(LIVE) Islamabad protests: PTI to mark one month of protests on Saturday
Army chief should take notice of elements dragging it into politics, says Khursheed Shah
As the talks between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the government resumed, courtesy the Opposition’s Political Jirga, both protesting parties have shifted their sit-ins back to D-Chowk.
The move comes in the wake of news that the Chinese President had postponed his trip to Pakistan owing to the uncertainty in Islamabad.
As their protests enter the 26th day, leaders of both groups remain resolute in their demand for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.
Updates of the Islamabad protests from September 8, 2014, can be found here.
September 10, 10:12pm
PTI chief Imran Khan is back on stage. He alleges that poison is being spewed against his party. Asks what are they doing that is causing the govt so much discomfort?
"I came into politics to safeguard the poor and the weak," he said.
Imran Khan asks Ahsan Iqbal to not lie and to explain how has PTI's demonstration caused Rs1 trillion worth of loss.
Imran points towards comments of the SC which said peaceful demonstrations was their right, and that they are not breaking any law.
On the other hand, the PTI chairman claims the government had killed many people and that he saw two protesters die in front of him.
Imran further alleges that they do not know exactly how many protesters had been killed since the govt covered up the real figure.
Imran Khan claims that in K-P they passed law of conflict of interest which mandated any elected representative cannot run a business.
He said four sugar mills owned by members in the government, they took money from the Trading Corporation of Pakistan for sugar they did not supply later.
"This has caused prices of sugar to rise from Rs45 per kg to Rs65 per kg," he said.
Imran claims Nawaz Sharif invested $320 million in Europe through Robert Hersch, of which there is no record.
He also points towards Flagship Investments under Hussain Nawaz who owns a flat in London worth Rs800 million.
"There is no accountability of this and no one in NA will ask about it either since opposition is also complicit."
Imran Khan says he went to court to prove allegations regarding Shaukhat Khanum were false.
However, he said, those in power are afraid of going to court to disprove allegations because they know truth will come out.
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September 10, 9:10pm
Another round of talks between the PTI and government ends, Express News reports.
Members of both the negotiating committees say the talks have entered a 'critical phase', and have resolved to continue the dialogue process.
Express News screengrab of Ishaq Dar and Shah Mehmood Qureshi talking to media.
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September 10, 8:37pm
A meeting between PTI and government's negotiating teams is underway at Jehangir Tareen's residence, Express News reports.
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September 10, 8:10pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chief Imran Khan says his movement is spreading.
"I will reveal something at 9:30pm today," he adds.
Express News screengrab of PTI chief Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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September 10, 7:53pm
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September 10, 7:50pm
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah says the army has remained impartial during the current political crisis.
“Army chief General Raheel Sharif should take notice of elements dragging the army into politics in the current political crisis,” Shah says talking to media representatives in Peshawar.
Read here for the full story.
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September 10, 7:10pm
Addressing his supporters, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri refutes claims that he is residing in a ‘luxurious container’.
“I invite parliamentarians to come and see my container or ask those who’ve visited,” he adds.
Qadri says he will give the country an alternative economic policy.
"Borrowing should be from direct public consent and not 'secretive'. We want a transparent mechanism after ‘revolution’."
The PAT chief added that 70% of Parliamentarians were thieves and tax evaders. “We will close the doors of Parliament for all such people.”
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September 10, 6:40pm
PTI’s core committee meeting is underway in Imran Khan’s container, Express News reports.
Leaders including Saifullah Niazi, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Shireen Mazari are present.
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September 10, 4:50pm
Ahsan Iqbal says the government wants matters to be resolved as soon as possible as it wants to put an end to the political uncertainty in the country.
While talking to the media after meeting the negotiation committee of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Iqbal said the country’s economy was picking up before the sit-ins, but has suffered heavily since the protests began.
“We want load-shedding to end, and the economy to grow at a rate of 6-7%,” he added.
He argued that Parliament had evolved a consensus on the supremacy of law and Constitution, and this was ‘Naya Pakistan’.
“Poverty cannot end until there is economic and political stability,” he said.
Meanwhile, PAT president Raheeq Abbasi says negotiations with the opposition jirga cannot progress until PM Nawaz Sharif and CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif step down.
“We have already shown flexibility in talks,” he said.
“The report of the commission investigating the Model Town killing, formed by the chief minister, has not been published yet. A few leaked sections of the report point towards the role of the Punjab government in the incident.”
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September 10, 12:50pm
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, at the joint session of Parliament, says the PTI presented six demands of which five have been accepted.
“PTI gave its first written draft of demands on August 30.”
