ISLAMABAD: Fierce clashes erupted between law-enforcers and protesters in Islamabad late Saturday night as protesters attempted to march towards the Prime Minister House.
Tear-gas and rubber bullets have been used by police, while protesters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have responded with pelting stones.
The clashes come on the 14th day of sit-ins in the capital, which had thus far remained without incident, are continuing on for a third day.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- Altaf Hussain directs MQM MNAs and Senators to submit resignations to the party’s deputy convener
- At 10pm, PAT in the presence of political jirga will meet government’s negotiating team
- Joint session of Parliament continues
- Shah Mehmood Qureshi says PTI not part of any plan to undermine democracy. PTI walks out of Parliament
- PM Nawaz leaves house during Qureshi’s speech, returns after it ends
- MNA Achakzai says there should be no talks with Imran Khan until PTI signs a resolution to vacate Red Zone
- Khurhsheed Shah says Parliament has won today
- PTI MNAs attend session, Aftab Sherpao criticises them for coming to a house they have been protesting against
- ANP leader Zahid Khan expresses fears that there is a conspiracy against the 18th Amendment
- Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo censures PTI, PAT for abusing other political parties
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September 3, 4:45pm
Addressing the media after a meeting with the political jirga, PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi says they have presented their demands to the jirga.
“Our demand for the resignation of the prime minister and Punjab chief minister still stands,” he says, adding, “We have also asked for the formation of a new judicial commission to probe into the Model Town incident.”
“Rigging in elections and the formation of a new election commission were also discussed,” he says.
Abbasi adds that tonight at 10pm, in the presence of the political jirga, PAT will meet with the government’s negotiating team.
JI chief Sirajul Haq says the jirga has successfully ended the deadlock in talks between the government and PAT.
Further, PPP leader Rehman Malik thanks Imran and Qadri for agreeing to meet with them.
"We have requested PAT to vacate Parliament grounds," says Rehman.
Express News screengrab of PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi with the politcal jirga.
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September 3, 4:38pm
The joint session of Parliament is adjourned till tomorrow.
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September 3, 4:26pm
Addressing the joint session, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah says, “Parliament has won today.”
“We had earlier asked the government to allow PTI to protest as it is a political party but PAT has a different agenda,” he adds.
“Those with patience in politics always win; Parliament passed resolution for PM to remain steadfast and see they [PTI] came back.”
“I am thankful to the PM and government for calling joint session of Parliament, and we can see the results today, on the second day.”
"Speaker's decision to allow Shah Mehmood Qureshi to speak was in accordance with the Constitution," he adds.
“Conspiracies are being hatched even today,” Shah says, adding, “I heard a party leader asked for resignations as Parliament is of ‘no use'.”
“Politics is the name of patience and moving forward, PM Nawaz Sharif has come out as a better prime minister.”
Express News screengrab of Leader of the Opposition in the National assembly Khursheed Shah addressing the joint session.
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September 3, 4:20pm
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, addressing the joint session, says it is yet to be confirmed if all PTI lawmakers have tendered their resignations or not.
“Unity of Parliament will not be affected come what may,” he adds.
Addressing Fazl’s question whether PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi should be allowed to address Parliament, NA speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq says till resignations are processed, PTI members are allowed to enter the house.
Express News screengrab of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
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September 3, 3:45pm
MQM chief Altaf Hussain has directed MQM parliamentarians to submit their resignations to Deputy Convener Nadeem Nusrat, Express News reports.
There are 24 MQM MNAs and 7 Senators in Parliament.
"I give all assemblies one week to improve their functioning, says MQM chief.
"Joint session of Parliament is only a drama," he adds.
At 6pm today, there will be a general workers meeting of MQM and all party leaders are expected to attend, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.
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September 3, 3:45pm
Addressing the joint session, Awami National Party Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash says PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi made “baseless allegations” on the floor of the House.
“Nawaz Sharif is the elected prime minister,” he says.
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September 3, 3:40pm
Moments after PTI lawmakers left, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to Parliament, having left after PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi started his address.
Express News screengrab of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif entering Parliament again.
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September 3, 3:35pm
Addressing the joint session, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai says there should not be any talks with PTI chairman Imran Khan until the PTI signs a resolution to vacate the Red Zone
"The FIR registered in the Model Town incident should be conditional," he adds.
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September 3, 2:18pm
Addressing the joint session of Parliament, following the instructions of Imran Khan, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says he has come to the Parliament to clarify his party's stance.
"We are protesting to save the Parliament, not to destroy it," he says.
"PTI never was and never will be part of a grand plan that will undermine democracy," clarifies Qureshi.
“We are protesting on the directions of the Pakistani nation,” he says explaining that the protests are not scripted.
"I want to be on record; my party opposes the invoking of Article 245," says Qureshi.
Further, Qureshi says he has not come to Parliament for mediation or facilitation but for a resolution to the crisis.
“We embarked on this journey after agreeing on four points,” Qureshi says, adding, “Our points were that our struggle will be democratic, within the realm of the Constitution, our movement will be peaceful and we will defy martial law.”
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah stands up and says: “Nobody has a right to interrupt,” calming down other parliamentarians objecting Qureshi's claims.
“PTI throughout the march has stayed within the law, I can speak for my party,” he says.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar left the house as Qureshi started his speech but now Nisar is back.
“Imran sent me to meet Qadri to ask him what the agenda of his party was,” says Qureshi, adding, “Qadri assured me that their struggle was peaceful, democratic and similar to PTI’s.”
“Just as Imran said he will come out on the streets if rigging allegations in four constituencies were not probed, Qadri gave a deadline for the registration of an FIR in the Model Town incident,” says the PTI vice chairman.
Directing the government, Qureshi thanks them for letting them stage their sit-in. However, he angrily asks who he should thank for those killed and injured during the clashes.
'This is a deadlock, where do we go from here?" asks Qureshi. "We are here today because of the impasse," he adds.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stands up in the middle of Qureshi’s speech and refutes his statements regarding meeting on democratic neutral grounds for meetings. However, NA speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq asks Dar to take a seat and Qureshi to continue with his speech.
“We are going to meet the political jirga at 4pm today,” he says, adding that the talks but lead to positive results or someone might try to sabotage them.
Explaining the current deadlock in talks, Qureshi says, “We argued on one point -- the resignation of the prime minister."
"The government said the premier's resignation is non-negotiable,” he adds.
“The temple of democracy should be built on a free and fair election,” says Qureshi inviting all parties to join them in the pursuit of this goal.
Questioning if PTI was the only party who claimed that the 2013 elections were rigged, Qureshi firmly says all political parties expressed concerns with election results.
“We have to make a new beginning for the future of Pakistan,” Qureshi says, adding, “At 4pm today we will present our point of view.”
As Qureshi concludes his address, NA speaker summons Qureshi in his chamber.
PTI MNAs walk out of Parliament as parliamentarians scream: “They will not resign.”
It must be noted, Qureshi did not discuss resignations from the NA and provincial assemblies in his address.
Express News screengrab of PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressing the joint session.
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September 3, 2:07pm
"If I have to sit around and wait for a year for their resignations, I will wait," says PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri while addressing his supporters, referring to his demand for the prime minister and the Punjab chief minister's resignations.
"They can try to negotiate all they want, but I won't change my stance," says Qadri
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September 3, 2:00pm
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Rehman Malik, speaks outside the Parliament today.
Following his last meeting at 5pm yesterday with PTI chief Imran Khan, he confirms that the deadlock is now over.
He went on to announce that “very soon the nation will receive some very good news”.
Through his address he made an appeal to Altaf Hussain - who earlier today announced that he wanted to be relieved of his responsibilities in MQM- to withdraw this decision immediately.
He pleaded to Hussain directly, “for the sake of our friendship you must withdraw your decision to leave your party.”
Malik made a further appeal to the government, requesting that all those who are arrested and are innocent should be released. “All those who have been hurt and injured should be given compensation” he adds.
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September 3, 12:55pm
Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, while addressing his fellow parliamentarians, says the protesters are only complaining about election rigging and not other problems faced by the country.
He alleged that Qadri and Imran had been working together all along and have only revealed their partnership recently.
Hitting out at PTI lawmakers attending today’s session, the QWP leader asked the speaker of the house if their entry into the parliament should be considered an assault since they were protesting against it for the last few weeks.
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September 3, 12:20pm
Nationalist Party’s Acting President Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo, during the second day of the joint session of Parliament, says he has not seen such a lavish long march.
"The Long march is either having breakfast or lunch or dinner; this is not how a long march is done," he says.
Bizenjo says the two protest groups have abused political parties, adding that this is not how politics is done.
Criticising the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief, he remarks that Qadri wants to change the system in Pakistan just because he is here.
The NP leader further says that everyone is sad about the Model Town tragedy but such an incident should not be used as an excuse to attack the Parliament.
"We will not let this happen," he adds.
"If you are saying that the Constitution of Pakistan should not be there then in other words you are saying that Pakistan is not there," he says.
"Do you want to make Parliament a graveyard; whoever wants to do this we will bury their politics over here only, we have not given sacrifices to make the Parliament a graveyard."
Speaking about relations with China, he says "China is our great friend and wants to invest 34 billion dollar but the President, who is scheduled to come tomorrow, is thinking about whether he should come or not."
"If he does not come then I will question whether these protests were against PM Nawaz or Pakistan," he adds.
"You need to have political ethics for politics."
"You talk in politics, conduct dialogue; there is not trash talking or personal attacks," he remarks.
"I request PTI and PAT to act with patience; this country is yours as much as the prime minister as well as an average citizen," he states.
Concluding his speech, Bizenjo says Pakistan should be taken out of three things namely poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.
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September 3, 11:55am
Today’s joint session was opened by Information Secretary of the Awami National Party Zahid Khan, in which he states that there is a conspiracy against the 18th amendment.
He argues that bureaucracy has destroyed this nation and without democracy a nation cannot be governed.
“We have made a joke out of this country” he said.
Further, he says “how do we have the audacity to point our finger onto others, when we ourselves cannot handle our own nation?”
Khan went on to commend PTI leader Javed Hashmi in his statements made yesterday.
“In order for Pakistan to remain strong, the constitution must be saved,” he adds.
He referred to the Model Town tragedy and questioned why nobody is fighting for those who died in the May 12 incident in Karachi.
“There are those who are shedding crocodile tears for the 14 deaths in the Model Town tragedy, what about the ones who died on May 12 in Karachi? Were they not human? Were they not Muslims and Pakistanis? Why is nobody doing anything for them?”
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September 3, 11:45am
Joint session of Parliament has started.
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September 3, 11:07am
Protesters have set up their own checkpoints in front of the Pak Secretariat, Express News reports.
They are reportedly also checking policemen.
Express News screengrab of protesters checking policemen
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September 3, 8:20am
PAT workers stop government employees from reaching Pak Secretariat, Express News reports.
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September 3, 2:20am
"For the continuation of democracy we agreed that talks should continue and tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4pm, the negotiation committees will meet at Rehman Malik’s place," says PTI’s negotiation team leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Express News reports.
The PTI team consists of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Arif Alvi, Jahangir Tareen, Pervaiz Khattak, Shafqat Mahmood and Asad Umar.
We presented our point of view, and they patiently listened to it, says Qureshi.
Talking to media after the meeting between the opposition's political jirga and PTI's negotiation team, JI chief Sirajul Haq says that the ‘Jirga’, composed of opposition parties, met PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, and the stalled negotiations have now resumed.
“We will continue talks till we reach a consensus,” says Haq.
“I do not want to comment on the violence that broke out during last few days but I appeal to both government and protesting parties to give negotiations and talks a chance,” the JI chief says.
"If the PTI and PAT have decided to resume talks today, it does not mean they are weak or have backed off," cautioned PPP Senator Rehman Malik.
"We appeal, that as a matter of courtesy and to improve the environment, all the PAT and PTI workers detained across the country and the 150 missing protesters who have been arrested, should be released. Further, the cases against the workers and the negotiation committee should be withdrawn."
“The way PTI and PAT have cooperated, we see room for good results from talks”, says Malik.
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September 3, 1:55am
PTI chairman Imran Khan asks all his elected party officials and office bearers to gather at their protest in Islamabad, Express News reports.
All those who want to take part in local body elections from PTI’s platform should also ensure their presence here, says Imran Khan.
September 2, 11:59pm
Rehman Malik appeals to the government to free PTI and PAT men detained by the police and to allow protesters access to food in order ease the situation.
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September 2, 11:58pm
We all know that PTI and PAT does not trust the PML-N government, and PML-N government also have some reservations, so all political parties have offered to become guarantors, if protesting parties and government reach some agreement, says JI chief Sirajul Haq.
He further adds that the dialogues will be held in front of camera so later on no stake holder could back out.
JI chief claims that both PAT and PTI chief have shown positive attitude.
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September 2, 11:50pm
PTI and PAT have each formed committees for talks with Jirga, says Rehman Malik, Express News reports.
PTI's negotiation committee will be led by Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
We are very thankful to Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri for their positive reply, says Malik.
Malik expresses hope that the government will also show flexibility.
“I hope that government will form a negotiation committee consisting of ministers who are serious attitude towards negotiation,” says Malik.
PPP leader Rehman Malik talking to media late on Tuesday after meeting PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri. PHOTO: AFP
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September 2, 11:20pm
PTI chief Imran Khan addressing the sit-in protest, Express News reports.
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September 2, 10:35pm
After meeting Imran Khan, 'Jirga' arrives at PAT's sit-in to meet Dr Tahirul Qadri.
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September 2, 9:59pm
Mir Hasil Bazinjo, Rehman Malik, Liaqat Baloch and Kulsoom Parveen are also part of the ‘Jirga’.
