[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Imran Khan a mosaic in Pakistan's political history

[FearlessRoar]

In 2008, during the general elections in Pakistan, very few considered casting their vote for Imran Khan, as many were unfamiliar with him. Interestingly, Imran Khan chose to boycott those elections, a move that didn't significantly impact the Pakistani people due to the dominance of mainstream parties like PML(N) and PPP.

The unexpected rise of Imran Khan before the 2013 General Elections is puzzling. Somehow, he gained sudden popularity, leading to the formation of a provincial government in KPK after 2013 General Elections. This period also marked the beginning of a rivalry with Nawaz Sharif, culminating in dharna and allegations of rigging.Imran Khan's peak in popularity resulted in victory in the 2018 General Elections, where he was elected as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan. However, his tenure faced economic challenges, lacking a solid finance minister.

Imran Khan utilized religious sentiments to maintain popularity among the people of Pakistan. Additionally, his marriage to Bushra Maneka sparked debates, questioning why a married woman needed to divorce her husband to marry Imran Khan.

All these aspects contribute to making Imran Khan a mosaic in the history of Pakistan's politics.What are your thoughts on Imran Khan's political career?

 

[FearlessRoar]

Imran Khan's political journey is indeed a mosaic of highs, challenges, and controversies.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Imran Khan's political journey is indeed a mosaic of highs, challenges, and controversies.

I believe he is still popular among masses that's another thing if establishment does not let him contest in election. His party can sweep the election provided that such elections are free and fair.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Journey of Imran Khan from being a successful cricketer who won the 1992 World Cup for Pakistan, a leader who founded a party that struggled for almost 20 years before coming to power, bringing reforms in the health division with a health card and saying "absolutely not" to a country like the US to getting removed out of power because of his coalition partners and getting jailed in some unbelievable cases is a fascinating one. Imran has seen it all and he is one of the most talked about person right now in Pakistan's political scenario. That is some impact for a guy who has not political background and started from scratch.

 

[Bewal Express]

A legend in his life time. He is amongst the greatest sportsman produced by PK, he is along with baba Edhi our greatest ever philanthropists and without doubt the greatest leader since the Quaid. That is some legacy.

 

[FearlessRoar]

A legend in his life time. He is amongst the greatest sportsman produced by PK, he is along with baba Edhi our greatest ever philanthropists and without doubt the greatest leader since the Quaid. That is some legacy.

Absolutely, a great in the game of cricket. A legendary cricketer, but certainly a mental midget in politics.

 

[Bewal Express]

Absolutely, a great in the game of cricket. A legendary cricketer, but certainly a mental midget in politics.

Yes a mental midget that destroyed pathetic losers. A guy that broke that mafia of losers that have bled PK dry. If IK is a mental midget where does that leave your thugs that aren't even allowing people to register as candidates. they were behind that led to innocent people being kidnapped and murdered and mothers and daughters being attacked in the home.

 

[Bewal Express]

Absolutely, a great in the game of cricket. A legendary cricketer, but certainly a mental midget in politics.

BTW why did you disappear after you claimed that NS was some sort of economic guru.

 

[FearlessRoar]

BTW why did you disappear after you claimed that NS was some sort of economic guru.

I didn't claim that Nawaz Sharif was an economic guru. I simply stated that during his tenure things were stable in comparison to other rulers.

 

[Bewal Express]

I didn't claim that Nawaz Sharif was an economic guru. I simply stated that during his tenure things were stable in comparison to other rulers.

You said these problems didn't exist under NS and only came under IK. I explained to you with facts that all our troubles are a direct result of NS/Munshi policy of fixing the $ RP rate at all cost. I explained to you that NS should have had super growth with low oil and gas prices but we didn't. Exports got destroyed and our problem is importing too much, its exporting so little. These rose by a 1/3rd under IK

 

[emranabbas]

imran khan the biggest darmaybaaz pakistan ever produced.

 

[Bewal Express]

imran khan the biggest darmaybaaz pakistan ever produced.

So those guys that have bled PK dry with the billions in money laundering with their flats and Omni groups are the good guys , those guys that have killed, kidnapped and assaulted innocent people are the good guys. Its not IK that is stopping people from registering as candidates, it's not IK that is appointing ROs that are Noora fan boys, it's not IK that illegally stopped elections and smashed the constitution.

 

[Bewal Express]

imran khan the biggest darmaybaaz pakistan ever produced.

Why do we have illegal govts at the centre, in Punjab and KP? Who destroyed the constitution?

 

[emranabbas]

So those guys that have bled PK dry with the billions in money laundering with their flats and Omni groups are the good guys , those guys that have killed, kidnapped and assaulted innocent people are the good guys. Its not IK that is stopping people from registering as candidates, it's not IK that is appointing ROs that are Noora fan boys, it's not IK that illegally stopped elections and smashed the constitution.

Bro

Show me where have I said anyone is good?

 

[Bewal Express]

Bro

Show me where have I said anyone is good?

Yes but you are here when anyone attacks IK. Where did you criticise the mayhem of murder, kidnappings and assaults on men, women and children in the last 18 months. The systematic destruction of all institutions and the economy that was stable and growing.

 

[Hextro]

imran khan the biggest darmaybaaz pakistan ever produced.

The man is one of the most successful Pakistanis in history. If achieving everything you want to achieve is considered being a "dramabaaz" then sure, he is a dramabaaz.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The district and sessions court in Islamabad have set January 10 date for the indictment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the illegal Nikah case.

Civil Judge Qudratullah issued a written order on Thursday confirming the scheduled date, directing the jail superintendent to ensure execution while considering the logistics of accommodating lawyers and media representatives.

It is pertinent to mention here that Khawar Maneka — Bibi’s former husband, who had approached the court — has claimed that the marriage was illegal and against the laws of Sharia.

The former prime minister married Bushra Bibi in February 2018 in Lahore.

The ceremony was attended by only close relatives, including the bride’s mother, and friends. PTI founder’s sisters, however, were not in attendance.

Mufti Saeed had performed the nikah in the presence of former Pakitan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Awn Chaudhary and former SAPM Zulfi Bukhari who appeared as witnesses.

Source: ARY

Illegal nikkah case: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi to be indicted on Jan 10

ISLAMABAD: The district and sessions court in Islamabad have set January 10 date for the indictment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife,

arynews.tv

 

[Bewal Express]

Imran Khan's article in the World famous Economist magazine has sent these criminals into chaos. It has broken all records.

Imran Khan warns that Pakistan’s election could be a farce

His party is being unfairly muzzled, the former prime minister writes from prison

www.economist.com

Govt writing to UK publication over essay attributed to imprisoned Imran Khan: information minister

"If jailed convicts were free to write to the media, they would always use the opportunity to air their one-sided grievances," minister says.

www.google.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Imran Khan's article in the World famous Economist magazine has sent these criminals into chaos. It has broken all records.

Imran Khan warns that Pakistan’s election could be a farce

His party is being unfairly muzzled, the former prime minister writes from prison

www.economist.com

Govt writing to UK publication over essay attributed to imprisoned Imran Khan: information minister

"If jailed convicts were free to write to the media, they would always use the opportunity to air their one-sided grievances," minister says.

www.google.com

What are those salient points he has raised in this interview?

 

[shortbread]

What are those salient points he has raised in this interview?

 

[Bewal Express]

What are those salient points he has raised in this interview?

So fiest point is that we have heard from the thugs IK was a drug addict that won't last 3 days in prison @Major called him Cocaine Khan. The mafia actually believed this and told us that he would beg for an NRO. Well he isnt and the fact that his trials are in secret are testament to their huge failure. Why is he not allowed to speak to journalists?
As far as the main points
- There will be no fair election- its a sham as shown by the Conspiracy between Qazi and the ECP in appointment of ROs.
- He was removed by a combination of the Generals and America. This has been proven to be fact with all the events since his removal
- PK cannot be stable until we get a govt of the people by the people

 

[BouncerGuy]

AI used to write Economist piece, claims Imran

ISLAMABAD: Embattled PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan made a surprising claim, saying that an essay recently published by The Economist under his name was actually “AI-generated”.

Mr Khan made the claim while talking to journalists allowed to cover proceedings inside the prison after attending two trials — one regarding a £190 million corruption case and the Toshakhana reference — at the Adiala Jail, on Monday.

Confirming the contents of the essay, Mr Khan said he did not write the piece himself, rather it was based on points he had dictated, which were put into words through the use of artificial intelligence.

In the essay attributed to him, Mr Khan had expressed apprehensions that the election scheduled for Feb 8 may not take place at all, adding that even if they do, such polls would be a “disaster and a farce since PTI is being denied its basic right to campaign”.

Although the content and tone of the article were in line with Mr Khan’s historic stance, several observers had doubts over whether the PTI founder had personally penned the piece.

“It is not an issue that someone cannot write an article or a book while languishing in jail. We have the objection that the article in question has not been written by the former PTI chairman,” APP quoted caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi as saying on Monday.

The minister said no such content was leaked from the jail to any media organisation and alleged that The Economist published “the ghost article” in the name of the former PTI chairman.

When asked about the provenance of the article, sources close to Mr Khan told Dawn that it contained facts mentioned by the PTI founder at different points in time, adding that the article was merely a consolidation of facts already available on social media platforms.

The sources said that Mr Khan had shared these details with some visitors who met him in prison, and they may have confided them to someone in the magazine, who consolidated these facts into the shape of an article.

Although AI-based programmes such as ChatGPT can be used to write articles, digital rights expert Usama Khilji expressed a degree of doubt over Mr Khan’s claim.

“Whether it was written as is by Imran Khan, AI was used based on his notes, or [it] was edited by his close aides is not as important as the substance of the article,” he said, adding that artificial intelligence was a tool that could be used to aid writing.

Since the article was first published on Thursday, it has been reposted at least seven times from the publication’s official X account. The posts have over 25 million views.

PTI’s social media team, meanwhile, has used replies under publication’s posts to put forth its narrative on the purge faced by the party. Several PTI supporters, including the party’s official account, have shared videos containing claims of an assassination attempt on Mr Khan’s life, alleged human rights violations and the persecution of party’s workers and leaders.

Level playing field

Separately, during the hearing of a petition seeking a level playing field for polls at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) told the bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, that the commission had accepted 598 out of a total of 843 nomination papers filed by PTI candidates for the National Assembly, while 1,398 out of 1,777 candidatures had been cleared for the provincial assemblies.

During the hearing, CJP Isa asked the PTI’s lawyers not to hurl allegations at the ECP without any proof.

PTI’s counsel Latif Khosa and Shuaib Shaheen said that their candidates were rounded up under Maintenance of Public Order and claimed that the PTI was not being given a level playing field.

They also pointed out that the ECP deprived the party of its iconic symbol and requested the restoration of the bat symbol.

The apex court has scheduled the hearing for PTI’s petition on Jan 11.

AI used to write Economist piece, claims Imran

Incarcerated PTI founder "owns" article’s contents; SC asks party’s lawyers not to accuse ECP without proof.

www.dawn.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

AI used to write Economist piece, claims Imran

ISLAMABAD: Embattled PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan made a surprising claim, saying that an essay recently published by The Economist under his name was actually “AI-generated”.

Mr Khan made the claim while talking to journalists allowed to cover proceedings inside the prison after attending two trials — one regarding a £190 million corruption case and the Toshakhana reference — at the Adiala Jail, on Monday.

Confirming the contents of the essay, Mr Khan said he did not write the piece himself, rather it was based on points he had dictated, which were put into words through the use of artificial intelligence.

In the essay attributed to him, Mr Khan had expressed apprehensions that the election scheduled for Feb 8 may not take place at all, adding that even if they do, such polls would be a “disaster and a farce since PTI is being denied its basic right to campaign”.

Although the content and tone of the article were in line with Mr Khan’s historic stance, several observers had doubts over whether the PTI founder had personally penned the piece.

“It is not an issue that someone cannot write an article or a book while languishing in jail. We have the objection that the article in question has not been written by the former PTI chairman,” APP quoted caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi as saying on Monday.

The minister said no such content was leaked from the jail to any media organisation and alleged that The Economist published “the ghost article” in the name of the former PTI chairman.

When asked about the provenance of the article, sources close to Mr Khan told Dawn that it contained facts mentioned by the PTI founder at different points in time, adding that the article was merely a consolidation of facts already available on social media platforms.

The sources said that Mr Khan had shared these details with some visitors who met him in prison, and they may have confided them to someone in the magazine, who consolidated these facts into the shape of an article.

Although AI-based programmes such as ChatGPT can be used to write articles, digital rights expert Usama Khilji expressed a degree of doubt over Mr Khan’s claim.