“A country’s capital cannot be held hostage,” he says, adding, the government from the very first day decided to resolve the issue through peaceful negotiations.
“Pakistan has suffered a major loss because of the sit-in. Three heads of states have cancelled or postponed their visits to the country.”
“Three of PTI’s demands are futuristic,” Dar adds referring to the demands for electoral reforms.
“Electoral reforms committee has started work but PTI has added two more demands to their existing demands.”
“The other two demands are regarding the judicial commission,” the finance minister elaborates.
“If massive rigging is proven then we have no right to stay, the whole cabinet will be dissolved.”
The finance minister says PAT’s demand of a national reforms committee is unrealistic.
Further, referring to PAT and PTI's demand of the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Dar says no one can be removed from their based on allegations. However, he adds if the allegations are proven, then those responsible will resign themselves as they have no right to stay.
Express News screengrab of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar addressing the joint session of Parliament.
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September 10, 12:15pm
Addressing the joint session of Parliament, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique says PAT chief Tahirul Qadri and PTI chief Imran Khan are playing with the Constitution.
Rafique adds that Qadri preaches revolution but does not know its basics.
“Imran is using abusive language to degrade parliamentarians.”
Claiming that the PML-N is prepared to fight those who are against the democratic system, the railways minister says: “Unfortunately we came across politicians who are immature, and do know nothing but talking about rigging allegations.”
“The state can easily manage a few thousand people staging a sit-in but we don’t want to breed hatred,” he adds.
"The third umpire Imran is waiting for won't come," says Rafique.
Appealing to the protesting parties to end their sit-in and help flood victims, Rafique says Imran is mocking the situation by asking people to help during the day and come to the sit-in in the evening.
“Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Perviaz Khattak is imprisoned in a dharna jail,” he says, adding “He is a part-time chief minister and this is not how governments work.”
“Fast bowlers are not politicians,” he says urging Imran to make a decision whether he is a politician or a bowler.
Express News screengrab of Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique addressing the joint session of Parliament.
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September 10, 12:10pm
Claiming that protesters in Islamabad are "rented people," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urges the nation not to stand by those who are fighting an "egotistical war".
Read here for the full story.
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September 10, 2:01am
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday claimed that the political instability caused by the nearly month long protests in Islamabad had cost the economy Rs1 trillion.
Read the full story here.
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September 10, 12:31am
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September 9, 10:05pm
Imran Khan addressing sit-in, Express News reports.
ANP chief Asfandyar Wali says where PTI won, there is no doubt there, says Imran.
PTI chief says In PK-10 PTI leader Shah Farman won. So ANP calls for recounting. Farman agreed to recount and after recounting he was again declared winner.
We have instituted a monitoring service in K-P and those teachers not maintaining regular attendance have been fired, says PTI chief.
Imran Khan says despite paying Rs500 billion to pay off circular debt, load shedding is still there, electricity costs have doubled.
He further claims that as per auditor general of Pakistan, Sharif brothers pocketed Rs2 billion on the laptop scheme.
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September 9, 9:55pm
PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says, from today, they are no longer bound by negotiations, they don't have much time and competition is stiff, Express News reports.
Our aim is not to become Parliamentarians, but to change the country, says Qureshi.
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September 9, 7:50pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan says he is struggling for the poor and downtrodden.
“We have to fight this war because your (supporters) captain will not back down and will not leave the oppressors.”
Referring to his visit to the flood affected areas in Sialkot, Imran says he will help the flood victims and those displaced due to Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Further, he exhorts the government to care for the flood victims.
"Providing relief to flood victims is the responsibility of the state," he adds.
The PTI chief appreciates his supporters for gathering for 27 days, while announcing that he will address them again at 9:30pm.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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September 9, 4:49pm
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan says he will not be the first to blink in the "battle of nerves" with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif even as crowds dwindle almost a month into his sit-in outside Parliament.
For more details, read the story here.
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September 9, 11:04am
Protesters in Islamabad have told the BBC they were paid to join rallies for "three or four days" but are now being denied permission to return home.
For more details, read the story here.
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September 9, 3:55am
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September 9, 12:37am
Imran Khan urges the Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of the 800 containers placed around Islamabad to block off roads.
"CJP, either order authorities to remove these containers, or we will remove it by force," says Imran Khan.
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September 9, 12:35am
Referring to the unofficial results of by-elections in PK-68, where PTI's candidate was declared winner, Imran Khan says, "if Maulana Fazlur Rehman has any objection, then I am ready to hold re-counting tomorrow."
