Addressing a news conference here at the press club, he said, “If Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif want to save country, they will have to support new provinces and decentralisation of powers.”
He said his party fully supported demands for restoration of Bahawalpur province and formation of Hazara, Seraiki, Pothohar and FATA provinces.
He recalled that presently India had 29 provinces while it was going to form 11 more provinces this year.
Hashmi said that world forces had been keeping an eye on Balochistan and feared that internal chaos could provide a chance to external forces to interfere in order to meet their nefarious designs.
He said that military action was not a solution to the Balochistan issue and demanded to end injustices with the people of the province.
The PTI leader said it was the PML-N chief who persuaded other political parties to boycott general elections. He accepted that he committed a mistake by joining the cabinet of Gen Ziaul Haq’s government.
He said when he was detained, Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto made phone calls to him assuring him that they would run ideological politics.
Moreover, he said that former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf had threatened him and Nawab Akbar Bugti of dire consequences.
The chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was addressing a press conference here on Sunday after arriving in London from Switzerland a day earlier where he was on a private visit with his family members. Marvi Memon, Lord Nazir Ahmed, Furmanullah Marwat, Shahid Khakan Abbasi, Dr Anjum, Zubair Gull and others were present on this occasion.
Nawaz alleged that Pakistan People’s Party government was busy currying favour with the establishment in a grand conspiracy to stay in power and weaken the democratic process. He resolved that no matter what the temptations his party will never become part of the conspiracies hatched by the secret agencies to manage politics.
He said the spy agencies should not be allowed to take over the offices of political parties and indulge in horse trading as they did during Musharraf’s rule to help Q-League. He said if he comes to power, he will get the army’s budget debated in the parliament – a thing, he said, the current government has failed to do.
Nawaz said that he had never met or seen Yunus Habib in real life till his appearance on television in recent days when he levelled the charge that he (Younus) had paid Rs3.5 million to him (Nawaz) in person. “I have no idea why Younus Habib is doing it and on whose behest although there is a lot of speculation about his character in the media. What I know for fact is that he is a highly discredited man who brought financial ruin to his bank. Shahbaz Sharif has given him a proper reply.”
PML-N chief said his party made mistakes but had learnt the lesson with an intention that it would not deviate from the right path. His party has learnt to stand by his democratic principles and never be part of the sinful circle of politics that some quarters always wanted, he added.
He said his party is called anti-establishment by the ruling coalition in centre just because he has refused to sacrifice democratic norms for the sake of power. “If our position is not liked by the establishment then they are free to do so but there will be no compromise on truth and don’t expect any conspiracy from us.” Pakistan’s survival was linked to democracy and transparency and the fact that the mandate of the people was supreme, he said.
Nawaz Sharif asked the government to stop disrespecting institutions. Referring to PM Yousuf Raza Gilani’s address to Islamia University Bahawalpur convention few days back, he said it was a joke with Pakistani nation that its elected prime minister asked children on how to dodge the Supreme Court orders. He said Gilani couldn’t show character when he first criticised the “state within the state” and then retracted his statement by saying that he begged the ISI chief to take extension. He said a country like Pakistan deserved much better than the current set of rulers.
He said it was important to inform the public about who was responsible for bringing Pakistan to this stage. “Zardari and Gilani have failed to make Pakistan a forward looking country; they have failed the public mandate. It’s our misfortune that military generals impose martial laws on Pakistan without caring for Pakistan’s interest. It doesn’t matter for them whether they arrest or send out, or hang politicians. This is what our character has been in the last 60 years.”
Nawaz Sharif said it was right that a judicial commission was investigating the Memorandum scandal and should see if anyone involved in conspiring against the interests of Pakistan. He said the memo inquiry will help strengthen democracy in Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif said though PPP government has brought Pakistan to a very difficult situation, but there was no reason to be pessimistic and there were ways to take the country out of this abyss. He said he formed alliance with Benazir Bhutto – and later with Asif Ali Zardari – in the spirit of supporting democracy and with realisation that the PPP leadership will be a partner in the process of reform but they showed over time that their only goal was to stay in power and amass wealth at any cost, without recognising the heavy price the country was paying for their excesses.
He said his party pulled out from the coalition after realising that President Zardari didn’t have a vision and had no regard for the accord they had jointly signed for a democratic set up. He added that when he realised that staying in the government would mean being partners in crimes of the current government he decided to call it a day.
