Islamabad sit-in updates: Imran says they will not spare Sharif brothers for attacking unarmed protesters
At leats 240 injured as police, protesters clash on 17th day of sit-in; MQM calls for day of mourning.
Fierce clashes erupted between law-enforcers and protesters in Islamabad late Saturday night as protesters attempted to march towards the Prime Minister House.
Tear-gas and rubber bullets have been used by police, while protesters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have responded with pelting stones.
The clashes come on the 14th day of sit-ins in the capital, which had thus far remained without incident.
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.
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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.
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August 31, 4:30am
Express News reports that police has resorted heavy shelling of teargas near the Cabinet Division.
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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.
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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
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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
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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."
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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.
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August 31, 12:35am
Imran Khan claims that that bullet and tear gas fired on his bus.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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August 29, 1:14am
PTI chief Imran Khan has returned to sit-in after meeting Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.
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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.
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August 28, 11:53pm
The meeting between Army chief and PTI chief begins in Rawalpindi.
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August 28, 11:18pm
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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August 28, 1:06am
Talking to Express News, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed admits that there is coordination between PAT and PTI.
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August 28, 12:54am
Our team had conveyed to the PAT that we are ready to have a baseless and false FIR lodged against us, if Qadri agrees to let the people whom he is holding hostage go, says Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.
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August 28, 12:28am
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August 28, 12:24am
Tomorrow a decision will be made, and the people will make that decision, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:23am
Qadri says on Thursday 3pm, he will deliver his march's and sit-in's final address.
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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.
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.
[poll id="1348"]
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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August 29, 1:14am
PTI chief Imran Khan has returned to sit-in after meeting Army Chief General Raheel Sharif.
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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.
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August 28, 11:53pm
The meeting between Army chief and PTI chief begins in Rawalpindi.
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August 28, 11:18pm
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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.
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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="https://infogr.am/has-your-opinion-of-imran-khan-changed-as-a-result-of-the-ongoing-political-crisis" 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.
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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
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August 28, 1:06am
Talking to Express News, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed admits that there is coordination between PAT and PTI.
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August 28, 12:54am
Our team had conveyed to the PAT that we are ready to have a baseless and false FIR lodged against us, if Qadri agrees to let the people whom he is holding hostage go, says Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.
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August 28, 12:28am
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August 28, 12:24am
Tomorrow a decision will be made, and the people will make that decision, says PAT chief.
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August 28, 12:23am
Qadri says on Thursday 3pm, he will deliver his march's and sit-in's final address.
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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.