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The move comes in the wake of news that the Chinese President had postponed his trip to Pakistan owing to the uncertainty in Islamabad.
As their protests enter the 26th day, leaders of both groups remain resolute in their demand for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah says the army has remained impartial during the current political crisis
- PTI's core committee decides not to end sit-in till PM Nawaz resigns
- Negotiations between PAT and government continue
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says protesters are 'rented'
- Railways Minister Saad Rafique says the third umpire Imran Khan is waiting for won't come
- Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says the government and PTI have reached an agreement on most of the points but one point remains non-negotiable
Read all our coverage of PTI’s Azadi March here and the Inqilab March here.
Updates of the Islamabad protests from September 8, 2014, can be found here.
September 10, 10:12pm
PTI chief Imran Khan is back on stage. He alleges that poison is being spewed against his party. Asks what are they doing that is causing the govt so much discomfort?
"I came into politics to safeguard the poor and the weak," he said.
Imran Khan asks Ahsan Iqbal to not lie and to explain how has PTI's demonstration caused Rs1 trillion worth of loss.
Imran points towards comments of the SC which said peaceful demonstrations was their right, and that they are not breaking any law.
On the other hand, the PTI chairman claims the government had killed many people and that he saw two protesters die in front of him.
Imran further alleges that they do not know exactly how many protesters had been killed since the govt covered up the real figure.
Imran Khan claims that in K-P they passed law of conflict of interest which mandated any elected representative cannot run a business.
He said four sugar mills owned by members in the government, they took money from the Trading Corporation of Pakistan for sugar they did not supply later.
"This has caused prices of sugar to rise from Rs45 per kg to Rs65 per kg," he said.
Imran claims Nawaz Sharif invested $320 million in Europe through Robert Hersch, of which there is no record.
He also points towards Flagship Investments under Hussain Nawaz who owns a flat in London worth Rs800 million.
"There is no accountability of this and no one in NA will ask about it either since opposition is also complicit."
Imran Khan says he went to court to prove allegations regarding Shaukhat Khanum were false.
However, he said, those in power are afraid of going to court to disprove allegations because they know truth will come out.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 10, 9:10pm
Another round of talks between the PTI and government ends, Express News reports.
Members of both the negotiating committees say the talks have entered a 'critical phase', and have resolved to continue the dialogue process.
Express News screengrab of Ishaq Dar and Shah Mehmood Qureshi talking to media.
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September 10, 8:37pm
A meeting between PTI and government's negotiating teams is underway at Jehangir Tareen's residence, Express News reports.
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September 10, 8:10pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chief Imran Khan says his movement is spreading.
"I will reveal something at 9:30pm today," he adds.
Express News screengrab of PTI chief Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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September 10, 7:53pm
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September 10, 7:50pm
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah says the army has remained impartial during the current political crisis.
“Army chief General Raheel Sharif should take notice of elements dragging the army into politics in the current political crisis,” Shah says talking to media representatives in Peshawar.
Read here for the full story.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 10, 7:10pm
Addressing his supporters, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri refutes claims that he is residing in a ‘luxurious container’.
“I invite parliamentarians to come and see my container or ask those who’ve visited,” he adds.
Qadri says he will give the country an alternative economic policy.
"Borrowing should be from direct public consent and not 'secretive'. We want a transparent mechanism after ‘revolution’."
The PAT chief added that 70% of Parliamentarians were thieves and tax evaders. “We will close the doors of Parliament for all such people.”
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September 10, 6:40pm
PTI’s core committee meeting is underway in Imran Khan’s container, Express News reports.
Leaders including Saifullah Niazi, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Shireen Mazari are present.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 10, 4:50pm
Ahsan Iqbal says the government wants matters to be resolved as soon as possible as it wants to put an end to the political uncertainty in the country.
While talking to the media after meeting the negotiation committee of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Iqbal said the country’s economy was picking up before the sit-ins, but has suffered heavily since the protests began.
“We want load-shedding to end, and the economy to grow at a rate of 6-7%,” he added.
He argued that Parliament had evolved a consensus on the supremacy of law and Constitution, and this was ‘Naya Pakistan’.
“Poverty cannot end until there is economic and political stability,” he said.
Meanwhile, PAT president Raheeq Abbasi says negotiations with the opposition jirga cannot progress until PM Nawaz Sharif and CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif step down.
“We have already shown flexibility in talks,” he said.
“The report of the commission investigating the Model Town killing, formed by the chief minister, has not been published yet. A few leaked sections of the report point towards the role of the Punjab government in the incident.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 10, 12:50pm
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, at the joint session of Parliament, says the PTI presented six demands of which five have been accepted.
