Pakistan Against The Government: The Latest News Updates

September 15, 07:00am

Prime Minister house and Secretary Interior Ministry have reprimanded IG Islamabad’s action of sending large number of policemen to Imran Khan’s house.

They told IG Islamabad that such an act can create unrest in the city, said Express News correspondent Qamar ul Munawar.

September 15, 06:30am


 

Around 1500 police officers surrounded Imran Khan’s residence situated in Bani Gala early Monday morning but later withdrew. The police force included elite force, anti riot force and lady constables.

According to details by Express News correspondent Qamar ul Munawar, the police encircled Imran Khan’s residence and demanded to give the 15 people, held by police, back as they were in police custody.

Imran Khan, earlier, freed 15 of his party workers from police prison van near Lake View Park.

The policemen later withdrew after party leaders informed them that 15 party workers were not present at Imran Khan’s residence.


 

September 15, 03:30am

Police has registered an FIR under section 144 against Imran Khan for forcefully freeing his workers from Islamabad police.

According to Express News correspondent Qamar Munawar, Imran Khan freed 15 PTI workers from police early on Monday near Lake View Park.

In response police registered a case against him under section 144 of the Pakistan penal code for forcefully freeing his workers and interfering in police matter.


 

September 15, 02:30am

Imran Khan was able to free 15 Pakistan Tehreek Insaf workers who were being taken to police station by the Islamabad police.

According to details, Imran Khan while heading to his residence in Bani Gala was informed that 15 PTI workers were detained by the police.

After receiving the information Imran intercepted the police prison van near Lake View Park that was carrying 15 PTI workers.

On Imran Khan’s inquiry about the offense of those workers, police was not able to reply in a satisfactory manner.

Therefore, Imran Khan asked the police to release his workers and took them to Bani Gala.


 


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September 8, 2:20am

There is not a shred of doubt that the recent developments in Islamabad have affected the country’s economic progress, causing direct and indirect, measurable and immeasurable losses.

The government has so far estimated overall losses to the economy at Rs547 billion. Out of the total, Rs228 billion have been estimated on account of 4.3% depreciation in the value of Pakistani rupee against the US dollar.

 


 

September 8, 12:12am

PTI chief Imran Khan has cancelled his visit to flood affected areas of Wazirabad and Sialkot.

PTI chief will now visit the flood affected areas on Tuesday, says PTI leader Umar Dar.

Dar says the decision was taken due to party engagements.

Earlier Imran Khan had announced to visit the flood affected areas on Monday.


 

September 5, 1:00pm

Former president Asif Ali Zardari has condemned Nisar’s statements about PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan and demanded an apology from the interior minister.

He has reportedly said that he is proud of Aitzaz’s sacrifices for democracy.


 

September 5, 11:40am

PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan starts speaking and thanks PM Nawaz for apologising on behalf of Nisar.

In a strong tone, Aitzaz condemns the accusations levelled against him by the interior minister and narrates his struggle for democracy in Pakistan.

I helped restore former chief justice by spearheading the Lawyers’ Movement, he boasts.

He tells PM Nawaz that though he had apologised last night as well as today, the interior ministry has been saying Nisar sticks with his words.

Aitzaz tells PM Nawaz to not defend those who have already left him in his difficult times.

Your ministers’ body language showed that they have no clue how to respond to Imran and Qadri, he says.

Aitzaz says your PML-N leaders were unknowing until the joint opposition announced its support to you.
The PML-N leaders are still staring at me; they should know I’m not scared of them, Aitzaz lashes out as PPP leaders start beating their desks and chanting shame, shame.

Aitzaz insists he will respond to accusations levelled against him by Nisar despite ruckus in the house and asks the speaker to put the house in order so he can speak.

He says PPP had advised on the first day of the session that PML-N leaders need to be polite and calm and be able to absorb the criticism.

At the peak of his anger, Aitzaz says that if he decides to walk out of the house, he is sure the house will be completely empty.

You will be only left with Mehmood Achakzai, he jokes, adding that he would never do that as he believes in this house and the constitution.

Coming to the main point, Aitzaz says he disagrees on forced resignation and that’s why he and PPP stand with PM Nawaz. He says PPP is supporting PML-N government despite PPP workers’ insistence to not do so.

The PPP leader called on PM Nawaz to reshuffle the cabinet once he is out of the current crisis. You have such great talent sitting in the back of the parliament, he adds.

Aitzaz Ahsan addressing the joint session


 

September 5, 11:28am

PM just started his much awaited address to the parliament.

We should all vow to stand together for the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.

he urges Nawaz says the opposition and the government have decided to stick together for Pakistan.

More than my government, what is dear to me is the unity between the two sides of lower house, Nawaz says.

Being the prime minister is no bed of roses, he tells his lawmakers. The premier laments dignitaries cancelling their visits to Pakistan due to the current political turmoil.

PM Nawaz says he is sad over the misunderstanding caused because of certain statements made by Nisar against Aitzaz and PPP in a press meetup last night.

PM addressing the joint session


 

September 5, 11:20am

We respect the criticism of the Opposition, says PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq. The role of opposition has strengthened the parliament, adds Haq.


 

September 5, 10:47am

Leader of the Opposition in NA Khursheed Shah has started to address the joint session of the Parliament.

Parliament has become a wall to save democracy. says Shah A person who modifies politics to business does not have any respect. remarks Shah

Shah tells the assembly that saving democracy is mistaken for supporting the government. He adds that the PM’s resignation will lead to the weakening of democracy.

Do not resign, says Shah Shah implicitly refers to Chaudhry Nisar as a wolf in the guise of a sheep.

Interior Minister is a snake up PM Nawaz’s sleeves. Shah claims

People who bring their leaders on cross-roads cannot be faithful to leadership. continues Shah

We cautioned PM about traitors in his party. claims Shah

Shah believes that Chaudhry Nisar should apologise to the Parliament not just to Aitzaz Ahsan.


 

September 5, 3:30am

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meets JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman one on one in Islamabad.

They reportedly discussed the ongoing political situation and the protests being held in the federal capital by PAT and PTI.


