Profit ‘UPbeAT’ GANdAPUr-led PTI coNvoy brAves shellING, bArrIcAdes To eNTer PUNjAb In partnership with
Monday, 25 November, 2024 I | 22 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 139 I 40 Pages I Lahore Edition
KP CM, Omar Ayub and Bushra g Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain Bibi reiterate resolve to reach paralyzed with suspension of D-Chowk ‘come what may’ cellphone and internet services
g
T
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE STAFF REPORT
HE main convoy of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and opposition leader Omar Ayub, managed to enter Punjab after intense tear gas shelling by law enforcement and removing barricades, vowing to make it to D-Chowk in Islamabad at all costs. The convoy departed from Swabi and moved steadily into Punjab territory but was met with police resistance near the Attock Bridge, Chhuch Interchange, and Ghazi Barotha Interchange, where officers used heavy tear gas to disperse PTI supporters. In a brief address to the crowd before departing Swabi, the Chief Minister urged
party members to move forward, declaring, “We must advance and not turn back until Imran Khan is released.” Later, at a brief halt at Ghazi, he rallied supporters, telling them to “prepare, as we will need to confront further resistance ahead.” We are coming and will go back only with Imran Khan: Bushra Bibi Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, voiced frustration with delays in the PTI convoy, calling on supporters to push forward. As the convoy led by the Chief Minister halted briefly at Ghazi Bridge near Attock, Bushra Bibi addressed supporters from her vehicle, urging them to avoid unnecessary pauses. "Time is being wasted," she said, using a microphone from her car. "Stay in your vehicles so we can reach there quickly."
November 24, dawn of a new era for Pakistan: PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Spokesperson fired a broadside at the Sharif family’s courtiers, declaring November 24 as the dawn of a new era, when the shackles of oppression and slavery started shattering and the walls of tyranny crumbling. PTI Spokesperson blasted the government for turning Islamabad into an open prison blocking the peaceful protestors from entering the federal capital. He lamented that over two million Islamabad residents were
being held hostage behind a barricade of 220 containers. Reacting to the chatterbox ministers and the sycophants, PTI Spokesperson lashed out at the puppet government for converting the entire country into the fortress while keeping airports open for their own escape routes, which was a clear indication of their growing fear. However, he made it clear that the people would not let them escape this time around and would be held accountable for their transgressions and corruption practices. STAFF REPORT
g
The convoy, temporarily paused as Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur advised supporters to rest before anticipated confrontations, saw mixed reactions from members. Bushra Bibi’s message was clear, however: “We are here to bring Khan back. Let’s move without delay,” she directed, encouraging supporters to remain focused on the objective of securing Imran Khan’s release. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to march towards Islamabad and hold a protest at D-Chowk today, following a call by party founder Imran Khan. The party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has called on the public to join the march to "break the shackles of slavery." Imran Khan, in a statement, urged the masses to unite for the protest, calling it a movement for freedom and justice.
