Islamabad sit-in updates: Imran says they will not spare Sharif brothers for attacking unarmed protesters
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.
TOP UPDATES
- Protesters have broken the gates of Parliament House using a truck and have entered the compound.
- At least 294 people have been injured thus far, including at least 15 women, six children, 38 policemen and four FC personnel.
- Clashes have also been reported in Lahore between PTI supporters and Punjab Police
- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced a day of mourning to be observed in Karachi today (Sunday).
- MQM chief Altaf Hussain has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down.
Read our coverage of PTI’s Azadi March here and the Inqilab March here.
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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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August 31, 3:56am
Dr Arif Alvi says that they are convinced that even if unbiased and men of unassailable character are appointed as heads of key state institutions including as the Chairman of Nadra, DG FIA and secretary election as per recommendations of PTI, because they would still be affected by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He pointed out the incident of registeratrion of FIR in the Model Town case.
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August 31, 3:56am
PTI General Secretary Dr Arif Alvi tells Express News they were evacuating injured children when police stopped them. At the time he was accompanied by Shafqat Mehmood, Asad Umar and Shireen Mazari when they were stopped by the police.
Alvi says that they had tried to reason with the police officials that they were evacuating the injured children for treatment, but they were still assaulted.
About the failure of talks, Alvi said that they had withdrwn two demands, that of assemblies should be dissolved and that elections are held in 90 days.
Despite that, Alvi says the government did not concede the demand of prime minister's resignation. "The government was not even willing to discuss it."
"We were giving options, but in four meetings, the government was not budging."
Alvi also refuted rumours that PTI was offered important posts. This was corroborated by the Defence Minister Khawaja Asif who says no such offer made.
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August 31, 3:47am
Express News correspondent Qamarul Munawar says that the containers of both, PTI's Imran Khan and PAT's Dr Tahirul Qadri, are now parked opposite the Cabinet Division building.
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August 31, 3:40am
The Polyclinic Hospital has requested people to donate blood owing to a shortage, reports our correspondent Sehrish Wasif.
An injured police official is taken for treatment at PIMS hospital. PHOTO: HUMA CHAUDHRY/EXPRESS
An ambulance brings more injured at PIMS hospital. PHOTO: HUMA CHAUDHRY/EXPRESS
Injured are rushed towards the emergency ward at PIMS hospital. PHOTO: HUMA CHAUDHRY/EXPRESS
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August 31, 3:30am
Army units at the Parliament House are making announcements using megaphones, asking people not to go into the building.
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August 31, 2:58am
PTI leader Asad Umar told Express News that he was leaving the scene in a car driven by MNA Shafqat Mehmood when they were stopped by the police.
Umar says that they first thought that they were being stopped because the police did not know who they were.
Shafqat Mehmood then stepped out of the car and identified himself, upon which the police officials aggressively charged at their car and broke two of its windows.
Umar added that he along with three other MNAs sped away to escape the assault.
He added that the police had launched an unprovoked attack on them and it was clear that the instructions on the ground was to use as much force, and cause as much as destruction, as possible.
"The container we were on was immediately attacked as soon as anyone of us went on the roof," he added.
"This was a brutal use of force to intimidate us," he says, adding that no attempt by anyone from the government was made to approach them when the violence broke out.
"No one has tried to control the situation," he says. "The police smashed the windows of the car Shafqat Mehmood and I were riding in."
He adds that Imran Khan's container is on main Constitution Avenue, quite far from the President and PM House. "Qadri's followers are closer to Parliament House," he added.
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August 31, 2:55am
Total number of injured has risen to 294. Of those, 124 are being treated at Polyclinic, while 170 are being treated at PIMS, reports our correspondent Sehrish Wasif.
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August 31, 2:37am
Former President @AAliZardari strongly condemns the police crackdown in #Islamabad #Pakistan
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) August 30, 2014
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August 31, 2:24am
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says that the compound of Parliament House has been cleared of protesters. However, women and children have been allowed to stay there for safety.
He also says that Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri will not be allowed to stay at the protest site either.
"We will get Imran and Qadri to leave this place -- one will go back to Canada, the other back to Bani Gala," the Defence Minister says.
The end game of these sit-ins have begun, the Defence Minister adds.
“The police is taking steps to stop protesters,” he said, assuring that the army will only operate within Article 245.
Asif questions the whereabouts of Chaudhry brothers, Asad Umer and Shiekh Rasheed.
“If the two leaders are still willing to enter into dialogue, we will welcome them,” he says. “However, with a situation like this, dialogue is unlikely.”
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August 31, 2:08am
Army tells me Police failed in holding crowd at walls of Parliament, but crowd heeding warning & not entering building: "Non lethal working"
— Wajahat S. Khan (@WajSKhan) August 30, 2014
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August 31, 2:02am
Media outlets are also quoting the head of the 111 brigade as saying that army commandos are deployed at main state departments and will protect them at all costs.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has said that the government will secure state buildings at all cost.
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August 31, 1:47am
In an interview with Express News, Khawaja Asif says women were also seen as combatants. He added that no one will be allowed to take over a state building or even enter it.
Riot police clash with protesters outside the Parliament house as they march towards Prime Minister's house on August 30, 2014. PHOTO: REUTERS
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August 31, 1:42am
Our correspondent reports that hundreds of people have gathered outside the emergency department at PIMS Hospital, where there is a sense of chaos and confusion as the crowd chants "Go Nawaz Go".
Most of the injured have sustained bullet injuries, while police personnel have disappeared fearing of their lives.
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August 31, 1:28am
A scuffle broke out between families of victims and the police outside PIMS. Women and children are seeking refuge at the Polyclinic Hospital and the Islamabad District Administration is arranging transport to shift them to their homes.
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August 31, 1:26am
So far, at least 200 people have been injured, including 38 policemen and four FC personnel, our correspondent Sehrish Wasif reports.
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August 31, 1:22am
Orders have been given for the arrest of injured people brought in to hospitals.
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August 31, 1:15am
Former president Pervez Musharraf condemns the shelling by the police on protesters.
"Force will not suppress the movement for change the people of Pakistan have embarked upon," he said in a Facebook statement. "It is time the Nawaz government should accept that it has lost the moral authority to govern."
I am appalled to witness the attack by the Government on unarmed and
— Pervez Musharraf (@P_Musharraf) August 30, 2014
peaceful protestors that include women and... http://t.co/guHqVLCFoJ
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August 31, 1:00am
There are now 80 injured at Polyclinic Hospital, including 15 women, six children and 10 policemen, reports our correspondent Sehrish Wasif.
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August 31, 12:50am
Police has started firing tear gas at PTI protesters in Lahore.
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August 31, 12:45am
Number of injured people has risen to 166. Our Correspondent Azam Khan, who was injured by the police, has also been brought in for treatment.
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August 31, 12:40am
Protesters have breached the boundary of the Parliament House.
Express News screengrab showing protesters using a truck to break the Parliament House gate.
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August 31, 12:35am
Imran Khan claims that that bullet and tear gas fired on his bus.
The bullet shell and tear gas cell just fired on Azadi Bus. pic.twitter.com/e1zeu4DuN1
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 30, 2014
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August 31, 12:30am
Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign voluntarily.
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August 31, 12:25am
There are now 74 injured at PIMS hospital. Forty three of those are male, 19 female, while the rest are policemen.
There are now 70 injured at Polyclinic Hospital, our correspondent Sehrish Wasif reports.
There are no reports of death.
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August 31, 12:22am
A family runs away from tear gas fired by the police near Parliament House. PHOTO: AZAM KHAN
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August 31, 12:15am
Our correspondent Peer Muhammad reports that more than 50 protesters have been arrested, according to a government spokesperson. Meanwhile, air surveillance of Red Zone has also been started by the authorities.
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August 31, 12:10am
After having been pushed back by heavy shelling by the police, protesters have started to move towards the PM House again.
https://twitter.com/WajSKhan/status/505792155831382016
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August 31, 12:05am
Our correspondent Azam Khan was on the scene and has been attacked by the police. He has received head injuries. He identified himself but the police said that the media had reported against them.
August 30, 11:50pm
At least 79 people, including five policemen, have been injured. The majority have head injuries and injuries from tear gas shelling, our correspondent Sehrish Wasif reports.
Dr Khurram confirms that 60 injured have been brought to Polyclinic hospital while Amna Isani, spokesperson PIMS, confirms 19 injured are being treated at the hospital.
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August 30, 11:48pm
Nineteen injured people, including three policemen and five women, have been brought to PIMS, our correspondent Sehrish Wasif reports.
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August 30, 11:46pm
Shelling continues once again, Express News reports.
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August 30, 11:41pm
PTI Karachi Core Committee in an emergency meeting held calls for STRIKE in KARACHI, TOMORROW!
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 30, 2014
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August 30, 11:40pm
Talking to Express News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says PTI, PAT attempted to storm state buildings.
He says the protesters were a threat since they were wielding sticks. "The government has a limit as well."
"No one forced women and children to take part in the protests, they joined in willingly," he adds.
We didn't bring the women and children did we? he says, when asked if the government should have avoided violence given the presence of women and children.
The defence minister says since day one the PTI and PAT were hostile.
"You live by sword, you die by sword" says Asif, saying if you are violent, you will be subjected to violence.
"We were forced to take action. We had no choice but to use force. "
"Talks can still take place, but not while the country is taken hostage."
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August 30, 11:35pm
PTI chief appeals to supporters across the country to come out on the streets, Express News reports.
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August 30, 11:35pm
Over 16 protesters have been injured due to tear gas shelling, our correspondent Sehrish Wasif reports from Polyclinic Hospital.
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August 30, 11:28pm
Our correspondent Azam Khan captures scenes from the protests:
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August 30, 11:26pm
Trees and trash left behind by the protesters are being set on fire, contributing to the smoke at the site, our correspondent Rizwan Shehzad reports.
He adds some protesters have thrown stones at police officials near the Parliament lodges.
Express News screengrab of protesters setting trash on fire.
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August 30, 11:21pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar meets with police at the Red Zone area of the capital, our correspondent Qamar Zaman reports.
“A mob wants to capture the Parliament House and the Prime Minister house,” says Nisar.
Responding to a question as to why police has resorted to shelling, Nisar says, “Police and I have taken an oath to protect Pakistan and all institutions and this is what they [police] are doing .”
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August 30, 11:18pm
Two policemen have received rubber-bullet injuries, our correspondent Sehrish Wasif reports from Polyclinic Hospital.
Further, two protesters have been brought into the hospital unconscious.
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August 30, 11:10pm
Our correspondent Peer Muhammad reports that as protesters started removing containers, the police started shelling and many protesters, including children and women, were injured.
