Pakistan News Today

Category: Politics

  • All you need to know about corruption case against Imran Khan

    All you need to know about corruption case against Imran Khan

    All you need to know about corruption case against Imran Khan

    2023-05-09 19:19:00

    Former PM Imran Khan, ex-Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar, and other PTI leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony of Al-Qadir University in Sohawa. — Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was arrested by Rangers personnel on Tuesday in Al-Qadir Trust corruption case dating back to 2019 wherein he is accused of using his powers as prime minister in 2019 to give legal cover to ill-gotten money of a property tycoon.

    The ousted premier was taken into custody from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC), where he had gone to seek bail in multiple cases registered against him ranging from terrorism to money laundering.

    Addressing a press conference following Khan’s arrest, Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah claimed that the PTI chief was arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case for embezzling Rs60 billion.

    So, what is the Al-Qadir Trust case?

    The former prime minister — along with his wife Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders — is facing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) inquiry related to a settlement between the PTI government and a property tycoon, which reportedly caused a loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer.

    As per the charges, Khan and other accused allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — 190 million pounds at the time — sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government as part of the agreement with the property tycoon.

    They are also accused of getting undue benefit in the form of over 458 kanals of land at Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, to establish Al Qadir University.

    During the PTI government, United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) seized assets worth 190 million pounds from a property tycoon in Britain.

    The agency said the assets would be passed to the government of Pakistan and the settlement with the Pakistani property tycoon was “a civil matter, and does not represent a finding of guilt”.

    Subsequently, then prime minister Khan get approval of the settlement with the UK crime agency from his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the details of the confidential agreement.

    It was decided that the money would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.

    Subsequently, Al-Qadir Trust was established in Islamabad a few weeks after the Imran-led government approved the agreement with the property tycoon.

    PTI leaders Zulfi Bukhari, Babar Awan, Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, and her close friend Farah Khan were appointed as members of the trust.

    Two to three months after the cabinet’s approval, the property tycoon transferred 458 canals of land to Bukhari, a close aide of the PTI chief, which he later transferred to the trust.

    Later, Bukhari and Awan opted out as the trustees. That trust is now registered in the name of Khan, Bushra Bibi and Farah.

    NAB officials were earlier probing the alleged misuse of powers in the process of recovery of “dirty money” received from the UK crime agency.

    Following the emergence of irrefutable evidence in the case, the inquiry against Imran, Bushra Bibi, Barrister Shahzad Akbar, and a real estate tycoon was converted into the investigation.

    According to the NAB officials, Khan and his wife obtained land worth billions of rupees from the property tycoon, to build an educational institute, in return for striking a deal to give legal cover to the property tycoon’s black money received from the UK crime agency.


    https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1068709-al-qadir-trust-all-you-need-to-know-about-corruption-case-against-imran-khan
    www.thenews.com.pk
    #corruption #case #Imran #Khan

  • Imran Khan urges the masses to proactively participate in Karachi, Hyderabad LG polls

    Imran Khan urges the masses to proactively participate in Karachi, Hyderabad LG polls

    Imran Khan urges the masses to proactively participate in Karachi, Hyderabad LG polls
    Web Desk
    2023-01-14 08:44:37

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has urged the masses to proactively participate in the local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad. 

    The PTI chief, in a statement, said his party was fighting against the political parties that were weakening Pakistan from inside for the last 30 years. People through their votes would prove that this was a new Pakistan, he added. 

    However, the Sindh government on Saturday once again asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to postpone the local body elections in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions, citing delimitation issue and unavailability of army troops for deployment at the polling stations. The Muttahidah Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), a key coalition partner of PDM and PPP in the Centre, is mulling the possibility of pulling out of the alliance if its demands regarding delimitation are not met. 

    A day earlier, the top electoral body had rejected the provincial government’s identical plea to delay the elections, pledging that the LG polls would be held as planned on Jan 15. In the fresh letter to the provincial election commissioner, the Sindh government stated the ECP, through a Jan 13 order, rejected withdrawal of notification regarding the number of union committees in the Karachi division and Hyderabad district. 

    “Furthermore, in the said order no response has been made to the concerns of the provincial govt regarding the unavailability of Pakistan Army & Civil Armed Forces,” the letter reads.



    https://www.nation.com.pk/14-Jan-2023/imran-khan-urges-the-masses-to-proactively-participate-in-karachi-hyderabad-lg-polls
    www.nation.com.pk
    #Imran #Khan #urges #masses #proactively #participate #Karachi #Hyderabad #polls

  • Royce white enters political arena, challenging Klobuchar for senate

    Royce white enters political arena, challenging Klobuchar for senate

    Royce white enters political arena, challenging Klobuchar for senate
    Web Desk
    2024-08-18 20:56:48

    Royce White, a former NBA player known for his outspoken and controversial views, is now running as a Republican candidate for the US Senate in Minnesota.