“We have never followed a personal agenda but when we saw that PPP was motivated by greed we parted our ways. We are Pakistan friendly but the charge of friendly opposition is wrong. Had Zardari been sincere Pakistan would have been leading the way of progress in the entire South Asian region.”
Nawaz Sharif said his party, after coming to power, will end Pakistan’s isolation in the world community, will curb terrorism, and will restore the status of Pakistan, as he did after deciding to go for nuclear blasts. He maintained that he had learnt a lot from the mistakes committed in the past. The PML-N would not take any other way except democracy as it is the sole solution to the problems Pakistan has been facing for a long time now, he said. He said that his party and partners would not be trapped by any greed or seduction.
Speaking on the occasion, Marvi Memon said that PML-N aimed to form the next government in provinces and the centre. She said there was a heavy responsibility on the workers of the party to respond to the calls of the Pakistanis who were gasping for change and needed effective leadership in the shape of Nawaz Sharif.
Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham said overseas Pakistanis loved him and praised Nawaz Sharif for taking a strong stance on Balochistan. “This government is full of corrupt and crooked people. This government has taken corruption to a new height, never seen before in the history of Pakistan.” He said those who were on Britain’s social security system have become millionaires after looting the resources of Pakistan. He asked Nawaz Sharif to support the representation of overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan’s electoral process.
Zubair Gull welcomed Marvi Memon in the party ranks and said her decision to join the party had proved that graph of PML-N popularity was on the rise. He said Nawaz Sharif’s politics was for the survival of Pakistan. He said those who had left the party were opportunists but the time will prove they were misguided.
Habib had appeared before a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, which is hearing Air Marshal (r) Asghar Khan's petition against the alleged use of public money by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to influence the 1990 general election results. The court has sought a detailed report from the Defence Ministry on the ISI's working from 1990 onwards.
Former chief of the defunct Mehran Bank, Younis Habib, former army chief Gen Mirza Aslam Beg, former ISI chief Asad Durrani and the petitioner, Asghar Khan, appeared before the bench, whereas Commander Shahbaz represented the Defence Ministry in the case. Habib told the court that the then army chief communicated to him the message of the then president, Ghulam Ishaq, to arrange Rs 350 million, adding that he (Habib) was taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Agency on saying that it was impossible to arrange such a substantial amount.
Habib revealed that he arranged Rs 1.48 billion under duress, and of that, Rs 400 million were distributed among politicians while the rest were received by the agencies for investment. The bank account numbers in which the money was transferred was also provided by Aslam Beg, claimed Habib. He also informed the court that he was forced by Roedad Khan and then attorney general of Pakistan to file a case against Asif Ali Zardari, in 1990.
Tendering an apology before the court, Habib pleaded for mercy, saying he had no other option but to capitulate to the pressure exerted by the former president and army chief. In response to Habib's statement, Durrani tried to convince the bench that ISI had nothing to do with the disbursement of the money to politicians, saying it was his individual act. The chief justice observed that the bench would decide the case after hearing all the parties.
Those who died in Monday’s bombing near the city’s government high school in cantonment area included two children, who had come there to sell peanuts, local sources said.
The blast came just after the helicopter carrying Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and other senior ministers took to the air and. while the people were coming out of the venue of that huge public rally, they added. The explosive device was planted in a motorbike parked about 150 metres from the venue of the meeting and it went off when large number of participants and police were present, police sources said.
The blast caused panic and its intensity was so high that the body parts, jackets and caps of the victims blew for many feet. Large number of people and rescuers rushed to the site and shifted the injured to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar and Nowshera District Headquarters Hospital. Doctor Rahim Jan at Peshawar’s Lady Reading hospital said they received nine of the wounded people and two of them passed away.
Those killed included police personnel. The injured were identified as Lal Muhammad, Inspector Gulzar Khan, Jawad, Kamran, Aisar Gul, Javed, Abdullah, Naved, Rizwan, Shamsher Ali, Haji Liaqat Ali, Sher Shah, Naseem, Shah Jehan, Janas Khan, Ameer Khan, Liaqat Khan, Noor Muhammad, Javed, Haider Afridi, Liaqat son of Hakeem Khan, Muhammad Ajmal, Habibur Rahman, Aziz Khan, Abdur Rasheed, Ghani Gul, Muhammad Israr, Zeb, Mujahid and Rahatullah.
Police and security forces reached at the spot, cordoned off the area and collected the evidence from the site. Bomb disposal squad personnel Abdul Haq said that three to four kilograms of explosive material was used in the attack. Talking to The Nation, District Police Officer Muhammad Hussain Khan said that strict security measures had been taken for the rally and therefore the terrorist targeted outside area of the rally venue.
