Mamoon
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What a flop march. 
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Contact the PP Team
[PICTURES/VIDEOS] PTI's long march on May 25
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIR registered against Fawad Chaudhry - under six sections of the PPC - mostly related to obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties <a href="https://t.co/n3dGTmI2n5">pic.twitter.com/n3dGTmI2n5</a></p>— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/omar_quraishi/status/1529712306392809472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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What a flop march.
PDM marches every other month- IK no problem,we we welcome you and offer you food and medicine
Is that why they had kill innocent people,shell marchers, throw people over bridges, beat women and call out the army. What a pathetic loser you are.
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Perhaps a guarantee that an election is to be called.
I don’t think so! After this blackmail, even if the PML-N was considering elections, it would backtrack as doing so now would be seen as being weak.
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Its may and its hot. Its not october, the real dharna season
Not sure if you looked at what the Chors are doing in terms of violent crackdowns - IK's tested the waters and what he sees is good - he will come back in 6 days - believe me this will not end.
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ISLAMABAD: While the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership was marching on the capital on Wednesday from various parts of the country, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah termed the party’s ‘Haqeeqi Azadi March’ a flop show, claiming only a few thousand individuals turned up against the claims of two million.
Addressing a press conference here alongside Infor*mation Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Mr Sanaullah said the government would not have made preparations on such a large scale had it known there would be a “lukewarm” response. He claimed only people from KP attended the march.
Talking about the situation in Punjab, the minister said there was complete peace. “Only a few thousand people are a part of the march and they possess weapons and teargas. They are trying to take over the federal capital using KP government protocol,” he claimed.
The minister said the Imran Khan-led party was seeking the release of its arrested members, adding that out of the 1,700 people arrested, 240 had been freed after signing an affidavit. However, some were detained under Section 3 of MPO ordinance, adding no arrests were made in Balochistan and Sindh.
“The seizure of heavy arms and ammunition from the houses of PTI officials (in Lahore) is evidence of a bloody march,” the interior minister said in a statement later.
NA debate
The long march also came up in the National Assembly when, speaking on points of order, federal minister Javed Latif and a couple of PTI dissidents lashed out at former prime minister Imran Khan for allegedly causing anarchy in the country through the march. The lawmakers also questioned its timing as it coincided with talks with the IMF in Doha and the conviction of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik by an Indian court.
Some of the lawmakers suggested the government arrest Imran Khan and Sheikh Rashid to end the crisis.
Dr Fehmida Mirza of the Grand Democratic Alliance expressed concern over the situation and called for political engagement between the government and the PTI.
Taking the floor, Mr Latif ridiculed the announcement made by Mr Khan that he would gather three million people in Islamabad, and claimed that not more than 3,000 people were part of the rally that started from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The minister, who is yet to be allotted a portfolio, alleged the PTI chairman was using the resources of the KP government for the march and had, in fact, “invaded” the federation.
“It seems he wants to get azadi (freedom) from the federation,” said the minister in a reference to the title of the ‘Azadi March’. Without naming the establishment, he said Mr Khan first wanted the “neutrals” to support him, then asked them to stay neutral and then called them “animals”.
PTI dissidents Ahmed Hussain Deharr and Javaria Zafar blamed the previous government of their own party for the present state of economy.
Mr Deharr blasted Mr Khan for attacking the army and state institutions in his speeches whereas Ms Zafar called for investigations into the funds being provided to the PTI for the long march.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, without naming the PTI, said a political party was requested to shelve its protest for at least three days, but it refused.
“The political party has been requested to suspend its sit-in for three days but it remains adamant,” the prime minister said while addressing engineers and workers at the under-construction Karot hydropower project. He urged the people to reject the politics of sit-ins that had inflicted huge economic losses to the national economy in the past.
PM Sharif said the Karot power project — part of the CPEC — would have been completed a year ago to contribute 720 megawatts to the national grid had the Chinese president visited the country in 2014. He said after completion of the project, electricity price would reduce to Rs3 per unit gradually, after the retirement of the debt.
Earlier, PM Sharif urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mehmood Khan to manage the law and order situation in the province.
The same day, Mr Sharif also met a delegation of Balochistan National Party senior leaders, and said the government, along with its allies, would work with dedication and commitment to implement its agenda of public welfare.
Syed Irfan Raza also contributed to this report.
Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2022
Addressing a press conference here alongside Infor*mation Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Mr Sanaullah said the government would not have made preparations on such a large scale had it known there would be a “lukewarm” response. He claimed only people from KP attended the march.
Talking about the situation in Punjab, the minister said there was complete peace. “Only a few thousand people are a part of the march and they possess weapons and teargas. They are trying to take over the federal capital using KP government protocol,” he claimed.
The minister said the Imran Khan-led party was seeking the release of its arrested members, adding that out of the 1,700 people arrested, 240 had been freed after signing an affidavit. However, some were detained under Section 3 of MPO ordinance, adding no arrests were made in Balochistan and Sindh.
“The seizure of heavy arms and ammunition from the houses of PTI officials (in Lahore) is evidence of a bloody march,” the interior minister said in a statement later.
NA debate
The long march also came up in the National Assembly when, speaking on points of order, federal minister Javed Latif and a couple of PTI dissidents lashed out at former prime minister Imran Khan for allegedly causing anarchy in the country through the march. The lawmakers also questioned its timing as it coincided with talks with the IMF in Doha and the conviction of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik by an Indian court.
Some of the lawmakers suggested the government arrest Imran Khan and Sheikh Rashid to end the crisis.
Dr Fehmida Mirza of the Grand Democratic Alliance expressed concern over the situation and called for political engagement between the government and the PTI.
Taking the floor, Mr Latif ridiculed the announcement made by Mr Khan that he would gather three million people in Islamabad, and claimed that not more than 3,000 people were part of the rally that started from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The minister, who is yet to be allotted a portfolio, alleged the PTI chairman was using the resources of the KP government for the march and had, in fact, “invaded” the federation.
“It seems he wants to get azadi (freedom) from the federation,” said the minister in a reference to the title of the ‘Azadi March’. Without naming the establishment, he said Mr Khan first wanted the “neutrals” to support him, then asked them to stay neutral and then called them “animals”.
PTI dissidents Ahmed Hussain Deharr and Javaria Zafar blamed the previous government of their own party for the present state of economy.
Mr Deharr blasted Mr Khan for attacking the army and state institutions in his speeches whereas Ms Zafar called for investigations into the funds being provided to the PTI for the long march.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, without naming the PTI, said a political party was requested to shelve its protest for at least three days, but it refused.
“The political party has been requested to suspend its sit-in for three days but it remains adamant,” the prime minister said while addressing engineers and workers at the under-construction Karot hydropower project. He urged the people to reject the politics of sit-ins that had inflicted huge economic losses to the national economy in the past.
PM Sharif said the Karot power project — part of the CPEC — would have been completed a year ago to contribute 720 megawatts to the national grid had the Chinese president visited the country in 2014. He said after completion of the project, electricity price would reduce to Rs3 per unit gradually, after the retirement of the debt.
Earlier, PM Sharif urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mehmood Khan to manage the law and order situation in the province.
The same day, Mr Sharif also met a delegation of Balochistan National Party senior leaders, and said the government, along with its allies, would work with dedication and commitment to implement its agenda of public welfare.
Syed Irfan Raza also contributed to this report.
Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2022
Mamoon
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The numbers were embarrassing, less than 30% of the projected numbers showed up.
Imran had to run away to save face.
Lol are you a ******? They blocked all the main exit points at gujranwala, Lahore, faisalabad, multan and Karachi. Of course the turnout was going to be lower.
Ask your coward leaders to unblock those exits and to stop using tear gas and rubber bullets and then see how many show up.
I think the fact they were not holding back on the tear gas against kids, women and the elderly meant a tough had to be made. It wasn’t the heat, because 33 degrees is bearable but maybe seeing blood on so many was asking too much.
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Couple of things have happened for sure:
1. Punjab police went overboard with their use of force and harrassment tactics. Certainly the numbers from Lahore and Faislabad were impacted by this.
2. Involvement of army would mean things will be deteriorated forever. If PTI public clashes with army then things will be damaged forever so better curtail this before it gets to that point.
I have a feeling someone would also have given some assurances but given the snake nature of people in power nothing is for certain.
The tragedy of what we saw is the growing set of hypocrites in our society. If tomorrow PTI is in power and then unleashes full state force against PPP/PMLN long march then we would see the same hypocrites crying and calling names. Hypocrisy is the worst sort of sin as per our religious values and even as per moral values. Yet we have hypocrites living among us with that blatant two face.
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No point banging your head against the wall. Sensible argument with some of the posters is equivalent to the same.