    Despite a promising start in basketball, where he averaged 13.4 points and 9.3 rebounds during his season at Iowa State University, White’s professional career was derailed by mental health issues. Selected 16th overall in the 2012 NBA draft, White played only three games with the Sacramento Kings, totaling nine minutes on the court without scoring a single point. His struggles with anxiety, particularly a phobia of flying, kept him away from the league, and he eventually faded from professional basketball.

    Now 33, White has shifted his focus to politics, securing a victory in the Minnesota Republican primary against Navy veteran Joe Fraser. He will face incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat who has held the seat since 2007 and is considered a strong contender.

    White’s campaign is built on populist rhetoric, as evidenced by the aggressive language on his candidacy website, where he accuses the government of corruption, distorting reality, and creating chaos to divide the American people. He specifically targets Klobuchar, claiming she is complicit in this corruption and must be replaced.

    White’s campaign has not been without controversy. He has been accused of anti-Semitism by the Republican Jewish Coalition, made disparaging remarks about women, supported conspiracy theories, and faced criticism for spending campaign funds at a strip club during a failed congressional run in 2022. Additionally, White, a father of four, has been involved in legal disputes over unpaid child support.

    Despite these issues, White has received backing from the Minnesota Republican Party and support from far-right groups, including some led by former Trump associates. He believes he can broaden the Republican base in Minnesota by attracting African-American voters. However, his chances of unseating Klobuchar remain slim, given the stronghold she has on the seat.

    White’s journey from the NBA to politics is marked by his activism, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in Minnesota, which fuelled the Black Lives Matter movement. He also participated in the Big3 basketball league, using his platform to promote political messages. Now, as the first Senate candidate born in the 1990s, White faces a challenging campaign in his bid for political office.


    https://tribune.com.pk/story/2489183/royce-white-enters-political-arena-challenging-klobuchar-for-senate
    tribune.com.pk
    #Royce #white #enters #political #arena #challenging #Klobuchar #senate

  • Imran Khan to Meet PTI Leaders in Adiala Jail Amid Concerns

    Imran Khan to Meet PTI Leaders in Adiala Jail Amid Concerns

    Summary:

    • Imran Khan has instructed PTI members Atif Khan and Junaid Akbar to visit him in Adiala jail as internal disputes and corruption allegations affect the party.
    • The directive comes amid turmoil following Shakeel Ahmad Khan’s resignation and accusations of corruption within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
    • Khan aims to address these issues and unify the party, with a new committee formed to tackle corruption in the province.

    Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has called for a meeting with key party members Atif Khan and Junaid Akbar at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. This move comes in response to growing concerns about internal conflicts and allegations of corruption within the party. Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, confirmed the development, noting Khan’s desire to address the “impression” of factionalism within PTI.

    The party has been in disarray following the resignation of Shakeel Ahmad Khan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Communication and Works. Khan resigned after accusing the provincial government, led by CM Ali Amin Gandapur, of corruption and mismanagement. His resignation followed complaints he made directly to Khan in jail, leading the former Prime Minister to warn party members about accountability for corruption.

    In response to the turmoil, PTI has formed a three-member committee to oversee corruption and governance issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tensions escalated as Atif Khan and Junaid Akbar supported Shakeel Ahmad Khan, which reportedly displeased the KP government. The situation has led to Akbar’s removal from the accountability committee, which was initially formed to address these concerns.

    The KP Chief Minister’s adviser, Barrister Saif, noted that Khan had previously warned of no tolerance for corruption and had promised to form a committee to investigate the allegations. Despite Ahmad’s resignation, which was expected to resolve the matter, the impression of party discord has persisted.

    Khan’s recent directive aims to stabilize the party and address the internal strife, signaling his ongoing involvement in PTI’s affairs despite his incarceration.

  • CM Gandapur Supports Trial of Former ISI Chief for Any Wrongdoing

    CM Gandapur Supports Trial of Former ISI Chief for Any Wrongdoing

    Summary:

    • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur calls the arrest of former ISI chief Faiz Hamid an “internal affair” of the military, urging transparency in the trial.
    • Faiz Hamid was detained over allegations of land grabbing and theft based on Supreme Court orders, with connections to the May 9 violent protests.
    • PTI’s involvement in the May 9 incidents is under scrutiny, and Gandapur claims the violence was pre-planned.

    In the wake of the recent arrest of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has described the development as an “internal affair” of the Pakistan Army.

    Speaking to Geo News, Gandapur emphasized that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party refrains from commenting on such military matters and stressed the importance of transparency in any trial that may follow.

    The arrest of Faiz Hamid was announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday. According to ISPR, Hamid was taken into custody over serious allegations, including land grabbing and stealing valuables from a private housing society owner, following Supreme Court directives.

