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ARY NEWS

Naeem Ashraf Butt

  • Terrorists cannot win against state in Balochistan: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

    Terrorists cannot win against state in Balochistan: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

    LAHORE: Former Interim-PM Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar on Monday said that the separatist militants in Balochistan cannot win against the state of Pakistan and it is just a matter of time when state turns victorious against them and their subversive actitivities are totally brought under control.

    Speaking to ARY News, Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar said the objectives of Baloch insurgents are unattainable and the ultimate victory of the state is inevitable. “The answer to whether militants can achieve their goals is certainly no,” he remarked.

    Commenting on Pakistan’s foreign relations after Marka-e-Haq, he said the country is now in a position to receive calls simultaneously from both Washington and Beijing.

    “For Pakistan, Beijing is like family and home, while the US is like a friend. One cannot sever ties with family under any circumstance, but friends can be chosen,” he explained.

    Responding to a question regarding extention, Kakar noted that the law is applied to all services chiefs. “In my understanding, there is no need for any new notification. The five-year tenure law applies to the current military leadership,” he added.

    Responding to a question about irregularities and form 47 in controversial elections, Kakar said: “Whether I am satisfied or not makes no difference. If the public is not satisfied, they should approach the tribunals.”

  • PTI rift emerges over nomination of Mahmood Achakzai as opposition leader

    PTI rift emerges over nomination of Mahmood Achakzai as opposition leader

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is reportedly facing internal divisions over party founder Imran Khan’s decision to nominate Mahmood Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to sources, several PTI leaders have raised objections to the proposal, suggesting that the party already has several capable members who could assume the role.

    The issue was discussed in PTI’s political and parliamentary committees, where a number of members voiced reservations.

    Some lawmakers, however, maintained that the decision taken by PTI’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, should be considered final and binding.

    Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Azam Khan Swati as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.

    PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed the nominations by Imran Khan, saying the party has finalized its decision for both houses of parliament.

    Also Read: PTI founder nominates Achakzai, Swati as opposition leaders

    The nomination from Imran Khan came after three key positions held by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the National Assembly — Opposition Leader, Parliamentary Leader, and Deputy Parliamentary Leader — were officially declared vacant.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, including Opposition leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub and Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz after conviction in May 9 riots cases.

    The ECP issued notifications confirming the disqualifications under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, which bars convicted individuals from holding parliamentary seats.

    Among the disqualified lawmakers were National Assembly member Zartaj Gul, as well as MNAs Rai Haider Ali, SIC chairman Hamid Raza, and Rai Hassan Nawaz.

    Additionally, MPAs Ansar Iqbal, Junaid Afzal Sahi, and Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal had also been disqualified, with the ECP issuing notifications.

    The disqualifications notified after an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad sentenced PTI leaders including Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Shibli Faraz to 10 years in prison in connection with the May 9 riots cases.

    As per details, former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, Zain Qureshi, and Khayal Kastro were acquitted in these cases.

     

  • Waseem Qadir says he was voted by both PML-N, PTI in elections

    Waseem Qadir says he was voted by both PML-N, PTI in elections

    LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Waseem Qadir has said that he secured votes from both the PML-N and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the recent elections.

    Waseem Qadir, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidate expressed full confidence and announced to join the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) last year.

    “My conscience is clear because I did not win election solely on PTI’s support,” Waseem Qadir said while exclusively talking to ARY News.

    Waseem Qadir shared that he has a good relationship with Hamza Shehbaz and rejoined the PML-N at his request after winning the polls.

    According to Qadir, several PML-N members did not want Sheikh Rohail Asghar to be given a party ticket from his constituency, citing that Rohail’s attitude was unpopular among young voters.

    Read more: PTI apologises for Gen Bajwa’s extension, calls It a mistake

    Waseem Qadir, who once served as PTI Lahore’s general secretary, said he tried to bring improvements within PTI but was unsuccessful.

    He revealed that after PTI’s candidate withdrew, he contested as an independent. Upon winning, Hamza Shehbaz inquired about his future plans, leading to his return to PML-N.