 

September 5, 3:30am

Negotiators of both the government and the protesting parties were bogged down on Thursday in a bitter stalemate after their leaders hardened their positions, squeezing out the space for further political accommodation.


 

September 5, 1:30am

JI chief Sirajul Haq says it is welcoming to see Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the government coming on to the table for talks.

Talks are progressing slowly but still there are several legal and constitutional issues to have to be tackled, says JI chief. He adds that, We are trying to solve this crisis as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, PAT president Raheeq Abbasi says the protesters have vacated the parliament house lawn and the roads of Pak Secretariat will also be open for employees.


 

September 4, 11:38pm

Jamaat-e-Islami chief and leader of Opposition Jirga Sirajul Haq has said that they have asked PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri to demonstrate flexibility for the sake of democracy, Radio Pakistan reported.

Speaking to newsmen after the Jirga met with Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah and other parliamentary leaders in Islamabad on Thursday.

Haq said there are still speed breakers and a lack of trust between the parties, but he hoped that efforts of the jirga would ultimately pay off.

He said during Thursday’s meeting they held consultations on a draft response of the Government to the proposals and demands made by PTI in writing.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah said that we are struggling for the supremacy of Constitution and democracy. He expressed the hope that the issue will be resolved soon.


 

September 4, 11:30pm

The parliamentary committee of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday reposed faith in party chief Imran Khan’s leadership and endorsed his decisions taken during the Azadi March sit-in. However, there was no official statement from the party on this development.


 

September 4, 11:11pm

PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Thursday that Javed Hashmi is still the party’s president despite his recent spat with Imran Khan.


 

September 4, 11:08pm

PTI and PAT protesters have moved back to D-chowk. Police have taken control of Pakistan secretariat.


 

September 4, 9:54pm

An eight-page proposal has been presented by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to the government’s negotiating team in a bid to end the political impasse between the PML-N government and protesters in Islamabad.

The proposal, exclusively obtained by The Express Tribune, proposes a two-step process to address rigging allegations in the 2013 elections.


 

September 4, 7:35pm

PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri begins addressing his supporters. Censuring the speeches in the joint session of Parliament, Qadri says his supporters are peaceful and not terrorists.

Parliament needs to think about why these protesters are here, says the PAT chief, adding, Parliament should give me an answer as to who the murderers of those killed during the Model Town incident are.

Addressing members of Parliament, Qadri asks them to obtain a copy of the judicial tribunal’s report on the Model Town incident which holds Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif responsible.

MNAs should have stood up against this atrocity,

Qadri says, disappointed that nobody brought it up in Parliament or protested against the incident.

Qadri says he is cutting short his speech due to the rain and will address his supporters again.

Holding the Nawaz government responsible for the three killed during clashes between police and protesters on Saturday, Qadri demands that an FIR should be registered.

Our workers will give their lives to protect the Chinese president, says Qadri, adding, that the cancellation of the Chinese president’s trip is a failure on the part of the government.

When the government can’t protect its citizens, and kills them instead, how can they give security to the Chinese president? Qadri questions.

We will not go back, Qadri clarifies. I am opening a school here, it will be called Inqilab March School, he says.

PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addressing his supporters.


 

September 4, 7:10pm

Chinese president Xi Jinping’s visit has been postponed due to security concerns in light of the current protests.

An advance team comprising protocol and security officials of the Chinese president reached Islamabad on Wednesday to finalise the details of his tour. However, the team did not give security clearance for the president’s visit.


 

September 4, 6:50pm

PAT has started removing tents from Parliament grounds and pitching them on Constitution Avenue once again.


 

September 4, 6:40pm

The opposition jirga is meeting with Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah, Express News reports.


September 4, 5:58pm

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken parliamentary leaders into confidence to discuss the government’s reply to PTI’s demands. The opposition jirga will deliver the written reply to PTI in the evening today.


 

September 4, 5:50pm

National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has approved PTI president Javed Hashmi’s resignation from NA. NA speaker has forwarded his approval of Hashmi’s resignation to the Election Commission of Pakistan to complete the procedure. On September 2, after addressing the joint session of Parliament, Hashmi handed his resignation to the NA speaker.


 

September 4, 5:30pm

Express News quoting sources reports that army chief General Raheel Sharif has met with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Rawalpindi.


 

September 4, 5:30pm

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar says that PTI and PAT have agreed to vacate Parliament grounds within an hour and move to D Chowk. Marchers will also vacate Cabinet Division’s gate, Nisar adds. The government is ready to accept all other demands of PTI and PAT other than the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, says Nisar.

We have prepared a reply to PTI’s demands, he says, adding, PTI will receive a written reply in the evening today.

 

September 4, 5:25pm

PTI chairman Imran Khan has reached the K-P House to attend a party meeting.


 

September 4, 3:56pm

PPP leader Rehman Malik says the deadlock between protesting parties and the government is nearing its end. In three days, we will see more positive results. Both sides should compromise €” give and take, he says, while talking to media representatives in Karachi.


 

September 4, 2:40pm

AML chief Sheikh Rasheed is unhappy with proceedings in Parliament today, saying on twitter:



 

September 4, 1:45pm Addressing the joint session of Parliament, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal accosts PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Tahirul Qadri for conducting a €˜closed-container inqilab’ all the while making a Pakistan a laughing stock internationally. Iqbal also directs his ire towards PAT and PTI’s protesting tactics and the media. The world has seen the velvet revolution, the orange revolution but never this container revolution, he laments. At the same time, he accuses both Imran and Qadri of putting their supporters in harm’s way, and of breaking their promises that the protests would remain peaceful.  

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal addressing the joint session.


 

September 4, 12:52pm PPP senior leader Raza Rabbani begins his address to the parliament. In a fiery address to the joint session of Parliament, the senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader lashed out at fellow lawmakers for not delivering to the public before shifting criticism to Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri. This is not the first time the Parliament has been under threat, this has happened before and if we think this is the final assault, then we are mistaken, he says. He added that only a united National Assembly can fight against all the conspiracies hatched against democracy in Pakistan.


