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AS ASAD UMAR, FAWAD JUMP SHIP, IMRAN OFFERS OLIVE BRANCH TO ‘QUARTERS CONCERNED’ Thursday, 25 May, 2023 I 4 Zilqad, 1444
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HOUGH former premier and chairman Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Wednesday reiterated his offer to initiate dialogue with the concerned quarters, the PTI suffered another major blow as PTI Secretary General Asad Umar and former federal minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Wednesday announced to resign. “[With refference] to my earlier statement where I unequivocally condemned 9th May incidents, I have decided to take a break from politics, therefore, I have resigned from party position and parting ways from Imran Khan,” Fawad wrote on his official Twitter handle. Hours later, Asad Umar followed the course by announcing to step down from all party positions shortly after he was released from Adiala Jail. Though journalists had already got a hint of Umar’s parting plans as the party’s secretary-general dodged media and left Adiala jail silently. “Not possible for me to lead the party under these circumstances. I am resigning as Secretary General and core committee member of PTI,” he said while addressing the press conference at the National Press Club later in the day. However, Asad clarified that he has not left the party but only resigned as the secretary general of the party. He said that the most dangerous thing that happened on May 9 was that military installations were attacked. He said that the incidents of May 9 are not only condemnable, but also a point to ponder on where we have come. “I feel like there should be transparent investigation into those involved in these incidents. But also the innocent, thousands of
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PTI SUFFERS MAJOR BLOWS AS TOP LEADERSHIP PARTS WAYS WITH PARTY
PTI workers and supporters were arrested, a lot of those who are innocent… it is also important that they are released as soon as possible,” he added. In response to a question, Umar clarified that he has not abandoned the party entirely but rather resigned from his role as the secretary general. He emphasised that his decision was voluntary and not influenced by any ‘external pressure’. Asad Umar said that the army does not comprise just a few generals whose names are heard on TV, but thousands of soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the safety of the nation. “My family has been affiliated with the army for the last three generations. From the 1965 war to the war on terror, members of my family have been participating in these wars over the year,” he added. The PTI leader said that an army is only powerful when the nation stands behind it but what was seen on May 9 is concerning. “It gave a very wrong message… a transparent investigation should take place and those involved should be taken to task. But those who are innocent should be freed.” According to the PTI leader, thousands of party workers were imprisoned, but a significant portion of them were innocent. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the importance of holding accountable those individuals who were involved in acts of vandalism. Fawad and Asad Umar join a long list of PTI leaders who have announced quitting PTI following the May 9 vandalism and violent protests across the country — hours after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested PTI chief Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.
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So far Dr Shireen Mazari, Malik Amin Aslam, Mahmood Moulvi, Amir Kayani, Aftab Siddiqui, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, Jai Prakash and Sanjay Gangwani among many others have left Imran Khan’s party. Imran Khan offers olive branch Meanwhile, Imran Khan has said that he is ready to constitute a committee for talks with “anyone who is in power today”. “I am making this committee and I say two things: If they tell the committee that they have a solution and the country can function better without me. Or they tell the committee what benefit will Pakistan gain
‘CRACKDOWN ON PTI WORKERS CONTINUES UNABATED’
from holding elections in October,” he said while addressing a press conference. “Convince us on these two things. I am forming a committee and I will announce this tomorrow.” PTI chief Imran Khan has said that it is better to die than accept slavery. “This slavery that they making us do … the way they are gripping necks and forcing them to leave PTI. You were not born for this … when the nation bows its head in front of fear, those nations die.” He told supporters that he won’t lose hope and will stand till the last bowl. “I want
PM Shehbaz blames Imran Khan as ‘mastermind’ of May 9 riots g
ASIF SAYS GOVT MULLING TO BAN PTI ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday firmly blamed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for May 9 riots, claiming that former prime minister was “mastermind” behind riots and incidents of vandalism following his arrest, stating that he cannot acquit himself of responsibility. He said this while addressing the Martyrs Protection Convention at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad, where he also expressed his firm stance against the miscreants who crossed the red line on May 9. The prime minister went on to assert that the miscreants of former ruling party, led by Khan, intentionally provoked the people as part of a premeditated plan. Acknowledging the sacrifices of Pakistan’s forces, law enforcement agencies, police, and security personnel, Shehbaz Sharif credited their contributions to bringing peace and
stability to the country. However, he also highlighted that the events of May 9 would forever be remembered as a “dark day” that should not be forgotten. Shehbaz Sharif raised a pertinent question, asking if any political party should be allowed to attack the state in the event of an arrest. He contrasted the treatment of the opposition during Khan’s tenure, where they were imprisoned without resorting to unlawful actions that harmed the state or its defence institutions. He reminded the audience that even in the face of adversity, no political party had ever harmed the country brought shame to its flag. Regarding the May 9 incident, the prime minister described it as an unforgivable crime and an attack on the state. He expressed his concern for the desecration of pictures and memorials of the martyrs, empathising with the pain experienced by their heirs and relatives. Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the strength of the state, reassuring the nation that those responsible for the at-
tack would be brought to justice. He reiterated that no guilty person would be spared, and the government would take strict action against the culprits in accordance with the law. The prime minister emphasised the need to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future by enforcing robust measures against those who dare to challenge the state. Ban on PTI being considered: Khwaja Asif Defense Minister Khawaja Asif
has claimed that a ban on the PTI is being considered. While talking to the media at the Parliament House, Asif said Imran Khan has not condemned the events of May 9 in clear words till date. The PTI chairman said if he is arrested again, there will be a similar reaction, he added. After the no-confidence motion, all of Imran Khan’s actions have backfired, the minister further said, adding Imran Khan’s party is not able to bear the burden of his wrong decisions. Asif further said those who attacked the Corps Commander House had nefarious motives, claiming the attacks were carried out under a plan, the details of which he said he didn’t want to divulge. Apart from Radio Pakistan, no civilian building was attacked, the minister said, adding a ban on the PTI is being considered. He further said any decision regarding the ban will be taken unanimously by the PDM. If a decision is taken to ban the PTI, parliament will be taken into confidence, he added.