It was the third bomb in five days to hit the north-western province, which in recent months had seen a decline in violence largely linked to local Taliban insurgency. On Friday, three suicide bombers blew themselves up at a police station in Peshawar, killing four officers a day after a car bombing killed 13 people at a bus station on the outskirts of Peshawar. More than 530 bomb attacks have killed around 4,900 people across Pakistan since government troops in July 2007.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, Provincial President Afrasiab Khattak, Senior Minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour, Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain, ANP Central Information Secretary Senator Zahid Khan and other office bearers of the party strongly condemned the incident. They expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.
Provincial Minister for Excise and Taxation Liaqat Shab also visited the blast site and condemned the brutal attack at the innocent people. He expressed his deep sorrow and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar has taken strong exception of the bomb blast and said that such heinous acts of brutality can never be tolerated.
Soon after the tragic incident, he talked to the chief minister on phone and enquired after him, expressing good wishes for his safety. He also talked to the provincial police chief, Akbar Khan Hoti and said that the incident was intolerable which needs to be thoroughly probed and the elements involved have to be brought to justice.
Barrister Masood also expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls as well as wished early recovery for the injured.
“If any attempt is made to change the map of Balochistan, it will be equally harmful for India too,” he warned while addressing a joint conference with PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the latter’s residence. Hashmi regretted that the number of missing persons in Balochistan was rising with every passing day and grave human rights’ violations were taking place in the province. He added that no voice in favour of Pakistan could be heard from Balochistan.
“Tomorrow, this symptom will be dubbed as American and Indian intervention is increasing,” he maintained. He was of the opinion that the resolution on Balochistan had been tabled in the US House of Representatives because of Pakistan’s feeble stance but even yet the government did not take up this serious issue as it should have taken. Recalling the memories of last presidential election, he said that he was a presidential candidate but Nawaz Sharif did not want a worker of his party to become president of Pakistan. “Majority of the parties, which are currently part of ruling alliance, were in my favour but Nawaz Sharif proved his friendship with Zardari,” he maintained. He said that the rulers of Punjab considered Saraiki region just a vote bank and therefore they neglected it during the last four years. He asked the masses to boycott by election in NA-148 and 149.
Later, addressing the news conference, Shah Mahmood Qureshi declared that the PTI would field candidates in 1,000 constituencies in coming general elections. He said that the country needs fresh polls as the nation paid heavy toll for each day of the government. “Those raising slogans like ‘Go Zardari Go’ today extend their shoulder to protect his throne,” he added. He hoped that a big revolution would take place in the country soon. He said that the good way to lodge a peaceful protest was to boycott by polls. He said that all out state resources were being used by the ruling party to win byelection of NA-148. He said that the PTI accorded utmost respect to its workers and therefore the old workers would be given tickets in the election.
He called for an immediate end to American intervention in Pakistan, asking the rulers to develop ties on the basis of equity with the USA. To a query on 20th amendment, he said that an impartial and autonomous set up should be evolved in the country for holding general elections in light of the amendment.
He claimed that many lucrative offers were given to him and Javed Hashmi when they decided to quit their parties. “But we had decided to cease the politics of throne,” he added. He said that although he and Hashmi contested elections against each other in the past, now they were united at one platform. “Our goal is no more the politics of personal gains rather we’ll use our energies for the sake of country and nation,” he added. He said that he and Hashmi would bring revolution in Multan. He appreciated Hashmi’s endeavours for restoration of democracy in the country and said that both of them had come together to shun all past differences. He said that Tehrik-e-Insaf was the name of change as the people had got tired of conventional politicians.
“The issue of contempt of court is between the judiciary and the government, and I welcome the prime minister’s decision to appear before the court,” Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif told reporters at the Lahore airport on Tuesday. Shahbaz was leaving for Berlin, Germany, to attend the International Green Week.
But Shahbaz, who is seen as having cordial relations with Gilani, was quick to back the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s position on the National Reconciliation Ordinance case. “The current situation is the government’s own making. The SC had issued orders on NRO a number of times but no attention was paid. Instead, they were ridiculed.”
Criticising President Asif Ali Zardari, Shahbaz said that it was an open secret that he had deposited billions of rupees, which were looted from the Pakistani people, in Swiss banks and that it had angered the entire nation. “The prime minister should apologise to the nation, not the army chief.”
