Pakistan Affairs

Tag: Tribune

  • Pakistan, Russia to assess Kabul’s performance | The Express Tribune

    [


    ISLAMABAD:

    Pakistan and Russia would review progress of the interim Afghan government in fulfilling the commitments made with the international community for forming an inclusive government, and to denying terrorist outfits a space to operate from its soil, official sources said on Sunday.

    The sources, familiar with the development, said that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, who is currently undertaking his maiden visit to Moscow, would meet his Russian counterpart, Sargey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday (today) and one of the major issues that would top the agenda would be Afghanistan.

    Bilawal’s first visit to Moscow as the foreign minister comes at a time when Pakistan is concerned over the Afghan Taliban’s failure in controlling the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates which have stepped up attacks in the country.

    Russia too is worried over the growing footprint of Daesh terrorist group, which poses a threat to Moscow. Russia is also worried over the Afghan Taliban’s recent moves, such as banning female education and resorting to other measures that have raised the spectre of return of hard line Taliban rule of the late 1990s.

    Ahead of the Bilawal-Lavrov meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a tweet that the two top diplomats would discuss the fight against terrorism and a number of regional topics, including the state of affairs in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine.





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  • Pressure on Kabul | The Express Tribune

    [

    Washington appears to be getting fed up with the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to honour several aspects of the Doha peace deal that led to the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan and opened the door for the militant group to retake control of the country. Chief among the violations is the backtracking on women’s access to education and other human rights issues. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West made a stop in Pakistan as part of a world tour to convince regional countries to join it in this assessment and find ways to either convince or pressure the Taliban into compliance.

    One unusual break from past precedent is that Pakistani authorities feel even more let down by the Taliban’s betrayal than the US. Despite close ties between the establishment and the Taliban that helped get the Doha deal done, the Taliban have done little to repay Pakistan, as Monday’s terrorist attack in Peshawar shows. Despite the rising TTP activity from across the border, the Afghan Taliban have done little to dissuade the group. Even on Monday, the only reason the Afghans condemned the TTP attack was because it took place at a mosque — meaning if it were some other crowded building, the Taliban would have likely had no objection.

    While the official position in Pakistan remains to give the Taliban a bit of leeway to run their own country, patience has been running thin. Pakistan has in the past attacked TTP positions in Afghan territory because of Kabul’s refusal to cooperate, and it would be unsurprising to see this happen again if the Taliban don’t mend their ways. And even if we are to accept that the Taliban lack the means to establish their writ over the country, outside of the most conservative circles in Pakistan, there was already increasing concern — mirroring the international community — that the Taliban government was abandoning the country’s women and bringing back the kind of repressive regime that had made Afghanistan a pariah state in the 1990s.

    Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2023.

    Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.





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  • Islamabad asks Kabul for ‘concrete actions’ against TTP | The Express Tribune

    [


    ISLAMABAD:

    Pakistan on Thursday asked the interim Afghan government to take “concrete actions” against terrorist outfits including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating out of the neighbouring country in the wake of deadly terrorist attack in Peshawar killing over 100 mostly police officials.

    “Pakistan expects sincere cooperation from the interim Afghan government to address the challenge of terrorism and hopes that Kabul would live up to the commitments made to the international community in this regard,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told a weekly news briefing in Islamabad.

    She was reacting to the statement of acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who on Tuesday said that Pakistan shouldn\’t put the blame for the explosion at a mosque in Peshawar on Afghanistan.

    Also read: US seeks consensus against Afghan Taliban after deviation from Doha deal

    Muttaqi claimed that there was no terrorist base in Afghanistan and the county’s soil will not be used against other countries.

    But the foreign office spokesperson’s response suggested Pakistan was not convinced.

    “We do not believe in accusations or finger pointing; however, we would reiterate our expectation that no country should allow its territory to be used for perpetrating terrorism against Pakistan,” she said without explicitly mentioning Afghanistan.

    “It is time the commitments made to the world and Pakistan are fulfilled with sincerity and in good faith with concrete actions,” the spokesperson emphasised, referring to the commitment made by the Afghan Taliban not to allow the Afghan soil to be used again by terrorist groups.