  • PTI has exhausted every political option: Mustafa Kamal

    PTI has exhausted every political option: Mustafa Kamal

    KARACHI: Federal Health Minister and MQM-Pakistan leader Mustafa Kamal has criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for exhausting every political avenue without achieving results.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with ARY News, Mustafa Kamal said PTI had squandered all possible options, including protests, strikes, backdoor negotiations, and even diplomatic letters.

    Mustafa Kamal asserts that PTI antics left little room for effective political manoeuvring.

    Kamal, who recently assumed the health ministry, also addressed criticism over his appointment.

    He remarked that if his new role troubles anyone, it doesn’t bother him, as he is used to dealing with such reactions.

    Touching on governance issues in Sindh, particularly Karachi and Hyderabad, Mustafa Kamal said he aims to confront poor administration and deliver better politics, something he believes MQM has learned through past hardships.

    He asserted that, unlike the PPP, his party has endured extreme political struggles involving violence and loss.

    He also reiterated MQM’s longstanding demand for equitable resource allocation, stating that Karachi contributes nearly 50 percent of the national revenue but receives less than 20 percent in return.

    Also Read: MQM-P condemns hefty traffic fines over number plates in Karachi

    Mustafa Kamal urged the PPP to sit with MQM to address Sindh’s administrative challenges.

    On public safety, he noted that while Karachi once witnessed daily killings, the situation has improved, though threats still persist.

    Earlier, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) strongly condemned the surge in traffic challans for not affixing the new Ajrak-themed vehicle number plates, calling it a fresh tactic to exploit citizens.

    In a joint statement, MQM-P lawmakers in the Sindh Assembly rejected what they termed a “new method of public extortion,” demanding that the issuance process for official number plates be made transparent and expedited.

    They also urged the government to provide a grace period to vehicle owners until the backlog is cleared.

  • Senate Polls: Barrister Saif threatens to resign as nominations spark Infighting in PTI

    Senate Polls: Barrister Saif threatens to resign as nominations spark Infighting in PTI

    PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing internal discord over the allocation of tickets for the upcoming Senate election in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scheduled for July 21, according to party sources.

    Barrister Saif, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor, is reportedly committed to implementing directives issued by the PTI founder during a recent meeting at Adiala Jail. Sources indicate that the party founder instructed Barrister Saif to announce six PTI nominees for the Senate election. However, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has allegedly attempted to delay the announcement.

    Sources claim that Gandapur and Aleema Khanum exerted pressure on Barrister Saif, citing the need for further consultation. In response, Barrister Saif reportedly stated, “I will resign from my position before betraying the party founder’s trust.” He also conveyed the founder’s frustration with internal conflicts and public criticism within the party, according to sources.

    Following Saif’s threat to resign, the six candidates nominated by the PTI founder were retained, with no changes made to the list. Sources further revealed that Gandapur and Khanum had sought to remove Mishal Yousafzai and another candidate from the nominees’ list.

     

    PTI announces to boycott ARY News over this report

    Later in the day, PTI leader Shaikh Waqas Akram said that this report is baseless and announced to boycott the channel for a day over this story.

    He said that PTI leaders will not take part in ARY News talkshows on Thursday.

    Naeem Ashraf Butt, the journalist behind the report, has unequivocally stood by his story, asserting his professional right to protect the confidentiality of his sources.

    Click Here to Read This Story in Urdu

  • Nabeel Gabol criticizes Khawaja Asif, claims rift growing within PML-N

    Nabeel Gabol criticizes Khawaja Asif, claims rift growing within PML-N

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Nabeel Gabol has claimed that Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s relations with PML-N appear to be strained.  

    Exclusvely speaking to ARY News, Nabeel Gabol expressed resentment over Khawaja Asif’s statement of calling the current setup as “hybrid government” being part of it.

    Gabol also claimed that Khawaja Asif’s relations with his own party appear to be strained.

