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Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
No formal talks for release of IK with federal govt: Saif
PESHAWAR: Advisor to KP CM on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif has said that no formal negotiations are underway with the federal government regarding the release of PTI chairman Imran Khan. He said that during Indian aggression, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stood united with the Pakistan Army, the nation, and the federal government. He urged the government not to exhibit political arrogance after this major success. Speaking at the 'Meet the Press' event at the Abbottabad Press Club and earlier at a seminar organized by Hajra Hamza Foundation at Jalal Baba Auditorium on World Thalassemia Day, Dr. Saif said that the cases against Imran Khan are baseless and that he is being subjected to injustice. He emphasized that keeping Imran Khan in jail will not break his spirit and that such actions are only increasing PTI's popularity. He challenged the government to release Imran Khan and face him politically, stating that the federal government has no legal or constitutional authority to make decisions. He confirmed that some individuals are attempting to mediate a resolution, but warned that political instability in the country threatens both the economy and national security. During the Thalassemia seminar, Maj. Gen Abid Latif Khan (retd) highlighted the role and efforts of the foundation. At the 'Meet the Press' event, President of Abbottabad Press Club Sardar Naveed Alam, General Secretary Raja Munir Khan, and President of Abbottabad Union of Journalists Atif Qayum raised demand for fund for a media colony, issuance of accreditation cards for journalists, medical funds, and inclusion of Abbottabad journalists in informational tours and training workshops. Regarding the media colony for the journalists of Abbottabad, Dr. Saif said that the Chief Minister has been approached and efforts will be made to resolve the matter within the current fiscal year. He also assured support in resolving other issues faced by journalists. Dr. Saif described the federal government's tactics as signs of fear and stated that Imran Khan will not enter into talks for personal gain but is willing to accept any condition for the sake of Pakistan. He criticized the federal government for turning Islamabad into a city of containers in response to PTI's protest movement and for targeting unarmed workers instead of competing politically. He condemned violence against journalists in Punjab and the suppression of dissent. Dr. Saif revealed that Imran Khan would soon announce the next phase of the protest movement and emphasized that internal party differences should not be aired in the media. On the health front, Dr. Saif noted that the provincial government has included treatment for thalassemia in the Sehat Card program, and bone marrow transplants will now also be covered at the government's expense. Earlier, President of Abbottabad Press Club Sardar Naveed Alam presented the PC-1 file for the media colony to the provincial advisor and reiterated the demand for special funding. Commemorative shields were presented to Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif and officers of Information Department by the Abbottabad Press Club and Abbottabad Union of Journalists. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan calls for nationwide protests
In a message from jail, former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has called for nationwide protests "to restore the constitution." Khan said he sent a message to his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to prepare for public protests in response to "injustice" faced. The former Pakistani prime minister said he would lead the protest from jail as the party chief. "Bullets are fired at our peaceful protest, now we will not be shot," he said in a message posted on X. Khan invited opposition parties to join the protest, which he said would involve bringing a no-confidence motion against "the way the Speaker of the National Assembly is running the House." "I instruct the entire nation and overseas Pakistanis to brace themselves for peaceful protests in Pakistan and around the world," he said. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, who is the current Speaker, was elected in March 2024. He belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League (N) party, led by Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's current Prime Minister. Khan said "During [the Speaker's] tenure, members of the National Assembly have been kidnapped from the House, speeches of our MNAs (Member of National Assembly) are censored; parliamentarians are being tortured outside Adiala Jail". The jailed ex-prime minister also commented on alleged "election rigging", and the 26th Constitutional Amendment which he said "was to provide protection to the February 8 election fraud and victimise the PTI." After this amendment, the judiciary has become a "government judiciary" with "full readiness to snatch reserved seats from us," Khan said. He also called for "less courageous" party officials who "do not have the strength to withstand pressure" to step down in order to make place for those who can face pressure.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Blocking of passports: officials pass buck to interior ministry
