With the political deadlock between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) showing no signs of resolution, protesters continued their sit-in in front of Parliament House for a sixth straight day.
As it stands, the PTI has proposed that the prime minister resign for a period of 30 days during which a judicial commission works 'independently' to determine if the May 2013 elections were rigged. This demand was rejected by the government, which said they had accepted all the other demands of the PTI.
You can read our coverage of the march into the Red Zone here. For our coverage of the sit-ins on August 23 and 22, visit here; for 20 and 21, visit here.
Read our coverage of PTI’s Azadi March and the Inqilab March here.
For our current coverage of the Islamabad protests, please go here.
August 28, 11:40am
A large contingent of police has been deployed in the Red Zone in Islamabad, Express News reports. The security personnel have been posted near the Supreme Court and the Pakistan Secretariat.
Express News screengrab of police officers posted in Islamabad.
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August 28, 9:25am
Supporters of PAT chief Tahirul Qadri shout slogans during a protest in front of the Parliament in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP
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August 28, 2:50am
Our correspondent Rabia Ali reports that MQM chief Altaf Hussain in a television interview said that if the government is not ready to accept the PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s legitimate demands, then its better that it packs up and goes home voluntarily in order to avoid bloodshed.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif should also resign if FIR of the Model Town incident is not registered, said MQM chief.
He warned that if confrontation and disagreement persists, then a third force would have to step in.
Government should realise that those killed in the Model Town were also humans, not some insects, said Hussain.
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August 28, 2:30am
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif canceled his visit to Turkey to attend the oath taking ceremony of Turkish President Raccep Tayyab Erdogan, Express News reports.
Now, President Mamnoon Hussain will represent Pakistan at the ceremony.
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August 28, 2:12am
According to Express News correspondent Asif Faraz, the government delegation had set two conditions before PAT to lodge the Model Town incident FIR and pay compensation to the families of the deceased. The conditions were that PAT agrees to immediately end their sit-in and drop prime minister Nawaz Sharif and chief minister Shahbaz Sharif's names from their FIR.
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August 28, 1:08am
Dear PMLN, register the FIR and hold the responsible accountable - That's it!
— Syed Ali Raza Abidi (@abidifactor) August 27, 2014
MQM will not support you with the injustices on the people.
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August 28, 1:06am
Talking to Express News, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed admits that there is coordination between PAT and PTI.
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August 28, 12:54am
Our team had conveyed to the PAT that we are ready to have a baseless and false FIR lodged against us, if Qadri agrees to let the people whom he is holding hostage go, says Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.
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August 28, 12:28am
I have a gut instinct 2day is going 2 be final round & I want my tigers, tigresses & all r workers,wherever they may be,2 arrive in D Chowk.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 27, 2014
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August 28, 12:24am
Tomorrow a decision will be made, and the people will make that decision, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:23am
Qadri says on Thursday 3pm, he will deliver his march's and sit-in's final address.
August 28, 12:18am
"Today [Thursday] will be the day of Revolution," says Qadri.
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August 28, 12:18am
No need to send any minister for negotiations now, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:17am
Qadri says we had told the government’s negotiation team that if they were ready to accept our first two demands, then instead of informing us send SHO Faisal Town to the station so that FIR is registered.
Resignations of chief minister and prime minister aside, government is not even ready to register the FIR of the Model Town incident, says Qadri.
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August 28, 12:13am
I had told the government’s team not to come back after 30 mins if our initial two demands can not be met, says Qadri.
Our first demand was registration of FIR of Model Town incident and second was the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:10am
Talks with government have failed, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:09am
I would like to thank MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar for their efforts to resolve the matter, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:06am
Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan said that during their talks, the prime minister said if his name comes up in the Model Town incident, then he had no moral standing to remain as the PM.
The PM heard all that we had to say, and directed his men to solve the issues.
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August 28, 12:05am
If just demands of PAT are not accepted, then MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who has shown restraint so far, may also stand with PAT, says Ebad.
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August 28, 12:02am
We think all the constitutional demands of Qadri should be accepted, says governor Sindh.
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August 27, 11:58pm
Governor Sindh addressing the PAT sit-in.
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August 27, 11:57pm
PAT chief on stage to address his supporters, along with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar.
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August 27, 11:55pm
Government’s negotiation committee will return after half an hour, says PAT president Raheeq Abbasi.
Finance minister had asked for 30 minutes, says Abbasi.
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August 27, 11:45pm
PTI's sit-in to reconvene at 6pm on Thursday.
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August 27, 11:40pm
I have decided to postpone the announcement of our future course of action by 24 hours, says PTI chief Imran Khan.
PTI chief urges Nawaz Sharif to only resign from the prime minister's office while keeping the government and assembly seat intact.
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August 27, 11:20pm
Government's negotiation team leaves after meeting PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.
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August 27, 11:13pm
Vice Chairman @SMQureshiPTI will be in Karachi tomorrow and would address #AzadiDharna solidarity protests #KarachiLovesImranKhan
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 27, 2014
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August 27, 11:08pm
Q: How has the crisis affected civil-military relations?
MZ: The civil-military relations would remain in a transition mode for at least the next two decades as the elected governments acquire the capacity to govern efficiently and the army learns to take orders and gives up the habit of formulating national policies.
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August 27, 10:58pm
Q: Will any party emerge from this crisis stronger than they were before?
MZ: Yes, perhaps all those (except PTI) inside parliament if it survives.
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August 27, 10:52pm
Q: Javed Afridi (@Afridi56) from Peshawar asks, unless violent, why can't the government let the protestors alone; call-off talks unless sense prevails?
MZ: The government cannot abandon talks. It is government's responsibility to keep engaging political agitators and try to appease them politically.
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Q: If rumours that Shahbaz Sharif being asked to resign come true, would it resolve the ongoing crisis?
MZ: It could be the beginning of the end but final curtain would fall only after PTI calls it adage.
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Q: Adil (@adilmtipu) from Islamabad asks, democracy for the sake of democracy or Martial Law with tangible results?
MZ: We have had four Martial Laws with tangible results. At the end of first the country stood dismembered. When Zia died we had to rush to IMF for emergency assistance.when Musharraf was shown the door the country was virtually in the hands of terrorists. The civilians elm you an independent country. Bhutto have us a constitution. The 1990s despite political wrangling a saw liberalisation of economy.
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Q: Sarmad Ahmed (@thesarmad) asks, that while the rigging claims in Punjab might not be convincing, but they were quite convincing in Karachi. Why is no on probing them?
MZ: Once the probe in Punjab starts other provinces would also come under the surgeon's knife.
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Q: Faizan Zakir (@faizanz91) from Lahore asks, if the government survives, do you think it would need a major policy shift to be in a strong position again?
MZ: Yes. It will have to give up its imperial perch, stop distributing cushy jobs among family members, Lahori loyalists and Kashmiri friends. The PM and Punjab CM would need to regularly attend assembly and hold cabinet meetings at least once a fortnight.
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August 27, 10:47pm
Government delegation led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar arrives at the PAT sit-in to hold talks, after a delay of almost an hour, Express News reports.
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August 27, 10:42pm
Talking to Express News anchor Javed Chaudhry, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarifies the Lahore High court order to uphold a session court’s decision to register FIRs against the PML-N’s top leadership does not say that the accused can be arrested.
Extending support for investigation in the Model Town incident, Asif says that an FIR should be registered for the incident.
“Law has its course and should be followed.”
Responding to a question regarding the sit-ins, Asif says that it is constitutionally wrong to demand Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s resignation.
“Nothing is static in democracy, it is an ongoing process,” he says
He also rejected the rumors that Sharif brothers had a role to play in the model town incident.
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August 27, 10:06pm
The Express Tribune has obtained the copy of the Lahore High Court’s judgment upholding a sessions court’s decision and directing the police to register a murder case against the prime minister, Punjab’s chief minister and 19 other officials in connection with the killing of over a dozen Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers outside the Central Secretariat of Minhajul Quran International at Lahore’s Model Town on June 17.
You can view the copy of the judgement here.
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August 27, 9:56pm
"Both governors have come here to express solidarity with us, not to negotiate," says Qadri.
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August 27, 9:55pm
PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on stage to address his supporters.
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August 27, 9:48pm
Q: Aneeza Usmani asks, what are your thoughts on election rigging claims. Shouldn't they be seriously taken?
MZ: All charges are still charges with very little evidence. Still these charges should be probed by the Supreme Court Commission so that the loopholes are identified and plugged to hold less controversial polls in future.
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August 27, 9:45pm
Government delegation led by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar has arrived at PAT sit-in to hold talks with Qadri, Express News reports.
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August 27, 9:41pm
Government delegation has set off to meet PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports
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August 27, 9:35pm
Q: Aneeza Usmani (A__Usmani) asks, if Dr Tahirul Qadri is now preparing his exit strategy, how will this impact Imran Khan and Azadi dharna?
MZ: It will have a very adverse impact. That is why Imran Khan's well wisher had wanted him never to stand on the same platform with Qadri.
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August 27, 9:32pm
Q. Shahid Rafiq asks, can we hope that these dharnas will not take violent turn?
MZ: I don't expect IK's dharna to turn violent. Qadri has an armed wing and it might try to provoke the police. But the police is more likely to round them up rather than fire at them.
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August 27, 9:30pm
No government delegation in sight as Qadri’s deadline ends.
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August 27, 9:30pm
Government has again increased electricity charges today, Imran asks his supporters, do you think Nawaz would have done this if he had come to the power with legitimate votes?
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August 27, 9:27pm
Q: Adil Hussain (@Adil_hu) asks, do the reports of army involvement hold any water?
MZ: Going by past experience and the seeming confidence of IK and Qadri the Army appears to be behind the crisis. But the way most political parties including MQM and JI have behaved throughout the last fortnight it is difficult to see Army's hand directing the events.