A crane driver was also injured during the shelling.
Police started shelling of tear gas on the directives of Deputy Commission Islamabad.
A Prime Minister House spokesperson said that no protester has so far entered the premises, neither were the staff members asked to leave the building.
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August 30, 11:05pm
"All measures including shelling will be employed to stop protesters," says Deputy Commissioner Mujahid Sherdil, Express News reports.
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August 30, 10:56pm
At least one injured protester shifted to a waiting ambulance near the Presidency.
Express News screengrab of the injured protester being shifted to an ambulance.
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August 30, 10:50pm
The driver of the crane removing containers has been arrested, Express News reports.
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August 30, 10:38pm
Police have started shelling and using what appears to be tear gas near Presidency, while ambulances have started arriving at the scene.
Express News screengrab of protesters covering their faces against what seems to be tear gas.
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August 30, 10:30pm
As PTI and PAT supporters have started to march towards PM House, here's a short animation giving a general overview of the area:
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August 30, 10:12pm
The army has taken position at central points.
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August 30, 10:08pm
Amid announcements, protesters have started moving hurdles on their way to PM House.
Express News screengrab of protesters removing containers.
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August 30, 10:06pm
As protesters move forward, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has contacted Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss current developments.
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August 30, 10:03pm
Riot police pave way for stick-wielding PAT supporters to move towards PM House.
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August 30, 9:59pm
PTI assured in talks that they wouldn't make any offensive move till talks are conclusive. PTI & PAT hand in glove in conspiracy.
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) August 30, 2014
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August 30, 9:55pm
Qadri’s supporters have started marching towards the PM House.
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August 30, 9:44pm
As the Inqilab and Azadi marches move towards PM House, here is a possible route they could take:
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August 30, 9:40pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan has also asked his supporters to move towards PM House in a peaceful manner.
Imran asks police to not attack peaceful protesters.
Further, Imran refutes allegations that the army was behind PTI, saying they were never behind them, nor will they ever be.
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August 30, 9:32pm
Meanwhile, the government’s spokesperson says there is no question of the prime minister going on leave or resigning.
“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will not resign,” says Political Secretary Asif Kirmani.
While sources say, the prime minster and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif have spoken on the phone to discuss negotiations.
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August 30, 9:22pm
Addressing his supporters once again, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri asks his supporters to move in front of Prime Minister House.
"I will live for peace and I will die for peace," says Qadri urging his supporters to remain peaceful as they march.
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August 30, 9:18pm
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says they are working on PTI’s recommendations.
“If it is proven that elections are rigged, then the prime minister and entire government will resign and the assemblies will be dissolved,” he adds.
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August 30, 9:10pm
As security is beefed up in the capital, four containers have been placed outside Radio Pakistan Chowk, Express News reports.
Further, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri's belongings have been transferred from his container to a car.
Policemen dressed in riot gear gather near an anti-government protest in front of the Parliament building in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP
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August 30, 9:05pm
Deep consultations atop the PTI stage in Islamabad; First between Imran and Jahangir Tareen, then with Javed Hashmi and Shafqat Mahmood.
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August 30, 8:58pm
Investigations against 21 accused in the Model Town incident, including PM Nawaz and Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif, have started, Express News reports.
Police have asked the complainants to present their witnesses.
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August 30, 8:42pm
Railways Minister Saad Rafique warns of bloodshed if Prime Minister House is attacked, Express News reports.
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August 30, 8:35pm
PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi refutes claims that PTI had any contact with the army.
“If there is a meaningful solution, then the impasse can still end,” he says, adding, "PM's resignation is the main issue."
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August 30, 8:25pm
Talking to Express News, PTI leader Asad Umar says it is not in their agenda to take over state buildings.
"We [PTI supporters] will not enter any government building," he adds.
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August 30, 8:22pm
Rangers have been deployed outside President House and Cabinet Division, while emergency has been declared in hospitals in the capital, Express News reports.
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August 30, 8:02pm
PAT supporters can be seen wrapping-up and taking down tents, preparing to move forward.
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August 30, 7:58pm
According to sources, police has been directed to not attack the protesters as they move forward.
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August 30, 7:54pm
Meanwhile, over in Karachi, rallies staged by PTI supporters on Shahrah-e-Faisal have caused heavy traffic congestion, while Karsaz bridge has been closed off by the police.
PTI rally in Karachi. PHOTO: @PTIofficial
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August 30, 7:48pm
PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat meets Qadri in his container.
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August 30, 7:36pm
Express News anchor Shahzeb Khanzada says the government has given a go-ahead to PTI and PAT to move forward from Constitution Avenue.
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August 30, 7:28pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan says its time to move forward.
He asks women to stay put and only his "tigers" move.
Further, he says he will address his workers again shortly.
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August 30, 7:26pm
According to sources, PTI and government negotiating teams will resume talks later today after consulting with their leadership, Express News reports.
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August 30, 6:56pm
“If PM Nawaz resigns and elects a new prime minister from his party, I will give government a whole month to conduct investigations into the Model Town incident,” says Qadri.
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August 30, 6:46pm
Qadri announces he will continue his address after Maghrib prayers, while PTI chairman can be seen, in a change of wardrobe gearing up to take the stage once again.
PAT chief says after the prayers he will announce when this “hysteria”, as termed by the prime minister earlier in the day, will end.
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August 30, 6:40pm
Away from the capital, PTI supporters in Karachi have started gathering at Shahrah-e-Faisal where traffic has been suspended.
On the other hand, SP Gulshan says rallies and sit-ins are not allowed at Shahrah-e-Faisal.
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August 30, 6:30pm
Meanwhile, the negotiations between PTI and the government teams have ended, Express News reports.
The government team left Jehangir Tareen’s residence without talking to media representatives.
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August 30, 6:22pm
“Time will decide, who the enemy of democracy, Constitution and the law is,” Qadri says, refuting claims that his aim is to derail democracy.
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August 30, 6:15pm
Qadri calls on stage the mother and brother of a girl who he claims was gang-raped in Dera Ghazi Khan and killed herself this morning.
The PAT chief condemns the incident and says it highlights the plight of the underprivileged in this country. He then asks his supporters, who are in tears, to pray for them and vows to take revenge.
Qadri also lashes out at the government, saying the rulers should be ashamed of themselves for not providing justice to people such as the woman standing with him on the stage.
"Daughters of the nation are dishonoured in this country," he adds.
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August 30, 6:00pm
Taking the stage for the first time today, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri asks the police to join his Inqilab march.
Referring to PM Nawaz’s speech earlier during the day and Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah’s press conference mirroring the premier’s claim that they will safeguard democracy, Qadri says the leaders have realised the days of their “fake democracy” are numbered.
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.
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August 30, 5:55pm
Addressing the media, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah appeals to the general public to observe everyone’s role in the current political crisis carefully.
Reiterating PPP’s stance to safeguard democracy, Shah says he hopes the armed forces will not stand against the constitution or democracy.
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August 30, 4:30pm
PAT leaders and leaders of different political parties are having a meeting, Express News reports.
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August 30, 3:45pm
While Imran Khan starts his first address of the day, a meeting between the negotiating teams of his party and the government have begun at Jehangir Tareen's residence.
"I will make an announcement in the evening regarding my future course of action," says Imran.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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August 30, 3:35pm
Talking to media representatives, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal says talks with the protesting parties will be held today as well.
“I hope they are fruitful,” he adds.
Further, he says an FIR has been registered in the Model Town incident as per the demands of PAT.
Appealing to party leaders to avoid resorting to unconstitutional language, Iqbal says if Imran has 'tigers', PML-N has 'lions' as well.
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August 30, 3:25pm
While debate over the intervention of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif to resolve the ongoing political impasse in the interest of democracy and the country continues, the PAT has expressed its confidence over the intervention.
Read here for the full story.
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August 30, 3:12pm
PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi has met PTI chairman Imran Khan, Express News reports.
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August 30, 1:31pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told media that the sit-ins are just a small storm, adding that they will fizzle out with time. Read more here.
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August 30, 12:44pm
Another round of talks between the PTI and the government committees will take place at 4pm today, Express News reported.
The venue for the negotiations has not been decided as of yet.
August 29, 11:59pm
Qadri asks PAT workers to participate in the PTI sit-ins, starting from Saturday in four cities across the country.
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August 29, 11:58pm
Qadri says we have to make our struggle successful, and we cannot return short of our destination.
He further says if the result of their struggle does not come on the 15th day, it may come on the 16th day.
Now we have two options, first we take our decision without waiting for reply as our deadline has ended. Second option is that we wait for a bit.
After supporters to responded to the two options given Qadri, by raising hands backing decision to wait, PAT chief announced to extend his deadline.
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August 29, 11:55pm
Qadri told his supporters that their struggle has forced prime minister to convene a cabinet meeting at this hour of night and forced the government to ask Army to facilitate and help in ending the existing political impasse.
Soon after PAT chief's statement, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal tweeted that no cabinet meeting is in progress.
Will someone tell TUQ that PM has reached Lahore, not holding a cabinet meeting in Islamabad. Advice: Pl change your sources.
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) August 29, 2014
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August 29, 11:43pm
Qadri says he was about to hand over the power to his supporters to take decision when PTI's delegation came with Imran Khan’s request to extend deadline.
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August 29, 11:40pm
I had sent my delegation to PTI chief Imran Khan in the evening.
After that I also tried to communicate with PTI chief but did not succeed due to some of our respective engagement.
Claiming that PAT and PTI are struggling for the same cause, Qadri says that if the two parallel struggles split and negotiated separately, that would allow the govt to succeed.
PAT chief says it is necessary to take decision in unison.
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August 29, 11:27pm
Addressing his supporters, Qadri says, "I am well aware of your sentiments."
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August 29, 11:22pm
PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.
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August 29, 11:11pm
We are here to request you on behalf of PTI chief Imran Khan to show little patience and wait for some more time, says Qureshi.
Government has lost morally after it took u-turn today, says Qureshi.
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August 29, 11:08pm
After meeting PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, PTI vice-president Shah Mehmood Qureshi on late Friday requested the PAT protesters to extend their deadline, Express News reports.
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August 29, 10:08pm
PTI's delegation comprised of PTI vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Chief Minister K-P Pervaiz Khattak and Asad Umar has reached the PAT sit-in to meet Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
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August 29, 10:07pm
PAT's core committee's meeting end.
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August 29, 9:47pm
PTI will start their protests in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad from Saturday, says Imran Khan.
I will announce our future course of action on Sunday, says Imran.
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August 29, 9:43pm
Imran Khan says that once they end their sit-in and leave D-Chowk, he is afraid Nawaz Sharif will recant on the judicial commission.