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September 2, 9:58pm
'Jirga' led by JI chief Sirajul Haq arrives at PTI sit-in, Express News reports.
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September 2, 9:55pm
An application has been submitted by PML-N leader Ashraf Gujjar with the Interior Ministry to put PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri's name on the Exit Control List (ECL), reports Express News.
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September 2, 9:42pm
Talking to media representatives after meeting PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira says he is hopeful they can come up with a political solution for the current crisis.
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September 2, 9:18pm
A jirga under the leadership of JI chief Sirajul Haq will meet Iman Khan in his container soon, Express News reports.
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September 2, 9:15pm
“Imran Khan does not believe in the election commission and judiciary,” says Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
“Imran thinks he is the only one capable of judging what free and fair elections are,” he adds.
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September 2, 8:10pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan begins addressing his supporters once again.
“All parties in the Parliament agree that elections were rigged,” he says.
“Mehmood Khan Achakzai is the only one who isn’t speaking against rigging because he benefited a lot,” claims Imran.
Imran questions PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan why he isn’t standing with him even though they protested together for the restoration of democracy.
“I was striving for democracy then and I am striving for democracy now,” he says.
“I have never respected any politician more than Javed Hashmi,” says Imran, adding that he is extremely disappointed over Hashmi’s allegations that the army and Supreme Court judges are backing him.
“Hashmi was sitting right next to me 13 months ago when I said if we do not get justice by the summer of 2014, we will have to bring people out on the streets,” says the PTI chief.
“Hashmi sb, you know I have never followed anyone’s dictations,” he says, adding, “General Pervez Musharraf offered me prime ministership but I didn’t accept it.”
“In 2000, General Musharraf filed a case against the Sharif family in NAB, accusing them of money laundering,” Imran adds.
“Shah Mehmood Qureshi will go to NA tomorrow and after giving a point by point reply,” he says. “He will resign, and we will then wait for a real assembly to be formed.”
“They (government) will try to fail you (supporters), because your victory is their destruction,” Imran says, reiterating, he is not going to leave the capital till PM Nawaz resigns.
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September 2, 8:02pm
PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat has met PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
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September 2, 7:26pm
A meeting of PTI MNAs has been summoned at 9pm today to finalise the party’s future strategy, Express News reports.
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September 2, 7:20pm
Additional Secretary Capital Administration and Development Division has announced that 422 schools in the capital will open tomorrow, while 27 will remain closed, Express News reports.
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September 2, 6:08pm
Referring to the joint session of Parliament earlier today, Qadri questions if parliamentary leaders think he and Imran are enemies of democracy and Constitution.
“The Constitution they talk about has not been implemented,” he says.
Summarising the 40 articles of the Constitution of Pakistan, Qadri says in the 67 years of Pakistan’s history the articles, which promise liberty and equality to citizens, have never been followed.
Crowds chant “Go Nawaz Go,” as a fiery Qadri asks for justice for people.
“On August 10, they (PAT supporters) were coming for Youm-e-Shuhuda to Lahore, not to take over Parliament when you (government) arrested them,” Qadri says.
Further, Qadri clarifies that his supporters are not responsible for the attack on PTV.
Directing his supporters, Qadri says it is because of their pressure, the government registered the correct FIR in the Model Town incident yesterday.
Imran Khan takes the mic and asks Qadri to promise to him that they won’t leave till Sharif brothers resign.
Taking the mic again, Qadri says: “The FIR has terrorism charges on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Hamza Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar.
Imran will address his workers at 8pm.
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September 2, 6:00pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan invites Dr Tahirul Qadri to his container to address his supporters.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on the same platform.
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September 2, 5:45pm
Former president Asif Ali Zardari has called JI chief Sirajul Haq, JUI-F chief Moulana Fazalur Rehman, PTI president Javed Hashmi, PkMAP leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervez Illahi to discuss current political situation, Express News reports.
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September 2, 5:18pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan takes the stage to address his supporters for the first time today.
“JI chief Sirajul Haq is bringing a jirga of opposition for talks,” says Imran, adding, “Doors for talks should always be kept open.”
Referring to the joint session of Parliament earlier today, Imran says he has asked PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi to attend the session tomorrow and address “point by point” the party agenda.
“At 7:30pm today, I will address the nation to clarify PTI’s agenda and why we are resigning from the National Assembly,” says Imran refuting claims that he wants to derail democracy.
Imran asks all his MNAs to attend the joint session tomorrow. “It will be our last time in the NA,” says the PTI chairman.
“I will stay here till I win this competition,” says Imran concluding his address.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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September 2, 5:00pm
Protests could throw off course economic reforms Pakistan promises to deliver in return for an IMF bailout, senior officials say, raising the risk of a sovereign rating downgrade.
However, there is no suggestion that the assistance, which is disbursed in tranches, is about to dry up.
“The programme is not in jeopardy at the moment,” says a top economic adviser with direct knowledge of talks with the Fund.
Read here for the full story.
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September 2, 4:30pm
Supporters of Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri rest in front of the Parliament. PHOTO: AFP
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September 2, 2:50pm
In what ultimately was Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf president Javed Hashmi’s resignation speech, the leader pulled no punches as he roundly criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for neglecting parliament, and PTI chairman Imran Khan for compromising it.
In the process, he reinforced his own stature as a dissident, loyal only to democracy, the Constitution, and the state, while reiterating that it isn’t Imran Khan that should be scrutinised, but Parliament.
In a fiery half hour speech that was at times long winded, Hashmi hardly reserved his ire for one party, or one person in particular. In fact, his speech was a harsh reminder to the entire Parliament of the danger it is currently in.
Read here for the full story.
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September 2, 2:18pm
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while addressing the parliamentarians, questions the logic behind an idea floated by PTI for the 30-day resignation of the prime minister.
“How can you resign for 30 days? What difference will that make to the situation,” he inquires.
“Our Parliament got attacked and we just sat there and watched,” Rehman says.
Speaking about the current political crisis, the JUI-F leader asks the government to resolve the issue without the use of force.
Read here for the full story.
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September 2, 2:00pm
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Khalid Maqbool, while addressing the joint session, says "if we had followed democracy the right way, nobody would have stood up to the government the way they have."
Speaking about the attack on the PTV headquarters, the MQM leader says what has happened at PTV is arrest worthy.
Referring to the Model Town tragedy, Maqbool says mothers and daughters killed in during the Model Town clashes should be given justice.
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September 2, 1:58pm
PTI leader Javed Hashmi, who had a recent fallout with Imran, has arrived at the joint session of Parliament.
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September 2, 1:40pm
The Supreme Court issues notices to 15 political parties including PAT to resolve the ongoing political impasse within the parameters of the Constitution.
The four-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk heard a petition filed by Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench President Shafqat Bhatti, requesting that all the political parties be directed to resolve the current political issue within the parameters of the Constitution.
For more details, read the full story here.
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September 2, 1:30pm
While addressing the parliament, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai says all parties in the parliament are on one page.
"Aitzaz Ahsan mistakenly said we are supporting PM Nawaz out of compulsion; no, we are supporting him out of our commitment," he says.
Achakzai says the parliament and the judiciary support the Constitution.
"Our Army has to respect our Constitution just like other armies across the world do so," he adds.
After reading a definition of terrorism, Achakzai questioned if the protesters are not doing what internationally is recognised as terrorism.
"The government should give orders to the security forces to arrest these people."
"The government is making a fool out of itself by being too nice to the protesters," he says.
The parliamentarian further criticised the protesters for hitting policemen on one hand while chanting slogans in favour of army soldiers on the other.
"This [manhandling security officials] in itself is a crime," he adds.
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September 2, 12:40pm
Addressing the joint session of Parliament on Tuesday, oratory master and PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan, exemplified the sacrifices made by the opposition to defend democracy despite the PML-N-led government’s far from perfect first year in government.
“PM Nawaz, we want to assure you that despite the small group that is protesting in the federal capital, we are standing by you,” Ahsan says, adding that all opposition parties were fighting to preserve the Constitution.
“We are supporting you because you support democracy but once this difficult time is over, we will continue criticising your policies,” says the PPP leader.
Read here for the full story.
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September 2, 11:59am
The joint session of Parliament has begun and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan is currently addressing it.
Nisar says PTI and PAT were trying to take over the National Assembly in the name of democratic protests.
The interior minister begins his speech by pointing out the sad state of affairs in Pakistan, however, he affirms his belief that this time will soon pass as the whole nation – along with the Parliament – is against the protests taking place in the federal capital.
Further, Nisar alleges that the methods of PTI and PAT were both illegal and unlawful according to the orders of high courts and says they should have remained within the boundaries of the Constitution.
Read here for the full story.
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September 2, 11:58am
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will not resign at any cost, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique while addressing the media outside the Parliament.
“No one can remove the government via undemocratic ways,” he adds.
Criticising both PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chairperson Tahirul Qadri, he remarks that they want to impose rule of jungle in Pakistan.
“Imran Khan can be anyone else but not a politician,” the minister states.
“Qadri does not believe in democracy or the Constitution,” he further says.
Rafique also alleges that Imran and Qadri held meetings in London secretly and decided to hold these protests.
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September 2, 10:39am
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to all political parties to resolve the ongoing political impasse within the parameters of the constitution.
The four-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk issued notices to political parties in response to petitions filed by Lahore High Court Bar Association Rawalpindi.
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September 2, 10:09am
Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk has denied affiliation with any political party, Express News reports.
“I met PTI chief Imran Khan when I was the acting Chief Election Commissioner only once,” Express News quotes the chief justice as saying, adding that apart from the one meeting he has never met Imran.
“During the meeting we talked about biometric system the purpose of which was to make elections transparent” he reportedly says.
Read the full story here.
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September 2, 9:48am
PAT does not want to resolve the ongoing political crisis through the Supreme Court, Express News reports.
“Our demands are political; judiciary should not interfere,” says PAT lawyer Ali Zafar during a hearing of petitions filed against the ‘Azadi’ and ‘Inqilab’ marches.
PAT refuses to give suggestions to the Supreme Court regarding the prevailing political situation.
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September 2, 9:35am
The government has filed an FIR against Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan for the attack on PTV headquarters on September 1.
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September 2, 9:28am
PAT workers have started removing containers from PTV Chowk, Express News reports.
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September 2, 4:00am
MAP: TALHA KHAN
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September 2, 3:10am
Imran Khan urges supporters to remain peaceful, but says they are allowed to respond if 'attacked'.
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September 2, 2:53am
PTI chief says he has only met CJP Justice Nasirul Mulk only once and found him to be a very nice man
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September 2, 2:51am
Imran Khan alleges he is not like Nawaz Sharif who had tried to buy out judges.
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September 2, 2:36am
"I have heard that there will be a crackdown tonight, that is why I have come back early," says Imran Khan.
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September 2, 2:30am
We as nation are getting bad name due to lawless situation in ISB .unfortunate dead lock leading to more confrontation .May God protect us
— Senator Rehman Malik former Interior Minister Pak (@SenRehmanMalik) September 1, 2014
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September 2, 2:18am
After a five hour break for some 'exercise', PTI chief Imran Khan has returned to the protest venue, Express News reports.
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September 2, 2:00am
PAT workers have also increased the security of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri's container.
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September 2, 1:50am
PAT leaderships asks its workers to reach Pak Secretariat, Express News reports.
Security of Imran Khan's container has been taken over by the PAT workers.
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September 2, 1:30am
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said that he neither needs nor would approach the army on political issues, read a statement issued by the party.
Refuting the allegations by his party president Javed Hashmi, the PTI chief said in his 18 years of political struggle he has never needed any political crutches.
Read the full story here.
September 1, 11:30pm
Here is the footage of protesters entering into PTV headquarters on September 1, 2014.
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September 1, 11:15pm
Meanwhile, the government has decided to launch a crackdown against PTI workers in Lahore, Express News reports.
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September 1, 11:09pm
Tariq Alam has been given additional charge as IG Islamabad, Express News reported.
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Excerpts from exclusive Express News interview with Javed Hashmi
PTI president Hashmi insinuates that he wasn't really sick during the marches when he was admitted into a hospital or when he went back to Multan.
"When he changed his direction and began moving towards the PM House on someone's else's direction, I decided not to walk with him any longer," says Hashmi.
"Every step I took, I was alone. If I voiced my opinion, Imran would say 'trust me, I'm a democrat'. I didn't say anything when we came to Islamabad. We figured we would form a group and keep him in control," says Hashmi
Talking about Sheikh Rasheed, Hashmi said, “For him [Sheikh Rasheed], our entire election scheme for Rawalpindi was changed for the 2013 elections. There was a lot of anger in our party. Later, he was made an adviser,” Hashmi adds.
He goes on to add that whatever sacrifices will be rendered, will be rendered by PTI; not Sheikh Rasheed. "In fact, he’s not even submitted his resignation in Parliament,” Hashmi reveals.
"Imran told me that we will go no further. He promised me that he would not take any step that would put the system in danger. When I reminded him of this, he told me that ‘if you don’t want to continue with me, you are free to go,’" the PTI president adds.
He says he felt that there would be a situation where trouble would break out, and Imran would simply stand there and announce that there should be no violence or hooliganism – even if it meant some of PTI's supporters went and joined in the trouble.
“He told me: trust me, I’m a democrat. This won’t happen,” says Hashmi but questions what Imran is doing now?
"Today, this is exactly what happened," says Hashmi.
Further, Hashmi reveals that Rs100-120 million spent thus far on this entire march and sit in. “Three days ago, I got the feeling that there was a shortage of funds creeping up,” says Hashmi.