    The cautious response from the spokesperson despite deadly terrorist attacks in Peshawar having possible links with Afghanistan appears to suggest that Pakistan does not want to spoil its ties with Kabul.

    Some observers find this astonishing given the fact that the TTP and its affiliates are operating out of Afghanistan with impunity. Official sources said that while Pakistan took a more cautious approach in public, in private meetings strong message had been conveyed to the interim government.

    “We take the loss of innocent lives very seriously and would expect our neighbours to do the same. Terrorism is a common threat to both Pakistan and Afghanistan. We must take a strong stance against entities that use violence against innocent citizens and law enforcement agencies,’ the spokesperson further said.

    Without directly pointing a finger at Afghanistan for the Peshawar attack, the spokesperson said Pakistan had opened an investigation and “we would not like to go into details of the investigation or the circumstances around the incident”.

    The spokesperson refused to comment when asked if Pakistan would go for hot pursuit across the border if the Afghan government failed to take action against the TTP.

    Also read: Terror makes macabre return to Peshawar

    The spokesperson said Pakistan had “the will and the ability” that it demonstrated in the past, to fight the menace of terrorism.

    Replying to a question about the Pakistan-US cooperation to deal with the resurgent TTP, the spokesperson said Pakistani forces were capable to fight this threat.

    “We continue to engage with all friends of Pakistan, including the United States to discuss cooperation in matters relating to counterterrorism, security issues, and other issues of bilateral importance,” she said.





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  • Five shows you should add to your binge list | The Express Tribune

    [


    KARACHI:

    The search for engaging narratives can become quite cumbersome, especially if you’re bombarded by all types of content at any given point in time. The increased desirability of short-form videos might just be doing a number on the collective attention spans of the best of us, but even then, certain stories emerge amidst the noise to keep one hooked till the very last frame. The following are five series in which you can immerse yourself, being blown away by the sheer brilliance that each has to offer. 

    BoJack Horseman 

    At the surface, BoJack Horseman seems to be a tongue-in-cheek ode to washed-up has-beens. Following the life of the titular character, the audience watches BoJack’s life unfold after the star has already tasted the tempting fruit of fame in the 90s as a sitcom actor. Whether or not the showrunners want you to like the protagonist is up for debate. Many may see themselves in the main character – a fact that has doubled as a sobering reality for many – while others may frown upon him in disdain.

    \"\"

    Inundated with necessary nuance, the thought-provoking Netflix series walks us through issues like addiction, depression, narcissism, and self-loathing, whilst seamlessly incorporating themes of humour and heartbreak. At no point is the audience directed to think one thing – each issue is left open to interpretation, but the showrunners ensure that the narrative does so in an impactful way. Embellished with a gorgeous animation style, this is a show that is, undoubtedly, an absolute must-watch.

    Love Death + Robots 

    This animated anthology series is a wild ride that has one anticipating what’s going to happen next, keeping viewers at the edges of their seats. The show consists of numerous standalone episodes, each with its own unique story and style, making it a watch that will satiate the minds of a diverse audience. From science fiction to fantasy to horror, this Netflix series has it all and does not hold back in any way, shape, or form. There are themes of violence and assault that one may need to be wary of, but overall, Love Death + Robots packs a punch.   

    From being absurdly grotesque, to vividly confusing, to straight-up trippy, each episode showcases a different animation style and technique with a promising storyline to match, all of which combines to further the element of surprise. A welcome break from the mundane, this brilliantly crafted show is definitely worth your time and attention.

    Mirzapur 

    This Indian crime thriller is a rollercoaster of intense action, complex characters, and intricate storytelling. Set in the city of Mirzapur, where lawlessness and corruption reign supreme, the show follows the rise of a criminal empire and the power struggle between two families vying for control. The acting is top-notch, with each character bringing their own unique flavour to the show. 

    \"\"

    Pankaj Tripathi is a stoic, yet compelling Kaleen Bhaiyya. Divyenndu, as Munna, surpasses the expectations of a riveting antagonist, with many of his antics hitting a little too close to home, making the narrative far more believable and terrifying. Ali Fazal is at the helm of the series as Guddu Pandit, a would-be goon who makes up for what he lacks in intellect through brute strength. Even the side characters play their roles with exceeding excellence, thereby elevating the watching experience. 