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August 27, 9:23pm
According to sources Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is expected to land at Lahore Airport at 11:30pm tonight, Express News reported.
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August 27, 9:18pm
Q: Muhammad Salman (@salman_arsenal) asks, how are you seeing the coordination between Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri?
MZ: They want to coordinate but also do not like to see the other in the lead spot.
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August 27, 9:16pm
PTI chief Imran Khan addressing his supporters again.
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August 27, 9:14pm
Q: What effects will Imran Khan's withdrawal of his written response to the defamation notice sent to him by former CJ iftikhar chaudhry have on him, and his party’s sit-in?
MZ: As former CJ's lawyer said you cannot withdraw the response once filed. This attempt at double speak on IK's part has only further undermined his credibility and integrity.
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August 27, 9:06pm
Q: M. Rafique (@rafique_suriya) asks, who do you think enjoys the power to order police to fire on peaceful protesters. Chief Minister or Provincial Interior Minister?
MZ: Such decisions are taken on the spot by the senior most police officer or in his place the senior most civilian law officer on the spot. The CM or the provincial interior minister usually would go by the advise of the officers on the spot. But then when it is decided at the top level to use the police to control a law and order situation it is already decided how much force to use and when to stop.
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August 27, 9:02pm
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is expected to land in Lahore in a couple of hours from China, Express News reports.
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August 27, 8:55pm
Q: Husnain Shahid(@hus_shahid) asks, don't you think that the PM's resignation demand by PTI is nothing more than the battle of egos?
MZ: Could be. It could also be an issue of being egged on by interested persons around him.
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August 27, 8:52pm
Q: Once the dust settles, what does the PAT stand to achieve from this crisis politically?
MZ: That is a huge puzzle. If it had not been for the Model Town tragedy perhaps he would have settled for an agreement on the lines of the last one which he signed with the PPP government in 2013. He appears more like a man driven by an urge for global recognition but having less than a town profile.
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August 27, 8:48pm
A high-level meeting is underway at the PM House to discuss the prevailing political situation.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan are present at the meeting.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar. PHOTO: APP
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August 27, 8:46pm
PAT's lawyers reached Faisal Town police station two hours ago to make another attempt at lodging their FIR over the Model Town incident naming the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Punjab.
However, the Faisal Town Station House Officer has yet to arrive.
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August 27, 8:38pm
Q: What does the eventual involvement of the MQM and the PPP in the current political impasse signify?
MZ: MQM is trying to expand its own political space at the national level by appearing to play an appeaser's role. PPP wants to play the role of a genuine opposition by insisting that the polls were rigged but at the same time would go to any democratic extreme to oppose imposition of extra-constitutional solution to the problem.
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August 27, 8:35pm
Q: And what do you think will happen if the government refuses the demands?
MZ: Perhaps Qadri would agree reluctantly to extend the deadline.
Q: How would you characterise Sirajul Haq and the JI's role in the current political crisis?
MZ: He appeared to be an interested mediator. His interest is to save the K-P government and, if in the process the PM is saved, then claim credit for that too.
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August 27, 8:33pm
Tribune: Welcome Ziauddin sb. The first question we have for you:
Q: What are the two demands that Qadri just spoke about and do you think that the government will concede them?
MZ: Most probably Shahbaz will have to pay a heavy price for the Model Town tragedy.
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August 27, 8:30pm
Given all the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the current political situation, we have invited our former Executive Editor M Ziauddin to join us for these live updates once again.
Ziauddin sb needs no introduction – you can read all about him here.
Readers can join in our conversation - you can send questions through Twitter (@etribune) by adding the hashtag #AskTribune, or through the comments section of our live updates with the same hashtag. His answers will appear in the live updates.
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August 27, 8:20pm
PAT lawyers attempt to register an FIR against the PM and 21 others a day after the Lahore High Court upheld a session court’s decision to register FIRs over the Model Town tragedy. However, they arrive at a deserted Faisal Town police station with its SHO on what could only be called a timely ‘leave’.
Read the full story here.
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August 27, 7:52pm
“Tonight, history will be written,” says Qadri.
Concluding his address, the PAT chief assures his supporters that the final decision will be in their favour.
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August 27, 7:42pm
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.
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August 27, 7:36pm
"Those who believe that justice is served in this country may remain at home," says Qadri. "But those who believe that there is injustice should come and join the protests."
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August 27, 7:32pm
“Soon the rulers will not remain in power,” Qadri reiterates.
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August 27, 7:30pm
Urging more people to join his protest, the PAT chief announces he will address his supporters again at 9:30pm.
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August 27, 7:28pm
“They will either give us justice or we will snatch it,” says the PAT chief.
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August 27, 7:23pm
"The government negotiating team will meet the prime minister for the authorisation of two demands and return at 9:30pm," says Qadri.
Further, he says if they don't return, he will then announce his next course of action.
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August 27, 7:23pm
Qadri says that his protest will continue till all his demands are met.
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August 27, 7:21pm
"If two of the conditions are accepted immediately, then I will extend the deadline for only a few hours," says Qadri.
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August 27, 7:19pm
"God takes revenge from the unjust," the PAT chief says.
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August 27, 7:18pm
Qadri says that he will address the crowd briefly and will come again when things are finalised.
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August 27, 7:15pm
The government team has left Qadri's container. It seems that the deadlock pertains and there has been no breakthrough.
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August 27, 7:02pm
Express News, quoting sources, is saying the outcome of the telephonic conversation between Imran Khan and Qadri earlier is that the two have decided to take joint decisions in the future.
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August 27, 6:50pm
Lots happening on the ground at the protest sites now. A sense of anticipation as the government team is still in Dr Qadri's container. His supporters seem to be preparing for the worst.
Meanwhile there's expectation surrounding Imran Khan's "important annoucement" that will come shortly. People have started gathering at the site again on the PTI chief's call.
We're in for an important few hours here.
Our correspondents -- Azam Khan and Qamar Zaman – are currently on the ground and will be updating us as developments take place.
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August 27, 6:44pm
Tahirul Qadri's supporters have started wearing burial cloth.
PHOTO: AZAM KHAN
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August 27, 6:40pm
Burial cloth being offloaded from trucks at the PAT rally. PHOTO: AZAM KHAN
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August 27, 6:32pm
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad are meeting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM House, after which they will come to PAT's sit-in to talk to Qadri, Express News reports.
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August 27, 6:28pm
Meanwhile, PAT lawyers have reached Faisal Town police station in Lahore to register FIR in the Model Town incident.
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August 27, 6:25pm
Former president Pervez Musharraf's close aide Ahmed Raza Kasuri seen addressing Qadri's supporters.
PHOTO: AZAM KHAN
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August 27, 6:20pm
Express News is reporting that it was MQM's Haider Abbas Rizvi who convinced Qadri to meet Dar at the very last minute.
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August 27, 6:10pm
Meanwhile, 6,000 additional policemen have been deployed to Constitution Avenue along with 1,000 special force personnel.
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August 27, 6:08pm
Just as his deadline expires, a government negotiating team led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has arrived to speak to Qadri and is now inside his container, our correspondent Azam Khan who is on the spot reports.
A little while ago PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri spoke on the phone.
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August 27, 5:56pm
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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August 27, 5:53pm
"There is no more room for negotiations," says Imran, adding that he will announce the party's next line of action in the evening.
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August 27, 5:51pm
"Nawaz Sharif is buying time. If we let him [Nawaz] stay, he will buy officials and media houses," says Imran.
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August 27, 5:50pm
"We offered concessions, we agreed for the PM to resign only for 30 days, but they know what would happen if they allow investigations to proceed," says the PTI chairman.
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August 27, 5:49pm
Imran calls off negotiations.
"No more talks till PM resigns," he says.
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August 27, 5:48pm
"If you pull back, there will be no independent inquiry under Nawaz Sharif," Imran tells his supporters.
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August 27, 5:46pm
“The government has offered to make me deputy prime minister,” says Imran.
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August 27, 5:45pm
Meanwhile, PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters says that PML-N is ready to give in to all his demands except the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
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August 27, 5:25pm
Here are some eerie images from scenes of the protest site: As their ultimatum draws near, PAT workers have started digging graves as a symbolic mark of protest against the Model Town violence on June 17.
Express News screengrab of PAT workers digging graves.
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August 27, 5:12pm
Reportedly PML-N may ask Shahbaz Sharif to resign to make TUQ postpone his deadline or ask him to end the dharna. Will it end the crisis?
— Azhar Abbas (@AzharAbbas3) August 27, 2014
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August 27, 4:23pm
A core committee meeting between PTI members is underway and Imran Khan is expected to address his supporters at 6:00pm.
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August 27, 4:15pm
The fifth round of talks between PTI and the government have ended in a stalemate, Qamar Zaman reports.
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August 27, 4:13pm
The governors of Punjab and Sindh have gotten in touch with PAT leaders in Islamabad and have expressed that they would like to meet with them, Express News reports.
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August 27, 4:07pm
PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat is going to meet with PAT chief Tahirul Qadri.
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August 27, 3:42pm
A meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan, headed by Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali , is underway at Serena Hotel in Islamabad.
Former additional secretary Afzal Khan and PTI chairman Imran Khan’s rigging allegations will be discussed in the meeting.
The ECP is expected to hold a press briefing at 4:30pm, our correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.
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August 27, 3:37pm
Just a few hours after Khawaja Saad Rafique said that there will be no crackdown; Express News reports that the Punjab Police Anti Terrorist Squad has posted 500 officials in the Red Zone area.
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August 27, 2:58pm
The PTI has decided to withdraw its written response to the former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry’s defamation notice to Imran Khan.
