Pakistan Democratic Movement selects Maulana Fazlur Rehman as its leader

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP chairman Asif Ali Zardari will address the opposition's All Parties Conference tomorrow (Sunday) via video link and it will be broadcast live on social media, the PPP said on Saturday.

"The PPP will provide a link on social media where the two leaders will deliver opening remarks," the party said in a statement.

It added that following the conference, a media briefing will be held.

The announcement comes even as Prime Minister Imran Khan's aide on political communication Shahbaz Gill warned the PML-N that if Nawaz's address is broadcast on social media, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and other laws will be used to take action against him.

Meanwhile, PPP's Qamar Zaman Kaira, in a press conference announced that the venue for the conference had been changed to Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.

He said that the conference will chalk out the final plan to oust the "hollow" government.

"It is clear the government knows full well how hollow it is from within," the PML-N leader said. "The crutches it is on will not save the government. The real support comes from the people."

Bilawal thanks Mengal for BNP-M's support
Separately, Bilawal spoke to Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal to inquire of his health and to thank him for his support.

Bilawal expressed his gratitude for Mengal's decision to send a delegation of the party for participation in the APC.

Nawaz accepts Bilawal's invitation
Earlier, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's spokesperson Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar revealed that Nawaz had accepted Bilawal's invitation to virtually attend the conference.

He disclosed that Nawaz and the PPP chairman had also discussed the political situation of the country and the future course of action to take by opposition parties.

In a tweet, Bilawal said that former president Asif Ali Zardari will also attend the conference via video link.


Earlier, sources had told Geo News that Nawaz had accepted Bilawal's invitation and would attend the conference after the latter enquired after the former's health.

"Just spoke to Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif. Enquired about his health. Also invited him to virtually attend opposition APC, hosted by PPP, on 20th September," the PPP chairman had tweeted.


Responding to Bilawal's tweet, PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz thanked the PPP chairman.

"Thank you Bilawal. Warm regards & prayers," she had tweeted.

Opposition parties including the PPP, PML-N and the JUI-F have said that they will use the platform to try to come up with a joint strategy focused on ousting the incumbent government.

PML-N finalises names for APC delegation
The PML-N on Saturday revealed the names of party members who will form the delegation that will represent it at the APC.

Party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that she will represent the party at the APC along with PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Pervaiz Rashid, Maryam Nawaz, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Rana Sanaullah and Amir Muqam.

New election or in-house change?
The opposition parties had decided to convene an APC on September 20 after a Rahbar Committee meeting comprising leaders from all opposition parties decided that it was time to show the incumbent government the door.

"The situation in the country has reached a stage where we cannot afford even a moment's delay," JUI-F's Durrani had said.

"We want free and fair elections in the country, with no interference whatsoever," he had further said, terming the 2018 general elections "a disgrace to the whole country".

Durrani had said that opposition parties were on the same page that giving the incumbent government one more day in power would be unjust. "This government has destroyed the country in its two years" of rule, he added.

The upcoming APC, he had said, would decide on the future plan of action as the opposition leaders had already made up their minds on numerous issues that the country was facing.

"The APC will decide whether there will be a new election or an in-house change," he had said.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/308762-nawaz-agreed-to-attend-apc-via-video-link-confirms-ppp

 

[MenInG]

The perfect storm.

 

[Bewal Express]

Desperation from the crooks. As the FATF vote showed their loyalty doesn't lie with PK

 

[Minnowbasher]

What happened to PPP aur PTI jore we hain.

Once again crooks exposing themselves - they really are business partners.

 

[Savak]

Great, need to save the address and put it on the hall of thieves and beigherat for generations to come

 

[Abdullah719]

So this is why Nawaz arrived on Twitter today.

The parodies and memes are having a field day though

 

[Abdullah719]

‘A bunch of losers will meet tomorrow to offer each other shoulder to cry on’

Information Minister Shibli Faraz has fired broadside at the opposition parties over their APC that will convene tomorrow against the government, saying “a bunch of losers will meet tomorrow to offer each other shoulder to cry on”.

“They neither have any strategy nor are we scared of them… APC will fail miserably to make any impact,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with PM’s accountability adviser Shehzad Akbar on Saturday.

Opposition heavyweights including PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif and former PPP president Asif Ali Zardari will attend the APC via video link which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Monday (Sep 20).

“Convicted criminal will also address the APC who has refused to present himself before the court,” said Shibli referring to Nawaz whose non-bailable arrest warrants have been issued by the Islamabad High Court in Al-Azizia case, in which he failed to surrender to authorities earlier this month.

Senior PML-N leader Senator Pervaiz Rashid told The Express Tribune that Sharif had accepted Bilawal’s invitation for attending the APC via video link. He further stated Maryam Nawaz, Sharif’s daughter, would also be part of the PML-N delegation for the APC.

Recently, it was reported that Maryam would not become part of the PML-N delegation. As per the reports, the delegation was mainly included party President Shehbaz Sharif, former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Khawaja Asif and Ahsan Iqbal.

Contrary to earlier reports, several party leaders confirmed that Maryam would attend the APC.

The information minister, during today’s news conference, also accused opposition parties of trying to create hurdles for Pakistan to come out of FATF grey list. “Every positive development in the country is the bad news for opposition… they want economy and country to collapse,” Shibli maintained.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/226472...morrow-to-offer-each-other-shoulder-to-cry-on

 

[Bewal Express]

‘A bunch of losers will meet tomorrow to offer each other shoulder to cry on’

Information Minister Shibli Faraz has fired broadside at the opposition parties over their APC that will convene tomorrow against the government, saying “a bunch of losers will meet tomorrow to offer each other shoulder to cry on”.

“They neither have any strategy nor are we scared of them… APC will fail miserably to make any impact,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with PM’s accountability adviser Shehzad Akbar on Saturday.

Opposition heavyweights including PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif and former PPP president Asif Ali Zardari will attend the APC via video link which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Monday (Sep 20).

“Convicted criminal will also address the APC who has refused to present himself before the court,” said Shibli referring to Nawaz whose non-bailable arrest warrants have been issued by the Islamabad High Court in Al-Azizia case, in which he failed to surrender to authorities earlier this month.

Senior PML-N leader Senator Pervaiz Rashid told The Express Tribune that Sharif had accepted Bilawal’s invitation for attending the APC via video link. He further stated Maryam Nawaz, Sharif’s daughter, would also be part of the PML-N delegation for the APC.

Recently, it was reported that Maryam would not become part of the PML-N delegation. As per the reports, the delegation was mainly included party President Shehbaz Sharif, former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Khawaja Asif and Ahsan Iqbal.

Contrary to earlier reports, several party leaders confirmed that Maryam would attend the APC.

The information minister, during today’s news conference, also accused opposition parties of trying to create hurdles for Pakistan to come out of FATF grey list. “Every positive development in the country is the bad news for opposition… they want economy and country to collapse,” Shibli maintained.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/226472...morrow-to-offer-each-other-shoulder-to-cry-on

Does Shibli read my posts? It's the way I would have put these crooks meeting up.

 

[Bigboii]

Does Shibli read my posts? It's the way I would have put these crooks meeting up.

you know when I read the title I thought you wrote it lol
Even though I don't agree with it but its still funny nonetheless...

 

[Bewal Express]

you know when I read the title I thought you wrote it lol
Even though I don't agree with it but its still funny nonetheless...

You know that me and old Shibs shared an English teacher. ��

 

[last_knight]

Does Shibli read my posts? It's the way I would have put these crooks meeting up.

‘A bunch of losers will meet tomorrow to offer each other shoulder to cry on’

This is Shibli as much as this is Faraz.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: The stage is set for a much-hyped gathering of the opposition leaders at the PPP-hosted multiparty conference (MPC) aimed at devising a strategy to oust the PTI-led coalition government.

The MPC being held at a five-star hotel on Sunday (today) has become all the more significant with the announcement that sup*reme leader of the Pakistan Mus*lim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif will address its participants via video link from London, marking his political comeback after more than a year.

Besides Mr Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari also plans to deliver an opening speech through video link as he will not be able to physically attend the event due to his poor health condition.

Mr Sharif, who has been living in London for medical treatment and who has been declared a proclaimed off*en*der by an accountability court earlier this month in the Toshakhana vehicles reference with the court directive to the National Accountability Bureau to make his arrest through Interpol, had agreed to address the MPC after PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari talked to him over telephone on Friday and extended a formal invitation.

Responding to the opposition’s announcement regar*ding Mr Sharif’s address to the MPC, a number of government ministers and advisers declared that a “proclaimed offender and a convicted person” could not address a political gathering and also warned of “legal action” if television channels aired his speech.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill on Saturday through his social media account on Twitter said “the Pakistan Electronic Media Regula*tory Authority (Pemra) and other legal options” would be used if Nawaz Sharif addressed the MPC and if his speech was aired by TV channels.

“How is it possible that a fugitive carries out political activities and gives speeches? The Sharif clan can only spew lies. They are such big liars that they also lie about [their] medical conditions,” tweeted Mr Gill.

On the other hand, the PML-N criticised the government’s planned move to black out the speeches of Mr Sharif and his daughter and the party’s vice-president Maryam Nawaz through a tweet suggested that his “speech should be telecast through live streaming on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube so that it can’t be blocked in the country”.

