Latest news with #26thAmendment
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Sindh people support Imran release struggle'
PTI Political Coordinator Amjad Ali Khan has said that the people of Sindh are at the forefront of the struggle for constitutional supremacy and the release of Imran Khan. In a statement, he said that keeping the PTI founder in solitary confinement while denying him access to his personal physician, lawyers, and family members is not only a gross violation of basic human rights but also an assault on constitutional values. Calling it the worst form of political revenge, Khan condemned what he described as inhumane treatment of both Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in prison. He claimed Imran Khan's only "fault" was speaking the truth and awakening the nation — something, he said, the current rulers cannot tolerate. Khan further alleged that the prevailing system stifles dissent rather than addressing the real issues facing the public. He criticised the curtailment of judicial powers following the 26th Amendment and said the mistreatment of political prisoners has become a disturbing norm. He vowed that PTI would continue its struggle to uphold the ideology of Imran Khan, defend the Constitution and democracy, and protect basic human rights.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI banishes five MNAs from party
Listen to article The opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Sunday expelled five members of the National Assembly for going against the party line during the vote on the 26th Constitutional Amendment in the National Assembly in October last month. According to separate notifications issued by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the expelled members are Aurangzeb Khichi, Zahoor Hussain Qureshi, Usman Ali, Mubarak Zeb and Ilyas Chaudhry. These independent lawmakers were supported by the PTI in the 2024 general elections. The similarly-worded notifications stated that these lawmakers violated the party instructions and voted in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill on October 21, 2024, while the party in a meeting had unanimously decided to oppose the amendment. "You are hereby declared to have violated your commitment, oath and loyalty to the Party. You have acted contrary to the instructions of the Party as you voted in favor of 26th Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2024," said one of five notifications, sent to Qureshi. "And by [that] conduct [you] have joined another Parliamentary Party in the National Assembly. You are therefore expelled from the Party (PTI) forthwith. Needless to add that you also stand disqualified on account of the aforesaid conduct," it added. The 26th Amendment was passed with a two-thirds majority. Among the opposition parties, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) had supported the government after several rounds of negotiations. The PTI however, chose to oppose the bill. Yet the government was able to get five members on its side. Soon after the bill was passed, the PTI decided to take legal action against its lawmakers who had violated the party policy. At that time, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said that these lawmakers had been elected as independents; therefore, they were not bound by any party decision. The PTI's notifications on Sunday said that notices were issued to the dissenting National Assembly members on November 5, 2024 to show cause why they "should not be declared to have defected" from the party, but "you did not respond to the notice". The notifications also stated that these members deserved of disqualification from being elected representatives for joining another party. The PTI chairman demanded of the National Assembly speaker to disqualify that these members. Among the expelled members Khichi was elected to the National Assembly from NA-159 Vehari-IV; Qureshi from NA-146 Khanewal-III; Usman Ali from NA.142, Sahiwal-II; Muhammad Ilyas Choudhry from NA.62, Gujrat-I and Mubarak Zeb from NA.8, Bajaur.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI expels five MNAs for backing 26th amendment, seeks disqualification
Listen to article The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday formally expelled five of its National Assembly members for defying party directions and voting in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendment — a move the party termed a 'flagrant breach of oath, loyalty, and parliamentary discipline.' The expulsions were confirmed through formal notifications issued by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. The lawmakers — Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Zahoor Elahi, Usman Ali, Mubarak Zeb, and Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry — were elected on PTI tickets and, according to the party, had pledged to uphold its parliamentary stance. An official PTI statement said the party's parliamentary meeting on September 2, 2024, had unanimously decided to oppose the 26th Amendment at all stages. These instructions were submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly on September 5 for record. However, on October 21, the five lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, enabling the government to pass it with 225 votes — just one above the required 224. Following the vote, PTI issued show-cause notices to the MNAs on November 5, asking why they should not be disqualified for defection and breach of party discipline under Articles 62 and 63. A hearing committee was formed but none of the lawmakers responded or appeared. The party further alleged that the MNAs had joined another parliamentary party by taking seats on the treasury benches and attending its meetings, which it says constitutes formal defection under constitutional provisions. Read More: Gandapur says Imran Khan ready for talks with decision-makers 'You are hereby declared to have violated your commitment, oath, and loyalty to the party,' the notification read. 