Islamabad sit-in updates: Altaf extends support to Qadri

With the political deadlock between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) showing no signs of resolution, protesters  continued their sit-in in front of Parliament House for a sixth straight day.

As it stands, the PTI has proposed that the prime minister resign for a period of 30 days during which a judicial commission works 'independently' to determine if the May 2013 elections were rigged. This demand was rejected by the government, which said they had accepted all the other demands of the PTI.

You can read our coverage of the march into the Red Zone here. For our coverage of the sit-ins on August 23 and 22, visit here; for 20 and 21, visit here.

Read our coverage of PTI’s Azadi March and the Inqilab March here.

For our current coverage of the Islamabad protests, please go here.



August 28, 11:40am

A large contingent of police has been deployed in the Red Zone in Islamabad, Express News reports. The security personnel have been posted near the Supreme Court and the Pakistan Secretariat.



Express News screengrab of police officers posted in Islamabad.

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August 28, 9:25am



Supporters of PAT chief Tahirul Qadri shout slogans during a protest in front of the Parliament in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP

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August 28, 2:50am

Our correspondent Rabia Ali reports that MQM chief Altaf Hussain in a television interview said that if the government is not ready to accept the PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s legitimate demands, then its better that it packs up and goes home voluntarily in order to avoid bloodshed.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif should also resign if FIR of the Model Town incident is not registered, said MQM chief.

He warned that if confrontation and disagreement persists, then a third force would have to step in.

Government should realise that those killed in the Model Town were also humans, not some insects, said Hussain.

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August 28, 2:30am

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif canceled his visit to Turkey to attend the oath taking ceremony of Turkish President Raccep Tayyab Erdogan, Express News reports.

Now, President Mamnoon Hussain will represent Pakistan at the ceremony.

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August 28, 2:12am

According to Express News correspondent Asif Faraz, the government delegation had set two conditions before PAT to lodge the Model Town incident FIR and pay compensation to the families of the deceased. The conditions were that PAT agrees to immediately end their sit-in and drop prime minister Nawaz Sharif and chief minister Shahbaz Sharif's names from their FIR.

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August 28, 1:08am

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August 28, 1:06am

Talking to Express News, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed admits that there is coordination between PAT and PTI.

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August 28, 12:54am

Our team had conveyed to the PAT that we are ready to have a baseless and false FIR lodged against us, if Qadri agrees to let the people whom he is holding hostage go, says Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.

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August 28, 12:28am

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August 28, 12:24am

Tomorrow a decision will be made, and the people will make that decision, says PAT chief.

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August 28, 12:23am

Qadri says on Thursday 3pm, he will deliver his march's and sit-in's final address.

August 28, 12:18am

"Today [Thursday] will be the day of Revolution," says Qadri.

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August 28, 12:18am

No need to send any minister for negotiations now, says PAT chief.

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August 28, 12:17am

Qadri says we had told the government’s negotiation team that if they were ready to accept our first two demands, then instead of informing us send SHO Faisal Town to the station so that FIR is registered.

Resignations of chief minister and prime minister aside, government is not even ready to register the FIR of the Model Town incident, says Qadri.

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August 28, 12:13am

I had told the government’s team not to come back after 30 mins if our initial two demands can not be met, says Qadri.

Our first demand was registration of FIR of Model Town incident and second was the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, says PAT chief.

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August 28, 12:10am

Talks with government have failed, says PAT chief.

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August 28, 12:09am

I would like to thank MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan and  Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar for their efforts to resolve the matter, says PAT chief.

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August 28, 12:06am

Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan said that during their talks, the prime minister said if his name comes up in the Model Town incident, then he had no moral standing to remain as the PM.

The PM heard all that we had to say, and directed his men to solve the issues.

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August 28, 12:05am

If just demands of PAT are not accepted, then MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who has shown restraint so far, may also stand with PAT, says Ebad.

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August 28, 12:02am

We think all the constitutional demands of Qadri should be accepted, says governor Sindh.

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August 27, 11:58pm

Governor Sindh addressing the PAT sit-in.

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August 27, 11:57pm

PAT chief on stage to address his supporters, along with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar.

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August 27, 11:55pm

Government’s negotiation committee will return after half an hour, says PAT president Raheeq Abbasi.

Finance minister had asked for 30 minutes, says Abbasi.

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August 27, 11:45pm

PTI's sit-in to reconvene at 6pm on Thursday.

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August 27, 11:40pm

I have decided to postpone the announcement of our future course of action by 24 hours, says PTI chief Imran Khan.

PTI chief urges Nawaz Sharif to only resign from the prime minister's office while keeping the government and assembly seat intact.

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August 27, 11:20pm

Government's negotiation team leaves after meeting PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.

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August 27, 11:13pm

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August 27, 11:08pm

Q: How has the crisis affected civil-military relations?