 

September 4, 12:42pm Senator Haji Adeel, in his speech during the joint session, condemns the checkpoints set up by protesters in certain parts of the Red Zone where they are searching people, including policemen crossing the points. He calls on the government to deal with the illegal activities of the protesters. Accusing Qadri of constantly exaggerating, Adeel asks the PAT chief to provide details of his supporters, allegedly held in different parts of the country. He doesn’t spare Imran during his speech either, criticising him for starting his anti-rigging protest at a time the country is fighting a war against militants.

Senator Haji Adeel addressing the joint session.


 

September 4, 12:35pm Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed told the joint session on Thursday that democracy should be made the focus of all decision making, adding that the lack of decision making had led to the current crisis that we are in today. Parliament needs to take initiative and take a stand for this nation. We need to change our mindset from the Mughal mindset to the Mandela mindset, he says, adding, The army should be working alongside the government; it is a subordinate of the government. We have to learn from our history, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah created our country. He had no bomb, no army, no ISI, no big money. He only had credibility, leadership and the people’s support.


 

September 4, 12:27pm New round of negotiations between the two sides will take place at 7pm today. The next 48 hours are reportedly very important. During the negotiations it was proposed that instead of a recount in four constituencies, there should be a recount in 50 constituencies.


 

September 4, 12:00am The joint session of the Parliament starts for a third day. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is attending the session.


 

September 4, 11:01am Both PPP leader Rehman Malik and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq, members of the opposition Jirga, have been briefing PM Nawaz Sharif today, informing him of negotiations between PTI, PAT and the government committee. According to Haq, 70 per cent of the work has been done. Several meetings will take place over the course of the day and the government committee will be meeting with PTI again.


 

September 4, 2:55am


 

September 4, 1:06am Imran says in previous elections, he did not have time, but in next elections, he will personally interview potential PTI ticket holders.


 

September 4, 12:59am Imran Khan defends PTI’s protest, claiming that it is not they who have closed schools or blocked roads. €¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦

September 4, 12:43am Addressing his supporters, PTI chief Imran Khan says, Let me tell you what you have achieved so far. People who were not ready to talk, are now ready to not only listen to our demands but also to set up an independent judicial commission. The only unaccepted demand remains the prime minister’s resignation, says Imran. If we had not come on to the streets, then the next election would have been far more fraudulent, adds PTI chief. €¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦

September 4, 12:30am Addressing the media after a meeting between PAT, government and opposition parties’ €˜Jirga, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal says, During the meeting we have agreed to continue talks and resolve matter through dialogue. We have also decided not to comment on any development until we reach a decision, as it might affect the dialogue process, says Iqbal. PAT President Raheeq Abbasi says earlier multiple rounds of talks were held with the government but all ended as a result of deadlock. PAT has always said we are always ready for meaningful talks, says Abbasi. We are very thankful to €˜Jirga’ for their efforts to end deadlock dead lock between government and PAT, says PAT president. Next round on Thursday 8pm, says Iqbal. €¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦

September 3, 11:40pm Talking to media outside the Jahangir Tareen’s residence, PTI leaders Asad Umar and Arif Alvi say nothing concrete happened today, but we are hopeful to get positive outcome of talks on Thursday. €¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦

September 3, 11:12pm The registration of the FIR of the Model Town incident against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the first victory of the Revolution March, Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) Deputy Secretary General Allama Syed Shafqat Hussain Sheerazi said on Wednesday. He demanded the registration of an FIR for the Red Zone martyrs on the complaint of their aggrieved heirs. €¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦

September 3, 11:10pm The foreign office on Wednesday said the visit of the Chinese president would take place according to schedule, dismissing reports that the crucial trip might be cancelled due to political upheaval in the country. Foreign office sources said that a team of protocol and security officials of the Chinese president had reached Pakistan on Wednesday to finalize the details of the visit. €¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦€¦

September 3, 10:20pm Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique in a television programme on Express News says that the army, deployed at the Parliament under Article 245, had asked the protesters to vacate the grounds of the Parliament, contrary to claims made by Sheikh Rasheed.


 

September 3, 9:45pm What non-democratic action have we taken? Imran Khan asks his supporters, in response to the comments made by several lawmakers in the National Assembly earlier today. The PTI chief adds, We see the split between the real PTI supporters and those who came to ride the tsunami. If Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif or any chief minister gives you wrong orders, don’t listen to them! Imran tells policemen, adding that the prime minister is trying to malign the armed forces. We will not create any obstacles and will welcome the Chinese president, Imran Khan says.


 

September 3, 9:08pm Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Pervaiz Khattak and Shafqat Mahmood of the PTI negotiation committee have arrived at Jehangir Tareen’s residence. The government committee has yet to arrive.


 

September 3, 7:08pm As PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri begins to address his rally, he is joined by AML chief Sheikh Rasheed. PAT CHIEF TAHIRUL QADRI AND AML CHIEF SHEIKH RASHEED Qadri blames the attack on PTV’s headquarters on the government itself. They trained Gullu Butts to enter the building! Qadri has harsh words for Khursheed Shah. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah is speaking out against PAT because he is as corrupt as the Sharif brothers, Qadri says, saying he does not extend his criticism to the PPP itself. He issues a stern warning to Khursheed Shah: Shah sahib, stop talking or this matter will have far-reaching effects. Qadri warns Zardari to €˜handle’ Khursheed Shah. Dont you dare call our party non-democratic, Qadri tells Shah, referring to Shah’s statements in the joint session of parliament today. If you don’t see a sea of hundreds of thousands of people in three days, I will end the protests, Qadri tells his supporters. Qadri questions why those mentioned in the FIR in the Model Town incident haven’t been arrested as yet. Their names should be placed on the ECL, he says. Qadri demands the government to release of his supporters who are currently incarcerated. Qadri asks supporters to send LEGOs for kids at the protest, and bats and balls for Imran Khan to teach children how to play cricket, he says. Crowds chant: We are here, you (PM Nawaz) must go. A judicial commission has given a report in which it holds Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif responsible for the blood bath on June 17, he says, adding, Shahbaz is hiding that report. Addressing MNAs, Qadri asks them to demand the judicial report to be released, and given to them. Qadri categorically denies that his workers attacked parliament. People were hiding in the parliament lawns fearing the tear gas. They didn’t touch the building, or even the parking lot. Qadri holds up pictures of Nawaz Sharif allegedly attacking the Supreme Court. This is the real face of Nawaz Sharif, he says. He also shows a picture of Nawaz Sharif and his supporters allegedly attacking parliament. Qadri asks his supporters to vacate Parliament House lawns and move outside the Parliament gate.