    The storyline is dark and captivating, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Even though Season 2 does not hold up as well as Season 1, crawling at a much slower pace, it serves as a sense of closure for fans who were completely invested in the first instalment. 

    Made In Heaven

    This Indian drama is a heartwarming and emotional journey that explores the lives of two wedding planners in Delhi. The show tackles important social issues such as classism, sexuality, and gender roles, all while challenging certain norms by telling a compelling and emotional story. Equipped with a brilliant cast, with each character bringing their own depth and nuance to the show, Made In Heaven is captivating, heartbreaking, uncomfortable, and wholesome. 

    \"\"

    There are trademark signs of it being a Zoya Akhtar directorial, with one of the oft-repeated critiques of her work being that it showcases the plight of the privileged. While that may hold true for many, it does not take away from the fact that this particular series is heartwarming, with character arcs that keep you engaged. 

    Aakhri Station 

    A powerful and thought-provoking television mini-series that can be found on YouTube, this seven-part Sarmad Khoosat and Kashf Foundation creation explore complex issues that women in Pakistan face on a daily basis. It features an outstanding ensemble cast, with each actor delivering a compelling and nuanced performance in their own diversely unique manner.

    \"\"

    The characters depict varying forms of domestic and mental distress. Through their experiences, the audience learns about pertinent issues such as women\’s rights, drug abuse, HIV, PTSD, acid attacks, forced prostitution, and domestic violence. Aakhri Station sheds light on these taboo, et vital topics with the necessary sensitivity, utilizing a compassionate and humanizing approach, without coming off as preachy. At the end of the day, if nothing else compels you, let the intricate storytelling win you over. 

    To sum up, these 5 shows serve as an assortment of entertainment for anyone looking for something spellbinding to add to their viewing list. 





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  • SC rejects appeals seeking probe in cipher case | The Express Tribune

    [


    ISLAMABAD:

    The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday rejected all three appeals seeking an inquiry into the cipher associated with the alleged foreign conspiracy that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claims was behind Imran Khan\’s ouster from office.

    The petitions filed by Advocates Zulfiqar Bhatta, Syed Tariq Badr and Naeem ul Hassan were returned by the apex court\’s registrar with objections.

    Justice Qazi Faez Isa presided over the in-chamber hearing and remarked that \”if the government wants, it can make ciphers from all over the world public\”.

    He stated that \”if anyone else does this, he will be guilty of violating the Secret Act\”, adding that the judiciary cannot \”interfere in the affairs of the executive\”.

    Read ‘It’s behind me’: Imran Khan takes a U-turn on ‘US conspiracy’ narrative

    “Is it the job of the court to deal with foreign affairs?” remarked Justice Isa and asked, “who was the prime minister when the cipher was received?”

    To this, Advocate GM Chaudhry told the court that “at that time Imran Khan was the prime minister”, adding that the PTI chief had also “waved the cipher” during a rally.

    Justice Isa then asked if Imran Khan as then-premier took any decision to investigate the matter as he had all the powers to conduct an investigation.

    “All the authorities are under the prime minister. What should the court do in the case of this cipher,” he furthered.

    The apex court judge also noted that he will have to read the cipher in order to conduct an inquiry.

    The petitioner’s counsel stated that the cipher\’s investigation is a matter of fundamental rights.

    However, Justice Isa said that there is no issue of fundamental rights in this case and questioned “what was the effect of the cipher on our daily lives?”

    He maintained that “it is the job of the Election Commission of Pakistan [ECP] to conduct an investigation\”.

    Read More PTI says cabinet meet proves \’cipher a reality\’

    Previously, petitioner Naeem Ul Hassan through Azhar Siddique had filed a petition in the apex court, praying that \”a high-powered commission of inquiry should be constituted to hold inquisitorial proceedings with regard to the anti-state activities conducted by the respondent political parties through mala fide and abuse of power under the provisions of the Constitution and for committing sedition and treason against the democratically and legally elected government\”.

    The petitioner had said that Imran had taken various measures to restore normalcy in the affairs of the state but local political parties had been “aiding and assisting extremism in the country”.

    However, the registrar had returned the petition on the grounds that the petitioner had not pointed out what questions of public interest were involved with reference to fundamental rights.





