Politics

Shehbaz asks Bilawal to be politically mature after PPP chief’s advice to Nawaz

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

“Bilawal Bhutto is like a younger brother,” Shehbaz says.
He talks about working with Bilawal for 16 months.
Politician says crying and blaming will do nothing.

Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and former prime minister, termed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari a “young brother”, a day after the young politicians advised his party’s supremo to “focus on Lahore”.

“Bilawal Bhutto is like a younger brother. [We have] worked together for 16 months,” he said, citing their collaboration under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government.

The senior politician’s comment came during a press conference in Quetta, where PML-N leaders, including Nawaz, gathered to meet with Balochistan-based political parties ahead of the elections in February 2024.

The former prime minister’s statement was made in response to his ex-foreign minister’s comment advising Nawaz to “focus on Lahore”, instead of looking towards other provinces in the country, particularly pointing at his interest in Sindh in the run-up to the upcoming general polls on February 8 next year.

“Mian sahib has been suggested to go to other provinces. I suggest he should stay in Lahore,” said the former foreign minister while addressing a presser in Mithi,” Bilawal said, addressing a presser in Mithi a day ago.

He added that the PML-N supremo should address issues that exist in Punjab instead of going towards other provinces. The PPP chief urged PML-N to do politics on its own instead of relying on others.

The party has begun swift efforts towards seat adjustment in the country’s southern province, as it eyes to form a coalition government in Sindh if it manages to secure majority votes. A PML-N delegation comprising its leadership visited Karachi last Sunday and shared their intention regarding seat adjustment.

“We should move towards mature politics. Crying and blaming will do nothing,” the PML-N president said, responding to a question on Bilawal’s statement.

The former premier urged politicians to reflect on their own actions and analyse where mistakes were made.

Shehbaz also maintained that the nation will accept whoever the people elect as the next prime minister, as his party is rallying for Nawaz’s name for the coveted post.

The veteran politico, on his Balochistan visit after meeting leaders of provincial political parties, resolved to bring prosperity to the province, which remains deprived of better infrastructure when compared to the rest of the country.

“We have to solve economic and social problems together,” he said, urging Baloch politician Sardar Lashkari Raisani — last associated with the Balochistan National Party (BNP) — to join PML-N.

He said Raisani joining the party will strengthen it. “The political elite has joined PML-N. We have met the leaders of Balochistan’s political parties have met. I am very satisfied.”

The former premier said his party’s leaders will sit down with Raisani to resolve all issues.

Nawaz leaves for Lahore after meeting workers in Quetta

Meanwhile, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif lambasted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for failing to develop Balochistan.

“Many people came and talk but nothing was done practically. There is a difference between them and us,” he said, addressing his party leaders and workers in Quetta.

Nawaz questioned the Imran Khan-led party for not bringing any change to the province since it came into power in 2018, despite making big claims.

He asked: “What changes did the change-makers bring in the last four years?”

Nawaz lamented that poverty, backwardness, economic misery would have ended if his party’s government wasn’t sent home in the past.

Expressing his condolences, the PML-N supremo also met with the father of a teenage martyr, who lost his life during the May 9 riots. “You arrange the lawyer, we will cooperate with you,” he assured him.

After the meeting with his party leaders and workers, Nawaz left for the airport. Others leaders including Shehbaz, PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz, Parvez Rashid and Maryam Aurangzeb also left for Lahore with the PML-N supremo.

Latest News

Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

Published

2 days ago

Farwa

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

Published

4 days ago

Farwa

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.