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August 29, 9:30pm
Imran vows to bring back $200billion of Pakistani money stashed in Swiss banks.
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August 29, 9:06pm
PTI chief Imran Khan addressing his supporters, Express News reports.
PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRAB
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August 29, 8:44pm
Extension in the deadline has ended and we will announce our future course of action after core committee's meeting, says PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
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August 29, 8:10pm
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says that if an investigation finds that any federal minister was involved in the Model Town incident, they will automatically leave office, adding that his party will not carry out any illegal or unconstitutional act.
He adds that an investigation should first be carried out before resignations are demanded.
Ahsan Iqbal says that they are in agreement over the substantive issues and there is no conflict over that.
“Insisting on the resignations means they do not want dialogue to progress. The demand is unjust and unfair,” Ahsan Iqbal adds.
Ishaq Dar says that the army is a national institution and that it should not be dragged into petty politics.
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August 29, 7:50pm
Controversy has erupted over who asked the Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif to mediate between the government and protestors.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar gave speeches on the floor of the house, both saying that it was Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri who had requested that the Army chief mediate. Immediately after, Imran and Dr Qadri gave statements saying the government was lying about this.
A storm kicked up when ISPR’s chief tweeted that it was the government that had asked Gen. Sharif to mediate. Critics of the government began saying that the government was caught “lying” on the floor of the National Assembly.
Here are the figurative parts of the speeches in question.
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August 29, 7:37pm
"The only goal for the other side [PTI and PAT] is to make sure someone dies or gets hurt," says Nisar, adding that the government will not be responsible for any bloodshed that takes place in the Red Zone.
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August 29, 7:34pm
The interior minister says facilitation is being carried out by the army and has been authorised by the government.
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August 29, 7:24pm
Nisar reiterates that the army is completely apolitical, while reading out his speech from the National Assembly session. He says that the ISPR statement and his speech delivered the same message.
"The decision taken yesterday was constitutional," Nisar says, adding that it should be supported.
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August 29, 7:18pm
Clarifying the government's stance on who asked the army to mediate in the current crisis, Nisar says ISPR statement was released after consultation with me and after it was approved by the government.
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August 29, 7:16pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar says protesters led Imran and Qadri are setting a dangerous precedent by demanding the PM's resignation.
On a lighter note, he says, "I do not enjoy making press conferences all the time, people will get sick of our faces."
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August 29, 6:35pm
Imran Khan asks all PTI members of Parliament who have not resigned yet to send in their resignations by the evening or leave the party.
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August 29, 6:30pm
Imran Khan takes the stage to address supporters after General Asim Bajwa's tweet and says that Nawaz Sharif is now trying to defame the army.
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August 29, 6:18pm
According to the army spokesperson Gen Asim Bajwa, the government requested the army chief to play a "facilitative role" for the resolution of the current political impasse.
ISPR Release:#COAS was asked by the Govt to play facilitative role for resolution of current impasse, in yesterday's meeting, at #PM House
— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 29, 2014
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August 29, 5:45pm
Scuffles over food and drink have become a common feature in Islamabad's Red Zone as thousands of protesters led by Imran and Qadri continue their sit-ins in the heavily restricted area.
Read the full story here.
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August 29, 5:39pm
Meanwhile, PTI president Javed Hashmi, while addressing the media says he is glad that the crisis is progressing without bloodshed.
He adds, "TV channels should play a responsible role as this is a sensitive time."
"All party decisions have been made under my supervision," Hashmi adds.
He further says that he will go to China for treatment.
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August 29, 5:37pm
PML-Q’s Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain expresses hope that a solution might come by this evening, our correspondent Qamar Zaman reports.
“Dr Qadri had announced to address after the Maghrib prayers to spell out his future line of action, but I hope they come up with a solution by then,” he adds.
Addressing the media at D-Chowk after meeting with Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Hussain says army chief General Raheel Sharif’s mediation is a big development. He adds that the army does not want to topple the government.
In response to a question, he says the PAT sit-in would continue until demands are met. “Efforts would be made for a registration of the FIR in the Model Town incident,” he adds.
When asked whether there would be bloodshed if things did not settle, Hussain says it would have happened last night if it had to.
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August 29, 5:27pm
Shah Mehmood Qureshi addresses the media after talks with the government.
He says, "We (PTI) have come with a positive approach, however the government has not said anything new."
He lamented that the deadlock on negotiations is prevailing, and the negotiations will not move forward due to the "trust deficit".
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August 29, 4:35pm
Negotiations between the government, PAT and PTI are underway at the convention centre, Express News reports.
Representatives from the government include Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Zahid Hamid, Ahsan Iqbal, Abdul Qadir Baloch and Pervaiz Rashid.
PTI representatives include Shafqat Mehmood, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pervez Khattak and Jehangir Tareen Arif Alvi and Asad Umar.
Raheeq Abbasi is leading the PAT negotiating team, which comprises Khurram Nawaz and Hamid Raza.
The media will be briefed after a break of the round.
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August 29, 4:00pm
Meanwhile, PML-Q's Chaudhry Shujaat has been spotted moving into PAT chief Tahirul Qadri's container.
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August 29, 3:58pm
Supporters of opposition politician Imran Khan and cleric Tahirul Qadri eat during a march in Islamabad.PHOTO: AFP
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August 29, 3:50pm
"If you didn't rig the elections, you have nothing to worry about," the PTI chief says to Nawaz.
"I am not going to backtrack on the resignation of the prime minister on any account," he says firmly.
"I have nothing to lose, I was ready for my three constituencies to be looked into," Imran says, adding, "If anyone comes forward with allegations of rigging in K-P, I am not afraid of being investigated."
The PTI chief sarcastically says the government is saving 'democracy', and adds that they are actually saving the process of rigging.
"This is not Imran's war, this is the country's war," he says.
"I have Nawaz by his collar, and I refuse to let go," says Imran
He concludes his address by telling his workers they will reconvene at 6pm.
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August 29, 3:44pm
Imran recounts that Gen Raheel told him that the prime minister would not resign. However, the PTI chief told the army chief he does not accept anything without Nawaz's resignation
"How can the judicial commission be successful if Nawaz is still the prime minister?" Imran questions.
"I have become used to sleeping in this container, I don't have any problems. You, Nawaz, have the problem," he says.
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August 29, 3:37pm
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan is addressing his supporters.
He says the country's economy is in turmoil.
"I want to tell you what I told the army chief," he tells his supporters, " I told Gen Raheel that I do not trust Nawaz Sharif at all," Imran says.
"I told Gen Raheel every reason as to why I will not leave without their resignations."
He further adds that PTI did not ask the army to mediate.
Express News screengrab of PTI chief Imran Khan.
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August 29, 3:35pm
Former president Asif Ali Zardari and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq spoke on the phone regarding the current political situation.
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August 29, 3:07pm
Later in the day, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed mirrors Qadri's claims regarding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar's statements during the NA session and says, "The government is lying".
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August 29, 2:19pm
Meanwhile, in a reaction to the statements made by the prime minister and the interior minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi says it is necessary for the interior minister and the prime minister to clarify their statements before 2:30pm, in order to avoid confusion over the army's role in talks.
He further added that the government "is not credible".
"What is the government going ahead with?" he asks, in reference to the statements made in the NA session as well as the statements made by the government yesterday.
Express News screengrab of PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
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August 29, 1:36pm
"I had not even spoken to the army chief before our meeting yesterday, Qadri states. "Imran Khan did not make any request asking the army to intervene either," he adds, stating that Nawaz made this statement after he saw that his government was losing strength.
"If I have said something false then I am willing to accept any punishment", Qadri says, adding that if Nawaz is lying then he should be held accountable.
Reiterating his earlier demand, Qadri says that if Shahbaz Sharif does not submit his resignation by tonight then party talks will be over.
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August 29, 1:20pm
Tahirul Qadri accuses Nawaz Sharif and Chaudhry Nisar of lying during their address in the National Assembly.
"I say this categorically that the PM asked the army to intervene," Qadri states.
"I am saying, on the record, that we did not make any request asking the army to intervene," he says.
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August 29, 1:13pm
The house is adjourned to meet again on September 1, says Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
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August 29, 12:07pm
A National Assembly session is underway, in which Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar is addressing the house.
The army was only brought in to mediate after both parties requested it, Nisar states, adding that "bringing the army in to mediate was one of their demands."
Further, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says that the army had asked for his permission before meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahirul Qadri.
Read here for the full story.
Express News screengrab Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar addressing the NA session.
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August 29, 9:40am
A day after the an FIR was filed against 21 persons, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Karachi Stock Exchange’s (KSE) benchmark 100-share index shot up by at least 1,000 points.
Read here.
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August 29, 4:20am
Returning from a three hour long meeting with the Army chief, PAT's Dr Tahirul Qadri said that he, like Imran Khan before him, had presented his stance.
Qadri alleged that the government had tried to deceive everyone by registering the FIR in such a way that spares both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif from either joining the investigation or being immediately arrested.
Further, Qadri said that Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, was not included in the FIR that was registered by the government on Thursday.
The PAT chief claimed that even the Army chief was not aware of the way the FIR had been registered by the government.
Qadri claimed that Army chief had assured that the false FIR registered by the government will be cancelled and an FIR as per the application of the PAT will be registered.
Applauding the patience of the Army chief for listening to his point of view, Qadri said, “I presented all our demands, including that of resignations of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.”
The PAT chief said that if their initial demands of resignation of prime minister, Punjab chief minister and registration of an FIR on Model Town incident per their application are met on Friday, only then would their negotiation team meet with the government’s committee. Failing to do that, Qadri said that the people will decide the future course of action.
Read our story on Model Town FIR lodged by police that allows wriggle room for Nawaz and Shahbaz here.
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August 29, 4:00am
After meeting with the COAS, I am hopeful that crisis will be resolved, says Qadri.
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August 29, 3:58am
Meeting with the army chief lasted for more than three hours, says Qadri.
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August 29, 3:57am
PAT chief addressing his supporters.
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August 29, 3:56am
PAT chief Tahirul Qadri has returned to sit-in after meeting Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Express News reports.
August 29, 2:56am
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has appreciated the role of the Army chief as the mediator between the opposing parties and requested him to remove all misunderstandings and differences between them, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.
“I had said it earlier that the army will come, army will come,' said Altaf in a singsong voice in an interview to a private news channel.
MQM chief said the army has won the hearts of people by stepping in to solve the matter, adding that if consensus could not be reach amongst the PAT , PTI leaders and the army, then the COAS decision may result in re-elections.
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August 29, 1:58am
Briefing his supporters about his meeting with Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, PTI chief Imran Khan said that he had been assured that a judicial commission will be constituted to investigate the rigging allegations and that the army will ensure it conducts independent and transparent investigations, Express News reports.
