The political crisis in Pakistan remains at fever pitch as both the PML-N led government and the protesting Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistan Awami Tehreek refuse to budge on their respective positions.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stands firm in the face of growing pressure for his resignation, and the protesting PTI and PAT are adamant on standing their ground in the capital’s high-security red zone.
Violent clashes have taken place over the last 72 hours, leaving at least three dead and hundreds injured. Speculation and conspiracy theories are widespread, the most popular of which sees the powerful military as somehow engineering the ongoing crisis. This view is a consequence of numerous events, the most recent being PTI President Javed Hashmi’s allegations that Imran Khan said the current crisis is following a script dictated by the military.
Amid the rallying calls for the PM’s resignation and an overthrow of the system, all eyes are on the Supreme Court and the army as the deadlock continues.
Follow live updates below.
Read up on Saturday and Sunday’s violent clashes | Read what took place on Monday
Opposition leaders would soon meet with PTI, PAT teams: Sirajul Haq
Emir Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Sirajul Haq, who was heading the negotiating committee, said that the ‘jirga’ was not representing the government but the public.
He appreciated the protesters for remaining ‘peaceful’. Haq said until a peaceful solution to the issue is not found, they would not give up facilitating the two sides.
The JI emir said that the PTI and PAT have formed their respective negotiating committee and they will soon meet with them. A first round of talks would be held with the PTI team, headed by Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the media would be apprised about it.
Nation will soon hear ‘good news’: Rehman Malik
Speaking to the media after meeting with Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri, PPP Senator Rehman Malik said that they met with the two protesting leaders to diffuse prevailing political tension. He expressed optimism that the nation would soon hear the good news. He lauded PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s role in breaking the stalemate.
He said that ice has melted and the two sides would engage in a decisive phase of talks soon.
Emir Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Sirajul Haq, who was heading the negotiating committee, said that the ‘jirga’ was not representing the government but the public.
New IG Police brought from Karachi to intimidate protesters: Imran
Speaking again to his supporters, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that new IG Police Tahir Alam has been brought from Karachi to intimidate protesters. He warned Alam against using force on his and PAT’s marchers. “I will not leave you Tahirl Alam if I survive,” he said.
Talks ongoing in Qadri’s container
The negotiating committee comprising opposition leaders is currently holding talks with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri after meeting briefly with Imran Khan.
The committee has been tasked by the government to engage the two protesting leaders in a decisive dialogue.
Political leaders arrive at sit-in to meet with Imran
A political jirga headed by Emir Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Sirajul Haq has arrived at the PTI’s sit-in to engage Imran Khan in a dialogue to resolve prevailing stalemate between him and the government.
Liaquat Baloch, Rehman Malik, Mir Hasil Bazinjo, Kulsoom Parveen and Ghazi Gulab are other members of the jirga, which would discuss current political situation in the country.
Imran vows to remain in container even if protesters leave
Imran Khan vowed to stay in the container, custom-made for the ‘Azadi march’ even if all the protesters leave ongoing sit-in in front of the parliament.
“Remember, freedom demands sacrifices … it cannot be achieved by sitting at home,” Khan lectured his supporters, adding: “We would remain slaves to the rulers if we surrender now.” He once again urged his supporters across the country to join him in the federal capital.
Pakistan has Kleptocracy not democracy: Imran
‘Tyrants stand united and people divided’
Imran Khan said all oppressors stand united while people are divided. Reacting to Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s criticism hurled at him and his party in the National Assembly earlier, Khan said he did not even want to respond to the JUI-F chief.
‘Shah Mehmood and team to respond to parliamentarians’ criticism’
PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that he has asked his party’s Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi to attend joint session of the Parliament on Wednesday and respond to criticism hurled at the party and its leadership earlier today.
“Qureshi and other members will tender their resignations after answering all criticism in the National Assembly tomorrow,” he said.
‘I have not respected anyone more than Hashmi sahib’
Speaking about Javed Hashmi, he said he has not respected anyone more than Hashmi. He, however, added that he was hurt by statement of his party’s president in which he alleged that Khan was backed by Army and current chief justice.
Imran lauds then criticize Aitzaz
Imran Khan lauded Aitzaz Ahsan for delivering a balanced speech in the National Assembly earlier in the day. However, he quickly criticized him for terming his party’s sit-in unconstitutional.
“I ask Chaudhry Aitzaz if sit-in for restoring the chief justice was constitutional then how this sit-in can be termed unconstitutional?”
Imran speaks again, assails Achakzai for supporting ‘rigging’
Speaking to his and Dr Tahirul Qadri’s supporters outside the Parliament in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has again lashed out at the PML-N government.
He criticized Mehmood Khan Achakzai for favouring what he called dhandli (rigging) and not democracy. “He has achieved so much due to this dahndli,” he said.
“When Interior Minister Chaudhr Nisar Ali Khan has accepted on the floor of the parliament that up to 60 to 70,000 votes are unverifiable … then how can these elections be called credible?”
Britain warns citizens against travelling to Pakistan
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised its citizens including diplomats and official delegations to immediately review their planned trips to Pakistan because of the volatile security situation.
“There is a high threat of terrorism, kidnapping and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan,” said a travel advisory from FCO, which has also been released from British High Commission in Islamabad.
