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Third Round of Government-PTI Talks Set for January 16

January 14, 2025, 6:48 am

The Pakistani government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will meet on January 16 to ease political tensions. The National Assembly (NA) Secretariat confirmed the meeting, which NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq will lead at the Parliament House, according to Dawn.

Political Tensions After Imran Khan’s Arrest

Imran Khan’s arrest last year deepened the rift between PTI and the government. The arrest sparked violent protests and harsh state actions. In response, Khan created a five-member committee to engage in talks, signaling a shift in PTI’s approach. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a team from the ruling coalition to facilitate discussions.

Previous Meetings Made Little Progress

The first meeting occurred on December 23, 2024, followed by another on January 2. However, neither yielded significant progress. According to Dawn, PTI’s leadership requested more meetings with Imran Khan to finalize their demands.

PTI Reiterates Commitment to Negotiations

PTI leader Asad Qaiser stressed the party’s sincerity in seeking resolutions. After meeting with Imran Khan on Sunday, the PTI team planned to present their demands to Speaker Sadiq on Monday.

Access to Imran Khan Arranged

Speaker Sadiq arranged a prison meeting between PTI delegates and Imran Khan after PTI complained about restricted access. Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur held a private session with Imran before joining the delegation.

PTI’s Core Demands

PTI has put forward two key demands:

The immediate release of political prisoners.
The formation of a judicial commission to investigate the crackdowns on May 9 and November 26.

Both demands remain the focus as the government and PTI prepare for the next round of talks.

Imran Khan’s Supporters Stage Massive Protests in 60+ Cities Worldwide

November 25, 2024, 10:08 am

Supporters of Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), rallied worldwide, showing strong support for their leader. Protests erupted not only in Pakistan but also in various countries. In Mississauga, Canada, PTI supporters gathered to back Khan’s #FinalCall. This demonstration was part of a global movement, with over 60 locations joining protests against Pakistan’s “authoritarian regime.”

Protests Spread Across the Globe

PTI shared updates on social media, saying, “Diaspora in Mississauga, Canada also came out to show solidarity with Imran Khan’s #FinalCall! Over 60 locations around the globe witnessed simultaneous protests.” Another post highlighted protests in Canada’s four cities, demanding the immediate release of Khan and other political prisoners.

In Chicago, Pakistani students joined a protest and car rally, showing support for Khan. PTI emphasized that people from all generations, both in Pakistan and abroad, were united in their demand for his release.

Imran Khan Inspires Nationwide Mobilization

Despite being in prison, Imran Khan continues to inspire his supporters worldwide. PTI posted, “The captain, the leader, the philanthropist, the educationist, the mentor, the idol, and the legend… His name is Imran Khan Niazi and he has won.” The party praised his ability to unite people and challenge the regime, even while confined.

March Toward Islamabad Faces Resistance

In Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led a convoy toward Islamabad. PTI wrote, “As early as the morning, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur started advancing with the convoy, destination only Islamabad.” As the convoy made its way from Swabi to Islamabad, police fired tear gas near key checkpoints like Attock Bridge and Chach Interchange to block the protesters.

Despite the resistance, Gandapur remained determined. He said, “We must advance and not turn back until Imran Khan is released.” He urged supporters to prepare for more resistance as they continued their march.

Frustration Over Delays

The convoy faced delays, leading to frustration among PTI supporters. Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, urged them to move faster. She said, “Time is being wasted. Stay in your vehicles so we can reach there quickly. We are here to bring Khan back. Let’s move without delay.”

Government Prepares for the Protest

The Pakistani government took measures to prevent the PTI protest. The Interior Ministry warned that no protests would be allowed in Islamabad, threatening legal action against violators. Despite these threats, PTI leaders remained firm in their plans.

Several PTI leaders, including Aamir Dogar and Zain Qureshi, were arrested by Punjab Police. PTI vowed to continue their journey to Islamabad, with Gandapur declaring, “We will bring our private machinery to remove obstacles and reach Islamabad.”

Heavy Security in Islamabad

The government fortified Islamabad in anticipation of the protest. Roads were sealed, and barriers were placed around the city. Security forces, including Rangers and the Frontier Constabulary, were deployed to sensitive areas like the Red Zone. Critical locations, such as D-Chowk and Islamabad Airport, were shut down.

These measures disrupted daily life, with public transit halted and major roads blocked. Hospitals were put on high alert due to potential unrest, and pre-emptive arrests were made across Punjab. PTI leaders, including former MNA Nafisa Khattak, were detained.

Communication Restrictions Add to Public Frustration

The government also considered suspending internet and mobile services in high-risk areas. This measure aimed to prevent information from fueling unrest. It has caused frustration among the public as roadblocks and security measures severely impacted transportation.

As tensions rise, PTI continues to push for the release of Imran Khan, while the government strengthens its efforts to stop the protest.

Islamabad Court Bans Imran Khan PTI Rally Amid Belarus President Visit And Security

November 22, 2024, 1:46 pm

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday, November 21, issued an order preventing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party from holding a planned rally in Islamabad on Sunday. The court cited a new public order law and the upcoming official visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko as key reasons for its decision.

PTI supporters had organized the rally to demand the release of their jailed leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, it remains unclear whether the party will withdraw its protest plans in light of the court’s ruling.

The IHC’s decision came after a petition was filed by a group of traders, highlighting the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, which requires organizers to submit a written application for a rally at least seven days in advance. The court noted that no such application had been received for the PTI rally.

In its ruling, the court emphasized the importance of security for the Belarusian president, who is set to arrive in Islamabad on November 24 with a delegation of over 60 people. The court stated that ensuring the safety and freedom of movement of the foreign delegation was critical for maintaining international relations, thus justifying the ban on the rally.

The court also recommended that the government form a panel, potentially led by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to engage with PTI leaders and inform them about the heightened security concerns surrounding the visit.

Additionally, the Pakistani government has imposed a two-month ban on public rallies in the capital for security reasons, vowing to prevent anyone, including Khan’s supporters, from violating the restrictions.

Despite the court’s order, Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has urged PTI supporters to participate in a large protest scheduled for Monday.

Imran Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, has faced numerous legal challenges since his removal from office. He has been in prison for over a year following his first conviction in a corruption case. Khan is involved in more than 150 legal cases, with several convictions that were later overturned in appeals. He was recently granted bail in a case involving the illegal sale of state gifts, but remains incarcerated due to other ongoing cases.