Appreciating the army's stance, Imran said, “I expressed my apprehension that till Nawaz Sharif is in power, no inquiry can be independent.”
The PTI chief says that he informed the COAS that independent and transparent investigations are not possible until the prime minister resigns.
PTI chief says their negotiation team will meet the government’s committee on Friday and will present their point of view again.
Imran further said that if the government will not accept his demand, then he will spell out his future course of action, adding that this will include extending protests to other cities and other plans that he will reveal on Friday evening, our correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.
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August 29, 1:26am
Urgently going back to Islamabad tom morning hoping everything will fall into place 4 democracy,constitution, & fair elections. No more 2013
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) August 28, 2014
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August 29, 1:14am
PTI chief Imran Khan has returned to sit-in after meeting Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.
Chairman Imran Khan has reached back at #AzadiSquare.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 28, 2014
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August 29, 12:43am
Army chief's meeting with Imran Khan lasted for almost 45 minutes.
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August 29, 12:42am
After meeting the PTI chief, the Army chief is now meeting with Dr Tahirul Qadri.
#Army Chief General #Raheel Sharif's meeting with #Allama Tahir ul #Qadri begins
— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 28, 2014
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August 28, 11:53pm
The meeting between Army chief and PTI chief begins in Rawalpindi.
#Army Chief General Raheel Sharif's Meeting with #PTI Chairman #Imran Khan begins at Rawalpindi
— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 28, 2014
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August 28, 11:18pm
BB hum sharminda hain...
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 28, 2014
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August 28, 11:18pm
Talking to Express News anchor Javed Chaudhry, JI chief Sirajul Haq said, “We tried our best to resolve the situation to the best of our abilities.”
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August 28, 11:14pm
Army Chief General Raheel Sharif will meet PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri late on Thursday, says DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa.
#Army Chief will meet #PTI Chairman #Imran Khan and Chairman #PAT #
— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) August 28, 2014
Allama Tahirul Qadri tonight in Islamabad
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August 28, 11:12pm
Both PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri have left their respective sit-ins to meet army chief, Express News reports.
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August 28, 10:28pm
Imran says that he's willing to wait a day longer on army chief's request; assures crowd they will celebrate tomorrow.
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August 28, 10:26pm
"General Raheel Shareef has asked us for some more time to hold talks", says PTI chief Imran Khan while addressing his supporters.
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August 28, 10:24pm
The government asked for the army’s help "like beggars", says Qadri.
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August 28, 10:17pm
The army chief has asked us to give him 24 hours to solve the crisis if we accept him as a moderator and guarantor, says Qadri.
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August 28, 10:16pm
Qadri claims that PM Nawaz has made the army chief a moderator, who has requested a 24-hour deadline.
Furthermore, he added that the government, army, PTI and PAT will work on reforms together.
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August 28, 10:13pm
Express News screengrab of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.
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August 28, 9:42pm
PML-N has categorically denied reports that PTI chief Imran Khan had been offered the post of deputy prime minister to solve the current political impasse, Radio Pakistan reported.
In a statement, the PML-N spokesperson said that central leader of the party senator Chaudhry Jafar Iqbal had written a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with various proposals to end the current political impasse. He added that, however, there was no proposal to make Imran Khan the deputy prime minister.
The spokesperson added that the purpose of any deputy prime minister would be to look into any expected agreement between the government and PTI. It was also suggested that the deputy Prime Minister would monitor legal and constitutional affairs between the government and PTI.
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August 28, 9:33pm
Meanwhile, read an interesting take on the current political crisis by The Wall Street Journal here. This is the second time that the foreign press in Pakistan has reported that the military is close to striking a deal with the government in which the prime minister would leave strategic policy areas — including relations with the US, Afghanistan and India — to be controlled by the armed forces.
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August 28, 8:46pm
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar says they have told the army to play a positive role in the current crisis, Express News reports.
The interior minister adds the army can be called in for handling any untoward situation.
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August 28, 7:58pm
PTI leader Jehangir Tareen meets Qadri in his container, Express News reports.
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August 28, 7:55pm
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah appreciates the government’s decision to register an FIR in the Model Town incident.
Appealing to Qadri, Shah asks him to come forward for the sake of peace and stability in the nation.
“Our concern is not the prime minister but that constitutional supremacy should be ensured at all costs.”
Further, he says PPP will not support any extra-constitutional steps.
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August 28, 7:42pm
PAT's counsel Mansoorur Rehman Khan Afridi in the mohrar's office during the filing of the FIR. PHOTO: ASAD KHARAL
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August 28, 7:15pm
Express News screengrab shows Qadri showing that he's not wearing a bulletproof vest.
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August 28, 7:08pm
A copy of the FIR, obtained by our correspondent Akbar Bajwa, filed against the PM, Punjab CM and 19 others:
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August 28, 6:58pm
PTI leaders are standing on the container listening to Qadri and waiting for their turn to begin their address.
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August 28, 6:22pm
Meanwhile, addressing the media after meeting PTI chairman Imran Khan, JI chief Sirajul Haq says he is working to steer the country out of the current crisis.
Qamar Zaman Kaira says that he and Haq had a constructive meeting with Imran and the deadlock can end soon.
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August 28, 6:05pm
Taking the stage for his decisive rally, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri rejects that an FIR was registered in the Model Town incident. However, despite Qadri's claims, Express News is showing a copy of the FIR on the screen.
As the chief paused for prayers, PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi appeared on the stage with copy of the FIR sent for perusal of Qadri. The PAT chief read it once and pointed out that it was not in accordance with their demands and refused to accept the FIR registered until it included the Anti-Terrorism Act and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s name.
Read the full story here.
PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID
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August 28, 5:50pm
The Red Zone area of the capital has been sealed off, Express News reports.
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August 28, 5:38pm
JI chief Sirajul Haq and PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira have reached the PTI sit-in to meet Imran Khan.
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August 28, 5:35pm
The meeting between Chaudhry Shujaat and Qadri has ended.
“No FIR has been registered in the Model Town incident,” says Shujaat, adding that the government is trying to deceive people.
Chaudhry Shujaat leaving Qadri's container. PHOTO: AZAM KHAN
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August 28, 5:25pm
PAT protesters camp outside the Parliament lodges. PHOTO: AZAM KHAN
"Today is the best day to die," says PAT supporter and college student Arsalan Hashmi from Gujrat. PHOTO: AZAM KHAN
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August 28, 5:05pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached Lahore from Islamabad and is expected to return to the capital this evening, Express News reports.
Express News reports that the PM has gone to Lahore owing to the death of Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s father-in-law (Captain Safdar’s father).
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August 28, 4:55pm
A Muttahida Qaumui Movement (MQM) consultative meeting is underway in Karachi to discuss the prevailing political situation, sources say.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is also having a consultative meeting headed by party chief Imran Khan.
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August 28, 4:52pm
[infogram url="" height="500"]
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August 28, 4:49pm
The Chaudhry brothers have reached the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) sit-in, an are expected to hold talks with the PAT chief in his container, according to Express News.
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August 28, 4:39pm
Addressing the media, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq says that 90% of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan's and Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahirul Qadri’s demands have been met.
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August 28, 4:30pm
Express News screengrab of police contingent deployed outside the Cabinet Division.
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August 28, 4:29pm
Further, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief Gen Raheel Sharif met today, according to Express News.
According to Express News correspondent, the army chief and the premier agreed to start the dialogue process with protesting parties once again.
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August 28, 4:26pm
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq meets with Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Shah.
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August 28, 4:18pm
A supporter of Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), uses a hand fan as he sleeps in a mosquito tent while another reads newspaper in front of the Parliament.
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August 28, 4:05pm
Express News is reporting that an FIR against 21 people including the prime minister and the Punjab chief minister has been registered.
The FIR has been registered as per the demand of the families affected by the Model Town incident. A copy of the request can be viewed here.
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August 28, 4:02pm
Our correspondents Azam Khan and Hasnaat Malik tell us that all the main buildings of the area, including the Parliament House, Supreme Court, Cabinet Division are being vacated.
All the staff of these offices are being asked to leave the area and go home early.
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August 28, 3:50pm
An FIR has been registered against the PM, CM and certain members of the federal and provincial cabinet in the Model Town clashes, Express News reports.
The FIR is being lodged against a total of 21 people.
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August 28, 3:45pm
The area where the sit-ins are being staged is being cordoned off in a way where people can leave, but not enter, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.
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August 28, 3:29pm
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira meets JI chief Sirajul Haq to discuss political crisis, according to Express News.
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August 28, 3:20pm
The federal government has ordered the Punjab police to register an FIR regarding the Model Town incident as per the demands of the families of the bereaved, Express News reports.
Additionally, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed that these orders be implemented as per the LHC's orders.
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August 28, 3:10pm
A seemingly healthy Javed Hashmi takes the mic, and tells PTI supporters, "Shahbaz Sharif should have resigned earlier, but after the decision to register the FIR, he should resign immediately."
"I can never see Imran stand alone," Hashmi says.
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August 28, 3:08pm
Members of the crowd Imran is addressing can be seen burning their electricity bills.
“In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, residents stepped out and burnt their electricity bills,” says Imran.
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August 28, 2:53pm
PTI chief Imran Khan is addressing his supporters.
He says, "It has been decided that an FIR will be registered against Shahbaz Sharif, but he has decided that he will not resign."
He further adds, "I will announce my decision this evening."
Express News screengrab of PTI chief Imran Khan.
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August 28, 2:47pm
A consultative meeting is underway in PAT chief Tahirul Qadri's container with Raheeq Abbasi and other senior PAT leaders, according to Express News.
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August 28, 2:42pm
The Punjab police is convening a meeting regarding the registration of the FIR against those responsible for the Model Town incident, Express News reports.
Further, SHO Faisal Town has also been summoned.
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August 28, 1:48pm
Meanwhile, AML leader Sheikh Rasheed believes he can resolve this political impasse.
I will bring Nawaz Sharif’s resignation in 2 hours
— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) August 28, 2014
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August 28, 1:43pm
MQM chief Altaf Hussain speaks to PAT chief Tahirul Qadri via telephone and asks him not to make any hasty decisions, rather to remain patient.
Further, the MQM chief he says that the Punjab and Sindh governors are working to resolve the issue.
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August 28, 1:30pm
Read Ayesha Siddiqa's take on the current political crisis in which she warns that a swift resolution is required, otherwise the 'soft' coup, which has already taken place, will turn into a 'hard' coup: To Coup or not to Coup.
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August 28, 1:22pm
PTI Central Information Secretary, Shireen Mazari, while talking to Express News, says “We just want the prime minister to step down for a month during the judicial commission. It is a reasonable demand.”