“I have praised the ISI in my upcoming book. They have played a role in saving Pakistan but their political wing creates misunderstandings,” Javed Hashmi adds, “They are our beloved; but I would like them to remain just that.”
"I had advised Imran Khan several times that we must find our own way, and not rely on support from anyone," says Javed Hashmi. "I felt that there was an unseen force making us take certain decisions," says Hashmi.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi works hard for his career, says Hashmi.
“Qureshi was not very close to Imran in the early days, but later on he won his trust and became very close to him,” Hashmi adds.
“I didn’t see any such bad intention in Shah Mehmood. The one complaint I have with him is that he coordinated too much with Dr Qadri. But I don’t think he had any ill designs or intentions,” says Hashmi.
"Six odd people who were very close to Imran Khan talked about all these military matters, such as which corps commander is with us, whether the DG ISI is with us," says Hashmi.
"Imran trusted them. Jehangir Tareen was among them; Sheikh Rasheed, too was very close. He would whisper in Imran’s ear and then leave. He used to do the same with Nawaz years ago.
They were this sort," Hashmi adds.
Arif Alvi was not this sort. He is a true political worker, says Hashmi.
Imran Khan asked me not to worry, as a judge would order for re-elections, says Hashmi. He added that three member committee was also selected to manage the affairs of the next elections as Imran was sure about midterm elections.
Hashmi says he was concerned that a lot of Imran's inner circle had started talking about military matters.
"I don’t have any evidence nor do I think the army is backing Imran," says Javed Hashmi.
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September 1, 10:09pm
Imran Khan is a simple and naïve human being, says Javed Hashmi in an exclusive interview with Express News.
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September 1, 9:45pm
Another case has been registered against both PTI and PAT bringing the total number of cases registered against PTI to three, Express News reports.
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September 1, 9:44pm
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says the army should not be dragged into political matters.
“Army’s support for democracy was evident in their statement yesterday,” he says referring to the ISPR press release reaffirming support to democracy.
“Army was called in the capital as Article 245 was invoked and it has been acting in law with it,” the defence minister adds.
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September 1, 9:09pm
ISPR has categorically rejected the assertions that the Army and ISI were backing PTI, PAT in anyway.
"Army is an apolitical institution and has expressed its unequivocal support for democracy on numerous occasions," the statement adds.
"It is unfortunate that Army is dragged into such controversies. Integrity and unity of the Army is its strength which it upholds with pride," the statement further read.
Read the full story here.
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September 1, 9:03pm
A suspicious person has been apprehended by PAT supporters. PAT president Raheeq Abbasi said that the suspect was carrying an unlicensed pistol with bullets in it.
The man claimed that the pistol was not his. Abbasi added that the man did not have any identification on him.
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September 1, 8:37pm
PTI General Secretary Arif Alvi while speaking on Express News says negotiations with the government should continue, else matters could get worse. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif responds by saying that a 'political jirga' will soon approach PTI for resolving the impasse.
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September 1, 8:31pm
The United States on Monday called for restraint by all sides in Pakistan's political crisis, saying protesters had a right to demonstrate peacefully but that it strongly opposed efforts to impose change through violence and destruction of property.
Read full story here.
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September 1, 8:30pm
Express News reports that the PTI chief has left the protest site in his car.
IK has gone out for exercise from container. Talked to him. He was getting cramps. A regular fitness person can't stay without
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 8:13pm
Referring to PTI workers in custody at the Abpara Police Station, Imran said that if they are not released by tomorrow, PTI workers will surround the police station.
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September 1, 7:43pm
PTI chief Imran Khan is addressing his supporters in Islamabad.
Express News screengrab of PTI chief Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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September 1, 7:37pm
Parliament, in light of previously passed resolutions, vowed to ensure supremacy of the Constitution and to stop democracy from being derailed, Express News reports.
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September 1, 7:35pm
While speaking to PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the phone, MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that no one should step back from sacrificing for the democracy of the country.
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September 1, 7:28pm
"I will neither resign, nor go on leave," PM Nawaz assures the nation.
Read here for the full story.
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September 1, 7:20pm
At least 22 people, including 15 policemen, were brought in to PIMs with injuries after fresh clashes erupted between the police and protesters, our correspondent Sehrish Wasrif reports.
Protesters attack a police official. PHOTO: AFP
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September 1, 7:12pm
Express News reports that Shah Mehmood Qureshi went to release his workers from the Secretariat police Station. He has managed to get K-P MPA Iftikhar Mushwani released from police custody.
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September 1, 7:10pm
NA session has been postponed for an indefinite period of time, Express News reports.
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September 1, 7:07pm
The joint Parliament session called for tomorrow will be a week long, Express News reports.
This decision was taken during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's meeting today with political leaders.
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September 1, 7:02pm
Express News reports that the Model Town FIR has been modified to include a charge of terrorism under Section 7 of ATA.
read the full story here.
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September 1, 6:26pm
Talking to Express News, PTI leader Arif Alvi denies Javed Hashmi’s allegation that Imran Khan told the core committee that he would get a chief justice who would be sympathetic to the party.
"We are not violating the Red Zone," he adds.
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September 1, 6:15pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's meeting with political leaders is still underway.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with political parties at the PM House in Islamabad. PHOTO: PID
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September 1, 5:35pm
Meanwhile, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi has called MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Express News reports.
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September 1, 5:28pm
Addressing the media outside the Parliament, Javed Hashmi says he is still the president of PTI.
“Khan sb, has not adopted the constitutional way to expel me from the party,” he says.
"Imran Khan does not care about the Constitution, he is the king of his own party," says Hashmi.
Read the full story here.
Express News screengrab of Javed Hashmi.
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September 1, 5:20pm
Talking to Express News, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says he holds the government responsible for the clashes, while insisting that their march has always been peaceful.
“It is not our agenda to attack or capture any state institutions,” he says, talking to Express News, “Imran Khan took an oath from his workers that they will not attack anyone or anything.”
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September 1, 5:10pm
Ambulances have reached the scene as announcements are being made asking protesters with masks to move forward to fight the police and urging the rest to move back.
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September 1, 5:00pm
Police has started to fire tear gas at protesters on Margalla Road once again, Express News reports.
As police tried to disperse crowds marching towards PM House, the protesters started to pelt stones resulting in the police resorting to shelling resulting in the clash.
Express News screengrab of the ongoing clashes.
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September 1, 4:38pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri use a sandal to hit a defaced portrait of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a sign of disrespect. PHOTO: REUTERS
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September 1, 4:28pm
Meanwhile, PTI MPAs have submitted their resignations to Sindh Assembly secretary, Express News reports.
The MPAs have been identified as Samar Ali Khan, Khurram Sher Zaman, Hefeezuddin and Seema Zia.
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September 1, 4:22pm
In light of the current situation, Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk has summoned all 16 Supreme Court judges to Islamabad, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.
Further, the CJP has cancelled holidays of the judges.
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September 1, 4:12pm
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied reports by a private channel that the joint session of Parliament tomorrow will ask for the resignation of DG ISI Zaheerul Islam and army chief General Raheel Sharif, Express News reports.
Talking to Express News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says the people who have spread these rumours want institutions to clash.
He says the prime minister’s resignation is out of question.
No truth in rumors being spread about COAS & DG ISI ... I just hope media acts responsibly ....
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 3:55pm
Following the government's denial, the ISPR has also dismissed as 'baseless' rumours of the army chief asking PM Nawaz to resign.
PM-COAS meeting:News of #Army #Chief asking #PM to resign or going on leave is baseless
— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 3:43pm
Media pls stop spreading disinformation.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 3:42pm
While rumours are going around that the army chief has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign, the government has denied it but there is no confirmation one way or the other.
The government spokesperson has denied that the army chief made such a suggestion.
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September 1, 3:36pm
After a meeting with the army chief, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called a meeting with political leaders including Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Ijazul Haq, Babar Ghauri, Farooq Sattar, Ijazul Haq, Ghulam Bilour, Aftab Sherpao and Maulana Fazalur Rahman.
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September 1, 3:33pm
The government has decided to remove PAT’s reservations regarding the registration of an FIR in the Model Town incident, Express News reports quoting the government spokesperson.
According to Express News correspondent, this decision comes after the premiers meeting with the army chief. Further, it is believed that the government will start talks with the PTI and PAT once again.
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September 1, 3:30pm
The meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has ended, Express News reports.
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September 1, 3:28pm
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak warns the government to release the arrested supporters of PTI and PAT, otherwise they will raid the police stations to get them released, our correspondent Peer Muhammad reports.
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September 1, 3:23pm
“There are no conflicts in PTI, we are all united,” says the PTI chief.
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September 1, 3:19pm
The PTI chief says a petition has been filed against the eligibility of Nawaz to remain as prime minister.
Imran asks the Islamabad police to release PTI workers as it is unjustified to keep them in custody.
He also alleges that the Sharif brothers are dividing the country to save their seats.
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September 1, 3:16pm
Addressing his supporters, Imran says PM Nawaz has broken the oath by lying on the floor of the National Assembly and defaming the army.
“No justification left for Nawaz to remain in power,” he says.
PTI chairman Imran Khan. PHOTO: AFP
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September 1, 3:12pm
A treason case has been registered against PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chairperson D Tahirul Qadri in the Secretariat Police Station, Express News reports.
A case has also been registered for vandalism in the Red Zone.
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September 1, 3:02pm
The Supreme Court cannot mediate the crisis, says Justice Saqib Nisar, Express News reports.
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September 1, 3:02pm
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) ameer Sirajul Haq, while addressing the media, says that he condemns any sort of violence.
He says that he is not satisfied with the present government.
The JI ameer states that seven rounds of negotiations have taken place between the government and the opposing parties (PTI and PAT).
Read the full story here.
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September 1, 2:30pm
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, while speaking to Express News by phone, compares Imran and Qadri to terrorists in North Waziristan.
He says the way terrorists want to take control via the use of power these two leaders want to do the same to take control of the government.
Referring to the attack on PTV headquarters, the information minister says a very sad incident took place in Islamabad today.
He adds that PAT and PTI leadership told their workers to attack PTV.
"Controlling protesters is the responsibility of Imran and Qadri," Rashid says.
The minister says these protesters should be stopped from doing anything unlawful and unconstitutional.
"All over the world, this has negatively impacted Pakistan’s image," says Rashid.
The incidents that are taking place because of Imran and Qadri are causing a huge loss to the economy, he states.
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September 1, 2:10pm
PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Arif Alvi are on their way to the Secretariat police station to register an FIR against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
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September 1, 2:05pm
The Supreme Court offers to assist in ending the ongoing political impasse between PTI, PAT and PML-N government.
During the hearing of petitions filed against the ‘Azadi’ and ‘Inqilab’ marches, the SC bench gives one-hour deadline to the counsel of PTI to inform the court whether they accept court’s intervention or not.
For more details, read the full story here.
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September 1, 1:51pm
Imran, while addressing his supporters, says the time for PM Nawaz’s rule to end has come.
He also reveals that a PTI worker was killed in the morning today after being hit by a bullet.
Condemning the attack on the PTV headquarters, the PTI chief says that there is no justification for the attack.
“We did not ask the army to become the mediators or facilitators in the ongoing political crisis,” Imran says.
Read the full story here.
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September 1, 1:18pm
The meeting between PM Nawaz and the army chief has started, Express News reports.
They will reportedly be discussing the ongoing political situation in the country.
The PTI chief came out of his container for a short while and walked towards the Pak Secretariat without entering the gate.
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September 1, 1:14pm
#PAT condemns and disowns attack on #PTV as it is contrary to our policy; we have clear instructions to our workers to remain peaceful.
— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) September 1, 2014
#PAT has clear instructions for the workers NOT to enter any Govt. building and to remain totally peaceful. #Pakistan
— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 1:10pm
PTI leader on twitter condemned the attack on PTV headquarters:
The attack on PTV is condemnable.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 1:09pm
According to sources, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to meet army chief General Raheel Sharif soon, Express News reports.
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September 1, 1:07pm
Protesters are currently present at the grounds of the PM house.
Containers which were blocking the way to the PM house were also burned down. The main grill surrounding the PM house has been broken down with the use of a truck.
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September 1, 12:42pm
PML-N leader Marvi Memon has reached PTV Headquarters. While speaking to the reporters, she says anarchists of PAT and PTI attacked a state building and this act should be condemned.
She adds that a lot of damage was done to the building.
The government is continuously showing patience, says the PML-N leader.
Express News screengrab of Marvi Memon speaking to reporters
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September 1, 12:18pm
Protesters are gathering again at the Pak Secretariat Chowk.
PTI chief on twitter disowns the attack on PTV headquarters:
PTI did not attack PTV and we totally disown this action. It damages our cause. We have always been peaceful & unarmed.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 12:15pm
Around 160 army troops have arrived at the location.
Express News screengrab of Army personnel arriving at PTV headquarters
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September 1, 12:12pm
Rangers and army personnel have cordoned off PTV Centre.
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September 1, 12:12pm
Female employees of PTV have been taken out of the headquarters and shifted to a safe location while male employees are still inside the building.
PTV transmission has been restored:
PTV World and News transmission has been restored.
— PTV World (@WorldPTV) September 1, 2014
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September 1, 12:04pm
Army takes control of PTV headquarters as it pushes protesters out of the building.
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September 1, 12:03pm
Qadri claims government wants protesters to fight the army.
"The nation loves the army and they will never fight it," he says.
"Stay calm and don't resort to violence," he urges.
Qadri says these instructions are for all PAT, PTI workers as well as other people taking part in the protest.
"Pakistan Army fights for us, it fights for our security," the PAT chief says, praising the army.
He tells his supporters "we have succeeded, we only need to announce our win".