Defending the PML-N’s position, he said that calling out on the incumbent corrupt rulers was in no way the same thing as opposing democracy. “The democratic system and corrupt rulers are two separate issues and democracy should survive at any cost.”
Talking about his visit to Germany, Shahbaz said that a number of progressive farmers from Punjab were also attending the event and a stall of agricultural items from the province will be displayed.
He said that Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive programme for the development of the agriculture sector, promotion of agri technology and production of high quality agri items.
He said that the Star Farming Project had also been introduced at a cost of Rs2 billion to impart training to cultivators and experts.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said he was the Prime Minister of 180 million people and was only answerable to the Parliament."The prime minister... is answerable to parliament," Gilani told reporters in Vehari. "I will not answer to a person. I am answerable to parliament."
The premier said the President House has rejected the news item saying Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has demanded the clarification or withdrawal of the statement issued by him.
He added that it was important for Parliament and not the prime minister to complete the five-year term.
The prime minister did not comment on if Mansoor Ijaz had arrived in Pakistan.
PM Gilani last week criticized the Army Chief and the Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant-General Ahmed Shuja Pasha for filing court papers in memogate case.
"What I said was not an accusation," he told reporters.
"We want there to be respect for the constitution, rule of law, and all institutions to work within their limits. I said just one thing, that rules and procedures were not followed. And that was the defence secretary's fault, for which we removed him from his post."
The resolution, which will be voted Jan. 16 said the Parliament is people's representative. The NA session has now been adjourned till Monday evening.
The resolution stated: "This House believes that the present democratic dispensation‚ which is about to complete four years‚ came in to being as a result of great sacrifices rendered by the people of Pakistan".
This House reiterates the belief of the democratic forces that the future of Pakistan and well being of its people lies in the continuation and strengthening of democratic institutions and constitutionalism for the resolution of national issues‚ strengthening of the federation and empowering the people of Pakistan.
This House believes that for the furtherance of democracy and democratic institutions the basic constitutional principle of trichotomy of powers must be fully respected and adhered to and all state institutions must strictly function within the limits imposed on them by the Constitution.
This House reiterates that sovereignty lies with the people of Pakistan and the parliament is the repository of the collective wisdom of the people.
This House endorses and supports the efforts made by the political leadership for strengthening democracy and reposes full confidence and trust in them.
A presidential official said Zardari, who spent more than a week in a Dubai hospital for treatment last month, returned in the early hours of Friday after a brief visit to attend a wedding.
“The President arrived at 5:00 am after attending a wedding in Dubai and he is in Islamabad now,” Farhatullah Babar, Zardari’s spokesman told AFP.
The one-day trip came after a confrontation between Pakistan’s civilian leaders and the military over a probe into the government’s role in a scandal centred on a mysterious memo that sought US help in curbing the army’s power.
Pir Syed Mardan Shah II, alias Pir Pagara, was being treated at a London hospital after being flown there a few days ago in a critical condition.
Pir Pagara was the biggest title given to the leaders of Sufi order of Hurs in Sindh. His father, Pir Syed Sibghatullah Shah, was hanged on March 20, 1943, by the British government due to his struggle against the colonial rule. The spiritual leader of ‘Hurs’ and head of his own faction of the Pakistan Muslim League, PML-Functional, Pir Mardan Shah, spent a life full of successes and earned repute of a brave leader. He was widely respected in religious and political circles. He was the seventh Pir of Hurs, who had a long history of struggle against the British Raj.
Pir Sahib was born in Pir Jo Goth in 1928. He was studying in Aligarh when his father was hanged on the charge of sedition against the British Crown. On his return to Karachi in 1946, he was put under house arrest and then shifted to Liverpool UK and admitted to Major Davis Private School, an institution set up to ‘educate’ the children of ‘Crown’s rebels’.
Pir Sahib got his graduation from England and had command on French and Latin besides English.
At the time of the creation of Pakistan, Pir Sahib was in the UK and returned to Karachi in 1949. After meeting with the then prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan, he was assured that he would be restored to the status of Pir Pagara. He was officially restored to his position on February 4, 1952, as his Dastarbandi was done. After two years of becoming the spiritual leader of Hurs, he married the daughter of Makhdoom Syed Ghulam Miran Shah in 1954, who was a religious and spiritual leader of Bahawalpur.
Throughout his life, Pir Pagara actively participated in Pakistan’s politics and was considered close to the establishment. He was a political leader who never hesitated in saying that he had links with GHQ and was a staunch supporter of the army in the country. He had many horses of high breed, which often won races in Karachi Race Club.
