
Imran's sons will join protest: Aleema
Aleema spoke to the media after her two sisters Uzma and Noreen Khan and party lawyers met the PTI founder in Adiala Jail. Aleema was, however, denied permission for the meeting. She told the reporters that Imran Khan would himself lead the protest movement from inside the jail.
"Imran Khan has said that he will lead the protest movement. He is free while in jail but we are prisoners despite being outside," she said. "Our family will be fully involved in the protest movement. Suleman and Kasim have said that after [visiting] America, they will join the movement," she added.
"Imran Khan has said that those who could not carry the weight of the movement should leave now," she continued, adding that Imran wanted the movement to peak on August 5, when he would complete two years of incarceration.
Letter from jail
Senior incarcerated leaders of PTI have penned another joint letter, blasting the government for "destroying" key democratic institutions including the media, judiciary, and parliament.
The letter accuses the current rulers of betraying the very spirit of the Charter of Democracy, an agreement once signed by the leaders of the two major political parties, Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto.
The letter, by leaders currently incarcerated in Kot Lakhpat Jail, was jointly written by former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Omar Sarfraz Cheema.
"The Charter of Democracy was meant to ensure constitutional supremacy and judicial independence," the PTI leaders wrote, "but it has been sabotaged by the very parties that initiated it, all for the sake of personal political gains."
The letter argues that the path to pulling Pakistan out of its compounding crises lies in restoring the rule of law and upholding the supremacy of the Constitution.
They further alleged that the government has severely undermined democratic principles through legislative overreach and electoral manipulation. "The media has been stifled through the PECA ordinance, the judiciary targeted through the 26th constitutional amendment, and parliament rendered meaningless via Form 47," the letter stated, adding that the people of Pakistan deserve full respect for their democratic rights.
The latest letter marks the second such communication in a week from the jailed senior leaders of PTI, who had earlier urged the party to engage in dialogue with the PML-N-led government.
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Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Punjab MPAs may strike decorum deal
Listen to article Key representatives from both treasury and opposition benches are likely to establish Terms of Reference (ToRs) in the coming days, aimed at regulating the future proceedings of the Punjab Assembly and discouraging humiliation, abusive exchanges and violent conduct between lawmakers. The development follows an initial consultative meeting between Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and 26 suspended MPAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over disqualification references filed against them. Both sides reportedly agreed to form a joint committee of senior members to make the consultation process more effective and to explore constitutional, legal and parliamentary solutions to the impasse. It is worth mentioning that Speaker Khan had received disqualification references against these currently suspended MPAs under Article 63(2) read with Article 113 of the Constitution. It is his constitutional obligation to decide on these references within 30 days, as stipulated in the said provisions. Accordingly, the speaker had summoned the suspended MPAs for a hearing under Article 10-A of the Constitution by July 11 (yesterday) in his chamber at the Punjab Assembly. A reliable source, speaking to The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said that the speaker's move to suspend 26 MPAs and subsequently refer the matter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) served a dual purpose: first, it helped dispel perceptions within his party of him favouring the opposition; second, it brought the opposition to the negotiating table under the pretext of the disqualification reference, thereby creating space to frame mutually agreed-upon TORs. The source added that the meeting atmosphere was cordial, and a second round of talks may be held on Sunday or the following day. Both sides may nominate three or four members each to form the joint committee tasked with drafting TORs to ensure that members refrain from abusive, humiliating, or violent conduct. A key point being considered is that every member should be heard respectfully in the House, without interruptions, before any responses are made. If the opposition still feels compelled to protest, they may do so in line with democratic parliamentary norms and without resorting to derogatory language or physical disruption. The treasury is still debating whether the TORs should specifically mention Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by name, ensuring that her speeches, along with those of Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and others, proceed without disruption, or whether the document should adopt a broader principle stating that all members' speeches are to be respected and disruptions will be dealt with strictly. 