Qadri warns the government not to test the patience of these supporters.
PAT chief calls for formation of 'national government' which should give people their rights and then hold free and fair elections.
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September 1, 11:58am
Qadri tells his supporters to never cross the limit set by army personnel.
"Strongly obey army orders; these are your limitations," he says.
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September 1, 11:53am
PTI chief says "whoever has entered the PTV headquarters are not our workers."
"I have not told any worker to proceed towards PM House or enter any building," he says.
Imran says whoever from his party entered the headquarters will be removed from his party.
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September 1, 11:52am
No member of the police force is currently present inside the PTV headquarters. Rangers have been successful in removing everyone from the building and have told the protesters not to enter the building again.
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September 1, 11:50am
Protesters have started to leave the PTV headquarters and are emptying the building.
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September 1, 11:49am
Two cars have now been called in to take PTV employees to a safe location. Simultaneously, Rangers are now working on removing protesters from the second floor.
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September 1, 11:48am
The protesters are chanting slogans in favour of the Pakistan Army
"Pak Army Zindabad."
Soldiers push back supporters of Tahirul Qadri after they stormed the building of the state television channel PTV during the protests in Islamabad September 1, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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September 1, 11:44am
The demonstrators have written the name of Qadri on the walls of the PTV headquarters. All pictures other than those of Qaid-e-Azam inside the building have also been destroyed and displaced.
Rangers have finally managed to exert some control over the situation. Protesters have started to vacate the headquarters.
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September 1, 11:43am
Protesters have smashed cameras of PTV studio.
Over 800 protesters are present in the building at the moment.
Army personnel have also reached the headquarters and are announcing that the protesters leave the building immediately.
They have given 10 minutes for the protesters to empty the building and have said that failure to do so will result in strict action against the protesters.
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September 1, 11:35am
Rangers have successfully entered the PTV building and have taken up their positions. Employees are currently still inside the building and are facing difficulty in vacating the building as all exits are occupied by protesters.
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September 1, 11:31am
Around 60 to 70 Rangers personnel have reached the headquarters. Upon arrival the third floor reception has also been broken. Rangers are attempting to speak to the protesters and are trying to remove PTV employees from the building.
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September 1, 11:28am
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while speaking to Express News by phone, says a few people want to lead the country towards destruction.
Protesters want to break off any contact with the rest of the world, the defence minister adds.
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September 1, 11:26am
The demonstrators removed barriers and climbed walls to enter the main building. The protesters are now at the second floor of the building.
The information desk located inside the headquarters was broken down. The mob faced no resistance as it moved inside the building.
Express News screebgrab of the protesters inside the PTV headquarters.
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September 1, 11:22am
The demonstrators have managed to stop the transmission of PTV World.
Army has been summoned at the PTV headquarters.
Protesters cut wires after they entered the panel room. Around 300 demonstrators are currently inside the PTV centre.
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September 1, 11:20am
More than 200 PAT protesters have entered Pakistan Television’s headquarters in the area, after breaking the main gate. They have crossed the reception area and snatched weapons from the security guards deployed at the building.
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September 1, 11:10am
PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, while addressing his supporters, says the regime of present rulers will be buried soon.
He says the government negotiated with the PAT as well as the PTI leaderships around seven to eight times each but our demands have still not be been met even though 17 days have passed.
Speaking against the government, the PAT chief says it does not believe in the law or democracy and for this reason, negotiations can no longer proceed.
"This is a monarchy not a democracy," he says.
"If Rs100 notes could be piled up for the amount of debt we are in, the pile would be 7.5 miles high," the PAT chief states, criticising the government further.
Qadri states that his workers did not throw a single stone towards the Parliament House.
Referring to the general elections last year, he claims that the formation of the election commission was unconstitutional, the elections were completely rigged, and returning officers and polling staff were involved in the rigging.
Blaming Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the Model Town tragedy, Qadri demands that he should be arrested.
"We do not want to resolve any issues of this country in an undemocratic way," he adds.
Raising the spirits of his workers, Qadri remarks that the country will experience an "Inqilab" and "Azadi" will follow.
He also orders his workers to remain peaceful so that they don't get stained.
He says that victory is near and they will win this war through peace.
Express News screengrab of PTI chief Imran Khan (L) and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri.
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September 1, 10:44am
The PAT leaders have asked party workers to retreat from the Pak Secretariat, Express News reports.
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September 1, 10:39am
Ten to 15 injured people have reportedly been taken to local hospitals for medical assistance.
Five to six hundred demonstrators have reached Margalla Road.
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September 1, 10:29am
PTI chief Imran Khan, standing on top of his container, asks his party workers to stay calm and peaceful, and not engage in any sort of violence.
"We don't want any kind of bad name," says the PTI chief, in his short address.
Imran says so far everyone has done a great job of staying peaceful and should keep it that way.
He also asks Qadri to tell his workers to remain peaceful.
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September 1, 10:29am
Army personnel have come out of the Pak Secretariat and are proceeding towards Kohsar Complex, Express News reports.
Sensitive buildings are located in the complex.
The Pakistan army officials are constantly announcing for the demonstrators to clear the area.
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September 1, 10:23am
The Pakistan Army personnel are repeatedly asking protesters not to enter any buildings inside the Pak Secretariat.
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September 1, 10:14am
The PAT leaders, in an announcement, told its workers to proceed towards the PM House, Express News reports.
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September 1, 10:10am
SSP has now been shifted into a car and is being given medical treatment.
He received injuries to his head despite protective measures.
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September 1, 10:08am
DIG Sultan Taimuri also injured in the clashes, Express News reports.
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September 1, 10:05am
SSP Operations Asmatullah Junejo injured after being attacked by protesters, Express News reports.
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September 1, 10:00am
Qadri has got in his bullet proof car and is about to proceed towards the Pak Secretariat, Express News reports.
Containers of PTI chairperson Imran Khan and the PAT chief are standing close to each other.
The shelling situation has currently subsided.
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September 1, 9:58am
PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, while speaking to Express News, says that he does not want the army to get involved in the ongoing political crisis, adding that the army itself does not want to get involved either.
Qadri says he is not in contact with the army.
Critisising the government, the PAT chief states that the federal government does not believe in anything but violence and barbarism.
"The government does not believe in democracy and does not want to carry out negotiations," he says.
"A government who believes in violence can never be successful," says Qadri.
Qadri says that every political party has condemned the clashes and "proper metal bullets" were used by the police.
The PAT chief remarks that all party workers were peaceful and were protesting in a democratic manner, adding that the police injured innocent workers.
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September 1, 9:45am
Army is making announcements are reportedly being made not to proceed further.
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September 1, 9:45am
Army personnel take position in Pak Secretariat. They have managed to stop the protesters from entering any of the ministries.
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September 1, 9:38am
A large number of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) protesters has entered the Pak Secretariat after breaking its gate, Express News reports. Vehicle of employees of the secretariat have been damaged by the demonstrators.
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September 1, 9:34am
Nobody has come to stop the demonstrators and they have reached very close to the PM house, Express News reports.
No leadership of the police as well as the protesters is reportedly present at the location of the clashes. It has been 40 minutes and the police have still not found a way to stop the demonstrators.
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September 1, 9:25am
There are reportedly around 200 protesters.
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September 1, 9:20am
Police carry out aerial firing in an attempt to disperse the protesters, Express News reports.
Army and Rangers personnel deployed at the Parliament House are on high alert.
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September 1, 9:14am
The police have reportedly not been given any orders today as of yet, Express News reports.
The demonstrators are damaging vehicles as well. The Red Zone is reportedly in complete control of the protesters.
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September 1, 9:05am
Clashes between the police and the protesters continue in the federal capital. Workers of PTI and PAT are reportedly pelting stones at the police.
Protesters gather during clashes with police near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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September 1, 9:02am
The protesters are marching towards Margallah Road, Express News reports.
Tear gas shelling is reportedly not effective because of the rain.
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September 1, 8:59am
They have managed to proceed ahead of the Pak Secretariat Chowk, Express News reports.
The police has reportedly been unable to stop them.
Demonstrators are proceeding towards the PM House.
Protesters gather during clashes with police near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on September 1, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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September 1, 8:51am
Protesters have started to remove containers from the roads leading to the PM House, Express News reports.
They are reportedly marching towards PTV Chowk.
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September 1, 1:30am
PTI chief Imran Khan says government has decided to lodge a false FIR against him and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
Showing what he terms an application for registration of FIR against PAT and PTI, Imran says, after committing atrocities us government is now filing a case against us.
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September 1, 12:15am
PTI chief claims that over 700 police personnel had refused to participate in the crackdown against protesters.
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September 1, 12:10am
PTI chief Imran addressing his supporters, Express News reports.
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August 31, 11:58pm
There are no plans to clear the Red Zone, says SSP Junejo.
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August 31, 11:54pm
SSP Junejo appeales to PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri not to cross the red lines.
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August 31, 11:52pm
SSP Islamabad Junejo announces that no injured protester will be arrested and police will allow vehicles carrying food for protesters togo through.
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August 31, 11:45pm
SSP Asmatullah Junejo says all protesters outside government institutions need to seek permission from the administration, Express News reports. Claiming that there is no precedent of allowing people to protest in front of PM House, Junejo said, once such a precedent is set Islamabad police he himself would facilitate protesteters .
The newly appointed SP says force will not be used against innocent citizens, while also apologising for yesterday's police attack on media personnel.
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August 31, 11:25pm
Talking to Express News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says, protesters are still sitting outside Parliament House because the government has not used force and is still avoiding its use.
Asif claims the government had almost achieved a solution to the crisis on Saturday during the meeting between government and PTI's negotiation teams.
“Talks were progressing and the two committees were supposed to meet on Sunday afternoon,” he says, adding, “But later on PTI out of no where decided to march towards PM House.”
“We wish to solve this crisis politically and our negotiation teams are ready to hold talks once again,” says the defence minister.
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August 31, 10:04pm
The ISPR statement regarding the corps commanders meeting held today can be viewed here:
Corps Commander Conference was held at General Headquarters tonight. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif presided over the conference.
While reaffirming support to democracy, the conference reviewed with serious concern, the existing political crisis and the violent turn it has taken, resulting in large scale injuries and loss of lives. Further use of force will only aggravate the problem.
It was once again reiterated that the situation should be resolved politically without wasting any time and without recourse to violent means.
Army remains committed to playing its part in ensuring security of the state and will never fall short of meeting national aspirations.
Army chief General Raheel Sharif chairing corps commanders meeting. PHOTO: ISPR
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August 31, 10:00pm
Following Islamabad police’s decision to register a case against him, Imran Khan reiterates that peaceful protest is their democratic right.
“Pakistanis, you have to fight against this,” he says.
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August 31, 9:50pm
Islamabad police has decided to register a case against PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
According to sources, a case will be registered against the two leaders for attacking policemen and state institutions.
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August 31, 9:40pm
Army chief's meeting with corps commanders has been going on for three hours now.
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August 31, 9:38pm
Meanwhile, a notification has been issued regarding SSP Traffic Asmatullah Junejo taking charge as SSP Islamabad, Express News reports.
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August 31, 9:35pm
Police, adopting a Gullu Butt-esque role, have been seen breaking windows of people’s cars, Express News reports.
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August 31, 9:25pm
Condemning protesters' march towards PM House, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif terms the “attack” on parliament and PM House as the darkest day of the country's history.
“Attackers could not achieve their goals,” he says.
“People who are doing politics over dead bodies would be disappointed,” says the chief minister.
Further, he says it does not suit enemies of democracy to talk about the Constitution and democracy.
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August 31, 9:18pm
PTI supporters have blocked the Metro Bus route in Lahore, halting the bus service, Express News reports.
Further, there are reports of small-scale rioting.
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August 31, 9:08pm
SP Islamabad Captain Ilyas has declined the offer to take charge as SSP Islamabad, Express News reports.
According to sources, SSP Traffic Asmatullah Junejo is now going to replace him.
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August 31, 8:38pm
Referring to recent developments regarding SSP Islamabad going on leave, Imran Khan said the incoming SP is a Gullu Butt belonging to the Sharif family.
"Ilyas, we will not spare you," says Imran.
"Victory will be ours," he says, adding that he has a feeling the final decision will be made tonight.
"An FIR will be registered against PM Nawaz, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and IG Islamabad," he says warning Ilyas that similar action will be taken against him if he resorts to violence against his supporters.
Imran will address his workers again shortly.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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August 31, 8:35pm
Opposing police crackdown on protesters last night, SSP Islamabad Mohammad Ali has gone on a leave, Express News reports quoting sources.
SP Ilyas has taken the SSP's position while he is away. Sources say, Interior Minister Chauhdry Nisar had also called Ilyas earlier to take action against protesters in the Red Zone.
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August 31, 8:15pm
PTI supporters are staging a protest outside the Sharif Residency in Model Town, Lahore, Express News reports.
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August 31, 8:05pm
PTI supporters protest against the government's crackdown at Thokar Niaz Baig in Lahore. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK
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August 31, 7:40pm
Fahd Hussain writes that the situation in Islamabad is all knotted up in steel wires and steely positions. It’s an alphabetical nightmare: the PML-N, the PTI, the PAT and GHQ locked into a steely embrace with the PPP, the JI and others hovering around to help untie the knot. The steely resolve to find a negotiated way out of this maze is however still elusive. The wire is stretched to breaking point, ready to snap any moment and lash around like a snarling steel snake.
Read: Democracy on a treadmill
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August 31, 7:35pm
Talking to Express News, MQM chief Altaf Hussain says some anchors claimed that the MQM wants martial law to be imposed in the country.
“I can only pray for them,” he says.