Passports of thousands of people across Punjab have been blocked for the last 2 years due to their suspected participation in May 9, 2023 rioting incidents — leading to cancellation of their international trips including pilgrimage to Makkah. Interestingly, geo fencing was used to identify the alleged rioters active in a particular area on May 9 and May 10 of 2023. As a result, dozens of people — including employees of government and private organizations, whose workplaces were located in those localities and who used phones during rioting — faced blacklisting of passports. A number of these people came to know that their passports have been blocked only when they arrived at the airport to fly to foreign destinations or went to the passport office for renewal of their documents. Dozens of such people have now approached the Lahore High Court (LHC). While hearing these petitions, the LHC has summoned passport officials along with records. In many of these cases, passport authorities have already submitted records to the court showing that the passports have been blacklisted. The Passport and Immigration Department told the LHC that the task of blacklisting passports does not fall under their jurisdiction and that the Ministry of Interior includes and removes names from the blacklist and the Exit Control List (ECL). They claimed that the names of the petitioners were added to the blacklist due to their alleged involvement in May 9 incidents. Those individuals whose names are on the blacklist or whose passports have expired cannot renew their document until their names are removed from the blacklist. Violent protests broke out across the country after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023. During the turmoil, attacks were carried out on 39 military installations across the country between 3pm and 7pm of May 9. Most of these attacks — 23 — occurred in Punjab, followed by 8 in K-P, 7 in Sindh and one in Balochistan. Major military facilities attacked included the GHQ in Rawalpindi, the Corps Commander's House in Lahore, the Mianwali Air Force Base, and ISI offices in Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Rawalpindi.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands of ID cards, passports blocked over involvement in May 9 riots
Listen to article Passports and national identity cards of thousands of individuals linked to the May 9, 2023, riots have been blocked. More than 5,500 citizens from Lahore and other cities and towns across Punjab have had their passports blacklisted, officials from the Department of Passport and Immigration told local media. The revelation came a day after Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad convicted and sentenced 11 accused to various jail terms and fines in cases related to the violence on May 9, 2023, over charges of attacking the Ramna police station, attacking policemen, setting properties on fire, and spreading terrorism. May 9 cases refer to the violent attacks on state installations in 2023 following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan over corruption charges. Several people were arrested in these cases, which were tried and convicted by military courts as well as ATCs in different cities. Read More: 19 convicted in May 9 riots granted pardon Regarding the blocking of passports and national identity cards, sources said names were flagged based on geo-fencing data, which captured mobile or landline numbers detected near protest sites. In many cases, this data alone led to individuals being added to the blacklist, even without direct evidence of involvement. Some of those affected have submitted proof of innocence to police and law enforcement agencies. However, their names remain on the blacklist, prompting hundreds to file legal challenges in court. The Lahore High Court has taken up dozens of such cases and summoned passport officials along with relevant records. In several hearings, officials have submitted documents confirming the blacklisting of passports. Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid indicted in May 9 riots case During proceedings, it emerged that many individuals worked in nearby government or private offices and had only made calls to family members during the unrest, but were still flagged due to their mobile phone location data. In court filings, the Passport and Immigration Department stated that it does not hold the authority to add or remove names from the blacklist. That power, it said, rests with the Ministry of Interior, which manages both the blacklist and the Exit Control List (ECL). The ministry has reportedly placed names on the blacklist for any degree of involvement in the May 9 events. Those whose passports have expired cannot renew them until their names are cleared. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. Also Read: Won't allow May 9 mayhem happen again In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalize pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, citing constitutional concerns.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
KP govt presents Rs50m to Peshawar Press Club
PESHAWAR: Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Dr. Mohammad Ali Saif visited the Peshawar Press Club where he presented a cheque of Rs. 50 million on behalf of the provincial government as financial assistance to the club. On this occasion, Secretary Information Muhammad Khalid, Additional Secretary Information Hayat Shah, office bearers of the Press Club, senior journalists, and other relevant individuals were present. Speaking at a press conference following the ceremony, Barrister Dr. Saif stated that the Peshawar Press Club is not just an institution for him, but feels like home. He emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is undertaking concrete and sincere steps for the welfare of journalistic institutions. Public resources are being utilized transparently, fairly, and effectively to enhance the professional capacity, training, and institutional development of the journalistic community. He further remarked that when resources are utilized properly, they have a multidimensional positive