Opposition parties to protest outside Parliament House on Thursday against Shahbaz's arrest
71
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced that the parliamentarians of opposition parties will hold a protest outside the Parliament House on Thursday afternoon, following the government's failure to honour their request for calling a National Assembly session to debate the "unjustified arrest" of Leader of Opposition in NA Shahbaz Sharif by NAB authorities.
The PML-N central executive committee in an ‘emergency meeting’ on Monday had decided to launch a protest movement against what it termed political victimisation of opponents by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-led coalition government.
The meeting decided that in the first phase of the protest movement, the party would launch agitation against ‘political victimisation’ of the Sharif family and opposition members in and outside the parliament.
Subsequently, On Tuesday, the call for the protest was given by former NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq, saying the gathering will be held on Thursday, October 11 at 3pm at Gate No. 1 of the Parliament House.
Earlier on October 5, the evening when Sharif was arrested, a requisition to call an NA session to deliberate the matter was submitted to the NA secretariat.
The next day, on October 6, a delegation of the opposition leaders comprising PML-N chairman and leader of the opposition in the Senate Raja Zafarul Haq, former NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and PML-N lawmaker Rana Tanvir met the incumbent NA speaker at his residence and urged him to summon the session soon as they wish to raise the issue of Shahbaz’s arrest.
According to the NA spokesperson, the Speaker is bound by the law to call a session within 14 days when a requisition is submitted and NA Speaker Asad Qaiser had assured the opposition a session would be called before then.
However, so far no date has been set for the NA session.
Earlier on Monday, ousted premier Nawaz Sharif had alleged that Shahbaz had been arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at the behest of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Moreover, barbs flew in the Senate with the opposition members accusing the government of witch-hunt in the name of accountability and the treasury members claiming that the slogan of ‘political victimisation’ was being used as a shield against a transparent process of accountability.
Nadir Guramani is a journalist and anchorperson for Dawn News (TV) with 17 years of experience. His reporting covers parliamentary affairs, foreign policy, politics, climate change, and human rights. He can be found on X at @nguramani.
Read more
Oct 09, 2018 09:14pm
It is better for government to put focus on economics reforms rather than wasting time and money on revenge politics. Till now PTI did not deliver anything positive for common people.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 09:43pm
@Farhan Khan , why do you think that PTI is behind the arrests? Don't you think our institutions are doing their job? Have you become so immune to corruptions that you want bygones be bygones. Don't you think that law should be above all?
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 09:44pm
IK should follow his vision regardless of consequences, he shouldn't look for popularity but what is good for the nation in the long-run, we need to break this vicious cycle, economy should be the top agenda.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 09:48pm
Anyone breaking the law should be put behind bars. These people are paid by the taxpayers to make lives better for the citizens. How dare they waste their time in these things. Let us continue with our naya pakistan and leave and let them continue with their childish attitude. They are all running scared because they will be the next.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 09:54pm
@Farhan Khan , Are you saying to let go all these looters who have emptied the country's treasury? You don't have money to make the Dams also
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 09:57pm
The opposition protest outside the parliament will add nothing to its utter lack of responsability for the dire economic situation of the country.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 09:59pm
Corruption must be brought to an end , corrupt leaders must be held accountable for looting the countries wealth, some people want to close their eyes, and let the thieves escape , this has been going for a long time , it must now come to a stop .
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:02pm
Next in line worried about their fates.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:08pm
Shariefs used to be untouchable, but now really scared. Lockup all those who are protesting in favor of corruption.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:09pm
Look all these incompetent, dishonest and enemies of state of Pakistan. How they all want to turn public against the current government who has less than one month to lead?
Full accountability process is required against Shrief family and Zardari clan to include their friends. Rana sanaulla should be in jail for Model Town murders.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:10pm
@Farhan Khan
Mr F Khan PTI government was given the reins in late August 2018, its less than two months what do you expect.
He does not have a magic wand
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:12pm
All the crooks outside parliament together on Thursday. Excellent opportunity for the government to arrest them all at one time rather than go chase them individually all over the country.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:19pm
Arrest must be done after proving the crime in court otherwise this will become a political tool.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:24pm
These people as public representatives need to understand what responsibility means; working towards wellbeing of their fellow citizens and not standing in the way of justice for saving criminals and looters of public funds.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:32pm
@Imran A. Do you think all the institutions have become suddenly clean... Wake up
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:34pm
Give us a break......what do you want from a govt that is trying its best for Pakistan? Havent you guys destroyed the country enough? Please if you have any shame and love for your country empty your pockets for the dam fund.....come on lets see how generous you guys really are? lets see how much you love your country? This is about water for the future generations....i did not see NS or SS or Zardari contribute a single penny why?