Ms Nawaz has already arrived in Islamabad from Lahore for participation in the MPC and she will be part of the 11-member PML-N del*e*gation under party president Shahbaz Sharif. The PML-N on Saturday offi*cially announc*ed the names of its leaders who would represent the party in the MPC. The party delegation will comprise Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Ayaz Sadiq, Pervaiz Rasheed, Maryam Nawaz, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Rana Sanaullah, Ameer Maqam and Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Meanwhile, as host of the MPC, Mr Bhutto-Zardari spent a busy day on Saturday holding a PPP meeting to discuss the agenda and arrangements for the event besides talking to the heads of other opposition parties. He also visited the residence of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the possible agenda of the opposition’s moot. Before that, the PPP chairman talked over telephone to the presidents of two factions of the Balochistan National Party, Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Israrullah Zehri, Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Sherpao and National Party leader Dr Abdul Malik.

Talking to Dawn, PPP vice president Sherry Rehman said that heads and representatives of 12 opposition parties would be attending the MPC. She said initially the conference was to be held at Zardari House but due to the size of the gathering and to ensure social distancing in the wake of Covid-19, they had finally decided to arrange the conference at the hotel.

“We will make a final decision in tomorrow’s MPC against the actions of this government,” announced PPP Punjab president Qamar Zaman Kaira at a press conference at Zardari House after attending a party meeting.

Responding to a question, Mr Kaira dispelled the impression in some political and journalistic circles that the PPP was not in favour of launching a full-fledged movement against the PTI government as it did not want to sacrifice its own provincial government in Sindh.

“This is a wrong impression that the PPP is not making any decision to save its Sindh government,” he said.

“We have also arrived at the conclusion that this government must go. We have not previously decided to send this government packing and tried to correct it… but now we believe that this government must go before the current challenges become irreversible,” he said.

A divided house

Political analysts believe that opening speeches of Mr Sharif and Mr Zardari will set the tone of the MPC which will be participated by the opposition leaders having divided opinion on the future strategy against the government.

They say there are hawkish elements in almost all the parties who want to launch a full-fledged street agitation against the government even at the cost of their seats in the parliament. On the other hand, there are some saner elements, especially in the PPP and the PML-N, who are against this idea as they fear that “undemocratic forces” can take advantage of the situation.

Sources told Dawn that the PPP and the PML-N were against the idea of holding an indefinite sit-in like the PTI and the JUI-F had done in the past and which had failed to bring any result. They said the leaders of the two major opposition parties had conveyed this to the JUI-F leadership which wanted to go all out against the government.

Govt response

Speaking at a news conference, Federal minister for Information Shibli Faraz and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior Shahzad Akbar claimed that the opposition’s MPC posed no threat to the government.

“This MPC simply means accused plus convicts. They have met in the past several times with zero result and are bound to fail this time as well,” Mr Faraz said.

He said the timing of the MPC made it clear that the opposition leaders were worried about the recent amendments to the anti-money laundering law. He said their sole mission was to save their leaders who were involved in money laundering.

He criticised Nawaz Sharif’s plan to address the MPC and said a proclaimed offender had no moral justification for it.

He alleged that the opposition wanted to create anarchy in the country while the government continued with its efforts for socio-economic development.

Mr Akbar said it was an established law that no convict or proclaimed offender could address political gatherings. He said under verdicts of the court and declarations of Pemra, TV channels and other media were also barred from airing the same.

Legal experts

Commenting on the government’s warning against airing of Mr Sharif’s speech, renowned lawyer Salman Akram Raja termed it against the spirit of Article 19 of the Constitution, which guaranteed fundamental right of freedom of expression.

Advocate of the Supreme Court Kashif Ali Malik said Pemra had amended its regulations last year and banned airing of convicts and under-trial prisoners. He, however, said since Pemra regulations were subordinate legislation, it could not override the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.

According to him, Article 19 only imposes certain restrictions related to the glory of Islam, security of Pakistan and relations with the friendly countries and these restrictions have nothing to do with the coverage of a convict or under trial prisoner.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1580646/opposition-moot-to-devise-anti-govt-strategy-today

 

[ahmedzee]

So we have a convicted criminal chairing a meeting with another convicted criminal who is out on bail for medical grounds.

Who are the people following these criminals, I am really interested to know.

 

[Mamoon]

It is clear the government knows full well how hollow it is from within," the PML-N leader said. "The crutches it is on will not save the government. The real support comes from the people."

Well put.

PTI is a fake, disjointed party that lacks vision and resilience to survive in the long run.

You have a delusional leader at the top who lives in a world of his own, and a bunch of lota politicians down below who have jumped on the tabdeeli bandwagon to save their own political careers.

It is funny when PTI youth brigade (cult followers) label these parties as thieves and looters but at the same time, try to justify why it is morally acceptable for Imran Khan to welcome lota politicians from these parties into the PTI fold.

If these parties are thieves and looters then so is PTI. Imran sold the the dream of tabdeeli but then ended up recruiting politicians from PPP, PMLN(N), PML(Q) and MQM. It is a complete joke.

PTI today is nothing like the vision Imran Khan promoted 10-15-20 years ago. This party has become a parody of its former self. A complete mockery.

And those who say that Imran is honest at a personal level, well if that is so then Imran should come forward and clear his name in the foreign funding case which has been pending for 5 years now.

If Imran didn’t have skeletons in the closet, his party wouldn’t be crying to the ECP for not revealing the findings of the investigation to the public.

An honest man wastes no time in clearing his name and he is also not afraid of publicizing investigations. This is a great opportunity for Imran to reinforce the narrative that he is honest, but he is failing to reinforce it because he is not.

Moreover, we hear about a new “mafia” every 6 months, and then we find that the “mafia leaders” are Imran’s buddies who financed and supported his election campaign.

The king of the sugar mafia Jahangir Tareen was Imran’s chief financier. Imran had no problem benefiting from his black money to win votes and now he condemns corruption with his fake holier than thou attitude. This is the true face of Imran.

PTI has no long-term future. Imran is the only glue that is keeping this chaotic, haphazard circus intact.

Once he is gone, these lota politicians will be jumping on each others’ throats and will be absorbed back into parties where they came from.

PTI will be a more footnote in Pakistan’s history 20-30 years from now, but PMLN and PPP will stay be relevant and strong. They are real parties with genuine support and succession plans.

People talk down family politics, but it what keeps parties intact in the long run. The descendants of Sharifs and Bhuttos will lead the party for generations, but PTI will evaporate into dust after Imran.

The PTI cult followers and youth brigade who are doing bhangra today will be the first one to desert the party after Imran is gone.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's major Opposition parties have come together to devise an anti-government strategy at an All Parties Conference hosted by the PPP at a five-star hotel here in the federal capital today.

In his welcome note, PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari thanked the attendees, noting that the APC should have taken place quite a while ago. Criticising the government for not "allowing" former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's speech to be broadcast, he said they showed former president Pervez Musharraf's interview.

"We have never seen such stringent censorship across the country," Zardari stated. "This reflects on the weakness of the government. It is impossible to curtail the emerging voices of the media.

"Today, a child from Balochistan has access to media and can voice out his concern."

'Tried to save democracy'

The ex-president also especially welcomed PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, saying he was "fully aware of the hardships you’ve been through and respect that".

"My solidarity is with Maryam Nawaz Sharif; she's like my daughters, she has suffered a lot in her struggle, and we stand by her.

"The thinking pattern of the selected prime minister is that of a major," Zardari said. "Since the very beginning we’ve been speaking against the fake mandate and this manipulation. Bilawal is probably the first leader to raise concerns that the government is selected.

"We tried to save democracy in the country since past two years. The first necessity to run a democratic state is democracy. We have raised voice for Balochistan and have been speaking for Punjab and South Punjab," he added.

The PPP leader said he would inform the Foreign Office about developments during his tenure instead of the other way round and asking them for permission.

"When I was asked by authorities during my tenure as the president if I 'asked the Foreign Office', I used to reply that I have 'informed the Foreign Office'," he stated.

"My message to Pakistani people is that we have not united together to save democracy in the country and with the press, we will win through this," he added.

Pakistan 'laboratory for such experiments'

Taking over from Zardari, Nawaz addressed the conference, thanking the former president for well wishes and expressing hope "that our efforts will surely come to fruition".

"I am really thankful to all the Opposition leaders for providing me with an opportunity to address people of my country. Although I am living outside the country, I'm well aware of the circumstances and hardships our country is going through.

"I perceive this conference as a turning point for the country where we can make major decisions for the country with bravery," Nawaz said, adding that it was an opportunity to make important decisions as those pinning hopes to them would otherwise be disappointed.

"I am speaking from my experience of serving this country; the soul of democracy is when people are allowed to bring their opinions forward. According to the law, our democratic system relies on the opinions and say of the people.

"The democratic systems around the world follow the same principle. When public votes are not respected and the verdict is decided even before the elections, then we can guess how the people of this country are deceived and dodged.

"Unfortunately, Pakistan has been the laboratory for such experiments. It's not even taken into account that the democratic structure of the country is demolished due to such tactics and the public loses faith in the system.

"During the 73-long history of Pakistan, everybody knows that no democratic leader could complete their tenure in the country whereas the dictators ruled the country and completed their tenure," the PML-N supremo underlined.

“The people who followed the laws were put in jail. It is not a new thing in Pakistan that dictators are always set free and are not held accountable for whatever they do,” Nawaz said while referring to the former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

The PML-N founder also said that the “root cause” of our problems is “state above the state” kind of a situation in Pakistan.

