web analytics

ARY NEWS

Naeem Ashraf Butt

  • PTI ‘divided’ over ties with JUI-F

    PTI ‘divided’ over ties with JUI-F

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) reportedly divided over its stance on relations with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), ARY News reported on Thursday, quoting well-placed sources.

    Sources said PTI is ‘divided’ into two factions over the recent ties with the JUI-F, which once was considered as major opponent party of PTI.

    One faction, led by KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur and his like-minded leaders, strongly opposes any engagement with Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

    Meanwhile, the other faction, including former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and Opposition Leader in NA, Omar Ayub, advocates for improved ties with JUI-F and other opposition parties.

    The Ali Amin group claims that the recent meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman took place without the approval of PTI’s founding leader.

    However, the opposing group argues that the founding leader himself directed the party to engage with all opposition parties for political dialogue.

    Read more: PTI announces end of talks citing ‘govt’s failure’

    Furthermore, the Ali Amin faction has criticized JUI-F for supporting the government by facilitating the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

    On Tuesday, a PTI delegation led by opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan called on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad.

    The current political situation in the country was discussed in the meeting and PTI leaders invited Maulana to join the opposition grand alliance.

    After the meeting, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Omar Ayub Khan announced the dissolving of the negotiating committee, saying that the talks had been ended with the government.

  • Gandapur’s meeting with PTI founder: What was discussed?

    Gandapur’s meeting with PTI founder: What was discussed?

    RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur met with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail and discussed several issues pertaining to current political situation, ARY News reported.

    According to sources, the meeting lasted for three hours and was centered around various political and party matters.

    During the meeting, Imran Khan expressed his confidence in Ali Amin Gandapur’s leadership as the KP Chief Minister, praising his efforts to unite religious and political parties, the sources said.

    They added that Imran Khan also commended Ali Amin Gandapur’s performance and directed him to further improve governance in the province.

    Imran Khan also instructed Gandapur to develop a joint strategy with like-minded political parties to address the country’s challenges.

    Imran Khan advised the chief minister to expedite relations with other political parties, emphasising the need for collective efforts to navigate the country’s complexities.

    The meeting also touched upon the appointment of Junaid Akbar as Chairman Public Accounts Committe, with both leaders engaging in a detailed discussion on the matter. The sources revealed that the discussion was thorough and aimed at strengthening the party’s stance on various issues.

    Read More: PTI decides against attending fourth round of talks with Govt

    Earlier on Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said that the government’s negotiating committee will continue its efforts to engage in dialogue with the opposition, despite the opposition’s absence from the fourth round of talks.

    Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the NA speaker expressed hope that both sides would eventually come to an agreement.

    He stated that notices and calls were sent to both government and opposition members, and no opposition member declined the invitation. However, the opposition’s failure to attend the meeting led to the conclusion of meeting without any progress.

    The committee, formed after consultations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader Barrister Gohar, has held three meetings so far. Sadiq emphasized that the government’s doors are open for negotiations and encouraged the opposition to join the dialogue.

    The development came after Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali yesterday said that the party will not attend 4th meeting.

    Talking to media he said that the government was given seven days’ deadline, but it has still not announced the judicial commission, demanded by the PTI.

  • PTI founder won’t strike a covert deal: Barrister Saif

    PTI founder won’t strike a covert deal: Barrister Saif

    ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Barrister Saif said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan would not hide any deal, if made.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with ARY News, Barrister Saif revealed that individuals with connections to the establishment have been meeting the PTI founder.

    He said that in their meeting, Imran Khan made it clear he would not accept any offer to compromise principles. Barrister Saif added that the PTI founder had expressed that any potential deal would not be conducted in secrecy.

    “We all know there are people in every party who play both sides. The government is more interested in engaging the PTI and its founder,” Saif commented.

    Barrister Saif said that as Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq took the lead in government-PTI talks, other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) members including Khawaja Asif and Atta Tarar often make ‘contradictory’ remarks that undermine the process.

    Barrister Saif pointed out that federal government actions, particularly those of the PML-N, revealed their ‘lack of confidence’.

    Barrister Saif also discussed a conversation he had with the PTI founder before November 26 protest, adding that it was agreed that the protest would be held at a place called “Sangjani.”

    “However, PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur was reportedly opposed, citing objections from Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI Chairman Imran Khan,” he added.

    The adviser revealed that on November 26, the provincial government faced significant pressure, and had they made any proposals, it would have intensified that pressure.

    He that terrorism is a national policy issue, and that federal government has the prime responsibility to address it. He said that foreign elements, including those from Afghanistan and India, are more involved in terrorism, also criticize the federal government’s handling of relations with Afghanistan.

    Barrister Saif added that, ‘if the federal government fails to act, we will do our best to resolve the issues affecting the public,”.

    Barrister Saif remarked that if Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz can go to China to make deals, then Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister has every right to engage in talks with Afghanistan as well.

