SalimBhai
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Same could be said of Trump vs Biden. I AM NOT COMPARING TRUMP TO IMRAN. But Trump also draws massive crowds while not being ng president and under multiple investigations
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Contact the PP Team
Is Imran Khan the most popular leader & PTI still the most popular party in Pakistan?
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daytrader
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PTI TO STAGE A POWER SHOW IN CHARSADDA TODAY
Charsadda: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to stage a public power show in Charsadda’s Atmanzia Ground, ARY News reported.
According to details, the PTI Chief Imran Khan would address the public gathering.
A 40 ft high, and 16 ft wide stage has been placed on the ground for the public gathering. While separate sections have been allocated for women.
The PTI Chief would visit flood-affected areas of the city ahead of the public gathering.
The PTI had also issued a video message ahead of the Charsadda power show saying he will visit the flood-affected areas before addressing the public gathering.
ARY News
Charsadda: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to stage a public power show in Charsadda’s Atmanzia Ground, ARY News reported.
According to details, the PTI Chief Imran Khan would address the public gathering.
A 40 ft high, and 16 ft wide stage has been placed on the ground for the public gathering. While separate sections have been allocated for women.
The PTI Chief would visit flood-affected areas of the city ahead of the public gathering.
The PTI had also issued a video message ahead of the Charsadda power show saying he will visit the flood-affected areas before addressing the public gathering.
ARY News
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charsadda jalsa today where once again a sea of people responded to my Haqiqi Azadi Tehreek. What is beyond any doubt is that Pakistan is witnessing a revolution unfolding. We should all ensure it is peaceful and through the ballot box. <a href="https://t.co/3WpEtvSmDI">pic.twitter.com/3WpEtvSmDI</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1571148494311948291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Varun
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Has it been 6 months already since the soft coup in Pakistan? The populace have barely reacted to overthrow the corrupt operation - they seem very dheela in comparison to other countries.
I'd say Imran Khan is operating in the wrong country.
I'd say Imran Khan is operating in the wrong country.
daytrader
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sweep_shot
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Imran Khan seems to be very popular among overseas Pakistanis; that's what I see in Canada too.
I am not sure about domestic Pakistanis.
I am not sure about domestic Pakistanis.
daytrader
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Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has said that it has become inevitable to govern the country in an “unprecedented way” to deal with the prevailing economic crisis.
“We have to take those steps that have not been taken ever due to public pressure and other reasons… in parliamentary democracy, coalition governments are very weak,” he said in an interactive session with interactive Zoom session with digital broadcasters and economic analysts on Tuesday.
Imran said taking “big and bold decisions” are need of the hour to stabilise the country’s economy particularly to stop the bleeding of public sector enterprises.
Since being ousted from power in April this year, Imran has time and again called upon the PML-N-led government to dissolve assemblies and hold transparent polls to save the country from “economic collapse”.
The former premier said for wealth creation the country would have to focus on increasing exports and remittances, adding the political stability and stable government required to steer the country out of the debt trap. “Political stability is linked with the economy… which is the only way to stop the rupee depreciation.”
He said investors’ confidence has been shattered “because no one knows how long this government will last”.
“Markets can sustain everything but uncertainty,” he added.
Moreover, Imran said the country is facing an external financing gap of $30 billion which he said is also the reason that value of the rupee was constantly depreciating against the dollar. “All these factors are putting pressure on the rupee.”
Social unrest
While responding to a question, Imran expressed fear that the economic condition is deteriorating with each passing day which could lead to "social unrest".
“I am worried that Pakistan will descend into social unrest if elections are not held and If we don’t act fast, the game will be out of everyone’s hand,” he remarked.
The PTI leader said people are furious over the exorbitant increase in the tariff of electricity bills, flour and other essential commodities. “The sooner they hold elections, the easier it will be to recover from this crisis.”
Imran said those who wanted to run this system are only doing it for their own vested interests. “I will soon announce the future course of action as only early and transparent polls are the way forward.”
Army chief appointment
Speaking about his "controversial" stance on the next army chief appointment, Imran Khan expressed surprise, saying how could “corrupt and convicted” leaders – Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari – be allowed to appoint the military’s chief.
“The major difference between the West and Pakistan is that there is no one above the law in the West,” he said, adding, “The rule of law is a major difference between humans and animals.”
“What will be our moral standing if we allow absconder, corrupt and convicted person [Nawaz] to appoint the army chief.”
Imran while commenting on PM Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with his elder brother Nawaz in London said, “How can a prime minister discuss the matter of army chief appointment with absconder."
“We are looking into this matter from legal aspects,” he said, adding that only a ‘legitimate government’ that comes to power after the elections has the right to elect the next military chief.
He also reiterated that the establishment could have saved his government from the opposition’s no-confidence motion as “they were receiving reports from agencies”.
“I told them [establishment] that due to global commodity super cycle country could not afford political instability.”
Also read: Imran will malign entire institution if COAS not appointed of his choice: Maryam
Imran went on to say that the political instability following his ouster from power caused “huge damage” to the economy.
The foreign exchange reserve, remittances and exports have dropped after my government was toppled, the former premier added.
“Now they [World Bank, IMF] all are predicting that Pakistan is moving towards social unrest as inflation is at record level… the economy’s outlook has been turned bleak.”
A day earlier, the PTI chief encouraged his party leaders and supporters to threaten back those threatening them from unknown numbers.
Invoking the mysterious figures of 'Mr X' and 'Mr Y', the PTI chief urged the party activists to smash "the idol of fear" and combat their threats with similar threats.
He also questioned on the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) decision of rebutting his statement about the army chief’s appointment, saying the DG ISPR should have at least understood what he said and what it meant.
“We have to take those steps that have not been taken ever due to public pressure and other reasons… in parliamentary democracy, coalition governments are very weak,” he said in an interactive session with interactive Zoom session with digital broadcasters and economic analysts on Tuesday.
Imran said taking “big and bold decisions” are need of the hour to stabilise the country’s economy particularly to stop the bleeding of public sector enterprises.
Since being ousted from power in April this year, Imran has time and again called upon the PML-N-led government to dissolve assemblies and hold transparent polls to save the country from “economic collapse”.
The former premier said for wealth creation the country would have to focus on increasing exports and remittances, adding the political stability and stable government required to steer the country out of the debt trap. “Political stability is linked with the economy… which is the only way to stop the rupee depreciation.”
He said investors’ confidence has been shattered “because no one knows how long this government will last”.
“Markets can sustain everything but uncertainty,” he added.
Moreover, Imran said the country is facing an external financing gap of $30 billion which he said is also the reason that value of the rupee was constantly depreciating against the dollar. “All these factors are putting pressure on the rupee.”
Social unrest
While responding to a question, Imran expressed fear that the economic condition is deteriorating with each passing day which could lead to "social unrest".
“I am worried that Pakistan will descend into social unrest if elections are not held and If we don’t act fast, the game will be out of everyone’s hand,” he remarked.
The PTI leader said people are furious over the exorbitant increase in the tariff of electricity bills, flour and other essential commodities. “The sooner they hold elections, the easier it will be to recover from this crisis.”
Imran said those who wanted to run this system are only doing it for their own vested interests. “I will soon announce the future course of action as only early and transparent polls are the way forward.”
Army chief appointment
Speaking about his "controversial" stance on the next army chief appointment, Imran Khan expressed surprise, saying how could “corrupt and convicted” leaders – Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari – be allowed to appoint the military’s chief.
“The major difference between the West and Pakistan is that there is no one above the law in the West,” he said, adding, “The rule of law is a major difference between humans and animals.”
“What will be our moral standing if we allow absconder, corrupt and convicted person [Nawaz] to appoint the army chief.”
Imran while commenting on PM Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with his elder brother Nawaz in London said, “How can a prime minister discuss the matter of army chief appointment with absconder."
“We are looking into this matter from legal aspects,” he said, adding that only a ‘legitimate government’ that comes to power after the elections has the right to elect the next military chief.
He also reiterated that the establishment could have saved his government from the opposition’s no-confidence motion as “they were receiving reports from agencies”.