“We are non-violent and we do not believe in violence. We were provoked in Gujranwala by the PML-N workers, and still we did not retaliate,” she adds.
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August 28, 1:05pm
Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, while addressing the National Assembly, said that the government is ready to register an FIR against those responsible in the Model Town incident, our correspondent Azam Khan reports.
He said the FIR will be registered against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif as well as some members of the federal cabinet and provincial cabinet.
Further, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, during a press conference in Islamabad said, "The process for the registration of the FIR has started."
Read the full story here.
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August 28, 12:32pm
A meeting to discuss the current deadlock on negotiations with protesting parties PTI and PAT is underway at the prime minister chamber, Express News reports.
The meeting is being led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and attendees at the meeting include Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid and Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Abdul Qadir Baloch.
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August 28, 11:55am
Shah Mehmood Qureshi will reach Karachi at 4:30pm today to participate in protests in the city, Express News reports.
Sources have confirmed that he will meet with Former Sindh chief minister Ghous Ali Shah and Mumtaz Ali Bhutto during his visit.
Qureshi is also due to hold a press conference at 5pm.
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August 28, 11:40am
A large contingent of police has been deployed in the Red Zone in Islamabad, Express News reports. The security personnel have been posted near the Supreme Court and the Pakistan Secretariat.
Express News screengrab of police officers posted in Islamabad.
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August 28, 9:25am
Supporters of PAT chief Tahirul Qadri shout slogans during a protest in front of the Parliament in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP
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August 28, 2:50am
Our correspondent Rabia Ali reports that MQM chief Altaf Hussain in a television interview said that if the government is not ready to accept the PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s legitimate demands, then its better that it packs up and goes home voluntarily in order to avoid bloodshed.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif should also resign if FIR of the Model Town incident is not registered, said MQM chief.
He warned that if confrontation and disagreement persists, then a third force would have to step in.
Government should realise that those killed in the Model Town were also humans, not some insects, said Hussain.
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August 28, 2:30am
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif canceled his visit to Turkey to attend the oath taking ceremony of Turkish President Raccep Tayyab Erdogan, Express News reports.
Now, President Mamnoon Hussain will represent Pakistan at the ceremony.
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August 28, 2:12am
According to Express News correspondent Asif Faraz, the government delegation had set two conditions before PAT to lodge the Model Town incident FIR and pay compensation to the families of the deceased. The conditions were that PAT agrees to immediately end their sit-in and drop prime minister Nawaz Sharif and chief minister Shahbaz Sharif's names from their FIR.
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August 28, 1:08am
Dear PMLN, register the FIR and hold the responsible accountable - That's it!
— Syed Ali Raza Abidi (@abidifactor) August 27, 2014
MQM will not support you with the injustices on the people.
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August 28, 1:06am
Talking to Express News, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed admits that there is coordination between PAT and PTI.
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August 28, 12:54am
Our team had conveyed to the PAT that we are ready to have a baseless and false FIR lodged against us, if Qadri agrees to let the people whom he is holding hostage go, says Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.
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August 28, 12:28am
I have a gut instinct 2day is going 2 be final round & I want my tigers, tigresses & all r workers,wherever they may be,2 arrive in D Chowk.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 27, 2014
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August 28, 12:24am
Tomorrow a decision will be made, and the people will make that decision, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:23am
Qadri says on Thursday 3pm, he will deliver his march's and sit-in's final address.
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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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For our coverage of the sit-ins from August 24 to 27 here; for August 23 and 22, visit here; for 20 and 21, click here. You can read our coverage of the march into the Red Zone here.
COMMENTS (184)
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After recent developments whereby the PM involved the army in politics (remember article 6), the case against Musharraf must be withdrawn immediately with an apology from court and the ruling family.
Why are so many of you still backing PML-N. For Allah's sake open your eyes - the pujab government killed scores of unarmed protestors in lahore and then they didn't allow an FIR to be registered. Where is your moral sense ? . This is not about imran khan, qadri, etc this is about basic human rights.
For me I dislike whoever kills and this time it's the government. Please Nawaz Sharif go back to Saudi Arabia and butter up your favorite arabs we don't want to rule our country.
@Iqbal Hadi Zaidi: Answer is simple and the whole world knows it. Mr Nawaz sharif is the only leader who wants to put army under civil government and as PM along with the parliament desires to run the country and the foreign policy of Pakistan; where as other leaders desire to just toe the line of army. Understood?
Why Imran Khan and other top PTI leaders not lead the match.....
Shame on nawaz shareef for brutal state terrorism. You are the worst enemy of Pakistan.
@LHR: 102 people. Where are you getting your facts from. So 40000 police cannot control the apparent 102 people. Grow up
I blame this mess on two people alone. Imran khan and Dr Tahir Qadri. They wanted bloodshed and they got it. They misused the trust of the poor like no one else in Pakistan... They should be trialled for murder. Nawaz Sharif tried ignore this for as long as possible and trying to enter the parliament house was plain ludicrous. But then again Mr khan isn't known for being very bright. 5 out the 6 demands was fair play by the government. Great haste leads to great waste.
People supporting Nawaz Sharif's tyrannical and pathetic rule disgust me.
Shame on you.
all you blindfolded pmln supporters clearly need a heart and a brain to see what he did today- please for your children's wives parents everyones sake realise these money laundering thieves are tyrants destroying this country- if you fail to understand imrans words- get a new brain :)
Down with the House of Sharif ally of the army generals fighting American war on terror
Musharraf and MQM are playing their own dramas. Musharraf seems to be forgetting what he did at Lal Masjid and MQM are forgetting their criminal role in Sindh. In fact, if we look at the whole situation objectively, we can see that whole nation can see the drama before their eyes. Imran and Qadri have now betrayed every promise and created utter anarchy in Islamabad as well as Rawalpindi, Lahore etc; they are bent on destroying the whole constitutional legal system for some ulterior ends. Where is the 'defender of the constituion' and of the legitimately elected government, i.e Pak Army? Why havent they acted so far to put a stop to the treasonous actions of PTI and PAT, against the Pakistani state? Order must be restored.
Whom 2 Blame? Peaceful demonstrations have turned into violent demonstrations which is most regrettable and I have also been praying like some others that come what may not even a single person be injured what to talk of killing. Thousands of people had been camped in Red Zone and not even slightest disturbance had been observed and today evening when Qadri and Imran announced of shifting their camps from Constitution Avenue to Prime Minister House they very clearly instructed that it will continue to be peaceful before PM Houses as well. Qadri boarded bullet proof car while Imran sitting in bullet proof container joined the protestors but after some time trouble started but why and how? I saw police did not stop anyone going ahead but then it was reported that some of them have entered some office buildings whereby police had to use tear gas and rubber bullets and as a result 125 including 30 policemen got injured what is very much regretted. Whom to blame- Imran + Qadri or PM Nawaz? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Imran and qadri deliver speeches full of hate, violence and character assassination. They are responsible for all injuries. Both should be arrested.
What a peaceful crowd of PAT & PTI. Armed with cutters, cranes, slings n stones, sticks. Whar are you upto dear?
I can see the Pakistani hasbara working overtime trying to justify the police actions. A lot of pro-Sharif apologists here. Why is it so difficult for you to condemn the slaughter of the slain women and children?
Where's your evidence that the protestors were shooting at the police when there is credible source that Nawaz Sharif supporters/agent provocateurs from Punjab mingled in the crowd posing as PTI supporters and turned the protest into a violent one. It's a tried and tested method and people fall for it hook, line and sinker.
Are you going to believe statements from the Police or eye witnesses with video evidence?
Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri are using women and children as their shield. This is very bad. I am short of words to condemn these two.
Shame on you prime minister.... You are such a shameless...
Baffling question not to be ignored but answered? Why and how none but Mian Nawaz Sharif alone faces troubles as and when he becomes Prime Minister which was not so when he was Chief Minister of Punjab? Earlier two times he had been elected as Prime Minister and boasted of capturing ‘Heavy Mandate’ but on both occasions he wanted to continue for the stipulated period of time but President of Pakistan sent him back to pavilion but very much surprisingly the so called heavy mandate could not even protest but went back to his house in Raiwind, Lahore. Now it is not President but Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri who have stood up against PM Nawaz asking him to tender resignation from premiership and face through investigations about rigging in elections? Why Nawaz and Nawaz alone faces the brunt is the most baffling question which needs an answer from none but Nawaz Sharif himself or his wife Maryam Nawaz Sharif or his younger brother Mian Shehbaz Sharif but certainly not from either Nisar or Ahsan or Saad or Pervaiz or Asif or Baloch to name a few from PML (N) lot. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi (Mr) / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Height of megalomania : when you see IK addressing empty chairs and waiving to invisible fasadis...lolx. Even Meera's press conference has better attendance!
Atleast PMNS admitted that there is a storm in ISB when will you stop the storm to infiltrate in other cities your great vision seems to be failed completely
102 people at PTI dharna right now! what a joke this Khan is
Can Master of U Turn Imran Khan clarify the nation that why Shah Mehmood Qureshi met Pervez Musharraf.
The horse you are relying on is over six thousand miles away and has the habit of throwing the rider when it feels the need.......you must be really desperate.
Imran is continuously doing character assassination of Nawaz Sharif. His speech is always full of blames, abuses and accuses. All it shows the immaturity of Imran Khan. Why does he not talk about his U Turns?
Lol. Mian sahib...if protests are a small thing, why did you go running to COAS?
Its exactly this ability to not understand seriousness of the situation that gets nawaz in trouble!
If he hasn't learned this in 20 years...then really there is no hope for him. He's the only man I know who LOOSES wisdom with age! Lol
Way beyond presidents' visits. PM Nawaz addressing press conference in reply to question as to how much Pakistan has suffered due to dharnas in Islamabad he said that President of Maldives Abdullah Yameen and President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa had to cancel their trips to Pakistan due to the prevailing situation which is very much correct but I will go a step forward. Many of world leaders who wanted to visit us must have cancelled any such visits simply because of the prevalent agitations which must be stopped forthwith otherwise Pakistan will be bracketed as one the most dangerous place on the face of earth to be visited. Does PM Nawaz realize it? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 ./ zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Another round of talks between Imran and government today Saturday at 4pm is sheer waste of time and energy for the simple reason that Imran wants PM Nawaz resignation from day one and PM Nawaz is not agreeing to it from day one. The two are daggers drawn on asking for resignation and refusing resignation. Imran has softened his demand from permanent resignation to temporary resignation of just one month for conduction of investigation which also has been turned down by Nawaz in any case. What could happen today at 4pm which could not happen before despite so many meetings and discussions except PM Nawaz sending a copy of his resignation to Imran with an humble request to please quit Red Zone? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / Email: zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
" I will kick out the MNA's who will not resign by today evening". Has any one resigned till today until 12:00 Hrs. If he cannot take resignation of his own MNA's then how does he can press Prime Minister of Pakistan to resign. Just a disgrace for himself and the whole nation.