impact on society. This is the vision being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and under this vision, the Peshawar Press Club has been granted financial support twice during the current fiscal year. In response to a question regarding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Barrister Dr. Saif clarified that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made sincere efforts for political dialogue. At one point, a formal negotiation committee was established which engaged in talks with the government, but the process stalled and the committee was eventually dissolved. He asserted that PTI continues to make efforts on political, constitutional, and legal fronts to secure the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He stressed that without political stability, economic recovery and effective implementation of national security policies is not possible. The only way to achieve stability is to ensure swift judicial decisions on the baseless, politically motivated cases filed against Imran Khan and PTI leaders, and to release innocent political prisoners so they can rejoin the mainstream political process. Barrister Dr. Saif highlighted that Imran Khan has been in prison for two years but has neither sought pardon nor relief and has borne all hardships with patience. 'Anyone who believes that keeping Imran Khan behind bars will change the political landscape is delusional. The interest of the state, the nation, and the government lies in finding a peaceful resolution to this mockery.' Responding to another question about the protest plan to secure release of Imran Khan, he confirmed that a new protest campaign is being launched and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been instructed by Imran Khan accordingly. Regarding relations with neighbouring country Afghanistan, Barrister Dr. Saif revealed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has repeatedly submitted formal and informal requests to the federal government for permission to send a delegation to Afghanistan to engage directly with Afghan authorities on matters that are affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He emphasized that due to geographical proximity, developments in Afghanistan directly impact Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Expressing disappointment, he criticized the federal government's political incompetence and diplomatic inaction for hampering provincial efforts and preventing meaningful engagement with Afghanistan. He clarified that the KP government does not seek to conduct an international diplomatic mission or discuss matters of national security but only wishes to address issues that directly affect the province. Criticizing the federal foreign ministry, he stated, "The Foreign Minister has travelled the world but has failed to visit Afghanistan, our neighbouring country—this is a major foreign policy failure." Addressing a question about the expulsion of Afghan nationals, Barrister Dr. Saif made it clear that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government disagrees with the federal policy in this matter. He stated that Afghan refugees are seen as brothers, and treating them with compassion and fraternity is both a humanitarian and religious obligation. 'The Chief Minister has repeatedly stated that the provincial government does not endorse the federal government's approach toward Afghan refugee's repatriation. We believe Afghans share our language, culture, religion, and faith," he said. He emphasized that Afghan nationals are going through difficult times due to instability in their country, and turning them away is neither humane, Islamic, nor aligned with Pashtun traditions. He added that if any Afghan national completes legal documentation and wishes to re-enter Pakistan, the provincial government has no objections. Barrister Dr. Saif firmly rejected narratives blaming Afghan citizens for the province's problems, calling such claims unfair and disconnected from reality. Speaking on the issue of political conspiracies and scandals, Barrister Dr. Saif accused the ruling coalition of adopting failed strategies that have only boosted PTI's popularity. 'We are under attack from all sides—facing conspiracies and political hurdles—but by the grace of God, PTI's public support continues to grow.' He added that the party is not intimidated by these scandals and, in fact, believes they are fuelling public sympathy and respect for PTI. Barrister Dr. Saif described the PPP's anti-corruption protest as the height of political hypocrisy and mockery. 'The world knows that if any party is most associated with corruption, it is the Pakistan People's Party,' he said. He cited a 2008 United Nations report listing global money launderers, where the second name belonged to a current Pakistani figure that, regrettably, now holds the office of President. "This report is publicly available on the UN website, and every Pakistani can judge the moral standing of those protesting against corruption." Commenting on the PPP's recent protest, Dr. Saif said, 'If you unlawfully enter the Red Zone and damage public property, the law will respond. The police used only legal and reasonable force—no bullets were fired, and no extrajudicial actions were taken." He reminded the public that those now complaining about being hit with batons are the same ones who previously opened fire on unarmed PTI protesters in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and D-Chowk, resulting in over 18 deaths. 'Those people had no weapons. If they did, perhaps you wouldn't have dared to fire at them. But when you shoot at unarmed protesters, you lose the moral right to cry foul when law enforcement acts within legal bounds.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
