a London huddle that the prime minister will not buckle under any ‘pressure’ to make the all-important appointment — come what may.

Meanwhile, it emerged on Thursday that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had been issued a diplomatic passport, paving the way for his impending return to the country.

In the face of looming pr*e*ssure from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chair*man Imran Khan to appoint a new army chief that would be acceptable to him, and announce early polls, both PM Shehbaz Sharif and his elder brother Nawaz have decided that the powers of the premier to appoint the army chief will not be surrendered at any cost, a reliable source privy to the talks between the two brothers in London told Dawn on Thursday.

Read more: Imran 'abandons' designs to sway chief's selection

Insiders said that the prime minister had reportedly flown to London to place the options he was conveyed by certain quarters before his elder brother in the context of the fast-changing political scenario.

However, the source said both brothers agreed not to give in to Mr Khan’s demand for snap elections.

“PM Shehbaz told Nawaz that almost all Pakistan Dem**ocratic Movement (PDM) parties are on the same page over the premier’s powers to appoint the army chief and complete the incumbent government’s ten*ure till August 2023. They (PML-N and allied parties) are even ready to sacrifice their government, but will not budge from their stance,” the source maintained.

Nawaz’s children — Mar*yam, Hassan and Hussain — were also present in the meetings.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also confirmed to a private TV channel that both Sharif brothers discussed the appointment of the army chief.

Editorial: A state of anarchy

A PML-N insider said the coalition government had ‘cer*tain pressures’ from some quarters over the issue of army chief’s appointment and fresh polls. “That is why Mr Shehbaz reached out to the party supremo to decide whether to accept some demands or not,” he said.

The prime minister had rushed to London on Wedne*s*day on his way back from Egypt to have the ‘final word’ from his elder brother and party’s supreme leader, who has been in a self-imposed exile for three years, over the appointment of the new army chief. Sources said an extension to Gen Bajwa was also discussed during the meeting. Gen Bajwa’s tenure is set to end on Nov 29.

This was Mr Sharif’s third visit to the UK since taking over as premier in April this year.

Ousted prime minister Imran Khan has on several occasions lambasted the PM for discussing the crucial appointment with a “proclaimed offender” (Nawaz Sharif), saying it violated the Official Secrets Act and was a breach of his oath.

However, a couple of days ago, Mr Khan appeared to have changed his stance when he told journalists in Lahore that he had no issue if the next army chief was appointed by the Shehbaz government. When asked whether he had demanded that the appointment be made in consultations with him and/or his party, the PTI chief had said: “No… they can appoint whoever they want.”

Earlier, in several public meetings and remarks made over the past sev*eral months, Mr Khan had declared that “the Sharifs and the Zardaris” were unfit to make the appointment to the top military office on the basis that “thieves cannot be allowed” to do so.

He alleged that Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif wanted to appoint the next army chief of their choice to evade accountability.

He had also proposed an extension to Gen Bajwa till the next elections were held. “The new army chief should be appointed by the premier elected in the wake of fresh polls,” Khan had said. He had said the appointment should be made by an elected government, voted to power in a free and fair election, and that a “provision can be found” in the law to make this arrangement work.

Also read: Imran grilled for ‘U-turn’ on army chief appointment

Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb chose not to comment on the discussions between the Sharif brothers when Dawn approached her.

Nawaz gets diplomatic passport

Meanwhile, PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif was reportedly issued a diplomatic passport with a five-year validity, it emerged on Thursday.

A senior Interior Ministry official told Dawn the previous such passport issued to Nawaz had expired on Feb 16 last year.

“A red passport bearing number BV5128363 with a five-year validity was issued to the PML-N supreme leader on Feb 18, 2016,” he said.

Under the rules, former presidents, prime ministers, Senate chairmen, National Assembly speakers, chief justices, governors, chief ministers, ministers and ministers of state, special assistants to the prime minister and attorneys general were entitled to diplomatic passports, but the previous PTI government had refused to renew Nawaz’s passport saying absconders were not entitled to the privilege.

Earlier on April 23, Nawaz had been issued an “ordinary” green passport with a 10-year validity in Islamabad.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

PTI Chief Imran Khan on Friday said that it is highly unfortunate that an absconder Nawaz Sharif is making the country’s biggest decisions from London, ARY News reported.

The PTI Chief questioned why is it that Pakistan, despite being a nuclear state, has to beg from other countries. Why does our Prime Minister go to London, and consult an absconder over major decisions of our country,? he added.