MZ: The civil-military relations would remain in a transition mode for at least the next two decades as the elected governments acquire the capacity to govern efficiently and the army learns to take orders and gives up the habit of formulating national policies.

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August 27, 10:58pm

Q: Will any party emerge from this crisis stronger than they were before?

MZ: Yes, perhaps all those (except PTI) inside parliament if it survives.

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August 27, 10:52pm

Q: Javed Afridi (@Afridi56) from Peshawar asks, unless violent, why can't the government let the protestors alone; call-off talks unless sense prevails?

MZ: The government cannot abandon talks. It is government's responsibility to keep engaging political agitators and try to appease them politically.

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Q: If rumours that Shahbaz Sharif being asked to resign come true, would it resolve the ongoing crisis?

MZ: It could be the beginning of the end but final curtain would fall only after PTI calls it adage.

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Q: Adil (@adilmtipu) from Islamabad asks, democracy for the sake of democracy or Martial Law with tangible results?

MZ: We have had four Martial Laws with tangible results. At the end of first the country stood dismembered. When Zia died we had to rush to IMF for emergency assistance.when Musharraf was shown the door the country was virtually in the hands of terrorists. The civilians elm you an independent country. Bhutto have us a constitution. The 1990s despite political wrangling a saw liberalisation of economy.

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Q: Sarmad Ahmed (@thesarmad) asks, that while the rigging claims in Punjab might not be convincing, but they were quite convincing in Karachi. Why is no on probing them?

MZ: Once the probe in Punjab starts other provinces would also come under the surgeon's knife.

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Q: Faizan Zakir (@faizanz91) from Lahore asks, if the government survives, do you think it would need a major policy shift to be in a strong position again?

MZ: Yes. It will have to give up its imperial perch, stop distributing cushy jobs among family members, Lahori loyalists and Kashmiri friends. The PM and Punjab CM would need to regularly attend assembly and hold cabinet meetings at least once a fortnight.

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August 27, 10:47pm

Government delegation led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar arrives at the PAT sit-in to hold talks, after a delay of almost an hour, Express News reports.

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August 27, 10:42pm

Talking to Express News anchor Javed Chaudhry, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarifies the Lahore High court order to uphold a session court’s decision to register FIRs against the PML-N’s top leadership does not say that the accused can be arrested.

Extending support for investigation in the Model Town incident, Asif says that an FIR should be registered for the incident.

“Law has its course and should be followed.”

Responding to a question regarding the sit-ins, Asif says that it is constitutionally wrong to demand Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s resignation.

“Nothing is static in democracy, it is an ongoing process,” he says

He also rejected the rumors that Sharif brothers had a role to play in the model town incident.

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August 27, 10:06pm

The Express Tribune has obtained the copy of the Lahore High Court’s judgment upholding a sessions court’s decision and directing the police to register a murder case against the prime minister, Punjab’s chief minister and 19 other officials in connection with the killing of over a dozen Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers outside the Central Secretariat of Minhajul Quran International at Lahore’s Model Town on June 17.

You can view the copy of the judgement here.

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August 27, 9:56pm

"Both governors have come here to express solidarity with us, not to negotiate," says Qadri.

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August 27, 9:55pm

PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on stage to address his supporters.

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August 27, 9:48pm

Q: Aneeza Usmani asks, what are your thoughts on election rigging claims. Shouldn't they be seriously taken?

MZ: All charges are still charges with very little evidence. Still these charges should be probed by the Supreme Court Commission so that the loopholes are identified and plugged to hold less controversial polls in future.

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August 27, 9:45pm

Government delegation led by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar has arrived at PAT sit-in to hold talks with Qadri, Express News reports.



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August 27, 9:41pm

Government delegation has set off to meet PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports

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August 27, 9:35pm

Q: Aneeza Usmani (A__Usmani) asks, if Dr Tahirul Qadri is now preparing his exit strategy, how will this impact Imran Khan and Azadi dharna?

MZ: It will have a very adverse impact. That is why Imran Khan's well wisher had wanted him never to stand on the same platform with Qadri.

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August 27, 9:32pm

Q. Shahid Rafiq asks, can we hope that these dharnas will not take violent turn?

MZ: I don't expect IK's dharna to turn violent. Qadri has an armed wing and it might try to provoke the police. But the police is more likely to round them up rather than fire at them.

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August 27, 9:30pm

No government delegation in sight as Qadri’s deadline ends.

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August 27, 9:30pm

Government has again increased electricity charges today, Imran asks his supporters, do you think Nawaz would have done this if he had come to the power with legitimate votes?

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August 27, 9:27pm

Q: Adil Hussain (@Adil_hu) asks, do the reports of army involvement hold any water?

MZ: Going by past experience and the seeming confidence of IK and Qadri the Army appears to be behind the crisis. But the way most political parties including MQM and JI have behaved throughout the last fortnight it is difficult to see Army's hand directing the events.