“Violent clashes have occurred between the police and demonstrators at the large political protests in central Islamabad. The police are restricting access to Islamabad’s Red Zone (Government Sector and Diplomatic Enclave). Expect disruption to travel on other roads in and around Islamabad. You may also experience disruption to road travel in other cities, including Lahore.”
In addition to Islamabad, the travel advisory also cautioned British citizens to review their travel to other parts of Pakistan including sindh, Balochistan and GB and KP.
Imran speaks for a moment; Qadri shows new FIR
Speaking after Qadri, Imran addresses the crowd and said it is all thanks to the supporters that an FIR is registered. Before returning the microphone to Qadri, Imran says “We will not return till we have the resignations of both these brothers [Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif].”
Qadri holds out a copy of what appears to be the FIR and tells supporters that sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act to the report and that the names of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, Khwaja Saad Rafique, Khwaja Asif and Chaudhry Nisar are also included.
“I want to congratulate you millions of times … Islam, Zindabad! Pakistan, Zindabad! Inquilab, Zindabad! Azadi march, Zindabad,” Dr Qadri concluded.
The number of people gathered at the sit-in is significantly larger than it has been in recent weeks.
Qadri refutes Hashmi’s allegations
Addressing Javed Hashmi, Dr Qadri said he wants to respond to the veteran politician. “Hashmi said that I was offered the slot of prime minister if I returned to Pakistan. I swear by God it is not true. Who am I to be PM?”
‘Damn dual standards of fairness’
Qadri said: “These innocent protesters of ours were labeled terrorists in the Assembly. This is a slap on poverty, on our very own people.”
“Achakzai, you act like the champion of democracy because it suits you … your brother is governor in Balochistan.”
“You steal the respect of people and you expect them not to cry? You steal the honour of our daughters? Damn you! Curse be to the people for whom there are two standards of fairness.”
Aitzaz admitted poll rigging in NA: Qadri
Dr Qadri further said: “Even Aitzaz Ahsan admitted that many of the protesters’ demands were just, he also accepted that the elections were rigged. He thanked our protests that because of it, PM Nawaz remembered to pay a visit to the parliament.”
“Why doesn’t PM visit D I Khan, Fata, Interior Punjab or Interior KPK … Because there is nothing in there for him, there are only poor residing there, PM would have to invest in there.”
As Qadri speaks beside him, Imran Khan is seated atop the mobile shipping container that acts as his stage. Intermittently, Imran gesticulates to further emphasise the words of Dr Qadri, all the while smiling and chewing gum.
Qadri says Army not behind them
Dr Tahirul Qadri said: “Anyone who says, Army is behind us is wrong … there is no truth in that. We can oath on it, we only had one meeting with Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif and Before that, we didn’t even have a chat with anyone from the army.”
“To malign our peaceful, democratic revolution, they bring forth such allegations … Calling our peaceful green revolution as chaotic, I ask PPP members, have you forgotten your past?”
NFP, on the sidelines
‘D’ for decent and ‘J’ for Just, Qadri on DJ Butt
“If you are alleging that our workers had axes and hammers, then make an independent commission and show us in the hospital how many police officials are injured. We do not have any Gullu Butt or Billu Butt,” said Dr Qadri.
Imran pipes up, “We have DJ Butt.” Qadri reiterates, “Yes, we have DJ Butt — ‘D’ for decent and ‘J’ for Just.”
Black day observed over storming of PTV HQ
Journalist bodies are observing a countrywide black day today in protest against the storming of PTV Headquarters by workers of the PTI and the PAT. All journalist unions staged a protest outside the National Press Club in Islamabad against the attack.
The workers of the PAT and the PTI had made their way into the building on Monday, managing to occupy newsrooms and halting PTV-world and PTV news transmission temporarily. They also broke window panes and manhandled a guard.
Later, the violent protesters entered the master control room where they destroyed sensitive installations and cut cables, while also damaging CCTV cameras. The protesters also threatened PTV workers and forced them to stop working.
The protesters were ejected from the building by rangers and Pakistan Army troops.
We did not invade PTV, Gullu Butts did: Qadri
PAT chief Dr Qadri said: “Today in the Assembly, there was a lot of talk on the PTV office attack. We are not responsible for the attack on the PTV building. Forget storming the building, we did not even surround the gate. Before yesterday, we did not even know where PTV was.”
“We do not know who did this. It is possible they were from the Noon league. It is possible that they were Gullu Butts. We only found out through TV after the incident had occurred.”
“I could not recognise the faces of those who were shown storming PTV. They are not our people. We condemn this act. They were terrorists sent by you [government].”
Their democracy is to rig polls, says PAT chief
Dr Qadri said: “In their (the PML-N government) democracy, they prefer to seal down cities, use police force against people, use RO’s to rig the elections … democracy is the name of building institutions.”
“Imran Khan used to shout for whole year to re-check four constituencies, and it will clear out doubts among the people whether the elections were fair or not, but they even didn’t do that.”
For transparent investigation into the Model Town episode, CM Shahbaz Sharif should morally resign for two months, demanded Qadri. “Shahbaz Sharif has said if judicial commission declares him in the report then he will resign.”
