News Analysis India

Tag: Imran Khan

  • Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan invokes Arvind Kejriwal’s bail in Pakistan Supreme Court, here’s why? ,

    Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has invoked the case of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal getting bail to campaign ahead of India’s general elections, as he complained before the Supreme Court about the mistreatment met to him in jail. During his appearance on Thursday before a five-member Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa in a case related to amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman complained of the “victimisation” that he faced since his ouster from power in April 2022.

    Justices Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Athar Minallah, and Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi also sat on the bench. Justice Minallah remarked that it was unfortunate that Khan was in jail as he was the head of a large party with millions of followers.

    Khan, complaining of oppression against him, pointed out that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was released on bail by the apex court ahead of the Indian general elections for campaigning for his party but he was facing oppression in Pakistan which was under undeclared “martial law”.

    Khan, 71, complained that he was convicted within five days to keep him away from the general elections which were held on February 8. Khan also expressed dismay over the Supreme Court’s judgment rejecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government plea requesting the live streaming of the case.

    “You wrote [in the judgment] that I did political point scoring during the last hearing. I did not get it, what political scoring did I resort to,” the PTI founder asked the CJP Isa. At this, Chief Justice Isa said a judge does not owe an explanation to anyone over the verdict. “You can file a review petition,” the top judge said.

    He also asked the former premier to speak only about the pending matter before the court. Lamenting political victimisation, the PTI founder said the Supreme Court should appoint a chairman for the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the anti-corruption watchdog.

    “When the Opposition and government fail to evolve consensus on the name of NAB chairman appointment then a ‘third umpire’ makes the decision,” he said, adding that the anti-graft body is working under the “third umpire”. Addressing the PTI founder, Justice Minallah said: “Khan sahib, there was no reason to declare the NAB amendments invalid.”

    Khan said he was currently facing NAB inquiries and called for improvement in the anti-corruption body.

    After Justice Minallah reminded Khan about the issue of the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner, he said restoring the amendment would help him in the NAB cases, however, the country “will become bankrupt”.

    CJP Isa also barred the PTI founder from citing Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict in the cipher cases and said the appeal in the case might be filed in the apex court.

    “Why did not you oppose the NAB amendments in Parliament,” asked Justice Rizvi. Khan cited the circumstances and said his government was toppled via conspiracy and that he did not want to respond to the “conspiratorial government” in Parliament.

    Khan also asked the court to compare the facilities given to him in jail with the facilities given to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. However, in a lighter vein, Justice Mandokhel said the elder Sharif was not in jail at the moment, “Do you want us to send him to jail?” The chief justice remarked the court would arrange a surprise visit by the judicial officer.

  • Pakistani court acquits Imran Khan in 2022 protest vandalism cases |

    Islamabad: A Pakistani court on Monday acquitted jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and other top leaders of his party in two cases related to vandalism during an anti-government protest march in 2022.

    The 71-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party founder has been in jail since August last year after being convicted in some of the nearly 200 cases slapped on him since his ouster in April 2022.

    The district and sessions court of Islamabad acquitted Khan, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, ex-communication minister Murad Saeed, and other PTI leaders in two cases of vandalism during the ‘Haqeeqi Azaadi’ march, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.

    In May 2022, the former cricketer-turned-politician launched a march toward Islamabad from Lahore to topple the coalition government of Shehbaz Sharif that assumed power after he was ousted as the premier following a vote of no confidence.

    The rally was part of the PTI’s struggle to achieve “real freedom” and deliver the nation from the “slavery” of the “US-backed” coalition government. Khan had accused the coalition government of coming to power through a “US-backed conspiracy”.

    The Islamabad police at that time filed separate cases against 150 people, including Khan, Qureshi and other party leaders, over allegations of arson and vandalism in the federal capital.

    Earlier this month, a judicial magistrate of Islamabad also acquitted Khan in two cases of vandalism during his party’s two long marches in 2022.

    Judicial magistrate Shaista Kundi heard the pleas filed by the former prime minister for his acquittal in the cases registered at Islamabad’s Lohi Bhair and Sahala police stations and one related to his production in the court.