Federal govt warns against any unlawful protests, stating that no one will be allowed to hold demonstration against court orders
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
PTI leaders courting arrests to avoid ‘so-called final call’: Tarar ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Sunday said most of the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are courting their arrests to avoid their participation in an “illegal and unnecessary” protest. “One thing is pretty clear that the PTI’s leadership does not want a release of their leader from the jail as we have received information from Punjab and Islamabad that most of their top and low tiers’ leaders are voluntarily surrendering to the police for
their arrest,” said the minister while talking to the media during his visit to different areas in Islamabad. “This shows their so-called level of commitment with their party and the leader,” he said while pointing out the inside rift among the party leadership especially between the wife of the PTI founder Bushra Bibi and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur earlier in the day. He said the PTI had only one demand which was to get an NRO-like concession for the release of their leader from the jail. STAFF REPORT
Defense minister vows firm response to any violent protest in Islamabad ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a stern warning to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday, stating that any violent protests would be met with a firm response from the state. During an interview with a private news channel, Asif highlighted the government’s readiness to maintain order and prevent any illegal actions that could disrupt peace in Islamabad. “The government will take a tough stance on individuals who disrupt law and order in Islamabad,” Asif declared, emphasizing
Protests cost PTI protests bring harm to country, Pakistan a staggering create hardship for citizens: Naqvi rs190 billion daily: ISLAMABAD Finance Minister g
Economic impact of opposition protests on GDP, exports, and key sectors revealed PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
Pakistan is facing an alarming loss of Rs. 190 billion per day as a result of road closures and shutdowns caused by opposition-led protests, according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The protests, organized by the opposition party under the leadership of PTI founder Imran Khan, are centered around issues including Khan’s “illegal” incarceration, the February 8 general elections, and the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The Finance Minister highlighted that the protests have resulted in decreased tax collections and major disruptions in exports due to business shutdowns. Additionally, the protests have led to an increase in security-related expenses, as the government attempts to maintain law and order. The IT and tech sectors have also incurred significant losses. Aurangzeb revealed that the Ministry of Finance has compiled a report estimating that Pakistan’s GDP suffers a daily loss of Rs. 144 billion due to the ongoing protests. The disruption in exports is costing the country Rs. 26 billion each day, and foreign direct investment is also impacted, with losses amounting to Rs. 3 billion daily. Furthermore, the provinces are experiencing their own set of economic challenges, with the agricultural sector losing Rs. 26 billion daily. The industrial sector is also bearing the brunt, with losses exceeding Rs. 20 billion per day. The Finance Minister’s comments underscore the serious economic ramifications of the ongoing protests and call for urgent attention to mitigate these losses.
STAFF REPORT
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday called into question the PTI’s intentions, asking the party, “Are Pakistani citizens involved in your protests, or is this a movement led by foreigners?” “Foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, are participating in protests organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI),” the interior minister insisted, claiming that despite tall claims the party’s rallies only emerged from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Addressing a press conference at D-Chowk, Naqvi revealed that “33 out of 100 individuals arrested in PTI’s last protest were Afghans, and several other foreign nationals were detained in the past two days. Naqvi added that, once the protests conclude, authorities would publicly present an assessment of the damages incurred, so that the public can make decisions. “PTI protests bring harm to the country and create considerable hardship for citizens,” he said. He clarified that mobile services remain operational across Pakistan, though mobile data services have been temporarily suspended to manage the situation. “We’re working to restore mobile data as soon as possible to relieve the public,” Naqvi noted. The minister also highlighted communication with PTI’s Barrister Gohar, reminding him of the foreign delegations currently visiting Pakistan. Naqvi said he wouldn’t have doubted PTI’s intentions had they
the capital city’s high alert status. He criticized PTI’s history of organizing protests that often escalate into violence, accusing them of using innocent people to attack state institutions. Asif reinforced that the government has a zero-tolerance policy towards violent mobs and will ensure peace in the capital at all costs. He expressed his disappointment in PTI’s tendency to stage protests coinciding with international visits to Pakistan, suggesting that such actions are intended to create instability. STAFF REPORT
PM reviews PTI protest, directs Punjab, NA speakers to address PPP concerns LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
chosen a date without overlapping with significant international events. “PTI’s protest call always coincides with major global events or visits by foreign dignitaries,” he remarked. Asserting the government’s position, Naqvi stated, “The government is neither intimidated nor yielding. Anyone attempting to reach Islamabad or D-Chowk will be detained.” Visit D-Chowk to boost morale of police, FC, Rangers Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited D-Chowk to boost the morale of police, FC, and Rangers. He met with the personnel on duty and appreciated their high morale. Interior Minister commended the personnel on duty for their dedication. He paid tribute to them for their hard work and dedication to maintaining law and order. The minister praised the personnel on duty for protecting the lives and property of citizens day and night. He directed that all possible facilities be provided to the
