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Politics May 27 2023

Sources: PTI splits into two groups in KP

Several leaders may quit the party in next few days
Khattak (left) and Shah Farman (right) lead rival factions in PTI. PHOTOS FILE
Khattak (left) and Shah Farman (right) lead rival factions in PTI. PHOTOS FILE

As the PTI faces unprecedented unraveling in the center and the Punjab and Sindh provinces with senior leaders leaving in droves, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of the party has experienced factionalism. Two major groups have emerged in the party in recent days.

PTI’s KP President Pervez Khattak has formed a group after joining hands with former NA Speaker Asad Qasier, while the other faction is under former governor Shah Farman and PTI’s additional secretary Atif Khan, sources told Aaj News.

Both groups have contacted other leaders and workers in the party, seeking their support. The Khattak group has established contact with at least 12 MNAs and 15 MPAs so far.

The next 72 hours will be decisive in the KP politics, sources claimed adding that several leaders could quit the PTI.

Khattak and former KP speaker Mushtaq Ghani are among the leaders who have discussed plans of leaving the party, said the sources.

The development comes as Jahangir Khan Tareen is preparing to form a new political party. Tareen, once a key supporter of Imran Khan, was instrumental in drawing several politicians to the PTI following the 2018 general elections.

Sources say several KP leaders planning to leave the PTI have shown their willingness to work with Tareen and they could make an announcement in the next few days.

Some of the PTI leaders from KP have already left the party.

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In a surprise move, Sanaullah says general election is around the corner

Interior Minister: PMN will form the next government
Rana Sanaullah addresses a public gathering in Faisalabad on May 27, 2023. Screengrab
Rana Sanaullah addresses a public gathering in Faisalabad on May 27, 2023. Screengrab

Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullh has said that the general election is around the corner and it appears that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz will form the next government.

PMLN is currently part of the multiparty Pakistan Democratic Movement coalition that came to power in April 2022 after Imran Khan was ousted by a parliamentary vote.

Sanaullah, who is from the PMLN, addressed a public gathering in Faisalabad on Saturday, devoting much of his speech to attacking Imran Khan’s PTI, which has seen a wave of desertion in the past two weeks.

He ruled out the possibility of entering into negotiation with Imran Khan. “Will the families of martyrs spare us if we hold talks with you?” he said addressing Imran Khan.

PTI has been blamed for attacking military installations and memorials of martyrs in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces during the riots that followed Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9.

Sanaullah’s statement about the election being on the horizon is significant given that the ruling coalition has been opposing early elections in Punjab. A deadline set by the Supreme Court of Pakistan earlier this month has already passed.

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This is what Khan told journalists on a May evening

The establishment no longer entertains phone calls from President Alvi
Imran Khan speaks to senior journalists at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on May 27, 2023. PHOTOS PTI
Imran Khan speaks to senior journalists at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on May 27, 2023. PHOTOS PTI

PTI Chairman Imran Khan held a frank discussion with several reporters and anchorpersons in Lahore on Saturday evening.

The meeting happened at the courtyard of his Zaman Park residence, not because it was hot inside, but because Khan believed the rooms in his house had been bugged. “They have installed something in there,” he was quoted as saying by Ali Mumtaz.

The following key points emerged from Khan’s conversation with journalists, who reported it on their TV stations, vlogs, and tweets. Saleem Sheikh from Aaj News was among them.

  • The military establishment no longer entertains phone calls from President Arif Alvi
  • Imran Khan still believes there is no use in speaking to other political leaders in the country.
  • If Khan is arrested, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak will lead the party.
  • Khan fears even a Bhutto 2.0 could happen in the country — a reference to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s death at the gallows.
  • However, he does not want to go into exile
  • He does not see elections being held even in October.
  • Of all the leaders who left PTI, Imran Khan was hurt by Shireen Mazari’s departure. He understands her situation though. Mazari was close to him and had access to his Twitter password.
  • Khan could not immediately condemn the May 9 violence because he came to learn about the Corps Commander House attack four days later.
  • Khan is not worried about the fact that people are leaving his party in droves because he thinks his popularity continues to rise.
  • He is ready to say under oath that he never instructed anyone for ransacking properties or resort to violence.