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Four months after January blackout, investigation still delayed as corruption allegations loom
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CONCERNED OVER DELAY, SENATE COMMITTEE CALLS FOR SWIFT ACTION ISLAMABAD
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On the 23rd of January this year, all of Pakistan was plunged into darkness with a massive power-outage taking place all over the country. Four months down the line, while fragments of information have become available, a full picture of how such a major breakdown took place has still not become clear. In a recent meeting, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Power voiced serious concerns over the Power Division’s performance after the investigation into the January ’23 blackout was not completed within the three-month timeframe. Matters within the standing committee grew particularly tense when the committee’s chairman, Senator Saifullah Abro, threatened to involve the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate irregularities in contracts. The committee meeting highlighted the delayed investigation and raised doubts about the truth coming to light within the current circumstances. Chairman Abro suggested that the investigation of corruption in the contracts should be handed over to NAB and FIA. During the committee briefing by officials
from the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) regarding the transmission line contract of the Dasu hydropower plant, Chairman Abro criticised NTDC officials for favouring specific contractors by tailoring conditions to their preference before awarding the contract. The committee had previously instructed the removal of two allegedly corrupt deputy managing directors (MDs) from the company, but the Power Division failed to implement the directive. Senator Abro emphasised that the Power Divi-
sion must initiate its own investigation to curb corruption within NTDC. Failing that, the committee will write to NAB and FIA to investigate the alleged corruption amounting to millions of rupees. Regarding the January 23 power blackout, it was revealed that the Federal Cabinet had established four committees to investigate the incident. However, the reports from these committees are still pending and not yet finalised, according to the Additional Secretary of the Power Division. Senator Asad Junejo questioned the reason for setting up the committees and inquired about the notification regarding their formation. Expressing dissatisfaction with the delay, Senator Abro noted that the committees were supposed to provide reports within two weeks. However, more than a month and two weeks have passed without any inquiry reports being prepared. Chairman Abro urged for immediate action and stated that miracles must happen within the Power Division. The Secretary of the Power Division shared that the blackstart facility from Tarbela, Varsak, and Mangala was not operational during the blackout. Twelve attempts were made to restore the system, which took approximately 12 hours. Kot Addu Power Plant also has black start facility, said Secretary Power Division.
to tell my nation that you should not accept defeat in any way.” PTI chief Imran Khan has said that those trying to knock him out were destroying the country. He outlined the economic woes of the country. Imran said that people were selling their dollars and the government was spending all the taxpayers money in paying interests. “Can’t they see that there is no roadmap? That Pakistan is drowning,” he argued. “The cruelty we are being subjected today has been inflicted on the people of [occupied Kashmir] for the last 30 years. Even they don’t have fundamental rights. But whenever Kashmiris get a chance to raise their voice, they will raise [the slogan] of freedom in unison,” he asserted. PTI chief Imran Khan has said that this oppression will not eliminate PTI but will in fact increase its popularity. “I can say this with confidence that whenever I distribute the PTI tickets and whoever I give them to … they will win,” he said. “Those [people] and human rights organisations among us who were the soldiers of democracy, don’t they see that [what is happening] would only result in the PTI’s loss but also crushing democracy. The time is coming when democracy will see its end,” he asserted. “All that is happening today … who is behind it and why is it happening? Is it benefitting Pakistan or bringing a change in the country? Will people leaving the party to eliminate PTI? Whoever thinks so needs to get their heads checked.” Imran stressed that this way an idea or vision could not be eliminated, saying that there was a difference between animals and humans.
Qureshi, Jamshed Cheema, his wife put under house arrest RAWALPINDI
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Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and his wife Musarrat Cheema have been put under house arrest for 15 days under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) section 3. The orders for the PTI leaders’ house arrest were issued by the Rawalpindi commissioner. The former foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Musarrat Cheema and Jamshed Cheema have been placed under house arrest for 15 days. It may be noted that Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Musarrat Jamshed Cheema were on Tuesday rearrested from outside Adiala Jail after the IHC had ordered their release. “I am not leaving the party. I am with the party, and I will stay with the party,” Mr Qureshi was quoted as saying in the statement. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, presiding over the case at the IHC imposed a conditional release for Mr Qureshi, requiring the submission of an affidavit by his legal representatives. OMAR AYUB KHAN’S HOUSE RAIDED IN ISLAMABAD Police raided the house of PTI Additional Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan in Islamabad on Tuesday night, sources said. According to family sources, Omar Ayub Khan was not in the house at the time of police raid. They claimed that police arrested three employees from the house.
Khadija Shah presented in Lahore ATC LAHORE
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The prime suspect in the attack on the Lahore corps commander’s house, Khadija Shah, was presented before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) today. Khadija Shah was transferred to a women’s police station after she was arrested on Tuesday. Sources, privy to the case, shared that the fashion designer would be investigated by Superintendent of Police (SP) Anush Masood. A day earlier, the Punjab Police had confirmed her arrest. Despite her husband and other family members being arrested, the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) supporter did not surrender herself to the authorities even after claiming that she would present herself before them. The Corps Commander House or Jinnah House was attacked on May 9 when PTI stormed and burned it down following party chairman Imran Khan’s arrest in the £190m settlement case. In an over 16 minutes-long audio message released on Sunday, Shah admitted that she was a PTI supporter and was part of the protest outside the Lahore Corps Commander’s House but denied committing any wrongdoing, including inciting people to violence.
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