PTI’s counsel Hamid Khan says that the petition was being withdrawn on Imran Khan’s instructions and had been submitted on Imran Khan’s instructions as well.
He further says that he will now disassociate from this case, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.
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August 27, 2:03pm
JI chief Sirajul Haq says the government and the protesters "have very little time" to solve their dispute.
He said that Pakistan's neighbours including China and Iran have expressed their concerns.
Read the full story here.
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August 27, 1:52pm
Following the actions of PTI MNAs in the National Assembly, the party's lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly handed their resignations to speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal earlier today.
Read the full story here.
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August 27, 1:34pm
Addressing the media in Lahore, JI chief Sirajul Haq said that he doesn’t want the people who are at the sit-ins to go home ‘empty-handed’.
“Neighbouring countries have also made their concerns known. I request both parties to speak to each other and solve their differences amicably, they have very little time,” Haq said.
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Express News screengrab of the NA session underway
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August 27, 1:07pm
Just as Rafique gets up to speak, the Azan sounds. He will resume shortly.
While addressing the National Assembly, Rafique briefed the parliament and assured that there won't be any crackdown.
Read the full story here.
Express News screengrab of Rafique
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August 27, 1:06pm
The prime minister invites Khawaja Saad Rafique to brief the House on the negotiations with the protestors.
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August 27, 12:46pm
The premier is addressing the National Assembly.
Read here for the full address.
Express News screengrab of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the NA session
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August 27, 12:43pm
Meanwhile, here’s Talat Masood with some ominous words – ‘Fragile democracy in danger’.
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August 27, 12:33pm
Our former Executive Editor M Ziauddin considers the merits of PTI and PAT’s demands, aside from the much talked about resignations. Read here.
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August 27, 12:20pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives at Parliament House to attend a National Assembly session.
Read the story about his address to the NA here.
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August 27, 11:07am
An MQM delegation led by Dr Farooq Sattar meets with the prime minister at the PM house, our correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.
The meeting, which is underway, addresses the current political crisis.
Read here for the full story.
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August 27, 11:06am
Representatives of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the clash in Lahore’s Model Town between police and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) in June have recommended that the FIR registered by police earlier should be quashed as PAT has not accepted the FIR as legitimate and no witnesses have come forward to record their statements. They added that the police have ‘hidden facts’, The Express Tribune has learned.
Read here for more details.
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August 27, 10:52am
The Supreme Court has granted another day to the protesting Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to clear one side of Constitutional Avenue.
A five-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk, has directed its the SC Registrar, attorney general for Pakistan, counsels for PTI and PAT and petitioners to visit the spot of the protests (Constitutional Avenue) on Wednesday (today) in order to ensure free movement on one side of the road.
Read the full story here.
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August 27, 1:25am
PTI MPAs in Punjab assembly have decided to submit their resignations on Wednesday, Express News reported.
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August 26, 11:58pm
"Today [Wednesday] we will hold final negotiations with the government at 2pm and after that we will announce our future course of action," says Khan.
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August 26, 11:56pm
If government moves against us, we will confront them, says PTI chief Imran Khan.
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August 26, 11:06pm
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has met Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Express News reported.
During the meeting, ongoing political situation came under discussion.
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August 26, 10:44pm
Urging the federal and Punjab governments to stop taking out rallies, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says, “I demand govt to stop these pro-government rallies.”
PTI supporters are peaceful, do not test their patience says Qureshi.
Qureshi says it is in PML-N's interest to stop these rallies.
Government ill be responsible for any mishap due to PML-N’s rallies, the PTI vice chairman warns.
Qureshi claims that the PTI’s negotiation team has shown flexibility and has softened its stance during talks.
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August 26, 10:40pm
PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says the next round of talks will focus on exploring possibilities of breaking the political deadlock, Radio Pakistan reported.
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August 26, 10:10pm
MQM delegation to meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday at 10am at the PM House, Express News reported.
Read the full story here.
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Both parties have agreed to continue talks and decided to meet on Wednesday for the fifth round of talks.
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August 26, 9:53pm
Meanwhile, fourth round of talks between PTI and government's negotiation teams end, deadlock continues, Express News reported.
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August 26, 9:50pm
PTI chief also claims that the former Nadra chief Tariq Malik will give an interview to a private tv channel tonight and will reveal the reasons why he was sacked and forced to leave the country.
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August 26, 9:48pm
People of Balochistan are right to complain that they are not empowered, as it was revealed in one of the television programme recently that one candidate was elected as MNA by just getting 25 votes, says Imran Khan.
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August 26, 9:45pm
Referring to Model Town incident, PTI chief Imran Khan says Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is nominated in murder case, his name should have been in Exit Control List,. Express News reported.
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August 26, 8:50pm
Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court on Tuesday upheld a sessions court’s decision to register FIRs against the PML-N’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over the Model Town tragedy, while dismissing a petition from four PML-N federal ministers against the decision.
Read here for the full story.
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August 26, 8:40pm
Dialogue between the government and PTI have begun once again, Express News reports.
Previously the government’s negotiating team was led by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar but is now being led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and comprises of Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid and Science and Technology Minister Zahid Hamid.
While PTI’s team comprises of PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Arif Alvi, Asad Umar and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak.
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August 26, 8:30pm
Fourth session of dialogue with the govt just starting. The govt team is being led by ishaq dar this time
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 26, 2014
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August 26, 8:00pm
Talking to media representatives, former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry says that allegations levelled by PTI chairman Imran Khan against him are baseless, Express News reports.
Further, the former CJP adds that he has opted for a legal course of action over Imran’s allegations and will do the same in the future as well.
Chaudhry refuses to answer questions regarding the additional secretary ECP Afzal Khan’s rigging allegations.
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August 26, 6:55pm
Qadri warns that either the government steps down in 23 hours, or blood would be spilled.
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August 26, 6:32pm
“The Sharif brothers should face capital punishment for their crimes,” says Qadri.
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August 26, 6:15pm
“The judicial tribunal has proven that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Punjab government are responsible for the June 17 clashes,” says PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.
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August 26, 6:05pm
Meeting of PTI Core Committee gets underway at #AzadiSquare
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 26, 2014
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August 26, 5:45pm
An MQM delegation, comprising Farooq Sattar, Babar Ghauri and Haider Abbas Rizvi, meets JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman to discuss the current political situation.
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August 26, 4:07pm
PML-Q Punjab president Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, while addressing PAT supporters in Islamabad, pointed out that the dissenting note in the report of the JIT which was probing the Model Town clashes holds Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif responsible.
Meanwhile, PTI president Javed Hashmi has been discharged from PIMS hospital.
Express News screengrab of PTI president Javed Hashmi exiting PIMS hospital.
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August 26, 3:54pm
Addressing the media after meeting PTI president Javed Hashmi, AML chief Sheikh Rasheed says if the current crisis isn’t resolved within two days, it will get out of hand.
“This week is crucial for the politics of the country,” he says.
Further, Rasheed says both PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri are not willing to step back from their demands.
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August 26, 3:45pm
Here is an interesting article by Reuters giving insight into the events that led to PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri marching to the capital with thousands of supporters to demand Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.
Read: How PM Nawaz stumbled into protests crisis
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August 26, 2:55pm
Talking to media representatives, MQM leader Farooq Sattar says only the government can steer the country out of the current political crisis.
“The government should put its ego aside,” says Sattar adding “they should make any sacrifices that need to be made to resolve the issues.”
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August 26, 2:42pm
PML-Q Punjab president Chaudhry Pervez Elahi meets PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri in his container to discuss the prevailing situation, Express News reports.
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August 26, 2:35pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called the Supreme Court Bar president to thank him for filing a petition in the Supreme Court.
The petition requested the apex court to direct all state institutions to not take any extra-constitutional steps in the current situation, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.
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August 26, 1:35pm
MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s statement urging people to remain indoors was directed towards residents of Islamabad, an MQM leader tells The Express Tribune. Read more here.
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August 26, 12:47pm
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif meets Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss the overall security situation of the country, as well as the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Express News reports.
A statement issued by the PM House says, "There was a consensus on the need to resolve the ongoing issue expeditiously in the best national interest."
According to Radio Pakistan, Nawaz and the COAS have agreed to resolve the political crisis to safeguard national interest.
Read here for details.
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August 26, 12:08pm
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammed Sarwar departed for Karachi where he will meet with Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and key members of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Express News correspondent Mian Aslam reports.
Following a telephonic conversation between the two governors, Sarwar urgently left for a two-day trip to the metropolis to discuss the ongoing political crisis in the country.
According to reports, Sarwar will also speak with party leader Altaf Hussain during his trip.
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August 26, 11:43am
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been cancelled due to the sit-ins in front of the building, Express News reported.
However, the ECP officials are scheduled to brief a parliamentary committee on Tuesday (today) at 2:30pm on electoral reforms proposed by the ECP, our correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.
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August 26, 11:28am
PAT have refused to vacate Constitution Avenue, however they are willing to clear one side of the road for free movement, according to PAT lawyer Ali Zafar, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.
Further, the PAT have also refused the attorney general's offer to move their sit-in to an alternative setting.
Read here for the full story.
Policemen walk near a supporter of PAT chief Tahirul Qadri in the capital. PHOTO: REUTERS
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August 26, 02:00am
Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah claims that the government is ready to accept all the demands of protesters except the prime minister’s resignation, Express News reported.
He was talking to media after the meeting of the delegation of parliamentary leaders of ten political parties with the Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq.
Shah said that the ministers have informed the delegation that the demand of prime minister’s resignation cannot be accepted and PPP is also off the opinion that the premier cannot resign in this manner.
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August 26, 01:00am
Commenting on the developing situation in the country, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain said he foresaw bloodshed and violence in the country, Express News reported. The MQM chief urged people to stay in their homes after 12 pm on Tuesday.