“Whether it was written as is by Imran Khan, AI was used based on his notes, or [it] was edited by his close aides is not as important as the substance of the article,” he said, adding that artificial intelligence was a tool that could be used to aid writing.

Since the article was first published on Thursday, it has been reposted at least seven times from the publication’s official X account. The posts have over 25 million views.

PTI’s social media team, meanwhile, has used replies under publication’s posts to put forth its narrative on the purge faced by the party. Several PTI supporters, including the party’s official account, have shared videos containing claims of an assassination attempt on Mr Khan’s life, alleged human rights violations and the persecution of party’s workers and leaders.

Level playing field

Separately, during the hearing of a petition seeking a level playing field for polls at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) told the bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, that the commission had accepted 598 out of a total of 843 nomination papers filed by PTI candidates for the National Assembly, while 1,398 out of 1,777 candidatures had been cleared for the provincial assemblies.

During the hearing, CJP Isa asked the PTI’s lawyers not to hurl allegations at the ECP without any proof.

PTI’s counsel Latif Khosa and Shuaib Shaheen said that their candidates were rounded up under Maintenance of Public Order and claimed that the PTI was not being given a level playing field.

They also pointed out that the ECP deprived the party of its iconic symbol and requested the restoration of the bat symbol.

The apex court has scheduled the hearing for PTI’s petition on Jan 11.

AI used to write Economist piece, claims Imran

Incarcerated PTI founder "owns" article’s contents; SC asks party’s lawyers not to accuse ECP without proof.

www.dawn.com

Article published in The Economist authored by Imran, not compiled using AI: PTI

The PTI on Tuesday clarified that an essay recently published by The Economist under former prime minister Imran Khan’s name was not “compiled through the use of artificial means”.

In the essay — which went viral on social media and drew objection from the caretaker government — Imran had expressed apprehensions that upcoming general elections may not take place at all.

Although the content and tone of the article were in line with Imran’s historical stance, several observers had doubts over whether the PTI founder had personally penned the piece. Sources within the party were hesitant to comment on how the writing may have been relayed to the publication from inside prison, but they had insisted that the words were indeed those of Imran.

Addressing these doubts in a talk with journalists at Adiala Jail yesterday, Imran said he had “verbally dictated” the article.

It was also reported that Imran said he did not write the essay himself, rather it was based on points he had dictated, which were put into words through the use of artificial intelligence.

When asked about the provenance of the article, sources close to Imran had told Dawn that it contained facts mentioned by the PTI founder at different points in time, adding that the article was merely a consolidation of facts already available on social media platforms.

The sources said that Imran had shared these details with some visitors who met him in prison, and they may have confided them to someone in the magazine, who consolidated these facts into the shape of an article.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) today, the PTI rejected media reports on the content and “mode of publication” of the essay, saying that they “did not reflect the actual state of facts regarding the matter”.

“The said piece has been authored by the PTI Chairman-for-life, Imran Khan, vindictively incarcerated at Central Jail, Rawalpindi. In no way, this has been compiled through the use of artificial means including artificial intelligence,” a statement released by the party’s Central Media Department said.

“Sections of the local media including leading dailies are called upon to present the facts and are requested to carry this clarification in its true letter and spirit by publishing it at the same prominent place in their upcoming editions,” it added.

It must be noted that since the article was first published on Thursday, it has been reposted at least seven times from the publication’s official X account. The posts have over 25 million views.

‘Disaster and farce’

In his article for The Economist, while expressing fears that the election scheduled for February 8 may not take place at all, Imran had stated that even if they do, such polls would be a “disaster and a farce since PTI is being denied its basic right to campaign”.

“Whether elections happen or not, the manner in which I and my party have been targeted… has made one thing clear: the establishment — the army, security agencies and the civil bureaucracy — is not prepared to provide any playing field at all, let alone a level one, for PTI,” he said.

Imran also criticised the Pakistan Democratic Government’s performance, saying it “destroyed the economy, bringing about unprecedented inflation and a currency devaluation within 18 months”.

“Unfortunately, the establishment had decided I could not be allowed to return to power, so all means of removing me from the political landscape were used,” he said, recalling “two assassination attempts” and the abduction, incarceration or torture of party leaders, workers and social media activists.

“Some were compelled to join other, newly created political parties. Others were made to give false testimony against me under duress,” he said, yet claiming that despite all this, his party remained popular.

Imran also hit out at the courts, who in his words “seem to be losing credibility daily”, referring to the easy exoneration of PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif.

He alleged that it is his belief that Nawaz “has struck a deal with the establishment whereby it will support his acquittal and throw its weight behind him in the upcoming elections”.

DAWN

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Article published in The Economist authored by Imran, not compiled using AI: PTI

The PTI on Tuesday clarified that an essay recently published by The Economist under former prime minister Imran Khan’s name was not “compiled through the use of artificial means”.

In the essay — which went viral on social media and drew objection from the caretaker government — Imran had expressed apprehensions that upcoming general elections may not take place at all.

Although the content and tone of the article were in line with Imran’s historical stance, several observers had doubts over whether the PTI founder had personally penned the piece. Sources within the party were hesitant to comment on how the writing may have been relayed to the publication from inside prison, but they had insisted that the words were indeed those of Imran.

Addressing these doubts in a talk with journalists at Adiala Jail yesterday, Imran said he had “verbally dictated” the article.

It was also reported that Imran said he did not write the essay himself, rather it was based on points he had dictated, which were put into words through the use of artificial intelligence.

When asked about the provenance of the article, sources close to Imran had told Dawn that it contained facts mentioned by the PTI founder at different points in time, adding that the article was merely a consolidation of facts already available on social media platforms.

The sources said that Imran had shared these details with some visitors who met him in prison, and they may have confided them to someone in the magazine, who consolidated these facts into the shape of an article.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) today, the PTI rejected media reports on the content and “mode of publication” of the essay, saying that they “did not reflect the actual state of facts regarding the matter”.

“The said piece has been authored by the PTI Chairman-for-life, Imran Khan, vindictively incarcerated at Central Jail, Rawalpindi. In no way, this has been compiled through the use of artificial means including artificial intelligence,” a statement released by the party’s Central Media Department said.

“Sections of the local media including leading dailies are called upon to present the facts and are requested to carry this clarification in its true letter and spirit by publishing it at the same prominent place in their upcoming editions,” it added.

It must be noted that since the article was first published on Thursday, it has been reposted at least seven times from the publication’s official X account. The posts have over 25 million views.

‘Disaster and farce’

In his article for The Economist, while expressing fears that the election scheduled for February 8 may not take place at all, Imran had stated that even if they do, such polls would be a “disaster and a farce since PTI is being denied its basic right to campaign”.

“Whether elections happen or not, the manner in which I and my party have been targeted… has made one thing clear: the establishment — the army, security agencies and the civil bureaucracy — is not prepared to provide any playing field at all, let alone a level one, for PTI,” he said.

Imran also criticised the Pakistan Democratic Government’s performance, saying it “destroyed the economy, bringing about unprecedented inflation and a currency devaluation within 18 months”.

“Unfortunately, the establishment had decided I could not be allowed to return to power, so all means of removing me from the political landscape were used,” he said, recalling “two assassination attempts” and the abduction, incarceration or torture of party leaders, workers and social media activists.

“Some were compelled to join other, newly created political parties. Others were made to give false testimony against me under duress,” he said, yet claiming that despite all this, his party remained popular.

Imran also hit out at the courts, who in his words “seem to be losing credibility daily”, referring to the easy exoneration of PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif.

He alleged that it is his belief that Nawaz “has struck a deal with the establishment whereby it will support his acquittal and throw its weight behind him in the upcoming elections”.

DAWN

One could gauge the popularity of IK from the fact that even an article written by him gets viral without proper verification whether it was actually written by him or AI. Then one should ponder what would have been the outcome of the upcoming election had he been freed.

 

[FearlessRoar]

IHC reserves verdict on Bushra Bibi’s plea against Maneka's ‘un-Islamic’ marriage claim

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday reserved its verdict in response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi's, plea against her ex-husband Khawar Maneka's petition accusing her of being in an “un-Islamic” marriage with the former prime minister.

Bushra had moved the high court earlier in the day. IHC's Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri set up court on the same day to hear the plea, with Bushra's counsel Salman Akram Raja representing her.

In December 2023, Maneka had challenged Bushra and Khan's marriage in a district and sessions court in Islamabad, only a day after a similar plea was withdrawn by an individual named Muhamad Hanif — against Khan and Bushra's nikah — “due to technical reasons”.

During the hearing today, the former first lady's counsel, Raja, informed the court that his client's former husband had made allegations that Bushra married Khan while in iddat (the time a woman goes into isolation after her husband dies or divorces her) and that she did not exhibit a good character even during their marriage.

The lawyer added that according to the former husband, Bushra was divorced on November 14, 2017, and she married the former prime minister on January 1, 2018, during iddat. Refuting Maneka's claims, he said they had divorced in April 2017.

Even if Maenka's statement is accepted, then there is a gap of 48 days between divorce and marriage. Even in this context, there is a decision of the Supreme Court Shariat Appellate Bench that the iddat period can be completed in 39 days, he argued.

Raja said Maneka, in his petition, has also claimed that his wife was a fornicator. He wondered why was the ex-husband raising this issue six years after their marriage had ended.

“I do not even want to utter the words Khawar Maneka used for his former wife in his complaint. He also alleged that Bushra had a relationship with the PTI founder before their marriage, but didn't mention whether he personally witnessed their ties or not.”

Raja added that Maneka's house help also claimed that he saw Bushra and Khan engaging in adultery many times and informed him. However, this testimony cannot stand as the testimony of two men is required in case of fornication in line with the law.

He urged the court to issue a stay order on the proceedings in the trial court as it was proceedings towards an indictment. The court then said it would hear the other side before issuing an order. The hearing was then adjourned to January 17.

Bushra Bibi, via her lawyer Raja, moved the IHC with her plea seeking to dismiss the case and stating that a trial court has no jurisdiction to hear it.

In her plea, she mentioned that in their judgments, the high courts declared marriages in iddat to be irregular, not annulled.

The petition further contested that Bushra's ex-husband filed a complaint under malice for nefarious purposes, falsely alleging marriage during iddat on the basis of false and fabricated documents.

According to Maneka, the petition read, he divorced Bushra on November 14, 2017, and had verbally divorced her thrice on April 15, 2017.

While the former first lady moved to her mother's house in August 2017, and stayed there till her marriage with PTI founder on January 1, 2018.

In her plea to IHC, Khan's wife has sought to declare "null and void" the order of the additional sessions judge East on January 11.

The case, it added, should be dismissed and proceedings of the trial court should be stayed pending the decision on the application.

Bushra's ex-husband termed the nikkah as fraudulent, saying the marriage was solemnised during her iddat.

“That above said nikah and the marriage ceremony was neither legal nor Islamic as it was solemnised without observing the iddah period…,” read the petition available.

In his petition against the “fraudulent” marriage, Maneka reiterated allegations and accused the PTI founder of ruining his entire life, “stigmatised the complainant and his family just to achieve his unethical and immoral objects through intrusion in complainant's peaceful marital life..”

“In light of the above, it is humbly prayed that respondents No.1 [Imran Khan] and 2 [Bushra Bibi] be summoned and punished strictly in accordance with law in the interest of justice,” the petitioner prayed to the court.

Mufti Saeed, Aun Chaudhry, and Muhammad Latif were also nominated as witnesses in the petition.

The News

IHC reserves verdict on Bushra Bibi's plea against Maneka's 'un-Islamic' marriage claim

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court Monday reserved its verdict in response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi's, plea against her ex-husband Khawar Maneka's...

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

PTI to spring surprise on Feb 8, claims Imran

ISLAMABAD: In spite of a protracted crackdown on his political party, former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday appeared buoyant about its electoral prospects, saying the PTI will spring a ‘surprise’ on Feb 8 through its ‘Plan C’, which is ready after the failure of its so-called ‘Plan A’ and ‘Plan B’.

The PTI founder made these remarks during a conversation with reporters at Adiala Jail, who had gathered to cover the proceedings of cases, including the cipher case, underway against him in prison.

Mr Khan did not elaborate on what he meant by Plan C, but a day earlier, former PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan had said that the said plan revolved around retaining the reserved seats of the party following the loss of their electoral symbol, ‘bat’.

‘Plan B’ was ostensibly a deal the PTI had signed with its splinter group, ‘PTI-Nazriati’, to contest polls under the ‘batsman’ symbol, which was thwarted by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Ex-PM says his party being condemned for May 9 riots without ‘solid proof’; LHC reserves decision on his nomination papers

On Tuesday, the PTI founder said that the party leadership knew that conspirators would spoil their plans, therefore, they had worked out alternative strategies.