Pir Sahib remained member of the National Assembly and Senate. His death has ended a legend in the Pakistani politics. He will be buried in his native graveyard in Pir Jo Goth.
Talking to the media personnel at Mansoora on the occasion of the JI Central Shoora meeting, he said that the PPP had miserably failed to deliver. During its four years rule, the PPP led government had only added to the worries of the masses and it could not do miracles even if it remained in power for yet another year.
He said the only honorable way-out for the PPP leadership in the prevailing explosive situation was to announce elections.
The JI chief said that the country’s nuclear assets were a national asset and a deterrent against the enemy and their protection was the joint responsibility of the government and the armed forces. He stressed upon army chief, Gen. Kayani, to make foolproof security arrangements for the nuclear arsenal so that these did not meet the fate of the Mehran Naval base and the Silala check posts.
In reply to a question, Syed Munawar Hasan said that the people changing parties should also tell the masses that their previous parties had failed to deliver.
He said the big public meetings and rallies by different religious and political parties all over the country amply showed that the masses were sick of the present rulers and wanted a change at the earliest.
Asked about MMA’s revival, he said that there was a close harmony among the religious parties which would increase in the days ahead. He said it was the responsibility of the religious parties to unite the nation on one platform to check the secular forces.
He said Pakistan was supposed to become a welfare state, adding the very first welfare state of the world was formed during Khilafat-e-Rashida which was based on Islamic principles.
He said Tehreek-e-Insaf would root out corruption within 90 days and bring about reforms in the overall system.
He welcomed Javed Hashmi into the folds of Tehree-e-Insaf and hailed his 'bravery'.
Talking about agricultural reforms, Imran Khan said free seeds would provided to the farmers while fertilizers would supplied at cheap rates to maximize the produce.
Imran Khan said a Chinese company wanted to bring 19 billion dollar investment to Pakistan but it did not due to worst law and order situation in Karachi.
"You don't need a rocket science in Pakistan, just bring a team of honest leaders that carries out self accountablity," he asserted.
He promised that the major corruption will be eliminated within 90 days of coming into power. Pakistan suffers a loss of 300 crores per day, he regretted.
"The days of Zardari's rule are numbered, so do not worry."
Speaking about Balochistan, he said: "We will seek forgiveness from Balochistan people and remove their grievances by developing the deprived province."
Announcing about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's next public meeting, he said 'the next stop for the Tsunami will be Quetta on March 23'.
Responding to Nawaz Sharif's 10-over match, Imran Khan asked him to organize the match as early as possible as 'you might no longer have a team' (in near future).
Khan further said that we wanted to play a match with President Zardari but he was retired hurt.
He said Sindhis, Urdu speaking, Memons, Punjabis, Urdu speaking, people from Hazara, Multan, Gilgit Balitistan besides minorities were present at the rally.
Imran Khan also greeted the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas saying "Merry Christmas".
He specially thanked Zulfiqar Ali who he said sold his mobile phone and cam all the way from Dera Ghazi Khan to attend the rally.
Imran Khan congratulated the Karachiites for 'beating the Tsunami of Lahore'.
"I put together a team and won the World Cup … the same team went ahead and established Shaukat Khanum … now I want you all to come with me to make a new Pakistan."
Hashmi was on his way to the airport when several PML-N workers lied in front of his car at his residence to oppose his decision to join the PTI. Senator Pervez Rasheed, spokesperson Punjab government, told the media that the party had a 5-6 hour long meeting with Hashmi on the matter, forcing him to stay in the PML-N.
Sources told The Express Tribune that Hashmi was not taking calls from the executive leadership of the PML-N which was to arrive in Multan at 11am, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, in attempts to convince Hashmi not to join the PTI. They added that Hashmi will also formally announce to join the party on December 25 during the PTI rally in Karachi. Fifteen more MNAs and around 25 MPAs from the PML-N are also said to be joining the PTI during the next two weeks.
Talking to media at the airport, Hashmi said that he has decided to join the PTI because he believes that its agenda is for the betterment of Pakistan. He said that it was his personal decision to join the PTI and he will not compel anyone else to do the same but will welcome all those who follow his decision.
After Hashmi’s announcement, three strong constituencies of Multan with NA-148 of Shah Mehmood, NA-149 of Hashmi and NA-151 of Sikandar Bosan have become a part of the PTI. Mehmood has also assured to win the NA-150 for the PTI.