Our war is against violators of Constitution: Qadri
Dr Tahirul Qadri said, “question remains, don’t you see these sections of the constitution? Our war is against those who suspended clauses which stakeholders have turned a blind eye by not giving people their due rights.”
“Stakeholders only care about making their monetary fortunes … on the other hand, our motive is to give people their constitutional rights, so that they can get education, medical treatment and their due rights.”
‘We stand for supremacy of law and Constitution’
Speaking to protesters from PTI’s stage after his audio system malfunctioned, PAT Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri said that they also believe in supremacy of law and Constitution.
This is the first instance that both Qadri and PTI Chairman Imran Khan are sharing a podium.
Qadri said the Constitution of Pakistan has two parts. First began with preamble and extends till Article 1 to 40. It gives people rights, provide protection to their lives, and property. Provides true liberty and independence, provides true equality in terms economic and social aspects. Every Pakistani citizen is entitled to these rights. Also provide Right to Information Act.
“Any civil servant is bound to disclose his asset to any citizen of Pakistan. This is entitled as a right in the constitution to every citizen,” he added.
He said remaining 240 articles deal with the rules and regulations required to run the affairs of the state. “I question, half of the constitutions of other countries provides their citizens with rights and benefits.”
Take any constitution, and you will see they talk about providing freedom, right for their people, to eradicate poverty, said the PAT chief.
‘Media is biggest threat to Nawaz’
Awami Muslim League (AML) president Sheikh Rasheed says that the biggest threat to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is not from any dictator but from the electronic media, DawnNews reported.
The Nawaz administration tried its best to suppress the media’s freedom, Rasheed said.
He said the Nawaz administration made the capital look like Karbala, by blocking food and water supplies to the protesters.
The AML president also said that he has his own party and that he never attended any PTI core committee meeting.
PTI, PAT meet
A meeting of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is underway in PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s container, DawnNews reported.
The PTI delegation was led by Jehangir Tareen.
Qadri is also expected to address his supporters today in order to apprise them of the discussions that take place during the meeting.
Two decisions taken by PTI core committee: Imran Khan
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan said two decisions had been taken by the party’s core committee today.
The first decision was in relation to Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq who will come with an opposition jirga in the evening to hold talks with the PTI, to which the party agreed. He said the party would present its stance and in return it would welcome the JI’s stance.
The second decision was to send Qureshi and other PTI MNAs to Parliament tomorrow to respond to the allegations leveled at the PTI.
He said there was a major misconception that the PTI was against democracy in the country.
Imran has not closed doors of negotiations as yet: Sheikh Rasheed
Awami Muslim League (AML) president Sheikh Rasheed said that he did not think that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan had closed the doors of negotiations with the government as yet.
Responding to a question whether he would affirm his support for the Parliament, Rasheed said the question should be directed towards those who were protesting.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said Javed Hashmi had made a major allegation against Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk due to which the latter was forced to clarify his position. “I have never seen a Supreme Court judge coming on TV and issue a clarification,” said Rasheed.
He said the Supreme Court had summoned 15 parliamentary parties before it tomorrow and it was anticipated as to what decision the judiciary would make.
Asked to respond to a question as to what would Chinese President Xi Jinping and the delegation, who had arrived in Pakistan, think about the protests on Constitution Avenue in his capacity as former information minister, Rasheed said they would “recite the Chinese anthem in Mandarin” in order to placate the situation.
Govt directs security agencies to adopt security measures for diplomatic missions: FO
Keeping in view its responsibility to protect all diplomatic missions and personnel, the government has directed security agencies to take necessary precautions for the security of diplomatic missions in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
The spokesperson, while referring to reports regarding closure of embassies in Islamabad, clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has neither received nor issued any such advice.
“The embassies in Islamabad have also been advised to exercise caution while moving around in the city,” the spokesperson remarked. — With reporting by Mateen Haider
PTI’s Arif Alvi rejects Javed Hashmi’s allegations
Nawaz, Hashmi hug it out
Hashmi makes resignation official
“Honourable speaker, as for resignations, I resign from my seat…I am going back to the people of Pakistan,” Hashmi says to NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who had earlier said that he had not accepted the resignations of PTI lawmakers as he had not been present when they were submitted.
“People did not resign of their own will but I am resigning now,” Hashmi says, as he concludes his speech.
Nawaz Sharif walks over to Javed Hashmi; the two shake hands.
The session of the House is adjourned till Wednesday; session to begin tomorrow at 11 am.
Qadri was my classmate: Hashmi
“Tahirul Qadri was my classfellow,” Hashmi says in his National Assembly session. “I said to Imran how he could stand with Qadri when his demands are so different from PTI’s?”
“Do not put Imran in the dock. Government should be in the dock for not working for the people’s welfare and progress.”
Why was PM missing from Senate, asks Hashmi
In a fit of rage, Javed Hashmi shakes with anger as he addresses the prime minister. “Why didn’t the PM go to the Senate for 14 months?” he demands.
Reiterating his statements regarding Imran Khan, he says, “Imran said he wants to hold a sit-in at D-chowk, I said okay. When Imran started talking about SC forming a government of technocrats, I told him SC doesn’t have that power.”
Skipping to the issue of the blocked routes to Parliament, he says, “Today I reached Parliament…searching for the way to the building…all my life I will keep looking for the way.”