He claimed that a conspiracy was hatched against the PTI government, adding that about 10,000 workers of the party were put behind bars and efforts to dismantle the political party were also in full swing. He said that as the founder of the PTI, whose political struggle spanned over 27 years, he was facing multiple charges along with his spouse Bushra Bibi.

Cipher issue

He also talked about the cipher issue, saying former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa offered him a two-thirds majority to keep quiet on the cipher issue and warned him of consequences if he tried to highlight the issue in public.

He said that Gen Bajwa had made the offer during meetings held at the President’s House, provided he (Imran) would “behave sensibly and would not underscore the cipher issue”.

PTI’s founding chairman said that his party was being targeted over violence on May 9. He further alleged that the violent protests targeting the Corps Commander House and the GHQ were a part of the ‘London agreement’ and claimed that the PTI was not behind this mess.

Mr Khan denied a news report that he hurled threats to the members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and warned them of proceedings for high treason.

Nomination papers

Separately, a Lahore High Court full bench on Tuesday reserved its verdict on two petitions of Imran Khan, challenging the decisions of the rejection of his nomination papers from NA-122, Lahore and NA-89, Mianwali.

Mr Khan’s nomination papers were rejected primarily on the grounds of being convicted in the Toshakhana case. His nomination papers from NA-122 were also dismissed on the grounds of the proposer not being a voter from the constituency.

Advocate Uzair Bhandari argued on behalf of Mr Khan that the conviction on the charge of moral turpitude did not fall under the definition of disqualification. He said the conviction of the petitioner could not be equated with the conviction for corruption or accumulating illegal assets.

He pointed out that an Indian court enlisted the offence of moral turpitude lower than the offence involving financial corruption. However, the bench observed that the standards of morality in Pakistan were different from other regions.

He argued that the returning officer (RO) had no jurisdiction to pass the impugned order on the basis of the conviction on moral turpitude. He stated that the Islamabad High Court had already suspended the sentence of the petitioner. A lawyer for the ECP argued that the conviction of the petitioner was still in force and he had not been acquitted by the high court.

Toshakhana case

Meanwhile, senior counsel Sardar Latif Khosa on Tuesday requested for an early hearing of an appeal seeking to set aside Aug 5, 2023, his three-year conviction awarded by the trial court to PTI founder Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case.

Senior counsel Sardar Shahbaz Khosa had made a verbal request before a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, which was hearing a different case.

At this, the CJP regretted that on the one hand, the counsel was seeking relief from the court but on the other, he did not pose confidence in the courts and hurled allegations outside the court.

The CJP suggested to the counsel to move an application for the early hearing of the case and the court would grant any relief if the law necessitated it.
​

PTI to spring surprise on Feb 8, claims Imran

Ex-PM says his party being condemned for May 9 riots without "solid proof"; LHC reserves decision on nomination papers.

www.dawn.com

 

[Varun]

Left to the Pakistani establishment, they would bury Imran Khan underneath the floor of his prison cell. Sad.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Imran Khan out of election race as LHC turns down plea for nomination papers

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has turned down Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s appeal against the rejection of nomination papers for the February 8 general elections.

The high court upheld the decisions of the returning officer (RO) and appellate tribunal given against acceptance of the disqualified former premier’s nomination papers from NA-122 and NA-89 constituencies.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi heard the plea on Wednesday.

In his plea, Khan stated that his nomination papers were rejected by the RO and appellate tribunal in contrast with the facts, therefore, he should be granted permission to contest forthcoming polls.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the LHC bench rejected the politico’s appeal and upheld the previous decisions.

The ousted prime minister had filed his nomination papers from Lahore's NA-122 and Mianwali's NA-89 constituencies.

Moreover, the high court also heard a series of petitions filed by other PTI bigwigs to challenge the rejection of their nominations.

The larger bench also dismissed the appeals filed by PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, PTI Secretary General Hammad Azhar, PTI leader Latif Khosa’s son Khurram Latif Khosa and PTI activist Sanam Javaid.

The development comes as a major blow to the party whose leadership is facing a plethora of cases — especially pertaining to the May 9 riots — with senior leaders, including Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and others, behind bars.

Source : Geo News

 

[Theanonymousone]

Such sad state of affairs in Pakistan. I am not quite following all the cases against PTI but how can every thing go against Imran khan including electoral symbol?

It baffles me to think that the justice system, the current politicians and the establihment are taking Pakistani people in such a granted way to believe whatever they cook-up for power.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Such sad state of affairs in Pakistan. I am not quite following all the cases against PTI but how can every thing go against Imran khan including electoral symbol?

It baffles me to think that the justice system, the current politicians and the establihment are taking Pakistani people in such a granted way to believe whatever they cook-up for power.

Pakistan can never make progress as long as this non sense does not end.

 

[FearlessRoar]

NCA £190m case: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi’s indictment deferred

An accountability court on Friday deferred the indictment of the former prime minister and his wife Bushra Bibi in NCA £190m case, ARY News reported.

The indictment that was scheduled for today was deferred until January 24. AC judge Muhammad Bashir conducted a hearing of the case in the Adiala Jail.

The indictment was deferred due to the absence of the PTI founder’s lawyer Ali Zafar in the case.

Now January 24 has been fixed for the indictment of the former prime minister and notices have been issued to the concerned parties in this regard.

Read more: NCA £190m scandal: Perpetual arrest warrants issued for six accused

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched an investigation against former prime minister, Bushra Bibi, and others for the alleged gain of hundreds of canals of land in the name of Al Qadir University Trust, which reportedly caused a loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer.

As per the charges, the former prime minister and others accused allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — 190 million pounds at the time — sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the government.

The PTI chief registered Trust for Al-Qadir University Project on Dec 26, 2019.

Source: ARY

NCA £190m case: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi's indictment deferred

ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Friday deferred the indictment of the former prime minister and his wife Bushra Bibi in NCA £190m case, ARY News

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

NCA £190m case: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi’s indictment deferred

An accountability court on Friday deferred the indictment of the former prime minister and his wife Bushra Bibi in NCA £190m case, ARY News reported.

The indictment that was scheduled for today was deferred until January 24. AC judge Muhammad Bashir conducted a hearing of the case in the Adiala Jail.

The indictment was deferred due to the absence of the PTI founder’s lawyer Ali Zafar in the case.

Now January 24 has been fixed for the indictment of the former prime minister and notices have been issued to the concerned parties in this regard.

Read more: NCA £190m scandal: Perpetual arrest warrants issued for six accused

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched an investigation against former prime minister, Bushra Bibi, and others for the alleged gain of hundreds of canals of land in the name of Al Qadir University Trust, which reportedly caused a loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer.

As per the charges, the former prime minister and others accused allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — 190 million pounds at the time — sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the government.

The PTI chief registered Trust for Al-Qadir University Project on Dec 26, 2019.

Source: ARY

NCA £190m case: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi's indictment deferred

ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Friday deferred the indictment of the former prime minister and his wife Bushra Bibi in NCA £190m case, ARY News

arynews.tv

Latif Khosa replaced as PTI founder’s lawyer in NCA £190m case

Lawyers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in NCA £190m case, Sardar Latif Khosa and Sardar Shahbaz Khosa will no longer represent him in the case, ARY News reported.

The sources privy to the development told that Barrister Ali Zafar would now be the defense counsel in the case. The PTI founder did not direct Latif Khosa to step down from the case but he did so owing to busy schedule in connection with campaign for the General Elections 2024.

Latif Khosa is contesting the election from NA-122 where he is facing the challenge of Pakistan Muslim-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Saad Rafique.

Meanwhile, Sardar Shahbaz Khosa will continue counselling the PTI founder in the Toshakhana case.

Earlier, an accountability court on Friday deferred the indictment of the former prime minister and his wife Bushra Bibi in NCA £190m case, ARY News reported.

The indictment that was scheduled for today was deferred until January 24. AC judge Muhammad Bashir conducted a hearing of the case in the Adiala Jail.

The indictment was deferred due to the absence of the PTI founder’s lawyer Ali Zafar in the case.

Now January 24 has been fixed for the indictment of the former prime minister and notices have been issued to the concerned parties in this regard.

Source: ARY

Latif Khosa replaced as PTI founder's lawyer in NCA £190m case

ISLAMABAD: lawyers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in NCA £190m case, Sardar Latif Khosa and Sardar Shahbaz Khosa will no longer represent him

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Monday urged his supporters to join him in a protest against what he called the "mother of all selection" taking place in the country, Express News reported.

Khan, currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail in connection with the cypher case, voiced his concerns during an informal conversation with the media over the “selected” tag being allegedly associated with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif.

Once labelled as "selected" by opposition parties, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Khan now contends that recent events, especially the return of Nawaz, prove that a more profound form of selection is underway in the nation.

"We were called selected for three years, but the way Nawaz Sharif was brought back is proof that now the mother of all selected is taking place in the country," he asserted.

Referring to his “selected” label, which insinuated his alleged alignment with the military establishment during his tenure as prime minister, Khan emphasised that history had not witnessed such a level of “selection” before, highlighting the recent acquittal of Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases.

"No selection like this ever took place in the history of the country before, where all cases against a certified moneylender were ended," Khan declared.

Accusing the caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of aiding Nawaz, Khan expressed his discontent, claiming, "Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore is even saluting this certified offender, they are making us slaves, I say to my entire party to come out on Sunday."

According to Khan, the alleged wrongdoers would never allow the supremacy of law and justice in the country. "The meaning of democracy is freedom, not acceptance of slavery. Our struggle is for the rule of law because it guarantees freedom, but these thieves would never allow the supremacy of law and justice in this country," Khan further said.

Source: Express Tribune

Imran urges supporters to come out on Sunday | The Express Tribune

Ex-PM accuses ECP and caretaker govt of aiding Nawaz Sharif, says even CCPO Lahore is saluting a ‘certified offender’

tribune.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imran terms Feb 8 polls ‘mother of all selections’

ISLAMABAD: As former prime minister Imran Khan asked his party to engage in electioneering with full force, he questioned the transparency of the Feb 8 elections and said the ‘preferential treatment’ meted out to a single political party had turned these polls into the ‘mother of all selections’.

He made these remarks during his routine interaction with reporters after the hearing of the cipher case being held at Adiala Jail. However, the interaction was abruptly ended after the jail superintendent, Asad Warraich, asked Mr Khan not to address the media persons in the makeshift courtroom.

Mr Khan responded it was his right to speak to the media, but Mr Warraich reminded him that journalists were only allowed to cover the case proceedings, not highlight his political statements.

At this, the PTI leader said he would only talk about his trial. The jail superintendent asked him to get permission from the judge if he wanted to talk to reporters.

Eventually, DIG Prisons Rana Rauf also reached the courtroom and asked reporters to leave the premises as the proceedings had already been concluded. The prison staff escorted the media persons out of the court premises, while Mr Khan was protesting the ‘censorship’.

Earlier, he quipped that he was dubbed a ‘selected’ PM by his opponents, but the upcoming elections were the ‘mother of all selections’. He alleged Nawaz Sharif was a “certified money launderer” who was cleared by the superior courts and added that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the caretaker government were also supporting him.

Mr Khan also asked the PTI to stage a protest next Sunday.

It may be mentioned that Mr Khan, his spouse Bushra Bibi, Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, Farah Gogi, Malik Riaz and his son are facing a reference in the National Accountability Bureau since Malik Riaz sent the amount to buy the property through money laundering.

Cipher case hearing

On Monday, the special court recorded the statement of four witnesses, including ex-foreign secretary Sohail Mehmood and former interior secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar.

As Sohail Mehmood was recording the statement, former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi snubbed the prosecutor for ‘leading’ the witness.

He also praised Mr Mehmood and said he was an upright and honest officer. He objected to the frequent interventions of special prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi, who denied that he was putting words into the mouth of the witness.

During the hearing, Mr Qureshi continuously criticised the prosecution, while judge Abual Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain was making all-out efforts to bring down the tension.

Mr Qureshi said that the witness was reading out from already written text, but the prosecutor deliberately was trying to lead him in a certain direction. Judge Zulqarnain remarked that the prosecution was doing its job.

‘Attempts to rescue Donald Lu’

At this, Mr Khan also jumped up and joined him at the rostrum. He said that everyone was “trying to rescue Donald Lu”.

The ex-secretary of foreign affairs testified before the court that the then-ambassador to the US Asad Majeed sent a cipher regarding his discussion with US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Donald Lu to the foreign ministry. He said that the cipher was decoded and a master copy was sealed and placed in the record.

According to him, copies of the decoded cipher were transmitted to some authorities, including the PM and the foreign minister.