Shame on Imran Khan siding with TUQ. It seems he has realized the participants of his dharna only come to see the musical program other wise it is deserted all day. Now he has joined PAT and in future may be both will be addressing together to the PAT protesters. This shows there is change in script at the last moment. Both of them are traitors and should be treated as traitors.
Imran should wait till the end of inquiry by the Judicial Commission. It is not correct to demand resignation from the Prime Minster as far as nothing is proved against him.
Court should order the arrest of IK whose politics of agitation is destroying Pakistan. I request Supreme Court to take notice of Imran’s speeches full of hate. He is preaching Pakistanis to hurt the economy through Civil Disobedience. IK should be sent behind bars.
Entire script of both Long Marches was written by Establishment.
@Tayyab Naveed: You think that we should vote for zardari so that he can further plunder state resources and his ministers can continue doing corruption? Nice choice.
On a lighter note.. Why does Qadri saheb always wear coat, especially in the current hot weather in Islamabad??
Not chair but jail scares PM Nawaz. Imran and Qadri have demanded that PM Nawaz tenders resignation and then through investigations to be carried out about rigging in 2013 general elections and ever since there had been rigging, Nawaz and his bosom friends will be exposed and brought to books. All those who are found guilty will not only be removed from assemblies but also debarred from entering into politics fir some years. They will also be put behind the bars and pay some fines as well. Resultantly PM Nawaz is not prepared to dig his own grave and he is trying his best to keep on ruling to avoid such humiliation. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait
PM Nawaz burns our money. Just now I have at PTV that PM Nawaz has again gone to Lahore and have called an important meeting in Rai Wind. How many times he goes to Lahore and calls meetings where lot of ministers and other high officials come from Islamabad and other cities costing millions of rupees of transportation, travelling allowance etc. Why such meetings are not called in Islamabad than Lahore? What does he get from so many meetings except photo session? Does anyone know how many times PM has gone to Lahore since 14th August when Imran Khan and Dr Tahir Qadri embarked upon uprooting PM Nawaz? Who answers me??? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi Mr / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / Email: zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Why do people make big deal of survey about nawaz shrif that was done before june 17? I like to see survey after that masscare to accuretly reflect relity today.
Pakistan is like a carriage with horses on both sides, pulling in the opposite directions.
Ik &TQ company is a joint venture to destroy Pakistan, its constitution, repiutation and to a certain extent our Armed Forces. So beware of these to Takfiris and Daishes and Boko Harams. One will go his home country Canada and the second will go a long 3rd honey moon
Alter Ego. You must personify yourself in full like I do rather than being so secretive and playing hide and seek. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / Email: zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
@Iqbal Hadi Zaidi:
If you can answer these questions then i will answer why Nawaz Sharif lied .
Ik & TUQ have been calling other people names but they r shameless in their u turns and now they went running to the army chief, inquilab and azadi b dammed
SHAMESharif I am known from birth but got new and real name Having told lies about asking army help I feel a bit shame Asking my resignation is not acceptable on excuses lame Men women in Red Zone will be dealt with burning flame Elected Premier I’m will not quit and wont let u play game ************ Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile (00965)66229897 / Email: zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
After watching present anarchy, no sane man can vote for PTI in future. I voted for PTI but Imran has lost my vote now. He is an enemy of Pakistan. I believe that Imran is worse than Taliban. Both are enemy of economy of Pakistan.
Insha Allah, Nawaz Sharif will succeed by the grace of Almighty Allah. Insha Allah, Imran Khan, Tahir ul Qadri and other haters & jealous will fail. History will never forgive these haters.
I am from KPK. Imran daily delivers lecture on the importance of education in his so-called Dharna. Can he tell me if there is any improvement in literacy rate of KPK during PTI era. No improvement. There are only slogans, lectures and speeches. Punjab's literacy rate is the highest as compared to other four provinces. Still Punjab is doing maximum expenditure on education. Imran, please stop fooling the nation. Allah bless Pakistan, Pakistanis and my KPK.
Problem is that Imran and Qadri will never end their Dharna as directed to them by their Mentors.
Go IMRAN Go.
Can someone provide a tally of how many deadlines have been issued so far by IK and TUQ in total. Just the Grand Total please.
Imran and Qadri are biggest enemy of peace and democracy. Allah save Pakistan from these anarchists.
Army is fighting war against terrorism. This is not the right time to do politics. All should unite and support the armed forces. I wish Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan hug each other. No to Tahir ul Qadri.
Imran Khan and Qadri are doing the politics of hate, violence and agitation. They are the biggest anarchists ever born in Pakistan. When shall we get rid of them.
I again repeat that entire drama is planned by Establishment. Establishment cannot bear the democracy in the country. Establishment is not ready to accept Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Imran khan zindabad!
I am neither favoring Imran (my favorite) nor opposing PM Nawaz Sharif just for opposition but yet would like to ask honorable PM Nawaz as to why did you tell lie, blunt and naked lie, right on National Assembly floor pronouncing that Imran and Qadri had called and sought PM permission to speak to Gen Raheel Shareef, Army Chief. What punishment be inflicted on PM Nawaz for telling such lies? I wish all those who are visiting the site must openly pen their candid opinion on the burning issue. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait
It does not matter who asked who. Our country is suffering and IK and TUQ with their limited 35000 followers cannot see that. If Nawaz resigns do they think that the country will forget old differences and enmities and all of the problems will be solved?
Imran and Qadri have succeeded in their mission: - They are trying to destroy country's economy and doing it successfully. - They wanted to create rift among government and army and succeeded. - They wanted to defame Pakistan Army and succeeded in doing so. - They wish that no investment come in Pakistan. They are trying their best to achieve this thing. - They want to do maximum character assassination of Nawaz Sharif and doing so on daily basis.
Imran Khan always uses the word "TUM" while addressing Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif always uses the word "AAP" while addressing Imran Khan. This is the difference between the two. This difference is due to the difference of upbringing. Imran Khan should learn the ethics of communication. He has used much abusive language about Nawaz Sharif many times.
Pervaiz Khatak is here for the past month, who is doing his duties in KPK ? That is after all his responsibility and the reason he is given free petrol and free lodgings and free car.
SS went to china for a few days and IK criticized him heavily. So now what about Pervaiz Khattak ?
After IK numerous Uturns i dont think he is in any position to criticize to NS.
The issue is not who ask whom to facilitate or mediate rather it is matter our homeland PAKISTAN. After all it is Pakistan army.
It is media who is creating hype by projecting non issues and hiding real issue.
If you really want to resolve current standoff.
Stop media trial and sit together across table.
Both Imran and Qadri should act responsily.
IK has proved that he is the lowest of the low....even lower than Molvi Qadri in Pakistani politics
@ Saleh and all PMLN supporters... ISPR has clarified. If this cannot justify the situation to you people then god help you.
The question of the essence remains: What right do IK or TUQ have to dictate the destiny of this nation. I havent and millions other havent. Nothing would stop me or hundreds of thousands others if under the threats and ultimatums of two insane individuals, a formally elected government is overturned.
Do they mean both the PM and Army Chief are speaking a lie. Funny. And the same person they want as gaurentor and mediator.
August 29, 3:50pm
“If you didn’t rig the elections, you have nothing to worry about,” the PTI chief says to Nawaz.
“I am not going to backtrack on the resignation of the prime minister on any account,” he says firmly.
strong textI have nothing to lose,
Note, the last words uttered by IK. That shows - and proves - all. He has nothing to lose and therefore damn cares for the country and the people. One final proof that his insane demand should be rejected and continue to be rejected with the contempt and force they deserve.
Tme will prove that Nawaz Sharif is right. He is the most mature politician. On the other hand, Imran is Master of U Turns. he can never be trusted.
Go Imran Go. Please tell us PTI's performance in KPK before demanding resignation from respected Nawaz Sharif.
Imran Khan is a Great Leader, But Pakistani people always folow bad peoples so they can rule over them. This person Nawaz Sharif is a Rude man, and due to his rudeness he once got into JAIL.
@Lt Col Imtiaz Alam(retd): Right
The military intervention is right to the extent that it limits itself to providing a face saving exit to IK and TUQ and their cohorts. But in no way should these miscreants be seen to have bowed down an existing government through mob threats especially given the puny side of the mob compared to the population of Pakistan and the number of voters who participated in the elections. The sacred words of revolution and freedom have been rubbed to dirt by these charlatans.
Neither IK nor TUQ, God forbid, are prophets that their proclamations should be taken as gospel truth and their 'firmans' implemented. The specter of the graves and shrouds have also been overdone. When a suicide bomber wants to take his life there is pretty much nothing one can do except persuasion. However, if 90% of the parliament has failed to show them the logic then let them do what they want to do. They have lost the moral authority long time back.
There should be an end to the appeasement that has been accorded to these parties.
Final word! Imran whom I favor and Qadri must ensure whether PM Nawaz quits or keeps on ruling is of no consequence but nevertheless even one is not to be hurt what to talk of killing but if still Qadri is bent on wearing kafan then he can keep on wearing the same which is needed at one point of time in any case but his protestors must not be obliged to wear kafan and instead they be allowed to go back to their houses. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
People of KPK are scared and tired of PTI policies of Dharna and strikes. Mian Saab have a mercy on people of KPK and impose governor Raaaj in KPK.
if the allegedly few thousands have hijacked the so-called awaami mandate then why don't they come out and support the incumbent govt. What is stopping them? NS went to see the COAS not the other way around. better be out there than a keyboard warrior.
PTI loosing the match... Imran abusing other while people in KPK are in trouble
.......a weapon the PML-N's stupidity and arrogance supplied them and you blundered further by doing zero damage control.......possibly again out of arrogance. Sir the age old maxim ' Pride leads before a fall '.....is very, very true.
@Shoukat: Please see the Mega project of Nandi Pur for Nawaz Sharif ,he has created a bench mark of corruption by fleshing the nation the going rate of energy production is Rs 17 and Nandi Pur is at Rs 51.Please put your fact correct Nawaz Sharif is the whole seller of corruption.
And they call Army to intervene, btw Nisar you guys used actual weapons to kill innocent people. Death of PLMN is near!
Imran and Qadri were willing to get the wicket of Nawaz Sharif. But this is a fact that they have failed. They could not get the resignation of Nawaz Sharif. Government made by millions of voters cannot be toppled with the help of few thousand people gathered in the name of Musical Concert.