personnel performing their duties, saying that it is our responsibility to take care of you. Mohsin Naqvi said that the morale of the Islamabad police, FC, and Rangers personnel is very high. He added that the Islamabad police, FC, and Rangers personnel are always alert. Federal Secretary Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, IG Islamabad Police, and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad were also present on the occasion. Aerial view of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock Meanwhile, the Interior Minister took an aerial view of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock to review security arrangements in the three cities. During his visit, Interior Minister took an aerial view of the security arrangements in various areas of the three cities. He also observed the overall situation on the Motorway, Swabi, and Pathar Gharh, expressing satisfaction with the security arrangements.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has instructed the speakers of the national assembly and Punjab’s provincial assembly to take active steps to address concerns raised by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The directive came during a consultative session held in Model Town, Lahore, to review the current political climate, party sources reported on Sunday. The meeting was also attended by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. According to officials, discussions focused on the PPP’s grievances as well as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, which have raised concerns about potential political instability. The situation after the final call of protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was also discussed in the meeting. During the meeting, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif directed to remove the reservations of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has also formed a committee to settle matters with the PPP. Punjab governor urges PML-N-led Punjab govt to honor commitments Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has urged the PML-N-led Punjab government to honor its commitment with the PPP, stating that the committees formed by the two parties to resolve issues have yielded no results yet making it necessary for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene. The governor was talking with s former Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar. The Punjab governor belongs to the PPP which is not a part of the federal or Punjab governments but has been propping up the PML-N since ouster of the PTI government in April 2022. Sardar Saleem Haider said a functional coalition between the PML-N and the PPP would be beneficial for the country, warning that if the coalition government fails, it would primarily harm the PML-N, which currently leads the government.
Kurram warring tribes agree to 7-day ceasefire as 12 killed in clashes PESHAWAR/KURRAM STAFF REPORT
Efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s formed team to ease tensions in Kurram District bore fruit on Sunday, and the warring tribes have agreed to a seven-day ceasefire in the region. In a statement, Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the development, saying that a ceasefire was agreed upon for seven days between the tribes, both of which also decided to return each other’s bodies and prisoners. The ceasefire comes after the KP government decided to constitute a high-powered commission to settle land disputes
between the tribes in Kurram district as the death toll from recent violence reached 64. A government delegation met the members of the Shia tribe yesterday before meeting the Sunni tribe leaders today, after which it returned to Peshawar, Barrister Saif said. It further said, “The provincial government’s delegation comprising Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan, former MNA Sajid Turi, and Commissioner Kohat Division, Mutasim Billah Shah, met with the affectees in Parachinar”. Separately, while speaking to Reuters, Bar-
rister Saif said that there were “positive developments in engagements with stakeholders”. The tribal sectarian tension flared up on Wednesday following an attack on a convoy of over 200 passenger vehicles in Lower Kurram, which had left 45 dead, including women and children. Meanwhile, clashes between two groups on Sunday claimed at least 12 more lost live in Kurram bringing the death toll to 30 since eysterday. According to police reports, the clashes occurred in the villages of Kalu Kunj, Badshah Kot, and Bagan Bazar in Lower Kurram, where armed individuals set fire to dozens of shops and houses, leaving many innocent women, children, and elderly people dead. The police have confirmed that the death
toll has risen to 30 in the past 24 hours, with many more injured. The violence followed Thursday’s deadly attack, when a convoy of around 200 vehicles came under heavy gunfire in Kurram’s densely populated Bagan town, killing at least 43 people. The incident occurred in Lower Kurram where vehicles coming to and from Peshawar and Kurram came under fire resulting in the death of 38 on the spot and several injured in critical condition initially. The spokesperson to DPO Kurram stated that the Deputy Commissioner and DPO have reached the spot of incident, while the SHO Yar Muhammad said the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Bilawal expresses concern over Kurram situation PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday expressed his deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Kurram district, emphasizing that the “safety and security of citizens be ensured immediately”. According to a statement issued here, the PPP chairman also sought a detailed report from KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on the situation in Kurram. “My heart is bleeding for the victims, and we cannot stand to see Khyber Pakhtunkhwa burn in the flames of lawlessness,” Bilawal said, pledging his part would play its role in ensuring peace and order not just in Kurram but across KP.