I heard someone analysing this situation perfectly. People that are crying about numbers today. Lets say I tie your hands and your feet and then I say run a 100m race with me and then I laugh at you not being able to compete. This is exactly what has happened. Funny thing is if IK would have done something similar in PPP long march then these hypocrites would be calling all sort of names and what nots. This is the main difference between PTI and rest, one is open to constructive criticism whilst the other are just goons.
Mamoon
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The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by the federal government, seeking contempt proceedings against PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan for "violating" the apex court's orders with regard to the party's Azadi March.
A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, heard the petition which was filed by Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf. The reasons for the decision will be given in a detailed judgement to be issued later.
The bench said that the apex court's orders from Wednesday would remain in place.
A day earlier, the Supreme Court ordered the federal government and the PTI to constitute respective negotiating committees and meet at 10pm on Wednesday to finalise modalities for a peaceful and safe conduct of the party's long march to the capital.
However, negotiations were not held as both sides claimed the other had not shown up.
The committees were to meet at the Islamabad chief commissioner's office. It also ordered the government to designate a spot in H-9 where the protesters could rally. However, protesters converged on D-Chowk instead.
The same bench also wrapped up hearing a petition filed by Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) president Muhammad Shoaib Shaheen that sought removal of blockades set up to stop the PTI's Azadi March.
At the start of the hearing, the chief justice said the bench had not been formed to accuse anyone but to protect constitutional rights.
He asked the attorney general whether he believed the court's directives had not been followed and some people had been injured after which law enforcement agencies took action.
He observed that Articles 16 (freedom of assembly) and 17 (freedom of association) of the Constitution ensured the right to protest but it was not unlimited.
The attorney general then requested the court's permission to play a video recording of Imran's address to his supporters which was granted.
AGP Ausaf argued that Imran told his supporters the SC had granted permission to protest at D-Chowk.
The chief justice questioned what happened after the PTI chairman's statement.
"Imran then asked his workers to reach D-Chowk," Ausaf replied.
"It is possible that the message was not delivered to Imran Khan properly," Chief Justice Bandial remarked. "The entire issue is [related to] a conflict. Judicial proceedings cannot be based on assumptions."
The attorney general argued that the PTI was granted permission to protest after assurances that the Azadi March would be peaceful.
The court had tried to establish trust between the parties involved through its orders a day earlier, the chief justice observed.
"The court made efforts for citizens' protection ahead of the protest yesterday. Court proceedings usually take place after the incident. The court took the responsibility of being a mediator."
Justice Bandial added that the PTI would also have "several" reservations with the government.
The attorney general argued that assurances given to the court were not followed, to which the CJP replied, "whatever happened yesterday has ended today."
He added that the court could not use the administration's authority, however, it was always available for the people's protection.
The court had stopped authorities from raiding people's homes for their protection and it would maintain its order, the chief justice said.
'Judgement to be example for future'
The chief justice directed the government to do its work in line with Wednesday's orders and said the SC would issue a judgement regarding the case which would be an "example for the future".
He observed that political workers did not have their own agenda and followed the party leadership.
"We are not conducting proceedings in order to accuse anyone," he iterated. "The court issued the order only against violation of constitutional rights."
Justice Bandial said it had come to the court's notice that shelling occurred yesterday.
The attorney general said the government had to call the Pakistan Army in the capital last night.
"The public's constitutional rights are not unlimited. The court order sought to strike a balance between the respondents," the chief justice remarked.
"The PTI has held 33 protests recently. All of them were peaceful. We expect the PTI to be aware of its responsibility."
AGP Ausaf informed the court that 31 policemen were injured in stone-pelting by the protesters yesterday while fire brigades and bulletproof vehicles were set on fire.
However, the chief justice replied that only the workers were clashing on the roads yesterday and not the leadership. "They set fire to protect themselves from tear gas. The leadership could have stopped the workers [but] it was not present."
The court did not have an agenda, he observed and advised the government and the PTI to build mutual trust if they wanted the court's "moral support".
'Common people showed irresponsibility'
"Political conflict always harms the country," Justice Bandial observed. "The court will intervene in any matter of a political nature only if there is a solid reason."
He further observed that "becoming a danger for the system after taking the law into [your] own hands could harm the country".
The chief justice told the attorney general that the government should continue its work in accordance with the law. "The government should not violate court orders," he directed.
AGP Ausaf informed the court that Imran had given a speech near D-Chowk today in which he gave the government a six-day deadline.
"He did not ask workers to go back. Government land worth millions was destroyed. If action is not taken, no one will implement assurances given to the court."
The chief justice recalled that a "similar" incident had taken place in the United States following presidential elections - a reference to the storming of the Capitol by supporters of former president Donald Trump.
"Common people were out yesterday and showed irresponsibility."
At one point, the attorney general informed the court that roads had been opened again and detained workers had been released.
Justice Bandial then asked whether the ground for the protest was still available to which the AGP responded, "The problem is [whether] the PTI will go to the ground."
The CJP said the court was dismissing the IHCBA petition because the roads had been opened again, adding that the matter would be taken up again if the court decided it was necessary.
"The political temperature is high. It would not be correct to intervene," Justice Bandial observed.
Azadi March 'not' a flop
Speaking to reporters outside the apex court, PTI's Babar Awan dispelled the government's assertions that the Azadi March was a flop, saying that yesterday the whole country was a jalsa gah.
He went on to say that Imran had issued strict instructions for yesterday's march to ensure discipline and rule of law. "We learnt that some people had decided to bring along the party's election symbol. They were told not to do so," he said. The PTI's election symbol is a bat.
Awan predicted that next time, double the amount of people would participate in the march. He also explained the "wisdom" behind Imran's six-day deadline to the government, saying that it was so that no one could claim the party intended to violate the Constitution at any point.
He asserted that it was their right to protest against the imported government, highlighting how political parties had staged similar rallies during the PTI's tenure.
The PTI leader also said that the party did not want to give "the final push" to the economy and wanted to prevent a Sri Lanka-type situation from happening.
Sana says PTI 'misled' court
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said Imran had "misled" the Supreme Court by taking permission for holding the rally at a specific place in the capital (sector H-9) but later announcing it would be held at D-Chowk.
"Imran kept defying the SC orders and committing contempt of court from his container all night," he added.
Sanaullah called on the apex court to give clear directions for establishing the writ of the state and the Constitution so the "chaotic group" could be expelled from Islamabad.
The SC's order on Wednesday came on Shaheen's petition which was heard by a three-judge bench consisting of Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi.
The authorities were also told to release the PTI workers and supporters arrested in the last 48 hours but not involved or accused in any heinous crime. The court also restrained the authorities from midnight raids at residences, offices and private properties for rounding up PTI workers till further orders.
Federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ayaz Sadiq, in a press conference held later on Wednesday, claimed that the PTI team did not negotiate with the government.
However, PTI leader Babar Awan on his part claimed he had reached the chief commissioner's office at exactly 10pm but found no one from the other side there. He said he had then left the venue, as he could not wait for the other team.
Sources in the capital administration told Dawn the PTI leadership was displeased over the arrests of its leaders, including two who were supposed to be part of the negotiating team.
The PTI negotiating committee consisted of Babar Awan, Aamir Kiani, Faisal Fareed Chaudhry and Ali Awan. Similarly, the government side was represented by former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani, Ayaz Sadiq, Faisal Sabzwari, Asad Mahmood, Azam Nazir Tarar, Agha Jan and Khalid Magsi.
DAWN
A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, heard the petition which was filed by Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf. The reasons for the decision will be given in a detailed judgement to be issued later.
The bench said that the apex court's orders from Wednesday would remain in place.
A day earlier, the Supreme Court ordered the federal government and the PTI to constitute respective negotiating committees and meet at 10pm on Wednesday to finalise modalities for a peaceful and safe conduct of the party's long march to the capital.
However, negotiations were not held as both sides claimed the other had not shown up.
The committees were to meet at the Islamabad chief commissioner's office. It also ordered the government to designate a spot in H-9 where the protesters could rally. However, protesters converged on D-Chowk instead.
The same bench also wrapped up hearing a petition filed by Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) president Muhammad Shoaib Shaheen that sought removal of blockades set up to stop the PTI's Azadi March.
At the start of the hearing, the chief justice said the bench had not been formed to accuse anyone but to protect constitutional rights.
He asked the attorney general whether he believed the court's directives had not been followed and some people had been injured after which law enforcement agencies took action.
He observed that Articles 16 (freedom of assembly) and 17 (freedom of association) of the Constitution ensured the right to protest but it was not unlimited.
The attorney general then requested the court's permission to play a video recording of Imran's address to his supporters which was granted.
AGP Ausaf argued that Imran told his supporters the SC had granted permission to protest at D-Chowk.
The chief justice questioned what happened after the PTI chairman's statement.
"Imran then asked his workers to reach D-Chowk," Ausaf replied.
"It is possible that the message was not delivered to Imran Khan properly," Chief Justice Bandial remarked. "The entire issue is [related to] a conflict. Judicial proceedings cannot be based on assumptions."
