The ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has endorsed a novel plan to hire 200 cameramen for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s shutdown call of Lahore on December 15, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Sources close to the party said the Punjab government intends to deploy the cameramen to make footage of PTI protesters and use the recordings later as evidence against PTI workers ahead of the registration of FIRs. The cameramen have been hired from Sunday night to Monday night.
After applauding the idea, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif quickly approved it. Sources said that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah Khan briefed the PM about the government’s troubleshooting strategy on December 15. They said the party is determined not to repeat its Faisalabad strategy here in Lahore.
The Punjab government has asked the business community to keep open their businesses for a part of the day and its hired cameramen will make videos of this. Later, the media sections of the Punjab government and federal government will air the recordings to show how Lahore was running smoothly. Traders of the city have reportedly been approached by PML-N’s Lahore President Malik Pervez, and have given him an assurance that they will open their markets early in the morning till 12pm. Traders will decide how long they will keep their shops open in view of the situation.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif apprised the PM that in addition to the police, he has decided to deploy Punjab Rangers as well in order to give added protection to the city’s businessmen and to control PTI workers.
All PML-N lawmakers in the city have been asked to remain behind the scenes on December 15. In case PTI workers try to sow discord, they intend to point it out to the cameramen, and later support police in registering cases against them.
How to save the speaker
The PML-N leadership has also devised its strategy on both talks with PTI as well as legal remedies for saving the seat of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune.
About dialogue with PTI, the party’s negotiators led by Senator Ishaq Dar are not expected to budge from their earlier position. The ruling party has decided that it won’t accept any PTI demands which would help PTI in making doubtful the 2013 elections.
The sticking points are the definition of rigging, work plan, framework for the Judicial Commission (JC) and inclusion of retired judges or members of Military Intelligence and Inter Services Intelligence Agency. The ruling party is not expected to show any flexibility on these counts. The party will offer PTI the option of an inquiry on massive rigging in the general election, and that the commission should do work independently.
For the moment, PML-N officials believe that PTI has only exit strategy -- that is through the joint commission. Despite that it is not ready to give Imran Khan any room for manoeuvring his way out.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Federal Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that Imran wants to throw out all 272 MNAs from the National Assembly and nullify the entire 2013 polls “through his baseless allegations”.
He said that the joint commission will work under Pakistan Inquiry Act 1956 and will probe allegations of rigging. He also claimed that since Imran’s Faisalabad and Karachi shutdown calls have “flopped”, his options are increasingly limited.
Trump in danger
Party sources said that the PML-N leadership has sought detailed briefings on Ayaz Sadiq’s case as he is the NA speaker and the party does not want him to lose his seat at any cost. The sources confirmed that the ruling party’s leadership has decided that neither the Punjab government nor the federal government would openly assist Sadiq but would continue its work through backdoor channels. They have asked Sadiq to avail all legal remedies and to contest his case like a game of chess.
Sources said that Sadiq has offered firm guarantees that there is no chance of finding any evidence of rigging if bags are opened in the coming days.
However, he expressed fears that there might be some missing ballot bags of NA-122, leading to the possibility of the commissioner declaring the records doubtful.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2014.
COMMENTS (59)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
So many close ended questions from a 1.5 year old government. Had you asked even half of them to your 'party', you wouldnt have been supporting them any more. Firstly, rather than 'how many' ask about what has been done to the already existing ones, are they 'functioning' now or not? Ghost schools are present all over the country, especially Punjab and Sindh, whats the use of their numbers. I summarize all these questions into 2 basic questions; 1) Has the education been focused and improved in KPK? Yes it has been, Tameer-e-school campaign is the biggest school revamping campaign in the history of our country, google it. 2) Are the health facilities improving in KPK? Yes again. Google about Sehet ka Insaf which turned the once 'World Polio Reservior' Peshawar polio free as shown by sewage samples taken after the campaign, now the polio cases been reported there are largely IDPs from FATA (federal government operated), also ask the people there about the attendance of doctors in hospitals before and since PTI regimen. Now pose these two questions to Punjab Government, you will be embarrassed to say the least.
@Ebad, Thank you for another reply. Reading your reply carefully, I guess kpk had been able to be compared with switzerland / sweeden. There are difference of priorities of both CMs (KPK & Punjab). Punjab CM has priority to build instfrastructure while KPK govt preferred to invest in health education sector. This is good, everyone has the right to priorities matters according to his own preferences. But please tell me
How many universities established by Pti in KPK. How many medical college?? How many college?? How many school?? How many nursing institute / peramedical institute?? How many girls colleges?? How many Hospitals?? How many Basic Health units?? How many kids fell into POLIO?? How many Doctors added to existing hospitals?? How many teachers??