'Disastrous consequences'

Earlier in the morning, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and delegations of the PML-N — including party president Shehbaz Sharif and VP Maryam Nawaz — and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman arrived at the venue, with other leaders joining over the past hour.

Shortly after reaching the APC venue, Bilawal criticised the ruling PTI, saying on Twitter "2 years of this selected experiment has had disastrous consequences".

Tell govt 'ghabrana nahi hei!'

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman spoke to the media ahead of the APC, saying today's was "a gathering of 12 parties and all Opposition leaders are coming".

"The government is very confused and nervous; tell them there is nothing to worry about," Rehman said, using Prime Minister Imran Khan's much touted slogan of "Ghabrana nahi hei [You need not worry]!"

She said the APC would decide on how the Opposition parties would proceed ahead, with talks between the participating leaders.

Read more: Sheikh Rashid says Opposition's 'game is up', APC bound to fail

"Asif Zardari will give a welcome note," she said. "[The speech of] Mian Nawaz Sharif will be streamed live. Then Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal will address the gathering."

The PPP leader said the Opposition parties would discuss the PTI regime's two-year performance and an action plan would be drawn up in the APC.

Former PM and PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the Opposition would form a unanimous plan of action, which would be effective. "The people will get rid of this failed government," he said.

"The countdown to [ouster of] those with undemocratic and authoritarian minds will begin today," PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rasheed said, adding that the "today's journey will lead to true democracy in Pakistan, the supremacy of parliament and the rule of law".

Zardari, Nawaz attending virtually

PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and will also address the APC, attended by nearly a dozen political parties, via video link and the broadcast is scheduled to be streamed live on social media.

"The PPP will provide a link on social media where the two leaders will deliver opening remarks," the PPP had said in a statement earlier.

Related: Nawaz Sharif joins Twitter

This will be the first political activity of PML-N supremo since he left the country in November for treatment in London.

The announcement of a live broadcast comes even as PM Imran's aide on political communication, Shahbaz Gill, warned of legal action if Nawaz's address is aired.

'Absconding criminal'

Minutes after the APC commenced, Information and Broadcasting Minister Senator Shibli Faraz termed the meeting a "flimsy attempt to put pressure on the govt to back off on accountability".

"Nation has witnessed that opposition has used politics for personal gains & used parliament to protect their personal empires," the minister said, adding that the premier would "never compromise his commitment on corruption".

"Hence no NRO," he added.

Gill said it was not possible for an "absconding criminal" to take part in political activities and gives speeches.

"The Sharif family can tell nothing but lies. They are such [habitual] liars that they even lied about a disease," Gill said on Twitter.

Nawaz had earlier agreed to virtually attend the conference on the invitation of Bilawal, who had called him to inquire after his health.

"Just spoke to Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif. Enquired about his health. Also invited him to virtually attend opposition APC, hosted by PPP, on 20th September," the PPP boss had tweeted.

Gathering of 'accused and losers'

Faraz had on Saturday questioned the real status of Nawaz's health after it was announced he would be participating in the APC.

The PML-N supremo should not consider the people "fools", Faraz had said.

In a press conference alongside PM's aide on accountability and interior, Shahzad Akbar, he said: "I have heard that Nawaz Sharif will deliver an address via video link [...] When he has to appear before the court, he claims he is ill and now all of a sudden he is fit for politics."

Akbar said as per the PEMRA's regulations, "an absconder cannot address a press conference".

Faraz added that the opposition's APC would be a gathering of "accused and losers" that aims to spread chaos in the country. The Opposition wanted to rule the country to protect its "illegal wealth and properties", he said.

JI to stay away

While all the major opposition parties — including JUI-F and Akhtar Mengal’s BNP-M — have agreed to join hands against the PM Imran's government, former PTI ally Jamat-e-Islami decided to stay away from the APC describing its agenda as vague and objectives dubious.

“The JI could not sit with those parties which are equally responsible with the PTI for economic and social destruction of the country, and dubiously supported the legislative agenda of PTI to push the country in the slavery of colonial powers,” said JI chief Sirajul Haq while addressing Mujahid-e-Millat seminar in memory of late Maulana Abdus Satar Niazi on Saturday.

'Fazl to attend APC'

Bilawal had extended a formal invitation to the JUI-F chief during a meeting at the latter's residence, sources informed Geo News.

During the meeting, Senator Abdul Kareem, Shah Owais Noorani, Yousuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Akram Durrani and Maulana Ataur Rehman were present.

Bilawal had said after the meeting that a very "wholesome" and "detailed" discussion took place between both parties. He said Fazl had accepted his invitation to attend the conference.

"We will hold a joint press conference following the APC and our next course of action will be announced then," he told reporters.

New election or in-house change?

The Opposition parties had decided to convene an APC on September 20 after a Rahbar Committee meeting had decided that it was time to show the incumbent government the door.

"The situation in the country has reached a stage where we cannot afford even a moment's delay," JUI-F's Durrani had said.

"We want free and fair elections in the country, with no interference whatsoever," he had further said, terming the 2018 general elections "a disgrace to the whole country".

Durrani had said the Opposition parties were on the same page that giving the incumbent government one more day in power would be unjust. "This government has destroyed the country in its two years" of rule, he had added.

"The APC will decide whether there will be a new election or an in-house change," he had said.

 

[saeedhk]

‘How did Bajwa acquire assets worth billions of rupees,’ Nawaz Sharif.

 

[IMMY69]

So we have a convicted criminal chairing a meeting with another convicted criminal who is out on bail for medical grounds.

Who are the people following these criminals, I am really interested to know.

I really can’t fathom who would follow these people

 

[Lonewarrior]

‘How did Bajwa acquire assets worth billions of rupees,’ Nawaz Sharif.

how did nawaz sharif and zardari acquire assets worth billions of rupees ?

 

[IMMY69]

how did nawaz sharif and zardari acquire assets worth billions of rupees ?

Correction:
How did Nawaz sharif and Zardari acquire assets worth billions of DOLLARS

 

[MenInG]

After hours of discussion over ways to overthrow the "selected" government, opposition parties at the much-hyped PPP-hosted multiparty conference on Sunday demanded the "immediate" resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to a 26-point resolution passed by the multiparty conference, the forum is named Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — an "alliance structure which will lead and guide nationwide protests against the anti-public and anti-nation government in a disciplined and integrated manner".

The resolution, read out by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at a press conference held after multiparty conference late on Sunday evening, stated that the current government has been granted "fake stability by the same establishment" that interfered with the elections to bring the incumbent rulers to power. It expressed "extreme concern" over the increasing interference of the establishment in internal affairs of the country and regarded it as a "danger to the nation's stability and institutions".

The forum also demanded that elections be held again in a transparent manner and that electoral reforms should be passed in order to ensure free and fair polls.

Terming the Parliament a "rubber stamp", the PDM declared that the opposition will not cooperate with the government in the legislative process.

It also demanded that a new law of accountability be passed in the country that is in accordance with the Supreme Court's verdict and recommendations from Human Rights Watch and Council of Islamic Ideology and would hold everyone accountable, including bureaucrats, lawmakers, judicial and army officials. In particular, the PDM resolution said that claims made in a recent news report regarding retired Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa's assets and family business should be probed. The forum said that Bajwa should be removed as the chairman of CPEC Authority until the investigation is completed.

PDM also agreed upon a six-point action plan to depose the incumbent government, which would be implemented in phases. In the first phase that starts in October, opposition parties will hold joint rallies in all four provinces.

The second phase will begin in December of this year, during which the opposition will hold "huge public demonstrations" across the country. In January next year, the opposition will set out on a "decisive long march" towards Islamabad.

The opposition will also enlist lawyers, traders, farmers, students, media as well as members of the civil society in its movement. In order to oust the government, opposition parties will use "every legal and constitutional option in and out of parliament, which include moving no-confidence motions and collective resignations from assemblies at an appropriate time," the resolution states.

'Non-political establishment'
Responding to questions during the press conference, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the PDM wants a "non-political establishment" as the Constitution does not allow the establishment to be involved in political matters of the country.

He said that all the options listed in PDM's action plan and joint resolution are constitutional and legal, including protests and demand for resignation. The lawmaker told reporters that PDM will start working from tomorrow and will continue to work towards its goal of seeing "real democracy" in Pakistan.

Answering a question regarding rumours that some members of the opposition voted in favour of the government to ensure the passage of FATF-related bills last week, Bilawal said that votes fell short because some lawmakers could not attend the session due to different reasons. He assured that the opposition parties were on the same page and had demanded a vote recount. He said that the passage of laws during the joint session of the Parliament was made possible through "rigging".

PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, in his statement at the press conference, said that the incumbent government's survival is a "threat to Pakistan's existence".

https://www.dawn.com/news/1580700/a...ement-demands-pm-imrans-immediate-resignation

 

[saeedhk]

how did nawaz sharif and zardari acquire assets worth billions of rupees ?

Both are valid questions. It does not absolve Bajwa of his wrongdoings.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday protested over what he called media blackout of his speech at the opposition’s multi-party conference (MPC) by the host, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

The PPP as the host and chief organiser of the MPC had made special arrangements for telecasting the opening speeches of the opposition leaders through live streaming on social media websites for which links had been provided to the journalists and TV channels before start of the moot.