“I told them [establishment] that due to global commodity super cycle country could not afford political instability.”
Also read: Imran will malign entire institution if COAS not appointed of his choice: Maryam
Imran went on to say that the political instability following his ouster from power caused “huge damage” to the economy.
The foreign exchange reserve, remittances and exports have dropped after my government was toppled, the former premier added.
“Now they [World Bank, IMF] all are predicting that Pakistan is moving towards social unrest as inflation is at record level… the economy’s outlook has been turned bleak.”
A day earlier, the PTI chief encouraged his party leaders and supporters to threaten back those threatening them from unknown numbers.
Invoking the mysterious figures of 'Mr X' and 'Mr Y', the PTI chief urged the party activists to smash "the idol of fear" and combat their threats with similar threats.
He also questioned on the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) decision of rebutting his statement about the army chief’s appointment, saying the DG ISPR should have at least understood what he said and what it meant.
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PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday said that no matter how much his opponents tried, a “minus-one” formula to knock him out of the political contest would not work.
Speaking in an interview on Aaj News show “Aaj Rana Mubashir Ke Saath”, Imran said his opponents were looking for a “technical knockout” to somehow sideline him from the political process since “they know they can’t face me in a match.”
Imran once again alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was part of this plan and was conducting every PTI-related case, such as the Toshakhana and foreign funding references, in a biased manner.
The PTI chief said that the PPP and the PML-N, and their leaders, should also be investigated under the two references.
“I think this minus-one [approach], no matter how much they try can never be successful. Because all of their efforts, they have looked at everything, and if after 3.5 years they only found the Toshakhana [reference] then it means they actually haven’t found anything.”
He also issued a challenge for any single illegality to be shown in the Toshakhana reference.
Relations with the establishment
The former prime minister was also asked about the PTI government’s relations with the establishment and reports of the latter stepping back in its support during the former’s last year to which he said he had the “best relations”. “It was because of that equilibrium that the country got out of its problems,” he added, further saying that there were no problems.
“[However], if the establishment thinks [that] in this current system of ours that has formed, if it can withdraw support and say: ‘we are neutral’ and any government can continue then no one should have this misconception.”
Imran said that such a moment would arrive but for a coalition government in the country where the establishment was so powerful, “the day the establishment signals that it is stepping back from a government then it can’t continue.”
The PTI chief claimed that he had always informed the establishment about this. “I said the day you decide this [to withdraw support], the government will fall,” he added.
Turning his aim to his political opposition, he alleged it was not a difficult task for it to offer bribes and sway PTI members into switching loyalties.
“We had no breaking point [in our relations with the establishment]. Whatever the reasons, though I have an idea what they were, the real thing is what happened to the country,” Imran said, questioning what had happened to the country as a result of the vote of no-confidence.
“Who is responsible for what is happening with Pakistanis today? Everyone who could’ve stopped this [toppling of the PTI government] is responsible.”
Imran said that at the point where the country currently was now, all of its stakeholders needed to sit together and decide to “completely change the system”, including governance, bureaucracy and many other aspects.
Matter of the army chief’s appointment or extension
The PTI chairman was also asked about his thoughts on the army chief’s appointment or extension to which he said that the “first priority” should be new elections.
Imran said that the matter of the new army chief’s appointment — which is due in November — should be tabled for later when a government arrives with a fresh public mandate.
Pressed further on his thoughts and that such an option would mean the extension of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s term as the army chief, Imran reiterated that the elections were the first priority no matter “what it takes”.
“If we are having elections then in that … if we can extend [the army chief’s term] until elections take place — it is possible and maybe there’s a provision. I’m not a lawyer but there must be some provision for this,” he said.
DAWN
Speaking in an interview on Aaj News show “Aaj Rana Mubashir Ke Saath”, Imran said his opponents were looking for a “technical knockout” to somehow sideline him from the political process since “they know they can’t face me in a match.”
Imran once again alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was part of this plan and was conducting every PTI-related case, such as the Toshakhana and foreign funding references, in a biased manner.
The PTI chief said that the PPP and the PML-N, and their leaders, should also be investigated under the two references.
“I think this minus-one [approach], no matter how much they try can never be successful. Because all of their efforts, they have looked at everything, and if after 3.5 years they only found the Toshakhana [reference] then it means they actually haven’t found anything.”
He also issued a challenge for any single illegality to be shown in the Toshakhana reference.
Relations with the establishment
The former prime minister was also asked about the PTI government’s relations with the establishment and reports of the latter stepping back in its support during the former’s last year to which he said he had the “best relations”. “It was because of that equilibrium that the country got out of its problems,” he added, further saying that there were no problems.
“[However], if the establishment thinks [that] in this current system of ours that has formed, if it can withdraw support and say: ‘we are neutral’ and any government can continue then no one should have this misconception.”
Imran said that such a moment would arrive but for a coalition government in the country where the establishment was so powerful, “the day the establishment signals that it is stepping back from a government then it can’t continue.”
The PTI chief claimed that he had always informed the establishment about this. “I said the day you decide this [to withdraw support], the government will fall,” he added.
Turning his aim to his political opposition, he alleged it was not a difficult task for it to offer bribes and sway PTI members into switching loyalties.
“We had no breaking point [in our relations with the establishment]. Whatever the reasons, though I have an idea what they were, the real thing is what happened to the country,” Imran said, questioning what had happened to the country as a result of the vote of no-confidence.
“Who is responsible for what is happening with Pakistanis today? Everyone who could’ve stopped this [toppling of the PTI government] is responsible.”
Imran said that at the point where the country currently was now, all of its stakeholders needed to sit together and decide to “completely change the system”, including governance, bureaucracy and many other aspects.
Matter of the army chief’s appointment or extension
The PTI chairman was also asked about his thoughts on the army chief’s appointment or extension to which he said that the “first priority” should be new elections.
Imran said that the matter of the new army chief’s appointment — which is due in November — should be tabled for later when a government arrives with a fresh public mandate.
Pressed further on his thoughts and that such an option would mean the extension of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s term as the army chief, Imran reiterated that the elections were the first priority no matter “what it takes”.
“If we are having elections then in that … if we can extend [the army chief’s term] until elections take place — it is possible and maybe there’s a provision. I’m not a lawyer but there must be some provision for this,” he said.
DAWN
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Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that those who could prevent the "conspiracy" from succeeding, if they call themselves "neutral at this time, the nation will never forgive them".
He said that PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz wanted the cypher to be lost somewhere so that the public will not know about the conspiracy between her uncle Shehbaz Sharif and the US, but by doing so, she has revived the issue.
"They have started a new drama regarding the disappearance of the cypher while its master copy is in the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs... Maryam Nawaz can ask her ambassador about it," he said while addressing a public gathering in Taxila on Sunday.
Imran said that the current rulers have gotten another NRO and they are trying to scare us every other day. "Bilawal came [to Islamabad] for inflation march but people only remember him for his 'kanpen tangrahi hain' statement. Today, inflation in Pakistan is at a 50-year high," he added.
Imran Khan said that these people are not doing anything for the masses after coming into power but are only trying to end their corruption cases.
"They've been forgiven for Rs1,100 billion theft. From 2008 to 2018, Pakistan's debt increased by four times."
The deposed prime minister, who was out of power after the vote of no confidence passed against him in the National Assembly on April 10, said that those who could prevent the "conspiracy" from succeeding, if they call themselves neutral at this time, the nation will never forgive them.
Imran said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was even more coward than former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. "Unless there was a deal, Ishaq Dar could not have returned but he has," he added.
Lashing out at the chief election commissioner, Imran said that he has been tasked with only one job and that is somehow to make the current rulers win the next elections via rigging.
The PTI chief also urged his followers to wait for his final call for a long march, adding that the call is not very far.
Express Tribune
He said that PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz wanted the cypher to be lost somewhere so that the public will not know about the conspiracy between her uncle Shehbaz Sharif and the US, but by doing so, she has revived the issue.
"They have started a new drama regarding the disappearance of the cypher while its master copy is in the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs... Maryam Nawaz can ask her ambassador about it," he said while addressing a public gathering in Taxila on Sunday.