    He clarified that Khawaja Asif’s statement about a hybrid system has nothing to do with the PPP and drew parallels with past incidents, noting that leaders like Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chaudhry Nisar made similar remarks before eventually parting ways with the party.

    Nabeel Gabol said that if the defence minister openly acknowledges the presence of a hybrid system, the prime minister must have certainly questioned him.

    He suggested that the statements indicate a growing rift between Khawaja Asif and PML-N head Nawaz Sharif.

    Read more: Afghan nationals doing illegal businesses in Pakistan: Khawaja Asif

    Commenting on Asif’s age, Gabol said he is now 76 years old and may be playing his final political innings.

    On the PTI founder, Nabeel Gabol claimed that he is in jail by choice and could come out if he wished.

    “He believes that stepping out of jail might reduce his popularity,” Gabol said, adding that the former premier wants to go straight from prison to the Prime Minister’s House.

    Gabol also criticized the federal government’s treatment of Sindh in the latest budget, stating that the PPP had registered its protest. He concluded by asserting that the PML-N has never stood by its commitments.

  • PTI top brass upset over Aleema Khan’s interference in party affairs: Sources

    PTI top brass upset over Aleema Khan’s interference in party affairs: Sources

    ISLAMABAD: Tensions within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have deepened as several senior party leaders are upset over Aleema Khan’s alleged interference in party affairs, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to sources, PTI founder’s sister is said to be influencing key decisions over the allocation of a Senate seat vacated by Sania Nishtar.

    Sources revealed that Imran Khan directed senior PTI leader Mashal Yousafzai to submit nomination papers for the vacant Senate seat. However, Aleema Khan opposed Yousafzai’s name, instead pushing for two other candidates: Sajida Zulfiqar, a close relative of former PTI leader Pervez Khattak, and a relative of Fida Muhammad, who previously left the party.

    Mashal Yousafzai reportedly have the support of Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, meanwhile, some PTI leaders have begun lobbying for other candidates, including Samira Shams and Momina Basit, sources added.

    Latest updates on PTI Founder Imran Khan 

    It is worth mentioning here that earlier PTI reconciled differences between Former PM Imran Khan sister Aleema Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

    According to sources, a key leadership meeting in Islamabad, attended by Imran Khan’s three sisters, Gandapur, and party lawyers, focused on unifying the party to expedite efforts for Khan’s release from Adiala Jail.

    Sources revealed that Aleema Khan clarified she and her sisters are not politically active but will advocate for their brother’s freedom. The leadership resolved internal disputes and decided to intensify a campaign for Khan’s release, with PTI parliamentarians directed to attend court hearings related to his cases.

  • ‘Zardari’s presidency faces no threat as system cannot run without PPP’

    ‘Zardari’s presidency faces no threat as system cannot run without PPP’

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) spokesman Nadeem Afzal Chand said that President Asif Ali Zardari’s position is secure and that the country’s political system cannot function without their party.

    “There is no threat to Asif Ali Zardari’s presidency as the system cannot operate without the PPP. How can they throw us out?,” Nadeem Afzal Chand said during an exclusive interview with ARY News.

    Replying to a question about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PPP spokesman remarked, “He [Shehbaz Sharif] was Chief Minister, now he is Prime Minister—what more will he become?”

    Disqualification references against PTI-backed lawmakers

    Answering a query on the references filed against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed MPAs in Punjab, Nadeem Afzal Chand criticised the decision and said that disqualifying members is an undemocratic move.

    “The Speaker should withdraw the references; this is an insult to the public’s mandate,” he said, adding that it is possible the speaker only posed for a photo with the references rather than actually filing them.

    “Fights happen [in assemblies], but democratic traditions do npt go this far,” Nadeem Afzal Chand added.

    “Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad, may have taken this step due to a weakened position within his party or strained relations with the Chief Minister and his team. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been involved in more severe incidents of violence in the past but faced no disqualifications,.”

    Read More: Naqvi debunks ‘rumours’ of president change, new constitutional amendment

    When asked about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s performance, the PPP spokesman expressed mixed views.