Special arrangements were made to telecast the speeches, particularly of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari, after the government issued warnings to the TV channels on Saturday that “legal action” would be taken against those which aired the speech of Mr Sharif, as he had been declared a proclaimed offender by an accountability court in the Toshakhana vehicles reference.

After live telecast of the speeches of Mr Sharif and Mr Zardari, the organisers also allowed live streaming of the speeches of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif but the broadcast was abruptly stopped when the floor was given to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The angry Maulana said besides the government, the PPP and the organisers had also blacked out his speech. He said his party wanted to register a formal protest with the PPP and the organisers of the MPC.

The PPP leaders tried to pacify Maulana Rehman and PPP’s vice-president Sherry Rehman immediately approached him and told him that it was upon his party’s request that they had not aired his speech live as his party had requested to hold the proceedings of the MPC in-camera.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, however, without even looking at Ms Rehman said they had made no such request.

Later, the PPP and the PML-N leaders compensated the JUI-F chief by allowing him to read out the joint declaration during the press briefing after the MPC.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: The opposition's All Parties Conference (APC) on Sunday could not reach a final decision on mass resignation from assemblies due to a difference of opinion among major parties, insider accounts reveal.

According to sources, there was heated debate on resigning from the provincial and national assemblies and the matter was discussed at length between the leaders of the major parties attending.

However, the decision to quit the assemblies was ultimately abandoned even though PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at one point in the discussions offered to submit their party's resignations to each other.

Bilawal had offered that he submit his party's resignations to Nawaz, who could then present the entire opposition’s resignations to the National Assembly Speaker upon his return to Pakistan, sources informed Geo News.

The PML-N supremo, when presented with the offer, said he was not against the idea but wished to first put the PTI-led government under pressure before opting for the step.

"You give me the PPP's resignations and I will give you the PML-N's resignations and you can then hand over all of them to JUI-F's Maulana Fazlur Rehman," Nawaz reportedly said in response.

Sources said the JUI-F chief then debated the matter extensively with the leaders of the various opposition parties but there were some disagreements over the execution of the strategy.

According to sources, the opposition ultimately failed to agree on the matter.

It was decided in the meeting that those lawmakers who are known for jumping ship would not be invited back to the fold of the parties present.

Opposition parties had on Sunday decided to launch the Pakistan Democratic Movement — a drive to eventually topple the government beginning with the demand that Prime Minister Imran Khan immediately resign from his post.

According to a statement issued by the APC a day prior, joint rallies will be held in October and November 2020 in Pakistan's major cities, including the provincial capitals Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and Lahore.

In the second phase, set to commence in December 2020, large public rallies and demonstrations would be organised in the provincial capitals, while in January 2021, a decisive long march will head towards Islamabad

 

[DRsohail]

Corruption bachaw conference.what a joke to see altaf 2 ok tv.

 

[King-Misbah]

I am in Pakistan now and considering the places I have visited, people are unhappy with IK due to price increased

S.

 

[Firebat]

Govt asks opposition not to 'drag' national institutions into politics

Top government ministers on Monday held a press conference, a day after the country’s major opposition parties announced launching of a three-phased anti-government movement under the banner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi asked the opposition not to "drag national institutions into politics".

"It is not good for the country, it is not in Pakistan's interest," he said.

His comments come a day after PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, while addressing the opposition’s multiparty conference via video link from London, alleged that there was “a state above the state in the country”. Breaking his over two-year-long silence, Nawaz declared that the opposition’s struggle was not against Prime Minister Imran Khan but against “those who had imposed such an incapable person” upon the nation through a manipulated electoral process.

Qureshi noted that the coronavirus challenge was not yet over and European countries were thinking of new strategies in view of rising infection rates. "People calling for a strict lockdown now say that in January and December they will do protests and rallies so look at the contradiction," he said, referring to the opposition.

He said the new "enthusiasm" seen in the opposition after two years of the PTI government was because they were adamant on being given an NRO-like concession or an amendment in the NAB laws.

"They have also come to the conclusion that the cases [against them] are near their logical conslusion, hence this was a desperate move."

Rejecting the opposition's criticism of the government's foreign policy, Qureshi said "the whole world is praising the role played by Pakistan as a facilitator" in the Afghan peace talks.

He said Prime Minister Imran had highlighted the Kashmir cause at the United Nations and other international forums, terming it a far cry from the "time when the K-word was banned in the foreign ministry".

Qureshi also denied the allegation that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was being rolled back, saying his Chinese counterpart had expressed satisfaction over the pace of projects. He said China was ready to "move forward" and had entered into an agreement with the government for CPEC's Phase II.

Read more: https://www.dawn.com/news/1580872/g...t-to-drag-national-institutions-into-politics

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI: Two days after the opposition’s multiparty conference in Islamabad, seasoned politician and chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman held a meeting with Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday and discussed with him the planned anti-government movement.

Maulana Fazl visited Bilawal House in Clifton along with his party leaders Rashid Soomro, Maulana Obaidur Rehman and Aslam Ghori. Mr Bhutto-Zardari was assisted by PPP leader Naveed Qamar during the meeting.

A brief PPP statement issued after the meeting said that both leaders discussed the overall political situation in the country. It added that Mr Bhutto-Zardari and the JUI-F chief also discussed the issue of launching a movement against the government.

The meeting comes after reports emerged the maulana was unhappy over his MPC ‘blackout’

The meeting comes against the backdrop of reports that Maulana Fazl was not happy with the PPP as it did not allow live telecast of his speech during Sunday’s MPC. Maulana Fazl had himself protested during the MPC over the “media blackout” of his speech and the PPP claimed that the speech was not telecast live on his own party’s request.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD

It appears that Tuesday’s meeting between Mr Bhutto-Zardari and Maulana Fazl was aimed at quashing rumours that the opposition’s newly formed alliance — the Pakistan Democratic Movement formed as a result of Sunday’s MPC — had developed cracks moments after it was launched.

The country’s major opposition parties had announced launching of a three-phased anti-government movement starting from next month with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies in December and a “decisive long march” towards Islamabad in January 2021.

The MPC also issued a 26-point declaration in the form of a resolution demanding an end to the establishment’s interference in politics, new free and fair elections after election reforms with no role of armed forces and intelligence agencies, release of political prisoners, withdrawal of cases against journalists, implementation of the National Action Plan against terrorism, speeding up of the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and across the board accountability under a new accountability law, etc.

Rabbani calls on Bilawal

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD

Former Senate chairman and senior PPP leader Senator Raza Rabbani called on Mr Bhutto-Zardari and discussed with him the country’s political situation.

Senator Rabbani briefed the PPP chairman about legislation in parliament.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari, who is also a member of the National Assembly, and Senator Rabbani held a detailed discussion on different parliamentary bills and their certain clauses, said a party statement.

It added that Mr Bhutto-Zardari praised the performance of his party’s lawmaker and said that PPP’s performance in both houses of parliament was “impressive”.

 

[uberkoen]

I am in Pakistan now and considering the places I have visited, people are unhappy with IK due to price increased

S.

This just goes to show how simple minded our people are. The inflation and the currency devaluation were as a result of economic policies of previous government but these idiots blame Imran for that and then completely ignore the more important issues where Imran has completely failed.

 

[saeedhk]

PPP and PML-N who are the champions of civilian supremacy took dictation from the COAS before the APC. Bilawal and Shahbaz met the COAS. These two parties are a curse on Pakistan.

 

[uberkoen]

PPP and PML-N who are the champions of civilian supremacy took dictation from the COAS before the APC. Bilawal and Shahbaz met the COAS. These two parties are a curse on Pakistan.

For democracy to thrive we need parties like PML-N and PPP. Obviously the leadership of these parties and they way they are run is absolutely horrible. I just hope we can get rid of people like the Sharif's and the Bhutto's and have political parties run by educated and knowledge people. I know there are several people in these parties that are amazing but unfortunately the leadership is awful.

 

[Bewal Express]

For democracy to thrive we need parties like PML-N and PPP. Obviously the leadership of these parties and they way they are run is absolutely horrible. I just hope we can get rid of people like the Sharif's and the Bhutto's and have political parties run by educated and knowledge people. I know there are several people in these parties that are amazing but unfortunately the leadership is awful.

Who are these amazing people that have kept quiet when their leaders have stolen from a poor country?

 

[uberkoen]

Who are these amazing people that have kept quiet when their leaders have stolen from a poor country?

Who are the intelligent people in PTI that have kept quiet as contractors have plundered the KPI budget for the Peshawar Metro and are now using the same company for Islambad?

 

[Savak]

Bring it on. I like War.

 

[Bewal Express]

Who are the intelligent people in PTI that have kept quiet as contractors have plundered the KPI budget for the Peshawar Metro and are now using the same company for Islambad?

So I see, you didn't have anyone in mind. You just thought you would sound clever.

 

[Star_Coffee]

For democracy to thrive we need parties like PML-N and PPP. Obviously the leadership of these parties and they way they are run is absolutely horrible. I just hope we can get rid of people like the Sharif's and the Bhutto's and have political parties run by educated and knowledge people. I know there are several people in these parties that are amazing but unfortunately the leadership is awful.

It is such an absurd and ridiculous statement and the fact that you aren't able to comprehend makes it hilariously sad.

You want democracy to thrive while supporting political parties that is by default is designed is to protect and promote incompetent jahil line of hereditary rules to rule Pakistan.

 

[Bigboii]

Bring it on. I like War.