The attorney general argued that the PTI was granted permission to protest after assurances that the Azadi March would be peaceful.
The court had tried to establish trust between the parties involved through its orders a day earlier, the chief justice observed.
"The court made efforts for citizens' protection ahead of the protest yesterday. Court proceedings usually take place after the incident. The court took the responsibility of being a mediator."
Justice Bandial added that the PTI would also have "several" reservations with the government.
The attorney general argued that assurances given to the court were not followed, to which the CJP replied, "whatever happened yesterday has ended today."
He added that the court could not use the administration's authority, however, it was always available for the people's protection.
The court had stopped authorities from raiding people's homes for their protection and it would maintain its order, the chief justice said.
'Judgement to be example for future'
The chief justice directed the government to do its work in line with Wednesday's orders and said the SC would issue a judgement regarding the case which would be an "example for the future".
He observed that political workers did not have their own agenda and followed the party leadership.
"We are not conducting proceedings in order to accuse anyone," he iterated. "The court issued the order only against violation of constitutional rights."
Justice Bandial said it had come to the court's notice that shelling occurred yesterday.
The attorney general said the government had to call the Pakistan Army in the capital last night.
"The public's constitutional rights are not unlimited. The court order sought to strike a balance between the respondents," the chief justice remarked.
"The PTI has held 33 protests recently. All of them were peaceful. We expect the PTI to be aware of its responsibility."
AGP Ausaf informed the court that 31 policemen were injured in stone-pelting by the protesters yesterday while fire brigades and bulletproof vehicles were set on fire.
However, the chief justice replied that only the workers were clashing on the roads yesterday and not the leadership. "They set fire to protect themselves from tear gas. The leadership could have stopped the workers [but] it was not present."
The court did not have an agenda, he observed and advised the government and the PTI to build mutual trust if they wanted the court's "moral support".
'Common people showed irresponsibility'
"Political conflict always harms the country," Justice Bandial observed. "The court will intervene in any matter of a political nature only if there is a solid reason."
He further observed that "becoming a danger for the system after taking the law into [your] own hands could harm the country".
The chief justice told the attorney general that the government should continue its work in accordance with the law. "The government should not violate court orders," he directed.
AGP Ausaf informed the court that Imran had given a speech near D-Chowk today in which he gave the government a six-day deadline.
"He did not ask workers to go back. Government land worth millions was destroyed. If action is not taken, no one will implement assurances given to the court."
The chief justice recalled that a "similar" incident had taken place in the United States following presidential elections - a reference to the storming of the Capitol by supporters of former president Donald Trump.
"Common people were out yesterday and showed irresponsibility."
At one point, the attorney general informed the court that roads had been opened again and detained workers had been released.
Justice Bandial then asked whether the ground for the protest was still available to which the AGP responded, "The problem is [whether] the PTI will go to the ground."
The CJP said the court was dismissing the IHCBA petition because the roads had been opened again, adding that the matter would be taken up again if the court decided it was necessary.
"The political temperature is high. It would not be correct to intervene," Justice Bandial observed.
Azadi March 'not' a flop
Speaking to reporters outside the apex court, PTI's Babar Awan dispelled the government's assertions that the Azadi March was a flop, saying that yesterday the whole country was a jalsa gah.
He went on to say that Imran had issued strict instructions for yesterday's march to ensure discipline and rule of law. "We learnt that some people had decided to bring along the party's election symbol. They were told not to do so," he said. The PTI's election symbol is a bat.
Awan predicted that next time, double the amount of people would participate in the march. He also explained the "wisdom" behind Imran's six-day deadline to the government, saying that it was so that no one could claim the party intended to violate the Constitution at any point.
He asserted that it was their right to protest against the imported government, highlighting how political parties had staged similar rallies during the PTI's tenure.
The PTI leader also said that the party did not want to give "the final push" to the economy and wanted to prevent a Sri Lanka-type situation from happening.
Sana says PTI 'misled' court
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said Imran had "misled" the Supreme Court by taking permission for holding the rally at a specific place in the capital (sector H-9) but later announcing it would be held at D-Chowk.
"Imran kept defying the SC orders and committing contempt of court from his container all night," he added.
Sanaullah called on the apex court to give clear directions for establishing the writ of the state and the Constitution so the "chaotic group" could be expelled from Islamabad.
The SC's order on Wednesday came on Shaheen's petition which was heard by a three-judge bench consisting of Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi.
The authorities were also told to release the PTI workers and supporters arrested in the last 48 hours but not involved or accused in any heinous crime. The court also restrained the authorities from midnight raids at residences, offices and private properties for rounding up PTI workers till further orders.
Federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Ayaz Sadiq, in a press conference held later on Wednesday, claimed that the PTI team did not negotiate with the government.
However, PTI leader Babar Awan on his part claimed he had reached the chief commissioner's office at exactly 10pm but found no one from the other side there. He said he had then left the venue, as he could not wait for the other team.
Sources in the capital administration told Dawn the PTI leadership was displeased over the arrests of its leaders, including two who were supposed to be part of the negotiating team.
The PTI negotiating committee consisted of Babar Awan, Aamir Kiani, Faisal Fareed Chaudhry and Ali Awan. Similarly, the government side was represented by former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani, Ayaz Sadiq, Faisal Sabzwari, Asad Mahmood, Azam Nazir Tarar, Agha Jan and Khalid Magsi.
DAWN
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Government ministers and mouthpieces on Thursday claimed that former prime minister Imran Khan had "run away after spreading chaos" in the country as PTI protesters at Islamabad's D-Chowk began dispersing after he gave the government a six-day deadline to call elections, failing which he would "return" to the capital.
In a tweet today, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said "Imran Khan ran away after spreading chaos in the country."
He said that the government had fulfilled its responsibility to stop the unrest and was now looking upon the state's most important "pillar" for justice. He was referring to the government's petition in the Supreme Court seeking contempt proceedings against Imran Khan for "violating" court orders with regard to the Azadi March.
"The nation is watching [to see] how saboteurs and their masterminds who take undue advantage of court orders are treated. I have heard that justice is blind."
Protesters begin to disperse
After Imran's speech, Dawn.com spoke to police officials who said he departed after he gave the government a six-day deadline to call elections failing which he would return to the capital with the protesters. Dawn.com was also able to confirm that the protesters have started dispersing from D-Chowk.
Main roads in the capital such as the Srinagar Highway and Blue area have also been reopened as containers were removed.
A PTI supporter, who was present at the site, told Dawn.com that he was "caught by surprise" when Imran Khan "decided to conclude the march".
Another supporter who was at D-Chowk and declined to be named told Dawn.com that he was not disappointed and would return at a moment's notice if their leader called them back. He also said he had brought food supplies for 10 days in case the sit-in lasted that long.
Deadline
Imran and his caravan reached Islamabad late Wednesday night and broke through the barriers and braved police shelling to enter the Red Zone. They subsequently dispersed from the area after negotiations with the police.
A little before 8am, the PTI chief addressed his supporters and said that he had decided that he would sit at the D-Chowk until the government dissolved assemblies and announced elections.
"But of what I have seen in the past 24 hours, they (govt) are taking the nation towards anarchy," he stated, claiming that the government was trying to create a divide between the nation and police. Imran added that the government would be happy if he staged a sit-in in Islamabad as it would lead to clashes between the people and police and the army.
Imran 'defeated'
Following Imran's speech, Punjab government spokesperson Attaullah Tarar said that the "defeated Imran Khan's frustrated face and quivering voice had revealed everything".
He asserted that the date of elections would be decided by the government, along with its coalition partners and suggested to the former prime minister to exit politics. "Imran Khan has pushed the PTI to a dead end. He has fallen into the pit he dug for others.
"Imran's politics have faded into the past," Tarar added.
He also promised that the government would register cases against the vandals and arsonists at various places. "The arrests will happen. Cases will also be registered against people who attacked police officers in Gilgit-Baltistan."
PM Shehbaz thanks law enforcement
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stepped out to greet law enforcement personnel who were serving at Islamabad's D-Chowk, which was to be ground-zero for Imran's sit-in.
Sharif's focal person on digital media, Abubaker Umer, tweeted photographs of the premier shaking hands and thanking them for shedding their "blood and sweat for this country".
According to state-run APP PM Shehbaz said Pakistan's progress was linked with the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring the rule of law.
PM Shehbaz lauded the personnel of Rangers, Islamabad Police, and the capital’s Traffic Police for rendering their duties professionally and protecting the lives and property of the people. The prime minister appreciated the dedication of the law enforcement personnel in performing their duties "regardless of their political affiliation".
He praised Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for "dealing with the challenge effectively".
DAWN
In a tweet today, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said "Imran Khan ran away after spreading chaos in the country."
He said that the government had fulfilled its responsibility to stop the unrest and was now looking upon the state's most important "pillar" for justice. He was referring to the government's petition in the Supreme Court seeking contempt proceedings against Imran Khan for "violating" court orders with regard to the Azadi March.