PMl-N is going to win the battle. PTI and PAT will fail Insha Allah. Both PTI and PAT tried their best to derail democracy. But nawaz Sharif has saved the democracy by his move. People may disagree with me but it is a reality.
Sher Nawaz Sharif buckles under army pressure! Article 6?
It is amazing to see how a few thousand people gathered by PTI and PAT can threaten the mandate of a democratically elected government in Pakistan.. Someone has rightly said that democracy does not suit Pakistan...
Neutral umpire has given OUT both PAT and PTI off the same ball !!! It must be humiliating for Imran Khan, Qadri and Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.
Shame on PTI.. Shame on PAT.. They do not have any respect for democracy. They are setting really bad examples..
so the guy who was scaring people that if taliban killers are attacked the whole country will regret, but the reality turned out to be the exact opposite, so now he wants to retaliate against the govt by bringing it down with his mob of a few thousands, so that he can provide shelter and support to talibans again!
When will Pakistani Politicians learn Politics? After Pakistan is burnt to ashes?
Hi Nawaz
Your time is up! and all the PML-L (formally known as PML-N) supporters!
Proud of the ARMY chief for not intervening, for being impartial. Imran Khan you are the first leader to tell your demands to the ARMY!
You are a legend!
IK and TQ you have just derailed the democracy, its tenets and rule of law by heading to the Army House to meet a general to side with you to make you a PM. And you talk about the rule of law and constitutionalism. If that is what your democracy, rule of law and constitutionalism are to seek PM then God forbid what are you going to do. You are jsut setting an example that any citizen who does not believe that justice is not done to him then he can muster a couple thousands and cry foul in this manner. If you win 100% then there is transparency and rule of law. For God sake, do not hoodwink simple people. Take an example of AL Gore how gracefully he conceded the elections 2000 and there it was a matter of only 1,500 votes b/w him and U.S Presidency. When Supreme Court said no more counting he bowed out. He did not march to the White HOuse and Congress with over 50 million voters and cried foul. He respected the traditions of democracy and judiciary and above all the Constitution.
@Iqbal Hadi Zaidi Each of this guy's comment reveals the real size of his Ego. Poor Guy, pity on him. Pray to Allah to guide him to the Truth. Using silly language, i would like to say,
Shouldn't the current Government be tried under article 6 of abrogating the constitution by involving the ARMY? Isn't this unconstitutional?
FIR will be launched Nawaz and Shahbaz, you will be tried! your fortune will be brought to ground. Your children will pay tax which you have evaded. No more louis vuitton bags no more Armani suits! - #gonawazgo
I cant believe these two (Qadri and Imran). They have eliminated any doubt that may have existed that they are working on someone else's agenda Just look at the reaction given to Qadri. His following was not supporting him, He had to twist this words thrice and then took an arbitrary decision in the end that he would hold talks. The same by Imran Khan. Look at him, its the same on his end. To have wasted the time and resources of the nation, the time of the people, all for a circus. Are the people present at the dharnas are so gullible? All of the institutions have been left battered and bruised. We are locked in a savage circle.
Imran Khan is power hungry. He has forgotten all the ethics in his hunger of power. Whenever I listen his speech, it seems he is an uneducated person. Always abusing and blaming others. I am fed up from all this. He should be positive and think positively. His biggest enemy is his tongue.
Both Imran and Tahirul Qadri are worst anarchists ever born on the soil of Pakistan. Both have very deep roots out of Pakistan. Imran always criticizes Nawaz Sharif about his assets in other countries. Biggest asset for anyone is his children and Imran's children are in UK. Nawaz Sharif is a Made in Pakistan man. I support him and will support him. Allah bless him.
Moharrir shines and PM dims! Do I need it to elucidate? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Qadri after so many months' gap in between has eventually very intelligently and smartly said just a few hours ago onky that he and Imran are cousin brothers whereby the two protesting crowds can join hands to oust PM Nawaz which on the face of it is not bad move in any case and I wish this grouping to succeed in their efforts. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait
Imran Khan has always tried his best to create hate for Nawaz Sharif in the hearts of people. I have never seen Nawaz Sharif becoming personal about Imran Khan. He has never uttered a single word of abuse for Imran Khan. Difference is very clear in the personality of both. Public should decide.
I have never seen Imran speaking truth. His speeches and interviews have always full of lies. This thing is enough to prove him as a Liar that he has no evidence of all his blames on Nawaz Sharif and many others.
Respected Army Chief has met three times with respected Prime Minister during last few days. Army Chief should play his role for the end of this Dharna of anarchists. These anarchists are working on the foreign agenda to destroy the Pakistan's economy. Country was running quite smoothly before start of this crisis created by Imran Khan and Tahir ul qadri. I request Imran Khan and Qadri to have pity on Pakistanis.
Unknown is known. Never ever in Pakistan history incumbent Prime Minister has been included in FIR and from that point of view Dr Tahir Qadri should be a bit pacified because it is what was unknown in Pakistan till about 2 hours before when FIR was registered. I will appreciate PM Nawaz also for eventually agreeing to get him also listed along with others. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait
Dear Sir Qadir Saheb: Please stop this drama, and leave us alone.. Enough is enough..
People say not even a bullet has been fired. You people are sleeping, the IG resigned because he was forced to take action against these women and children by the pml-n leaders. You people can only debate on the internet and character assassinate. I bet if you were one of the family members of the 14 victims of the Model town attack, you'd be the one protesting in the first lane. Everyone here is sold. Sadness to PML-N.
Entire drama is written, produced and directed by Establishment. No one will believe it but history will tell it one day. Entire nation will come to know one day that Imran and Qadri were puppets of Establishment. Establishment wants to weaken the democracy and doing all such tactics.
Enough is enough. Now this anarchy should be ended by both revolutionists. tahir ul Qadri wants to bring revolution with the help of Choudhary Braothers and Saradar Asif Ahmed on his right and left. Imran wants to bring change by gathering many rejected politicians of other parties including Musharraf era. Please stop fooling the nation any more.
@Raju: Khan should be arrested to start the civil disobedience movement. and Nawaz Sharif should be give premiership because he has stolen our mandate. Pathetic.
Any FIR against Imran Khan and Qadri Sahib who are continuously teaching violence to their workers??? Nothing happens to these preachers but their workers are affected. Workers are in the sun and rain while these preachers are sitting in air-conditioned containers.
Who is telling? Ch Shujaat just now met Qadri in his container about half an hour before saying that FIR in Lahore is not registered which I have read here at this site whereas government is saying it is registered. Whom to believe? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile (00965)66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
@JB: Why can't you understand that once elections are over, we have to stand behind the leader of the country. Argue all you want before elections but once the majority vote has been heard, it's all our jobs to respect the public mandate. This is how democracy works. Whether you like it or not, the majority of Pakistan's voters selected Nawaz Sharif. He can be voted out in due course but most people who voted for him believe in his infrastructure projects like motorways etc because they think it is good for the economy. I used to support PTI but no more since I have witnessed a call to mob rule and a sore loser mentality that threatens the state. As for the Model Town tragedy, the blame lies squarely with Tahirul Qadri who incited his followers to attack the police. Anywhere in the world, attacking the police would invite violence on their part.
@Jb....my dear...how can IK asks for PM resignation when he is not even convicted by any court of Pakistan?..SS resignation is something else and he should resign on moral grounds...but why PM has to resign?..just to give face saving to looser Imran Khan?....today if I lodge FIR against you and ask you to leave your employer and step down will u do that?...when any high court or supreme court will convict NS only then should resign..and dont forget the fact that Model Town incident happened because of voilent Tuq speeches..he promted crowd to go against police and administration and that became the flash point of incident...so TuQ should also be indulge in FIR...I was a follower and voter of PTI before elections...but now I started realizing that IK's agenda is something else and he is just playing with youth to become PM....
Investigations will prove that PTI leader Tahir ul Qadri was responsible for the killings. He made speeches full of violence that aroused his followers. They became very much motivated and ready to ruin everything as directed to them by their leader. They attacked policemen with bullets, stones, bricks and sticks. When police saw that dozens of their companions had injured, they fired. i certainly believe that counter FIR should be registered against Tahir ul Qadri and his workers.
Go Imran Go. Go Qadri Go.
Police fired in its defence. More than 45 policemen were seriously injured. They were injured due to firing from PAT workers. People should see both sides of the picture.
I am not igniting at all as someone may construe it alike but yet the fact remains that in Pakistan history none has agitated like Qadri and Imran whose some demands were accepted by PM Nawaz but they did not agree with PM Nawaz and instead remained adamant and refused to end dharna unless all their demands are met but now at this stage if they quit dharna without achieving for what they mobilized thousands of people of all ages not only from each part of Pakistan but a few overseas dwellers also then it be remembered that next time not even one will come on the streets come what may. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
I humbly request the Chief Agitator (Imran & Qadri) to please think about the country. They are making fool of Pakistan for rest of the world. Supreme Court should order for the end of this Dharna.
Imran has proved through his politics of last 2 months that he should never be elected as Prime Minister of the country.
The PM and CM (Punjab) should read the writing on the wall (of Parliament) and in all decency, tender their respective resignations.
The FIR against PML(N) main leaders is a great injustice to victims. Fake revolutionary thug will prolong this case for rest of his life and use it for his glory. In village life when victims involve a powerful man to help them in their case, the powerful man find that opportunity to settle his own score. In this case too, victims won't get anything. .
@Shoukat: Signing of US$664.8M by a businessman PM, who loves to extract as much commission as possible. The Finance Minister (Ishaq Dar) acts as his agent to channel the kick backs without leaving any trace of graft evidence. Hurrah! the billionaire PM becoming richer with every passing day ....... while trampling on the welfare of his countrymen.
Model Town incident happened due to speeches of Tahir ul Qadri full of violence and hate. His followers attacked the police with bullets and sticks; due to which all it happened. Tahir ul Qadri should also be held responsible.
Pakistan does not need external enemies in the presence of Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri. Both are trying to fulfill their evil agenda. Their agenda is to destroy the economy of Pakistan.
I applaud the PMLN lovers-they stand behind their leaders even when they are accused of murder! Bravo! Congratulations on being blind and deaf followers of Sharif Monarchy! I am amazed how they are calling for arrest of IK on the basis of insults and language yet SS and NS are being accused of MURDER!!! Apparently language takes priority over life. Well done!
I am really shocked to hear the rough language used by Imran Khan, Sheikh Rasheed and few others against Nawaz Sharif. Allah save Nawas Sharif from the hate of haters. Allah save Nawaz Sharif from the jealousy of jealous persons.
shame on PTI...shame on PTI....shame on PTI....i m really shameful and sorry for being voted to Imran Khan in last years elections....he is not suited to become PM of Pakistan with this low patience attitude, cheap bazari language and civil disobedience movement...he should be arrested on account of insultin parliment, judiciary and taking law and order in his own hands...