August 25, 10:10pm
A dissenting note in the joint investigation team (JIT) probe into the Model Town incident has pinned the blame on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, then Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah, then principal secretary to the chief minister Dr Tauqeer Shah.
Read the full story here.
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August 25, 9:16pm
Referring to the PML-N rally held earlier today, Imran Khan insinuates that the PML-N rally had hired participants.
Read the full story here.
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August 25, 9:15pm
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to form a special committee to mediate between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Pakistan Awami Tehreek and the government in order to resolve the current political crisis.
Read the full story here.
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August 25, 9:08pm
Public sentiment in favour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Won't be easy this time friends!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 25, 2014
Meanwhile, Imran Khan, addressing his supporters, appreciates the role of women and youth in the 'Azadi' march.
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August 25, 8:40pm
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Marziyeh Afkham on Monday underlined Iran’s support for a peaceful solution to the ongoing political crisis.
"I hope that any difference in the opinions of the different Pakistani political parties and groups would end peacefully and without any tension in line with the interests of people of Pakistan," said Afkham.
Further, the spokesperson called on all political parties to solve disputes through negotiations.
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August 25, 8:30pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar directed the administration and law enforcement agencies of the twin cities to follow Supreme Court orders to relocate protesters from Constitution Avenue and be prepared for any emergency situation.
Read here for the full story.
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August 25, 7:48pm
"The public has rejected Imran Khan's unconstitutional demands," says Hamza.
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August 25, 7:45pm
Hamza reminds the audience of several major development projects undertaken by the PML-N while mocking the PTI rally and calling it a "musical show".
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August 25, 7:38pm
"No one can force Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign," says Hamza Shahbaz.
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August 25, 7:35pm
Addressing the rally, Hamza Shahbaz says the public's decision is the final decision.
Express News screengrab of Hamza Shahbaz addressing the rally.
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August 25, 7:30pm
PML-N is holding a rally in Lahore which is being attended by Hamza Shahbaz, Express News reports.
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August 25, 7:12pm
Presiding a meeting with the administrations of the twin cities, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar says that PAT and PTI protesters should follow Supreme Court orders and vacate Constitution Avenue, Express News reports.
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August 25, 7:08pm
All parliamentary parties will meet NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at 9pm to discuss resignations submitted by PTI, Azam Khan reports.
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August 25, 7:04pm
Former president Asif Ali Zardari has called PTI chairman Imran Khan to discuss the prevailing political situation, Express News reports.
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August 25, 6:30pm
Further, Imran says he has heard the PML-N is trying to create turmoil by holding their own rallies.
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August 25, 6:26pm
“Once we go from here, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will buy people and a free and fair inquiry to probe rigging allegations will not take place,” says PTI chairman Imran Khan.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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August 25, 6:12pm
As both sit-ins continue outside Parliament House, former president Pervez Musharraf has requested a deferral of his high treason case citing political unrest.
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Meanwhile, Imran Khan has denied using 'scandalous' language as alleged by former CJP Iftikhar Chaudhry and has called on him to reconsider his damage suit against him.
Read our story on the PTI chief's eight-page response to the former chief justice's defamation notice against him over rigging allegations here.
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August 25, 6:04pm
"I give a 48-hour ultimatum to government to meet my demands and step down," says Qadri.
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August 25, 6:00pm
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.
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August 25, 5:52pm
The PAT chief says the judicial commission probing the Model Town clashes should submit its report before his 'ultimatum'.
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August 25, 5:48pm
Qadri urges Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other ministers to leave the government and step down, before he gives his deadline and time frame.
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August 25, 5:46pm
"No need for more evidence, the ECP's spokesperson has admitted to rigging himself," says Qadri.
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August 25, 5:44pm
Qadri says the truth has come out, as Afzal Khan has come forward with the revelation that 90% of the elections were rigged.
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August 25, 5:38pm
“The government held negotiations to waste time,” the PAT chief alleges.
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August 25, 5:30pm
Qadri says he will give an ultimatum and deadline to the government today.
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August 25, 5:25pm
Addressing his supporters, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri has announced to turn his sit-in into a revolution.
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August 25, 5:15pm
The Supreme Court has given one day to the PAT and the PTI to clear Constitution Avenue for the free movement of traffic.
Read here for the full story.
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August 25, 5:05pm
As the ongoing political crisis continues, the rupee has been in free fall as it further depreciated against the dollar, standing at Rs103 on Monday.
Read here for the full story.
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August 25, 4:55pm
Meanwhile, a PTI core committee meeting has been summoned in Imran Khan’s container to draft a strategy for the next round of negotiations, Express News reports.
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August 25, 4:50pm
Addressing the media after meeting JI leader Sirajul Haq, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says the government’s refusal for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down for 30 days, as requested by the PTI, indicates that it doesn't want a solution to the current crisis.
“The minus-one formula is not our idea and we do not support it,” says the PTI vice chairman.
Meanwhile, Sirajul Haq says that the third round of talks ended on a positive note and both the government and PTI accept that dialogue is the only solution to the current crisis.
“PTI has adopted a realistic approach,” says the JI leader, referring to the flexibility shown by PTI in its demands to dissolve assemblies and hold mid-term elections.
Express News screengrab of PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi and JI chief Sirajul Haq.
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August 25, 3:25pm
Talking to media representatives, MQM leader Babar Ghauri says that cases must be registered against those responsible for Model Town incidents.
He adds that MQM chief Altaf Hussain has said that the next 72 hours are crucial.
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August 25, 3:10pm
Talking to media representatives, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says that former additional secretary of the Election commission of Pakistan (ECP) Muhammad Afzal Khan’s revelations are shocking.
Qureshi says that Khan clarified that the ECP failed to fulfill their constitutional duties and carry out free and transparent elections.
“More than 35 constituencies were rigged,” he says, adding that the additional secretary mentioned things that Imran had earlier warned about.
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August 25, 2:35pm
Police stopped PAT workers from taking water from the Cabinet Division gate leading to confrontation between the two, Express News reports.
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August 25, 2:17pm
During a hearing in the Supreme Court regarding the extra-constitutional moves in Pakistan, chief Justice Nasirul Mulk remarks that PTI and PAT should clear Shahrah-e-Dastoor as this route will be used to travel to the court tomorrow.
He lamented that there were clothes hanging from the Supreme Court building, Express News reports.
Referring to Canada-based cleric Dr Tahirul Qadri's 'Inqilab March', Justice Jawad S Khawaja quipped that "protests on streets must be the norm in Canada".
The hearing was adjourned until August 27.
read the full story here.
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August 25, 1:38pm
While you wait for more updates, here is interesting article by Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi, who questions why PML-N always faces crisis despite having a majority in the National Assembly.
Read: The PML-N mandate.
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August 25, 1:17pm
Meanwhile, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri is expected to address his workers shortly, Express News reports.
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August 25, 1:12pm
PTI President Javed Hashmi has been recommended bed rest for at least two to three days, according the Express News.
Hashmi has been admitted to PIMS due to fatigue, a throat infection, a small asthma attack and dehydration as result of the heat.
Express News screengrab of Javed Hashmi in PIMS.
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August 25, 12:58pm
PTI's Samar Ali Khan says the party's lawmakers are ready to submit their resignations in the Sindh Assembly. He adds that they are only waiting on the central leadership's instructions to do so.
Sources say that PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi will come to Karachi to hand over the resignations to the Sindh Assembly speaker, Express News reports.
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August 25, 11:31am
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has been shifted to PIMS hospital, Express News reports.
Doctors have recommended that he be kept under observation. However, the reason why he was taken to hospital is not known at this time. We will keep you posted.
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August 25, 9:36am
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain directs senior leaders of his party to form a committee to meet with various political parties, Express News reports.
The committee will assist in finding a solution within the law and Constitution in regard to the ongoing political crisis.
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August 25, 12:10pm
There is no point in taking part in next election until independent investigation is carried out regarding rigging allegations in 2013’s general elections, says PTI chief.
August 24, 11:25pm
I give you 24 hours to resign Nawaz Sharif, says PTI chief Imran Khan, adding that now even additional secretary ECP has said that elections were rigged, Express News reported.
He was referring to former Additional Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Muhammaf Afzal Khan’s interview on a private TV channel in which he alleged that elections were rigged.
Read the full story here.
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August 24, 10:36pm
People charging their mobile phones at PAT’s sit-in. PHOTO: QAMAR ZAMAN/EXPRESS
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August 24, 10:35pm
Allah Wasiya from Kasur has been assigned to take care of lost and found items at PAT’s sit-in. At present there are some 65 wallets, 50 CNIC, driving licences and keys [motorbikes and others]. Wasiya is performing this duty since day one of the protest. The counter is set up in front of the PAT chief Dr. Tahirul Qadri’s container. PHOTO: QAMAR ZAMAN/EXPRESS
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August 24, 9:14pm
Imran once again brings up the topic of his marriage, clarifying that he cannot focus on his personal matters until he makes a “naya Pakistan”.
“People misunderstood my statement,” he says, adding that he hasn’t found anyone to marry yet.
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August 24, 9:12pm
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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August 24, 9:08pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan warns Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that his "tigers" can remove the containers themselves but adds that he doesn't want to create chaos.
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August 24, 8:12pm
Former president Asif Ali Zardari calls PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri to discuss the ongoing political situation, Express News reports.
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August 24, 6:48pm
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has sent a message to PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi inviting him to hold talks again, Express News reports.
“Government is ready to hold dialogue once again,” says Iqbal.
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August 24, 6:40pm
Qadri says that Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique came to meet him today and said that the government is ready to talk about the Model Town incident, adding that this clause was the reason the talks failed the first two times.
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August 24, 6:38pm
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.
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August 24, 6:34pm
“Workers must remain firm, revolution cannot be stopped,” says the PAT chief.
