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Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazl denies backing K-P govt ouster
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has clarified his stance with regard to a change in government in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), stating that he had called for a change to be brought about by the PTI lawmakers themselves, not by any external force. Amid swirling rumours of a brewing "regime change" in the K-P, the JUI-F chief on July 12 threw his weight behind the idea of a political change in the PTI-led province, but with a caveat that the change must come from within the ruling party itself. Dismissing the notion of backdoor manoeuvring, the Maulana had asserted that the legitimacy cannot be handed down by "boots" but must stem from the will of the people. Speaking to the media during a visit to Charsadda, Fazl said he had not suggested a no-confidence move against the PTI government, but proposed a change within the province "not by breaking up parties or buying members, but by bringing new administration from within PTI itself". He said he was not ending his disagreement with Imran Khan's party but did want to improve relations with it. "I want to keep the differences limited to the political level and reduce bitterness. I do not wish to respond to their aggression or indecency," he added. Fazl stated that the current situation in the K-P could not sustain further political turmoil but reiterated the claim that the PTI was also imposed on the province through rigging in Feb 8, 2024 elections. "Yes, the court has recognized the PTI government. The world is accepting itwe cannot change that. But history will judge whether our claim of a stolen mandate was right or wrong," he added. He condemned the PML-N's legal action against the JUI-F over a reserved seat in the K-P, asking as to how they could trust an opposition that kept aiding the provincial government. "We practice moderate politics and show respect, but both the ruling party and opposition use abusive language against us and take us to court," he said, calling talk of a no-confidence move unrealistic. The JUI-F chief also lambasted the establishment for its alleged failure to establish peace in the province in 40 years. "Why hasn't terrorism been eradicated in 40 years? State institutions are simply not serious about ending terrorism. They should not place the blame for their failure on the public." Fazl said ensuring peace and security is the state's responsibility, and law enforcement agencies are obligated to protect the lives and property of citizens. "Terror incidents over the last four decades have mocked state institutions. The same state that claims it can bring India to its knees in four hours seems incapable of controlling domestic terrorism. This raises serious concerns about their intent," he said.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran Khan willing to talk with decision-makers: Ali Amin Gandapur
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that former prime minister Imran Khan is ready to engage in talks with the country's decision-makers for the sake of Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Gandapur accused JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman of being a 'hypocrite,' claiming he is still aligned with the establishment despite public criticism. The K-P CM said the PTI-led movement has already begun on Imran's instructions and would reach its peak by August 5th. 'A new strategy will be announced after that,' he said, adding that the nation has awakened politically. Gandapur alleged that PTI supporters were subjected to torture after 9 May, and that a renewed 'fascist campaign' is underway. 'Imran's cases are not allowed to proceed in courts even,' he added. Gandapur said that even the constitutional right to protest is being taken away. 'We are urging people to come out and protest, yet state institutions have abandoned their constitutional duties and are engaged in unconstitutional actions. They have left counterterrorism and border security to target us instead,' he stated. The K-P chief minister said a mafia structure has taken root in the country. 'Institutions claim they don't engage in politics, but that's exactly what they are doing. I am the son of a soldier, but today the people have turned against the institutions.' He added that Imran has consistently called for dialogue. 'The public is rejecting undemocratic behaviour. If I have met someone for the sake of Pakistan, then yes, I have,' he said. Gandapur alleged that the establishment played a role in orchestrating fake elections and toppling the government. 'Maulana Fazlur Rehman himself admitted that he acted on the instructions of General Bajwa to bring down our government,' he said. The K-P CM said they have given themselves 90 days. 'Under the new strategy, we will take our movement to its peak by August 5. Within these 90 days, we will decide whether or not to continue doing politics in this country,' he stated. He added that there is no deadlock in negotiations. 'They are wasting time to serve their own interests. We have never held secret meetings even in official gatherings, I openly represent my party's agenda,' he said. He said that if they request permission to hold a rally in Lahore, they will also provide a guarantee that no vandalism will take place. 'Even when we don't announce a protest, a crackdown is launched against us,' he added. Gandapur stated, 'God forbid I become like Asif Zardari. I have 56 FIRs against me, including charges of treason. Our 90-day period starts from tomorrow within this time, negotiations must take place and issues must be resolved.' He said, 'I admit there are differences within the party, but when a party grows, disagreements are natural. I said it yesterday and I'm saying it again today — we must set aside our internal differences and move forward for a shared ideology'. Gandapur added that K-P has Rs190 billion in its accounts. 'We have generated revenue in KP. Stop twisting our statements into false narratives. The only person who can solve Pakistan's problems is the PTI founder. The world has never accepted a government formed through a stolen mandate,' he said. He said that the party had instructed not to comment on Maulana Fazlur Rehman, but added, 'Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a hypocrite. He is still secretly aligned with the establishment. He gained votes using religion, yet he lost his security deposit in his own constituency.' He further stated, 'Someone elected from Balochistan has no right to speak about K-P. I challenge Maulana Fazlur Rehman to contest and win against my brother. If he fails, he should quit politics. If my brother loses to Maulana, I will leave politics.' The CM of K-P said that their campaign has officially begun today, with a deadline set for 5 August. 