He added that he is the same Nawaz Sharif who fled the country after a deal with General Musharraf. He denied any deal but the deal was uncovered later, the PTI Chief said.

Imran Khan added that Shehbaz Sharif, along with his sons, was to be indicted in a money laundering case, instead, he was installed as the Prime Minister of our country. Three witnesses and the Investigation Officer (IO) of his money laundering case have dramatically died since he became the PM, he added.

The PTI Chief added that the PDM parties staged three long marches in their tenure just to get an NRO. But, he refused every time, because a country that punishes small thieves and lets big thieves go can not progress, he added.

“The man who is weak (status wise) rots in jails for committing small felonies, while big thieves get what they want,” Khan told his supporters in Gujrat.

The PTI chief said since influential people get what they want, society was now witnessing anarchy as everyone who could not make ends meet resorted to theft.

He said that the leader of the biggest party of the country cannot get an FIR registered after an assassination attempt against him.

Imrna Khan said that these corrupt people are closing cases against them and pushing the country into darkness. The economy is drowning, industries are closing and foreign debt is rising rapidly, he added.

He added that Nawaz Sharif has never made any appointment on merit. The ECP Chief is their servant, they do whatever they want using him, he added.

He added that he strived for two years for EVMs, which could eradicate 90% of rigging in polls but they ended the project because they want to rig elections.

ARY

 

[daytrader]

London huddle decides: Senior-most general to be made COAS
PM Shehbaz announced that the army chief’s appointment would be decided constitutionally, and the senior-most officer would be appointed as the next army chief of Pakistan

LONDON: Following his crucial meetings with Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) supremo Nawaz Sharif and other party leaders in London, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday announced that the army chief’s appointment would be decided constitutionally, and the senior-most officer would be appointed as the next army chief of Pakistan.

“Army chief’s appointment is a constitutional matter. It will be decided according to the Constitution,” PM Shehbaz said here before leaving for Pakistan.

But Khawaja Asif said PMLN leaders discussed the appointment of new army chief but the decision will be taken after the start of constitutional process. In a tweet, he said, “The media is rife with speculation that Nawaz-Shehbaz London huddle decided about the appointment of new army chief. The discussion, in this regard, did take place but the decision will be taken with consultation after the start of constitutional process.”

On Nov 2, the premier departed for London after wrapping up his two-day visit to Egypt to attend the COP27 summit. In London, the prime minister and PMLN supremo took important decisions, which also included deliberation on the next army chief’s appointment.

Two rounds of meetings were also attended by Defence Minister Khwaja Muhammad Asif and Punjab PMLN leader Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan. Geo News further reported that the meeting decided in principle to prioritise merit for the coveted military position. The Sharif brothers would also take the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leadership into confidence on the matter.

The prime minister’s visit to London came two weeks before the end of Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure, who would retire on Nov 29. Meanwhile, PTI chief Imran Khan also reiterated his stance on appointing the army chief on ‘merit’ and criticised PM Shehbaz for consulting Nawaz for making the decision.

The News PK

 

[MenInG]

Koyee fikar naheen - mulk jayay bhaar main

==

In a late-night development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was supposed to head to Pakistan on Friday night, has extended his stay in London for a couple of days, ARY News reported on Saturday quoting sources.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached London on Wednesday on a private visit after attending Climate Implementation Summit in Sharm Al Sheikh, Egypt.

Sources privy to the development told ARY News that PM Shehbaz has extended his stay in London for one more day and the premier will now return to Pakistan on Sunday or Monday.

 

[daytrader]

Shehbaz Sharif will return home today
Departure from London delayed due to illness

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has delayed his departure from London by another day due to sickness. He will be back home today.

Sources claim that the prime minister stayed in London one extra day. He had a mild fever just before leaving the airport, and his family had advised him not to fly.

Today at six o'clock, Shahbaz Sharif's plane will take out from London bound for Pakistan.

Shahbaz Sharif said in a tweet that "Nawaz Sharif is not just my leader or elder brother, but he has been a pillar of strength in my life."

He commented in response to a photo of Nawaz Sharif leaving him for Pakistan, saying, "Nawaz Sharif's approach to love is a source of confidence and direction for me."

The Prime Minister got in touch with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to check on him and wish him well.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

“The person whose children are sitting in Britain,” said Imran, “how can he decide for Pakistan?”