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August 24, 6:28pm
“Even if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif come for talks, I will listen to them and then I will explain my side,” says the PAT chief.
Qadri explains that he will not shut the door on negotiations.
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August 24, 6:25pm
Addressing his supporters, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri says that the government is responsible for the delay in negotiations.
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August 24, 6:19pm
Meanwhile, former president Asif Ali Zardari, during a meeting of the Sindh cabinet, says there is no threat to democracy, Express News reports.
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August 24, 5:36pm
Milli Yakjehti Council delegation arrives at PAT sit-in to hold talks with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
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August 24, 5:26pm
MQM chief Altaf Hussain says that his party is pro-democracy and does not support marital law, Express News reports.
Urging both sides to demonstrate flexibility in their stances, Hussain says, “If there are clashes between the government and participants of the sit-ins then the army will have no choice but to intervene.”
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August 24, 5:20pm
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says five of six demands of PTI chairman Imran Khan have been accepted, adding that the sixth demand is not a national issue but that of Imran’s ego, Express News reports.
Further, the defence minister adds that all institutions are working within the law and Constitution.
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August 24, 5:00pm
Talking to Express News anchor Rana Mubashir, Punjab Labour Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar denied rumours of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s resignation.
Refuting allegations that he or Mujtaba Shuja will take Shahbaz’s post, Sarwar says that he has no knowledge of such a decision.
“I accept all party leadership decisions,” says Sarwar, adding, “My first priority is that our chief minister should be present and continue development projects.”
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August 24, 4:28pm
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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August 24, 4:26pm
Imran clarifies a statement he made last night, saying he doesn’t have time to think about marriage till this sit-in is over and he doesn’t make a “naya Pakistan”.
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August 24, 4:22pm
Urging all Pakistanis to withdraw money from government banks as part of the civil disobedience movement, Imran says that he will call for a strike across the country till PM Nawaz resigns.
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August 24, 4:20pm
Announcing countrywide sit-ins, Imran says that he will address the nation again at 8:30pm today.
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August 24, 4:18pm
“We accept nothing less than Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation,” Imran reiterates.
He adds that the premier can take his post again after 30 days if it is proven that the elections weren't rigged.
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August 24, 4:15pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters asks Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to remove containers sealing off the roads before sending his negotiating committee.
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August 24, 3:10pm
According to Express News correspondent Qamaruz Zaman, Rafique says that a committee will be announced soon to start the dialogue process once again.
Rafique adds that the PAT chief told him that he is ready for positive, meaningful negotiations.
Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique addressing the media after a meeting with Qadri. PHOTO: AFP
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August 24, 3:04pm
Addressing media representatives after a meeting with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique says that he has appealed to Qadri to end the deadlock.
Further, PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi says that Rafique requested them to end the deadlock, adding that the party still stands firmly by their demands.
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August 24, 2:40pm
A meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is underway at the Jati Umra, Express News reports.
According to sources, the two are meeting to discuss the current political crisis and developments following the meeting with former president Asif Ali Zardari.
Read the full story here.
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August 24, 2:35pm
Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali has called for a meeting of the election commission on Tuesday to probe into rigging allegations, Express News reports.
PTI chief Imran Khan alleges that mass rigging was carried out during the general elections and extra ballot papers were printed two days before the elections, which will be discussed in the meeting.
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August 24, 2:15pm
Express News now reports that PAT president Raheeq Abbasi is also attending the meeting between Khawaja Saad Rafique and Tahirul Qadri.
Abbasi told Express News that the government should make more of an effort to reduce problems faced by sit-in participants.
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August 24, 1:22pm
Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique is in a one-on-one meeting with PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
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August 24, 11:17am
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Sirajul Haq asked National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq not to accept PTI members resignations, Express News reports.
The party leader and NA speaker met to discuss PTI's resignations today and Haq advised Sadiq to make a decision regarding the resignations after the political situation in Islamabad calms down.
For more details, read the full story here.
Express News screengrab of JI chief Sirajul Haq and Speaker of the NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
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August 24, 1:17am
A scuffle breaks out at the PTI rally. It takes an appeal from Imran Khan himself to placate the agitated members of the crowd.
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August 24, 12:25am
As the PTI protest enters its 10th day, Imran Khan announces that he wants his 'Naya Pakistan' to be formed soon, so that he can get married.
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August 24, 12:20am
PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri warned participants of his march early on Sunday that terrorists intended to attack the Azadi and Inqilab marches.
He said that the containers, which the government claims are being placed to keep the terrorists out, will in fact facilitate the terrorists.
On the other hand, the government on Saturday night decided to double security in the Red Zone where PTI and PAT are staging their sit-ins with thousands of their supporters, Express Tribune correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.
“The minister of interior has given direction to double the security forces deployment in the red zone. This direction has been given to stop any terror attack and to counter any possible adventure by the two parties”, a government spokesperson said in text message to the media.
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August 24, 12:17am
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, who is part of the government's negotiating committee, says at the third round of talks broke off because of PTI's 'illogical demand' of the premier resigning, though the government, the federal cabinet can stay.
He added that the PTI had accepted transparent investigation by Supreme Court judges into the May 2013 election. Mechanism on electoral reforms was also agreed.
Today PTI broke negotiations on a very illogical demand. According to them, PMLN government can stay, cabinet can... http://t.co/kTmkYkIHFh
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) August 23, 2014
August 23, 11:33pm
The Pakistan Peoples Party's Farhatullah Babar has said that former president Asif Ali Zardari will hold a meeting with CEC members at the Bilawal House in Karachi on Monday afternoon.
During the meeting, Zardari is expected to take stock of the current situation in the country. He will also brief party members on his meetings with political leaders in Lahore on Saturday and contact with other political forces to defuse the current political situation.
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August 23, 9:25pm
Mobile phone services in the Red Zone have been suspended, Express News reports.
According to The Express Tribune correspondent Azam Khan, the suspension has been ordered by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. Nisar said that mobile network suspension is a common practice on sensitive occasions in Pakistan and it is aimed at stopping terrorists from using cell phones to detonate bombs.
A source in the PTA explained that people will lose connections if the nearest cell phone tower was located in Red Zone. He added that the government had not given a time frame as to when mobile services will resume.
The interior minister added that entry of irrelevant persons will also be banned in the red zone to prevent any untoward incident. The minister said they will now allow life of common people to be paralysed.
COMMENTS (142)
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When others busy in illogical Dharnas, PM Nawaz Sharif witnesses signing of USD 664.8 million project agreements. Bravo Nawaz Sharif. http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/108-pakistan-top-news/190588-pm-witnesses-signing-of-$-6648mn-project-financing-agreements.html
'The conditions were that PAT agrees to immediately end their sit-in and drop prime minister Nawaz Sharif and chief minister Shahbaz Sharif’s names from their FIR.' Guilty much??
Illegitimate, undemocratic and unconstitutional demnds of both Imran and Qadri should never be accepted. Basically these are demands of Establishment that is using Imran and Qadri as its frontment.
Both anti-state elements should be expelled from Islamabad and immediately arrested. Both are trying their best to destroy country's economy. Supreme Court should intervene for arrest of these anarchists.
The real fear is Senate Elections in March 2015 With current political balance in Assemblies, PML-N will get a large number of seats in Senate. The electoral dynamics will change Hence this drama is being engineered in Islamabad
Both anarchists should now end their sit in. Enough is enough. Both have failed and they have been rejected by people through poor number of people in the Dharna.
"Imran Khan urges Nawaz Sharif to only resign from the prime minister’s office while keeping the government and assembly seat intact." It shows that there is only ego problem of Imran Khan. If assemblies are intact and everything is there except NS as PM, what is the difference. Only problem is that Imran is a Ziddi person. He is doing Zidd like children.
By announcing support for PAT, Altaf has ceased to be an honest peace broker.
On the night between 27 and 28 August, at the stage, Qadri Sahib was seen with leaders of sectarian organizations. By bringing in such entities, the learned leader is bringing in sectarianism in his movement. This is hardly a good omen for the amity of the nation.
Can Mr Qadri release his last ten yrs tax returns before his final address tomorrow. This way public will know what is his net worth. How honest or corrupt he is? If he does not release his tax return, for me he is corrupt religious leader unless proven other wise.
Nawaz Sharif is looking more like a statesman by the day. He has not descended to the street language and acting of Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan. God bless Nawaz Sharif and help him to stand firm against the anti state elements who want to destroy Pakistan. Ameen.
Islamabad sit-in updates: Thursday will be the 'Day of Revolution', says Qadri ... its not a revolution it is sectarian politics by this evil leader
qadri is predicting timeline for the revolution, sounds like it is a fixed match by this attention hungry whor.
@Zaida P: Imran Khan has changed Pakistani politics forever. He has contributed significantly already. He has empowered the lower class of Pakistanis to speak up for their rights and now just accept Sharifs and Bhuttos as their leaders because it has always been that way. People are now questioning the government for the first time and are holding them accountable. Imran Khan, and electronic media and a phone in everyone's pocket have changed things forever. Maybe not, maybe we'll change after Bilawal Bhutto and Hamza Sharif and both completed two terms and we'll think to ourselves...hmmm, are we slaves to these families?
@QUESTION: I think more important questions would be for the government? Why are they breaking the law to protect themselves and why are they taking oaths to be in power and have their hands dirty in corruption.
correct your time 28th aug 12:00 pm, it am not pm
Nil over Nil. Dr Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan on 14th August embarked upon long march and started moving from Lahore to Islamabad to topple PM Mian Nawaz Sharif and despite so many meetings and discussions on different subjects by and between government and the opposition nothing could be achieved and therefore Thursday 28th August will be decisive day in the history of Pakistan when as per the pronouncement of Qadri people themselves will decide their own fate. Earlier Imran Khan had also announced that ever since the government did not looked serious to solve the riddle so he said door for discussion is closed and he will also announce his plan on Thursday afternoon what to do next and how. Imran had also said that he had been offered to quit this dharna and join as Deputy Prime Minister but he refused saying he cannot be bought alike. Can you figure out, which I cannot, as to what will happen after 16 hours in Islamabad in particular and Pakistan in general???? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile (00965)66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com / 2306 hours Kuwait time and 0106 hours Pakistan Time.