Imran Khan Accused Of Plotting Chaos With Former ISI Chief Hameed To Sow Anarchy

August 18, 2024, 5:15 pm

Government Alleges Conspiracy

Pakistani government has accused former Prime Minister Imran Khan of orchestrating a political conspiracy to incite chaos and division in the country, involving a former ISI chief and other key figures. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, is behind efforts to destabilize the nation, with retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed as a co-conspirator. Hameed served as the director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during Khan’s tenure as prime minister from 2019 to 2021.

Arrests and Investigations

Hameed, who was recently arrested on charges related to the misuse of official authority, has been implicated in the conspiracy alongside three other retired military officers. The arrests were made following a complaint by a private property developer. Tarar suggested that the scope of the investigation into Hameed and his associates will expand in the coming days, highlighting the military’s internal accountability mechanisms. He emphasized that Khan maintained contact with these individuals even during his incarceration, continuing to conspire with what Tarar described as an “unholy political alliance.”

Khan’s Response and Historical Tensions

Despite his recent distancing from the former ISI chief, Imran Khan appeared to confirm his close relationship with Hameed, suggesting that the general’s transfer to the Peshawar Corps was part of a larger conspiracy against the PTI government. Khan also accused former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa of orchestrating the transfer at the behest of political rival Nawaz Sharif. This strained relationship between Khan and the military, particularly after Hameed’s removal from the ISI, marked the beginning of the deterioration of ties with the military establishment.

Lt. Gen. (retd.) Hameed, once considered a powerful figure within the military, took early retirement in November 2022, following the appointment of the current Army Chief. The position of ISI chief is one of the most influential roles within the Pakistan Army, an institution that has dominated the country’s politics and security for much of its history.

Pakistan Government Plans To Ban Imran Khan’s PTI Party

July 15, 2024, 4:10 pm

Pakistan government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has announced its intention to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. PTI was headed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, citing alleged anti-state activities. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the decision, stating, “The government has decided that the federal government will move a case to ban the PTI.”

Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and a former cricketer, has been in custody for nearly a year, facing multiple court cases that he claims are politically motivated to prevent his return to power. His recent arrest by Lahore Police is connected to charges stemming from riots in May last year, with the National Accountability Bureau securing an eight-day remand in the Toshakhana case.

The decision to seek PTI’s ban comes shortly after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that PTI is eligible for reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies, solidifying its position as the largest party in the National Assembly with 109 seats.

Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister was marked by contentious relations with the military leadership, leading to ongoing clashes and legal challenges against him. Recently, an Islamabad court acquitted Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a case related to an alleged un-Islamic nikah, overturning a previous sentence of imprisonment and fines.

The move to ban PTI is expected to escalate political tensions in Pakistan, where the party has been a significant force in recent elections and legislative processes.

Pakistan: Imran Khan Declines To Respond To FIA Queries Regarding ‘Controversial’ Social Media Posts

June 7, 2024, 4:23 am

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), declined to respond to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) inquiries regarding ‘controversial’ social media posts from his X account, as per ARY News.

The FIA team went to Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is currently detained, to question him about an alleged controversial post on his X account. However, Imran Khan declined to answer any questions from the FIA team without his legal team present.

The FIA requested Imran Khan’s refusal in writing before leaving the prison. Earlier, on May 31, Imran Khan also declined to respond to FIA queries.

The FIA Cybercrime Cell sent a letter seeking access to Imran Khan in jail to investigate a ‘controversial’ post from his social media X handle.

According to ARY News, the letter stated that anti-state propaganda was circulated through Imran Khan’s official social media account, targeting institutions, especially the Pakistan Army. The video posted on May 26 aimed to distort facts, incite rebellion among officers and soldiers, and create unrest within various state institutions.

The FIA notice had said that the post was “likely to cause fear or alarm in the public and may induce/provoke anyone to commit an offence against the state, state institution or public tranquillity,” Dawn reported.

The FIA Cybercrime Cell also highlighted that the video constitutes a direct infringement of the PICA Act 2016. They requested access to the PTI founder in prison for additional investigation.

On a previous Wednesday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf contested the notices sent by the Federal Investigation Agency regarding a contentious post on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s official account, as reported by Dawn News.

The notices, addressed to PTI leaders Barrister Gohar, Secretary General Omar Ayub, and spokesperson Raoof Hasan, mentioned an inquiry initiated concerning the “misuse” of Khan’s verified X account.

PTI To Engage In Dialogue With Decision-Makers, Says Former President Alvi

June 5, 2024, 9:32 am

Arif Alvi, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former president, emphasized the party’s stance on engaging in dialogue with those who hold genuine decision-making power. Alvi’s remarks came amidst calls from the incumbent government urging the PTI to initiate talks to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the country, as reported by Geo News.

Responding to perceptions that the incarcerated PTI founder was reluctant to engage in dialogue with political opponents, Alvi asserted that his party would engage with entities capable of making substantive decisions.

Alvi’s comments followed a press conference in Lahore, where he expressed disillusionment with the accountability process in Pakistan, stating, “I have lost all hope as accountability is impossible in our country.” He commended the Islamabad High Court’s verdict in the diplomatic cable case, labeling the prosecution as baseless.

Criticizing the elite class for resisting accountability and investigations into sensitive matters, Alvi underscored his skepticism about achieving justice in Pakistan, alleging that accountability has not been a priority since the era of former military ruler Ayub Khan.

Highlighting the adverse effects of political developments on Pakistan’s economy, Alvi lamented the uncertainty created by regime changes, which prompted local businesses to invest overseas.

Last week, PTI rejected reconciliation offers from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor, dismissing them as futile. PTI spokespersons rebuffed dialogue overtures from Minister for Petroleum Division Musadik Malik and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, labeling them as irrelevant mediators lacking authority and credibility, as reported by ARY News.

Pak: Punjab Parliament Passes ‘Defamation Bill 2024’ Amidst Opposition Protests

May 21, 2024, 2:01 pm

The Punjab Assembly has passed the Defamation Bill, 2024, rejecting all proposed amendments from the opposition, as reported by Dawn. This move incited protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Sunni Ittehad Council and journalists covering the parliamentary sessions.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman introduced the “Punjab Defamation Bill 2024” in the Assembly. Although the speaker permitted the opposition to present their amendments, the Treasury ultimately dismissed them, according to Dawn.

The opposition vehemently criticized the bill, tearing copies apart and labeling it a black law. Members of the Press Gallery Committee boycotted the Assembly proceedings and staged a protest demonstration outside the Assembly building.

