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Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM, Saad Rafique discuss political situation
ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) moved swiftly on Thursday to capitalise on the difficulties faced by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after a series of court convictions and disqualifications resulted in several National Assembly seats being left vacant. In recent weeks, a number of key PTI lawmakers – including the opposition leader in National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan – have been convicted or disqualified by the courts, resulting in around six seats falling vacant in the lower house. Amid these developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with senior PML-N leader and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Thursday to discuss the prevailing political situation and strategise the party's response. This has paved the way for a series of by-elections, with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) expected to announce the schedule shortly. These polls are seen as crucial in determining the current political balance. The PML-N has intensified its preparations for the upcoming by-elections, viewing them as an opportunity to further strengthen its position in parliament and consolidate public support. According to senior PML-N leaders, the forthcoming by-elections on seats vacated by PTI lawmakers are seen as an important test of political strength for both the ruling party and the opposition. Rafique is known within party circles for his candid approach and had taken a somewhat independent stance following the 2024 general elections. Unlike many of his colleagues, he publicly acknowledged electoral defeats amid controversies surrounding the disputed Form 47 results, which PTI continues to challenge. Sources within the PML-N interpreted the meeting as part of efforts to recalibrate internal dynamics and strengthen the party's campaign machinery ahead of the by-polls. Rafique retains considerable influence in Lahore and neighbouring constituencies – areas that remain vital for the party's electoral prospects. PML-N insiders said that Rafique is still reluctant to contest any by-elections given the current political turmoil in the country, which he has openly criticised on several occasions. They added that the prime minister made a last-ditch effort to convince him to contest the forthcoming by-elections, strengthen his position, and play a role in steering the country out of the prevalent crisis. However, Rafique sought time to consult his close aide before making a decision. With the political climate becoming increasingly intense, the PML-N is gearing up for the by-elections with renewed focus. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI clarifies incarcerated leaders remain resolute
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has clarified that the letter written by its Punjab leadership, while highlighting the importance of meaningful dialogue, also dispels speculation that its incarcerated leaders had buckled under any pressure. Speaking to The Express Tribune, PTI's Punjab social media head said the letter, authored by one of the five jailed leaders and delivered to the media through their lawyers, was not making any new demands per se. He explained that the party seeks to hold negotiations at all levels, including with the powers that be, 'who in reality are running the show and calling the shots'. He emphasised that the letter's key purpose was to reject the impression that PTI leaders currently behind bars were looking to settle their disputes with state institutions in a bid to end their prolonged incarceration. 'All these five leaders are standing tall, and their commitment to the party's cause remains unwavering,' he said. The PTI's call for a broader negotiation process comes as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has already garnered the support of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique called the PTI letter 'wise and pertinent". Posting on his social media handles, Saad Rafique wrote: 'The letter from senior PTI leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail in support of the dialogue process between political parties is important and wise. If the PTI founders agree with the opinion of their senior colleagues, then talks can begin.' However, he added that discussions should be held without preconditions and focus on reducing bitterness through dialogue and gradually easing confrontations. 'If we can talk to enemy countries, why can't we talk to each other?' he wrote. Rafique noted that Pakistan urgently needs a new and broader democratic charter, stating, 'No discussion can be fruitful without reaching consensus on this. Let's sit down together and decide on the rule of the Constitution in Pakistan, or recite the Fatiha of democracy.' He further stated that the political forces, both in government and opposition, remain a political reality, regardless of shifting popularity ratings. 'Similarly, denying the power of the establishment is also a denial of reality. The solution to our political crisis will come not through the use of force against force, but through dialogue and deliberation,' he added. 'Whatever solution to differences and complex issues emerges, it will be a step-by-step process. Instead of wasting energy on dragging and tearing each other apart, we should discuss ways to move the country forward,' Rafique said. Commenting on PTI's announcement to launch a protest movement after Muharram, he said, 'I have no doubt that the protest movement will not be successful, even after Muharram'. He attributed the expected failure to the harsh weather, PTI's weak organisational structure, internal rifts, and the rigidity of state institutions. A day earlier, the PPP had also voiced support for initiating a national dialogue process and called for the creation of a new charter akin to the Charter of Democracy. 'Inmate consensus supports talks' Earlier in the day, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi urged party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja to visit him in jail, stating that it was the consensus of the inmates of Kot Lakhpat jail that negotiations should be made. Speaking to journalists during his jail trial, Qureshi added, 'I will not disclose the name to whom PTI should initiate talks'. 'The timing of things is very important and it matters a lot in politics, so I will disclose the name at the right time,' he added. Regarding the party's continued struggle for political dialogue, he said, 'We have been talking about negotiations for two years, so what solution is left except protests when no reply is received?' Qureshi said that PTI's founding chairman, Imran Khan, would ultimately make the final decision on any negotiations. 'We wanted to talk with powerful corridors, but they received a reply that PTI should talk with politicians,' he said. He noted that confusion had intensified due to the lack of access to Imran Khan. 'They should be given access to Imran Khan so that we could take his view and explain ourselves,' he said. The seasoned politician said, 'They are in jail and they don't know what is on the ground. I have 42 years' experience in politics". "The country should flourish.' Dr Yasmeen Rashid, another incarcerated PTI leader, echoed the sentiments of jailed party members. 'We are in jails for the sake of this country, not for mines. We know we had not committed any offence; we know they will punish us, but even then, they are sticking to their stance and not bowing down to their vested interests,' she said. 'I have a lot of educational degrees and I could go to any country for a better life, but I will not do it, as Pakistan is my country and I love it,' she added. 'We talk about the constitution and will get justice through the courts.'