"The nation is watching [to see] how saboteurs and their masterminds who take undue advantage of court orders are treated. I have heard that justice is blind."
Protesters begin to disperse
After Imran's speech, Dawn.com spoke to police officials who said he departed after he gave the government a six-day deadline to call elections failing which he would return to the capital with the protesters. Dawn.com was also able to confirm that the protesters have started dispersing from D-Chowk.
Main roads in the capital such as the Srinagar Highway and Blue area have also been reopened as containers were removed.
A PTI supporter, who was present at the site, told Dawn.com that he was "caught by surprise" when Imran Khan "decided to conclude the march".
Another supporter who was at D-Chowk and declined to be named told Dawn.com that he was not disappointed and would return at a moment's notice if their leader called them back. He also said he had brought food supplies for 10 days in case the sit-in lasted that long.
Deadline
Imran and his caravan reached Islamabad late Wednesday night and broke through the barriers and braved police shelling to enter the Red Zone. They subsequently dispersed from the area after negotiations with the police.
A little before 8am, the PTI chief addressed his supporters and said that he had decided that he would sit at the D-Chowk until the government dissolved assemblies and announced elections.
"But of what I have seen in the past 24 hours, they (govt) are taking the nation towards anarchy," he stated, claiming that the government was trying to create a divide between the nation and police. Imran added that the government would be happy if he staged a sit-in in Islamabad as it would lead to clashes between the people and police and the army.
Imran 'defeated'
Following Imran's speech, Punjab government spokesperson Attaullah Tarar said that the "defeated Imran Khan's frustrated face and quivering voice had revealed everything".
He asserted that the date of elections would be decided by the government, along with its coalition partners and suggested to the former prime minister to exit politics. "Imran Khan has pushed the PTI to a dead end. He has fallen into the pit he dug for others.
"Imran's politics have faded into the past," Tarar added.
He also promised that the government would register cases against the vandals and arsonists at various places. "The arrests will happen. Cases will also be registered against people who attacked police officers in Gilgit-Baltistan."
PM Shehbaz thanks law enforcement
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stepped out to greet law enforcement personnel who were serving at Islamabad's D-Chowk, which was to be ground-zero for Imran's sit-in.
Sharif's focal person on digital media, Abubaker Umer, tweeted photographs of the premier shaking hands and thanking them for shedding their "blood and sweat for this country".
According to state-run APP PM Shehbaz said Pakistan's progress was linked with the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring the rule of law.
PM Shehbaz lauded the personnel of Rangers, Islamabad Police, and the capital’s Traffic Police for rendering their duties professionally and protecting the lives and property of the people. The prime minister appreciated the dedication of the law enforcement personnel in performing their duties "regardless of their political affiliation".
He praised Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for "dealing with the challenge effectively".
DAWN
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Islamabad police on Thursday booked PTI Chairman Imran Khan and other leaders of his party in two separate cases over allegations of arson and vandalism in the capital the previous night.
A first information report (FIR) was registered at 1:50am at Kohsar police station over the complaint of Sub-Inspector (SI) Asif Raza under Sections 109 (abetment), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing public service), 188 (disobedience), 353 (assault on public servant), 427 (causing damage) and 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
SI Raza, in the FIR, said he was on duty, along with other police personnel, at Jinnah Avenue's China Chowk when at 11pm, 100-150 people with PTI flags suddenly moved towards Express Chowk. He said the police tried to stop the PTI supporters due to the imposition of Section 144 in Islamabad but they did not listen and instead pelted stones at the police officers and also setting fire to trees.
Raza said 36 individuals, who were acting at the "behest of Imran and other PTI leadership", were "brought under control".
Meanwhile, the second FIR was registered at 3:20am on the complaint of SI Ghulam Sarwar under the same sections as the prior FIR. Sarwar claimed that he and other police officers were on duty at Express Chowk when at 12:30am, 100-150 PTI protesters — equipped with rods and inflammatory materials — chanted slogans, incited people and set fire to the trees and Metro Bus station near Geo Chowk, along with smashing mirrors of Geo News' office.
SI Sarwar said as the police tried to disperse the crowd, the PTI workers resorted to pelting stones and also damaged a government bus. He added that 39 individuals were subsequently arrested.
The FIR filed on SI Sarwar's complaint named Imran as well as Asad Umar, Imran Ismail, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Ali Amin Gandapur, Ali Nawaz Awan among others.
Both FIRs revolve around the events that transpired on the streets of Islamabad during the PTI's Azadi March last night. PTI party workers and supporters were present at D-Chowk on Wednesday in the face of intense police shelling.
Television footage showed smoke rising from the ground and fires in the green belts adjacent to Islamabad's main roads. The government claimed that the PTI supporters had set the fires whereas the claim from the PTI camp was that the fires were a result of police shelling. Neither claim could be independently verified.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1691601/i...on-vandalism-by-supporters-during-azadi-march
A first information report (FIR) was registered at 1:50am at Kohsar police station over the complaint of Sub-Inspector (SI) Asif Raza under Sections 109 (abetment), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing public service), 188 (disobedience), 353 (assault on public servant), 427 (causing damage) and 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
SI Raza, in the FIR, said he was on duty, along with other police personnel, at Jinnah Avenue's China Chowk when at 11pm, 100-150 people with PTI flags suddenly moved towards Express Chowk. He said the police tried to stop the PTI supporters due to the imposition of Section 144 in Islamabad but they did not listen and instead pelted stones at the police officers and also setting fire to trees.
Raza said 36 individuals, who were acting at the "behest of Imran and other PTI leadership", were "brought under control".
Meanwhile, the second FIR was registered at 3:20am on the complaint of SI Ghulam Sarwar under the same sections as the prior FIR. Sarwar claimed that he and other police officers were on duty at Express Chowk when at 12:30am, 100-150 PTI protesters — equipped with rods and inflammatory materials — chanted slogans, incited people and set fire to the trees and Metro Bus station near Geo Chowk, along with smashing mirrors of Geo News' office.
SI Sarwar said as the police tried to disperse the crowd, the PTI workers resorted to pelting stones and also damaged a government bus. He added that 39 individuals were subsequently arrested.
The FIR filed on SI Sarwar's complaint named Imran as well as Asad Umar, Imran Ismail, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Ali Amin Gandapur, Ali Nawaz Awan among others.
Both FIRs revolve around the events that transpired on the streets of Islamabad during the PTI's Azadi March last night. PTI party workers and supporters were present at D-Chowk on Wednesday in the face of intense police shelling.
Television footage showed smoke rising from the ground and fires in the green belts adjacent to Islamabad's main roads. The government claimed that the PTI supporters had set the fires whereas the claim from the PTI camp was that the fires were a result of police shelling. Neither claim could be independently verified.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1691601/i...on-vandalism-by-supporters-during-azadi-march
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Geo boys doing their best
As PTI workers powered through police obstacles amid intense shelling on Wednesday night to reach D-Chowk in Islamabad at the call of their leader Imran Khan, social media was swamped with minute-by-minute updates of live action but also with some misinformation.
While television footage did show smoke rising from the ground and fires in the green belts adjacent to Islamabad's main roads, the reports of a metro bus station been torched were wide of the mark.
The report of the station's purported torching was floated on Twitter by senior journalists Talat Hussain, Amber Rahim Shamsi and Murtaza Ali Shah. The trio, in separate tweets, shared footage of a fire burning at a considerable distance and linked it to the alleged burning of the metro bus station near D-Chowk.
A first information report registered at the Kohsar police station on Thursday also mentioned that a metro bus station near Geo Chowk had been set on fire.
However, a fact check run by Dawn.com correspondent, which included in-person inspection of the bus station, has found the claim to be untrue.
Upon further investigation, it has been found that the object on fire in the video was not the metro station but a tree located in the greenbelt behind the Parade Ground.
The videos shared by the trio of journalists were re-tweeted by hundreds of users as they lapped up the information coming their way, assuming that its veracity was unquestionable.
In fact, the footage shared by Hussain garnered more than 3,500 retweets.
Dawn.com also acquired footage shot on the site today, which showed that the metro bus station not only stood in once piece but was completely undamaged, contrary to what was said in the captions of the videos shared on Twitter.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1691603/f...k-was-not-set-on-fire-during-ptis-azadi-march
As PTI workers powered through police obstacles amid intense shelling on Wednesday night to reach D-Chowk in Islamabad at the call of their leader Imran Khan, social media was swamped with minute-by-minute updates of live action but also with some misinformation.
While television footage did show smoke rising from the ground and fires in the green belts adjacent to Islamabad's main roads, the reports of a metro bus station been torched were wide of the mark.
The report of the station's purported torching was floated on Twitter by senior journalists Talat Hussain, Amber Rahim Shamsi and Murtaza Ali Shah. The trio, in separate tweets, shared footage of a fire burning at a considerable distance and linked it to the alleged burning of the metro bus station near D-Chowk.