'After that, we will decide for ourselves about politics, the state, and our future,' he stated. He added, 'On 8 February, the people proved that the nation has awakened. There's nothing substantial in the cases against Imran Khan, which is why they are not being pursued in court. No political movement in the world has faced the kind of oppression we have. We will carry our movement through every street and city across Pakistan.' He said, 'We will soon present a plan outlining our next steps. State institutions have abandoned their actual responsibilities and are engaged in other matters. Those responsible for managing the borders are to blame for the situation in K-P. Your martial laws have damaged both the country and democracy. Institutions are playing a central role in forming, running, and toppling governments. In this country, it is the institutions that are doing the most politics.' Gandapur added, 'Let's sit together, admit our mistakes, and move forward. Even after facing such oppression, the PTI founder is calling for dialogue. This toxic political culture will eventually harm all parties. We have endured a lot, but many others may not. No one can say they are above accountability everyone will have to answer for their actions.' The K-P CM questioned, 'Why was there no terrorism during the PTI founder's tenure? Look at the record — how many attacks and drone strikes occurred during our time.' He urged, 'Let's sit down and have a reasoned discussion. After the 26th amendment, even the judiciary has been shackled. Set aside your stubbornness and ego, and talk for the nation's sake. If accountability is to happen, then everyone who has made mistakes must face consequences.' He also said that the PTI founder's sons are welcome to come to Pakistan. 'They haven't announced any plans to enter politics. And if they do, that is our concern, not any other party's,' he stated. United front Meanwhile, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja rejected claims of divisions within the party, calling it a narrative manufactured by the country's power brokers. Speaking at a press conference, he said, 'This is a country of elites. The entire party gathering in Lahore is proof that we are united in our demand for the release of our founder, Imran Khan.' Raja said Imran Khan's release symbolises the freedom of the state, judiciary, and the nation. 'Under his leadership, we will change the course of this country's history,' he added, vowing that the events of 8 February will not be forgotten. He highlighted PTI's introduction of the health card scheme and said Pakistan's poor stand firmly with the party. 'The entire nation and party are united for the release of the PTI founder,' he reiterated. He further accused the government of economic manipulation, stating, 'Millions of tonnes of sugar were exported and then re-imported at higher prices.' Raja said PTI's movement will rise from every household across the country. 'We have made a promise to the people we are not backing down,' he declared.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazl provides grist to rumour mill over K-P govt fate
Amid swirling rumours of a brewing "regime change" in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday threw his weight behind the idea of political change in the PTI-led province, but with a caveat that the change must come from within the ruling party itself. Dismissing the notion of backdoor manoeuvring, the Maulana asserted that the legitimacy cannot be handed down by "boots" but must stem from the will of the people. He further lambasted both the federal and provincial governments as having "sold out". "We do not want a government handed to us by the boots, we want one backed by the people." Addressing a news conference in Peshawar, the JUI-F chief said the law-and-order situation across the country was rapidly deteriorating. "Fresh news is always about some kind of unrest," he said, citing the recent killing of an ANP politician, Maulana Khan Zeb, in Bajaur, worsening instability in Balochistan and unrest in Sindh. "We know for a fact that the ruling elite is paying extortion money to extremist groups," he claimed. The JUI-F chief said that political change in K-P was essential, whether it comes from within the ruling PTI or through external political realignment. "My preference is change in the province. If it comes from within the ruling party, that's fine too," he added. Referring to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, he said, "If his children come to Pakistan, I have no objection," adding that politics involves differences, not enmity. "We may disagree with the PML-N, PPP or PTI, but we always keep the door open for dialogue, even the PTI people come and talk to me," he said. The Maulana further claimed the province enjoyed full peace during his government's tenure. "You could travel anywhere without incident. There were no police checkpoints. No terrorism. Peace prevailed," he recalled. He also called for an all-parties conference to discuss law and order. Regarding the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) merger with K-P, he said it was a "wrong decision" taken under pressure and signals, and all political parties must now admit it. "Everyone joined the bandwagon, thinking the FATA merger was a good idea. We kept saying it wasn't. Now, reversing that mistake is in the national interest," he advised. He expressed frustration that, even after eight years, FATA still lacked basic administration. "No patwari can go there even today. We were told land records are being compiled in FATA — when I asked how, I was told it's being done using satellites." The JUI-F leader pointed out that a grand tribal jirga was going to be held on Sunday, saying his party respected such forums. "We had always wanted decisions about FATA's political future to be taken with input from its tribal elders, not through unilateral decisions." He said his party had been recognised as a stakeholder in the government's committee on FATA, and that it had been asked to nominate representatives. "But how many members on the committee are actually from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or even Pashtun?" he questioned. "The province's money is only being used to appoint parliamentary secretaries and for luxuries. This is an extortion-backed, rigged government." When asked about jailed politicians, he said that no politician should be behind bars, "but yes, politicians do go to jail. However, political movements are not just about getting released, they are waged for great causes".