“PTI gave its first written draft of demands on August 30.”
“A country’s capital cannot be held hostage,” he says, adding, the government from the very first day decided to resolve the issue through peaceful negotiations.
“Pakistan has suffered a major loss because of the sit-in. Three heads of states have cancelled or postponed their visits to the country.”
“Three of PTI’s demands are futuristic,” Dar adds referring to the demands for electoral reforms.
“Electoral reforms committee has started work but PTI has added two more demands to their existing demands.”
“The other two demands are regarding the judicial commission,” the finance minister elaborates.
“If massive rigging is proven then we have no right to stay, the whole cabinet will be dissolved.”
The finance minister says PAT’s demand of a national reforms committee is unrealistic.
Further, referring to PAT and PTI's demand of the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Dar says no one can be removed from their based on allegations. However, he adds if the allegations are proven, then those responsible will resign themselves as they have no right to stay.
Express News screengrab of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar addressing the joint session of Parliament.
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September 10, 12:15pm
Addressing the joint session of Parliament, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique says PAT chief Tahirul Qadri and PTI chief Imran Khan are playing with the Constitution.
Rafique adds that Qadri preaches revolution but does not know its basics.
“Imran is using abusive language to degrade parliamentarians.”
Claiming that the PML-N is prepared to fight those who are against the democratic system, the railways minister says: “Unfortunately we came across politicians who are immature, and do know nothing but talking about rigging allegations.”
“The state can easily manage a few thousand people staging a sit-in but we don’t want to breed hatred,” he adds.
"The third umpire Imran is waiting for won't come," says Rafique.
Appealing to the protesting parties to end their sit-in and help flood victims, Rafique says Imran is mocking the situation by asking people to help during the day and come to the sit-in in the evening.
“Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Perviaz Khattak is imprisoned in a dharna jail,” he says, adding “He is a part-time chief minister and this is not how governments work.”
“Fast bowlers are not politicians,” he says urging Imran to make a decision whether he is a politician or a bowler.
Express News screengrab of Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique addressing the joint session of Parliament.
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September 10, 12:10pm
Claiming that protesters in Islamabad are "rented people," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urges the nation not to stand by those who are fighting an "egotistical war".
Read here for the full story.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 10, 2:01am
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday claimed that the political instability caused by the nearly month long protests in Islamabad had cost the economy Rs1 trillion.
Read the full story here.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 10, 12:31am
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 9, 10:05pm
Imran Khan addressing sit-in, Express News reports.
ANP chief Asfandyar Wali says where PTI won, there is no doubt there, says Imran.
PTI chief says In PK-10 PTI leader Shah Farman won. So ANP calls for recounting. Farman agreed to recount and after recounting he was again declared winner.
We have instituted a monitoring service in K-P and those teachers not maintaining regular attendance have been fired, says PTI chief.
Imran Khan says despite paying Rs500 billion to pay off circular debt, load shedding is still there, electricity costs have doubled.
He further claims that as per auditor general of Pakistan, Sharif brothers pocketed Rs2 billion on the laptop scheme.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 9, 9:55pm
PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says, from today, they are no longer bound by negotiations, they don't have much time and competition is stiff, Express News reports.
Our aim is not to become Parliamentarians, but to change the country, says Qureshi.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
September 9, 7:50pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan says he is struggling for the poor and downtrodden.
“We have to fight this war because your (supporters) captain will not back down and will not leave the oppressors.”
Referring to his visit to the flood affected areas in Sialkot, Imran says he will help the flood victims and those displaced due to Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Further, he exhorts the government to care for the flood victims.
"Providing relief to flood victims is the responsibility of the state," he adds.
The PTI chief appreciates his supporters for gathering for 27 days, while announcing that he will address them again at 9:30pm.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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September 9, 4:49pm
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan says he will not be the first to blink in the "battle of nerves" with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif even as crowds dwindle almost a month into his sit-in outside Parliament.
For more details, read the story here.
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September 9, 11:04am
Protesters in Islamabad have told the BBC they were paid to join rallies for "three or four days" but are now being denied permission to return home.
For more details, read the story here.
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September 9, 3:55am
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September 9, 12:37am
Imran Khan urges the Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of the 800 containers placed around Islamabad to block off roads.
"CJP, either order authorities to remove these containers, or we will remove it by force," says Imran Khan.
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September 9, 12:35am
Referring to the unofficial results of by-elections in PK-68, where PTI's candidate was declared winner, Imran Khan says, "if Maulana Fazlur Rehman has any objection, then I am ready to hold re-counting tomorrow."
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