Pakistan not a prosperous state: Hashmi
Hashmi continues him impassioned speech in Parliament. “Nawaz has been given chances many times…but Pakistan is not in a prosperous state,” he says.
Moving over to the subject of Imran Khan, he says, “Imran has tremendous support from the youth.”
“Nawaz should respect MNAs and their views…I’ve worked with him but left when felt it wasn’t working out. We should get over our personal preferences and work in the best interests of Pakistan.”
“I had advised Benazir not to reach a deal with Musharraf…even told her Musharraf will get her killed.”
He also says that today’s political class is not working to ensure prosperity of the people. “Parliament should become a purposeful Parliament…I have put my political career on the line for this.”
“People say why I didn’t come out with the truth before but I was trying to convince PTI members. Imran promised me he won’t go against the Constitution.”
Still elected PTI president: Hashmi
Despite his rift with the party, Hashmi maintains that he is the elected party president. “I thank people of Multan, Lahore, Pindi, Islamabad for all the times they’ve elected me as representative. I am still the elected president of PTI.”
“We have wait for 10 years for Parliament to become empowered. People have sacrificed their lives for this country…for democracy. I was in jail for some 7-8 years…Bacha Khan was in jail for longer than Nelson Mandela.”
“We didn’t value all these sacrifices made by so many people. People wanted to exclude Mujibur Rehman…said they wanted to rid of Bengalis — How are we better off? Bangladesh is far more prosperous than Pakistan now?” Hashmi asks
Javed Hashmi speaks on floor of House
After his thunderbolt statement regarding Imran Khan’s hope for ‘third party involvement’, Javed Hashmi addresses the Assembly.
“I am here in this House to testify that this country can only be saved by a democratic, parliamentary system and the Constitution.”
“It’s a pity that the Quaid-i-Azam who stood for the country’s democracy…died in an ambulance..no one cared for him.”
He continues, “Small provinces have grievances with Punjab; many of those grievances are valid and cannot be refuted.”
“The constitution that Bhutto gave to Pakistan has kept the country’s foundations strong.”
NA speaker responds to Fazl
In response to Fazl’s complaint about why the PTI lawmakers’ resignations were not accepted, Sadiq says, “I was not in office when the resignations were sent to my office. I have to determine if they submitted them out of free will or under duress.”
“It is my responsibility to know this.”
Fazl appeals to protesting parties
“Unreasonable demands are being made…continually changing..gives impression they are backed by third party,” says Fazlur Rehman.
Accept resignations: Fazl
Addressing NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Fazl says, “Honourable speaker, I have a complaint…why are resignations not being accepted of those who have resigned? Those who brought their resignations to your office…why are you not accepting them Honourable speaker?”
Fazl asks why police is held back
Fazlur Rehman continues. “After today, all LEAs must ensure the hordes outside are cleared…does this country have no self-respect? Police is being beaten up…but when one major goes and asks them to back off…what message does it send.”
“Are they trying to portray that police is of one state and army of another? Those who are creating this impression of difference between police and army…are enemies of the state,” he says.
“Chinese president is finding it difficult to come…he will be going to India too…the situation is worrisome. Today when the nation should help Waziristan IDPs, this crowd has turned everyone’s attention to itself.”
PM applauds Fazl
Is our Parliament inferior to India?: Fazl
Drawing a comparison to the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, Fazl says, “When the Indian Parliament was attacked…it was seen as an attack on India’s democracy. Today, Pakistan’s Parliament is under attack…is our Parliament any less than the Indian Parliament?”
No minister and bureaucrat is able to enter his offices…Parliamentarians cannot go to Parliament Lodges, Fazl says.
We are with PM: Fazl
Fazlur Rehman expresses support for PM Nawaz: “Democracy is under attack by so-called political parties who want to attack system; we ensured PM we are with him.”
“It’s not about Nawaz Sharif…it’s about an elected prime minister..his office cannot be dissociated from Parliament.”
“When parties want to call an election a rigged poll, they do it right after the election,” he says, adding that parties have fought over rigging allegations in the past but unconstitutional steps were not taken.
Hitting out at Imran Khan, he says, “PTI is not willing to relinquish govt in KP even though its govt there is based on rigging.”
“The government has made parliamentary committee…why does the PTI want the PM to go on leave or resign? What does a ‘30 day leave’ mean?”
“Today, people are rejecting govt, Parliament…Honourable speaker, it should be cause for your concern,” he addresses NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
Conspiracy is underway: Fazl
Fazl continues his speech: “Only after democratic government’s were wrapped up we would realise and regroup for democracy again. A conspiracy is under way against democracy…Parliament has caught this conspiracy…we won’t let it succeed.”
“Government’s make mistakes, oppositions take on tough stances but then a third group takes advantage.”
Javed Hashmi enters NA to rousing welcome
The Assembly breaks into wild applause as PTI president Javed Hashmi enters the hall. Legislators rush to greet him and shake his hand, with the applause momentarily interrupting Fazl’s speech.
As the House settles, Fazl continues. “Hashmi’s entrance in the House as I speak for democracy…I find this a good omen and I welcome Hashmi sahab.”
Maulana Fazlur Rehman takes the floor
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman begins, “Elected representatives have a duty to fulfill their responsibilities in such critical situations.”