“General Asif Nawaz’s brother has written in his book that in 1992 when he [Nawaz] was prime minister, he tried to bribe the general with a BMW in Murree’s Governor House,” he continued, “which was rejected”.

“Why did he do that?” lambasted Imran, claiming that Nawaz wanted to "escape accountability" and that is why he wanted to appoint an army chief of his liking and attempted to bribe him.

"He [Nawaz] has no idea how to play with a neutral empire," said Imran.

Imran also predicted that Nawaz will ask the army chief to “first of all try to get rid of me, because he [Nawaz] cannot compete with me”, and then “he will try to finish all corruption cases against him. And finally, he will never hold elections until he knows for sure he will win.”

 

[daytrader]

Wazirabad attack, Kenya killing plot ‘hatched in London’
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb rebukes Tasneem Haider Shah’s claims, saying he has no association with party

LONDON:
A man who claimed to be a spokesperson of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has alleged that the conspiracy of attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif was hatched in London.

According to private TV channel on Sunday, Tasneem Haider Shah, who said he was associated with the PML-N for the past 20 years, told a press conference that he had three meetings with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in the office of his son Hassan Nawaz, alleging that he was called to kill Arshad Sharif and Imran Khan.

According to Shah, the first meeting was held on July 8, the second on September 20 and the third on October 29. He added that he was told that Arshad Sharif and Imran Khan should be removed before the appointment of the new army chief.

He further alleged that Nawaz Sharif had told him that if he could provide the shooter, they [the PML-N] would give a place in Wazirabad and the blame would fall on the Punjab government. However, Shah added that he refused. Shah also said that the plot was reported to the British police.

However, the PML-N vehemently rebutted the charge, with its spokesperson and Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb saying that the person, Tasneem Haider Shah had no link to the party, warning that no one should try to forcefully become the spokesperson for the party.

Aurangzeb stressed that if anyone had any proofs, should present then before the legal forum. “Forgery, lies and fake news cannot divert attention from the real killers of Arshad Sharif,” she added.

In a statement, Punjab government’s adviser on interior Umar Sarfaraz Cheema said that the authorities had contacted Tasneem Haider Shah and included him in the investigation into the assassination attempt on former prime minister Imran Khan.

Cheema also said the central, provincial and district level leaderships of PML-N would also be questioned regarding the Wazirabad gun attack following revelations of the self-confessed PML-N leader.

“The scope of the Wazirabad incident investigation has been widened,” he added.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

Nawaz, family head to Europe ‘for holiday’

LONDON: Members of the Sharif family, including PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, travelled to Europe on Monday for a 10-day holiday.

Sources told Dawn Mr Sharif, Ms Nawaz, Hussain Nawaz, Hasan Nawaz, Jun*aid Safdar and other family members would be travelling to various cities in Europe for a little over 10 days, going from one destination to the other via train or air. The purpose of the trip was purely leisure, the sources added.

Mr Sharif is said to be tra*velling on a diplomatic passport which was issued to him by the government last week. His passport had exp*ired last year, during the Pak*istan Tehreek-i-Insaf gov**e**r*nment, which had said it would cancel the passport.

It is learned that Mr Sharif at the time did not apply for a renewal as he was aware that the government would not grant a new passport.

In April this year, after PTI Chairman Imran Khan was removed from power after a vote of no confidence, Nawaz Sharif was given an ordinary passport.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) last week cleared Mr Sharif and gave the go ahead for him to rece*ive a diplomatic passport with a five-year validity.

Diplomatic passports are issued to dignitaries of the state, diplomats and other entitled categories in pursuance of Para-45 of Part-I of Passport & Visa Manual, 2006. Former prime ministers and their dependent children are also granted diplomatic passports. Approval of diplomatic passports is the responsibility of MoFA.

Separately, sources said Mr Sharif had withdrawn an appeal filed with an immigration tribunal, in which he had challenged a Home Office decision to deny an extension of his stay in the UK.

The Home Office decision came last August, but granted Mr Sharif an opportunity to appeal, which meant he was legally allowed to remain in the United Kingdom till he had exhausted all avenues of appeal.

DAWN

 

[daytrader]

Nawaz Sharif asks PMLN to start campaign for elections
Nawaz Sharif has directed his party to start a mass mobilisation campaign for upcoming general elections

Former Prime Minister and PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif has directed his party to start a mass mobilisation campaign for upcoming general elections.

Party sources said Nawaz Sharif had issued important instructions to the political team of his party in Lahore and asked them to start preparation for general elections, confront the PTI and its allies in the in the public.