 

September 3, 6:45pm MQM general workers meeting has been postponed till 6pm tomorrow, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.


 

September 3, 6:15pm Talk between PTI leaders and a political jirga, including opposition leaders has ended. The jirga will now meet with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Addressing the media, after the meeting, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says PTI will meet the government’s negotiating team at 8pm today. Further, JI chief Sirajul Haq says there are some speed-breakers but the meeting has yielded positive results. PPP leader Rehman Malik says that he has requested the prime minster to ask his team to not antagonise anybody. I have asked both PAT and PTI to vacate Parliament grounds, Malik adds. Qureshi addresses Rehman’s request and says: No PTI worker is currently on Parliament grounds. If there is we request them to move, adding, We request PAT to ask their workers to vacate the grounds as well.


 

September 3, 5:55pm Addressing the media, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal responding to PTI chairman Imran Khan’s rigging allegations, questions Imran how he can end corruption in Pakistan when he can’t control corruption in his own party. He (Imran) couldn’t give party tickets on merit, says Iqbal. Imran Khan failed to provide evidence of rigging, he adds. Further, Iqbal asks Imran to end his sit-in. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.


 

September 3, 5:50pm PPP has summoned a meeting of parliamentary leaders at 7:30pm today. Former president Asif Ali Zardari will chair the meeting.


 

September 3, 5:40pm PTI chairman Imran Khan reaches sit-in from Bani Gala and has summoned a meeting of PTI MNAs in his container.


 

September 3, 5:15pm PTI’s meeting with the political jirga is underway, Express News reports.


 

September 3, 4:45pm Addressing the media after a meeting with the political jirga, PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi says they have presented their demands to the jirga. Our demand for the resignation of the prime minister and Punjab chief minister still stands, he says, adding, We have also asked for the formation of a new judicial commission to probe into the Model Town incident. Rigging in elections and the formation of a new election commission were also discussed, he says. Abbasi adds that tonight at 10pm, in the presence of the political jirga, PAT will meet with the government’s negotiating team. JI chief Sirajul Haq says the jirga has successfully ended the deadlock in talks between the government and PAT. Further, PPP leader Rehman Malik thanks Imran and Qadri for agreeing to meet with them. We have requested PAT to vacate Parliament, says Rehman.  

PAT leader Raheeq Abbasi with the politcal jirga.


 

September 3, 4:38pm The joint session of Parliament is adjourned till tomorrow.


 

September 3, 4:26pm Addressing the joint session, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah says, Parliament has won today. We had earlier asked the government to allow PTI to protest as it is a political party but PAT has a different agenda, he adds. Those with patience in politics always win; Parliament passed resolution for PM to remain steadfast and see they [PTI] came back. I am thankful to the PM and government for calling joint session of Parliament, and we can see the results today, on the second day. Speaker’s decision to allow Shah Mehmood Qureshi to speak was in accordance with the Constitution, he adds. Conspiracies are being hatched even today, Shah says, adding, I heard a party leader asked for resignations as Parliament is of €˜no use’. Politics is the name of patience and moving forward, PM Nawaz Sharif has come out as a better prime minister.

 Leader of the Opposition in the National assembly Khursheed Shah addressing the joint session.


 

September 3, 4:20pm Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, addressing the joint session, says it is yet to be confirmed if all PTI lawmakers have tendered their resignations or not. Unity of Parliament will not be affected come what may, he adds. Addressing Fazl’s question whether PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi should be allowed to address Parliament, NA speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq says till resignations are processed, PTI members are allowed to enter the house.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.


 

September 3, 3:45pm MQM chief Altaf Hussain has directed MQM parliamentarians to submit their resignations to Deputy Convener Nadeem Nusrat, Express News reports. There are 24 MQM MNAs and 7 Senators in Parliament. I give all assemblies one week to improve their functioning, says MQM chief.

Joint session of Parliament is only a drama, he adds. At 6pm today, there will be a general workers meeting of MQM and all party leaders are expected to attend, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.

 

September 3, 3:45pm Addressing the joint session, Awami National Party Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash says PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi made baseless allegations on the floor of the House. Nawaz Sharif is the elected prime minister, he says.


 

September 3, 3:40pm Moments after PTI lawmakers left, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to Parliament, having left after PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi started his address.

 Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif entering Parliament again.


 

September 3, 3:35pm Addressing the joint session, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai says there should not be any talks with PTI chairman Imran Khan until the PTI signs a resolution to vacate the Red Zone The FIR registered in the Model Town incident should be conditional, he adds.


 