“I am glad and proud that the elected representatives have decided to take a stand for democracy.”
Govt not our family property: Khalid M Siqqiqui
“PM should strengthen democracy…we cannot think of the government as our family property,” says the MQM legislator. “What happened in Model Town was tragic…justice should be served.”
“If Model Town was conspiracy as some claim, the govt should produce evidence,” Khalid says.
“Imran is calling for civil disobedience…if I had done it, wouldn’t I have been charged using Article 6? If anyone so much as look at Karachi with their nefarious designs, they will know what that will result in,” he warns.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui speaks
Deputy Convener MQM Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui takes the floor to address Parliament.
“Whoever expects PM to sacrifice basically expects him to be magnanimous,” says Khalid, adding. “We are willing to make sacrifices on our own part.”
“We believe in democracy and its continuation…Pakistan will get to its goal through democracy. Democracy will not strengthen without our taking real actions…Democracy without a trickle-down effect will not be strengthened. Democracy should be able to tackle corruption, injustice, poverty.”
Achakzai slams Imran, Qadri
“Qadri stays in a container in ease while his supporters sit outside…He is a spoilt brat from Aitchison,” Achakzai says referring to Imran Khan.
“Sufi Mohammad also said he didn’t believe in Constitution and he is in jail. If govt sent Sufi Mohammad to prison why is the crowd of gypsies outside being tolerated?” Achakzai says, concluding his speech.
‘This is terrorism’: Achakzai
Achakzai: “Article 245 has been invoked, so how did the gypsies enter the Parliament? The gypsies must leave the Parliament.”
“What’s outside is not a demonstration, it’s terrorism,” he says, adding that over 50,000 security forces were stopped from tackling “the terrorists outside”.
“Why have we not allowed the LEAs to act against these terrorists? If state institutions are attacked, it is clearly terrorism.”
Everyone is with Parliament: Achakzai
Mehmood Khan Achakzai is on the floor of the House. He begins, “I won’t upset and ridicule anyone and will be honest in my assessment.”
He says, “Judiciary is with the Parliament; the media is with the Parliament… we request the army to ensure its support to Parliament.”
“On one side is everyone who calls for upholding of rule of law…on the other is crowd outside.”
Nisar quick to clarify
Immediately after Aitzaz Ahsan’s speech, Chaudhry Nisar took the mic and said that Aitzaz is misinformed about the PM’s resignation in 1993, and that the Assemblies were dissolved by then president Ghulam Ishaq Khan.
We stand with Nawaz, says opposition
“Honourable PM, I want to assure you on behalf of opposition parties…we are standing by you,” says Aitzaz, his speech drawing to a close.
“Honourable PM, we stand by you but we are standing by you for democracy and not because we want to. Our support to govt is unconditional but once this is over, we won’t turn a blind eye to your failures.”
Imran is no Bhutto: Aitzaz
Aitzaz continues to criticise the protesting parties. “Qadri, Imran say they’re waiting for a yes or no…but because no yes or no came they delay their inqilab.”
“Protesters had weapons on them…they can’t say they were going to hold a peaceful protest outside PM House… they keep citing the example of 10 Downing Street — can protesters bring weapons outside 10 Downing Street?” he asks.
“Those who put women and children in harm’s way, used women as their shields cannot be respected,” says Aitzaz. He gives the example of late Benazir Bhutto. “Benazir was on the frontlines every time PPP protested…BB was ready to take the first baton.”
“I was the soldier of PPP…even suffered stone injuries,” he says.
“Can anyone forget the image of a woman’s bleeding head?” he asks. “Who was hit by the first stone — Begum Nusrat Bhutto.”
“Imran cannot become Bhutto by going to Bani Gala,” he continues.
What kind of inquilab is this: Aitzaz
Aitzaz Ahsan continues to speak after a momentary pause for the Azan. “Revolutions have purity, they are sincere not tainted. Transport and trains come to a halt; there is a buzz in the atmosphere of universities.”
“What kind of inqilab is this? What kind of freedom is this?” he asks.
“If protesters are allowed to do this…how will the government stop those who bring a bigger crowd. What if someone says that the NA should declare all Shias non-Muslims? What if a group demands that the army should be recalled from Waziristan?” he says.
Aitzaz terms it an attack on the Parliament.
“If the PM resigns, what will these people say about [CM Balochistan] Malik’s govt, about [CM Sindh] Qaim Ali Shah’s government?” he asks, adding that the PTI couldn’t take a resignation from their own CM Khattak.
“Khattak ensured that a motion was presented in KP to create a situation where he cannot resign,” he says.
Aitzaz touches upon the protesting parties. “Media has propped these people up to no end…it has given air time to Imran Khan and Tahir-ul-Qadri,” he says.
Referring to the recently held Corps Commanders meeting, Aitzaz says, “There was a lot of noise on corps commanders meeting…corps commanders are informed people.”
“Corps commanders can see that no one took heed to the call of Imran and Qadri,” he says.
The session has paused for the call to prayer.
Aitzaz reminds Nawaz Sharif that on April 17, 1993, he said he would not resign but ended up resigning on April 18, the next day.
“Honourable PM, no one can force you to resign. All parliamentarians are with you,” he says.