'You voted in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024, and by conduct have joined another parliamentary party. You are therefore expelled from the party forthwith.' The PTI leadership has also requested the Election Commission of Pakistan to initiate proceedings for the disqualification of the five MNAs under Article 63A of the Constitution. The five MNAs had voted in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which enabled the government to secure 225 votes — one above the 224 required for passage. The 26th Amendment introduced significant changes to Pakistan's judicial structure, including revisions to the process of judicial appointments, the tenure of the Chief Justice, and the composition of the Judicial Commission.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Young leadership — fresher ideas
It is said that adversities and tragedies can either make people or break them. For those with a greater goal in life, tragedies offer necessary life lessons, enabling them to build the resilience needed to prevent history from repeating itself. Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is one such leader who has emerged as a beacon of hope and pragmatism in Pakistani politics, despite its tumultuous history. Having lost his mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, at the young age of 19, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has made a name for himself by promoting political stability and avoiding conflict with adversaries-while ensuring that national space is not conceded. In December 2021, Chairman Bilawal galvanized the then opposition parties against the government of Imran Khan, initiated a No-Confidence Motion, and successfully replaced the government through constitutional means in April 2022. He subsequently joined the coalition government as Foreign Minister. As a young Foreign Minister, he worked tirelessly to defuse the diplomatic and economic crises inherited from the previous administration. Under his leadership, Pakistan avoided economic and diplomatic minefields-benefits that are evident three years later. During his tenure, Pakistan bore the brunt of climate change, and Bilawal became the country's voice on the global stage, advocating for climate justice and highlighting how Pakistanis are victims of the developed world's carbon footprint. This culminated in the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in Geneva, co-hosted by UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres. Mr. Guterres, acknowledging our plight, stated: 'No country deserves to endure what happened to Pakistan.' At this significant event, Pakistan successfully secured international funding, with Bilawal committing to transform the challenge of recovery and reconstruction into an opportunity to build a more resilient Pakistan. Through tangible actions, Bilawal has shown that he walks the talk-his government in the province of Sindh is constructing 2.1 million homes for flood-affected people, of which 600,000 have already been built. Since his parliamentary debut in 2018, his clarity-driven, statesmanlike approach has not only defined his political persona but also paved the way for unity, progress, and democratic resilience. With the PPP leading the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan and playing a conscientious role in Parliament, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has helped stabilize and strengthen the democratic system. The passage of the 26th Amendment in October 2024 stands as a shining example of his visionary leadership, ensuring optimal give-and-take (within legal bounds) to maintain continuity and longevity in democratic governance. I am personally witness to his patience, perseverance, and foresight in building political consensus for the amendment's passage. Bilawal has consistently demonstrated that age is merely a number when it comes to political sagacity. His remarkable maturity and nuanced understanding of Pakistan's complex challenges set him apart. His leadership style reflects a deep commitment to democratic principles and inclusive governance, which distinguishes him in a polarized and often hostile political landscape. During the recent war-like situation with India, Bilawal once again stepped forward to articulate Pakistan's position internationally, exposing Indian propaganda. His diplomatic engagement helped improve Pakistan's global image and underscored his vision of a more connected and cooperative Pakistan. At the United Nations, Bilawal called on the international community to press India for a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan. He warned that