A first information report registered at the Kohsar police station on Thursday also mentioned that a metro bus station near Geo Chowk had been set on fire.
However, a fact check run by Dawn.com correspondent, which included in-person inspection of the bus station, has found the claim to be untrue.
Upon further investigation, it has been found that the object on fire in the video was not the metro station but a tree located in the greenbelt behind the Parade Ground.
The videos shared by the trio of journalists were re-tweeted by hundreds of users as they lapped up the information coming their way, assuming that its veracity was unquestionable.
In fact, the footage shared by Hussain garnered more than 3,500 retweets.
Dawn.com also acquired footage shot on the site today, which showed that the metro bus station not only stood in once piece but was completely undamaged, contrary to what was said in the captions of the videos shared on Twitter.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1691603/f...k-was-not-set-on-fire-during-ptis-azadi-march
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)’s ‘Haqiqi Azadi March’ cost the government Rs149 million to maintain law and order in the capital.
This amount was released to police after officials sent a written request to the government asking for the amount, police officers on condition of anonymity told Dawn. Despite repeated attempts, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan could not be contacted for comments.
Police were not able to participants of the march from reaching Red Zone; the participants removed blockades, confronted the security personnel and even set some trees on fire.
The police officers said request for the supplementary grant was made to the chief commissioner’s office, it then reached the interior ministry and then it was forwarded to the finance ministry for release of funds.
In the written request, the police said they would maintain law and order, and security personnel were also requisitioned from outside Islamabad.
Besides this, other necessary items would be arranged, it stated, adding that a huge amount was already spent on the maintenance of law and order in the capital during the 48th session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in March 2022, vote of no-confidence against the ousted prime minster and the subsequent election of the incumbent prime minister.
For these events, Rs150 million were demanded, however, no funds had been been approved for the police so far. At present, no funds are available with the police to cater to requirements and besides this, vendors were reluctant to provide services due to their pending liabilities.
“In view of the above, additional funds are required on an urgent basis to ensure effective security measures during the law and order situation due to the PTI’s protest and sit-in,” the request said.
The amount of Rs149 million was demanded to bear expenses for five days, Rs47,500,000 was sought for hiring 380 containers (each costing Rs125,000 for five days use), Rs1,300,000 for four cranes (each costing Rs65,000 for five days) and Rs1,000,000 for four fork lifters (each for Rs50,000 for five days).
Likewise, Rs2,798,500 for 100 buses for transportation of the force from outside to the capital (each costing Rs27,985), Rs9794,750 for 350 buses for transportation of the force within capital (Rs27985 each), Rs2,798,500 for 100 buses for transportation of the force back to their respective districts (Rs27,985 each), Rs1,685,000 for 100 trucks for logistics teams, food, water (for five days and each costing Rs16,850), Rs260,000 for 10 water tankers for five days (each costing Rs26,000).
Moreover, an amount of Rs41,250,000 was also demanded for food charges for 15,000 officials of the capital and other district police for five days, the officers said, adding for the purchase of complete anti-riot kits another amount of Rs35,300,000 was demanded.
Similarly, Rs4,500,000 were sought for the purchase of miscellaneous items – water, coolers, torches, electricity, etc).
The officers further stated that during the current financial year, the capital police had been allocated very limited funds which have already been consumed. The police have already made re-appropriation within the allocated budget to meet the requirements and at present, funds are not available under any head of account which can further be re-appropriated to meet the requirements.
Sources in the chief commissioner office told Dawn that an amount of Rs70,001,000 had been allocated for vehicles and containers in the 2021-2022 budget and later the police got an amount of Rs67,815,000. So far, Rs157,816,000 have been spent under the head, they added.
Likewise, Rs38,500,000 were allocated for diet and food charges in the 2021-2022 budget and later the police got an additional amount of Rs34,500,000. So far, an Amount of Rs82,900,000 has been spent under the head.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while speaking in the National Assembly praised the capital police, Rangers, Frontier Constabulary and the traffic police along with the capital administration and other departments for their efforts to maintain law and order and protect the public and private property.
He also announced a package for a martyr and injured officials of the Punjab police.
Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2022
This amount was released to police after officials sent a written request to the government asking for the amount, police officers on condition of anonymity told Dawn. Despite repeated attempts, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan could not be contacted for comments.
Police were not able to participants of the march from reaching Red Zone; the participants removed blockades, confronted the security personnel and even set some trees on fire.
The police officers said request for the supplementary grant was made to the chief commissioner’s office, it then reached the interior ministry and then it was forwarded to the finance ministry for release of funds.
In the written request, the police said they would maintain law and order, and security personnel were also requisitioned from outside Islamabad.
Besides this, other necessary items would be arranged, it stated, adding that a huge amount was already spent on the maintenance of law and order in the capital during the 48th session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in March 2022, vote of no-confidence against the ousted prime minster and the subsequent election of the incumbent prime minister.
For these events, Rs150 million were demanded, however, no funds had been been approved for the police so far. At present, no funds are available with the police to cater to requirements and besides this, vendors were reluctant to provide services due to their pending liabilities.
“In view of the above, additional funds are required on an urgent basis to ensure effective security measures during the law and order situation due to the PTI’s protest and sit-in,” the request said.
The amount of Rs149 million was demanded to bear expenses for five days, Rs47,500,000 was sought for hiring 380 containers (each costing Rs125,000 for five days use), Rs1,300,000 for four cranes (each costing Rs65,000 for five days) and Rs1,000,000 for four fork lifters (each for Rs50,000 for five days).
Likewise, Rs2,798,500 for 100 buses for transportation of the force from outside to the capital (each costing Rs27,985), Rs9794,750 for 350 buses for transportation of the force within capital (Rs27985 each), Rs2,798,500 for 100 buses for transportation of the force back to their respective districts (Rs27,985 each), Rs1,685,000 for 100 trucks for logistics teams, food, water (for five days and each costing Rs16,850), Rs260,000 for 10 water tankers for five days (each costing Rs26,000).
Moreover, an amount of Rs41,250,000 was also demanded for food charges for 15,000 officials of the capital and other district police for five days, the officers said, adding for the purchase of complete anti-riot kits another amount of Rs35,300,000 was demanded.
Similarly, Rs4,500,000 were sought for the purchase of miscellaneous items – water, coolers, torches, electricity, etc).
The officers further stated that during the current financial year, the capital police had been allocated very limited funds which have already been consumed. The police have already made re-appropriation within the allocated budget to meet the requirements and at present, funds are not available under any head of account which can further be re-appropriated to meet the requirements.
Sources in the chief commissioner office told Dawn that an amount of Rs70,001,000 had been allocated for vehicles and containers in the 2021-2022 budget and later the police got an amount of Rs67,815,000. So far, Rs157,816,000 have been spent under the head, they added.
Likewise, Rs38,500,000 were allocated for diet and food charges in the 2021-2022 budget and later the police got an additional amount of Rs34,500,000. So far, an Amount of Rs82,900,000 has been spent under the head.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while speaking in the National Assembly praised the capital police, Rangers, Frontier Constabulary and the traffic police along with the capital administration and other departments for their efforts to maintain law and order and protect the public and private property.
He also announced a package for a martyr and injured officials of the Punjab police.
Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2022
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It's free money for Shahbaz and co.
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PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan on Friday dispelled reports that he had struck a deal in exchange for ending the party's Azadi March to Islamabad, saying that he did so in order to avoid bloodshed.
He expressed the views while addressing a press conference in Peshawar, adding that he would take to the streets again if early elections were not announced. He regretted how police officials attacked the participants of the march, blaming the government for hand-picking officers to target the PTI.
"Our workers asked why we did not stage a sit-in. I am the man who staged a sit-in for 126 days. It was not difficult for me, but by the time I reached I became aware of the extent of the situation [...] I knew that day that there would be bloodshed."
Imran said the people were "ready" after seeing the "terrorism" carried out through the police. "Everyone was ready to fight, some of our people were so angered by what they saw," he said, adding that officials were instructed to brutalise protesters.
"The anger at the time, if I had staged a sit-in that day I can guarantee that there would have been bloodshed," he said, adding that there was a prevailing sense of hatred against police officials.
"But the police is also ours, it is not their fault," the PTI chairman said, blaming the government for issuing the directives. If there was violence then it would only have caused chaos in the country, he said.
"Do not think it was our weakness and don't think that a deal was made. I am hearing strange things that a deal was made with the establishment. I did not make a deal with anyone," he said, adding that the only motive behind his actions was concern for the country.
He also made it clear that the PTI would not negotiate with or accept the "imported government".
"I think of this as a jihad. I will stand up against this as long as I am alive," he said, reiterating that he only cared about the future of the country.
Imran again stressed on his six-day ultimatum to the government for the announcement of early elections. "If they do not clearly announce a date for the elections or for the dissolution of the assemblies, I will take to the streets again. Let me make it clear, this time we will be prepared."
