Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is preparing for a legal battle against its rivals, and seeking their disqualification.
Top PTI leaders said the party might go to the Supreme Court with a fresh petition to seek disqualification of all politicians, including former premier Nawaz Sharif, who received money from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for electioneering in 1990.
“Yes, we are considering this option … these corrupt people must be punished and disqualification is what they deserve,” a PTI leader told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity since the matter is sub judice.
Hearing into the 1990 election rigging scandal in the Supreme Court has not only brought notoriety to the country’s premier spy agency for involvement in politics, but also to various politicians associated with the agency.
Nawaz and his party have already admitted receiving the money but say that was 20 years ago, and that the party’s ideology has evolved since then.
A top leader of the PML-N said the party apologised to the nation when Nawaz signed the Charter of Democracy with Benazir Bhutto in 2005.
“There is no need for a fresh apology … we have done that,” said MNA Ahsan Iqbal, deputy secretary-general of the PML-N.
The PTI, however, is not convinced.
“What apology? Their sin is much bigger than that … they must be penalised accordingly,” an associate of PTI chief Imran Khan said.
He added that the party would wait for the Supreme Court’s verdict in the case.
When contacted, PTI spokesperson Shafqat Mahmoud said: “I do not want to comment on hypothetical questions … let’s first wait for the Supreme Court’s decision. We have high hopes.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 10th, 2012.
COMMENTS (66)
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@yasir IK will very much quality if article 62 etc is applied because there is nothing in it that he broke. Dont know if you believe in some other constitution
nice strategy
to all PML(Laptop) supporters...sorry to disappoint you but pakistan is running under a consitution and not under some ameerul momineen of the ittefaq foundaries... so let me make it clear to you... Nawaz sharif took money from ISI and that is a crime and there is a punishment for it under the pakistani laws... mere apology does not work or otherwise the whole judicial system would collapse if every law breaker apologize and is not punished.. Imran khan supported musharraf in referendum and everything was endorsed by the parliament which is called the 17th amendment..ring any bells? so it is not a crime... and it was of morality so imran khan apologized to the nation even though the supreme court and the parliament said that it was not a crime... on the other hand what nawaz sharif did was never endorsed by any court or parliament so he has to be punished no matter what the dumb headed supporters say or even if they attack the supreme court, it cannot save the so called mafia boss from punishemnt... i am sure he can deal with ppp to pass the 21st amendment which should legalize the money taken from ISI in the 1990s :) till that time he is a crimminal and we would want him to be punished especially since he is such a staunch supporter of justice in the case of swiss cases...
They should be careful of criticizing Nawaz for that specific incident. Whether his statement saying they changed over time and it's not the same anymore is true or not, the ones claiming they'll bring "change" will be effectively saying change is not possible in Pakistan. The only way they won't is if it's a very recent incident. PTI has enough contradictions. They don't need more.
I would not count all my eggs before they are hatched. The SC has yet to give one clear verdict in any case. They only make politically popular one line statements during the hearing and not let their judgment do the talking like higher courts in the other countries. Let us not make decisions till the court makes one.
One thing that is not mentioned by anyone: What about everyone who said that Nawaz Sharif did not take any money from ISI? Are we going to let this slip by?? They were lying !!! How can we be so stupid and not talk about the fact that they lied !!!! And, Nawaz Sharif lied to his workers - what do they say now?? Dastageer Sb?? Parvaiz Rasheed Sb. ?? Are they still going to defend NS or are they going to ask him why he lied to them.
PS: I wonder how much the social media personnel of PMLN is getting per hour?? ;-)
@Barooq: whole pakistan including this judiciary supported musharraf :) and the bigest supporter of musharaf was marvi memon who used to defend him on tv not long ago :) cut the crap nawaz took money from ISI and from mahran bank and the bank was destroyed and many lost their savings, this culprit should be banned from the politics for ever :) and if supporting musharraf was a crime than whole pakistan whould be punished because every body was with him, but dont forget nawaz and zia relation
Golden chance,sweep them all.
They,himself paved the way for PTI to come into power.looks God blessing with Imran Khan.
Em. Hows about adding the name of Generals who distributed the money & also wouldn't it be only fair to drag ISI to the court too? I mean its a basic tenant of justice.
Justice be done and those who found guilty should be given exemplary punishment to abolish this menace of military intervention in politics. Time for Nawaz and others to admit and go behind the bars. Mere apology will not work here.
This is with reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaaf’s (PTI’s) politics. Supporters of PTI opened fire on PPP workers celebrating the victory of Ali Musa Gilani from the NA-148 constituency. Ali Musa Gilani immediately suspended the victory celebrations and drove to the home of Farhan Mughal to offer condolences. This incident raises questions about the politics of PTI. Earlier they boycotted the by-polls, but people rejected the boycott call and the turnout was 39 percent, which is the highest figure of any by-polls in our political history. When people rejected PTI, they killed an innocent political worker. It shows that PTI wants to come to power by the bullet not the ballot.