Imran said that the current rulers have gotten another NRO and they are trying to scare us every other day. "Bilawal came [to Islamabad] for inflation march but people only remember him for his 'kanpen tangrahi hain' statement. Today, inflation in Pakistan is at a 50-year high," he added.
Imran Khan said that these people are not doing anything for the masses after coming into power but are only trying to end their corruption cases.
"They've been forgiven for Rs1,100 billion theft. From 2008 to 2018, Pakistan's debt increased by four times."
The deposed prime minister, who was out of power after the vote of no confidence passed against him in the National Assembly on April 10, said that those who could prevent the "conspiracy" from succeeding, if they call themselves neutral at this time, the nation will never forgive them.
Imran said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was even more coward than former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. "Unless there was a deal, Ishaq Dar could not have returned but he has," he added.
Lashing out at the chief election commissioner, Imran said that he has been tasked with only one job and that is somehow to make the current rulers win the next elections via rigging.
The PTI chief also urged his followers to wait for his final call for a long march, adding that the call is not very far.
Express Tribune
SalimBhai
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What’s going on now. Is imran getting arrested? Elections?
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Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has said that going to jail is not a big deal for him to achieve ‘real freedom’ in the country, adding that he is even ready to “sacrifice his life”.
Addressing students at an Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, the former premier called upon the pupils to take to the streets in order to stand up against injustice, saying that “chains have to be broken. Freedom is not given, it is taken”.
Imran, who was removed from power through a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly in April, said that only coward and selfish people would not raise their voices against injustice.
“Raising a voice against injustice is Jihad. If someone wants to rob the country, I have to stand up to these thieves,” he added.
The deposed prime minister said every day a new case is filed against him for political victimisation and added that he would appear before the court to get bail.
“One of the biggest obstacles to fight against oppression is fear. A coward person can never become a leader. Nawaz Sharif flees the country during difficult times.”
“Only slaves polish shoes, leaders are free and fearless.”
He urged the students to come out of their homes to achieve ‘real freedom’ in the country.
“I have come here to prepare the students. Everyone has to come out for the real freedom of the country.”
The PTI chief reiterated his allegations that thieves were imposed upon the country via a regime change conspiracy hatched by the United States.
“They [rulers] are humiliating the country, they have no shame. They steal the country's money and live in palaces outside.”
The PTI chief said his movement for ‘real freedom’ was not political but rather he was doing ‘jihad’.
“Students played a major role in bringing a revolution in different parts of the world. I am going to give [final] call for very soon for the long march. The nation will stand before the cabal of crooks and their handlers,” he remarked.
‘Rising terrorism’
PTI Chairman Imran Khan held the federal government and security agencies responsible for rising in terrorist incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Referring to the latest incidents in Swat and tribal areas, Imran said terrorism incidents are rising since the PML-N-led coalition government came to power.
He was addressing the party convention in K-P’s Mardan.
He also accused the incumbent government of allowing “some people” to cross into the country from neighbouring Afghanistan which he said led to the rise in terrorist incidents.
The former PM said the government in Islamabad is busy securing relief in corruption cases while “terrorists are entering the country from across the border”.
He also accused the security agencies of intimidating his party members, tapping phone calls and pressuring the media into censoring his speeches.
Express Tribune
Addressing students at an Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, the former premier called upon the pupils to take to the streets in order to stand up against injustice, saying that “chains have to be broken. Freedom is not given, it is taken”.
Imran, who was removed from power through a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly in April, said that only coward and selfish people would not raise their voices against injustice.
“Raising a voice against injustice is Jihad. If someone wants to rob the country, I have to stand up to these thieves,” he added.
The deposed prime minister said every day a new case is filed against him for political victimisation and added that he would appear before the court to get bail.
“One of the biggest obstacles to fight against oppression is fear. A coward person can never become a leader. Nawaz Sharif flees the country during difficult times.”
“Only slaves polish shoes, leaders are free and fearless.”
He urged the students to come out of their homes to achieve ‘real freedom’ in the country.
“I have come here to prepare the students. Everyone has to come out for the real freedom of the country.”
The PTI chief reiterated his allegations that thieves were imposed upon the country via a regime change conspiracy hatched by the United States.
“They [rulers] are humiliating the country, they have no shame. They steal the country's money and live in palaces outside.”
The PTI chief said his movement for ‘real freedom’ was not political but rather he was doing ‘jihad’.
“Students played a major role in bringing a revolution in different parts of the world. I am going to give [final] call for very soon for the long march. The nation will stand before the cabal of crooks and their handlers,” he remarked.
‘Rising terrorism’
PTI Chairman Imran Khan held the federal government and security agencies responsible for rising in terrorist incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Referring to the latest incidents in Swat and tribal areas, Imran said terrorism incidents are rising since the PML-N-led coalition government came to power.
He was addressing the party convention in K-P’s Mardan.
He also accused the incumbent government of allowing “some people” to cross into the country from neighbouring Afghanistan which he said led to the rise in terrorist incidents.
The former PM said the government in Islamabad is busy securing relief in corruption cases while “terrorists are entering the country from across the border”.
He also accused the security agencies of intimidating his party members, tapping phone calls and pressuring the media into censoring his speeches.
Express Tribune
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Everyone must turnout to vote in all the constituencies where bye elections are being held today. This is a referendum for Haqiqi Azadi from the cabal of crooks. We are contesting against all of PDM, the Election Commission and "namaloom afraad".</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1581492506599911424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Imran Khan won six National Assembly seats for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a by-election on Sunday that was seen as a direct contest between the former ruling party and the current ruling coalition, which also grabbed two seats.
the Great Khan
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When will the powers that be finally come to the conclusion that the current govt is useless? When? When the Western powers denuke us and install an Indian hegemon at our throats?
daytrader
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Buoyed by poll success, Imran admits ‘backchannel’ is open
• Ex-PM accuses Nawaz of dragging feet in bid to ‘see off’ wave of PTI popularity
• Claims long march will be held in October, party prepared to deal with ‘violence’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, who had hitherto held his cards close to his chest regarding backdoor talks with the establishment to break the political impasse, on Monday acknowledged that the dialogue with powerful quarters was underway.
The former premier made these remarks while respon*ding to questions regarding the ambiguity surrounding the talks with the powers-that-be and the reports of an alleged meeting of the PTI chief with ‘four senior-most army generals’ following his resounding victory in the by-polls on Sunday.
The PTI chairman did not respond to the question abo*ut the reported meeting with the generals, but in his comments about the dialogue, he said, “Negotia*tions, what should I say… [t]hey are happening and not happening. Whatever little we have done over backchannels, there is no clarity as yet.”
Mr Khan, however, blamed Nawaz Sharif for this lack of clarity during a press talk at his Banigala residence. “I know why that clarity is not there, because Nawaz Sharif is afraid of elections. Unless he decides, elections will not take place. He is afraid that if all parties ganged up couldn’t defeat [me], if elections are held they will lose. He wants to drag this on, no matter if the country goes to the dogs,” the former premier alleged.
The PML-N supremo wanted to delay polls because of the PTI’s increasing popularity, the PTI chairman said, adding: “He [Nawaz] wants that if this can be dragged on, PTI’s wave can be quelled. The wave is rising, but he wants the wave to go down. Until then, he is not concerned about what happens to the country.”
This is the first time Mr Khan has explicitly mentioned talks with the powers-that-be, as, during his earlier interactions with the media, he had merely dropped hints about the existence of these negotiations.
It seems the decision to go public with this backchannel dialogue was taken by the PTI chief on the back of the thumping victory in the by-polls held on Sunday, which boosted the morale of the PTI which had termed these elections a “referendum” against the ‘imported government’.
In a further jibe at the PML-N leader, Imran Khan said, “Mr Sharif cannot contest election while having neutral umpires. On the other hand, I am the one who has always supported neutral umpires. I assume that Nawaz Sharif will get a clean chit as his party has also received NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance]. So, I am ready to contest the election against him as I have never played matches with weak teams…”
Speaking about the appointment of the army chief, Imran Khan said the new chief of army staff should be appointed on merit and added that PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari were not fit to appoint the army chief because of corruption cases against them.