PML-n all the way.
Morale: Never Rig.
A quick question, if the PM resigns (IF) then why would someone want to negotiate with a person not in office anymore - I don't get it!@?
It is a greatness of Nawaz Sharif that not even a single bullet is fired durig this long march and dharna. Not even a single shell of tear gas is fired. It shows his noble personality. Imran Khan used the dirtiest language but nation saw the patience of Nawaz Sharif. It is proved that a man like Imran Khan can never lead the nation.
@buzz: Dont forget
and i have a few questions of my own
?? Where do your children live ? In Pakistan ? ?? ?? What have you done so remarkable in KPK that you critisize Punjab administration? ??
Hamid Khan's statements says it all. He has confirmed that the reply that he submitted earlier was on the instruction of and in agreement with IK. He has now withdrawn the reply to ex CJ and has also announced his dissociation with the the case thus showing his protest and anger at how IK has used him. I challenge any PTI troll to respond to this one - cogently.
@QUESTION: No one answered your question. There is only reason that PTI has no answer.
Why deadlines? Agenda of both Imran and Qadri are to derail democracy from Pakistan. Their every step is for the destruction of Pakistan. Only an enemy of Pakistan can favour Civil Disobedience. Imran is doing all this for the chair of PM. But Insha Allah he can never become PM.
Entire plot is designed by Establishment. Both anarchists have been given surety by Establishment. Both are agents of Establishment. Nawaz Sharif is the only hope for Pakistan.
PTI and PAT say we have the right to protest : OK but the right to protest doesn't mean you encroach on government institutions and promote violence and bloodshed. Protests are to demonstrate support for a cause, to awaken public conscience, not to choke the system. Otherwise they can become a "hostage situation". Pakistan is not perfect, and every single citizen has grievances. But doesn't mean we all take to streets and tear things apart. There are many success stories of hard working Pakistanis who achieved their goals working within the system, and then there are criminals who always blamed the system and took the law in their hand. PTI and TUQ followers belong to the second category.
48 hours ultimatum given by Dr Tahir ul Qadri is very much terrifying and another 19 hours left when Dr will announce his next step which perhaps could be the final step in nailing the coffin box. Honestly speaking Dr has over shadowed Imran to some extent and it is very much feared that upon expiry of 48 hours ultimatum, God forbid, human blood my spill over and if it happens so then who knows who is killed and who remains alive. I will say that come what may, none be killed, aameen summa aameen. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile (00965)66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
I have stopped listening to Imran's speeches. That is just wastage of time. His speech is always full of abuses and false blames against Nawaz Sharif. His speech starts with an abuse and ends with an abuse. May save Nawaz Sharif from the hate of haters.
@bash gul: LOL. PTI is going to loose next election from KPK. There is no development. Only raising slogans. No beds were available in Peshawar hospitals when many people injured due to heavy rain few days back. I am amazed to see the praises in favour of KPK government. Allah bless Pakistan.
Biggest shame for Imran Khan and PTI nooras who are blaming respected Judiciary without any evidence. It is the easiest thing to criticize and same is being done by Imran Khan. Imran should provide the evidence of the allegations. If he has no evidence, he should stop telling lies.
@Shakir Lakhani: @mk: Imran Khan is not doing the job PTI was elected to do in KPK and he is doing his best to stop the federal government from doing its job for Pakistan. Why is this obvious fact so difficult for Imran Khan supporters like you to digest?
Nawaz Leag always traying to be sultan Rahi Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not win the elections in a free and fair manner. judges were also involved in fixing the vote and that hearings of voter fraud was deliberately delayed.former additional secretary's remarks vindicates the stand that he has been taking.Muhammad Afzal Khan has alleged that the general elections in May 2013 were rigged and that the people's mandate was ‘stolen’. “stolen mandate” of the People by PMLN
I am laughing at the comments people are making against IK.
"He uses bad language." "He is inciting violence." "He is stubborn."
Not one of these commentators has the guts to address the core issue: MASS RIGGING IN ELECTIONS AND YOUR MANDATE BEING STOLEN.
Apparently they are okay with NS, SS cheating them off their mandate and then use the said mandate to oppress them. Pitiful state some denial-livers are in.
This is nothing but empty threats to some how invoke military. The whole plot was to engage military but that is not happening for qadri and probably wont happen. Government will just ride this out.
either all of you are blind,deaf and dum you can't hear the cry's of the poor people tell me what have we achieved with so called democracy all of the uneducated people are giving Imran Khan negative response by supporting Nawaz Sharif you are part of killing innocent 14 people in model town your hands are stained with blood.
All my prayers for Pakistan. Imran Khan should show some flexibility to resolve the issue. If 5 out 6 demands have been accepted, Imran should become satisfied. He should think about the situation realistically. Pakistan belongs to both government and opposition. Present crisis is badly affecting the economy. I request Imran to open his eyes, heart and brain.
Issue can be immediately resolved if Imran Khan and Qadri set aside their ego and think for Pakistan and its economy.
Gen Raheel must have made some plans as to when to strike to dethrone Nawaz and himself be on the throne but he is tight lip for public but not for his inner circle as he cannot over throw without the support of his colleague generals. Who opposes me? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile (00965)66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Number Game-Can anyone find out as from the comments posted over here from 14th instant as to how many people have favored (a) Imran (b) Qadri and (c) Nawaz? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile (00965)66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
@freed: Just so you know, a good number of people like myself used to support Imran Khan but no more. It's one thing to work within a system and bring abut positive change in Pakistan but it's another thing all together to encourage anarchy and lawlessness. If you truly loved Imran Khan and his mission, you would have told him to work within the system and I guarantee you, he would have won the next elections. We all felt this way and actually we thought that PML N winning at the centre and PTI running KPK provincially would be a great start. Especially if Imran Khan could show us all what he is capable of doing. Instead he lead us all down with his negative theatrics and call for disobedience and mob rule. Do you think anyone with a few thousand supporters has the right to march on Islamabad and take over? Be honest with yourself. Don't worry about Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan or any other supposed leader; think about the nation and its future. Let the democratic system take hold and work within in - not against it. We don't need another Libya or Egypt. These are not just peaceful protests but shameless late night musical festivals for people looking for an excuse to party.
All govt paid troll, please don't forget to make fun of dead bodies as well in lahore. getting FIr and holding people responsible is so undemovratic, right.
Electronic Media has given much coverage to these anarchists. Media should review its role otherwise nation will think that media is also responsible for destruction of Pakistan alongwith the two anarchists (imran + qadri)
Wow...PMLN's propaganda machine is really hard at work here...
@Ch Allah Daad I disagree, I think PMLN and authorities just let them stay. In case of PAT, the sickening of their workers, living under sky when their master has a clean bathroom and airconditioned container to sleep in, is an excellent method to teach these people a lesson about their leader. In case of PTI, the more they stay out, the more comes out of Imran's mouth that will discredit him. They will get tired and leave :)
@ Ch. Allah Daad: I appreciate your all comments. I read all. I agree with your last comment that these anarchists should leave the red zone now. These two even did not abide by their written agreement of not entering the red zone. Both signed an agreement with the government that they would not enter red zone. But both of them violated the same.
Islamic Republic Of Pakistan has Produce Again the Great Men Janab Alama Dr Tahirul Qadri Sahib & Janab Imran Khan Sahib Destiny Of Ir Pakistan & Peoples of Pakistan is attached with them Alhamdoullilah
Demands and agenda of Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri are quite undemocratic and unconstitutional. Imran Khan is using very rough language since last 11 days.
Both Imran and Qadri are puppets of Establishment. Establishment will get defeat alongwith its both puppets. Democracy will win.
Time to kick both anarchists out from red zone. Enough is enough.
Dr.Qadri either does not understand the meaning of revolution or he is not serious. revolution means to reject the whole existing system in totality.There is no negociations ever in Revolution. Courts,government Parliament and army are all arms of existing system. He should have raided and occupied the parlament,supereme court, Prime minister house as soon as reaching Islamabad. Imran Khan confused the public by announcing Dharna/negociations. Now steam is getting out of both Dharna and revolution march.If they do not capture govt seats in 24 hours Nawaz sharif will win and it will be end of everything.
@Ajamal: Yes you are right Mian Sahibans are inable to deal politically. They might have succeed, if their opponents have been politician, not puppets.
@Alter Ego: And when Dollar was at 98 how much benefits you were getting ???? Inflation increasing day by day, then what does matter if dollar comes under 100 or above?? NS is a businessman he cares only his own business that is why he has decreased dollar for his own benefits not for public interest, he doesn't care poor and needy people of Pakistan. I am not PTI supporter but I know only one thing that he doesn't learn from his past.
@ECONOMY: The short term loss to economy is in hundreds of billions but this just a beginning. The biggest loss to whole nation is that an undisputed cricket hero and a great philanthropist has become destroyer of this country.
The way informed and educated masses came out and supported IK show we still have hope for real democracy and change.
It's not easy to get rid of these status quo forces and there would be number of hurdles in our way but Inshallah the future is bright.
The cat is out of the bag with ECP officials coming out and revealing the truth. I can still see SC still putting its weight behind Noon league esp Justice Jawad Kh seems to be on payroll of someone else than the GOP.
