IK underscores need for talks with Afghanistan
In a statement posted on X, Khan said he had sent a 'clear message' to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, stating that 'under no circumstances' should another military operation be allowed in the province or tribal areas. 'When the military and the people confront each other, the military as an institution suffers the most damage,' Khan said.
'Military operations are never the solution. Issues must be resolved through dialogue, in accordance with local traditions.' He called for improved ties with Afghanistan, describing the country as a 'Muslim neighbour' with whom 'all matters should be resolved through discussion.'
He also reiterated his opposition to the incumbent regime, urging his supporters to join a new protest movement starting August 5 to 'restore genuine democracy.'
'Just as August 14, 1947, marked our freedom from colonial rule, now August 14 has become significant once again as we confront a situation worse than that earlier slavery.'
Khan criticized the traditional political parties, particularly the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing them of acting as proxies for establishment.
He also condemned what he called 'politically motivated' court rulings against PTI leaders in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, and Faisalabad, stating that convictions were being used to derail PTI's political movement.
He criticized Chief Election Commissioner for disqualifying PTI lawmakers without awaiting court appeals. He said PTI would boycott upcoming by-elections to protest what he described as the 'unjust disqualification' of party members.
'We will not field any candidates in the by-elections,' he said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi ahead of PTI protest
Listen to article Authorities in Rawalpindi have imposed Section 144 across the district, banning all public gatherings, motorcycle pillion riding, and rallies from August 4 to August 10, citing security concerns ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) August 5 protest. The Deputy Commissioner's office issued a formal notification on Monday, stating that the restrictions are aimed at maintaining law and order during a sensitive period. According to the notification, 'There will be a complete ban on political gatherings, rallies, and processions in Rawalpindi district. Pillion riding on motorcycles will also be prohibited from August 4 to 10.' The notification also prohibits the display of arms and the use of loudspeakers in public spaces. Any attempt to remove official roadblocks placed on major thoroughfares will result in legal action, officials warned. The administrative clampdown comes amid PTI's continued mobilisation efforts despite ongoing political and legal challenges. The party has not officially announced a rally in Rawalpindi, but authorities appear to be taking preventive measures. It is worth noting that after a series of failed protests, the PTI founder has once again decided to demonstrate street power to campaign for the rule of law and the release of imprisoned party leaders and workers. However, the party appears divided on key policy matters, with dissenting voices increasingly surfacing in public. Days ahead of its planned protest on August 5, the PTI is facing a widespread crackdown, with party leaders going into hiding, workers reporting home raids and several bank accounts reportedly frozen. Party leaders and workers allege that police across Punjab have intensified efforts to suppress the protest by launching a campaign of intimidation. Many party workers lament that since August 1, police have been knocking on doors, forcing workers to sign affidavits promising not to participate in the protest. The raids have led to panic within PTI ranks, with multiple leaders choosing to go underground to avoid arrest. Party sources claim that the "door-knocking" campaign has expanded rapidly over the past few days. In addition to the pressure tactics on the ground, several reports have emerged of financial restrictions being imposed on PTI leadership. The bank account of Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed, a senior PTI office-bearer in Punjab, has reportedly been frozen, one of many such cases, according to the party.