Dawn reports that the new law proposes the establishment of a special tribunal to address cases involving the creation, publication, and broadcasting of “fake news.” The tribunal is mandated to resolve cases within six months and may impose fines up to 3 million Pakistani rupees (PKR). Allegations against individuals holding constitutional posts will be heard by the high court.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the government will provide legal assistance to women and transgender individuals in defamation cases through an official legal team.

Previously, the government refused to refer the draft bill to a committee comprising opposition members for broader consultation, asserting that it had already been thoroughly reviewed by a special committee.

Opposition leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachhar questioned the urgency of the Treasury in passing the bill before midnight. Lawmakers from the SIC protested by waving placards, chanting slogans, and submitting 10 amendments.

Opposition member Rana Shahbaz informed the chair that opposition members were not adequately represented in the committee responsible for the defamation bill. “One of our members was out of the country and another was busy with court proceedings. Hence, only one opposition member was present in the meeting regarding the defamation bill, and his input was not considered.”

Ahmad Rashid Bhatti argued that the defamation bill contravenes Article 8 of the Constitution, stating, “Clause 23 of this law also conflicts with the Defamation Law 2024.” He added that following the Fourth Amendment, the term ‘defamation’ was removed from the Constitution and is now being reintroduced into the law.

PTI-backed SIC legislator Junaid Afzal Sahi suggested the law was intended to target his party after the media had already been censored.

In an unusual move, Advocate-General Khalid Ishaq joined the house proceedings and addressed the opposition’s objections by reading out key points of the bill.

Journalists, after boycotting the house proceedings, gathered outside the assembly building to protest against the ‘black law.’ Lahore Press Club president Arshad Ansari informed the protesting journalists that the government had engaged them in talks for more than two hours. He noted that the government refused to delay the bill’s approval for one week to allow stakeholders to reach a consensus.

Why May 9 Became a ‘Black Day’ in Pakistan?

May 9, 2024, 5:54 pm

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has refused to issue an apology for his involvement in the May 9 riots as the one-year anniversary of the clashes neared. This decision came shortly after the military’s statement that dialogue with his party would not proceed unless a public apology for the violence was tendered. Imran Khan, speaking after court proceedings related to the Al Qadir corruption case, expressed readiness to face an inquiry into a 2014 sit-in staged by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party but maintained his stance on not apologizing for the riots. He cited his detention during the protests as a reason for being unaware of the events and mentioned having condemned the incidents in front of former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Imran stressed that his desire for dialogue with the military was for the betterment of Pakistan, not for personal gains. Both the coalition government and the military condemned the May 9 riots on its first anniversary, dedicating the day to martyrs.

What Happened On May 9?

On May 9, supporters of Imran Khan’s political party carried out acts of vandalism targeting more than 20 military and government facilities, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase, and the ISI building in Faisalabad. These violent demonstrations followed Imran Khan’s arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on corruption charges, although he was later released on bail. The ensuing unrest led to the arrest of over 10,000 PTI workers, with hundreds facing trial, including charges under the Official Secrets Act. Tragically, at least 10 individuals lost their lives during these events.

Imran Khan was implicated in multiple cases related to the violence on May 9, with accusations of incitement to violence and plotting criminal activities. The riots triggered a military-backed crackdown on PTI, resulting in the party being barred from participating directly in the subsequent general election. Recognizing the significance of the day, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government decided to commemorate May 9 in honor of the martyrs and their families, emphasizing the slogan “May 9, never again.”

In response to the government’s actions, civil and military leaders designated May 9 as a “black day” at the national level, symbolizing the gravity of the events and their impact on the nation. Meanwhile, PTI has planned nationwide gatherings to express solidarity with its detained leader, whose brief arrest sparked the violent protests. A PTI spokesperson highlighted the challenges faced by party supporters, with numerous arrests made across cities to prevent planned demonstrations.

Official’s Stance on May 9

PM Shehbaz emphasized that there can be no downplaying of the events of May 9 and stressed that those involved in orchestrating, supporting, or assisting in the violence must not be absolved of their actions. He underscored the significance of national symbols and institutions, condemning the assault on the sanctity of the country’s heritage and values.

President Asif Ali Zardari labeled May 9 as a dark day in Pakistan’s history, highlighting the politically motivated chaos that ensued, resulting in damage to public and military properties. He warned against the misuse of rights to incite violence, affirming a zero-tolerance stance towards such actions.

The Pakistan Army’s media wing echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable the true perpetrators of the May 9 riots to prevent future disrespect towards the nation’s heroes and symbols of unity. They stressed the necessity of justice to safeguard the integrity of the country’s heritage and values.

‘No evidence’ of Bushra Bibi being poisoned: medical report

April 5, 2024, 11:30 am

Amid allegations that Bushra Bibi, the wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, was poisoned at Bani Gala sub-jail, personal physician Asim Yousuf confirmed conducting a medical examination, as reported by Geo News.

Dr. Yousuf stated that no evidence of any poisonous substance being administered to the former first lady was found during the examination. “At this time, there is no evidence of Bushra Bibi being poisoned,” Dr. Yousuf said to Geo News, adding, “We are not conducting any medical tests to ascertain the administration of any poisonous substance to Bushra Bibi as no such symptoms are detected,” according to Geo News.

The physician mentioned that Bushra Bibi’s health declined after a meal two months ago. However, she began consuming less food due to health issues, he added. According to Geo News, Dr. Yousuf also mentioned that he was unaware of her actual health issues from two months ago.

Yousuf suggested that medical tests should be conducted considering her age and to examine for any health problems, including stomach-related issues. Additionally, he stated that he would meet the incarcerated PTI founder on Saturday. Regarding Khan’s health, Dr. Yousuf confirmed that the former premier’s condition had improved, noting that his appetite had not fully returned to normal following his recovery from a minor illness.

During a hearing of the USD 190 million settlement case in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, incarcerated former Prime Minister Khan informed the court that his wife was poisoned at the Bani Gala sub-jail. Khan claimed this, stating that the former first lady had marks on her skin and tongue after “being poisoned.” He requested the court to order an inquiry into the incident and a comprehensive medical examination of Bushra Bibi.

Before her court appearance, the former first lady also asserted during her interaction with journalists that “three drops of toilet cleaner” were mixed in her food on the eve of Shab-e-Meraj. She revealed that the food and water served by the jail authority tasted bitter. In response to a question, Bushra stated that “someone” had informed her in jail that toilet cleaner was mixed in her food but refused to disclose the name of the official. “My eyes swell up, I feel pain in my chest and stomach,” the former first lady added.

IHC Suspends Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s 14-Year Prison Sentence in Toshakhana Case

April 1, 2024, 4:50 pm

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday suspended the 14-year prison term of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case, as reported by The News International.

