Latest news with #Form47
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PARTLY FACETIOUS: The profundity of filial sentiment
'I can't understand the logic behind the move.' 'You don't need logic but understand filial sentiment as far as the decision of the children of The Man Who Must Remain Nameless and Faceless to announce they will visit Pakistan and…' 'He has been in jail for around two years and my question is…' 'Tempers are running high and there is talk of not issuing them a visa and if they land up in the country to arrest them on charge of inciting violence…' 'If they incite violence'. 'Right, but their announcement coincides with the call by their dad to start a protest movement……' 'Perhaps their decision to meet their dad is not linked to the call for protest.' 'Perhaps, but don't the sons have a NICOP? I mean, that would allow them to retain their British nationality and not require a visa!' 'Don't know but…' 'There is no but, and if The Third Wife could mobilize party supporters, then just imagine how many supporters would be mobilized if his children…' 'And she did it without showing her face to the supporters.' 'What relevance would that have?' 'I mean Gandapur could have veiled any woman and…' 'Don't be facetious, he would not have dared. I mean, she would have cried foul and…' 'Ï would spell that with a w.' 'What?' 'Foul as in fowl.' 'Don't be facetious anyway we believe in dynasty, people still vote for Benazir Bhutto in Sindh and…and…' 'Yeah, Punjab's Form 47…' 'Shut up. But when I said I don't understand the move, I was referring to President Trump's insistence that he has been trying to mediate peace in the Ukraine Russia war by calling for an immediate ceasefire. I mean the US has been supplying without a pause, OK one pause was for less than a few days, anyway he has been supplying billions of dollars of military equipment to Ukraine since 2022 when the war started, and in spite of that the Russians are winning, so how can a country which is party to a conflict take the dual role – that of a mediator as well as a party to the conflict?' 'Haven't you learned anything yet? The dual hatted are in a class of their own!' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Gandapur renews offer for talks with 'real power'
Listen to article Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said on Sunday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was willing to hold talks with those who "hold real power", as the party formally launched a movement for restoring democracy and securing Khan's release. However, some key members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led governments at the Centre as well as in Punjab immediately turned down the offer, saying that the PTI founder would have to hold dialogue with political forces, if he wished so. Speaking at a news conference in Lahore alongside senior PTI leaders, Gandapur emphasised that former prime minister Imran Khan would only engage in dialogue with stakeholders who hold actual decision-making authority. "Imran Khan has made it clear — dialogue will only happen with those who hold the mandate," he said. "It does not matter if they [the establishment] invite those who formed the governments through Form 47 to sit in the negotiations or not," he said. Gandapur said that although the party had remained active over the past two years, it was now embarking upon a structured 90-day nationwide campaign, which would culminate in a major milestone on August 5. "This protest is not for political mileage — this is a battle for the constitutional rights of the people," he said. "By August 5, we aim to take this movement to its peak. After that, we will decide whether we continue politics under the current conditions." Gandapur condemned what he described as a renewed "fascist crackdown" on the PTI and its supporters. He alleged that party workers were subjected to torture following the events of May 9, 2023, as the authorities continued to suppress their constitutional right to protest. The chief minister reiterated the party position that there was no legal basis for the cases instituted against party founder Imran Khan. "The courts haven't proceeded because there's nothing to proceed with. Our leader is innocent," Gandapur said. Criticising the role of state institutions, Gandapur accused them of overreach and undermining democracy. He claimed that the state's actions against PTI had backfired because of the rising public awareness. "The nation proved on February 8 that it is fully aware of what's happening," he added. In a sharp rebuke to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who said on Saturday that any change in K-P should come from within the party, Gandapur challenged Fazl to contest by-election in his hometown of Dera Ismail Khan against his brother, Faisal, and if he [Fazl] won, he [Gandapur] would quit politics. Gandapur dismissed claims of any internal divisions within the PTI, calling them an engineered narrative to weaken the party. "We may have disagreements, but our mission is united — Imran Khan's release and Pakistan's restoration," he said. On the occasion, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja echoed this stance, stating that the party's unity in Lahore demonstrated unwavering support for Khan. "His release is not just the party's goal — it's the nation's demand. February 8 will not be forgotten," Raja said. Concluding the press conference, Gandapur renewed his offer for negotiations, urging "the beneficiaries of the system" to come to the negotiating table. He warned that if dialogue did not take place in good faith, "every actor proven guilty will have to face the consequences — not just PTI." Reacting to Gandapur's news conference, Federal Minister for State and Frontier Regions (Safron) Amir Muqam stated that those who always ran away from the negotiating table were now ironically speaking of dialogue. He dismissed Gandapur's 90-day ultimatum as mere theatrics. "Gandapur has no real authority. The PTI's 90-day campaign is merely a tactic to save the provincial government, which is already under threat from internal dissent. Their campaign has failed even before it began," he said. "The nation has rejected their politics of sit-ins, long marches, and violence. These are just desperate moves driven by their lust for power," he said. "If Imran Khan genuinely seeks dialogue, he must first bow before the law, admit his mistakes, and repent from the politics of hatred," he added. He said the people of K-P were demanding accountability of the PTI's 11-year rule in the province. "Gandapur should first answer to the people of the K-P. You have seen development in Lahore - what have you done for your own province?" he asked. Talking to the media persons in Faisalabad, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry claimed that the establishment did not want to be part of any political process and that if the PTI wished to hold talks, it must return to the negotiations process started by the National Assembly speaker earlier this year. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that political matters were settled through dialogue between political leaders. "It is a settled fact — you have to talk to the political people, and dialogue happens only among politicians," she said. The provincial minister criticised the PTI and its founder, Imran Khan, stating, "We have seen many deadlines and calls for protest from Imran Khan. Did any protests actually happen? Did anyone even come out on the streets?" (WITH INPUT FROM OUT ISLAMABAD CORRESPONDENT)