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:34pm
@Farhan Khan nor did you.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:37pm
Coalition of the Irrelevant.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:39pm
They should protest against the arrrest of every criminal.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:41pm
Most Pakistani citizens have become immune to corruption and adopted the mindset of "aisa chalta hay, kiya karay?". That has to stop. Cannot expect miracles from the current government to fix overnight. What was damaged for last 50 years will take years so stop whining and be part of creating a new Pakistan. Do something for your country. It has to be a collective effort. We are all to be blamed. All accomplices for electing corrupt leaders who fleeced the country day and night and kept quiet about it.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:48pm
With Zulfi Bukhari, Tareen, Khattak, IK himself, babar awan are set free and a reformer like Shahbaz is arrested you should see whats happening. Its only a try to give PTI supporters something to cheer about when PTI has made Pakistan even difficult to run. Inflation is at highest, reserves are low, stock exchange crashed, Dollar rates at highes in history, gas price first time higher than fuel, simple bread now is 50% higher in costs. Same loans were there, same situation was there in PML N era but we never saw inflation, but saw booming stock exchange and businesses. Whats happening Khan sb? Yes the opposition should unite and ask Govt to do some work because the poor people are suffering big time.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:54pm
@Farhan Khan how dumb are you, can you explain what Nawaz delivered in his first 30 days.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:58pm
Pretty sure its not political victimization for a politician to be arrested for inquiry into corruption, when people accused of petty theft are arrested as well.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 10:59pm
Well done PTI, sensible decision on currency front, keep pushing on clean and green Pakistan. It will make huge impact on national psychic. Support SC and NAB to catch the culprits who destroyed the national fabric of ethics. What you are doing today will start showing results shortly may be after three months and results will be positive. By
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 11:21pm
The crooked are protecting their own. This is not politics. They are concerned over the ruling class not over justice.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2018 11:34pm
When you cant get a container or enough people to hold a protest...the stairs will do!
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:01am
It’s their right to protest against Shahbaz Sharif, but they are forgetting that simultaneously a counter protest can also be held by people who feel their money is looted.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:06am
When you loot billions the arrest is not unjustified The corrupt have to be accountable
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:15am
Good-coud you all stay out of parliament t 24/7/365. You will do the nation a favour. The public is not with you.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:16am
Typical opposition tactics to exploit a corruption related civil matter into a political issue to gain some political momentum. Why don't these people do any debate and suggestions on how to positively contribute towards the bad economic situation of the country left by them due to their bad policies and corruption for the last 10 years
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:17am
@Farhan Khan Did PML-N tell you there is no money in the kitty. They looted it all. PTI has an empty pot. They want PML-N and others to bring the money back. But you want the pot empty.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:51am
Crooks pleading their Innocence. All should be in jail and held accountable for the messy situation Pakistan is in..PML-N are to BLAME !
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:57am
@Farhan Khan what do you think caused these dire economic conditions of the country in the first place? The root cause is these very people staging protests over arrest of a corrupt individual.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 12:59am
What would anyone call the arrest of the leader of the opposition in parliament before any conviction except an undemocratic act. Requisitioning a session of the assembly is a legal right of the members.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 01:10am
These so called leaders played with lives of pakistani people and must pay the fullest measure.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 01:19am
The corruption mafia!!
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 01:23am
It is the Mafia PMLN and PPPthat has put the economy in danger. Time to pay up and goto jail, no other option.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 01:24am
I remember Imran used to demand decency in politics. Now it is his turn.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 01:27am
@Imran A. Arrests should be made only when the case is ready with strong evidence, that can withstand scrutiny in a court of law.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 01:55am
I bet they will one day all follow shahbaz one by one!
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:15am
@Farhan Khan : dear these are corrupt politicians, there facilities has been stop, now PPP+PMLN have did money laundering, damaged Pakistan assets, steel mills, PIA, totally become bankrupt and have no money, a present senator his brothers, totally 13 relatives have appointed illegally, Pakistan is empty in money, this senator did his medical overseas and spent Rs.1 crore, what a shame on this, economical bombardment in Pakistan, his appointee are station managers in UK, USA, in USA his brother station manager closed PIA flight from NY-KHI.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:19am
The group photo reminds me of gangsters.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:26am
@Farhan Khan Are you serous??
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:30am
great ... PTI should join them...
All protest together against the arrest of Shahbaz
Looks like these politicians have nothing better to do. What can PTI do here? Pass a bill against arresting politicians?
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:35am
Arrest them all because they were appointed to protect the interests of the people not themselves, if you are unhappy with investigations then you should not have betrayed the trust of the nation and looted the country bringing an entire nation to its knees, the damage done by these incompetents may take a lifetime to fix. the nation has been set back to the point when we came into being with nothing; forced to rebuild the country before we can consider the dream of progressing or advancing in any way, we are exactly where our countries enemies would want us;powerless to defend ourselves with barely enough money to buy food, you can thank the Sharifs, Bhuttos and Zardaris of the world for valuing treachery over honour.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:39am
Apart from the gentleman with the white beard everyone looks like a crook or a has been, Regardless of the opposition IK should press on because he has the honesty of purpose and a goal - the well being of people of Pakistan (and NOT himself or his cronies).