Justice Aamir Farooq of the IHC presided over the case and mentioned that the appeal challenging the sentence would be scheduled for a hearing after the Eid holidays.

In February, the IHC acknowledged the appeals filed by Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, challenging their convictions in the Toshakhana cases, as reported by Dawn.

An Accountability Court (AC) in Pakistan handed Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, a 14-year jail term in the Toshakhana case, just days before the general elections.

Additionally, the court disqualified Khan from holding any public office for the next 10 years. The couple was also fined PKR 1.573 billion as part of the verdict.

Bushra Bibi argued in her appeal that her conviction was influenced by the “power corridors” as reported by Dawn.

She additionally asserted that the conviction relied on the “false statement” of Syed Inamullah Shah, a former comptroller in the Prime Minister’s Office, as per Dawn.

Bibi mentioned that Imran Khan had directed his military secretary to deposit the alleged graft jewellery set in Toshakhana. However, the prosecution claimed that the set was not deposited. Bibi further urged the court to annul the conviction and suspend her sentence until a decision on her appeal is reached, according to Dawn.

Meanwhile, Khan, in his appeal, argued that the trial was conducted in violation of the fundamental right to a fair trial, despite the full cooperation extended by the convicts and their counsels to the court.

The Toshakhana case emerged as a significant issue in national politics following the Election Commission of Pakistan’s disqualification of the PTI chief last year for making “false statements and incorrect declarations”, according to ARY News.

PTI Plans Protests for Jailed Imran Khan Post-Eid: Reports

April 1, 2024, 11:40 am

Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced on Sunday its plans to rally for the release of its founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan, after the Eid holiday, as reported by Dunya News.

During a gathering in Peshawar, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan declared that the founder would be liberated from incarceration, asserting that all charges against him were politically motivated.

“PTI founder’s ideology will win,” Barrister Gohar said are quoted by Dunya News.

“The independence of the judiciary is necessary. There will be resistance on the streets after Eid,” Gohar added.

As per Dunya News, Barrister Gohar stated that the gang occupying the country had stripped the judiciary of its autonomy. He vowed to reclaim the mandate from these ‘thieves and dacoits’.

PTI organized a street demonstration on Sunday to express solidarity with judicial independence and advocate for the release of party founder Imran Khan, as per Geo News.

Earlier, six judges of the Islamabad High Court penned a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), urging it to convene a judicial conference regarding the allegations of interference by the country’s intelligence agencies in judicial affairs.

Gohar Ali Khan, after meeting with Imran Khan on March 29 in Adiala Jail, said, “The PTI is going to stage a rally for the freedom of the judiciary on the directives issued by the founder of the PTI.”

EVMs Would Have Resolved Election Rigging in an Hour, says Imran Khan

March 17, 2024, 11:14 am

According to Dawn, incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan remarked that if electronic voting machines (EVM) had been present it would have swiftly resolved all election rigging concerns within an hour.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf expressed these views during a discussion with journalists at Adiala jail following updates on the Al-Qadir Trust case, which implicates his wife, Bushra Bibi, and associates.

“If there were an electronic voting machine today, the issue of rigging would have been solved in an hour, according to Imran Khan’s conversation with journalists,” PTI posted on the social media platform.

Imran Khan alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan, along with certain political parties and the ‘establishment’ “sabotaged the plan to bring in electronic voting.”

Speaking to the reporters, Khan sought “high treason proceedings” against the officials who purportedly stole the people’s mandate in the general elections.

While he supported the demonstration outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) office in the US, he distanced himself from the ‘anti-army’ slogans raised by the protesters.

Imran Khan claimed that his party bagged over 30 million votes, whereas the rest of the 17 political parties jointly secured the same number of votes. He added that the PTI took up the irregularities in polls with the IMF and that non-governmental organizations also pointed out flaws in the electoral process.

First, the PTI was denied its electoral symbol of bat under a conspiracy, and then the former ruling party was deprived of its share of reserved seats, the ex-PM said, adding that the theft of the mandate was akin to treason, which attracted Article 6 of the Constitution, as reported by Dawn.

He said the Peshawar High Court’s order denying reserved seats to PTI would be challenged in the Supreme Court, adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan could not allocate PTI’s seats to other political parties.

The former PM also expressed apprehensions that he may be convicted in the Al-Qadir Trust case if the Islamabad High Court grants him bail in the cipher and Toshakhana cases.

Commenting on Pakistan’s economy, Imran Khan said that the incumbent government was not sustainable because of the ‘fragile economy’.

He also rejected the criticism that the PTI had left the country on the verge of default. According to Khan, the PML-N left a USD 20 billion deficit in 2018, and there was no other option available but to approach the IMF. Khan said the incumbent government had no mandate to carry out structural reforms. He advised the government to seek loans if it could repay the debt, Dawn reported.

Speaking about the meeting between his party’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PM Shehbaz Sharif, he said that Gandapur should not have had a photo session with the PM.

Pakistan: PTI Finalizes Senate Candidates for April 2 Elections

March 14, 2024, 10:49 am

According to ARY News, after an initial consultation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed the selection of two additional candidates to participate in the upcoming Senate elections scheduled for April 2.

Insiders within PTI informed ARY News that Zulfi Bukhari and Hamid Khan, a founding member of the party, are being considered as candidates from Islamabad for the upcoming Senate elections. Additionally, PTI has already granted a nomination to Ilyas Meharban from Islamabad for the Senate polls.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has revealed that on April 2, elections will take place for 48 Senate seats, marking the conclusion of the current Senators’ six-year term. Out of the 52 seats becoming vacant, elections will only cover 48 of them.

This decrease is due to the elimination of four reserved seats for the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) following the 25th constitutional amendment.

According to the electoral watchdog, the official schedule for the elections is slated to be issued on March 14. The polling will cover seven general seats, two for women, two for technocrats (including Ulema), and one for non-Muslims from Sindh and Punjab.

Additionally, representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan will participate in electing members for seven general seats, two women, and two technocrats (including Ulema). Members of the National Assembly will elect one general seat and one technocrat seat (including Ulema) from the federal capital.

In anticipation of the upcoming elections, the ECP has appointed returning officers (ROs) for Islamabad and the four provinces. Saeed Gul, the Director General Training of the ECP, has been appointed as the Returning Officer in the federal capital. Additionally, Aijaz Anwar Chohan, Sharifullah, Shamshad Khan, and Muhammad Farid Afridi have been named as returning officers in Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan, respectively.