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August 27, 9:23pm

According to sources Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is expected to land at Lahore Airport at 11:30pm tonight, Express News reported.

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August 27, 9:18pm

Q: Muhammad Salman (‏@salman_arsenal) asks, how are you seeing the coordination between Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri?

MZ: They want to coordinate but also do not like to see the other in the lead spot.

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August 27, 9:16pm

PTI chief Imran Khan addressing his supporters again.

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August 27, 9:14pm

Q: What effects will Imran Khan's withdrawal of his written response to the defamation notice sent to him by former CJ iftikhar chaudhry have on him, and his party’s sit-in?

MZ: As former CJ's lawyer said you cannot withdraw the response once filed. This attempt at double speak on IK's part has only further undermined his credibility and integrity.

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August 27, 9:06pm

Q: M. Rafique (@rafique_suriya) asks, who do you think enjoys the power to order police to fire on peaceful protesters. Chief Minister or Provincial Interior Minister?

MZ: Such decisions are taken on the spot by the senior most police officer or in his place the senior most civilian law officer on the spot. The CM or the provincial interior minister usually would go by the advise of the officers on the spot. But then when it is decided at the top level to use the police to control a law and order situation it is already decided how much force to use and when to stop.

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August 27, 9:02pm

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is expected to land in Lahore in a couple of hours from China, Express News reports.

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August 27, 8:55pm

Q: Husnain Shahid(@hus_shahid) asks, don't you think that the PM's resignation demand by PTI is nothing more than the battle of egos?

MZ: Could be. It could also be an issue of being egged on by interested persons around him.

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August 27, 8:52pm

Q: Once the dust settles, what does the PAT stand to achieve from this crisis politically?

MZ: That is a huge puzzle. If it had not been for the Model Town tragedy perhaps he would have settled for an agreement on the lines of the last one which he signed with the PPP government in 2013. He appears more like a man driven by an urge for global recognition but having less than a town profile.

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August 27, 8:48pm

A high-level meeting is underway at the PM House to discuss the prevailing political situation.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan are present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar. PHOTO: APP

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August 27, 8:46pm

PAT's lawyers reached Faisal Town police station two hours ago to make another attempt at lodging their FIR over the Model Town incident naming the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Punjab.

However, the Faisal Town Station House Officer has yet to arrive.

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August 27, 8:38pm

Q: What does the eventual involvement of the MQM and the PPP in the current political impasse signify?

MZ: MQM is trying to expand its own political space at the national level by appearing to play an appeaser's role. PPP wants to play the role of a genuine opposition by insisting that the polls were rigged but at the same time would go to any democratic extreme to oppose imposition of extra-constitutional solution to the problem.

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August 27, 8:35pm

Q: And what do you think will happen if the government refuses the demands?

MZ: Perhaps Qadri would agree reluctantly to extend the deadline.

Q: How would you characterise Sirajul Haq and the JI's role in the current political crisis?

MZ: He appeared to be an interested mediator. His interest is to save the K-P government and, if in the process the PM is saved, then claim credit for that too.

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August 27, 8:33pm

Tribune: Welcome Ziauddin sb. The first question we have for you:

Q: What are the two demands that Qadri just spoke about and do you think that the government will concede them?

MZ: Most probably Shahbaz will have to pay a heavy price for the Model Town tragedy.

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August 27, 8:30pm

Given all the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the current political situation, we have invited our former Executive Editor M Ziauddin to join us for these live updates once again.

Ziauddin sb needs no introduction – you can read all about him here.

Readers can join in our conversation - you can send questions through Twitter (@etribune) by adding the hashtag #AskTribune, or through the comments section of our live updates with the same hashtag. His answers will appear in the live updates.

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August 27, 8:20pm

PAT lawyers attempt to register an FIR against the PM and 21 others a day after the Lahore High Court upheld a session court’s decision to register FIRs over the Model Town tragedy. However, they arrive at a deserted Faisal Town police station with its SHO on what could only be called a timely ‘leave’.

Read the full story here.

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August 27, 7:52pm

“Tonight, history will be written,” says Qadri.

Concluding his address, the PAT chief assures his supporters that the final decision will be in their favour.

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August 27, 7:42pm



Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.

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August 27, 7:36pm

"Those who believe that justice is served in this country may remain at home," says Qadri. "But those who believe that there is injustice should come and join the protests."

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August 27, 7:32pm

“Soon the rulers will not remain in power,” Qadri reiterates.

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August 27, 7:30pm

Urging more people to join his protest, the PAT chief announces he will address his supporters again at 9:30pm.

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August 27, 7:28pm

“They will either give us justice or we will snatch it,” says the PAT chief.

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August 27, 7:23pm

"The government negotiating team will meet the prime minister for the authorisation of two demands and return at 9:30pm," says Qadri.

Further, he says if they don't return, he will then announce his next course of action.