Addressing the speaker, Aitzaz Ahsan says, “The PM is surrounded by same people he was before…his ministers are arrogant, can’t they be soft-spoken?”
“PM sahab, you will have to spend time to think about why you are where you are,” he saysto Nawaz Sharif, who is seated to the left of the opposition party member. “Honourable speaker, government will have to reconsider its attitude.”
“InshaAllah, the prime minister and his ministers will stay on in government,” Atizaz says.
“We are with this government, nothing will happen to your government. We are holding your hand, the opposition is holding your hand, there is no example of an opppositon like this. This is the victory of democracy that we will get through this,” Aitzaz tells the NA speaker.
“We will come out of this crisis…let me tell you in 1989 PPP’s govt had a no confidence motion against it,” he said. “The motion failed but Benazir called a meeting and said we have to go back to the drawing board,” he adds.
“We decided to go isolate ourselves and we brainstormed for three days about our mistakes,” Aitzaz says.
Aitzaz Ahsan also adds, “The Nawaz government also needs to do some soul-searching.”
Imran’s allegations carry weight: Aitzaz
itzaz Ahsan: “I have seen just one constituency, but there has been mass rigging. In one bag, there was no counter foils or no electoral lists and there are hundreds of such bags but the results are there where PML-N has won and PTI and PPP have lost. There has indeed been rigging.”
“The allegations of Imran Khan related to corruption [of government] have weight.”
What about Model Town?
Aitzaz Ahsan: “It was not just that there was brutality against the media. But there was brutality in Model Town. How did Tahirul Qadri reach here? He has been appealing for an FIR to be registered.”
“Look where we are today: You went to remove eight small barricades in Model Town, and today there are 800 blockades in the face of containers all over Punjab. How is this allowed under the law?”
“Why is the police not obeying your orders today? Because the Model Town tragedy and ensuing inquiry, you threw the police under the bus and said you were not aware of the firing that lasted hours.”
“Interior Minister, if the police is not listening to you and you are having to change the inspector generals, lead from the front. Give your orders in writing.”
Aitzaz speaks
After Chaudhry Nisar, Senator Aitzaz Ahsan stands to speak in the National Assembly.
“Without any doubt, I want to say first that there are many challenges in our way. But the opposition parties are standing with democracy and constitution,” he says.
“This is not a favour we are doing to the prime minister and his cabinet. But it is very difficult for us. When I see SMS in the evening, I get thousands of messages from PPP workers asking why we are trying to save the government of Mian sb.”
Apologies to the media: Nisar
He apologised for the crackdown by the police on the media. “Media is the spirit of democracy. If there was no media, our voices would not reach beyond these walls,” Nisar says.
“I want to make an unmitigated apology to the media from the government of Pakistan and from the interior ministry,” he concludes.
Protesters make anti-army statements: Nisar
Nisar: “I will not give an opinion on whether or not the statements of Javed Hashmi is correct or not. But I am a witness to this and have proof that these protesters sitting outside this Parliament have misused the name of the army.”
“Both these groups have been telling their supporters that the army is with him, as said by Javed Hashmi. They have also used the name of the judiciary, as Hashmi said. Using the names of the judiciary and army for your political gain is serious mistake.”
Nisar said these people should be asked why they defamed a respectable institution like the army at a time when the military is fighting a war. “The army chief has declared the military as ‘apolitical’,” he said.
“This is an anti-army and anti-country statement by them,” Nisar said.
“The true friends and true sympathies of the army are not those who are using the name of the army to further their political parties.”
He also paid tribute to the Punjab police, FC, Rangers, and the Pakistan army.
Protesters were armed: Nisar
“They removed the loudspeakers from the PTV mosque. Is this the revolution they are bringing? They even stormed the canteen at PTV — they are not revolutionaries… they are intruders,” Nisar said.
Nisar said that the protesters had pistols, cutters, hammers, catapults, slingshots and sticks with nails fixed to the end. “The men in this crowd are from a militant organisation.”
Some of the CCTV cameras that were not broken by them have footage which will we present to the Supreme Court to show that they are liars, that they make false statements. Pat says these were not their supporters, PTI says they were not their supporters, he said.
Heads of state have cancelled their visits to Pakistan. A leader of a friendly, close country is expected to come to make a historic agreement with us, he said.
This is a mutiny, not a protest: Nisar
Nisar addressed the NA speaker and said, “This Parliament should remove the misconception that this is a democratic process. This is not a protest, not a dharna or a political gathering. This is mutiny against Pakistan.”
“If this declaration comes from the Parliamentary, the nation will know the reality of this protest.”
“They reached the gates of the Supreme Court, of Parliament… yesterday they entered another state building and chanted slogans of ‘Tahir-ul-Qadri Zindabad’,” he said, referring to the storming of the PTV Islamabad office.
“Those were not Muslim League Noon cameras that they broke,” he said, adding that eight PTV cameras were stolen, each of which cost Rs700,000.
“The way they behaved with a female employee there… they stole her purse… I do not want to go into details.”
The interior minister said that he was told by the prime minister that the protesting parties should be allowed to excersise their democratic right to protest as long as it withing the ambit of the constitution.
Nisar goes into the background of the march to Islamabad, and says that the governemnt was flexible in granting permission even when they had reservations to certain conditions of the parties, such as the spot where the stages would be placed.