Moreover, by-elections for six vacant Senate seats are scheduled for Thursday, March 14. The polling will occur at the upper house of parliament, as well as at the Sindh and Balochistan assemblies in Karachi and Quetta, as reported by ARY News.

Pakistan Senate Dysfunction Looms as Over Half Members Retire, Elections Set For April 2

March 12, 2024, 3:27 pm

The Pakistan Senate faced dysfunction as over half of its members retired on Monday night, leaving the upper house of parliament in a challenging position for the next three weeks according to Dawn. Usually, Senate members undergo turnover every three years as their six-year terms come to an end, followed by prompt elections to fill vacancies. However, an unprecedented delay in general elections has led to this unusual circumstance.

According to Dawn, the inability of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct prompt general elections has resulted in chaos within the Senate.

The ECP has declared that voting to occupy 48 vacant positions will occur on April 2, with the election timetable expected to be released soon. Importantly, four seats formerly allocated for the former tribal areas will be excluded from the elections, as they were eliminated following their integration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the 25th Amendment.

In the forthcoming elections, there will be competitions for seven general seats, two women’s seats, and two technocrat/ulema seats from each province, along with two seats designated for non-Muslims. Moreover, two senators will be chosen from the Islamabad Capital Territory, one in the general category and the other in the technocrat/ulema category.

Among those retiring are notable figures such as Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Senate Deputy Chairman Mirza Mohammad Afridi, Leader of the House Ishaq Dar, and Leader of the Opposition Shahzad Wasim. It’s noteworthy that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will only lose seven senators among those retiring, including opposition leader Azam Swati, Faisal Javed Khan, and Walid Iqbal.

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are poised for substantial transformations, with 12 out of 21 PPP senators and 11 of 16 PML-N lawmakers nearing the end of their tenures. Among the PML-N retirees are notable figures like Ishaq Dar, Hafiz Abdul Kareem, Asif Kirmani, Rana Mehmoodul Hasan, and several others.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Highlights Pakistan’s Economic Crunch

March 3, 2024, 4:28 pm

Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s newly elected prime minister, brought attention to the nation’s dire economic situation on Sunday, claiming that even the National Assembly’s expenses were being covered by borrowed funds, as Dawn reported.

Shehbaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), bemoaned the dire debt situation the nation is currently experiencing.

“But if we decide to do a deep surgery and bring changes in the system, basic reform…and I have no doubt that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, and others will agree that we can either get rid of a life of debt or we move forward with heads down in shame,” he said.

“No this will not happen, we will rise and we will make Pakistan self-sufficient,” he added.

In addressing the nation’s financial crisis, the PML-N leader pointed out that of the Rs 12,300 billion in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) that the nation generates, Rs 7,300 billion are awarded to the provinces under the National Finance Commission’s award, and the government is facing a staggering Rs 7000 billion deficit as a result of service charges that can total up to Rs 8,000 billion.

“Where will the money come for development, health, and education sectors? From where will the armed forces’ government employees’ salaries be paid?”

In response, he said that Pakistan’s largest problem is that all of its expenses are covered only by loans.

“All this is being afforded via loans throughout the years…This is the biggest challenge faced by the country today,” he said.

“All of our salaries are being paid via taxes. Does such a situation warrant such hooliganism?” he added.

He went on to declare that the May 9 rioters would not be pardoned and to take legal action against everyone connected to the bloodshed.

In an assembly that began with members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) raising shouts, the Pakistan National Assembly elected PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif as the nation’s 24th prime minister on Sunday.

Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Shehbaz Sharif had won 201 votes to become prime minister. Omar Ayub Khan, the leader of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), obtained 92 votes.
He announced protests by the SIC lawmakers, the report said.

Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif Elected as the PM For The 2nd Time

March 3, 2024, 3:24 pm

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Leader Shehbaz Sharif, was elected as the nation’s 24th prime minister by the Pakistan National Assembly on Sunday. The proceedings began with members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) raising a commotion by yelling slogans, according to Pakistan-based Geo News.

Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Shehbaz Sharif received 201 votes to become Pakistan’s PM. Omar Ayub Khan, the leader of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), obtained 92 votes. He made the announcement amid protests by the SIC lawmakers, the report said.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is presiding over the session. The PML-N leader Jam Kamal took an oath to begin the session. But the House quickly started echoing slogans and chants raised by SIC members in favour of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and the eight-party alliance backing Shehbaz Sharif.

Subsequently, Sadiq instructed the Assembly staff to ring the bell for five minutes, allowing any member who was not physically present in the house to join the floor for the PM’s election. Following the ringing of the bells, Sadiq issued an order to the National Assembly employees to shut the doors and declared the procedure for choosing the PM, as reported by Geo News.

The speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly then briefed the parliamentarians on the contenders running for prime minister. He said, “Valid nominated candidates are Shehbaz Sharif and Omar Ayub. Honourable members who wish to vote in favour of Shehbaz may proceed to the lobby on the right side designated as ‘Lobby A’.”

Ayaz Sadiq then instructed those who wished to cast votes for Omar Ayub Khan to do so by moving to the left and voting for “Lobby B” to have their votes counted. According to a report by Geo News, members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) declared a boycott of the polls as soon as the voting process began and left the building.

Sardar Akhtar Mengal of the Balochistan National Party did not cast his vote, yet he did not leave his Assembly seat. Following the polling process, the speaker received information on the voting procedure from the secretary of the Pakistan National Assembly. Following the counting process, Ayaz Sadiq gave the Pakistan National Assembly personnel the order to ring the bell and call the members back into the house so that the results could be announced.

Protesters Held For Going Against electoral malpractice, says PTI

March 2, 2024, 6:13 pm

Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced on Saturday that “peaceful protestors” were being detained for staging protests against suspected electoral malpractice on February 8th, Dawn reported.

PTI members who were led by former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, including those from its Insaf Lawyers Forum, assembled in front of the Lahore High Court and at the GPO Chowk, where they were joined by attorneys.

On the social media site X, the PTI posted a video that appeared to show a large police presence in the neighborhood. The police were seen ordering a man to exit his car and transporting him to a police van to detain him.

The PTI party said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was “scared of peaceful protests and that she has deployed a huge quantity of police officers to stop our protests.”

According to Dawn, the party also declared that they would stage demonstrations against alleged election manipulation in over thirty places on February 8.

The PTI stated in another tweet on X that candidates who are supported by the party would hold rallies in their local communities.

The PTI has scheduled “peaceful protests” at several sites, including the press clubs in Hyderabad and Karachi.

It had previously stated that other political parties would join them.