  • Pakistan’s Imran Khan Is A ‘Watch Thief’? Not US, Pak Itself Says THIS | world news

    New Delhi: Former Pakistan Prime Minister who has been in jail since August last year has been accused of illegally obtaining and selling high-value gifts from the state gift repository. Former cricketer Imran Khan was handed jail sentences – one of 14 years and the other three years – in two cases about illegally acquiring and selling state gifts. Both sentences have been suspended by high courts while his appeals are heard.

    However, in recent development, a probe by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has revealed new corruption allegations against Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to Geo News. The investigation revealed that Khan had unlawfully acquired and sold seven watches from the state gift repository during his tenure as the country’s leader. The latest case alleges that he retained and sold ten valuable gifts without properly declaring them to the authorities or depositing them into the Toshakhana, as required by law.

    As per the rules, any gifts received by the head of state, first lady, or president exceeding PKR 30,000 in value must be registered in the state gift repository The inquiry report also disclosed that Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, previously convicted in a Toshakhana case. , had received and kept a watch, a ring, and a necklace that should have been handed over to the gift depository.

    Additionally, the report indicated that state gifts were obtained or retained at significantly reduced prices, with discrepancies in the valuation of luxury items by an inexperienced private appraiser lacking the required expertise.

    The Geo News reported that the NAB’s findings indicate possible collusion between the buyers of the Graff watches and a private appraiser, who allegedly undervalued the watches by Rs 30 million.

    Following these revelations, the NAB has been authorized to extend the investigation against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, both of whom have been served summonses. The couple has challenged the notices in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Bushra Bibi’s appeal scheduled for June 4 and Khan’s appeal set for June 24.

  • ‘Prefer To Remain In Jail Rather Than…’: Imran Khan Says No Negotiation, No Deal With Pakistan Govt | world news

    Lahore: Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan has said that he would prefer to remain in jail for nine more years than strike a deal with those who have enslaved his country. The PTI boss has categorically ruled out an agreement with those ”who have enslaved the country.” In a message for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers on the party’s 28th Foundation Day, Khan said that the “ worst dictatorship” was imposed on the country which was becoming the basis for the “destruction” of the economy, government rule, democracy and judiciary”. Khan also called on every individual to play their role in stopping this descent towards the country’s ruin.

    “It is my message for the nation that I will give any sacrifice required for actual freedom but will never compromise on my or my nation’s freedom,” the former Pakistan PM said. The cricketer-politician further alleged that he has been kept behind bars for the past nine months due to “fake and concocted cases”.

    “I will remain in jail if I have to for nine more years, or more, but I will never strike a deal with those who have enslaved my nation,” he said in his message.

    On April 25, 1996, Chairman Imran Khan laid the foundation of Pakistan Movement on the principles of justice, humanity and self-control. Despite the hardships, difficulties and continuing oppression and exploitation, Pakistan Movement continues its patient struggle for the real freedom of Pakistan. #28YearsOfStruggle pic.twitter.com/DCAgkir1hS — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 25, 2024


    Since losing power in April 2022, the 71-year-old former cricketer-politician has been found guilty in at least four cases. Khan is currently lodged in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi because of these convictions. After disagreements with the powerful military, Khan’s political party has faced a crackdown. Many party members have been arrested or left the party after violence erupted following Khan’s arrest last year.

    Khan’s party leader, Shehryar Afridi, recently said they are willing to talk with the Army chief and other military leaders for the country’s security. They won’t talk with other political parties like the PPP or PML-N. Afridi called these parties “rejected” and said they can only talk with the military leadership. He also said that if these parties abandon their positions, then PTI will decide whether to work with them or not.

    Afridi mentioned that Khan wanted to talk with the military from the beginning, but there was no response. If there had been a response, they would have made it public.

    Earlier, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said Khan was being pressured to accept a deal, but PTI denied having any secret talks with the military. In the February 8 election, independent candidates supported by PTI won over 90 seats in the National Assembly. However, the PMN-L and PPP formed an alliance after the election, keeping Khan’s party from forming a government.”