  • Shehbaz Sharif has been on the way out, says Nabil Gabol

    Shehbaz Sharif has been on the way out, says Nabil Gabol

    ISLAMABAD: The PML-N has fulfilled some commitments but also remained disloyal to others, it is part of their nature, People’s Party’s MNA Nabil Gabol said in an interview to ARY News.

    “Their own people used to say that ‘Mian Sahib’ don’t used to be faithful,” Gabol said in interview on Wednesday.

    He said, Nawaz Sharif has been fortunate, he gets government despite his disloyalty. “He used to cut that branch of the tree he is sitting on”.

    Nabil Gabol said, Nawaz Sharif now sitting on the sideline preparing Maryam for the prime minister’s office. “Shehbaz Sharif has now been on the way out, he is getting retired”. “He is the head of the government but not offering attention to government affairs,” PPP leader said.

    “I don’t understand who is ruling, how the government being run,” Gabol said. “The government has to think seriously and shall offer the driving seat to the People’s Party,” he suggested.

    “It seems Shehbaz Sharif wants to do something, but he is unable to do so,” PPP MNA said.

    “The PTI’s founder has been popular but he is not a politician,” Gabol said. “PTI’s assembly members have been thoroughly disturbed owing to Bushra Bibi,” he claimed.

    “According to PTI leaders, the party’s founder takes a decision, and Bushra Bibi prevents its implementation,” Gabol said. “The party’s founder has been in talks since long time with the establishment and others,” he shared.

    He said the PTI has also Form 47 people in its ranks thus all have been given some share of the spoils.

  • Back-door contacts being made with PTI founder: Aslam Ghuman

    Back-door contacts being made with PTI founder: Aslam Ghuman

    KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Brigadier (retd) Aslam Ghuman said that back-door contacts are being made with party founder Imran Khan, hoping that the development could be beneficial for Pakistan.

    In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Aslam Ghuman revealed that 90 per cent of the work had been completed on November 26, but due to someone’s statement, things went awry.

    “Talks with PTI founder have resumed again and hopefully it will be good for the country.”

    Speaking on the general elections, Aslam Ghuman said that he won the election with difficulty, but attributed his success to the blessings of the party founder, Imran Khan. He said that the people voted for the party founder, and he cannot betray their trust.

    To a question on the PTI’s show-cause notice against him for ‘defying’ party policy during passage of the constitutional amendment, the MNA said that he did not attend the assembly on the leadership’s directives.

    “Despite pressure, I did not vote against the founder of PTI on the 26th amendment. I did not vote for the 26th amendment in the assembly and the party verified it. The party itself told me to remain absent and not come to the assembly. I responded, and the party was satisfied; I also received a good message from the founder of PTI,” Aslam Ghuman said.

    Read More: PTI talks team gets permission to meet party founder in jail

    The MNA also criticised his party colleagues living abroad and making ‘false’ allegations. “Those sitting abroad and making vlogs are spreading false news on which the clarification was sought from me,” Aslam Ghuman added.

    The MNA while acknowledging differences within the party said that Imran Khan was never displeased with criticism. To another question, Aslam Ghuman said that Bushra Bibi has stepped back, and the party founder does not want her to be involved in politics.

  • Council of Islamic Ideology chief says using VPN is not unlawful or un-Islamic

    Council of Islamic Ideology chief says using VPN is not unlawful or un-Islamic

    Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) chairman, Dr. Raghib Naeemi on Monday said VPN use is not inherently unlawful or un-Islamic, but its misuse for accessing illegal or unethical content is considered inappropriate.

    In an exclusive interview with ARY News, CII Chairman Dr. Raghib Naeemi shared his perspectives on VPN usage, legal reforms, and social issues.

    If Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage leads to blasphemy, religious defamation, or spreading unrest, it becomes un-Islamic and illegal, Raghib Naeem said.

    He said Article 19 allows freedom of expression within limits ensuring respect for religion, national integrity, and social harmony.

    Responding to a question regarding the seminary registration issue, the CII chief said evidence of money laundering through madrassas will lead to legal action against their management.

    He also said human baby milk trade is unethical and impermissible.

    Read more: Council of Islamic Ideology issues another statement on VPN use

    Dr. Raghib Naeemi proposed shifting the approval for a second marriage from the wife to the Union Council and also recommended legislation limiting dowries to one tola (11.66 grams) of gold.

    Earlier, in a clarification, the Council of Islamic Ideology emphasized the importance of using technology in line with Islamic principles and promoting responsible digital citizenship.

    According to the Council of Islamic Ideology, VPNs are not inherently unlawful, but their usage should be positive and responsible.

    “Social media is a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and ideas that can be used for noble purposes. Muslims must follow Islamic teachings, using social media for promoting Islamic knowledge, education, and training,” the statement read.