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OKX Token Spikes 9.8% on Report Exchange Will Consider U.S. IPO 'in the Future'
Crypto exchange OKX is "considering" an initial public offering (IPO) with the U.S. as its preferred market, The Information reported on Sunday, citing an interview with the firm's chief marketing officer. 'We will absolutely consider an IPO in the future,' said Haider Rafique, chief marketing officer. 'If we go public, it would likely be in the U.S.' Reports of Rafique's comments brought about a 9.8% jump in OKX's native token OKB. From trading just above $50, OKB spiked to $55.11 before falling back to the where it was before the news. OKX established a U.S. headquarters in San Jose, California in April, having settled charges with the Department of Justice for operating in the country without a money transmitting license, for which it agreed to pay a $500 million fine. Should the Seychelles-based exchange now be weighing up an IPO, it would demonstrate a newfound confidence in its U.S. operations. Along with OKX, crypto exchanges Kraken and Bullish (owned by Bullish Group, which is also CoinDesk's parent company) both have plans to go public in the U.S. Stablecoin issuer Circle (CRCL) completed its long-awaited IPO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the start of this month, with its shares climbing 675% since. OKX declined to comment when contacted by CoinDesk on the matter. UPDATE (June 23, 14:50 UTC): Rewrites headline to lead on OKB token price movement. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Tension erupts in Pokhran over post on MLA, mob attacks police station; 13 arrested
At least 13 people were arrested in Rajasthan's Pokaran town in Jaisalmer district over an objectionable comment posted on social media targetting local MLA Mahant Pratappuri related to International Yoga Day, police said on Monday said. The incident began after photos from theYoga Day celebration held in Pokaran on June 21 were shared on social media. (Sourced HT photo) The situation escalated late Sunday night when a mob attacked the Pokaran police station following the arrest of the accused Rafique from Gomat village, prompting police to resort to a lathi-charge and detain several individuals. According to Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police (SP) Sudhir Choudhary, the incident began after photos from the state-level International Yoga Day celebration held in Pokaran on June 21 were shared on social media. Among them were images of BJP MLA Mahant Pratappuri. The image drew controversial remarks from the accused who was arrested on Sunday night. Later that night around 10:30pm, as many as 60 people led by Gomat village Sarpanch's husband Firoz Khan gathered at the Pokaran police station to protest Rafique's arrest. Despite efforts by police to pacify the crowd, the protest turned violent as the mob began pelting stones at the police station. No injuries were reported among police personnel. In response, police detained 19 people. Following preliminary questioning, 13 individuals — including Firoz Khan — were formally arrested on charges of obstructing government work and inciting violence. Also Read:Tension erupts in Haridwar's Jwalapur after severed cow head found on road According to authorities, Khan, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, misled villagers and incited the crowd by spreading misinformation regarding the arrest. 'To disperse the mob, police were compelled to use batons,' SP Choudhary said, adding that legal action has been initiated against those responsible for the attack on the police station premises and gate. Police have also identified 40 more individuals allegedly involved in the violence. Their names have been included in the first information report (FIR), and arrests are expected soon. SP Choudhary, who rushed to Pokaran late Sunday night, reviewed the situation on the ground and instructed officers to take strict action. 'Anyone posting derogatory content against religious or social figures on social media will not be spared,' he said.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Warning after three bin lorry fires in one week
Fires broke out inside three bin lorries in one week in Leeds, prompting the council to issue an urgent warning about the safe disposal of batteries and barbecues. In the incidents in Burmantofts, Armley and Middleton, waste crews saw smoke emerge from their wagons due to fires caused by discarded barbecues or batteries from vapes or other devices. Workers had to tip the smouldering waste on to the road to enable it to be safely extinguished, following advice from firefighters, a Leeds city Council spokesperson said. Mohammed Rafique, executive member for environment, said incorrectly discarded rubbish can cause "danger to our crews and staff, damaged vehicles and inconvenience for residents". No workers were hurt during the fires and the bin lorries, roads and nearby properties were not damaged. The mess at each location was cleared up as quickly as possible, a council spokesperson said. But the incidents did cause extra expense and inconvenienced neighbours and drivers, they added. Rafique said: "Fires in bin wagons or at recycling centres can be started from the smallest spark or heat source." The council urged people to dispose of batteries or devices like vapes that contain lithium-ion batteries at the place they were purchased from, supermarket recycling points or the tip. They advised people to allow disposable barbecues to fully cool down, soak them in water and wrap them in foil before putting them in the bin. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Battery bin fire sparks recycling reminder Batteries warning after second fire at waste plant