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Imran Khan behind bars, PTI behind the Lines: what to expect on August 5
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced a nationwide protest on August 5 to demand the release of their imprisoned leader and former prime minister Imran Khan, and dozens of party activists convicted under anti-terrorism laws. Party spokespersons have framed the rallies as a fight for 'justice, not confrontation,' accusing the establishment of orchestrating politically motivated trials to sideline PTI from future elections The party's central vote banks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab have historically turned out in massive numbers, most notably during the no confidence demonstrations of April 2022 and 'fill the jails' campaign launched in Feb 2023. Yet this year, state measures like curfews in various parts of the country, mobile internet shutdowns, and the recent convictions of more than 100 PTI members are deterring people from showing up, and are raising fears of fresh crackdowns. Read: PTI alliance mobilises for August 5 'power show' Public sentiment is divided. Rural areas still rally behind PTI's narrative, but many urban middle-class citizens worry that more street action will aggravate economic woes and security disruptions. Analysts point to a growing faction within PTI openly voicing difference of opinion over protest tactics - an internal rift that could dampen turnout further unless leadership unites behind a clear strategy. Meanwhile, Imran is embroiled in multiple legal battles and remains incarcerated. In the Toshakhana case, he was accused of under-declaring and selling state gifts worth over Rs140 million while the Al-Qadir Trust case centers on a Rs7b land donation from developer Malik Riaz, for which the former premier was sentenced to 14-years in prison. Read more: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi indicted in Toshakhana case Separately, Imran Khan was initially convicted for leaking a classified diplomatic cable (cipher case) and for an 'unlawful marriage' trial, both verdicts later overturned or suspended, though related appeals persist. Following his May 9, 2023 arrest, violent PTI-led protests led to over 150 anti-terrorism and incitement charges that carry long sentences, keeping him behind bars as these cases wind through the courts. Can PTI pull it off? As August 5 approaches, PTI's protest faces high expectations but also significant obstacles. The party's ability to translate loyalist energy into visible street action will depend on leadership cohesion, grassroots coordination, and how forcefully the state chooses to respond. Here's what our analysts had to say. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Prof Tahir Malik emphasized that 'there's been no real change in ground-level capacity since May 2023,' but warned that 'a divided leadership and a largely secretive strategy will hamper efforts to rally the masses'. He pointed out that recent 10-year sentences have 'made people fearful of getting arrested and convicted,' which will inevitably dampen turnout. Also read: 'No political space in sight for PTI' Meanwhile, Majid Nizami predicted a smaller turnout. 'Without clear coordination between Imran Khan's central command and party workers, turnout will shrink further,' he said. He noted the absence of any fully operational Federal Constabulary personnel despite high-profile announcements as evidence that security forces are likely treating August 5 'more as a routine matter,' deploying regular police units instead of the new paramilitary force. Both analysts foresee localized sit-ins and rural pickets rather than a single, sweeping demonstration. Prof Malik expects 'small-scale protests, more intense in villages than in cities,' while Nizami believes the event will amount to 'symbolic roadblocks and provincial pickets,' falling short of a mass-mobilization that could shift the country's political dynamics.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PTI not a political party but a fascist group: Azma Bokhari
Listen to article Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not a political party but a fascist group that seeks to destabilise the country. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she accused PTI of promoting unrest and undermining national interests. She claimed that PTI had fled from the Sambrial and Muridke by-elections out of fear of public rejection. 'This group caused the May 9 incidents—an event that must not be forgiven, or it will keep repeating,' she said. Bokhari stressed that only the Supreme Court holds the authority to impose bans but insisted that 'to move the country forward, it is essential to rid ourselves of this chaos-spreading party'. Bokhari questioned the political legitimacy of PTI, referring to its alleged role in guerrilla-style conspiracies. 'Is a group waging guerrilla war and conspiring against Pakistan a political party?' she asked, adding, 'The terrorist group will not be allowed to destroy Pakistan's law and order.' Read: PTI alliance mobilises for August 5 'power show' Referring to PTI's protest planned for August 5, she said no one is ready to accept responsibility for the day. She criticised PTI for calling for processions while remaining silent on national causes. Responding to reports of a potential deal for PTI's founder to leave the country, Bokhari said, 'I've heard about the deal, but I don't know for sure'. Turning to foreign affairs, she accused PTI chief Imran of advancing American interests, stating, 'The Jewish lobby has relaunched its product; Khan promoted American interests'. She ridiculed Imran's previous stance on independence, saying, 'Are we slaves? Is real freedom being promoted through ads? Previously, he asked for freedom from America; now, even his son is demanding freedom'. 'Instead of threatening America, now write on vehicles: 'Trump, only you are our hope',' she added mockingly. Bokhari stated that even PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur had acknowledged Punjab's development during a visit to Lahore. She said, 'They talk of 'final calls', but their protest movements never materialise—protest calls on November 26 and April 9 were both cancelled'. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to national interest, highlighting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's zero-tolerance policy on sugar hoarding. 'Many arrests have been made, and the government will take custody of stockpiled sugar from mills,' she said. She concluded by asserting that the current government was committed to protecting Pakistan's welfare, saying, 'This is a government that safeguards the interests of the people.'