Might be these would be in hundreds but people do not know about this, so kindly provide list for me and for ET People. Thanks for our kind information.
You can reach me by pervaiz.nasir@dec.com.pk if ET did not publish your comments.
ET please post my comment, this is my 3rd attempt. Pervaiz Every single time the metro project was criticized, the basic criticism was 'the priority' (and the source of raw material off course) of the project. The Peshawar Rapid Bus service is not being initiated at the cost of basic facilities, the KPK government has spent heavily on education, health, rule of law etc. before this project, so the priorities are correct, unlike the Punjab government. And the cost of this bus service is several times less than the Lahore or Islamabad metros despite being a longer route and having lot more buses. And regarding the receipts of corruption before and after, responding to this part of your comment will only make one look more foolish than the comment itself.
@Ebad This is good to have an instant reply from you, but you missed my point of infrastructure development what is basis necessity for any nation to grow. For exemple if metro project is so bad then why kpk govt is trying to build it and advertised this for many day in national daily newspapers, but having no efficiency required for this type project, now he started to say this as JANGLA BUS. as many 160000 people daily use this facility in Lahore, are these all are nawaz sharif relatives. As for reduction in Police corruption, please send receipts of corruption what he use to take before pti govt and now under pti govt then people will have a comparison sheet to decide about this. Peoples are not fool at all, but you like people underestimating common people considering then fool.
Please tell me and common people when you come again on ET, where development budget is being used and why this is invisible from people of Peshawar. Perhaps development budget is awarding to police with promise from him not to take bribe from common people but from govt.
@ Parvaiz Here we go again. I think you did not even read my comment completely, you just saw your name on the top of the comment and the adrenaline rushed in you to reply instantly. You guys cant stop thinking beyond roads and flyovers, cant you? I have been to Lahore several times, so please don't attempt this misguiding trick, by the way how many times have you been to KPK? Go there and ask the people there, are they getting better services at government institutes? Is the police now there to serve them or to harass them like the Punjab Police? Is the access to justice easier and cheaper now or not? Has the corruption massively reduced there? Has the situation of the schools and hospitals significantly improved there or not? Has the VIP culture being minimized there? Has the law n order situation improved drastically there or not? And then ask yourself about all these in Punjab. This is what actually the governments are there for; to improve the quality of life of an ordinary citizen which these roads and flyovers DONT. Stop fooling others, but before that you must stop fooling yourself.
@Ebad, Mega projects are very much visible. Come down from container and go to Lahore then you can see what projects are being completed in Lahore and punjab. by the way, what project initiated by so called hones govt in KPK, perhaps Mufti mahmood flyover in Peshawar you will ask about what could not be completed in last 2 years. 70% development budget of kpk got lapsed due to inefficiency of pti govt in kpk.
As for raw material used in project, kpk govt can buy it from Jahangir Tareen factories but intiate anyone project in kpk like punjab.
@ Pervaiz What mega projects? The roads, flyovers, buses involving raw material from the factories of their own involving massive commissions and being supervised by the likes of Hanif Abbasi? The majority of the people don't have access to basic life needs like clean water, affordable staple food, electricity, gas, health, education, justice and wonder what this government is spending billions on? Metros!! Keep enjoying these mega project as long as you like but the majority of the masses have rejected these cosmetic project, they demand their basic rights which these Shareefs have no clue about.
NS will use his gullucracy here again. He will get his Gullubutts holding PTI flags and then creating mayhem in the streets, and then he will have a chance to defame the army of IK. These cheap tactics not gonna work this time..
@Now I support PML N:
Haha, A PTI voter would never support Status parties. If IK makes mistakes and losses support. PTI supporters would stay home in next elections or look for someone else who can actually change the system and help remove crooks like NS and Zardari. Voting for NS, Zardari (or their Princes/Princesses in future), Maulana, or ANP is out of question for any IK voter.
@Humza: In this regard Sharif brothers have the pulse of the nation. Punjab is far ahead of the other provinces due to the work of Shahbaz Sharif. All dictators and authoritative people had similar feelings, they all go down fighting with this feeling. You better keep the photo of Mr Nawaz Sharif to remind you how great the Sharifs were and how prosperous their Punjab was ones the dust settles down. IK is simply riding the phenomina of change which has its own dynamics.