Knowing that NS got money from ISI, why Javed hashmi supported him for 22 years? Please sack him from PTI if you are to go for such perfectionist measures.
looks like the laptop holders are paying back their due compensation to PML(Laptop) by commenting anti imran and anti pti commetns on anything... nawaz and shahbaz are going down the drain forever... :)
@Zoaib: Don't worry. IK will also get disqualified over SitaWhite-gate.
the way certain people are talking then every party will be disqualified even mqm as they were part of the government during mush's rule. They supported him openly
I understand corruption can not be eliminated altogether and that this shortcut route to easy money has existed for thousands of years.Corruption may have been defined differently at different times to suit the beneficiary and in the current scandal PMLN has done exactly the same----------- crime committed 20 years ago, hence it's time barred. PTI will do well to seek relief from SC.Tax payers money is involved and people responsible irrespective of their position or status must be made accountable.Justice for all is what People expect. Country's interest and wellbeing of it's people demands some examples must be set so that we breath fresh air in the future.
@Nadir Please have a look: http://youtu.be/ke3MJc1EbNs
Imran Khan might also disqualify if article 62 and 63 of the constitution are applied
Altaf hussain never took the money! Please people don't just say stuff because of your ethnic problems or other reasons. He was the only character strong enough to reject millions of rupees!
@WB: How is voting for Sharif the sand as voting for Zardari??? Sharif quit the federal govt. on principle over judicial issue.
In fact, voting for IK is the same as voting for Zardari as IK can only 'marginally' reduce PML N vote bank (but in a tight competition make Zardari win).
@PTI troll: You that SC and army should ban PPP and PML N. What role does army have in this process??????
No wonder PTI is eternally confused about democracy!
somebody's gona get hurt real bad!!
@Nadir: why not? justice for all!!
Do it as soon as possible including some who are now in your fold. Mr. Jawed Hashami's name is also in the list who is known as Mr. Clean.
I am afraid that instead of celebrating Pakistan's arrival at a juncture where it's Supreme Court is able to call in Generals & DG ISIs alongside top politicians some in the Nation would like to exploit it for other aims either political or ideological. It is the faujis that are going to be indited sooner & charges against politicians will take a long time to try & it's debatable if the prosecution can make them stick. In this long drawn out affair the immediate benefit of establishing red-lines for all institutions & the real possibility of reforms & establishing SOPs & oversight may be lost. That in my view will be a waste of this opportunity. Question these folk need to answer - which is worse - to accept a bribe or responsibility for Bangladesh & various Marshal Laws (easier question for some might be acceptance of responsibility for Afghan Jihad) ?
If Wahida Shah can be disqualified, why can corrupt be disqualified for their corruption.
Just to be clear. Nothing will happen. All this will drag on for another year. For certainly the question of a general election is only a twinkle in Imran Khan's eyes. In the next General election PPP will win again, the people will suffer for another five years. And life will go on,
IK should also bs banned from politics given that HR was too much of s coward to appear before a court in LA - he is running away from his paternal duties as a father to Sita White's daughter.
The courts should ask nawaz sharif n all the politicians to return the funds they receive n then they can contest elections. This will b a great gesture ppl of pakistan need these funds. In any other country politicians will b disqualified for sure, whether it happened today or 20 years ago. Justice doesnt stop. Apologising isnt enough... If convicted they must return the funds its as simple as that
Imran Khan fought for the rights of Overseas Pakistanis' voting rights, which is an incredible feat. I have the same faith in Imran Khan and PTI that they will be able to boot out all these corrupt politicians and bring back our looted wealth, Inshallah!
What about "Javed Hashmi"? Apart from that Imran Khan announced that he will launch civil disobedience movement if political leaders didn't reveal their assets. Has Tsunami eaten that promise?
People are forgetting it was PTI's leader Asghar Khan who is the one who took this issue to the court, so it would be childish to assume PTI will protect Javed Hashmi if it is proved he also took money in this case. PTI is above personalities...
offcourse NS and all other weak politicians should be put behind bars for allowing the military to interefere in politics. Remember it is the same allowance that gave credance to military powers and coup.................as you sow so shall you reap!!! NS is a sinner of the nation alongwith other corrupt politicians, no place for him
PML(N) should be punished for something that happened 22 years ago? What about Imran khan's support of Musharraf lets say 12 years back. When the alleged misconduct was happening Imran himself was trotting the globe and sleeping around with pretty women across the world. He is forgiven for "sins of the past" but others shouldn't be ? What kind of logic is that? You cannot have different standards for different people. If past matters, IK's past matters too (and for that matter, recent past and present where ISI is behind him). If anything, PML(N) is the only one who is standing against establishment NOW. Unlike Imran khan, who is beating the dead horse from 22 years back while secretly been supported by establishment now. Yes there is no money changing hands now, but majors and captains are running around the country breaking up other parties to find Mr.Khan the electables. This is all fine and dandy now, but PML(N) should be banned for something that may or may not have happened 22 years back. If PML(N) was tool of establishment then, who is that tool now?
