Latest news with #PML-N
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI MNA faces ouster over absence
Shaikh Waqas Akram said that the first phase of the civil disobedience movement is ongoing, and it is aimed at Pakistanis living abroad. PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS PTI lawmaker Sheikh Waqas Akram may be in trouble as a decision on a motion by PML-N member Nosheen Iftikhar is expected on August 11. In an earlier session, MNA Nosheen had moved a motion proposing the termination of Akram's membership, stating that his absence for 40 consecutive days warranted action under the Constitution. Responding to the motion, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on August 5 indicated that the membership of Akram could be terminated. The speaker pointed out that Akram had not attended the assembly for the last 40 days and had not submitted a leave application.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Asif meets Nawaz
LAHORE: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif met Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif here Friday and discussed matters of mutual interest and overall country's political situation. Nawaz Sharif said on the occasion that Khawaja Asif was his best friend and companion in difficult times and they have both gone through thick and thin together, sources said. Khawaja Asif said that whenever the country has faced difficulties, Nawaz Sharif's political insight has supported it. He said they made sacrifices to get the country out of default as well and this journey will continue in the future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Muqam sees chance for K-P power shift
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, has said that a change of government in K-P cannot be ruled out. He asserted that the opposition would prove its majority at the appropriate time. "A strong opposition alliance with 53 MPAs has the potential to shift the balance of power in the province," he said. He was speaking during a condolence visit to the residence of PML-N K-P Additional General Secretary Haji Dildar Khan in Swabi, following the death of his brother. Amir Muqam criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that the party does not appear willing to engage in meaningful dialogue, unlike PML-N, which is open to negotiations with all opposition parties. He urged Imran Khan to face the cases against him in court, adding, "PML-N has nothing to do with the verdicts in the May 9 cases." Referring to PTI's protest on Kashmir Exploitation Day, Muqam said the move was inappropriate and disrespectful. "The nation has already rejected them. Calling for protests on August 14, Independence Day, is an act of hostility against the country," he remarked. He alleged that PTI's available leadership is attempting to create chaos on Independence Day to please India and Israel. "The federal government, under PML-N, will celebrate Independence Day with full dignity and express solidarity with the armed forces," he said. He further stated that the people of Pakistan have always voted for PML-N because of its patriotism, and expressed confidence that the party would again form a government under the green flag.
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Pakistan defence minister accuses top govt officers of ‘devouring billions, retiring in Portugal'
'These are well-known bureaucrats,' he further wrote. 'After devouring billions of rupees, they are comfortably living a retired life.' In a post on X Wednesday, originally written in Urdu, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader alleged that 'more than half of the bureaucracy of our dear homeland has already acquired property in Portugal and is preparing to obtain citizenship'. New Delhi: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked a political firestorm by accusing the country's top civil servants of large-scale corruption, and quietly securing foreign citizenship, particularly in Portugal. He further alleged that a former close aide of former Punjab chief minister Usman Buzdar had received Rs 4 billion in salami (cash gifts) at his daughters' weddings, and now enjoys a peaceful retirement. The minister accused civil servants of siphoning off public wealth, while escaping accountability. In contrast, he painted elected politicians as relatively powerless and exposed. 'Politicians only get what is left over by them,' he said, saying that they cannot own plots abroad or foreign citizenship, as these would disqualify them from running for office. 'This bureaucracy is polluting the sacred land of Pakistan,' he added. In a follow-up post, Asif also named an individual referred to as 'Virk sahab', whom he accused of playing a central role in helping the officers settle down in Portugal, and obtain European citizenship. The accusations triggered reactions online, with both supporters and critics weighing in. Journalist Umar Cheema responded by urging the defence minister to investigate 'who, among the bureaucrats or politicians, built Park View City in Portugal, where people obtain a European passport after investing there'. Park View City is a real estate project by Vision Group, a Pakistan-based real estate firm. Another journalist, Najam Wali Khan, associated with state-run PTV, questioned the minister's approach—'If a top brass minister like Khawaja Asif is only going to tweet, then who would arrest them—Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman or Yasmin Rashid? Who has stopped you from taking the money trail from these looters?' (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: More rhetoric than reality? What are 'massive' Pakistani oil reserves Trump has promised to develop
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Asif drops Portugal bombshell
Defence Minister and senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif has claimed that over half of the country's bureaucracy has purchased property in Portugal and is preparing to acquire citizenship. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) the other day, Asif alleged that several prominent bureaucrats are among those planning their exit. He did not name individuals but suggested the trend was widespread within the civil service. This is not the first time reports have emerged about Pakistani bureaucrats and government officials investing in foreign real estate. In May 2024, international journalistic body Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) published an investigative report titled Dubai Unlocked. The investigation revealed that leaked data from 2022 showed 17,000 Pakistani nationals owned some 23,000 residential properties in Dubai. These included former military officers, bankers, politicians, and senior civil servants. Further concerns about foreign affiliations of civil servants surfaced earlier this year. In January, the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Interior was informed that more than 22,000 bureaucrats hold dual nationality. Last month, the government amended the Civil Servants Act, introducing Section 15-A, which now requires all Grade 17 to Grade 22 officers to declare their assets - both domestic and foreign - as well as those of their immediate family. These details are to be made public through the FBR in a move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the public sector. Why Portugal? The recent focus on Portugal is closely linked to its Golden Visa programme, officially known as the Golden Residence Permit. This initiative allows non-EU nationals to secure permanent residency in the country in exchange for specific types of investments. Previously, investing in the real estate sector was a popular route to acquire permanent residence, but this option was discontinued in 2023. Current qualifying investments include job creation, research, business development, support for arts and culture, or venture capital funds. Residency obtained through the Golden Visa programme also allows the main applicant to bring their spouse, children, and parents and in-laws to Portugal. After five years, applicants become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. According to Bloomberg, Portugal issued nearly 5,000 Golden Visas in 2024, marking a 70 per cent increase from the 2,901 issued in 2023. The sharp rise is attributed to growing investor interest following Spain's decision to discontinue its own Golden Visa scheme in April this year.