Rex Minor
@Hamza You are absolutely right as I am from Lahore and can see what mega project intiated by Shahbaz Sharif and completed within record time. On other side t.here is an uncomplete flyover (Mufti Mahmood Flyover) which could not be completed in 4 years. This is difference between KPK govt and Punjab govt what pti troller could not understand
@es: Well, I have news for you!!! If it was a Western democracies, IK would have been behind bars immediately after he uttered his first threat to Police from atop his container in Islamabad. Similarly, SR would have been nabbed right after his hate and violence-inciting speech from IK's container in Nankana Sahib, and put away together with IK in an 8 x 8 box. Only in Pakistan can someone like IK and his sidekicks have a free for all unbridled tongue, and still roaming around in private jets!
@Now I support PML N: i want to learn dear from u that what has pti done ,has pti kill any one,or found armed at any place ,have u found pti armed at any occasion up till now,what type of progress mian sb and its cronies have made ,i subtly seeking but reality is negating my exertion
@Rex Minor: I think this is a masterstroke for PML N. PTI is only wasting time and its own energy. They haven't looked after IDPs or the conditions in KPK. Look at the sad spectacle of six dead bodies showing up near Nowshera. Tahirul Qadri instigated his brainwashed followers to attack police with the result that there was violence. Imran Khan wants the same to strengthen his cause. Nawaz Sharif won't let that happen now hopefully. After all Imran Khan and his party of sore losers will continue to cry and create unrest but they are only alienating the majority. Let PTI keep making mistakes and it will exhaust itself like it has been doing so far. The simple majority cares about the economy, improving infrastructure, jobs, railways, public transport, health and education. In this regard Sharif brothers have the pulse of the nation. Punjab is far ahead of the other provinces due to the work of Shahbaz Sharif.
Allah bless respected Nawaz Sharif.
Flexing muscles on the roads does not mean that whole Pakistani Nation is standing under the PTI flag right at the moment.
What I can advice Imran Khan and his party leaders that instead of weeping, they should wait for next general elections and make strategy to win the next ekection with two-third majority.
If people are with PTI and want a change in the system, they will bring PTI into power, not only in the Federal Capital, but also in the provinces.
In next election it will be a direct contest between PTI, PMLN and PPP while MQM and other provincials parties will maintain their previous status.
Ingenious strategy . Just like CCTV .
Hoping all the miscreants will be implicated
@Rex Minor: Burning Lahore and Punjab indeed is the goal of these PTI anarchists, masquerading as protestors. Govt should absolutely avoid any confrontation with these hooligans, 'cuz Imranullah Niazi is hankering after some dead bodies, and if he fails to achieve that, that will be enough for IN and his side-kick SR to pull their own hair in frustration!!!
@salman: You are right; we all know that PML(N) is up against a professional gambler!!!
@Igloo: You forgot to include Imranullah Niazi in your list :-)
@Jawad: Truth HURTS!!! :-)
IK all the way.. If this was western democracy NS would have had no absoultly no chance against IK. unfortunately some people have become institutionalised in Pakistan.
NS has only one agenda - that is to loot and run away.
@AK Malayzai: compliments to you for ur choice of language! You represent PTI well! As for ur claim that those joining PTI are people with vision, right again! Need I say that none of this vision is home-grown and that for the most part, PTI is a true coctail of so-called visionaries, comprising unemployed leftovers of former dictators, and a few dejected senior citizens, masquerading representatives of youth. One latest addition to PTI visionaries is a fake degree holders, who was defeated by election tribunal and was looking for a home :-). He got a cozy corner inside and atop the infamous container :-)
@Sodomite: The House of Saud has no special relations with the Sharifs or Bhuttos; they are always sympathetic with people who show self respect and allegance to Islam.
Rex Minor
Lahore will burn and bleed if the Sharif enterprise insists on retaining power and Punjabistan will continue to implode. The alternative is to let the prima madona take the political responsibility for the massacres in Punjab and resign from his office, calling for new parliamentry elections. Only more democracy can save democracy and not violence or anarchy.
Rex Minor
Express Tribune, should we buy your company shares to make profits, because it seems there is a lot of inflow coming to your company from the PML N or the government to push their agenda, seeing the trend from the start of these dharnas it is clear you have completely forgotten the notion of neutrality in journalism/reporting. Shame on you guys !!
IK is worst politician now for Pakistan. God forbid if he becomes PM, pakistan will be in hand of these so called young who do not care even of their home elders.
@Mohammed: RU paid by PTI. I know I am not paid by anybody nor would I accept any uch payements . Would you ?But yes I am an ex PTI but support PMLN now .
@Now I support PML N: Millions are also regretting as they voted other than PTI.
@Now I support PML N:
wonderful, your love for PML-Nalayek should grow even more than nawas shareefs hair. You probebly were never in PTI. Because joining PTI was for people with vision. Not the other way around.