This is not war this is like your baby brother trying to flex his muscles

Nothing to see here tbh move on

 

[Savak]

This is not war this is like your baby brother trying to flex his muscles

Nothing to see here tbh move on

Lol, they have already gone with a begging bowl to the army for forgiveness before stepping out to the battlefield, tells you about the APC for what it is.

 

[Bewal Express]

It is such an absurd and ridiculous statement and the fact that you aren't able to comprehend makes it hilariously sad.

You want democracy to thrive while supporting political parties that is by default is designed is to protect and promote incompetent jahil line of hereditary rules to rule Pakistan.

The 2 family businesses are for me like the Punjab Police, they are beyond reformation. There whole raison detre is to misuse power for personal gain.

 

[uberkoen]

So I see, you didn't have anyone in mind. You just thought you would sound clever.

Okay, why don't we look at the current cabinet of Imran Khan

Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan former PPP, Federal Minister for Defence former PPP, Federal Minister for Defence Production former PMLN, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs former PMLN, Federal Minister for Education & Professional Training and National History & Literary Heritage former PPP, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs former PPP, Federal Minister for Housing and Works former PPP, Federal Minister for Power and Petroleum former PMLQ, Federal Minister for Privatisation former PMLQ, Federal Minister for Science and Technology former PPP, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions former PMLQ.

So if there isn't anyone smart enough in these parties why is Imran Khan's ministry full of people who were former member of these.

 

[MenInG]

The first public meeting of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — an alliance of almost all major opposition parties that seeks the government's ouster — will be held on October 11 in Quetta, opposition leaders announced on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference after PDM's first formal meeting in Islamabad, PML-N leader and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the anti-government movement will be launched across the country after the "historic" rally in Quetta.

"This movement will keep growing and will be successful in ridding Pakistan of this undemocratic process," said Abbasi, accompanied by other opposition leaders. PML-N's Maryam Nawaz and PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari did not attend the meeting.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1582300/o...ic-rally-under-pdm-banner-on-oct-11-in-quetta

 

[MenInG]

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been appointed the head of the 11-party Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) launched by Opposition parties last month to oust the incumbent government for its "failures in all sectors".

The decision was made in a virtual meeting of the alliance's steering committee held on Saturday and announced by PML-N secretary-general Ahsan Iqbal.

"Nawaz Sharif recommended Fazlur Rehman's name and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari endorsed it," Iqbal said.

He said that the leader will change on a rotation basis and the duration of appointment will be determined soon.

"PDM has expressed great confidence in the leadership of Fazlur Rehman," said the PML-N stalwart.

"PDM's struggle is to ensure that the Constitution and the supremacy of law are upheld and the people's economic rights are protected," he said.

The movement's goal is to achieve that form of government that was the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, he added.

Iqbal said that unanimous approval was accorded to a number of resolutions.

Among these were the following:

- The government linking the PDM to India is proof of its delusions
- To declare a three time prime minister, under whose leadership Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests, an enemy of the state is condemnable
- We strongly condemn Shehbaz Sharif's arrest
- The arrest of Opposition politicians is a "conspiracy to steal" the Gilgit-Baltistan mandate
- PDM's constitutional and democratic struggle will not be stopped
- The people want freedom from the "fake government" who has brought them nothing but inflation, unemployment, and economic destruction

The meeting was attended by Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Ahsan Iqbal, Nawab Akhtar Mengal, Shah Owais Noorani, Ameer Haider Khan Houthi and other notable Opposition figures.

The PDM's organisational hierarchy was also discussed.

Ten days ago, the Opposition's Rehbar Committee — comprising top leaders from each party — had recommended Fazlur Rehman's name to head the alliance.

The majority of the attendees agreed on Fazl as their choice to lead the alliance and representatives of smaller political parties stated that only Fazl can lead the opposition effectively.

The movement has announced that it will hold its first public rally on October 11 in Quetta to rid the country of the current “unconstitutional system”.

 

[moghul]

Bring back the golden days of Nawaz and Zardari-------------days of muk muka and corruption. All the people in the power were kept happy, everyone had a price tag.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Participated in PDM’s meeting. Congratulations to Maulana Fazlur Rehman Sb for being elected president of PDM. We hope the forum will continue with its struggle against the hybrid regime and for the strengthening of democracy with the same clarity as during its inception at APC. <a href="https://t.co/f5Qwg13lY3">pic.twitter.com/f5Qwg13lY3</a></p>— Mohsin Dawar (@mjdawar) <a href="https://twitter.com/mjdawar/status/1312431685028454400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Congratulations Maulana!

 

[Hasan]

Their failure is reflected in the corrupt mullah they chose to lead them. These are all signs of a drowning political ideology based self serving agendas.

 

[Afhan Ali]

I don't like any political party in Pakistan because I don't have any trust on any of them. But I hope that opposition will do something right if they can remove PTI from the government.

 

[Afhan Ali]

Here, mazdoors are getting the same daily fees of their work ( 600 to 1000) but the price of daily needs material are double.

 

[khanz141]

I don't like any political party in Pakistan because I don't have any trust on any of them. But I hope that opposition will do something right if they can remove PTI from the government.

Hmm what??
I don't trust them but I want them in power

 

[MenInG]

Science and technology minister Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday said that the Opposition's Pakistan Democratic Movement is more like the "Pakistan incitement movement" and is about to fizzle out before taking off.

“This movement is nearing its end before taking off. Their narrative is so flawed it’s full of holes. No one believes in it,” said the minister, at a press conference in Karachi.

Chaudhry said that it is "sad to see" that Benazir Bhutto's party has to work under Maulana Fazlur Rehman's leadership.

The JUI-F chief was appointed the first leader of the anti-government Pakistan Democratic Movement, in what will be a rotational arrangement from party to party. The duration of appointment has yet to be decided.

"PPP workers must be not liking the fact that the party has to make do with the killers of Benazir Bhutto," said Chaudhry.

The minister went on to say that it is "Pakistan's misfortune that PML-N and PPP today have to seek support of extremist groups for their politics", in a reference to the religious parties that form the Opposition alliance against the government.

"Yesterday, in Lahore the PML-N workers had gathered but they weren't able to gather many.

"I had advised Bilawal and PML-N that they should just book marriage halls so that it'll be convenient and people won't suffer (from road blockages) [...] because it is only these few numbers they are able to draw," Chaudhry said.

The minster criticised the Opposition for "looking to madressah students for their politics" and to ramp up their numbers.

"And they have a very interesting model for the movement.

"Nawaz Sharif says he wants to live in London in Mayfair, his sons have the world's most expensive property where they seek to live, his daughter's father in law Ishaq Dar fled when Shahid Khaqan was in power and is now in London," the minister said.

He said all the while Nawaz has decided to live in London with his loved ones, PML-N workers "have to take to the streets and launch a movement for the government not to take away Maryam (Nawaz)'s and her daddy's money".

Chaudhry said the movement is "Pakistan Incitement Movement" and will fail badly like the earlier "save my father" movement. "It has no future, this grand alliance of corruption with Fazlur Rehman at the helm."

The minister questioned why it is that Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq, who is also a government critic and says anti-government things every day, but "doesn't have the resources to live a luxurious life".

"This JI leader's roof is leaking," he remarked.

"Fazlur Rehman is from KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and so is Siraj. Why does the former have billions while the latter nothing?"

He said "both are leaders of religious parties" so it begs the question why this is, without elaborating any further.

Chaudhry said that this (Opposition) movement has no moral currency, ethical justification or constitutional justification.

'Nawaz has no real issue with army, judiciary'
He said that the two narratives being pushed by the PML-N are that "the army is bad" and that the elections were rigged.

The minister then went on to detail how the claims are “flawed”.

“In the last election, 346 applications were filed. In Punjab, where they allege rigging took place, 13 were from PTI and 11 were from PML-N.

“Our candidates, for 15 seats, lost with a margin of 2,500 to 3,000 votes. Of those, five are such in which the margin was less than 1,000,” Chaudhry said.

He said that Atif Khan lost by 50 votes, and in another place PTI lost by 117 votes.

“If the establishment was tilted towards us as they say, we would have won these 15 seats.”

“They talk about RTS going down that day, but those were constituencies where PTI lost,” the minister said.

He went on to add that in 2013, when Imran Khan spoke in the assembly for the first time as opposition leader, he launched a movement to probe four constituencies and rigging was proven in all four. “And then PTI fought the election from those and won.”

Chaudhry said that when Imran Khan became prime minister, he told Shehbaz Sharif if he thinks rigging took place then let’s form a committee. A committee was formed.

“Two-and-a-half years have passed and the PML-N has yet to provide a single shred of proof in even one constituency where they say rigging took place.”

The minister said that rigging is not the issue and it isn’t the election either.

“Nawaz Sharif has no issue with the army or judiciary. The only issue is: ‘Why don’t you cooperate with us in hiding our corruption?’,” Chaudhry said.

He alleged that Nawaz “even bought judges and established this accountability system”.

“[Nawaz] is only annoyed that the institutions did not cooperate with him,” the minister said.

He said it was the PPP and PML-N who had asked the army to assist in the polls during the caretaker government, adding that the accountability act was also made in PML-N’s tenure and all NAB employees were hired by Nawaz.

“A probe was conducted into those cases which PPP have opened against PML-N and vice versa. PTI has nothing to do with this (launching an accountability drive),” he said.