September 3, 2:18pm Addressing the joint session of Parliament, following the instructions of Imran Khan, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi says he has come to the Parliament to clarify his party’s stance. We are protesting to save the Parliament, not to destroy it, he says. PTI never was and never will be part of a grand plan that will undermine democracy, clarifies Qureshi. We are protesting on the directions of the Pakistani nation, he says explaining that the protests are not scripted. I want to be on record; my party opposes the invoking of Article 245, says Qureshi. Further, Qureshi says he has not come to Parliament for mediation or facilitation but for a resolution to the crisis. We embarked on this journey after agreeing on four points, Qureshi says, adding, Our points were that our struggle will be democratic, within the realm of the Constitution, our movement will be peaceful and we will defy martial law. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah stands up and says: Nobody has a right to interrupt, calming down other parliamentarians objecting Qureshi’s claims. PTI throughout the march has stayed within the law, I can speak for my party, he says. Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar left the house as Qureshi started his speech but now Nisar is back. Imran sent me to meet Qadri to ask him what the agenda of his party was, says Qureshi, adding, Qadri assured me that their struggle was peaceful, democratic and similar to PTI’s. Just as Imran said he will come out on the streets if rigging allegations in four constituencies were not probed, Qadri gave a deadline for the registration of an FIR in the Model Town incident, says the PTI vice chairman. Directing the government, Qureshi thanks them for letting them stage their sit-in. However, he angrily asks who he should thank for those killed and injured during the clashes. €˜This is a deadlock, where do we go from here? asks Qureshi. We are here today because of the impasse, he adds. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stands up in the middle of Qureshi’s speech and refutes his statements regarding meeting on democratic neutral grounds for meetings. However, NA speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq asks Dar to take a seat and Qureshi to continue with his speech. We are going to meet the political jirga at 4pm today, he says, adding that the talks but lead to positive results or someone might try to sabotage them. Explaining the current deadlock in talks, Qureshi says, We argued on one point €” the resignation of the prime minister. The government said the premier’s resignation is non-negotiable, he adds. The temple of democracy should be built on a free and fair election, says Qureshi inviting all parties to join them in the pursuit of this goal. Questioning if PTI was the only party who claimed that the 2013 elections were rigged, Qureshi firmly says all political parties expressed concerns with election results. We have to make a new beginning for the future of Pakistan, Qureshi says, adding, At 4pm today we will present our point of view. As Qureshi concludes his address, NA speaker summons Qureshi in his chamber. PTI MNAs walk out of Parliament as parliamentarians scream: They will not resign. It must be noted, Qureshi did not discuss resignations from the NA and provincial assemblies in his address.

PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressing the joint session.


 

September 3, 2:07pm If I have to sit around and wait for a year for their resignations, I will wait, says PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri while addressing his supporters, referring to his demand for the prime minister and the Punjab chief minister’s resignations. They can try to negotiate all they want, but I won’t change my stance, says Qadri


 

September 3, 2:00pm Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Rehman Malik, speaks outside the Parliament today. Following his last meeting at 5pm yesterday with PTI chief Imran Khan, he confirms that the deadlock is now over. He went on to announce that very soon the nation will receive some very good news. Through his address he made an appeal to Altaf Hussain €“ who earlier today announced that he wanted to be relieved of his responsibilities in MQM- to withdraw this decision immediately. He pleaded to Hussain directly, for the sake of our friendship you must withdraw your decision to leave your party. Malik made a further appeal to the government, requesting that all those who are arrested and are innocent should be released. All those who have been hurt and injured should be given compensation he adds.


 

September 3, 12:55pm Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, while addressing his fellow parliamentarians, says the protesters are only complaining about election rigging and not other problems faced by the country. He alleged that Qadri and Imran had been working together all along and have only revealed their partnership recently. Hitting out at PTI lawmakers attending today’s session, the QWP leader asked the speaker of the house if their entry into the parliament should be considered an assault since they were protesting against it for the last few weeks.


 

September 3, 12:20pm Nationalist Party’s Acting President Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo, during the second day of the joint session of Parliament, says he has not seen such a lavish long march. The Long march is either having breakfast or lunch or dinner; this is not how a long march is done, he says. Bizenjo says the two protest groups have abused political parties, adding that this is not how politics is done. Criticising the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief, he remarks that Qadri wants to change the system in Pakistan just because he is here. The NP leader further says that everyone is sad about the Model Town tragedy but such an incident should not be used as an excuse to attack the Parliament. We will not let this happen, he adds. If you are saying that the Constitution of Pakistan should not be there then in other words you are saying that Pakistan is not there, he says. Do you want to make Parliament a graveyard; whoever wants to do this we will bury their politics over here only, we have not given sacrifices to make the Parliament a graveyard. Speaking about relations with China, he says China is our great friend and wants to invest 34 billion dollar but the President, who is scheduled to come tomorrow, is thinking about whether he should come or not. If he does not come then I will question whether these protests were against PM Nawaz or Pakistan, he adds. You need to have political ethics for politics. You talk in politics, conduct dialogue; there is not trash talking or personal attacks, he remarks. I request PTI and PAT to act with patience; this country is yours as much as the prime minister as well as an average citizen, he states. Concluding his speech, Bizenjo says Pakistan should be taken out of three things namely poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.


 

September 3, 11:55am Today’s joint session was opened by Information Secretary of the Awami National Party Zahid Khan, in which he states that there is a conspiracy against the 18th amendment. He argues that bureaucracy has destroyed this nation and without democracy a nation cannot be governed. We have made a joke out of this country he said. Further, he says how do we have the audacity to point our finger onto others, when we ourselves cannot handle our own nation? Khan went on to commend PTI leader Javed Hashmi in his statements made yesterday. In order for Pakistan to remain strong, the constitution must be saved, he adds. He referred to the Model Town tragedy and questioned why nobody is fighting for those who died in the May 12 incident in Karachi. There are those who are shedding crocodile tears for the 14 deaths in the Model Town tragedy, what about the ones who died on May 12 in Karachi? Were they not human? Were they not Muslims and Pakistanis? Why is nobody doing anything for them?


 

September 3, 11:45am Joint session of Parliament has started.


 

September 3, 11:07am Protesters have set up their own checkpoints in front of the Pak Secretariat, Express News reports. They are reportedly also checking policemen.

Protesters checking policemen


 

September 3, 8:20am PAT workers stop government employees from reaching Pak Secretariat, Express News reports.


 

September 3, 2:20am For the continuation of democracy we agreed that talks should continue and tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4pm, the negotiation committees will meet at Rehman Malik’s place, says PTI’s negotiation team leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Express News reports. The PTI team consists of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Arif Alvi, Jahangir Tareen, Pervaiz Khattak, Shafqat Mahmood and Asad Umar. We presented our point of view, and they patiently listened to it, says Qureshi. Talking to media after the meeting between the opposition’s political jirga and PTI’s negotiation team, JI chief Sirajul Haq says that the €˜Jirga’, composed of opposition parties, met PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, and the stalled negotiations have now resumed. We will continue talks till we reach a consensus, says Haq. I do not want to comment on the violence that broke out during last few days but I appeal to both government and protesting parties to give negotiations and talks a chance, the JI chief says. If the PTI and PAT have decided to resume talks today, it does not mean they are weak or have backed off, cautioned PPP Senator Rehman Malik. We appeal, that as a matter of courtesy and to improve the environment, all the PAT and PTI workers detained across the country and the 150 missing protesters who have been arrested, should be released. Further, the cases against the workers and the negotiation committee should be withdrawn. The way PTI and PAT have cooperated, we see room for good results from talks, says Malik.