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August 27, 7:23pm

Qadri says that his protest will continue till all his demands are met.

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August 27, 7:21pm

"If two of the conditions are accepted immediately, then I will extend the deadline for only a few hours," says Qadri.

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August 27, 7:19pm

"God takes revenge from the unjust," the PAT chief says.

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August 27, 7:18pm

Qadri says that he will address the crowd briefly and will come again when things are finalised.

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August 27, 7:15pm

The government team has left Qadri's container. It seems that the deadlock pertains and there has been no breakthrough.

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August 27, 7:02pm

Express News, quoting sources, is saying the outcome of the telephonic conversation between Imran Khan and Qadri earlier is that the two have decided to take joint decisions in the future.

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August 27, 6:50pm

Lots happening on the ground at the protest sites now. A sense of anticipation as the government team is still in Dr Qadri's container. His supporters seem to be preparing for the worst.

Meanwhile there's expectation surrounding Imran Khan's "important annoucement" that will come shortly. People have started gathering at the site again on the PTI chief's call.

We're in for an important few hours here.

Our correspondents -- Azam Khan and Qamar Zaman – are currently on the ground and will be updating us as developments take place.

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August 27, 6:44pm

Tahirul Qadri's supporters have started wearing burial cloth.



PHOTO: AZAM KHAN

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August 27, 6:40pm



Burial cloth being offloaded from trucks at the PAT rally. PHOTO: AZAM KHAN

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August 27, 6:32pm

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad are meeting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM House, after which they will come to PAT's sit-in to talk to Qadri, Express News reports.

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August 27, 6:28pm

Meanwhile, PAT lawyers have reached Faisal Town police station in Lahore to register FIR in the Model Town incident.

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August 27, 6:25pm

Former president Pervez Musharraf's close aide Ahmed Raza Kasuri seen addressing Qadri's supporters.



PHOTO: AZAM KHAN

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August 27, 6:20pm

Express News is reporting that it was MQM's Haider Abbas Rizvi who convinced Qadri to meet Dar at the very last minute.

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August 27, 6:10pm

Meanwhile, 6,000 additional policemen have been deployed to Constitution Avenue along with 1,000 special force personnel.

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August 27, 6:08pm

Just as his deadline expires, a government negotiating team led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has arrived to speak to Qadri and is now inside his container, our correspondent Azam Khan who is on the spot reports.

A little while ago PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri spoke on the phone.

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August 27, 5:56pm



Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.

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August 27, 5:53pm

"There is no more room for negotiations," says Imran, adding that he will announce the party's next line of action in the evening.

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August 27, 5:51pm

"Nawaz Sharif is buying time. If we let him [Nawaz] stay, he will buy officials and media houses," says Imran.

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August 27, 5:50pm

"We offered concessions, we agreed for the PM to resign only for 30 days, but they know what would happen if they allow investigations to proceed," says the PTI chairman.

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August 27, 5:49pm

Imran calls off negotiations.

"No more talks till PM resigns," he says.

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August 27, 5:48pm

"If you pull back, there will be no independent inquiry under Nawaz Sharif," Imran tells his supporters.

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August 27, 5:46pm

“The government has offered to make me deputy prime minister,” says Imran.

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August 27, 5:45pm

Meanwhile, PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters says that PML-N is ready to give in to all his demands except the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

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August 27, 5:25pm

Here are some eerie images from scenes of the protest site: As their ultimatum draws near, PAT workers have started digging graves as a symbolic mark of protest against the Model Town violence on June 17.



Express News screengrab of PAT workers digging graves.

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August 27, 5:12pm

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August 27, 4:23pm

A core committee meeting between PTI members is underway and Imran Khan is expected to address his supporters at 6:00pm.

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August 27, 4:15pm

The fifth round of talks between PTI and the government have ended in a stalemate, Qamar Zaman reports.

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August 27, 4:13pm

The governors of Punjab and Sindh have gotten in touch with PAT leaders in Islamabad and have expressed that they would like to meet with them, Express News reports.

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August 27, 4:07pm

PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat is going to meet with PAT chief Tahirul Qadri.

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August 27, 3:42pm

A meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan, headed by Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali , is underway at Serena Hotel in Islamabad.

Former additional secretary Afzal Khan and PTI chairman Imran Khan’s rigging allegations will be discussed in the meeting.

The ECP is expected to hold a press briefing at 4:30pm, our correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.

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August 27, 3:37pm

Just a few hours after Khawaja Saad Rafique said that there will be no crackdown; Express News reports that the Punjab Police Anti Terrorist Squad has posted 500 officials in the Red Zone area.

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August 27, 2:58pm

The PTI has decided to withdraw its written response to the former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry’s defamation notice to Imran Khan.

PTI’s counsel Hamid Khan says that the petition was being withdrawn on Imran Khan’s instructions and had been submitted on Imran Khan’s instructions as well.