The CJP is angry as the SC road is blocked and he has to take a long road to reach office. He is angry as clothes are hanging on SC walls!!! What a shame on not focusing the core reasons and acting like Gods of earth!!!! These roads and fancy buildings are equally theirs as your honorable judges!!!! You are sent to courts to do justice not to focus on your protocol and stature!!! Your decisions should speak rather than your empty and sarcastic remarks!!!!
Media should highlight the efeect of present political crisis on economy. Dollar is rising as well as other foreign currencies. Pakistani Rupee is coming down. Stacok Exchange is badly affected. Is there any good Journalist in Print or Electronic Media to do some analysis and request Imran and Qadri to end this drama. This musical concert and drama of PTI and Qadri is resulting in a heavy loss to economy. Billions is being lost on daily basis. In this regard, Media and Judiciary should play its respective role.
@Yousuf: Imran Khan didn't utter a single word for the lose of lives??!
Please check your facts before commenting. Imran Khan did talk about that. Did a dua for them.
@blunt: Dollar from 98 to 103 is NS fault , yes ?
I do not support marital law either :p
Role of all TV Channels including Express is not good at this moment. Imran's call for civil disobedience was not taken very serious by all Channels. Channels should say right what is right and say wrong what is wrong. It is very clear that Imran was to damage Pakistan by damaging the economy. Even then all Channels are giving maximum live covergae to this man. Strange. There is no man in these Channels to condemn Imran Khan. All have right to do politics. Imran has also the same right. But it does not mean that he can destroy country's economy for his political gains. I humbly request Media to open its eyes. Supreme Court should intervene for the best interest of Pakistan.
I am worried due to army's interference in political matters.
Army is behind all this drama. They cannot digest democracy. They cannot digest Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister.
No Extention well who cares lets just level allegations :) good going afzal. Go Imran Go, leave us alone now.
Nawaz Sharif Zindabad.
Establishment is doing all the conspiracies against democracy. Nawaz Sharif is the representative of millions of voters. Nothing will remain safe if he is removed from his office by Establishment.
Nawaz Sharif the only hope. No hope from from dirty and selfish politics of Imran.
GO IMRAN GO.
Truth remains truth and it is immaterial when the truth is known. Many have accused Afzal saying that why didn't he speak out when he was in chair rather than telling us now which has some substance I agree but still truth is not time barred. Very categorical proposition-dig out the truth now and then straight away arrest either (a) Afzal or (b) the whole group who were involved along with MNAs + MPAs who benefitted therefrom. It is very high and ripe time to stand up and expose those who are falsely elected. Who supports Afzal or for that matter who stones Afzal? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi/Former Diplomat/Kuwait/zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Difference between Imran Khan and nawaz is that nawaz thinks about next election and Imran Khan thinks about next generation.
@Sami: There many trolls from both sides but you have targeted me because of my odd name. Please rest assured, I will never write anything which is incorrect.
Whole nation is fed up with these two entertainers, their supporters are exhausted, every entertainer on stage is tired too but organizers are not allowing these entertainers to go home.
@Nabeel Malik: Your Answer is here Mr Nabil ......with respect http://www.dawn.com/news/1127449/peoples-mandate-stolen-in-2013-elections-says-ex-ecp-additional-secretary
@mk: IK can be PM after four years if he stops behaving in this manner and assumes some responsibility. As for Nawaz govt , Punjab is the most stable of the provinces and many businessmen come from other provinces. I am sure that is not a big deal to you just like motorway.
Point to ponder : British used railways to rule the subcontinent and move their troops,they saw the importance of roads and railways. We can learn something from them.
There are ethical standards for every field. Are there no ethical standards in politics? Imran Khan is continuously doing blame game in his speeches and press conferences. He has never given evidence for all his blames. He is continuously doing character assassination of Nawaz Sharif. Supreme Court should take action.
@Usman Mahmood: This idiotic "30 day resignation" proposal came from PTI, and is not an offer PMLN made as you seem to think.
So, this 63 year old man thinks the entire nation is mesmerized over whether or not he has found a marriage partner?
Imran's speech starts with blames on Nawaz Sharif and ends at blames on Nawaz Sharif. Nothing new. He is doing so since many years. He will have to give the answer to Allah for every word he has spoken in this world. He is doing all this mess to get worldly gains. But he has forgotten the real Truth. I appreciated the patience of Nawaz Sharif who has never used dirty language against Imran Khan. Respect for Nawaz Sharif has increased in my heart.
Can any patriotic person send money through Hundi instead of legal banking channel? What is Imran preaching to his workers? Entire media should condemn Imran's announcement of using Hundi. Supreme Court should take notice of Imran's speeches. He is trying his best to destroy country's economy. He is the worst politician ever born on the soil of Pakistan.
Imran daily announces a new timeline. Can he tell us why umpire did not raise his finger on Saturday?
@QUESTION: I appreciate your observation. Imran Khan and Tahirulqadri have no answer to your question. I condemn both the personalities who did not fulfill their written commitment.
PTI's most of demands have been accepted but 30 day "First Talaq" type resignation is unacceptable. If Mian Sahib can influence whole government machinery, Judiciary and Election Commission in 2013, why he can't do it now when his cabinet, party and chief minister brother are running the affairs. Imran has proven that he is not a prime minister material. He better start organizing concert shows.
Ok so the real issue is IK's impatience to get married in the new Pakistan. PTA please unblock youtube, so IK gets an opportunity to vent out his frustration and leaves us alone...
@zaidi Really IK wants to destroy our precious economy which ppp and pml n have protected so far.. do u actually beleive that there is something left to be destroyed?
Is this the end of PTI.......Well looks like it!
all because of ego of IK.....which was to somehow overthrow or defeat NS in some sort of a way ..........in which he has badly failed
Imran Khan is taking the whole situation towards violence. He has used the dirtiest language ever used by any politician in Pakistan since partition. He seems to be a totally illiterate and uneducated person.
IK has brought nothing but hatred, violence and immorality.......just to satisfy his ego. He is acting like a mentally imbalanced person and needs to be punished for his acts against Pakistan.
For all IK hate mongers let me tell you what IK has done so far in KPK: - Passed 'Conflict of Interest' law in KPK to counter corruption which requires all public servants (MPs and bureaucracy) to disclose any business interest they may have so that they cannot influence govt decisions for their personal interests - Passed 'Right to Information' law to enhance transparency which gives right of access to an ordinary person to any official document/ contract/ information- this counters corruption as well. - KPK police completely depoliticized - Kidney centre fully sponsored by govt to provide free health service to all citizens (this is a very expensive treatment) - Highest education budget set aside by KPK govt amognst all provinces - One syllabus for all govt and private schools - Education enrollment drive to enable more and more deserving children to study in govt schools free of cost - Schools are being rebuilt all across KPK thru Tameer-e-School drive - Huge Anti polio vaccination campaign 1st time in history of KPK - numerous small hydel power generation projects initiated - Public services improved significantly with timely delivery of service - KPK go green project initiated - Peshawar beautification project initiated
and the list goes on.....
All the prayers of respected Nawaz Sharif. Allah bless him.
Say if Nawaz Sharif brings 40,000-50,000 people in front of KPK assembly and demands IK resignation because of unsatisfactory performance , i am sure IK will step down.
The gains made by democratic dispensation in the previous five years have been reversed. Five years without political prisoners now being replaced by containers and arrests. Mian Sahibans have shown their inability to deal "politically", once again.
Reforms are needed in PTI now. 'Change' is the slogan of PTI. First of all they should change their part leader.
PTI is led by Sultan Rahi of politics. Imran is trying to become Sultan Rahi. He is continuously busy in giving threats to Judiciary, Election Commission, Election Tribunals, Federal Government and Policemen. I have never listened anything good from the mouth of Imran Khan. He always uses loose language for others.
PTI is promoting hate and violence in the society. Dirty politics of Imran Khan. Imran should learn the ethics of communication.
Imran should wait till the end of inquiry by the Judicial Commission. It is not correct to demand resignation from the Prime Minster as far as nothing is proved against him.
What is imran teaching to his followers. Agitation and civil disobedience. No sane man can vote for PTI.
I am disappointed from the role of media. IK want to destroy the economy but media is posing him as a hero.
30 days resignation of PM, I think its a good option to rectify 2013 rigging election government should accept this offer before its too late....
@Zaida P: You want to talk about u-turns, have you ever counted the number of u-turns from PMLN? From 'dragging Zardari on the streets of Lahore' to giving him a guard of honor to inviting him for lunch! Very un-hypocritical of them! Now I am all ears. Please tell me how this does not constitute a u-turn. Its unfortunate; but its people like you who do not support change. More than half of the important positions of the government are in the hands of NS relatives. You want to stay with this family dynasty; be our guest but do not expect us to follow. IK may not be successful in these marches not because of lack of effort; its because of people like you who do not have the guts to go against the grain. You would prefer to stay with the same corrupt people than to go for someone who dares to stand against the establishment. Please, go ahead and enjoy the load shedding, the rising rates of fuel and electricity; please enjoy living in proverty while these people make their properties abroad and leave you in the first signs of crisis.
we fed up IK ever day new drama, to keep him news , we do not want to hear from him any thing for next one year.
@Zaida P:
You are right. There have been no miracles in KPK - AGREED
But just tell me, that we give five years of our lives in the hands of Zardari, then the next in the hands of Nawaz, wouldn't it be better just to try a new guy? And if he doesn't delivers, we can go back to the old choices, that is PPP/ PML-N
Makes sense, no ?
Thats the only thing.
Btw any specific stuff that Nawaz has delivered? lol If you are going to say the motorway stuff, then he should work with a road construction company I believe ! :D
Cheers
@Ch. Allah Daad ... I know you are a paid troll of PML(N) since I see your comments always supporting Nawaz and Co. Please open your eyes and accept the reality that these family politics can never make Pakistan a happier state.