  • ‘If Anything Happens To My Wife Bushra Bibi…’: Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan Warns Army Chief Asim Munir | world news

    ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, who is currently detained at the Adiala Jail, has made strong allegations against Army Chief General Asim Munir, directly linking him to the incarceration of his wife, Bushra Bibi. The 49-year-old Bibi, facing charges in a corruption case and an illegal marriage with Khan, is currently held at their residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad. In a statement conveyed to journalists via his official social media account on He vehemently warned against any harm befalling his wife, asserting relentless pursuit of General Munir, vowing, “If anything happens to my wife, I will not leave Asim Munir as long as I am alive.”

    The case of the founder-chairman of Tehri Insaf, Imran Khan, talking to the journalists in the jail: “At the last hearing, the name of the king of the jungle was taken, so today the walls have been made by installing additional glasses in the court,

    There is law of the jungle in the country and all this is being done by the king of the jungle – If the king of the jungle wants, then Nawaz Sharif can… — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 17, 2024


    Amidst his accusations, Khan painted a grim picture of Pakistan’s current state, denouncing a perceived ‘law of the jungle’ prevailing under the helm of powerful figures. He lambasted the selective application of justice, contrasting the clemency extended to political rivals like Nawaz Sharif with the swift condemnation faced by himself and his party. “If the king of the jungle wants, all the cases of Nawaz Sharif are forgiven, and when he wants, we are punished in three cases in five days,” he alleged.

    Touching upon economic matters, Khan advocated for investment-driven stability, critiquing the reliance on IMF loans and emphasizing the need for a conductive legal framework to attract investments. He cited the recent clash between police and army in Punjab’s Bahawalnagar region, highlighting what he deemed as preferential treatment towards the military, further underscoring the erosion of the rule of law.

    Additionally, Khan lamented the alleged obstructionism faced by his party in electoral processes, framing resistance against oppression as a form of righteous struggle. He urged party members to safeguard each vote in upcoming by-elections, framing the act as a form of resistance against perceived injustices.

    While Khan’s accusations reverberate, the army has yet to respond to these weighty allegations, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the already tense political landscape.

  • Imran Khan Moves Pakistan SC To Seeking Judicial Panel To Probe 'Rigging' world news

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court, requesting the formation of a judicial commission to “inquire, audit and examine” the manner and process of the February 8 general elections held in the country. , Geo News reported. The politician, who remains incarcerated at the Adiala jail following conviction in multiple cases, has filed the petition in light of the rigging allegations leveled by his party and others in the aftermath of “manipulation and fraud in the election results”.

    The petition, filed by senior lawyer Hamid Khan on behalf of the PTI founder, urged the apex court to form a judicial commission, consisting of serving SC judges holding no bias towards anyone, to “inquire, audit and examine the manner and process of general elections of 8 February 2024 and the developments that took place thereafter of compiling false and fraudulent results rendering winners into losers and losers into winners”.

    Imran Khan, in his plea, said that “all the consequential acts of forming governments at the federal and Punjab levels be immediately suspended” until the result of the judicial commission's probe is made public. “It is also prayed that all that is required to be done in the best interest of the nation, its electoral mandate and constitutional dispensation may kindly be ordered including requisite orders, directions and reliefs,” the plea added, Geo News reported.

    The government, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (ECP), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Mutahidda Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have all been named respondents in the plea, Geo News reported. According to the petition, the general elections were “openly rigged” with their results “manipulated”.

    “The people allegedly elected and returned to assemblies are being breaching the public trust by exercising the state authority by way of fraud,” it added. The plea further read that the country's Constitution cast a heavy duty upon the ECP to hold free, fair and transparent elections in Pakistan, but the polls were “massively rigged” and “manipulated with the help of Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by the electoral authority with involvement of even the caretaker set ups.

    “It has failed to perform its duties as given in Articles 218, 219 and related provisions of the Constitution as result of the elections held on February 8, 2024, which were massively rigged through the Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by Respondent No.2 and all care-taker governments were part of this fraud upon the electorate,” the petition added.