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Gandapur dares rivals to bring down his govt
Listen to article Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has challenged political forces threatening to oust his government, asserting that the PTI formed its government in K-P on the basis of its own strength, not through anyone's support. Gandapur made the remarks while addressing party leaders and speaking to the media during a gathering at a farmhouse in Lahore's Raiwind Road on Saturday. The K-P CM arrived in Lahore on Saturday night, leading a convoy of PTI lawmakers along with PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan. Launching a sharp critique of JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, Gandapur said the head of the religious party was misleading voters and lacked public support. The PTI leader claimed that the public had "rejected" the JUI-F chief. "It would be better if the Maulana brought change within himself rather than attempting to impose a change on the K-P. Fazlur Rehman was elected through a fake mandate and has no authority to speak on behalf of the people of the province," he added. Gandapur said Fazl holds only one National Assembly and two provincial assembly seats on merit, while the rest were secured through alleged manipulation via Form 47. "He misled the people, and that is why he was unable to win in his own constituency," he asserted. He also announced the launch of a new political movement, which, he said, would begin in Lahore. "Whenever a movement starts from Lahore, it resonates across Pakistan," he said, emphasising that the campaign would be shaped by ground realities and carried out in consultation with party leaders. He vowed to intensify the movement from August 5, urging supporters to prepare for a decisive action. Addressing ongoing political tensions, Gandapur also criticized the recent suspension of opposition members from the Punjab Assembly and called the move illegal. He warned that if such actions continued, he would respond by removing committee chairpersons appointed by the Punjab government in the K-P. Gandapur reiterated his party's stance that former prime minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, is innocent and facing politically motivated charges. "There is no case against our leader," he said, adding that the movement's direction should be shaped by the country's political circumstances rather than comparisons between Punjab and the K-P. Earlier, a convoy of PTI lawmakers arrived in Lahore from Islamabad, signaling what party officials described as the beginning of a renewed political movement. The visit came amid heightened police presence, arrests of party workers, and escalating tensions with the Punjab government. The convoy arrived at the Raiwind Road farmhouse of Senate former deputy chairman Mirza Muhammad Afridi, located near the Sharif family's estate in Lahore. A dinner and strategic meetings of PTI's parliamentary committees were scheduled at the venue. According to party insiders, the discussions would center on protest planning and legislative responses to the recent suspension of PTI lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly. Given the prevailing political climate in both Punjab and the K-P, the meetings are being viewed as politically significant. Talks are also expected to address future political strategy and the potential for alliances between regional power blocs. Earlier, the convoy's arrival at Shahdara Mor was met with a heavy deployment of the Punjab Police. According to PTI sources, officers arrested four party workers, including Lahore-based ticket holder Engineer Yasir Gilani. Although Gilani was later released, the arrests fueled fresh accusations of political harassment by the PTI leadership. Media access to the site was restricted, and a scheduled press interaction was reportedly canceled due to security concerns. Earlier in Jhelum, Gandapur stated that the leadership was formulating a roadmap to sustain the movement through at least August 5. "We want consensus through consultation. Our leadership and workers are in jail, but our commitment remains unwavering," he said. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan affirmed that any announcement regarding the protest campaign would come directly from party founder Imran Khan. He said the Lahore visit was intended to meet party legislators and finalise the movement's future direction within the law. Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar welcomed the convoy in a video message, calling it a "symbolic awakening" of Punjab. "The people of Lahore are on the streets to welcome their leaders," he said. The political mobilisation is taking place against the backdrop of the June 27 suspension of 26 PTI lawmakers, following their protest during CM Maryam Nawaz's address to the Punjab Assembly. Since then, thousands of PTI workers have reportedly been arrested or charged as the party ramps up its opposition to the provincial government's policies. "PTI has now formally launched its protest movement," Bhachar declared. "Raids are underway across Punjab, and we are not afraid of these arrests. Our central leadership and parliamentary parties from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are meeting in Lahore to finalise our course of action." Earlier, PTI lawmakers including both parliamentarians from Punjab as well as provincial assembly members converged in Islamabad to attend a meeting convened by CM Gandapur at the K-P House. Gandapur emphasized that the K-P's leadership intends to work with the opposition for political stability in the country. He reiterated the PTI's commitment to continue raising its voice within constitutional boundaries and on all available forums.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran's sons will join protest: Aleema
The family of the PTI founder Imran Khan, including his sons Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan, will be part of the protest movement called by him, his sister Aleema Khan said on Tuesday. 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.