Referring to the Model Town clashes on June 17, the MQM chief says if it is wrong to keep condemning such atrocities, then he will keep doing the wrong thing.
Responding to a question regarding the ongoing corps commanders’ meeting, Altaf rhetorically asks whether the MQM had asked for the meeting to be convened or the government’s actions had compelled the army chief to do so.
“Is it suitable for the sitting PM and interior minister to lie on the floor of the assembly,” Altaf asks referring to the premier and interior minister’s statements regarding army’s role as mediator in negotiations between protesting parties.
Talking about options to resolve the crisis, Hussain says, under the article 190 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court can call the army if it feels the country is in danger.
Further, he suggests Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should talk to Imran and Qadri himself.
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August 31, 7:05pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan's sister's car has been attacked by stick-wileding policemen, Express News reports.
Imran's sister was bringing food supplies for the supporters when the police started to attack her car. However, her driver managed to drive past the police.
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August 31, 6:42pm
Meanwhile, corps commanders meeting with the army chief has begun at GHQ in Rawalpindi, Express News reports.
Along with the corps commanders, principal staff officers and DG ISI are also a part of the meeting.
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August 31, 6:35pm
Moments after PTI president Javed Hashmi accused Imran Khan of defying the party leadership’s decision to not move towards the PM House, Imran says he and Hashmi would now part ways.
Addressing his supporters for a second time today from his container parked outside the Cabinet Division gate, Imran says PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri called and assured him that his supporters were peacefully marching to the PM House.
Further, the PTI chief called off talks with the government. “The government should resign and hold re-elections.”
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 6:32pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri carry an injured fellow protester. PHOTO: REUTERS
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August 31, 6:16pm
A joint session of Parliament has been called on Tuesday, as proposed by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah.
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August 31, 6:15pm
As Qadri wrap up his address, a high-level meeting chaired by the premier also concludes.
According to Express News, those present at the meeting condemned the clashes between police and protesters last night.
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August 31, 6:10pm
“Now, even if PM Nawaz resigns, we will not go back,” says Qadri, “We will go back after a revolution comes.”
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August 31, 6:05pm
Meanwhile, over in Karachi, MQM leader Farooq Sattar addressing the media says people should wonder why Corps Commanders meetings are being held.
“We should understand this has become an issue of national security,” Sattar says adding parliamentary leaders should put their egos aside and come up with a solution.
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August 31, 5:55pm
A woman walks up on stage to share her experience from last night. She says her and fellow protesters were mistreated and abused by the police at Polyclinic Hospital.
Qadri holds up a can of what he claims to be phosphorus. He says the police sprayed this on his supporters.
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August 31, 5:35pm
Taking the stage for a second time today, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addresses his supporters.
“The Sharif brothers are businessmen, not democrats,” says Qadri.
"We did not do any planning to merge the Azadi and Inqilab marches. God made them merge,” says the PAT chief.
“In democratic countries, force isn’t used to disperse protesters,” he says.
Qadri announces that an FIR will be registered against PM Nawaz, Punjab CM and IG Islamabad for last night’s attack on protesters.
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August 31, 5:25pm
Talking to Express News, AML chief Sheikh Rasheed refutes PTI president Javed Hashmi’s allegation that he brought a message to Imran Khan after which he decided to move forward to the PM House.
“I did not bring any message,” he says, adding, “Javed Hashmi speaks against his own party, I can’t do anything other than pray for him.”
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August 31, 5:15pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri stand around empty gas canisters and rubber bullet casings after clashes with riot police. PHOTO: REUTERS
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August 31, 5:00pm
Saroop Ijaz on the illusion of civilian, democratic supremacy as the primary casualty of the fiasco thus far.
Read: The Umpire Strikes Back
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August 31, 4:00pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is chairing a high-level meeting in the capital to discuss the current political situation, Express News reports.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal are present at the meeting.
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August 31, 3:15pm
Distancing himself from PTI chief Imran Khan, Javed Hashmi says the party chairman broke his pledge to the party by moving towards the PM House.
“This kind of behaviour is not seen in any country in the world, where people pick up sticks and protest outside the PM House,” says Hashmi.
Further, the PTI president adds that Imran took his decision to move towards the PM House after Sheikh Rasheed and Saifullah Niazi delivered a message to him.
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 3:05pm
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has summoned a meeting of Corps Commanders in Rawalpindi today, Express News reports quoting ISPR.
Earlier, it was reported that the Corps Commanders meeting would take place on Monday.
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August 31, 2:45pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached Islamabad, Express News reports.
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August 31, 2:40pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan asks all Pakistanis to rise against the government.
“All party workers across the country should come out on the streets even if it requires breaking barriers to reach the location.”
Further, the PTI chairman says he will file a murder case against PM Nawaz as well as Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and will get their names on the Exit Control List (ECL) so that they can’t leave the country.
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 2:07pm
PM Nawaz has taken notice of the assault on media personnel, Express News reports.
After the clashes between policemen and protesters, the prime minister has called a high level meeting in Islamabad to discuss the current situation.
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August 31, 2:04pm
A slideshow of the clashes in Islamabad can be viewed here.
A supporter of Tahirul Qadri returns a tear gas shell towards police during clashes with security forces near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 1:57pm
Demonstrators have set a container on fire in the Cabinet Division, which is located in the Red Zone.
Express News screengrab of the container
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August 31, 1:56pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left for Islamabad from Lahore, Express News reports.
Nawaz also contacted Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan via telephone to discuss the situation in the federal capital.
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August 31, 1:50pm
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, while talking to reporters, said that the police have embarrassed the government.
He also stated that police personnel who assaulted media personnel will be punished.
"I will be a witness of the torture," he added.
Rafique further stated that there was no officer present to control the police officials.
When asked whether the future of government was in danger, the minister said that he does not think it is.
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August 31, 1:35pm
Another injured has succumbed to his injuries, increasing the death toll from the clashes to three, Express News reported.
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August 31, 1:35pm
PPP leader and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani told Express News via phone that today is a black day in the history of Pakistan.
"We are with the Constitution not with the government," he added.
Gilani also stated that PPP condemns the assault on media personnel as well as protesters.
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August 31, 1:29pm
Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab, Express News reported.
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August 31, 1:27pm
Without speaking to the media, the PTI chief has returned to his container.
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August 31, 1:24pm
Our correspondent Muzaffar Mukhtar reports that GT road has been closed by placing containers at Swan Bridge. In addition to that Khanna pull, Dhok Kala Khan, double road and IJP road have also been closed at different points.
Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) has announced a sit in at Faizabad Interchange at 2pm, Mukhtar reported.
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August 31, 1:20pm
Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad told Express News that they will stay there till the PM's resignation.
He also asked the residents of Islamabad to open the doors for people affected by the clashes.
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August 31, 1:18pm
PTI chairperson Imran Khan has come out of his container. PTI leader Jehangir Tareen is accompanying him.
Imran Khan meeting workers, shaking hands & encouraging them for how well they've been with him through out.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 31, 2014
Express News screengrab of the PTI chief outside his container.
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August 31, 1:07pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri rest on the lawns of the Parliament premises following clashes with police in Islamabad on August 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 12:56pm
Police personnel and FC officials assaulted Express News cameraman Nasir Saleem, injuring him, Express News reported.
Other cameramen were also reportedly assaulted and have been taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.
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August 31, 11:52am
Pims Vice-Chancellor Prof Javed Akram, while speaking to media, said that one of the injured is in critical condition.
Express News reported that on PTI's call there is a complete shutdown in Sajawal and Matli.
Roads leading to the Islamabad airport are reportedly closed.
Section 144 has been imposed in Sargodha, Bhakkar, Okara, Mianwali and Khushab.
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August 31, 11:52am
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid told Express News that the government has not closed the doors for negotiations.
He added that no one from the global democratic world has shown support for the two protests in Islamabad.
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August 31, 11:38am
Former interior minister and PPP leader Rehman Malik, while speaking to Express News, said that in 16 days of protests there has been loss to the economy of billions of rupees.
He added that clashes are not good for political system and are not in the interest of the country under any circumstances.
"Nawaz should take a step back if possible and both sides should adopt the strategy of give and take so that they can get out of deadlock," Malik stated.
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August 31, 11:25am
PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, while speaking to his supporters, said that during shelling by the police tear gas came into his car and as there was no fresh air and he had had an eye surgery earlier his eyes were affected greatly.
Qadri said that he could not speak as well, adding that he was still having difficulty speaking.
He thanked his party workers for their patience and thanked PTI as well.
"Imran Khan and I have a joint war, we have to win this war together and at any cost," he added, referring to PTI's and PAT's protests against the government.
Qadri claimed that dozens of murder and attempted murder cases will be registered against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
PAT chief addressing his party workers. PHOTO: AFP
The PAT chief added that "the law will have them hanged and no power in the world will be able to save them."
He further stated that daughters of the nation were being dishonoured in this country.
"A system of tyranny cannot be called a democracy," he said.
He also remarked that no one will give Inqilab on a platter.
The PAT chief revealed that he will address his supporters in the evening today.
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August 31, 11:23am
Chief Minister Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Pervez Khattak, while speaking to reporters, said that the government has turned the police into murderers.
He stated that the government has come into power via rigging and is only here to loot the country.
Khattak also claimed that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan will not be able to get out of this situation.
PTI secretary general Jehangir Tareen, standing next to Khattak, said that media personnel from seven different news channels were assaulted by the police after being taken out of their DSNG vans.
Tareen also alleged that the government has destroyed state institutions.
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August 31, 11:15am
The initial investigation report of the clashes in Islamabad has been presented to the prime minister, Express News reported.
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August 31, 10:43am
PIMS spokesperson Dr Ayesha, while speaking to the media in Islamabad, said that one of the injured has passed away, bringing the total number of dead to two.
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August 31, 10:36am
Clashes are ongoing between the police and the protesters outside the Parliament House with police carrying out shelling and baton charging from time to time and the demonstrators charging the police with sticks and pelting stones, Express News reported.
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August 31, 10:26am
Express News screengrab of protesters charging the police with sticks outside the Parliament House.
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August 31, 10:18am
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while speaking to Express News, said that his party is collecting information regarding the incident and plans to go the relevant police station to get the FIR registered.
Qureshi also said that police hit the car which PTI leaders Asad Umar, Arif Alvi and Shafqat Mahmood were in with sticks.
The PTI leader added that police also charged journalists with batons.
He advised protesters to stay calm.
"Way of torture is not PTI's way. Way of peace is our way," he stated.
"Police should be withdrawn."
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August 31, 10:02am
MQM chief Altaf Hussain has condemned the assault on journalists in Islamabad by the police.
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August 31, 9:45am
Police run towards protesters during clashes near the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on August 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 9:12am
One person died and more than 400 were wounded in the clashes between police and protesters, hospital officials said Sunday, as a fortnight-long political impasse took a violent turn, AFP reported.
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 8:46am
Police has started shelling again near the Pak Secretariat Chowk.
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August 31, 8:44am
Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has contacted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, and requested them to take notice of the altercation between journalists and the police.
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August 31, 8:29am
So many proofs that gov is using real bullets against peaceful protestors. #AzadiSquare pic.twitter.com/CaFiLk8Sl2
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 8:25am
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson on twitter expressed disappointment over the clashes in Islamabad and asked his party workers to donate blood for the injured:
A sad & shameful day 4 Pakistan. All sides have handled this situation appallingly.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2014
I urge restraint & call on all parties to do their utmost to diffuse the situation.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2014
I call upon party workers to donate blood for injured protestors & police men. Pakistan Zindabad.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 7:35am
There are reports of an altercation between journalists and riot police in Islamabad.
Express News footage showed police personnel assaulting media personnel and breaking their equipment. The footage showed policemen taking a journalist out of his vehicle and beating him with sticks.
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August 31, 7:15am
Routes leading to CM House, CM's residence, Punjab Assembly, and Governor House in Lahore have been closed using containers, barbed wires.
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August 31, 6:40am
Imran Khan appears atop his container again. Says they were protesting peacefully, as is their right. "What they have done (shelling by police) shows that they (the government) have not sincerity towards democracy."
"We will not spare this Gullu Butt Chaudhry Nisar," says Imran.
The PTI chief assures his supporters that he will stay with them till they get freedom, adding that there will be protests across the country against state oppression. "You have to give sacrifices to earn freedom. We have given sacrifices, but to attain freedom, nation has to give sacrifices."
"You have seen what these Gullu Butts have done to peaceful protesters."
Imran vows that they will struggle for freedom till the last minute. "Till the last breath we will battle these Gullu Butts. We will lodge FIRs against them, put their name on ECL, put them in jails and evict them."
"They [government] have no right to stop us. Under what law are you stopping us [from going to the PM house]. This is our right."
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August 31, 6:10am
Naveed Razzaq, 45, is the first confirmed casualty, who drowned after falling into a seven-foot, water-filled ditch, near the Secretariat Square. The ditch had been dug for the ongoing Metro Bus project.
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August 31, 6:02am
Heavy contingents of police have arrived to relive the officers on overnight duty near the PTV building.
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August 31, 5:50am
Imran Khan re-emerges atop his container, says they will confront the police. He adds that they will not spare Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif.
NS has made Shahrah e Dastoor a battle field,firing and shelling on protesters pic.twitter.com/5efAcRYf4i
— Senator Ejaz Chaudhary (@EjazChaudhary) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 5:44am
Police has again started heavy shelling of tear gas near Secretariat Square.
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August 31, 5:36am
Express News reports that there are reports of a number of people who have fallen into a seven foot deep ditch near the Secretariat Square which had been dug as part of the Metro Bus construction.
According to rescue officials, people fell into the ditch overnight due to darkness.