Long live Altaf Hussain credit goes to him to bring PML-N to knees for registering FIR against the aquised killing of innocent citizens Allah is great
PTI is not doing that for which they were elected by KPK people. Federal government is elected by people for certain objectives. PTI is creating obstacles for federal government in achievement of those objectives. This is the politics of PTI.
Dr Tahir Qadri,Be very cautious and alert lest your fall into a ditch and then repent later. Just registration of FIR is nothing but hurling dust into eyes. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile (00965)66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
Earlier I listened Imran's speech regularly in the evening since 14 August. Now I have stpped listening him. Daily same thing and same attitude. His speech is always full of blames and abuses but he has failed to provide any evidence. I dislike the way he used such rough language about Nawaz Sharif and few others. Imran, you have lost my vote.
No one is above the Martial Law
PTI has drowned in its own Tsunami. PTI badly failed to arrange a big show in Islamabad because of poor response of people. They could hardly gather few thousand people. Now there is one one problem and that is ego of Imran Khan. He should set aside his ego and think for Pakistan. His drama is costing billions to Pakistani economy on daily basis. He should have pity on us.
Imran Khan is doing the dirtiest politics ever done by any politician in Pakistan since 1947. 5 out of 6 demands have been accepted by the government. The most important is the electoral reforms. Now Imran should focus on fulfillment of these 5 areas.
Pervez Khattak, what are you doing in Islamabad? You are elected by we people in KPK. Please visit the IDPs in Bannu as well. Please feel your responsibility. if you perform well, PTI will be re-elected in the next elections; otherwise there will be bitter defeat.
Country is in the state of war and Imran + Qadri are doing politics. Our armed forces are busy in a difficult war while these anarchists are busy in creating anarchy in the country. Shame for Imran and Qadri. Entire nation should condemn these two politicians.
Nawaz Sharif is responsible of the current situation in the country, being a politician and PM it was his duty to handle the situation in earlier stage.His feudal mentality made him ignorant and pathetic day by day.
The whole nation is deeply depressed by the current political situation in Pakistan created by two parties and rivals. IK not only have proved himself as a person with shortsighted vision but also a stubborn and arrogant person. He could have bring change when he have given the chance by the people in next elections which are not so far from now only 3.5 year are left and Sky will not fell down until that time. Some one should wake him up and shaken him to come back in real life as even if third empire raise the finger will not throw the PM chair in his lap. We had not learn from our Past. I believe on the famous saying "As you Sow. so shall you reap"
I see PTI only on Facebook and social media. This party is not present in the general public. Everyone is abusing PTI. That is why Imran Khan is taking revenge from this nation who did not vote for him.
Blood money will paid.
Fawad Cheema
PTI is not loosing it's credibility you need to have your eyes and brain checked PMLN IS FINISHED YOU HAVE TO EXCEPT THAT.
......after 17 days...........are they to be trusted ?.....only the naive would.
I request Nawaz Sharif to please never resign. I voted for you with my family. Your resignation will be insult of my vote. Few hundred protestors cannot change the mandate given by millions of voters.
PML(n) won the elections because Youth voted for PML(n). It is a misconception that Imran is a representative of Youth. One more thing PTI can never defeat PML(n) from Lahore because only burger families like PTI while PML(n) have roots in public of Lahore.
It is the greatest blessing of Allah that Imran is not Prime Minister of Pakistan. His politics during last few months has proved that he is not fit for the post of Prime Minister. Imran himself is the biggest threat for PTI.
All my prayers for respected Nawaz Sharif. He is the only hope for Pakistan. Insha Allah no one can harm him.
PTI has lost the battle due to poor attendance of people in the Dharna. Gathering becomes in Imran's speech due to PAT followers sitting there. Number increase only on weeend when people come there only to enjoy music.
PML-N all the way.
PMLN making a big deal of registering FIR. The police is supposed to do that after LHC verdict! Don't expect credit for it, it's their job to do it!
I think you were sleeping or away my friend when they shot dead 14 in model town and still have not registered FIR. Saying that we are willing ro register now is not a favor but proves that they are criminals who have obstructed justice. There is something called morality. It is consider a democratic norm in rest of the civilized world that if you are involved or accused of being involved in something as heinous as this, you resign. Registering an FIR is the basic law and right, not a favor that has been denied. Unfortunately, we are becoming so poliarized that we are forgetting what is right and wrong. You may favor IK , NS or any one you like but failing to condemn and ask for accoutability of what happened to the innocents in Model town in plain unfortunate. The only decent thing NS and his Gov can do is resign but ofcourse they won't, infact they have not even shown any remorse. @Dawood:
@GHUMMAN: Does it mean NS is above the law ? Does it mean SS is above the law ? Does it mean family members of SS & NS are above the law ??
I think that there is no man in PTI to guide Imran towards the right path. He is doing mistakes again and again that are bad for himself as well as PTI.
PTI is continuously losing its popularity due to dirty politics of Imran Khan. If elections are held now, PTI will not be able to get even 10 national assembly seats all over the country. They should forget victory from KPK next time. People of KPK are still serching for that KPK that was to be built within 90 days.
Pervez Khattak is present in Islamabad for Dharna. Somebody should tell him that Islamabad is not part of KPK. Entire KPK is suffering due to corruption and bad governance of PTI.
The lust of power will not let any member of sharif family to step down otherwise as a chief executive of a province CM Shehbaz sharif should step down over Model Town massacre and let TUQ call off his dharna. If TUQ called off his dharna then it will be easy for govt to tackle PTI alone.
ALLAH bless Pakistan. ALLAH bless Nawaz Sharif.
Half cooked is not cooked though better than not cooked at all. Dr Qadri had said that his minimum 2 pre conditions be accepted and then only he can give some breathing space for rest of his demands. His 2 conditions are (a) registration of FIR 4 Model Town killings and (b) resignation of CM Shehbaz so that independent investigations be carried out against all those who are named in FIR. Yesterday PM Nawaz had rejected both the demands so Qadri has told his people that today at 4pm he will announce what to do next and how. I have my serious doubts that Qadri will budge from his stand and will refuse to eat half cooked food unless he is his own enemy. I wonder why PM Nawaz rejected it yesterday or for that matter why did he agree to just 1 demand and not both? PM Nawaz is shaken for sure even though his election symbol is lion. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
IK and Qadri are puppets of Establishment. Problem is that establishment is doing conspiracies against democracy. Both these puppets are being used for the purpose.
Imran says that people should send money to Pakistan through Hundi. He wants to provide benefit to who? He wants to destablize the country's economy. He should know that it is money laundering. He wants to ruin Pakistan because he is not PM of Pakistan. I certainly believe that Insha Allah he will never become Prime Minister of Pakistan. Aameen.
Nawaz Sharif faced the dirtiest language of Imran Khan. I appreciate the courage and patience of Nawaz Sharif. I have never listened such language from nawaz Sharif about Imran Khan. Public should decide.
The crux of the matter are two. First the Registration of the FIR against the 21 people nominated in the FIR & directed by the High Court. Once it is registered both the PM & CM will have no Moral ground to stay. This must be pursued by both parties with full vigor. The other aspect is regarding the rigging/corruption in the Elections. All the information must be compiled and shown to the people of Pakistan through the Electronic/PrintMedia. The War must be fought on the Electronic & Print Media with full earnest.
I request Imran Khan to please return my vote back to me. I voted for him with some hope. I was not expecting such illogical long marches from him. He is continuously wasting nation's time and resources.
I belong to KPK. I believe that ANP era was better than PTI era. Province is facing the poorest governance. PTI has done nothing to improve the infrastructure of the province. There are inadequate medical facilities in the hospitals of KPK. Imran should bring change in KPK; then he should think about rest of the country.
Affects of Long March and Dharna: - Dollar is going up. - Pakistani Rupee is depreciating against other countries. - Stock market index is coming down. - Flow of home remittances has decreased. Moreover Imran has announced Civil Disobedience. All it shows that Imran is an enemy of pakistan. He is working on the agenda of those who was to destroy the economy of Pakistan.
Imran Khan always talks about change. I am also member of PTI. I believe that first change should be there in PTI. Imran is not fit for the post of Chirman PTI. There must be some change now in PTI.
@Shoukat: Does it mean that they are above the law ?
Have you gone nuts???
Dont your remember the statements of PM that no one will be allowed to stage Dharna, therefore they had blocked cities with containers and Pindi and Islambad are still blocked, the High court issuing orders to let the protest be and removal of conatiners from all accross Punjab.
Are you even in relevant with the 1st week of August, the govt did it best to block all the possible means of this protest.
Get your facts straight dude, we don't have a memory of fly.
Nawaz is worse than dictators.
Wow, now this will change our lifes forever.
Or wait a minute?
Would it?
for those shot in cold blood and brutality we have no room to vein for, but what if had it been your mother or your sister, shot in the face 3 times, and you unable to register even a goddam FIR.
What animals we have became.
No wonder we are getting what we deserve.
@ Ghumman, he is NOT the only hope, getting bank loans from the IMF and selling gov bonds at junk levels, only to then add that money to our "foreign exchange reserves" does not make a person the "only hope", how about he liquidate his assets in the UK and elsewhere and bring all of his wealth back to pakistan. Wont happen will it? And you call him the only hope lol.
For elites to be held accountable in Pakistan, you have to bring 50-60 k people on the streets. Kudos status-quo, kudos.
Bravo NS.
As per the statistics, all can see that there is much reduction in suicide attacks, bomb blasts and drone attacks since start of Nawaz Sharif era. This must be appreciated. Opposition does not mean criticizing all the time. There should be balance in the role of Opposition. Imran should appreciate the good work of the government.
http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/08/27/a-less-gloomy-mood-in-pakistan/ As per latest PEW survey, Nawaz Sharif is still at top in popularity. NS should continue his efforts for the revival of sick economy of Pakistan. He is the only hope for Pakistan.
Both Imran and Qadri are anti-state elements. Public is highly disappointed from their so-called long march and dharna. Both ararchists have failed in achieving their objectives.
PTI and PAT wished some bloodshed in Islamabad for the success of their protests. I appreciate Nawaz Sharif for his patience. Not even a single bullet or shell of tear gas is fired. This is called democracy. This is called freedom of speech.
When others are busy in illogical Dharnas, PM Nawaz Sharif witnesses signing of USD 664.8 million project agreements. Bravo Nawaz Sharif. http://www.brecorder.com/top-news/108-pakistan-top-news/190588-pm-witnesses-signing-of-$-6648mn-project-financing-agreements.html