    “I am satisfied with the Chief Minister’s performance in several areas, but also have reservations about some aspects,” he said, urging the Punjab government to prioritise funding for Rescue 1122 over publicity campaigns.

    Nadeem Afzal Chand also advised PML-N President Nawaz Sharif to focus on reconciliation and end political conflicts.

    “History will not forgive if these conflicts are not ended”

  • PML-N senior leaders ‘displeased’ with PA speaker’s reference against opposition

    PML-N senior leaders ‘displeased’ with PA speaker’s reference against opposition

    Several senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the Punjab Assembly speaker’s decision to file a reference against opposition members, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing sources.

    According to party insiders Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan’s meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner has also drawn criticism from within the party.

    Some senior PML-N leaders have conveyed their disapproval of the Speaker’s conduct to the party leadership.

    Commenting on the situation, PML-N leaders noted that while the disruptive behavior and chaos caused by opposition members in the assembly were unacceptable, the punishment should have been limited to temporary suspensions and bans on entry to the house.

    They added that recommending disqualification is an excessive move. Moreover, they deemed both the meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and the filing of the reference unnecessary and ill-timed.

    Read more: Disqualification references ‘filed’ against SIC MPAs in ECP

    On July 3, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan filed disqualification references against 26 members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    On June 27, 2025, the opposition MPs allegedly caused disruption and damaging property during a Punjab Assembly session. In response, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan suspended the membership of these 26 SIC lawmakers.

    Later on June 28, the Speaker announced his decision to refer the matter to the ECP for the disqualification of the suspended members.

  • Iran ready for prolonged war with Israel, says Dr. Reza Amiri

    Iran ready for prolonged war with Israel, says Dr. Reza Amiri

    Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri while thanking Pakistan for condemning the Israeli aggression, has warned of consequences amid increasing escalation with Israel. 

    Iran has no option but to defend itself from the Israeli aggression, he said this while exclusively talking to ARY News.

    Dr. Amiri criticized India for failing to explicitly condemn Israel’s actions. He expressed gratitude to friendly nations, especially Pakistan, for supporting Iran both at the UN Security Council and through public and media solidarity.

    “We will respond from wherever we are attacked,” asserted Iranian envoy, clarifying that while no attacks have yet been launched from U.S. bases in the region, Iran is closely monitoring the situation and maintains communication with neighboring countries to prevent their territories from being used against Tehran.

    He directly blamed the U.S. for facilitating Israeli attacks, stating, “Without American weapons, intelligence, and political backing, Israel could never strike Iran.”

    The ambassador declared, “We do not take dictation from anyone,” adding that past and current U.S. administrations have consistently made “baseless statements.”

    Referring to the martyrdom of Iranian commanders in a recent strike, Dr. Amiri labeled it a cowardly act, as they were unarmed and off duty at the time. “Wars come with ups and downs, but in the end, the truth prevails,” he said.

    The ambassador reiterated Iran’s non-alignment policy: “We are neither East nor West — we are independent.” He criticized Israel’s continued aggression and claimed that Israeli cities are now experiencing nightly missile strikes, which are causing both physical and psychological damage.

    Read more: Iran’s senior military commander Ali Shadmani killed in airstrike: Israel

    “There has been no serious effort by any party to end this war. When Israel starts losing, these same voices will call for peace,” he warned. Although Iran never abandoned dialogue, he questioned how talks could proceed amid open aggression.

    Amiri also accused Israel of provoking short-term wars to avoid long-term consequences and claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu coordinated this current campaign with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

    He described the Israeli regime as acting recklessly, “like a mad dog biting everyone in sight,” and warned that Iran’s response will not be short-lived or weak.

    He further dismissed the nuclear threat narrative as baseless, pointing out that Iran’s program has undergone extensive inspections, with the IAEA confirming its peaceful nature 15 times. “Our Supreme Leader has issued a fatwa declaring nuclear weapons forbidden,” he noted.