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August 31, 5:07am
Imran Khan appears atop his container. Says they are peaceful, and were protesting peacefully when they were attacked.
The PTI chief added that they will register an FIR over the attack. "First, Shahbaz Sharif in Model Town attacked unarmed civilians, and now here [Islamabad], unarmed people were attacked."
Imran said Sunday will be a decisive day, and they will protest all over Pakistan.
Just visited #PIMS, more than 300 injured including children nd women. Zulam c haq ki awaz dabaie nahi ja sakti.
— Murad Saeed (@MuradSaeedPTI) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 4:30am
Express News reports that police has resorted heavy shelling of teargas near the Cabinet Division.
This Express News screen grab shows police officials in riot gear at the entrance of the PIMS hospital in Islamabad
Paramedics move an injured policeman at a hospital after clashes with protesters in Islamabad on August 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 4:27am
PAT's Umar Riaz says that they had promised to remain peaceful, but as they marched, the police suddenly started to fire tear gas shells. He added a number of PAT workers and members of their leadership were injrued in police shelling.
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COMMENTS (186)
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Dont worry Dr Qadri, we will bring you food and refreshments , along with swings and coloring books. We will also not forget the medicines. Anything else you need let us know. .
All the hard facts belie the words of PTI and Shah Mahmood. Today, all the traitors to the nation have joined up at the orders of their masters, to destroy an elected democratic parliament. In addition to Imran & Co and Tahir ul Qadri, MQM is also entering this circus now. The yet again unfolding tragedy of Pakistan is very sad indeed.
Mian sahab how convenient of you to leave the parliament when the real opposition is speaking in the house. Badshah sahab you do not even have courage to listen to direct criticism on you.
the range rover which Shah Mahmood Qureshi drives costs not less than 3.5 crore in Pakistan.....voice of poor ... from the mouth of richest and biggest land lord of Pakisatn.....lol
PPP's sacred and holy support for PTI sometimes looks like PTI is fighing a proxy war for PPP against PML-N to weaken it by next elections.
if so, then well, Zardari is playing his cards very well.
I request Shah Mehmood Qureshi to please go out of the assembly. You people have resigned and what are you people doing in the assembly. You chose the method of doing politics on roads then why are you in the assembly. Please don't fool the nation. No trust on you and your leader Imran. You people are puppets of Establishment. Your every move is for the destruction of Pakistan.
Aitzaz Ahsan said that the elections were massively rigged while giving his speech in the parliament; yet supports Nawaz Sharif. Roughly translated-we know the elections were a lie, yet we are willing to support that lie for our seats! Bravo!
@Touheed Ali: "PTI and PAT should be banned banned as both are terrorist parties. Both are shaking the foundations of Pakistan...."
Members of PTI, who do not accept the supremacy of the parliament and in fact they have rendered their resignation from this body, is it not a gross violation of law, to allow them enter the parliament building? Once they are already inside the building, and may decide not to evacuate the premises, what authority will be exercised for chucking them out?
Blunt questions to be answered not just read. (a) Who are working as Aristotle and Plato for PM Mian Nawaz Sharif (b) Who advised Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif to call for joint session of our Parliament? (c) How many days the Parliament will meet? (d) Who prepared the list of the speakers to address the Parliament? (e) How many spoke in favor of PM Nawaz? (f) How much did PM Nawaz gain from the joint session? (g) How much did the Parliament succeed in convincing Imran + Qadri to call off their agitations? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / zaidifirmerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Today Aftab Sherpao is supporting Nawaz Sharif. Same Aftab Sherpao was Interior Minister when NS returned from Saudi Arabia and PML N was taken to task by police.
@ Lion King : You say PTI people educated , yes I agree with a little bit difference the PTI people are educated illiterate people.
Dear ET,
plz google difference between am and pm.
The lines are stark drawn. On one side all the thieves stand united against people's cry for justice, end of corruption and prosperity for all and on other stand educated people who unlike the rural surfs of these thieves are not ready to accept corruption, cheating and fraud in the guise of democracy. The thieves must understand they can prolong their corrupt era but it is going to end soon.
Imran, please stop telling any more lies with the nation. You are doing all this drama with the backing of Establishment. History will never forgive you. You are damaging the democracy.
IK what a shame character of Pakistan politics he exposed himself now his politics is finished. I always said this person is being used by agencies but naunahal starts abusing me, now truth came out. All media, TUQ, IK and their allied have been brought by agencies and used them as puppets now they could not find way to hide face..... shame on democracy! Imran Khan finished...
I wish that Imran Khan and Qadri should be taught a lesson for creating anarchy and chaos in the country. Both are enemies of Pakistan.
PTI and PAT should be banned banned as both are terrorist parties. Both are shaking the foundations of Pakistan. I believe that PTI and PAt are worse than Taliban.
Nawaz Sharif Zindabad. Allah bless him.
No further appeasement of the subversive elements should be allowed. Let law take its own course and crimes against the State should not be waived for political bargaining.
Pathetic role of electronic media during last 20 days. Media has ignored millions of voters and continuously giving live coverage to few thousand protesters. It is tragic. If democracy is derailed, media will be equally responsible. TV Channels give news that protesters of sit-in are taking breakfast; then news comes that they are taking meal etc etc. Is this called the positive role of media. Any sane man can easily understand that demands of sit-in of PTI and PAT are unconstitutional and undemocratic. But even then media is creating hype through giving them unjustified continuous coverage.
An application has been submitted by PML-N leader Ashraf Gujjar with the Interior Ministry to put PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL), reports Express News.
WHY? You should want them to leave!!!
Mr. Imran, democracy cannot be derailed with abuses and bullet. You people will fail and democracy will win. All hopes from Nawaz Sharif who is an elected PM.
Shame for Imran Khan and Qadri. Both are enemy of democracy and political stability. Allah save Pakistan from such politicians.
Long live Imran Khan. Long live Imran Khan.
PTV was never attacked by the demonstrators it was all set up by these two evil peoples Marvi Memon and parvez rasheed with there gullu butts and then put the blame on demonstrators (Marvi Memon and parvez rasheed they both were seen by the people leaving PTV just before all the hungama started.
The government is making a fool out of itself by being too nice to the protesters,” he says.Mehmood Khan Achakzai that's why they killed 14 people in model town and killed 10 in Islamabad injured 500 and used tear gas for 9 hours continuous and attacking the media in such a brutally way as if they are on war with another country, your killing your own brother and sister your mothers and fathers how can you sleep at night have you no heart.
@H Chaudhry: Most Pakistanis are against these violent protests which are damaging the country. Time to use a firm hand to arrest tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan. Like in UK they should use CCTV footage to arrest and prosecute all violent protesters who beat police and damaged government buildings. The PTI and PAT should pay for damages.
How dare these two power-mad clowns Qadri and Imran consider their vote to be superior to the votes of the millions of Pakistanis (66% of the population, per the latest Pew survey)? Supporters of Qadri and Imran have the minds of slaves who can only follow their "pir" and have no respect or understanding of the concept of one-man, one-vote.
PTI PAT unite, meeting in London, Lahore march took off with both together, what one said in speeches, the other seconded, now they unite - we see the true colours of dark forces and PTI, PAT following an agenda designed by the establishment, are being used as puppets that will destroy the democratic system. They are both fascists in every sense, promising change that they will never deliver, instead take the road to oblivion. Pakistan, awaken to these enemies from within, throw them out of the capital, preferably behind bars as any decent democratic system would have done by now. Just as you cannot negotiate with terrorists who do not put down their arms, you cannot do so with those who have held the capital city at siege now for twenty days is neither sustainable nor should be allowed under any circumstances. A very wrong precedent. Taliban have already warned it would be easy for them to march on the capital with 20,000... be warned this is a Pandora's box. An example must be made of these fools. Pakistan is a nuclear power - it cannot accept this sitting down.
Good read from Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/09/02/how-one-time-cricket-star-imran-khan-could-help-bring-down-pakistans-government/
ET you are allowing someone else to comment using ' Parvez' as his title.........although I disagree with his comments, it does seem funny that he has to resort to such PML -N tacticts.
@Altaf Shah: So real master of this nation is Establishment ??
Imran please leave this dirty politics to these dirty people who blindly favor it just because their dirty leader said to. They don't want a system of justice. They will only cry when Godforbid some of their own relative is exploited by someone influential and they would not even be allowed to register an FIR or these influential are set free in front of their own eyes. When we would not be able to protect our own women..
We all are doing corruption at any level or so just like our politicians. The realization of Right and Wrong has faded for us. We are beyond recovery so just please leave us like we are till we are no more.
Imran's speech starts with words I and Me. His speech ends at words I and Me. he always thinks about himself as if he is an angel.
Sometimes Governments need to take very strong steps and I think now is the time. Enough protests. They are neither peaceful nor respectful! It is time to bring Iron hand on PAT. Give them few hours notice to leave Islamabad otherwise do what it needs to be done and push them out.
How come the police has not already arrested and court tried these characters for treason, what else they need to do to commit them to jail and court hearing?
TUQ and PTI protesters being paid Rs 2000 per day...its a paid inqilab....what is source of these funds....????
After 19 days of sit in Imran ,Qadri and Their workers have become Gullu Butt. The Change is evident.
Once again Mabrook (congratulations) and Ulf Mabrook (1000 congratulations) PM Nawaz. Thanks Allah, another night has passed away with no blood shed though at the time when I went to bed it was believed that there will be massive crack down using live ammunition which could have even killed hundreds of those who are protesting but now when I woke up I found it did not happen so. I have also read and heard that new IG Police Islamabad (3rd person during one week time) has been posted to quell the protestors as his earlier predecessors declined to attack the demonstrators. Thanks again PM Nawaz for holding back police and showing restrain. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
If Imran Khan thinks he can succeed by listening to the Fake-Sheikh, he has a surprise in store. It is as if he has taken leave of his senses. It has been one lie after another and the government is no better.
All my prayers for respected Nawaz Sharif. Allah give him health, success and long life. Aameen.
It is shameful for Imran and qadri that their peaceful demonstrators are beating a policeman.
Be mindful of the fact that Nawaz Sharif will not and he should not resign.
Currently NS is the only acceptable leadet to nation.
All my feeling are with Sir Javid Hashmi. I am not with PML N and nor with PTI but I am with Pakistan and can understand your position. May Allah give you strength to go through difficult time. Long Live Hashmi, long live truth, long live Pakistan.
Bravo Nawaz Sharif.
The picture is released by PID showing above PM in meeting with various Leaders. Now please starting from the left with Ch Nisar kindly tell us what comes to your mind about every person till you reach Haji Adeel on extreme right. Thank you. You may or may not share with us. Its up to you.
Just take a moment to absorb the image of the PM house's interior - looks more like a palace of a super rich monarch. Such extravagance. Don't people at the helm of affairs have any shame or conscience reminding them of the conditions their subjects live in a stone's throw away?
And we have had exemplary rulers of the likes of Umar R.A who would hold himself responsible for a thirsty dog in a distant location within his empire. How far have we fallen.
Javed Hash, with this marathon press conference against his Party Chairman, has only revealed his lack of character as a member of PTI. Disloyalty is the most despicable element of a person's character and he has shown this abundantly. No man with an iota of dignity would disclose in public the deliberations of a confidential meeting. Hash has done it and it is not for any noble reasons but for personal reasons. Remember country does not figure in dictionary of such characters.
With all due respect, Mr. Shah M Qureshi, please take a look at TV footage of the occupation of PTV headquarters - PTI flags, caps are visible in great number of the occupants who with their sticks broke lights and other fixtures - peaceful for you, uncivilised for most. And PAT beards too were very visible amongst the mad men... With great interest have heard the respectable and honourable president of PTI give a press conference. His statements hold weight as he has earned his political reputation the hard way, in short he is not an immature upstart. What most of us suspected has come out in the open, your ties with dark forces that work against democracy. So much for the peaceful dharna claims for democracy, equality and so on... IK, you are more evil than the politicians you claim are corrupt, lie and so on - IK you and your partners (including that mad Canadian cleric) have proven yourselves morally even worse, you have an agenda that runs against the constitution, parliament and indeed have ties with the worst, the most corrupt.
It is hard to imagine that Imran Khan would stoop this low. He has been brainwashed by the cunning Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.
The Fake-Sheikh has ruined PTI and Imran Khan but unfortunately they don't realize it.
It looks, that Javed Hasmi has been send into PTI by PMLN to make problem in PTI..............................
Imran Khan has gone too far. He really does not care about what happens to Pakistan.
Javed Hashmi served as a minister in Zia up Haq's cabinet hence an abbetor. Alleged to have received funds from ISI (Mehran bank scandal). Was in PML N when this party was held responsible for storming the Supreme Court.
Firstly I do not support either party PMLN or PTI, but I would like to state what Imran Khan is doing is to hold current government to blackmail. He is no righteous hero that is going to save Pakistan. He has to realise that some of the crooks have also joined his ranks, are the same people who have had a share of the looting before..
Imran you cannot in any democracy keep trying to go into unrestricted areas and then keep pushing boundary's to get your way. You have used women and children as shields to achieve your aim. You are not fighting for the ordinary Pakistani, you are fighting to become the next leader so you too have the key of power. You urge on demonstrators to fight for your cause even if that means them losing their lifes - no institution will allow to have institutional buildings overtaken by thugs wielding batons/weapons. Even modern democracy's only allow peaceful protests not thugs walking around with weapons threatening to take on the police.
Women and children are being harmed because you have put them in harms way. Why Mr Khan are your children sent to the UK very quickly and why is Mr Qadris children sent out to Canada? The ordinary Pakistani children are not as valuable as yours and Mr Qadries, your families lives are obviously far too valuable to be put in harms way.