    It should be noted that since the conduct of the general elections in Pakistan, several political parties as well as independent candidates have raised questions over the transparency of the polling process, which was held across the country last month. Numerous protests and rallies were led by political parties and politicians who weren't satisfied with the results, terming them “rigged” and manipulated” by the then-caretaker set ups as well as the electoral body.

  • Who Is Mian Javed Latif? Senior Nawaz Sharif Party Leader Who Has Called Shehbaz A 'Puppet' Of Military | world news

    LAHORE: A senior Pakistani politician has stirred a big controversy by making a bold statement against the incumbent PML-N government in the country that has caught everyone's attention. Mian Javed Latif – the man at the center of the controversy – is a close aide of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He has suggested that the current government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is merely a “puppet” regime, indirectly implying that the military holds the reins.

    Latif, a stalwart from Nawaz Sharif's PML-N and a former federal minister, made these remarks during a television interview. He pointed out that the PML-N failed to secure a simple majority in the National Assembly during the recent general elections. Latif asserted that the current government is effectively controlled by the military, regardless of which party appears to be in power.

    PML-N Mum Over 'Puppet' Remark

    Despite the significance of Latif's statements, the PML-N has not officially responded. This is the first time a senior leader from the ruling party has openly acknowledged the government's status as a “puppet setup” orchestrated by the military.

    In the aftermath of the February polls, where independent candidates supported by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged victorious, the PML-N formed a coalition with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other smaller parties. This alliance secured key positions in the government, including the prime ministerial and presidential posts.

    Allegations Of Rigging In Pakistan Polls

    Imran Khan and PTI have persistently accused the military establishment of electoral manipulation, labeling the elections as massively rigged. Pakistan has a history of military involvement in governance, either directly or indirectly.

    During the television interview, Latif stood by his remarks despite being questioned by the anchor. He insisted that he was speaking the truth, maintaining his stance even when prompted about potential personal motivations.

    Who Is Mian Javed Latif?

    Mian Javed Latif, born on January 1, 1964, in Sheikhupura, is a seasoned Pakistani politician. He has been associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) since 2008 and has consistently won elections, serving as a member of the National Assembly. Latif comes from a politically active family background, with his father also a politician. He has held various positions within the PML-N and has contested and won seats in multiple general elections, displaying a strong electoral track record.

    Latif has faced controversies despite his political successes, including a public altercation with fellow politician Murad Saeed in 2017. However, he later apologized for his actions. Mian Javed Latif's recent comments have sparked debate and scrutiny within Pakistani political circles, highlighting the ongoing tensions between civilian leadership and military influence in the country's governance.

  • 'Yeh Kon The Genius?…', Wasim Akram's Blunt Response To Ramiz Raja's Controversial Suggestion Leaves Everyone In Splits – Watch | cricket news

    Ramiz Raja, the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, once again finds himself at the center of controversy, this time due to a suggestion he made during his tenure. A recent discussion among former Pakistani cricketers, including legends like Wasim Akram, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Hafeez, shed light on Raja's unconventional proposal, prompting a blunt response from Akram that set off laughter among the group.

    Wasim Akram: Who was that genius? Azhar Ali: Ramiz Raja

    ___ pic.twitter.com/jh898bNXMr

    — Thakur (@hassam_sajjad) March 3, 2024 Ramiz Raja's Controversial Suggestion

    During the conversation, former cricketer Azhar Ali revealed an anecdote from Raja's time as PCB chief. Raja had suggested incorporating T20 players into the Test team, citing the proximity of T20 World Cups as justification for his proposal. This revelation sparked amusement among the gathered cricketers, with Wasim Akram sarcastically referring to Raja as a “genius,” a remark that drew laughter from the group.

    Ramiz Raja's Reaction and Political Intervention

    Raja's departure from the PCB had been met with frustration, with him attributing his removal to political interference within the organization. His comments highlighted concerns regarding political influence in cricket administration and the recruitment process in Pakistan. Raja's tenure as the 35th PCB Chairman ended abruptly after Pakistan's failure to secure victory in the T20 World Cup 2022 final, just a month following the event.