'Cracks within PML-N'
The minister claimed that 70% of PML-N members have chosen not to stand with Maryam and Nawaz because they have taken money from such institutions.

“They will come back and start working on their old salaries if PTI says it will stop all this accountability business.”

“In Punjab five MPAs have broken off and I hope more PML-N members will show courage and reject Nawaz Sharif's narrative,” he said.

The minister said he “found out three seniors held a meeting and called media”. “They said they (top leaders) want to project like we have a fight but we only wish to negotiate.”

Chaudhry, addressing the Opposition, said: “You can criticise us (the government) but when you criticise the institutions it means you wish to shake the foundations of the state. You want to push the enemy's narrative. And if you wish to go that far for your cases (it will only yield bad results).”

 

[Bewal Express]

Okay, why don't we look at the current cabinet of Imran Khan

Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan former PPP, Federal Minister for Defence former PPP, Federal Minister for Defence Production former PMLN, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs former PMLN, Federal Minister for Education & Professional Training and National History & Literary Heritage former PPP, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs former PPP, Federal Minister for Housing and Works former PPP, Federal Minister for Power and Petroleum former PMLQ, Federal Minister for Privatisation former PMLQ, Federal Minister for Science and Technology former PPP, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions former PMLQ.

So if there isn't anyone smart enough in these parties why is Imran Khan's ministry full of people who were former member of these.

In the 2 party system they had no choice, IK offered and alternative. These guys saw sense and moved. Can you name these talented people in the PML?

 

[uberkoen]

In the 2 party system they had no choice, IK offered and alternative. These guys saw sense and moved. Can you name these talented people in the PML?

The entire party that you voted for is built up of the people who came from PPP and PML and you're asking me who the talented people in those parties are? Hypocritical much?

and Pakistan does not anymore have a two party system.

 

[saeedhk]

People who support Maulana and think he will restore democracy and civilian supremacy are fools!

The whole opposition consists of losers and sell-outs.

 

[angrypathan]

A democratic movement led by a guy who wasn't even elected to the National Assembly )

 

[the Great Khan]

so the movement is dead on arrival..what a joke..it also shows how useless and bankrupt the opposition are. IK has successfully moved the narrative and the political discourse away from its previous direction. The opposition still thinks this is 2012. It isnt.

 

[Bewal Express]

The entire party that you voted for is built up of the people who came from PPP and PML and you're asking me who the talented people in those parties are? Hypocritical much?

and Pakistan does not anymore have a two party system.

After all the desperate and pathetic allegations you have nothing but the old chestnut. It's not even true. Try again son, and come up with something more credible

 

[uberkoen]

After all the desperate and pathetic allegations you have nothing but the old chestnut. It's not even true. Try again son, and come up with something more credible

Post #39 in this thread has the answer. Tell me that's wrong

 

[Nadeemp]

Maulana is the man. Man of character and fortitude.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: The alliance of opposition parties has decided to hold its first public rally in Gujranwala on October 16, senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal announced on Monday after a meeting of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) steering committee.

The PDM leaders also announced a new schedule for anti-govt rallies across the country after differences emerged among the main political parties on the dates announced earlier.

The PPP had earlier objected to an October 18 rally in Quetta, saying that it commemorated the date for the Karsaz bombing incident in 2007 that had targeted slain party leader Benazir Bhutto.

Schedule of PDM rallies:

Gujranwala — October 16

Karachi — October 18

Quetta — October 25

Peshawar — November 22

Multan — November 30

Lahore — December 13

Responding to the objection, the PDM decided to join the PPP for its Karachi rally and postpone the Quetta rally to October 25.

Iqbal also said that the opposition parties will hold "massive gatherings" subsequently in Peshawar and Multan on November 22 and 30, respectively.

“Finally, a massive gathering will be held in Lahore on December 13, after which this fake setup will not be able to stand on its feet and the nation will announce that they want the rule of Constitution and law in the country,” Iqbal said.

Read more: FIR lodged against Nawaz Sharif for 'criminal conspiracy'

Flanked by Shahiq Khaqan Abbasi — who, it was announced, has been appointed the PDM’s Secretary-General — and other senior opposition leaders, Iqbal said the participants of the meeting had also condemned the first information report (FIR) lodged against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and other PML-N leaders.

The PML-N leader alleged that the government has damaged the Kashmir cause by implicating Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider in the FIR.

Earlier today, a case was filed against the PML-N supremo pertaining to criminal conspiracy for the “provocative speeches” he made in London to “defame Pakistan's institutions”.

The FIR alleges that the former prime minister, in his speeches, supported the policies of India, and claimed that Nawaz wanted to give the impression that Pakistan will be listed in the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list in its upcoming meeting.

Taking the mic, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the newly-formed group would aim at providing relief to the people.

"This government is selected and it has destroyed the economy. [The PDM demands] that the country should be run according to the Constitution," he said.

Abbasi claimed that the masses would join the PDM's campaign against the government and that Pakistan would see “a new beginning of democracy".

PDM's Vice President Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the basic aim of the movement was to express the thoughts and emotions of the Pakistani people.

"Today, people in Pakistan are suffering as they are unemployed, and If we don't raise our voice for them it would be a grave injustice," he said.

The former prime minister said people from all walks of life were facing immense difficulties due to the government's policies.

He also announced that the ANP’s Mian Iftikhar Hussain would be the alliance's information secretary.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl central general secretary Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said the government had "not even fulfilled one of its claims."

Haideri said that the incumbent government has gagged the press. "Several media workers are unemployed and industries have been severely affected," he said, adding: "People should stand up against this incompetent government”.

 

[Bewal Express]

Post #39 in this thread has the answer. Tell me that's wrong

I have already answered. As soon as the guys were given a chance to go somewhere better, somewhere more meaningful they went.Tell me about those great talents that you said are in the PML and PPP. Surely you have some names.

 

[Bewal Express]

ISLAMABAD: The alliance of opposition parties has decided to hold its first public rally in Gujranwala on October 16, senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal announced on Monday after a meeting of the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) steering committee.

The PDM leaders also announced a new schedule for anti-govt rallies across the country after differences emerged among the main political parties on the dates announced earlier.

The PPP had earlier objected to an October 18 rally in Quetta, saying that it commemorated the date for the Karsaz bombing incident in 2007 that had targeted slain party leader Benazir Bhutto.

Schedule of PDM rallies:

Gujranwala — October 16

Karachi — October 18

Quetta — October 25

Peshawar — November 22

Multan — November 30

Lahore — December 13

Responding to the objection, the PDM decided to join the PPP for its Karachi rally and postpone the Quetta rally to October 25.

Iqbal also said that the opposition parties will hold "massive gatherings" subsequently in Peshawar and Multan on November 22 and 30, respectively.

“Finally, a massive gathering will be held in Lahore on December 13, after which this fake setup will not be able to stand on its feet and the nation will announce that they want the rule of Constitution and law in the country,” Iqbal said.

Read more: FIR lodged against Nawaz Sharif for 'criminal conspiracy'

Flanked by Shahiq Khaqan Abbasi — who, it was announced, has been appointed the PDM’s Secretary-General — and other senior opposition leaders, Iqbal said the participants of the meeting had also condemned the first information report (FIR) lodged against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and other PML-N leaders.

The PML-N leader alleged that the government has damaged the Kashmir cause by implicating Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider in the FIR.

Earlier today, a case was filed against the PML-N supremo pertaining to criminal conspiracy for the “provocative speeches” he made in London to “defame Pakistan's institutions”.

The FIR alleges that the former prime minister, in his speeches, supported the policies of India, and claimed that Nawaz wanted to give the impression that Pakistan will be listed in the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list in its upcoming meeting.

Taking the mic, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the newly-formed group would aim at providing relief to the people.

"This government is selected and it has destroyed the economy. [The PDM demands] that the country should be run according to the Constitution," he said.

Abbasi claimed that the masses would join the PDM's campaign against the government and that Pakistan would see “a new beginning of democracy".

PDM's Vice President Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the basic aim of the movement was to express the thoughts and emotions of the Pakistani people.

"Today, people in Pakistan are suffering as they are unemployed, and If we don't raise our voice for them it would be a grave injustice," he said.

The former prime minister said people from all walks of life were facing immense difficulties due to the government's policies.

He also announced that the ANP’s Mian Iftikhar Hussain would be the alliance's information secretary.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl central general secretary Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said the government had "not even fulfilled one of its claims."

Haideri said that the incumbent government has gagged the press. "Several media workers are unemployed and industries have been severely affected," he said, adding: "People should stand up against this incompetent government”.

They are going to hold rallies in the middle pandemic? Didn't the same people want the country locked down?

 

[Abdullah719]

They are going to hold rallies in the middle pandemic? Didn’t the same people want the country locked down?

There were some “micro-lockdowns” initiated in Karachi recently due to COVID spread in certain areas.

Two days later, PPP announced a rally in Karachi.

 

[Bewal Express]

There were some “micro-lockdowns” initiated in Karachi recently due to COVID spread in certain areas.

Two days later, PPP announced a rally in Karachi.

So they were happy lockdown the country to punish the poor but when their billions are at stake, rallies are halal. Badniyaat haraamis.

 

[Savak]

Maulana is the man. Man of character and fortitude.

Maulanas tidh has kept on growing with every different political regime. Looks like the Waist tightening has got to him

 

[uberkoen]

I have already answered. As soon as the guys were given a chance to go somewhere better, somewhere more meaningful they went.Tell me about those great talents that you said are in the PML and PPP. Surely you have some names.