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Both sides demonstrated a willingness to set aside their differences and proceed in accordance with democratic norms. Background Speaker Khan has often been viewed as sympathetic to the opposition, regularly allowing their members sufficient time to speak during proceedings, including on points of order. He has also been noted for at times taking a stern tone with treasury members. Over time, this approach led to a growing perception among treasury lawmakers that the speaker was disproportionately favouring the opposition. They argued that he should limit the opposition's floor time and adopt a more stringent posture. However, Speaker Khan maintained that it was necessary to carry both sides along and that taking punitive action on minor infractions was not appropriate. While his conciliatory approach was appreciated by the opposition, it created unease within the treasury benches. Eventually, the treasury began ignoring the opposition's protests and disruptions in the House, especially during speeches by CM Maryam Nawaz. At times, opposition lawmakers were even seen confined to their seats rather than protesting in front of the speaker's dais. The speaker and the treasury had long urged the opposition to maintain peace and decorum during the chief minister's addresses. However, the opposition appeared to take advantage of the speaker's leniency, praising his neutrality while continuing to disrupt proceedings during Maryam Nawaz's speeches, despite assurances to the contrary. This tension peaked during the recent budget session. On June 27, when CM Maryam Nawaz delivered her address, the opposition appeared especially aggressive, possibly emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision on the reserved seats issue. Speaker Khan was under pressure to maintain order, while the treasury expected the opposition to honour past understandings. However, the apex court's ruling changed the atmosphere drastically. The opposition left no stone unturned in disrupting the CM's speech, prompting the speaker to move forward with disqualification references. The speaker's decision to initiate the references attracted public criticism, with many arguing that PTI had already been politically cornered. Several PML-N lawmakers also advised the speaker to resolve the matter within the assembly, rather than escalating it to the ECP.


Business Recorder
7 hours ago
- Business Recorder
NHP issue: Gandapur seeks PM's backing for ‘innovative' solution
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NHP methodology, power projects' transfer: Wapda, provinces continue to have serious differences Recognizing the financial challenges faced by the GoKP, the Federal Government introduced an 'interim arrangement,' which was duly endorsed by the CCI in 2016. This arrangement provided for NHP payments at a rate of Rs. 1.10/kWh with a 5% annual indexation, incorporated into Wapda's generation tariff, impacting the consumer tariff by approximately 18 paisa per unit. Accordingly, Wapda began making payments to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; however, these payments have not been made consistently as per the agreed arrangement. This has resulted in an outstanding shortfall of Rs. 75 billion for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Subsequently, in response to a summary moved by the Provincial Government for the full implementation of KCM, the CCI, in its 37th meeting held on April 24, 2018, constituted a committee under the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (DCPC) to deliberate on the determination of net profit rates in light of CCI decisions. This committee presented its report in December 2019, which was endorsed by the CCI. The report confirmed Rs. 128 billion as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's rightful share and Rs. 52 billion for Punjab for FY 2016-17, based on KCM. Subsequently, another committee was constituted to propose an 'Out-of-the-Box' solution for the payment of Net Hydel Profit to the entitled provinces. According to the Chief Minister, the 'Out-of-the-box' committee has held five meetings, wherein it was decided that all stakeholders would submit their proposals. The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already shared its proposal with the Planning Commission. The Chief Minister further stated that given the severe financial constraints facing the province, it is imperative to expedite the resolution of this matter. He urged the Prime Minister Office to direct the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission to convene a meeting of the 'Out-of- the-Box' Committee at the earliest to ensure a just and equitable resolution, hoping that PM's leadership would facilitate this process and be instrumental in securing the rightful share of resources for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in line with constitutional provisions and prior CCI decisions. 