He ruled out the possibility of dialogue with the government, saying “this is very hard to do as you can talk to Baloch and Sindhi nationalists, but not with criminals”, Dawn.com quoted him as saying.
By-polls victory
Imran Khan, who contested seven out of eight National Assembly seats, also talked about the victory of the PTI in the by-polls. He managed to win six seats while losing the Karachi seat in Malir to the PPP candidate. However, Mr Khan said that he would move the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against his defeat, claiming that there was ample proof of rigging. If elections could be held in Daska over complaints of riggings in 22 out of 400 polling stations then they could be held in Malir as well, he added.
Buoyed by his victory in the election, Imran Khan claimed that ‘13 political parties’ were united against the PTI but they still failed to win despite the fact that people were aware that the PTI will not go to parliament. “I would say it was a referendum against the government,” he said while talking about the by-polls.
Long march
Speaking about the long march, the PTI chief said a meeting of the senior party leadership was held wherein it was decided to announce the date of the much-hyped march later this month and a strategy had been formulated in case the government used force against PTI protesters.
“I am giving them (government) time just for the sake of the country,” he said. “I repeat that they still have time to announce elections, and if they don’t, I will begin my march, and my preparations are almost complete.”
In a reference to the previous long march by the PTI in May this year, the PTI chairman said that on May 25 the PTI was going to hold a peaceful march but it was derailed by the government through the use of violence. “However, this time we will be prepared to deal with violence,” he warned.
‘Attempts to please COAS’
In a thinly veiled reference, Mr Khan also criticised the intelligence agencies for their alleged involvement in the arrest of PTI leaders, most recently Senator Azam Swati. “Since the appointment of a person in Islamabad, leaders of PTI are being picked and subjected to sexual torture,” he said, claiming that these measures against the PTI were being taken by the unnamed person to ‘please the army chief’.
The PTI chief claimed initially his close aide Shahbaz Gill was picked in a sedition case and after that Azam Swati was whisked away in front of his grandchildren and later handed over to intelligence agencies.
Imran Khan claimed that the PTI senator was subjected to sexual torture and the news of his arrest over a tweet against the army chief was published across the globe, causing embarrassment. “The person [appointed in Islamabad] is trying to make the army chief happy; however, the army chief might not be aware of it,” Imran Khan said, adding, “Unfortunately an impression is being created that the army is above the law and that Pakistan is a banana republic since it is not a big deal to speak against army chief(s) in other countries.”
DAWN
• Ex-PM accuses Nawaz of dragging feet in bid to ‘see off’ wave of PTI popularity
• Claims long march will be held in October, party prepared to deal with ‘violence’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, who had hitherto held his cards close to his chest regarding backdoor talks with the establishment to break the political impasse, on Monday acknowledged that the dialogue with powerful quarters was underway.
The former premier made these remarks while respon*ding to questions regarding the ambiguity surrounding the talks with the powers-that-be and the reports of an alleged meeting of the PTI chief with ‘four senior-most army generals’ following his resounding victory in the by-polls on Sunday.
The PTI chairman did not respond to the question abo*ut the reported meeting with the generals, but in his comments about the dialogue, he said, “Negotia*tions, what should I say… [t]hey are happening and not happening. Whatever little we have done over backchannels, there is no clarity as yet.”
Mr Khan, however, blamed Nawaz Sharif for this lack of clarity during a press talk at his Banigala residence. “I know why that clarity is not there, because Nawaz Sharif is afraid of elections. Unless he decides, elections will not take place. He is afraid that if all parties ganged up couldn’t defeat [me], if elections are held they will lose. He wants to drag this on, no matter if the country goes to the dogs,” the former premier alleged.
The PML-N supremo wanted to delay polls because of the PTI’s increasing popularity, the PTI chairman said, adding: “He [Nawaz] wants that if this can be dragged on, PTI’s wave can be quelled. The wave is rising, but he wants the wave to go down. Until then, he is not concerned about what happens to the country.”
This is the first time Mr Khan has explicitly mentioned talks with the powers-that-be, as, during his earlier interactions with the media, he had merely dropped hints about the existence of these negotiations.
It seems the decision to go public with this backchannel dialogue was taken by the PTI chief on the back of the thumping victory in the by-polls held on Sunday, which boosted the morale of the PTI which had termed these elections a “referendum” against the ‘imported government’.
In a further jibe at the PML-N leader, Imran Khan said, “Mr Sharif cannot contest election while having neutral umpires. On the other hand, I am the one who has always supported neutral umpires. I assume that Nawaz Sharif will get a clean chit as his party has also received NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance]. So, I am ready to contest the election against him as I have never played matches with weak teams…”
Speaking about the appointment of the army chief, Imran Khan said the new chief of army staff should be appointed on merit and added that PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari were not fit to appoint the army chief because of corruption cases against them.
He ruled out the possibility of dialogue with the government, saying “this is very hard to do as you can talk to Baloch and Sindhi nationalists, but not with criminals”, Dawn.com quoted him as saying.
By-polls victory
Imran Khan, who contested seven out of eight National Assembly seats, also talked about the victory of the PTI in the by-polls. He managed to win six seats while losing the Karachi seat in Malir to the PPP candidate. However, Mr Khan said that he would move the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against his defeat, claiming that there was ample proof of rigging. If elections could be held in Daska over complaints of riggings in 22 out of 400 polling stations then they could be held in Malir as well, he added.
Buoyed by his victory in the election, Imran Khan claimed that ‘13 political parties’ were united against the PTI but they still failed to win despite the fact that people were aware that the PTI will not go to parliament. “I would say it was a referendum against the government,” he said while talking about the by-polls.
Long march
Speaking about the long march, the PTI chief said a meeting of the senior party leadership was held wherein it was decided to announce the date of the much-hyped march later this month and a strategy had been formulated in case the government used force against PTI protesters.
“I am giving them (government) time just for the sake of the country,” he said. “I repeat that they still have time to announce elections, and if they don’t, I will begin my march, and my preparations are almost complete.”
In a reference to the previous long march by the PTI in May this year, the PTI chairman said that on May 25 the PTI was going to hold a peaceful march but it was derailed by the government through the use of violence. “However, this time we will be prepared to deal with violence,” he warned.
‘Attempts to please COAS’
In a thinly veiled reference, Mr Khan also criticised the intelligence agencies for their alleged involvement in the arrest of PTI leaders, most recently Senator Azam Swati. “Since the appointment of a person in Islamabad, leaders of PTI are being picked and subjected to sexual torture,” he said, claiming that these measures against the PTI were being taken by the unnamed person to ‘please the army chief’.
The PTI chief claimed initially his close aide Shahbaz Gill was picked in a sedition case and after that Azam Swati was whisked away in front of his grandchildren and later handed over to intelligence agencies.
Imran Khan claimed that the PTI senator was subjected to sexual torture and the news of his arrest over a tweet against the army chief was published across the globe, causing embarrassment. “The person [appointed in Islamabad] is trying to make the army chief happy; however, the army chief might not be aware of it,” Imran Khan said, adding, “Unfortunately an impression is being created that the army is above the law and that Pakistan is a banana republic since it is not a big deal to speak against army chief(s) in other countries.”
DAWN
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Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday said the government was privy to the PTI leadership’s, including party chairman Imran Khan’s, purported contacts with the establishment.
Talking on Dawn News show “Live with Adil Shahzeb”, Asif said: “We know about these meetings [with the establishment] and the second-tier leadership of PTI also had a meeting a few days ago,” he said.
He denied that Imran had allegedly held two meetings with the army chief.
Asif added that thus far only one purported meeting had taken place between the two, further saying that the government already knew about that meeting beforehand.
Talking about the appointment of a new army chief, the minister said the Prime Minister’s Office had yet to send a formal letter for the summary of candidate names to the Ministry of Defence.
“The prime minister will take the decision when it is the time but the PTI chief making the appointment controversial is nothing but sheer frustration on his part,” he remarked.