He said that the copy sent to the ex-PM was never returned. Mr Qureshi said that he returned the copy to the ministry and the ex-secretary replied in the affirmative.

The judge adjourned proceedings till Tuesday (today); however, the counsel for Mr Khan, Mohammad Ali Bukhari, said that he would not be available due to his election campaign.

Petition against jail trial

The Islamabad High Court on Monday sought details regarding the course adopted to declare the trial of former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in jail.

An Islamabad High Court (IHC) division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri took up the petitions of Mr Khan against his jail trial in Toshakhana and Al Qadir Trust references.

The court declined to provide immediate relief to Mr Khan. Justice Farooq remarked that the court would examine the notification of the federal government regarding the jail trial and would rectify the loopholes. Advocate Shuaib Shaheen, counsel for Mr Khan, requested the court for a short adjournment.

The hearing was adjourned till Tuesday. It may be mentioned that the accountability judge Mohammad Bashir was hearing both the references. Last week, he applied for post-retirement leave, which is due in March.
​

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

PTI founder says ‘inactive’ nominees to lose candidature

As PTI-backed candidates struggle to launch their election campaign amid a crackdown on the party supporters, imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan has warned that he would replace ‘inactive’ nominees with ‘suitable candidates’ if the former failed to step up their election campaigns.

The PTI leader made these comments during his interaction with reporters at Adiala Jail on Tuesday after the hearing of the cipher case, in which star witness Asad Majeed — a central character in the cipher controversy — recorded his statement.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Khan asked his party’s candidates to take out ‘massive rallies’ and organise public gatherings to show the strength of the PTI in their constituencies. He said their tickets would be cancelled if the PTI electioneering did not pick up steam by Sunday.

“I will replace such nominees with suitable candidates,” he said, asking the public to remain peaceful.

He said the PTI was being denied the fundamental right of electioneering and its “camp offices were also being uprooted”. Still, he appeared confident, saying that despite the alleged backing of the state machinery, his opponent “might run away from the elections”.

“We sacrificed our two provincial governments for the sake of elections within the stipulated timeframe,” he said, adding that the Supreme Court would not let anyone delay polls.

In a question about former PML-N stalwart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Imran Khan said with a smile that he had asked Mr Nisar to join the PTI in April 2018, but he did not accept the offer. “It is up to Chaudhry Nisar…he can affiliate himself with the PTI, it is up to him to decide,” chimed in Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Mr Khan quipped “a Vigo [vehicle] will be parked outside his residence” if he decided to align himself with the PTI. Imran Khan frequently uses words like ‘Vigo’ and ‘software updates’ to refer to the intelligence agencies’ ostensible involvement in political machinations.

Cipher cross-examination

On Tuesday, six prosecution witnesses recorded their statements and cross-examination will start from today. Initially, there were 28 witnesses, but only 25 testified before the court after three witnesses were dropped from the list.

Besides Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani, ex-envoy to the US Asad Majeed recorded his statement in the case.

In his testimony, Mr Majeed recollected his meeting with the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu. He said that both sides were aware that the minutes of the meeting were being recorded and would be communicated to their respective governments.

He further said that he communicated the information to the foreign affairs secretary through a cipher, who transmitted it to the foreign minister, the prime minister, and others.

The National Security Committee decided to send a demarche to the US after the cipher was discussed in its meeting. He termed the cipher episode a “setback” in Pak-US relations.

While he was testifying before the court, Mr Khan said Asad Majeed “is a very credible officer”.

However, when the ex-envoy concluded that there was no word of ‘conspiracy’ or ‘threat’ in the diplomatic cable, Mr Khan retorted that why the government issued the demarche to the US.

‘Save Lu mission’

Talking to the media persons again, Mr Khan alleged that the cipher case was registered to save Mr Lu and ex-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. He said the US government would sack Mr Lu if his involvement in the alleged ‘regime change conspiracy’ was established.

He claimed that the then military attaché communicated the information to Gen Bajwa directly and then the no-confidence motion against him was tabled.

“We ordered an investigation into the cipher conspiracy but the committee could not undertake the assignment because of certain threats,” claimed the former prime minister.

NAB references

Separately, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan concluded the arguments on the petitions against the jail trial of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust.

An Islamabad High Court (IHC) division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri resumed hearing the petitions.

Mr Khan’s counsel Shuaib Shaheen argued that the notification was issued in violation of the relevant laws. He pointed out that another division bench had scrapped the proceedings while observing flaws in the issuance of the notification of jail trial.

Attorney General Awan argued that the matter before the other bench was not identical. He said that the government completed all the codal formalities before the jail trial. The court put off further hearing till Wednesday when the counsel for Mr Khan would give his arguments. Mr Khan also filed petitions seeking post-arrest bail in these references.

LHC restores bail plea

The Lahore High Court on Tuesday restored petitions of Imran Khan seeking pre-arrest bail in seven cases pertaining to the May 9 riots. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Farooq Haider heard a petition by Mr Khan challenging a decision of an anti-terrorism court regarding the dismissal of his pre-arrest bail petitions and conviction in Toshakhana case.

The bench directed the trial court to mark the attendance of the petitioner on a video link from jail and decide his bail petitions on merits.

The ATC on Aug 11, 2023, dismissed the pre-arrest bail of Imran Khan over his non-appearance. The cases include attacks on the Lahore corps commander’s residence, Askari Tower in Gulberg, Shadman police station, the party office of PML-N in Model Town, and the torching of a container at Kalma Chowk.

Separately, Salman Akram Raja, a candidate of PTI from NA-128, approached the LHC against the ECP for declaring him an independent candidate.

Mr Raja’s counsel Sameer Khosa pleaded that the PTI has been deprived of its electoral symbol, but the party “continues to exist and has not been dissolved”. The petitioner asked the court to declare that he is a candidate of the PTI and not an independent for the Feb 8 general elections.
​

DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

PTI founder seeks end to ‘political engineering’ by institutions

Former prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday sought an end to “political engineering”, calling for giving people the freedom to vote and stressing that the alleged involvement of certain institutions in politics has led to a significant breakdown in the country’s governance.

Mr Khan’s remarks came after his appearance in court in Adiala Jail concerning the Toshakhana and £190 million corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The Supreme Court, in a previous ruling while granting bail to former minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, had observed that NAB was used for political engineering and pressuring politicians. Mr Rafique and his brother were arrested in December 2018, during Mr Khan’s tenure as prime minister.

Talking to media persons, Mr Khan acknowledged the limitations of politicians in the face of “establishment control” but said he was ready for dialogue with politicians to ensure free and fair elections.

However, the PTI founder ruled out the possibility of supporting the Pakistan Peoples Party before or after the Feb 8 elections, saying, “We will not align with PPP because they are also beneficiaries of the system.”

Mr Khan rejected the results of a recent survey showing PML-N as the leading political party, insisting that such surveys reflected public despair.

“They imposed Section 144 (an emergency law that prohibits gatherings) after we announced a massive show of power in all constituencies,” Mr Khan said, adding that police had started raiding the houses of PTI candidates and booking them in “frivolous cases”.

Indictment deferred

Meanwhile, an accountability court deferred the indictment of Mr Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190m corruption case until Tuesday.

Mr Khan’s counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, suggested that while half of Mr Khan’s legal team was preoccupied with upcoming elections, the proceeding might be postponed until after the Feb 8 elections.

Mr Khan told Judge Mohammad Bashir that the cases were being expedited to convict him before the polls.

“You have adjourned hearings in the Toshakhana reference against Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari until Feb 13. Why can’t my case related to Toshakhana gifts be adjourned till this date?” Mr Khan asked the judge, alleging that both politicians were apparently being given special treatment.

The ex-PM even proposed a joint hearing of both Toshakhana references from Feb 13.

The court session witnessed tension as the jail administration pushed the media persons about 50 feet away from the rostrum, prompting complaints from reporters that they couldn’t hear the arguments and the judge’s remarks.

Mr Khan’s counsel requested the installation of speakers for better audibility, while the judge noted Bushra Bibi’s absence and sought a report from jail authorities.

When the judge asked Mr Khan about Bushra Bibi’s whereabouts, he replied: “I am detained, have no means of communication, and cannot telephone her. How can I know why she didn’t come?”

Barrister Safdar requested the court for an adjournment and the judge set the next hearing for Jan 30.

May 9 indictment

In another legal matter, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Rawalpindi scheduled the indictment of Mr Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for Feb 6 in connection with the May 9 violent protests.

ATC Judge Malik Ijaz conducted the proceeding in the case at Adiala Jail.

During the hearing, the police filed challans related to May 9 cases against the PTI leaders, including attacks on the army’s headquarters GHQ and other offices.

The judge extended the judicial remand for a fortnight and decided to indict them on the next hearing on Feb 6.
​

PTI founder seeks end to ‘political engineering’ by institutions

Ex-premier Imran rules out possibility of supporting PPP before or after Feb 8 polls; Qureshi to be indicted in May 9 case on Feb 6.

www.dawn.com

 

[hassan918]

Ready to talk to ‘unwilling’ establishment, says Imran​

Former prime minister and founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has once again expressed his willingness for talks while asserting that the establishment is unwilling to engage with the PTI, claiming they have been 'red-lined'.

Addressing reporters informally on the sidelines of the cypher case hearing at Adiala Jail on Monday, Khan expressed concern about the pace of his cases, suggesting they appear to be proceeding like a 'fixed-match'.

He alleged that the PTI is facing obstacles in its election campaign, with candidates and workers being arrested. Khan placed the responsibility for these actions on the Supreme Court, urging Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to take strict action, citing violations of Articles 15, 16, and 17 of the Constitution.

Despite these challenges, Khan applauded PTI workers for protesting and launching the election campaign nationwide on Sunday.

In response to a question, the PTI founder expressed his readiness to negotiate with the establishment, though he claimed the establishment is unwilling.

Referring to the upcoming election, Khan stated that even a 'Vigo Dala,' a reference to a double-cabin vehicle used by security agencies, cannot secure a win for Nawaz Sharif.

He accused the authorities of preventing PTI unity, with candidates being picked up by the police while the Supreme Court demands evidence of alleged anti-PTI activities.

Khan emphasised that the protection of fundamental rights is the responsibility of the Supreme Court, despite his past distrust in the institution. Responding to a question about seeking help from a previously distrusted Supreme Court, he stated, "The Supreme Court belongs to the whole of Pakistan... they have discredited the entire election process."

Reflecting on his tenure as prime minister, Khan claimed that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa had pursued him to grant a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) deal to political rivals, and retaliatory measures were taken when he refused.

Demanding the opportunity to hold a meeting in the parade ground before the election, Khan reiterated that PTI cannot be stopped. He referenced the Supreme Court's verdict that deprived PTI of its iconic 'bat' symbol, stating, "Our electoral symbol has changed, not faith."

Regarding the ongoing cypher case proceedings, Khan highlighted the importance of witnesses Asad Majeed and Sohail Mehmood, claiming that the trial is not open, and the court verdict in the cypher case may be imminent.

He expressed concern that his lawyers' right to defence has been curtailed.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[hassan918]

It seems highly unlikely that establishment would talk to him, at least in the near future.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition seeking the dismissal of the 'un-Islamic' marriage case against PTI founder Imran Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing of the case, where PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja said that the case was only aimed at humiliating the petitioners.

He highlighted that the complaint against Imran’s marriage was filed five years and 11 months after the nikkah in November 2023.

The counsel for Bushra's ex-husband Khawar Maneka, Rizwan Abbasi, informed the court that the witnesses had testified in the trial court that Bushra was in another marriage with Imran at the time of their marriage ceremony.

He added that Maneka verbally divorced Bushra in April 2017.

Following arguments by counsels of both parties, the court reserved a verdict on it.

The case took a twist on December 5, when the housekeeper of Khawar Maneka, Muhammad Latif claimed that Imran used to visit Bushra’s house and had an "illicit relationship".

However, Imran denied the allegations, swearing on the Holy Quran that he saw the latter’s face only on the day of his nikkah.

Following a series of court proceedings, the trial court on January 16 indicted Imran and Bushra in the marriage case.

Source: Express Tribune

IHC disposes of dismissal plea on Imran, Bushra's marriage trial | The Express Tribune

The case is scheduled to be heard by Judge Qudratullah at Adiala Jail on Thursday

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition seeking the dismissal of the 'un-Islamic' marriage case against PTI founder Imran Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing of the case, where PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja said that the case was only aimed at humiliating the petitioners.

He highlighted that the complaint against Imran’s marriage was filed five years and 11 months after the nikkah in November 2023.