On February 8, Pakistan conducted its 12th national general election, which was met with accusations of tampering and the suspension of internet and mobile services. In the general elections held on February 8, the PTI emerged victorious, fielding the greatest number of candidates. But the party claims that the polls were rigged.

According to a Geo News report, the PTI has declared that the votes were “not free and fair” and that it intends to organize nonviolent protests across the nation in response to the alleged rigging.

In the meantime, Punjab, Balochistan, and the Central region will be governed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the second and third biggest parties in the elections.

Gohar Ali Khan re-elected as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman

March 1, 2024, 9:56 am

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan secured an uncontested election as the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday, as reported by Geo News. Remarkably, he achieved the unique distinction of being elected to the position twice within the PTI, as his rival panel withdrew from the race. In an official statement, the PTI declared, “At the conclusion of the withdrawal phase of candidates/panels, there is only one candidate/panel remaining.”

Omar Ayub Khan also emerged as the uncontested Central General Secretary for the PTI, as announced by the party on Thursday, according to Geo News. Additionally, Yasmin Rashid, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Haleem Adil Sheikh secured unopposed elections to the positions of the party’s presidents for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, respectively, as no contenders stepped forward against them.

While an intra-party election in Quetta for the Balochistan president’s position is scheduled, the final results will be declared by the Federal Election Commissioner on March 3, 2024, concluding the election process, as per the PTI statement.

The PTI undertook intra-party elections again after the Supreme Court, in February, upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision, leading to the loss of the party’s electoral ‘bat’ symbol, as reported by Geo News. Former PTI chief Imran Khan, facing various legal challenges, nominated Barrister Gohar Ali Khan for the position.

Following intra-party polls on December 2, the PTI faced controversy, resulting in the loss of its ‘bat’ symbol for the February 8 election, based on irregularities in their internal polls, according to the ECP. Despite winning the majority of seats, the PTI chose opposition benches, declining coalition alliances with rivals PML-N and PPP.

PTI-affiliated candidates aligned with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) in the lower house and provincial assemblies to retain reserved seats, reported Geo News. Founding member Akbar S Babar, who contested PTI’s internal polls in 2023, announced plans to challenge the latest intra-party elections on March 3, citing a lack of legal basis for the exercise.

Pakistan: Sunni Ittehad Council Avoid Punjab Assembly session

February 26, 2024, 2:13 pm

The Punjab Assembly session convened on Monday to elect the Chief Minister took an unexpected turn when members of the opposition Sunni Ittehad Council (comprising of PTI-backed independents) chose to boycott the proceedings, creating a chaotic environment, ARY News reported.

The session, presided over by newly-elected Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, began at 11:30 a.m. and was strictly focused on the chief ministerial elections, forbidding lawmakers from addressing the session.

Despite protests from members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), the Punjab Assembly’s Speaker has stated that Monday’s session will proceed.

In reaction to the SIC members’ walkout, Speaker Khan quickly organized a committee comprised of Khawaja Salman Rafique, Salman Nazeer, Samiullah, and Khalil Tahir Sindhu to persuade the legislators to return to the parliament, according to ARY News.

The Sunni Ittehad Council’s Rana Aftab Ahmed and PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif competed for the position of Chief Minister.

Notably, at the last minute, SIC nominated Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan as its candidate in response to the provincial police’s effort to arrest its previous nominee, Mian Aslam Iqbal.

Given its strong majority in the Punjab Assembly, the PML-N increased the intensity of the election by fielding a large number of candidates.

At Friday’s oath-taking ceremony, 321 of 371 members took their oath. The contested nature of the election was reflected in the PML-N’s victory in the Punjab Assembly speaker and deputy speaker elections a day earlier, which solidified the party’s dominance in the house.

Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan was elected PA Speaker with an overwhelming 224 votes out of a total of 327 cast, while Malik Zaheer Ahmed Channer, the PML-N candidate for deputy speaker, defeated Mohammad Moinuddin of the Sunni Ittehad Council with 220 votes, ARY News reported.

Arif Alvi Dissatisfied With Pakistan Election Process

February 11, 2024, 11:06 am

Pakistan President Arif Alvi expressed his dissatisfaction with the postponed election results on Saturday, claiming that if Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) had been used during the February 8 general elections, the country would not be in this current dilemma, according to Geo News.
Despite the commission’s lofty claims, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) new Election Management System (EMS) failed, he stated.

Notably, some 72 hours after the elections ended, the election authority has yet to announce preliminary results for each seat.

Arif Alvi took to social media platform X(formerly Twitter) and said: “Had EVMs been there today, my dear beloved Pakistan would have been spared this crisis.”

President Alvi recalled the previous PTI-led government’s campaign for EVMs, claiming that the entire effort, which included over 50 meetings at the presidency alone, was abandoned.

“Remember ‘our’ long struggle for EVMs. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) but it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed,” he said.

According to Geo News, if the machines had been used, the totals for each candidates would have been ready and printed within five minutes of the poll’s close.
On February 10, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) protested alleged vote manipulation and tampering in Sindh’s PS-22 constituency.

“Our [JUI-F’s] candidate was made to lose via [deliberate] change of results,” JUI-F leader Rashid Mehmood Soomro said.
“We have won by [margin of] 7,000 votes as per the Form 45s in our possession,” he said while calling for fresh elections in multiple constituencies, according to Geo News.

Amid the delay in the publishing of Pakistan’s election results, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for a statewide protest on Sunday to safeguard the sanctity of the vote, with independent candidates leading with 100 seats.
According to the article, the decision follows the party’s central committee meeting, at which it was announced that ‘peaceful protests’ will be organized around the country to safeguard the sanctity of the vote.

The meeting also discussed election results and next action.
The core committee also discussed connection with specific political parties.
Important decisions were taken during the conference, which the party stated would be executed following consultation with PTI founder Imran Khan.

Imran Khan Wins Over Young Pakistani Voters

February 10, 2024, 1:14 pm

On election night, Naila Khan Marwat rejoiced with scores of teenage volunteers beneath massive wall-mounted photographs of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan whenever TV polls indicated their candidate was in the lead.

Then she returned to her laptop to collect complaints from candidates about alleged electoral rules infractions, which she compiled with 50 other young women and gave to party attorneys who were beginning legal challenges.

Marwat, 26, worked until the early hours of Friday at the party headquarters in Pakistan’s capital, closely monitoring the results, a more perplexing task than usual since former cricket hero Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters were barred from running as PTI candidates and using the cricket bat party symbol. They had to run as independent candidates.

“We have memorised all of the symbols and all the names of our candidates,” said Marwat, a law student. “We know every candidate and every symbol.”