 

September 3, 1:55am PTI chairman Imran Khan asks all his elected party officials and office bearers to gather at their protest in Islamabad, Express News reports. All those who want to take part in local body elections from PTI’s platform should also ensure their presence here, says Imran Khan.

September 2, 11:59pm Rehman Malik appeals to the government to free PTI and PAT men detained by the police and to allow protesters access to food in order ease the situation.


 

September 2, 11:58pm We all know that PTI and PAT does not trust the PML-N government, and PML-N government also have some reservations, so all political parties have offered to become guarantors, if protesting parties and government reach some agreement, says JI chief Sirajul Haq. He further adds that the dialogues will be held in front of camera so later on no stake holder could back out. JI chief claims that both PAT and PTI chief have shown positive attitude.


 

September 2, 11:50pm PTI and PAT have each formed committees for talks with Jirga, says Rehman Malik, Express News reports. PTI’s negotiation committee will be led by Shah Mehmood Qureshi. We are very thankful to Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri for their positive reply, says Malik. Malik expresses hope that the government will also show flexibility. I hope that government will form a negotiation committee consisting of ministers who are serious attitude towards negotiation, says Malik.

PPP leader Rehman Malik talking to media late on Tuesday after meeting PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.


 

September 2, 11:20pm PTI chief Imran Khan addressing the sit-in protest, Express News reports.


 

September 2, 10:35pm After meeting Imran Khan, €˜Jirga’ arrives at PAT’s sit-in to meet Dr Tahirul Qadri.


 

September 2, 9:59pm Mir Hasil Bazinjo, Rehman Malik, Liaqat Baloch and Kulsoom Parveen are also part of the €˜Jirga’. September 2, 2:50pm Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf president Javed Hashmi, while addressing the joint session, implies Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has not made enough effort to defuse the current crisis. You (PM Nawaz) need to respect every member of this Parliament, says Hashmi. Despite a fallout with PTI chairman Imran Khan, Hashmi says no politician has respected him as much as Imran. We need to focus on internally displaced persons (IDPs), Hashmi adds, shifting focus from the current crisis to Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan. Why haven’t you (government) taken any action over the Model Town incident? Hashmi questions. There’s a system present that makes and breaks governments from the inside, he says. Why didn’t the prime minter visit Parliament for 14 months? Hashmi asks angrily. Reiterating his grievances against Imran Khan, Hashmi refers to Imran’s proposal to form a technocratic government and how he was against it. You would be shocked by the underhanded tactics PML-N has applied against me in these past 14 months, says Hashmi. Referring to Imran and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Hashmi asks: How can I stand with people that want to destroy this Parliament? I asked Khan sb how he could stand with Qadri when his demands are so different from ours [PTI’s], Hashmi adds. The trial should not be of Imran Khan, it should be of Parliament he says. Hashmi concludes his address by submitting his resignation to the NA speaker. Further, he repeats his earlier assertion about the dissent within PTI ranks over the party’s decision to submit their resignations to the NA and provincial assemblies.

Trial should be of Parliament not Imran, says Hashmi


September 2, 2:18pm JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while addressing the parliamentarians, questions the logic behind an idea floated by PTI for the 30-day resignation of the prime minister. How can you resign for 30 days? What difference will that make to the situation, he inquires. Our Parliament got attacked and we just sat there and watched, Rehman says. Speaking about the current political crisis, the JUI-F leader asks the government to resolve the issue without the use of force.


 

September 2, 2:00pm Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Khalid Maqbool, while addressing the joint session, says if we had followed democracy the right way, nobody would have stood up to the government the way they have. Speaking about the attack on the PTV headquarters, the MQM leader says what has happened at PTV is arrest worthy. Referring to the Model Town tragedy, Maqbool says mothers and daughters killed in during the Model Town clashes should be given justice.


 

September 2, 1:58pm PTI leader Javed Hashmi, who had a recent fallout with Imran, has arrived at the joint session of Parliament.


 

September 2, 1:40pm The Supreme Court issues notices to 15 political parties including PAT to resolve the ongoing political impasse within the parameters of the Constitution. The four-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk heard a petition filed by Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench President Shafqat Bhatti, requesting that all the political parties be directed to resolve the current political issue within the parameters of the Constitution.


 

September 2, 1:30pm While addressing the parliament, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai says all parties in the parliament are on one page. Aitzaz Ahsan mistakenly said we are supporting PM Nawaz out of compulsion; no, we are supporting him out of our commitment, he says. Achakzai says the parliament and the judiciary support the Constitution. Our Army has to respect our Constitution just like other armies across the world do so, he adds. After reading a definition of terrorism, Achakzai questioned if the protesters are not doing what internationally is recognised as terrorism. The government should give orders to the security forces to arrest these people. The government is making a fool out of itself by being too nice to the protesters, he says. The parliamentarian further criticised the protesters for hitting policemen on one hand while chanting slogans in favour of army soldiers on the other. This [manhandling security officials] in itself is a crime, he adds.