He further says that he will now disassociate from this case, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.

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August 27, 2:03pm

JI chief Sirajul Haq says the government and the protesters "have very little time" to solve their dispute.

He said that Pakistan's neighbours including China and Iran have expressed their concerns.

Read the full story here.

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August 27, 1:52pm

Following the actions of PTI MNAs in the National Assembly, the party's lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly handed their resignations to speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal earlier today.

Read the full story here.

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August 27, 1:34pm

Addressing the media in Lahore, JI chief Sirajul Haq said that he doesn’t want the people who are at the sit-ins to go home ‘empty-handed’.

“Neighbouring countries have also made their concerns known. I request both parties to speak to each other and solve their differences amicably, they have very little time,” Haq said.

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August 26, 2:42pm

PML-Q Punjab president Chaudhry Pervez Elahi meets PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri in his container to discuss the prevailing situation, Express News reports.

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August 26, 2:35pm

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called the Supreme Court Bar president to thank him for filing a petition in the Supreme Court.

The petition requested the apex court to direct all state institutions to not take any extra-constitutional steps in the current situation, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.

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August 26, 1:35pm

MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s statement urging people to remain indoors was directed towards residents of Islamabad, an MQM leader tells The Express Tribune. Read more here.

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August 26, 12:47pm

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif meets Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss the overall security situation of the country, as well as the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Express News reports.

A statement issued by the PM House says, "There was a consensus on the need to resolve the ongoing issue expeditiously in the best national interest."

According to Radio Pakistan, Nawaz and the COAS have agreed to resolve the political crisis to safeguard national interest.

Read here for details.

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August 26, 12:08pm

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammed Sarwar departed for Karachi where he will meet with Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and key members of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Express News correspondent Mian Aslam reports.

Following a telephonic conversation between the two governors, Sarwar urgently left for a two-day trip to the metropolis to discuss the ongoing political crisis in the country.

According to reports, Sarwar will also speak with party leader Altaf Hussain during his trip.

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August 26, 11:43am

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been cancelled due to the sit-ins in front of the building, Express News reported.

However, the ECP officials are scheduled to brief a parliamentary committee on Tuesday (today) at 2:30pm on electoral reforms proposed by the ECP, our correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.

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August 26, 11:28am

PAT have refused to vacate Constitution Avenue, however they are willing to clear one side of the road for free movement, according to PAT lawyer Ali Zafar, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.

Further, the PAT have also refused the attorney general's offer to move their sit-in to an alternative setting.

Read here for the full story.



Policemen walk near a supporter of PAT chief Tahirul Qadri in the capital. PHOTO: REUTERS

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August 26, 02:00am

Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah claims that the government is ready to accept all the demands of protesters except the prime minister’s resignation, Express News reported.

He was talking to media after the meeting of the delegation of parliamentary leaders of ten political parties with the Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq.

Shah said that the ministers have informed the delegation that the demand of prime minister’s resignation cannot be accepted and PPP is also off the opinion that the premier cannot resign in this manner.

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August 26, 01:00am

Commenting on the developing situation in the country, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain said he foresaw bloodshed and violence in the country, Express News reported. The MQM chief urged people to stay in their homes after 12 pm on Tuesday.



August 25, 10:10pm

A dissenting note in the joint investigation team (JIT) probe into the Model Town incident has pinned the blame on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, then Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah, then principal secretary to the chief minister Dr Tauqeer Shah.

Read the full story here.

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August 25, 9:16pm

Referring to the PML-N rally held earlier today, Imran Khan insinuates that the PML-N rally had hired participants.

Read the full story here.

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August 25, 9:15pm

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to form a special committee to mediate between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Pakistan Awami Tehreek and the government in order to resolve the current political crisis.

Read the full story here.

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August 25, 9:08pm

Meanwhile, Imran Khan, addressing his supporters, appreciates the role of women and youth in the 'Azadi' march.

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August 25, 8:40pm

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Marziyeh Afkham on Monday underlined Iran’s support for a peaceful solution to the ongoing political crisis.

"I hope that any difference in the opinions of the different Pakistani political parties and groups would end peacefully and without any tension in line with the interests of people of Pakistan," said Afkham.

Further, the spokesperson called on all political parties to solve disputes through negotiations.

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August 25, 8:30pm

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar directed the administration and law enforcement agencies of the twin cities to follow Supreme Court orders to relocate protesters from Constitution Avenue and be prepared for any emergency situation.

Read here for the full story.

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August 25, 7:48pm

"The public has rejected Imran Khan's unconstitutional demands," says Hamza.

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August 25, 7:45pm

Hamza reminds the audience of several major development projects undertaken by the PML-N while mocking the PTI rally and calling it a "musical show".

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August 25, 7:38pm

"No one can force Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign," says Hamza Shahbaz.