Pakistan held a vital general election on Thursday as it strives to recover from an economic crisis and combats violence in a profoundly split political environment.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif declared victory on Friday, claiming his party had emerged as the largest and that he would work with other organizations to build a coalition administration.

The final results were uncertain due to an unprecedented counting delay, but independents, mostly backed by the PTI, accounted for the largest group, with 92 of the 225 seats counted by 1600 GMT, outperforming expectations and surprising many.

Khan was removed from office in 2022, imprisoned in August, and banned from politics for corruption and criminal allegations.

Analysts believe the PTI’s strong performance reflects a possible protest element driving attendance as well as Khan’s ongoing popularity. They are concerned that if the independents are unable to form a government on their own, their high numbers will make Pakistan more unstable.

PTI supporters claimed the playing field was unequal, including a day-long suspension of cellphone services during polling due to security concerns following a string of militant assaults. The PTI relies significantly on its social media presence, which includes automated social media answers that assist individuals in finding polling booths and PTI-backed candidates.

Pakistan’s electoral commission has stated that it will investigate charges of violations.

“PTI is definitely here to stay. It may have been hollowed out and cut down to size, but … its support base remains large and loyal,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. “Khan remains a force to be reckoned with, even from his jail cell.”

That support base, which disagrees with strong army generals, has been dealing with a military-backed crackdown. The party claims the crackdown intensified ahead of Thursday’s vote as the military attempted to keep it out of the contest, something the army disputes.

Some analysts and voters believe Khan supporters were motivated to vote by the impression of military interference in politics, as well as irritation with months of rising prices and outrage over Khan’s three prison sentences.

“One of the reasons the military may be concerned is that there are signs of some genuine grassroots support,” said Maya Tudor, associate professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, adding the mobile services suspension on election day, after authorities had reassured people there would be no blanket communications failure, was a possible sign of worry.

Marwat, a law student, stated that she joined the PTI in 2016 and cast her first vote for it in 2018, enticed by its leader, whom she considered as “true” to Pakistan. Khan’s statements inspired her and many of her friends, she explained.

“Haven’t you seen the other great leaders? Like Nelson Mandela? …There are so many great leaders who have been in prison and they are suffering a lot,” she said. “But things change.”

Pakistan’s elections have long been plagued by allegations of cheating and the imprisonment of political leaders. While the turmoil is not new, analysts and supporters believe the PTI’s responsive campaign that crosses demographics is.

With its star sportsman figurehead and social media presence, the PTI is also popular among Pakistan’s large youth population, which grows with each election cycle. Pakistan has grown by an estimated 10 million people since the 2018 election, according to newspaper Dawn.

Nayaba Akhtar, a 21-year-old software engineering student, said she was encouraged to vote for a PTI-backed independent candidate.

“It feels great,” she said. “I’m sad Imran Khan isn’t here, but I’m happy my first vote is for Imran Khan.”

Candidates supported by Imran Khan’s party take lead as election commission announces results

February 9, 2024, 10:19 am

In Pakistan’s recent election, independent candidates associated with incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan surpassed expectations, as indicated by local TV reports. Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was unable to participate in the election as a unified bloc, but informal tallies from local TV channels suggested that independent candidates, many endorsed by PTI, were leading in most constituencies.

Over 13 hours after polling stations closed, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had announced only eight National Assembly results, with three seats going to PTI-affiliated candidates, citing “internet problems” as the cause of the delay. This prompted criticism from the public, with concerns raised about potential financial market fluctuations.

PTI Chief Organizer Omar Ayub Khan expressed confidence in the party’s performance, stating that PTI-backed independent candidates had the capability to form the next federal government with a two-thirds majority.

Contrary to expectations that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would secure the most seats, local TV channels reported a poor performance by the party. PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif trailed in one of the contested constituencies, while his brother Shehbaz, appointed prime minister after Khan’s ousting in April 2022, lagged behind in another.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) seemed to outperform predictions, with PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari describing early results as “very encouraging.”

The election was marred by allegations of rigging, and a shutdown of the country’s mobile phone network on voting day further intensified concerns. PTI’s Roof Hassan suggested potential tampering with results, while Michael Kugelman of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars implied that delays in result announcements aimed to facilitate interference in the electoral process.

Despite challenges, millions of Pakistanis voted, with concerns about the accuracy of vote counting. The deployment of over 650,000 security personnel aimed to ensure a secure voting environment, with fewer attacks reported compared to 2018.

The election echoed a previous poll’s dynamics, with Nawaz Sharif disqualified and Imran Khan supported by the military, illustrating the historically contested nature of Pakistan’s elections, characterized by accusations of rigging and military influence described by Gallup Pakistan’s Bilal Gilani as a “managed democracy.”

Pakistan Poll results delay set off speculation; Candidates backed by Tehreek-e-Insaf performed well

February 9, 2024, 9:44 am

As the vote tally progresses for the Pakistan general elections conducted on Thursday, initial trends suggest a commendable performance by candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as reported by Pakistan media. However, the prolonged delay in announcing election results has triggered speculations of potential rigging, as noted by The Express Tribune.

In Islamabad’s NA-47 constituency, PTI-backed candidate Shoaib Shaheen secured victory with 11,729 votes, surpassing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Fazl Chaudhry, who received 11,504 votes, according to unofficial results.

Similarly, in Lahore’s NA-121 constituency, PTI-supported Waseem Qadir emerged victorious with 78,703 votes, leading over PML-N leader Sheikh Rohail Asgher, who secured 70,597 votes.

Independent candidates supported by PTI, Muhammad Abdul Salam and Sultan Room, secured victories in PK-58 Mardan and PK-9 Swat, respectively, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

In Charsadda’s NA-25, PTI-backed candidate Fazal Muhammad Khan won with 100,713 votes, surpassing Awami National Party (ANP) leader Aimal Wali Khan, who received 67,876 votes.

Furthermore, PTI-backed independent candidate Ali Khan Jadoon secured victory in NA-17 Abbottabad-II with 97,177 votes, leading over Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Muhabbat Khan, who garnered 44,522 votes.

Amidst the ongoing electoral process, PTI raised concerns about the alleged theft of the people’s mandate, stating that despite pre-poll rigging and oppression, their party had a significant lead according to independent results. PTI claimed that the manipulation of results was occurring through the use of Form 47, while also alleging the abduction of polling agents and forced signing of fake Form 45s. Video evidence of rigging was asserted, and PTI emphasized its refusal to accept the results, foreseeing potential chaos and instability.