PTI was never in power so what made you join them. Only people who joind PTI were those who either never sported a party or have left disgruntled from the rest of the parties. so you my friend are bluffing. you have always supported PML-N P= Pocket M= Mar L= Loo
N = Nalayek
I ask Mr. Ayaz Sadiq Y is he so confident that nothing would be found in the vote bags and how he knows some bags are missing unless he already opened them
"Sources said that Sadiq has offered firm guarantees that there is no chance of finding any evidence of rigging if bags are opened in the coming days."
Dude! seriously? Who are these useless "sources" of yours.
@Now I support PML N:
@Uzma
We all know when someone starts a sentence with "I voted for PTI...." ,that you sir are a darbari
@Nabeel: If Sharif's and Zardari are politicians then thats quiet an awesome compliment.
Aparently, this news article is a slap on the face of PMLN's leadership. Bravo ET for bringing out the truth.
RO IMRAN RO
Go Imran Go. Ro Imran Ro.
lol at those who are saying Nawaz is the last hope for Pakistan seriously you guys really need to get out from you zehni ghulam mentality
Nobody supports the PML bar some paid trolls.
If pmln were good chess players. They would have taken the footage last week and used that in their propaganda. Pmln, always a day too late and a dollar too short!
What makes me laugh is that pmln think they are good chess players!
They couldn't even finish their last two terms and consistently make the wrong moves. I doubt main sahib even knows how to play chess. Just look at thier handling of the musharaf cases. Do you think they anticipated the coconspirators angle? Look at how they got caught out in faislbad.
Anyway, the longer they ignore PTI the worse they make it for themselves. But I expected nothing less from them...
Imran Khan is the worst politician ever born on sacred soil of Pakistan.
Haters will continue hating as it is evident from comments of PTI trolls. While Nawaz Sharif will continue serving Pakistan. PML-N will win 2018 elections too.
Shame for Imran Khan who has never given any evidences for all blames on Nawaz Sharif. Imran always does personal attacks on Nawaz Sharif. On the other hand, Nawaz Sharif has always remained patient. Nawaz Sharif, you are great.
I voted for PTI. My next vote for respected Nawaz Sharif.
Allah bless Nawaz Sharif. He is the only hope for Pakistan. Imran is always busy in character assassination of Nawaz Sharif. Allah bless Nawaz Sharif.
@Malveros: @Now I support PML N: @liaqat ali:
Get off the weed guys.
'the sources closed to or ' on condition of anonymity' or 'it is believed' any story based on such notions proves always wrong.
Great Mr PM & CM. You guys are shamelessly spending resources to counter PTI Processions and Shutdowns but can u tell the nation your strategy to counter famine related deaths in Tharparkur that have crossed 550+. Ruthless, corrupt, non-sensitive...no word in dictionary can reflect your act!
But traders I know are not PTI but have decided not to open their businesses on Monday .They think the roads will be blocked by PTI(peacefully of course), so there is no point of getteing up early in the cold and fog. Many of them open after 10 or 11 AM in any case. Will they take truoble to open for 1 or 2 hours, I doubt. But Govt is failing to show that this is not victory of PTI but just victory of the fear factor. I voted for PTI in Lahore , the seat they won but now am deadly agaisnt their desdructive policies and blatant lieas. Deceptions. IK has proven to be worst than traditional politicians.ALAS MY HERO HAS BEEN LOST .
Better strategy than shooting them with guns and that too right in front of the police who stand there like as if they have been ordered not to touch the shooters.
The sooner our PM sees the light, perhaps from the Saudis who were his big fans, the sooner can we get to normalcy in Pakistan. Exit should be sought by NS and his equally bright brother and family. This time maybe the people of this country will not let them leave and make them state guests in the Shahi Qilla.
Nawaz Sharif is just playing the game with the nation. PMLN just wants to rule the country by hook or by crook to loot the money & resources of the nation.
Well done PML(N). Time for soft action against PTI.
This report exactly reaffrims my understanding that PML-N is destined for oblivion. Missing the whole point and just tactical firefighting. Please go on doing it and PTI shall get stronger and stronger. PTI has a singular narrative of election rigging. PML-N is dancing around the core narrative. The more they dance around and side step, the more strong the narrative shall become. They are shooting themselves in their feet. This is not the old pakistan of manipulative politics. Wake up Mian Sahab and smell what Pakistan is cooking.
Hahaha ! This news is dedicated to PMLN supporters. Ensuring Justice cannot be provided. I wonder what will happen to PMLN, next time it will be in opposition or in Attock Fort. You can delay Justice to Model Town victims but believe in Allah, it will be provided. Weak Justice System and Legal/ Illegal hitches can work for not more than 2/3 yrs.