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Imran Khan forms committee to hold talks with govt

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PTI Chairman Imran Khan has formed a seven-member committee of PTI leaders to hold talks with the government.

The party issued a notification containing the seven names. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pervez Khattak, Asad Umar, Haleem Adil, Aon Abbas Buppi, Murad Saeed, And Hammad Azhar will hold talks with the government.

The former prime minister had appealed for ‘immediate talks’ with the state institutions on Friday.

Federal Information Ministery Marriyum Aurangzeb responded by rejecting his offer on Sunday.

Asad Umar stepped down as party secretary general and resigned from all other positions earlier this week. However, unlike many other leaders he did not quit the party at the press conference he addressed immediately after his release.

On Saturday, the PTI appointed Omar Ayub as the new secretary general. The notification of the negotiation team was issued with his signatures.

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Former Sindh governor Imran Ismail bids “goodbye” to Imran Khan

Says culprits of May 9 events should be punished
Former Sindh governor Imran Ismail addresses a press conference in Karachi on May 27, 2023. Screengrab via YouTube/PTV News
Former Sindh governor Imran Ismail addresses a press conference in Karachi on May 27, 2023. Screengrab via YouTube/PTV News

PTI leader Imran Ismail has decided to quit politics as he addresses his final “political press conference” in Karachi on Saturday.

“After getting freed. I have decided that after much thought that resign from all positions of PTI. I resign from PTI and leave PTI,” he said. “After today, I will try to serve my country. I don’t know whether my politics will continue or end. But, I am thankful for the love given to me by the people. I apologise if I have hurt somebody.”

He ended his press conference by saying “goodbye” to Imran Khan and PTI.

Ismail said that unlike his other colleagues, who addressed press conferences, he was not interlinked with the army. “No one in my family was in the army, but my heart is with Pakistan,” he said and added that his heart is with Pakistan. “I have a relation with the army. I have an association. I wanted to join Pakistan Air Force. I wanted to become a pilot, but my mother did not allow me as she did not want to lose her son.”

“In this diversion or narrative building many friends were uncomfortable, many advised Khan Sb that it was appropriate and many were opposed to it. Now everyone says that they are against it, but someone has to take responsibility I won’t take names but they should think today who gave such advises while sitting around Khan Sb and called different names, sometimes Mr X, Y, Dirty Harry.

Apparently, this kept in the minds of the people that our fight is not against political opponents but against the establishment. Khan Sb is arrested on May 9 and a rebellion is started in the country. On May 9, I along with Shah Mahmood Qureshi go to Islamabad from Karachi and some of my party members were disappointed that I did not participate in the protest. This was showing my discomfort that it was not appropriate and on that bad day on May 9, GHQ, Corps Commander’s house, that airplane which was flown by MM Alam, symbols of martyrs are attacked

It is yet to be ascertained who attacked and whoever attacked, we all agree that an inquiry should be conducted and be punished, whether they are associated with the PTI or not.“

Ismail said that unlike his other colleagues, who addressed press conferences, he was not interlinked with the army. “No one in my family was in the army, but my heart is with Pakistan,” he said and added that his heart is with Pakistan. “I have a relation with the army. I have an association. I wanted to join Pakistan Air Force. I wanted to become a pilot, but my mother did not allow me as she did not want to lose her son.”

He added that no soldier was not ready to give his life for Rs50,000 and asked if there was anyone like them. He was of the view that people behind May 9 events should be punished after inquiry.

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Govt dismisses Imran Khan’s appeal for immediate talks

Says his appeal is not for negotiations but rather for the NRO
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb. PHOTO: APP
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb. PHOTO: APP

The federal government has dismissed the appeal made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan, for immediate talks.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, made a statement on Saturday stating that those who attack the state will face consequences and will not be engaged in negotiations.