The defence minister also ruled out the widespread impression that the PTI had behind the scene support from certain quarters in the recent by-elections.
Talking about the party’s internal discussion that leadership needed to be handed over to PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, the minister said there was “no doubt” that Maryam was popular, but, he suggested that the party needed to work on its other aspects such as its media strategy.
Without mincing his words, the defence minister admitted to the fact that the party was lacking in the use of digital technology.
“I have no qualms in making a confession that PML-N lacks utilising social media and the latest technology to reach out to the masses,” he said, adding that the party need to access the youth through a similar medium they were familiar with.
When asked about the government’s ongoing talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, the minister replied that he had “no idea” about that process.
Talking on Dawn News show “Live with Adil Shahzeb”, Asif said: “We know about these meetings [with the establishment] and the second-tier leadership of PTI also had a meeting a few days ago,” he said.
He denied that Imran had allegedly held two meetings with the army chief.
Asif added that thus far only one purported meeting had taken place between the two, further saying that the government already knew about that meeting beforehand.
Talking about the appointment of a new army chief, the minister said the Prime Minister’s Office had yet to send a formal letter for the summary of candidate names to the Ministry of Defence.
“The prime minister will take the decision when it is the time but the PTI chief making the appointment controversial is nothing but sheer frustration on his part,” he remarked.
The defence minister also ruled out the widespread impression that the PTI had behind the scene support from certain quarters in the recent by-elections.
Talking about the party’s internal discussion that leadership needed to be handed over to PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, the minister said there was “no doubt” that Maryam was popular, but, he suggested that the party needed to work on its other aspects such as its media strategy.
Without mincing his words, the defence minister admitted to the fact that the party was lacking in the use of digital technology.
“I have no qualms in making a confession that PML-N lacks utilising social media and the latest technology to reach out to the masses,” he said, adding that the party need to access the youth through a similar medium they were familiar with.
When asked about the government’s ongoing talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, the minister replied that he had “no idea” about that process.
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PTI chairman and former premier Imran Khan faced backlash from different circles on Wednesday after he allegedly said that reporter Gharida Farooqi was “bound to be harassed” if she “forced her way into the male-dominated spaces”.
Imran made the remarks while responding to a question about the situation of female journalists in the country during a conversation with the delegations of the National Press Club (NPC) and the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) in the federal capital.
Imran made the remarks while responding to a question about the situation of female journalists in the country during a conversation with the delegations of the National Press Club (NPC) and the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) in the federal capital.
shortbread
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IK should smartly and patiently chalk out a strategy to get back on the throne without burning the ground it sits on.
daytrader
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PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan has once again decided to contest by-elections in all 33 National Assembly constituencies that fell vacant after resignations of the party’s 35 lawmakers were accepted by the speaker on Tuesday.
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf earlier today accepted the resignations of 35 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers that also included two MNAs elected from reserved seats, who had resigned from their seats in April last year following the ouster of former PM Imran Khan.
“Tehreek-e-Insaf will contest elections on all the seats and Imran Khan will be the candidate of Tehreek-e-Insaf on these thirty-three seats,” PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said in a brief statement on Twitter.
Express Tribune
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf earlier today accepted the resignations of 35 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers that also included two MNAs elected from reserved seats, who had resigned from their seats in April last year following the ouster of former PM Imran Khan.
“Tehreek-e-Insaf will contest elections on all the seats and Imran Khan will be the candidate of Tehreek-e-Insaf on these thirty-three seats,” PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said in a brief statement on Twitter.
Express Tribune
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Former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan will contest for all 33 vacant seats in National Assembly (NA) by-elections, scheduled to take place on March 16, party’s senior vice-president Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore after PTI’s core committee meeting, the former foreign minister said that Imran Khan will be party’s candidate for all constituencies and former members of National Assembly (MNAs), who were earlier elected for those seats will be covering candidates.
“The nation will give a clear message on March 16, as the people of Pakistan completely trusts in the leadership of Imran Khan and stand with the PTI,” Shah Mehmood said, adding that the people will also voice their reservations against the group that’s been imposed upon the country.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had released the schedule for by-polls on 33 National Assembly (NA) vacated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNAs.
The ECP has decided to hold by-polls on 33 NA seats on March 16, for which nomination papers can be received from February 6 to 8.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently denotified 35 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNAs after the NA speaker accepted their resignations. NA speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf accepted the resignations of 113 PTI members last week in phases.
‘Delay in elections’
Speaking of the party’s core committee meeting in today’s press conference, Qureshi said that the participants discussed the country’s political and economic situation and chalked out an action plan in this regard.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi also voice concerned over the ‘delay’ in announcement of date for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) elections, saying that the governors of both provinces would be defying the Constitution if they do not issue a date for the polls.
“The elections should be ensured within 90 days in line with the Constitution as it does not permit for an hour’s delay and we won’t stand it,” he added.
Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest
Condemning the arrest of party leader Fawad Chaudhry, the former minister urged Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to take notice of ‘injustice’ with a former federal minister.
“There is no precedent for physical remand for three times in a single case”, Qureshi said, adding that those who criticized the Fawad Chaudhry in the past were also expressing sympathy.
It is pertinent to mention here that a judicial magistrate on Saturday granted police two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was arrested for ‘threatening’ members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
According to details, Judicial Magistrate Waqas Ahmed Raja accepted the police’s request for an extension in Fawad Chaudhry’s physical remand, sending the former information minister on two-day physical remand.
Read More: Imran Khan appeals to CJP to protect Fawad Chaudhry’s constitutional rights
In the order, the judicial magistrate ordered the Islamabad Police to produce the PTI leader before his court on Monday (January 30) upon the expiry of his remand.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore after PTI’s core committee meeting, the former foreign minister said that Imran Khan will be party’s candidate for all constituencies and former members of National Assembly (MNAs), who were earlier elected for those seats will be covering candidates.
“The nation will give a clear message on March 16, as the people of Pakistan completely trusts in the leadership of Imran Khan and stand with the PTI,” Shah Mehmood said, adding that the people will also voice their reservations against the group that’s been imposed upon the country.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had released the schedule for by-polls on 33 National Assembly (NA) vacated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNAs.
The ECP has decided to hold by-polls on 33 NA seats on March 16, for which nomination papers can be received from February 6 to 8.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently denotified 35 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNAs after the NA speaker accepted their resignations. NA speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf accepted the resignations of 113 PTI members last week in phases.
‘Delay in elections’
Speaking of the party’s core committee meeting in today’s press conference, Qureshi said that the participants discussed the country’s political and economic situation and chalked out an action plan in this regard.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi also voice concerned over the ‘delay’ in announcement of date for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) elections, saying that the governors of both provinces would be defying the Constitution if they do not issue a date for the polls.
“The elections should be ensured within 90 days in line with the Constitution as it does not permit for an hour’s delay and we won’t stand it,” he added.
Fawad Chaudhry’s arrest
Condemning the arrest of party leader Fawad Chaudhry, the former minister urged Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to take notice of ‘injustice’ with a former federal minister.
“There is no precedent for physical remand for three times in a single case”, Qureshi said, adding that those who criticized the Fawad Chaudhry in the past were also expressing sympathy.
It is pertinent to mention here that a judicial magistrate on Saturday granted police two-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was arrested for ‘threatening’ members of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
According to details, Judicial Magistrate Waqas Ahmed Raja accepted the police’s request for an extension in Fawad Chaudhry’s physical remand, sending the former information minister on two-day physical remand.
Read More: Imran Khan appeals to CJP to protect Fawad Chaudhry’s constitutional rights
In the order, the judicial magistrate ordered the Islamabad Police to produce the PTI leader before his court on Monday (January 30) upon the expiry of his remand.
Bewal Express
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Kaptaan toying with criminals and their handlers.
Savak
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Am worried about IKs security? Is there anyway pti can bolster his security via private security firms, sources without being dependent on the provincial and federal government?
Are there any reputable private security firms in Pakistan?
Are there any reputable private security firms in Pakistan?