MPA Shahid Mehmood Khan from Hashmi’s constituency also announced to join the PTI, immediately after Hashmi announced his final decision.
Hashmi, a remarkably popular figure, won three National Assembly seats in 2008 from Rawalpindi, Lahore and Multan. He eventually vacated two of those seats and kept NA-149, representing his native Multan. He is the third politician from Multan to join the PTI, first being Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi – Hashmi’s hometown political rival, and second was Sikandar Bosan.
Hashmi had earlier shown reservations over Chaudhry Nisar’s appointment as the parliamentary leader of the PML-N and it is believed that Hashmi had given his party an ultimatum that if his son-in-law Zahid Bihar Hashmi was not given a party ticket, he would join the PTI.
MULTAN, Dec 23rd:Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has said that his party will support the creation of Saraiki and Hazara province in the National Assembly. Altaf Hussain said that MQM will fully support the creation of a Saraiki province in the National Assembly and the Senate. He directed the MQM’s parliamentarian to move resolution in the NA regarding creation of Saraiki province. He said that his party would set the masses free of the feudal system. He urged the politicians to come and sit for the creation of new provinces.Altaf Hussain, chief of Mutahidda Qaumi Movement has said that all Politicians and political parties had disappointed the people of Southern Punjab during the last 64 years because they did not resolve their problems and left them at the mercy of fate.In his telephonic address to a big and impressive rally which was also attended by `Dr. Farooq Sattar,Haider Rizvi, Mustafa Kamal,Sajid Ahmed MNA,Sarfraz Nawaz ,Anees Qaimkhani, Saif Yar Khan, Rao Khalid, Iftikhar RAndhawa, Rai Khalid, Sindh Minister Abdul Haseeb, Rashid Bhayya, MNA,Muhammad Ali Shah Rao Abdul Qayyum,Shahid Alam QAim Khani,Dr.Rashid Mehmood, Arshad Bazmi, S,A Iqbal Qadri MNA,Wakil BHatti.Altaf Hussain said that people of southern Punjab should test the MQM once a time, Insha Allah it would not disappoint them anmd it will emerge the leadership from the poor and medicore class.MQM will help them in getting rid of Feudal lords , Waderas, Jagirdars, MQM chief said that we are not doing merely lip-service but we had made practically that mediocres were sent to the parliament who know about the starvation, hunger, poverty, tyranny, exploitation and injustice.He said that other political parties raise voices for the cause of down trodden people, haris, peasants, industrial workers and talk about the "Have-nots" In fact they are serving the interest of Jagirdars, Waderas by alloting tickets to upper class. Altaf Hussain said that MQM would introduce rule of 98 percent people who were being ruled by the merely two percent of privileged class. He said that change had come to the nation. In addition to it he also added that if MQM starts the Long March than more than 200 million people will be on the roads of Islamabad. Those who are criticizing the Muttahida Qaumi Movement will tell the public what they have done for them? Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Altaf Hussain has said that only his party or the Pakistan Army can defend Pakistan.
“MQM praises the statement of Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and his stance on supporting democracy in Pakistan. We salute the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” Altaf said.This was MQM’s first rally in Multan, through which the party’s chief is said to have addressed around 60 million residents in southern Punjab. Around 30,000 people attended the rally, belonging to groups such as the Kashmiri community, Seraikistan Youth Movement and supporters of the Bahawalpur province movement. Members of religious parties from across Punjab, Sindh and the tribal area of Balochistan that borders Punjab were also present.
Altaf said that the support the people of Multan have shown to the party signifies that a “peaceful revolution” is “knocking on Pakistan’s door.”In a telephonic address, Hussain said that the “flood” of the people cannot be stopped now.He said that the people who talk about revolution and claim to bring it must know that in the past the MQM has “slapped” politicians and feudals on the forums of National Assembly and Senate.Hussain proclaimed that today’s [Friday] rally is the biggest rally in the history of Multan and that it highlights Multan’s citizens’ love for MQM. He added, “Such love was seen in history for Quaid-e-Azam and Liaquat Ali.”