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  • Pakistan delegation visits Kabul to discuss security concerns | The Express Tribune

    [


    KABUL:

    A high-ranking delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is in Kabul today to meet with officials of the Afghan Taliban government to discuss security matters including counter-terrorism measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.

    The delegation includes Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum and Pakistan\’s special envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq.

    The visit comes against the backdrop of a recent surge in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sponsored terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Sources say Islamabad will persuade the Afghan interim government to live up to its commitment of not allowing Afghan soil to be used by the TTP and its affiliates.

    The visit was the result of hectic behind-the-scenes efforts by Pakistan aimed at pressing the Afghan Taliban to tackle TTP sanctuaries.

    Official sources claimed that the Afghan Taliban have shown a willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns, however, observers are skeptical.

    Earlier, the Afghan Taliban government showed their willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns on the banned TTP after Islamabad stepped up the pressure in the wake of a recent surge in terrorism.

    Read Bajwa wanted to ‘resettle’ Pakistani Taliban

    Official sources familiar with the development told The Express Tribune that Pakistan and the interim Afghan government have been in backchannel conversations to resolve the issue of the banned terrorist outfit.

    Those contacts have been triggered by the surge in terrorism in Pakistan particularly after the deadly terrorist attack in the Police Lines area of Peshawar in which over 100 people – mostly policemen – lost their lives.

    The deadly attack compelled Pakistan to revisit the strategy pursued by the previous government, which sought to address the TTP issue through talks.

    The PTI government allowed hundreds of TTP terrorists to return as part of confidence-building measures. But the move backfired as TTP members regrouped and started launching renewed attacks.

    The Peshawar Police Lines attack dealt a fatal blow to the peace efforts as the civilian and military leadership decided not to seek any direct talks with the TTP. Instead, the decision was taken to raise the issue with the Afghan Taliban at the highest level.





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  • Chinese bank approves $700m to Pakistan, says Dar | The Express Tribune

    [

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday announced that the board of China Development Bank (CDB) approved a loan of $700 million for Pakistan.

    Earlier this month, the country\’s foreign exchange reserves slipped to the alarming level of below $3 billion for the first time in nine years, reducing import capacity to slightly over two weeks.

    As the government seeks to revive the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, Pakistan has sought to secure assurances from Saudi Arabia and China for more loans.

    Read Economic crisis in Pakistan and the role of West

    When Ishaq Dar took over as finance minister in September, his first preference was to avoid IMF’s tough conditions by seeking financial assistance from friendly countries.

    In November, the minister claimed to have secured a $13 billion bailout from China and Saudi Arabia with $5.7 billion in fresh loans. Dar was confident that the cash would come before the IMF programme revival.

    However, it became clear with time that Islamabad’s old allies refused to dole out more cash without the country first agreeing to the Fund\’s conditions. That was when Pakistan had to invite the IMF mission to negotiate the deal.

    The country is now hoping that its friends would come to its rescue as it has done all the hard yards to convince the IMF.

    Dar took to Twitter to announce that CDB has decided to lend Pakistan its support.

    Formalities completed and Board of China Development Bank has approved the facility of US $ 700 million for Pakistan. This amount is expected to be received this week by State Bank of Pakistan which will shore up its forex reserves!

    — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) February 22, 2023

    \”Formalities completed,\” announced the financial czar, adding that $700 million was expected to reach the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) by this week.

    Read More Gas shortage exposes fragile Pakistan, Bangladesh to more pain

    He maintained that the loan will \”shore up\” Pakistan\’s foreign exchange reserves.

    On the other hand, Islamabad has agreed to implement the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP), which contains policy suggestions by the IMF.

    Sources have revealed that the staff-level agreement between the fund and the government is expected next week.





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  • Marriyum terms \’Jail Bharo\’ conspiracy against Pakistan | The Express Tribune

    [


    ISLAMABAD:

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s ‘Jail Bharo’ movement is a conspiracy against the country.

    Addressing a press conference, the minister said the underprivileged segments of society were suffering because of the former premier’s \’thefts and robberies\’.

    Marriyum maintained that Imran was evading cases before various institutions including high courts, district courts, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as he did not have any answers.

