Govt's days are numbered, claims Sheikh Rasheed

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Former interior minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, has warned the coalition government of a potential public backlash, saying that the days of the government have been numbered.

Speaking to reporters outside an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) during a hearing pertaining to May 9 riots, Rasheed cautioned the Shehbaz-led coalition government to stop oppressive measures, suggesting that unchecked actions could push the public towards rebellion.

"Do not oppress the people to a point where they are forced to revolt," Rasheed urged, adding that the nation's fear has dissipated, and sentiments of resistance are growing.

In his remarks, Rasheed also criticised the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), challenging them to show any concrete evidence of foreign investment generated from government visits abroad.

He further accused the authorities of mishandling diplomatic relations with China, adding, “I will never forgive them for displeasing China.”

Rasheed also denounced recent policies affecting the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), accusing the government of attempting to sell it off “as if it were their personal property.”

He suggested that ministers should consider selling their own assets rather than the state’s.

During his court appearance, Rasheed was accompanied by former Parliamentary Secretary Rashid Shafiq, Raja Basharat, and Rashid Hafeez, with investigative officers from 13 police stations also present.

The ATC judge, Amjad Ali Shah, marked the defendants’ attendance for the 13 cases from 9 May, requesting complete charge sheets by 18 November.

Time for 'ultimate sacrifice': K-P CM

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday issued a rallying cry to PTI supporters, urging them to brace for a decisive phase in the party's struggle against the federal government.

"The time has come to prepare for the final call. We must free ourselves from this government," he said speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail following his meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan.

He announced that the PTI would hold a major rally in Swabi on November 9, vowing that party members were prepared to "make the ultimate sacrifice".

Responding to questions, Gandapur clarified that the original rally set for November 8 had not been cancelled but "merely adjusted in venue and date". He described the forthcoming event as a "jirga for all of Pakhtunkhwa".

"After consultations, we'll finalise the schedule, including rally routes and other critical details," he added. He stressed that participants from across the country would join in, representing their regions in solidarity.

"Don't be confused by rumours of deals and negotiations. We are not afraid of governor's rule," the PTI leader asserted, referring to the recent reports of an alleged deal between former premier Imran Khan and the establishment.

However, he said that while he previously engaged in negotiations, he ceased doing so upon the Imran Khan's instruction.

"Everyone has turned into an analyst these days, claiming a deal has been struck," he added.

"We're ready for the final call and will announce our next course of action on November 9," he declared, adding, "This time, we'll march with our shrouds tied, bringing greater force and official machinery."

He also condemned the alleged mistreatment of the party supremo at Adiala Jail.

"We have devised a plan and are already working on it. To free the nation from this government, we're prepared to sacrifice everything, with shrouds on our heads," he vowed.

He decried the growing number of cases filed against him, saying, "Every day, new charges are levelled against us".

He said that on November 9, instead of holding a rally in Swabi, the party will organise a massive gathering, drawing people from across the country.

Gandapur announced his firm intentions to his family, saying, "I've told them if I don't return, consider it my final departure and hold my funeral prayers."

"People know who has done what for the party. Even Bushra Bibi was unjustly imprisoned."

He lamented the legal onslaught he's endured, with cases registered in six districts.

Recalling his departure from D-Chowk, he questioned, "I left after informing everyone, but who were those that followed behind? We proved that we could assemble peacefully, yet they attacked the K-P House, seizing phones and belongings from my vehicle. The phones were eventually wiped, yielding nothing of value."

Gandapur stated he had come to Islamabad with authority, bringing official machinery and engaging in crucial meetings. "We've already made two strikes, but remember, there were 17 battles at Panipat," he warned, hinting at future confrontations.