 

September 2, 12:40pm Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan, while addressing the joint session of the Parliament, says all opposition parties are standing by the Constitution without any doubt to save democracy. Criticising government for the Model Town incident, Aitzaz says Qadri had been requesting for an FIR against the culprits but the state failed to do so. The government wanted to remove barriers in Model Town but why have you placed containers in Islamabad, asks Aitzaz. Today, police is not listening to you because of discrepancies in your past policies, he says. We are ashamed because of what happened to the media, he adds. Those protesting in Islamabad have a valid point; the rigging was massive, the PPP leader says. Rigging did take place; there is substance in Imran’s claims of corruption, he says. The opposition is standing by you to save the democracy, there is no instance of such support in the past, he says. PM Nawaz, once you are through these trying times, you have to sit and think who are your real friends, Aitzaz asks, referring to his ministers using harsh language against their opponents. Your ministers don’t take matters seriously, he says. Yesterday, you said you will not resign, you had said the same thing in the past but you resigned; I hope you will stick to your words this time, he recalls. If you are steadfast, no power can force you to resign, he says, assuring him of his support. Media has unjustifiably given coverage to Qadri and Imran, Aitzaz says as he shifts his criticism to the protesting parties. The nation has not paid heed to their calls for revolution, he says, lambasting them for having a team that needs a revolution themselves. PM Nawaz and his interior minister have been very polite with the protesters, he says. The protesters were allowed to come this close but what if next time, another group comes and calls for actions against minorities, demands imposition of their version of Islam, he asks. Where in the world or in which planet do you take stick-wielding, armed protesters carrying cutters and expect not to be stopped, says Aitzaz, questioning Imran’s reference of such protests outside 10 Downing Street. Benazir Bhutto always led the protests from the front; she would put herself in front of baton-holding police, he adds. Begum Nusrat Bhutto was also hit during protests, he recalls, criticising Imran and Qadri for their €˜container politics’. PM Nawaz we want to assure you that despite the small group that is protesting in the federal capital, we are standing by you, he says. We are supporting you because you support democracy but once this difficult time is over, we will continue criticising your policies, he says, concluding his address. Nisar, after Aitzaz finished his address, rebutted the PPP leader and said PM Nawaz did not resign in the past and that the then president had dissolved the assembly.


 

September 2, 11:59am The joint session of Parliament has begun and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan is currently addressing it. Nisar says PTI and PAT were trying to take over the National Assembly in the name of democratic protests. The interior minister begins his speech by pointing out the sad state of affairs in Pakistan, however, he affirms his belief that this time will soon pass as the whole nation €“ along with the Parliament €“ is against the protests taking place in the federal capital. Further, Nisar alleges that the methods of PTI and PAT were both illegal and unlawful according to the orders of high courts and says they should have remained within the boundaries of the Constitution.


 

September 2, 11:58am Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will not resign at any cost, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique while addressing the media outside the Parliament. No one can remove the government via undemocratic ways, he adds. Criticising both PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT chairperson Tahirul Qadri, he remarks that they want to impose rule of jungle in Pakistan. Imran Khan can be anyone else but not a politician, the minister states. Qadri does not believe in democracy or the Constitution, he further says. Rafique also alleges that Imran and Qadri held meetings in London secretly and decided to hold these protests.


 

September 2, 10:39am The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to all political parties to resolve the ongoing political impasse within the parameters of the constitution. The


 

September 2, 10:09am Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk has denied affiliation with any political part. I met PTI chief Imran Khan when I was the acting Chief Election Commissioner only once, Express News quotes the chief justice as saying, adding that apart from the one meeting he has never met Imran. During the meeting we talked about biometric system the purpose of which was to make elections transparent he reportedly says.


 

September 2, 9:48am PAT does not want to resolve the ongoing political crisis through the Supreme Court. Our demands are political; judiciary should not interfere, says PAT lawyer Ali Zafar during a hearing of petitions filed against the €˜Azadi’ and €˜Inqilab’ marches. PAT refuses to give suggestions to the Supreme Court regarding the prevailing political situation.


 

September 2, 9:35am The government has filed an FIR against Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan for the attack on PTV headquarters on September 1.


 

September 2, 9:28am PAT workers have started removing containers from PTV Chowk, Express News reports.


 

September 2, 4:00am


 

September 2, 3:10am Imran Khan urges supporters to remain peaceful, but says they are allowed to respond if €˜attacked’.


 

September 2, 2:53am PTI chief says he has only met CJP Justice Nasirul Mulk only once and found him to be a very nice man


 

September 2, 2:51am Imran Khan alleges he is not like Nawaz Sharif who had tried to buy out judges.


 

September 2, 2:36am I have heard that there will be a crackdown tonight, that is why I have come back early, says Imran Khan.


 

September 2, 2:30am


 

September 2, 2:18am After a five hour break for some €˜exercise’, PTI chief Imran Khan has returned to the protest venue.


 

September 2, 2:00am PAT workers have also increased the security of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s container.


 

September 2, 1:50am PAT leaderships asks its workers to reach Pak Secretariat, Express News reports. Security of Imran Khan’s container has been taken over by the PAT workers.


September 2, 1:30am Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said that he neither needs nor would approach the army on political issues, read a statement issued by the party. Refuting the allegations by his party president Javed Hashmi, the PTI chief said in his 18 years of political struggle he has never needed any political crutches.

September 1, 11:30pm Here is the footage of protesters entering into PTV headquarters on September 1, 2014.


 

September 1, 11:15pm Meanwhile, the government has decided to launch a crackdown against PTI workers in Lahore, Express News reports.


 

September 1, 11:09pm Tariq Alam has been given additional charge as IG Islamabad, Express News reported.


 