Aurangzeb said Imran Khan’s appeal is not for negotiations but rather for the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), adding to, the foreign agent who allegedly embezzled 60 billion rupees will be brought to justice, she said.

“There will be no talks with those who have attacked important national institutions such as the GHQ (General Headquarters) and other symbols of our national pride,” Aurangzeb asserted.

She further highlighted that the call for negotiations surfaced only after the PTI faced internal divisions and scattered like sand. Aurangzeb criticized the formation of PTI, suggesting that it was built by gathering opportunistic individuals who lacked political commitment, hence leading to its eventual disintegration.

On Friday, PTI Chairman Imran Khan called for immediate talks with institutions to end the political crisis in the country.“I would like to appeal for talks, because what is currently happening is not a solution,” he said.

He also said that whenever he had offered to negotiate the crackdown by the government had renewed in intensity.

“Every principle Pakistan was created on is being negated,” he said. “There is no freedom in the country.”

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Shahzad Waseem still part of PTI amid rumours of quitting party

He confirms this during a press conference in Islamabad
During a press conference held outside the Parliament on Saturday, Shahzad Waseem strongly condemned the May 9 protest. PHOTO.PTV/SCREENGRAB
During a press conference held outside the Parliament on Saturday, Shahzad Waseem strongly condemned the May 9 protest. PHOTO.PTV/SCREENGRAB

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shahzad Waseem, has confirmed his decision to stay as a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amidst a wave of resignations within the party.

During a press conference held outside the Parliament on Saturday, Shahzad Waseem strongly condemned the protests that took place on May 9, which included acts of vandalism and arson at Jinnah House.

Expressing his firm stance on the matter, Waseem stated, “All those involved in the May 9 incident must be held accountable. There should be a thorough investigation, and strict action should be taken against those responsible.”

Responding to inquiries regarding his affiliation with the PTI, Waseem clarified that he remains a senator of the PTI and, as the opposition leader, he vehemently denounces the events of May 9.

Prior to the press conference, speculations had arisen suggesting that Shahzad Waseem, like several other members, was contemplating leaving the PTI.

However, he dispelled these rumors by confirming his continued loyalty to the party.

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Pakistan establishment closes ranks in crackdown on Khan

Khan’s brief arrest earlier this month sparked days of street protests with anger at the military
Khan’s brief arrest earlier this month sparked days of street protests freighted with anger at the powerful army. PHOTO: AFP
Khan’s brief arrest earlier this month sparked days of street protests freighted with anger at the powerful army. PHOTO: AFP

With military courts, intimidation of the press and mass arrests, Pakistan’s rulers are seeking to destroy former prime minister Imran Khan’s support ahead of elections, analysts say.

Khan’s brief arrest earlier this month sparked days of street protests freighted with anger at the powerful army perceived to have orchestrated his downfall.

Islamabad has labeled the violence “anti-state”, justifying huge roundups and the revival of army courts to try civilians who targeted government and military buildings. 

Journalists, lawyers and activists in Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party report campaigns of intimidation and influence which they blame on the “establishment”, a euphemism for the military backing the civilian government.

“They want to make it clear to Imran Khan that he can’t fight with the establishment,” said analyst Hasan Askari.

“People are being broken,” he told AFP. “By exerting pressure in different ways, they are trying to put the politicians in their place.”

The military’s media wing did not respond to repeated requests for comment by AFP.

Quashing opposition

Since Khan was ousted last year in a parliamentary no-confidence vote, he has levelled unprecedented critique at the military –- long-regarded as Pakistan’s powerbrokers who analysts say backed his rise to power in 2018.

Pakistan’s most popular politician has been tangled in dozens of legal cases he claims are fabricated to quash the PTI and bar him from contesting elections due this autumn.