He said that protesters were not prepared for the way they were attacked by the police. After the Supreme Court issued the order, we thought all the blockades would be removed and there would be no issue with the police, he said.
Imran claimed that the government was "afraid", pointing out how they pressurised media channels and slowed down internet services. "No one knew what was going on. There was confusion."
He also termed his party workers as "heroes" for taking to the streets in national interest. "You came out for the country's haqeeqi azadi (true freedom)."
'Have written letter to CJP'
Lamenting how people were injured due to shelling at Islamabad's D Chowk, Imran said he had written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial asking whether or not the party had the right to stage a peaceful protest in a democracy.
"This is the fundamental right of a citizen [...] I ask our judiciary, do you think we will remain silent sheep and accept all of this? If you think this, it means that we are pushing the country towards treason. If you do not allow people to stage peaceful protests, what other options will they have left?"
He said that he had written a letter to the CJP to make his position "clear", reiterating that he would take to the streets again after six days. In six days we will find out whether or not the apex court protects our fundamental rights, he said.
The way lawyers and women were forced to disembark from a bus and were beaten, has anyone seem something like this before, he asked.
"Which justice system allows this. The entire nation should know who stands for [their] rights and who is carrying out oppression."
'Govt succumbed to IMF pressure'
Talking about the decision to hike the prices of all petroleum products by Rs30, Imran lambasted the government for succumbing to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) pressure, asking whether such a massive hike had been seen ever before.
"When we were raising petrol prices due to a global increase in prices [...] at one point we decided that we would not further burden the people [...] we decided petrol prices would not be increased till June."
The PTI chairman said that the government's decision would impact the prices of all commodities.
"They were not able to bear the IMF's pressure. I have concluded that external forces do not want Pakistan to stand on its own two feet."
DAWN
He expressed the views while addressing a press conference in Peshawar, adding that he would take to the streets again if early elections were not announced. He regretted how police officials attacked the participants of the march, blaming the government for hand-picking officers to target the PTI.
"Our workers asked why we did not stage a sit-in. I am the man who staged a sit-in for 126 days. It was not difficult for me, but by the time I reached I became aware of the extent of the situation [...] I knew that day that there would be bloodshed."
Imran said the people were "ready" after seeing the "terrorism" carried out through the police. "Everyone was ready to fight, some of our people were so angered by what they saw," he said, adding that officials were instructed to brutalise protesters.
"The anger at the time, if I had staged a sit-in that day I can guarantee that there would have been bloodshed," he said, adding that there was a prevailing sense of hatred against police officials.
"But the police is also ours, it is not their fault," the PTI chairman said, blaming the government for issuing the directives. If there was violence then it would only have caused chaos in the country, he said.
"Do not think it was our weakness and don't think that a deal was made. I am hearing strange things that a deal was made with the establishment. I did not make a deal with anyone," he said, adding that the only motive behind his actions was concern for the country.
He also made it clear that the PTI would not negotiate with or accept the "imported government".
"I think of this as a jihad. I will stand up against this as long as I am alive," he said, reiterating that he only cared about the future of the country.
Imran again stressed on his six-day ultimatum to the government for the announcement of early elections. "If they do not clearly announce a date for the elections or for the dissolution of the assemblies, I will take to the streets again. Let me make it clear, this time we will be prepared."
He said that protesters were not prepared for the way they were attacked by the police. After the Supreme Court issued the order, we thought all the blockades would be removed and there would be no issue with the police, he said.
Imran claimed that the government was "afraid", pointing out how they pressurised media channels and slowed down internet services. "No one knew what was going on. There was confusion."
He also termed his party workers as "heroes" for taking to the streets in national interest. "You came out for the country's haqeeqi azadi (true freedom)."
'Have written letter to CJP'
Lamenting how people were injured due to shelling at Islamabad's D Chowk, Imran said he had written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial asking whether or not the party had the right to stage a peaceful protest in a democracy.
"This is the fundamental right of a citizen [...] I ask our judiciary, do you think we will remain silent sheep and accept all of this? If you think this, it means that we are pushing the country towards treason. If you do not allow people to stage peaceful protests, what other options will they have left?"
He said that he had written a letter to the CJP to make his position "clear", reiterating that he would take to the streets again after six days. In six days we will find out whether or not the apex court protects our fundamental rights, he said.
The way lawyers and women were forced to disembark from a bus and were beaten, has anyone seem something like this before, he asked.
"Which justice system allows this. The entire nation should know who stands for [their] rights and who is carrying out oppression."
'Govt succumbed to IMF pressure'
Talking about the decision to hike the prices of all petroleum products by Rs30, Imran lambasted the government for succumbing to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) pressure, asking whether such a massive hike had been seen ever before.
"When we were raising petrol prices due to a global increase in prices [...] at one point we decided that we would not further burden the people [...] we decided petrol prices would not be increased till June."
The PTI chairman said that the government's decision would impact the prices of all commodities.
"They were not able to bear the IMF's pressure. I have concluded that external forces do not want Pakistan to stand on its own two feet."
DAWN
Great Captain. You turned out to be the hero. People are behind you.
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In the wake of the mayhem created during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s long march in Islamabad this week, the government changed the rules of protests on Friday, imposing a permanent ban on the entry of rallies and processions that could spread disorder or create chaos in the federal capital.
An important meeting, chaired by Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, and attended by top interior ministry and police officials, also decided that rallies in the capital would be allowed only after a written agreement between organisers and the Islamabad administration, Express News reported.
The participants of the meeting shared the details of the loss of life and property, attacks on police, Rangers and other law-enforcement personnel by miscreants and recoveries of weapons across the country during the PTI's long march on Wednesday.
The participants stressed the need for formulating a strategy to prevent violence in the guise of political protests, while the Islamabad administration was directed to take more effective measures to prevent any riots and disorder in the future
“Violence against police and law-enforcement personnel cannot be allowed,” Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said. “We cannot let miscreants hold the country hostage, therefore, in future, no riotous long march or procession will be allowed to enter Islamabad,” he added.
The meeting was attended by the interior secretary, the inspectors general of police of Punjab and Islamabad, besides the regional police officers of Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Sheikhupura districts.
Express Tribune
An important meeting, chaired by Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, and attended by top interior ministry and police officials, also decided that rallies in the capital would be allowed only after a written agreement between organisers and the Islamabad administration, Express News reported.
The participants of the meeting shared the details of the loss of life and property, attacks on police, Rangers and other law-enforcement personnel by miscreants and recoveries of weapons across the country during the PTI's long march on Wednesday.
The participants stressed the need for formulating a strategy to prevent violence in the guise of political protests, while the Islamabad administration was directed to take more effective measures to prevent any riots and disorder in the future
“Violence against police and law-enforcement personnel cannot be allowed,” Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said. “We cannot let miscreants hold the country hostage, therefore, in future, no riotous long march or procession will be allowed to enter Islamabad,” he added.
The meeting was attended by the interior secretary, the inspectors general of police of Punjab and Islamabad, besides the regional police officers of Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Sheikhupura districts.
Express Tribune
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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted protective bail to PTI leader and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry and his brother, Faraz Ahmed, in a case registered against them for allegedly provoking people against the government and rioting in the jurisdiction of Mangla police in district Jhelum during the PTI's Azadi March.
Bail was granted to the brothers against a surety of Rs5,000 each and the petition was disposed of thereafter.
The case against Chaudhry and Ahmed was registered at Mangla police station in Jhelum, and 150 to 200 others have also been booked in the case.
Chaudhry and Ahmed had filed a petition for their protective bail in the IHC, where Chief Justice Athar Minallah took up their plea today despite it being an off day.
The IHC CJ, in his order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, noted that Chaudhry and Ahmed had sought bail in a first information report dated May 25.
The FIR was registered under Sections 353 (assault or use criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty), 186 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions), 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of Rs50), 148 (rioting while armed with a deadly weapon) and 149 (every member of an unlawful assembly guilty of an offence committed in prosecution of a common object) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The order said the brothers' counsel had argued that they had been involved in the case "with mala fide intention and ulterior motives".
Allowing Chaudhry and Ahmed bail, the court said: "Without touching merits of the case and considering the intention to surrender before the court of competent jurisdiction, the petitioners are admitted to protective bail, subject to furnishing surety in the sum of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand Only) with one surety in the like amount (EACH), to the satisfaction of the Deputy Registrar (Judicial) of this Court."
"The petitioners will be at liberty to deposit cash surety in the light of the policy of this court," the court order read.
The court also directed the petitioners to approach the court of the competent jurisdiction on or before June 7, stating that "this order will lapse automatically on June 7, 2022".
The case
Chaudhry, Ahmed and 150 to 200 unidentified suspects were booked in the case on the complaint of SHO Mangla Cantt Sajid Mehmood.
Police claimed in the FIR that upon being told their rally was against the law, the PTI supporters became violent and started pelting policemen with stones.