Backing his statement, he said that the Quaid was truthful and so is MQM.The MQM chief said that Multan, “the city of Saints,” has “hammered another nail in the casket of feudals.”He said that a negative propaganda was being planned in order to drive away the support that the people of Multan give to the MQM so that the feudals could “enslave” them.Hussain reiterated the need for a Seraiki province in the region and repeated, “Make provinces, save Pakistan.”He showed satisfaction over the demarcation of Southern Punjab and said that a “province for the underprivileged” should be made.Speaking about underdevelopment of southern Punjab, Altaf said that the 13 districts of the region have only two universities and two medical colleges while upper Punjab has 31 universities. “Only Lahore has more medical colleges than the entire southern Punjab. I immediately demand that the government announce five more universities and medical colleges, as well as two agriculture and engineering universities [for southern Punjab],” he said.Speaking about his rally, the MQM chief also said that “Such peaceful processions could not be witnessed again in any other party’s rally.”
“MQM praises the statement of Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and his stance on supporting democracy in Pakistan. We salute the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,” Altaf said.This was MQM’s first rally in Multan, through which the party’s chief is said to have addressed around 60 million residents in southern Punjab. Around 30,000 people attended the rally, belonging to groups such as the Kashmiri community, Seraikistan Youth Movement and supporters of the Bahawalpur province movement. Members of religious parties from across Punjab, Sindh and the tribal area of Balochistan that borders Punjab were also present.
Altaf said that the support the people of Multan have shown to the party signifies that a “peaceful revolution” is “knocking on Pakistan’s door.”In a telephonic address, Hussain said that the “flood” of the people cannot be stopped now.He said that the people who talk about revolution and claim to bring it must know that in the past the MQM has “slapped” politicians and feudals on the forums of National Assembly and Senate.Hussain proclaimed that today’s [Friday] rally is the biggest rally in the history of Multan and that it highlights Multan’s citizens’ love for MQM. He added, “Such love was seen in history for Quaid-e-Azam and Liaquat Ali.”
Backing his statement, he said that the Quaid was truthful and so is MQM.The MQM chief said that Multan, “the city of Saints,” has “hammered another nail in the casket of feudals.”He said that a negative propaganda was being planned in order to drive away the support that the people of Multan give to the MQM so that the feudals could “enslave” them.Hussain reiterated the need for a Seraiki province in the region and repeated, “Make provinces, save Pakistan.”He showed satisfaction over the demarcation of Southern Punjab and said that a “province for the underprivileged” should be made.Speaking about underdevelopment of southern Punjab, Altaf said that the 13 districts of the region have only two universities and two medical colleges while upper Punjab has 31 universities. “Only Lahore has more medical colleges than the entire southern Punjab. I immediately demand that the government announce five more universities and medical colleges, as well as two agriculture and engineering universities [for southern Punjab],” he said.Speaking about his rally, the MQM chief also said that “Such peaceful processions could not be witnessed again in any other party’s rally.”
Khan, along with PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, was speaking to the media in Multan.
Khan said that the current government is hiding its corruption behind the slogan of democracy and assured that the people of Pakistan and the media need not to wait for a revolution as it was already here.
“What more do you expect in a revolution; peoples’ representatives sitting in the parliament are resigning and joining PTI,” Khan said.
Khan further explained that those who were joining PTI were doing so because the current setup was corrupt and had failed to address issues.
The PTI chief added that people of Pakistan were suffering the most from the government of corrupt rulers and he acknowledged that despite all the difficulties, the nation was still striving hard and extending support to his party for relief.
“Change is always led by leaders and we will fulfil this need for change,” Khan said.
Present government and the opposition
Khan said that the current government is still in parliament today because there is no strong opposition.
“If Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decides to resign, there will be no corrupt government in power but PML-N is supporting this rule and waiting for its turn to take advantage of being in power,” Khan said.
Operations against militants
The PTI chief blamed operations carried out by Pakistan’s armed forces against Taliban for aggravating problems faced by the country and said that the current spell of peace was due to the ongoing negotiations with Taliban.
All terrorist activities and bomb blasts will end once we realise that this is not our war,” Khan said. “Even the United States has accepted this reality,” he added.
Qureshi’s brother joins PTI
Mureed Hussain Qureshi, brother of PTI vice chairman Qureshi, announced his decision to join Imran Khan’s party.
While talking to The Express Tribune, PTI vice chairman said that his brother Mureed was offered the designation of Advisor to the President by Asif Ali Zardari and PM Gilani but he refused and decided to join PTI instead.
It is also expected that Arbab Ali Syed, President District Bar Multan will join PTI, along with a group of lawyers.