In the days following the protests, more than a dozen of his senior leadership were repeatedly arrested and released on allegations of instigating the violence.

In press conferences after being freed, some of his closest aides condemned the violence and announced they were parting ways with Khan.

“They have put everyone in jail,” Khan complained in an address. “If you say the magic words, ‘We are no longer in PTI’, then you will be released.”

Thousands of rank-and-file supporters have also been rounded up under the anti-terrorism act. 

In Khan’s power base in the eastern city of Lahore, a grassroots PTI supporter said her son was arrested after protesting peacefully. 

“It was clear that he had been beaten and was visibly scared,” the housewife told AFP on condition of anonymity. 

“He hasn’t set foot outside the house since then. He’s received calls from unknown numbers warning him that he’s being watched.”

Amnesty International said “overly broad and vague anti-terrorism provisions” are being used and “a pall of fear hangs over Khan’s supporters following the arbitrary arrests of many opposition leaders”.

“It is a familiar story. A political party, thinking it can take on the country’s all-powerful establishment, crosses a red line and quickly finds itself losing a ruthless, one-sided war of attrition,” said an editorial in the Dawn newspaper. 

“The only way out is to do exactly what you are told.”

Censorship

Journalists in Karachi told AFP they were being sent streams of briefings by the army public relations wing targeting Khan’s reputation.

“We get a lot of smearing news from the ‘big brothers’ on WhatsApp, which are supposed to be off the record and we are obliged to broadcast without any attribution,” a TV reporter said on condition of anonymity, using a euphemism for the army.

Another TV journalist said stories were previously sent to them once or twice a week, but the frequency has now increased to five or six times daily. 

“We observe self-censorship voluntarily to avoid any nuisance,” one more reporter admitted.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Amnesty International have said prominent pro-PTI reporter Imran Riaz Khan has been missing since being abducted by military intelligence agencies two weeks ago. 

Media has been saturated with pro-army content since Khan’s arrest, including a “Martyrs’ Day” hastily announced on Thursday, where children showered the graves of slain soldiers with petals and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif framed Khan as an insurgent against law and order.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center said it was “not a surprise that the army would want to apply a PR blitz”.

“It’s suffered major blows to its popularity and even its credibility because of Khan’s anti-army narratives,” he added.

Fighting the courts

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has openly criticised the Supreme Court after they ruled Khan’s arrest on graft charges illegal and ordered him freed, calling it a “funeral of justice”. 

Supreme Court barrister Gohar Ali Khan – a member of Khan’s legal team – said the judiciary was facing an “extraordinary situation”.

“Police behaviour, delaying tactics, and other legal complications purposely created by the authorities are a hindrance in the way of quick justice,” he told AFP.

The government has meanwhile approved the use of military courts to try protesters accused of damaging military or state buildings during the riots –- a power last used to try civilians suspected of militancy.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said it was “the consequences of Mr. Khan’s actions”.

“I believe that if the writ of the state is established, if law takes its course, we will be able to work toward political stability,” he told AFP earlier this week.

As the simultaneous confrontations play out between Khan and the army chief, and the government and the judiciary, the former leader is becoming increasingly isolated.

“My bottom line view is that the top civilian and military leadership appears to be all in on this goal of dismantling the PTI altogether,” said analyst Kugelman.

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Punjab govt forms JIT to probe Jinnah House attack

A notification has been issued
Punjab govt forms JIT to probe into Jinnah House attack. PHOTO via TWITTER
Punjab govt forms JIT to probe into Jinnah House attack. PHOTO via TWITTER

The Punjab Home Department has formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe into the vandalism and arson at Jinnah House (Corps Commander House) and causing damage to other military installations.

A notification issued on Saturday stated the formation of the JIT, with Superintendent of Police Investigation Iqbal Town, Aqila Niaz Naqvi, appointed as the convener.

The JIT comprises four police officers who have been included as members, the notification read.