So, we have established that majority of the people sitting in important roles in PTI's current government have come from PPP or PML and from there we can establish the fact that even PTI, the party, understands that there are amazing people working in those parties and hence the strategy to pull them in.

Some other people who come to mind are Zubair Umar, Zahid Hamid, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, Anusha Rahman, Asim Hussain, and Naveed Qamar

 

[Waseem]

It has been an absolute pleasure to see Pakistani HIRED liberals group coming up with most amazing excuses in support of their next Messiah Maulana Fazl ur Rehman.

They are like "let's look at the bigger picture and ignore the fact that he is a bigot, misogynist, extremist, delivers hate speech against minorities & fatwas against opponents, guarantees heaven whoever votes for him and uses his influence on Madrassah students using "Islam is in danger" & "Khatm e nabuwat card.
So what is bigger picture??? He is a democrat? Not even that he has made several deals with establishment and even got land allotted for his services, his only achievement is being son of politician and already has son ready to take over and brothers enjoying multiple benefits. The only bigger picture is he is ready to take game to next level against Army in pursuit of his halwa that he is desperately missing. This is more than enough for even the most prominent liberals to support him.

Can they see the bigger picture when it comes to Imran Khan? He is honest, educated, not a bigot, respects women and looks after his minorities well, wants peace with his neighbours, has never stolen a penny and isn't in business for personal gains. Like any other humans, he has his own weaknesses but why can't they see bigger picture??
They can't see bigger picture with him because he isn't a democrat like Nawaz and Fazlu??Well he didn't start his career in Zia's laps, he spent 22 years in politics (had only 1 seat for first 17 years), he isn't in politics due to family and has no family members in politics. Oh but he doesn't challenge the Army like others? He has actually done that as well (multiple clips on record), the only thing he is doing is working closely with Army so he could concentrate on bigger challenges (him or Pakistan gain nothing with confrontation with Army). By the time he finishes his term, he would have taken no personal benefits from Army (or other politicians for that matter). Why can't they see the bigger picture with someone honest and committed???

 

[Greenstorm]

It has been an absolute pleasure to see Pakistani HIRED liberals group coming up with most amazing excuses in support of their next Messiah Maulana Fazl ur Rehman.

They are like "let's look at the bigger picture and ignore the fact that he is a bigot, misogynist, extremist, delivers hate speech against minorities & fatwas against opponents, guarantees heaven whoever votes for him and uses his influence on Madrassah students using "Islam is in danger" & "Khatm e nabuwat card.
So what is bigger picture??? He is a democrat? Not even that he has made several deals with establishment and even got land allotted for his services, his only achievement is being son of politician and already has son ready to take over and brothers enjoying multiple benefits. The only bigger picture is he is ready to take game to next level against Army in pursuit of his halwa that he is desperately missing. This is more than enough for even the most prominent liberals to support him.

Can they see the bigger picture when it comes to Imran Khan? He is honest, educated, not a bigot, respects women and looks after his minorities well, wants peace with his neighbours, has never stolen a penny and isn't in business for personal gains. Like any other humans, he has his own weaknesses but why can't they see bigger picture??
They can't see bigger picture with him because he isn't a democrat like Nawaz and Fazlu??Well he didn't start his career in Zia's laps, he spent 22 years in politics (had only 1 seat for first 17 years), he isn't in politics due to family and has no family members in politics. Oh but he doesn't challenge the Army like others? He has actually done that as well (multiple clips on record), the only thing he is doing is working closely with Army so he could concentrate on bigger challenges (him or Pakistan gain nothing with confrontation with Army). By the time he finishes his term, he would have taken no personal benefits from Army (or other politicians for that matter). Why can't they see the bigger picture with someone honest and committed???

It takes non-selfish and rational eyes to look at the bigger picture which the extremists on both sides (mullah and liberal) lack.

 

[Bewal Express]

So, we have established that majority of the people sitting in important roles in PTI's current government have come from PPP or PML and from there we can establish the fact that even PTI, the party, understands that there are amazing people working in those parties and hence the strategy to pull them in.

Some other people who come to mind are Zubair Umar, Zahid Hamid, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, Anusha Rahman, Asim Hussain, and Naveed Qamar

So Zubair Umar is talented on what basis, whats he done bar try to get an NRO from the army on behalf of NS and daughter. What has Maryam Dadu charger done except serve her masters, Ahsan Iqbal is talented at what, he told us 2 weeks ago that the Nooras have no issue with the army and today, what's the narrative, Ch Nisar is a total coward. What's his achievement? If that's all you could come up with, the Nooras are finished.

 

[Waseem]

So Zubair Umar is talented on what basis, whats he done bar try to get an NRO from the army on behalf of NS and daughter. What has Maryam Dadu charger done except serve her masters, Ahsan Iqbal is talented at what, he told us 2 weeks ago that the Nooras have no issue with the army and today, what's the narrative, Ch Nisar is a total coward. What's his achievement? If that's all you could come up with, the Nooras are finished.

Zubair Umar is so talented that PMLN only realised his talent after his brother Asad Umar joined PTI. Asad was considered a brilliant brain and Zubair has been included in PMLN just to counter Asad Umar; he became Governor for same reason as well.
By the way Zubair Umar is a genius that he was defending his famous meeting with Army Chief as a personal meeting, when anchor aske him why you met him, he said "Oh I just went there to tell him how Imran Khan has destroyed Economy". Few minutes later, he said this is hybrid government because Army is running things like Economy
So Army is destroying the Economy and he went to Army Chief to tell him that Army destroyed the Economy lol....WHAT A GENIUS!!

 

[uberkoen]

So Zubair Umar is talented on what basis, whats he done bar try to get an NRO from the army on behalf of NS and daughter. What has Maryam Dadu charger done except serve her masters, Ahsan Iqbal is talented at what, he told us 2 weeks ago that the Nooras have no issue with the army and today, what's the narrative, Ch Nisar is a total coward. What's his achievement? If that's all you could come up with, the Nooras are finished.

I don't understand why it is so difficult to get a simple point across. To begin with I stated that the two parties have talented members but unfortunately the leadership is utter garbage. You then go on about how the leadership of these parties influenced the people I mentioned which was my exact point.

I did not even once say that people like Zubair Umar or Marriyum Aurangzeb aren't the touts of the party leadership. However, these people have the experience and education to draft policies that will benefit the country but for that to happen the leadership of the party needs to change.

Moreover, we are a democratic country and for democracy to thrive it is of the utmost importance that the people have a choice. We need these large political parties to survive otherwise we let PTI continue on its course towards an authoritarian state. I'm not in favor of people like Nawaz and Bhutto's however I am in favor of these parties as it gives the people a choice.

Personally, I would like to have the option to vote for a more left wing party but unfortunately we don't have one right now.

 

[Waseem]

So, we have established that majority of the people sitting in important roles in PTI's current government have come from PPP or PML and from there we can establish the fact that even PTI, the party, understands that there are amazing people working in those parties and hence the strategy to pull them in.

Some other people who come to mind are Zubair Umar, Zahid Hamid, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, Anusha Rahman, Asim Hussain, and Naveed Qamar

I really don't know achievements of Anusha Rahman & Maryam Aurangzaib. Ch Nisar is good politician but again his on ground performance isn't really known. I agree about Ahsan Iqbal and Zubair Umar......even Zubair was included in PMLN when his more talented brother Asad Umar joined PTI. I still think PTI has more talented people despite all the compromises they had to make. Imran Khan, Asad Umar, Shafqat Mehmood, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Shibli Faraz, Malik Amin Aslam & Sania Nishtar. Imran Khan is easily the most honest & hardworking Prime ministers we had in recent history.
Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed and Fawad Ch are also upcoming good options; in fact Hammad is brilliant. There are plenty of young educated professionals from average backgrounds in KPK and Karachi which is probably the highlight of PTI that no one talks about, they are all there because of their ability and not product of dynastic politics.

 

[uberkoen]

I really don't know achievements of Anusha Rahman & Maryam Aurangzaib. Ch Nisar is good politician but again his on ground performance isn't really known. I agree about Ahsan Iqbal and Zubair Umar......even Zubair was included in PMLN when his more talented brother Asad Umar joined PTI. I still think PTI has more talented people despite all the compromises they had to make. Imran Khan, Asad Umar, Shafqat Mehmood, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Shibli Faraz, Malik Amin Aslam & Sania Nishtar. Imran Khan is easily the most honest & hardworking Prime ministers we had in recent history.
Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed and Fawad Ch are also upcoming good options; in fact Hammad is brilliant. There are plenty of young educated professionals from average backgrounds in KPK and Karachi which is probably the highlight of PTI that no one talks about, they are all there because of their ability and not product of dynastic politics.

Hammad Azhar is definitely one for the future. He's a true gem. I'm a fan of Fawad Ch. Murad Saeed is someone I could do without to be honest.

I like the fact that we have a influx of these educated young people in the political parties. I hope they also get involved in policy making and their opinions are heard.

I find it weird that in Pakistan we give important ministries to career politicians and not to people who are highly educated in that particular field.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">مریم بی بی مولانا صاحب کوخوش آمدید کہتے ہوئے۔۔۔ <a href="https://t.co/2GuoXd4viO">pic.twitter.com/2GuoXd4viO</a></p>— Hina Parvez Butt (@hinaparvezbutt) <a href="https://twitter.com/hinaparvezbutt/status/1313867361339015168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Loralai]

Establishment games continue.