The counsel for Bushra's ex-husband Khawar Maneka, Rizwan Abbasi, informed the court that the witnesses had testified in the trial court that Bushra was in another marriage with Imran at the time of their marriage ceremony.

He added that Maneka verbally divorced Bushra in April 2017.

Following arguments by counsels of both parties, the court reserved a verdict on it.

The case took a twist on December 5, when the housekeeper of Khawar Maneka, Muhammad Latif claimed that Imran used to visit Bushra’s house and had an "illicit relationship".

However, Imran denied the allegations, swearing on the Holy Quran that he saw the latter’s face only on the day of his nikkah.

Following a series of court proceedings, the trial court on January 16 indicted Imran and Bushra in the marriage case.

Source: Express Tribune

IHC disposes of dismissal plea on Imran, Bushra's marriage trial | The Express Tribune

The case is scheduled to be heard by Judge Qudratullah at Adiala Jail on Thursday

tribune.com.pk

What an ugly story is unfolding. I will never understand why this lady needed to get divorced and marry Imran Khan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition seeking the dismissal of the 'un-Islamic' marriage case against PTI founder Imran Khan and former first lady Bushra Bibi.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing of the case, where PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja said that the case was only aimed at humiliating the petitioners.

He highlighted that the complaint against Imran’s marriage was filed five years and 11 months after the nikkah in November 2023.

The counsel for Bushra's ex-husband Khawar Maneka, Rizwan Abbasi, informed the court that the witnesses had testified in the trial court that Bushra was in another marriage with Imran at the time of their marriage ceremony.

He added that Maneka verbally divorced Bushra in April 2017.

Following arguments by counsels of both parties, the court reserved a verdict on it.

The case took a twist on December 5, when the housekeeper of Khawar Maneka, Muhammad Latif claimed that Imran used to visit Bushra’s house and had an "illicit relationship".

However, Imran denied the allegations, swearing on the Holy Quran that he saw the latter’s face only on the day of his nikkah.

Following a series of court proceedings, the trial court on January 16 indicted Imran and Bushra in the marriage case.

Source: Express Tribune

IHC disposes of dismissal plea on Imran, Bushra's marriage trial | The Express Tribune

The case is scheduled to be heard by Judge Qudratullah at Adiala Jail on Thursday

tribune.com.pk

Former first lady, Bushra Bibi and her ex-husband Khawar Maneka exchanged heated words during the hearing of the ‘un-Islamic’ nikah case in Adiala Jail.

The hearing of the ‘un-Islamic’ nikah case of PTI founder and Bushra Bibi was presided over by Judge Qudratullah. During the hearing, Khawar Maneka, PTI founder, and Bushra Bibi exchanged heated words.

At the outset of the hearing, the PTI founder said he saw Bushra Bibi on the day of their nikkah, at this juncture, Khawar Maneka interrupted him by saying “Fear Allah, you ruined my family.”

Khawar Maneka said to his ex-wife that your children kept on asking about you, but you did not respond.

Addressing Judge Qudratullah, the PTI founder asserted their willingness to swear on the Holy Quran, challenging Khawar Maneka to do the same.

To this, the judge said to the PTI founder that he would lose the right to cross-examine Khawar Maneka. “Cross-examination is important,” the ex-prime minister said.

During cross-examination, Usman Gul after heated arguments with Khawar Maneka, tried to punch him.

During the hearing, the former first lady said that without her statement, the court cannot make a decision, the hypocrite and the devil were called bad in the Quran, she added.

Source: ARY

Bushra Bibi, Khawar Maneka exchange heated words in nikah case

RAWALPINDI: Former first lady, Bushra Bibi and her ex-husband Khawar Maneka exchanged heated words during the hearing of the 'un-Islamic' nikah case in

arynews.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

ATC to hear Imran’s bail pleas today

An anti-terrorist court (ATC) judge will hear today (Tuesday) the bail applications of former prime minister Imran Khan in twelve different cases related to May 9, 2023 incidents of rioting.

Judge Malik Ejaz Asif will conduct this hearing inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where Imran Khan has been detained since September last year. The PTI founder has already been convicted and sentenced in four different cases lodged after his ouster from government in April 2022.

The judge will also hear six bail applications of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and one bail application of Imran Khan’s ally Sheikh Rashid. These leaders were also booked in similar cases after violent protests broke out in the wake of the PTI founder’s arrest from a court premises on May 9, 2023.

The court will also mark attendance of over 300 alleged rioters who have already been granted bail in May 9 cases. Investigation officers from different police stations will also appear in the court.

SOURCE: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455614/atc-to-hear-imrans-bail-pleas-today

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Standard reported, former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being considered as a wild-card candidate for the role of Chancellor at Oxford University in the UK.

Boris Johnson vs Theresa May? The race for Oxford Chancellor is on

The forthcoming election is the first to be held online

www.standard.co.uk

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Fate of Imran Khan hinges on elections tomorrow. Lets hope for the best

 

[FearlessRoar]

I always thought General Zia ul Haq, Jamat-e-Islami, and Diesel have always used the religion card. But Imran Khan has crossed all limits in using this religion card. Once he was a friend of the establishment and was calling Nawaz Sharif anti-establishment.

I have just one question for PTI supporters, Why have you all been friends with the establishment when they helped you in the 2018 elections?

 

[FearlessRoar]

I also smell something suspicious. Was all that drama orchestrated by the establishment to make Imran Khan popular again and bring him back to power?

I am only against Imran Khan because of his religion card and zero development policy.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I also smell something suspicious. Was all that drama orchestrated by the establishment to make Imran Khan popular again and bring him back to power?

I am only against Imran Khan because of his religion card and zero development policy.

If that was the case, then imran would not have been in jail for so long. He would have been enjoying the judicial favors like other did. He made it possible on his own and no body was expecting such results in these elections.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imran seems ready to bury the hatchet

As its founder apparently agreed to let bygones be bygones, the PTI on Saturday said it will form governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal government in the Centre after the independent candidates backed by the Imran-led party secured a purported lead in the 2024 polls.

Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail on Saturday, PTI lawyer Umair Khan Niazi said PTI founder Imran Khan has decided to form the government in the Centre and in KP and Punjab provinces after the victory of his symbol-less party.

As per Mr Niazi — who is also the newly-elected MNA from Imran Khan’s hometown of Mianwali — the PTI leader has called on the powers-that-be not to let Nawaz Sharif form the coalition government because “this experiment did not work in the past”.

Mr Niazi said Mr Khan was ready to move on to end political instability and for the future of the country. The lawyer said the candidates of the PTI who were defeated through rigging have been asked by the party founder to take to the streets in their constituencies on Sunday to protest the apparent rigging.

In a bid to execute its plan to form the government, the PTI after a meeting of the core committee asked Umair Niazi to get in touch with party-backed candidates for a government at the federal level, while Ali Amin Gandapur and Mian Aslam Iqbal have been asked to approach lawmakers-elect in KP and Punjab, respectively.

At a press conference addressed by PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan alongside others in the federal capital, the PTI leaders hoped that President Arif Alvi would invite the party to form since it emerged as the “largest single party” following the elections.

It must be noted here that the president cannot invite a political party to form a government at this juncture. As per Article 91, the National Assembly shall meet on the twenty-first day following the day on which a general election to the assembly is held, unless sooner summoned by the president. After the election of the speaker and deputy speaker, the house will elect the leader of the house (prime minister). “The member elected…shall be called upon by the President to assume the office of Prime Minister…,” read clause four of Article 91.

Reservations on ECP role

During the presser, the PTI leader asked the Election Commission of Pakistan to prepare anew the results of the elections considering Form-45 initially issued.

“Khan sahab, who is in jail, said we won’t let slavery take hold. Now the whole situation is in front of you; people came out in droves on their leader’s call to vote for the PTI despite suppression,” he added.

Barrister Gohar claimed that the PTI had 170 seats and it would avail legal options to find out what happened to the final results, which faced an ordinate delay. He said it was the responsibility of the ECP to compile the results in a transparent manner, adding that as per the law, the contesting candidate, an election agent as well as an authorised observer needed to be present during the compilation process.

Mr Gohar said hurdles should not be created for the PTI in forming its government since it had a “clear majority” after allegedly securing victory on 170 National Assembly seats out of the 265 seats where elections were held.

“Out of these, 94 are those that the ECP is admitting and has issued Form-47,” Mr Gohar Khan maintained.

“PTI has clinched the victory on 39 NA seats out of the 45 in KP, which is historic and unprecedented,” he added.

The PTI leader claimed in 22 National Assembly constituencies, including three in Islamabad and four in Sindh, the PTI had won as per the Form-45 but there were apparent attempts to turn their victory into defeat.

It said that the PTI would make a political alliance soon to get its due share of the reserved seats and added that the final decision in this regard would be made soon.

“We have no quarrel with anyone; we want to move forward. We will proceed and form a government in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” Mr Gohar added. About Nawaz Sharif’s speech on Feb 9, the PTI leader said that the self-proclaimed prime minister had 50 seats in the National Assembly, but he still declared himself the prime minister.

“As per the law, the final result is extracted from Form 45 and we have received all the results,” he said, adding that the final results should be announced at the earliest or else the PTI would stage “peaceful but strong protests” outside the offices of the returning officers in the constituencies where results were either withheld or tampered.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[The Bald Eagle]

PTI’s Asad Qaiser approaches IHC for permission to meet Imran​

PTI leader Asad Qaiser says he has filed a writ petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking permission to meet incarcerated party founder Imran Khan.
In a video statement on the social media platform X, Qaiser said he wanted to hold a discussion with Imran pertaining to the political situation in the country.
“At this point, Pakistan cannot afford further anarchy. The nation has chosen their leader and their mandate should be respected,” he said.

Source : Dawn News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imran says open to talks, except with PPP or ‘N’

As his opponents cobble up a coalition to rule for the next five years, PTI founder Imran Khan on Tuesday revealed that the former ruling party was willing to talk to all political parties except for the PPP, PML-N and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P).

The remarks by the former premier came at a time when his rivals — despite failing to secure a majority in the lower house of parliament — have decided to enter an alliance, likely to be led by the PML-N, with the help of erstwhile Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) partners. Mr Khan appeared before a judge in cases registered against him in connection with the violence on May 9.

Speaking to reporters at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Imran Khan revealed that the PTI information secretary had been tasked to approach the political parties, except for the ones mentioned above, to initiate a dialogue.

In response to a question about whether the PTI would form the federal government, Imran Khan said that his party’s priority was to challenge the results of the polls in the Supreme Court. He said he had never witnessed such a rigged election and urged all political parties, calling out rigging, to form a joint front.

According to the PTI leader, transparent elections were the only solution to the problems faced by Pakistan as rigged politics would lead to more economic uncertainty. He claimed he knew his party had won the election when the announcement of results was delayed on the election night and the PML-N supreme leader, Nawaz Sharif, postponed his media talk.

He claimed that the PML-N supremo and his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif, both lost the election, while PTI’s candidate Aliya Hamza secured “more than 100,000” votes while contesting elections from jail.

In a reference to the efforts to form a coalition by his opponents, Imran Khan alleged that efforts were underway to “impose a money-laundering syndicate” on Pakistan and alleged that the Sharif family was the “biggest money launderer” in the country.

Gandapur for CM

Though there has been no discussion in the PTI about its candidate for the prime minister, the party has decided to nominate Ali Amin Gandapur for the post of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister.

Mr Gandapur, who had served as a federal minister during the PTI government, contested polls on a National Assembly seat (NA-44) and a provincial seat (PK-113) in Dera Ismail Khan. In KP, the PTI-backed candidates in a comfortable majority to form the provincial government.

Imran Khan also denied the reports of an alleged meeting with ‘high-profile’ persons at the jail as well as rumours about his transfer from Adiala to Banigala.

He also pointed out that the Islamabad High Court was hearing his wife, Bushra Bibi’s plea to move her from Banigala, which was declared a sub-jail to the Adiala Jail.

Mr Khan and his wife were sentenced by a special court in January in the Toshakhana case. However, Bushra Bibi was moved to Banigala, which was declared a sub-jail by the government.

Message of gratitude

In his message to PTI supporters from jail, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Pakistan for entrusting PTI with a resounding two-thirds majority. It was heartening to see the massive turnout. The families voting together, including women and children—truly exemplified the essence of democracy.”

“I would like to especially commend our social media for its relentless efforts to stay ahead of the curve,” the message posted on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) read. “I also appreciate the role of the resilient polling agents who secured Form 45 in the face of harassment and threats.”