    The army conducted a detailed inquiry into the allegations as part of the investigation.

    Gandapur suggested that if Hamid is found guilty of any wrongdoing, he should be tried accordingly. However, he highlighted the need for a transparent judicial process to ensure fairness. He also hinted that Hamid might have been involved in dubious activities while still in service.

    The arrest of Hamid has also sparked political reactions. Independent Senator Faisal Vawada and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah have connected Hamid’s arrest with the PTI and the violent protests of May 9.

    Vawada indicated that the arrest could have further implications for PTI leaders in the near future, and the May 9 events, marked by violent protests following Imran Khan’s arrest, might see further legal and political fallout.

    Gandapur, reflecting on the May 9 incidents, suggested that the violence was pre-planned and urged the court to summon him to provide insights into the events leading up to the protests.

    He claimed that his observations could shed light on the planning and execution of the unrest that followed Khan’s detention.

  • Pakistan Court Rejects Appeal by Imran Khan and Wife in Unlawful Marriage Case

    Pakistan Court Rejects Appeal by Imran Khan and Wife in Unlawful Marriage Case

    • Pakistani court rejects appeal from ex-PM Imran Khan and his wife over marriage legality.
    • Khan and Bushra Bibi will stay in jail following the court’s decision.
    • The case stems from allegations that their marriage violated Islamic law.Islamabad, Pakistan – In a significant legal decision, a Pakistani court has denied the appeal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to suspend a February ruling that declared their 2018 marriage violated Islamic law. This decision means both Khan and Bibi will remain behind bars.

      The court in Islamabad made its ruling on Thursday, maintaining the seven-year jail sentence handed down on February 3. This verdict was announced just five days before Pakistan’s general elections and followed two other convictions for Khan in separate cases, both of which have since been overturned.

      The marriage case was brought last year by Bibi’s former husband, Khawar Maneka, who claimed that his ex-wife did not observe the mandatory three-month waiting period required under Islamic law before marrying Khan. Maneka stated he divorced Bibi in November 2017, while Khan announced his marriage to Bibi in February 2018, just months before he became the prime minister.

      Khan and Bibi have filed multiple appeals against the conviction, seeking to suspend the judgment. Despite their efforts, the court’s recent decision has upheld the original ruling. Another appeal to annul the February conviction is scheduled to be heard from July 2.

      This ongoing legal battle has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding the high-profile couple’s marriage. As they prepare for the next round of legal proceedings, the case continues to capture the nation’s interest and raise questions about the interplay between personal lives and public office in Pakistan.

  • Fazl warns that Azm-e-Istehkam operation would further weaken Pakistan

    Fazl warns that Azm-e-Istehkam operation would further weaken Pakistan

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has voiced strong opposition to Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, branding it a destabilizing move that will further weaken Pakistan.

    During a press conference, after meeting with political figures Dr. Malik Baloch, Asghar Achakzai, Khushal Khan Kakar, and Abdul Khaliq Hazara, Fazlur Rehman declared, “This is not Operation Azm-e-Istehkam but rather Operation Adm-e-Istehkam,” indicating that the initiative will make Pakistan more vulnerable.

    He called for an end to the establishment’s dominance, asserting, “We are all equal citizens of this country. One class should not consider itself rulers while the rest remain subjects. Our history is about fighting against slavery, and we will not be treated like animals.” He also criticized the state’s declining control, particularly the ineffectiveness of police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and questioned the military’s involvement in civilian governance, asking, “What is the Apex Committee? When a uniformed officer is present, who will make the decisions?”On June 22, the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to eliminate terrorism and extremism across the country.

    The meeting, held in Islamabad, included key federal cabinet members, chief ministers from all provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, service chiefs, provincial chief secretaries, and other senior officials. The meeting emphasized the need for a new, dynamic counter-terrorism strategy based on national consensus and systemic coordination.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz approved the reactivation of the national anti-terrorism campaign through this operation, symbolizing national resolve with consensus from all stakeholders.

    Additionally, the forum reviewed measures to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Following the prime minister’s approval, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were issued to enhance the security framework for Chinese citizens in the country.

  • Fiery debate over budget to resume tomorrow in PA session

    Fiery debate over budget to resume tomorrow in PA session

    • Opposition and treasury lawmakers clash over the tax implications of the 2024-25 provincial budget.
    • Opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar criticizes the budget, questioning the government’s tax-free claims.
    • Bhachar highlights revenue gaps, failures in programs, and challenges faced by farmers, while PMLN lawmakers defend the budget and call for concrete solutions.

    The provincial assembly witnessed heated exchanges as opposition and treasury lawmakers clashed over the tax implications of the recently presented budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The debate, marked by fiery rhetoric and contrasting views, highlighted the challenges and controversies surrounding the budgetary decisions.

    Opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar, representing the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), led the charge against the budget’s purported tax-free status. Bhachar’s critique centered on the government’s claims, dismissing them as mere “play on words” and raising questions about the budget’s actual impact on taxpayers.

    Bhachar pointed out significant gaps in revenue, questioning the feasibility of labeling the budget as tax-free when it relies heavily on tax revenue, leaving a substantial deficit. He also criticized the government’s handling of various programs, citing failures in initiatives like the “Ramzan Nigehban Program” and expressing concerns about the plight of Punjab’s farmers.

    In response, PMLN lawmakers, including MPA Shokat Raja, defended the budget, initially praising it and later calling for concrete measures to address the challenges faced by different sectors and regions. The clash of perspectives led to intense debates and calls for accountability and transparency in budgetary allocations and expenditures.

    The session also saw senior SIC member Rana Aftab raising concerns over the signing of the defamation bill 2024 by then-acting government official Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. This raised questions about moral authority and legislative processes within the assembly, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions and debates.

  • Aseefa Bhutto criticizes budget, urges unity and relief for the masses

    Aseefa Bhutto criticizes budget, urges unity and relief for the masses

    • Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari criticizes the economic situation in Pakistan, citing high inflation and unemployment.
    • She calls for a budget that provides relief for farmers and ordinary citizens, urging unity and action.
    • Aseefa emphasizes the need for national unity and practical solutions to power outages and divisive politics.

    Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari and sister of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has voiced strong criticism of Pakistan’s current economic situation, highlighting record-high inflation and unemployment rates. Speaking in the National Assembly on Sunday, she expressed disappointment in the new budget, stating it fails to represent the public and does not provide necessary relief for farmers and ordinary citizens.

    “Do the people of Pakistan deserve this anti-people budget?” she questioned. “We need to move forward to provide relief for the common man and strengthen our farmers. The people of Pakistan deserve better, and we should work together to achieve improvement.” Aseefa underscored the need for unity during times of ideological division and conflict. She pointed out that disagreements are often weaponized, and dissent is met with violence, making it crucial for elected members to rise above these challenges and discuss solutions.

    She urged her colleagues to extend tolerance beyond mere words and speeches, calling for concrete action to reject divisive politics. “We must unite for the people’s sake and find ways to provide them with relief,” she added. “We need to use our human resources for development and find methods to give direct relief to the poor. I hope we will witness a new era in politics.”

    Addressing the need for national unity, Aseefa highlighted the challenges faced by Sindh, such as prolonged power outages. “When the President talks about unity, it is the need of the hour. Blame games are not the solution to any problem. In this scorching heat, Sindh is suffering from power cuts of 15 to 20 hours. This is unbearable.”

    She concluded her address by expressing hope for a new political culture that rejects divisive politics and addresses critical issues like wheat import decisions. “We must strengthen our farmers and work towards a better future together,” she said, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaborative efforts to improve the nation’s situation.

  • PML-N and PPP agree on administrative roles and budget passage

    PML-N and PPP agree on administrative roles and budget passage

    • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government agrees to PPP’s demands over Punjab governance and Budget 2024-25.
    • Agreement reached after a negotiation session in Islamabad between PML-N and PPP leaders.
    • The resolution aims to ensure smooth passage of the upcoming budget and address development and administrative issues in Punjab.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s federal government agreed on Sunday to all the demands put forward by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding governance issues in Punjab and the upcoming Budget 2024-25. This decision followed an intense negotiation session held in Islamabad between the negotiation committees of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PPP.

    The PPP had raised concerns about the distribution of development funds and administrative appointments in Punjab. The federal government has now agreed to address these grievances. The breakthrough came after a meeting attended by key figures from both parties, including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Ali Haider Gilani, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Hasan Murtaza from PPP, and Malik Ahmed Khan, Rana Sanaullah, and Khawaja Saad Rafique from PML-N.

    The discussions aimed to resolve ongoing issues and ensure the smooth passage of the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. Senior PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan, speaking to the media, highlighted concerns in Punjab, including capacity issues and local body elections. He emphasized the PPP’s commitment to non-revengeful governance and effective administration in the province.

    The resolution of these issues is critical for the coalition government, especially with the budget session underway. PPP’s participation in the budget session, which had previously been marred by a boycott, signals a positive shift. This cooperation is vital for the PML-N-led coalition, which cannot afford to lose PPP’s support for budget approval and other legislative processes due to a fragmented mandate from the recent elections.

    Sources revealed that the PPP’s chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is expected to address the assembly to discuss the budget details, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif likely to attend. Despite these agreements, underlying tensions remain. The PML-N has previously accused the PPP of leveraging critical moments for undue gains, a sentiment echoed during the 20-month tenure of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) before the caretaker setup took charge.