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August 25, 7:35pm

Addressing the rally, Hamza Shahbaz says the public's decision is the final decision.



Express News screengrab of Hamza Shahbaz addressing the rally.

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August 25, 7:30pm

PML-N is holding a rally in Lahore which is being attended by Hamza Shahbaz, Express News reports.

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August 25, 7:12pm

Presiding a meeting with the administrations of the twin cities, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar says that PAT and PTI protesters should follow Supreme Court orders and vacate Constitution Avenue, Express News reports.

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August 25, 7:08pm

All parliamentary parties will meet NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at 9pm to discuss resignations submitted by PTI, Azam Khan reports.

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August 25, 7:04pm

Former president Asif Ali Zardari has called PTI chairman Imran Khan to discuss the prevailing political situation, Express News reports.

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August 25, 6:30pm

Further, Imran says he has heard the PML-N is trying to create turmoil by holding their own rallies.

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August 25, 6:26pm

“Once we go from here, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will buy people and a free and fair inquiry to probe rigging allegations will not take place,” says PTI chairman Imran Khan.



Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.

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August 25, 6:12pm

As both sit-ins continue outside Parliament House, former president Pervez Musharraf has requested a deferral of his high treason case citing political unrest.

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Meanwhile, Imran Khan has denied using 'scandalous' language as alleged by former CJP Iftikhar Chaudhry and has called on him to reconsider his damage suit against him.

Read our story on the PTI chief's eight-page response to the former chief justice's defamation notice against him over rigging allegations here.

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August 25, 6:04pm

"I give a 48-hour ultimatum to government to meet my demands and step down," says Qadri.

Read the full story here.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

August 25, 6:00pm



Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.

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August 25, 5:52pm

The PAT chief says the judicial commission probing the Model Town clashes should submit its report before his 'ultimatum'.

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August 25, 5:48pm

Qadri urges Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other ministers to leave the government and step down, before he gives his deadline and time frame.

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August 25, 5:46pm

"No need for more evidence, the ECP's spokesperson has admitted to rigging himself," says Qadri.

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August 25, 5:44pm

Qadri says the truth has come out, as Afzal Khan has come forward with the revelation that 90% of the elections were rigged.

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August 25, 5:38pm

“The government held negotiations to waste time,” the PAT chief alleges.

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August 25, 5:30pm

Qadri says he will give an ultimatum and deadline to the government today.

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August 25, 5:25pm

Addressing his supporters, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri has announced to turn his sit-in into a revolution.

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August 25, 5:15pm

The Supreme Court has given one day to the PAT and the PTI to clear Constitution Avenue for the free movement of traffic.

Read here for the full story.

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August 25, 5:05pm

As the ongoing political crisis continues, the rupee has been in free fall as it further depreciated against the dollar, standing at Rs103 on Monday.

Read here for the full story.

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August 25, 4:55pm

Meanwhile, a PTI core committee meeting has been summoned in Imran Khan’s container to draft a strategy for the next round of negotiations, Express News reports.

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August 25, 4:50pm

Addressing the media after meeting JI leader Sirajul Haq, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says the government’s refusal for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down for 30 days, as requested by the PTI, indicates that it doesn't want a solution to the current crisis.

“The minus-one formula is not our idea and we do not support it,” says the PTI vice chairman.

Meanwhile, Sirajul Haq says that the third round of talks ended on a positive note and both the government and PTI accept that dialogue is the only solution to the current crisis.

“PTI has adopted a realistic approach,” says the JI leader, referring to the flexibility shown by PTI in its demands to dissolve assemblies and hold mid-term elections.



Express News screengrab of PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi and JI chief Sirajul Haq.

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August 25, 3:25pm

Talking to media representatives, MQM leader Babar Ghauri says that cases must be registered against those responsible for Model Town incidents.

He adds that MQM chief Altaf Hussain has said that the next 72 hours are crucial.

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August 25, 3:10pm

Talking to media representatives, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says that former additional secretary of the Election commission of Pakistan (ECP) Muhammad Afzal Khan’s revelations are shocking.

Qureshi says that Khan clarified that the ECP failed to fulfill their constitutional duties and carry out free and transparent elections.

“More than 35 constituencies were rigged,” he says, adding that the additional secretary mentioned things that Imran had earlier warned about.

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August 25, 2:35pm

Police stopped PAT workers from taking water from the Cabinet Division gate leading to confrontation between the two, Express News reports.

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August 25, 2:17pm

During a hearing in the Supreme Court regarding the extra-constitutional moves in Pakistan, chief Justice Nasirul Mulk remarks that PTI and PAT should clear Shahrah-e-Dastoor as this route will be used to travel to the court tomorrow.

He lamented that there were clothes hanging from the Supreme Court building, Express News reports.

Referring to Canada-based cleric Dr Tahirul Qadri's 'Inqilab March', Justice Jawad S Khawaja quipped that "protests on streets must be the norm in Canada".