Sources said the former Prime Minister held a series of online meetings with his party stalwarts and directed them to speed up their political activities before the vote of confidence in Punjab.

It was decided that the Governor’s House and State Guest House will be used to hold public meetings and federal ministers would also hold open courts “khuli kacheris” to hear public problems and on-the spot orders to solve them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also asked to engage with his allies to find a solution to stop the PTI from dissolving the Punjab Assembly. In this regard, the Prime Minister had recently contacted former President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed the political situation with him.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1026721-nawaz-asks-pmln-to-start-campaign-for-elections

 

[daytrader]

Shehbaz meets Nawaz in Geneva; Punjab situation discussed

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) Quaid Nawaz Sharif and Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz in Geneva.

Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar was also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, the party matters and political situation was discussed at length. Certain important decisions were approved to activate the party. Maryam will be given free hand in connection with decisions about the party. She will reach Pakistan by the end of this month.

Sources told Online that the meeting between the Sharif brothers was held at a dinner. Shehbaz inquired after Maryam and congratulated her for becoming the senior vice president of the PMLN.

The News PK

 

[daytrader]

ISHAQ DAR VISITS SAUDI ARABIA, LIKELY TO MEET NAWAZ SHARIF

RIYADH: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will meet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Saudi Arabia, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing sources.

Sources told ARY News that the finance minister has performed Umrah and will return to Pakistan after Eidul Fitr.

Sources claimed that Ishaq Dar will also meet former prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif during his stay in Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, matters related to country’s political and economic situation will be discussed.

The finance minister is also likely to meet Saudi officials to discuss the financing. They would also hold discussions on $10 billion oil refinery project.

It is pertinent to mention here that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif reached Saudi Arabia from London to perform Umrah.

...
https://arynews.tv/ishaq-dar-visits-saudi-arabia-likely-to-meet-nawaz-sharif/

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif touched down in London on Wednesday evening, just days ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, who has invited scores of world leaders to witness the historic occasion, but the visit may hold greater political significance.

PM Shehbaz was received at the airport by Pakistan’s High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan and David Gordon-MacLeod, a special representative of the British foreign secretary.

The prime minister has a packed agenda for the trip, as he will participate in an event for Commonwealth leaders in London on May 5, and attend the coronation the following day.

DAWN

 

[MenInG]

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was set to leave for Pakistan on Tuesday, has extended his stay in London for one more day, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed.

Taking to Twitter, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had extended his stay in London by one more day for consultations on important political and national issues with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif.

In a tweet, the minister said the prime minister would now leave for Pakistan on Wednesday (tomorrow).

 

[MenInG]

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was set to leave for Pakistan on Tuesday, has extended his stay in London for one more day, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed.

Taking to Twitter, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had extended his stay in London by one more day for consultations on important political and national issues with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif.

In a tweet, the minister said the prime minister would now leave for Pakistan on Wednesday (tomorrow).

Ah the brave PM of Pakistan hiding in London with his brother until things calm down.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">London <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a> have placed dispersal order outside Avenfield Apartments under Sec 35 Dispersal Power, Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.<br>It means that “the Police can ask a group of two or more people to leave the dispersal area if they are doing anything… <a href="https://t.co/IKLa1VCD16">pic.twitter.com/IKLa1VCD16</a></p>— Farid Ahmed (Qureshi) (@FaridQureshi_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaridQureshi_UK/status/1656247687304613888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

 

[the Great Khan]

So when is the Speed minister coming back home? Ghadaar aur durpook all rolled into one.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A dispersal order is now in place on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DunravenStreet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DunravenStreet</a> outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvenfieldHouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvenfieldHouse</a> . The credibility of <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a> is now again on the line. Protesters have alternatives. Residents don’t. In that balance of interests it’s clear these protests need to be moved. <a href="https://t.co/DxslGkdh5p">pic.twitter.com/DxslGkdh5p</a></p>— Paul Fisher (@PaulEFishr) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulEFishr/status/1656336282061086720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[daytrader]

PM to leave for London today to meet Nawaz
Shehbaz, his brother will discuss date of general polls, names of potential caretaker premiers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave from France on Friday (today) for London, where he will remain for two or three days to meet with his elder brother, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

According to PML-N sources, senior leaders of the party will also participate in the meeting via video link.