“You have my solemn commitment we will not move further than that [Red Zone], Imran told me — so without hesitation I said they should proceed.”
Nisar quotes Imran Khan saying that he will not spare Shahid Khan and that if the PTI tigers catch him, they will not leave him.
“These are the people we are dealing with, Mr Speaker,” Nisar said.
Nisar mentioned that Shahid Khan, the interior secretary, is an able and honest man.
“I cannot say aloud the words uttered by Imran Khan,” he added.
He said the public was being fooled with the reference of democracy in Europe.
Nisar holds up a document and reads from it the words of Dr Qadri that those abandoning the revolution should be killed.
He also cited Qadri ordering his workers to surround Parliament and kill those who come outside.
Whose side is the nation on?
Chaudhry Nisar: “What changed in a few months? You [Imran Khan] had been supporting this government, you had been making promises.”
“In three months you took a 370 degree turn.”
“All Parliament is on one side and this group is on the other side. Who is the country with? The country is with us.”
“The country is looking to you, Mr Speak [Ayaz Sadiq], for the advice you give to the government.”
Chaudhry Nisar opens the session
“Today Pakistan is at a sensitive and historic junction. Sensitive because a crowd of a few thousands, between 2,000-3,000… in the evening it reaches between 10,000 – 12,000… One group is taking the support of democracy and rule of law and the right to expression is taking unconstitutional means.
“The Parliament is united on this issue”
Joint session of Parliament opens
The joint session of the Parliament has now begun. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was seen walking into the National Assembly amidst party representatives and reporters.
He is expected to address the Assembly shortly.
Imran and Qadri pretending to be peaceful, says Saad Rafique
The railway minister said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri are pretending to be peaceful.
Criticising Imran and Qadri, he said the two wanted to impose the rule of jungle in the country.
The politics of Imran and Qadri is only aiding the agenda of the enemies of Pakistan.
“Should the government govern the country or deal with these parties which are bent upon derailing democracy,” Rafique questioned.
Qadri does not believe in democracy and he has no stake in the country, the minister said, adding that Imran should clearly state that he’s not with Qadri.
“Imran has been stopped by his party not to engage in these plots but he has walked over all their decisions. He is dictatorial. Imran is a fast bowler not a politician,” Rafique stated.
He said the army is protecting national installations and playing its constitutional role as directed by the government.
Javed Hashmi has not accused the army, he has accused Imran that these are the kind of things Imran says.
Parliament session will discuss supremacy of Constitution: Saad Rafique
Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that the Parliament session will discuss the supremacy of the Constitution, DawnNews reported.
He said all the political parties were united for upholding democracy and for the supremacy of the Constitution.
Rafique said just because a few abuses were hurled at the government, they could not change the rules.
“You are saying that whoever is with Imran is clean and whoever isn’t is lowly. How does this make sense? Rafique said.
One-point agenda issued for parliamentary session
A one-point agenda has been issued for the parliamentary session which is scheduled to begin at 11 am today.
The agenda will be presented by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zaid Hamid in the session.
The session will discuss the prevailing political crisis, particularly the statements of Javed Hashmi who has developed differences with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
SC issues notices to all parliamentary parties, including PAT
Hearing a set of petitions against sit-ins by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) on the Constitution Avenue, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to all parliamentary parties as well as the PAT.
The notices were issued after the petitioner pleaded to the court that all parliamentary parties be summoned so the deadlock can be resolved.
Notices have been issued to PPP, PML-N, MQM, ANP, PML-Q, PML-Z, BNP, AML, APML. QWP, PkMap, NP and other parties.
Only met Imran Khan once, says CJ Nasirul Mulk
Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk rubbishes rumours that he had been in contact with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan for long, adding that he had only met the PTI chief once in the capacity of Acting Chief Election Commissioner. — With reporting by Abdul Shakoor
Total nine cases against PTI, PAT leaders
A total of nine cases of different natures have been registered against leaders and activists of PTI and PAT since Monday, DawnNews reported.
The charges include sedition, murder attempt and terrorism and officials earlier told Dawn that more than 200 activists have already been arrested in Islamabad since Sunday night.
PAT’s counsel refuses to submit proposals in SC, says party’s demands political
The lawyer of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek has refused to submit proposals over what role the court should play in ending the current political impasse.
Ali Zafar, representing PAT, said his client’s demands were of a political nature and it wasn’t the court’s place to interfere in that manner.
The response came a day after the apex court call on the two protesting parties — Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and PAT — as to what proposals they had in their mind about the role the court should play in ending the political deadlock. — Reported by Abdul Shakoor
Protesters trying to advance
Protesters appearing to be from PAT and albeit small in number have pushed three containers placed near PTV chowk out of their way, DawnNews reported.
A number of protesters even apparently took rest in Pakistan Secretariat where a number of ministerial offices are also located.
Several protesters are also outside the Prime Minister House.
Moreover, people working in most of the offices in the capital’s Red Zone have been unable to reach their workplaces. Ministerial offices could not open today due to the ongoing political crisis.— Reported by Raza Bangash and Fahad Chaudhry
Do not need anyone’s support in politics, claims Imran
In a statement released by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Chairman Imran Khan was reported to have said that he has never supported military involvement in the country’s political matters.
