Shauzab, Aleema face off, but no truce
ISLAMABAD: Kanwal Shauzab, the ex-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA and self-styled defender of the party's honour, received a sharp reality check on Saturday, courtesy none other than Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan.
What began as a fiery confrontation quickly turned into a humbling moment for Shauzab, who had accused Aleema Khan in a leaked video of undermining key party figures including acting chairman Gohar Ali Khan and tarnishing the party's image, vowing a dramatic face-off.
However, when the ex-MNA, who had secured a seat in parliament reserved for women on PTI's quota in 2018, crossed paths with Aleema Khan at the Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), the anticipated 'showdown' never materialised. Instead, Shauzab made a last-ditch attempt to offer an apology.
In a sudden change of stance, Shauzab denied the accusations from her video, claiming they were part of a smear campaign orchestrated by PML-N trolls. But Aleema Khan – like brother, like sister – uninterested in engaging in any drama, met her with cold indifference.
'I'm not angry with you. Now go,' Khan said, barely glancing at the politician before dismissing her.
Shauzab, still attempting to salvage the situation, tried to clarify that her words had been misinterpreted. But Aleema, displaying little more enthusiasm than someone scrolling through social media, responded dryly, 'Others from PML-N and other parties also speak against me,' before walking off.
The encounter left Shauzab's attempt at reconciliation in tatters, her hope for a dramatic showdown dissolving into an awkward, futile apology.
If Aleema Khan chose not to forgive her, the PTI insiders insisted, Shauzab's political career could very well be left in the gutter, with no amount of backpedaling able to salvage her reputation or future within the party.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Only 14% MNAs attend all sittings of 16th NA session
Two supplementary resolutions were adopted by the house which were about paying tributes to the sacrifices of the armed forces on Defence Day and condemning terrorism in Quetta and Mardan. PHOTO: FAFEN The 16th session of the National Assembly that spanned over 13 sittings between May 5 and 22, 2025, saw only 14% members making 100% attendance, while 9% of the members were absent during the entire session, the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) said in its report on Thursday. Fafen is a civil society network focused on strengthening democracy. It said in its latest report that consistent with the previous sessions, female attendance was generally higher than that of their male counterparts during the session last month. "The highest attendance was recorded during the first sitting, with 237 members (76%) present. During this sitting, the House suspended its regular agenda to discuss the recent Pakistan-India conflict," the report said. The lowest attendance was recorded during the last sitting, with 174 members (55%) present. This sitting was initially adjourned after just 13 minutes because of the lack of quorum. The House reconvened after 15 minutes and passed The Off the Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Bill, 2025. Fafen said that 150 members of the National Assembly (MNAs) skipped sittings without advance leave request; 118 (44%) submitted a leave application, including 25 (21%) in advance and 37 (31%) applied ex-post facto after returning from their leave. It added that 268 members (86%) missed at least one sitting during the current session. The report said that 16 female MNAs, including 14 on reserved seats, attended all the sittings, while five female MNAs, including two on the reserved seats, recorded zero attendance. Region-wise, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad Capital Territory lawmakers recorded the highest percentage of MNAs attending more than half of the sittings, it said, adding that majority of lawmakers from the SIC, the PML-N, the JUI, and independents attended more than half of the sittings. A lack of ministerial presence weakened legislative oversight, Fafen said in the report. Among the 29 federal ministers, who were expected to be present during the Question Hour to respond to queries from lawmakers, only 15 (52%) were marked present during the sittings.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Nawaz offers Eid prayers in London
LONDON: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif prayed for the country's development after offering Eid prayers in London. 'May Allah put Pakistan on the path of progress,' said the three-time prime minister after offering Eid prayer. He added, 'May Allah bless the people of Pakistan with happiness. May Allah grant joy to all Muslims across the Islamic world.' The three-time prime minister also lauded China, Turkiye and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan during difficult times. 'It is the collective responsibility of international community to support Pakistan's legitimate issues and UN must take a leading role in resolving them,' said Nawaz Sharif.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Punjab power relief funded by profits of two power companies
LAHORE: After the reduction in electricity tariffs of two power companies - Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Private Limited and the Punjab Thermal Power Private Limited - there will be cut in power tariff for the consumers but its impact would not be too significant, it has been learnt. 'There will be definitely reduction in power tariff of electricity consumers in Punjab and the relief will be financed with profits earned by said two government-owned power companies,' sources in the energy department said, adding: 'In light of the Punjab cabinet decision, the provincial government would approach Nepra for a reduction in power tariffs for these two plants so that these price reductions get permanence and are reflected in the new tariff.' It may be noted that the Punjab government had established a special purpose vehicle company by the name of Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power (Pvt) Limited (QATPL) in March 2015 under section 32 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 in Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode with the mandate to build, own and operate a 1180 MW RLNG based power plant at Bhikki, Shiekhupura on fast track. Punjab CM announces up to 40pc relief in power tariffs The Punjab Thermal Power (Private) Limited (PTPL) is a private limited company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017. It is wholly owned by the government of Punjab through the energy department. The main objective of the company is to establish and operate a 1263 MW thermal power plant based on RLNG at Haveli Bahadur Shah near Trimmu Barrage, District Jhang in Punjab. It may be recalled that the provincial cabinet in its meeting had given nod to cut the power tariffs of these two plants by 30-40 per cent to reduce electricity bills. This move is similar to the federal government's which recently renegotiated contracts with independent power plants (IPPs) to reduce tariffs, the sources added. 'Both the companies had curtailed its profits as well as reduced non-developmental expenditures to materialize this move.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