Business Recorder
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Jailed Imran Khan's sons likely to join rally demanding his release – but will it matter?
In a dramatic development ahead of a nationwide campaign planned for August 5, former prime minister Imran Khan's sons, Sulaiman and Qasim, are expected to join rallies in Pakistan calling for their father's release. Imran, imprisoned since August 2023, is serving a sentence at the Adiala Jail in £190 million corruption case and also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023 protests. His sons, two British nationals, have largely remained outside the public eye. They are now reportedly planning to return to Pakistan after lobbying efforts in the United States, according to their aunt Aleema Khan. The campaign, which marks two years since the former prime minister was jailed, is being positioned as a renewed push by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reignite public and international pressure. 'This is no longer just about politics - it's about justice,' Aleema told local media, adding that the brothers will 'stand with their father' and 'the people of Pakistan.' The son's have been slowly gaining momentum in the media, even appearing on a recent podcast to speak out against the 'inhumane conditions' under which he was being unlawfully held. However, their entry into Pakistan's increasingly fraught political landscape is unlikely to be smooth. Government officials, including PM's adviser Rana Sanaullah, have warned that the sons could be arrested if they participate in what authorities deem a 'violent protest.' Jemima Goldsmith, Khan's former wife slammed the comments accusing the government of threatening to detain her sons due to a 'personal vendetta'. 'My children aren't allowed to speak on the phone to their father Imran Khan,' Goldsmith posted on X. 'He [Imran] has been in solitary confinement in prison for nearly two years. Pakistan's government has now said if they go there to try to see him, they too will be arrested and put behind bars. This doesn't happen in a democracy or a functioning state…this isn't politics. It's a personal vendetta.' Imran Khan's sons legal vulnerability is further complicated by their British citizenship, which leaves them open to deportation or immediate detention if visa regulations are violated. While their presence may provide symbolic weight to PTI's cause, analysts say the path to any meaningful change remains steep. Past PTI-led protests have been met with mass arrests and media blackouts. Human rights groups have flagged the crackdown on dissent, while international attention has remained limited. Whether Sulaiman and Qasim can galvanise public sentiment or shift the political calculus remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the August campaign will test both the government's tolerance for dissent and PTI's ability to mobilise beyond symbolism.
Business Recorder
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Imran Khan's sons likely to join rally demanding his release – but will it matter?
In a dramatic development ahead of a nationwide campaign planned for August 5, former prime minister Imran Khan's sons, Sulaiman and Qasim, are expected to join rallies in Pakistan calling for their father's release. Imran, imprisoned since August 2023, is serving a sentence at the Adiala Jail in £190 million corruption case and also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the May 9, 2023 protests. His sons, two British nationals, have largely remained outside the public eye. They are now reportedly planning to return to Pakistan after lobbying efforts in the United States, according to their aunt Aleema Khan. The campaign, which marks two years since the former prime minister was jailed, is being positioned as a renewed push by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reignite public and international pressure. 'This is no longer just about politics - it's about justice,' Aleema told local media, adding that the brothers will 'stand with their father' and 'the people of Pakistan.' The son's have been slowly gaining momentum in the media, even appearing on a recent podcast to speak out against the 'inhumane conditions' under which he was being unlawfully held. However, their entry into Pakistan's increasingly fraught political landscape is unlikely to be smooth. Government officials, including PM's adviser Rana Sanaullah, have warned that the sons could be arrested if they participate in what authorities deem a 'violent protest.' Jemima Goldsmith, Khan's former wife slammed the comments accusing the government of threatening to detain her sons due to a 'personal vendetta'. 'My children aren't allowed to speak on the phone to their father Imran Khan,' Goldsmith posted on X. 'He [Imran] has been in solitary confinement in prison for nearly two years. Pakistan's government has now said if they go there to try to see him, they too will be arrested and put behind bars. This doesn't happen in a democracy or a functioning state…this isn't politics. It's a personal vendetta.' Imran Khan's sons legal vulnerability is further complicated by their British citizenship, which leaves them open to deportation or immediate detention if visa regulations are violated. While their presence may provide symbolic weight to PTI's cause, analysts say the path to any meaningful change remains steep. Past PTI-led protests have been met with mass arrests and media blackouts. Human rights groups have flagged the crackdown on dissent, while international attention has remained limited. Whether Sulaiman and Qasim can galvanise public sentiment or shift the political calculus remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the August campaign will test both the government's tolerance for dissent and PTI's ability to mobilise beyond symbolism.