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:40am
@Farhan Khan What do you expect in a month? PTI does not have magic.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:41am
@Imran you are right IK should ban all these parties and lock them for life . Only PTI will rule as one party and send all the voter to jail for voting PPP PML N ANP JUI JI etc. .In Naya Pakistan awam don't want looters only IK and his team rule Pakistan because they are honest and sincere to Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:45am
@Farhan Khan The corrupt must held accountable non-stop. Why are we expecting IK or PTI to deliver goods just the economy has been left in tatters and the corrupt politicians are still at work to disrupt any move in the right direction.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:51am
Why protest in or outside the parliament? NAB arrested Shehbaz; protest at NAB, if you have to. Really, protest does not make sense. You will be protesting against the law, and in favor of corruption.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 02:51am
Dam fund can we have a list of all the Pakistanis celebrities and policiticN to see how much they contributed please
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 03:38am
Do not deviate an inch PM Imran. These thiefs will continue with their rage to protect them self's. They have nothing to lose and you have all to gain for people of Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 03:46am
These politicians belonging to the old parties now stand exposed and they don't seem to even care about giving an impression that they respect the law......
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 04:07am
I thought that you were better than this, Sherry.
ZAB's PPP would never have stood shoulder to shoulder with PMLN.
Look at the history of your party for goodness sake.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 04:31am
To see Jamat-e-Islami standing with the oppositions leaders who have threatened to protest against the arrest of Shabaz Sharif is very demoralising. Never ever expected JI to do this.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 04:40am
@Farhan Khan, you are right. This government did not deliver anything in forty days of rule, which the previous governments could not deliver in 40 years. To call a spade a spade is revenge politics, is it ? Are you saying that all cases against looters should be stopped & the economy will become better. The PML(N) has left the economy of Pakistan in a disaster & it will take years to repair it. The present government is taking solid steps to bring the looted money back to Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 05:47am
I want you all to pay close attention to the pic, look real close, this is what failed and lying politicians look like.Thank you and good night.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 05:49am
@Farhan Khan, Till now? you mean like right now right now? Its been only two and a half months, what are you complaining about, if we were talking about a year or two, I could see you point.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:24am
It’s a crying shame these people use parliamentary privileges to protect people accused of high corruption rather than allow the federal authorities and bodies to do their work. If these so-called parliamentarians don’t show any due regard for the rule of law and nurture the implementation bodies, how do they expect a just democratic system to develop?
About time the voting public actually understood what their elected representatives are really doing in Islamabad.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:32am
politicians are not judges, callung arrests by law enforcement is like saying, never arrest US. Most of you belong in jail due to corruption. welcome to the hot seat. time to pay.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:35am
PMLN and PPP should both be dissolved and declared defunct. PTI is the only party that can lead this country forever.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:37am
Why does n't PPP question Mian Sharif when Zardari was thrown in the jail at his behest
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:41am
All these crooks must be behind bars otherwise it will be IK's biggest failure and poor Pakistanis would be biggest loser in the whole.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:41am
Union of crooks will gather on Thursday to protest the arrest of the crook-in-chief. How shameless can these people get? And what does the PTI government has to do with it? The cases by NAB were instituted months before the PTI came into power under the direction of the NAB chairman who was appointed by the union of the crooks
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:44am
Bunch of losers banding together to save 'democracy'. PPP joining hands with PML (N) and odd couple how long this marriage would lost? I guess only thing common between them is money laundering,
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:45am
courts decide just or unjust, luckily not corrupt politicians, many who have served in corrupt governments for the past 30 years. charge them with contempt and sec 144 violations and jail the lot.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:47am
Opposition don’t like NAB or don’t trust NAB.
They may be prefer no accountability so they could become rich; if they don’t have sprit to serve the nation than just quit politics, their dream time is over.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 06:49am
Opposition should not have made such a high risk person as their head. With several investigation in progress against Sharif family, they are a high risk people who can be trusted in any way or in any matter to survive the legal accountability process. Shame on opposition for crying crocodile tears. They should do better next time around.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 10:47am
Has Shahbaz Sharif through his lawyer of his choice (discarding Naeem Bokhari and Aitzaz Ahsan suggested by me) initiated criminal case as well as defamation case against NAB for falsely not only implicating him in corruption but also arresting him on corruption charges? Hasn’t Shahbaz once not less than an omnipotent CM has been excessively ridiculed not only in Pakistan but world over which is awfully insulting at least for me to pocket if not for Shahbaz? I relly regret more and wonder less as to why and how not a single brain in PML (N) even including his elder brother Nawaz Sharif thought of getting an FIR registered against NAB even when I have commented and advised before. I very much believe that in my beloved Pakistan only codified laws are applied and not jungle law, therefore, why and how Shahbaz did not initiate a criminal case as I suggested otherwise why did I favor Shahbaz and pen my comments? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 10:58am
@Nazir Alimohammad endorse that!
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2018 04:18pm
What's Jamaat Islami doing here?
Recommend
0