Imran wake up and stop playing dirty politics for your vain desires,
Mr Sharif is no angel but you are causing massive damage to the countrys economy and institutions. Mr Hashmi has spilled the truth with regards to your dirty little deals.
I have watched nearly all news Chanel's and I think everyone is politicizing for their own ends, e.g dawn news 'I see a mother with her 5 month old baby and a year and a half old boy, I have interviewed the 5 month old and the mother...' How can you interview a 5 month old, especially when there is such a chaos and everyone is running. There were many such gaffes. The police were inhuman, if they could not find people to beat that took it out on a Mercedes. I don't think this march started with peaceful intent when a leader says there will be 'Duma dum...' and people are holding lathis, gas masks and goggles. Javaid Hashmi and IK are a different story. If people stormed PTV why we're they just cleared, they should have been arrested - as they don't belong to both parties or have defied the mandate of storming official building. I think to defuse this whole situation PM should dissolve the assembly and hold another election supervised by army. If NS stills holds the claimed status he will come back and everyone will find out that he is still favourite with people and then they should get on with it.violence will never remove anything at least NSA should know that after 2 botched attempts and 1 in the making.
After Javaid Hashmi's latest press conference, there is no excuse for this drama to go on. IK and TUQ should be arrested immediately to put an end to this anarchy.
There is no doubt that long marches of PTI and PAT are backed by Establishment.
there were no clashes that day they were moving peace fully when the Punjab gunda police with no heart started shooting tear gas and bullets at women and children i have only one word for this government EVIL, all of you must be blind what did the media do why were they attacked why there van and equipment was damaged just because they were showing the world the truth, and Nawaz Sharif is not the prime minister anymore for telling a lie in Parliament were he took the oath for protecting the institution.
IK denies his involvemnt in the sabotage and at the same time orders his followers to celebrate that
Mian Sb please please be brave and don't bow your head before establishment. Be a hero, be a bhutto, be a true leader and fight for right. Rest assured you'll be remembered in golden words, rest assured our generations will read you autobiographies in text books, rest assured Pakistan will get true independence. Now all is on your hands.
If this is a peaceful demonstration then God forbid what will be the violent one.
This is a moment of shame for all Pakistanis... It appears that the defenders of Pakistan are quietly watching this vandalism rather than performing their legal duty under article245 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Both Imran & Qadri, alongwith their vandals must be immediately arrested, their personal properties (Banigala, Model Town, UK, Canada etc) should be auctioned to recover the money to compensate for the loss to Pakistan. They need to be given exemplary punishment to give a strong lesson to all vultures with evil eyes on Pakistan & its institutions.
There is ot contradiction in saying,doing and later on denying of Tahir ul Qadri, When he feels that some bad name is coming to him he immediately deny his saying.
How can we call him a scholar because his lies are very much clear.
I think he is greatest liar in the world who proclaim him as Shaikh ul Islam.
His followers should wake up.
Model Town, remember?
This is very terrific situation. Lets pray all situation may recover sooon! Ameen!
When article 245 is intact,why army is not taking action?
The circumstances very conducive for third empire as desired.
IK has taught his followers nothing but politics of judoo karate under supervision of Sheikh Rasheed.
After unleashing chaos, Imran Khan doesnt want to take responsibility. what a surprise, indeed.
After attacking Parliament, PM house, Cabinet Division, now the PTI and PAT goondas have attacked the PTV station. Whatever Imran or Qadri might say, now, it is 100% clear that they are no supporters of democracy but preponents of mob rule and anarchy. The Pak Army has for now intervened to clear the PTV building, but is that enough? Isnt it high time that the army which has been given special powers, now come fully to the aid of the civil elected government, as per constitutional provisions, and safeguard vital national buildings and installations? I appeal to the top military command that the writ of state be restored at once, sternly and firmly, and the present government allowed to get on with their job. Imran and Qadri should please be also arrested at once, with their main party leaders, for treason against the state.
In this country army has no other work than to interfere in PMs affairs. in this country PM will always be the slave of army. Army will meddle in every civilian affairs. This country is completely a failed state. Poor...
i cant wait for Dr Tahir Qadri and Imran Khan to be arrested. and seriously if the cause is so great, where are their families? i guess they are too good to be marching down the street of islamabad, risking their lives careers for a cause they themselves dont understand
What we are seeing today is the death of democracy in Pakistan. Many have said that Islam is incompatible with democracy and they have been proven right. This will set Pakistan back because Imaran and Qadri will fight among themselves after Sharif goes. Look at India there when Congress was defeated no one has taken to the streets claiming rigged elections. This has given a free hand to PM MOdi to do waht he wants for India. Respect for democracy, thirst for education, separating religion from governance and freedom has made India what it is today. I believe Pakistan should also follow these tenets.
Educated and common masses of Pakistan should be thank full to Iran khan for engaging them in the politics and challenge the two party monopoly system since 1947.
@Muhammad Ahmed Khan:
Police State you have got to be joking.
Saudi Arab is a police state Iraq is a police state. Dubai is a police state.
However IK behaviour is very immature and uncompromising.
@stevenson: I agree, Did IK threaten police and president when he protested in front of white house ? In America did he bring a crane to breach the pm house wall ? In front of Downing Street did he say "If anything happens to me dont let the PM run"?
@itl: I am with the women and children hurt during these clashes regardless of their political affiliations. As for those who used them as human shields i have nothing but contempt and disgust.
well done nation. Remove this monarch
Nawaz sharif must resign and be ready for accountability. This accountability should be for all politician who enjoyed power in past.
PML-n all the way.
@Muhammad Ahmed Khan: So if people are not allowed to attack policemen and destroy public buildings, the country should be called police state? Grow up. If you tried this behavior in US the violent protesters would be shot dead - not just molly coddled with tear gas. Did you not see the beating the poor policemen are getting from the peaceful protesters? God bless our policemen and the state and keep them safe from these hoodlums protesting for instability.
I think the moderator is also a sold out. Paid PML n trolls, you have no conscience! Go nawaz go!
@Alter Ego: That's the same thing Israel says about the Palestinians, do you also support Israel then?
IK and TUQ using women and children as human shields , shameful.
Looks like IK's tamasha is coming to its climax scene. Nawaz appears to have made a deal with the "umpire". I can bet that we won't be hearing about IK after a week's time.
Although big boys body language and silence suggest something else but we still hope that army will stand up against miscreants and fake revolutionary thugs. We don't want anyone in future protesting in front of GHQ.
The protest was peaceful for 14 days. It became violent only when CH. Nisar brought in police.It was the same Nawaz who was asking for Gillani to step down for corruption charges and face them. Now when its him, he prefers to kill people to save his seat and make institutions clash. Shame on this government. PPP displayed much more maturity then PML N.
What is more demoralizing than a failed political / judicial system ?..........it's an indecisive armed force.
@Ishrat Salim: You said it all! Nothing more needs to be added! Great words!
Javed Hashmi has revealed the true face of IK. He is dictator within the party.. he has been blind for the post of PM. Shame on you! Obeying shaikh rasheed breaking own party's decision.
Where is the Gordian of Pakistan?The great Pakistan army ? Sharif control the boss. God help Pakistan
There is nothing military-like in this call for conference. Why could not this be called today even if it is a holiday? Or is it that they think it is a routine matter since Modal Town killings were.
Javed Hashmi remains loyal to his self admitted leader Nawaz Sharif. Why can't this simple thing be comprehended by Tehrik Insaf leadership? This is downright silly and suicidal to have a mole amongst you. Hashmi is not trustworthy. To him a corrupt and cruel Nawaz is dearer than people getting killed and maimed at his hands.
Thank you Mr Javed Hashmi for unearthing the ongoing conspiracy. People like Sheikh Rashid should be held fully accountable for having degraded IK and his followers.
Without supporting Imran Khan, Tahirul Qadri or Nawaz Sharif, I have a simple question to all Pakistanis? Who has more stakes outside Pakistan - Canadian / UK national or one having billions of worth assets outside Pakistan?
Javed Hashmi, you did wrong. Even if you were not happy with some of your Leader decisions, you should have highlighted that in house and not on media.
Its clear now that Imran and fake revolutionary thug are puppets of hidden forces. If these hidden forces have some guts, they should do whatever they have decided. Their early action will save innocent lives and both stooges will get well earned rest.
dont disturb the army on sunday. it is holiday today. tomorrow they will have hi tea meeting.
@Ahmad: "If Qadri, Imran, et al. have some mercy left for this nation, they should stop this drama now..."
They cannot. "Operation Burqas" did not work out last night. They were counting on their staff-bearing-Ninjas to deliver them burqas for wearing, when disappearing from their luxury-containers.
Imran Khan on e again proves he has lost his marbles. I refer to his latest appeal to the masses to rise against the government. Is he living in a real world. Except for the 24 hour exaggerated media coverage, there is nothing much going for him. His calls for civil disobedience were ridiculed and ignored. His calls for sit ins across the country last week were ignored. His million man march, to start with, was short by 990,000!
Having made a few lives lost, he is hoping that this gives him a new lease of life. This is brutality of the highest order. If PTI thinks it was PAT not PTI that tried to storm the government buildings then he should come out openly and state his dissociation with PAT with whom he is still colluding. The statements by his advisers like Asad Umer that I heard yesterday were an insult to the intelligence of any intelligent Pakistanis. The trait of obfuscating truths, misrepresenting facts and brazen lying seems to have filtered through the ranks of PTI.
The government should try to continue negotiations in the broader interest of polity but must not show any appeasement any more. As far as The Clown if Toronto is concerned he should have been deported a long time back.
Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri should be arrested immediately without any further delay. There demands are undemocratic and unconstitutional. Both wanted to take over Prime Minister House and Parliament. They must be taught a lesson.
@Asad: how can he intervene, when he is the one ordering this.
@Ch. Allah Daad: what hidden forces? there is one force and that is brutal gullu butts of raiwind and they deserve to be behind bars. they need to be kicked back to jeddah
Bringing CHANGE in the present system where the all people are treated equally & their right to live & be protected as per constitution - is all that Ik / TuQ demanded. Is this too much ? Is this democracy where 41 articles from the constitution have not been implemented by last govt & continues with the present govt. Is this democracy where dynastic political parties do not have intra-party election ( this is a must as per constitution ) ? Is this democracy where the govt does not allow filling of FIR even though the court orders ? Is this democracy to fire teargas shell & rubber bullets on peaceful protesters. Is this democracy, wherein 90 % parliamentarian do pay tax but forces others to pay tax through FBR ? Is this democracy , wherein fake degree holders are lawmakers ?
And leaders who want to mobilize people for CHANGE are branded as " un-democrats " etc;
Very well commented by the Tanzanian President on 24/8/2014 when interviewed in UAE...Shame !
All the present political parties do not want CHANGE, because it suites them.
All should accept the reality. It is a fact that Imran Khan is playing a very bad role for Pakistan nowadays as directed to him by Establishment. His politics of agitation will leave bad impact on Pakistan’s economy. Stock Exchange has also been affected since the start of protests by PTI. Inflow of foreign investment in Pakistan will also be affected.
IK and Qadri, where is your common sense if not intellect? Peaceful dharna you say - did you not see on TV screens, your people attacking the police, armed with batons, stones, bricks, and worse - or did you two have your heads in the sand in your armoured vehicles? You said you would lead your march, instead sent your women and children, where is your sense of honour, valour and dignity? You said no government buildings would be violated, your people used organised means such as cutters and a truck to break down the parliament building wall and then occupied its gardens dazed with tear gas. The army officers decided to not act - sensible people - calmly, the police officers contained the situation without force. Where were you and that Canadian Qadri during the debacle? Our police force has acted with dignity, Choudry Nisar was seen at the worse time of the attack, amongst the people - that is valour and care for the nation's people. Not your way of acting, never at the forefront when your people need a leader, in the negotiations, the government has bent over backwards to accommodate your mad views, not enough for you. God forbid if you ever form a government in Pakistan. I have in prior posts written there is nothing as dangerous as an ignorant man in power, you once again prove the point. Mad mad men, the only solution worthy of Pakistan is both you and Qadri be tried for sedition, and land in Attock.. enough is enough, stop this madness for the sake of your nation. Your egos should not be in the forefront.
I had always felt suffocated when I saw pakistani media allowing a very primitive mindset talk about non sense day after day. In a country where the so called burger class cannot think clearly, this non-stop exposure to the non-sense and treating that non-sense as wisdom by primitive TV anchors, was enough to set the ball rolling for what is happening today.
Many people were killed during iranian revolution. Just like nawaz, shah did not want to give up his power. Just like iranian people won over shah, we will win over nawaz.
@Ahmed: So you are telling me every other democracy would start massacring their own countrymen if a few people broke a gate funded by taxpayers who were protesting?
@Shafi Mohd.: Police's duty in Northern Punjab is to fire on innocent women and children? Please let the rest of the country separate from your banana republic, meanwhile you guys can keep fighting against who has more supporters in their rally.
If the government can be accused of one thing it is not having a permanent, loud mouthed, high pitched spokesman perched continuously on a media platform using the same foul language, the same coarse expletives, the same personal attacks, the same inane logic and similar repetitive harangues that Imran Khan and Tahir ul Quadri have been inflicting on the poor television owning masses of Pakistan. It takes steel to cut steel as they say in Urdu.
@saqib nisar: I don't know what you were smoking when IK said he would change PAKistan if he became PRIME minister of the FEDERAL government but KPK definitely saw a great deal of change contrary to your impractical claim of PTI's government having the poorest performance. I guess you haven't heard about the 14 people who were shot in Punjab or the daily killings in Balochistan or even a report that concluded that Interior Sindh has become one of the poorest regions in the planet.