“The rally participants were also equipped with weapons and gave life threats,” the FIR said.
Jhelum police spokesperson Ahsan Butt told Dawn on Thursday that no raids or arrests had been made in connection with the case by then.
DAWN
Bail was granted to the brothers against a surety of Rs5,000 each and the petition was disposed of thereafter.
The case against Chaudhry and Ahmed was registered at Mangla police station in Jhelum, and 150 to 200 others have also been booked in the case.
Chaudhry and Ahmed had filed a petition for their protective bail in the IHC, where Chief Justice Athar Minallah took up their plea today despite it being an off day.
The IHC CJ, in his order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, noted that Chaudhry and Ahmed had sought bail in a first information report dated May 25.
The FIR was registered under Sections 353 (assault or use criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty), 186 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions), 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of Rs50), 148 (rioting while armed with a deadly weapon) and 149 (every member of an unlawful assembly guilty of an offence committed in prosecution of a common object) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The order said the brothers' counsel had argued that they had been involved in the case "with mala fide intention and ulterior motives".
Allowing Chaudhry and Ahmed bail, the court said: "Without touching merits of the case and considering the intention to surrender before the court of competent jurisdiction, the petitioners are admitted to protective bail, subject to furnishing surety in the sum of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand Only) with one surety in the like amount (EACH), to the satisfaction of the Deputy Registrar (Judicial) of this Court."
"The petitioners will be at liberty to deposit cash surety in the light of the policy of this court," the court order read.
The court also directed the petitioners to approach the court of the competent jurisdiction on or before June 7, stating that "this order will lapse automatically on June 7, 2022".
The case
Chaudhry, Ahmed and 150 to 200 unidentified suspects were booked in the case on the complaint of SHO Mangla Cantt Sajid Mehmood.
Police claimed in the FIR that upon being told their rally was against the law, the PTI supporters became violent and started pelting policemen with stones.
“The rally participants were also equipped with weapons and gave life threats,” the FIR said.
Jhelum police spokesperson Ahsan Butt told Dawn on Thursday that no raids or arrests had been made in connection with the case by then.
DAWN
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Two more cases were registered on Saturday against former prime minister Imran Khan and a number of Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) parliamentarians in connection with the party’s May 25 ‘Haqiqi Azadi March’, police said.
One of the cases was registered at the Margalla police station under sections 186, 353, 148, 149, 506ii, 341, 188 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
According to the FIR, MNAs Khurram Nawaz, Ali Nawaz Awan, Union Council F-8 vice chairman Mian Amjad and Malik Rafiq Awan along with 400 unidentified people blocked Jinnah Avenue near Khayaban Bridge.
They were holding party flags and chanting anti-government slogans.
The participants got angry when they were informed about the imposition of Section 144 in the capital and pelted the police with stones and damaged government and private vehicles.
Number of cases registered against lawmakers, party workers reaches 16 in capital, say police
They moved ahead threatening the police with dire consequences and holding weapons, the FIR claimed. However, the police later succeeded in dispersing the protesters.
Another case was registered at the Sihala police station under sections 188, 353, 186, 147, 149 and 109 of the PPC.
According to the FIR, a rally of 200 people carrying PTI flags and holding batons appeared on Kak Bridge.
The rally, led by PTI leaders, was intercepted and informed about the imposition of Section 144. However, the party leaders at the behest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, MNAs Raja Khurram Nawaz and Ali Nawaz Awan provoked the participants. As a result, they put up resistance against the police and pelted them with stones, the FIR said, adding that they also attacked the police with batons. They put up resistance against the police and after removing barricades moved ahead.
The number of cases registered against the PTI leaders in Islamabad has reached 16.
According to the police, three cases were registered in Kohsar, two each in Bhara Kahu, Golra and Tarnol and one case each at Aabpara, Karachi Company, Koral, Loi Bher, Margalla, Secretariat and Sihala police stations.
Besides the PTI chief, former speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mehmood Khan, parliamentarians Asad Umer, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Zartaj Gul, Faisal Javaid, Saifullah Niazi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Ali Nawaz Awan, Shireen Mazari, Shafqat Mehmood, Amir Kiani, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Pervaiz Khattak, Imran Ismail, Ali Mohammad Khan, Murad Saeed, Shah Farman and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed along with 1,675 other people have been booked in these cases.
Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2022
One of the cases was registered at the Margalla police station under sections 186, 353, 148, 149, 506ii, 341, 188 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
According to the FIR, MNAs Khurram Nawaz, Ali Nawaz Awan, Union Council F-8 vice chairman Mian Amjad and Malik Rafiq Awan along with 400 unidentified people blocked Jinnah Avenue near Khayaban Bridge.
They were holding party flags and chanting anti-government slogans.
The participants got angry when they were informed about the imposition of Section 144 in the capital and pelted the police with stones and damaged government and private vehicles.
Number of cases registered against lawmakers, party workers reaches 16 in capital, say police
They moved ahead threatening the police with dire consequences and holding weapons, the FIR claimed. However, the police later succeeded in dispersing the protesters.
Another case was registered at the Sihala police station under sections 188, 353, 186, 147, 149 and 109 of the PPC.
According to the FIR, a rally of 200 people carrying PTI flags and holding batons appeared on Kak Bridge.
The rally, led by PTI leaders, was intercepted and informed about the imposition of Section 144. However, the party leaders at the behest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, MNAs Raja Khurram Nawaz and Ali Nawaz Awan provoked the participants. As a result, they put up resistance against the police and pelted them with stones, the FIR said, adding that they also attacked the police with batons. They put up resistance against the police and after removing barricades moved ahead.
The number of cases registered against the PTI leaders in Islamabad has reached 16.
According to the police, three cases were registered in Kohsar, two each in Bhara Kahu, Golra and Tarnol and one case each at Aabpara, Karachi Company, Koral, Loi Bher, Margalla, Secretariat and Sihala police stations.
Besides the PTI chief, former speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mehmood Khan, parliamentarians Asad Umer, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Zartaj Gul, Faisal Javaid, Saifullah Niazi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Ali Nawaz Awan, Shireen Mazari, Shafqat Mehmood, Amir Kiani, Raja Khurram Nawaz, Pervaiz Khattak, Imran Ismail, Ali Mohammad Khan, Murad Saeed, Shah Farman and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed along with 1,675 other people have been booked in these cases.
Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2022
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PTI approaches SC for holding 'peaceful protest' in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) approached the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday, seeking directions for the federal and Punjab governments to allow the party to hold a peaceful protest in the capital.
The petition seeks to bar the government from using any force, coercive measures and ‘intimidation tactics’ such as raiding homes of party workers, unlawful restrictions and blocking entry points.
The constitutional petition has been filed under Article 184 (3) through PTI's counsel, Ali Zafar. The petition contends that the recent arrests were a breach of the fundamental rights of free movement, peaceful protest, association, assembly and freedom of speech.
It also states that PTI supporters “have demonstrated (from their past conduct) that they will be peaceful in the exercise of their constitutional rights".
The government’s actions against PTI workers and supporters were also criticised, particularly the use of tear gas and arrests prior to the May 25 long march. It stated that the recent and ongoing actions of the government “are arbitrary, illegal, discriminatory, unlawful, and in violation of law as well as the letter and spirit of the Constitution”.
“The Petitioner has approached this honorable Court with bona fide intention, in the best interest of the people of Pakistan, and for the furtherance of rule of law. Furthermore, no other adequate and efficacious remedy is available to the Petitioner, except the invoking of the constitutional jurisdiction of this honorable Court,” the petition further read.
The petition comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to probe into the alleged claims made by PTI chief Imran Khan where he conceded that some participants of his “Haqeeqi Azadi March” were carrying weapons.
PM Shehbaz, while chairing a federal cabinet meeting on May 31, had assigned a newly formed committee the task of coming up with a plan to put a halt to PTI’s “anti-state” activities.
In a statement on May 27, Imran had reassured his supporters that he was the same leader who once conducted a sit-in for 126 days and that it would not have been difficult to do so again during the “Haqeeqi Azadi March” in the federal capital.
“However, as soon as I reached, I became aware of the extent of the situation,” Imran had said, adding that he knew there would be bloodshed and claimed that his supporters were "ready" even after seeing the "terrorism" carried out by the police.
“Our people reached the sit-in site after being beaten by the police. They were very angry. I can guarantee that there would have been bloodshed and clashes with the police that day.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359506/pti-approaches-sc-for-holding-peaceful-protest-in-islamabad
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) approached the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday, seeking directions for the federal and Punjab governments to allow the party to hold a peaceful protest in the capital.
The petition seeks to bar the government from using any force, coercive measures and ‘intimidation tactics’ such as raiding homes of party workers, unlawful restrictions and blocking entry points.
The constitutional petition has been filed under Article 184 (3) through PTI's counsel, Ali Zafar. The petition contends that the recent arrests were a breach of the fundamental rights of free movement, peaceful protest, association, assembly and freedom of speech.