    “After several abandoned plans in the past nine months, he has hatched a new conspiracy in the form of the Jail Bharo movement,” she said, adding the movement should be called Jail Bacho (save from incarceration).

    Calling the movement a “drama”, she questioned why 200 innocent people were being arrested when Imran Khan was the one being summoned and PTI leaders were being asked about the cypher cnspiracy and Toshakhana (gift depository) case.

    “These are not political arrests, these are criminal arrests,\” she stated and reiterated that Imran needed to give answers.

    “Nawaz Sharif went to jail with his children. You [Imran] stay in your Zaman Park bunker with your children roaming in Britain,” she said and asked why others should go to jail while the \”criminal\” was sitting in his residence.

    She maintained that the Jail Bharo movement was not for the populace, but was rather a conspiracy against the country.

    Read Rana says \’miscreants\’ to be arrested as \’Jail Bharo\’ approaches

    “If you sympathized with the country why did you ruin foreign relations and hike petrol, LNG, sugar, and flour prices during your tenure,” she questioned.

    Marriyum furthered that Imran himself used to call PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi the “biggest dacoit of the country” but was now supporting him and praising him for becoming party leader.

    She stated that Imran alleged a foreign conspiracy after his ouster and now claims that there was no conspiracy.

    “He filled his pockets during his term and left. After the constitutional vote of no confidence against him, he forced ministers, the National Assembly speaker and the president to behave in an unconstitutional manner,” she added.

    The information minister continued that he asked his supporters to storm the Lahore High Court (LHC) when the court summoned him, thereby leading people astray and attacking the judiciary.

    “He will not stop,” she said.

    According to the minister, the ‘Jail Bharo’ “drama” should begin with Imran’s arrest after he “robbed and harmed the country” but had no answers for anything.

    “That is why he is starting this movement,” she added.

    Marriyum maintained that the “performance” needed to be shut down.

    Imran Khan on Wednesday officially announced the beginning of the party\’s Jail Bharo Tehreek – a drive to court arrests in an effort to register its protest against the \”attack\” on fundamental rights and the economic \”meltdown\” brought on by the incumbent government.

    Taking to Twitter, the former premier elaborated upon two reasons behind the protest movement: \”One, it is a peaceful, non-violent protest against the attack on our constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental rights […] Two, it is against the economic meltdown brought on by cabal of crooks who have money laundered billions in looted wealth and gotten NROs for themselves while crushing the people, especially the poor and middle class, under the burden of spiralling inflation and rising unemployment.\”





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  • Marriyum terms \’Jail Bharo\’ conspiracy against Pakistan | The Express Tribune

    [


    ISLAMABAD:

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s ‘Jail Bharo’ movement is a conspiracy against the country.

    Addressing a press conference, the minister said the underprivileged segments of society were suffering because of the former premier’s \’thefts and robberies\’.

    Marriyum maintained that Imran was evading cases before various institutions including high courts, district courts, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as he did not have any answers.

    “After several abandoned plans in the past nine months, he has hatched a new conspiracy in the form of the Jail Bharo movement,” she said, adding the movement should be called Jail Bacho (save from incarceration).

    Calling the movement a “drama”, she questioned why 200 innocent people were being arrested when Imran Khan was the one being summoned and PTI leaders were being asked about the cypher cnspiracy and Toshakhana (gift depository) case.

    “These are not political arrests, these are criminal arrests,\” she stated and reiterated that Imran needed to give answers.

    “Nawaz Sharif went to jail with his children. You [Imran] stay in your Zaman Park bunker with your children roaming in Britain,” she said and asked why others should go to jail while the \”criminal\” was sitting in his residence.

    She maintained that the Jail Bharo movement was not for the populace, but was rather a conspiracy against the country.

    Read Rana says \’miscreants\’ to be arrested as \’Jail Bharo\’ approaches

    “If you sympathized with the country why did you ruin foreign relations and hike petrol, LNG, sugar, and flour prices during your tenure,” she questioned.

    Marriyum furthered that Imran himself used to call PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi the “biggest dacoit of the country” but was now supporting him and praising him for becoming party leader.

    She stated that Imran alleged a foreign conspiracy after his ouster and now claims that there was no conspiracy.