“As the people of Pakistan have clearly pronounced their verdict, there is a dire need for democracy and fairness in Pakistan’s elections. I warn against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes. Such daylight robbery will not only be a disrespect to the citizens but will also push the country’s economy further into a downward spiral,” the former prime minister added.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi also congratulated the party’s young supporters for their participation in the election and claimed that the international media had termed the nationwide exercise as rigged.

He said people had rejected the parties launched against the PTI and demanded a probe into the complaints of rigging. People cannot accept the government formed through the rigged elections, he asserted.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan declared on Friday that his party will adopt a "Fatah-e-Makkah" approach upon returning to power, vowing not to seek political vengeance.

"We will not take any political revenge, but we will take the country and the nation forward for the sake of the development of the country and the nation," he stated, as conveyed by PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan following a 30-minute long meeting with Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.


Tribune

 

[The Bald Eagle]

I think people wont forgive establishment if this injustice persisted.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Looks difficult but not impossible
======
Imran Khan will return to National Assembly as PM, claims Amir Dogar

PTI leader Amir Dogar has claimed that incarcerated party founder Imran Khan will return to the incumbent National Assembly as the prime minister.

“We have 180 seats. If they had given us the ‘bat’ electoral symbol we would have 250 seats,” Dogar said. “He will be released from jail soon.”

He also asked if there was ever an assembly where a party, that had won 92 seats, was not allotted reserved seats. Dogar said the PTI would continue protests in this regard.

Source: Dawn News

 

[FearlessRoar]

Looks difficult but not impossible
======
Imran Khan will return to National Assembly as PM, claims Amir Dogar

PTI leader Amir Dogar has claimed that incarcerated party founder Imran Khan will return to the incumbent National Assembly as the prime minister.

“We have 180 seats. If they had given us the ‘bat’ electoral symbol we would have 250 seats,” Dogar said. “He will be released from jail soon.”

He also asked if there was ever an assembly where a party, that had won 92 seats, was not allotted reserved seats. Dogar said the PTI would continue protests in this regard.

Source: Dawn News

I aspire to have this level of confidence in my life.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Without IK the assembly looks incomplete​

=====

Imran prevails in hearts of people despite detention and ouster, says PTI’s Junaid Akbar​

PTI’s nominee for the National Assembly deputy speaker, Junaib Akbar, has said that despite his ouster and subsequent arrests Imran Khan has successfully prevailed in the hearts of the public.

“We don’t accept this assembly, and we won’t accept it unless our stolen votes are returned,” he said. “Unless our leader is released, we will not back down.”

“Don’t remain in a misunderstanding, we are not here for any alliance or talks,” Akbar added. “What Constitution and democracy do you talk about in which most of the people have won on fake Forms-45?” he asked.

Source: Dawn News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imran named primary accused in May 9 riots

The special prosecutor has designated PTI founder Imran Khan as the primary accused in seven cases related to the May 9 riots and other incidents.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) proceeded with the hearing on Friday regarding Imran’s applications for interim bail.

Special Prosecutor Rana Shakeel, presenting arguments during the hearing, identified Imran Khan as the main accused in the PM House burning case.

Shakeel pointed to witness statements that allegedly link the PTI founder to incitement, claiming that the former prime minister had urged party leaders to set military installations ablaze.

Reading out witness statements in court, he highlighted the PTI founder's purported calls for people to take to the streets.

The court sought clarification on whether Imran Khan had used social media platforms to attack individuals opposing institutions, to which the special prosecutor responded affirmatively, citing numerous tweets and messages on Instagram.

It is noteworthy that the court has mandated Imran Khan's presence via video link from jail and has called for arguments from the founder's legal representatives.

The seven registered cases against the PTI founder chairman include charges related to Jinnah House and Askari Tower vandalism.

On August 11, 2023, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) dismissed Imran's pre-arrest bail due to his absence, resulting from his incarceration following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Subsequently, in response to a petition filed by Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court overturned the ATC's decision and reinstated his bail petitions. The high court further instructed the trial court to reevaluate the bail petitions based on their merits.

These bail petitions pertain to various cases, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, the burning of PML-N offices in Model Town, an incident involving a container at Kalma Chowk, the murder of PTI activist Zile Shah, and an attack on police outside Zaman Park.

An anti-terrorism court (AT ) on Friday confirmed the pre-arrest bails of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan in four FIRs registered against him over his alleged involvement in the Zille Shah murder case, Zaman Park riots and arson cases.

The petitioner’s counsel argued before the court that their client had been implicated in fabricated and politically motivated cases, intended solely to demean and embarrass him, despite his lack of involvement in these allegations.

The counsel argued that there was no substantial evidence on record to establish his client's connection to the charges outlined in the FIRs. Urging the court, he requested bail for his client.

On the other hand, the prosecution vehemently contested the petitioner's counsel's account, asserting that there is ample evidence to substantiate the accused's involvement in these cases.

The law officer requested the court to dismiss the bail petitions.

The special prosecutor designated PTI founder Imran Khan as the primary accused in seven cases related to the May 9 riots and other incidents.

Special Prosecutor Rana Shakeel, presenting arguments during the hearing, identified Imran Khan as the main accused in the PM House burning case.

Shakeel pointed to witness statements that allegedly link the PTI founder to incitement, claiming that the former prime minister had urged party leaders to set military installations ablaze.

Reading out witness statements in court, he highlighted the PTI founder's purported calls for people to take to the streets.

The court sought clarification on whether Imran had used social media platforms to attack individuals opposing institutions, to which the special prosecutor responded affirmatively, citing numerous tweets and messages on Instagram.

However, the Judge ATC after hearing detailed arguments confirmed bail to the accused former prime minister Imran Khan in the aforementioned cases registered against him in Race Course, Naseerabad and Model Town police stations.

It is noteworthy that the court has mandated Imran Khan's presence via video link from jail and has called for arguments from the founder's legal representatives.

The seven registered cases against the PTI founder chairman include charges related to Jinnah House and Askari Tower vandalism.

On August 11, 2023, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) dismissed Imran's pre-arrest bail due to his absence, resulting from his incarceration following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.

Subsequently, in response to a petition filed by Imran Khan, the Lahore High Court overturned the ATC's decision and reinstated his bail petitions. The high court further instructed the trial court to reevaluate the bail petitions based on their merits.

These bail petitions pertain to various cases, including attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, the burning of PML-N offices in Model Town, an incident involving a container at Kalma Chowk, the murder of PTI activist Zile Shah, and an attack on police outside Zaman Park.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imran backs army’s resolve to bring May 9 culprits to book

Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan has said he fully endorses the communiqué of the corps commanders’ conference and wants strict action against those responsible for May 9 violence.

Talking to the media persons at Adiala Jail on Wednesday, Mr Khan demanded that the culprits be identified through CCTV footage, citing the example of the United States where protesters were held for insurrection and attacking Capitol Hill with the help of security footage.

The former PM, however, regretted that no one was apparently interested in an independent and fair probe into the May 9 violence.

“May 9 narrative could not work for Feb 8 [election],” he emphasised, adding that only three political parties were the beneficiaries of rigged elections.

He also criticised the ECP for depriving his party of reserved seats, terming the move ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘contradictory to the democracy’. He questioned the legal basis on which reserved seats were allocated to those parties which were not entitled.

The ex-PM demanded audit of four constituencies, including the Lahore constituencies of Nawaz Sharif and Aun Chaudhry and the one in Peshawar from where Noor Alam was declared successful.

He quoted Khawaja Asif as alleging that former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had asked the then opposition to topple the PTI government. Mr Khan also claimed Gen Bajwa had offered him reward for ‘behaving nicely’, but he rejected the offer.

The PTI founder said he would never accept the results of the recent elections, as it would be tantamount to “accepting the slavery”. He told the media that his party would hold a massive public gathering in Peshawar against alleged rigging on Sunday.

He claimed that the Feb 8 general election was “the most rigged one in the history” which would adversely affect the economy with the result that public at large would suffer an ‘irreparable loss’. It was the ‘stolen mandate’ of East Pakistan that was behind the 1971 tragedy, he said, adding that the country could not survive without political stability.

Mr Khan said the Sharifs were solely relying upon the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for their future politics, but it alone could not attract foreign investment. He said the Sharifs had already changed their narrative.

Meanwhile, the defence counsel in £190m corruption case against Imran Khan cross-examined two prosecution witnesses before an accountability court inside the Adiala jail.

Property tycoon Malik Riaz, his son Ahmed Ali Riaz, Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Zulfi Bukhari, Farah Khan and an associate lawyer of Mr Akbar, who have also been facing charges in the corruption case, were declared proclaimed offenders for absconding.

Judge Nasir Javed Rana summoned two more witnesses on March 13.

On the other hand, a division bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri sought a response from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Mr Khan’s bail application in the corruption case.

When Justice Farooq inquired if the petitioner was seeking relief under the provisions related to bail after arrest or invoked the high court jurisdiction seeking bail through court discretion, counsel Sardar Latif Khosa said the case was related to bail after arrest and, therefore, it didn’t matter under which provision the petition had been filed.

The court then re-issued notices to NAB and adjourned further hearing till next week.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Just too harsh on him and that too in Ramadhan​

=====

Imran deprived of visitors after govt imposes two-week ban on Adiala jail visitations​

The Punjab Home Department imposed a two-week ban on Tuesday on prisoner visitations and media coverage at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. The prison houses high-profile political figures including PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan.

Since the February 8 polls, the prison has been the centre of several meetings between the incarcerated former PTI chief and leaders belonging to the party as well as its allies, seeking the former premier's consultations over the party's course of political action.

In orders issued to the Punjab IG, the department maintained that the decision was taken in light of a 'threat alert' issued for the prison by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The department's Internal Security Wing reported that terrorists who have the support of anti-state groups wanted to target the prison to spread chaos in the country. Hence, it was important for the department to take necessary measures to avoid such incidents.

As per sources, the department has ordered the Special Branch, Intelligence Bureau, and Prisons Department to conduct a security survey of the prison on March 13 (tomorrow). It has also directed the installation of barbed wires around the boundary wall and the screening of the jail premises and nearby areas by the bomb disposal squad.

As per the Home Department's directives, government contractors and staff employed at the jail will also undergo a security clearance by police and Rangers along with mock emergency drills.

The ban will be applied to all the inmates of the jail, including former premier Imran, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and PTI President Parvez Elahi.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[Savak]

Just too harsh on him and that too in Ramadhan​

=====

Imran deprived of visitors after govt imposes two-week ban on Adiala jail visitations​

The Punjab Home Department imposed a two-week ban on Tuesday on prisoner visitations and media coverage at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. The prison houses high-profile political figures including PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan.

Since the February 8 polls, the prison has been the centre of several meetings between the incarcerated former PTI chief and leaders belonging to the party as well as its allies, seeking the former premier's consultations over the party's course of political action.

In orders issued to the Punjab IG, the department maintained that the decision was taken in light of a 'threat alert' issued for the prison by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The department's Internal Security Wing reported that terrorists who have the support of anti-state groups wanted to target the prison to spread chaos in the country. Hence, it was important for the department to take necessary measures to avoid such incidents.

As per sources, the department has ordered the Special Branch, Intelligence Bureau, and Prisons Department to conduct a security survey of the prison on March 13 (tomorrow). It has also directed the installation of barbed wires around the boundary wall and the screening of the jail premises and nearby areas by the bomb disposal squad.

As per the Home Department's directives, government contractors and staff employed at the jail will also undergo a security clearance by police and Rangers along with mock emergency drills.

The ban will be applied to all the inmates of the jail, including former premier Imran, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and PTI President Parvez Elahi.

Source: The Express Tribune

Not good signs. All signs indicate that the mafia out of desperation has decided to do something drastic and the public's and PTI leaderships impotent response to the mandate robbery has emboldened them to proceed with their desired plans.

 

[Red-Indian]

Not good signs. All signs indicate that the mafia out of desperation has decided to do something drastic and the public's and PTI leaderships impotent response to the mandate robbery has emboldened them to proceed with their desired plans.

Do you guys genuinely think the Establishment will go that far? It seems unlikely given the history of how martyrdom makes political leaders larger than life. My personal view is that they would do this to tamp down the protests and give the new leadership time to get their feet under the tables. Also maybe increase the pressure on Imran to agree to a compromise - maybe a mid-term election in a couple of years where he gets a share of the power in coalition.

You'd know better though.

 

[Savak]

Do you guys genuinely think the Establishment will go that far? It seems unlikely given the history of how martyrdom makes political leaders larger than life. My personal view is that they would do this to tamp down the protests and give the new leadership time to get their feet under the tables. Also maybe increase the pressure on Imran to agree to a compromise - maybe a mid-term election in a couple of years where he gets a share of the power in coalition.

You'd know better though.