They added that the participants of the meeting would hold a detailed consultation on the date of the upcoming elections, names of the potential caretaker prime ministers as well as other matters.

The sources said the participants of the huddle would also discuss the possible seat adjustments with allied parties in the upcoming general elections.

A day earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said 93,371 polling stations would be set up across the country for the upcoming general polls.

According to a draft of the scheme prepared by the ECP, a total of 49,871 polling stations will be established in Punjab for the general elections. Of the total, 14,960 polling stations in Punjab have been declared highly sensitive. Whereas, 9,974 polling stations in the province have been declared sensitive.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a total of 15,708 polling stations will be set up. Of these, 4,296 have been declared highly sensitive.

A total of 6,549 polling stations in the province have been declared sensitive.

In Sindh, 19,348 polling stations will be established. Of these, 4,823 have been declared sensitive.

Similarly, 5,015 polling stations will be set up in Balochistan.

...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2423204/pm-to-leave-for-london-today-to-meet-nawaz

 

[MenInG]

This man goes running to his master at every opportunity.

 

[daytrader]

Coalition bigwigs in Dubai rendezvous
Nawaz, Maryam, Zardari and Bilawal expected to meet in cosmopolitan oasis

Four bigwigs of the PML-N and PPP -- the two major parties in the ruling coalition -- have converged in Dubai to contemplate over a political strategy, triggering a debate of an imminent shake-up in the coming days back in the country.
The simultaneous presence of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif; his daughter and party’s senior vice president Maryam Nawaz, PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, and his son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in the city suggests that a political storm is surely on the horizon.

The sequence of arrivals began with Nawaz’s touchdown in Dubai from London on Saturday, followed closely by Maryam’s arrival from Pakistan.

In a surprising twist, Bilawal made his way to Dubai on Sunday, adding fuel to the growing anticipation.

As the sun set over the glittering Dubai skyline, reliable sources within the PPP confirmed to The Express Tribune that Zardari had also reached the city.

Dubai, known for its towering buildings, now serves as a backdrop to a real-life political occurrence, capturing the attention of millions in Pakistan.

Sources in the ruling alliance shared that some other powerful stakeholders were also expected to attend the Dubai huddle.

They added that the venue of the high-level meeting was carefully chosen to avoid media scrutiny.

They did not share if the other stakeholders would attend the huddle in person or via online links.

A senior PPP leader told The Express Tribune that the presence of the political heavyweights in the same foreign city was not a mere coincidence and a meeting was likely to take place between the leadership of both the parties.

“Well, you can’t rule out anything; these are politicians and present in the same city so a meeting between them won’t be a surprise,” the PPP leader replied to a query.

The PPP leader, while refraining himself from giving specifics, said the huddle was expected to take place soon and would centre around crucial decisions including the dissolution of the assembly, the formation of a caretaker set-up and setting the date for the upcoming general elections.

As the National Assembly approaches the completion of its five-year term, the country is bracing itself for the next phase of its democratic process.

As the assembly’s dissolution is looming, the decisions made by these influential figures will shape the political landscape.

...
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2423610/coalition-bigwigs-in-dubai-rendezvous

 

[Hassan A]

Asif says party battling anger over inflated power bills • Iqbal attributes current crisis to 2018 ‘crash-landing’
• Insiders admit Sharif bros’ continued presence in UK ‘not good for optics’

LONDON: As the party leading the former coalition government that made certain decisions whose impacts have recently come to the fore — chief among them being a nationwide fury over inflated power bills — the PML-N has been facing the brunt of public anger in Pakistan.

Veteran politician and senior N-leaguer Khawaja Asif tells Dawn: “We are in our constituencies daily. We are facing it [the public anger at rising costs] head on. We are arguing with people, presenting our point of view and countering the criticism — we are not taking a holiday or using proxies to confront people on our behalf. We are in the field. However good or bad the situation is, we are facing it.”

But the job of battling anger over the ongoing cost of living and economic crises in the country is coming to a head. Their erstwhile allies have all, in one way or another, distanced themselves from the measures taken by the previous PDM government in its final days in an attempt to align themselves with public sentiment.


Mr Asif admits that the situation is grave and worrisome, both economically and politically, but his party has weathered storms before. “In the past, we have survived the rivalry with the PPP, we have lived through the Musharraf era… yes people are criticising us. But we are addressing their grievances. And we can absolutely recover from this situation if given a chance.”