  • Matters moving on backdoor with PTI’s Founder, says Hafiz Hamdullah

    Matters moving on backdoor with PTI’s Founder, says Hafiz Hamdullah

    ISLAMABAD: “Matters are moving on backdoor with the PTI’s founder but the May 09 issue has been the sticking point”, JUI leader Hafiz Hamdullah said in an interview with ARY News on Monday.

    “PTI’s founder is saying, he didn’t commit anything, why he beg pardon over it,” Hamdullah said.

    He said the party’s founder is also not been prepared to go outside the country.”It was said in a meeting that the PTI’s founder talks about election, ‘how could it happens’”.

    “Any breakthrough with the PTI’s founder is not improbable,” JUI leader said.

    Hafiz Hamdullah said, “Nawaz Sharif and the People’s Party did that thing, what they were promising not to do”.

    “This is not a government and neither I accept their mandate,” JUI leader said.

    “If the government completed its tenure, it will be on the cost of playing havoc with the country,” he said.

    “The JUI will not back the military courts at any cost,” replying a question he added.

  • PTI’s Atif Khan claims he ‘rejected offers’ before constitutional amendment

    PTI’s Atif Khan claims he ‘rejected offers’ before constitutional amendment

    PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Atif Khan has revealed that he was ‘offered a key government position’ ahead of constitutional amendments, which he firmly declined.

    “This time, the stakes were high, with open treasuries, and deals worth billions being discussed,” Atif Khan claimed while exclusively talking to ARY News on Tuesday.

    The former KP minister said he was also approached before the elections with an ‘offer to become KP CM’ by forming a separate group in PTI.

    Read more: Why govt removed Atif Khan, Shahram Tarakai as KP ministers?

    He further disclosed that similar offers were made to former chief minister Pervez Khattak. “I am astonished at how he was swayed by such propositions,” Atif added.

    Highlighting internal rifts, Atif Khan said, “I am not a threat to anyone. The party’s founder, Imran Khan, will decide who gets which position.”

    Commenting on recent notices served to him, Atif expressed confusion. “Friends within the party say these notices were issued without the Chief Minister’s knowledge. A meeting with him will clarify whether he was aware of the matter or not,” he said.

    Atif also revealed that lawyers had informed Imran Khan about these developments, leaving the party chairman surprised. “Khan sent a message to me, asking me not to worry and advising that internal disagreements should not be aired publicly,” he concluded.

  • ‘PTI founder likely to be convicted in £190m case’

    ‘PTI founder likely to be convicted in £190m case’

    ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan will likely convicted in the £190 million case, ARY News reported.

    In an exclusive conversation with ARY News, Sanaullah also confirmed that they are in contact with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), however he refused to disclose the details.

    The PM’s advisor said that political problems can be resolved through political means and talks with political leaders including Mahmood Achakzai and JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, are ongoing.

    Sanaullah expressed skepticism about the role of CM Gandapur, saying that the Chief Minister plays both sides (establishment and PTI).

    Earlier, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) barred the trial court from issuing final verdict on pleas seeking acquittal in the £190 million case involving PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

    READ: £190m case: IHC bars trial court from issuing final verdict

    Chief Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Gul Hasan Aurangzeb issued the orders on a petition filed by the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, seeking to halt the trial.

    NCA case

    The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched an investigation against Imran Khan and his wife and others for the alleged gain of hundreds of canals of land in the name of Al Qadir University Trust, which reportedly caused a loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer.

    As per the charges, the former prime minister and others accused allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — 190 million pounds at the time — sent by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to the government.

    The NAB filed a corruption reference against Imran and seven others, including his wife, in connection with the Al-Qadir University.

    The PTI chief registered Trust for Al-Qadir University Project on Dec 26, 2019.

  • “We requested Govt to elevate Justice Mansoor, all agreed but…” Aslam Ghori

    “We requested Govt to elevate Justice Mansoor, all agreed but…” Aslam Ghori

    ISLAMABAD: We had requested the government coalition to elevate Justice Mansoor Ali Shah to the office of the chief justice, JUI Spokesman Aslam Ghori said in an interview to ARY News on Thursday.

    “All parties were agreed over the matter, but the committee taken a different decision,” JUI leader said. “Why all changed in the committee, what were the compulsions, ask them,” he said while narrating his party’s view with regard to the talks on 26th Constitutional Amendment.

    “We had ensured to remove two to three points objected by the PTI,” JUI spokesman said.

    “You could not get approval of all your points in dialogue,” Ghori said. “The judges age limit, high court judges’ powers, the Parliament could cancel the Supreme Court’s decisions; we ensured removal of these points at the 11th hour on the PTI’s demand,” Aslam Ghori said.

    “On the last night, situation reached to the point where the government was presenting its own draft (of the constitutional amendment) after deadlock”, JUI leader said.

    He said, sometime a side has to bear smaller loss to avoid a bigger damage. “If that bill had passed, those making noises today, would have been standing in military courts with clasped hands,” he said.

    “We are not prepared to accept, if presently offered the office of the President of Pakistan to us,” he added.