Well they have IK cornered now i.e. Zardari as President who will sign off on millitary trials in a heart beat, Qazi Faiz Isa as CJ who will block all legal avenues, Shahbaz Sharif as PM, Maryam Nawaz as Punjab CM, Mohsin Naqvi as Interior Minister, their own IG's in provinces, their plants in PTI i.e. Sher Afzal Marwat, Asad Qaiser, Ali Muhammad Khan who are opting for the politics of compromise, subservience, not to mention the support of the major international players i.e. US, UK, EU, Saudi Arabia, China e.t.c.

So far IK is sticking to his gung ho bullish politics i.e. I am not going to agree to any deal, I will not leave the country, I will not stop talking about the mandate robbery, regime change conspiracy, May 9, 2023 conspiracy. Asim Munir is a Saddam Hussein Part 2 and he is capable of anything.

The establishment has to realize that without IK, PTI is nothing and will lose appeal with its supporters, surely they cannot give a blanket cheque and impunity to the likes of PML N, PPP to do whatever they want without any challenge or competition.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Poor from govt to even restrict others access to Imran Khan​

=====

Notices issued to Adiala jail superintendent on contempt plea for denying meeting with Imran: MWM chief​

Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir has said that the Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the Adiala jail superintendent on a contempt petition he filed for not allowing him to meet ex-premier Imran Khan despite court orders.

In a post on X, he said that despite orders from the Islamabad High Court, the jail staff did not let him meet Imran.

Source: Dawn News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Irked by ban on meetings, KP govt asks Punjab to hand over incarcerated Imran Khan

As the Punjab government imposed a 14-day ban on all public visits and meetings with the former premier in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail last week citing "security threats," the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government Tuesday urged the former to hand over incarcerated party founder Imran Khan to it.

In a statement, Adviser to KP Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif asked the Punjab government to hand over Khan to the KP government if it was unable to provide security to the incarcerated former prime minister.

Last week, Khan was barred from holdings meetings inside Rawalpindi's Adiala jail for two weeks. According to a notification issued by Punjab's Home Department, all kinds of visits, meetings, and interviews have been restricted in Adiala Jail due to security alert.

The Punjab government had clarified that the restrictions imposed in the Jail were not aimed at hindering meetings of the PTI leaders with the party’s founder.

“This move wasn’t made to take away any facility from him [Khan]. There is a serious threat alert, which is under investigation,” Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari had told Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada.

She said the fresh restrictions were imposed, as a few days back, the law enforcers had arrested terrorists who possessed a map of the jail in which Khan is currently imprisoned.

On the other hand, the PTI leadership believed that it was a deliberate plan to stop them from meeting party the party’s founder.

Reacting to the ban on meetings in the jail, Barrister Saif said that all the prisoners were facing difficulties due to the restrictions imposed in the name of “security concerns”.

Slamming the Maryam Nawaz-led provincial government, the KP CM’s aide urged the rulers in Punjab to hand over the prisoners to them instead of causing "pain and suffering" to them due to their “incompetence and fear of Khan”.

“Maryam Nawaz is busy in photo shoots instead of doing any work in Punjab,” he said.

“In Punjab, a drama is being played to hide incompetence,” Saif added.

Responding to his criticism today, Punjab Information Minister Bukhari clarified that Khan and her wife Bushra Bibi among all the inmates in the provincial jails are “safe”.

Taking a dig at Khan, she said: “A person who robbed billions of rupees is getting the best security and food facilities in jail.”


The News

 

[FearlessRoar]

Imran predicts short-lived govt, slams economic policies​

Former premier Imran Khan predicted a short tenure for the current government on Wednesday, estimating it to last only five to six months.

Imran highlighted several issues, including alleged corruption and economic challenges during an informal talk with media persons at Adiala jail.

Accusing the incumbent government of malpractice, the ex-premier referenced the cases of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz. He accused Hasan of selling a house valued at less for double the amount, with the transaction being flagged by Britain's National Crime Agency for its suspicious nature.

"Hassan Nawaz should be asked where did he get the money to buy the house?" he said, further alleging that both Nawaz's sons were "found guilty in the Panama case".

Imran criticized the electoral process stating, "The caretaker government, election commission, and the establishment are all one."

The PTI founder announced plans to hold a rally on March 23 with all opposition parties and stakeholders who became "victims of election rigging". He said the party would invite JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, but expressed uncertainty over his participation.

Economic Regarding concerns, Imran emphasized the pivotal role of overseas Pakistanis in stabilizing the economy, underscoring the need for political stability to attract foreign investment, "Only overseas Pakistanis can help us out."

He expressed apprehensions over the IMF program, stating that he was against landing another IMF plan prior to any form of political stability in the country, "I told the IMF not to issue loans until there is political stability in the country."

Imran asserted that the May 9, 2023 events were 'orchestrated' to discredit his party, claiming he was targeted by being upset in three cases within a week to undermine the PTI. "But their plan failed," the PTI supremo said, anticipating his incarceration to end in the next five to six months after which the government would "end."

Regarding the absence of the PPP from the cabinet, he claimed that they were abstained due to skepticism about the government's viability.

Addressing concerns about any animosity towards former president Arif Alvi, Imran clarified, "There is no resentment towards him." He commended Alvi's efforts to address issues.

Imran expressed concerns over Pakistan's strained relations with Iran and Afghanistan, stating, "The enemies of the country have benefited from the attack on Afghanistan." He emphasized the need for positive relations with any Afghan government, saying, "There should be good relations with whatever government is in Afghanistan."

Reflecting on past diplomatic efforts, he maintained, "During our time, the Afghan government is assured to solve the problem of TTP." He also asserted, "General Bajwa used to tell the corps commanders conference that I want to make General Faiz the army chief, although this was not even in my imagination."

He alleged, "The general who conducted the dialogue between Afghanistan and the United States was removed at the behest of the Sharifs." He criticized the PDM government for "neglecting Afghanistan" and labeled strained relations with both Afghanistan and Iran as foreign policy failures.

The PTI founder stated that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur sought funds from PM Shehbaz because he has to run the province. "He should have taken a picture with Shehbaz after they released the funds," Imran remarked, adding that the funds will never be released because "no one is more unreliable than the Sharifs."

He claimed Nawaz would soon leave for London.

Imran remarked that social media is a huge platform, clarifying that none of their official accounts posted tweets against the army martyrs.

He accused certain parties of spreading propaganda to create a rift between him and the army.

Imran emphasized the ISPR's significance. However, he criticized its attribution of the social media anti-army campaign to a specific political party. "The ISPR should not have made such statements."

Imran predicts short-lived govt, slams economic policies | The Express Tribune

Former premier anticipates his incarceration to end in next five to six months

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Perhaps some foreign agencies have informed him of these secrets.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Keep me in jail but release all PTI workers, says incarcerated Imran Khan

As a gesture of sacrifice and goodwill, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan Tuesday asked the authorities to keep him in prison but release all his party leaders and workers from the jails.

The former prime minister made the remarks while talking to journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail.

Khan demanded a fresh inquiry into the United States Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu’s statement denying "cipher conspiracy" that US engineered his ouster from power by supporting the then opposition’s no-confidence motion in April 2022.

Testifying before a Congressional panel last week, the top US diplomat said: “I wanna be very clear on this point [that] this conspiracy theory is a lie [and] it is a complete falsehood.”

Khan denied the reports that the US envoy met him in the prison. He said that he would speak to the US envoy about Lu’s statement and the alleged role of the US embassy in the ciphergate if he met him.

“The original copy of cipher is with the Foreign Office, we were only given a paraphrased copy [of the document],” the former premier said while referring to the allegations that he misplaced the classified cipher document that he received as the prime minister.

The PTI founder said that a prime minister is “not the security guard” of his office; instead, there are some security protocols for the PM office.

Khan also called for a separate judicial commission to investigation into May 9 incidents and February 8 elections.

“A political party is being eliminated on the pretext of May 9 events,” he added.

The former prime minister said that the president and Senate elections have no value after a “rigged” election.

Keep me in jail but release all PTI workers: Imran Khan

RAWALPINDI: As a gesture of sacrifice and goodwill, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan Tuesday asked the authorities to keep him in prison but release all his party leaders and workers...

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[The Bald Eagle]

PTI has fair deal of reservations in this issue.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772708750844903518

 

[The Bald Eagle]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772708750844903518

 

[FearlessRoar]

Has Pakistan cricket hero Khan opened political Pandora's box?​

At first glance, Pakistan's recent general election seemed like a tempest in a teapot, but a closer look reveals signs of a political hurricane that could rock the nuclear-armed nation of 240 million people, the world's fifth largest.

Following February's vote for the 336-seat National Assembly, Shahbaz Sharif was reappointed prime minister on March 3. The country's power structure seems to have changed little from before the dissolution of the lower house in August: It is still led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), with the military's strong backing. Still, the ballot results were a big surprise.

Contrary to the predicted landslide by the governing coalition, independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by Imran Khan, a former prime minister and cricket superstar, won the largest number of seats, at 95.

Pakistan's two dynastic parties, Sharif's PML-N and the Bhutto family's PPP, both fell far short of expectations. The PML-N won only 75 seats, while the PPP took just 54. The ruling camp held on to power only by forging a coalition again.

Khan, the leader of the PTI, first rose to international fame on the cricket pitch in the late 1970s, captaining Pakistan to its only World Cup victory in 1992.

In April 2022, Khan was ousted as prime minister in a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. The military, which was at loggerheads with Khan over its leadership, backed Sharif as his successor. Enraged, Khan exhorted his supporters to demand the early dissolution of the legislature and a snap election.

In May 2023, Khan's arrest on corruption charges led to violence by his supporters, deepening civil unrest. The military then began blatantly suppressing Khan's supporters to foil his comeback.

Not only did the court's guilty verdict bar Khan from running for office, his party was also shut out of the election on procedural grounds, forcing its candidates to run as independents. The military is believed to have put pressure on the judiciary and the election commission to ensure this outcome.

Just before election day, Khan was convicted on three more charges, including leaking national secrets and engaging in an illegal marriage. All told, he was sentenced to 31 years in prison. But despite these legal obstacles, the PTI pulled off a stunning upset, winning a plurality of seats, though not an outright majority.

"The results ... confirmed voters' weariness with the political elite and dynastic politics, as well as with the meddling -- both overt and covert -- by the country's generals," said Husain Haqqani, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, a U.S. think tank.

The history of Pakistani politics has been marred by ceaseless military meddling and elite control.

When Pakistan broke away from India and became independent in 1947, it adopted a parliamentary system modeled on Britain, which had ruled India as a colony. But the country suffered military coups in 1958, 1977 and 1999, with military regimes running the country for more than 30 of its 77 years as an independent nation.

Intermittent civilian governments were led by the PPP, founded in 1967 by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who later became president and prime minister, and by the PML-N, established by Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz's elder brother, in 1986. The PPP produced several national leaders from the Bhutto family, including Benazir Bhutto, the first female prime minister in the Muslim world. She was assassinated in 2007. The party is now led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, a former foreign minister and son of Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari, who is serving his second term.

Given that Nawaz Sharif has served as prime minister for three nonconsecutive terms, and that his brother is in his second term, the PML-N has been more the Sharif's family business than a bona-fide political party. The two dynastic parties have taken turns governing the country.

The country's transitions of power have always been triggered by the governing party's deteriorating relations with the military. Even when the country is under civilian rule, the generals decide the government's fate. Thus, according to one saying, "Every country has an army, but Pakistan's army has a country."

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh once formed a single country, but only Pakistan continues to experience flagrant interventions by the military. There are many reasons for that.

To begin with, Pakistan has lacked competent civilian leaders. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, its founding father, died of an illness a year after independence, while his right-hand man, Liaquat Ali Khan, the first prime minister, was assassinated in 1951.

In India, independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru led the country for a long time after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, while politics in Pakistan was dominated by lawmakers who put their personal gain above the national interest and devoted themselves to political wrangling.

Pakistan's unusual geography at independence, which split the country into eastern and western wings bisected by India, also made governing difficult. In addition, conflicts with neighboring India and Afghanistan over borders, religion and ethnicity have scarred Pakistan's political landscape. Facing internal and external threats, the country allocated a large portion of its budget to defense spending, which accounted for two-thirds of its current-account expenditures over the decade following independence.

The army, the only modern institution in the country, with 150,000 personnel, naturally saw itself as the guardian of the fledgling nation and started playing that self-appointed role on behalf of civilians, deepening its political involvement.

In 1971, Bangladesh, then called East Pakistan, broke away from Pakistan and became independent. The new country came under military rule after a coup, but once it began its transition to democracy in 1990, military interventions mostly ceased.