The hearing was adjourned until August 27.

read the full story here.

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August 25, 1:38pm

While you wait for more updates, here is interesting article by Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi, who questions why PML-N always faces crisis despite having a majority in the National Assembly.

Read: The PML-N mandate.

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August 25, 1:17pm

Meanwhile, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri is expected to address his workers shortly, Express News reports.

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August 25, 1:12pm

PTI President Javed Hashmi has been recommended bed rest for at least two to three days, according the Express News.

Hashmi has been admitted to PIMS due to fatigue, a throat infection, a small asthma attack and dehydration as result of the heat.



Express News screengrab of Javed Hashmi in PIMS. 

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August 25, 12:58pm

PTI's Samar Ali Khan says the party's lawmakers are ready to submit their resignations in the Sindh Assembly. He adds that they are only waiting on the central leadership's instructions to do so.

Sources say that PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi will come to Karachi to hand over the resignations to the Sindh Assembly speaker, Express News reports.

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August 25, 11:31am

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has been shifted to PIMS hospital, Express News reports.

Doctors have recommended that he be kept under observation. However, the reason why he was taken to hospital is not known at this time. We will keep you posted.

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August 25, 9:36am

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain directs senior leaders of his party to form a committee to meet with various political parties, Express News reports.

The committee will assist in finding a solution within the law and Constitution in regard to the ongoing political crisis.

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August 25, 12:10pm

There is no point in taking part in next election until independent investigation is carried out regarding rigging allegations in 2013’s general elections, says PTI chief.



August 24, 11:25pm

I give you 24 hours to resign Nawaz Sharif, says PTI chief Imran Khan, adding that now even additional secretary ECP has said that elections were rigged, Express News reported.

He was referring to former Additional Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Muhammaf Afzal Khan’s interview on a private TV channel in which he alleged that elections were rigged.

Read the full story here.

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August 24, 10:36pm

People charging their mobile phones at PAT’s sit-in. PHOTO: QAMAR ZAMAN/EXPRESS

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August 24, 10:35pm

Allah Wasiya from Kasur has been assigned to take care of lost and found items at PAT’s sit-in. At present there are some 65 wallets, 50 CNIC, driving licences and keys [motorbikes and others]. Wasiya is performing this duty since day one of the protest. The counter is set up in front of the PAT chief Dr. Tahirul Qadri’s container. PHOTO: QAMAR ZAMAN/EXPRESS

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August 24, 9:14pm

Imran once again brings up the topic of his marriage, clarifying that he cannot focus on his personal matters until he makes a “naya Pakistan”.

“People misunderstood my statement,” he says, adding that he hasn’t found anyone to marry yet.

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August 24, 9:12pm



Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.

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August 24, 9:08pm

Addressing his supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan warns Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that his "tigers" can remove the containers themselves but adds that he doesn't want to create chaos.

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August 24, 8:12pm

Former president Asif Ali Zardari calls PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri to discuss the ongoing political situation, Express News reports.

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August 24, 6:48pm

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has sent a message to PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi inviting him to hold talks again, Express News reports.

“Government is ready to hold dialogue once again,” says Iqbal.

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August 24, 6:40pm

Qadri says that Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique came to meet him today and said that the government is ready to talk about the Model Town incident, adding that this clause was the reason the talks failed the first two times.

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August 24, 6:38pm



Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.

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August 24, 6:34pm

“Workers must remain firm, revolution cannot be stopped,” says the PAT chief.

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August 24, 6:28pm

“Even if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif come for talks, I will listen to them and then I will explain my side,” says the PAT chief.

Qadri explains that he will not shut the door on negotiations.

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August 24, 6:25pm

Addressing his supporters, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri says that the government is responsible for the delay in negotiations.

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August 24, 6:19pm

Meanwhile, former president Asif Ali Zardari, during a meeting of the Sindh cabinet, says there is no threat to democracy, Express News reports.

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August 24, 5:36pm

Milli Yakjehti Council delegation arrives at PAT sit-in to hold talks with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.

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August 24, 5:26pm

MQM chief Altaf Hussain says that his party is pro-democracy and does not support marital law, Express News reports.

Urging both sides to demonstrate flexibility in their stances, Hussain says, “If there are clashes between the government and participants of the sit-ins then the army will have no choice but to intervene.”

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August 24, 5:20pm

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says five of six demands of PTI chairman Imran Khan have been accepted, adding that the sixth demand is not a national issue but that of Imran’s ego, Express News reports.

Further, the defence minister adds that all institutions are working within the law and Constitution.

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August 24, 5:00pm

Talking to Express News anchor Rana Mubashir, Punjab Labour Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar denied rumours of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s resignation.

Refuting allegations that he or Mujtaba Shuja will take Shahbaz’s post, Sarwar says that he has no knowledge of such a decision.