recent military escalations had heightened the risk of conflict and emphasized the urgency of addressing the unresolved Kashmir issue, which lies at the heart of Indo-Pak tensions. Despite rising hostilities, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan's readiness to cooperate with India in combating terrorism. As Foreign Minister, during his visit to India in May 2023 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, he again emphasized resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. He also addressed regional threats of extremism and terrorism, calling for collective action free of political bias. It is often said that history repeats itself. Just as Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto presented Pakistan's case to the world even when they held no official office, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari now follows in their footsteps. His statesmanlike approach is precisely what Pakistan-and the wider region-needs: to diffuse tensions and present a united, dignified, and constructive image of Pakistan, paving the way for long-term economic and political stability. The writer is mayor of Karach
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran plans jail-led protest, sons to join after return from US
Listen to article Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan intends to lead a protest movement from jail against the 26th Constitutional Amendment, while his sons Sulaiman and Qasim will join the campaign after returning from the United States, his sister Aleema Khan said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Aleema conveyed the jailed former prime minister's message to supporters, claiming he remained resolute despite solitary confinement and harsh prison conditions. 'He [Imran Khan] said he is free inside jail, while those outside are imprisoned,' she said, adding, 'People must come out for themselves, for democracy, for the rule of law, and against the 26th Amendment. Anyone who cannot bear the weight of this movement should step aside now.' 'جب ایک قوم اپنے حق کے لیے خود کھڑی ہو جاتی ہے پھر اس کو کوئی طاقت جھکا نہیں سکتی۔ میں جیل میں بھی آزاد ہوں مگر میری قوم باہر ایک ایسی قید میں ہے جہاں نہ آزاد عدلیہ ہے نہ آزاد جمہوریت نہ ہی آزاد میڈیا۔ تمام پاکستانیوں کو اب اپنی حقیقی آزادی کے لیے باہر نکلنا ہو گا!! دو سال سے… — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 8, 2025 Imran, she said, had asked that the protest movement should reach its peak on August 5 — the date that will mark two years since his imprisonment. 'After the 26th Amendment, all public rights have been effectively taken away,' she added, noting that their entire family would participate in the campaign while former prime minister sons will join the campaign after returning from the United States. "Imran Khan's sons, Qasim and Sulaiman, will first go to the United States to raise awareness about the injustices faced by their father, and then they will take part in the movement being launched in Pakistan. Imran Khan has been informed of this," he said. Read More: Imran, Bushra seek expedited hearing to suspend convictions in £190m case Aleema, accompanied by her sisters Noreen and Uzma, said she had been denied access to her brother, although other family members were eventually allowed to meet him. She expressed concern over his treatment in custody, describing it as unprecedented. 'What is being done to him is unlike the treatment of any other prisoner. He has been denied access to television, newspapers, and reading material for a week. His books are lying in the deputy superintendent's room,' she said. She added that PTI founder has been held in solitary confinement and has not been allowed to see his doctor for the past ten months. 'They think they can break him. But they cannot,' she said, adding that she herself had also been barred from meeting him. عمران خان کے بیٹے قاسم اور سلمان پہلے امریکا جائیں گے وہاں اپنے والد پر ہونے والے ظلم کے بارے آگاہ کریں گے، پھر پاکستان میں شروع ہونی والی تحریک میں حصہ لیں گے، عمران خان کو بتا دیا گیا ہے، علیمہ خان۔ — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 8, 2025 Earlier in the day, dozens of PTI supporters gathered at the Gorakhpur checkpoint as Khan's sisters attempted to walk toward the prison. Police contingents were deployed, and party workers raised slogans. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja was also present at the scene. While Aleema was stopped near a local hotel and not allowed to proceed, other family members were eventually granted access. Former First Lady Bushra Bibi was also allowed to meet her sister-in-law Mehrunnisa. Also Read: K-P govt dismisses senior officials after Swat river incident Separately, PTI focal person Niazullah Niazi Advocate and MNA Munawra Baloch were stopped by police at the Dahgal checkpoint. Senator Faisal Javed and Advocate Zahoor Abbas Chaudhry were also denied entry at Gorakhpur. However, according to party sources, Barrister Gohar, Salman Safdar, and Zahoor Abbas Chaudhry were later allowed to meet the former premier. Speaking to reporters before the jail meeting, Safdar said the visit was as significant as any earlier one. When asked why the legal team had not been able to secure relief despite over 700 days of Imran's detention, he said, 'We are fighting the cases in courts and doing our best.'