Excerpts from exclusive Express News interview with Javed Hashmi PTI president Hashmi insinuates that he wasn’t really sick during the marches when he was admitted into a hospital or when he went back to Multan. When he changed his direction and began moving towards the PM House on someone’s else’s direction, I decided not to walk with him any longer, says Hashmi. Every step I took, I was alone. If I voiced my opinion, Imran would say €˜trust me, I’m a democrat’. I didn’t say anything when we came to Islamabad. We figured we would form a group and keep him in control, says Hashmi Talking about Sheikh Rasheed, Hashmi said, For him [Sheikh Rasheed], our entire election scheme for Rawalpindi was changed for the 2013 elections. There was a lot of anger in our party. Later, he was made an adviser, Hashmi adds. He goes on to add that whatever sacrifices will be rendered, will be rendered by PTI; not Sheikh Rasheed. In fact, he’s not even submitted his resignation in Parliament, Hashmi reveals. Imran told me that we will go no further. He promised me that he would not take any step that would put the system in danger. When I reminded him of this, he told me that €˜if you don’t want to continue with me, you are free to go,’ the PTI president adds. He says he felt that there would be a situation where trouble would break out, and Imran would simply stand there and announce that there should be no violence or hooliganism €“ even if it meant some of PTI’s supporters went and joined in the trouble. He told me: trust me, I’m a democrat. This won’t happen, says Hashmi but questions what Imran is doing now? Today, this is exactly what happened, says Hashmi. Further, Hashmi reveals that Rs100-120 million spent thus far on this entire march and sit in. Three days ago, I got the feeling that there was a shortage of funds creeping up, says Hashmi. I have praised the ISI in my upcoming book. They have played a role in saving Pakistan but their political wing creates misunderstandings, Javed Hashmi adds, They are our beloved; but I would like them to remain just that. I had advised Imran Khan several times that we must find our own way, and not rely on support from anyone, says Javed Hashmi. I felt that there was an unseen force making us take certain decisions, says Hashmi. Shah Mehmood Qureshi works hard for his career, says Hashmi. Qureshi was not very close to Imran in the early days, but later on he won his trust and became very close to him, Hashmi adds. I didn’t see any such bad intention in Shah Mehmood. The one complaint I have with him is that he coordinated too much with Dr Qadri. But I don’t think he had any ill designs or intentions, says Hashmi. Six odd people who were very close to Imran Khan talked about all these military matters, such as which corps commander is with us, whether the DG ISI is with us, says Hashmi. Imran trusted them. Jehangir Tareen was among them; Sheikh Rasheed, too was very close. He would whisper in Imran’s ear and then leave. He used to do the same with Nawaz years ago. They were this sort, Hashmi adds. Arif Alvi was not this sort. He is a true political worker, says Hashmi. Imran Khan asked me not to worry, as a judge would order for re-elections, says Hashmi.He added that three member committee was also selected to manage the affairs of the next elections as Imran was sure about midterm elections. Hashmi says he was concerned that a lot of Imran’s inner circle had started talking about military matters. I don’t have any evidence nor do I think the army is backing Imran, says Javed Hashmi.


 

September 1, 10:09pm Imran Khan is a simple and naïve human being, says Javed Hashmi in an exclusive interview with Express News.


 

September 1, 9:45pm Another case has been registered against both PTI and PAT bringing the total number of cases registered against PTI to three.


 

September 1, 9:44pm Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says the army should not be dragged into political matters. Army’s support for democracy was evident in their statement yesterday, he says referring to the ISPR press release reaffirming support to democracy. Army was called in the capital as Article 245 was invoked and it has been acting in law with it, the defence minister adds.


 

September 1, 9:09pm ISPR has categorically rejected the assertions that the Army and ISI were backing PTI, PAT in anyway. Army is an apolitical institution and has expressed its unequivocal support for democracy on numerous occasions, the statement adds. It is unfortunate that Army is dragged into such controversies. Integrity and unity of the Army is its strength which it upholds with pride, the statement further read.

Situation tensed in Red Zone again, protesters march toward PM House

 

September 1, 2014


 

Clashes in Islamabad Continue

September 1, 2014


 

script of the FIR has been written within the premises of the Prime Minister’s House:IMRAN KHAN

September 1, 2014


 

COAS advises PM to resign until rigging allegation finalized

September 1, 2014


 

Marvi Memon Talks To Media After Attack on PTV World

September 1, 2014


 

September 1, 4:22pm In light of the current situation, Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk has summoned Supreme Court judges to Islamabad, our correspondent Hasnaat Malik reports.


 

September 1, 4:12pm Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied reports by a private channel that the joint session of Parliament tomorrow will ask for the resignation of DG ISI Zaheerul Islam and army chief General Raheel Sharif, Express News reports.


 

September 1, 3:55pm


 

September 1, 3:43pm


 

September 1, 3:42pm While rumours are going around that the army chief has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign, the government has denied it but there is no confirmation one way or the other. The government spokesperson has denied that the army chief made such a suggestion.


 

September 1, 3:36pm After a meeting with the army chief, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called a meeting with political leaders including Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Ijazul Haq, Babar Ghauri, Farooq Sattar, Ijazul Haq, Ghulam Bilour, Aftab Sherpao and Maulana Fazalur Rahman.


 

September 1, 3:33pm The government has decided to remove PAT’s reservations regarding the registration of an FIR in the Model Town incident, Express News reports quoting the government spokesperson.

According to Express News correspondent, this decision comes after the premiers meeting with the army chief. Further, it is believed that the government will start talks with the PTI and PAT once again.

 

September 1, 3:30pm The meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has ended, Express News reports.


 

September 1, 3:28pm

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak warns the government to release the arrested supporters of PTI and PAT, otherwise they will raid the police stations to get them released, our correspondent Peer Muhammad reports.

 

September 1, 3:23pm There are no conflicts in PTI, we are all united, says the PTI chief.


 

Protesters break into PTV Headquarters

September 1, 2014

September 1, 1:18pm The meeting between PM Nawaz and the army chief has started, Express News reports. They will reportedly be discussing the ongoing political situation in the country. The PTI chief came out of his container for a short while and walked towards the Pak Secretariat without entering the gate.

September 1, 1:14pm


 

September 1, 1:10pm PTI leader on twitter condemned the attack on PTV headquarters:


 

September 1, 12:04pm Army takes control of PTV headquarters as it pushes protesters out of the building.


 

September 1, 12:03pm Qadri claims government wants protesters to fight the army. The nation loves the army and they will never fight it, he says. Stay calm and don’t resort to violence, he urges. Qadri says these instructions are for all PAT, PTI workers as well as other people taking part in the protest. Pakistan Army fights for us, it fights for our security, the PAT chief says, praising the army. He tells his supporters we have succeeded, we only need to announce our win. Qadri warns the government not to test the patience of these supporters. PAT chief calls for formation of €˜national government’ which should give people their rights and then hold free and fair elections.


 

Islamabad: Fighting rages between police, protesters

September 1, 2014


 

clashes between police and the anti-government protesters in Islamabad

August 31, 2014


 

Islamabad clashes continue – shelling underway

August 30, 2014


 

Islamabad: Red Zone security beefed up to keep PTI, PAT protestors at bay

August 19, 2014

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