DeadlyVenom
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He is the most secure man in Pakistan imo.
Establishment will work to discredit him but wont kill him.
If he is killed then the Establishment falls.
DeadlyVenom
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Quite a dumb system overall though ( running in multiple seats) and one that I hope is changed in the future.
Bewal Express
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Agree but it's system he didn't create. It should be maximum one in each province
Bewal Express
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Disagree. They are desperate to kill him. He stands between them and total rule of the mafia and as IK has exposed, the establishment is the biggest mafia.
Bewal Express
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I have feeling that he has resigned himself that he will be killed but won't back down. May Allah keep him safe. If he is killed, We Punjarabis are born ghulams and wont get off our arsess but KP would go ballistic and hence the danger to PK as a country
This makes it a presidential election but does not empower his team. From an administrative standpoint this is also a very impractical approach as 1 person effectively can't cater to the needs to 33 constituencies. But then nothing is normal in Pakistan politics where a credible FM gets replaced by a proven failure because he is a relative of the party leader, so one can only wait and watch how this strategy pans out.
Savak
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The Pakistani barely didn't do any tor phor after the first assassination attempt. This has given the establishment confidence that they can get away with it with a successful second attempt and any anger, outrage, violent uprising by PTI, it's supporters and the nation will be suppressed.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">سب گناہ و حرام چلنے دو <br>کہہ رہے ہیں نظام چلنے دو!<br><br>ضد ہے کیا وقت کو بدلنے کی<br>یونہی سب بے لگام چلنے دو<br><br>اہلیت کیا ہے میری چھوڑ اسے<br>نام کافی ہے، نام چلنے دو<br><br>حق کو چھوڑو، کتاب کو چھوڑو<br>حکمِ حاکم سے کام چلنے دو<br><br>شاہ جائے گا، شاہ آئے گا<br>تم رہو گے غلام، چلنے دو<br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/dswpti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dswpti</a> <a href="https://t.co/lQmxGnltSU">pic.twitter.com/lQmxGnltSU</a></p>— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1620444343986454529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
wasim-fan
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Easily the most popular. How else can we explain the con of US conspiracy and imported govt. Can anyone explain what he is trying to say here ? Because it seems that he is changing narrative from US did it to Bajwa did it.
https://twitter.com/Shehzad89/status/1624749779384164352?t=rLFZCuOAW-zx9DufzO-sWA&s=19
https://twitter.com/Shehzad89/status/1624749779384164352?t=rLFZCuOAW-zx9DufzO-sWA&s=19
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Not sure what part you listened to.
He said that the cypher was real and it was a minuted meeting etc
Syed1
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Oh so regime change was a con now....
I saw you ran away from the economy thread.
Seems you couldn't defend the $2b forex reserves, 40% inflation and Rs300/$, rest assured I will follow you to every thread.
Bewal Express
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I think you comprehension skills are limited at best and everything that has happened since has proved IK right. The cypher was real and what's more Bajwa had hired Haqqani to make the Americans paranoid about IK and get the Americans to start the process. Why do you think Billo has been promoted so much, a complete duffer who can't speak the language and has the intelligence of a lettuce leaf.
Savak
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Hussain Haqqani had been ranting against Pakistan and the Pakistani army for a decade but he conveniently changed his tune towards Pakistan and the Pakistani army from 2021 onwards. Something definitely changed
Bewal Express
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Bajwa hired Haqqani, Haqqani works for the Americans, he then fills their ears against IK and promotes Bajwa. The deal was that Bajwa overthrows with AZs help and then Billo is given a prominent post and then after the rigged election, made the PM. They forgot one thing Kaptaan is well liked by PKs and Billo has no support, less than 1% by all opinion polls. The clown is seen as a joke, promoted way above his capabilities and has made no impression on the population and now relies totally on the Generals to keep him in power. ZAB was the same- promoted by Ayub and destroyed PK
daytrader
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I want to thank all the people & especially the lawyers for coming out in huge numbers spontaneously and showing such passionate support yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/J4LdiRc0IV">pic.twitter.com/J4LdiRc0IV</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1627864210737704965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
daytrader
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People's love for Imran Khan on the way to court
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">موٹروے پر جگہ جگہ عمران خان کے قافلے کا شاندار استقبال۔ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A2%D8%B1%DB%81%D8%A7_%DB%81%DB%92_%DA%A9%D9%BE%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%A2%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#آرہا_ہے_کپتان_اسلام_آباد</a> <a href="https://t.co/GLLv61Bgea">pic.twitter.com/GLLv61Bgea</a></p>— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1630446035372851201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">موٹروے پر جگہ جگہ عمران خان کے قافلے کا شاندار استقبال۔ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A2%D8%B1%DB%81%D8%A7_%DB%81%DB%92_%DA%A9%D9%BE%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%A2%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#آرہا_ہے_کپتان_اسلام_آباد</a> <a href="https://t.co/GLLv61Bgea">pic.twitter.com/GLLv61Bgea</a></p>— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1630446035372851201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Last edited:
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PTI Chairman Imran Khan is “positively rated” among 61 per cent of Pakistanis, whereas only 36 per cent have a “good opinion” about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, according to a survey titled Public Pulse Report published by Gallup Pakistan on Monday.
https://gallup.com.pk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Public-Pulse-Report.pdf
DAWN
https://gallup.com.pk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Public-Pulse-Report.pdf
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Hextro
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That's a higher number for IK than I expected. Let's see whether or not PTI can make something out of this momentum. I hope they do.
Yes
IAJ
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There is no doubt he is the most popular leader in the country and will win the next general election comprehensively.
But the tough work will start after that and his every little step will be followed very closely.
Lastly, appointing Parvaiz Elahi as presisdent of the party might backfire later, we shall see.
But the tough work will start after that and his every little step will be followed very closely.
Lastly, appointing Parvaiz Elahi as presisdent of the party might backfire later, we shall see.
daytrader
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Punjab govt asks PTI to take ‘extra precautions’ at Lahore rally today in light of ‘security threats’
The Punjab Home Department on Wednesday asked the PTI leaders in Lahore to take “extra precaution” in view of party’s rally in Lahore today, saying such public gatherings in the face of security threats are “not advisable”.
The PTI is set to take out a rally from Zaman Park to Data Darbar where party chief Imran Khan along with other leaders are also expected to be in attendance.
The provincial authorities conveyed its concerns to PTI Central Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid through a letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, asking the party to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The PTI, which was supposed to kick off its election campaign today, has decided to dedicate today’s demonstration to the judiciary and postponed the launch of its canvassing drive until Saturday.
Though the rally is dedicated to “respect and dignity of the judiciary” which, according to the PTI, is under attack from political quarters, party insiders term it a “formal commencement of the election campaign”, Dawn reported.
The election campaign will now be initiated with a public rally at Sangla Hill, a town in central Punjab.
In a letter to the PTI’s Dr Rashid, the home department warned of security threats.
...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1741058/p...hore-rally-today-in-light-of-security-threats
The Punjab Home Department on Wednesday asked the PTI leaders in Lahore to take “extra precaution” in view of party’s rally in Lahore today, saying such public gatherings in the face of security threats are “not advisable”.
The PTI is set to take out a rally from Zaman Park to Data Darbar where party chief Imran Khan along with other leaders are also expected to be in attendance.
The provincial authorities conveyed its concerns to PTI Central Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid through a letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, asking the party to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The PTI, which was supposed to kick off its election campaign today, has decided to dedicate today’s demonstration to the judiciary and postponed the launch of its canvassing drive until Saturday.
Though the rally is dedicated to “respect and dignity of the judiciary” which, according to the PTI, is under attack from political quarters, party insiders term it a “formal commencement of the election campaign”, Dawn reported.
The election campaign will now be initiated with a public rally at Sangla Hill, a town in central Punjab.
In a letter to the PTI’s Dr Rashid, the home department warned of security threats.
...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1741058/p...hore-rally-today-in-light-of-security-threats
Major
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1. 2000 respondents
2. The rest of the guys combined had more votes
3. The govt is made up of either 2/3rd majority of one party or multiple parties joining together.
Thus, the results are not that much favorable.