The statement said Khan unequivocally supported democracy and followed democratic rules.
The PTI chairman also stated “Javed Hashmi’s statement about the new Chief Justice of Pakistan is a figment of his imagination,” and added that it was unfortunate that Hashmi chose to try and ‘malign him in a baseless fashion for his own questionable agenda.’
Will not leave until Nawaz’s resignation, says Imran
PTI chairman claimed that Nawaz Sharif was defaming the army and had alleged it was backing protests of PTI and PAT.
Continuing his allegations against Geo television network Imran Khan claimed “Nawaz Sharif, using Geo, tried to malign the ISI chief. Geo is N-league’s media cell.”
“I approached all legal avenue to resolve the issue of poll-rigging but to no avail. The government kept employing delaying tactics but this is the real power that the government is now willing to accept all our demands except the prime minister’s resignation,” Imran Khan said. He added “But we will not go back until Nawaz Sharif resigns.”
PTI chairman Imran appreciated the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and their efforts, specially during the government crackdown on Saturday night. He urged them not to provide any reason for provocation of violence.
He said the eyes of the entire nation were on the supporters and requested PAT and PTI activists not to dash the hopes of the nation and to stay away from government buildings.
Imran Khan is not controlled by any one, he is only controlled by his ideology: PTI chairman
After remaining absent for several hours from the venue of his party’s sit-in being held outside Parliament House in Islamabad, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, began his address to PTI supporters early on Tuesday morning and told them that his mission was to awaken the nation and to eliminate cruelty in the country.
Imran said he was told a crackdown would be conducted soon and had hurried back to his supporters to be with them when the crackdown took place.
“Those who have violated all the laws are registering cases against me. I am ready to be put in jail as I am satisfied that my nation has been awakened,” the PTI chief said.
He added,“At least 2,500 policemen have refused to obey illegal orders of the government. Three Inspector Generals of the capitalpolice have been changed so far. The reason the IGs were changed is because they refused to obey illegal orders. We shoud appeciate these people who have followed the law.”
Talking about allegations that he is being backed by some forces to come into power the PTI chairman said, “Imran Khan is not controlled by any one. Imran Khan is only controlled by his ideology.”
Asif says committee being formed to negotiate with Imran, Qadri
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while speaking to a private TV channel, said that Pakistan Army was an apolitical institution which supports democracy in the country.
He ruled out any danger to the government, saying that the stalemate between the two sides would be resolved through dialogue. “We will not let anyone take law into their own hands,” he, however, added.
The defence minister said that a committee was being formed to negotiate again with Imran Khan Dr Tahirul Qadri.
Hashmi to Imran: Do not expect umpire’s support
In an interview to a private TV channel, PTI President Javed Hashmi said that he had told his party’s chairman not to leave his fate on any third umpire. “Khan Sahib, do not think that the umpire will favour you,” Hashmi claimed to have told this to the PTI chairman.
He said Saifullah Niazi, Jahangir Tareen and Sheikh Rasheed were the ones who mended Imran’s opinion regarding Army’s support. Hashmi claimed that the PTI chief had been assured about support of five Corps Commanders.
“I don’t have any evidence nor do I think the army is backing Imran,” Hashmi added.
Three more FIRs registered against Imran, Qadri
Three more cases have been registered in Islamabad against Imran Khan, Dr Tahirul Qadri and protesters from their parties, according to DawnNews.
Two separate FIRs were registered in Margalla Police Station against the marchers, first for reportedly snatching a teargas gun from a policeman, while the second one was for setting a police bus on fire.
The third one was registered at Aabpara Police Station.
Army not responsible for political crisis: ISPR
In a statement issued Monday, the ISPR has rejected the assertions that the military and ISI were backing the protesters.
The press release states: “ISPR has categorically rejected the assertions that Army and ISI were backing PTI/PAT in anyway in the current political standoff. Army is an apolitical institution and has expressed its unequivocal support for democracy at numerous occasions. It is unfortunate that Army is dragged into such controversies.”
“Integrity and unity of the army is its strength which it upholds with pride.”
Nawaz rules out resignation
Assuring the nation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that neither he will resign, nor will he go on leaves, state-run PTV reported.
According to a joint statement issued after the opposition parties’ meeting at the PM House, the premier said that he would not let people’s mandate be hijacked by intimidation. The statement said that the country’s future was linked to democracy.
Joint session of Parliament to continue throughout week
After consulting political leaders at PM House it has been decided that a joint session of Parliament, starting from tomorrow, will continue for the whole week.
The government and opposition parties have decided to continue debates throughout the week to discuss the current political situation in the country.
PTI respond to Hashmi’s revelations
Central Information Secretary Shireen Mazari has responded to Javed Hashmi’s revelations:
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Imran Khan had parted ways with Javed Hashmi after the PTI President had called him a liar.
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The PTI is adopting the party’s constitutional path by issuing a show cause notice to Hashmi.
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If Hashmi thought PTI was linked to the army then he should have immediately resigned. There was no such talk in any meeting nor is there any such covert agenda.
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Hashmi’s unfounded allegations are not grounded in facts.
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The PTI’s protest has been peaceful, democratic and constitutional.