“I accept all party leadership decisions,” says Sarwar, adding, “My first priority is that our chief minister should be present and continue development projects.”

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August 24, 4:28pm



Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.

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August 24, 4:26pm

Imran clarifies a statement he made last night, saying he doesn’t have time to think about  marriage till this sit-in is over and he doesn’t make a “naya Pakistan”.

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August 24, 4:22pm

Urging all Pakistanis to withdraw money from government banks as part of the civil disobedience movement, Imran says that he will call for a strike across the country till PM Nawaz resigns.

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August 24, 4:20pm

Announcing countrywide sit-ins, Imran says that he will address the nation again at 8:30pm today.

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August 24, 4:18pm

“We accept nothing less than Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation,” Imran reiterates.

He adds that the premier can take his post again after 30 days if it is proven that the elections weren't rigged.

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August 24, 4:15pm

PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters asks Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to remove containers sealing off the roads before sending his negotiating committee.

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August 24, 3:10pm

According to Express News correspondent Qamaruz Zaman, Rafique says that a committee will be announced soon to start the dialogue process once again.

Rafique adds that the PAT chief told him that he is ready for positive, meaningful negotiations.

Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique addressing the media after a meeting with Qadri. PHOTO: AFP

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August 24, 3:04pm

Addressing media representatives after a meeting with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique says that he has appealed to Qadri to end the deadlock.

Further, PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi says that Rafique requested them to end the deadlock, adding that the party still stands firmly by their demands.

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August 24, 2:40pm

A meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is underway at the Jati Umra, Express News reports.

According to sources, the two are meeting to discuss the current political crisis and developments following the meeting with former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Read the full story here.

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August 24, 2:35pm

Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali has called for a meeting of the election commission on Tuesday to probe into rigging allegations, Express News reports.

PTI chief Imran Khan alleges that mass rigging was carried out during the general elections and extra ballot papers were printed two days before the elections, which will be discussed in the meeting.

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August 24, 2:15pm

Express News now reports that PAT president Raheeq Abbasi is also attending the meeting between Khawaja Saad Rafique and Tahirul Qadri.

Abbasi told Express News that the government should make more of an effort to reduce problems faced by sit-in participants.

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August 24, 1:22pm

Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique is in a one-on-one meeting with PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.

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August 24, 11:17am

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Sirajul Haq asked National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq not to accept PTI members resignations, Express News reports.

The party leader and NA speaker met to discuss PTI's resignations today and Haq advised Sadiq to make a decision regarding the resignations after the political situation in Islamabad calms down.

For more details, read the full story here.



Express News screengrab of JI chief Sirajul Haq and Speaker of the NA Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

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August 24, 1:17am

A scuffle breaks out at the PTI rally. It takes an appeal from Imran Khan himself to placate the agitated members of the crowd.

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August 24, 12:25am

As the PTI protest enters its 10th day, Imran Khan announces that he wants his 'Naya Pakistan' to be formed soon, so that he can get married.

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August 24, 12:20am

PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri warned participants of his march early on Sunday that terrorists intended to attack the Azadi and Inqilab marches.

He said that the containers, which the government claims are being placed to keep the terrorists out, will in fact facilitate the terrorists.

On the other hand, the government on Saturday night decided to double security in the Red Zone where PTI and PAT are staging their sit-ins with thousands of their supporters, Express Tribune correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.

“The minister of interior has given direction to double the security forces deployment in the red zone. This direction has been given to stop any terror attack and to counter any possible adventure by the two parties”, a government spokesperson said in text message to the media.

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August 24, 12:17am

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, who is part of the government's negotiating committee, says at the third round of talks broke off because of PTI's 'illogical demand' of the premier resigning, though the government, the federal cabinet can stay.

He added that the PTI had accepted transparent investigation by Supreme Court judges into the May 2013 election. Mechanism on electoral reforms was also agreed.

August 23, 11:33pm

The Pakistan Peoples Party's Farhatullah Babar has said that former president Asif Ali Zardari will hold a meeting with CEC members at the Bilawal House in Karachi on Monday afternoon.

During the meeting, Zardari is expected to take stock of the current situation in the country. He will also brief party members on his meetings with political leaders in Lahore on Saturday and contact with other political forces to defuse the current political situation.

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August 23, 9:25pm

Mobile phone services in the Red Zone have been suspended, Express News reports.

According to The Express Tribune correspondent Azam Khan, the suspension has been ordered by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. Nisar said that mobile network suspension is a common practice on sensitive occasions in Pakistan and it is aimed at stopping terrorists from using cell phones to detonate bombs.

A source in the PTA explained that people will lose connections if the nearest cell phone tower was located in Red Zone. He added that the government had not given a time frame as to when mobile services will resume.

The interior minister added that entry of irrelevant persons will also be banned in the red zone to prevent any untoward incident. The minister said they will now allow life of common people to be paralysed.