'I remain confident that, under your (PM Shehbaz Sharif) leadership, we can navigate these challenges and ensure a fair and transparent resolution that upholds the principles of justice and equity for all stakeholders, 'Gandapur added. The KPK government has proposed a second interim arrangement to settle the outstanding dues by increasing the electricity tariff by Rs.1/kWh. Additionally, the province reiterated its earlier stance of transferring the hydro power stations to the respective provinces. Regarding delay in NHP payments, the GoKP argued that Wapda is no longer revenue collecting agency for the power sector, as CPPA-G is acting as a collecting agency of the Federal Government, therefore, the payment should be made by CPPA-G, under Power Division. The government of KP presented following three proposals: Proposal i: payment of NHP by Federal Govt. as guaranteed under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, Presidential Order No 3, decisions of CCI from 1993 to 2022 and subsequent calculations made by Jehanzeb Committee in the report approved by CCI December 23, 2019. Federal government may consider financing of power component of a hydro power station from PSDP on the analogy of Dam component. So that the revenues generated may be made available for NHP payments to the entitled provinces: Proposal ii: transfer the existing Hydro Power stations, currently owned by Wapda, to the respective provinces, as was previously proposed by GoPb. The Power Generation Policies of 1995 and 2015 otherwise allow transfer of power stations to the provinces. Federal government may pay the outstanding NHP payments as per KCM to the provinces till the transfer of hydro power stations to the provinces. O&M can be retained by Wapda. Proposal III: Till the finalization options, the Federal Government may announce a 2nd interim arrangement of NHP payment by increasing consumer end tariff by Re1/KWh to generate the requisite funds. Provincial government suggests that Instead of Wapda, CPPA-G may directly pay NHP to the entitled provinces through ESCROW account. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Imran's sons will have to seek visa, says Talal
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said the children of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan will have to enter Pakistan after obtaining visas "if they are not Pakistani citizens". Chaudhry was talking to reporters in the Parliament House on Friday. On July 9, Imran's sister — Aleema Kham — announced that PTI founder's family members including his sons Kasim and Sulaiman would be part of a protest movement soon. Speaking to the media, Aleema had said that Imran would lead the protest from behind bars. "Imran Khan has said that he will lead the protest movement. He is free while in jail but we are prisoners despite being outside," she said. She added that his sons, Suleman and Kasim, would join the movement in support of their father after visiting the United States. Commenting on the move, PM's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the former prime minister's sonswho reside in the United Kingdom with Imran's first wife Jemima Goldsmithwould be arrested if they joined the PTI protest in Pakistan. Jemima took to X to condemn the statement. "This doesn't happen in a democracy or a functioning state. This isn't politics. It's a personal vendetta," she said on Thursday. Responding to a question with regard to participation of Imran's family in the upcoming protest, the state minister said along with his sons, "Imran's [alleged] daughter [Tyrian White] should also come to Pakistan." "If they are Pakistani citizens, then visa restrictions will still apply. No local or foreign individual will be allowed to come to Pakistan and take the law into their own hands," he added. Chaudhry claimed that Imran's former in-lawsthe Goldsmith familycontinue to support the PTI founder to this day. Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also stated that the children of Imran Khan are not beyond the reach of the law, and if they attempt to take the law into their own hands, they will face legal consequences like any other citizen. According to a report, Kundi noted that holding peaceful demonstrations was everyone's right, including the children of the PTI founder but added that "if they cross the legal line, the law will take its course." Commenting on the dual nationality status of the PTI founder's children, the governor said if they do not hold Pakistani citizenship, then the matter may fall under the purview of the British High Commission. However, he stressed that no one is exempt from Pakistani law. "Just as British law applies to Pakistanis in the UK, Pakistani law will apply to British citizens present in Pakistan," he remarked. Earlier, in May, Suleman and Kasim had publicly addressed their father's imprisonment and called for international pressure on Pakistan to secure his release. This was the first instance that the brothers spoke out about their father's situation, despite being reportedly allowed contact with him weekly since November 2023. According to Imran's sons, these calls were inconsistent and difficult to arrange. In an interview with X (formerly Twitter) influencer Mario Nawfal, the brothers explained why they decided to break their silence. (WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)