    “He filled his pockets during his term and left. After the constitutional vote of no confidence against him, he forced ministers, the National Assembly speaker and the president to behave in an unconstitutional manner,” she added.

    The information minister continued that he asked his supporters to storm the Lahore High Court (LHC) when the court summoned him, thereby leading people astray and attacking the judiciary.

    “He will not stop,” she said.

    According to the minister, the ‘Jail Bharo’ “drama” should begin with Imran’s arrest after he “robbed and harmed the country” but had no answers for anything.

    “That is why he is starting this movement,” she added.

    Marriyum maintained that the “performance” needed to be shut down.

    Imran Khan on Wednesday officially announced the beginning of the party\’s Jail Bharo Tehreek – a drive to court arrests in an effort to register its protest against the \”attack\” on fundamental rights and the economic \”meltdown\” brought on by the incumbent government.

    Taking to Twitter, the former premier elaborated upon two reasons behind the protest movement: \”One, it is a peaceful, non-violent protest against the attack on our constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental rights […] Two, it is against the economic meltdown brought on by cabal of crooks who have money laundered billions in looted wealth and gotten NROs for themselves while crushing the people, especially the poor and middle class, under the burden of spiralling inflation and rising unemployment.\”





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  • Marriyum terms \’Jail Bharo\’ conspiracy against Pakistan | The Express Tribune

    [


    ISLAMABAD:

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s ‘Jail Bharo’ movement is a conspiracy against the country.

    Addressing a press conference, the minister said the underprivileged segments of society were suffering because of the former premier’s \’thefts and robberies\’.

    Marriyum maintained that Imran was evading cases before various institutions including high courts, district courts, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as he did not have any answers.

    “After several abandoned plans in the past nine months, he has hatched a new conspiracy in the form of the Jail Bharo movement,” she said, adding the movement should be called Jail Bacho (save from incarceration).

    Calling the movement a “drama”, she questioned why 200 innocent people were being arrested when Imran Khan was the one being summoned and PTI leaders were being asked about the cypher cnspiracy and Toshakhana (gift depository) case.

    “These are not political arrests, these are criminal arrests,\” she stated and reiterated that Imran needed to give answers.

    “Nawaz Sharif went to jail with his children. You [Imran] stay in your Zaman Park bunker with your children roaming in Britain,” she said and asked why others should go to jail while the \”criminal\” was sitting in his residence.

    She maintained that the Jail Bharo movement was not for the populace, but was rather a conspiracy against the country.

    Read Rana says \’miscreants\’ to be arrested as \’Jail Bharo\’ approaches

    “If you sympathized with the country why did you ruin foreign relations and hike petrol, LNG, sugar, and flour prices during your tenure,” she questioned.

    Marriyum furthered that Imran himself used to call PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi the “biggest dacoit of the country” but was now supporting him and praising him for becoming party leader.

    She stated that Imran alleged a foreign conspiracy after his ouster and now claims that there was no conspiracy.

    “He filled his pockets during his term and left. After the constitutional vote of no confidence against him, he forced ministers, the National Assembly speaker and the president to behave in an unconstitutional manner,” she added.

    The information minister continued that he asked his supporters to storm the Lahore High Court (LHC) when the court summoned him, thereby leading people astray and attacking the judiciary.

    “He will not stop,” she said.

    According to the minister, the ‘Jail Bharo’ “drama” should begin with Imran’s arrest after he “robbed and harmed the country” but had no answers for anything.

    “That is why he is starting this movement,” she added.

    Marriyum maintained that the “performance” needed to be shut down.

    Imran Khan on Wednesday officially announced the beginning of the party\’s Jail Bharo Tehreek – a drive to court arrests in an effort to register its protest against the \”attack\” on fundamental rights and the economic \”meltdown\” brought on by the incumbent government.

    Taking to Twitter, the former premier elaborated upon two reasons behind the protest movement: \”One, it is a peaceful, non-violent protest against the attack on our constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental rights […] Two, it is against the economic meltdown brought on by cabal of crooks who have money laundered billions in looted wealth and gotten NROs for themselves while crushing the people, especially the poor and middle class, under the burden of spiralling inflation and rising unemployment.\”





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