Malik Naeem Awan, former federal minister along with his nephew, Malik Umer Aslam Awan and group including former chairman district council Khushab, Malik Ameer Mukhtar Awan (Sangha) have joined the PTI. Khan before leaving for Kasur in a brief visit to the residence of Malik Naeem Awan included him and his group in the party. Malik Naeem, despite his long illness enjoys considerable support in Khushab, as he secured his National Assembly several times and he was allied with the PML-N before his illness, however the nephew of Naeem, Malik Umer Aslam Awan secured the parliament seat once on the ticket of PML-N, while he lost the elections of 2002 and 2008 on PML-Q ticket and as an independent candidate to Sumaira Malik. However, according to the local leaders of Khushab, Malik Umer would be jumping to the election race once again with a new spirit from the platform of PTI. Moreover, Mian Azhar, expressing his first show of force in the party brought the influential Joyas of Arifwala into the party along with their group. Mian Amjad Joya, former district nazim Pakpattan and PML-Q leader along with former MPAs, Ashraf Joya, Rana Ghulam Qadir, while ex-PPP MPA, Chaudhary Shafiq Arian was also among Joya group.
Former parliamentarian of PPP from Sahiwal, Anwar-ul-Haq Ramay also joined the PTI at a joining ceremony at the residence of Mian Azhar, which was briefly attended by party chief and vice chairman, Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi. On this occasion, the prominent figures who joined the PTI include, Syed Ameer Hamza Kirmani son of Sajjad Haider Kirmani, an influential of Okara, while Sardar Ghulam Abbas Lashari, a notable of Muzzafargarh also joined Imran.
Kasuri said that the youth of Pakistan fully supported PTI chairman Imran Khan, while Khan welcomed Kasuri to the party and also congratulated him on joining.
Khan, targeting Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif, said that he was a club cricketer but was trying to compete with a test cricketer. He added that the PML-N had ruled for five years and still could not do anything good for the country.
He also said the tsunami was present in Kasur today and was headed towards Karachi.
An honest and competent government can help Pakistan come out of the current crisis and can bring joy to the country, said the PTI chairman.
A majority of newly inducted politicians in the PTI belong to Pakistan Muslim League – Q, and had earlier parted ways with the Chaudhrys of Gujrat after their decision to join the PPP-led coalition.
Some of them also belong to the PML-N and Pakistan Muslim League – Functional (PML-F) and are believed to be serious contenders in the next polls.
The party now appears to be on a direct collision course with the ruling PPP.
Earlier on Monday, Awais Leghari and his brother Jamal Leghari, political scions of the late former president Farooq Leghari, also announced they were switching over to PTI after being disenchanted by the decision of the Chaudhrys to join hands with President Asif Ali Zardari. Eminent singer Abrarul Haq also joined the party on the same day.
Other notables who joined the party on Monday include former MNAs Sikander Bosan, Ghulam Sarwar Khan and Ishaq Khakwani, Dr GG Jamal, Ghulam Sarwar Cheema, Senator Mohabbat Khan Marri, former Senator Saadia Abbasi and Abid Hassan, former World Bank chief in Pakistan.
Former senator Azam Khan Swati, who recently resigned from the Senate and membership of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), also joined PTI on Saturday.
More than 30 former ministers and members of the federal and provincial assemblies joined the ranks of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Monday.
Former federal minister Jehangir Tareen, Awais Khan Leghari, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Dr GG Jamal, Sikander Khan Bosan, Ghulam Sarwar Cheema, Ishaaq Khan Khakwani and many others formally announced their decision at the Islamabad Press Club, along with PTI chief Imran Khan.
Senator Jamal Khan Leghari and Senator Sadia Abbasi have also joined PTI.
While speaking to media, the PTI chief said that politicians weary of traditional politics have joined his party and that the PTI will gain advantage from their experience.
Newcomers to PTI
Recently former Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) leader, Shabbir Jokhio along with supporters from Memon Goth in Gadap Town crossed over to PTI. The move came after several meetings with the PTI leadership in Sindh.
Air Marshal (Retd) Asghar Khan, who was heading Pakistan Tehrik-e-Istaqlal, also joined the PTI at a joint news conference with the PTI Chairman.
Senator Jamal Khan Leghari and Senator Sadia Abbasi have also joined PTI.
While speaking to media, the PTI chief said that politicians weary of traditional politics have joined his party and that the PTI will gain advantage from their experience.
Newcomers to PTI
Recently former Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) leader, Shabbir Jokhio along with supporters from Memon Goth in Gadap Town crossed over to PTI. The move came after several meetings with the PTI leadership in Sindh.
Air Marshal (Retd) Asghar Khan, who was heading Pakistan Tehrik-e-Istaqlal, also joined the PTI at a joint news conference with the PTI Chairman.