We should be ashamed of ourselves for having such low expectations of our 'leaders' where a mere apology can suffice for 'receiving money'. PML-N supporters; the truth is staring you in the face. Instead, you take cheap shots at PTI for doing the obvious right thing, you criticize them on baseless assumptions, and best of all- you say childish things like "what happened to your tsunami now IK?". Get outta hereee.
These socalled politician who took money must be banned from politic.
All the supports of PMLN should by now realize that are not just supporting PMLN but also PPP, as is now quite clear after the Senate elections. A vote for Nawaz is a vote for Zardari.
About time! All these so called leaders of PMLN should be disqualified and hopefully sent to jail for a long time for the crimes they committed. As a supporter of PTI, I feel this is the least that should be done by IK, otherwise no change is ever gonna come to Pakistan
I am a PTI troll and even if Javed Hashmi got the money from ISI, he got the money in National Interest because PPP is a party which ruined this country. SC and Army should come together to ban PPP and PML(N) from politics and let the PTI rule the nation to improve this country within 90 days.
Nawaz Sharif should be punished for what he has done to this nation...we want our tax money back from Nawaz Sharif...Imran Khan whole nation is with you!!!
That's a good thing. These politicians who were funded by ISI should be brought to justice. PTI would surely be having my vote if they go to the court on this matter. By the way, its proven now that Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif are liars and hypocrite.
Law must takes its course. All those accused and found guilty must be given exemplary punishment regardless.
pti supporter plz have heart. you will have many shocks from kaptan who is already losing popoulatry very fast then expected. javed hashami money laghris money *iltaf hussain your partner *. **kaptan himsel got many laurals. so please keep one standerd now. soon will you get shock of shah mehmood qureshi also
any body who looted this poor nation money must hang,either politicain,generals,media persons
Will Imran Khan stop some of his senior team figures going to rallies organised by extremists which share the same platform with banned outfits? - need to clean up your own house before throwing stones at others
just to clear, Javed Hashmi has defended himself and none of the allegations on him have been proved..
people who say imran khan has establisment's back should remember the petitioner of this case is Asghar khan. Asghar khan has merged his party with pti. If imran khan had establishment's support asghar khan would have never supported imran khan.
When free judiciary is acting than status quo parties shout 'judicial coup '. Yes it is a judicial coup for those who destroy the country and crush the law. What is wrong with that? I think its a super way to throw corrupt politician in the wastebag by proving memo case and me ran scandal. Hopefully change will automatically come. Not only Im ran khan but other democratic parties will get a chance and wadera system can be diminished.
It's matter of money of tax payers,one should appreciate anyone who tries to get culprits penalized be it PTI,PMLN or PPP & If SC doesn't get evidence it can't go against any party. Take a deep breath & don't just sound lame even before the judgement.
@mind control: conspiracy theory
I disagree with the title, for its not at all an issue of making hay, no confusion what soever...its rather the right way forward, a course of natural justice demands so. if we let the haves (that we have been doing) not pay for their gravest sins committed to the nation, then we won't even need to wait for our doom...these people must be made an example...
Well if Waheeda Shah can be banned for 2 years over a slap, why not those who got funds from agencies.
I disagree with the title...its rather the right way forward, a course of natural justice demands so. if we let the haves (that we have been doing) not pay for their gravest sins committed to the nation, then we won't even need to wait for our doom...these people must be made an example...
Everybody involved in this crime has committed high treason by subverting will of the people. They must be tried under Article 6. It should not matter if some of these criminals wore Army uniforms or belonged to Punjab.
Javed hashmi's case is different. When Sharif brothers were in jeddah. Javed hashmi was in jail and there were cases against him. Allegation of taking money from isi was never proven and javed hashmi was set free. @neltajohn pls this statement of yours that cjp is on imran khan's side is uncalled for. Asgar khan case has been pending for so many years. We should be glad that this case has been reopened so that people can be exposed once and for all
It seems the Azad Adalia is hunting in tandem with the Establishment. It will render the PPP ineligible on account of 'Contempt' and PMLN for 'Treason'.
Paving the way for PTI and its sponsors.A judicial coup in the making.
Yes, the corrupts should be punished.
Come what may: the politics,journalist who took money their names should be made public and they should be banned from politics and media. Let media also stand up and do accountability of bad apples in their midst. And those who gave money ,even if they wore uniforms should be dealt according to law and if need be and law mandates sent behind bars
Javed Hashimi Sahib response to money distribution: http://youtu.be/ke3MJc1EbNs
We are more desperate to see imran khan in power!!
So Tsunami Has stagnated to this, it is really smelling obnoxious now. PTI supporters are forgetting that Tsunami was campaigning for a General in 20002 not 1990. CJ , take suo moto notice of this too please.
So tsunami has stagnated to this, PTI revolution really smelling abnoxiuos now. They are also forgetting Tsunami was campaigning for a General in 2002 referendum.
Imran Khan is desperate for power. He has the CJP in his favour so he can carry on
So are they going to boot out Javed Hashmi for the many millions that he recieved?