It also states that PTI supporters “have demonstrated (from their past conduct) that they will be peaceful in the exercise of their constitutional rights".
The government’s actions against PTI workers and supporters were also criticised, particularly the use of tear gas and arrests prior to the May 25 long march. It stated that the recent and ongoing actions of the government “are arbitrary, illegal, discriminatory, unlawful, and in violation of law as well as the letter and spirit of the Constitution”.
“The Petitioner has approached this honorable Court with bona fide intention, in the best interest of the people of Pakistan, and for the furtherance of rule of law. Furthermore, no other adequate and efficacious remedy is available to the Petitioner, except the invoking of the constitutional jurisdiction of this honorable Court,” the petition further read.
The petition comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to probe into the alleged claims made by PTI chief Imran Khan where he conceded that some participants of his “Haqeeqi Azadi March” were carrying weapons.
PM Shehbaz, while chairing a federal cabinet meeting on May 31, had assigned a newly formed committee the task of coming up with a plan to put a halt to PTI’s “anti-state” activities.
In a statement on May 27, Imran had reassured his supporters that he was the same leader who once conducted a sit-in for 126 days and that it would not have been difficult to do so again during the “Haqeeqi Azadi March” in the federal capital.
“However, as soon as I reached, I became aware of the extent of the situation,” Imran had said, adding that he knew there would be bloodshed and claimed that his supporters were "ready" even after seeing the "terrorism" carried out by the police.
“Our people reached the sit-in site after being beaten by the police. They were very angry. I can guarantee that there would have been bloodshed and clashes with the police that day.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359506/pti-approaches-sc-for-holding-peaceful-protest-in-islamabad
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PTI seeks UN intervention over govt 'crackdown'
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sought on Wednesday the intervention of the United Nations against the alleged harassment by the federal government of the PTI workers and leadership and “politically motivated” cases against the former ruling party.
In a letter written to the High Commissioner for Human Rights by PTI leader and former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, the party led by Imran Khan demanded “independent and impartial investigations into these state excesses and human rights violations”.
By “state excesses”, the PTI meant the crackdown by the police ahead of the long march on May 25 and the use of tear gas and baton-charge by the police on the day of the march.
Mazari has also requested the UN official to “take urgent notice of the issues raised as they not only threatened democracy in Pakistan but also the lives of former PM Khan, his party leadership…and intervene on these with the government of Pakistan”.
The PTI also asked the UN to intervene to end “harassment of the PTI” members and save them from “political” cases against them. It also demanded that the government stop censorship of the media as this was a “violation of basic democratic norms and of the ICCPR to which Pakistan is a party”.
It urged the UN to stop the government of Pakistan from “denying the right to peaceful protest through repressive measures”.
The letter by Mazari came a day after PM Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to investigate the claims made by PTI leaders that they carried weapons during the long march on May 25.
A few days ago, the PTI chief had conceded that some participants of his “Haqeeqi Azadi March” were armed.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359519...govt-crackdown
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sought on Wednesday the intervention of the United Nations against the alleged harassment by the federal government of the PTI workers and leadership and “politically motivated” cases against the former ruling party.
In a letter written to the High Commissioner for Human Rights by PTI leader and former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, the party led by Imran Khan demanded “independent and impartial investigations into these state excesses and human rights violations”.
By “state excesses”, the PTI meant the crackdown by the police ahead of the long march on May 25 and the use of tear gas and baton-charge by the police on the day of the march.
Mazari has also requested the UN official to “take urgent notice of the issues raised as they not only threatened democracy in Pakistan but also the lives of former PM Khan, his party leadership…and intervene on these with the government of Pakistan”.
The PTI also asked the UN to intervene to end “harassment of the PTI” members and save them from “political” cases against them. It also demanded that the government stop censorship of the media as this was a “violation of basic democratic norms and of the ICCPR to which Pakistan is a party”.
It urged the UN to stop the government of Pakistan from “denying the right to peaceful protest through repressive measures”.
The letter by Mazari came a day after PM Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to investigate the claims made by PTI leaders that they carried weapons during the long march on May 25.
A few days ago, the PTI chief had conceded that some participants of his “Haqeeqi Azadi March” were armed.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359519...govt-crackdown
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A decision of the disgruntled PTI leader Hamid Khan to backpedal into the party’s fold may come as a shot in the arm of the former ruling party that is facing tougher times, particularly on legal fronts.
The possibility appeared on the horizon after the prominent lawyer held a meeting with Imran Khan two days ago after an incommunicado of years, a development the former confirmed to The Express Tribune.
The meeting was facilitated by party leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the desire of Imran Khan himself.
Hamid, who was one of the founding members of the PTI, had exited the party after developing differences with Imran over the filing of reference against Justice Isa. He had also opposed PTI’s move to discard no-confidence motion through NA speaker’s ruling.
On Monday, Hamid revealed that Imran Khan himself admitted that reference against Justice Isa was a 'mistake'. He however maintained that he had a scarce interest in getting any office or slot in the party’s hierarchy.
Senior lawyers believe that Hamid Khan's re-joining is significant as consultation with him would prevent Imran Khan from further embarrassments on legal fronts.
Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) Chairman Ali Zafar termed it “a great development” and said that although he is associated with Independent Lawyers Group – a rival section – “Hamid is a sane voice and will give advice in accordance with law and constitution”.
Read PTI leaders ‘found guilty’ of defying SC orders
On the other hand, some members of the legal fraternity believe that Hamid Khan should also end his differences with party leaders, especially Fawad Hussain.
During the PTI's government, Hamid Khan was also very critical of the undue influence of security establishment in the workings of the executive.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that PTI lawyer Chaudhry Faisal Hussain, who is Fawad's brother, has signed his vakalatnama (power of attorney) in nearly 80 cases related to the party.
It is pertinent to note that one section of PTI lawyers is of the view that party leadership should honour the services rendered by Faisal Chaudhry for the party.
Interestingly, the Independent Lawyers Group, (also known as Asma Jahangir Group), is closed to the coalition government led by the PML-N.
The same group, which is in majority in superior bars, has played a key role in making successful the no-confidence motion move against ex-PM Imran Khan.
Similarly, the senior member of the group Azam Nazeer Tarar was recently appointed as federal minister for law.
It is pertinent to mention here that Islamabad High Court Bar Association President Shoiab Shaheen, who belongs to Hamid Khan's group, has invited Imran Khan to address the capital lawyers in this week.
Observers believe that this is a sign of Imran Khan's rising popularity in the legal fraternity since his removal as PM.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2361489/hamid-khans-comeback-to-salvage-pti-on-legal-fronts
The possibility appeared on the horizon after the prominent lawyer held a meeting with Imran Khan two days ago after an incommunicado of years, a development the former confirmed to The Express Tribune.
The meeting was facilitated by party leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the desire of Imran Khan himself.
Hamid, who was one of the founding members of the PTI, had exited the party after developing differences with Imran over the filing of reference against Justice Isa. He had also opposed PTI’s move to discard no-confidence motion through NA speaker’s ruling.
On Monday, Hamid revealed that Imran Khan himself admitted that reference against Justice Isa was a 'mistake'. He however maintained that he had a scarce interest in getting any office or slot in the party’s hierarchy.
Senior lawyers believe that Hamid Khan's re-joining is significant as consultation with him would prevent Imran Khan from further embarrassments on legal fronts.
Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF) Chairman Ali Zafar termed it “a great development” and said that although he is associated with Independent Lawyers Group – a rival section – “Hamid is a sane voice and will give advice in accordance with law and constitution”.
Read PTI leaders ‘found guilty’ of defying SC orders
On the other hand, some members of the legal fraternity believe that Hamid Khan should also end his differences with party leaders, especially Fawad Hussain.
During the PTI's government, Hamid Khan was also very critical of the undue influence of security establishment in the workings of the executive.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that PTI lawyer Chaudhry Faisal Hussain, who is Fawad's brother, has signed his vakalatnama (power of attorney) in nearly 80 cases related to the party.
It is pertinent to note that one section of PTI lawyers is of the view that party leadership should honour the services rendered by Faisal Chaudhry for the party.
Interestingly, the Independent Lawyers Group, (also known as Asma Jahangir Group), is closed to the coalition government led by the PML-N.
The same group, which is in majority in superior bars, has played a key role in making successful the no-confidence motion move against ex-PM Imran Khan.
Similarly, the senior member of the group Azam Nazeer Tarar was recently appointed as federal minister for law.
It is pertinent to mention here that Islamabad High Court Bar Association President Shoiab Shaheen, who belongs to Hamid Khan's group, has invited Imran Khan to address the capital lawyers in this week.
Observers believe that this is a sign of Imran Khan's rising popularity in the legal fraternity since his removal as PM.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2361489/hamid-khans-comeback-to-salvage-pti-on-legal-fronts
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