I am impressed by your reporting. I hope others learn especially some English newspapers with Urdu channels.
Elders used to say "Latoon ke bhoot baton se nahi mante" This is what police knew when shelling ansoo gas on mob !
If Qadri, Imran, et al. have some mercy left for this nation, they should stop this drama now.. Arrogance, pushing their own agendas by force will not lead anywhere..
@Khurram: You just used Nawaz Sharif' and 'hope' in a positive way in one sentence, do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? The only thing we can hope from him now is to steal a few more billions and then run away to Saudi. '
A potenetially good leader IK has gone mad with greed for immidiate power. He was helped in this transformation by a tottaly insane man named TUQ but also by behind the scene power of retiring and retired generals loyal to the former dictator , currently trying to manage a cowardly escape from the country. And poor chaps thought a clean revolution was coming to the country. What a shame.
@Farhan Warraich: Yes Pakistani establishment unlike Indian establishment that is supporting Nawaz Sharif. I guess than we can describe this as a proxy war between the two countries.
Qadri's trained anarchasists kept spreading terror outside parliament house while Khan's concert wale hiding in their posh houses. However common thing was that their leaders Qadri and Khan jointly ordered their goons to spread terror and promised to lead from front ...........were hiding in their bullet proof air-conditioned container while terror was spread
@Farhan Warraich: You lost me at establishment
@Ch. Allah Daad: How is this a conspiracy? Peaceful protesters are being shot at by expired tear-gas shells and bullets and you call this a 'conspiracy'. This is the same mentality that has lead us to this point. I don't know how old you are but i'm sorry most of the youth support Imran Khan. We don't want to be second class citizens in our own country compared to wadeiras, chauhdrys, sardars, children of politicians and police e.t.c. who can walk away from killing anyone without any consequence. This caste system in the country has to stop NOW!
@Mushtaq:Gone with wind. Hitler have come to enetr Parliament and PM House
@Khurram: Yes the only hope for Pakistan. Ordering the police to attack the protestors while in Raiwind. Atleast IK was on the container in the midst of the tear gas. I am appalled at people still supporting PMLN. Its distressing to know that in the midst of all the blatant lies and accusations, evidence of massive rigging and all out corruption; there are still some ignorant people supporting the 'all so brave' NS and SS (who I should stress are in Raiwind right now surrounded by containers and police force). These are people being accused of MURDER!!! For the love of all thats holy, please open you eyes! These people do not have a stake in the country. You are defending people who will leave you in the first sign of a crisis. They already have, havent they? A crisis in Islamabad and our dear PM and CM are in their palace in Lahore.
Imperfect democracy but should continue? The day aam aadmi gets out and kills the local wadera who does not even listen to him is the day you will see it happening. Until then sit on your laptops and tabs and keep commenting Democracy Zindabad. These top 20 something families will not let the children of this country go to school so they cannot distinguish between right and wrong. I live in Jeddah and me and my friends send as much money as we can to support education in our country. And i am completely aware of Sharif's lifestyle here too. Not an IK supporter either but i think the people of my country have stopped thinking, their minds have been jammed.
It's funny how people just don't see it. With all facts in- Nawaz Sharif/Zaradari/ and all those un-educated corrupt politicians must go. This is a clean up. Without creating chaos the issue of electoral rigging wouldn't have brought this much attention.
Zulm rahe or amman b ho,kya mumkin hai tum he kaho. Haq k lye kabi na kabi tw awaz uthani parti hai,Many thanks to great leaders Imran Khan & TUQ to provoke people to fight for their rights... no one can stop this revolution... change ll come.Allah apka hami.o.nasir hu Ameen.
Safety is closely linked with security. Unintentional damage due to riots, a conspiracy, an excuse for the 'UN' associated with distrust and fear but yet for safety issues, Pakistan will be asked to give up it's Nuclear power hold.
FIR should be registered against Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri for pushing Pakistan into violence and chaos.
sharif brothers should step down, instead repeating their Lahore cruelty.
Real bone of contention is Pervez Musharraf. Establishment is punishing democracy due to Musharraf issue.
Tahir ul Qadri, please go back to your country Canada. Please don't spoil my country Pakistan.
Our armed forces are busy in Zarb-e-Azb operation against Taliban. But Imran Khan and Qadri are doing their dirty politics. Shame for them. They don't care about this operation, Pakistan and IDPs. Biggest shame for them.
I just wanna ask, where is NS. why did he not intervene to stop this bloodshed. He should have visited IK and TUQ personally or contacted them. Govt also wanted same.........
Imran is real hope for country. NS & SS should go. They have made IK & TUQ to come to this end of protests. Why NS didn't open cases & why SS didn't let FIR Model town. Shame on democracy with NS& Zardari & rest of parliament parties. All are corrupt & looter of common man money. They will be answerable. Their time is up. Zindabad IK & TUQ.. Nawaz go Nawaz go enough of corruption.. InshAllah I pray end of NS & loiters of country wealth & Mat Allah swt help IK & TUQ. Ameen
Congratulations to Establishment. They have achieved their goal. Their puppets (imran + qadri) are performing well.
@Muhammad Ahmed Khan: Try and be honest. No other country on earth would allow such demonstrations to go so far. For example, PTI used a vehicle to break down the parliament gates! Try doing this in any other country and see what happens.
It is a reality that "Tabdeeli Aa Gayee Hai". I think this change was promised by Imran Khan. He has pushed entire Pakistan in the violence. His anti-state agenda will never be fulfilled. Imran Khan and his mentors will disappoint.
bricks over humans? Is that what you call democracy? Why do you have to stoop to a level where you don't want to investigate rigging and kill people indiscriminately? This is barbaric. This is worse than what happened in Gaza. In Gaza at least there were outsiders killing poor Palestinians. Here there are Pakistani's on both sides. God bless Pakistan, and God bless democracy. As was pointed out by many politicians, the sharifs would do anything to protect their despotic regime. At the same time I believe that the protesters shouldn't have marched ahead thus giving a chance to power hungry Government to create a diversion from PM's dumb speech where he lied blatantly. Black day for Pakistan politics.
No trust on Imran and Qadri who always take U Turn. Their strategy is to only create agitation and political instability in the country. Immature and dirtiest politics of PTI and PAT. Nation should salute Police Force who are doing their duty.
@Shumaila: Go where? Would you be along them for sake of good company ?
Imran's politics is protesting, blaming, abusing and accusing others. I voted for PTI but today I repent. I shall never repeat this mistake in future.
Go Nazaz Go !!!!!!!!!!!
@Muhammad Ahmed Khan: I can guarantee you that no state would allow a so called "peaceful protest" that involved a stone throwing mob with sticks and wire cutters intent on damaging and occupying the parliament and PM House. I think the police should launch one big operation to stop these anti state criminals who are intent on creating anarchy. History will never forgive Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri who are solely responsible for this mayhem.
These protesters were armed and they were very violent. They became violent due to speeches of their leaders. Imran and Qadri have flames in their tongue. They want to burn Pakistan with these flames.
I appreciate the Police Force who is fighting against these anarchists. These anarchists should be expelled from the Capital City.
Imran's criticism on Elections 2013 is quite baseless. This is a fact that PTI lost the elections because this party does not have roots in public. Elections cannot be won by arranging musical concerts. I am 100% sure that it will get defeat again in next elections as well and that will be even more bitter. PTI is going to loose in KPK because of their poor performance in the province.
No hope from PTI. Their strategy is to destabilize democratic system in Pakistan. They are puppets of Establishment who is doing conspiracies against democracy. Biggest shame for PTI. I treat them as enemy of Pakistan. They are ignoring KPK and at the same time trying to destroy Pakistan’s economy.
Imran, where is that new KPK that was to be built within 90 days? Now more than a year is gone but there is no new KPK. Imran, please don't fool the nation. You can only blame and abuse others. PTIs performance in KPK is the poorest as compared to other provinces. There is nothing good in KPK.
How can it be 'peaceful' protests when protestors of PAT and PTI are seen carrying sticks, hammers, cutters, and knives ? On ground not only they injured Policemen but also caused damage to properties. This is not a democratic right. Its an incitement of violence.
All economic indicators in the country are improving. I appreciate the performance of present federal government during last one year. If this government continues for 5 years, it will be very good for Pakistan and democracy. I think thumbs should be up for the government. On the other hand, Imran and Qadri are anti-state elements like Taliban. They should be handled with iron-hand.
Imran and Qadri have become Sultan Rahi of politics. No sane man can vote for PTI that is led by Imran Khan. He is continuously busy in giving threats to Judiciary, Election Commission, Election Tribunals, Federal Government and Policemen. Imran should be removed from the post of Chairman PTI. He is a threat for his party, democracy and Pakistan. I have never listened anything good from the mouth of Imran Khan. He always uses loose language for others.
It is only Pakistan where immature politicians like Imran Khan don’t accept defeat. Imran lacks sportsman spirit. He possesses very little heart. His short-sightedness and narrow-mindedness are his main weaknesses. He should accept defeat in elections with open heart and work for KPK .
Imran is punishing Pakistanis for not voting for PTI. People rejected in May 2013 elections so Imran is giving punishment to the nation.
Imran's criticism is baseless. His case is very weak. Elections were conducted by independent Election Commission. There was independent judiciary in the country at that time. Imran showed complete satisfaction on Election Commission and Judiciary before elections. Fakhruddin G. Ibran was nominated by Imran Khan. 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.
Yeah right, kafan wearing, baton holding, rock throwing, setting fire mob was so PEACEFUL, they even peacefully broke the wall of Parliament house, they peacefully beat policemen, they peacefully attacked a media group and they peacefully used women and children. Never thought that Imran will do such dirty poliltics, Noon and PAT would do bad, they were supposed to but PTI???!!!! IK you have strangled our last hope with your own hands. Dark day for all of us.
Imran is in much haste to become PM of the country. Imran should wait till the end of inquiry by the Judicial Commission. There should be trust on the independent judiciary. It is not correct to demand resignation from the Prime Minster as far as nothing is proved against him.
Qadri and Khan are the true heroes. They have awoken the nation, enough is enough. At the end of the day, who has over 1 billion dollars worth of looted funds stashed abroad. ANSWER GEO and all paid media commentators!
GO IMRAN GO. We don't want you in Pakistan. You are enemy of the country and peace.
This is pure GoondaGardi by oxford educated goonda and canadian goonda maulvi. For media to be mouthpiece of Goonda leaders is something that can happen in a country filled with dark age mindsets ruling the pakistani media and brainwashing the so called naive "middle class".
Women and Childern? What are they doing there? Why are they blocking essential government buildings, why are thet trying to get in pm house and parliament house. Imran and qadri, you evil people using innocent women to shield you. Imran you are a loser.
Establishment will be happy on seeing this. They were waiting this violence to happen since many days. No one is sincere with Pakistan. Establishment is promoting Imran Khan for destruction of democracy.
Media is also equally responsible for this chaos. Media always projected Imran Khan as a hero. But reality is this that his politics is cutting the roots of Pakistan. I am disappointed from the role of media. IK want to destroy the economy but media is posing him as a hero. Imran is stopping the foreign investment to come to Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif is the only hope for Pakistan. No hope from dirty politics of Imran Khan. Imran is doing the politics of hate and agitation.
Fundamental rights violated where is Pak Army.... ???? where is Independant Judiciary suo motu action...????
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 appreciate the patience of Nawaz Sharif who has never used dirty language against Imran Khan. Respect for Nawaz Sharif has increased in my heart.
Go Imran go. Go Qadri go.
Establishment is managing this protest. This is the fact that Established has invested a lot on PTI during last few years.
The door and wall of Parliament House and broken. Is it called peaceful protest? Protesters were armed with weapons. Is it called peaceful protest? Shame for Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri.
Imran always talks about "CHANGE". I think "CHANGE" is needed in PTI. Imran Khan has become a dictator in his party. He even did not consult Party President Javed Hashmi. He is doing dictatorship in PTI. That is why Javed Hashmi left the place and did not participate in this violence. Shame for Imran Khan.
Congratulations to hidden forces on their well planned conspiracy and on choice of their stooges.
Nawaz Sharif is no saint; but all blame lies with Imran Khan and Qadri for creating chaos and disturbance in our capital. Imran Khan has proved to be a tired pathetic excuse for an 'honest' politician. He has done more harm to Pakistan than 'corrupt' Zardari. Imran Khan wants to talk to Taliban criminals who have killed thousands of our people but does not want to talk to the government. Even if PTI won all the 'dhandli' seats, Imran Khan will still NOT be the Prime Minister. He wants to rule the land through mob violence..and yet he is our 'hope'. Save me this 'change'.
FIR should be registered against Imran and Qadri. People have been injured due to these two dirty politicians. Imran and Qadri are enemies of peace and democracy. Biggest shame for them.
Imran Khan and TUQ are delivering the last blows to democracy in Pakistan. We all stand to lose if our right to choose our government is snatched using this mayhem as pretext. Democracy- however imperfect- should have been continued and empowered. But now, thanks to these two power hungry rabble-rousers, our representative government stands to at best be crippled and at worst ousted. Welcome to another period of darkness!
People want justice, Inquilaab Zindabad!
What have you got to hide regarding rigging? Why are you firing on women and children? Shocking from certain parts of the media, unbelievable, women and children being shot at and murdered and they are saying Khan and Qadri "didnt leave container". Shameful. Dr Qadri and Khan will be vindicated. You cannot stop this now.
Point of no return, Inquilaab Zindabaad
Its a police state. You cannot protest. You have to live with all decisions of government. God save us from such democracy.