Local.Dada
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One thing is it is not even up for debate that on an individual level he definitely is the most popular Pakistani politician in terms of mass appeal.
the Great Khan
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Lahore rally attacked by the fascist govt.
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Digging their own graves PDM
==
PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday called off the party’s rally in Lahore in the wake of the Punjab government’s crackdown on participants following the imposition of Section 144 in the provincial capital.
The PTI had planned to take out a rally from Zaman Park to Data Darbar Imran and other leaders were also expected to be in attendance.
The PTI, which had decided to kick off its election campaign today, had decided to dedicate the demonstration to the judiciary and postponed the launch of its canvassing drive until Saturday.
However, earlier in the day the Punjab government had imposed Section 144 in Lahore and had also arrested several PTI workers for violating the ban.
the Great Khan
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They will attack voters during the election to prevent them from voting. This is what they want. They are reduced to this...martial law in full flow now. Hafiz is no better than Haji.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ali Bilal unarmed & our dedicated & passionate PTI worker murdered by Punjab police. Shameful, this brutality on unarmed PTI workers who were coming to attend election rally. Pakistan is in the grip of murderous criminals. We will file cases against IG, CCPO & others for murder. <a href="https://t.co/BLQZE1uejr">pic.twitter.com/BLQZE1uejr</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1633487276557713410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Traitor government provided permission for the rally and then started killing and maiming people.
There are videos of police injuring people and damaging their cars and provoking all violence. Banana republic run by NRO accepting criminals and their haram khor Court certified criminal daughter, in action.
There are videos of police injuring people and damaging their cars and provoking all violence. Banana republic run by NRO accepting criminals and their haram khor Court certified criminal daughter, in action.
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has changed the date of its Minar-e-Pakistan power show and decided to organise the public meeting on March 25 instead of 22, ARY News reported on Tuesday.
The decision was taken in a session of PTI senior leaders under the chair of Imran Khan. The PTI leaders also took important decisions citing the political developments in the country.
Yesterday, it emerged that PTI chairman Imran Khan and president Pervaiz Elahi held consultations regarding the date of the upcoming power show.
Sources told ARY News that PTI would submit an application to seek permission for its power show on March 23. Sources added that the government has not yet given written permission to the PTI for its public meeting scheduled for March 22.
Sources said that the political party will require at least three days for completing the preparations for the public meeting.
On Sunday, the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan announced that his party would stage a power show at Minar-e-Pakistan on Wednesday (March 22).
The decision was taken in a session of PTI senior leaders under the chair of Imran Khan. The PTI leaders also took important decisions citing the political developments in the country.
Yesterday, it emerged that PTI chairman Imran Khan and president Pervaiz Elahi held consultations regarding the date of the upcoming power show.
Sources told ARY News that PTI would submit an application to seek permission for its power show on March 23. Sources added that the government has not yet given written permission to the PTI for its public meeting scheduled for March 22.
Sources said that the political party will require at least three days for completing the preparations for the public meeting.
On Sunday, the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan announced that his party would stage a power show at Minar-e-Pakistan on Wednesday (March 22).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">King of Trees: the man who started to plant 10 billion trees in Pakistan is being forcibly cut down. But he still has faith. May God support him and the future generations of the Clean Earth (literally the meaning of Pakistan)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImranKhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImranKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/imrankhanarrest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#imrankhanarrest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kingoftrees?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kingoftrees</a> <a href="https://t.co/7RbGjEmQw1">pic.twitter.com/7RbGjEmQw1</a></p>— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) <a href="https://twitter.com/YusufCatStevens/status/1656949052011958272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A young mother from Chitral was arrested during the peaceful protests in solidarity with Imran Khan sb; here she is, while being dragged towards a police vehicle, with a powerful stance in support of her Quaid:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThiswasnotonTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThiswasnotonTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/fvZXB3ZTUN">pic.twitter.com/fvZXB3ZTUN</a></p>— Shaista (@jamilkhaista) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamilkhaista/status/1657296274406645760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Rana
Hall of Famer
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How can the protestors be peaceful if it’s leading to them being dragged away by the police?
It doesn’t work like that
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,862
Why are they not being allowed to protest?
==
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The law of jungle where the daughter of nation <a href="https://twitter.com/AyeshaBhutta01?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AyeshaBhutta01</a> was abducted 4am from her house by law enforcement, charged her under false FIR with terrorism and murder charges, just because she support <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> & someone in Pindi isn’t happy. She is the real <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B5%D9%86%D9%81_%D8%A2%DB%81%D9%86?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#صنف_آہن</a> <a href="https://t.co/CWjloJty2G">pic.twitter.com/CWjloJty2G</a></p>— ������������������ (@Em_adPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Em_adPTI/status/1657261780077355008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Rana
Hall of Famer
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Who’s not allowing them to protest? Just don’t get physical with the police. Just don’t damage public property
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- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,862
I suggest a trip to Pakistan.
Here is a taste
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Karachi: short while ago for carrying PTI flag! <a href="https://t.co/YRPl3Ejwpw">pic.twitter.com/YRPl3Ejwpw</a></p>— AfshaYusufzai (@AfshanYusufzai) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfshanYusufzai/status/1657306116273979393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Rana
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Looks bad
But do you have the transcript of the dialogue between the police and this individual? Easy to jump to conclusions that he was assaulted for carrying a flag. And the one carrying the flag isn’t being battered, it’s the front passenger seat guy
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SalimBhai
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I hope these people are held accountable for this
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The difference
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Pakistan's 'King of Chaos' Imran Khan keeps winning even behind bars
Pakistan's recent elections were supposed to bring in a period of stability, badly needed to deal with crippling inflation and bitter political divides in the country, writes author and journalist Mohammed Hanif.
Instead, they delivered a minority government - a shaky, reluctant coalition that looks unsure of its own mandate.
Two weeks after the elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto announced that they would form a government but that the PPP wouldn't be part of it.
The midnight announcement by the leaders of both parties was made in sombre tones and had the air of a shotgun wedding.
Suddenly, Pakistan was that rare democracy where nobody really wanted to be the prime minister.
The "establishment" - a euphemism used by local media for Pakistan's powerful military - has always believed that general elections are too sensitive an exercise to be left to civilian politicians.
This time around they opened their old election playbook and used every trick deployed successfully in the past.
The main contender Imran Khan was put in jail. He faces more than 150 criminal and civil charges, all of which he denies.
A week before the elections he was sentenced in three cases - in one he was accused of contracting a marriage in a hurry. His party, denied its election symbol and a united platform, were forced to contest as independents.
Many were evading police raids instead of campaigning in their constituencies. His main opponents were cleared of many cases against them and given a free hand to campaign.
On election day social media and mobile phone services were shut down, apparently for security concerns but in reality, to ensure that Khan supporters didn't have easy access to the polling booths and would find it hard to identify their candidates on the ballot paper.
Khan's supporters showed remarkable ingenuity, formed WhatsApp groups, improvised apps and websites overnight and reached polling booths and managed to find their candidates.
His party used AI-generated speeches to convey the message of their jailed leader. Imran Khan's prison ID number was turned into an election slogan.
They campaigned guerrilla-style and sprang a surprise on election day.
Despite all the claims of rigging against it, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) still emerged as the single largest party in the election. The Khan wave on election day was too strong to be reined in by routine rigging.
The establishment used 20th-Century tactics to tame a digital savvy generation - and lost.
To the military's tried and tested machinations, the voters' response was polite and defiant: thank you, but no thank you, we are not as ignorant and illiterate as you think we are. We may not be able to take you on in the streets, you have your guns, but here's our stamp on the ballot. Do what you will with it.
The seasoned agitator
Imran Khan didn't get a simple majority in parliament, refused to align with any other parties to form the government and decided to sit in opposition.
He has built his campaign and overall charisma by portraying his opponents as corrupt. He is loath to share power with the politicians he has been attacking most of his political career.
Most Pakistani politicians have had to spend time in prison at some point. But no one seems to have had more fun than Imran Khan.