One month PM resignation seems to be a very realistic demand; after all if PMNS is so confident that he didn't steal public mandate then he shouldn't be worried and step down to facilitate fair and just investigation of rigging allegations. Apart from electoral fraud investigation, the PM and CM Punjab should ve immediately resigned on their own after the model town incident. Had this been any other country then Pak that's what the government would have done. Is this the kind of democracy we want where the ruling elite does not hold itself accountable on serious criminal and morale allegations???
@mk: Tell me when Pakistan has ever done the 5 year thing with each the PPP and PML N - this will be the first time ever that two successive governments will have completed their mandates. An unheard of feat in most Muslim countries where mob rule, Kingdoms and dictatorships are the norm. It seems that a lot of people don't want Pakistan to progress to develop a stable democracy and I am so disappointed that Imran Khan fell for the same 3rd world quick fix scenario of mob rule. Where did it take the Arab states like Libya, Egypt or Syria - nowhere but to disaster. Democracy takes time, maturity and effort. A few thousand protesters should never be allowed to dictate how Pakistan is run and I am proud of the fact that most Pakistanis have distanced themselves from the mob rule mentality of Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri.
I am disappointed from the role of Print Media and Electronic Media. Imran is on the agenda of destroying the economy of Pakistan through his call for civil disobedience. And Media is continuously giving live coverage to this enemy of Pakistan. On the other hand, no coverage is being given to Zarb-e-Azb operation, IDPs, heavy rains in Peshawar and other political parties of Pakistan. Media should rectify its mistakes.
I have pretty much given up trying to convince PMLN supporters. They refuse to see facts right in front of their faces. I mean NS going to Zardari of all people for advice! How blatantly hypocritical can you get? And the PMLN lovers refuse to see this? Don't they remember? Are they so much in denial? Do they refuse to accept the comments made by SS and NS regarding Zardari when they were campaigning for the elections? Do you people start having amnesia all of a sudden? WAKE UP! These people have no stake in the country! They have their children, their properties and all their wealth abroad. In the time of crisis, they would be first to leave the country! IK may not achieve everything he has come for with these marches and dharnas. But he is the only person out there who is fighting against a family dynasty you are so willing to submit to. Please for the love of God, open your eyes!!
@mk: Pml-n and ppp eqch doing 5 years has NEVER happened in history of Pakistan ever, in fact two elected overnments completing their terms has never happened in Pakistan. You seem to think it is a bad thing but it is actually a good thing. When politicians know that they can be thrown out by voters for non-performance, it improves their performance gradually. On ther hand if they have no Expectation o complete their terms and are waiting for army to throw them out, no long term decisions can be taken and attitude is very short term.
Democracy in Pakistan may not be perfect but it has not created the mess that army rule has - Bangladesh, Afghan jihad's aftermath and Balochistan problem aggravated by Musharraf. You all should be pushing for localmself government. Interestingly that is not one of Omran's demand. Of course he has not held LG elections in KPK also, so what can you expect.
@Salman: It was a joke on a litter mood. PMLN trolls have gone nuts on this. Asusual.
I have already stopped sending money to Pak since IK announce Civil Diso.....
Nawaz Sharif should never resign. That will be insult of my vote. He is a representative of Pakistani voters.
Imran, you spoiled our independence day this year. Nation will never forgive you.
Budget of and resources of KPK government and zakat of Shoukat Khanum Hospital is being used for this so-called long march and dharna. People of KPK voted for PTI for some positive change, not for such long marches and rallies. Budget of KPK should be spent on the people of the province; not on long marches.
Imran, where is the change in my province kpk? Why did you accept every electable person from other parties before 2013 elections? Where was the merit and justice of PTI? Many people of Musharraf era, PPP and PML-N were welcomed by you in PTI. Were they angels? We cannot forget the past of these traditional politicians. As long as they were in their previous parties, you were criticizing them. But as soon as they joined PTI, they became angels. Do you want to bring change with the help of these rejected politicians of other parties? Please don’t fool the nation.
2013 elections were conduced by independent Election Commission in the presence of independent Judiciary. Mr. Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim was nominated by Imran Khan. Nawaz Sharif was not agreed on this nomination. It was Imran's demand to appoint judges as Returning Officer that was also accepted. Entire election was conducted as per the conditions of Imran Khan. PML-N contested elections like other parties. Elections were not conducted by PML-N. Imran is a confused person. His workers are even not clear about his agenda. His demand of PM’s resignation is un-constitutional. Nawaz Sharif has done nothing wrong.
Most tyrannical government in the history of Pakistan. Fourteen murdered and eighty injured and yet just to get FIR lodged, people are sitting in for the last 10 days in front of the parliament. Forget justice - even complaint is not being recorded.
I have previously mentioned that real bone of contention is Musharraf. Both Imran and Qadri are dirty puppets of Establishment. Establishment is using its puppets to put pressure on the government and Nawaz Sharif.
Pakistan's economy is suffering billions daily just because of Imran Khan. Stock Market is coming down. Due to tireless efforts of federal government during last 14 months, Stock Exchange rose from 18,000 points to 30,000 points and Imran is ruining all that. Pakistani Rupee strengthened against other currencies but it is again weakening just because of this Tsunami Khan. Dollar was brought below 98 that has also crossed 101 now. Who will happy on all this? He is working on the agenda of enemies of Pakistan to weaken the economy of Pakistan.
@MA As if IK backs his comments with facts and figures. He claimed this was the most rigged election in Pakistan's history. What facts did he present to validate this statement? Does he even know what the numbers were for the 1977 elections?
Allah save Nawaz Sharif from the hate and jealousy of haters. Nawaz Sharif is doing the most mature politics. On the other hand, Imran’s every step is immature and childish. Imran's biggest problem is his ego. Imran always tells a lie in his speeches, press conferences and interviews. He has never given evidence for all his baseless allegations on others. I dislike Imran because he is always busy in abusing and blaming others. Pakistan Zindabad.
This would be the most expensive wedding ever! Can you imagine what this charade has cost this poor nation
Imran Khan is being guided by Sheikh Rasheed. That is why he is doing everything wrong. It was Imran’s wrong decision to join Sheikh Rasheed. Nation should remember the previous remarks of Imran Khan about Sheikh Rasheed. But this U Turn Khan took one more U Turn. All opportunists are around Imran Khan who himself is the biggest opportunist. No hope from this group of opportunists. PML – n all the way. Bravo Nawaz Sharif.
Real issue of this long march is not the PM's resignation. Imran Khan wants to destroy the economy of Pakistan. He is punishing Pakistanis because they did not vote for PTI. Imran has said that public should not deposit utility bills, toll tax, tubewell bills, GST and other taxes. What a shame for Imran Khan. Only enemies of Pakistan can favour his Civil Disobedience. Imran is not concerned about economic loss of Pakistan. He is only concerned about why he is not PM.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Intishar (PTI) wants to derail the democratic system in Pakistan. Few thousand people gathering in the evening for musical concert will decide the fate of 180 million Pakistanis. These things do not happen in democracy.
Imran, please show us your performance in KPK before demanding resignation from Prime Minister. There is nothing good in KPK. Present rains revealed the poor performance of KPK government. There were not even enough beds in KPK hospitals. About 31 people have died and 80 seriously injured in two rains in Peshawar. Entire KPK government including Chief Minister is dancing in Islamabad. Imran did not utter a single word about the loss of lives in Peshawar. SHAME FOR IMRAN KHAN.
PTI is doing all drama due to one fear. They think that If PML-N rules for complete 5 years, then PTI will have no chance in the next elections. PTI should wait till 2018 because its next defeat is due in 2018.
Elections were conducted by independent Election Commission. There was independent judiciary in the country at that time. Impartial caretaker government was there in the country. PML-N contested elections like other parties. Why Imran is doing character assassination of Nawaz Sharif? Why does he abuse Nawaz Sharif during his speeches? These elections were not conducted by Nawaz Sharif.
I asked a question from Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri yesterday that what is the importance of Promise and Commitment in Islam. Both Imran and Tahir ul Qadri made written commitment that they would not enter the red zone. Why did they violate their documentary commitment? Does Islam allow to violate the commitment and promise. Don’t they know the importance of fulfilling the commitment and promise in Islam? Imran Khan is an educated person while Tahir ul Qadri is a religious scholar. Please reply.
".......Imran Khan announces that he wants his ‘Naya Pakistan’ to be formed soon, so that he can get married........" Hum kahen to kya kahen, iski nadaniyon pe!
@mk: I am all ears. Please tell us what PTI has done for Pakistan. What has Imran Khan done in KPK? You talk about him like he has done some great things! If managing hospitals is his strength then he should become a hospital administrator. He does u-turn every single day. You can never trust his words.
Why 30 days resignation. What will it accomplish. No need for this! Every thing else is good and accepted. Put the fait in SC commission and try to get this resolved but no face saving for Imran.
@Ch. Allah Daad
When someone does for us pakistani people, why is it that we always just go ahead and criticize that soul? And when such things happen in Arab world or any other place in the world, we are like, look at them, they fought for their rights and now they are progressing.
when no one stood up since a long time, we always talked that there should be something done to end this PPP/PML-N each doing 5 year period thing. And now when its happening, we are just busy criticizing !! :S
Imran and fake revolutionary thugs should have mercy on us and end this drama. We are already bored to death.
So, he can get married! Is this a typo or is IK totally nuts.
I support IK, I support change!
Please criticize IK with facts and figures
How do you see the PM's one month resignation offer?,..My unbiased analysis says it satisfies both the parties,..for PTI, if they're proved wrong that would be a political suicide for the party, for PML_N if they think the votes were real, fine !,..It's all about Justice served,..now its up-to the committee how fair they investigate the rigging