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Supplementary budget: Punjab Assembly approves 38 demands exceeding Rs509.71bn
LAHORE: Punjab Assembly on Monday approved 38 demands exceeding Rs509.71 billion under the supplementary budget for 2024-25 in the absence of the opposition. The Punjab Assembly session, delayed by four hours and four minutes, commenced under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. On the occasion of International Day of Democracy, Syed Ali Haider Gillani, the parliamentary leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), presented a resolution in the House, which was passed by a majority vote. Upon completion of the agenda, the Punjab Assembly session was adjourned indefinitely. Addressing the assembly, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan talked in detail on the significance of parliamentary rules rooted in constitutional principles. 'The House operates under constitutional rules, which hold sanctity,' he stated. 'Whether it's the oath, the quorum of members, the roles of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the House, or Leader of the Opposition—all are defined by the Constitution. The conduct of business is not subject to anyone's will but is bound by constitutional provisions.' He further highlighted that the Governor's address, call-attention notices, or ministerial reports are all enshrined in the Constitution. Criticizing disruptive behaviour, the Speaker remarked, 'There was deafening noise about stolen elections and claims that the government was formed through Form 47. Efforts were made to craft a narrative based on 37 excuses, but why was no discussion held on such conduct that violates the sanctity of the Assembly?' Asserting his commitment to upholding the law, the Speaker declared, 'I will not allow any violation of the law in the Punjab Assembly. Disputes are part of democratic representation, but I will not permit disgraceful behaviour, especially the hurling of abuses that demean women.' On this occasion, the Speaker also directed treasury members to table a resolution against the opposition's conduct. During the session, government member Ahsan Raza speaking on the point of order said, 'Your decision to strengthen Parliament on International Parliament Day is commendable. The strength of democracy lies in the strength of Parliament. Parliament is a strong and sacred institution, but the storm of misconduct witnessed here is not a good sign for democracy. The opposition should adopt parliamentary language. The leadership of PML-N has always played its part in strengthening democracy.' Government member Amjad Ali Javed remarked, 'The Chair has always tried to work with the opposition, but they unleashed a storm of misconduct under the guise of the right to protest. The Chair repeatedly attempted to explain that democratic traditions should flourish, but they refused to understand.' He added, 'Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has established democratic traditions in the House that were not present before.' Government member Madad Ali Shah, said, 'If no one guide a child he will be spoiled. It is our duty and responsibility to curb the opposition's misconduct.' Another government member, Salahuddin Khosa, stated, 'The opposition itself sent the founder of PTI to jail. The opposition leaders flattered the founder so much that they elevated him to the skies. Their behaviour is not just a problem for themselves but for their party as well.' During the session, government member Ahsan Raza addressed a point of objection, stating, 'Your decision to strengthen Parliament on International Parliament Day is commendable. The strength of democracy lies in the strength of Parliament. Parliament is a strong and sacred institution, but the storm of misconduct witnessed here is not a good sign for democracy. The opposition should adopt parliamentary language. The leadership of PML-N has always played its part in strengthening democracy.' Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman addressed the Punjab Assembly, announcing that the current fiscal year's budget stands at Rs. 5,345 billion, with a development budget of Rs. 1,240 billion. He stated that the government has fulfilled the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) condition by maintaining a budget surplus. This year's supplementary budget exceeds Rs. 510 billion, with Rs. 266.6 billion allocated for developmental expenditures. The minister emphasised prioritizing public welfare projects over salary increases, with the largest share of resources— Rs. 126 billion—dedicated to road infrastructure. Punjab's total budget exceeds Rs. 1,013 billion, aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. To curb wasteful spending, the government has initiated public welfare schemes, ensuring a fast-paced and socially equitable budget. During the session, the Punjab Assembly approved a supplementary budget worth over Rs. 510 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. Key allocations include Rs. 46.50557 billion for Police department, Rs. 2.341609716 billion for irrigation, Rs. 172.349 million for Forest Department, Rs. 461.467 million for Motor Vehicle Taxes, Rs. 492.502 million for Other Taxes and Duties, Rs. 16.935542 billion for Health Services, Rs. 13.625407 billion for Public Health and Rs. 4.870510 billion for Agriculture. In total, 38 supplementary demands worth Rs. 509.712246289 billion were approved. Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman announced a three-month honorarium salary for all staff of the Punjab Assembly Secretariat, the Law Department, and the Chief Minister's Secretariat. The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on the International Day of Democracy, presented by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Parliamentary Leader Syed Ali Haider Gillani. The resolution highlighted that the United Nations General Assembly, in 2018, designated this day to encourage parliamentary institutions worldwide to strengthen public engagement. The resolution stressed that democracy thrives when institutions are strong and inclusive. This year's theme, 'Strong Parliaments for Democracy,' underscores the pivotal role of legislatures in lawmaking, minority rights protection, and policy formulation. It called for collective efforts to strengthen and uphold parliamentary traditions, condemning undemocratic attitudes as detrimental to democratic progress. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