 

[Bewal Express]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">مریم بی بی مولانا صاحب کوخوش آمدید کہتے ہوئے۔۔۔ <a href="https://t.co/2GuoXd4viO">pic.twitter.com/2GuoXd4viO</a></p>— Hina Parvez Butt (@hinaparvezbutt) <a href="https://twitter.com/hinaparvezbutt/status/1313867361339015168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The old crook is loving the attention. And because he has some poor Madrassah kids to sacrifice to keep the rich from parting with their stolen loot.

 

[Bewal Express]

Establishment games continue.

Yes its the establishment games that forced all the crooks together.

 

[MenInG]

The old crook is loving the attention. And because he has some poor Madrassah kids to sacrifice to keep the rich from parting with their stolen loot.

Maulana sahib no qualms in not lowering his gaze.

Really would love to understand what version of Islam he follows.

 

[Bewal Express]

I don't understand why it is so difficult to get a simple point across. To begin with I stated that the two parties have talented members but unfortunately the leadership is utter garbage. You then go on about how the leadership of these parties influenced the people I mentioned which was my exact point.

I did not even once say that people like Zubair Umar or Marriyum Aurangzeb aren't the touts of the party leadership. However, these people have the experience and education to draft policies that will benefit the country but for that to happen the leadership of the party needs to change.

Moreover, we are a democratic country and for democracy to thrive it is of the utmost importance that the people have a choice. We need these large political parties to survive otherwise we let PTI continue on its course towards an authoritarian state. I'm not in favor of people like Nawaz and Bhutto's however I am in favor of these parties as it gives the people a choice.

Personally, I would like to have the option to vote for a more left wing party but unfortunately we don't have one right now.

Their leadership is crooked and they don't have any talented guys. Their is a general dearth of even half decent talents in PK political parties. The PTI is also short of talented people and the Nooras and PPP have none. The problem with the family Businesses is that no how talented you are,you will always be the monkey to their organ grinders.

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, both prominent leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement, warned the government on Wednesday that it would soon fall.

"We have decided to cross all hurdles," said the JUI-F chief, addressing the media jointly with Maryam. He said that there was no sign of "good governance" throughout the country. "We want to become a ray of hope for the people of Pakistan."

However, information minister Shibli Faraz spoke to Geo News, countered the PDM's criticism, alleging that Maryam was raising "unnecessary issues" and that Fazl, on the other hand, had become "politically irrelevant".

Fazl said that the upcoming public rallies of the alliance will attract large crowds, adding that its upcoming Gujranwala and Karachi public gatherings will be "huge shows".

Speaking to media, Maryam lashed out at the government, criticising a recent statement by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which he said that India is happy because of Nawaz Sharif's speeches.

"India becomes happy when the economy becomes bankrupt," she said. "India becomes happy when the 'Fall of Kashmir' takes place. India becomes happy when you present Kashmir on a tray to them," she added.

Speaking about the PDM's upcoming public gathering in Gujranwala, she said that the government had already gotten scared of the movement. Maryam said that the people of Pakistan were looking towards the PDM with hopes.

"Insha'Allah, I want to assure people that we will not fall short of their expectations under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman," she said.

The PML-N leader said that Fazl will attend the Gujranwala gathering of the alliance and she will also invite PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to participate in it as well.

Responding to a question, Maryam said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and she did not need to prove their patriotic credentials to anyone. "These are cards that are taken out and used time and again, we have been witnessing this," she said. "At times the patriotism card is pulled out [against the PML-N], at times they pull out the religion card. At times, dharnas take place out of nowhere," she said.

"Maryam Nawaz is the daughter of this country and Nawaz Sharif is a son of the soil. We do not need to prove anything to anyone."

Responding to a question, Fazl said that the PDM and the PML-N were not against the Pakistan Army.

Fazl politically irrelevant, Maryam raising 'unnecessary issues': Faraz
Speaking to Geo News, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz hit back at the opposition, saying that the JUI-F chief wanted an election according to his own desire.

He criticised the PDM leader for accepting the results of his son's victory but rejecting them when it came to the constituencies his party lost.

"He wants to contest [elections] in front of an umpire that is his own, nominated by him and comes up with the results he desires," said the minister.

Faraz said that Fazl had become "politically irrelevant" hence he was trying to do something that would propel him once again into the limelight. "The people of Pakistan will not accept him," he said.

The minister criticised Maryam as well, saying that she was trying to instigate the people to defend her corruption. "Her moral standing is quite damaged, I don't think anyone will take her call [to protest] seriously," he said.

He said that the PDM leaders were "campaigning for their personal interests" and that it was up to the people whether or not they wanted to support persons who were struggling only for their vested interests.

Responding to her criticism on the government's Kashmir policy, Faraz said that the PML-N vice president was twisting every issue and trying to project it in front of the public as she wanted them to see it.

"The public does not have any interest in these matters," he said, adding that Maryam was raising "unnecessary issues".

Imran scared of Pakistan Democratic Movement, says Fazl
Earlier, The JUI-F chief had spoken to media where in response to a question about PM Imran Khan's statement that the government had nothing to fear from the 11-party alliance, he said that the prime minister was scared.

"He [PM Imran Khan] is sweating [profusely]," said Fazl. "You have no idea."

Read more: JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman appointed PDM's first leader

Speaking about the PDM's movement, the JUI-F chief had said that the first couple of rallies held by the PDM will create "emotions and effects" of change in the country.

"The public awaits the success of the PDM jalsas," he had said, adding that the alliance's plan including "going to Islamabad" as well. Fazl did not specify whether the opposition intended to stage protests in the capital or hold a dharna like the Azadi March from last year.

When asked whether the absence of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-president Asif Zardari will be felt in the PDM rallies, Fazl had a message for the leadership of both parties.

"We have a message for the leadership of both parties. We will not let the absence of your leaders be felt," he had said, urging masses to turn up at the protests in huge numbers.

Fazl said that the PDM believed in stability and that the perception that there will be a clash with state institutions was wrong. "We should ask ourselves with a cool mind, how do we take the country forward?" he had asked.

The JUI-F chief had spoken about the PDM's upcoming rally in Gujranwala on October 16, saying that the alliance will ensure all efforts to make it a successful power show.

"The current government is an inept one," he had said. "It cannot be referred to as a government that is representative of the people. We support the demands of the protesting government employees in Islamabad," he added.

PDM to bring political revolution in Pakistan: Marriyum Aurangzeb
Earlier, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb had said political revolution in the country would be possible only through the PDM.

Addressing a press conference, Aurangzeb had said that the PML-N has never been as united and powerful in history as it is today and that the government built a "false narrative of accountability" from 2018-2020.

"The NAB-Niazi nexus has been exposed," the PML-N spokesperson had said, adding that when the government could not find anything on the Opposition leaders, it initiated "conspiracies of treason".

Aurangzeb had alleged that the federal cabinet meetings are held to determine who the next "target" will be. "The government is filling the pockets of the mafia instead of the people."

The PML-N leader, lamenting over the surging inflation, said that the price of vegetables had increased up to 45% and that it had hiked due to the government's "incompetence".

"The incumbent government is corrupt that is why it has bowed down before the sugar and wheat mafia," she had said, adding: "According to the Bureau of Statistics, there is no item whose price has not increased."

Aurangzeb had said that a "false conspiracy" was hatched against Shehbaz Sharif through an article and that the Chinese and UK government had "rejected the claims against him".

"PML-N leaders are being silenced because they speak against the surging inflation," she said, adding that the joint Opposition would send the government home.

"We aren't afraid of the accusations of treason [...] Pakistanis are aware of who developed the country," Aurangzeb had stated.

Source GEO

 

[uberkoen]

Their leadership is crooked and they don't have any talented guys. Their is a general dearth of even half decent talents in PK political parties. The PTI is also short of talented people and the Nooras and PPP have none. The problem with the family Businesses is that no how talented you are,you will always be the monkey to their organ grinders.

This is what you and other PTI fans believe and PTI fans are like a cult so this was expected however, this is exactly why more options are needed because we really can't have a cult ruling the country. We are already seeing the effects of that in terms of what is happening to the media and journalists.

Also you, and others like you, have this us vs them mentality and that anyone who isn't supporting IK is basically a PMLN or PPP fan. However, you need to understand that this may not be the case. Just because I think IK and PTI are not good for the country does not mean I think PMLN and PPP are either. This may be an extremely difficult concept for you to grasp but this is possible.

 

[saeedhk]

Those who are supporting Maulana and hailing him as a revolutionary are hypocrites! He is a giant misogynist, and hate-preacher.

 

[Waseem]

Those who are supporting Maulana and hailing him as a revolutionary are hypocrites! He is a giant misogynist, and hate-preacher.

At least you can see why people have problems with our brand of liberals and not liberalism in general.

From Marvi Sirmed to Gul Bukhari to Ayesha Ijaz Khan, Taqi, Raza Rumi etc are all literally defending and promoting this opportunist. He is being hailed as a democrat JUST because he is aggressive against Army. If people really want Civilian supremacy in the country then raise your voice on real issues rather than hating Army in general and making Fazlu, Nawaz and Altaf their abba ji ignoring the fact that these crooks have their own vested interests.

Agenda driven liberals cause far more damage to this cause than an average person.