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PTI leader Ali Zaidi quits politics

Announces decision in a video message
Screengrab via Aaj News
Screengrab via Aaj News

PTI leader Ali Zaidi has announced his decision to quit politics, Aaj News reported. The leader, who hails from Karachi, announced the decision in a video message.

“I have always served Pakistan and I joined politics for Pakistan. I have already condemned the events of May 9 and again condemn that,” he said. “The Armed Forces of Pakistan are our pride and because of them we safely sleep. They defend our borders. Whatever happened was very wrong and it is important to bring everyone, whoever was involved in it, to book.”

“After much thought, I have decided that it was a difficult decision, not an easy one, I have decided that I will quit politics. When I will leave politics, my position at PTI as the president of Sindh’s chapter and core committee member or MNA, I resign from all the positions. I will try to serve Pakistan and work for Pakistan. I will bring foreign investments. I have been doing this, bringing foreign exchange and exports to the country, in the past before joining politics. I want to again do this. I bid farewell to politics. Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad.”

On Friday, Zaidi’s children spoke about their ordeal in a tweet.

“We miss our father being at home. He guides us through our tough times and we are unable to help him through his. He has done nothing but serve Pakistan with honesty. Bring our father back home safely. We love you baba hope you come back home soon,” Sacha Ali Zaidi wrote.

In reaction to her tweet, former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that Zaidi would soon be freed.

Most of PTI chief Imran Khan’s top aides were arrested shortly after protesters stormed and set ablaze a number of military installations across the country. Many have been released and shortly after announced their resignations from Khan’s party. Dozens of other mid-tier leaders have also left.

Khan claimed that they were being made to resign under duress in a bid to weaken him and dismantle his party. He distanced his party from the attacks on military installations during the unrest that followed his arrest and reiterated a call for an investigation to determine who was involved.

PTI members have said they were leaving of their own free will. Many of them cited concerns for their family and health.

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A bigwig from south Punjab, Khusro Bakhtiar leaves PTI

Leader from South Punjab says 'confrontation with state institutions' was not in favour of PTI
Khusro Bakhtiar during a video message. Screengrab via Twitter
Khusro Bakhtiar during a video message. Screengrab via Twitter

PTI leader Khusro Bakhtiar has quit his party. Like his other party members, who have parted ways in the recent past, Bakhtiar’s decision was taken against the backdrop of the May 9 events.

“One year ago, I had told the top leadership of the party stated that the PTI’s new political plan to have a confrontation with the state institutions will prove to be dangerous for the party,” he said in a video message that surfaced on Twitter. “That’s why I decided to part ways with the PTI and important positions, which core committee’s membership and presidency of South Punjab.”

“But now the deplorable events of May 9 have forced me to part ways with the political philosophy of PTI and I cannot follow this philosophy anymore. On this occasion, I also want to say that my 25 years of political experience, which is based on serving at local, provincial, and national levels, and on this basis I have a belief that now Pakistan’s future does not lie in the politics of division, separation, and confrontation,” said Bakhtiar.

On Friday, Murad Raas and Abrarul Haq quit the party over the violent protests of May 9. Both of the leaders’ eyes welled up with tears as they announced their decision.

Most of PTI chief Imran Khan’s top aides were arrested shortly after protesters stormed and set ablaze a number of military installations across the country. Many have been released and shortly after announced their resignations from Khan’s party. Dozens of other mid-tier leaders have also left.

Khan claimed that they were being made to resign under duress in a bid to weaken him and dismantle his party. He distanced his party from the attacks on military installations during the unrest that followed his arrest and reiterated a call for an investigation to determine who was involved.

PTI members have said they were leaving of their own free will. Many of them cited concerns for their family and health.

The former premier, however, struck a defiant tone, warning that his party’s popularity was only rising because of the crackdown and would still win an election whenever it was held. He said he only wanted to talk to take the country out of the current crisis.

A national election is scheduled to be held in November, and polls show Khan remains the country’s most popular leader.

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