But his colleagues don’t all agree. Several N-leaguers in Pakistan feel the presence of the party’s top leadership in London is bad for optics. Shehbaz Sharif arrived in London soon after the caretaker set-up took office, and the elder Sharif and key decision-maker in the party, Nawaz, has been camped here since 2019.

One prominent party member Dawn spoke to said: “I saw a picture of Mian sb, Shehbaz sb with Governor Tessori in London, and I thought to myself: which genius released this?”

The politician feels drawing attention to the party leadership’s departure from the country is ill-advised, and that as the recent former prime minister and party leader, Mr Shehbaz should return fast.

“They have to come here and explain to people why they are facing these difficulties today. It is not a responsible thing to do to leave the country at this point. We [the Pakistan leadership] are here speaking about what we achieved in a limited timeframe. They should too. One can’t close their eyes like a kabootar,” the leader said, requesting anonymity.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi agrees that the top leadership should be facing questions back home.

“We were in the government for 16 months, we have to inform the people of what our performance was, why we did not resolve issues people are facing today. We cannot divorce our self from reality. If we do not answer people’s questions today, then they will give us the answer at the ballot box — it is imperative to engage.”

Although he has also been in the UK in recent weeks, former finance minister Ishaq Dar told Dawn he was en route to Pakistan when contacted for comment for this report. In his recent engagement with the press here, Mr Dar was asked multiple questions by reporters on rising costs and currency depreciation, but he simply replied with: “the party paid a political price to save Pakistan from default”.

Election narrative

Though there are a handful of leaders who concede there is no clear direction from the top on the party’s election narrative in the coming months, senior party members are clear that their proven track record will see them through the storm.

“The basic question we should ask people is: in 2018 when Pakistan was taking off, who forced us to crash-land?” Ahsan Iqbal asks, rhetorically.

“The roots of our current predicament are not in the last 16 months, but in that 2018 crash. If you are falling downhill, and if you apply the brakes to decrease the speed, you will still fall. If we hadn’t taken over, Pakistan would have externally defaulted thanks to the IMF agreements Imran Khan had bound us to.”

Khawaja Asif said he was confident Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in October, as he was standing next to his brother Shahbaz when the announcement was made in a press conference at Stanhope House.

“Of course, we have to own the costs, prices and liabilities of the past year,” he said. “We made a choice [to govern] and not call elections then. Maybe after some time passes, one can debate whether it was worth it.”

 

[daytrader]

Shehbaz summoned back to London within 48 hours
Maryam Nawaz to also reach London today; PML-N leaders to consult on 'urgent
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif had to rush back to London merely 48 hours after he returned to Lahore, it was learnt on Thursday.

On August 21, the former prime minister had jetted off to the British capital, where his elder brother and three-time prime minister party supremo Nawaz Sharif has been living for the past four years following his conviction. He had returned to Pakistan on Tuesday after staying there for at least a month.

The news of Shehbaz’s return was shared last night by PML-N’s information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb on social media platform X.

The party president's visit coincides with PML-N vice chairperson Maryam Nawaz's, whose visit was pre-scheduled.

According to sources, Shehbaz was called back to discuss urgent matters. The sources added that Maryam, during her visit, will discuss other important matters and brief the PML-N supremo on preparations being made for his return to the country.

Shehbaz summoned back to London within 48 hours | The Express Tribune

Maryam Nawaz to also reach London today; PML-N leaders to consult on 'urgent matters'

tribune.com.pk

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif returned from London on Thursday, reportedly after managing to persuade his elder brother Nawaz Sharif “not to disturb the ideal equation of the party with the establishment”.

Mr Shehbaz had to skedaddle back to London within 48 hours of his arrival in the country following Mr Nawaz’s hard-hitting speech on Sept 18, in which he demanded accountability for former generals and judges allegedly involved in toppling his government in 2017.

Mr Nawaz’s demand for strict accountability put many party leaders, especially Mr Shehbaz, in a precarious position, as they became wary of potential backlash from the powers that be if elder Sharif continued with such statements.

Several party leaders, including Rana Sanaullah, Javed Latif, Khurram Dastgir, Irfan Siddiqui and Muhammad Zubair, recently indicated that it had been decided that the party would no longer demand accountability of former army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and former ISI head retired Lt Gen Faiz Hamid. Instead, the party would shift its focus to economic and other challenges facing Pakistan today.

Shehbaz’s London trip ‘preserves party-establishment’ ties

Nawaz’s accountability demands worry PML-N leaders.

www.dawn.com