    Wasim Akram's Candid Response

    A viral video captured Wasim Akram's candid reaction to Raja's previous suggestion, underscoring the amusement it brought among the cricket fraternity. Akram's straightforward question, “Yeh kon the genius?” (Who's this genius?), in response to Raja's proposal, encapsulated the disbelief and humor shared by many.

    Raja's departure from PCB

    The Pakistan government ousted Raja from his position as PCB chairman following Pakistan's 3-0 whitewash by England in a Test series. Raja's 15-month tenure as PCB chairman came to an end after he was appointed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in September 2021.

  • Setback For Imran Khan, Shehbaz Sharif Elected PM Of Pakistan For Second Time |

    New Delhi: The Pakistan National Assembly convened on Sunday to appoint Shehbaz Sharif, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as the 24th Prime Minister of the nation. The session commenced with disruptions as members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) shouted slogans, as reported by Geo News based in Pakistan.

    Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, officially declared Shehbaz Sharif’s victory in the Prime Ministerial election. Sharif secured 201 votes, surpassing his opponent, Omar Ayub Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and SIC candidate for prime minister, who received 92 votes. Despite protests from SIC lawmakers, Speaker Sadiq proceeded with the announcement.

    The session is being chaired by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The session started with the oath-taking of PML-N leader Jam Kamal. However, the House soon started echoing slogans and chants raised by SIC members in favour of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and the eight-party alliance backing Shehbaz Sharif.

    Following this, Sadiq asked the Assembly staff to ring the bell for five minutes so that any member that is not present in the house could come to the floor for the PM’s election. After the bells were rung, Sadiq directed the National Assembly staff to lock the doors and announced the method for electing PM, according to Geo News report.

    Following this, the Pakistan National Assembly speaker informed the lawmakers about the candidates who were contesting for the PM’s post. He said, “Valid nominated candidates are Shehbaz Sharif and Omar Ayub. Honourable members who wish to vote in favour of Shehbaz may proceed to the lobby on the right side designated as ‘Lobby A’.”

    Ayaz Sadiq then asked those who want to vote for Omar Ayub Khan can proceed to the left-hand side towards “Lobby B” to get their votes recorded. As the voting process started, members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) announced a boycott of the elections and walked out of the house, according to Geo News report.

    Balochistan National Party’s Sardar Akhtar Mengal did not vote, however, he remained on his seat in the Assembly. After the polling process concluded, the Pakistan National Assembly secretary gave details regarding the voting process to the speaker. After the completion of counting, Ayaz Sadiq ordered the Pakistan National Assembly staff to ring the bell to summon the lawmakers back in the house for the announcement of the results.

  • Pakistan: PML-N And PPP To Form Coalition Government; Shehbaz Sharif To Be PM, Asif Ali Zardari President | world news

    After almost two weeks of poll results, two key political parties in Pakistan have agreed to form a coalition government, bringing an end to the deadlock and keeping Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf in the opposition. Addressing the media, PML-N President and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the parties have agreed on a power-sharing formula.

    As per the deal, it has been decided that Shehbaz Sharif will be the joint candidate for both parties for the slot of Prime Minister and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari will be the joint candidate for the President’s slot, informed Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

    Shehbaz Sharif said that the independent candidates, who emerged victorious in the majority by securing more than 100 seats, were invited to form the government, but they failed to achieve the required numbers. He added that other parties such as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, the Pakistan Muslim League, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party supported PML-N and PPP in the government-making endeavour.

    The upcoming government will work together to pull the country out of the ongoing crises, said Shehbaz Sharif, expressing the hope to be able to deliver. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto said the details of the sharing of key constitutional offices between the PPP and PML-N will be announced in the coming days.

    Previously, the Election Commission of Pakistan released the outcomes for 265 out of 266 seats in the National Assembly following the general elections held on February 8. No single political party attained a simple majority, necessitating alliances among parties to establish the central government for the next. five-year term.