"A major political turning point for Bangladesh came in 1988, when the country started providing personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations," said Lailufar Yasmin, a professor at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh.

As of November 2023, a total of 6,197 Bangladeshi troops were serving in peacekeeping missions, making the country the second-largest contributor of people to these operations. For Bangladesh, long one of the world's poorest countries, participation in the U.N. peacekeeping offered a precious source of income for the government, as well its soldiers.

Bangladesh thus has a strong incentive to resist military rule, which could disqualify it from these missions. It is feared that soldiers would grow disgruntled and restless if deprived of opportunities to make extra cash.

Pakistan's situation is different. The Pakistani military owns a broad array of businesses through the pension fund for veterans, and is said to account for 20% of the country's gross domestic product. It staged coups in 1977 and 1999, but rather than facing economic sanctions from the West, it saw large inflows of financial aid as the 1977 coup was followed by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the 1999 takeover took place shortly before the 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

The U.S. and European countries supported Pakistan as it was on the front line in the struggle against terrorism and armed aggression. The financial resources of the military, meanwhile, sustained its political interference.

Khan emerged as an agent of change. He was a breath of fresh air in a country where the elite controlled politics and the military frequently meddled in national affairs. Portraying himself as a reformer and an alternative to entrenched dynasties, Khan entered politics by founding the PTI in 1996, gradually expanding his support base.

The PTI became the third-largest bloc in the National Assembly in the 2013 general election. After winning the most seats but falling short of a majority in the 2018 poll, it formed a coalition with smaller parties, bringing Khan to power. Voters welcomed his campaign on a reformist and anti-corruption platform under the slogan "A New Pakistan."

"Initially he received backing from the military, but even more, he was enthusiastically supported by the younger generation," said professor Aeka Inoue of Shujitsu University in Japan. "In addition to his fame as a cricket star, his background -- being neither a capitalist nor a landlord, unlike existing mainstream politicians -- was appealing."

Nonetheless, Khan struggled to meet public expectations. The country became saddled with a heavy debt burden from China-backed infrastructure investments, a problem compounded by inflation caused by the COVID pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As the government failed to counter the triple whammy of foreign currency shortages, inflation and currency devaluation, the public grew disillusioned with Khan.

On the diplomatic front, Khan's support for the Taliban, the Islamist militant group that had taken control of Afghanistan, led to confrontation with the U.S. He also antagonized the military by seeking closer ties with China and Russia. The final straw was his interference in personnel matters linked to military intelligence. Khan's relationship with the armed forces soured quickly.

Khan's signature anti-corruption drive also attracted criticism as a "witch hunt" aimed at eliminating rivals. But ironically, despite a series of missteps and blunders, he has come to be seen as the embodiment of reform, as he was ousted by conservative forces from the military and the dynastic elite.

Now the tide seems to favor Khan. Pakistan's population is young, with an average age of 23, and 21 million voters were added to the electoral rolls in the last five years. The turnout in the latest election was 48%, not much different from the 52% posted in the previous vote in 2018.

Many young voters, undeterred by government repression, chose PTI-affiliated members for parliament. In doing so, they showed their frustration with the political status-quo perpetuated by the old guard and entrenched interests. It remains to be seen whether the clash between the new and old generations can be settled without political upheaval.

Defiant even in prison, Khan may have opened a Pandora's box that could upend the country's power structure.

Has Pakistan cricket hero Khan opened political Pandora's box?

Jailed ex-PM champions renewal, reforms that resonate with younger voters

asia.nikkei.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

He did what he does best

 

[FearlessRoar]

Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, talks to journalists in Adiala Jail:

The whole nation knows that General Asim Munir is running the country.

General Asim Munir punished Bushra Bibi in the Tosha Khana reference for breaking me.

If anything happens to me and my wife, General Asim Munir will be responsible.

The London Plan was between General Asim Munir and Nawaz Sharif.

Judges were also brought together for the London Plan. ISI appointed judges.

When I was arrested in August, the police entered my bedroom and took away my passport and checkbook.

Inam Shah and an employee of Tosha Khana were made witnesses against me by the ISI.

A part-time salesman in Dubai was estimated to be worth a graph jewelry set to be punished in the Tosha Khana.

I will file a case against Chairman NAB and Inam Shah for making the Tosha Khana reference.

Fawad Chaudhry had held a press conference but still he was held to make him a sworn witness. If Parvez Elahi and Shah Mehmood Qureshi hold a press conference today, his cases will be over.

Chief Justice Supreme Court Qazi Faiz Isa also remembers the Faizabad case and Bhutto case, but does not see that people are lying in military jails.

On March 18, there was a plan to kill me in the judicial complex.

The judicial complex was taken over 24 hours ago.

Many people dressed in plain clothes were present in the judicial complex.

Why is the CCTV footage of the judicial complex not being brought forward?

What happened in East Pakistan is happening today.

In East Pakistan, Mujibur Rehman's mandate was stolen and the country was broken.

Mujibur Rahman's majority would have ended Yahya Khan's power.

The Hamudur Rahman Commission report has written that Mujeebur Rahman had won the election. Like East Pakistan, they are still trying to control us by reducing our mandate.

At this time, the king is sitting back and Mohsin Naqvi is the viceroy. Shahbaz Sharif is cutting ribbons; he has no power.

The country is sinking economically. The judges are saying that the agencies are intimidating.

Billions of dollars of Asif Zardari and the Sharif family are lying abroad.

Asif Zardari stated that a political party is spoiling the image of the army. When we were in power, the image of the army was sky-high. The army's image was tarnished the day it sat with thieves.

The corruption of Zardari and the Sharif family was told to us by ISI and General Bajwa himself. Zardari and Nawaz Sharif took cars from Tosha Khana; why is their case not being heard?

Before the appointment of General Asim Munir, a message was sent through Arif Alvi that we are not against you.

I had telephoned General Asim Munir through Arif Alvi that I knew about his London plan.

Ali Zaidi was also in contact and sent a message through him to remain neutral and let the country run. We were told not to worry, they will remain neutral.

I do not accept anyone's slavery; death is better than slavery.

Do you expect justice from Qazi Faiz Isa? A journalist's question to the founder of PTI. The founder of PTI remained silent for some time and said that the nation is watching everything. I do not want to give any opinion on it. Today the country has changed, and people have become conscious.

We were made traitors and trapped on May 9, but the nation told us on February 8 where it stood.

Several judges, Mohsin Naqvi, the Chief Election Commissioner, and the caretaker government were part of the London Plan.

I never fought with the army; General Bajwa stabbed us in the back.

I could have denotified General Bajwa, but I didn't.

Despite all this, we formed a committee to meet General Bajwa.

Not only the army chief, he did not come by contesting the election.

General Yahya also destroyed the country for his power.

If he had talked to General Yahya Mujeeb, he would not have had to surrender. In 1971, the country was broken; today the economic back of the country is starting to break.

Currently, there is no other party as strong as Tehreek-e-Insaf. Hold elections again today, and everyone will know again.

Despite the overthrow of the government, I can meet General Bajwa twice, then I can meet anyone because at this time it is not my caste problem, it is Pakistan's issue; please convince me.

The judiciary is not independent at all in the current situation. How can anything be known until Bushra Bibi has an endoscopy?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1776634429160427531

 

[FearlessRoar]

Bro didn't even hesitate to talk about it, lol

 

[FearlessRoar]

Pakistan’s opposition, led by ex-PM Khan’s PTI, launches nationwide anti-government campaign​

Pakistan’s opposition alliance is all set to launch a nationwide anti-government drive with a political rally in Pishin, Balochistan, on Saturday after accusing the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of being the product of rigging and vote manipulation following the February 8 general elections.

The six opposition parties joined hands after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of jailed ex-premier Imran Khan brought together Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP), Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) to oust the government by building public pressure against it.

The PTI has frequently claimed it won 180 National Assembly seats in the last national polls, but its mandate was undermined after the authorities changed the election results to declare the victory of its rival factions. The party formed its government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after the elections, but it rejected the results in the center and the rest of the three provinces.

During a meeting of the opposition alliance in Quetta on Friday night, the strategy for launching the protest movement and today’s public meeting was decided.

“Our protest will continue until the peoples’ mandate is restored in PTI’s favor,” Omar Ayub, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, said while speaking to the media after political consultations.

Ayub told his social media followers on Saturday the provincial government was preventing PTI vehicles from reaching the rally venue.

“[Balochistan] government stopping vehicles with PTI flags from going to Pishin to participate in the Jalsa [rally] of Tehreek e Tahafoz e Aien e Pakistan [Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution],” he said in his post. “They tried to stop our convoy, but we [pushed] through. Enroute to the Jalsa venue.”

Meanwhile, the provincial authorities have imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Pishin district, prohibiting a gathering of more than five people along with closure of highways.

“The Government of Balochistan Home & Tribal Affairs Department, in exercise of powers conferred under Sub-Section (6) of Section 144 Cr.P.C 1898, has imposed ban on blockade of national/main highways, roads, red zones including processions, rallies and gathering of five (05) or more than five persons/sit-ins across the Province Balochistan with immediate effect till further orders,” it said in a notification.

Pakistan’s opposition, led by ex-PM Khan’s PTI, launches nationwide anti-government campaign

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s opposition alliance is all set to launch a nationwide anti-government drive with a political rally in Pishin, Balochistan, on Saturday after accusing the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of being the product of rigging and vote manipulation...

www.arabnews.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Another political unrest in the country is imminent due to Imran Khan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Another political unrest in the country is imminent due to Imran Khan.

On February 8, the people foiled every conspiracy of the mafia. Inshallah, now once again on April 21, the people have to come out and give another push to the system based on oppression, oppression, deceit, deception and deceit. Inshallah, victory is near!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1779460485605118172

 

[FearlessRoar]

PTI founder to be released before Eid-ul-Adha, Latif Khosa

ARY

 

[FearlessRoar]

Imran says country’s future being jeopardised with 'law of jungle'​

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday condemned the recent events in Bahawalnagar, where he alleged that powerful individuals not only violated the law but also sought impunity.

The Bahawalnagar incident, which garnered widespread attention after videos depicting individuals in army uniforms purportedly assaulting police officials circulated on social media, sparked outrage among citizens and journalists alike.

Addressing the events on Friday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement, emphasising that prompt action was taken to address as well as resolve the matter collaboratively between the military and police authorities.

ISPR regretted that certain elements with ulterior motives exploited the situation to propagate divisive narratives on social media, aiming to sow discord between state institutions and government bodies.

The Punjab Police also denounced what they termed as "false propaganda" surrounding the incident on various social media platforms.

Later, senior officers from both institutions mediated a peace agreement between the police and military personnel.

In a video of the occasion, officers from both sides can be seen chanting slogans in support of the Pakistan Army and Punjab Police in the presence of their respective superiors.

Addressing the media at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Imran remarked that the treatment meted out to Punjab Police officials in Bahawalnagar was akin to that of slaves rather than brothers. He lamented the prevailing state of affairs, attributing it to what he termed as the "law of the jungle" prevailing in the country.

Khan cautioned against acquiring loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), predicting a new wave of inflation, and highlighted the risks to the economy and the exacerbation of poverty due to a dearth of investment.

He stressed that the country's governance lacked adherence to the Constitution, rule of law, or democracy, asserting that stability in the economy and currency cannot be achieved through loans.

Khan warned that IMF loans would unleash inflation, disproportionately affecting the salaried and impoverished segments of society. Moreover, he underscored that the dearth of investment would escalate debt and poverty, imperilling the country's future.

The former prime minister lamented that over the past 18 months, Pakistanis had made substantial investments in Dubai, citing this as indicative of the prevailing state of affairs within the country.

Country’s future being jeopardised with 'law of jungle': Imran | The Express Tribune

Ex-PM says powerful individuals not only violated law in Bahawalnagar but also sought impunity

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Lol, he is reminding CJP of his responsibility

https://twitter.com/x/status/1781659046463885422

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imran urges people to vote on by-polls day

PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters on Saturday urged the lawyers to come out on by-elections, scheduled for April 21, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the vote and Form-45 and thwart any attempt to rig the elections.

Aleema Khan and Uzam Khan, along with over two dozen accused persons, appeared before the court to attend the proceedings of their pre-arrest bails in connection with an FIR registered against them following the May 9 riots, which included the Jinnah House attack.

The anti-terrorism court judge extended their bail hearings until May 21.

Talking to the media, Aleema Khan relayed a message from the PTI founder, urging the people to approach the upcoming by-elections with the same fervour seen on Feb 8, and remain vigilant in preventing any attempt at rigging the polls.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE

 

[FearlessRoar]

Morality was abolished and the majority was converted into a minority. No organization is working within its constitutional limits!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1783097433850835189