The election day witnessed allegations of rigging, cellular and internet service shutdowns, and reports of irregularities in the electoral process, as reported by Pakistan-based Dawn. Despite assurances from the caretaker government regarding network connectivity, mobile internet services were temporarily suspended just before the voting commenced.

Imran Khan questions transparency of polls, calls upcoming elections ‘mother of all selections’

January 23, 2024, 5:37 pm

According to Pakistan-based Dawn, former prime minister Imran Khan has questioned the elections’ transparency and added that the “preferential treatment” given to a single political party has made these polls the “mother of all selections.” The elections are scheduled for February 8. He urged members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to vigorously campaign for elections. During his usual press conference following the Adiala Jail hearing for the cypher case, Imran Khan said these things. But after Asad Warraich, the jail superintendent, asked Khan to refrain from speaking to media in the makeshift courtroom, their conversation came to an abrupt end.

In response, Khan said that it was his right to speak to reporters. However, Warraich reminded him that journalists were only allowed to cover the case proceedings, not highlight his political statements. At this, Imran Khan said he would only speak about his trial. The jail superintendent asked him to get permission from the judge if he wanted to speak to media persons.
Eventually, DIG Prisons Rana Rauf reached the courtroom and asked journalists to leave the premises as the proceedings had already been concluded. The prison staff escorted the media persons out of the court premises while Khan was protesting the ‘censorship,’ according to Dawn report.

PPP Leader Asif Zardari Accuses Imran Khan of Including Afghans in Voter Lists

December 12, 2023, 12:09 pm

Former President and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Asif Zardari made incendiary remarks against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, alleging that Khan supported Afghans by purportedly including them in the voter lists. Zardari, during an interview on Aaj TV, accused Khan of facilitating Afghans’ voter registration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through fake lists to benefit PTI.

“He [Imran Khan] supports Afghans because he had made fake lists [of voters] and they [Afghans] had been declared as Pakistani citizens,” Zardari alleged, insinuating Khan’s involvement in manipulating voter lists.

Furthermore, Zardari disclosed that the Election Commission was addressing this issue, directing his party to engage with the electoral watchdog on this matter. Criticizing Khan’s alleged support for banned organizations like the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Zardari accused Khan of doing so for political advantage.

Zardari also pointed fingers at a former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), attributing the initiative of launching a cricketer in politics to them. He contended that Khan had backing from foreign lobbies and insinuated that Khan’s ex-wife continued to support him, actively promoting the PTI founder as a popular leader through bloggers.

Describing Khan as “illiterate,” Zardari claimed that PTI had approached him with an offer to share half of the PTI government’s remaining tenure after the submission of a no-confidence resolution in 2022, which he rejected as too late.

On the subject of the upcoming elections, Zardari hinted at a possible slight delay but asserted that the elections would undoubtedly take place. He emphasized that the Election Commission possessed the sole constitutional authority to determine the election date.

Regarding candidacy for the prime minister’s office, Zardari mentioned that both he and his son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, could be candidates. He also included Khurshid Shah as a potential contender, affirming that the PPP aimed to secure a substantial number of seats in the National Assembly, intending to play a pivotal role in electing the prime minister.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Leaders Get Bail Extension in May 9 Riots Case

December 9, 2023, 2:26 pm

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore recently extended the bail of Zain Hussain Qureshi, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and two sisters of Imran Khan, the former PTI chief. According to ARY News, the bail extension is related to their involvement in the May 9 riots case.

In connection with the case, ATC Judge Arshad Javed extended the bail of Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, as well as PTI leader Zain Qureshi, until January 9. The court proceedings presided over by ATC administrative judge Abhar Gul Khan, saw all three accused enter not-guilty pleas and choose to fight the charges. The next hearing has been set for December 16th.

Earlier on November 22, the ATC extended the interim bails of Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan until December 9. The case, stemming from the May 9 riots, involves charges related to arson and violence.

Notably, an anti-terrorism court had previously initiated proceedings to declare 21 PTI leaders, including Aleema and Uzma, as absconders for their alleged non-cooperation with the investigation in the May 9 cases. The police informed the court that these leaders, despite being aware of their involvement in the cases, did not comply with the investigation and are currently in hiding.

Zain Qureshi, another accused in the case, was also wanted by the police in connection with the May 9 riots that followed the arrest of Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case at the Islamabad High Court. The protests had escalated into widespread unrest across Pakistan, prompting the authorities to call in the armed forces to maintain law and order.

The next court hearing on December 16 will likely shed more light on the case as the accused challenge the charges and witnesses are summoned to provide their statements. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.

Court rules Imran Khan’s trial in cypher case to be conducted in Adiala jail

November 28, 2023, 5:37 pm

According to Pakistan-based Dawn, a special court decided on Tuesday that the hearing in the cypher case against former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will take place in open court at the Adiala jail. The ruling was made public by Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, who is presiding over the cypher case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan. Zulqarnain’s ruling coincides with the fact that, according to a Dawn report, Adiala jail officials did not bring Imran Khan before the special court at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) in Islamabad on Tuesday, citing “security risks.”

Last week, Judge Zulqarnain issued orders to present Imran Khan and Pakistan’s former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, at the FJC. Judge Zulqarnain presided over the hearing at the FJC today. During the hearing, Barrister Salman Safdar appeared as Imran Khan’s lawyer, while Advocate Ali Bukhari was present as Qureshi’s counsel.
The FIA’s prosecutors, Shah Khawar and Zulfikar Abbas Naqvi, were also present during the hearing. During the hearing, the jail authorities presented a report to the court, which was reviewed by Judge Zulqarnain.

Over 90 Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf activists were arrested in protest of Imran Khan’s detention.

August 8, 2023, 12:57 pm

Over 90 Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters were arrested for protesting the imprisonment of their party’s leader, Imran Khan, in multiple areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Dawn.

Protests erupted when former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was detained on August 5 after a district and sessions court in the federal capital found him guilty of corruption in the Toshakhana case.
Police arrested over 70 PTI workers and local leaders in Swabi after charging them with batons during a protest gathering at Karnal Sher Khan Chowk.

Former MPs Rangaiz Khan and Aqibullah Khan, the brother of former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, spearheaded the protest. . However, when cops used force, both of them escaped.

Mohammad Sohail Yousafzai, district president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and eight other prominent leaders were detained earlier on Monday while attempting to plan a rally against Imran Khan’s detention.

Section 144 was implemented for a period of three months in the district, and offenders will be detained, according to officials.
Protests erupted when former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was detained on August 5 after a district and sessions court in the federal capital found him guilty of corruption in the Toshakhana case.