Denied every public platform to reach his supporters, he has pulled off an election victory from his prison cell with communiques sent through his lawyers and close family.
Last May, when Imran Khan was arrested for the first time after his government's dismissal, his supporters rioted, attacking army cantonments and other symbols of the army's power and prestige. A senior general's house was set on fire, and some rioters even managed to enter army headquarters.
Protests broke out after Khan was arrested over corruption allegations
The crackdown that followed was swift and brutal.
Most of the PTI top leadership was abducted and pressured to part ways with Imran Khan - some condemned his politics, others quit politics for life.
The establishment wanted to send out a clear signal that Imran Khan and his party were finished. With Khan in jail, as the election drew closer, the party was taken over by second-tier leadership and local faithfuls who were crucial in organising the battered party's campaign to victory.
They were certain that their leader would not be allowed to return to power, but they showed through their vote that they wouldn't abandon him just because the army wanted them to.
Imran Khan, when out of power, is the king of chaos, unleashing his wrath not only on his political opponents but the army establishment as well.
Before he was arrested and put away, Imran Khan claimed in his speeches that he was ousted at the behest of the US for pursuing an independent foreign policy.
His opponents say that all his policies while in power were only about his own ego and whimsy. When in power, they say, he spent more time hounding his opponents than he did running the country. While in government Khan seemed distracted and failed to make timely decisions to rein in runaway inflation.
Even in government he sounded like an opposition politician, raging against his political enemies and the media.
He is a seasoned agitator.
When his party lost the 2013 elections, he campaigned relentlessly to get the results overturned and laid siege to the capital Islamabad. He was able to do it with the establishment's backing. Now that he is the establishment's enemy number one he is buoyant after his party's showing at the polls.
His party has decided to sit in opposition, but Imran Khan likes to play his politics not in parliament but out on the streets, with public rallies and social media. The current government is already being dubbed as a "coalition of losers" - it literally is a coalition of parties that were soundly beaten by Khan in the elections.
For two weeks after the result there didn't seem to be any enthusiasm to form a government amongst Khan's opponents.
For the first time, leading politicians instead of laying claim to power were reluctant to accept responsibility.
There's reluctance to govern because Pakistan faces a crushing debt crisis and rising fuel and food prices have made life unbearable for the working classes. With the army's increased role in every sphere of governance, ruling politicians are reduced to going around the world asking international donors for bailouts.
Many have speculated if Imran Khan's time in jail will make him a more mature politician.
It seems unlikely.
He has thrived as a maverick - he will not want to turn into a meek version of himself to become acceptable to the establishment.
His rage against the old political guard has made him the most popular leader in Pakistan.
He wouldn't want to abandon that to run a country which even his losing opponents seem reluctant to govern.
This is the perfect environment for Imran Khan to continue his crusade, even from his jail cell as the country's most famous prisoner - number 804.
BBC
Pakistan's recent elections were supposed to bring in a period of stability, badly needed to deal with crippling inflation and bitter political divides in the country, writes author and journalist Mohammed Hanif.
Instead, they delivered a minority government - a shaky, reluctant coalition that looks unsure of its own mandate.
Two weeks after the elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto announced that they would form a government but that the PPP wouldn't be part of it.
The midnight announcement by the leaders of both parties was made in sombre tones and had the air of a shotgun wedding.
Suddenly, Pakistan was that rare democracy where nobody really wanted to be the prime minister.
The "establishment" - a euphemism used by local media for Pakistan's powerful military - has always believed that general elections are too sensitive an exercise to be left to civilian politicians.
This time around they opened their old election playbook and used every trick deployed successfully in the past.
The main contender Imran Khan was put in jail. He faces more than 150 criminal and civil charges, all of which he denies.
A week before the elections he was sentenced in three cases - in one he was accused of contracting a marriage in a hurry. His party, denied its election symbol and a united platform, were forced to contest as independents.
Many were evading police raids instead of campaigning in their constituencies. His main opponents were cleared of many cases against them and given a free hand to campaign.
On election day social media and mobile phone services were shut down, apparently for security concerns but in reality, to ensure that Khan supporters didn't have easy access to the polling booths and would find it hard to identify their candidates on the ballot paper.
Khan's supporters showed remarkable ingenuity, formed WhatsApp groups, improvised apps and websites overnight and reached polling booths and managed to find their candidates.
His party used AI-generated speeches to convey the message of their jailed leader. Imran Khan's prison ID number was turned into an election slogan.
They campaigned guerrilla-style and sprang a surprise on election day.
Despite all the claims of rigging against it, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) still emerged as the single largest party in the election. The Khan wave on election day was too strong to be reined in by routine rigging.
The establishment used 20th-Century tactics to tame a digital savvy generation - and lost.
To the military's tried and tested machinations, the voters' response was polite and defiant: thank you, but no thank you, we are not as ignorant and illiterate as you think we are. We may not be able to take you on in the streets, you have your guns, but here's our stamp on the ballot. Do what you will with it.
The seasoned agitator
Imran Khan didn't get a simple majority in parliament, refused to align with any other parties to form the government and decided to sit in opposition.
He has built his campaign and overall charisma by portraying his opponents as corrupt. He is loath to share power with the politicians he has been attacking most of his political career.
Most Pakistani politicians have had to spend time in prison at some point. But no one seems to have had more fun than Imran Khan.
Denied every public platform to reach his supporters, he has pulled off an election victory from his prison cell with communiques sent through his lawyers and close family.
Last May, when Imran Khan was arrested for the first time after his government's dismissal, his supporters rioted, attacking army cantonments and other symbols of the army's power and prestige. A senior general's house was set on fire, and some rioters even managed to enter army headquarters.
Protests broke out after Khan was arrested over corruption allegations
The crackdown that followed was swift and brutal.
Most of the PTI top leadership was abducted and pressured to part ways with Imran Khan - some condemned his politics, others quit politics for life.
The establishment wanted to send out a clear signal that Imran Khan and his party were finished. With Khan in jail, as the election drew closer, the party was taken over by second-tier leadership and local faithfuls who were crucial in organising the battered party's campaign to victory.
They were certain that their leader would not be allowed to return to power, but they showed through their vote that they wouldn't abandon him just because the army wanted them to.
Imran Khan, when out of power, is the king of chaos, unleashing his wrath not only on his political opponents but the army establishment as well.
Before he was arrested and put away, Imran Khan claimed in his speeches that he was ousted at the behest of the US for pursuing an independent foreign policy.
His opponents say that all his policies while in power were only about his own ego and whimsy. When in power, they say, he spent more time hounding his opponents than he did running the country. While in government Khan seemed distracted and failed to make timely decisions to rein in runaway inflation.
Even in government he sounded like an opposition politician, raging against his political enemies and the media.
He is a seasoned agitator.
When his party lost the 2013 elections, he campaigned relentlessly to get the results overturned and laid siege to the capital Islamabad. He was able to do it with the establishment's backing. Now that he is the establishment's enemy number one he is buoyant after his party's showing at the polls.
His party has decided to sit in opposition, but Imran Khan likes to play his politics not in parliament but out on the streets, with public rallies and social media. The current government is already being dubbed as a "coalition of losers" - it literally is a coalition of parties that were soundly beaten by Khan in the elections.
For two weeks after the result there didn't seem to be any enthusiasm to form a government amongst Khan's opponents.
For the first time, leading politicians instead of laying claim to power were reluctant to accept responsibility.
There's reluctance to govern because Pakistan faces a crushing debt crisis and rising fuel and food prices have made life unbearable for the working classes. With the army's increased role in every sphere of governance, ruling politicians are reduced to going around the world asking international donors for bailouts.
Many have speculated if Imran Khan's time in jail will make him a more mature politician.
It seems unlikely.
He has thrived as a maverick - he will not want to turn into a meek version of himself to become acceptable to the establishment.
His rage against the old political guard has made him the most popular leader in Pakistan.
He wouldn't want to abandon that to run a country which even his losing opponents seem reluctant to govern.
This is the perfect environment for Imran Khan to continue his crusade, even from his jail cell as the country's most famous prisoner - number 804.
BBC
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